Glasgow
University Library

FJK®:^"j;':iii?F]iEr.C]ii',

A TREATISE

ON

VETERINARY MEDICINE,

IN FOUR VOLUMES. ^'

VOL. I.

CONTAINING

A COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART;

AN ACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE,
AND THE MODE OF TREAl ING THEM ;

THE ASATOMY AND I'HYSJOLOGY OF THE FOOT, AKD
THE PRINCIPLES AND PItACTICE OF SHOEING.

ILLUSTRATED BY PLATES:

With Observations on Stable Mamigemcnt, Fcetiliig, Exercise,
and Candilion.

BY JAMES WFIITE, ■

Late Veterinary Surgeon lo ihe First, or Royal Dragoons.

THE TWELFTFI EDITION,
coNsinERAHLY enlarged;
Conlainingan Account of ihe new Operation termed NERVINa
for the relief of Foundered Iior.es, and of a 'Test far distiu- '
guishing the GL.vNoiiRs.

LONDON:

fnmrEo for .o.vgmav, hurst, re.s, orme, and buowv

. TEGC ; J. WALKICR ; AND B. RETNOLDS.

1820.

C. B ililwin, Printer,
Ne« Bcidge-Btreel, Lomlon

TO HIS ROYAL IIlGHIfESS,

FIELD MARSHAL,

DUKE OF YORK, K. G.

Commander in Chief of His Majestifs Forces,
&c. &c.

Sir,

Your Royal Highness was graciously pleased to
patronize the first Publication of this small Treatise,
nearly twenty years ago ; and so favourably has it
been received by the public, as to pass, during
that time, through eleven editions. The approba-
tion your Royal Higliness condescended then to
express of my attempt to improve the general
practice of the Veterinary Art, proved an encou-
ragement to further exertion, which has never
ceased to operate; and induces me now to ofFer to
your Royal Highness's notice one result of my ex-
perience, the application of which may be found

a2

iv

useful in His Majesty's Cavalry— I allude to a
certain, easy, and expeditious method of distinguish-
ing the Glanders from those diseases which nearly
resemble it. It would be superfluous to point out
to your Ptoyal Highness the utility of this disco-
very, as it is sufficiently proved by the length of
time horses are often kept apart and unemployed,
when suspected of being glandercd, and the pro-
bability tliat other diseases are too often mistaken
for it. I should not have presumed to offer this im-
provement to your Royal Highness's notice, had
not my conviction of its utility arisen from nume-
rous trials, and a diligent attention to the subject
for a period of twenty years.-^I am, with the most
profound respect,

Your Royal Highness's

Most devoted, obliged,

And humble servant,

JAMES WHITE,

Late Vetcrinnry Surgeun to the
JFirsf, or Jioi/al Dragopn^

PREFACE.

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 stimulat-
ing the author to continued and increased exer-
tions for the improvement of veterinary science,
and leading him to consider it as a duty he owed
the pubhc to communicate, when opportunities of-
fered, any useful discoveries that may come to his
knowledge, whether the result of his own experi-
ence or that of others. The present edition is
called for at a favourable time, as the ready inter-
course we now have with the Continent enables
him to give a short account of the state of the ve-
terinary art in foreign countries, particularly in
France; where it attracted 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 pro-
jector 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 oV
view the indispensable necessity of anatomical and
physiological knowledge to the veterinary practi-
tioner. Several works were published by Bour-
gelat on veterinary subjects, which are still held in
considerable estimation : the principal are " A
1 realise on the Anatomy of Domestic Animals; "

A Rational Materia Medica ; " "A Treatise on
the H-xtenor Conformation of the Horse-" <■ Es-
says on the Theory and Practice of Shoeing, and

vi

PREFACE.

on Bandages, &c." Bouvgelat's ' Anatomy * ap-
peared first in 1769, and has passed through se-
veral editions. It was translated into German,
Italian, and Spanish. Though Bourgelat was the
ifirst to place the veterinary art on a proper foun-
dation, some attempts were made, at a much earlier
period, to diffuse a knowledge of veterinary ana-
tomy, the principal of which was by Ruini, an
Italian. This worii was published at Venice in
1598, and entitled, " Anatomia del Cavallo, infer-
niita, et suoi rimedii, del Signor Carlo Ruini, Se-
nator Bolognese." It treats of the anatomy of the
'horse as well as of diseases. This book seems to
have been the ground work of many others that
were published at different periods afterwards, par-
ticularly the anatomical part and the plaies, which
appear to have been almost literally copied by all
of them. Vitet, in his " Analysis of Veterinary
Works, ' in speaking of Solleysel's, which was
published in lt>98, snys, "In the Ifith century,
many veterinary books appeared, but Solkysel's
work has caused them to be forgotten ; nor have
we reason to regret their loss, as they contained
only a very imperfect description of the structure
of the horse." It appears, however, that Solley-
sel'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 imitators
on copper. La Fosse was contemporary with Bour-
trelat, and communicated several memoirs on vete-
rinary 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,

rilEFACE.

vu

a splendid folio, containing sixty-five highly
finished plates, illustrative of the anatomy ot the
liorse. In 1775, a "Dictionary of Farriery was
published by the same author, in 4 vols. 8v_o.
This work contains much useful information. In
1771, Vitet's " Veterinary Medicine" appeared, in
S vols. bvo. This work treats of the structure of
the ox as well as the horse, and contains many in-
accuracies. After the revolution, the art seems to
have made but little progress. In 1797, a useful
pamphlet on the glanders appeared, the joint pro-
duction of MINI. Chabcrt and Huzard. This
book was printed and distributed by order of the
government, in consequence of the great nunriber
of horses that had been lost, and the contagious
nature of the disease. It does not contahi, how-
ever, any information that would be new to the
English reader. About the same time, M. Cha-
bert 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 no-
ticed, in one 12ino. volume. This practical com-
pendium of the veterinary art seems to have been
much esteemed, as a third edition was published in
1803. From this work, as well as from others of
a more recent date, it appears that the practice of
veterinary medicine has not made much progress
in France since the time of Bourgelat. In 1811,
an account was published of some successful expe-
riments 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 in very large doses,
beginning, however, with fouroz. and gradually in-
creasing the dose, until it caused purging and vio-
lent colic. It was then discontinued until these

T"^ PIIEFACE.

symptoms ceased. On repeating it afterwards, it
was found that much larger doses could be given
without inconvenience. In some cases, it was
g^ven to the extent of two pounds, in the course of
>^;s; the day, made into an electuary with honey. It is
^ stated, that a considerable number of horses were
<i;sS) thus cured. Besides giving the sulphur, about:
two quarts of blood were taken off every third or
fourtli day during the treatment. The following
statement is annexed to the pamphlet :
^ " The vetei'inary surgeon attached to the impe-
rial 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 convales-
cence, and twenty have died during the treatment."
# Notwithstanding the boasted efficacy of this mode
^ ' of treatment, it apjiears, 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 tuberculeuse, vul-
gairement appellee Morve (glanders), Pulmonic
(consumption, or phthisis), Gourme (strangles),
Fausse Gourme (spurious, or bastard strangles).
Farcin, (farcy)." Some observations on this work
will be found in the Appendix, under the head
Glanders. The most valuable work that has ap-
peared in France, since the revolution, is " A Trea-
tise on the Anatomy of Domestic Animals," by
Professor Girard, 1807, 2 volumes, 8vo. In 1813,
there appeared A Treatise on the Feet," by the
same author, in one volume, Svo. with six plates,
illustrative of the anatomy of the foot, not only of
the horse, but of the other domestic animals, and

PREFACE.

ix

poultry : this, also, is a work of considerable merit,
fn 1817, the first part of a theoretical and practical
treatise on the horse's foot and shoeinfv was pub-
lislied, under the title of " Cours Tlieorique et Pra-
tique de Marechalerie Veterinaire, par F. Jauze,"
This work was completed in 18 IS, and forms one
lar^c 4to. volume, with no less than one hundred
and ten plates 1 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 tlie
larger domestic animals, the veterinary Materia
IMedica, and the veterinary jurisprudence. " Every
article in this Treatise," the author says, " will
be described with particular order and precision,
a.nd nothing superjhioiis will be found in it." If we
may judge i'vom the work already published, and
the number of volumes announced, it seems pro-
bable that the readers of the work will be of a dif-
ferent opinion. The introduction to his Coiua de
jMartchalcric consists of an enumeration and
short description of the works that have appeared
from the earliest times on the art of shoeing; and
among these, the ingenious and valuable works of
Mr. Bracy Clark make a conspicuous 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 circumstance that has been known
for more thanlwo 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 em-
ployed in agriculture and commerce, in Persia,
Ethiopia, 'lartary, Japan, &c. are never shoed :
how i.s it, then, that shoeing is so generally prac-
tised in EuroiT« ? The answer is, that shoes are
a 5

PREFACE.

iibsolutely necessary, in consequence of the heavy

burthens they »!ave to carry, the liard stony roads
they are obhgecl to travel on, and the necessity
they arenmlvr of exerting, with so litde cessation,
the whole of their power,' &c." « These consider-
ations are sufficient to prove that shoeing is both
injurious and necessary; and should arrest the
pens oF those modern writers who are daily claim-
ing, as discoveries, what have been known for four
hundred years." Mr. Clark has certainly taken
pains to prove tliat shoes, of whatever form they
may be, are alwajs injurious, and that however
carefully the hoofs are pared and otherwise treat-
ed, 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 injurious, 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. (^lark claims as a
discovery, is that which he calls the coronary frog
band. " This," says M. Jauze, " has been de-
scribed by Bourgelat, under the name of bourrelet
graisseux." Bourgelat, in his " Essay on Shoe-
ing," says, " When the foot is taken out of its
horny box (the hoof), the first thing that strikes us
is un bonrre/f/, whicli forms the superior part of
it." This name is evidently applied by Bourgelat

PREFACE.

to that part which Mr. Coleman has named coronari/
U^amenl, or ring. In speaking of the hoof, Boui-
frelat says, " the thickness of this horny box is not
the same through its whole extent : it is most con-
siderable in front, and diminishes gradually to-
Avards the heels : it is much thinner at the uppevr
part or coronet than below, and the inside quartei-
is weaker than the outside ; the thickness of these,
as well as the fore part, increasing towards the
bottom. On examining tlie inner surface of the
hoof, we find it extremely thin in its upper part,
and presenting a sort of circular groove (un sort
de biseau." This blunder has been noticed by
the tran^-lator of Mr. Clark's work, and M. Jauze
attempts to pass it off 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 errors, ii>
which the word cornt is substituted for graissni/x.
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 de-
scription of it in his other works, or in the Tiaitc
du Pied of Professor Girard. " Mr. Clark," he
says, " has erred in many other passages (dans
une hi/iiiite)." Pagei'B, line I, he says, " in the
foot of die ox there is neither pad nor cushion
to diminish the reaction of the ground. (// n'l/ a
ni matblos ni cousshis pour pallicr les reactio/ies * du
sol)." He is in error, also, when he states that
" the camel and the elephant have a cartila'd-
nous pad on the under part of their feet." Now
in Mr. Clark's work, p. 119, the retidcr will find
the matter thus stateil :—" Indeed we discover
most clealy, on investigation, that to every animal
is given a share of elastic yielding to the foot, in

Xll

PREFACE.

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. Li the ele-
phant^ cartilaginous cuslmns, for this purpose, are
seen disposed zinder the foot and in the camel oblong
pads; in t/ie ox, this non-resistance lo the load is
effected by a deep division of the foot to the fetlock
joint, thus making of it two members, thereby giving
a fiexibilily thai answers the same end. ' Jn tlie
horse, a single pad is seen, for of such nature is
the frog; and this yielding property in the foot of
him and his tribe, or Ihniily, is less, perhaps, than
any other family of quadrupeds, on account, it
would appear, of the difficult combination of pro-
perties found witli him, viz. an extraordinary de-
gree of speed with u 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 tliis necessary pro-
vision and property had in him no existence more
than in a mass of vioocl oi' the same figure." It
appeared necessary to transcribe t!ie whole of the
passage from Mr. Clark's work, that the render
may form a just estimate of JM. Jauze's criticism.

Mr. Clark is accused of another error, in saying
that "the thickness of the wall of the hoof di-
minishes 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 well known to those who are acquainted with
the structure of the foot, and the hoof is so de-
scribed bv Bourgelat in the above quotation. The
first part' of Ml Jauze's work contains a minute
description of the H^rge or smith's d>op, ^vith the

PREFACE.

xiii

various utensils and tools that are employed in
shoeing ; this is followed by a description of the
origin, properties, &c. of the coal and wood that
is made use of ; and here the reader is favoured
with the important information that coals are found
in the interior parts of the earth, under stones
more or less hard; that the hard and cpmpact
substance of trees is named wood, and that the
different kinds are distinguished by the generic
name of the vegetable which produces it; tliat it is
employed in the construction of the forge and uten-
sils, and in forming handles for the various tools.
The next article treats of the use of water in the
smith's shop, which he describes as " a cold liquid
and transparent body, which has the property of
moistening every thing that it touches;" he re-
frains, however, from entering into the various
distinctions that are commonly made between
fountain-water, rain-water, sea-water, &c. his only
aim being to make known, mfeiv ivords, the uses
to which a fluid, so universally spread over the
surface of the earth, is a})plied in the smith's
forge. Having enumerated its various uses, not
in very few words, he proceeds to article 20, which
treats of iron. This elaborate article will not per-
haps prove very instructive or entertaining to the
veterinary student, though the learning and deep
research tlisplaycd in it' may excite his astonish-
ment; for he wishes to make it appear that he is
familiar with the works of the ancients, both Greek
and Latin, by citing Pliny, Strabo, Diodorus Si-
culus, Hesiod, and others, to show that iron was
discovered 3200 years ago. After a long disserta^-
tion on the different kinds of iron and steel, the
construction of fin-naces, and the means employed
lor separating the metal from the ore ; he describes
the uses of ivon in veterinary me<lieine. Hers th^

xiv

PREFACE.

reader is informed that « when diluted, vitriolic
(sulphuric) acid is poured on iron filings, it dis-
solves it with heat and effervescence, and disen-
gages from it a great quantity of its inflammable
principle, the vapours which arise beino- charged
with phlagiston." « Steel differs fion "iron," he
says, " by containing a larger proportion of the
inflammable principle." The second part begins
with the anatomy of the foot, which is the same as
Bourgelat's and Girard's, except in substituting
the word bourrelat come for coiironne : this chano-e
is probably intended to cover the mistake before
noticed. There are no plates to illustrate the de-
scription, except a side-view of a shoed hoof, and a
view of the bottom of the hoof of the natural size,
mid, as M. Jauze says, of the natural form, or bieti
proportionnc ; but it is what an English veterina-
rian would consider as a good representation of a
contracted hoof, the frog of which had been trim-
med by an ignorant smith. A scale of propor-
tion also is given with it, as a basis for the pro-
portion of all the shoes which he describes. This
is followed by a description of the various shoes
that are to be employed for ill-formed legs and
feet, and diseased feet, for horses that cut, forge,
&c. &c. The anatomy of the foot of the ass and
the ox is next described, with the method of shoe-
ing them ; then comes a description of Ibreign
shoes, beginning with the English, of which there
is a tolerable representation, " Horses that arc
thus shoed," M. Jauze says, "arc not fit to be
ridden upon roads that are paved; as the animal
must be in constant pain, owing to the sole being
so imperfectly defended, and to the- shoe being so
made as to bear fiat on the ground, by which the
play of the lower joints is impeded. Many persons
in France have, ivitlwnt reflecCmt, and merely from

I'KEFACE.

XV

caprice, adopted this method, which is only calcu-
lated for ruining horses very quickly. This is
what Mr. Clarlc has endeavoured to show in his
work of 1810."

The reader should be informed, that the French

shoe is made somewhat in this form :

so that when the horse stands on mBmam^mnimSam i
a plain surface, neither the toe nor the heel have
any bearing on the ground. The double curved
line is intended to represent a side view of the
outer branch of the shoe as it rests on the ground,
the latter is shown by the thick horizontal line.
This is not given as a correct representation of the
degree of curvature which the French give the
shoe; but it shows sufficiently that it is the middle
of the shoe only that bears on the ground. This
form, with the concavity of the surface next the
foot, is termed the ajusture of the shoe, and is de-
signed to effect a balancing, from the fore to the
hind part, which he conceives is necessary to the
free and" easy motion of the lower articulations or
joints [il opera un halancement de devant en arriere,
si^ r/ecessaire pour entretenir lejeu des articulations in-
firieures des membres).

The third part of the work begins with a minute
description of a farrier's apron, with pockets or
pouches, in which he keeps his instruments and nails
{le tabher aferrer). This highly interesting detail oc-
cupies nearly eight pages, and is moreover illustrated
by a plate. Having dismissed the smith's apron, M.
Jauze proceeds to a description of the instruments
and nails, which are represented by jilates, and
very minutely described. Then comes the method
ot pomtmg the nails, whicli is followed by consi-
dei-ations necessary for the farrier to keep in mind
before and after, as well as during, the time he is
sfioemg. This article contains some useful advice
and observations. The ^ext article, 122, is on

xvi

PREFACE.

Shoemg; 123 treats de I'aplovih, a term of which
the Enghsh veterinarian may wish for an explana-
tion. " By tlie term aplomb, in veterinary lan-
guage, IS meant an equal distribution of the whole
weight of the horse upon the fom- extremities ; if
one oftheiu sustains more than another, the ani-
mal is said to be hors d'aplomb of that extremity.
An inequality in this respect may arise from de-
formity of the body or limbs, or of the feet, in
consequence of bad shoeing : there is also a parti-
cular or individual aplomb, that is, which relates
to the foot considered individually, supposing
the horse to be without shoes, if, on planting
the foot on the groimd, the toe, quarters, and '
heels, touch it at the same time, which cannot be
done unless the foot, as well as the parts adjoinino-
it, are free from disease, and the motion of the
joints free and easy, he is said to be aplomb of that
foot; but, if one quarter or heel be higher than
the other, that foot is not aplomb.

In article 124', on the sh oeing of colts, M. Jauze
says, " the heels should be kept open {bien otiverts),
but not by cuttiug away the bars or any other
part." This direction is surely superfluous, if not
mischievous, as it seems to imply that there is some
method of opening the heels, which, in shoeing, it
is necessary to practice. " The shoes," he ob-
serves, " should be lighter than for horses, have
less ajvsture, and be fastened wi(h six nails only.''"
This article contains some other useful remarks.
In speaking of the method of paring the well-
formed foot, in article 125, he observes, that " the
toe and heel should be so pared as to correspond
with the ajiis/iire of the shoe. He next describes
the method of shoeing feet that are defective in
form or proportion, but free fi'om disease; each
defect ia considered in a separate article, 'i'liq
rjaethod of shoeing diseatied feet is then dsscribed

PREFACE.

xvii

(des /enures pathologlqiies) ; each disease occupying
a separate article, and referring to a description
of a suitable shoe, before noticed. These, as well
as those of the former class (defective proportion
or form), are considered as defuut d'aplomb parti'
culler ; but the next class comprehends those fail-
ings which depend upon an inequality in the ge-
neral aplomb {defaut d'aplovih general) ; among
these are forging, cutting, body too long or too
short, &c. &c. : these also are considered in sepa-
rate articles. The work concludes with some short
remarks on the shoeing of mules, asses, and oxen.
There is an appendix to the book, containing some
remarks on a pamphlet lately published by M.
Sanfourche, on the means of preserving the aplomb
of the horse by shoeing ; and an answer to an-
other, containing some observations on the intro-
duction of M. Jauze'swork, by M. Huzard.

Having given a short description of this elaborate
work, the reader will not, it is hoped, think it wholly
uninteresting, if a brief account be added of the pre-
sent state of the veterinary schools in France and
Germany; drawn from a report made by M.
Sevvel, assistant professor of the Veterinary Col-
lege, London, to the governors of that establish-
ment. Mr. Sewel first visited the Veterinary
School at Lyons, which was established January
1st, 1762. "The museum," he says, "contains
many preparations of great utility and novelty;
particularly muscular and blood-vessel subjects, of
the full size, and the whole of the nervous system,
i\ith the brain, entirely separate from the other
parts, and well preserved : shoes of every descrip-
tion, and from various countries, are also shown.
Tiie infirmary stables are not extensive; paved
and drained in the ordinary way, and ventilated
by the windows only : there are appropriate places

Scvlii

PREFACE.

for the other domestic animals. The forge is com-
modious, and well adapted for slioeinrr horses, and
instructing the pupils in the art of making and
Jiutting on shoes ; all which is superintended by a
director of that particular branch of the art. A
botanical garden is attached to the school, and
lectures arc given on botany and chemistry in
rooms adjoining a laboratory. The theatre of
anatomy is capable of containing about one hun-
dred pupils ; whei e lectures are delivered on vete-
rinary anatomy, surgery, and diseases. A conve-
nient dissecting-room is adjoined 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. Sewel with letters of introduction to M. Hu-
zard, inspector of the French veterinary schools,
with which he proceeded to Paris. He was ac-
companied by M. Huzard's son to the Veterinary
School at Alfort, about four miles from Paris,
which was opened in 1 766, and is now the princi-
pal school in France. This is much more complete
than the school at Lyons : three large rooms are
occupied by the museum and an extensive collec-
tion of veterinai'y works. There is a jjowerful . /
electrical apparatus for medical purposes. Lec- t
tures on agriculture, rural economy, and medical

* Accoitiing lo a report, marie to the Natiniiiil Convention
by Mess. Gill); i t and Hiiznrd, in 1795, the Veterinary Sdiuol ;it
Lyons was in a very l)ad stale, and situate (in the faubourg de
la Guilloliere), as to be sometimes inundated by the lUione. In
eoMsequence of their rcpreseniaiion, it was removed lo a spot
ojiposite ihe city, near tlie road le.iding to Paris. During the
siege and bombardment of L^ons, the students were dispersed by
the bombs or shells that were llirnivn Into the house anil slables;
but M Bndin, the director, contrived lo secure the- prepara-
tions, &c. ihat were in the museum, anil sent tliem oil' to a house
he ])ossessed at some distance from Lyons, where he collected ihc
Btudents, and continued his iiiBtructions.

PREFACE.

XIX

iurisprudence are delivered at this school, in addi-
tion to those given at Lyons. Stallions are kept
at the expense of government, and sent annually
into the provinces to improve the breed of horses;
asses are also sent for the purpose of producmg
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 al-
fords more convenience for giving instructions in
slioeiiig : 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 experiments. The royal
stables at Paris are well constructed buildings-
well paved, drained, and ventilated : the horses do
not stand on litter during the day. They appear
capable of containing about two bundled horses.
An infirmary and forge are attached to the stables.
All the royal stud, as well as the cavalry horses,
ase shoed upon the plan established by the veteri-
nary schools, under the superintendance of a re-
sident veterinary surgeon.

The following year, Mr. Sewel visited the vete-
rinary schools in Germany; and on his return,
made a report of his observations 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 af-
fords a greater scope for practice, the stables and
other accommodations being calculated for receiv-
ing a considerable number of patients : all of them
were then occupied, which affbrdeil IMr. Sewel an
opportunity 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

PREFACE.

norses wjth letharffv were also l-^r^t ;r,\i j i ,
under the trees nnd thZT j ^ ^^'r P^^^^^^k,

under a shmvS bath F.-l^ ) "^''^ ^^""'''^
thatwerp n ; tlie number of those

clue el th,t th! Mr. Sewel con-

sivf f '^tment was successful ; though he

^a.ys, itdoes not accord with the theory or tTeat-
n^ent of the disease taught in this count^^ Thev

some cli^o 1 ^'^'p^'T^ ^^^^^^^ - clepe'ndant o^
and tri . ; [^'^^^^'^^ organs and liver,

and ti eat it accordmgly. The punils are tauoh

clitteient from our own and those of France.* The
stables are not of the first order, but roomy and
flom-ed w,th wood, a common practice in^ Ger-
many, i he other accommodations are very good •

Tnt ? ^%u"^''^^'\ P'^'^^^ f^"- 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 durino- the
day, unless required for particular cases. ^The
pharmacy (place where medicines are prepared and
dispensed), and other offices, are well arranged,
i He buildings are constructed of w^ood, and are
considerably dilapidated; but it is expected that
the whole m'iII be soon rebuilt. An old herma-
phrodite horse is shown he-e, in which the male
forni seems ;to predominate; of which, Mr. Sewel
considers it a malformation. The imperial stable
is a fine spacious building, floored Avith wood, well

» According to M. Jauze " the German shoes are, of all
others, (he most iiijiirions fur liorscs that have sound feet. There
.-ire three large crampons (caulking) • one at the toe and at each
h.e , which make (he thoe very heavy, and takes off (he np omb
of the foot." . "

PHEFACE. XXI

drained, and. ventilated, and capable of accommo-
dating several hundred horses; an infirmary is
attached to it; also a forge, and a good contriv-
ance foi- 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 exceeding 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 Pi-ague and Dresden, Mr. Sewel found no-
thing very interesting except the royal stables at
the latter place : in the coach-horse stable, a co-
vered stream of water passes down the centre,
which keeps it always clean and sweet. They are
well ventilated, lofty, light, and spacious, and
floored with wood. The saddle-horses work un-
shoed from spring until autumn, when the wet
season commences; their feet are in a fine state of
preservation in consequence: the kennel of boar-
hounds is worth attention.

Late in August, Mr. Sewel visited the Veteri-
naiy School at Berlin ; which was founded by the
late kmg, Frederic the Second. The theatre of
anatomy, museum, and dissecting rooms, form one
detached buildmg, probably the most handsome
and commodious structure of the kind in Europe.
1 he 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,
tiom the horse and ox down to the smallest qua-
druped, and the skin of an African horse, which has
not the slightest appearance of hair upon if
tuntrSL'' collection of shoes of SifferJm

countries. I he forge is well conducted, and the
pupils manually in.?tructed by the professor. The

xxii

PREFACE.

method of securing horses for shoeing or opera-
tions is very ingenious, and worthy of imitation.

1 he king's horses are shoed at the school foro-e,
and the cavah-y are shoed according to the plan^of
the school. The stables are well constructed,
paved, and ventilated ; the box stalls, and places
lor other domestic animals, are well arranged.
Litter is not used during the day, but sand is
strewed under the horses. The stables were full
of patients of all descriptions: there 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 country.* A riding-house is attached 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, whicn is heated
occasionally by a stove; the bath is supplied with
hot or cold water by an ingenious hydraulic con-
trivance. The royal stables are handsome build-
ings, 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. Sewel brought with him some
useful instruments for relieving oxen or sheep that
are hoven or bloivn ; 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. Sewel was intro-
duced to Professor Havemann by assistant Pro-

* Had the governors of ilie Veterinary College known (hat
locked jaw is very rarely cured in (his country, ihcy would per-
haps have desired I\Ir. Sewel to descrihe the successful mode of
treating it to v^hichhe alludes. This coDimunication, probably,
with the otiier useful observations he may liuve made, will be
publlshfd 3t a more conTenient tijne,

fREFACE.

xxiil

fessor Houseman, whom he had seen in England.
The infirmary stables had much dilapidated dur-
ing the war, from being occupied by foreign ca-
vah-y. 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 veterinary schools.
The royal stables at the Hague are well construct-
ed, 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; Sewel
does not describe. He says, that by inquiries and
observation, he obtained in Holland some u;eful
practical information, v.hich, with the new remedy
for locked jaw, the German method of treating le-
thargic complaints, and the various improvements
he may have observed in the practice of the veteri-
nary art, he will no doubt communicate to the
public.

It is difficult, perhaps impossible, to form a cor-
rect comparative estimate of the state of veterinary
science in this country and France, merely by pe-
rusing the works of the French professors and ve-
terinary practitioners ; but, if one might presume to
judge from such evidence, the author would feel
no hesitation in saying, that he thinks the veteri-
nary art has made greater progress in England,
than in France. In the latter country, it was cul-
tivated 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

xxiv

PREFACE.

good practical works appeared before that time,
particularly Gibson's and Clarke's; but the ana-
tomy 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 at-
tribute the great improvement that has been made
in the treatment of diseases. French practitioners
appear to be still influenced by the humoral pa-
thology, as it is termed, and consequently depend
too much on decoctions of plants, and other vege-
table preparations, in acute diseases, many of
which are nearly, if not quite, inert with respect
to the horse ; while similar diseases in this coun-
try are often subdued by one copious bleeding.
Much praise, however, is due to the veterinary
practitioners of France for the great attention they
appear to pay to morbid anatomy. The accuracy
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 prac-
titioners.

The splendid work of Professor Coleman, on the
Horse's Foot and Shoeing, and the more recent
publications of Mr. Bracy Clark on the sa:me sub-
ject, are of superior merit, I believe, to any thing
that has appeared either in this country or on the
Continent; and Mr. Sewel's Nerve Operation, for
the relief of foundered horses, is likely to prove a
valuable discovery.

TFells, October, 1819.

Mil. White now resides in the city of Wells,
Somerset, where he may be consulted on the
diseases of horses, either personally or by letter.

r

A COMPENDIUM

OF THE

VETERINARY ART.

CHAPTER I.

THE STABLE.

As the preservation of licaltli ought to be consi-
dered as an object of equal, if not superior import-
ance, to that of curing or alleviating disease, and
as it can only be accomplished by n, proper ma-
nagement of the horse with respect to feeding, ex-
ercise, and the general economy of the stable, I
think it proper to begin with this subject.

Tn the construction of a stable there is, perhaps,
no circumstance more deserving attention than that
of ventilation, or of having contrivances for the
ready admission of fresh air, and for the escape of
that which has been rendered impure by breathing ;
and it is really extraordinary that so little atten-
tion should have been paid to so important a cir-
cumstance. Grooms in general make a point of
closing every aperture they can find; and if, at
any time, they arc prevailed upon to open a win-^

&

2

STABLE.

dow, it is commonly so small, and so inconveni-
ently situate, as to be but of little service. Let
any one for a moment consider how foul an at-
mosphere must be produced, in a close stable, in
•which several horses are kept, by the constant ex-
halation of unwholesome vapours from the litter,
by the steams of perspiration from the skin, and
by noxious airs from the lungs: and he will not
be surprised at the long catalogue of diseases, to
which this improper treatment must subject these
useful animals.

If a doubt remain in the mind of any one as to
the impropriety of such close stables, let him enter
one early in the morning, on it's being first open-
ed, and he will experience such a painful sensation
in the eyes, and so violent a cough, as will afford
him the most convincing proof of the noxious and
stimulating nature of such an atmosphere; yet
such is the obstinacy and ignorance of grooms in
general, that they cannot be prevailed upon to
abandon this injurious practice. Even at this time
stables are generally built too low, and unprovided
with eifectual means of ventilation.

A stable should be as lofty as it can be made
conveniently, at least twelve feet ; the foul air will
then circulate in the higher parts, and the animal
will not be constantly breathing an unwholesome
atmosphere, which he must do when the ceiling is
scarcely higher than his head. Proper apertures
must be also made in the ceiling, communicating
with the atmosphere by square wooden tubes, so

STABLE.

3

contrived as not to admit the rain into the stable;
the foul air and other unwholesome vapours will
then readily pass off, while a proper quantity of
fresh air may be admitted by means of windows.
The next circumstance to be attended to is nearly
connected with, and not less important than ven-
tilation ; namely, the so constructing a stable, as
to be able to regulate it's temperature, or keep the
air at any degree of heat that may be thought pro-
per. It is generally allowed, that a uniform tem-
perature in a stable is very desirable ; and it is cer-
tain, that many of the diseases of horses are caused
by sudden changes in this respect. Even slight
variations of temperature, if frequent, are injurious;
yet few stables are to be found, where this incon-
venience is effectually guarded against. To ac-
complish this desirable purpose, the windows
should be in different sides, so that when a cold
wind blows from any point, it may be shut out,
while fresh air is admitted by the opposite win-
dow. There should be several of the apertures we
have described in the ceiling, that they may be OC'-
casionally shut, either wholly or partially, so that,
by means of these and the windows, the tempera-
ture can at any season be easily regulated, accord-
ing to the weather, or state of the horse's health,
more accurately if a thermometer be kept— an in-
strument which appears to be a necessary append-
age to a well-conducted stable. If, during the cold
days of winter, the contrivance we have proposed
should be found insufficient to raise the tempera-

B 2

4

STABLE.

ture of the stable to the desired point, the air may
be easily warmed to any degree, by means of stoves
placed on the outside, with iron chimneys passing/
through the stable. It may be placed in the saddle-
room : this, however, is scarcely necessary.

Light is also a thing of much importance in the
construction of a stable; and, for the purpose of
admitting it readily to every part, the windows
should be large, and properly placed.

There is no doubt that the eyes of horses are
often injured by dark stables ; and when a horse is
just taken from a dark situation, it is easy to per-
ceive that light at first irritates the eye, and gives
pain; and this is more remarkable when he is
brought suddenly into the sunshine ; nor is it to be
wondered at, that so delicate an organ as the eye
should suffer materially from the frequent repeti-
tion of this sudden change.

Though a light stable is desirable, the sunshine
should not be allowed to fjili on the eyes of a horse
as he stands in his stall ; nor should the walls or
ceiUng be of a white colour, as, under such circum-
stances, the eyes would be over stimulated and
rendered weak ; and when it is considered how
liable horses are to diseases of these organs, and
how frequently they tenninate in blindness, no one
will think any circumstance tending to their pre-
servation too trifling to be noticed. With regard
to the best colour for the walls and ceiling, a stone
or dove colour is perhaps to be preferred, and may
be jnade by mixing a little lamp-black, ivory

STABLE.

5

black, 01- blue-black, with the common white-
wash .

The door should be larger and higher than we
usually see it ; for horses are very liable, in pass-
ing through a narrow or low one, to strike their
hips or heads. I have seen some troublesome acci-
dents happen in this way; besides, even if the hair
be struck off about the hips, it is thought a blemish,
because it may not grow again ; or, if it do grow,
the hair may be white.

In fitting up the interior of a stable, particular

attention must be paid to tlit; size of the stalls,

which should not be less than six feet wide, and
the sides sufficiently high to prevent any sort of
contact or communication between the horses. 1
know it will be urged as an argument against this,
that they are sociable animals, and thrive better
with a companion than when alone ; this is cer-
tainly true: but on the other hand, I am con-
vinced, from long observation, that horses do not
feel themselves in solitude, when they are thus pre-
vented from touching or playing with their neigh-
bours ; besides, if we consider the numerous acci-
dents that happen from low stalls, how frequently
they kick or bite, and otherwise injure each other,
there can be no doubt, I think, of the superior ad-
vantage of high stalls. At this moment, I have
under my care a fine mare, who, from kicking very
high, got her hind leg over the stall, and has re-
ceived a deep and extensive wound, which will
probably prove fatal. The stalls should also be of

6

STABLE.

considerable depth, that ahorse may not, by draw-
ing back, have the power of kicking those in the
adjoining stalls. The method of separating horses
by means of bails or poles, suspended by chains, I
think very injudicious; the only recommendation
It can possibly have is the little expense that at-
tends it, and it's allowing a great number of horses
to stand in a stable. I am convinced, however,
from what I observed during the time I had the
honour of serving in the royal dragoons, that, not-
withstanding these recommendations, they are real-
ly in the end more expensive tu government than
stalls would be; scarcely a day passing without
sohie accident happening from the bails: many
dangerous, and some fatal wounds were occasioned
by them. I once saw a horse break his spine or
back bone, by endeavouring to rise while under
the bail ; and several horses lost their sight from
being bitten in the eye : but the most serious in-
convenience perhaps attending bails, is the impos-
sibility almost of feeding every horse equally; some
horses feeding very slowly, and others so expedi-
tiously as to devour, as well as their own, great
part of their neighbour's allowance, in a short time.
To this may be added, the facility with which con-
tagious diseases are communicated, the disturbance
a horse is liable to when fatigued, and the difficulty
of lying down quietly.

The floor of the stall should be made of hard
brick, as a more equal surface is then formed than
can be obtained by paving with pebbles. Verv

STABLE. '

little declivity is necessary to drain oflF the urine;
and as great inconvenience sometinaes arises from
suffering a horse to stand in a stall where the fall
is consfderable, creating unnecessary exertion in
the muscles of the hind leg, and keeping tlieliga- ^
ments constantly in a tense state, it has been re-
commended to make the drain in the middle of
the stall, whereby the hind and fore feet ot the
horse might stand on a level. In whatever way,
however, the stall is made, it should be carefully
cleaned twice a day, that none of that putrescent
matter may accumulate which generates ammonia,
or that pungent vapour which is so abundantly
found in close filthy stables. An iron rack is pre-
ferable to one of wood, being more easily kept
clean, and furnishing no splinters; which, where
wooden racks are used, sometimes injure the mouth.
The manger may be so contrived as to slide into
the wall like a drawer; and then, while the groom
is wisping him, he would have nothing to lay hold
of with his mouth, by which practice horses often
become crib-biters. The height both of the rack
and manger should be such as to enable the horse
to feed with the greatest ease : the former is some-
times made so high that the horse is obliged to
exert the muscles of his neck considerably in order
to reach it; and this has been so placed, under an
idea of it's having a tendency to make him carry
his head more gracefully: it is more probable,
however, that the only effect of it is to make the
horse uncomfortable while feeding. It has indeed

been lately recommended, as the best plan, to place

hoi se may feed as he does in a state of nature. This
P an IS part.eu arly described and represented by a
P'ate(pl. 1 vol. iv.) It has been tried both for ul:!
gon and saddle horses ; that is, both single and dou-
ble, and found to answer extremely well. It was ob-
served however, that some horses would throw out
par of the hay with their noses when it was of a bad
quality; but, by placing one or more bars across
on the upper part, from the front to the back, this
was effectually prevented. The manger should be
rather wide, and not less than eighteen inches
deep. When a horse is fed principally with chaff
or cut-hay a deep manger is particularly necessary,
as many horses, in endeavouring to pick out the
oats from the chaff, will throw out a great deal of
the food with their noses when the manger is shal-
low. In large stables, where many horses are
kept, such as post or waggon stables, each stall is
to contain two horses, which will require a space
of twelve feet. A manger is placed at each end,
and the hay crib in the centre. A very short hal-
ter is sufficient to allow the horses to lie dov/n,
and then there is no cfanger of entangling them-
selves with it, an accident that often occurs when
long halters are used. La Fosse, in his Manuel
d' Hippiatrique, says that the flill in the floor of
the stall should not be more than one inch to t\> o
yards; and this, I think, is quite sufficient. The
gutter behind the stall is connnonly too deep, and

STABLE.

9

often so placed as to be in the way of the horse's
hind feet. "When a stable is properly attended to,
scarcely any gutter is required ; and when there is
one, it should be very shallow, and wide. When
a stable is ventilated by means of a tube or chim-
ney, it should be placed in the centre of the ceil-
ing, the opening in which should be large, in pro-
' portion to the number of horses kept ; it cannot
well be too large, but may be contracted upwards,
so as to have a conical shape, or it may be made
so as to resemble a dome or cupola. It should be
carried a few feet above the top of the roof, and
have lateral openings by means of slanting boards,
but closed on the top ; by which contrivance, there
would be a free communication with the atmo-
sphere, and the rain would be effectually excluded.

There have been different opinions held with re-
spect to the removal of the litter during the day ;
but when we consider how rapidly and abundantly
ammonia or the volatile alkali is generated in it,
and how injurious that vapour is to the eyes and
lungs, there can be no doubt of the propriety of
removing it. Dr. Egan of Dublin has discovered,
according to Mr. Peall, that the urine of the horse
begins to generate volatile alkali very soon after it
is voided : and it is well observed, by the same
author, that if this vapour be capable of painfully
stimulating a sound and healthy eye, its effects
upon one that is inflamed, and, consequently, ex-
tremely irritable, must be both highly painful and
prejudicial to the organ. In confirmation of this

B 5

STABLE.

opinion, the author relates the following experi-
ment: A horse, labouring under inflammation
of the eye, was removed from the stable, where he
kept both eyes constantly shut, and placed in a
cool, airy situation ; in the space of half an hour
he began gradually to open his eyes, and, in the
space of two or three hours, he kept them open
boldly. The horse was again placed in the stable,
and in a few minutes he began gradually to close
the eyes, and, after an hour or two, kept them
constantly shut. Not satisfied, however, with this
experiment, though it seems pretty conclusive, the
horse was again removed to the cool situation, and
the same effect followed as at first. If the va-
pours produced by foul litter prove so injurious
to the eyes, it cannot surely be less prejudicial to
the Itings; and it is highly probable that if coughs
are not produced in this way they are often aggra-
vated and rendered incurable by those irritating
effluvia. Another evil to be considered is the pro-
pensity observable in many horses to eat their lit-
ter. This is often the case with such as have a
chronic cough, or are disposed to become broken-
winded, or have worms : and, in all these diseases,
there is nothing, perhaps, more likely to increase
them than the animal's eating foul litter. It must
be obvious that horses employed in severe labour
should be allowed to lie down whenever they are
inclined to do so; but even then all the litter may
be turned dut early in the morning, the floor of
the stall swept perfectly cleanj and a bed of fresh

STABLE.

11

straw put in. If the foul litter be spread abroad
in the open air, and shaken up two or three times
during the day, the g-reater part would be again
fit for litter, and, with the addition of a little fresh
straw, would serve to replace that upon which the
horse has rested during the day. It has been said,
that horses which stand constantly on litter are
apt to feel the difference of the road and become
tender-footed. Mr. Clark observes that the
heat arising from the litter occasions a more
than ordinary derivation of blood to the legs and
feet, and that hence arise swelling or gourdiness of
those parts, greasy heels, and stiffness or numb-
ness. If the horse lies down for relief, the heat of
the litter soon forces him to get up again, and,
after repeatedly lying down, and forced to get up
immediately from the above cause, he attempts it
no further ; he stands upright, or perhaps a little
straddling, often shifting the weight of his body
from one leg to the other. This erect position, in
which he is obliged to stand, increases the swelHng
of his lefrs, &c. and recourse is then had to bleed-
ing, purging, diuretics, &c. &c.

Lord Pembroke, in his Military Equitation, ob-
serves that " after working, and at night of course,
as also in lameness and sickness, it is good for
horses to stand on litter; it also promotes staling,
&c. At other times, it is a bad custom : the con-
stant use of it heats and makes the feet tender, and
causes swelled legs ; moreover, it renders the ani-
mal delicate. Swelled legs Tiiay be often reduced

19

CONDITION.

to tlieir proper natural size, merely by taking
away the htter, which, in some stables, where i..?
norant grooms and farriers govern, would be^a
greatsavmg of ph^,i,^,„j bleeding, besides straw.
I have seen, he snys, " by repeated experiments,
legs swell and unswell by leaving litter or taking it
avyay, like mercury in a weather glass." M,-
blame is of opinion that - the custom of standing
on htter ruins more horses than all the mails and
stagecoaches put together; that it is the fruitful
source of contracted feet, and brings on that ruin-
ous affection with more certainty than the hardest
work. In my own stables," he says, "no litter is
ever suflPered to remain under the fore feet during
the day. The horses stand on bare bricks, which^
in summer, are watered, to make them more cool;
by which means I have experienced astonishin^r
benefit. Behind, a little htter is strewed, because
they are apt to kick and break the bricks with their
hind feet; and because the litter thus placed sucks
up the moisture of the urine, which would be de-
trimental to the hinder feet, which are more liable
to thrushes than contraction."

Conditlov.

Bv the term condition is to be understood, not
only a fat and sleek appearance in a horse; it
implies also a proper degree of health and vio-our,
by wliich he is enabled to perform the labour

gkoom'ing.

13

required, of him without being too much fatigued,
or sustaining any ir.jury with regard to his health.

The term condition, however, must be con-
sidered in a rehxtive sense, as a horse may be in a
very fit state, or in condition for moderate work
on the road, such as travelUng a journey, but un-
equal to the exertions required in hunting; and u
horse regularly employed in hunting would not be
thought in the best condition for a race. Every
defect with respect to condition must originate
either . in disease or bad grooming. Under the
latter head must be included feeding, exercise, and
the general management of the stable ; the former
will include various disorders, particularly of those
parts which are in any way concerned in the pro-
cess of digestion and nutrition. In the first place
I mean to consider the subject of grooining, and
then proceed to a plain description of the digestive
and other principal organs of the body, the dis-
eases or accidents to which they are liable, and the
most effectual means of curing them.

Grooming.

Tins is a subject of considerable importance,
aad requires more attention thaia is commonly paid
to it, as the health and condition of horses depend
grcaUy on its being properly managed.

When a horse is in a state of nature, and using
only voluntary exercise, there cannot be a doubt

^'^ GROOMING.

that the green food, which the bountiful Creator
provKles or him, is better calculated than an^

0 her to keep him in perfect health, and satisfy
h s wants; but when he is domesticated, and em-
ployed m the various labours for which he is
found so essentially useful, it is necessary to adapt
the quantity and quality of his food to the nature

01 the work he has to perform. When, therefore
we undertake to get a horse into condition, it is
necessary first to inquire for what kind of labour
he IS designed ; whether it be for the turf, the
chase, or the road. A horse, without doubt,
provided ho is in heafth, may have his condition
and wind brought to the highest state of perfection
it is capable of, merely by judicious management
in respect to feeding, exercise, and grooming ;
and notwithstanding the great mystery and s'e-
crecy affected by those who make a business of
training race horses, I will venture to affirm, that
it is a very simple process, and easily to be accom-
plished by any one who will attentively consider
the principles we shall lay down, and not suffer
himself to be influenced by an ignorant groom.
It is a fact, not sufficiently known, perhaps, that
the strength of an animal, or any part of the
body, may be increased to a considerable degree,
by means of exercise properly conducted ; and as
breathing is effected by muscular exertion, it
follows that the strength or perfection of this
function, or, as it is commonly termed, good wind,
must depend on the strength of those muscles by

GROOMING, 1^

which breathing is performed: and by keeping
hi view this single principle, we shall do more for
the improvement of a horse's wind, than we could
by learning all the mysteries of trainnig. In
order to have a clear idea of the method of get-
tin^ a horse into high condition and good wmd,
let ns suppose him just taken from grass: it being-
understood, that every horse, who works hard
during the other parts of the year, will in summer
be allowed this necessary relaxation; without
which the feet, as well as the sinews, joints, liga-
ments, &c., of the limbs, will be liable to sufler
materially; and not unfrequently the general
health of the animal is injured by such privation.
But should any one be so situate as to be unable
to procure this renovating indulgence for his
horse, he must endeavour to substitute for it a
large airy stable, where the animal may be turned
loose. If he cannot get fresli vegetable food,
such as lucerne, vetches (tares), clover, &c., he
will find carrots a useful succedaneum during this
time of rest. The horse should be allowed to
drink frequendy ; and, if he be not immoderate,
he may be suffered to drink as often and as much
as he pleases. He should be fed sparingly with
oats ; and on no account be allowed beans or any
thing of the kind. The best general diet of the
dry kind is, perhaps, a mixture of oats, chopped
hay and bran ; to be given alternately with green
food ; or, if a sufficient quantity of green food can
be procured, very little dry meat will be necessary.

1 c

GROOMING.

subst tute for a run at grass, provided the stable
.dmS'"' ^''^ ^'S-h' also should be freeTy

to d e 'n ' ; nient court be adjoinh.^

o the stables, the horse may be suffered to ruif

but the stable for him to run in, it will be proper
to walk nnn out quietly every morning and even-
mg, allowing him to drink freely in a running
stream or nver: the feet, during this time, should
be kept cool and moist, for which purpose they
maybe stopped daily with a mixture of soft clay
and cow dung. When a horse is taken from
grass, or from the situation and treatment we have
just described, in order to be got into a condition
lor racing, hunting, or the road, the first object of
attention is to bring about the necessary change in
his food, and other circumstances, as gradually
and with as little inconvenience to the animal as
possible. If he be taken from grass,- let him be
put at first into a large airy stable, and suffered
to exercise himself in it. Let him drink frequently;
and, instead of depriving him suddenly of his
green food, allow him at first some carrots, with
bran, and a moderate quantity of oats. He should
be walked out once a day at least. His allowance
of oats should be gradually increased, and that of
bran and carrots in like manner diminished, until
the latter is wholly discontinued. If he be a laro-e
drinker, he should be allowed but a moderate
quantity at once; but at all times, and in almost

GROOMING.

17

all circumstances, it is proper to allow a horse
water four times a clay : which, instead of oppress-
ing his stomach, or injuring his wind, will facilitate
digestion, arid materially conduce to the preser-
vation of health, and the improvement of con-
dition. I am aware of the prejudice that exists
against this practice— that it is supposed to give a
liorse a large belly, and render him unfit for
galloping any length of time, without endangering
his wind. I am convinced, however, not only by
my own experience, but by that of some expe-
rienced sportsmen also, that, so far from injuring
a horse in any one respect, it is extremely bene-
ficial ; and that when a horse is allowed to drink
four or five times a day, he is not inclined to drink
much, and often does not drink so much in the
twenty-four hours, as one that is allowed to drink
only twice a day as much as he pleases. As the
horse's allowance of oats is increased, so should
his exercise be; and if this be properly managed,
there will be no absolute necessity for bleeding or
medicine. It is necessary, however, to observe the
horse carefully (hu'ing the time v/e are increasing
his allowance of oats, and diminishing that of
carrots and bran; and if he appear dull or have
a cough, however trifling, it indicates an inflam-
matory disposition of the body, and points out the
propriety of moderate bleeding, or a laxative. But
under proper management I do not think such
symptoms would ever take place, though they
almost always do when a horse is changed from

GROOMING.

grass to a close stable and dry food too suddenly;
and m such cases both bleeding and purging are
indispensably requisite to prevent the occurrence of
very senous diseases. It is from this circumstance,
perhaps, that the absurd custom of giving exactly
thi^e strong doses of physic, as a necessai y prepa-
rative, took its origin. When a horse has been
taken from grass about a week, I think it advise-
able to give him a very mild purgative, such as
N 1 (see P/njsic) ; not that I am convinced of its
being absolutely necessary, but because it cannot
do any harm ; and if the horse have been fed too
liberally, or not exercised sufficiently— or should
the stomach and bowels be out of order, or have
any ^v•orm3 them—^ mild purgative will be of
great service. It is on this ground that I always
recommend two or three doses of mild physic
during the time a horse is getting into condition ;
but I have seen so many instances of the injurious
effects of the strong physic recommended in many
books of farriery, and commonly given by grooms,
that I think it necessary to advise the reader
never to suffer his groom or smith to prepare or
prescribe a dose of purging medicine. That such
strong doses are often given without any immediate
bad effect is no proof of their innocence, still less
of their utility. I can truly assert, that I have seen
many horses quickly destroyed by strong physic,
and a great number that have never perfectly
recovered from the debility it occasions.

uring the iii'st fortnight of the horse's bein"*

GROOMING.

19

taken into a stable, walking exercise is most pro-
per; it should be in the morning and evening
daily, and continued from one hour to two each
time. After this it may be gradually hicreased to
a trot or canter ; and if the exercise occasion any
degree of perspiration, he should be carefully
cleaned, and otherwise attended to, as soon as he
gets into the stable.

By thus gradually bringing a horse from a state
of nature^ that is, from the open air and green
food, to a comfortable stajjle and dry grain, he will
be in little danger of those troublesome diseases,
which are often the consequence of sudden changes,
and of a differenl kind of management ; and by
duly proportioning his exercise to the nutriment
he receives, and by gradually bringing the mus-
cular system to that degree of exertion for which
the animal is wanted, there is no doubt that his
wind, strength, activity, and general condition,
will be brought to the highest state of perfection it
is capable of attaining. In describing the general
management of horses in the stable, we think it
necessary to be very particular, as there -ire many
apparently trifling circumstances which have con-
siderable influence on the 2'orse's health, though
generally little atte^-^^^d to.

Horses '>inployed in hunting, mail, or stage-
cofltJi horses, in short, all that are obliged to un-
dergo great and rapid exertion at certain periods,
require a different treatment from such as work
more moderately. The former have occasion for

20

GROOMING.

as mucli as possible, that the muscles
may the more readily recruit their strength. But
the latter do not require so n.uch rest in'a recur! !
bent state and suffer no inconvenience from
standnog the day; therefore their litter should
be removed every morning, and shook up in the
open au". The advantages of this plan are con-
siderable, though it may be thought, by knowing
grooms, an unnecessary trouble. The feet will
be thus kept cool; and the hoof will not be so
disposed as it commonly is to contract and shrink;
lor straw, being a bad conductor of heat, causes
the leet to become too hot; in which state the
horny matter has always a tendency to contract;
hence arise sand-cracks, thrushes, &c. Unless a
horse has thin, flat soles, it is always proper to siop
the feet, as it is termed, with a mixture of cow-
dung, beaten into a smooth mass with a little fine
clay, and a small proportion of potash . This last is
intended to keep the stopping moist longer than it
would otherwise continue so; but when the stop-
ping IS renewed morning and evening it is unne-
cessary. The feet should be examined daily ; and
if the soles should appear to be softened too' much,
that is, if the horn beuds, or gives way in the least
under the thumb, by the strongest pressure we
tan make, the stopping must be discimtjnued. It
must be observed also, that stopping is otte«. in.
jurious to the frog, tending to make it too soft, and
even rotten; this part, therefore, should be de-
fended, when it appears necessary, by means of tar.

GROOMING.

21

Horses that have been accustomed to stand on
htter dunng the day, sometimes feel a difficulty in,
or reluctance to staling, when they are deprived of
it. In such cases, a little straw should be thrown
under the belly, so as to prevent the urine from
splashing about their legs.

The best food for horses that work hard is oats
and hay, with a moderate quantity of beans. The
latter, however, sliould not be allowed, unless the
horse's work be considerable, as under moderate
exertion they dispose the system to inflammatory
complaints, such as coughs, inflamed eyes, &c. I
am convinced that horses whose labour is severe,
are often ftijured by being stinted in water, par-
ticularly when they are allowed a large quantity of
food. It is a common practice with waggonci's,
when their horses come in from a lono- and fatia'U-
ing journey, their strength almost exhausted by
long continued exertion and sweating, to oflln-
them immediately an unlimited quantity of food,
and very little (most commonly not a drop) of
water. Under such circumstances, the stomach is
not able to digest the food taken in ; and it is pro-
bable that the staggers are sometimes the conse-
quence of such management. When a horse
comes in from a long journey, he should always be
allowed a small quantity of water before he is fed ;
his first feed should be but a moderate quantity ;
and if he be allowed a little water immediately
after feeding, it is more likely to promote diges-
tion, and prove beneficial, than to injure the ani-

22

GROOMING.

mal It IS certainly a good plan, to give horses a
moderate quantity of water just before the end of
then- journey: and I am satisfied that by allowing
them to sip a little water several times, during a
long journey, particularly in warm weather, they
are refreshed and invigorated, but never injured.
When beans are given to a horse, they should
always be broken ; and it is probable that oats
would be more nutricious in that state. A horse
that works moderately does not require more than
a peck of good oats, and about twelve or fourteen
pounds of hay in the twenty-four hours; but large
draught horses require a greater quantity both of
oats and hay. The quantity of oats and hay here
stated, is the full quantity that should be allowed
to a horse who works regularly, but moderately ;
as in travelling. But as in such cases horses may
sometimes be kept in the stable several days with-
out work, the quantity of oats should on such
occasions be diminished, and a cold bran mash
substituted for it. It should also be observed that
some horses will do well with less food than others ;
and that we sometimes meet with horses that will
eat much more hay than is proper : it is prudent,
therefore, to limit the quantity of a horse's food,
particularly the hay ; this precaution, however, is
seldom attended to, either in travelling or other
occasions ; hence it is perhaps that coughs so often
become incurable, and that horses with immo-
derate appetites become broken winded, or loaded
with worms, having large bellies, harsh staring ,

GUOOMING,

S3

coats, and a general appearance of imhealthiness,
notwithstanding they are liberally fed with oats,
or even beans. When a horse eats immoderately
of hay it is sure to excite a proportionate degree
of thirst ; and if this appetite also be indulged, the
evil will of course be increased.

Horses employed in hunting, or for expeditious
travelling, require great attention as to grooming,
feeding, &c. Their allowance of hay should not
exceed twelve pounds in the twenty-four hours ;
and it should be divided into three feeds — four
pounds in the morning, two at noon, and the re-
mainder at night. If a peck of oats be allowed
for the same period, it should also be divided into
at least three feeds, giving water before each.
When a larger allowance of grain is required,
which must be the case with hunters, post-horses,
&c., either the quantity of oats may be increased,
or a certain proportion of .beans may be added ;
but on no occasion should the quantity of hay be
increased for horses of this description. I think
there would be no danger, and perhaps great ad-
vantage, in allowing horses that work hard, either
in hunting, posting, or in mail or stage-coaches,
an unlimited quantity of good oats, with a mode-
rate proportion of beans, provided it be given at
several times, so that they may not load their sto-
machs, and injure the digestive power. If any
other food be given with the oats and beans, which,
however, appears needless, it should consist of clo-
ver-liay, cut like chaff, and a small quantity of

GROOMING.

frosh bran : the former, if „ot cut too short, will
make him masticate liis food more perfectly, and
cause ,t to be digested more easily : but when a
horse has any kind of cough, or is imperfect in liis
wind, neither cut hay, chaff, nor bran, should be
given, as they are apt to ii-ritate the tliroat, and
excite coughing ; and it is necessary also in this
case to sift the oats, and shake the hay, so as to
free them from dust, as this will often occasion a
violent cough for a time, and aggravate the original
complaint. This will be more'efFectual, if the'^oats
and hay be slightly moistened with water. Horses
of tins description being generally greedy of water,
and so voracious as to d&vour their litter if kept
from ha}^, it is adviseable to muzzle them immedi-
ately after feeding. Some advantage also will be
derived from giving them a moderate quantity of
carrots now and then, particularly when their work
happens to be but moderate, this vegetable beino-
nutritious and easy of digestion.— Much has been
said by writers on forrieiy, respecting the kind of
■water that is most wholesome for horses. The
greater part seem to prefer pond water, where the
bottom is composed of clay and chalk. It ap-
pears to me, that the most desirable kind of water
is that which horses like best, provided it be not
too cold; and I think it probable, that the ill
effects, that liave sometimes been produced bv
drinking certain kinds of water, have not been oc-
casioned by foreign or impure matters contained
in it, but merely by its coldness; and I have

GROOMINfti

25

found it the best plan to give clear river water in
summer, and well water in winter; the latter
being ivarmer in cold weather than water exposed
to the air, and colder in summer. Some old au-
thor (I think Dr. Bracken) has expressed a suspi-
cion, that the hardness, as it is termed, in well
water, might occasion the stone or gi-avel. This
is a disease, however, that scarcely ever happens to
horses, thougli we sometimes meet with stones of a
large size in the Dowels, formed gradually by the
earthy matter taken in with the food; and if they
were subject to calculous diseases, like men, it is
almost impossible that the very small quantity of
stony matter contained in hard water could have
any share in their formation, being quite of a dif-
ferent nature from that found in the human blad-
der.* It seems to be generally known that brackish
water (that is, water impregnated with saline matter,
which is commonly met with near the sea) is rather
injurious to horses, causing a rough dry coat, and
loss of condition. This, perhaps, is not occasioned
by any direct operation of the saline matter which
such water contains, but by the horse not drinkino-
a sufficient quantity, on account of its unpleasan't
taste, for the purpose of digestion.

It is by no means adviseable to accustom horses
to warm water in winter, or to let the water stand
many hours in a warm stable, so as to become

* La Fosse, in DicHonmire Rahcnr.i d' WppiuMque, gU'^^
a dota.Ied account of a case of stone in the bladder ^',ich%a,
cured by an pperation, « »

26

GnOOMING.

nearly as warm as the air of the stable; as it makes
the horse liable to the flatulent colic, or gripes,
whenever he happens to drink cold water.

In sickness, and during the operation of physic,
when it is absolutely necessary to allow warm
water, it should never be discontinued suddenly :
the change should be brought about as gradually
as possible. It is not a good practice to give horses
nitre and other medicines in their water or food,
because the dose cannot be accurately ascertained
in this way ; and the water, instead of promoting
digestion, often has a contrary effect, exciting
nausea, and weakening the stomach. It appears
to me a better plan to water horses during their
exercise, at a pond or running stream, than in the
stable, except it is in winter; and even then it
would be adviseable, were it not for the inconve-
nience they are liable to suffer from standing in
the water while drinking : but the common prac-
tice of gallopmg them immediately after is highly
improper.

It has been asserted by some, that horses work
better, and more effectually preserve their wind and
condition, when allov/ed only a small quantity of
water; or, as they express it, *'it matters not how
little he drinks, provided he feeds heartily." This
opinion, like many others, has arisen fi'om the
foolish and mischievous practice of forming gene-
ral rules upon a few facts, or a very limited expe-
rience; and too often, I fear, from examining
those facts through the medium of prejudice. It

GROOMING.

If

must be granted, that we sometimes meet with
liorses that become loose in their bowels, and fall
off in condition, sweating violently, and appearing
fatigued from moderate exercise, if allowed to drink
even two pails (five or six gallons) in the twenty-
four hours ; particularly when they are employed
now and then in hunting, or any kind of violent
exercise : but this is to be attributed to a weakness
of constitution not often met with in horses, and
points out to us the necessity of observing a horse
attentively when we first undertake the manage-
ment of him, in order to ascertain what quantity
of water is most conducive to the preservation of ~
his health and condition ; and if we find a horse
shivering, and his coat staring immediately after
drinking freely, it is not to be hastily concluded, that
he is to be allowed only a small quantity of water
daily. In such a case, a very moderate quantity should
be given at once, and the horse should be exercised
immediately after, in which way he will generally be
soon brought to drink a proper quantity in the course
of the day without inconvenience. The best time for
exercising horses is.early in the morning, as soon as
the stable is opened : during which time the stable-
doors should be kept open, and the foul litter
thrown out. As horses that work moderately do
not require a bed in the day-time, it will be advise-
able in such cases to remove all the litter from the
stall, and expose it to the air; spreading only a
small quantity at the back part to prevent the horse
from splashing his legs in staling. It will perhaps

c2

28

GHOOMING.

be thought unnecessary to exercise horses that
work, particularly such as are employed in hunt-
ing or expeditious travelling: I think, however,
they are always the better for it, provided it ba
done with prudence. It certainly is not proper to
take out a horse for exercise that is designed for
hunting the same day; but in the intermediate
days it should never be omitted; and if a horse's
work be moderate, such as ten or twelve miles a
day, a little exercise in the morning will enable
him to perform it better. Horses of a full habit,
or such as are subject to humours, are greatly bene-
fited by exercise, which, on such occasions, may
be carried so far as to produce sweating. But
great care is then necessary : they should be walk-
ed about for some time, that they may cool gradu-
ally; and as soon as they return to the stable, they
should be well wisped, and their legs hand-rubbed.
Swelling of the legs, grease, inflamed eyes, and
other troublesome complaints, will be thus more ef-
fectually prevented than by bleeding every now and
then; which, though it affords temporary relief,
will gradually increase the disposition to disease.
The exercise which a horse enjoys, when kept loose
in a large stall, is particularly beneficial, and
should always be allowed when the stable is suffi-
ciently large to admit of it, instead of being kept
constantly in one position, his head tied to the
manger, and his fore legs generally higher than his
hind legs : he can then turn himself about, and en-
joy comparatively a state of Jibertj^,

GROOMING.

29

In summer, or whenever the weather is tempe-
rate, horses should be cleaned in the open air when
they return sweating from work or exercise : for,
if put immediately into a warm stable, they often
continue to perspire so long as to suffer some in-
jury from it. The common practice, however, of
washing the legs with cold water should never be
allowed, unless the horse be exercised, or have his
legs well rubbed immediately after. It is super-
fluous, perhaps, to point out the impropriety and
danger of plunging a horse into a river while sweat-
ing from severe exercise, a practice commonly
adopted by proprietors of post and stage-coach
horses : that it is often done with impunity must
be granted ; but it is probable that many of them
suffer from the treatment, though the ill effect is
not immediately observed.*

When a horse returns from exercise or work,
his feet should be carefully picked out and washed :

* It appears, from the experiments of Dr. Currie, that, when
llic heat of tlie skin is above the natural degree, the application
of cold water is highly refreshing and invigorating; lint when
the heat of -the system has been in some measure exhausted by
continued exercise and perspiration, it will generally produce
considerable debility ; and in the human body the most danger-
ous consequences have ensued from it. The same observation
applies to cold water taken into the stom.ich, which on such an
occasion has been known to cause sudden death. It is probable,
therefore, that many of the diseases of these poor animals arise
from the debility which this treatment occasions ; and perhaps
the mischief would be greater, were it not that the river or pond
is generally at a little distance from the stable, so that they get
some exercise immediately after their immersion, and that the
stable IS generally very warm.

so

GROOMING.

and if the hoof be dry and britdc, feehng hot, and
appearing contracted, a mixture of cow-dung and
- soft clay should be applied to the soles. The
horse's heels also require attention; and if any
small ulcer, or crack, as it is termed, be observed,
or if they be tender, swollen, or smell offensively,
the proper remedies should be immediately appli-
ed. These things, however, very rarely happen
when the groom does his duty. It should be re-
membered, that when a horse is changing his coat,
that is, about the latter end of September and be-
ginning of October, he is more susceptible of cold
than at any other time ; and as the coat then falls
olFso readily, the curry-comb should be laid aside,
and the horse exposed as little as possible to cold
or rain. Moderately warm clothing, and frequent
hand rubbing to the legs, will be found highly use-
ful at this time. When these precautions are neg-
lected, horses often become weak and unfit for
much work, sweating profusely from moderate ex-
ercise, and sometimes purging : troublesome cough
and staring coat generally accompany these symp-
toms. The common remedies on this occasion are
bleeding, or strong purgatives, which are sure to
increase the debility ; nor are antimonials, or me-
dicines that act upon the skin, proper to be given.
The most effectual medicines are those of the Ionic
kind, with moderate stimulants (see IVhUe's Veteri-
nary Materia Medico) ; and when the bowels are
loose, a small proportion of opium. These, how-
ever, will avail little, unless assisted by due atten-
tion to grooming. Though we have so strongly

GROOMING.

recommended ventilation in stables, it must not be
inferred that a cold stable is desirable; horses seem
to thrive most in one that is moderately warm. I
have known old horses, that could not be kept in
condition in a cold stable, even upon the highest
feed, do well when removed to a warmer one : this,
however, is the effect of habit ; and it is probable,
that if a horse were accustomed, from the time he
is first taken up, to a cold stable, he would never
require any other : but when from his youth he
has been kept in hot stables, his body constantly
clothed, and his stomach frequently stimulated by
cordials, it cannot be supposed that he is able to
endure cold. It is necessary, therefore, on pur-
chasing; a horse, to discover in what manner he has
been kept, and whether he have been accustomed
to any particular management; for instance, the
custom of giving cordials to horses after a hard
day's hunt, is often rendered necessary by the prac-
tice of keeping them without food or water on the
morning they are so employed. In describing the
peculiarities in the structure and economy of the
horse's stomach, we have observed, that this organ
is remarkably small, requiring to be supplied fre-
quently with food. When a hunter, then^- goes
out with an empty stomach, and is perhaps kept
out eight or ten hours without feeding, generally
galloping great part of the time, the stomach is so
exhausted on his return, that he has scarcely any
appetite, and refuses his food, until the stomach is
roused by a strong cordial: a habit is thus in-
duced, and cordials, after a time, become as neces-

GROOMING.

sary to a horse accustomed to it, as spirit to a
clram-drinker.

Yet there surely can be no danger in giving a
moderate quantity of oats and water very early in
the morning previous to hunting. If he have to
vj-alk four or five miles to cover, there can be no
danger of his stomach being oppressed by the time
he arrives, nor a doubt of his performing better
than he would otherwise have done. La Fosse, in
his Manuel d' Hippiatrique, in speaking of the dis-
tribution of forage, says, " experience has often
demonstrated that the most serious conse-
quences may ensue when a horse is subjected to
violent exercise upon a full stomach. The indi-
gestion thus occasioned often causes violent colics,
which sometimes prove fatal." I have known many
instances of this; and when we consider how often
post and stage-coach horses are suddenly attacked
during their work with gripes ovfrei, as it is com-
monly termed, arising entirely from this cause, it
will appear astonishing that it has not excited the
attention of post-masters and other proprietors.

This error is certainly more mischievous than
the opposite one just before noticed : and if it be
true, and I see no reason to doubt it, that oats
■which escape being crushed or broken by the teeth,
though properly soaked by the saliva and juice of
the stomach, are not burst or broken down in this
organ, but are uniformly voided whole in every
case where the husk, over which the gastric juice
has no power, remains entire. If this be admitted,
how advantageous would it be in both, and, indeed,

GROOMING.

S3

ill all cases, to feed the animals with bruised oats
only, as we should thereby insure their being wholly
and speedily digested. With regard to hunters,
it would perhaps be a good plan to give them only
some oatmeal mixed with water early in the morn-
ing, when they are to be employed in hunting.
Mr. Peall, the author I have here quoted, further
observes, that it admits almost of demonstration
that a saving of at least one-fourth of the quantity
of oats given to horses might be effected by submit-
ting them to the action of a machine called an oat-
brtiiser; as a considerable quantity of oats is swal-
lowed by everij horse which escapes the action of
the teeth, and passes through the intestines without
contributing, in the smallest degree, to the animal's
nourishment. And if this rule holds good in every
instance, even where the teeth are perfect, and with
such horses as cannot be considered greedy feeders,
how much more must it be the case with very young
horses (when the mouth is tender from cuttino-
teeth and other causes), and very old horses (where
the grind ing-teeth are often imperfect, and masti-
cation is, of course, imperfectly performed), as well
as with such as are voracious feeders. The follow-
ing striking proof of the utility of bruising grain
for horses is given in a communication made by an
intelligent officer who had served long in India, to
Mr. Curwen, and brought forward by Mr. Peal).

" I have always been an advocate for cutting
hay and straw, and bruising corn, for cattle of
every description, and am convinced that any man

c5

34

GROOMING.

who has paid attention to the subject will soon see
the advantage that must result from the adoption
of that practice. My attention was particularly
called to this subject by a circumstance which came
under my notice when with the cavalry under Lord
Lake on the western banks of the Junna in ISO'i.
Channa, the usual food for the cavalry, being scan-
tily supplied, Lord Lake ordered the horses to be
fed with equal parts of olianna and barley, bruised
and steeped in the usual way; but, from the irre-
gularity of the size of the barley and channa, and
inattention on the part of those whose duty it was
to see it prepared, the greater part of the barley
was given entire, and passed through the stomach
and intestines of the horses apparentl}' little, if at
all, impaired in its nutritive quality. The scarcity
of grain which prevailed at that time induced many
thousands to flock to the British camp, in search
of food, and I daily witnessed, for weeks together,
many hundreds of these people, of all ages, coming
into the lines of our cavalry, and anxiously collect-
ing and carrying away the excrement as it fell from
the horses. This they exposed a few hours to the
sun, and, by rubbing and sifting it, procured a
large supply of good food. This detail, which is
on some accounts afflicting to humanity, will pro-
bably go further in convincing the incredulous
upon this subject than the most ingenious theory.
It must prove to every unprejudiced man that a
prodigious waste takes place in the use of corn for
horses when it is notpreviously ground or bruised,"

GROOMING.

35

The principal objection that has been proposed
to the plan of feeding horses with bruised oats is,
that there will be then a deficiency of saliva, which
is abundantly produced by mastication, and is pre-
sumed, by the objector, to be essentially necessary
to digestion. This opinion of the use of saliva
Mr. Peall controverts with much ingenuity ; and
thinks there is good reason for supposing that the
chief purposes which the saliva serves are to lubri-
cate the mouth and palate, and thereby preserve
the sensibility of these parts ; and to furnish suffi-
cient moisture during the act of masticating food
that is dry, so as to fit it for being swallowed, with-
out exciting any painful or irregular action of the
throat and gullet, which would otherwise take
place in the act of swallowing hard substances. I
believe it is generally allowed by those who have
given the plan a fair trial, that it has been produc-
tive of all the advantage that has been ascribed to
it ; and it appears, from the experience of Mr. Cur-
wen, that the feeding of working horses on cooked
provender is highly profitable. One great advan-
tage, he observes, is the short time that is required
for eating a proper quantity, and its moi-e easy and
speedy digestion. « A horse," he says, will take
six hours in eating a stone of hay, whereas he will
eat a stone of steamed potatoes in twenty minutes."
A horse thus fed will, therefore, have a much
longer time for rest than one fed in the common
way; and it is probable, as Mr. Peall observes,
that the stomach being thus quickly satisfied, the

36

CnoOMING.

animal will be disposed to sleep or rest, which is
favourable to the digestive process. In a letter
Irom Mr. Curwen to Mr. Peall, that gentleman
observes, « I can confirm, after great and most ex-
tensive practice, every thing I have formerly ad-
vanced with respect to feeding horses on (steamed)
potatoes. I have found it expedient to add a little
more straw, with a view to rendering the food less
costly. A decisive distinction should be made be-
tween cut straw and chaff, or the husk of the grain;
the latter is perfectly indigestible and dangerous.
I strongly suspect I have lost horses formerly by
its being used contrary to my orders. The prac-
tice of potatoe feeding has been adopted by several
gentlemen upon a large scale, all of whom concur
in declaring that the opposition to the relinquish-
ing this mode of feeding would now be as great as
it was to its adoption. I have found steamed
straw (cut) very good food when I could do no
better." Mr. Curwen observes that horses fed
upon steamed potatoes should have but little water;
and the Bishop of Kildare, another of Mr. Peall's
correspondents upon this subject, says he has found
that when steamed potatoes are given largely no
water should be allowed ; and that a horse indulged
to the extent of his appetite upon this food, will drink
little or no water if it be offered him after feedinff.

From these facts, it would appear that mastica-
tion is not so essential as some have supposed it to
be, and that important advantage, and a consider-
able saving, would result from the use of bruised

GROOMING.

37

oats : for, if a horse can eat a stone of steamed po-
tatoes in twenty minutes, there can be but little
mastication or saliva employed in doing it. When
there is no convenience for bruising oats, much
good may be done by mixing them with what is
termed chaff, that is, clover or other hay cut up,
with a small proportion of straw. By this two ob-
jects will be accomplished : the oats will be per-
fectly masficated, and, therefore, wholly converted
to nutriment; and a waste of hay will be prevent-
ed. I am satisfied, indeed, that if the whole of a
horse's allowance of hay were given him in the
form of chaff it would be the means of a consider-
able savinff. Mr. Blaine thinks that three horses
may be supported in this way at as little expense
as two kept in the usual manner. The propor-
tions he recommends are one part hay, two of
straw, and one of oats ; and of this mixture he gives
from three to six pecks daily, according to the size
and employnient of the horse: and he observes,
that it will add very much to the nutriment which
this mixture affords, if the oats are previously
bruised. I am inclined to believe that clover-hay
is preferable for this purpose to any other. It is
generally thought that this kind of hay is not well
adapted for saddle-horses, or such as are employed
in quick work ; but this opinion, perhaps, has
arisen from the too common and mischievous
practice of giving horses as much hay as they will
eat, or a great deal more than is proper for them.
Horses generally prefer clover-hay ; and it appears

38

GHOOMING.

to contam more nutriment than the other kinds;
it should, therefore, always be given sparingly.
Chaff soon becomes dry and dusty; therefore
enough only for a few days' consumption should
be cut at a time. When good hay cannot be pro-
cured, fresh, sweet straw is an excellent substitute,
and far better than bad hay, or, perhaps, than
such as is indifferent. Hay that has been a little
heated in the mow, or, as it is termed, mow-hirnt,
is not, I believe, so unwholesome as it is commonly
thought to be; but horses are generally fond of it,
and, ifallov/ed, would often eat too much. ' It is
supposed that saccharine matter is developed by
the fermentation which hay undergoes in the mow,
and as that whicb is mow-burnt appears to contain
more saccharine matter than any other, it is pro-
bable that it may be found preferable when used
with discretion, provided it has not been too much
heated ; for when it has become quite brown there
will generally be found a considerable degree of
acidity in it, which probably would be injurious if
eaten freely. Hay that is dry, and void of smell,
is certainly bad ; but that which il5 dusty, mouldj^,
and of a bad small, is exceedingly prejudicial.
Dry hay should be moistened with water, and, if
at all dusty, should be previously well shaken: this
is particularly necessary when it is used for hoi'ses
that are greedy of water, or subject to coughs.
Hay after it is one year old rather gets worse than
improves, particularly in small mows : after the se-
cond year, it should never be used when any that

GROOMING.

39

is newer can be procured— perhaps good straw is
preferable to it, especially if the horse is allowed a
sufficient quantity of good oats. It may not be un-
necessary to repeat, that all horses should be allow-
ed either a run at grass or green food in the stable
during the early part of every summer : when it is
given in the stable, I believe vetches or lucerne are
the best. Mr. Russel of Exeter has for several
years found great advantage from soiling his wag-
gon-horses with vetches while working them ; and
though his waggoners were at first prejudiced
against the practice, and used every means to per-
suade him from continuing it, they arc now so con-
vinced of its utility, that they would feel great dis-
appointment were their horses deprived of the sa-
lutary indulgence.

It sometimes happens that notwithstanding every
attention is paid to a horse with regard to feeding,
exercise, and groom.ing, he continues thin and out
of condition : this, upon a careful examination,
will often be found to depend upon one of the fol-
lowing circumstances.

Tenderness of the Mouth— Yowwg horses, about
the period of changing the teeth, are sometimes
observed to feed badly, while, at the same time,
they look dull and languid, cough more or less,
and not unfrcquently have a slight degree of fever.
This often depends upon the mouth becoming sore
and inflamed, which, on an examination, will be
readily perceived, and is generally attended with
some degree of disturbance in the functions of the

^'^ OIIOO.MJNG.

Stomach. In tliis case, a mild laxative should be
given, and the mouth washed by means of a sv
nnge with the followinp; lotion. If the eyes appear
to be mflamed, bleeding also is necessary ; and as
long as the mouth continues tender, his foodsliould
consist chiefly of bran mashes, in which may be
put a small proportion of bruised oats or malt, or
a little sweet oatmeal.

No. l.~Lotion for the Month.
Powdered alum . ^.^

^«^'^y 2oz.

Infusion of roses 8 oz.

Mix.

