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Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6, il est film6 d partir de Tangle sup6rieur gauche, de gauche i droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images n^cessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. ly errata ed to int ne pelure, avon d 1 2 3 32X t 2 3 4 5 6 u (J) it 'S. ^ BSH«| Q^ « Pi z y^-i < n^i -r 5 5 -" .4; — '■2,» 51 y. DISEASES OF THE HORBE m 9i AND 1^ 11 5 < a- KHSg ■e Oi •go ■;; * fc. = 52 « a .* c 3 6 ^ SI 5 ° CATTLE AND SHEEP. THEIR TREATMENT, WITH A LIST AND FULL DESORIPTION OF TEE MEDICINES EMPLOYED. By ROBERT McCLURE, M.D, V.S., rHOnUWOR IN THE VETERINARY COLliEQB OF PHILADELPHIA, AUTUOa OF " THE OENTLKMAtl'K AMERICAN HTABLB GUIDE," EDITOR 01^ "THE U0R8E IN THE STABLE AND FIELD," MEDALIST TO TIIK V. S. AORICt'LTURAL SOCIETY, PRIZiS ESSAYIST TO THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, ETC., ETC., ETC. WITH TREATMENT OF THE LATE EPIZOOTIC INFLUENZA OR "CANADIAN HORSE DISTEMPER." By dr. ANDREW SMITH, V. S., nilNOIPAL OF THE ONTARIO VETERINARY COLLEGE, TORONTO. ILLUSTRATED. " Halt thou given the horse Btr«ni|(th ? bait tbou clothed hU neck with thunder f He pawcth ia the valley and ntjulceth In his strength : he goeth on tu meet the armnd men ; he naith among tka trumpeta, Ha 1 ha i"— Job xxxlx., IB. TORONTO, ONT. : PUBLISHED BY A. H. HOVEY & CO., No. 34 Kino Street West. QsNBBAL AoENi FOR NovA ScoTiA : JoHN KiLLAM, Yarmouth, N.S> 1873. panms and bound bt UUNTER, BOSS St, QO,, TOKONTO. PREFACE. In the preparation of this work the motives of the author have been other than those of profit or popularity. A worthier object, one of broader and deeper purport, will perhaps manifest itself in, and grow out of, its care- ful examination and use — that of enabling the many thousands throughout the country, who have devoted less attention and fewer years to the subject, to reap the benefit of his experience. That much study and prac- tice are essential to a work of this description, all will concede ; for injury and loss to an incalculable amount must necessarily result where these are wanting. It is, therefore, because of his uniform success as a veterina- rian, and his abiding interest in the noblest and most useful of animals, that the author has consented to publish The Diseases of the Horse, and Cattle and Sheep. The amount of care and labor expended upon it will be amply remunerated in whatever of suffering is alleviated, and improvement effected, in the treatment of the ani- mals named in its title. The reader will find the book throughout to be truth- ful, concise and clear — free from any literary nicety or labored effort — frowning upon the destructive and injur- ious system of bleeding, blistering, physicking and firing 6 PREFACE. —opposed to the low feeding or starving of animal suf- fering from disease or accident. The diseases and treat- ment of each animal are considered under their simplest and best known names, and in alphabetical order, thereby affording to every one a work of practical usefulness and convenience of reference. The articles on "Useful Hints on Feeding, aixdj the Humane Management of Horses," " CouiJ de Soleil, or Sunstroke," " Frost Bites," and " Ty^ phosus," among others, will be found of special interest to amateurs, farmers, and stock-breeders, in various parts of the country. The advantage afforded th9 public in the low price of the work cannot fail to make it extensively useful in pointing out a safe and highly successful system. It is designed for a text book, presents much information con- tained in no other similar work, and wherever consulted, will awaken men to the many injurious teachings of old authors in new dresses. The author desires in this connection to express his ac- knowledgements to X. A. Willard, A.M., and Hon. Wil- liam I. Skinner, of Little Falls, N. Y. ; and to Sylvester J. Megargee, Esq., of Philadelphia. Also, to S. J. Sharp- less, William Massey, and Samuel Huston,Esqs., importers and extensive breeders of valuable stock, and to Dr. Norris, of Halifax, Nova Scotia, i l treat- implest thereby ess and il Hints lorses" d "Ty^ interest >us parts price of useful in m. It is tion coii- lonsulted, gsof old 3s his ac- :on. Wil- Sylvester J. Sharp- importers id to Dr. •it CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION. rAGB Breathing 89 Causes of Disease 83 Fever 37 How to Observe Diseases 34 Principles of Disease 35 Pulse 38 Treatment of Disease 40 Vis Medicatrix Naturae 41 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. Abrasion 45 Abscess 46 Acari— (See Mange) •. . 180 Accidents 45 Aconite— (See Medicines) 371 Alteratives 46 Amaurosis — (See Eye Diseases) 96 Anchylosis — (See Spavin and Broken Joints) 230 Aneurism 47 Apoplexy 47 Aphtha — (See Mouth Diseases) 181 Atrophy 48 Back Sinuses — (Seo Sprain) , 234 Balduesg— (See Skin Diseases) 224 ( 8 rONTENTS. PAOB Belly-ache — (See Colic) 67 Big Head — (See Osteporosis) 187 Bishoping 49 Bite of Mad Dog 49 Bladder Diseases 50 Bleeding 51 Bloody Urine — (See Kidney Diseases) 167 Blood 53 Boils — (See Saddle or Harness Galls) 215 Bots— (See Worms) 263 Bowels, Diseases of — (Costiveness Diarrhoea and Dyssentery) . . 78 Breaking dowTi ' 55 Breathing Short 55 Breeze Flies 55 Brittle Feet— (See Foot Diseases) 115 Bronchi 55 Bronchitis 56 Bronchoce.e 58 Broken Knees 58 Bruises of the Sole — (See Foot Diseases) 115 Burns and Scalds 59 Cancers 60 Capped Elbow 61 Capped Hock 62 Carditis 62 Caries 63 Castration. 63 Cateract — (See Eye Diseases) 96 Catarrh— (See Cold) 66 Cautery 64 Chest Diseases 64 Chilblains— (See Frost Bites) 132 Chill 64 CONTENTS. . 9 PAOB Choking 64 Chorea 66 Cold 66 Cold Lotions 67 Colic 67 Coma 70 Congestion of the Lungs — (See Lung Diseases) 175 Constipation 70 Consumption 70 Contagion 71 Contraction (See foot diseases) • 115 Convalescence 72 Come — (See foot iseases) 115 Coryza Gangrenosa ' 72 Corosive Sublima ' ee Medicines and Poisons) 369 Cough 72 Counter-irritants 73 Cow Hock 73 Cramp 73 Crib-biting 74 Curb 74 Debility 75 Deformities 76 Diabetes , 77 Diaphoretics.. 77 Diarrhoea 78 Diathesis 79 Disinfectants 79 Distemper — (See Influenza and Epizootic Influenza). 162 Diuretics , 369 Dropsies , 82 Dysentery — (See Diarrhoea) 78 Ear Diseases '. 83 10 CONTENTS. lij: 1 PAOB Eczema— (See Mange) 180 Elephantiasis— (See Grease) 142 Embrocation 439 Emetics 84 Emphysema 84 Endermic 85 Epidemic 85 Epizootic 85 Epizootic-Influenza by Dr. A. Smith, V.S., Toronto 85 Epilepsy 85 Epiphora 85 Epsom Salts 393 Eruptions — (See Strangles, Surfeits, and Stings of Insects).... 240 Erysipelas 95 Eye Diseases 96 False Quarter — (See Foot Diseases) 115 Farcy 103 Farrier 107 Fever, Putrid— ''See Typhosus) 250 Fever, Sympathetic 1 08 Fever in the Feet 108 Firing Horses 108 Fistula 109 Fistula in the Foot Ill Fistulous Withers HI Fits Ill Flaxseed Ill Food, Hints on ,. Ill Fomentations ' 114 Foot Diseases 115 Founder 125 Fractures 127 Fracture of the Hip 130 CONTENTS. 11 PAOB Frost BiteB 132 Fungi, us a c*um of Disease 131 Chingrene 133 Gastritis Mucosa 133 Glanders 137 Gleet, Nasal 140 Granulation 141 Gravel in the Foot 141 Grease 142 Gripefl— (See Colic> 67 Grogginess 144 Grunter 144 Gullet, Obstructions in — (See Choking) 64 Gun-shot Wound * 145 Heart, Diseases of 145 Heaves , 147 Heat 149 Hepatic Diseases 149 Hernia 149 Herpes 149 Hereditary Diseases 149 Hide Bound 150 Hip-joint Disease 151 Hock, The 152 Hooks in the Eyes 153 Horse, Natural History of , 154 Horse Fly 154 Humanity to Animals, Hints on 154 Hydrothoraz 159 Hydrocele ,. 159 Hydrophobia 159 Patella, Dislocation of 190 Pasterns— (See Sprains) 230 Pelvic Abscess 191 Penis Hanging Out 192 Peristaltic 192 Peritonitis 192 Periosteum 192 Phagadena 193 Phlebitis 194 Phlegmasia Dolens 194 Phrenitis 194 Physiology 194 Physicking 194 Pleurisy 195 Pleuro-pneumonia 195 Pleurodynia 195 Poisons 196 Poll Evil 198 Polypi 199 Predisposing Causes 199 Prick of the Foot — (See Foot Diseases) 116 Probang 200 Procidenta 200 Prognosis 200 Prophylactics 200 ProudFlesh 200 Prurigo 200 Pulse 201 Puncture 201 Purgatives 201 Purpura 202 Pus 202 Putrefaction 203 Pyemia 203 SAOB 190 230 . 191 192 192 192 192 193 194 194 194 194 194 195 195 195 196 198 199 199 115 200 200 200 200 200 200 201 201 201 202 202 203 203 CONTENTS. - 16 PAOI Quack Medicines , 203 Quinsy 204 Quittor 204 Rachitis '. 204 Resolution 205 Respiration 205 Rsvulsion 205 Rheumatism 205 Ring-bone 208 Ringworm — (See Skin Diseases) 224 Roaring 209 Rowels 210 Ruptures 210 Saddle Galls 215 Saliva 2J5 Salivatit)n 215 Sand Cracks— (See Foot Diseases) , 115 Scalds— (See Burns) 59 Scald Mouth— (See Mouth Diseases) 181 Scarlatina 216 Scratches — (See Grease and Frost Bites) 142 Schirrus 217 Scouring — (See Diarrhtea) 78 Scrotum 217 Scurf 217 Secretion 217 Sedatives 217 Serous Abscess 218 Seton 218 Shivers 218 Shoeing 218 Shoulder Lameness 220 16 CONTENTS. PAOK Shoulder Joint Lameness 222 Side Bones 223 Sitfasts 223 Skeleton of the Horse, Bones of the 223 Skin Diseases 224 Slobbering 229 Slough 229 Sores 229 Soundness 130 Spavin 230 Spee-lyCut 233 Spleen Diseases 2^ SpUnt 234 Sprains 234 Staggers 236 Staked 238 Stings from Bees, etc 238 Stifle-joint Lameness 239 Stifle Ulceration 239 Stomach Diseases 240 Stone in the Bladder 240 Strains— (See Sprains) 234 Strangles 240 Stranguary 241 Strangulation 241 Stringhalt 242 Stumbling 243 Sunstroke 243 Suppuration 244 Surf eit— (See Skin Diseases) 224 Swelled Legs— (See Grease, Sprains and Dropsy) 234 Swellings ,. , , 244 Sweenie * .. ^ 246 Sympathy. 4 <<< ^. «< 4..<< i << .«..<.<<.. < ...<.« ^ ..<. ^ ... . 24& I'- CONTENTS. 17 PAGB Synovia 246 Synchronous * 246 Teeth— (See Mouth Diseases) 181 Thoroughpin 246 Throat Diseases — (See Cold and Catarrh) 66 Thumps.-. 246 Tongue, Laceration of 181 Tonics— (See Medicines) 369 Tracheotomy 246 Transfusion 247 Tread — (See Foot Diseases) 115 Trepanning 247 Tubercles— CSee Glanders) 137 .Tumors ., 248 Typhia 250 Typhoid 250 Typhosus 250 Ulcers 253 Urinary, Calculi — (See Stone in Bladder) 240 Varicose 255 Ventilation... 256 Veterinary Biography 256 Veterinary Colleges 260 Veterinary Surgeons 260 Warts — (See Tumors) 248 Warranty 261 Warbles — (See Skin Diseases). . . 224 Water Farcy — (See Dropsy and Farcy) 82 Weeping Eye 262 Wheezing 262 Whirl-Bone— (See Sprains and Hock) 234 Wind Galls 262 18 CO^JTENT!^;. PAGE Wind-Sucking — (See Crib Biting). 74 Worms • 263 Wounds 265 Yellow Water — (See Liver Diseases) 170 Zoology 266 DISEASES OF CATTLE. Abortion 269 Anaemia 275 Angle Berries 275 Apoplexy — (See Splenic Apoplexy) 338 Aphtha. 276 Biliary Gall-stones 276 Black Quarter 277 Black Water— (See Red Water). 333 Bladder, Diseases of 277 Bladder, Polapsus of 278 Brain Diseases 279 Brittany Cow 280 Bronchitis 280 Bull Burnt 284 Cachexia 286 Calving 286 Catarrh , 293 Catarrhua, Linuum Frontalium 294 Cattle Plague 294 Chicken-pox 296 Choking 295 PAGE 74 263 265 iro 266 ... 269 ...276 ... 275 . . . 338 . . . 276 ... 276 ... 277 ...333 .^. 277 ...278 .. 279 ... 280 .. 280 ■ . 284 .. 285 .. 286 .. 293 .. 294 .. 294 .. 295 .. 295 CONTENTS. i# PAOE Colic 297 Consumption 297 Coryza — (See Horse) 72 Cow-pox 298 Croup 299 Cud, Loss of 300 Diarrhoea 300 Distention of the Rumen — (See Hoven) 315 Dropping after Calving — (See Milk Fever) 322 Dysentery — (See Chronic Diarrhoea) 301 Ectopia Cordis 303 Epizootic Aphtha 303 Eye Diseases 305 Falling Sickness— (See Milk Fever) 322 Falling of the Womb 305 Fardel Bound 307 Feeding of Milch Cows 307 Fever 309 Foul Claw 310 Gangrene of the Tail 310 Garget Mammitis 310 Glossitis 312 Hsematuria 313 Hair Balls 314 Herpes — (See Mange) 180 Hide Bound 314 Hoose in Calves , 314 Hoven 315 Hydatids in the Brain 317 Inflammation 318 Impaction of the Omasum 318 20 CONTENTS. PAOK Jaundice 320 Kidney Disease 321 Laryngitis — (See Croup and Bronchitis) , 299 Leucorrhoea 321 Lice — (See " Lice," under " Diseases of Horses") 169 Liver Disease — (See Jaundice) 320 Locked-jaw 321 Lung Disease — (See Pleuro-Pneumonia) 327 Lymphangitis 321 Mammitis— (See Garget) 310 Mange — (See " Mange" under " Diseases of Horses") 180 Milk Fever 322 Milk Trembles 324 Murrain 324 Nephritis 225 Nervous Diseases 325 CEstromania 325 (Estrus Bovis 325 Ovarian Dropsy 325 Ovarian Tumor 325 Paralysis 326 Parasitic Lung Disease — (See Horse) 175 Phthisis — (See Consumption and Diarrhoea) 297 Placenta 326 Plethora ,. 326 Pleurisy 326 Pleuro-pneumonia 327 Prolapsus Vaginae 333 Prurigo Vernalis 333 Quarter Evil— (See Black Leg) 277 Red Water , 333 PAGE 320 , 321 299 . 321 169 320 321 327 , 321 310 , 180 322 324 . 324 225 , 325 . 325 325. , 325 . 325 . 326 . 175 , 297 , 326 . 326 . 326 . 327 . 333 . 333 . 277 . 333 CONTENTS. 21 PAOB Reticulum. 334 Retroflexion of the "Womb 334 I'iotrc version of the Womb 334 Rinderpest 334 Ringworm 335 Rumen 335 Rupture in Calves 335 Siberian Boii Plague 336 Slinking the Calf- (See Abortion) 269 Sore Throat— (See Bronchitis) 280 Spaying 336 Spayed Cows, the Advantages of 337 Splenic Apoplexy 338 Spring Eruption — (See Ringworm) 335 Stomach Staggers — (See Hoven) 315 Strangulation — (See Choking) 295 Teats .^. 339 Teeth, Diseased . 340 Throat Disease — (See Bronchitis) 280 Thrush— (See Epizootic Aphtha) 303 Tongue of the Ox ... 340 Tubercle Disease — (See Consumption and Diarrhoea) 297 Typhtis Contagiosus Bovum 241 Uider Diseases — (See Garget) 310 Urine— (See Red Water) 333 Vaginal Catarrh 344 Vertigo — (See Staggers and Hoven) 315 Warbles 346 Whites— (See Leucorrhoea) 32] Worms — (See Horse) 263 Womb — (See Falling of the Womb) _ . 305 90 CONTENTS. DISEASES OF SHEEP. PAGE Braxy-Enterites 349 Diarrhoea 350 Hydrocephalus Hydatideus, Sturdy, etc 350 Louping 111 354 Paronychia Ovium 355 Pneumonia 357 Psora 357 Rot 362 Sheep Laurel, Poisoning by 365 Small-Pox 366 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. Acids 369 Aconite .. 371 Alchohol 372 Aloes 373 Alum ... 373 Ammonia 373 Anaesthetics 374 Aniseed 374 Anodynes 374 Antimony 375 Antiseptics 375 Antispasmodics 376 ArecaNut 376 PAOS . 349 . 350 . 350 . 354 . 355 . 357 . 357 . 362 . 365 . 366 . 369 . 371 . 372 . 373 . 373 . 373 . 374 ,. 374 . 374 ,. 375 .. 375 . 375 .. 376 CONTENTS. 28 PAOS Arnica Montana 376 Arsenic 376 Asafcetida 377 Asarabacca. . 377 Astringents 377 Belladonna 377 Benzoin 378 Benzole 378 Bismuth, Subnitrate of 378 Bole Armenia . . 378 Borax 378 Bromide of Potassium 379 Buckthorn 379 Calamine '. 379 Calcium 379 Calomel 380 Camphor 380 Cantharides — (See Spanish Flies) 425 Capsicum — (See Red Pepper) 418 Carbolic Acid 381 Cardamoms 382 Caraway 382 Carbonate of Lime 382 Carscarilla - . 382 Castor-oil 382 Cassia 383 Catechu ... 383 Chamomile 383 Charcoal - 383 Chenopodium, Anthelminticum 384 ^Chlorine Gas 384 Jhloric Ether 385 tlhloride of Potassium 386 24 CONTENTS. Chloride of Lime 386 Chloroform 386 Cinchona 387 Cochineal 387 Cod Liver Oil 387 Colchicum 387 Collodion 388 Copper 388 Coriander 389 Creosote 390 Croton Oil 390 Digitalis 390 Disinfectants 391 Diuretics 392 Elecampane 392 Elm Bark 392 Emetics 393 Epsom Salts 393 Ergot 394 Essential Oils 394 Ether 394 Euphorbium 395 Expectorants 395 Fenugreek 396 Fern .395 Friar's Balsam 396 Galbanum 396 Galls 396 Gallic Acids— (See Tannin) 396 Gamboge „ 396 Gentian Root 396 Ginger 396 PAOI 385 386 387 387 387 387 388 388 389 390 390 . 390 . 391 .. 392 .. 392 .. 392 .. 393 .. 393 .. 394 .. 394 . . 394 . . 395 .. 395 ,. 396 ... 395 ... 395 ... 396 ... 396 ... 396 ... 396 ... 396 ... 396 CONTJENW. 26 PAOB Glauber's Salt* 397 Glycerine 398 Guaiacum . , 398 GumArabic 398 Gum Tragacanth 399 Hartshorn — (See Ammonia) 373 Hellebore 399 Hemlock 399 Hemp, Indian 399 Henbane 400 Iodine 400 Iodides 401 Ipecacuanha 404 Iron 404 Jalap 406 Juniper Berries 407 Kino 407 KousBo 407 Laudanum — (See Opium) 416 Lead 407 Linseed ..408 LinseedOil 408 Liquorice Root 409 Lobelia Inflata 409 Logwood 409 Lunar Caustic — (See Silver) 423 Liipuline * 410 Magnesia 410 Manganese 410 Marsh Mallow 410 Marigold 410 26 CONTENTS. PAG! Mercury 410 Mercurial Ointment 412 Mezeron 412 Mustard seed 412 Myrrh 413 Narcotics 413 Neat's Foot Oil 413 Nervines 413 Nitric Acid— (See Acids) 369 Nitre 413 Nux Vomica 414 Oak Bark 415 Oils 416 Opium 416 Pareira'^Brava 418 Peach Leaves 418 Peppermint 418 Pepper 418 Pepsin 419 Petroleum 419 Phosphorus 419 Pitch 420 Pomegranite Punica 420 Potafcli 420 Pumpkin Seeds 421 Pryoxylic Spirit 421 Quinine — (See Cinchona) 387 Rhubarb 421 Saffron 387 Sagapenum 377 Sal Ammonia 373 1 1 PAOS . 410 . 412 . 412 5 . 412 . 413 . 413 . 413 . 413 . 369 . 413 M . 414 1 ^ .. 415 1 . 416 . 416 1 .. 418 1 .. 418 .. 418 .. 418 .. 419 .. 419 .. 419 .. 420 .. 420 • .. 420 . 421 .. 421 . 387 .. 421 .. 387 .. 377 .. 373 ■ 4 CONTENTS. 27 PAGE Salt 421 Sal Volatile 421 Sassafras 422 Sarracenia Purpura 422 Savin 423 Sedatives 423 Senega, Polygala Senega 423 Sialogogues 423 Silver, Nitrate of 423 Soap Liniment 424 Soda 424 Spanish Fly 425 Spirits of Nitrous Ether 426 Spirits of Wine 426 Starch 426 Styptics 427 Sugar of Lead — (See Acetate of Lead) 407 SugarofMilk 427 Sulphuric Acid — (See Acids) 369 Sulphur 427 Sulphurous Acid Gas 428 Sulphate of Zinc 420 Tannate of Glycerine 429 Tannin 429 Tar 430 Tartar Emetic — (See Antimony) 375 Tobacco 430 Turpentine 431 UrseUrsi 433 Valerian 433 Wax 433 Willow Bark 434 ; I 28 Teast . CONTENTS. JPAOE . 434 Zinc. 434 PRESCRIPTIONS AND PREPARATIONS. Cerates 436 Clysters 437 Drenches 437 Eye Lotions and Washes 438 Eye Salves 438 Freezing Mixtures 438 Liniments 439 Ointments 441 Plasters 442 Poultices 443 Spirits 443 Tinctures 443 Waters 444 Medicines to bo kept on hand 445 Table of Doses According to Age ... 447 Articles Necessary for Measuring, Weighing, &c 449 Equivalents 449 INTEODUCTION. CAUSES OF DISEASE. Scientific men give three names when they speak of the causes of disease — exciting, predisposing, and proxi- Tnate. The first may justly be termed the originators of disease ; by the second is meant those move easily acted up- on by causes that a morie healthy animal would resist alto- gether : and the third is almost the disease itself Of the causes with which we are acquainted, not many of them are alike, and their effects, that is, the disease, just as diverse. These causes are named in the following table : 1. Electric, and other conditions of the atmosphere. 2. Food and water. 3. Overwork. * 4. Poisons — animal, vegetable, mineral, and zumins, or ferments. 5. Malformations, or badly -formed parts. 6. Age and decay. 7. Changes of temperature. 8. Hereditary influence. 9. Mechanical. ^ ^ 10. Starvation. ' C 34 INTRODUCTION. That the writer may be more clearly understood in re- gard to these causes, examples will be given in the order above stated. The first is looked upon as the cause of the many dis- eases which take an epizootic form. The second, rusty straw, and musty hay and corn fed to animals with weak stomachs. Third, riding too far and too fast, overload- ing, etc. Fourth, animals drinking out of leaden troughs, where pieces of old iron may be lying in the bottom. In- oculation by the virus from a glandered horse, are illus- trations of animal poison, zumins, or ferments. (See Glanders.) Fifth, a horse with point of hock inclined for- ward, which is the originator of curb. Sixth, an old horse or cow, with no teeth to chew its feed. Seventh, taking an animal from a warm and comfortable stable, and exposing it to a cold, north-eastern storm. Eighth, a flat forehead, transmitted from parentage, thus prevent- ing a full development of the brain where the optic nerve is given off from the brain, thus insuring blindness about the seventh or eighth year, and sometimes earlier. None Df ad be told of the disposition of the coarse-bred Cana- dian horse to become aflected with disease of the bones, mostly in the form of ring-bone (which see). Ninth, stone in the bladder, and calculi in the bowels. Tenth, beseiged garrisons, fortresses, when crops have failed, and famine. HOW TO CBSEBVE DISEASES. We are sometimes asked how it is that we know so ex- actly what the disease is that this or that animal is afleC" INTRODUCTION. 35 ted with, as it cannot speak and narrate its ills and its aches. To this question we might repeat a common tru- ism, " A shut mouth tells no lies ; " therefore, nobody is deceived. Nature has but one set of weights and mea- sures, and these only should be used. Thus, if a horse have a corn or bmised heel, he w:ll be as sure to go lame as he would with an ordinary sprain. The '^'" -Terence is, that he not only stretches out the sore toot, but he elevates the heel from the ground, and will not set his foot flat to please, or it may be said to deceive any one. The uneasy eye, the anxious expression, and the sharp, peculiar look, t^U the tale of suffering, and bear testimony to a description so faithful and true, that every man should understand how to interpret them. THE FBINCIFL£S OF DISEASE. Congestion. — By this term is meant an undue flow of blood into a part, and remaining in it. The blood-vessels lose the power of contracting and emptying themselves, as when in health. Congestion is not accompanied with inflammation, as some suppose, and may exist without irri- tation. Irritation is only present when the blood passes more rapidly into a part than its vessels can carry it out, and inflammation only is present when more fluid is thrown into the vessels than they can get rid of Irritation. — This peculiar condition is bhe result of in- creased sensitiveness, or an exalted action, accompanied with quickened beating of the heart and pulse. When we apply the term to special cases, it will be better under- 36 INTRODUCTION. J ; < stood, as irritation of the bowels producing diarrhoea, of the bladder frequently passing off urine, of the eye caus- ing an increased flow of tears, and of the throat giving rise to cough. Inflammation differs from irritation, inasmuch as it is more painful. There are three varieties — acute, sub-acute, and chronic. Inflammation has also three terminations. (1.) Resolution ; that is, it gives way, or is relieved be- fore any alteration has taken place in the part so inflamed. (2.) Suppuration, or the formation of pus. (3.) Mortification, or death of the part affected, and the subsequent death of the animal. Inflammation is characterized by four conditions, or phenomena, as they are called — pain, heat, redness, and swelling. Inflamma- tion assumes different degrees of intensity, modified by the cause, and the part or organ affected. When it is situated in the windpipe, (bronchitis, which see,) lungs, or bowels, great uneasiness and disturbance are manifest. In a few hours this condition gives way to depression. Depression.— Many diseases of an inflammatory type, when their course is run, leave the system in a state of depression, or a low condition of vitality. How neces- sary, then, that this should be properly understood when treating inflammatory diseases, as one pint of blood ta- ken from a large horse'would, under these circumstances, cost him his life ! Rather anticipate the weakness by supporting and husbanding the strength as much as pos- sible, so as to overcome disease. There are two great divisions of diseased action, which \ \ INTRODUCTION. 87 it will be well for farmers, and others interested in the welfare of their animals, to know, and these are : First. The exalted, or as it is called sthenic, or commonly known by the term inflammation, and requires for treatment, not bleeding, but medicine having the power of over- coming the exalted condition, by controlling the fast beating of the heart and pulse. This is easily done by the power of such agents as aconite or veratrum, (which see,) and without in any way impairing the strength a«id constitution of the animal. The second, or depressed condition of disease, and known as the asthenic, requir- ing a treatment opposite to the above variety, namely, iron, gentian, etc., (which see,) to add to the strength of the animal, and quality of the blood. An improved diet, and in greater quantity, wilt in many cases of depression, not only cure the disease, but remove the cause also. • F£V££. ^ * There are four stages observed in fever : — (1.) Weakness, loss of appetite, and low spirits. (2.) A shiver, or chill, uneasiness, flanks move quick and short, nostrils more or less distended, one leg or ear hot, and the other cold. (3.) After a time the coldness is succeeded by great heat and thirst, costiveness, urine scanty and high-colored, mouth hot and dry. (4.) When the fever has lasted for a longer or shorter time, the skin becomes more moist, the bowels and kidneys 88 INTRODUCTION. act more freely ; the pulse becomes more full, although not less frequent, and the mouth more moist. When fever is accompanied with disease of the lungs, liver, or other organ of the body, or after an accident of any severity, it is then called symptomatic fever. Fever is called idiopathic, when not accompanied by disease or accident. From the days of Galen to the pre- sent time, of the many theories advanced to explain its proximate cause, none seem to satisfy the philosophical student, and all belong to the unsolved problems in physi- ology. Diseased Secretion. — A good example of what is here meant may be found in the discharges from the nose of animals affected with cold, influenza, and glanders. The salivary gland may secrete too much fluid, as horses eating second crop clover. "We call this salivation. Increased Secretion. — In health, serum is only supplied in sufficient quantity to keep the surfaces moist, the ab- sorbent vessels preventing accumulations. In the cavities of joints this secretion is often too large, causing enlarge- ments, of which a very good example may be seen in swell- ings of the hock-joint, called bog-spavin, and also in thorough-pin. • THE PULfc,iS. The pulse of the horse and the ox is felt on the inner angle of the lower jaw, as being the most convenient place. The state of the pulse tells the condition of the heart, whether the disease is of an exalted or depressed character, INTRODUCTION. 39 although not or whether sickness is at all present. The pulse is more frequent in young than in old animals. In the full-grown and healthy horse it beats from thirty-two to thirty-eight in the minute ; in the ox or cow, thirty-five to foi-ty-two, in the sheep, seventy to seventy-five; and in the dog, from ninety to ninety-eight. In inflammations and fevers the frequency of the pulse is increased. In debility and depression it is slower, but sometimes quicker than natu- ral. There are the quick pulse, the strong, the sharp, the regular, the intermittent, and many other varieties, both fanciful and real, which few persons can appreciate. The pulse of inflammation and fever numb^^rs from seventy- five to eighty beats in the minute ; and in great debility, as in the last stage of glanders, accompanied with tubercles of the lungs, the pulse will number one hundred beats per minute. BREATHINO. A good* sized, healthy horse, will take one inspiration to three of the pulse beats. When the breathing is more frequent or slower, and when irregular, or difficult and laborious, there is then disease ; although we sometimes see the breathing quickened and short, when no disease is present. Both the pulse and the breathing will be quick- ened by exposure to heat, as in a stable up-stairs, and ex- posed to an August sun. By removing the animal to a stable not so situated, the breathing and the pulse will be gi'eatly lessened. Hence the advantage of placing animals in a cool and airy place when they are unwell. It saves 40 INTRODUCTION. i I a great waste of their strength and vitality, thereby enab- ling them to throw off the effects of disease. TREATMENT OF DISEASE. . The antiphlogistic plan of treating disease was derived from a theory now entirely exploded, and almost forgot- ten. Repeated bleedings, blistering, physicking, and starving on low diet, are some of the measures entering into the general plan which has destroyed more life and property than all the wars, ancient or modern. Bleeding, in domestic practice, is almost discarded, and in veterinary practice it should never have been em- ployed. And if this fact shall be the means of opening the eyes of those interested (and who is not ?) in the health of the animals supplying us with meix,u, and the horse, (a willing and a faithful help,) to the injury done by bleed- ing in health or disease, the writer will have his reward. Avoid these measures, and substitute a rational and suc- cessful system of treating the diseases of youif animals. Ascertain whether your horse is suffering from a disease of an exalted or inflammatory kind ; substitute aconite, pure air, and cold water for bleeding, and in a few hours you will have no cause to regret the change. If the dis- ease be of a depressed kind, accompanied with weakness and debility, give nux vomica, iron, and a generoas diet. If the disease be an eruptive fever, give sulphite of soda to purify tlie blood. In rheumatism, administer colchicum and carbonate of soda. In mange, apply the sulphurate of potassa to the skin, and thereby destroy the small in- sects which cause the trouble. ttf^il^tmtt Uimm» INTRODUCTION. 41 In hard swellings use the preparations of iodine, to cause their absorption. In lamen*ess, allow absolute and entire rest, and apply hot or cold applications and slight irritants to the parts, to remove the products of the sprain. Ascer- tain the cause of disease, and having found it, have it re- moved, and the effects will cease. If the animal be cos- tive from eating dry, concentrated feed, remove it, and give green feed or bran, but do not give physic. If diarr- hoea be present, leave it, at least for a time, to itself, as it is nature's plan of getting rid of the offending matter. But, if it should continue, chalk and opium, as an astrin- gent, are what is wanted. The reader cannot fail to see how simple, and his experience will demonstrate how suc- cessful these measures are in arresting and curing the dis- eases of all our domestic animals. VIS MEDICATBIX NATUBiE, OR HOW DISEASES ARE CURED WITHOUT METICINil! Intelligent persons have no difficulty in recognizing in the constitutions of animals and men a power of self- restoration, which is capable of resisting the influence of disease. It is this power that heals wounds, unites broken bones, and supplies lost substances. Diseases are not un- frequently efforts in this direction, intended to stay the action of hurtful materials when admitted into the system. When the eye, for instance,^ receives a particle of sand or hay-seed, the weeping of the secretions of pus are reme- dial measures to rid it of the offending matter. Poisons are good examples of the manner in which animals will cure 42 INrniODTTCTTON. I themselves. When poison is taken into the stomach, irritation of the bowels is set up, followed by purging, as an effect to get rid of the poison. Nature, however, is not always successful, and the animal may die from the violent action set up. Again, a sprain will be cured by this very power, provided absolute and entire rest be al- lowed to the sprained part, without any interference from medicine or art. The remedial powers of nature often require assistance, as, for instance, in cases of de- bility, when the blood is becoming too watery. A few doses of iron, and in many cases a little extra food, will enable the sanative powers of the constitution to effect a com- plete cure. Often the removal of an animal from the spher^ of exciting causes of disease, will cause the effect to ce ise, and the power of nature will cure the affection. Hence, many persons reflect upon the many instances when apparently severe cases of sickness were cured by some simple substance, and much credit given to a power it never possesed. Where the powers of nature are left to perform a cure, let the strength of the animal be main- tained, because if that fail, where is the chance of reco- very ? Blood-letting and physicking are powerful and depressing agents ; so much so, that when carried to any extent, few, if any, animals, by the little power that may be left, will cure themselves. It is this knowledge that enables Homoeopathists to continue their practice; for if it were not for this power in the constitution in each and every animal, Homoeopathists would have long since ceased to practise their peculiar art. If farmers and INTRODUCTION, 48 owners of horses and cattle will only cease to bleed, and pour nostrums down the throats of their stock, and learn to rely more upon the great curative that God has im- planted in the constitution of all His creatures, as a power in protecting their lives when attacked by disease it will surely be infinitely more profitable and pleasant to them. In curing disease, medicine and art should be di- rected to assist the powers of nature to overcome disease, — nothing more. / Ui DISEASES OF THE HORSE. THEIR NATURE, SMPTOMS, CAUSE, AND TREATMENT. ^ . An alphabetical classification of disease, is the only ar- rangement adapted to popular instruction, and domestic use. As some diseases have more than one common name, a few references are all that may be necessary to find the particular disease wanted. In every disease the treatment I hayejlrst recommended should be tried ; and, if it be not successful, the next in order will be taken. Also begin with the smallest dose, increasing, diminishing, or withdrawing it altogether, as the case seems to require. ■ I do not think it necessary to quote authorities to sub- stantiate what is said in regard to this or that medicine as a remedy, as the plans and remedies are those einj)loyed by the profession. ♦ ACCIDENTS. 45 Abrasion signifies to tear off, and is applied to the skin when it has been rubbed or torn off, and to the lining membranes of the nose. The treatment will be found un- der that of bleeding wounds. Abscess. — This is also called, by some persons, a heel- ing— a formation of matter or pus under the skin, as the result of inflammation, either acute or chronic. Sometimes abscess in bone is seen, also of the liver and the brain ; and, indeed, no part or tissue of any animal is exempt from it. Symptoms. Pain, heat and swelling ; a projection or prominence on the swelling, from which the hair falls off, disclosing a yellow, white and soft part upon its apex. In a common abscess of this kind, it will only be necessary to hasten the formation of the pus by applying poultices of flaxseed or some other soft substance to the part, and when the point is soft and evidently contains fluid, make an opening on its lowest dependent point with a sharp knife, so that the discharge will flow out of itself, and then apply Rain water, 1 ounce. Chloride of Zinc, 6 grains. Mix and apply to the wound twice a-day. •It is not advisable to open an abscess too soon, or before the pus has properly formed. (See articles on Strangles and Fistula.) Accidents. — Wlnin a horse falls whilst drawing a vehicle — "^T^ 46 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 1. Jump down and hold the animal's head, to prevent his dashing it about to his own injury. 2. Loosen the check-rein (if you are so foolish as to use one) and the parts of the harness which fasten on the vehicle. 3. Back the carriage, so as to get the shafts and traces clear. 4. Steady and support the horse's head, and excite him, with hand and voice, to rise. 5. When you have got him up, pet and encourage the poor animal, and see if he is wounded or otherwise in- jured. 6. Let him stand still a short time to recover himself, and then proceed gently and with greater caution than be- fore. (See Sprains, Bruises, Bleeding, and Wounds,) Alteratives. — This term is not very scientific, but it is in very general use, and easily explains its own mean- ing, though the modus operandi of the drugs employed to carry it out is not so clear. The object is to replace unhealthy action by a healthy one, without resorting to any of the distinctly-defined remedies, such as tonics* stomachics, etc. As a general rule, this class of remedies produce their effect by acting slowly but steadily on the depuratory organs, as the liver, kidneys, and skin. The following may be found useful for general use ; Black sulphuret of antimony, . . 2 to 4 drachms. Sulphur, - . . 2 drachms. Nitre, , .... 2 drachms. To be given mixed in cut feed at night only, APOPLEXY. 47 Aneurism. — A pulsating tumor, produced by the rup- ture of the inner coats of the vessel, and the blood getting between it and the outer coat. They manifest themselves in many parts of the body. An expert surgeon is only capable of remedying it, as great danger of bleeding to death would result from opening a tumor of this kind. Apoi>\exy.— Symptoms. The animal falling suddenly, loss of feeling and the power of motion, and breathing deep and slow. In most cases the horse gets up again, shakes himself, and proceeds on his journey almost as if nothing had happened, but it will shortly be seen that the animal is not so lively as formerly, and that it will after- wards be unsafe to use him, especially for a family carriage, as in a fit of this kind the horse may become entirely un- manageable, and can only be controlled by a power stronger than his own. Horses subject to disease of this kind, will, at times, be observed to look sleepy, with a slight knuckling of the hind-pastern joints, accompanied with stiffness of the hind quarters and lopping Ox the ears. All these symptoms are seen in brain disease, as Staggers, Megrims, and Epilepsy. (Which see.) Causes. Breaking of a blood-vessel, effusion or water on the brain, producing pressure, too small a collar on a thick-necked horse, interfering with the free circulation of the blood to and from the head, effects of the sun — sun- stroke. (Coup-de-soleil.) In severe cases of Apoplexy, many never have the use of their legs again, by their remaining palsied. (See Palsy.) 48 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. Treatment Apply chopped ice to the head, in bags, and secured by proper fixings. Keep up a free circulation in the legs by rubbing and woollen bandages, or warm water cloths, and renewed every half-hour. Then apply a small blister of Spanish Fly, ^ drachm. Hog's Lard 2 drachms. Mix them well together, and nib the salve well in by the hand on the part just behind the ears. Do not bleed, as that measure will only ensure effusion, and, as in the brain, ultimately cause death or dumbness. (Which see.) If there be much exaltation or excitement, give fifteen drops of the tincture of aconite root every four hours, till five or six doses are taken. If the contrarv condition be present, that is depression, give from ten to fifteen drops of the tincture of nux vomica four times a day, for a few days, or a week, if necessary. These medicines are best given in cold water, when the animal will drink it ; if not, mix with a cup of cold water, and drench out of a stout- necked bottle. ''Feed the horse generously and well, Atrophy. — Wasting and shrinking of a part of the muscle, a« is seen in sweenie of the shoulder ; consump tion and disease of the mesentery, and also palsy or para- lysis of the hind legs, from which the muscles of the hip will be seen to have fallen away. Causes. The parts deprived of their proper use, action or function. A long-continued corn on the foot of a BITE OF MAD DOG. 49 head, in bags, ree circulation tges, or warm Then apply a Jrachm. drachms. n by the hand on insure effusion, 1 or dumbness. mt, give fifteen four hours, till 'V condition be to fifteen drops , day, for a few icines are best drink it ; if not. out of a stout- and well, a part of the aider; consump o palsy or para- scles of the hip horse, depriving him of the proper use of that limb, will cause shrinking of the suhscapularis muscle of the shoul- der. Treatment. Removal of the cause, and restoring the functions of the parts to their proper condition. In case of many joint diseases, it will be necessary to have the horse walked before he is cured, to prevent too much wasting of the parts from long standing and want of use. Bishoping. — Bishoping is the name of an operation performed upon the front or nipper teeth of horses that are more than eight years old, for the purpose of imitating the mark of the teeih of young horses, in order to deceive those persons who are supposed to be poor judges in the age of horses. It can rarely deceive any person of ordin- ary intelligence. The general appearance of the horse will soon tell, if he be an old or young animal. Bite of Mad Dog. — When any reasonble suspicion ex- ists that the dog is mad, have the parts completely washed out with cold water, if possible forced with a syringe or hydrant, so as that the water will find its way to the bottom of the wound, and wash out any virus that may have lodged there. If the bite be upon the leg of a man, horse, or other animal, or man's arm or finger, a Tourniquet or soft rope or cord should be tied tightly around the leg above the bite, till other measures are used to have the bite purified, After the cord is properly applied, have the parts washed out; next either cut a portion of the flesh from the top, D 50 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. i I U sides, and bottom of the wound, or apply caustic to the parts. The nitrate of silver is possibly the best for this purpose. A few drops of nitric, hydrochloric or sulphuric acid may be dropped into the wound, and by the burning properties of these articles the destructive character of the poison will be destroyed. After these measures have been satisfactorily performed, the wounds should be treated as for common wounds with simple ointment (see Prescriptions and Medicines). The bite of other rabid or poisonous animals should be treated in lihe same manner. Persons have been bold enough to have allowed themselves to be bitten by mad dogs no less than seven times, and, then applying the nitrate of silver as a causti to the bites, never became affected with th^ canine disease. However, too much dependence should not be placed in any one measure as a protection in such cases. The great protection is, do not allow yourself to be bitten at all, if it can be avoided. Bites from a healthy dog will never produce madness, even although the animal go mad in a year or two after- ward, so keep your mind easy on that point. Bladder Diseases.— 1. Inflammation.— This condi- tion of disease is sometimes met with, but is rare in horses. Causes. Irritating substances or foreign bodies in the bladder. Symptoms. Constant desire to make water, pain, strad- dling, or walking wide with the hind legs, great tender- ness under the belly. BLEEDING. ^61 Treatment. Inject a little warm oil into the bladder. This can only be done by an expert, and with a proper in- strument. Give 25 drops of the tincture of aconite root every 4 hours, tiU six doses are given, to keep down pain. Allow flaxseed tea to drink, or dren'ch the jiorse with it, which has an excellent soothing effect. Give plenty of cold water to drink. 2. Calculi. — This variety of stone is sometimes found in the bladder and kidneys of horses. This may be said to be the gravel of the horse, although not so common as in man, but is equally troublesome, and requires for its cure a formidable operation called Lithotomy, an operation of no great magnitude to an expert surgeon, but can scarcely be undertaken by an unprofessional person, even though a description of it were given. Bleeding. — 1. Bleeding. — An operation for the drawing of blood from the body, either locally or gener- ally. As before stated, it is almost entirely discarded from domestic practice, and should never be used in the treatment of diseases of animals, however much the ad- herent of an exploded and an erroneous system may doubt it. Medicines will be described in this book that will not only insure greater success in saving a very much greater percentage of sick animals, and with less trouble in a much shorter time, and without 7n any way impairing the sanative powers of the animal's constitution. 2. Bleeding feom Wounds. — If the wound be a simple one, and not on the inside of a leg where the large blood vessels are situated, all that will be necessary to stop I 5f DISEASES OF THE HORSE. it will be a small piece of cotton or soft cloth placed in and over the wound, and secure it for a few hours by a broad bandage not to tightly applied over it, or, if preferred touch the mouth of the bleeding vessel with a piece of iron previously immersed in boiling water or in the fire itself The surgeon's plan would be to get hold of the mouth of the vein or artery with a pair of artery forceps or small tongs, to hold it so that he can tie a piece of sad- dler's silk around it. If the wound be on the inside of hind or fore leg, and the blood of a scarlet color, ( see Blood,) place pads of cloth and bandage pretty tightly over it, and run for a good surgeon, and tell him what the trouble is, so that he will go properly prepared for his work. 3. Bleeding from the Air Passages and Lungs. — Observe the color of the blood discharged from the nose or mouth, as the veins of the lungs convey blood similar to the arterial blood of other parts of the body. Causes. The laying bare, and the rupture of small ves- sels, and the structure of the lungs, breaking down as in consumption, and some cases of glanders and coryza. Treatment. Support the strength by the mineral acids, (see Acids,) and small doses of aconite to lessen arterial circulation. Bear in mind in cases where the structure of the lungs is falling to pieces, no power or art can arrest it. Hence the incurability of consumption. 4. Bleeding from the Skin. — This disease is some- times called purpura. Symptoms. After general uneasiness, some pam, fever. BLOOD. 53 , and swelling of the legs and other parts of the body; tumors, varying from the size of a cranberry to that of a pigeon's egg, often running together, forming large patches from which blood is oozed out in great quantities, giving rise to much debility. The contagious typhus or rinder- pest of cattle, bears many resemblances to this disease of the horse. Treatment Feed the animal on the best food that can be procured, and pour forty drops of commercial sulphuric acid in half a bucket of cold water three to four times in the day. Then get two ounces each of the sulphate of copper and gentian root in powder, and divide into eight powders, and give one night and morning in the feed. Apply to the bleeding surfaces and sores, a liniment com- posed as follows : Olive oil three ounces ; creosote one ounce ; mix and use once in the twenty-four hours. (See Mouth Diseases.) Blood. — Blood is observed to be of two colors, namely, red, or almost of a bright scarlet. When blood of this color is issuing from wounds in jets .or jerks, it is considered more dangerous than if it were of a dark red, or venous blood. The first is direct from the heart itself, and the other is from a more remote and less dangerous part. It may be interesting to know that red globules are more plentiful in blooded or well-bred horses than in horses of a coarser kind, which accounts for a curious fact observed in the difference of vitality. Thus a blooded horse bears • up under diseased action, and is cured, whilst a western or common horse will die under the same disease. f i 54 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. The fluid portion of blood is calledliquor sanguinis, in which the red globules or spheres float. When blood is drawn from the body, it divides into two parts : the solid is called clot, and the other is the seruri. This serum was once relied upon, and is still by the ignorant, as showing the existence of inflammation. It is by the blood thao the strength, wear, and tear of the system is kept up. The heart is the organ by which the blood is forced through the body. If the blood be thin and watery, it is called hydronemia. (See Dropsy.) If pus be in the blood, it is then called pyeinia. (See Glanders.) 1. Inflammation of the Bowels. — Symptoms. Acute pain in the belly, and continuous, getting no intervals of rest from the pain. Rolling, pawing, and shifting about, sweating, and breathing fast, with [great fever, exaltation and excitement. A fearful disease. Happily not so fre- quent as formerly. Can only be mistaken for colic, (which see.) In colic there are times of ease from pain, but never in this disease. Causes. Exposuse to cold, drinking cold water in great quantities when hot, calculi, or hair balls in the bowels, costiveness, diarrhoea, and as a sequel to colic, lead and other poisons (which see). Treatment. The first thing to be done is to lessen or de- stroy pain. Give a large dose of the tincture of aconite root, say thirty drops, to be repeated in two hours. Apply blankets wrung out of boiling water to the belly, and re- new them in about twenty minutes. Give injections of warm not hot water, soap, and a hand- ^L^ BRONCHI. 55 sangmms, in 'hen blood is rts : the solid his serum was it, as showing blood thai/ the ept up. The 3rced through ly, it is called the blood, it is nptoms. Acute 10 intervals of shifting about, jver, exaltation pily not so fre- see.) In colic r in this disease. 1 water in great in the bowels, colic, lead and 3 to lessen or de- ture of aconite ro hours. Apply le belly, and re- oap, and a hand- ful of table salt every half hour. Continue the treatment while there is enough strength remaining. Bleeding will only insure and hasten death, and purga- tives are too slow to act — the horsi^ is either dead, or will be before any response can be had froii>. them. Breaking Down. — This accident means or consists in rupture of the tendons and ligaments, and occurs at once when, the horse is at full speed. Symptoms. The horse stops suddenly, or perhaps stum- bles and falls ; gets up, but stands on his fetlocks, the toe of the foot turned up, and the sole of the foot, as it were looking at you. Treatment. If the fetlock comes entirely to the ground, not much can be done ; and when it does not, contraction of the leg takes place, and requires division of the tendon. (See Tendeotomy.) Breathing Short. — This is a symptom of irritation, inflammation, debility, weakness, oppression of every kind, and fe^er, (which see.) Breeze Plies —This is the fly supposed, but erro- neously, to be the one that deposits the ova or eggs, which generate bots in horses. (See Worms.) Bronchi. — This term means the windpipe, and commu- nicates and carries the atmosphere to and from the lungs. It is the seat of disease, and is aflFected more or less in all cases of colds and inflammations, whether of the lungs or their membranes—the pleura. mtmijaumiua.jmmiit'iimi^ ^ix^im^ 50 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. i Mii Bronchitis.— Inflammation of the Air Passages OR THE Parts Enuc>ierated Above. — This is a very com- mon disease among horses, and is confounded by most horse doctors with inflammation of the lungs, distempers, and colds ; whereas it is distinguished from inflammation of the lungs by its seat, and from the others by as great a dissimilarity. Bronchitis occurs in various degrees of intensity, and should at least be described under two heads, notwith- standing the one distinction may run, as it does sometimes, into the other. 1. Acute Bronchitis. — Symptoms. Ushered in by a chill, fever, harsh or painful cough, loss of appetite heaving at the flanks, mouth hot and dry. In a day or so a discharge of pus or matter will be observed from one or both nostrils. If bleeding, or other severe measures be used, the horse will assuredly die, not so much from the disease but from maltreatment. Better, in a disease of this kind, let na- ture have her way, and give the horse a chance for his life ; for in the other case, he has absolutely none whatever. Treatment. First, the horse should be treated as for fever. Place the horse in an open or airy place, embraced by the word " comfortable." Obviously it would not be comfortable to place a sick horse in an open place, with the thermometer below zero. In July or August it will not be necessary to burden the animal with blankets. Give him from fifteen to twenty drops of the tincture of aconite root every four hours, till six doses are taken. BRONCHITIS. 57 This wiil relieve the fever, breathing, and the hot and dry mouth. Give plenty of cold water to drink, for pain and fever require plenty of fluid, as all the secretions are dried up. Let the animal have a. little grass, if it can be got : this will relax the bowels, and cool the stomach. On the second day, the following medicines may be given, that is if they be necessary : Powdered gentian root, two ounces ; powdered nux vomica, one ounce. Mix, and divide into six powders, and give one powder morning, noon, and night. These medicines will prevent debility and depres- sion, and the pouring out of fluid or serum into the legs, sheath, belly, and breast. After the fever has been re- moved, allow good feed, and a fair quantity of it. Such treatment will not only cure the horse in five or six days, but the horse is nothing the worse, beyond the loss of a few days' work. 2. Chronic Bronchitis. — Symptoms. A confirmed cough, more or less severe, and a discharge from the nose. The cough worse in the morning, and after drinking water. Causes. Maltreatment of acute cases of bronchitis, and where the attack has been prolonged beyond a reasonable time, causing ulceration or thickening of the windpipe. Treatment. Give extract of belladonna, half drachm ; powdered digitalis, half drachm, three times in the day, morning, noon and night, for a few days. If no good seems to have been done, a difierent plan will have to be adopted, namely : feed the animal well, and give sulphate of iron*, two drachms in powder ; gentian root, two drachms, «l! 58 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. in powder — twice in the day for two weeks. By this time the absorbent system will be pretty powerful; Then apply the following salve or ointment, well rubbed in down the course of the windpipe, once in the week. Lard, one ounce ; red iodide of mercury, one drachm. Mix. This will cause whatever thickening may exist, to be ab- sorbed or taken up. Lard or oil will have to be applied once per day on the place where the ointment was applied to prevent the skin from cracking. If the animal be debilitated, give occasionally sixty drops of commercial sulphuric acid in half a bucket of cold water to drink. Bronchocele. — Pronouced " hronch-seal," is an enlarge- ment of the thyroid gland, and is situated on and in front of the windpipe, about three inches from the lower jaw. In horses it is only an eye-sore or blemish. Causes. In the horse it is unknown, nor is it deter- mined what office or use the thyroid gland performs in man or animals. Treatment Apply by friction of the hand once a week, bin -iodide of mercury, one drachm ; hog's lard, one ounce. Mix, and make an ointment. Rub in a piece about the size of a hickory-nut over and around the en- largement. Broken Knees.— When a horse stumbles and falls upon his knees, and takes the hair and some of the skin off, this is called broken knees. Treatment. Wash and cleanse the parts from sand and dirt, and if the skin is rnggcd and torn, dip off with a good pair of scissors. After this is done, ascertain if there i BURNS AND SCALDS. 59 is any discharge from the sore of an oily substance, and if so get a smooth piece of iron, imiiierse it for ten minutes in boiling water, and apply it to the edges of the wound, so as to cause the parts to swell, and prevent the escape of the joint oil ; for if this be allowed to escape, the ends of the bones will come against one another. Irritation and inflammation will be set up, and either destroy the life of the horse, or make an anchylosed or stiff joint. This is an important point to be observed, and that very early in all cases of broken knees or open joints wherever situated. After the hot iron has been applied, use the following wash twice in the day : — Sulphate of zinc, half an ounce ; rain, or soft water, eight ounces. Mix. This will heal the sore, and prevent proud flesh from growing. This wash will answer for the more simple wound of the knee, and where there is no open joint. Do not apply band^jges, as they will cause the whole leg to inflame and swell. Some- times a kind of pouch will be formed by the lower edge of the wound, holding whatever pus or other fluid may escape. This pouch should be opened at its lowest bot- tom, so as to let the fluids out, and to prevent a bulge or permanent swelling remaining after the knee has other- wise healed. By attention to this, very little or no blemish or scar will be left to tell the tale of a stum- bling horse, or a bad horseman. Burns and Scalds. — Injuries inflicted upon some parts of the body by tlie application of solid heat, is called burns ; by fluid heat, scalds. Treatment. In horses the treatment is chietly locjil ; i 60 DISEASES OF THE HORSE lor in cases of fire in large cities, the generation of steam is sometimes so great, that it is inhaled by animals in the burning building: this is termed scalding. Not much can be done, nor is there much hope of a cure in cases of this kind. The utmost that can be done is to give plent}'^ of cold water to drink, and keep down pain by means of aconite (which see). For burns the best application will be, one pint of lin- seed oil, and half a pint of lime water, stirred together, or rather whipped (as cooks usually do eggs) till the mixture is like thick cream. This is to be applied to the burned places, spread on cotton or linen rags, for a few days ; then the sores are to be dressed with green ointment. (See Ointments.) Cancers. — This is a hard tumor, malignant in its character, at first small in size, but rapidly increases, and becomes ulcerated. The horse is not affected with so many varieties of cancerous growth as the ox and the dog, and even man himself Melanotic cancer is most com- monly seen in grey horses, or those that turn white with age. A small hard tumor is usually seen under the root of the tail, and about the anus. When tumors of this kind are seen on grey horses, it may reasonably be expected that growths of the same character will be found inside, on the spleen, stomach, and liver. Horses so aflfected may work well for years, and may not for a month. The tumors increase in size ; when cut into, they discharge a fluid as black as the ink of the cuttle-fish. CAPPED ELBOW. 61 Causes. As this disease is not seen in young gray horses until after they have ahnost turned white, it may be inferred that the cause results from the loss, or want of the usual pigment, or coloring matter, which gives color to the hair, thus depriving the animal of some pro- tection from the air or sun. I think, however, that the true cause will be found to be, not in the loss of the col- ouring matter, but of its transfer from the skin and hair to the blood. Hence the inky color of the contents of the tumors. This opinion, which is my own, is still fur- ther corroborated by the fact that if the pus be taken from an abscess and injected into the blood of a healthy animal, carbuncles containing pus will soon manifest them- selves. Treatment. Incurable ; but when one of these tumors breaks, treat as an ordinary abscess (which see). ' Capped Elbow. — This is an enlargement on the point of the elbow, just behind the shoulder, and on the side of the chest ; sometimes it is in the form of a simple abscess, (which see). But the usual form is that of an encysted tumor, or a fluid cont,ained within a cyst of fleshy walls, which do not suppurate. Cause. — The horse, when lying, rests the point of the elbow upon the heels of his front shoe. It is a symptom of disease of the leg, preventing the animal from properly flexing or bending the leg proper upon iis thigh or a.rm. Hence, the elbow rests upon the foot. Prevention. Remove whatever disease may be in the leg, and place a pad of leather, or of coarse, heavy cloth, I 62 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. over the back irt of the foot. Pads are made by harness makers. Treatment. Make an incision with a sharp knife through the skin, over the centre of the swelling, and care- fully dissect the cyst from i*s attachments. This can be done with the fingers and a blunt piece of wood, flattened at its point like a butter knife, and no sharper. If the operator be timid, and think he cannot cut the cyst out, open it, and let out the matter, and inject, once per day, a little tincture of iodine, to kill the walls of the cyst, so that it will not fill again, (See Medicines.) A knife is omy wanted to cut the skin. After the tumor is taken out, treat the part as a simple wound, by keeping it clean, and applying a solution of zinc, or blue stone. Capped Hock. — This is a soft swelling on the point of the Hock-joint. Causes. Kicking in the stable or in harness, lying upon stone-paved stalls, and from being kicked by another horse. Treatment. Apply cold water cloths to the part for a few days, taking them off" at night. After the heat and tenderness have subsided, apply, with rubbing, once every fifth day, for three times, if it be necessary, an ointment composed of one drachm of iodide of mercury ; and hog's lard, one ounce. Mix. Carditis — This is applied to disease of the heart. Heart disease is also known as the Thumps. Incurable. (See Heart Disease.) ade by harness ig on the point CASTRATION. * Oaries. — This term means an ulceration of the bone. The most frequent form of caries is seen on the lower jaw-bone; the teeth are next affected. If the upper teeth be ulcerated to any extent, a fetid (stinking) discharge will run from the nostril upon the ^ide on which the diseased teeth are situated, which has been repeatedly mistaken for glanders by " horse doctors," If caries of the bones of the head exist, the swelling of the head will be enormous — Big-head, or OSTEOPOROSIS — and not Osteosarcoma, tts it has been called. Cause. A disposition in the system to appropriate to the bones more calcareous or earthy matter than is required. Treatment. If caries be confined to the teeth, have them taken out. When confined to the bones of the head, it is incurable. The animal will die of hunger, as he is unable to use his tongue and jaws, or gather and chew his feed. Happily, it is not a common disease in the* Middle States. Thera have been many cases in the Western States, Arsenic and the hot iron are there rec^ommended. Better let the horse die than increase his sufLring, as he will die any way. • Castration. — This is an operation for the purpose of depriving the horse -colt of his entirety by ohe removal of the testes. It is a simple and safe operation. Any per- son having once seen it done, can do it also, if he have the resolution to do so. It has been recently demonstrated that castration can be performed on aged horses with as much safety as on those in colthood. This is attributed I \ 64 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. to the mode or manner of operation, namely by an instru- ment called the Ecraseur. No clamps, no firing nor twitching, nor any trouljie afterward. The instrument is manufactured especially for this purpose, by surgical^ instrument makers in Phila- delphia. Cautery. — This term is applied to the operation of searing a part with a red-hot iron. Happily, this cruel, and in many instances unnecessary operation, is becoming among the things that were. It used to be applied to sprains, ring-bones, and spavins. Since the discovery of the preparations of iodine, and their absorbent properties, the iron is little used. Ohest Diseases. — The diseases of the chest are many and important. In it are the heart, lungs, and great blood vessels. The diseases of these organs will be found under Inflammation of the lungs, or Lung Fever, Pleurisy, Coughs ^Bronchitis, and Glanders. Chill.— This term means a shiver, as if the horse were cold. This is the way many diseases and fevers are ush- ered in. If the chill be checked soon, it will stop, in many cases, the disease that was forming. For this pur- pose, give twenty drops of the tincture of aconite root in a wine-glassful of water, and pour down the throat, out of a short-necked bottle ; cover the body with a blanket, and rub the legs to bring the circulation to the surface of the body, and all will be well. Choking— -Choking very rarely occurs in horses ; t ^ i^t'A '^/^s^lttfe'a^^-ki^ CHOREA. 65 ccurs in horses j very frequently in cattle. If choking should occur in the horse, there is little chance or hope of saving his life, if he be a high-spirited animal, and the substance be high in the gullet. In a very extensive practice, embracing many years, I have never ^een a case of choking in the horse, except on a few ocoJRons, and then it was only a ball of aloes sticking in the throat. If a ball of any thickness stick in its passage to the stomach, and it have passed down some distance, it is called low choke, and is not so dangerous as if it stick in the entrance to the gullet — high choke. Treatment. In low choke press down with the hand over the substance in the gullet, and try to move it. Do this not too strongly, but continue it for a time. If un- successful, one pint of fish, sweet, or linseed oil, melted lard, or sjTup of any kind, will be apt to move the sub- stance on its way down. If these should fail, after a good trial, then have the gullet opened right over the substance, and take it out, and put in one, two, or three stitches, with strong saddlers' silk. Make the stitches separately from each other ; for if this be not done, and one break, the others wiU also become loose. In high choke, the irritation and excitement are great, which prevent much being done to relieve the animal. Try the oil, and see what can be done in that way. The treatment is purely me<;hanical, so use ingenuity to over- come the difficulty. ' Chorea. — This is a rare disease in the horse, but com- mon in dogs, It accompanies cases of madness in all ani- X 66 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. i mals, and dependd upon nervous excitement, which is seen in the constant twitching of the muscles of the body. It is clearly sympathetic in its character. Treatment. Removal of the cause, whatever that may be. Cold. — Symptoms. Cough, sliglft fever, and discharge more or less from one or both nostrils, sometimes of a thin, watery material, or a thick, creamy pus. The lining membrane of the nose is red and inflamed. Cold some- times even extends into the throat and lungs, giving rise to quickened breathing and uneasiness. When it extends to the stomach, it is called by the French gastritis mucosa. When it spreads to the chest, it is called bronchitis, (which see). No disease is more common than cold among young horses ; but, unfortunately, it rarely runs its course as such. Cold assumes one or more of the forms just mentioned. Cause. Exposure to cold and stormy weather. Treatment. — In Germany, it is said that a cold, if let alone, will get well in a fortnight, and if treated by a skilful doctor, he will cure it in fourteen days. However, give the animal a few doses of aconite (see Medicines,) to remove the fever, and, if possible, to prevent complica- tions, or its further spread to the neighbouring parts. If the appetite keep good, nothing more need be done ; but, on the contrary, if the breathing quicken, and the appetite be poor, and debility be setting in, tonics and stimulants will be necessary. Get the following medi- cuie, and give one powder, morning, noon, and night, mixed COLIC. 67 , which is seen I of the body. ;ever tiiat may , and discharge ■ sometimes of a IS. The lining d. Cold some- rigs, giving rise ^hen it extends tstritis mucosa. led bronchitis, lan cold among • runs its course the forms just ather. it a cold, if let f treated by a lys. However, see Medicines,) ivent complica- bouring parts, need be done ; licken, and the y in, tonics and bllowing medi- nd night, mixed with a little cold water, and drench the hoi*se with it. - Take powdered gentian root, powdered pimento berries, powdered carbonate of ammonia, of each two ounces. Mix, and divide into twelve powders. When the appetite improves, give good feed, but not by any means in sufficient quantity to bring on indigestion. Give green feed, if it can be had. This is a most simple and success- ful plan of treating common cold. « Cold Lotions — These are now called refrigerant lo- tions. Ice-water makes a good and economical refrigerant, when applied to a sprain. (See Prescriptions and Medi- cines.) Colic. — (1.) Spasmodic Colic. — Symptoms. All at once the horse that a few minutes ago was well, apparently, shakes his head — leaves his feed, looks round at his flank, mostly at the right side, as if pointing out the seat of the disease, scrapes the ground with his front foot, and almost strikes his belly with one of the hind ones. The spasm continuing, the horse breaks out into a sweat, heaving at the flanks ; great excitement, kicking and rolling ; inter- vals of ease from pain. Causes. Drinking cold water when heated, or colder water than commonly used, as a city horse is used to drink- ing water which is warmer in summer, and colder in win- ter, than water taken from a pump ; washing the belly with cold water ; driving horses into a pond of cold water. Treatment Give something to heat the stomach and bowels. Try a bottle of warm ale or porter, adding a little 68 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. whiskey, or a tablespoonful of ground ginger to it. If re- lief be not obtained in half an hour, give a drench, com- posed of tincture of aconite root, twenty-five drops ; spirit of turpentine, one ounce ; one bottle of cold ale or porter. If necessary, give injections of warm water, (not hot,) soap, and a handful of table salt. Occasionally walk the horse about, to excite the bowels to action. (2.) Stercoral Colic. — Symptoms. Similar to the above variety, but continues longer, and is not quite so severe or painful. ^ Causes. Impaction or constipation of the bowels. Treatment. Powdered aloes, one ounce ; tincture of aconite root, twenty-five drops ; chloroform, half an ounce. Mix in a bottle of ale or porter, and give in a drench out of a horn, or stout bottle. The aconite wiU have to be given every four hours, till the pain has given way. En- courage the operation of the aloes by injections every hour. (3.) Flatulent Colic. — Symptoms. Pain is consider- able at firsu, which in a few hours gives way to sleej^iness (see Coma). This is caused by distention of the bowels with gas, commonly called wind, thereby paralyzing the par vagus and nerve centres, and ultimately the brain it- self This variety of colic is readily distinguished from the others by the swelling of the belly, particularly at the tianks, called tympanitis, or drum-belly. Causes. Indigestion of food in the stomach ; fermen- tation is set up, and there is evolution (giving forth) of carbonic acid gas. This gas is not liberated per rectum COLIC. 69 iger to it. If re- i a drench, corn- five drops ; spirit lold ale or porter, r, (not hot,) soap, y walk the horse Similar to the is not quite so the bowels, ace ; tincture of ■m, half an ounce. I in a drench out will have to be given way. En- injections every Pain is consider- wray to sleefjiness )n of the bowels y paralyzing the :ely the brain it- stinguished from )articularlv at the tomach ; fermen- (giving forth) of rated per rectum I I from the body as speedily as generated. The horse and cow cannot belch or eruct wind from their stomachs as man and dog can ; hence the frequency of tympanitis in horses and cows. Treatment. Try injections first, as in many cases I have cured this variety by this means alone. If gas or wind come away with the injection, the case will soon end well. When no benefit is derived from tne injections, give, in a little cold water, aloes in powder, one ounce ; sulphuric ether, one ounce ; tincture of opium, two ounces. If these measures fail in giving ease from pain, pour two ounces of chloroform on a small moist sponge, and hold it to the nostrils, not too closely, but admit a portion of air with the fumes of the chloroform, (see Medicines). The sponge may be placed in a towel, and the ends carried up around the nose of the horse, to save waste ; or place the sponge in the bottom of a nose-bag, and put it on the head, but not too close upon the nose. Last Remedy. It must be confessed that the longer this disease is unrelieved, the more remote is the chance of recovery, as the bowel sometimes contracts upon itself, or nearly closes altogether. To overcome this condition an operation is recommended, which I do not say will be a success, nor yet a failure. When it failed in my hands, it was not because the gas was not let out of the bowels, bu^ because the blood had become so disintegrated, and the nervous centres so paralized, that the sanative powers of the constitution had received too great a shock to ever rally again. 70 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. The Operation. Procure an instrument called a trocar. If this be not at hand, sharpen a breakfast knife, and meas- ure an equal distance from the haunch bone and the short rib, and not too high upon the back ; force the knife into the distended bowel, and turn the knife in the wound thus made, and hold it there until all the imprisoned gas has escaped ; and as the gas sometimes still accumulates, keep the knife or instrument in tKe wound, if it be for half a day. When the knife or instrument is taken out, place a piece of sticking plaster over the wound. (See Medicines.) Stones, or hair calculi, are often found, after death, in the bowels of horses subject to colic. I have seen six taken from one mare that I had under treatment. Remember, the great principle in the treatment of colic, in all its forms, is to relieve pain. This also holds good in most diseases of horses. The doctor, if he fail to allay pain, cannot cure the disease. Coma. — A horse is said to be in a comatose state when in an apoplectic fit, in sleepy staggers, and when dying from spasmodic colic, (which see). Constipation. — A confined condition of the bowels accompanying fever, liver and lung diseases. Horses hab- itually costive should be supplied with soft feed and grass in season. Costiveness, as a concomitant of fever, etc., should in all cases be let alone, as it is a provision of na- ture to protect herself from exhaustion. Consumption.^ — Causes. Repeated attacks of influenza, lung fever, or bronchitis, or any of these diseases treated CONTAGION. 