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COPYRIGHT DEPOSHE:

McCLURE'S

“Te

7

q American Horse, Cattle

'

and Sheep Doctor

A FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE DISEASES COMMON TO THESE
ANIMALS, TOGETHER WITH A COMPLETE LIST AND METHOD
OF ADMINISTERING THE MEDICINES REQUIRED IN
oe. se. Ss REE SAT MENYT $208 2.2 8

By RoBERT McCrurge, M.D., V.S.,

PROFESSOR IN THE VETERINARY COLLEGE OF PHILADELPHIA, AUTHOR OF “THE
GENTLEMAN’S AMERICAN STABLE GUIDE,’’? EDITOR OF ‘‘THE HORSE IN
THE STABLE AND FIELD,’’ MEDALIST TO THE U. 8. AGBICULTURAL
SOCIETY, PRIZE ESSAYIST TO THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE
+: AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, ETC., ETC., ETC. 3:

With Numerous Illustrations

Chicago
FREDERICK J. DRAKE & COMPANY
Publishers

COPYRIGHT 1917
FREDERICK J. DRAKE & CO,

COPYRIGHT
BY
‘THE HENNEBERRY CO. _

Ww

. — 1901

PREFAOCKR.

In the preparation of this work the motives of the
author have been other than those of profit or popularity.
A worthier object, one of broader and deeper purport, will
perhaps manifest itself in, and grow out of, its careful
examination and use—that of enabling the many thousands
throughout the country, who have devoted less attention
and fewer years to the subject, to reap the benefit of his
experience. That much study and practice are essential
to a work of this description, all will concede; for injury
and loss to an incalculable amount must necessarily result
where these are wanting. It is, therefore, because of his
uniform success as a veterinarian, and his abiding interest
in the noblest and most useful of animals, that the author
has eonsented to publish THr Ammprican Horsk, AND
CATTLE AND SHEEP. The amount of care and labor
expended upon it will be amply remunerated in whatever
of suffering is alleviated, and improvement effected, in the
treatmeiit of the animals named in its title.

The reader will find the book throughout to be truthful,
concise, and clear—free from any literary nicety or labored
effort—frowning upon the destructive and injurious system

PREFACE.

of bleeding, blistering, physicking and firing—opposed to
the low feeding or starving of animals suffering from dis-
ease or accident. ‘The diseases and treatment of each
animal are considered under their simplest and best known
names, and in alphabetical order, thereby affording to.
every one a work of practical usefulness and convenience
of reference. The articles on the “ Railroad Disease of
Cattle,” the “Cause and Prevention of the Texan Fever
among Market Cattle,” “Useful Hints on Feeding, and
the Humane Management of Horses,” “ Coup de Soleil, or
Sunstroke,” “ Frost Bites,” and “ 'Typhosus,” among others,
will be found of special interest to amateurs, farmers, and
stock-breeders, in various parts of the country.

The advantage afforded the public in the low price of
the work cannot fail to make it extensively useful in
pointing out a safe and highly successful system. It is
designed for a text book, presents much information
contained in no other similar work, and wherever con-
sulted, will awaken men to the many injurious teachings
of old authors in new dresses. |

The author desires in this connection to express his
acknowledgments to X. A. Willard, A. M., and Hon.
William I. Skinner, of Little Falls, N. Y.; and to
Sylvester J. Megargee, Esq., of Philadelphia. Also, to
S. J. Sharpless, William Massey, and Samuel Huston,
Esqs., importers and extensive breeders of valuable stock,
and to William Wallace, Esq., and Messrs. R. L. & C. L.
Nicholson, all of Philadelphia.

CONTENTS.

:
INTRODUCTION. . |

Breathing, PEs Nisdy NA ae ena tae Sage beet alt eee oi ae
i ‘Causes of Disease, f ‘ é ‘ ‘ é ‘ P : 29
Fever, Bien te - ee met) ie " ete A . 33
ise Olerve Dinmsed,, 2. =. .. » 6. 0. wl we wt 8O .
_ Principles of Disease, BO es hr a ee ce varie e o ee e .
er. na a erat oe ke et pate ae
Treatment of Diseas Sv eee Wiad Sona tr. Soe Aten hae (1 ae Ft eee |
Vis Medicatrix Nature, . 4 : é : ‘ P alah 36

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Abrasion, . : - : - : “ : : . ; : . 39
Acari, ° 2 ° . ° - - “ ° . : : - 40
Accidents, . ° . : ° : ° ° Bris,’ : 40
Aconite, . 2 ; . . 2 . = ‘ E ‘ : Fie |
Alteratives, . . - e ° ° . . “ ° é 41
Amazurosis, - = “ . : . p . i . ! . 41
Anemia, 3 : : . ‘ y 3 , * : ‘ ; 41
Anchylosis, . ° . oT iy ° . . . z - Al
i Aneurism, . : . ° u : ‘ = . A “ 5 41

RN See eee ea, en ek te te a eR
Aphtha, . ° Se atta i Md hee : ° ° ° ° de
Ra aa Malte tiwt she. Th ey hese beet fe eas lk me oie i ey ee

Es as trser ci eer ig, ke ek pleheg Bal te ae
Baldness, . ° . ° ‘ “ . ° - 3 ‘ ° . 43
Belly-ache, . ‘ . é ‘ - ‘ ° ° . - : 43
Big Head, PCE a ae otk a eas” Rev ey iy ae DS Ve mL a) ee ° . 43
TTS? OR ORG iia aie ane We a lahh aUaliiaee ices tae bes ae
ST ESE ae eras i 2 pe er eee

ee ee

Bladder Diseases, . :
Bleeding, . ° .
Bloody Urine, ° °
Blood, ‘ ‘ ‘
Boils, .
Bots, ;
Bowels, Disease of, .
Brain Diseases,
Breaking Down, . ;
Breathing Short,

Breeze Flies, . ;
Brittle Feet,

Bronchi, *

Bronchitis, : ;
Bronchocele, . :
Broken Knees, . ‘
Bruises of the Sole,
Burns and Sealds,_ .
Bursa Mucosa, Enlarged,

Calculi, . . 4
Cancers,

Canine Rabies, .
Capped Elbow, :
Capped Hock,
Carditis,

Caries,

Castration,

Cataract,

Catarrh,

Cautery, . ; : :
Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis,
Chest Diseases, .

Chest Founder, .
Chilblains, ; :
Chill, . ; :
Choking, . ; °

Chorea, : : ‘
Cold, ° . “
Cold Lotions, ‘ pf
Colic, P 4 4

Coma, . , P s
Congestion of the Lungs,
Constipation, , °

Com, «lt.

_ Goran Gagnon
_ Corrosive Sublimate,
; 2 i : 1 9 . : e .

_ Counter-irritants,

_ Cow Hock, ..
_ Cramp, 5 A

_ Crib-Biting, .

‘ f . Curb, e mee

, ff Cutaneous Diseases,

“ea

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ve

a : “ Ss

ih . -.

- Debility, 3 :
Deformities, .

_. Deuteropathia, :

up Diabetes, . -

_ Diaphoretics, ‘

Diarrhea, :

_ Disinfectants, :
Distemper, .
Diuretics, ‘ ‘
_ Dropsie, . .
_ Dysentery, ..

. Kar Diseases, .

* Eczema, 5 :
oe Elephantiasis, .
_ Embrocation, .
Gi Emetics, Bi ty
_ Emphysema, .
__ _Encysted Tumors,
_ Encephaloid, .
_ Endermie, . .
' Enema, . 4
omeenta «88.

Curby Hocked, .

Se Disthesis, . .

Ecchymosis, . .

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PAGE

Enxzootie, . ; , 3 é ; j : $ : ; ; eo
Ephemeral, . . ° ° : ° ° : ° a Ne ° 78
Epidemic, : ° ° , : ° ; . ; : ° - 8
Epizootic, . ° ° ‘ ° ° ° ‘ ° ° . : 78

i At a har eve ener MMR euch ehh
Epiphora,. . . ° ° ° . BT tax ke a an
Epsom Salts, . . : : ° . ° Bs i 5A -

Eruptions, . : ‘ . ° ° : . . ° ‘ : 79
Erysipelas, ° : Bh t ; : GF ey fe ° ae
Exostosis, ; 3 ° ° . ° . . ; ! ; ‘ 79
Eye Diseases, . 5 ° ° . ° ° ° ° . ‘ .
False Quarter, ; . - ° ° ° : ! : : 86
Farcy, ; : ° . . ° . - ° a . : . 86
Fatty Tumor, . . : ° ° ° : . d : i 90
Farrier, . ; “ : ° ‘ - : 5 ; 2 ; . 90

Fever, Putrid, 4 . : - ; : - : : : : 90
Fever, Sympathetic, . ‘ ‘ F ; : : é : | oe

Fever in the Feet, é , : : : A“ 4 2 : 91
Fibroma, . " 4 “ 3 > 5 6 . : : ‘ ) ot
Firing Horses, “ ° : : . . . ° ° : ; 91
Fistula, . : - - - ° ; 5 . ; ‘ es

Fistula in the Foot, : ! : : ° : “ 4 : : 93
Fistulous Withers, . : : : 5 5 , ; , ; ee
Fits, e e s se es @ e se es e es . . 93

Flaxseed, . : : : i é i : : 5 : ‘ :
Hood Himim oe a ye ie vt Vette tee eee os or
Fomentations, . : : é é ; : ‘ . ‘ : . 96
Foot Diseases, : ; ~ 4 - - is : : ; “ 97
Founder, . : ‘ : i é j : : : . : . 106
Fractures, : A ‘ ‘ , ; : 5 ‘ ;: ; - 108
Fracture of the Hip, 5 : : ‘ : : : . : . 110

Frost Bites, es e e oc e & e e e . e © 112
Fungi, as a Cause of Disease, «Azer

e
e
e
®
e
°
e
e

Gangrene, . ° ° . , ° . - . : : ne
Gastritis Mucosa, F A : * ° ° . : : ; . 113
Glanders, : “ : ; : ° . : . : ‘ » es
Glass Eye, ° . . . . : . : ; . . - 120
Gleet, Nasal, . : : 4 : ° . - ‘ ‘ ; - ae

Granulation, . ‘ ° ° . ° . . ; : : . 120
Gravel in the Foot, : : . 5 : : ‘ : ; < e
Grease, . x 5 : ° ‘ ° : : ; : 3 - 12%

Gripes,. : pratt) i : are . : . : : - 123

'
:
al
bie
oe
.,

Grogginess,
Grunter,

Gullet, Obstructions in,
Gun-shot Wound,

Gutta Serena,

Heart, Diseases of,

Heaves,
Heat,

Hepatic Diseases, .

Hernia, .
Herpes,

Hereditary Boa:

Hide Bound,

Hock, The,

Hooks in the Eyes,
Horse, Natural History of,

Horse Fly,

-Hip-joint Disease,

CONTEXTS.

Humanity to Aciuais, Hints on, . -

Hydrothorax,

Hydrocele,

Hydronemia,
Hydrophobia,
Hypertrophy,
Hypodermic,
Hysteria, .

Indigestion,
Infection, .
Inflammation,
Influenza,
Injections,
Instruments,
Intestines,
Iteh, :
Interfering,

Jack, :

Jaundice,

Joint Diseases,

Jugular Vein, Inflammation of,

Kidneys, Diseases of,
Knees, Broken,

CONTENTS.

Knee Joint, Loese Cartilages in, ‘ ‘ ‘ ° ° ; . 147
Knuckling, . P ; ‘ ° : . ° ° . , 6.)

Lameness, . ‘ ' ° > : ° ° ° ° : . 148
Lamanitis, . . ee ° ; . ; ° ° ; . 148
Lampas, . ; ° ‘ . : ° ° : ; : ° - 148
Laryngitis, . ‘ ‘ ; ; ; : ; ; ; ; . 148
Leg, Fractures of, . : ‘ ; : ; : : , : . 149
Lice, : 5 ‘ , : : ; ; 5 ‘ ; 5 . 149
Ligaments, : ; : ‘ ; : : ; ‘ ‘ ; . 149
Lipoma, ° ° ° ; ° ° . ° ° ° ° - 149
Liver, ‘ ;: : > 5 . : . : : ; ‘ - 149
Locked-jaw, . ; : : : : : : ; ; . | an
Loins, : ‘ ; : 4 : ; . : :
Loss of Appetite. Lumbago. Lungs, . ° ° . : . - 153
Lymph. Lymphangitis, : : : : é 5 ; : . 157

Madness, 5 ‘ ; : ‘ ‘ ; : Z : 4 | Se
Mad Staggers, . : . : ‘ : ; : : : ° . 157
Maggots, : ; : > : : ° : ‘ . : .;
Malignant, ; : : : : : ; : - - : . 158
Malignant, Epidemic, . : : : ‘ ; : : ; . - 158
Mallenders, : : : : : ; ! : : . s . 158
Mange, . - : : : ; - : : : : : »)), aa
Materia Medica, : ; : : : : é ‘ : : . 159
Megrims, : : ° ° : : : : : : : »
Melanosis, : ; ; 4 : : the : A : . 158
Melanoid, ; " : : : - s . : 3 Ly ee
Mesentery, : ‘ ‘ ‘ . : : : 2 : - - 159
Mesenterica, . ‘ 4 A ; : : - : : : . 2am
Metastasis, 2 : 5 4 : : ; : ‘ : : . 160
Moon Blindness, . ; ; ; : - - 5 Q ; <a
Mortification, . - , : ; 3 ° + Muhade ; - 160
Moribund,. : = : : “ 4 - 4 ; : - 160
Mouth Diseases, : 4 . ‘ 4 ‘ 4 : : . 160
Mucus, . : : , ‘ ° ° : - . , : « | Ae
Mucous Membrane, . : 4 4 ; ‘ : ‘ . 162
Myalgia, SA eat RN Neg eT 8k ee rc

Nareoties, 5 : ° ° ° . ; ‘ : : . 163
Nasal Gleet, . ; ° ° ° > ° . : : eee
Navicular Disease, . ° . . ° . , ; : ‘ . 163
Necrosis, : » : . ° . ° ; “ 4 ‘ - 16

Nephritis, ales yf aa Hs Tie AG RLU aT MS PP

Nervousness, . .
Neurotomy, ‘ ;
Nose, Diseases of, .
Numbness, Gsr i

‘Obesity, arty

(idema, . é 7
(stromania, . .
Omentun, . . :
Open Joints, .
Ophthalmia, - ,
Ossification, .
Osteology, : :
Osteoporosis, ‘

Ostitis, : 4 ‘.

Overreach, . ‘
Ozena, : . ;.

Paliatives, . :

Paralysis, i. .

Parotid Duct, :
F athology 3 a e

Patella, Dislocation of,

Pasterns, . s x
Pelvis, . 4 ‘

_ Pelvic Abscess, :
Penis Hanging Out,
Peristallic,
Peritonitis, . i
Periosteum, 4

Phagadena, . .
Phlebitis, . : ;
Phlegmasia Dolens,
Phrenitis, A -
Physiology, . .
Physicking, . :
Pleurisy, *
Pleuro-pneumonia, .
Pleurodynia,
Plethora, . .
Pneumonia, . :
Poisons, . ‘ ‘
Poll Evil, : :
Polypi, . ° .

Predisposing Causes,
Prick of the Foot,

Probang,
Procidentia,
Prognosis,
Prophylastics,
Proud Flesh,
Prurigo,
Pulse,
Puncture, .
Purgatives,
Purpura, .
Pus,
Putrefaction,
Putrid Fever,
Pyemia, .

Quack Medicines,

Quinsy, .
Quittor,

Rabies,
Rachitis,
Resolution,
Respiration,
Revulsion,
Rheumatism,
Ring-bone,
Ringworm,
Roaring, .
Round Bone,
Rowels,
Ruptures,

Saddle Galls,
Sallenders,
Saliva, :
Salivation,
Sand Cracks,
Sanious Pus,
Scalds,

Scald Mouth,
Scarlatina,
Scratehes,

CONTENTS.

Scouring, . ‘ ‘ ° . ‘
Scrotum, . ; : : ° : P
Secretion, . 4 z ‘ : P F
Sedatives, . ‘ : ; é

Serum, ; i . : ‘ ;
Serous Abscess, . f . ; £
Seton, =

Shivers, : P ; ~ :
Shoeing, . : : - : :
Shoulder Lameness, : : ‘

Shoulder Joint Lameness,
Side Bones, . ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘

Sinus, ‘ , is ‘ : . .
Sitfasts, : : 4 :
Skeleton of the Horse, panee of ve :
Skin Diseases, : : : : :
Slobbering, : : : : 5 :
Slough, e e e . . e
Sores, : : : : ;: ° :

soundness, . ; ° : mane

Spavin, . Be : wa ie .
Specks on the a , . . .
Speedy Cut, 5 Ee . . . .
Spleen Diseases, . : . ; :
Splint, Bet .isth aie 2 Sen os aR Ue ;
Sprains, - “ wit (he Pate .
Staggers, . 5 ‘ - - , A
Staked, . : : - : °
Stings from Bees, etc., - “ J :

Stifle-joint Lameness, . - : ‘
Stifle Ulceration, ‘ : ‘ 3 4
Stomach Diseases, ‘ ‘ “ y
Stone in the Bladder, . : 5 :
Strains, : Z é ‘ ‘ :
Strangles, . : Btn ‘ :

Stranguary, . : ‘ ° : 4
Strangulation, . ; . . : ‘
Stringhalt, . 4 ° . :
Stumbling, SPR tet iia ives ese Dre aE)
Sunstroke, . - j . : 5
SOBDOPAROR i ee tw Hi
| Se ing eis pte

Swelled Legs, .
Swellings, ,
Sweenie,
Sympathy,

Synovia, . °

Synchronous,
Systole,

Tabanide,
Tabes, ‘
Talpsx, . a
Teeth, : E
Tetanus,

Tetter, :
Thick Wind, .
Thick Leg,
Thiselo,
Thoroughpin,
Thread Worms,
Throat Diseases,
Thrush,
Thrombus, s
Thumps,

Tongue, Laceration of.

Tonics, .
Toxicology, =
Tracheotomy,
Transfusion, .
Tread, . P
Trepanning, .
Trismus, -
Tubercles, .
Tumors, -
Tympanitis, .
Typhia, :
Typhoid,
Typhosus,

Uleers, : ;
Urinary, Calculi,
Urine, Bloody,

Varicose, 2
Venesection, .
Ventilation, .

Veterinary Biography,
Veterinary Colleges,
Veterinary Surgeons,

_ Vives, . : .

Warts, A : °
Warranty, . °
Warbles, . 4
Water Farcy, ;
Weeping Eye, . ‘
Wens, . : :
Wheezing, : e
Whirl-Bone, . :
Wind Galls, . °
Wind-Sucking, .
Worms, . : .
Wounds, ‘ J
Wourali, . 4 =

Yellows, : ‘
Yellow Water, . ‘

Zoology, ‘ °
Zumins, . = :

Abortion, 5

Abomasum,

Anemia, :

Angle Berries, . °

Apoplexy, . :
_Aphtha,. ‘ £

Biliary Gall-stones,
Black Quarter, . af:
Black Tongue, ;
Black Water, .
Bladder, Diseases of,
Bladder, Prolapsus of,
Blood-shot, . :
Blood Diseases, "
Brain Diseases, .

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Brittany Cow, . ‘ °
Bronchitis, . ° ° °
Bull Burnt, ° , °
Cachexia, ; ‘ . .
Calving, . . : .
Catarrh, ‘
Catarrhus, Linuum Brinsdtium:
Cattle Plague,

Chicken-pox, :
Choking, : ; : :
Colic,

Consumption, ; ° °
Contagious Typhus, .

Coryza, . : .
Cow-pox, . ° . :
Croup, . . ° ° °

Cud, Loss of, . : °

Diarrhea, . -
Distention of the pare:
Dropping after Calving,
Dysentery, : : ‘

Ectopia Cordis, . .
Epizootic Aphtha, . .
Eye Diseases, , : °

Falling Sickness, ; .
Falling of the Womb, .
Fardel Bound, . é :
Feeding of Milch Cows, :
Fever, ; : : :
Foul Claw,

Gangrene of the Tail,

Garget Mammitis,
Gastro-Enteritis in Calves,
Glossitis, : ; : “

Hematuria, : 5 :
Hair Balls, . 5 ; .
Herpes, . ° ; :

Hide Bound, : ; .
Hoose in Calves, ‘ .
Hoven, : ;

Hydatids in the rua, °

CONTENTS.

Inflammation, ‘ : , ; F 4 ‘ 4 ‘ 4 « 96T
Impaction of the Omasum, ev tiba tine « : Sid recedes ul Pa ea

Jaundice, ° ° ° ‘ ° ° ° . . ges - 289
Kidney Disease, ‘ : : ‘ é : ° ‘ . . 296
Laryngitis, . ‘ : ‘ ‘ wes . ° : : . 296

Leucorrhea, : ; 2 : : : ° 3 : ‘ , . 290
Lice, : ; : ; : ? f ; ‘ : ; ; , , 290
Liver Disease, . , : ‘ : : ; : P : F . 290
Locked-jaw, . : ; : : : : ° ‘ : PT ar RO ese
Lung Diseases, . : : ‘ : 3 : ° : : : . 290

Lymphangitis, . é : ° : : ; : : : - 290

Malignant Catarrh, . : : ‘ ° ; . : - : . 291
Mamnitis,. : - ; : : . ° ° : : 42) mee
Mange, . ‘ . , : . - < : : ° : . 291
Milk Fever, . : : : : : : “ ‘ : 2 ot) ae
Milk Trembles, . : : . ° . ° . - : : . 293
Moor Evil, . ; : : : : : : 5 : : sets SS
Mouth Disease, ‘ : j : ‘ ‘ ‘ : : : ~ 293
Murrain, : : - - : ; ‘ ‘ “ : - «) 208

Nephritis, . ‘ ; - : : 4 3 3 4 - E . 294

Nervous Diseases, e ‘ g p x : 2 y <i) oe
(stromania, . : : ‘ Z - : 2 : - 294
@strus Bovis, : - , : : : : : a «° 294
Osseous, . : - - - - - - : 7 5 : . 294
Ovarian Dropsy, . ° ° , . - ee . : - 294
Ovarian Tumor, ; ‘ é ; - 4 : : = ‘ - 294

Paralysis, * . > . . . . = cs : e . 294

Parasitic Lung Disease, . ; - : : : : : ; . 295
Parturient Fever, . : : - 2 ‘ X é . 295
Phthisis, . 4 : i : 2 : : 3 : , . 295
Placenta, . y : : ; : - 3 : ’ : phi awe

Plethora, . é é : 3 : - - - - 2 : . 295
Pleurisy, ; E ; : : - ° : . : : ari pzes

Pleuro-pneumonia, . : : . ° ° with oe : : - 295
Prolapsus Vaging, ° : : ° : : ° . . . 306
Prolapsus Vesice, . ah els . . : : ; ; : . 301
Prurigo Vernalis, , ° ‘ ‘ ‘ : : : : . 301

Puerperal Fever, ‘ : . : : ote : : ‘ . 301

Quarter Evil . s . ‘ . e 2 e + a . 361

CONTENTS.

Railway Disease of Cattle, " . ° . : . ‘ ° . 301
Red Water, . : : ° ° ° ° ° ° ; ° . 802
Reticulum, 7 4 5 . ° ° ° ° ‘ . . 303
Retroflexion of the Womb, ‘ ° . : ‘ ° : : - 308
Retroversion of the Womb, ; ° ° ° ° ° ° ‘ . 303

Rheumatism, : ° . ° ° ° ° . ° ° - 3803
Rinderpest, : : : Satan . : : ; ; : . 303
Ringworm, . ; : ° ° ° ° . ‘ ° 3) a
Rot, . . : : ° ° ; : : ‘ ° ° ‘ - 304
Rumen, : ; ‘ , ; ; A ° : ¥ ‘ - 804

Rupture in Calves, . 2 : . ° ° “ : : . 304

Siberian Boil Plague, . . 3 ; ‘ ° ° 4 : - 305
Slinking the Calf, . ; . : ° ° . . ° ° . 305
Sore Throat, : 4 : . - ° : ° . - 305
Spaying, . : ; : : : ‘ ‘ m , : : . 305
Spayed Cows, The Advantages of, . . . . - A - 305
Spleenic Apoplexy, . . 3 ; ° ME or vote . : - 307
Spring Eruption, . : : ; ; ° Toate : . . 3807
Stomach Staggers, . : : : ° . : . . ‘ . 307
Strangulation, L : : : . ° ° : : : .
Sturdy, . : 5 ‘ : - ‘ ° ° ; : é . 308

Teats, . : ‘ ; - f ° ° ° . “ : . 308
Teeth, Diseased, : 4 5 ° ° ° ° ° . ° . 309

Texan Fever, s ° . . a ee ° . ° - . 309
Throat Diseases, : : ° ° ° ° . . ; . . dil
Thrush, : : < : 3 ° ° ° ° a OR oer
Tongue of the Ox, . ; . ° ° ° ° . ° ; - 312 ©
Tubercle Disease, . : . ° ° ° ° ° 4 : i ee
Tympanitis, : ° ° ° ° . : 4G : ae Yb

Typhus Contagiosus Roun, MMe ers | amet ee

Udder Diseases, - : : : - : ‘ : : : AF 8)"
Urine, e e & e e e e ec e a s € . 317

Vaginal Catarrh, ° . . ° : ° . : : . . 317
Varicella Boum, . . : ‘ . ; ‘ “ . - 3818
Vertigo, . : . . . . . . . . . ° . 318

Warbles, ‘ 3 ; : ‘ . : . 4 " . oa
Water in the Chest, . ‘ ‘ ‘ ; . : . ; - 318

Whites, e es e e e a ° es @ es . . 31 8
Worms, . é : : ; : : . ; ‘ “ ; . oa

Womb, ® o e e am e e e e e e e a 333

SONTENTS.

DISEASES OF SHEEP.
PAGE
Braxy-Enterites, ° ‘ ? ‘ , . ‘ “ ; R . 320
Diarrhea, ° . ° ; ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ “ ° «agi
Hydrocephalus Hydatideus, Sturdy, ete., . ; . ° . ° - 321
Louping Il, . : . : : AT Le : oth ite - 326

Paronychia Ovium, . . . ‘ ° : . ° ° . 325
Pneumonia, . ‘ ° ‘ ° ° ° ° . ° ° « 327
Psora, : ° : S . ‘ ‘ . ‘ : ° - - 327

Rot, ‘. ‘ , - 8 7 - ° “ : - ‘ oor!

Sheep Laurel, Poisoning by, . . . mines rely tia STs - . 334
Small-Pox, Y o . s + . . e . 2 « - 334

HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

Acids, . 5 ; i : : : : ¥ : ‘ : . 338
Aconite, 4 : - = ° “ - . : ~ a, 339
Alcohol, . 3 - = ° ° ° . ‘ ; i : . 341
Aloes, . : a - : = : - - : = , . 3841
Alum, : : - - : s * : - i Z . 341
Ammonia, " : - ° ° . . : Z ‘ : aj: a41
Angsthetics, . - - ‘agers ° . e - = . . 342
Aniseed, ; “ ‘ 2 e : L 2 - . 3842
Anodynes.. a Oey HOE A a St a Gy ae ae es
Antimony, . : = i - ‘ ‘ ‘ ; . 342
Antiseptics, é ‘ . . ° : : : : . . . 344
Antispasmodies, . . : : : . : a : - 344
Areca Nut, 4 . aotas = ; - ‘ ; ? . 344

Arnica Montana, . . aaa . : : - P ; - 3844
Arsenic, . : < . ° : = : : 3 - e - 344
Asafeetida, . F e . ‘ : . 8 : : ~ 345
Asarabacca, x “ . . ° : . ~ 7 é ‘ . 345

Astringents, . : . ° ° ° . “ . ° 4 . 345
7 SEG EL Se avon ios Si A a me eh kee

Belladonna, . ° ° eee ° - ° ° : : . 346
Benzoin, . ‘ : % 2 ° . 2 - ! ; . 346
Benzole, : :
Bismuth, Suonitrate of, . ° . . ° - . . : . 346

Bole Armenia,
Borax, e’ ;

Bromide of Potassium, .

Buckthorn,

Calamine,

Calcium,

Calomel,

Camphor, .
Cantharides,
Capsicum,

Carbolic Acid,
Cardamoms,
Caraway, :
Carbonate of Lime,
Cascarilla,
Castor-oil,

Cassia,

Catechu,

Chalk,

Chamomile, -
Charcoal,

Chenopodium, Anthelminticum,

Chlorine Gas,

Chlorie Ether,
Chloride of Potassium,
Chloride of Lime,
Chloroform,
Cholagogues,
Cinchona, - °
Cochineal, ‘
Cod Liver Oil, :
Colchicum, ; 4
Collodion, . °
Copper, . : .
Coriander, . °
Creosote, . : °
Croton Qil,_ . 4

Digitalis, . .

Disinfectants, 4
Diuretics, . ° °
Elecampane, .

Elm Bark, :

CONTENTS.

Emetics, :
Epsom Salts, .
Ergot, .
Essential Oils,
Kther,
Euphorbium,
Expectorants,

Febrifuges,
Fenugreek,

Fern, :
Friar’s Balsam,

Galbanum, :
Galls, . :
Gallic Acid,
Gamboge,
Gentian Root,
Ginger, .
Glauber’s Salts,
Glycerine,
Guaiacum,

Gum Arabic,
Gum Senegal,
Gum Tragacanth,

Hartshorn,
Hellebore, ‘
Hemlock,
Hemp, Indian,
Henbane,

Todine,

Todides,
Ipecacuanha,
Tron, : 2

Jalap, .
Juniper Berries,

Kino, . .
Kousso,. -

_Laudanum, .
Laczative, . .

Lead, . ° °
Lime, : ;
Linseed, 5 ¥
Linseed Oil,
Liquorice Root,
Lobelia Inflata,
Logwood,

Lunar Caustic,
Lupuline, ° >
Lytta-Cantharides,

Magnesia,
Manganese,
Marsh Mallow,
Marigold, .
Mercury,

Mercurial Ointment, .

Mezeron,
Morphia,
Muriatic Acid,
Mustard Seed,
Myrrh, .

Narcotics, .

Neat’s Foot Oil,
Nervines, .

Nitric Acid,

Nitre, ; 4
Nux Vomica, :

Oak Bark,
Oils, : : “
Opium, .

Pareira Brava,
Peach Leaves, .
Peppermint, . °
Pepper,

Pepsin, .
Petroleum, 4
Phosphorus, ,
Pitch, ’

Pomegranate Punica,

Poppies, . °
Rotash,

Prussie Acid, . A
Pumpkin Seeds, . ‘
Purgatives, ‘ .
Pyroxylic Spirit, . °

Quinine, . :
Rennet,

Rhubarb,

Ricinus Communis, iS

Rochelle Salts,

Saffron,

Sagapenum,

Sal Ammonia,

Salt,

Sal Volatile,

Sassafras,

Sarracenia Purpura, .
Savin,

Sedatives, ‘ :

Senega, Polygala eects, ‘

Sialagogues,

Silver, Nitrate of,
Soap, :
Soap Liniment, ‘
Soda,

Spanish Fly,

Specifics,

Spermaceti, ©

Spirits of Nitrous Ether,
Spirits of Wine,
Sponge, : :
Starch, :

Styptics,

Sudorifics, :
Sugar of Lead,

Sugar of Milk,
Sulphuric Acid,
Sulphur, : ;
Sulphurous Acid Gas,
Sulphate of Zinc,

Tannate of Glycerine, .
Tannin, . : !

Tar, ’ . ° . ° ‘ : ° . : : - 806
Tartar Emetic, . ° ° ° ° ° ° . . ° > . 395
Tobacco, ‘ ° ° . ° ° , " ‘ » - $96
Tragacanth, ° . . “ , ° ° ° ° . ° . 396
Turpentine, . . suai es : AOE Re alert . - 396

Urse Ursi, ; MH ' 4 Aap Nt y : ‘ : ‘: . 397

Valerian, ‘ : : . 5 . . : ; t ; .) a
Valerianate of Soda, : “ : : . ; : ; ° . 398
Veratrum, : . A ; : . . : ° ° . 398

Wax, e 2s e e e e s . = ra oe © 398
Willow Bark, 3 ; 4 . 2 : : ; ; i - 399

Yeast, ; : , ‘ ’ ; : ; ; : ; ‘ . 399

Dine, |" , e : : : : 4 : : ; : . fi
Zingiberis, : : : : . ; , . . : 4 - 401
Zylodine, . : , - : : ; - : : : - 401

PRESCRIPTIONS AND PREPARATIONS.