In old horses the insides of the cheeks some-
times become sore, and even ulcerated from some
projecting points on the outside of the upper grind-
ing teeth. This is a considerable impediment to
mastication, and causes a horse to swallow great
part of his oats unbroken. In this case they are
not acted upon by the juices of the stomach, but
pass off' with the dung unchanged. There are few
horses, indeed, that do not swallow some part of
their oats unchewed ; particularly such as are
greedy feeders; hence it arises that birds and
poultry so carefully search the dung of horses. The
mischief arising from swallowing unmasticated corn
is greater than many are aware of. In the first
place, there is a considerable waste of corn; in the
next, the digestive powers are fruitlessly exerted j

GROOMING.

41

and if the quantity of unbroken com is consider-
able, it often swells in the stomach, causing violent
cohc, and sometimes even a rupture of its coats;
several instances of which have been recorded by
veterinary writers. In stables where several horses
are kept without being separated by partitions,
which is generally the case in post stables, a horse
with a voracious appetite will often rob his neigh-
bours of their allowance, which he cannot well
accomplish without swallowing a great deal of it
unbroken. In such cases the remedy is sufficiently
obvious, and I have before pointed out the great
advantage which has been expei'ienced from bruis-
ing whatever grain is given, and when that cannot
be done, of mixing it with cut hay and straw, oi
as it is commonly termed, chaff. Wlien the cheek
is injured by the upper grinding teeth, it may be
perceived by separating the jav/s and pressing out
the cheek with the finger ; there is also a tendei-
ness observable upon pressing the cheek on the
outside against the teeth. The horse's manner of
chewing also is remai'kable; and he is often seen,
after attempting for some time to masticate his hay,
to throw it out m the manger, rolled up like a
large quid of tobacco. As soon as the teeth are
known to be in this state, the keen or sharp edges
should be filed off'; for which purpose a hollow file
is sold by veterinary instrument makers. The
sore cheek is to be afterwards washed by means of a
syringe, with the lotion, No. I. Horses are liable also
to caries, or decay of the jaw teeth, and probably

42

GROOMING.

to toothach. Sometimes we observe a great irrc
gulanty in the first grinding tooth, one part rising
consideraWy above the rest : this is easily knocked
ofFwith a blunt chisel and mallet. I have known
horses in the constant habit of throwing out their
hay in the manger in the form of quids, when no
imperfection could-be perceived in the teeth : such
horses are named by dealers guidders, and are con-
sidered of no value. This may depend on some
injury in the articulation of the under jaw, or from
want of power in the muscles concerned in mas-
tication or swallowing. I have met with two cases
where the animals were Hterally starved from
inability to- swallow.* It was proved in passing
the probang that no obstruction existed either in
the throat or gullet ; and when a ball was placed
far back in the throat, he appeared capable of
swallowing it. The nourishing mashes that were
given him were returned by the nostrils, as well as
the water he attempted to drink. This horse was
able to masticate ; therefore the muscles of deo-In-
tition or swallowing only appeared to be affected ;
and this probably was occasioned by a severe attack

* I have this morning examined a horse that died from in-
ability to maslicale; that is, lie was forced to work, though
gradually losing strength for want of nourishment ; at length he
dropped down and died. On the inside of the cheeks I found
deep nicers, one of them communicating wilh the bony socket
of the tooth, which was carions ; the tooth was loose, and
easily drawn out with the fingers: from the appearance of (he
part, this horse must have been sulferiiig a considerable time;
but the cause was never^uspectcd by the owner.

GROOMING. <13

of sore throat which he had suffered a short time
before.

In giving balls awkwardly, or rather in drawing
the tongue with too much force, the skin imder-
neath it, or the bridle, as it is called, is sometimes
lacerated in a considerable degree. It is known
by the horse feeding with difficulty and frothing at
the mouth. This may be soon cured by keeping
him on soft food, and syringing the part three or
four times a day with the lotion, No. 1. The bars
of the mouth, or that part where the bit of the
bridle bears, are sometimes injured and become an
impediment to feeding. When this is not attended
to, the bone often becomes carious, and a trouble-
some disease will be established. On examining
the mouth in such cases, a small ulcer may be
seen in the gum, between the tush and the first
grinding tooth; and on probing this ulcer, thebare^
bone, or the carious part of it will be readily felt.
When the disease has proceeded thus far, I have
found it the best plan to scrape the diseased surface
of die bone with a drawing knife, and when the
bleeding had ceased, to wash it with a solution of
sulphate of copper (blue vitriol) ; after this a cure
may be accomplished in a short time by applying
the lotion, No. I., or tincture of myrrh. The skin
on the inside of the mouth, near the angle or com-
missure of the lips, sometimes is found swollen and
tender, so as to give pain in feeding. This in
stable language is termed washes, bags, &c. and
are generally got rid of by washing the part with

* GROOMING.

some- astringent lotion, such as No. 1. But when
he sweLng is considerable and cannot be thus
umoved, the most prominent part should be cut
out with a kniie or scissars, and the wound after-
wards washed with a solution of sulphate of copper.
A cicatrix will soon form, by which the tumid
parts will be contracted and the inconvenience re-
moved. When the mouth is in that tender and
inflamed state before described, as occurring to
young horses, the excretory ducts of the salivary
glands_ under the tongue partake of the affection,
becoming red and tumid. The old farriers advise
cutting them off; a very absurd and mischievous
practice. This appearance they termed paps and
Ms, and thought it necessary to remove them
even in a healthy state : they resemble very small
teats, and may be seen under the tongue.

The Inmpas, which is a fulness, or swelling of the
roof of tlie mouth near the front teeth, is some-
times an impediment to feeding, but not so often as
it is supposed to be. In all young horses this part
is rather full, and often on a level almost with the
teeth, without being tender or hindering them
from feeding. When the mouth becomes inflamed
and sore, either from teething or some disorder of
the stomach, the roof or palate of the mouth also
is generally in the same slate. For tliis swelling
or lavipas, farriers and grooms think it necessary
to apply the hot iron, and I cannot say that I have
ever seen any injury arise from the application,
except in a few instances, where it has been carried

GROOMINO.

45

too far; but I have almost always found that after
the ojoeration has been performed, and some lotion
given to wash the mouth, no further complaint has
been made of the liorse's feeding. It is better,
however, to try the lotion in the first place, which
with a dose of laxative medicine and a few mashes,
will generally, perhaps, render the operation un-
necessary. Whenever a horse appears to feed
with difficulty or pain ; if he throws out his hay
after chewing it a little, and moves his jaw in an
unusual manner, or with difficulty, or if much
unbroken corn is found with his dung, let the
mouth be carefully examined, and the cause will
probably be found. But if nothing can be seen to
account for the horse's feeding badly, if the food
and water are good, the manger and rack clean,
as well as the pail from which he drinks, and free
from any olFensive smell; and if it is ascertained
also, that there is no difficulty in swallowing, then
it is to be presumed that the stomach and other
parts connected with it are in an unhealthy state,
and that the want of appetite and loss of condition
depend on that circumstance.

The most common cause of loss of tone and
energy in the stomach is feeding upon unwhole-
some provender, or such as is difficult of digestion ;
of this kind are musty oats and hay, &c. By
keeping u horse on such unwholesome food for
some time, he not only loses strength and con-
dition, but becomes subject to very serious dis-
eases, especially when he is made to 'work hard, or

46

GROOMING.

to do only what many consider moderate work for
liim when in good condition. I have seen very
considerable loss sustained by post and coach-
horse proprietors by such imprudence. In this case
a change of diet is of course the principal remedy ;
but when the stomach has been much weakened,
it will be necessary to give some tonic medicine,
and to feed the animal more frequently than usual,
with small quantities of food, that is light and easy
of digestion ; such as mashes of ground malt,
boiled barley, or oats, &c. A dose of laxative me-
dicine about once in a week or ten days will also
be useful durmg the horse's recovery ; and regular
walking exercise and good grooming are no less
essential. Drinking cold water freely, when heated
by exercise, will often produce an injurious elFect
upon the stomach, and consequently upon the skin
and coat ; from this cause arise small tumours on
various parts of the body, hide bound, rough
unhealthy looking coat, loss of condition, and
many other evils. The same effects may be pro-
duced by making a horse stand in a cold wind or
rain, after having been heated by exercise, espe-
cially when the exercise has been such as to cause
fatio-ue or exhaustion; in this case indeed, the
most serious diseases are often produced, such as
inflammation of the lungs or bowels, general in-
flammation, or acute rheumatism, or what is com-
monly termed a violent chill. The digestive organs
sometimes become weak gradually without any ap-
parent cause ; and such is the connection of the

GROOMING.

47

skin with the stomach, that the coat and general
appearance of the animal is sure to partake of the
affection. This is first indicated by a failure in
the appetite, or by its becoming depraved ; the
liorse eating his litter in preference to good hay,
or eating any earthy matter that comes in his way,
or licking the walls. This is soon followed by
general debility, emaciation, and an unhealthy
coat. The most effectual remedies in this case are
tonic medicines, nutricious diet, given in a state
in which it is easily digested, such as bruised oats,
mashes of ground malt, &c. Previous to the tonic
medicine the following laxevtive should be given.

Slomachic Laxative.
Bai'badoes aloes .... from 3 to 5 drams

Best soap 3 drams

Powdered ginger 2 drams

Oil of Carraways 20 drops

Syrup enough to form a ball.

This ball is intended to purge very moderately ;
but should its operation be more considerable,
which may happen when the bowels are weak and
irritable; gruel made of wheaten flour or arrow
root should be given freely to restrain it. Mode-
rately warm clothing will be very useful, and brisk
friction of the skin, hard rubbing of the legs, with
walking exercise, are essentially requisite. It should
be understood, however, that although exercise
tends to promote strength, yet if carried beyond

48

GROOMING.

the animal's power, it is sure to diminish it; there-
fore, whenever a horse is very weak, voluntary ex-
ercise only is proper ; such as he may get in a large
box, or, in favourable weather, in a small paddock
or field.

A horse in this state should be fed and watered
oftener than usual, and his water should be at the
summer temperature.

Worms in the stomach and bowels are a fre-
quent cause of leanness and debility in horses; and
while they exist, every exertion to promote condi-
tion will be ineffectual. (See Worms.) A defect
in the organs of respiration will also produce weak-
ness and emaciation.

If the blood be not duly supplied with that vi-
vifying principle, which is derived from the air by
breathing, a greater or less degree of debility must
be the consequence; hence a want of tone is al-
ways observable in the stomach and bowels of
broken-winded horses, as well as a deficiency in
the muscular power in general. The same evils
will result from keeping a horse in too close a
stable, where the air does not contain the usual
proportion of this principle.

Imperfection of the Liver or Pancreas, or Ob-
struction in the Tubes or Ducts, bij which their respec-
tive Juices are coimeijcd to the Bowels. (See ylnato-
my of Internal Organs.) — The liver is not often dis-
eased in the horse, unless it be from internal in-
flammation. When the exterior surface of the bow-
els, or stomach; is attacked by inflammation} it will

GROOMINCi.

49

spread, if not speedily checked by bleeding, &c.,
to tlie surface of the liver, and other internal parts;
and when horses die from this disease, which they
often do, from improper treatment, the liver is ge-
nerally found inflamed or mortified throughout its
whole substance : but this is ah acute disease, and
therefore not connected with the present subject.
(See Injiammaimi of the Liver.) It sometimes
hajjpens, however, that a horse becomes weak and
lean, either from a deficiency or a redundancy of
bile. In the former case, digestion will be imper-
fect, and the horse frequently costive; the appetite
will be bad, the animal languid and sluggish, and
generally hidebound, the coat looking rough and
unhealthy. The best remedy, in this case, is ta
give small doses of calomel, soap, and aloes, as re-
commended in jaundice, so as to keep the bowels
in a more open state ; or, if the disease have exist-
ed some time, give in the first place a mercurial
purgative, and afterward the following alterative :

1 scruple.

1 dr.

J Cascarilla powdered, and rhu--\

j barb, of each j ^ dr.

\ Castile soap 3 (l^.

Sirup enough to form a ball, to be given every
niornmg for five or six days, unless it occasions
purgmg, in which case it is to be discontinued
tor two or three days.

s

so

GRSOMING.

The horse's diet should be light and nutritious,
consisting of ground oats, carrots, malt, &c. : re-
gular exercise is of great use. In the spring or
summer, a i'un at grass is the best remedy. When
there is too much bile formed, it occasions a loose
state of the bowels, which causes the horse to be-
come weak and thin. This complaint depends
upon increased action of the liver, which generally
ceases in a short time, without the aid of medicine.
Should the purging continue, so as to reduce the
animal's strength, the following medicine may be
given, and assisted by a light nourishing diet, and
very moderate exercise : —

Powdered columbo root 2 dr.

Cascarilla powdered 1 dr.

Prepared natron 2 dr.

Opium 4^ dr.

To be given every morning. It is better to try it
first without the opium, and it will generally be
found to succeed, if the horse be allowed some
gruel made with wheat flour or arrow-root : and
when the opium is found necessary, one dose
will generally be found sufficient to stop the
looseness, for some time at least.

There are no external appearances, by which a
diseased state of the pancreas can be ascertained,
and it is probably very rarely a cause of Ul condi-
tion. There is reason to believe, that want of con-

GKOOMING.

SI

dition depends, in some cases, upon an imperfect
action of the lacteals, or those delicate vessels
which convey the chyle, or nutritious parts of the
food, into the blood, or upon some disease of the
mesenteric glands through which they pass. * All
the internal surface of the bowels is covered with
very minute orifices, which are the mouths of the
lacteals, and are supposed to be always open, to
receive such parts of the digested food as are des-
tined for the nourishment of the system. It is not
impi'obable, that these minute orifices may some-
times be obstructed, or that the lacteals may be
deficient in energy. Therefore, when a horse con-
tinues thin and ill-conditioned, without any appa-
rent cause, this may be suspected : and the success
we have often met with in such cases, by giving a
mercurial purgative, joined with a moderate stimu-
lant, or stomachic medicine, seems to justify the
opinion. The following formula may be employed
on this occasion : —

Barbadoes aloes ^ oz.

* Horses that die of atrophy, or mesenteric consumption, have
frequently, for some time before death, a discharge from the
nostrils, and a swelling of the glands under the jaw, from which
circumstance they are generally supposed to be glandered. It
is worth remarking, that in every horse I have examined, that
has died from this cause, or been destroyed from being consi-
dered incurable, I have found the anterior mesenteric artery
considerably enlarged, and its coat much thickened : upon open-
ing ,1, I have invariably seen within it many small worm,,
rather smaller tbun ascarides.

d2

52

GROOMING.

Rhubarb 2 dr.

Calomel 1 dr.

Ginger H dr.

Oil of caraways 10 drops.

Castile soap 2 dr.

Sirup enough to forxn a ball.

I should have observed before, that we some-
times meet with horses, particularly those of the
blood kind, that have an almost habitual looseness
or diarrhcea; and some that cannot bear even mo-
derate work, or even drinking freely of water,
without becoming loose in the bowels, and conse-
quently weak and faint. Such horses are gene-
rally observed to sweat much, with the most mo-
derate exercise, and sometimes when standing in
the stable. This complaint is sometimes merely
temporary, and is most likely to happen in the
early part of spring, or about September and Oc-
tober ; at which period some changes are generally
taking place in the coat, by which the bowels, and
often the whole sj'stem, are rendered irritable and
weak. In this case, the symptoms generally disap-
pear with the cause ; but, as a horse may remain
in t}ais situation a considerablo time, and be unfit
for work, it is advisable to call in the assistance of
medicine. The first medicine to be given is a sto-
machic laxative, and after that the tonic ball. The
horse should be clothed moderately, and exposed
iBs little as possible to a current of air ; but the

onooMiNG.

5S

stable should be well ventilated, and bis ^atei' at
the summer temperature, that is, about fifty de-
grees by Fahx-enheit's thermometer. Plis exercise
ought not to exceed a walk : but he may be taken
out twice a day, if the weather be favourable.
With respect to those horses that are habitually
weak, or ivashy, as it is termed, becoming loose
and weak from moderate work, or other trifling
causes, there is no great chance of radical cure ;
but the aaiimal will derive great benefit from me-
dicine and care, and often be enabled to do liis
work with spirit, and without much inconvenience.
The proprietor of such horses should always be
provided with the following cordial, which should
be given, not only when the looseness and weak-
ness actually are pi-esent, but at any time when
considerable exertion is required of him. If he be
wanted for a journey, or a day's hunt, let him have
a ball a little before he sets off^ and another when
he returns. If the horse be very young, it may be
worth while to attempt a radical cure, by a long
run at grass. Horses of this description require
great attention from the groom : they should never
be exposed to the air without clothes, unless in the
hot days of summer. Their water should be al-
ways at summer temperature, and given in small
quantities often. Their food should be easy of di-
gestion, their oats and beans given in a broken or
bruised state, and their daily allowance should be
divided into four or five feeds. Their hay should
be of the best quality : mow-burnt hay is particu-

» 3

GROOMING.

larly injurious. A brisk circulation should be kept
up in the skin and extremities, by frequent wisping
the body, and hand-rubbing the legs. Moderate
exercise is necessary ; and the horse should always
be attended to the moment he comes into the stable,
either from work or exercise.

Stomachic Purgative.
No. 2.

Barbadoes aloes S dr.

Rhubarb 2 dr.

Ginger 1 dr.

Cascarilla 1 dr.

Oil of camomile 20 drops.

Carbonate of Soda 2 dr.

Sirup enough to forni a ball for one dose.
To7iic Ball.

Salt of steel from 2 dr. to i oz.

Columbo root 3 dr.

Cascarilla bark 2 dr.

Opium 1 scr.

Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose.

Remark.— Arsenic is an excellent tonic, but must
be given with caution, and in small doses. (See
the author's second volume, or Materia Medica,
where a great variety of formulae for tonics arc
given.) Sulphate of copper has likewise been
given as a tonic; the dose about a dram.

fiROOMING. 55

Cordial Ball.
No. 1.

Caraway seeds, recenthj powdered . . 3 dr.

Winter's bark, powdered 2 dr.

Prepared chalk 2 dr.

Opium T '^**" I

Oil of anise- seeds 20 drops.

Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose.
No. 2.

Powdered ginger 2 dr.

Liquorice powder -a- oz.

Oil of caraways and anise-seed, of each 12 drops.
Treacle enough to form the ball.

This is a more simple ball than the former, and
will generally answer the purpose. When it is
found necessary to give No. 1, the opium should
be omitted if there is occasion to repeat it after a
second dose.

56

CHAPTER II.

STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE INTERNAL
ORGANS.

The hollow part of the body is divided into two
cavities by a strong muscular partition, termed the
diaphragm or midriff; the anterior part is named
the thorax or chest; and the posterior, the aMo-
men or belly. The thorax contains the- lungs and
hectrt; the abdoriien, the stomach, inteslines, liver,
spleen or milt, pancreas or sweetbread, hidneijs, and
lladder.

Of the Lungs.

In describing the lungs, it is necessary to begin
with the trachea or wind-pipe, which is a cylindri-
cal cartilaginous tube, extending from the throat
to the chest. The trachea is not made up of one
entire cartilage, but of several cartilaginous rings,
which are united by strong membranes; and such
is the elasticity of these cartilages, that the tube is
enabled to preserve its cylindrical form, even when
it receives considerable pressure, and thereby af-
fords free ingress and egress to the air in respira-
tion. The membranes also are elastic, so that the
windpipe may be either elongated, shortened, or

THE LUNGS.

57

bent, in some degree. The upper part of the
trachea is composed of stronger cartilages than the
other parts of the tube, and is termed larynx : to
this is connected a curious kind of valve, called
epiglottis, which is always open, except in the act
of swallowing : it is then forced down upon the
larynx, so as to prevent food, or any thing which
may be passing over the throat, from falling into
the windpipe. The trachea terminates in the
lungs, dividing into numerous branches, which,
gradually becoming smaller, at length terminate in
minute cells : the lungs, indeed, are made up of the
ramifications of the trachea and blood-vessels ,• the
interstices being filled with a cellular membrane,
which serves to unite them, and gives an uniform
and homogeneous appearance to the whole mass.
The lungs are covered with a fine delicate mem-
brane, called the pleura, which also covers the in-
ternal surface of the ribs and diaphragm, and, by
stretching across the chest from the spine to the
breast-bone, divides the thorax into two cavities ;
this part of the pleura is therefore named jnediasiL
mm. On every part of the pleura, fluid is secreted
for the purpose of preventing a cohesion of the
parts ; and when this is produced too abundantly,
it constitutes the disease termed hydrothorax, or
dropsy of the chest. The pleura, though so fine a
membrane, is impervious to air; which may be
proved on the dead animal, by rupturing one or
more of the small branches of the windpipe, ntid
then blowing into the lunga. The air, which Is

58 THE LUNGS.

forced in, will then escape through the ruptured
parts, and be diffused in the cellular membrane, *
so as to make the lungs appear much larger than
they were before. When the air is at length
forced to the surface of the lungs, it will be pre-
vented from escaping by the pleura, which will be
blown up, and appear like an inflated bladder on
the surface of the lungs. If this be punctured, the
air will soon escape, and the lungs will return to
their original size. This circumstance is noticed,
as it is supposed to happen sometimes in the livhig
animal, and to be the cause of broken wind. (See

* The cellular membrane is that which connects the various
parts of the body with each other; it not only unites the skin to
the flesh, and the large muscles to each other, but is employed
also to connect the minute fibres which compose the skin, mus-
cles, &c.; and, thereforrf, it is inferred, that the cellular mem*
brane exists in every part of the body, however minute; and is
in some parts so fine, as to be invisible; while in others, as be-
tween (he shoulder blade and the ribs, it is very conspicuous.
The cellular membrane is composed of cells of various sizes,
which communicate freely with each other, so that, if a blow-
pipe be put into one of the cells, and air forced through it, all
the neighbouringp arts will be blown up to a considerable size
A familiar example of this is the practice among butchers of
blowing up the cellular membrane of a shoulder of veal. Tt
sometimes happens in the case of a fractured rib, that one end o
the bone is forced into the lungs, so as to wound the branches o
the windpipe and the pleura; the air, which .s uisp.red w ill
then escape ; and, as the wound communicates with the cellular
membrane between the muscles of the ribs, the air gradually dif-
fuses itself through all the contiguous parts ; and sometimes the
Whole body, and even the cellular membrane about the eye,
U inflated from this cause.

THE LUNGS.

S9

Broken Wind and Chronic Cough). The lungs are
divided into two parts, or lobes, one of which is si-
tuate in each cavity of the thorax : there is also a
small lobe or lobule, as it is termed, within the du-
plicature of the pleura, which forms the mediasti-
num. This division seems to have been provided
in case of accidents, it having been proved that
when one lobe is incapable of performing its func-
tion in consequence of injury or disease, the other
has been found adequate to the support of life.

The lungs are the organs of respiration or
breathing : but they do not appear to be aclively
concerned in the performance of this office : when
the diaphragm and the muscles of the belly and
ribs contract, the cavity of the thorax is consider-
ably diminished, and the lungs so compressed, that
the air contained in them is forced out through the
windpipe : when this has been effected, the muscles
relax, and the thorax returns to its original size.
There would now be a vacuum between the inter-
nal surflice of the ribs and the external surface of
the lungs, did not the air rush in through the wind-
pipe, and so distend its branches and cells, as to
make the lungs completely fill the cavity. Thus
are the lungs constantly employed in inspiration
and expiration; and this process, which we call
breathing, is carried on by the combined action of
the diaphragm, and the muscles of the ribs and
abdomen. It is supposed that the elasticiiy of the
lungs, or rather of the branches of the windpipe,
materially contributes to this important action, in

60

THE LUNGS.

the same manner as a bottle of elastic gum, or In-
dian-rubber, fills itself either with air or water,
from its great elasticity. If a small pipe or quill
be tied to the mouth of one of those bottles, and
the air pressed out by the hand; as soon as the
pressure is removed, the bottle will resume its ori-
ginal form, and consequently be filled with air
again. If the mouth of the bottle or the pipe be
put into water after the air has been pressed out,
on removing the pressure, the bottle Avill be filled
with water *.

The internal surface of the windpipe and its
branches is lined with a membrane, on which is
formed a mucous fluid, similar to that which the
membrane within the nostrils secretes. When this
accumulates, so as to be inconvenient, it is expec-
torated or thrown up by coughing. In the human
subject this mucus is coughed up into the throat
and mouth ; but in the ho/'se, it is thrown chiefly
into the nostrils. The mucous membrane of the
windpipe and its branches is the part principally

* It has been supposed, fliat, if an opening were made in
the side, so as to admit tlie air into the cliesf, the lungs would
collapse: I was induced, therefore, to make the following ex-
periment : —

1 made an opening on both sides of a horse, so that I could
introduce my finger into the cliest. A tube was then put into
the openings, sons to give free admission to the air. The horse
was kept in this state nearly half an hour w ithout appearing lo
Buffer any inconvenience from it. This experiment was repealed
on nnothcr horse while lying on his side, and in that case when
Rn opening was mnde in the chest, (he lung immediately col-
lapsed.

THE LUNGS.

61

affected in catarrh or cold. The disease generally
begins at the superior part or larynx, sometimes in
the mucous membrane of the throat and nos-
trils, spreading from thence into the trachea and
its ramifications. A catarrh, therefore, consists in
an inflammation of these membranes, varying in
desree and the extent of surface which it attacks :
sometimes it is confined chiefly to the pituitary
membrane, or that which lines the nostrils; at
others, the membrane anci glands of the throat are
chiefly affected, when the disease is named quinsy
or sore-throat ; and often, the whole extent of the
mucous membrane, even to the air-cells, becomes
inflamed, and secretes an unusual quantity of mu-
cus, which would soon suffocate the animal were
it not every now and then expelled by coughing.
That part of the membrane which lines the larynx
is possessed of exquisite sensibility ; and when the
smallest portion of the food happens to get there,
an accident which sometimes occurs, the most vio-
lent irritation is produced ; and if the animal does
not succeed in his efforts to get rid of it by cough-
ing, a fatal inflammation or suffocation is the con-
sequence. It is worthy of remark, that notwith-
standing the great sensibility of the inside of the
larynx, the membrane lining the windpipe seems
to be nearly, if not quite, insensible. I have se-
veral times made an opening in a horse's windpipe,
and scratched the membrane Avith my forefinger,
and even with an instrument, and it has not np'
peared to give the animal the least pain ; but in

62

THE HEART,

passing up a straw, the moment it touched the
larynx, the most violent irritation was produced.
It is very probable, that when the membrane of the
trachea is affected with catarrh, it becomes more
n-ritable. There is not only an increased secretion
of mucus in catarrh, but the quality of the matter
seems to be different : at first, it is much more
fluid than in health, of a strong saline taste, and
very stimulating. As the disease declines, it be-
comes thicker, approaching, in appearance, to the
matter of an abscess. In some cases, a prodigious
quantity is formed and thrown off by the nostrils.
When catarrhal diseases occur as an epidemic,
they arc generally attended with fever, and soon
occasion a considerable degree of debility. Some-
times the disease spreads to the cellular texture of
the lungs, constituting the disease termed peripneu-
momj, and then the pleura or investing membrane
of the lungs before described is likewise affected.
The mucous membrane of the windpipe and its
branches is liable to other and more durable af-
fections, upon which depend chronic cough, roar-
ing, broken wind, &c., which will be noticed here-
after.

—

Of the Heart.

The heart is placed nearly in the middle of the
thorax : it is i'ather conical in its form, the apex

THE HEART.

68

inclining towards the left side ; its base attached
to the bones of the back and ribs : it is loosely in-
vested with a membrane or sac, termed pe7-icarduim,
vulgarly heart-hag. This sac always contains a
small quantity of fluid, which serves to lubricate
its internal surface, as well as the surface of the
heart, to prevent their cohesion, and suffer them to
move freely upon each other. Sometimes this
fluid accumulates, from a diseased action of the
vessels which form it, to a considerable degree.
This kind of dropsy generally accompanies that of
the chest. The heart is divided into two cavities,
termed ventricles^ each of them having a small hol-
low appendage, which, from a slight resemblance
it bea)-s to a dog's ear, is named aurick. The
blood-vessels proceed from these cavities, the ar-
teries from the ventricles, the veins from the
auricles; the former serving to carry the blood
from the heart to every part of the body, for the
purposes of nourishment, secretion of the various
juices, and stimulating the system to action, as well
as for furnishing the various parts with the vital
principle; the latter conveying back the blood,
thus deprived of its essential parts, to the heart,
that it may be renovated by circulating through the
lungs, as we shall now describe more particularly.
When the left ventricle is full of blood, it contracts
so powerfully as to force its contents into the aorta,
or grand artery, by the almost infinite ramifica-
tions of whidi the blood is distributed all over the
body. The arteries at length terminate in the

6i

THE HEART.

vems, which, gradually becoming larger and less
numerous, convey the blood into the righl auricle,
whence it flows into the right ventricle; this also,
when it is sufficiently distended, contracts upon its
contents, and propels the blood into the pulmonary
artery, by which it is conveyed to every part of the
lungs. The pulmonary veins then receive it, and
convey it to the left auricle, whence it is propelled
into the left ventricle, that it may again be distri-
buted by the 007 /0 to every part of the body.

In the natural course of circulation, the above
order of successive motions is not pursued, for the
contraction of both auricles is simultaneous as well
as of the ventricles, while the dilatation and con-
traction of the auricles and ventricles are alternate
to each other. Dr. Harvey, the discoverer of the
circulation, conceived the whole of the circulatory
process to be effected by the contractile power of
the heart ; but it is now generally considered to be
greatly dependant on the arteries also. The ar-
teries are composed of three coats : the exterior
coat is higlily elastic; the middle is muscular, and
the inner one is a delicate, smooth membrane. ' It
is a remarkable fact, as stated by Mr. John Hun-
ter, that the large arteries appear to consist almost
wholly of elastic matter, while in those of smaller
diameter muscularity predominates; and that this
last in the capillary or smallest branches exists al-
most exclusively. Thus, as Richerand observes,
the passage of the blood into the large trunks of
the arteries, in the vicinity of the heart, is effected

THE HBART.

65

principally by that organ, but, in proportion as it
becomes distant from the heart, several causes re-
tard it; and the blood could not arrive at every
part vi^ere not the arteries, which are more active
in proportion to their smallness and distance from
the heart, to act and propel it to all the organs.
Dr. Harvey 'supposed that the arteries communi-
cated with the veins by an intermediate cellular
substance; but this is the case only in the uterus,
the spleen, and the cavernous bodies of the penis.
Arteries have different terminations : the chief of
which, as it relates to the circulation, are the veins
with which they communicate by the intervention
of what are termed the capillaries or minute
branches of the arteries. The other terminations
are in glands, mucous, and serous, surfaces. In
the glands named kidneys, for example, arteries
terminate in urinary vessels as well as in veins ; in
the mucous membrane of the windpipe, nose, &c. ;
in mucous vessels; and on the membranes named
pleura, periloneum, &c. ; in serous vessels or ex-
halants.

In the capillary arteries, the colour of the blood
is lost, by reason of their minute size, which will
not admit the red globules or colouring matter of
the blood ; on this account, the blood-vessels on the
surface of the eye are not perceptible, unless that
part is inflamed ; in which case, the red globules
are forced into them, and, of course, they become
visible. The veins are more numerous and much
larger than the arteries : in the latter, the circula-

66

THE HEART.

tion is effected by the action of the heart, or of
their own muscular and contractile power; in the
veins, however, these circulatory powers have so
trivial an energy that nature has guarded against
impediments in the course of the blood through
these last; in some instances, indeed, has facilitated
this course, by such a distribution of them as shall
ensure the propulsion of the vital fluid by the
action of various muscles. In the legs, for ex-
ample, the blood readily returns in the veins in
opposition to gravity ; this is effected, in great
measure, by the motion of the limbs, and the con-
sequent pressure which the veins receive, and by
their having numei'ous valves within, which open
only towards the heart ; so that, when the vein is
compressed, the contained fluid is necessarily pro-
pelled in its proper course.

The blood is thus continually circulating through
the body ; and this process may be considered as
one of the most important actions that is performed
in the animal machine. If it be stopped for a few
seconds, all motion is suspended ; and if it be pre-
vented a longer time from going on, vitality is des-
troyed. The function of the lungs is of equal im-
portance in the animal economy, and cannot be
stopped even for a short time, without suspending
or totally destroying animation. Ancient physio-
logists had a very imperfect idea of the manner in
which these organs so essentially contributed to
the support of life : the moderns, however, have
been more successful in their researches ; they have

THE HEART.

67

discovered that the blood derives from the air,
which is taken into the lungs, the most important
properties, without which it would be a useless
vapid mass, totally inadequate to the purposes for
which it was designed. If we examine the blood
in the left ventricle of the heart, and in the arteries,
it will be found of a bright scarlet colour, and re-
plete with those properties which render it capable
of nourishing the body, and stimulating the whole
system to action : in the veins it becomes of a much
darker colour ; and when it arrives at the right
ventricle is nearly black, and destitute of those en-
livening qualities, which it possessed in the left
ventricle. Had not the Deity then provided some
means for its renovation, it would have been quite
unfit for a second circulation, and the duration of
life must have been short indeed; but from the
right ventricle it is conveyed by the pulmonary
artery to the lungs, at the moment they are dis-
tended with air; here the blood imdei'goes a won-
derful alteration; it resumes its bright scarlet
colour, and is returned by the pulmonary veins to
the left side of the heart, with all its original and
essential qualities restored to it. It is proper to
observe, that there ai'e valves placed in such situa-
tions, as effectually prevent the blood from taking
a retrograde course. Were it not for this con-
trivance, the blood would as readily be forced into
the left auricle as into the great artery, when the
left ventricle, which lies between them, contracts,
or shrinks up ; and so of the other parts.

6S VISCERA OF THE ABDOMEN.

Hence we may learn how important are the
Junctions of respiration and the circulation of
Wood how essential to the life of animals, and how
dependent they are on each other.

Viscera of the Aldomen.

Having finished our description of the thoracic
viscera, we proceed to notice those of the abdomen
or belly ; the first and most important of which is
the stomach. Whatever this organ receives is con-
veyed to it by a long muscular tube, name cesopha-
gus or gullet. The oesophagus originates in the
throat, where its size is considerable, but it sud-
denly diminishes into a small tube, and is conti-
nued of the same size to the stomach : the upper
part has been thought to resemble a funnel in its
form, and is distinguished by the term pharynx.

The pharynx is situate immediately behind the
larynx, or beginning of the windpipe ; but is not,
like it, composed of strong cartilage or gristle ; it
is formed of membrane with a muscular coA^ering,
which, by contracting, forces the masticated food
down the gullet, or cesophagus. As it is absolutely
necessary to breathing, that the larynx should be
always open, it is therefore composed of strong
cartilage, which cannot easily, or by moderate
pressure, be squeezed together and shut up : but
this structure is not requisite in the pharynx, as it

VISCERA OP THE ABDOMEN.

69

only requires to be opened occasionally; and then
the muscles of the tongue are able to force food or
water into it, while its own muscles continue to
force the food or water downward, through the
gullet, into the stomach. We have before ob-
served, that, while the food or water is passing-
over the tongue into the pharynx, it cannot fall
into the windpipe, on account of its being covered
by the valve epiglottis, which is forced down upon
the windpipe by the food, as it passes into the pha-
rynx, so as to shut it completely. If at this in-
stant the animal happen to cough, that is, throw
out air with considerable force from the lungs, the
valve is for a moment opened by it, and a little of
the food or water is liable to get into the windpipe,
whence it is soon expelled by violent coughing.

The oesophagus, having passed along the throat
and back part of the chest, penetrates through the
diaphragm, and terminates in the stomach.

The oesophagus of a horse has on its internal
surface an insensible membrane, which stretches
into the stomach, and lines nearly one half of its
surface : this peculiarity enables us to account in
some measure for the inactivity of many violent
poisons when given to the horse. In the human
oesophagus, this membrane does not exist, the
whole of its internal surface, as well as that of the
stomach, being exquisitely sensible.

If two grains of emetic tartar be swallowed by
a man, they soon occasion violent vomiting;
whereas two hundred times that quantity wout^

70

TISCKRA OP THE ABDOMEN.

produce no sensible effect upon the horse. At the
cardiac orifice, or that part where the oesophagus
enters the stomach, its internal coat is so loose as
to be thrown into folds, appearing as if it were de-
signed as a valve to prevent the regurgitation of
the contents of the stomach. From this cause, as
well as from the insensibility of the membrane,
with which great part of the stomach is lined, a
horse very rarely vomits ; but the opinion, that he
is totally incapable of that action, is certainly not
true, as I have once seen a horse vomit consider-
ably. This vomiting came on spontaneously, and
soon ceased. There is no medicine we are ac-
quainted with capable of producing this action in
the horse's stomach ; and its occurrence is very
rare, this being the only case I ever saw : but I
have been informed of two similar cases.

When we examine the thi-oat, another valvular
structure may be observed (which is peculiarly
large in the horse), formed by the epigloilis, or
valve of the windpipe, and a membranous sub-
stance that hangs from the back part of the roof of
the mouth : this is termed velum peiidulum palaii.
These bodies form a very complete valve, which
opens downward only, thereby preventing the re-
turn of any thing through the moutk, either from
the lungs or stomach : thus we find, that a horse
breathes only through his nose, except in coughing,
by which the valve is so deranged as to allow the
air, so thrown out from the lungs, to pass through
the moutli.

VISCERA OF THE ABDOMEN.

71

In the case of vomiting I have just mentioned,
the contents of the stomach were at first observed
to pass through the nose ; at length, by a violent
cough, the valve was dei'anged, and a considerable
quantity of fluid, mixed with masticated hay and
oats, was evacuated by the mouth.

That part of the stomach where the oesophagus
terminates is called the cardiac orifice ; and that
where the intestines begin is termed pylorus.

The intestines or bowels consist of one very long
tube, which terminates at the anus.

In the horse, the intestines measure nearly
thirty yards ; but being convoluted, in order to
adapt them to the cavity in which they are placed,
they have the appearance of several distinct parts.

The internal surface of a horse's intestines is
not lined with that insensible membrane, which is
found in the oesophagus and upper part of the
stomach; on the contrary, it is endued with a high
degree of sensibility, and appears to be more sus-
ceptible of irritation than that of most other ani-
mals. From this irritability of the intestines it is,
that many horses have been destroyed by the ad-
ministration of strong purgatives, and hence arises
the necessity of using these medicines with skill
and caution.

The intestinal tube is not, throughout its whole
extent, of a uniform size : that part next the sto-
mach is rather small, and continues for about
twenty yards nearly of the same diameter ; it then

72

VISCEKA OP THE ABDOMKN.

becomes very large, but again diminishes before its
termination at the anus. At that part where the
small intestines terminate, the canal is considerably
contracted by the folds of the internal coat, resem-
bling in some degree the termination of the oeso-
phagus in the stomach. The first large intestine
or ccecum is remarkably large in the horse; and it
is in this part that large stones are sometimes found.
I have seen one that weighed eight pounds.

Anatomists, in describing the intestinal canal,
divide it into two parts, viz. the small and the
large intestines : these are subdivided, the former
into duodenum, jejunum, and ileum; the latter
into ccecum, colon, and rechm.

All the internal surfoce of the intestinal tube is
covered with a mucous substance, for the purpose
of defending it from the action of acrimonious
bodies. The various convolutions of the intes-
tines are held together by a membrane called me-
sentery, which not only serves this purpose, but
affords also a bed for the lacleals, or those small
vessels by which the nutricious pans of the food
are conveyed to the heart, to be converted into
blood. Before M^e proceed to a particular descrip-
tion of these vessels, it will be necessary to explain
the process of nutrition.

When food is taken into the mouth, it is broken
down by the teeth, and so mixed with saliva, as to
be in a proper state for entering the stomach : it is
then, by the united action of the tongue and mus-

VISCERA OF THE ABDOMEN.

cles of the throat, forced into the oesophagus,
whence it passes into the stomach. In this organ
it undergoes a considerable alteration ; for liere
Nature has provided a curious liquid called
gastric juice, which has the property of con-
verting it into a soft pulpy mass, of a uniform and
homogeneous appearance. When the food haa
been thus altered, the mass is forced by a contrac-
tion of the stomach into the duodenum or first part
of the intestinal canal. This mass, however, does
not consist wholly of nutritive parts, or such as are
fit for the formation of blood ; and another opera-
tion is necessary in order to separate them from
such as are useless : this seems to be effected by
the bile and pancreatic juice. *

There is a peculiarity, however, in the stomach
and intestines of the horse, which it is proper here
to describe. The stomach of the horse is small in
proportion to his general bulk, and has nearly half
of its inner surface covered with a strong insensible
membrane of a white colour. This is the part to
which lotts are generally attached: sometimes*
however, they are found surrounding the pylorus
ni considerable number; and I have seen them so
numerous in that part as nearly to fill the cavity
This insensible membrane is supposed to enable
the stomach to press upon the solid food it may

• This opinion has been proved by the experiments of Mr
surgeon ol St, riiomas's hosjiltal.

li

7* VISCERA OF THE ABDOMEN.

contain, and assist the gastric juice in reducing it
to a soft mass : but digestion is far from being per-
fect in the stomach of the horse, and appears to be
completed in the large intestines, ccecim and colon.
This contrivance seems absolutely necessary in the
horse, when we consider the wonderful speed and
exertion of which he is capable, and for which
Nature appears to have designed him. The ox,
the sheep, and other ruminant animals, have four
stomachs, the smallest of which, in the ox, is neai^ly
as large as that of the horse. These animals take
in a large quantity of food at once, and digest it at
their leisure, from which they feel no inconveni-
ence ; but the horse, even in a state of nature, is
differently employed. Kapidity of motion and
strength are necessary to his preservation ; and in
his domesticated state it is more particularly re-
quired. Hence, he is formed with a small stomach,
which requires frequent supplies, and is no impe-
diment to his exertions. From this will appear
the absurdity of keeping a horse a considerable
time without food or water, and then suffering him
to take in a large quantity : incurable and even
fatal diseases have arisen from this management.

In the ox and some other ruminant animals, di-
gestion is completed in the fourth stomach. The
first two stomachs are connected with each other,
and with a groove-like continuation of the oesopha-
gus. This groove terminates in the third stomach :
the thick prominent lips, which form the margin
of this groove, admit of being drawn together, so

VISCERA OF THE ABDOMEN. 75

as to form a complete canal, which then consti-
tutes a direct continuation of the oesophagus into
the third stomach. The erass or food, after a
slight mastication, is taken into the first stomach or
paunch, from whence it passes, in small portions,
into the second stomach, to imdergo a further ma-
ceration; it is then returned through the oesopha-
gus into the mouth to be ruminated. When the
ruminated food is swallowed, the groove is shut, so
that it passes directly into the third stomach,
where it is farther prepared for the separation and
absorption of chyle, and then passes into the fourth
stomach, in which the process of digestion is com-
pleted.

The horse, in a state of nature, is almost con-
stantly feeding : and the food, which he takes in, is
retainedbutashorttime in thestomach; some change
seems to be going on nearly through the whole of
the intestines, and appears to be completed in the
coecum or blind gut, which, in the horse, is re-
markably large and capacious. From these curious
contrivances, the horse's stomach, in a state of na-
ture, is never so loaded with food as to hinder the
action of the lungs, and impede his velocity. This,
however, does sometimes happen from the folly',
neghgence, or cruelty of his keeper. I have been
the more particular in describing the stomach, as
the subject is connected with, and will tend to elu-
cidate, some important diseases.

The bile is formed by the liver, a large glandular
body, divided into several lobes, and situate imme-

E 2

76

VISCERA OP THE ABDOMElf.

(liately behind the diaphragm, to which it is firmly
attached. The form of the Hver is too well known
to require a particular description; we have only
to observe, therefore, that the bile, which it se-
cretes, is conveyed by the hepatic duct into the duo-
denum, within three or four inches of its orio-in.

to

In man, and the greater part of quadrupeds, all
the bile does not flow immediately into the intes-
tines, there being a small vessel connected with the
hepatic duct, which conveys a certain portion into
a sac, that is attached to the liver, and called the
gall-bladder, whence it is occasionally expelled :
but this does not exist in the horse.

From what we have just said of the peculiarity
in the digestive organs of the hoi'se, the reason of
his having no gall-bladder will readily appear. In
man, and many animals, the food is retained a
considerable time in the stomach ; during which,
the bilious fluid or gall is not wanted ; therefore
Nature has provided a reservoir, the gall-bladder ;
for as the bile is constantly forming by the liver,
so would it be as constantly flowing into the first
intestine were it not for the gall-bladder, which
would have occasioned a great waste of this useful
fluid. During the time of digestion, the food is
shut up in the stomach, the pylonis being closed,
and the first intestine empty. The orifice of the
duct, which conveys the bile into this intestine,
being without its usual stimulus, the digested food
becomes torpid ; and, as the action of the whole
du9t depends upon its orifice being stimidntcd, the

YISCERA or TIIK ABDOMEN.

77

bilo, instead of passing through it, flows into tlic
gall-bladder, wJicrc it remains until the digestive
process is so far completed, that the Ibod begins to
flow from the stomach into (he intestine. The
biliary duct is then stimulated to action ; the gall-
bladder partakes of the irritation ; and, assisted by
the pressure of the distended intestine, contracts
upon its contents, and forces tlie bile through the
duct, into the intestine, where it mingles with the
digested food, and causes a separation of the chyle
or iiuti itious parts.

Jt must be obvious, that, as the horse is almost
constantly feeding, and as digestion is continually
going on in his stomach and intestines, that a con-
stunt /low of bile is necessary, and therefore that
a gall-bladder would be useless, perhaps injurious.

The pancreas is also a glandular body, and se-
cretes a fluid somewhat resembling saliva, which
is conveyed by the pancreatic duct into the duo-
denum, at the same place where the hepatic duct
enters. When these fluids (the bile and pancrea-
tic juice) are poured into the intestine, they mingle
with the mass of digested food, which has been ex-
pelled from the stomach, and separate from it all
those essential ])arts wliich are fit to be converted
into blood: this ])rocess is termed chylification.
We have before observed, when desci ibing the me-
sentery, or that membrane by which the intestines
are lield together, that an immense number of
fin)all delicate vessels arc spread over its surface,
named kcleals, from their containing a fluid which,

^8

VISCERA OF THE ABDOMEN.

in its appearance, resembles milk. This fluid con-
sists, in fact, of the essential parts of the food pro-
ceeding to the heart, in order to be converted into
blood. All the lacteals open into the intestines,
and cover the whole of their internal surface, where
they are always disposed to absorb the nutritious
parts of the food in its passage through the intes-
tinal canal. Some physiologists suppose, that the
mouths of the lacteals have the power of selecting
such parts of the food as are fit to be converted
into blood, that no previous separation takes place,
and that the bile serves only as a natural purga-
tive, constantly stimulating the intestines, thereby
keeping up a small degree of motion in them, and
pi-omoting the expulsion of the feculent parts of
the food.

It will probably be asked, how it is that the mass
of food passes through the intestines, since they
are so convoluted that it cannot possibly be ef-
fected by the power of gravity ? but, if we examine
their structure, this phenomenon may be readily
explained. The intestines are composed, in great
measure, of muscular fibres, some of which run in
a circidar, and others in a longitudinal direction :
when the circular fibres contract, the diameter of
the canal is diminished ; and when the longitudiiial
fibres arc in action, it becomes shorter ; and, by
the combined action of these fibres, the food is
gradually propelled through the whole length of
the intestinal canal. The motion thus excited
may be distinctly seen in an animal recently killed,

VISCERA OF THE ABDOMEN.

79

and in some it continues a considerable time after
death. The intestine, however, is not entirely
composed of muscular fibres : its internal surface
is lined with a fine nervous and vascular mem-
brane, which is endued with exquisite sensibility,
and has the power of forming on its surface a mu-
cous substance, which serves to protect it from the
action of acrimonious bodies. Beside the muscular
and nervous coat, thei*e is another, which enters
into the composition of the intestine : this is a thin
membrane, called peritoncBum. The peritonaeum
not only forms the third and external coat, it like-
wise envelopes all the organs contained in the ab-
domen, forming in the external coat, and is closely
connected with them, and is then so reflected as to
form a kind of sac, in which they are all inclosed.
Thus are the intestines composed of three coats,
which are closely in contact with each other ; the
peritoneal, the muscular, and the nervous coat.

We have yet to describe the course of the lac-
tealsy or those vessels which take up the chyle or
nutritious parts of the food. We have before ob-
served, that they are spread upon the mesentery,
whence they pass on towards the spine, becoming
larger and less numerous in their progress; at
length they terminate in a large tube, which runs
along the spine, and is named the thoracic duct :
this pours its contents into a large vein near the
heart, to which part it is immediately after con-
veyed, and converted into blood.

The kidneys are two glandular bodies, situate

80

VISCERA OF THE ABDOMEN.

Within the loins ; their office is to separate urine
from the blood. The urine, thus separated, is
conveyed by two tubes of considerable length,
termed nreters, into the lladder, which is com-
posed of three coats like those of the intestine ;
and when it has received a sufficient quantity of
urine to stimulate its muscular fibres into action,
it contracts upon the urine, and forces it out
through the urethra or urinary canal. We have
■-^ow finished our sketch of the abdominal and tho-
racic viscera ; which has been given with a view to
rehdefethe description we are about to give of in-
ternal diieases more intelligible to those readers
who arc unacquainted with anatomy, than it M-ould
otherwise have been.

81

CHAPTER nr.

INFLAMMATION.

I'l' was supposed by the celebrated Bo'crhnavc,
and other physioloffists of hi.s time, that innaninui-
tion depended on a viseidity of the blood, which
I'endercd it unfit for circulating^ in the finer vessels ;
and that hence arose obstructions, and those ap-
pearances by which the disease is characterized.
This opinion, however, has obtained very little cre-
dit wilii modern physiologists, and is now univer-
sally rfjectcd; it havhig been proved, that blood.'/
drawn from an animal labouring under iiifiamma-*'feV
tion is more Jiuid, and remains fluid longer, than
that which is taken from tlic same animal when in
heallh.

'J'he most prevailing opinion at present respect-
ing inflammation is, 1 believe, that it consists Jit
an increased action of the heart and arteries, when
general; whereby the blood circulates with un-
usual velocity, throwing the whole system into
derangement; and when Ivcul, or existing in
a particular part, * the increased action is io
like manner confined to the vessels of that part.

• In local inflammation, though the larger arteries of the part
have their action increased, it h probable that their small

K 5

82

INFLAMMATION.

When a part is inflamed, there arises in it an
unusual degree of heat, generally attended witli
considerable tension and swelling; the sensibility
and irritability are always increased, and produced
by it in parts where it did not before exist. In
bones and tendons, for example, scarcely any sen-
sihit'thj can be perceived when they are in a state
of health ; but, when hi flamed, it is roused to an
alarming degree, and the most dangerous conse-
quences may ensue from it.

Inflammation has four modes of termination :
the first is termed resolution ; that is, when the
disease after going a certain length, gradually dis-
appears again: the second suppuration; that is,
when matter is formed, or an abscess produced :
the third is named effusion, which implies an ex-
travasation either of blood, coagulable lymph, pr

brandies, which, from their miiiule size, are termed capil-
lary arteries, are in a state of debility, and dislendfd nilli
blood, whicli they are incapable of getting rid of; ilie larger ar-
teries, acting with unusual strength and quickness, will of course
force a greater quantity of blood than usual into ilu'se delicate
vessels, so as to stretch them beyond their tone, and render tlieui
incapable of contracting upon their contents. This accounts for
swelling, heat, and redness of an inflamed pari, and shows the
utility of local bleeding on such occasions; it points out also the
efficacy of general bleeding, and purging, in local inflammation,
which tend to moderate the action of the larger arteries, and
cause them to pour no more blood into their minute branches
than they are capable of forcing inH) their terminations— the
veins. We thought it proper to say thus much of (he theory of
inflammation, as it may lead to a belter practice than is commonly
adopted in treating (he inflammatory complaints of horses.

INFLAMMATION.

serum : and the fourth, gangrene or mortification,
by which is meant the death of the inflamed part.

Inflammation of the external parts is generally
occasioned by some mechanical injury, such as
wounds, bruises, &c. : sometimes, however, it
arises from internal inflammation or symptoma-
tic fever, and is then to be considered as an effort
of nature to cure the internal disease. Thus we
sometimes find in fevers abscesses taking place on
the surface of the body, whereby the fever is con-
siderably diminished, and, in general, terminates
favourably. When internal inflammation or fever
is transferred to an external part, the feet are ge-
nerally the parts affected; hence we have founder-
ing, pummice-feet, &c. and the horse is commonly
said to have a chill fallen into his feet. Sometimes
soon after a smart attack of fever, beginning with
violent shivering, quick pulse, &c. one or both
of the hind legs becomes swollen, hot, and ex-
tremely painful : the febrile symptoms then usually
disappeai", or are much lessened.

Inflammation is often produced by plethora or
redundancy of blood in the body; in which case
it is sometimes general, the whole arterial system
having its action increased: this also^nay be con-
sidered as an effort of nature to get rid of the su-
perfluous blood, and in such cases she must be as-
sisted by copious bleeding. It more commonly
happens, however, that the redundant blood is de-
termined to some particular part, occasioninjr Ircal

48

INFLAMMATION.

inflammation; very frequently falling upon some
of the internal organs, and the lungs are peculiarly
liable to suffer: from this source, indeed, their
most dangerous fevers arise. The eyes, also, arc
very apt to suffer when a horse becomes plethoric,
to which cause, I believe, almost all the diseases of
that delicate organ may be attributed.

In the treatment of external inflammation, v/e
should endeavour to bring it to the most favoura-
ble termination, that is, resoliUion ; unless when
it arises frona an effort of nature to cure some in-
ternal disease; — it is then desirable to brinsc it
speedily to suppuration ; that is, if a tumour hap-
pens to form in any part : but from whatever cause
inflammation may attack the feet, the most active
measures should be employed for its resolution.
The remedies to be employed for resolving inflam-
mation are, local or general bleeding (see Index,
Bleeding), purgatives, fomentations, poultices, or
the saturnine lotion : other cold applications have
been used with success, such as sal ammoniac dis-
solved in vinegar, goulard, &c.

When inflammation takes place in tendinous
parts or joints, the saturnine poultice has been
found an useful remedy, and in the latter case I
have often found blisteis extremely efficacious.
As in these cases the inflammation generally proves
more troublesome, and as the pain which it occa-
sions is often so considerable as to produce sympto-
matic fever, it becomes necessary to employ, with-

INFLAMMATION.

out loss of time, the most prompt and efficacious
means foi* its reduction *. With this view, we ex-
cite arl'ificial inflammation in the contiguous skin
and cellular membrane, which are parts of far less
importance in the animal economy than joints or
tendons, and capable of bearing a considerable de-
gree of inflammation, without much inconvenience
to the animal : this is done by means of rowels
and blisters, and the inflammation, thus excited,
will tend, in a considerable degree, to diminish
that which is going on in the more important part.
Should we fail in our endeavours to resolve inflam-
mation, it will probably terminate in siipparallon ;
and when it appeal's that the disease does not abate
by the use of the remedies we have recommended,
an assiduous application of fomentations and poul-
tices will expedite the suppurative process, and af-
ford great relief to the animal. When the inflam-
mation, or rather the s^velling which it occasions,
arrives at this state, it is termed an abscess, in which,
when the suppuration is complete, and it contains
matltr, a fluctuation may be felt, upon its being
pressed by two fingers alternately. This point be-
ing ascertained, an opening is to be made* with a
lancet or knife, in such a way that the matter may
be completely evacuated, and a future accumula-
tion prevented : it is then to be dressed with di-
gestive liniment or ointment. Should the wound
appear indisposed to heal when this treatment has

* Sec Wounds of Joints.

86

INFLAMMATION.

been pursued for a short time, discharging a thin
offensive matter, and wanting that red appearance
by which the healing process is indicated, the de-
tergent lotion will soon remove these unfavourable
appearances ; the discharge will become whiter and
thicker, and red granulations of new flesh will
sprout up. Should these granulations, however,
become luxuriant, constituting what is commonly
termed proud fiesh, they are to be kept down by
means of the caustic powder. It sometimes hap-
pens, that when a part is inflamed and swollen,
instead of going on to suppuration, it degenerates
into a hard and almost insensible tumour: this de-
pends on the inflammation having terminated in
effusion of coagulable lymph, and is to be rem.oved
by stimulating embrocations or blisters.

When inflammation runs very high, as is some-
times the case in violent bruises, or deep and ex-
tensive wounds of the lacerated kind, it may ter-
minate in gangrene or mortification, which is ge-
nerally attended with danger: in this case, tlie
matter discharged, instead of being white and thick,
consists of a dark-coloured fluid, of a peculiar of-
fensive smell; the constitution is generally affected,
the pulse becoming quick, weak, and sometimes
irregular; the appetite goes off"; and there is a
great degree of debility. *

When any of the ivlernal parts arc inflamed, a
fever is generally produced, the violence of which

* See Lacerated and Contused Wounds.

INFLAMMATION.

87

will depend upon the importance of the inflamed
organ, as well as upon the extent and degree of ,
the inflammation ; some of the internal parts being
more essential to life than others, and, when in-
flamed, occasioning of course greater derangement
in the system. The only J'uvourahle termination,
to which internal inflammation can be brought, is
resolution ; and the most vigorous measures should
be adopted in order to effect it. The most import-
ant remedy in these cases is copious bleeding, and
the earlier it is employed the more eflectual will it
prove: the next remedy is external ivJlavimaLiOTii
artificially excited by means of rowels and blisters.
The fever powder and occasional clysters are of
considerable service.

88

CHAPTER IV.

PEVER.

The fevers of horses bear very little analogy to
those of the human body, and require a different
treatment. Writers on farriery have described a
great variety of fevers, but their observations ap-
pear to have been drawn from the works of medical
authors, and their reasoning seems entirely analo-
gical. I can distinguish only two kinds of fever,
the one, an idiopathic or original disease, and
therefore properly termed simple; the other, de-
pendent on internal inflammation, and very justly
denominated symptomalic fever. For example, if
the lungs, bowels, or stomach, were inflamed, the
whole system would be thrown into disorder, and
a symptomatic fever produced: but if a collapse of
the j;)erspiring vessels liappen to take place, the
blood will accumulate in the interior parts of the
body ; and though inflammation is not produced
by it, the unequal distribution of the blood alone
will occasion that derangement in the S3'stem
which constitutes the simple fever. * The simple

* Fever is often preceded, or ratlicr commences, with slii-
vering; from wiiich circumstance it seems rcns(7nable to infer,
lliat an interruption of tiie functions of tlic sliin is either a caust
of feyer, or materially connected with it.

FEVER.

89

fever does not occur so frequently as the symi)to-
matic, nor is it by any means so formidable in its
appearance; yet it is necessary to give it the ear-
liest attention, for unless nature receives timely as-
sistance, she will be sometimes unable to get rid of
the load which oppresses her; and the blood will
accumulate in the interior part of the body, until
inflammation in some of the viscera is produced,
and a dangerous disease established. The follow-
ing are the symptoms of simple fever :— shivering,
succeeded by loss of appetite, dejected appearance,
quick pulse, hot mouth, and some degree of de-
bilitv : the horse is generally costive, and voids his
urine with difficulty. The disease is often accom-
panied with quickness of breathing, and, in a few
cases, with pain in the bowels, or symptoms of
colic.

As soon as a horse is attacked by this disease,
let hira be bled freel}' ; and if costivencss be one of
the symptoms, give a pint of castor oil, or the oil
of olives ; and let a clyster of warm water-gruel be
injected. * After the operation of the laxative,
the fever powder is to be given once in twelve
hours, and continued until its diuretic effect be-

* I have lately found the following drink a very useful lax-
ative on these occasions: —

Take of Barbadoes aloes powdered 3 drains.

Prepared kali li dram.

Castor oil 4 oz. to 6 oz.

Simple mint water and pure w:\ter, of each, ,. 4 oz.
Mix for one dose.

90

comes considerable. Warm water and mashes are
to be frequently offered in small quantities; warm
clothing, frequent hand-rubbing, and a liberal al-
lowance of litter, are also necessary: and when the
fever runs high, it is advisable to insert rowels
about the chest and belly, in order to prevent in-
ternal inflammation from taking place. When
the disease appears to be going off, the horse look-
ing more lively, and the appetite returning, let him
be led out for a short time in some warm situation,
and give now and then a malt mash for the purpose
of recovering his strength.

FEVEU-POWDER.

No. 1.

Powdered nitre from ^ to 1 oz.

Camphor and tartarised an- ") c ^ ^ ^ j
^. <• , r h'om 1 to 2 di-.

timony, or each J

Mix for one dose.
No. 2.

Powdered nitre 1 oz.

Unwashed calx of antimony 2 dr.

Mix for one dose. t

No. 3.

Antimonial powder 3 dr.

Camphor 1 dr.

Liquorice powder 3 dr.

Mix for one dose. Syrup enough to form the ball.

SYMPTOMATIC FEVER.

91

Symptomatic Fever.

The symptomatic fever is generally occasioned
by high feeding, close stables, and a want of pro-
per exercise: sometimes, however, a sudden tran-
sition from a cold to a hot temperature is evidently
the cause of it. In this respect it is different from
the simple fever, which, as before observed, some-
times arises from exposing a horse suddenly to cold
air, when he has been accustomed to a warm sta-
ble. Horses that are taken from camp or grass,
and put suddenly into warm stables, are extremely
liable to those internal inflammations on which
symptomatic fever depends, and many thousands
have fallen victims to this kind of treatment.

"When a fever is symptomatic, it is not perceived
by shivering, nor is it so sudden in its attack as
the simple fever : * but when it is not subdued by
an early application of remedies, the symptoms gra-
dually increase in violence, until they present a
very formidable appearance. When the disease,
however, is occasioned by great and long continued
exertion, it generally comes on suddenly ; and the
complaint has a very dangerous appearance in its
earliest staere.

• Fever that commences -with shiveriug, has often terminated
in a fatal inBaramation of the lungs, when neglected or impro-
perly treated.

SYMPTOMATIC FEVER.

The symptomatic fever has many symptoms hi
common with the simple fever, which are, loss of
appetite, quick pulse, dejected appearance, hot
mouth, and debility; and if to these be joined
difficulty of breathing, and quick working of the
flanks, with coldness of the legs and ears,"we may
conclude that an inflammation of the lungs is the
cause of the fever. If the horse hang down his
head in the manger, or lean back upon his collar
with a strong appearance of being drowsy, the eyes
appearing watery and inflamed, it is probable that
the fever depends upon an accumulation of blood
in the vessels of the brain, and that the staggers
are approaching : in this case, however,- the pulse
is not always quickened; sometimes, indeed, I
have found it unusually slow. *

When the symptoms of fever are joined with a
yellowness of the eyes and mouth, an inflanmmtion
ofthe liver is indicated. Should an inflammation
of the bowels be the cause, the horse is violently
griped. An inflammation of the kidnejs will also
produce fever, and is distinguished by a suppres-
sion of urine and an inability to bear pressure upon
the loins. When inflammation of the bladder is
the cause, the horse is frequently staling, voiding
only very small quantities of urine, and that with
considerable pain. Extensive wounds, and particu-

* Nearly (he same sj mploiiis arc produced, when (he s{oinnch
is oppressed or loaded, and incapable of" digesting i(s con(cu(s.
See Sluggers, and Biscascs of the Sloniach,

INFLAMMATION or THE LUNGS.

93

]arly those of joints, will also produce symptomatic
fever. Sometimes several of the internal parts are
inflamed at the same instant ; and indeed when
inflammation has existed for a considerable leno-th
of time, it is seldom confined to the organ in which
it originated : the disease spreads to other viscera ;
and when more than one organ is inflamed, the
symptoms will generally be complicated : still,
however, the essential remedies are the same, that
is to say, copious and early bleeding, with rowels,
&c.

Having now given a general description of symp-
tomatic fever, I shall proceed to treat of those
cases separately to which above I have briefly al-
luded.

Inflammation of the Lungs.

This is a very dangerous disease, and one to
which horses are exceedingly liable : the frequency
of its occurrence is occasioned by improper ma-
nagement, and not by any natural defect in the
constitution of the animal : it may therefore be
prevented by proper attention in the groom. Me-
dical writers make a distinction between inflamma-
tion of the lungs and that of the pleura, or the
membrane which covers those organs, calling the
former peripneumony, and the latter pleiirisy : this
distinction, however, is not necessary in veterinary

94

INFLAMMATION OP THE LUNGS.

nosology, since we never find these parts affected
separately in the horse. * The progress of this
disease is often very rapid ; and unless proper re-
medies are employed at an early period, it fre-
quently terminates fatally.

Its approach is indicated by the following symp-
toms : — loss of appetite, an appearance of dulness
and disinclination to motion, unusual quickness in
the motion of the flanks, hot mouth, and some-
times a cough. If the disease, by adopting an inert
ot improper mode of treatment, be suffered to pro-
ceed, all these symptoms will increase ; respiration
will become extremely quick and laborious, the
pulse more frequent, and at the same time weak.
A striking appearance of uneasiness and anxiety
may be observed in the animal's countenance : the
nostrils expanded, the eyes fixed, and the head
inclining downward; the legs and ears become
cold, and the debility is so considerable, that he is
incapable of moving in the stall without great dif-
ficulty ; he never lies down, unless so much weak-
ened as to be incapable of standing. The disease,
however, is not always so rapid in its progress as
we have here described it, and not unfrequently a
considerable remission may be observed, which is
occasioned probably by an effusion of serum or

• On examining the bodies of horses lliat die of this disease,
we always find the lungs diseased as well as the pleura: it is
probable, however, tfiat the inflammation generally- begins in
the pleura, and spreads gradually to tlic'lungs.

INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS.

95

water having taken place in the chest ; and this
remission is sometimes so conspicuous, that we ax'e
led to give a favourable prognosis, the horse be-
ginning to feed again, and the pulse becoming less
frequent. But this flattering appearance often
proves fallacious ; the disease soon returns with
accumulated force, and puts a period to the ani-
mal's life. I have seen cases, where bleeding has
not been performed with sufficient freedom, in
which the inflammation, being checked in some
degree, at length terminated in a plentiful effusion
of water in the chest : when this happens, the horse
returns to his food, looks more lively, and in short
the symptoms of fever in a great measure disap-
pear. There remains, notwithstanding, an unusual
quickness in respiration, generally accompanied
with a cough ; the hind legs swell, and the horse
very rarely lies down ; a rough unhealthy appear-
ance may also be observed in the coat, the skin
feeling as if it stuck to the ribs ; and the animal
continues in a state of weakness. After some time,
the inflammation generally returns, and then speed-
ily ends in death. It sometimes happens, that the
inflammation terminates in suppuration : in this
case also the fever is in some degree lessened, and
the horse begins to feed a little ; but he still re-
mains in a very feeble state, has a weak cough, and
discharges fetid matter from his nostrils ; at length
the disease again becomes violent, and soon puts
a period to his sufferings. On examining the
membrane within the eyg-lids, which may be done

9G

INrLAMMATION Of THE LUNGS.

by gently opening tliem with the finger antl thumb,
or by Hfting the upper eye-lid, it will generally be
seen unusually red ; and when this redness is con-
siderable, and docs not disappear after copious
bleeding, I have generally found that the disease
terminates fatally. An unfavourable termination
is likewise to be apprehended, when there is a
great loss of strength at the commencement of the
disorder, the horse appearing to ramble when
moved out of the stall or stable, and looking stu-
pid and insensible to what is doing to him. In
these bad cases, the blood is a long time in coagu-
latino- — I have seen it remain in a fluid state nearly
half an hour.

The first thing to be done, when this dangerous
disease is observed, is, to Meed copiously, even till
the horse begins to faint from loss of blood. I
have seen six quarts drawn at one operation, and
with the best effect : sometimes indeed the disease
will be completely subdued by thus bleeding freely
at its commencement. Should the horse be cos-
tive, or even if the bowels be in a natural state, it
will' be advisable to give a pint of castor oil, and
inject a clyster of water-gruel . It will then be ne-
cessary, in order to divert the inflammation from
this important organ, to insert rowels about the
chest and belly, and to blister the sides exten-
sively. The tow that is used for the rowel should
be dipped in a mixture of sweet oil and oil of tur-
pentine ; but I believe that blistering the sides is
ynore beneficial than rowels, Let the legs be kept

INFLAMMATION OF THE LUN(SS.

97

warm by almost constant hand-rubbing; and warm
clothing must never be omitted. * Nothing is
more pernicious in this complaint than compelling
the animal ta breathe the impure air and stimulat-
ing vapours of a close stable : this is indeed so ob-
vious a truth, that it would be unnecessary to men-
tion it, were it not a constant practice with grooms,
on this occasion, to stop every crevice they can
find, by which pure air might be admitted, and the
noxious exhalations suffered to escape.

If the disease do not appear to abate in twelvs
hours after |;he bleeding, particularly if it have be-
come more violent, let the operation be repeated,
and with the same freedom as at first. We need
not be apprehensive, at this early period of the
disease, of any dangerous debility ensuing from the
loss of so much blood : on the contrary, it will tend
to re-establish strength by subduing the inflamma-
tion, on which the fever depends. It has rarely been
found necessary to bleed several times, and that

* Mr. Coleman and some other practitioners have advised
turning a horse info the oi)en air, without clothing, in inflamma-
tinn of the lungs. The excessively warm clothing often em-
ployed in such cases, is, I believe, very injurious; and hot
close stables are certainly much more so: but I should think
this new practice extremely hazardous (except in very mild
weather, and in a sheltered situation) for inflammation of the
mucous membrane which lines the nose, throat, windpipe, and
its branches, which appears generally to be produced by the loo
sudden application of cold to the skin: in such cases, it must
surely be of importance to restore the skin to a due perform-
ance of its functions, by a liberal use of the brush and wisp and
moderately warm clothing. (See Calarrhal Fever.) '

INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS.

very plentifully ; but it must be recollected, that
-when the fever has existed for some time, and has
nearly exhausted the horse's strength, bleeding
seldom does good, and in some instances, I be-
lieve, has been the means of hastening death.
When suppuration takes place in the lungs, though
there is little probability of saving the animal, his
life may be prolonged by giving frequently good
water-gruel and infusion of malt. Opium, salt of
hartshorn, and other cordials, will also be of ser-
vice. I have generally given the following ball on
these occasions ; and though I have never seen a
horse recover after suppuration had taken place in
the lungs, yet these remedies have certainly afford-
ed considerable relief.

Salt of hartshorn (carbonate of ammonia) H dr.

^ . i- dr.

Opium

Powdered aniseeds t oz.

Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose.

When the mode of treatment here recommended
is adopted before the disease has gained much
around, it will generally succeed completely Con-
siderable weakness will of course remani after the
fever has been removed, but this also will gradu-
ally ao off, if proper attention be paid to the horse .
dietltnd exercise. When the appet.te begins to
return, it will be adviseable to give small quantities
of oat that have been steeped in boiling water or
Wed; good gruel, made of sweet oatmeal or

CATARRIIAL INFLAMMATION,

99

wheat flour, and sweetened with sugar or treacle,
will also be found serviceable in recruitinsr his
strength ; the sweetest parts should be selected from
the hay, and given frequently in small quantities.
Malt is an excellent restorative on these occasions,
but must not be given too freely. When the wea-
ther is favourable, let the horse be led out for a
short time every day; or if a small paddock can
be procured, and the season of the year will admit
of it, he may be turned out for a few hours every
<lay, while the sun shines, taking care that he is
well clothed during that time: by these means he
will gradually recover his origbal strength.

Calarrhal Inflammation or Fever.

This disease most commonly happens in the
spring, when cold easterly winds prevail, and horses
that are shedding their winter coats are particu-
larly liable to it. It does, indeed, occur at all
other times, and is always caused by exposino- a
horse to a cold wind, or rain, or suffering him" to
stand m a cold situation, after he has been heated
by exercise, or kept in a hot stable. Some horses
are so susceptible of cold, particularly such as are
kept warmly clothed, as to be affected merely bv
leavmg open a door or window of the stable - and
^ometmies the disease occurs without any pJrcen-
^.ble cause. The symptoms are cough, dulness of

F 2

100 CATARRHAL INFLAMMATION.

the eyes, loss of appetite, sometimes sore-throat,
and difficulty of swallowing. After a short time,
there is generally a discharge of matter from the
nose, after which, the disease usually gets better.
The attack is sometimes more violent; the breath-
ing quick and laborious : and the throat so sore as
to prevent the animal from swallowing even liquids.
In whatever degree this disease may appear, bleed-
ing is certainly necessary at the beginning, and
must be proportioned to the violence of the symp-
toms, and the state of the horse's strength. In
slight cases, moderate bleeding, some fever pow-
ders and mashes, keeping the animal moderately
warm, steaming the head, &c. will generally effect
a cure ; but when the throat is sore, so as to ren-
der swallowing painful and difficult, the external
parts should be blistered freely, and the first bleed-
ing should be large. In this state of the throat, no
medicine, either solid or fluid, should be given, as
it would tend to irritate the throat, and increase the
inflammation, and would most probably be returned
in great measure by the nostrils. Clysters of warm
water or gruel, with a little salt and oil, may be
thrown up, unless the bowels are already open; the
legs and ears should be well rubbed several times
a-day, and gruel or mashes should be offered fre-
quently. Great care is necessary during the
horse's recovery, and a short time after; as he
will be very liable to a relapse, or a continuance
of the cough, which then often degenerates into
what is termed chronic cough. Hearing is some-

CATAKRHAL INFLAMMATION. 101

times a consequence of catarrhal inflammation,
when improperly treated. When the discharge
from the nose is considerable, the nostrils should
be kept clean, as well as the rack and manger.
When the soreness of the throat is so lessened as
" to allow the horse to swallow, some mashes of
ground malt, or bran and oatmeal, maybe allowed,
also small quantities of sweet soft hay. Wheat-
flour gruel, sweetened with sugar or treacle, is a
good restorative when a horse has been much
weakened by this disorder. The following; ball
may also be given at this period, provided the
breathing is easy and the pulse moderate.

Strained turpentine J. oz.

Powdered camphor 1 dr.

Liquorice powder enough to form a ball.

^ To be given morning and evening until a diure-
tic effect is produced : it is then to be discontinued
for a day or two. In bad cases, where the breath-
ing is quick and laborious, the pulse quick, and the
membranes of the eye red, a repetition of the bleed-
ing is generally necessary, especially when the blood
first drawn has a great deal of buff on its surikce.
And if these symptoms come on when the horse
appears to be in a state of convalescence, a circum-
stance that sometimes happens, still bleeding is
necessary; proportioning the quantity of blood to
the animal's strength, and the immediate effect it
produces: for sometimes the loss of a moderate

102

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS-

quantity will cause fliinlness, when the horse's
strength has been reduced by previous disease.
When the other symptoms are gone, the cough
usually continues a short time; for which the
above ball may be given, and care taken not to ex-
pose him to a current cf cold air, or put him to
any considerable work, until it has quite ceased.
Vetches or other green food are very proper during
convalescence, and for some time afterwards. It is
useful to clothe the bead and ears with a hood in
this disorder ; but it must be left off gradually.
That abominable practice of trimming out the
ears, so generally adopted by dealers, is often the
cause of catarrhal inflammation. The epidemic
diseases of hopes generally assume a catarrhal
form, and often attack Avith much severity; are
commonly attended with considerable fever, and
quickly reduce the strength. (See Epidemic Fever.)

Jvjiammaiion of the Bowels.

This disease is equally dangerous, or more so
than inflammation of the lungs, and generally more
rapid in its progress. It arises from various
causes; but is most commonly a consequence ot
spasmodic or flatulent colic, which, as before ob-
served, often proceeds from suddenly checked per-
spiration : hence it is that post and stage coach
horses so often fell victims to it. It has been, and

INFLAAIMATION 01' THE BOWELS.

1 believe is still a common practice to plunge these
poor animals into a pond or river, as soon as they
arrive from a jonrney, often covered with sweat,
and exhausted by exertion. That this is often
done without any ill effect being immediately pro-
duced, must be granted ; but the gradual mis-
chief resulting from it is certainly considerable ;
and inflammation of the bowels or kings is not an
unfreqiient consequence. This is not the only
way in which post-horses suffer: they are fre-
quently made to stand, in all weathers, at the
door of a public-house, while the driver is regaling
himself within ; and are then, perhaps, driven home
at a furious rate, to make up for lost time; and, as
soon as they arrive, walked about, up to their bel-
lies, in a pond or river : by v.hicli the trouble of
cleaning both carriage and horses is in great mea-
sure avoided. Saddle-horses are not so oftea
served in this manner as those employed in post-
chaises and coaches : but it is a common and very
injurious practice in many inns to lie up a horse
in the stable-yard, perhaps in a current of air,
when he comes in from a journey, while his legs
and belly are washed; and if the ostler happen to
be called, he is often left in this state until consi-
derable mischief is done. Some hardy horses are
not injured by it, particularly in summer; but
colds, coughs, grease, catarrhal inflammation, and
disorders , of the bowels and lungs, are too often
the consequence. Another cause of inflammation
of the bowels, is drinking largely of cold water

104 IKFJLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS.

when sweating, or exhausted by exertion. In this
case also, the disease first produced is generally
the spasmodic or flatulent colic; but, when the
horse is not promptly relieved, the distension of
the bowels by the confined air often causes a
fatal inflammation. From whatever cause, indeed,
flatulent colic is produced, its continuance is liable
to produce inflammation. (See Flatulent Colic,
gripes ovfret). Strong physic, and want of care
during its operation, is another cause of inflamma-
tion of the bowels ; and has been the means of des-
troying many horses. (See Physic). Violent or
rapid exertion when the bowels are loaded is liable
also to produce the disease ; and the indigestion
occasioned by riding or driving a horse at a quick
pace, immediately after feeding heartily, is another
cause. In this case, the pain is extremely acute.
When a horse that is fat, and unaccustomed to
exercise, is suddenly put to hard and fast work, he
is very liable to that affection of the bowels which
is commonly termed molten-grease. (See Molten-
grease). Long continued costiveness, or an accu-
mulation of hardened dung in the large bowels,
will also cause inflammation ; and too sudden a
change from grass and the open air to dry food
and a hot close stable, has often brought on inflam-
mation both of the lungs and bowels. When in-
flammation of the bowels takes place, independent
of flatulent colic or strong physic, it is generally
rather gradual in its attack: the horse, at first,
looks dull, feeds badly, is restless, paws his litter,

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS.