71 called a trocar. Liiife, and meas- le and the short 3 the knife into the wound thus risoned gas has icumulates, keep Defor half aday. , place a piece of idicines.) , after death, in -•e seen six taken at. Remember, z, in all its forms, n most diseases pain, cannot cure atose state when nd when dying n of the bowels les. Horses hab- )ft feed and grass at of fever, etc., provision of na- ,acks of influenza, diseases treated by bleeding, and other reducing remedies or agents. Con- sumption, in the horse, runs its course in from one to two weeks. Nature of Consumption. — A wasting, or breaking down of the structure of the lungs. The tuberculous form of consumption I have never seen in the horse. Tubercles are seen in bad cases of glanders (which see). These tubercles suppurate, and discharge pus. This pus is ti,b- sorbed and taken into the blood, and sets up a ferment, or leaven, as the Scriptures call it. This is the great trouble in consumption in man, and glanders in the horse. Why authors have not called this tuberculous disease in horses, consumption, I do not know, except it be, and I am in- clined to believe it is, from an entire ignorance of its true pathology or character. Treatment. Incurable. To prolong the life, beef soup, iron, gentian, tonics and stimulants, are indicated. In the tuberculous form, sulphite of soda should be given to ar- rest the ferment, and keep the blood clear of impurities, in addition to the remedies to support the strength. (See Medicines.) Decay, putrefaction, fermentation, afe true and scientific expressions, with no vague meaning. Such, *hen, are the conditions embraced in the word consump- tion, whether in men or animals. Contagion. — This term is applied to something ( as the virus of glanders ) coming in contact with the body of an animal in health, producing a similar disease to that existing in the animal from which it came. In a word, it 72 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. is a specific poison. Few diseases of animals are con- sidered contagious. The following diseases however, are considered of that character: — Glanders, in horses; contai gious typhus and small-pox, in cattle and sheep. Although many animals may be taken sick one after another, this is no proof that the disease is contagious ; for it must be re- membered that a number of animals, all situated and cared for in the same way, are certainly subjected to the same exciting causes that produced the disease in the first animal affected. Those that escaped the disease were not predisposed to take it ; hence their exemption trom its effects. Prevention. Separate the sick from the well. All buckets, or other materials, that were in contact with the sick, must be thoroughly cleansed and purified. (See Dis- infectants.) Convalescence. — A term applied to the time which elapses between the controlling of acute disease, and the restoration of the patient to perfect health. Coryza Gangrenosa. — This name is applied to an ulcerated condition of the membrane of the nose super- vening in a case of cold. It is evidence of general debi- lity, and disintegration or deterioration of the membrane. Cough. — A symptom of disease of the respiratory or. gans, as tubercles of the lungs, thickening of the lining membranes of the windpipe, and enlargement of the glands of the neck. I have seen cough from indigestion in a few cases, but this is rare in hoi-ses. CRAMP. 73 Cough Chronic. — GauBoi. Debility, or softening of the par vagus nerves ; heaves, or broken wind, ( which see,) are some of the causes which produce acute cough. Treostment. Removal of whatever is the cause ( causa sublata tulitur effectus). Counter-irritants. — An external application, which, when applied, causes an irritation or inflammation counter or opposite to that which exists inside. Cow Hock — This name is applied to a condition or malformation of those hocks that incline forward, thus forming a fulcrum, over which the posterior straight liga- ment passes — this condition favouring a sprain of the ligament, which is called curb. (See Curb). Cramp. — Cramp of the stomach or bowels of horses, cannot readily be distinguished from spasmodic colic (which see). Cramp of the Hind Leg. — This affection is common among young horses of an irritable temperament. It is often mistaken for dislocation of the patella, sometimes called luxation of the patella (which see). Symptoms. The horse will persistently refuse to move the leg from the position in which it is placed. Quivering or excitement of the muscles of the thigh, accompanied with irritation and fever. The horse cannot be moved, as he refuses to do so. Causes. In-egularity of the nervous system. Treatment. Move the animal, if it be possible, and the cramp will give way. Dashing cold water against the 74 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. thigh will often remove it. The horse will get well, if time be only given him. Thus, if a person leave the sta- ble to tell some one of the matter, he will be surprised, on coming back, to find the horse well. Crib-Biting. — This is not a disease, but a vice — a bad habit, which the horse has learned, of sucking wind into the stomach by placing his lips against the manger. The habit has been so strong in some horses, that when they could get no place to press the lips against, they have stooped down and placed the lips against the arm of their own front leg. This vice is sometimes called wind- sucking. Causes. Idleness, indigestion, and learning it from other animals in the same stable. Prevention. Keep horses in loose boxes, or other places where there are no fixtures but the walls ; regular feed and regular work. Treatment. Do not let the horse stand in the stable twenty hours out of the twenty -four. Feed him regularly, and work him regularly. Turn the animal to pasture, and whenhe is brought home in the fall of the year, have a loose box prepared for him without any fixtures, as manger, trough, or rack. Place his hay upon the floor, and his oats or corn in a small trough, and remove it as soon as the feed is eaten. Curb. — One of the many diseases of the hock -joint, and consists in a swelling immediately below the point of the hock joint, and is the result of sprain of the posterior Ml m 1 M i DEBILITY. 75 straightligament; ismore frequent in horses with the hocks inclining forwards, (cow hock). The treatment best adapted is the ointment of the red iodide df mercury, ( see Oint- ments,) which is not only a counter-irritant, but a sorbi- facient. Apply about the size of a hickory-nut in quantity every sixth day for a few weeks, occasionally greasing or oiling the parts to prevent the skin cracking. Debility. — This is a condition accompanying many dis- eases. Hence, the necessity of guarding against any measure in the treatment, even of a disease of an exalted kind, that will reduce the strength. The animal thus af- fected rapidly becomes weak and debilitated to such an extent as may cost it its life. (1.) Debility, Simple. — May be local, that is, confined to a part, as in partial paralysis, from the effects of a blis- ter applied to a part, or from a kick or injury. Symptoms. A thickening or swelling of the parts. The swelling is not inflammatory, but soft, and contains fluid. ((Edema.) Treatment. Powdered sulphate of iron, one ounce and a half , gentian root, two ounces; chlorate or nitrate of potassa, one ounce. Mix, and divide into twelve powders, and give one night and morning mixed in cut or soft feed, with no more water io the feed than will keep the particles together. Feed the animal generously and well. Debility, and swelling of the legs of horses nOw-a-days, at least in the United States, can be produced by simply keeping a portion of their usual feed from them for two or three days. 76 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. (2.) Debility, General. — Symptoms. Swelling of the legs, sheath, breast, and belly. Disturbed breathing. The horse is very weak, and easily pushed from off his feet by the hand. Indeed, he staggers as he walks, and sometimes falls to the ground. Causes. Bleeding or giving physic (a purge) in the treatment of disease, especially in diseases of the chest. Starving and low diet given to a sick horse, when he should be supported in the midst of his sickness by good feeding. The very neglect, or want of knowledge on this point, has killed thousands of horses that would have Ived, that have been sacrificed at the shrine of ignorance, error, and bad judgment. This condition of things in relation to the treatment of diseases of the horse, and indeed all our faith- ful animals, may be ascribed to the diligence and persist- ence of the American publishers deluging the country with reprints of old English books that should never have been written. Treatment. Give plenty of good feed to the maltreated animal, and give the following blopd-making medicines : — Powdered sulphate pf iron, three ounces ; gentian root, three ounces. Mix, and divide into twenty-four powders, and give one powder night and morning. If there is much swelling about the body, add five grains of powdered Spanish fly to the evening powder, for a few nights only. Be assured the animal is fully restored before it is put to hard work. Deformities. — In young colts will often be observed a deformity of one or both fore legs from the knee down. DEFORMITIES, 77 giving the whole appearance an awkward look. Farmers having such a colt should not think it useless, or at all im- paired ; for in my own extensive practice, I have not seen one that did not become as perfect a» the best formed of anima^" Observe. Whether the mother have sufficient milk for the colt, and if not, teach the colt to suck milk out of a bottle, or from something else ; for by good nourishment these deformed conditions of the legs will disappear. Diabetes. — This is a disease accompanied by a great and frequent flow of urii.e, containing sugar in solution. Causes. The starch, and some constituents of the food are transferred into sugar. The origin of this affection is supposed to be a ferment changing the material of the sys- tem into sugar, as diastase converts starch into sugar in malting. Symptoms. Great flow of clear urine, very great thirst, ravenous appetite, weakness and general debility. Treatment. Although this disease is considered incura- ble, I have on two occasions cured the animal bv the iodide of iron, too expensive a medicine to be recommended for general use. The action of this medicine, at least the iodide portion, allayed the thirst, and the iron supported the strength and system, also acting as an astringent (to dry up). This medicine should be seconded by good feeding and plenty of it. (See Iodide of Iron in Medicine List.) Diaphoretics. — This term is applied to medicines hav- 78 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. ing the power of producing sweating. The horse is not easily acted upon in this way by the use of medicines, ex- cept by one or two articles, as aconite or veratrum (which see). Slight moistijre on the skin is very desirable in cases of fever. The cold water douche is used by hydro- paths for this purpose. When sweating is desired for the cure of disease, it must be done without increasing the heart's action. This is the great secret in producing diaphoresis. Diarrhoea. — (1.) Simple Diarrhcea consists of a loose- ness, or tluid condition of excrement, from something irritant in the bowels, and which does not freely pass away. When this condition is present, and no pain, giiping or pawing as in colic, it may be well let alone. (2.) Continued Diarrhcea. — This is often the case when irritation does not pass away with the offending mat- ter, and the bowels continue to discharge a thin fluid. There is slight pain or colic. When this is the case, sus- pect some irritant poison. (See Poison.) Treatment. From whatever cause the diarrhoea may arise, treatment that will allay pain is demanded. First. Give twenty to twenty-five drops of the tincture of aconite root in a little cold water. Then give the following pow- der every two hours, until a change for the better has taken place :■ — Prepared chalk, half an ounce ; catechu in powder, one drachm ; opium in powder, ten grains. Allow the animal plenty of water to (irink, which will help to keep or allay irritation, or what disposition there may be to in- flammation. Bran mashes should be given for a few days, DISINFECTANTS. 79 so as to overcorae the effects of so much drying or binding medicine. Cake meal, or ground flaxseed, will be an ex- cellent assistant in this particular. Diathesis. — When we read in medical books of the word diathesis, it means a well-marked tendency in a dis- ease by a corresponding diathesis: for example, a cancer- ous diathesis or an inflammatory diathesis. Disinfectants. — French Desinfectanta; German, Faill- nisswidrige Sabstanzen. Bisinfev nts are such as remove causes of infection, or any injurious taint. To accomplish this effect, disinfectants will have to embrace a class of substances known by the name of antiseptics, (agents which prevent animal or vege- table matter being decomposed,) and deodorizers (agents which destroy hurtful or bad smells, when arising from de- composing material), (1.) Natural Disinfectants, — The atmospheric is the great disinfectant. The soil has been found a valuable dis- infectant, decomposinganimal matter with great quickness, and sending out gases which are without taint of any kind. Hence, the necessity of deep burial of animals dy- ing, or that have been killed, on account of contagious diseases. Ventilation is entirely a mechanical plan of disinfect- ing, and which it is in the power of every farmer in the land to more or less perfect in all buildings containing horses, cattle, etc. In ventilating, it is only necessary to admit the purest air, and for this purpose have the open- ings, or ventilators, placed at least eight to ten feet fr om # 80 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. the ground, as it is well known that heavy vapours are sometimes seen a few feet above the ground. Also, the ven- tilation should come from the front or top of the build- ing, as the back of a stable is never so pure as its front. Water is the next great disinfectant employed by na- ture, although moist bodies decay more rapidly than dry. It is a disinfectant by the process of washing, which is mechanical. It is in this way that each shower of rain becomes a natural disinfectant. Light is another disin- fectant, which seems to have been overlooked by many, when their barns and stables were built. Without light, the rose would lose its colour, and man and animals would lose and never attain then* vigour. In proof of the advantage of light in maintaining health and warding off disease, it is stated that in a barrack at St. Petersburg, there was only one case of disease on the side laid open to the light, to three on the dark side. Heat and cold are two agents highly useful as disinfec- tants. Heat prevents fermentation and decay by drying and changing the chemical state of substances, as it were, by cooking, whether by lire or the sun. Cold, again, is the most powerful antiseptic and disinfectant. Frosts prevent decay and disease, and at the same time share the connection existing between them. (2.) Artificial Disinfectants.— Creosote is a most powerful antiseptic and disinfectant, when applied to a part, but it is not easily managed. Smoke is another good antiseptic, as it contains a little creosote. By it herrings and other fish are preserved, !\i DIATHESIS. 81 ivy vapours are 1. Also, the ven- op of the build- ure as its front, mployed by na- bpidly than dry. ishing, which is I shower of rain J another disin- >oked by many, Without light, 1 animals would intaining health in a barrack at r disease on the I dark side, eful as disinfec- lecay by drying nces, as it were, Cold, again, is fectant. Frosts iame time share sote is a most len applied to a is another good By it herrings Spices, and other aromatic substances, have long been used as disinfectants, but they possess no such property, as they do not prevent decomposition of bodies ; they merely cover the smell. Chloride of lime and ch.ori ) of zinc act as good disin- fectants. The chloride of manganese is certainly as economical a disinfectant as can be used oy the farmer. It is cheap and efficient, and not dang ous like chloride of zinc. Sulphurous acid, or rather its fumes, has, in all ages, been used as a disinfectant, and by general consent is con- sidered to be most valuable. Its action on animal and vegetable substances is readily seen by the change in colour produced. In the form of sulphite of soda, it will arrest the vinous fermentation in cider and other mate- rials ; or if injected into the veins of dead animals, it embalms them most perfectly. For stables and houses filled with animals nothinsr will aftswer as well as chloride of lime, or McDougal's disin- fecting powders, applied to the floors and excrement once per day with a large dredging box. For empty houses chlorine gas will be found as con- venient and good as any. For this purpose, procure a strong wide-mouthed bottle, fill it about half full of bin- oxide of manganese, close all the doors and windows, and other open places, * hen fill up the bottle with the spirits of salts, and retire and close the door. This may be re- peated a fev,' times in the course of a week. The fumes that are disengaged will penetrate to every crevice and f^i 82 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. , !,i corner in the building. This operation any farmer can perform himself, as there is no risk whatever. The spirits of salt will have to be kept in a glass-stoppered bottle till it is wanted, as it will not only eat a common cork, but it will, by exposure to the air, abstract moisture from it, by which it greatly loses its virtue and strength. As before stated, this plan of disinfecting is only to be used when the house is empty. (See Sulphurous Acid Gas in Part n.) Dropsies. — Every school boy is familiar with the term dropsy, which means an unnatural accumulation of water in the cavities of the body-chest, heart-case, belly, breast, sheath, and cellular tissue of the legs, f See Debility.) 1. When water is in the chest it is called Hydrotho- RAX. This is the immediate cause of death, in pleurisy in the horse and pleuro-pneumonia in cattle, the animal dying by suffocation or asphyxia. 2. When in the belly, it is called AsiTES. 4 3. When in the cellular tissue, and confined to a por- tion only of the body, as the leg or sheath, it is called Q3dema ; but if the swellings are over different portions of the body, it is called Anasarca. 4. When in the heart-case or pericardium, it is called Dropsy of the Heart. Causes. Treatment of diseases by starving or low diet, bleeding, blistering, and physicing. Injury to a part will be followed by watery swellings in the neighbouring parts. Treatment Blood-making food and medicines, are im- EAR DISEASES. 83 rdium, it is called medicines, are im- peratively demanded. Oom-meal mixed with bran and cut hay. Grass, if it can be had. A bottle of strong beef tea or soup, given daily, will be of great use. Give the following medicine three times a day, either mixed in the feed or poured down the mouth with a bottle : Powdered sulphate of iron, one drachm ; powdered gentian root, two drachms ; Spanish fly, two grains. Mix. Friction over the swelling will be of use. Sometimes it will be neces- sary to make slight incisions or cuts through the .skin to let out the imprisoned* fluid. Do not blister such swel- ling, as it is apt to produce ragged, running sores, difficult to heal, and leaving a blemish. Water in the chest is removed by introducing an instru- ment, (see Instruments,) called a trocar, but somewhat smaller than the one used for hoven in cattle. Also it is removed by absorption and by diuretics (which see). Ear Diseases. — (1) Small Tumors. — Sometimes tu- mors of various shapes and sizes are seen in the ear of the horse, producing a kind of canker in that organ. Symptoms. Shaking of the head; will not let much familiarity be made with it ; running or starting back, when the collar or bridle is being taken up over the ears. Causes. Irritation and imflammation of the skin of the I ear, producing small pimples of proud flesh. Treatment. Removal with the knife, scissoi . , or caus- I tic ; then apply the simple ointment as for a simple sore. (See Prescription in Medicine List.) (2.) Injuries of the Ear. — Injuries to the ear take i , 84 DISEASES or THE HORSE. ! I I; r:i place from the use of the whip, the bite of a dog, or from another horse biting it. Treatment. Treat as for a common sore, by simple ointment and by cleanliness. (3.) Deafness. — Not often observed in horses. (4,) FoRiiiGN Substances in the Ear. — Remove them by forceps. (5.) Abscess in the Ear. — Treatment as for Abscess (which see). (9.) Dry Gangrene in the Ear. — Two cases of this affection have been brought to my notice, in which the concha of the ear had dried up, withered, and dropped off. Emetics. — Medicine often taken into the stomach of man and some animals, causing them to vomit. The horse, ox, and sheep do not, or rather cannot, vomit. Hence, tar- tar emetic has no effect upon them. Emphysema. — This is a name signifying wind swell- ing, caused by the escape of air into the cellural tissue, as between the skin and the flesh, or rather the fa, oia and the skin. Pressure with the hand on these windy swell- ings causes a cracking noise or sound. This condition sometimes arises in the chest, and is attended with difficult breathing and anxiety of countenance. Causes. Wounds in the chest, and when underneath the skin, it is caused by undue pressure on the part, causing a [ separation of the skin from the fascia. Treatment. This consists in evacuating the air by slight punctures on the surface of the swelling, assisted by gentle pressure of the hand. EPIZOOTIC-INFLUENZA. 85 of a dog, or from 1 sore, by simple n,t as for Abscess When in the lungs, give good feeding, and occasionally small doses of the tincture of aconite root, say ten drops, three times in the day, to relieve the breathing, until the lungs heal up. Endermic. — A plan of treating disease by placing the medicine in contact with or under the skin. Morphia and strychnia are the agoi N in common use in this form of administration. (See Typhosus.) Epidemic. — This term is applied to diseases of animals, but improperly, as the term is exclusively a name that should only be used for diseases when man is the subjcet. Epi, upon, and demo, the people — a di^e; ,e upon the peo- ple. Epizootic is the proper name for animal disease. Epi, upon, zoon, an animal — diseases upon animals. Epilepsy. — An epileptic horse should never be used for family driving. ( See Megrims.) - Epiphora. — Weeping from tho eye. ( See Eye Dis- eases.) Epizootic. — A disease that attacks many animals at the same time and season, originating in one common cruse. Examples — epizootic-influenza in the horse, pleuro- pneumonia in cattle. Epizootic-Influenza. — or Canadian" orse Distem- per."— This disease is of a far more malignant and danger- ous type than the common influenza, elsewhere described. It is of an infectious nature, spreading with the alarming rapidity of the Asiatic-Cholera, and speedily prostrating ' I'i 8G DISEASES OF THE HORSE. ( almost every horse in any city or town so unfortunate as to be subjected to its ravages. Its recent visit has been even more general and destructive than heretofore. Start- ing in the vicinity of Toronto it ran through the city with remarkable rapidit}--, sparing scarcely a single animal of this noble species. From this point as a centre, it spread in every direction. One by one the cities aud towns of the neighbouring Republic reported its approach and destructive effects. Great annoyance was caused in the larger places by the stoppage of traffic and delay of business, as well as to the farmers in marketing their produce. With so destructive a malady prevalent amongst us, it is highly important that every owner of a horse should have the proper knowledge and means of relief at hand for prompt application ; as upon this the life of the animal often depends. The following graphic description of the nature of the complaint and most successful mode of treatment has been furnished V)y Dr. Andrew Smith, the eminent Veterinary Surge(m and Principal of the Ontario Veterinary College, Toronto, whose great reputation is a guarantee of the sound- ness of the .advice given. • " The disease first appeared in tliis city (Toronto ) and surrounding country about 1st October, 1872, ayd very soon extended over the Province. " The disease appears to be of the nature of catarrhal fever of an epizootic character, probably depending upon some atmospheric influence, as is shown by its appearing EPIZOOTIC-INFLUENZA. 87 »o unfortunate visit has been tofore. Start- h the city with igle animal of ery direction. neighbouring uctive effects, places by the well as to the imongst us, it horse should relief at hand ' of the animal nature of the fnent has been nt Veterinary inary College, 3ofthesound- roronto ) and 72, ai^d very of catarrhal •ending upon its appearing simultaneously over a large extent of country, attacking all kinds of horses, young and old, in good condition and poor. The premonitory symptoms of this complaint are, a staring coat, watery discharge from the nostrils, hot mouth, and cold extremities. The throat and bronchial tubes soon become affected more or less, producing a severe hacking cough ; the discharge atthe nostril inreases becom- ing of a thicker consistency, and of a yellowish white color, and coming away in large quantities. The circula- tion is quickened, and the breathing slightly increased. When affected, animals are exposed to vitiating influences of any kind, as impure air, resulting from close, filthy, and ill ventilated stables ; or from cold draughts, exposure, or severe work, the lungs and their coverings become affected producing alarming and more dangerous symptoms. " This disefise, although it has created considerable ex- citement and alarm, and has proved to be of considerable loss and annoyance to owners of horses and to the com- munity generally, is not likely under^proper treatment to be attended with any great fatality. It will run a cer- tain course, and, as far as I have had an opportunity of judging, will take from ten to thirty days, according to the severity of the attack, before [an animal completely recovers. "In the treatment of this disease, as in all diseases affect- ing the respiratory organs of the horse, it is of the great- est importance to allow a suflieient supply of i)ure air ; therefore cleanliness, and comfortable and well-ventilated stables, are found to be of the utmost benefit in mitiga- 88 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. y ting •the symptoms, and in hastening the period of con- valescence. If animals are not severely affected, a little moderate w'ork does not appear to be hurtful ; and in almost all cases it is desirable to give a little walking exer- cise daily in the open air, and as a. matter of course keeping the body warm by sufficient clothing. As to the medicinal remedies, I prefer the preparations of potash and of soda, as tlie chlorate of potash or iodide of potass- ium, given in one drachm doses morning and night. When the cough is sev^-re, relief may be afforded by a mustard ap))lication to the throat and windpipe. The nostrils should be sponged out several times a day with tepid water, and afterwards washed with a weak solution of bromo-chloralum or carbolic acid. The stables should be disinfected daily with either of the above-mentioned disinfectants, or the chloride of lime. When the animal is weak, the strength must be supported by stimulants. In all cases the food should be such as is nourishing and easily digested. Depletive remedies, as bleeding, purging, severe blistering, and the use of ])Owerful drugs — as calo- mel, &c., — should be carefully avoided, Jis great harm and irreparable injury may be done by their incautious use, as well as from tlie many nostrums and complex mixtures which are held out as specifics to cure this and every other disease." The following able and exhaustive article upon this disease has Ix^en furnished by one of the most eminent Veterinarians in the United States, Professor A. S. Cope- man, of the New York Veterinary College ; — ^..Jiitt EPIZOOTIC-INFLUENZA. 89 '* Definition. — It is a specific febrile disease, invariable in its essential characteristics, attended with lassitude and prostration to an extreme degree ; chills, and great sensi- bility to cold over the surface of the skin, the eyes injected and tending to fill with tears, the nostrils discharging an acrid fluid ; cough prevails, with yellow expectoration, sometiniosalso attended with giddiness andlethargy. Fever attends the disorder, sometimes slight and sometimes severe, and of a type varying in different epizootics and localities. " Pathology. — A specific poison is belioved to be ab- sorbed and to infect the blood, when, after a given period of latency, it causes great general depression, extreme de- bihty, togetiier with fever. The specific actions of this poison are on the mucous membranes, especially that or the eyes (hence the familiar name, " pink eye "), of the nose, and of the bronchi, in a small number of cases on the mucous membrane of the fauces, causing sore throat, and, in a still smaller ratio, on the substance of the lungs, and of tlu' })lcura, causing inflammation of these or- gans. In many instances the disorder terrainates in great Hatulonce in the bowels — diarrhoea. These difi'orent patho- logical phenomena vary in frequency and complexity in difierent setisons and jilaces. In most cases, when the poison is of sufficient intensity to produce fever, its typo is sometimes remittent. Its usual duration is, one, two, or three weeks, when it terminates in abundant sweat, and whiv n not unfrequently leaves great debility behind it. #v ,• ^.TK- 90 DISEASES OF THE ^iORSE. m SYMPT0M3, Course, and Complications. — The symp- toms of influenza assume a variety of different forms. Thus, catarrh often exists without the fever, and in a similar number of cases the fever without the catarrh. Severe nervous depression and great prostration were fre- quently the most prominent symptoms, while in other instances the bronchial affection alone harasses the pa- tient. The disease usually begins suddenly with chilliness and shivering, rapidly succeeded by an immediate and evident impression upon thu mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, frontal sinuses, trachea, and bronchial tubes to a greater or less extent. General soreness accompanies these symptoms, withgi'eat depression and an extraordinary weakness, which alwavs bear a close ratio to the extent of the pulmonary affection, and consequently to the seve- rity ^'' ^^^e disease. These symptoms are usually accom- paiiit d \>f fever, and a short, suppressed cough, and a dif- ficulty of breathing ; the alue of the nose, the lips, and the membranes of the eyes of a pink or dark orange hue. The tongue is i^oist, or coated with a yellow mucus, the skin soft and without morbid heat, the pulse little augmented in frequency. But, although each of the particular symp- toms may be mild, there is a languor, debility'', and loss of spirits far beyond what might have been expected, and almost exceeding that of " lung fever." The average dura- tion of these cases varies from five to seven in the miid forms and from seven to twelve in the more severe. In mild cases such phenomena constitute tlie whole disease, and the pa- tients recover about the eighth or tenth day. In many. SitE»a!SI'?Jtr-« 'i*i*n«IWt«lllW*a/il««cra«»««™.-J)fJi>«w»«^ """I^^f^ -^fM .:...«« 5^^' EPIZOOTIC-INFL UENZA. n -The symp- erent forms, er, and in a the catarrh, ion were fre- lile in other sses the pa- th chilliness nediate and anes of the ncliial tubes accompanies :traordinary the extent to the seve- ally accom- 1, and a dif- ips, and the ?ehue. The LIS, the skin augmented !ular synip- and loss of )ected, and erage dura- rniid forms mild c^xaes nd the pa- h) many J cases, however, the patient, in addition, will suffer from mild or severe sore throat — a cough comes on and con- tinues for many weeks. In a few cases the symptoms are of a still more aggravated character, the fdver being more marked, the pulse accelerated, the skin hotter, and the cough more troublesome ; and these conditions are often followed by inflammatiun of the lungs. Th pulmonary complications may be arranged into three forms. First* capillary bronchitis ; second, bronchitis supervening on chronic disease of the^ungs ; third, pneumonia. The accession of capillary bronchitis is indicated by the chest symptoms becoming more severe, and the fits of coughing and the difficulty of breathing, at fi .st quite disproportion to the cough and to the physical signs. The expectoration is scanty and consists of a ^ eUuv,:idh, tena- cious mucus. The pulse becomes ra^l'x, e%'' y to one hundred and twenty ; the tongue cover, l with a whitish, soapy fur, and prostration is extreme. Tlie c»nly auscult- atory signs are roughj ess of the in^piraU i y murmur, with occasional sliglit crepitation near the iov^er third of the chest. There is evidently great sorenesw and contrac- tion of the chest. Crepitation, unattended by dullness on percussion, soon extends over tlie greater or less extent of both lungs, and the difficult breathing speedily becomes so intense as to be panting. The cough is hacking and the expectoration very viscid, of a greenish-yellow colour, and sometimes streaked wi th blood. The respirations are quick- ened, and there does noi. appear to be any uniform connection between thf. extent of the disease and the disturbed ratio of 92 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. ,.! ^ the pulse and the respiratory movements. Generally, it may said that the capillary bronchitis or influenza is dis- tinguished from pneumonia by the greater severity of the general symptoms : by the tendency of the fine crepitation of the early stage to pass into sub-crepitant and mucus rales, rather than to give place to evidences of condensa- tion ; and by the peculiar character of the cougli and ex- pectoration. Inflammation of the substance of the lungs seldom occurs till the second or third day, and more com- monly not till the fifth or sixth, and, although generally, is not always preceded by shivering or bronchitis. The pneum,jiiia has, in some years, been characterized by great debility, and presenting a striking contrast to the usual symptoms ; the pulse, ordin^aily so hirge and full, has been slow and smaJJ, and though sometimes between fifty and sixty, has ranged more commonly from thirty to forty. The patients, also, who gene^'ally preserve a good deal of power in the ordinary form of pneumonia, were now so weak that they were often oblir^ed to be supported to get them out of their stalls. Throughout the progress of this disease, so great is the prostration that the patient's loss of muscular power is the most distinguishing feature of the disease. This extreme debility often continues — sometimes after all other symptoms have passed away. The disease generally terminates favourably by perspira- tion, or by copious secretion of mucus from the bronchia or a copious discharge of urine. Towards the termination of the complaint rheumatic affections, esjjcciall}' of the hock and fetlock joints, are by no means unusual. EPIZOOTIC-INFLUENZA, 93 Causes and Modes of Propagation. — The attack of influenza is for the most part so universal that at certain seasons of the year a large majority of horses in our " sale stables " suffer more or less from its prevalence, and that without respect to age, sex, or conrlition. The nature of«the epizootic influence, which gives rise to influ enza, is quite unknown. Sudden changes of temperature appear to assist the development of the influenza poison, and exposure to cold predisposes the horse to disease. Few horses suffer more than one attack of influenza in the same epizootic, although many relapse ; but one attack of this disease in no degree protects the constitution from a second attack in another epizootic. Prognosis. — Colts and young horses die in a very small proportion, unless in a previous state of ill health. The mortality, however, among the aged has in every country been at times great from this disease. It has been re- marked, also, that the disease, if not fatal in itself, left the patient of whatever age often greatly debilitated and out of condition, and with those " tender lungs " who suff'er from it, often continue to cough for months afterwards, so that a complete recovery is often long and tedious. Treatment. — As a general rule, the great majority of cases in epizootics of influenza have scarcely required any medical treatment. In favourable sejisons many, indeed, are so slightly indisposed as to require nothing more to their cure than to be? kept two or three days from " high feed," oats, corn, meal etc., and to get soft food, scalded bran, and a small quantity of sweet hay, tepid drinks, IMf DISEASES OF THE HORSE. or hay tea, to which a little nitre or phosphate of soda may be added. A fever pill, composed of camphor, nitre, ginger, and flaxseed meal, at the beginning of the disease, is useful in moderating the fever, and nature seems to point to the repetition of it afterwards, when there is a disposition to sweating. Nothing likewise is found so suc- cessfully to mitigate the cough as a gentle opiate at night, A smaller number, however, will require medical attend- ance either from the severity of the bronchitis, the recur- rence of the pneumonia, severe sore throat, or more fre- quently from the debility induced by the disorder. In general, when the bronchitis is severe, but the substance of the lung as yet unaffected, linseed poultices to the chest, or hot vinegar, are often of essential service, and this treatment, together with neutral salts, opiates, and diaphoretics in general, will affect a cure. In all the gi'eat epizootics of influenza, however, it has been remark- ed that a cough is one of the most annoying symptoms, and that the whole class of exjyedorants were either use- less or uncertain in their action. Blood-letting and ca- thartics are dangerous in the highest degree, while " se- datives"— as digitalis, aconite, hellebore, emetic tartar, etc. — increase the prostration without l^encfiting, in any commensurate degree, the pulmonary disesise. During convalescence, acetates and citrate of iron, in small doses, will be found useful tonics ; also gentian, columbi and cinchona barks. In cases comi)licatcd by pneumonia, it has been found that depletory remedies totally fail to re- lieve the complaint. It is in this ^orm of pneumonia ERYSIPELAS. 95 that small doses of diffusible stimulants, sesqui carbonate, and the aromatic spirits of ammonia, nitrous ether, etc., have been foimd so advantageous. ** As influenza is a specific fever characterized by pure debility, it appears to me that no permanentgood can pos- sible result from antiphlogistic remedies of any kind. In all cases he should, from the commencement, endeavour to strengthen the patient. The prostrating effect of the disease upon the entire organism, aud the probable de- pendence of the more alarming symptoms upon the poi- soned condition of the blood, these are circumstances which should induce every cautious practitioner to ' think twice ' before adopting the ' heroic ' recommended by Youatt, Percivall, and other systematic authorities. All that art can do in influenza is to huahand Nature's resources by warm clothing of the entire body of the patient ; pure air to breathe, a carefully-selected diet, and tepid saline waters to drink, are among the means I have found most useful." Erysipelas. — This, as an independent disease, is not often, if at all, seen in horses. It is often present after accidents, as a bruise or a broken bone. Symptoms. A hard, tense and painful swelling of the parts, accompanied with irritation and excitement through the entire system. Treatment. Give twenty to twenty-five drops of the tincture of aconite root four times in the day, to calm the system. Apply cold iced water, with woollen cloths, to the part. If, from broken bones, try and remove, or adjust ; 96 DISEASES OP THE HORSE. them in position to one another, and secure them so with splint and bandage. In severe cases of broken bones, the animal had better be killed. ( See Fracture.) Eye, Diseases of the, — Before referring to the disease of this organ, it may be necessary to say a few words as to the structure of the eye. (1.) The eyelids are composed of skin, and under it the fibres of a circular muscle which close the eyelids. The eyelids are lined internally with a mucous membrane called the conjunctiva, which is reflected from them over the anterior surface of the eyeball, (2.) The globe of the eye is not exactly round, for it is more like a segment of a smaller circle put into a greater one. (3.) The clear portion of the eye is called the cornea, and forms a portion of the globe. (4.) The sclerotic coat is what is called the white of the eye ; and just back of it what is called the choride coat of the eye. And immediately within this choride coat is placed the retina, or the expansion of the optic nerve, or the nerve of sight. (5.) The humors of the eye occupy the anterior cham- ber, as well as pass into the posterior. The iris floats in this humor, and behind it will be found the magnifjang lens of the eye. This is a double convex, and is placed in the centre of vision, and fronting the next, or vitreous humor of the eye. This humor is enclosed in a capsule called the hyaloid membrane. The eyes of the horse are so placed in his head, that he, at the same time, sees dif- -lii EYES, DTSEASER OF THE 97 them so with ten bones, the •) to the disease few words as d under it the eyelids. The IS membrane )m them over •ound, for it is into a greater d the cornea, } white of the ihoridecoatof loride coat is I optic nerve, aterior cham- iris floats in e magnifjdng find is placed t, or vitreous I in a capsule the horse are ime, sees dif- ferent objects with each eye, which peculiarity accounts for the shying and starting, when one eye is imperfect or diseased. If one eye only be altogether destroyed, the horse will not shy or start, but will be a useful animal. This is the reason why cataract on the eye of a horse had better bo let alone, as any imperfect sight will make the horse dangerous to drive, objects being seen in distorted form. Better the eye be completely destroyed than par- tially so. (1.) Amaurosis. — This is the same disease that Milton was affected with, and w.as called by him " drop serene." It is a complete or partial blindness from loss of sensation or feeling of the optic nerve. Symptoms. This is the most serious disease affecting the eye of either man or horse, and is ushered in by weeping and partial closure of the eyelids. A thin film or scum will soon be observed to spread over the whole of the front of the eye. This condition will pass off for a week or two, and then return with increased dolence un- til the sight will be entirely destroyed. Spots will be seen between each attack, deep in the eye, gi-adually in- creasing in size, till thenej>ve of sight is totally destroyed. Causes. Inflammation affecting the brain, tumors, or bone pressing upon the optic nerve. Treatment. Doubtful of cure. Small doses of strych- nine may be tried to restore the sensibility of the optic nerve, or colchicum may be used. (See Medicine.) Observe. Ti\ere are many hor.sos with extreme flat fore- heads, the bones, seemingly pressing upon the lower por- 0 ,.s^.. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 1 1^ 1^ i2.2 ^ li£ 12.0 1.8 ||l.25 1 1.4 1.6 41 ^ _ 6« ► Va o\ W >> '^,^^; f^" Photographic Sciences Cbrporation 23 WIST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y, MSSO (716) izsusoa I r 98 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. tion of the brain, just where the optic nerve is given out to the eyes. These flat-headed (that is in froill of the. head) horses, I have observed to go blind about the seventh year of their age. , Blindness arising from such a cause, may justly be laid at the door of hereditary causes. Breeding from blind mares should, therefore, be, as a rule, avoided. If a mare from accident become blind, there are no scientific reasons why she should not be used for breeding purposes. What is to be observed is, not to breed from a mare that has a very flat forehead and has not gone blind from accident or injury to the eye. (2,) Floating Spots in the Eye. — Sometimes dark cloudy spots or specks will be seen floating in the eye, more or less movable, rising and falling, as the eye itself moves. If they are unattended with weakness of the eye or the spots are not fixed, and dark, indicating the com- mencement of the disease named above, they will be no great injury. Causes. Some constitutional disturbance, over driving, or hard work. Treatment. Inject, or apply cold water several times in the day. ^ (3.) Iritis. — Inflammation of the iris. Causes. Cold and exposure, producing rheumatism in that portion of the eye. Symptoms. Eedness of the eye, and muddy color of the cornea. The iris is a little changed in color. Treatment The application of moist poultices to the eye for a few days to allay inflammation, or irritation. EYES. 99 J rheumatism in dh, or irritation. Then apply three times daily, with a small brush, called a camel's hair pencil, the following mixture : Nitrate of sil- ver, twelve grains : rain water, four ounces. The brush to be dipped in the mixture, and drawn lightly across within the eye. Keep the horse from the light as much as possible. (4.) Inflammation of the Sclerotic Coat. Symptoms. The coat is of a pink-red colour. Cause. Rheumatism. Treatment. A teaspoonful of the wine of colchicum root, four times in the day ; comfortable stabling and gen- erous feeding. Half- drachm doses of the iodide of potassium may be tried in this case. Half-ounce doses of sesquicarbonate of soda, occasionally, will be of service. (5.) Polypi. Small excrescences are sometimes seen to arise from the iris, but require no treatment, as they will pass away of themselves. (6.) Spots and Ulceration of the Cornea. Symptoms. Blood-vessels tinged with blood ; small, ele- vated spots, which are sometimes ulcers, and at other times small abcesses, owing to the abcesses being whole or broken. Treatment. Take belladonna, half a drachm ; cold water, six ounces. Mix, and apply to the parts with a camel's hair pencil dipped in the mixture. Scarify or open the angular veins of the eye, and foment with warm water, to insure a good flow of blood. This treatment should be followed by a lotion of the nitrate of silver, or of blue stone—sulphate of copper, (see Medicines,) to destroy the ^i?lip cases, and very hard ones, too, have been cured, but not in a day, nor a week, but months. Causes. Injuries to the sensitive sole by nails, bruises, and other accidents, as. a piece of the sole being torn off. Treatment. Removal of any diseased or dead sole, and the proud flesh. For this purpose, the knife will have to be used to remove the dead sole, and, if it be in the pp I .ll\ I 111 'ft ■i:ii 116 DISEASES OF THE HOhSE. .hands of an energetic person, the most of thd fungus or proud flesh can be taken off in the same manner. If not, get caustic potash, and quickly reduce it to a coarse pow- der, as it soon dissolves on exposure to the air. Lay it upon the raw surface. This apply next day, if the first application has not removed sufficient or all of it. After the proud flesh has been entirely taken ofiF, or leveled with the sole proper, dress every day with Barbadoes tar, one pound ; sulphuric acid, three drachms ; powdered sulphate of copper, half an ounce. Mix well, and spread a portion over the vove foot, and over this dressing, a pad of tow or cotton, held firmly down on the padding, so as to produce pressure, an important matter in the treat- ment of ca nker in the foot. This can be secured by thin pieces of splint from young wood, being placed across one an- other over the pad, and the ends pushed in between the foot and the shoe. By this means, and a little patience, with a little ingenuity in fixing and applying these pads, etc., even very bad cases can be cured. (2.) Contraction. — This is not so much a disease as it is bad management in the stable and in the blacksmith's shop. Contraction may be said to be an alteration in the shape and structure of the posterior, or back portion of the hoof — a winding in of the heels. Causes. Want of proper knowledge on the part of the owner or horse-shoer in not knowing the difierence be- tween the foot that would require a piece added to it at each shoeing, and the one that requires a large portion taken from it, so as to ensure elasticity and expansion. A FOOT DISEASES, 117 TOSS one an- foofc strong and inelastic, and unyielding to the weight of the animal, is the very first foot to become contracted. I know flat, weak-footed horses travelling sound for ten or fifteen years without in the least eing contracted. So long as we have strong-hoofed horses, and shod with an inflexible iron ring to prevent wear and tear, and the blacksmith neglects to take off of each hoof at the shoeing as much horn as the horse would have worn if he had been in the natural state and not shod, we will have con- traction. Treatment. Cut down the hoof and shorten the toe, and make the hard and inelastic foot one that will expand at its heels every time the weight of the animal puts his foot to the ground. One-sided nailing is an excellent preventative as well as an assistant in the cure of contracted feet. What is meant by one-sided nailing is, that nails are to be confined to the outside toe of the foot, so as to allow free expan- sion for the heels. This cannot be done with the shoe being nailed on by nails placed at each side. To illus- trate this point, place a small horse-shoe flat in the palm of the hand with the fingers close to one another ; then tie, with a piece of cord, the little finger to qne side of .he shoe, and the thumb to the other side ; then you will rea- lize to what extent you can expand the fingers so secured. So it is just with the foot of a horse with the shoe nailed on at each side. Remove the cord from one finger, and the whole hand is free to expand. So likewise the foot of the horse by one-sided nailing. 118 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. yi^ M 1 ( (3.) Corns. — This is a red spot on the inuer portion of the heel of the foot, causing lameness, and consists of a bruise from the shoe pressing upon the part, the shoes having shifted from their proper position, or never having been placed there. In general, the production of corns may be laid to the charge of the horse-shoer, and some- times to the owner allowing the horse to go too long be- fore the shoes are removed, or before the foot has grown from the shoes. Corn is an analogical term, although bearing no resemblance to that well-known affection of the feet of man. Treatment. Remove the corns by cutting them out; then apply a few drops of commercial sulphuric acid to the part. Shoe ^le horse sufficiently often to ensure even bearing to the shoe upon the wall only of the foot. (4.) False Quarter. — This is a term applied to the horn or portion of the hoof, which overlaps or bulges out from the line or sound portion of the hoof Causes. An injury to the coronet or ligament, which secretes, or from which the h^of grows. This causes an Alteration of the horn of the hoof below, corresponding to the extent of the injury. Treatment. As there will be an enlargement, more or less, remaining after an injury to the coronet, little will be required to be done, but to keep the horn as level with the hoof proper as possible, in order to make it look less of an eye-sore. (5.) Inflajumation of THE FooT. — (See Founder.) (6.) Pricks. — Pricks may occur in the act of shooing, FOOT DISEASES. 119 or from a nail being picked up in the street, and from other hard-pointed substances. Tre > tment. Pull the nail out, and poultice the foot for tv/enty.four hours ; then make an opening through the horn, over the place where the nail went in, so as to allow the pus to escape. For, if this be not done, and the pu8 is left in the foot, it will in a few 'days, and at a great expense of suffering to the horse, break out between the hoof and the hair, constituting quittor. After an opening has been properly made, drop five drops of muriatic acid into the hole once a day, for a day or two. Poultice every second night or day, and not oftener. A healthy hoof can be poulticed off by constant application. The horse can go to work as soon as he can step on the ground firmly and without lameness. Remember, that in ' all cases of pricks and other injuries which end in sup- puration, as pus in the foot of a horse, make a thorough opening so as to allow the pus to escape, and no more trouble need be apprehended ; except the nail has entered into one of the tendons of the foot, in that case no pus will be usually formed, the majority of cases ending in locked-jaw (which see). Where pus is formed after pricking, no locked-jaw follows ; it is in those c i^es only where pus is not formed that locked-jaw may be ex- pected. (7.) Bruises of the foot. — (Treat as for Prick of Foot). (8.) Sand or Quarter Crack. — This is a crack or split in the hoof, usually on tne inner side of the fore foot, al- 120 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. I; I J, though splits and cracks occur in. all places, and in both fore and hind feet. Causes. A brittle condition of the hoof, from the want of sufficient moisture. In some cases the horse does not stand square upon his fore feet, thereby causing undue weight to fall upon one of the sides of the hoof and caus- ing it to crack. Prevention. Apply to brittle feet equal portions of the oil of tar, and cod liver oil, whale oil, or any fish oil well rubbed in with T; brush to the hoofs a few times a week ; and occasionally apply wet cloths to the feet in the sum- mer season. In winter the feet are better supplied with moisture. Treatment. Easp the edges of the crack thin, the nearer the crack the thinner the horn should be made ; this can be filled up with shoemaker's wax. After the horn has been properly thinned a piece of the wall of the hoof, for about half an inch on each side of the crack, is to be cut out to prevent any bearing of the shoe upon it, thereby preventing the constant opening, shutting, and sometimes bleeding from the crack. To prevent, or rather to cause the new horn to grow down whole and without a crack in it, a piece of iron is to be placed in the fire and made red hot, and then applied, just for a moment, flat on the hair at the head of the crack sufficient to make a scab. This will insure a solid growth of horn. Promote the growth of the horn as speedily as possible, to facilitate the cure ; a strap is used by some round the hoof to prevent opening of the crack. and in both •om the want )rse does not using undue )of and caus- jrtions of the J fish oil well imes a week ; t in the sutn- jupplied with tin, the nearer ade ; this can the horn has ' the hoof, for c, is to be cut m it, thereby nd sometimes ther to cause )ut a crack in and made red it on the hair a scab. This ie the growth tate the cure ; ivent opening- 1 1 FOOT DISEASES. 121 (9.) Navicular Disease. — Thib i8 a disease of a bone in the foot of the horse ; a serious disease, and often very- obscure in its symptoms, altogether depending as to the advanced condition of the disease. Happily, however, it is scarcely met with and then only in the common hack horse. It consists of ulceration, of various degrees, on the surface of the navicular bone within the foot. Causes. Hard and constant work upon streets paved ■with stones. Slight inflammation neglected and the horse not laid up until it gets well, and then inflammation in- creasing, until it ends in ulceration of the bone. Symptoms. Obscure, or at least very like many of the symptoms similar to other diseases of the feet and legs. It is chiefly determined by the undue heat in the foot, and by the fact that no diseases can be detected elsewhere or of a different kind. In lameness of other portion not in the foot, we have heat and swelling — the hoof or foot of the horse cannot swell. It is a box, and we cannot see in- to it to examine its contents and condition. Treatment Incurable, although much can be done to relieve the pain, by the application of moisture, poultices, and occasionally placing the hoof in warm water to soften and relieve pressure. Some have recommended a blister round the coronet. I cannot see on what scientific, or othe. grounds it wiU do good. In weU established cases, and in ^ood strong feet, the division of the nerves which run down on each side of the leg and into the foot, will re- lieve the pain and the horse will go well for years. But unfortunately many cases so operated upon have lost their 1 1 ■■( fi I- • 5 122 DIREASES OF THE HORSE. hoofs by falling off which have been unjustly laid to the operation. The cause of this is not so much in the opera- tion as in the operator having no judgment as to the kind of hoof, and whether the operation would be successful or not. It would be obviously improper to recommend the operation upon a flat-footed horse, as the animal deprived of pain would let his thin soled foot come down to the ground with great force and weight, thus injuring the whole structure to such an extent, that suppuration takes place and ultimately the sloughing and falling off of the hoof. (10.) Seedy Toe. — This is a name given to a split in the centre of either fore or hind foot, extending a little way up from the point, or it may be up to the hair itself. Cannes. The same as those producing sand-crack (which see). Treatment. In bad cases a clasp or plate of iron secured by short screws. In simple crack or split from the toe upwards, cut off all communication of the sound parts with the cracked or split portion. For this purpose a three edged file will be a good instrument for making the divi- sion. At each shoeing the split portion will gradually become less or shorter. (11.) Pumiced Sole. — This name is used or applied to the sole of a foot, which is convex instead of concave ; that is, instead of the nice cupped foot, the bottom of the saucer is presented. Causes. The result of bad or severe cases of founder, where the coffin bone is let down upon the sole, and causes its descent or convexity. FOOT DISEASES. 123 y laid to the in the opera- LR to the kind successful or iommend the imal deprived down to the injuring the uration takes ing off of the L to a split in idina: a little ihe hair itself [-crack (which 3f iron secured from the toe md parts with irpose a three king the divi- vill gradually 1 or applied to i of concave ; bottom of the 3es of founder, jole, and causes Treatment. This is merely palliative and is to be done by placing a shoe upon the foot that will insure and pro- tect the sole from the ground. (12.) Thrush. — A diseased condition of the sensitive frog of the foot, and from which a stinking fluid is dis- charged, which is familiar to every person who is among horses. Causes. Too uvch moisture to the foot, as from animals standing in their own excreta, or from wet stabling, the frog becoming perverted, and deteriorating, and secreting, or discharging a blackish color, and otherwise nasty fluid. It sometimes accompanies navicular disease. Prevention. Dry stabling, a stall having sufficient in- clination or drainage to carry off the fluids. Cleaning the stables regularly. Treatment A few drops of muriatic acid forced into the centre of the frog once a day, for a few days. Keep the stable and stalls dry and clean. A few doses of the sulphite of soda in half ounce doses, once a day, for >^ few days, will do good by its alterative and puritive effects upon the system. (13.) Tread. — This is, as its name indicates, a contused bruise inflicted on the coronet or immediately above the hoof by a tramp of the shoe on another foot, or even by another horse. Keep the wound clean, and apply the tinc- ture of myrrh and aloes daily. (14.). QuiTTOR. — This is a serious and painful disease of the foot, of the same nature as poll-evil and fistula in the shoulder ; it is known by a large swelling around or 124 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. i I" ii above the hoof, or where the hair joins the hoof, which soon breaks and discharges pus. Symptoms. Horse oflF his feed. Considerable excite- ment and fever. Holding the foot off the ground, and very painful. A swelling soon shows itself at the coro- net, and in a few days breaks and discharges pus. After this the horse will resume his feed, but will not make very free with his foot, which will be better to-day and worse the next day, depending upon the discharge of pus from the foot. Causes. A prick from a nail, a bruise on the sole, a sup- purating corn, or sometimes from a sand crack taking on suppurative action. Treatment. The great secret of the treatment of this disease, is to make a free opening from the bottom of the foot. When this is done at on'ce, you will be greatly sur- prised to see the swelling go away as quickly as it made its appearance, and if the swelling has broken, it will soon cease to discharge when the opening is made from below, or at the bottom of the foot. Having effected this pur- pose of an opening, get a small syringe and inject into the opening above, if there be any, and if not from the open- ing below, a mixture of the sulphate of zinc, two ounces ; rain water, eight ounces, once in the day. If the shoe has been taken off for the purpose of making the opening, have it put on again so as to hold some soft stopping in the sole to keep it soft. Cow dung is as good, if not better, for this purpose, than the best of costly flaxseed. Never in cases of this disease, ap])Iy poultices around the whole t ■ FOUNDER. 125 3 hoof, which arable excite- ) ground, and f at the coro- )s pus. After ill not make :er to-day and scharge of pus he sole, a sup- ick taking on itment of this bottom of the e greatly sur- ely as it made en, it will soon e from below, cted this pur- inject into the Tom the open- 3, two ounces ; i the shoe has opening, have iopping in the if not better. seed. Never und the whole of the hoof, as in that case the hoof may fall off. Healthy hoofs can be poulticed off. Whatever poultice, it must be applied to the sole. If no opening has been made from below, drop ten drops of muriatic acid into the opening above, once in the day, for a few days. This will destroy the disease. Pounder. — (1.) Acute Founder. — Every school-boy is familiar with the name of founder when applied to a lame horse, but fev/ horsemen ever comprehend the nature and seat of this affection. Founder in all its forms is in- flammation of the laminae or leaves, which dovetail, into each other, and bind the sensible or insensible portions of the foot together. Hence, it is called by some learned persons in diseases of horses laminitis by adding the Greek word itis. Founder is again called by some persons fever in the feet. However, as to names, the disease is of often occurrence, and when left to itself, destroys many good horses by leaving them ever afterwards sore and tender in front, as the horsemen have it. Symptoms. The horse will scarcely move ; stands upon his heels, with fore feet and legs stretched out as far as he can get to throw the weight off them. Thus, to all ap- pearances, making the animal hollow in the breast, which appearance has given rise to the idea that the horse is chest foundered. The hind legs are brought far in under the belly. The head of the horse is erect and high. Fever and constitutional disturbance are very great. The horse is extremely excitable, and breathing last and laborious. 126 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. Altogether, the poor suffering horse is the very picture of distress and disease. Causes. Giving cold water when overheated, and tired from overwork. A tendency in the feet to take on in- flammatory action. The animal not in proper health or condition for performing heavy or fast work. Treatment. Place the horse in a wide and airy stall, with plenty of good straw bedding to encourage the horse to lie down, which will relieve him very much. Indeed, so much is this the case, that it has been recommended that every foundered horse should be forcibly thrown and kept down, till the active stage of the disease has passed off- This, however, I do not advise, as the horse is excited enough without increasing it by throwing him from his feet. Kather give good bedding, and the majority of horses so affected will be ready and willing to lie down of their own accord. After the place is all fixed, and the horse moved into it, give him twenty drops of the tincture of aconite root in a cupful of cold water, poured into the mouth with a bottle having a strong neck. Repeat the dose every four hours, till six to eight doses have been given. Apply cold ice-water cloths to the feet. In a few hours, possibly, the shoes can be taken off. At first, this generally cannot be done, except the animal is down. Care s hould be taken in removing the shoes, so that every nail is made loose before an attempt is made to pull off the shoes. Have as little hammering on the foot as possi- ble, as it will shake the great and over-sensitive frame. Let the cold water be kept on constantly for the first FRACTURES. 127 sry picture of bed, and tired ) take on in- )per health or id airy stall, ye the horse to 1. Indeed, so amended that rown and kept [las passed off )rse is excited r him from his le majority of to lie down of fixed, and the of the tincture oured into the L Repeat the )ses have been 'eet. In a few At first, this imal is down. 3, so that every lade to pull off le foot as possi- lensitive frame, ly for the first day, or until the active pain gives way. At leisure, the feet can be pared thin on the soles, so they will yield to pressure with the fingers. By getting the animal to lie down as soon as possible after he gets in ; the cold water cloths applied, and the aconite given ; the animal in a day or two may be nothing the worse from the attack. The longer the animal remains before these remedies are ap- plied, the less likely is he to be free from its effects after- wards. Before the horse is again put to work, be assured he has quite recovered. During the treatment, give plbnty of cold water to drink. Never give tepid water to a horse while he is sick from disease. Give grass or soft mashes for a day or two, but do not keep a sick horse too long on low feed, as debility and swelling of the legs and various portions of the body will take place. Rememher. Do not bleed, neither from the neck, nor foot, nor from any place else in a disease of this kind. (2.) Chronic Founder. — Symptoms, Cause and Treat- ment will be much the same, only it will not be necessary to push the treatment so far. Principally depend upon softening the horn of the feet, paring the soles of the feet and a few days' rest. The horse, for a week or two after- wards, should be placed in a stall having six inches of sawdust spread over it, and kept a little moist with water poured over it once in a day. When horses are recover- ing from acute founder, they also might be placed in a stall so prepared. Clay stalls are objectionable. Fractures. — This term signifies a broken bone. Frac- ! i 128 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. tures are the result of great force applied to the bone, as from kicks, falls, and accidents. Fractures occur in three forms. (1.) The simple fracture, or break, either oblique, or slanting, or straight across the bone. (2.) The compound fracture, where the bones are bro- ken in several places. (3.) The comminuted fracture, where the bones are bro- ken in pieces, and the ends of the broken bones are seen cutting through the skin, and, possibly, severing some of the blood vessels, causing, in many cases, death from loss of blood. The first, or simple fracture, is the only variety that calls for much notice, as the other forms of fracture, when occurring in horses, are beyond remedy. Simple fractui-e of the following named bones may, with care, be in a great measure cured, and the animal be made useful for many purposes ; as, for instance, it would be obviously wrong to have a valuable mare destroyed, because of sim- ple fracture of one of many bones, as she would be useful for breeding purposes, if not for the farm or the road. Fracture of the bones of the leg anywhere from the elbow down, except it may be the knee joint, can readily with a little care and attention, be secured in its place, and the animal be made useful. So also the hind leg from the hock down to the foot. Fracture of the ribs, usually get well of themselves, because they are always kept in place. So also of the haunch bone. Indeed, sim- ple fractures of most any of the long bones will unite of FRACTURES. 129 • the bone, as ' oblique, or ones are bro- ones are bro- ones are seen Bring some of ath from loss variety that ractnre, when mple fractuie 3are, be in a ide useful for be obviously cause of sim- >uld be useful the road, lere from the t, can readily i in its place, the hind leg re of the ribs, ey are always Indeed, sim- 3 will unite of their own accord, if the bones are put and kept in their place by proper fixings. Symptoms. The symptoms of fracture of the long bones the legs are seen at once by the looseness of the leg, the horse not having the power to move it. The leg cp-n be turned in any direction. The horse is in great pain, ex- citement, swea.ting, etc. If there are bones pointing through the skin, the horse had better be shot. Treatment. Place the horse, if in summer season, in the field, and in winter in the barn-yard, where there is not too much straw to prevent the foot being carried without interruption. Then give twenty-five drops of the tincture of aconite root every five hours, for the first twenty-four hours to relieve pain, excitement, and fever. Take hold of the broken leg carefully, and place it in a position as near like the other leg as possible, not only in shape, but in ac- tual length by measurement, for it is the neglect of this that some legs are left shorter and some longer after frac- tures. The whole position of the leg being got at, apply a good coating of tar to the leg, around, above, and below the point of fracture. Then wrap the whole leg in oakum, coai'se tow, or carded co+.ton. Over this, place broad pieces of boards, like shingles, on the sides and front of the leg, and fill all unevenness with the tow or cotton, so the splint or boards will lay flat on the leg. Secure the whole by careful tying with broad strings or soft core's. The great secret in the successful treatniunt of simple frac- tures of the bones of the leg, is the fixing of the leg, so it I i, 130 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. nil * III cannot move until they have united. Feed the horse well, and see every day that the splints on the legs are not loose. Never sling a horse from his feet in cases of fracture, for it will be regretted. If the horse is to be kept in a stall, make a hole in the floor of the stall, un- derneath the foot of the broken leg, so that he can stand with the leg at full length. Bear in mind, no horse will put his fcot to the ground till he is able to do so ; there- fore, leave everything to the broken-legged, except the matter of securing the broken bones in their place. And by giving him his feed, lie may be safely left to himself, and nature will do the rest for him. Fracture of the Hip or Pelvis. — Symptoms. The horse is extremely down in one of the hips, with a pecu- liar loose motion of the hind leg, almost giving way every step the horse makes. There are no diseases this can be mistaken for in the hind leg or hip. This fracture is pro- duced in a moment ; and e ven whilst the horse is trotting, he will stop all at once as if he were shot. Fracture of the hip, I say hip — so that the unprofessional reader will better understand — but it is the bone of the pelvis. The mere name will not amount to much, for the treatment is : let it alone, and it will get well m three months of itself without any interference from medicine or art. Turn the . horse out for a few months, either in pasture or in the barn -yard, and give him plenty to eat. Fracture of the ribs will require no treatment, except it may be a few days' rest. Sometimes a swelling will be , seen on the side of a horse having a broken rib, in a few FUNGI. 131 id the horse ;he legs are 3t in cases of »rse is to be the stall, un- he can. stand no horse will do so; there- d, except the [• place. And ift to himself, iptoms. The with a peeli- ng way every es this can be aeture is pro- se is trotting, Fracture of al reader will pelvis. The treatment is : )ntha of itself rt. Turn the lire or in the lent, except it el ling will be rib, in a few =50. days after the accident. It may form an nbcess ; if b< have it opened to let out the matter ; and if it should not become soft and hold matter, let it alone, as it will do little harm ; or, make the application for a few times, say once a week for three weeks, of the ointment of iodine. (See Prescriptions and Medicines.) Fractures of the simple kind take place in various parts of the body, and when such is the case, and they do not interfere with any action or function of the body, they can be assisted only in so far as bandage and splint are con- cerned, so as to secure the ends in proper position. This will require some ingenuity, and cannot be described, as a bone is not always broken at one place, nor is it always of one set kind of break. The means will on these occa- sions have to meet the ends required of th ^m in the best way possible. Sometimes pieces of broken Lone will have to be taken out, where the bone has become detached. If this occur in the bones of the leg, of course the horse had better be shot. Where small pieces of bone become loose, it is usually in some of the flat bones, as the shoulder blade and the lower jaw bone, from kicks from other horses. Fractures of the teeth take place often, and where they are very loose in the head, the}^ had better be taken out altogether, and rasp the sharp points of the broken ones with a file or rasp, to prevent cutting the mouth when the horse is chewing. Fungi as a cause of Disease — Much has been said and written of late years of minute fungi being the cause 132 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. ij ' ' 1^ of diseases. Dr. Lassaure has made experiments with pencellum, etc., and concludes from them that fungus is not a cause, but an accidental presence. In contradiction of Hailier, and I might truthfully say of many other per- sons, it has been shown that nothing is to be gained in the study of the causes of disease by cultivati^^g microscopic funo-i, and it cannoo be regarded as a contagious element until we have succeeded in producing disease from art. Frost Bites. — The result of frost bites may be called chilblains, which again give rise to extreme swellings of the heels and back parts of the hind legs, until finally the skin gives way, terminating in sores and ulcers that may at once be taken for scratches. The sores are deeper in such cases than in scratches or greasy legs, but closely re- semble Phagadena (which see). In the worst cases we have seen, the skin and flesh sloughed, followed by gan- grene or mortification of the leg, and death of the horse from the poison thus produced and absorbed. We have seen several cases of frost bites in diflferent stages and severities, and which, in all cases, was the result of broken and imperfect doors facing the northern exposure, and be- hind which stood the hind legs and heels of the horse. Treatment. If the legs be found, on opening the stable, to be swollen and painful, rub the pa. with snow or ice- cold water, then follow gradually with warmer water, a degree or two above freezing ; and when warmth is re- stored, bathe with weak spirits. When the legs and heels break into sores and ulcers, apply twice daily, carbolic acid (in crystals), four drachms ; olive oil, four ounces. Mix. GASTRITIS MUCOSA. 