Cerates, . ; 2 : : : : : : i ' . 401
Clysters, : ° ° : z ° . . . ° : - 401
Drenches, . é i Ba a : - : : . ; . 401

Eye Lotions and Wants : : : Wake - : : : . 401
Eye Salves, : ; : 4 ; i : ‘ ° é . - 403

Freezing Mixtures, ° ° ° : . ° . - : - 403
Liniments, “ : : ‘ : - : : : - : . 403
Ointments, . . - 4 : : “ ; : : : - 405

Plasters, . : ; : : : A . : : . : . 407
Poultices, : ; ‘ 5 . : : ‘ 4 : : ae

Spirits, e s e e e e e e e e € e e 407
Tinctures, ° ° ° . : : : ‘ : . . - 408
Waters, es e es e e e e e e e es 2 a 408

Medicines to be Kept on Hand, H : ‘ : ; i R & 409
Table of Doses According to Age, : 5 $ Ec ‘ . 411
Articles Necessary for Measuring, Weiehine Bex . x : i 412

Foot-and-Mouth Disease, . A ; ‘ : ‘ : ¥ é 5 . 414

INTRODUCTION.

OAUSES OF DISEASE.

ScrENTIFIC men give three names when they speak of
the causes of disease—exciting, predisposing, and proximate.
The first may justly be termed the originators of disease ;
by the second is meant those more easily acted upon by
causes that a more healthy animal would resist altogether ;
and the third is almost the disease itself. Of the causes
with which we are acquainted, not many of them are alike,
and their effects, that is, the disease, just as diverse.

These causes are named in the following table:

1. Electric, and other conditions of the atmosphere.

2. Food and water. :

3. Overwork.

4, Poisons—animal, vegetable, mineral, and zumins, or
ferments.

5. Malformations, or badly-formed parts.

6. Age and decay.

7. Changes of temperature

8. Hereditary influence.

9. Mechanical.

10. Starvation.

That the writer may be more clearly understood in
29

30 INTRODUCTION.

regard to these causes, examples will be given in the order
above stated.

The first is looked upon as the cause of the many dis-
eases which take on an epizootic form. The second, rusty
‘straw, and musty hay and corn fed to animals with weak
stomachs. ‘Third, riding too far and too fast, overloading,
etc. Fourth, animals drinking out of leaden troughs,
where pieces of old iron may be lying in the bottom. In-
oculation by the virus from a glandered horse, are illustra-
tions of animal poisons, zumins, or ferments. (See Glan-
ders.) Fifth, a horse with point of hock inclined forward,
which is the originator of curb. Sixth, an old horse or
cow, with no teeth to chew its feed. Seventh, taking an
animal from a warm and comfortable stable, and exposing
it to a cold, north-eastern storm. Eighth, a flat forehead,
transmitted from parentage, thus preventing a full develop-
ment of the brain where the optic nerve is given off from
the brain, thus insuring blindness about the seventh or
eighth year, and sometimes earlier. None need be told of
the disposition of the coarse-bred Canadian horse to be-
come affected with disease of the bones, mostly in the form
of ring-bone, (which see.) Ninth, stone in the bladder,
and calculi in the bowels. Tenth, besieged garrisons, for-
tresses, when crops have failed, and famine.

HOW TO OBSERVE DISEASES.

We are sometimes asked how it is that we know so ex-
actly what the disease is that this or that animal is affected
with, as it cannot speak and narrate its ills and its aches.
To this question we might repeat a common truism, “A
shut mouth tells no lies;” therefore, nobody is deceived.
Nature has but one set of weights and measures, and these

INTRODUCTION. 31

only should be used. Thus, if a horse have a corn or
bruised heel, he will be as sure to go lame as he would
with an ordinary sprain. The difference is, that he not
only stretches out the sore foot, but he elevates the heel
from the ground, and will not set his foot flat to please, or
it may be said to decewe any one. The uneasy eye, the
anxious expression, and the sharp, peculiar look, tell the
tale of suffering, and bear testimony to a description so
faithful and true, that every man should understand how
to interpret them.

THE PRINOIPLES OF DISEASE.

Congestion.—By this term is meant an undue flow of
blood into a part, and remaining in it. The blood-vessels
lose the power of contracting and emptying themselves, as
when in health. Congestion is not accompanied with in-
flammation, as some suppose, and may exist without irrita-
tion. Irritation is only present when the blood passes more
rapidly into a part than its vessels can carry it out, and
inflammation only is present when more fluid is thrown
into the vessels than they can get rid of. |

Irritation.—This peculiar condition is the result of is-
“ceased sensitiveness, or an exalted action, accompaniec
with quickened beating of the heart and pulse. When we
apply the term to special cases, it will be better under-
stood, as irritation of the bowels producing diarrhea, of
the bladder frequently passing off urine, of the eye causing
an increased flow of tears, and of the throat giving rise to
cough.

Inflammation differs from irritation, inasmuch as it is
more painful. There are three varieties—acute, sub-acute,
and chronic. Inflammation has also three terminations:

32 INTRODUCTION. \

(1.) Resolution; that is, it gives way, or is relieved be
fore any alteration has taken place in the part so inflamed.

(2.) Suppuration, or the formation of pus.

(3.) Mortification, or death of the part affected, and the
subsequent death of the animal. Inflammation is charac-
terized by four conditions, or phenomena, as they are
called—pain, heat, redness, and swelling. Inflammation
assumcs different degrees of intensity, modified by the
cause, and the part or organ affected. When it is situated
in the windpipe, (bronchitis, which see,) lungs, or bowels,
great uneasiness and disturbance are manifest. In a few
hours this condition gives way to depression.

Depression.—Many diseases of an inflammatory type,
wnen their course is run, leave the system in a state of de-
pression, or a low condition of vitality. How necessary,
then, that this should be properly understood when treat-
ing inflammatory diseases, as one pint of blood taken from
a large horse would, under these circumstances, cost him
his life! Rather anticipate the weakness by supporting
and husbanding the strength as much as possible, so as to
overcome disease.

There are two great divisions of diseased action, which
it will be well for farmers, and others interested in the
welfare of their animals, to know, and these are: First.
The exalted, or as it is called sthenic, or commonly known
by the term inflammation, and requires for treatment, not
bleeding, but medicine having the power of overcoming
the exalted condition, by controlling the fast beating of
the heart and pulse. This is easily done by the power of
such agents as aconite or veratrum, (which see,) and with-
out in any way impairing the strength and constitution of
the animal. The second, or depressed condition of dis-
ease, and known as the asthenic, requiring a treatment

INTRODUCTION. 30

opposite to the above variety, namely, iron, gentian, etc.,
(which see,) to add to the strength of the animal, and
quality of the blood. An improved diet, and in greater
quantity, will, in many cases of depression, not only cure
the disease, but remove the cause also.

FEVER.

There are four stages observed in fever :—

(1.) Weakness, loss of appetite, and low spirits.

(2.) A shiver, or chill, uneasiness, flanks move quick
and short, nostrils more or less distended, one leg or ear
hot, and the other cold. |

(3.) After a time the coldness is succeeded by great heat
and thirst, costiveness, urine scanty and _high-colored,
mouth hot and dry.

(4.) When the fever has lasted for a longer or shorter
time, the skin becomes more moist, the bowels and kidneys
act more freely ; the pulse becomes more full, although not
less frequent, and the mouth more moist.

When fever is accompanied with disease of the lungs,
liver, or other organ of the body, or after an accident of
any severity, it is then called symptomatic fever.

Fever is called idiopathic, when not accompanied by dis-
ease or accident. From the days of Galen to the present
time, of the many theories advanced to explain its proximate
cause, none seem to satisfy the philosophical student, and
all belong to the unsolved problems in physiology.

Diseased Secretion.—A good example of what is here
meant may be found in the discharges from the nose ot
animals affected with cold, influenza, and glanders. The
salivary gland may secrete too much fluid, as horses eatiag
second crop clover. We call this salivation.

34 INTRODUCTION.

Increased Secretion.—In health, serum is only supplied
in sufficient quantity to keep the surfaces moist, the ab-
-orbent vessels preventing accumulations. In the cavities
of joints this secretion is often too large, causing enlarge-
ments, of which a very good example may be seen in swell-
ings of the the hock-joint, called bog spavin, and also in
thorough-pin.

THE PULSE.

The pulse of the horse and the ox is felt on the inner angle
of the lower jaw, as being the most convenient place. The
state of the pulse tells the condition of the heart, whether
the disease is of an exalted or depressed character, or
whether sickness is at all present. The pulse is more fre-
quent in young than in old animals. In the full-grown
and healthy horse it beats from thirty-two to thirty-eight
in the minute; in the ox or cow, thirty-five to forty-
two; in the sheep, seventy to seventy-five; and in the
dog, from ninety to ninety-eight. In inflammations and
fevers the frequency of the pulse is increased. In debility
and depression it is slower, but sometimes quicker than
natural. There are the quick pulse, the strong, the sharp,
the regular, the intermittent, and many other varieties,
both fanciful and real, which few persons can appreciate.
The pulse of inflammation and fever numbers from seventy-
five to eighty beats in the minute; and in great debility,
as in the last stage of glanders, accompanied with tubercles
of the lungs, the pulse will number one hundred beats per
minute.

BREATHING.

A good sized, healthy horse, will take one inspiration te
three of the pulse beats. When the breathing is more

INTRODUCTION. 35

frequent or slower, and when irregular, or difficult and
laborious, there is then disease ; although we sometimes see
the breathing quickened and short, when no disease is
present. Both the pulse and the breathing will be quick-
ened by exposure to heat, as in a stable up-stairs, and ex-
posed to an August sun. By removing the animal to a
stable not so situated, the breathing and the pulse will be
greatly lessened. Hence the advantage of placing animals
in a cool and airy place when they are unwell. It saves a
great waste of their strength and vitality, thereby enabling
them to throw off the effects of disease.

TREATMENT OF DISEASE.

The antiphlogistic plan of treating disease was derived
from a theory now entirely exploded, and almost forgotten.
Repeated bleedings, blistering, physicking, and starving on
low diet, are some of the measures entering into the general

plan which has destroyed more life and property than all
the wars, ancient or modern.

Bleeding, in domestic practice, is almost discarded, and
in veterinary practice it should never have been employed.
And if this fact shall be the means of opening the eyes of
those interested (and who is not?) in the health of the
animals supplying us with meat, and the horse, (a willing
and a faithful help,) to the injury done by bleeding in health
or disease, the writer will have his reward. Avoid these
measures, and substitute a rational and successful system
of treating the diseases of your animals. Ascertain whether
your horse is suffering from a disease of an exalted or in-
flammatory kind; substitute aconite, pure air, and cold
water for bleeding, and in a few hours you will have no

cause to regret the change. If the disease be of a depressed

36 INTRODUCTION.

kind, accompanied with weakness and debility, give nux
vomica, iron, and a generous diet. If the disease be an
eruptive fever, give sulphite of soda to purify the blood.
In rheumatism, administer colchicum and carbonate of
soda. In mange, apply the sulphuret of potassa to the
skin, and thereby destroy the small insects which cause
the trouble.

In hard swellings use the preparations of iodine, to cause
their absorption. In lameness, allow absolute and entire
rest, and apply hot or cold applications and slight irritants
to the parts, to remove the products of the sprain. Ascer-
tain the cause of disease, and having found it, have it re-
moved, and the effects will cease. Ifthe animal be costive
from eating dry, concentrated feed, remove it, and give
green feed or bran, but do not give physic. If diarrhea
be present, leave it, at least for a time, to itself, as it is
nature’s plan of getting rid of the offending matter. But,
if it should continue, chalk and opium, as an astringent,
are what is wanted. The reader cannot fail to see how
simple, and his experience will demonstrate how successful
these measures are in arresting and curing the diseases of —
all our domestic animals.

VIS MEDIOATRIX NATURE, OR HOW DISEASES ARE CURED
WITHOUT MEDICINE.

Intelligent persons have no difficulty in recognizing in
the constitutions of animals and men a power of self-
restoration, which is capable of resisting the influence of
disease. It is this power that heals wounds, unites broken
bones, and supplies lost substances. Diseases are not un-
frequently efforts in this direction, intended to stay the action
of hurtful material when admitted into the system. When

INTRODUCTION. 37

the eye, for instance, receives a particle of sand or hay-seed,
the weeping of the secretions of pus are remedial measures
to rid it of the offending matter. Poisons are good ex-
amples of the manner in which animals will cure them-
selves. When poison is taken into the stomach, irritation
of the bowels is set up, followed by purging, as an effort to
get rid of tho poison. Nature, however, is not always suc-
cessful, and the animal may die from the violent action set
up. Again,a sprain will be cured by this very power,
provided absolute and entire rest be allowed to the sprained
part, without any interference from medicine or art. The
remedial powers of nature often require assistance, as, for
instance, in cases of debility, when the blood is becoming
too watery. A few doses of iron, and in many cases a
little extra food, will enable the sanative powers of the
constitution to effect a complete cure. Often the removal
of an animal from the sphere of exciting causes of disease,
will cause tne effect to cease, and the power of nature will
cure the affection. Hence, many persons reflect upon the
many instances when apparently severe cases of sickness
were cured by some simple substance, and much credit
given to a power it never possessed. Where the powers
of nature are left to perform a cure, let the strength of the
animal be maintained, because if that fail, where is the
chance of recovery? lBlood-letting and physicking are
powerful and depressing agents; so much so, that when
carried to any extent, few, if any animals, by the little
power that may be left, will cure themselves. It is this
knowledge that enables Homeopathists to continue their
practice; for if it were not for this power in the constitu-
tion in each and every animal, Homeeopathists would have
long since ceased to practise their peculiar art. If farmers
and owners of horses and cattle will only cease to bleed,

38 INTRODUCTION.

snd pour nostrums down the throats of their stock, and
learn to rely more upon the great curative that God has
implanted in the constitution of all His creatures, as a
power in protecting their lives when attacked by disease,
it will surely be infinitely more profitable and pleasant to
them. In curing disease, medicine and art should be
directed to assist the powers of nature to overcome disevte
—nothing more.

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

THEIR NATURE, SYMPTOMS, CAUSE, AND TREATMENT.

AN alphabetical classification of dis-
Wm, ease is the only arrangement adapted
me to popular instruction and do-
mestic use. As some diseases
have more than one com-
mon name, a few references
are all that may be neces-
7), sary to find the particular
J) disease wanted. In every
disease the treatment I have first recom-
mended should be tried; and, if it be not
successful, the next in order will be taken.
Also begin with the smallest dose, increasing, diminishing,
or withdrawing it altogether, as the case seems to require.
I do not think it necessary to quote authorities to substan-
tiate what is said in regard to this or that medicine as a

remedy, as the plans and remedies are those employed by
the profession.

Pe}
PAS
ah
, if

) hy x \) 3

at.

DE eS

Abrasion signifies to tear off, and is applied to the skin
when it has been rubbed or torn off, and to the lining
membranes of the nose. The treatment will be found under

that of bleeding wounds.
38

40 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Abscess.—This is also called, by some persons, a beel.
ing—a formation of matter or pus under the skin, as the
result of inflammation, either acute or chronic. Sometimes
abscess in bone is seen, also of the liver and the brain ; and,
indeed, uo part or tissue of an animal is exempt from it.

Symptoms. Pain, heat and swelling; a projection or
prominence on the swelling from which the hair falls off,
disclosing a yellow, white and soft part upon its apex. In
a common abscess of this kind, it will only be necessary to

ABSCESS LANCET.

hasten the formation of the pus by applying poultices of
flaxseed or some other soft substance to the part, and when
the point is soft and evidently contains fluid, make an
opening on its lowest dependent point with a sharp knife,
so that the discharge will flow out of itself, and then apply

isin owaber, 606... 8) she Se ees
Chloride of Zinc, . . . . » MO Grains.
Mix and apply to the oun twice a day.

It is not advisable to open an abscess too soon, or before

the pus has properly formed. (See articles on Strangles and
Fistula.)

Acari.—(See Mange.)
Accidents.—When a horse falls whilst drawing a

vehicle— |

1. Jump down and hold the animal’s head, to prevent
his dashing it about to his own injury.

2. Loosen the check-rein (if you are so foolish as to use
one) and the parts of the harness which fasten on the vehicle

ANEURISM. 41

3. Back the carriage, so as to get the shafts and traces
clear.

4, Steady and support the horse’s head, and excite him,
with hand and voice, to rise.

5. When you have got him up, pat and encourage the
poor animal, and see if he is wounded, or otherwise injured.

6. Let him stand still a short time to recover himself,
and then proceed gently and with greater caution than be-

fore. (See Sprains, Bruises, Bleeding, and Wounds.)
Aconite.—(See Medicines.)

Alteratives.—This term is not very scientific, but it is
in very general use, and easily explains its own meaning,
though the modus operandi of the drugs employed to carry
it out is not so clear. The object is to replace unhealthy
action by a healthy one, without resorting to any of the
distinctly-defined remedies, such as tonics, stomachics, ete.
As a general rule, this class of remedies produce their
effect by acting slowly but steadily on the depuratory
organs, as the liver, kidneys, and skin. The following
may be found useful for general use:

Black sulphuret of antimony, . . 2 to 4 drachms.
SEE, bn oe ee 2 draehme.
Ge ee % 2 drachms.

To be given mixed in cut feed at night only.

Amaurosis.—Glass eye. (See Eye Diseases.)
Anzemia,—Deficient or bad blood.
Anchylosis,—(See Spavin and Open Joints.)

Aneurism.—A_ pulsating tumor, produced by the rup-
ture of the inner coats of the vessel, and the blood getting
between it and the outer coat. They manifest themselves
in many parts of the body. An expert surgeon is only

42 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

capable of remedying it, as great danger of bleeding te
death would result from opening a tumor of this kind.

Apoplexy.—Symptoms. The animal falling suddenly,
loss of feeling and the power of motion, and breathing
deep and slow. In most cases the horse gets up again,
shakes himself, and proceeds on his journey almost as if
nothing had happened, but it will shortly be seen that the
animal is not so lively as formerly, and that it will after-
wards be unsafe to use him, especially for a family carriage,
as in a fit of this kind the horse may become entirely un-
manageable, and can only be controlled by a power stronger
than his own. Horses subject to disease of this kind, will,
at times, be observed to look sleepy, with a slight knuck-
ling of the hind pastern-joints, accompanied with stiffness
of the hind quarters and lopping of the ears. All these
symptoms are seen in brain disease, as Staggers, Megrims,
and Epilepsy. (Which see.)

Causes. Breaking of a blood-vessel, effusion or water on
the brain, producing pressure, too small a collar on a thick-
necked horse, interfering with a free circulation of the
blood to and from the head, effects of the sun—sunstroke.
(Coup-de-soleil.)

In severe cases of Apoplexy, many never have the use
of their legs again, by their remaining palsied. (See Palsy.)

Treatment. Apply chopped ice to the head, in bags, and
secured by proper fixings. Keep up a free circulation in
the legs by rubbing and woollen bandages, or warm water
cloths, and renewed every half hour. Then apply a small
blister of

Spanish ERGs oe. 8. oak ee
Hog’s Lard, . . : . . 2drachms.

Mix them well together, ae rub the salve well in by the hand
on the part just behind the ears.

BIG HEAD. 43

Do not bleed, as that measure will only insure effu-
sion, and, as in the brain, ultimately cause death or
dumbness. (Which see.)

If there be much exaltation or excitement, give fifteen
drops of the tincture of aconite root every four hours,
till five or six doses are taken. If the contrary condition
be present, that is, depression, give from ten to fifteen
drops of the tincture of nux vomica four times a day,
for a few days, or a week, if necessary. These medicines
are best given in cold water, when the animal will
drink it; if not, mix with a cup of water, and drench
out of a stout-necked bottle. Feed the horse generously
and well.

Aphtha—(See Mouth Diseases.)

Atrophy— Wasting and shrinking of a part of the
muscle, as is seen in sweente of the shoulder; consump-
tion and disease of the mesentery, and also palsy or
paralysis of the hind legs, from which the muscles of
the hip will be seen to have fallen away.

Causes. The parts deprived of their proper use, action
or function. A long-continued corn on the foot of a
horse, depriving him of the proper use of that limb,
will cause shrinking of the subscapularis muscle of the
shoulder.

Treatment. Removal of the cause, and restoring the
functions of the parts to their proper condition. In
case of many joint diseases, it will be necessary to have
the horse walked before he is cured, to prevent too
much wasting of the parts from long standing and
want of use. |

Back Sinuses.—(See Sprain.)

Baldness.— (See Skin Diseases.)

Belly-ache.— (See Colic.)

Big Head.— (See Osteoporosis.)

44 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Bishoping.—Bishoping is the name of an operation
performed upon the front or nipper teeth of horses that are
more than eight years old, for the purpose of imitating the
mark of the teeth of young horses, in order to deceive those
persons who are supposed to be poor judges in the age of
horses. It can rarely deceive any person of ordinary in-
telligence. ‘The general appearance of the horse will soon
tell, if he be an old or young animal.

Bite of Mad Dog.—When any reasonable suspicion
exists that the dog is mad, have the parts completely washed
out with cold water, if possible forced with a syringe or
hydrant, so as the water will find its way to the bottom of
the wound, and wash out any virus that may have lodged
there.

If the bite be upon the leg of man, horse or other animal,
or man’s arm or finger, a Tourniquet or soft rope or cord.
should be tied tightly around the leg above the bite, till
other measures are used to have the bite purified. After
the cord is properly applied, have the parts washed out;
next. either cut a portion of the flesh from the top, sides
and bottom of the wound, or apply caustic to the parts.
The nitrate of silver is possibly the best for this purpose.
A few drops of nitric, hydrochloric or sulphuric acid may
be dropped into the wound, and by the burning properties
of these articles the destructive character of the poison will
be destroyed.

After these measures have been satisfactorily performed,
the wounds should be treated as for common wounds with
simple ointment (see Prescriptions and Medicines). The
bite of other rabid or poisonous animals should be treated in
the same manner. Persons have been bold enough to have
allowed themselves to be bitten by mad dogs no less than
seven times, and then applying the nitrate of silver as a

BLEEDING. 46

eaustic to the bites, never became affected with the canine
disease. However, too much dependence should not
be placed in any one measure as a protection in such
eases. The great protection is, do not allow yourself to be
bitten at all, if it can be avoided.

Bites from a healthy dog will never produce madness,
even although the animal go mad in a year or two after-
ward, so keep your mind easy on that point.

Bladder Diseases.—1. InFLAMMATION.—This condi-
tion of disease is sometimes met with, but is rare in horses.

Causes. Irritating substances or foreign bodies in the
bladder.

Symptoms. Constant desire to make water, pain, strad-
dling or walking wide with the hind legs, great tenderness
under the belly.

Treatment. Inject a little warm oil into the bladder.
This can only be done by an expert and with a proper in-
strument. Give 25 drops of the tincture of aconite root
every 4 hours, till six doses are given, to keep down pain.
Allow flaxseed tea to drink, or drench the horse with it,
which has an excellent soothing effect. Give plenty of cold
water to drink.

2. CaLcuLi.—This variety of stone is sometimes found
in the bladder and kidneys of horses. This may be said
to be the gravel of the horse, although not so common as
in man, but is equally troublesome, and requires for its
eure a formidable operation called Lithotomy, an operation
of no great magnitude to an expert surgeon, but can scarcely
be undertaken by an unprofessional person, even though a
description of it were given.

Bleeding.—1. BLeEpine.—<An operation for the draw-
ing of blood from the body, either locally or generally.

46 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

As before stated, it is almost entirely discarded from domes-
ile practice, and should never be used in the treatment of
diseases of animals, however much the adherent of an ex-
ploded and an erroneous system may doubt it. Medicines
will be described in this book that will not only insure
greater success in saving a very much greater percentage
of sick animals, and with less trouble in a much shorter
time, and without in any way impairing the sanative pew-
ers of the animal’s constitution.

men cine unit Hiab! Ta atl

ARTERY FORCEPS, SHOWING HOW A LIGATURE IS PASSED OVER Te
TIE THE BLEEDING VESSEL.

FORCEPS FOR LIFTING BLEEDING AND WOUNDED BLOOD VESSELS
SO THAT THEY MAY BE TIED.

2. BLEEDING FROM Wounps.—If the wound be a sim~
ple one, and not on the inside of a leg where the large
blood vessels are situated, all that will be necessary to stop
it will be a small piece of cotton or soft cloth placed in and

BLEEDING. ‘41

over the wound, and secure it for a few hours by a broad
bandage, not too tightly applied over it, or, if preferred,
touch the mouth of the bleeding vessel with a piece of iron
previously immersed in boiling water or in the fire itself.
The surgeon’s plan would be to get hold of the mouth of
the vein or artery with a pair of artery forceps or small
tongs, to hold it so that he can tie a piece of saddler’s silk
around it. If the wound be on the inside of the hind or
fore leg, and the blood of a scarlet color, (see Blood,) place
pads of cloth and bandage pretty tightly over it, and run
for a good surgeon, and tell him what the trouble is, so
that he will go properly prepared for his work.

3. BLEEDING FROM THE AIR PAssAGES AND Lunes.—~
Observe the color of the blood discharged from the nose or
mouth, as the veins of the lungs convey blood similar to
the arterial blood of other parts of the body.

Causes. The laying bare, and the rupture of small ves-
sels, and the structure of the lungs, breaking down as in
consumption, and some cases of glanders and coryza.

Treatment. Support the strength by the mineral acids,
(see Acids,) and small doses of aconite to lessen arterial circu-
lation. Bear in mind in cases where the structure of the
lungs is falling to pieces, no power or art can arrest it,
Hence, the incurability of consumption.

4, BLEEDING FROM THE SKIN.—This disease is some-
times called purpura.

Symptoms. After general uneasiness, some pain, fever,
and swelling of the legs and other parts of the body ; tumors,
varying from the size of a cranberry to that of a pigeon’s egg,
often running together, forming large patches from which
blood is.oozed out in great quantities, giving rise to much
debility. The contagious typhus or rinderpest of cattle,
bears many resemblances to this disease of the horse.

48 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Treatment. Feed the animal on the best food that can be
procured, and pour forty drops of commercial sulphuric
acid in half a bucket of cold water three to four times in
the day. ‘Then get two ounces each of the sulphate of cop-
per and gentian root in powder, and divide into eight pow-
ders, and give one night and morning in the feed.

Apply to the bleeding surfaces and sores, a liniment com-
posed as follows: Olive oil three ounces; creosote one
ounce ; mix and use once in the twenty-four hours. (See
Mouth Diseases.)

Bloody Urine.—(See Kidney Diseases.)

Blood.—Blood is observed to be of two colors, namely,
red, or almost of a bright scarlet. When blood of this
color is issuing from wounds in jets or jerks, it is considered
more dangerous than if it were of a dark-red, or venous
blood. The first is direct from the heart itself, and the
other is from a more remote and less dangerous part.

It may be interesting to know, that red globules are more
plentiful in blooded or well-bred horses than in horses of a
coarser kind, which accounts for a curious fact observed in
the difference of vitality. Thus, a blooded horse bears up ©
under diseased action, and is cured, whilst a western or
common horse will die under the same disease.

The fluid portion of blood is called liquor sanguinis, in
which the red globules or spheres float. When blood is
drawn from the body, it divides into two parts: the solid
is called clot, and the other is the serum. This serum was
once relied upon, and is still by the ignorant, as showing
the existence of inflammation. It is by the blood that the
strength, wear, and tear of the system is kept up. The
heart is the organ by which the blood is forced through the
body. If the blood be thin and watery, it is called hydro-

BRAIN DISEASES. 49

nemia. (See Dropsy.) If pus be in the blood, it is then
called pyemia, (See Glanders.)

Boils.—(See Saddle or Harness Galls.)

Bots.—(See Worms.)

Bowels, Disease of.—(See Costiveness, Diarrhoea, and
Dysentery.)

1. INFLAMMATION OF THE BowELs.—Symptoms. Acute
pain in the belly, and continuous, getting no intervals of
rest from the pain. Rolling, pawing, and shifting about,
sweating, and breathing fast, with great fever, exaltation,
and excitement. A fearful disease. Happily not so fre-
quent as formerly.

Can only be mistaken for colic, (which see.) In colic
there are times of ease from pain, but never in this disease.

Causes. Exposure to cold, drinking cold water in great
quantities when hot, calculi, or hair balls in the bowels,
costiveness, diarrhoea, and as a sequel to colic, lead and
other poisons, (which see.)

Treatment. The first thing to be done is to lessen or de-
stroy pain. Give a large dose of the tincture of aconite
root, say thirty drops, to be repeated in two hours. Apply
blankets wrung out of boiling water to the belly, and renew
them in about twenty minutes.

Give injections of warm not hot water, soap, and a hand~
ful of table salt every half hour. Continue the treatment
while there is enough strength remaining.

Bleeding will only insure and hasten death, and purga-
tives are too slow to act—the horse is either dead, or will
be before any response can be had from them.

Brain Diseases.—The brain and its coverings, or mem-
branes, are subject to inflammations of every degree. (See

Apoplexy and Staggers.)

50 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Breaking Down.—This accident means or con-
sists In rupture of the tendons and ligaments, and

occurs, at once when the horse is at full speed.

Symptoms. The horse stops suddenly, or perhaps
stumbles and falls; gets up, but stands on his fetlocks,
the toe of the foot turned up, and the sole of the foot,
as it were, looking at you.

Treatment. If the fetlock comes entirely to the ©
ground, not much can be done; and when it does not,
contraction of the leg takes place, and requires divi-
sion of the tendon. (See Tendiotomy.)

Breathing Short.—This is a symptom of irrita-
tion, inflammation, debility, weakness, oppression of

every kind, and fever, (which see.)

Breeze Flies.—This is the fly supposed, but er-
roneously, to be the one that deposits the ova or eggs.
which generate bots in horses. (See Worms.)

Brittle Feet.— (See Foot Diseases.)

Bronchi.—This term means the windpipe, and com-
municates and carries the atmosphere to and from the
lungs. It is the seat of disease, and 1s affected more or
less in all cases of colds and inflammations, whether of
the lungs or their membranes—the pleura.

Bronchitis. —!NFLAMMATION OF THE AIR PASSAGES
OR THE Parts ENUMERATED ABOVE.—This is a very
common disease among horses, and is confounded by
most horse doctors with inflammation of the lungs, dis-
tempers, and colds; whereas, it is distinguished from
inflammation of the lungs by its seat, and from the
athers by as great a dissimilarity.

Bronchitis occurs in various degrees of intensity, and

BRONCHITIS. 51

should at least be described under two heads, notwithstand:
ing the one distinction may run, as it does sometimes, inte
the other.

1. AcuTE Broncuitis.— Symptoms. Ushered in by a
chill, fever, harsh or painful cough, loss of appetite, heav-
ing at the flanks, mouth hot and dry. Ina day or so, a
discharge of pus or matter will be observed from one or
both nostrils.

If bleeding, or other severe measures be used, the horse
will assuredly die, not so much from the disease, but from
maltreatment. Better, in a disease of this kind, let nature
have her way, and give the horse a chance for his life; for
in the other case, he has absolutely none whatever.

Treatment. First, the horse should be treated as for fever.
Place the horse in an open or airy place, embraced by the
word “comfortable.” Obviously it would not be comfort-
able to place a sick horse in an open place, with the ther-
mometer below zero. In July or August it will not be
necessary to burden the animal with blankets.

Give him from fifteen to twenty drops of the tincture of
aconite root every four hours, till six doses are taken. This
will relieve the fever, breathing, and the hot and dry mouth.
Give plenty of cold water to drink, for pain and fever re-
quire plenty of fluid, as all the secretions are dried up.
Let the animal have a little grass, if it can be got: this
will relax the bowels, and cool the stomach. On the
second day, the following medicines may be given, that is,
if they be necessary: Powdered gentian root, two ounces;
powdered nux vomica, one ounce. Mix, and divide into
six powders, and give one powder morning, noon, and
night. These medicines will prevent debility and depres<
sion, and the pouring out of fluid or serum into the legs,

sheath, belly, and breast. After the fever has been re

52 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

moved, allow good feed, and a fair quantity of it. Such
treatment will not only cure the horse in five or six days,
but the horse is nothing the worse, beyond the loss of a few
days’ work.

2. CHronic Broncuitis.— Symptoms. <A confirmea
cough, more or less severe, and a discharge from the nose.
The cough worse in the morning, and after drinking water.

Causes. Maltreatment of acute cases of bronchitis, and
where the attack has been prolonged beyond a reasonable
time, causing ulceration or thickening of the windpipe.

Treatment. Give extract of belladonna, half drachm,
powdered digitalis, half drachm, three times in the day,
morning, noon, and night, for a few days. If no good
seems to have been done, a different plan will have to be
adopted, namely: feed the animal well, and give sulphate
of iron, two drachms in powder ; gentian root, two draeams
in powder—twice in the day for two weeks. By this time
the absorbent system will be pretty powerful. Then apply
the following salve or ointment, well rubbed in down the >
course of the windpipe, once in the week. Lard, one
ounce; red iodide of mercury, one drachm. Mix. This
will cause whatever thickening may exist, to be absorbed
or taken up. Lard or oil will have to be applied once per
day on the place where the ointment was applied, to pre-
vent the skin from cracking. If the animal be debilitated,
zive occasionally sixty drops of commercial sulphuric acid
in half a bucket of cold water to drink.