105

and appears to be in pain ; the pulse is quicker
than in health ; the membranes of the eye red ; the
urine high coloured; dung hai'd and in small
knobs, often slimy on the surface. If in this stage
of the disease he is bled freely, is properly clystered
(see Clysters), and has a dose of the oily laxative
given to him, he is generally relieved, and recovers
in a short time ; but when neglected, and especially
if stimulating medicines^ are given, such as tihose
termed comfortable drenches, the symptoms become
more violent, and the pain in the bowels so consider-
able, that the horse is frequently lying down, and
suddenly rising again, stamping with his hind feet,
groaning, and looking round to his flank; his
breathing is generally disturbed, the pulse very
quick, the ears and legs cold, and sometimes pro-
fuse sweats break out. If relief is not afforded, the
pain becomes so great, that he appears delirious,
throwing himself down suddenly, and rolling
about, regardless of the situation, often injuring
himself or his attendants, unless he happen to be
in a large well littered place, and properly at-
tended to. At length, the pulse is so quick and
small that it is difficult to be felt distinctly, which
is soon followed by mortification and death. Some-
times the progress of the disease is remarkably ra-
pid, destroying the horse in the space of a few
hours, * at others, it continues one, two, or

• I have lately met with a case of this kind, which seems
worth recording. A waggon-horse, that had been regularly

F 5

106 INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS.

three days. Early and copious bleeding is the
most important remedy : having taken off' a proper
quantity of blood, that is, from four to six, or
seven quarts, according to the animal's strength
and the urgency of the symptoms, let the i'oUovv-
ing clyster be thrown up, having previously re-
moved the hard dung from the straight gut, by in-
troducing the hand, and drawing it out.

"Warm water or gruel .... 5 or 6 quarts.
Common salt 6 to 8 ounces.

If the horse is in any degree costive, it will be
proper to repeat the clyster several times, or until
a sufficient evacuation is procured. (See Clysters.)
When the dung that is first drawn out is in small

■worked, and whose grinding-teeth had sharp edges, which
•wounded the inside of the cheek, and rendered mastication pain-
ful and difficult, was allowed to remain one day in the stalile for
rest, and during that time had as much food as he chose to eat.
The stables were shut at half past ten, w hen he appeared to the
stable-man to be in good health. About two o'clock next
Hiorning, when the stables were first visited, he was found in a
most violent fit of colic; and at three, when 1 saw him, was so
bad tliat it was with great difficulty he was bled, and had medi-
cine given him. At five o'clock he died. On opening him next
morning, the stomach was found absolutely crammed ; and was
supposed, by those who lifted it, to weigh from 40 to 30 pounds.
The lar£;e intestines were distended to an enormous degree,
highly inflamed, and in some parts mortified. There can be no
doubt, I think, that this horse's death was occasioned by exces-
sive eating ; though it is probable he might have recavered, l»d
Vis food been properly masticated.

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOAVELS. 107

hard knobs, the oily laxative should be given im-
mediately after the clyster, and then let the belly
be fomented with a large rug wrung out of hot
water. To do this properly, there should be a man
placed on each side the horse, and the rug should
be large enough to cover the whole belly. After
continuing this some time, let the belly be rubbed
quite dry, and, if the pain is violent, let some sti-
mulating liniment be rubbed on it, such as the vo-
latile liniment, or that made with mustard. The
legs also, when cold, should be rubbed well with
the same liniment, and afterwards bandaged.

Volatile Lmiment.

Sweet oil 3 oz.

Oil of Turpentine 2 oz.

liiquid ammonia 1 oz.

Mix.

Mustard Lmiment.

Flour of mustard 2 oz.

Liquid ammonia 1 oz.

Water enough to give it the consistence of thin
cream.

When the horse is relieved, and appears in-
clined to feed again, .he should not have any hay
for a day or two : good bran mashes is the best
food ; and he may be allowed to drink some gruel,
made of fresh oatmeal or wheat flour. If the lax-
ative drench and clysters have caused purging, this

108

INFLAMMATION 01' THE BOWKLS,

last is particularly proper. Should the pain con-
tinue after the bowels have been opened, and
the above treatment fairly tried, a repetition of the
bleeding may be necessary, particularly if the
blood first drawn was sizy (see Bleeding), if the
pulse continues quick, the membranes of the eye
red, and the breathing disturbed. But, if the pulse
has become moderate, the membranes of the eye
of their natural colour, and the bowels sufficiently
open, the continuance of the pain may depend on
spasm ; in which case, the anodyne drench would
afford relief. In determining this point, it is ne-
cessary to be satisfied that there is no hardened
dung collected in the large bowels ; for it sometimes
happens, in cases of costiveness, that a small quan-
tity of soft or liquid dung will be voided, while the
principal obstruction remains: that is, when there
is still a large quantity of indurated excrement in
the large intestines. It is therefore necessary to
be careful in administering the clysters; for the
way in which this is sometimes done renders them
useless, especially when a syringe and small pipe
are employed. A large bladder of an ox or pig,
capable of holding five or six quarts, and a pipe,
not less than 14? inches in length, are the best ap-
paratus.

Inflammation may attack either the external pe-
ritonaeal coat of the intestine or the internal mem-
brane ; the former is generally attended with cost-
iveness, and the latter with purging: but in which-
ever of these coats the inflammation begins, unless

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS.

109

proper remedies are employed, it soon spreads to
the others. When inflammation of the bowels is
produced by the improper use of purgatives, or by
neglect, during the operation of strong physic, the
safest and most effectual method of suppressing the
excessive purging, is to drench the horse freely
with gruel made of arrovv-ruot. I have scarcely
ever seen this fail when seasonably employed ; but,
if it prove ineffectual, mix with it i oz. tincture of
opium. We sometimes see a horse sick, and at-
tacked with colic pains, previous to the operation
of physic, particularly when he has not been pro-
perly prepared, or has been suffered to eat much
after it has been given. In this case, clysters should
be thrown up, and the horse walked about; by
which means, the physic will operate, and the pain
will be removed.

119

A TABLE,

SHOWING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEX

FLATULENT COLIC OR GRIPES,

AND

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS.

Symptoms of Tnjlammation of Symptoms of Flatulent Colic,
the Bowels,

1. Pulse very quick and 1. Pulse natural, though
small. sometimes a little

quickened.

2. Lies down and sud- 2. Lies down and rolls
denly rises again, sel- upon his back.

dom rolling upon his
back.

3. Legs and ears gene- 3. Legs and ears gene-
rally cold. rally warm.

4. In general, attacks 4. Attacks suddenly, is
gradually, is com- never preceded, and
monly preceded, and seldom accompanied
always accompanied by any symptoms of

■ by symptoms of fever. fever.

5. No intermissions can 5. There are frequently
be observed. short intermissions.

FLATULENT COLIC.

Ill

Flatulent or Spasmodic Colic^ Gripes, or Fret.

These names are applied in different places
to the same disease ; that is, violent pain in the
bowels; which is indicated by the horse lying
down, and rolling about, then suddenly getting up,
and looking round to his flank, stamping with his
hind feet, or endeavouring to strike his belly. He
seldom remains long up, but gathers up his legs,
and falls heavily down again, generally groaning
and looking round to his flank. Sometimes he
rolls himself over, and often endeavours to lie upon
his back. Thus far the symptoms of flatulent colic
resemble those of the preceding complaint, inflam-
mation of the bowels ; but there are other symp-
toms by which they may be easily distinguished.
The flatulent colic attacks rather suddenly, the
horse appearing, immediately before, in good
health ; the pulse is in its natural state, that is, it
beats about 40 in a minute. The membranes of
the eye are not redder than usual. There is gene-
rally a difficulty in staling, or the horse makes in-
effectual attempts to void his nrine ; but, when he
does stale, the urine is of the natural colour.
Sometimes the disease is attended with costiveness •
but more commonly the bowels are either in their
natural state or rather loose. This disorder occurs
frequently, and is produced by various causes.
&ometm.es It as inconsiderable, and goes off with-
out the aid of medicine; or the horse is relieved

112 FLATULENT COLIC.

by common domestic remedies, such as warm pep-
permint-water, warm beer and ginger, or gin
and water ; at others, it attacks with great severity,
and requii'es the earliest attention. Jt is difficult
to say what is the most .common cause of flatulent
colic; but I am inclined to believe, that it fre-
quently depends upon torpor, or a want of vital
energy, in the stomach and small intestines. Hence
it is that drinking largely of cold water so often
produces it; also, feeding greedily and swallowing
oats or other grain without proper mastication.
We find likewise that horses whose digestive or-
gans are weak, such as crib-biters, are most liable
to the disorder. Stallions that are pampered for
covering, or have stimulating medicines given to
them, and horses that have voracious appetites, and
are in the habit of eating their litter, are veryhable
to flatulent colic ; in short, by whatever means the
energy of the stomach is weakened, a disposition
to this disorder is thereby induced ; and the best
mode of prevention, when such a tendency exists,
is to allow only a small quantity of food and water
at a time : the former easy of digestion, and the
latter not excessively cold.

The first thing to be done when a horse is at-
tacked with colic pains, is to put him into a box or
large stall, and give him plenty of litter, that he
may not hurt himself during the violent paroxysms
of pain. The state of his dung should then be en-
quired into; the pulse and membranes of the eye
examined; and if there is no reason to apprehend

FLATULENT COLIC.

11^

that the attack is of an inflammatory nature, one of
the following drenches should be given ; and if the
dung is hard, or there is any difficulty in staling, a
clyster is to be thrown up, having previously drawn
out the hard dung with the hand. It is generally
thought necessary to bleed, though no symptoms
of inflammation appear : and in young vigorous
horses, of a full habit, it may be a useful precau-
tionary measure ; because, in such, a violent attack
of colic may produce inflammation in a short time.
But when the pulse is not quicker than in health,
or rather feeble, the membranes of the eye not red-
der than usual, the bowels sufficiently open, and
more especially if the animal is old, out of condi-
tion, or in a state of debility, I think it had better
be omitted. Should the pain continue after the
drench and clyster have been given, let the belly
be well rubbed with straw by a man on each side ;
and if no relief be obtained in about an hour, tlie
drench and clyster should be repeated. Here it is
necessary to observe, that if the dung which has
been voided after the clyster is in small hard knobs,
of a dark colour, with a shining or slimy sui'face,
it indicates a costive state of the bowels ; in which
case, it is proper to give the oily laxative soon after
the colic drench, even if the latter have put a stop
to the animal's pain, and another clyster should be
injected. In obstinate cases, it is necessary to fo-
ment and rub the belly with the liniment, as di-
rected for inflammation of the bowels ; and if the
pulse, during the continuance of the symptoms, be-

ll'l.

FLATULENT COLIC.

comes quick, the horse should be immediately bled.
He may be walked about a short time after taking
the drench and the clyster, unless the pain is vio-
lent; but the common practice of urging him on
with a whip is absurd and dangerous. I have no-
ticed this disease immediately after inflammation
of the bowels, because they are liable to be mis-
taken for each other ; therefore, it is of importance
to attend to those symptoms by which they may be
distinguished : and it may not be improper to re-
peat, that it is no less important to ascertain the
state of the bowels ; and whenever costiveness exists,
to persist in the careful administration of clysters
until a proper evacuation is obtained. In former
editions, I have recommended castor oil as the
safest laxative; but I have since found that the
small quantity of aloes prescribed in the oily laxa-
tive renders its operation more quick and certain.
When castoi^oil cannot be procured, sweet oil or
linseed oil may be substituted, and, when nothing
else can be had, even melted lard will be found
useful.

I have seen cases where it was discovered after
death, that the distended bowel had broken thi'ough
the mesentery, by which it was completely stran-
gulated, so that nothing could pass through the
canal, and the included portion of gut was quite
mortified. Large collections of earthy matter and
stones of considerable magnitude are sometimes the
cause.of colic. Such cases are irremediable.

VLATULENT COMC.

115

Colic Drench.
No. 1.

Venice turpentine 1 oz. ov 2 to 3 oz.

Oil of juniper 2 or 3 drams.

Spirit of nitrous ether .... 1 oz.

Water 1 pint.

Mix for one close.

No. 2.

Tincture of opium from 6 drams to 1 oz.

Spirit of nitrous ether from 1 oz. to 1^ oz.

Water or peppermint-water 1 pint.

Mix for one dose.

Anodyyie Drench.

Tincture of opium 1 oz.

Oil of peppermint 20 drops.

Water (warm) 1 pint.

Mix for one dose.

Oily Laxative.

Barbadoes aloes from 2 to 3 drams.

Carbonate of potash .... 2 drams.

W^ater (warm) ^ pint.

Castor oil ^ pint.

Mix for one dose.

Astringent Drench.
Prepared chalk ^ 1 oz.

11(5

FLATULENT COLIC.

Gum Arabic 1 02,

Mint water 12 oz.

Tincture of opium ^ oz.

Mix for one dose.

I am inclined to think, that the drench, No. 2,
is the best general remedy for flatulent colic. But
when the disease is occasioned by costiveness, the
opium is improper, unless the laxative is given
soon after. I have several times mixed one ounce
of tincture of opium wi^h the oily laxative, when
called in some time after the attack, or when other
drenches had been given without effect, and it has
proved very efficacious. Oil of turpentine has
been often given with success, and is still preferred
by some practitioners, probably from its being so
cheap ; but it is an inconvenient remedy ; for un-
less it is given with the greatest care, it will flow
over the lips, and annoy the horse considerably for
some time after. The dose is from 2 to 4 ozs.
mixed with gruel. As the complaint may some-
times occur during a journey, in situations where
no medicines can be procured, I have added a re-
cipe, in the form of a ball, which may be kept by
waggoners, chaise-drivers, or others, and is parti-
cularly useful to those who have horses that are
subject to the disease.

Colic Ball.

Powdered opium ^ ^t^^^-

Camphor 2 drams..

G

INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH.

in

Castile soap 2 drams.

Ginger li dram.

To be formed into a ball, with liquorice powder
and syrup. This should be kept in a bladder.

Inflarnmatioji of the Stomach.

The stomach, like the intestines, may be in-
flamed either on its external or internal surface.
When the external coat is the seat of the disease,
the symptoms are nearly the same as those by
which peritonasal inflammation of the intestines is
indicated, and the same treatment is required ; the
only difference observable in the symptoms is, that
in this case the pain seems to be more acute and
distressing than in the other : the same difference
may be observed between the large and small in-
testines, the latter being possessed of more sensi-
bility than the former.

When inflammation attacks the peritonteal coat
of the stomach, it very soon diffuses itself to the
small intestines and neighbouring viscera- or if
the small intestines be its original seat, it frequent-
ly spreads to the stomach, and sometimes to the
large intestines also. In examining horses, there-
fore, that have died of these diseases, m'c seldom
find the inflammation confined to one particular
organ ; it more commonly happens, indeed, that the
whole of the abdominal viscera will exhibit

ar
h(
mor-

118 INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH.

bid appearances, but in different degrees; those
most contiguous to the part first diseased having
suffered considerably, while such as are more re-
mote from it are perhaps scarcely altered; for we
can generally distinguish the original seat of the
inflammation.

An inflammation of the inlernal or v'dlovs coat
of the stomach is not a vei-y common disease,
and is generally occasioned either by poisons or
strong medicines that have been swallowed, or by
that species of worms termed lots. When poisons,
or strong medicines incautiously given, are the
cause, it will of course come on suddenly ; the pulse
Vi'iW be extremely quick, and so weak that it can
scarcely be felt ; the extremities will become cold,
and there will be a peculiar dejected appearance in
the animal's countenance ; respiration will be dis-
turbed : sometimes there will be a cough, and al-
ways a high degree of debility. The treatment of
this disease consists in giving oily or mucilaginous
liquids freely, such as decoction of linseed, gum
arable dissolved in water, &c. ; and, at the same
time, medicines that are capable of decomposing or
destroying the poison ; for which purpose, I believe,
the sulphuret of potash is useful in doses of half an
ounce, provided the poison be either mercurial or
arsenical. Clysters are to be injected ; and, if the
disease be accompanied with purging, they should
be composed of strong linseed decoction or water-
n-rucl. 1 saw five cases of inflamed stomach at one

INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH. 119

time, all occasioned by poison. The above ti'eat-
ment was pursued, and four out of the five per-
fectly recovered.

1 hat inflammation which bots produce in the
stomach, is indicated by symptoms somewhat dif-
fei-ent from those just described ; indeed, it may
more properly be considered as ulceration of the
stomach, than inflammation, since, upon examinino-
horses that have died of this complaint, I have al-
ways found ulcers of considerable size. This dis-
ease generally comes on gradually : the horse be-
comes hide-bound, has a rough unhealthy coat,
gradually loses flesh and strength, though he con-
tinues to feed well, and has a frequent and trouble-
some cough. The disease perhaps will continue
in this state for some time, and no serious conse-
quences are apprehended; its cause and seat are
seldom suspected; medicines are given to remove
the cough, with common alteratives for the pur-
pose of improving his condition.

In some instances these insects are spontaneously
detached, and expelled through the intestines • in
such cases, if the stomach have not been much
hurt by them, it will gradually recover, and the
Horse be restored to his original strength and

con-

, ^^^ur, tnese worms

produce so much mischief in the stomach, as to
throw the whole system into disorder. The lunl!
are particularly liable to sympathise with the tf
">ach in tins case, and frequently become inflamed
ia consequence. The inflammation thus prodi" d

120 INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS.

in the lungs is extremely obstinate; and though i,
may be checked in some degree by bleedingf ana
the other remedies we have recommended for that,
disease, yet, as the cause cannot often be removed^

In flammation of ike Kid7ieys.

This disease does not occur very frequently andl
is generally occasioned, I believe, by an imm'ode- ■
rate use of strong diuretic medicines. At the first
attack of this complaint the horse constantly stands ■
as if he wanted to stale, sometimes voidino- a
small quantity of high-coloured or bloody urine.
When the inflammation becomes more considera-
ble, a suppression of urine and fever generally take
place : if the loins be pressed upon, the animal
shrmks from the touch, and appears to feel great
pain. There is also a stiffness or lameness of one
or both hind-legs. In the first place bleed freely,
then give a pint or twenty ounces of castor oil,
throw up clysters of warm water, and cover the
loins' with sheep-skins, having previously rubbed
upon them the mustard embrocation. Should
these remedies fail of procuring relief, repeat the
bleeding; and should not the oil have operated
sufficiently, let another dose be given. All diuretic
medicines are to be carefully avoided.

Inflammation of the kidneys is sometimes com-
plicated with peritoneal inflammation of the

SUPPRESSION AND RETENTION OF URINE. -121

bowels, and then, besides the above symptoms, the
horse will be often lying down as in colic. I have
sgen cases where the kidneys seem to have under-
gone a gradual decay, and have found them, after
death, -disorganised or rotten, though there had
been no symptoms of acute inflammation in them
during the animal's life. I have observed in e^
ammmg after death several glandered horses that
had been takmg considerable doses of corrosive
subh:.ate, which had operated as a powerf d
et^c, that one or both kidneys were much ol
Wged; and am inclined to believe that an imp

Suppression and Retention of Urine, of S^^nn^^
" Th E distinction that lias been mSdn U.,

inability of expelling the urine wT' " '"'^
c * mine wnen sGf■l•^>^Qrl »

i ^''-i'"-?- S„pp„,ion of urino i, " ~
of iiiflammatio,, or some otl,„ . ^J mptom

cumulation of ii.irj ,l„„„

Pa™ijtic Slate of ,l,e bhc l , ? or
allowing a l,orse time to I' °"° ' °"
-i""- '"'=c„mmo„, rIc, oof ™ """^'^ "oc.

125 SUPPIiESSION AND RETENTION OP VHtTfrR.

the production of the disease; for when a horse is
rode or driven a considerable distance without
stopping, while under the operation of such medi-
cine, an accumulation of urine in the bladder is, of
course, more likely to happen. Retention of urine
does not frequently occur in horses, but a morbid
irritability of the bladder is often met with, and is
generally mistaken for a retention of water, or, as
it is commonly called, a stoppage in the water. In
this case, the horse is frequently staling, but voids
only a small quantity at a time, apparently with
some difficulty. When this is observed, the com-
mon practice is to whistle, in order to tempt the
horse to renew or increase his efforts to>tale, from
an apprehension that the bladder is full of urine ;
which is extremely improper, because the bladder,
in such cases, is empty or nearly so, and the irrita-
bility of the bladder is likely to be increased by
it. This state of the bladder may be distinguished
from that which attends inflammation of the kid-
ney, by the horse being otherwise in good health,
by not expressing much pain in voiding his urine,
and by the colour of it, which is the same, or near-
ly so, as in health, though sometimes turbid from
being mixed with the mucus of the bladder. But
whenever the efforts to stale become more frequent
and painful, and especially if it be attended with
loss of appetite, quick pulse, and other febrile
symptoms, it must be considered as incipient in-
flammation of the kidneys, and treated accordingly.
J have generally found the following ball effectual

SUPPRESSION AND UETENTION OF URINE. 123

in such cases, making the horse drink freely of in-
fusion of linseed, decoction of marsh-mallow, or a
solution of gum, and emptying the bowels with
clysters. Should it be found, however, that the
horse is costive, it will be adviseable to give also
some laxative medicine.

Ball.

Camphor 2 drams.

Liquorice powder and syrup enough to form the
ball. One dose.

Retention of urine often attends the spasmodic
or flatulent colic, and is then generally considered
as the cause of the disease ; but it is only an effect,
and, when the colic is removed, the horse stales
freely. In obstinate cases of retention, where a
horse has not been observed to stale for some time,
it is necessary to examine the bladder ; which may
be done by introducing the hand into the straight
gut, through which it may be readily felt when
distended with urine. There are other circum-
stances which denote a considerable accumulation
of urine : some degree of swelling may be ob-
served in the belly, which is painful on pressure;
the horse is uneasy, and often trying to stale; some-
times he succeeds in his efforts, and voids a small
quantity; and, when the bladder is much distend-
ed, the urine often dribbles off involuntarily. But
the most certain method of ascertaining the state
of the bladder is to examine it throtigh the straight

G2

121. SUPPRESSION AND RETENTION OF URINE.

gut; and if it be found full, an evacuation must
be speedily procured or the consequences may be
fatal. Having emptied the gut by clysters, which
may be found difficult, and require some care and
address to accomplish, and having bled the horse
freely, without producing the desired effect, the
following clyster is to be injected ; and if that fail,
give, about an hour afterwards, the following
drench :

Tincture of opium .... 1 oz.

Camphor 14. dram to 2 drams.

Water 12 oz.

Mix. One dose.

Should this also prove ineffectual, recourse must
be had to an operation ; as it is impossible to intro-
duce a catheter into the horse's bladder, on account
of the length of the urethra or passage, and the acute
angle or curvature it makes a few inches before it
comes to the bladder. It is necessarj' therefore to
pass up the urethra a long smooth round piece of
whalebone as far as it will readily go; its end will
then be felt a few inches from the fundament, where
it is to be steadily kept by an assistant, while the
operator carefully cuts down upon it, and lays open
the urethra. A female catheter, properly curved,
can be easily passed from this opening into the
bladder through which the urine will be dis-
charged; but, to empty the bladder completely,
should it be incapable of contracting, it may be nc-

SUPPRESSION AND RETENTION OF URINE. 125

cessary to elevate the fore parts of the liorse, and
make some pressure on the belly as well as through
the straight gut. When the retention is caused
by inflammation of the neck of the bladder, there
may be bome difficulty in passing tlie catheter, and
it will necessarily cause pain : it must therefore be
done with great care and gentleness. And in such
a case we must endeavour to remove the cause by
bleeding, clysters, and an oily laxative drench, un-
less the bowels are already open. When the neck
of the bladder is in a healthy state, it is easy to
pass the finger into the bladder, and, if it be ca-
pable of contracting, the urine will be readily dis-
charged, while its neck is kept open by the finger ;
but, should the bladder be paralytic, and incapable
of contracting, a complete evacuation of its con-
tents cannot be obtained by the means above de-
scribed. In mares there is no difficulty in passing
the catheter, or even the finger, into the bladder ;
therefore, whenever they appear to be suff^ering
from a retention of urine, this should be done
without hesitation. It must be obvious, that whatever
may have caused the retention of urine, it will be
necessary to preserve the artificial opening that has
been made, that the urine may be drawn off occa-
sionally, until that cause is removed. It fortunately
seldom happens that retention of urine is so obsti-
nate as to require this operation. In slight cases,
a clyster is often sufficient for the cure : and when
it depends on a spasmodic affection of the neck of
the bladder, camphor, either alone or with opium,

126 SUPPRESSION AND RETENTION OF URINE.

is, I believe, the most effectual remedy. I have
also found camphor and nitre succeed, in the fol-
lowing proportions : but, when there is a consider-
able accumulation of urine, the diuretic quality of
the nitre might render it objectionable ; and even
water should be withheld, as well as every thing
that might tend to increase the secretion of urine.

Camphor Clyster.

Camphor (powdered by means of")

a few drops of rectified spirit) J ^ to 4 drams.
Olive oil 1 oz.

Mix by rubbing them well together; and, when
properly incorporated, add

Water, in which one dram of carbbnate'V

of potash has been dissolved J ^ ^l"*^**-

Tincture of opium 1 oz.

Mix, and throw it up at about blood heat or a little

M'armer.

Camphor Ball.

Camphor (powdered) 9 drams.

Nitre 1 oz.

Liquorice powder and syrup enough to form the
ball. For one dose.

Suppression of urine may depend not only on
acute inflammation of the kidneys, but fi'om some
chronic affection of those organs, or from stony

SUPPRESSION AND EETENTION OF URINE. 127

matter plugging up the ureters. I ly^'ve seen a
stone, weighing five ounces, that was tound ni the
pelvis of a horse's kidney. The kidneys are some-
times injured by blows on the loins, or by violent
exertions, as in leaping, drawing heavy loads, or
carrying too heavy loads ; in such cases, embro-
cating the loins, and covering them with a fresh
sheep-skin, is proper; and when the kidneys be-
come torpid, and perform their functions imper-
fectly, without any symptoms of inflammation,
about an ounce of balsam of capivy may be given,
or the following mixture :

Venice turpentine 1 oz.

To be well rubbed with the yolk of eggs, and
when thoroughly incorporated, add, gradually,
a pint of mint-water or a strong infusion of mint
or peppermint,

I have known a fatal disease of the kidneys
brought on by putting in a rowel that was covered
with blistering ointment. It produced an enor-
mous swelling in the chest, where it was inserted,
and a total suppression of urine, attended with loss
of appetite, very quick pulse, and other symptoms
of fever. The horse died, and the kidneys were
found quite disorganized, apparently from violent
inflammation. This horse's kidney, it appears
from a recent inquii-y, was previously diseased. T
mention this case as a caution to practitioners; for
although blistering ointment has been, often ap-

128 SUPPRESSION ANB RETENTION OF URINE.

plied in tins way with a vie. to excite inflamma-
o h P ° ; ^^^1^ «f cantharides being ab:

mfutiue from adopting a practice which, in this
case proves to be hazardous. M^ienever the
bladder becomes irritable, or retention of urine
takes place m consequence of blistering the le^s
severe!,, the camphor drench and cl,stl- shouk
be given; and nube former case, the mucilaginous
nnks, such as infusion of linseed, are necessary:
but in all morbid affections of the urinary organs,
a costive state of the bowels is injurious, and shouli
therefore be immediately removed or obviated,
lor this purpose, clysters are peculiarly proper;
and if any laxative medicine is required, either cas-
tor oil or the oily laxative is to be preferred to
more active prepai-ations.

Dialeiesy or Excessive Siali/n:.

This disease often proves extremely obstinate,
and sometimes incurable. I am inclined, how-
ever, to believe that if attended to seasonably, it may
generally be cured without much difficulty. The
complaint at first consists in an increased secretion
of urine ; the horse staling frequently, and in con-
siderable quantity. The urine is generally tran-
sparent and colourless like water, but sometimes

EXCESSIVli: STALING.

turbid. It is always attended Avith unusual thirst,
and soon after its commencement, with more or
less of fever. When suffered to proceed, the horse
becomes hide-bound, weak, and loses flesh, the
mouth and tongue dry, and the quantity of urine
discharged often exceeds considerably that of the
liquid ihe animal drinks. The disease is gene-
rally caused by ill treatment, working a horse be-
yond his strength, or keeping him on musty oats
and hay. It may be brought on also by an im-
prudent use of diuretics, or by allowing a horse
that has a voracious appetite to eat and drink im-
moderately. In the treatment of this disease, con*"
siderable attention should be paid to the horse's
diet, which, with the aid of tonic medicines, will
generally effect a cure in a shoit time. He is to
be allowed a small quantity of nourishing food se-
veral times a-day, and his water should be given in
small quantities, but oftener than usual, and if
his hay and corn were sprinkled or moistened with
water, it would tend to moderate his thirst.

I have found the following ball effectual in se-
veral cases.

To?iic Ball.
No. 1.

Opium from 4 dram to 1 dram.

Ginger 2 drams.

Gentian root (powdered) i oz.
Oil of Caraways ov\

anise-sccd / 20 or 30 drops.

G 5

ISO EXCESSIVE STALING.

Syrup enough to form the ball. To be given
morning and evening.

Two balls will generally diminish the quantity
ofurme considerably; and then, if the opium is
found to occasion costiveness, or weaken the appe-
tite, it should be discontinued, and a clyster thrown
up. In two cases that have lately occurred, sul-
phate of copper (blue vitriol) has been given with
good effect; the preparations of iron or steel, and
other tonics, have also been recommended. I have
seen lime-water, which has been often prescribed
by the old farriers, fairly tried without doing the
least good. I have heard of some attempts to cure
the disease by giving the horse animal food, which
in one instance appeared to have considerable ef-
fect ; but I believe it was not persisted in, and that
horse-flesh was improperly chosen for the experi-
ment. The following tonic balls are less expens-
ive than No. 1, and will generally succeed, if the
directions given with respect to the horse's diet
are attended to. Good grooming, and regular but
moderate or walking exercise, are also necessary.

Tonic Ball.
No. 2.

Sulphate of copper I dram.

Liquorice powder 3 drams.

Treacle enough to form the ball. To be given
once in 8 or 12 hours.

BLOODT URINE.

131

No. 3.

Sulphate of iron 2 drams to | oz.

Powdered myrrh 3 drams.

Gmger 1 ^^om.

Syrup or treacle enough to form the ball. To be
given as above.

When the bowels are loose, about half a dram
of opium may be added to each ball, or half an
ounce of tincture of opium, given with beer or
water.

Bloody Urine.

HoKSES sometimes discharge blood with their
urine in considerable quantity, generally in conse-
quence of violent exertion or blows on the loins,
but sometimes it occurs without any apparent cause.
If the horse is healthy in other respects, the fol-
lowing ball may be given : but when it is attended
with fever, pain in staling, and other symptoms of
inflamed kidneys, it must be treated accordingly.

Ball for Bloody Urine.

Powdered catechu ' oz.

Alum 4- to 1 oz.

Cascarilla bark 1 to 2 drams.

Liquorice powder and treacle enough to form

BLOODY URINE.

balls for one dose. To be repeated three or
tour times if necessary, allowing an interval of
1 1 hours between each dose.

When the loins are tender, they should be rub-
bed with some stimulating embrocation, and co-
vered with a sheep-skin; a clyster also is useful,
and even an oily laxative, if the horse is costive-
but if the bowels are rather lax, about a scruple or
half a dram of opium may be added to the first
and even second and third dose, should the loose-
ness continue. When the disease is known to be
produced by violent blows or strains, and is attend-
ed with quick pulse, bleeding is proper. I have
more frequently met with this disease in mares than
horses, and have seldom found the above ball fail ;
but if it continues after three or four doses have
been given, let half a dram of opium be added.
As the ball may be found too large for some horses,
it may be either divided or mixed with M-ater, and
given as a drench. Linseed tea, or some other
mucilaginous drink, may be given; and if the in-
gredients of the above ball cannot be procured,
decoction of pomegranate-bark, oak-bark, or galls,
may be given; to either of which about one ounce
of alum is to be added. Diluted sulphuric acid
has been recommended, but it is an inconvenient
medicine.

INCONTINENCE OF URINE.

133

Incontinence of Urine.

This term implies an involuntary discharge of
lU'ine, which is frequently, or almost constantly,
coming off in di'ops or very small streams. Tinc-
ture of cantharides has afforded temporary relief;
blistering the loins may also be tried : but it is sel-
dom, I believe, radically cured. Jf the disease de-
pends upon weakness or paralysis of the bladder,
it may be known by passing the hand up the
straight gut, and pressing gently on the bladder,
which will then cause the urine to flow off' in a
stream. La Fosse, in his Manuel d'Hippialrigue,
advises, in this case, when other methods have
failed, that an opening be made in the perineum,
as I have described in speaking of retention of
urine, and injecting into the bladder, through a ca-
nula, some astringent liquids. Old horses, that
have been worked hard, are most subject to this
malady; and the best general treatment is that
which invigorates the system. A large strengthen-
ing plaster on the loins would probably be useful ;
and the following ball may be given.

Sulphate of copper 1 dram.

Venice turpentine 3 to 4 drams.

Ginger 2 drams.

Liquorice powder enough to form the ball. For
one dose. To be given morning and evening
for a few days.

134 STONE IN THE KIDNEYS, &C.

If the tincture of cantharides is given, the first
dose should not exceed one dram, but it may be
gradually and cautiously increased. I have given
powdered cantharides to an useless horse by way
of trying their effect. I began with half a dram;
and perceiving no effect, increased the dose daily,
till it came to half an ounce : this proved mode-
rately diuretic, and no more was given. It is
worthy of remark, that the horse was^'supposed to
have a disease of the mesenteric glands, every me-
thod having been ineffectually tried to get him into
working condition. After the experiment, he was
turned to grass ; and, at the end of two months,
was taken up quite healthy and fat ; in which state,
he continued nearly one year, when lie was sold.

Stoiie in the Kidneys, Ureters, and Bladder.

Stony concretions are oftener found in the kid-
neys or ureters than in the bladder of horses, and
out seldom in either. Their existence is not, I
believe, easily ascertained or discovered. When
in the kidneys or ureters, they often occasion ex-
cessive pain, which pressure on the loins increases.
In the bladder they also cause much pain, and can
generally be felt through the straight gut : for this
examination the horse should be thrown down and
placed on his back. For the former nothing can
be done; and if any thing is attempted, perhaps

STONE IN THE KIDNEYS, &C.

135

carbonate of potash and clysters are most likely to
afford relief. An opiate or anodyne clyster may
be useful. La Eosse, in his Dictionnaire d'Hippia-
triqjie, relates a case of stone in the bladder, which
was cm-ed by an operation. The horse was about
14. years old ; and was often observed to have pain
and difficulty in staling, voiding only a small quan-
tity, which was sometimes bloody. Upon intro-
ducing the hand into the gut, the stone was dis-
tinctly felt; and, after a few days' preparation, by
bleeding and opening medicine, with a spare diet,
the animal was placed on his back, and an opening
made in the urethra, near the anus, in the manner
I have before described. The fore -finger was in-
troduced into the bladder, while an assistant had
his hand in the gut, in order to press up the stone,
that it might be felt by the operator, who then in-
troduced an instrument, guided by his finger, with
which two lateral incisions Avere made in the neck
of the bladder. The forceps were now introduced,
and the stone laid hold of; but it broke into small
pieces, which were extracted, and found to weigh
six ounces. No dressing was applied to the wound,
but some linseed infusion was injected into the
bladder. The horse got up without assistance, 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, and this was gradually increased.
There was scarcely any fever ; the wound suppu-

136 INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER.

rated i^.^ed healthy: during some days, part
of the unne passed through the wound ; and about
the twenty-sccoud day it was perfectly healed.

Inflammation of the Bladder.

When the bladder is much inflamed, its irrita-
bility IS so increased, that it becomes incapable of
contammg any urine, contracting upon every drop
almost that passes into it from the kidneys. In
this complaint, then, the hoi'se is attempting almost
constantly to stale, but voids only a few drops of
unne, and that with considerable pain : it is gene-
rally attended with quick pulse, and other symp-
toms of fever. Nothing is more beneficial in this
disease than causing the horse to drink largely of
Imseed decoction, or any other mucilaginous li-
quid, and throwing up frequently clysters of the
same : bleeding, and a dose of castor oil, are like-
wise highly necessary. After the operation of the
oil, let the following ball be given every eighth
hour. Should no relief be obtained by these
means, the horse continuing to void his urine fre-
quently, in small quantities, and with pain, add
half a dram of opium to the ball. Costiveness
tends very much to aggravate this complaint; and,
whenever it occurs, let a clyster be injected, and £V
dose of oil given.

INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. 137

The Ball.

Powdered nitre -• -5- oz*

Camphor 1

Liquorice powder » 3 dr.

Honey sufficient to form a ball for one dose.

Inflammation of the kidneys is always accompa-
nied with great irritability of the bladder : which
causes the horse to be frequently, and almost con-
stantly, straining to stale, while only a very small
quantity of bloody or dark-coloured urine is voided,
and may, therefore, be mistaken for inflammation of
the BLADDER. I examined, a short time since, two
cases, where this symptom had appeared in a very
distressing degree, and found the bladder quite
free from disease, but the kidneys much inflamed.
I believe, the most certain criterion for distinguish-
ing inflammation of the kidneys, when it is consi-
derable, from a similar affection of the bladder, is
the stiffiiess or lameness of one or both hind legs,
which is observable when the former are affected.

Inflavvmaiion ofihc Liver,

This disease is indicated by a yellowness of the
eyes and mouth, red or dark-coloured urine, great
weakness, and fever, generally accompanied with

138 INFLAMMATION OF THK LIVEU.

diarrhoea or purging, and sometimes with costive-
ness; the horse has a very languid appearance,
and IS almost constantly lying down. Sometimes
the progress of this complaint is very rapid, speed-
ily termmating in death : at others it proceeds
more slowly, the animal lingering for a consider-
able tmie. In this case it not unfrequently termi-
nates m dropsy, or inflammation of the bowels A
case I recently met with terminated in this way
It IS often complicated with other internal diseases,
causing some variety in the symptoms.

Bleeding can be employed with safety only at
the commencement of this disease: afterward it ge-
nerally does harm, by inducing a dangerous degree
6f debility. The sides should be blistered ; and, if
there be no purging, the ball No. 1, given once in
24. hours, until it occasions moderate purging;
but, if the bowels be already in a lax state, the ball
No. 2, will be better adapted to the complaint,
and is to be given in the same way.

The horse is subject also to chronic affections
of the liver, by which the structure of that organ
is gradually destroyed, and it becomes so soft and
tender as to be torn by the motions of the body ;
the consequence of which is an effusion of a large
quantity of blood within the abdomen, and speedy,
sometimes sudden, death.

As the horse's liver is less complicated in its
structure than that of the ox, sheep, and some other
quadrupeds, it is on that account, perhaps, less
liable to disease, particularly to those chronic affec-

JAUNDICE, OR YELLOWS. 139

tions which so often occur in horned cattle. I
should have observed, when speaking of the treat-
ment of acute inflammation of the liver, that, be-
sides copious bleeding at the commencement of the
disease, and rubbing some bhstenng mntm nt on
the sides, a rowel may be placed m the breast.

Bails.
No. 1.

Calomel ^

Barbadoes aloes 2 drams.

Rhubarb 3 drams.

Castile soap 3 drams.

Syrup enough to form the ball.

No. 2.

Castile soap and strained turpentine, of each 3 drams.
Liquorice powder enough to form the ball.

Jaundice, or Yellows.

This disease also is indicated by yellowness of
the eyes and mouth, lassitude, want of appetite,
and some degree of fever. The urine is high-co-
loured, the dung hard and covered with slime or
mucus; sometimes, however, it is attended with
scouring. This disease does not often arise from
gall stones or biliary concretions, but more com-

1*0 JAUNDICE, Oil YELLOWS.

nionly, I believe, from diseased action of the liver
m consequence of which, a more acrid bile is se-
creted or, perhaps, not a sufficient quantity: it may
depend also on some derangement of the di<restive
organs m general, particularly the stomach. Bleed-
ing IS seldom necessary in this disease, and should
be carefully avoided, unless the disease is compli-
cated, and there arc other symptoms which appear
to render it necessary; such as quick pulse, dis-
turbed breathing, the membranes of the eyes in-
chning to orange colour, or even redness. This
shows that the lungs are in danger, and that bleed-
ing IS proper. In general, it is attended with lan-
guor and debility. If the horse scours, gruel,
made witli arrow-root or wheat flour, shoutd be
given; but, if the dung is hard and slimy, the fol-
lowing laxative is proper :

Barbadoes aloes from 2 to S drams.

Calomel 4. dram.

Castile soap 3 drams.

Rhubarb 2 to 3 drams.

Syrup enough to form the ball. For one dose.

After the operation of the laxative, the horse
generally gets better, but there often remains con-
siderable weakness, which requires great care as to
feeding and exercise. At this period, some tonic
medicine may be given. (See vol. ii.)

STRANGLES.

14-1

Sir angles.

This disease generally attacks young horses be-
tween the third and fifth year of their age, and
consists in an inflammation of the membrane of
the throat and nose, and swelling of the glands un-
der the throat, accompanied with cough, and a
discharge of white thick matter from the nostrils :
sometimes there are likewise a soreness of the
throat, and difficulty in swallowing. The inflamed
glands commonly suppurate in a short time, and
burst, discharging a large quantity of matter.
When this has taken place, the cough and other
symptoms generally go off", the sore gradually heals,
and the horse speedily recovers. In some cases,
the strangles assume a more formidable appear-
ance, are attended with a considerable degree of
fever, and the throat is sometimes so much in-
flamed, that the horse is incapable of swallowing
either food or water ; but, however violent the at-
tack may be, I have always found that, by adopting
a proper mode of treatment, every unpleasant
symptom, may be easily removed, and a speedy re-
covery effected. It is not a very uncommon cir-
cumstance for the strangles to attack young horses
while at grass ; and then they are frequently not
peixeived until nature has nearly effected a cure.

The approach of strangles may be known by a
dulness of countenance, watery eyes, cough, and a
slight degree of swelling in the glands under the
jaw. As soon as they are discovered, let the haiy

14^

STRANGLES.

be carefully dipped off" from the inflamed glands
and contiguous parts of the throat; let a large
poultice be then applied to the throat, in doing
which it is necessary to take care that it is so se-
cured as to be constantly in contact with the throat ;
for unless this is attended to, the poultice will be
but of little service. I have generally found, that
by rubbing a small quantity of some stimulating
ointment on the inflamed glands, previous to the
application of each poultice, suppuration has been
considerably promoted : for this purpose, the fol-
lowing formula will be found useful.

Camphor 2 dr.

Oil of origanum 1 dr.

Spermaceti ointment 2 oz.

Mix.

"When matter is completely formed in the glands,
which may be known by the tumour becoming
largei", and by the skin feeling tense and somewhat
elastic, an opening should be made with a lancet
audits contents evacuated: this [plan is certainly
preferable to that of waiting until it bursts sponta-
neously, as the animal is instantly relieved by it,
and the cure more speedily effected. To evacuate
the matter perfectly, it is necessary to use moderate
pressure with the fingers ; and when this has been
done, let a piece of lint, dipped in digestive lini-
ment, be inserted, for the purpose of keeping the
lips of the wound open, and allowing the matter

STRANGLES.

1.48

to escape freely: the poultice is to be continued
until the swelhng is perfectly reduced. When
strangles attack the internal parts of the throat, so
as to render the horse incapable of swallowing, and
particularly if the external swelling be not consi-
derable, it will be adviseable to apply a blister, and
keep the bowels open with clysters. It is very ne-
cessary, in every case of strangles, to steam the
head well ; that is, to put hot bran mashes into the
manger frequently, so that the horse may inhale
the vapour.

It is of consequence to distinguish cases of inci-
pient strangles from common colds. In the latter
bleeding is a useful remedy ; but in the former I
believe it does much harm, by interrupting a pro-
cess of nature. I cannot, by any argwnenty show
why bleeding should be improper in the strangles;
indeed, if our practice were guided by theory only,
we should be led to consider it as a case of com-
mon inflammation, and consequently adopt that
mode of treatment which would tend to remove it
most expeditiously, and prevent suppuration ; and
with this view we should have recourse to bleeding
and purgatives: experience, however, certainly
sanctions a different treatment, and has, I thmk,
fully proved the propriety of using every means
for encouraging suppuration. I have seen several
hundred cases in which this plan has been pur-
sued, and not one of them terminated unfavour-
ably. Should the inflammation, however, spread
to the lungs, occasioning great difficulty of breath-

liii STRANGLES. .

ing and fever, and particularly if the horse be past
the ago of five, bleeding must not be omitted ; and
if a laxative drink can be given, it will be found of
great service. A rowel in the chest will also do
good.

Should a cough or any unpleasant symptom re-
main after the strangles are healed, let the follow-
ing alterative ball be given every morning, until
moderate purging is produced ; and if it be found
necessary, let it be repeated after an interval of
four or five days. It is almost superfluous to add,
that great attention must be paid by the groom ;
the head, neck, and chest, as well as the body,
should be clothed ; warm water should be given
frequently in small quantities; a large quantity of
litter should be allowed ; and hand-rubbing to the
legs should never be omitted.

Alterative Ball.

Barbadoes aloes U <3i*'

Emetic tartar and Castile 7 ^ ^^.^

soap, of each j

To be made into a ball for one dose.

As there is often much difficulty in keeping up
the poultices, so as to be closely in contact w.lh the
diseased part, 1 have often directed fomentations
to be frequently applied instead of them; and
.vhenever there is any ^^<^-''y
think the swelling should be nnmed.ately bhsteied.
I have observed that, by opening the tumour too

CATAHnil, on COLD.

early, or while any liardness remains about it, the
cm-e is tlicrehy retarded; nor should much pz'es-
sure be made, in order to squeeze out the mattei'.
If the abscess has been freely opened, a circum-
stance that should always be attended to, and
which can be done \Yithout giving much pain, if
the operation Is not performed prematurely, there
will be no danger of the matter accumulating, or
oilier abscesses forming, provided It be fomented
or bathed several times a-day; and if this Is pro-
perly done, there is no occasion even for putting
in a tent. Whenever strangles occur In so violent
a degree as to threaten suffocation, an opening
should be made in the wind-pipe. (See Fet, Diet,
Art. Broncholoiny),

Catarrh, or Cold,

It would bo superfluous to give n pjirtlctilar tic-
scription of this complaint, since It Is so well known,
and its appearance so generally nnderstood, that
scarcely any one can be at a loss to distinguish it
from other diseases. It consists In an inflamlnatlou
In the mucous membrane, which lines the Internal
part of the nose, throat, &c., sometimes attended
with a slight degree of fever : hence arise the cou^h
and discharge from the nostrils, which are the
principal symptoms of catarrh. On the first at-
tack of this complaint, bleeding will generally be
found an effectual remedy; but if it be ncglcctea

J 4,6 CATAUUH, OR COLD.

until a considerable discharge has taken P^';;^^ from
the nostrils, it seldom proves beneficial. The iol-
lowin.. laxative will be found useful if the horse is
costive, and may be repeated after an interval of a
few days, should it appear necessary.

Laxative Ball.

Barbadoes aloes 3 draiTis.

" 3 diams.

Pure soap

Sjnip enough to form a baU for one close.

Should the laxative be
„,....on,aaose^^verpo.^-

til n best remedies, li i>'<- ^J*-
ation are the oebi inserted un-

der the jaw; ""'1 >' ,„Moy.mg pa"'M'

CATARRH, OR COLD.

147

mentaEion to the inflamed membranes, since the
horse will be constantly inhaling the vapour which
escapes from them. Should he be costive (which
is not likely to happen while he is taking bran
mashes), let clysters be injected occasionally. The
head and chest, as well as the body, should be well
clothed, the legs frequently hand-rubbed, and a
large quantity of litter allowed ; by these means he
will soon be restored to health. Should a cold be
attended with a ^considerable degree of fever, or
should the appetite go off, and the flanks work
quicker than usual, it is necessary to make some ?d-
teration in the treatment. (See Fever and Lijam-
motion of the Uings). It is necessary to observe,
before I conclude this subject, that strangles on
their first attack are sometimes mistaken for a cold.
This may be productive of mischief, since bleeding
IS generally improper in that complaint : if, there-
fore, a cold be accompanied with a swellino- of the
glands under the javv,-if they feel hot ''and be
painful, and particularly if the horse be youno- _
we may conclude that the strangles arc approach-
ing, and treat it accordingly.

Should the cough remain after the other symp-
toms are gone off, give the ball again, or that pre-
scribed for cough; and if necessary, repeat it after
a short mterval. If the cough continue after this,
let thefoUowmgball be given" every morning for a
week. •'a a

The Ball.

Powdered squills 2 ^j^.

H 2

148

CATAftnH, OA COti).

Gum ammoniac 3 dr.

Opium ^ dr.

Syrup enougli to form a ball.

The opium is apt to produce costiveness wlioil
continued, and sometimes takes off tlie appetite;
and though it often appears to cure the cough for
a time, the permanency of its effect cannot be dc-
])ended upon. The cough that remains after a
cold is often, I believe, of a local nature, depend-
ing probably upon morbid irritability about the la-
lynx, or from the mucus of the part being unusual-
ly stimulating. Blistering the throat has often
done good ; also, drenching the horse two or three
limes a-day with infusion of linseed, sweetened
with honey or treacle ; the addition of a little vine-
gar has likewise been found useful. I have known
instances of such coughs being quickly cured, by
giving drenches, composed of garlic and linseed in-
i usion, with treacle and butter. In short, the re-
medies that have occasionally succeeded in these
cases are very numerous. The principal thing to
be observed is not to expose the horse to a cur-
rent of cold air, either in the stable or out of it, or
suffer him to stand in the cold air or rain ; this is
sure to keep up, or even aggravate, the complaint,
whatever remedies are employed.

CHEONIC COUGH,

149

Chronic Cough.

This complaint is, as has been observed in the
preceding article, often a consequence of an ill-
treated or neglected cold ; but it sometimes comes
on so gradually that its origin cannot be easily de-
termined : and I think it probable that a diseased
condition of the stomach and bowels is often mate*
rially concerned in its production. Horses that
labour under chronic cough are generally observed
to have an inordinate appetite both for food and
water; so much so, that they will eat even their
litter when stinted in hay, and will drink the foul-
est water; and, unfortunately, it too often happens
that this morbid appetite meets with little restraint.
A continuance of this injurious habit seldom fails
of weakening the stomach and bowels; and, conse-
quently, the whole system. The next degree in
the scale of mischief is the production of worms :
which become a fresh source of poverty and debi-
lity. The sympathy between the lungs and the
digestive organs is very remarkable ; and it is not
at all surprising that, under such erroneous ma-
nagement, coughs, and other diseases of the respi-
ratory organs, should so often occur. Another
cn-cumstance to be considered is, that when, the
horse is iput to work, and especially if he is rode
fast, or required to draw heavy burthens, his sto-
mach and bowels are often so loaded as to impede

150

CHnONIC COUGH.

materially the action of the lungs ; a frequent re-
petition of this mischievous practice will probably
do an irreparable injury to these important organs,
and assist in producing a variety of troublesome
diseases. There is still another circumstance to
be considered in attempting to explain the manner
in which chronic diseases of the lungs are pro-
duced ; and it should be recollected, that a know-
ledge of this may lead to an effectual mode of pre-
vention. When a horse is allowed to eat more
hay than is proper, he is almost always inclined to
drink more than he otherwise would ; and in this
also he is too often unrestrained, except in being
allowed to drink only twice a-day; therefore, at
such times he, of course, drinks a great quantity.
A horse thus mismanaged is seldom treated pro-
perly in other respects, unless a hot close stable can
be considered in that light— but on that subject, I
trust, enough has already been said : therefore, it
may be fairly presumed that he is at times suffered
to stand in cold wind or rain, perhaps when heated
and fatigued by his work, or he may be taken into
a pond or river, to save the trouble of cleaning
him in the stable. The functions of the skin be-
ing thus interrupted, an additional source of in-
jury to the lungs is formed. Thus it is that chro-
nic cough, broken wind, and a variety of dis-
eases, are produced. The shock is sometimes so
considerable as to cause an acute disease ; as in-
flammation of the lungs, bowels, or some other in-

CHRONIC COUGH.

151

ternal part; but more frequently a foundation is
laid for some chronic disorder, which its frequent
repetition seldom fails of establishing.

From this view of chronic cough, it will appear
that the cure will depend much more upon proper
stable management than the exhibition of medi-
cine. His daily allowance of food and water
should be moderate, and given at three or four
times ; the former should be nutritious, but light
and easy of digestion : such as mashes of scalded
bran and oats, carrots, bruised oats, sweet hay free
from dust or mould ; and when there is much thirst,
it should be sprinkled with water. If the horse is
inclined to eat his litter, he should be muzzled as
soon as he has eaten his allowance ; and, in the
day time, he may be kept without litter. His
work should be moderate ; and great care taken
not to expose him to wet or cold, particularly not
to let him stand still when so exposed. The cere-
mony of washing his legs should be dispensed with.
In cold weather, his water should have the chill
taken off. He should be thoroughly brushed and
well wisped twice or three times a-day ; and, if he
is not worked, he is to be exercised moderately
twice a-day. Moderately warm clothing, and a
stable properly ventilated, but not such as may sub-
ject him to a partial current of air ; or, rather, a
loose box, where he may move about, are also ne-
cessary. The first medicine to be given is a mild
purgative, or the alterative which will improve the
state of the digestive organs, and get rid of any

152

CHRONIC COUGH.

worms that may be lodged in the bowels. In ac-
complishing this his general health will be im-
proved ; and in consequence of the sympathy that
exists between the respiratory organs and those of
digestion, the beneficial effect will be particularly
felt by the former. After an interval of a week,
the dose should be repeated. Should the cough
continue after this, the cough -ball or drench may
be given. After the chronic cough is cured, the
horse will be very liable to a relapse, and will re-
quire a continuance of that care and attention
with regard to feeding, exercise, &c. already point-
ed out ; and, if the complaint is incurable, it is the
only means of preventing it from getting worse or
degenerating into broken wind.

Mild Purgative.

Barbadoes aloes 4- oz. to 5 dr.

Calomel 1 dr.

Soap 3 dr.

Ginger 2 dr.

Oil of caraways 12 drops.

Syrup enough to form the ball. One dose.

Alterative Ball.

Barbadoes aloes H oz.

Soap Uoz.

Calomel 3 dr.

GinjTcr G dr.

Oil of caraways . . . • 1 dr.

CHRONIC COUGH.

133

Syrup enough to form a mass, to be divided into
six balls. One of them to be given every morn-
ing, or until purging takes place, which some-
times is produced by the second dose ; but more
commonly the third is required, or even a fourth.
In a former edition, emetic tartar was prescribed
instead of the calomel, but I think the latter is
best.

Cough ball.

Gum ammoniacum 3 to 4; dr.

Powdered squill 1 dx\

Camphor 1 dr.

Ginger IJ dr.

Soap 2 dr.

Oil of aniseed 20 drops.

Syrup enough to form the ball. One dose to be
given once or twice a day.

This is sometimes made more efficacious by the
addition of opium, about half a dram ; but it is
medicine that is very apt to produce costiveness
and disorder the stomach when given daily; and,
though it will often stop the cough for a day or
two, its beneficial effect is seldom permanent. If
the h orse becomes costive during the treatment of
chronic cough, let a clyster be injected, and in-
crease the proportion of bran; giving it in the
form of mashes for a day or two.

Cough Drench.

Treacle and vinegar, of each i pound.

Fresh squill bi-uised in a mortar 3 oz.

H 5

154

CHRONIC COUGH.

Macerate the squill and vinegar for a few hours
in an oven not much heated, then press off the
liquid part ; add to it as much vinegar as has
been lost by evaporation, and afterwards the
treacle. This is sufficient for four doses ; one
to be given morning and evening. When squill
cannot be had, about four or five ounces of gar-
lic may be substituted.

Tar and tar-water have been recommended for
cough ; also, eggs mixed with vinegar, and an egg
alone unbroken ; this last proved an effectual cure
in one case that came under my notice, for the
groom who prescribed the remedy,- in attempting
to give it, contrived to get some part of the shell
into the larynx, and killed the animal. I have
known the chronic cough much relieved by giving
the following powder daily, or so as to increase the
horse's staling in a moderate degree; and it is
worthy of remark, that most of the medicines that
are recommended for cough are, more or less, of
a diuretic quality. The following cordial diuretic
has also been given with good effect : but the pur-
gative, I think, should always precede those pec-
toral or cough medicines.

Powder.

Nitre and yellow resin, of each . . .
Caraway seeds recently powdered .

Mix. For one dose.

•i- oz.
4- oz.

ROARING.

155

Cordial Diuretic.

Strained turpentine 8 oz.

Yellow resin 4 oz.

Linseed or olive oil 2 oz.

Soap 6 oz.

Ginger 4. oz.

Oil of caraways oz.

Oil of anise-seed 2 dr.

Linseed powder enough to form the mass. To be
divided into sixteen balls. If the first ball does
not produce a diuretic effect, let another, be
given the following morning. Melt the resin,
turpentine, and soap, together, over a slow fii-q;
and, when perfectly melted and mixed, stir in
the other ingredients, having previously mixed
the essential oils with the ginger and some
linseed powder, by rubbing them together in a
mortar.

These balls will be found very convenient for
proprietors of post, coacli, or waggon horses.

Roarins.

This disease takes its name from a peculiar
sound m respiration, particularly when the horse
is put into a brisk trot or gallop. It seems to arise
Irom lymph that has been cflused in the wind-pipe

156

nOARING.

or its branches, which, becoming solid, obstructs,
in a greater or less degree, the passage of air. As
a remedy for this complaint, blistering the whole
length of the windpipe has been recommended ; I
believe, however, that it is always incurable, unless
proper remedies are employed as soon as it is ob-
served to be coming on. It generally begins like
a severe cold, with difficulty in breathing, accom-
panied with a peculiar kind of wheezing : some-
times there is also considerable fever and soreness
of the throat. In some cases, it attacks suddenly,
and with great violence ; in others, it comes on
gradually, and is then more dangerous, as it is sel-
dom attended to, and generally allowed to esta-
blish itself before proper remedies are employed.
It is adviseable, whenever a horse is attacked with
the above symptoms, to have recourse immediately
to bleeding, purging, and blistering the throat.

Thei'e are dift'erent kinds of roaring, to which
dealers have applied appropriate names; thus,
when a horse breathes with a shrill or whistling
>tind of noise in trotting or galloping, he is called
d whistler ; and, when the obstruction is principally
in his nostrils, the noise is diiferent, and he is saiil
to be a trumpeter or high blower. Sometimes the
wheezing evidently proceeds from the lungs, and
the breathing is somewhat like that of an asthma-
tic man ; but the working of the flanks is not so
considerable, or at all like that of a broken-winded
horse. I have met with several cases where the
disease was confined to tlie larynx. In one horse,

roaring;

1.57

a confirmed roarer, that had been so a consider-
able time, I found, after death, an ulcer on the in-
side of the larynx, on one side of the rhna or chink.
This horse, when standing still, breathed in the
natural way, and was in good condition; but when
put to work, such as drawing a moderate weight,
he was exceedingly distressed, and breathed so
that he could be heard at a distance of twenty
yards. Had I suspected at the time the nature of
this case, I would, without hesitation, have made
an opening in the Avindpipe, and endeavoured to
cure the ulcer, by passing up a medicated probang.
This operation is by no means formidable. I once
saved a horse's life by it that was nearly suffocated,
from a small portion of his food having got into
the larynx, A probang, such as surgeons use,
was smeared with oil, passed through the opening
in the windpipe up through the larynx, and imme-
diately withdrawn. This relieved the horse, and
the wound in the windpipe gradually healed. (See
the author's " Veterinary Dictionary," Articles
Choakivg (Appendix) and BronclioLomy).

Another case of roaring came on in consequence
of a severe attack of sore throat, in which there
was an apparent enlargement of the larynx, which
led to a suspicion of its being partially ossified ;
but this, I was informed, did not appear to be the
case after death, nor was any disease found in the
windpipe or lungs. Now, as an ulcer in the la-
rynx was very likely to escape the notice of the
person, who cxamii^ed this horse, and there was

158

ROAniNG.

nothing else found to account for the roarintr, I
think it probable that ulceration within the laiynx
was the cause of it. I should have observed that,
ni the first horse, the lungs were perfectly healthy.
A third case of roaring, which the proprietor de-
scribed to me by letter, succeeded to a considerable
swelling about the throat; but the exact nature
and situation of which I could not determine from
his description. A fourth case happened in my
own stable, without any apparent cause : it was not
preceded by violent cold or sore throat. He was
found in the morning with a troublesome cough
and wheezing, not such as to indicate the presence
of any foreign matter, within the larynx : he soon
got better, and went home. Soon after, the wheez-
ing returned; and became so loud that it could be
heard at a considerable distance. The horse was
destroyed ; and the only morbid appearance to be
found was a small ulcer in the larynx, in the same si-
tuation as in the first noticed case. In this last, as
well as in the first case, it would, I think, have been
worth while to attempt a cure by the means I have
described. It appears, from the experiments of M.
Gallois, that, by dividing the recurrent nerve (a
branch of the eighth pair which passes down the
neck), the chink of the larynx is immediately closed
either partially or wholly, and suffocation or great
difficulty of breathing is the immediate consequence.
As this nerve may be wounded in bleeding unskil-
ihlly, and low down in the neck, a knowledge of
this fact would lead us, in such a case, to make an

BROKEN WIND. 159

opening in the windpipe, by which the animal ^.^
would be immediately relieved, and the divided
nerve would gradually be reunited.

Broken Wind.

It seems to be universally allowed that this com-
plaint is incurable, though it will admit of consi-
derable alleviation: and, if its approach be per-
ceived sufficiently early, may probably be prevent-
ed. Horses that appear to be most subject to it
are those with voracious appetites, that eat even
their litter, and keep themselves in good condition
upon a moderate allowance of corn : also such as
are fed highly, and at the same time not properly
exercised. It has been observed by a modern au-
thor, * " that the most common appearance of the
lungs in broken-winded horses is a general thicken-
ing of their substance, by which their elasticity is
in great measure destroyed, and iheir weight spe-
cifically increased, at the same time that their capa-
city for air is diminished. During life, the lungs
entirely fill the cavity of the chest, so as to leave no
space between their outM^ard surface and the inward
uurface of the ribs. (See Slniciurc of the Lungs.)

* " An Inquiry into the Structure and Anim.il Economy of
tlic Horse, by Richard Lawrence, Veterinary Surgeon, Birniing-
liam," 4to. J a nork of much geuer.->l merit.

160

BROKEN WIND.

Thus thoy dilate and contract, following up by
their own elasticity the action of the ribs and di-
aphragm. If the chest be punctured in the dead
subject, the air rushes in, and the. lungs collapse:
but if the horse were broken-winded, the lungs do
not collapse. This state of the lungs sufficiently
accounts for the difficulty of respiration ; for as
\heiv faculty of dilalat'ion is destroyed^ the ribs ccmmt
expand without forviing a vacuum in the chesty which
the pressure of the external air prevents, which
may be readily perceived in the case of broken
wind; for then the intercostal muscles are so
strongly retracted, as to form a deep furrow be-
tween evei-y rib, as well as a depression in the
flanks. On this account air is received into the
lungs ivith great difficult!/, but Us exptdsion is not so
difficult, as the return of the ribs and diaphragm
naturally force it out by their pressure. Thus in
broken-winded horses inspiration is venj sloiv, but
exspiralion is sudden and rapid, as may be seen by
the flanks returning with a jerk."

It appears to me, that the observations of Mr.
Lawrence on this subject are not correct. The
lungs of -broken-winded horses, that I have exa-
mined, have generally been unusually large, with
numerous aii'-bladdcrs on the surface. This must
have arisen from a rupture of some of the air-cells ;
for, in this case, some part of the air which is in-
spired will necessarily get into the cellular viem-
hra7ie of the lungs, and diffuse itself until it arrivc§

BROKEN WIND.

161

at tlic surface, when it will raise the pleura so as
to form the air-bladders we observe. * This is the
reason that the lungs of broken-winded horses do
not collapse when the chest is punctured ; and tliis
will serve to explain the peculiar motion of the
flanks in broken- winded horses, which does not
consist, as Mr. Lawrence asserts, in a quick ex-
piration and very slow inspiration, but quite the
reverse ; air is received into the lungs very readily,
which is manifested by a sudden falling of the
flanks, but is expelled slowly, and with great diffi-
culty, as may be perceived by the long-continued
exertion of the abdominal muscles, f

* See Description of the Functions of the Lungs, &c,, as
above, page 4.

+ A short time since, ahorse, completely broken-winded, was
given to me for the purpose of making experiments relative to
the glanders, a disease which has for many years occupied my
attention. On destroying the animal, and examining the lungs
with great care, very little disease could be observed. So far
from their being thickened, and in the state Mr. Lawrence de-
scribes, they were specifically ligliler thah natural ; and, though
no air-bladders were perceived on tlie surface, there was evi-
dently a great deal of air diffused in the cellular membrane of
the lungs, which must have been occasioned by a rupture of one
or more of the air-cells, or minute branches of the windpipe;
there bfeing no other source from which it could have been pro-
duced. Now this was a rase of simple broken wind, which may
be easily distinguished, not by an unusually quick motion of the
Hanks, but by an unequal motion. The tlanks of a brukcn-
wiuded horse arc a long time in drawing up or contracting, which
shows the difficulty he feels in expelling the air from his lungs,
or in exspiriiig; but when that iselVected, the flanks drop sud-
denly, which shows that the air enters the lungs, or that the ani-
mal inspires with much greater case than he oxspircs. It often

162

BROKEN WIND,

When the membrane which h'nes the windpipe
and all its branches has been affected with inflam-
mation, it becomes thickened in consequence, and
the capacity of the lungs will of course be diniinish-
ed ; this will cause a quickness in respiration, but
not that Irregular or unequal kind of breathing by
which broken wind is characterised. The com-
plaint which is thus produced is commonly termed
thick wind ; and the horse so affected, if made to
move rapidly, wheezes like an asthmatic person,
and is unfit for any violent exercise. It not un-
frequently happens, I believe, that this complaint
proves a cause of broken wind : for when the
membrane is much thickened, many of the finer
branches of the windpipe are probably obstructed
in a greater or less degree : the violent coughing,
which usually accompanies this disease, will, under
such circumstances, be very liable to rupture some
of the air-cells. The same effect may be produced
by violent exercise when the stomach is distended
with food or water. I believe, however, that a ple-
thora, or fulness of habit, is most commonly the
remote cause of broken wind. In that case, there
is generally an undue determination of blood to
the lungs, whereby the secretion within the air-
vessels is increased, and perhaps rendered somc-

liappcns, however, that hrolccn wind is complicated wilh tJtick-
ness of wind, and, as I have before observed, is sometimes occa-
sioned by it, wliicli probably gave rise to the opinion wc have en-
deavoured to refute. (See Cough, Asthma, and Thickness of
Wind, Appendix).

BROKEN WIND.

163

what acrlmonous and viscid, exciting a violent and
troublesome cough. *

Whenever a horse appears to be imperfect in his
wind, if he cough violently, particularly when ex-
ercised, with unusual working of the flanks, and if
at the same time he appear to be in good health
and spirits, feeding heartily, and eager for water,
let him be bled moderately, and take a laxative
ball : by these means, assisted by a bran diet and
regular exercise, the lungs will soon be relieved,
and the cough, if not completely removed, will be
considerably diminished. Afterward give the fol-
lowing ball every morning for a week, and take
care that regular exercise is never omitted : it will
be adviseable also to prevent the horse from filling
himself too much with hay or water. The latter
should be given five or six times a-day, in small
quantities ; for the common method of stinting a
horse in water, when his wind is supposed to be
bad, is certainly prejudicial. Corn should be given

* It is not very improbable that air is sometimes secreted or
formed in tlie cellular membrane of tlie lungs ; in which case a
Iiorse would be broken-winded without aiij ru[)ture of the air-
cells. I have seen a horse become broken-winded rather sud-
denly, and when a violent cough had not preceded : I iiave also
seen the symptoms of broken wind removed by turning a horse
out, but they returned wlicn he was taken into the stable again;
and I recollect a horse, that would sometimes breathe very well,
and at other times appear completely Iiroken-winded. From
tiicse circumstances, it does not appear improbable, tiiat tlie
cause of broken wind is sometimes a morbid formation of air in
the cellular membrane of the lungs.

161-

BllOKEN WIND.

sparingly, as high feeding tends very much to ag-
gi-avate the complaint. Bran is a useful diet, if
mixed with corn; and if carrots, or any other suc-
culent vegetable, can be procured, they will be
found of considerable service. The vapours which
arise from foul litter, and the air of a close stable,
arc extremely pernicious. I have seen very good
effects from turning the horse into a paddock dur-
ing the day, when the weather is favourable.
When the cough and other symptoms have been
removed, these means must still be persevered in,
or the disease M'ill probably return : regular and
long-continued exercise tends more than any thing
to keep it off; but violent exercise is extremely im-
proper. Whenever costiveness occurs, it should
be removed by means of a clyster and bran mashes ;
and should the horse be disposed to eat his litter,
it is to be prevented by means of a muzzle.

The Ball.

Powdered squills 1 dr.

Gum ammoniac 4- oz.

Powdered anise-seeds 3 dr.

To be made into a ball with syrup, for one dose.

The cordial diuretic prescribed for chronic
cougii will be found an excellent palliative for
broken wind.

In this complaint, the digestive organs are al-
Avays more or less affected : hence it is that such
Ijorses arc always so flatulent, and arc so apt to

i3iioii:EN Wind.

16,')

liroak wind in the act of congliing. There is no
disease, perhaps, which will admit of so much al-
leviation, or that can be relieved with so much cer-
tainty, as this, by due attention to stable manage-
ment. The want of tone or energy in the stomach
and bowels, which always attends the complaint,
should lead us to pay particular attention to the
state of those parts, and allow only such food as is
easy of digestion, and give it only iu such quan-
tities, and in such a state, as the stomach can di-
gest without extraordinary exertion. Bruised oats
are, therefore, to be preferred ; because broken-
winded horses are generally greedy feeders, and
more apt than others to swallow their corn without
chewing it sufficiently: and it has been proved,
that when corn gets into the stomach unbroken, it
it is perfectly indigestible, and passes through the
stomach and bowels unchanged. Water may in-
crease the symptoms of broken wind, not only [)y
its c|uantity, but by its qualit}^, and by its coldness;
and improper management with regard to water is
apt also to bring on a fit of the spasmodic or flatu-
lent colic in such horses. The sympathy between
the stomach and the lungs has already been no-
ticed, as well as the consent or connection between
the latter and the skin or perspiratory vessels :
licnce it is that exposure to wet and cold, or stand-
ing in the cold, after being heated by exercise, is
sure to aggravate broken wind; though turning
the horse out where there is but little grass, in tcni-
perate weather, generally afford.^ great relief; and

166

BTIOKEN WIND.

often removes, for a time, every symptom of the
disease. Bran mashes are exceedingly useful when
there is a disposition to costiveness; and small
quantities of green food may be given with advan-
tage. In short, in attempting the cure of chronic
diseases of the lungs, of which there is a consider-
able variety, but differing more in degree than in
kind, it is essentially necessary to pay strict atten-
tion to the state of the stomach and bowels, to re-
store their lost tone as far as it can be done by a
proper management of diet, air, and exercise, and
an occasional use of medicine; considering the lat-
ter, however, as subordinate to the former. Nor
is it less necessary to avoid all unnecessary expo-
sui-e to cold wind and rain, especially sudden
changes of temperature; which is a most fertile
source of disease in all animals, by interrupting the
important functions of the skin. The frequency
of those diseases, the great loss and inconvenience
they occasion to proprietors, and the numerous
disputes to which they lead, in the purchase and
sale of horses, have induced me to notice them at
some length, and in the present edition (the 12th),
to treat of them in succession. The place of the
following article also is changed in this edition;
because it is, in some ineasure, connected with the
present subject.

WORMS.

167

Worms.

There are three kinds of woi'ms found in horses.
The most common and mischievous reside in the
stomach, and are named lots. They are of a red-
dish colour, and seldom exceed three quarters of
an inch in length. At one extremity they have
two small hooks, by which they attach themselves,
and the belly seems to be covered with very small
feet : they are most frequently found adhering to
the insensible coat of the stomach, and then they
do not appear to cause any considerable uneasiness
or inconvenience. Sometimes, however, they at-
tach themselves to the sensible part, and do great
injury to this important organ, keeping up a con-
stant irritation, thereby occasioning emaciation, a
rough, staring coat, hidebound, and a cough. T
liave met with several instances of their destroy-
ing the horse, by ulcerating the stomach in a con-
siderable degree; and cases are recorded where
they have penetrated quite through the stomach.
It is astonishing with what force these worms ad-
here, and how tenacious they are of life : they have
been found to resist the strongest poisons, nor
have we yet discovered any medicine capable of
destroying them, or of detaching them from their
situation. It seems probable that this worm, like
the caterpillar, undergoes several changes. It is
said to be originally a fly, which, depositing its
eggs in the horse's coat, causes an itching, that

168

^vo^tMS.

induces him to bite the part. In this way ho is sup-
posed to swallow some of the eggs, which, by the
heat of the stomach, are brought to maturity, and
produce bots. When the bots are fit to assume
the chrysalis state, they arc spontaneously detached,
and gradually pass off' with the feces. This is the
most rational account we have of their production.

It has been asserted, that the fly from which bots
are produced crawls into the anus of horses, and
deposits its eggs there; that the worms when
hatched soon find their wny flirther up the intes-
tines, and often penetrate into the stomach. This
account is literally copied by a late writer on Vete-
rinary Pathology ; * but it appears to me rather
strange, that any one who has considered the struc-
ture of the horse's intestines should for a moment
give credit to it. It seems impossible indeed for
these worms to crawl from the anus to the stomach;
and, as far as my observation goes, they are never
found residing in the intestines. Sometimes we
find two or three, but they are evidently proceed-
ing toward the anus to be expelled. I have before
ob'served, that I am not acquainted with any me-
dicine that is capable of detaching or destroying
these worms, though I have frequently tried the
strongest mercurial preparations, and many pow-
erful medicines.

I liavc used the yellow emetic mercury or the
vltriolated quicksilver, as recommended by the

» Rytling's Vctcriiiai-y Patliology.

STORMS.

169

writer just quoted, as well as every other mercu-
rial preparation, but never saw a single bott expel-
led by them.

The next worm we have to describe is very slen-
der, of a blackish colour, and seldom exceeds two
inches in length. It is never found in the stomach,
and very rarely in the small intestines, the largest
part of the canal being generally the place of its
residence. Here it proves a constant source of
irritation, occasioning loss of condition, a rough
unhealthy looking coat, and frequently a trouble-
some cough. A variety of alterative medicines
have been proposed for the destruction of worms
of this kind, and some of them are supposed to be
infkllible : I believe, however, that none of them
are possessed of much efficacy, and we ought not,
therefore, to depend upon them.

The following are the alteratives to which I
lude:-.savin, rue, box, asthiops mineral, antimony,
sulphur, emetic tartar, calomel, and vitriolate'd
quicksilver; the last two, if given with aloes, so aa
to purge briskly, and particularly the calomel, arc
excellent remedies ; but given merely as alterative*
they do no good.

I have generally found the following b.U vei<t
effectual, giving the preceding night from half ;
dram to a dram of calomel. I have often mixed
the calomel with the ball, and found it equally of.
ficacious : the former method, however, is gene-,
rally preferred.

170

WORMS.

The Ball.

Barbadoes aloes 6 dr.

Powdered ginger Hdr.

Oil of wormwood 20 drops.

Prepared natron • • . • 2 dr. -

Syrup enough to form a ball for one dose.

It is often necessary to repeat this medicine, but
there shoulil always be an interval of ten days be.
tween each dose.

The third kind of worm is of a whitish colour,
frequently seven or eight inches in length, and
generally found in the lower part of the small in-
testines. Worms of this kind are not so common
as the others, but appear to consume a consider-
able quantity of chyle, or the nutritious parts of the
food. They may be got rid of by the same means
that we have recommended for the small blackish

worm. „ , • c

We may always be satisfied of the existence ot
worms in the intestines, when a whitish or light
straw coloured powder is observed immediately
beneath the anus. I have sometimes succeeded m
destroying worms, by giving one dram and a half
of aloes, every morning, until purging was pro-

''There is another kind of worm, but it is not
commonly met with. I have seen them in horses
whose small intestines were loaded with long
white worms, and the large ones with ascarides.

171

These worms bear some resemblance to the tape-
worm, except in being generally very short and
small. They are of a white colour, and of flat
fignre, and seldom more than an inch in length,
and one-eighth of an inch in breadth. They ap-
pear to attach themselves to the intestines by means
of small hooks, which they have at one of their
extremities or ends, like botts. When detached
from the bowel, they move about in the warm
fluid with considerable activity. The best account
of botts diat has ever been published was commu-
nicated by Mr, Bracey Clarke to the Linnean So-
ciety, and piiblisiied in their Transactions. The
substance of this communication may be found in
my Veterinary Dictionary. As almost all horses
that are kept at grass during the latter part of
summer have botts, and as they have often been
found in the stomach alter death, when it has been
ascertained that the horse had not suffered any in-
convenience from them, Mr. Clarke seems to think
that they may answer some useful purpose. I have
seen however, several cases where they have evi-
dently been the cause of the most serious mischief.
Une horse had symptoms phremlis or mad stao-l
gers, and was relieved by plentiful bleediu'r and
Purgmg Soon after, he was again attacked and
c .ed. On examining the stomach, it was found
that a sm^dl opening had taken place in the sensi-
ble par of the stomach, through which son,e botts
had falen mto-the abdon.en ; many other bo
werest.ll adhering to the stomach. I did not ex'

i2

172

WORMS.

amine this horse myself, and saw him only at the
first attack, but received the information from the
man who opened him. Mr. Clark of Edinburgh
mentions a similar case, which I think worth no-
ticing. ' A horse had been ill some days (the
symptoms are not described), and when Mr. Clark
came to see him, the servant was ffivinc him a
drench, composed of linseed-tea, nitre, and honey ;
with the last hornful he mixed rather more than
lialf an ounce of spirits of hartshorn. The horse
seemed very uneasy after the drink : he was soon
seized with a violent trembling and shaking ; a
jirofiise sweat broke out all over his body, and ran
down his sides as if vi^ater had been poured on him;
at the same time, his legs and ears were quite cold :
he lay down in great agony, was soon alter con-
vulsed all over, and died in about half an hour
from the time the drink was swallowed. The sto-
mach was immediately examined, and found higlily
inflamed; a mortification had taken place on one
side, in which there Avas a small hole, through
which a leaden probe passed into the cavity of the
stomach from the outside. The coats of the sto-
mach were considerably thickened, and of a dark-
ish red colour, resembling that of liver; at the
same time, it was considerably distended, and full
of blood. On turning it inside out, an incredible
number of botts were found sticking round the
sides and lower part of the stomach, insomuch that
it appeared entirely covered with them: and so
fa-nily were the heads of these vermin fixed in the

WORMS.