133 •iments with at fungus is contradiction ny other per- gained in the rr microscopic ;ious element e from art. nay be called ; swellings of itil finally the jers that may are deeper in 3ut closely re- Drst cases we 3wed by gan- L of the horse }d. We have nt stages and suit of broken Dosure, and be- the horse, ing the stable, ,h snow or ice- armer water, a warmth is re- j legs and heels y, carbolic acid ounces. Mix. Gangrene. — This is a name applied to, oris synonymous with, mortification or death of a part, and is characterized by a livid or black color. Gangrene is attended, or is ushered in, by a sudden giving way of pain, which has often been mistaken for recovery. When gangrene of an outward or external part takes place, there is a change in the condition of the part, it assumes a diflferent aspect, the swelling subsides, and upon touching the part a crackling sound is produced, owing to the evolution of gas. Gastritis Mucosa. — This is a new name to many per- sons, even well informed in diseases of horses, notwith- standing it is a very common one in the spring of the year, assuming always an^epizootic form, and being closely allied to the epizootic catarrh, sometimes called typhoid influenza. (See Influenza.) The chief difference in the symptoms between the two diseases, being the absence of a cough, which is always observed in influenza. The one disease attacking the lining membrane of the windpipe ; the other, the mucous membrane of the stomach and bowels, or in other words, the digestive organs, more than the respira- tory. Gastritis Mucosa is a fatal disease, if treated by low diet, bleeding, blistering and physicking, because it always assumes a low standard of vitality, or great weak-^ ness. Hence the horse so aftectcd, and so treated, has no chance for his life, whatever. 8yiiwptoms. As before stated, the horse^has no cough and the breathing is not disturbed. The breath and mouth is not hot nor dry, but often the mouth is slimy, and to such an extent that it looks as if the horse \7ere salivated. 134 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. I'M The legs soon swell, or become rounded, or filled as they ure often called. The swellings are not inflammatory, nor painful ; they contain lymph, or plastic matter from the blood, which disappears as it came, when the strength of the horse gets up again, and the disease subsides. The appetite is entirely suspended from the commencement of the disease. There is one of the many symptoms, which is never absent in this disease, and is very characteristic of its name and seat, and this symptom is that the foeces or dung is small, or in pellets, and covered with slime, and portions of the uuicous membrane of the stomach and .bowels, or what the stable-man calls " very feverish." The prominent symptom of this disease is great weakness, and this is the case, almost from the first moment of the at- tack. Causes. The cause of this as well as of all epizootic diseases, is involved in not a little obscurity, and to get out of this state of ignorance, and uncertainty as to the cause, we are gi'aciously pleased to call it atmospheric This atmospheric influence, may be either electric, a poison, or a chemical element, capable of altering or changing the various parts or portions of the body most exposed to its subtle influences. However, this disease, as before stated, is peculiar to the spring of the year, commencing as the hermetically sealed earth begins to open its pores to the rain and sunshine of spring. May there not be deleterious emanations from the earth, or at least after great frost or snow, is there not during the process of thawing a colder '^Ar or gaf. given forth from the thawing process, than the GASTRITIS MUCOSA. 135 lied as they niatory, nor sr from the strength of •sides. The sncement of boms, which laracteristic i,t the foeces ih slime, and bomach and rerish." The 3akness, and it of the at- all epizootic; , and to get iy as to the itmos'pheTic. ric, a poison, ihanging the :posed to its sfore stated, cing as the •ores to the 3 deleterious reat frost or dng a colder ess, than the animal is breathing a few feet higher up from the gi"ound ? This was one of the points entering into the celebrated controversy between myself and the distinguished Pro- fessor R. E. Rogers, of the University of Pennsylvania, on the salt and slush question, a few years ago, whether it was or was not injurious to the health of man or horse to sprinkle salt upon the track to thaw the snow from them. If my argument did not prevent further use of the salt upon the track, it did some good in making it obligatory upon the railway companies to keep all gutters and inlets clear, to allow the slush to escape at once from the street. So I think, it is clearly established, that the cold emanat- ing from the soil, during the process of thawing or break- ing up of winter, are great and exciting causes, not only of this disease, but of many others in both man and beast, and which have hitherto been called atmospheric. And in connection with this condition, we have in horses, at ^east, a want of their usual protection, for with the warm sun of spring, the a.nimal throws otf his hairy coat, thus as it were unnecessarily exposing himself to these insidious causes of disease. Treatment. When cases of this and other diseases of the same type (gastritis mucosa) first came under my care, I treated upon different principles and with different medi- cines than what is here recommended. I look back with extreme dissatisfaction on the false doctrines and false teaching of the books and the schools which have led many inquiring minds astray since their day of teaching commenced. The treatment now recommended is sound, 136 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. scientific and successful, and in a very short time the horse will be at work again, as if nothing had been amiss. The first day of the disease, give, every four hours, twenty drops of the tincture of aconite root in a little cold water ; next day, give the tincture of nux vomica in fifteen drops every four hours, in the same way, till the horse is well, which usually will be about the sixth or seventh day, and sometimes even sooner. If, however, the case does not improve, and the appetite is not good, give powdered car- bonate of ammonia and gentian root, each three drachms to a dose, morning, noon and night, in addition to the tinc- ture of nux vomict.. These medicines will have to be mixed with cold water, and the horse drenched out of a strong-necked bottle or ox's horn cut slanting at the mouth. K.ee\ *-he ammonia in a bottle tightly corked till it is used, as it loses its strength by exposure to tlie air. Let the horse have as much cold water to drink as he wants ; and for this purpose a bucketful should be kept before him. Pure air and good ventilation should be in- suied to all sick horses. Green, or soft feed should be given from the first day, if the horse will eat it. Green feed all the time of sickness will be of advantage, but oats will have to be given in addition, to support the strength and vital powers of the system, to enable him to throw off the effects of the disease. Such, then, is the manner of curing a disease which has destroyed many horses, even when treated by men calling themselves veterinary sur- geons, or at least horse doctors. (See Influenza and Rheu- matism.) (JLANDERS. 137 me the horse 1 amiss. The lurs, twenty 6 cold water ; fifteen drops lorse is well, nth day, and -se does not )wdered car- iree drachms 1 to the tine- have to be ed out of a iting at the V corked till ) to the air. drink as he uld be kept hould be in- 1 should be t it. Green ige, but oats the strength m to throw the manner horses, even erinary sur- i and Rheu- Glanders. — The following synopsis of a lecture deliv- ered by myself, and published in the Evening Bulletin of December 21st, 1865, will answer for the history and na- ture of the disea.se called glanders. The treatment will be made more plain for non-professional readers. Dr. Robert McClure, Veterinary Surgeon, delivered a lecture on Tuesday evening, at the Veterinary College, His subject was " Glanders in Horses." He said : Glan- ders is a disease dating from the time of Xenophon, *or four hundred years before Christ, and we are assured by Hippocrates, (ruler of the horse) that confirmed glanders was incurable, and that it was then known by the name Profluvium Atticum. Veterinary surgeons recognize two varieties of Eqahiia in the horse, viz. : Equinia mitis, contracted from horses with greasy heels (Paronychia Eqiti), and Equinia' Glandulosa, a. dangerous disease, and readily communicated to man. Glanders is unknown at the tropics and at the poles, and is not seen where struma is not a disease of the people. It is a domestic disease. The assignable causes are many, among which may be enumerated starvation, filth, and debilitating diseases, as strangles, catarrh and lung-fever, or, indeed, any disease capable of generating pus, and this pus being absorbed into the general circulation, thus forming a Ferment, a Zumin, or a Leaven, as the Bible has it, within the blood, the effort of nature to get rid of this offending matter is seen in the ulcerations of the lining membranes of the nose. The recent experiments of Professor Giovanni PoUi, of Milan, seem to corroborate this view, as he has 138 nrS EASES OF THE HORSE. pi'oduced glanders and other Zymotic diseases in seventy dogs, by injecting into their blood in some cases fetid bullock's blood, pus, and glandered products, and neutra- lizing the ferment so set up by the administration of an alkaline sulphite — a new intero-chemical doctrine — on the principle of arresting the vinous fermentation set up ^n a vessel of cider by adding to it a preparation of lime. The experiments of this distinguished professor enable the veterinary surgeon to extend his usefulness, and the domestic physician to snatch many a useful life from an early grave. How many brave men have stood the storm of battle in the late war — were admitted to the hospital with perhaps a shattered bone — amputation was performed, the case did well for a few days. The kind-hearted sur- geon saw a change for the worse ; appetite gone, the rigor and chill supervened till it was too plainly seen that the pus irom the stump had been absorbed into the blood of the unfortunate man ; fermentation was set up, and death staring him in the face, there was no power to save. The discovery of a ferment and its antidote have changed the scene from death to that of life. So, likewise,' with veteri- nary surgeons, however ignorant and slow some of them are to see and understand, it will enable them to preserve the life of many a useful animal to its owner, thus adding very materially to the happiness and prosperity of this great and prosperous people. Glanders are recognized by ulceration of the lining membrane of the nose, or the formation of pustules, and commonly siituated in ♦^he aejjtaiik naitl. The e pustules OLANDKltS. 139 in seventy cases fetid md neutra- ation of an octrine — on tion set up on of lime. ssor enable ess, and the life from an d the storm the hospital ^s performed, learted sur- ae, the rigor een that the the blood of p, and death 0 save. The changed the with veteri- Dme of them 1 to preserve thus adding erity of this f the lining pustules, and le-e pustiUes soon ulcerate and discharge pus of a greenish color, rapidly drying up when spread over the nostrils, and sinking in water, owing, as is supposed, to its containing no oil or pus cells, but principally albumen. There is one phenome- non never absent in this disease, and that is the enlarged gland under the jaw ; hence, the common name of the disease — glanders. There are, said the lecturer, many wrong ideas entertained, not only in regard to the con- tagious nature of the disease, but also in regard to its in- curability and even fatality. Glanders is no more conta- gious than the heav}', stinking discharge from the nose of some horses witli catarrh, as the pus of an abscess on the nose of a horse with a cold, when introduced into the blood of healthy animals, will produce a ferment — which explains the reason why a cold in horses terminates in glanders ; it is the absorption of the pus. This will be readily understood, when it is said the horse is running or borderino- on orlanders. Horses affected with chronic glanders will li^^e and work for years, which fact, being well known, has caused dissatisfaction with local laws, })rohibiting the use of glandered horses. Fresh specimens of sectioiLS of the lungs, nose, and other portions taken from a glandered animal, wei'e placed at the disposal of the lecturer for the purpose of illustrating to the audience, showing the morbid changes effected by the disease. At the close of the lecture, the doctor showed the manner of geuerati ng nascent hydrogen for the pur- pose of detecting the presence of the alkaline sulphite in the «ecretii.)nB of horses, under its effects, for the purpowe Ill 140 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. of the cure of glanders. Before touching upon the plan of treatment, the reader is referred to the article Farcy. Treatment. The proposition of restoration in a disease of this kind is the destruction of the ferment, the removal of its products and effects, and the improvement of the bad habit of body by enriching the blood. To remove or neutralize the ferment or poison, give one- half to one ounce doses of the sulphite of soda at night, in cut feed, for several weeks, and fine grains of the pow- dered Spanish fly along with it, which will act not only as a powerful tonic, but as an agent whereby the product of the disease will be removed from the body of the ani- mal by the kidneys. This treatment will not interfere with the other medicine, which is powdered gentian root, three drachms ; p. wdered sulphate of copper, two drachms. Mix these articles, and give the whole for a dose, and give one dose morning and mid-day. These medicines will have to be continued for a long time, not only to cure the disease, but to improve the health. The horse must be well and highly fed, and re- moved from ether horses while the treatment is going on. Change the feed often, so as to get all the elements that the blood requires, and to keep up the appetite, for if the appetite fails, no cure can be made. Remember. Glanders associated with tubercles of the lungs cannot be cured, and it then partakes rather of the nature of consumption than of simple glanders with- out tubercles, which is easily cured. Gleet. — (Naaal.) This term is used to denote a thin, GRAVEL. 141 )n the plan le Farcy. n a disease he removal lent of the n, give one- at night, in )f the pow- ct not only the product of the ani- 3t iDterfere entian root, tvo drachms, se, and give id for a long niprove the fed, and re- is going on. jmenty that e, for if the rcles of the es rather of mders with- Qote a thin, transparent discharge from the nose in cases of coryza, and as a sequel to catarrh and cold in old and debilitated horses. Whilst there are no ulcers on the lining mem- brane of the nose, or no enlargement of gland under the jaw, the case may be dismissed as simple gleet, which can be readily cured by good feeding and a few tonic powders such as powdered sulphate of copper, three ounces ; pow- dered gentian root, four ounces ; powdered Spanish fly, one drachm. Mix, and divide into twelve powders, and give one powder once in the twenty-four hours. These powders will last two weeks, and can be renewed if neces- sary. Give the powders in large bulk or cut feed, so as to protect the coat of the stomach from the effects of the Spanish fly. Granulation. — This means the little red portions of flesh, which grow in and fill up holes made by wounds. Sometimes these grow tpo fast ; then they are unhealthy, being soft and grow beyond the edges of the wound. To prevent this, sprinkle a little powdered bluestone, or a little sulphate of zinc, and the wound will soon heal level with the surrounding surface. Gravl in the foot. — This name conveys an impression that sand or gravel has got into the foot, which is often the case from cracks or other openings in the foot, whether from above or below. Wash out the sand, if possible : if not, remove some of the horn, and wash out well, and fill up the hole b}'- shoemakers' wax applied hot, and smoothed over by the hand previously wet, so the warm wax will, not stick to^it. If the o[)eniiigbe in the 142 mSEASES OF THK KORSE. \^:i : ^m Jti sole, shoe with leather soles, tar and cotton, until the hole has grown out or closed up. Grease. — This is a disease of the heels and legs of horses, characterized by an unsightly condition of the parts. The whole being the result of suj)purative inflam- matory action of the skin and heels of tlic hind legs, usu- ally, but sometimes of the fore ones ; is more common in coarse-bred western horses, and heavy breeds, than in well or fine bred horses. Cause. Sudden changes of the temperature of the earth, whether from heat to cold, or from wet to dry. This dis- ease always follows sloppy or wet streets stables or lands, producing a relaxed condition of the parts from too mvich moisture; " Treatment. Keep the legs ckan and dry, and api ly a mixture to the heels twice in the twenty-four hours. Water, one pint ; sulphuric acid, two drachms ; corrosive chloride of mercury, one drachm. Mix, and shake up be- fore using. Many cases are leadily cured, by simply keep- ing the heels clean, and anointing with glycerine, or lard, having no salt in it. It must be confessed by every body, who has had any experience at all in the treatment of this disease, that there is uncertainty of an early cure ; some cases will be cured in a short time, and in others it would seem that the discharge would never diy up and be healed. For cases that prove obstinate, the following plan will effect a cure, when other vaunted remedies have failed : Take one box of concentrated lye, and dissolve it in two quarts of watei', and bottle up for use when w.anted, in SHOT OF GRKASE, 143 itil the hole and legs of tion of the tive infl am- id legs, iisu- common in than in well of the earth, f. This dis- )les or lands, om too much and api ly a y-four hours. QS ; corrosive shake up be- simply keep- ;rine, or lard, J every body, Ltment of this i cure ; some hers it would md be healed, ing plan will have failed : Ive it in two n wanted, in the following way : Pour a wine-glassful of the solution of lye, into a small bucket of cold water, and wash and bathe the heels and legs for half an hour, morning and night. A great change for the better will be seen in a day or two. This wash seems to have the power of re- laxing and softening the skin, and at the same time causes the legs to sweat greatly. Dry them as often after the bathing as you like, there will pour out great quanti- ties of moisture from the skin as soon as yon have done. Shot of Grease. — This is a different disease from the one described, from the fact that it attacks only one leg, and that one of the hind ones, and comes on in a night, without any preceding symptoms whatever, and hence it is called a shot of grease. There is no cracking of the skin of the heels or legs, but it remains whole and un- broken. Cause. Robust stamina, or too fat and full of flesh, and to get rid of this superfluity, plastic lymph is thrown into one of the hind legs, *vhich causes swelling of the leg to an enormous size. If this material were thrown from the blood into one of the fore legs, where the nearness to the heart increases the activity of the capillary circulation, matter would not remain as it does in the hind legs which are so far from the centre of circulation. This disease is- not unlike the phlegmassia dolens, or milk leg in the hu- man family. Treatment. If the disease be observed early or before the leg becomes hard, take about one quart of blood from the neck, and give slop feed, that is, bran with plenty of 144 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. water in it. Also give one ounce doses of the sulphite of soda once in the day, for a few days, and bathe the legs three times in the day with the same solution of concen- trated lye, as is recommended in grease (which see). If the swelling does not lessen in two days after these vari- ous agents h /e been employed, then incisions of an inch in length, through the skin, will have to be made for the purpose of letting out the imprisoned fluid before the arteries of the legs have become phu/ged or filled up, which constitate the thick or fat leg so often seen in horses in large cities. In addition, the leg will have to be ban- daged pretty tightly with a broad bandage, and be still bathed three times in the day with the solution of concen- trated lye. Many good hor .es have been rendered of little value from want of a knowledge of this disease and its proper treatment. Grogginess. — A term meant to convey the idea that the horse does not travel very steady in front, from contract- ed or bent legs at the knee, or from soreness in the feet from a previous attack of founder in the feet (which seej, Grunter. — This name is applied to horses that give forth a grunting noise. One condition giving rise to wheez- ing, roaring, whistling, piping, and rattling, will, with slight modification, produce a grunter. Observe. If the '-.ollar is not too tight on the neck, inter- fering with the free passage of air in and out of the wind- pipe. Causes. Generally from some thickening of the glands of the neck, or the windpipe — the effects oi' broncliitis or d P u a t] 1 B li c a e s HEART. 145^ ! sulphite of the the legs 1 of concen- ch see). If these vari- s of an inch lade for the before the or filled up, leen in horses re to be ban- , and be still )n of concen- lered of little sease and its idea that the 'om contract- ; in the feet , (which see), ses that give 'ise to wheez- g, will, with e neck; inter- ; of the wind- of the glands bronchitis or distemper, not treated, or improperly treated, in not sup-' porting the strength, whereby all thickenings are taken up, or reduced and even prevented. Gunshot Wound.— This is, excepting in times of war, a rare occurrence, and the treatment consists in extracting the bullet, and healing the wound as for an ordinary sore. The bullet is extracted by an instruments called Bullet Forceps. Heart, Diseases of the. — Of diseases of the heart little need be said, and as little can be done in the way of cure ; so all I propose under this head is merely to name a few of the altered conditions of the heart, which are all embraced in the sweeping term " Heart disease." (1.) Enlargement of the heart. (2.) Wasting or shrinking of the heart. (3.) Foreign bodies in the heart. (4.) Fatty degeneration of the heart. (5.) Inflammation of the heart. (6.) Ossification of the heart. Such, then, are some of the distinctions made, when speaking of diseases of the heart. And as an illustration of what a horse with heart disease can do, and what can be, and is sometimes done with such an animal so aflTected, I reproduce articles from the Scottish Farme\ which may be of interest to some of our American farmers. " If one of the busy paternity who delight in a deal, on a dark Wednesday night, in the Grass Market, were asked what sort of horse he wished to procure, as a 146 DISEASES OF THE HOKSE. safe investment for his ill-gathered coin, he would cer- tainly prefer a good-looking Clydesdale, sound in limb ; not a roarer, but with a mysterious screw loose, which few, including the horse-coper himself, can discover. Such, an animal has been turned over many and many a time within the last three weeks, in or near Edinburgh." Our readers will remember a second article on heart disease, in which three cases were specially mentioned, and one amongst them, under " observation." '' A full- sized active grey mare, apparently fit for a goods van, having been treated for a cold by a blacksmith, proved to be suffering from dilation of the right side of the heart. She was looked upon with interest by a strong muster of students, who hoped to see further into matters, and pro- posed to buy the mare, to be destroyed, as the only hu- mane method of treating her. But, as we are informed, a friend, seeing the animal with swelled legs only, thought he could cure the case, and urged that she should be sent to his farm where he would put her to the plough. In opposi- tion to professional advice, this was agreed upon, and the students were disappointed in getting the prize. Not many days elapsed before the farmer found that he liad under- taken a hard task, in attempting to cure the swelled legs. Seven dollars and a half were realized for this likely- looking animal, and we believe a smith, near Edinburgh, was the purchaser. Here the trickery commenced, and a simple countryman greedily closed a bargain which en- riched the smith by forty- two dollars and fifty cents. The animal's wind wiis, however, wrong, and cart-work 'ir-irr HEAVES. 147 would cer- d in limb ; ose, which ver. Such, lany a time rgh." jle on heart mentioned, " '^ A full- goods van, ti, proved to )f the heart. 3g muster of jrs, and pro- the only hu- ire informed, nly, thought Id be sent to In opposi- pon, and the Not many e had under- swelled legs, this likely- r Edinburgh, imenced, and lin which en- fifty cents- id cart- work would not suit her; so that, in despair, an exchange was effected with some ingenious dealers in horse-flesh, in this town. Exchange followed exchange, and it ]3roved very troublesome to trace the animal, until at last, in broad day -light, she fell, by the auctioneer's hammer, to the lot of a man from Glasgow -side." Many a twenty dollar note can made out of a poor an- imal thus knocked from hand to haml, until, in the course of nature, it drops dead in. harness. The history of the case is as interesting as would have been the j^ost mortem to the students; and it will be found that one of the most remarkable features in such cases, is the lengtli of time that animals retain a selling appearance, though absolutely unfit for any exertion. Heaves- — This is a term in fre(juent use, but not so well understood as it ought to be, seeing its importance as to the proper value of an animal. Heaves, then, may be defined as a difficulty in breathing, whereby the value and usefulness of the horse is seriously impaired. There is every degree of intensity to be seen in this di,sea,sc. Some animals are so seriously affected, that it is hard to look at the terrible efibrts made in the act of respiration. The deep and not suffered-to-be-completed respiration tells the tale of great asthmatic effort and oppression. In (others, it is so slight that only experts Ccin observe it; not from the quickness of breathing, nor yet from its deptii, but from a peculiar double heat or hitch, dittering from all other varieties of breathing, either of fever, inflammation, or de- bility. I t; 5 il ii 148 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. Causes. Debility of the par-vagum nerve ; for if this nerve is divided or cut in its course, heaves, or broken wind^ is set up at once. The real condition of this nerve, which gives rise to heaves, is not at present known; and it is difficult, in many cases, to trace and distinguish any alter- ation of the nerves, as they may retain their color, yet their intluence may be greatly i mpaired. For two reasons I have said debility. First, because if it was cut, or had entirely lost its inliuence, the animal would die in fbrty- ei«"ht hours. Second, because, by the administration of powerful tonici., the symptoms of the disease are greatly relieved, and in some cases they entirely disappear. Treatment Horse-dealers, ill order to allay the symp- toms, that is, the peculiar breathing, give an ounce each, of powdered sulphate of iron, gentian and ginger root. It is the largeness of the dose that is given, and repeated for a few days, that imparts a tonicity to the nerve. Although I have here spoken of this matter, I do not wish to be understood tts advocating such treatment, nor as attempting to cheat or to deceive any one; but the large dose of iron meets my decided disapproval, as being highly injurious to the horse — although the giving of round or sperical shot, as is practiced in England, is much worse. The treatment, whatever that may be, to do good permanently, must be by a gradual and progressive im- provement. Five grain doses of arsenic, given once in the twenty-four hours for two weeks; then, after a week's intermission, commencing as before, will soon cure many ciises. Give the animal feed in small bulk. Use as little I for if this oken wind^ ii-ve, which ; and it is 1 any alter- ir color, yet two reasons cut, or had lie in forty- [listration of are greatly pear. y the symp- ounce each, ginger root. and repeated > the nerve. do not wish nent, nor as but the large il, as being lie giving of land, is much e, to do good jgressive im- Lven once in ifter a week's 3 cure many Use as little HEREDITARY DISEASES. 149 hay, or rough feed, in large bulk, as possible. Improve thd! condition of the horse by every way or means, and you will relieve the animal. Heat. — General heat of the skin indicates fever; local heat, inflammation. Hepatic Diseases- — (See Liver, Inflammation of the.) Hernia. — This a name given to ruptures. (See Rup- tures.) Herpes- — A. name used in skin diseases. (See Mange and Skin Diseases.) Hereditary Diseases. — No one, of any observation, can deny that hereditary influence exists in the production of disease. This influence must not, in the production of disease, be considered as invariably reliable. The fact of horses or mares having a disease, is no reason why their young will have the same disease., also. It was through change or alteration of structure, action or function, that existed in either of the parents, that disease listened upon them, and these same forms which existed in them are likely to be transmitted to the offspring, thus carrying the various formations of structure, which will ultimately, in all probability, produce the same disease. A great num- ber of the affections, which are usually si^ded hereditary do not make their appearance until years after their birth, because it requires time and work to develop them. Few persons would expect a horse with cow hock, (which see,) to become curbed without work, as a secondary cause. Tliere is one othei' point worthy of i-emark, in speak- I i t iW S \ ir,() DISEASRS OF THK HORSK. ing of hereditary diseases, is that whioh many animals, after being poorly bred, have been badly fed and cared for ; whereas if good feeding and care had been bestowed upon them, it would have gone a long way in lessening the certainty of developing hereditary diseases in them, and their offspring. This is every day being illustrated in the family of man. There are several rules laid down to be observed as measures to prevent and modify conditions which result in producing diseases of hereditary predis- position. And there have been receipts found in the temple of iEsculapius, and said tf> be in the handwriting of Hippocrates himself, for the purpose of mitigating the hereditary conditions, which are so often seen in the hu- man family. Although these rules cannot, in all cases, be applied to animals, nevertheless much can be done. The better way will be to avoid breeding from diseased animals. So long as like begets like, so long will we have hei'editary diseases among horses. Hide-Bound. — This, properly speaking, is not a dis- ease, but the symptom of a bad condition, " out of sorts," debility, etc. Treatment. Feed in large bulk, mixed feed — cut hay, corn meal, and brc^n in good proportion — with no more water than will keep the particles together. Give the following powder in feed every night, for twelve nights : — Powdered sulphate of iron, three drachms ; powdered gen- tian root, four drachms. Mix. If the animal is fat and yet hide bound, substitute the following, instead of that above HIP JOINT DISEASE. 151 J anhnals, 3 cared for ; owed uj)oii veiling the I them, and istrated in d down to conditions wry prediH- nd in the and writing igating the I in the hu- n all cases, n be done. m diseased ig will we not a dis- it of sorts," \ — cut hay, h no more Give the B nights : — ^dered gen- fat and yet that above recommended : Take sulphuret of antimony, three drachms sulphur in flour, three drachms ; sulphite of soda, half an ounce. Mix, and give in one dose, repeating it every night for two weeks. If in the winter, use an extra blanket. If in summer, give cut grass to eat. Hip- Joint Disease — Happily, this is a very rare dis- ease in hor.S' ^, and does not make its appearance so soon as in man. It is always the result of accident or injury, and is a joint affection — not of the muscles, because the mass of muscles^are so very great over the hip, that it is not an qasy matter to sprain them. I speak of this liere, because among horsemen it is a great bug-bear, often oc- curring in their ideas ; whereas, in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred of their so-called hip and whirl hone disease the lameness will be found in the hock-joint. Why do they jump at the conclusion that the lameness is in the hip ? Because in every movement of the hock -joint, the vibration or hitch is more distinctly seen by the altered action of the muscles of the hip, as when the hock-joint moves but partially, and not completely, it is not so read- ily seen at the hock as at the hip. Hence, this is but the old adage, cause and effect ; in this case the horseman has them reversed. (See Spavin.) Symptoms. Lowness or falling in of the hip; a pecu- liar manner of moving, not indicating inability as is seen in fracture of the pelvis bone, but of great pain and diffi- culty ; not yielding or bending low down on that quarter when the horse takes a step. The leg appears shorter. lo2 DISEASES OF THE HORSE, and is placed, -when, standing, slightly under the body, and not doubled up, or standing upon the toe as is seen in cases of hock -joint disease. ^ Treatment. Absolute and entire rest for a few weeks. The application of cold water cloths over the hip, taking them off at night, and applying them in the morning again. This will have to be kept up for a week, at least, so that all heat and tenderness will be removed before any irritant can be used to the parts. (Never apply hot lini- ments to a part already too hot and painful.) Then apply by rubbing with the hand over the parts, every second day, the following : Oil of turpentine, one ounce ; oil of olives, two ounces : creosote, one ounce. Mix. This will not only act as an irritant, but as a powerful sedative to the nerves of the parts, causing relief from pain, so that the animal can be made useful. Hock The. — This is an important joint or part of the horse, and is the seat of many diseases, causing lameness. * In the majority of hind leg lameness, the hock is the true situation. This fact is not apparent to the non-profes- sional person, as the hock, while diseased, does not swell so often as other portions of the body or legs when dis- eased. Bog or blood spavin and thorough-pin, a blind man can almost see. With these exceptions, I s^y, hock-joint lameness, in the majority of cases, is charged to the hip or somewhere else, simply because persons fail to see any peculiarity, even when pointed out to them. (See String- halt.) HOOKS IN THE EYES. 153 body, and is seen in 'ew weeks. lip, taking e morning i, at least, before any Y hot lini- ^hen apply ery second nee ; oil of .. This will sedative to in, so that part of the ^ lameness. is the true uon-profes- is not swell when dis- t blind man hock-joint ) the hip or to see any 5ee String- Sprain of the hock-joint is to be treated with cold wa- ter cloths, for a few days, and the application of the fol- lowing, once every second day, for a week, with the friction or rubbing : Oil of turpentine ; oil of olives ; equal parts. Mix. This is a simple, cheap, and good liniment, and will answer every purpose. Kupture of the internal and external lateral or side ligaments of the hock-joint is occasionally seen, and is caused by a violent slip. The rupture is at Once recog- nized by the loss of power of the horse over the leg below the joint , but can stand on the leg, as if it were sound, and there is little or no swelling — which peculiarities serve to show the difference between a broken bone of the leg and the ruptured ligaments of a joint. (See Li- gaments.) The cure is accomplished by absolute and entire rest, with occasional friction with the turpentine liniment, just mentioned above. Be assured of the com- plete union of the ligaments — which will have taken place when the horse can bend and properly use the leg — before exercise or work be exacted. Hooks in the eyes. — This is a term in use by coun- try folks when referring to the peculiar action of the mem- hrananictatansinciises oi\ocked-^RW, (which see.) Many persons have advised that these useful membranes should be cut out. Nothing could be further wi'ong than this ; for it is merely the effect of a cause. Rather remove the cause, or cure the locked-jaw, and the protruding of the hook or horns will cease. This is the only true plan to adopt. 154 DISEASES OF TttE HORSE. Horse, Natural History of the.— The horse comes under the division vertebrata, class raammalia, tribe un- gulata, order pachydermata, family ^» ^ipeda. Horse Fly. — This comprehends the gad or breeze fly, Gasterophilus cestrus. The spotted horse fly, Gr. Equi. The red-tailed horse fly, 0. hemcrrhoidalis. This last fly deposits her eggs on the lips of the horse, and the for- mer glues them to the hair of the legs. These various eggs are ultimately taken into the stomach, and in one year they have become sufficiently matured that they are thrown out to the outer world to get wings, and finally fly about and propagate their kind in the same manner as the parent stock. (See Worms.) Humanity to animals, Hints on.— (1.) Warm the bit in frosty weather, before putting it into the horse's mouth. (2.) Let the horse lick a little salt from your hands whenever you offer the bit. (3.) Never startle a horse by striking him suddenly or unexpectedly. This caution is specially important if he has a blind bridle. (4.) Uniformly gentle treatment will secure faithful and steady work. Anger, severity, and sudden jerking, endan- ger your harnens, your vehicle, and your life, besides ])er- manently injuring your horse. (5.) Be well provided with horse-blankets, particularly at night. If you are waiting for passengers, while you look out for your own comfort by a warm fireside, or in HUMANITY TO ANIMAES. 15 (y lorse comes I, tribe un- • breeze fly, y, G. Equi This last ind the for- various eggs in one year .t they are , and finally e manner as ) Warm the > the horse's your hands suddenly or )ortant it" he ' faithful and ['king, endan- , besides per- , particularly •3, while you ireside, or in thick wrappers, see that your faithful brute companion is also protected from the chilly air. (6.) Wash the inside ofthe collar frequently with castile soap suds, and when it has thoroughly dried, gently warm the leather and soak it with oil, so as to soften it. But do not allow any oil to remain on the surface of the leather, unabsorbed. (7.) If the shoulders are tender, feverish, and disposed to chafe, they should be well rubbed, and afterwards washed with salt water. This should be done after un- harnessing, so that the parts bathed may be dry before work is resumed. (8.) Do not be tempted by extra pay to« overload your team. Overloading occasions blindness, spavin, splint, glan- ders, farcy, and other painful and fatal disorders, and thus risks the loss of your capital, besides injuring your-^'^^f by encouraging a cruel disposition. (9.) See that the harness fits easily in every part, and that the shoes are tight and well put on. If there are chains connected with any part of the harness, let them be well covered with soft padded leather or fur. (10.) Let your tones, in addressing the horse, be always gentle, soothing, and pleasant. Pat him often, and encour- age every sign of attachment that he gives. (11.) Every truck, or other vehicle, should have a prop stick hung to the shafts, to relieve the burthen of the load whenever the team is standing. (12.) Curry, rub, and clean well and thoroughly, at least once every day. The effect is worth half the feed. A dirty 156 nisl5A.SES OF THK HORSE. coat and skin, when the animf is deprived of exercise in pasture, and of rolling on the grass, cannot fail to produce disease. (13.) Never use a check rein. It is a false taste that thinks a horse more beautiful when his hea^' is fastened in an unnatv.ral position. The bearing rein keeps a horse in a constant fret, makes him restless and uneasy, and often prevents him from recovering liimself in case of a stumble or fall. (14.) Your stable should be perfectly level, or very slightly inclined, well lighted, well drained, well yentilated, and well protected from draughts, and from extremes of heat and cold. ' Keep the crib clean and free from dust, and keep the hay and other fodder as fiir from the stall as possible, so as to be away from the steam and breath of the animal. (15.) If you use ground feed, remember that at "many of the mills and stores it is adulterated with marble or plaster of paris, or with the sweepings of canal-boats and barges. Such adulteratii. - not only robs your animals of nourishment, but produces stone, and shortens life. (16.) If you suspect adulteration, you can sometimes detect it by heating a portion of the feed to a red heat, in an iron vessel. After the whole lias been reduced to ashes, if they contain plaster, the ashes will soon set or harden, after being mixed witl) water to the consistency of paste. ♦ (17.) In hot weather, keep a wet sponge on the head of the horse or mule; cool the mouth and face with wet exercise in lI to produce taste that s fastened in 3eps a horse sy, and often of a stumble ivel, or very 11 yentilated, extremes of e from dust, m the stall as id breath of hat at "many bh marble or nal-boats and Lir animals of ns life, m sometimes 0 a red heat, 1 reduced to 11 soon set or B consistency n the head of ice with wet HUMANITY TO ANIMALS. 157 sponges ; furnish drinking water often, and sponge the legs and such parts as are liable to chafe by perspiration or otherwise; drive slowly, and lessen the weight usually imposed in cooler weather ; see that the harness is not un- necessarily cumbersome and heavy ; the discomfc "t may be materially relieved by taking off the ej^e-blinds, which are useless appendages, and cause much annoyance to the animal. (18.) Do not urge your beast beyond a walk when the heat is oppressive ; finally, use a head-sjielter or awning, constructed of wire and covered with canvass, which can be attached to the animal's head without materially adding V5 eight. (19.) In icy weather keep your animal sharp shod, renewing the sharpening as often as the shoes become blunt, A few dollars expended in this way will undoubtedly save your horse from serious injury, and, perhaps, from loss of life. (20.) Standing on fermenting manure ;softens the hoof, produces thrush, and brings on lameness. Keep the litter dry and clean, and cleanse the stall thoroughly every morning. (21.) Sharp bits make the mouth tender at first, and afterwards callous, so that the horse becomes unmanage able. (22.) If your horse kicks and plunges on mounting, look to the stuffing of your saddle, and see if it has become hard and knotty with use. (23.) Keep your wheels well greased, and thus r'^duce the labor of drawing the load. 158 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. (24.) Keep the feet well brushed out, and examine every night to see if there is any stone or dii-t between the hoof and the shoe. Change the shoes as often as once a month. (25.) Disease or wounds in the feet or legs soon become dangerous if neglected. (26.) When a horse is hot and fatigued from labor, walk him about till coo] ; gi-oom him quite dry, first with a wisp of straw, and then with a brush ; rub his legs well with the hand, to remove any strain, soothe the animal, and de- tect thorns and splinters ; and give him his grain as soon as he is cool, dry, and willing to eat. (27.) On the evening before a long journey give double feed ; on the morning of starting give only half a feed of grain, or a little hay ; on the road feed in small quantities about every two hours. (28.) When horses are long out at work provide them with nose-bags and proper food. The nose-bag should be leather at bottom, and of basket-work or open texture above. On coming home give a double feed of grain. (29.). Lead the horse carefully into and out of the stable. Accustom him to stand quite still till you are seated. Start , at a walk, and go slowly the first and the last mile. (30.) Never use the whip if you can help it. It will then always be available as a last resource. (31.) Be always on your guard, just feeling the mouth with the bit, lightly and steadily. (32 ) If a horse shies, neither whip him nor pat him, but apeak encouragingly, and let him come slowly towai'di* the object. HYDROPHOBIA. 159 nd examine between the en as once a soon become n labor, walk t with a wisp ^s well with imal, and de- train as soon y give double half a feed of lall quantities provide them bag should be open texture [ of grain, t of the stable, i seated. Start , ist mile, t. It will then ng the mouth )r pat him, but lowly towai'dti (33.) If you vakie your own life, the lives of others, or your horse, never drive fast in the dark, or in a town. (34.) Never add your own weight to a load that is already heavy enough. Get out and walk when you as- cend a hill. If you stop on a hills put a stone behind the wheel. {^Sii) Never tease or tickle the horse. The Ninth Avenue Car Line of New York, owning nearly eight hundred horses, and the City Commissioners of Boston, never allow a whip to be used with any of their teams. (See Food.) Hydrothorax. — This is a name given to water when it accumulates in the chest. Hence, hydro, water : and thorax, the chest. Causes. Debility from the effects of inflammation of some of the organs within the chest. Treatment. Tonics to improve the general health, and medicines to draw off the water by the kidneys and bowels. An operation is recommended by which the fluids are drawn from the side by means of a trocar. (See Dropsy.) Hydrocele. — A collection of fluid in the scrotum of stallions. Tfcaiiuent. Paint tlie scrotum with the tincture of ben- zoin or iodine. If these remedies are not successful in causing aV)sorption of the water, the skin of the scrotum will have to be opened to let out the fluid. . Hydrophobia. — This disease, happily, i^ rare — in a !■ 5* I u 1^ il^j! m ill' i; '.I 1 i 160 DISEASES OF TEE HORSE. practice of thirteen years, ard doing much in the treat- ment of diseases of horses, and being well acquainted with the practice of other persons, I can only record three cases, and one of these was a mule. This disease is sometimes called water dread an^ canine rabies, from the fact that it is only generated in the dog and feline species of ani- mals. Cause in Horses. Bites of the mad dog, and sometimes the bite from the common cat is capable of producing the disease. Symptoms. In those cases that came under my notice, the symptoms weie anything but like each other. In one animal, the propensity to bite at objects was more severe; and in another, the horse would walk and look about him, utter a peculiar sound, and lie down and get hold of the heels and part of the arm of the fore leg with his teeth, till he had them bleeding, get up again, and walk about without any apparent object in view. But the destruc- tive impulse attributed by some authors, I think, is merely the fancy of an inexperienced mind in such matter. The symptoms of the mule differed from each of the horses, inasmuch as he would, at times, eat hay very ravenously, stop all at once, and with a peculiar sound, not like the bark of a dog, but of a character which cannot be de- scribed, lie down and have a good roll to himself; then he would run at any person within his reach with opep mouth. But in no instance did any of the cases attempt to bite at anything not endowed with animal life. All of these aniioais were confined in encloBUies from which INDIGESTION. 161 |h in the treat- [cquainted with )rd three cases, 36 is sometimes the fact that species of ani- |and sometimes producing the ider my notice, other. In one as more severe; look about him, get hold of the ' with his teeth, md walk 'about " lut the destruc- bhink, is merely 1 matter. The 1 of the horses, iry ravenously, id, not like the cannot be de- > himself; then iach with opep i cases attempt limal life. All res from which they could not escape. They lived about thirty-six hours after the active symptoms of the disease set in. (See Bites of Mad Dog.) Any person having the least experience with horses, may observe peculiarities, at times, which do appear not to belong to common diseases. Hypertrophy. — This name means a state of certani organs increased in size, and decreased in power. The heart, kidneys, spleen, liver, and other parts of the body, are liable to this disease, Eysteira. — This is a disease which is sometimes seen in mares only. Causes. Irritation of the uterus, or some of its nerves. Symptoms. Great excitement and incapability of stand- ing, and it appears as if some of the bones of the back or loins were broken. Treatment. Give twenty drops of the tincture of aco- nite root every four hours, whilst the symptom lasts. Build up the strength of the mare by the following : Sul- phate of iron, three drachms ; gentian root, three drachms- Mix, and give in one dose every day, for a week or ten days. Give good feeding. Caution. Unsafe to use ; will return again. Indigestion. — However much man, in the sedentary walks of life, may be the subject of this disease, the horse with a task-master is comparatively free from it. Cases do occur, occasionally, in our large cities, where in too many cases the horse is left stauding in the stable, twenty out of the twenty-four hours. Idleness begets indigestion, 162 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. \<" I and indigestion begets crib-biting, or wind-sucking, and between them the poor horse loses flesh, condition and spirit. (See Crib-biting.) Treatment. Send the horse to pasture, and when he re- turns give him regular feed and regular work to prevent a return of it. Inflammation. — Inflammation of the various portions or parts of the body will be found treated of under the name of the organ or part affected. Influenza. — This is a name which is properly applied to an epizootic catarrh of frequent occurrenc3 in the spring of the year. Indeed, it is very rare that we see a cold run its course as such, without some complication of one kind or another. Symptoms. A chill or shivering fit, succeeded by in- creased heat of the body, with fever and irritation. Loss of appetite, cough, discharge of mucus from the nose, watering of the eyes, great prostration of strength, followed in a day or two with swellings of the legs, and in bad cases, of the belly, breast, and in males, of the sheath : such is a true and succinct account of the symptoms of this disease. The symptoms will vary, as in other di- seases, with the intensity of the affection. Causes. A subtle poison in the air, sudden changes in the dryness or moisture of the earth's surface, easterly winds, cold accompanied with dampness in the air. These are conditions which too often accompany or precede influ- enza, which differs from an attack of common cold, chiefly INFLUENZA. 163 in the severity of its effect, causing more fever and greater debility. In England it was first observed in 1819 and again in 1832, and more or less ever since. In the United States it first manifested itself in 1856, and again in the fall of 1872. Treatment. The mortality in this disease is great, when treated according to the books which our publishers fre- quently issue — old English books, with new dresses cut to the fashion. Bear this in mind, when undertaking the treatment of a disease of this kind, that one step wrongly taken can never be recalled. Place the horse in a cool ^not cold) .ind airy place, put a light covering upon him, and give hirii twenty drops of the tincture of aconite root in a little cold water, every four hours, till five doses are given. Place plenty of cold water before the horse so that he can drink as much as he wants. When the aconite has been all given, commence with fifteen-drop doses of the tincture of nux vomica, which repeat every four hours, continuing it for a few days, and if the animal improves, and the appetite re- turns, nothing more in the way of medicine need be given. Recovery being slow, and the appetite poor, give the fol- lowing powders, morning, noon and night : Powdered carbonate of ammonia, three ounces ; powdered gentian root, two ounces ; powdered pimenta berries, two ounces . mix, ar d divide into twelve powders, and give them mixed , in a little cold wat^r, and drench the horse out of a strong- mouthed bottle. The powders will have to be wrapped well, so as to keep them from the air, and prevent the loss of their strength. Twenty drops of conmiercial sulphuric ■ ii. ji II J* I I 164 DISEASES OF THE HORSfi. acid may be given occasionally, in half a bucket of cold water, which the horse will readily drink. Do not apply blisters or anything to the throat, as is too often done ; they can do no good, but positively much harm. Be as- sured the animal has fully recovered its strength, before putting to work. If treated in the manner described, in from five to six days the horse will bo almost well again. (See Gastritis Mucosa, and Rheumatism, and Epizootic Influenza. Injections. These are composed of warm water, soap and a handful of table-salt ; the water about luke-warm. The usual way to give injections is by means of a large syringe, capable of holding a quart of fluid. The diseases which call for injections, are the various varieties of colic. Few medicines will cure colic without the aid of injec- tions ; whereas, colic, in very many cases, can be readily cured by the injection alone. Therefore, never put confi- dence in any person who undertakes to cure colic, without injections of warm water, soap and salt. Intestines. Introsusception, or an entangling of the intestines, sometimes takes place in horses, and proves fatal. Causes. Bowels empty, and the horse being driven fast. Symptoms. When the horse comes in, he is observed to be uneasy — lying down, pawing with his feet, follow* ing closely the symptoms of colic. The diflftculty, or im- possibility of procuring relief, is only seen on examination, after the horse is dead. (See Bowel Diseases.) JOINT DISEASES. 165 Interfering.— This name is in use when speaking of a horse hitting himself on the inside of the pastern joint, either on the hind or fore leg. Sometimes it is called cutting. It is usually done with the side of the opposite foot. Causes. The blacksmith is many times wrongfully blamed for want of attention or skill in shoeing the horse, because he interferes. There are cases, no doubt, where a little observation and care, on the part of the shoer, would have prevented it. From much observation, how- ever, I am satisfied that the chief cause lies in the weak- ness of the horse, particularly in the spring of the year. Horsemen well know that their horses did not interfere in the winter months, when the weather was not oppres- sive, and the horse in excellent spirits ; and no changes have been made in the shoer or manner of shoeing. Treatment. Give a few powders of iron and gentian in the feed, to restore the horse to strength. (See Medi- cines.) Jack. — A small point on the inside of the hock-joint of the horse, affected with bone spavin. Jaundice. — This signifies bile in the blood; biliary intoxication, tinging the membranes of the nose, mouth, etc., with a yellow color. Joint Diseases. — The diseases of the various joints in the horse are many. Among them may be enumerated: Of spavin — bone, blood, bog and occult — four varieties, all of the hock-joint ; of the patella, in the form of dislocation ; ii If 'it im 160 DISEASES OF THE HOflSE of the hip, or whirl-bone joint, ulceration and sprain ; of the joints of the back-bones, caries and ulceration ; of the foot, coffin-joint, commonly called navicular-joint, lame- ness ; of the pastern joints, anchylosis or stiff-joint ; of the lower pastern, ring-bone ; of the knee-joint, stiffness and open joint ; of the point of the shoulders, ulceration and bulging out of the capsular ligament of the joint ; wind galls, of almost all the joints, more especially in the pasterns. The cause and treatment of these affections will be found under their proper heads, throughout the book. JugTilar Vein, Inflammation of.— This may be merely a simple swelling, after bleeding, caused by bruising the parts, by too great force applied when bleeding, or by closing the wound too tightly, causing extravasation of blood, between the skin and the fascia. Inflammation of the jugular may be of great magnitude, involving that vessel the whole length of the neck, above and below the wound made by bleeding, ultimately causing its enure obliteration. And, occasionally, the inflammation extends to the brain itself, destroying life. Ha])pily, bleeding is not now recommended in the ti-eatment of disease ; conse- quently, this affection will be among the diseases of the past. Treatment. Remove the pin, or whatever has been used to close the wound, and apply a piece of blue-stone to the bleeding sore ; this may be used once a day, f there is gen- standing, and extended and , very plainly, beyond the would not be I animal into y of air, and no curious gruel where iself to reach )led to take 173 for a period of from three to sixteen days. Renew it once a day, and keep it sweet. He may be able to suck this through his teeth. Small, choice morsels of other food should also be placed within his reach,so as no opportunity be lost whereby his stomach may be filled, and his over- taxed strength be supported. In securing the gruel or other feed, have everything at hand, so that only one journey will be necessary, in 'the twenty-four hours, to the place he is confined in. Open not the door of his houho twice when once can be made to answer: thus much suffering may be avoided, and the chances of recovery enhanced. All the medicine necessary for the horse to have, will be one drachm doses, once in the twenty-four hours, of prussic acid. Great care will have to be exercised in keeping this powerful poison ; and considerable judgment as to how this medicine is to be given to an animal with his jaws closed. Gently elevate the head a little to insure proper gravitation, and pour the acid into the widest part between the teeth, and hold the head steadily for a few minutes ; then retire, and close the door, not a loud word being spoken. A table or des- sert spoon will answer for the purpose very well. Veter- inary surgeons have an elastic tube, which is introduced into the back part of the mouth, and the acid poured down the tube. If the animal live from three to four days, and is af- forded every opportunity to eat a little, he may get well. Whatever the wounds or injuries that have given rise to the locked-jaw, they should be dressed with equal portions 174 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. of Hve oil and creosote, which will soothe the irritated MO. v<^s of the part. An occasional poultice of flaxseed «r i}' je necessary. Above ill things, neither bleed nor physic, as these can do no good, and will only hasten the death of the animal by taking away whatever strength he may have, all of which will be necessary to carry him through so severe a disease. Loins. — Sprain of the loins or small of the back is sometimes seen in weakly built horses of irritable dispo- sition. Symptoms. Weakness upon pressure, as of a saddle- horse yielding to the rider, when mounting the horse. Treatmient. Warm-water cloths should be laid over the parts for a few days, followed in the same manner by cold water cloths. Give rest and good feed, and use the horse in the shafts of a light four-wheeled carriage, or in double harness. Saddle work may be the means of its return, more especially if ridden by a heavy person. Loss of Appetite. — This is more of a symptom than a disease, and I'equires for its removal the cause which gave rise to it. In cold, influenza and fever, the appetite is bad and with their removal it will be restored. Take pow- dered carbonate of ammonia, pimenta berries, gentian root each two drachms, mix in some cold gruel, and drench the animal twice a day, This will not only remove, in a measure, the cause, but will restore the appetite also. Lumbago. — TJiis is applied to a peculiar stiffness over LUNGS. 375 the irritated of flaxseed , as these can )f the animal f have, all of fh so severe a the back is itable dispo- of a saddle- he horse, laid over the inner by cold use the horse . or in double )f its return, iptom than a B which gave ppetite is bad Take pow- gentian root and drench emove, in a iite also. itiffnoss over the loins or back, partaking of the nature of rheumatism (which see). Lungs. — These are the organs of breathing, and are subject to many diseases, having nai es "vmiliar to every horseman. Under this head, howe er, > Adll only notice inflammation of the substance of the lungs, pneumonia, (lung fever,) and of the surface of tl) . lungs, iileuvisy, ab- scess, adhesion, and congestion. 'See Cough, Cold, Bron- chitis and Emphysema.) (1.) Pneumonia. — {Pronounced 7iumonia.) — This is an inflammation of the substance of the lungs, of late years called lung fever, and is sometimes very common in the spring after a severe winter. Symptoms. Chill followed by fever and increased for a short time, and is succeeded by cold legs and ears, quick- ened breathing, and wide, open nostrils. A peculiar ([uivering of the muscles of the side and breast will be ob- served in all cases of inflammation of the lungs, and will rarely deceive. The animal will eat nothing, and persis- tently stands with his nose and mouth in the manger ; and if taken out of the stall and stable to the open air, he will almost refuse to go back again into the stable, re- lief being experienced from the fresh air. Hence, the necessity for plenty of fresh air in all diseases of the lungs. When the ear is applied to the side of the neck, a peculiar creaking noise is heard. Slight discharge of serous flakes or matter will be observed sticking to the sides of the nose. If this disease be not subdued or cured, it ends in ! 176 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. abscess. The peculi.ar pulsations observed in this and other diseases, will be found treated of in the introductory- remarks. To the non-professional person, the general as- pect or appearance of the horse, when under this disease, is infinitely more important as a rule and guide in deter- mining the seat and nature of the disease,than any assis- tance they can gain from the pulse. Cause. Alterations and sudden changes in heat, cold, and moisture ; an animal not in condition for work ; a hereditary predisposition in the lungs to take on disease. Changes which will produce lung disease in one horse will produce disease of a different character in another. Treatment. Place the horse in a light and airy place and clothe him according to the weather. Bandages to the legs will, at all seasons, be necessary to keep them warm, and to that extent relieve the lungs of a portion of blood. Aconite, judiciously given, is the most powerful remedy I am acquainted with. Tartar emetic, so valua- ble in this disease in man, dogs and swine, has no more effect whatever, upon either horses, sheep or cattle, than so much flour or meal. Give twenty-five drops of the tincture of aconite root, in a cupful of cold water, and drench the horse. Repeat the dose every four hours, till six doses are given. In the majority of cases, one or two doses will be all that is required to effect a cure. (2.) Pleukisy. — Inflammation of the men)brane cover- ing the lungs and lining the cavity of the chest. Symptoms. A rigor or chill, fever, disinclination to turn short, an occasional short painful cough, and careful breath- LUNGS. 177 d in this and e introductory ho general as- ir this disease, juide in deter- lian any assis- in heat, cold, for work ; a ake on disease. in one horse in another, and airy place Bandages to to keep them of a portion of most powerful etic, so valua- I, has no more or cattle, than ! drops of the old water, and ibur hours, till les, one or two cure. mbrano cover- jliest. i nation to turn careful breath- ing, accompaniec^ with a sigh or grunt. A peculiar line will be observed in pleurisy, running from the haunch, round the belly to the breast-bone. The breathing is deep, not so short and quick as in inflammation of the lungs. In tlie first twenty-four hours after the attack, pain will have given way, and the horse be apparently better. This, in the majority of cases of pleurisy, when left a few hours to itself and not checked, terminates in Hydrothorax (which see,) or water or serum in the chest, sometimes causing adhesions. The favourable termina- tio)i of pleurisy is by what is called resolution. Causes. Changes in the atmosphere. Exposure to cold. Broken ribs or wounds. Treatment. Treat the horse as for inflammation of the lungs, by giving him pure air, cold water and aconite ; followed on the second day by five grains of powdered Spji.nish fly in gruel, once in the twenty-four hours. To re- move the fluids from the body, give, after the active stage of the disease has passed, good feeding and generous diet (JJ.) Abscess.— As elsewhere stated, abscess is the termi- nation of inflammation of the lungs. Pus is a common result of inflammatory action, and when in the lungs is called comicw, causing, in some cases, consumption. Where absorption of the pus has taken place, glanders is ' the result. The abscess frequently breaks into the bi'onchial tubes, and then pus escapes into the larynx and nares of the nose. Heru;e, the persistent discharge which is so char- acteristic of glanders. M 17« DISEASES OF THE UOllSE. i 1 Treatment. The same as for glanders : gener'^us diet> tonics and stimulants, with the sulphite of soda and tho Spanish fly. (See Glanders.) (4.) Effusion of Serum. — Hydrothorax is one of tho ways in which pleurisy terminates, and when this effusion is extensive, not much hope of recovery may be expected. Cures, however, have been made by drawing off the fluid by means of a trocar pierced through between the ribs, into the chest. (5.) Adhesions. — The surface of the lungs becomes attached to the sides of the chest by fibrous bands of gi-eat strength, another common result of pleurisy. Nothing can be done but to keep up the health and strength by good feeding, etc. When animals do not thrive and pick up their spirits and flesh after cases of pleurisy, some of these various, conditions may be reasonably expected to be present. (6.) Congestion of the Lungs. — The lungs are liable to become congested, when they are overcharged with blood. Symptoms. The horse blows, his nostrils are very much expanded, he is heaving at the flanks, and is the picture of distress and stupidity. Cause. Weakness and want of power in the blood ves- sels to contract and empty themselves. Treatm,ent. Allow free access to cool air, clothe the body and bandage the legs to encourage the blood to the skin and legs, and give the following mixture : Sweet spirits of uitre» half an ounce ; powdered carbonate of am- LYMPHANGITIS. 179 ihe blood ves- monia, half an ounce ; mix in a bottle of cold gruel, in the form of a drink. If these articles are not at hand, give two bottles of warm ale, or half a bottle of brandy or whiskey. (7.) Pneumothorax. — So called because the air es- capes into the cavities of the pleura. Lymph. — This is a name n]'nlied to the clear fluid which circulates in the lymi)hatic vessels and that which is poured out in cut surfaces, after bleeding has stopped^ and forms the medium by which the parts adhere, and are joined together. In this instance it is termed coagu- lable lymph, the principal element by which adhe'^-'ve in- flammation is carried on. Lymphangitis- — This is a disease which attacks large coarse-bred horses that are difficult to keep in good condition, and consists in the outpouring of plastic lymph into the femoral veins of one of the fore legs, which as a consequence, swells to a very great size, and exhibits to the touch a feeling of a great many irregular prominences under the skin. It is hot, painful, stiff, and accompanied with fever, which, in a short time passed off. In a few days the heat, pain and swelling will diminish a little, and the hoi'se will move more freely, but will, in most cases, retain a "thick leg" for life. Fomentations of warm v ter should be applied to relieve heat, tension, and pain; u be followed in a few days with broad bandages tightly rolled round the limb. Give ^oft feed, sucii as cut mess, bran and green food. As soon tus the animal can move the leg he may be put to slow work. 180 DFSEASKS or THK nOR«E. Maggots- — These are sometimes seen in neglected wounds und sores, in warm weather. To remove them, ai)[)ly equal parts of creosote and olive oil, or a solution of corrosive sublimate. Malignant Epidemic.— K^gliah writers tell us that a maligTiaiit-cpidemic has attacked horses on the European Continent. Intlu(!n;^i is a disease from which scarcely one i)er cent, should die when scientifically and intelli- gently treated ; but by bleeding, blistering, physicking, and low diet, a really simple and non-fatal disease is at once converted into a fatal and maligiuuit epidemic. MallenderS- — ^ term used by old books and horse doctors, to desigrjate a scaly condition of the skin back of the leg ando|tj)ositeto thekncc. A term whiclu'ert}iinly,to say the least, should long ago have been blotted out of all the books, as vague, uncertain, unmeaning. This scaly eruption is the result of dryness of the skin of the back part of the leg, wli(;re tlu; greatest and almost ccmstant movement of the joint is going on. The same condition is seen on the face ol" souk^ jf horses ending with scratches? (See Skin l)iHeas(\s.) Mange- — This is a disease of tlu^ nkin, and isttaused taused ows by a small mit(! called acavl, which bnu^ds and bu in the skin. To cure mange, destroy the insect. (See Skin Diseases.) Megrims. — A disease of the brain occurring at periods, MOUTH. 181 n neglected imove them, or a solution s tell us that he Europcjin Inch scarcely and intelli- l, physicking, disease is at lidemic. ks and horse ! skin ba(;k ol' ill certainly, to ted out of all ss of the skin List and almost n. The same and in others he parts, liorses ending and is caused s and hurrows insect. (See ling at periods, especially in hot weather, and when exposed to a power- ful sun. This difters from epilepsy only in the absonco of spasms. ^See Epilepsy.) Causes. Tumors in the choroid ])lexus, and enlarge- ment of the pineal gland. Irmimcnt. Merely palliative, by using adutch collar, so. as not to interfere with the circulation of the blood from the head. Observe. Tn summoi' tliC horses subject to brain disease, orfits of any kind, should not be used for family pur|)oses. In winter they will make useful animals. Melanosis- — A. variety of cancer peculiar to gray horses, whi(;h turns white with age, and is caused l>y the transfer of the coloiing pigment from the skin to the blood. (See Oanc(5r.) MesentericO- — Wasting of the mesentery is a disease which is not very common to horses, although some clearly marked (laf-es are sometimes seen, (•haracteri/ed by wasting of th(i body, vv(?akness, and general debility of the whole system. Bowels irregular, sometinjcs .soft, at other times hard, of a ])ale or straw color, and freipiently of Itad sn)ell. All that can Ix^done is to kee|) tlie strength and <'ondition of the hors(i up by iron and gcnitian, so fre(|uently recom- mended throughout the book. Mouth, Diseases of the- — These are but few ; per- haps the irregularities of the teeth are most imjiortant. So much is this the ease, that from diseased or carious teeth, an afle(;tion arises, to many e.'cternal apjH'arances, j p r ^ » 1S2 DTSEASRS OP THE HORSK. siiiiiljir lo yjlsindeis; Jiiiil liorses liavo accordingly l»«'fn de- stroyed, whereas, if a carious tooth, producinpj a stinkin«^ «lischarge from tlie nose, ha(! been lemoved, these a|t))eai-- ances would have passed off. The edges of the teeth of lioi'ses, at all ages, are apt to become sharp, and cut or wound the inside of the mouth, and interfere with masti- cation orchewineing harnes.sed for work. The ,'^ii becomes somewhat eUivated, they move froui one sidi- 'if the stall to the othei-, and })ass manure from them repeat- edly every fevr minutes, until one would think there was nothinLT left in their bowels. These animals are usuallv light bellied and |)oor feeders, but Meet and free goers, very gay i)j saddle or harness, and much admired by physic (see Aloes, Medicines and Prescriptions,) occasion- ally, but do not bleed. (Edema,— A term signifying soft but not inflanMnatory 0 witli tliom, e ; for whcn- )f the groom, n — hence he bhe bowels of should bo the 1 horse, as it come excited. of prepared )re going out, ) pleasant to wool in the t, usually in- paralysis or orbid or un- i the mesen- itty liver ; in |)r()i)ortionate v^jiste. feed, in small To animals pve a dose of ns,) occasion- Mfluniinatorv^ PAT.TjAKTVKS. 187 swellings of vniioiis |)aris of the l»ody, as a scmjucI to de- bilitating diseases. These swellings (!ontain scrum thrown out from the blood. The treatment of this affection will be the removal ol' the exciting cause. (See Dropsy.) CEstrorQailia. — This name is, by some, called (I'stening, which name is }ipi)iied to mares and cows when desiring the male. Omentum. — A fold of the peritoneum, which hangs down from the stomach, and is rcilected on itseli upwcards and backwards to the colon. It is in this where the great deposition of fat takes place. The omentum is often im- plicated in rn])ture. Ossification. — The formation of bone; but in the language of medical men, it means a deposition of earthy matter in the soft textures of the body where bone does not exist. Tims, for instance, we speak of ossilication of the lateral cartilages of the foot, which form ring-bone- We have ossification of the heart, arteries, and other parts of the body. Osteoporosis. — This is a name given to big head. It is incurable. Overreach. — This is the consequence of driving faster than the horse sliould go. The injury is generally done by the edge of the inner rim of the shoe. Avoid the cause, and ti'cat the wound witij the simple ointment. (See Prescrij)tIons and Medicines.) Palliatives. — Medicines given not to cure disease, but to V('li(>V(^ the: pain 188 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. I.' if Paralysis? or Palsy. — irevent the skin from scalding ..nd peeling off — which is sometimes a source of great irritation to the poor hoi'se. The para- lysed pai*is should be well ruljbetl with a stiff brush. Electricity has been regarded as an advantage in this dis- ease, but from what I have seen, not much need be ex- pected from it. The nux vomica offers, with good feeding and care, the best chance foi recovery. It nuist be re- membered that this is a nervous affection, and probably these diseases are not so manageable, nor are they so easily cured, as other affections of a diffV leiit, type. Parotid Duct. — Distended. — Tiiis is a rare affection in horses. It resembles a round ball ;ittaclied to the edge PATHOLOGY. 