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JOHNA.SEAVERNS ^•-■■^:s-:*^:' r\';^^C^^ !}:»'•: v; TUFTS UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES HlliilMIIII 9090 014 531 608 ^i^^f:v■^i*^^:^; ^> .■■«"y .-; ^i*-yj^^--. i:^*'-' '^^ jfr-'-v^:-;:?-!^-.. -■; ^'':■ Webster Family Library of Veterinary Medicine Cummings Scfioo! of Vet€rinary Medicine at TuitS University 200 Westboro Road , COMPLETE MODERN FARRIER A COMPENDIUM OF VETERINARY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE Showing the Best and most Successful Methods for the Prevention of all Diseases to which Farm Live-Stock are liable^ and showing also the Best and most Successful Methods for the Curative Treatment of these Diseases^ the Subjects dealt with including THE BREEDING, MANAGEMENT, AND VETERINARY TREATMENT OF HORSES FOR DRAUGHT, DRIVING, AND RACING THE RULES OF THE JOCKEY CLUB THE BREEDING, MANAGEMENT, AND VETERINARY TREATMENT OF DAIRY AND FEEDING CATTLE, WITH FULL INSTRUC- TIONS AS TO THE PREVENTION OF TUBERCULOSIS, ABORTION, MILK-FEVER, AND OTHER BOVINE DISEASES THE BREEDING, MANAGEMENT, AND VETERINARY TREATMENT OF SHEEP, DOGS, Etc. By THOMAS BROWN, M.P.S. LATE PRE3IDKNT OF THE ROYAL PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY WITH FOURTEEN FULL-PAGE COLOURED PLATES THIRTY-SECOND EDITION Thoroughly Revised, and in large part Re-written, so as to embody all the most Up-to-date Facts and Methods of Prevention and Treatment known to Veterinary Scientists EDINBURGH: JOHN GRANT LONDON: SIMPKIN, MARSHALL & CO., LTD. 1904 St w> yl PREFACE On account of the remarkable degree of public favour with which the former editions of this work has been received, this new edition has been thoroughly revised and brought fully up to date, so as to embody all the latest discoveries in Veterinary Science and Practice. In recent years great advances has been made in Veterinary Science, and the researches of Pasteur, Koch, and other eminent investigators in different fields of science have thrown a flood of light on the origin and nature of the diseases to which farm live- stock are liable, and have also shown how in the case of many maladies the cause of the disease may be easily removed, so that in that way the disease may be prevented. The results of these researches made by eminent scientists, and confirmed by the practice of eminent veterinary surgeons, have been embodied in this new edition, which thus contains a great deal of valuable matter that was not to be found in the older editions. In the section relating to cattle, several new chapters have been added. The dire disease of tuberculosis — i.e., consumption — which is the burning question of the day to cattle-breeders and dairy- farmers, and which has been specially investigated IV PREFACE by no fewer than three Royal Commissions within the last fifteen years, has been fully dealt with, and the means by which this scourge may be most effectively combated have been duly set forth in the following pages. Abortion, which is another source of disastrous loss to cattle-breeders, has also been dealt with, and full directions are given as to the best methods of preventing this plague. New chapters on Milk Fever, Diseases of the Udder, etc., have also been added. The sections relating to Horses, Sheep, Pigs, and Dogs have also been most carefully revised in the light of the most recent discoveries of Veterinary Science and Practice. The book has all along been designed to be a popular manual of Veterinary Practice, and is as free as possible from scientific technicalities, the author's expositions and instruc- tions being expressed in language that can be easily understood by any intelligent stock-owner. CONTENTS PAGE Introduction ........ i SECTION I OF THE HORSE, ITS DISEASES AND STRUCTURE CHAP. I. Diseases of the Head, including the Brain, Ears, Mouth, Nostrils, Eyes, Etc, .... 5 Megrims — The Staggers, or Apoplexy — Mad Staggers — Rabies, or Madness — Tetanus, or Locked-Jaw — Epilepsy, or Fits- Palsy — Glanders — Fare)' — Nasal Gleet — Polypus — Lampas — Strangles — Canker and Wounds in the Mouth — Diseases of the Tongue ; Tongue Bladders ; Bitten Tongue ; Vives, or Swellings in the Submaxillary Glands ; Barbs, or Paps ; Gigs — Diseases of the Teeth — Diseases of the Lips — Diseases of the Eye; Common Inflammation of the Eye; Ophthalmia; The Haw ; Eruption on the Eyelids ; Warts ; Gutta Serena ; General Blindness and Imperfect Vision — Fracture of the Skull. II. Diseases of the Neck and Contiguous Parts . . 46 Poll-Evil — Roaring — Obstruction of the Gullet — Inflammation of the Jugular Vein. III. Diseases of the Chest and its Contents . . , 46 Inflammation of the Lungs — Pleurisy — Fever — Stomach-Stag- gers— Catarrh, or Common Cold — Bronchitis — Thick Wind — Broken Wind — Chronic Cough — Influenza, Epidemic Catarrh, Distemper — Fistulous Withers — Warbles, Saddle- Galls, Etc. IV. Diseases of the Abdomen and Intestines . . .68 Inflammation of the Liver — The Jaundice, or Yellows — Hernia, or Rupture — Inflammation of the Kidneys — Inflammation of the Bladder — Stone in the Bladder — Diabetes — Staling of Blood — Inflammation of the Bowels ; Inflammation of the Mucous Membrane ; Spasmodic Colic ; Entanglement of the Bowels ; Stones in the Intestines ; Intussusception of the Intestines — Intestinal Worms — The Bots. V. Disorders of the External Parts of a Horse . . 84 The Fore Legs — Sprain of the Shoulder — Complaints and Injuries of the Arm ; Fracture of the Elbow ; Enlargement of the Elbow — Complaints and Injuries of the Knee ; Broken Knees — Splent, or Splint — Speedy Cut — Knee-tied — Sprain of the Back Sinews — Wind-Galls — Rupture of the Suspen- sory Ligament — Grogginess — Sprain of the Fetlock — Cutting of the Fetlock — Sprain of the Coffin-Joint — Ringbone — Ossification of the Back Sinew. VI CONTENTS CHAP. PAGE VI. The Haunch and other Portio^^s of the Hind Legs . 107 Fracture of the Tuberosities of the Haunch — Sprain of the Round Bone — Sprain of the Stifle-joint — Thoroughpin — Capped Hocks — Mallenders and Sallenders — Enlargement of the Hock — Curb — String Halt — Bone-Spavin — Bog- Spavin — Of Swelled Legs generally ; Swelling of the Cel- lular Substance ; Swelling from Inactivity ; Swellings after Grass — Grease. VII. Diseases of the Foot ...... 129 Acute Founder — Chronic Founder — Contraction — Sand-Crack — The Navicular-Joint Disease — False Quarter — Tread, or Overreach — Quittor — Prick, or Wound in the Sole or Crust — Corns — Canker — Thrush — Ossification of the Cartilages — Weakness of the Foot. VIII. The Anatomical Structure of the Horse . . .161 Different Bones of the Skeleton of the Horse — Bones of the Head — Side View of the Cranium — Section exhibiting the Internal Anatomy of the Head — Representation of the Palate and Teeth — External Anatomy of the Horse's Head — Muscles and Parts connected with the Eye — The Eye and its Visual Structure — The Teeth and their Development— Dental Indications of the Age of a Horse. IX. Principal Muscles of the Limbs, Etc. . . .202 Muscles of the Outside of the Shoulder — Muscles on the Inside of the Shoulder — Muscles of the Outside of the Thigh — Chief Muscles of the Inside of the Thigh — Structure of the Hock Joint — Bones of the Foot — Front View of the Pastern — Nerve, Vein, and Artery of the Pastern and Foot — Illus- trations of Defects of the Fore-Leg — Attachments in Front of the Pastern Bones, etc. — Situation of Diseases of the Hind Leg — The Pastern and Foot, with their Bones and Integu- ments— External Parts of the Foot ; The Crust or Wall of the Hoof — Cartilages of the Foot. X. Sketch of the Internal Organisation of the Horse . 230 The Lungs— The Heart— The Pulse; Quick Pulse; Slow Pulse ; Hard Pulse ; Small Pulse ; A Weak Pulse ; Oppressed Pulse — The Abdomen and its Contents — The Peritoneum — The Diaphragm — The Stomach — The Liver — The Omentum, or Caul — The Spleen — The Pancreas — The Diaphragm, or Midriff — The Kidneys — The Bladder — The Intestines. XI. Of the Skin and its Diseases . . . .261 The Cuticle— The Cutis— The Rete Mucosum— Pores of the Skin— Of the Hair— Clipping— Singeing— Colour of the Hair — H ide-bound — Surfeit — M ange — Warts. XII. Operations ....... 282 Bleeding — Blistering — Firing — Neurotomy, or Cutting the Nerve — Setons — Docking — Nicking. Xlll. Of Breeding, Feeding, and Training Horses . . 304 Section I., Breeding. Section II., Feeding ; Of Drink. Section III., Training. CONTENTS Vll CHAP. PAGB XIV. Of Stabling, Exercise, Clothing, Etc. . . .328 The Stable — Management of the Feet — Light — Exercise — Grooming — Clothing. XV. Vices and Dangerous Habits of the Horse . . 340 Restiveness — Rearing — Backing, or Gibbing — Kicking — Biting Seizing the Cheek of the Bit — Running Away — Shying — Restiveness, and Resisting being Mounted — Vicious while Cleaning — Restiveness while Shoeing — Crib-Biting — Wind- Sucking — Not lying down — Slipping the Collar — Pawing — Rolling — Weaving — Tripping. XVI. Of Shoeing ... ... 361 Preparation of the Foot for Shoeing — The Putting On of the Shoe — The Concave-seated Shoe — The Seated Shoe — The Expanding Shoe — The Hunting Shoe — The Racing Shoe — The Bar Shoe — Clips — The Hinder Shoe — Tips — Patent Safety Shoe — Water and Poultice Boots ; Water-Boot — Felt, or Leather Soles. XVII. How to Buy a Horse ...... 376 XVIII. General History of the Horse, with an Account of Different Breeds . . . . .388 Section I., Of British Horses : The English Race-Horse — The Hunter — The Hackney, or Roadster — The Charger — The Coach-Horse — The Cleveland Bays — The Draught-Horse — The Suffolk Punch-Horse. Section II., Of Asiatic Horses : The Arabian — The Persian Horse — The Tartar Horse — The Toorkoman Horse — The Turkish Horse. Section III., Of African Horses : The Barb — The Egyptian Horse — The Nubian and Dongola Horses. Section IV., American Horses. XIX. The Ass and Mule ...... 416 SECTION II DISEASES OF CATTLE Introduction . . . . . . , .421 I. Diseases of the Head and Neck of Neat Cattle . 426 Inflammation of the Brain — Choking — Locked-Jaw — Sore Throat — Snores. II. Diseases of the Chest . . . . . .432 Inflammation of the Lungs (Pneumonia) — Contagious Pleuro- pneumonia— Inflammation of the Stomach — Inflammation of the Liver — Fog-Sickness, or Hoven — Catarrh, or Cold — Cough — Hoose, or Husk — Stomach, or Grass Staggers — Jaundice, or Yellows. III. Diseases of the Abdomen ..... 449 Inflammation of the Bowels — Inflammation of the Kidneys — Inflammation of the Bladder — Inflammation of the Womb — Red Water — Gripes — Diarrhoea, or Looseness — Dysentery — Fardel-Bound, or Excessive Costiveness — Mortification, vill CONTENTS IV. Of Febrile Diseases . . . . . .467 Splenic Apoplexy — Anthrax — Symptoms and Post-Mortem Ap- pearances of Anthrax — Procedure — Disposal of Carcases — Cleansing and Disinfection — " Black Leg," " Black Quarter,'* Parturient Apoplexy, or Milk Fever. V. Diseases, Etc., of the External Parts of Cattle . 479 Scurf; Scab — Cow-Pox — The Fouls — The Gad-Fly, Wurbles, or Wormals — Lice — Strains and Bruises — Wounds. VL Of Gestation, Parturition, Etc. .... 492 Gestation — Swelling of the Udder — Diseases of the Mammary Gland or Udder ; Physiological Congestion or Engorgement of the Mammae; Mammitis, or Mastitis; Catarrhal Mammitis; Interstitial or Parenchymatous Mammitis — Agalactia — Ul- cerated Teats ; Chaps — Abortion — Falling Down of the Calf Bed — Parturition, or Calving — Rearing of Calves — Denti- tion of Cattle. VII. Management and Feeding, Etc., of Cattle • . 516 Cow-Houses — The Feeding Cow-House. VIII. The Various Breeds of Horned Cattle . . .521 The Short-Horned, or Holstein Breed — The Kyloes, or High- land Cattle — The Long-Horned Cattle — The Galloway Breed — Milch Cows — Tuberculosis. SECTION III DISEASES OF SHEEP Introduction ....,,,. 531 I. Diseases of the Head, Etc. . . . e .533 Staggers — Blindness— Catarrh. II, Diseases of the Chest . . . . . .538 Fluke, or Liver Rot — Inflammation of the Lungs — Grass-Ill — Milk-Ill — Jaundice, or Yellows. III. Diseases of the Abdomen . . . . .542 The Resp, or Red Water— The Red Wkter Blibes— The Braxy, or Sickness — Diarrhoea, or Looseness — Dysentery — Colic — Finding. IV. Diseases of the External Parts, Etc. . . . 549 Scab, or Itch — Pelt-Rot — Er)^sipelas, or Wild-Fire — Cramp of the Legs, or Wood-Evil — Leg-Evil — Foot-Rot — Vermin — Wounds — Fractures — Of Bleeding — On the Age of Sheep as indicated by the Teeth. V. Gestation, Parturition, Etc. . . . . .565 The Ram — Leaping — The Ewe — Lambing — Weaning Lambs — Castrating Lambs — Inflamed Udder, Etc. CONTENTS IX CHAP. PAGE VI. Management, Feeding, Etc., of Sheep . . .573 Shelter — Drifting Snow — Effects of Rain — Heat and Flies — Washing — Shearing — Food — Fattening. VII. Different Breeds of Sheep . . , .580 SECTION IV DISEASES OF SWINE Introduction ...... I. Internal Complaints .... Inflammation of the Lungs — Quinsy — Blood-Striking, II, Gargut, or Distended Udder . . III. Breeding, Gestation, Parturition . 581 583 585 586 SECTION V DISEASES OF DOGS Introduction I. Diseases of the Head and Chest .... Swelling in the Throat — Internal Ulceration of the Ear — Coughs — Inflammation of the Lungs — Asthma — The Dis- temper— Rabies, or Hydrophobia — Bites of Vipers — Poison — Blindness. II. Diseases of the Abdomen, Etc. .... Inflammation of the Bowels — Inflammation of the Bladder — Worms : Intestinal Parasites ; Tape-Worms ; Round-Worms; Sucking- Worms — Dropsy — Costi veness — Colic — Diarrhoea, or Looseness — Blend Water, or Bloody Urine — Piles — Fits. III. Diseases of the External Parts, Etc. Diseases of the Eye — External Ulcer of the Ear — Canker in the Ear— The Common Mange — The Red Mange— Foul Coats — Sore Feet — Wounds — Sprains and Bruises — Scalds — Rickets — Thorns — Fleas and Ticks, etc. IV. Operations ....... Blood-Letting— Method of giving a Bolus or Pill— Worming — Fractures— Cropping. V. Gestation, Parturition, Etc, ..... On Breeding Generally — Parturition, or Pupping. VI, Feeding, Management, Training, Etc. Greyhounds — Of Training Fox-Hounds — Training of Pointers and Setters — Vocabulary — Maxims — Retrievers — Water- Dogs — Greyhounds — The Kennel. 591 593 614 626 637 640 647 X CONTENTS CHAP. PAGE VII. Different Dogs used in Field Sports and for Domestic Pqrposes, Watch-Dogs, Etc. .... 672 Section I., Dogs of the Chase. The Stag-Hound — The Fox- Hound — The Harrier — The Beagle — The Terrier — The Otter-Hound — The Greyhound — The Scottish Highland Greyhound, or Wolf-Dog. Section II., Dogs used in Shoot- ing. The English Pointer — The English Setter — The Springer — The Cocker — The Smaller Spaniel, or King Charles's Cocker — The Large Water-Spaniel — The Small Water-Spaniel, or Poodle. Section III., Watch-Dogs. The Mastiff— The Bull-Dog— The Bull-Terrier— The Newfound- land Dog — The Shepherd's Dog — The Coach-Dog, or Dal- matian. Appendix— Rules of Racing . . . , . .717 Index . . . . . . . . .758 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS FLATE I'AGE I. The Horse ....... Frontispiece II, Bones of the Skeleton of a Horse . . . .161 III. External and Internal Anatomy of a Horse's Head . 168 IV. Teeth of the Horse from a Week to Six Years . . 192 V. „ „ „ Seven to Fifteen Years . 200 VI. Muscles of the Fore Legs . . . . ,206 Vll. „ „ Hind Legs . . . . .224 Vlll. Bones of the Hock; the Cranium; the Stomach; the Intestines ........ 238 IX. Contents of the Chest; the Abdomen; Veins; Arteries and Nerves of the Hind Legs . . .257 X. Parasites, etc. ....... 302 XI. Various Kinds of Shoes, Water-^oots, etc. . . .368 XII. „ „ Shoes, Nails, Knives, etc. . . 374 XIII. Ear of a Horse; Stomach of a Ruminating Animal . 422 XIV. Head of a Sheep ....... 544 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. INTRODUCTION. The term Farriery has been In use for a very long period, and embraced the Medical and Surgical treat- ment of the Horse, as well as Shoeing, and fitting him for taking the road and the field. The persons employed in the manual labour of constructing and fitting the shoes of horses were originally termed Fer7'ers, or Ferriers, from the Latin ^Noxdi ferritin, iron, and their practice y^rr2Vry, which has, in the course of time, been changed into the word Farrier, and now universally adopted. In most country situations the blacksmith who shoes horses is called the farrier, because he is generally the only person, in many localities, who practises the art of horse and cattle doctor. Not only is this the case in Great Britain, but also In every country of Europe. It Is to be lamented that more attention Is not devoted to the useful practice of the cure of domestic animals, more especially when we consider not only their great value, but also their commercial importance. As well may the medical care of man be intrusted to shoemakers and tailors, as the care of horses, cattle, swine, dogs, and other domestic animals be left to the tender mercies of an untutored blacksmith, who, although by practice he may be extremely competent A 2 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY to shoe or bleed a horse, is, nevertheless, most unlikely to be able to administer relief to animals whose physical constitutions are subject to as many and complicated diseases as humanity itself. In France and Italy the importance of the cure of the diseases of horses and cattle was first manifested upwards of two centuries ago ; and professorships established for the art of farriery as a medical and surgical science, and gradually the persons who pro- fessionally studied and practised this art assumed the names of Veterinary Surgeons. This term, although but recently adopted, is of great antiquity, having been in general use among the Latins. It is, hov/ever, surprising that in Great Britain, where our domestic animals are of such vast impor- tance, it is only very lately that schools and professor- ships for the study of the Veterinary art have been established ; and not much more than half a century ago, the surgeons of our cavalry regiments adminis- tered medicine to horses as well as to the soldiers. But the study of Comparative Anatomy soon rendered it manifest that a totally different course of study became necessary for the treatment of animals whose internal organisation was so different from that of the human being ; and now every horse regiment has its Veterinary Surgeon. All great towns, and many small ones also, possess medical and surgical practitioners, whose sole attention is devoted to the cure of domestic animals ; these gentlemen having attended and ac- quired diplomas from the Veterinary Colleges for their knowledge and capability to practise the arts. The intention of the following treatise is not to take the practice out of th'3 hands of regular Veterinary Surgeons, but to serve i? a ready manual to those living in the country or ev^en in towns, to give them INTRODUCTION 3 a general idea of the diseases and remedies, so that they may be appHed in time of need, and where a regular veterinary practitioner is not at hand. Some of the diseases incidental to horses and cattle are so marked in their character, that a little ex- perience will easily enable a person accustomed to be among those animals, to detect it with facility, and in such cases, medicine may be safely administered, according to the rules we have laid down ; but there are other disorders, whose characters are of a more complicated form, which ought not to be treated by a person uneducated in the veterinary art. In such cases it will always be found safer and cheaper in the end to apply to regular practitioners. Although in a certain sense there is some analogy between the diseases of man and animals, yet these are exceedingly different in their specific characters, and consequently in the remedies applied for their cures ; the construction of the stomach, the length of the alimentary canal and small intestines, with other organic distinctions — all combining to render the specific quantity and character of the medicines to differ essentially. Nevertheless, it is quite possible to acquire a con- siderable knowledge of all that is known in the veterinary art, by persons in private life ; although considerable study, as may well be supposed, is necessary to attain this degree of knowledge. The first thing to be studied is to acquire a know- ledge of the skeleton, then of the muscles, and lastly of the internal organisation. The two first of these are pretty much alike in all our domestic animals, but a very great difference will be found in the internal structure. For the skeleton and muscles, works and good engravings will give a good idea to the be- 4 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY ginner ; and after acquiring the names of the different bones and muscles, the student must practise upon dead subjects, so that he may be enabled, by dissec- tion, at once to determine what part of the body is affected by lameness or a wound. He must next acquire a thorough knowledge of the exact situation of the internal organs, and their comparative dimen- sions and structure. Attention must next be given to Chemistry, and the compounding of medicines, with the relative quantities to be administered to the different animals, which will depend upon, as above hinted at, the structure of the stomach and the length of the large and small intestines. Upon the character also of the nervous system will depend much of the treatment of animals, and the energy and immediate application of remedial means. Some diseases are slow in their progress, while others are so rapid that there is more art and utility in arrest- ing them, than in a cure after they are fairly formed. But this can only be acquired by experience. It is not pretended that the knowledge above specified is to be found within the limits of this work, which is chiefly intended as a popular digest of all that is truly useful to the country gentleman and practical farmer, and others possessing domestic animals. We shall, however, in the course of the work, give illustrations of the general structure of the Horse, with such other parts as should be generally known, and directions concerning their functions ; so that the classes for whom it is in- tended may have such a knowledge of the subject, as will enable them to act for themselves, in ordinary cases, and in others to qualify them for detecting the impositions too frequently practised by ignorant quacks. SECTION I. OF THE HORSE, ITS DISEASES AND STRUCTURE. CHAPTER I. Diseases of the Head, including the Brain, Ears, Mouth, Nostrils, Eyes, &c. The diseases of the head in animals, as well as in the human being, are, for the most part, so com- plicated and obscure that few non-professional men are qualified to undertake their cure with success ; but it will be our endeavour to treat the subject in as plain language as possible, so that those who have not regularly studied the veterinary art may at least acquire such a knowledge as will enable them to apply some judicious remedy, until the advice of a practitioner can be obtained. MEGRIMS. This malady is occasioned by a pressure on the brain, caused by an unusual flow of blood to it. The flow of blood through the brain is much greater in quantity than through any other portion of the body of equal bulk. To prevent as far as possible any unusual flow of blood to this organ, the arteries pursue an extremely winding and circuitous course, and enter the skull through small holes in the bony process. These holes are so small that they will admit but of little enlargement of the blood-vessels, 6 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY and thus to a great extent the progress of inflamma- tion is prevented. Yet, notwithstanding this beauti- ful provision in nature, the horse is liable to be afflicted . with diseases in the brain, from violent and injudicious exercise, and hard driving or riding in warm weather, which forces the blood to the head, and distends the arteries of the brain more than the veins ; and the consequence is, the small vessels which ramify in the substance of the brain get gorged with blood, and then its bulk is increased to such an extent that it will produce undue pressure upon the origin of the nerves, which is followed by loss of power and even consciousness, and consequences of a very serious nature frequently follow. Symptoms. — These most commonly appear when a horse is over-driven. When attacked he will suddenly stop and shake his head, having been seized with giddiness and a slight degree of uncon- sciousness. If allowed to stand for a few minutes, this will go off, and he v/ill be enabled to proceed on his journey. But it not unfrequently happens that the attack is of a more severe kind ; and under such circumstances the horse will fall suddenly, or in other cases will run round several times and then fall. Sometimes he will lie quietly in a state of complete torpor ; at other times he will struggle with great violence, and for a time be unable to rise. In either of these conditions he will continue for from, five to ten minutes, when he will gradually resume sensibility, and then will be able to get on his feet, and may then proceed on the journey. But after these attacks he generally exhibits symptoms of dullness and ex- haustion. Remedy. — Immediately after the first attack of this disease, if the animal is strong and robust, re- MEGRIMS 7 course should be had to bleeding. Three or four quarts of blood from the jugular vein generally has the effect of arresting the symptoms. Another method is to cut the palate, which will permit a sufficient flow of blood to have the desired effect, that is, from two to three quarts. This, of course, should only be re- sorted to if the driver happens not to possess a lancet at the time the horse is attacked. The bleeding place of the palate is in a direct line between the middle and second cutting teeth, and situate a little more than an inch within the mouth. Here the vein and artery make a curve. A sharp penknife may be used, and cut down upon the spot where they intersect each other. The result will be a plentiful flow of blood, and which will stop of its own accord when two or three quarts have issued forth. In consequence of the artery being cut across, it will shrink and speedily cease to bleed, and the application of a sponge, or piece of rag and cold water, will stop the bleeding of the vein. In this operation the nerve is generally divided, but no bad effects will result from it. If the cut is made a little too much on one side, and nearly opposite the second incisor tooth, it is possible the artery may be wounded longitudinally, but not divided, in which case there m.ay be great difficulty in arresting the flow of blood. The most effectual method is to make a large and compact pledget of lint or tow, which should be rolled round a piece of twine, and then firmly tied round the front teeth, and its pressure on the surface of the bleeding part will generally stop it ; but should this prove ineffectual, then a gag may be constructed so as to press upon the pledget, which is sure to stop the bleeding. 5 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY It is only when a horse is on a journey that the above mode of bleeding, by cutting the bars of the palate, is to be resorted to, because there is no way of ascertaining the measure of the blood. Therefore it is only in cases of necessity that it is to be applied, as it ma)^ not only occasion much pain to the horse, but also a great deal of trouble to the operator. The ordinary mode of blood-letting is preferable in all cases. Immediately after the first attack, three or four quarts of blood should be taken from the vein of the neck. A short time afterwards, give a dose of physic, in the form of a ball, consisting of the following ingredients : — Barbadoes aloes . . 5 to 8 drachms, Ginger .... 2 drachms, Calomel . . . . i drachm ; to be beat up in a mortar with a sufficient quantity of honey, so as to form them into a ball, which must be administered in the manner we direct under the head of '' Medicines." Megrims is a very dangerous disease, not only to the horse but also to the driver, as in many in- stances the horse falls down without the slightest previous indication of illness. If a horse has had one attack of this malady, he is liable to a return of it ; and after a second attack, although proper means have been adopted to prevent a recurrence of it, the most prudent plan is to part with the animal, as he can never afterwards be depended upon. THE STAGGERS, OR APOPLEXY. Symptoms. — The premonitory appearances are a low hanging of the head, and either supporting it on the manger, or extending it nearly to the ground. THE STAGGERS, OR APOPLEXY 9 He moves to and fro while standing, and seems liable to fall at every movement. His sight and hearing are much impaired. He will remain in this condition from one to twelve hours ; he then falls. His eyes are open and protruding, with a fixed, seemingly unconscious, stare, with the pupils much dilated ; he grinds his teeth, the whole frame mani- fests twitchings, the veins of the neck are distended, and in attempting to swallow, the drink is returned by the nostrils and mouth, and he dungs involun- tarily : strong convulsive twitchings follow, and these are the certain preludes to death. In the first stage of the disease there is depression, sleepiness, and feebleness, which is distinctly indicated by dulness of the eye. i\s it increases, he presses his head against the wall or the rack, and when aroused from this position he seems alarmed. Causes. — A deranged state of the digestive organs is the most ordinary cause, and this is the effect of over-feeding in many cases. Some persons are so foolish as to suppose that horses may have as much grain as they can eat, and that it will do them no harm. This is a serious mistake ; because, even without the aid of water, the grain will swell in the stomach, and from being completely overloaded, in- digestion follows, the stomach being too much dis- tended to be able to perform its office. The head is affected, as in the animal economy a very intimate connection exists between the brain and stomach, each reciprocally influencing the other. The want of exercise with horses which are highly fed, also tends to derange the stomach, more especially during warm weather. The bracinof influence of exercise beincr wanting to give energy to the actions of the intestinal canal, the food frequently lodges there. This is also Id MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY caused by the food being indigestible. Another cause is irregularity in watering horses, as this element is peculiarly necessary to animals v/hich live upon dry food. Every horse should be watered at least four times during the day, and in some cases while working hard, more frequently, and in smaller quantities. Remedy. — If the horse is robust or plethoric he may be bled in the jugular or neck vein, but if weak or debilitated from whatever cause, blood should not be abstracted. If the lower intestines, or rectum, is overloaded with dung, the hand should be passed up the rectum, and the bowels unloaded in this way. The following medicine should be administered, in the form of a ball : — Barbadoes aloes . , 4 to 8 drachms, Calomel i drachm, Ginger 2 drachms ; these to be mixed with honey or treacle, in sufficient quantity to form a ball. Sometimes a clyster is useful, which may be formed of soft soap and hot water. These clysters may be repeated twice or thrice with beneficial effect, as they facilitate the action of the purgative and unload the rectum. Blisters behind the ears, Cayenne pepper blown up the nostrils, as well as bark and spices given inter- nally, are perfectly useless. Indeed the two former are ridiculous. After the purgative has acted, should the horse be able to take food, boiled barley, scalded bran or oatmeal, and lukewarm water, should be given to him for some days until he is able to masticate hay, which ought to be of the best quality. This must, MAD STAGGERS 11 however, be given in small quantities until his bowels have been thoroughly purged out. To complete the cure, the following may be given : — Bicarb, of soda ... 3 drachms, Pulv. gentian .... 2 drachms, Pulv. ginger .... 2 drachms ; these to be dissolved in a quart of hot ale ; to be given the first thing in the morning in a tepid state of heat. This may be repeated daily for ten days. It is hardly necessary to remark, that this disease is in general extremely rapid in its effects, and the utmost promptitude must be exercised in the reme- dies. MAD STAGGERS. Symptoms. — This disease proceeds from inflamma- tion of the brain. In the earlier stages it is difficult to distinguish from the sleepy or stomach staggers. It soon, however, assumes a different character. The nostrils become distended, and he commences to heave at the flanks ; his eyes assume a fixed, vacant, and wild stare, which is followed by complete delirium ; he becomes furious, and dashes about in a violent manner from side to side, being quite un- conscious of his actions. The mad staggers are considerably alike in their symptoms to rabies. In the former of these mialadies the horse retains his consciousness, and the violence of his actions will depend upon the peculiar char- acter of the madness. In some instances a desire to be mischievous is manifested. Causes.— This disease may be caused by the animal being too fat, too full of blood, or from a fracture of the bones of the skull, or disease of the 12 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY blood-vessels of the brain, or its coverings. The fever produced thereby causes a determination of blood to the head, and thus terminating in what is generally denominated '' brain fever." Remedy. — The treatment in this malady is at all times exceedingly uncertain. If the pulse is full and strong, abstract blood from the jugular until its character is altered, thereafter give a dose of purga- tive medicine, and without delay call in the services of the veterinarian. RABIES, OR MADNESS. Symptoms. — The symptoms are nervousness, then excitability and violence. Determination to seize, bite, and kick any and all objects within reach of its mouth or heels. Sometimes the victim lacerates his own flesh with its teeth, and neighs frequently and loudly. Towards the close the animal experi- ences a difficulty in swallowing, and the respiration is loud and distressing. The horse affected generally dies within thirty- six hours from the first commencement of marked visible symptoms. Causes. — This incurable disorder is caused by the bite of a mad dog, or other rabid animal, the blood poison being contained in the saliva. Remedy. — When symptoms of rabies have mani- fested themselves, it is in vain to attempt a cure. But in cases where horses have been known to be bitten by a rabid animal, or, under doubtful cir- cumstances, the wound should be well and deeply burned with lunar caustic. Rabies being a scheduled disease, its existence must be reported to the Local Authority under the Contagious Diseases of Animals Act. TETANUS, OR LOCKED- JAW 1 3 TETANUS, OR LOCKED-JAW. Symptoms. — To the human being, as well as to the horse, this generally proves a fatal malady. This disease does not manifest itself of a sudden ; but generally steals over the system by slow or insidious means. It first develops itself by the animal appearing heavy and unwell for a day or two ; he feeds sparingly, frequently half chewing his food, and then drops it from his mouth. When he drinks, the water is gulped, in place of the ordinary mode of taking it. The action of the jaw becomes extremely imperfect, and the saliva trickles from the sides of his mouth. The mouth can at length be but imperfectly opened ; and ultimately, the whole voluntary muscles of the neck, head, and upper portions of the body become immovably fixed. The earliest and most reliable symptom of tetanus is spasms of the retractor muscle of the eyeball, and this is in evidence the instant the animal elevates his head, the eye being drawn back and the haw (Membrana Nictitans) shot forward and upwards. In a short time nearly the whole muscles of the body are spasmodically affected. Causes. — This disease is due to the introduction of a microbe (Bacillus Tetani) into the body of the affected horse throuQrh a wound. It sometimes comes on instantaneously, after the infliction of a wound, or sometimes a considerable time afterwards. Nicking and docking have frequently caused this affection of the nervous system. The usual way in which this disease comes on seldom leads to a suspicion of what it is, as few who have not previ- ously watched its progress can trace its character. 