173

coats of the stomach, that in endeavouring to pull
some of them offj when alive, they broke in two.'

' Thegreat irritation,' Mr. Clark observes, 'caused
by such a number of botts sticking to the coats of
the stomach, had, no doubt, occasioned the inflam-
mation which, from its continuance, was tending
to mortification before the drench was given, which
would have occasioned the horse's death in a short
time; but there is every reason to think that the
drench hastened it. This horse was very flu, and
just out of the dealer's hands.' Mr. Clark does
not state what the symptoms were for which the
drench was given ; but, judging from its composi-
tion, I should think they were such as indicated
some pulmonary affection : nor did he examine any
other part. I met with several cases that occurred
nearly about the same time, at Southampton, in
young troop-horses, lately received from the deal-
ers' hands. They were all attacked apparently
with mflammation of the lungs; but there was a
greater degree of debility than usually occurs in
that disease, and more depression or anxiety in
the countenance. Bleeding afforded no relief; and
when carried to a considerable extent, hastened
the animal's death. The mucous membranes both
otthe bowels and lungs were affected ; and there
was a troublesome cough: external inflammation
was excited in a considerable degree to no pur-
pose. Castor oil seemed to afford more relief than
any thing else, and one only, out of six, recovered;
«nd he remained in a feeble state for a long time

174.

WORMS.

In all that died, the lungs were found to have been
almost destroyed by the violence of the inflam-
mation; and there was a prodigious quantity of
coagulated lymph, resembling yellow fat, adhering
to the lungs, pericardium, and diaphragm, and a
' considerable quantity of yellowish fluid. A great
number of botts were found in the stomach, with
sloughing ulcers in the sensible part, surrounded
by a high degree of inflammation, approaching to
mortification. In some the ulcers had penetrated
through the coats of the stomach ; and on some of
the ulcers there was a blackish slough, resembling
half-burned or scorched leather. A case, exactly
similar to these, occurred to a young troop-horse
at Croydon.

From all these circumstances, it cannot, I think,
be doubted that botts are occasionally productive
of serious injury, and perhaps do even more mis-
chief than we are aware of. Mr, Clark mentions
a case where a horse died from taking a pint of vi-
negar ; andsuspectsvery reasonably, that thestomach
was previously injured by botts. At the same
time, it must be allowed, that they are often found
in the stomachs of horses that have been killed by
accidents, or destroyed on account of glanders, at-
tached sometimes to the sensible part, and parti-
cularly about the pylorus, without having caused
any kind of disorder or apparent inconvenience.
Under what particular circumstance they become
so injurious it is not, perhaps, easy to determine ;
and if there were any symptoms by which then-

WORMS.

175

existence in the stomach could be, with certainty,
known, probably little or no advantage would be
derived from it, from the great difficulty of killing
or detaching them. From the relief Avhich castor
oil afforded in one of the six horses, the only one
that recovered, and I believe, but do not exactly
recollect, the only one that took castor oil, or, at
least, so much as he did, it may be worth while to
give it a further trial. Emollient drinks of linseed-
tea and honey may also be given, and every thing
of an irritating nature avoided : though these may
neither detach nor destroy botts, yet they may put
a stop to the irritation they occasion before the
stomach is irrecoverably injured. The most com-
mon symptoms of botts, when injuring the stomach,
are cough, staring coat, hidebound, quick weak
pulse, disturbed breathing, sometimes symptoms of
Golic, but not violent, slimy dung, staggers, great
debility, and anxiety of countenance. Other symp-
toms may perhaps occur, and these may not always
be present, but the treatment is innocent^ if not
efficacious, and, v.'ith the aid of clysters, would ge-
nerally remove such symptoms, on whatever cause
they may depend. The propriety of bleeding, and
the extent to which it may be carried, must be de-
termined by existing circumstances. (See Injlmn-
maiinn of the Lungs, Boiceis, &c. and Bleeding.)
Oil of turpentine having been strongly recom-
mended to me by a medical gentleman, for the
worms that inhabit the intestines, particularly as-
carides, or the very short, slender, m ii^edle-liko

176

WORMS.

■worm, I have on several occasions prescribed it;
and in every instance tliere was a great number of
ascarides voided, but none of the long wliitc worms:
I have also received favourable reports of it from
Bome of my correspondents. The dose in which
that gentleman advises it to be given is four ounces
in a pint of gruel, having kept the horse without
food for three or four hours before, and a short

the day, he is to be fed spa-
ringly with bran mashes, and have but a small
quantity of hay. He advises, also, that the bowels
be brought into a moderately loose state before the
turpentine is exhibited, by giving the horse, the
day before, three or four drams of aloes, with a
little soap. As to the radical cure of worms, it is
not sufficient to evacuate those that may be lodged
in the bowels, but their future accumulation must
be prevented. To accomplish this, it is necessary
to inquire on what cause their formation depends.
That they are most commonly found -in horses that
are kept on unwholesome food, that have voracious
and depraved appetites, and are consequently un-
healthy and weak, is a fact well known ; but that
they are also produced sometimes in horses that
are allowed a sufficient quantity of wholesome food,
is equally true : but such horses are generally in-
clined to eat their litter ; and it is but seldom that
means are employed to prevent them. It is pro-
bable, I think, that a disordered or weakened state
of the stomach and bowels, however induced, is
the circumstance upon which their production de-

WORMS, IVT

pends. The digestive organs may become disor-
dered not only by unwholesome food, and want of
a sufficient quantity, but likewise by irregular feed-
ing— by eating too much even of the best food ; by
a habit of drinking too much water at a time, by
which the stomach is often distended, and its tone
gradually impaired ; by a frequent use of cordials
or strong purgatives ; by immoderate work ; and,
in short, by any thing which is injurious to the ge-
neral health of the animal : for so important arc
the fimctions of the stomach and bowelsj that when
disordered, the whole system is more or less af-
fected ; and they, in like manner, sympathize with
every important part of the system. In diseases of
the mesenteric glands, through which the lacLcnh
pass, that is, the vessels which convey the nutri-
tious parts of the food or chyle, the animal be-
comes weak and emaciated ; and in such cases, we
generally find worms in the bowels : and what is
remarkable, the lai-ge mesenteric artery is almost
invai-iably diseased; its cavity more or less en-
larged; its coats much thickened; and small
worms, somewhat resembling, but less than asca-
ndes, are almost always found within it. I liave
lately met with an extraordinary case of this kind,
A norse had been employed in carrying coal from
the coal-pits near Mendip to Shepton Mallet, by
one of those persons wl.o feed their horses princi-
pally, if not wholly, with whatever they can pick
'..p on the road; he gradually became so weak
aiul emaciated that he was left at the kennel, where

I 5

178

WORMS.

the knife soon put an end to his sufferings. I
found the grinding- teeth so unequally worn, with
keen edges, wounding the inside of the cheek, that
he could not have masticated his food, or at least
^ very imperfectly, for a considerable time. One of
the teeth was quite loose and rotten, and easily
taken out, the socket being decayed; two or three
others were nearly as bad, and some were full half
an inch higher than the others: there were deep
ulcei-s, with callous edges, within the cheeks. The
small intestines were nearly filled with long white
worms, and in the large bowels there was an im-
mense number of ascarides, and some of the short
flat worms before described. The mesenteric ar-
tery was prodigiously enlarged ; and being taken
out with that portion of the aorta or large artery
from which it branched oft; Aveighed about ten
pounds: it consisted of two tumours ; the first and
largest was in the trunk of the artery, and was
connected with the second by about three inches
of healthy artery, except being larger than natural.
They were rather gh)bular in their form; and
upon being opened, were found to consist of a sub-
stancethat resembled firmly coagulated pus, through
the centre of which the blood had preserved its
course:. the sides of this canul were smooth, like
the inside of an artery, and contained a small
quantity of blood, sufficient to show that it had re-
cently conveyed blood. The congulum adhered
but loosely to the sides of the distended artery,
ftiid on a small part of its surface there was a

HmEJJOUND.

179

little fluid pus. There were but few of the small
worms found in this case, and they were at the
mouth or origin of the artery. That part of th«
aorta from which it arose was healthy. It is im-
possible, perhaps, to account satisfactorily for the
pi-esence of worms in an artery ; and probably we
can only conjecture how they are generated in the
bowels, but we know what is practically useful :
which is, that whatever materially reduces the ge-
neral health and strength, is likely to induce that
state or condition in the stomach and bowels which
is favourable to the production of worms; and that
when they are brought into this state, worms will
be generated whatever food is taken in. If the
subject be viewed in this light, we should not be
satisfied with merely expelling worms from th6
bowels, but endeavour also to correct that morbid
condition, upon which their production depends,
by a prudent use of purgative and tonic medicines,
strict attention to diet and the functions of the
skin, and regular exercise, but not more than is
compatible with the object in view ; the improve-
ment of health and strength. ( 1 2th Ed ition. )

Hidebound.

This term implies a tightness of the skin, which
feels as if it were glued to the ribs, the coat having
at the same time a rough unhealthy appearance.

180

HIDEBOUND.

This complaint is generally occasioned by worms
or want of attention in the groom : it occurs some-
times, however, without any manifest cause. In
such cases, give the alterative ball, No. 1, every
morning, until moderate purging is produced; and
if this do not succeed, try the alterative. No. 2,
which is to be given every morning for eight or
ten days, taking care to assist its operation by warm
clothing, good grooming, and regular exercise.
The exercise should not be confined to walking,
but may be carried so far as to excite a moderate
perspiration. Great care must afterward be taken
that the horse does not get cold. Let him be put
into the stable while warm, and immediately cloth-
ed : when the legs and head have been well clean-
ed, remove the cloth, and continue to rub the body
with large wisps of clean straw, until it is quite dry.

I cannot forbear mentioning here a remedy that
is employed in some parts of Staffordshire for this
complaint, as it clearly evinces how necessary it is
to rescue this valuable animal from the barbarous
and absurd treatment of illiterate blacksmiths. An
account of this operation was sent me by a gentle-
man who saw it practised a few months ago. " The
head and legs of the horse * being secured, two
men (one on each side) pull the hide from the
ribs in about fifty places with pincers." The pro-

* I have since been informed (hat I mistook the gentleman,
and that the unfortunate subject of tlic operation was a bullock ;
the folly and cruelty of tiie proceeding are, however, the
same.

SURFEIT.

181

prietor of this unfortunate animal must surely have
been destitute of common sense or humanity, to
allow an ignorant unfeeling farrier to perform ao
cruel and fruitless an operation.

Alter alive Balls.
No. 1.

Barbadoes aloes 1 oz.

Castile soap 9 dr.

Powdered ginger 6 dr.

Syrup enough to form a mass, to be divided into
four doses.

No. 2.

Tartarised antimony 2^ oz.

Powdered ginger oz.

Opi"m X oz.

Syrup enough to form a mass, to be divided into
eight balls.

Surfeit.

This absurd term is given by farriers to a dis-
ease of tlie skin, consisting in small tumours or
knobs which appear suddenly in various parts of
the body, sometimes in consequence of drinkintr
largely of cold water, when the body is unusually
warm; but it appears frec^ucnily without any miv^

182

MANGE.

nifest cause. It may be easily cured by bleeding
moderately, or giving a laxative ball : sometimes,
indeed, it goes off without any medical assistance.
There is another disease oF the skin, of the same
name, which is generally more obstinate, and at-
tacks horses that are hidebound and out of condi-
tion. In this, a great number of very small scabs
may be felt in various parts of the body ; the horse
is frequently rubbing himself; and sometimes the
hair falls off from those parts which he rubs. This
complaint approaches to the nature of mange, and
requires the same treatment, assisted by a generous
diet, good grooming, and regular exercise.

Mange.

This disease is seldom met with except in sta-
bles where scarcely any attention is paid to the
horses, and where their food is of the worst qua-
lity : it is certainly very contagious, and may in
this way attack horses that are in good condition.
It is known to exist by the horse constantly rub-
bing or biting himself, so as to remove the hair,
and sometimes produce ulceration ; ihe hair of the
mane and tail frequently falls off, and small scabs
are observed about the roots of that which remains.
The mange is, I believe, a local disease, and re-
quii'es only the following ointment or lotion for its
removal : in obstinate cases, however, it may be

MANGE.

183

adviseable to try the effect of the following alter-

ative.

Mange Oinlmeni.
No. 1.

Sulphur vivum, finely powdered 4 oz.

Oil of turpentine 3 oz*

Hog's lard 6 oz.

Mix.
No. 2.

Oil of turpentine 4 oz.

Strong sulphuric acid ^ oz.

Mix cautiously, putting in the acid by a little at a
time, and add

Hog's-lard (previously melted) 8 oz.

Train oil 6 oz.

Sulphur vivuni , 4 oz.

Mix.

The acid and the turpentine should be allowed
to combine perfectly, and become a blackish liquid
mass, before the other ingredients are added. The
preparations of quicksilver, such as mercurial
ointment, solution of corrosive sublimate, &c., are
sometimes employed for mange ; but are certainly
not so safe, and perhaps not more effectual than
the sulphur or sulphur vivum, which, if properly
applied, seldom fails of curing the disease. It is
not sufficient merely to cover the affected parts

MANGE.

With the ointment; but every part should first be
well curried, even till they become sore, and then
the ointment should be thoroughly rubbed in with
a brush. The following is a cheap composition,
and is generally efficacious.

Oil of tar o „^

• b oz.

Oil of turpentine 4, ^2;.

Sulphur vivum, finely powdered 2 oz.

Mix.

In slight cases of mange, where only a small part
of the skin is affected, and the smell of sulphur,
which is very strong and disagreeable, is objected
to, the above lotion may be used, or the following,
which are more easily made.

Corrosive sublimate 1 dr.

Muriatic acid 3 tlr.

Water 1

Mix.

Or, corrosive sublimate j Jr.

Muriate of ammonia 4- oz.

Water 1 pint.

Mix.

Mange Lotion.
White hellebore, powdered 4 oz.

Al'OPLEXY.

185

Boil in 3 pints of water to 1 quart, then add

Muriate of quicksilver 2 dr.

that has been previously dissolved in 3 drams of
muriatic acid.

Alterative for Mange.

Muriate of quicksilver oz.

Tartarised antimony 3 oz.

Powdered anise-seeds 6 oz.

Powdered ginger 2 oz.

Sirup enough to form a mass, to be divided into
sixteen balls, one of which is to be given every
morning.

Should these appear to diminish or take off the
appetite, or create a purging, they must be discon-
tinued two or three days.

Apoplexy or Staggers.

This disease generally begins with an appear-
ance of drowsiness, the eyes being inflamed and
full of tears, and the appetite diminished; the dis-
position to sleep gradually increases ; and in a
short time the horse is constantly resting his head
in the manger, and sleeping. The pulse is seldom
much altered; in a few cases, I have found it un,
usually slow: costiveness and a defective secretion

186 APOPLEXY.

of urine commonly attend this complaint. Some-
times the disease will continue in this state for se-
veral days; at others, it assumes a formidable ap-
pearance very early, or even at its commencement,
the horse falling down and lying in a state of in-
sensibility, or violent convulsions coming on.
Sometimes a furious delirium takes place, the horse
plunging and throwing himself about the stable,
so as to render it dangerous for any one to come
near him. From this variety in the symptoms,
writers on farriery have divided the disease into
the sleepy and the mad staggers.

There is another kind of staggers, which arises
from a distension of the stomach, and most com-
monly attacks horses employed in agriculture, or
in any kind of hard work, when their condition is
not equal to their labour, and particularly when
they are badly managed with respect to food and
water. Since the author left the anny, he has met
with a great number of cases of this kind ; and be-
ing informed that it uniformly proved fatal, de-
stroying a very considerable number of horses an-
nually,'he was led to pay particular attention to it;
and was the more strongly induced to this, from
finding his own treatment unsuccessful.

The bodies of horses that died of the complaint
were carefully examined, and at length a mode of
treating it was discovered, which, if seasonably em-
ployedrolVen proves successful. As the disease is
now known to originate in the stomach, it will be
described under that head in the Appendix. (See

APOPLEXY.

187

Slomach Staggers.) It is sufficient to observe here,
that it may be distinguished from apoplexy, or ge-
nuine staggers, by a yellowness of the eyes and
mouth, and a twitching or convulsive motion of the
muscles of the breast ; the horse appears very fee-
ble, the head hanging down, as if oppressed with a
considerable weight ; the fore legs totter, and fre-
quently give way suddenl}', so that the animal ap-
pears to be on the point of falling, but he rarely
falls down, except in the last stages of the com-
plaint ; he seems to be insensible, and often forces
his head against the wall with such violence, that
the projecting parts are much bruised.

From the view we have given of the staggers, it
will appear, that the terms which farriers have
adopted to distinguish its different appearances
are very inadequate; and that it would be better
to distinguish the disease under the two following
heads : viz. the idiopathic and the symptomatic
staggers. In the former, bleeding is the grand re-
medy, and seldom fails of affording relief, if em-
ployed with freedom at the commencement of the
disease. It will be adviseable also to give the fol-
lowing purgative draught, and inject a stimulating
clyster, composed of a gallon of water and eight
ounces of common salt. Should not the symptoins
abate in eight or ten hours after the bleeding, there
will be great probability of obtaining relief by open-
ing the temporal arteries, and suffering them to
bleed freely.

I once saw a case in which the efficacy of this

188

4P0P.l,F.XY.

plan was remarkably conspicuous : the horse had
been labouring under the disease for several days,
and delirium had taken place, though he had been
bled freely, and, in every respect, according to the
account I received, treated properly. When I
saw him, he was lying down in a state of insensi-
bility, having just before been plunging and throw-
ing himself about very violently : the attendants
supposed him to be dying; and, indeed, I should
have been of the same opinion, had not the pulse
retained some degree of strength. I immediately
opened both temporal arteries, and, after they had
bled about ten minutes, the horse got upon his
legs, appeared perfectly easy, and from that mo-
ment gradually recovered, without the assistance of
any other remedy.

When the disposition to sleep is not removed
by the first bleeding, the head should be blistered
and a rowel inserted under the jaw.

Purgative Draught.

Barbadoes aloes 1 oz.

Castile soap 2 dr.

Prepared kali 1 dr.

Water 1 pint.

Mix for one dose.

In the third volume of my Treatise on Veterinary
Medicine, this disease (stomach or symptomatic
staggers) is treated of at considerable length, and

APOPLEXY.' 180

a particular account given of a similar disorder
which occurred near Swansea, by which one pro-
prietor lost more than 100 horses. The disease is
noticed also in the Appendix to the present volume.
I have only to add here, that Mr. Blaine considers
the stomach staggers as dependent " on a specific
inflammation of the stomach ; distinct and differ-
ing from those inflammations of that organ brought
on by the usual causes of such affection." The
stomach is certainly found more or less inflamed
and sometimes the small intestines; even the luno-s'
when the animal survives four or five davs, arc
also afl^ected with inflammation. The question
then IS whether this inflammation is the ca7tse of
the stomach becoming distended or the efecl of it
It IS not improbable that the disorder depends
iipon some morbid condition of the stomach ; but
. ni all the cases that have come to my knowled<,-e

cn.ployed, generally in conjunction with puro-atives-

reasonable to suppose that it would be rather a<..
gnxvated than cured by stimulants. I think It

»'oatpa„„f,h. calomel ,vho„ given ;„ „

190 APOPLEXY.

form : it may, however, be suspended in a small
quantity of thick gruel ; and if given carefully and
expeditiously in that form, would certainly be bet-
ter. It is to be regretted, that the veterinarian is
seldom consulted before the stomach is distended
beyond recovery ; therefore, I think it right to sug-
gest that as soon as the disorder is observed, and
the remedies prescribed cannot be procured in
lime, that some of the common domestic stimulants
be immediately given; such as ginger, warm
brandy, rum, or gin and water, mustard, &c.
Clysters are an important part of the treatment ;
and if there is no clyster-pipe and bladder at hand,
the hard dung should be removed by raking, as it
is termed, that is, drawing it out carefully with the
hand. *

I have for several years found gruel made of ar-
row-root, and when that cannot be had, of fine
wheat flour, the best remedy for diarrhoea or scour-

* Since writing tfie above, a case has occurred, which proves
that the stomach may be loaded, or even crammed, with food
without producing the peculiar symptoms of this disease, symp-
tomatic or stomach staggers. This case is described under the
head maammalion of the Bo,cel. Though the contents of th.,
stomach weighed more than 40 pounds, they had a d.flerent ap-
pearancc from that found in the .tomachs of staggered horses;
being less dry, and partially digested. This circumstance seems
to prove that symptomatic staggers depends on some morb.d co«-
ditU,n of the stomach, and not simply on its being distended ^..h
food , for in thi, case, the symptoms produced by the d.stended
Itomach were tho.e of violent colic, which destroyed the horse
in four or five hours.

4

blAKRMcEA. 191

ing, whether it be caused by checked perspiration,
or over-physicking.

Diarrhoea, Purging, or Scorning,

Is generally caused by new oats or bad hay,
sometimes by exposure to wet and cold, particu-
larly in the moulting season : some horses have a
constitutional weakness of the bowels, and can
scarcely do any work, or drink freely of cold water,
without :being attacked with some degree of di-
arrhoea; in this case, he should have a little cor-
dial medicine after a day's work, and a handful or
two of wheat-flour should be mixed with his water,
which should have the chill taken off. If the dis-
ease continues, the astringent ball is to be given.
When the disease is brought on by bad hay or
new oats, a change of diet is generally sufficient for
Its removal. Should it be occasioned by worms
or should small slimy knobs be mixed with the
dung, give, in the first place, a dose of laxative
medicme, such as three drams of aloes with an
equal quantity of soap, or the oily laxative. When
diarrhoea is accompanied with griping pains, the
horse lymg down and rolling about, let it be
treated accordingly. (See Colic, Gripes, and In-
flammauon of the Bowels.) In obstinate cases of
diarrhoea, unattended with pain, fever, or loss of
appetue, three or four drachms of catechu may be
added to the ball. Gruel made of arrow-roo'f or

192

MOLTEN CREASE.

even wheat flour, is often sufficient to put a stop to
the disease ; particularly if assisted by good groom-
ing, and proper attention to diet and exercise.

Astringent Ball.

Powdered opium \

Sub-carbonate of soda 1 tl'*-

Powdered cassia or ginger U- dr.

Flour and sirup enough to form the ball.

Should the form of drench be preferred, the ball
may be mixed with a little warm beer, or gruel
made of wheat-flour, and given with a horn.

Molten Grease.

This absurd name was given by the okt veteri-
nary writers to a disease in which the mucous or
internal coat of the intestines is particularly at-
fected, but accompanied generally with a consider-
able degree of fever. From the dung bcmg slimy
or covered with the mucus of tbe bowels, in a state
somewhat resembling fat or grease, and the blood,
when coagulated, having a coat of s,ze or buff on
its surfl.ce, those ingenious gentlemen iancied U,a
thefot of the body 'had been melted, and mixed
with the blood; that it was then gradua^^^y depo-
sited upon the bowels, in order to .be expelled Irom
thesys cm; the ske, also, found on the surface of

MOLTEN GREASE. 193

the blood that had been drawn from the animal,
was supposed to be fat or grease. Another cir-
cumstance which tended to confirm them in this
error, was, that it is generally brought on by vio-
lent exertion or hard riding, at a time when the
Iiorse is fat, and nnaccustomcd to such exercise.
Horses taken up flit from grass, and put too hastilv
to work, especially if the weather is hot, are very
liable to the disorder. Let the horse be bled, and
if the dung is solid or in knobs, give a dose of
castor oil or the oily laxative; but, if the
bowels are loose, let the horse drink fi-equentlv
or be drenched with infusion of linseed or arrow-
root gruel. Sometimes it is attended with o-ripiiKr
. pauis, but not so acute as those which occur in
spasmodic colic; or there is a tevcsnlus or irrita-
t.ou m the rectum, wh-ich causes the horse to b^-
lrec|uently voiding a small quantity of dung. When
euher of these symptoms occur, emollient clysters
should be thrown up; and, if they fail, the opiate
caster n,ay be tried. Molten grease is somet me!
accompamed w.th n.ore serious syn.ptoms, denot!
^ng an mflammatory affection of the lunaa o„j
:n- U.n be treated accordingly. When p^ '
u^d Tf'r^''"^' belly .hould be

tnkcMi nP I quantity o[ blood to be

olT, and the propriety of repealing the one
-on, musl be determined by the- violc^.ce of t

^ioocl, and t.e continuance or abatement of the

IQ4; DYSENTERY.

symptoms. One copious bleeding is often suffi-
cient in simple or slight cases ; but whenever the
fever runs high, and the case is complicated, with
an inflammatory affection of the lungs, it is gene-
rally found necessary to bleed several times. (See
Jppeiidix.)

Dy,seniery.

The elder La Fosse and other French veterina-
rians of his time considered dysentery and molten
urease {gras Jondu) as the same disease ; but the
youn^er'^La Fosse, in his Manuel D' Hippuilrique,
says " This disease, which many mistake for mol-
ten 'urease, is an inflammatory affection of the
bowels." He says, that purgatives and every thmg
of an irritating nature should be carefully abstained
from, and that the only remedy is emollient ciys-
ters, allowing the horse to eat a httle sorrel, and
mvino- him to drink white water (bran tea) with a
small" quantity of vinegar. In speaking of the
.ras fondu, or molten grease, he observes, that clys-
ters are the only remedies, unless there are symp-
toms of putridity, and then the clysters .hould be
acidulated with vinegar. He does not point out
'the means of distinguishing those diseases from
e ch other; and, as he prescribes the sa.me remedy
for both, perhaps he had never met with a d.s-
ease which resembled the dysenteiy of the hu-
^"n subject. I have never seen such a case, and

DROPSY. 195

am inclined to believe that it very rarely, if ever,

occurs.

Dropsy.

A COLLECTION of watery fluid in the cavities of
the brain, the thorax or chest, and the abdomen or
belly. Sometimes dropsy is superficial, the water
collecting in the cellular membrane, under the
skm, generally under the belly, in the sheath, and
.nnd legs; sometimes extending, also, to the breast
and fore legs. Dropsy of the brain or hydroce-
phalus occurs but seldom: the symptoms are con-
stantly hanging down the bead, or leaning it on
one side the stall, or resting it on the n;anger.
The pulse is seldom much aftected. In one case
^he horse appeared free from pain, except when
suddenly put mto motion, when he would be
seized with violent spasms, and fall down: in two
or three minutes he would get up again, and
appear easy. This horse, being of no va ue
was destroyed, and about six ounces of fluid wei^^
found m the ventricles of the brain. Theremedi s

arebhsteringthehead, arowelundertheW a
bnsk purgative, and afterwards diuretics, I't'
be distinguished fWrm inflammation of the brain or
-acl staggers, in which the horse is deliilu:
otten dangerous to approach, a ci't iw

.^"e.l,y a conse,SC^/^Sm:;tt?t

196

DROPSr.

lungs; and when it happens, those important or-
gans have almost always sustained too much injury
to be restored. (See Injiammution of ike Lungs.)
Sometimes, however, it conies on gradually ; and
there may be a chance of cure by the use of diu-
retics mixed with tonics, a nourishing diet, brisk
friction of the skin and extremities : blistering the
sides may also be useful. Dropsy of the belly or
ascites: this disease, like the former, is generally
an effect of inflammation ; but here the aftected
membrane is the peritoneum, and the disease is
sometimes curable. This kind of dropsy is gene-
rally attended with considerable swelling about the
belly, sheath, and hind legs. If these swellings are
pressed with the finger, an indentation will remain,
They are also free Irom inflammation and tender-
ness! When scarified, the punctured parts will
discharge a fluid, at first mixed with a little blood,
from the wounded skin, but soon becoming limpid
and transparent like water: by this operation the
external swelling of the belly and sheath will be
considerably diminished, but the waiter within ihc
belly will remain until proper remedies are em-
ployed. Diuretics are the most useful medicines
in all dropsical afft-ctions ; but they must be as-
sisted occasionally by tonics and cordials, and al-
wiys by <n-eat attention with respect to groonung,
exercise, lind diet. Dropsy of the belly most com-
monly attacks horses that are kept at grass ni
cold, marshy situations, in the early part of sprmg
and winter. In such cases it is generally attended

DROPSY.

197

with considerable weakness ; and I have been in-
formed, by an inteUigent practitioner, who has
had considerable experience in this kind of drops}',
that the following drench has so generally proved
efficacious as to be considered quite a specific in
the complaint : " Take five quarts of strong ale,
set it on the fire, and skim off the white froth
which rises ; put into it a handful of wormwood,
with the stalks, and let them boil gently together
until reduced to about a quart. To tiiis add one
ounce and half of long pepper and grains of para-
dise, three ounces of treacle, and from two to four
ounces of Castile soap. The whole to be given at
one dose, and the horse exercised immediately
after till he sweats." This appears to be a potent
drench, the essential ingredients of which are the
soap, pepper, and grains of paradise ; for the spi-
rituous parts of the ale and essential oil of the
wormwood must be completely dissipated by such
Jong boiling. I have never had a case of dropsy
under my care in which this preparation appeared
a suitable remedy, nor should I be inclined to have
recourse to it, as the common diuretic mass, joined
w.lh cascarilla bark, ginger, and gentian-root,
lyoultl be a more convenient medicine, and, I be-
heve, equally efficacious. As this kind of drop.v
commonly happens to horses that are kept in cold
-arshy situations, it no doubt depends principalis
on checked or suppressed perspiration; therefore^
goodg.oommg, moderately warm clothing, exer'
Cise, and every means calculated to restore this dis-

198

ANTICOR.

charge, must be the grand object in the treatment,
■while diuretics are given for the purpose of getting
rid of the water ah-eady collected. Dropsy of the
belly sometimes depends on clironic disease of the
liver, and is then generally incurable. Superficial
dropsy often happens in horses independently of
internal dropsy, and is then easil}^ cured by mild
diuretics, good grooming, and regulai' exercise.

A7ilicor.

An inflammatory swelling about the breast,
sometimes extending upwards in the course of the
windpipe, and accompanied with difliculty in swal-
lowing, disturbed breathing, quick pulse, and other
symptoms of fever. According to Solleysel, it is
a dangerous sickness, arising from redundancy or
inflammation of the blood: it is known, he says,
by a swelling of the breast, just opposite to the
heart, whence it takes its name {antkcenr or avani-
cceur). Before the swelling appears, he informs us,
that the horse groans, hangs down his head, and
refuses his food; and that if the swelling ascends
to the throat, it is present death. M. de Saunicr,
another French author, says, that « this disorder is
mortal to horses if not soon relieved; especially m
hot countries, where 25, at least, die out of 30 that
are seized with it: but in Holland it is just the re-
verse; for out of 30 it is a chance but 2fi recover.

GLANDEltS.

195

if properly treated." It is known, he says, by a
swelling under the belly, extending from the sheath
or udder quite up between the fore legs. Gibson
describes it as an inflammation of the gullet and
throat. From this variety of description, it is
probable that the name has been given to different
diseases. Whenever such a swelling appears, let
it be treated according to the symptoms with which
it is accompanied. If it be hot and tender, it must
be fomented; and if there be any symptoms of
fever, let the horse be bled; if costive, clysters
and the oily laxative are proper ; if the bowels arc
open, give the fever powder or ball ; if the swel-
ling be situated upon the windpipe or throat, so as
to occasion difficulty in swallowing or breathing,
let it be blistered. By proceeding thus cautiously^
there will be no difficulty in treating swellings
about the chest, of whatever nature they may be
found to be, from a careful examination of the
symptoms. It should be recollected, that dropsical
swellings are free from heat and tenderness, and
rather colder than the healthy parts of the body;
also, that when pressed on with tlie thumb oi
finger, an indentation remains for some time after.

Glanders.

This disease is contagious, and has, I beh.v.
hitherto proved incurable. The most essentia)

leve

200

GLANDERS.

lliing to be known with respect to the glanders is
the method of preventing its being communi-
cated to sound horses, and the appearances by
'ivhich it may be with cerlainhj distinguished
from other diseases. The symptoms are, a dis-
charge from one 'or both nostrils, and a swelhng
of the glands under the throat. If one nostril only
he affected, it generally happens that the swollen
gland is on the same side of the throat. Some-
times the disease remains in this state for a consi-
derable time, at others, the discharge increases,
becomes of a greenish colour, and very fetid ; ul-
ceration takes place within the nose, and the swol-
len gland becomes harder, and feels as if closely at-
tached to the jaw-bone.

A cold has sometimes been mistaken for the
glanders, but may very easily be distinguished from
it. In colds, there is generally a certain degree
of fever, the eyes appear dull or watery, the appe-
tite is diminished, and there is almost always a
cough. If the glands of the throat should swell,
they are not so closely attached to the jaw-bone as
iu the fflanders, but feel loose and moveable under
the skin ; they are also generally in a state of ac-
tive inflannnation, feeling hot, and softer than in
the glanders. In colds, both nostrils are almost
always affected; in the glanders, it frequently hap-
pens that the discharge is from one only. In colds,
I have never seen the nostrils ulcerated ; in the
glanders, it always happens, though at different
periods of the disease : sometimes ulceration takes

GLANDERS.

201

place at its commencement, at others, a month or
two may elapse before it can be perceived.

The strangles have been sometimes mistaken for
the glanders ; but in this disease the inflamed
glands very soon suppurate and burst, whereby .nil
the other symptoms are generally removed, whilst
in the glanders the glands seldom or never suppu-
rate. In order, however, to avoid all danger, it is
adviseable, the moment a horse is perceived to
have a discharge from his nose, to put him into a
stable where he can have no communication with
other horses. If tlie glands of the- throat be en-
larged, and inflamed, apply a large poultice to them,
steam the head three or four limes a-day, let the
horse be well clothed, particularly about the head,
and give the fever powder, No. 2, every day, or
once in twelve hours. Should the discharge arise
frotn a cold, it will soon be removed by these
means. When considerable ulceration is perceived
in the nose, with the other concomittant symptoms
of the glanders, the horse should be destroyed in-
stantly.

The most effectual mode of purifying stables in
which glanderod horses have been kept, is to re-
move, or carefully wai>h, every thing on which tiie
horse may have deposited any matter, and after-
ward to cover every part of the stable with a coat
ot Inne and size.

Though all the experiments hitherto made, in
order to discover a remedy for this destructive
malady, seem to iiave proved fruitless, I can by no

K 5

202

GLANDERS.

means agree with those who think that the subject
is exhausted, and that any flirther attempts would
be superfluous : such sentiments may indeed be
pardonable in those practitioners of the art who
know nothing of the anatomy and physiology of
the horse, or the properties of medicine, and con-
sequently can have no principles to conduct them
in their CAperiments ; but since the art has been
placed on a more respectable footing, and the
practice so much improved by the attention and
abilities of the present professor, we may expect
that some farther and more successful experiments
v/ill be made; and that, ultimately, we may sec
this truly useful animal rescued from a disease so
eminently destructive.

It is pretty well kncun, that when the venereal
disease first made its appearance in Europe, its
ravages were severely felt, and thousands fell vic-
tims to it; almost every medicine in the Materia
Medica was tried without effect, and it was gene-
rally considered as an incurable disorder. Had
the practitioners of medicine been then discou-
raged by the failure of so many experiments, and
given it up as a hopeless undertaking, it would
have been unfortunate indeed for the votaries of
thecyprian goddess; but, by perseverance, every
difficulty was surmounted, and the antidote at
length diricovered. Thus, although our attempts
to cure the glanders have hitherto proved iIle^^ec-
tual, it ought by no means lo be relinquished as a
fruitless inquiry ; rathci", indeed, ought it to ope-

GLANDERS.

203

rate as a stimulus on the veterinarian, and prompt
him to an exertion of all his talents and ingenuity;
since the more difficulty there is in the pursuit,
the more honour and profit will there be attached
to the discovery. There may be many steps to as-
cend before we can arrive at this desirable object,
and he who makes any progress towards it, does a
service to society : we shall not j^crhaps mddenlij
find out the method of curing the disease, though
it may be accomplished by gradual and successive
discoveries.

From the observations I have been able to make
on the glanders, it appears generally to oi'iginate
iu contagion, though sometimes, I believe, it
arises spontaneously, or from the respiration of im-
pure air. A remarkable instance of this hajipened
a few years ago : some horses were embarked ibr the
continent; during the voyage, it became necessary
to shut the hatchways, whereby a proper circula-
tion of air was prevented : in consequence of this,
several horses Were suffocated, and those tliat sur-
vived were immediately attacked with the glanders.
That it arises from contagion is proved by almost
daily experience. How important, therefore, must
it be, whenever this dreadful disorder occurs, to
bear this circumstance in remembrance, and to
employ means which may effectually prevent its
spreading? and how many valuable horses mio-ht
have been saved, had the proper precautions hl v
attended to by grooms, and those who havn had
the management of glandcred horses ?

20^

glandehs.

Upon considering the origin, progress, and
symptoms of glanders, a striking analogy will ap-
pear between it and the venereal disease. When
venereal matter is applied to a part where a mu-
cous fluiil is secreted, as in the urethra or urinary
passage, or the internal surface of the nose, a pe-
culiar kind of inflammation is produced, and poi-
sonous matter formed, which has the power of
producing the disease in others. If glanderous
matter be applied to the nose of the horse, an in-
flammation and discharge of matter will take place,
and this matter will possess the same poisonous
quality as that which produced it. When the ve-
nereal matter is applied to the skin where the cu-
ticle is very thin, or has been abraded, a chancre
or ulcer will be produced, and the contiguous
glands will become inflamed and swollen from an
absorption of the poison, which will ultimately get
into the circulation, and infect the whole system.
When the matter'of glanders is applied in a simi-
lar way to a horse, it produces a chancre, or, as it
is commonly termed, a farcy ulcer: the neighbour-
ino- olands are inflamed and swollen ; the poison,
after a time, gets into the blood, and the horse be-
comes comjjletely glandered, having, at the same
time, the disease termed farcy. When venereal
matter is applied to a sound part of the same sub-
ject that produced it, it is said to be perfectly harm-
less: £o it is with the glanderous matter. But
here it must be observed, that when glanderous
matter is applied to the skin of a horse already la-

GLANDERS.

20.5

bouring under the disease, althouoh it be taken
i'rom aiiotlier horse, a chancre is not produced. Me-
dicines which have a considerable quantity of oxy-
gt'tfi in their composition, and which have so weak
an attraction for that element, as to part with it
readily, are the remedies for the venereal disease;
and of these the preparations of quicksilver are the
most remarkable, though niti'ous acid and oxyniu-
riate of potash are said also to be antidotes to the
venereal poison. I have seen the discharge, and
other symjitoms of glanders, considerably dimi-
nished by the use of acids, and have known it re-
moved for a time by means of mercui ial prejiara-
tions. ""Jhe farcy has been frequently cured by
means of mercury; but I believe it has never been
known to cure the glanders radically; and I have
been informed that it has been very lairly tried.

Fi "om the knowledge we possess of the glanders,
we may surely be encouraged to pursue the inquiry,
whenever it can be done with safely; and though
our experiments may not lead us to any infallible
remedy for the disease, they may teach us a niore
certain mode of prevention than any we are now-
acquainted with, and may possibly enable us even
to cure it in its earliest stages. It has been said, that
inoculation with cow-pock matter will reijder a
horse insusceptible of glanders : but this, I believe,
is at present merely conjecture: the idea is cer-
tainly plau;,ible, and the experiment oujrht to be
made. (See Glwulcr^, vol. iii.)

Wlicn the above article was written, it was rrg-

206

GLANDERS.

nerally undei'stood that glanders was communi-
cated by the application of glanderous matter to
the nostrils ; that the disease was, in the first in-
stance, local, like the venereal gonorrhoea, and
consisted in inflammation of the mucous membrane
of the nostrils, and a consequent increased secretion
of the mucous fluid, which is constantly flowing
from the nostrils, and is the most conspicuous
symptom of the disease. Since that time, I have
made numerous experiments on glanders; the re-
sult of which may be seen in vol. iii., where the
subject is largely treated of : it is suflicient to re-
mark here, that glanders is not communicated in
the above manner ; and that whenever there is a
glanderous discharge from the nostril, the disease
is always constitutional. Several healthy horses
had glanderous matter applied to their nostrils,
large pieces of lint, soaked in the matter, were
put up the nostrils, and kept in contact with the
membrane, without producing any effect : but the
smallest quantity of the same matter applied hj in-
oculation to any part of the body, or to the mem-
brane within tlie nostrils, produced a ciiancre or
farcy ulcer, which spread rapidly, the lymphatics
croing from the chancre were, soon after, swollen,
forming what farriers term corded veins; and m
several parts of these corded lympliatics, small tu-
mours ov farcy huds appeared, which soon suppu-
rated, and burst, and became ulcers. The neigh-
bouring glands, that is to say, those with which the
affected lyniphatics were connected, became swol-

GLANDERS.

207

len ; at length, a discharge took place from the
nostrils, and then tlie glands under the jaw be-
gan to swell — in short, the animal was completely
glandered. In all the experiments that were made,
this was the progress of the glanderous matter,
whatever part of the skin was inoculated. In one
of them, the animal (u young donkey) was inocu-
lated on the rump, near the tail, and became glan-
dered just as soon as those that were inoculated in
the neck or in the face. The thne, however, from
the inoculation to the appearance of a glanderous
discharge from the nostrils varied considerably.
In young asses there was but little' variety ; they
generally were glandered in about a fortnight : but
old horses, though weak, and fit only for the ken-
nel, resisted it mucii longer. I do not recollect,
however, a single instance of the animal's escaping
after being inoculated with glanderous matter, pro-
vided it was properly done. It is v.-orth remark-
ing, that in however mild a degree the glanders
may exist, the effect of the matter by inoculation is
precisely the same as if it were taken from the nose
of one labouring under the last or most virdent
stage of the disease. Florses were inoculated with
matter of strangles, of a common abscess, of a
cankered foot, and with that which is discharged
from the nostrils in n violent cold, and no cjfect
was produced. Matter taken from the heels of a
horse that had the grease, produced, by inocula-
tion, a peculiar effect; but it must be that kind of
grease where the matter is of dark colour, and

208

GLANDEHS.

very fetid, generally giving inuch pain to the ani-
mal. This effect, however, is very different from
that produced by glanderous matter. It first
causes a small tumour, which becomes exceedingly
tender and painful ; the skin covering the tumour
assumes a dark reddish colour which gradually
becomes darker, and, in about eight or nine days,
it sloughs off", leaving a red sore, full of healthy
granulations, which gets well in a few days, though
nothing is applied to it. As the matter discharged
from the nose of a glandered liorse is capable of
communicating the disease to others by inoculation,
tlie contagious nature of the disorder is sufficiently
established ; but it may be asked, in what manner
is it commonly communicated ? My experiments
have,, proved that it is not by the application of
glanderous matter to the nostrils, nor by any in-
visible vapours which escape from the body of the
diseased animal; nor can it be produced by the
diseased horse rubbing his nose upon the skin of
the sound one; because that also has been tried,
and it was proved that the disorder could not be
communicated in that way. It appeai-s to me that
the disease is communicated by the medium of the
mouth or stomach. I have not absolutely proved
this to be the case, nor have I made more than
fair experiments with a view of determining the
point. In the first experiment, it was given to a
horse made into a ball with a little fiour, for three
successive days: in a short time, a small tumour
appeared in the hock, resembling a farcy, and

GLANDERS.

209

there was a slight appearance of discharge from
the nostrils ; but circumstances occurring to pre-
vent me from keeping this horse longer, the expe-
riment was not decisive. In the second experi-
ment, about two or three drams of slanderous
matter were given to a young ass daily for a week ;
soon after, he died : but thei-e was no appearance
of glanders or farcy. In a third experiment, two
doses were given ; and in a fourth, one dose, with-
out any effect. In some experiments, published by
M. St. Bel, the first professor of the Veterinary-
College, glanderous matter was given, mixed with
flour, to three horses for the space of a week : the
youngest of them was glandered in a month, and
the two others some time after. These facts ad-
mit of an useful application. Since inoculation
with glanderous matter will communicate the dis-
ease to a horse or an ass, and no other matter will
produce a similar effect, wc are furnished with a
criterion for distinguishing the disease from those
which resemble it, and by which experienced prac-
titioners have been deceived. They lead, also, to
an effectual mode of prevention, that is, by remov-
ing or thoroughly cleansing every thing on which
glanderous matter may have been deposited. As
to the cure of glanders, we are as much in the
dark, I believe, as ever. There ever have been,
and still are, men who profess to cure this, as well
as every other incurable, disorder; but, upon re-
peatuig then- experiments, or invcstigatin-r their
pretensions, I have always found them ililhicious.

210

JARCY.

It would be superfluous to dwell longer on this
subject, as it has been so fully discussed in the last
edition (the third) of the third vol umc.

Farcy.

The farcy generally appears in the form of
small tumours or buds (as they are commonly
termed), frequently in the coui-se of the veins,
from which they are erroneously supposed to con-
sist in a swelling of those vessels. These tumours
generally burst, discharging a thin watery matterj
and degenerating into foul spreading ulcers. The
contiguous glands are usually inflamed and swollen
from an absorption of the poison. This disease
sometimes makes its appearance in diffused swel-
lings of the hind legs, or other parts of the body.
The most common cause of farcy appears to be
contagion, either from a glandered or farcied
horse, for there can be no doubt that these diseases
will reciprocally produce each other; whence we
may conclude that they loth originate from the
opei'ation of the .same poison, which produces dif-
fereiit effects, according to the parts on which its
noxious influence is exerted.

There being certain parts only of the body which
are obnoxious to this poison, its effects are always
partial in some degree : thus we rind the internal
parts of the nose particularly liable to be affected

FARCY.

211

by it : the skin likewise is very susceptible of its
action ; and when the horse is suffered to live a
suflicient time for the poison to acquire its highest
degree of virulence, or to produce its full effect, the
lungs do not escape the contagion. The farcy
may be either constitutional or local : if glanderous
matter, or the matter taken from a farcy ulcer,
be applied to the skin where the cuticle has been
torn or abraded, a chancre or foul ulcer is pro-
duced; which may easily be distinguished from all
others by its peculiar appearance, the edges be-
coming thick, and the discharge consisting of a
thin and rather glutinous matter. It generally
spreads rapidly, and never looks red or healthy.
The absorbents or lymphatics about the ulcer be-
come inflamed and swollen from an absorption of
its poisonous matter. The swellings produced in
this way are commonly mistaken for veins, and
hence has arisen the opinion of the blood-vessels
being the seat of the disease : the glands, likewise,
to which those lymphatics lead, become inflamed
and enlarged : at length small tumours or hids ap-
pear in the course of these absorbents, which are
small abscesses arising from the inflammation of
these vessels.

Thus far the disease is certainly local, and the
constitution untainted, the poison being arrested
by the glands, and, for a time, prevented from
mixing with the blood; at length, however, it in-
sinuates itself into the circulation, and poisons the
whole mass. Those parts which are susceptible of

212

PARCY.

Its acuon will then be afFected, tliough at difFei-cnt
periods. The internal parts of the nose are ffcne-
rally the first to be attacked : that delicate ^

niem-

brane by which they are lined becomes inflamed
and ulcerated, dischai-ging large quantities oi' mat-
ter. The next part which is affected is generally
the skin, on various parts of which /&/c?/ (as
they are termed) make their appearance, and dege-
nerate into foul spreading ulcers : at length the
bones of the nose become carious or rotten ; and
finally the poison falls upon tlie lungs, and very
soon puts a period to the sufferings of the unfortu-
nate animal. Sometimes the progress of the disease
is extremely rapid, and destroys the horse in a very
short time; at others it is remarkably slow, and
continues in the same state for a considerable lime,
without affecting either the appetite or strength.

In the first stage of the farcy, while it is perfectly
local, a cure may be easily accomplished : and,
should the disease be discovered quite at its com-
mencement, topical applications alone will be suf-
ficient to remove it. It] indeed, the actual cautery
be free/.?/ applied at this time, so as to destroy the
whole of the poisoned parts, the disease will be
complelely eradkaled, and the chancre converted to
a common sore. This will soon be evinced by the
remarkable change that may be observed iii its ap-
pearance : as soon as the slough comes oW, in-
stead of looking foul, it will have a red heallhy
appearance, the matter will become white and
thick, the healing process goes on rapidly, and the

fahcy.

213

cure is soon completed merely by the application
of digestive ointment. Should the disease, how-
ever, have been neglected, or not perceived at its
commencement ; should the lymphatics be enlarged
or corded (as it is termed by farriers), and the
neighbouring glands swollen, the cure is by no
means certain. In this case, some of the poison
may have got into the circulation, though its effects
have not been visible. Even in this stage, however,
the chancre may be completely cured by the actual
cautery, or other strong caustics; and, if the poi-
son should not have passed the glands, the cure
will be radical— but if, on the contrary, the smallest
portion of the poison should have insinuated itself
into the blood, the whole mass will be poisoned,
and the symptoms we have before described will
successively take place.

Whenever, therefore, the fai'cy has been neg-
lected at its first appearance, it will be advlseabte
to give the following ball once; twice, or even three
times a-day, if the horse's strength will admit of it,
taking care to restrain its inordinate effect upon
the bowels or kidneys by means of opium: at the
same time it is necessary to keep up the horse's
strengtli by a liberal allowance of corn. Malt iias
been tbnnd useful also on these occasions. Durino-
the time the horse is taking this strong medicine^
great attention must be paid to him ; 'he must be
warmly clothed, have regular exercise, and never
bo suffered to drink cold water. Verdigris has been
mucii recommended in tliis disease, but I have

214

FARCY.

never had an opportunity of seeing its effect. (See
IV kite's Veterinary Materia Medica, &c.)

It seems probable that the farcy, as well as the
glanders, arises sometimes spontaneously, though
not so frequently as it is supposed. I have seen
many cases where the disease could not be traced
to any source of infection. Still, however, it might
have arisen from contact with poisonous matter ;
for it is not necessary that the matter should be
conveyed immediately from one horse to another,
in order to produce the disease ; which is often
communicated by means of matter deposited upon
the manger, or litter, or about the rack ; and not
improbably sometimes conveyed by the hands of
those who have the management of such horses,
through inattention or negligence.

With respect to that kind of farcy which appears
in the form of diffused swelluigs of the limbs or
other parts, I believe it seldom originates from in-
fection, and does not often depend perhaps on the
action of the glanderous poison, being merely com-
mon cedematous swelliugs, such as accompany the
grease. From this we may account for the efficacy
that has sometimes been attributed to purgatives
and diuretics, as remedies for the farcy. It has
been said that the grease sometimes degenerates
into farcy, and becomes contagious; but this I
have never seen.

When large abscesses form in consequence of
farcy, they do not require any peculiar treatment :
but it is particularly necessary to support the

PAilCY.

215

horse's strength in these cases by means of corn
and malt. It has been supposed, that the farcy-
depends altogether upon debility; and medicines
of the tonic or strengthening kind have been re-
commended for Its removal.

Muriate of quicksilver . . from 10 grains to 1 sc.
Powdered anise-seeds .... ^ oz.

Syrup enough to form a ball.

The quantity of muriate of quicksilver may be
gradually increased as far as the horse's strength
will allow ^. When violent sickness, purging, or
excessive staling is produced by it, it will be ad-
viseable either to discontinue it for two or three
days, or to diminish the dose considerably. From
half a dram to one dram of opium will sometimes
prevent such violent effects.

I have lately heard of a well-marked case of
farcy that was cured by sulphate of copper : it may
be given either alone or mixed with muriate of
quicksilver, or arsenic, as in the following forniulse.

No. 1.

Sulphate of copper 1 j^.^

Liquorice powder 3

-Syrup enough to form the ball. To be given
twice a-day.

* C.,.,ulUhe.-xu(I,or's Materia Meclica, or second volume (ar,
■CO i, medicine te

more fully explained. "

216 FAECY.

No. 2.

Sulpliate of copper 1 dr.

Muriate of quicksilver 10 grains.

Liquorice powder 3 dr.

Syrup enough to form the ball. To be given twice

a -day.

No. 3.

Sulphate of copper 1 dr.

Arsenic and muriate of quick- 1 lo orains.

silver, of eacli ; 5

Liquorice powder 3 dr.

Syrup enough to form a ball. To be given twice

a- day.

The effect of these powerful medicines should be
carefully watched ; and, if they are found to cause
any pain, or produce purging, or take oii the
appetite, they should be discontinued a short time.
Both arsenic and muriate of quicksilver (corrosive
sublimate) have been given to horses in doses of
two drams, and continued several days without
much effect, except that of increasing the urine
considerably ; but, in a few instances, they have
operated p(nverful!y, and in one instance iatally,
in a much smaller dose. In the latter case, the
groom continued to give the medicinel (arsenic
and sublimate) alter the horse was off his appetite,
and had a purging, supposing these were symp-

EPILEPSY, &C. 217

toras of the disease, and not the effect of the medi-
cine. /

• Epilepsy, Megrims, Fertigo, Fits, kc.

Horses are sometimes attacked with fits some-
what similar to the epilepsy or falling sickness of
the human subject, in which they reel for a short
time, and fall down, or suddenly rear up, and fall
down. The muscles of the eye are often affected,
so that the eye is fixed and shockingly distorted
during the fit. Sometimes he lies motionless; at
others, he struggles considerably. The duration
of the fit is sometimes short, at others, it lasts for
an hour or two. Bleed, and give the following
drench :— Foetid spirit of amnion, and compound
spirit of lavender, of each ^ oz. Water half a pint,
or a little more— When the horse is perfectly re-
covered, a purgative should be given, as the fit
may have been caused by worms or some offensive
matter in the stomach or bowels. Horses are some-
times attacked during their work with giddiness or
vertigo, which is, perhaps, a similar disease, but in
a less degree. I'his in general soon passes off, if
the horse is suf?ered to stand still.

N.B. Bleeding in the tail has been practised with
good effect, when a horse has flillen down, and is
motionless, by Mr. Poole, a respectable farrier In
this operation a considerable artery is opened *

S18

CATALEPSY.

Catalepsy,

I DO not think this disease has been noticed by
any English veterinary author : probably none of
them had seen it ; and as 1 have never met with
such a disease, I can only give a translation of La
Fosse's description. " It is astonishing," he says,
" that no veterinary author has made mention of
catalepsy {immohUitt) ; a disease known to every
horse-dealer and farrier, and placed even among
those defects which constitute unsoundness [di-s
cas redhib'Uolres). When a horse is attacked, he
becomes incapable of going forward, or if he is
made to move, it is with difficulty. He remains
exactly in the position he happened to be at the
time of attack ; and if his head is lifted up, it re-
mains in that position. Tliis immobility, there-
fore, resembles the disease which physicians name
catalepsy. It may be brought on by sudden fright,
the effect of which may even be fatal, as I once
witnessed. It may happen also in consequence of
some lingering disorder. Horses that have had
locked jaw are more liable to it than others : I
have remarked also that ill-formed horses are sub-
ject to it ; and I have seen horses that had been
cured of a strain in the back {lourde bateau) become
cataleptic; but in this state they have been able to
eat, though very slowly, and they perish insensibly.
All my attempts to cure this malady have been
fruitless. J have passed selons, given medicines of

LOCKED JAW.

219

the stimulating, sudorific, and purgative kind, as

well as the hot mineral waters, without effect."

Didlonnaire raisonnc D'Hippiairiqtie, par M. La
Fosse.

I recollect an instance of a young healthy horse
dropping down, and dying immediately, while the
troop in which he was standing fired a feu de joie.

Locked Jaw.

This disease, very fortunately, occurs but sel-
dom, as it generally terminates fatally. Tt begins
with a difficulty in mastication; at length, thejJiws
become so completely and immoveably closed, that
neither medicines nor food can begot into the sto-
mach. The muscles of the neck are generally in a
state of rigid contraction, and the animal appears
to suffer great pain. The ears are erect, and the
nose poked out, and the animal is incapable of al-
termg its position. He generally neighs when a
person enters the stable, in the early stage of the
Csease. At length the muscles of the sides and
chest are affected, by which breathing is impeded ;
perhaps the d.aphragn. participates in the affiction
or even the eart; when of course the animal dies
It .s often brought on by trifling cause., such .s
wounds of the loot, infl.nuuation of the tJil, «

without any apparent cause. Various remedies

L 2

220

LOCKED JAW.

have been tried in this complaint, but I do not
think any effectual mode of treatment has yet been
discovered. Immersion in cold water, or even
snow, is said to produce a temporary relaxation
of those muscles by which the jaws are closed.
Opium and camphor have been strongly recom-
mended. I have lately been informed of a case
in which a combination of these medicines com-
pletely succeeded. In America and the West In-
dia islands, where the disease is much more fre-
quent than it is in this climate, it is said that
strong stimulants have been found effectual in the
human subject; it would be adviseable, therefore,
to try the same plan on horses, should opium and
camphor fail. The best stimulants for this pur-
pose are spirit of hartshorn, ether, opium, and
brandy. I have been informed that a blister, ap-
plied to the spine or back, throughout its whole
iencth, from the withers to the basis of the tail,
has proved successful in several cases. I have had
only one opportunity of trying it, in which it did
no good ; but the disease had existed for some time,
and had become very violent before any remedy
was employed. (See ylppendix.)

Since the above was written, I have kept several
men employed, for some time, in throwing cold
water upon a horse with locked jaw, but it pro-
duced no effect. He was then placed in hot dung,
and no relaxation of the muscles took place. Upon
a review of every thing that has come to my know-
ledge respecting the tveatment of this formidable

INFLAMMATION OF TIUC liYK.

221

dieorder, it appears to me that opium and cam-
phor are the best internal remedies : should these
Ikil, I M'ould again try the effusion of the coldest
water. Blistering the back, as directed in the Ap-
pendix, should not be omitted.

Injiamrnalion of the Eye.*

When the eye is inflamed, it loses in part its
beautiful transparency, sometimes appearing as if
covered with a film ; the lids are partially closed,
the haws become more visible, and there is com
monly a discharge of tears, or the eye appears wa-
tery. Should the inflammation have been brought
on by some external injury, and particularly if it
be 'not very considerable, the eye-lotion will be
sufficient to remove it ; but in more violent cases it
will be necessary also to bleed moderately, and
give a laxative ball. By these means, inflamma-
tion arising from external injury may generally be
cured in a short time. The eyes often become in-
flamed in consequence of cold and fevers, in which
cases tke cmisc is to be chiefly attended to : when
this is removed, the inflammation usually ceases.

The most common cause of this complaint is
high feeding, without a due proportion of exercise.
These cases require great care and attention ; for

* See Appendix, Diseases of the Eyes.

222

INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE.

unless jDroper remedies are emi:)loycd on the first
attack, the disease, thouo-h it appears to go off, will
be frequently returning, and in all ..probability
eventually produce blindness. The first i-emcdy
to be employed on this occasion is bleeding ; and
the quantity of blood that is drawn should be pro-
portionate to the violence of the inflammation, and
the covdition of the animal. Should the vessels on
the white part of the eye and inner part of the eye-
lids appear to be distended with blood, great ad-
vantage will be derived from scarifying the latter
Avith a lancet. A laxative ball is to be civen, and
the bowels afterward kept in a lax state by means
of bran mashes. I have found a seton, placed im-
mediately under the eye, a very useful remedy; but
unless the operation is nicely performed, it fre-
quently leaves an unpleasant mark behind, which
would lead a person experienced in horses to sus-
pect that the eye had been diseased, and might
therefore diminish the value of the horse.

A shade, so adapted as to preserve the eye from
the irritation of dust and light, will be found use-
ful. This kind of inflammation generally comes
on rather suddenly, sometimes attacking only one
eye, at others both arc aflected. As there is no
apparent cause for this sudden attack of inflamn)a-
tion, the groom very conmionly attributes it to
seeds or dust having lallen from the rack into the
eye, and very little attention is paid to it. Not-
Avithstanding this neglect, the disease frequently
goes off, and in some cases its disappearance is

INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE.

223

nearly as sudden as its attack : in a short time,
however, it again appears as unexpectedly as at
first, and again perhaps goes off'. In this fluctuat-
ing state, it may continue a considerable time, the
eyes sometimes appearing transparent, and free
from inflammation; at others, watery, inflamed,
and opaque on the surface : lit length the internal
parts of the eye are affected, and a cataract pro-
duced.

It has been supposed that the diseases of a horse's
eye are frequently hereditar}*, or dependent on
some natural defect in the structure. I do not;
know how far this opinion may be true, but, never
having seen a case which seemed to corroborate it,
I am not inclined to give it much credit *. It is
not very improbable, however, that the eyes of some
horses may be naturally weak, and more liable to
become inflamed when exposed to the exciting
causes of inflammation, than such as are originally
endued with a proper degree of strength : but it
appears to me, that where this weakness or apti-
tude to disease, exists, it is more frequently the ef-
fect of some injurj', which this tender and delicate
organ has sustained, than a defect of iiaiui e. When
the eye becomes inflamed, it is necessary to inquire
into the cause of the inflammation : if it arise from

* Since this opinion was wrilton, many cases have occurred
which convince uic lhat (he common opinion in (his rcspcrl is
true: colls got by s(aUions (hat have become blind from opt/iiH-
mia, or, as it is often (ermcd, moon-blindncsi, are certainly more
liable to the disease (han others.

INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE.

any mechanical injury, and be not very consider-
able, there is a probability of its being speedily re-
moved, by means of the remedies I have pointed
out ; but if the inflammation have arisen without
any apparent cause, depending perhaps upon ple-
thora, or redundancy of blood in the system, there
will be some chance of a radical cure, provided the
proper remedies are employed sufficiently early.
If these be neglected at the commencement of the
disease, though the inflammation after some time ap-
pears to go ofi^, and the eye, to a superficial ob-
server, seems to have recovered, yet the disease
frequently returns, and ultimately occasions blind-
ness. Should the disease have occurred before,
and particularly if the former attack were violent,
there is still less chance of its being removed, and
all our remedies will probably prove ineffectual.
In this case the alterative No. 3, (see Index) may
be tried. It frequently happens that when both
eyes are inflamed, and a complete cataract forms
in one them, the other becomes perfectly sound
and strong. It must be observed, that when a
horse has suffered more than once from this dis-
ease, and is in low condition, evacuations must
not be made too freely : there are few cases,
however, where moderate bleeding and a lax-
ative ball are not required. With respect to
topical applications, or those remedies which are
applied immediately to the eye, I must confess that
I have not seen much benefit derived from them,
except when the inflammation has completely sub-

INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE.

225

sided, and there remains an opacity or film on the
surface ; and then common salt, finely powdered,
has often proved useful. But if the eye have been
in this state for some time, and the opacity is very
considerable, white glass, finely powdered and
mixed with honey, is a more effectual remedy.
"Whenever the eyes are weak, or in a state of in-
flammation, the vapours which arise from foul lit-
ter should be carefully guarded against ; indeed, it
is by no means an improbable conjecture, that,
when the eyes are weak, these irritating vapours
may often prove the exciting cause of inflamma-
tion.

There is a cartilaginous body connected with
the eyes of horses commonly termed ihe haw.
Whenever the eye is drawn into the socket (which
the horse has the power of doing by means of a
muscle that does not exist in the human subject),
the haw is forced over the eye, so that when dust
happens to adhere to the surface of the eye, he is
enabled, by means of this cartilage, to wipe it off";
and, as light is painful to the animal when the eye
is in a state of inflammation, we generally find
this organ, on such occasions, drawn more than
usual into the socket, and consequently the haw
becomes conspicuous on its surlace. Farriers in
this case consider the haw as an unnatural excres-
cence, and the cause of the disease : they frequently,
therefore, cut it off'.

T. 5

Grease.

This disease consists in an inflammation, swel-
ling, and consequent discharge from the heels, the
matter having a peculiar, offensive smell, and the
heels being sometimes in a slate of ulceration ;
the swelling frequently extends above the fetlock
joint, sometimes as high as the knee or hock.
When the inflammation and swelling are consider-
able, apply a large poultice to the heels (see Poi/l-
t'we), taking care to keep it constantly moist by
adding to it occasionally a little warm water ; at
the same time let a dose of physic be given. After
three or four days, the inflammation and swelling
will have abated considerably, the poultice may
then be discontinued, and the astringent lotion ap-
plied five or six times a-day. Should the heels be
ulcerated, apply the astringent ointment to the
ulcers ; and if they be deep, and do not heal rea-
dily, wash them with the detergent lotion previous
to each dressing. Regular exercise is of the high-
est importance, but it is necessary to choose a clean
and dry situation for the purpose.

In slight cases of grease, the astringent lotion
and a few diuretic balls will generally be found
sufficient to effect a cure ; but when the disease is
of lonn- standing, and particularly if the horse have
suffered from it before, there will be more difficulty
in its removal. In such cases, die following alter-
ative powder may be given in the corn every day,

GREASE.

2-27

until it produces a considerable diuretic efFect: in
very obstinate cases, rowels in the thigh have been
found useful.

Though the grease is most commonly occasioned
either by high feeding and want of exercise, or by
neglect in the groom, there are cases which seem
to depend on general debility. I do not believe
that this is ever the exciting cause of the disease,
but am convinced that a i)orse is rendered more
susceptible of it by being in a state of weakness,
and that the complaint sometimes owes its conti-
nuance to this cause. When a horse has suffered
much from this disease, and particularly if he ap-
pear to be weak and out of condition, a liberal al-
lowance of corn will tend to recover him, if assisted
by the astringent lotion and careful grooming. In
cases of this kind exercise is essentially necessary.
It must be obvious, that when this disease depends
upon debility, a dose of physic would not be an
eligible reuiedy, yet considerable benefit has some-
times been obtained by giving the following altera-
tive every morning until the boAvels arq moderately
opened.

Alterative Ball. *

Barbadocs aloes , . i oz.

Castile soap I,) oz.

Powdered ginger ^ oz.

Syrup enough to form a mass. To be divided
into six balls.

The nlt»riilivc hall mi-lit perlmiis he mure properly named
a Ittxativej an I ilk- powder .1 dinreiic. If the (rouble of giving

228

GIIEASE.

This medicine, though of an opening quality,
will unprovethe horse's strength, and at the same
time promote absorption.

Alleralive Powder.
Powdered resin and nitre, of each .... 4 oz.
Mix, and divide into eight doses.

Nothing tends so much to prevent grease and
swelling of the legs, as frequent hand-rubbing, and
cleaning the heels carefully, as soon as a horse
comes in from exercise. In inveterate cases of
grease, where the disease appears to have become
habitual in some degree, a run at grass is the only
remedy. If a dry paddock can be procured, where
a horse can be sheltered in bad weather, and fed
with hay and corn, it will be found extremely con-
venient, as in such circumstances he may perform
his usual labour, and at the same time be kept free
from the complaint. In a few obstinate cases I
have seen the mercurial alterative of service, ffivinor
one ball every morning until the bowels are opened.

a ball every morning be objecled (o, and sometimes it may be
very inconvenient, a suflicient dose, such as the following, may
be given at once.

Barbadocs aloes i "z.

Ginger 2 dr.

Oil of caraways 20 drops.

Soap 3 dr.

Syrup enougii to form the ball. For one dose.

GREASE.

229

Astringent Lotion.

No. 1.

Alum, powdered , . , 1 oz.

Vitriolic acid 1 dr.

Water 1 pint.

Mix.

No. 2.

Alum, powdered 4 oz.

Vitriolated copper ^ oz.

Water l^- pint.

Mix.

No. 3.

Sugar of lead 4 oz.

Vinegar 6 oz.

Water li-pint.

Mix.

The strength of these lotions often requires to
be altered. Where the inflammation and irrita-
bility of the part are considerable, they must be
diluted with an equal quantity of water; but if the
inflammation be subdued, and a swelling and ul-
ceration remain, the alum solution cannot be made
too stronjr.

In inveterate cases of grease, where the discharo-e
is thin, of a dark colour, and very fetid, the hair
sticking out or furzy, as it is termed, and the part

230

GIIEASE.

very painful, I have found a strong solution of sub-
Jimatc (muriate of quicksilver) effect a cure, after
poultices and other emollient applications had
proved ineffectual.

Stro??g Soluiion of Sublimate.

Corrosive sublimate 2 dr.

Muriatic acid ^ ^]^.^

■ Water 1 pi,^^^

Mix.

Troublesome cracks or ulcers sometimes take
place in the heels, M'hich cause much pain, and
sometimes lameness; these should at first be poul-
ticed, and afterwards dressed with astringent oint-
ment. I have observed that these cracks are lono-cr
in healing when the horse is much exercised, and
have found it the best plan to turn him loose into
a box or shed, and give him no other exercise.

Astmigent Ointment.
No. 1.

Hog's lard 4 oz.

Oil of turpentine 2 dr.

Water of acetated litharge J- oz.

Mix.

No. 2.

.Venice turpentine 1 oz.

Hog's UuU ..tiX /j.^ . . . 4' oz.

GREASE. 231

Alum, finely powdered 1 oz.

Mix.

No. S.

Finely powdered alum 1 oz.

Treacle 4 oz.

Mix.

No. 4.

Supcracetate oflead oz.

Sulphate of copper 1 oz.

Honpy 8 oz.

Mix.

Mercurial Altera live.

Calomel -a dr.

Aloes 1 dr.

Castile soap 2 dr.

Oil of juniper 30 drops.

be made into a ball with syrup. For one dose.

Astringent Powder.
No. 1.

Powdered alum 4 oz.

Bole 1 oz.

Mix.

No. 2.

Vitriolatcd zinc, powdered -i

bole, of each j

Mix.

232 MALANDERS AND SALANDERS.

No. 3.

Acetated ceruse , , 2 oz.

Bole 1 oz.

Mix.

Ma landers and Salanders.

When a scurfy eruption appears on the poste-
rior part of the knee-joint, it is termed mcdandcrs ;
and when the same kind of disease happens on the
anterior of the hock-joint, it is named salanders.
Should these complaints occasion lameness, it will
be proper to give in the first place a dose of physic,
or some proper diuretic medicine. Let the hair
be carefully clipped oft' from the diseased part;
and let all the scurf be washed off" with soap and
warm water : a cure may then be soon efi'ected by
applying the following ointment twice a-day : —

The Ointment.
No. 1.

Ointment of wax or spermaceti . . 2 oz.

Olive oil 1 oz-

Camphor and oil of rosemary, of-» ^

each J

Water of acetated litharge , . ^ . . . 2 dr.

Mix.

WOUNDS. 233

No. 2.

Ointment of nitrated quicksilver, -»
olive oil, of each / ^

No. 3.

Red precipitate, finely powderecl .... 2 dr.

Hog's lard 1 oz.

To be well rubbed together.

IVounds.

In the former editions of this work this subject
was treated of rather concisely : farther experience
has, however, convinced me, that the common me-
thod of treating wounds is so directly in opposition
to reason and nature, as to render a detailed ac-
count of the proper mode of treatment indispens-
able.

Wounds of the human body, when inflicted
with a keen instrument, are often cured, merely
by bringing the divided parts into contact, and
keeping them in that situation by means of suture
(stitches), or sticking-plaster and bandage. In a
few days nature completely reunites the parts with-
out any inflammation or suppuration having ap-
peared. This surgeons call zinion lij the first in-
tentioii, and is so desirable a method of healin<r
wounds, that it is generally attempted, even undet-
circumstances which render its accomplishment

234

WOUNDS.

doubtful. In the wounds of horses, this kind of
union can scarcely ever be effected, from the diffi-
culty of keeping the wounded part in a state of
rest, and from the laceration and contusion with
which their wounds are generally accompanied.

To render the subject more clear, Ave shall di-
vide wounds into the following classes : —

1. Simple incised wounds.

2. Lacerated and contused wounds.

3. Punctured wounds.

4. Wounds of cavities.

Simple incised Wounds

Are those inflicted with a keen instrument, by
which the skin or other parts ^re neatly divided,
without being torn or bruised.

This kind of wound, however, seldom happens
to horses : when they do occur, though there is
little probability of effecting a union by the first in-
tention, it should always be attempted ; and if the
divided parts cannot be kept together by sticking-
plaster and bandage alone, the lips of the wound
should be neatly sewed, so as to be held firmly in
contact with each other, with waxed thread several
times doubled; and if the situation of the wound
will admit of it, a bandage or roller should be af-
terward applied to assist in the accomplishment of
this end, and render the stitches less painful. But

WOUNDS.

235

how different from this is the practice of farriers: ig-
norant of the animal economy, and the wonderful
power with which the Almighty has endued the
animal system, of recovering itself when injured,
and of reproducing flesh that has been destroyed,
they officiously prevent this desirable union b}'
putting lenls (that is, lint or tow moistened with
some stimulating liquid) between the lips of the
Avound, by which they arc cflectually hindered
from cohering, however naturally disposed to unite.
But this is not the only evil of the practice ; in ex-
tensive wounds the injured parts are so irritated
by exposure, and their applications, that mortifica-
tion is sometimes the consequence. Far better
than this would it be, to leave the wound to nature,
merely keeping it clean, and, when the first inflam-
mation has subsided and white matter appears,
bringing the separated parts as near to each
other as possible, and retaining them in that situ-
ation by means of a bandage. By this method
the wound would heal much more speedil}-,
and the consequent blemish or scar would be
considerably lessened. It is unnecessary to say
more of the simple incised wound, for should the
attempt to heal it by the first intention fail, it be-
comes necessary to assist nature, as in lacerated
wounds: still, during the whole cure of a simple
wound, it is proper to keep the divided parts to-
gether as well as we can," which will be found
more useful than any balsamic vulnerary or heal-

236

WOUKDS.

my application, that the most expert farriev's re-
ceipt-bopk cfin furnish,

Lacerated and Conhtsed IVounds,

The wounds of horses are most commonly in-
flicted with some blmil instrument, and conse-
quently the parts are rather torn asunder than
simply and neatly divided : at the same time, the
instrument is generally applied with such force,
that the skin, flesh, &c., are considerably bruised ;
for example, when a horse falls upon his knees, is
kicked or bit by another horse, in attempting to
leap gets his hind or fore leg entangled in a gate,
and in other such accidents. In these cases, the
laceration and contusion are so considerable, that
the kind of union before mentioned is totally im-
practicable: it is, notwithstanding, adviseable to
keep the divided parts together as well as we can,
takinff care to allow the matter which forms to es-
cape freely, and avoiding the violent stimulating
applications commonly used by farriers on such
occasions, which, to say the best of them, always
increase the inflammation and danger, and obstruct
the cure. I have seen a horse die in the greatest
agonies, from a Avound received in entangling the
hind leg in a gate, by which not only the skin and
flesh were excessively torn and bruised, but the
stifle joint was also much injured. In this cai-c,

WOUNDS.

237

the fatal event and the excessive pain were un-
doubtedly accelerated and heightened, if not alto-
gether occasioned, by the caustic applications of
the farrier employed.

In the treatment of extensive lacerated wounds,
the first object is to remove any dirt, splinters, or
other extraneous matter, that may be in the wound;
if a flap of skin hang down, if flesh be nearly torn
off, they should be carefully replaced, and never
cut off, however unseemly they may appear to the
farrier, unless so much bruised as to be irrecover-
able. When the parts are so divided as to re-
quire considerable pressure to bring them together
again, it is improper to sew the wound up, as the
tendency of the parts to recede from each other
would constantly keep the stitches upon the stretch,
and so irritate the wound as to bring on excessive
inflammation, and perhaps ultimately gangrene or
mortification. The only thing to bo kept in view
in these extensive wounds is, to employ the most
effectual means for keeping the inflannnation within
bounds, until suppuration takes place, which is in-
dicated by the appearance of white matter, and
the subsidence of the inflammatory swelling, and
abatement of pain and fever. On many occasions,
the i)arts may be brought carefully together, as
near as can be without employing considerable
force, and may be supported in that situation by a
projUM- bandage. Whenever stitches are employed
»n such wounds, and drawn tight, they give exces-
sive pain to the ftnimal, and bring on a dangerous

238

WOUNDS.

tlegree of inflammation: the violent pain often
causes symptomatic fever, and, after all, the inten-
tion of employing them is not answered, as they
always separate in two or three days, and leave the
wound as open as at first, presenting a much more
formidable appearance from the mischief caused by
the increased inflammation, and the retention of
' putrid matter. After cleaning a lacei-ated wound
with warm water, which, when its situation and
depth render it necessary, should be injected with
a syringe, the divided skin, flesh, &c., should be
carefully brought togethei-, and secured as we have
directed above. *

V

* The comiTinn practice nf fim icrs in these cases is, to apply
freely some stimulating spirituous preparalion, such as spirit of
wine and camphor, Friar's halsam (which is a solution nf certain
resins and l)alsains in spirit of wine), brandy, and many other
things equally injurious : some of them use even a mixlnrc of oil
of turpentine and acid of vitriol ; and (hen, as if they were de-
termined to do all Ihc injury in their power, the wound is plug-
ged up t^ith a quantity of tow, moistened witli tl)e same stimu-
lating preparation with which the wound was washed or syrin-
ged. A few days ago, I was desired (o attend a horse that had
met with a deep and extensive wound by enlangling, it was sup-
posed, his fore leg in a gate, wliile at grass : the farrier had
been there before me; and observing a syringe in his hand, I
inquired what liquid he had employed, and was told, " Br:in-
dy." Upon expressing my fear that so slimulatingan np|ilieali(in
would do mischief, the furrier immediately rejilied, " There is
no danger of that, for I put a little oil w ith it ; and you know
the one is hot, and the other told" I could not but smile at the
ingenuity of the explanation, but requeslcd that nothing of the
sort might be again employed.