189 r of moving c conhlned to Wlien the four legs are ever, in the munches and lb, at others fl. 3ise patience a disease of up by good droj)s of the twenty-four !e in tlie day, '^ent the skin sometimes a The para- stiti' brush. 3 in this dis- need bo ex- ;,'()()d feeding nuist be ro- id probably ley so easily ire affection to the edge of the lower jaw ; an elastic encysted tumor, or rather like an encysted tumor. An incident, slightly illustrative of appearf»nce, occurred some time since. I wjis called in to see a horse that proved to be so affected, and told the gentleman that so long as the ball did not break, it would do the horse no injury, and that I would not recommend its removal ; whereupon he said he would -give five hun- dred dollars if the horse had another on the other side, that then ho would look like an Angora ijfoat. Open and Fistulous. — This is a serious affection, for with every movement of the jaw in chewing or masticat- ing the feed, the glands pour out the saliva which should mix with the feed, and assist in the act of digestion, and it is loi-h upon the ground. The animal becomes thin of Hesh, gets weak, and after a time dies a miserable object. Caitsen. Injuries, or accident to the gland or its duct, resulting in sup[)uration. From the mobility of the parts, fistula is established. Treatvient. Few horsi; doctors or farmers can cure this affection. An expert or accomplished surgeon is only able to effect a cure, and this will bo by closing the open or fistulous duct, so that the saliva will, with the feed, find its way into the stomach. India rubber dissolved in chloroform, applied over the mouth of the wound, when it is thr)roughly dry, will stop it for a few days. By continuing this apjilication, a cure in very many cases can be made. Pathology. — A department of medical science which if 100 DISEASES OF THE HORSE, treats of tho causes and nature of disease, and of the appearances of diseased parts wlien living or dead. I u Patella, Dislocation of the. — This is a common occurence in high spirited, nervous and weakly horses. Hymptom. The horse stops, if at work, and throws up his head, slightly bending the pn-stern of the dislocated log, and holding the leg back behind the body, being un- able to bring it under it. Fever and irritation sometimes accompanies this accident, more especially if it is of rare occurrence in the animal. The oftener the patella has been out, the less fever and irritation will be seen. There are hoi-ses with which it is of frequent occurrence, and, hap- pily for them, there is just as little trouble in putting the leg in its place again ; a crack of the whip will do it some- times. This is a serious object, in an otherwise fancy horse. There is but one other affection of the hind leg which can be mistaken for it, and that is cramp (which see.) Treatment Remove the horse to a stable, attach a rope to the pastern of the leg which is dislocated, carry the end of the rope through a ring or over a beam at or about the horse's head, place the end of the rope in the hands of one or two strong men — telling them not to pull till a man is placed at the head of the horse to keep him steady — have another man at the leg with one hand placed firmly on the point of the hock-joint pulling towards himself, and the other pushing firmly against the dislocated joint, then let the men on tho rope pull firmly and gently, till the and of the i- dead. s a common dy horses, ul throws up ihe dislocated dy, being un- [)n sometimes f it is of Hire tella has been There .are ice, and, hap- n putting the ill do it some- lerwise fancy ' the hind leg ramp (which attach aro{)e carry the end or about the I hands of one I till a man is steady — have 3ed firmly on himself, and ed joint, then ntly, till the I'KLVIC AUSCKSS, 191 foot is brought fairly in under the horse's body ; after which the rope should be removed, and the horse kept, quiet for a day or two. Pelvic Abscess. — This condition is sometimes scon in weakly constitutioned marcs within a few days after foaling. Symptom. In from one to four days one of the thighs of the hind legs will be swollen, hot and painful, causing the mare to shiver or appear chilly, not from cold, but from the suppin-ative inflammatory action going on. The milk will have almost entirely ct.'ased, and the colt will have to be fed by the liottle as a child, or out of a bucket like a calf, till the marc is cured and the milk returns. One curious condition about pelvic abscess is, that although it suppurates, the abscess does not break usually on the thigh, as it would be expected to do, but within an inch or two from the haunch bone. Treatment. The })us which has accumlated from so> large an abscess, does not discharge itself from the place of opening, but burrows away down among the muscles of the hip and thigh, down to within a few inches of the hock itself. Hence, the great secret in the treatment of pelvic abscess is to miikQtwo free openings, one above, at the point of the soft abscess, and the other within from four to six inches of the hock on the outside of the thigh. Take a smooth elastic twig or a long ])iece of whalebone nicely smoothed with sand-paper, and introduce into the oj)ening above, and gently force it down t'ijwithiu an incUs IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // ^/ ^J^ 1.0 1.25 145 tt lag ™ ■2.5 2.2 I.I I /^ Hl£ 1.8 1114 111.6 V ^ ^"^ W ^^^ ^^^ ■> Photographic Sciences Corporation 33 WIST MAIN STMIT WIBSTH.N.Y. t4SS0 (716) 873-4503 r\ iV :1>^ <^ ^\ Wk\ 0 4 € ;\ 192 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. m III: im I or so of the lower opening. This being done, the pus will all discharge itself from the lower hole. Then inject with a small syringe, once a day, for a few days, about half a tablespoonful of the following mixture : Oil of turpentine and olive oil, equal parts. Keep the parts clean, feed the mare and colt well, and leave nature to complete the cure. Penis Hanging out- — This is a serious defect, and is the result of weakness and debility. The oi-gan of gen- eration is weak, the sheath sv/ells, clasping the penis in its grasp until it also becomes enlarged, and in most cases will not draw into its place again, so that it must either remain so or be cut oft' close to the prepuce or sheath. This affection and the opposite conditions, Phymosis and Paraphymosis, were very prevalent amongst the liorses of the army, in the late war in the United States. Peristattic- — A term applied to the serpentine motion of the bowels, one portion contracting and forcing its contents onward into the next. Peritonitis- — Inflammation of the [)eritoneum, or the serous membrane which lines the walls or inside of the belly, characterized by great pain, and is the result of accident or injuries, and, at times, surgical operations. Treatment. The same as for any disea?(e of an exalted kind, using aconite root, cold water and pure air, and after the pain and fever have subsided, good feeding. Periosteum. — The thin pearly covering investing the bone. It is the stretch of this menibiane in case of splint which causes pain a|id lameness. (See Splint.) } pus will iject with )ut half a urpentine ;, feed the ) the cure. jct, and is Ml of geii- 3 penis in most cases lUst either or sheath, ^mosis and e horses of ine motion 'orcing its oneum, or r inside of the I'esult peratious. an exalted r, and after p 5 vesting the ise of splint ) PHAGADKNA, 193 Phagadena' — A name used in surgery, implying a spreading and destructive ulcer, which spreads rapidly and destroys the surrounding parts. The true meaning of this word is eating, and in its effects it is similar t I li PURGATIVES. 201 ed to dis- d certain the body ing cause. One is for : choking, orses, etc., I or bolus, imon cane ent called ing down s affection I event of be favora- uguish the ad in such 3ans made, i the pre- to hasty a fungous ile a little ed precipi- ;h is ben treated by the sulphite of sod|b, in half ounce doses, given every night in cut teed, for a week. (See Skin Dis- eases.) Pulse. — This is the stroke or beat of an artery, conse- quent upon its alternate dilation and contraction caused by the action of the' heart. The pulse is subject to many variations, e^'^'^n not depending upon disease. It is also liable to changes from temporary excitement, as from severe heat, etc. Medicines act upon the circulation, and consequently change the beat and character of the pulse, If the disease be debility diffusible stimulants will be re- quired to raise the pulse • rid in order to depress the circulation, as in inflan ^n and fever, nauseants are indicated, such as aconite aua veratrum. (See Medicines and Prescriptions.) Punctlire. — Wounds inflicted with a sharp-pointed tool, as a staple or hay fork, etc. Punctured wounds are dangerous, depending upon their depth and locality, and should be treated by free openings from the bottom of the wound, to allow the exposed fluids to escape. The parts should be dressed with simple ointment. (See Medicines and Prescriptions.) Purgatives. — A class of medicines capable of cleans- ing or emptying the bowels. Purgatives are distinguished from laxatives, only in the quantity given. Six to eight drachms of aloes will act as a purgative, and two or three drachms will act as a laxative. When laxatives are neces- sary, repeat at distant intervals. M*..r i 202 DISEASES OF THE HOKSE. Purpura. — This is a disease which is but rarely seen and consists in the surface of the wliole l^ody and legs be- ing covered with pimples, or small boils, which discharge a livid or purple-colored fluid. The animal is very much debilitated; and, accompanied with symjmthetic fever, we not unfrequently see swellings of tlie head and parts of the body, with the legs very thi(;k, and the same colored fluid oozing out of them. Invariably the horse is scarcely able to move. The worst form of this disease is the pur- pura hsemoragica, or bleeding purpura. The small boils are the result of extravasation from the ininui;e blood ves- sels under the skin. Cause. Venous congestion o\ tlie whole surface of the body, and, possibly, a deterioration of the blood itself Treatment. Support the strength, to keep oflf typhoid symptoms; enrich the blood, and attend to the surface sores. For this purpose, give the following powders, night and morning: Powdered sulphate of iron, three ounces; gentian root, two ounces and a half; carbonate of am- monia, four ounces. Mix, and divide into twelve powders, one to be given twice in the day Give, occasionally, forty to sixty drops of commercial sulphuric acid in a bucket of cold water. Feed the horse well, and apply to the sores olive oil, three ounces ; and creosote, one ounce ; once every second u.iy, and wash the sores twice a week. Horses once attacked by this disease are ever after liable to it. Pus. — This is the material found in abscesses. Pus I QUACK MKDI(!INES. 203 rely seen i legs be- diseharge r}'- much fever, we parts of ic colored s scarcely the pur- mall boils :)lood ves- ce of the itself. F typhoid le surface lers, night e ounces ; je of am- 3 powders, ;asionally, acid in a . apply to ne ounce ; e a week, 'ter liable ses. Pus may be healthy, or laudable, as il is called. Unhealthy, when it is mixed with blood and has a stinking smell. Healthy pus is of the thickness and color of cream, and is insoluble in water. Putrefaction. — Certain diseases are regarded as pu- trid, where the discharges have a black appearance, and putrid smell. When weakness and debility are present, putrid ulcers spread rapidly. The treatment of putrefac- tion, in a living animal, should be directed to laying open the sores, so as to get rid of the putrid discharge before it is absorbed into the circulation. Then wash immediately with the solution of the chloride of lime, after which dress the sores with equal parts of olive oil and creosote, and sprinkle them with powdered charcoal. Furnish the horse with good feed to support the strength, and give sulphate of iron and gentian root, two drachms each, rught and morning. Pyemia. — This is a term signifying pus in the blood, acting and setting up fermentation. Examples : Tuber- cles in the lungs, glanders, farcy, and grease. (All of which see.) Quack Medicines- — These are medicines prepared according to private or secret receipts, and are pufifed up in newspapers, and private circulars, as infalible cures for most all diseases which can be named, either in man or beast ; either for external application, or internal adminis- tration. No subject in medicine has been more fully ex- posed than the great and absurd ])retensions of these medi- * I 204 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. ti cines. But, notwithstanding all this, the credulity of even the best class of society is great, the readiest victims being found among them. It surely requires no argu- ment to show how dangerous must be the indiscriminate use of powerful drugs when compounded by parties who likely never had the slightest opportunity to acquire a medical education, and why such persons cannot cure, by their remedies, diseases which are, or may be, deemed in- curable, and h?ive defied the most consummate skill and experience of the veterinary medical world. Quinsy. — A name given to sore throat. (See Distem- per and Influenza.) Quittor. — This term is used in England for a disease in the foot of a fistulous character. (See Foot Diseases.) Rachitis. — A ditiease of the bones of young animals, due to a deficiency of earthy matter, (lime,) which causes the bones to -^ icld, being too soft. In colts of the first year, some will be observed to stand so close at the knees, that one joint touches the other, which gives the fore legs a curious looking twist, with the feet turned out, and the knees bent in. Colts so affected soon get well when they are supplied with good, nutritious food, in which the phos- phate of lime predominates. Kachitis, (pronounced rack- etis) in old horses, is seldom seen ; and when it is, it is in the bones of the back or lumb^^r vertebrae, is characterized by swellings ot an irregular kind, with water oozing from them, and is called hydro-rachitis or spina bifida. Horses so afiected are not fit for work with weight upon the back (See Deformities.) f RHEUMATISM. 205 dulity of t victims no argu- 3riminate ties who icquire a cure, by emed in- skill and 3 Distem- a disease ^iseases.) animals, Lch causes the first ;he knees, s fore legs I, and the ^hen they the plios- ced rack- is, it is in [•acterized sing from Horses the back Resolution. — ^This is the most favourable termination of inflammation, and leaves the inflamed part in the same state or condition m which it was before it was at- tacked. Itespiration. — ^The alternate inspiration and expira- tion of air, performed for the purpose of exchanging the hydrogen and carbon for oxygen. The air being brought in contact with the blood, as it circulates through the lungs, the oxygen unites with it, and the nitrogen and carbonic acid gas is returned by expiration. The oxygen and some of the inhaled air is united in the lungs with free hydrogen, which is given out from the lungs, and is readily seen issuing from the nostrils on a frosty morning, or when the thermometer is about forty degrees. Revulsion. — A second attack of disease, but in dl^re- mote or different part of the body from which the first attack had its seat. Example : If an eruption, or the ab- scess of strangles be repelled from the outside of the body, we will find it attacking an internal organ. (See Metas- tasis.^ Rheumatism. — In no disease of the horse are there so many errors and mistakes committed ; not only as to the nature of the affection, but its mode of treatment. Horse- men and horse doctors have not yet learned that there is a difference between rheumatism and founder, whether acute or chronic, and how to distinguish one from the other. The difference between acute or inflammatory rheumatism and acute founder is this : In rheumatism ii,. iil 206 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. there is not only pain, but great fever and excitement, and its seat is in the joints of the legs ; in founder, we have pain, but no fever, and the disease is confined to the feet alone. (See Laminitis.) In chronic rheumatism there may be some excuse for such mistakes, as there is no fever ; but there is an inabi- lity to move, as if the horse was sprained over the loins. (See Lumbago.) Acute Rheumatism.— Nothing else but what is called (when man is the subject,) rheumatic fever. Symptoms. Great fever, excitement, and iiritation, with extreme pain in the legs and joints; so much so, that the stricken horse has not a leg fit to stand upon, and dares not move from the place he occupies, from fear of falling to the grouud. In connection with all this disturbance, the horse sweats profusely, and blows or breathes excit- edly, having no heat in the feet, as in founder. It will be well to remember this, in forming a correct opinion of the case. In severe cases, the whole of the muscles of the body are set to quivering, clearly indicating inflammatory rheumatifim in full force and degree. Causes. Sudden check to perspiration, by placing heated horses in a current or draught of cold air, thus preventing the transudation through the skin of its formed and natural secretion, which being absorbed by the blood and acting as a poison, produces inflammation in the sheaths of the tendons, and of the fibrous parts or tissue. Treatment. The treatment of acute rheumatism is some- times unsatisfactory ; not that it is incurable, but from the RHEUMATISM. 207 nent, and we have the feet cciise for an inabi- the loins. what IS ion, with , that the md dares 3f falling turbanee, les excit- It will be on of the es of the mmatory ^ placing air, thus ■ ts formed :he blood n in the or tissue, u is sonie- b I'rom the "■ fact that the medicines which frequently cure one will not cure other cases. Give twenty-five drops of the tincture of aconite root every four hours, till six doses are given. Place the horse in a cool, airy place, with plenty of bedding under him, so as to induce him to lie down ; then lightly cover the body, and apply cold water swabs or loose cloths to the legs, keeping them continnally wet, from twelve to twenty -four hours. In winter, warm water will answer best. By the time the six doses of aconite have been taken a gi'eat change for the better will have taken place ; so much so, that, in many cases, the horse may be left to na- ture to complete the cure. But, on the other hand, should the disease take a chronic form, give drachm doses of the powdered meadow saffron seeds twice in the day, and oc~ casional doses of sixty drops of sulphuric acid in half a bucket of cold water. Half ounce doses of the sulphite of soda may be given as an alkali. Do not bleed or purge. (2.) Chronic Rheumatism. — I have no hesitation in saying that chronic rheumatism in a joint is one of the most prolific causes of occult or hidden lameness in horses; while this is so, when tli^re are no swellings to point to as a proof of the correctness of your opinion, many will question your judgment. But it is with this, as with many things in the world — time only being required for a thorough development (jf the fact. Treatment of Chronic liheu7natU:m. Give a few doses of aconite root, followiid ])y the colchicum or saffron seeds, the sulphuric acid and the ui]t may, in brm. 8 of the which is i tissue or /ertheless, r rheuma- lembranes )ackwards body are. leumatism t, and not , and the I support. d consists ymg bone, f the foot f a circle ; Qon in the short and I fine-bred }d. Ring- Cause. Hereditary predisposition, from a peculiar for- mation of pastern-joints, which are found not well adapted to hard work : and hence, an effort of nature is set up to strengthen parts which are too weak, by conver- ting an elastic substance into a hard and unyielding mass and a moving hinge into a fixture. Treatment. If it is of recent origin, and the horse is young, much may be done in the way of a cure, by first removing all heat and inflammation with cold water cloths wrapped round the parts for three days, taking them off at nights. At the end of that time, get one drachm of the bin-iodide of mercury, mix with one ounce of lard, and apply one-half of the salve by rubbing it in well for ten minutes. Tie up the horse's head for a few hours, and the next day wash off with soap and warm water, daily a ointing the parts with lard or oil for a week ; then apply the remainder of the salve in the same way, and proceed as before. In old horses, not much can be done with ring-bone, as the bones of old animals con- tain so much, earthy (lime) matter that nothing can act upon it. Roaring. — A noise made by some horses when put to work. There are many different sounds produced from the same cause, and they are incurable, except when de- pending upon the presence of tumors, which can be removed. Roaring can be relieved somewhat by placing pads over the faulty nostril. When very bad, aii operation called tracheotomy — an opening into the windpipe, and o 210 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. keeping a silver tube inserted in it — is sometimes resorted to. By this means, a draught horse can be kept at work for many ^ears. Rowels. — An old-fashioned operation, consisting in an opening made thi-ough the skin for a few inches in length, the skin being raised from its attachments, and a piece of leather fitting the cavity placed into it, so that a discharge is set up in a day or two. Times were when this unne- cessary cruelty was f -equently inflictedjupon the poor un- offending horse, but iii this humane and progressive age, we only occasionally meet with the barbarity. Rowels are an abomination, and inflict a scar or blemish, which never leaves the part. The stupidity and ignorance of horse doctors, generally, do not allow them to see that the powers of nature are more potent for good in curing the affection than a rowel —to which is attributed a power or virtue it never possesses. If I should put in a rowel, it would not be with the view of curing disease or sprain, but simply to secure the horse plenty of time in the stable so that nature could cure the disease herself '_ Ruptures. — The protrusion of some portion of the bowels or intestines out of their proper place. The groin,' the navel, sides of the belly, and scrotum or testicle bag, are the places where ruptures usually show themselves, and it is the variety of situation that gives rise to the many species of rupture or hernia. (1.) Inguinal Rupture.— In the United States, the horses are mostly all castrated, which fact accounts for ^ RUPTURES. 211 s resorted )t at work ting in an J in length. I a piece of a, discharge this unne- le poor un- ressive age, T. Rowels nish, which norance of see that the I curing the [ a power or a a rowel, it 5e or sprain, n the stable tion of the The groin,' testicle bag, themselves, rise to the States, the ,ccounts for the rare occurrence of this variety of rupture, The oper- ation of castration completely closes the inguinal ring or opening through which pass the spermatic cord, testes, etc, thus preventing the possibility of rupture .1 that direc- tion. When this kind of rupture takes place, it is in stal- lions and uncastrated colts, and requires for its cure the castration of the horse or colt by what is called the covered operation, that is, by leaving thetunica vaginalis, or inner covering of the testes entire and uncut, and placing the clamps over it, allowing the testes or stones to fall off, or be removed in two days from the time of operation. As seen as this kind of rupture is observed, have the horse or colt castrated at once. (1.) Scrotal Rupture. — This variety of rupture, en- tirely confined to the testicle bag, or scrotal sac, is also the affection of uncut horses, and is caused by relaxa- tion of the fibj-ous tissue around the inguinal ring. This is ^ kind of rupture which comes and goes, as if it were an intermittent affection. The rupture, or large swelling during rest, will entirely disappear, and return during exercise, sometimes with violence, throwing the horse, per- bapsintoa fit of colic, and inducing strangulation and death of the horse. Scrotal rupture is sometimes confined to one side only of the scrotum. If in time the animal should not die from strangulation of the bowel, the rupture will sometimes increase to an enormous size, hanging far down, and filling up the space in and between the hind legs. Treatment. The'same as for inguinal hernia. Of course, in both cases, care should first be taken to push back thq 212 DISEASES OF THE HORSE, bowels through the ring into the belly, befcre removing the testicles. Scrotal rupture should not be confounded with hydrocele, or water in the scrotal sac. (See Dropsy.) (3.) Congenital Rupture. — This is a spc;cies of .rup- ture observed at the birth of the foal or colt, and is the least dangerous of all the varieties of ruptures, although the rupture continues to grow and increase in size until the fourth to the sixth month of the colt's age, and then gradually and progressively disappears altogether. If, however, it should not at the end of that time diminish in size and volume, a tolerably stout and tight collar or band- age may be placed round the body, covering the rupture. This band should be kept in place by a broad collar or cloth attached to each side of the body bandage, and passing in front of the breast, with another round the back part of the hips — thus preventing a backward or for- ward movement of the body bandage. If rupture should occur in a few days after the birth of the colt, it should, to all intents and purposes, be classed as congenital rupture, and be treated accordingly. Congenital rupture is the same as what is called by some writers umbilical rupture, which is correct as far as it goes ; but congenital rupture includes not only the navel but the scrotal also. The navel variety can be most suc- cessfully treated by letting it alone, or, in some cases, by the application of a bandage. When, however, in the scro- tum, castration is the only cure, and a bandage in this case would not only be useless, but hurtful to the colt. (4.) Ventral Rupture. — Tiiis is when the bowel pro- RUPTURES. 213 removing ;onfounded je Dropsy.) 8S of . rup- , and is the s, although Q size until e, and then jether. If, diminish in lar or band- he rupture, ad collar or ^ndage, and round the ward or for- the birth of 3, be classed is called by ect as far as [y the navel )e most suc- ae cases, by in thescro- iage in this to the colt. bowel pro- trudes through any part of the belly, excepting at the umbilicus or navel, or any natural opening, and is gener- ally the rtiultof injury or accident, as from a hook from the horn of a cow, or the kick of a horse. The common place where this kind of rupture is usually seen is on the lower portion of the belly, between the ribs and at the flanks. Symto'.ns. A large, puffy swelling which can be less- ened in size and forced into the cavity of the belly again, by merely pressing against it. The skin will be loose when the bowel is thus pushed in ; and when the pressure has ceased, the enlargement or swelling returns at once and fills up the loose skin. Treatment. In most cases, let the enlargement alone ; as, in nearly all instances, no inconvenience from it will be experienced by the horse. The only way to reduce such a rupture is, by gathering and holding the loose skin, and covering the rupture after the bowel has been pushed into its place by means of long clamps, like a long vice, till the skin falls off. This cure is worse than the affection it is intended to remedy ; for by breaking the skin the bowels are exposed to the air and the uncertainty of the edges of the skin uniting firmly together. This is frequently, also, more than can be expected, as the horse is not a rational being, and cannot be told to stand this or that way, in this or that position. If he experiences any pain, he will become restless, and lay down, and roll; and then what of the nicely adjusted clamps? In short, the horse will die in a few hours. 214 DISEASES OF THE HORSE, I ' ' I N i f I (5.) Rupture. Castration. This variety of rupture sometimes follows immediately, or a few days, after the operation of castration. Causes. When the rupture occurs, as soon as the horse rises from the operation, it is produced by the violence of the struggling, or rising with too much of a jerk. When occurring a few days after the operation, the cause may be laid to the wound not healing and uniting properly. Symptoms. As in colic; the horse rising, lying down pawing, rolling, sweating ; high fever and inflammation ; and, finally, gangrene, or mortification of the parts, and death of the horse. General Remarks. The termination of ruptures of all kinds and varieties most to be dreaded, is that condition known as strangulation, which occurrence is indicated by the pawing, rolling, sweating, and restive condition of the horse, etc. If not relieved in a very short time, he will die. To reduce strangulation, he must be secured, and fastened; and all conceivable ingenuity must be exercised to get the bowels back into their proper place. No rule can be laid down to accomplish this as some ruptures are reducible, and others are not. But the hands of tlie oper- ator must be well oiled when handling the bowels, and the bowels kept scrupulously clean; and when they have been successfully placed in their proper cavity, the horse will be at rest and relieved from pain. To prevent the bowels from returning again, the rupture must be closed by skewers made of iron, or stiff wood passing through the lips of each side of the wound, half an inch from the SALIVATION. 215 of rupture "^s, after the IS the horse he violence erk. When cause may rig properly, lying down iammation ; e parts, and Dtures of all lat condition indicated by lition of the time, he will secured, and be exercised 3e. No rule ruptures are of tlie oper- ) bowels, and n they have iy, the horse prevent the ist be closed ling through ich from the edge, with waxed cord wound round and over the skew- ers, in the form of a figure 8. Metallic or silver wire is used by scientific veterinary surgeon in securing the edges of the skin of ruptures and injuries to the belly of aU domestic animals, as the best and most successful plan. Ruptures of the stomach, bowels and diaphragm, are occasionally the immediate cause of death in case of colic (See Hock, etc.) Saddle Galls. — Sores produced by the saddle and other portion of the harness, are best treated by the compound tincture of aloes. When the sores become hard and firm, like warts, use the ointment of iodide of mercury. (See Medicines and prescriptions.) Remove the cause of the trouble by attending to the saddle and harness, and if no fault be found with the stuffing of the saddle, cut a hole in the padding sufficiently large to ac- comodate the sore without touching it. Saliva. — A fluid secreted by the salivary glands, which serves to moisten the mouth, and is swallowed with the food. When horses are feeding, the saliva mixes with feed, and resolves, dissolves, and changes it into a soft mass fit to be swallowed. (See Parotid Duct.) Salivation. — This is an increased flow of saliva in- duced j^ the horse by mercury and other medicines, and is often seen in horses feeding upon the second crop of clover late in the fall of the year, or after slight frosts ; which fact sufficiently accounts not only for the salivation , > P 216 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. of, but also attbrds the reason why, horses so feeding lose flesh and become thin a; id weak, although apparently feeding upon abundance. Second crop clover grows fast, is soft, and full of mois- ture, while the cool nights arresi; its mushroom growth, and the moisture it contains in great quantity is converted from a sweet and nutritious substance into a sour and acidulous fluid, not unlike vinegar or acetic acid. The acid so formed within the clover leaf and stem is pressed out by the act of mastication or chewing, stimulating the fauces of the mouth and salivary glands to a great extent and tax- ing the substance of the body for the saliva to meet an enormous demand. Hence, the weakness and loss of flesh of horses so fed, Scarlatina. — A disease newly discovered in light- coloured horses, attended by sore throat, as in man, and with slight fever and dry skin — the glands of the neck are slightly swollen, and in about two days the lining membranes within the nose and lips become studded with Bcarlet spots about the size of a garden pea, which run to- gether. In light bay horses will be seen patches from which the hair falls off" and is replaced by a coat of a lighter colour, thus making the animal look as if he had had an attack of varioloid or small-pox. Scarlatina is an eruptive fever, running a fixed and definite course, and is closely allied to purpura, influenza, and strangles (all of which see). Treatment. Place the horse in a cold place, and give SKDATIVKS. 217 eding lose pparently 1 of mois- n growth, converted sour and The acid so out by the i fauces of t and tax- 0 meet an )8s of flesh I in light- 1 man, and f the neck the lining idded with ch run to- tches from coat of a J if he had arlatina is ourse, and :les (all of and give small doses of aconite, followed by gentian and carbonate of ammonia. In a few days iron may be added. See Medicines.) Schirrus. — Pronounced tikirrus, and signifying indura- tion or hardening of any structure, but now used only when speaking of cancer. Scortum. — The bag or skin covering the testicles of the stallion, which is the seat of large watery swellings, as a sequel to debilitating disease, or disease treated by starving, blee^ling, etc. If the swelling does not grow less after extra feed is allowed, and a few iron powders are given, the scrotum will have to be opened a little on both sides to allow the fluid to flow out. Do not mistake the swelling for scrotal rupture. (See Ruptures.) Scurf. — A scaly eruption on the skin of badly -groomed and cared for horses. It is cured by good grooming, good feeding, and, in some cases, a change in stabling. Secretion. — The product secreted or separated from the blood. Secreted products are of two kinds : (1.) Excretiooi, or matter separated by animal bodies, and thrown oft' on account of their noxious or eflfete qualities. Examples — the ui-ine, the dung, sweat, and carbonic acid gas from the lungs. (2.) Secretion is matter separated from the blood for further use, and for the performance of various actions in the living system. Examples — bile, saliva, etc. Sedatives. — Medicines which lessen pain, and should, therefore, be called calmatives. Aconite is the most cer-. [J! V 218 DISEASES OF THE HOKSE. 'li 1^ m i tain and successful sedative and calmative we have to oflfer, and will seldom disappoint the highest expectations, if used properly, and in good time. Serous Abscess. — A variety of abscess seen usually about the breasts of horses. It arises from injury fol- lowed by the pouring of a serum from the blood into the in- jured part, which, not being absorbed readily, remains there in the form of a large ovoid flattened bag. A blind man, who never saw a tumor, could tell that it contained fluid. Indeed, wherever dropsical swellings are not absorbed, a serous abscess will be formed. Treatment. Open it with a knife, making a large open- ing through the skin, only at the lowest soft part, so the serum will run out without pressing. Inject once or twice with cold water, and anoint the skin with lard to prevent it from cracking or becoming dry. Seton. — A piece of tape placed under the skin by means of a needle, made for the purpose. Setons are rarely of use, and are often torn violently out, making an ugly sore. Shivers. — So called because the liorse is seized with tremor of the muscles of the whole body, when any attempt is made to push him back. The tail is erect as in cases of locked-jaw. Causes. Tumors on the ventricles of the brain. Shoeing of Sound feet.. — Most diseases of the feet, and every stumble are, either directly or indirectly, the result of bad shoeing. Horse-shoers have long been in the - - — f ve to ions, SHOEING, 219 habit of using the knife and rasp too freely to keep feet sound very long so. When the shoe is carefully removed, the wall or crust, where a well seated shoe should only rest, should be gently rasped to remove fragments of loose horn and old nails. In deep, well-made feet, the sole requires paring out till it is in the form of a cup, but not too thin — the bearing surface, or wall, to be made level ^or the new shoe. This is all that is required in a sound foot. The frog must be left to fill its functions. Above aU, do not let the rasp be used upon the surface of the foot, for it is the skin of the hoof, and by its removal you expose it to every change in moisture and dryness, and leave it weak, dry, porous and brittle. The shoe should be a plain one, equally broad and wide from heel to toe, and put on without seating ; for why bring a concave foot in contact with a concave shoe ? The toe should be slightly turned up, and not too short at the heels. The hind shoes should be provided with heels. The nail holes should be three on the outside, and two on the inside, and made straight through the iron, and not incline inwards, and the shoe fitted to the foot, and not the foot to the shoe. Dray horses should be shod with tips, or toes and heels, which secure firmness of tread, and gi'eater power when drawing heavy loads, especially in cities with smooth paved streets. Shoeing Unsound Feet.— Feet with corns, weak, flat feet, convexed sole, and sand or quarter-cracked feet, should have shoes well-seated ; and it is advisable to throw i 220 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. ill some extra weight upon the frog, for which purpose a bar- shoe should he used. (See Foot Diseases.) Leather soles are useful in weak-soled feet when the horse steps high and is much used upon city streets, - One-sided nailing answers well for weak heels. Ring-boned animals should be shod with easy fitting shoes, to avoid jarring. Horses having a tendency to navicular or coffin-joint disease, should have shoes turned up a little at the toe, with the ground surface of the wall well cut away, and the sole and frog untouched. The art of shoeing horses consists in fitting a shoe to the foot of a horse, for the purpose of protecting, and, at the same time, not injuring it. Shoulder Lameness.— This is produced by a slip, or side-fall, and is frequent with horses in cities having broad rails laid on the streets for railroad purposes. In wet weather these rails are very slippery ; hence the horse has no foot-hold, the leg is stretched far out before the animal and the muscles of the shoulders, and in some cases, the shoulder-joint is involved. A much more serious affair than simple shoulder sprain is the result. Shoulder lameness is common to yoimg horses when ploughing in the furrow. Symptoms. The absence of heat ; tenderness, and swell- ing in any other part of the leg or foot. Always find out ■ with certainty where there is no lameness and the situa- tion of lameness will very soon be apparent. Negative and positivo symptoms should always be well considered before coining to a final conclusion, ax by doing so the sit- LAMENESS. 221 uation or trouble is so narrowed down that a mistake can scarcely occur. Shoulder lameness, however, is known by the horse stepping longer with the lame leg, and shorter with the sound one ; and, excepting in very severe cases, the horse will not only point the leg out from the body, but carry it also to the side of the body. Now, in most sprains and diseases in the foot, the leg will be pointed straight out without any side position. Take the leg which is lame by the pastern, and gently carry, or pull it straight out from the body of the horse in front, and gently also to the outside ; if it be shoulder lameness, the horse will not only show evidences of pain, but will in many cases, depending upon the spirit and animation of the hoi'se, get up from the ground with the sound leg and endeavor to wrest the lame leg from you. In very severe cases, when occurring from a bruise, the horse will stand on his toe, which is evidence of contusion of the shoulder. Treatment Absolute and entire rest, warm water cloths applied for two days, followed by cold water cloths, in the same way, and for as many days. Then a slight blister of the Spanish fly maybe rubbed into the skin of the shoulder, taking care that none of it is put on at the situation of the collar, as it would render the part a little tender for a while by friction from the coUar. Take Spanish fly in powder, one drachm ; hog's lard, six drachms ; mix, and make an ointment, or salve, and rub the better half of it Into the skin. Next day wash off with warm water (not hot), and when dry from wasliiug, anoint the blistered 222 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. parts with oil or lard, daily, for a week. It is not advisa- ble to put horses to work, or even exercise, too soon after getting well from lameness. Shoulder-joint Lameness.— This is a more serious form of lameness than sprain of the muscles of the shoulder. It consists in the softening of the articular cartilages of the joint, with iiiflammation of the joint membranes, and great secretion of unhealthy synovia, (joint oil) producing bulging of the ligaments (capsular) and covering the joint. It can be detected by making the horse stand upon the lame limb, and by holding up the other one. This is a disease similar to spavin in the hock-joiot, which accounts for the unsatisfactory results of treatment. Symptoms. The horse drags his toe» and throws his leg out at every movement of the limb. Treatment. As before stated, this is rather unsatisfac- tory, from the fact that the cartilages are likely to be de- stroyed, and the bone underneath apt to become ulcerated ; but if taken in time, much good can be done. In many cases, a care can ^e effected by the ointment of red iodide of mercury, well rubbed in ono a week, for a few times. Take of bin-iodide of mercury, two drachms ; hog's lard, two ounces. Mix well on the bottom of a dinner plate, or a smooth slate, with a table knife. Of this ointment, take one-fourth and rub well into the joint, tying up the horse's head for a few hours, to prevent his getting at the shoulder with his mouth ; allow soft bedding for the front feet to stand upon, as the horse will stamp with his foot "t: SItELETOlJ OF TiiE HORSE. 22S on the floor — for the action of this ointment is considered to be as painful as the hot iron, for about half an hour from the time it begins to act till the parts commence to swell from its splendid effects. Hence, firing irons are now not much used, except in the hands of old fogies. Daily, oil or grease the parts for a week, then apply as before, and remember, that to get all the benefit of this ointment, it must be well rubbed in the parts. Side Bones. — A species of ring-bone ; only the side cartilages of the foot are converted into bone, and do not, as a ring-bone, extend round the coTonet, or portion im- mediately above the hoof The cause and treatment are the same as in ring-bone (which see). SitfastS. — These are hard and insensible tumors, some- times called warbles, and are caused by undue pressure from the harness. Treatment Rub in, about the size of a bean, of the ointment of red iodide of mercury. (See Prescriptions and Medicines.) Skeleton of the Horse, Bones of the.— The skele- ton is composed of two hundred and forty-seven separate bones, which are united by joints to form the spine, thorax, pelvis, tail, and fore and hind extremities. The spine is , finished anteriorly by the head, v/hich is divided into the cranium and face, and contains the teeth. Suspended from the head is the os hyoides, which completes the number of bones. Thus: — The spine consists of 7 cervical, 18 dorsal, and 6 lum- bar vertebrae — Total .31 224 • DISEASES OF THE HORSE. , .. The thorax is made up of the dorsal vertebrae, with 18 ribs on each side, and the sternum in the mid- dle—Total .37 The pelvis comprises 2 ossa innominata (or ilium, ischium, and pubes), and 1 sacrum — Total . . ?l The tail contains on the average 17 bones . . 17 The fore extremity is made up on each side of the scapula, humerus, os brachii, and 8 carpal bones, 3 metacarpal, os suffraginis, os coronee, os pedis, os naviculare, 2 ossa sesamoidea — Total on both sides 40 The hind extremity has the femur, patella, tibia, fibula, 6 tarsal bones, 3 metatarsals, os sufraginis, OS coronae, os pedis, os naviculare, 2 ossa sesmoidea —Total , ... 38 Bones of the cranium . . . . , 10 Bones of the face and lower jaw 18 Teeth 40 Bones of the internal ear, 4 in each organ . . .8 Os Hyoides, or bone of the tongue, made up of five sections . 5 Grand total .... 247 Skin Diseases — There are many, and apparently diflerent varieties of skin diseases described by writers,, many of which are the same, and produced by the same * cause, but present different appearances in different ani- mals, and in different stages and conditions of the affec- tion. Where the same cause can be properly assigned in producing different diseases, although apparently diasirai- cam t SKIN DISEASES. 225 37 17 40 38 10 18 40 8 5 247^ lar, the treatment must be the same. Thus, if the acari ik the cause of more than one kind of skin disease, of course the treatment must be directed to the destruction or removal of this insect or mite before a cure can be ef- fected ; so, also, with, faulty assimilation or digestion, which often gives rise to skin disease, and which must be improved and corrected before the effect (disease) will cease and be cured. (1.) Baldness. — Part of the skin of the horse becomes denuded of the hair, occasioned by minute or small pim- ples, which usually contain a fluid, and burst, or break, carrying the hair with it. These pimples or small tumors however, are sometimes vesicular, sometimes papular, and sometimes scaly. They are caused by faulty digestion, and should be treated by soft feed, or fresl cut grass. The hair will grow again. Baldness is caused by scalds, burns, and blisters ; and where the true skin is not entirely destroyed, the hair can be restored by using a weak ointment of iodine — iodine half a drachm ; hog's lard, eight drachms ; mix and apply by rubbing with the hand, once every third day ; till there are evidences of a growth of hair springing up. Gun- powder and lard have no more power in causing hair to grow, than as much lard, saltpetre, sulphur and charcoal would have ; nor is it to be compared to the iodine, because, if iodine does not restore the hair in all cases, it will certainly dye or stain the skin a dark colour, which cannot be waslied off; and hence in dark-skinned horses, is ^ *. 1 226 DISEASES OF THE HORSE, of much use in removing tlie bare, bald-look of a whiie spot. (2.) Mange, Itch, Psora, or Scabies. CoMse. The result of an insect breeding and burrowing in the skin, and is called acari, a variety of mite or animalcule. Symptoms. At first, a fine crop of pustules, not at this time always seen, about the head and neck, and under the mane. By the horse rubbing himself against whatever he can get at, the hair falls off, and exposes an angry and red-coloured skin, with red poijits and lines, fissures, wrinkles, or scratches. After this condition, we have dryness, scruffiness, baldness, and whitening of the skin, accompanied with great itchiness. Treatment. The best plan for curing this disease in horses, is as follows : Take tine sea-sand such as is used by stable-men for scouring steel bits, and rub the affected parts well for a few minutes. Then wash the parts well with good soap and water, and a brush, after which dry them carefully. Then anoint with the following ointment: Powdered sulphur, one "ounce; hog's lard, two ounces; mix. The following is more cleanly: Liver of sulphur, or hepar of sulphur, two to three ounces ; cold water, one quart ; mix and make a wash. This plan, with either of these mixtures properly applied, will not dy kill the insect, but will effect a cure. This disease has baffled many who have attempted its cure without first reaching the insect, by scouring him out of his covering, and killing him with sulphur — a highly destructive article to parasi- tic life SKIN DISEASES. 997 '' Observe. This disease is contagious. Stall posts, man- gers, harness, combs, brushes, etc., used about the horse, should be subjected to great heat either by boiling or steaming. Trees, gates, and rubbing-posts in the field, should be washed with water, and coated with a mixture of sulphur, lime and water. (3.) EcMEZA. — This is an aiFection peculiar to some horses during the summer months. By close inspection, large numbers of minute elevations, or raised parts, closely joining each other, and filled with a watery fluid, will be observed, the skin will soon present a red and angry look the hair be short and dry, accompanied with extreme itchiness — so much so, sometimes, that horses so affect- ed become almost unmanageable. The situation of this disease is usually in the hind legs, and is considered hereditary. At all events, when a horse is once attack- ed by it, it is liable to return again with the warm weather. Cause. A peculiar condition of the blood developed by heat. Treatment. This disease in my hands, in several carriage horses which were rendered completely useless in the summer months, has not only been cured, but also pre- vented from returning, by the administering of half ounce doses of the sulphite of soda, for two weeks previous to the hot weather, once a day. In addition to this a few bundles of fresh grass, cut from the borders of several gardens, were given. The soda, designed to neutralize ferments in the blood ; and the fresh cut grass to assist, 228 DISEASES OF THE HOUSE. M K by its action on the stomach and bowels, and ultimately upon the blood itself. (4.) Surfeit. — A disease making its appearance in the spring of the year in fat horses that are short and well built. It is characterized by tumors about the size of a grain of indian corn, covering the whole body as com- pletely as the nettle rash does that of children, and does not generally cause itching, nor is it, like some skin dis- eases, contagious. Cause. Eobust stamina. Treatment. Give soft or slop feed composed of bran, cut hay, cold water, and salt for a few days. Give grass, if it can be had, without any additional feed. A few doses of the sulphite of soda will be of advantage. Bleeding and purging have arrested the tumors in their growth, but, unfortanately they become permanent fix- tures, only to be removed by calomel and opium, which cause their absorption. In this event take calomel, thirty grains ; opium, ten grains ; mix and give once a day, for a week or ten days. Good feeding will have to be given. Ringworm. — Porrigo, and Favus, are names given to this disease. Symptoms. Small circular patches, or scales, sometimes running together, forming large crusts and ulcers under them, in which insects breed. This is a contagious dis- ease, and is communicated from man to animals, and ani- mals to man. The microscope has shown the presence of fungi in the scab of ringworm, but whether it be merely the effct of the disease, or otherwise, is not at present known. It is, however, more likely to be the cause. SORES. 229 Treatment Wash and keep the parts clean, and aim at destroying the fungi. For this purpose remove the scab as soon as formed, and apply a solution of oxalic acid to the surface, using fifteen grains of the acid to an ounce of water. Tar ointment, creosote, sulphur, and mercury, have all been tried ; but none of these meet with so much success as the solution of oxalic acid, just recommended. For other diseases of the skin, see Grease, Mallenders, Sallenders, Tumors, and Boils. Slobbering- — This is traceable in horses to a variety of causes. We may enumerate large doses of aconite, or veratum , also, sore or scald mouth, and in some cases poisoning. Slobbering from eating second crop clover, will be found treated of under the article SAI-.IVATION, (which see). Slough- — The separation of a diseased or dead part from the healthy portion. A slough may be of greater or less thickness, and may include the skin and flesh to a considerable depth — as from the centre of an abscess. (See Gangrene and Mortification.) SoreS- — Healthy and unhealthy sores occur in, or on, all parts of the body of the horse. Healthy sores are best treated by the tincture of aloes, or myrrh, or simple oint- ment. (See Medicines and Prescriptions.) Unhealthy sores should be treated, first, by the application of some caustic, or powdered blue stone, nitrate of silver, or caustic potassa, which will make nn unhealthy sore a simple and healthy one. To be treated as the above. I 230 DISKASKS OF THE HORSE. Sore Back. — Re-stuff the saddle, and apply the tincture of aloes or myrrh. Sore Shoulders. — See to the collar, and apply as in sore back. Sore Neck. — A variety of this disease presents itself about the place where the collar usually rests and presses when descending a hill in double team. They are very troublesome, and difficult to heal, if the horse is kept at work, and cause great irritation and uneasiness. Fre- quently, when the hand is laid upon it, the horse, if he be a spirited animal, will plunge in the stall, and even kick, iiowever quiet he may be at other times. Treatment Apply simple ointment, and place a firm, but strong piece of leather over it, so that the collar, when put on, can rest upon and slide over it, instead of upon the mane and neck. Soundness. — This is when a horse has nothing about him, that does or is likely to interfere with his feeding, working and general usefulness. Spavin. — A variety of disease affecting the hock-joint. Spavin is not now looked upon as in the days of Oliver Goldsmith and William Shakspeare, because in the minds of those distinguished men, and of some of their readers of the present time, spavin is an enormous enlargement of the hock of the horse ; whereas, in some of the worse forms of spavin, there is no enlargement at all, while the hock-joint is completely destroyed, stiff, or anchylosed. Shakspeare thus refers to Petnichio's horse : — " His hor^ SPAVIN. t 281 ure m hipped with an old mothy saddle, the stirrups of no kin- dred : besides possessed with the glanders, and, like to mose in the chine, troubled with the lampas, infected with the fashions, full of wind galls, sped with spavins, raied with the yellows, past cure of the lives, stark spoiled with the staggers, begnawn with the bots, swayed in the back, and shoulder shotten, ne'er legged before, and with a half- cheeked bit, and a head stall of sheep's leather," (1.) Bog Spavin. — This kind of spavin is situated in front of the hock -joint, and is a soft, fluctuating swelling, which rarely ever causes lameness. It is merely an en- largement or distention of the bursal cavity of the joint, and is filled with the natural fluid of the joint, but in- creased in quantity, and j^ossibly, in some cases, a little changed in quality also. (2.) Blood Spavin. — This is the same a« bog spavin, but more extensive, and generally involving the hock-joint on its three sides, front, inside, and outside, and giving to the limb a thick, rounded appearance, called thorough-pin (which see). The swelling is soft and fluctuating, and in- deed there is no perceptible difference in the nature and result of this form of spavin, and the preceding variety, beyond its being more extensive, interfering, perhaps, with the flow of blood in the sub-cutaneous (under the skin) vein, which is seen in front, and partly to the side of the joint, adding very little to the general swelling. Causes. Hard work and fast driving, especially when horses are young. Treatment. The application of the ointment of red if F' ■r 232 DISEASES OF THE HOUSE. iodide of mercury, in the nands of Bome, has done much good ; but the enlargement is apt to return when the horse is again put to work, from the fact that more joint-oil, or fluid is poured out. Acupuncturation, or forcing small steel instruments into the swelling to let out the fluid, is sometimes resorted to, after which a bandage or truss is fitted to the part to press out the fluid that remains, and to cause the adhesion of the parts together. The difficulty in curing soft spavin is the danger of opening into a cavity or joint containing oil (synovia). An old way of treating such disease, is by striking the parts with a mallet, so as to break tlie skin, that the fluid can escape ; the blow given to the skin being so great as to set up adhesive in- flammation, and a closure of the opening. (3.) Bone Spavin.— Consists in the sprouting out of irregular bony matter from the bones of the joint, pre- venting their smooth and proper action over one another, and causing lameness. This bony growth sometimes at- tains a good size, and in some cases we find one or two of the bones only involved ; in others nearly all of them are affected. The situation of bone spavin is on the inside, and in front of the joint. Symptoms. When horses are what is called breeding bone spavin, ordinary persons think and say the lameness is in the hip, (see Hock) from the action which is reflected by the muscles of the hip at every movement made by the liock-joint, and from the fact that there is no enlargement as yet in the joint. The horse is lame on starting, l:ut gets better after a little while, and after standing will start .■^■, me much the horse int-oil, or ng small s fluid, is truss is ains, and difficulty ) a cavity ' treating let, so as the blow esive in- j out of int, pre- another, times at- )r two of them are e inside, breeding lameness reflected ie by the irgement but gets nil start SPEEDY CUT. 233 lame again. In the stable, he shifts one hind leg after another, and when resting the lame leg, he stands on the toe. Pain and lameness cease when the joint is consoli- dated although remaining a little stifl'. (4.) Occult Spavin. — This is a disease similar to bone spavin, the difl'erence being that there is no enlargement of the joint whatever, although the bones of the joint are all diseased, immovable and stiff". This seems to puzzle and perplex horsemen, because they cannot comprehend a bone spavin without an enlargement of the joint outside ; and, consequently, the poor horse is sometimes blistered and tormented in every part of the leg but the right place. The cause, results, and effects of this disease are the same as in bone spavin, excepting that there is no en- largement. Treatment. For the two varieties of spavin, just de- scribed, the treatment should be the same. In young horses, the red iodide of mercury in ointment, is the pro- per treatment. One drachm of bin-iodide of mercury, and one ounce of lard. Mix, and apply once in a week, and lard the parts once a day till the next application. Old horses should have a liniment applied, once every second day, to the j ;\rts. Oil of olives, two ounces ; oil of turpentine, one ounce ; creosote, one ounce ; mix. This will relieve the pain, and to a great degree the lameness. Spavined horses should have un extra allowance of feed, to keep them in condition equal to their more healthy and fortunate neighbours. Speedy Cut. — This is an injury to the knee from the 1: W' 234 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. y shoe of the opposite fore-foot, and is prevented by driving slower, and nailing the shoe on one side only. Treatment. Apply cold water cloths, and if the swelling does not all go away, follow with the application of the red iodide of mercury, in the form of an ointment, once a week, for a few times, and lard or grease the parts till the next application. Boots are sometimes used as a pre- ventative. Spleen Diseases. — The diseases of this organ are obscure, and chiefly consist of enlargements, tubercles, softening, rupture, and tumors. The symptoms attending these affections are not well marked. Splint. — A small bony enlargement, situated usually on the inside of the fore-legs, about midway between the knee and the ^>astern joint. When splint begins to grow, it sometimes produces lameness by stretching the covering of the bone, which, however, soon accommodates itself to the altered structure. Cause. Working horses when too young, and before the leg and splint bone have become united. Hence, splints disappear when the horse grows older, and the unity of these bones takes place. Treatment. One or two applications of this ointment : Red iodide of mercury, or tincture of Spanish fly, one ounce ; oil of croton, twenty drops. Mix, and apply with rubbing. Sprains. — By this term is meant partial displacement ; the twisting of a joint with more or less injury to the ar- II I i SPRAINS. 235 by driving he swelling lion of the ent, once a e parts till id as a pre- organ are tubercles, s attending ed usually htween the ns to grow, he coveiing es itself to I before the Lce, splints e unity of ointment : h fly, one apply with )lacement ; to the ar- ticulations, ligaments, tendons and their sheaths. At times small portions of the bones of the joint are separated. Indeed, every variety and degree of severity is to be seen in sprains of different parts. Every joint is liable to sprain, but the usual or more common sprains will be found in the pastern or fetlock joint, shoulder and its joint, hock, stifle, back and loins, flexor tendon, suspensory liga- ments, etc., produced by a common cause, such as slipping, falling, overwork, the weight of the body, and not unfre- quently the load falling upon a part, when not in its pro- per position for receiving it. Symptoms. Pain, heat, swelling, tenderness and lame- ness, more or less severe, depending on the severity of the sprain, and the part affected. In severe sprains, care must be taken to guard against mistakes, and to form a correct judgment of the nature of the injury, whether it be a real or simple sprain, or whether there be fracture or disloca- tion. Treatment. Absolute and entire rest is the principal point to be attended to in the cure of sprains, for a sprain cannot be cured without rest, no matter what other reme- dies are employed ; and, if there be much fever and ex- citement about the horse, a few doses of aconite will have to be given. Tincture of aconite root, fifteen drops, given three times in the day for two days, will remove fever and irritation. Then apply warm water cloths for three days, followed by cold water cloths for the same length of time, taking the cloths off at night, as it is necessary that water must be poured on the (cloths every hour, or before the (i i 236 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. i : warm ones become cold, and the cold ones become warm. After which the lameness and swelling will have ceased ; or should this not be the case, apply for a few days, once a day, the following liniment : Creosote, one ounce ; oil of turpentine, one ounce ; oil of olives, two ounces ; mix. Be assured the horse is quite well before he is put to work again, as many joint diseases are brought on by mis- managed sprains, which never can be cared. For sprains of different parts of the body see Shoulder and Shoulder Joint Sprains, etc. Staggers. — A disease familiar to every horseman, and of a serious character. It presents different symptoms in different horses, depending altogether upon the extent to which the brain and nervous centres are affected, and whether the variety be mad, grass, stomach, or sleepy staggers. (1) Stomach Staggers. — This is an attack of acute in- digestion, from overloading the stomach ; digestion is arrested, fermentation is set up, and the evolution or giv- ing off of carbonic acid gas distends the stomach and bowels, and presses on the space allotted for the lungs to play in, depriving them of terating the blogd, thereby affecting the healthy action of the brain and nervous cen- tres, and producing death ir from twelve to twenty hours. Treatment. Injections of warm water and soap, and a handful of salt to clean out the bowels, so that the gas can get free passage. Arrest fermentation by dissolving two ounces of the sulphite of soda in a little water, and giving ecome warm, have ceased ; swdays, once le ounce ; oil ounces; mix. he is put to it on by mis- For sprains md Shoulder Wiseman, and symptoms in ihe extent to affected, and 3h, or sleepy k of acute in- digestion is ution or giv- stomach and the lungs to 3Qd, thereby nervous cen- wenty hours, soap, and a t the gas can jsolving two r, and giving STAGGERS; 237 it at one dose, the dose to be repeated every hour. Mix eight drachms of powdered aloes in a little warm water and drench the horse with it to stimulate digestion, and open the bowels. 2. Grass or Sleepy SiiGGBRS. — A chronic variety of stomach staggers, and should be treated as the above variety. 3. Mad Staggers — This is Inflammation of the brain, and is sometimes called Phrenitis. Symptoms. Dullness, followed by excitement and mad- ness. The sleepy stage, or the congestive period passing off, then the madness is seen. The horse unconsciously throws and dashes himself about, and sometimes endea- voui's to climb up the wall. At times ropes will have to be used to keep him from pulling back, and becoming un- manageable, thereby destrojdng harness, carriages, some- times other horses, and even the stable itself The power of a mad horse is great, and a painful sight to see. Finally he becomes exhausted, falls and dies. Treatment The horse is not worth saving, and rarely can be saved ; for nothing can, or will, give relief to a mad horse, but bleeding, and this to so great an extent that life does not rally, and the horse dies, a dull, stupid, and immovable mass, unable to eat or drink. The brain is pressed with fluid and lymph, between the pia mater and the arachnoid. Remove a mad horse, as soon as possible, from anything 01 value, or Ihat can be broken or hurt. Especially re- move him from other horses, so that he may not injure them. i'i * pl 238 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. (, Staked. — ^An accident to some portion of the body, but most frequently to the belly, occasioned by leaping fences, or it may be by the horn of an ox, cow, or bull. Treatment If the injury be at the belly, the wound having entered it to some depth, ascertain, with the fin- ger, whether any portion of the bowels is injured, or has escaped through the opening. If so, and part of them be torn, se with small, fine cat-gut, (such as is frequently used by fishermen who employ artificial flies as bait,) and pass the bowel or intestine into its proper place, closing the wound in the same way as is recommended for rupture of the belly (which see). If the skin is only wounded, treat it as for simple sore. If the wound is in a fleshy part, and the skin peeled or torn from the flesh, it had better be clipped oflf, as it will not unite again, but shrink and dry up ; hence, it is neither advisable to let it hang, nor to attempt to sew it. Trim off the fragments of loose skin, and treat the wound with a weak solution of blue stone, chloride, or sulphate of zinc. (See Medicines and Prescriptions, and Bleeding Wounds.) Stings from Bees, Hornets, etc. — Notunfrequendy we hear of horses losing their li^'^es from irritation and fever, originating from the stings of these insects. Treatment. Take acetic acid No. 8, four ounces ; pow- dered camphor, one ounce ; mix, and dissolve, then rub a portion of the mixture into the parts most afiected. The poison, swelling, irritation, etc., wiU be at once arrested. la an hour afterwards, anoint the parts with sweet oil or ^\ STIFLE ULCERATION. 239 the body, y leaping )r bull, le wound h the fin- ed, or has f them be requentl}'" bait,) and ce, closing or rupture wounded, in a fleshy !sh, it had Dut shrink et it hang, its of loose on of blue icines and frequently tation and ts. ces ; pow- ihen rub a !ted. The 3 arrested, iv^eet oil or lard. As acetic acid may not be at hand in an emergency like this, strong table, or white wine vinegar should be used, without the camphor. Acetic acid of French manu- facture is eight times stronger than ordinary vinegar. Stifle-joint Lameness.— In the article on Hock- joint, I have stated that this form or situation of lameness in the horse, is not so common as horsemen and others suppose it to be ; nevertheless, no part or function can be declared exempt from accident and disease. It is chiefly, however, an aflection of young colts kept on uneven ground, and arises from the wearing away of the toe of the foot, thus inducing dislocation of the stifle, or patella which slides off" the rounded heads of the bones, at every step the animal takes. Treatment. Kemove the horse to level pasture, and have him shod with a shoe, having a projecting piece of iron attached to the toe, which will prevent the bones from sliding out of place, and knuckling at every step. Stifle Ulceration. — This is a disease of the half-moon s-'.aped cartilages of the joint, and is a serious disease, as all joint afiections commonly are. Symptoms, The leg is held firmly somewhat in advance of the other, and is thrown outwards at every step. The joint is enlarged, and the capsular ligament very much distended, especially when the animal's weight is thrown upon it, by holding up the sound leg. Treatr,%ent. Not satisfactory ; as ulceration is generally progi'essive in its character, and frequently destroys the 240 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. %■■ heads of the bones. But the ointment of the red iodide of mercury may be tried. Bin-iodide of mercury, one drachm ; hog's lard, one ounce ; mix, and apply by rubbing with the hand, once a week, for a month. Lard or oil the parts daily, between each application. Stomach Diseases. — (See Gastritis Mucosa, Staggers, Colic and Enteritis). Stone in the Bladder. — Are those concretions named Galouli, formed in the bladder from a diseased condition of the urine. Symptoms. Pain, and occasional stoppage in the stream of the urine before all is passed, and a straddling gait. Treatment Is the province of surgery. Strangles. — This is an eruptive fever, characterized by swelling in and between the bones of the lower jaw, terminating in an abscess. Cause. A specific poison in the blood, which few, if any horses that live ten years, ever escape. It especially attacks young horses, but is often seen in those of increased years. Sometimes, the enlargement or abscess of the strangles is seen on the side of the face, and even on other portions of the body. Treatment. Give the horse grass, or soft feed, and little or no medicine. The appetite will return when the abscess is opened, or breaks of itself This is the great secret in the treatment of strangles. Do not poultice the swelling OS it will only thicken the skin. If anything is to be stha>'(j;l'lation. ' 241 iodide rd, one once a 3etween baggers, 3 named iition of stream gait. icterized rer jaw, 7, if any ' attacks d years, trangles portions ad little I abscess ecret in welling s to be done to hasten the abscess, rub in a little of the ointment of Spanish fly. (See Medicines and Prescriptions.) Stranguary. — This is a name given to the urine, when mixed with blood, and when pain is present while the horse is urinating. Cause. Irritation of the bladder or kidneys, or both, from the use of the Spanish fly, either in the form of a blister, being too extensive, or too near the loins and kid- neys ; also, from the fly being given in an improper man- ner, or in too large doses. Symptoms. Frequent desire to pass urine, which when passed, is in small quantities, and bloody. Pain, irritation, and fever are present. Treatment. To remove the pain, give twenty drops of the tincture of aconite root every three hours, together* with plenty of cold water to drink ; also Laxseed tea, to horn, or drench down the throat of the horse, and sheath the parts from irritating substances. Take equal parts of good mustard and flour, mix with warm water, make into a soft paste, and lay over the region of the kidneys, or small of the back, occasionally moistening it with warm water, and covering it with a dry cotton or linen cloth. Stranglllation. — This is a term applied to a part which is tightened, contracted, or closed. Strangulation and stricture are terms implying different degrees of the same phenomena. Thus we speak of strangulation of the bowels from rupture, and of the glottis or head of the wind-pipe, when, from some cause or other, it ig closed. Death of 242 JJISKASKK OF THK HORSE, i •■i mu. 'Mi ' ' ■i I ii the horse is the result, if no opening be made lower down in the wind-pipe, to admit atmospheric air. Stricture is. that condition of the wind-pipe or glottis which when con- tracted or pressed upon by enlargement of the glands of' the neck, or thickening of its own membranes, diminishes, the space or width of its calibre, giving rise to thick wind iind increased breathing and cough. Stringhalt. — This is an alfoction of the hind leg, and is known from the peculiar way in which the hind leg or legs are raised from the ground — a quick, spasmodic jerk. Causes. These are two fold. First. The loss of nervous influence, whereby the extensor pedis muscle — and possi- bly some others — is deprived of its proper power. Second^ The peculiar anatomical articulation and general structure, of the hock-joint of the horse are such that when the leg- of a dead horse is stripped of its muscles the ligaments are not disturbed at all ,- and if the legs above and below the hock be caught hold of by the hands, and the leg straightened out, the moment the hands are taken from it, it will spring into a bent position, thereby imitating stringhalt, as near as can be. Thus the balance of power is not equal ; the articulary ligaments of the hock are stronger than the muscles of the thigh. Hence, the mo- ment the horse lifts his foot from the ground, the leg is snatcJced up by the power of the articulating ligaments. Treatment. Restore the lost nervous influence ; thereby the' muscles of the thigh are to be brought into healthy action. This will be best done by good feeding, and one. SUNSTROKE. 