Bronchocele,—Pronounced “ bronch-seal,” is an en-
sargement of the thyroid gland, and is situated on and in
front of the windpipe, about three inches from the lower
jaw. In horses it is only an eye-sore or blemish.

Causes. In the horse it is unknown, nor is it determined

BROKEN KNEES. 53

what office or use the thyroid gland performs in man or
animals.

Treatment. Apply with friction by the hand once a
week, bin-iodide of mercury, one drachm ; hog’s lard, one
ounce. Mix, and make an ointment. Rub in a piece
about the size of a hickory-nut over and around the en-
largement.

Broken Knees.—When a horse stumbles and falls
upon his knees, and takes the hair and some of the skin
off, this is called broken knees.

Treatment. Wash and cleanse the parts from sand and
dirt, and if the skin is ragged and torn, clip off with a
good pair of scissors. After this is done, ascertain if there
is any discharge from the sore of an oily substance, and
*€ so get a smooth piece of iron, immerse it for ten
minutes in boiling water, and apply it to the edges of the
wound, so as to cause the parts to swell, and prevent the
escape of the joint oil; for if this be allowed to escape,
the ends of the bones will come against one another.
Irritation and inflammation will be set up, and either
destroy the life of the horse, or make an anchylosed or
stiff joint. This is an important point to be observed, and
that very early in all cases of broken knees or open joints
wherever situated. After the hot iron has been applied,
use the following wash twice in the day :—Sulphate of
zinc, half an ounce ; rain, or soft water, eight ounces. Mix.
This will heal the sore, and prevent proud flesh from
growing. This wash will answer for the more simple
wound of the knee, and where there is no open joint.
Do not apply bandages, as they will cause the whole leg
to inflame and swell. Sometimes a kind of pouch will be
formed by the lower edge of the wound, holding whatever

54 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

pus or other fluid may escape. This pouch should be
opened at its lowest bottom, so as to let the fluids out, and
to prevent a bulge or permanent swelling remaining after
the knee has otherwise healed. By attention to this, very
little or no blemish or scar will be left to tell the tale of a
stumbling horse, or a bad horseman.

Bruises of the Sole.—(See Foot Diseases.)

Burns and Scalds.—Injuries inflicted upon some
parts of the body by the application of solid heat, is
called burns ; by fluid heat, scalds.

Treatment. In horses the treatment is chiefly local ; for
in cases of fire in large cities, the generation of steam is
sometimes so great, that it is inhaled by animals in the
burning building: this is termed scalding. Not much can
be done, nor is there much hope of a cure in cases of this
kind. The utmost that can be done is to give plenty of
cold water to drink, and keep down pain by means of
aconite, (which see.)

For burns the best application will be, one pint of lin-
seed oil, and half a pint of lime water, stirred together,
or rather whipped (as cooks usually do eggs,) till the —
mixture is like thick cream. This is to be applied to
the burned places, spread on cotton or linen rags, for a few
days ; then the sores are to be dressed with green ointment.
(See Ointments. )

Bursa Mucosa Enlarged.—(See Spavin and Wind
Galls.)

Calculi.—Stone in the bladder.

Cancers.—This is a hard tumor, malignant in its
character, at. first small in size, but rapidly increases, and
becomes ulcerated. The horse is not affected with so many
varieties of cancerous growth as the ox and the dog, and

CAPPED ELBOW, 55

even man himself. Melanotic cancer is most commonly
seen in gray horses, or those that turn white with age. A
small hard tumor is usually seen under the root of the
tail, and about the anus.

When tumors of this kind are seen on gray horses, it
may reasonably be expected that growths of the same char-
acter will be found inside, on the spleen, stomach, and liver,
Horses so affected may work well for years, and may not for
a month. The tumors increase in size ; when cut into, they
discharge a fluid as black as the ink of the cuttle-fish.

Causes. As this disease is not seen in young gray horses
until after they have almost turned white, it may be in-
ferred that the cause results from the loss, or want of the
usual pigment, or coloring matter, which gives color to the
hair, thus depriving the animal of some protection from
the air or sun. I think, however, that the true cause will
be found to be, not in the loss of the coloring matter, but
of its transfer from the skin and hair to the blood. Hence
the inky color of the contents of the tumors. This opinion,
which is my own, is still further corroborated by the fact
that if the pus be taken from an abscess and injected into
the blood of a healthy animal, carbuncles containing pus
will soon manifest themselves.

Treatment. Incurable; but when one of these tumors
breaks, treat it as an ordinary abscess, (which see.)

Canine Rabies.—(See Hydrophobia.)

Capped Elbow.—This is an enlargement on the point
of the elbow, just behind the shoulder, and on the side of
the chest ; sometimes it is in the form of a simple abscess,
(which see.) But the usual form is that of an encysted
tumor, or a fluid contained within a cyst of fleshy walls
which do not suppurate.

56 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Cause. The horse, when lying, rests the point of the »
elbow upon the heels of his front shoe. It is a symptom
of disease of the leg, preventing the animal from properly
flexing or bending the leg proper upon its thigh or arm,
Hence, the elbow rests upon the foot.

Prevention. Remove whatever disease may be in the leg,
and place a pad of leather, or of coarse, heavy cloth, over
the back part of the foot. Pads are made by harness
makers.

Treatment. Make an incision with a sharp knife through
the skin, over the centre of the swelling, and carefully dis-
sect the cyst from its attachments. This can be done with
the fingers and a blunt piece of wood, flattened at its point
likw a butter knife, and no sharper. If the operator be
timid, and think he cannot cut the cyst out, open it, and
let, out the matter, and inject, once per day, a little tincture
of iodine, to kill the walls of the cyst, so that it will not
fill again. (See Medicines.) A knife is only wanted to
cut the skin. After the tumor is taken out, treat the part
a8 a simple wound, by keeping it clean, and applying a
solution of zinc, or blue stone.

Capped Hock.—This is a soft swelling on the point
of the hock-joint.

Causes. Kicking in the stable or in harness, lying upon
stone-paved stalls, and from being kicked by another horse.

Treatment. Apply cold water cloths to the part for a few
days, taking them off at night. After the heat and tender-
ness have subsided, apply, with rubbing, once every fifth
day, for three times, if it be necessary, an ointment com-
posed of one drachm of iodide of mercury ; and hog’s lard,

ene ounce. Mix.

Carditis.—This is applied to disease of the heart. Heart

CASTRATION. 57

disease is also known as the Thumps. Jncurable. (See
Heart Disease.)

Caries.—This term means an ulceration of the bone.
Lhe most frequent form of caries is seen on the lower jaw-
bone; the teeth are next affected. If the upper teeth be
ulcerated to any extent, a fetid (stinking) discharge will
run from the nostril upon the side on which the diseased
teeth are situated, which has been repeatedly mistaken for
glanders by “horse doctors.” If caries of the bones of the
head exist, the swelling of the head will be enormous—
Big-Head, or OsTEOPOROSIS—and not Osteosarcoma, as it
has been called.

BONE FORCEPS.

Cause. A disposition in the system to appropriate to the
bones more calcareous or earthy matter than is required.

Treatment. If caries be confined to the teeth, have them
taken out. When confined to the bones of the head, it is
incurable. ‘The animal will die of hunger, as he is unable
to use his tongue and jaws, or gather and chew his feed.
Happily, it is not a common disease in the Middle States.
There have been many cases in the Western States. Arsenic
and the hot iron are there recommended. Better let the
horse die than increase his suffering, as he will die any way.

Castration.—This is an operation for the purpose of
depriving the horse-colt of his entirety by the removal of
the testes. It is a simple and safe operation. Any person
having once seen it done, can do it also, if he have the

58 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

resolution to do so. It has been recently demonstrated
that castration can be performed on aged horses with as
much safety as on those in colthood. This is attributed to
the mode or manner of operation, namely, by an instrument
called the Keraseur. (See Instruments.)

° Ta ee

ECRASEUR (OR NEW INSTRUMENT FOR CASTRATING COLTS.)

No clamps, no firing nor twitching, nor any trouble after-
ward. The instrument is manufactured especially for this
purpose, by surgical instrument makers in Philadelphia.

Cataract.—(See Eye Diseases.)
Catarrh,—(See Coid.)

Cautery.-—This term is applied to the operation of
searing a part with a red-hot iron. Happily, this cruel,
and in many instances unnecessary operation, is becoming
among the things that were. It used to be applied to
sprains, ring-bones, and spavins. Since the discovery of
the preparations of iodine, and their absorbent properties,
the iron is little used.

Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis,—(See Typhosus.)

CHOKING. 59

Chest Diseases.—The diseases of the chest are many
and important. In it are the heart, lungs, and great blood-
vessels. The diseases of these organs will be found under
Inflammation of the lungs, or Lung Fever, Pleurisy,
Coughs, Bronchitis, and Glanders.

Chest Founder,—(See Founder.)
Chilblains.—(See Frost-Bites.)

Chill,—This term means a shiver, as if the horse were
cold. This is the way many diseases and fevers are ush-
ered in. If the chill be checked soon, it will stop, in
many cases, the disease that was forming. For this pur-
pose, give twenty drops of the tincture of aconite root in a
wine-glassful of water, and pour down the throat, out of a
short-necked bottle; cover the body with a blanket, and rub
the legs to bring the circulation to the surface of the body,
and all will be well.

Choking,.—Choking very rarely occurs in horses; very
frequently in cattle. If choking should occur in the horse,
there is little chance or hope of saving his life, if he be a
spirited animal, and the substance be high in the gullet.
In a very extensive practice, embracing many years, I have
never seen a case of choking in the horse, except on a few
occasions, and then it was only a ball of aloes sticking in
the throat. If a ball of any thickness stick in its passage
to the stomach, and it have passed down some distance, it
is called low choke, and is not so dangerous as if it stick in
the entrance to the gullet—high choke.

Treatment. In low choke press down with the hand over
the substance in the gullet, and try to move it. Do this
not too strongly, but continue it for a time. If unsuccess-
ful, one pint of fish, sweet, or linseed oil, melted lard, or

60 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

syrup of any kind, will be apt to move the substance on
its way down. If these should fail, after a good trial, then
have the gullet opened right over the substance, and take
it out, and put in one, two, or three stitches, with strong
saddlers’ silk. Make the stitches separately from each
other ; for if this be not done, and one break, the others
will also become loose.

In high choke, the irritation and excitement are great,
which prevent much being done to relieve the animal. Try
the oil, and see what can be done in that way. The treat-
ment is purely mechanical, so use ingenuity to overcome

the difficulty.

Chorea.—This is a rare disease in the horse, but com-
mon in dogs. It accompanies cases of madness in all ani-
mals, and depends upon nervous excitement, which is seen
in the constant twitching of the muscles of the body. It
is clearly sympathetic in its character.

Treatment. Removal of the cause, whatever that may be.

Cold.—Symptoms. Cough slight, fever, and discharge
more or less from one or both nostrils, sometimes of a thin,
watery material, or a thick, creamy pus. The lining mem-
brane of the nose is red and inflamed. Cold sometimes
even extends into the throat and lungs, giving rise to
quickened breathing and uneasiness. When it extends to
the stomach, it is called by the French gastritis mucosa.
When it spreads to the chest, it is called bronchitis, (which
see.) No disease is more common than cold among young
horses; but, unfortunately, it rarely runs its course as such.
Cold assumes one or more of the forms just mentioned.

Cause. Exposure to cold and stormy weather.

Treatment. In Germany, it is said that a cold, if let alone,
will get well in a fortnight, and if treated by a skilful doc-

COLIC. 61

tor, he will cure it in fourteen days. However, give the
animal a few doses of aconite, (see Medicines,) to remove
the fever, and, if possible, to prevent complications, or its
further spread to the neighboring parts. If the appetite
keep good, nothing more need be done; but, on the con-
trary, if the breathing quicken, and the appetite be poor,
and debility be setting in, tonics and stimulants will be
necessary. Get the following medicine, and give one pow-
der, morning, noon, and night, mixed with a little cold
water, and drench the horse with it: Take powdered gen-
tian root, powdered pimenta berries, powdered carbonate
of ammonia, of each two ounces. Mix, and divide into
twelve powders. When the appetite improves, give good
feed, but not by any means in sufficient quantity to bring
on indigestion. Give green feed, if it can be had. This
is a most simple and successful plan of treating common

cold.

Cold Lotions.—These are now called refrigerant lo-
tions. Ice-water makes a good and economical refrigerant,
when applied toasprain. (See Prescriptions and Medi-
cines. )

Colic.—(1.) Spasmopic CoLic.—Symptoms. All at once
the horse that a few moments ago was well, apparently,
shakes his head—leaves his feed, looks round at his flank,
mostly at the right side, as if pointing out the seat of the
disease, scrapes the ground with his front foot, and almost
strikes his belly with one of the hind ones. The spasm
continuing, the horse breaks out into a sweat, heaving at
the flanks; great excitement, kicking, and rolling; inter-
vals of ease from pain.

Causes. Drinking cold water when heated, or colder
water than commonly used, as a city horse is used to drink

62 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

ing water which is warmer in summer, and colder in win-
ter, than water taken from a pump; washing the belly with
cold water ; driving horses into a pond of cold water.

Treatment. Give something to heat the stomach and
bowels. Try a bottle of warm ale or porter, adding a
little whiskey, or a tablespoonful of ground ginger to it.
If relief be not obtained in half an hour, give a drench,
composed of tincture of aconite root, twenty-five drops;
spirit of turpentine, one ounce; one bottle of cold ale or
porter. If necessary, give injections of warm water, (not
hot,) soap, and a handful of table salt. Occasionally walk
the horse about, to excite the bowels to action.

(2.) SreRcORAL CoLic.—Symptoms. Similar to the above
variety, but continues longer, and is not quite so severe or
painful.

Causes. Impaction or constipation of the bowels.

Treatment. Powdered aloes, one ounce; tincture of aconite
root, twenty-five drops; chloroform, half an ounce. Mix
in a bottle of ale or porter, and give in a drench out of a
horn, or stout bottle. The aconite will have to be given
every four hours, till the pain has given way. Encourage —
the operation of the aloes by injections every hour.

(3.) FLATULENT CoLic.—Symptoms. Pain is consider-
able at first, which in a few hours gives way to sleepiness,
(see Coma.) This is caused by distention of the bowels
with gas, commonly called wind, thereby paralyzing the par
vagus and nerve centres, and ultimately the brain itself.
This variety of colic is readily distinguished from the others
by the swelling of the belly, particularly at the flanks,
called tympanitis, or drum-belly.

Causes. Indigestion of food in the Bach: fermenta-
tion is set up, and there is evolution (giving forth) of car-
bonic acid gas. This gas is not liberated per rectum frow

COLIC. 63

the body as speedily as generated. The horse and cow
eannot belch or eruct wind from their stomachs as man and
the dog can; hence the frequency of tympanitis in horses
and cows.

Treatment. Try injections first, as in many cases I have
eured this variety by this means alone. If gas or wind
some away with the injection, the case will soon end well.
When no benefit is derived from the injections, give, in a
little cold water, aloes in powder, one ounce; sulphuric
ether, one ounce; tincture of opium, two ounces. If these
measures fail in giving ease from pain, pour two ounces of
chloroform ona small moist sponge, and hold it to the
nostrils, not too closely, but admit a portion of air with
the fumes of the chloroform, (see Medicines.) The sponge
may be placed in a towel, and the ends carried up around
the nose of the horse, to save waste; or place the sponge
in the bottom of a nose-bag, and put it on the head, but
net too close upon the nose.

Last Remedy. It must be confessed that the longer this
disease is unrelieved, the more remote is the chance of
recovery, as the bowel sometimes contracts upon itself, or
nearly closes altogether. ‘To overcome this condition an
eperation is recommended, which I do not say will be a
success, nor yet a failure. When it failed in my hands, it
was not because the gas was not let out of the bowels, but
because the blood had become so disintegrated, and the
nervous centres so paralyzed, that the sanative powers of
the constitution had received too great a shock to ever rally
again.

The Operation. Procure an instrument, (see Instru-
ments,) called a trocar. If this be not at hand, sharpen a
breakfast knife, and measure an equal distance from the
haunch bone and the short rib, and not too high upon the

64 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

back ; force the knife into the distended bowel, and turn
the knife in the wound thus made, and hold it there until
all the imprisoned gas has escaped ; and as the gas some-
times still accumulates, keep the knife or instrument in the
wound, if it be for half a day. When the knife or instru-
ment is taken out, place a piece of sticking plaster over the
wound. (See Medicines.)

Stones, or hair calculi, are often found, after death, in
the bowels of horses subject to colic. I have seen six taken
from one mare that I had under treatment. Remember,
the great principle in the treatment of colic, in all its
forms, is to relieve pain. This also holds good in most
diseases of horses. The doctor, if he fail to allay pain,
cannot cure the disease.

Coma.—A horse is said to be in a comatose state when
in an apoplectic fit, in sleepy staggers, and when dying
from spasmodic colic, (which see.)

Congestion of the Lungs,—(See Lung Diseases.)

Constipation.—A confined condition of the bowels
accompanying fever, liver and lung diseases. Horses
habitually costive should be supplied with soft feed and
grass in season. Costiveness, as a concomitant of fever,
etc., should in all cases be let alone, as it is a provision of
nature to protect herself from exhaustion.

Consumption,— Causes. Repeated attacks of influenza,
lung fever, or bronchitis, or any of these diseases treated
by bleeding, and other reducing remedies or agents. Con-
sumption, in the horse, runs its course in from one to two
weeks, |

NATURE OF CoNnsuMPTION.—A. wasting, or breaking
down of the structure of the lungs. The tuberculous form
of consumption I have never seen in the horse. Tubercles

CONTAGION. 65

are seen in bad cases of glanders, (which see.) These
tubercles suppurate, and discharge pus. ‘This pus is ab-
sorbed and taken into the blood, and sets up a ferment, or
leaven, as the Scriptures call it. This is the great trouble
in consumption in man, and glanders in the horse. Why
authors have not called this tuberculous disease in horses,
consumption, I do not know, except it be, and I am in-
clined to believe it is, from an entire ignorance of its true
pathology or character.

Treatment. Incurable. To prolong the life, beef soup,
iron, gentian, tonics and stimulants, are indicated. In the
_ tuberculous form, sulphite of soda should be given to arrest
the ferment, and keep the blood clear of impurities, in
addition to the remedies to support the strength. (See
Medicines.) Decay, putrefaction, fermentation, are true and
scientific expressions, with no vague meaning. Such, then,
are the conditions embraced in the word consumption,
whether in men or animals.

Contagion.—This term is applied to something (as the
virus of glanders) coming in contact with the body of an
animal in health, producing a similar disease to that exist-
ing in the animal from which it came. In a word, it is a
specific poison. Few diseases of animals are considered
contagious. ‘The following diseases, however, are con<
sidered of that character :—Glanders, in horses ; contagious
typhus and small-pox, in cattle and sheep. Although many
_ animals may be taken sick one after another, this is no proof
that the disease is contagious ; for it must be remembered
that a number of animals, all situated and cared for in the
same way, are certainly subjected to the same exciting causec
that produced the disease in the first animal affected.
Those that escaped the disease were not predisposed te
iake it; hence their exemption from its effects.

)

66 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Prevention. Separate the sick from the well. AL
buckets, or other materials, that were in contact with the
sick, must be thoroughly cleansed and purified. (See Dis-
infectants.)

Contraction.—(See Foot Diseases.)

Convalescence.—<A term applied to the time which
elapses between the controlling of acute disease, and the
restoration of the patient to perfect heaith.

Corns.—(See Foot Diseases.)

Coryza Gangrenosa,—This name is applied to an
ulcerated condition of the membrane of the nose super-
vening in a case of cold. It is evidence of general de-
bility, and disintegration or deterioration of the membrane.

Corrosive Sublimate.—(See Medicines and Poisons.)

Cough, — A symptom of disease of the respiratory
organs, as tubercles of the lungs, thickening of the lining
membranes of the windpipe, and enlargement of the glands
of the neck. I have seen cough from indigestion in a few
cases, but this is rare in horses. |

CoucH CuHRonic. — Causes. Debility, or softening of
the par vagus nerves; heaves, or broken wind, (which
see,) are some of the causes which produce acute cough.

Treatment. Removal of whatever is the cause, (causa
sublata tulitur effectus.)

Counter-irritants.—An external application, which,
when applied, causes an irritation or inflammation counter
or opposite to that which exists inside.

Cow Hock.—This name is applied to a condition or
malformation of those hocks that incline forward, thus

CRIB-BITING. 67

forming a fulcrum, over which the posterior straight liga-
ment passes—this condition favoring a sprain of the liga-

ment, which is called curb. (See Curb.)

Cramp.—Cramp of the stomach or bowels of horses,
cannot readily be distinguished from spasmodic colic,
(which see.)

CRAMP OF THE Hinp Lec.—This affection is com-
mon among young horses of an irritable temperament. It
is often mistaken for dislocation of the patella, sometimes
called luxation of the patella, (which see.)

Symptoms. The horse will persistently refuse to move
the leg from the position in which it is placed. Quivering
or excitement of the muscles of the thigh, accompanied
with irritation and fever. The horse cannot be moved, as
he refuses to do so.

Causes. Irregularity of the nervous system.

Treatment. Move the animal, if it be possible, and the
cramp will give way. Dashing cold water against the
thigh will often remove it. The horse will get well, if
time be only given him. ‘Thus, if a person leave the sta-
ble to tell some one of the matter, he will be surprised, on
coming back, to find the horse well.

Crib-Biting.—This is not a disease, but a vice—a bad
habit, which the horse has learned, of sucking wind into
the stomach by placing his lips against the manger. The
habit has been so strong in some horses, that when they
could get no place to press the lips against, they have
stooped down and placed the lips against the arm of their
own front leg. This vice is sometimes called wind-sucking.

Causes. Idleness, indigestion, and learning it from other
animals in the same stable.

Prevention. Keep horses in loose boxes, or other places

68 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

where there are no fixtures but the walls; regular feed and ~
regular work.

Treatment. Do not let the horse stand in the stable
twenty hours out of the twenty-four. Feed him regularly,
and work him as regularly. Turn the animal to pasture,
and when he is brought home in the fall of the year, have
a loose box prepared for him without any fixtures, as man-
ger, trough, or rack. Place his hay upon the floor, and
his oats or corn in a small trough, and remove it as soon
as the feed is eaten.

Curb.—One of the many diseases of the hock-joint, and
consists in a swelling immediately below the point of the
hock-joint, and is the result of sprain of the posterior
straight ligament; is more frequent in horses with the
hocks inclining forwards, (cow hock.) The treatment best
adapted is the ointment of the red iodide of mercury,
(see Ointments,) which is not only a counter-irritant, but a
sorbifacient. Apply about the size of a hickory-nut in
quantity every sixth day for a few weeks, occasionally
greasing or oiling the parts to prevent the skin cracking.

Curby-Hocked.—(See Cow Hock.)
Cutaneous Diseases,—(See Skin Diseases.)
Cutting.—(See Interfering.)

Death.—The great law of the universe makes limits of
duration to every structure endued with life, and prepares
away for the resolution of every material provided with
vital principles into matter of.the earth. The individual
existence of all organized bodies is merely temporary; none
escape the necessity of perishing.

Debility.—This is a condition accompanying many
diseases. Hence, the necessity of guarding against any

ai

DEBILITY. 69

measure in the treatment, even of a disease of an exalted
kind, that will reduce the strength. The animal thus af-
fected rapidly becomes weak and debilitated to such an
extent as may cost it its life.

(1.) Desruiry, SumpLe.—May be local, that is, confined
to a part, as in partial paralysis, from the effects of a blister
applied to a part, or from a kick or injury.

Symptoms. A thickening or swelling of the parts. The
swelling is not inflammatory, but soft, and contains fluid.
(Ciidema.)

Treatment. Powdered sulphate of iron, one ounce and a
half; gentian root, two ounces; chlorate or nitrate of potassa,
one ounce. Mix, and divide into twelve powders, and give
one night and morning mixed in cut or soft feed, with no
more water in the feed than will keep the particles together.
Feed the animal generously and well. Debility, and swell-
ing of the leys of horses now-a-days, at least in the United
States, can be produced by simply keeping a portion of
their usual feed from them for two or three days.

(2.) Desitiry, GENERAL.—Symptoms. Swelling of the
legs, sheath, breast, and belly. Disturbed breathing. The
horse is very weak, and easily pushed from off his feet by
the hand. Indeed, he staggers as he walks, and sometimes

| falls to the ground.

Causes. Bleeding or giving physic (a purge) in the
treatment of disease, especially in diseases of the chest.
Starving and low diet given toa sick horse, when he should
be supported in the midst of his sickness by good feeding.
The very neglect, or want of knowledge on this point, has
killed thousands of horses that would have lived, that have
been sacrificed at the shrine of ignorance, error, and bad
judgment. This condition of things in relation to the
treatment of diseases of the horse, and indeed all our faith-

70 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

ful animals, may be ascribed to the diligence and persistence
of the American publishers deluging the country with re-
prints of old English books that should never have been
written. ,

Treatment. Give plenty of good feed to the maltreated
animal, and give the following blood-making medicines :—
Powdered sulphate of iron, three ounces; gentian root,
three ounces. Mix, and divide into twenty-four powders,
and give one powder night and morning. If there is much
swelling about the body, add five grains of powdered Span-
ish fly to the evening powder, for a few nights only. Be
assured the animal is fully restored before it is put to hard
work.

Deformities.—In young colts will often be observed
a deformity of one or both fore legs from the knee down,
giving the whole appearance an awkward look. Farmers
having such a colt should not think it useless, or at all im-
paired ; for in my own extensive practice, I have not seen
one that did not become as perfect as the best formed of
animals. —

Observe. Whether the mother have sufficient milk for
the colt, and if not, teach the colt to suck milk out of a
bottle, or from something else; for by good nourishment
these deformed conditions of the legs will disappear.

Deuteropathia,—A disease of a secondary character, or
in sympathy with another. (See Fever.)

Diabetes.—This is a disease accompanied by a great
and frequent flow of urine, containing sugar in solution.

Causes. The starch, and some constituents of the food are
transferred into sugar. The origin of this affection is sup-
posed to be a ferment changing the material of the system
into sugar, as diastase converts starch into sugar in malting.

DIARRH@A, 71

Symptoms. Great flow of clear urine, very great thirst,
ravenous appetite, weakness and general debility.

Treatment. Although this disease is considered incurable,
I have on two occasions cured the animal by the iodide of
iron, too expensive a medicine to be recommended for
general use. The action of this medicine, at least the iodide
portion, allayed the thirst, and the iron supported the
strength and system, also acting as an astringent (to dry up).

This medicine should be seconded by good feeding and
plenty of it. (See Iodide of Iron in Medicine List.)

Diaphoretics.—This term is applied to medicines
having the power of producing sweating. The horse is
not easily acted upon in this way by the use of medicines,
except by one or two articles, as aconite or veratrum,
(which see.) Siight moisture on the skin is very desirable
in cases of fever. The cold water douche is used by hydro-
paths for this purpose.

When sweating is desired for the cure of disease, it must
be done without increasing the heart’s action. This is the
great secret in producing diaphoresis.

Diarrhea.—(1.) SumeLe Diarrucaa consists of a loose-
ness, or fluid condition of excrement, from something irritant
in the bowels, and which does not freely pass away. When
this condition is present, and no pain, griping or pawing as
in colic, it may be well let alone.

(2.) ContInNvED DrarrH@a.—This is often the case
when irritation does not pass away with the offending mat-
ter, and the bowels continue to discharge a thin fluid.
There is slight pain or colic. When this is the case, sus-
pect some irritant poison. (See Poison.)

Treatment. From whatever cause the diarrhcea may arise, |
treatment that will allay pain is demanded. First. Give

72 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

twenty to twenty-five drops of the tincture of aconite root
in a little cold water. Then give the foilowing powder
every two hours, until a change for the better has taken
place :—Prepared chalk, half an ounce ; catechu in powder,
one drachm; opium in powder, ten grains. Allow the
animal plenty of water to drink, which will help to keep
or allay irritation, or what disposition there may be to in-
flammation. Bran mashes should be given for a few days,
so as to overcome the effects of so much drying or binding
medicine. Cake meal, or ground flaxseed, will be an ex-
cellent assistant in this particular.

Diathesis.— When we read in medical books of the
word diathesis, it means a well-marked tendency in a
disease by a corresponding diathesis: for example, a can-
cerous diathesis or an inflammatory diathesis.

Diet.—The different articles used by the horse as food.

Disinfectants, — French, Delsenfectants; German,
Faiilnisswidrige Substanzen.

Disinfectants are such as remove the causes of infection,
or any injurious taint. ‘To accomplish this effect, disinfec-
tants will have to embrace a class of substances known by
the name of antiseptics, (agents which prevent animal or
vegetable matter being decomposed,) and deodorizers,
(agents which destroy hurtful or bad smells, when arising
from decomposing material.)

(1.) Naturau Distnrectants.—The atmospheric is the
ereat disinfectant. The soil has been found a valuable dis-
infectant, decomposing animal matter with great quickness,
and sending out gasses which are without taint of any kind.
Hence, the necessity of deep burial of animals dying, or
that have been killed, on account of contagious diseases.

if

DISINFECTANTS. 73

Ventilation ts entirely a mechanical plan of disiafecting,
.nd which it is in the power of every farmer in the land to
raore or less perfect in all buildings containing horses, cattle,
etc. In ventilating, it is only necessary to admit the purest
air, and for this purpose have the openings, or ventilators
placed at least eight to ten feet from the ground, as it is
well known that heavy vapors are sometimes seen a few
feet above the ground. Also, the ventilation should come
from the front or top of the building, as the back of a stable
is never so pure as its front.

Water is the next great disinfectant employed by nature,
although moist bodies decay more rapidly than dry. It is
a disinfectant by the process of washing, which is mechani-
eal. It is in this way that each shower of rain becomes a
natural disinfectant. Light is another disinfectant, which
seems to have been overlooked by many, when their barns
and stables were built. Without light, the rose would lose
its color, and man and animals would lose and never attain
their vigor. |

In proof of the advantage of light in maintaining health
and warding off disease, it is stated that in a barrack at St.
Petersburg, there was only one case of disease on the side
laid open to the light, to three on the dark side.

Heat and cold are two agents highly useful as disinfec-
tants. Heat prevents fermentation and decay by drying
and changing the chemical state of substances, as it were,
by cooking, whether by fire or the sun. Cold, again, is the
most powerful antiseptic and disinfectant. rosts prevent
decay and disease, and at the same time share the connec-
tion existing between them.

(2.) ArtiFiciAL DisiInFECTANTS.—Creosote is a most
powerful antiseptic and disinfectant, when applied to a part,
but it is not easily managed. Smoke is another good anti-

74 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

septic, as it contains a little creosote. By it herring and
other fish are preserved.

Spices, and other aromatic substances, have long been
used as disinfectants, but they possess no such property, as
they do not prevent decomposition of bodies: they merely
cover the smell.

Chloride of lime and chloride of zinc act as good disin-
fectants.

The chloride of manganese is certainly as economical a
disinfectant as can be used by the farmer. It is cheap and
efficient, and not dangerous like chloride of zine.

Sulphurous acid, or rather its fumes, has, in all ages,
been used as a disinfectant, and by general consent is con-
sidered to be most valuable. Its action on animal and
vegetable substances is readily seen by the change in color |
produced. In the form of sulphite of soda, it will arrest
the vinous fermentation in cider and other materials; or if
injected into the veins of dead animals, it embalms them
most perfectly.

For stables and houses filled with ani-
mals nothing will answer so well as chloride |
of lime, or McDougal’s disinfecting pow-
ders, applied to the floors and excrement
once per day with a large dredging box.

For empty houses chlorine gas will be
found as convenient and good as any. For
om " this purpose, procure a strong wide-mouthed
“yuasx, bottle, fill it about half full of bin-oxide of
used in gener- manganese, close all the doors and windows,
ay and other open places, then fill up the bottle

with the spirits of salts, and retire and close
the door. This may be repeated a few times in the course
of a week. ‘The fumes that are disengaged will penetrate

DROPSIES. 75

to every crevice and corner in the building. This operation
any farmer can perform himself, as there is no risk what-
ever. The spirits of salt will have to be kept in a glass-
stoppered bottle till it is wanted, as it will not only eat a
common cork, but it will, by exposure to the air, abstract
moisture from it, by which it greatly loses its virtue and
strength. As before stated, this plan of disinfecting is only
to be used when the house is empty. (See Sulphurous Acid
Gas in Part IT.)

Distemper.—(Sce Influenza and Strangles.)
DiIsTEMPER, CHOKING.—(See Typhosus.)

Diuretics.—A name given to those medicines which
cause an increased secretion from the kidneys. Example,
chlorate and nitrate of potassa, the Spanish fly, and eupur-
purin. (See Medicines.)

Dropsies.—Every school boy is familiar with the term
dropsy, which means an unnatural accumulation of water
in the cavities of the body-chest, heart-case, belly, breast,
sheath, and cellular tissue of the legs. (See Debility.)