The popular prejudice in favour of those spirituoas or haU

WOUNDS.

239

If tlie horse be in good condition, and have not
lost much blood from the wound, he should be

samic preparations, as tiiey are termed, in all kinds of wounds,
lias been the cause of much mischief in veterinary, perhaps not
much less in human, surgery. The credit ihey have acquired is
owing to the wonderful properly, with which the animal body
is endued, of uniting parts that have been divided, merely by
keeping them in contact witli each other. Many astonishing in-
stances of tliis have been related by writers on surgery ; and it
has been proved, that if even a loolh recently drawn be replaced
in its socket, it w ill soon become as iirm as the rest. The spur
ofacock, just cutoff, being stuck into (ficcnnib, will soon ad-
here, and grow as it did upon the leg. A respectable author re-
lates the case ofain;in who accidently stepped on a keen instru-
ment, and nearly divided his foot ; all the bones, tendons, Sec,
were divided, eiecpt the bone going to the little toe; he bled
profusely, and fainted, by wliieli the ha;morrliage was stopped.
A surgeon then brought the divided parts together, and secured
them with splints and bandage. The man was thoroughly cured
in a short time, and the foot brcanic as perfect as the other.
Surgeons are now so convinced of the power of nature to heal
simple and incised wounds, when the divided parts are kept in
contact with each other, wiliiout the assistance of any spirit,
balsam, or salve, which they know lather impedes than expe-
dites the cure, lliat a practitioner would be laughed at, were he
to adopt so absurd a practice: it appears, indeed, that balsams
were first used on account of their glutinous quality, in order
lokoep the parts more completely in contact: with the same
view, white of egg, gum-water, and other things of the same
nature, were employed. It is to be lamented that the public
are still so prejudiced in favour of stimulating preparations,
such as Friar's balsam, tincture of myrrli and aloes, and, above'
all, the famous Riga balsam, whicli is preferable from being less
stimulating, that a veterinary surgeon can hardly venture to
trust nature a little in the treatment of wounds, without bein"-
accused of negligence. It may be depended upon, however, that
in ever^case of 6lin|)le incised >vounds, where these preparation?

240

WOUNBS.

bled rather freely : in other circumstances it will
be proper to omit that operation, or take only a
small quantity. A purging draught or ball should
be given as early as possible, and the horse's diet
confined to hay and mashes, or bran : he may be
allowed to drink freely and frequently, and must
be kept perfectly at rest.

The wound should be cleansed once or twice a-
day, as may be found necessary, with water at
blood heat ; which, when the wound is deep, may
be done more effectually by means of a syringe.
The only external application necessary at this
pei'iod is a fomentation. (See Fomeniatioii.) "When
this plan is adopted, the inflammation, swelling, and
fever, which always follow an extensive lacerated
wound, will be much more moderate than it would
otherwise have been, and in a few days will have
subsided considerably; a white matter will then
flow from the wound, and the horse will not appear
to suffer much pain. When this has been accom-
plished, it is necessary to endeavour as much as
possible to bring the divided parts together, and
there will be less danger and pain from draw-
in o- the bandage with more force for this purpose.

have been ihoiiglU to effect a cure, tl.cy have not in the least
fcontribu'ted to it : nature has been the restorer, in spite of the
obstacles opposed to her efforts. Wounds that have degenerated
into ulcers, either from had management, or from tlie parts Imv-
ing been lacerated or bruised, often rrquire the npplii ation of
stimulants ; but even in such wounds they are not to he em-
ployed, until the h.fiammalion, nhich necessarily foUowe the in-
jury, has subsided.

Warm water may still be used for cleansing the
wound ; but when the inflammation is quite gone
off, some stimulating liquids may be employed,
but these are unnecessary when the divided parts
can be brought into contect. When this cannot
, be effected, or when there is a loss of substance,
the wound cannot heal without the formation
of new parts, and stimulants are often required
to accelerate this process. At first, the weaker
preparations are to be used, such as dilute
spn-it, or a weak solution of blue vitriol : but when
the healing process goes on slowly, the mattef
becommg thin, and losing its white colour, the
stronger §tunulants, as tincture of benzoin, or even
oil of turpentine, may be applied, and the consti-
tution mvigorated by a nutritious diet, such as
malt and oats, or carrots; and when the discharcre
IS very considerable, and appears to weaken th.
ai^nnal, tnis is more particularly necessary, and
must be assisted by medicines of the tonic kind
such as Peruvian bark, cascarilla, vitriolated iron
and sometm.es porter or beer, and even opiW

vr:t;:r '''' wounds, w: ■

luicss, tnat this treatment is required

inflammation by o 1 ml ^""'^'"^'''^^
e>eiy means in our powcrj but

242

WOUNBS.

farriers, ever in opposition to nature, generally
destroy their patients in these cases ; torturing the
unfortunate animal by the application of violent
stimulants, and even caustics ; cramming into the
wounds hard tents, and persuading their employers
that this cruel and absurd treatment will infallibly
heal the wound. When we have succeeded in
these extensive lacerated wounds so far as to bring
on a healthy suppuration, a discharge of white
matter and an appearance of new flesh sprouting
up in various parts, in small granulations of a red
colour, we may be satisfied that the danger is over.

At this period we may safely use more force in
bringing the divided parts together; and if the
wound appear languid, wanting that red appear-
ance we have just described, and discharging thui
matter, some of the stimulants we have mentioned
may be employed : still it is improper to cram
tents into the wound, or daub them over with
stinking ointments. If the red granulations form
so luxm-iantly as to rise above the level of the skin,
they must be kept down by red precipitate, burnt
alum, or other applications' of this kind; pressure
will also be effectual on this occasion, laying a
niece of soft lint on the part, and confining it with
a roller Should the sides or edges of the wound
become callous, caustics must be applied to remove
the old surface, and then fresh attempts should be
m^de to bring them into contact. When the mat-
; ha penetrated from having been confined, so
to orm sinuses fistula, or pipes, as they are

WOUNDS.

24-3

commonly termed (that is narrow, deep ulcers run-
ning in various directions), their sides,, if possible,
should be brought into contact by means of pres-
sure. If such sinuses have existed for some time,
the sides will have become callous, and incapable
of uniting ; it is then necessary to apply caustic,
either by injecting some liquid caustic, such as
strong solution of blue vitriol, dilute nitrous acid,
&c., with a syringe, or by dipping lint in the same,
and passing with a probe to the bottom of every
sin us. ( See Fistula, Poll Evil, and Quitlor. ) This
is the only occasion on which tents are proper. If
it be impossible to bring the sides of the sinus into
contact, it can only be cured by the formation of
new flesh, to promote which, it is necessary to in-
ject daily some stimulating liquid, such as spirit of
wme, tincture of benzoin, &c, ; keeping the orifice
open, lest it heal before the deeper part. Even
these, however, will be found ineffectual, if the
sides of the sinuses be callous; and then should be
preceded by the caustic, as above described (see
Ulcers, Fistula, Poll Evil, and Ouittor), which
sometmies requires to be repeated. I thouoht it
necessary to be thus minute in describing thelreat-
n^ent of lacerated wou.lds, as it is a subject of great
importance, and generally little understood. Un-
der this head it is proper to treat also of gun-shot
wounds, m which the ball enters with such for e
and the parts are so much bruised, that their vitality
IB destroyed; therefore nothing can prevent ih ^
separation, or slougking, as it is terme I. T

lus ffe-

244« WOUNDS.

nerally takes place a few days aftev the accident,
and until that period it would be highly improper
to use any kind of pressure, or attempt to bring
the sides of the wound into contact. The first
thing to be done in these wounds is to extract the
ball, should it have lodged ; but we must not em-
ploy any violent means to effect this, as it is more
easily done after the dead parts have separated and
a healthy suppuration has taken place. Sometimes
the ball penetrates so far as to be felt near the op-
posite side of the part, where an incision should
then be made in order to extract it. Whenever
matter ponds up, or is confined in any kind of
wound, it is proper to make such an opening as
will allow it to escape freely: setonsare sometimes
employed for this purpose. (See IVounds of Ca-
vilies and Punctured Wounds). In gun-shot
wounds it is improper to bleed, as hemorrhage
often happens when the dead parts separate: m
other respects they are to be treated as we have
above described. Indeed, their treatment must
depend oreatly on the importance and situation of
the woimded part, as the ball may penetrate a
joint, or the cavity of the chest or belly. (See
Wounds of Cavities.)

WOUNDS,

Punctured Wounds,

This kind of wound also often occurs in veteri-
nary practice. The feet are particularly liable to
it, and not unfrequently they are inflicted through
the carelessness or impatience of the groom. Dur-
ing the time of my service in the army, I may
truly assert, that more than fifty cases occurred, in
which the wound was inflicted by the fork used
about the litter, either by accident or by the savage
violence of the groom. It is but just, hov/ever, to
acknowledge, that a good soldier will sacrifice
even his own repose to that of his horse, and thinks
nothing a labour that can contribute to the health
and comfort of his faithful companion ; but among
so great a number of men, there are too often some
of a different description. Punctured wounds of
the feet are most frequent, and are x;aused either
by the horse stepping on a nail, or picking up a
nail, as it is termed, or by carelessness of the far-
rier in shoeing. In the former case the nail ge-
nerally enters the frog, and often penetrates the
joint of the coffin-bone. (See Analowy of the
Foot.) The sole is generally sufficiently hard to
resist the nail; but the frog is commonly of a
softer and more spongy nature. When the coffin-
jomt IS wounded, there is danger of an incurable
lameness from the joint becoming stiff; but by
proper management the wound is often closed in a
short time, and the free motion of the bones pre-

246

WOUNDS.

served. (See Wounds of Joints, under the head
Wounds of Cavities.)' Whenever the foot is wound-
ed by a nail, it is necessary immediately to open
the orifice in the horny matter by means of a draw-
ing knife : if the joint be wounded, synovia or joint
oil will issue from the wound, but in very small
quantity. An experienced person can easily as-
certain this point still more certainly by tracing
the wound with a probe. The treatment of this
kind of wound will be described in the chapter on
Wounds of Cavities ; but when the joint has escaped
the injury, after enlarging the opening made by
the nail in the horny matter, and cutting away the
horn from the contiguous parts, until it becomes
very thin, a little tincture of benzoin is to be poured
into the wound ; the stimulus of which, so far from
being injurious, as in lacerated wounds, will soon
bring on a secretion of healthy matter; a little tow
or lint, dipped in tar or Venice turpentine, is then
to be applied, and the whole foot kept cool by
means of a bran poultice. The most essential part
of the treatment is opening well the orifice in the
horny matter: for in wounds of this kind we al-
ways find, that, soon after the nail has been with-
drawn, the puncture in the horn nearly closes ; but
the living parts that have been wounded under-
neath the horn soon inflame and swell ; conse-
quently, they suffer considerable pressure, as the
horn is too thick and inflexible to give room to
them as they swell. At length matter forms,
which, being confined by the horny covering, dil-

WOUNDS.

247

fuses itself between the sensible and insensible
parts, sometimes so extensively, as to render it ne-
cessary to. remove great part, or even the whole, of
the latter. This operation, so often cruelly and
unnecessarily performed by farriers, is termed
drawing the sole. In the case described, where the
parts are separated by the matter, the operation is
performed with but little pain to the animal. But
those officious practitioners too often tear it off"
when perfectly healthy, and with a view to remove
a lameness, of the cause and seat of which they arc
totally ignorant. Often have I been desired by
the owner of a lame horse to draw the sole, under
an idea that it was an infallible remedy for an ob-
stinate lameness, or for a desperate wound of the
coffin-joint.

When it has been found necessary to remove
some part of the horny sole, in consequence of
matter having formed under it, a pledget of tow
di]iped in digestive ointment, or a mixture of Ve- '
nice turpentine and hog's lard, should be applied.
Sometimes we find the coffiii-bonc diseased, in
which case the injured part generally separates,
and then a new horny sole is gradually formed.
When a horse's hoof is wounded by the farrier in
shoeing, he is said to be pricked : the nail, instead
of being driven into the horny insensible part only,
is either forced into the living parts, or so near to
them, as, by its pressure, to give such pain to the
animal as to cause him to go lame; inflammation
gradually takes place in consequence, and at length

248

WOUNDS.

matter forms, which, if not allowed to escape by
removing the shoe and cutting away the horn with
a small drawing knife, spreads under the hoof, and
after some days breaks out at the coronet. (See
Anatomy of ike Foot.) In this case, the mischief
is not always discovered immediately after shoeing.
The pressure upon the sensible parts is sometimes
too inconsiderable at first to occasion lameness ; so
that when the horse is observed to go lame, the
farrier pronounces it to be in the shoulder, and the
poor animal is tormented by the strong oils, or
even blisters, appHed to that part, while he is suf-
fering from another cause. It is in this way that
the disease is sometimes allowed to run such lengths
as we have described. When the nail is so driven
as to wound the sensible parts at once, the horse
goes lame immediately after ; and the cause being
generally suspected, the shoe is taken olf^ the open-
ing in the horny part enlarged with a drawing-
knife, and a little tincture of benzoin applied. The
lameness is thus soon removed, the shoe reapplied,
taking care not to place a nail, or suffer the shoe
to press on the injured part, and the horse be-
comes capable of returning to his work.

"When wounds of this kind have been so ne-
sleated that matter breaks out from the coronet, it
is still necessary to enlarge the opening in the
horn beneath; and. if it have closed (which it ge-
nerally does), the horn must be removed with a
drawing-knife, that the matter may escape freely ;
the upper wound (in the coronet) will then soon

WOUNDS.

24-9

heal, by applying the tincture of benzoin. Punc-
tured tuounds in other parts are often inflicted with
the stable-fork, either accidentally or intentionally :
I have often known joints wounded in this way.
(For the treatment of joint wounds, see Wounds of
Cavities.) When the flesh only is punctured, the
orifice must be kept open, by fomenting it fre-
quently, and by means of a small tent, that the
wound may heal from the bottom; and if the sides
become callous and indisposed to heal, after the
inflammation has been removed, the sinus should
be laid open. In punctured wounds of the fleshy
part, it is of consequence to procure a free exit
for the matter: with this view we often make
counter openings with a knife, or pass a sctoii
through the wound, after the inflammation has in
great measure ceased. In recent wounds of the
punctured kind, irritating applications are impro-
per: wounds of this kind are frequently followed
by considerable pain and inflammation. It is
therefore necessary to keep the orifice open; and
if it be small, to enlarge it with a lancet, when the
pain and inflammation have subsided. Should
the wound appear indisposed to heal, and be
bund, upon examining with the probe, to be as
deep as at first, there is reason to suppose that its
sides have become callous : a caustic is then to be
applied throughout its whole course ; and, after a
day or two or when white matter is observed to
flow from the wound, such pressure should he ap-
plied, where it is practicable, as will briug the sides

U 5

250

WOUNDS.

of the wound into contact, and continued until
they ai'e united. When punctured wounds are
so situate, that the matter can freely escape, there
is much less difficulty in curing them, than when
they are in a situation of a difFerent kind; or
where the orifice, instead of being the lowest, is
the highest part of the wound. This inconveni-
ence, however, is sometimes obviated, by making
a new opening with a knife or lancet, or bypassing
a seton through the wound: but in some situa-
tions this cannot be done ; nor can we, in many
cases, apply sufficient pressm-c to bring the sides
too'cther. The wound can then be healed only by
the formation of new parts, by which the cavity is
filled up ; to effect which we inject stimulating li-
quids, such as proof spirit, tincture of benzoin, or
solution of blue vitriol, taking care to keep the
orifice open, that the bottom of the wound may be
first healed. But nothing of this kind should be
done until the inflammation has subsided: till
that period, fomentations only, or poultices, arc
proper.

The most formidable punctured wounds gene-
rally happen while a horse is employed in hunting,
in leaping over gates or hedges: he is then said to
be slahed. The deeper and more lacerated these
wounds are, the more carefully should we avoid
the irritating applications and tents of the farriers,
adopting in their stead the same treatment we have
directecribr extensive lacerated wounds.

There is another kind of punctured wounils,

WOUNDS.

521

which is likely to occur in military service ; and in
a charge of cavalry upon a line of infantry, it is
astonishing that so many should escape the bm/"
onet as we generally find do on such occasions.

Those are generally of considerable depth, and
often followed by profuse bleeding. When the
bayonet penetrates the belly or chest, the wound is
commonly fatal, particularly if any of the large
blood-vessels within these cavities be wounded.
When merely the fleshy parts are wounded, there
wi!l be little danger, particularly if there be no
considerable blood-vessel opened. The treatment
of these wounds is nearly the same as we have al-
ready described, except that it is more frequently
necessary to enlarge the orifice or mouth of the
wound; and that there is often occasion to per-
form a rather difficult operation; namely, that of
tying the artery in order to stop the bleeding; for
when a large artery is wounded, the blood flows
so copiously as to require the most expeditious
means of suppression. It is difficult for a person
unacquainted with anatomy to perform this opera-
tion of tying the artery. Therefore, if no profes-
sional person be present at such an accident, it is
adviseable to endeavour to stop the bleeding by
pressure, giving up dl attempts to tie the artery,
and not placnig any dependanee upon those pre-
parations called slyiHics. (See Materia Medica.)

Pieces of lint, secured with bandage, will be
found most convenient for this purpose. If the
wounded artery be of considerable size, which may

252

WOUNDS.

be known by the quantity of blood and the force
with which it is thrown out, the bandage should
not be removed till the second or third day. *

In these wounds, also, it is necessary to avoid
the stimulating applications and tents commonly
employed by farriers : but when the inflammation
has subsided, and the wound does not appear dis-
posed to heal, they may be used with advantage.
It is of importance to procure a free exit for the
matter, for which purpose a counter opening may
be made, when the situation of the wound will ad-
mit of it.

All punctured wounds are liable to become fis-
tulous : that is, when the sides cannot be brought
into contact by any means, they often become cal-
lous. It may be necessary to repeat, that in such
cases caustics must be applied to destroy the cal-
losity, and then gentle stimulants are to be injected
to promote the formation of new flesh. There is
more difficulty in healing wounds of tendons or li-
gaments, than flesli wounds; and in such cases,
after the first inflammation has subsided, the
stronger stimulants, and even caustics, are often
required. (See the author's Feierinary Materia
Medica, or 2d Vol.)

• It is easy to distinguish between a wounded artery and a
vein. In tiie latter, the blood is of a darker red colour, flows in
a uniform stream, and with Utile force ; in the former, the blood
is of a bl ight scarlet colour, and is thrown out by jerki, with
considerable force.

WOUJTDS.

253

Wounds of circumscribed Cavities,

(Under this head we shall describe wounds of the
C/iesl, Belly, Joints, Sheaths of Tendons, and
Blood Vessels.)

When the chest or belly is punctured, there is
generally danger of a fatal termination : the dan-
ger, however, is proportionate to the extent of the
injury, and is always greater when any of the parts
contained in the chest or belly are injured. This
kind of wound is most liable to happen in military
service, and is most commonly inflicted with the
bayonet and ball. Even in small wounds of these
important cavities, there is danger of inflammation
taking place in the bowels : it is necessary, there-
fore, to close the wound as neatly and expeditiously
as possible, by sewing it up. Unless it can be ac-
complished by sticking plaster and bandage : if
stitches are employed, the bandage or roller will
be necessary. It is proper, also, to bleed, accord-
ing to the strength and condition of the animal,
and to give a laxative ball, and clysters. If swel-
ling and inflammation come on, foment frequently
with a decoction of the bitter herbs. (See Fo-
■mentations.) If the wound do not unite by the first
intention, white matter will soon make its appear-
ance. A hule tincture of benzoin may then be
applied In extensive wounds of the abdomen or
telly, the bowels often come out through the opeu-

254

WOUNDS.

ing, in which case there is considerable danger,
though the bowels may have escaped the injury.
Should thev have been wounded, let the wound be
very neatly stitched up with a small needle and
waxed silk, and then gently replaced within the
belly, taking care to remove any dirt or other
matter that may adhere to them. The wound is
then to be carefully closed, as we have before di-
rected, and supported, if possible, with bandage ;
the end of the silk, however, with which the bowel
is sewed, should be kept out of the external wound.
Bleeding and a clyster are particularly necessary :
bran mashes, with strong gruel, or a little sweet
oatmeal stirred into each mass, is the most proper
diet. If the bow els have been wounded, it is ab-
solutely requisite to keep the horse from, eating
hay or straw, or any hard food ; for, as the digest-
ive process is far from being perfected in the
horse's stomach, the hay or straw might arrive at
the wounded part in a state capable of doing great
injury. In wounds of the chest, nearly the same
treatment is required : a purgative, however, may
be given in such cases, before inflammation has
taken place; but, whenever this happens, whether
it be in consequence of these wounds or of wounds
of the belly, it must be treated according to the
directions given under the heads Ivjiammation of
the Limgs and Bowels.

Wounds of the belly are most commonly in-
flicted by the horns of cattle, or by sharp pieces of
wood, in going over hedges ; and when the bowels

WOUNDS.

255

come out it is generally necessary to cast the horse
and put him on his back, in order to replace it.
The common practice of farriers in such accidents
is to wash the bowels, before it is returned, with
some stimulating application ; but, if there is any
dirt or other matter to be washed off, warm water
only should be used. In a case that occurred near
Exeter, a farrier washed the protruded bowels with
camphorated spirit of wine and oil of turpentine,
for the purpose, he said, o'l prevenlbig inftummalwu
— the horse of course died. Woiuids in the
horse's intestines generally prove mortal, either
from unskilful treatment, or from the laceration
and contusion with which they are generally ac-
companied: but it appears, from the interesting
experiments and observations published by Mr.
Travers, that the intestines possess a power of re-
pairing injuries, like other parts of the body. An
opening was made in the abdomen of a dog, so as
to allow the bowels to come out, and an incision
of one inch and half in length was then made in
the gut. It was then returned into the belly, and
the wound in the abdomen was secured by stitches.
The animal was scarcely affected by the operation;
took food as usual; and had natural evacuations!
At the end of a fortnight, when perfectly recover-
ed, he was killed, for the purpose of examining the
bowel, when the wound appeared to be completely
healed. In the 18th volume of the PhilosopIiicaL
Tra/i.sriciio?i^, a similar experiment is related by
Mr. W. Cooper " ;\n opening was made in the

256 vi'ouNDS.

abdomen of a large dog, whence the small guts
were extruded : after an incision made in one of
them, according to its length, they were put back,
and the wound in the abdomen stitched up, &c. ;
the dog recovei-ed without any ill symptoms, and
became pei-fectly well in a few days aftei-. The
like experiment," he adds, " I have made upon
another dog, which, in like manner, recovered
without the application of any medicine." It
should be remarked, that the lowel does not
appear to have been stitched up when returned
into the belly. The following experiment, by Mr.
Travers, is still more remarkable: " A ligature of
fine pack-thread was firmly lied round the duode-
num (small intestine) of a dog, so as completely to
obstruct it : the ends of the string were cut off,
and the parts returned ; the wound in the abdo-
men was closed, and the animal expressed no sign
of suffering when tlie operation was concluded.
On the following day, he was frequently sick, and
vomited some milk that had been given him ; his
breathing was hurried. Third day, his sickness
continued, and he vomited some bilious fluid.
Fifth day, he passed a copious stool, of the same
appearance as the fluid discharged by vomiting :
his sickness from this time ceased, and his breath'
ing was natural; he took bread and milk, and
drank abundantly of water. Seventh day, he had
three similar evacuations, and appeared well, eat-
ing animal food freely. Tenth day, he had a solid
natural stool, of a dark colour. On the fifteenth

WOUNDS. *251

day, his cure being established, he was killed, for
the purpose of examining the gut. The ligature
which was fastened round the intestine had divided
the interior or mucous coat of the gut ; the perito-
neal or outer coat alone maintained its integrity.
The inflammation which the ligature induces is
terminated by the deposition of a coat of lymph
exterior to the ligature, which quickly becomes or-
ganized. When the ligature thui inclosed is libe-
rated by the ulcerative process, it falls of necessity
into the canal, and passes off by stool. (See A?i
Inqidry into the Process of Nature in repairing Injit-
Ties of Intestines. By Benjamin Travers.)

The cavities next in importance to the- chest and
belly, are those named joints; which in horses are
more frequently wounded than the other cavities.
These wounds, altliough from mismanagement:
they sometimes prove fatal, yet are of more im-t
portance from the circumstance, that without the
greatest care and the most judicious treatment they
almost invariably render the horse permanently
iame ; and sometimes in so considerable a deoree '
that he becomes nearly, if not entirely, useless!
Previous however, to entering on the considera-
tion of then- treatment, it is desireable to give such
an account of the strurtm-P ■ • . ^ ''uui

A.r- fl, T ."''^""""ic^ofajomt, as may ren-
der the directions more intelligible. A joint is
formed, generally speaking, by the ends o h ad
of two or moi-e bones : these ends are covered by a
%er of gristle or cartilage, which is of a vieldfn:
and elastic n^tttre : this cartilage has on its' surfoc^

258

WOUNDS,

a firm but thin membrane, which is constantly
forming a slippery fluid, termed synovia or joint
oil J it possesses also absorbent vessels, to prevent
an undue accumulation of this fluid. * The ends
of the bones, thus covered with a smooth yielding
surface, so slippery as to move upon each other
freely without suffering from friction, are then
firmly tied together by a strong Inelastic substance,
termed ligament, which completely surrounds the
heads of the bones, as far, at least, as they are co-
vered with the smooth cartilage. This ligament,
termed by anatomists capsular ligament, is not so
tight as to prevent extensive motion of the bones,
but sufiiciently so to hold them firmly in their pro-
per situation. The joint is thus completely shut
up, forming a kind of sac, or what is termed a cir-
cumscribed cavity, and the joint oil which is formed
is confined to its proper situation. When a joint
is wounded, or, in other words, when the capsular
ligamevt is wounded, the joint oil, which is a
transparent fluid, of a light yellowish or brownish
colour, is seen almost constantly oozing from the
wound, particularly when the animal moves the
joint. If proper means be not employed to close

* AVhen a joint becomes dropsical, as in hog spavin, it is cither
from a loss of power in tl.e ahsorbcnl vesseh, or an increased ac-
tion of (he vessels which form the Joint oil: pcrliaps both these
causes may c.ncnr in producing the disease, the more remote
cause of which is generally hard work, that is, too great or (no
long continued motion of the joint. The disease termed n.nd-
galU may be explained in the same way. (See mmlsHh, Ap-
pendij:.)

WOUNDS.

259

the wound, inflammation takes place within the
joint, occasioning the most excruciating pain, and
at first an increased formation of sijiiovia. If the
wound continue open, the inflammation and pain
become more considerable, and a symptomatic
fever takes place, which sometimes proves fatal.
It often happens, however, in this stage of the
complaint, that the vessels of the capsular ligament,
instead of formingjoint oil, pour out a large quan-
' tity of glutinous coagulating fluid, which, filling
the cavity of the joint and becoming solid, totally
and permanently obliterates it. The inflamma-
tion, pain, and fever, then gradually subside, and
the wound heals; but the joint can no longer be
moved, and an incurable lameness is the conse-
quence. From this description will appear the
importance of attending to these wounds as early
as possible, and of closing the wound as expedi-
tiously as we can. This, however, cannot be ef-
fected by the means we have recommended for other
wounds. Ligaments arc of a different nature from
flesh or skin, and when wounded, cannot be healed
without the assistance of strong stimulants, and
even caustics : * but these must be used with great

* Tt has been supposed, lhat the violent pain and iuflamma-
tion, which follow the wound of a joint, are caused chicQy by
the ad,n,ss,o„ of air into the cavity, and a deficiency of synovia
orjo.nt oil, by which the two surfaces are exposed to friction'

.» certain, however, th.t in thee wounds there is much more
sy ov.a formed than usual; which may be known by the c,ua„-
ty that llows from the wound. This increased formation of
sjnov.a, however, continues only a certain time; after a time

260

WOUNDS.

caution, for when they are so clumsily employed
as to enter the cavity of the joint, the most violent
inflammation will ensue. Some of the old farriers
appear to have known the utility of caustics in
these wounds ; but, mistaking the principle on
which they acted, often injected liquid caustics
into the joint, and thereby brought on the most
excruciating torments. Sometimes their patients
were destroyed by the fever which followed ; more
frequently, however, the joint became stiff or im-
moveable, as we have before described, and the
wound healed. Other farriers, preferring to em-
ploy the solid caustics, and failing in their attempts
to thrust them into the cavity of the joint, have ap-
plied them no farther than the orifice in the cap-
sular ligament, and have, by this fortunate failure,
effected a cure without the loss of the joint. This
plan, however, can only be adopted in wounds of
a small size, or of the punctured kind, such as
those inflicted with the stable fork; and, fortunate-
ly^, wounds of joints are most commonly of this
kind. But we sometimes meet with cases where
the wound is of considerable size, and much lace-
rated : there is scarcely a possibility then of pre-
serving the joint; and if it happen to the larger
joints, such as the hock and stifle, there is great
danger of its destroying the animal. In such cases,

the co-igulatinglj-mph is poured out, wliicb, becoming solid, ohli-
lenites tlic cavity; but in large wounds of the principal joinls,
the animal is often destroyed before this happens, by the symp-
tomatic fever which comes on.

WOUNDS.

261

caustics arc improper; they must be treated as
deep lacerated wounds. But in the small punc-
tured wound of a joint, the actiuil cautery (hot
iron), cautiously applied, has been found the most
' expeditious and effectual remedy. I have suc-
ceeded also with the lunar causlic (nitrate of silver).
Farriers sometimes employ the inUter of antimony
(muriate of antimony), and iv kite vitriol (vitriolated
zinc) : * they often inject some liquid caustic into
the wound with a syringe, such as solution of blue
^ vitriol. The earlier the actual cautery is applied,
the more speedily will it heal the wound ; and it is
particularly desireable to have it applied before
inflammation takes place in the joint. The iron
should have a round point, and be applied when
at a dull red heat; the wound should be so seared
as to stop the discharge of joint oil. It often hap-
pens, that, after a short time, an oozing of synovia
is again observed: in such cases the iron must be

» 1 have heard a farrier boast of possessing a receipt for a
joinl humour; or, as he (ennod it, for " killing a joint humour:'
i" small uounds of the inferior joints, thh man sometimes sue
eeedcd. Upon examini,.- the remedy, I found it to consist
chiefly of white vitriol, which indeed was the only active in- '
gredicnf. Tliis, coarsely powdered, was put into the wound;
but as the man supposed its cfiicacy depended upon its entering
llie ravity of the joint, and subdnin- this f,)rmidable humour, he
of courje look great pains to thrust it in with his probe ' Ii,
larjre rounds he generally succeeded in his attempt, and destroy-
ed ei.licr the joint or (l,c animal: but in small wounds of the
"wer joints, hcBierely brought it into contact with the woynded
l'i;«fnem, and thereby often eJiected a cure..

262

WOUNDS.

again applied, and repeated, if necessary, several
times. I have sometimes succeeded ultimately,
though the iron had been applied ineffectually
twice or three times. When inflammation takes
place in the joint, the most powerful remedies
should be expeditiously employed for its removal,
such as bleeding and purging. Fomentations and
poultices in such cases are not so useful as blisters,
which should be applied rather extensively about
the joint ; but as long as the wound in the joint
remains open, the inflammation will continue;
therefore our principal object should be to close
the wound. There is no external complaint which
occasions such excruciating pain to the animal as
inflammation of a joint, particularly when it has
proceeded so far as to ulcerate the bones ; several
cases of which have come under my observation.

JVoiinds rf the Sheath, or Memhranes sttrround'mg

Tendons.

These require nearly a similar treatment to
that we havejust described, and, when of the small
punctured kind, are more expeditiously healed by
a judicious use of the actual cautery, than by any
other remedy. These wounds also generally dis-
charge something like synovia or joint oil, and, if
suflered to remain open, are productive of very vi-
olent pain and inflammation. When they are so

WOUNDS.

263

large as to render the caustic an improper applica-
tion, they should be closed as neatly as possible,
and kept so by adhesive plaster and bandage.
This plan is equally applicable to similar wounds
in joints ; and, if adopted in time, will often be
found very effectual : even when the actual cautery
has been applied, and the wound seared so as to
be closed, the adhesive plaster will be found a use-
ful assistant, and will often prevent the necessity
of repeating the cautery. I have known a wound
Tn the knee joint soon heal, by means of the stick-
ing-plaster alone. The tendons most liable to be
wounded are the back sineivs : they are enclosed
ni a strong tendinous sheath, which, like a joint,
contains a small quantity of slippery fluid, to ren-
der tiieir motions easy, and prevent the cohesion
of the parts. About the fetlock joint, or rather
above that joint, there are small sacs, or little blad-
ders, connected with the tendon and ligaments,
which also contain this slippery fluid, and serve to
facilitate motion in these parts. * When a horse
is worked too hard, these bladders contain an un-
usual quantity of the fluid, or synovia, and appear
swel cd or puffed, constituting the disease termed
wrnd-gcdls. If these little bladders receive a wound
It is generally followed by violent pain and inflam-
mation ; and when improperly treated, a very ob-
stinate lameness may be the consequence. In this

* These sacs nre nothing more than the shea.hs of trnrlon,
and when distended with s.novia, consliuue wind-ga",;.

264

case, notliing is more useful than the sticking plas-
ter, provided the lips of the wound be neatly
brought together before it is applied : but if the
wound be of the small punctured kind, the actual
cautery, or the lunar caustic, should be first ap-
plied. Great care, however, is required in this
case; for if the iron be not applied very lightly,
and its pointed end properly adapted to the size of
the wound, it may do much mischief. Blisters are
the best remedies for any swelling that may remain
after a wound in the sheaths of tendons, or in
pints ; and if one blister be found insufficient, a
repetition of the remedy will generally succeed.
The last kind of wound we have to describe is one
that happens more frequently than any other, and
is more easily cured ; that is, a tvoimd of a vein.
When a vein is properly opened, and afterwards
carefully closed in the usual way with a pin and a
little tow, it almost always heals by the first inten-
tion : but when it is opened by a rusty blunt./?eflr?i
or lancet, and particularly when the instrument is
driven with such violence as to cut not only into,
but through the vein, making thus an orifice both
before and behind, it seldom heals so readily : on
the contrary, inflammation takes place withm the
cavity of the vein, which gradually extends or
spreads until either the wound is closed, or the
vein obliterated, by the coagulating matter which
forms within it. If the inflammation extend to
the heart, the animal is soon destroyed ; more
commonly, however, the vein is soon plugged up,

WOUNDS.

265

and ceases to convey blood. But even in this case
the disease proves very troublesome; in conse-
quence the jugular or neck veins being the prin-
cipal channels, by which the blood of the head re-
turns to the heart. This obstruction to the return
of the blood causes a swelling of the large gland
under the ear, to which the formation of matter is
often a consequence. Sometimes the eye becomes
inflamed ; and I have seen symptoms of apoplexy
or staggers produced by this cause. If a horse be
turned to grass in this situation, the inconvenience
is considerably increased ; the position of the head
in grazing being unfavourable to the return of
blood from the head. The inconvenience arising
from a loss of the jugular vein is not, howcvei"
permanent; the smaller veins gradually enlarge^
and, after a time, return the blood as readily^as
the jugular or neck vein did originally. When
this accident happens, the mischief may be per-
ceived about the second day after bleedino-; some-
times the day following that of the operation.
When the orifice in the vein is large, and particu-
larly ,f the wound in the skin be but'slightly closed,
or If the horse happen to rub the pin out, the
wound bleeds freely; and though it be again pin-
i^ed up the blood often bursts out after a short
time. I liave seen a case where the horse had
been bleednig, at intervals, three or four davs
though the wound had been several times firmly
pinued up : this was very soon stopped by the .c-
tual cautery, but the vein was obliterated at that

N \

266

M'OirNDS.

part and a little way downward and upward ; and
the swelling of the gland under the ear took place.
When the orifice in the vein is but small, or when
the vein is not transpierced, but inflames only from
the orifice in the skin having been imperfectly
closed, or from hair or blood lodoinff between the
lips of the wound, the first symptoms are swelling
and an oozing of moisture from the wound. In
this case the vein is often preserved, and the dis-
ease soon cured, by applying lightly the actual cau-
tery, and by keeping the horse at rest.* — It must
not be supposed, however, that in every case of
swelling after bleeding the vein is inflamed : a
slight swelling often takes place immediately after
the operation, merely from the blood getting into
the cellular membrane under the skin: and this
swelling is sometimes succeeded by an oozing of
moisture from the wound : but all this is soon re-
moved by rubbing on it a little soap liniment.
When the vein is really inflamed, there is gene-
rally a discharge of blood some time after the ope-
ration : and if this do not happen, the swelling ex-
tends to the gland under the ear, the whole being
extremely tender and painful, often rendering the
horse almost incapable of masticating or swallow-
ing. When the disease is improperly treated, or
suffered to take its own course, sinuses form by the

» Mastication is unfavourable to (lie closing of the orifice in
the vein, suhstantinl gruel should, therefore, be given for a day
pr two.

WOUNDS.

26?

side of the vein ; so that the probe may be passed
in various directions, generally upward towards
the gland, sometimes inward among the muscles
of the neck.

The actual cautery is undoubtedly the most ef-
fectual application at first : but when the disease
has been suffered to proceed so far as we have now
described, it is necessary to keep the orifice open,
that the matter may escape freely; and, by inject-
ing a solution of blue or white vitriol, cause it gra-
dually to heal from the bottom.

When the gland under the ear is much swollen,
and very painful, a poultice should be applied;
but when the swelling feels hard, and without ten-
derness, a blister is more effectual.

A repetition of the blister is sometimes neces-
sary; and care should be taken to prevent the
horse from hanging down his head much, or feed-
ing from the ground, which many horses prefer,
pulling out their hay from the rack, and throwing
it on the litter for that purpose. When the sinustS
in the neck do not appear to heal, and the matter
has not a free exit, it is necessary to enlarge the
opening with a blunt-pointed bistoury; hut the
operation requires caution, as a large artery anil
nerve are situated near this part.

N 2

268

BRUISES.

Bruises.

In recent bruises, fomentations are the most
essential remedies, if they are considerable; but in
slight cases, cold applications, such as the lotion.
No. 4, will generally be found sufficient. When they
are violent, a considerable degree of inflammation
may be expected to supervene: it will then be pro-
per to give a laxative ball, and bleed njoderately.

If abscesses form in consequence of a bruise,
discharging large quantities of matter, particularly
if the matter be of a bad colour and an offensive
smell, the wound also appearing dark coloured
and rotten, indicating approaching mortification,
the horse's strength must be supported by allowing
malt mashes or gruel. If the appetite go off, he
must be drenched with good water-giaiel, and
strong infusion of malt: it will be necessary also
to give a cordial ball once or twice a-day.

Should a hard callous swelling remain in con-
sequence of a bruise, the following embrocation is
to be well rubbed into the part twice a-day; and,
if it do not succeed in removing it, recourse must
be had to a blister.

Emlrocalionfor BnnseS.
No. ].

Soap liniment

J^iquid ammonnia

Mix.

OZ,

BRUISES.

269

tio. 2.

Camphor i

Oil of turpentine 1 o^-

Soap liniment 1 j- oz.

Mix.

No. 3.

Tincture of cantharides 1 oz.

Oil of origanum 2 dr.

Camphorated spirit 6 dr.

Mix. Such as warm beer, with a little gentian,
and occasionally a little laudanum may be added,
particularly if there is any degree of purging.

No. 3.

Muriate of ammonia 1 oz.

Distilled vinegar 8 oz.

Spirit of wine 6 oz.

Mix.

No. 4.

Sugar of lead t

Vinegar and water, of each 8 oz.

Mix.

This is an excellent application for bruises from
the saddle or harness, and may be diluted, if there
• be much inflammation.

BROKEN KNEES.

Broken Knees.

The method of treating this accident is describ-
ed generally under the article Wounds, being no-
thing more tlian a contused and lacerated wound;
but as it occurs frequently, and, if not skilfully
treated, greatly lessens the value of a horse, it may
not be amiss to be more particular on the subject.
The first thing to be done is to cleanse the wound
perfectly : and if it be at all deep or extensive, or
much bruised, a goulard poultice is to be applied,
by means of the leg of a worsted stocking, taking
care to renew it twice a-uay, that it may be constant!
ly soft and moist. This, in two or three days, will
give the wound a healing appearance, and cause a
white healthy matter to flow : it may then be discon-
tinued, and the digestive ointment applied. Should
the matter assume a bad appearance, losing its
white colour, becoming thin, and smelling rather
offensively, it shows that the tendons, ligaments,
or even the bone, has been injured; the poultice,
therefore, should be continued longer, or until the
foul parts have separated, and the matter has be-
come thicker, of a better colour, and free from any
fetid smell : the poultice will then be no longer
necessary. Should the new flesh grow too luxu-
riantly, or rise above the surface, the escharotic
powder may be sprinkled on it. The common
practice at this period is to apply digestive oint-
ment, and keep it on by means of a bandage; but

BROKEN KNEE$. -27^

I have found that the most expeditious methotl of
curing broken knecrs is, after the poultice is left
off, to°apDly the following paste: the granulations,
hovvever,\vhen rising above the level ol the skm,
should be first reduced by the escharotic powder.
Mix 1 oz. of finely powdered alum with 2 oz. ot
pipe-clay, and sprinkle it on the wound, or make
it into a thin paste, about the consistence of cream,
with water, and lay it on the sore every morning.
Previous to each application, or once in two days,
the wound should be bathed, and made clean, with
warm water : no other covering besides the powder
or paste is necessary. By this treatment the wound
will soon heal. But we must not stop here ; for
unless the swelling is completely removed, and the
hair regenerated of its original colour and smooth-
ness, the horse would be considered of very little
value. As soon, therefore, as the wound is com-
pletely healed,- if any swelling be discernible, apj)ly
the following liniment, so as to excite a moderate
degree of vesication, or blistering, and repeat it
after this effect has perfectly subsided. Should the
swelling feel hard and callous, and be of consider-
able size, the strong blister, No. 1, or No. 2, v.'il!
be preferable. (See Index, Blisters.)

The Liniment.

Powdered cantharides 2 dr.

Oil of turpentine -3- oz.

Olive oil 1 -i- cz.

Mix, and let it be well shaken before it is applied

272

BROKEN KNEES.

It often happens, after the wound is perfectly
healed, that a small scar or mark will be observ-
able; and, though the part may be free from any
hardness or swelling, the value of the horse will be
greatly lessened by this appearance. A variety of
ointments have been recommended for promoting
the growth of hair on the part, and thereby re-
moving the blemish : the following I have found
more effectual than any of them.

Ointment for Broken Knees.

Ointment of wax 2 oz.

Camphor 2 dr.

Oil of rosemary 1 dr.

Mix.

The colour of this ointment should be suited
to that of the contiguous hair, which will so con-
ceal the blemish, that it will not be observed, un-
less the part is strictly examined ; and, at the same
time, the ointment will cause the hair to grow up
gradually, until the mark is completely removed.
If the horse be of a bay colour, the legs and knees
are generally blackish. In this case, mix a little
ivory black with the ointment: if a chesnut colour,
Armenian bole may be mixed with it.

In very badly broken knees, we sometimes find
the integuments divided obliquely downward, so as
to form a flap, which projects outwards ; the same

FISTULA IN THE WITHERS.

273

thing sometimes happens in the front of the fetlock
joint'': in such cases, I have often tried to re-iinito
the flap by means of sticking-plaster and bandage ;
and finding that fail, I have shaved oflf the inner
surface of the flap, and the surface of the wound,
and made a fresh attempt to re-unite them ; but it
has never succeeded: and the flap has become
thicker, as well as the surface, with which it has
been in contact. For some time I have given up
the attempt, and, immediately after the accident,
have cut off the flap; which has proved a much
better method : as the wound heals more readily,
and the blemish (for some blemish there must be
in such cases), is considerably less. Previous to
the application of the ointment, the knee, when
perfecdy healed, should be rubbed for a short time
with some soap liniment, but downwards only, in
the direction in which the hair grows.

Fistula in the Withers.

This disease generally originates in a bruise
from the saddle, and is at first simply an abscess,
which, by early attention and proper treatment,
may be easily cured; but when neglected, it dege-
nerates into a fistulous sore, proves extremely dif-
ficult of cure, and cannot be removed without very
severe treatment.

As soon as the injury is discovered, fomentations
K 5

274,

FISTULA IN THE WITHERS.

should be applied in order to pi'omote suppura-
tion ; and when the matter is formed, Jet the tu-
mour be opened, so that its contents may be com-
pletely evacuated, and a future accumulation pre-
vented. The sore may then be healed by dressing
it daily with digestive Jiniment or ointment; but
should these prove ineffectual, apply the detergent
lotion until the sore assumes a red healthy appear-
ance, and the matter becomes whiter, and of a
thicker consistence. Wlien the disease has been
neglected in its first stage, and the matter suffered
to penetrate among the muscles, affecting the liga-
ments or bones of the withers, it becomes necessary
to adopt a more severe treatment.

The sinuses or pipes are to be laid open with a
knife ; and, if it be practicable, a depending open-
ing is to be made, that the matter may run off
freely : the sore is then to be dressed with either
of the following ointments, which is to be melted,
and poured into the cavit}' while very hot.

The sore is not to be dressed until the sloughs,
which this ointment occasions, have separated from
the living parts; which generally happens two or
three days after the opei-ation. If the surface of
the sore look red and healthy, and the matter ap-
pear to be whiter, and of a better consistence, a re-
petition of this painful operation will not be re-
quired, tincture of myrrh or spirit of wine with a
small proportion of sublimate (10 grains to 2 or 3
oz.) being sufficient to complete the cure; but
should the sore still retain an unhealthy appear-

nSTULA IN THE WITHERS. "75

ance, and the matter continue thin and of a bad
colour, the hot dressing must again be applied.

The OmlmeiU.
No. 1.

Ointment of nitrated quicksilver oz.

Oil of turpentine 1 oz.

Mix.

, No. 2.

Verdigris t ''Z.

Oil of turpentine ••• 1 oz.

Ointment of yellow resin 4 oz.

Mix.

No. 3.

Oil of turpentine 2 oz.

Vitriolic acid 1 oz.

Mix cautiously in an earthen vessel, placed in a
current of air, that the suffocating vapour which
arises may be carried off. V/hen they are per-
fectly incorporated, add
Common turpentine and hog's lard,

of each /

To be melted over a gentle fire.

This ointment may be made either stronger or
weaker, by increasing or diminishing the propor-
tion of vitriol and turpentine. If bones of the

POLL EVIL.

Avithers are found to be carious, they should be
scraped with a drawing knife.

Poll Evil.

This disease also generally originates in a bruise,
and requires the same treatment as the fistula. It
consists at first in an abscess in the poll, which, by
early attention, might be easily cured ; but if the
matter be suffered to penetrate to the ligaments
and bones, it frequently proves more difficult of
cure than the fistula in the withers, and cannot be
subdued without those strong remedies we have
recommended in that disease.

Since writing the above, I have discovered, that
the inflammation which produces poll evil does not
begin, as is usually the case in other parts, on the
surface, or in the cellular membrane under the
skin, but between the ligament of the neck and the
bones. When we consider the weight and posi-
tion of the horse's head, with the great length of
the neck, it will readily appear, that the muscles
alone are not capable of supporting and moving so
ffreat a v/eight, under such mechanical disadvan-
tages. Natui'e has therefore provided a strong li-
gament, which is firmly fixed to the back part of
the head, whence it passes down over the bones of
the neck. It is not attached to the first bone, but
is firmly fastened to the three next ; it then passes

POLL EVIL*

277

over the three other bones of the neck in nearly a
straight line to the withers, where it is securely
fixed, giving ofFa thin slip of ligament in its pas-
sage, which is united to the last three bones. It is
continued from the withers to the back. This li-
gament being elastic, allows of sufficient motion in
the neck, and so effectually assists the muscles in
supporting the head, that they never become fa-
tigued.

When a horse receives a violent blow on that
part of the poll which covers the first bone of the
neck, which, as we have just observed, is not at-
tached to the ligament, the injury will be sustained
chiefly by the sensible parts placed between the
bone and the under surface of the ligament. The
skin may also be hurt, and a slight degree of su-
perficial inflammation may take place. But when
inflammation has been thus produced between the
bone and the ligament, it is more likely to proceed
to suppuration, or to the formation of matter;
which, being so deeply seated, cannot find vent at
the surface, by bursting the skin like a common
abscess; therefore it spreads under the ligament,
and is so long in arriving at the surface, that both
the bones and ligament are highly diseased before
anv external swelling is observed. This is the
cause of the particular obstinacy of the poll evil,
and the great length of time generally required to
cure it. From this we may learn, also, how little
is to be expected from such applications as are in-
tended to disperse the swelling, and how necessary

278 POLL EVIL.

it IS to adopt a bold and powerful mode of- treaU
ment. I am convinced, from what I have seen,
that it is almost impossible to disperse the genuine
poll evil; that by attempting it we lose time, and
suffer the matter to continue its ravages upon the
ligament and bones; and that the only efiectual
practice consists in opening the abscess freely, so
that the matter may readily escape, and the dis-
eased bones be examined. When this has been
done, and bleeding has perfectly ceased, apply the
ointment, No. 3, described in the preceding chap-
ter, and let the first dressing remain until the dead
parts are ready to separate merely by washing. It
is sometimes necessary to repeat this application
several times ; and should it appear not sufficiently
active, the proporlion of vitriol and turpentine
may be increased ; but in irritable blood- horses it
v/ill sometimes prove too strong. A second ope-
ration often becomes necessary, particularly if tlie
first have not been boldly performed ; and when-
ever the matter appears to be pent up, or confined
in sinuses, the knife and strong dressings are the
only remedies. When the wound has been
brought to a healthy state, the tincture of myrrh
and sublimate, in the proportions prescribed in
tlie foregoing article, is the best dressing.

r

SADDLE GALLS, OR WARBLKS.

270

Saddle Galls, or PFarlles.

These consist of inflamed tumours, and are pro-
duced by the unequal pressure of the saddle. If
neglected, they become troublesome sores, and are
often a considerable time in healing. As soon as
a swelling of this kind is observed, let several folds
of linen be moistened with one of the following
lotions, and kept constantly applied to the tumour
until it is reduced ; but if matter have been allowed
to form, let it be opened with a lancet, and after-
ward dressed with digestive liniment or ointment.
Should it appear not to heal readily under this
treatment, apply the detergent lotion made hot.
When swellings of this kind are large and much
inflamed, it will be adviseable to bring them to
suppuration as expeditiously as possible, by means
of fomentations or poultices. Should a hard swel-
lina; remain after the inflammation is in prcat mea-
sure removed, try the embrocation for strains; and,
if this do not succeed, recourse i^iust be had to a
blister.

The La/ioii.
No. 1.

Superacetate of lead

Distilled vinegar

Spirit of wine

Water

Mix,

3 dr.

3 oz.

4 oz.
8 oz.

280

SITFASTS.

No. 2.

Muriate of ammonia oz.

Muriatic acid 2 dr.

Water from 8 to 12 oz.

Mix.

No. 3.

Soap liniment, and water of acetated '>

ammonia, of each 3

Mix.

Sitfasts

AuB occasioned by repeated bruises from the
saddle, which, instead of inflaminij the skin, as
most commonly happens, cause it to become cal-
lous, and give it somewhat the appearance of lea-
ther. One of the following ointments is to be ap-
plied until the callous part appeai-s disposed to se-
parate : it is then to be removed, which requires
some force, and even the assistance of the knife.
The sore which remains may be healed with hog's
lard. The sore may be washed now and then with
tlie tincture of myrrh and sublimate, as before pre-
scribed, touching the part once ov twice (after the
siLfi;st has been removed} with laitrate of silver
(lunar caustic).

STRAINS. 281

Ohilmejit for Sitfasts,
No. 1.

Camphor -

Oil of origanum

Mix.

No. 2.

Mercurial ointment . . .

Calomel

Oil of turpentine

Mix.

, . 9 oz.
. . 4- dr.
c . 9 dr.

StrainS'

This is a subject witli which every sportsman
ought to be well acquainted, since his horses are
particularly liable to such accidents. Strains may
affect either the muscles, ligaments, or tendons.
Muscular strains consist in an inflammation of the
muscles or flesh, occasioned by violent and sudden
exertion. "When ligaments are the seat of this
disease, there is generally some part of them rup-
tured, whereby very obstinate and sometimes per-
manent lameness is produced : in this case, also,
inflammation is the symptom which first requires
our attention. But tendons are the parts most
frequently affected, particularly the flexors of the

2S2

STUAINS.

fore leg, or back sinews, as ihey are commonly
termed. Tendinous strains are commonly sup-
posed to consist in a relaxation or preternatural
extension of the tendon ; and the remedies that
have been recommended are supposed to brace
them up again. However plausible this opinion
may be, it certainly is very erroneous : indeed it
has been proved by experiment, that tendons are
veither elastic iior capable of extension ; and, from
investigating their structure and economy', we
learn, .that, were they possessed of these qualities,
they would not answer the purpose for which they
were designed. From an idea that a strain in the
back sinews depends on a relaxation of the tendons,
many practitioners have been apprehensive of dan-
ger from the use of emollient or relaxing applica-
tions, than which nothing can be more useful at
the beginning of the disease.

Tendinous strains consist in an inflammation of
the membranes in which tendons are enveloped ;
and the swelling which takes place in these cases
depends on an effusion of coagulable lymph by the
vessels of the inflamed part. Inflammation beiu"-
the essence of a strain, we are to employ such
remedies as are best calculated to subdue it ; and
should any swelling remain, it is to be removed by
stimulating the absorbent vessels to increased ac-
tion.

STEAINS.

Slrain of ihe Shoulder.

This disease is by no means so frequent as it is
supposed to be, lameness in tlie feet being often
mistaken for it: the difference, however, is so well
marked, that a judicious observer will never be at
a loss to distinguish one from the other.

A shoulder strain is an inflammation of some of
the muscles of the shoulder, most commonly, I be-
lieve, those by which the limb is connected with
the body. The lameness which this accident oc-
casions comes on rather suddenly, and is generally
considerable. When the horse attempts to walk,
the toe of the affected side is generally drawn along
the ground, from the pain which an extension of
the limb occasions : in violent cases, he appears to
be incapable of extending it.

"When lameness arises from a disease of the foot,
it is generally gradual in its attack, unless occa-
sioned by an accidental wound, and does not at all
hinder the extension of the limb: an unusual heat
and tenderness may also be perceived in the foot ;
and, as the horse stands in the stable, the affected
foot will be put forward, that it may bear as little
as possible of the weight of the body.

The first remedy usually employed on these oc-
casions is bleeding in the shoulder or plate vein ;
but bleeding from the neck is, I believe, equally
effectual, and certainly much more easily, and con-
veniently done. A laxative ball should then be

STRAINS.

given : and, if the injury be considerable, let a
rowel be put in the chest. By means of these re-
medies and rest, the disease will generally be re-
moved in a short time: a cooling, opening diet,
with perfect rest, will also be necessary. When
the inflammation and lameness begin to abate, the
horse should be turned into a loose stall, and,
after a week or two, he may be suffered to walk
out for a short time every day : but should this
appear to increase the lameness, it must be discon-
tinued. The intention of m.oderate exercise, after
the inflammation is in great measure subdued, is
to effect an absorption of any lymph that may have
been effused, and to bring the injured muscles gra-
dually into action.

After an accident of this kind, particularly when
it has been violent, the horse should not be worked
in any way for a considerable time, as the lame-
ness is very apt to recur, unless the injured parts
have had sufficient rest to recover their strenoth.

o

If he can be allowed two or three months' run at
grass, it will be found extremely conducive to his
recovery, provided he is prevented from galloping
or exerting himself too much when first turned out.
With respect to embrocations, and other external
applications, they are generally useless, unless the
external parts are affected ; and then fomentations
may be employed with advantage.

If the joint formed by the shoulder blade and
shoulder bone appear to be injured, a blister should
be applied to the point of the shoulder. In some

STRAINS.

285

cases, I believe, the muscles named rhomboid, at
the upper part of the shoulder blade, are affected :
which may be known by the shoulder blade ap-
pearing lower than natural. The embrocation
(see article Evihrocalmns in the Second Volume)
may then be rubbed on the shoulder : I have met
with one well-marked case of this kind, where the
animal perfectly recovered by rest cn'y.

Strain of ihe Stifle.

In this case the stifle joint will be found unusu-
ally hot, tender, and sometimes swollen. The re-
medies are fomentations, a rowel in the thigh , and
a dose of physic. When by these means the in-
flammation of the joint has abated considerably,
and at the same time the swelling and lameness
continue, the embrocation for strains, or a blister,
should be applied.

Strains in the hock joint require the same treat-
ment.

Strain of the Hip Joint, {commonly termed PVhirl
Bone, or Round Bove).

WnEt-t lameness occurs in the hind leg, the
cause of which is too obscure for the flirrier's com-
prenension, he generally pronounces it to be a
strain in the round or whirl bone, and with aU

286

STftAljjS.

that afTectation of infallibility so commonly ob-
served in those gentlemen. I have seen several
cases of lameness which were supposed to be occa-
sioned by an injury of this part, but, after atten-
tive examination, an incipient spavin was found to
be the cause. I would advise, therefore, in such
cases, that the hock joint be carefully examined ;
and, if unusual heat or tenderness be observed on
the seat of spavin, it is probable that the lameness
arises from this cause, and that it may be removed
by the application of a blister. I have met with
several horses that had been severely burnt and
blistered in the hip, when the hock was evidently
the seat of the disease.

Strain of the Flexor Tendon, or Back Sinew.

A strain of the back sinew depends, as we have
before observed, on an inflammation of the mem-
branes in which it is enveloped, * and is sometimes

* f he bnck sinews consist principally of two tendons; one
terminating in the bottom of the colfin-bone, the olher in tlie
poslcrns. The latter serves as asl.eath to the former: between
these tendons, a slipiiery fluid is secreted, which enables (hem to
move freely on each otiier. In several parts, lioH cver, there are
membranous bands passingfrom one to the other. These probably,
in violent exertions, are sometimes ruptured, whence arise inQam-
niation and swelling, rendering motions of the parts very painful.
This appears to me to constitute what is commonly called a strain
of the bark sinews. There is a strong tendon, or rather ligament,
which arises immediately uiuler the knee-joint, at the back part,

STliAlNS.

28Y

complicated with a rupture oF the ligaments which
are situate immediately under the sinews. When
the lameness and swelling are considerable, bleed
in the shoulder vein, and give a dose of physic;
then let the saturnine poultice be applied, so as to

and soon after joins, and is intimately blended with tlie outer
flexor tendon. This, I believe, is sometimes ruptured, more
frequently, perhaps, inflamed, from a sudden and unexpected
eft'ort, Tlie suspensory ligament which lies under the tendons,
and extends from ihe back part of the knee to the fetlock-joint,
is sometimes ruj)tured ; but, I believe, very rarely. A little
above Ihe fetlock-joint, it divides into two strong branches,
which diverge from each other, and firmly embrace the fetlock-
joint laterally, of which it appears to be the piincipal support :
it then passes obliquely forward on both sides, and unites with
the extensor tendon, in front of the postern-bone. The rupture,
I believe, most commonly happens in one of these branches.
Accidents of this kind cause the most sel ious kinds of lameness,
and are not often perfectly cured. But the former kind, or
common strain of the back sinews, is not so dangerous, and is ge-
nerally. cured by keeping the leg constantly wet with the
saturnine lotion, by means cither of the poultice or flannel band-
age. Rest, however, is the most essential remedy fur every
kind of strain ; and without it, nothing can do any good. It is
thougiit by many, a good plan to turn horses to grass when
strained in the back sinews: hut this Is not the case; as the ex-
ercise a horse gets when turned out is sure to increase the lame-
ness. When a strain in the back sineus is properly and season-
ably attended to, it may generally be cured without bllsterino-.
and much misdiief is often done by the too early application of
hhctcrs; which should never he applied until the inflammaiion
has completely subsided. In very severe strains, attended with
a high degree of Inflammation, both bleeding and purgin- must
be considered as essential remedies, and therefore never omkted •
and ,t IS adviscable, in such cases, to sling the horse so as to re-
I.eve as much as possible the injured leg; as the exertion re,
quired to lie down and rise up again is often injurious

288

STRAINS.

extend from the hoof to the knee, and let it be
frequently moistened with the saturnine lotion.
When the inflammation and lameness have abated
considerably, and a swelling still remains, apply
the embrocation for strains, rubbing it well on the
part twice or three times a-day. If this do not
succeed, recourse must be had to a blister. It will
be adviseable also to turn the horse loose into a
large stable or barn, and to give him this kind of
rest for a considerable time : should he be worked
too soon after the accident, the part is very liable
to be injured again, particularly when it has been
violent. Should the swelling continue, notwith-
standing these remedies have been carefully em-
ployed, particularly if it feel callous and hard, and
be perfectly free from inflammation, it will be ne-
cessary to apply the actual cautery (see Firing) :
this operation, however, must never be performed
while any inflammation remains. These swellings
sometimes prove so obstinate, that even repeated
blistering and the actual cautery are ineffectual;
as soon, however, as the inflammation which catised
them is completely removed, they seldom occasion
lamenes?, yet they will not admit of any violent
exertion in the part, and are therefore always an
impediment to speed.

Salurnme Lotion.

Acetated lead

Vinegar and water, of each . . .

Mix.

2 oz.
1 pint.

STRAINS.

289

Satumine Poultice.

Fine bran I peek.

To be made into a thin paste with hot saturnine
lotion : to this add as much linseed-raeal as will
give it a proper consistence.

Embrocation for Strains.
No. 1.

Oil of rosemary and camphor, of each 2 dr.

Soft soap 1 oz.

Spirit of wine 4 oz.

Mix.

No. 2.

Soft soap, spirit of wine, oil of tur-"^

pentine, and ointment of elder, of V 4 oz.
each J

Mix.

Strain or Injury of the Back.

The lameness produced by injuries of this kind
arc often incurable, particularly when the ligament
by which the back bones are united is ruptured.
These accidents are not unfrequent, and hapjicn
sometimes from apparently trivial causes. In stal-
ing, for example, when the horse has been stand-

0

290

STRAINS.

ing on slippery pavement, I have known the hind
feet slide backward, by which the 1 igainents of the
spine were ruptured, and the spinal marrow so af-
fected, that it was found necessary to shoot the ani-
mal. When the injury is not so considerable or
so forward in the spine as to produce a paralysis
of a part essential t(^ life, the genei al health of the
horse is seldom much affected by i t; and, though
the lameness is generally incurab\^ he may con-
tinue healthy and in good conditic n. The lame-
ness is very remarkable, and easily distinguished.
There is a staggering kind of motion in the hind
parts, which appear as if loosely connected with the
body, particularly when he attempts to trot. The
hind legs appear to be drawn forward with diffi-
culty. An injury of the muscles situated within
the loins, between the kidneys and spine, some-
times occurs, and causes the same kind of lame-
ness ; but in this case the horse often voids bloody
urine, from the kidneys having been hurt at the
same time, and the lameness is more considerable ;
the horse being sometimes incapable of moving the
hind legs. The treatment of botli cases is the
same ; but in the latter it is more particularly ne-
cessary to bleed largely, to prevent an abscess from
formino- within the body, which, in all probabdity,
would prove fatal. The bowels should be emptied
by clysters and laxative medicine. Let the loms
be fomented with woollen cloths wrung out of hot
vioecrar, and afterwards covered with a fresh sheep-
skinr When the ligaments of the spine are rup-

STRAINS.

391

tured, the disease is generally incurable. Repeated
blistering, setons, large issues made, and kept open
by caustics, and several months run at grass, have
been found ineffectual. Should it happen, how-
ever, to be only a muscular injury, which may be
known by the progressive amendment of the lame-
ness, a strengthening or adhesive plaster should
be placed on the loins, and the horse turned into
a paddock.

Strain of the Coffin Joint,

When a horse becomes suddenly lame, and no
appearance can be discovered to account for it, the
lameness is commonly attributed either to a strain
in the shoulder or in the coffin joint. That this
joint is sometimes injured in this way is probable;
and it is equally so that many of the lamenesses
ascribed to this cause arise from some other injury:
it is a convenient name, however, for the farrier ;
and whatever the nature of the injury may be, if
the interior parts of the foot are inflamed, which
may be known by its increased heat, and tender-
ness when struck, and by no other circumstance
being discovered, after a careful examination, to
account for the lameness, let the foot be kept cool
by a poultice, the sole pared, if it will admit of it,
and a blister applied from the coronet to above the
fetlock joint.

o 2

292

TUOftOUGH PIN.

Ring-boms.

The bony excrescences of the postern, which
constitute ring-bone, ai-e not always productive of
lameness; this happens only when they are so si-
tuated as to impede the motion of the small pastern
or coffin joint : in the latter situation, they appear
to cause more lameness than in the former. The
only chance we have of curing ring-bones is by
applying the actual cautery at their first appear-
ance, and blistering immediately after. Ring-
bones most commonly happen in short straight
pasterns, where the heels of the hoof are deep. It
Avill be readily seen that in pasterns of this de-
scription the parts must suffer more from concus-
sion than in the longer and more oblique pastern.
We may not be able wholly to correct this posi-
tion, but, by lowering the heels, the evil may pro-
bably be diminished.

Anotlier kind of ring-bone consists in an ossifi-
cation of the lateral cartilages of the foot: this
most commonly happens to draught horses, and
seldom causes much lameness, except when they
arc very lai'ge. They are often a consequence of
nuittor, and may be considered incurable.

Thorough-Pill.
Pv this term is meant a swelling both on the

W1NDGALI.3.

293

inside and outside of the hock jo.nt. When one
of the tumours is pressed with the fingers the fluid
which it contains is forced into that on the oppo-
site side. From this communication between the
two swellings, the disease has probably obtamed

its name. ^, , ,

It is .generally a consequence of hard work, and
therefore difficult to cure: the only remedies are
blisters and rest.

JViiiJgalli

(Consist in an enlargement of the mucous sacs,
which are placed behind the flexor tendons for the
purpose of facilitating their motion. The swelling
appears on each side the back sinew, immediately
above the fetlock joint. If punctured, they dis-
charge a fluid resembling joint oil ; indeed they
frequently communicate with the cavity of the
joint, and therefore cannot be opened without
danger of producing an incurable lameness. Blis-
ters are the only applications likely to be of ser-
vice, and these seldom effect a cure unless assisted
by rest. This complaint does not often occasion
lameness, and is therefore seldom much attended
to; but as it is almost always a consequence of
hard work, and often renders a horse unfit for
much labour, it diminishes his value considerably. •
1 have sometimes applied rollers or bandages to

SPLENTS.

the legs with good efFect, keeping them constantly
moist with the following embrocation :—

Muriate of ammonia

Muriatic acid

Water

Mix.

. . 1 oz.
. . 4^ oz.
. . 1 quart.

Splents

Are bony excrescences about the shank bone,
i. e. between the knee and fetlock joint, and in ge-
neral are not productive of lameness; and though,
during the time of their formation, or soon after,
the inflammation then existing causes the horse to
go lame, yet this gradually wears off, and no in-
convenience is afterwards felt : the splent, however,
generally remains. But it sometimes happens that
the splent is so situated as to interfere Avith the
suspensory ligament or back sinews, and then it is
necessary to attempt their removal; as, in such
cases, they generally cause lameness. The violent
remedies often employed are apt to cause a perma-
nent enlargement of the leg, though they appear
to diminish or remove the splent. The liquid
blister is the remedy I usually employ; but, when
the swelling is hot and tender, it is proper to adopt
the cooling treatment in the first instance, or until

SHENTS.

the inflammation has .^.bsided. One ounce of
sugar of lead, half a pint of vinegar, and a pmt ot
water, form a cooling lotion, xvhich is to be fre-
quently applied ; or the part may be kept constant-
ly wet with it by means of a pledget of hnen and a
bandage. When the liquid blister is applied, it is
to be well rubbed on the splent, and repeated, after
an intei val of about 12 hours : sc^on after, the part
will be found swollen, and discharging a glutinous
fluid, which, drying, forms an encrustation on the
surface ; but, should it not have produced this ef-
fect, a third application is necessary. After a day
or two, the coolini; lotion sb.ould be used and con -
tinned until the inflammation has subsided. The
same process may then be repeated sht^uld it ap-
pear necessary. I have often seen lameness attri-
buted to splents, Avhen it has proved to be in the
foot; this part, therefore, should always, in such
cases, be carefully examined, especially if there be
neither heat nor tenderness in the splent, or if its
situation be not evidently such as to affect the li-
gament or tendon, ft is a prevailing, but an erro-
neous, opuiion, that splents often cause lameness ;
and it too often happens, that the attention is oc-
cupied by the splent, while the real disease escapes
notice, and the horse is unnecessarily punished.
There seems to be a tendency in young horses to
throw out superfluous bony matter, which proba-
bly depends upon the ligamentous parts being un-
duly and prematurely exerted. It has been sup-
posed by Mr. Coleman that, by the inner heel of

SPAVIN.

Ihc shoe being usually made thinner, and the inrter
heel of the hoof being generally lower than the
other, the inner splent bone receives more of the
si!i)erincumbent weight than the outer; and we
find that splents most commonly appear on the in-
side of the let;.

Spavin.

A SPAVIN is a swelling on the inside of the hock,
and is of two kinds : the first is termed a lone spa-
vin, consisting of a bony excrescence; the other a
hog or blood spavin.

The hog spavin does not so often occasion lame-
ness as the other, except when a horse is worked
hard, which generally causes a .temporary lame-
ness, removable by rest; but it does not often ad-
mit of a radical cure; for though it is sometimes
removed by two or three blisters, it generally re-
turns when the horse is made to perform any con-
siderable exertion.

Tying up the vein which passes over the inside
of the hock has been considered the most effectual
remedy, from a supposition that the lameness was
caused by an enlargement of that vessel : this ope-
ration, however, cannot be necessary, since it has
been proved that the enlargement of the vein is al-
ways an effect, and not a cause of the disease.

Bone spavin -consists in a bony enlargement or
excrescence on the inside of the hock; at; first it

SPAVIN. ""^ '

Is generally very small, and not easily perceived,
unless it is by a careful comparison of the two
hocks. The swelling does not always feel hot,
nor is it uniformly tender: most commonly in- •
deed the horse will allow it to be handled freely. '
The swelling sometimes continues in this state
a considerable time : the lameness being incon-
siderable, and going off after a little exercise,
it is seldom thought worth while to apply any
remedy ; and the horse is made to continue his
work. Sooner or later, however, the swelling en-
larges or spreads, the lameness increases, and the
horse works with difficulty, proving very stiff and
lame, when first led from the stable, the morning
after a journey. When the disease has been suffered
to proceed thus far, it often proves incurable: and
the only chance of removing the lameness is to fire
the part rather severely, and blister immediately
after. With respect to the incipient spavin, it
may generally be cured by firing moderately and
blistering immediately afterwards. Spavin is ge-
nerally produced by working horses too early, and
most commonly happens to those which are cat-
hammed, or have their hocks inclining inv^ird, or
towards each other, and the hind legs too much
under the belly ; and if in such horses the outside
heel of the shoe is turned up, and the inside heel
made of the ordinary thickness, the inward inclina-
tion of the hocks will be increased, and of course
the liability to the disease will be increased.

From these circumstances, it must be sufficiently
o -5

298

CURB.

obvious that the only plan for preventing spavin is
to work young horses moderately, and not employ
them in hunting or any severe exercise, imtil their
joints have acquired sufficient firmness; and that
probably does not take place till they are six years
old. In the next place, the weight of the rider
should be duly proportioned to the animal's
strength, and the heels of the shoe should be of
equal height. (See Shoeing,)

Curb.

A CURB is a swelling on the back part of the
hind leg, about five or six inches below the point
of the hock. It is seen most distinctly by taking a
side view of the leg. Curbs more frequently hap-
pen to young horses than such as are arrived at
maturity, and especially when the hocks are badly
formed, and the hind legs stand too much under
the body. Horses of this description are generally
active, and may carry alight weight without being
injured ; but when over-weighted, and particularly
if employed much in leaping, a curb or spavin is
often the consequence. As the disease is not su-
perficial, there is seldom any considerable heat or
tenderness felt in the part, and mild applications
do no good : it is always adviseable to have re-
course at once either to blistering or firing. I am
inclined to give a preference to the latter; havmg

cuhb.

299

several times known the lameness return, after liav-
incr been removed for a time by blistering ; but its
recurrence after firing very seldom happens.
When blistering is adopted, it will be adviseable to
repeat the application, taking care to remove the
effect of the first blister perfectly, by means of the
cold lotion before the second is applied.

soo

CHAPTER V,

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE FOOT.

Of all the diseases to which horses are liable,
there are none more difficult of cure, or that occur
eo ircqucntly, as those which attack the foot ; and,
however improbable it may appear to those who
have not paid much attention to this subject, it is
an incoiUrovertlble fact, that almost all of them
r;re the consequence of bad shoeing, and improper
management of the foot.

No one can be aware of the importance of this
l)ranch of the veterinary art, but he who has had
Jrequent opportunities of seeing these diseases, and
has taken the trouble to inquire into their causes.
&!iich a man will be convinced, that nearly half of
the horses that become unserviceable are rendered
go by some defect in the feet ; and he will find that
such defects are most commonly occasioned by a
bad method of shoeing; therefore, it must surely
be of importance to every man who values his
horse, to acquire such a knowledge of this subject,
as may enable him to preserve so useful an animal
from a multitude of diseases.

The bad effects which arise from the common
practice of shoeing .arc so gradual, that we can

thk nor TOM of Tim sensiulk foot.

E'l^rttfeiL tor 07ute!f Forr-irry.

ANATOMY Ot THE TOOT.

easily account for their having been generally ovei-
looked- the gradations between soundness and ab-
solute lameness are so numerous, that it has becu
found rather difficult to trace the disease back to
its source; and this cannot be done readdy y.th-
out having some knowledge of the structure of the
foot, and the particular uses of the various parts
which compose it. It is necessary also to be well
acquainted with the natural form of the foot, in
order to determine how fur it has been altered or
destroyed by any plan of shoeing. For example,
take a horse that has a sound well-formed foot, let
it be improperly pared, and let bad shoes be ap-
plied ; in all probability, lameness will not be the
immediate consequence. By a repetition, however,
of this practice, it will be found that the original
shape of the foot is gradually altered, and event-
ually it will be so far deformed, as to produce per-
haps incurable lameness ; therefore, we ought not
to be satisfied widi a plan of shoeing, merely be-
cause a horse is not immediately made lame by it,
but should examine also the effect produced by it
upon the shape and structure of the foot ; and this
rule may invariably be depended on, that any mode
of shoeing and treating the foot, which has a tend-
ency to alter the form given to it by Nature, is
highly absurd and destructive; while that practice
which tends to preserve its original form is founded
upon sound and rational principles.

It has been very justly observed, that if we wish
to examine a perfect foot, such as Nature made it,

302

ANATOMY OF THE FOOT;.

it is generally necessary to find one that has never-
been shod : for the common mode of shoeing is so
frequently destructive, that we seldom meet with a.
horse whose feet have not lost, in some degree,
their original form ; and this deviation from their
natural shape is generally proportioned to the
length of time he has worn shoes. From this cir-
cumstance, writers on farriery have been led to
form various opinions respecting the most desira-
ble form for a horse's foot ; but had they consulted
NATURE, this variety of opinion would not have
existed ; they would have been convinced that the
feet of all horses in a state of nature, or not im^
properly shoed, are nearly of the same shape : and
surely no one will dispute that this form, which the
Creator has given it, is the most perfect, and far
better adapted to all the purposes for which the
animal was designed, than any that can be given
by the most ingenious farrier.

A person unacquainted with the anatomy of the
horse's foot w'ould naturally suppose, that the in-
ternal parts are simply enclosed-by the hoof, and
that, by its hardness, it served to protect them from
the blows and pressure to wliich they would other-
wise be constantly exposed; but very little reflec-
tion would convince him how incomplete and in-
adequate such a protection would be. Let him bo
convinced that those internal parts are replete with
blood vessels and nerves, and possessed of a high
degree of sensibility ; let him consider, also, what
an immense weight is thrown upon them at every

ANATOMY OP THE FOOT. 303

Step, and what painful concussion must be occa-
sione^l to the animal, were this the only sateguard
affainst external injury. I^ature, ever provident,
has so constructed this part, as to obviate these
inconveniences. If we examine any part oi the
animal economy, we are astonished at the infinite
wisdom that is displayed in it. It is not, however,
too much to assert, that the structure of the horse s
foot is strikingly beautiful and curious : here we
find a variety of wonderful contrivances to prevent
any painful concussion, from carrying heavy bur-
dens, or from the most violent exertions ; but such
is the folly and obstinacy of farriers, that they fre-
quently destroy or pervert the whole of this beau-
tiful mechanism, and the poor animal is doomed
to painful labour, or perpetual lameness.

it would not be consistent with the objects of
this chapter, to give an elaborate description of
the anatomical structure of the horse's foot ; but it
will be essentially useful to give such an explana-
tion of it, as will enable the l eader fully to com-
prehend the principles of shoeing, and the method
of preserving the feet from many troublesome and
incurable diseases.

The horse's foot is made up of a great variety
of parts, some of them possessing blood vessels and
nerves, like other parts of the body, and highly
sensible: others are composed of a dead horny
substance, perfectly destitute of feeling. All the
external parts of the foot, which when taken to-
gether,, are termed the coffin, or iionf, are com-

504- ANATOMY OP THE FOOT.

posed of this horny substance; which is not only
very hard, but is possessed also of a considerable
degree of toughness and elasticity, that render it
extremely durable, and well calculated to protect
the sensible parts which it encloses.

The hoof or horny bar of the foot consists of the
wall or cnisls, and its continuation the lars, the
frog, and the sole. The upper part of the wall,
where it is connected with the skin, is termed the
coronet, the lower part, in front, the loe; the sides
are named qmrlers, and the posterior parts the
heels : here the wall takes a sudden turn inward,
and, passing obliquely forwards, terminates near
the centre of the bottom of the foot, on each side
of the frog -these inflected terminations of the
wall are called the bars. The following oudine
figure of the bottom of the foot will serve to illus-
trate this :

The circular line is the termination of the wall,
as seen in viewing the bottom of the foot ; a, the

ANATOMY OP THE FOOT.