243 irer down icture is. hen con- jlands of minishes. ick wind leg, and id leg or )dic jerk, f nervous bnd possi- . Second • structure, m the leg: ligaments ind below d the leg n from it, imitating of power hock are 2 the mo- ihe leg is fiments. ; thereby o healthy ^, and ona grain of strychnia nux vomica given daily, for six weeks, in the horse's feed. Stumbling. — Veterinary writers are nearly all silent on this subject, while those who say auy thing about it call it a habit. In this we cannot coirxcide with them, but regard it as a nervous affection — a nervous debility result- ing in atony of the flexor muscles of the shoulder. A stumbler is unsafe, either for riding purposes or for use in single harness when attached to a two wheeled vehicle. Can «"ch an animal be classed as sound ? We think not. Sunstroke — Coup de Soleil. — This disease of late years has become of such frequent occurrence, thatalthough not mentioned by previous veterinary writers, it demands a notice from us. The chief symptoms are exhaustion and stupidity, the animal usually falling to the ground and being unable to go further. To prevent it, allow the horse at short intervals a few mouthfuls of water, and fasten a wet sponge over the fore- head. The sun-shades now used by extensive owners of horses, will go very far in lessening the occurrence of this affection. The following treatment, when attended to at once, in the majority of cases will prove effectual. First. Kemove the horse from the harness to a cool, shady place. Second. Give two ounces of sulphuric ether; twenty drops of the tincture of aconite root, and a bottle of ale or porter as a drench to sustain the vital powers, and to act jis a powerful stimulant in eiiualizii'g tlie cir- \ 4 244 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. culation throughout the body ; whilst, Thirdly. Chopped ice should be placed in a coarse towol, cloth or bag, and laid between the ears and over the forehead, secured in any way the ingenuity of the person in charge may sug- gest. If the legs be cold, bandages will be of advantage. Do not put the horse to work again until he is completely restored. Dumbness is the usual result of a sun-stroke — a species of coma — for which there is no cure. Horses so affected are of little use in warm weather, but are useful in winter. Suppuration. — This signifies the secretion of pus, and is one of the terminations of inflammation. Symptoms. Whenever suppuration is going on to any extent in or on the body of the horse, a shivering fit, si- milar to a chill, will or may be seen, follo\ved in a day or so, either by the discharge of a yellow pus from the nose, or the formation of an abscess on some portion of the body. Suspect suppuration when rigors and shivering occur, especially after accidents of whatever kind. Treatment First. Support the strength of the horse by good feeding, whereby the process will soon be over, and without any complication with it. Second. Do not physic or bleed, for those measures would prevent the process of suppuration from going on in its original place, and, per- haps, drive it to another. (See Matastasis.) Swellings. — These are of different kinds — ^the hard, inflammatory swelling caused by injury, suppuration, and diseased bone ; the soft and fluctuating swelling, which is SYMPATHY. 245 bhopped )ag, and jured in lay sug- Ivantage. ipletely :roke — a [orses so re useful pus, and )n to any ng fit, si- a day or the nose, the body, ig occur, i horse by over, and ot physic process of and, per- ihe hard, -tion, and which is generally circumscribed, and seen in diseases of the joints, as blood spavin, etc., and contain joint oil ; the dropsical, or soft and iiori-inflammatory swelling of many and differ- ent parts of the body, at one and the same time. Each must be treated according to the cause of the swelling. (See Farcy.) Sweenie. — This word or name is so deeply buried in obscurity that researches in every quarter have failed to discover its origin, or secure to it a satisfactory resurrec- tion. It applies, however, when used By horsemen, to a falling away or shrinkage of the muscles of the shoulder, and indicates not so much a lameness in the. shoulder, as it does a disease elsewhere — in the foot or leg, as corns and disease of the pastern joint. Atrophy should be substi- tuted for sweenie, as it is generally sympathetic, and, moreover, means that the body or apart is diminishing in bulk. Treatment Remove the cause of atrophy or sweenie, and the effects will pass away. Sympathy. — That condition which is developed in one part of the system or body of an animal, although not of itself a disease, but is the result of disease or accident happening to some other, or remote portion of the body. This sympathy is communicated through and by the nervous system. A nail in the foot, or a broken bone, is immediately followed by sympathetic fever, and general disturbance of the whole system. Herein Jies the great difference between animal and vegetable life. A branch 24-6 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. I ( I'll of a bush or a tree can be lopped off without any distur- bance to thd life or Jiealth of the main trunk. No such immunity exists in the animal creation. Synovia.— A clear, colorless and viscid fluid, secreted by the liDing membrane of the joints, for the purpose of preventing friction, and allowing an easy motion of the heads of the bones ov^er one another. Synovia sometimes changes in quality, becomes thinner, and gives rise to swellings of the joints. (See Blood and Bog Spavin.) Sjmchronous* — This name is applied to the action or beat of the heart, when it is in time with the beat or pul- sation of an artery. Thoroughpin. — An affection of the hock-joint, accom- pany ing bog and blood spavin, characterized b}? soft, liuctuatin^. swellings, containing fluid or joint oil in in- creased quantity, and an altered quantity. Treatment. The same as for bog or blood spavin (which see). Thumps. — This is spasm of the diaphragm, or the cur- tain which hangs down and separates the cavity of the abdomen, or the belly, from the chest. Cause. Over driving and oppression, paralyzing the ac- cessory nerve, and hence the flapping of the diaphragm. Treatment. Place the horse in a cool, airy place, and allow him plenty of cold water, and if the noise, after an hour or so, does not subside, give two bottles of ale or porter as a drench. .> Tracheotomy. — An o[)oratioii to open the windpipe, TREPANNINO. 247 y distur- No such secreted urpose of )n of the )metimes > rise to ,vin.) action or it or pul- t, accom- by soft, oil in in- n (which r the cur- Y of the ^ the ac- hragm. lace, and after an of ale or andpipe, in cases of closing of that tube by tumor, or thickening of its membrane. It is an operation rarely required, and, moreover, not to be attempted by a nou-profeasional per- son not acquainted with the art and science of surgery. Therefore, we will forego a description of it. Transftasion. — This is the act or operation of trans- ferring the blood of one living animal into the vascular system of another by means of a tube. Mr James Farrel, of Dublin, Ireland, was the first veterinarian, to my knowledge, who employed transfusion to any extent, and to excellent advantage. In cases of debility from blood letting, he has done wonders with it, and has conclusively proved to his countrymen the danger of bleeding horses to cure or prevent diseases. For," in such cases as had not been bled, he had no trouble ; but, in those which had been bled before he was called to them, every one died. TIence he resorted to transfusion, in order to save others * that had been treated by bleeding. The effects of trans- fusif^n is almost instantaneous. Trepanning. — This is an operation for opening into the bones u^ the head or face to elevate or raise a portion of bone which from accident has been depressed or frac- tured. The instrument used for this purpose is called a Trephine. It is designed to cut out a circular portion of the bone, so that a smooth piece of iron is inserted in the hole, and used as a lever to raise the depressed portion to its proper level. I "N '■\. 248 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. Tumors. — Tumors may be defined as circumscribed swellings of different sizes, without inflammation, and differing from one another, according to their situation and their nature. (1.) Encysted Tumors. — This is a variety of tumors often seen about the side of the nose of the horse. It is about the size of a pullet's egg, soft, and elastic to the touch* with no heat, inflammation, or soreness of any kind. Cause. Closing of the sebaceous openings of the part. Hence the elevation, swelling, and filling up of that por- tion of the skin which contains the sebaceous or suet-like matter. Treatment. Open the part with a knife, and inject for a few times into the inside of the tumor a teaspoonful of the tincture of iodide, to kill the walls of the cyst. The surgeon sometimes cuts these tumors out, in the form of a soft ball, without opening them. This requires a steadj'' hand. (2.) Encephaloid. — This term means a brain-like tu- mor, so named from its structure being like that of the brain. It is one of the kinds of cancer which sometimes attack the horse, but is more frequently seen in the dog and ox. Cause. A specific poison in the blood, not as yet well understood. Symptoms. It is solid, hard, irregular in shape, and knotty, with no hair upon its surface, and presenting a smooth and shining aspect. These tumors grow rapidly, and finally break ou thcr top, presenting an angry and TUMORS. 249 imscribed tion, and situation )f tumors rse. It is he touch* nd. the part, that por- suet-like inject for ;)oonful of yst The e fonn of i a stead}-^ i-like tu- lat of the oraetimas 1 the dog yet well lape, and senting a '■ rapidly, igry and noalignant sore or ulcer, which cannot be healed without first removing the entire tumor, with a knife, and treating it as for a simple sore. (3.) Fibroma. — This is a fibrous or v.rarty-like tumor, familiar to most persons, and is attached chiefly to the skin only. It is troublesome only in so far as it is apt to bleed, thereby keeping up a degree of irritation — es- pecially in warm weather, because of the sweat and the flies. Treatment Those persons who have not sufficient nerve to cut them off" with the knife, can take arsenic, one drachm ; hog's lard, four drachms ; mix, and make an ointment ; rubbing in and around the tumor, once a week, a small portion of the salve. In a short time it will fall off". (4.) Fatty Tumor. — This is a variety of tumor of fre- quent occurrence in horses, and is composed of fat as its name indicates. It 'is sometimes called adipose and lipoma by the surgeons of continental Europe. Symptoms. A round, ovoid shape, with a firm feel, but not hard nor elastic, or at least not so much so as the en- cysted form. Treatment. Take a sharp knife, and after getting a twitch upon the horse's nose, and one of the fore legs held up, make a straight cut over the centre of the tumor through the skin only. Then roll out the ball of fat with the fingers ; the knife here is of no use. The simply open- ing the skin, and rolling out the fatty tumor, is called occlusion, and when cleverly done, looks well. (6.) Cancerous. — (See Melanosis.) (6.) Mellanoid. — (See Melanosis.) 1 ':«i L 250 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. (7.) Bony Tumors. — A species of tumor attacking the bom, and is called osiei sarcoma (which see). nza, or catarrhal fever. (See In- fluenza, and Gastritis Mucosa.) T3rph0SUS- — A species of fever at present, perhaps, not very clearly defined, and consequent upon changes that have taken place in the blood of horses — a blood dis- ease resulting in nervous prostration. It is comparatively a new disease, and is, in different parts of tlie country, called and known by various names, according to the chief symptom there observed. It is known in New York as TYPHOSUS. 251 tacking the e). the chief ' York as cerebro spinal-meningitis by those who have seen the dis- ease, because it is thought to be like when a man is affected in the meninges — or membranes which, envelop the brain and the spinal marrow — producing choking disternper, putrid fever, paralysis ofthepar-vaguTn, or pneumogastric nerve, on account of the chief symptom bein^ the inability of the horse to at least voluntarily swallow. The symptomis of this affection in the horse are at first or in the early stage very latent or hidden. The chief of them is in the quiding of the food, as the holding it in the mouth and refusing to swallow ; also, by placing a bucket of water or other fluid within reach of a horse so affected, when he will place his mouth into and agitate it, going through the process of deglutition or swallowing without consuming. This has been the great symptom with those on the Delaware River, at Wilmington, Odessa, Smyrna, Bombay Hook, and also at Cold Spring Harbour, Long Island, New York, in the year 1867, when and where my advice and services were required. The inability to swal- low continues for some days, when, from loss of sustenance, and change in the circulating fluid, th^r i\orse lies or ^alls down exhausted. It should be observed that while horses on Long Island, and on the Delaware flat lands could not voluntarily swallow, they were enabled to do so when drenched out of a bottle, with their heads elevated. This peculiarity, however, may be ascribed to gravitation hav- ing its own way, and to relaxation of the paralyzed mus- cles of deglutition, which, though offering no assistance* rnterposo nothing. Those cases that seemed to live but a r ;it' 252 DISEASES OF THE ^ORSE. few days, as is related by some persons, die because the symptoms are not observed until weakness and consequent inability to stand force themselves to recognition. There are other symptoms that we might mention, but they are alike common to all diseases of an asthenic or low or de- pressed type. It is a disease wherein the vis vitce is ex- tremely low, and it is consequently very fatal — ^time not being allowed in many instances for the treatment to supply, through it and the vis a Tergo, the elements of nutrition. Treatment. In a disease of this kind, where nervous force is almost gone, we suggest the diffusible and more fixed stimulants, with carminatives and tonics — which are embraced in the following formula, to be given, mixed in a bottle of cold water, five times in the twenty-four hours : Powdered carbonate of ammonia, three drachms; powdered capsicum, two drachms ; powdered pimenta berries, four drachms; tincture of nux vomica, twenty drops; mix. Drench the horse with cold water several times daily, ad- ding sixty drops of commercial sulphuric acid to assist in sustaining the flagging powers of life. Corn meal may also be given in the same way, and for a like purpose. By way of experiment, galvanism or electricity may be employed over a bhstered surface made along the pneu- mograstic nerve on each side of the neck. Injection j en- dermically — under the skin — with strychnine may result in gaining time for other measures to become eflfectual as a cure. The causp of this disease in horses does not differ, we UTCERS. 253 scause the consequent m. There it they are low or de- vitce is ex- time not atment to ements of re nervous and more -which are , mixed in four hours : ; powdered erries, four rops; mix. I daily, ad- o assist in meal may irpose. by may be the pneu- ictioE J en- nay result ffectual as differ, we think, materially from those that give rise to like diseases in men ; for on the shore opposite to Long Island in 1867, and the very time horses were affected with the disease, over 400 deaths were recorded in the human family from an affection similar to paralysis. The prevention of this disease, like many others that affect domestic animals, is more easily accomplished than the cure. Use dry stables ; also good feed, in which a drachm or two of the sulphate of iron, or five grains of arsenic should be mixed, and given once daily, when such diseases are in the vicinage, for eight or ten days at a time. \ \ Ulcers. — I do not intend to speak of internal ulcers, as of the brain, chest, or belly — they being beyond the skill of the most learned, much less the non-professional reader — but will confine myself to external ulcers, as of the skin and flesh. (1.) Healthy Ulcers. — ^These are generally the result of an accident, or incision with a knife, or other instru- ment. Every sore which does not heal by what is mlled the first intention, but suppurates, is called a healthy ulcer. Treatment Most healthy ulcers will heal of themselves : at most all that is required to be done, especially in warm weather, is to keep the granulations (which see,) from growing too fast, and above the level of the skin ; and for this purpose apply a solution of blue stone, or chloride of zinc as follows : Chloride of zinc, four grains ; rain water. 254 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. I i. ^ } 1 one ounce ; mix. Or, powdered blue stone, two drachms ; rain water, eight ounces ; mix. One of these mixtures may be applied once a day, just sufficient to moisten the sore, and keep proud flesh down. The simple ointment of the drug stores is a good healing salve, and should always be in the house and at hand. In neglected sores, and when proud flesh has grown up above the level of the skin of the healthy part, take a stick of caustic potassa, and hold one end with a piece of cloth, or stick one end in a goose-quill, and touch the sore with the other end of the caustic a few times, till the proud flesh turns black. Repeat at another time, if necessary. Keep the caustic in a tightly-corked bottle, or else it will be dissolved into fluid when next wanted. Sewing the lips of wounds and sores together is not now much practised, as the stiches are apt to rot. and the parts swell, in consequence ofwhich the sewing gives way, thereby aggravating the sore. Adhesive plaster is also not advisable, as when it is put on over the sore, it prevents the proper fluids thereof from being discharged, and the moisture serves to loosen the plaster. (2.) Indolent Ulcers. — This variety of ulcer or sore usually attacks the skin of the legs and heels of horses, (see Phagadena, Grease, and Farcy,) eating down into or below the surrounding surface. It is covered with a whitish-grey matter; and, in some few cases, small red spots are seen through the white covering. These are granula- tions, and are possibly unhealthy ones. (See Frost Bites.) ■■1¥>- VAKICOSE. 255 drachms ; mixtures oisten the intment of Id always grown up ke a stick e of cloth, sore with )roud flesh ry. Keep it will be her is not )t. and the ?ives way, Q it is put 3reof from oosen the er or sore of horses, n into or d with a [ red spots 3 granula- Dst Bites.) Cause. A bad habit of the body and blood : poor feeding, and debility. Treatment. Apply powdered blue stone to the ulcer, to eat off the unhealthy surface. Then apply a poultice for the night, made of any soft, moist material — say boiled turnips, carrots, or bran and flaxseed meal, made with a little warm water. The face of the poultice should be covered with powdered charcoal or brewers' yeast. Con- tinue the treatment with an occasional poultice, and the solution of blue stone. Feed the horse well, and give half-ounce doses of the sulphite of soda, once a day, to , purify and enrich the blood. (3.) Irritable Ulcer. — Example : Sores on the pas- tern-joint irritated by the flies, heat and sweat of summer. Symptoms. Cannot be touched without they bleed ; angry-looking, and very sore ; highly inflamed, and ex- tremely vascular. - Treatment. Difiicult to cure during warm weather, but easily healed in moderate weather, when there are few or no flies. Dress the sore with oil of olives, one ounce ; creosote, half an ounce ; oil of turpentine, half an ounce ; mix, and apply to the sore with a piece of soft cloth, once a day. Do not let any of the mixture run down on the hair, which will, if so treated, fall off. Varicose. — The enlarged vein on the hock-joint, caused by bog and blood spavin. ^(See Spavins and Tumors.) 256 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. i: h ( ' i Ventilation. — Few persons are aware of the vast im- portance of pure, fresh air, in the maintenance of health, and the prevention of disease, in both man and beast. However necessary pure air is in health, it is still more so to an animal when sick from fever and disease ; and in- deed there are diseases in which no treatment can or will be successful, no matter how skilfully directed, without pure, fresh air and cold water to drink. Show me a badly ventilated stable or barn, and I will show you in the spring of each year horses fevered and diseased. (See Disinfectants.) Coughs, colds, lung fever, influenza, grease scratches, farcy and glanders, are the results of bad ven- tilation. Who has not heard with horror of the Black Hole at Calcutta, in which one hundred and forty-six men were confined for a few hours without ventilation, and only twenty-three survived the short confinement. Horses confined only for a few hours without ventilation, as was the case in two military expeditions sent out by England — one to Quiheron, and the other to Varna — in which the hatches of the ships were put down, and only for a short time, but sufficiently long to produce glanders in aliiiost every horse. Hence, it will be perceived that, with- out good ventilation, a high standard of general health cannot be maintained very long. Veterinary Biography. — The increased facilities for receiving and transmitting intelligence in all parts of the world make it desirable in a book, designed, as this is, for VETERmARY BIOGRAPHY. 257 le vast im- of health, and beast, itill more so ; and in- can or will id, without Show me a jhow you in seased. (See enza, grease of bad ven- CK Hole at ix men were )n, and only at. Horses ition, as was by England a — in which d only for a glanders in d that, with- ineral health facilities for parts of the Eis this is, for the non-professional reader, that something should be said of the persons, whose opinions have had some weight, con- cerning the cause, treatment and prevention of diseases of stock, throughout the world. The history of veterinary medicine, has a claim to greater antiquity even than that of domestic medicine, which few will deny ; or else why should Vegetius have uttered these words : — " Avs veteri- naripost medicinum secunda est" and write a book in VIII volumes, entitled " De arte Veterinaria." And fur- ther, we are assured through the writings of Homer, 1000 years before Christ, that this science had an existence in his day ; and this is also corroborated by Herodotus 500 3'ears later. Simon, the Athenian Farrier, was practising the art as it then existed, fully 300 years before Galen, and about 500 years before Celsus, the Roman physician, had yet lived. It was by order of the Greek Emperor, Con- stantius, of the seventh century, that the various writings upon the subject were] collected, and arranged under the the title, Hyppocratika, and were translated from the original Greek into Latin, by Dr. Ruelle, in the latter part of the fourteenth century, by order of Francis the First, King of France. Ramazzini, of Italy, Sauvage, of France, and Camper, of Germany, form the connecting link between ancient and more modem times — or to the advent of Charles Vial de Sain Bell, the founder of the first vet- erinary college in England, in the year 1792. Sain BeU was a man of ability, a good reasoner, clever, and very brilliant. He died before much progress had been made in establishing the college. He was succeeded by a dashing R 258 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. young medical student named Coleman, a favourite of Sir Astley Cooper, the great surgeon ; but it is by no means clear that he was regarded, by the celebrated John Hun- ter, as filling the chair of so illustrious a predecessor in a satisfactory manner. However, he was the means by which veterinary science made considerable progress. The grave, some years ago, closed over his mortal remains ; but his writings are much thought of, and quoted by some although many other writings, more modern, are in the hands of the public. Where there was but one great teacher, there are now many and able. Among them is Wm, Youatt, who is known wherever the English language is spoken. He is a clear and indefatigable writer, and a great and constant advo- cate of bleeding, and blistering, in nearly every disease. Many publishers and others have tried to elevate his works to the new idea of a rational and successful system ; yet, withal, much inconvenience and loss, to the agricul- turist, has resulted from consulting his works, in cases of sickness and disease. He was a bold and daring man. Many times he allowed himself to be bitten by mad-dogs, and, strange to say, never suffered from canine rabies. James Beart Siramonds, who is still living, is known in this country by his report, to the British Parliament, on the rinderpest. He is professor of cattle pathology to the Royal Veterinary College, and a man of ability. Charles Spooner, principal of the college known to the readers of the E^yal Agricultural Society's Journal, is also prominent. The Scotch are well represented by Pro- VETERINARY BIOGRAPHY. 259 irite of Sir no means Tohn Hun- lessor in a means by [gress. The remains ; M by some are in the re are now 10 is known e is a clear pant advo- [ry disease, jlevate his hi system ; le agricul- in cases of aring man. mad-dogs, i rabies. 3 known in iament, on ogy to the r • 3wn to the Journal, is 3d by Pro- fessors Dick, Dun, and Gamgee. Mr. Dick is the founder of the present Edinburgh College, and veterinarian to the Highland and Agricultural Society. Mr. Dun is sound, and learned, and has carried off more prizes on veterinary agricultural subjects, than any other man. The Irish agricultural interests are protected by Messrs. Ferguson, and Farrel. Edward Mayhew is an invalid, and has confined himself to book-making. He has shown the world well, how a man may write books, when he knows nothing of the subject he is writing about. In his works, the book-making tact is seen to advantage, and they bear many evidences of cleverness. France is well and creditably represented by Reynal and Boulay ; and Germany, by Herring. The United States has made great progress in veterinary' science, within a few years, and especially in regard to the treat- ment of disease. The various State agricultural societies and farm schools are doing much in the way of advanc- ing the cause of a rational system of animal medication, throughout the land. The Philadelphia Society, for the Promotion of Agriculture, the .oldest society of the kind in the country, has long been a powerful patron of veter- inary science. The Pennsylvania Farm School orders a course of lec- tures to be delivered before the class, each session. The New York State Agricultural Society's efforts are gigan- tic, practical, and in the right direction. The secretary, B.P. Johnson, Esq., is well known throughout the country, as devoting his life to the cause, and advancement of agri- 260 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. II culture, in the its auxiliary branches. Ma^sachucetts has spoken no less ably through Mr. Flint, her secretary. Ohio, and other States of the Union, might be named in this connection, but space will not permit. Veterinary Colleges. — These do not seem to flourish in this country ; the one r t Boston has long ago closed its doors. In Philadelphia, the "Merchants' Veterinary Col- lege," bids fair, however, to be quite a success. It is under the guidance of Prof. Robert McClure, to whom all in- quiries, in regard to the college, should be addressed. Diplomas are issued on the first of March, each year, to studento and honorary members. Veterinary Surgeons— Veterinarians.— Terms in use or applied to persons whose calling is to cure diseases among domestic animals. Veterinary surgeons are not unlike domestic physicians — many of whom are mere apologies in their profession. This is not so because of inferior education to those who have risen to distinction as successful and skilful in practice ; but chiefly from a want of natural adaptability to the profession they Iiave chosen, mistakably for themselves, and a source of disap- pointment to their patrons. Thus Mr. Greaves, the present President of the London College of Veterinary Surgeons, and one of the most ex- pert and successful members of his profession to be found in any country, says, in the Veterinarian, (periodical) that among the ceitified pupils leaving college, many cannot even tell which leg a horse is lame in. Again, he says 3tts has 3retary. imed in urisllin osed its ly Col- is under I all in- dressed, year, to rms in diseases are not re mere cause of tinction J from a ey have f WARRANTY. 261 hUU- London nost ex- )e found al) that cannot he says that on account of this, and the want of confidence of the public in them, the prctctlcal man, though ignorant, is preferred to the practitioners who write M. R. C. V. S. L. after their name. This then is the present status of the profession, at least in so far as the English College is con- cerned, and it is too much so everywhere. To ensure a uniform standard of efficiency in veterinarians, we inva- riably make a preliminary examination of each person before admission to studentship. This examination is not in the abstract sciences, but in those matters, the posses- sion of which, when put together, form common sense, or a good judgment of things and phenomena. It is for the want of such merit in the purely scientific, that little or no room is left for practical matters and their application. The science of Gamgee did not discover the cause of Texan Fever; whereas, we think if he had but stopped to look at common and unhidden things, the apparent mys- tery would ere this time have been closed up. We would not, however, under-rate science; for when it is associated with good judgment, it is the key to success in veterin- ary medicine and surgery. We desire to add, in this con- nection, the lamentable fact that in cities and large towns, and indeed all over the country, persons will be found who call themselves veterinary surgeons, and practise as such without qualification — having neither legal, moral, nor educational attainment. Warranty. — A form of certificate given on the purchase or payment for a horse. Thei'c is nothing mysterious nor Mi 262 DISEASES OP THE HORSE. II : i yet of much importance as to the form of a warranty. The best forms amount to nothing, in the eyes of the law. Horses are like other merchandise. If not as represented, damages or difference in value can be obtained by a pro- cess of law, providing the seller can be found and has property which can be levied upon. 'Tis true, in such a case, an action in tort may be brought whereby if payment is not made, he can be sent to prison for a while, or till he can claim the benefit of the Insolvent Act. Few persons will bring an action at court for swindling or getting money under false pretences, by horse dealing, for it will be difficult to maintain such an action, and get a verdict upon it. (See Soundness.) Weeping eye- — As its name indicates, this is a flow of tears from the eye down the side of the face, instead of through their proper channel. ' Cause. Obstruction in the lachrymal sac, or nasal duct, from a disease called fistula lachrymalis. Treatment. This is the province of the surgeon and anatomist. Wheezing- — This is a sound given from a horse hav- ing enlarged glands, or thickening of the membrane of the wind-pipe, or the glands pressing upon the head de- creasing its calibre. Whistling is caused by the same al- teration of structure in the windpipe. Wind GallS- — Are soft but elastic swellings or er^Iarge- ments. They are non-inflammatory in character, and are produced by the same cause, governed by the same laws, STOMACH BOT. 263 kranty. Ithe law. isented, a pro- land has I in such Jreby if I a while, t. vindling dealing, and get is a flow istead of sal duct, ;eon and rse hav- brane of lead de- fame al- s^large- and are 110 laws. and present the same phenomena as bog, blood spavin and other enlarged or distended bursa of joints, which are all produced by, and are evidences of, hard work. No treatment for thern will be satisfactory, as they will return again even if they have been removed. Worms- — The worms which inhabit the body of the hoTse are of many varieties. Some of them are harmless, while others interfere with his health. They are, 1st. The bot or oestrus equi, found inhabiting the stomach. 2nd. The oestrus Hcemorrhoidalis or Fundament bot, found in the rectum, and often seen about the anus, and under the tail . 3rd. The strougylus, and Filaria, found in the aorta, and other blood vessels. 4th. The ascarides vermicularis, found in small cells within the mucous cov- ering of the coecum, or blind gut. 5th. Filaria, found in the aqueous humor of the eye. Stomach Bot. — ^These worms are the result of turn- ing horses out to pasture in the summer months, and are produced from the eggs laid or glued to the fore legs of the horse, by the bot fly. Symptoms. An unthrifty coat, and loss of uesh after a run at grass, may be taken as an indication that bots are present within the stomach. Treatment. Improve the condition of the horse, so that the debilitating effects of the bots' presence may not in- terfere with the general health and condition of the hors» for it must be borne in mind that no medicine can, or will, dislodge or destroy these parasites short of killing the 264 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. < horse, also. Once the eggs are in the stomach, which seems to be the natural nursery both for their protection, and the propagation of their species, they cannot be re- moved by force. In one year from the time the eggs are taken into the stomach, will the bot be a perfect chrysalis* and will fall from the coats of the stomach, and be expelled with the excreta or dung. In a short time after, it will be provided with wings, and fly about, commencing the propagation of its species, which must pass through the same period of probation or incubation, as its pr')genitors. Give iron and gentian, in addition to good feeding, to prevent the bots from debilitating the animal too much. Take powdered sulphate of iron and gentian root, each three drachms ; mix, and make one dose, to bo repeated twice a week. (2.) Fundament Bot. — Like that of the stomach, but also the result of a run to the grass. Instead of the eggs being deposited upon the legs, they are stuck to the muzzle or lips of the horse, and are the color of the skin, hence not often seen. Symptoms. The following year, during the' summer months, the larva of this species will be seen sticking about the anus, and under the tail, which in spirited horses prove a source of great uneasiness and irritation. Treatment. Injections of linseed oil, or tobacco smoke. (3.) Strongylus. — This variety, and a species ot Filaria, are sometimes found in the blood vessels, and are .'jimilar in the effects produced in the horse, to those seen in sheep affected with rot. WOUNDS. 265 h, which otection, ot be re- eggs are ;hrysalis> expelled r, it will cing the ough the 'genitors. :ding, to oo much, oot, each repeated lach, but the eggs : to the the skin, summer sticking i horses smoke, jcies of and are >se seen Cause. Feeding on wet and marshy land, and pasture having been flooded with water. Who has not heard of the effects produced from this cause, in animals grazed upon the course of the river Nile, in Egypt, after each in- ui*. ation ? Treatment Support the strength by good, generous feeding, and give iron and gentian, each two or three drachms, once a day, removing the animal to high and dry pasture. (4.) ASCARIDES. Cause. A bad habit of body, called cachexia and chlo- rosis. Treatment. Give iron, gentian and arsenious acid, in the following manner : Powdered sulphate of iron, two drachms ; gentian root, two drachms ; arsenic, five grains ; mix, and give in one dose in mixed, cut or soft feed, twice or three times a week. Wounds. — They are divided into simple, incised, con- tused, lacerated, punctured and poisoned. Wounds are more or less dangerous, when entering the chest and belly ; as are also poisoned wounds, or those from the bite of a mad dog. (See Bites.) Wounds following by bleeding will be found treated of under the article on Bleeding (which see). Contused, lacerated and punctured wounds .are gener- ally followed by suppuration (which see) which should be encouraged by warm poultices applied to the parts, and should bo ke|)t freely open to allow the ])us free escape. I m I t 1 ^GQ DISEASES OF THE HORSE. Wounds entering the belly or chest should be treated by placing a pad over the part to exclude the air, tbliowed by the application used in simple wounds. Keep down pain by giving twenty drops of the tincture of aconite root, three times a day, for two days only. Poisoned wounds will be found treated of under the article on Bite of Mad Dog (which see). Zoology. — That part of natural history which treats of the structure, habits, classification, and habitations of all animals, from man to the lowest of all the tribes. -^..«..^- ireated by liowed by [own pain lite root, wounds |;e of Mad treats of 3ns of all DISEASES OF CATTLE. npHIS part of our work is devoted to the explanation and treatment of the various diseases affecting the ox, to- gether with an account of the diseases incident to milch cows and young calves. Cattle diseases are, in many particulars, similar to those of the horse. Thus inflammation, irritation and fever, are common to all animals. Still, however, there are many dis- eases affecting cattle, in which we fail to find a counterpart in any disease attacking horses. Among such diseases we may mention those of contagious typhus, or rinderpeM ; epizootic aphtha, or the murrain ; splenic apoplexy and quarter evil, or the black leg. The manner or mode of treating disease in the ox differs no more from that employed in the case of the horse, than one disease differs from another. For it must be remem- bered by every person who undertakes to give medicine to al O I r UJ H m fi O jD O of O I I- ABORTION. 269 an ox or a cow, that they have four stomachs — 1. The rumen, or paunch ; 2. Tlie reticuluTn ; 3. The mani/plus ; 4. The ahomasum. For this reason, or, as it were, peculi- arity, cows or oxe'^ should, under every condition, be treated with medici r^e .a Jlaid form only, so that it may pass from one stoi pcli to another without injury, andii: the shortest possible time. By giving medicine in the form of a solid — ab is sometimes given to the horse — in place of its fin. ag the way into any of the stomachs, it is more likely to break through the floor of the cesopha- gean canal, (a platform at the bottom of the gullet) thus not only losing the medicine, but at the same time destroy- ing the animal. In cases of abscess, tumours, sores or ulcers, etc.,in cattle, and where the description and treatment is not full enough, or not given at all, the reader is requested to turn to the Diseases of the Horse, in the preceding part of this work, where he will find ample information upon these subjects. (1.) Abortion. — An affection peculiar to cows, and chiefly attacking those that are kept in the neighborhood of cities and large towns, and in the vicinity of cheese factories. It is rarely seen to any extent in the herds of the breeder and agriculturist. It consists in the cow part- ing with her calf at any time between the first month of conceptitui and the last month of gestation. Premonitory Symi^toms. By these the event is at times clearly foreshadowed. They are extremely deceptive and uncei-tain, however, and difler materially with the cause of li 270 DISEASES OF CATTLE. the trouble. In those cases which resemble an epizootic (epidemic) disease in their course, a short, inaudible, invol- untary cough is observed, while, by auscultation of the neck, a slightly roughened sound will be heard in the bronchia, accompanied by weakness of the body. Indeed, the symptoms of this occurrence, when not of sporadic origin, are weakness and debility. This debility and weak- ness, to most persons, will prove deceptive, because the blood is, or has gone under a morphological change ; and then, and then only, do the calf attachments to the womb or uterus of the mother separate. The cow brightens up, and feels as it were a life de novo, though carrying her dead offspring — which she will continue to do till the fresh stimulus given by the blood that formerly gave life to the calf enables her system to contract the womb, and thereby expel the foreign body. Causes. These should not have remained so long a mys- tery, when we consider how difficult and unreasonable it is for us to expect the cow to thrive and do well when placed in an anomalous condition — one totally foreign to her species — a " factory hand," as much so as the veriest operative in the mills of Lowell and Lawrence. The true causes, to be brief, are: — 1. Feeding upon slop or other milk secreting materials. 2. Insufficient feed of whatever description. 3. The attempted reproduction of the species, whilst at the same time a drain is being made up- on the system by an excessive and unnatural demand for milk. 4. Irritation of the white membranes of the wind- pipe, changing and weakening the blood. 5. Exudative epizootic le, invol- n of the d in the Indeed, sporadic nd weak- ause the e ; and he womb htens up, ying her : till the gave life |omb, and ng a mys- lonable it '^ell when breign to le veriest The true or other whatever of the made up- tnand for he wind- xudative ABORTION. 271 pleuro-pneumonia, or other debilitating disease. Any of the above named causes, singly or combined, when acting upon an animal placed at so great a disadvantage, as we have shown, will necessarily result in outraged nature choosing her great prerogative between life and death and the perfect proj^gation of her progeny. Prevention. This can readily be done, as every intelli- gent reader will conclude after reviewing the causes. It consists in : 1. Feeding substantial feed, and enough of it, but not excessively sloppy or wet — for in this way, the bowels are kept too loose, relaxing the solids of the body, and thereby inducing over secretion of milk at the expense of good health. 2. Though the cow be unprofitable, allow some feed, gi-adually increasing it in quality, and, if necessary, in quantity, as she approaches the time of calving. By this means the extra demands of nature in the increasing size and wants of the calf will be supplied without at all af- fecting the health or strength of the mother — thus insur- ing a natural parturition. 3. Dry up the milk in all coavs that do not, in the natural order of things, stop secreting milk, say three months preceding their time of calving, by giving sulphate of iron, three drachms, in powder, combined with gentian root ; also, in powder, half an ounce, once daily, mixed in feed, for a week to ten days. No milking should be done, other than to prevent injury to the udder if it becomes, distended. vu J 272 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 4. If there is a cough peculiar to more than one or two cows, allow plenty of good food, with two drachms of the sulphate of iron, and half an ounce each of ginger and gentian, twice daily, to keep the blood in its normal state, to prevent relaxation of the solids of the body terminating in exudation, and to promote absorption. When any of the cows have been sick of pleuro-pneu- monia or other disease, cure them and keep up the strength by tonics and a generous diet, always bearing in mind that it is poor policy and worse economy to starve animals, especially when suffering from disease. Thus we have mapped out a plan, which, if faithfully followed and put in practice, will accomplish what it is intended to do : and if, in the opinions of others, I am in any way mistaken, I can only say as did .Luther at the Diet of Worms, " hier siehe ich, ich kann nicht anders." (2.) Abortion, Sporadic. — This variety is the result of accident and disease of the womb itself, and is not to be confounded with abortion arising from causes nai led in the preceding article. (3.) Abortion Before Viability. — A variety of abortion occurring within a few weeks of pregnancy, caused by irritation and excitement of the uterus. To pre- vent a recurrence of the annoyance, change the pastures or feed of the cows before putting the bull among them. RemarJcs. — It will no doubt be remarked that the views herein expressed seem to differ with opinions already given, to some extent, to the public. They are neverthe- less the same in substance that we have heretofore enter- ABORTION. 273 rie or two ms of tho inger and mal state, rminating uro-pneu- up the oearing in to starve 36. Thus y followed 5 intended I any way- he Diet of »e result of ; not to be nailed in variety of icy, caused To pre- le pastures Long them. t the views ns already d neverthe- jfore enter- tained, and they have given satisfiiotion to all who have faithfully put them to test. In my own hands, hundreds of cows in Pennsylvania, in the vicinity of Philadelphia, have not only been prevented from aborting their calves, but prevented from pleuro-pneumonia, also, when both were in the herd at the same time, and immedijvfcely pre- ceding the use of iron, etc. So much does this accom- plish, that Mr. ilorace B. Taylor, a druggist in this city, sells it in quantity according to the receipt as heretofore published by me, and at the instance of Sylvester J. Me- gargee, Esq., a breeder of fine cattle, who has found it all that can be desired as a prophylactic in abortion. In this connection, we woulu • jfer the reader to a lec- ture by the Hon. W. I. Skinner, of Little Falls, N. Y., in 1868, in which was shown the loss of nine calves by abortion, whereas in the use of iron, etc., the trouble was at once arrested. To those who at any time may have found no relief from its use, if there be any such, we can only say that the fact must be attributable to misa[)plica- tion, adulteration, bad material, or, perad venture, to some other cause. We would ask such persons " Do they not find it as profitable to draw milk year in and year out from the machine without interruption — which can be occasionally done by the cow aborting — as from cows carrying their calves to full time, d the consequent loss of three months' milk (althougi' an occasional cow re- main dry as the result of abortion,) when butter, cheese and milk command so high a price ?" The ettorts of others to solve the apparcnt,mystery sur- 274 DISEASES OF CATTLE. roundinff the cause of abortion have been considerable, and the results have been invariably somewhat contradictory, negative, non-committal, or of questionable utility. Thus the New York State Agricultural Society, through its then president, J. S. Gould, presented a memorial to the Legislature of the State, setting forth the evil results re- curring to the dairy interests of the State, and asking for an appropriation to defray the expenses of a commission to investigate the cause, and point out a remedy ; also assuring the I egislature that if the prayer was granted, certain veterinary surgeons and medical men in Philadel- phia, etc., were likely throw light upon the cause, and recommend a cure. Thus, at the very beginning of his efforts, Mr. Gould perpetrates a blunder ; for no veteiinary surgeon or medical man from Philadelphia was employed on the commission. The choice of Mr Gould was J. C. Dalton, M. D., ofNew York, whose report of investigations and their results disappointed many persons who liad entertained high expectations from it! for it proved to be negative, and of little use to the dairy interest. The Society evidently was not satisfied with DaUon's re- port, for next year a new commission was formed with W. H. Carmalt, of New York, at its head, but with no veteri- nary surgeon attached to it. His report was rendered in 18GJ), and though non-committal in character, it contained much valuable information to all interested in the dairy. Amongst the contradictions of the two reports, we will only mention that Dr. Dalton says a cow having once aborted \Hj(?nr times more likely to do so subsequently, ANEMIA. 275 rable, and radictoiy, y. Thus rough its rial to the results re- asking for )mmission ledy ; also IS granted, Philadel- cause, and ning of his veterinary J employed 1 was J. C. 'estigations } who had roved to be rest. The )alton's re- icdwith W. 1 no vcteri- rendcred in it contained n the dairy, rts, we will laving once bsequently, and Dr. Carmalt says that she is about hvice as liable. Have they lieen guessing, or is this discrepancy merely the result of idiosyncrasy ? The experiments of X, A. Willard, Esq. — a leader in all that pertains to excellency in dairy management — in feed- ing his cows " bone meal," are in the right direction but do not go far enough, although apparently successful in preventing tlie recurrence of abortion. By substituting for bone meal that which contains more of the nutritious combined with the astringent in effect would be preferi.ble; but, as we have already intimated, it goes a certain way in meetinjr one or more of the causes of the trouble. Angle Berries. — Warty-like excrescences, which dif- fer from the ordinarj' wart l)y having a stem or neck to them. Treatmemt. Cut them off with a, knife or a pair of scis- sors. Anemia- — This term is applied to a weak condition of cows, sometimes called imint of blood, and is more com- mon than most ])ei-sons are aware of. Cows are not selfish ; the more they get in feed, the more they will generally give in the form of milk and butter. Sijmptoms. AVhitcness and clearness of the lining mem- branes of the nose, mouth and eyes, are .sure indications of a want of blood in the svstem. When this condition oc- curs jis an effect of di.scase as, for instance, that of pleuro- pneumonia, the animal will become hectic, and die in a month or so from the first attack. 276 DISEASES OF CATTLE. J vl,. Trcatmemi. Give the following powders night and mor- ning in cut feed : Powdered gentian root, three drachms ; powdered ginger root, three drachms ; mix, and make one dose. If these powders improve the animal in a week or so, give two drachms of the sulphate of iron in addition thereto. The iron, however, may dry up the milk con- siderably. The case then resolves itself into whether it woidd be better to have a dead cow or a dry one. Good and generous feeding is indicated in this disease. Aptha or Thrush. — This is an eruption in the mouth similar to small bladders and is often mistaken for a con- tagious disease called Epizootic Aptha. Cause. Irritation in the mouth of young cattle from teething. Treatment. If the treatment be at all necessary, a weak mixture of vinegar and cold water will answer; or a solu- tion of alum or alum water applied to the mouth twice a day, will be all that is wanted. Biliary Calculi or Gallstones. — These are of several colors. (].) White Gallstones. (2.) Yellow Brown Gallstones. ('6) Dark Green Gai,lstone.s. — All of which are hard, grooved, and have the odour of musk. Durin/i' the life of the .animal no syniptoins are observed whereby their presence can be detected. This, however, is of little or no consequence, as no treatment is necessary, and thf-y scjircely ever cause the ox any inconvenience. t and mor- drachms ; and make in a week in addition milk con- whether it )ne. Good ;e. the mouth n for a con- cattle from }ary, a weak r; orasolu- )uth twice a •e of several which are During the ed whereby r, is of little •y, and tlwy BLADDER DISEASE. 277 Black Quarter. — Joint Fellon — Quarter Evil. This is a disease peculiar to young cattle, and occurs in the spring of the year. It is characterized by one hind leg and thigh becoming congested, and black with coagulated blood. The other portions of the body retain their nor- mal or healthy appearance. It is sudden in its attack, and death follows in a few hours. Causes. A robust stamina or plethoric condition, and fulness of blood. Treatment. No time for cure. Prevention. This is the most important particular to be attended to. On the first appearance of this disease, give each young animal less than two years, and those above one year of age, a good brisk purge to clean out the bowels. For this purpose, use half a pound of epsom salts in two bottles of water, sweetened with molasses, and add a teas{)oonful of ginger. Put the young stock on high land, and where the grass is not too good. Bladder Diseases. — The ox is not free from disease of this organ. Bladder diseases in 1 278 DISEASES OF CATTLE. ■SM Treatment. Give at once twenty-five drops of the tinc- ture of aconite root, to relieve irritation and pain. Give freely linseed tea and other demulcents, to soothe the kidneys and bladder. In oi-dcr that any earthy matter which may be present in the urdas, kidneys or bladder may be lessoned or destroyed altogether, give sixty drops of muriatic acid once or twice a day in cold water. This, however, should not be ;jiiven whilst there is pain or irri- tation present. Bladder, Prolapsus of the. — Among cows, during and after difhcult cul\ inff, there will be sometimes ob- served a white, shining, watery bag protruding between the lips of the vulva. This is the bladder holding the ir. :ij^ . It is twisted at its neck, and, therefore, cannot be e; 'pitied. Many a good cow has been destroyed by igno- rant persons mistaking this for some of the watcy mem- branes surrounding the ctalf, aiuK therefore, inientionall)j tearing it asunder. Treatment. Carefully examine the distended Ijag, its sliape, and size. Having determined that it is the urinary bladder, carefully cleanse it, if dirty, and ))ass tlie hand j)revi()usly oiled along its surface, ascertaining which way the turn or twist is made. Having satisfactorily known this, take the bladder by the other hand and reverse the turn or twist, and then carel'ully [)ush the bladder back into its phice. Siiould the bliddcr again returr», a tampon — a roll of soft cotton cloth — should be used to plug up the vulva fc SI n V t '^K>>^ .fl|,. BRAIN DISKvVSKS. 279 I the tinc- [11. Give [othe the matter |r bhidder :ty drops ;r. This, 111 or irri- ■i, during times ob- between •Iding the cannot be by igno- e-y mem- ntionally )jag, its e urinary tlie luind liich way y known verse the Ider bsick -a roll of le vulva for an hour or two. If this should not be sufficient, a stick or suture of stout saddler's Silk, or other strong material, should be passed through each side of the vulva with a small packing or darning needle, and be alio wed to remain for a few days. Diseases of the urinary bladder are many, and diverse in their character. Having pointed out the most common forms of disease of this organ, I will simply mention by name others n'bt so often seen, or at all events observed : Distention, causing abdominal pain ; eversion ; extrover- sion; inversion, causing painful urination ; inflammation; paralysis, causing difficult, and in some cases entire stop- page of the urinary flow and rupture of thi; bladder, and polypi in the bladder, causing freer -ent urination, and the urine small in quantity. Milch ^ow" t.ro chiefly the sub- jects of these last varieties of d; iftases of the bladder, which are the real causes of maj.y rn^A'^terious deaths amongst them. Brain Diseases. is the same as mad staggers in the horse Pkrenitis. An iniiammation which It is due to overfeeding in long, wet grass or clover, and distention of the stomach. In rare instances it is caused by the deposit of a wax-like matter within the car that commu- nicates with the brain. Symptoms. The animal is dull during congesti(»n. This is succeeded b} quickened breathing, excitement and de- lirium, the eyes being blood shot!! It is the picture of disease and .sufiering, and il not soon relieved, falls and ( '2H0 DISEASES OF CATTLE. remains in a state of stupor, from which it never recovers. Treatment. In the early stages of this disease, much can be clone by an active cathartic or purge, composed of one pound of cpsom salts, and one pound of table salt, dissolved in four quarts of cold water and sweetened with molasses. Apply ice or ice water to the forehead, warm water bandages to the legs, and tightly clothe the body. Inflammation of the brain is often seen in the fatal form of milk fever in cows, Prittany Cow. — A very small animal, imported from the south of France, and from Brittany itself — which is to the northwest of France, and separates the English Channel from the Atlantic Ocean. M. P. Bellamy, Veter- inary Professor to the Department of Agriculture, at Rennes, La Vache Bretonne — Utile an. liiche, Providence dii Pauvre — " the Brittany cow — useful to the rich, and a blessing to the poor." Some few of these useful little c«»ws have been imported into this country, and, if all be trim which is said in their favour, more of them ought to be iui[)()jted, 'J'hey are repiesented to Ijc hardy and healtli}' ; they can be kept on such food a*} other cows would starve upon, and they can stand a greater amount of hardship) than any other variety. Bronchitis. — This is inilanunation of the winQ-pipe, and even extending to the lungs themselves. There are every variety or severity seen in this disea.se, from the simpli' irritation of the buccal membrane to the intense iniiamniation terminating in the outpouring of serum BRONCHITIS. 281 recovers. se, much I posed of iible salt, ned with id, warm 10 body, ital form ted from which is English y, Veter- Iture, at rovUlence •ich, and ifui Httle lid, if all m ought irdy ard ler cows amount uQ-|)i|)e, liere are i"om the intense t* serum from the blood into the cavity of the chest, resulting, if the cow be with calf, in abortion, and often, among others, in the death of the animal, after a long and lingering hectic fever. Bronchitis, and throat and chest diseases in cattle, are insidious and dccc})tive, for the ox does not, even under the most severe forms of these, exhibit fever and irritation, loss of appetite, etc., which are shown at once when attacking the horse. Not until the disease has made considerable ])rogrcss, does the ox or the cow show symptoms of disease ; so much is this the case, that I have on several occasions pointed out bronchial and chest disease, in milch cows, whilst the owners failed to see anything wrong. Indeed, this is the gi'eat difficulty in the successful treatment of diseases in neat cattle — not getting or apj)lying the remedies at an early stage of the affection. A closer attention, and more careful observa- tion on the part of farmers and others, is almost impera- tively demanded, and more especially should this be the case with dairy people ; for when anything in the least unusual is discovered, such as a very slight grating sound in the wind-})ij)e when the ear is steadily applied, the cow should immediately have some iron, or tonic powders, and all will be well in a few days again ; whereas, if left to itself, serum is exuded, and debility, weakness, and even death may follow. 1 would say to dairy men, study the ficninds in the \vind-i)ipe, both in the sick and well animal, and you will not only perfect your knowledge in this particular, Viut 1 assure you it will be no idle study; for in a short time you will not only be able to detect these 282 DISfcASKS OF CATTLK. insidious diseases, in the beginning, in your cows, but can apply the remedy also, thereby saving yourself from in- convenience and loss, which some can ill attbrd. In this way, you can i)rove to your neighbours, and to the world at large, that cattle diseases are not so difficult to cure after all, and that while others have so long sat and brooded with soured and sullen minds over their losses, and the ignorance and inefficiency of cow doctors, you have obtained a mastery of the situation. Cause. Bronchitis is a disease which rarely attacks one animal only, but usually the most of the herd will have been attacked before it leaves the place, and then it will leave when there are no more victims to seize. These epizootic diseases depend upon what is called atmospheric causes. Such condition usually manifests itself in the sj.ringof theyear,and sometiuies early, in the summer. The peculiarity of the air causes irritation of the fauces of the mouth, throat or windpipe, and, asbefore stated, sometimes extends to the chest and lungs thonselves. Hymittoins. In a week or .so after the attack, a slight husky cough, with weei)ing from the eyes, and a watery discharge from the inner corner of the nose, will be seen ; and by applying the ear to the course of the wind-pipe, a slight, rough and grating sound will be heard. This sound, however, caii be heard from twelve hours after the attack. According to the amount of serum poured out, and wh(^ther the cow be in calf, and how far she is gone in calf, so will the quickness and depth of the breathing be. Bronchitis is the forerunner of pleuro-pneunionia, )ut can om in- [ii this J world to cure at and )i8, you cks one ill have 1 it will These ospheric f in the ler. The js of the metimes a slight I watery be seen ; nd-pipe, 1 This it'ter the I rod out, ) is gone I'eathing jumonia, BHONOHITIS. •283 commonly called the " Massachusetts Cattle Disease." The spotted and solid ap])earance of the lungs of animals having died of this disease, is due to the lungs being so long iunnersed in the serum or fluid, which is poured into the chest, Pathological anatomists are well aware, that if the substance of the lungs liad been the original seat of the disease, the animal so affected would either have died, or have recovered in about forty-eight hours ; where- as, none scarcely die within the first week from the attack, and many live a lingering life of six weeks and two months. Tliis fact cannot be reconciled with the current theory of the lungs being diseased by direct attack. No! They are solidified either from their functions being im- paired by being immersed in and surrounded by fluid {)oured out from the f iljious serous tissue, or from the effects of inflammation of the linings of the wind-pipe, and, perhaps, the liriings of the chest, singly or conjointly, with that of the wind-pipe also. This, I am satisfied, is susceptible of no other theory, or explanation whatever ; and the sooner farmers nnd others think so, too, the bettei it will be for them, Tveahneiit. If the disease be discovered within forty- eight hours from the attack, take from four to five doses of the tincture of aconite root, twenty-five drops to a dose, and give one dose every four hours. If there be uncertainty as to whether the disease has existed longer or shorter, to save time, the aconite may be given along with the following junvders, three times in the day: Pow- dered sulphate of iron, three drachms ; powdered gentian 284 DISEASES Of CATTLE. root, half an oiinco ; powdered ginger root, half an ounce ; powdered suli)hate of soda, half an ounce ; mix, and make a drench, to be poui-ed down the mouth out of a strong bottle. This medicine is-to be continued (omitting the aconite after the fifth dose) till the animal is well, or looks brightei', and eats all it gets. If it be a milch cow, the usual quantity of milk will be given. In addition to the above medicines, give, once or twice daily, half an ounce of commercial sulphuric acid, largely diluted or mixed in half a bucket of cold water. In feeding, care should be taken not to give too much, so as to bring on dangerous indigestion. Cold water and pure air are in- dis})ensable agents in the treatment of this and all diseases of horses and cattle. Bull Burnt. — This is a disejise similar to gonorrhoea in man. Of all the domestic animals, the ox tribe are the only ones which are subject to this disease, more common in hot than in cold weather. Symptoms. In urinating there is uneasiness, and the urine is passed in small quantities ; slight mucous dis- charges from the organ of generation. In the bull, there is at times no desire for copulation, even when it is de- sirable that there should be. This often leads to the discovery of the cause. Treatment. Sei)arate the bull fnmi the cows, and dose the affected ones, including the bull with a purgative of epsom and common salts. Give one pound each, xnixed or dissolved in four quarts of cold water, sweetened with CACHEXIA. 285 ounce . » X, and ut of a mitting well, or ch cow, ddition half an uted or ng, care jring on r are in- diseases rrhoea in 3 are the common and the ous dis- 11, there it is de- 1 to the nd dose itive of , mixed 3d with molasses, and add a little ginger — say a quarter of an ounce. Be assured that both bull and cows are thoroughly cured before the bull is admitted among the cows, for a second attack on the bull will render him useless. Cachexia. — This, properly speaking, may be denomi- nated a bad habit of the body, from faulty digestion, and assimilation of the food taken into the stomach. Symptoms. Morbid or diseased appetite — the animal at every chance licking the earth, stones, lime walls, and other substances, which cows in health would not touch. This disease, like many others, occasionally takes an epi- zootic form, and attacks animals over a large tract of country. More particularly, the animal's coat stares, fol- lowed by a mucous discharge from the eyes and mouth ; milk almost disappears, and what there is of it is very blue and thin. At this stage of the disease, the animal is thin ; the membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes are white and pale, showing the bloodless state to which the beast is reduced. Stiffness of the joints soon presents it- self, consequent upon infiltration of serum into the bursae of the joint, causing much swelling. In certain parts of England it is called the "cripple." Finally, the animal is reduced to a skeleton, and dies within a few months to a year from the first appearance of the disease. Treatment. The first thing to be done is to have the animal removed to high and dry pasture lands, which may be the means of cutting short the disease, before much injury has been done it. Give plenty of salt, and I IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // // ^ '^ 1.0 I.I |Z8 1^ 2.5 ^ 124 us IK 2.2 -US 1.8 L25 iU ill.6 VI 0% /a / '/ w Photographic Sciences Corporation 33 WIST MAIN STRUT WnSTIR.N.V. UStO (716)S73-4503 '^ 286 DISEASES OF CATTLE. t: the preparation of soda and lime, with good food of a nu- tritious quality. A few doses of commercial sulphuric acid highly diluted — say half an ounce by weight, given once a day in half a bucket of oold water— and, if neces- sary, a few doses of iron' and gentian, will arrest the di- sease. Calving. — This is an operation of nature, which most dairymen and farmers are familiar with, and upon which we will say comparatively little. Before we do this, how- ever, a short description of the symptoms, bj^ which it is known when a cow is in calf will be given. Symptoms. The first and most important symptom of a cow being with calf is the absence of oestromania or bulling. This, however, is not altogether relied upon in some cows, for there are cases in which a pregnant cow will receive the bull up to the time of calving. The next, and probably a more sure sign of a cow being with calf, is the increased size of the belly. The hand placed firmly against the flank or portion, where there are no ribs ; a hard, firm body will be felt, which is the calf As time passes along, the movements of the calf in the womb can occasionally be seen. Within a few weeks of calving, the external organs of generation — labia fiidendi — increase in size, and discharge a thick mucus. The udder be- comes swollen, hot, and full of the first milk — colostrum — which is sure iudication that the time for calving is near at hand. This is accompanied by a relaxation of the liga- ments of the pelvis, or, as the dairymen say, " she is down in her bones." I t >fa nu- ilphuric ;, given f neces- , the di- ch most 1 which is, how- ich it is Dtom of ania or upon in ant cow he next, ith calf, id firmly ribs; a As time omb can nng, the -increase Ider be- strum — f is near the liga- is down CALVING, 287 t Symptoms of Im7)iediate Delivery. Great restlessness and uneasiness, shown by lying down and rising up, and increasing in severity, until she has been delivered of a calf From the time of conception, till natural parturition or calving, it is about forty weeks, or two hundred and eighty days. There are, hovv^ever, opinions at variance with these dates, founded upon the sex of the calf If a male, it is carried longer than if of the opposite sex. These opin- ions form ground for debate, therefore we v< ill drop theo- rizing. Natural Calving. — This resembles the fruit when ripe, breaking from its attachment to the parent tree, and falling into the lap of mother earth. If the pelvic bones are well or proportionably formed in the cow, and the presentation and size of the calf be right, no trouble need be apprehended, and the cow may be left to herself The natural presentation, at full time, and of a full-grown calf, is as follows : The amnion, or waterbag, having been rup- tured or broken, there will be seen the fore legs and head of the calf resting upon the two feet, and protruding a little. If, however, the cow should labour long with the calf in this position, and she is weak and thin in flesh, she may be assisted. This can be done by taking hold of the two feet and part of the head, and when the cow makes an effort to strain, pull at the calf If sufficient force cannot be applied by the hands, then place a soft but stout rope round the feet of the calf, and apply traction or force. Before any force whatever is used, be sure that the mouth Hititimm 288 DISEASES OF CATTLE. i of the womb is sufficiently dilated ; for if this be not the case, then by using force the womb is torn or ruptured, and the death of the cow is the result. Be patient, and time — the prover of all things — will also prove the wisdom of waiting. If after delay, however, both cow and calf should be lost, be consoled by the fact, that it is likely the one or both would have been lost any way ; for there will be found some one or other of these malformations, either in the pelvis or arch of the pubis of the cow, or an undue proportion of the size of the calf to the pelvic arch through which it has to pass, to be delivered. In all cases where the calf presents itself in the form above described, and delivery is not effected, rest assured that the pelvic arch of the mother is too small or too narrow. If that be not the case, the calf is over size, from water in the head, (Hydrocephalus,) or water in the belly, (Dropsy) or both of these conditions combined, which is seen by veterinary surgeons, in large country practice. Before a calf of this description can be delivered, and the cow relieved, the head of the calf must be pierced, to lessen its size, then a long spear-like instrument — trocar — is used to pierce the belly or abdomen of the calf, to empty the fluid to lessen also its great size. When that is properly done, and the cow is not too greatly exhausted, she may complete the delivery without further assistance. Twin Calves. — Twin presentations are as various as they are curious. Thus we sometimes see a fore leg of one calf and the hind leg of the other. In this condition of things, it must be evident that no force should be used be I Sii foi cal tM CALVING. 289 not the •uptured, Lent, and 3 wisdom and calf likely the there will )ns, either an undue 1 through ,ses where ibed, and )elvic arch bat he not the head, /) or both veterinary veered, and pierced, to nt — trocar the calf, to When that exhausted, assistance, various as fore leg of is condition uld be used to bring them away till each calf is properly adjusted in its position. The best and quickest way is to adjust the calf which first presents itself, and if portions of the other be presented also, push them back into the womb. When one calf is safely delivered, not much difficulty will be ex- perienced with the other. Unnatura-L Presentations. — We have now arrived at that portion of our subject which, more plainly talking has reference to when the calf is being forced into the neck of the uterus or womb in any form except the natural position already described. The unnatural position of calves, about to be delivered, is happily rare, and forms the exception to the natural law of presentation. However rare these preseatations are, they nevertheless are some- times seen. Thus the feet are presented, and the head of the calf doubled on its neck, and in the womb. This con- dition is best remedied by tying a rope round the fore feet, or both together, and raising the hind parts of the cow off" the ground ; thus forcing the calf down to the fundus or bottom of the womb. This being done, reach the hand in and seize the calf by the head, and bring it with you, while an assistant is pulling upon the rope at- tached to the fore legs. By adopting this plan a safe and speedy delivery will be effected. English veterinary surgeons, with Professor Simmonds at their head, say this is the most dangerous form of presentation, involving the life of both cow and calf. Why do they say so, and how does it prove so to them ? Because they vainly endeavour by force to bring T 290 DISEASES OF CATTLE. the head of the calf into the neck of the womb, whem th^re is no room to do so, without first elevating the hind portion of the cow sufficiently for the calf to fall to the bottom of the womb, where there is plenty of room to turn, not only the head, but the whole of the body also. Another form of malformation is, where we have the head and neck within the neck of the uterus or womb, without the fore feet and legs. The only alternative in this case is to remove the head by cutting it off from the neck ; leaving, however, sufficient skin for attaching a rope to it. But if the head has not fairly passed out, an attempt should be made to put it back into the womb again, and not bring it out. Before pushing it back, fix a rope round the lower jaw. The legs one by one should be searched for by the hand, and when found secured bjr another rope. After both fore legs and head are thus fairly within the grasp, use traction or gentle force, and take ad- vantage of every strain made by the cow, and by these means the calf will be safely delivered The next unnatural form consists in the presentation of one or oth '' of the fore legs, where the nose is pressed downwara^, and the crown of the head only is seen or felt. Secure the leg which is seen by a cord, push on the crown of the head or elevate the hind parts of the cow a little, to force the calf slightly down in the womb; then pass a cord round the lower jaw, and find the other fore leg securing it by a rope. The rope attached to the jaw should be first pulled to straighten the head on the neck, then the cord attached to the legs should be pulled CALVING. 