14 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY Hence it has assumed its climax before persons are aware of it. Remedies. — If the cause of the disease has been from docking, the operation should be repeated higher up ; and if from nicking, by making a deeper incision, — by these means the spasms have been in some instances removed. If tetanus follows on a prick of a nail or puncture of the sole of the foot, the horn should be pared, the wound opened up, and carbolic acid poured in. As the Tetanus Bacillus is found In earth, the dust of streets and manure, wounds of the feet, and portions of the body on which the animal reclines, should be carefully protected by carbolic liniment, and tow and bandages, where these can be applied. If the jaws are not fixed, administer an aloetic ball, and follow this up by the immediate hypodermic or subcutaneous injection of ''Tetanus Antitoxin," but this and the after-treatment should be under the guidance of a veterinary surgeon. In the treatment of this disease it is of the first Importance that the horse be placed in a loose box, from which the light is excluded, and no one is allowed to enter, except the attendant on the animal, and he should be cautioned to make no noise or disturb the horse in any way. A pail of cold water, and one containing gruel (oatmeal and linseed) should be fixed up so that the animal may be able to drink without depressing his head. In some cases It is advisable to place the horse in slings, for should he fall down when asleep, he may be un- able to rise. EPILEPSY, OR FITS. Symptoms. — Epileptic fits in horses are, as in the TALSY 1 5 hi.iman being, very sudden, of which no premonition is given. The horse suddenly stops, is seized with considerable trembHng, looks around him with a vacant stare, and then suddenly falls. This is followed with convulsive struggles of a greater or lesser degree. The head and neck are considerably contorted. The convulsions seldom last more than a few minutes ; he ceases to struggle, and on the re- covery of consciousness, he generally springs to his feet. If in the stable, the horse will immediately commence feeding. It is exceedingly unsafe to use a horse so afflicted, especially in riding. Indeed we would strongly re- commend that after having one fit, he should never be again used for the saddle, as if once attacked, there is every probability of a return of the fits. We shall not attempt to point out a remedy for epilepsy, as hitherto nothing has been discovered to prove a certain cure. Therefore, anything that may be attempted must be by a regular veterinary surgeon. PALSY. This is usually occasioned by blows, falls, or racks in pulling loads which are beyond the proper strength of the animal. It is, for the most part, situate in the hind-quarters. It is therefore evident that it proceeds from spinal irritation or organic disease of the spinal cord. It may affect the head and fore-limbs, and be associated with disease of the brain or the growth of tumours within the cranial cavity. Palsy is, for the most part, met with in draught-horses. Horses so afflicted seldom lie down either in the stable or field, as they have invariably considerable difficulty in getting up again. It seldom happens that this complaint is removed. Blisters, nerve stimulants, 1 6 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY and friction are the most probable means to be applied. GLANDERS. Symptoms. — Of all the diseases incidental to the horse this is without doubt the most malignant, and most to be dreaded in a steed. The instant that there is any appearance of it, the horse should be immediately removed to a place by itself, as this malady is exceedingly contagious ; and from want of due caution, when even a suspicion is entertained, the most disastrous consequences have been the result. This disease is due to the introduction of a para- site, termed the " Bacillus Malleii," into the body of the horse, and is found in the discharge from the nostrils and in the ''glanders nodules" in the lungs of affected horses. There are various diseases which in their early symptoms have much the same appearance as glanders, and therefore it is necessary to watch these narrowly. The very first visible symptom of glanders is a discharge from one nostril, clearer and of a lighter colour than in a common cold or catarrh, and more glutinous in its substance. If rubbed between the finger and thumb, it has a sticky feel. A singular character of glanders is, that it gener- ally attacks one nostril only, and that is the left one ; only a few cases having occurred where it commenced in the right nostril. Mr Dupay, a celebrated veterinary surgeon, and director of this school of surgery at Toulouse, mentions, that out of eight hiind7^ed cases of glanders, which occurred during his practice, only one was affected in the right nostril. GLANDERS f/ Shortly after the discharge from the nostril takes place, the horse is then affected in the glands of the lower jaw, which swell to a considerable extent, and ultimately atrophy and become attached to the bone. Some considerable time after the discharge has made its appearance, the gluey substance will be seen accompanying the mucous discharge. It is this pus mingling with the other gluey matter which, absorbed by the circulating vessels and carried to the gland, affects it. However, in common catarrh, the glands are sometimes swelled. But in glanders the swelling generally subsides considerably in a short time ; and the glands are not in the centre of the channel, but adhere firmly to the jaw. At this stage of the disorder, the mucous mem- brane of the nostril may become dark purple or of a livid colour ; sometimes of a tone intermediate be- tween these two shades. In some instances there is inflammation of those parts, which varies from the common appearance, being of a purple cast, instead of the high red which usually accompanies inflamma- tion. This is followed by the formation of small circular nodules on the lining of the nostrils, and these in a short time ulcerate and discharge pus. When this has taken place, there can no longer exist a doubt that the horse is glandered. Care must be taken not to mistake the lachrymal or tear-duct for an ulcer. This duct opens by a small orifice or hole on the continuation of the common skin of the muzzle, which is situate a little way up the nostril ; while the ulcerated tubercles are placed upon the mucous membrane above the duct, and well marked by a line of separation. With the formation of "glanders nodules" the animal is certain to have become constitutionally £ 1 8 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIER V affected. His coat will stare and fall off; he will lose flesh, and his belly will be tucked up ; cough will follow ; the appetite will be much affected, ac- companied by a rapid diminution of strength ; the nodules will multiply ; discharge will be much more abundant, and will assume a purulent and bloody appearance, accompanied with a very foetid smell. The ulceration may extend down the windpipe, and the lungs will be in a very short time studded with glanders nodules. A test of the lungs having become affected, the breathing will be difficult, and a stifled, grating noise accompanies it, which is a certain pre- lude to death. A common catarrh has often been mistaken for glanders ; but a little attention will soon enable any one to perceive the distinction between those diseases. Catarrh is invariably accompanied by fever, sore throat, generally cough, loss of appetite, and a dis- charge from both nostrils, and, in most cases, very copious ; sometimes purulent ; the glands are gener- ally swollen in both sides of the throat, are movable and hot to the touch. The proper means being adopted, all the symptoms are abated. Strangles have also been mistaken for glanders. This disease usually affects young horses only. At first they resemble a common cold, with a severe cough and wheezing, and accompanied with a considerable thickening and swelling between the jawbones. The swellinofs become harder towards the middle, and a fluid can be felt in their centre, which ultimately breaks, and a discharge flows from it. The mucous membrane of the nostrils is of a vivid red colour ; and an ample discharge continues, which is mixed with pus from nearly the commencement. Cause. — Ill-ventilated and not properly drained GLANDERS 1 9 Stables, we fear, are too frequently predisposing causes in the production of glanders. There the ammonia from the urine fills the whole atmo- sphere, and this being constantly inhaled, ultimately produces a poisonous effect upon the lungs. We find that glanders almost invariably breaks out in ill-aired stables, and which are besides kept too hot. We find that in the lofty, well-aired stables of gentlemen this disease is almost unknown, and when it does show itself in such, it has in all probability been introduced by some addition to his stud of one or more horses previously affected. In such a case, all the other animals in the stable may catch the malady, as glanders is known to be highly contagious. In many of the crowded, ill-aired stables of London and other large cities, this disease is but too often an inmate, and frequently great havoc is made among the horses in consequence. Persons who are in the daily habit of riding to town, should bespeak a stall expressly for themselves in a livery-stable, because, by introducing a diseased horse, the contagium may be caught by their horses, in consequence of any slight wound about the muzzle coming in contact with the crib, on which the mucus of the glandered animal has been left, and is thus carried into the circulation. All public stables should have high divisions between the stalls, to prevent the muzzles of horses from com- ing in contact with each other, horses being very apt to smell at one another in a stable, as it is by this faculty alone they recognise their companions. Glanders may be propagated in three ways : — ( i ) By Ingestion of food soiled with the glanders discharge from the nose. (2) By drinking water containing the discharge. (3) By Inoculation of the virus into a wound, e.g., a glandered horse biting his neighbour. 20 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY If doubt exists as to the animal being glandered, the ''mallein test" should be applied by the veterinary attendant. Glanders is a scheduled disease, so that the existence must also be reported to the Local Authority, and the animal destroyed. Professor Nocard of Paris entertains the opinion from experi- ments v/hich he has performed, that glanders in its early stages is curable by injections of mallein. From an ill-judged piece of economy, many persons, after being aware of a horse being glandered, persist in keeping it in the same stable with others. Every hour is risking the health of all he possesses. It is the duty of every person, so soon as he is certain of his horse having caught this disease, to destroy it as speedily as possible. For, although a glandered horse may be able to work for a considerable length of time under the influence of this disorder, he will find ultimately that it is a bad piece of economy to keep him under such circumstances. Many persons who have lost their horses by this disease have resorted to extremes to prevent a con- tinuance of it. Some have even gone so far as to pull down their stables, and others to remove their racks, mangers, and partitions. It is quite sufficient if the mangers and other parts which the discharge from the nostrils have touched, is well washed with a scrubbing brush, with a strong solution of soda and water, and afterwards with chloride of lime, the proportion of which should be a pint-and-a-half to a pailful of water. The walls should be washed with lime and water, containing a pint of crude carbolic acid to the pailful of lime-wash, and all the halters, etc., destroyed, and the iron work painted. Caution. — All purchasers of horses at fairs, or from dealers with whom they are not acquainted, FARCY 2 I should carefully examine horses as to their having this disease : because they, by infamous trickery, too frequently use means to deceive the purchaser. It is well known that if a horse is galloped pretty sharply, that the increased action in breathing will thoroughly drive the mucous substance out of his nostril. And to make it continue dry for a time, they force a pledget a considerable way up the diseased nostril ; after having blown powdered alum or white vitriol into it. But a little attention will enable any one to perceive that the animal is in pain, and will make ineffectual efforts to sneeze. FARCY. Symptoms. — This is the same disease as glanders, but confining its ravages to the skin and lymph vessels ramifying in its structure. The first symp- toms manifested are the appearance of small tumours, popularly called farcy buds, or bitttons, situate close to some of the lymphatics and following their course, connected by a sort of cord ; and hence they are called corded veins by farriers. At first they are generally very small, and consequently may not be noticed for some weeks, until they have attained their full size ; after which they usually increase more rapidly, become hot, and cause considerable pain, and at length ulceration ensues. They make their appearance about the face, neck, and throat ; some- times extending to the inside of the thigh, and pro- duce lameness, and considerable swelling of the limb. It sometimes happens that farcy is progressing in the constitution long before the buds make their appearance, or swelling along the course of the absorbents takes place. In some instances, the buds do not ulcerate, but assume a callous texture. At 2 2 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY this period an apparent check to the disease takes place, and the horse seems to be quite recovered. This, however, is only a delusion ; and although no symptoms of the complaint manifest themselves for a number of months, it is working in secret, and all at once breaks out in a most malignant form, and probably in a few days he expires under its influence. Sometimes a considerable swelling of the head takes place, especially in the region of the muzzle, and from which an extremely foetid miucous fluid is discharged. Various portions of the body exhibit mangy eruptions ; swellings in the limbs will follow, the heels will become cracked, exhibiting all the appearance of grease. The animal in most cases will become emaciated and weak. Farcy assumes many different appearances in its various stages. It is no uncommon thing for one of the hind legs to swell suddenly to a very large size, frequently upwards of three times its natural dimen- sions, accompanied by abrupt projections and de- pressions, and which the poor animal will be unable to move. This is generally accompanied by a con- siderable deoree of fever. NASAL GLEET. Symptoms. — This is a constant discharofe of a thickish fluid from one or both the nostrils ; proceed- ing from the mucous membrane, which lines the internal cavity of the nose and sinuses of the head. This disease is frequently brought on by the effects of a long-continued discharge from catarrh or cold. It is unattended with any feverish symptoms. The flow of this thick mucous gleet is often very con- siderable, and variable in colour. When the horse is living upon green food, the discharge is of a NASAL GLEET 23 bright grass-green colour ; but if his diet consists of dry food, and he is kept in the stable, then it assumes a very different hue ; varying from cream- white to brown, or straw-colour, and mixed with pus in some instances, and in others mingled with blood. The discharge is sometimes continuous, and at others it is only occasionally sneezed out. In the latter case it is generally thick, and when so the disease is on the wane. If, however, it is of long duration, it sometimes assumes a serious aspect, and may ultimately prove fatal to the horse. Cuke. — Give the following medicine twice a day : — Sulphate of copper, or blue vitriol i drachm, made into a ball with treacle and linseed meal. Should this disease be attended with couofh and fever, then the following draught must be prepared : — Linseed . . . . i pint, Treacle .... 8 ounces, Vinegar . . . . i pint. The linseed must be soaked or decocted in hot water for three or four hours, kept close to the fire, or on the hob of a grate. Let it be poured off, and the quantity of this tea which remains must be six pints. Then add the other ingredients. Give the horse half-a-pint from four to six times during the twenty-four hours. The above tonic, con- sisting of sulphate of copper, should be continued along with the cough mixture. Should pus be found mixed with the nasal discharge, and the smell be disagreeable, then the following tonic medicine must be given : — Sulphate of copper . . i drachm, Gentian .... 2 drachms. Ginger .... 2 drachms, Treacle .... J ounce ; 24 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY to be administered in a single dose, and repeated daily for a week or fortnight unless the bowels become costive. POLYPUS. This is the name oriven to a oedunculated tumour O i which grows from the mucous membrane Vv^hich lines the nostrils, and although not painful, is attended with disagreeable consequences by obstructing the breathing, and often proves very annoying to the animal. We need not treat more of its cure or other- wise, as it can only be removed by an operation, which requires the aid of a skilful veterinary surgeon. LAMPAS. Symptoms. — This is the name given by farriers to a condition in which the bars on the upper palate are found red and swollen, and on a line with the cutting edges of the incision teeth. It is a condition more or less seen in all horses when growing their teeth. Remedies. — In most instances the congestion and swellinof will subside without medical aid. Slig^ht purgatives and some mashes will facilitate its removal. The animal may also be relieved by a few slight cats across the bars. This may be done with a penknife or lancet, only the operator must keep clear of the palatine artery ; the situation of which will be obvious by a reference to Plate iii., fig. 2, e, e. It is a common practice with farriers to burn the bars with a red-hot iron, a mode of treatment which cannot be too much deprecated. STK ANGLES. Symptoms. — This is a disease incidental to young horses, and few colts escape it. Occasionally it STRANGLES 25 attacks old horses, in which event it is more difficult to cure. The usual period at which this disease shows itself is in the third and fourth years, although it is by no means uncommon to attack foals. The first symptom is cough, differing but little from that of a common cold, only that there is a more abundant discharge from the nostrils, which is of a yellowish colour, and unaccompanied by a disagreeable odour : it is also in most cases mixed with matter. There is, besides, a profuse discharge of slimy, stringy fluid from the mouth, the throat being sore. The mem- brane which lines the nose is intensely red. It will be found that considerable swelling has taken place under the jaws and accompanied by fever, which is distinguished by want of appetite, a quick pulse, and a hot mouth, a general weakness of the whole frame, producing a dejected appearance. To ascertain the amount of fever (or increase of combustion going on in the body), a graduated thermometer should be in- serted in the rectum, and there allowed to remain for four minutes. The average normal temperature is 101°, and all above this indicates the fever present, or in other words, the disturbance of the heat function and abnormal burning up of the tissues composing the animal's body. A temperature above 104° is serious, and above 107° generally fatal. There is likewise a quick motion of the flanks, and coldness in the ears and limbs. The swelling is in the form of a tumour between the jaws ; increasing with various degrees of rapidity, occupying nearly the entire space, and gives pain to the horse when eating ; he besides manifests a great disinclination to feed. This is accompanied by much thirst, but the swelling prevents him from indulging in water, and having swallowed a mouthful or two he desists. After which, and even after eating, 26 MANUAT. OF MODERN FARRIERY he is frequently seized with a spasmodic cough, with suffocating symptoms. Cause. — Strangles is an eruptive febrile disease dependent on a specific germ or microbe, and can be transmitted by cohabitation, so that if the dam has the disease she generally conveys it to her foal, and in this way all the foals and young horses running to- gether at grass may become infected. It appears to be in some degree analogous to measles in the human being ; and having passed through it, the constitution of the animal seems to have undergone purification and improvement. In some instances it has affected the animal in so mild a form, that it has passed throuo^h its various stao-es and ofone off without much inconvenience to it, or any remedial means whatever having been employed. Every horse has this com- plaint once during his life, and once only. Remedies. — As the virus or blood-poison elimin- ates itself by the formation of an abscess in the lymph glands betwixt the jaws, or in the lymph glands in the parotid region, the first thing to be attended to is to bring the tumour to a suppuration. A sharp mustard blister is the first thing to be applied. This, administered in time, will facilitate the discharge a w^eek or two earlier than it would have taken place, if allowed to come to a period naturally. The old practice of applying poultices and fomentations first were very ineffectual appliances, from the great thick- ness of the skin of the horse, but after one or two applications of the mustard, they materially assist in softening the inflammatory exudates and bringing the abscess to a point. The abscess from absorption and thinning of its walls and the tissues about it frequently bursts of its own accord ; but if it should not, it must be laid open with a lancet. It will be found that CANKER AND WOUNDS IN THE MOUTH 27 where abscesses break spontaneously, the lips of the wound, from having- uneven edges, will be more diffi- cult to heal. If there is much fever, with difficult breathing, febrifuge medicine should be prescribed : — Nitric ether . . . i ounce, Liq. ammon. acetate. . 4 ounces, Water . . . . i pint. The above fever drink may be given morning and evening until the temperature becomes normal. If there is no fever, the animal will soon manifest a desire to eat. His food should principally be oatmeal gruel and bran-mashes, with a supply of green meat, con- sisting of cut grass, or tares. If the complaint is followed by weakness, it will be necessary to have recourse to the following tonic medicine, which should be repeated daily until the horse recovers strength : — Ginger ... 2 drachms, Sulphate of iron . . 2 drachms, Gentian ... 2 drachms. In bad cases of strangles the parotid gland may swell to a great size and become hard and indurated, and remain in this condition for a length of time. In all such cases an abscess deep in the structure of the glands forms. In such a case, it will require the aid of a regular veterinary surgeon, as an operation must be had recourse to, which no one but a regular and experienced practitioner will be able to perform. CANKER AND WOUNDS IN THE MOUTH. It is but a too common occurrence, that the sides of the mouth and other parts are wounded by the bit, which may be either too acute in its edges or may not 28 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY fit. Frequently deep v/ounds are in consequence in- flicted in the sides and inner parts, more especially between the grinders and the tushes, on which the bit rests. It is no uncommon occurrence for the entire flesh to be removed from between the tushes and grinders, and instances frequently occur of the bone likewise being so injured that portions of it have to be removed. It may be well conceived the very great pain this m.ust occasion to the poor animal. Those who have had even a very slight inflammation of the gums will readily have an idea of its sufferings. Every man of feeling will make it his first study to see that the bit fits the mouth of his horse properly, and that it in no way can injure either the sides of the mouth or palate. Even his own comfort ought to dictate this ; for no horse can perform his work pleasantly while he is suffering from an irritation in the mouth. When the owner of a horse finds that the bone of the jaw is injured, he should immediately apply to a veterinary surgeon ; but wounds and ulcers may be cured without the aid of a practitioner. The most simple remedies are tincture of myrrh, diluted in an equal proportion of water. The parts should be frequently washed with this ; or, dissolve an ounce of alum in a quart of water, and use it as a wash. If the wound has become a settled ulcer, and looks foul in the edges, then it should be touched with lunar caustic, or with the liquid nitrate of silver, which will stimulate it and cause it to heal. At the same time the above wash should be applied to the parts. DISEASES OF THE TONGUE 29 DISEASES OF THE TONGUE. TONGUE BLADDERS. Symptoms. — A careful groom will occasionally ex- amine the interior of the mouth of horses under his charge. If he notices any swelling of the tongue, he must ascertain from whence it proceeds ; or his at- tention may be directed to this organ by a discharge of ropy saliva from the sides of the mouth. This will be found to have its origin in inflamimation, caused by one large or many small bladder-like swellings on the under sides of the tongue, frequently extending its whole length. Remedy. — If these bladders are fully charged Vv^ith matter, they should be opened with a lancet, which generally puts an end to the complaint, and the swelling will quickly subside. Should any degree of fever remain, an alterative powder should be given daily in mash, composed as follows : — Sulphur pulv. • • • 3 drachms, Nitrate of potash ... 4 drachms, Rhubarb pulv. ... 2 drachms. BITTEN TONGUE. It often happens that horses bite their tongues. If the wound be slight, it will heal of its own accord ; but when of large extent, veterinary aid must be called in, as it would be unsafe for a person not thoroughly acquainted with pathology to attempt a cure. VIVES, OR SWELLINGS IN THE SUBMAXILLARY GLANDS. During catarrh it is no uncommon occurrence for these glands to become enlarged, and also after strangles. In such cases, stimulating embrocations may be used, which generally relieve them ; or they 30 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY may, in most instances, subside, after the cause which has induced the enlargement has ceased. We would on no account allow operations to be performed for their removal. These swellings are readily distinguished from those which accompany glanders, by their being, for the most part, larger, less distinct, and occupying the centre of the space between the jaws, and in never adhering to the jawbones, as in glanders. BARBS, OR PAPS. In inflammation of the mouth, produced by catarrh or any other cause, the ducts situated on both sides of the frsenum, or bridle of the tongue, sometimes en- large, and a redness is to be perceived under it. No operation is necessary in this disease ; the only thing to be attended to is the removal of that which causes them. Unskilful and bigoted farriers often operate for the paps, but in this event the cure is worse than the disease, as abscesses are likely to follow operations, which years may not eradicate. GIGS. The sublingual glands are liable to inflammation during colds. They are situate under the tongue, or on its lower surface. They assume the appearance of small pimples when inflamed. If they ulcerate they should be washed with a solution of alum, or tincture of myrrh, which will always be found to heal them. Operations seldom fail to prove injurious. DISEASES OF THE TEETH. Caries and other diseases of the teeth in horses are common. From the constant use of the grinders, in chewing grain and straw, they are often worn down, DISEASES OF THE TEETH 3 1 and their edges occasionally present a sharp and rough appearance. This cuts the inside of the cheeks. To prevent this they should be filed down. If from the above cause the cheek has been cut, and an ulcer produced, it must be frequently and carefully washed, either with a solution of myrrh, or alum and water ; and if it prove obstinate, nitrate of silver must be had recourse to. Sometimes the teeth grow irregularly in length, more especially the grinders. This proceeds generally from these teeth not being placed immediately opposite to each other. Instances are not wanting where such teeth have grown three-quarters of an inch, or some- times more, above the general level of the grinders or molar teeth ; and this pressing against the bars of the mouth irritates them, and generally ends in ulceration. The only remedy for this is to file or sheer ofT with an instrument the projecting tooth dov/n to a level with the others. Unless the ulcer is very deep and spongy, it will heal of its own accord ; but should it prove otherwise, its edges must be touched with lunar caustic or nitrate of silver, after it has been well washed out with a solution of alum and water. It often happens, from want of attention on the part of the groom in this case, that the horse cannot take his food, and will in consequence pine away, lose flesh, and become quite dispirited. Teeth that have thus grown will always have a tendency to shoot out again, and must therefore be watched to prevent a recurrence of ulcers. In all diseases of the mouth horses will half-chew their food and then drop it, which is familiarly termed " quidding their food." 32 MANUAL OF MODERN p-ARRIERY DISEASES OF THE LIPS. Few persons are aware of the very great importance of the lips of horses. They may justly be considered as the hands of that animal. Without their aid he could neither collect his food in the fields, nor even convey corn down his throat. To prove this, I shall give an account of an experiment which was tried with a.n ass, to ascertain the extent of the use of these important organs. The nerves which give feeling and sensation to the lips were divided, and instantly it was perceived that he was not aware when he touched food with them. They were entirely divested of motion, and he was in consequence unable to convey the oats, v/ith which his manger was full, to his teeth. Com- pelled by hunger, he made a violent effort to lick up a few with his tongue, but they were nearly all rubbed off before they could be conveyed to his mouth. The angles of the mouth are frequently lacerated, and become sore by the smallness of the bit, and from the unmerciful dragging of a heavy hand in either riding or driving him, and also from the shortness of the snafHe. The severe excoriation of those parts produces deep ulcers, which cannot be removed while the animal is worked. Wa^shing with a solution of alum is one of the best curatives ; and if the sore is callous, it must be burned slightly on the edges with nitrate of silver. DISEASES OF THE EYE. In the horse the diseases of the eye are not numerous ; but they are of frequent occurrence, and often most difficult to cure. COMMON INFLAMMATION OF THE EVE. Symptoms. — This malady generally makes its ap- DISEASES OF THE EYE §5 pearance unexpectedly, accompanied by considerable swelling of the eyelids, which has the effect of partially closing them, and causes a discharge of watery matter, or tears. The lid exhibits inflammation, and some of the vessels of the eyeball are gorged with blood. There will also be a dimness in the cornea. Cause. — This usually accompanies a catarrh. But it may also be caused by substances getting under the eyelid, such as a seed of hay ; or from a blow. When inflammation occurs, the eye should be carefully ex- amined, so that the cause may be discovered. This seldom aflects the health of the horse, or prevents his feeding. Remedies. — The eye should be bathed with the following lotion : — Sugar of lead i drachm, Rose-water ..... 6 ounces. If this does not speedily abate the inflammation, then use the following : — Tincture of opium, or laudanum, J ounce, Water i pint. Or the following will prove equally efficacious : — Powdered leaves of digitalis . . i ounce, Boiling water . . . . i quart. His food should consist of mashes, with mild doses of physic. Three or four days should remove the disease. OPHTHALMIA. Symptoms. — This is manifested by great inflam- mation in the eyelids, as also the cornea and aqueous humour and iris, all of which assume a dim appear- ance, and lose their transparency. The animal can 34 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY hardly open its eyelids from the pain produced by exposing the eye to the action of light. This disease is extremely difficult to combat ; and after a month's constant treatment the eye will exhibit an alternation of remission and increase of the inflammation day after day. One day it will have all the appearance of being nearly well, and on the next exhibit more unfavourable symptoms than it has before assumed : the gorged appearance of the inner membrane of the eyelid will be much abated, and the inflammation on the white of the eyeball will have nearly quitted it ; the hazy aspect of the cornea have assumed a certain degree of clearness, and to all appearance the malady has taken its departure. It seldom happens, however, that it is so, for in six weeks or two months we too frequently find the eye again affected with all its former redness, often worse than on the former attack ; or oftentimes both eyes affected. Indeed, from time to time a succession of these abatements and attacks will have succeeded one another, until a cloudy appearance and permanent opacity of the lens or capsule of the eye have taken place ; and confirmed blindness in one or both eyes is the final result. Cause. — The constant heated air of the stable may be considered the remote cause of this inveterate disease, to which all horses seem to be predisposed. The poisoned air is also a powerful agent in the propagation of ophthalmia. To these may be added the too frequent use of stables which are totally dark, so that when the animal is suddenly brought to the light, the abrupt transition produces congestion of blood in the vessels of the eyes. In some cases it is an hereditary affection, and animals with specific ophthalmia should not be bred from. DISEASES OF THE EYE 35 Remedies. — When this disease first makes its appearance, the aftected eye should have placed over it a thin sponge saturated with belladonna lotion. The horse should then be put upon a low diet, and gentle purgatives administered. When the pain and inflammation have subsided, if opacity of the lens has taken place (cataract), we are not aware of any means of removing it and restoring vision, except by an operation, as in the human subject, and for obvious reasons it could not be a practical success. the haw. It is no unusual thing for a thickening of this part to take place, and it will then protrude itself on the fore part of the eyeball. In this disease the retractor muscle pulls back the eye to protect it from the irritating effect of the light, and this thickening of the haw pushing it forward, and the adjacent parts being also thickened, no retraction can take place. The practice of cutting out this is exceedingly absurd, and ought never to be resorted to. It is intended for protecting the eye against dust or insects. In former times few farriers understood the use of the haw ; and even yet it is surprising how few are aware of its value to a horse. In cases of inflammation of the eye, it sometimes itself becomes inflamed and increased in dimensions, and the con- tiguous parts likewise thickened. This either forces it out of its place, or it is voluntarily produced to protect the eye from the action of light. In some cases it does not return into its place, and has been mistaken for a tumour or extraneous excrescence, and has been cut out by ignorant persons, and the eye 36 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY consequently left unguarded. Unless in those cases where there is a tumour growing in connection with the haw (Membrana Nictitans), it should not be interfered with, and where there is a grovv^th requir- ing removal, the veterinary surgeon is the person to perform the operation. ERUPTION ON THE EYELIDS. Symptoms. — The edges of the eyelids are occa- sionally affected with scale-like eruptions. This is always attended with great itching, v/hlch causes the horse to rub his eyelid against any projecting part within his reach, in the performance of which it often happens that the animal injures the eye itself. Remedies. — The edges of the eyelids should be annolnted with the following :- — Nitrated ointment of mercury . . |- ounce, Hogs' lard . . . . . ^ ounce. A few applications will generally produce the desired effect. WARTS. The eyelids are sometimes affected with warts, which are very irritating to the animal in conse- quence of his rubbing them on some prominent part : this causes them to bleed, and increases their number. They should be cut off with a pair of sharp scissors, and the roots touched with nitrate of silver, lunar-caustic, or blue vitriol ; but great care must be exercised In not making the cut through the skin large, or everslon or Inversion of the eyelid may result. GUTTA SERENA. Symptoms. — This exhibits itself by an extraor- DISEASES OF THE EYE 37 dinary dilation of the pupil, which becomes immov- able, and the eye has a bright glassy appearance. This is caused by a paralysis of the optic nerve, or its retinal expansion. Cures in this disease are very few in the horse. Indeed, we doubt if ever the cure of a confirmed case of gutta serena, or glass eye, has been effected. GENERAL BLINDNESS AND IMPERFECT VISION. No subject is of greater importance than the state of a horse's organs of vision, and ought to occupy the first attention of a purchaser ; for blindness, or a partial defect in the eyes, may lead to many un- pleasant consequences to the proprietor, whether in riding or driving. It will require considerable know- ledge of the anatomical construction of the eye to enable any one to judge correctly of its perfection or defects. Independently of the beauty of a prominent eye, it is of much importance that the cornea should possess considerable convexity ; but this must have a limit. If very prominent, the rays of light will be too convergent, which will cause indistinct vision ; on the other hand, if the cornea be small and flat, the rays may not be sufificiently convergent, and consequently will render the vision imperfect. A horse is unsafe with either of these defects, both in riding and driving, as he is certain to start at objects which suddenly present themselves, or he may quickly bolt round, and in either case may over-balance the rider, or upset a vehicle. The cornea should, therefore, be moderately convex, perfectly transparent, and totally free from all opacity or cloudiness over its entire surface. The best method of examining this organ is to place the 38 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERV cheek of the scrutiniser close to the cheek of the horse, both behind and under the eye, and the latter position is the most advantageous to see it thoroughly. The open air is not favourable for such an examina- tion. The head of the horse should be a little within the doorway of a stable, and by looking outwards any defect is rendered more visible. If any faint whitish, milky-like streaks be noticed passing over the cornea, it is certain the animal has had inflam- mation in that portion of the eye. But, should the centre part of the cornea be perfectly transparent, and yet the margin of it, where it unites with the sclerotica, have a hazy ring, it may be concluded that this has been occasioned by recent inflammation, and consequently the eye will be predisposed to a return of it. During the operation of thus inspecting the eye, no white or pale-coloured object should be near, as its form and great transparency are very likely to reflect these rays, and may deceive the person examining the organ. Attention to the dilation and contraction of the pupil will materially aid a person in the detection of blindness or otherwise. When the cornea and crystal- line lens are quite transparent, with the retina para- lysed, and of course not liable to be affected by light, blindness in one or both eyes will be extremely difficult of detection. It generally happens, when a horse is totally blind, he has a constant and rapid motion in his ears. He also lifts his feet high, as if some obstacle presented itself, and he puts his feet to the ground with a cautious uncertainty. Particular attention should be directed to the pupils of both eyes, and to noticing whether they are both of a size while he is in the stable ; and as he approaches the FRACTURE OF THE SKULL 39 door, observe whether both pupils contract equally as they are subjected to the stronger light. If, how- ever, the horse is examined in the open air and dis- tant from a stable, place the hand over one eye, and then observe, after it has obscured it from the light for a little while, whether the pupil contracts. Repeat the same experiment with the other eye also. FRACTURE OF THE SKULL. The admirable construction of the skull of a horse, as will be seen in our anatomical description, renders a fracture a thing of rare occurrence. And such is the force required to produce such an effect, that it almost invariably proves fatal by injuring the brain. Horses that rear, and in that act fall, sometimes fracture their skull, and in some instances blows in- flicted by their grooms with a heavy weapon may have the effect of fracturing the skull. There Is little hope of a cure, except with the assistance of a regular veterinary surgeon. But in case one is not to be had immediately, the parts of the bones should be replaced and held together by the aid of adhesive plaster. Bleeding and low feeding must be resorted to, together with small doses of medicine. CHAPTER 11. Diseases of the Neck and Contiguous Parts. POLL-EVIL. Symptoms. — This disease consists of an inflam- mation of the muscle over the poll-bone and the first vertebra of the neck. It generally extends under the ligament of the neck which passes over the atlas-bone. This ligament is not attached to the bone, and the disease is consequently seated between it and the bone itself It is being thus deeply seated which frequently renders it so difficult to cure. Before the swelling be- comes very conspicuous, the part is very hot, and painful when touched, which can easily be noticed from the motion of the horse. Cause. — The poll-evil is too frequently occasioned by a severe blow on the poll of the neck, given by ill- tempered and unmerciful riders or grooms ; at other times it is brought on by the horse striking his head against the manger, or by the ligaments being too mucli stretched by severely tight reining. But, from what- ever cause the malady proceeds, it frequently becomes exceedingly troublesome and tedious to cure. Remedies. — Before suppuration takes place, every means should be adopted to suppress the inflammation, and, if possible, to disperse the swelling. Medicines of a laxative kind should be administered, tmd bleeding- resorted to, and also cold lotions applied. This treat- ment will often have the effect of reducing the tumour. POLL-EVIL 41 But 'd it is found that the swelling continues in spite of these, other means must be resorted to, and applications to facilitate the ripening of the abscess must be adopted. This will be best effected by poultices, warm fom^enta- tions, and stimulating embrocations. The progress of the disease must be narrowly watched, and when sufficiently advanced, which will be known by the softness of the swelling, it must be opened with a lancet, and afterwards kept open by means of a seton. The needle, with the cord attached to it, must penetrate the apex of the abscess, and be forced out a little way belov/ the bottom, so that no matter can possibly collect in and lodge there. Gentle pressure should be used to squeeze the whole of the matter out. After this nothing more will be required except to keep it clean and occasionally fomented with warm water, and carbolic acid or Jey's fluid. If taken at an early stage of the disease, w^hat we have recommended will generally effect a cure. On the other hand, should the pus burrow deep and affect the ligaments of the vertebrae of the neck, the edges of the wound must be stimulated by nitrate of silver or caustic, to induce a healthy action into the muscular fibre, and excite it to granulate. When the interior of the abscess has assumed a callous appearance, it may be necessary to syringe it out with a very weak solution of nitrate of silver mixed with rose-water. Should this not have the effect of inducing a healthy condition, then it will be necessary to have the services of a regular veterinary surgeon. The cord used as a seton should be wet with the following mixture : — Corrosive sublimate ... J dracliin, Spirit of wine .... 