1. When water is in the chest it is called HypRoTHORAX.
This is the immediate cause of death, in pleurisy in the
horse and pleuro-pneumonia in cattle, the animal dying by
suffocation or asphyxia.

2. When in the belly, it is called AscrTEs.

3. When in the cellular tissue, and confined to a portion
only of the body, as the leg or sheath, it is called CEpEMA ;
but if the swellings are over different portions of the body,
it is called ANASAROA.

4, When in the heart-case or pericardium, it is called
Dropsy oF THE HEART.

Causes. ‘Treatment of diseases by starving, or low diet,

76 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

bleeding, blistering, and physicking. Injury to a part will
be followed by watery swellings in the neighboring parts.
Treatment. Blood-making food and medicines, are im-
peratively demanded. Corn-meal mixed with bran and
cut hay. Grass, if it can be had. A bottle of strong beef
tea or soup, given daily, will be of great use. Give the
following medicine three times a day, either mixed in the
feed or poured down the mouth with a bottle: Powdered
sulphate of iron, one drachm; powdered gentian root, two
drachms; Spanish fly, two grains. Mix. Friction over
the swelling will be of use. Sometimes it will be neces-
sary to make slight incissions or cuts through the skin to
let out the imprisioned fluid. Do not blister such swelling,
as it is apt to produce ragged, running sores, difficult to
heal, and leaving a blemish.
Water in the chest is removed by introducing an instru-
ment, (see Instruments,) called a trocar, but somewhat
smaller than the one used for hoven in cattle. Also it is
removed by absorption and by diuretics, (which see.)

Dysentery.—(See Diarrhea.)

Ear Diseases.—(1.) Smaru Tumors.—Sometimes tu-
mors of various shapes and sizes are seen in the ear of the
horse, producing a kind of canker in that organ.

Symptoms. Shaking of the head; will not let much
familiarity be made with it; running or starting back,
when the collar or bridle is being taken up over the ears.

Causes. Irritation and inflammation of the skin of the
ear, producing small pimples of proud flesh.

Treatment. Removal with the knife, scissors, or caustic ;
then apply the simple ointment as for a simple sore. (See
Prescription in Medicine List.)

(2.) INJURIES OF THE EAR.—Injuries to the ear take

EMPHYSEMA. 77

place from the use of the whip, the bite of a dog, or from
another horse biting it.

Treatment. Treat as for a common sore, by simple oint-
ment and by cleanliness.

(3.) DEarness.—Not often observed in horses.

(4.) ForEIGN SUBSTANCES IN THE EAR.—Remeove them
by the forceps.

(5.) ABSCESS IN THE EAr.—Treatment as for Abscess,
(which see.) :

(6.) Dry GANGRENE IN THE EAr.—Two cases of this
affection have been brought to my notice, in which the
concha of the ear had dried up, withered, and dropped off.

Ecchymosis.—Black spots observed on the lungs of
cattle and horses having died from pleuro-pneumonia.

Eczema,—(See Mange.)

Elephantiasis,—A name applied to a swelled leg. (See

Grease.)

Embrocation,—A term applied to liniments. (See Pre-
scriptions. )

Emetics.—Medicine, often taken into the stomach of
man and some animals, causing them to vomit. The horse,
ox, and sheep do not, or rather cannot vomit. Hence, tartar
emetic has no effect upon them.

Emphysema,—This is a name signifying wind swell-
ing, caused by the escape of air into the cellular tissue, as
vetween the skin and the flesh, or rather the fascia and the
skin. Pressure with the hand on these windy swellings
causes a crackling noise or sound. This condition some-
times arises in the chest, and is attended with diffienlt
oreathing and anxiety of countenance.

78 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Causes. Wounds in the chest, and when underneath the
skin, it is caused by undue pressure on the part, causing a
separation of the skin from the fascia.

Treatment. This consists in evacuating the air by slight
punctures on the surface of the swelling, assisted by gentle
pressure of the hand.

When in the lungs, give good feeding, and occasionatly
small doses of the tincture of aconite root, say ten drops,
three times in the day, to relieve the breathing, until the
lungs heal up.

Encysted Tumors,—(See Tumors.)
Encephaloid,—(See Tumors.)

Endermic,—aA plan of treating disease by placing the
medicine in contact with or under the skin. Morphia and
strychnia are the agents in common use in this form of
administration. (See Typhosus.)

Enema.—(See Injection.)
Enteritis.—(See Bowel Diseases.)

Enzootic,—A good name for cattle disease, as it makes
the disease among animals instead of upon man.

Ephemeral,—A fever which runs its course in twelve
to forty-eight hours.

Epidemic,—This term is applied to diseases of animals,
but improperly, as the term is exclusively a name that
should only be used for diseases when man is the subject.
Epi, upon, and demo, the people—a disease upon the peo-
ple. Epizootic is the proper name for animal diseases. pz,
upon, zoon, an animal—diseases upon animals.

Epizootic,—A disease that attacks many animals at the
same time and season, originating in one common cause,

EYES. 79

Examples—epizootic-influenza in the horse, and pleuro-
pneumonia in cattle.

Epilepsy.—An epileptic horse should never be used
for family driving. (See Megrims.)

Epiphora,— Weeping from the Eye. (See Eye Diseases.)
Epsom Salts.—(See Medicines.)

Eruptions.—Eruptions are more a symptom than a
disease. (See Strangles, Surfeit, Stings of Insects, and
Scarlatina.)

Erysipelas,—This, as an independent disease, is not
often, if at all, seen in horses. It is often present after
accidents, as a bruise or a broken bone.

Symptoms. A hard, tense and painful swelling of the
parts, accompanied with irritation and excitement through
the entire system.

Treatment. Give twenty to twenty-five drops of the tinc-
_ ture of aconite root four times in the day, to calm the sys-
tem. Apply cold iced water, with woollen cloths, to the
part. If, from broken bones, try and remove, or adjust
them in position to one another, and secure them so with
splint and bandage. In severe cases of broken bones, the
animal had better be killed. (See Fractures.)

Exostosis.—(See Splint and Bony Tumors.)

Eyes, Diseases of the.—Before referring to the dis-
_ eases of this organ, it may be necessary to say a few words
as to the structure of the eye.

(1.) The eyelids are composed of skin, and under it the
fibres of a circular muscle which close the eyelids. The
eyelids are lined internally with a mucous membrane called

80 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

the conjunctiva, which is reflected from them over the ante-
rior surface of the eyeball.

(2.) The globe of the eye is not exactly round, for it is
more like a segment of a smaller circle put into a greater
one.

(3.) The clear portion of the eye is called the cornea, and
forms a portion of the globe.

(4.) The sclerotic coat is what is called the white of the
eye; and just back of it is what is called the choride coat
of the eye. And immediately within this choride coat is
placed the retina, or the expansion of the optic nerve, or
the nerve of sight.

(5.) The humors of the eye occupy the anterior chamber,
as well as pass into the posterior. ‘The iris floats in this
humor, and behind it will be found the magnifying lens of
the eye. This is a double convex, and is placed in the
centre of vision, and fronting the next, or vitreous humor
of the eye. This humor is enclosed in a capsule, called the
hyaloid membrane. The eyes of the horse are so placed in
his head, that he, at the same time, sees different cbjects
with each eye, which peculiarity accounts for the shying
and starting, when one eye is imperfect or diseased. If
one eye only be altogether destroyed, the horse will not shy
or start, but will be a useful animal. ‘This is the reason
why cataract on the eye of a horse had better be let alone,
as any imperfect sight will make the horse dangerous to
drive, objects being seen in distorted form. Better the eye
be completely destroyed than partially so.

(1.) AmAavrRosis.—This is the same disease that Milton
was affected with, and was called by him “drop serene.”
It is a complete or partial blindness from loss of sensation,
or feeling of the optic nerve.

Symptoms. This is the most serious disease affecting the

EYES. 81

eye of either man or horse, and is ushered in by weeping
and partial closure of the eyelids. A thin film or scum
will soon be observed to spread over the whole of the front
of the eye. ‘This condition will pass off for a week or two,
and then return with increased violence until the sight will
be entirely destroyed. Spots will be seen between each
attack, deep in the eye, gradually increasing in size, till the
nerve of sight is totally destroyed.

Causes. Inflammation affecting the brain, tumors, or
bone pressing upon the optic nerve.

Treatment. Doubtful of cure. Small doses of strychnine
may be tried to restore the sensibility of the optic nerve, or
colchicum may be used. (See Medicine.)

Observe. There are many horses with extreme flat fore-
heads, the bones, seemingly pressing upon the lower por-
tion of the brain, just where the optic nerve is given out to
the eyes. These flat-headed (that is in front of the head)
horses, I have observed to go blind about the seventh year
of their age. Blindness arising from such a cause, may
justly be laid at the door of hereditary causes. Breeding
from blind mares should, therefore, be, as a rule, avoided.
If a mare from accident become blind, there are no scien-
tific reasons why she should not be used for breeding pur-
poses. What is to be observed is, not to breed from a mare
that has a very flat forehead and has not gone blind from
accident or injury to the eye.

(2.) FLroatine Spots IN THE EyE.—Sometimes dark
cloudy spots or specks will be seen floating in the eye,
more or less movable, rising and falling, as the eye itself
moves. If they are unattended with weakness of the eye,
or the spots are not fixed, and dark, indicating the com-
mencement of the disease named above, they will be no

great injury.

82 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Causes. Some constitutional disturbance, over driving,
er hard work.

Treatment. Inject, or apply cold water several times in
the day.

(3.) Inrr1s.—Inflammation of the iris.

Causes. Cold and exposure, producing rheumatism in
that portion of the eye.

Symptoms. Redness of the eye, and muddy color of the
cornea. ‘The iris is a little changed in color.

Treatment. The application of moist poultices to the eye
for a few days to allay inflammation, or irritation. Then
apply three times daily, with a small brush called a camel’s
hair pencil, the following mixture: Nitrate of silver,
twelve grains; rain water, four ounces. The brush to be
dipped in the mixture, and drawn lightly across within the
eye. Keep the horse from the light as much as possible.

(4.) INFLAMMATION OF THE SCLEROTIC CoAT.

Symptoms. The coat is of a pink-red color.

Cause. Rheumatism.

Treatment. A. teaspoonful of the wine of colchicum root,
four times in the day; comfortable stabling and generous
feeding.

Half-drachm doses of the iodide of potassium may be
tried in this case. Half-ounce doses of sesquicarbonate of
soda, occasionally, will be of service.

(5.) Potypr. Small excrescences are sometimes seen to
arise from the iris, but require no treatment, as they will
pass away of themselves.

(6.) Spots AND ULCERATION OF THE CORNEA.

Symptoms. Blood-vessels tinged with blood; small, ele-
vated spots, which are sometimes ulcers, and at other times
small abscesses, owing to the abscesses being whole or
broken.

EYES. $3

Treatment, Take belladonna, half a drachm ; cold water,
six ounces. Mix, and apply to the parts with a camel’s
hair pencil dipped in the mixture. Scarify or open the
angular veins of the eye, and foment with warm water, to
insure a good flow of blood. This treatment should be
followed by a lotion of the nitrate of silver, or of blue stone
—sulphate of copper, (see Medicines,) to destroy the ulcers
inside of the eyelids; then apply the belladonna lotion as
before. It will require repeated applications alternately
to effect a complete cure. It will be advisable to feed the
horse well, to increase absorption of effused fluids and
thickenings. Iron and gentian will be useful. (See Medi-
cines and Prescriptions.)

(7.) WEEPING FROM THE EyE.—This is more properly
a symptom than a disease—a swelling of the caruncula
lachrymalis—a small, round body.

Treatment. 'Touch the swelling with a camel’s hair pencil
dipped in the lotion of blue stone, or nitrate of silver.
Four grains to an ounce of rain water, will be strong enough
for this purpose. This treatment will cure the weeping,

provided the tear-duct be open.

(8.) CLosinc oF THE EyELips.—Treatment. Apply
warm water with a sponge for a period sufficiently long, so
as to dissolve or dilute the mucus, which causes the lids to
stick together. To prevent a recurrence during some diseases
of the eyes, smear the lids with sweet oil, or cold cream,
every night while the disease lasts.

(9.) Harr GRowING IN THE EyeE.—Scientifically, this
is called Trichiasis. ‘The removal of the hair by tweezers,
or forceps, and the application of some eye-wash to remove
the irritation, are the proper means to be employed.

(10.) SWELLING OF THE EYELIDs.—This is sometimes
observed in bad cases of mange, (which see.)

84 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

(11.) S=rpLE OPTHALMIA, OR CATARRHAL OPTHAL-
mIA.—Symptoms. A thick, mucous discharge from the eye,
accompanying cases of cold or catarrh, redness and swelling
of the membrane lining the inside of the eyelids. This
condition and appearance resemble the lining of the nose in
cases of cold. This affection may, with propriety, be called
muco-purulent opthalmia, and it is not unlike the Egyptian
opthalmia of man, produced by the introduction of the
flying sands of the Arabian desert. Opthalmia may be
simple or acute ; consequently, the treatment will be accord-

ingly.

OPERATING ON THE EYE.

EYES. 85

Treatment. The application of cold water ; or if the cold
seem to give pain, warm water should be used instead.
Open the angular veins. This is done as follows: Take
a sharp knife, and simply cut the skin and the veins which
are seen underneath at the lower corner of the eye, and
bathe with warm water, which will induce them to bleed
freely. Give grass, or some other opening and cool feed.
Give, also, half-ounce doses of sulphite of soda daily for a
few days. ‘The nitrate of silver lotion, or the blue stone,
will do; it is cheap and easily procured, and therefore
better adapted for the farmer or stable man. Apply as
elsewhere recommended. Never use sugar of lead lotions
as an eye-wash to the eye, which books so often recommend.
They are positively injurious to the eye by their producing
dulness, or opacity of the cornea—or the clear, transparent
part of the eye—the very brightness of which indicates
health, beauty, and intelligence in a horse; so, once for all,
I say, use no Goulard’s solution of lead. Copper is in-
finitely better, and never leaves dimness of the eye or vision.
If copper be not at hand, chloride of zinc, one grain, to an
ounce of rain or distilled water, is an excellent application
to the eye of a horse suffering from purulent opthalmia.
(See Medicines and Prescriptions.)

(12.) Moon BLINDNESS, TERMINATING IN CATARACT.—
This disease is a serious one, and frequent, consisting of in-
flammation of the internal parts of the eye-ball, the choroid
coat and the iris more particularly.

Symptoms. In the morning, perhaps, the eyelids will be
found closed ; a large flow of tears ; the back portion of the
eye dim and clouded. No specks are to be seen, as in some
other diseases of the eye. A yellow border will be observed
at the bottom of the chamber. This is pus. The attack,
or inflammation, will last from two to three weeks; at the

86 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

end of which time the eye will brighten up, and the ordi-
nary observer may think that the eye is completely cured.
The pus is entirely absorbed, scarcely leaving any traces
behind, except a degree of dimness. In one, two, or three
months, and not by the regularity of the moon’s changes,
as horsemen suppose, the disease reappears, having the
same symptoms and characteristics as in the first attack,
only a greater deposit of pus will be left at each subsequent
attack. One attack succeeds another until the whole pupil
is filled with matter, constituting cataract, thus completely
destroying the eyesight. This disease is usually at first
confined to one eye, but in some cases both are affected, one
usually more severely than the other.

Treatment. This disease is deemed incurable, which fact
has often induced the owner of an animal thus affected to
sell him, being well aware that the disease will at no distant
day return, and leave upon his hands a blind horse. An
application of cold water and the tincture of opium should
be used to allay pain and irritation ; cold water, one ounce ;
tincture of opium, two drachms; to be applied by means
of a camel’s hair pencil. |

Observe. When one eye of a horse is affected with this
disease, the other will also ultimately become affected. To
prevent this, it has been advised, as is done in man, to have

the diseased eye entirely extirpated. In horses, I would |

rather puncture the cornea with a lancet, and allow the
watery humor to escape, thus permitting the diseased eye
to sink in the head. This being done successfully, the
remaining eye will not only retain, but will increase in
lustre and brightness.

False Quarter.—(See Foot Diseases.)
Farcy.—The reader will be not a little surprised at the

FARCY. | 87

opinions that are advanced by me in regard to this disease,
especially if he be a reader of the books on the diseases of
horses. In these books we are distinctly told that farcy is
a variety of glanders, and that farcy buds are of the same
nature as the ulcers of the lining membrane of the nose in
cases of glanders. This may or may not be true. But
why not have given the reasons why these relations were
so sustained to each other? ‘Thus assertion is put for fact,
and ignorance for great knowledge. Farcy is not a disease
attacking the absorbent vessels, nor glanders of the lining
membranes of the nose. Farcy, we are again told, is cura-
ble, and in the very next sentence that glanders is incura-
ble. Why this peculiarity?. For if the diseases be the
same, they should be equally susceptible of cure. From all
that has been said and written on the subject of farcy and
glanders, nothing satisfactory has been gained, but much
that is calculated to perplex. Farcy is the “scrofula” of
the horse. It is unknown in countries and climes where
this disease in man is never seen, and a disease inseparable
from the present manner of domestication. In a word, the
_ disease called farcy is nothing more nor less than the effects
of a class of pathogens called ferments, leavens, or zumins,
acting and producing fermentation in the blood. (See
Glanders.) In medicines zumins are used, such as yeast,
rennet, pepsin, and cow-pox matter. Among the various
diseases of the horse produced by ferments, are glanders,
farcy, purpura, grease, and several eruptions of the skin
and legs. This is readily explained. For instance, if the
liver, kidneys, skin, and bowels of a horse be not acting
right, how is effete matter to be eliminated or carried from
the blood or the body of the animal? This effete matter,
as a small piece of membrane, dead bone or pus, not escap-
ing by the usual channels, will decay and become an active

88 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

ferment in the blood and in the fluids of the body. This,
then, is the only true explanation of the phenomena of
farcy in the horse.

Symptoms. An unhealthy coat; bad habit of body; one
leg, usually the fore leg, will swell to a very large size—
hot and painful, and in a day or two it will break out in
small, running ulcers, or sores, discharging a sanious fluid,
sometimes of a thick and resinous color. On the inside
of the leg, or on the side of the body or the neck, will te
seen a thick, corded, and elevated substance under the skin,
of considerable hardness, and interrupted at distances with
a small sore similar to that on the leg. In some cases—
not in every case—circumscribed, and soft, puffy swellings,
will be seen about the mouth, lips, and indeed on many
parts of the body. These swellings are not to be con-
founded with swelling of the legs, belly, breast, sheath,
etc., in cases of weakness or debility. These swellings
have been named water farcy by some people, but have no
connection with true or malignant farcy whatever, and are
not in any way infectious or contagious. After some alter-
ations and changes occupying a few weeks, the animal be-
comes much changed for the worse, the blood becoming so
deteriorated and changed in character that the animal’s
vitality soon gives way, and the horse dies a miserable
object.

Causes. Overcrowding horses in small and insufficient
houses, with little or no ventilation, each animal repeatedly
breathing the noxious or waste material from the lungs of
his companions, thus introducing into the blood a powerful
pathogen in the form of a ferment; inoculation from the
virus of glandered or farcied horses, the inoculation pro-
ducing a ferment; debility, ending in changing the charac-
ser of the blood. Absorption of pus from sores or ulcers

FARCY. 89

into the blood is another powerful ferment, and ends either
in farcy, glanders, or some other zymotic disease.

Treatment. Having fully and sufficiently explained the
cause of this disease, the treatment is almost already pointed
out, namely, remove the cause, and the effects will cease.
For this purpose give the following substance twice a day,
a tablespoonful to a dose: Sulphite (not sulphate) of soda.
This new chemical salt will purify the blood, as its action
destroys fermentation, whether in a barrel of wine, cider,
pr in the blood of a horse. Continuing this till the horse
is well, and for a few weeks afterwards, two or three times
a week, will be of good service. (See Sulphite of Soda.)
While the blood is thus being purified and made fit once
more for the purposes of life, it will be necessary to add
something to it also, thus assisting the powers of the con-
stitution to overcome the difficulty. We will not only add
to the blood, but give something to facilitate the removal
of the effete matter from the body, without weakening the
animal with debilitating diuretics. For this purpose, the
following medicine will be given: Powdered sulphate of
copper, three ounces; powdered Spanish fly, one drachm ;
powdered. gentian root, four ounces. Mix, and divide into
twelve powders, and give one powder at night in some
good feed, with no more cold water in it than will keep the
particles of the feed together. These powders will do for
two weeks; at the end of that time get more, and continue
them till the horse is well. In addition to what has been
recommended, give grass, and good and generous feed, for
by these means the power and strength of the body will
be kept up, and a cure will be more surely and speedily
effected.

While this treatment is going on, the horse will have to
be removed to a place by himself, or from healthy animals.

90 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Keep all articles used in feeding, clothing, and cleansing
him, in the building with him. Remember, this is con-
sidered one of the contagious diseases of the horse. Not
only the safety of your own, but of your neighbor’s horse,
depends upon your observance of these directions. In case
you should place a horse so affected, either in a field next
to your neighbor, or in his stable, and his horses become
affected, you will be liable to a suit at law for damages
arising therefrom. From my experience in horse causes in
the courts of Philadelphia, it will be easier to bring a suit
than to gain it, if there be scientific witnesses on the stand,
as the question will arise, Was the disease, or was it not
communicated from the sick horse so placed? Obviously,
these are questions more easily asked than answered.

Fatty Tumor,—(See Tumors.)

Farrier.— Properly, this title belongs to the blacksmith,
whether a horse shoer, or of other branches of iron work-
ing, faber ferrarius ; but from some idea or other, we hear
of persons, otherwise well informed, saying, when speaking
of accident or sickness to horses, to have or send for a far-
rier. Now, what is there possessed by workers in iron,
that they should know any more about diseases and their
treatment than is possessed by a worker in wood. Persons
of education should look into the etymology of a term,
even if it should be used by the mass of the people: for it
is by the language and general deportment, that a man of
education is known from his less learned prototype.

Fever, Putrid.—(See Typhosus.,

Fever, Sympathetic.—This variety of fever is that
which is produced by accident and disease. ‘Thus, a horse
gets a nail in the sensitive part of the foot, excitement, or
sympathetic fever is an accompaniment. Lung disease is

FISTULA. 91

accompanied with fe-ver, and hence it is called lung fever.
Fever in the feet is a common expression, signifying syi-~
pathetic fever. Indeed, it is a question in my mind, whether
fevers of all kinds are not to be attributed to some local or
general disturbance of some action or function of the body.
Thus, the many fevers which attack the human family, can
readily be traced to a predisposing cause; as, for example,
typhus fever is caused by insufficient ventilation, besieged
towns and garrisons, preventing the removal of exuvia.

Fever in the Feet.—This is a common disease of
horses in large towns and cities, where the streets are paved
with stone or iron, whereby the concussion is very great,
when horses are driven fast. (See Founder.)

Fibroma,—A variety of tumor. (See Tumors.)

Firing Horses,—This is an operation which is a great
favorite, and in much repute among horse doctors. For
my part, I think it is not only cruel and barbarous, but un-
necessary, doing no good whatever, and in many cases a
positive injury, the effects of which will never disappear
from the legs or body while the animal lives. Firing is
intended by its advocates to prevent and cure spavin, curbs,
sprains, and ring bones, by scoring the parts with a red
hot iron in lines over the part that is thought will be dis-
eased or are already so.

Fistula.—Evamples. Fistula of the shoulder, of the
poll, poll-evil, (which see,) and quittor or sinuses of the
foot, (which see.) Fistulas are usually deep-seated, but
sometimes they are superficial, or just under the skin.
However, although we see them sometimes so situated,
it must be confessed that the cases are extremely rare.
The fistula most frequent and difficult of cure is always
deep-seated and in the vicinity of a joint, as the poll and

a2 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

shoulder. ‘The reason of this is easy of explanation, for
when these parts get injured, and suppurative action is set
ap, the pus, instead of pointing to the outward surface,
burrows down in among the loose textures, and forms
sinuses or pipes, pointing in several directions. Fistula
differs from a simple abscess in this particular, and therefore
is difficult of cure. The pus secreted is nearly the same.
The pus in a simple abscess is secreted from, and isa liqui-
fication of, the surrounding tissue; but the pus of fistula is
secreted from the walls of a fibrous sack, which is formed in
most cases of fistula. The fistula may be open or whole,
piesenting a large swelling.

Symptoms. Pain on pressure of the parts affected, fol-
lowed by heat, pain, and swelling, circumscribed in shape,
hard at first, and becoming soft and fluctuating upon
pressure by the finger—a sure indication of fluid within.
This swelling, from the firmness and integrity of the sack
and skin in which it is enclosed, does not break, nor yet
form sinuses that take on the character of an encysted
tumor, which does not break of its own accord, as simple
abscesses do. At other times, the fistulous tumor breaks
or opens in several places, and small holes discharge pus,
some to-day and none to-morrow. ‘The day the discharge
is free, the pain and swelling is less. Among the pus will
be observed organized matter similar to cheese, or in other
words, not uniform in thickness or appearance. ‘This is a
disease that rarely ever gets well of its own efforts,
from the fact of the sore having a sack, which is only re-
moved by art; also, from the situation of fistula presenting
no depending opening for the outlet of the pus.

Causes. Bruises, accidents, caries of the bones, (which
see,) inflammation of the bone, or any accident that will
cause a simple abscess, will cause fistula.

FITS. 93

A blow that would produce a common abscess on some
portions of the body, will result in fistula in other portions,
as in the vicinity of a joint.

Treatment. If the swelling is just forming, endeavor to
put it back by placing chopped ice, in a bag, over it for a
few days. By this means, many a swelling which would
terminate in a fistula, will be cured at once. This not
succeeding, have an opening made into its lowest side, so
as the bloody water, which it at this time contains, will be
discharged. Then syringe a half tablespoonful of the
tincture of iodine into it once in the day for a few days, to
eat or destroy the membranous sack. Then treat it as a
common sore by keeping it clean, and the opening from
closing before it has healed from the bottom. For this
purpose, place a small piece of cotton in the mouth of the
opening, smeared with simple ointment. (See Medicines
and Prescriptions.)

Fistula in the Foot.—This disease, by common con-
sent, is called quittor, a fistulous abscess in the foot. (See
Quittor.)

_ Fistulous Withers.—By farmers called Thisolow, or
Fisolow. ‘This is an affection described in the preceding
article, with this difference in some cases, that it extends
through over the top of the bones of the withers or shoulders
to the other side, thus forming a very broad pad, as it

__ were, on the top of the shoulder, just where the shoulder

m health is the sharpest and narrowest.

Treatment. Lay chopped ice, in bags, over the swelling,
and, if necessary, open and take out the sack, or destroy it
by the injection of the tincture of iodine, and dress as for a
common sore. (See preceding Article and Poll-Evil.)

Fits.—This is a term applied to horses subject to me

94 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

erims, or staggers, (which see,) causing them to fall.
Hence, the expression, “ fitty horse.”

Flaxseed,—LEvery part of this seed is used one way or
another in the treatment of diseases of the horse. The
ground seed, mixed with warm water, is an excellent
cooling food for horses, almost a laxative. The pressed
juice, or oil, is a certain and safe purgative for the horse, in
quart doses. ‘The residue, which remains after the oil has
been pressed, commonly called cake meal, when mixed
with warm water, makes the best of poultices to a sore or
wound. (See Poultices.)

Food, Hints on.—1. All horses must not be fed in
the same proportions, without due regard to their ages,
their constitutions, and their work. Because the impro-
priety of such a practice is self-evident. Yet it is constantly
done, and is the basis of disease of every kind.

2. Never use bad hay on account of its cheapness,
Because there is not proper nourishment in ttt.

3. Damaged corn is exceedingly injurious. Because it
brings on INFLAMMATION of the Bowels and SKIN DISEASES.

4, Chaff is better for old horses than hay. Because they
can chew and digest it better.

5. Mix chaff with corn or oats, and do not give them
alone. Because it makes the horse chew his food more and
digest it better.

6. Hay or grass alone will not support a horse under
hard work. Because there is not sufficient nutritive body in
either.

7. When a horse is worked hard his food should chiefly
be oats and corn: if not worked hard, his food should chiefly —
be hay. Because oats and corn supply more nourishment
and flesh-making material than any other kind of food.
Hay not so much.

FOOD. 93

8. For a saddle or coach-horse, half a peck of sound oats
and eighteen pounds of good hay are sufficient. If the
hay is not good, add a quarter of a peck more oats. A
horse that works harder may have rather more of each;
one that works little should have less.

9. Rack feeding is wasteful. The better plan is to feed
with chopped hay, from a manger. Because the food is
not then thrown about, and is more easily chewed and digested.

10. Sprinkle the hay with water that has salt dissolved
in it. Because it is pleasing to the animal’s taste, and
more easily digested. [A teaspoonful of salt in a bucket of
water is sufficient. ]

11. Oats and corn should be bruised for an old horse
but not fora young one. Because the former, through age
and defective teeth, cannot chew them properly; the young
horse can do so, and they are thus properly mixed with the
saliva, and turned into wholesome nutriment.

12. Grass must always be cut for hay before the seed
drops. Because the juices that ripen the seed are the most
valuable part of the hay. If they are sucked out by its

ripening and dropping, the grass WILL NOT TURN INTO

HAY; but will only wither and grow yellow.

13. Vetches and cut grass should always be given in the
spring to horses that cannot be turned out into the fields.
Because they are very cooling and refreshing, and almost
medicinal i their effects; but they must be supplied in
moderation, as they are liable to ferment in the stomach if
gwen largely.

14. Water your horse from a pond or stream, rather
than from a spring or well. Because the latter is generally
hard and cold, while the former is soft, and comparatively
warm. The horse prefers soft, muddy water to hard waier,

though ever so clear.

96 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

15. A horse should have at least a pail of water, morning
and evening; or (still better) four half-pailfuls, at four
several times in the day. Because this assuages his thirst
without bloating him. But he should not be made to work
DIRECTLY after he has had a FULL DRAUGHT of water; for
digestion and exertion can never go on together.

16. Do not allow your horse to have warm water to
drink. Because, if he has to drink cold water, after getting
accustomed to warm, it will give him the Couic.

17. When your horse refuses his food, after drinking,
go no further that day. Because the poor creature is
THOROUGHLY BEATEN. (See Humanity to Animals.)

Fomentations.—This term has been used exclusively
in the application of warm water to an inflamed or sprained
part, and sometimes toasore. I may be right or may be
wrong, when I say that the application of cold water to
parts similarly affected, are just as much entitled to the
term fomentation, for certainly it is applied the same way
and for the same purpose, namely, to allay irritation in the
sore or sprained part; and it has from my own experience,

proved to have a much better effect, and in as short a time.

Cold, applied, has an effect to brace, strengthen, and give
tonicity to relaxed sprains and sores. Warmth has an
opposite effect, 7. e., to relax and debilitate. In foot dis-
eases, warm water will be preferable for softening the horn.
Where warm water is used, the case should be treated
afterwards by cold fomentations. A good way to apply
cold water is by means of wet woolen cloths wrapped
loosely around the parts, and wet every hour or so before
the skin becomes warm. At night take all the cloths off:
this will prevent scalding, and falling off of the hair.
Warm water should be applied the same way as cold.
Either cold or warm fomentations should be continued

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FOOT DISEASES, 9'

for a time to get their benefits. It will be weil te remem-
ber, that when the cloths are allowed to become dry, an
opposite reaction is immediately set up. Cold is followed
by increased warmth in the parts. Warmth is followed by
cold. ‘This should be well understood, for in my opinion
cold applications, with absolute and entire rest, are the
unly and best agents for the speedy and sure cure of
sprains in whatever part of the legs or body.

Foot Diseases.—(1.) Canker IN THE Foot.—Hap-
pily, this is a rare affection, because it is not easily managed
from the peculiar tendency in the horse’s foot to grow and
produce proud flesh, which is the essential principle of
the affection. Canker in the foot of a horse may be said
to be a foot deprived of a part of its sole, in lieu of which
a fungus is formed. It is difficult to keep it level with
the remaining portion of the sole. Not only so, but
we have to change this disposition in the foot to throw out
such material, and induce the material to secrete or produce
anew sole. This is the difficulty to be experienced in the
treatment of this affection. Nevertheless, cases, and very
hard ones, too, have been cured, but not in a day, nora
week, but months.

Causes. Injuries to the sensitive sole by nails, bruises,
and other accidents, as a piece of the sole being torn off.

Treatment. Removal of any diseased or dead sole, and
the proud flesh. For this purpose, the knife will have to
be used to remove the dead sole, and, if it be in the hands
of an energetic person, the most of the fungus or proud
flesh can be taken off in the same manner. If not, get
caustic potash, and quickly reduce it to a coarse powder, as
it soon dissolves on exposure to the air. Lay it upon the
raw surface. This apply next day, if the first application
has not removed sufficient or all of it. After the proud

98 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

flesh has been entirely taken off, or leveled with the sole
proper, dress every day with Barbadoes tar, one pound;
sulphuric acid, three drachms; powdered sulphate of cop-
per, half an ounce. Mix well, and spread a portion over
the sore foot, and over this dressing, a vad of tow ar
cotton, held firmly down on the padding, 0 as to produce

pressure, an important matter in the treatment of canker in —

the foot. This can be secured by thin pieces of splint
from young wood, being placed across one mother over the
vad, and the ends pushed in between the foot and the shoe.
By this means, and a little patience, with a little ingenuity
in fixing and applying these pads, etc., even very bad cases
can be cured.