291 nab, whem g the hind, fall to the >f room to ody also, e have the J or womb, }ernative in )fffrom the attaching a 3sed out, an the womb it back, fix one should secured by ■e thus fairly and take ad- and by these esentation of ose is pressed is seen or felt, on the crown ow a little, to ; then pass a )ther fore leg d to the jaw L on the neck, Id be pulled simultaneously, and the head and feet as they are pre- sented should be guided by the hands of ! an assistant until the head and both fore legs have fairly entered the proper channel. The next presentation iswhat is called a fcreec^ presenta- tion— the tail and buttocks are here presented for delivery, which, of course, cannot be effected in such position. The only chance of a safe delivery is to get hold of the hind legs, which is not easily effected ; but perseverance, as- sisted by ingenuity, can do much, when it is well known what is required. In this case, get hold of both hind legs, and when they have been secured, and brought into the proper channel, delivery can be easily effected. The next and last presentation which we notice, is where the crown of the head is presented, and the calf is lying upon its back. This is a tedious labor, and to effect a delivery at all, the calf must be turned, which, by the by, is not an easy task ; still, however, it can be done by securing the head and fore legs with a rope. Should all efforts fail, do not exhaust the strength of the cow, but hasten to detach the legs of the calf, opening its belly, and in some cases, the head also, to lessen its size, thereby securing the delivery of a mutilated calf, but a living cow. The subject is far from being at this point exhausted, but we have gone sufficiently far for our pages. We will now proceed to another subject connected with calving, and that is the retention of the after-birth, or retentio secun- dinariuTYi, as it is called, or, as the dairy folks say, the cleansing of the cow. I 292 DISEASES OF CATTLE. Retention of the Placenta, or After-birth. — If the cow has gone her full time with calf, and is in a healthy condition, the after-birth will not be retained long after she has given birth to her calf When a cow does not cleanse properly, and within a reasonable time, there is then something otherwise wrong with her health, such as debility and want of vitality in the system. It is this* that must be looked to, and not the want of timely cleans- ing that demands attention, as being the cause of the cow not doing well after calving. Remedy these existing causes, and the cow will cleanse properly enough. Con- trary to the generally received opinion of farmers and others, the retention of the after-birth for a day or two will do no harm, provided that decomposition does not take place with the after-birth ; for in such cases, the whole system of the cow is apt tq be contaminated and poisoned. Treatment. Cows not having cleansed properly within twenty-four hours after calving, should be given the fol- lowing mixture ; Epsom salts, die pound ; powdered gin- ger, one ounce ; powdered foenugreek, one ounce ; caraway seeds, half an ounce ; mix, and give in three or four bottles of warm ale, porter or warm water, sweetened with mo- lasses. This mixture not having the desired effect in twelve hours, the hand, well greased, should be intro- duced, and the after-birth at the attachments, called coty- ledons, gently pressed. This must not be accompanied with much pulling, as pressure with the finger and thumb will be aU that is wanted. This operation may be fol- BIRTH.— If nd is in a iained long a cow does time, there ealth, such It is this* lely cleans- of the cow se existing ugh. Con- irmers and day or two n does not 1 cases, the linated and )erly within ven the fol- wdered gin- ce; caraway ' four bottles id with mo- ed effect in id be intro- , called coty- Eiccompanied i- and thumb may be fol- CATARRH. 298 lowed by giving the cow a little warm ale or molasses water, with half an ounce of powdered ergot of rye; and in half an hour, an additional half ounce. This will cause contraction of the womb, and expulsion of the placenta. When decomposition or putrefaction of the after-birth has taken place, which is known by the black color, the womb should be well Vashed out with a weak solution of chlo- ride of lime. Administer, also, by the mouth, one ounce, three times in the day, of sulphite of soda for a week, to neutralize any of the poison of putrefaction, that may have been absorbed into the blood. Give the cow good and nutritious feed to support her strength. Symptoms of Blood Poisoning. The absorption of putrid matter into the blood is immediately followed by fever, of a low type, called typhoid, and if not speedily checked, * will be succeeded by typhus, from which the animal can- not recover. Treatment. Give the sulphite of soda in the manner spoken of above, combined with two drachms of the sul- phate of iron, anci one ounce each of powdered ginger and foenugreek three times in the day, till the beast is bright, lively, and free from stupidity. Inversion of the bladder will be found treated of und'^r Bladder Diseases. Disease. — Inversion of, or falling down of the calf bed, will be treated of under its proper or alphabetical head. Falling of the Womb. Catarrh. — This is not a disease common to the ox, for 294 DISEASES OP CATELE. §■' t when causes arise sufficient to produce catarrh or cold in the" cow, it does not run its course as such, but is speedily accompanied, or at least followed, by severe complications. Cattle not exceeding two years old are subject to a disease somewhat similar to cold, called hoose. (See Bronchitis and Hoose.) Catarrhus Ldnuum Frontalium..— Malignant Ca- tarrh. This is one of the recorded diseases ofthe ox which I think has really no existence, except in the brain of some men ; or it may be a condition confounded with Typhus Gontagiosus Bourn. The disease is described as being similar to glanders in the horse. If this be the case, the disease is not properly named ; for the frontal sinuses are not the seat of the disease. This multiplication of names of diseases is only calculated to puzzle people, and annoy the farmer. Further than this, I have so little patience with the writers who thus manifest their ignorance of the first principles of pathology — to which all writings and opinions should be subservient — that I feel it my duty to denounce them unsparingly whenever opportunity oflfers. Cattle Plague- — This is a vague name, and conveys no intimation of the cause, nature, seat, or characteristics of the aflfection, whatever it may be. Therefore, for the credit of the writer and the convenience of the public, no disease should be called a plague. There is now no disease affect- ing the human family called a plague. The experienced physician can tell the nature, seat and complete history of the disease, and gives it a name by which it will be known CHOKING. 295 or cold in is speedily iplications. to a disease Bronchitis gnant Ca- le ox which •ain of some ith Typhus id as being le case, the sinuses are on of names , and annoy ble patience ranee of the Titings and my duty to unity oflfers. 1 conveys no cteristics of ■or the credit Lc, no disease Lsease affect- experienced te history of ill be known and recognized. Why should not the veterinary surgeon do likewise ? So long as such men as Gamgee continue to write and speak of cattle plagues, so long will veterinary surgeons continue to labor in vain for the public confidence. Why should not things, states and conditions be called by their right names ? Cattle disease, cattle plague and rinderpest should long ago have been blotted from the books; for, at best, they only serve as a cloak or cover to hide the innate ignorance and stupidity of some veterina v surgeons — horse and cow doctors particularly. The w 1 plague means a stroke, and that is all the insigh^ ?rson can derive from the word. As every disease maj , e consid- ered a stroke, why not add what kind of a stroke it is, whether it be a stroke of palsy, or of the sun? (For Cattle Plague see Typhus Contagiosus Boum and Pleuro- pneumonia.) Chicken-pox. — Varicella Bourn. — A pustular eruption on the teats of cows, presumed to be caused by eating vine leaves. The eruptions soon discharge, dry up, and heal, without any treatment whatever having been applied to them. Choking. — This is of frequent occurrence among cattle or cows fed upon potatoes, turnips, etc. Treatment. When the potato is lodged in the upper or middle third of the gullet, the mouth of the animal is to be held open by means of a balling iron, or some other contrivance, while a person having a small hand should I I- 29G DISEASES OF CATTLE. pass a cord like a clothes line, with a loop on the end of it, and try to get the noose over and beyond the obstruction. If the substance be low down in the gullet, manipulations may be tried from outside, by tightening the skin upon the obstruction, and trying to move it up, if possible ; bu^ downwards, if it will go without too great force being used. Failing to remove it either up or down, try to dis- lodge it by pouring small quantities of oil or melted lard, not hot, down the throat. If this also prove ineifectual, the probang should be used ; or in its stead, a strong flex- ible cane or rattan may be tried ; but care should be taken to have the cane go down the right passage. If coughing is set up on the introduction of the cane, have it with- drawn as it ^as entered the air passages, but try till it has been properly entered down to the obstruction. "With patience and perseverance the difficulty will usually be overcome. Still, however, there are cases which require the gullet to be opened over the place of obstruction ; a gafe operation requiring only a simple cut through the skin and outer surface of the gullet, which will readily heal without much trouble, by bringing the lips of the wound together, with a stitch or two of strong, but small twine or saddler's silk, by means of a small packing needle. Feed the cow or ox, for a week or more, upc^ soft or prepared food till the wound has healed. When cows or oxen re- main long in a choked condition, the throat is apt to swell from the accumulation of gas in the first stomach, which will have to be treated as for hoven or tympanitis — occurr- ing usually from eating clover or rank and wet grass. (See Hoven.) I CONSUMPTION. 297 le end of it, bstruction. nipulations skin upon ssible ; bu* brce being try to dis- lelted lard, ineifectual, strong flex- Id be taken f coughing ^e it with- y till it has on. With usually be ch require ruction; a ;h the skin sadily heal the wound aaU twine edle. Feed prepared r oxen re- pt to swell ich, which s — occurr- rrass. (See Oolic. — CoUc in cattle is more rarely seen than in the horse, but occurs in the form of hoven (which see). Consumption. — This disease is not so common in domestic animals as in the human family, nor is it as fre- quent in any of the animals as it is in the milch cow. Con- sumption in cows is usually exhibited in the tubercular form. These tubercles are from the size of a pin head to that of a hickor}'^ nut, flattened, oval and round, and are not confined to the lungs, but are seen underneath the pleura costalis 'ining the ribs — over the diaphragm, peri- toneum, and the omentum or caul. Causes. This is considered one of the hereditary diseases of cattle, or rather milch cows. As is elsewhere stated in regard to hereditary disease — in the first part of this book — it does not necessarily follow that the cow should be consumptive, because its mother was so. No. But rather because it has inherited the great milking qualities of its ancestors, whereby the animal is reduced in flesh, condition and vitality, the fibrous, serous tissue of the body becom- ing deteriorated — hence the foundation for tubercular con- sumption. Cows of some breeds are not selfish, for the more they are fed, the more milk will they give. These are all the claims which can justly be made in favor of the hereditary cause of consumption in cows. Symptoms. Thin of flesh, unthrifty ; a staring coat or hair, long and dead-looking ; a low, husky cough, loss of appetite, weakness, and a bloodless condition of the whole system, which is readily known by the pale, white look of 298 DISEASES or ':!ATTLE. the lining of the eyes, nose, and mouth. The consumptive cow stands with her back arched, and her fore legs turned out at the elbows, and when lying rests on the belly and breast bone. The milk of such cows is thin, blue, and watery. Previous to the death of a consumptive cow, diarrhoea, dysentery, discharges from the nose and eyes, accompanied with hectic, or sympathetic fever, conclude the symptoms of this lingering, but fatal disease. Treatment In the early stage of consumption in cows much can be done in the way of treatment. Feed the animal well with rich and nutritious material, such as iin- seed cake, meal, etc. Sulphuric acid given several times a week, in doses of half an ounce in weight, largely diluted with water, will sustain the vital powers, and impart tenacity to the buccal membrane throughout the body Use occasional doses of sulphate of iron and gentian ; three drachms of iron and half an ounce of the gentian, will make one dose. Such treatment will prolong the life, and, at the same time, improve the condition and milking qual- ities of the cow. Oow-pox — Variolw Vacrince. This is a simple atfec- tion of the skin of the udder, which has claimed much notice on account of the valuable benefit conferred by it upon the human fa mily, in furnishing the matonal for the vaccination of children. Cause. At present unknown. Nature. A contagious eruption, running a fixed course, and accompanied by slight fever. consumptive e legs turned ihe belly and in, blue, and )w, diarrhoea, accompanied he symptoms >tion in cows t. Feed the l1, such as iin- everal times a argely diluted and impart )ut the body gentian ; three gentian, will ig the life, and, milking qual- i simple atFec- cl aimed much inferred by it latofial for the a fixed course, CROUP. 299 Symptoms. Teats painful, slightly swollen, a faint blush upon the udder ; and in about three or four days, red, hard spots are seen, succeeded by red patches, which, in from a few days to a week, form bladders containirg the true vaccine lymph. Treatment. Warmth, good nursing, and the drawing of the milk from the udder by the syphon — as shown in the treatment of diseases of the teats. (See Teats.) Group. — Stridulous croup in animals is rare, but it is seen occasionally in milch cows, and is very fatal, fi-om the fact that it is situated in the larynx, which speedily causes suffocation, unless the windpipe be opened with a knife to admit of the act of respiration and expiration till the swelling of the head of the windpipe has passed off. Cause. Cold attacking the head of the windpipe, fol- lowed by inflammation, and the development of fake membranes. SymptoTYis. Loud, stridulous noise or murmur, quickened breathing, excitation, fever, and threatening suffocation of the animal, cough and distress. Treatment. Place the animal in the open air — if in summer time, in the shade — and give aconite, in the form of tincture, twenty-five drops to a do^. This will allay the excitement, fever and irritation. If this give relief, repeat the dose in a few hours again. But on the con- trary, there being no relief in half an hour, give no more aconite, nor indeed rnything else. There will be but one of three things to be done : either to kiU the beast, if it be .300 DISEASES OF CATTLE. in good condition, and tit for market ; or wait for the animal to die, or have the boldness to cut out a hole in the windpipe, about the middle, and in front of the neck. In case the latter is preferred, tighten the skin on the front of the windpipe, and make a clean cut fair down the cen- tre, and through the skin ; when the white shining wind- pipe is brought to view, have an assistant to hold the edges of the skin back out of the way, till a hole is cut out of the cartilages of the tube, as large as a fifty cent piece. This will give instantaneous relief. The hole will gradu- ally fill up, and close again without any trouble whatever. This, J am satisfied, is the only sure way of cure in this disease. , Cud, Loss of the. — This occurrence is the symptom of, and not a disease. Loss of the cud, or rumination, accompanies almost every disease of any importance at- tacking the ox or cow. When rumination has ceased for a time and is resumed. again, it is a good symptom that the animal is somewhat better, and an indication that the functions of the body are about being resumed again, and are demanding food for their nourishment. Loss of cud is among the first symptoms observed by farmers in case of bronchitis, pleuro-pneumonia, hoven, aptha, etc. Diarrhoea, Simple- — This variety does not call for much description, as it is only an effort of nature to get rid of something that is injurious. By its removal the purging will stop. Simple diarrhoea rarely calls for treat- ment, but if it should, change of feed and pasture land - - """'^'31 DIARKHCEA. 301 it for the hole in the neck. In the front n the cen- ing wind- the edges ut out of mi piece, dll gradu- "whatever. re in this symptom imination, rtance at- ceased for ptom that 1 that the igain, and OSS of cud irs in case tc. ■j call for ire to get loval the for treat- ture land wi]l be the first things to be attended to ; and, if neces- sary, after a trial of new feed and pasture, a few powders composed of prepared chalk, two ounces ; ginger, half an oimce ; opium, one drachm ; may be mixed and given in the form of a drench, with wheat flour gruel. Repeat the dose, if it be necessary, but never be in a hurry to give astringents in looseness of the bowels, as much mis- chief may be done by controverting the eflforts of nature, which are always of salutary effect, if not too violent for the condition of the beast, and in that case interference is necessary. (1.) DiARRHCEA, Chronic. — This condition is some- times called the Rot, from the belief that the animal is rotten. Chronic, or, indeed, any kind of diarrhoea should not be looked upon as a disease at all, but merely a symp- tom of internal irritation of some kind. Causes. This is an important inquiry in cattle patholo- gy, for farmers are sometimes disappointed when they are told the animal will die within a given time, not knowing the nature of the disease of which diarrhoea and dysentery are but the symptoms. Chronic diarrhoea is the sequel to tuberculous consumption already described under that head ; or dysentery may show itself before even consump- tion is either thought of or recognized. However, chronic diarrhoea or dysentery is the result of tubercles situated on and in the white membranes throughout the body. Treatment. Generous diet, composed of linseed or cake meal. Commercial sulphuric acid, gentian, and sulphate of iron, ar^ the medicines employed. lu addition to this 302 DISEASES OF CATTLE. treatment which has already been recommended for con- sumption, I would advise weekly inhalations of sulphu- rous acid gas in the manner recommended under that head in the list of medicines, (which see,) for I think this is one of those diseases which will be greatly benefited by its proper use. (2.) DiARRHCEA IN Cat VES. — This is a frequent aflfec- tion among young calves, and destroys thousands of them every year. Cause. Depending upon the character of the milk ; not so much its quality as the time and manner of giving it. Thus, calves are not allowed to suck their own mothers, frequently they are not allowed to suck at all, but have to drink the milk out of a bucket, and then it is often cold before they are allowed to have it. The rapidity with which they drink their allowance, which is often too much for them, gorges the stomach and paralyzes the di- gestive functions. Hence, the white diarrhoea so often seen among young calves. Symptoms. The symptoms one would think alike in all animals ; but this is not the case here, or so far as the diarrhoea of calves is concerned. They have a voracious appetite, swelling of the belly with occasional pain, dis- charges of wind or gas, and white or yellowish-colored ex- crement or dung, while in some bad cases the true milk is passed unchanged by the .action of either stomach or bowels. Prevention. This is better than cure, and consists in allowing the calf, ujitil several weeks old, to suck its own I t t EPIZOOTIC APTHA. 303 id for con- of sulphu- mder that think this mefited by uent affec- ds of them milk; not )f giving it. n mothers, but have to 3 often cold pidity with 3 often too yzes the di- oea so often # alike in all ► far as the a voracious il pain, dis- -colored ex- e true milk stomach or consists in ick its own mother, not only morning and night, but at least three times in the day, dividing the periods as evenly as possi- ble. Thus, by allowing calves to suck the milk for themselves, paralyzation and gorging the stomach with cold milk is avoided, and thereby white diarrhoea pre- vented. Treatment. Give three drachms of carbonate of soda in well boiled wheat flour gruel once a day. If this is not convenient, give a table spoonful of common rennet after each feed of milk the calf takes ; this will materially aid proper digestion by its power in decomposing the milk and fitting it for assimilation. Ectopia Cordis . — This is a deformity sometimes met with in calves at birth. The heart may be seen outside of the chest, or the lower po hion of the neck, or even through an opening below the chest, and sometimes even in the abdomen. The animal will have to be killed. Epizootic Aptha- — Murrain. In some parts of the world, this disease is called murrain. It is one of the epizootic diseases of cattle, attacking the feet and mouth, and sometimes extending to the teats of the udder. Causes. Contagion is believed to be the cause, but I can never can be reconciled to belief in the repeated bug- bear that contagion is the only cause of certain diseases. We all know, however, that when a disease is once estab- lished it can affect others ; but still we must consider that alldiseases, of whatever kind, musthave hudsm origin aside from any contagious element to produce it. This, I firmly 304 DISEASES OF CATTLE. believe to be one of those diseases, depending not so much upon contagion, as upon what Sydenham would call the peculiar constitution of the year, exercising certain deleteri- ous influences on the system, and soon followed by disease of some portion or other of the body. Symptoms. Sore mouth, sore teats'and sore i'eet ; eleva- ted vesicles within the mouth, and on the teats which con- tain pus, and soon discharge and dry up through the for- mation of a scab — at which juncture fever and other con- stitutional symptoms subside. When the feet are badly affected the sores burrow deep in between the hoof and the sensitive structure of the foot, which results in a com-, plete separation of the hoof, and its being finally thrown, off entirely. It is painful to look, as I have done on several occasions upon a whole row of cows suffering from suppuration, and falling off of the hoofs. The loss to dairymen consists in the loss of mUk and loss of condition in the cows ; for if the cows are properly attended to, not many of them need die. The hoof will grow again and will be as useful as ever, from the fact that cows like pigs are not kept for racing purposes, and a second hoof, although not so strong as the first one, will answer for the purpose of walking on soft ground and gathering their food. Treatment Apply to the sores the following lotion : Sulphate of zinc, two drachms ; water, one pint. Prevention, When once fairly established in a place, it is almost a certainty that all cows and neat cattle will take it, some developing it sooner than others. To savft FALLING OF THE WOMB. 305 time and expense, " take the bull hy the horns ;" and ino- culate every one of them. By producing the disease in this way, a week or so will see the last of it, and by good care not much time or loss will have been incurred. The milk of cows affected with this disease is poison. Calves, by drinking the milk of cows with this disease, will per- ish in great numbers. Symptoms. Difficulty in swallowing, and cough ; saliva drivelling from the mouth. The whole accompanied by fever, and frequently ending in death. Eye Diseases. — Cows are not so ©ften the subject of diseases of the eye, as horses are. There is, however, one disease of the eye which cows are often affected with, namely : cancer of the eye which cannot be cured, but will ultimately destroy the eye altogether. For other diseases of the eye, see Eye diseases in the first part of this book. Palling of the Womh.—Calf Bed— Reed, etc. This deviation from the normal or healthy condition is a great trouble to the farmer and breeder. Cause. Relaxation of the horns or ligaments of the womb from a weak and relaxed habit of the body, accom- panied b}? debility. Prevention. Immediately after calving, apply a truss or pad to the mouth of the vagina, and secure it in the fol- lowing manner : put a large horse collar on the cow's neck : one surcingle round the body of the cow, behind the fore legs, and another in front of the udder and hind u s ^1 1 «"^ 306 DISEASES OF CATTLE. legs. This being done, attach a small, soft rope to each side of the collar, bring it along each side of the back bone, give it a hitch round the fore surcingle, and the same on the hind one ; then bring the rope close together under the tail, and place the pad over the proper part with the ropes laid firmly over it. Here tie both ropes together with a string, just below the pad, then bring one rope down between the udder and thigh, give it a hitch round the hind surcingle or band, and finally secure the end of the ropes to that portion coming along the back. Treatment. When the womb has fallen down and is in- verted, assistance should be had at once. The womb or bag should be lifted into a clean cloth, and held up by a person on each side. There are two ways of returning the womb into its place, the one by pressure on the neck or small portion of the womb, and the other by pressure to the fundus or large end, or bottom of the womb. This last is the best way, because we have not only the mere pull- ing of the womb to contend with, but its inversion also. So, therefore, apply gentle pressure to the bottom of the womb, first having cleaned it from dirt, dung and straw. The operation -v^ill be effected more easily by having the cow placed witli her fore legs low, and the hind ones high, so that it will slip in without much difficulty, After it is in, the cow should be kept standing in such position, or even lying in this position, a day or so, and the pad, already spoken of, should be applied as soon as the opera- tion is finished. The pad is a much better way o/ secur- ing the parts than by sewing the lips of the vagina. FEEDING OF MILCH COWS. 807 Where all efforts Tail to put back the bed, and when decomposition or mortification has ensued, the only chance to save the life of the cow is to cut the womb or bed at its smallest or neck portions ; but before doing so, tie firmly round the neck of the womb a well- waxed cord, which will prevent bleeding, This is to remain on the bed which is left. Give immediately, twenty-five drops of the tincture of aconite root every three hours, till four or five doses are given, which will relieve pain, and con- trol the circulation. Fardel Bonnd. — ^This is a disease affecting the oma sum, or third stomach of the cow or ox. (See Impaction, Hoven, and Texan Fever.) Feeding of Milch Oows. — I am induced to refer to this subject on account of its importance, together with the eminently practical manner of feeding cows, suggested in a pamphlet by Mrs. Agnes Scott, a lady of Scotland. Premising, however, that the bean and pea meal spoken of, > may, with advantage, in this country (at least in the pre- sent condition of our agriculture and variety of crops pro- duced) give good place to our Indian com or com meal. The turnips may be supplanted by beet or mangold, etc. Turnips as a crop, farmers do not, as a class with us, ap- preciate the true value of, either as a feed for cows or as an improver of manure — ^lying at the base of true agricul- ture. Experience soon taught me that most milk and butter were produced when the feeding was most carefully at- '■m 808 DISEASES OF CATLLE. tended to. In order to ensure this, I superintended this department myself, and shall give the management as systematically followed. In winter, at six o'clock in the morning two arms windling — an armful tightly wound up between them. Afterwards they were well cleaned, the stalls being also well littered, and the doors of the cow-houses shut until eight o'clock, when all were called to the milking. At ten o'clock, an ordinary sized barrow- ful of turnips was given between three cows, and when the turnips were not to be had, a quart of peas or bean meal was given instead, mixed with a pint of cold water. There is no feeding, however, equal to turnips, especially the Yellow Aberdeen. A richer taste and colour is imparted to the butter produced by this root than from any other kind of feeding in the early part of winter — ^while a larger quantity both of butter and milk is produced thereby. In the spring, when the feeding properties of this root are very much deteriorated, a small quantity of peas or bean meal will be found needful to keep up the full return of milk. The neas or bean meal are preferable to oil cake or locust-beans, as both of the latter give the milk and butter a hard flavor. About one o'clock the cows should be let out to water- ing, and when weather is mild and otherwise favorable, fresh air will be found to be of very great advantage to the general health of the dairy stock. When the cows are at large, the cow-houses should be thoroughly cleaned in every nook and corner, the doors being left open to ad- mit fresh air, weather being seasonable. While kept in FEVER. 309 itended this lagement as clock in the htly wound \rell cleaned, doors of the were called ized barrow- ;, and when peas or bean »f cold water, ps, especially ir is imparted 3m any other wrhile a larger 1 thereby. In this root are peas or bean full return of J to oil cake the milk and out to water- rise favorable, advantage to hen the cows ughly cleaned ft open to ad- While kept in the house, let them have a drink of meal and water twice a day ; a handful of oatmeal and three pints of lukewarm water will be sufficient. In the first draught, let a hand- ful of salt be given. When the cow-houses are well aired, a windling of straw should be given between two cows as they return from watering. Upon the supposition that the cow-houses are well ventilated from the roof, the doors should be shut. Ahout /our OT five o'clock, turnip should be given in quan- tity as before ; or, failing turnip, the above named substi- tute. The time oi feeding should be regulated according to the season ; milking-time also should be so fixed that it may be regularly kept — and kept so as to be suitable not only for the parties engaging in it, but so as not unduly to dis- turb either the rest or feeding of the cows. At eight o'clock a windling of good meadow hay be- tween two cows should be given for supper, the quantity being always regulated according to what each cow can consume. It is a great mistake to keep fodder in quanti- ties lying unused ; rather let the appetite be tested, and by keeping it always sharp, not only will each meal be eaten up with relish, but a more healthful state will be maintained. In addition to this hay, cows that have re- cently calved should get half a pailful of boiled turnip, mixed with a quart of peao or bean meal rather more than lukewarm. For four or five days after calving, cows should have no turnips. Fever. — Cows are subject to ephemeral fever, or more 310 DISEASES OF CATTLE plainly speaking, a fever of a day's duration, yhich passes oflF without any trouble. This fever has been thought, by some persons, to depend upon hollow horn and wolf in the tail, and they have consequently cut the tail, and bored the horns of the poor dumb brute. Foul Claw- — Foul in the Foot. This is a sore between the digital spaces, and is caused by the animal standing in mud and moist>ire, which scalds the parts, and produces lameness. Treatment. Cleanse out with a hair rope or by some other means, and apply sulphate of zinc, one drachm ; water, half a pint. Keep the feet dry and clean, which will not only assist the cure, but is a preventive also. Gangrene of the Tail. — Gangrena Caudce Epizoo- tica. This is not, as yet, at all events, an American dis- ease, but is of frequent occurrence among the cows of continental Europe. This fact, however, I believe to be the only true reason why we in Pennsylvania will persist that cows have wolf' in the tail, accompanied with an empty horn. Cause. Unknown. Symptoms. We are told by Herring and Rychner that the tail becomes paralyzed, its skin soft, swollen, and filled with water at its end, and when opened, a bad smelling ichor is discharged. The disease spreads upwards, where finally separation of the tail takes place, leaving the ani- mal without one. Garget Mammitis. — Inflammation of the udder in (^hich passes thought, by wolf in the I, and bored lore between 1 standing in tid produces or by some one drachm ; jlean, which ive also. id(B Epizoo- Lmerican dis- the cows of believe to be a will persist ied with an Rychner that len, and filled bad smelling wards, where ,ving the ani- ihe udder in GARGET MAMMITIS. 811 cows is often of a very troublesome character. It occurs shortly after calving, and in some instances not for a week or two after. The inflammation is usually confined to one quarter of thw"- udder only, and may be of an acute or chronic character. Cause. Want of proper attention in not milking the cow suflSciently after calving, and in many cases by not milking the cow when her udder is almost ready to burst, even before calving. In a word, if the udder, teats and milk ducts are kept fi'om over-gorgement, there can be no udder disease. The trouble is, that all cows are not alike in the production of milk, but unfortunately they receive the same treatment ; and hence those cows which are en- dowed with gi'eat milking qualities are usually the victims of garget. Symptoms. Heat, redness and pain, followed in a day or so by elevated swellings, which, if acute, will grow to a point, becoming soft and fluctuating, and containing pus ; and if not opened at this stage, fistulous sores will be formed, which may cause the final destruction of one por- tion of the udder. When the heat and redness is not followed by iwelling containing pus, it is called chronic garget. In addition to these symptoms, the cow will have shivers and chills, not from cold, but from the muscular rigor which is set up in cases of extensive suppuration. Treatment. In the acute form, apply warm poultices to hasten suppuration or heeling. Where the parts point and contain fluid or pus, open deeply at the lowest point, Si': m I 312 DISEASES OF CATTLE. that the pus may escape without forcing. When properly- discharged, heal as for a common sore. (See Ointments in the part of this book treating upon Horse and Cattle Medicines.) For chronic garget, use cold application, so as to put it back, if possible ; if not, hasten the suppura- tive process, and treat as for the acute form. Whatever treatment may be adopted, by all means do not forget to milk the udder severely, and the best plan will be to put two strong calves to suck, for by so doing the pus may be drawn off by them. Glossitis— Anthrax— Blain. — This is a disease affect- ing the tongue, and can only be taken for epizootic apathy already described. Although apparently situated in the tongue, it is a constitutional disease — a blood poison in fact. This is also an epizootic disease, and as usual, it is thought to be contagious, which is equivalent to saying, we know nothing of its cause or mode of warfare. Few veterinary surgeons, or horse doctors, have, it would seem, ever known of zumins, ferments or leavens, as the Scrip- tures have it, for not in any work on veterinary science or animal husbandry are any of these words mentioned ; nor is a hint thrown out that such agents do exist, and have a deleterious effect upon the health of animals. I am satis- lied tliat upon further inquiry and investigation, ferments will be found the only cause of such diseases as are at present involved in darkness and obscurity. ' Sym2:)toms. Loss of appetite, saliva flowing from the mouth ; the tongue red, swollen, and inflgmed, thus arrest- 1 N I HiEMATURIA. 313 '^hen properly ee Ointments se and Cattle pplication, so the suppura- 1. Whatever not forget to vill be to put 3 pus may be iisease affect- zootic apathy uated in the od poison in IS usual, it is snt to saying, arfare. Few would seem, as the Scrip- iry science or ntioned; nor b, and have a I am satis- ion, ferments ises as are at ng from the I, thus arrest- ing mastication, or chewing; the muzzle or lips, head and neck swell ; breathing disturbed.. Appearances of suffo- cation set in, the saliva is offensive to smell, and tinged with blood ; the basis of the discharge is of a greenish color, not unlike vomicae seen in the lungs of glandered horses and consumptive men. In this condition, the ani- mal will live from two to four days. Treatment. Lance the turgid tongue to relieve con- gestion, wash the mouth with vinegar, and administer a slight purgative. Give one pound of epsom salts in two bottles of water, sweetened with molasses ; a little pow- dered ginger may be added. Allow the animal plenty of cold water to drink, to cool the mouth and tongue, and fur- nish pure air. Follow with two drachms of the sulphate of iron, and an ounce^each of ginger, foenugreek and sul- phite of soda twice in the day, which will give strength to the body, and purity to the blood. HsBmaturia— Blood in the Urine. — This occurrence is not to be confounded with red water. Coagulated, or con- gealed blood comes when the first flow of water is dis- charged, and the remainder of the urine is clear. » Cause. — Blows or other injuries over the region of the kidneys, or from eating the leaves or tops of plants hav- ing a powerful diuretic effect, such as some of the yews, cedars and savins. Cows in calf, and mares with foal, will eat what other animals, or what they themselves would not eat when in other condition. (See Red Water.) Treatment — Give linseed tea to drink, slush mashes 314 DISEASES OF CATTLE. and plenty of fluids to drink. No medicine will be re- quired. Hair Balls. — These are very common in cattle, and are introduced by the animal licking itself, and swallow- ing the hair. These balls are found after death, and are of various sizes, and thoroughly felted. Hide Bound. — This is not to be taken as a disease, but merely the result of faulty digestion and assimilation. Treatment. — Give one pound of epsom salts, half an ounce of ginger, and mix in two bottles of cold water, sweetened with molasses. Next day follow with the fol- lowing powders : Powdered ginger, one ounce; fsenugreek, one ounce; caraway seeds, half an ounce; mix, and give in one dose ; and one dose may be give daily for a week. Hoose in Calves. — This is a common disease in breed- ing districts, and is very fatal in its results, attacking young calves and cattle, till two years old. It is a para- sitic disease. Cause. The presence of minute worms in the bronch- ial tubes. These worms are called Jllaria bronchi, and inhabit the windpipe of young cattle, sheep and lambs. Prevention. Keep calves, sheep and lambs on dry land, where there is no marsh, wet land or meadow. Symptoms. Constant, husky cough; difficulty in breath- ing ; emaciation, and loss of appetite. Thus the disease goes on from bad to worse, until death takes place in from two to three weeks, depending much, however, upon the age of the beast. le will be re- n cattle, and and swallow- eath, and are as a disease, assimilation, mlts, half an ■ cold water, with the fol- ; fsenugreek, aix, and give for a week. sase in breed- Its, attacking It is a para- L the bronch- bronchi, and ind lambs, mbs on dry eadow. Ity in breath- s the disease place in from /er, upon the HOVEN, 315 Treatment. Linseed oil, two ounces; oil or spirits of turpentine, half an ounce, well mixed with the linseed oil. This dose is for a calf of six months old. It should be re- peated every two days. Give the calves good feed, such as oil cake, etc. Another form, and a good one, which is generally used in sheep to save expense and trouble, is to get them together, and drive them into a pretty close house or shed, not larger than will hold all the affected ones. Then procure an earthen bowl or basin, containing one ounce each of common salt and oxide of manganese, and pour over the mixture, say, water, half an ounce ; sul- phuric acid, one ounce and a half ; stir with a stick, and chlorine gas will be evolved. When sufficiently stirred, leave the place, and close the door. Repeat the inhala- tion for two or three times, and let two days pass before each subsequent inhalation. If the animal be much weakened by the parasites, mix caraway and foenugreek in their feed, of each a quarter of an ounce, once a day, for a week or so. Hoven — Tympanitis w Bntm-belly. So called from the appearance and sound. The evolution, or giving off of carbonic acid gas, from the large quantity of grass or clover when wet, contained within the rumen or paunch, together with the suspension of the function of digestion, and peristaltic action of the bowels — all of which combined go to make up the disease called hoven. Hoven may occur in one hour, for we often see cows turned out to pas- ture in the morning, and are found almost suffocated in an ? 316 DISEASES OF CATTLE. i( m hour afterward. In cases of this kind there is obviously no time to be lost. Every farmer should be prepared to meet and cure them as they occur, there being no time to run for assistance. Cause. Over filling the paunch, and in too quick a time — before the stomach has time to act upon it ; hence fer- mentation is set up. Symptoms. Great distress ; the sides are distended, and when struck sound like a drum, the beast lying and rising; the breathing is hurried ; there is great suffering, and if not speedily rdieved, the rumen will give way, burst, or rupture; if this does not happen shortly, the brain be- comes affected and the beast dies unconscious. The dis- ease runs its course with fearful rapidity. Treatment. At once plunge a dinner knife well sharp- ened, into the side, or at equal distance from the haunch bone and short rib, on the left side of the animal. Vete- rinary surgeons use a trochar for this purpose, and every farmer should have one also. If the case be not a severr one, it may be entrusted to time, nature, and medicine. Give half a pound of table mustard, and an ounce of the chloride of lime, mixed in as little cold water as will float the mustard out of the bottle, and down the throat of the animal. Or, instead of the mustard and lime, give one ounce of recently powdered carbonate of ammonia in cold water. Dashing cold water over the loins of the beast often cures the affection, by inducing reflex action of the nervous centres of the body. Sometimes we see a chronic form of this complaint, occurring at intervals owing to a HYDATIDS IN THE BRAIN. 317 is obviously i prepared to jing no time luick a time hence fer- stended, and g and rising; ering, and if ^ay, burst, or he brain be- is. Thedis- i well sharp- i the haunch imal. Vete- e, and every not a severr id medicine, junce of the as will float ihroat of the ne, give one >nia in cold 3f the beast ction of the 3e a chronic owing to a debilitated condition of the walls of the rumen, which is cured by the following powder, given morning and night in the feed : Powdered ginger, half an ounce ; gentian, half an ounce ; foenugreek, half an ounce ; mix, and give in one dose, and continue it for a few days. Hydatids in the Brain. — This is a parasitic disease — a worm found floating in a serous fluid, surrounded by a sack or small bladder, and situated generally on one side of the brain, and under or near the base of the horn. Cause. This affection is caused by the animal eating with the feed or grass, some of the ova or eggs which have been dropped from dogs, affected with tape-worms. Symptoms. The affected beast will be observed in the early season of the disease, to be affected in one of the eyes ending shortly in total blindness of that organ. This, however, is not always the case. The great symptom chiefly to be relied upon, is the constant turning of the animal in the form of a circle. This, the animal will al- ways persist in doing, and stop only when brought in con- tact with a stone wall or fence, which prevents further circular turning. Unfortunately, the poor animal oomes in contact with the wall with such force, and so often re- peated, that on that side of the head will be seen swell- ings and enlargements of the bones of the jaw. In this way does the affected beast turn from day to day until emaciated from weakness and hunger. The end of some cases is frequently hastened by their falling into holes, rivers, etc. The inability to stop turning prevents the w 11 i ■)!■: tf 818 DISEASES OF CATTLE. animal from gathering food, and hence the case terminates in starvation. Treatment. The success attending the treatment of such cases is very great. The cure consists in finding out the exact spot on the head over the hydatid, and boring through the bone with an instrument made for that pur- pose. As soon as the bone is bored through a small pair of forceps or tongs is put through it into the sack, and by this means, together with a syringe with a long nozzle to pump out what fluids there are in the cavity, the cure is completed. The hole, of course, will have to be closed by a pad or cloth, to exclude the air till it has closed by a new bone. (See Diseases of Sheep.) Inflammation. — Inflammation is the same in all ani- mals, but happily it is not common in the ox tribe. In- deed inflammation in all animals is not so common as it is usually represented to us to be. Irritation is oftener observed among animals and men, than inflammation, and disease with decreased force or power is more frequent than either diseases now-a-days ; or, it may be, we are better educated, and thereby can more readily discern the true condition of diseases, than men of former times ; or, it may be from both causes combined, that we are able to discern such a change in diseases. However the majority of diseases now met with, are of a low type, and require for treatment not bleeding, but medicines and good feed- ing to support the powers of nature. Impaction of the Omasum, or Third Stomach. — In some parts of the world this disease is called " wood e terminates nent of such ding out the and borinsf or that pur- a small pair lack, and by ng nozzle to , the cure is be closed by closed by a in all ani- : tribe. In- )mmon as it n is oftener mation, and re frequent be, we are discern the r times ; or, s are able to be majority and require '. good feed- Stomach, lied " wood OMASSUM. S19 evil." So called because the stomach is filled with leaves dried bramble and sticks or twigs, from bushes. These articles being deficient in nutritive matter, cause the sus- pension of rumination (chewing the cud,) and digestion. Causes. In addition to the causes above given, we may add that of dried grass, which has been left standing in the field ; or in fact any kind of food, which does not con- tain essential principles for fat and blood making, in pro- portion to its bulk, is sure to bring on an attack of wood evil or impaction of the third stomach. Symptoms. Loss of cud, loss of appetite, and quickened breathing accompanied with a grunt. Diarrhoea is fol- lowed by constipation, great thirst ; the legs, horns and ears are cold ; grinding of the teeth, and when the disease has about run its course, m,oaning takes the place of the grunt, dian-hcea succeeds costiveness, and the poor beast dies exhausted. Examinations after death disclose a curi- ous condition namely : the third stomach is perfectly stuffed full with food ; and it is so hard and dry, that it readi- ly burns when fire is applied to it. Treatment. Allow the animal plenty of cold water to drink, so that the mechanical effects thereof may be ad- vantageous in assisting to wash, dilute, and moisten the dry mass. Give strong purgatives. Take epsom salts, one pound ; table salt, half a pound ; oil of croton, fifteen drops ; mix, and give in one dose, in fully a gallon of water ; for be it remembered that cattle should have all medicines given in large fluids, and it is more imperative- I- 920 DISEASES OF CATTLE. ly demanded in cases like this, where so much depends upon fluids. If twenty-four hours pass by without any effect from the salts, repeat the dose with an addition of two ounces of the spirits of turpentine. With this dose the purgative medicine should be stopped, whether it has had any effect or not. So long as the animal does not seem stupid or the brain be not affected, there are still hopes that recovery may reward our labors. (See Texan Fever.) Jaundice. — Icterus. This is a common disease in the ox. from the fact that he is supplied with a gall bladder, and gall in great quantity. Jaundice may be properly called biliary intoxication, or distribution of bile throughout the whole circulation of the body. Causes. Closure of the biliary ducts in the liver, and the consequent absorption of the bile into the stomach. The bile duct may be closed from gall-stones. Symptoms. In white-skinned oxen, jaundice is seen at once from their yellow color. In dark-colored animals we are satisfied to examine the lining of the mouth, nose and eyes, for this yellow appearance. In addition to these signs, we have dullness and costiveness, while the dung is of a whitish or straw-colored look. Treatment. If the symptoms be not very prominent, the animal may be left with safety to the powers of nature, which can be assisted by giving slop food, or placing it upon bare pasture for a few days. If the case be more of an acute kind, give a dose of purgative medicine, as fol- LYMPHANGITIS. 821 ich depends dtliout any addition of ih this dose ether it has 3,1 does not ere are still (See Texan se in the ox. >ladder, and perly called oughout the ver, and the naach. The e is seen at animals we ih, nose and 3n to these the dung is iininent, the ; of nature, placing it J be more of ;ine, as fol- lows : Epsom salts, one pound ; table salt, half a pound ; ginger, half an ounce ; mix, and dissolve in four bottles of water, sweetened with molasses. Kidney Disease. — Kidney disease in the ox is of a rare occurrence. Disease of the kidneys is more peculiar to animals, whose lives are allowed to run longer than those of oxen, especially when fat and fit for market. Leucorrhoea. — A discharge of muco-purulent matter from the womb and vagina of cows. Causes. Debility and bloodless condition of the system. Treatment Iron, gentian, foenugreek, the mineral acids and good nourishing food are what is wanted to build up the system, and a weak solution of lime may be injected into the vagina once a day with a No. 6 sjrringe, to which is attached an 8-inch nozzle. Give the following powder, morning and night: Powdered sulphate of iron, two drachms ; powdered gentian root, half an ounce ; powdered ginger, half an ounce ; foenugreek, half an ounce ; mix, and give in one dose, and continue for a week. Commercial sulphuric acid in half ounce doses, by weight, may be given once a day in half a bucket of cold water, which the cow will readily drink. Locked-jaw. — Kill the beast and dress it for market as soon as it is known that it is locked-jawed. Lymphangitis.— -An affection of the ox tribe, folbwing an accident, which partakes of some of the characteristics attending farcy in horses, but without any specific poison being developed. 322 DISEASES OF CATTLE. Treatment. A dose of salts internally, and fomentations or poultices. Apply to the swelling and to the sores, if there be any, which will depend upon whether the skin gives way or not. Milk Fever- — Febris Lactea — Metria. Milk fever occurs from the first to the third day after calving ; rarely after the third day. It is seldom met with before the fourth calving, then attacking chiefly cows of select breeds, and good milkers. Milk fever consists in inflamm.'^tion of the womb, which sometimes even extends to the bowels. Symptoms. Loss of appetite ; chewing the cud, or rumi- nation ceases ; staggering gait, wild look, falls and cannot rise. If the disease be not checked the brain will soon be affected also, when the cow will dash about with her head and horns plunging them into the ground. Cause. Undue determination of the blood to the womb from over feeding before, and immediately after calving, and from sudden changes of the weather at the time of calving. Prevention. Give, one week before calving, one pound of epsom salts, half a pound of table salt, and half an ounce of ground ginger, mixed in four bottles of cold water and sweetened with molasses. Let the cow's feed be of the lightest kind, such as hay and thin slop mashes, and no meal, grain or solid food. This measure will les- sen the tendency to interruption of the circulation, and will improve the 'lealth and tone of the whole system. To avoid, as much as possible, the effects of sudden changes MILK FEVER. 323 d fomentations to the sores, if ether the skin ilk fever occurs g ; rarely after ore the fourth pct breeds, and mmr^ tion of the he bowels, he cud, or rumi- alls and cannot •ain will soon be it with her head od to the womb y after calving, at the time of dng, one pound it, and half an bottles of cold r the cow's feed lin slop mashes, easure will les- jirculation, and whole system, sudden changes of the weather, have the cow brought into the housp. When milk fever is anticipated, give, a few hours after calving, twenty-five drops of the tincture of aconite root, which may be repeated every six hours, till four doses have been given. Nothing that I am acquainted with is as capable of equalizing the circulation of the blood by controlling the heart's action, and thereby the circulation, as aconite ; and for this purpose I highly recommend it to farmers and breeders of stock throughout the country. The foregoing measures, together with light slop feeding for a few days after calving, I am sure, will prevent much suffering to the cow, and inconvenience and loss to the owner. Treatment. When the disease is present, give at once thirty drops of the tincture of aconite root, and half an ouiice of the pure opium in powder, in a bottle of thin gruel. The aconite must be repeated every four hours without the opium, until foui' or five doses are given. Place chopped ice in a bag on the forehead, and attach it to the horns, renewing it when wanted. This being done quickly, at more leisure get epsom salts, one pound ; table salt, one pound ; ginger, half an ounce ; mix, and dissolve in four bottles of cold water, with a little molasses to sweeten it, and give at one dose. After this medicine has been given, turn the cow from side to side every four hours, or when the aconite is given, which will save labor and unnecessary excitement to her. She should be left as quiet as possible, and her legs and body be kept warm, thereby relieving the womb to that extent. Do not deny pure air, 324 DISEASES OF CATTLf]. I ! nor plenty of cold water to the afflicted .inimal, for she not only needs them, but they are indispensable to a sure and perfect recovery in most diseases, and as much so if not more in a disease of this kind. Milk Trembles. — This is a disease seen in the wooded country of the South and South-west, and depends upon cold, moisture and miasma. The disease disappears with improvements and clearing of the land from timber. Treatment. Give gentian, ginger, and foenugreek, of each, half an ounce ; mix, and make one dose, which may be repeated once in the day. Murrain. — This is one of the names given to diseases of cattle, which ought long ago to have been expunged from the books and writings of men who ought, if they do not, to know that the word murrain means to die. By classical scholars, orators, and poets, the use of the word murrain may be taken as an indication that they have read Virgil, Homer and Horace ; but when cow doctors talk about the murrain, it conveys the reverse idea to that entertained when used by the orator and poet. Cattle plagues and murrain are excellent names, whereby the ig- norant pretender may gain credit among farmers and others, for a knowledge he never did possess. He may give the name of murrain to any disease or diseases, how- ever different the one may be from the other in sign, symptom and seat, providing that the beast die. It will be observed, however, that if the animal should live, murrain can't be its proper name. Murrain, as applied to cattle t lit ' OVARIAN TTIMOIl. 325 1, for she not 0 a sure and ch so if not the wooded epends upon ippears with imber. reek, of each, hich may be 1 to diseases n expunged ight, if they i to die. By of the word it they have cow doctors I idea to that loet. Cattle reby the ig- farmers and IS, He may seases, how- her in sign, e. It will be ive, murrain ed to cattle diseases, conveys no idea of the nature or seat of the dis- ease. In some parts of the world, murrain is applied to epizootic aphtha, a disease affecting the mouth and feet — de la jilvre aptheura — and withal, not deadly or fatal. Without fatality, any intelligent person would naturally and knowingly think that there can be no murrain, and the absurdity of the name so applied, can induce no very high opinion of cow doctors. (See Epizootic Aphtha.) Nephritis. — This is a name given to a disease, or in- flammation, of the kidneys. It is scarcely ever seen in the ox. Nervous Diseases. — These may be classed as follows: Brain diseases, apoplexy, inflammation of the brain, palsy, paralysis, locked-jaw, twitching of the muscles, etc. CEstromania. — A term applied to cows when bulling. CEstrus Bovis. — The fly which deposits the eggs, from which the ox bot is developed. Ovarian Dropsy. — This is a disease peculiar to milch cows, and consists of watery swellings of the ovary, but one ovary being usually affected. Ovarian dropsy is characterized by a large, soft swelling, situated upon the side of the cow, between the short rib and the thigh. Treatment Tap the tumor with an instrument called a trocar, whereby the fluid is let out. When this is done, feed the cow well, and give her iron, gentian and ginger, to prevent further accumulation. Ovarian Tumor. — Tlie difference between ovarian 320 DISEASES OF CATTLE. dropsy and ovarian tumoi, as ascertained by the touch, is, the dropsy is soft and fluctuating, and the tumor hard and slightly movable. Ovarian tumors are generally hard, and similar to cancroid and encephaloid tumors found in xiian and animals. Treatment. Fatten the animal, and kill and send her to market, before she dies and becomes a complete loss. Palsy or Paralysis. — This is a nervous disease, and is characterized by the animal having lost the power of standing. Palsy may be partial or complete. Cause. Tumors on the brain ; injury to, or softening of the spinal cord. Symptoms. Inability of the animal to move, continued laying ; will usually eat and drink as if nothing were amiss, and will continue to do so for many weeks. Treatment. We are in possession of only one drug, which is oftentimes of service in curing this disease, de- pending on whether the paralysis be from reflex action of the nerves of motion, or from entire suspension of feeling. If the case be from reflex action, then this medicine had better not be given ; but if the nervous feeling be entirely lost, strychnia may then be given in one grain doses twice in the day in the animal's feed, and continued for a week or two. Placenta. — This is a name given to the after-birth. Plethora—Fatness ; full of Rlood. Pleurisy. — This is inflammation of the pleura, or white, fibrous, serous tissue lining the ribs within ohe ! "I il PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. 327 the touch, is, mor hard and nerally hard, aors found in and send her iplete loss. disease, and the power of r softening of ive, continued nothing were v^eeks. ly one drug, s disease, de- I reflex action iuspension of n, then this the nervous n be given in lal's feed, and fter-bii-th. e pleura, or s within che chest, and the covering of the lungs. For further par-' ticulars, see the following article. Pleuro-pneumonia. — Epizootic Pleuro-pneumonia. Pleuro-pneumonia is a compound disease, as its name in- dicates— pleuro and pneumonia. My own opinion is, however, and it is almost a certainty, I think, that the single name pleurisy would cover the whole ground ; for the pathology of the disease unmistakably points to this one fact, that the lungs are not affected as a disease from the beginning, but the solid, spotted and mottled condition of the lungs are but the effects of disease of the pleural covering, and the consequent effusions of serum into the chest, floating and surrounding the lungs, together with weakness, low vitality, and debility of the animal affected. This, then, is the reason why the lungs have become dis- eased, and the consequent double name given to the affec- tion. However much men may doubt it, this disease is no- thing more than buccal inflammation, extending from the coverings of the mouth and nose down to the pleural membranes within the chest, speedily followed by exten- sive outpouring of fluid called serum, and it is not till this fluid has accumulated in sufficient quantity that the evidences of disease show itself to the farmer or breeder. Cows are not so nervous, nor yet so excitable as horses, whether in health or sickness, and hence the absence of those symptoms in the early stage of the disease in cows, which are so early shown in horses, when affected by tlie Ill !i 328 DISEASES OF CATTLE. same sickness. Farmers should remember this, for in early detection lies often the life of the animal. Again, and in support of my theory, if the lungs were one of the primary seats of the disease, it would not be reasonable to expect the animal to live for a week, and in some cases a month, as is the case with animals affected with this disease. In no disease of the lungs, excepting tubercles, will animals live so long as those do when affected with pleuro-pneumonia, thus entirely disprovingthe theory universally entertained by those who have an idea to offer upon the subject. The length of time animals live with this disease, to- gether with the serum, the condition of the lungs, and the adhesion so often seen connecting the lungs with the sides of the chest, does not gc^ to prove the incurability of the disease at all, as has beeii so often asserted, but on the contrary, it goes to show the curability of the disease, and the ignorance of those who have been guilty of so bold and unwarranted an assertion, thereby deceiving the honest cow-keeper and breeder to their great loss, and in some cases to their ruin. Pleuro-pneumonia then I take to be a disease similar to typhoid influenza in the horse, affecting the white membranes of the nose, mouth, wind- pipe and chest, speedily followed by outpouring of fluid into the cavity of the thorax or chest, gradually in- creasing in volume, till the lungs are nearly submerged solidifying them, thus arresting aeration, or proper oxy- genation of the blood, together with shreds of plastic lymph connt'oting and interfering still further with M 1 1 PL EUllO-PN EUMONI A. 329 • this, for in al. e lungs were vould not be week, and in nals affected gs, excepting when affected ngthe theory e an idea to IS disease, to- le lungs, and ngswith the incurability erted, but on F the disease, guilty of so deceiving the t loss, and in then I take in the horse, riouth, wind- iring of fluid radually in- ' submerged proper oxy- s of plastic rther with the action of whatever healthy lung there may be left : and thus \iy a gradual, but progressive process, the vital power gives way, and the poor beast dies from suffocation, or asphyxia, in from one week to two months or more — depending if the cow be in calf, and what condition other- wise the animal may be in. The better the condition, the longer will they live, and the more likely are they to live, even without medicine, thus giving the lie to its incura- bility. (See Bronchitis.) Cause. Some subtle poison in the atmosphere some- times, which is not always present ; sudden and severe changes in the temperature, cold, heat, dryness and mois- ture, easterly winds, and possibly some other conditions which may be present, but not recognized, and which give rise to what is called the predisposing cause, for since we have those various changes in the condition of the weather, without producing the disease, something is wanted in the animal econt)my to act as a predisposing cause, two causes being necessary to produce epizootic dis- ease, namely : the predisposing cause which resides in the system, and the exciting cause, which belongs to the at- mosphere. Atmospheric cause is being clearly proven from the fact of the early symptoms of the disease being irritation of the mucous membranes of the nostrils, nose, eyes, etc. That this may be properly understood, let any person enter the too frequently over-heated lecture room or theatre, with its impure air, and, on coming out to the keen air of night, how readily tlie membranes of the eyes drop tears, antl sneezing from irritation of the nose takes '(^7 !::l Mi il!l 330 DISEASES OF <'ATTLK. place. Pleuro-pne umonia being a disease chiefly a ttacking milch cows and working oxen, and rarely affecting herds of cattle in the field, we are carried back again in our in- quiries to the cow-house, barn yard and its surroundings. There we find the slop feed stimulating the cow to over secretion of milk, and at the expense of her general health and condition- — the smoking and putrefying dung heap — the imperfect \entilation and over-heated stable — the giv- ing of stimulating feed, and immediately after turning the heated cow out to the cold, and sometimes frozen watering trough, to quench her thirst. In one or other of these anomalies, or all combined, will be found the cause of this epizootic disease — contagion, if it is really contagious, which I honestly doubt and even deny ; how- ever, if so, then they cannot be the only exciting and 'pre- disposing ca\ises of the disease. ' Symptoms. As has been already stated, the early symp- toms are irritation of the meriibranes of the nose, wind- pipe, etc. The symptoms of this irritation are not per- ceived by the farmer, till effusions of fluid are poured into the chest in considerable quantities, interfering with the movements of the lungs, and consequently the breathing or respiration ; then — and then only does the farmer ob- serve that the animal is sick. The presence of irritation in the windpipe can be detected by placing the ear close to the windpipe, previously tightening tho skin upon it, when a slight grating sound is heard. The immediate eflfect of irritation of the windpipe of the cow, is a slight discharge of an acrid fluid, of the appearance of water, !1 I'LEUIIO-PNEUMONIA. 331 from the comers of the eyes and nose, which is, however, sometimes so slight that most persons fail to see it, and if they did, would attach no importance to it — so the first, and most important time and symptom is passed by un- cared for, unheeded and unchecked. The next and im- portant symptom is a half involuntary cough, or rather a husking sound — not the clear cough which horses give, when similarly affected. When cough is heard, it may then be said the incubative stage has passed away. I have said incubative, although not believing in the exis- lence of such a thing, if it be not in the passive condition of the minds of men, who give credence to such a theory. The milk now becomes smaller in quantity, thin and blue ; cough louder and oftener ; breathing quick and labored, accompanied with a grunt ; rumination is irregular, and the appetite precarious. Such then are the symptoms that may be seen by the ordinary observer. Auscultation and percussion, applied to the sides of the chest, are not to be relied upon by, persons who are not accustomed to the chest murmurs, or sounds in health and diseases. Ani- mals in good condition rally from the attack and get weU, without assistance from medicine or art. In weak and low conditioned animals, the disease and symptoms are gradual and progressive, and they finally die in from two weeks to two months. Treatment. The success of the treatment here recom- mended, will depend upon, 1st. Whether the animal be in good or low condition ; 2nd. Whether the cow be heavy with calf ; 3rd. Whether the disease has been discovered, 332 m-SEASES OF THE HORSE. and treatment applied in good season. These are impor- tant inquiries, having much depending upon them, for this disease is much more frequent and foial in cows heavy with calf, and animals in low condition. If the disease has been observed within forty-eight hours from the time of attack, give the following powders every four hours be- tween six o'clock in the e ming and at ten at night, or at six, ten, two, six and ten o'clock : Tincture of aconite root, two drachms and a half ; pow- dered gentian root, three ounces ; powdered ginger root, three ounces ; sulphate of iron, two ounces ; mix well, and divide into five powders and give as above di- rected. After the five powders have been given, continue with the same powders, but without the aconite, and give them only three times in the day, instead of five as above directed. Half an ounce of the sulphite of soda may be added to each powder with advantage. Thr powder will have to be mixed in a large bottle of water, and sweetened with molasses. Allow plenty of pure air, cold water and good strong feed, but not too much at a time ; this will be better than thin, poor and non-strengthening slop, which is so injurious and deceptive, and so often recom- mended and adopted in cases of sickness. In the early stages of the disease, the carbonate of ammonia given in three drachm doses, along with the other powders, will do much good. There are two points I have ever sought to obtain, in the treatment of this disease : ! 1st. To main- tain the appetite; 2nd. To restore and maintain it, if it be lost. i RED WATER. 383 e are impor- •n them, for cows heavy F the disease 'om the time )ur hours be- at night, or a half; pow- ered ginger ounces ; mix as above di- f^en, continue lite, and give five as above soda may be powder will id sweetened id water and le ; this will hening slop, )ften recom- [n the early nia given in owders, will ever sought it. To main- tain it, if it Prolapsus VaginsB. — Procidenta. This is a protrusion of the womb through the vulva, and is an accident of frequent occurrence with cows when accumulating flesh fast, and also among cows, denominated bullers. Some- times, however, it may be due to tumors, or dropsy in the womb or ovaries. Treatment If from ovarian disease, spay the cow, and in simple cases elevate the hind parts of the cow, by mak- ing the stall lower at front and higher behind, placing a pad on the parts, after the manner described, under the article Falling of the Womb. Prurigo Vernalis. — This is a disease peculiar to the Spring of the year, and characterized by extreme itchiness — the body being covered with inflammatory spots, which discharge pus, and form scabs that fall off" and leave the parts bald, or without hair. Treatment. Give a dose of epsom salts, and fumigate the beast with sulphurous acid gas. (See Sulphurous Acid Gas, in article on Horse and Cattle Medicines.) Give good feeding and good shelter. Red Water. — This is a disease of milch ccws soon after calving, and consists in an altered condition of the blood, in which the red globules are broken up; and the coloring matter which is called hematosin escapes and is passed with the urine. Cause. Obscure, but assigned to local causes such as the peculiar properties of certain herbs or grasses which the cow feeds upon. My opinion, however, is that the cause I 111 334 DISEASES OF CATTLE. will be found to be local congestion, the red coloriiig mat- ter i.s but the product — red-colored serum. Symptoms. Diarrhoea lasting for a day or two, followed by constipation ; urine of a brown color changing to a deep red, and in the last and fatal stages to a black, resembling porter. Post-'niortein. Appearaniies confirm my opinion that it is local congestion that gives rise to red water. The liver and kidney being chiefly implicated. Treatment Give a strong dose of epsom and common table salt, one pound each, and half an ounce of ginger, dissolved in four bottles of water, and sweetened with molasses. Give mashes pretty well wet, and in a day or two follow by giving powdered ginger root, half an ounce ; powdered gentian root, half an ounce ; powdered fcenu- greek, half an ounce ; mix, and make one dose ; give one dose twice in the day, till sufficient improvement takes place to warrant no further medicine being given. To hasten recovery, give good and generous feeding, which will also assist in making blood for that which has been lost. Reticulum. — The second stomach is so called from ret, or net like, and is sometimes called the honeycomb. Retroflexion of the Womb. — Retroflexion is said to be present when the canal is bent on itself Retroversion of the Womb.— This term is applied when the canal is straight. Rinderpest.— This is the Dutch name for Cattle RUPTURES. 335 )loring mat- wo, followed ing to a deep , resembling inion that it The liver md common ce of ginger, etened with in a day or a-lf an ounce; dered foenu- se ; give one ement takes : given. To ding, which ich has been led from ret, comb. )n is said to a is applied for Cattle Plague. So much do I abhor the employment of such ig- norant and unmeaning names, that I cannot but entertain a poor opinion of the scientific attainments of those who constantly use them. The disease will be found treated of under the article Typhus Contagiosus Bovum (contagi- ous typhus of cattle). Ringworm. — This is a parasitic disease, and consists in the growth of cellular tumors on the skin. Young ani- mals of one and t\^''o years are most subject to the attack of the parasites. Symptoms. Broad and flattened elevations on the skin. Treatment. If left to themselves they will die out in a year. The oxide of zinc ointment will speedily cure the affection. It is considered a contagious disease, although not a fatal one. (See Ointments in article on Horse and Cattle Medicines.) Rumen or Paunch. — This is the first stomach and is the receptacle for all food that is gathered, which is kept there till wanted, or till the rumen is full, when rumina- tion is usually begun by contraction of the rumen upon its contents, whereby portions ©f the food are forced into the gullet and mouth, to be remasticated, and finally passed down the gullet again. It does not, however, pass over the ^oor of the canal this time, but separates the pillars, and goes not into the rumen, but into the many plus, or third stomach. Rupture in Calves. — The rupture we are now con- .sidering is what is known by ^the name umbilical, which .