305

toe; 1,1, the quarters; c, c, the heels; d, d, the
bars. The space between the bars and the cir-
cular line is occupied by the sole, and the remain-
der, between the two bars, by the frog. The out-
side form of the hoof must be sufficiently familiar
to every one; and it is only necessary to observe,
that the inclination of the hoof, from the perpen-
dicular, in its natural state, is about 33 degrees,
according to Mr. Bracy Clark. Feet of this
description, however, are rarely met with; and
we most commonly see them inclining more to the
horizontal line, and sometimes more to the perpen-
dicular, which may be illustrated by the following
figure :

The wall is highest and most oblique in front of
the hoof, and becomes gradually lower and more
upright to the extremities or heels, where it takes
a sudden turn inwards, to form the bars, as before
described. (See Plate IV. *)

• Mr. Bracy Clark, in describing the wall of the hoof, ob-
serves, that its figure is truly a cylinder very obliquely truncated
— its truncated extremity brouglit to the ground. This may be
exhibited by cutting a cylinder of brown paper obliquely,
wliich will give the figure of a hoof of any blope in front ; so

S06

ANATOMY OF THE FOOT,

When we examine a hoof that has been recently
separated from the foot, an immense number of
small orifices, or pores, may be observed in that
groove which is found on the inside of the coronet.
Into these orifices the extremities of those vessels
are inserted which secrete the horny matter, the
whole of which appears to be pervaded by a fine
fluid, serving to prevent brittleness, and to pre-
serve in the hoof a proper degree of elasticity.

All the internal surface of the crust, except the
groove we have just mentioned, is covered by a
beautiful membranous or laminated substance,
which very much resembles the under surface of a
mushroom. This is united, or rather interwoven,
with similar laminae, or membranes, which cover
all the anterior and lateral surfaces of the sen-
sible foot, forming a very secure union between
the crust and the internal parts. Nor are these
membranes possessed merely of great strength :
they possess likewise a considerable degree of elas-
ticity, constituting one of those curious springs
which Nature has provided to prevent concussion
when the animal is in motion. That these lamina;
form a union between the crust and sensible foot,
of sufficient strength to support the animal's weight,
has been proved beyond a doubt, by removing from
a living horse the bottom of the hoof, that is, the
sole and frog. In this case, had the laminae been
unable to support the horse's weight, the internal

that, at a distance, it could not be known from the actual
hoof.

ANATOMY OP THE FOOT.

307

foot must have slipped through the hoof, so as to
come down upon the ground : but this did not
happen ; and the sole, as it was reproduced, as-
sumed its proper concave form.

As these laminfe form so secure a union between
the crust and the internal foot, it is evident that,
the weio-ht of the horse is in great measure sup-
ported by the crust, which therefore ought to pos-
sess considerable strength ; for if it were too weak
and flexible, it would not be adequate to the bur-
den which it has to sustain, and must consequently
bend to it. In this case, the hoof would lose that
oblique form which it had originally, and would
approach the horizontal line. (See Fig. 1 and 2,
Plaielll.) At the same time, the sole would 'lose
its concave form, from receiving an unusual degree
of pressure, becoming flat, and at length convex
or projecting. (See Fig. 2, Plale II.) But when
the crust is sufficiently strong, the internal foot,
and consequently the whole animal, is suspended
by those elastic membranes, as a carriage is by its
springs; and though the bottom of the internal
foot is in contact with the sole, it nevertheless docs
not press upon it considerables except when the
horse is in motion, and then the back part of the
sole descends a little, being somewhat elastic, and
suffers the laminaj to elongate in a small degree,
so as to prevent any painful concussion.

The bottom of the hoof is formed by the sole,
the FROG, and the baes.

The sole is rather concave, or hollow on its ex-

308

ANATOMY OF THE FOOT.

ternal surface, and consists of a different kind of
horn from that which forms the crust, being of a
scaly texture, and sometimes soft and pulverable
on its exterior surface: its use is to defend the
sensible sole, that lies immediately under it. From
its concave form, the horse is enabled to tread
more firmly on the ground, and the sensible parts
are less exposed to blows or pressure than they
would be, had it been made either flat or convex ;
and, being somewhat flexible and elastic toward
the heels, it assists in the action of those curious
springs we have just described.

The frog is a very important part, and requires
to be particularly considered. It is intimately
united with the sole, but is composed of a tougher
and more elastic kind of horn. It resembles a
wedge in its form ; but towards the heel, where it
becomes wide and expanded,' there is a separation
in the middle, which is continued to the heel.
When the frog receives the pressure of the horse's
weight, this separation is increased, and conse-
quently the frog becomes wider; and, as it is con-
nected with the heels of the crust, the same effect
must be produced upon them.

As great part of the frog is placed behind the
coffin bone, all the intervening space between it
and the back sinew being filled with a fatty elastic
substance, it forms another of those curious springs
which Natui'e has provided to prevent concussion.

When the frog is in contact with the ground, it
is evident, from its connexion with tlie heels of the

ANATOMY OF THE FOOT.

309

crust, as we have before observed, and with two
cartilages, or elastic bodies, which are covered, in
great measure, by the heels and quarters of the
crust, and belong to the internal foot, that it must
tend to widen or expand the heels ; and, however
they may be disposed to contract, by the foot being
kept hot and dry, such contraction cannot possibly
take place while the frog bears on the ground, be-
cause it is then opposed by a very considerable part
of the animal's weight.

It has been supposed by some, that the princi-
pal use of the frog is to serve as a cushion and
point of support to the back sinew. When we
consider, however, the structure and relative situa-
tion of these parts, this opinion does not appear to
be very probable. From what has been said of the
frog, the reader may judge of its importance, and
how necessary it is to attend to its preservation ;
but such is the mutilating practice of farriers, so
determined do they seem, on all occasions, to act
in opposition to Nature, that this essential part is
generally the first that is destroyed, or rendered
useless. *

* The following dt'scription is from Mi", 6. Clark's work
" Seen from witlioulj the frog makes a bold and projecting ap-
pearance, as though it were .1 solid body of llorn j and Ihe smiths,
certainly deceived by this appearance, entertain but indiftcrent
notions of its real structure: for it is, in reality, an inverted
arcli only of liorn, that is, turned dovf nward and reversed in re-
spect to the general arch formed by tlie sole and bar, that its
real iliickness in horn is not so considerable as, on a first view,
it would appear to be, The frog, seen from within, th(it is to

310

ANATOMY OF THE TOOT.

The hars foi-m two oblique or slanting ridges,
one on each side the frog, in the perfect foot, in-

say, when the foot is drawn forth from the hoof, presents an in-
verted triangular arch, so intimately connected -with the bar and
sole, that no one would suspect it to be a distinct and divisible
part, one uniform uninterrupted porous surface being every
whereon this inside: it may, however, be exhibited as a dis-
tinct inserted part, by making a horizontal section of the foot
through the union of the bar, with the side of the frog, when the
difference of their structure and appearance, and tlie line of their
applied surfaces, become sufficiently visible and distinct. A
hoof exposed to the weather will also be seen, in its decay, to
separate at this part first ; so that it is assuredly a very distinct
part from the rest of the hoof. By actual admeasurement, in
several instances, we find that the base of the frog occupies a
certain division of the general circle of llie hoof, and that this
division is about a sixth part of the whole circumference. By
knowing this fact, we are not only led to entertain more just
notions of the form of the foot, and the proportion of its parts,
but it affords us also an easy means of forming a pretty accurate
o-uess of what injury or diminution the foot has sustained, at any
period of the horse's life, without previously seeing (he original
state of the frog."

Mr. Clark then proceeds to describe a circumsfance respect-
ing the frog, which has not been noticed by any other writer on
the subject. "The frog is connected, in a very unexpected
manner, with the front of the foot; the wings or lateral pro-
cesses of the base of the frog not only enclose the ends or dou-
blings of the hoof, but the same hnrn is continued round the
whole line of the commencement of this part of the hoof, imme-
diately beneath the coronary ring, forming a convex band,
whose upper edge, or margin, projecting higher than the hoof
itself, receives, and covers over, the terminating edge of the
skin,\vhere this part meets the 'hoof, and thus protects it from
injury or dislocation by external violence of any kind; it also
seems to serve the useful purpose of keeping those parts moist
and pliant, preventing irritation : for, when wetted, it appears

ANATOMY OF THE FOOT.

311

dining outward, and extending from the heel of
the ci^st toward the toe of the frog: they appear

readily to absorb moisture, and continues of a darker colour in
consequence, whilst all the other parts of the hoof are suddenly
dried: it has the power, it would seem, when no external wet
is artificially applied, of collecting the perspiration of the skin ;
thus maintaining tlie proper tenacity and [.liancy of these parts.
Every one used to examining the hoof of the horse must have
observed, when the hoof is drawn out of it, a projecting emi-
nence of soft horn, with a channel inside it, being the upper
edge of this band; this appearance we had long ago noticed
without, till lately, observing from whence it had its origin : be-
sides the use already described of connecting together the upper
circle of the hoof, supporting and adapting it to the sensitive
circle, it vtrongly binds the frog in its situation by connecting it
with the front of the hoof, and to the upper part of the slope of
the ho; ny heels. This band makes a small appearance at two
and three years old ; but, as the frog acquires its size, this also
completes its bulk and form. This essential part of the horse's
foot appears hitherto to have remained almost undistinguished ;
we venture, therefore, for the conveniency of speaking of it
without a circumlocution, to name it the coronary frog band."
(See " A Dissertation on the Foot of the Horie." Cy Bracy
Clark. M. Jauze, formerly professor of the veterinary schools
at Milan and Alfort, has asserted, in his Cours de Marechallerie
Vclcrenaire, that this c ironary frog band was described by Bour-
gelat, and named hnurrt'el graisstux, and that Mr. Clark has im-
properly claimed itasa discovery of his own. On examining
Bourgelat's Essai sur la Fcrriu-e, I can see nothing in his descrip-
tion which corresponds witli the coronary frog band. He says,
"the foot, separated from i'le hoof, presents several objects
worthy of consideration. The first that strikes us is tlie bourrelet
(coronary ligament of Mr. Coleman), forming the superior por-
tion of this part, and which fills exactly the cavity in the inside
an.I superior part of the hoof, be:.ire described. Tlie inferior
por;ion of this coronary ring or liiament (bourrelet) exhibits
innumerable small vessels, evidently drawn from the small ori-

812

ANATOMY OP THE FOOT.

to be a continuation of tlie crust, being, like it,
composed of strong longitudinal fibres. At the
part where it joins the crust, a verj' firm bearing is
afforded for the heel of the shoe. (-See Fig'! %
Plate I.) The use of the bars is to oppose any dis-
position there may be in the hoof to contract, by
acting as props to the heels; and, by their slanting
position outward, may tend, in some degree, when
pressed upon, to expand the heels : but in the com-
mon practice of shoeing, they are generally de-
stroyed; for farriers have supposed that they bind
the heels together, and prevent their expansion :
they therefore name them linders, and cut them
away in order to open the heels, as they term it.
This practice, however, is not now so frequent as
it used to be. A practice, however, equally mis-
ch ievous is still too often adopted, which is termed
opening or laying open the heels, which consists in
cutting away the angle formed by the junction of
the bar and crust.

Having finished our description of the honf^
we shall proceed to describe the internal or sensible

fices or pores which may be seen on the surface of the above de-
scribed cavity, in tlie upper part of the hoof." The coronary
frog bnnd of Mr. Clark is composed of Iiorny matter, covers the
superior part of the lioof, exlending all around, and is gradunlly
lost in the horny matter of the frng, M. Jauze has, with more
justice, perhaps, disputed some other claims of Mr. Clark to dis-
coveries ; particularly that of the elastic properties of the hoof,
and tiie uiischievons effects of shoeing.

ANATOMY OP THE FOOT. SIS

foot, which is represented in Plate Y* as it appears
when recently taken from the hoof, the arteries
having been injected with wax, coloured red.

All the parts of which the internal foot is com-
posed are, as we have before observed, endued with
great sensibility ; and so nicely is it adapted to -the
cavity of the hoof, that it completely fills it, with-
out suffering the least inconvenience from pres-
sure : but when the foot has been improperly
treated ; when the frog has been deprived of its
hard surface, for- the purpose of giving it what far-
riers conceive a neat and fashionable appearance
as if Nature had been imperfect in this part of her
work, requiring a polish from the hands of these
ingenious gentlemen ; when the frog has been thus
mutilated, the bars destroyed, and shoes applied
that are either turned up, or made very thick at
the heels ; and when this shoe, for the purpose of
saving trouble, has been applied to the foot nearly
red hot — in such circumstances the hoof must ne-
cessarily contract, w^hereby its cavity will be dimi-
nished, so that the nerves and blood vessels will
be compressed, the circulation of the blood im-
peded, and inflammation and lameness will most
probably be the Qonsequence.

All the anterior and lateral surfaces of the sen«.
siWe foot are covered with that membranous, or
laminated substance, which we have before de-
scribed ; but it differs from those laminte, which

* Frontisiiiece,

ANATOMY Qf THE FOOT.

are found on tlje internal surface of the crust, in
possessing numerous blood vessels, which can be
easily demonstrated by injecting coloured wax into
the trunk of the arteries ; but the laminae of the
cmst cannot be made to appear vascular, even by
the finest injection, and are therefore supposed to
be insensible. At the upper part of the sensible
foot, where the laminae terminate, a roundish pro-
jecting body may be observed, extending all round
the coronet to the back part of the frog : this is
termed the coronary ring. Its surface is covered
with the extremities of vessels, whicli are very con-
spicuous when the arteries have been injected with
coloured wax, or size : it is from this part that the
hoof is formed.

The bottom of the internal foot is formed by the
sensible frog and sole ; the former perfectly resem-
bles in shape the horny frog, to the concavities of
which its convexities are nicely adapted. In de-
scribing the horny frog, we had occasion to men-
tion its connexion with two elastic bodies or car-
tilages that are in great measure covered by the
heels and quarters of the hoof ; but this connexion
is through the medium of the sensible frog, which
is more" immediately united to those cartilages.
When the former comes in contact with the
o-round, and receives the pressure of the horse's
weicrht, the latter is forced upward and rendered
wider, and at the same time the cartilages are
forced upward and outward, tending thereby to
expand the heels and quartei's, and assisting in

ANATOMY OF THE FOOT.

315.

taking off concussion. From the sensible frog and
sole, the horn which composes the external frog
and sole is secreted. For this purpose they are
supplied with numerous blood vessels, the extremi-
ties of which may be seen upon their surface, and
become very conspicuous when the arteries have
been injected with colom'ed size. Hence we are
enabled to account for thrushes and that rotten-
ness of the frog which generally accompanies this
disease ; for when the sensible frog is compressed
and inflamed by a contraction of the heels, it be-
comes incapable of performing its principal func-
tion, that is, the secretion of horn; and the blood,
which should have been applied to this purpose, is
chiefly expended in forming that offensive matter
discharged in thrushes. From this we may learn
also the cause of that unnatural thinness in the
soles of horses that have pumice or flat feet. When
the crust gives way to the pressure of the horse's
weight, allowing the internal foot to bear so upon
the sole as to render it either flat or convex, the
extraordinary pressure which the sensible sole re-
ceives inflames it, and impedes, in a greater or less
degree, the secretion of horn.

The sensible sole lies immediately under the
horny sole, by which it is defended from blowa
or pressure. When the horny sole loses its con-
cave form, and becomes thin and incapable of per-
formmg its fimction, if flat shoes were applied, or
If the sole were suffered to bear upon the ground
lameness would be the consequence; and it is £ot

p 2

316

ANATOMY OF THE FOOT.

the purpose of preserving the sole from pressure,
that the concave or hollow shoe is employed in
those cases. When these parts, which we have
described, are removed from the sensible foot, the
tendons, ligaments, and bones, come into view.
: In Plate IX. is a back view of the bones, liga-
ments, and tendons. In this the course and insei-
tion of the back sinew, or flexor tendon, may be
seen, as well as the lateral cartilages. The flexor
tendon is enclosed in a sheath, which is laid open
in one part in order to show the tendon : it has
been removed also from the bottom of the tendon
that its insertion may be clearly seen.

In Plate X. are represented the ligaments, for
which purpose the tendons were removed. The
lateral cartilages may be seen in this view also.

In Plates XI. and XII. are a front and back view
of the bones. It will be unnecessary to give a
particular description of these, as their form and
relative situations may be seen by referring to the
plate. It may be useful, however, to point out
the sesamoid bones, and the navicula, or nut bone :
the former are connected posteriorly with the lower
extremity of the cannon, or shank bone : they con-
sist of two small bones, firmly united by means of
very strong ligaments ; they compose part of the
fetlock joint, having a moveable articulation with
the cannon bone. Their external part affords a
smooth polished surface for the back sinews to
slide upon, and the same ligament which composes
this surface comes round the back sinews, so as tp

ANATOMY OF THE FOOT.

317

form a sheath for them, and keep them in their si-
tuation. In this sheath a fluid similar to synovia,
or joint oil, is formed, for the purpose of rendering
it smooth and slippery, and enabling the tendon
to move easily upon it. As tliese bones project a
little, they serve as a pulley for the tendons to slido
upon, and afford a considerable mechanical advan-
taffe to the flexor muscles of the limb. The nut
bone serves as another pulley for the tendon or
back sinew to move upon : it is connected posteri-
orly with the coflin bone and the small pastern,
and affords the same kind of polished surface and.
sheath for the tendon as we have before desci'ibed.

For a more particular description of the foot,
the reader may consult Professor Coleman's work
on that subject; also Mr. Clark's. *

* In saying that the form of the colt's font is always perfect,
and of a certain form, I do not mean that this part is more ex-
empt from disease than others, even before the applicalion of
shoes. Some coifs appear (o have a constitntional (cndeney to
diseased feet; much depends also on (he soil and climate in
which (hey are bred: thus, colts bred in low swampy grounds
are liable to large flat feet, large soft frogs, &c. ; ivhile those in
hot dry situations are more liable to con(rac(ion and hard bridle
hoofs.

318

CHAPTER VI.

ON THE PRACTICE OF SHOEING.

Having fTiven, in the preceding chapter, a con-
cise description of the horse's foot, and pointed
out the uses of the various parts which compose it,
I shall now describe the method of shoeing. It
will be necessary to premise, that the mode of shoe-
ing most commonly practised has a destructive
tendency, and produces such a variety of diseases,
that we seldom meet with a foot that has not lost,
in a greater or less degree, its original shape : it
must be obvious, therefore, that one kind of shoe
cannot with propriety be recommended for general
application, and that it is necessary, on all occa-
sions, to adapt it carefully to the state of the foot.
This constitutes the most difficult part of the art of
shoeing; and, from neglecting this precaution,
shoes of the best form have often occasioned lame-
ness.

In Fig. 1, Plale I. is represented a colt's hoof in
a state of nature, of which no part has ever been
cut away, or ever been shod : this we have given
as a standard of perfection, from which the good-
ness of feet in general may be judged of; for
surely no one will Jjesitate for a moment in admit-

<

it
II

SHOKtNG.

tino- tliat the natural form is the best it Chn possi-
biy possess.

In Fig. '2 of the same plate is shdWn Ati imperfect
or contracted foot, properly prepared for the shoe.
In this foot the superfluous horn has been cut
away, and an even surface made for the shoe to
bear upon.

If we examine the feet of a hundred colts, it \Vill
be found that more than ninety of them are of
the same form. It is triie that soriiC may have .
grown more luxuriantly than others, \vhereby the
crust will ^be deeper, and the bottom part may
have been partially broken, so as to give the foot
a ragged and uneven appearance : still the essen-
tial shape is the same ; and when this superfluous
horn has been removed, it will be foimd that the
bottom of the foot will be nearly circular, the sole
concave, the bars distinct, and the frdg and heels
open and expanded.

In preparing the horse's foot for a shoe, the
lower part is to be reduced^ wheii luxliriant, vvhich
is generally the case, more particularly at the toe^
and this la to be done by means of a butteris Or
rasp : the loose scaly parts of the sole are likewise
to be removed, so as to preserve its concavit}^;

The junction of the bar and crust affords a firm
bearing for the heel of the shoe, and is to be rasped
perfectly flat, and so loW as to be exactly on a level
with the frog, that they may bear equally on a
plane surface before the shoe is applied ; indeed,
the whole of the bottom of the crust is to be made

S20

SHOEING.

perfectly flat and even at the same time with the
rasp, that the shoe may bear equally on every part
of it. Farriers should never be allowed to do this
by means of a hot shoe, which is too frequently
the case. If any ragged parts are observed in the
frog, they are to be carefully removed widi a knife ;
for, if suffered to remain, they might afford a
lodgement for dirt and gravel. Thus do we pre-
pare a foot for the shoe ; and to a foot of this de-
scription, I mean one that is sound and perfect, or
that has not suffered any material alteration in its .
form from improper shoeing, the shoe (Fig. 3,
Plate IV.) is to be applied.

The toe of the shoe, for a middle-sized horse, is
about an inch in width, and half an inch in depth
or thickness ; the heels about half an inch iu width,
and three eighths in depth. The wearing part of
the toe is to be made of steel-; and it may be ob-
served, that the nails are brought very near to the
toe, but not quite round it; for when that is done,
there must also be a groove made, which consider-
ably weakens that part, and almost all horses wear
principally at the toe, rather to the outside. Both
surfaces of the shoe are perfectly flat ; and the heel
of the shoe rests upon the junction of the bar and
crust, beyond which it should never extend.

It will be supposed, perhaps, that a shoe which
is flat on that surface next the foot will be apt to
produce lameness by pressing on the sole; but let
it be recollected, that this shoe is recommended
only for a sound foot, in which the sole is always

SHOEING.

S21

a little concave ; so that it cannot possibly receive
any pressure from a flat shoe. It may be said, also,
that when the nails are placed so far from the
heels, the shoe will not be sufficiently secure, and
will be frequently loosened ; but as the shoe bears
equally on every part of the crust, tliis objection
cannot have any weight. It must be granted,
however, when a foot is pared in the common way,
that is, when the heels have been opened, and the
shoe so applied, that nearly an inch of the heel has
no bearing upon the crust; that, if the nails were
placed so far from the heels as I have recommend-'
ed, the shoe vyould be very insecure; for, as much
of it as had no bearing upon the crust would ope-
rate occasionally as a lever in raising the nails ;
and consequently the shoe would frequently be
loosened. Farriers, therefore, find it necessary,
when the foot has been thus pared, and the shoe
applied in this way, to place the nails in the quar-
ters, by which the shoe is certainly rendered more
secure than it would be had they been placed nearer
the toe.

Many disadvantages, however, attend this me-
thod. In the first place, by placing the nails in
the quarters, they prove a considerable obstacle to
the expansion of the heels; and as the crust is ge-
nerally much thinner at the quarters than at the
toe, the sensible parts are more liable to be wound-
ed : but this does not apply to the hind feet, in
which the crust of the quarters is generally thicker
than that of the toe. When a horse overreaches,

PS

322

SHOEING,

if any part of the shoe has no bearing upon the
crust, it is very liable to be struck by the toe of the
hind foot ; and shoes are often forced off in this
way. To this may be added the insecurity of such
a shoe when a horse is rode on a deep or heavy
ground.

It will probably be observed of the shoe which
I have recommended, that it is inconsistent v/ith
the principle which has been laid down respecting
the necessity of the frog's receiving pressure. I
believe it is an incontrovertible fact, that, unless
the frog receives a certain degree of pressure, it
will become soft, and incapable of affording suffi-
cient protection to the sensible frog, which it
covers ; and that the heels will gradually contract,
and the natural form of the foot will be destroyed ;
for I have proved, by experiment, that the bars
alone are not sufficient to prevent contraction,
though they certainly oppose it with considerable
force"; but it does not follow from this that it is
necessary for the pressure to be conslanl, nor do I
believe that a shoe which allows the frog to bear
upon the ground, when the horse stands upon a
plane hard surface, can be always applied, even to
sound feet, without inconvenience. There can be
no doubt that a horse in a state of nature has his
froo- almost always in contact with the ground, and
then of course he feels no inconvenience fi'om it;
but when burdens are placed upon his back, and
he is drives about upon hard roads, he is certamly
in very difterent circumstances ; «nd if the frog m

SHOEING.

such cases were constantly exposed to this severe
pressure, it Would sometimes, I believe, occasion
lameness.

In the foot, prepared for the shoe {Fig. 2, Plate
I.), the frog and heels are on a level, and if placed
on a plane hard surface, would bear equally; by
applying the shoe (Fig. 3, Plate IV.), the frog would
be raised three eighths of an inch from the ground ;
so that when the horse is going upon a hard sur-
face, where he would be most liable to feel in-
convenience from the pressure on the frog, it re-
ceives none; but upon soft yielding ground the
frog certainly receives pressure, and without giving
the animal any pain. To a horse that travels or
works regularly, and is occasionally taken upon
soft ground, 1 believe the pressure- the frog re-
Ceites in this way is quite sufficient to preserve the
foot in a state of health ; but when a, horse is kept
almost constantly in the stable, standing upon hot
litter, particularly in hot and dry weather, his feet
will certainly be undei'going an alf&"ation in their
form, and will be in a progressive state towards
disease.

In these cases, contraction may generally be
prevented by keeping the foot cool and moist ; and
it should be remembered, that, vvhenever the fi'og
is much exposed to pressufe, whether it be by the
thin-heeled shoe, or reducing the crust at the heels,
it is necessary the quarters and heels should possess
a proper degree of pliancy. If they be rigid and

SHOEING,

inflexible, it is evident that the sensible froff and
cartilages would be j^laced between two fixed
points, and they would consequently be bruised
and inflamed. I have indeed seen several cases of
lameness produced in this way. Whenever the
hoof, therefore, appears to be too dry and strong,
or to have lost its natural elasticity, it is necessary
to keep the whole hoof moist, either by applying
several folds of flannel round the coronet, con-
stantly wetted, or by making the horse stand in the
sponge boots during the day : by these means the
natural flexibility of the horn would be restored,
and the heels and quarters yield, in a small degree,
whenever the horse's weight was thrown upon the
frog.

Having said as much as appears to be requisite
of the method of shoeing a sound foot, I shall pro-
ceed to describe those diseases of the foot which
render a different kind of shoe necessary. In the
first place it will be proper to observe, that when
a horse, even with a sound foot, has worn shoes
that are very thick, or turned up at the heels, par-
ticularly if, at the same time, the crust at the heels
have been suffered to grow so high that the frog is
kept at a considerable distance from the ground,
it would be very improper to reduce the heels sud-
denly, so as to allow the frog to receive pressure,
since the back sinews would in this case be injured,
and lameness might ensue. In feet of this descrip-
tion, it is ttfecessary, to remove from .the toe all that

SHOEING.

325

can be done without exposing the part too much,
and to IcTwer the heels gradually : the toe of the
shoe should be rather thin, and of the best steel.

The shoe for draught horses should be made
flat on both surfaces, provided the sole is of a pro-
per form and thickness ; but if flat or convex, and
consequently too thin, which is often the case in
horses of this description, the internal surface of
the shoe must be concave : still the external sur-
face should be flat; for the convex shoe, which is
commonly used for draught horses, prevents them
from treading securely, and renders them incapa-
ble of exerting the whole of their strength.

326

CHAPTER VII.

DISEASES OF THE FOOT.

Though the hoof, to a common observer, may
appear as a mass of unorganized matter, defend-
ing, merely by its hardness, the sensible parts
■which it encloses ; it will be found, upon a careful
examination, to consist of a series of small tubes,
through which a fluid is transmitted, for the pur-
pose of preserving its most" essential property, elas-
ticity. When a horse is in a state of nature, the
hoof is, by these means, as well as by the due exer-
cise of the various parts which compose it, pre-
served in a proper degree of elasticity and temper-
ature ; but Avhen kept in a stable, standing great
part of the day upon straw, and his feet placed
under the management of the smith— or, if by any
means a preternatural degree of heat is excited in the
foot, the horny matter, of which the crust or wall
of the hoof consists, will be disposed to contract or
shrink ; and the contraction will proceed more or
less rapidly, according to the degree in which the
disposition to contraction exists, and the resistance
that is opposed to it. When the crust or wall of
the hoof is separated from the other parts, as re--
pvesented in Plate III. Fig. 2, and exposed to the

DISEASES OF THE FOOT.

327

air, its moisture quickly evaporates : and as every
part is removed which is capable of opposing con-
traction, it takes place very rapidly, as may be
seen in Fig. 1, which represents the same subject as
it appeared a few days after it was stripped from
the foot. In the perfect foot, the tendency to con-
traction is powerfully resisted by the bottom of the
hoof, consisting of the frog, bars, and sole, as well
as by the coffin bone, and other parts by which it
is completely filled, Unless the contractile dispo-
sition is considerable, the resistance thus afforded
is sufficient to prevent contraction ; but when the
bars are destroyed, the frog mutilated, the shoes
made, and applied improperl}', and the horse made
to stand great part of his time on litter, contraction
will necessarily take place : for^ although the in-
ternal foot forms a strong resisting power, the pres-
sure it suffers causes a gradual absorption or wast-
ing to take place, and the contraction will proceed
as the resisting medium is removed. In speaking
of the method of preventing this disease, it is ne-
cessary first to inquire on what the contractile dis-
position depends ; and then state the means that
Nature has provided to oppose it, as well as the ar-
tificial means that have been, at different times
suggested for the same purpose. The foot, like
other parts of the body, is liable to become in-
flamed, or to have its natural temperature increased
by various causes; and when this happens, the
horny covering or hoof will not be duly supplied
with that moisture on which its flexibility and

S28

DISEASES OF THE FOOT.

elasticity depend. Horses that are rode or di'iven
hard upon the road, and afterwards kept for seve-
ral days together upon litter, and at the same time
fed highly, are liable to contraction of the heels :
the disease is often produced also by a sudden
transition from cold to heat ; that is, by putting a
horse into a hot stable, upon litter, and feeding
him highly, after travelling or standing some time
in snow. There appears to be a constitutional tend-
ency in some horses to hot feet; and in some dis-
eases, the feet become very hot or feverish, as it is
termed. If we compare the feet of post-horses,
and otliers kept and employed in a similar manner,
■with those used in agi*iculture, and kept prin-
cipally at grass, a remarkable difference will be ob-
served : in the latter, we rarely meet with con-
tracted hoofs, while the former are seldom free
from it. I know not how this fact can be account-
ed for, unless it be admitted, that, by avoiding
those causes by which a preternatural degree of
heat is excited in the foot, we prevent contraction ;
as there will not then be any disposition in the
horny matter to contract. It is not to be inferred,
from what has been said, that standing upon litter,
and high feeding, will invariably produce contrac-
tion ; nor is it to be supposed, that horses employed
in agriculture will always be exempt from it. A
horse 'luay be naturally so hardy as not to be sus-
ceptible of that morbid heat in the feet, though
kept in a situation, and under circumstances by
■which it would generally be excited in one of a

DISEASES OF THE FOOT.

32.9

more delicate constitution ; the natural conforma-
tion of his feet, also, may be such as to oppose an
effectual resistance to any moderate tendency to
contraction. On the other hand, a horse kept
wholly at grass may have considerable inflamma-
tion of the foot from wounds, bruises, and even
from some constitutional affection. Mr. Bracy
Clark, in his " Dissertation on the Foot of the
Horse," has endeavoured to prove that contraction
o-f the hoof is an unavoidable consequence of shoe-
ing, and that, from the time a horse is fii'st shoed,
his feet will be gradually contracting and losing
their original form. He has, therefore, .taken
great pains to discover some method of applying
an iron defence to the foot without nails, which he
considers the cause of the evil. " The nails," he
says, " driven by violent hammering into the
square perforations of the shoe, are lodged therein
so firmly as to form with it a solid mass, whoUj'^
preventing any movement of the hoof at the parts
where they enter, and at some distance from them ;
the quarters being held in this fixed state, the rest
of the hoof is also robbed of that motion which is
necessary to the healthy existence of tlie foot : be-
ing thus held for months, and even years, in a con-
strained state, it becomes stiff and inelastic, then
diminishes in size, and a train of evils ensue."
Mr. Clark suggested, therefore, some contrivances
for defending the foot, without the use of nails,
which he named paratrites. " Its principle," he
says, « is founded upon the circumstance of the

330

DISEASES OF THE FOOT.

wall of the hoof being of a cylindrical form ; so this
defence, embracing a part or portion of the ex-
terior of the cylinder is made to pass underneath,
and, by upright teeth passing within it, to embrace
the interior also, and by this means is held on. It
is a material consideration in the use of this de-
fence that the line of wear is worn away three
times faster than any other part of the hoof; so
this defence, defending this portion, enables it to
perform three times the work it is capable of in
the natural state of the hoof (without shoes), which
is sufficient for many useful purposes ; and we may
add, that two or more of these shields may be ap-
plied, and the defence, on the same principle, car-
ried round the whole, or any part of the hoof."
Mr. Clark then describes another kind of shoe,
which he says " is strong enough for every kind
of road, and will afford the full advantage of all
the labour the horse can render, while it admits
the movements natural to the foot, at the same
time is as simple and easy of application as
another shoe." " When the injurious effects of
the common shoe first became understood by me,^
the immediate suggestion that occurred for relief
was a jointed shoe; but as the joint would naturally
fall in front of the shoe, and come within the wear-
incr line, so it would be soon worn through, or, if
only half through, and the head of the rivet was
gone, the two pieces would come asunder, or no
bnger support each other: for it is clear a shoe of
two^'pieces, meeting in the middle of the toe, with-

DISEASES OF THE FOOT.

S31

out any joint or connection, would be liable to be
torn off in rough roads, and the sides of the hoof
torn away with them." This difficulty, however,
Mr. Clark got rid of " by the simple application
of a steel pin, to rivet them together with, instead
of the iron one, and, by making the head of the
rivet large, and hardened, it would serve, at the
same time, to defend the joint and steel the toe. In
respect to flatness and smoothness, they can be
made, if required, as smooth as the common shoe;
and as to the mode of fastening, it is, in all res-
pects, the same, viz. with nails, that it is as firmly
attached as they can be." Mr. Clark then ad-
vances proofs that this shoe does not contract the
hoof, which, he believes, can be established satis-
factorily. " A horse of his own, six years old, wore
these shoes more than twelve months without the
least contraction of the hoof whatever. The same
trial was made upon another horse, that had pre-
viously worn common shoes, and contraction of
the hoof had commenced, which it completely re-
medied, and restored his action. In some other
cases, they were foiuid equally beneficial. The
movement of the shoe may be seen by taking up
the foot, and squeezing it between the hands ; on
relaxing the pressure, the shoe and foot may be
seen to fly open again. To witness the effects of
the common shoe, one was put on for six weeks,
and an impressed ring took place round the co-
ronet, or rather upper part of the hoof." How-
ever ingenious Mr. Clark's reasoning may appear,

332

DISEASES or THE FOOT.

a few simple facts will be sufficient to show that it
is erroneous. If the common mode of shoeing:
was invariably a cause of contraction, and if its
progress was sometimes so considerable as to cause
an impressed ring to appear at the upper part of
the hoof in six weeks, I would ask, what state
must a horse's hoof be in after havinfv been shoed
ten or twelve years ? I would ask also, does the
expansion of a horse's hoof bear any resemblance
to that of a hinged shoe? Mr. Blaine- very pro-
perly observes, that, " if contraction took place at
all in the ratio Of Mr. Clark's experunents, no
horse but at twelve must be completely found-
ered. If, also, shoeing, good or bad, contracted
the feet, and the other alleged causes were really
inert, then we should meet with no difference be-
tween the feet of horses used by farmers and
others in the country, and those belonging to the
inhabitants of large cities, the reverse of which is
too well known to be further insisted on." If we
examine the hoof when stripped from the foot,
the hoi-ny frog and sole having likewise been re-
moved, we shall find, that the contraction which
takes place is principally at the heels, where the
horn is thin and flexible, as in Plate I. Fig. %
which represents a hoof that had been stripped
off two or three days. If, then, when a shoe is
applied, the nails are placed round the toe, and
as far from the heels as the security of the shoe
will admit, the motion of the heels will not be
impeded, and some part of the quarters also will

DISEASES OP THE FOOT. SSS

be unrestrained. As the hoof, when shoed, is
constantly growing, and prevented from wearing,
the horny matter will accumulate, and require to
be removed from time to time. In some horses,
the growth or secretion of horn is very slow, and
no inconvenience is experienced from leaving the
feet unpared five or six weeks ; while in others, it
grows more rapidly, particularly the sole, and
it becomes necessary to remove the shoes, for the
purpose of paring away the superfluous horn once
in about three weeks. On examining the bottom
of the sensible foot, we observe the whole surface
both of the sole and frog covered with minute fila-
ments, which appear to be the extremities of ar-
teries, and probably those which form the horny
matter ; and on the interior surface of the frog and
sole, corresponding pores are seen, from which
these filaments appear to have been drawn : the
same appearances may be seen in the coronary li-
gament or ring,. and the circular cavity, in the
upper part of the crust from which it has been
taken. When a horse, therefore, is standing for
several days together upon hot litter, and at the
same time fed highly, a morbid degree of heat will
arii^e in the feet, the horn will become harder,
and less elastic, the secretory vessels will be com-
pressed, and a still higher degree of heat will be
excited. It is in this way, I conceive, that contrac
tion and lameness are often produced. Fast trot
ting horses are particularly liable to hot feet, from
the violent exercise in which they are generally

334>

DISEASES OF THE rOOT.

too much employed, the high feed they are com-
monly allowed, and the hot stables in which they
are usually kept. The most effectual method then
of preventing contraction appears to me to consist
in avoiding those causes by which a morbid heat is
excited ; and when any tendency to it is observed,
to take care that the soles are properly pared, and
kept cool, by stopping the feet with soft clay : if
this does not prove sufficient, the whole hoof may
be kept moist by wrapping it in a lai-ge bran poul-
tice or the spunge-boot; a cooling and opening
diet, or even a moderate dose of physic will also be
usefid : but turning the horse to grass is, perhai)s,
the most effectual remedy. Various inecJianical
means have been recommended for the cure of con-
tracted feet : among these, one, for a short time,
acquired considerable reputation. Though a pro-
fessed secret, it was pretty well known to be no-
thing more than the old screw shoe with some tri-
vial alteration. Many cures were said, at the time,
to have been effected by it; but it was soon disco-
vered that its boasted elEcacy was only imagmary,
for, though it often afforded temporary relief, it was
never found to be productive of permanent advan-
tao-e It is probable that the principal cause of
the temporary reputation it acquired was the con-
stant state of moisture in whicl. fl^.-;^
during its application. (See Plate III. F,.g. 2 ) M-
Coleman has obtained a patent for a shoe which is
represented in Plate XIV. This shoe ,s mtended to
prevent contraction of the heels : and is said to be

DISEASES OF THE FOOT.

335

more secure than the common shoe, as the inner
corner of the heels are bent down upon the inside
of the bars, so as to prevent any lateral motion in
the shoe. This is certainly a desirable property,
as the shoe is more secure, with a smaller number
of nails ; but when there is a strong disposition to
contraction, it would probably do mischief, by
bruising the sensible parts, between the heel and
the clip of the shoe. The method originally pro-
posed by Mr. Coleman for expanding contracted
heels, that is, for rasping the heels and quarters,
keeping the hoof moist., and allowing the froo- to
receive pressure, had certainly the good effect*' of
improving the shape of the hoof, and often removed
the lameness for a time; but when the horse was
put to work, or kept in the stable, the disease ge-
nerally returned. When contraction has pro-
ceeded so far as to cause lameness, a radical cure
is rarely practicable; prevention, therefore, is an
object of great importance, and the means most
like y to accomplish this should be carefully at-
tended to. No one can say what degree of con-
traction will produce lameness : we sometimes meet
^ith a hoof so contracted, and the heels so nearly
approximating, that scarcely any frog can be seen,
while the horse appears free from lameness : at

0 hers, we see a horse lame in the foot, with very

1 tie al erafon in the form of the hoof Though
the heels are the parts where contraction most
readdy takes place, yet we often find the whoL
foot dimmished in size: this depends, perhaps

336

FOUNDERING.

upon the connexion of the coronary ring or liga-
ment with the sensible frog ; which is such, that
whenever the frog is compressed or squeezed to-
gether by the horny heels, a similar effect must be
produced upon the coronary ligament, of which at
seems to be a continuation, as the hoof is formed
by the vessels of this ligament. *

POUNDER, OR FOUNDERING. +

This disease seems to .depend upon Inflammation
of the elastic membranes, or processes of the sen-

* Mr. Coleman, 1 believe, firs, gave the name of I'S^^^^Y;
this part- the propriety of ^vhich is qneslioncd by Mr. Clark,
; ;;'L^.ers\ti;a^Ui„ inathic.e..a st. e.

Though it has not altogether the .ppearanee o I'S-""^"'' '
tainly does not exactly resemble skin : I think therefore Mr.
Clark's objection is unnecessary. The circumference o e
L„y forni, horn, at the coronet, must be "•"^"-/f ;
L-ino^raaually pushed forward by the new horn wh>ch succ als
n o^rms at length, a hoof of diminished size. A reprcsenta. on
of Mr cLk's pa:atriteand hinged shoe .viH be found PlaU
I F/, 2. The great benefit .hich that gentleman seems o a -
icipa^^ from this discovery 1 sincerely wish ^-eal.zed A
fur^el trial seems necessary to determine in what degree they

"V¥Jc ierm founder is often use. in a very vague and inde-

'^t:— application of the term is to ^^^j;^

supposed to depend on some d.sease of the chest

FOUNDERING,

337

simile foot, by which it is united to the hoof, "and is
either general or local. It is produced by various

therefore, they name it chest futinde.r. Gib;on, however, de-
scribes a disease of this kind, wliich hecallsan external pleurisy;
" it may be known," he says, " by a stiflness of the body,
shoulders, and fore legs, sometimes ivith a short dry cough in the
beginning, and a shrinking when a horse happens to be handled
fn those parts ; and perhaps, when not well cured, proves the
original of that disterepcr which horsemen and farriers call a
c/iest founder." Mr, ISracy Clark, in his " Di.-scrtalion on the
Fool," observes, in speaking of the founder—" The foot of the
horse not unfrequently has its connexion with the hoof weakened
or wholly detached. The coffin-bone dislodged, or its adher-
ence impaired, it is pressed down by the natural operation of
the weight of the body, and sinking lill it meets the sole, it there
rests, with its front part bearing on the horn of the sole, forcing
it downwards and outwards in such a way that this part, from
being naturally concave, becomes of a flat or a convex form :
the horse is then, truly enough, said to be foundered, or pomme-
footed. Many appear to be the variety or gradations of this
sort of affection in feet; and the disease maybe formed by a
gradual chronic process, or suddenly, and at once. Cases within
our practice havo occurred, where it has happened, after violent
exercise or exertion, and the body has been considerably heated
that the foot has been suddenly chilled by the imprudent appli'
cation of cold water; a most destructive kind of inflammation
has ensued in the vascular tissueand apparatus, uniting the bone
to the hoof (elastic membranes or processes). These parts being
surrounded and confined by the solid hoof, through which as it
could not penetrate, it necessarily takes a course to the top of
the hoof, and, with dreadful pain and snffering, bursts its way
out at (be coronet, lacerating and destroying the texture of fhece
part=. ^ or IS It ,u these cases the usual process of purulent sui,
puratton : but a red watery ichor escapes from the vessel, and'
rends the texture of these parts in such a way as to give'them
very much the appearance of a .orn sponge; and with the sol
also, it sometimes happens, after such sudden chills, that a-dc-

2

-338

FOUNDERING.

■causes ; and when considerable, oi' in a severe de-
cree, that is, when it attacks rather suddenly, in

gtructive inflammation follows, and llie vessels rupturing, pour
their lymph or blood between the vascular and horny soles,
which soften the horn, it is presently, with dreadful suftering,
•forced from its place, and descending, is reduced to a convex
form ; and, if the attack has been vigorous, it may bring the
foot into this stale in a few hours, or a mitigated attack may
happen, not dislodging the bone from its place, or forcing the
horny sole, but producing various partial derangements of struc-
ture in these connecting parts of the hoof; and we have seen
callous enlargements of the bones and thickenings of the cellular
texture about the coronet to arise from this cause, and, in a less
degree, from fever and heat induced in the foot, and the waved,
the crooked, ribbed, wrinkled, incurvated (wemay add, I think,
the contracted), and otherwise deformed hoofs, appear many
■times to have their origin in affections of this sort. All we w.sh
to observe with respect to the shoe is, that, if it weakens .n
any manner the attachment of the hoof to the bone, it prepares
the way for such complaints as these ; and they will thenai.se
on the application of slighter causes than would produce
them in the healthy sound foot." According to Mr. Fenm,
.< Every one almost who has written on the veterinary art de-
scribes uretty well the causes ar,d symptoms of this disease, but
hey are quite silmt on the real seat of founder. They say
thai cold, suddenly applied to the body, whether U be from a
current « cold wind, or from plunging the body .nto cold water
en over-heated, the effects are the same, &c. Th.s .s all very
71. but these are not all the causes that may produce those
disorders. It will happen, also, by breaking a.,d riding young
r hnnt theaee of two or three years : when we may con-
colts, about \ ,,er the delicacy of their

'";„::deril s f n P-duced, also, by shoeing, parti-
r I'y i^t -er season, when the weather is and t e
ds ha d: at this time, if the frog, bars, a,>a so e, have be «
Ter-pa ed or cut away with the buttress, and the horse exposed
;„ vereand continual exercise, partict.larly on hard roads, .u-

FOUNDERING. 339

f

consequence of what is commonly termed a chill,
is easily discovered by the increased heat or tendex-

flammation of those parts is sure to ensue, which, in its pro-
gress, n ill extend to the lainioEe (elastic membranes), and sensi-
ble sole. The sjmi)foms, at first, are these ; when the horse be-
gins to cool, he feels very stiff and feeble in his fore quarters,
and, when forced to move forward, he collects his body as it
were into a heap, and brings his fore-feet as far forward under
his belly as he possibly can, in order to remove the pressure of the
weight of his body from the fore-legs and tVet. His feat are ex-
tremely hot, find his legs more or less swelled, and evidently
painful to Ihc animal when touched 5 a violent fever succeeds,
and the horse continually lies down, finding it impossil)!e to
stand ; if he be up, It is only for a few minutes. In this deplor-
able stale, if he is not properly treated, he will soon cast his
hoofs, or the case will speedily terminate in death. By these
symptoms, we may perceive that all this mischief is produced by
an inflammation of the sensible frog, sensible sole, and laminse
(elastic processes or membranes) of the foot : and that when the
animal recovers without casting his hoofs, there will remain
generally a chronic lameness confined to the fool, and ligaments
of the cofiin-joiut in particular; which will continue with more
or less violence, according (o the damages done to ihe parts cou
fined within the hoof, at (l>e time (he horse received the accident
It is this chronic lameness, whid. subsides after the inflammation
has subsided, that ancient writers have been pleased to call chest
founder, and, vulgarly, gran,gy {gvaggy, from their inability to
walk steadily). The cure of this disease, improperly called
founder, consists in first taking the shoes off, in order to ra=p (he
.sides ofthe heels and quarters; and the horny sole may be cut
W.th the buttress if f„nnd too thick: the rasping and reducing
the th.ckness of the hoofs will be found extremely salu(arv in
easmg the parts confined in the horny box called the hoof V|, .
next thing to be done is to scarify the lateral car.ilag; („,e
author means, of course, the skin covering the cartilages, Tn ordej
to open some of the numerous blood vessels spread over the
.urface), and. 24 hours after the operation, to apply a stron"

<2 2

340

FOUNDERING.

ness of tlie foot, by the pain the ananal suffers,
often shifting his feet, or constantly lying down,

blister, from (lie fetlock joints to the lioofs. The follow iii); day,
let the feet be kept constantly in a bath of warm water if he can
stand up; if not, lie must be well fomented with the same, and
poultices of bran and water applied at night. Wlicn the blis-
tered parts are nearly well, they should be blistered again, and
continued to be so as Jong as circumstances require, which may be
once a week during five or six weeks [ ! ], not forgetting to sca-
rify tlie two lateral cartilages perpendicularly with a scarificator
or a fleam; which, in case of necessity, may be used with ad.
vantage, by making half a dozen cuts to each cartilage If the
animal Heed more than three quarts, th« bleeding s u.uld be stop-
Ted with a strong solution of blue vitriol ; but > f , on the con-
Cy, he should not bleed that quantity, he must then be b ed .n
<he n ck. During this course, it is necessary to g. ve 6 or 7 drams
nf aloes as a purgative once a-week, and a diuretic now and then
Mt rd,in'lk..'..P^e.,in.reatingoffoundera«>^
!bse ves, that it is a severe inflammatory aftection of the elast.c
o^^^^^^^^ of the foot itissu reticulaire) more or less .ntenseand
' rable which proceeds sometimes with rapid.ty, at others
twW often prov ng fatal to the animal, and rarely getfng well
U me.n 'al assi^tanee. K is always an eifect of some pre
1 irritation from whence proceeds an accumulat.on of flu.d
r t e p t and afterwards a new mode of action (inflammat.on)
tiev^ sels eo„t.ining them, and a new secretion : there ,s

om the beginning, a most acute pain, arising /--/"^P;-^-
from » 5 ^^^^ extremely .rntable. Ihc

..ruct^re of J'^"^ p,,,,, gradually spreads

^'^'"'L'" e cou^nionly exciting general fe.-er. The

over the whole • , obstruction in the vessels

''''''fr::Z^Z^^'^^^'^ .paratlonof the hoof, and
tratethehorn, and a pa ^^^^.^^ ^ .alu.ary ef-

TLCini g 1 ntter to break out at the coronet, the
\or m nn mortification aud death. Some cases of
^::;:™-in«>.eirprogress„ivebutli.tlepa.n,andpro-

FOUNDSKING. S i I

from inability to stand. This high degree of
founder is often preceded or accompanied by con-
siderable fever, and rheumatic affection of the mus-
cles of the hind legs, loins, or shoulders. There is
sometimes, also, quickness of breathing, as if the

duce serious consequences only ^\hen sulTered (o go on vvillioiil
the applicalinu of proper remedies; 'whilst others, as rapid in
their p^ogre^sas they are dangerous in their effects, arrive, ia a
short time, to the higliest point of intensity, and not unfrequently
prove fatal. From this circumstance, the disease is divided into
the chronic and the acute founder. The laller is complicated
uith fever, loss of appetite, and vieakncss, and sometimes occa-
sions the hoof to fall off, and even a mortidcation of the foot 5
or it causes an effusictn of glutinous matter from the elastic pro-
cesses, or of a red or yellowish serous fluid, which accumulates
between the hoof and the sensible foot. The chronic founder
gradually undermines and changes the natural organization of
the hoof and sensible foot, and gives rise to various disease..
In contracted and brittle hoofs, founder is often acute and dan-
gerous; in large open feet it seldom occurs, is attended wilh lit-
tle danger, and is generally of the chronic kind." M. Girard.
then describes the causes and treatment which do not differ ma-
terially from that of the above authors and that given in the
text. I have thought it necersary to make these quotations, be-
cause Mr. Blain asserts, that " of all the definite and well-mark-
ed diseases of .he horse this (founder) has been most mistaken
among the older farriers, and the least noticed amonc the mo-
dern. T do not know a sing/e work on the subject of fan ierv that
docs more than allude to it." Now the works from which the
forego.ng extracts are taken, were all published before Mr
Ula.ns as was my third volume, « here the disease is described
under the head-" Inflammation of the Elastic Membranes by
winch the Coffin-bone is united to the Hoof." The old French
authors Vite,, La Fosse, and Bourgelat, have also described it,
pa.t.cularly La Fosse, in his BicUonu.ire cV mppi„tn,„e, and
the youngest La Fosse, in his Manuel <i'IIi,,iatri,L, has sli^htl.

34-2

rOUNDEUING.

lungs wei'e inflamed; but this, perhaps, arises from
the muscles of respiration partaking of the rheu-
matic affection. Plentiful bleeding, opening medi-
cine, and clysters, ai'e the necessary remedies for
this fever ; but, from the term chill being commonly
applied to it, farriers are often led to adopt a dif-
ferent or rather an opposite kind of treatment.
Sometimes the inflammation of the feet comes
on at the same time; at others, after the fever
has subsided in some measure : the> chill is then
said to haye fallen into his feet. Foundering more
commonly attacks very slowly, and almost imper-
ceptibly. Sometimes it is indicated by a depres-
sion or flattening of the front of the hoof, and a
flatness or small degree of convexity or bulging on
the fore, or rather the middle, part of the sole.
There is generally a brittleness of hoof, and some-
times a morbid degree of heat is observable, parti-
cularly after travelling. Circular marks, or de-
pressions, or wrinkles, are often remarked in the
hoof; and the heels are more or less contracted:
cases sometimes occur, in which, though the lame-
ness is considerable, nothing remarkable can be
seen or felt in the hoof which would lead to a sus-
l)icion of the disease being seated in that part; and
such horses are commonly said to be cheU founder-
t'd or shoulder shook. *

The lameness arising from founder is sometimes
go slight, and both feet are so ecjually aifected, that

* Sec the two rases nnncxod to this rhapirr, when- a portion
Of the .nelac.rpnl uc. ve was removed for this kind of la.ne«.ss.

FOUNDERING..

it escapes the notice of the rider ; and the imper-
fect manner of the horse's going is attributed to
awkardness, for which the poor animal is impro-
perly punished with the bit, spur, or whip. If the
smith is consulted in recent cases of founder, where
the lameness is inconsidei'able, he generally takes
off' the shoe to examine the foot, and finding:
nothing to account for the lameness, he confidently
pronounces it to be in the shoulder or fetlock joint.
It is so difficult in these cases to distinguish the
seat of lamenessj there being no external appear-
ance by which it is indicated, that the most experi-
enced persons have been at a loss what opinion to
give of them, or what treatment to pursue. The
difficulty, however, will be considerably diminish-
ed by attending to the following circumstances : —
If the lameness is only in one foot, observe if there
is any difference in the heat of the feet, or if the
suspected foot is smaller, or of a different shape
fi-om the other. Then let every part of the limb^
be carefully examined, and the shoulder extended
and bent, observing if these motions occasion pain.
Enquire if he stands in the stable with one foot
advanced beyond the other; and should nothing
be found, after a careful investigation, to account
for the lameness, there will be no danger in con-
cluding that the foot is the part affected, and treat-'
ing it accordingly : for when lameness arises from
any injury of the shoulder or other part of the
limb, except the foot, the cause may almost always
be discovered by a careful exaniination ; and if we

FOUNDERINO.

compare the number of lamenesses which arise from
diseases or injuries of the foot with those of the
shoulder and \c<r, the proportion of the former will
perhaps greatly exceed what an inexperienced per-
son can imagine: as to the lamenesses commonly
attributed to splents, I believe nine-tenths of them
are seated in the foot. In these obscure cases of
lameness, therefore, the most prudent plan to pur-
sue is that of taking off the shoe, paring the sole
should there be any superfluous horn, and wrap-
ping up the foot in a large bran poultice, in which
u little hog's lard may be mixed. The horse should
be kept in this state three or four days, and the
poultice should be occasionally renewed. About
this time the hoof will have been sufficiently soft-
ened, therefore, the shoe may be reapplied, but
gently, and only with four nails, that the horse
may be led out on soft or smooth ground, in order
to determine whether the lameness is removed or
alleviated. If the horse appears sound, the shoe may
be secured, and he may be gradually put to work
again; taking care, however, that the feet are kept
Cool by stopping, or other means. If the lameness
does not submit to this treatment, blistering the leg
may be tried, and if that fail, a run at grass in soft
o-round. Many incurable cases of lameness occur,
depending, I believe, on some disease of the elastic
membranes or processes of the foot, which are not
so considerable as to prevent the horse from work-
ing moderately, and may be much relieved by
keeping the hoof moist and cool ; but it too often

FOUNDERING.

345

liappens in such cases, that the poor animal is
whipped into the most painful exertions; almost in-
numerable examples of which may be seen in our
chaises and stage-coaches. It is really afflicting
to humanity to be obliged to witness, as veterinary
practitioners too often are, the cruelties to which
this most valuable, but unfortunate, animal is ex-
posed. In no situation, perhaps, is this so frequent
or so flagrant as in those just mentioned ; for it is
a fact, too generally known to be longer dwelt
upon, that when a horse is disqualified by painful,
and, as it is considered, incurable lameness, for the
turf, the field, or the road, and especially if he has
been a good horse, possessing action and spirit, he
is consigned to a mail or stage-coach, or what is
nearly, if not quite, as bad, a post-chaise. It is
much to be regretted, as there seems to be no other
remedy for the evil, that the operation first sug-
gested by Mr. Sewel, of the veterinary college, Is
not more generally known and practised, ^his
operation consists in cutting out a portion of the
nerve which supplies the foot, by which the sensi-
bility of that part appears to be destroyed, whilst
Its vitality remains unimpaired. Much prejudice
I believe, has been excited against the operation
by those who have never witnessed its eflfect, and'
not a httle, I fear, in consequence of incompetent
persons having attempted it : I have heard, indeed
of one case where the operator cut out part>of th'
suspensory hgament instead of the nerve; and it is
notimprobable, that others, ignorant of anatomy

e
is

346

FOUNDERING.

and feding embarrassed from not finding the nerve
so readily as they expected, have removed a little
cellular membrane instead of it, in order to satisfy
their employer. It is not unreasonable to suppose,
also, that some operators may have been deceived
as to the seat of the lameness, when of course no
benefit could result from the operation. In con-
cluding this article, I mean to detail three cases of
lameness in which this operation was performed,
which will give the reader a better idea of it than
any general description can do. In speaking of
the acute founder, I should have observed that,
besides plentiful bleeding and moderate purging,
it is highly necessary to attend to the state of the
feet as soon as they appear to be inflamed, or, in
stable phraseology, as soon as the dull has fallen
into them. In some instances, the inflammation
has been so violent and so extensive, that the whole
foot has mortified and sloughed off", sometimes the
inflammation terminates in suppuration, and mat-
ter is formed between the hoof and the sensible
foot, by which the former is separated either wholly
or partially, and cast off'. The matter is generally
ichorous or bloody, and very fcetid. When the
inflammation is not so violent or extensive, it
causes an eff'usion of coagulable lymph from the
vessels of the elastic membranes of the foot, by
which the coffin- bone is displaced, and forced
down upon the sole. The disease often happens
even in a less degree than this: authors have,
therefore, diBtingui«hed two kinds of founder-the

FOUNDEUING.

347

acute and the chronic. When the inflammation
is severe, the feet are extremely hot and painful,
so tliat the horse is scarcely able to stand, and is
therefore frequently lying down; when standing,
he endeavours as much as possible to relieve the
affected foot or feet from the weight of the body.
The shoes should be taken off, and the soles pared
until they yield, in a slight degree, to the pressure
of the thumb. The feet should then be wrapped
in a large bran poultice, which is preferable, I
think, lo making him stand in water, as with the
poultice he can lie down, which affords him great
relief. Professor Girard, in his Traite du Pied,
relates a case where all four feet were affected in a
severe degree, which he cured by making the horse <
stand during the day without shoes in clay softened
with vinegar and a solution of sulphate of iron,
rubbing the knees and hocks with oil of turpentine
daily, until it caused considerable swelling, giving
clysters with nitre in them, and an electuary, com-
posed of powdered gentian, liquorice, and honey.
" The horse," he says, " was cured in 21 days. The
salutary effects of this treatment," he adds, " have'
been frequently experienced in the hospital of tho-
veterinary school at Alfort," Notwithstanding the
high authority and skill of M. Girard, I cannot
but think that poulticing the foot is preferable to
his standing in clay, &c. during the day, and being
placed in a well-littered stall during the night!
As to the electuary {im opiui), it certainly could
have but little if any, share in the cure. Bleed-
2

34<8

rOUNDERlNG.

ing in the toe or coronet has been recommended,
and in severe cases may be extremely useful, par-
ticularly the latter, and blistering the leg, from the
fetlock joint to a little above the knee, or, as M.
Girard advises, rubbing in oil of turpentine is
likely to do much good. Though the disease is
merely local, yet bleeding and moderate purging
are generally necessai'y. The bleeding, both local
and general, often requires to be repeated two or
three times. I have before observed, that founder
is often preceded or accompanied by general fever,
and rheumatic affection of the chest, shoulder, or
loins. But here it is proper to observe, that in
some severe attacks of local founder, such as may
take place in consequence of applying cold water
to the feet at a time when they have been much
heated by long-continued and violent exercise, the
pain is so intense that it excites symptomatic fever,
which requires bleeding, purging, and a strictly
cooling treatment.

The most common cause of founder is violent
and frequent trotting upon hard roads, standing
still after such exercise in a current of cold air, or
in a cold wind and rain, or being plunged into a
pond, and rode about in it for several minutes, to
save the trouble of cleaning, and afterwards kept
in hot close stables ; and the most severe effects are
thus produced, when the animal's strength has
been previously exhausted by over-exertion.
Though the local founder, in which the foot only
is affected, is most commonly produced by impro-

FOUNDEUING.

S49

per treatment of the foot, bad shoeing, standing
too much on litter, and other circumstances, which
tend to excite and keep up a morbid degree of
heat in the part, yet the disease may be aggravated,
and its progress accelerated, by circumstances af-
fecting the constitution, such as high feeding, hot
and close stables, sudden exposure to cold when
heated, standing for several days or weeks on lit-
ter, with little or no exercise, and, in short, the
same causes that were enumerated when treatino-
of contraction of the hoof.

Cases of Chronic Founder aired hj adting out a
portion of the nerve which supplies the foot.

Case 1. A carriage-horse became gradually very
lame in the near fore leg. It was considered and
treated as a case of shoulder lameness; he was,
therefore, blistered in the shoulder, and soon after
turned to grass, where he remained about two
months without getting better. I saw it in the be-
gmnuig of September, and as it struck me to be
one ofthose foot lamenesses which are seldom ra-
dically cured ; but as at that time I had not seen
the effect of the nerve operation, I directed them
to pare the feet, bHster the legs, and turn him out
to grass again. About six weeks after, he was
taken up apparently sound, and was brought in'to
the stable, in order to be physiced and |ot into

350

FOUNDERING.

condition for work. Soon after, the lameness re-
turned, and gradually increased. I then suggested
the nerve operation as the only probable means of
relieving him. He was exceedingly lame previous
to the operation ; but as soon as it was performed,
and he was suffered to get up, he was perfectly
free from lameness, and has continued so ever
since.

Case 2. A well-bred saddle-horse had been
lame about three years, and a variety of opinions
had been given by practitioners respecting the na-
ture of the lameness. At different times he had
been blistered and fired both in the shoulders and
legs, and was kept a considerable time at grass,
but the lameness gradually increased, and the horse
became entirely useless. The nerve operation was
performed on both legs, and the horse was instant-
ly relieved; but when the wounds were healed,
and the horse was rode out on trial, the right leg
was found to be still very lame. Upon examining
the leg, I found that the incision on the right leg
had been made above the part where the outside
nerve receives a branch from the nerve on the in-
side of the leg, another incision was therefore made
below the former, and another portion of nerve
removed ; the horse became sound immediately.

Case 3. A waggon-horse had a considerable
bony enlargement on the outside of the fetlock
joint, which, though it occasioned lameness, did
not prevent him from working, and in this state he
had been worked for some time. The swelling,

SAND CRACK.

351

however, gradually increased, and at length be-
came so painful as to render him quite useless.
The nerve operation was performed on the leg,
and at the same time the actual cautery was ap-
plied to the swelling. The horse was considerably
relieved immediately after the operation. As soon
as the wounds were healed, that is, three weeks
after the operation, the horse was put to work, and
has continued to do his work ever since (about
two months). There is still a little lameness,
scarcely perceptible in walking, but he does not
appear to be in pain when working.

Smid Crack.

Sand ciiacks are longitudinal fissures, clefts, or
cracks in the hoof, generally on the inside quarter
of the fore feet; but sometimes in the front of
the hind feet. They generally occur in the hot
and dry months of summer, and seem to arise from
a morbid heat and brittleness of the hoof. * Sand
cracks may also happen from wounds or bruises' on
the coronet. Sometimes they are superficial, and
do not occasion lameness ; at others they are deep

' M Girard, in his Trait<; du Pied, says, (hat many veterina
nans .ho attended (he French army in Egypt ..sured'
nearly all (presque ,ou. les chevaux) the horses brought from
Trance .„U. that country had sand cracks (avoient .a paroi To7
jours fend.i)^e, et etoie«t co„timtelle,.ent at.eims de seim s

/

SS2 SAND CRACK.

and extensive, and by compressing the sensible
parts, which are liable to get between the edges of
the crack, much pain and inflammation are ex-
cited ; and whenever blood is seen to issue from
the crack, it is a proof that it has extended to the
sensitive parts, or elastic processes of the foot.
Since the disease depends upon heat and brittle-
ness of the hoof, our first object is to correct this
morbid state, by keeping the hoof moist and cool.
This may be effected by making him stand in
spunge-boots, or in bran poultices. In the super-
ficiaf sand crack, it is sufficient to make a trans-
verse incision immediately above or at the upper
extremity of the crack to prevent its spreading; it
often happens, however, that the crack has already
extended to the coronet, so that there is no room
for this transverse incision; in such cases, the
horse must be kept at rest, with his foot in a poul-
tice, until the new horn is grown sufficiently from
the coronet to admit of the transverse incision.
When this has been done, it is desirable to turn
the horse to grass in soft meadow land ; but if he
is to be kept in the stable, the foot must be kept
cool by stopping. In the deeper and more exten-
sive sand crack, it is necessary to pare away the
etUes of the crack to examine its extent and direc-
tion, particularly if blood has issued from it; for
then the sensitive parts may be suffering compres-
sion between the edges of the fissure. Sometimes
dirt or gravel gets into the crack, and by irritating
the sensible parts, causes gveat pain and inflamma-

SAND CRACK.

tion. If this bo not attended to, the sensible parts
become ulcerated, and throw up fungous flesh,
which, being pinched by the sides of ihe crack, are
a source of great pain and irritation. In this case,
the crack must be freely opened with a di'awing
knife, and suitable dressings applied ,• such as solu-
tion of blue or white vitriol. Friar's balsam, with
a small proportion of sublimate dissolved in it (5
grains to 1 oz.) tow or lint moistened with these
may be bound on the part. In applying a shoe, it
should be so contrived as to have no bearing on
that part which is immediately under the sand
crack. In all sand crpcks, the cause of their oc-
currence should be attended to, and as far as pos-
sible corrected or removed. The transverse inci-
sion at the head of the crack, when practicable,
should never be omitted, which effectually prevents
it from spreading upward, and then, as the hoof
grows down, the crack gradually disappears. To
promote the growth of horn, some stimulating
omtment may be applied to the coronet; and when
the upper part of the hoof appears dry, with nu-
merous cracks, or rather a roughness on its sur-
face, it may be smeared daily with the following
Ointment. Some practitioners fire the sand crack;
that IS, the common firing iron, made nearly red
hot, IS hghtly applied, so as to stimulate the sensi-
ble parts, and cause an effusion of horny matter-
they make, also, the transverse line with the same
instrument. This plan often succeeds, but gene-
rally IS not so effectual as that above described.

CORN.

Hoof Ointment..

Take of tar, pitch, and tallow, equal parts..
Melt and stir till cold. This may be made softer,
by the addition of lard, if required.

Corn.

This is a troublesome disease of the fore feet^-
which often occurs, and occasions various degrees
of lameness. It consists in a bruise of the sensible
sole at the heel, between the crust or wall and the
bar, and is caused either by the pressure of the
heel of the shoe, or the heel of the crust; itsome--
times occurs, also, from the horn at the heels hav-
insf become too thick and inelastic. The part called ■
the corn is nothing more than horny matter made
red, or of a reddish brown colour, by extravasated
blood. Smiths generally imagine, that by remov-
ing it, or paring it out, they remove the disease ;
and it is from this misapprehension of the nature
of corns that they so often prove obstinate and in-
curable. Having pared out the corn, as they term
it, the same kind of shoe is applied, or the shoe is
so made as to lay off or have no bearing on the af-
fected heel. Thus temporary relief is generally
obtained ; but the horny matter growing, and the
shoe yielding to the horse's weight, soon bears

CORN,

355

again on the tender part, and the lameness of
course returns, often in an aggravated degree. A
corn is a disease, or bruise of the sejisiMe or fleshy
sole : the red horny matter so named is nothing
more than an effect of the disease ; and as by re-
moving it, a space is made between the heel of the
shoe and the tender part, the horse is relieved until
the gpnce is again filled by the reproduction of
horny matter, and the bearing down of the heel
of the shoe.

The most effectual method of treating corns
when produced by the pressure of the heel of the
shoe, is to cut off" that part of the shoe; that is,
about an inch or an inch and half of the heel,
and it will be found that such a shoe can be
worn without inconvenience. It will be necessary
to shoe in this way for a considerable time. But
when there are corns in both heels, instead of cut-
ting off both heels of the shoe, it is better to apply
a bar shoe if the frog is solid and suflSciently pro-
minent for it to bear on ; the tender heels may
then be so rasped or pared away as to receive no
pressure from the shoe. Various applications have
been recon^mended for corns. Some practitioners
apply the actual cautery; others advise caustics,
such as butter of antimony, sulphuric acid, &c. :
perhaps tar, with a very small quantity of sulphu-
ric acid (1 oz. to 1 lb.) is as good as anything.
W hen corns are caused by too great depth, thicks
ness, and inelasticity of the hornv heels; they
should be properly pared, and the" foot wrapped

356

QUITTOR.

in ii poultice. When corns have been so neglected
as to allow suppuration to take place, the matter
generally breaks out at the coronet, sometimes
spreading first under the horny sole. In this case,
the horn must be pared away so as to give vent to
the matter below, and if the matter has penetrated
under the horny sole, so much of it as is found de-
tached fi om the sensible or fleshv sole should be
cut away. The part may then be dressed with
Friar's balsam, digestive ointment, or tar; after
which, if any inflammation remain, the foot may
be wrapped in a poultice.

Quitlor.

This disease is caused by a neglected wound or
bruise in the coronet, or by a neglected wound or
bruise in the bottom of the foot or lower part of
the elastic membranes, as in pricks in shoeing.
When these accidents are not properly attended
to, the matter penetrates in various directions;
sometimes affecting the cni tilages of the foot, and
causing them to become bony. Quittor may be
considered as fistulous sore of the coronet, extend-
ing in different directions : the external sore is ge-
nerally very small, and on the inside, towards the
heel ; the wound or bruise, in which it often origi-
nates, being commonly inflicted by the animal him-
self, either \v accidentally treading upon it, or by

OUITTOR.

357

endeavouring to rub the part with his other foot.
On examining with a probe, we find the sinuses or
pipes, as farriers term them, running- in different
directions. Sometimes the probe can be passed
downward under the hoof, at other forwards or
backwards in a line with the coronet, or directly
inward upon the cartilage. The most effectual
method of treating quittor is to force some strong
caustic, such as corrosive sublimate, into the si-
nuses. The following mode of applying it will be
found convenient. Spread some powdered subli-
mate on thin paper, then roll it up, and twist the
paper so as to make it rather stiff, and bring it to
a pomt, that it may be introduced into the sinus
When it cannot be got any further in this way,
Jet the part which remains out of the sinus be cut
off, and that which is within must be forced with a
probe to the bottom of the sinus; other portions
are then to be inti^oduced in the same way, until
the smus or sinuses are filled. This severe treat-
ment will, of course, cause considerable pain and
mflammation, to moderate which, the foot should
be wnipped in a poultice. After a few days, a
slough or cor., as farriers term it, will come off;
leaving a large opening, but with a red healthy ap-
pearance, which generally heals readily, by means
of Fnar's balsam, or a solution of blue vitrL

S5S THRUSH.

Thrush,

A DISEASE of the frog, consisting in a discharge
of foetid matter from its cleft or division. It appears
to originate in inflammation of the sensible frog,
caused either by a contraction of the heels, or by
the horse's standing in filth and moisture. Having
removed the cause of the disease, and cleansed the
frog perfectly, that is, the cleft or division of the
frog, let some astringent preparation be apphed,
such as a solution of blue or white vitriol, egyptia-
cum, tar, v^^ith a small proportion of sulphuric
acid (1 oz. to 1 lb.) The disease sometimes occurs
in a more severe degree, spreading over the whole
of the sensible frog, and separating its horny co-
vering. In this case, the detached horn should be
cut away, and some astringent dressing applied
daily, which, aided by moderate pressure, will ge-
nerally cure the disease. *

» Mr Bracy Clark, iu his « Dissertation on the Foot," con-
siders the disease as often arising from a n.,.t.,re of that part of
the horny frog . hid. forms its clef, or division, and ^vh.ch .e
has named fro^stay or bolt. » When th,s horny cone e
observes, » is defectively formed by Nature, as by want of suf-
fic e bulk, or by weakness of its contexture-when re uced
a wasted 'away 'by the same evils which reduce ^^^^
\ „f «hp horn of the frog, or becoming too brittle,
^"1:^^^^ Xuence liab^le to be broken by external
, T or is decayed or weakened by much exposure to wet
^.^ e tberof the. cases, its rupture admits a passage
lodgement for external destructive -^S-Us, as we t ^.t
urine, &c, and thus the thrush appears to be formed. After

CANKEE. :^5g

Canker:

This also is a disease of the sensible frog, and

«I.is part has been once ruiitured, or weakened, or thrusi.ed even
U may be formed again by a fresh growth of the part, especially
■.f t e foot be kept cool and moist, as at .pass,- the disease then
w.ll appear obliterated: buf the new formed horn, not having
.^esarneauach.ent to thesnrronndin, parts ns,he„ri,i„al horn!

tne fooc to tke M IHler, ,.it„ neaUng food, and Uc otL rnjlaj.
2^r, „,enU .f U.e sU^e, ruptnre a,ain, give out a discharg"
and become a complete Ihrnsh." This Mr. Clark considers a <L
cove , ,„^^^ not appear any novelty in it, I am

S ad . observe he, for once, acknowledges the injurious e. ec^

riroThors '"^ -'"^
:::.;n<^;:br;i:-^^^^

-veri.,. and discharges a dark cloned s rk ! m;,;"
fessor Guard considers it in the .ame li.h. ,
disease, which he names /„ f ^ ^ speakmg of (his

frog), L observe ■T-p /; '"'^'^"^ "/""^^^ ^"-'^'^ - '-"flamed

J.ne,ectin.to;are^:.:;:f-S:;^C:''r-

-in." I^coJi r r .Ull: l--^-^'""'"^ - and
mour; which, accumul ,i ' ,7 rV"'"""' ^'"^"^'^h hu-
horny covering an : V" ""^ "^'^^hes its

<le.ai of the iV l ' 'o, degenerates intoa highe

advises its being washed a^t '"•^""'''^^'"'^ He

water. " S-*"^ or lead m vinegar and

360

CANKER.

often extends to the sole, elastic membranes, and
other parts of the foot. It is almost always very
obstinate, and often incurable. The first thing to
be done is to expose completely all the diseased
parts, by cutting away the horn which covers them :
to accomplish this, it is often necessary to remove
the whole of the bottom of the hoof, that is, the
frog, sole, and bars. This being done, the diseased
fungous surface is to be removed with a knife, or
scraped away with a drawing knife, and when the
bleeding has ceased, the following caustic powder
is to be' freely sprinkled over the whole surface.
The foot is then to be covered with tow, and wrap-
ped up in canvas. Great care must be taken to
keep the foot dry and clean, as nothing is so mju-
rlous in this complaint as the moisture and filtli of
the litter. The following day the same dressing
is to be repeated, first removing as much ot the
diseased surface as will come away, by rubbmg
with tow, or by scraping with a blunt kmfe or
drawino- knife. After a few dressings ol tins kmcl,
the parts will have a more healthy appearance, and
the offensive smell will be corrected ; milder dress-
■,n<r will then be proper. It often happens m this
diiase that y^hWe one part appears to be hcahng,
Mother will continue foul, in which case, the cans-
Tpowder should be applied to the latter only ;
.nd not unfrequently, while healing m one part, .
vill be spreading in another: tl-efore c-^^^
examina ion is necessary at every tnne o dicing,
■ nd whenever the disease is observed to be spread-

CANKER*

361

ing under the horn, whether it be the Boles, bars,
or crust, that horn should be immediately cut
away, and the diseased part completely exposed,
that it may be dressed with caustic powder. A
caukered foot should be dressed daily ; and some
effectual means should be adopted for keeping the
diseased foot dry and clean, and for keeping up q
constant pressure upon the diseased surface.

Caustic Powder.

Corrosive sublimate, powdered ...... 1 o;^.

Sulphate of copper 2 oz.

Prepared chalk ,j, 02.

Mix.

Liquid Cauitic.

Corrosive sublimate i

Muriatic acid ' , /

Spirit of wine and water, of eaeh * .' .' 2 oz.*

Various preparations may be used as liquid
caustics, such as butter of antimony, muriatic acid

'^7^Z^t '-^'-■'^•^

Mild Dressino.
No. 1.

Tar .......

White vitriol, finely powdered, , . j
Mix.

362

CUITING.

No. 2.

Tar 8oz.

Verdigris, powderecl, • • • • 1 oz.

Mix.

No. 3.

Clirystallized verdigris, powdered, 1 oz.

Honey • ^ oz.

Alum

Bole ...^

TT- , .... 4! OZ.

Vinegar •

Mix over the fire.

J- OZ.
■i- OZ.

Culling.

A iioESE is said to cut, when he wounds the
inside of the fetlock joint with his foot in travel-
liiio- This may arise from various causes, the
mo^t common of which seems to be an improper
position of the foot; the toe, instead of bemg m a
line with the point of the shoulder, inclinmg either
inward or outward. In the latter case, we gene-
rallv find tl^^*^ ^he inner quarter of the hoot is
];wer than the other, and that the faulty position
of the foot depends npon this inequality ot the
nuarters: it must be obvious, thereiorc, that tlie
remedy, in this case, consists in lowering the outer
quarter, and making the inner b^uch pt the shoe

CUTTII^G.

thicker than the other. "When the toe inclines
inward, it renders a horse liable to cut on the in-
side of the knee, at the lower part of the joint :
this is termed the speedy cut, from its happening
upon the trot or gallop, and is considered as a dan-
gerous failing in a horse, the violence of the pain
which the blow occasions sometimes causing him
to fall very suddenly. The remedy for this is to
keep the toe as short as possible, that being the
part which generally inflicts the wound, and to
alter the improper position of the foot. Cutting
frequently depends upon weakness or fatigue, and-
is therefore very liable to happen to young horses,
when rode hard over deep heavy ground. The
only remedy, in this case, is to avoid the cause,
until the legs acquire more strength, or to protect
the wounded part with leather, or a boot, as it is
termed. Whenever a horse cuts, it is adviseable
to ascertain what part it is that inflicts the wound,
and this may often be done, by applying tar to the
wounded part: this will of course adhere to the
part of the hoof, or shoe, which comes into con-
tact with the wound. Should it be the edrrg of
the shoe, which, I believe, is seldom the case, the
cause may be easily removed by the farrier.
Whatever part of the hoof it may be, it should be
rasped away, as much as can be done with safety
and particular attention paid to the position of the
other foot, which, if improper, should be improved
as much as It can be, by shoeino-, '

n 3

364.