(2.) Contraction.—This is not so much a disease as it
is bad management in the stable and in the blacksmith’s
shop. Contraction may be said to be an alteration of the
shape and structure of the vosterior, or back portion of the
hoof—a winding in of the heels.

Causes. Want of proper knowledge on the part of the
owner or horse-shoer in not knowing the difference be-
tween the foot that would require a piece added to it at
each shoeing, and the one that requires a; large portion
taken from it, so as to insure elasticity and expansion. A
foot strong and inelastic, and unyiel ling to the weight of
the animal, is the very first foot to become contracted. I
know flat, weak-footed horses travelling sound for ten or
fifteen years without in the least being contracted. So
long as we have strong-hoofed horses, and shod with an
inflexible iron ring to prevent wear and tear, and the
blacksmith neglects to take off of each hoof at the shoeing
as much horn as the horse would have worn if he had been
in the natural state and not shod, we will have contraction.

Treatment. Cut down the hoof and skcrten the toe, and

FOOT DISEASES. 99

make the hard and inelastic foot one that will expand at
its heels every time the weight of the animal puts his foot
to the ground.

One-sidied nailing is an excellent preventative as well as
an assistant in the cure of contracted feet. What is meant
by one-sided nailing is, that nails are to be confined to the
outside toe of the foot, so as to allow free expansion for the
heels. ‘This cannot be done with the shoe being nailed on
by nails placed at each side. To illustrate this point, place
a small horse-shoe flat in the palm of the hand with the
fingers close to one another ; then tie, with a piece of cord,
the little finger to one side of the shoe, and the thumb to
the other side; then you will realize to what extent you
can expand the fingers so secured. So it is just with the
foot of a horse with the shoe nailed on at each side. Re-
move the cord from one finger, and the whole hand is free
to expand. So likewise the foot of the horse by one-sided
nailing.

(3.) Corns.—This is a red spot on the inner portion of
the heel of the foot, causing lameness, and consists of a
bruise from the shoe pressing upon the part, the shoes
having shifted from their proper position, or never having
been placed there. In general, the production of corns
may be laid to the charge of the horse-shoer, and sometimes
to the owner allowing the horse to go too long before the
shoes are removed, or before the foot has grown from the
shoes. Corn is an analogical term, although bearing no
resemblance to that well-known affection of the feet of man.

Treatment. Remove the corns by cutting them out; then
apply a few drops of commercial sulphuric acid to the part.
Shoe the horse sufficiently often to insure even bearing to
the shoe upon the wall only of the foot.

(4.) FatsE QuARTER.—This is a term applied to the

‘O0 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

horn or portion of the hoof, which overlaps or bulges out
from the line of the sound portion of the hoof.

Causes. An injury to the coronet or ligament, which
secretes, or from which the hoof grows. This causes an
alteration of the horn of the hoof below, corresponding to
the extent of the injury.

Treatment. As there will be an enlargement, more or
less, remaining after an injury to the coronet, little will be
required to be done, but to keep the horn as level with the
hoof proper as possible, in order to make it look less of an
eye-sore.

(5.) INFLAMMATION OF THE Foot.—(See Founder.)

(6.) Pricks.—Pricks may occur in the act of shoeing, or
from a nail being picked up on the street, and from other
hard-pointed substances.

Treatment. Pull the nail out, and poultice the foot for
twenty-four hours ; then make an opening through the horn,
over the place where the nail went in, so as to allow the
pus to escape. For, if this
be not done, and the pus is
left in the foot, it will in #
few days, and at a great ex-
pense of suffering to the
horse, break out between the
hoof and the hair, constitu-
ting quittor. After an open-
ing has been properly made,

FOOT LANCET, drop five drops of muriatic

Rah acid into the hole once a day,

for a day or two. Poultice every second night or day, and

not oftener. A healthy hoof can be poulticed off by
eonstant application.

The horse can go to work as soon as he can step on the

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FOOT DISEASES. 101

ground firmly and without lameness. Nemember, that
in all cases of pricks and other injuries which end in sup-
puration, as pus in the foot of a horse, make a thorough
opening so as to allow the pus to escape, and no more
trouble need be apprehended ; except the nail has entered inte
one of the tendons of the foot, in that case no pus will be
usually formed, the majority of cases ending in locked-jaw,
(which see). Where pus is formed after pricking, no
locked-jaw follows; it is in those cases only where pus is
not formed that locked-jaw may be expected.

(7.) BRUISES OF THE Foot.—(Treat as for Prick of Foot}.

(8.) SAND OR QUARTER CrAcK.—This is a crack or split
in the hoof, usually on the inner side of the fore foot, al-
though splits and cracks occur in all places, and in both
fore and hind feet.

Causes. A brittle condition of the hoof, from the want
of sufficient moisture. In some cases the horse does not
stand square upon his fore feet, thereby causing undue
weight to fall upon one of the sides of the hoof and causing

: _ It to crack.

Prevention. Apply to brittle feet equal portions of the
oil of tar, and cod liver oil, whale oil, or any fish oil well
rubbed in with a brush to the hoofs a few times a week;
and occasionally apply wet cloths to the feet in the sum-
mer season. In winter the feet are better supplied with

~ moisture.

Treatment. Rasp the edges of the crack thin, the nearer
the crack the thinner the horn should be made; this can be
filled up with shoemaker’s wax. After the horn has been
properly thinned a piece of the wall of the hoof, for about
half an inch on each side of the crack, is to be cut out tu
prevent any bearing of the shoe upon it, thereby prevent-
‘ng the constant opening, shutting, and sometimes bleeding

102 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

from the crack. To prevent, or rather to cause the new
horn to grow down whole and without a crack in it, a
piece of iron is to be placed in the fire and made red hot,
and then applied, just for a moment, flat on the hair at the
head of the crack suflicient to make a scab. This will in-
sure a solid growth or horn. Promote the growth of the
horn as speedily as possible, to facilitate the cure; a strap
is used by some round the hoof to prevent opening of the
crack.

(9.) NavicuLaR DisEAsE.—This is a disease of a bone in
the foot of the horse; a serious disease, and often very ob-
scure in its symptoms, altogether depending as to the
advanced condition of the disease. Happily, however, it is
scarcely met with and then only in the common hack horse.
Tt consists of ulceration, of various degrees, on the surface
of the navicular bone within the foot.

Causes. Hard and constant work upon streets paved
with stones. Slight inflammation neglected and the horse
not laid up until it gets well, and then inflammation in-
creasing, until it ends in ulceration of the bone.

Symptom. Obscure, or at least very like many of the
symptoms similar to other diseases of the feet and legs.
It is chiefly determined by the undue heat in the foot, and
by the fact that no diseases can be detected elsewhere or of
a different kind. In lameness of other portion, not in the
foot, we have heat and swelling—the hoof or foot of the
horse cannot swell. It is a box, and we cannot see into it
to examine its contents and condition.

Treatment. Incurable, although much can be done to
relieve the pain, by the application of moisture, poultices,
and occasionally placing the hoof in warm water to soften
and relieve pressure. Some have recommended a blister
round the coronet. I cannot see on what scientific, or

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FOOT DISEASES. 103

other grounds it will do good. In well established cases,
and in good strong feet, the division of the nerves which
run down on each side of the leg and into the foot, will
relieve the pain and the horse will go well for years. But
unfortunately many cases so operated upon have lost their
hoofs by falling off which have been unjustly laid to the
operation. ‘The cause of this is notso much in the operation
as in the operator having no judgment as to the kind of
hoof, and whether the operation would be _ successful
or not. It would be obviously improper to recommend
the operation upon a flat-footed horse, as the animal
deprived of pain would let his thin soled foot come down
to the ground with great force and weight, thus injuring
the whole structure to such an extent, that suppuration
takes place and ultimately the sloughing and falling off of
the hoof.

(10.) SeEDy Tor.—This is a name given to a split in the
centre of either fore or hind foot, extending a little way up
from the point, or it may be up to the hair itself.

Causes. 'The same as those producing sand-crack, (which
see). 7

Treatment. In bad cases a clasp or plate of iron secured
by short screws. In simple crack or split from the toe
upwards, cut off all communication of the sound parts with
the cracked or split portion. For this purpose a three
edged file will be a good instrument for making the divi-
sion. At each shoeing the split portion will gradually
become less or shorter.

(11.) Pumicep So_e.—This name is used or applied to
the sole of a foot, which is convex instead of concave; that is,
instead of the nice cupped foot, the bottom of the saucer is
presented.

Causes. The result of bad or severe cases of founder,

104 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

where the coffin bone is let down upon the sole, and causes
its descent or convexity.

Treatment. This is merely palliative and is to be done
by placing a shoe upon the foot that will insure and pro-
tect the sole from the ground.

(12.) TuHrRusH.—A diseased condition of the sensitive
frog of the foot, and from which a stinking fluid is dis-
charged, which is familiar to every person who is among
horses.

Causes. Too much moisture to the foot, as from animals
standing in their own excreta, or from wet stabling, the
frog becoming perverted, and deteriorating, and secreting, or
discharging a blackish color, and otherwise nasty fluid. It
sometimes accompanies navicular disease. !

Prevention. Dry stabling, a stall having sufficient in-
clination or drainage to carry off the fluids. Cleaning the
stables regularly.

Treatment. A few drops of muriatic acid forced into the
centre of the frog once a day, for a few days. Keep the
stable and stalls dry and clean. A few doses of the sul-
phite of soda in half ounce doses, once a day, fora few —
days, will do good by its alterative and puritive effects
upon the system.

(13.) TreEAp.—This is, as its name indicates, a contused
bruise inflicted on the coronet or immediately above the
hoof by a tramp of the shoe on another foot, or even by
another horse. Keep the wound clean, and apply the
tincture of myrrh and aloes daily.

(14.) Qurttror.—This is a serious and painful disease
of the foot, of the same nature as poll-evil and fistul:. in
the shoulder; it is known by a large swelling around ot
above the hoof, or where the hair joins the hovf, which
son. breaks and discharges pus.

FOOT DISEASES. 105

Symptoms. Horse off his feed. Considerable excitement
aad fever. Holding the foot off the ground, and very
painful. A swelling soon shows itself at the coronet, and
in a few days breaks and discharges pus. After this the
Aorse will resume his feed, but will not make very free
with his foot, which will be better to-day and worse the
next day, depending upon the discharge of pus from
the foot. |

Causes. A prick from a nail, a bruise on the sole,
suppurating corn, or sometimes from a sand crack taking
on suppurative action.

QUITTOR SYRINGE.

Treatment. The great secret of the treatment of this uis
ease, is to make a free opening from the bottom of the foot.
When this is done at once, you will be greatly surprised
to see the swelling go away as quickly as it made its
appearance, and if the swelling has broken, it will soon
cease to discharge when the opening is made from below,
or at the bottom of the foot. Having effected this purpose
of an opening, get a small syringe and inject into the
opening above, if there be any, and if not from the opening
below, a mixture of the sulphate of zinc, two ounces; rain
water, eight ounces, once in the day. If the shoe has been
taken off for the purpose of making the opening, have it
put on again so as to hold some soft stopping in the sole te

106 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

keep it soft. Cow dung is as good, if not better, for this
purpose, than the best of costly flaxseed. Never in cases
of this disease, apply poultices around the whole of the
hoof, as in that case the hoof may fall off. Healthy hoofs
can be poulticed off. Whatever poultice, it must be ap-
plied to the sole. If no opening has been made from
below, drop ten drops of muriatic acid into the opening
above, once in the day, for a few days. This will destroy
the disease.

Founder.—(1.) AcutE FounpER.—Every school-boy
is familiar with the name of founder when applied to a
lame horse, but few horsemen ever comprehend the nature
and seat of this affection. Founder in all its forms is
inflammation of the lamine or leaves, which dovetail into
each other, and bind the sensible and insensible portions of
the foot together. Hence, it is, called by some learned
persons in diseases of horses laminitis, by adding the Greek
word itis. Founder is again called by some persons fever
in the feet. However, as to names, the disease is of often
occurrence, and when left to itself, destroys many good
horses by leaving them ever afterward sore and tender in |
front, as the horsemen have it. |

Symptoms. The horse will scarcely move; stands upon
his heels, with fore feet and legs stretched out as far as he
can get to throw the weight off them. Thus, to all ap-
pearances, making the animal hollow in the eee which
appearance has given rise to the idea that the horse is chest
foundered. The hind legs are brought far in under the
belly. The head of the horse is erect and high. Fever
and constitutional disturbance are very great. ‘The horse
is extremely excitable, and breathing fast and laborious.
Altogether, the poor suffering horse is the very picture of
distross and disease.

Aiea me bal

FOUNDER. 107

Causes. Giving cold water when overheated, and tired
from overwork. A tendency in the feet to take on
inflammatory action. The animal not in proper health or
condition for performing heavy or fast work.

Treatment. Place the horse in a wide and airy stall, with
plenty of good straw for bedding to encourage the horse to
lie down, which will relieve him very much. Indeed, so
much is this the case, that it has been recommended that
every foundered horse should be forcibly thrown and kept
down, till the active stage of the disease has passed off.
This, however, I do not advise, as the horse is excited
enough without increasing it by throwing him from his
feet. Rather give good bedding, and the majority of
horses so affected will be ready and willing to lie down of
their own accord. After the place is all fixed, and the
horse moved into it, give him twenty drops of the tincture
of aconite root in a cupful of cold water, poured into the
mouth with a bottle having a strong neck. Repeat the
dose every four hours, till six to eight doses have been
given. Apply cold ice-water cloths to the feet. Ina few
hours, possibly, the shoes can be taken off. At first, this
generally cannot be done, except the animal is down.
Care should be taken in removing the shoes, so that every
nail is made loose before an attempt is made to pull off the
shoes. Have as little hammering on the foot as possible,
as it will shake the great and over-sensitive frame. Let
the cold water be kept on constantly for the first day, or until
the active pain gives way. At leisure, the feet can be
pared thin on the soles, so they will yield to pressure with
the fingers. By getting the animal to lie down as soon as
possible after he gets in; the cold water cloths applied, and
the aconite given; the animal ina day or two may pe
nothing the worse from the attack. The longer the animal

~,

108 DISEASES OF THE HOBSE.

remains before these remedies are applied, the less likely ig
he to be free from its effects afterwards. Before the horse
is again put to work, be assured he has quite recovered.
During the treatment, give plenty of cold water to drink.
Never give tepid water to a horse while he is sick from
disease. Give grass or soft mashes for a day or two, but
do not keep a sick horse too long on low feed, as debility
and swelling of the legs and various portions of the body
will take place.

Remember. Do not bleed, neither from the neck, nor
foot, nor from any place else in a disease of this kind.

(2.) CoRonIc FouNDER.—Symptoms, Cause and Treat-
ment will be much the same, only it will not be necessary
to push the treatment so far. Principally depend upon
softening the horn of the feet, paring the soles of the feet,
and a few days’ rest. The horse, for a week or two after-
wards, should be placed in a stall having six inches of
sawdust spread over it, and kept a little moist with water
poured over it once ina day. When horses are recovering
from acute founder, they also might be placed in a stall so
prepared. Clay stalls are objectionable. )

Fractures.—This term signifies a broken bone. Frac-
tures are the result of great force applied to the bone, as
from kicks, falls, and accidents.

Fractures occur in three forms.

(1.) The simple fracture or break, either oblique, or
slanting, or straight across the bone.

(2.) The compound fracture, where the bones are broken
in several places.

(3.) The comminuted fracture, where the bones are
broken in pieces, and the ends of the broken bones are
seen cutting through the skin, and, possibly, severing some

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FRACTURES. 109

of the blood vessels, causing, in many cases, death from
loss of blood.

The first, or simple fracture, is the only variety that
calls for much notice, as the other forms of fracture, when
occurring in horses, are beyond remedy. Simple fracture
of the following named bones may, with care, be in a great
measure cured, and the animal be made useful for many
purposes; as, for instance, it would be obviously wrong
to have a valuable mare destroyed, because of simple
fracture of one of many bones, as she would be useful for
breeding purposes, if not for the farm or the road.

Fracture of the bones of the leg anywhere from the
elbow down, except it may be the knee joint, can readily,
with a little care and attention, be secured in its place, and
the animal be made useful. So also the hind legs from
the huck down to the foot. Fractures of the ribs usually
get well of themselves, because they are always kept in
place. So also of the haunch bone. Indeed, simple frac-
tures of most any of the long bones will unite of their own
accord, if the bones are put and kept in their place by
proper fixings. |
_ Symptoms. The symptoms of fracture of the long bones
of the legs are seen at once by the looseness of the leg, the
horse not having the power to move it. The leg can be
turned in any direction. The horse is in great pain,
excitement, sweating, etc. If there are bones pointing
through the skin, the horse had better be shot.

Treatment. Place the horse, if in summer season, in the
field, and in winter in the barn-yard, where there is not
too much straw to prevent the foot being carried without
tnterruption.

Then give twenty-five drops of the tincture of aconite
root every five hours, for the first twenty-four hours, t¢

110 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

relieve pain, excitement, and fever. Take lold of the
broken leg carefully, and place it in a position as near like
the other leg as possible, not only in shape, but in actual
length by measurement, for it is the neglect of this that
some legs are left shorter and some longer after fractures.
The whole position of the leg being got at, apply a good
coating of tar to the leg, around, above, and below the
point of fracture. Then wrap the whole leg in oakum,
coarse tow, or carded cotton. Over this, place broad pieces
of boards, like shingles, on the sides and front of the leg,
and fill all unevenness with the tow or cotton, so the splint
or boards will lay flat on the leg. Secure the whole by
careful tying with broad strings or soft cords. The great
secret in the successful treatment of simple fractures of the
bones of the legs, is the fixing of the leg, so it cannot move
until they have united. Feed the horse well, and see
every day that the splints on the legs are not loose. Never
sling a horse from his feet in cases of fracture, for it will
be regretted. If the horse is to be kept in a stall, make a
hole in the floor of the stall, underneath the foot of the
broken leg, so that he can stand with the leg at full length.
Bear in mind, no horse will put his foot to the ground till
he is able to do so; therefore, leave everything to the
broken-legged, except the matter of securing the broken
bones in their place. And by giving him his feed, he may
be safely left to himself, and nature will do the rest
for him. |

Fracture of the Hip or Pelvis.—Symptoms. The
horse is extremely down in one of the hips, with a peculiar
loose motion of the hind leg, almost giving way every step
the horse makes. There are no diseases this can be
mistaken for in the hind leg or hip. This fracture is pro-
duced in a moment; and even whilst the horse is trotting,

FRACTURES. 11}

he will stop all at once as if he were shot. Fracture of the
hip, I say hip—so that the unprofessional reader will better
understand—but it is the bone of the pelvis. ‘The mere
name will not amount to much, for the treatment is: let it
alone, and it will get well in three months of itself without
any interference from medicine or art. Turn the horse out
for a few months, either in pasture or in the barn-yard,
and give him plenty to eat.

Fracture of the ribs will require no treatment, except it
may be a few days’ rest. Sometimes a swelling will be
seen on the side of a horse having a broken rib, in a few
days after the accident. It may form an abscess; if so,
have it opened to let out the matter; and if it should not
become soft and hold matter, let it alone, as it will do little
harm; or, make the application for a few times, say once a
week for three weeks, of the ointment cf iodine. (See
Prescriptions and Medicines.)

Fractures of the simple kind take place in various
parts of the body, and when such is the case, and they do
not interfere with any action or function of the body, they
can be assisted only in so far as bandage and splint are
concerned, so as to secure the ends in proper position.
This will require some ingenuity, and cannot be described,
as a bone is not always broken at one place, nor is it
always of one set kind of break. The means will on these
occasions have to meet the ends required of them in the
best way possible. Sometimes pieces of broken bone will
have to be taken out, where the bone has become detached.
If this occur in the bones of the leg, of course the horse
had better be shot. Where small pieces of bone become
loose, it is usually in some of the flat bones, as the
shoulder blade and the lower jaw bone, from kicks from
other horses.

112 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Fractures of the teeth take place often, and where they
are very loose in the head, they had better be taken out
altogether, and rasp the sharp points of the broken ones
with a file or rasp, to prevent cutting the mouth when the
horse is chewing.

Fungi as a Cause of Disease.—Much has been said
and written of late years of minute fungi being the cause
of diseases. Dr. Lassaure has made experiments with
pencellum, etc., and concludes from them that fungus is
not a cause, but an accidental presence. In contradiction
of Hallier, and I might truthfully say of many other per-
sons, it has been shown that nothing is to be gained in the
study of the causes of disease by cultivating microscopic
fungi, and it cannot be regarded as a contagious element
until we have succeeded in producing disease from art.

Frost Bites.—The results of frost bites may be called
chilblains, which again give rise to extreme swellings of the
heels and back parts of the hind legs, until finally the skin
gives way, terminating in sores and ulcers that may at once
be taken for scratches. The sores are deeper in such cases
than in scratches or greasy legs, but closely resemble
Phagadena, (which see.) In the worst cases we have seen,
the skin and flesh shoughed, followed by gangrene or —
mortification of the leg, and death of the horse from the
poison thus produced and absorbed. We have seen several
cases of frost bites in different stages and severities, and
which, in all cases, was the result of broken and imperfect
doors facing the northern exposure, and behind which stood
the hind legs and heels of the horse.

Treatment. If the legs be found, on opening the stable,
to lw swollen and painful, rub the parts with snow or ice-
cok waiter, then follow gradually with warmer water, a

ig ~s ei aaa a
oe Sad i ‘

GASTRITIS MUCOSA. 113

degree or two above freezing; and whem warmth is re
stored, bathe with weak spirits. When the legs and heels
break into sores and ulcers, apply, twice daily, carbolic acid
(in crystals), four drachms; olive oil, four ounces. Mix.

Gangrene.—This is a name applied to, or is synonymous
with, mortification or death of a part, and is characterized
by a livid or black color. Gangrene is attended, or is ushered
in, by a sudden giving way of pain, which has often been
mistaken for recovery. When gangrene of an outward or
external part takes place, there is a change in the condition
of the part, it assumes a different aspect, the swelling sub-
sides, and upon touching the part a crackling sound is pro-
duced, owing to the evolution of gas.

Gastritis Mucosa,—This is a new name to many
persons, even well informed in diseases of horses, notwith-
standing it is a very common one in the spring of the year,
assuming always an epizootic form, and being closely allied
to the epizootic catarrh, sometimes called typhoid influenza.
(See Influenza.) The chief difference in the symptoms
between the two diseases, being the absence of a cough,
which is always observed in influenza. The one disease
attacking the lining membrane of the windpipe; the
other, the mucous membrane of the stomach and bowels,
or in other words, the digestive organs, more than
the respiratory. Gastritis Mucosa is a fatal disease, if
treated by low diet, bleeding, blistering and physicking,
because it always assumes a low standard of vitality, or
great weakness. Hence the horse so affected, and so treated,
has no chance for his life, whatever.

Symptoms. As before stated, the horse has no cough and
the breathing is not disturbed. The breath and mouth is

not hot nor dry, but often the mouth is slimy, and to such
8 i

114 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

an extent that it looks as if the horse were salivated,
The legs soon swell, or become rounded, or filled as
they are often called. The swellings are not inflamma-
tory, nor painful; they contain lymph, or plastic mat-
ter from the blood, which disappears as it came, when
the strength of the horse gets up again, and the disease
subsides. The appetite is entirely suspended from the com-
mencement of the disease. There is one of the many
symptoms, which is never absent in this disease, and is
very characteristic of its name and seat, and this symptom
is that the foeces or dung is small, or in pellets, and covered
with slime, and portions of the mucous membrane of the
stomach and bowels, or what the stable-man calls “very
feverish.” The prominent symptom of this disease is great
weakness, and this is the case, almost from the first mo-
ment of the attack.

Causes. The cause of this as well as of all epizootic
diseases, is involved in not a little obscurity, and to get out
of this state of ignorance, and uncertainty as to the cause,
we are graciously pleased to call it atmospheric. This
atmospheric influence, may be either electric, a poison, or
a chemical element, capable of altering or changing the
various parts or portions of the body most exposed to its
subtle influences. However, this disease, as before stated,
is peculiar to the spring of the year, commencing as
the hermetically sealed earth begins to open its pores to
the rain and sunshine of spring. May there not be dele-
terious emanations from the earth, or at least after great
frost or snow, is there not during the process of thawing a
colder air or gas given forth from the thawing process, than
the animal is breathing a few feet higher up from the
eround? ‘This was one of the points entering into the
celebrated controversy between myself and the distin-

GASTRITIS MUCOSA, 115

eweshed Professor R. E. Rogers, of the University of
Pennsylvania, on the salt and slush question, a few years
ago, whether it was or was not injurious to the health of
man or horse to sprinkle salt upon the track to thaw the
snow from them. If my argument did not prevent further
use of the salt upon the track, it did some good in making
it obligatory upon the railway companies to keep all gutters
and inlets clear, to allow the slush to escape at once from
the street. So I think, it is clearly established, that the
cold emanating from the soil, during the process of thawing
or breaking up of winter, are great and exciting causes,
not only of this disease, but of many others in both man
and beast, and which have hitherto been called atmospheric.
And in connection with this condition, we have in horses,
at least, a want of their usual protection, for with the
warm sun of spring, the animal throws off his hairy coat,
thus as it were unnecessarily exposing himself to these
insidious causes of disease.

Treatment. When cases of this and other diseases of the
same type (gastritis mucosa) first came under my care, [
treated upon different principles and with different medi-
cines than what is here recommended. I look back with
extreme dissatisfaction on the false doctrines and false
teachings of the books and the schools which have led
many inquiring minds astray since their day of teaching
commenced. The treatment now recommended is sound,
scientific and successful, and in a very short time the horse
will be at work again, as if nothing had been amiss. The
first day of the disease, give, every four hours, twenty drops
of the tincture of aconite root in a little cold water ; next day,
give the tincture of nux vomica in fifteen drops every four
hours, in the same way, till the horse is well, which usually
will be about the sixth or seventh day, and sometimes even

116 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

sooner. If, however, the case does not improve, and the
appetite is not good, give powdered carbonate of ammonia
and gentian root, each three drachms to a dose, morning,
noon and night, in addition to the tincture of nux vomica.
These medicines will have to be mixed with cold water,
and the horse drenched out of a strong-necked bottle or ox’s
horn cut slanting at the mouth. Keep the ammonia ina
bottle tightly corked till it is used, as it loses its strength
by exposure to the air. Let the horse have as much cold
water to drink as he wants; and for this purpose a
bucketful should be kept before him. Pure air and good
ventilation should be insured to all sick horses. Green, or
soft feed should be given from the first day, if the horse
will eat it. Green feed all the time of sickness will be of
advantage, but oats will have to be given in addition, to
support the strength and vital powers of the system, to
enable him to throw off the effects of the disease. Such,
then, is the manner of curing a disease which has destroyed
many horses, even when treated by men calling themselves
veterinary surgeons, or at least horse doctors. (See Influ-
enza and Rheumatism.)

Glanders.—The following synopsis of a lecture deliv-
ered by Dr. McClure published in the Lvemng Bulletin
will answer for the history and nature of the disease
called glanders. The treatment will be made more
plain for non-professional readers.

Dr. Robert McClure, Veterinary Surgeon, delivered a
very interesting lecture at the Veterinary College.
His subject was “Glanders in Horses.” He said: Glanders
is a disease dating from the time of Xenophon, or four
hundred years before Christ, and we are assured by Hippo-
erates, (ruler of the horse) that confirmed glanders was in-
eurable, and that it was then known by the name Proflu

GLANDERS. 117

vium Atticum. Veterinary surgeons recognize twe varie-
ties of Eguinia in the horse, viz.: Equinia mitis, contrac.
ted from horses with greasy heels (Paronychia Equi), and
Equinia Glandulosa, a dangerous disease, and readily com-
municated to man. Glanders is unknown at the tropics
and at the poles, and is not seen where strwma is not a dis-
ease of the people. It is a domestic disease. The assigna-
dle causes are many, among which may be enumerated
starvation, filth, and debilitating diseases, as strangles,
eatarrh and lung-fever, or, indeed, any disease capable of
generating pus; and this pus being absorbed into the general
circulation, thus forming a Ferment, a Zumin, or a Leaven,
as the Bible has it, within the blood, the effort of na-
turs to get rid of this offending matter is seen in the
ulcerations of the lining membranes of the nose. The re-
cent experiments of Professor Giovanni Polli, of Milan,
seem to corroborate this view, as he has produced glanders
and other Zymotic diseases in seventy dogs, by injecting
into their blood in some cases fetid bullock’s blood, pus,
and glandered products, and neutralizing the ferment so set
up by the administration of an alkaline sulphite—a new
intero-chemical doctrine—on the principle of arresting the
vinous fermentation set up in a vessel of cider by add-
ing to it a preparation of lime. The experiments of this
distinguished professor, enable the veterinary surgeon to
extend his usefulness, and the domestic physician to snatch
many a useful life from an early grave. How many brave
men have stood the storm of battle in the late war—were ad-
mitted to the hospitai with perhaps a shattered bone—am-
putation was performed, the case did well for a few days.
The kind-hearted surgeon saw a change for the worse ; appe-
tite gone, the rigor and chill supervened till it was too plainly
seen that +h pus from the stump had been absorhed into the

118 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

blood of the unfortunate man ; fermentation was set up, and
death staring h’m in the face, there was no power to save.
The discovery of a ferment and its antidote have changed
the scene from death to that of life. So, likewise, with
veterinary surgeons, however ignorant and slow some of
them are to see and understand, it will enable them to pre-
serve the life of many a useful animal to its owner, thus
adding very materially to the happiness and prosperity of
this great and prosperous people.

Glanders are recognized by ulceration of the lining mem-
orane of the nose, or the formation of pustules, and com-
monly situated in the septum nasi. These pustules soon
uleerate and discharge pus of a greenish color, rapidly dry-
ing up when spread over the nostrils, and sinking in water,
owing, as is supposed, to it containing no oil or pus cells,
but principally albumen. ‘There is one phenomenon never
absent in this disease, and that is the enlarged gland under
the jaw ; hence, the common name of the disease—glanders.
There are, said the lecturer, many wrong ideas entertained,
not only in regard to the contagious nature of the disease,
but also in regard to its incurability and even fatality.
Glanders is no more contagious than the heavy, stinking
discharge from the nose of some horses with catarrh, as
the pus of an abscess on the nose of a horse with a cold,
when introduced into the blood of healthy animals, will
produce a ferment—which explains the reason why a cold
in horses terminates in glanders; it is the absorption
of the pus. This will be readily understood, when it
is said the hors; is running or bordering on glanders.
Horses affected with chronic glanders will live and work
for years, which fact, being well known, has caused dissatis-
faction with local laws, prohibiting the use of glandered
borses.

GLANDERS. 119

Fresh specimens of sections of the lungs, nose, and other
portions taken from a glandered animal, were placed at the
disposal of the lecturer for the purpose of illustrating to
the audience, showing the morbid changes effected by the
disease. At the close of the lecture, the doctor showed the
manner of generating nascent hydrogen for the purpose of
detecting the presence of the alkaline sulphite in the secre-
tions of horses, under its effects, for the purpose of the cure
of glanders. Before touching upon the plan of treatment,
the reader is referred to the article Farcy.

Treatment. The proposition of restoration in a disease of
this kind, is the destruction of the ferment, the removal of
its products or effects, and the improvement of the bad
habit of body by enriching the blood.

To remove or neutralize the ferment or poison, give one-
half to one ounce doses of the sulphite of soda at night, in
cut feed, for several weeks, and five grains of the powdered
Spanish fly along with it, which will act not only as a
powerful tonic, but as an agent whereby the product of the
disease will be removed from the body of the animal by
the kidneys. This treatment will not interfere with the
other medicine, which is powdered gentian root, three
drachms; powdered sulphate of copper, two drachms.
Mix these articles, and give the whole for a dose, and give
one dose morning and mid-day.

These medicines will have to be continued for a long
time, not only to cure the disease, but to improve the health.
The horse must be well and highly fed, and removed from
other horses while the treatment is going on. Change the
feed often, so as to get all the elements that the blood re-
quires, and to keep up the appetite, for if the appetite fails,
no cure can be made.

Remember. Glanders associated with tubercles of the

120 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

lungs, cannot be cured, and it then partakes rather of the
nature of consumption than of simple glanders without
tubercles, which is easily cured.

Glass Eye.—(See Eye Diseases.)