2 ounces. The cord should be cut off and united at both ends 42 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY by wrapping a thread round it, and pulled round once daily during the twenty-four hours, taking care to wipe the part which has been in the abscess, and also to wet the portion which is to remain in it for a time, with the above solution. When all the swelling has subsided, and the matter assumes a thick white appearance, the seton may be removed, and the wound kept clean with an antiseptic lotion. ROARING. Symptoms. — This is a disease arisinof from an affection of the larynx and superior portion of the windpipe. When a horse so affected has been hard trotted or galloped, he may be heard at some distance to utter a whistling or roaring sound. Or when he is standing, if touched suddenly in the flank with a whip or stick, he will involuntarily grunt or groan. Dealers are frequently in the habit of practising this test ; be- cause, if a horse is moderately exercised or at rest, this complaint never manifests itself. Cause. — It is due to disease of the inferior laryngeal nerve, which leads to atrophy and fatty degeneration of the muscles which dilate the larynx, and as a con- sequence the mouth of the windpipe is narrowed and altered in its shape. After strangles this disease frequently follows. Tight reining is believed by some to be a cause of this evil, but cart-horses are more frequent roarers than any other, and they neither wear a ''bearing rein," nor are driven with a tight rein. The practice of what is termed co2ighing a horse, to ascertain the state of his wind, is apt to produce roaring. This is performed by subjecting the larynx or trachea to violent pressure by squeezing with the fingers. A horse so afflicted is decidedly unsound. OBSTRUCTION OF THE GULLET 43 Remedies. — In the early stage of the disease the application of a fly-blister over the larynx is to be recommended, and the administration of a sedative electuary, composed of belladonna, gum-camphor and treacle. When the disease has been of such a character as to threaten suffocation, the operation termed tracheotomy must be performed ; but this is an operation that can only be successfully performed by a veterinary surgeon. OBSTRUCTION OF THE GULLET. Symptoms. — In this malady the gullet has become contracted, which compels the horse to swallow its food in small quantities, and that with much difficulty, giving the animal the appearance of choking when in the act of swallowing. Sometimes the stricture is near the upper portion of the gullet : in which case an experienced veterinary surgeon may devise some remedy ; but if seated near the entrance into the stomach, no hopes can be entertained of a cure. Horses eating too greedily sometimes swallow their food in too large masses, and before it is properly masticated, which has in many instances lodged in the gullet, producing alarming symptoms of suffocation. Remedies. — The first thing to be tried is to force the ball of food which obstructs the passage down- wards, by the aid of the elastic tube (probang) used for hove in cattle. Sometimes it cannot be dislodged even by means of this instrument. In that case the only other remedy is to cut open the gullet to prevent suffocation. But this operation need not be described, as it can only be successfully performed by a veter- inary surgeon. 44 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY INFLAMMATION OF THE JUGULAR VEIN. In the horse the jugulars are single on both sides of the neck, while in horned cattle they are double. Inflammation is sometimes induced in them after the operation of bleeding, directions for which we shall give hereafter. After bleeding has been performed, the practice is to bring the cut edges of the vein together, and to keep them in contact by inserting a pin through the skin above it, and twisting tow pretty tightly round it, so as to keep it from being removed. In three or four days the wound will have completely healed in most cases. Causes. — A variety of causes may, however, operate to induce inflammation of the vein. Among these may be enumerated, striking too hard on the lancet with the fleam (an instrument used in bleeding), or using a blunt or rusty lancet. In other cases, by pulling the skin too far from the neck while drawing the wound together, and thus allowing space for the blood to insinuate itself into the cellular tissue ; or working the horse immediately after the operation ; or neglecting to tie up his head for a short while after bleeding, to prevent his removing the pressure of the pin from the wound by rubbing his head against the manger ; and other causes. Symptoms. — Swelling and separation of the cut edofes of the wound ; coag-ulation of blood within the channel of the vein ; inflammation and thickening of the wall of the vessel, so that it feels like a cord under the finger. The obliteration of the jugular may ex- tend from the point of operation to the base of the brain. This is generally followed by a series of small INFLAMMATION OF THE JUGULAK VEIN 45 abscesses forming along- the course of the in.flamecl vein. Remedies. — Some veterinary surgeons, to stimulate the part, apply a hot iron to the margin of the orifice, which induces a union of its edges. Should this not prove effectual, and if the swelling is great and abscesses have made their appearance, the next remedies are to inject a weak solution of nitrate of silver or other caustic liquid into the abscesses, or to introduce setons into them. CHAPTER HI. Diseases of the Chest and its Contents. INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. Symptoms. — Of all the diseases incidental to the horse, that of inflammation of the lungs is the most prevalent, and certainly the most fatal. Sometimes this malady Is sudden in its appearance, but in the greater number of cases dullness and fever are pre- monitory symptoms. In its early stages the pulse is not very rapid, but indistinct and heavy in its action, sometimes feeling vibratory under the pressure of the finger. In other instances it is hardly to be perceived, so languid is its motion. This is followed by dilated nostrils, coldness In the extremities, and heaving at the flanks, which clearly indicate an oppression in the breathing ; differing, however, from the laboured and irregular breathing In broken-winded horses, which appears as If It required two expirations for every in- spiration of air into the lungs. The animal thrusts out his head, the mucous membrane of the nose becomes very red, especially in the Inside angles of the nostrils, where It continues ; although at times it extends further up, from which position It may disap- pear, but still maintaining Its chief seat In the lower portion of the nostrils. The animal expresses great anxiety in his look, and turns his head frequently and hurriedly round towards his flanks, more especially to INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS 47 that side where the inflammation has settled. He stands in a straddling manner, with his fore legs generally considerably apart. He seldom lies down, and when he does so it is but for a few minutes, remaining for days on his legs. It does not, however, always happen that the premonitory symptoms are the same, for in many cases inflammation comes on slowly and in an in- sidious manner. Perhaps the horse may be off his feed and his coat will stare ; his breathing may be but slightly accelerated and abbreviated, with the legs a little colder than usual. Sometimes inflammation of the lungs is preceded by symptoms which are at- tendant upon common fever, catarrh, or influenza. In such instances the true disease manifests itself in its full force when the groom or master of the horse least suspects it. The first manifestations are coldness in the limbs and ears, accompanied by the flurried pulsa- tion and anxious look, with a seeming dread of lying down. This is soon followed by an irregularity and indistinctness in the pulse, and extreme coldness affects the legs and ears. The nostrils become livid — he hardly seems to breathe — he grinds his teeth — and these may be regarded as the too certain symptoms of dissolution ; staggering ensues, and he finally sinks in his stall. This last is a picture of that kind of inflammation of the lungs which has lurked in the constitution with- out exhibiting premonitory symptoms, and which in most cases proves fatal. There are, besides, cases in which the disease is so rapid that it will have under- gone its entire stages in twenty-four hours. In this short time the entire mass of the lungs will have suf- fered complete destruction from engorgement with blood. Such a case has been satisfactorily proved not to 48 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY proceed from long and deep-rooted inflammation, but assuredly from the very reverse. There are bad cases, which are not so rapid in their termination, but v/hich are nevertheless equally fatal. This happens when the lungs have become consolidated and the inflammatory products have formed pus. In such a case the breath of the horse will be extremely disagreeable, with a running at the nostrils, which is a sure indication that mortification has taken place in the substance of the lungs, and that death will soon follow. Inflammation of the lungs may be distinguished from inflammation of the bowels, by the pulse in the latter case being small and wiry ; the mucous m^em- brane of the nose not being so red, and by pains in the belly, which are indicated by kicking, pulling, stamp- ing, and lying down. Cause. — This malady may be brought on by the numerous and sudden transitions from heat to cold, to which most horses are subjected. They are, under the careless and v/anton folly of masters and grooms, often galloped, or otherwise worked and overheated, and then permitted to cool in the open air, or in the draught of a stable. The stable itself is also kept too hot, frequently from twenty-nve to thirty degrees beyond that of the atmosphere ; and its air is but too often of an impure kind, and Vv^hich being breathed affects the miembrane which lines the cells of the lungs. This is weakened, and hence rendered susceptible of irritation and inflammation from breathing an atmo- sphere which is impregnated with ammoniacal gas, generated by the manure and urine. Remedies. — The treatment for inflammation of the lungs must be immediate and decisive. As the disease is rapid, so also must be the means employed. INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS 49 Although its first symptoms may exhibit a mild char- acter, yet we have seen how rapid they become in their after-effects. To palliate it therefore would be absurd. In a previously healthy animal bleeding may be resorted to. During the flow of the blood the pulse should be felt all the while to mark its progress, and the slightest change in its character should be accepted as indicating that no more blood should be withdrawn. If the horse be costive, which is fre- quently the case in inflammation of the lungs, from four to six ounces of Epsom salts, mixed with a gruel, will be found useful, and we must next have recourse to blistering the chest with mustard. Febrifuge medicines must now be resorted to, and the following doses may be given : — Nitre 3 drachms, Emetic tartar . . . . i J drachm, Digitalis i drachm. This medicine is to be given daily in a ball until the fever has subsided, as indicated by the thermometer standing at ioi°. It is a great mistake to suppose that in this com- plaint the stable should be kept close and warm ; for the very cause which in a great measure operated in remotely inducing the disorder is again brought into play. Rather let warm clothing be put upon the horse, which will have a tendency to keep up in- sensible perspiration. After this the horse should be well rubbed down, and his legs in particular should have a smart applica- tion of the brush, in order to restore heat and an increase in the circulation, and then thickly rolled up with flannel to keep up the action. The rubbing should be repeated from time to time. The less he D 50 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY eats at a time the better. Corn must on no account be given. Green food and mashes may be set before him in small quantities, and as much drinking water allowed at all times as the horse desires. If the oppression in the breathing now subside, heat be restored to the limibs, and the animal lie dov/n, these are sure indications of the disease having abated. The strength and appetite will now gradually be restored. But much caution should be exercised in not allowing the animal to take too much food, which might have the effect of inducing a return of the malady : green meat, or, if that cannot be had, a gruel of linseed and oatmeal, mashes, and a little hay should form his diet. But to restore strength where much exhaustion prevails, tonics should be given. Iron sulphate .... 2 drachms, Ginger 2 drachms, Gentian 2 grains. Should the animal continue to improve, his diet may be extended, and probably in three or four days he may have a small quantity of corn, which may be increased as his strength is restored. A cool and clean stable are the best means for preventing predisposition to diseases of the lungs, both of which should be scrupulously attended to. The heated air of a stable, and the poisonous gas arising from the dung, prove most injurious to the horse. PLEURISY. Symptoms. — This disease is entirely confined to inflammation of the pleura or membrane which en- velops the lungs and lines the chest. The pulse is hard, but not oppressed. The extremities are cold, although not so much so as in ordinary inflammia- tion, nor is the membrane of the nose so very re^d. PLEURISY 5 1 If pressure on the sides is applied, the horse will feel pain, and express it by a quick and impatient grunt. The unwillingness of the horse to lie down will be manifested in this as well as in violent inflammation of the lungs. Cause. — This disease has its origin from the same causes as inflammation of the lungs, viz., sudden transitions from heat to cold, etc. Remedies. — Much the same treatment is required for pleurisy as for pneumonia. The two diseases are frequently conjoined, and a veterinary surgeon can alone decide this point. If pleurisy is acute, it frequently induces dropsy in the chest, as in this complaint a fluid is thrown out from the vessels of the pleura, which, having no means of escaping, and being too large in quantity to be absorbed, lodges in the cavity of the chest. When this is the case little good is to be expected from the animal, and it seldom happens that a com- plete cure is effected. Sometimes the chest is punc- tured for it, which may carry ofl^ the fluid ; but it too frequently proves an ineffectual remedy. When- ever it is suspected that water is formed to any great extent, puncturing should be had recourse to, the opening to be made by the instrument called the trochaic The locality where it is inserted is the intercostal membrane, between the seventh and eighth ribs, and as close to the cartilages as possible. Diuretic medicines, in combination with tonics, should be given. The following will be found the best : — Nilrate of potash . . . -| ounce, Ginger \ drachm, Linseed meal . , . . J ounce ; made into a ball with common syrup or treacle. 52 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY FEVER. Symptoms. — Fever commences with a cold and shivering fit ; the animal manifests great dullness, with a desire to be inactive ; his hair stands erect, or stares, and his legs and feet are cold ; the pulse is quick, hard, and unequal, the temperature abnor- mal, ranging from 102° to 107*, or higher ; his mouth is hot, with a total loss of appetite, shivering, and a dejected appearance. This is followed by general warmth of the body ; an unequal distribution of heat to the limbs, sometimes one being hot while the other is cold. He becomes very costive, with turbid urine ; affected sometimes with colic pains ; but there is no cough, pawing, or looking back at the loins. If these symptoms are allowed to proceed unchecked, the membrane that lines the eyelid becomes unnaturally red ; the inflammation may then be considered as settled in some internal organ, and pure or sympto- matic fever will have ensued. While this pure fever continues, the shivering fit returns daily, at nearly the same hour, and is followed by a warm one, and sometimes by a cold clammy sweat. This state con- tinues for several days, and local inflammation ensues ; or the fever gradually becomes abated. Some veterinary surgeons have absurdly denied the possibility of fever in the horse ; but those who have advanced such an opinion must have paid but little attention to the state of his pulse, and have never used a thermometer. Causes. — General increased action in the heart and arteries is the cause of fever, produced by the sympathy of the system, induced by local inflamma- tion ; or it may exist without any perceptible local affection. It is too frequently induced by bad stable STOMACFI-STAGGERS 53 management, the sudden changes from heat to cold, and the lungs having breathed impure air from the filth and confined atmosphere of the stable. Inflam- mation of the lungs, feet, or any other part of the body is always accompanied by fever. Remedies. — Gentle laxatives will be found bene- ficial, but strong ones exceedingly injurious. The following should be given morning and evening until the temperature becomes normal : — Nitric ether Liq. ammon. acetate Water I ounce, 4 ounces, I pint. The above may be slightly augmented or dimin- ished, according to circumstances. Symptomatic fever should be treated in the same manner as simple fever, only that attention must be directed to the diseased part which caused the fever. If the inflammation can be subdued, then the fever will naturally abate, without other means being adopted. STOMACH-STAGGERS. Symptoms. — This disease is indicated by the dull, stupid, sleepy appearance of the horse, and he staggers about in his stall. He seems unconscious of what he is doing, and if roused from his lethargy will probably take a mouthful of hay, in a few seconds desist from chewing, and the hay will fall from his mouth. Many instances have occurred, when the disease has been allowed to acquire an ascendancy, that the horse would drop down and die while in the act of eating. In other cases the drowsiness goes off, and is suc- ceeded by delirium ; and after falling, rising, and staggering about, will die in convulsions. 54 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY Cause. — Over-feeding- Is too often the cause of this sad disease, and especially if the food is of a bad quality. Careless servants will too often neglect a horse ; and afterwards, by food being placed before him while ravenously hungry, he will swallov/ it rapidly and in too large quantity, without being properly masticated, consequently it swells in the stomach, and thus stretches it far beyond its natural capacity : its action is thereby impaired : the con- sequence is, the brain is unduly acted upon, and ofiddiness and drowsiness induced, which occasion staggering. Besides the horse being allowed to eat in this manner, the groom may neglect to give the animal water to assist it in converting it into a pulp and facilitating the operation of digeGtion, the natural juices of the stomach, from its gorged state, being inadequate to the performance of their office. Remedies. — Before remedies are attempted it must first be ascertained what has caused the staggers ; as the mad staggers present exactly the same symptoms in their early stage. In this dis- order, as may well be supposed, medicine will have but little effect, from the gorged condition of the stomach. Some veterinary surgeons recommend bleeding ; but we have never found this attended with any beneficial effects, as what must naturally debilitate the system can hardly be expected to aid the action of the stomach. Probably the safest plan is to allow nature to work its own cure, by abstaining from giving food. But as we know of no certain remedy for this disease, we should carefully guard against promoting it. It is no uncommon occurrence for farmers and others keeping a number of horses to lose several of STOMACH- STAGGERS 55 them within very short periods of each other with this malady, from which an opinion prevails with many that the staggers is contagious. Nothing can be more erroneous than this belief, as it is quite certain that the complaint is induced by bad stable management, or by feeding the horse with unwhole- some food, or in the horse feeding too voraciously, as already mentioned. This disease is more common with old horses than others. We would strongly recommend the owners of horses to give some attention to the following : — Too much food given at one time after long fasting or hard work, and neglecting to give the animal water, is almost certain to produce the staggers. The hours of labour should be for limited spaces of time, with proper intervals of rest allowed, and the horse regularly fed during these intervals. Every man must have felt the effects of being without dinner for two or three hours beyond his accustomed time. From five to six hours are the intervals between the meals of a labouring man ; and with a horse that is worked no longer time should be allowed to elapse without feeding and watering. When persons are occasionally so situated that they cannot unyoke their horses at stated times for food and rest, then they ought to carry hay and a nose-bag, and a supply of corn along Vv'ith them. Indeed, it is surprising that if humanity does not influence many men to be kind to this valuable animal, self-interest ought to have the effect of inducing proper treatment. Staggers often attacks horses while they are at grass. This, however, happens chiefly with such cis have been previously stinted in their food, or where the pasture is very rich. In such cases, nature generally works its own cure ; because, If the horse 56 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY is kept from eating, the natural sap in green food will soon assist in promoting digestion. CATARRH, OR COMMON COLD. The sudden transitions from heat to cold to which horses are so frequently, and often so thoughtlessly, exposed, renders this a very common complaint with them. If masters and servants would bear in their remembrance the old and true adage, " that it is better and easier to keep well than to make well," their horses would not require half the medicines which are given to them. A simple cold, if neglected, may end in an in- curable disease, especially with horses of a delicate constitution. Catarrh commences with a slight degree of fever, with some little discharge from the nose and eyes, accompanied by cough, which is sometimes hard, frequent, and painful to the horse. If the cough is not severe, the complaint may generally be removed by simple treatment. The horse should be kept warm, and a few doses of the following mixture administered : — Digitalis . . • J drachm, Nitre .... 2 drachms, Emetic tartar . . i drachm ; to be given in the form of a ball. Instead of corn, his food should consist of hay and mashes. BRONCHITIS. Symptoms. — Inflammation of the mucous mem- brane of the bronchial tubes manifests itself by the breathing being considerably harder and quicker than in a common catarrh ; and also by a wheezing sound accompanying the inspirations of air into the lungs, and which is temporarily removed when the horse THICK WIND 57 coughs Up the mucus secreted by the inflamed mem- brane of the throat. Cause. — Bronchitis is generally induced by a severe cold, and is indicated by the cough being- severe. The seat of the disease is in the divisions of the trachea or windpipe, just before it enters the lungs. At this portion it branches out into a numer- ous series of vessels, and these are denominated the bronchial hibes, and hence the inflammation which attacks their lining has been called bronchitis. This disease is generally induced by catarrh having gained an ascendency, and the inflammation extending to the entrance of the lungs. Remedies. — Blisters on the chest should be applied, and the following medicine given : — Gum-camphor ... 3 drachms, Carb. ammonia ... 3 drachms, Tinct. opium .... 4 drachms, Water i pint. When bronchitis is neglected, it produces thick wind, which can never afterwards be removed. THICK WIND. Symptoms. — Thick wind is indicated by short, laborious, and frequent breathings when the horse is at rest, and becomes much more evident where he is employed in working, whether in a cart, carriage, or as a hunter or roadster. In the latter cases, the in- spirations and expirations succeed each other in such rapid succession that lead us to suppose the animal is about to expire through suffocation, and his breathing can be heard at a considejrable distance ; his sides and loins exhibit marked symptoms of the difficulty with which he breathes. 58 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY Causes. — This affection for the most part owes its origin to previous inflammation, and more especially inflammation and thickening of the mucous membrane which lines the bronchial tubes. Remedies. — This disease does not come within the scope of medical treatment : all that can be done is to guard against overloading the stomach with food, and not to exercise the animal to any extent while his stomach is full. Abstain from subjecting him to hard labour, or trotting and galloping him violently. By these precautions the affection may gradually subside, and in time he may become almost sound. BROKEN WIND. Symptoms. — A marked distinction prevails between this disease and thick wind. In the latter the inspira- tions and expirations are of uniform length and dura- tion ; while in broken wind, for one inspiration two expirations are required, which is plainly indicated by the motion of the flanks. This is caused by the rupture or union of several of the air-cells, which renders the cavities of the lungs more complicated, and hence requires that double action to expel the air. It may be easily conceived that Vv^hen the lungs are expanded the air will rush in readily enough, and one exertion of the muscles of respiration is sufficient to expel the carbonised air ; but when these cells have become united, the cavity of the lung is so irregular and many-cornered, that air is with difficulty expelled from them, and therefore two efforts are required to effect it. Broken wind is generally accompanied by a hard, dry, husky cough, differing completely in its character from that of a common cold. BROKEN WIND 59 Causes. — This disease may take place without any visible disordered condition in a horse. Voracious feeding may produce it, or food taken hastily and In too large quantities into the stomach, particularly coarse hay and straw, which, by distending the stomach beyond the natural limits, presses against the lungs and prevents their free action. Coarse and bulky food being frequently used, Is extremely apt to produce broken wind, from the effect just mentioned. The constrained action of the lungs, from the frequently distended stomach, is apt to burst the air-cells, and thus lay the foundation of an incurable disease. Thick wind Is usually the premonitor of the dis- order. Remedies. — A radical cure of broken wind, I be- lieve, has never taken place ; that is, after a rupture of a portion of the air-cells. All that can be effected is a palliation of the complaint. The food should consist as much as possible of that which affords the greatest nourishment In the smallest compass. Oats, and particularly beans and peas, as well as carrots, have this qualification. The bowels should be kept gently open, and for this purpose give an altera- tive powder In bran mash every second evening, viz. : — Nitrate of potash . . 3 drachms, Sulphur sub. ... 2 drachms. Avoid exercise or labour when the stomach Is full. A broken-winded horse should never be pastured, as, by having his stomach constantly full and distended, the disease is increased. By strict attention to all these rules, and by gentle, well-timed, and progressive exer- cise, broken-winded horses may be rendered capable of performing a fair proportion of labour, and may 6o MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY even live a considerable number of years under the influence of this affection, by cautious treatment. Experience must have taught many persons pos- sessing a number of horses, that frequent instances have occurred of horses having been put into a straw- yard perfectly sound, coming out broken-winded. The food affordinof but little nutriment, the animals reauire to keep their stomachs always full, which causes a constant pressure upon the lungs ; and their action being thereby restricted, a violent effort becomes necessary to effect respiration, and hence rupture of the partitions of the air-cells take place. CHRONIC COUGH. Symptoms. — This is a constant, irritating cough, which in particular manifests itself after feeding and drinking, and on first being exposed to the open air in the morning, and more especially after any excite- ment, such as hard work, a sharp trot, or a gallop. In most instances the complaint is accompanied by a staring coat. Causes. — Chronic cough has its origin in some previous inflammatory complaint. In becoming a fixed disease, it will proceed from inflammation of the air passages ; or it may be from severe irritation of the lower portion of the windpipe. When the seat of the disorder is caused by inflammation in the substance of the lungs, it will manifest itself after eating, which is occasioned by the distended stomach pressing upon the diaphragm, and this organ in its turn pressing upon the lungs. This renders them less capable of transmitting the air through their passages ; which occasions considerable excitement, from the great effort made to perform respiration, and hence the irritating cough is induced. CHRONIC COUGH . 6 1 Remedies. — The following dose to be given every night until the cough is modified : — Digitalis . . . . | drachm, Nitre i drachm, Emetic tartar ... J drachm ; to be made up in the form of a ball, with tar. If this fails to lessen the irritation, a blister should be applied to the throat, extending from one ear to the other, and reaching six or eight inches down the windpipe, which will have the effect of lessening the irritation of the fauces or the larynx, if the inflammation exists in that situation. Sometimes a blister extending to the lower part of the windpipe, as far as the chest, has had a good effect. The food should be of an opening nature, as dry feeding, such as straw and chaff, is always found to increase the complaint : grass and other green food will have a salutary effect in this and other similar diseases. Horses may have chronic cough without their general health being affected by it ; and should the above remedies prove ineffectual in removing it in a few weeks, there will be no use in persisting in attempts at a cure ; and it is only when the com- plaint assumes a more than ordinary degree of coughing, that medical treatment should be resorted to. A great object is to avoid exposing the animal to sudden transitions from heat to cold ; as a horse afflicted with chronic cough is more liable than others to be affected by changes of temperature. INFLUENZA, EPIDEMIC CATARRH, DISTEMPER. This is a febrile disease, depending upon a blood- poison or specific microbe, and generally prevails as 62 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY an epidemic in man, and an epizootic in horses. Like other microbic diseases it has a special affinity for certain organs, and the microbe of influenza selects the mucous membrane which lines the air passages (pulmonary influenza), the same membrane which lines the stomach and bowels (gastric influenza), and the ramifications of the same membrane in the liver (biliary influenza). It is a disease character- ised by suddenness of attack, and from the first moment by marked debility and prostration. The temperature runs high, and this and the general debility leads to an accumulation or congestion of blood in the lungs, stomach, bowels, and liver. Influenza is a highly infectious disease, and un- doubtedly the microbes are wafted long distances in the atmosphere. The convalescent horse can carry the contagion and give it to others on arrival at his journey's end hundreds of miles distant from where he contracted it. Stallions convalescent, by the act of copulation, sometimes give influenza to almost every mare they cover. Experiments would point to the ''semen" being contaminated. Symptoms. — Loss of appetite, dullness, great and rapid prostration, weakness of the limbs, weakness of the heart's action and pulse, high temperature or fever, from 104" to 107°. In forty-eight hours weak- ness so marked that the animal staggers on his limbs when made to walk. Breathing now becomes dis- turbed, congestion of the lungs having commenced. A bronchial cough is generally present. Constipation of the bowels may be present in the early stages, but in those cases where the bowels and liver are actively engaged in casting out the blood-poison, yellowness of the eyes and diarrhoea may be marked symptoms. A copious discharge from the nostrils may be present, INFLUENZA, EPIDEMIC CATARRH, DISTEMPER 63 or there may be no discharge. The legs generally swell and sometimes the floor of the abdomen. Rheumatic complications sometimes exist from the onset of the m^alady, but rheumatism of the joints and tendons more frequently make their appearance at convalescence, and leave the animal more or less a cripple for life. Remedies. — Much skill is required in the treat- ment of this disorder, and it is necessary to study it with ereat attention before remedial means are at- tempted, whether by the veterinary surgeon or the owner of the horse. The treatment generally adopted, until within the last thirty years, was bleeding and purging, and the mortality as attested v/as 50 per cent. ; but since bleeding and purging have been abandoned, and the treatment we are about to pre- scribe has been substituted, 5 per cent, or less will cover the loss. When the disease has found an entrance in a stud, the stableman should be instructed to look into the manger of each horse the first thing on opening the stable, and in every case where he finds the horse has not fed, on no account allow that horse to go to work. Remove the horse to a well-ventilated loose box. Place on his body a warm rug and roll his limbs in flannel bandages. Then administer the following febrifuge drink : — Nitrated ether . I ounce, Liqor. ammon. acetas . 