CHAPTER VIII.
MISCELLANEOUS.

1. OF BLEEDING.

This operation is frequently necessary in the
diseases of horses, and is performed either with a
lancet or fleam, in the neck vein.

The blood should always be preserved, that the
quantity drawn may be accurately known, and that
its quality may be ascertained. If, after it has co-
agulated, a white, or rather a light buff-coloured
jelly be found on the surface, an inflammatory state
of body is indicated; but, in order to render this
criterion useful, the blood must not be taken from
too small an orifice, nor should it be suffered to
run down the sides of the vessel which receives it.

Blood, drawn from a healthy horse, very soon
coa-ulates, and appears like a uniformly red jelly,
with a small quantity of fluid, resembling water,
floating on its surface. This red jelly may, by
.vashincr, be rendered of a light buff-colour, and
exactly" resembles the buff, or size, as it is termed,
of inflamed blood. The most heaUhy blood, there-
fore, contains this size; and the cause of its not
beincr conspicuous in such blood is, that coagula-

BLEEDING.

365

tlon takes place before the red colouring matter
can have time to separate from it ; but as blood,
that is drawn from an animal labouriug under ge-
neral inflammation, or fever, always preserves its
fluidity much longer than healthy blood, and as
the red colouring particles are specifically heavier
than the fluid with which they are mixed, they
will, of course, be gradually subsiding, as long as
the mass continues fluid, leaving a coat of buff-co-
loured jelly on the surface.

It has been observed before, that healthy blood,
when suffered to coagulate, appears to consist of
two parts, the red jelly, termed crassamentum, and
the water, or serum ; and that the former may af-
terwards be separated, by washing, into two parts,
viz. the red coloured particles, or red glohiles, as
they are termed by anatomists, and buff-coloured
jelly, or coagidahle lymph. The proportion, with
these component parts of the blood bear to each
other, seems to depend upon the state of the sys-
tem at the time it is drawn. When the body is
healthy and vigorous, we find but little serum;
when It is preternaturally excited, or in a state of
mflammation, there is still less; and when the ani-
mal IS weak and debilitated, there is generally an
abundance of serum. Another circumstance to be
attended to, in examining blood, is the firmness or
tenacity of the coagulum. In health, the blood,
when drawn, and suffered to coagulate, is of a mo-
derately firm consistence, and easily broken ; but
when the system is highly excited, as in general

S66

BLEEDINtt.

inflammation, so great is the tenacity of tlie mass,
that the finger can scarcely penetrate it. On the
other hand, when the powers of life are weak, as
in the latter stage of symptomatic fever, the blood
almost loses its power of coagulating. I recollect
a glandered horse, that was made the subject of
experiments, and that died in consequence of large
and repeated doses of mercury ; the debility this
produced was excessive; and the blood appeared
as thin, and nearly of the same colour, as claret.
The necessity, therefore, of examining blood that
is drawn from a diseased horse, must be obvious,
as it assists in forming a judgment of the nature of
the disease, and points out the proper remedies.
When blood exhibits buff on its surface, particu-
larly if, at the same time, the coagulum be firm
and solid, we may be certain that the complaint is
inflammatory, and that bleeding may be repeated
with advantage. If, on the other hand, the mass
of blood be wanting in tenacity, and have more
serum than usual, we may safely conclude that the
system is in a state of debility, and consequently,
that bleeding is highly improper.

In cases of symptomatic fever, it will generally
be necessary to take away four or five quarts of
blood at the first bleeding ; I have seen even six
quarts taken, with manifest advantage. It is at
this period of the disease (its commencement) that
copious bleeding is particularly useful; and it is
from an absurd prejudice, which obtains against
this practice, that so many horses are destroyed by

BLEEDING.

such fevers,- It is truly laugliabl(5 to hear a grooin
or farrier pronouncing, witli an affectation of un-
erring sagacity, upon the quaHties of blood, fre-
quently observing, that it is too hot, and that
consequently the horse must have a fever ; that it
is too dark coloured, and therefore foul; or that it
is too thick, and consequently unfit for circulation.;
and sometimes it is said to bo full of humour?.
With respect to the heot of the blood, it will be
aufficient to observe, that it preserves neai-ly the
same temperature, while circulating in the body,
whether the animal be an inhabitant of the most
sultry or of the coldest counta-y, whether in health
or in the highest fever.

As to the colour of the blood while flowino-
from the body, it may be either red or of a dark
colour, as the operator pleases ; since, by pressing
on the vein, for a short time before the orifice is
made, it may always be made to appear of a dai'k
colour. If an artery be opened, the blood which
flows from it will be of a bright scarlet colour.
The opinion that blood sometimes becomes thick,
or viscid, in the body, was supported by many
respectable philosophers, but is now universally
abandoned, because it has been proved to be ewo-
ncous.

I think it a bad practice to bleed horses fre-
quently, when there is no urgent occasion, as they
thereby acquire a plethoric habit; and unless the
operation bo regularly performed, and gradually
increased in frequency, troublesome diseases might

868 PHYSIC,

ensue. Horses of a full habit, that are conse-
quently liable to inflammatory complaints, will re-
ceive most benefit from moderate and long conti-
nued exercise, and good grooming. When bleed-
ing is performed for the cure of important inflam-
matory diseases, a large orifice should be made in
the vein, and the blood drawn in a large stream,
as we thereby diminish the action of the heart and
arteries, much more readily than if it were drawn
slowly from a small orifice. In cases of external
and circumscribed inflammation, topical bleeding
is eminently useful, which is done by opening some
yeins contiguous to the affected part, or by scari-
fying the inflamed surface.

2. Of Physic,

In purging h<3rses, great care and attention are
necessary, their bowels being particularly irritable,
and liable to inflammation. The physic commonly
given is certainly too strong, and I am convinced,
that many horses have been destroyed by the im-
moderate doses that have been recommended by
writers on farriery. When this happens, the mis-
chief is generally attributed to the coarseness or
impurity of the medicine, and the druggist is unde-
servedly censured. A modern author has ingeni-
ously availed himself of this prejudice, to explain
the violent effects which his cathartic prescriptions

PHYSIC.

569

have sometimes produced. I must presume, how-
ever, to suggest, that these effects were more pro-
bably occasioned by the excessive qtiantity, than by
the impurity of the purgative ingredients.

The only certain and safe purgative for horses
is aloes ; and of the different kinds of aloes, the
Barbadoes is undoubtedly the best. The sue
cotrine, which is generally considered the mild-
est, as well as the most certain in its effect, ia
too weak, and so very uncertain and variable in its
operation, that we cannot use it without frequent
disappointment. Pj-actitioners seem now to be
convinced of the superiority of the Barbadoes aloe,
as it has been sold of late nearly at double the price
of the succotrine.

If the reader wish to have farther information on
this subject, he is requested to consult the author's
second volume, or Veterinary Materia Medica, &c.

It is adviseable to prepare a horse for physic by
givmg him bran mashes for a day or two. This
will gently relax the bowels, and remove any in-
durated fteces that may be lodged in them : it will
also tend to facilitate the operation of the medicine
About a peck of bran, divided into four feeds,
will be sufficient for twenty-four hours; and, as it
as desirable to give the horse but a small quantity
of hay, I think it adviseable to add to each brail
mash about a pint or more of bruised or broken
oats which will tend to preserve his strength and
conchtion. He should be allowed to drink a n^o-
derate quantity of water frequently,

glfSQ PHYSIC.

When a horse is purged for the first time, it is
pindent to give a very inoderate dose. "Were the
common quantity given to one of \veak, irritable
bowels, there would be danger not only of produce
ing great debility, and thereby of counteracting the
intention of the medicine, but likewise of destroy-
ing the animal, by bringing on an inflammation of
the bowels : and this is by no means an unusual oc-
currence. Should the first ball not operate suffi-
ciently, a stronger may be given, after an interval
of a few days.*

♦ Mr^ John Lawrence recojnmends from one oupce and a half
to fourteen drams of succotrine aloes, as a moderate dose for a
race horse, a dose which I am sure would in many horses prove
very injurious; and as a remedy for that kind of colic or gripes,
,».hich often happens from too strong a dose of physic, or from
bad management during its operation, he recommends m sl.ghX
cases a cordial ball, and in moreserious cases camphor dissolved
5.1 a small quantity of gin, with oil of amber, and balsam of ca-
,,ivi and Peru, all of them powerful stimulants, and very hkely
in such cases to produce inflammation in the bowels. AVhcncver
a horse appears sick and griped after taking physic, or, iis the
above author properly describes him, hanging down h>s head,
refusing his food, appearing as if swollen in thecarcase heav.ng
in hi. flanks, and frequently throwing up hi, tail, w..hou aba-
ji.V to evacuate, all medicines of a stimulating qual.ty should be
•wlPd the straight gut should be emptied by the hand, and af-
td'd^ters of /ater-gruei, with olive or linseed oil, should
n niected The horse should be allowed to drink frequently of
! orm watc'r, or thin wa.cr-gruel ; and if he refuse to drink, U
. 1 i„.Mv necessary to drencii liira several times a day.
:;,r«aXdiwalKin. exercise, will soon bri„g on
^. evacuation, and the horse will be relieved. Tt is often sup-
IZ that these unpleasant symptoms are caused by some bad
; U he aloe. liut I am convinced, from ..ogc.per.cacc,

■PHY«IC.

371

The morning is the best time for giving a purga-
tive, the horse Imving previously fasted two or
three hours. If he be disposed to drink after tak-
ing the ball, give a moderate quantity of warm
water, or a small thin bran mash, v/hich will pro-
mote its solution in the stomach, and consequently
expedite the operation. During this day the horse
is to be kept in the stable, and fed with bran mashes
and a moderate quantity of hay : he may be al-
lowed also to drink plentifully of warm water; and
if he refuse it in this state, let it be offered nearly
cold. The following morning he is to be exer-
cised^ and at this time the medicine will generally
begin to operate. Should the purging appear to
be sufficient, he need not be taken out a second
time; but when the desired effect does not readily
take place, trotting exercises will tend to promote
It. During this day also he is. to be carefully sup-
phed with bran mashes and warm water. Warm

llmt it is not so; and I ,viU venture to affirm, that the abovo
symptoms are always occasioned either by too large a dose of
aloe, or by treating the horse improperly after he his taken it
Another e.rcumstance may sometimes assist, and that is, the sfr'
mach eonta.ning ,00 large a quantity of food at the tin e phy.i^
^ S.ven,and partlenlarly if ,„e food be deficient in mo st^;
B t th,s can never happ.a if u,e directions >ve have
"uly observed. I have for several years employed t 'e B.^ bl
aloes very extensively, giving of.en from tinr^y to tifty dte " ,

he course of a week ; and have found, ,hat from half an Z
to one ounce may be considered astheiroper dose fZ . 7
cate bIood-hor.e half an ounce generally proves "fil^n f'""
common saddlc-horsp fi.,„ • , sutncienf; (o a

^'^ ''^"'"^ «> a ^vaggon-horse, one

S'72

PHYSIC.

clothing, more particularly when out of the stable,
must not be omitted. The next day the purging
will generally have ceased, and then a small quan-
tity of corn may be allowed. "When physic does
not operate at the usual time, the horse appearing
sick and griped, relief may generally be obtained
by giving a clyster of water-gruel, and making
him drink freely of warm water, assisted by ex-
ercise. "When the purging continues longer
than usual, and the horse appears to be consider-
ably weakened by the evacuation, let arrow-root or
wheat-flour gruel be given.

It will be observed, perhaps, that some ingre-
dients, commonly thought necessary in physic,
have been omitted in the following formulas. These
medicines have been proved, however, to be per-
fectly useless. Jalap, though given to the amount
of four ounces, will produce very little purgative
effect upon a horse ; nor will salts, or cream of tar-
tar. Rhubarb, however large the dose, will not
operate as a purgative, though it may be useful in
moderate doses as a stomachic.

No, 1.

Barbadoes aloes 5 dr.

Prepared natron 2 dr.

Aromatic powder ^

Oil of Caraways 10 drops.

Syrup enough to form a ball fpr pnc dose.

PHYSIC,

315

No. 2,

Barbadoes aloes , , 6 dr.

Castile soap t oz.

Powdered ginger 1 dr.

Oil of caraways 10 drops.

Syrup enough to form a ball for one dose.

No. 3.

Barbadoes aloes 7 dr. to 1 oz.

Prepared natron 2 dr.

Aromatic powder 1 dr.

Oil of anise-seeds , jO drops.

Syrup enough to form a ball for one dose.

The ball No. 2 I have generally found sufficient
for strong horses, and have scarcely ever had oc-
casion to go farther than No. 3. Should any one,
however, be desirous of a stronger medicine, it
may readily be procured by adding one or two
drams of aloes, or one dram of calomel to the ball
No. 3 : but I must not omit to observe, that there
appears to me to be ^ considerable danger inmak^
mg the addition, '

374'

ALTERATIVES.

Diuretics.

Tpiese are medicines, whicli, by stimulating the
kidneys, increase the secretioh'of urine. The fol-
lowing formulEe I have foiind both convenient and
efficacious : —

No. i.

Castile soap ^ . . 4- oz.

Powdered resin and nitre of each .... 2 oz.

Oil of juniper ^ oz.

Linseed powder and syriip enough to give it a
proper consistence, to be divided into six balls
for strong, or eight for weak delicate horses.

No. 2.

Castile soap 4- oz.

Venice turpentine • 2 oz,

PoAvclered anise-seeds enough to give it a propev
consistence, to be divided into six balls.

Alter alivcs.

Thksk are medicines which produce their ef-
fects almost insensibly; the following formulce will
be found efficacious.

ALTEUATIVES.

375

Alterative Powders.
No. 1.

Levigated antimony 6 oz.

Flowers of sulphur . . 8 oz.

Mix for eight doses.

No. 2.

Powdered resiu 4 oz.

Nitre ^ 3 oz.

Tartarised antimony 1 oz.

Mix for eight doses.

No. 3.

Unwashed calx of antimony .... 2 oz.

Calomel 2 dr.

Powdered anise-seeds 4 oz.

Mix for eight doses.

Should a ball be thought more convenient than
a powder, the change may be easily made by the
addition of syrup and linseed powder.

A dose of the alterative powder should be given
every evening with the corn, until the whole quan-
tity (that is, eiglit doses) is used.

But the powder, No. 3, should not be continued
so long, on account of the calomel which it con-
tains, unless the horse be taken great care of, and
the effects of the medicine carefully watched
Whenever it is observed to occasion sickness, a.-jp*

316

BLISTERS.

ing pains, loss of appetite, or purging, it should be
immediately discontinued, until these symptoms go
off.

Laxatives.

This term is applied to opening medicines that
operate very mildly, and produce so gentle a sti-
mulus upon the intestines, as merely to hasten the
expulsion of their present contents without increas-
ing their secretions. Castor oil seems to be the
best medicine of this kind, though the oil of olives
or of linseed will produce nearly the same effect.
The dose of the former is about a pint; but the
latter may be given to a pint and a half. When'a
laxative ball is required, the following will be found
useful : —

Laxative aloes -J- oz.

Castile soap 3 dr.

Syrup enough to form a ball for one dose.

3. Blisters,

Previous to the application of a blister, the
hair should be cut from the part as closely as pos-
sible, the blistering ointment is to be well rubbed
on it, and afterwards a small quantity is to be

BLISTERS.

311

spread over the part witli a warm knife. When
the blister begins to operate, horses are very apt to
bite the part, which, if suffered, might produce a
permanent blemish. It is necessary, therefore, to
guard against this accident by putting what is
tei-med a cradle about his neck, or by tying liim
up to the rack. When the legs are blistered, the
litter is to be entirely swept away, as the straw
might irritate the blistered parts.

Blistering Ointment.
No. I.

Spanish flies, powdered,

Oil of turpentine

Ointment of wax or hog's lard . ,
Mix.

No. 2.

Oil of turpentine ;

To which add gradually.

Vitriolic acid

Hog's lard

Spanish flies, powdered,

Mix.

OZ.
1 OZ.

4 OZ,

1 OZ.

2 dr.
4 OZ.
1 oz;.

No. 3.

Common tar , ^ ^

Vitriolic acid ^' oz.

Oil of origanum .... , ^'

Hog's lard t''^'

•••••••• t 2 oz.

378

BLISTERS.

Spanish flies, powdered, 1-^ or 2 oz.

Add the vitriolic acid gradually to the tar, and
then the rest of the ingredients.

Remark. — The blister No. 3 is remarkably useful
in removing enlargements of the back sinews or
windgalls. It is necessary to be very careful in
mixing the vitriolic acid with the tar; for, unless
they are intimately incorporated, the acid will act
as a caustic upon the skin, and produce ulceration.
I have seen horses suffer severely from this, parti-
cularly when in blistering the legs it has been ap-
plied also to the back pai t of the pastern, or to the
heel, a part that should always be protected from
the action of the blister, by having, some hog's lard
smeared over it; being so irritable that a blister
sometimes causes ulcers, which in this part are dif-
ficult of cure. Sublimate is often recommended
as an ingredient in blisters, but it is very apt to
tdcerate the skin, and leave a permanent mark or
blemish. I have therefore omitted it in the above
formulae; but in cases of bone spavin, in which se-
vere blistering is necessary, it may be employed
with advantage. 1 have for some time employed
the following blister for common purposes, and
find it more convenient than the others.

• No. 4.

Hog'slard' ...... ....r ^

Venice turpentine ^

T, y r . , . . 2 OZ.

Bees wax

POULTICE.

379

Yellow Resin 1 oz.

Oil of origanum i oz.

Powdered cantharides 3 oz.

Melt the first four ingredients; and when removed
from the fire, and not too hot, stir in the oil of
origanum and cantharides: continue stirring
until cold. Should this blister become too hard
in winter, it may be softened by rubbing it Avith
a little oil of origanum or turpentine, in a mor-
tar or on a slab. (See vol. ii.)

4. Fomentations.

Fomentations are commonly made by boiling
wormwood, southernwood, camomile flowers, and
bay leaves, in water, so as to make a strong decoc-
tion, which, being strained off, is to be applied as
hot as It can be, without giving pain to the animal,
by means of large flannel cloths. The efficacy of
fomentations depends in great measure on their
use being continued for a considerable time to-
gether, and l>eing frequently repeated.

5. Poultice.

The following mixture will be founrl useful a^
a common poultice: Fine bran one quart; pour

S80

CLYSTERS,

on it a sulScIent quantity of boiling water, to make
a thin paste ; to this add of linseed powder enough
to give it a proper consistence.

6. Rowels,

When these are used' with a view of relieving
internal inflammation or fever, it will be found
useful to apply some stimulating liniment, such as
equal parts of common oil and oil of turpentine, or
the digestive commonly made use of, for this will
produce a considerable degree of inflammation in a
short tirne,

7. Clysters,

A VARIETY of compositions have been recom-
mended for clysters by those who have written on
the subject, there being scarcely an article in the
Materia Medica, that has not been occasionally
employed in this way. I have found, however,
from considerable experience, that, for a common
clyster, water-gruel is as efficacious as the most
elaborate composition. When this cannot be
readily procured, I have been in the habit of using
warm water, and without perceiving any difference
in the effect. Where a purgative clyster is requir-
ed, from four to eight ounces of common salt may

PULSE. S81

be added; and if an anodyne be wanted, or an
astringent, let from one to two drams of opium, or
from 1 oz. to l|oz. of laudanum, be dissolved in a
quart of water-gruel. The best method ofadmi-
nisternig clysters is by means of a bladder and
pewter pipe. If a clyster be employed for the pur-
pose of emptying the large intestines, or of purg-
ing, the quantity of liquid should not be less than
a gallon, or six quarts ; but when it is used as an
anodyne or astringent, from a quart to three pints
ofhquid Will be sufficient.

8. Pulse,

In the management of sick hol-ses gr^at advan-
oge may be denved from attending to the state of
he pulse, as we are thereby enabled to judge

the degree of violence of the disease, and the^p j!

babihty there may be of recovery: weareinsom.

measure assisted also by it, in ascertain^" ITZ

tme of the complamt, and in the application of I

In a healthy horse the pulsations are about 36

"'^ side, or in an artery which naccp,

over the lower Jiw ^ • , ^ passes

be fplf In J^^-bone; ^ short, pulsation u.av
^^^'^ '^'P^rfic'icil artery. ^
When a horse appears rather dull, and does not
f-d properly, it i, advi.eable tQ ..amin, IT^^^^^

382

OP THE AGE OP A HOESE.

find if he be found to exceed the standard of
health, immediate recourse should be had to bleed-
ing. By this timely interference many dangerous
complaints may be prevented. When the pulse
rises to 80 or 90 in a minute, there is reason to be
£^prehensive of danger; and when it exceeds 100,
the disease frequently terminates in death.

Of the Age of a horse.

The age of a horse may be discovered by cer-
tain marks in the front teeth of the lower jaw and
the tushes, until the eighth year, about which tmie
they are generally worn out. An experienced per-
son can, however, after this period, judge of the
acc'with some degree of accuracy, by the coun-
tenance and general appearance of the anm.a , as
well as by the length of the teeth, and form of the

Between the second and third year, a colt be-
„insto change his suclmg teeth, as they are termed,
f r others of a larger size and of a ci^fferent form
^nd colour. The sucUug teeth are small, and o a
de! cate white colour. The number of teeth in the
W of the mouth are twelve, six in the lower and

X n L upper jaw. (We take no notice of the
mollroi gnnclers, as they are not concerned
Ss su^ect.^ When a colt is three yeai.
^d, we may observe that th. fouv iront s^^^B t^^f-

OP THK AGE OP A HOUSE. 383

arc lost, and that, instead of them, four others have
sprung up, of a very different appearance, being
larger, of a darker colour, and having a considei"
able cavity on the upper surface ; these are termed
horse's, or permanent teeth. Between the third and
fourth year, the four teeth next these are lost, and
replaced, in the way we have just described, by
horse's teeth; so that when a colt has completed
his fourth year, there are eight horse's teeth observ-
able, and only four colt's teeth, one at each ex-
tremity, or corner, as it is termed. About the mid-
dle of the fifth year these also fall out, and are
succeeded by horse's teeth. The corner teeth of
the horse, particularly of the under jaw, are dif-
ferent from the rest being smaller, and of a shell-
hke appearance: their cavities are chiefly within
the upper surface being a mere edge; but about
the end of the fifth year they are larger and mord
like the other teeth. It is generally between the
fourth and fifth year that the. tushes make their

appearance, though sometimes earlier The tushes

pre four in number, and situate about an inch
h-mi the corner teeth; at first they are small, ter-
mmate m a sharp point, are rather convex on their
external surface, but within have two eoncavitiea
or grooves separated by a ridge. These, as well
the teeth, are gradually undergoing an alterat n

ion V ' ""^^ ^^-"g the

concavU.es on the internal surface. About ti e

seventh year the concavity is considerably din !

«»shed, n«d m pid horses the surface bcconf^s co -

384 OP THE AGE OF A HORSE.

vex, the tush acquires a round form, and the ex-
tremity, instead of being sharp, is quite«blunt, as
if the point had been broken off, and the new sur-
face afterwards polished. We must now return to
the teeth, the appearances of which we have de-
scribed, as far as the completion of the fifth year
of a horse's age. After this period we judge of the
age by the size of those cavities which we have de-
scribed on the upper surface of the tooth : for the
friction to which that surface is almost constantly
exposed gradually wears it down, and at length
the cavity or mark is totally obliterated. The
marks in the upper teeth most commonly remain
until the twelfth year, sometimes longer, but those
in the under teeth are worn out about the end of
the eighth year; we shall therefore confine ourde-
scriptfon now to the under jaw.

As the two front teeth are the first that make
their appeai-ance, it is obvious that their marks
will be lost sooner than those of the other teeth ;
and if we examine the mouth of a horse that has
iust completed his fifth year, we shall find, that
they. are nearly, and sometimes quite worn out :
those in the adjoining teeth are about half tha
original size, while the

teeth are perfect. At the end of the sixth yea>^,
the only cavities observable are m the corner teeth,
and these are about half their original saze: the
tooth has at this period lost the sheU-hke ap^^e
ance we have before described, and is not dif^^en
from the Qlher teeth, except m JiayiPg a

MANAGEMENT DURING A JOURNEY.

385

cavity on its upper surface. At the end of the
seventh year, the marks of the corner teeth are
also obliterated, and then the horse is said to be
aged. We often find, however, that the marks of
the corner teeth are not totally effaced at this pe-
riod : a small dark coloured spot may be observed in
most horses, until about the end of the eighth year.
From this period we have no criterion by which
the age may be ascertained, but it is said that the
marks ef the upper teeth will enable us to judge of
the age until the thirteenth year; the marks of the
front teeth being worn out when he becomes eight
years old, those of the adjoining teeth at ten, c^nd
the corner teeth at twelve; but I cannot say how
far these marks can be depended upon.

On the Management of a Horse during a Joiirney,

Previous to setting out on a journey, every pre-
caution should be employed to bring a horse into
as perfect a state of health as possible, as we there-
by avoid much trouble and inconvenience. It is
necessary also to examine the feet, and see that
they are ni good order, and properly shoed : the
saddle, or hai-ness, should also bl in^.ected. By
attention to a 1 these circumstances, a horse woidd
generally perform the journey with ease to him If
nd com ort eo his rider; and I have often, i' l t
course of a long prnctice, had occasion to witneij

iJS6 MANAGEMENT DURING A JOURNEY.

the occurrence of the most vexatious and expensive
delays during a journey from a want of such atten-
tion. Before a horse is taken out for a long jour-
ney, he should, for a fortnight previous, be rode out
daily for exercise; not merely walked about for
twenty minutes, or half an hour, but kept out for
an hour or two, during which time, he should
have some trotting, as, well as walking, exercise.
It is adviseable to have the horse shoed four or five
days before he sets off on the journey ; because if
they do not exactly fit him, or if a nail should have
been driven too close, the error can be corrected
without much inconvenience. Should he be at all
subject to grease, or swelling of the legs, a dose of
physic is to be recommended, taking care to pre-
serve the heels clean, and to keep up a brisk circu-
lation in the legs by frequent hand rubbing. Should
the feet of the horse be tender, it is necessary to
inquire into the cause of that tenderness: if it arise
from corns, let the directions be followed that are
o-lven nnder that head; if it proceed from flat and
thin soles, great care is required in adaptmg the
shoes to the feet, and nailing them securely; as
such feet are generally thin and brittle, and the
loss of a shoe might occasion severe lameness, it
the froos are tender from thrushes, let them be
made perfectly clean, and then dressed at first wuh
a solution of white or blue vitriol, or of sugar of
lead, afterwards with tar. tf the feet are hot dry,
and inflamed, let them be softened and cooled by a
oultice. Horses that travel dunng the wmta

MANAGEMENT DURING A JOURNEY. 387

are very liable to have their heels inflamed and
cracked, as it is termed, unless great attention is
paid to them in the stable. In cases where the
heels are already thus affected, they should be
washed with moderately warm water as soon as the
horse gets in, and afterward carefully wiped diy
with a soft cloth; if much inflamed, a poultice,
and afterwards the astringent lotion are to be ap-
plied; and if there be any idcers or cracks, use the
astnngent ointment, and let the alterative powder
No 2, be given occasionally. When a horse's
wmd appears to be imperfect, he should not be al-
owed to fill hunself with hay or water, and must
be prevented from eating his litter, which horses
of this description are generally inclined to do,
particularly when stinted in hay : in this case, cost-
iveness sometimes occurs, which always increases
thecomplamt. To remedy this, let a clvster and
a few bran mashes be given. Too high feeding is
also veiy prejudicial in these compK^ts, as ^ny
thmg which tends to create a plethora, and de^^
nnne too much blood to the lungs, is sure to 1
gravate the disease. To a horse that purges !
scours in trave ling, and appears fai„t,%vfeating
much with moderate exercise give the c^-dial b if
the efficacy of which is sometimes increased by b -
ing mixed with a pint of ale or strong beer • ff th.
complamtdo not give way to this freatm ent J
the astringent ball be given.

As soon as a horse comes into the stable ].^
feet bewellcleancd,aiKl all dirtorlntw

588

MANAGEMENT DUUING A JOURNEY.

fully removed. It is a very common practice with
ostlers, even in winter, to tie the horse up in the
yard, that he may undergo the ceremony of having
his heels washed with cold water. This should
never be permitted during the ^7 inter, as many bad
consequences may arise fi-om it. During hot wea-
ther, when the roads are dry and dusty, allow a
horse to drink a small quantity of water now and
then, while on the road; this not only refreshes
him considerably, but has the useful effect of
cooling and moistening his hoofs, as he will gene-
rally be made to stand in the water while drinking,
nor is there the least danger to be apprehended
from it, unless he is rode very hard immediately
before or after. In winter he should never be
taken into the water, if it can be avoided conveni-
ently.

Should the horse appear dull, and lose his ap-
petite, let him be bled moderately, and take a dose
of nitre with a bran mash; this, with a little rest,
will soon recover him.' It is a common practice,
when this happens, to give cordials, which are very
improper, and often do much injury to the annual,
by brincring on a fever. Some horses are particu-
larly subject to the flatulent colic, or gripes : this is
often the case with crih-liiers : on such occasions, it
is adviseable to be always provided with a remedy,
and as a ball is the most convenient form, I have
given a recipe for the purpose. (See Flalulevt
Colic, or Gripes.) A suppression of urine, or great
difficulty and puin in staling, is an accident that

MANAGEMENT DURING A JOURNEY.

389

sometimes occurs in travelling; and in such cases
a diuretic ball is commonly given, which, though
sometimes successful, has often done mischief.
The most efiectual way of relieving the horse is by
throwing up a clyster, and bleeding moderately :
should there be no appearance of inflammation in
the kidneys, a dose of nitre may also be given.
The common practice of loading a horse with
clothes, and keeping him in a close warm stable,
if he happen to take cold during a journey, is cer-
tainly improper, since he is liable to be frequently
exposed to wet and cold in travelling. It is a well
known fact, that animals are not hurt by being
kept in any uniform temperature, whether it be
hot or cold; and that their diseases more com-
monly arise from sudden changes, or frequent va-
riation of temperature.

When a horse becomes suddenly lame in travel-
ling, let the feet be carefully examined. Should
the lameness be occasioned by a wound from a nail
or flint, apply tincture of myrrh or Friar's balsam,
havmg previously removed all dii-t or gravel from
It; and if the wound have been inflicted by a nail
let It be carefully opened to the bottom with a
small drawing knife, and proper means used to
prevent dirt from gettintr to it.

390 MANAGEM5NT DURING A JOURNEY,

Cordial Balls.
No. 1.

Cummin seeds, -\

Anise-seeds, and > 4- oz.

Caraway seeds, of each

Ginger 2 oz.

Treacle enough to make it of a proper consistence
for balls. The dose about two ounces.

No. 2.

Anise-seeds, ^

Caraway seeds, ••••[_ 4, oz.

Sweet fennel seeds, and ...... j

• «

Liquorice powder, of each
Ginger and cassia, of each .... H oz.
Honey enough to form them into a mass.
The dose about two ounces.

No. 3. ,

Cummin seeds,

Coriander seeds, and > 4^ oz.

Caraway seeds, of each J

Grains of paradise 1 oz.

Cassia ■ o^-

Cardamom seeds and saffron, -) ^

of each J

Liquorice dissolved in white wine 2 dr.
Syrup of saffron enough to form a mass.
The dose about two ounces.

MANAGKMENT DUUING A JOURNEY. 391

No. 4.

Powdered ginger 4 oz.

Powdered caraway seeds 8 oz.

Oil of caraways and -\

Oil of anise-seeds, of each ... .J ^

Liquorice powder . . . . , 8 oz.

Treacle enough to form a mass.

When cordial balls cannot be readily procured,
a little warm beer, with some grated ginger, may
be substituted for them.

LOCKED JAW.

I HAVE lately met with a case of locked jaw, that
appeared to have been caused by a wound in the
foot, which was completely cured by the following
treatment. Upon examining the horse, I found
the wound in the foot nearly healed ; the jaws so
closed, that he could not even take food into his
mouth, though he was constantly endeavouring to
do it, and appeared very hungry, having been in-
capable of eating any thing about twenty-four
hours before I saw him; the muscles of the neck
werem a natural state, though the jaws were so
closed as to prevent his taking food into his
mouth; the teeth were not absolutely in contact-
and we were able, but with great difficulty, to in-
troduce gradually a large dose of opium and cam-
phor Vi'hen we first attempted to give this
ch-aught, the animal appeared so agitated, and re-
s.sted so much, that it required the assistance of
several men to give it. As soon as the medicine
was given, a strong blister was applied to the spij
or middle of the back, beginning at the .^t^^

s 5

394.

APPENDIX. — LOCKED JAW.

and continuing it the whole length of the spine,
even to the basis of the tail ; the blister was care-
fully rubbed in, and afterward a fresh quantity was
spread upon it, in order to expedite its action. A
caustic was then applied to the wound in the foot.
In about six hours we endeavoured to ^ivG some
strong gruel, and found much less difficulty in do-
ino- it, than in giving the medicine at first. The
jaws, however, were still nearly close, and some
dexterity was required to pour the gruel into the
throat. Soon after this, another dose of opium
and camphor was given, and water-gruel several
times. During this time, the jaws appeared to be
rather more open, and there was less difficulty in
cvivino- the gruel. About twenty-four hours after
the application of the blister, during which time
he had taken two strong doses of opium and cam-
phor, and some gruel, the horse was able to feed,
and even to eat hay. Another dose, but weaker,
of opium and camphor was given : the complaint
did not return. The fatality of this disease in
horses, and the consideration that a clearly stated
case can be more closely followed than a general
description of the treatment, have induced me to
give a detailed, account of this successful case.

Since the former edition of this work, I have
had an opportunity of perusing " A Treatise on
Lockrd huu and Epidonk Catarrh, or Disten,pe, .

APPENDIX.-^LOCKED JAW.

S95

by William Wilkinson, Veterinary Surgeon, of
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and finding in it some use-
ful observations, and a description of twenty-four
cases of the former disease, in winch his mode of
treatment proved successful, I should think a short
account of it would not be deemed superfluous.
With respect to the epidemic catarrh, or distem-
per, it is sufficient to observe, that Mr. Wilkinson's
mode of treatment does not differ essentially from
that I have recommended, especially in my fourth
volume, from which he has made extracts: but in
the treatment of locked jaw, there arc circumstances
worth noticing, especially as the result of his treat-
ment was so unusually successful. The peculiarity
of the practice consists in giving a strong purija-
tive at the commencement of the' disorder, and in
covering the affected parts with sheep-skins, having
previously embrocated them with some stimulating
liniment. There is so little variation in the author's
detail of the symptoms and treatment, that it will
only be necessary to extract one case, in order to
give the reader a knowledge of the treatment and
character of the disorder.

Case.—"' On being called to examine this case,
I found the symptoms were a spasmodic affection
of the muscles of the jaws, head, neck, back, hinder
extremities, and abdomen, which occasioned them
to become rigidly contracted, and the abdomen
was much drawn in, the pulse was about fifty, with
some irregularity, the breathing a little quickened,
the jaws were considerably shut, but not so close

APPENDIX.— LOCKED JAW.

but medicine might be administered as a drench
with a small horn, the appetite not diminished, but
she could not masticate hay, the head somewhat
raised, and on elevating it a little more, the haws
covered great part of the ball of the eye, the nose
was thrown out from the chest, the nostrils ex-
panded, the ears erect or perched up, a great siiS-
ness of the neck and back, the tail a little elevated,
and, upon a little fatigue, a shaking of it, a strad-
dling of the hinder extremities ; the animal was
very costive, and the urine was somewhat dimi-
nished. The mare had been shoed about three
weeks before, and the farrier had driven a nail
into the sensible part of the foot while shoeing her.
The lameness thus produced was soon removed, and
the disease came on after performing a journey ; that
is about three weeks after the injury in the foot had
been inflicted. Two quarts of blood were taken
off; a purgative drench and an emollient clyster
were given ; considerable friction was used over the
muscles of the jaws, head, neck, and back, particu-
larly where they were found most rigid; a stirau-
latino- liniment of turpentine, hartshorn, mustard,
and oil, was well rubbed over those parts, which
were afterwards covered with sheep-skins, as re-
cently taken off the sheep as they could be pro^
cured, which soon brought on sensible perspiration
The diet was principally thin bran J^"^
oitmeal-crruel, of which she frequently took a h tie.
Tte next day pulse the same, breathing a httle
quicker, jaws" not more locked; aconstant perspi

APPENDIX.— LOCKED JAW.

39V

ration had been kept up by the sheep-skins; the
purgative drench not operating, another clyster
was administered, which promoted its action : the
liniment was repeated. Next day (the ninth),
symptoms nearly the same, perspiration copious,
the purging having subsided, the anti-spasmodic
medicine, composed of opium, camphor, and assa-
fcetida, was given with a small horn morning and
evening, and a similar mixture, with the addition
of three pints of a decoction of rue, was adminis-
tered, as a clyster, morning and evening. The
drench and clysters were repeated morning and
evening till the 14th; and during this, the quantity
of opium, viz. 1 dram, was increased or diminished
according to the violence of the spasms, wliich at
times were very severe. It was always administered
in such a manner as Xo' liave its effects constant in
the system, without producing much restlessness •
durmg this time, there was also a most copious
perspiration going on under the sheep-skins. The
bowels becoming costive again, another purgative
drench and an emollient clyster were administered
On the 15th, the drench not operating, an emol-
hent clyster was given, which produced the desired
effect. Pulse and breathing a little hurried and
irregular, jaws not more locked, still perspires under
the sheep-skins, appetite good, but cannot masti-
cate hay 16th, Pulse more regular, breathin.
more calm, perspires freely under the skins : the
purgmg having subsided, the opium, &c. were ad
-metered as bdbre, and ,o«ti/u.d ^ntil the 21

398

APPENDIX. — LOCKED JAW.

when another purgative drench and emollient clys-
ter were given. The jaws were now more open,
and the mare could masticate hay : the muscles of
the head, neck, back, and hinder extremities, be-
came considerably relaxed, and on raising the
head, the haws did not cover much of the eye. On
the 23d, the purging having subsided, the anti-
spasmodic medicine was again employed until the
10th of April, when another purge was adminis-
tered. On the 12th, the purging subsided : the
anti-spasmodic was again used a few days longer,
when she was completely cured of the complaint.
After this, tonics were given, which, with a nou-
rishing diet and suitable exercise, soon restored
the tone of the muscles, and the animal became as

useful as ever."

Nine of the twenty-four cases described came on
after docking or cutting of the tail, from ten days
to a month after 'the operation. In such cases,
the tail was fomented with warm water and the
sore dressed with digestive ointment It should
be remarked, that in all the successful cases the
Ls were not so completely closed but ri.edicine
could be given with a small horn, or introduced as
n bolus, by means of a cane. In some instances,
thereLears to have been considerable difficulty
in criving medicine at first, but by persevering core-
fully both medicine and food were introduced in
suflkient quantity. With respect to cold apphca-
tion, Mr. Wilkinson says, he has only tv^^\^t
when the whole of a mave's body, aftected with

APPENDIX.— LOCKED JAW. 399

locked jaw, except the nostrils, was immersed in
snow for some time, without producing any relax-
ation of the muscles; on the contrary, the symp-
toms afterwards gradually increased, and she died
the third day.

In four cases that terminated fatally, the jaws
were so completely closed, that neither food nor
medicine could be given by the mouth. On exa-
mining these horses after death, there was some de.-
gree ot mflammation in the lungs, stomach, and
bowels; he "generally found on opening the spinal
canal, that the membranes covering the spinal mar-
row exhibited a very inflamed appearance, and the
spinal marrow itself was tinired of a darker colour
and die membranes of the brain exhibited some
marks of mflammation." Of the twenty-eio-ht cases
given by Mr. Wilkinson, all except eight were oc
casioncd by some external injury ; and in these
the cause does not seem to have been apparent,
though attributed in two of them to catarrh or
exposure to cold. One of them came on after in-
flammation of the lungs. In one case only, the

disorder came on three weeks after castratfon or
gelding.

Mr. Wilkinson's observations on this formidable
Wdcrai-e certainly valuable; and his mod of
.■eatment appears to have been eminently success
ful. will not perhaps be uninteresting if TZ
elude tins subject with Gibson's brief, but fL^,i i "f
description of this disorder; from whic 7 1 u
«ppea. that most ofthe cases which i:^:.^;;!:

400 AITENDIX.— LOCKED JAAV.

the course of his practice appeared to originate hi
irritation or ulceration of the stomach and bowels
by botts, worms, or from some disease of the dia-
phragm, such as imposthumation or ulceration.
Gibson also strongly recommends rubbing the
parts well with stimulating liniments; and men-
tions a case where the jaws, were so much shut, that
the horse could neither eat nor drink for three
weeks ; only, by continually rubbing th.e jaws and
neck, he could sometimes make a shift to suck
about a handful of scalded bran, or sometimes a
little oatmeal moistened with a little warm water;
and he thinks, that during the three weeks he did
not eat enough to sustain hinyone day, and during
all this time he was supported by milk and oatmeal
injected by the fundament. During all this time
the contraction of the jaws continued obstinate;
therefore, he caused half an ounce of opium to be
given in one of his clysters, soon after which, the
horse lay down, could move his ears and neck very
freely, and his mouth was so far at liberty that he
took his drenches with little or no difficulty, and
could eat hay or bran sufficient to sustam him.
In one of Gibson's cases, the disease began m the
hind parts, and proceeded gradually lorward to
the laws; but Mr. Wilkinson states, that of sixty
cases of locked jaw that he has met with n. the
course of twenty years practice, not one of them
commenced in that manner, but invariably began
with an affection of the muscles of the jaw, and as

APPENDIX.—LOCKED JAW. 401

the disease advanced, the muscles of the head, neck,
back, and hind extremities became alFected.

Gibson's Description of Locked Jaw.

^ As soon as a horse is seized with this complaint,
his head is raised, with his nose towards the rack,
his ears pricked up, and his tail cocked, looking
with eagerness, as a hungry horse when hay is put
down to him, or like a high spirited horse when
put upon his mettle; insomuch, that those who
are strangers to such things, when they see a horse
stand in this manner, will scarce believe that any
thing of consequence ails him; but they are soon
convinced, when they see other symptoms come on
apace : his neck grows stiff, cramped, and almost
immoveable ; and, if a horse in this condition lives
a few days several knots and ganglions will arise
on the tendinous parts thereof, and all the muscles,
both before or behind, will be so much pulled or
cramped, and so stretched, that he looks as if nailed
to the pavement, with his legs stiff aside and strad-
tiling His skin is drawn so tight on all parts of
his body, that it is almost impossible to move it,
and If trial be made to make him walk, he is read^
to fall at every step, unless he is carefully support-
ed: his eyes are so fixed with the inactL of t e
muscles, as gives him a deadness in his looks; t

402

APPENDIX. — FEYEB.

snortfi and sneezes often, pants constantly with
shortness of breath, and this continues increasing
till he drops down dead, which generally happens
in a few days, unless some very sudden and effect-
ual turn can be given to the distemper. It almost
always seizes suddenly, and without any previous
symptoms. Young horses, from four to six years
old, are most subject to it, and the large coach
breed, and all kinds of draught horses more than
saddle-horses. The most usual cause of this uni-
versal cramp or convulsion is from botts in the sto-
mach, which generally come to maturity in the
months of April, May, and June. It is sometimes
(he thinks) owing to other causes, such as impost-
humation, or ulcers of the midriff or diaphragm.
In such cases, there are some previous symptoms :
the horse, first of all, falls off; his stomach grows
gradually weak, feeble, and dispirited in his work,
turns short breathed with the least exercise. These
are signs which I have observed go before the
distemper, though they are also common in many
other inward disorders.- Gi/;5o« on the Diseases of
Ihrses, vol. i. p. 2S0.

Fever.

In the former editions of this work, fever was
considered cither as a simple or original complaint,
arising from suddenly suppressed or checked per-

APPENDIX. — FEVER. 403

Spiration, or as a symptomatic or complicated dis-
ease, depending upon an alFection of one or more
of the internal organs, or their membranes. In
both cases, lleed'mgwas recommended as an essen-
tial remedy. My practice, since that time, lias
not given me reason to change this opinion mate-
rially; but, as some modern writers on farriery
have described another kind of fever, termed pu-
trid, or lyp/a/s, in which bleeding is extremely in-
jurious, J think it necessary to state the observa-
tions, which an extensive practice has suggested
to me on this subject. The grand charac'teristic
of fever I conceive to be, an unusually quick pulse,
^. e. from seventy to a hundred in a minute; a pe-
culiar kind of sensation which it gives to the fin^rer,
as if it were struck sharply by the vibration of a
cord; and at the same time a feebleness, or small-
ness, quite different from that gradual swell of the
healthy pulse. When a horse labours under con-
siderable debility, either from hard work, want of
sufficient food, or other causes, except fever, the
pulse IS more or less languid, or weak; sometimes
slower, at others a little quicker than usual; still,
however, it swells gradually, and does not give
that sensation we have described, and which phy-
sicians term hardness. ' ^

In/ever, there is either a total loss, or a dimi-
nition of appetite, and the animal appears to be
pain; the natural evacuations (dung and urine)
are generally deficient; and, upon lifdng the 1
l^cl, we generally find it unusually red. The mout

40d' APPENDIX.— FEVER.

feels hotter, and the tongue is commonly dryer
than usual.

In simple debility, or weakness, whether it be
occasioned by hard work, or any other cause, ex-
cept fever, the mouth and tongue are in their na-
tural state; the pulse, though weak, and some-
times not easily felt, if we press much upon the
artery with the finger, does not give that sharp
hard stroke which characterises fever ; the horse
readily sweats ; and when the weakness is consi-
derable, the ears and hind legs will feel rather
cold, and his flanks generally move quicker than
usual. If blood be drawn, it will be found very
different from that of a horse labouring under
fever or inflammation. (See Bleeding.) The ap-
petite, thougb diminished, is not quite gone; the
inner surface of the eyelid is not unusually red,
often less so than in health ; and the horse does not
appear to be in pain. Though bleeding, in such
cases, is extremely injurious, a mild laxative is
useful, unless the dung be softer and in greater
quantity than natural ; and if there be a deficiency
of urine, or any difficulty in voiding it, a diuretic,
composed of camphor and nitre, should be given.
This symptom, however, seldom occurs m these
cases. After the laxative, tonics, with a nutritious
diet, and good grooming or nursing, generally re-
store the animal in a short time to health. I Ins
disease is sometimes mistaken for fever, and treated
improperly; they are cases of this kind, however.

APPENDIX.—rEVER. 405

tliat fan-iers so frequently cure, under the name of
lever, by medicines of the cordial or tonic kind
_ I never saw any kind fever, in which bleed-
and generally, laxatives, were not manifestly
ijseful, If employed judiciously, at an early period-
that IS ,f the quantity of blood drawn, and the
strength of the laxative, were properly adapted to
the strength of the animal, and the violence of the
disease and employed at its first appearance.
Several cases have occurred, where debility quick-
ly succeeded the inflammatory commenclent
and rendered bleeding, sometimes purgino- X

:g ly .mproper,. and it is, perhapl st-clfcas
that some writers have mistaken for the typhus or
low pmrul fever: others appear to me to Co-
pied then- description of it from that given by
writers on human diseases. ^ ^

In cases of shnple debility, I have found the
follown^g medicines of great use, giving the Hx^
-0 in the first place, if the horsJ be costiv oi'
even If the bowels be in a natural state; ZlZ
s operation, however, it is adviseable to^^
strong gruel, instead of bran mashes. ^

Laxaliue.

Barbadoes aloes „ i

Powdered canella

Prepared kali t'J^'''

Mint water . ^

8 oz.

Mix for one draught.

406

APPENDIX.-— FEVER.

Tonic.

Mow Peruvian bark 6 dr.

Cascarilla |

Powdered opium i

Prepared kali ^

Svrup enough to form a ball for one dose.-It is

often necessary to increase the proportion ot

bark, and sometimes of the other ingredients ;

but when the horse becomes costive, the opium

must be omitted.

The most proper food, on these occasions, is
„ood sweet oats, and the best hay, g'vf " f'-?';''"''^
Tslu quantities. Tlre horse shou d be allow c
! Wnk also, frequently; his exercise should be
' e' t'd ratL; and, when the weakness >s cons.
7eLl, he should be allowed to exere.se h,ms If
-:l;,e.allorbox-^^^^^^^^

'''I :r ^Sr: chn^inished appetUe,

and bellj, gieat .vithout the /wr(f7J^^5 cha-

^ .'f I "t remarkable ease

:rr;indr:recoit(th^eey.^^^^^

APPENDIX.—FEVER. 407

was his separating liimself from his companions,
standing with a dejected appearance, and not
grazing as usual. When examined, considerable
swelhng was observed about the chest, between the
fore legs; and when I saw him, the pulse was
about sixty in a minute, yet soft: he did not re-
fuse his food entirely, but appeared indifferent
about It; nor was there any symptom which indi-
cated an affection of the internal organs. He
voided his urine with diflicultj-, and in the usual
quantity; but as the dung appeared harder, and
in less quantity than is usual with horses at m-ass,
a weak laxative was first administered. He was
taken up and put loose into a cool stable, which
opened into a large court, the door being left open •
he was offered frequently young lucen^e, diver'
&c. and allowed to drink when he chose it. The
svveUmg and weakness increased eonsiderably • a
medicmo, composed of bark, vitriolated iron Lt
of steel), and a little canella, was thereforelive
and a more nutritious diet allowed; „r,el Tr
row root powder, boiled in the usunl t t"

fi 1 ^"Linuea, the swel inxr incrpn«f>r»
and the pulse remained in a slow feeble 7 '

rather slower. The swelling .vis sca y^^
^-ge quantity of water evacuate C:'^ ^
^?reatly diminished; the dose nf / '''^^

408

APPENDIX. — EPIDEMIC FEVER.

ally. His appetite improving, he was allowed to
take an unlimited quantity of the most nutritious
food, which was varied so as to keep up his appe-
tite ; and, by persevering in this plan about a fort-
night, he appeared to be quite recovered. About
a fortniffht after this, the disease returned with
greater violence, the swelling extended all over the
under part of the chest and belly, the pulse became
very weak, but not much quicker than before, and
the animal was extremely feeble. By persevering
in the use of the tonic medicines, and assisting
them by the most nutritious diet, such as strong
gruel, new milk, oats, &c., the colt perfectly reco-
vered. I have seen several cases of this kind, one
of which proved fatal from the negligence of the
owner, who did not supply the colt with a sufficient
quantity of nutriment, which seems to be as neces-
sary as medicine ; and when a colt in this com-
plaint refuses his food, I have found it necessary
to drench him frequently with strong gruel, boiled
arrow root, sago, or milk. It is proper also to
vary the food, so that the animal may be tempted
to eat oftener than he would otherwise : for this
purpose, carrots, lucerne, &c. are useful. The oats
should be perfectly sweet ; and should the colt be
found to prefer them in a moist state, they may be
sprmkled with water.

APPENDIX.— EPIDExMIC PEVER. 409

Epidemic Fever, or Distemper.

The epidemic diseases of horses generally ap«
pear in the form of a violent catarrh, or cold. The
first symptoms are cough, heaviness of the head,
the eyes often watery, or a little inflamed : some-
tmies there is a quickness of breathing; and the
niflammation of the membrane, which lines the
throat, nose, and windpipe, is often so consider-
able, as to cause a difficulty in swallowing; the
pulse is generally quicker than usual. If tlfe pro-
per remedies be not employed at this period, the
Jiorse becomes very weak, and considerable fever
takes place; the appetite goes clF; the cough and
quickness of breathing increase; and debility is so
great, tliat the animal staggers in his walk. There
IS an offensive discharge from his nose: and, after
Inigenng some time, the horse dies from a con-
sumption. More commonly, however, a dischar^re
of white matter takes place from the nose after the
disease has continued a few days, by which the"
cough and other symptoms appear to be lessened;
but though the horse slowly recovers his health
and strength, a troublesome and sometimes incu-
rable cough remains. When the disease is pro-
perly treated at Us commencement, the horse per-
foctly recovers in a short time, unless the attack is
very violent; and even then, by judicious manlg !
~cu;::f' '''' other symptoms,

410 APPENDIX. — EPIDEMIC FEVER.

When an epidemic happens, horses should be
carefully watched ; and on the first appearance of
any symptoms of the disease the horse should be
bled freely, unless he is in low condition, or pre-
viously exhausted by hard work, old age, or un-
wholesome food. After bleeding, give the follow-
ing laxative, and let the horse's diet consist of bran
mashes, sweet hay, and a very small quantity of
oats. When the attack is moderate, these reme-
dies are generally sufficient to effect a cure, taking
care to prevent a relapse by nursing, and givmg
every day one of the following powders.

But when the inflammatory symptoms are at
first violent, when thex'c is a quickness of breathing,
soreness of the throat, and distressing cough, a
blister to the throat is necessary; and, unless
weakness forbids, bleeding even to five quarts is
proper. A laxative is always beneficial at first, if
the bowels be not already open ; after which, the
following powder is to be given daily. Warm
clothing, and frequent hand-rubbing to the legs,
are useful; but a close stable is injurious. The
horse should be turned loose into a large stall ;
and if a discharge from the nose appear, let it be
encouraged by causing the vapour of warm water
to pass through the nostrils, and clothing the head
and ears. When the disease, from being neglect-
ed or improperly treated at first, becomes alarming, .
and the weakness considerable, nothing but to-
nic medicines and a nutritious diet can do any
good.

APPENDIX.— EPIDEMIC FEVER. 411

Laxative.

Barbadoes aloes 2 to 3 dr

Tartarlsed antimony 1 ^j.

Mix first with about 4 oz. of warm water; and
then add 4 oz. of castor oil
To be given at one dose.

Powder for Epidemic Fever.
No. 1.

Powdered nitre J- oz to 1

Antimonial powder . . aT'

Camphor ! ' j ' ' • f f '

^ 1 dr. to 2 dr.

Mix.

No. 2.

Tartarized antimony 2 dr

Powdered resin o j '

Nitre ...

i oz.

Mix.

One of either of these powders is to be .ivcn
for a short timo T discontinued

with flt::?:,;,,;'^^^' '--^^ ^--^ ba,.

T 2

4)12 ArFENDIX. — STOMACH STAGGERS.

Diseases of the Slomac/i.

The principal diseases of this important organ
have been before described. Tliere is one, how-
ever, which I have but briefly noticed, and which
has been denominated sloinack staggers, from its
resemblance to apoplexy, or brain staggers.

A description of the symptoms has been given
already. {See Staggers, ^. 92-95.) It has been
proved, that this disease arises from a distention ot
the stomach by food .* The stomach, with its con-
tents, of one horse that died of this complaint,
weighed nearly sixty pounds. Its coats were so
stretched, that they were easily torn, and had, no
doubt, lost all power of contracting some time be-
fore death. The food which it contained was rather
hard, consisting of imperfectly masticated hay and
o.ts The yellowness observable in the horse s
e:es'and mouth appeared to have been occasioned
by the pressure of the stomach upon the gall duct,
causing the bile to return into the circulation A
considerable number of horses, that died of this
disease, were examined, and th.= same appearance
observed in all of them : we therefore concluded,
the immediate cause of this kind of staggers was

^;tr«fll:e.tomud,,ll.ant..ecau.eof.hcd.sorder.

APPENDIX.— STOMACH STAGGERS. 413

an accumulation of indigestible food in the sto-
mach : but as the disease also happened to horses
at grass, and, in two or three cases, even to such
as had been at grass some time without being
changed into other grass, it became necessary to
enquire into the cajise of this accumulation. In
many cases where it attacked horses kept in stables,
it was ascertained without difficulty. The horses
most liable to it were such as had been much ex-
hausted by hard work, unwholesome food, or old
age; and not unfrequently all three of these causes
had concurred in exhausting the animal's strength.
Most commonly, the immediate cause was found
to be that which we have before alluded to in page
256 : that is, allowing a horse that has been kept a
considerable time without food, and just come into
the stable from a long and fatiguing journey, to
eat an unlimited quantity of food, without giving
a sufficient quantity of water to enable the stomach
to digest it. This, however, could not have been
the cause in the horses attacked at gras.; yet
upon inquiry, it was found that such horses had '
been used ill or worked hard, previous to -their ao,
ing to grass, and were generally old horses. It'' is
probable, therefore, that the disease was brought
on by the horse's eating voraciously of some xm-
v-holesome grass, which n.ight act as poison on
he stomach, depnving it of the digestive powe,-,
the effect being more readily produced in weak
s omachs or debilitated constitutions. Whenevlr
the stomnph staggers happen, the proprietor i.

'1

414 APPENDIX. — STOMACH STAGGERS,

greatly alarmed, from an opinion which generally
prevails of their being contagious. There arc
some circumstances which seem to countenance
this opinion ; 1st, that they often attack more than
one horse when several are kept in the same stable,
not ^t the same time, but in succession: many
farmers having lost several horses in a short time
from this disease. I am satisfied, however, that
they are not infectious ; and when a farmer hap-
pens to have several horses attacked with staggers,
either at the same time or in succession, it can only
be attributed to his negligence or hard treatment
of the animal : considerable experience and careful
investigation have convinced me of the truth of
this remark. * The only method of removing this
disease is to exhibit strong purgatives, joined with
aromatics and other stimulants, at an early period;
for if the stomach be distended to a certain degree,
no medicine can restore it. t

• The numerous cases of slaggers which occurred at Swansea,
and of which a detailed account is given in the third volume,
certainly strengthen, if they do not confirm, the opinion of the
disease being contagious.

+ When the stomach has its vital power cmsidernbly dimi-
nished, its contents become subject, in some degree, to chemical
laws, by which all dead matter is governed, or, in oilier
words, /erMen<««on will take place,and a quantity of air be ex-
tricated in consequence, so as to increase the distention. Tn.s
often occurs to horned cattle, when brought suddenly into a lux-
nriant pasture, particularly clover. I once met with a case
where a horse, getting loose during the night, found the corn-
chest open : next morning he was lying dead in the stable ; and,
on opening the body, a large quantity of oats was found m the

II

APPENDIX. — STOMACH STAOGERS.

41.5

I do not think it adviseable, in this disease, to
give a large quantity of purgative medicine at once,
but some powerful stimukis must be exhibited, in
order to give the stomach sufficient energy to ex-
pel its contents. The purgative, with weaker sti-
mulants, may be repeated once in ten or twelve
hours; and about a pint of salt water every second
hour, with a tea-spoonful of compound spirit of
ammonia. This will serve to moisten the contents
of the stomach, and stimulate moderately at the
same time. Clysters are also to be given now and
then, so as to remove any hard excrement, that
may get into the last gut. The extension of the
stomach causes an accumulation of blood in the
vessels of the brain; the horse hangs down his
head, or forces it against the wall, appearing insen-
sible. It is necessary then to take a moderate
quantity of blood from the neck or temporal ar-
tery; but in debilitated constitutions copious bleed-
ing is very injurious. It is adviseable, when this
symptom is observed, to contrive some means for
supporting the horse's head. If by these means
we succeed in procuring an evacuation of hgrd
dung, there is reason to expect a recovery, particu-
larly when, after emptying the gut by a clyster, or
by the hand, a fresh quantity is soon after found
in It. V^ hen the excrement becomes thinner, or
the horse purges, we may be satisfied that the dis-

|ton,a 1 3 j,^^^^ wasrnptured, and some of the corn
Jad fallen .hrough ,l,e opening into the cavity of the belly I
have since heard of two similar cases. ^'

416 APPENDIX. — STOMACH STAGGEES.

ease is removed, and then we have only to support
the animal's strength with strong gruel given fre-
quently, a small quantity of oats now and then,
and tonic medicines. Should the horse be incUned
to eat hay, a very small quantity only should be
allowed at once. By adopting this plan, 1 have
succeeded in curing this dangerous disease; but it
is absolutely necessary to watch the horse con-
stantly, and apply the proper remedies fi-equently.
Without this attention, success must not be ex-
pected. Besides, horses thus affected, will often
injure themselves during their delirium, unless con-
stantly watched and prevented. I do not think it
difficult to distinguish between this and that kind
of staggers which depends simply on an affection
of the brain : in the latter, there is a more fiirious
delirium ; the eyes and mouth are not tinged yel-
low ; there is not that convulsive twitching in the
breast; the fore legs do not give way now and
then, as if the horse were on the point of falhng;
it generally attacks horses in high condition, par-
ticularly such as have been well fed and not suffi-
ciently exercised.

The stomach staggers, on the contrary, generally
attack horses of debilitated constitutions, that are
worked hard and ill fed. When they attack horses
apparently in good condition, we commonly find
that they are rather old, and have been exposed to
hard work: cases of this kind sometimes occur
among waggon-horses, particularly when, from
the sickness or inability of one or two of the team.

appendix.—stojNUCh staggers.

4.17

the remainder are obliged to perform the whole of
the labour : sometimes it happens, as we have be-
fore observed, from feeding voraciously as soon as
a horse returns from a long journey, and not tak-
ing in any water, or not enough, to moisten the
food and render it digestible, or from swallowing
the food hastily, without proper mastication. In
whatever way this complaint is brought on, the
symptoms are always nearly the same, varying
only in degree. The delirium is generally pro-
portioned to the distension of the stomach. When
this is considerable, the animal appears to suffer
the most excruciating pain; and though generally
delirious or stupid, it is very^different from that fu-
rious madness, Avhich inflammation of the brain
occasions. When the stomach staggers have hap-
pened to horses at grass, they are generally found
in the hedge; and, if taken out, are always at-
tempting to go forward until they meet with some
obstacle : and are so insensible, that, if a deep
ditch or pit lie in their way, they do not endeavour
to avoid it, but generally fall into it. I never saw
a case in which there was not that convulsive
twitching of the chest, and tottering of the fore
legs, before described: yellowness of the eyes and
mouth IS also a constant symptom. I thought it
necessary to be thus particular on this subject, as
It IS really a very serious and destructive disease
and, unless attended to in season, almost always
proves fetal. I shall subjoin a few formula, lb r
the medicmes to be given in this disease.

T 5

418 APPENDIX. — STOMACH STAGGEllS.

Stomachic Purgative.
No. 1.

Barbadoes aloes 6 dr. to 1 oz.

Calomel 1 dr. to 2 dr.

Cascarilla 2 dr.

Oil of peppermint 20^ drops.

Tincture of cardamoms . . 2 oz.
Water (as warm as it \

can be conveniently > ] 2 oz.

given) J

Mix for one dose.

The quantity of aloes must be regulated by tlie
horse's size, strength, &c. I have sometimes added
a dram of prepared ammonia to this draught,
which, though it renders the calomel less active,
seems to be a useful addition. If no evacuation
be obtained in about twenty hours, give another
dose, with half the quantity of aloes, and about
6 oz. of castor oil; and, during the interval, let
some moderate stimulant be given ; as, ,

No. 2.

Common salt 1 oz.

Water 8 oz.

Compound spirit of ammonia 1 to 2 dr.

Mix.

APPENDIX.— PURGATIVES, OR PHYSIC. 419

No. 3.

Tincture of cardamoms 2 oz.

Mint water ^. 12 oz.

Mix.

Clysters also are to be given often, composed of

Common salt 8 oz.

Water 4 or 5 quarts.

Linseed oil 4 oz.

Mix.

Purgal'tve^, or Physk.

It is a fortunate circumstance for horses, as well
as for their owners, that immoderately strong physic
is not so frequently given as it used to be. Amonp-
the numerous inconveniences arising from the
strong purgatives recommended by writers on far-
riery, such as twelve or fourteen drams of aloes,
either alone or with calomel, * there is one we have
not hitherto noticed, which we shall now describe.

* A few weeks ago, I ,vas refluestcd to atlend a sick horsr •
.( appeared, that (l.e groom liad given him 1 oz. of Cape aloes
Tvh.ch operated with great violence, and hud continued (o act
two or three days after. On my arrival, it was too lale to snvc
the animal : he soon after died from inflammation of the bowels
The Cape aloes are certainly the weakest kind. I have seen se-
veral horses destroyed by smaller doses than this, such as ten
twelve, or fourteen drams; and as often, and perhaps more'
irom Succotrine than barbadoes aloes (Sec note to page 370 )

420 Al'PENDIX. — l>UUGATlVESj OR PHYSIC.

Though they do not destroy a horse, they often
weaken him so much, that it requires sometimes
several weeks to restore the strength ; but several
cases have occurred where the howels had been
rendered so irritable from the violent effect of
physic, that they became subject to troublesome
and even dangerous diseases. Sometimes obsti-
nate costiveness is occasioned by it; at others, a
constant tendency to diarrhoea and colic. When
a horse, whose bowels have been thus injured, is
attacked with colic or gripes, the strong remedies
commonly employed, such as gin, pepper, &c.,
often prove fatal by exciting inflammation. The
followina: draught will be found most useful, givinff
frequently small quantities of gruel, linseed tea, or
any other mucilaginous fluid, and injecting a clys-
ter of the same kind. The only method of curing
the irritability or tenderness of the bowels radical-
ly, is to avoid every thing of an irritating quality,
and very cold water, until they have recovered
their original strength.

The Draught.

Oil of peppermint 20 drops.

Tincture of opium i oz.'

Gum Arabic (dissolved in a-| ^
pint of warm water) ..../"
Mix for one dose.

The costiveness produced by the above practice
occasions symptoms, which often deceive the in-

APPENDIX.— PURGATIVES, OR PHYSIC. 421

experienced practitioner. The horse appears to
be in pain ; often makes fruitless efforts to dung;
sometimes there is a suppression of urine, particu-
larly when the proper remedies have not been sea-
sonably applied ; some degree offerer takes place •
and at length colic pains. All these symptoms
may be speedily removed, by drawing out the ex-
crement with the hand; afterward throwino- up a
clyster, and giving the oily laxative. But I have
seen hot drenches given in this complaint; and
^^'hen these were found to increase the pain, instead
of affording relief, the animal was profusely bled.
When the suppression of urine was observed, di-
uretics were given. In some cases, the disease is
cured by an effort of nature : sometimes it conti-
nues so long as to cause inflammation of the
bowels.

Previous to physicking a horse, it is of import-
ance to bring the bowels into a proper state, by
giving the horse bran mashes for two or three
days. This will soften the dung in a moderate d.-
gree, and render the operation of the physic more
safe and certain. It is of importance also to give
he physic at a time when the stomach has but
little food .n It, or only a very small thin mash,
but no when It is quite empty. As to the kind of

f ? "P™'^"' the Barbadoes i

be best When physic operates too powerfu l;
t should be checked, by giving gruel made of a
^ow-root or fine wheat flour. A late writer, who •
seem, to consider Barbadoes aloes as a « ^o. c

422 APPENDIX. — PURGATIVES, OR PHYSIC.

and wjudicious material," for physic, has, very in-
judiciously, in my opinion, prescribed a pint of
port wine, in which an ounce of cinnamon has
been boiled, and a table-spoonful of tincture of
opium, in such cases. This would, I think, be
likely to cause inflammation of the bowels. I have
scai'cely ever known arrow-root fail ; but when it
does not prove sufficient, about \ oz. of tincture of
opium should be given with it. It is rather singu-
lar that Mr. Peall should have advised this treat-
ment after saying, " Let it not be supposed that I
mean to insinuate, much less to admit, that horses
which die under the operation of physic sink in
consequence of the mere exhaustion resulting from
the action of the medicine, inasmuch as the cause
of death, in all such cases, is uniformly owing to
inflammation taking place in some part of the
alimentary canal."

Oily Laxative.

Barbadoes aloes 2 to 3 dr.

Prepared kali 1 dr.

Mint water 8 oz.

Castor oil 8 oz.

Mis for one dose.

Molten Grease.
This is a disease of the intestines, and generally

APPENDIX. — MOLTEN GREASE.

423

dependant on some constitutional affection. Horses
that have been well fed, and had but little exercise,
are more liable to this complaint. Though such
horses appear sleek and fat, they are not fit for vi-
olent or long-continued exercise, unless brought to
it gradually; therefore, when suddenly put to work
in this state, and particularly if employed in hunt-
ing or other violent exercises, fever is often the
consequence, which commonly depends upon ge-
neral inflammation or increased action of the whole
arterial system. In this disease, nature sometimes
makes an effort to remove it; that is, a violent
purging takes place ; the mucvs, which is constantly
formed upon the inner surface of the bowels in or-
der to lubricate and protect them from the action
of any acrimonious matter that may happen to be
passing through, is now formed in greater quantity',
and is often so abundant, as to appear somethino-
like fat mixed with the dung. When blood is
drawn from a horse in this state, a large quantity
of the inflammatory crhst (the coagulahle lymph, or
buff-coloured jelly, before described) appears on
its surface. * (See Bleeding.)

* According »o Mr. John Lawrence, molten grease consisis in
acolliqualion, or general melting of the fat of t !,c body, great
part of which is absorbed, and thrown upon the blood and upon
the inlest.nes, ivhen it is voided with the excrement. Mr Blaine
m his " Treatise on Veterinary Medicine," has called (his exnia'
nation of the disease an absurdity ! and though I feel all due m
spect for theefTorts of Gibson, Bracken, and Bartlet, as well -is
for their commentator and panegyrist, Mr. John Lawrence I
am compelled by cAperienee, and il.e knowledge I have obtained

421. APPENDIX.— MOLTEN GREASE.

MoUen grease, therefore, is not to be considered
as a distinct disease ; but only as a symptom, which
sometimes appears in general hiflammat'ion, or
fever: it happens more frequently however in the
latter. When a horse labours under fever, or ge-
neral inflammation, we most commonly find some
of the internal organs more affected than others.
When there is a difficulty of breathing, the flanks
moving with unusual quickness, and the nostrils
expanded, it indicates an afi'ection of the lungs;
when molien grease appears, it shows, that the mu-
cous membrane of the bowels is more particularly
affected : sometimes both these parts are affected at
the same time. The principal remedy in this dis-
ease is copious bleeding, according to age, strength,
and other circumstances of the case. (See Bleeding
and Fever.) It is often necessary to repeat the
operation; oily laxatives are to be given, and
rowels inserted in the chest and belly, if the lungs
be the principal seat of the disease; and the sides
may be blistered, or the mustard embrocation rub-
bed on the sides and belly. In molten grease, or
when the bowels are affected, if there be a copious
purging, let no attempt be made to suppress it
by astringents or opium ; but give frequently de-
coction of linseed, gum Arabic dissolved in water,
or gruel, made of arrow-root or wheat flour.

of the animal economy, to acknowledge, tliat Mr. Lawrence's
description is rcallj an ahurdUy, and allbrds a convincing proof
of ills incompetency either to teach or practiee the Veterinary
Art.

APPENDIX.— MOLTEN GREASE.

425

Wlien the dung is voided only in small quantity,
but frequently, particularly if there be any knobs
mixed with it, give a pint of castor oil, which may
be repeated, if necessary, about two days aftei-.
In this case, also, it will be proper to rub the mus-
tard embrocation on the belly. Should the disease
continue after this, and particularly if there be con-
siderable irritation about the anus, the horse fre-
quently ejecting a small quantity of excrement, and
appearing to suffer much pain, the opiate clyster
may be given. If this appear rather to increase
than remove the pain and irritation, the dose of
castor oil must be repeated, and a clyster thrown
up, composed only of water gruel and a little oil.

Mr. Blaine, in his « Treatise on Veterinary
Medicine," describes this disease somewhat differ-
ently, and considers it to be the same as the human
dysentery. I must confess, however, that, durino-
an extensive practice of twenty years, I have never
met with a single case, that resembled the dysen-
tery described by medical authors. I have often
observed, during the progress of symptomatic
tever, mternal inflammation, mucus mixed with
the dung which had sometimes the appearance
of part of one of those long white worms so often
. found in the horse's bowels; at others it resembled
a fatty membrane. I have observed the same thino-
m, horses apparently healthy, or after the operation
of very strong physic. I have also seen many
cases where there was ienes^mus, or considerabi;
irritation in the rectum, the horse frequently void.

4.26

AVPENDIX.— (illEASE.

ing a small qiuaiitity of dung, and appearing in
pain. But this was always either a symptom of
some more important complaint, and easily re-
moved, or the effect of physic, and very nnlike dy-
sentery. (See Inflammation of the Limgs and Bow-
els, and Symptomatic Fever.)

Opiate Clyster.

Opium 1 dr. to 1 1 dr.

Warm water 8 oz.

Mix.

To this add about a quart of starch water; that
is, starch boiled in v/ater in the usual way, and
of a proper consistence for a clyster.

Grease,

This disease has been described before in page
226.

In inveterate cases of grease, the heels often be-
come ulcerated, sometimes in a considerable de-
gree. These ulcers are generally very painful,
particularly when situate on the back part of the
pastern ; they are also more difficult to cure in
this situation, from the frequent motion of the
part. In the treatment of these ulcers, or cracks,
as they are often termed, cleanliness is of great
importance ; and, when they appear inflamed and
painful, apply a soft poultice, in which a little

APPENDIX. — GREASE. 427

Goulard has been mixed, for two or tliree daj's.
The following ointment (No. 1) may then be ap-
plied, spread on tow, and secured with alight thin
bandage. It often happens, that cracks, or ulcers,
appear in the heels, without that general swelling
of the leg, and discharge of matter, which consti-
tute the disease named grease. It may then be
soon cured, by applying the astringent ointment,
and giving a few doses of the divretic alterative
(see Vol. II, or Materia Medico) : but when it is
accompanied by the grease, laxatives or purgatives
are proper, according to the condition of the ani-
mal. If the ulcers in the heel be deep, exercise
appears to prevent their healing; and I have
found it the best plan, when such ulcers are not
accompanied with much swelling, to keep the horse
in the stable, until they are nearly healed, dress-
ing the sore with the omtment (No. 1), and apply-
ing a bandage, so as to keep the part as steady as
possible. When this plan is adopted, it is neces-
sary to keep the horse on a cooling opening diet,
and to rub the legs frequently and briskly with
the hands : a few of the diui'etic alterative powders
should also be given. When proud flesh, as it is
commonly termed, appears in the idcers— that is,
when the new flesh rises above the level of the
skin— it must be destroyed by caustics; such as
blue vitriol powdered, or dissolved in warm water,
or lunar caustic. When this is neglected, they
sometimes increase to a large size, and become al-
most of a horny consistence, in which state they

428

APPENDIX. — GREASE.

ai-e commonly named grapes. Should the ulcer
continue foul, after applying the poultice, vithout
that red appearance, which indicates healing, tlie
hot solution of blue vitriol is to be poured upon
it, and the poultice repeated : this will cause a se-
paration of the foul parts, or a sloughing, as it is
termed ; after which, the sore will look red and
healthy, discharging white matter, and gradually
filling up with new flesh, Avhich, if it rise above the
surface, is to be i-epressed with caustic.

In recent cases of grease, in which the heels are
inflamed and swollen, and discharging a whitish
coloured matter, I have seen much jjood done bv
fomenting them for a considerable time with warm
water, in which a small quantity of Goulard has
been mixed, and applying immediately after the
Goulard poultice. In obstinate cases of grease,
where the matter discharged is very foetid, the fer-
menting poultice is useful; that is, a poultice of
linseed meal, warm water, and yeast ; this soon re-
moves thi^ offensive smell, and causes a more
healthy or less acrid matter to be formed. Pow-
dered charcoal has been recommended for the same
purpose.

In these inveterate cases, roivels in the thigh are
necessary, and should always be employed before
any astringent applications are used. This un-
pleasant remedy, however, is only necessary when
the disease .has continued sometime. In recent
cases, the Goulard poultice and mild purgatives
wiU soon reduce the inffammation considerably j

A^PEiJDIX.— GREASE.

429

and then the cure is easily accomplished by astrin-
gent lotions. To prevent a return of the com-
plaint, exercise and good grooming are indispen-
sably necessary: frequent hand-rubbing of the
legs, and a diuretic powder now and then, are also
useful. Horses with white hind legs, or such as
are much disposed to swelling of the legs, should
be bandaged for some time, particularly after hard
work, keeping the bandage constantly moist with
a solution of alum in water. In those hard habit-
ual swellings, which arc sometimes a consequence
of grease, I have several times seen blistering and
firing tried, but never saw them do any good : the
best palliative in such cases is the bandage applied
as before directed.

In some cases of grease, the inflammation seems
to extend to the cellular membrane under the skin,
causing more severe pain and lameness, than when
it is superficial. This inflammation generally ter-
minates in an abscess of the heel, which bursts, and
leaves a deep ill-looking ulcer. After this, the ge-
neral swelling of the leg subsides, and the animal
appears to be considerably relieved: the ulcer,
however, is extremely irritable, and difficult to
heal, particularly if the horse be exercised. By
applying poultices and warm digestive ointment,
and by keeping the horse at rest, the ulcer gradu-
ally heals.

430

APPENDIX. — GKEASE.

Ointment.
No. 1.

Fresh hog's lard 4, oz.

"White lehd, finely powdered .... 1 oz.
Mix.

Astringent Ointment.
No. 2.

Hog's lard 4 oz.

Palm oil 2 oz.

Fine olive oil 1 oz.

To be melted, by placing the pot which contains
it in boiling water: when melted, stir in l-i- oz.
of the water of acetated litharge, and continue
stirring till nearly cold.

"When ulcers of the heels do not appear dispos-
ed to heal, the above ointment should be changed
for one more stimulating, or the sore should be
washed with a solution of blue vitriol previous to
its application.

Stimulating Ointment.

Ointment of yellow resin 4 oz.

Olive oil T GZ.

Red nitrated quicksilver, in fine powder -i OZ.