Gleet.—(Nasal.) This term is used to denote a thin,
transparent discharge from the nose in cases of coryza, and
as a sequel to catarrh and cold in old and debilitated horses.
Whilst there are no ulcers on the lining membrane of the
nose, or no enlargement of gland under the jaw, the case
may be dismissed as simple gleet, which can be readily
cured by good feeding and a few tonic powders, such as
powdered sulphate of copper, three ounces ; powdered gen-
tian root, four ounces; powdered Spanish fly, one drachm.
Mix, and divide into twelve powders, and give one powder
once in the twenty-four hours. These powders will last
two weeks, and can be renewed if necessary. Give the
powders in large bulk or cut feed, so as to protect the coat
of the stomach from the effects of the Spanish fly.

Granulation.—This means the little red portions of
flesh, which grow in and fill up holes made by wounds. |
Sometimes these grow too fast; then they are unhealthy,
being soft, and grow beyond the edges of the wound. To
prevent this, sprinkle a little powdered bluestone, or a
little sulphate of zinc, and the wound will soon heal level
with the surrounding surface.

Gravel in the Foot.—This name conveys an impres-
sion that sand or gravel has got into the foot, which is
often the case from cracks or other openings in the foot,
whether from above or below. Wash out the sand, if
possible; if not, remove some of the horn, and wash out
well, and fill up the hole by shoemaker’s wax applied hot,
and smoothed over by the hand previously wet, so the

GREASE. 121

warm wax will not stick to it. If the opening be in the
sole, shoe with leather soles, tar and cotton, until the hole
has grown out or closed up.

Grease.—This is a disease of the heels and legs of
horses, characterized by an unsightly condition of the parts.
The whole being the result of suppurative inflammatory
action of the skin and heels of the hind legs, usually, but
sometimes of the fore ones; is more common in coarse-bred
western horses, and heavy breeds, than in well or fine
bred horses.

Cause. Sudden changes of the temperature of the earth,
whether from heat to cold, or from wet to dry. This dis-
ease always follows sloppy or wet streets, stables or lands,
producing a relaxed condition of the parts from too much ©
moisture. :

Treatment. Keep the legs clean and dry, and apply a
mixture to the heels twice in the twenty-four hours. Water,
one pint; sulphuric acid, two drachms; corrosive chloride
of mercury, one drachm. Mix, and shake up before sing.
Many cases are readily cured, by simply keeping the heels
clean, and anointing with glycerine, or lard, having no salt
in it. It must be confessed by every body, who has had
any experience at all in the treatment of this disease, that
there is uncertainty of an early cure; some cases will be
cured in a short time, and in others it would seem that the
discharge would never dry up and be healed. For cases
that prove obstinate, the following plan will effect a cure,
when other vaunted remedies have failed: Take one box
of concentrated lye, and dissolve it in two quarts of water,
and bottle up for use when wanted, in the following way:
Pour a wine-glassful of the solution of lye, into a small
bucket of cold water, and wash and bathe the heels and
legs for half an hour, morning and night. A great change

122 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

for the better will be seen in a day or two. This wash
seems to have the power of relaxing and softening the skin,
and at the same time causes the legs to sweat greatly.
Dry them as often after the bathing as you like, there will
pour out great quantities of moisture from the skin as soon
as you have done.

SHoT OF GREASE.—This is a different disease from
the one described, from the fact that it attacks only one
leg, and that one of the hind ones, and comes on in a night,
without any preceding symptoms whatever, and hence it is
called a shot of grease. ‘There is no cracking of the skin
of the heels or legs, but it remains whole and unbroken.

Cause. Robust stamina, or too fat and full of flesh, and
to get rid of this superfluity, plastic lymph is thrown into
one of the hind legs, which causes swelling of the leg to an
enormous size. If this material were thrown from the
blood into one of the fore legs, where the nearness to the
heart increases the activity of the capillary circulation,
matter would not remain as it does in the hind legs, which
are so far from the centre of circulation. This disease is
not unlike the phlegmassia dolens, or milk leg in the
human family. |

Treatment. If the disease be observed early or before the
leg becomes hard, take about one quart of blood from the
neck, and give slop feed, that is, bran with plenty of water
in it. Also, give one ounce doses of the sulphite of soda
once in the day, for a few days, and bathe the legs three
times in the day with the same solution of concentrated lye,
as is recommended in grease, (which see.) If the swelling
does not lessen in two days after these various agents have
been employed, then incisions of an inch in length, through
the skin, will have to be made for the purpose of letting out
the imprisoned fluid before the arteries of the legs have

GUNSHOT WOUND. 123

become plugged or filled up, which constitute the thick or
fat leg so often seen in horses in large cities. In addition,
the leg will have to be bandaged pretty tightly with a
broad bandage, and be still bathed three times in the day
with the solution of concentrated lye. Many good horses
have been rendered of little value from want of a knowledge
of this disease and its proper treatment.

Gripes.—This name is sometimes applied to colic,
(which see.)

Grogginess,—A term meant to convey the idea that
the horse does not travel very steady in front, from con-
tracted or bent legs at the knee, or from soreness in the feet
from a previous attack of founder in the feet, (which see.)

Grunter.—This name is applied to horses that give
forth a grunting noise. One condition giving rise to
wheezing, roaring, whistling, piping, and rattling, will, with
slight modification, produce a grunter.

Observe. If the collar is not too tight on the neck, in-
terfering with the free passage of air in and out of the
windpipe. :

Causes. Generally from some thickening of the glands
of the neck, or of the windpipe—the effects of bronchitis
or distemper, not treated, or improperly treated, in not
supporting the strength, whereby all thickenings are taken
up, or reduced and even prevented.

Gullet, Obstructions in the,—(See Choking.)

Gunshot Wound,—This is, excepting in times of war,
a rare occurrence, and the treatment consists in extract-
ing the bullet, and healing the wound as for an ordinary
sore. The bullet is extracted by an instrument represented
in the accompanying cut, and is called Bullet Forceps.

124 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

The instrument is represented as grasping the bullet, show-
ing, also, the way in which it is introduced to extract the ball.

BULLET FORCEPS OF DIFFERENT PATTERNS.

Gutta Serena,—(See Eye Diseases.)

Heart, Diseases of the.—Of diseases of the heart
little need be said, and as little can be done in the way of
eure; so all I propose under this head is merely to name a

es ays SS ee See ST Lae 2 Se

HEART. 125

few of the altered conditions of the heart, which are all
embraced in the sweeping term “ Heart disease.”

(1.) Enlargement of the heart.

(2.) Wasting or shrinking of the heart.

(3.) Foreign bodies in the heart.

(4.) Fatty degeneration of the heart.

(5.) Inflammation of the heart.

(6.) Ossification of the heart.

Such, then, are some of the distinctions made, when
speaking of diseases of the heart. And as an illustration
of what a horse with heart disease can do, and what can
be, and is sometimes done with such an animal so affected, I
reproduce articles from the Scottish Farmer, which may
be of interest to some of our American farmers.

“Tf one of the busy paternity who delight in a deal, on
a dark Wednesday night, in the grass market, were asked
what sort of horse he wished to procure, as a safe invest-
ment for his ill-gathered coin, he would certainly prefer a‘
good-looking Clydesdale, sound in limb; not a roarer, but
with a mysterious screw loose, which few, including the
horse-coper himself, can discover. Such an animal has
been turned over many and many a time within the last
three weeks, in or near Edinburgh.”

Our readers will remember a second article on heart
disease, in which three cases were specially mentioned, and

_ one amongst them, under “observation.” “A full-sized,

active gray mare, apparently fit for a goods van, having
been treated for a cold by a blacksmith, proved to be
suffering from dilation of the right side of the heart. She
was looked upon with interest by a strong muster of stu-
dents, who hoped to see further into matters, and proposed
to buy the mare, to be destroyed, as the only humane
method of treating her. But, as we are informed, a friend,

126 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

seeing the animal with swelled legs only, thought he could
cure the case, and urged that she should be sent to his farm,
where he would put her to the plough. In opposition te
professional advice, this was agreed upon, and the students
were disappointed in getting the prize. Not many days
elapsed before the farmer found that he had undertaken a
hard task, in attempting to cure the swelled legs. Seven
dollars and a half were realized for this likely-looking
animal, and we believe a smith, near Edinburgh, was the
purchaser. Here the trickery commenced, and a simple
countryman greedily closed a bargain which enriched the
smith by forty-two dollars and fifty cents. The animal’s
wind was, however, wrong, and cart-work would not suit
her; so that, in despair, an exchange was effected with
some of the ingenious dealers in horse-flesh, in this town.
Exchange followed exchange, and it proved very trouble-
some to trace the animal, until at last, in broad day-light,
she fell, by the auctioneer’s hammer, to the lot of a man
from Glasgow-side.”

Many a twenty dollar note can be made out of a poor
animal thus knocked from hand to hand, until, in the
course of nature, it drops dead in harness. The history of
the case is as interesting as would have been the post
mortem to the students; and it will be found that one of
the most remarkable features in such cases, is the length
of time that animals retain a selling appearance, though
absolutely unfit for any exertion.

Heaves.—This is a term in frequent use, but not so
well understood as it ought to be, seeing its importance as
to the proper value of an animal. Heaves, then, may be
defined as a difficulty in breathing, whereby the value and
usefulness of the horse is seriously impaired. There is
every degree of intensity to be seen in this disease. Some

HEAVES. 127

animals are so seriously affected, that it is hard to look at
the terrible efforts made in the art of respiration. The
deep and not suffered-to-be-completed respiration tells the
tale of great asthmatic effort and oppression. In others, it
is so slight that only experts can observe it; not from the
quickness of breathing, nor yet from its depth, but from a
peculiar double beat or hitch, differing from all other
varieties of breathing, either of fever, inflammation, or
debility.

Causes. Debility of the parvagum nerve; for if this
nerve is divided or cut in its course, heaves, or broken
wind, is set up at once. The real condition of this
nerve, which gives rise to heaves, is not at present
known; and it is difficult, in many cases, to trace and dis-
tinguish any alteration of the nerves, as they may retain
their color, yet their influence may be greatly impaired.
For two reasons I have said debility. First, because, if it
was cut, or had entirely lost its influence, the animal would
die in forty-eight hours. Second, because, by the adminis-
tration of powerful tonics, the symptoms of the disease are
greatly relieved, and in some cases they entirely disappear.

Treatment. Horse-dealers, in order to allay the symptoms,
that is, the peculiar breathing, give an ounce each, of
powdered sulphate of iron, gentian and ginger root. It is
the largeness of the dose that is given, and repeated
for a few days, that imparts a tonicity to the nerve.
Although I have here spoken of this matter, I do not wish
to be understood as advecating such treatment, nor as
attempting to cheat or deceive any one; but the large
dose of iron meets my decided disapproval, as being highly
injurious to the horse—although the giving of round or
spherical shot, as is practiced in England, is much worse.
The treatment, whatever that may be, to do good per-

128 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

manently, must be by a gradual and progressive improve-
ment. Five grain doses of arsenic, given once in the
twenty-four hours for two weeks; then, after a week’s in-
termission, commencing as before, will soon cure many cases.
Give the animal feed in small bulk. Use as little hay,
or rough feed, in large bulk, as possible. Improve the
condition of the horse by every way or means, and you will
relieve the animal.

Heat.—General heat of the skin indicates fever; local
heat, inflammation.

Hepatic Diseases,—(See Liver, Inflammation of the.)

Hernia,—This is a name given to ruptures, (see Rup-
tures.)

Herpes,—A name used in skin diseases, (see Mange
and Skin Diseases.)

Hereditary Diseases. es one, of any observation,
can deny that hereditary influence exists in the production
of disease. This influence must not, in the production
of disease, be considered as invariably reliably. The fact
of horses or mares having a disease, is no reason why their
young will have the same disease, also. It was through
change or alteration of structure, action or function, that
existed in either of the parents, that disease fastened
upon them, and these same forms which existed in them
are likely to be transmitted to the offspring, thus carrying
the various formations of structure, which will ultimately,
in all probability, produce the same disease. A great num-
ber of the affections, which are usually styled hereditary,
do not make their appearance until years after their
birth, because it requires time and work to develop them.
Few persons would expect a horse with cow hock, (which
see,) to become curbed without work, as a secondary cause.

HIDE BOUND. 129

There is one other point worthy of remark, in speaking
of hereditary diseases, which is that many animals, after
being poorly bred, have been badly fed and cared for;
whereas if good feeding and care, had been bestowed upon
them, it would have gone a long way in lessening the cer-
tainty of developing hereditary diseases in them, and
their offspring. This is every day being illustrated in the
family of man. ‘There are several rules laid down to be
observed as measures to prevent and modify condi-
tions which result in producing diseases of hereditary
predisposition. And there have been receipts found in the -
temple of Asculapius, and said to be in the handwriting
of Hippocrates himself, for the purpose of mitigating the
hereditary conditions, which are so often seen in the human
family. Although these rules cannot, in all cases, be applied
to animals, nevertheless much can be done. The better
way will be to avoid breeding from diseased animals. So
long as like begets like, so long will we have hereditary
diseases among horses.

Hide Bound.—This, properly speaking, is not a dis-
ease, but the symptom of a bad condition, “out of sorts,”
debility, etc.

Treatment. Feed in large bulk, mixed feed—cut hay,
corn meal, and bran in good proportion—with no more
water than will keep the particles together. Give thc fol-
Jowing powder in feed every night, for twelve nights :—-
Powdered sulphate of iron, three drachms; powdered
gentian root, four drachms. Mix. If the animal is fat
and yet hide bound, substitute the following, instead of
that above recommended: Take sulphuret of antimony,
three drachms ; sulphur in flour, three drachms ; sulphite of
soda, ar an ounce. Mix. and give in one dose, repeating

130 DISEASES OF THE HORSE,

it every night for two weeks. If in the winter, use an
on extra blanket. If in summer, give cut grass to eat.

Hip-joint Disease.—Happily, this is a very rare dis-
ease in horses, and does not make its appearance so soon as
in man. It is always the result of accident or injury, and
is a joint affection—not of the muscles, because the mass of
muscles are so very great over the hip, that it is not an
easy matter to sprain them. I speak of this here, because
among horsemen it is a great bug-bear, often occurring
in their ideas; whereas, in ninety-nine cases out of a hun-
dred of their so-called hip and whirl bone disease, the lame-
ness will be found in the hock-joint. Why do they jump
at the conclusion that the lameness is in the hip? Because
in every movement of the hock-joint, the vibration or hitch
is more distinctly seen by the altered action of the muscles of
the hip, as when the hock-joint moves but partially, and not
completely, it is not so readily seen at the hock as at the
hip. Hence, this is but the old adage, cause and effect;
in this case the horseman has them reversed. (See Spavin.)

Symptoms. Lowness or falling in of the hip; a peculiar
manner of moving, not indicating imability as is seen in
fracture of the pelvis bone, but of great pain and difficulty ;
not yielding or bending low down on that quarter when
the horse takes a step. The leg appears shorter, and is
placed, when standing, slightly under the body, and not
doubled up, or standing upon the toe as is seen in cases of
hock-joint disease.

Treatment. Absolute and entire rest for a few weeks.
The application of cold water cloths over the hip, taking
them off at night, and applying them in the morning again.
This will kave to be kept up for a week, at least, so that
all heat and tenderness will be removed before any irritani

HOCK. 13]

can be used to the parts. (Never apply hot liniments to a

part already too hot and painful.) Then apply by rubbing

with the hand over the parts, every second day, the follow-
ing: Oijl of turpentine, one ounce; oil of olives, two
ounces ; creosote, one ounce. Mix. This will not only act
as an irritant, but as a powerful sedative to the nerves of
the parts, causing relief from pain, so that the animal can
be made useful.

Hock, The.—This is an important joint or part of the
horse, and is the seat of many diseases, causing lameness.
In the majority of hind leg lameness, the hock is the true
situation. This fact is not apparent to the non-professional
person, as the hock, while diseased, does not swell so often
as other portions of the body or legs when diseased. Bog
or blood spavin and thorough-pin, a blind man can almost
see. With these exceptions, I say, hock-joint lameness, in
the majority of cases, is charged to the hip or somewhere
else, simply because persons fail to see any peculiarity,
even when pointed out to them. (See Stringhalt.) |

Sprain of the hock-joint is to be treated with cold water
cloths, for a few days, and the application of the following,
once every second day, for a week, with friction or rubbing:
Oil of turpentine; oil of olives; equal parts. Mix. This
is a simple, cheap, and good liniment, and will answer
every purpose.

Rupture of the internal and external lateral or side liga-
ments of the hock-joint is occasionally seen, and is caused
by a violent slip. The rupture is at once recognized by
the loss of power of the horse over the leg below the joint;
but can stand on the leg, as if it were sound, and there is
little or no swelling—which peculiarities serve to show thie
difference between a broken bone of the leg and the rup-
tured ligaments of a joint. (See Ligaments.) The cure

132 DISEASES OF THE HORSE,

is accomplished by absolute and entire rest, with occa
sional friction with the turpentine liniment, just mentioned
above. Be assured of the complete union of the ligaments
—which will have taken place when the horse can bend
and properly use the leg—before exercise or work be exac-

ted.

- Hooks in the Eyes,—This is a term in use by coun-
try folks when referring to the peculiar action of the meme
brana nictatans in cases of locked-jaw, (which see.) Many
persons have advised that these useful membranes should
be cut out. Nothing could be further wrong than this ; for
it is merely the effect of a cause. Rather remove the cause,
or cure the locked-jaw, and the protruding of the hook or
horns will cease. This is the only true plan to adopt.

Horse, Natural History of the.—The horse comes
under the division vertebrata, class mammalia, tribe
ungulata, order pachydermata, family solipeda.

Horse Fly.—This comprehends the gad or breeze fly,
Gasterophilus wstrus. The spotted horse fly, G. Hqui.
The red-tailed horse fly, G. hemorrhoidalis. This last fly
deposits her eggs on the lips of the nurse, and the former
glues them to the hair of the legs. These various eggs are
ultimately taken into the stomach, and in one year they
have become sufficiently matured that they are thrown out
to the outer world to get wings, and finally fly about and
propagate their kind in the same manner as the parent
stock. (See Worms.)

Humanity to Animals, Hints on.—(1.) Warm the
bit in frosty weather, before putting it into the horse’s mouth.

(2.) Let the horse lick a little salt from your hands
whenever you offer the bit.

(3.) Never startle a horse by striking him suddenly or

HUMANITY TO ANIMAIS., 133

unexpectedly. This caution is specially important if he
has a blind bridle.

(4.) Uniformly gentle treatment will secure faithful and
steady work. Anger, severity, and sudden jerking, endan-
ger your harness, your vehicle, and your life, besides
permanently injuring your horse.

(5.) Be well provided with horse-blankets, particularly
at night. If you are waiting for passengers, while you |
look out for your own comfort by a warm fireside, or in
thick wrappers, see that your faithful brute companion is
also protected from the chilly air.

(6.) Wash the inside of the collar frequently with castile
soap suds, and when it has thoroughly dried, gently warm
the leather and soak it with oil, so as to soften it. But do
net allow any oil to remain on the surface of the leather,
unabsorbed.

(7.) If the shoulders are tender, feverish, and disposed
to chafe, they should be well rubbed, and afterwards
washed with salt water. This should be done after un-
harnessing, so that the parts bathed may be dry before
work is resumed.

(8.) Do not be tempted by extra pay to overload your
team. Overloading occasions blindness, spavin, splint,
glanders, farcy, and other painful and fatal disorders, and
thus risks the loss of your capital, besides injuring yourself
by encouraging a cruel disposition.

(9.) See that the harness fits easily in every part, and
that the shoes are tight and well put on. If there are
chains connected with any part of the harness, let them be
well covered with soft padded leather or fur.

(10.) Let your tones, in addressing the horse, be always
gentle, soothing, and pleasant. Pat him often, and en-
eourage every sign of attachment that he gives.

34 DISEASES OF THE HORSE

(11.) Every truck, or other vehicle, should have a prop
stick hung to the shafts, to relieve the burthen of the load
whenever the team is standing.

(12.) Curry, rub, and clean wrt and thoroughly, al
least, once every day. The effect is worth half the feed.
A dirty coat and skin, when the animal is deprived of
exercise in pasture, and of rolling on the grass, cannot fail
to produce disease.

(13.) Never use a check rein. It isa false taste that
thinks a horse more beautiful when his head is fastened in
an unnatural position. The bearing rein keeps a horse in
a constant fret, makes him restless and uneasy, and often
prevents him from recovering himself in case of a stumble
or fall.

(14.) Your stable should be perfectly level, or very
slightly inclined, well lighted, well drained, well ventilated,
and well protected from draughts, and from extreme: 3°
heat and cold. Keep the crib clean and free from dust,
and keep the hay and other fodder as far from the stall as
possible, so as to be away from the steam and breath of the
animal.

(15.) If you use ground feed, remember that at many of
the mills and stores it is adulterated with marble or plaster
of paris, or with the sweepings of canal-boats and barges.
Such adulteration not only robs your animals of nourish-
ment, but produces stone, and shortens life,

(16.) If you suspect adulteration, you can sometimes
detect it by heating a portion of the feed to a red heat, in
an iron vessel. After the whole has been reduced to ashes,
if they contain plaster, the ashes will soon seé or harden,
after being mixed with water to the consistency of paste.

(17.) In hot weather, keep a wet sponge on the’head of
tne herse or mule; cool the mouth and face with wet

HUMANITY TO ANIMALS, 185

sponges; furnish drinking water often, and sponge the legs
and such parts as are liable to chafe by perspiration or
otherwise; drive slowly, and lessen the weight usually
imposed in cooler weather; see that the harness is not
unnecessarily cumbersome and heavy; the discomfort may
be materially relieved by taking off the eye-blinds, which are
useless appendages, and cause much annoyance to the animal.

(18.) Do not urge your beast beyond a walk when the
heat is oppressive; finally, use a head-shelter or awning,
constructed of wire and covered with canvass, which can
be attached to the animal’s head without materially adding
weight,

(19.) In icy weather keep your animal sharp shod,
renewing the sharpening as often as the shoes become blunt.
A. few dollars expended in this way will undoubtedly save
your horse from serious injury, and, perhaps, from loss of
life.

(20.) Standing on fermenting manure softens the hoof,
produces thrush, and brings on lameness. Keep the litter
dry and clean, and cleanse the stall thoroughly every
morning.

(21.) Sharp bits make the mouth Binder at first, and
afterwards callous, so that the horse becomes unmanageable.

(22.) If your horse kicks and plunges on mounting, look
to the stuffing of your saddle, and see if it has become hard
and knotty with use.

(23.) Keep your wheels well greased, and thus me
the labor of drawing the load.

(24.) Keep the feet well brushed out, and examine every
night to see if there is any stone or dirt between the hoof
and the shoe. Change the shoes as often as once a month.

(25.) Disease or wounds in the feet or legs soon become
dangerous if neglected.

(36 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

(26.) When a horse is hot and fatigued from labor, walk
him about till cool; groom him quite dry, first with a wisp
of straw, and then with a brush; rub his legs well with
the hand, to remove any strain, soothe the animal, and
detect thorns and splinters; and give him his grain as soon
as he is cool, dry, and willing to eat.

(27.) On the evening before a long journey give double
feed; on the morning of starting give only half a feed of
grain, or a little hay; on the road feed in small quantities
about every two hours.

(28.) When horses are long out at work provide them
with nose-bags and proper food. The nose-bag should be
leather at bottom, and of basket-work or open texture
above. On coming home give a double feed of grain.

(29.) Lead the horse carefully into and out of the stable.
Accustom him to stand quite still till you are seated.
Start at a walk, and go slowly the first and the last mile.

(30.) Never use the whip if you can help it. It will
then always be available as a last resource.

(31.) Be always on your guard, just feeling the mouth
with the bit, lightly and steadily.

(32.) If a horse shies, neither whip him nor pat him, but
speak encouragingly, and let him come slowly towards the
object. |
(33.) If you value your own life, the lives of others, cz
your horse, never drive fast in the dark, or in a town.

(34.) Never add your own weight to a load that is
already heavy enough. Get out and walk when you
ascend a hill. If you stop ona hill, put a stone behind
the wheel. :

(35.) Never tease or tickle the horse.

(36.) Don’t forget that old horses, like old men, lose
their teeth and their chewing. abilities ; therefore, bruise

HYDROPHOBIA. 137

the oats and corn, and chop the hay for the old nag:
who can’t get “store teeth.”

Hydrothorax,—This is a name given to water when it
accumulates in the chest. Hence, hydro, water: and
thorax, the chest.

Causes. Debility from the effects of inflammation of some
of the organs within the chest.

Treatment. Tonics to improve the general health, and
medicines to draw off the water by the kidneys and bowels.
An operation is recommended by which the fluids are
drawn from the side by means of a trocar. (See Dropsy.)

Hydrocele.—A collection of fluid in the scrotum of
stallions.

Treatment. Paint the scrotum with the tincture of benzoin
or iodine. If these remedies are not successful in causing
absorption of the water, the skin of the scrotum will have
to be opened to let out the fluid.

Hydronemia,—A name used when speaking of the
blood when it contains too much water—water in the
blood. (See Dropsy.) |

Hydrophobia.—This disease, happily, is rare—in a
practice of thirteen years, and doing much in the treatment
of diseases of horses, and being well acquainted with the
practice of other persons, I can only record three cases, and
one of these was a mule. This disease is sometimes called
water dread and canine rabies, from the fact that it is only
generated in the dog and feline species of animals.

Cause in Horses. Bites of the mad dog, and sometimes
the bite from the common cat is capable of producing the
disease.

Symptoms. In those cases that came under my notice,

138 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

the symptoms were anything but like each other. Ih one
animal, the propensity to bite at objects was more severe;
and in another, the horse would walk and look about him,
utter a peculiar sound, and lie down and get hold of the
heels and part of the arm of the fore leg with his teeth, till
he had them bleeding, get up again, and walk about
without any apparent object in view. But the destructive
impulse attributed by some authors, I think, is merely the
fancy of an inexperienced mind in such matters. The
symptoms of the mule differed from each of the horses,
inasmuch as he would, at times, eat hay very ravenously,
stop all at once, and with a peculiar sound, not like the
bark of a dog, but of a character which cannot be
described, lie down and have a good roll to himself;
then he would run at any person within his reach with
open mouth. But in no instance did any of the cases
attempt to bite at anything not endowed with animal life.
All of these animals were confined in enclosures from which
they could not escape. They lived about thirty-six hours
after the active symptoms of the disease set in. (See Bites
of Mad Dog.) Any person having the least experience
with horses, may observe peculiarities, at times, which do
appear not to belong to common diseases.

Hypertrophy.—This name means a state of certain
organs increased in size, and decreased in power. ‘The
heart, kidneys, spleen, liver, and other parts of the body,
are liable to this disease.

Hy podermic,—Under the skin. (See Endermic.)

Hysteria.—This is a disease which is sometimes seen
in mares only.

Causes. Irritation of the uterus, or of some of its nerves.

Symptoms. Great excitement and incapability of standing,

INFECTION. 139

and it appears as if some of the bones of the back or loins
were broken.

Treatment. Give twenty drops of the tincture of aconite
root every four hours, whilst the symptom lasts. Build
up the strength of the mare by the following: Sulphate
of iron, three drachms; gentian root, three drachms. Mix,
and give in one dose every day, for a week or ten days.
Give good feeding.

Caution. Unsafe to use; will return again.

HYPODERMIC SYRINGE.

Indigestion.—However much man, in the sedentary
walks of life, may be the subject of this disease, the horse
with a task-master is comparatively free from it. Cases
do occur, occasionally, in our large cities, where in too many
ceases the horse is left standing in the stable, twenty out of
the twenty-four hours. Idleness begets indigestion, and
indigestion begets crib-biting, or wind-sucking, and between
them the poor horse looses flesh, condition and spirit. (See
Crib-biting.)

Treatment. Send the horse to pasture, and when he
returns give him regular feed, and regular work to prevent
a return of it.

Infection,-—(See Contagion.)

£40 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Inflammation,—Inflammation of the various portions
or parts of the body will be found treated of under the
name of the organ or part affected.

Influenza,.—This is a name which is properly applied
to an epizootic catarrh of frequent occurrence in the spring
of the year. Indeed, it is very rare that we see a cold run
its course as such, without some complication of one kind
or another.

Symptoms. A chill or shivering fit, succeeded by in-
creased heat of the body, with fever and irritation. Loss
of appetite, cough, discharge of mucus from the nose,
watering of the eyes, great prostration of strength, followed
in a day or two with swellings of the legs, and in bad cases,
of the belly, breast, and in males, of the sheath; such is a
true and succinct account of the symptoms of this disease.
The symptoms will vary, as in other diseases, with the
intensity of the affection.

Causes. A subtle poison in the air, sudden changes in
the dryness or moisture of the earth’s surface, easterly
winds, cold accompanied with dampness in the air. These
are conditions which too often accompany or precede influ-
enza, which differs from an attack of common cold, chiefly
in the severity of its effect, causing more fever and greater
debility. In England it was first observed in 1819, and
again in 1832, and more or less ever since. In the United
States it first manifested itself in 1856, and is still seen
every spring and fall with symptoms more or less severe.

Treatment. The mortality in this disease is great, when
treated according to the books which our publishers
frequently issue—old English books, with new dresses cut
to the fashion. Bear this in mind, when undertaking the
treatment of a disease of this kind, that one step wrongly
taken can never be recalled. Place the horse in a cool

A Ese a oe ar yk a
rs Ae Cos, ore d 5 "ite >

INJECTIONS. 141

(not cold) and airy place, put a light covering upon him,
and give him twenty drops of the tincture of aconite root
in a little cold water, every four hours, tiii five doses are
given. Place plenty of cold water before the horse so that
he can drink as much as he wants. When the aconite has
been all given, commence with fifteen-drop doses of the
tincture of nux vomica, which repeat every four hours,
continuing it for a few days, and if the animal improves,
and the appetite returns, nothing more in the way of
medicine need be given. Recovery being slow, and the
appetite poor, give the following powders, morning, noon
and night: Powdered carbonate of ammonia, three ounces ;
powdered gentian root, two ounces; powdered pimenta
berries, two ounces; mix, and divide into twelve powders,
and give them mixed in a little cold water, and drench the
horse out of a strong-mouthed bottle. The powders will
have to be wrapped well, so as to keep them from the air,
and prevent the loss of their strength. Twenty drops of
commercial sulphuric acid may be given occasionally, in
half a bucket of cold water, which the horse will readily
drink. Do not apply blisters or anything to the throat, as
is too often done; they can do no good, but positively
much harm. Be assured the animal has fully recovered
its strength before putting to work. If treated in the
manner described, in from five to six days the horse will
be almost well again. (See Gastritis Mucosa, and Rheuma-
tism.)

Injections.—These are composed of warm water, soap,
and a handful of table-salt; the water about luke-warm.

The usual way to give injections, is by means of a large

syringe, capable of holding a quart of the fluid. The
diseases which call for injections, are the various varieties
of colic. Few medicines will cure colic without the aid of

142 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

injections; whereas, colic, in very many cases, can be
readily cured by the injection alone. ‘Therefore, never put
confidence in any person who undertakes to cure colic,
without injections of warm water, soap and salt.

Instruments.—The various cuts of instruments, repre-
sented throughout the book, explain themselves. The few
here given, may be explained as follows:

No. 1.

Above are shown two patterns of the ecraseur manu-
factured in Philadelphia for use in the University of
Pennsylvania, veterinary department.

No. 2.

This is a very good representation of a
similar instrument which is also manufactured in

INSTRUMENTS. 143

Philadelphia. The ecraseur is now extensively and suc-~
cessfully used for castrating colts, and for the removal of
tumors. ‘The object of using this instrument is, that no
bleeding follows its use. (See Castration.)

No. 3, is a spring lancet, and was
invented by a Mr. Weiss, of London,
for the use of farmers who could not
use its more surgical prototype, the
lancet. This was at a time when
bleeding was thought to be the great |
panacea for all the ills and aches to TS
which man and beast is heir.

=

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—
—
=
=
=
—
S
S
=
—
=S
S
=
=>
=
=
—
=
—
=
=>
. =
—
=
—
S
=
SS
—!
—
—
—_
=

No. 4. No. 5. No. 6.

No. 4, is a small syringe, used for injecting medicines
into the cavities of tumors, to destroy their diseased
walls,

No. 5, is a curved trocar and canula, and is used for
piercing dropsical swellings and tumors, to run off the

fluid. The trocar is drawn out after the parts have been

144 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

pierced, and the canula remains as a tube, whereby the
water escapes.

No. 6, is a straight trocar with canula, and is used in
different sizes and for various purposes. Its first and
most important use is for piercing the rumen of cows and
oxen when attacked with hoven. Second, it is used occa-
sionally for piercing the horse, in cases of flatulent colic,
and in drawing off the fluid or serum accumulated in the
chest from disease of the lungs ind pleura. Third, a small
size of this instrument is used in piercing the head of
sheep affected with hydatids. After the trocar has entered
the hydatid sack, the trocar is pulled out, the canula
remains, the point of a small and well-packed syringe is
placed in the head of the canula, and the suction-force
draws the fluid into the syringe, and the small cysts into
the canula—which can be caught and pulled out by means
of a pair of forceps. A trocar and canula should be kept
by every farmer who hasa cow oranox. =—

Intestines,—Introsusception, or an entangling of the
intestines, sometimes takes place in horses, and proves fatal.