^11' "!l 8 i! \] 4 I '; ia i.ii i $86 DISEASKS OF CATTLE, occurs in young colts and calves^ and consists in the pro- trusion of a portion of the bowel and intestine through the navel, thus forming a small tumor. This condition is often congenital, or found on the birth of the calf. Treatment. Force the bowel up into the belly, gather the loose skin together, tie a well waxed cord tightly round it close to the belly, and a strong pin may be forced through the skin below the ligature or cord, to keep it from falling off before the loose skin comes away. In a few days the skin will fall off, leaving a healthy sore with- out any hole or rupture. Another form of treatment -s to place a bandage round the body, and a pad over the rupture, as is recommended for the same condition in colts, which see. Whatever the plan that may be adopted for the cure of umbilical hernia in calves they must be kept separate from one another, as each will suck the other, thus preventing closure of the rupture and healing of the parts. Siberian Boil Plague. — Carbuncular Disease. This is one of those diseases affecting cattle on the Russian Siberian Steppes. It is a Ijlood poison or pyemia, and is closely allied to the other Russian Steppe disease, com- monly called rinderpest and cattle plague. Spaying. — This is the name given to an operation for the removal of the ovaries or female testicles from the milch cow and young female oxen. The object for the removal of the ovaries from young cows that never have had a calf, is to prevent them from ever having a desire for ■^ SPAYED COWS. 337 in the pro- Qe through ondition is alf. illy, gather Drd tightly i-y be forced to keep it tv^ay. In a f sore with- dage round 3ommended batever the lical hernia another, as sure of the sease. This le Russian mia, and is jease, corn- operation js from the Bct for the aever have a desire for the male, so that she will be the more easily fattened and fitted for the market. Young cows so operated upon, are henceforth called heifers. Spayed Cows, the Advantages of. — The following are the reasons why dairymen should spay their cows, when not intended for breeding : 1. Spayed cows are more easily kept in good condition than cows not rpayed. 2. They are less liable to sickness of an epizootic kind, and when sick, more certain and easy of cure. 3. When epizootic diseases are present in the vicinity, or even in the herd, spayed cows are always in condition, and fit for the butcher. To prevent loss and save expense in the treatment, with the attendant risk of loss of some, and loss of condition and milk of all that are affected, they can be sold without loss — ^which is not the case with cows not spayed, and when pleuro-pneumonia is among them. 4. Spayed cows give the same quantity and quality of milk all the year round, if they ar 3 properly fed and cared for. 6. Ten spayed cows will give the year round as much milk as double the number of cows not spayed, thus sav- ing the interest on the outlay for ten cows, together with the absence of risk from loss of some of the principal by death of one or more from sickness, or accident, not to speak of the feed of ten cows. Between the feed of ten cows and their manure, the farmer can best estimate the difference in value. w 'iJi 338 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 6. With spayed cows there is no risk to run from milk fever, nor trouble with cows called bullers. 7. To fatten a cow, spay her instead of giving her the bull, as is the present custom — by^which feed and time are consumed, and the animal is not made very fat after all, for she has to provide the fattening substance to the calf in the womb, which, if she had been spayed, would have been appropriated to herself; nor is this all, for the calf in the belly of the cow is at once discounted by the but- cher as it is not a saleable article in the market. 8. Spayed cows cannot abort or slink their calves. Having thus had a bird's eye view of the advantages to be derived from spayed cows, let us look in the same manner at the disadvantages of spayed ones. 1. The expense of the opemtion and attendant risk of the animal dying — although this is not great (about one in the hundred). The expense of the operation will be from three to five dollars, which will depend upon the dis- tance the operator has to travel, and how many animals are to be operated upon. 2. Spayed cows are apt to accumulate fat and flesh, so» that they will become dry much sooner than cows not spayed. Still there can be little loss, for a fat cow is al- ways ready for sale. These, then, are the objections to the spaying of cows, if objections they may be called. We now leave the subject to those who are more immediately interested. Spleenic Apoplexy. — This is a new disease consisting TEATS. 339 from milk fng her the id time are ^t after aU, I to the calf i'ould have jTor the calf ►y the but- t. lives. 'antages to the same ant risk of (about one ion will be on the dis- ly animals, d flesh, so» cows not. cow is al- ections to lied. We mediately consisting in engorgement of the spleen with blood, and the subse- quent rupture of the organ, followed by death in from twelve to twenty-four hours from the time of attack. Cause. This disease is clearly traceable to the new, and what is \s'Tongfully called improved feeding and fattening of cattle. Food, rich in nutritive qualities, and deficient in fluids, is the great cause of spleenic apoplexy in cattle. Symptoms. Constitutional disturbance is set up aU at once, and no early sympioms manifested. The animal is well to every appearance at one time in the day and dead by evening. When the symptoms are seen, they are as follows : Colicky pains, twitching of the muscles, stagger- ing gait, frothing from the mouth, and the urine colored and mixed with blood. The animal falls and dies, the immediate cause of death being coma, from derangement of the brain. Treatment Treat the case by way of prevention with low diet. No treatment, however well directed, is of any use when the disease has once manifested itself Life is prolonged a few hours by blood letting, but no cure can be effected. Teats. — Teats of milch cows are often subject to diseases and derangement. 1st. Milk stones sometimes stop the flow of milk, and are felt within the milk channel, when the teat is pressed between the fingers. For their removal, take a silver probe or knitting needle, and, if possible, force the obstruc- tion up into the udder. I m w 'im 340 DISEASES OF CATTLE. JP j 2nd. Strict ;ires of the milk channel of the teat cause a small stream of milk to flow, and impair the usefulness of that quarter of the udder. This can also be remedied by using a silver probe or needle, commencing, however, with a small size, and gradually using thicker or larger ones, till the channel is as large as wanted. This operation will have to be Ct^xried on for a week or two, the first day us- ing the small probe three times in the day, and following the next day with the larger size, and so continuing with other sizes, till finally cured. 3rd. Warts are of occasional trouble to the cow, and to those who milk her. Irritation, and sometimes swelling is induced, whizL cause closure in the channel of the teat. Warts are to to removed by a pair of sharp scissors. 4th. Sore teats are cured by the simple ointment, one ounce, and one drachm of the rust of copper, commonly called verdigris, added to it. The milk can be drawn from the teat by means of a tube, called a milk syphon Teeth Diseased. — Diseases of the teeth in cattle are not so common as in horses. However, I have seen cases of a diseased tooth in cows, causing a bony enlargement on the lower jaw, and subsequently a fistulous opening, with discharges running from it. When disease of the roots of the upper teeth takes place, it is accompanied with a bad smelling discharge from the nostril on the side on which the diseased tooth is. Tongue of the Ox.~ We speak of the tongue of the ox not for the purpose of referring to its diseases, for that has e teat cause a usefulness of remedied by iowever, with larger ones, 'peration will first day us- land following itinuing with cow, and to mes swelling 3l of the teat, icissors, ointment, one 'r, commonly e drawn from ^phon in cattle are ^G seen cases argement on )ening, with the roots of with a bad ft on which le of the ox 'or that has TYPHUS CONTAGIOSUS BOUM. 241 already been done in speaking of aphtha. Our design is simply to explain the difference in appearance between the tongue of the horse and that of the ox ; for occasion- ally they are seen side by side in provision stores and other places, and all sold as the tongue of the ox or cow. The appearance of a salted tongue of the horse is much shorter and broader at its tip, and is, withal, the finest looking. Those who are not aware of these facts are most likely to prefer and purchase the horse tongue to that of the ox. The ox tongue is long, and narrow at its point, and is used much the same as a cat handles its prehensile paw. The horse cannot do this, but gathers his food with his front teeth. Avoid the good-looking, broad and short tongue, and choose the long, narrow and irregular one : then you may be sure of the tongue of the ox. Typhus Contaglosus Bourn— Contagious Ty- phus of Cattle— Rinderpest— Cattle Plague- Steppe Disease— Loserdurre, etc.— This is one of those epizootic diseases which have, at distant and different periods of the world's history, attacked the ox tribe of Europe, and consists in inflammation and irritation of the fibrous, serous tissue, or white membranes of the nose, windpipe and chest, and instead of serum or fluid being poured out as a consequence, as is the case in epizootic pleuro-pneumonia, the membranes become deteriorated' portions become detached, and some partially adhere, but all decay, and become a dangerous poison, which is gradu- ally absorbed into the general circulation, speedily 342 DISEASES OF CATTLE. followed by fermentation of the blood witliin the body, resulting in boils, or small carbuncles containing pus, which soon break and discharge. All of this is accom- panied by sympathetic fever, (typhus so called) gradual and progressive in its character, till the blood and tissue of the body are no longer fit for the purpose of life, and the animal dies an exhausted and miserable object, in from a few days to one, two and three weeks from the time of attack. Causes. Certain conditions of the air and earth, as heat and moisture, cold and dryness ; contagion. These may be called the exciting causes; something still being wanted in the system of the animal to form the predispos- ing cause — as debility, and a low standard of general health. Indeed, the conditions which sometimes exist in and form pleuro-pneumonia, are capable of producing con- tagious typhus. I am borne out in this opinion by Jessen, who among the discordant opinions and theories of Europe has declared the disease to be associated with pleuro-pneu- monia. Dr. Greenhow also says that contagious typhus existed side by side with plumonary disease in England, in the middle of the last century. Why theorize then any further, for it is so plain that those who run can read, that veterinary surgeons, politicians and notoriety hunters have, at the expense of the suffering farmers of Europe, con- tinued to perplex and puzzle too long ? The same has been attempted in Pennsylvania, and other States of the Union, even in cases of simple sporadic pleuro-pneumonia in milch cows, whoroby, witli a })ower of metamorphosis TYPfll/S COlfTAGIOSUS BOTJM. 34^ ithin the I containing h is accom- [d) gradual I and tissue ^f life, and pet, in from f'he time of th, as heat 'hese may till being predispos- of general es exist in icing con- ^y Jessen, of Europe uro-pneu- is typhus England, then any 'ead, that •ers have, >pe, con- ame has s of the Jumonia >rphosi,s far outstripping that of Publius Ovidius Naso, the one disease has, as if by the wand of the magician, been con- verted at once into that of another. Symptoms. We are told that the disease has its period of incubation, varying from four to fourteen days. This is simply nonsense. Where is the repeated incubation in cows when affected with pleuro-pneumonia ? Nowhere, but in the minds of men who know nothing of pathology. Is incubation to be taken for blindness, and ignorance for science and education ? It may be asserted, with equal truth and justice, that the condemned culprit, or rather suspended animation, can date the period of incubation from the time of condemnation, however long that may be before the moment he is launched into eternity. The weeping eye, the acrid drop from the inner corner of the nostrils, together with slight rough sounds from the wind- pipe, will tell the intelligent and scientific observer that something is wrong, and all this can be told from twelve to twenty-four hours from the time of attack. Where, then, is the period of incubation ? Echo seems to answer, where ? The husky cough, with dulness and prostration, follow the weeping eye and nostril. The back is arched, appetite and rumination irregular, the rigor and the chill tell that blood poison is present, and suppuration is going on as a remedial and natural measure, to get rid of the foreign or poisonous matter in the blood. The breathing soon becomes labored, the heat of the body is variable, while the skin and hair look unhealthy, and fever gets high. If the mouth and nose be examined, eruptions and I 344 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 'Il III WAm I sores will be seen ; and these sometimes extend to the feet. All the foregoing symptoms are now speedj • followed by discharges, from the nose and eyes, of pus streaked with blood. Salivation and diarrhoea supervene, together with stupor, and aU the phenomena of approaching death. In this disease, as in pleuro-pneumonia, cows heavy wit calf or otherwise debilitated, die sooner, and do not bear up so well as animals in better condition. The intelligent and careful reader cannot fail to see several prominent and important symptoms common alike to this disease and epizootic pleuro-pneumonia (which see). Treatment The correct method of treatment is at once apparent from the nature, symptoms and post-moitem, or appearances after death. All taken somatically and con- sidered, amount to this, that the animal is affected with fermentation of the blood, consequent upon inflammation and deterioration of the fibrous, serous tissue of the body, accompanied with fever of a typhus type. Then the first thing to be done is, to build up the system and arrest fer- mentation by the elimination or neutralization of the zu- min, leaven, or ferment. For this purpose then, order the following powder : Powdered carbonate of ammonia, one ounce ; powdered sulphate of iron or copper, three drachms ; powdered gentian root, half an ounce ; powdered ginger root, half an ounce; mix, and make one dose Give one dose of this powder morning and night. In the middle of the day give one ounce of sulphite of soda daily. The animal must be fed well and in a generous manner, but not by any means to arrest digestion by over feeding. Ill TYPHUS CONTAGIOSUS BOUM. S45 to the feet. [oUowed by saked with fether with [death. In eavy wit 0 not bear 'intelligent prominent lisease and is at once noi-tem, or '' and con- cted with animation the body, n the first irrest fer- of the zu- order the onia, one ir, three •owdered ne dose In the la daily, nanner, feeding". Such, then, is about the plan I would recommend for the cure of contagious typhus in cattle. I would add, how- ever, or take from, just as the indications appeared. Thus, I would have them daily inhale for an hour sulphurous acid gas. For the manner of using it, see Horse and Cattle Medicines in this book. The treatment here offered will cure a major part of all affected. The number will depend upon the condition of the animals, whether they are co'ws and with calf, or are djbilitated animals, etc. English Treatment Professor Gamgee, the great veteri- narian, says little can be done beyond purging the animal, etc., and adds that all treatjaent appears futile. Now the word " appears," in this case, implies a douht Scientific men should be more emphatic and particular in the words used. If there is any one remedy to be avoided in this disease of cattle, it is purging or physicking. Will a dose of physic cure blood poison, build up the system, aiid arrest typhus ? The person who says so is certainly not fit to give an opinion on this particular subject. Out of many evils, choose that which is the least ; that is, restore the digestive functions with carminatives and tonics, and not physic ; remove the cause of the derangement, and the effects will cease. Prevention. As has already been stated, it is a conta- gious disease, and to prevent its spread, isolation, or sepa- ration will have to be adopted. Epizootic influenza in the horse, and pleuro-pneumonia in cattle, took twenty-one years to travel from Europe to S4G DISEASES OF CATTLE. the United States. Now, should contagious typhus in cattle travel at the same rate, we may expect to hear of it about 1886. This disease broke out in England, in June, 1865, and in one year it destroyed two hundred and fifty thousand, eight hundred and seventy-five (250,875) head of cattle. About thirty-three thousand, two hundred and thirty-five (33,235) recovered ; all the ethers died, or were killed to prevent contagion, and spread of the disease. To enter into a history of this disease would take up more time and space than can be afforded, and would only be a rehearsal of what is already recorded in regard to the visi- tation upon English cattle in 1865 Vaginal Oatarrh. — A disease in old cows a few weeks after calving. It resembles and is treated the same as Leucorrhcea (which see). Warbles. — The product of the oestrus bovus, or ox fly, from having deposited its ova or egg in the skin. It is a disease peculiar to the summer months, and is character- ized by tumors varying in size from a grain of corn to that of a hickory-nut. Treatment. Squeeze the tumor and the larva is forced out. |s typhus in to hear of it nd, in June, ■ed and fifty '0,875) head undred and Idied, or were |e disease. To e up more lid only be a i to the visi- ■ows a few ted the same us, or ox fly, cin. It is a is character- L of corn to va is forced DISEASES OF SHEEP. niHE following is an Essay, for which the United States Agri- cultural Society awarded their medal and diploma, in the year 1861, to Robert McQure, of Philadelphia, Pa. The diseases of sheep which are laid under contribution are ; — First. Those that are the most frequent and destruc- tive, therefore of the greatest interest and concern to the sheep farmer. Second. Those in which treatment and preventative means can be employed with profit and suc- cess. Third. Those the pathology of which has been in a mea ure or entirely misunderstood, therefore wrongly treated, and the preventative measures neglected or mis- applied. These diseases will embrace a large number of maladies that have been treated of separately in the work by the late Wm. Youatt as independent affections, when literally a great many diseases alluded to by this indefatigable writer are but different degrees and conditions of the same morbid phenomena. I would here say it is a pleasure to think that some addition has been made of late to the stock of veterinary mhA BRAXY ENTERITES. 340 knowledge as regards this useful animal, and I trust that the time is proximate when the good sense of American farmers will demand that a knowledge of the diseases and general management of sheep shall form a prominent feat- ture in the education of the veteri'^.ary surgeon. Braxy Ententes. — {Inflammation of the Bowels) — Inflammation of the bowels is commonly known by the unmeaning name of " Braxy."*. It is a disease of more frequent occurrence among this class of domestic animals than any other I know of, chiefly affecting young sheep in their first year, and in cold and stormy weather, in exposed situations. It is not unfrequent when sheep have been feeding on turnips in the winter season, to find in the morning, after a cold, wet night, as many as a dozen, out of a few score, dead, dying, or affected by this dis- ease. Sympto'fna. They will be observed to be very restless, lying and rising ; resting on one side, and then on the other ; walking up and down as if looking for a place to lay down, but can find no place to suit. Treatment. Give castor oil, two ounces ; calomel, five grains ; laudanum, two drachms ; molasses, two ounces ; * Sheep affected by this disease are generally on the turnip field, and in good condition. If so, and the animal is very sick, never attempt to cure ; as in most cases death will iiake place before medical agents (be they ever so well directed) can take effect. Therefore, it will be the better plan to cut the neck, letting out the blood, thereby saving time and trouble, and preserving the mutton in good order. 350 DISEASES OF SHEEP. beat up with an egg, and as much warm water as will be sufficient for a small drench, to be poured out of the stroupe or pipe of a common tea or coffee pot. Repeat this in half doses every six hours. Prevention. In stormy weather, and when they have been feeding upon turnips, particularly where fenced in, remove them to pasture a little elevated, and as sheltered as possible from the storm, until the weather improves, and the turnip or other fields become drier ; place common or rock salt in covered troughs, which will tend to keep their bowels open. Salt is a good laxative for cattle and sheep. Diarrhoea. — Treatment Powdered opium, two grains ; powdered gentian and powdered ginger, one drachm each ; mix. To be given in an infusion of linseed, and repeated if necessary. Hydrocephalus HydatideTis, Sturdy, etc. — A singu- lar disease ; a very prevalent and fatal one, if left to run its course ; so much so, indeed, that in France alone, no less than one million sheep die yearly, or are destroyed by this pest of the ovine race. The symptoms by which this disease is accompanied are as follows : In the commence- ment, the animals will be observed to stop in the midst of their grazing, and then start away in a gallop over the field. They seem at times to be utterly unconscious . of where they are, separating themselves from the rest of the herd. By-and-by they become dull, and have a peculiar staggering gait. If there is a brook or rivulet within their HYDROCEPHALUS HYDATIDEUS. 351 \r as will be out of the Repeat this they have e fenced in, 'as sheltered T improves, ace common *nd to keep r cattle and two grains ; rachm each ; md repeated 3 — Asingu- left to run lone, no less >yedbythis which this commence- he midst of p over the ^nscious . of rest of the ! a peculiar ithin their reach, you are almost sure to find them standing by it, ap- parently becoming giddy, not unfrequently tumbling in, and thus being lost. They lose flesh, the countenance be- comes haggard, and subsequently, the animals thus affected commence a rotary motion, going round and round in the same direction, with the head inclined to the same side of the body. Now it almost ceases to feed or ruminate, as it cannot restrain the rotary motions, and is becoming rapidly blind. Death generally ensues from starvation. Veterinary writers and agriculturists have differed very materially as to the cause of hydatid, some attributing it to certain poisonous plants — but these have never been pointed out ; others considering it a species of serous apo- plexy, and others still contending that it arises from local weakness of the brain, etc., etc. Autopsical examinations have, however, proved it to arise from a different cause viz. : Coenurias cerehralis, or hydatid in the brain, found floating in a serous fluid, contained within a sac or blad- der, thus constituting Sturdy, Gid, Turnsick, etc. It attacks sheep from the sixth to the eighteenth month. *Certainly the most common cause consists in the lamb or young sheep picking from the pastures the ova or larvae of the tosnia solium, which infests the shepherd's dog. If Echinococcus, polymorphus or vetrinorium, be swallowed by the dog, they are developed into tape-worm, with but few serrations. The minute ova are gathered and swal- lowed with the food of the sheep or lamb, and are taken up from the surface of the intestines. They find their way * ¥mdlay Dun. 352 DISEASES OF SHEEP. into the blood, and finding a convenient nidus among the loose textures of the brain, are there deposited. Nature sets to work and encloses these foreign bodies in a mem- branous sac, so that otherwise they may not produce fatal consequences, and in the short period of three months they are found to have reached the size of a filbert. Conversely, if these hydatids are swallowed by the dog, they are developed into tape-worms. Hydatids may be prevented in sheep by curing or preventing tape- worms in other animals, especially the dog. As before mentioned, hydatids only aff'ect young sheep, and spring from the ova of the taenia. Herds managed without dogs are found to be quite free from the disease. However, dogs may be used with impunity when the sheep are upwards of eigh- teen months old. Treatment. (The following is from the Practical Farmer, by the present writer.) The treatment of this infection, until lately, has been varied, barbarous, and cruel ; one practising and recommending the cutting and pulling out the ears, and another of hunting the poor animals with dogs, and, if possible, running them over some precipice, frequently maiming or killing them. A strong knitting- needle forced up the nostrils has long been used, with occa- sional success ; but a small case of instruments, consisting of four pieces, is much better and safer, and, if properly used, will cure from seventy to eighty sheep out of a hun- , dred thus affected, and can be used by any intelligent shep- herd or farmer with perfect safety. In operating, observe carefully the side to which the sheep turns, as it invariably HYDROCEPHALUS HYDATIDEUS. 3.53 among the Nature in a mem- oduce fatal ee months Ibert. by the dog, [ids may be e- worms in mentioned, rom the ova ire found to )gs may be irds of eigh- iical Fanner, lis infection, i cruel ; one pulling out nimals with le precipice, ig knitting- 1, with occa- s, consisting if properly it of a hun- ligent shep- ;ing, observe t invariably turns to the side of the skull which is affected, and which must be first operated upon. Secure and tie fast all the four feet, and place the animal on a tab^e. Let your assist- ant sit down on the end of the table. Clip away all wool from the brow, sides, and crown of the head. Ascertain, by the fingers, if the skull yields on pressure at any par- ticular spot on the side to which the sheep turned ; if so, shave the wool from the soft part. Use first the instru- ment with the adjusting screw, its use being to prepare for the other, it being made a little wider than the trocar, with canula, so that the silver may not be broken in piercing the bone. Care, however, must be taken to stop when the point is fairly through the skull : this is easily ascertained. The guard must then be screwed back. This done, take it out and insert the trocar and canula in the same hole, until past the split in the silver canula ; then withdraw the tro- car, leaving the canula sticking in the head, when the water will be forced from the hydatid, showing that ifc has been pierced. Put the point of the syringe into the canula, and draw out repeatedly, emptying each time until no more water will come out, or the cyst has been drawn into the canula, which now withdraw, taking care that the skin of the hydatid be caught hold of by the forceps, which the operator should have ready in his hand. Having removed the hydatid, leave the mouth of the wound open, only placing a piece of clean rag as a pledget over it, as water will escape for a day or two. Put on the angular hood to keep the cloth and padding in their place, and secure it by worsted ties. Care must be taken, if the sheep has not 354 niSEASES OF SHEEP. been able to eat for some days, that it get a bottle of gruel before operating, as the less disturbance it is subjected to for some hours after the operation the better, the brain taking a little time to adjust itself to the cavity that has been made by the removal of the hydatid. Neither must the sheep be put on too rich pasture, as en recovering they are apt to take too much food, which may cause inflam- mation in the head. Mark well the side that has been operated on, as it very frequently happens that there are more hycl^itio the earth, nure. The themselves entozoa are there, their- ^his disease before men- -mp pasture ion \9ill be: bure, giving bruised oil ughs in the sheep are ilates their and water, ices; oil of ' an ounce. 36 followed !'he follow- )f iron, in powder, ten grains ; gentian, in powder, thirty grains ; ginger, in powder, thirty grains. To be given in linseed- meal gruel once a day for a few days. It is the experience of almost every sheep-farmer, and sometimes too dearly bought, that to place sheep on wet and marshy land, even for a few days, is certain to generate this disease, notwith- standing the animals may have been in perfect health prior to his placing them there. Before placing sheep on pasture where there is access to any bog or marsh, it will amply repay the time and trouble to fence it in ; . or have sufficient sheep-drains opened through it six months be- fore any sheep are put on it. Sheep-drainp are wide, and not filled up with tiles or stones, but left open. The shepherd can find time to keep both the sheep in order, and the drains clean of rubbish except in the lambing and clipping season. Sheep Laurel, Poisoning by. — Kalmia. A shrub, the leaves and young twigs of which sheep and lambs are very fond, and when eaten by them to considerable quan- tity gives rise to a disease called hoven or impaction of the rumen, accompanied by a staggering gait, sleepiness and inability to walk. Treatment To be successful must be timely as well as energetic, with a view to arousing the power of the stomach, and for this purpose two drachm doses of the spirits of ammonia may be given in a tumbler full of cold water once in the hoar, till three or four doses are given ; withholding the medicine when the animal recovers, though one dose only has been given. 366 DISEASES OF SHEEP. Small-pox. — VaHola Ovina. Fortunately this disease has as yet been confined to Eiirft])e, and more especially the continental portion, where it may be said to be never absent. In France and Italy it occurs frequently, and causes much loss and destruction. England was visited with it in 1847, when it was communicated to a flock at Datchett, and another at Pinner, by some Merinoes from Spain. In 1862 it again occurred, but this time very sud- denly, and in a very severe form among the flocks of Wilt- shire ; for which re-appearance neither infection nor trace- able contagion could be assigned as the cause. The light shed upon it makes it appear to be an instance of the ori- gination of a more malignant type of variola ovina. Such is, in fact, assigned to this disease in Africa, it being well established that certain injurious atmospheric influences produce skin diseases and facilitate the appearance of pustular eruptions. From the nature of the disease in its being produced both by atmospheric causes and conta- gion, it soon assumes an epizootic form, and causes more destruction than any other malady afliecting this useful animal. Out of a flock of 1720, ninety-two were attacked in a natural way, of which fifty per cent. died. Of eight hundred inoculated cases, only thirty-six per cent. died. The mortality from this disease is never less than twenty- five per cent., and not unfrequently whole flocks have been swept away, death taking place in the early stages of the eruption, and others in suppurative and ulcerative stages. Sym.ptnmfi. These may be mapped out as follows : The this disease c especially to be never iiently, and was visited to a flock at jrinoes from ne very sud- cks of Wilt- m nor trace- . The light se of the ori- vina. Such t being well ic influences Dpearance of e disease in js and conta- causes more 5 this useful ^ere attacked d. Of eight T cent. died, ihan twenty- flocks have i early stages id ulcerative ollows : The SMALL-POX. a67 animal is seized with a shivering fit, succeeded by stupi- dity, which remains till death or recovery takes place. On the second or third day pimples are seen on the inside of the thighs, and aim-pits, accompanied with redness of the eyes, complete loss of appetite and other symptoms which are common to other diseases of the same animal. Prevention. Two jilans are resoHed to for the purpose of preventing the sj)read of the aflection, whi'^h promise a certainty of success. The first and best plan is, isolation and destruction. This plan proved a great protection to the sheep farmers of Wiltshire, in 1862. In well known epizootic diseases, where individual cases occur and are pointed out and well recognized, as soon as the fever sets in, and before tlie eruptions appear, they should be slaugh- tered at once and buried. The loss of one or two sheep is nothing to the consequences of the spread of a disease of this kind. By doing so the disease has been known to be confined to a few cases in a large flock. Treatment. In treating this disease, resort ha« been had to a plart called aarracenia purpura, Indian cup, or pitcher pl;mt, which is used for treating this disease in man by the Micmac tribe of Indians, in British North America. (See Horse and Cattle Medicines in this book.) Take from one to two ounces of the root, (dried if to be had) and slice it in thin pieces ; place in an earthen pot ; add a quart of cold water, and allow the liquid to simmer gently over a slow, steady fire from two to three hours, so as to lose one-fourth of the quantity. Give of this tea or decoction three wine-glassfuls at once, and the same quan- 368 DISEASES OF SHEEP. tity from four to six hours after, when a cure will gener- ally be effected. Weaker and smaller doses are certain preventives of small-pox, whether in men or animalj. The public are indebted to Dr. Norris, Physician to the Halifax (Nova Scotia) Dispensary, for the manner of preparing this highly important article. Sulphurous acid gas will be found useful in small-pox. For manner of using, see Horse and Cattle Medicines in this book. -♦-•«•.''♦- HOESE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. IT was remarked by one ot South Carolina's learned sons, who has long and honourably tilled the chaii- of therapeutics in the Jefferson Medical College of Philadel- phia, " Give me mercury, iodine, (piinine and the lancet, and I will combat with disease." Without altogether en- dorsing the views or the distinguished professor, either in the choice of numbers of medicines he thinks necessary or sutiicient to cure disease, I would say, give me aconite, iodine, iron, mineral acid, soda, creosote and a few others, and I will not only combat, but successfully cure and overcome diseatse. Every article in use by myself in the treatment of dis- eases will be described under the name by which it is best known. No attempt will be made to describe adultera- tions in the drugs spoken of Many useful plants con- taining high curative properties are to be found all over this country, which will be well worth special attention. Acids. — These are derived from the mineral, vegetable, and animal kingdoms, and are of a soui- tastti — hence the name acid. Some acids are solid, tly as aconite, ^i'he nervous centres of the body are no less ready to obey its action. Hence, its value in allaying fever, irritation, excitement and p.'iin, from whatever cause. How to use it. Aconite should never be carried too far, or prostration ind weakney^ will follow. Never give more thai; eight doses, wlien twenty drops are the dose, nor more than six doses when twenty-five droj)s are the dose. Or, in other words, never, in any disease, give more than two drachms, or one hundred and twenty drops, whether the dose hjis been ten, twenty or twenty-five drops. In pleuro-pneumonia and other diseases, iron and the mineral acids should follow act)uite. Alcohol. — Spirits of wine entirely free from water, and is used IV :■ making tinctures of the various plants. It irt the f<»undation of many lotions an«l liniments. Al- cohol may be given to horses having a chill, in half-pint doses, mixed with a little warm water, not too hot. ^rsri$ ■:m lo ox, or thr als cannot vo- tho effort. If mercury was ", be considered ething SIS good, fever, founder, ic from eating .tie di^soases of ir( ulation and ;e. 'J'he nervous obey its action. ion, eTiitement canied too far, V. Never give ps are the dose, 3 dro})8 are the ease, give more twenty drops, or twenty-five iseaaes, iron and lee from water, various plants, liniments. Al- hill, in half-pint )t too hot AMMONIA. 373 Aloes. — This is the expressed juice of several plants of same name. Aloes are of sevc^ral varieties : Barbadoes, Socotorine, Cape, and Hepatic — all of which differ in color, and some of them in strength. Barbadoes and the Soco- torine arc the varieties kept in the drug stores. Use. Aloes is used as a purgative, or cathartic, for liorses only. Cattle do not respond to aloes, ijor is it a proper internal medicine for those animals. Dose. From six to eight drachms, made into a bolus, or ball, with two drachms of powdered ginger, and molasses, to cause them to stick together. Tincture of aloes- is an excellent application to a healthy sore. In the form of a compound tincture, which is com- posed of aloes and myrrh, it is preferred, by some persons, to the simple tincture. Alum. — A compound salt containing sulphuric acid, potash, and alumina. Use. [t is applied to sores, to arrest bleeding, and in the form of burnt alum, is used to touch indolen> sores, wliich are not disposed to heal quickly. Ammonia. — Liquid ammonia is commonly called spir- its of hartshorn. (^se. A dillusable stimulant, and is given in cases of flatulent colic. Formerly it was in much repute ainong farriers, mixed with oil, jis a liniment, but it is not now oonsidered of much value, and is apt to blemish. Dose. Two drachms to half an ounce, a»s ai. nitispas- modic, in flatulent colic. i 4\ S74 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. Carbonate of Ammonia. — A highly valuable medi- cine, when given in weakness, debility and prostration, from influenza, lung fever, bronchitis, etc. Dose. From two drachms to half an ounce, which may be re[)eated three times in the day, and should be given mixed in cold gruel, so that the latent or hidden heat will not be developed, as it would be, if given in anything warm, thereby scalding the throat while drenching. Muriate op Ammonia. — This possesses the same pro- pertier* as the above, but is not so strong. A('Etate of Ammonia. — I made extemporaneously, by disso'ving the carbonate in strong acetic acid, till ef- fervescence ceases : then adding water to it, till it is of the strength of ordinary vinegar. Use. An excellent form of ammonia when given in weakness and debility. Indeed, ammonia, with its seve- ral preparations, need only to be used, to convince of their utility, in supporting the vital powers, and thereby curing disease. Ai a9Sthu'tics. — Medicines which induce insensibility. Aiiiseed -. \ warm carminative, and used in conjunc- tion with ftriiu^-reek, and cardamoms, in weed, and fevers in milch cows, and for indigestion, and loss of appetite in hoi-ses. JDosc For liorses and cows, one to two ounces, given three times in the day. Anodynes. — These are medicines which allay pain, (Sec Aconite, Opium, Morphia, Cliloroforni, and Ether.) aluable medi- d prostration, 3e, which may ould be given den heat will L In anything aching, the same pro- nporaneously, c acid, till ef- it, till it is of hen given in with its seve- D convince of i, and thereby insensibility. d in conjunc- sd, and fevers )f appetite in >unces, given allay pain. Lid Ether.) ANTISPASMOniCS. 375 Antimony. — A metal. Many prepamtions of anti- mony are kept in the drug stores. Tartarized Antimony. — This is commonly called Tartar Emetic, and was formerly relied upon in the treat- ment of lung, or chest diseases in horses and cattle ; but to the great surprise of the knowing ones, recent experi- ments have shown that tartar emetic has no sedative effect whatever, upon horses, cattle, sheep, or other herbivorous animals. Pounds of tartar emetic have been given to horses, cattle, and sheep without any effect, excepting in- creasing the appetite a little, and having no effect upon either the respiration, or circulation, whatever. There- fore, tartar emetic we will leave to the dogs and to man. Tartar emetic ointment is sometimes recommended to be applied to the regions of the kidneys, where the Spa- nish fly dare not be used. Ter Sulpiiuret of Antimony, or Black Anti- mony— This is a favorite with many horsemen for making a horse shine. Ter Chloride of Antimony. — This is a useful medi- cine for diseases of the feet of horses, cattle, and sheep ; it owes its properties to hydrochloric acid. It is commonly called, by old farriers, buttyre of antimony. In foul claw, in. cattle, and sores in the feet of horses, a piece of cotton should b3 moistened with it, and laid upon the sore. Antiseptics, — Medicines which arrest decay and putre- faction. Antispasmodics. — Medicine* capable of relieving pasms, us iij oolic. 37G HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. m l\ I I 111! Areca Nut. — An effective cure for tape worm in the dog. Do8e. About two grains of the nut to every pound of the animal's weight, and given in the form of a pill, or .suspended in milk. Arnica Montana — Leopard's^ banc. Tincture of Arnica. — A valuable remedy for sprains and bruises. A lotion is made its follows : Tincture of arnica, one ounce ; water, two ounces. Cloths, kept wet with it, should be laid on the ])ai*t which is sore. Arsenic — A well known ])(>ison. Use. A splendid tonic, improving health, condition, and w^nd of the horse. Dose. When given (mcQ a day, five grains will be a safe dose, for an ordinary sized horse. If given twice a day, two and a half grains v^ill l)e enough. Arsenic shoul< I bo given mixed in feed, in Large bulk, such as cut feet the same time rea[)ing its advantages. Those doses should be continued at least for two weeks, stop])ing at that time for one week, and commencing again as before. This will insure safety, with the benefits of the arsenic, and an improved condition in both wind and body. In Switzerland, and other parts cf the world, ar- senic is relied upon for the cure of heaves in the horse. Fowler's Solution of Arsenic. — Made as ordered by the colleges, contains four grains of arsenic, to the ounce of the solution, or fluid. BELLADONNA. 377 worm in the «ry pound of of a pill, or y for sprains Tincture of hn, kept wot ?ore. )iKlition, and ns will be a tven twice a 1 largo bulk, » as much as advantages, two weeks, iiioing again benefits of li wind and ? world, ar- he horse, ordered by ' tile ounce Asafoetida. — This is a gum-resin, having a smell like onions. AsafoRtida is a stimulant and vermifuge, and is given to horses for loss of appetite, and to produce a tine silken coat upon them. It is given to dogs, to expel worms. Dose, for the horse and the cow, two drachms, and for dogs, ten to twenty grains. Tincture. Where the stimulant efiect is wanted, the tincture is a good form, and is given in about the same doses jis the gum, for all animals. Asarabacca. — Tliis is used in horses where matter is lodged in the nares of the nose, and it is desirable that it should he brought do\vn ; and also in sheep and calves with faliria bronchi, or worms in the air passjiges. For horses, blow a dnchm up each nostril, out of a cone of paper, taking care that the person does not inhale it him- self For a flock of sheep, or a number of calves, confine them in a close shed, with suflUcient air, and throw a con- siderable quantity among them, so the animals will inhale it. Sneezing and snorting take place, followed by mucus, and small worrns, from the nose. This action is called errldnc. Astringents- — Medicines which are capable of drying up discharges, whether from the bowels, or from a sore. The principal medicines of this class are opium, tannin, oak-bark and chalk. Belladonna- — ^ tropia Belladona. Belladonna is used in veterinary practice for the same purposes as opium, but is to be preferred to opium on 578 KORSK ANT) CATTI.K MKDfC FNES, I ! account of its having no binding effect on the bowels. The extract is the preparation used, and is prescribed in all animals, for colic, rheumatism, coughs; sore throat, bronchitis, influenza and locked-jaw. Doses, half a drachm to forty or fifty grains, dissolved in half an ounce of the sweet spirits of nitre, and repeated three times a day, in the diseases above mentioned. In diseases of the eye, it is considered valuable, as it has the power of con- tracting the iris of the eye, thus causing enlargement of the pupil, and breaking up adhesions between the iris and the leiis . It also facilitates operations on the eye. Benzoin. — A gum-resin, the tincture of which is known as the old Friars Balsam, and is an excellent ap- plication for sores, and unhealthy ulcers. Benzole. — This is a watery carbon, and is obtained trom coal tar. It is used to destroy lice, and other in- sects in the skin of all our domestic animals. Bismuth, Subnitrate of. Use. For dogs when affected with vomiting, and purging. Dose. Five to fifteen grains, given on sugar ; may be repeated. Bole Armenia. — Formerly in great repute among old horse doctors, for many diseases of all the animals, and it entered into almost every mixture. It is useless. Borax — Or Biborate of Soda. A good application for ringworm, for which purpose dissolve Jialf an ounr.^ of borax in eight ounces of wat«r. 1 1« 1 CAI.OIITM OH QIJU'KMMK. ;}7f) n the bowek prescribed in |r sore throat, OSes, half a 'laif an ounce [three times a seascs of the ower of con- ilargement of een the iris >n tlie eye. >f which is excellent ap- is obtained tnd other in- land purging, ir; may be I among old nals, and it ss. ication for 1 ounfr.^ of Bromide of Potassium. Use. For arresting the growth of fibrous tumors so often met with in all animals. Doses. For horses and cattle, from one to three drachms, and for dogs, five to ten grains, repeated three times in the day, for a considerable period. Buckthorn. — A syrup is made of the berries, and kept in the drug stores, and is recommended as a mild purgative in dogs having distemper. Calamine. — An impure carbonate of zinc. Oxide of zinc should be used or substituted for it. Used in the healing of wounds, both in powder and ointment. Calcium, or Quicklime. Use. Lime is used in indigestion and acidity in all ani- mals ; in tympanitis in the horse, in hoven in cattle, and in the form of lime-water. Mixed with linseed oil in equal quantities, it makes the celebrated Carron oil, so called from its constant use among the men employed in the Carron Iron Works, when any of them get burnt. Lime-water and calomel make the yellow- wash, and coito- sive sublimate and lime-water make the black-wash, so highly recommended in unhealthy, and in ill-conditioned ulcers and sores. It is used as a disinfectant in stables and barns. Dose. Quicklime is given to horses and cattle, in from one to two drachms. Lime-water is given in five ounce doses to horses and cattle. For calves with diarrhoea, two ounces of lime water, a drachm of powdered gentian IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // {./ 4t^ 1.0 I.I us Hf y£ 12.0 lit 1-25 III 1.4 I 1.6 0% % ^J^? ^ J>^ Photographic Sciences Corporation €. ^ V 4^ \\ % '^ 11 WEST MAIN TRKT WEBSTER, N.Y. UStO (716) •72-4503 1 N> i\ 380 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. root, and froiD three to five drops of the tincture of aconite root, given three times a day, is an excellent remedy. Calomel. — Chloride of Mercury. Calomel should be rarely used in horse and cattle prac- tice, from the fact that animals are not so subject to scrofulous diseases, and liver complaints, as man is, and as these are the diseases chiefly calling for calomel, we can in veterinary practice do without it, so far as internal use is concerned. For external application, in the form of the hlack and yellow-wSi^h, it is valuable. Calomel sprinkled on unhealthy ulcers and sores is valuable, quickly changing their apj)earance. Calomel is sometimes used in thrush of the foot of the horse, inserted into the cleft of the frog. In cattle with foul claw, and in sheep with sore feet, it can be used to great advantage. A dog can take as much aloes as will kill a man, but a man can take as much calomel as will kill several dogs. Camphor. — Use. — Camphor is a slight stimulant, fol- lowed by calmative effect. Hence, it is recommended in cases of irritation, and nervous excitement, and enters into all mixtures used in cases of chronic cough. Three to five grains of camphor, and extract of belladonna five grains, rubbed down in a little whisky or alcohol, and mixed in three ounces of water, is an excellent remedy in allaying irritation in dogs having distemper. An ex- cellent rubifacient can be made with camphor, one ounce ; acetic acid, No. 8, foui- ounces. To allay irritation in a sore, camphor and sweet oil is a good ap])lication. i CARBOLIC ACID. fe tincture of an excellent d cattle prao- !o subject to nian is, and calomel, we r as internal t the form of ie. Calomel is valuable, is sometimes 'ted into the a-nd in sheep -age. A dog it a man can s. imulant, fol- umended in and enters ?h. Three (.donna five Icohol, and 'nt remedy ^- An ex- >ne ounce; nation in a ). 381 Doses. Camphor is given to horses and cattle, in from two to four drachms, repeating the dose three or four times a day. Carbolic Acid. — This is the product of coal tar, and was formerly known to the scientific world as phenile or phenic acid, but is now generally known as carbolic acid. Its smell resembles that of creosote, which is carbolic acid and a fixed oil, and is very oflfensive to most persons. Its form is that of an acid solution, though sometimes sold in crystals. Its great importance id due to its property (>f coagulating the albumen of the animal tissue, and hen^e its value in sores, wounds, and ulcers. It may be applied with safety to all parts of the body or legs, and is invalu- able for destroying lice, wood ticks, and all forms of para- site life, and by merely washing or moistening those parts of the legs and bodies of horses, cattle, and sheep, and chosen by the bot, horse or other flies to deposit their eggs, their hatching or even deposit may be prevented. As a disinfectant in stables and buildings affected with fevers and all kinds of distempers, it was found extremely serviceable in England, in checking the ravages of the rin- derpest by washing the floors and stalls; and adding a tablespoonful of the solution of the acid to a bucketful of water, in whitewashing the walls and ceilings. External Use. For sores and wounds, when unhealthy, a good application may be made by adding one drachm of the acid to one pint of water. This will destroy all 382 HORSE AND CATTLK MKRICINES. putrefaction, and induce the wound to take on a healthy action. Cardamoms. — The seeds of a plant. Use. Given to milch cows in case of loss of appetite, and fevers. Generally it is united with foenugreek, ginger, or gentian root, mixed in warm ale, or molasses water. This mixture will cure ephemeral or fevers of a day's duration, when other medicines have failed. Dose. One to two ounces. Caraway. — The seeds of a garden plant, and used for the same purposes as the preceding. • Carbonate of Lime. — A chalk which is sold in the drug stores under the name oi creta preparatay or prepared chalk. Doses. For horses and cattle, one to two ounces in the dose. For calves, two to three drachms, given in wheat- flour gruel, with a drachm of ginger, or caraway seed, for curing diarrhoea. Cascarilla- — The bark of a tree. Use. A bitter tonic, and resembles in some particulars that of quinine. Doses. For horses and cattle, one to two ounces, mixed in gruel. Castor Oil. — The expressed oil of the seeds of the Rid- nus Communis. Use. However useful castor-oil may be as a purgative in the human family, it is certainly a dangerous poison when given in sufficient quantities to induce purging, in (.'IIAUCOAL. 383 on a healthy ippetite, and ginger, or vater. This 's duratiiDn. nd used for sold in the or prepared mees in the I in wheat- ay seed, for particulars ces, mixed f the Mici- purgative us poison "•ging, in either the horse, cow or sheep. It produces irritation, and inflammation of the coats of the bowels, without relief from ^urgmg. For the dog, castor-oil may be a proper and useful pur- gative ; and for the pig, also. Aloes, and linseed oil, is the purgative for the horse : epsom, or glauber salts, for the ox, and the sheep. Whatever suits man, as a purge, will answer for the dog and pig. Cassia. — False Cinnamon. Much cheaper than cinna- mon, and may be given to horses and cattle, in powder, mixed in gruel, for loss of appetite. Dose. One to two ounces for horses, or cattle. Oatheuc. — An extract from a species of acacia. Use. An astringent, binding the bowels in diarrhoea, and xS used in combination with chalk and opium. Dose. For horses and cattle, two to five drachms. For sheep and swine, one to three drachms. For the dog, ten to twenty grains. For superpurgation in horses and cows, my favorite combination is as follows : Catechu, two to five drachms ; prepared chtilk, one to two ounces ; powdered opium, ten to thirty grains ; mix, and drench with wheat-flour grueL Chamomile — The flowers of anthemis noblis. Use. A very mild tonic, possibly too much so for th& horse or cow. We have better ones, although, perhaps, not so well known. Charcoal- — Occusionally given to cows, in chronic diarrhoBu. 384 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. i a. I! I 1 I I Dose. Half an ounce to one ounce, given suspended in gruel, of any kind. Externally, charcoal is very valuable, when applied to badly smelling wounds, and ulcers. It immediately corrects the foetor, and rapidly disposes them to heal. Charcoal and brewers' yeast are good cleansers of putrid sores, and ulcers, and are worthy of more exten- sive use. Chenopodium Aathe]miD.tic\mi.--Wormseed. An excellent remedy for worms in dogs. Drop from two to iive drops of the oil in a little soup, or give from ten to twenty grains of the bruised seed, for four successive nights, and then follow with a dose of castor-oil. Chlorine Gas. — Chlorine gas is prepared by pouring hydrochloric acid on the black oxide of manganese, also by heating sulphuric acid with common salt and the manga- nese. Use, This gas is a disinfectant, and for this purpose it is made and used as follows : Take an ounce or so (de- pending upon the size of the place to be disinfected) of black oxide of manganese, and hydrochloric acid of suffi- cient quantity, carry them to the place where they are to oe used, pour the one into the other, and close the doors, having fii'st removed all the animals out of the place. A spirit lamp placed under the bottom of the vessel holding the materials, will insure a greater volume of gas. (See Disinfectants.) Chlorine, when sufficiently and properly used, is consi- dered to be of great advantage in arresting the ravages of •^ .>. CHLORIDE OF LIME. 385 uspended in ry valuable, ulcers. It sposes them od cleansers more exten- jrmseed. An Tom two to from ten to r successive )il. by pouring iese, also by the manofa- s purpose it e or so (de- infected) of cid of suffi- they are to 3 the doors, e place. A !sel holding (See gas. glanders, farcy, and other distempers in the horse, of pleu- ro-pneumonia and contagious typhus in cattle, and small- pox in sheep. It is to be hoped that farmers generally will provide themselves with proper apparatus for this purpose. It will not cost above three dollars, and consists of a small lamp with a stand so formed that a small glass bottle, commonly called a Florence flEisk, can sit right above the blaze of the lamp, while from its wide and open mouth issues the disease-healing, and health-restoring gas. Chlot'ic Ether. — Chloroform, dissolved in spirits oJt wme. Chloride of Potassium.- soda, or common salt. -Is similar to chloride of id, isconsi- ravages of Chloride of Lime. Use. As a disinfectant, from its antiseptic, and deodor- izing efiects, and is an excellent stimulant to unhealthy ulcers. Chloride of lime has been highly recommended in tympanitis in the horse, and hoven in cattle, arising from eating wet clover. Dose. From two to four drachms, given, mixed with cold water. As a disinfectant it may be sprinkled on the stable or bam floor every morning ; but a good way would be to suspend it in a box having many small holes in it and hung from the roof of the house. K the house be large, two or more boxes may be used. * iii' I 386 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. Chloroform. — Terchloride of Formyle. Use. Chloroform is an excellent stimulant, when given to horses having a chill, or shivering fit, from congestion, or from cold, and is equal to turpentine, for the cure of colic. An excellent liniment is made, by adding one ounce of chloroform to two of olive oil. Dose. Chloijform is given to the horse and cow, in doses from one to two drachms, mixed in weak whisky, and repeated every two or three hours, or till the colic is relieved. Inhalation. The inhalation of chlorc^form, by either horse, or ox, is attended with risk, provided the animal be not secured, or tied, so that it cannot get/ loose ; because some horses and cattle become completely wild, when the effects of the inhalation commence to act upon the brain. On the other hand, some horses will quietly stand up, others as quietly will lay down under it. Two to four ounces are sufficient to produce anasthsesia, or loss of sensibility. The usual way of giving chloroform by inhalation is, by pouring about two ounces of chloroform on a soft and moist sponge, whilst the animal is tied down, and holding the sponge to one nostril only, covering the nose loosely, with a large towel, to save the fumes of the chloroform; using great care not to exclude the admission of pure air with the fumes of the chloroform. In all operations lasting any length of time, whether in the horse or the cow, humanity and fine feeling demand the outlay for a little chloroform. It is not necessary to COD LIVER OIL. 387 completely destroy all feeling — just sufficient to blunt the sensibility of the nerve centres. Cinchona. — Peruvian, or Jesuit Bark There are sev- eral barks of cinchona, used in medicine, and from which the sulphate of quinine is made. Cinchona, or its barks, aie not used in horse and cattle diseases. Quinine is the only preparation used ; but its high price is against its general use, in veterinary practice. Among valuable horses, it is frequently used to hasten recovery from influenza, lyng fever, etc. • Dose. Twenty to forty grains, repeated from three to four times a day. Quinine is apt to be adulterated with arsenic, as proved to be the case with many samples used during the late war. Cochineal. — An insect used as a dye for coloring tinc- tures and other mediciues for the purpose of deception. Druggists color water with it, for filling the show bottles iisuallv found in their store windows. Cod Liver Oil. — In all animals, cod liver oil increases fat and flesh. In diseases affecting digestion and assimi- lation cod liver oil can be of no use. It materially re- lieves broken wind or heaves in horses. For hastening, or forcing animals intended for show, cod liver oil is just what is wanted, as it not only hastens th j fattening pro- cess, but increases the quality and appearance of the meat. , Dose. For swine, l^wo ounces daily. For small pigs, one ounce. Colchlcum. — Meadoio Saffron. The seeds and root are 388 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. the parts usually employed in medicine, sometimes in powder ; but the best is in the form of tincture. Use. Given in all rheumatic affections of the joints, and in lumbago, and also in diseases of the eye of the horse, depending on rheumatism of that organ. Dose. Of the crom or seeds in powder for horses and cattle, the dose is from cne to two drachms, given in the animal's feed twice in the day, for a week or two. The wine of colchicum will answer for the dog, in from five to fifteen drop doses, twice a day in a little water. Collodion. — This is a solution of gun-cotton. Use. Collodion is used for dressing wounds and cuts, instead of sticking plaster, and is applied in the following manner : Clip the hair from the edges of the wound, take a camel's hair pencil, or a soft brush, and paint the sui'face and edges of the wound well, and in a few minutes, the ether, which holds the gun-cotton in solution, evaporates, leaving over the sore a complete covering, resembling the gold-beater's skin, thus completely shielding the sore from the action of the air. Hence, its value. Copper, Sulphate of. — Blue Vitriol. This is one of the most useful articles that can be used in horse and cat- tle diseases, both internally and externally. Internally used, sulphate of copper is a powerful tonic and builder up of the system, and is recommended in all diseases char- acterized by a low state of the system. Farcy, glanders, purpura, etc., in the horse, have, in several cases, yielded to its effects. Sulphate of copper should never be given COPPER. 389 pmetimes in ire. |he joints, and I of the horse, >r horses and |, given in the >r two. The from five to ter. tton. nds and cuts, the following 3 wound, take nt the sui'face r minutes, the n, evaporates, esembling the the sore from his is one of lorse and cat- Internally and builder iiseases char- •cy, glanders, jases, yielded v^er be given alone, but should be combined with gentian or ginger. After the fever has passed off in cases of pleuro-pneumonia, the sulphate of copper is an excellent medicine to support the vital powers, and prevent effusions in the chest, which is the cause of death in most cases from this disease. Dose. In horses and cattle, one to three drachms are the proper doses, given twice in the day. The external use )f the sulphate of copper is often called for as a caustic in wounds and sores growing proud flesh, which are readily controlled by it, simply by touch- ing the parts with a piece of the crystal in powder, or in solution. For diseases of the eye, I think as no superior. For this purpose, use three grains of ^ owdered sulphate to an ounce of rain water, and apply with a soft feather, or what is better, a camel's hair pencil. For wounds which have no proud flesh in them, eight to ten grains to the ounce of water is a good and cheap application. Copper, Acetate of. — This is used only for sores in the form of an ointment. Take of the acetate or verdigris one drachm, and add to it an ounce of the simple oint- ment. I have known sores to heal from its use, which have bid defiance to almost every other application. Coriander. — The Seeds. This is a useful article, and may be considered an excellent medicine for young calves having weak stomachs. The bruised seeds should be given, in two drachm doses, in the milk which is given to the calf 390 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. Creosote. — This is a peculiar smelling fluid derived from tar. Creosote has had the credit of curing glanders in man, and is a good remedy in pleuro-pneumonia in cattle, but we have better ones, and not so costly. Cases of farcy and glanders in the horse are greatly benefited by its use. Dose. For horses and cattle, use from one to one and a half drachms, made into a mass, with flour and molasses, and the whole crumbled down into some gruel. Make a drench, to be poured down the throat. As an external remedy, it is of great advantage in mange* sores, ulcers, caries of the bones, canker, thrush in the horse's feet, and the foot-rot so troublesome in sheep. In- deed, the more the virtues of creosote are known to far- mers, raisers and breeders of stock, the more will it be valued and the greater will be the advantage derived from it. (See Prescriptions.) Oroton Oil. — A dangerous medicine when improperly used, but a useful one nevertheless, when hasty action of the bowels is wanted, as in milk fever in cows. Dose. For the cow ten to fifteen drops, given along with epsom or glauber salts. Digitalis. — Digitalis Purpura. The action of this powerful medicine has been much sought for as a sedative in lung diseases ; but since we have become acquainted with the superior qualities of acorate, digitalis is not now worth keeping in the veterinary Materia Medica. More- over, digitalis is a dangerous medicine, from the fact that it accumulates in the system, for a time, and all at once» DISINPECTANTS. 891 its effect is manifested in the weak action of the heart, so that, in many cases, the heart ceases to beat altogether. Doses. For horses and caotle, twenty grains of the pow- dered leaves, • Disinfectants- — I have, in two portions of this book, referred to the importance of a better acquaintance on the part of farmers and stock raisers with this subject. Volatile Disinfectants may be divided as follows : 1. Chlorine. 2. Nitrous acid fumes. 3. Sulphurous acid. These diffuse themselves through the air of stables and barns, and neutralize the poisonous gases which are given off from the excrenient of animals, whether in health or disease. Fixed Disinfectants. — These are such as can be mixed with the excreta and decaying matter, without destroying them for manure. 1. Perchloride of iron. 2. Permanganate of potash. 3. Gypsum — Sulphate of lime. This is not a great one, but it is useful. 4. Charcoal. This, in fine powder, should be thrown into damp stables and barn-yards, as it will not only re- move unpleasant smells, but will make good manure. Re- fuse tan bark, and other vegetable substances, made into charcoal, is cheap, and of great utility as a disinfectant, and adds to the quantity and value of the manure. ■A-. -W'l^ ^t' • ^HhHH i> ^^Hflffli 1 ■ 1 ■■' niffl 'l H i p i , 1 1 i 1 ■; ^ ■ i m i " ■ t ! ' i it;' ■1 ' i ■' Ii !;; ■| u 1 ' f'^ Mr? 1- 1 ,. «!■ i ! H ■ ■1. p. }||V: ■:; 1 Ill/ 1 1 9 . i i'l ill: ■V ■^■-■^■.Mr 1 1 B!ii>8 III il ii 1 ■ i: '■■ ■j:''^tMi Rli 'M 'ii 1m ■^i^i m ' --S] \^ 1 : 1 1 '1 ' W:t i i ■ hi - ■ " ■ '^-^ ' si 1 : 1 ' i 1 M i ' i i : ' ill 892 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. Fixed, but Noxious Disinfectants. — ^These are dis- infectantp which, when mixed with manure, render it valueless as such. 1. Chlo7'ide of Zinc. (Burnet's Disinfectant Fluid.) 2. Nitrate of Lead. (Ledoyer's Disinfectant.) 3. Sidphate of Copper, a/nd Zinc Solution. (Lamaudes.) Chlorinated Soda Solution may be mixed with manure, without destroying its qualities as such. Chloride of Lime. Solid, or in powder, does not destroy the manuring qualities of \egetable, and other materials usually converted into manures. Eiuretics. — Medicines, which, when given to animals, increase the flow of urine. They are used in cases of swellings and dropsies of the body and legs of horses. Elecampane. — Inula Helenium. The root of this plant is highly thought of. and much used, by horsemen, in coughs and colds. Some make a tea of it, or decoction, and give it to the iiorse to drink. It is certainly a warm and grateful aromatic, and a good expectorant. The plant should be gathered when the seed is ripening. Bark. — Slippery. This bark, when scalded with hot water, makes a aseful poultice for irritable wounds, ulcers, and sores. A decoction of the bark will answer every purpose for which flaxseed, or linseed is used, or recommended, as in diseases of the kidneys, and bladder, produced by the use of Spani-^h fly, and from over-dosing with rosin, and other diuretics. In diarrhoea, in all ani- mals, slippery elm tea, or decoction, will serve a good pur- fiPSOM SALTS. 393 rhese are dis- ire, render it it Fluid.) it.) (Lamaudes.) with manure, iS not destroy her materials ito animals, in cases of f horses. root of this •y horsemen, or decoction, inly a '^arm The plant calded with ble wounds, ^ill answer is used, or id bladder, »ver-dosing in all ani- % good pur- pose, by sheathing the covering of the bowels, which is so apt to become irritated and inflamed in violent super- purgation. Emetics- — Medicines which produce vomiting. Horses, cattle, and sheep cannot vomit, whilst the stomach re- mains entire. In cases of rupture of that viscus, however, vomiting is occasionally seen. Emetics are useful in dis- eases of the dog, and swine. Tartar emetic, or sulphate of zinc, given in from two to five grain doses, will cause dogs and swine to vomit. Epsom Salts. — Sulphate of Magnesia. This is a valua- ble medicine, in diseases of cattle and sheep. No other purgative should ever be thought of, or given to either cattle or sheep. Even supposing other purgatives to be as good, none, certainly, can be so cheap, as epsom and glauber salts, or the sulphate of soda. For all purgative purposes, the one is as good as the other. Salts should be largely diluted with water ; for the quantity of fluid given with them facilitates their operation. In domestic prac- tice, half an ounce of salts, in one vumbler full of water, will operate as strongly as one ounce, in half the quantity of water. Doses. For ordinary sized cows, one to two pounds is the dose, nuxed with four quarts of cold water ; one ounce of ginger in powder, and the whole sweetened with molas- ses, or coarse sugar. For average sized calves, two to four ounces ; for sheep, four to six ounces. A few drops of commercial sulphuric acid — say twenty to sixty drops, will greatly remove the nauseous taste. 1:1 i|:ii!!ii i i'l 394 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. Ergot. —Diseased Rye. This is a curious, as well as a valuable medicine. Use. In the calving, lambing, and foaling season, it is sometimes of great service, but should be carefully handled; as, for instance, if given to any animal about to deliver ther young, and wherr the mouth of the womb containing the young is not sufficiently opened, the administration of this remedy would be attended with extreme danger, as the womb, by the powerful contraction set up, caused by the ergot to expel its contents, would likely be ruptured, or torn, followed by the death of the animal. When the animal seems to have exhausted its strength, and the pas- sage is open, and the young is coming in a natural way, then only should the ergot be given. If there should be a malformation in the young, or in the pelvis of the mother, it would be equally unwise to give ergot. Doses. For a mare, or cow, half to one ounce of the powder is the dose. For sheep, swine, and large sized bitches, one drachm is the dose. Small bitches, ten to thirty grains. Essential Oils. — Volatile Oils. — (See Oils.) Ether. — Sulphuric Ether. This is a valuable article of the veterinary materia medica, and is used in diseases of all the animals. - Use. It is used as a stimulant, and is given in weakness, fevers, and in colic, as an antispasmodic. Ether is scarcely strong enough to produce anasthaesia in horses and cattle. Dose. For horses and cattle, one to two ounce.s is the FRIAR S BALSAM. 395 as well as a ble article of dose as a stimulant, and antispasmodic. Ether should be' given in cold water, to prevent its volatilization on its ex- posure to the air. Twice its own volume of alcohol added to it makes the spirit of sulphuric ether. Euphorbium. — A resmous juice, expressed from a cactus-like vegetable which grows in Morocco. Use. This is only used for external purposes, and is among the very few articles in veterinary medicines capable of blistering the thick skin of the ox. Expectorants. — This is a class of useful medicines which cause a separation of the mucus from the throat, and air passages, thereby relieving cough and other symp- toms usually attendant upon throat diseases. Fenugreek. — The seeds of this annual plant, found growing in the south of Europe, is a useful cattle medicine given in one ounce doses, for loss of appetite, ephemeral fevers, etc. It is usually, however, combined with ginger, gentian, and other medicines of that class. Fern. — The Tiiale — Aspidium Felix Mas. Use. Given to animals affected with worms. A good remedy. Doses. For the horse, one pound of the root in powder is the dose. For sheep three to five ounces, t'or the dog with tape worm, it is invaluable, destroying the worm in two hours. A purgative should be given next day. Friar's Balsam.— This is the compound tincture of benzoin, and is an excellent article when applied to sores I ill m 396 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. and wounds, as the fluid soon evaporates, and leaves a resinous covering over the wound, thus shielding it from the action of the air. (See Benzoin.) Galbanum. — A dried juice, having medicinal proper- ties similar +o asafoetida. Galls. — Nut galls. These are rough excrescences on oak trees resulting from holes being made in the bark by an insect. Use. A powerful gtringent, binding the bowels of all animals affected with dysentery and diarrhoea. Also a good application to the greasy heels of horses. Doses. For horses and cattle, powdered galls are given in from four to six drachms. For sheep and swine, thirty to sixty grains. When externally applied the powdered nut may be sprinkled on the sore. Gallic Acid. — (See Tannin.) Gamboge. — This is a gum-resin from a tree growing in the Island of Ceylon. Use. A useful purgative for cattle. (See Epsom Salts.) Doses. For cattle, six to eight drachms is the dose. For sheep, thirty grains, given in solution ; should be given with other medicines of the same class. G^ntain Root. — Gentiana Lutea. This is an invalua- ble medicine in the treatment of diseases of horses and cattle, where, the appetite is to be restored and kept up. In debility, weakness, swellings of the legs and body, and where the stomach is out of order, as is the case so often in fevers, and as a sequel to debilitating diseases, gentian, GLAUBER S SALTS. 397 combined with iron, is an excellent tonic, and cheap. Gen- tian, combined with ammonia and pimenta berries, will make a horse eat almost whether he will or not. Doses. For horses and cattle, half to one ounce is the dose, repeating it three times in the day. For sheep, one drachm. For dogs, five to ten grains. For horses and cattle, it is best given mixed in gruel, and in a drench out of a strong necked bottle. Gentian root should enterinto all condition powders. The colleges order a tincture to be made, but the pow- der is all that is wanted in the treatment of horse and cattle diseases. Ginger. Zingvrbei'is. A well known root, and a useful article to have in the house. Use. Ginger is given in cases of gripes, or colic, whether in horses ^r cattle, and should enter every dose of purgative medicine given to all the animals. Ginger is useful in loss of appetite in horses, and in calves is an excellent medicine to give with chalk, and other things, in scours, or diarrhoea Doses. For horses and cattle, one to two ounces is the dose ; for sheep, two drachms ; for calves of three months old, one drachm, and for younger ones less. The essence of ginger, of the drug shops, is well adapted to use, as the active principle of the ginger is given without so much inert or dead matter. Glauber's Salts. — Sulphate of Soda. A good purga- tive for cattle and sheep. (See Epsom Salts.) .