4 ounces, Tinct. of aconite 15 drops, Water I pint. Let this drink be cjiven mornine and eveninp- until the fever subsides. To regulate the bowels cfive an o o 64 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY alterative powder in mash daily. The powder to contain the following ingredients, viz. : — Nitrate of potash ... 4 drachms. Sulphur .... 2 drachms, Rhubarb pulv. ... 2 drachms. Should the animal commence to heave at the flanks and otherv/ise exhibit a difficulty in breathing, apply a mustard embrocation to the chest wall. Take a pound of the best mustard, place it in a small basin, add water till it is much of the same consistence as used at table. Rub the mustard well in with the hand, and allow it to remain on the chest wall for a couple of hours. If necessary, repeat the mustard embrocation or poultice. The food should be boiled barley, bran, linseed, oatmeal, grass if in season, carrots, etc. If the animal refuses the food, malt, porter, eggs, milk, port wine in gruels must be poured over his throat. In those cases where the lungs or bowels are seriously involved in the disease, the aid of the veterinary surgeon is urgently demanded, and his services should at once be had in requisition. FISTULOUS WITHERS. Symptoms. — This consists of one or more hot and tender tumours formed upon the w^ithers. If neglected it ends in a large and deep abscess, and will sometimes extend beneath the shoulder-blade, or scapula — and consequently become extremely difficult of cure. Cause. — If the saddle does not fit exactly to the shape of the withers, these tumours may be formed by pressure. Remedies. — When first detected it may possibly be removed by cold applications. The following FISTULOUS WITHERS 65 lotion should be applied to the part affected, with a sponge : — Alum, powdered , . . i ounce, Sulphuric acid . . . . i drachm, Water . . . . . i pint! Or the following may be substituted for it : — Corrosive sublimate ... 2 drachms, Muriatic acid .... 4 drachms. Water i pint; It will be rendered more pungent by the addition of a drachm of sulphate of copper. If the above, after being carefully applied, does not diminish the size of the tumour, or if it increases and becomes more sensitive on being touched, then fomentations, poultices, and stimulating embrocations should be resorted to, so as to bring forward the tumour to a suppuration. When the matter has formed, it should be laid open with the lancet, and a seton should be passed through the top and bottom of the tumour to allow the discharge to pass freely off. After which the same treatment must be pursued as we have recommended in the poll-evil. Fistula in the withers is frequently the cause why some horses stumble on the road. If this is suspected, then the saddle should be taken off; and if the part pressed on by the saddle be hot and enlarged, and the horse feels sensibly the pressure, then fistula of the withers may be apprehended. If taken at this time, and a lotion be diligently applied with a sponge, it is almost certain to prevent the disease becoming matured. Where this disorder has been neglected, and the abscess has extended to the muscle below the shoulder- blade, in many instances the matter will work its way 66 MANUAL Of MODERN FARRIERY to the elbow, and sometimes to the bones of the withers, and render them carious. In severe cases, and where, generally from neglect, caries or ulcerative disease has attacked the spines of the dorsal vertebrae, a surgical operation ought at once to be performed, and the animal handed over to the veterinary surgeon. WARBLES, SADDLE-GALLS, &c. Causes. — When saddles do not fit, various tumours are produced on the back of horses. The name *' Vv^arbles " is applied to small tumours produced by pressure, which sometimes do not suppurate, but are nevertheless troublesome and painful to the animal. When they become indurated and callous they are termed '* sitfasts," and may adhere so firmly as to require great force to remove, and frequently cannot be extracted without being cut out. Remedies. — The first thing that must naturally occur to the mind of a humane man, is to have the stuffing of the saddle altered so as to make it fit, and thereby prevent undue pressure on any particular spot, and the animal should be allowed sufficient rest to permit the tumours to be taken up by absorption. To facilitate this, cold lotions should be frequently and plentifully applied, such as goulard, vinegar, or brine. If these fail, and " steadfasts " appear, then a gentle blister should be applied, which generally has the effect of removing them from their seats ; after which the wound may be dressed with Friar's Balsam, or carbolic liniment. Saddle-galls are generally cured with facility by an application of strong brine, with the addition of tincture of myrrh, in the proportion of a fourth part to three parts of brine. WARBLES, SADDLE-GALLS, ETC. 6"] We have frequently been disgusted with the un- feeling cruelty of some thoughtless persons riding their horses day after day, with large sores under the saddle. Such individuals but ill deserve to be the possessors of horses. CHAPTER IV. Diseases of the Abdomen and Intestines. The complaints of the abdomen and bowels in horses are pretty numerous, and some of them attended with most serious consequences. In most of them the groom or horsekeeper ought to be extremely vigilant, and must watch their progress narrowly. Some are slow in their effects, while others are so rapid, that before proper remedies are applied the disease will have gained such an ascendency that ministrations are of no avail. We would particularly allude to two complaints which are frequently mistaken for one another, — the distinctive symptoms of both v/e shall point out when we treat of them. INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. Symptoms. — Although this disease Is rare In horses, It nevertheless occasionally occurs, and is not easily to be detected from Inflammation of the bowels. Its principal characteristic is a restlessness In the animal, without the appearance of suffering that pain which accompanies other inflammatory complaints ; and a yellow colour of the eyes and skin. Remedy. — The following should be given for two or three days successively. In the form of a small ball :— PodophylHn . . . i drachm, Calomel .... 6 grains, Syrup .... I drachm. tHE JAUNDICE, OR YELLOWS 69 Should the above not remove the uneasy symptoms, it will be necessary, to have recourse to a veterinary surgeon. THE JAUNDICE, OR YELLOWS Symptoms. — The eyes are yellow, as well as the skin of the mouth, and also the other naked parts. The dung is voided in small, hard balls, and the urine of a high yellow colour ; the appetite is blunted, and ofeneral weakness evinces itself. Causes. — This complaint is occasioned by some obstruction in the single duct — for the horse has but one — through which the bile is conducted from the liver to the intestines ; or from an increased and un- due quantity of bile. The horse being destitute of a gall-bladder, the bile flows immediately as it is formed. Remedies.— Purgatives must be employed to restore the functions of the organs to their healthy condition. These must be administered with caution, and in small quantities, frequently repeated, until the bowels are freely opened. It would be dangerous to risk strong doses, as common inflammation of the intestines may cause the symptoms which apparently mark this disease. Let the following be given twice a day : — Barbadoes aloes ... 2 drachms, Calomel .... 1 drachm. Thin, slightly warmed gruel should be given in abun- dance, together with carrots and green food, particu- larly tares. Let the horse be warmly clothed if the weather is severe ; and the stable should be properly ventilated, but not allowed to be too cold. The following should afterwards be given : — Bran-mashes, with green meat, for four or five days ; also drink of thin warm gruel. /O MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERV If purging should become pretty active after admin- istering the above medicine, it should not be hastily checked unless inflammatory symptoms begin to appear, or if the horse exhibits weakness. In either of these cases then the following medicine may be given : — Gruel . . T gallon, Prepared chalk • I ounce, Catechu . . , J ounce. Opium . • • I ounce. After this give the following tonic : — Gentian . , , , 2 drachms, Ginger . • . 2 drachms ; formed into a ball. , and repeated daily until charge is checked. HERNIA, OR RUPTURE. This consists of a portion of the intestine being protruded from the abdominal cavity, either through a natural opening or through one caused by disease. In many cases the intestine may be returned into the cavity/, but it seldom is an effectual cure, in conse- quence of the impossibility of applying a truss to keep it up. There are other instances where the gut having passed through the inguinal ring and protruded into the scrotum of the entire horse, or in the groin of the gelding, which may in time become so narrow as not to admit of the gut being again returned, in consequence of becoming thickened and the protruded portion being filled with the dung. This is called strangulated hernia, and can only be successfully treated by a veterinary surgeon, and should on no account be attempted by any other, especially an uneducated person. INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS 7 1 INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. Symptoms. — This complaint is usually preceded by fever ; and when completely formed, the horse stands with his hind legs wide apart, and has an awkward gait in his walk. He withdraws from the pressure of the hand on the loins, which also indicate an undue heat, considerably above that in the natural condition. When turning with moderate quickness, he feels pain, and looks wistfully back at his flanks ; a suppression of the action of the urinary organs takes place, and is followed by a difficulty in voiding urine, which comes off in small quantities, and is generally high coloured, and not unfrequently mixed with blood. Strong efforts are made by the horse to discharge it in larger portions, but at length it is almost quite suppressed. Hence it will be manifest that there is an affection of the urinary organs ; but whether in the kidneys or bladder it will be difficult at first to determine. At this stage of the disease the pulse is hard and accele- rated ; it soon afterwards becomes small, although re- taining its character of hardness. In order to ascertain the seat of the disease, the hand must be introduced into the rectum, and if the bladder (which is situated under the rectum) feels dis- tended and hard, then it is certain that the neck or sphincture of the bladder is inflamed. If, on the other hand, it is soft and feeling empty, with a heat in the intestines over it, then there is inflammation of the bladder itself; but if there is no unnatural heat over it, then it may be certain that the affection is in the kidneys. Cause. — Musty or mow-burnt oats, from their diuretic properties, are often the cause of inflamma- tion in the kidneys. Indeed, very strong diuretics, 72 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY frequently given, will bring on inflammation of the kidneys as well as weakness in the parts. A sprain in the loins often proves the remote cause of this disease ; or a sudden check, throwing him back upon his haunches, and giving a sudden shock to the muscles of the loins, is another cause. Exposure to rain and being allowed to cool and dry without having been rubbed down, will cause inflammation in the kidneys. Remedies. — Place the horse in a comfortable loose-box, and clothe his body with a warm rug and bandages. Give warm drinks of linseed and oatmeal gruel, and apply a counter-irritant over the region of the kidneys. If bowels are constipated, give one pint of linseed oil daily in boiled food, but if refused pour it over. INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. Symptoms. — When treating of inflammation of the kidneys, we described fully the symptoms of inflamma- tion of the bladder. In this variety of the complaint the urine is voided in small quantities, and with con- siderable pain each time ; and in extreme cases a total suppression takes place. When this is the case the bladder becomes exceedingly distended under the rectum, and may be easily felt by the means recom- mended in the former article. Causes. — This is produced by some acrid sub- stance, which has been generated in the system by the use of food of a heating nature, forming a chemical compound of an acrid quality In the urine. Stone in the bladder will also produce this disease. Some persons are so absurd as to administer the tincture of cantharldes by way of hastening the season of horsing in the mare, which Is almost certain to inflame the coating or sphincture of the bladder. STONE IN THE BLADDER 73 Remedies. — Much the same line of treatment as has been prescribed for inflammation of the kidneys should be adopted for inflammation of the bladder. But should this not relieve the malady, then the follow- ing must be administered : — Gum-camphor . . , i drachm, Powdered opium . . , i drachm, Linseed meal ... 3 drachms ; given as a ball every three hours. In cases where the mare is affected, the urine may be drawn off by means of a catheter. This will have a considerable influence in relieving the animal, and by taking off the tension will tend to abate the inflammatory symptoms. The same remedy is of difficult application in the horse, and should never be attempted by any one but a veterinary surgeon. STONE IN THE BLADDER. Symptoms. — Irregularity in the discharge of urine, with occasional suppression of it, and fits resembling spasmodic colic, are the symptoms which attend this disease. To ascertain if it is really stone which pro- duces these effects, the horse should be thrown on his back and the hand introduced into the rectum, when the stone, if it exists, will be easily felt. Remedies. — If the stone is of any size it must be extracted by an operation, which can only be performed by a regular veterinary surgeon. When it is small, or only appears in the form of gravel, diuretics are the only remedies which can do good ; these, by inducing an increased flow of urine, may carry with it the smaller concretions. The following will be found a useful diuretic, given once a day in a drink : — Purified nitre (nitrate of potash) 3 drachms, Digitalis .... 1 drachm. 74 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY DIABETES. Symptoms. — This disease consists In an excessive discharge of urine ; and, fortunately, is not of such common occurrence among horses as in the human species. Causes. — Bad food will produce irritation of the kidneys, as well as the improper and too frequent use of strong diuretics, which cause irritation and an in- creased action in the kidneys. RexMEDies. — Order a complete change of food, and see that the hay and oats are of the best quality. Give boiled food once a day, and to it add the follow- ing powder : — Ginger . . , , , 2 drachms, Sulphate of iron ... 2 drachms, Gentian 2 drachms. Whatever tends to lessen the undue action will be the best remedy. Green meat and carrots will be of much use during this disease. STALING OF BLOOD. Symptoms. — The symptoms of this complaint are nearly allied to those of inflammation in the kidneys ; and it always manifests itself by the highly coloured urine, mingled with blood. If the bowels are not easy, let them be opened by the following cathartic : — Barbadoes aloes ... 6 drachms, Ginger, powdered . . . i drachm ; to be formed into a ball and administered. When It has operated, the following must be given once a day until the urine has assumed its natural colour : — Peruvian bark, powdered . I ounce. Nitre, in powder ... 3 drachms, Balsam of capiva ... J ounce. INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS ^5 Let the above be well powdered together, and then given in three ounces of linseed, boiled in half-a-gallon of water reduced to three pints. INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. The intestines are subject to two different kinds of inflammation, namely, that of the mucous membrane or internal lining of the gut. The second is in the external coating of the bowels. These are very- different in their characters, and consequently in the mode in which they must be treated. INFLAMMATION OF THE MUCOUS MEMBRANE. Symptoms. — This is accompanied with violent purging, proceeding too often from over-doses of physic being administered to the horse, or from acid generated in the bowels by the food, or some other unknown cause. In addition to the purging, consider- able pain attends this disease, which is indicated by the animal frequently looking round to his flanks, wuth a heaviness in his breathing, accompanied by a quick feeble pulse, with a hot mouth, ears, and legs. Causes. — Sudden exposure from a warm to a cold atmosphere, and being allowed to drink plentifully of water -when over-heated, or having his belly and legs wetted with cold water when too warm, are all causes which induce this complaint, more especially in high- fed horses. Remedies.— When accompanied by excessive purg- ing, with great pain, astringent medicines should not be administered. All food should be denied him, and in its stead eive him o^ruel, a decoction of linseed, thin starch, or arrowroot. Clysters of warm gruel would also be proper. These should be administered with Reid's patent pumip. If the irritation and indications ']6 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERV of pain still continue, it will be necessary to give the following : — Gruel 2 quarts, Prepared chalk . . . i ounce, Catechu . . . . . 4 drachms, Opium ..... 2 drachms ; The above to be repeated every five or six hours until the purging and pain are allayed, after which the doses should be lessened in quantity and frequency. The horse must be kept warm and well-clothed, with his legs bandaged after being rubbed thoroughly. SPASMODIC COLIC. Symptoms. — This disorder in general comes on very suddenly, without any premonitory signs. The horse becomes very restless, shifts his position, paws the ground, and looks round with anxiety at his flanks ; sometimes raising his foot as high as his belly and striking it violently : he will also lie down and roll about on his back. In a few minutes the spasm subsides, and the animal after shaking himself will resume feeding. At longer or shorter intervals the attack is renewed, but with increased violence ; he will throw himself with considerable force on the ground ; will break into a copious perspiration, and heave greatly at the flanks. These spasms are renewed at Intervals, and gradually become less frequent and less severe ; or if, on the contrary, they are more frequent and acute, and at length manifest a nearly uninterrupted series, then it may be suspected that inflammation has taken place, and that death may speedily ensue. Causes. — The causes giving rise to spasmodic contraction of the muscular fibres of the bowels are INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS "]"] very various. Stones and large earthy lumps in the intestines cause colic pains, but it cannot be known when these are present. Drinking cold water when the animal is over-heated is a frequent cause of these spasms and pains. Green food is also apt to induce these pains when taken in large quantities, and especially if too hard worked after it. Remedies. — A combination of opium and ether are valuable specifics in this disorder, in the following quantities, and usually produce almost immediate relief : — Ether, nitric ... 2 ounces, Laudanum . . . i ounce, Warm ale, or gruel . . i pint. If in two hours after the above has been administered no visible mitigation of the complaint exhibits itself, it will be necessary to repeat the medicine and apply a mustard poultice to his abdomen ; because a long- continued succession of spasms is almost certain to induce inflammation. Injections of warm water, or gruel, mixed with a small quantity of aloes, will have an excellent effect in this complaint. The following embrocation has produced good effects during the time the animal was suffering from spasms. It is made into a pretty thick paste and rubbed over a considerable portion of the belly : — Mustard, in powder . . 8 ounces, Camphor . . . . i ounce. Oil of turpentine ... 2 ounces. Water of ammonia . . 2 ounces. This disease and inflammation of the bowels are frequently mistaken for each other, which is caused by the general appearance being somewhat similar ; but if strict attention be paid to both diseases, it will be found that there are symptoms connected with 78 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY each disorder specifically different, which will at once be understood by the following tables : — INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. I. Pulse considerably accele- rated, but very indistinct. 2. Gradual in its approach, with previous febrile indi- cations. 3. Lies down, seldom rolls on his back, starts to his legs suddenly. 4. Legs and ears generally cold. 5. Belly exceedingly tender, and when touched causing pain. 6. Constant pain. 7. Rapid prostration 01 strength. 8. Mucous membrane inside the nostrils very red. 9. Lining of the eyelids un- usually red. 10. Peristaltic motion of the bowels excited, with the anus hot. SPASMODIC COLIC. 1. Pulse natural, or lower than in its natural state, but ac- celerated and more full during the spasms. 2. Sudden in its attack, but destitute of febrile symp- toms. 3. Lies down, and may roll on his back, which seems to give him relief. 4. Legs and ears of a natural heat. 5. Rubbing the belly gives relief to the animal. 6. Intervals of rest. 7. Strength hardly affected. 8. Mucous membrane of its ordinary colour. 9. Lining of the eyelids of its natural colour. 10. Slight motion of the intes- tines, unless by purgative injections. Pawing of the ground is common to both complaints, but in cases of entanglement of the gut he desists from pawing. Both this and the preceding complaint are induced by various causes. But if symptoms similar to them are caused by eating green food in too large quantity, a different mode of treatment will be necessary. INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS 79 ENTANGLEMENT OF THE BOWELS. This Is caused by colic, in consequence of the animal throvv^ing himself about while suffering under the pain of that complaint ; portions of that intestine called the ileum become twisted and knotted, and drawn tosfether with astonlshlnof firmness. There is no remedy for this complaint. STONES IN THE INTESTINES. Horses that are subject to very frequent attacks of colic pains have usually stony masses in the caecum or colon. Sometimes they are some pounds weight. These, obstructing the passage of the gut, produce colic pains ; and at other times, when exceedingly large, by pressing upon the mucous membrane, produce Inflammation. But as yet no distinctly- marked symptoms have been detected by which their presence can be ascertained. Hitherto no certain mode of treatment has been discovered for their removal. INTUSSUSCEPTION OF THE INTESTINES. This is another evil arising from a long-continued spasmodic action of the ileum, which sometimes causes an inverted pressure from the caecum towards the stomach, which overcomes the natural action, which forces this contracted portion of the intestine Into a portion above it, which retains its natural calibre. The irritation thereby produced increases the upward action, and causes still more of the intestine to be forced inwards, until an obstruction of an insur- mountable character is produced. Continued and unmitigated pain is the only symptom which may lead to a suspicion that this incurable malady has taken place. So MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY INTESTINAL WORMS. A variety of worms inhabit the intestines of horses, and when they become numerous often prove injurious to the constitution of the animal. Although a respect- able writer says they are not of much consequence unless they are numerous, we would recommend that the sooner they are expelled the better, however small the number may be, for this simple reason — that where there exists a single pair there will naturally be an increase of their species. Symptoms. — Loss of appetite, griping pains, a rough coat, and tucked-up belly, are symptomatic of worms of the larger species, hmibriais teres, or long white round - worms very much resembling in form the common earth-worm, which is met with from five to ten inches in length ; and itching of the rectum, evinced by a quick twitching of the tail and a small quantity of mucus, which hardens and assumes the appearance of a white powder at the anus, is indicative oi ascarides — small, needle-formed worms, which lodge in the large intestines, and frequently find their way in great numbers to the caecum. A third species sometimes, although of much rarer occurrence, in- habits various parts of the intestinal-canal from the stomach downwards. This is the tape-worm, which is known from its broad, fiat, tape-like appearance, and consisting of many articulated joints. This species is the most formidable and the most difficult to be removed. Remedies. — When the symptoms which we have pointed out are noticed, the groom should carefully watch whether worms are voided, to ascertain their existence. Still, however, they may be lodged in the intestines without belnc^ evacuated ; and when there THE BOTS 8 1 is a v/ell-grounded suspicion that they inhabit the body, a dose of some vermifuge should be given. For the expulsion of the round-worm, the following anthelmintic should be administered : — Arsenious acid . . . i drachm, Powd. sulph. of iron . . 2 ounces, Tart, of antimony . . i J ounce. Mix and divide into twelve powders, and give one each morning ; follow up on the fourteenth day by an aloetic ball. If the existence of the tape- worm is apprehended, then the following will be the proper remedy : — Turpentine ... -J ounce. Castor oil . . . . 2 ounces, Gum arable, in powder . i ounce ; treacle to form it into a ball. Warm mashes to be given for a day afterv/ards. It seldom, however, happens that these are removed by one dose ; and unless it is quite certain that the entire animal has been discharged, the above medicine must be repeated. If even a link or two is broken off and left in the intestines, these will be regenerated into a perfect worm, as they have the property of reproducing the parts of which they have been de- prived. THE BOTS. Horses may be infested by bots without apparently suffering material injury from them. But we cannot agree with the opinion of Mr Bracy Clark, that they are destined by Nature to act upon the food in the stomach by trituration, or as pepper does in the human stomach. Like every other part of the animal body, this organ is so admirably constructed that in 52 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERV its healthy condition no artificial aid is necessary to enable it to perform its office. If the opinion of Mr Clark were correct, what would supply the place of those parasites during that portion of the year when the grub assumed its perfect condition ? Post-mortem dissection has proved that bots are not so inoffensive as Mr Clark supposed ; as it has been found that horses which have been infested with these grubs had ulcers of considerable extent in the muscular coat of the stomach. Symptoms and Habits. — The progress of the dis- ease generally manifests itself gradually ; the horse becomes hide-bound, his coat becomes rough and un- healthy, he loses flesh and strength, although he feeds with his usual appetite, and has frequently a tickling cough. Cause. — The bots are a species of gad-fly called cestrus eqtti by naturalists, which may be observed in the month of July flying actively about the legs of horses in the fields. These flies are represented (Plate X, fig. i), which is the common gad-fly. They may be seen flying rapidly towards the sides and knees of horses. These are the females depositing their eggs in the hair, to which they adhere by a glutinous fluid by which they are surrounded (figs. 2, 3). In a few days the eggs are hatched, and the minute grubs or caterpillars which they contain are set at liberty. This operation is performed by the horse, which, in licking himself, bursts the eggs, and the caterpillar adheres to his tongue, and in the operation of eating, the little animal is carried into the stomach along with the food. These caterpillars are provided with a small hook on each side of their mouths, and by means of which they cling pertinaceously to the cuticular portion of the lining of the stomach (see fig. 4) ; and so tena- THE BOTS 8 3 clously do they adhere, that the hook will break before they leave their hold. There these pests contrive to locate during the whole winter, and to the end of the following spring, feeding on the mucus ; by which time they have grown to full size (fig. 5), and must now undergo a new transformation ; they quit their hold of the coating of the stomach, are carried into the villous portion along with food, from thence pass into the intestinal canal along with the chyme, and at length are discharged with it. The caterpillars thus evacuated seek an appropriate place in the ground, where they assume the imago or chrysalis condition ; and remaining in this state for some weeks, at length break out from their swathing and assume the form of the perfect insect. Immediately after this the males and females pair ; the latter becoming impregnated, set about seeking an appropriate situation where to deposit their eggs, which, in Imitation of the parent, by a peculiar Instinct, they fix on the hairs of a horse, from whence they are licked off and swallowed in the larva state. There are two species of gad-flies ; the second Is known by the name of the red bot, fig. 6 is its larva, and fig. 7 the perfect fly. Their natural history and habits are similar in all respects to the other. CHAPTER V. Disorders of the External Parts of the Horse. THE FORE LEGS. We come now to treat of those portions of the frame of a horse most Intimately connected with his action, and his essential value In the service of man. Un- fortunately these are but too often liable to disease ; and the animal afflicted with maladies of those parts is not only rendered less useful to his possessor, but also less valuable In the market, as the extremities embrace the entire apparatus of progressive motion, and consequently that action In which mankind are chiefly interested in this useful animal. To thoughtless and reckless masters, and careless, cruel, and unthinking servants, this noble animal owes many of his complaints, both internal and external. And what is revolting to every humane mind, is, after the poor animals are afflicted with a painful disorder, their unfeeling masters too often continue to subject them to hard work while they are labouring under acute suffering. Let any man who has had a severe sprained ankle fancy to himself that he was compelled to carry a heavy burden, or remove a quantity of stones from one part to another by means of a wheel- barrow, or suppose he were even forced to walk at all, and what would be his sufferings ? The probability is, he would be utterly unable to perform one or the other task. But the poor horse has four legs, and probably SPRAIN OF THE SHOULDER 85 three of these are sound, and he is thereby not only able to stand, but also to perform progressive motion ; but every time the lame limb is put to the ground and borne upon, his sufferings are equal to, if not worse than, what man himself would feel. It is the interest of every man to have his lame horse rendered sound as speedily as possible ; and this, in most cases, cannot be effected without allowing the animal a cessation from labour ; and it is monstrous cruelty to subject a horse to labour whilst under the influence of a painful malady. The finger of con- tempt should be pointed at all such unfeeling wretches. In this portion of the work we shall treat of the diseases alone, and the anatomy of the various parts will be afterwards given, with complete references to the plates illustrative of those parts. SPRAIN OF THE SHOULDER. Many ignorant pretenders, who denominate them- selves Farriers, frequently speak of what they call the '' skotilder-lameness,'' without being able to state wherein this lameness consists. In innumerable instances they are wrong when they say or imagine that the lameness proceeds from the shoulder at all. We are decidedly of opinion that lameness of the shoulder is much less frequent than is supposed. Symptoms. — To those who have attended to the anatomy of the shoulder of the horse, shoulder-lame- ness can be recognised with considerable celerity, as well as certainty. The horse generally suffers great pain in moving forward while under the influence of this complaint, which is indicated by dragging his toe along the ground instead of lifting the foot smartly up, which is the natural action in progressive motion ; 86 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY for it is this lifting of the foot which produces the pain, by giving motion to the muscles of the shoulder, some of which are inflamed and tender, in consequence of the sprain. But it must be obvious to any one acquainted with the anatomy of the shoulder, that the pain occasioned by lifting the foot must be both short and small in' lameness of the shoulder, as the limb is allowed to bear the weight a much shorter time than in any other species of lameness. For example, in sprain of the back tendons, it is only when the horse is moving forwards that he suffers much pain, and this is mxost felt when the weight rests on the leg ; consequently, there is a peculiar activity in moving up the limb in shoulder-lameness the instant the weight bears upon it. This is strongly manifested in moving- down a hill, in which case additional pressure is given to the limb. And while the horse is in the stable, it will be found that his toe only is resting on the ground when afflicted with shoulder-lameness, while in a sound state he will have the foot flat on the ground. But one of its most prominent characters is, that when the foot is lifted and pressed considerably forward, the animal indicates a feeling of great pain, while the same action will o-ive him no uneasiness if the lameness is seated in the leg or foot. In diseases or injuries of the muscles, heat generally accompanies them ; but from the muscles which are affected in this belonging to the under layer, of course the heat is not perceptible to the touch. Neither can the swelling be perceived for the same reason. Cause. — This has its origin in some sudden and severe shock which the muscles have received. A slip of the foot or side-fall may also occasion this com- plaint. Remedies. — In some cases of lameness a horse may COMPLAINTS AND INJURIES OF THE ARM 87 be able to work, but not in shoulder-lameness. It takes away all chance of the animal being restored to soundness. At once have him put off work. Foment the shoulder with hot water for a few days, then apply a stimulating liniment all over the injured muscle. If lameness persists, blister the parts with oil of cantharidis, and if the animal is not thereby restored to soundness, call in the aid of the veterinary surgeon. Numerous ridiculous operations, which only give pain to the horse labouring under this injury, have been resorted to, but all of them are as absurd as they are cruel. The following mild purgative ball may be administered, so as to keep the bowels open : — Barbadoes aloes ... 5 drachms, Castile soap .... 