Causes. Bowels empty, and the horse being driven fast.

Symptom. When the horse comes in, he is observed to
be uneasy—lying down, pawing with his feet, following
closely the symptoms of colic. The difficulty, or impossi-
bility of procuring relief, is only seen on examination, after
the horse is dead. (See Bowel Diseases.)

Itch,—(See Mange and Skin Diseases.)

Interfering.—This name is in use when speaking of
a horse hitting himself on the inside of the pastern joint,
either on the hind or fore leg. Sometimes it is called
cutting. It is usually done with the side of the opposite
foot.

" et ie a > a.
2s im e Fuge] Fa we ~
i. « r= E

JOINT DISEASES. 145

Causes. The blacksmith is many times wrongfully
blamed for want of attention or skill in shoeing the horse,
hecause he interferes. There are cases, no doubt, where a
little observation and care, on the part of the shoer, would
have prevented it. From much observation, however, I
am satisfied that the chief cause lies in the weakness of the
horse, particularly in the spring of the year. Horsemen
well know that their horses did not interfere in the winter
months, when the weather was not oppressive, and the
horse in excellent spirits; and no changes have been made
in the shoer or manner of shoeing.

Treatment. Give a few powders of iron and gentian in
the feed, to restore the horse to strength. (See Medicines.)

Jack.—A small point on the inside of the hock-joint
of the horse, affected with bone spavin.

Jaundice.—This signifies bile in the blood; biliary
intoxication, tinging the membranes of the nose, mouth,
ate., with a yellow color.

Joint Diseases.—The diseases of the various joints in
the horse, are many. Among them may be enumerated:
Of spavin—bone, blood, bog and occult—four varieties, all
of the hock-joint; of the patella, in the form of dislocation ;
of the hip, or whirl-bone joint, ulceration and sprain; of
the joints of the back-bones, caries and ulceration; of the
foot, coffin-jomt, commonly called navicular-joint, lame-
ness; of the pastern joints, anchylosis or stiff-joint; of the
lower pastern, ring-bone; of the knee-joint, stiffness and
open joint; of the point of the shoulders, ulceration and
bulging out of the capsular ligament of the joint; wind
galls, of almost all the joints, more specially in the pasterns.
The cause and treatment of these affections will be found
under their proper heads, throughout the book.

10

146 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Jugular Vein, Inflammation of.—This may he
merely a simple swelling, after bleeding, caused by bruising
the parts, by too great force applied when bleeding, or by
closing the wound too tightly, causing extravasation of
blood, between the skin and the fascia. Inflammation of
the jugular, may be of great magnitude, involving that
vessel the whole length of the neck, above and below the
wound made by bleeding, ultimately causing its entire
obliteration. And, occasionally, the inflammation extends
to the brain itself, destroying life. Happily, bleeding is
not now recommended in the treatment of disease; conse-
quently, this affection will be among the diseases of the past.

Treatment. Remove the pin, or whatever has been used
to close the wound, and apply a piece of blue-stone to the
bleeding sore; this may be used once a day, for a day or
two. Hot fomentations, or a small poultice, should be
applied to the part, to abate the inflammation or irritation.
The fomentation will have to be applied, the whole length
of the thick corded vein, to cause its relaxation. Cut the
feed for the horse, so as to save the movements of the jaws,
thus giving rest, as much as possible, to the parts affected. —

Kidneys, Diseases of the.—The most important of
which is that already described under the head of diabetes,
(which see.) Heematuria or bloody urine is occasionally
seen in horses, more frequently in cattle, and consists in a
diseased state of the kidneys, from violent strains or acci-
dents. |

Calculi, or stone in the kidneys, are often found in the
kidneys of horses, and cause considerable irregularity in
making water.

Treatment. Occasionally give thirty to ae dr«ps of
muriatic acid, in a bucket of cold water, to drink.

Bloody urine may be treated by warm-water cloths, laid

KNUCKLING. 147

over the back or in a situation above the kidneys. Use
flaxseed tea as a drink, to soothe the parts. Give no salt-
petre or other medicine.

In old horses, as in old men, considerable chronic disease
of the kidneys exists. Although little can be accomplished
in the way of cure by medicines, a great deal can be done
to soothe the parts, by soft and soothing feed and drink,
such as steamed or boiled feed and flaxseed tea, cut grass
and other green feed, with plenty of cold water, at all
times, to drink. The more fluids that go into the body,
the less irritation of the bladder and kidneys. (See
Bladder Diseases.) 3

Knees Broken,—(See Broken Knees.)
Knee Joint, Loose Cartilages in the.—Small loose

cartilage is sometimes found floating in the knee joint of
horses, as well as of man, and is the cause of much of the
obscure lamenese that is so often unaccounted for, and, so
far as I am aware, has never been noticed by other writers.
The lameness is very sudden, and passes off as if nothing
had happened, constantly coming and going.

Treatment. Remove the body from the joint by first
getting it into a corner, and holding it there, and cutting
and taking it out; this is too dangerous an operation for
every person to undertake, as it is cutting into a synovial
cavity.

Knuckling.—This is a peculiar loose double action of
the pastern of the hind legs, and is a symptom rather than
a disease of itself.

Cause. Disease in the hock-joint, and weakness in the
part from the effects of sprains, or other injury. It also
accompanies occult and bone spavin.

Observe. Knuckling of the hind pasterns is a symptom

148 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

strongly indicative that the animal has had an attack of
paralysis or is likely to have one: at all events it clearly
shows that either the brain or spinal cord is to a certain
extent diseased, resulting in loss of motive power in the
pasterns.

Treatment. Feed the horse well, and give fifteen drops
of the tincture of nux vomica three times in the day. If
the hock-joint be the cause, treat the hock as for spavin, or
palliate the symptoms by applying two parts of olive oil,
and one part of creosote and oil of turpentine, two to three
dimes in the week.

Lameness,—Lameness occurs in many ways, and from
many causes, such as fractures, bruises, sprains, wounds or
injuries, all of which will be found treated of, under their
various names, through the book.

Laminitis.—A. name in use by veterinary surgeons
when speaking of founder, and is a generic term trom
lamina, or leaf—which forms the bond of unity between
the sensible and insensible structures of the horse’s feet,
and is the seat of the disease commonly called founde~. —
(See Foot Diseases.)

Lampas.—This is a name applied to a slight enlarge-
ment, swelling, or fullness of the bars of the mouth of
young horses from the changes of teething. Pinching the
skin of the bars with the nail of the thumb till they bleed,
and rubbing in a little table salt, is much better than
burning the mouth with a red hot iron—the effects of
which the animal never forgets nor forgives, as is shown
in any attempt to do anything about his head.

Laryngitis.—This is a disease or inflammation of the
upper portion of the windpipe accompanied with fever,

LIVER. 149

increased breathing, and cough. The cause and treatment
of this disease will be the same as for bronchitis, (which see.)

Leg, Fractures of the.—(See Fractures.)

Lice.—Lice of various kinds are often the source of
much trouble amongst horses kept in the vicinity of hen or
chicken houses.

Symptoms. Uneasiness, rubbing, and scratching; stamp-
ing with the feet and biting at the legs, as if something
were annoying him.

Treatment. Take of the liver of sulphur, one ounce;
cold water, one pint. Mix, and apply with a hard brush
to but a portion of the body at a time. If that is not
effectual, get bi-chloride of mercury, thirty-two grains;
cold water, one pint. Mix, and apply with a brush toa
portion only at a time, or a piece of the body every day,
all all has been gone over with the brush. This is very
weak, and can do the horse no harm.

Ligaments.—These are strong, fibrous substances,
which bind together the different bones of the body or
skeleton. ‘There are two great classes of ligaments: the
rounded, or the lateral, and the capsular, or sack-like
ligaments, as of the shoulder and hip-joint.

Lipoma.—A variety of fatty tumor. (See Tumors.)

Liver.—The liver is the largest secreting gland of the
body, situated within the short ribs on the right side.
[ts function is the secretion of bile—a yellow alkaline or
soapy fluid.

Without the liver, digestion and animal heat cannot be
maintained, and the waste or effete matter cannot be re-
moved from the blood. So, therefore, when the liver is
disturbed, there can be no health in the rest of the system,

150 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

INFLAMMATION OF THE LivER.—The horse is rarely
the subject of inflammation of this organ in an acute, but
more commonly in a chronic form. It is often met with
from the fact of many horses being highly fed, and having
nothing to do.

Symptoms. The affected part is very obtuse. But we
have a very striking analogy of this disease between man
and the horse, which materially assists in forming a correct
Opinion as to the disease. Pain and lameness in the right
shoulder are characteristic of liver disease, whether in man
or horse, and have often been mistaken for and treated as
the disease itself. Not less so is the peculiar yellowness of
the membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth, constituting a
disease called by old horse doctors the yellows.

Treatment. Give powdered aloes, four drachms; pow-
dered ginger root, two drachms; podophyllin, one drachm.
Mix, and make into a paste with molasses, and form a
bolus, or crumble the mass in a little thin gruel, and
drench the horse with it. Feed the horse with green and
soft feed to keep his bowels open. :

These measures being neglected, suppuration or an —
abscess will be formed, and break into the bowels, or
become absorbed and produce glanders, which I believe to
be a prolific cause of this disease, and which is preceded by
ill health and bad habit of body, terminating by a mysteri-
ous and unaccountable discharge from the nose, inasmuch

as it is not accompanied with cough, and other symptoms
of cold. |

Locked-jaw.— This disease occurs usually after
wounds of the feet, as from nails running into the feet,
from wounds and fractures, and from a simple wound of
a tendinous portion of the body. Locked-jaw occurring
after wounds cr other injuries, is called traumatic. And

LOCKED-JAW. 15?

when Jocked-jaw takes place, as it sometimes does, without
any injury or assignable cause, it is called idiopathic
locked-jaw. Locked-jaw may be defined a spasmodic
contraction of the muscles of the body, often confined te
one set of muscles alone. I have in practice seen the
same contraction in one set of muscles of the body, and the
muscles of the jaw free from the cramps and not fixed at
all, and depending upon the same causes that often produce
fixedness of the jaw. Locked-jaw is sometimes confined to
the muscles of the neck, and is then called trismus.

Symptoms. The symptoms accompanying locked-jaw in
the horse are so well known to everybody, that little need
be said by me about them further than that there is general
stiffness and fixedness in the manner of standing, and a
peculiar expression of countenance. The extended and
dilated nostril, and the fixed ear, tell the fact, very plainly,
that the muscles of the head and neck are beyond the
control of the animal, else his jaw or mouth would not be
kept closed.

Treatment. Remove the painfully-stricken animal into a
place by himself, where he will have plenty of air, and no
sound or sight to disturb him, and where no curious idler
ean enter. Place a bucket of cold, thin gruel where the
horse can get at it, withOuws a& -ffort to himself to reach it.
This is all the feed he will be likely enabled to take for a
period of from three to sixteen days. Renew it oncea day,
and keep it sweet. He may be able to suck this through
his teeth. Small, choice morsels of other food should also
be placed within his reach, so as no opportunity be lost
whereby his stomach may be filled, and his overtaxed
strength be supported.

In securing the gruel or other feed, have everything at
hand, so that only one journey will be necessary, in the

152 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

twenty-four hours, to the place he is confined in. Open
not the door of his house twice when once can be made to
answer: thus much suffering may be avoided, and the
chances of recovery enhanced. All the medicine necessary
for the horse to have, will be one drachm doses, once in
the twenty-four hours, of PRUSSIC ACID. Great care will
have to be exercised in keeping this powerful poison; and
considerable judgment as to how this medicine is to be
given to an animal with his jaws closed. GENTLY elevate
the head a little to insure proper gravitation, and pour the
acid into the widest part between the teeth, and hold the
head steadily for a few minutes; then retire, and close the
door, not a loud word being spoken. A table or dessert
spoon will answer for the purpose very well. Veterinary
surgeons have an elastic tube, which is introduced into the
back part of the mouth, and the acid poured down the tube.

If the animal live from three to four days, and is
afforded every opportunity to eat a little, he may get well.
Whatever the wounds or injuries that have given rise to the
locked-jaw, they should be dressed with equal portions of
olive oil and creosote, which will soothe the irritated
nerves of the part. An occasional poultice of flaxseed may
be necessary.

Above all things, neither bleed nor physic, as these can
do no good, and will only .asten the death of the animal
by taking away whatever strength he may have, all of
which will be necessary to carry him through so severe a
tlisease.

Loins,—Sprain of the loins or small of the back is
sometimes seen in weakly built horses of irritable dispo
sition.

Symptom. Weakness upon pressure, as of a saddle-horse
wielding to the rider, when mounting the horse.

LUNGS. 153

Treatment. Warm-water cloths should be laid over the
parts for a few days, followed in the same manner by
cold-water cloths. Give rest and good feed, and use the
horse in the shafts of a light four-wheeled carriage, or in
double harness. Saddle work may be the means of its
return, more especially if ridden by a heavy person.

Loss of Appetite.—This is more of a symptom than
a disease, and requires for its removal the cause which
gave rise to it. In cold, influenza and fever, the appe-
tite is bad, and with their removal it will be restored.
Take powdered carbonate of ammonia, pimenta berries,
gentian root, each two drachms, mix in some cold gruel,
and drench the animal twice a day. This will not only
remove, in a measure, the cause, but will restore the appe-
tite also.

Lumbago.—This is applied to a peculiar stiffness over
the loins or back, partaking of the nature of rheumatism,
(which see.)

Lungs.—These are the organs of breathing, and are
subject to many diseases, having names familiar to every
horseman. Under this head, however, I will only notice
inflammation of the substance of the lungs, pneumonia,
(lung fever,) and of the surface of the lung, pleurisy,
abscess, adhesion, and congestion. (See Cough, Cold,
Bronchitis and Emphysema.)

(1.) PNeumMonta.—(Pronounced numonia.)—This is an
inflammation of the substance of the lungs, of late years
called lung fever, and is sometimes very common in the
spring after a severe winter.

Symptoms. Chill followed by fever and increased for a
short time, and is succeeded by cold legs and ears,
quickened breathing, and wide, open nostrils. A peculiar

154 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

quivering of the muscles of the side and breast will be
observed in all cases of inflammation of the lungs, and will
rarely deceive. The animal will eat nothing, and per-
sistently stands with his nose and mouth in the manger;
and if taken out of the stall and stable to the open air, he
will almost refuse to go back again into the stable, relief
being experienced from the fresh air. Hence, the necessity
for plenty of fresh air in all diseases of the lungs. When
the ear is applied to the side of the neck, a peculiar creak-
ing noise is heard. Slight discharge of serous flakes or
matter will be observed sticking to the sides of the nose.
If this disease be not subdued or cured, it ends in abscess.
The peculiar pulsations observed in this and other diseases,
will be found treated of in the introductory remarks. To
the non-professional person, the general aspect or appear-
ance of the horse, when under this disease, is infinitely
more important as a rule and guide in determining the seat
and nature of the disease, than any assistance they can gain
from the pulse.

Cause. Alterations and sudden changes in heat, cold,
and moisture; an animal not in condition for work; a
hereditary predisposition in the lungs to take on disease.
Changes which will produce lung disease in one horse, will
produce disease of a different character in another.

Treatment. Place the horse in a light and airy place, and
clothe him according to the weather. Bandages to the
legs will, at all seasons, be necessary to keep them warm,
and to that extent relieve the lungs of a portion of blood.
Aconite, judiciously given, is the most powerful remedy I
am acquainted with. Tartar Emetic, so valuable in this
disease in man, dogs and swine, has no more effect whatever,
upon either horses, sheep or cattle, than so much flour or
meal, Give twenty-five drops of the tincture of aconite

FOOT DISEASES. 155

root, in a cupful of cold water, and drench the horse.
Repeat the dose every four hours, till six doses are given.
In the majority of cases, one to two doses will be all that
is required to effect a cure.

(2.) PLEuRISY.—Inflammation of the membrane cover-
ing the lungs and lining the cavity of the chest.

Symptoms. A rigor or chill, fever, disinclination to turn
short, an occasional short painful cough, and careful
breathing, accompanied with a sigh or grunt. A peculiar
line will be observed in pleurisy, running from the haunch,
round the belly to the breast-bone. The breathing is deep,
not so short and quick as in inflammation of the lungs.
In the first twenty-four hours after the attack, pain will
have given way, and the horse be apparently better. This,
in the majority of cases of pleurisy, when left a few hours
to itself and not checked, terminates in Aydrothoraz,
(which see,) or water or serum in the chest, sometimes
causing adhesions. The favorable termination of pleurisy
is by what is called resolution.

Causes. Changes in the atmosphere. Exposure to cold.
Broken ribs or wounds. :

Treatment. Treat the horse as for inflammation of the
lungs, by giving him pure air, cold water and aconite ;
followed on the second day by five grains of powdered
Spanish fly in gruel, once in the twenty-four hours. To
remove the fluids from the body, give, after the active stage
of the disease has passed, good feeding and generous diet.

_ (3.) ABscEss.—As elsewhere stated, abscess is the termi-
nation of inflammation of the lungs. Pus is a common
result of inflammatory action, and when in the lungs is
called vomicee, causing, in some cases, consumption. Where
absorption of the pus has taken place, glanders is the result.
The abscess frequently breaks into the bronchial tubes,

156 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

and then pus escapes into the larynx and nares of the nose,
Hence, the persistent discharge which is so characteristic
of glanders.

Treatment. 'The same as for glanders: generous diet,
tonics and stimulants, with the sulphite of soda and the
Spanish fly. (See Glanders.)

(4.) Errusion oF SERUM.—Hydrothorax is one of the
ways in which pleurisy terminates, and when this effusion
is extensive, not much hope of recovery may be expected.
Cures, however, have been made by drawing off the fluid
by means of a trocar pierced through between the ribs
into the chest.

(5.) ADHESIONS.—The surface of the lungs becomes
attached to the sides of the chest by fibrous bands of great
strength, another common result of pleurisy. Nothing
can be done but to keep up the health and strength by
good feeding, ete.

When animals do not thrive and pick up their spirits
and flesh after cases of pleurisy, some of these various
conditions may be reasonably expected to be present.

(6.) CONGESTION OF THE Lunes.—The lungs are liable
to become congested, when they are overcharged with blood.

Symptoms. 'The horse blows, his nostrils are very much
expanded, he is heaving at the flanks, and is the picture of
distress and stupidity. _

Cause. Weakness and want of power in the blood vessels
to contract and empty themselves.

Treatment. Allow free access to cool air, clothe the body
and bandage the legs to encourage the blood to the skin
and legs, and give the following mixture: Sweet spirits
of nitre, half an ounce; powdered carbonate of ammonia,
half an ounce; mix in a bottle of cold gruel, in the
form of a drink. If these articles are not at hand, give

MAD STAGGERS. 157

two bottles of warm ale, or half a bottle of brandy or
whiskey.

(7.) PNEUMOTHORAX.—So called because the air escapes
into the cavities of the pleura.

Lymph,.—This is a name applied to the clear fluid which
circulates in the lymphatic vessels and that which is poured
wut in cut surfaces, after bleeding has stopped, and forms
tae medium by which the parts adhere, and are joined
together. In this instance it is termed coagulable lymph,
the )zincipal element by which adhesive inflammation is
carriea Mn.

Lymphangitis.—This is a disease which attacks large
coarse-bred horses that are difficult to keep in good condi-
tion, and casists in the outpouring of plastic lymph into
the femoral veins of one of the fore legs, which, as a
consequence, swells to a very great size, and exhibits to the
touch a feeling of a great many irregular prominences
under the skin. It is hot, painful, stiff, and accompanied
with fever, which, in a short time, passes off. In a few
days the heat, pain and swelling will diminish a little, and
the horse will move more freely, but will, in most cases,
retain a “thick leg” for life. Fomentations of warm water
should be applied to relieve heat, tension, and pain; to be
followed in a few days with broad bandages tightly rolled
round the limb. Give soft feed, such as cut-mess, bran and
green food. As soon as the animal can move the leg he
may be put to slow work.

Madness.—A disease produced by the bite of a mad

dog. (See Hydrophobia.)

Mad Staggers.—An affection of the brain. (See
Staggers.)

158 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Maggots,— These are sometimes seen in neglected
wounds and sores, in warm weather. To remove them,
apply equal parts of creosote and olive oil, or a solution of
corrosive sublimate.

Malignant.—A term applied to diseases of a fatal
character; as glanders, for instance. Why the term ma-
lignant should not be applied to such diseases as locked-jaw,
and inflammation of the bowels, which are so often fatal, is
one of the inexplicables of medical nosology or terminology,
not easily for me to understand.

Malignant Epidemic,—English writers tell us that
a malignant epidemic has attacked horses on the European
Continent. Influenza is a disease from which scarcely one
per cent. should die when scientifically and intelligently
treated; but by bleeding, blistering, physicking, and low
diet, a really simple and non-fatal disease is at once con-
verted into a fatal and malignant epidemic.

Mallenders,—A term used by old books and horse
doctors, to designate a scaly condition of the skin back of the
leg and opposite to the knee. A term which certainly, to
say the least, should long ago have been blotted out of all
the books, as vague, uncertain, unmeaning.

This scaly eruption is the result of dryness of the skin
of the back part of the leg, where the greatest and almost
constant movement of the joint is going on. The same
condition is seen on the face of some joints, and in others
on the back, from the constant mobility of the parts.

Who has not seen scruffy or scaly heels of horses ending
with scratches? (See Skin Diseases.)

Mange.—This is a disease of the skin, and is caused by
a small mite called acari, which breeds and burrows in the

MESENTERICA. 159

skin. To cure mange, destroy the insect. (See Skin
Diseases. )

Materia Medica,—This is a name applied to every
substance used in the treatment and cure of disease.

Megrims,—aA disease of the brain occurring at periods,
especially in hot weather, and when exposed to a powerful
sun. This differs from epilepsy only in the absence of
spasms. (See Epilepsy.)

Causes. Tumors in the choroid plexus, and enlargement
of the pineal gland.

Treatment. Merely palliative, by using a dutch collar,
so as not to interfere with the circulation of the blood from
the head.

Observe. In summer the horses subject to brain disease ,
or fits of any kind, should not be used for family purposes.
In winter they will make useful animals.

Melanosis.— A variety of cancer peculiar to gray
horses, which turns white with age, and is caused by the
transfer of the coloring pigment from the skin to the blood.
(See Cancer.) |

Melanoid.—(See Cancer and Tumors.)

Mesentery.—A membrane formed of two folds of the
peritoneum, between each of which there are numerous
glands, lacteals, lymphatics, arteries, veins and nerves. It
is called the mesentery, because it adheres to three lumbar
vertebree, and has the small intestines hanging to it. One
portion of it is called the mesocolon—supporter of the colon
-——and another the mesorectum, which encloses the rectum.

Mesenterica.— Wasting of the mesentery is a disease
which is not very common to horses, although some clearly
marked cases are sometimes seen, characterized by wasting

160 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

of the body, weakness, and general debility of the whole
system. Bowels irregular, sometimes soft, at other times
hard, of a pale or straw color, and frequently of bad smell.
All that can be done is to keep the strength and condi-
tion of the horse up by iron and gentian, so frequently
recommended throughout the book.

Metastasis.—A term denoting a change or shifting of
ilisease from one part of the body to another. as is well
illustrated in cases of rheumatism.

Moon Blindness,—(See Eye Diseases.)
Mortification.—Death of a part. (See Gangrene.)

Moribund.—A term in use, and applied when men or
animals are in a dying condition.

Mouth, Diseases of the.—These are but few; per-
haps the irregularities of the teeth are the most important.
So much is this the case, that from diseased or carious
teeth, an affection arises, to many external appearances,
similar to glanders; and horses have accordingly been
destroyed, whereas, if a carious tooth, producing a stinking
discharge from the nose, had been removed, these appear-
ances would have passed off. ‘The edges of the teeth of
horses, at all ages, are apt to become sharp, and cut or
wound the inside of the mouth, and interfere with
mastication or chewing. When horses are off their feed
and losing flesh, it will be well to have the teeth examined.
To remedy any irregularity of the grinders, a rasp or file,
with a concave surface and long handle, is used to make
the teeth smooth and level. Wolf teeth are supernumerary,
but do no injury to either the mouth or the eyes.

(1.) Scanp Movuts.—Another simple affection of the
mouth, which is characterized by the horse slobbering or

MOUTH. 161

frothing from the mouth, as if salivated. In aggravated
cases fever is present.

Treatment. Give ten drops of the tincture of aconite root
in a little cold water three times in the day, for 48 hours,
and allow the horse to have a bucket of cold water sus-
pended or placed before him, to cool his mouth in.

TOOTH CHISEL, RASP AND HAMMER,

(2.) WounDs oF THE ToNGUE.—Should be treated the
same way, but without the aconite. If the tongue is
nearly cut through, have the cut portion entirely removed.
The horse can do wonderfully well without a large part of
his tongue.

(3.) Brack TonevuE.—This is not a disease, but the
effect of a simple and non-fatal affection, frequently treated
by bleeding, blistering and physicking—destroying vitality,
and inducing mortification of the tongue, as well as of other
portions of the body.

(4.) APpHTHous Txrusu.—Soreness of the mouth, with
white patches on the tongue, inside the cheeks and roof of
the mouth. In man, this condition of the mouth is called
stomatitis.

Causes. Bad condition of the stomach and dyspepsia.

162 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Treatment. Borax in powder, one ounce; molasses, three
ounces ; mix, and apply with a soft brush, or soft piece of
cloth. Give soft feed or cut grass. A few doses of sulphite
of soda, half an ounce to a dose, given for a few evenings,
will be all that is wanted. (See Lampas.)

The mouth is a favorite and convenient place for horse-
men to try the keenness of their pocket knives, when the
least pretext is offered.

The palatine artery is sometimes cut lengthwise; and
when that is the case, the bleeding, thus unnecessarily
induced, will not stop when it is wanted. Many plans
and contrivances are recommended, by individuals, to stop
such bleeding; but none are equal to a piece of iron or
kitchen-poker immersed, for a few minutes, in hot water,
and applied to the wound for a moment, which will at
once stop further loss of blood.

(5.) Parrot Moutu.—A malformation consisting in the
upper front teeth, projecting over the lower ones. Young
horses are little inconvenienced by it, but not so with old
ones, when the teeth are long; for then the lower teeth.
wound the soft palate of the upper jaw, especially when the
horse is eating. Keep the teeth short by the use of the file. —

Mucous Membrane.—A thin lining of all the air
passages ; so-called, because the surface is kept moist, with
a slimy matter, as referred to in the succeeding article.
When this. mucus is altered in quantity and quality, and
when mucous-pus is poured out, disease is present. This
is seen in cases of cold, bronchitis, and inflammation of the
eyes, (which see.) |

Mucus.—A thick, viscid substance, thrown out from
the mucous membrane, throughout the body.

Myalgia.—aA term given to inflammation of a set of

NECROSIS. 163

muscles, and is applied, by some, to wasting of the muscles,
as is sometimes seen in sweenie.

Narcotics.—Medicines which act upon the nervous
system, diminishing its power and sensibility, and so re-
lieving inflammation, irritation, and pain. A medicine
capable of doing this, also contains the properties of an
anodyne, a sedative, soporific, carminative, and nauseant.

There are but few medicines possessing this power over
the horse, and these are, aconite, prussic acid, veratrum,
and, perhaps, lobelia. In my practice, nothing answers
the purpose so well as aconite. Ht is the great antiphlo-
gistic. Indeed, so great is its power, that in bronchitis,
inflammation of the lungs, feet, and bowels, or where there
is pain and fever, no remedy or remedies can compare with
this invaluable medicine in the treatment of diseases of the
horse. (See Medicines and Prescriptions.)

Nasal Gleet.—A thin, transparent discharge from the
aose. (See Gleet.)

Navicular Disease.—This is a disease commonly
called coffin-joint lameness, and by some it is termed
grogginess. (See Foot Diseases.)

BONE HOLDER.

_ Necrosis.—This is a term given to a dead bone when
tt is attached to a sound one. The difference between
caries and necrosis is this: Caries is present when the bone

164 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

is impaired only, and necrosis when the bone is entirely
dead, and its functious have entirely ceased. Whena bone
has fallen into the condition of necrosis, its removal be-
comes as necessary as the removal of any other dead or

LISTON’S BONE FORCEPS.

foreign matter, in order that reparation and restoration of
the function be repaired, and a cure be made.

Nephritis.—A technical term applied to inflammation
of the kidneys, (which see.)

Wervousness,—Few persons having the care of horses
have failed to observe in them, occasionally, a peculiar
excitability of disposition when any confusion and noise is
going on, and when being harnessed for work. The tail
becomes somewhat elevated, they move from one side of
the stall to the other, and pass manure from them repeat-
edly every few minutes, until one would think there was
nothing left in their bowels. These animals are usually
light bellied and poor feeders, but fleet and free goers, very
gay in saddle or harness, and much admired by persons not
versed in horse-flesh. They make excellent Sunday horses,
but poor every-day animals, as the constant excitement,
when at work, overdoes their physical powers. ‘This con-
dition impairs the value of the horse very much.

Treatment.. Keep nervous horses in a place by themselves,
where there is no noise or sound to disturb them, and have
no harness or saddles in the place with them, nor clean

NOSE. 165

harnese or seddles where they are; for whenever a piece
of harness is seen in the hands of the groom, the anima)
expects it is to be put upon him—hence he gets excited,
and efforts are made to empty the bowels of their contents.
The harnessing or saddling should be the last thing done.
before going out with such a horse, as it gives him no time
to empty the bowels and become excited. Ten grains of
opium, and a drachm or two of prepared chalk may be
given, either half an hour before going out, or after he
comes in. Such horses are more pleasant to drive, if this
be given. Stuffing cotton or wool in the ears also has a
good effect.

Neurotomy.—An operation for dividing the nerves of
feeling, as they enter the foot on both sides of the leg.
The operation is performed for the purpose of removing
pain from the foot in navicular disease. It has, however,
of late years fallen into disrepute on account of ignorant
men operating indiscriminately on feet of all forms and
shapes alike—in consequence of which no surprise should
have been expressed, when in some cases the feet ultimately
fell off.

Neurotomy should never be performed upon flat and
weak-footed horses, as they are easily bruised, and sup-
puration is set up, terminating in separation of the outer
and inner foot structures. Weak and flat-footed horses,
when sound, are careful how they put their feet upon hard
roads and paved streets; but when deprived of all feeling
by the operation of neurotomy, they let their feet come
down on the ground with great force, so as to injure them,
resulting, as before stated, in the hoof falling off.

Nose, Diseases of the,—(See Cold, Catarrh, and
Bronchitis.)

166 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Numbness.—Loss of feeling in any part, usually
indicating disease of the brain, resulting in paralysis or
palsy.

Obesity.—This is a term applied to morbid or un-
healthy fatness, When this condition is in the mesentery,
it preduces big belly; in the liver, fatty liver; in the heart,
fatty degeneration of that organ.

Causes. Little or no work, or exercise disproportionate
between the amount of food taken and the waste.

Treatment. Constant and regular work; feed, in small
bulk, oats instead of corn, and not much hay. To animals
inclining to take on too much fat and flesh, give a dose of
physic (see Aloes, Medicines and Prescriptions,) occasion-
ally, but do not bleed. ~

(Edema,—A term signifying soft but not inflammatory
swellings of various parts of the body, as a sequel to
debilitating diseases. These swellings contain serum
thrown out from the blood. ‘The treatment of this affec-
tion will be the removal of the exciting cause. (See
Dropsy.)

(Estromania.—This name is, by some, called cestening,
which name is applied to mares and cows when desiring
the male. Py

Omentum.—aA fold of the peritoneum, which hangs
down from the stomach, and is reflected on itself upwards
and backwards to the colon. It is in this where the great
deposition of fat takes place. The omentum is often
implicated in rupture.

Open Joints.—(See Broken Knees.)

Ophthalmia,.—(See Eye Diseases.)

QOssification..—The formation of bone; but in the

Se a

PARALYSIS. ~ 167

language of medical men, it means a deposition of earthy
matter in the soft textures of the body where bone does
not exist. Thus, for instance, we speak of ossification of
the lateral cartilages of the foot, which form ring-bone.
We have ossification of the heart, arteries, and other parts
of the body.

Osteology.—A name used in speaking of the bony
system.

Osteoporosis.—This is a name given to big head. It
is incurable.

Ostitis.—(See Splint.)

Overreach.—This is the consequence of driving faster
_ than the horse should go. The injury is generally done by
the edge of the inner rim of the shoe. Avoid the cause,
and treat the wound with the simple ointment. (See Pre-
scriptions and Medicines.)

Ozena,—(See Gleet.)