Mix.

APPENDIX.—DISEASES OP THE EYE. 431

Diseases of the Eye.

Among the various diseases to which domesti-
cation and improper management have subjected
the horse, those of the eye are more frequent, and
generally more difficult of cure, than almost any
other; and what makes the subject peculiarly in-
terestmg and important is, that unless the horse's
eyes are perfect, he is likble to start, and stumble,
and sometimes more dangerous to ride, than one
that is totally blind. The most common disease
oUhe eye, and that which leads to almost every
other, IS inflammation, which generally be^^ins in
the exterior membrane of the eye, or tunka cmi-
Jtmcliva. * Sometimes, however, the interior parts
also are at first affected, and then the disease is
particularly obstinate. On the first attack, the
eye-hds are partially closed, and the eye waterv
the tears generally flowing over the cheek: butij
often IS so slight as to escape notice, or to be con
sidered by the groom only as a trifling accident
m-ising from dust or hay-seeds havingftllen intJ
the eye; therefore, it often happens thlt no attei^
IS paid to this serious disease at the only t "e
perhaps when a radical cure can be effected.
inflammation then increases, and spreads to t l e
-tenor parts; the eye becomes extremely irr^!

432

APPENDIX.— DISEASES OF THE £Y£*

ble, and incapable of bearing even the light, so
that it is kept constantly closed. If the horse is
left to the management of the groom, or an ignor-
sint farrier, some stimulating mixture is commonly
applied, and the eye constantly exposed to the
more stimulating vapours of foul litter, which are
often so powerful as to give pain even to the healthy
eye : how injurious, then, must it be to one that
is already in an inflamed and highly irritable state.
It is by this mismanagement, probably, that the
disease is so peculiarly obstinate, and so often in-
curable. I am not speaking of that kind of in-
flammation which is produced by blows, bites, or
other accidents, but of that which depends upon
some constitutional affection, and is, in medical
lano-uage, termed oplhalmia mernbranarum.

There have been various opinions respecting the
remote cause of this disease. As it most commonly
hanpens about that period when horses have at-
tained their full growth, that is, between the fifth
and sixth year, in general, but earlier in some
horses: it depends probably, upon plethora, or
fulness of habit, which is particularly apt to exist
at this period : and it may be observed, that this
is the time when not only opthalmia but all other
inflammatory complaints most frequently occur.
The' occasional or exciting causes of the disease-
are the irritating vapours of the litter, checked per-
spiration, high feeding without proportionate, ex-
ercise, violent exertion particularly in drawing,
with tight collars. It has been thought, that the-

APriCKDrx.— DISEASES OF THE EYE, 433

present flishion of reining up carriage-iiorscs with
a gag rein is liable to impede, in some degree, the
return of blood from the head, by producing a
pressure of the jaw-bone against the lower branch
ot the jugular vein. Dark stables certainly tend
to make the eyes irritable, and therefore contri-
bute to the production of the disease. Horses
kept at grass are rarely attacked with diseases of
the eye, except from the irritation of flies • these
sometm^es cause a good deal of inflammation • but
>t .s easily cured, by taking the horse in, and
washmg the eyes with the lotion (No 1)
Jluhs and asses are scarcely ever known to be
affec ed wuh ophthalmia: it has therefore been
keel, why the complaint should be confined o

east, are bred up and treated very differ m'
from horses, and are no more liable to cot li s in^
flannna.on of ,he Inngs, and other infla,^ '.^ 1"
complamts, so common among horses til 1*
are to opthalmia. Upon the who 'i
that the cause of this diiease, as wit i 7'
requcncy among horses, m^vb l^:^,^^^^^^^

thai the cliflic„i,v ' ,"" '"■"''"''■e,

APPENDIX.— DISEASES OF THE EYE.

from a stable where he is occasionally, if not con-
stantly, exposed to the vapours of the litter, and
place him in one that is cool and properly venti-
lated, and not occupied by other horses. Here
let him be kept clean, and as free as possible from
those irritating vapours. As the complaint is
much influenced by the state of the skin, let him
be regularly exercised, in a situation where the
eye will not be exposed to a cold Avintl, dust, or
bright sun-shine ; and as soon as he gets into the
stable, let him be well brushed and wisped, his
ie'cTs w'cll hand-rubbed, but never washed, and let
him have moderately warm clothing. Bleed ac-
cording to his condition and the violence of the
disorder. If the inflammation is considerable, and
the horse in good condition, four or five quarts
may be taken oflF; but if he is thin, has a starmg
coat and is hide bound, about two or three quarts
^vill be sufficient. Give a mild dose of physic._ It
the inflammation is violent, and the eye very n-ri-
table let it be often fomented with wann water,
'c: : decoction of white poppy-heads. A seton
passed immediately under the eye is usehd; bhs-
^ • ; the cheek would be equally, it not more,
bei ehcial, did it often tempt a horse to rub the
p ; aoainst the stall or manger, by which some o
^^blSter -y into the eye, and „

^- , 1 hnvc seen much aclvantnge ue

• 1 Uh a hncet, when ihcro is a great (leal of .n-

APPENDIX.™ DlSKASES OV THE EYK. 435

neatly, it is apt to do more harm than good. The
vein which goes from the inner corner of the eye
towards the nose may always be opened, and when
it bleeds freely, much good may be derived from
it. When,' by these means, the inflammation be-
gins to abate, the eye appearing more open and
less irritable, let it be fi-equently washed with one
of the following lotions : but it will be adviseable,
iat first, to use it milk-warm, and diluted with an
equal quantity of water. When the irritability is
inconsiderable, the lotion may be used alone, and
cold. It may be necessary to repeat the general,
as well as the local, bleeding, two or three times.
The diet should consist of bran mashes, green
food, and, after the operation of the physic, one of
the following alteratives may be given daily. Too
much attention cannot be paid to the state of the
skin: the horse should be well brushed three or
four times a-day, and carefully guarded against
cold wind or rain, or a partial current of air in the
stable. When the eye appears perfectly free Irom
Hiflammation, the alterative medicine and lotion
maybe discontinued; but the same attention to
diet, grooming, exercise, &c. must be persisted in
for some time, or until the eye is resto)-ed to its
ongmal strength: for, though the eye may appear
perlec ly healthy, it will have become more sus-
ceptible of inflammation than it was originaliv
therefore, it is a matter of great importance to
avo.d carefully the exciting causes of the disease
«nd every n.oans to J.eep the h«r.se a statl

e 2

436 APPENDIX.— DISEASES OT THE EYE.

ofhealtb, until this morbid susceptibility is com-
pletely worn out. When ophthalmia is neglected,
at its first occurrence, or treated improperly, the
cornea or ghiss of the eye becomes of a yellowish
and sometimes of a daik blood colour: in some
cases, a yellowish matter is seen within the eye, at
the lower part, or attached to the margin of the
iris, and partially or wholly obstructing the pupil.
Sometimes the surface of the cornea appears as if
covered with a whitish film, but this is most com-
monly an effect of external injury, such as the
stroke of a whip, or a bite; and goes off gradually
by bathing the eye frequently, at first with warm
water, or the decoction of poppy-heads, and after-
wards with the cooling lotion.

Though the cornea, or surface of the eye, may
have recovered its transparency, and the eye ap-
pear, to an inexperienced person, free from dis-
ease, yet, upon examining carefully the interior
parts, some important disease may often be disco-
vered : and, to a person about to purchase a
horse, when he cannot have the advice of a veteri-
nary surgeon, a particular examination of the eye
is certainly adviseable. Having brought the
horse's head towards the stable-door, and placed
him so that the light shall fall equally upon both
eyes • let him observe whether the pupils, or, as
they are commonly termed, the apples of the eye,
are of the same size and form. If they arc differ-
ent, it is a certain indication of disease. A further
trial may be made by placing the hands on the

APPENDIX. — DISEASKS OF THE EYE. 487

horse's eyes, as he stands at the stable-door, so as
to exclude the light, and keep them there about
a minute; if, upon removing his hands, the pu-
pils are observed to contract unequally, it serves
to confirm the former observation. If either pupil
appears very small and immoveable, that is, if it
continues of the same size in different lights, or if
its edges are irregular, it is a sign of adhesions hav-
ing taken place between the iris and the capsule
of the crystalline lens. It may be asked, which
eye, when the pupils are different, is to be consi-
dered as the diseased one? I think that with the
smallest pupil ; because it denotes a morbid irrita-
bility of the nervous structure of the eye.

There is another disease, but not common, llmt
is quite of an opposite nature, consisting in a di-
minution or total deprivation of that irritability
witli which the nervous structure of the eye is na-
turally endued. This disease, commonly termed
glass-eyes, technically, amaurosis, or gulla sererw,
is distinguished by the largeness of the pupil, and
by its continuing of the same size, whether in the
shade or exposed to the direct rays of the sun.
The pupil of the eye, however, is sometimes un-
usually large, and approaches more to the circular,
than the healthy oblong form, when there is not
so material a defect in the nervous structure, and
this depends upon a cloudiness or want of perfect
transparency in the crystalline lens or its capsule.
(See Felewianj Dictinnanj, article Eye.) Such
horses are generally siarUrs; their sight may often

43$ APPEN01X.-^DISBASE3 OF THE EVE.

be improved by applying diluted tincture of opium
or brandy and water; but the good effect is only
temporary, nor can any permanent benefit be by
any means obtained : I believe, however, the de-
fect is always increased by violent exertion, or any
thing which tends to reduce the animal's health. It
15 -clifiicult to convey a correct idea of those diseases :
I, tlicvefore, attempted to illustrate the description
in the fourth volume by a plate, which I have now
placed in this volume. There is another disease,
catnracl, which, in the horse, is certainly irreme-
diable. This consists in a total or complete opa-
city of the crystalline lens, or humour.

Catdract in the human eye is removed either
wholly or partially by an operation, and a useful
jjem-ee of vision is often restored ; but the same
operation in the horse would be useless, because
cataract is often complicated with general derange-
ment of structure in the interior parts of the eye:
and were this not the case, the want of a crystal-
line lens would render vision so confused and im-
perfect, that it would be of no use to the animal,
for the deficiency could not be supplied with
glasses, as it is in the human eye. "When the first
attack of ophthalmia is neglected, or improperly
treated, and the interior parts of the eye have be-
come diseased, the inflammation will frequently,
after a time, ap])efir to subside, and the horse will
see tolerably well, and continue so perhaps several
weeks; but the disorder generally returns, often
'.mldenlv, and the eye will have become, in the

APPENDIX.— DISEASES OP THE EYE. 4.J9

course of a night, probably, as bad as ever. In this
fluctuating state, the eye sometimes continues many
months; and, though the disease does not reciU*
at regular periods, it is commonly, and absurdly
enough, supposed to be influenced by the changes
of the moon, and has therefore been called 7?;ooh-
lUmhiess. In concluding this subject, I wish to
observe, that notwithstanding the little chance
there is of a perfect recovery from ophthalmia, es-
pecially when it is not seasonably and diligently
attended to, a partial, but permanent, restoration
of sight sometimes takes place. When a horse af-
fected with ophthalmic inflammation has a complete
cataract formed in one eye, the other is generally,
almost always, restored to its natural healthy state,
and no longer disposed to ophthalmic inflammation.
Sometimes a partial cataract takes place in one or
both eyes ; that is, one or more white specks are
perceptible in the pupil when the horse's head is
placed under a shed, or near the stable-door. If
the opaque spots are not in the centre of the pupil,
the rays of light will still pass through, and vision
will not be materially impeded ; and as in this case,
like the foregoing, the ophthalmic inflammation, as
well as the disposition to it, usually ceases, and the
specks scarcely ever become larger, it may be con-
sidered as a favourable termination of the disorder :
but a permanent cessation of the disease is not to
be depended on in this case so much as in that
where a complete cataract forms in one eye. An-
other termination of ophthalmia is in a small fixed

440 APPENDrX.— DISEASES 0^ THE EYE.

pupil, that is, the pupil is nlways of the same size
and form in whatever li<>lit the eye may he placed.
This commonly depends upon an adhesion of the
iris to the capsule of the crystalline lens, and be-
ing generally accompanied with a morbid state of
the nervous structure of the eye, is a defect of con-
siderable importance. Whenever the pupil is in
this state, a small quantity of the extract of bella-
donna may be introduced between the eye-lids.
If the pupil does not appear larger an hour or two
after its application, it is a proof that adhesions
have taken place. This extract has the peculiar
property of enlarging the pupil ; and I think it
has sometimes been applied advantageously in in-
cipient affections of the iris : it deserves, I think,
a further trial. It may be thought superfluous,
perhaps, to say any thing of the vulgar and absurd
prejudice of the disease being caused by the wolf's
tooth, as a very small supernumerary tooth, or
denticulus, close to the first grinder, is cnmmonly
named. But I still meet with persons foolish
enough to believe in such nonsense, upon the high
authority generally of a groom or bhicksmith. I
can assure such persons that this little tooth may
often be seen in horses whose eyes have always
been perfectly sound ; and that I have many times
seen it removed in horses with diseased eyes with-
out doing any good. I am at a loss to conceive in
what this opinion originated, unless the name was
at first applied to one of the upi)cr molar teeth
lhat had grown so as to lacerate the inside of the

itPPENDlX. — BlSfiASSS OF THE BYB. 4i4 I

cheek, a circumstance that sometimes happens in
old horses. Tliis might more reasonably be
supposed to affect the eye, but 1 have never known
it to do so.

Eye-JValer.
No. 1.

Goulard's extract 1 dr.

Water 12 oz.

Tincture of opium 1 oz.

Mix, and filter through blotting-paper.
No. 2.

Superacetate of lead (sugar of lead) 3 dr.
Sulphate of zinc (white vitriol) . . 3 dr.
Water . ] 4-' pint.

Mix, and filter through blotting-paper.
No. 3.

Superacetate of lead 2 dr.

Distilled vinegar 1 oz.

"^^'ater lipint.

Mix, and filter.

No 4.

Sulphate of copper 2 dr.

'^^t*^'^' Hpint.

Mix.

442 APPENDIX.— -DISEASES OF TOi EYt.

The irritability of an inflamed eye vstrres consi-
derably ; when highly inflamed, even cold water
Avill sometimes prove too stimulating, and warm
water only can be applied with advantage. The
above recipes are about the medium strength ; but
if they appear to irritate the eye, they should be
diluted, and sometimes it may be proper to use
ihem rather warm. The best method of applying
eye-water is by a soft clean spunge, and this should
be used several times a-day. Eye-waters should
be transpai-ent, especially when the eye is in" an ir-
ritable state. In fihns, or opacity of the cornea,
in consequence of blows, the above cooling
eye-waters should be applied until the inflamma-
tion is. perfectly subdued, and then something
stronger is necessary. A little tincture of opium,
or brandy, diluted with an equal quantity of water,
maybe squeezed into the corner of the eye with a
small bit of spunge; and, if that fail, a small pinch
of salt, finely powdered, may be placed between
the eye-lids, or a little finely powdered glass mixed
with honey.

APPENDIX. — NERVING.

443

New operation for Chronic, and otherwise incurable
lameness, or Founder, commonly termed Nerving.

This operation consists in the excision of about
an incli or more of the nerves which supply the
foot; whereby the sensibility of those parts vvhich
are the seat o^jminder, or chronic lameness, seems
to be completely destro3'ecl, whilst its vitality re-
mains unimpaired. The merit of this discovery
is due to Mr. Sewell, sub-professor of the Veteri-
nary College, and was, some time since, published
in the Philosophical Transactions. The good
effect of the operation is immediately perceived ;
for as soon as the hobbles are taken off, and the
horse gets upon his legs again, he will be found
perfectly free from lameness, however lame or
crippled he may have been previous to the opera-
tion. The nerves which supply the foot pass dowil
the leg, near the flexor tendon, or back sinew, on6
on the inside, and another on the outside. About
three or four inches below the knee, the nerve on
the inside of the leg gives off a branch, which
passes over the back sinews, in an oblique direc-
tion downwards, and joins the outside nerve about
three or four inches above the fetlock joint. On
the sides of the fetlock joint, rather towards the
back part, and about two inches above the most
prominent part of the joint, both the inside and
outside nerve are very superficial, and are readily
seen on making incisions through the skin, and
dissecting; off a little cellular memb|-ane, accom-

444.

APPENDIX. — NERVING.

panied by the principal vein and artery : the latter,
at this part, is rather deeper than the vein, and
need not be exposed in the operation ; the vein
also may be easily avoided. Immediately below
this part the nerve divides, but the branches do
not diverge much; they separate just enough to
allow the artery, which here becomes more super-
ficial, to pass between them : in this way, thoy
proceed down the pastern, to be distributed to the
foot.

From this view of the nerves, it will appear that
the best parts for opening the skin, in order to get
at the nerve, is on each sitle of the fetlock joint,
about two inches above it, rather towards the back
part. Tlie nerve may be readily found also on
each side of the pastern, the part which Mr. Sewell
prefers for the operation : but here there will be
two branches to operate on, on each side; and
from the artery lying between these branches, and
almost close to them, there is more danger of its
beino- wounded than in the former situation, where
the artery is not so superficial as the nerve.
There is no difficulty in getting at the nerve above
the part 1 have pointed out; but, from the view 1
have given of the distribution or course of the
nerves, it must be obvious, that if the inside nerve
be divided below that part wlicre the branch is
given off, and the outside nerve, above the part
where the branch joins it, there will still be a ner-
vous communication with the foot by means of
this branch. The following figure will serve to
exemplily this ;

APPENDIX. — NERVING.

445

a, a, the inside nerve; ly I, the a '

outside nerve; d, the knee joint; c,
the fetlock joint ; e, c, e, the branch
given off by the inside nerve ; f, the
part where it joins the outside nerve.
It' a portion of the nerve, therefore,
be cut out at g and h, the foot will
still be supplied by means of the
branch e, e, e. From the knee to
the line /, the nerve is covered by
a sheath of tendon, which ought not to be
wounded, leaving scarcely room for the operation
on the inside ucrve, above the part where the
branch is given off; k, k, therefore, appears the
most eligible part for the operation. Though
this seems very plain upon viewing a dissection of
the 1 eg, in which the course of the nerves is exhi-
bited, yet, having been informed that a veterina-
rian of some eminence advised the operation to be
performed three or four inches above the fetlock
joint, 1 determined to put it to the test of experi-
ment. A foundered horse, very lame in both feel,
was operated on at the parts g, //, in one leg, and
h, I;, in the other. As soon as he got up, after the
operation, he appeared quite free from lameness.
About an inch of the nerve was cut out from the
nerves of both legs. When the wounds were
healed, the horse was rode, and found to be still
lame in that foot, the nerves of which had been
divided at g, h. The hgrse was again operated

446

ArPENDIX. — NERVING.

on at the part k, on the outside only, and, imme-
diately after, was perfectly free from lameness. In
this case, the sensibility of the foot was so far di-
minished by the first operation, the small branch
e, e, being the only medium of communication be-
tween the foot and the brain, that the lameness was
for a time removed ; but this small branch gradu-
ally increased in power, and at length became ca-
pable of restoring the sensibility of the foot.

Should it be found, at some future time, that
the effect of the operation is not permanent, it will

. probably depend upon some minute and undisco-
vered branches of nerve having become capable of
' transmitting sensation from the foot to the brain.
It is to be regretted, that those practitioners who are

■ capable of giving satisfactory information on the
subject should withhold it from the public: for
what reason they do so is best known to them-
selves. No one can be competent to perform the

I operation, unless he has some knowledge of ana-
tomy, and hfts learned from actual dissection the
structure of the leg. This must be sufficiently ob-
vious to the proprietors of horses, to prevent them
from allowing persons to attempt the operation
who are ignorant of so essential a point. The si-
lence of practitioners, with respect to this opera-
tion, has given rise to many disadvantageous re-
ports of its effects. I think it was stated in a pro-
vincial paper, and copied into many others, that a
horse which had undergone the operation lost

APPENDIX. — NERVma.

44?

his hoofs in consequence. That a horse may lose
his hoofs after the operation is possible, and per-
haps as probable as that he may lose his life ; but
that the hoofs were lost in consequence of the ope-
ration I feel no hesitation in denying, that is, if
the operation was skilfully performed. * In one

• If a nerved horse happen to be pricked in shoeing, or other-
wise injured in the foot, it will not, of course, be discovered by
lameness, as in other horses ; such cases, therefore, may possibly
be neglected by the proprietor, until matter forms and breaks
out at the coronet. Horses with corns or thin soles may also,
by careless shoeing, have inflammation produced in the affected
heel or sole, which, not causing lameness, as in other horses,
may proceed to suppuration, and the matter may break out at
the coronet before the mischief is discovered. In this way, it
19 possible that the matter may be allowed to penetrate between
the horn and sensitive foot, so as nearly to detacii the former :
but such extreme negligence as tliis can scarcely ever happen,
and the possibility of its occurrence is pointed out, to sliow the
necessity of paying the same attention to the feet of nerved
horses as of others. This circumstance, lyowever, does not ren-
der horses, with corns or thin soles, unfit subjects for the opera-
tion ; on the contrary, by destroying the sensibility of the dis-
eased parts, they become less liable to injury. Mr. Sewell of
Bath had a horse lame, from corns, which, after the operation,
gradually disappeared, and the heels becjimc considerably wider.
Horses that have been lame a considerable time from founder,
acquire a contracted step, and the muscles of the limb and
shoulder appear to suffer a diminution of power, and of their
natural extent of action : such horses, therefore, when nerved,
should be allowed a run at grass, and brought into work gradu-
ally ; for if urged (o considerable exertion as soon as the w ound
is healed, they may be thrown down, or some material injury
may result from it. I have seen one case in which the tendon
below the fetlock joint had been liiuch injured in this way.
Such horses should wear shoes rather thick, or a little turned up

448 APPENDIX. — NERVINa.

of the horses I operated on, this consequence was
apprehended by the proprietor ; but in a letter I
have hitely received from him, he says, " I am
glad to find that the horse's hools grow as freely
as before : I have found it necessary to remove the
shoes, and pare away a good deal of horn." An-
other, and a more plausible, objection is, that a
horse must go very awkwardly and unsafely after
the operation, from liaving no feeling in his feet.
To this objection I cannot reply with so much
confidence as to the for.nier, not having liad, as
yet, sufficient experience; but, from the little I
have seen, it appears equally unfounded. About
a month since, 1 operated on a horse that was lame
in one foot only. I have seen him twice since, and
had him trotted up and down hill, and on level
ground, and could not perceive anything unusual
in the motion of the limb : now, as only one leg
was operated on in this case, had there been any-
thing unusual in the horse's going, it could not, I
think, have escaped notice. Upon the whole, the
operation may be recommended, I think, with
oreat safety and confidence, for those old and ob-
stinate lamenesses of the feet which have resisted
the usual remedies. I might, perhaps, add, with-
out deviating from truth, that it is equally benefi-
cial in old and obstinate cases of (as they are com-
monly considered) chest-founder, or shoulder lame-

atthe heeh, when first put (» WQrk, unless brought tg ll verv

APPENDIX. — NERVING.

449

ness, which are almost always seated in the foot.
(See the article Founder.) 'Vhe operation is ca-
pable, I think, of aifording almost incalculable re-
lief to those unfortunate animals, who, thouoh
foundered, and crippled, and nearly incapable of
working-, are nevertheless often urged, by the cruel
application of whip and spur, into the most vio-
lent exertion. Our stage-coaches and post-chaises
afford too many melancholy examples of this kind.*

* Mr. IJracy Ciaik, in his " Difserialion on tlie Horse's
Foot," lias, very feelingly, described tlie sulleriugs of these
iiiva!u:ible, hut persecuted, unimals. It will be seen under
the head Diseases of the Feet, and Shoeing, that these lame-
nesses are considered by Mr. Clark as unavoidable conse-
quences of shoeing; and, though I have found it necessary
to withhold niy assent to this position, I cannot but applaud the
indefatigable diligence, as well as the skill and ingenuity, with
wliich he has investigated the subject. " The first ellect," he ob-
serves, " of tenderness, or of pain, that is not very acute, w ill
bp, that the animal will not permit the limb to take the full ex-
tent of ilsinotion, and restraining the action of the shoulder, will
occasion a contracted step. This being the first external indi-
cation (if liu- pain, it is often, by superficial observers, referred
to tiie shoulder itself. Thefciol, f<jr the same reason, will not be
raised so high above the ground, in order that tlie impulse on ils
descent may become less, thus inducing tripping. Our roads
every where exhibit what may be naturally looked for as the
consequences of the impei foctions of the mode of going of our
horses. People on horseback are seen quarrelling with their
horses, and violently abusing; them for their negligence and want
of rare, as they ajiprehend it to be, in their gi)ing; gagging
their moullis wilh the bit, or using the whip or the spur to keep
them alive, and prevent their falling; somelimos cutting them
on one shoulder, and sometimes on the other : for it is a matter
that has not yet been decided, whether, in these cases, it !<> bet-

450

AfPENDIJ^. — NEliVlNcl.

There Is one advantage peculiar to this opera-
tion, which is, that in lameness of two or three
years standing, or even longer, it isjast as effectual
as in more recent cases, whereas the severe opera-
tion termed Jirwg is frequently performed at a pe-
riod when it is too late to do any good, and too
often in cases that are incurable. Thouoh the
yierve operation * is at present, I believe, recom-
mended in lameness of long standing after blister-
ing, firing, &c, have proved ineffectual, and the
animal has become absolutely useless, yet, if
furtlier experience should prove, that the relief it
affords is permanent, and that it does not render a
horse unsafe, or dangerous to ride or drive, I do
not see why it should not be performed at a much
earlier period of the lameness : or, should its bene-

ter fo punish the offending limb or that vvliich is opposite. As
horses, nhen brought into a crippled condition, are no longer
of much value, so they usually fall, soon afler, into the hands of
unprincipled men, who make ihem serviceable by severity of
Irealment : and with such insolence are tlieir measures carried
on, that reasonable men scarcely dare to interfere, as tlie laws
do not protect Ihcm : ihus are they made (o endure the most in-
tolerable hardships and abuse, as if Iheir inability were of their
own making, and (hey merited to be ill-treated. In this wretch-
ed slate are tliey often seen, severely punished, and abused, when
they have done their utmost labour, because they cannot do
more; and the laws which protect the most trifling rights of
men in respect to personal safety, have provided no protection
to these innocent, and often beneficial, slaves, from ill usage,
however gross and unmerited."

« The term nerving h often applied to this operation, but
certainly is not appropriate.

451

ficlal effect be limited to one or two years, still it
may be considered an useful discovery. Every ex-
perienced practitioner v/ill admit, I think, that,
after all that has been attempted for the cure of
lameness, depending on contraction of the hoof
or founder, nothing essential has been accomplish-
ed, though it has been a prominent object of atten-
tion ever since the establishment of the Veterinary
College. It is true, that much relief is often af-
forded by soaking the hoofj paring it properly,
good shoeing, blistering, a run at grass, &c. But
when the lameness has been established a short
time, how rarely does it admit of a radical cure.
One of the horses that I performed the nerve ope-
ration on, had been lame three years, and during
that time, had been blistered several times, and
fired both in the legs and shoulders, without de-
riving the least benefit from the treatment; but,
by the nerve operation, he \vas instantly relieved.
I have just been informed, by a veterinary surgeon,
who has operated on more than twenty horses,
that it has almost uniformly afforded immediate re-
lief; that several have been in constant work more
than a year, others, six, eight, and nine, months,
and that the opinion of the horses' action being in-
jured by it, and their being rendered unsafe to ride,
is totally void of foimdation. Great care, however,
is necessary in shoeing such horses; for should
the smith happen to prick or otherwise injure the
foot, so as to excite inflammation, as the accident
would not cause lameness, it may remain undisco-

452

APPENDIX.— NERVING.

vered until matter burst out at the coronet. This,
however, cannot be considered a serious objection
to the operation. It is probable, that the relief
afforded by the operation v/ill, in some instances,
be partial or incomplete; for, though the feet may
be the parts originally affected, the muscles of the
shoulder may, in time, partake of the affection,
that is, if a horse is for a considerable time pre-
vented from stepping out boldly, by pain in his
feet, the muscles of the shoulder will be incapable
of a more extensive action, when the pain in the
feet is put a stop to by the nerve operation : whe-
ther they will afterwards gradually acquire their
origin-al power by running at grass remains per-
haps to be tried. Post and coach horses, though
generally first ruined in the feet, are commonly
forced to a continuance of painful labour, until
other parts are more or less injured ; in such cases,
the benefit resulting from the operation will of
course be incomplete, yet, perhaps, it may be so
far beneficial, even in such cases, to render the
horse useful in some degree, and enable him to
work without pain.*

» Since tliis article wns ■written, several muntlis have
elapsed, .ind I have, therefore, an opportunity of sta'iing, that
my experience during that lime, as well as llic information
1 have ohtained from other practitioners, tend to confirm
the favourable opinion I iiave given of the operation. It is
to be regretted, Iioivever, tliat it is sometimes performed at ti o
late a period, or, wlien other parts be-ides tliefect iuive sustained
material injury ; the benefit, therefore, resulting from it has not
been so complete as it would have been bad proper subjects been

APPEND! X.—GLAN DEKS.

455

Glcmders.

I OBSEUVED in the preface, that a work had lately
appeared in France on glanders, by M. Dupny,
one of the professors of the Veterinary School at

operated iipnpi. TIiP public appear to be siill prejudiced against
Ilie operation ; whether this prejudice be well founded or not,
cannot pprha|)s at present be satisfactorily determined ; it is nij'
duty, however, to stale, that I consider it a valuable discovery,
but would advice its being performed earlier than it commonly
is at present, and before the other parts of the limb or the g;rne-
ral constitution of the animal have sustained any material in-
jury. I think it necessary also that the horse should be allow ed
a run at^rass afterwards. I have been infnrmed that Mr. Sewell,
assistant professor of the Veterinary College, has the same fa-
vourable opinion of the opsration he had orii;inally. l\!r. Sewcll
of Bath also places great coulidence in it. Mr, Barrett of
Taunton says, the more experience be has wi'h regard to the
operation, the more is he convinced of its ellicaey ; and he is sa-
tisfied that the failure of the operation must depend on impro-
per subjects having been chosen for it. On the other hand, I
have been informed that some practitioners in Ireland have
ahandoiicd the operation in consequenrc of the failures they
have experienced. I am inclined to believe that the benefit
of the operation extends failher than it is commonly suptiosed
to do, and that it often removes that morbid heat of iLe foot,
upon which contraction of the horny matter depends; that it im-
proves the growth and quality of the horn or hoof of such feet,
rendering ii less brittle, and of course less liable to loss of shoes
pricks, and sand cracks. On the same principle, it may improve
flat thin soles, and relieve horses that are lame from ossified car-
tila^jes or ring bones. It may perhaps be worth while to try
its effect in tanker and in locked jaw, when caused by wou,;ds
of the foot.

It isdinicult to determine with precision in what dcfrrec or
kind of lameness this operation is advisable. It has hitherto
been employed, I believe, only in very bad cases of what are

45i

JVPPKNDIX. — GLANDKRS.

Alfovt, near Paris, in which the disease is consi-
dered as a tubercular {iubercleuse) afiection, and
not of a contagious nature. He does not profess
to have discovered a remedy for glanders, but
thinks, that by breeding from stallions and mares
that are healthy, and of strong constitutions, and
rearing colts in pastures that are rather elevated,
where they can have sufficient nourishment, and
be occasionally sheltered from the weather, the
disease may be in great measure prevented. " Cat-
tle," he says, " as well as horses, are very liable
to tubercular affections, from hereditary influence,
or from being bred in low, marshy, cold situations,
or from want of sufficient nourishment." The
strangles, the bastard strangles, &c. of horses, and
most of the diseases of the other domestic animals,
are, according to M. Dupuy, of the same kind.

lernied fomier, i:r cliionic lameness, from conlradion of the
lioof, and afler the usual remedies had been tried, to no purpose;
or aftiT the horse Und been worked in a lame stale for a consi-
derable lime, and had become incapable of working any longer.
I am of opinion th.it it should be performed at. in earlier period ;
and, as it is much less painful than the operation of firing and
blistering so generally and fruitlessly employed in those lame-
nesses, I think it may, with great propriety, he substituted for
if. Mr. Sewell's reason, 1 apprehend, for operating in the pas-
tern is, that the fetlock joint may not be all'ected or rendered
insensible, Mr. Sewell of Bath infornis me tli.it he lately e\a-
mined a horse that had been nerved above fifteen months, and
was perfectly sound, for the purpose of determining this point.
In one leg there was no sensibility below the upper head of the
large pastern bone, but in tiie other, sensiliility was very evident
below the artionlation of the twi> pasterns.

APPENDIX. — SLANDERS.

455

He seems rather to consider hereditary influence
as the predisposing or remote cause; and thinks
that " the tubercles are developed by cold, mois-
ture, watery, unwholesome food, damp, ill-venl,i-
lated stables, without light, and exposed to the
fumes of dung-heaps, or common sewers, musty
oats and hay, &c. &c." By hereditary influence,
it appears to me that M. Dupuy means nothing
more than that colts produced by mares, or got
by stallions, of weak constitutions, and especially
when both mare and stallion are of that kind, are
very liable to the tubercular affection when exposed
to the exciting causes. He considers the glanders
as one peculiar [ipeciale] form of the tubercular af-
fection, or rather peculiar, as to the part it attacks,
viz. the cavities of the nose, &c. Tlie tubercles
that most commonly occur are those of the mili-
ary kind, so named from their resemblance to
millet seed. At first, they are very small hardish
substances, of a greyish colour, and of a cellular
texture, in which are deposited phosphate and car-
bonate of lime. The tubercle is generally enve-
loped in a cyst, and there remains stationary a con-
siderable time without producing any symptom
by which its existence can be detected; audit is
only by examining horses that have died from acci-
dents, &c. that they can be seen in this their first
stage, which our author has named la viorve cacye
or latent glanders. Sooner or later, however,
these tubercles degenerate into ulcers, and as the
mucous membrane which lines the cavities of the

456

APPENDIX. — GLANDERS.

nose is most commonly their situation, the first
symptom is a discharge from the nostril. When
a considerable number of tubercles are near each
other, and degenerate about the same time, they
produce an ulcerated surface within the nostrils,
often of considerable extent. M. Dupuy con-
cludes the first division of his book with the fol-
lowing recapitulation:— 1. The glanders is really
a tuberculous affection. 2. That it is analogous
lo the pulmonary consumption of the human sub-
ject. 3. Tiiat the miliary variety is most common.
4. That the mucous membrane of the left nostril
is most commonly affected. 5. That tubercles, or
ulcers, are rarely seen on the membrane lining the
cavities termed sinuses. 6. That a glandercd
horse may contract a gangrenous disease. 7. That
this gangrenous affection, being contagious, should
be carefully distinguished from the true glanders.
1 liope," he says, " to put this last proposition be-
yond doubt, by the observation hereafter to be
made on the amie glanders, which, in reality, is
a gangrenous affection. Our work would be in-
compktG were it confined to glanders. We have
observed tubercles in other tissues than that of the
mucous membrane of the nasal cavities ; princi-
pally in the substance of the lungs, in the lym-
phatic glands, in the celluhu- membrane, in the
skin, in the body of the testicles, and nnicous mem-
brane of the intestines. The tubercles which are
developed in the lymphatic glands, are composed
ofthe same elements, and pursue the same course

APPENDIX. — GLANDERS.

4.57

as those situated in the nasal cavities. The glands
most commonly attacked are the sublingual and
those about the pharynx. The bronchial, the
mesenteric, and the inguinal, are also liable to this
affection, especially when glanders is complicated
with farcy, grease, &c." " If the glanders is com-
plicated with a tuberculous affection of the lungs,
the animal coughs fi-equently, is fatigued by mode-
rate exercise, and readily sweats about the neck
and flanks; he loses his strength and spirits, be-
comes relaxed and languid, and liable to catarrh,
fluxions from the eyes, cutaneous eruptions, grease,
farcy, &c." " We cannot but consider farcy buds
as scrophulous tubercles : they are developed un-
der the same influences, have a similar organiza-
tion, experience the same changes of state and de-
generation as the tubercles which form in the lungs.
They often degenerate, it is true, into cancerous
sores; but may not this be attributed to the caus-
tics which are so generally employed as remedies?"
« We shall conclude these considerations by observ-
ing that glanders, or phlhisis of the mucous mem-
brane of the nostrils and cavities connected with
them, is sometimes transformed into a cancerous
affection ; that in others, it is complicated with a
disease analogous to the tijphus of horned cattle,
and the contagious distemper of sheep {claveal
confluenl,) which becomes very destructive when
complicated with typhus." « We have observed
three varieties of tubercles in the lungs, the mili-
iiry, the pisiform, and unciform. These morbid

X

458 APPENDIX. —GLANDEKS.

bodies are contained in a cyst, and consist of a
whitish substance, which is easily broken by the
fingers, and is simih^r to the earthy matter of bone.
When the tubercles are large, they are small in
number : but when of the mihary kind, they are
generally very numerous.

" At first, the tubercles are firm, organized, and
always situated in the course of the vessels, the ca-
libres of Avhich are much enlarged : at length,
they degenerate and destroy the substance of the
lun^s. We have observed tubercles in other tis-
sues of the animal economy : those of the liver are
small, white, hard, and of the miliary kind, and
are often found in the substance of this organ.
The substance of the kidneys is sometimes the seat
of tubercles of the pisiform kind ; the cyst is thick,
hard, and nearly cartilaginous ; the matter con-
tained in it is similar to that of the pulmonary
tubercle.

" The testicles are oftener the seat of tubercles
than the liver or kidneys, and are more frequently
thus affected than practitioners are aware of. The
epididymis participates in the affection. Farcy,
as has been before observed, in a scrophidous {i. e.
tuberculous) affection, perhaps that disease so sin-
Lvularly named eaux auxjamles (grease), is an effect
of the same cause; and we may add, that scro-
phula attacks also the bones, the periosteum, and
the cartilacres. The disease so ridiculously named
le crapaud (canker), which changes the fibrous
structure of the horny frog of the foot, is probably

APPENDIX. — GLANDliRS.

459

an effect of the same cause. Canker affects horses
that are bi*ed in low marshy countries, and are
of a peculiar constitution. This circumstance has
led us to point out the resemblance. Some idea
may now be formed of the ravages of scrophula
(tuberculous affection) among horses : no part of
the system is exempt from its influence; it appears,
at first, as a trivial disorder, but always destroys,
sooner or later, the most vigorous constitutions.
Animals affected by this disease perish in great
number about tlie age of six or seven : at this pe-
riod they are rendei-ed nearly unserviceable, and
occasion only expense and trouble. Are not these
considerations sufficient to induce us to investigate
every thing that relates to tlie scrophulous affec-
tion, and to decide, by positive experiments, if it
is hereditary ? For then the true preservative would
bo known, as we could easily remove from the
breeding establishments stallions and mares that
were tainted with it. If we consider tliat the cause
which determines this disorder occasions a secre-
tion and accumulation of osseous matter in the
lungs and other parts (tissus), may we not proba-
biy discover means of opposing this morbid secre-
tion, or prevent it from being deposited on organs
whose functions are so important." " It appeared
of great importance to prove, in reporting parti-
cular and authentic observations, that the glanders
is latent at the time of its invading the interior of
the affected parts; from which itiresults, that the
elements which compose the new body, whicli we

x3

460

APPENDIX. — GLANDERS.

call scropJudous tubercle, are brought together and
united, under the influence of causes which appear
to be hereditary, and under that of cold and moist-
ure. These causes may not be distinctly known,
but the existence of the e{Fects, which we shall de-
scribe, are sufficiently evident.

" The tubercle, then, is formed widiout giving
any signs by which its formation can be detected :
the animal enjoys good health until the tubercle is
disorganised, and degenerates into ulceration ; then
the constitution is more or less affected, and finally
sinks under the disorder."

" It is a fact," says Gilbert, " that has been thou-
sands of times demonstrated, but, unfortunatel}',
too little known, that animals, of whatever kind
they may be, cannot be taken from one country
into another without experiencing some change or
derangement in their constitutions. This change,
more or less sensible, in proportion to the differ-
ence of climate and other circumstances, generally
continues until the animals become naturalized
with the soil, the food, the climate, &c. But, how-
ever active the influence of such changes may be,
there is no doubt that it might be considerably
modified by proper management." " The other
domestic animals, as well as the horse, experience
modifications or changes in their constitutions,
ivhen exposed to the same influences; and may
not these changes which happen in the economy
of domestic animals be principally attributed to
two cause?, viz. the influence of exterior causes and

APPENDIX.— GLANDERS,

461

crossing the breed?" "The strangles," accord--
ing to Gilbert, " is in some measure similar to the
small-pox : it prevails most in temperate climates :
horses are not liable to it a second time, imless
they have it incompletely^ It generally takes
place between the second and fifth year of their
age : when it happens after that period, it exhibits
different symptoms, and is termed the bastard
strangles [fuusse gmirme). The symptoms do not
differ from those of glanders ; and if there be no
essential difference in this respect, why should they
be considered as different maladies. The exist-
ence of bastard strangles appears to prove this.
That disease appears, at first, with nearly all the
symptoms of genuine strangles, but with less in-
tensity. How frequently do the inflammatory
symptoms suddenly disappear, and the glands un-
der the jaw, though ffppearing as if about to sup-
purate, become suddenly cold and indolent, some-
times subsiding almost entirely, while the running
continues from the nose, whatever means may be
employed to suppress it ? In a word, the horse is
then affected with well marked glanders. This is ge-
nerally the termination of the bastard strangles, and
sometimes that of tlie genuine kind. If to these facts,
which are well-known to all practitioners, Ave add,
thattheglanders is sometimesacuteor inflammatory,
and has really all" the characters of strangles, and
that, in mules and asses, it is nearly always of the
acute kind : it appears to the author (Gilbert), that
the perfect identity of the two diseases cannot be

462 APPENDIX. — GLANDERS.

disputed, though they have hitherto been regarded
as essentially different." " We see, then," says
M. Dupuy, " that the memoir of Gilbert gives a
nevs^ view of the subject, and that no preceding au-
thor has given so luminous a description of it. ' I
agree with Gilbert on one point — I believe that the
strangles, the hastard-strangles, the farcy, the grease,
the periodical defl.nxion from the eyes, commonly
named inoon-hlindneis {Irx fluxion periodique P ) are
very often effects of the same specific cause; that
they ought all to be attributed to the tuberculous
affection. I am not satisfied merely with advancing
•a similar proposition, but have reported observa-
tions that have put it beyond doubt. It has been
observed before, that the tubercular affection is
more common than it is generally believed to be ;
that its origin is imperceptible, because it is devel-
•oped without deranging the functions of the af-
fected part: if it does occasion derangement, it is
so slight as to escape notice, or be mistaken for an
inflammatory disease ; that the peculiar symptoms
do not appear till the tubercles become numerous,
and especially when they become disorganized. I
think, then, that all these diseases which have been
placed separately in the artificial and very imper-
fect classifications that have been formed of the
disorders of domestic animals, should be brought
totredier into a regular nosology, since they depend
on a similar organic lesion. Whatever the cause
may be which determines them, they depend on
the production of a new substance, which I have

AfPEMDIX.-^GLANDERS.

463

named tniUary tubercle, the nature of vvhicli is al-
ways the same. These tubercles are nourished in
a peculiar manner; they attract the materials
which they assimilate ; they multiply, change their
state, become disorganized, and degenerate into
ulcers more or less deep and extensive. These
tubercles, then, always occasion serious disorders,
which generally tend to the destruction of the af-
fected parts, and have always an unfavourable ter-
mination. When developed to a certain degree,
these parasitical bodies cannot be resolved : the
diseases arising from them are never followed by a
fovourable crisis, and an unfavourable prognostic
may safely be given of the animal that is attacked
by them. After these considerations, we ought
to feel much interest in detei-mining with precision
the conditions which occasion the developement of
the tuberculous affection ; whether it is liereditary
or acquired ; or if there are any signs by which
we can distinguish the constitution, or particular
conformation that is most liable to this destructive
malady. It mny be fairly presumed, that a disease
which attacks so many parts of the body will ex-
hibit a variety of symptoms, depending on the dif-
fei'cnce in the structure or texture {tissu) of the
parts which it attacks; and that when seA-eral parts
arc affected at the same time, it will more quickly
prove fatal. The progress of glanders is very slow-
when it affects the mucous membrane lining the
frontal, maxillary, and sphenoidal sinuses, the
membrane in these parts being less vascular than

464

APPENDIX.— GLANDEBS.

that which covers the spongy bones (les cornets),
and the cartilaginous partition of the nostrils : in
the latter situation, therefore, the disease spreads
more quickly : when the lungs are the seat of the
tuberculous affection, its progress is generally
slow; in this case, it takes the form of catarrh, pe-
ripneumony, or even pleurisy, chronic catarrh, &c.
All these diseases are, in certain cases, effects of
the tuberculous aflPection." " It is worthy of re-
mark, that in the number of horses (whose cases
arc described by M. Dupuy) that had a running
from one nostril only, there was but one that had
the right nostril affected, whereas eight had a run-
ning from the left nostril."

The foregoing extracts from M. Dupuy's work
will be sufficient to show what the author's opinions
are, relative to glanders ; a subject on which I have
so fully treated in the third volume, that it would
have been unnecessary to dwell on it here, had not
M. Dupuy's book appeared. Since the last edi-
tion of the third volume was published, I have had
opportunities of making further observations on
slanders, and find what I have there advanced on
the subject fully confirmed. The opinions for
which I contend are these : 1. That glanders is a
specific disease peculiar to the horse, the ass, and
the mule, and that it is propagated by contagion.
2. That if glanders is generated in the system, in-
dependently of contagion, we have no positive
knowledge of the manner in which, or of the causes
by which, it is, in such cases, produced, 3. As to

APPENDIX.— GLANDERS,

465

the manner in which the disease is communicated,
there appears to be sufficient evidence to prove
that it is not by the application of glanderous mat-
ter to the nostrils, nor by exhalations from the
lungs, the skin or the excrement of the diseased
animal, but by the glanderous matter being taken
into the mouth, and swallowed, or by its coming
into contact with a part Avhere the cuticle is re-
moved or the skin wounded. 4. That glanders
m:iy be produced with certainty by inoculating a
healthy horse or ass with glanderous matter; and
that the matter of strangles, bastard strangles, ca-
tarrh, whether chronic, acute, or epidemic, grease,
&c. will not produce a similar effect. The matter
of virulent grease, however, will, by inoculation,
produce a peculiar local effect, which, after a short
time, gets well, without the aid of topical applica-
tions or medicine. 5. That if a very young ass be
inoculated with glanderous matter, thouch the
horse from which the matter is taken have the dis-
order in the slightest or mildest degree, the acute
glanders will generally be produced, and the young
ass will be> destroyed by it in a short time. If a
full-grown strong healthy ass be inoculated with
matter from the same horse, the effect will be less
violent, and still less, if a horse be inoculated : in
this last case, the effect is variable; in some in-
stances, an extensive ulceration has taken place
about the part inoculated, and a running from
the nostril (generally one only) has come on in a
short time; in others, the local effect is not con-

X 5

466

APPENDIX. — GLANDERS.

siderable, and it is sometimes before the constitu-
tional symptoms appear, wliicli are a discharge
from one or both nostrils, and a swelling under
the jaw. In one horse it was about two months
^before the constitutional symptoms were produced.
6. That the only certain diagnostic or character-
istic symptom of glanders is the contagious quality
of the matter which flows from the nostrils; that
diseases often occur Avhich resemble it so perfectly
in every other respect that the most experienced
])ractitioners are unable to distinguish them.

A knowledge of these facts led me to propose
the inoculation of a sound animal with the sus-
pected matter, as a criterion by which the glanders
may be distinguished with certainty' froiri other
diseases. Since the publication of the third vo-
lume, in v,'hich this test was described, other ex-
periments have been made, which tend to establish
its utility. In one case only, the inoculation did
not succeed until the animal had been inoculated
four times, which, at first, led to a conjecture that
the matter was not, at first, of a glanderous nature,
but gradually degenerated, and at the time of the
fourth inoculation, had become capnble of commu-
nicating the disease; but, on reviewing all the cir-
cumstances of this experiment, it appears more
probable, that the feilure of the three first inocu-
lations arose from negligence. The fourth lime
it was done with great care, and tlie animal died
of o-landers about three weeks afterwards. This
case is noticed to show the necessity of conducting

APPENDIX. — GLANDERS.

467

the inoculation with cave and attention. A young
ass, even a sucking foal, is the best subject for the
purpose, as he is more easily affected, and becomes
so manifestly glandered in a short time, as to leave
no doubt as to the nature of the disease. It is not
necessary to wait until a running at the nostrils
takes place, though that symptom generally ap-
pears in about a fortnight, as well as a swelling
under the jaw : but if the suspected matter be real-
ly of a glanflerous nature, the inoculated part will,
in four or five days, become a painful ulcer, and
shortly after, the surrounding skin Avill be swollen
and tender, and the absorbent vessels about the
part will also be swollen, appearing as corded veins.
These appearances are sufficient evidence of the
disease being glanderous; and at this period the
little animal should be destroyed, for if kept longer,
the sore spreads rapidly, and the constitution is
often violently affected, so as to cause much pain.
The matter should be taken from the nose of the
suspected horse in the morning, before he lias
been watered or fed, when it has accumulated
about the lower part of the nostril. It should not
be in a solid or dry state, nor so fluid as to run off
quickly from the bit of glass or tile on v/hicli it
may be collected. It should be rather viscid and
semi-transparent, but not whitish, thick, and
opaque, like the matter of an abscess. The neck
is a convenient part for the inoculation ; the hair
should be cut off for about the space of a crown-
piece, and a superficial incision made in the cuti-

APPENDix.—GLANDERS.

cle with a lancet, that is, the flat part of the lan-
cet should be introduced under the cuticle, so as
to make an opening about a quarter of an inch in
width and half an inch in depth, in a descending
direction, so that the matter, when introduced,
may readily run off, or be washed off, should a
little blood happen to flow. In making this open-
ing between the cuticle and the skin, it is proper
to go so near the skin as to cause a few drops of
blood to appear; but this should be carefully
wiped off before the suspected matter is introduced.
A horse lancet is the best instrument for the pur-
pose, but the matter may be appHed by means of
a thin slip of wood, with which it may be gently
rubbed a few times about the part. This part of
the operation must be carefully attended to, and
rather overdone than otherwise ; for though a tri-
vial sore may be produced by poking about the
part, and performing the operation rather roughly,
even with the matter of a common abscess, or
without introducing any matter at all, yet it disap-
pears in a day or two ; but it must not be done so
rudely as to cause bleeding, by which the glander-
ous matter may thereby be washed off, or rendered
inert by dilution. In some horses, where there is
but a small quantity of matter discharged, there
may, at times, be a good deal of a watery fluid
formed within tlie nostrils, which may too much
dilute the glanderous matter : it should therefore
be collected carefully, at the time, and in the state
before described. It may be proper, however, to

APPENDIX. — GLANDERS.

469

remark, that when the inoculation is carefully per-
formed by an experienced person it may be done
so slightly, that there will be no sore produced till
two or three days afterwards ; but it is better, I
think, to make rather a larger opening, and intro-
duce more matter than is absolutely necessary.
After the inoculation, the ass should be confined,
and not turned into a field, where he would pro-
bably lie down, and rub off the matter in the
grass ; nor should a part be chosen for the opera-
tion which the animal is able to lick. During a
period of many years, I have had frequent occa-
sion to employ this operation as a test or criterion
for determining with certainty the nature of those
discharges from the nostrils of horses which so
often occur, and am now so satisfied with its utility,
that I can recommend it with confidence to the
public.

The diseases which M. Dupuy considers as tu-
berculous affections, are no doubt very destructive,
especially among cattle, and appear to be produced
by exposure to cold and moisture. Constilutional
weakness, whether hereditary or dependant on
other causes, will of course render animals more
liable to such affections. In this country, the
diseases so produced are commonly of the catarrhal
kind, and when neglected, often degenerate into
consumption. Those epizootic or contagious dis-
eases, by which an incalculable number of cattle
have been swept off at different periods, are, in this
country, almost unknown in the present age ; and
it is probable, that the fatal diseases which are

APPENDIX.— GLANDERS.

now SO often occurring, may, by proper manage-
ment, be in great measure prevented. Much
praise is due to M. Dupuy for the zeal he has
shown in the investigation of the subject, and the
means he has suggested for the preservation and
improvement of our domestic animals are certainly
deserving of attention ; as to his opinions relative
to glanders, they are not likely, I think, to lead to
any improvement either in the prevention or treat-
ment of that disease : on the contrary, should any
converts be made to his opinion of the nonconta-
gious nature of the disorder, much mischief may
result from it. The little progress that has hitherto
been made in this intei'estiug inquiry may probably
have arisen from the difficulty of distinguishing-
genuine glanders from other diseases which neai'ly
resemble it, except in one point, that is, in its
contagious quality; and though many horses
may have escaped the disorder that have been
kept with such as are nominally glandered, such
circumstances ought not to have any weight when
opposed to so many positive proofs as have
been adduced of its contagious nature. If it be
said that glanders is not so contagious as many
suppose it to be, I will readily accede to the
opinion, and think it probable, that opinions are
sometimes given upon the subject too hastily, and
that horses are sometimes destroyed under a
supposition of their being glandered, when they
have had some other disorder. If this be admitted,
we can account for the cures that have at times
been boasted of. as well as for the contradictory

APPENDIX.—

GLANDERS.

4.71

opinions that have prevailed on the subject. I
presume, therefore, to hope that the test I have
proposed will be thought worthy of public atten-
tion. Admitting the contagious nature of glanders
as a fact clearly proved, it does not follow, that a
sound horse will, with certainty, contract the dis-
ease by standing, or being kept by one that is
glandered, there isprobablj'' a considerable chance
of his escaping. In the first place, the glandered
lioi'se may not discharge a sufficient quantity of
matter; he may not deposit it in a situation where
the other can readily get it. Glandered horses
will often lick up the matter which they throw oiit
about the manner themselves. The sound horse
may not be disposed to lick up the matter; and if
he unavoidably swallows the morbid matter, by
drinking out of the same pail, or by partaking of
the same feed, it may be too much diluted, or mixed
witli other matter, to produce any effect; or the
sound horse may be of so hardy a nature as to re-
sist the influence of the poisonous matter. It has
been satisfactorily proved, that glanders is not com-
municated by the application of glanderous matter
to the nostrils; from v/hich, and the above consi-
derations, we may easily conceive that sound
horses may frequently have escaped the contagion,
though kept with glandered horses : and yet those
who have denied the contagious nature of the dis-
ease have adduced some instances of this kind as
conclusive evidence in favour of their opinion
They they liave seen a sound and a glandered
horse kept together, and that the former has not

472

APPENDIX. — GLANDERS.

contracted the disorder. Now besides the chances
of escape before noticed, there is another to be
considered : the horse that is said to be glandercd
may not be so in reality ; what proof do they ever
give of it ? None. It will surely be admitted, that
if only one clear case can be adduced of a perfectly
sound hoi'se contracting the glanders by standing
with a horse that is labouring under that disorder,
it is more satisfactory evidence of its contagious
nature than ten instances of a horse escaping it,
under such circumstances, would be to the con-
trary. If matter be taken from the nose of a glan-
dercd horse, mixed up with flour and honey, and
given to a sound horse, and if the latter, though
taken great care of, and properly fed, groomed,
and exercised, became glandered, does it not prove
that the glanders is contagious? St. Bel gave
glanderous matter in this way to three horses; one
of them contracted the disorder in a month, the
others some time after. If a small quantity of
matter taken from the nose of a glandered horse
be inserted under the cuticle, or scarf skin, in any
part of the body of a sound horse or ass, it pro-
duces at first a disease similar to farcy: that is,
the inoculated part becomes an ulcer or chancrous
sore of a peculiar appearance, the chancre spreads,
often rapidly, farcy buds appear in the course of
the absorbent vessels, which are swollen or corded;
after a short time, there is a running, generally
from one nostril only, and a swelling tinder the
jaw, but on the same side as the affected nostril ;
the running increases, and ulceration takes place

APPENDlS.— GLANDERS. 473

within the nostrils; in short, the horse is com-
pletely glandered, as may be proved by the matter
which flows from his nostril being capable of com-
municating the same disease to another horse. Is
not this a sufficient proof of the contagious nature
of glanders ? If further proof is required, then,
I would say, that if fifty horses or asses were ino-
culated with matter from the same glandered
horse, a similar effect would be produced in all of
them ; that is to say, similar in kind, but varying
in degree. In a young ass, six months old for ex-
ample, an acute kind of glanders would be pro-
duced, which probably would destroy the animal
in a few weeks ; but in an old hardy horse it may
be two months before the running at the nose ap-
pears, and the inoculated part may soon get well.
M. Dupuy would, perhaps, give a distinct name
to each variety : he would call the disease, as it
appears in young asses, gangreneuse or charlon-
neuse, &c. but this would not alter the fact, or the
inference I have drawn from it. A healthy young
ass was turned into a field with a glandered horse,
the ass, in a short time, contracted the disorder
and died of it. A glandered horse was turned into
a large pasture, where several healthy horses and
colts were running : it was in the month of Sep-
tember, the weather had been temperate, and
there was plenty of grass and places for shelter.
After a short time, several of them became glan-
dered : I was desired to examine them, and found
eight of them, colts and horses, completely glan-
dered. A glandered horse rubbed his nose on a

APPENmX.— CtLANDEHS.

sore part, produced by the crupper, near the tail
of a healthy horse, in consequence of which, he
soon became glandered ; in the first place, however,
the sore near the tail was converted into a spread-
ing chancre, similar to the sores produced by ino-
culation. It is needless, I trust, to adduce any
further proof of the contagious nature of glanders.
The tuberculous affection is, I believe, very com-
mon, especially among cattle, and is generally
produced by the influence of cold and moisture,
which may be considered as exciting causes; while
food of a bad quality, and insufficient in quantity,
excessive labour, hereditary weakness of constltu-
tion, confinement in close stables, and in short,
whatever diminishes the health and vigour of the
system in a considerable degree, are Causes that
predispose to the disease.

This is a subject of much greater importance
than it is commonly supposed to be. If seen in
its true light by those enlightened agriculturists
■who have already done so much for the improve-
ment of the breed of domestic animals, it will no
doubt lead them to the adoption of a system by
which the destructive diseases that now prevail
may, be prevented, and a stop put to the absurd
and expensive attempts that are so often made to
cure incurable diseases. Although epizootic dis-
eases seldom happen in this country, it is highly
probable that the fatal disorders which are so
often occuring are wholly referrable to the causes
before alluded to, that is to say, constitutional
weakness or liability to diseases whether produced

APPENDIX.— -GLANDERS.

475

by inattention to breeding, impropev food, or other
causes, and exposure to cold and moisture. As to
the cure of glanders, M. Dupuy does not pretend
to have discovered a certain method of accomplish-
ing it. " The treatment," he says, " ought to be
divided into what concerns the regimen, or dietetic
part, and the medical treatment. The diet should
be strengthening the food of the best quality ; the
stable should be well ventilated, and in a situa-
tion where the air is pure and dry: when bad
weather prevents his being moderately exercised
out of doors, he should be well wisped and brushed
in the stable." May not grain, such as wheat,
which contains a large proportion of azote (nitro-
gen) be given with advantage ; or gluten ? Why
not add to it panada wine and meat broth ? Vicq-
d'Azyr says, he has seen animals cured by it (of
an epizootic or epidemic disease) in every stage of
the malady. Among the numerous medicines
that have been recommended for the tuberculous
affection, tonics are the best ; but even these are
seldom productive of any permanent good. The
vegetable tonics are gentian, elecampane root,
tansy, aromatic powders, cinchona bark, hemlock,
fox-glove, v/ater-hemlock. Among the minerals
that have been employed are sal ammoniac, carbo-
nate of ammonia, kermes mineral, emetic tartar,
corrosive sublimate, calomel, cinnabar, sulphur,
&c. ; also, aloes, gum ammoniacum, assafoetida,
resin, and nitre. Revulsive means have also been
employed to diminish the inflammation of the
lungs with which the disease is often complicated :

I

476

APPENDIX.— GLANDEHS.

such are setons, blisters, and the actual cautery,
applied to the sides. M. Dupuy cannot be ac-
cused of being too sparing in his enumeration of
reputed remedies: but had he added every other
article in the materia medica, he would not per-
lunps have exceeded the truth, as there is scarcely
one that has not been tried, and few that have not
been recommended as remedies for danders.

The matter of a real farcy sore, or rather of a
farcy bud, which has suppurated, appears to pos-
sess the same contagious quality as the glanderous
matter, producing, by inoculation, precisely the
same phenomena ; but this disease, like glanders,
is resembled by other diseases ; and I think it but
a fair calculation that, out of twenty cases of what
smiths, and persons ignorant of the subject, term
farcy, not above three or four are really of that
description : hence it is that we hear of different
kinds of farcy; such as the water-farcy, the but-
ton-farcy, &c. M. Dupuy says, that farcy buds
often degenerate into cancerous sores, which he
attributes to the caustics that are commonly applied
to them. I have found, however, invariably, that
caustics are the best local remedies for farcy sores,
and that one or two such applications are often
sufficient to destroy their peculiar character, and
cause them gradually to heal without any thing
more being applied. It is worthy of remark, that
after farcy buds have been cured, especially when
it has been effected by topical applications only, it
is most commonly followed by glanders: but the
interval between the disappearance of farcy and

APPENDIX. — GLANDERS.

4.77

tlie appearance of glanders varies considerably ;
the longest interval I have known is about five or
six months. I shall conclude with one more ex-
tract from M. Dupuy to show how extensive he
seems to consider the influence of the tubercular
affection. After enumerating the various diseases
which it occasions in horses, oxen, sheep, pigs,
hares, rabbits, and even poultry, he adds, " Do
we not observe analorjous alterations in vegetables ?
I shall be told perhaps that this is pushing my an-
alogies too far : but botanists and gardeners have
long since observed concretions in certain fruits,
as in the wild pear of St. Germain, &c. The
hard parts are termed stones, and the name of
quarry is given to the mass which results from
their union. These vegetable stones, says Vente-
nat, appear to be organized, and seem to grow
like organized bodies. Duhamel thinks they are
formed from clusters of vessels, &c." Vaquelin
has found that these concretions do not contain
either phosphate or carbonate of lime, as had been
suspected, but consisted of ligneous matter, similar
to the tree which produces the fruit. It has been
proved by the accurate analyses of MM. Thenard
and Dulong, that tubercles are composed of phos-
phate and carbonate of lime, in the same pro-
portions as they are found in bone. The bones
of animals that have died of the tuberculous affec-
tion are evidently more transparent and lighter
than the bones of healthy animals. It appeared,
then, of some importance to determine whether

4.78

APPENDIX. — GLANDEKS.

the milk of a covv affected with tubercles [lapom-
melih-e, or incipient phthisis), contained a larger
proportion of phosphate of lime than that of a
sound cow. M. Labillardiere, chemical operator
at our school, has proved that it contains seven
times more phosphate of lime than the milk of a
healthy cow. This, if confirmed by other experi-
ments, is a valuable discovery, and furnishes a
most useful indication. It may explain why the
milk of such cows is found injurious by persons af-
fected with consumption, and show the necessity
of ascertaining that the milk used by consumptive
patients is produced by a healthy covv. It points
but also the advantages likely to result from con-
fining animals to a suitable regimen when affected
with the tuberculous disease, and by rejecting such
food as contains phosphate of lime ! " M. Dupuy
has certainly carried his speculations to a great ,
length, and had he not endeavoured to propagate an
opinion which appears to me highly dangerous, viz.
that glanders is not contagious, I should not have
noticed his work, or dwelt so long on the subject, as
it has been so fully treated of in the third volume.

INDEX.

Abdomen, or belly, 56.

viscera of, 68.

Abscess described, 85.
. . treatment of, 85.

Age of a horse, 382.
Alteratives, 169, 374.

— • for the mange, 185.

i . mercurial, 231.

balls and powder, 49, 144, 152, 181, 185.

227, 228, 375.
Amaurosis, 437.

Anatomy of the internal organs, 56.

. foot, 302.

Anodyne drenches, 115, 124, 420.
Anticor, 198.
Aorta, 63.

Apoplexy, or staggers, 185, 265.
Appendix, 393.
Arsenic, 54.
Astringent lotions, 229.

• ointments, 230, 231.

powders, 50, 231, 232.

drenches, 115, 192.

ball, 192.

Auricles of the heart, 63.

Balls, cautions on giving, 43.

cordial, 55, 98, 390, 391.

diuretic, 101, 139, 155, 374.

■ purging, or cathartic, 152, 170, 372.

. tonic, 54, 129, 130, 131, 406.

— — expectorant, 147, 164.

480

INDEX.

Balls, alterative, 49, 144., 152, 181, 185, 227.

• for retention of urine, 123, 126.

for flatulent colic, or gripes, 116.

camphor, 123, 126, 137.

i for bloody urine, 131.

for incontinence of urine, 133.

laxative, 139, 140, 146, 227, 376.

• ' cough, 153.

• ■ stomachic laxative, 47.

mercurial purgative, 51.

fever, 90.

— - astringent, 192.

farcy, 215, 216.

Belly, dropsy of, 196-
Bile', 76,

Bladder, description of, 80.

Bleeding, 364.

Blisters, 271, 376.

Blood, 63, 364.

Body, divisions of the, 56.

Botts, see Worms.

■ sometimes injurious to the stomach, 119.

Bowels, diseases of the, 50, 102.
Brain, dropsy of, 195.
Broken wind, 159.

— knees, 270.

Bruises, 268.

Canker, 359,
Catalepsy, 218.
Cataract, 438.
Catarrh, 60, 99, 145, 409.
Caustjc powder, 361.

. liquid, 361.

Cellular membrane, 58. Note.
Chest, dropsy of, 196.

— founder/342, 448.

Chronic cough, 149.
Circulation of the blood, 63.
Clj'sters, 106, 126, 380, 419,

INDEX. 481

Cold, see Catarrh,

Colic, flatulent, or gripes, 32, 110, 111,

how distinguished from inflammation of the

bowels, 110.
Condition, 12.
Corded veins, 206, 213.
Cordial balls, 55, 98, 390, 391,
Corns, 354'.
Cough, see Catarrh.

> chronic, 149,

Crib-biters, 388.
Curb, 298.
Cutting, 362.

Diabetes, or excessive staling, 128.
Diaphragm, or midriff, 56.
DiarrhcEa, or purging, 191.
Digestion, 73.
Distemper, 409.

Diuretics, 101, 127, 139, 154, 155, 374.
Drenches, colic, 115.

anodyne, 115, 124, 420.

oily laxative, 115, 422.

astringent, 115.

• ■ diuretic, 127. .

cough, 153.

purgative, 188,

laxative, 89, 405, 411.

■ stimulant, 418, 419,

Dressings, mild, 361, 362.
Dropsy, 195.
Dysentery, 194,

Embrocations for bruises, 268, 269.

— — ' strains, 289.

' — '■ windgalls, 294.

Epiglottis, 57, 69.

Epilepsy, 217.

Exercise, see Feeding, 14.

Eye?, diseases of the, 221, 431—442.

T

482

INDEX.

Farcy, 206, 210.

Feeding and Exercise, 14, 21, 32, 45, 74.
Fever, 86, 88, 402.

symptomatic, 91.

■ ■ catarrhal, 99.

epidemic, 409.

Fistula, 273.
Fits, 217.

Fomentations, 379.

Foot, management of the, 20, 29.

its defects generally owing to bad shoeing, 300.

anatomy of, 302.

— — diseases of, 326.
Foundering, 336, 443.
Fret, see Colic.
Frog, see Foot.

(ilangrene, 86.

(tastric juice, see Digestion.
Glanders, 199, 455.
Glass-eyes, 437.
(Clyster, see Clysters.
Grease, 226, 426.
Gripes, see Colic.
Grogginess, 339.
Grooming, 13.
Gullet, 68.
Gutta Serena, 437.

Haw, 225.
Heart, 62.
Hidebound, 179.
Hoof, see Foot.

Incontinence of urine, 133.
Inflammation, 81.

, . external, 83.

internal, 86.

_ , of the lungs, 93.

. , catarrhal, 99.

INDEX. 483

Inflammation of the intestines, 102, 110,

' stomach, 117.

— kidneys, 120.

bladder, 136.

liver, 137.

; eye, see Eye.

Intestines, description of, 71.
length of, 71.

Jaundice, 139.
■ Joints, structure of, 257.

■ wounds of, 258.

Journey, management during a, 385.

Kidneys, description of, 79.

inflammation of, 120.

Knees, broken, 270.

Lacteals, 72, 77, 79.
Lameness, see Toundering.
Lampas, 44.
Larynx, 57.

Laxatives 47, 89 «oi., 115, 139, 140, 146, 227, 376,

iU5, 411, 422.
Liniments, volatile, 107.

mustard, 107.

• ■ blistering, 271.

Liver, 75.

diseased, 49, 137.

Locked jaw, 219, 393, 395, 401.

Looseness, 50.

Lotions for the mouth, 40.

mange, 184. '

■ astringent, 229.

for saddle-galls, 279.

saturnine, 288.

Lungs, 56.

■ ■ inflammation of, 93,

Lymph, coagulabie, see Bleedin<r.

Malanders, 232.

Y 2

48'1

INDEX.

Management during a journey, 385.
Mange, 182.
Mediastinum, 57.
Megrims, 217.
Mesentery, 72.

Molten grease, 192, IQi, 422.
Moon-blindness, 439.
Mortification, see Gangrene.
Mouth, tenderness of^ 39.

lotion for, 40.

Mustard liniment, 107.

^ .

r>Jerving, 443.
Nutrition, process of, 72.

CEsophagus, 68.

Ointments, stimulating, 142, 275, 430.
mange, 183.

astringent, 230, 430.

for broken knees, 272.

, for sitfasts, 281.

hoof, 354.

blistering, 377, 378.

for grease, 4S0.

Ophthalmia, 432. . ^

Organs, internal, structure and functions ot, o6.

Pancreas, 77.
Pericardium, 63.
Peripneumony, 62, 93.
Peritoneum, 79.
Pharynx, 68.
Physic, 18, 368,419.

Pleura, 57. ■ ^ ,i r

Pleurisy, see Ji]flannmlion of the Lungs.

Poll evil, 276.
Poultice's, 344, 379.

. saturnine, 289.

. see also Materia Mcdtca, or Vol. U.

Powders, astringent, 50, 231, 232.
, , fever, 90, 411.

INDEX.

485

Powders, diuretic, 15i, 228.

caustic, 361.

. alterative, 228, 375.

Pulse, 381, 403.
Purgatives, see Physic.
Purging, see Diarrhcea.
Pylorus, 71.

Quidders, 4.2.
Quitter, 356.

Respiration, 59.
Retention of urine, 121, 123.
Ring-bones, 292.
Roaring, 155.
Rowels, 380.

cautions respecting, 127.

Saddle-galls, 279.
Salanders, 232.
Sand-cracks, 351 .
Scouring, 191,
Shoeing, 300, 318.
Shoulder-shook, 342.
Sinews, back, '2,86 note. ■
Sitfasts, 280.
Sole, drawing the, 247.
Spavin, 296.
Splents, 294.

Stable, construction of, 1.

management, 9

Staggers, 185, 265.
Staling, excessive, 128.
Stimulants, 418, 419.
Stomach, 68, 73.

inflammation of, 1 17.

purgative, 418.

■ staggers, 186, 412.

Stone m the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, 134
Strams, 281, '
Strangles, 141.

Y 3

INDEX,

Stmtigury, 1^1.
Sulpliat of copper, 51'.
Suppression of urine, 121, 126,
Surfeit, 181.

Teeth, see Age.
Tents, mischief of, 235.
Thoracic duct, 79.
Thorax, 56.
Thorough-pin, 292.
Thrush, 358.

Tonics, 54, 129, 130, 131,406,
Trachea, see Lmgs.

Ureters, 80.

Urinary diseases, 121, 128, 131, 134;.

Valve of the throat, 70.
Ventricles of the heart, 63.
Vertigo, 217-

Viscera of the abdomen, 68.
Viscera of the chest, 56.
Vomiting, 69, 70, 71.
Warbles, see Saddle-galls,
Water, 24—29, 46.
Wind, broken, 159.
Wind-galls, 263, 293.
Windpipe, 56.
Withers, fistula in the, 273.
Worms, 48, 73, 118, 119, 167.
Wounds, 233.

simple Incised, 234.

, lacerated and contused, 236.

, . — punctured, 245.

. — of cavities, 253.

. the chest, 253.

. . . belly, 254^

- joints, 257.

__________ slieaths of tendons, 262.

_ — a vein, 264.

Yellows, see Jaundice

487

DESCRIPTION OF THE PLATES.

PtATE I — Fi''. 1. Represents the bottom of a coit's foot:
a, a, the frog ; I; b, the bars ; c, c, c, the sole ;
d, d, the seal of corns.
Fig. 2. The bottom of a contracted foot.

Plate II.— The ciust or wall of the hoof separated from the
olher parts.

Fig. 2. Represents it recently separated : a, a, a,
die elastic processes of the hoof; h, b, the
extremities or horny heels; c, the groove
within the coronet. • u i

Fi''. 1. Uepvesents ilie same subject after it had
been kept a few days ; a, «, o, the elastic pro-
cesses ; I, h, the heels shrunk and bent in-
M-ard; c, the groove within the coronet,

Plate III.— Fig. 1. A shoe for a good foot.

Fig. 2. The hinged shoe recommended by
^Mr. Clark: a, the steel rivet which forms
the hinge ; h, a separate view of the rivet.

Plate IV. Fig. l. A French shoe for the fore foot.

Fig. 2. Represents the adjusliire of the shoe :
a, a, a plain surface on which the shoe rests ;
h, h, the outer branch of the shoe. This,
however, is better shown by the side view of
the shoed foot.

Fig. 3. (t, the front of the foot ; b, the quar-
ter ; 3, the heel ; c, c, shows that tire toe
and heel of the shoe have no bearing on the
ground, which is represented by the horizon*
tal line e, e.

Fig. 4. The hind shoe.

Fig. 5. The adjusture ; a, a, the ground ;
6, I, the side of the shoe.
Plate IV.— ^No. 2. Represents the different degrees of
obliquity of the hoof.

Plate V. — Represents the sensible foot recently drawn out
of the hoof : a, a, a, the sensitive elastic pro-
cesses; b, I, h, the coronary ring or ligament,
the luurrelcl of Bourgelet, which tills the
fjroove on the inside of the coronet, shown in
Plate II, and named by the French le lerceau.

488

Plate VI.— Represents the bottom of the sensible foot, re-
cently separated from the horny sole, fro^ and
bars. °

Plate VII.— A perpendicular section of the foot and pas-
tern : a, the coffin bone or foot bone • L,
the navicula, shuttle, or nut bone ; c, 'the'
small pastern or coronary bone; d, the
large pastern bone ; e, the back sinew ; f,
that part of the sinew which passes over,
and slides upon the nut bone ; g, the termi-
nation or insertion of the back sinew in the
bottom of the coflhi bone ; h, h, the elastic
matter of the sensible frog ; i, the horny
frog; /f, the horny sole; /, the crust o'r
■wall ; m, the elastic processes.

Plate VIII.— A transverse section of the foot : a, the cofSn
bone ; b, the nut bone.

Plate IX,— Posterior view of the sinews and cartilages.

Plate X. — A posterior view of the ligament, cartilages, and
bone.

Plate XI.' — Front view of the bones.
Plate XII. — Back view of the bones.
Plate XIII.— The front; shoe.
Plate XIV.— The clip shoe.

Plate XV. — The horny box or hoof separated from the sen-
sible parts.

DIRECTIONS FOR PLACING THE PLATES.

Plate V. to face the Title page.

VI. page 300.

XIV.— page 318.

The remainder, in numerical order, to follow this page.

J

Eiifftwvd ror nViifr^f Farden'

^Jttirpai^roltr. del*

Ef\tfitb^ed tor Whi^ Farrtern

I..SaiIliar, .satTp^

P/nte 3.

Bg. 2.

•/•tAurr 'TiLir

Eriffrat'ed for HTiite's Farriery.

Plate 4. N°l.

J. Spenetr del.

Engraved, for Miitt'.t Farrten:

-W.l' JAsideTiewof flit soundHoof -witha^azfr sidring the proper de
gree<jroT>li^ty^toT)e4sdegTers of devation. _a,i!*« ftoTriE/-. V<S*.^m/. i.

■ Sidefiew of flic Conycx or Pumice Toot , in irhicTi the Hoof lias lo»t

it J nanrafiinii.and approadhes 5 degrees to-n-axd. the Horizontal line .

J^fy. 3.AHoof approacliui^too nca:rl^ die perpendicular .

JSnffnwcd, ibr Wkots FaniG-,

I

1%

J'La.te

Tc?7)eridicuZar Sedi-ofi of tlie I'astxrn X- Foot.

Eiwrnxrd tor White.! Fivritrv.

Plate. S

T/le foot dh'UUd tra^ycrsefy a. WU^ ^e^^ ff^, a>ron^. .,W^>^ tite
horr^ mnMer. tfu, ^-^W/v^««. bef^een the. Coffin^bcru, and.

JToof.fM Comjuhone.cmd the ITco'ieuU or mMone^.

■ A

^nnraved for Whir^.i 7.;,,.,., / A

AbackviewofthcBones. ligaments, and Tendons. —aa« the
hach Sinew \>iti sTualh. ec the lateral Cartilage*. i.t/ie AoUom of t/ie
Gtffin bone ^

flatew

thU pr^anaUon ^om. hart ,,f / '""'^ "

I

Ai^EOst Shoe. — Thi^ STwa is djeA'^rtrd, for^UppGy roaeLr. and on sitc/i ot'cn
jmn^ renders a Nonrr perfecti^y .recurc: z/te .cAarp wec^ Woe jidhfAifux at t^iejStx/ heinxf
merely- screi\-ed into Zftc <Shoe nu^f be Tonjox ed and applied again, atphxbstire, _ a ihr
S/uie contpUte. "b (he. femaZe ^crew in, dieSeeZ. c dut itvxfyc t7uitscrew.f into it. d its
scrvtv, c tA^ k^y for fwang and nemo vin^ die n'edpe .

FnpinytvZ ibr Whitest Jux/Tiay.

i

-

*