2 drachms, Oil of caraways . . .12 drops. COMPLAINTS AND INJURIES OF THE ARM. FRACTURE OF THE ELBOW sometimes occurs, and when this is the case, it would be exceedingly imprudent for any person to attempt a cure, except one skilled in the veterinary art, and even with the regular practitioner there is no certainty of a cure being effected. ENLARGEMENT OF THE ELBOW may be induced by a severe blow ; or it may be caused by the heels of the shoes pressing against that part while the horse has his feet doubled under him. Remedy. — Let a seton be carried through the tumour if it is of small dimensions, and in most cases it will subside completely. But if large, an incision should be made in the skin along the centre of the SS MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY prominent part, and the tumour removed by dissection. Some horses produce *' Capped elbow " by resting too long on their elbows in the act of rising from their bed, and when this is the case, an "elbow pad" or "swab heel boot" should be worn during the night. COMPLAINTS AND INJURIES OF THE KNEE. BROKEN KNEES. Much has been said, and a great variety of remedies have been recommended, for injuries received in the knees. It is a subject of very great importance, and therefore much patient attention should be bestowed upon it. Many fine horses have been blemished and disfigured for life by broken knees, and others have been so severely injured that it has rendered them unfit for future service, and in other cases has proved fatal to them. This injury is generally sustained while the horse is going at a quick pace, consequently the extent of the wound will generally be in proportion to the rate of the speed at which the animal is progressing, and the weight behind, as well as the condition and texture of the road on which he falls. The horse in the action of falling naturally throws his knees forward, and consequently they receive all the weight of both horse and rider, and frequently are very severely lacerated. Remedies. — The first precaution is to wash the wounds thoroughly with warm carbolised water and a sponge, so as to remove all dirt and gravel from the parts. The next thing to be done is to examine carefully whether the joint is opened, which is best ascertained by the application of a probe, but great care must be exercised, otherwise the joint may be COMPLAINTS AND INJURIES OF THE KNEE 89 Opened by the point of the probe. But should a doubt remain as to its being open, then a poultice must be applied composed of linseed meal and carbolised water. This may be allowed to remain for about eight hours, which will have at least the effect of acting as a fomentation to the wound, and assist in allaying the inflammation. When the poultice is removed, if the capsular ligament of the joint has been injured, or the sheath of a tendon laid open, then it will exhibit the synovia, or joint-oil, which manifests a yellowish, glary, transparent appearance. If a doubt still remains, then a second poultice should be applied for the same length of time. Having ascertained the fact that the joint has been laid open by the flow of the oily matter, an attempt must be made to close it, and with this object tie up the horses head and apply carbolic liniment to the injured parts. Tow saturated with carbolic liniment should also be applied to the knee and kept in position by bandage. Prompt attention must be paid to closing the wound, an operation which is only fit for the skilful hand of a regular veterinary surgeon. It must be borne in mind that wounds from contusions of the kind mentioned are very different from a simple cut ; as the edges are irregular, and there is a consequent loss of substance, which can only be restored by the tedious process of granulation. It must therefore be evident that the less action in the limbs the better, as if those tender, new-formed portions are either stretched or bruised, it protracts the cure. If the cut in the joint be large, and the joint-oil continues to exude from it, and the horse exhibit symptoms of suffering much pain, it may be con- sidered that the wound has become associated with ulcerative disease of the bones, and under the circum- 90 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY Stances it will be but proper to destroy the animal, and relieve him from the torture which always accom- panies aggravated cases of broken knees : for high fever is almost always induced, of which he is nearly certain to die ; or if he survives it, the inflammation of the parts will result in a growth of bone and a stiff knee-joint. To enable a person to judge of the exact situation of the wound in broken knees, he should have a thorough knowledge of the structure and situation of the bones of the knee-joint, which is the most compli- cated of all the bony structure of the horse. Between the lower termination of the bone of the arm and the superior portion of the leg-bones, there are interposed seven other bones, called the carpal bones. Six of these are arranged in two rows of three each, and the seventh is placed behind the others. Should the wound be situated opposite the bottom row, and if its dimensions are smxall, then there will be little difficulty in closing it ; and even a pretty large one is fre- quently successfully cured, as there is but limited motion in that part. But if it is situate opposite the union of the two rows, its remedy is much more uncertain, in consequence of this being the seat of the chief motion of the joint, which has a tendency to disunite the lips of the wound, and also induces most irritating friction between the bones, which would become in close contact with each other, in con- sequence of the expenditure of the joint-oil. When the skin has been broken, it is always visible afterwards, but the extent of the blemish will depend greatly upon the treatment of the wound in its early stages. Caustic applications should invari- ably be avoided, as they always leave behind them a greater blemish. But should the mark left be of COMPLAINTS AND INJUPaES OF THE KNEE QI some extent, even without using caustic remedies, then the best v/ay to render It less visible is to apply a mild blister to the part, which will stimulate the hair to shoot out more abundantly round the scar. We do not think there is much faith to be placed in the application of ointments, except they may be stimulat- ing, in consequence of being generally composed of turpentine or Spanish flies. It is seldom a knee that has once been broken Is so healed as not to be perceptible, although in some cases the hurt has been so slight that It can hardly be detected. But even in the least visible of these the hair is always slightly curled, and where this is noticed, the leg should be taken up and the knee bent, when the scar, however slight, will be at once perceived. But we would not have It supposed that a broken knee is invariably an indication of a stumbling animal, because the best of horses have come down, by being backed by a bad rider, or placing his foot on a rolling stone on a road when going at a quick trot, or other cause. However, a broken knee once detected will put the purchaser upon his guard to watch minutely the action and paces of the horse, as well as the form of his fore- quarters ; because, if his shoulder Is thick and upright, and the legs placed far under him, then he Is likely to have a bad action, and be apt not to lift his feet high enough to clear the ground properly. On the other hand, I knew one of the finest hunters that ever took the field with his knees broken, from his rider having forced him to a leap which it was Impossible he could accomplish. If the shoulder Is oblique and the withers high, with a strong, well-developed fore- arm, it may be fairly Inferred that he has come down from some accidental cause. 92 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY SPLENT, OR SPLINT. A splent is an enlargement, or bony excrescence, of some part of the shank-bone, generally In the higher portion of it, and situate in the inside of the leg (Plate vi, fig. i). This is a complaint to which young horses are most liable ; and it has been generally remarked, that as horses advance in years they gradually diminish, and not unfrequently dis- appear altogether. It seldom happens, unless the splent is tolerably large, and encroaches too much upon the knee-joint or the back sinew, that it is productive of lameness, unless the horse happen to strike it with the foot of the other leg. In other instances a splent not larger than a pea may be detected in consequence of being acutely sensitive, and produces such lameness as, without being ex- perienced in this complaint, might lead to the belief that it Vv^as quite disproportionate to the cause. Cause, — It is difficult to conceive hov/ splent should appear on the outside of the small bones, except we suppose that the space between these bones is occupied by mechanism of an important character. It is much easier to account for their almost exclusive appearance on the inside of the limb. The inner splent-bone is situate nearer the central part of the body than the other ; and from the nature of its connection with the knee, it is subject to a greater proportion of weight than the outer one, and hence is more liable to injury and inflammation, and consequently Inducing this bony deposit, which has been termed splent. The inner bone supports the entire weight, which is transmitted to one of the small knee-bones. It is the only support of that bone, while but a portion of the SPLENT, OR SPLINT 93 weight is sustained by the outer splent-bone, and the pressure is divided between it and the shank-bone. Besides, many smiths who are imperfectly acquainted with their profession, most absurdly elevate the outer heel of the shoe to a great degree, which throws an additional quantity of the weight of the animal on the inner splent-bone. Severe blows sometimes occasion splents on the other portions of the shank- bone. During the formation of a splent, the horse is fre- quently lame, occasioned by the periosteum, or mem- brane which covers the bone, being inflamed and stretched to an unnatural degree, and causing great pain to the animal in consequence of the sensitive nature of that membrane. But when the inflamma- tion has subsided and the membrane has been so stretched as to accommodate itself to the form of the growth causing the " splent " — unless it be in a situa- tion which comes in contact with the tendon, or the animal from his peculiar action strikes the splent, the lameness will disappear. "Splents" by a recent decision have been held as constituting a horse unsound, and as *' splents " are always the result of a diseased action, viz., inflamma- tion of the periosteum or covering of the bone, legally the decision appears a fair one, but as on an average 80 per cent, of horses have ''splents," and as in all probability not over 5 per cent, of horses remain per- manently lame from splents, but make a perfect re- covery, it should only be held to constitute unsoundness under given conditions. A splent or splents on the limbs of well -formed horses, and whose action is straight, rarely lames except during the period of its growth, and is of no more practical consequence than a splent or knob of bone on his nose. On the con- 94 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY trary, splents the result of striking in action should under all circumstances render the animal legally an unsound one. Remedies. — When it is noticed that a splent is forming, which generally commences with a tumour, the hair should be shaved off all round it, and a small portion of biniodide of mercury ointment rubbed into it for two or three days, and after this a pretty strong blister should be applied. If these do not stop its progress, the cautery is sometimes used ; although we would recommend that this should not be resorted to, except where the splent threatens to be large, and is making evident progress after the above remedies. It often happens that the effects of the mercurial ointment and blister do not manifest themselves at first ; but after some little time the splent will begin to lessen, and eventually disappear altogether. In fact, most splents disappear by absorption when the horse begins to get old. SPEEDY CUT. This is an injury inflicted on the inside of the leg, just below the knee-joint, and extending to the head of the inner splent-bone. Horses of high action are liable to this injury, by severely striking this part with the edge of the shoe when they are trotting at a speedy rate. This, in some instances, occasions a bony enlargement, and in others considerable tenderness and great heat in the adjacent parts. Sometimes the pain inflicted is so great that the horse will suddenly drop as if life were extinct. Remedies. — The only thing required is to prevent the shoe from extending beyond the hoof; and the shoe should have only one nail on the inside of the foot, and that placed near the toe. Let the shoe also KNEE-TIED — SPRAIN OF THE BACK SINEWS 95 be of equal thickness at the heel and toe, and formed so that the foot may bear equally on both sides. KNEE-TIED. In some instances, when the trapezi7im or hinder bone of the knee is not sufficiently prominent, the ligamentous ring by which the tendons are bound together, will confine the flexor tendons of the foot so tightly that the leg will be very deficient in depth under the knee. This is known by the phrase, that the horse is ** tied below the knee." This defect has always been found to limit the speed of the animal as well as its endurance. If such a horse is ridden either fast or far, he is almost certain of being seized with a sprain of the back sinews. This is caused by the pressure of the ring producing such a degree of friction as will militate against the free action of the tendons, and thus requiring a greater degree of exer- tion to keep up progressive motion. This will be the case, even with the best horse, otherwise well formed, and who has a complete degree of muscular develop- ment, which by a continuance of the pressure and action must strain the tendons. But this is not all : when the back tendons are thus bound down, they are squeezed into a more oblique direction, consequently it requires a greater force to make the muscles act, and fatigue is induced in a shorter time, and it is almost always accompanied by a sprain. In short, it is one of the worst defects incidental to the horse. SPRAIN OF THE BACK SINEWS. The back tendons are enclosed in a sheath of thick cellular substance, which not only protects g6 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY them from injury, but also keeps them In their proper situation. To prevent friction, a synovial fluid fills the space between the sheath and the tendon. When the horse has been over -exerted or over -worked, the tendon presses upon the delicate membrane with which the sheath is lined, and induces inflammation. Long-continued action will also sometimes rupture some of the fibres with which the tendons are bound. This is what has been termed a sprain of the back sinew, and when this takes place to a greater extent, the horse is said to have broken down. Symptoms. — It will be seen that during every movement of the limb the animal evinces great pain, in consequence of the excessive inflammation which accompanies this injury, and also the considerable local swelling and heat which accompany it. The horse will also stand with his foot off the ground, barely touching it with his toe. The first injury which is above pointed out, consists merely of inflammation of the sheath, or partial rupture of the fibres by which it is attached. Remedies. — This is an injury so serious to the animal's future usefulness, as to necessitate his instant removal from work, because however slight the strain, if kept at work the animal will gradually " knuckle over " on his fetlock joint and become useless. To prevent constitutional irritation, administer a dose of purgative medicine made as follows : — Barbadoes aloes . . from 4 to 8 drachms, Pulv. ginger 2 drachms, Pulv. gentian 2 drachms. After this the limb should be well fomented with water three or four times a day, each time for about an hour ; and in the intervals let large poultices of SPRAIN OF THE BACK SINEWS 97 linseed meal be wrapped round the leg. A little of Goulard's extract, or vinegar, may be added to the poultice with advantage. A great deal depends, however, on the warmth and moisture of the poultice, as well as the fomentations. These appliances are intended to allay the inflammation. Stimulants are to be carefully avoided, as these are sure to increase the inflammation in the early stages of the injury. When the horse begins to rest his foot upon the sole, and the heat has left the part, it is certain that the irritation will have considerably abated. But although this is the case, means must be used to prevent the recurrence of the inflammation, and also to reduce the swelling. Apply a thin flannel bandage to support the parts, which, by gentle pressure, will have a tendency to stimulate the absorbents and promote the absorption of the inflammatory exudate ; and it should be applied tighter as the limb will endure increased pressure ; and this appliance should be continued for at least fourteen days. It will be better to keep the bandage wet with the following lotion : — Vinegar . . . . i pint, Spirit of wine . . .J pint. This will have the effect of reducing the deep-seated inflammation. If in a fortnight or three weeks all the symptoms have disappeared, the horse may be put to work, but of course with caution. But if after this time lame- ness still continues, then recourse must be had to a blister ; and in this case it will be proper afterwards to turn out the horse for a month or two to allow proper time and opportunity for the reduction of the G 98 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY swelling and inflammation, otherwise an incurable lame- ness may be the result. Severe sprains, as well as those which have been unskilfully treated, especially where from long-continued inflammation the structure of the part has been con- siderably altered ; or if the swelling has become callous, and the skin thickened so as to prevent the free action of the limb, then it will be necessary to use the cautery, as the best means of rousing and stimu- lating to action the absorbents, so as to enable them to take up the coagulated deposit, as well as the thickened skin and unusual increase of the cellular substance. In firing, the cautery should be applied in straight lines so as to contract the skin, and by its natural elasticity to produce that pressure so necessary in this complaint. It may well be imagined that it will require some time before this hardened fluid can be removed ; not less than six months' cessation from work will suffice. A blister applied six weeks or two months after the use of the cautery is frequently attended with beneficial effects ; but it should never be had recourse to except in cases where it becomes indispensable. It is necessary to pay very strict attention to the appearance of the flexor tendons in the purchase of a horse ; and if there is any thickening of the cellular substance, then it may be inferred that the horse has had one of those sprains, and that it has not been properly managed. The action of the horse is sure to be affected by it, and a return of the malady may occur ; and although all appearance of lameness has left the animal, still he cannot under such circum- stances be considered a perfectly sound horse. WIND-GALLS 99 WIND-GALLS. Symptoms. — Wind-galls more frequently occur in the fore than in the hind legs. These are known by the puffy appearance so frequently notic £d about the legs of horses which have been hard worked (see Plate VI, fig. 8, c). There is a beautiful provision in Nature, in placing little bags between the tendons and other parts where they are exposed to pressure or friction. These sacs contain a mucous fluid of a similar kind to the synovia, or joint-oil which oozes from the bags and lubricates the tendons of the muscles. In consequence of violent action and straining the tendons, these bags get injured, become infiamed, swollen, and hard, the tendons being generally in- serted near the joints, where there is more pressure and motion, and consequently these bags are more liable to injury. They become inflamed, and during this state the horse is generally lame to a greater or less degree. However, unless these sacs attain a very large size, the horse cannot be reckoned unsound, as few are entirely free from wind-galls, — which appella- tion they acquired from the fancy that they contained wind. It was an old practice to cut or probe them, so that the air might escape. This has, in many in- stances, produced violent inflammation, and has been the death of many fine horses. Remedies. — Unless wind-galls are large and inter- fere with the actions of the leg, we would recommend that no treatment should be attempted. The first appliance to a large wind-gall should be a bandage or roller of flannel, and under it, immediately over the swollen parts, a soft pad should be introduced, and firmly bound down. The bandage should be wetted with the same kind of lotion recommended in sprain of lOO MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY the back sinews, page 97. This treatment in most instances will cause the wind-galls to disappear ; but unfortunately they are liable to return, especially if the animal is hard worked. A blister is more likely to effect a cure, as it generally has the power of dispell- ing the swellings. Firing is still more effectual in large galls, as it immediately induces absorption of the fluid, and consequently the swelling disappears, by means of the contraction of the skin caused by the use of the cautery ; and this contraction serves the pur- pose of a permanent bandage, and prevents a recur- rence of the wind-gall. RUPTURE OF THE SUSPENSORY LIGAMENT. Extraordinary exertion will sometimes produce rupture in the suspensory ligament (see Plate vi, fig. 10, f). This rupture allows the sessamoid bones to fall down, and consequently the fetlock joint nearly touches the ground. It not unfrequently happens that this complaint is mistaken for rupture of the flexor tendons ; but one thing will render it sufficiently evident that it is really the suspensory tendon w^iich is at fault, namely, that the horse is able to bend his foot. No malady which aflects a horse is more serious than this ; for it is ten to one that the animal ever becomes effectually cured of it. In most instances he is ever afterwards lame. Remedy. — If a cure can at all be effected, it will be by keeping the animal quiet, and having the leg bandaged, and giving him a high-heeled shoe with stays. GROGGINESS. This consists of a singular knuckling over the fetlock joint, and general shaking over the entire fore SPRAIN OF THE FETLOCK Id leg. It is a complaint common to old, over-worked horses. Neither the fetlock or pastern joints are simply implicated in this complaint, although both are connected with it. Cause. — Working the animal beyond his strength is usually the sole cause of this complaint. It is for the most part a want of power in the ligaments of this joint generally occasioned by frequent and severe sprains, brought on by cruel and oppressive treatment, in forcing the animal to pull more than his physical energies can accomplish without a desperate effort. Remedies. — It seldom happens that an effectual remedy can be found for this complaint, because it is generally accompanied by inflammation of the synovial membrane and ulcerated disease of the bones within the joints. SPRAIxN OF THE FETLOCK. The fetlock-joint is peculiarly liable to injuries, from its being the principal situation of action below the knee. In sprains of the back sinew, accompanied by inflammation, which is usually the case, inflammation is often induced in this also. And many of the sprains which are supposed to belong to higher portions of the limbs are, in fact, affections of this joint. Symptoms. — It is no easy matter to distinguish affections of the fetlock from those situate in the superior portions of the limb. Pressure by the finger on the part, and heat, are the surest tests for finding out the seat of this complaint, but in some cases flexion and extension of the fetlock joint, with pres- sure of the thumb over the back tendons, will elicit more pain than by any other method. Treatment. — Strong blisters applied with prompti- lO^ MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERV tude are the most effectual means of removing sprain of this joint ; and afterwards plastic bandages should be used. CUTTING OF THE FETLOCK. The Inside of the fetlock-joint is frequently bruised or cut by the shoe of the opposite foot. This depends sometimes upon natural defects in the form of the leg and foot ; and in such a case it is seldom that a remedy can be devised ; such as when the limbs are placed too near each other, or when the feet have an inward or outward inclination. Some horses are sub- ject to this when much fatigued, arising, no doubt, from a relaxation of the joint ; and it is not unfrequent for colts to cut when they have not attained their full strength. Remedies. — Many plans have been tried to remedy this defect, such as raising or lowering the inside and outside of the heel, as the case might require it. In some instances it has succeeded, and in others failed. In fact no principle can be laid down whereby to guide an operation for this defect. The most successful remedy hitherto discovered Is to use a shoe of uniform thick- ness from heel to toe, so that the bearing may be perfectly level, and to put but one nail in, and that situated near the toe, Inside of the shoe ; this shoe to be applied to that foot which strikes the other. The greatest care must be exercised to prevent the shoe from extendino- bevond the hoof, besides havinor the crust a little rasped off the Inside of the hoof Great care must be taken that the shoe be equal In thickness on both sides, and also at the heel and toe, so as to equalise the bearing on both sides. Another method which sometimes succeeds when other methods fail is shoeing the animal with light plain shoes, having a CUTTING OF THE FETLOCK IO3 small heel on the outside turned out thus, and no nails on the inside quarter. When the defect arises from natural /f^^\ malformation of the setting on of the (*( | feet, many experiments have been tried to remedy this, as above stated ; but []Lj \z the most ingenious of these were in- stituted by Mr Moorcroft, by which he adopted a contrary practice to that above ; he says, "If the inside of the foot be raised and the outside lowered, the supporting leg when in action will bring the body, and consequently the moving leg more to the side of the supporting leg, and hence more liable to be struck. On the other hand, if the outside of the foot be raised, the supporting leg will throw the body off that leg, consequently the moving leg will be further off the supporting leg, and hence less liable to strike." These arguments are good ; but still there have been cases where the practice of these suggestions has failed to produce the desired effect. But cutting does not always arise from natural defects, as it is often the consequence of unskilful shoeing. When this is the case, we usually find the upper edge, or that part which comes in contact with the crust, to be hammered inv/ards, leaving the lower edge on the ground side wider than the hoof, and pro- jecting beyond it. In purchasing a horse which manifests marks of cutting by callous thickening on the inside of the fetlock, it is safest to avoid the purchase, as it is most difficult to ascertain the true cause by inspection, unless the throwing outwards or inwards of the toes be considerable. Besides, as above stated, some horses will cut when tired, and others from a weakness of the fetlock. I04 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERV SPRAIN OF THE COFFIN-JOINT. This disease is indicated by a sudden lameness ; and a considerable heat exists round the coronet, as well as tenderness, which gives the animal pain when pressed upon. Sprain of the coffin-joint sometimes becomes a very bad complaint, in consequence of its being so often unobserved by grooms or even farriers, and it becomes deeply rooted before it is detected. Above all others, this complaint is frequently con^ founded with lameness of the shoulder. Remedies. — The first thing to be tried is hot fomentations : and afterwards a blister should be ap- plied, and at the same time the animal should have occasional doses of physic. The following laxative may be given : — Barbadoes aloes . . 4 to 8 drachms, Calomel . , . i drachm, Jalap . . . . ^- drachm ; to be o^Iven in the form of a ball. RINGBONE. This is one of the v/orst species of lameness which is incidental to the horse. Whenever it exists, even in the slightest degree, it comes under the character of unsoundness, because it is so liable to increase ; and when the bony deposit begins to enlarge, the lameness becomes Incurable. This complaint commences in one of the pasterns, and usually near to the joint. It is liable to spread rapidly. When the first deposit is on and surrounds the lower pastern, emanating from a violent inflammation of the ligaments, a small enlarge- ment or bony process is to be perceived immediately above the coronet (see Plate vi, fig. 8, d). The hind OSSIFICATION OF THE BACK SINEW I05 feet are most liable to this complaint, as they are sub- jected to the greatest stress in the force required by them to propel the horse, and in this case the back part of the foot is most liable to be affected. But the disease is not of so serious a nature, being chiefly con- fined to the ligaments, and the bones have not been injured by concussion, to which the fore legs are peculiarly exposed ; consequently, in them, diseases of the bones generally accompany ligamentary lame- ness. Remedies. — In the early stages of this complaint, when even a bony enlargement is visible on both sides of the pastern joint, or on one side only, and the enlargement is of but small extent, then there is a probability that it may be removed by the application of an active blister, or by the use of the cautery. But owing to the extreme action of these joints, the in- flammation and the bony secretion rapidly spread, and then the joints become immovably fixed, or what is technically termed anchylosed. OSSIFICATION OF THE BACK SINEW. Ossification of the back sinew is very easily dis- tinguished. When a healthy sinew is pressed upon with the thumb and two first fingers, from above downwards, it feels like a very tense cord, yielding slightly under the pressure, but springing back to its natural position the moment that pressure is removed. When the sinew is ossified, it is divested of that elasticity, so obvious to the touch of even the most in- experienced. It is true that in its incipient state it is not so readily discovered, as its bony texture has not been fully formed, although an expert veterinary surgeon will be able to detect it soon after it has begun to form. In the earlier stages of ossification of t06 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY the back sinew, no lameness takes place, but it is certain to render the horse lame eventually, and that, too, for the remainder of his life. There is no remedy for this infirmity, but fortunately it is a rare termma- tion of disease in a tendon. CHAPTER VI. The Haunch and other Portions of the Hind Legs. FRACTURE OF THE TUBEROSITIES OF THE HAUNCH. The portions of the haunch or pelvis which are most liable to Injury or fracture are the tuberosities on the points of the various bones. It sometimes happens that those parts are fractured by a fall or heavy blow. When such is the case, the horse will walk lame, and swelling will take place in the contiguous parts, with a degree of heat, as inflammation is always an accom- paniment of fracture. There are no mechanical means of bringing those parts together, to force a reunion and place them in their natural position ; so that all we can do is to place the horse In slings and allow Nature to work her own cure. A large and strong adhesive plaster may be laid across the haunch, which will, in some measure, assist in keeping together and supporting the parts. It seldom, however, happens that the parts again adhere in their natural position, consequently deformity and lameness are entailed upon the animal for life. SPRALN OF THE ROUND BONE. Symptoms. — The rounded termination of the /er;mr or thigh-bone Is In common language termed the round-bone. In a few Isolated cases this part has been dislocated, and the rounded part which fits into lo8 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY the cavity of the hIp-joInt is fractured ; but sprain of this part is more commonly the case. The indication of this is, that the horse drags his leg after him, with the toe only touching the ground as he walks. If the bone itself has been injured, heat and tenderness of the part will generally be manifested. Remedies. — It seldom happens that strains of this joint are immediately relieved ; and from the want of proper action the muscles of the limb waste away. A blister is the most likely thing to be of use, and the horse should not be subjected to any kind of work. Firing has sometimes relieved the complaint. Should this fail, the only thing that remains to be done is to put a charge over the joint, or insert a seton. Dress the seton with cantharides ointment. Change it weekly, and keep it in for three weeks or a month. SPRAIN OF THE STIFLE-JOINT. This joint is frequently sprained. When it does happen, heat and tenderness of the part will give an indication of it. Sometimes dislocation of the patella or small bone, answering to the knee-pan in man, occurs. This will be indicated by the horse dragging the limb after him, or by his resting it on the fetlock- joint, and being unable to flex the joints. The muscles of the inside of the thigh are sometimes sprained, which is known by the heat in all the contiguous parts. Remedies. — For dislocation of the patella, the aid of a veterinary surgeon will be absolutely necessary. In case of muscles being sprained, fomentations must be used, accompanied by doses of laxative medicine, as recommended at page 112. THOROUGHPIN IO9 THOROUGHPIN. In treating of wind-galls, we described certain little bags or sacs, containing a fluid for lubricating the joints. These, we mentioned, sometimes become inflamed and enlarged : similar sacs are situated contiguous to the hock-joint, and these also are liable to inflammation, and produce swellings of greater or lesser dimensions immediately under the strong tendon which unites with the cap of the hock. These swellings generally protrude on both sides, in the form of round swellings. Sometimes when the coverings of the tumour yield more readily in one direction than another, it will protrude princi- pally in that part. The nature of the complaint is precisely the same as wind-galls, but from its situation has been termed thoroughpin (see Plate vii, fig. 3, e e, and fig. 5, b, b). These swellings generally produce stiffness of the joint, which sometimes wears off when exercise has induced absorption of the fluid which these bags contain. However, it is only when the sacs become large that they occasion any incon- venience to the action of the limb. Many persons think thoroughpin of but little consequence ; but after a hard day s work, a horse will always manifest stiff- ness in the joint in which these swellings exist. And although a horse cannot strictly be called unsound which is afflicted with thoroughpin, still a purchaser, when he notices these, should otherwise examine the horse with care, to discover, if possible, that they have not been induced by previous hard work, which will sooner or later tell on the animal. Treatment. — The same remedies as recommended in wind-galls are applicable to this complaint. But no MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY there is no certain cure, and hard work is almost certain to make them reappear. CAPPED HOCKS. Capped hock consists of a swelling on the very point of the hock-joint, due to, in general, an in- filtration of serum into the cellular tissue underneath the skin, but in some cases the synovial bursse are also distended (see Plate vii, fig. 4, a). The tumour is soft and fluctuating. Lameness seldom accompanies capped hock, but nevertheless it is an awkward complaint, particularly in draught-horses, in consequence of this part being very liable to come in contact with the bar of a gig or carriage ; and by causing pain to the animal, induces him to kick, and, if a high-tempered horse, often causes much mischief. It is generally produced by blows of some kind ; but in many instances the injury is inflicted by the horse himself in kicking, and that when the animal is in harness, although some are in the habit of kicking while in the stall. It also occurs sometimes by the bedding of the horse being too thin, and the hock may be bruised in consequence. Treatment. — If the swollen part be hot and tender apply the following : — Liquor plumbi subacetatis . . 2 ounces, Tincture of opium . . . i ounce, Tincture of arnica . . . i ounce, Water 15 ounces. Apply in small quantity, and so as to keep the parts damp. Sometimes the swelling disappears without any other means than rest being employed. But often capped hock becomes of a very large size, and callous in its structure, in which case the parts should be MALLENDERS AND SALLENDERS I I I painted daily with tincture of iodine until tenderness is produced ; or an ointment of biniodide of mercury may be rubbed in in small quantity. If the horse caps his hocks by kicking at the stall, fix a large door-mat to each side of the trevis or partition, and when he kicks it and no sound follows, he frequently desists. A strap fixed round his pastern with a few links of a chain and wooden clog at the end of it, will frequently, by the clog striking the leg, cure him of his bad habit. In purchasing a horse which exhibits capped hock, the whole of the part should be very carefully examined, in order to ascertain if there are any other bruises observable. His history should be obtained, if possible, and learn whether it has been the result of kicking. Horses that are given to kicking can seldom or never be broken from the habit. MALLENDERS AND SALLENDERS. These are scurfy eruptions, situate in the inside of the hock, a little v/ay under the knee, sometimes even on it : the former appellation is given to those of the fore leg, and the latter to the hind leg. These seldom are accompanied with lameness, but if not attended to in time, they will ulcerate, when a thin watery humour will issue from them, which becomes difficult of cure. Remedies. — The following ointment must be applied to the parts affected : — Common tar . . . i ounce, Sugar of lead . . . ^ ounce, Lard .... 4 ounces. If the above does not stop the discharge in a week's application, then recourse must be had to the weak mercurial ointment. 112 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY During the treatment of this complaint, the follow- ing laxative ball should be occasionally given : — Barbadoes aloes . . 5 drachms, Castile soap ... 2 drachms, Oil of caraways . . 10 drops. The cause of this complaint is in general owing to bad stable management and want of washing and brushing the skin. ENLARGEMENT OF THE HOCK. The origin of this is a sprain or inflam.mation, affecting generally the hock-joint, produced principally from some sudden or violent concussion ; checking the horse abruptly when going at a rapid pace, or from the animal being compelled to draw a greater weight than his strength will enable him to do comfortably. Considerable lameness, with tenderness of the parts, always accompany this ; but these are not so difficult to remove as in more limited inflammation. It will yield to rest and fomentation in general ; but if not, it will be necessary to have recourse to firing, which generally proves effectual. However, it too frequently happens that the enlargement of the whole joint remains. But this will not incapacitate him for work ; and if treated with ordinary caution, he may be worked during the remainder of his life without any increase of swelling or inflammation returning, although the parts around the hock-joint are altered in structure, and to a certain extent w^eakened. Although a horse may never afterwards exhibit lameness, still where permanent swelling of the hock- joint exists, he is, in point of fact, regarded as un sound ; because, if he happen by necessity or accident to be subjected to extra hard work for a day or two, he is almost certain to become lame, and that too CURB 113 for life. Still, however, many a good and useful horse has enlargement of the hock. CURB. A curb is situated some inches below the point of the hock (see Plate vii, fig. 3, a, and fig. 8, e), and on a line with the head of the external small splint-bone (which head, if extra large, may be mistaken for a curb). It is caused by a sprain of the posterior straight ligament, or an injury (strain) of the flexor tendons at the same situation. When the limb is viewed from the side, a gradual puffing out of this part will be observable ; and if it is at all large or inflamed, it is sure to be followed by lameness. If heat and tenderness of the part are perceived, and the horse is lame, it is certain that it has its seat in this spot. The cause of curb, like other injuries of the hock- joint, proceeds from a sudden check, or over-exertion, and inducing extension of the ligaments, which bind down the tendons ; or it may proceed, as stated, from an injury sustained by the sheaths of the tendons. This brings on inflammation, and frequently lameness ensues. It is most common to young horses, especially those which are cow-hocked — that is, with the structure of the hock and leg being like that of a cow, the hocks having an inward inclina- tion, and the legs exhibiting a considerable outward angle. This formation of the limbs, it will be at once perceived, has the effect of inducing a continual stretch on the annular ligament, and thereby confining the action of the tendons. When curb first appears it is generally accompanied by swelling and lameness : it is seldom, however, that the swelling is great, exhibiting generally a gradual H il4 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERV curve, so little to be noticed that, when viewed front behind, it cannot be observed. Remedies. — The first application should be cold, evaporating lotions, frequently used. These to con- sist of — Spirit of wine ... 