■,-. . '■' .fi !■ 1 ' 1. ill! 1 eh^h I 1 / [ r , ■ , ; M 1 .'! ; 1 1^1 1 1 ! ; ^ 1 i ■ \ M } ' i i ,;; 1 1 1 \\\ ■! 1 u 1 :: i !j 1 I 1 ! ii ^ j i 1 1 ^ii 1 : ' i ' ' ' Mi; i n ill! *: " ' Ifi^i;! ! ■ ■" ' ■ : i 1 i » 1 : i -^'i ■ J 1 ; ■ '1: ' ■I " I; '. ii V ' i|l : i.i, i " i 'Ml; i' 1'', Ml . i 1.1 11 -ll ! 1 1 ■; ' i ll ; 1 i : :' i I- i ■: •' ^ j i , i If 1 i " 1 : ' ' ; .- : ■'■ 1 \- ^ ■ ' i ■ .■ < ■ -i I i k i 1 it ■ir-, . j ■' ■.*i I 1 I ill 1 '. 1 ' 'ill i ' ! ! i ! 398 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. Glycerine. — A fluid which scarcely ever dries up, and is the saccharine principle of fats. Bower's glycerine is the best in the American market, and is inodorous, or without* smell, which is the best indication of its purity. Use. Many sores on all animals readily heal by the ap- plication of glycerine, especially scratches, and sores about the heels of horses. Glycerine will be found in- valuable for the use of companies, in all our cities, having horse raih'oads, where the authorities allow the use of salt on the streets,, for the removal of snow. The slush so formed first chills, then scalds the skin of the heels, so that in a short time the skin cracks, and nasty sores are the result, which are difficult to cure. To pre- vent this condition of things, and to protect the heels of horses from the injurious effects of the salt and slush, the application of glycerine should be made to the heels morn- ing and mid-day, whilst the salt, slush and snow are upon the streets. Guaiacmn. — This is a resin. Tincture of Guaiacum. — A valuable medicine in cases of rheumatism in old horses, and in rheumatic lameness in dogs. Dose. For horses, the dose of the tincture will be half an ounce twice in the day, given in cut feed, or in a drench with cold water. For dogs, ten to twenty drops, given in a spoonful of cold water or soup. Gum Arabic. — Oum Acacia, This is an importation from Alexandria, in Egypt. There are several varieties* of gum. HEMP. 399 adicine in cases latic lameness Gum Tragacanth. — This is another variety of gum. Use. The gums are demulcents, emolient and soothing to an inflamed part, as the bowels in diarrhoea, the kid- neys and bladder, when diseased and irritated. Doses. For horses and cattle, from one to two ounces For calves and sheep, four drachms. Gum should be given, dissolved in warm water, and drenched out of a bot- tle or ox horn. Hellebore. — Hellebrosus Niger. Use. Recommended in poll-evil, wherein a piece of the root is to be inserted in the fistulous opening. No depen- dence should be placed in it. Better agents are at hand. Hemlock. — Conium Maculatum. Formerly recom- mended in inflammation. It is of benefit in the form of a poultice to cancerous sores. Hemp, Indian. — Cannabis Indica. The colleges order a tincture and an extract. In the east of Europe, the resin of the plant is known as churrus, and its pre- parations are known as yunjoli, bang and hachisk. Ac- v^ording to the accounts which have reached us, in regard to the use of this article, no such action can be produced upon man from any preparation from the hemp in use in America, as is represented to be produced amongst the subjects of His Majesty, the Sultan of Turkey. The gen- uine preparations of Indian Hemp produce in man great excitement, high spirits, great laughter, talkativeness, pleasing thoughts, and a great appetite for food and sexual excitement, followed by sleep, from which the person re- ^K ^''^ ' : ' t Mr 'H 1 1 ilpi 1 1 1 ll 1 1 i i^H ' 1 1 '3 ' m |l ' '1 1 i I H 1 1, ll 1 i 1 1 ^H' { 1^1 : 1 1 1 '! \\ i ^^^^^^■1^1 1 I .■' ■ h * 1 i 1 1 ' !; I . i r 1 i 1 i j , : r I^^H. ' i ' 1 ; 400 HOESE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. covers without any unpleasant effects. Experimeiits in- stituted by the writer with this medicine upon horses, do not warrantpts introduction into the list of horse and cattle medicines Henbane. — Hyoscyamus Niger. An extract and a tincture is ordered to be kept in the drug stores. Hyos- cyamus is indicated in all cases where belladonna is used It has, however, little effect upon animals chewing the cud. To horses, it is occasionally given to relieve cough and irritation of the throat and windpipe. Dose. For horses, one to two drachms of the extract is the dose which should be given, rubbed down in a little cold water, and repeated several times in the day. Bet- ter drugs, and less expensive ones, answer a better pur- pose. This medicine was formerly relied upon for the cure of insane persons, but it is now almost discarded for that purpose. Iodine. — A chemical preparation manufactured from kelp or sea- weed and used both rightfully and wrongfoUy in many diseases. However, iodine itself, is, I think, of little value as a medicine ; but when united chemically with iron, copper, mercury, lead, arsenic and potassium, it certainly is one of the most useful and indispensable of medical agents, given internally, and applied externally. Lose, Iodine is given to the horse and the ox in from twenty to forty grains; for dogs, use from three to six grains. An ointment of iodine is made as follows '. Take one part of iodine to eight parts of lard. This is a IODIDE OF POTASSIUM. 401 Lperimeiits in- pon horses, do Drse and cattle xtract and a tores. Hyos- donna is used chewing the relieve cough f the extract >wn in a little le day. Bet- a better pur- upon for the discarded for actured from d wrongfully s, I think, of d chemically potassium, it ispensable of externally. ox in from om three to as follows: d. This is a good ointment to apply to soft swellings on the body of the horse, and should be applied by rubbing with the hand. Iodide of Potassium. — Hydriodate of Potash. This is a chemical union of potash with iodine, a costly remedy for horse and cattle diseases, and in most cases can be done very well without. Its action is that of an absor- bent, and it is, therefore, used in the swelling of the glands and other parts of the body. To get its full benefit, it should be given in syrup or molasses, so that the iodine will not be lost, leaving the water only behind. Dose. From twenty to thirty grains for horses and cattle, repeated three times in the day. For the dog, five gi'ains. (1.) Iodide of Arsenic. — Highly recommended by some persons for glanders, farcy and purpura in the horse. Dose. Five grains given once a day, in cut or mixed feed. (2.) Iodide of Copper. — A valuable remedy, but costly. It should be used only for valuable horses, in cases of debility and loss of ^condition, mingled with cut or mixed feed. Dose From one to two drachms, given twice or three times in the day. (3.) Iodide of Iron. — This is even more valuable than that of the iodide of copper, and is given for the same purpose, and in the same doses. To use the iodide of AA 402 irORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES, iron once, will insure its use again. Its high price is the only drawback. Iodide of iron enters into the powders and balls which are given to the English race horses* whilst in the trainer's hands ; — a high recommendation. (4.) Iodide of Sulphur. — A valuable remedy in mange and other f^kin diseases, which may be given internally also, in the same disease. Dose. For horses, give two to four drachms in the ani- mal's feed. For mangy dogs, give ten to fifteen grains once a day. Give it at night, as warmth assists its action very much. (5.) Iodide of Lead. — Too weak for veterinary prac- tice, but excellent for swellings on the body of man. It is only used externally. Iodide of lead is of a beautiful yellow colour. ' (6.) Iodide of Mercury. — Bin-Iodide of Mercury, — Med Iodide of Mercury, etc. This preparation of iodine is medicine that the educated veterinary^surgeon cannot do without in the practice of his profession ; for there is no- thing which will so well meet his wants. Iodide of mer- cury is not used internally, in any disease, as calomel con- tains the same internal action as that of the iodide. Use. It is used in all cases of induration and swelling of the glands of the neck ; tumors, whether of bone or soft tissue ; splints, spavins, ring-bones, wind galls, shoulder- joint lameness, or thoroughpin, and will answer well for an ordinary blister, foj, whatever purpose. The only objection to it, as a blister over an extensive surface, is its painful operation. 1 price is the the powders race horses* mendation. edy in mange en internally ns in the ani- fifteen grains lists its action ierinaiy prac- y of man. It of a beautiful of Mermiry, — on of iodine is ;eon cannot do or there is no- Iodide of mer- ls calomel con- } iodide, n and swelling of bone or soft ^alls, shoulder- answer well for 3e. The only sive surface, is tODTDE OF POTASSIUM. 403 The iodide of mercury is used as an ointment as fol- lows: One part of the red iodide of mercury to eight parts of hog's lard, well mixed together. This ointment is to be well rubbed into the parts to be cured ; swelling will follow its action, but will subside hi a few days, if one application be enough — which will be known, if the en- largement has been broken or has disappeared. If not, apply in from five to six days again, scarcely rubbing so hard as at the first application, as the skin is more easily acted upon at this time. But whether one, two, or half a dozen applications be necessary, let sufficient time elapse before each succeeding application, so as not to prevent the hair growing, thei'eby blemishing the part. Apply lard once a day between each application, and occasionally wash the parts with water, not too warm, and lard, or oil the part when dry. The horse's head should be tied up, so that he cannot get at the parts with his mouth. A few hours will be long enough. Place plenty of soft bed- ding under the feet so that, by stamping, the horse will not break or hurt his feet. Observe. When, apparently, the tumor, gland, or other enlargement, does not disappear, or go away at once, sur- prise is sometimes expressed to see it totally go away, as if of its own accord. Thus the red iodide of mercury exercises a powerful influence, long after its use has been dispensed witlx. Iodide of mercury occupies, in my es- timation, in external diseases, as prominent a position as the preparations of aconite do in internal affections, whether in horses or cattle. I ! 404 HORSE AND CATTT.E MEDICINES. ' >! Several other preparations of iodine are made by the manufacturing chemists; such as the iodide of gold, and silver — which are of no use in horse and cattle diseases. Ipecacuanha. — Cephaelia Ipecacuanha. In veterinary practice, ipecacuanha is^ only used for dogs, in fifteen to thirty grains, as an emetic, when first attacked with dis- temper. Iron. — Ferrwra. This is one of the most valuable n.ddicines we have to recommend, in many of the most important diseases, of all the animals ; a fact readily seen, when it is stated that iron is a constituent of the blood of all warm-blooded animals, and without iron being in proper quantity in the blood of an animal, it cannot be healthy — is ancemic, or impoverished in blood. In fact, iron is an elementary principle essential to health. Metallic iron is rarely used in veterinary practice, ex- cept it be in the form of iron filings, given by some per- sons, in cases of worms in horses. The sulphate is just as good for this purpose. Iron filings, called Ferru7)i Re- dactum, are much used in the weakly and sickly female. To prevent the filings from oxidizing, or rusting, they are put into a tube, similar to a gun barrel, at a strong heat, and are then plunged into cold water, which give them a sky-blue color ; the finer the blue, the better the medi- cine. For the valuable dog, iron filings, in this form, may be given, in from five to ten grain doses. The follo\Ving preparations of iron will be used for the horse and ox: (1.) Carbonate of Iron. — Ferri Carhonis. This IRON. 405 lade by the )f gold, and ) diseases. 1 veterinary in fifteen to ed with dis- )st valuable of the most readily seen, of the blood iron being in it cannot be od. In fact, ealth. practice, ex- )y someper- ate is just as Ferru7)i Re- ickly female, ing, they are strong heat, give them a er the medi- is form, may he following e and ox: *onis. This preparation of iron is only used in veterinary practice, for the dog, on account of its mildness. (2.) Sesquioxide of Iron. — Must of Irori^—Feruyo. This form of iron is only used by veterinary surgeons, in poisoning from arsenic, as an antidote, by forming in the stomach an insoluble arsenite of the protoxide of ii'on. (3.) Sulphate of Iron, — Ferri Sulphas — Green Vit- riol-Copperas. This is one of the best, and cheapest • preparations of this valuable metal, that can be used in diseases of horses and cattle. Use. In medicinal doses the sulphate of iion is tonic and astringent; therefore, it is used in cases of weakness, want of condition, looseness of the bowels, swellings of the legs, body, sheath, breast, etc. It is improving, ad- ding richness to the blood, and giving tonicity and health to the fibrous, serous tissue, from which the fluid causing the swelling arises. In pleuro-pneumonia in cattle, after fever has abated, nothing will restore and prevent effus- ions of serum, or fluid, in the chest, like sulpLate of iron ; and effusions in the chest of cows, and neat cattle, is the cause of very many deaths. The effusions form connect- ing links between the lungs and the sides, from which the animal can never be restored to good health, although it may live for a year or two. How important, then, is a medicine offering so much hope|! In addition to the diseases just named, sulphate of iron is the medicine to be used in all cases where the powers of life are low and depressed. In red water in cattle, bleeding internally in all animals, dysentery. ! Hi:! 'I i i I 406 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. purpura, scarlatina, and in debilitating diseases generally, no medicine offers so much as the sulphate of iron. Observe. Sulphate of iron should not be given while inflammation and fever lasts; it is time enough to give it after all irritation has subsided. It should always be combined with a vegetable tonic, such as gentian, or gin- ger. Iron changes the dung to a green color, as if the animal was at pasture. Doses. For horses and cattle, the dose is two to three drachms, with the same quantity of powdered gentian, two to three times in the day, to be given, mixed in a quantity of cold water. Drench out of a bottle, if the animal does not eat it readily, mixed with cut, or soft feed. (4.) Perchloride of Iron. — Whether in a fluid or solid state, this preparation is valuable for bleeding wounds to stop the flow of blood — which it will readily do, if , properly applied, and the blood vessel that is wounded is not too large. It should be applied with a soft brush, or a pledget of soft cloth or cotton dipped in it and laid over the wound, and kept bandaged. Perchloride of iron should be kept in every farm, or country house, for this purpose. It should be kept in a glass-stoppered bottle to keep it pure. Jalap. — Convolvulus Jalapce. — This root derives its name from a town in Mexico, called Xalapa, and grows fully six thousand feet above the sea level. It is, in vet- erinary practice, used only as a purge for the dog, in from twenty to sixty grains. LEAD. 407 Juniper Berries. — Juniper is Communis — The Fruit Tills medicine is valuable in horse and cattle diseases, as a stimulant to the stomach in loss of appetite, and in convalescence from debilitating diseases. Dose. For horses and cattle, one to two ounces is a dose. Dogs, twenty to forty grains. Kino. — A juice of several plants. This is used as an astringent in diarrhoea in all animals, and is considered more powerful than catechu, (which see). KOUSSO. — The flowers of this plant are brought from Abyssinia. Use. To expel, or destroy tape worm in man, and the dog, and is prepared and used in the following manner. Take of kousso half an ounce, of warm water half a pint let it stand till cool, and give it, flowers and all ; and give next day a dose of castor-oil. Lead — Plumbum. Metallic lead in the form of shot, is used by our horse dealers, to relieve temporarily the heaving, or symptoms of broken wind, or heaves in horses. It will be needless for me to say, that if the lead is not speedily converted into an insoluble oxide, the animals so treated will die in a month or two. (SeeLead Poisoning.) (1.) Oxide of Lead. — This preparation of lead is used in the manufacture of common sticking plaster, or Dia- chylon. (2.) Iodide of Lead. — (See Iodine.) (3.) Acetate of Lead. — Sugar of Lead. Solution of acetate of lead is known by the name of Goulard's Extract 408 IIOESE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. of Lead, and was formerly, and is still by some persons recommended, and used in cases of sprains, and as a wash for diseased eyes. Better and less injurious agents are now used by the educated veterinary surgeon. Observe. Goulard's Extract, or lead-water, should never be used in diseases of the eye, as it can do no good beyond what cold water can do, but it dulls the eye, by making it hazv and opaque. It will be well to remember this, and act upon it, not minding what old and antiquated books and individuals may say or think in regard to what is here recommended. Linseed. — Linum Usitatissimum. Ground flaxseed makes the best poultice, as it is less irritable and retains its moisture better than most articles in use for that pur- pose. Cake Meal. — That portion which is kept after the oil has been expressed from the seed, is a good feed for horses and cows, given occasionally, and makes a good and much cheaper poultice than the most costly seed. Linseed Oil. — Oleum Zini. This is a good and safe purgative for the horse, and should be given by farmers and non-professional persons in preference to any other article. The English veterinary surgeons use linseed oil for colic in the horse, in the following combination : Lin- seed oil, one pint, and two ounces each of oil of turpentine and laudanum. In cases of choking, in either horses or cattle, a half pint of linseed oil should be poured down the throat, so that by its emollient properties the substance may pass readily down the gullet. LOGWOOD. 409 Doses. For horses, one to two pints is the dose used for a purgative. For scalds and burns, linseed oil is mixed with lime water. (See Lime-water.) Liquorice Root- — Glycyrrhiza Radix. This was for- merly in use for making balls for horses, but it is now superseded by molasses. Lobelia Inflata. — Indian Tobacco. This medicine is in great use by the eclectic physicians in the United States as an emetic, which fact, I believe, has induced Dr. Dadd to recommend it to veterinary surgeons and horsemen of this country. Does the Doctor not yet know that the horse, the ox and the sheep, cannot vomit ? Therefore, it is not entitled to a position, for such purpose, in the vete- rinary Materia Medica. Logwood. — Hoematoxylon Campechianum. This is a valuable medicine not well known and consequently not appreciated. Use. One of the very best astringents for binding the bowels in diarrhoea and dysentery, in all animals, and especially when accompanied with irritation of the bowels. Logwood is cheap, sold in chips, and is prepared and given in the following manner : Logwood chips, two ounces ; boiling water, one pint. Allow it to stand till cold, then strain through cloth, or a fine sieve. Dose. For horses and cows, this quantity will mak^ one dose. For calves with scours, one to three ounces will be the dose, which repeat if tlie case demands it. A safe ill I l! I' ill i 410 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. remedy, and cheap. A little ginger should be added to it to prevent griping. Lupuline.— r/ie Ho'p. Makes a good poultice, applied to the udders of cows, when lumpy and hard. It hastens the suppurative process. Magnesia- — Oxide of Magnesium. Used sometimes in young foals and calves, when they have no appetite. A good antidote for arsenical poisoning. Dose. For these animals, two drachms to six is the dose. * (1.) Carbonate of Magnesia. — Magnesia Alba. The action of this is similar to the preceding. (2,) Sulphate of Magnesia. — (See Epsom Salts.) Manganese. — A metal used as a disinfectant, in com- bination with some one of the mineral acids. For the way to use it, see Disinfectants. Marsh j^Mallow. — The Root of Althea Offtcmalis. Used in the form of an ointment, but not of much utility. It, however, still holds a place in horse and cattle medi- cines. It can be done without. Marigcld. — Cy^cendula Officinalis. A garden plant. Tincture of Maeigold. — This is a good application to sores, ulcers, and abscesses, and is applied with soft cloths, saturated or moistened with it, and laid over the affected part. It is a new remedy in bums and scalds. Mercury— A liquid metal called quicksilver. In its metallic state it is not used as a medicine. There, how- MERCURY. 411. be added to jultice, applied p. It hastens sometimes in appetite. A to six is the a Alba. The m Salts.) >ctant, in com- For the way '« Offlcinali8. much utility. I cattle medi- • den plant, application to ^h soft cloths, ' the affected s. her. In its There, how- ever, is a prevalent idea in the minds of ignorant persons that doctors and veterinary surgeons give this substance to force a passage through the bowels, and that if it fails the bowels and stomach will be ruptured or torn. If the patient should die, the blame is not unfrequently laid on the use of quicksilver by the doctor, when this substance was never thought of for any such purpose. Quicksilver has no action whatever on the animal system, either in health or sickness. (1.) Mercury with Chalk. — Gray Powder. Used in diarrhoea in calves, in doses from ten to fifteen grains, given with a little ginger, and mixed with wheat-flour gruel. (2,) Iodide of Mercury. — (See Iodine.) (3.) Bi-Chloride of Mercury. — Corrosive Sublimate. A dangerous poison, and should never be given to any ani- mal. It is, however, used in solution, and in some skin diseases, as in ring-worm and mange. When so used, only a small portion of the body should be washed with it in one day. For this purpose, take four grains of the subli- mate to two ounces of rain water. For a dog, two grains to the ounce, in water, will be strong enough. (4.) Nitrate of M£rcury. — Ointment. This is the citron or golden ointment, and is a good remedy in ring- worm. Unfortunately, however, it spoils^ with long keep- ing, and not being made extemporaneously, it is often ran- cid and of little value. (5.) Oxide of Mercury . — Red Precipitate. Used in the treatment of unhealthy ulcers and sores, in the form (?"■ :\ 1 ■ - -rK 'i ^l' 412 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. of powder and ointment. It is the principle in the yel- low-wash already spoken of in connection with the sub- ject of lime. (Which see.) (6.) Sulphate of Mercury. — Tiirbith Mineral. A me- dicine of no use, which should be expunged from the books on horse and cattle diseases. (7.) Sub-Chloride of Mercury. — Calomel. A medicine I never use, and will not recommend for internal adminis- tration. In the form of the black- wash, and sprinkled upon sores, it is a good remedy. Calomel is recommended for thrush in the feet of horses, and is inserted in the cleft of the foot. Mercurial Ointment.— This is sold in the drug stores. The ointment of mercury is chiefly used in skin diseases as mange in horses and dogs. But a better remedy will be found in sulphur, and its preparations, which are not only more safe, but more certain of curing the case. Mezeron. — Daphne Mezerum. A plant, from the bark of which an extract is made, and from the extract an ointment composed of one drachm to four parts of lard, which is used for the purpose of keeping up the irritation of blisters. Mustard Seed. — i^lna'pw Nigra Used as an irritant on parts of the body, where the Spanish Hy would be improper and dangerous. On the belly, and over the loins are the usual places where mustard is applied. In lumbago and sprains of the back and loins, and in pain in the bo- NITRE. 413 (pie in the yel- with the suh- Hneral. A me- from the books \el. A medicine pwaZadminis- Lnd sprinkled recommended serted in the in the drug n skin diseases ir remedy will vvhich are not he case, :rom the bark le extract an parts of lard, the irritation IS an irritant ly would be ver the loins In lumbago 1 in the bo- wels, mustard is useful. The mode of application of mus- tard is as follows : If the hair of the part be long, cut it off, then foment the part with warm water, and immedi- ately rub into the parts a handful of the best flour of mus- tard. This is more effectual than laying a paste or poultice without rubbing. Volatile Oil of mustard makes a good counter-irritant, when a few drops are rubbed into the skin. Vinegar added to mustard does not, as is thought, produce a better effect. Warm water answers every purpose. Myrrh- — -A. gum-resin, used in the form of a tincture and a compound tincture, for sores, and a good application in sore mouth, from the bit, or other cause. Narcotics are medicines which act upon the brain and thereby allay pain. Example : Opium and its pre- parations, aconite, and chloroform. Neat's Foot Oil. — Used for skin diseases, and for allying the irritation of blisters and keeping the skin from cracking. Nervines. — Medicines relieving pain, without produc- ing narcotism. Nitre. — Saltpetre. This medicine has long been used as a diuretic, and as a febrifuge in low fevers. Cheaper and better medicines are daily in use for this purpose. Nitre is not a cheap medicine, nor yet is it an indespensa- ble one. The days are long since past when emetic, tartar, nitre and digitalis were the remedies used in all cases of inflammation, irritation and fever. This formula has in '11 1' ' 't|45| ,1 :r.i i 111 414 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDfClNES. its day .deceived many a man, and has been the means whereby many thousands of valuable animals have been lost. Wherever nitre is indicated, I use the sulphite of soda, and have no cause to regret the change. A bundle of fresh cut grass given to ahorse, will have a better, and more soothing effect than nitre. Instead of being given in any disease, nitre should be left to fulfil its destiny in the making of gunpowder to liberate the toiling millions of other lands from the hands o^ the despot and the oppressor. Nux Vomica. — Strycknos Kvx Voinica. An active poison in large doses, but a valuable agent in the cure of diseases in all animals. The powdered nut is uncertain in its effects, therefore the tincture, and the alkaloid should only be used. Use. A nervine, and used when the nerves are depressed and weak, just as aconite is used when the nerves are strong and excited. The one medicine is used in depres- sion, and the other in diseases with exalted symptoms. Paralysis or palsy is the loss of power in the motor nerves of the part affected. Therefore, nux vomica is t d in twitching of the muscles of all animals ; and in glass eye in the horse, depending upon the want of nervous energy in the optic, or nerve of vision. TiNCTUiiE. — Dose. For horses and cattle, the dose is from ten to twenty drops, repeated three to four times in the day. Strychnine. — Dose. To horses and cattle, give one ill the means bis have been •sulphite of A bundle a better, and being given its destiny in iling millions ^pot and the An active 1 the cure of 5 uncertain in •aloid should are depressed J nerves are 3d in depres- 1 symptoms, notor nerves ' is L d in in glass eye vous energy the dose is )ur times in ', give one OAK BARK. 415 grain, once a day, gradually increasing the dose till three grains are given in the day. To get the full benefit from it, it will have to be given for a week or two, if the beast has not got well by that time. In the use of strychnine care and good judgment must be exercised, for it must be remembered that however useful a drug, or medicine may be, its abuse is readily accomplished. Strychnine should be administered in feed, if the animal will eat it ; if not, give it in gi'uel in the form of a drench. Twelve gi'ains is the dose required to kill a full grown horse. Arsenite of Strychnia is recommended by the French veterinary surgeons, in nasal discharges, but with what effect is not stated. If it does not cure, as I suppose it does not, it only serves to show to my mind how utterly ignorant veterinary surgeons are in regard to the true pathology of these discharges, supposed to be glanders. Mr. Gramgee, on the International Veterinary Congress, held at Hamburg, says, " when the subject of glanders was mentioned, no one responded." Why ? certainly not that they knew all about it. No, the contrary is the case, for they knew nothing at all about its nature, and hence we have the French using a drug the least of all likely to change, arrest, or cure the disease, Prussian blue is said to contain ten per cent, of strychnia ; some packages con- tain as high as sixty grains. Oak Bark. — Quercus Cortex. This is a good astringe.it for outward use, or for sores which discharge or run mat- ter. The bark is boiled : half an ounce to a pint of watej". :i iSlli l!KI i! 1 !^» 416 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. This decoction is an excellent remedy for drying up the moisture of greasy heels, so troublesome in horses. In diarrhoea in calves, given in four drachm doses, much good will result. Oils. — There are two varieties of oils used in medicine — fixed and volatile' Fixed Oils. — Castor, olive, linseed, croton and neats'- foot oil. The uses of these oils will be found treated of under their respective heads. Opium. — Papaver Somniferum. The dried juice of the white poppy, and is one of the most remarkable sub- stances in nature. There are several varieties of opium : Turkey, Egyptian, East Indian, Persian, and Europeaa opium. The medical preparations of opium are several : Morphia, or fnorphine, is the most important prepara- tion of opium, and sold in the drug stores in the form of white crystals, as also in that of a liquid — liquor morphia acetas, and liquor morphia sulphas. Either of these pre- parations of opium are much better medicines jhan the crude opium itself. Each fluid ounce contains one grain of the morphine, or the true principle of the opium, and one grain of morphine is equal to three grains of opium, or to forty-five drops of the tincture of opium, commonly called laudanum. Use. Opium is a narcotic, or reliever of pain, and is especially recommended in milk fever in cows. Dose. Thi dose of the acetate, sulphate, or muriate, in crystals, for the horse, is from twenty to forty grains. -1 vying up the horses. In I doses, much d iu medicind 1 and neats'- nd treated of ried juice of narkable sub- ies of opium ; nd Europea/i are several : tant prepara- ti the form of quor morphia of these pre- nes than the ins one grain e opium, and ins of opium, n, commonly pain, and is 3, muriate, in 'orty grains. OPIUM. 417 For the cow with milk fever, from forty to eighty grains. To a medical man, such large doses may seem enormous, for in man the dose is from half to one grain. Horses will scarcely show the least effects from the administration of from two to four drachms of the pow- dered opium. On cattle, opium has even much less power than on horses. Cows can take one ounce, and sheep half a drachm of powdered opium, without suffering. The doses of crude, or powdered opium for horses, are from one to two drachms, and for cattle, two to four drachms. In veterinary practice, opium is not now so much used, as aconite answers almost every purpose for which opium was given, and without in any way binding the bowels. But in case of milk fever, opium, or its alkaloid morphia, is well worthy of a trial, and, if taken in time, will scarcely disappoint any one. Tincture of Opium ^ — Laudanum. — Every fifteen drops of the tincture contain one grain of opium. Lau- danum is the most costly of all the preparations of opium and not only that, the large quantity of alcohol, or spirits of wine it contains, is a decided objection to its use in many diseases. Crude opium rubbed down with a little water will be far better when it is to be used at once, or not kept for any time. Laudanum is used in lotions and liniments for the relief of pain, and it enters into eye washes, for the same purpose. Wine of opium contains spices. Not much used. Codia, narcotine, narceine, paramorphia, papaverine, meconine and meconic acid, are the various constituents BB I » ill 418 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. of opium, but they are not used in medicine either in domestic or veterinary. Battley's sedative drops, so well and familiarly known throughout the world, wherever the English language is spoken, though a secret, are known to contain opium, water and a little spirit, and are one-third stronger than laudanum. Pariera Brava- — A root which is to be sliced, and have one pint of water added to one ounce of the root. Boil, and strain when cold. This is a good tonic for horses. Mix with the feed, half a pint to the dose. Peach Leaves. — One ounce infused in the same way as tea, with one pint of wt. ' - ", is an excellent application for the skin of animals having the itch and skin diseases. Peppermint. — Mentha Piperita. The essence of this garden plant is sometimes given to horses having colic, and given in doses of twenty drops. Dogs can have three drops for a dose, in the same disease. Pepper. — A plant, and fruit, of the genus Piper. (1.) Black 'Pepper.— Piper Nic/rum. Occasionally given to horses affected with colic. •(2.) Jamaica Peppke. — Pimento— Allspice. This is a valuable medicine for horses and cattle affected with fever, loss of appetite and indigestion. Doses. From three to five drachms, and given in com- bination with ammonia. (3.) Capsicum. — Cayenne Pepper. This is also used for the same purpose as the above and given in from twenty to thirty grain doses. le either in iarly known language is :ain opium, wronger than sliced, and of the root, id tonic for dose. le same way i application kin diseases. ence of this laving colic, js can have *iper. 3ccasionally e. This is a i with fever, ven in com- } also used Ten in from PHOSPHOROUS. 419 Pepsin. — The active principle of the gastric juice of animals. Its cost prevents its use in calves having diar- rhoea, when the discharges are like milk. A good sub- stitute for pepsin is rennet, which farmers should have about them, not only for cheese making purposes, but for use in looseness, or scours in calves. It assists the sto- mach to digest the milk, which, in diarrhoea, lays open the stomach, without being digested or changed. Hence, the white diarrhoea so often seen in calves. Petroleum. Rock-oil. This substance was formerly highly recommended in chest diseases, but it has been succeeded by more certain and successful drugs for this purpose. However, it is still occasionally used as an ex- ternal application for sores, and for the destruction of lice, etc., in the skin. It is apt to leave a blemish by causing the hair to fall off, and in some cases, in which I have seen it used too extensively, the hair did not come again. The better way to use coal oil is to mix equal parts with some other oil having no acrid principle. Phosphorus. — An elementary substance resembling wax. There is, however, another resembling brick dust, when in a mass. The preparations of phosphorus are numerous : Hypophosphate of ammonia, hypophosphate of iron, and the phosphate of lime, or bone, or earth, phos- phate of soda, and of quinine. Phosphoric acid, diluted, is one which should be used in veterinary practice. Phosphoric Acid. — Is used in diseases of the bones of young colts. I- i III Mm 420 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. Doses. For young colts, the dose will vary from ten to sixty di'ops, given diluted in cold water. Pitch. — Burgundy Fitch. — The concrete juice of the ahies excelsa. This is used in the composition of the plaster, formerly used over the loins, in weakness, sprains, lumbago, etc., in the horse. Not now recommended. Pomegranite Punica. — Granatum. The bark of the root of this tree is used for the destruction of tape-worm, in all animals. Take of the bark, one ounce ; water, one pint ; and boil down one half. The dose for the dog will be a small wine-glassful. Potash. — Oxide of Potassium. Preparations of potash are many. (1.) Caustic Potash. — Used as its name indicates, as a caustic, and is a favorite one of mine. Many persons object to it, on account of its extreme fluidity, which I consider to be its most valuable property : as, if it did not readily assume a fluid form, its caustic properties would not be so good. Indeed, according to its fluidity, when applied to a part, so is its caustic property. For the quick reduction of proud flesh, it has no superior. (2.) Carbonate of Potash. -This is sometimes used as an antacid, but is not much used in horse and cattle diseases. (3.) SuLPHURET OF PoTASH. — Hepav Sulph — Liver of Sulpfiur. This k a valuable remedy when applied to mange in all animals. Dissolve an ounce in a pint of water, first having rubbed the mangy part with fine sand, to expose the insect to the act. >n of the sulphuret. ry from ten to le juice of the losition of the Jkness, sprains, tiimended. le bark of the of tape-worm, 3e ; water, one )r the dog will :ions of potash le indicates, as Many persons lidity, which I as, if it did not operties would fluidity, when For the quick •metimes used )rse and cattle Iph— Liver of in applied fc; in a pint of ith fine sand, (huret. SAL VOLATILE. 421 (4.) Sulphate of Potash. — (See Glauber's Salts.) (5.) Iodide of Potash. — (See Iodine.) (6.) Nitrate of Potash. — (See Saltpetre.) — The ace- tate, and tartrate of potash, are not used in veterinary practice. (7.) Chlorate of Potash. — Used for the same purpose as the nitrate, and in the same doses. The same may be said of the permanganate. Pumpkin Seeds. — An excellent remedy for destroying tape- worm. Pyroxylic Spirit. — Wood Naphtha. Used to relieve chronic cough, and is given in half-ounce doses in gruel. Rhubarb. — Rheum Palmatum. Rhubarb is a tonic and purgative in dogs, and other carnivorous animals, but in horses and cattle it has scarcely any effect whatever, further than improving the appetite. Better, and much more efficient and cheaper drugs are used in horse and cattle diseases. I know of a gentleman farmer, who uses the spiced rhubarb in young calves, in cases of looseness of the bowels, and in diarrhcea. The dose of the spiced rhubarb is from one to two tea; poonfuls, repeating it two to three times a day. Salt. — Table Salt. Chloride of Sodium, a valuable con- diment, when given with the food of animals. Salt is a laxative in horses, cattle and sheep, and is considered a preventive of sheep rot. Sal Volatile. — This is the compound spirit of am- monia. (See Ammonia.) 422 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. Sassafras. — Laurus Sassafras. This is a favorite remedy with farmers for their horses, and is given to them in the spring of the year, to strengthen and improve the appetite. Sassafras may be given to horses, either in the form of a powder, or as a decoction, or tea, and mixed with the food. i( i Sarracenia Purpura. — Indian Cap or Pitcher Plant This plant is found growing along the coast of Labrador, and the shores of the Gnlf of Mexico, on wet and marshy land. Use. This plant has recently proved to be one of the most useful in the whole list of medicines, and fi'om all accounts, it is, and wiU still be a blessing to thousands who may become affected with small-pox. For sraall-pox in cattle and liheep, it is not only a sure remedy, but also as good a preventive for the disease. The form and man- ner of using this medicine, is in that of a tea. The time, however, will soon be, when the chemist will provide us with an extract, or an alkaloid of this plant, which will enable us to give the essence of the plant without any inert matter. Take from one to two ounces of the dried root, and slice in thin pieces, place in an earthen pot, or other vessel, and add a quart of cold water, and allow the liquid to simmer gently over a slow tire, foi' two to three hours, so as to lose one-fourth of the quantity. Dose. Give to cattle, half a pint ; and to sheep, two wine glassfuls ; repeating the dose in six hours, when a cure will geneially be ett'ected. SILVER. 423 a favorite fiven to them improve the [either in the and mixed lltcher Plant. of Labrador and marshy a one of the !tnd from all 'O thousands or sraall-pox ^cly, but also fill and man- The time, I provide us '> which will vithout any t)f the dried then pot, or id allow the wo to three «heep, two iirs, when a Savin. — Juniperica Sahina. The oil of juniper is used in veterinary practice, for the purpose of destroying worms in all animals. Doses. For horses and cattle, the dose is from three to four drachms, and for the dog, three to five drops. An ointment of the dried savin tops is used for the purpose of keeping up the action of blisters. Take one part of the fresh tops, to sixteen parts of lard. Sedatives. — Medicines which allay inordinate action of the heart. Senega, Polygala Senega. — Snakeroot. This, like other of our native herbs, is often used by country folks in the spring of the year. They give a decoction, or tea of the snakeroot to their horses. It is an excellent remedy in coughs, bronchitis, cold, etc. Take one ounce, boil in a pint and a half of water, and strain thi'ough a sieve or strainer. Dose. For a horse, half a pint, mixed in his feed, night and morning. Sialagogues. — Medicines which increase the secretion of saliva, such as aconite in large doses, and second crop clover, after it has been exposed to cold nights oi' n little frost. Silver, Nitrate of. — Lunar Caustic. — Used as a caus- tic to unhealthy sores and ulcers ; and a solution, three to four grains to an ounce of rain or distilled water, is used to the eye in purulent ophthalmia. The nitrate of silver is too costly for general use. The sulphate of cup- 424 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. per, or blue stone, will, for most purposes, answer as well and is very cheap. Soap Liniment. — Opodeldoc. A very useful applica- tion for sprains, bruises, and for stiff joints. Soda. — A mineral alkali. (1.) Carbonate of Soda. — Useful as an antacid, in doses of from two to four drachms. (2.) Sulphate of Soda. — (See Glauber's Salts.) (3.) Sulphite of Soda. — This is made by passing a stream of sulphurous acid through a concentrated solution of carbonate of soda. It is a valuable article in the treat- ment of diseases of horses and cattle. The sulphite of soda possesses the power of neutralizing the action of zumins, ferments, or leavens, when introduced into the circulation. Professoi' Polli, of Milan, has clearly demon- strated that this substance is capable of purifying the blood of noxious^matters, and further, he has by his ex- periments upon dogs, proved that glanders can be cured by it ; for he says, that forty-five grains of the virus of glanders taken from the nares of the nose of a glandered horse, and injected into the circulation of a dog, after the disease had shown itself in the dog, was readily cured by the administration of the sulphite of soda. Upwards of seventy cases have thus been experimented upon by this distinguished professor — all going to show the value of soda, TvS a purifier of the blood, by its alterative effects. Sulphite of soda is a remedy in all cases of eruptions on the skin, in farcy, glanders and purpura in the horse. ai 5. SPANISH FLY, 425 nswer as well iseful applica- 1 antacid, in )alts.) )y passing a ated solution in the treat- sulphite of he action of sd into the arly demon- irifying the by his ex- n be cured he virus of t glandered g, after the y cured by Upwards of 'on by this e value of 3 effects, eruptions the horse, and in pleuro-pneumonia and rinderpest, etc., in cattle. Wherever pus is thrown out as a product of disease, the sulphite of soda should be given. Dogs with distemper should have it to keep the circulation pure of pus. The blood of the dog becomes contaminated in this way, and hence, the good dog falls a victim to this scourge of fine bred animals. Dose. For horses and cattle, the dose is from half an ounce, to one ounce, given twice in the day. For dogs, twenty gi-ains given in camphor water. In farcy and glanders or other diseases, accompanied with debility, the soda should be combined with gentian and other tonics. Spanish Fly. — Lytia Cantharides. An insect ground into powder, and mixed with lard or oil, making what is familiarly known as a blister. The Spanish fly is, be- sides its blistering qualities, a very valuable internal medi- cine, a powerful tonic and alterative, and has been used with success, in the hands of Mr. Vines, of London, England, in the cure of farcy and glanders in the horse. In the same diseases, and where the lungs were free from tubercles, I have cured them with the Spanish fly, gentian, copper, and the sulphite of soda. Dose. Spanish fly is given to the horse in five grain doses once a day only, and mixed in cut or soft feed. Horses are more easily affected by the Spanish fly than mares. Blisters of Spanish fly are made as follows : Pow- dered Spanish fly, one drachm ; hog's lard, six drachms ; mix, and apply, by rubbing with the hand into the part 426 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. to be blistered ; wash off the pait the next day, oil or lard it for a week, and the swelling will leave when the irritation has gone out of the part. The tincture of Spanish tiy was formerly used as the basis of the old sweating blister. An excellent applica- tion for the rem /al of a splint, or soft tumors about the legs of horses, is made as follows : Tincture of Spanish fly, one ounce ; oil of croton, twenty drops ; well rubbed into the part, it acts like magic ; that is, if the tumor can be removed at all by any means. Spirits of Nitrous Ether. — Sweet spirits of nitre is well known to most persons as a good household remedy for fevers, etc. In the treatment of diseases of horses and cattle, sweet spirits of nitre is used as a stimulant and antispasmodic. It is also used in the case of a horse having a chill, and in colic. For colic, it was formerly given in combination with laudanum. Dose. For horses and cattle, the dose of sweet spirits of nitre will be from one to two ounces, given in cold water to prevent loss. Spirits of Wine- — Alcohol. This is used for making tinctures for medicinal purposes, from the various plants in use. It is also a good stimulant ; much better than the bad whisky which is so o^i:en poured down the throats of horses affected with colic. Starch- — A good remedy in diiirrhcea in all animals, when combined with a few grains of opium, and a little ground ginger, or u few drops of the tincture, commonly called the essence. ay, oi] or lard it in the irritation rly used as the cellent applica- mors about the Lire of Spanish well rubbed the tumor can pirits of nitre isehold remedy IS of horses and stimulant and ise of a horse was formerly iweet spirits of in cold water ;d for making rarious plants etter than the the throats of n all animals, I, and a little re, commonly SULPHUR. 427 Styplics- — Substances having the quality of stopping bleedings from wounds. Examples : Perchloride of iron, cobwebs, the hot iron, and the bandage. Sugar of Milk. — Much used by homoeopathists, both domestic and veterinary, in the form of powder, but oftener in the form of globules or small pellets. Not re- commended for the treatment of any disease. Molasses is the best form in which to give sugar to animals, and it is useful in cases of sick cows, mixed in a drench. Sulphur. —Limestone. — Sulphur is kept in drug stores in three forms, /?otrt!/'* of sulphur, milk of sulphur, and sulphur wyitt/i. Use. Sulphur is chietiy used for skin diseases, in the form of an ointment. It is believed by many persons to be a great preventive of diseases and distempers in all animals, and is one of the ingredients of ?n incongTuous mass extolled and recommended by the Hon. Isaac New- ton, Commisaioner of Agriculture, as a preventive of cattle diseases. Whatever may be the medicinal virtue possessed by sulphur, it certainly has no prophylactic efi'ects mixed with tar, etc. The simple ointment of sul- phur is made as follows : One {)art of the flowers, or sulphur vivum, mixed with four parts of lard. In winter, when lard is hard, oil should be used instead, thus forming a liniment, sulphur more easy of application. Doses. Sulphur, as a laxative for horses and cattle should be tjiven in doses from one to three ounces, and administered in gruel, in the form of a drench. For dogs i . '■■^"^ " ' m 428 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDTDINES. the dose is one to two drachms. It is not recommended as an internal medicine. Sulphurous Acid Gas. — This is one of the most pow- erful disinfectants we have. The great objection to its general use for this purpose is, its poisonous character when breathed or inhaled to any extent. But from recent experiments instituted by Dr. James Dewor, of Kirk- caldy, Scotland, for testing the efficacy of sulphurous acid gas as a disinfectant, results are shown which lead to the conviction, that diseases such as cholera in man, and rind- erpest and pleuro-pneumonia in cattle, may not only be prevented, but much modified by this, hitherto considered, poisonous gas. The method of generating sulphurous acid gas is very simple and inexpensive. It is only necessary to have a small chafFern of red hot cinders from a coal fire, a small crucible on the hot cinders, and a piece of sulphur- stick about as large as a man's thumb placed into it. This will fumigate a large cattle shed, or stable, in twenty min- utes. Contrary to expectation, the animals seem to enjoy it, and it acts at the same time as a tonic on man pnd beast. The shed or other house must be well ventilated, by having the windows a little open before, during, and after the fumigation. Sanitary rules must be enforced in re- gard to cleanliness, removal of dung-heaps, etc. During the prevalence of such epizootics as are above named, the fumigation may be made according to the foregoing di- rections, four or five times in the day. It is further said, that the treatment las not only cured some cases of the abo'^ hav( hav( oft by trial %% cs. TANNIN. 429 recommended the most pow- Dbjection to its nous character Jut from recent >wor, of Kirk- ulphurous acid ich lead to the nan, and rind- y not only be rto considered, ilphurous acid \>nly necessary tn a coal fire, a ce of sulphur- into it. This a twenty min- 3m to enjoy it, an and beast, ventilated, by ing, and after iforced in re- etc. During e named, the foregoing di- further said, cases of the above named diseases ; but that mange, ringworm and lice have vanished before it, and that greasy heels in horses have also been cured by it, while severe cases of tubercles of the lungs, glanders, and farcy have also been relieved by the inhalation of this gas. This is well worthy a fair trial, and if it can accomplish half what is claimed for it, a great and cheap fumigatiom and disinfectant is within the reach of any one. But, bear in mind, that it is a poisonous gas, and to prevent a deleterious eifect, have free ventilation through the whole place. Sulphate of Zinc. — White Vitriol. This is a valuable article for hea^^ ig wounds and sores. It is not administered internally to any animal, except as an emetic to dogs. A" an external wash for sores, one part of zinc to twenty of rain-water, will answer for most purposes. For eye-wash, three to four grains to the ounce of water. This is one of the best applications which can be applied to the eye in cases of purulent ophthalmia. Tannate of Glycerine. — An excellent application for the eyes, in purulent ophthalmia, and for moist sores, wherever situated upon the body. Tannin. — This is the acid of barks, and is valuable, mixed with water, in running ulcers and sores, and in diarrhoea, in all animals. The powder sprinkled upon bleeding sores, will in many cases stop them. One drachm to a pint of cold water makes a good eye-wash, and in many cases dries up the scum, and removes it al- together. It is certainly a cheap and useful remedy, and can do no harm to the eye. H 430 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES. i ■5 Doses. For horses and cattle, in diarrhoea, the dose of tannic acid is from half to one drachm, given in gruel as a drench. For calves with the same disease, give from ten to twenty grains as a dose, mixed with wheat-flour gruel. Snuffed up the nostrils by man, in bleeding from the nose, it will in most cases arrest it at once. Tannin of Krameria. — This is n«er! for the same pur- pose as the preceding, but it is a better stj'^pic, or arrester of bleeding from the skin or other sores. Tar. — Pix Liquida. Tar is not now used internally to the extent it formerly was. To cattle it is still given in a disease of the throat called dyers. For this purpose egg-shells are filled with good Barbadoes tar, and sus- pended on the end of a split stick, and gently pushed down the throat of the ox. As an external application tar is still used on sores about cattle, to keep the flies off; and it is used to make stopping for horses' feet, singly, and mixed with clay. It is kept in every horse-shoeing shop for putting on the soles, usually with cotton, and having leather nailed on with the shoe. Oil of Tar. — This is an excellent application when mixed with equal parts of sweet, or some fish oil, to pro- mote the gi'owth of horn on the foot of the horse. To give it a dark color to suit the foot, lamp-black may be stirred in, in suiRcient quantity to make a black hoof ointment, which will be found an excellent formula for this purpose. Tobacco. — Nicotiana Tahacum. Tobacco is used as a medicine, principally in skin diseases, and for the destruc- s. la, the dose of sn in gruel as a give from ten jat-flour gruel, from the nose, the same pur- )ic, or arrester 1 internally to still given in ' this purpose tar, and sus- jently pushed il application p the flies oflf; et, singly, and -shoeing shop a, and having ication when 3h oil, to pro- le horse. To )lack may be a hlach hoof b formula for 0 is used as a •the destruc- TITRPENTINE. 431 tion of lice and other insects, in the wool of sheep. To- bacco smoke is a favorite remedy with some veterinarians, for the removal and killing of worms, and in constipatioi"* and colic. For these purposes, better and safer agents are in evcry-day use. Tobacco in all, or any of its forms, is dangerous, being followed by great sickness, nausea and prostration, from which many animals are ultimately destroyed. 1 arpentine. — Terebinthcu. The various varieties of turpentine in market. (1.) Common Turpentine. — The produce of the pinus 'palustris of North Carolina, and other States, and also of Norway, and the north of Europe. The Pinus sylvestrw, or Scotch fir, yields considerable turpentine. (2.) Venice Turpentine. — This is procured from the Larix Europea. (3.) Canada Balsam. — Procured from Abies Balsamce, and is considered to be the purest of all the turpentines ; hence it is called, sometimes, the balsam of Gilead. (4.) Frankincense. — A product of Norway, and the north of Europe. This variety enters into the composition of what is known as Burgundy pitch, and is used in vet- erinary practice for making adhesive plasters for the loins of horses having been sprained, or having lumbago. (5.) Oil of Turpentine. — This is commonly called the spirits of turpentine, and is used very largely in horse and cattle diseases, both for internal administration and exter- nal application. '. DRENCHES. 437 and cheaper olving oxide ef use of the 'n European iting banda- whose legs 'elling. The ade of wash- ng carriages her. LTIONS. iers. white wax, tn on a slow cerate, five ind stir till cerate, six ce, and stir Pake yellow J, then add eight ounces of olive oil or lard, melt together over a slow fire, and strain through fiannel cloth while hot. This is an old but excellent application for sores, scalds, burns, etc. Clysters. — For colic of all kinds, take warm water of about blood heat, one stable bucket full ; four ounces of common table salt, soap sufiicient to make a good lather or froth ; of this, three to four quarts may be injected in the rectum, every half hour till the animal is well. For the expulsion of the fundament bots, injections of flaxseed oil are an excellent and safe method. Tobacco smoke in- jections are sometimes used for their removal, as well as in cases of constipation. To give injections of tobacco smoke, an instrument having both force and suction is necessary. Tobacco smoke is not recommended for either of these affections by the author. Drenches. — Used in common colic : Take sulphuric ether, half an ounce ; laudanum, two ounces ; flaxseed oil, one pint ; mix. Or, take spirits of turpentine, one ounce ; tincture of aconite root, twenty-five drops ; aloes, one ounce in solution ; mix. Or, take warm ale, two pints ; ground ginger, half an ounce ; tincture of aconite root, twenty drops ; mix. Used in flatulent colic, accompanied with swelling of the belly : Take laudanum, two ounces ; aloes in solution, one ounce ; chloride of lime, half an ounce ; mix. Or, take tincture of aconite root, twenty drops ; aloes in solution, one ounce ; sulphite of soda, one ounce ; mix. Or, take spirits of hartshorn, three drachms ; aloes in solution, one ounce ; water, one pint, mix. m. ffii i \!\V S) U^ > 438 PRESCRIPTIONS AND PRKPARATIONS. Eye Lotions and Washeb— Astringent Eye Lotion. — Take sulphate of zinc, five grains ; rain-water, one ounce ; mix. Lotion for Purulent Discharges from th'^ Eye. — Take sulphate of copper, three grains; laudanum, ten drops ; rain-water, one ounce ; mix. For the Same. — Nitrate of silver, four grains ; rain- water, one ounce ; mix, and apply with a camel's hair pen- cil once in the day. Soothing Eye-wash. —Take extractof belladonna, half a dram ; rain-water or distilled water, six ounces ; dissolve and strain. This is to be used warm, as a fomentation to the eye. Mild Astringent Eye- water. — Alum, four grains; rain-water, one ounce ; mix. Sedative Eye-wash. — Take sulphate of atropine, three grains ; rain or distilled water, one ounce; mix and strain. The reader of this book will remember that belladonna, or atropine, when applied to the '^ye, will cause the pupil of the eye to dilate. Eye Salves.— Nitrate of Silver Ointment. — ^Take nitrate of silver, twelve grains ; dissolve in as many drops of water ; simple cerate, one ounce ; mix. Precipitate Ointment. — Take red precipitate of mer- cury, three grains ; pure lard, two drachms ; mix and use when the eyelids are red and oozing. Freezing Mixtures.— Take sal ammoniac, five parts ; nitre, five parts; cold watei', sixteen parts; mix. Or, NS. LINIMENTS OR EMBROCATIONS. 439 i 11 RiNGENT Eye ; rain-water, I TH"' Eye. udanum, ten grains; rain- ne]'s hair pen- Uadonna, hall' ices; dissolve mentation to four grains; ;ropine, three X and strain, i belladonna, use the pupil lENT.— Take many drops bate of mer- riix and use , five parts ; ; mix. Or. take sal ammoniac, and nitre, of each five parts ; Glauber's salts, eight parts ; cold vsa,oer, sixteen parts; mix. The article to be cooled should be placed in a tin vessel, which should be placed in the mixture just as a butter k*. Hie would be placed in ice water. By throwing a handful of sal ammoniac, or coarse salt or nitre, upon ice or snow, a low degree of cold will bo produced, sufficient for all pur- poses. Freezing mixtures are of much benefit applied to sprains, when ice cannot be ha^^ Liniments or Embrocations. — These are for ex- ternal applications, and are used in the cure of sprains bruises, chronic swellings, etc. Liniment of Ammonia — Take solution of ammonia, two ounces ; sweet oil, six ounces ; mix. Liniment of Camphor. — Take camphor, one ounce, olive or sweet oil, three ounces ; mix. Liniment of Aconite.— Take tincture of aconite root, two ounces ; olive or sweet oil, four ounces ; croopote, one ounce ; mix. This one of the most valuable embrocations which can be applied to a painful bruise, or sprain of whatever kind. It allays and removes inflammation, irri- tation and pain. Liniment of Lead. — Take soap, (castile,) five ounces ; camphor, one drachm ; Goulard's extract of lead, half an ounce ; boiling water, one pint. Cut the soap into thin pieces, and the camphor in fine powder, and stir them into the Goulard's extract, then pour in the boiling water. Soap Liniment. — Opodeldoc. Take castile, or even 440 PKESCRIPTIONS AND PREPARATIONS. white soap, three ounces ; oil of rosemary, two drachms ; oil of thyme, one drachm ; camphor, one ounce ; spirits of wine, one i>int. The camphor is to be in fine powder, and the soap in tine shavings. The camphor, oils and soap are to be dissolved in the spirits of wine. Place the vessels holding these articles by the tire till the soap is dissolved. It should be kept in wide-mouthed bottles, of from four to six ounces' capacity. Observe. — Tlie oils of rosemary and thyme, entering into the mixture, are not so much for their medical virtues as for the tine smell. In horse and cattle practice, these oils can be dispensed with ; or, add the same quantity of olive oil. Soap Liniment. — Oomtnon. This may be used instead of the opodeldoc. Take soap in shavings, four ounces ; camphor, in powder, one ounce ; spirits of wine, one pint ; laudanum, half an ounce ; and dissolve. This is a cheaj) and useful liniment for sprains and bruises. Turpentine Liniment — Take spirits, or oil of turpen- tine, two ounces ; olive oil, two ounces ; mix. Lime Liniment. — Take equal parts of lime-watei- and linseed oil, and shake them well together till a white, thick, creamy, or sa])onaceous compound is made This is used in cases of burns and scalds, whether in man or beast. Si)read some of the liniment on a soft cotton cloth, lay it on the burned part, and when dry renew again. Carbolic Acid Liniment. — Carbolic acid, one drachm; olive oil, eight ounces ; mix. Or, water alone may be u.sed foi- ordinary sores instead of the oil ; but for scratches, t li OINTMENTS. 441 0 drachms ; e ; sfjirits of ]iowder, and md soap are 1 the vessels is dissolved, from four to ntering into I virtues as :e, these oils quantity of sed instead ur ounces; , one pint ; is a cheaji of turpen- kvatei* and II a white, tde This in man or ton cloth, afj'ain. '■ draclim; > may be scratches, the same quantity of glycerine will answer a better pur- pose. Creosote Liniment. — Take creosote, one ounce ; oil of turpentine, one ounce ; olive oil, two ounces ; mix. This is a favorite liniment for sprains, bruises, and sores, and gives relief from pain when nibbed upon the sprained hook-joint and stiff joints generally. Ointments. — Blistering Ointment. — Take of Span- ish fly, in powder, one drachm ; hog's lard, six drachms ; mix. This is the ordinary blistering ointment. The old formula is, one of Spanish fly to four of lard. The weaker ointment answers the better purpose. Red Iodide Ointment. — Take of bin-iodide of mer- cury, one drachm ; liog's lard, one ounce ; mix. This is the most useful ointment the veterinary surgeon can em- ploy, or possess, for the cure of splinis, ring-bones, spavins, indurated or hardened tumors, and the reduction of en- largements of tho glands of the neck. Iodide ointment should be only be used once in five days, or till the effects of tlie previous application have subsided a good deal. Tliis prec.iution is necessary to prevent a blemish being made by the liair falling off and not growing again, which should always be avoided. Green Ointment. — Take of simple serate or ointment, one ounce ; add one drachm of verdigris (diacetate of copper), and mix. This ointment will heal sores when other applications have failed. Sulphur Ointment — Take of iodide of sulphur, one 442 PRESCRIPTIONS AND PREPARATTONS. fe i ISi drachm ; hog's lard, one ounce ; mix. Used in mange and skin diseases. Zinc Ointment — Take carbonate of zinc, one drachm; hog's hird, one ounce ; mix. A good healing ointment. Liver of Sulphur Ointment. — Take of liver of sul- phur, one drachm ; hog's lard, one ounce ; mix. Used in mange and other skin diseases. A more cleanly and easily managed form, performing all its actions, is one part of the liver of sulphur to eight parts of water. French Hoof Ointment. — Take of olive oil, wax, lard, and white turpentine, equal parts ; dissolve, or di- gest over a slow fire. For black hoofs, a little ivory -black stirred in while hot, it will give it sufficient color. For blue feet, add sufficient Prussian blue or indigo, along with the ivory -black till a blue tint is given to the ointment Common Hoof Ointment. — The hoof ointment sold for such, is composed of Venice turpentine wax, and suet in quantities sufficient to give consistence or thickness to the mass. Oil of tar and oil of olives, or some of the fish oils, equal parts, and sufficient lamp or ivory-black stirred in to give thickness to the whole, is })robably the best ointment which can be used for the hoof of the horse. Plasters. — Plasters are not often called for in horse and cattle diseases, but some cases arise which require a plaster over the back or loins, such as chronic sprains, lumbago, etc. Take Burgundy pitch, four parts ; wax, one part ; camphor, half drachm; Spanish fly, half a drachm ; IINCTTTRES. 443 1 mange and )ne drachm ; )intment. liver of sul- X. Used in Y and easily one part of e oil, wax, isolve, or di- ivory -black color. For , along with ointment lent sold for x, and suet thickness to some of the ivory-black is j)robably hoof of the for in horse h require a aic sprains, s ; wax, one ^a drachm : melt over a slow fire, spread on soft leather, and lay over the loins while warm. This will be sufficient for all pur- poses where a plaster is indicated. Plasters should be worn six weeks, so that the horse will reap some benefit from them. Poultices.— Carrot Poultice.— Take of washed carrots, boil till soft, strain off the water, and bruise the carrots into a fine pulp or mass; spread upon strong cloth. Used for sores of an unhealthy kind. Linseed Meal Poultice. — Take of boiling water one quart, stir in sufficient linseed meal with a wooden stick or spoon, and beat it well so as to have no lumps. To be spread on strong cloth or canvas, and applied. Yeast and Charcoal Poultice. — Take yeast, one pint, and powdered charcoal sufficient to give consistence to the whole when well stirred in. This is a valuable poultice, and is not as well known as it ought to be. Used in sores discharging a stinking matter, which it soon arrests. Spirits. — Proof Spirits. — Take rectified spirits of wine, three parts by measure ; water, two parts by mea- sure ; mix. This is the proper strength for making tinc- tures. Keep the rectified spirits by itself till wanted, the water can be added when needed. Spirits of Camphor. — Take of camphor; two and a half ounces ; rectified spirits, one pint ; dissolve. Used for sprains, bruir>es and sores. Tinctures- — Tincture of Arnica. — Take arnica r-'i m m< im» i. ' !' |ii . ^^B Hi< 444 PRESCRIPTIONS AND PREPARATIONS. flowers, four ounces ; alcohol, one quart ; macerate, or steep for one week, and strain. Tincture of Aconite Root. — Take of the dried and bruised root, four ounces ; alcohol, half a pint ; macerate for two weeks and strain. This medicine no farmer can very well do without. Those who do without it, do not know its actual value. Twent^'^ drops of the tincture of aconite root, under certain circumstances, is as valuable as the animal which may stand in need of its great curative vir- tues. Measures by its power in curing diseases its weight in gold is not its value. Compound Tincture of Benzoin. — Commonly called Friars BaUoAn. Take of gum benzoin, one and a half ounces ; storax, one ounce; balsam of tolu, half an ounce; aloes, in powder, two drachms ; alcohol, one pint ; macerate for one week, and strain or filter. Used for healing sores. Tincture of Aloes and Myrrh. — Take aloes, in pow- der, one ounce; saftron, half an ounce ; tincture of myirh, half a pint ; macorate for two weeks, and strain. Used for healing sores and wounds. Tincture of Iodine. — Take of iodine, half an ounce ; iodide of potassium, one ounce ; alcohol, one pint ; macer- ate for a day or so, and it is fit for use. Used as an in- jection for abscesses and empty cavities. It is also used by some for enlargements, in the same way as it is used for erysipelas in man, by painting the affected part. Waters. — Lime-water. — Take a lump of lime or limestone, of about a pound weight, lay it on a soup plate lacerate, or dried and nacerate for ler can very not know e of aconite ible as the irative vir- i its weight only called and a half fan ounce ; ; macerate aling sores, 'es, in pow- J of myiTh, ^in. Used an ounce ; it ; macer- as an in- 30 used by s used for lime or 5oup plate MKDK'INKR. 445 and wet it with water, which will soon convert the hard stone into a fine powder. Then put it into a stone jar holding a gallon or upwards, fill in one gallon of water, and cork it closely. It is now ready for use when wanted The same lime may be used repeatedly, by pouring fresh water, as the other is taken out. This water is what the lime liniment is partly composed of Taii- WATER. — {Bishop Berkeley's Receipt.) Pour a gal- lon of cold water on a quart of liquid tar ; stir, mix and work them together thorougly, with a wooden ladle, or flat stick, for five or six minutes. Then let the vessel stand closely covered, for three days and nights. Carefully skim the surface, without moving the vessel, pour off the clear solution, and keep it in bottles well corked for use. This is a useful medicine for man and horse in chest dis- eases, and it would be well worthy of a trial in chronic cough in the horse. MEDICINES TO BE KEPT ON HAND. Ihe following medicines should be kept in every farm- house, where there are horsesand cows. If thefarmer should not think it of sufficient importance, he should at least ascertain what is kept in the village, oi- country store, so that he may know exactly where to get what he may at any moment stand in need of, for his horse or cow, in case of accident or sickneps. Medicines should be kept in hot- 44G M KDICINES. ties ; some in wide, and others in narrow-mouthed ones. A plain lable should be affixed to every bottle, and on those known to be poisonous, a dark-colored label should be used, and marked Poison. This will often prevent mis- takes and accident. Tincture of Aconite Koot. — One ounce. Red Iodide of Mercury. — One drachm. Tincture OF Nux Vomica.— One ounce. Spirits of Turpentine. — Two ounces. Epsom Salts. — Two pounds. Simple Cerate, or Ointment. — Two ounces. Linseed Oil. — One quart. Aloes. — One ounce. Carbonate of Ammonia. — One pound. Gentian Root. — Half a pound. Sulphur. — Half a pound. Olive Oil. — Half a pint. Chalk. — Two pounds. Powdered Opium. — One ounce. Ginger. — One pound. Fenugreek. — One pound. Sulphate of Iron. — Half a pound. Caustic Potash. — Six sticks. Glycerine.— Half a pound. Lime-water. Tannin. — One ounce. Catechu. — One ounce. Sulphuric Ether. — Two ounces. Blue Stone. — Two ounces. )uthed ones, nd on those should be event mis- MEDICINES. Oxide of Zinc. — Four ounces. Sulphuric Acid.— One pound. Spirits of Salt. — One pound. Sulphite of Soda.- One pound. Spanish Fly. — Half an ounce. Carbolic Acid, (in crystals). — One ounce. Creosote. — Half an ounce. Alcohol. — One pint. Cotton, or Tow. — One pound. Laudanum. — Two ounces. Nitrate of Silver. — Two sticks. Chloride of Lime. — A few pounds. Powdered Charcoal. — A few pounds. Black Oxide of Manganese. — Three ounces. Roll Sulphur. — Half a pound. Liver of Sulphur. — Three ounces. 447 TABLE OP DOSES ACCORDING TO AGE. If the dose is for a full grown animal of whatever kind^ let it be one ounce. A colt of one year will re(|uire one- third of an ounce. A two-year old will require one-half an ounce. A three-year old will require three-fourths of an ounce. The same proportion may be observed in cattle, from one year old and upwards. But a half a week or two old, will require another division of dose, still following the same rule. The dose for one year old is one-third of : ^ <:.*i ^'^0 *«•»!'• '¥ 448 MEDICINES. the dose of an adult, or full grown ox. Then the dose for a calf of four wcseks will be one-twelfth of that given to a one year old, and a two months' old calf or colt, will re- quire one-sixth of that of a one year old animal. For a one week old animal, the dose will be one fourth of that of the animal aged four weeks. The rule and the dose are merely approximate, but it is the best and only plan we can offer, as a rule or guide for a posologiccd table. Some persons have advocated a decreasd in the dose for old animals. This I cannot favor, as but few horses live to be so old that a full dose of medicine would be an in- jury to them. The great trouble with aged horses, is not from a failure of the constitution and the general system, but from defect in the teeth, whereby, in winter, they are nearly starved, because of inability to masticate what they eat. If their food could be prepared, ajs is done for old men, their lives and usefulness would be prolonged, then it would be time enough to think of diminishing the dose for old horses. • ^ • w * -I MEDICINES. 449 phe dose for given to a |oIt, will re- lal. For a fn-thofthat id the dose Id only plan f!/iccil table. he dose for horses live p be an in- J'ses, is not ral system, inter, they icate what is done for prolonged, wishing the ARTICLES NECESSARY FOR MEASURING, WEIGHING, ETC. One pair of scales and weights capable of weighing from one grain to one ounce. Two glass measures, one measuring from live drops to sixty — the other from one drachm to six ounces. One Wedge wood mortar, with pestle to match. One tile for making ointment upon. Two spatulas, or round-edged knives, for mixing and dividing powdeis, and mixing ointments. A few small bottles with corks, to hold from one to eight ounces. A few labels for pasting on the bottles, with directions for the use of the medicine. A few labels with the woi'd " poison." . A few sponges. One ox's hory cut sloping at the wide end for drench- ing horses or cattle, which is better tl\an a bottle. A bot- tle made of block tin, in the sha[)e of a chamj)agne bottle, is a good article for drenching witli. Equivalents. A table-spoonful jis equal to half an ounce by measure. A dessert-spoonful is eipial to two fluid drachms. A tea-spoonful is equal to one fluid dracliin. A wine-glassful is equal to one and a Imll" Huid ounce. DD 450 MEDICINES. 11 The surest way, however, to get the true quantity is to have the article measured by properly graduated weights and measures. It will not, however, be necessary to weigh each powder separately. Thus, half a pound of ginger can be easily divided into ten or twelve equal parts with a knife without the trouble of weighing each powder separately. THE END. M ntity ia to ■d weights y to weigh of ginger parts with }h powder r ^^ 1 ^GEiq'TS "W^ISTTED. W i — *>">*"w 'U"^./"^'