2 ounces, Vinegar .... 2 ounces, Water 2 ounces. This to be often applied until the Inflammation has subsided. Should the swelling and lameness continue, a blister of cantharides, or an ointment of biniodide of mercury should be applied. If these fail in re- storing the animal to soundness, then the firing irons should be used, followed up by a blister ; after which purgatives must be administered. The follow- ing should be made up in the form of a ball, and given : — Barbadoes aloes ... 5 drachms, Castile soap .... 3 drachms. Oil of caraways . . . 12 drops. Long-continued rest is sometimes necessary in cases of curb, without which the lameness is liable to return upon the horse being worked. Horses that have, or have had curb, are decidedly unsound. STRING HALT. This complaint consists of a convulsive or twitch- ing action in one or more of the legs, and so evident is it in some subjects that it is perceptible to any one, however inexperienced he may be in the action of horses, but in other cases it is only observable when the animal is made to wheel or turn round quickly and set back. It is a complaint almost always confined to the hind legs, although in a few solitary Instances it BONE-SPAVIN I I 5 may be met with in the fore limbs. The animal lifts his leg high, suddenly elevating it towards his belly, and puts it to the ground with considerable force. Should both limbs be affected, then it gives the appearance as if the horse had very good and high action in his hind limbs, and many a purchaser has been deceived in consequence. This shows the utility of all possessors of horses having a general knowledge of the complaints incidental to this useful animal. String-halt may disappear after the horse has been heated a little, and apparently in some instances it is no detriment to him after he has been warmed ; for we have seen and ridden some of the best of hunters which have had that affection, and which were first in at the death. String-halt, pure and uncomplicated, is an affection of the sacro-sciatic nerve, and legally constitutes un- soundness, but practically it is, as a rule, a disease which neither impairs the animal's usefulness, nor limits his age. Owing to the peculiarity of the action of the limbs, it may be mistaken and confounded with the spinal and cranial disease, "shivering." Both are hereditary diseases, but the "shiverer" is always a bad subject, easily knocked up with work, always gets worse, and rarely lives above the adult period of life. String-halt requires no treatment. BONE-SPAVIN. A bone-spavin is an increased growth of bony consistence situated on the lower and most prominent part of the inside of the hock-joint (see Plate vii, fig. 9, a). A well-formed hock-joint gradually tapers down so as to unite almost imperceptibly with the soft or fleshy parts. In examining a horse, the hand should be passed over the inside of the hock in a downward n6 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY direction, when horses having this injury will be found to have a little prominence near the lower point of the bone. This is an enlargement of the bone, and what is termed bone-spavin. It is a disease of the inner splint-bone, but in many cases ultimately it affects more or less all the small bones of the hock. The true nature and causes which induce bone- spavin cannot be properly understood without a thorough knowledge of the hock-joint, which we have represented on Plate viii, fig. i. In this figure the shank-bone is represented at b, and the two small bones behind at g are the splint-bones ; these support the lower layer of the bones of the hock. The cube- bone, f, rest chiefly on the shank-bone, and in a slight measure on the outer splint-bone. The middle wedge- bone, e, rests entirely upon the shank-bone, and the smaller wedge-bone rests in a slight degree on the shank-bone, but its chief support is on the inner splint-bone. From this arrangement the splint-bones support a very unequal degree of weight and con- cussion. The inner one is placed more under the body, and consequently nearer the centre of gravity, and besides nearly the entire weight and concussion is communicated to the little wedge-bone. Hence it is that during any violent action of this joint either in leaping, galloping, or under the pressure of a heavy draught, the inner splint-bone or its ligaments are injured. This is more especially the case with young horses before their joints have become firmly con- solidated. The shoeing blacksmith or farrier too often is the cause of inducing and increasing this complaint, by improper treatment of the feet. An erroneous notion has too long prevailed among smiths that cutting and wounds of the feet inflicted by the one foot treading BONE-SPAVIN 117 Upon the other can be prevented by adding a calkin on the outer heel of the shoe, which consists in the extremity of the shoe being bent, elevating the outer heel considerably above the ground, and thus the ligaments of the joints are subjected to an unequal strain, and especially those of the hock, which in- creases the tendency to spavin. It is this which induces, in the first instance, inflam- mation of the cartilaginous union of the shank-bone, and this cartilage is absorbed, and a secretion of bony substance deposited in its stead ; consequently the elastic action between them is terminated, and the splint inside the hind leg formed, and has the appear- ance of a tumour, when the head of the splint-bone is united v/ith the shank, and always in front of that junction, as exhibited in Plate vii, fig. 3, c. Lameness generally accompanies spavin during its growth, but when the periosteum or membrane of the bone has been stretched, and taken the form of the bony enlargement, then the pain subsides, and with it the lameness. Many instances occur of horses with large spavins, and yet they are not much affected with lameness ; sometimes having merely a stiffness of the joint, which is not apparent after the animal has had a little exercise. And, on the contrary, there are in- stances in which the bony deposit is very small, and yet the horse is very lame, so much so as to render him comparatively useless. In all such cases it will be found that the growth, large or small, or entirely awanting. Is associated with ulcerative disease of at least two of the small bones of the hock, and removal of the cartilage which clothes and protects their glid- ing surfaces. The worst form of spavin (or so-called occult spavin) is characterised by an absence of bony growth. It must therefore be evident that we ought Il8 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY carefully to examine horses with suspected spavin before they have had exercise, and as soon as they have left the stable. Sometimes spavin continues to enlarge consider- ably, and spreads over the lower wedge-bones (Plate VII, fig. 8, e) in consequence of these being nearest the original seat of the enlargement. These bones are capable of a small degree of motion, and participate in every action of the joint, but their chief office is to prevent concussion. The principal motion of the joint is in the tibia, d, and the astragalus, c, and consequently stiffness more than lameness may accompany spavin, even when the small bones of the joint are affected. From which also it will be seen that there is a manifest advantage in each of these bones being provided with a separate ligament and membrane, and thus, as it were, constituting so many separate joints ; so that any of them may sustain injury without its being communicated to the rest. It is not uncommon for the bony deposit continuing to enlarge, and embracing the second series of bones, enveloping the larger wedge-bones, d, and extending to the cube-bones on the other side ; and even then the lameness may not be so great as to prove very injurious, for this reason, that the motion of these two joints, or rather parts of the joint, is small ; but when it reaches to the union of the tibia, ^, and the astragalus, ^, when the joint in which the principal motion of the joint is affected, then the lameness is of a very serious kind, and the horse may be considered as no longer fit for use. Although spavin unfits horses for active employ- ment, yet for farm purposes they need not be rejected, especially by those who possess limited farms ; for slow draught and other agricultural purposes they BOG-SPAVIN IIQ will be found quite useful, and from this sort of work, in which quick motion is not required, the horse may- improve, and even the bony matter may be absorbed to a considerable extent. One strong reason why spavined horses do not improve is that they seldom lie down, as they are conscious that they will suffer considerable pain in the act of rising again ; so that the continual pressure and weight of the body upon the limb keeps alive the ex- citing cause. There is sometimes an enlargement of the heads of the bones of the leg, which may be mistaken for spavin. Remedies. — Spavin can only be successfully treated, if at all, by blisters frequendy repeated, which may induce an absorption of the bony deposit, or at least a diminution of the ligamentary inflammation. When this fails, then recourse may be had to the cautery, but no horse should be subjected to the suffering implied in blistering and firing until the seat of lame- ness and the character of the disease has been decided by an experienced veterinary surgeon. BOG-SPAVIN Is the name given to a distension of the capsule of the true hock-joint. This distension is of frequent occurrence in cart horses, young and old. It may be due to conformation, debility, want of exercise, and entire absence of disease of the joint, or it may be dependent on an injury, and associated with more or less congestion and inflammation (synovitis). Bog- spavin constitutes a legal unsoundness, but in the majority of cases the animal is practically a sound animal, and in not a few the sw^elling of the hocks disappears. It may be a grave malady, or a condition I20 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY of little importance, and the experienced veterinary surofeon is the individual who alone can decide the point. Remedies. — In those cases vvhere from conformation (straight hind limbs), the capsule of the joint appears conspicuous, no treatment should be attempted, as it is an impossibility to alter the shape. On the con- trary, where the fullness of the hock or hocks is de- pendent on debility or want of exercise, tonics, good food, and regular exercise will be attended with benefit. An india-rubber bandage to give pressure is also of use. If the swelling persists, apply the following with a stiff brush, and repeat daily for some time, viz. : — Soft soap .... J lb., Stockholm tar ... J lb., Tinct. of iodine ... 2 ounces. In those cases in which the distended capsules and in- creased synovial secretion is associated with pain and lameness, complete rest should be given, the hock-joints fomented, and thereafter rubbed with hot camphor and arnica lotion. After the inflammation has subsided stimulating embrocations and blisters may be employed, but their application should be under the guidance of the veterinary adviser. OF SWELLED LEGS GENERx^LLY. SWELLING OF THE CELLULAR SUBSTANCE. Both the fore and hind les^s of horses are liable to considerable swelling, but the latter are most subject to be thus affected. Frequently, when a horse seems to be affected with no other disease, the hind legs will suddenly swell to a very great extent from the hock to the fetlock, and In some instances even from the stifle downwards. This is accompanied by heat and ex- OF SWELLED LEGS GENERALLY 121 treme tenderness of the skin, Inducing lameness of a peculiar character. A quickened and hard pulse are usual concomitants of this seizure, with a considerable degree of fever. This complaint is acute inflammation of the cellular substance of the limbs, being sudden in its attack, very violent in its degree, is consequently attended with the secretion of a quantity of fluid on the cellular tissue. Young horses, and those which are over-fed, with little exercise, are most liable to be thus attacked, and without having had previous in- flammation. Remedies. — If accompanied by fever, the following diuretic should be given : — Potass, nitrate • • . 3 drachms, Ginger . , e . . J drachm, Linseed meal .... J ounce ; made into a ball with common syrup. Twelve hours afterwards give the following purga- tive, in the form of a ball : — Barbadoes aloes ... 5 drachms, Castile soap . . . . ij drachm. Oil of caraways , . . 8 drops. Also use fomentations, and in most instances the swelling will subside as rapidly as it appeared. SWELLING FROM INACTIVITY. The most troublesome, as well as the most frequent swelling in the limbs, is that caused by Inactivity, from high feeding and want of due exercise. One kind is accompanied by actual or comparative debility, or loss of power in the part affected. Those horses which are over-fed, without exercise, are liable to swellings in the limbs from the parterlal caillary 122 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY vessels having sent forth an over-portion of fluid to the extremities, and in consequence of the want of muscular exertion and the perspiration naturally con- nected with it ; and the fluids having accumulated in the extremities in consequence of the vessels not having sufficient power to return them. The heart is thus acting upon an additional quantity of fluid ; while by the want of exercise, the limbs are deprived of that power by which the fluids are returned. Remedies. — The above physic and diuretic should be administered. These will lessen the quantity of fluid ; also exercise the horse freely, which will In- crease the perspiration externally, and diminish it internally, and the veins and absorbents will attain more activity, so that the complaint will gradually subside, and the limbs resume their wonted appear- ance. SWELLINGS AFTER GRASS. It is a common occurrence for horses just taken in from grass to be seized with swelling in the legs. This is occasioned by the difference of food, owing to its containing a greater proportion of nutriment, which naturally increases the quantity of the blood, and the want of that exercise which is necessary to carry it off by the skin. It will therefore be quite apparent that exercise and a little opening medicine will effect a cure. Horses may also have swelled legs from general debility. The proper quantity or quality of food may induce this, or it may proceed from disease that has reduced the strength of the animal system. The limbs, being the most remote from the centre of cir- culation, first exhibit loss of power ; and this Is mani- GREASE 123 fested by swelling, in consequence of the accumulation of fluids in them. The cure in this case would be to o*ive such diet and tonic medicines as would tend to invigorate the system, as well as to administer mild diuretics. Horses are liable to swellings in the limbs in the spring and fall of the year. This can be accounted for by the principal activity of the circulation being employed in preparing a fresh covering of hair at those periods, so that the vital influence in the extremities is somewhat diminished, and the same cause as above explained produces swellings in the legs. Administer diuretics to diminish the quantity of the circulating fluid, and give cordials to strengthen the system. Swelling of the legs is also common to horses which are used for hunting and pleasure only. This, it will be seen, arises from irregularity in their habits, one day having a more than sufficient exercise, and prob- ably standing for days or weeks in a stable, and only walked out or trotted for a short distance. In such cases the limbs should be well rubbed down every day, both morning and evening, so as to stimulate the vessels to activity. Pressure by means of ban- dages will also be found to have a powerful tendency to promote the circulation. It is too much the practice of grooms to give diuretics in swellings of the limbs, as these, by being frequently repeated, are sure to weaken the urinary organs and produce an incurable debility. GREASE. This is a disease of the skin of the heel, sometimes in the fore feet, but most commonly in the hind ones. The disease is too frequently the effect of washing the limbs with cold water while they are over-heated from 124 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY exercise, and allowing them to dry of their own accord ; the consequent reaction after the application of cold being very great, produces inflammation. Another cause is taking a horse into a warm stable in winter, when the legs have been chilled by excessive cold from standing. Grease is not contagious, yet it has been known to affect all the horses of a stable at the sam.e time, after one has been seized with the complaint. This can only be accounted for by bad stable management. The skin of the heel is considerably different in its texture from that of other parts of the legs. The fetlock is subjected to a greater degree of motion and friction than any other joint, and it is provided with a soft unctuous matter to keep it from chapping or ex- coriation, which can be easily felt to be greasy to the touch. When inflammation ensues, this greasy ex- udation stops, and the heel exhibits a red, dry, and mealy appearance ; and in consequence of the con- tinual motion of this joint, cracks soon make their appearance ; these increasing considerably, present an entire mass of sores, which ulcerate very much and assume a fungus-like appearance. It is easy to account for the tendency of the skin of the heels to violent inflammatory attacks, which arises from its being so remote from the centre of the cir- culation, and also its constant exposure to extrem.e variations of temperature. In the first place, when standing in the stable the feet are subjected to a great degree of heat, from being at all times surrounded with straw, and then vv^hen the door is opened his heels, in many instances, being close to the door, are exposed to any cold draught w^hlch may rush in ; and then he may be taken from the stable to the open air and v/alked through soft and cold mud after being GREASE I 2 5 over-heated, and thereby chilled. It is easy then to see that they are constantly liable to inflammatory attacks by being thus exposed to sudden transitions from one temperature to another, and hence the difficulty of subduing those attacks of inflammation to which the horse is liable. Farmers' and carriers' horses, and indeed those in general which are worked in carts, are not so liable to grease as riding and carriage-horses, being less ex- posed to those extreme transitions from heat to cold, or vice versa. And the hair, which is usually allowed to grow plentifully at the heels, is a great protection against sudden changes. Remedies. — The first thing to be done is to wash the heel well with soap and warm water, and remove as much of the white scurf as possible. When it has become perfectly dry, which should be acccomplished by rubbing, then the following ointment should be applied until the parts are healed : — Lard . . . . i ounce, Sugar of lead, well pounded i drachm. In cases where cracks appear, the treatment will greatly depend upon their extent and depth : when they are small, the following lotion will be found beneficial : — Blue vitriol (or sulphate of copper) 2 drachms, Water i pint ; or four drachms of alum may be substituted for the vitriol, with the same quantity of water. This will speedily dry them up and close them. When the cracks are large and deep, and discharge an ichorous matter, accompanied with considerable lameness, a poultice of linseed meal will be indispensable ; but when the discharge is thin and accompanied by a 126 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY fetid smell, It will be necessary to mix an ounce of finely powdered charcoal with the linseed meal, as It is a powerful antiseptic. The poultices to be applied until the inflammation has abated, and a thicker and more healthy matter flows from the cracks. After this apply the following ointment : — Resin , I ounce, Calamine powder . I ounce, Lard . 3 ounces. Let the resin and lard be melted together, and when sufficiently Incorporated, allow the mixture to stand until nearly cold, then add the calamine, and stir them well together. This precaution is necessary, as the calamine would fall to the bottom if the mixture were thin. During the time of the above application, the cracks should be frequently washed with the solution, which will stimulate them to heal more speedily. Administer the following diuretic : — Turpentine ... J ounce, Ginger .... J ounce, Purified nitre , , , ^ ounce, Linseed meal . . . f ounce. Three hours afterw^ards let the following laxative be given : — Barbadoes aloes ... 4 drachms, Castile soap .... J drachm. Oil of caraways . . .10 drops. When the cracks have been healed up, the legs will sometimes continue swelled. In this case a bandage will be found of much advantage. But nothing Is better than turning the animal out to grass, If the season of the year Is favourable. Frequently the cracks spread over the whole heel and fetlock, or up the limb, as is sometimes the case ; and while the GREASE 127 leg is considerably swollen, accompanied by a dis- charge of a thin watery matter from the cracks, and makes its appearance also in other parts of the limb, accompanied by great heat, so much so that the heels smoke, the skin being so hot that the watery fluid partly evaporates as it oozes from the cracks or through the skin. In the above state it would be attended with very bad consequences to stop the discharge suddenly. The first thing to be attended to is to allay the in- flammation, and nothing is better calculated to do so than poultices, as already recommended, particularly those of carrots. When the heat, tenderness, and stiffness have abated, then the astringent, already recommended, should be used ; but that made of alum, or a strong decoction of bark, are the best. Indeed, it would be preferable to use these lotions alternately, but not a mixture of the two. The ointment above named should be used for dressing the cracks, and as soon as the horse can bear the pressure without pain, a flannel bandage should be applied, extending from the coronet to some inches above the swelling. From this period mild doses of medicine and diuretics should be given, accompanied by a third part of cordial mixture, which is composed of the following ingredients : — Caraway powder 8 ounces, Bruised resins . 8 ounces, Ginger 4 ounces, Palm-oil . 4 ounces ; to be well beaten into a pulp. If the horse is of a full habit of body, physic should always be given before diuretics, and in some in- stances it will be prudent to abstain entirely from 128 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY giving the latter ; but In cases where the animal is much debilitated, diuretics with the above pulp will be preferable. It will also be necessary to attend carefully to the feeding of horses at this time. Green meat will be found the best, and carrots are still better, and a very moderate quantity of corn, so that the tendency to fever may be kept down. The next essential Is proper exercise, and care must be taken not to overdo it ; and when the animal has been walked for some days, he may be afterwards exercised at a gentle trot. There is a much worse kind of grease than that which we have just described and prescribed for, although it is not so common. In this species the ulceration spreads over the skin of the heel and the entire fetlock, and a highly sensitive fungus protrudes from both, mixed with scales : It is irritable in the extreme, and bleeds on the slightest touch. In a short time this fungus assumes a covering of a horny texture, projecting In the form of knobs and In con- gregated bunches, which, from their peculiar similarity to grapes, have acquired that name. From the entire surface of this callous substance issues a discharge of a peculiar fetid matter. In this complaint the horse suffers great pain and uneasiness, and quickly loses flesh. It would not be safe for any one but a veterinary surgeon to attempt a cure for this loathsome complaint. CHAPTER VIL Diseases of the Foot. The diseases of the feet in horses are more numerous, and of a more complex nature than the Inexperienced can have any idea of. The structure of the foot is very compHcated, and having to sustain the weight of so heavy an animal, besides being exposed to the chances of many injuries, a knowledge of these is of paramount importance, both as regards the safety of the proprietor and the intrinsic value of the animal. When, therefore, we arrive at the anatomical descrip- tion of the horse, we shall dwell at some length upon the structure of the foot as well as of the pastern. ACUTE FOUNDER. Inflammation of the foot has been denominated ''acute founder." It is the cause of many other diseases, and is more or less connected with them all. Inflammation of the sensible lamellae, or fleshy plates on the front and sides of the coffin-bone, is the cause of acute founder. These lamellae are thickly intersected with blood-vessels, like every other vascular part ; and, consequently, from their exposure to violent and long-continued action, they are elon- gated and strained, more especially when the hoofs have been subjected to a day's journey on a hard road. It is easy to imagine that if, after the feet I 130 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY have been thus heated, they should be washed and not immediately and thoroughly dried, or the animal allowed to stand, with his feet exposed to a cold draught of any kind, that inflammation is likely to ensue from this sudden change of temperature. This observation is equally applicable to the change from cold to heat. Symptoms. — Inflammation in the feet is manifested by restlessness and fidgety action of the fore legs, frequently shifting the weight of resting from the one to the other, and the exhibition of great unwillingness to "set back" when made to do so. But there is no appearance of pawing, or of elevating the hind legs towards the belly, as in colic and other intestinal complaints. The pulse will rise to a pretty rapid state, the flanks will heave, and the inside of the nostrils will become very red, his countenance will exhibit an anxious expression, and that he is suffering pain will be indicated by moaning. He will then scrutinise his litter, as if indicating a wish to lie down, but will not do so immiediately, from an apparent fear of drawing his limbs together. He still continues to shift the pressure of his weight from one foot to the other, until impelled by pain and fatigue he at leno;th lies down. There is a marked distinction in respect to his lying down between this and inflamma- tion of the lungs, for in the latter complaint the horse never lies down until he drops under the influence of complete exhaustion. When a horse which is aflected with inflammation of the feet lies down, he invariably rests quietly, because the pain is so much relieved by the removal of the weight of his body ; whereas in colic and inflammation of the bowels, he kicks and rolls about violently, and his constantly looking at the part affected as clearly shows the seat of the disease. A ACUTE FOUNDER I3I little attention to these will soon point out to the inexperienced where the malady exists. After these symptoms have been manifested, the first thing to be done is to examine the foot, when it will be found very hot. Tap gently on the foot with a hammer, and the horse will express pain at the same time. The effects of inflammation in the foot are very rapid, and but a short time will elapse before the horse will be quite unable to get up, unless some means are adopted to check the progress of the complaint. Even when horses have been forced up while thus afflicted, they have been known to fall down immediately, from the intensity of pain which they suffered by resting on their feet. Remedies. — If the animal attacked is robust, and the pulse hard and full, blood may be abstracted from the jugular vein. After this large poultices of linseed meal and bran should be applied, so as to cover the entire foot and pastern, and these ought to be frequently renewed, and every three hours have hot water poured over them. The shoe should be removed, and the sole pared as thin as possible. This operation should be done as gently as possible, as in founder the pain experienced from the excessive inflammation is very great. This having been ac- complished, recourse must be had to very mild purgatives. The following may be given in the form of a ball : — Barbadoes aloes . » . 4 drachms, Calomel i drachm. Inflammation of the foot is always accompanied by intense fever, and there is a danger of the in- flammation shifting from the feet to the bowels or lungs ; as it is no uncommon occurrence for horses 132 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY labouring under Inflammation of the feet to have that suddenly transferred to the lungs, or vice versd. In such a case it might, and Indeed often proves fatal to the animal. It is therefore probably safer to have recourse to sedative medicines at first. The following febrifuge and sedative drink may be given : — ■ Liquor ammonia acetas , 4 ounces, Nitric ether . 2 ounces, Tincture of aconite . 15 drops, Water .... . I pint. Repeat this every eight hours until the tempera- ture (fever) falls to normal, 101° F'ahrenheit. It should on no account be attempted to force a horse to rise, as the animal will not lie longer than is necessary for his recovery, and every symptom of lameness should be gone before walking exercise is attempted. A month or two's run at grass will be attended with much advantage after founder. No disease is more to be dreaded than violent inflammation of the foot, as, even with the utmost attention to remedy the complaint, very bad conse- quences result from it. One of these, of frequent occurrence, is loss of the hoof. The first symptom of this is the appearance of a small separation between the coronet and the hoof. Great attention to this is necessary, as the horn thus separated will never reunite with the parts beneath, but the separation will continue to extend downwards, until entire disunion is effected and the hoof is ultimately lost. This is a most serious affair ; for although a new hoof will be formed, the pedal bone having descended can never be replaced, and in consequence the sole of the hoof is convex instead of concave, CONTRACTION I 33 can bear no weight, and the mode of progression is cJtianged. The treatment of founder is so difficult and its results so serious for the poor animal, that apart from pecuniary interests, it should only be entrusted to a veterinarian, if one can be found. CHRONIC FOUNDER. Chronic founder is merely a conventional term, adopted by farriers to express those changes which take place in the foot of the horse in disease brought on by bad shoeing or mismanagement in some way or other. In fact, it is a word too frequently used as a cloak by ignorant pretenders. CONTRACTION. To enable persons to judge of the perfect and healthy state of the foot of a horse, they should examine those feet of young horses in the natural condition which have not been shod or worked in any way. We have given a representation of the sole of a sound foot (Plate vi, fig. 12). It will be seen that it is very nearly circular, and is somewhat widest towards the quarters ; the inner one is a very little wider than the outer. This form, however, seldom continues long ; for the foot increases in length and gradually becomes narrow^ in the quarters, more especially at the heel, when the frog becomes contracted. The entire foot assumes a greater con- cavity, and the heels become higher. To those unacquainted with the different parts of the sole, we refer to the above figure for their form. The crust is represented at a a; the sole, b ; the bars, c c ; the frog, d d. Contraction may exist without inducino- lameness ; 134 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY nor does shoeing always promote this narrowing of the foot, although it is in many instances the source of contraction when unskilfully performed. Cause. — The cause of contraction, or rather alteration of the shape and size of the horse's hoof, is one which has given rise to much discussion. Some veterinarians deny that it ever is a cause of lameness, and at the worst it Is but a symptom of a diseased condition. The feet of any and all breeds of horses, if shod with heels on their shoes, become contracted, because the frogs (whose function it is to keep the heels open) are removed from pressure, and coming in contact with the ground. As the frogs atrophy the heels ''wire in," and the animal has undoubtedly in time a foot with small frogs and small heels, as compared to what they v/ere before he first wore shoes with heels ; but take off the shoes and turn the animal to grass, or shoe him with *' Charlier shoes " (which have only a small web and no heels), and the heels and frogs will come back to their normal shape and size. It is a grand mistake for persons allowing the shoes of horses to remain on longer than three weeks or a month. Whether the shoes are w^orn or not, they should be taken off, and the toes of the feet shortened, and the heels lowered with the rasp. Without this precaution the feet must become mal- formed. I have known instances where riding- horses have been so seldom ridden or exercised, that their shoes have lasted three and even four months, and were not removed during this time, proceeding in some cases from the parsimony of the owners, and in others from their ignorance of the evil effects which would result therefrom. In some instances the shoes were made thicker than was SAND-CRACiC 135 necessary, consequently the animal subjected to carrying superfluous weight, besides being tightly fastened on and provided with an extra number of nails, and these too at the quarters. All of which increase the tendency to thickening. It is perfectly clear that without due attention to the above points, in proportion to the degree of neglect, so will the evil consequences increase, and the hoof must contract and close up the foot round the coronet. It is a notorious fact that low-heeled horses are seldom liable to contraction of the hoof. Nothing can be more injudicious than to remove the bars, as they are a grand protection against con- traction, their use being principally to prevent wiring in, so that cutting them away is certain to facilitate and greatly increase the contraction after it has begun ; but we must not have it supposed that the removal oi the bars of themselves would produce this tendency. It has been said that thrushes are often the cause of contraction, but they are more frequently, if not altogether, the consequence rather than the cause. Many persons are disposed to have an undue objection to contraction, and at once reject a horse that exhibits the slightest degree of wiring in of the quarters. There can be little doubt but this is a malformation of the hoof; but one thing is certain, that its grovvth is very slow, the altered form extremely gradual, and the parts are progress- ively accommodated to the change of form. SAND-CRACK. This Is a downward crack, or division of the hoof, as represented on Plate vi, fig. 8, <^. It may occur either in the fore or hind feet. In the fore 136 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY feet they are usually found in the inner quarter, although they sometimes exist in the outer quarter. The reason why the quarters are most liable to this is, that the chief stress of the foot is where it expands, and the inner quarter is weaker than the outer. Sand-crack almost always occurs in the front of the hoof in the hind feet, occasioned by the pressure applied by the toe in progressive motion, especially when the animal is dragging a heavy load behind him, and more particularly on an ascent. Hoofs that crack in this manner are brittle in the crust, which is an extremely bad defect, and is caused by a want of that nutriment necessary to keep the crust supple. It also proceeds from disease in the foot. It may besides occur from a false step or over-exertion, or galloping on hard ground. Sometimes the crack is only superficial, and does not extend through the hoof, in which case it occa- sions no lameness. It will, however, require atten- tion, as, if neglected, it may reach the quick, and occasion much trouble. Remedies. — When sand-crack is occasioned by brittleness of the hoof, let the following composition be rubbed into the crust twice a day until it be- comes pliable : — Oil of tar . . . , 2 ounces, Common fish-oil ... 4 ounces. In a superficial crack it should be pared and rasped entirely out ; and if it has been of consider- able depth, it ought to be strengthened by a coating of pitch, applied so thick as to replace all that has been rasped off, and formed so as to represent the natural shape of the foot. Indeed, rasping ought to be had recourse to with every crack, so as to SAND-CRACK 1 37 ascertain its depth. Should it be found to pene- trate through the crust without occasioning lameness, and is situated low down on the foot, recourse must be had to a red-hot firing iron, which should be drawn across the hoof, both above and below the crack, so as to prevent it from extending. The edges ought thereafter to be thinned, to prevent any pressure which might cause pain to the tender parts below ; and it must be bound up, taking care to avoid pressure immediately beneath the crack. Neither must the shoe be allowed to press upon the part below. Should lameness proceed from the crack having penetrated through the hoof, the cure is much more difficult. The first thing to be done is to examine the parts, to ascertain v/hether any sand or dirt has got in and has reached the quick below, and the crack thoroughly cleaned out. If proud-flesh is found in it, an application of chloride of antimony must be used to destroy it, and the edges of the crack must be considerably thinned. Some veteri- nary surgeons have used the cautery ; but this has a tendency to thicken the edges of the horn and render it rough, which is liable to irritate the tender portions below. After the fungus has been de- stroyed, it will be necessary to apply the iron above and below, as recommended in a superficial crack. A pledget of tow should be put into the crack, and another over it, and then firmly tied down, and not examined until the third or fourth day after. If the proud-flesh has not been eaten away, it will be necessary to apply the ca.ustic again. On the other hand, if the crack is quite dry and exhibits a hard horny crust, the pitch-plaster should be im- mediately applied. Bees'-wax is considered prefer- 138 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERV able by some, and the crack carefully filled with it. The wax must be applied warm ; and to fill the crack properly, it is necessary to draw the heated cautery slightly over it. This gentle pressure will contribute to the healthy granulation of fresh horn, and at the same time prevent the access of sand or dirt, and also cold or wet, or the influence of the atmosphere from reaching the tender parts of the foot. The worst case of crack is caused by tread, which divides the coronet ; and where this is imperfect the horn or crust will grow down divided, because the growth of horn proceeds from the coronary ligament. The mode of cure which has been most successful in this crack has been to draw the heated cautery over the division of the coronet. This will be followed with some degree of inflammation ; a scab will form on the part, which in a few days will fall off, when it will be found that no traces of the division will be visible, and fresh and sound horn will speedily grow downwards. When division of the horn at the coronet takes place, it requires five or six months to effect a cure. When the horn has grown downwards for an inch, the animal may be turned out, taking care that the part is well de- fended by a clambered pitch-plaster, which should be replaced by a new one as often as it separates from the hoof. At the same time a clambered shoe should be applied, but it must not press upon the hoof immediately under the crack. During the time the horse is subjected to surgical treatment for this complaint, he must have perfect rest, otherwise the cure will undoubtedly be protracted. In purchasing a horse, it is absolutely necessary to examine with care the inner quarter of the feet, THE NAVICULAR-JOINT DISEASE 1 39 as it is very common for low, unprincipled dealers to cover over sand-cracks so neatly with pitch, and afterwards along the whole hoof, that it is so com- pletely concealed, as not to be observable except by a narrow inspection. THE NAVICULAR-JOINT DISEASE. Behind and beneath the lower pastern-bone, and behind and above the heel of the coffin-bone, is placed a small bone, called the navicular bone. (See Plate vi, fig. lo, e.) The use of this bone is to support and strengthen the union between the lov*7er pastern and the coffin-bone, and to assist the flexor tendon in its action as it passes over it, in order to be inserted into the bottom of the coffin-bone, and forms a sort of joint with that tendon. The navicular bone is subjected to much pressure, as is also this tendon ; and besides, there is much play between them in the bending and extension of the pasterns. Cause. — Like many other complaints of the horse, this is often induced by sudden and violent exercise after the animal has been allowed to stand in the stable inactive. The parts not being for some time adapted to overstrained action, there may be too much play between the bone and the tendon, and by concussion of the parts the synovial membrane v/hich covers the tendon and forms the bursae may be bruised ; or the cartilage of the bone may be inflamed, and thus produce destruction of it, and cause a lameness of the most painful description. From the navicular bone being so obscurely situated, it is difficult to ascertain by inspection when it is diseased. And this has puzzled many to find out the cause of lameness I40 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY emanating from it, and has too often been attri- buted to the shoulder. Indeed, the action of the horse with this lameness has all the appearance of being seated in the shoulder. Of late years the attention of veterinary colleges has been particularly directed to this point, and it has been found in numerous cases of dissection that this is the seat of this lameness, which has deceived and puzzled so many persons, both learned and unlearned. The membrane covering the bone has been found highly inflamed, and the cartilage itself completely ulcerated, and even the bones in a state of decay. Besides this, bony adhesions have often taken place between the navicular bone and the pastern, which consequently render this joint altogether unservice- able. Remedies. — Like some other diseases Incidental to the horse, the cure of this is very uncertain. A poultice should be applied to allay the inflammation, and the bowels should be kept open. The following purgative should be given in the form of a ball, and repeated in a week : — Barbadoes aloes . 5 drachms, Castile soap . . 2 drachms, Oil of caraways . 8 drops. The ball should be formed with a little linseed- meal and treacle. If this complaint Is discovered at its commence- ment, and before ulceration of the articular cartilage has taken place, a cure may be effected ; but, on the contrary, If the cartilage is ulcerated before remedies are applied, the difficulty in eradicating it will be exceedingly great, if not Impossible. Caries of the bone is certain to take place, and FALSE QUARTER I4I that condition can never be changed. Blistering the coronet has been found beneficial in assisting a cure, by removing the inflammation. Setons passed through the part, as contiguous to the seat of the disease as possible, have either lessened the com- plaint or entirely removed it. But this disease is altogether of so delicate a nature, that we would not advise its cure to be attempted by an unskilful person, as it is one of those which can only be successfully taken up by an experienced veterinary surgeon. As in all other inflammatory diseases, there is heat in the seat of the navicular bone, and probably in the whole foot. In this complaint the animal suffers much pain, to alleviate which we would recommend neurotomy, or cutting out a portion of the nerve, which has in some instances very much reduced the lameness. But at all events it will lessen the sufferings of the horse. In cases of extreme lameness, either with or without contrac- tion, then it would be injudicious to resort to this operation ; because, if there was ulceration of the membrane or decay of the bone, the increased friction, in consequence of the freer action given to the parts, the feeling of pain being removed, would cause these to progress more rapidly, until complete disorganisation of the foot took place ; or m. all probability the tendon itself would be gradually worn through by rubbing against the roughened surface of the decayed bone. FALSE QUARTER. When the coronary substance is severely cut or divided, and has sloughed off, it is termed false quarter. In some instances it is destroyed by the 142 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY application of caustic applied to other wounds and sores of the foot ; when this is the case there will be a division of the horn as it grows down, having all the appearance of a sand-crack, or one portion of the horny substance will overlap the other. This is a very bad defect in the foot, and often oc- casions lameness, and there is very great difficulty in curing it. The coronary substance is that by which the horn of the hoof is secreted ; conse- quently what must be first attempted is to restore it to the discharge of its healthy function. Remedies. — Caustic has been used in many instances, and found effectual ; but nevertheless it is a dangerous remedy, as it has often proved very injurious. Blisters have also been successfully tried, but they are too often found not to be sufficiently active. The remedy which has proved most suc- cessful is the heated cautery carefully applied to the injured part. The edges of the horn on both sides of the crack should be thinned down, and a thick plastering of pitch spread over the parts so as to hold them closely together, as well as to support the hoof. This plaster to be kept on undisturbed for at least fourteen days, and then the parts should be carefully examined, to ascertain the con- dition of the coronet, and whether union of the parts has taken place. Should adhesion not be begun, then it must again be covered up and not looked at for eight days, by which time it will have adhered. During this treatment it would be judicious to strengthen the hoof by the use of a bar-shoe, only great care must be taken that there is no bearing at, or immediately below, the separa- tion of the horn. To secure this against such a result, if the crust be naturally thick, accompanied TREAD, OR OVERREACH 1 43 by Strong quarters, then a little of the crust near the part should be pared off, to prevent it from resting on the shoe. On the other hand, if the hoof be weak, an indentation should be made in the shoe itself opposite the part, which will prevent any stress, as well as the danger consequent upon a sudden or violent concussion, which might have the effect of again cracking the hoof before it had got firmly united. In this complaint the horn sometimes grows down entire, but from an unhealthy action in the coronary substance, it secretes a narrow slip of horn, generally different in appearance from the other parts, usually of a lighter colour. Although this is the case, it may become perfectly strong, but it must always be considered as a defect, and clearly showing that the horse has had sand-crack, and of course predisposed to a return of it. The horse may be fit for all kinds of work, yet there generally will remain some degree of tenderness in the part, and may produce lameness when the shoe is allowed to press on it ; or when the horse is subjected to hard work, lameness may return. TREAD, OR OVERREACH. This is nearly connected with false quarter, and comprehends wounds and bruises of the coronet, usually the effect of the horse either setting one foot on the other, which not unfrequently happens in the hind feet ; or in the fore feet, by the hind foot overreaching the heel when in rapid action, and wound- ing it. Remedies. — Although this is not in general a very serious injury, yet it should be immediately and carefully attended to. The first thing is to wash out 144 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY any dirt or sand which may have got into the wound, and dry the part thoroughly with a cloth. After which a pledget of tow, wetted with Friar's balsam, should be firmly bound over the wound, which usually proves a speedy cure. If the wound is large or deep, then it may be a necessary precaution to poultice the part for one or two days before digestive ointment or Friar's balsam is applied. It sometimes happens that a soft tumour will form on the part. This must be poulticed and brought to suppuration. When the whole of the matter has been discharged, the sides of the ulcer should be washed with a weak solution of blue vitriol (sulphate of copper), which will have the effect of expediting granulation of the parts ; and a pledget of tow which has been dipped in Friar's balsam will soon effect a cure. Ignorant farriers are frequently in the habit of applying caustic to wounds of the feet. This should on no account be permitted, as it is very apt to injure the coronary substance so as to render it incapable of afterwards secreting healthy horn. QUITTOR. A wound of the coronet, whether it proceeds from a tread, or otherwise, should be carefully and immedi- ately attended to ; because if sand or gravel get into the wound, it is likely to produce those deep-seated ulcerations that are termed pipes or sinuses, which constitute the disease called qziittor. But it may also proceed from any wound of the foot, and in any portion of it. In wounds of the foot, there is much difficulty in the matter proceeding from inflammation and suppuration finding its way from under the hoof, which covers the foot v/ith its various QUITTOR 145 complicated parts. The consequence is, pus accumu- lates under the hoof until it has increased to such an extent that it must find escape in some way ; and frequently forces itself out in all directions, separating the little fleshy plates fromi their connection with the horny ones of the crust ; or disuniting the fleshy sole from the horny one ; and in extreme cases eats its way deeply into the internal parts of the foot, forming pipes or sinuses, which run in all directions. If quittor arises from a prick or wound in the lower portion of the foot, the matter which is collected in it issues from it, and induces a separation between the horny and fleshy sole ; and having accumulated in considerable quantity, at length discharges itself at the coronet, generally close to the quarter. This, however, does not manifest itself to any extent, as both the aperture and quantity of matter which oozes out are apparently so insignificant, that they would lead an inexperienced person to suppose the dis- charge of little consequence. In this, however, they will be sadly mistaken ; for most serious mis- chief lurks within, and the difficulty of removing it is extremely great. In this state of the disease, although the fistula is of very small dimensions, yet the effects of this confined matter will have extended over almost the entire quarter, and the horny sole may be separated from the foot. Remedies. — It must be evident that this Is a case which can only be successfully treated by a skilful veterinary surgeon. In most instances of such cases, it becomes necessary to remove the greater portion of the horny sole, and thereafter restore the healthy state of the tender surface beneath. When this has been effected, the horn will quickly be reproduced. But in cases where much of the K 146 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY sole has been removed, It will take at least six months to restore fully that which has been removed, so that the horse may again be subjected to labour. Oulttor often proceeds from neglecting bruises and injuries of the sole of the foot. When horses have flat feet, and are ridden quickly over a rough, uneven, stony road, the feet are very liable to be Injured, and especially by getting a small stone between the shoe and the sole. Narrow webbed shoes are frequently the cause of bruises of the feet, by leaving too much of the sole unprotected. Another cause is, the smith paring out the sole too closely, or pricking the sole while In the act of shoeing, as also pressure of the shoe on the sole, and gravel getting Insinuated between the sole and the shoe. PRICK, OR WOUND IN THE SOLE OR CRUST. The sole Is peculiarly liable to be Injured by sharp- pointed stones, flints, and pieces of glass which It may come In contact with on a road. In shoeing, too, a nail may be driven either Into the sensitive part of the foot, or so near to It In the horn, that it will cause pressure and consequent Irritation, prob- ably Inflammation, and this may end in suppuration. In all cases of lameness, particularly In those which are sudden, the legs should be examined with great care ; and if no cause can be discovered to account for It, the probability Is that Its seat Is in the foot. The shoe ought to be immediately removed, when very likely the cause will be ascertained. But If it Is not at once apparent by the heat of some portion of the foot, then the crust should be rapped all round with a small hammer, and when the part which is affected is touched, the horse is sure to WOUND IN THE SOLE OR CRUST I47 flinch from it ; or pressure applied by pincers will answer the same purpose. Should lameness occur within two or three days after the horse has been shod, the first suspicion should fall upon the foot. The best of smiths may prick the foot in shoeing, and he that acts honestly in such a case, by at once acknowledging it, or informinof the owner, will not deserve blame. It t. . . is in concealing or denying the possibility of the thing that causes all the mischief Because, when- ever it is discovered, the shoe should be taken off, and that too with much care. Some foolish smiths are in the habit of wrenching off shoes, a practice which, under any circumstances, cannot be too severely condemned. Remedies. — As soon as the injured part is de- tected, the sole should be well thinned down around it, and at the punctured spot it should be pared to the quick. We are speaking of one of some days' standing, in which case matter will issue from it, and the sore will be thereby relieved. If the wound is quite fresh, then all that will be necessary after thinning the hoof is to apply a pledget with some Friar's balsam to it ; or fill the wound with carbolic liniment, and it will quickly heal if kept clean. If, however, it does not heal speedily, and it becomes hot, then inflammation will have taken place, and therefore it will be necessary to apply a poultice. But in wounds of the foot much depends upon the particular part which has been injured. Although a pretty deep wound is inflicted towards the back part of the sole, and even extending into the frog, still it may not be attended with much danger or in- convenience to the animal, because there are no bones or tendons to be injured. Neither is much harm to I4B MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY be apprehended from a prick near the toe. But in the centre of the sole, where the flexor tendons pass over, especially v/here the tendon is inserted into the coffin-bone, a puncture may be attended with serious consequences, as well as a wound in the joint which unites the navicular-bone with the coffin-bone. If a wound inflicted in this situation is neglected, the animal may be rendered useless for life. In short, injuries of the foot require the utmost skill to examine their precise nature, as well as the manner in which they ought to be treated. In searching for a wound, it is not uncommon for the smith to cut away an unnecessary portion of the horn from the bottom of the crust of the sole, and thus leave no hold for the nail of the shoe. In such cases it has frequently taken months before the horny substance was of sufficient substance to hold the nails. When it becomes necessary to remove any portion of the horny sole in consequence of a wound, or if separation has taken place through suppuration, then the injured or wounded portion of the crust must be entirely removed, as the dead parts of the horn will never unite with that which is living. Then the fleshy sole which has been left exposed must be care- fully touched with chloride of antimony, and some soft and dry tow or lint laid on it. But if there are inflammatory symptoms, it will be necessary to apply a poultice to the entire sole. So quickly is the horny substance secreted, that in a few days a thin pellicle will be found covering the whole, or part of the portion that has been stripped of the crust. If there are any symptoms of proud-flesh shooting through it, then it must be subjected to an applica- tion of chloride of antimony, and tow placed over it CORNS 149 as before. In a few days the whole surface will be invested with a horny crust. CORNS. A corn is a bruise of the sensitive papilla of the sole, situated betwixt the bars and the wall at the heels. Cause. — This disease has acquired a name which but ill expresses its nature. It bears but little affinity to corns of the human foot ; although, like them, they are the effects of pressure. Instead of being hard as in the human subject, they are thin and very weak, and caused by pressure on the sole in the angle between the bars, as presented, Plate vi, fig. 12, c c. The horn becomes more spongy and softer than at other parts, and it is so sensitive, that upon the slightest pressure the horse indicates that he feels pain. Nothing is more injurious than to allov/ a shoe to remain too long on, as it is sure to become em- bedded in the heel of the foot ; consequently the crust grows down on the outside of it, and the bear- ing Is thus thrown on the angular portion of the sole. Continued pressure on the sole is certain to induce inflammation and corns. The shoe being long on, wears and gets loosened at the heels, which admits of gravel between it and the crust, and having accumulated in the angle it naturally insinuates Itself into the heel, and produces a sore. As we have before said In another part of the work, nothing can be more Injudicious than to allow shoes to remain too long on ; even If they are not worn, they should be taken off every fourth week and readjusted, to free the feet from long-continued 150 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY pressure on certain parts by the growing of the horny substance of the hoof In shoeing, too, the bars are very often cut away, and this renders it necessary to be bevelled inward, so as to accom- modate it to this injurious and ridiculous shaping of the foot ; consequently an unnatural disposition to contraction is induced by this slanting inward direc- tion of the heel of the shoe. From this the sole is subjected to double liability to injury ; first, by being pressed upon by the shoe, and, second, by being squeezed between the outer crust and the external portion of the bar. This angle is less able to bear pressure than any other portion of the foot, being more exposed to accidental bruises and injuries of different kinds, in consequence of the shoe being made unnecessarily narrow at the heel. There can be little doubt but corns are mainly owing to faults in shoeing, as well as the fact of shoeing itself, however well performed, preventing the due expansion of the horn when the sole is growing downwards, and thus confining and injuring this portion of the sole. And it is easy to imagine that if the shoe is badly constructed, or allowed to remain too long on, that corns must be induced. This effect will be rendered manifest by an attentive observation of the foot in Plate vi, fig. 10. When paring is not attended to in shoeing, or when it is injudiciously extended to the bars, the evil of corns is likely to arise. This unnatural pressure of the sole causes the blood to be thrown out, which enters into the pores of the soft and diseased horn which is then secreted ; and by the colour and softness of the horn at this place, the existence and extent of the corn is judged. Remedies. — The cure of corns is difficult and un- CORNS 151 certain, because a diseased action Is Induced ; and to check this is no easy matter after it has contracted the tendency to secrete diseased horn ; for all shoeing produces pressure on the parts. The first thing to be done is to ascertain the extent of the corns ; and this can only be effected by paring out the angle between the crust and the bars ; at the same time it will relieve, and to a great extent do away with, what has caused the complaint. This can be best accomplished by the use of a small drawing knife, with which the corn must be pared out to the bottom ; but o^reat care must be exercised not to wound the sole. After this operation. It will be seen whether there Is any effusion of blood or matter underneath the corn. If there is reason to believe that such is the case, then an opening must be made through the horn, so that the matter may discharge Itself and the separated horn be removed ; and when the course of the sinuses have been ascer- tained, the same remedies must be employed as in quittor. In bad cases of corns, where the inflammation has rendered the parts very sensitive, a bar-shoe will be of service, so chambered that there will be no pressure on the part affected. If corns have once existed to a considerable extent, they are liable to return ; therefore, before shoeing, the seat of the corn should be well pared out. The seated shoe (which we have described In our chapter on shoeing) should be used, with a web sufficiently thick to cover the situation of the corn, and extend- ing as far back as possible without producing injury to the frog. When the horn has grown to some extent. If the horse is turned out to grass with a bar-shoe In the first instance, and afterwards with a 152 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY shoe fastened on one side only, or with tips, it will frequently prove of much service. In all cases where horses have low weak heels, they should seldom be pared with a knife, but merely rasped down to a level surface. This is peculiarly applicable to the inner heel. The hind feet are seldom affected with corns, because they are stronger than the fore feet, and less subjected to concussion ; and even where corns do exist, they do not produce lameness. CANKER. Canker consists of a separation of the horny substance from the sensitive fleshy and bony portion of the foot, caused by the growth of fungus tissue shooting up and occupying parts of, or the entire sole of the foot and frog. It is induced either by a puncture, bruise, corn, quittor, or thrush, more commonly proceeding from the latter than any other cause. It seldom attacks high-bred animals, being almost always confined to the heavy breed of cart and dray horses, which class seem to have a con- stitutional predisposition to this complaint. Those which have previously had grease are peculiarly liable to canker, and especially those v/hich have thick heels. It is peculiarly necessary to give a watchful at- tention to all species of injuries in these heavy horses, as they are more likely than all others to assume a bad complexion. Their feet being clubbed, and their hoofs in general brittle, they are liable to be punc- tured while shoeing. Nine-tenths of the complaints of this kind arise from nesflisfence either in the ofroom or master, and also from the carelessness or stupidity of the shoeing smith. It will only require a little CANKER 153 attention to the subject to enable the master to detect where the mischief arises. Remeimes. — Canker is a complaint which ought only to be undertaken by a veterinary surgeon, being exceedingly difficult and tedious in its progress to- wards a cure. The first thing which is done in this disease is to cut out the fungus growth ; and besides this it often becomes necessary to use both caustic and the cautery ; and all that portion of the horn which has been separated from the fleshy and bony parts must be carefully removed. Should fresh fungus be gener- ated, it must be got rid of, and means adopted to check its growth, and by proper applicants to induce the secretion of healthy horn. Unskilful veterinarians have been known to inflict severe and unnecessary torture on horses which had canker, by too deeply corroding the parts with caustic, and thus producing a sore. In this complaint gentle exercise is ab- solutely necessary where the disease is confined to the frog and sole of the foot, but moisture is carefully to be avoided. But it will be found that in effecting a cure the processes will be both tedious and painful, in consequence of the necessity of caustic applications, which, however slight, always cause considerable irritation in the parts. In this complaint medicine is seldom had recourse to, as it is of little use, the disease being local. But it sometimes occurs that grease follows canker ; in the event of which physic will become necessary, and these will be alteratives and diuretics. THRUSH. The disease thrush is characterised by a dis- charge which issues from the cleft of the frog and 154 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY IS more or less mixed with pus. From a healthy frog there is no discharge, but if the foot of the horse is allowed to soak in urine and dung for a time, in- flammation is set up in the sensitive frog, and this ends in suppuration and separation of the horny frog from the sensitive frog from which it grows. Thrush is a disease to which horses of all ages are liable, and in all situations. Even unshod colts are subject to this complaint. When the frog is in a healthy condition, the cleft sinks but a small way into it. Any complaint which affects the healthy condition and action of the frog, is almost sure to induce thrush. Differing from most diseases of the foot, thrush is generally more severe in the hind than in the fore feet. This can only be accounted for by bad stable management, and that the hind feet are subjected to being so much exposed to the baneful consequences of immersion in the dung and urine, producing irritation, and generating disease. A horse may have thrush without being lame, and it often happens that no alteration whatever can be seen on the foot thus diseased, and it may require a close inspection to detect that it is affected. But it will always be manifested by the disagreeable and peculiar smell which invariably accompanies the complaint. In some cases no tenderness of the frog attends thrush, and therefore the horse is not reckoned legally unsound by many persons. This we, however, consider strange, as it is a complaint which may, and indeed is likely to assume a worse aspect, particularly if not remedied in time, and hence may lead to positive unsoundness. But it is only in cases where considerable alteration in the form of the hoof has taken place, that thrushes are likely to be of a severe kind ; for we find that they may exist THRUSH 155 In an otherwise sound and well-formed foot, without being attended with immediate detriment, and may be easily remedied. Still, if the thrush be not re- moved, in the course of time it will alter the shape of the foot and also the action of the animal, and consequently becomes confirmed unsoundness. It is quite certain, if thrush is neglected, that however slow its progress may be, still it is sure ultimately to assume a serious and immovable complaint. The frog will contract, become rugged and tender, and will be followed by a copious and very fetid discharge ; the horn will gradually disappear, and leave the sensitive frog completely exposed and unprotected ; it is so tender that the slightest touch gives ex- quisite pain to the horse. In a day or two fungus granulations shoot out, and if neglected may end in canker. From this will be seen the extreme folly of neglecting thrush, however simple its aspect may be at first. We have known valuable horses having been lost to their owners from the erroneous belief entertained by themselves, or put into their heads by ignorant quacks, namely, that thrush would benefit the horse, as it was only Nature working its own cure by throwing off superabundant humours. Some ignorant country smiths, who call themselves farriers, have promulgated such a doctrine, and even recommended that the discharge should not be speedily dried up on this account ; and some have even said that it should not be dried up at all. But, assuredly, in nine cases out of ten what we have pointed out will be the inevitable consequence of neglected thrush. Its operations are slow, but its effects are certain. Disease of all kinds should be instantly attacked, and speedily subdued if possible. 156 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY Remedies. — Astringents generally are the best appliances to thrush ; but those of a caustic nature are to be avoided. The foot should be carefully examined, and when the cause of the thrush has been ascertained, our first attention should be directed to the removal of that. As has been stated, the primary cause of thrush is allowing the animal's feet to soak in liquid and filth, hence it is all-im- portant to place the animal where his feet will be kept clean and dry. Remove with the drawing- knife all loose or under-run horn, then the following should be applied : — Honey 4 ounces, Verdigris . . . . i ounce, Vinegar .... J pint. Let these be boiled for a few minutes, and the com- position applied to the place from which the dis- charge emanates. This is, however, a mild applica- tion, and will be somewhat slow in effecting a cure. But the most speedy, yet safe, appliance is the follow ing:— Blue vitriol .... 2 ounces. White vitriol = , . , i ounce, Tar I pound, Lard i pound. The vitriols to be finely powdered, and then mixed with the tar and lard. A pledget of tow covered with the above should be Inserted every evening as deeply as possible into the cleft of the frog, and renewed every day. Should the frog be much exposed, besides the pledget which is to be put into the crack, a larger piece of tow should be spread over with the above liniment, and applied over the whole exposed surface. Care OSSIFICATION OF THE CARTILAGES 1 57 must be taken not to force the pledget too hard into the cleft to press upon the tender part below, and during the treatment recommended it will be proper to keep the frog and foot as dry as possible. In cases of thrush it is all-important that the feet should be kept dry ; and, contrary to the practice of some who recommend turning out to grass with this complaint, we prefer keeping the animal in the stable until a cure is effected. OSSIFICATION OF THE CARTILAGES. These cartilages occupy a considerable portion of the back part and side of the foot, as represented on Plate vii, fig. 7, h. Their use is to preserve the conformation and expansion of the upper portion of the foot. They are liable to inflammatory attacks, which in time leads to a conversion of their cartila- ginous (gristle) tissue, into bone texture. This ossified condition of the cartilages is frequently connected with ring-bone, but it often exists without any affection of the pastern-joint. Side bones are almost entirely confined to cart horses of great weight, and apparently the weight of the body is the great cause. It is difficult to find an aged and extra weighty cart horse without side bones ; and the converse holds good, viz., that it is difficult to find a light weight animal of any breed, from the pony to the thorough-bred horse, with '' side bones." Symptoms. — When the foot is in a healthy condition, the lateral cartilages will yield to the pressure of the thumb on the coronet, over the quarters. But when ossification commences, and the complaint progresses, then a commensurate degree of resistance manifests itself, and in process of time it will no longer yield to any pressure. It is then certain that complete 158 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERV ossification of the cartilages has taken place. Dur- ing the transformation of the cartilage into bone, in horses with full-sized open feet no visible inflamma- tion is observable in the foot, nor does much lame- ness appear, and, indeed, frequently lameness is not at all manifested, although a slight stiffness may be noticed ; but in horses with small donkey-formed feet, there is generally marked lameness and a proneness for the lameness to become more or less permanent. These observations apply to cart-horses, or such as require only to be worked at a slow pace ; but in horses that go at a rapid pace, it amounts to posi- tive lameness. When this complaint is connected with ring-bone, very great lameness is the conse- quence. Remedies. — If there is no lameness, have re- course to no treatment, as the conversion of cartilao-e to bone cannot be arrested. On the contrary, if the animal is lame and suffering much pain, a blister of cantharides may hasten on the ossific process, and thereby lessen the pain. The shape and size of the foot has much to do with the pain and lame- ness, and a horse with side bones and small feet is a much more risky purchase than one with good open feet. WEAKNESS OF THE FOOT. This is merely a conventional term in general use among horsemen and dealers, which might with more propriety be denominated " malformation of the foot," because, in point of fact, it is rather a bad formation than a disease. In many instances it is a natural infirmity, and likewise proceeds from some other disease. The natural slant or angle of the well-formed crust from the coronet to the toe is WEAKNESS OF THE FOOT I 59 an angle of forty-five degrees ; but in this formation the angle will not exceed from thirty-eight to forty degrees. This inclination is but ill adapted for re- sisting the effects of pressure ; and consequently, after the animal has been worked for one or two years, the line of inclination, Instead of being straight, becomes hollowed half-way between the coronet and the toe — a defect that also occurs in pumiced feet. The surface presents an irregularly rough appear- ance, but is more frequently roughened in circles or rings ; and the general structure of the crust assumes a conical form, with the lower portion, or sole, presenting an unnaturally wide aspect ; and In most instances the foot is laro^er than it ouoht to be. In this ill-formed foot the sole is always so flat that it will not stand paring when the horse is shod, and it will be found that the bars are very small in size, indeed, in many cases they can hardly be said to exist ; the heels are so low that the coronet appears almost to touch the ground, and the crust is so thin that it will hardly be capable of holding the nails of the shoe. Little good can be expected from horses with such feet. Besides, they are certain to be liable to corns ; also to frequent bruises and con- vexity of the sole ; to the crust being broken ; to sprain and injury of the pastern, the fetlock, and flexor tendons ; and to punctures from the nails in the operation of shoeing. Feet of this construction are susceptible of little or no improvement. To those who have the mis- fortune to possess horses with these feet, we can only recommend that which we have condemned in the healthy state, namely, to shoe them as seldom as possible. The web of the shoe should be light and concave ; the foot should be as sparingly pared as l6o MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY possible ; hard work and rough roads are carefully to be avoided. With these precautions the animal may work for a considerable time ; but an evil day must arrive, and the animal will turn out utterly worth- less. CHAPTER VIII. The Anatomical Structure of the Horse. It is not our intention to go deeply into the anatomy of the horse, as this would far exceed the limits of such a work as the present, and indeed would not be suitable for a popular treatise. We shall therefore confine ourselves to such an outline of his structure as will convey a pretty general idea of what is truly useful to possessors of horses in general. We may briefly state, that the bones of the skeleton and the muscles which cover them are all double, if we except a very few bones which lock the two halves together ; and that if an animal is divided correctly into two halves, these will be found exactly similar in the number of bones and the muscles with which they are covered. But this does not extend to the internal organisation in general, although a few of its parts are also double. DIFFERENT BONES OF THE SKELETON OF THE HORSE. PLATE II. Instead of giving the bare skeleton of the horse, we have considered it better to exhibit an outline of 1 62 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY the external form of the animal, which will convey a more correct idea of the situation of the different bones as embodied in the muscles ; and by compar- ing this view of the skeleton with our representation of the perfect horse in Plate i, the reader will have little difficulty in ascertaining the position which the various bones occupy under the superincumbent muscles. Fig. 1,1. The seven cervical vertebrae, or bones of the neck. 2. The sternum, fore part of the chest, or breast-bone. 3. The scapula, or shoulder-blade. 4. The humerus, or bone of the arm. 5. The radius, or bone of the fore-arm. 6. The ulna, or elbow. 7. The cartilages of the ribs. 8. 8, 8. The costse or ribs, eight of which unite with, or are articulated to the sternum — these are called the true ribs; and ten are united together by cartilages, and are called \.\iQ false ribs. 9. The carpus, or knee, consisting of seven bones. 10. 10. The metacarpal, or shank-bones : the larger meta- carpal, or cannon, or shank-bone, in front, and the smaller metacarpal, or splint-bone, behind. 11. The upper pastern. 12. The lower pastern. 13. The coffin-bone. 14. 14. The eighteen dorsal vertebras, or bones of the back. 15. The six lumbar vertebrae, or bones of the loins. 16. 16. The haunch, consisting of the ilium, the ischium, and the pubis. 17. 17. The femur, or thigh-bone. 18. 18. The stifle-joint, with the patella, or knee-cap. 19. 19. The tibia, or proper leg-bone. 20. The fibula. 21. 21. The tarsus, or hock, composed of six bones. The prominent part behind is the os calcis, or point of the hock. BONES OF THE HEAD 1 63 22. The metatarsal bones of the hind legs. 23, 23. The pastern of the hind feet, including the upper and larger bone (fig. 23), the lower pastern (fig. 25), and the coflSn-bone (fig. 24). 26, 26. The caudal vertebne, or bones of the tail. BONES OF THE HEAD. PLATE Vlir, Figs. 2 and 3. The head contains the brain and other im- portant organs of sense. It is divided by anato- mists into two parts, namely, the skull and the face. The skull, or cranium, is that portion in which the brain is situate ; and the bones in which it is enveloped are destined for its protection. This division consists of nine bones : the two frontal bones, a, a; two parietal, c, c; two temporal, d, d ; the occipital, g ; the ethmoid ; and sphenoid : the two latter are situate at the base of the skull, and are not visible in a front view, but their position will be seen in fig. 3, Plate in, the ethmoid, or sieve- like bone, immediately above k, and sphenoid, /. These nine bones are separated in the foal at an early period of its existence ; but soon after birth they are firmly united together by the sutures, at which parts they are so strong that fracture seldom or never occurs there. There is a beautiful evidence of design in this division of the head into so many bones. When the foetus of the foal in the womb first assumes a form, and may be said to be in life, this portion of the skull is merely a jelly-like consistence, which is gradually changed into a harder substance, called cartilage ; and previous to the birth of the animal much of this cartilaginous substance is carried off 164 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY by certain vessels emanating from the brain, called absorbents, and bone is deposited in its stead. In all the fiat bones, such as those of the head, this deposit takes place from the centre, from which radiations, or rays of bone shoot forth in all direc- tions. Therefore it is evident, that by having so many bones, there are so many more centres of radiation, and consequently the formation of bone is carried on so much more rapidly, and becomes perfected at the time when the necessities of the animal require it. But when the foal is born, this process is not completed, as the edges of the bones remain somewhat soft and pliant; so that in parturi- tion they yield a little, and by overlapping each other render the birth more easy, and save the parent much pain, and contribute materially to the safety of the foal ; and indeed without a change in the form of the head, from this compression and yielding of the bone of which it is composed, the anim.al could not be born. a. The occipital bone, or bone of the hinder part of the head. 3, b. The parietal bones, or walls of the skull. c, c. The temporal bones, or bones of the temple. d^ d. The temporal fossae, or pits above the eye. The age of a horse is pretty well manifested by the depth of these foss^. At the back part of the eye there is a cushion of fatty matter on which the eye rests, and revolves without friction. In aged horses this substance decreases, and con- sequently the eye sinks and the pit above it deepens. To deceive the unwary, dishonest dealers puncture the skin of the pit, and with a blow-pipe fill up what it has lost in substance with air. This puffed-up skin will continue for many hours. The BONES OF THE HEAD 1 65 name which is given to this by these unprincipled men is ' pitffing the glims' e, e. The frontal bones, or bones of the forehead. The frontal bones are articulated together by a curious and very intricate dove-tailed suture, which gives great strength, so as to defend the upper portion of the brain, which lies immediately below them, from injury. The frontal bones strongly manifest the breed or blood of a horse. Those which are high-bred have a broad angular forehead, with the face gradually tapering from the brow to the muzzle, as represented in this figure. The cranium of the dray or cart-horse is nearly as wide below as above. It is the full and largely developed forehead which gives to the blood-horse that fiery and intelligent expression. f^f. The zygomatic arch. g^ g. The super-orbital foraminae, or holes above the orbit for the passage of the nerves and blood-vessels which supply the forehead. The small hole beneath receives vessels which penetrate into and supply the bone. In some craniums there are several such holes. h^ h. The lachrymal, or tear-bones. 2, i. The orbits which contain and defend the eye. y,y. The malar, or cheek-bones. k^ k. The nasal-bones, or bones of the nose. /, /. The superior maxillary, or that portion of the upper jaw containing the molar teeth or grinders. m, 171. The infra-orbital foraminse, or holes below the orbits, through which pass branches of nerves and blood- vessels to supply the lower portion of the face. 71, n. The openings into the nose, with the bones forming the roof of the palate. 0, 0. The inferior maxillary, the lower portion of the jaw- bone, which is a separate bone in quadrupeds, contain- l66 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY ing the incisors or cutting teeth and the upper tushes at the point of union between the superior and inferior maxillaries. /,/. The upper incisors, or cutting teeth, or, as they are otherwise called, the nippers, a term which we limit to the two central ones above and below ; the one next to these, on each side, are called the dividers, and the innermost ones on both sides are termed the corner incisors. There are in all twelve incisors in the head of a horse, viz., six in the upper, and six in the under jaw. SIDE VIEW OF THE CRANIUM. PLATE VIII, Fig. 2. b. The parietal bone. e. The frontal bone; the cavities or cells below which are called the frontal sinuses. / The zygomatic arch. g. The super-orbital foramina. h. The lachrymal bones. i. The orbit which contains the eye. k. The nasal bone. /. The superior maxillary bone. m. The infra-orbital foramina. ;/. The opening into the nose. 0. The inferior maxillary. /. The upper incisors or cutting teeth. ^, q. The molars, or grinders of the upper and under jaw. r. The posterior maxillary or under jaw. t The lower portion of the under jaw. tL. The under incisors, or cutting teeth. SECTION EXHIBITING THE INTERNAL ANATOMY OF THE HEAD. PLATE III, Fig. 3. a. The occipital bone. SECTION OF INTERNAL ANATOMY OF HEAD 167 b. The frontal bone, under which are cavities called the frontal sinuses, marked 16, 16. These frontal sinuses are cavities intervening between the frontal bone and a transverse plate of bone which grows within it. They communicate with the cavities of the nose, as also with those of the sphenoid, ethmoid, and upper jaw-bones. In consequence of this conformation, they increase the loudness and clearness of neighing. It sometimes happens that the larvae of certain flies crawl up the nostrils and locate themselves In the frontal sinuses, occasioning great pain to the animal. Happily, this is not of very frequent occurrence with the horse, although sheep and horned cattle are more liable to such intrusion. These sinuses are occasionally opened by tre- phining the bone, in order that the pus cells, which they frequently contain in large quantity, may be removed by direct Injection of water and as- tringents. In performing the operation we suppose a line to be drawn across the forehead from 2 and 3, one foramen to the other, Plate viii, fig. g, g, g. On that line, and about half an inch from the suture, or line which separates the frontal bones, the sinuses or cavities are situated, and extend to an inch in depth, as represented In Plate in, ^g. 3, immediately under b, and marked 16, 16. If the position of g, g in fig. 3, Plate viii and b in fig. 3, Plate III, are compared, a perfect idea of their seat in the forehead will be formed. At this part a small circular portion of bone Is drilled out with a trephine, and into this warm water Is injected by means of a comm.on syringe, which will run out at the nostrils. 1 68 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY c. The nasal bone, or bone of the nose. d. The tentorium, or bony separation between the cerebrum and cerebellum. c. The occipital bone. /. The cerebrum, or brain. g. The cerebellum, or little brain. //. A portion of the medullary, or marrow-like substance of the brain ; and the prolongation of it, which bears the nam.e of the cms cerebri^ or leg of the brain, and from which many of the nerves emanate. /, andm. The ligament of the neck, or pack-wax, by which the head is chiefly supported. j. The sphenoid, or wedge-like bone, with its cavities. k. The cuneiform, or wedge-shaped process, or base of the occipital bone. Between it and the other portion of the occipital bone, a^ lies the great foramen or aperture through which the prolongation of that portion of the brain called the spinal-marrov/ issues from the cranium, and is continued through the spine or back-bone. /. The medulla oblongata^ a prolongation of the brain after the marrow-like substance of the cerebrum and cere- bellum have united, and forming the commencement of the spinal marrow. This portion has a ropy appearance. n. The point of the atlas bone which sustains or carries the head. 0. The first bone of the neck. /. The dentata, or tooth-shaped bone, the second bone of the vertebral column. q. The cartilage covering the entrance into the eustachian tube, or communication between the mouth and internal part of the ear. r. The spinal marrow, extending through a canal in the centre of the bones of the neck, back, and loins, to the extremities of the tail, and from which the nerves of feeling and of motion which supply ever}^ part of the frame arise. ^, s. The septiim-iiasi^ or cartilaginous division between the nostrils. PLATE III I'KTEWMAL Mf® EMTEIEMAIL AMATOMY THE MOMS El MlAP, SECTION OF INTERNAL ANATOMY OF HEAD 169 When the nostril is opened, the membrane by which the cartilage and whole cavity of the nose is lined is seen. By the colour of this membrane, and the lining of the eyelids, we are assisted in determinino; the amount of congestion of blood in the mucous membrane which lines the air passages and the bowels. This cavity on both sides is occupied by tv/o bones, vv^hich, in consequence of being rolled up in the form of a turban, are called the turbinated bones. ^, t. The septum nasi^ cut off at the lower part to exhibit the spongy turbinated or turban-shaped bones, filhng the cavity of the nostrils. Part of the cartilage is re- moved to display them. They are as thin as gauze, and, like it, perforated into a thousand holes. Between them are left sufficient passages for the air. If these gauze-like membranes were unrolled, they would present a very considerable surface. On every part of them there is spread the delicate fibres of the olfactory, or first pair of nerves, which are the organs of smell. It is by this ex- quisite sense of smell that the horse selects such food as is best calculated for his nutriment, and is enabled to reject what is poisonous. By smell he judges of the quality of his food in a domestic state. The horse will recognise his master or favourite groom by the sense of smell, and fre- quently expresses such recognition by a neigh. These cavities intensify sounds issuing from the larynx — the organ of voice ; the sound reverberates through them, and increases in loudness a.s through the windings of a French -horn. All the air which passes to and returns from the lungs must go through the nostrils, as he can breathe through 170 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY the nose only. The nostrils ought therefore to be large and expanded. The skin also which covers them should be thin and elastic, that they may the more readily yield when the animal requires a greater supply of air while trotting hard or gallop- ing. In the race-horse, the nostrils are wide and flexible, while in the cart-horse they are con- fined, and surrounded by a quantity of cellular tissue and thick skin. There are, besides, four distinct cartilages attached to the nostrils, which are exceedingly elastic, and bring them back to their ordinary dimensions when- ever the muscles cease to act. The bones also of the nose, ;/, Plate viii, fig. 2, and n n, fig. 3, are tapered off to a point, to give a wider range for the action of the muscles ; while the cartilages are so constructed as not only to discharge the office above referred to, but also to prevent this tapering point of bone from injury. zt. The palate. V. The inferior maxillary-bone, containing the incisor teeth, or nippers. TV. The molar teeth, or grinders. Xf X. The tongue. y. The posterior maxillary, or jaw, with its incisors. ^, z. The lips. 12. The upper incisory teeth. 13. The lower incisory teeth. 14. The posterior maxillary, or jaw-bone. 1. The thyroid, or helmet-shaped cartilage, enclosing and protecting the contiguous parts. 2. The epiglottis, or covering of the glottis, or aperture of the windpipe. 3. The arytenoid, or funnel-shaped cartilages, having between them the aperture leading into the trachea, or wind- pipe. EXTERNAL ANATOMY OF THE HORSE's HEAD 171 4. The trachea, or windpipe, with its rings. 5. One of the chordce vocales, or cords concerned in the voice. 6. The saccidiLS laryngis^ or the sac or ventricle of the larynx, or throat, for the modulation of the voice. 7. The opening from the back part of the mouth into the nostril. 8. The soft palate at the back of the mouth, so constructed as nearly to prevent the possibility of vomiting by the mouth. 9. The muscle of the neck, covered by the membrane of the back part of the mouth. 10. The cricoid, or ring-like cartilage below and behind the thyroid. 11. The oesophagus, or gullet. 15. A portion of the os hyoides^ or bone of the tongue. REPRESENTATION OF THE PALATE AND TEETH. PLATE III, Fig. 2. a^ a. The tushes canines, or tusk-formed teeth. b^ b. The incisors, nippers, or cutting teeth, c, c. The palatine nerve between the artery and the vein. d, d. The palate, divided into ridges and bars. ^, e. The palatine artery. /,/. The palatine vein. g^ g. A strip of the palate, dissected up, to exhibit the position of the vessels and nerve beneath. k, k. The cheeks. z] L The molars, or grinding teeth. EXTERNAL ANATOMY OF THE HORSE'S HEAD. PLATE III, Fig i. «, a. The orbicularis muscles, surrounding the eye, and destined for the purpose of closing the eyelids. "jl MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY b. The nasalis lahii siiperioris takes its rise from a depression at the junction of the superior maxillary and malar bones, and extending to the angle of the nostril. Its use is to raise the lip, and dilate the nostrils. c. Dilator magnus^ or great dilator, which assists in the office of retracting the upper lip and in dilating the nostrils. d. Dilator iiaris lateralis^ or side dilator of the nostrils, reversed to exhibit the vessels and nerves which it covers, extending from the covering of the nasal and frontal bones to the angle of the mouth and side of the nostril. Its office is to retract the upper lip, and dilate the nostrils. e. The zygomaticas^ extending from the zygomatic arch and masseter to the corner of the m.outh, for the purpose of drawing back the angle of the mouth. /, g. The orhicidaris oris^ or circular muscle of the mouth. This muscle surrounds the mouth for the purpose of closing the lips and dilating the nostrils. //. The buccifiator^ or trumpeter muscle, extending from the inside of the mouth and cheeks to the angle of the mouth, to draw it back. i. Depressor lahii inferioris^ or puller down of the under lip, attached to the sides of the under lip to pull it down. j. Branches of nerves, with small blood-vessels. k. The parotid duct, penetrating the cheek to discharge the saliva into the mouth. /. See letter r, and explanation. in. The vein and artery passing under the zygomatic arch. n, A branch of the fifth pair of nerves, the sensitive nerve of the face, emanating from under the parotid gland. 0. The masseter^ or chewing muscle. This muscle occupies the entire cheek of the horse, and is exceedingly powerful, extending from the upper jaw-bone into the rough surface round the angle of the lower one ; which, in conjunction with the temporal muscle, is destined to chew the food and close the mouth. /. The stylo-maxillaris^ or styloid, pencil-shaped process of the occiput, extending to the angle of the jaw. Its office is to pull the jaw backwards and open it. EXTERNAL ANATOMY OF THE HORSES HEAD 1 73 q. The maxillary gland, or gland of the lower jaw, with its duct. r. At this situation the submaxillary artery, a branch of the jugular artery and the parotid duct pass under and within the angle of the lower jaw, and reappear again at // and, ascending the cheek, are distributed in a branch- ing manner over it. s. The siihscapula hyoideiis^ emanatiiig from under the shoulder-blade to the body of the os hyoides^ to draw back that bone. /j w. The sterno-maxillaris^ or muscle belonging to the breast- bone and upper jaw, from the cartilage in front of the chest to the angle of the lower jaw, for the purpose of bending the head ; or, if one only act, to bend it on one side. ?/, The levator humeri, or elevator of the shoulder, arising from the tubercle of the occiput, the mastoid, or nipple- shaped process of the temporal bone ; and the trans- verse processes of the four first bones of the neck and the ligament of the neck, and proceeding to the muscles of the shoulders and the upper bone of the arm, for the purpose of drawing forward the shoulder and arm, or to turn the head and neck ; and, when the two levators act, to depress the head. V. The jugular, or neck-vein. It is from this vein that blood is taken for all diseases in the head, neck, and contiguous parts. X. The tendon common to the complexo major, or larger complicated tendon ; and the splenius, or splint-like tendon, and the mastoid process of the temporal, to hold up the head, or, the muscles on one side alone acting, to turn i'c. y. The superior portion of the ligament of the neck. z. The superior portion of the parotid gland, or gland situate near the ear, reversed to exhibit the blood-vessels and nerves beneath it. 174 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY MUSCLES AND PARTS CONNECTED WITH THE EYE. PLATE III, Figs. 4 and 5. The horse has a very extended field of vision. The eye is provided with seven muscles to move it in all directions ; and that they may act with suffi- cient promptitude and power, no fewer than six nerves are directed to the eye generally, or to parti- cular muscles ; and that it may receive no injury from friction, it rests upon a mass of fatty matter, which also enables it to be turned without much exertion of the muscles. Four of the muscles, a, e, and d, are straight ; these rise from the back of the orbit, and are inserted into the ball of the eye, immedi- ately opposite, and at equal distances from each other. One of these, f, rises to the upper part of the eye, immediately behind the transparent and visible portion of it, the office of which is to raise the eye. When it contracts, the eye must necessarily be drawn upward. Another, a, is inserted immediately opposite, at the bottom of the eye, for the purpose of depressing the eye, or enabling the horse to look downwards. A third, e, is inserted at the outer corner, which turns the eye outward ; and a fourth is inserted at the inner corner for turning the eye inwards. By means of all these the eye can rotate, or be turned in any direction at the will of the animal. Should the animal wish to look upward and outward, then the outer and upper muscles are called into action, and can be modified in any manner at the will of the horse. These muscles perform another duty, namely, keep- ing the eye in its place, for, while grazing, the principal weight of the eye rests upon them ; and to aid them MUSCLES AND PARTS CONNECTED WITH THE EYE 1 75 in this, another muscle, d d, called the retractor, Is added ; It arises from the ^Ag^ of the foramen, through which the optic-nerve enters the orbit. The use of this muscle Is to support the eye generally, or when it is suddenly called Into great action, and aided by the straight muscles, It draws the eye back out of the reach of dano^er, and In the act of drawlngf it back It forces the haw to protrude In the manner already described, as an additional defence. The cornea, i, is the only visible part of the eyeball of a horse, or at least it should be ; and it is said that where much white Is seen, that It is an indication of bad temper. The pupil, k, in the horse differs In form from that of all other animals. It Is of an elongated, oblong, ovate form, and placed transversely, as represented in fig. 4, Plate ni. The eye Is a very important organ in the horse. It ought to be large and rather prominent ; the eyelid should be fine and thin. This thinness Is for the purpose of preventing pressure, and at the same time to give more extensive and easy motion. The horse is devoid of eyebrows, and the eye- lashes are singularly arranged. The rows of hairs are longest and most numerous on the upper lid, and especially towards the outer or temporal corner, because the light falls on the eye from above ; and as he stands, especially when he Is grazing, as well as from the lateral situation of the eyes, the greater portion of the light, the attacks of Insects, and the trickling down of moisture, is chiefly from the outside. Towards the Inner corner of the eye there are hardly any eyelashes, because there Is little or no danger from below, and as little light Is thrown from below, the eyelashes are thin and short. While horses are grazing, Insects may find their way to the eye towards 176 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY the inner angle, the principal or only hair is found on the lower lid. All of which most beautifully proves design in the formation and adaptation of the animal. The eyelashes should on no account what- ever be cut, as they have a most important office to fill, not only preventing the eye from being injured by dazzling light, but also protecting it from the intrusion of insects. The horse is destitute of eyebrows, but in their stead he is provided with a number of scattered bristly hairs, as also a projecting fold of the upper eyelid, which answers the same purpose. Some persons are so foolish as to cut off these hairs, and have absurdly attributed them to weakness. The under eyelid also is furnished with projecting bristly hairs, which are so sensitive that they give immediate warning to the animal of the approach of any insect or other object which might injure the eye, and he naturally closes the eyelid instantaneously. Ignorant grooms some- times denude horses of these admirable premonitory feelers. It will thus be seen that these muscles are admirable substitutes for the want of hands, in pro- tecting the eyes against the intrusion of things that would injure them. These muscles perform another important office in altering the focus of the eye to accommodate itself to the examination of distant or near objects. (See c and b, fig. 5.) The straight and retractor muscles draw back the eye, and forces it upon the substance, and thus in a slight degree flattens it, brings it nearer the retina or mirror, and adapts the eye to the observation of distant objects. But as these muscles are chiefiy employed in supporting the weight of the eye, they might not have power to turn it so quickly and to such an MUSCLES AND PARTS CONNECTED WITH THE EVE 177 extent as the animal might wish or require ; therefore the eye is furnished with two other muscles, whose entire office is to turn it. They are placed obliquely, and in consequence are called the oblique muscles. The upper one, a d, is curiously constructed. It emanates from the back part of the orbit, and follows a direction upwards and towards the inner side, and there, immediately under the ridge of the orbit, it passes through a perfect mechanical pulley, and turning round takes a direction across the eye, and is inserted a little beyond the middle of the eye, and towards the outer side. Thus the globe of the eye is evidently directed inward and upward. This is not all which is accomplished by this remarkable mechanism. That the eye may be completely de- fended, it is sunk deep in the orbit, but it may be occasionally requisite to bring the eye forward and enlarge the field of vision. Under the influence of fear the eye is positively protruded, and it is not only forced more forward, but the lids are opened more widely. It may be asked, how can this be possibly accomplished ? The remarkable pully-muscle, or trochlearis, at b c, readily effects this, while the straight muscles at the same time do not oppose it, or only regulate the direction of the eye, it is really brought forward. The lower oblique muscle has its insertion just within the lachrymal-bone, n, and pro- ceeding across the eye is fixed into part of the sclero- tica, opposite to the other oblique muscle, and turns the eye in an opposite direction, and also assisting the upper oblique muscle in bringing the eye forw^ard from its socket. There is another beautiful provision preventing Impurities or insects from being carried to and lodging \xi the corner of the eye, which would, if allowed to M !/§ MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY accumulate at the inner angle of the eye, be carried down the duct, which would irritate and obstruct it. No sooner do any of these annoyances enter the eye but they are carried off by the haw, which lies concealed within the inner corner of the eye. This haw is a black or pied cartilaginous substance of a triangular form, concave within, and made exactly to suit the globe of the eye ; while it is convex exter- nally, accurately fitting the membrane lining the lid, while the base of it is reduced to a thin or almost sharp edge. The horse has the voluntary power of suddenly protruding this from its concealment, and passing it rapidly over the eyeball, clears off every nuisance mixed with the tears, and then being quickly drawn back, the dust or insect is wiped off as the cartilage again passes under the corner of the eye. In treating of disease of the haw, page 35, we mentioned the barbarous practice of cutting out this valuable appendage to the eye. This member is destined by nature as a substitute for the want of hands for wiping the eye and cleansing it from offen- sive matter. This being removed, subjects the poor animal to pain in its eye for life, and lays it open to the constant chance of inflammation from dust or small pieces of gravel being blown into it. The pain they thus inflict on the horse may be easily conceived by any one having dust or other extraneous matter lodged between the eyelid and eye, and being without hands to wipe it out. THE EYE AND ITS VISUAL STRUCTURE. PLATE X, Fig. 8. The eye is of a spherical figure, yet not perfectly globular ; or it may rather be considered as com- THE EYE AND ITS VISUAL STRUCTURE 1 79 posed of the parts of two globes, the half of the one, A, Plate X, fig. 8, smaller, and transparent in front ; and of the other, b, which is larger, with an opaque coat behind. It is an established law in optics, that all objects become visible from the rays of light which flow from these objects into the eye. These rays pass through the pupil and fall upon the retina, which is a fine expansion of the optic nerve, interwoven like net-work in the back part or bottom of the eye, and there the rays form a picture of the object, whose apparent bulk depends upon the size of such picture so formed upon the retina. We shall suppose the animal looking at an arrow with the barb of it down- wards, c, D. From every part of the arrow rays of light will be sent forth in straight lines, and in passing through the pupil, Plate in, fig. 5, k, it is clear that those which flow from the under portion of the object, c, must flow upwards, while those above, d, must pass downw^ards ; and pursuing this principle, all the intermediate rays, /y will intervene, consequently a reversed picture of the object will be formed upon the retina, as seen at ^, k. Paley makes the following interesting observation on this subject : he says, ** In considering vision as achieved by means of an image formed at the bottom of the eye, we can never reflect without wonder on the smallness, yet correctness, of the picture, the subtlety of the touch, and the fineness of the lines. A landscape of five or six square leagues is brought into a space of half-an-inch in diameter ; yet the magnitude of objects which it contains are all pre- served, are all discriminated in their magnitudes, positions, figures, and colours. A stage-coach pass- ing at its ordinary speed for several minutes, passes l8o MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY in the eye only over one-twelfth of an inch, yet is the change of place in the image distinctly perceived throughout its whole progress." 2, i. The points where the rays, having passed the cornea, converge by the refracting power of the lens. j. The cornea, or horny and transparent portion, which is covered by the conjunctiva uniting different parts together. The cornea fills up the vacuity which is left by the sclerotica ; but although it is closely united with it, may be easily separated and will drop out. A prominent eye adds greatly to the beauty of a horse, and this will depend upon the projection of the cornea. But if too prominent, the rays of light may be rendered too convergent, which will produce indistinct vision. If it be small and flat, the rays may not be sufficiently convergent, which will produce imperfect vision. An eye that is moderately convex will be found best ; because, when either too pro- minent or too flat, the horse is liable to starting and shying upon a road. The cornea is quite transparent in the healthy eye, and when cloudiness is observ- able, then it is an indication of disease. In the purchase of a horse, the utmost attention should be given to the condition of the cornea. Perfect transparency over the whole surface is in- dispensable. The eye should be carefully examined in the manner pointed out at page '^'j ; first in front, and afterwards through its substance. k^ k. The crystalHne, or glassy lens, situated behind the pupil and in front of the vitreous humour, which is so named from a supposed resemblance to melted glass ; it is a clear gelatinous fluid, very much resembling the white of an egg. /. The sclerotica, a hard, firm coat, covering the whole of THE EYE AND ITS VISUAL STRUCTURE l8l the eye, except that portion occupied by the cornea. The choroides, or choroid coat, covered with a black secretion, or black or dark brown paint, called the pigmentum nigrum. This delicate membrane extends over the whole internal part of the eye, from the optic-nerve to the cornea. This is intended to absorb the stray rays of light which might dazzle and confuse the animal, and is not found on any portion which may be called the field of vision ; but in its stead a bright green substance is spread, which extends more over the upper than the lower portion, because the objects which are most necessary for him to see are below the level of the head. This in some way, yet un- discovered, enables the animal to see even when it is comparatively dark. In the dusk this beautiful sea-green colour may be seen in the eye of a horse. Cream-coloured, or perfectly white horses, have not this dark pigment ; so that the ordinary appear- ance of the pupil is red instead of black. In looking into their eyes we do not see the covering, but the choroid coat itself. w, m. The iris, or rainbow-coloured circular membrane, situated under the cornea in front of the eye, and on which the colour of the eye depends. The duplicature behind is the uvea, so called from its colour re- sembling a grape. See also Plate in, fig. 5, i. The iris acts as a curtain, and floats in the aqueous humour. In horses the colour of the iris is subject to little variation, but for the most part has some analogy with that of the hide, varying in different degrees from hazel to dark brown. n. The pupil is placed in the centre of the cornea, and through which all the rays of objects pass to the retina or mirror of the eye. See also Plate ni, fig. 5, k. 1 82 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY In the horse it is of an oblong form (see Plate III, fig. 4). It is variable in size, depending upon the intensity of the light in which it is viewed. In the open air it will be much contracted, so as to prevent too large a quantity of light being thrown upon the retina, as it is painful and injurious to that object to receive too great a portion of it, as well as prejudicial to vision ; while in a dark stable it expands, in consequence of a deficient portion of lio^ht reachincr the retina. This contraction and expansion of the pupil is of much service in enabling purchasers to judge of the state of the horse's sight. There is a description of blindness, in which the crystalline lens and cornea continue quite transparent, but the retina of the eye is palsied, and consequently not affected by light ; so that the pupils are hardly if at all altered by a change from light to darkness, or vice versa. In purchasing a horse, the size of both pupils should be strictly observed, to see that they both expand and contract to the same extent by the change of light. The hand ought to be held over the eyes for a short time, and then notice if both pupils expand alike, when removed. Suspended from the upper edge of the pupil of the eye two or three black bodies may be discovered on close inspection, the size of millet-seeds. When the horse is suddenly brought into an intense light, the pupil suddenly contracts ; these little globes are pressed out from between the edges of the iris, and an equal number, but of much smaller size, are attached to the lower edge of the iris. Their use, probably, is to intercept portions of light which would be injurious to the eye. But their chief function is called into action while grazing, and perform the THE EYE AND ITS VISUAL STRUCTURE 1 83 duties which are attributed to the eyelashes, namely, to obstruct the rays of light in those directions in which it would come with the greatest force both from above and below ; while at the same time the field of view is quite open, so far as respects the pasture on which the horse is grazing. 0, 0. The ciliary, or hair-like processes. p. The vitreous, or glass-like humour, which fills the whole of the cavity of the eye behind the lens. It is a clear gelatinous fluid, resembling the white of an egg. It fills about three-fourths of the globe of the eye, and extends from the posterior part as far forward as the ciliary ligament. g. The aqueous, or water-like humour which fills the space between the cornea and the crystalline lens. It is by means of this humour that the cornea is preserved in its rounded form. A small portion of it is behind the iris. r. The retina, or fine net-like expansion of the optic-nerve, which is spread over the whole of the choroides, as far as the lens. s. The optic-nerve, or nerve of sight. /. The conjunctiva, or that membrane which covers the fore part of the eye, and which lines the lids, and even extends to the transparent portion of it. It is trans- parent, and transmits colour to the parts beneath. It is very liable to inflammation, during which the vessels of the lining of the lids will become engorged with blood, and present an intensely red appearance, which extends itself to those vessels in the white of the eye, which will also become completely congested with blood, and will ultimately render the cornea clouded and opaque. A defect of sight in the horse is more dangerous than total blindness, for this reason, that one with a defect of sight will start and shy at every object 184 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY which he meets with upon a road, and the rider may be thrown off when he least expects it ; while a horse that is quite blind will generally resign him- self to the guidance of his rider or driver. THE TEETH AND THEIR DEVELOPMENT. Mastication in the horse is performed in two ways, namely, by a champing motion, and also a ofrindinof motion. At 0, Plate III, fig. I, is the masseter-muscle, which is of great strength, and constituting the cheek ; it has its origin at the superior maxillary bone, under the ridge continued from the zygomatic- arch, Plate viii, ^