Palliatives.—Medicines given not to cure disease, but
to relieve the pain.

Paralysis, or Palsy.—Loss of the power of moving
in some parts of the body. Paralysis may be confined to
one leg or two legs; then it is called partial. When the
horse has lost the power of standing, and the four legs are
affected, then it is complete. Usually, however, in the
horse it is confined to the hind parts, or the haunches and
legs. Sometimes the paralysed part is numb, at others the
sense of feeling remains.

Causes. Disease in the brain and spinal cord.

Treatment. If the patient is young, exercise patience and
time, and nature will doa great deal ina disease of this

kind. The general health is to be kept up by good feeding

183 DISEASES OF THE HORSE,

and tonic medicine—such as fifteen drops of the tincture of
nux vomica, four times in the twenty-four hours. Turn
the horse from side to side twice in the day, and give
plenty of dry, clean bedding to prevent the skin from
scalding and peeling off—which is sometimes a source of
great irritation to the poor horse. The paralysed parts
should be well rubbed with a stiff brush. Electricity has
been regarded as an advantage in this disease, but from
what I have seen, not much need be expected from it.
The nux vomica offers, with good feeding and care, the
best chance for recovery. It must be remembered that
this is a nervous affection, and probably these diseases are
not so manageable, nor are they so easily cured, as other
affections of a different type.

Parotid Duct,—DistEnDED.—This is a rare affection
in horses. It resembles a round ball attached to the edge
of the lower jaw; an elastic encysted tumor, or rather like
an encysted tumor. An incident, slightly illustrative of
appearance, occurred some time since. I was called in to
see a horse that proved to be so affected, and told the
gentleman that so long as the ball did not break, it would
do the horse no injury, and that I would not recommend
its removal; whereupon he said he would give five hun-
dred dollars if the horse had another on the other side,
that then he would look like an Angora goat.

OpEN AND FistuLous.—This is a serious affection,
for with every movement of the jaw in chewing or
masticating the feed, the glands pour out the saliva which
should mix with the feed, and assist in the act of diges-
tion, and it ‘is lost upon the ground. ‘The animal
becomes thin of flesh, gets weak, and after a time dies ag
miserable object..

|
4

PATELLA. 169

Causes. Injuries, or accident to the gland or its duct,
resulting in suppuration. From the mobility of the parts,
fistula is established.

Treatment. Few horse doctors or farmers can cure this
affection. An expert or accomplished surgeon is only able
to effect a cure, and this will be by closing the open or
fistulous duct, so that the saliva will, with the feed, find its
way into the stomach.

India rubber dissolved.in chloroform, applied over the
mouth of the wound, when it is thoroughly dry, will stop
it for a few days. By continuing this application, a cure
in very many cases can be made.

Pathology.—A department of medical science which
treats of the causes and nature of disease, and of the
appearances of diseased parts when living or dead.

Patella, Dislocation of the.—tThis is a common
occurrence in high spirited, nervous and weakly horses.

Symptom. The horse stops, if at work, and throws up
his head, slightly bending the pastern of the dislocated leg,
and holding the leg back behind the body, being unable to
bring it under it. Fever and irritation sometimes accom-
panies this accident, more especially if it is of rare
occurrence in the animal. The oftener the patella has
been out, the less fever and irritation will be seen. ‘There
are horses with which it is of frequent occurrence, and
happily for them, there is just as little trouble in putting
the leg in its place again; a crack of the whip will do it
sometimes. ‘This is a serious object, in an otherwise fancy
horse. There is but one other affection of the hind leg
which can be mistaken for it, and that is cramp, (which see.)

Treatment. Remove the horse to a stable, attach a rope
to the pastern of the leg which is dis‘ocated, carry the end

170 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

of the rope through a ring or over a beam at or about thu
horse’s head, place the end of the rope in tlie hands of one
or two strong men—telling them not to pull till a man is
placed at the head of the horse to keep him steady—have
another man at the leg with one hand placed firmly on the
point of the hock-joint pulling towards himself, and the
other pushing firmly against the dislocated joint, then let
the men on the rope pull firmly and gently, till the foot is
brought fairly in under the horse’s body; after which the
rope should be removed, and the horse kept quiet for a
day or two.

Pasterns,—(See Sprains.)

Pelvis.—The anatomical name for he lower part of
the abdomen or belly.

Pelvic Abscess.—This condition is sometimes seen
in weakly constitutioned mares within a few days after
foaling.

Symptom. In from one to four days one of the thighs of
the hind legs will be swollen, hot and painful, causing the
mare to shiver or appear chilly, not from cold, but from
the suppurative inflammatory action going on. The milk
will have almost entirely ceased, and the colt will have to
be fed by the bottle as a child, or out of a bucket like a
calf, till the mare is cured and the milk returns. One
curious condition about pelvic abscess is, that although it
suppurates, the abscess does not break usually on the thigh,
as it would be expected to do, but within an inch or two
from the haunch bone.

Treatment. The pus which has accumulated from so
large an abscess, does not discharge itself from the place of
opening, but burrows away down among the muscles of the
hip and thigh, down to within a few inches of the hock

PERITONITIS. 171

itself. Hence, the great secret in the treatment of pelvie
abscess is to neke two free openings, one above, at the point
of the soft abseess, and the other within from four to six
inches of the hock on the outside of the thigh, ‘Then take
a smooth elastic twig or a long piece of whalebone nicely
smoothed with sand-paper, and introduce into the opening
above, and gently force it down to within an inch or so of
the lower opening. This being done, the pus will all dis-
charge itself from the lower hole, Then inject with a
small syringe, once a day, for a few days, about half a
tablespoonful of the following mixture: Oil of turpentine
and olive oil, equal parts. Keep the parts clean, feed the
mare and colt well, and leave nature to complete the cure.

Penis Hanging out.—This a serious defect, and is
the result of weakness and debility. The organ of genera-
tion is weak, the sheath swells, clasping the penis in its
grasp until it also becomes enlarged, and in most cases
will not draw into its place again, so that it must either
remain so or be cut off close to the prepuce or sheath.
This affection and the opposite conditions, Phymosis and
Paraphymosis, were very prevalent amongst the horses of
the army, in the late war.

Peristaltic.—A term applied to the serpentine motion
of the bowels, one portion contracting and forcing its
contents onward into the next.

Peritonitis.—Inflammation of the peritoneum, or the
serous membrane which lines the walls or inside of the
belly, characterized by great pain, and is the result of
accidents or injuries, and, at times, surgical operations.

Treatment. The same as for any disease of an exalted
kind, using aconite root, cold water and pure air, and after
the pain ana fever have subsided, good feeding.

172 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Periosteum,—The thin pearly covering investing the
bone. It is the stretch of this membrane in cases of splint
which causes pain and lameness. (See Splint.)

Phagadena,—A name used in surgery, implying a_
spreading and destructive ulcer, which spreads rapidly and
destroys the surrounding parts. The true meaning of this
word is eating, and in its effects it is similar to what is
called, in domestic practice, hospital gangrene—a local,
spontaneous combustion, in which oil globules are poured
out in great quantity in and around the sore or ulcer.
‘These ulcers are common on the heels and legs of horses
after a severe winter. When on the heels, the ulcers are
taken by horsemen to be scratches. Phagadena does not
usually assume the form or appearance of a cut or scratch,
but is generally a flat, round or oval, and circumscribed
sore at first; the hair of the part stands on end, with
oil drops all over the surface, and in a few days the whole
of the skin and hair falls off, or a separation of the edges
of the sore will take place, and the skin and flesh of the
part will completely fall out, (called core) leaving an un-
healthy looking sore, with a white sanious fluid covering
the whole of its surface. When the slough does not take
place, it is gradually eaten away, and in this case leaves
Gu the edges and surface of the sore a thin dirty colored
looking skin or membrane.

Causes. Bad habit of body, from impure 0 ood, death of
the part from exposure of the heels in some mixture of salt
and snow. Cold drafts under stable doors.

Treatment. The complete removal of all dead matter
belonging ‘to the ulcer, and a thorough cleansing of its
inner surface. This is important, as it will not only be
rendered necessary as a measure,of cure, but as a surety
against it spreading further up the leg or heels. Then

o \

PHYSICKING. 173

sprinkle the edges and inner surface twice in the day, for a
day or two, with powdered blue stone to destroy the
unhealthy surface and hasten a red surface, or the granu-
latory process by which the hole will be speedily filled up
again. Complete the cure by sprinkling powdered loaf
sugar over the sore twice in the twenty-four hours.
Support the strength of the horse by good and generous
diet. (See Scratches and Frost Bites.) |

Phlebitis.—A name given to inflammation of the vein
after bleeding, characterized by swelling and cording of the
vein. (See Jugular Vein.)

Phlegmasia Dolens.—A name given to one leg when
swelled to a great extent from plugging of the blood
vessels of the leg with plastic matter poured into them from
the blood. (See Grease.)

Phrenitis.—One of the many diseases of the brain
characterized by the horse becoming unmanageable—a
variety of staggers, or it may be of inflammation of the
brain itself, and is incurable.

Physiology.—A branch of medical science treating of
the life and functions of organized bodies.

Physicking.—In England, and in some parts of the
European continent, a person who does not know how to
physic a horse, whether sick or well, is not considered fit
to take care of horses. In the United States, the man who
knows all about, and recommends physicking under almost
any circumstance, should not be permitted even to take a
horse by the head, much less to take care of horses not his
own. In an extensive practice of many years, I do not
recollect a half dozen times, when I either gave or recom-
mended a horse to be physicked; and no man can show

174 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

equal success in the treatment of diseases of horses and
cattle, let his mode of practice be what it may. Remember,
when the bowels are opened, and emptied of their contents,
an important pillar has been taken from under the animal
structure. Show mea European book on the diseases of
animals, which does not recommend and minutely describe
how to physic a horse, and I will show you a city without
walls, without a church, or gymnasium. In this connec-
tion, I am sorry to say, that our American authors, on
animal diseases, have copied too closely from European
practice, which is utterly unfit for this country, climate and
the constitution of all our domestic animals.

Pleurisy.— Inflammation of the serous membrane
covering the lungs, and lining the sides of the chest. (See
Lung Diseases. )

Pleuro-pneumonia,—Inflammation of the covering
and substance of the lungs and chest.

Pleurodynia.—This is a rheumatic affection of the
intercostal muscles, differing from pleurisy, from there
being no constitutional disturbance, little fever, and no
inflammation. It is treated with a dose or two of the
tincture of aconite root given internally, and mustard and
a little vinegar rubbed into the muscles of the sides, behind
the shoulder.

Plethora,—Fullness of blood. (See Obesity.)
Pneumonia.—Inflammation of the lungs, (which see.)

Poisons.—These act differently in destroying life. They
are derived from the organic and inorganic kingdoms, and
their effects are either local or remote. Poisons may be
taken into the stomach, inhaled in the form of sulphuretted
hydrogen, communicated through the skin, as from the bite

We! ode og “4

POISONS. 175

of a poisonous animal, or absorbed from wounds. (See
Glanders.) Poisons act in one of three ways:

(1.) Inrgrrant Porsons are those poisons the symptoms
of which are inflammation, irritation, and pain. Examples
—arsenic, bi-chloride of mercury, lead, baryta, copper, and
the Spanish fly.

Treatment. The plan to be adopted in this class of
poisons in the horse is: Give him large quantities of the
white of eggs, milk, linseed oil; and remove the poison as
speedily as possible by giving large quantities of linseed
oil—say two quarts. The horse cannot vomit; hence, it is
difficult to procure a prompt evacuation of the stomach.
If the pain be great, give aconite to subdue it, and to keep
down inflammation and sympathetic fever.

(2.) Narcotic Potsons.—Poisons which act on the
brain and nervous centres, producing stupidity or coma.

Treatment. Give four grains of strychnia nux vomica in

few pints of gruel made with vinegar. Keep the horse
walking around, and place chopped ice in a bag, and put
it on the forehead.

(3.) Narcotic Acrip Porsons.—Poisons acting as the
above, and causing irritation, inflammation, fever, and pain.
Examples of this class are, nux vomica and veratria.

Treatment. Aconite will not only relieve the pain, but is
an excellent antidote for strychnia; and for aconite,
strychnia may be given with advantage in cases of this
variety of poisoning.

Poisoning from lead and copper is most frequent in the
country, or in the vicinity of lead and copper-smelting
works, or in pastures where manure from large towns and
cities is spread, or on farms where the water is conveyed in
leaden pipes, or is kept in troughs and cisterns lined with
lead. Pieces of lime and nails, or scraps of iron finding

176 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

their way into leaden troughs, cause oxidation of the lead,
forming sugar of lead—a bad poison. Not long since,
heavy damages were awarded a farmer who had lost several
head of cows from lead poisoning, occasioned by the spray
of leaden bullets shot against a stone wall by a rifle, or
military company—the fringes of lead spread upon the
grass, being converted into the sugar, or oxide of that metal,
and the cows gathering it with the pasture.

Treatment. Give large doses of white of eggs, and linseed
oil, in either lead or copper poisoning, to shield the coats
of the stomach and bowels, and to remove it from the body
altogether. Happily for his owner, large quantities of
poisonous materials are necessary to destroy the life of the
horse. Materials which will destroy man, dog, and the
pig, will not, in many instances, have any effect on the
horse, sheep, and cattle. Antimony, an active and deadly
poison, when given to omnivorous animals, has no more
effect in a poisonous point of view than the same quantity
of earth, when given to herbivorous animals. Hence, |
tartar emetic is now no longer used as a nauseant in the
treatment of horses and cattle, when laboring under lung
diseases, however useful it is in the same diseases in man

and the dog.
Poll-evil.—This affection of the back part of the head

is well known to horsemen, without much of a description
being given. It consists in suppurative inflammation
forming pus in the form of a simple abscess, or in the form
of fistula, (which see.)

Cause. Injury to the part, or disease of the bone.

Treatment. ‘As soon as the swelling has become a little
soft, have it opened without delay, before the pus has time
to burrow down among the bones of the neck, and cause
disease in them. Make the opening large and deep enough.

POLL-EVIL. 177

so as to admit three fingers, that the abscess can be swabbed
out with a piece of sponge or cloth tied on the end of a
stick, to remove the pus. This will have to be done twice
in the day, till no more pus can be brought out.

WOUND DILATER AND KNIFE.

Occasionally syringe or squirt cold water into the sore,
and swab it out again, till completely dry. Then apply
the following, once in a day, with a swab: Creosote, one
ounce; oil of olives, two ounces; oil of turpentine, one
ounce; mix. In applying the mixture do not use the
swab too freely, as it may break down the granulations
or the healing processes that are springing up to fill the
hole or cavity, and thereby prevent a perfect cure.

When poll-evil is the result of diseased bone, and par-
takes of a fistulous character, it will not be so easily healed
or cured; for the underlaying bone being carious, and
becoming necrosed, before exfoliation or separation of the
dead bone takes place the horse may be dead—the process
taking years to perfect itself. And when it is cured, there
is usually a stiff neck remaining ever after. Ten drops of
sulphuric acid poured in the fistulous opening of the

178 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

swelling or sore will hasten recovery very much and in
many cases effect a good and speedy cure. Once a day
will be often enough, and if there be more than one fistu-
lous opening, drop the acid into one to-day and the other
to-morrow, and continue from day to day, till each and
every opening ceases to discharge a whitish gray matter,
and a dry looking opening is presented. Afterwards, use
a solution of the sulphate of zinc: one drachm of the zine
to four ounces of water, will answer the purpose. Horses
having sores of all kinds on their body should be well fed
and cared for.

Poly pi.—These are diseased enlargements, which grow
upon the mucous membranes of the nose and ear, and in
the uterus or womb of mares.

Treatment. If they are small, they are cured by touching
them with a stick of caustic potassa; if large, cut them off
with a sharp knife or scissors, and apply a weak solution
of blue stone to the sore till it is healed.

Predisposing Causes,— Causes which render an ©

animal susceptible to disease. For example, a young horse
standing in the stable from day to day becomes predisposed
to disease of the throat and lungs, when put to any exer-
tion. Old age is a predisposing cause of disease. Some
animals, as well as men, are more disposed to disease than
others. From their temperament, and certain conditions
of the solids and fluids of the body, the body is more
susceptible to what is called a predisposing cause.

Prick of the Foot.—(See Foot Diseases.)

Probang.—This is one of two instruments. One is for
forcing obstructions down the gullet in cases of choking,
and the other an instrument used in giving to horses, etc.,

.
, 7

en ee eee Se

PRURIGO. 179

medicine in a solid form or in the form of a ball or bolus.
For the former purpose a stout handle of a common cane
whip will answer, and for the latter an instrument shown
in the following cut is the best in use.

MOYER’S PATENT PROBANG.

Procidenta.—A term used to denote the falling down
of the womb, or foal bed in brood mares. ‘This affection
is very common in milch cows; not so in mares.

Prognosis, — The foretelling the course and event
of a disease, from its symptoms. Prognosis may be favora-
ble or unfavorable. Nothing can so well distinguish the
scientific veterinary surgeon from the blockhead in such
matters as correct prognosis.

Prophylactics.—Is a term applied to the means
made, or adopted, for the preservation of health, and the
prevention of disease.

Proud Flesh.—A common name applied to hasty
granulations in a sore or wound, which present a fungous
appearance. ‘l’o cure and prevent this, sprinkle a little
white sugar, powdered blue stone, or a little red precipitate
on the surface. |

Prurigo,— An itchiness of the skin, which is best
treated by the sulphite of soda, in half ounce doses, given
every night in cut feed, for a week. (See Skin Diseases.)

180 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Pulse.—This is the stroke or beat of an artery, conse~
quent upon its alternate dilation and contraction caused by
the action of the heart. The pulse is subject to many
variations, even not depending upon disease. It is also
liable to changes from temporary excitement, as from
severe heat, etc. Medicines act upon the circulation, and
consequently change the beat and character of the pulse.
If the disease be debility, diffusible stimulants will be
required to raise the pulse; and in order to depress th¢
circulation, as in inflammation and fever, nauseants are
indicated, such as aconite and veratrum. (See Pulse, in
Introductory Remarks.)

Puncture.— Wounds inflicted with a sharp-pointed
tool, as a staple or hay fork, ete. Punctured wounds are
dangerous, depending upon their depth and locality, and
should be treated by free openings from the bottom of the
wound, to allow the exposed fluids to escape. The parts
should be dressed with simple ointment. (See Medicines
and Prescriptions.)

Purgatives.—A class of medicines capable of cleansing
or emptying the bowels. Purgatives are distinguished
from laxatives, only in the quantity given. Six to eight
drachms of aloes will act as a purgative, and two to three
drachms will act as a laxative. When laxatives are neces-
sary, repeat at distant intervals.

Purpura,—This is a disease which is but rarely seen,
and consists in the surface of the whole body and legs
eing covered with pimples, or small boils, which discharge
a livid or purple-colored fluid. The animal is very much
debilitated ; and, accompanied with sympathetic fever, we
not unfrequently see swellings of the head and parts of the
body, with the legs very thick, and the same colored fluid

PUTREFACTION. . 181

oozing out of them. Invariably the horse is scarcely able
to move. The worst form of this disease, is the purpura
heemoragica, or bleeding purpura. The small boils are
the result of extravasation from the minute blood vessels
under the skin.

Cause. Venous congestion of the whole surface of the
body, and, possibly, a deterioration of the blood itself.

Treatment. Support the strength, to keep off typhoid
symptoms; enrich the blood, and attend to the surface
sores. For this purpose, give the following powders, night
and morning: Powdered sulphate of iron, three ounces;
gentian root, two ounces and a half; carbonate of ammonia,
four ounces. Mix, and divide into twelve powders, one to
be given twice in the day. Give, occasionally, forty to
sixty drops of commercial sulphuric acid in a bucket of
cold water. Feed the horse well, and apply to the sores
olive oil, three ounces ; and creosote, one ounce ; once every
second day, and wash the sores twice a week. Horses once
attacked by this disease, are ever after liable to it.

Pus.—tThis is the material found in abscesses. Pus
may be healthy, or laudable, as it is called. Unhealthy,
when it is mixed with blood and has a stinking smell.
Healthy pus is of the thickness and color of cream, and is
insoluble in water.

Putrefaction.—Certain diseases are regarded as putrid,
where the discharges have a black appearance, and putrid
smell. When weakness and debility are present, putrid
ulcers spread rapidly. The treatment of putrefaction, in a
living animal, should be directed to laying open the sores,
so as to get rid of the putrid discharge before it is absorbed
into the circulation. Then wash immediately with the
solution of the chloride of lime, after which dress the sores

182 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

with equal parts of olive oil and creosote, and sprinkle
them with powdered charcoal. Furnish the horse with
good feed to support the strength, and give sulphate of iron
and gentian root, two drachms each, night and morning.

Putrid Fever.—(See Typhosus.)

Pyemia,—tThis is a term signifying pus in the blood,
acting and setting up fermentation. Examples: Tuber-
cles in the lungs, glanders, farcy, and grease. (All of
which see.)

Quack Medicines.— These are medicines prepared
according to private or secret receipts, and are puffed up
in newspapers, and private circulars, as infallible cures for
most all diseases which can be named, in either man or
beast; either for external application, or internal adminis-
tration. No subject in medicine has been more fully
exposed than the great and absurd pretensions of these
medicines. But, notwithstanding all this, the credulity of
even the best class of society is great, the readiest victims
being found among them. It surely requires no argument
to show how dangerous must be the indiscriminate use of
powerful drugs when compounded by parties who likely
never had the slightest opportunity to acquire a medical
education, and why such persons cannot cure, by their
remedies, diseases which are, or may be, deemed incurable,
and have defied the most consummate skill and experience
of the veterinary medical world.

Quinsy.—A name given to sore throat. (See Dis-
temper and Influenza.)

Quittor.—This term is used in England for a disease in
the foot of a fistulous character. (See Foot Diseases.)

RESPIRATION. 183

“Quirror SyRincE, witH Rinas. To BE USED WITH ONE Hanp.”

Rabies.—(See Hydrophobia.)

Rachitis.—A disease of the bones of young animals,
dlue to a deficiency of earthy matter, (lime,) which causes
the bones to yield, being too soft. In colts of the first
year, some will be observed to stand so close at the knees,
that one joint touches the other, which gives the fore legs
a curious looking twist, with the feet turned out, and the
knees bent in. Colts so affected soon get well when they
are supplied with good, nutritious food, in which the
phosphate of lime predominates. Rachitis, (pronounced
racketis,) in old horses, is seldom seen ; and when it is, it
is in the bones of the back or lumbar vertebre, is char-
acterized by swellings of an irregular kind, with water
oozing from them, and is called hydro-rachitis or
spina-bifida. Horses so affected are not fit for work with
weight upon the back. (See Deformities.)

Resolution.—TLhis is the most favorable termination of
inflammation, and leaves the inflamed part in the same
state or condition in which it was before it was attacked.

Respiration.—The alternate inspiration and expiration
of air, performed for the purpose of exchanging the
hydrogen and carbon for oxygen. ‘The air being brought
in contact with the blood, as it circulates through the
lungs, the oxygen unites with it, and the nitrogen and
carbonic acid gas is returned by expiration. The oxygen
and some of the inhaled air is united in the lungs with

484 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

free hydrogen, which is given out from the lungs, and is
readily seen issuing from the nostrils on a frosty morning,
or when the thermometer is about 40°.

Revulsion.—A second attack of disease, but in a remote
or different part of the body from which the first attack
had its seat. Example: If an eruption, or the abscess of
strangles be repelled from the outside of the body, we will
find it attacking an internal organ. (See Metastasis.)

Rheumatism.—In no disease of the horse are there so
many errors and mistakes committed; not only as to the
nature of the affection, but its mode of treatment. Horse-
men and horse doctors have not yet learned that there is a
difference between rheumatism and FOUNDER, whether
acute or chronic, and how to distinguish one from the
other. The difference between acute or inflammatory
rheumatism and acute founder is this: In rheumatism
there is not only pain, but great fever and excitement, and
its seat is in the joints of the legs; in founder, we have
pain, but no fever, and the disease is confined to the feet
alone. (See Laminitis.) |

In chronic rheumatism there may be some excuse for
such mistakes, as there is no fever; but there is an inability
to move, as if the horse was sprained over the loins. (See
Lumbago.) |

(1.) Acute RHEuMATIsM.—Nothing else but what is
#alled (when man is the subject,) rheumatic fever.

Symptoms. Great fever, excitement, and irritation, with
extreme pain in the legs and joints; so much so, that the
stricken horse has not a leg fit to stand upon, and dares
not move from the place he occupies, from fear of falling
to the ground. Im connection with all this disturbance,
the horse sweats profusely, and blows or breathes excitedly,

RHEUMATISM. 188

having no heat in the feet, as in founder. It will be well
to remember this, in forming a correct opinion of the case.
In severe cases, the whole of the muscles of the body are
set to quivering, clearly indicating inflammatory rheuma-
tism in full force and degree.

Causes. Sudden check to perspiration, by placing heated
horses in a current or draught of cold air, thus preventing
the transudation through the skin of its formed and natural
secretion, which being absorbed by the blood, and acting
as a poison, produces inflammation in the sheaths of the
tendons, and of the fibrous parts or tissue.

Treatment. The treatment of acute rheumatism is some-
times unsatisfactory ; not that it is incurable, but from the
fact that the medicines which frequently cure one will not
cure other cases.

Give twenty-five drops of the tincture of aconite root
every four hours, till six doses are given. Place the horse
in a cool, airy place, with plenty of bedding under him, so
as to induce him to lie down; then lightly cover the body,
and apply cold water swabs or loose cloths to the legs,
keeping them continually wet, from twelve to twenty-four
hours. In winter, warm water will answer best. By the
time the six doses of aconite have been taken, a great
change for the better will have taken place; so much so,
that, in many cases, the horse may be left to nature to
complete the cure. But, on the other hand, should the
disease take a chronic form, give drachm doses of the pow-
dered meadow saffron seeds twice in the day, and occasional
doses of sixty drops of sulphuric acid in half a bucket of
cold water. Half ounce doses of the sulphite of soda may
be given as an alkali. Do not bleed or purge.

(2.) CHronic RHEUMATISM.—I have no hesitation in
saying that chronic rheumatism in a joint is one of the

186 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

most prolific causes of occult or hidden lameness in horses;
while this is so, when there are no swellings to point to as
a proof of the correctness of your opinion, many will
question your judgment. But it is with this, as with
many things in the world—time only being required for a
thorough development of the fact.

Treatment of Chronic Rheumatism. Give a few doses of
aconite root, followed by the colchicum or saffron seeds, the
sulphuric acid and the alkaline, as is recommended in
acute rheumatism, but not pushing them to such an active
extent. A liniment may be applied to the rheumatic
joint or joints composed of chloroform and olive oil, equal
parts, to be used once a day, with friction by the hand.
One part of the tincture of aconite root, may, in addition,
be used to advantage with the chloroform.

(3.) RHEUMATISM.— Accompanying Diseases of the
Throat. This combination is often met with, which is due
to the fact that the same serous or fibrous tissue or mem-
brane is affected in each of the diseases. Nevertheless, we
do not see cases of throat disease following rheumatism ;
from which we derive the fact that those membranes are
not capable of reflecting upwards and backwards their
sympathy or feeling as the nerves of the body are. So,
therefore, I am inclined to the belief that rheumatism in
this form, is the effect of disease in the throat, and not a
cause of the disease. |

Treatment. Cure the disease in the throat, and the
rheumatism will be deprived of its cause and support.
(See Influenza and Gastritis Mucosa.)

Ring-bone,—This is a serious affection, and consists
of a circle of bone thrown out from the underlying bone.
Sometimes, in addition to this, the cartilages of the foot are
converted into bone, and laid in the form of a circle; and

ROARING. 187

hence its name, ring-bone. It is most common in the fore
legs of heavy, coarse-bred horses, with short and straight
up pastern-joints. When it occurs in fine-bred horses, it
is usually the hind leg which is affected. Ring-bone does
not always cause lameness.

Cause. Hereditary predisposition, from a peculiar for-
mation of pastern-joints, which are found not well adapted
to hard work; and hence, an effort of nature is set up to
strengthen parts which are too weak, by converting an
elastic substance into a hard and unyielding mass, and a
moving hinge into a fixture.

Treatment. If it is of recent origin, and the horse is
young, much may be done in the way of a cure, by first
removing all heat and inflammation with cold water cloths
wrapped round the parts for three days, taking them off
at night. At the end of that time, get one drachm of the
bin-iodide of mercury, mix with one ounce of lard, and
apply one-half of the salve by rubbing it in well for ten
minutes. Tie up the horse’s head for a few hours, and
the next day wash off with soap and warm water, daily
anointing the parts with lard or oil for a week; then apply
the remainder of the salve in the same way, and proceed as
before. In old horses, not much can be done with ring-
bone, as the bones of old animals contain so much earthy
(lime) matter that nothing can act upon it.

Ringworm,—(Scee Skin Diseases.)

Roaring.—A noise made by some horses when put to
work. There are many different sounds produced from
the same cause, and they are incurable, except when
depending upon the presence of tumors, which can be
removed. Roaring can be relieved somewhat by placing
pads over the faulty nostril. When very bad, an operation

188 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

called tracheotomy—an opening into the windpipe, and
keeping a silver tube inserted in it—is sometimes resorted
to. By this means, a draught horse can be kept at work
for many years.

Round Bone.—(See Hip-joint.)

Rowels,—An old-fashioned operation, consisting in an
opening made through the skin for a few inches in length,
the skin being raised from its attachments, and a piece of
leather fitting the cavity placed into it, so that a discharge
is set upin a day or two. Times were when this unneces-
sary cruelty was frequently inflicted upon the poor un-
offending horse, but in this humane and progressive age,
we only occasionally meet with the barbarity. Rowels are
an abomination, and inflict a scar or blemish, which never
leaves the part. The stupidity and ignorance of horse
doctors generally, do not allow them to see that the powers
of nature are more potent for good in curing the affection
than a rowel—to which is attributed a power or virtue it
never possesses. If I should put in a rowel, it would not
be with the view of curing disease or sprain, but simply to
secure the horse plenty of time in the stable, so that nature
could cure the disease herself.

Ruptures.—The protrusion of some portion of the
bowels or intestines out of their proper place. The groin,
the navel, sides of the belly, and scrotum, or testicle bag,
are the places where ruptures usually show themselves, and
it is the variety of situation that gives rise to the many
species of rupture or hernia.

(1.) IncuryaL Ruprure.—In the United States, the
horses are mostly all castrated, which fact accounts for the
rare occurrence of this variety of rupture. The operation
of castration completely closes the inguinal ring or opening

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RUPTURES. 188

through which pass the spermatic cord, testes, etc., thus
preventing the possibility of rupture in that direction.
When this kind of rupture takes place, it is in stallions
and uncastrated colts, and requires for its cure the castration
of the horse or colt by what is called the covered operation,
that is, by leaving the tunica vaginalis, or inner covering
of the testes entire and uncut, and placing the clamps over
it, allowing the testes or stones to fall off, or be removed
in two days from the time of operation. As soon as this
kind of rupture is observed, have the horse or colt castrated
at once.

(2.) ScroraL Ruprure.—This variety of rupture, |
entirely confined to the testicle bag, or scrotal sac, is also
the affection of uncut horses, and is caused by relaxation
of the fibrous tissue around the inguinal ring. This isa
kind of rupture which comes and goes, as if it were an
intermittent affection. The rupture, or large swelling,
during rest will entirely disappear, and return during exer-
cise, sometimes with violence, throwing the horse, perhaps,
into a fit of colic, and inducing strangulation and death of
the horse. Scrotal rupture is sometimes confined to one
side only of the scrotum. If in time the animal should
not die from strangulation of the bowel, the rupture will
sometimes increase to an enormous size, hanging far down,
and filling up the space in and between the hind legs.

Treatment. The same as for inguinal hernia. Of course,
in both cases, care should first be taken to push back the
bowels through the ring into the belly, before removing the
testicles. Scrotal rupture should not be confounded with
hydrocele, or water in the scrotal sac. (See Dropsy.)

(3.) CONGENITAL RupTurRE.—This is a species of rup-
ture observed at the birth of the foal or colt, and is the
least dangerous of all the varieties of ruptures, although

190 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

the rupture continues to grow and increase in size until the
fourth to the sixth month of the colt’s age, and then
gradually and progressively disappears altogether. If,
however, it should not at the end of that time diminish
in size and volume, a tolerably stout and tight collar or
bandage may be placed around the body, covering the
rupture. This band should be kept in place by a broad
collar or cloth attached to each side of the body bandage,
and passing in front of the breast, with another round the
back parts of the hips—thus preventing a backward or
forward movement of the body bandage.

If rupture should occur in a few days after the birth of
the colt, it should, to all intents and purposes, be classed as
congenital rupture, and be treated accordingly.

Congenital rupture is the same as what is called by
some writers umbilical rupture, which is correct as far as
it goes ; but congenital rupture includes not only the navel,
but thé scrotal also. The navel variety can be most suc-
cessfully treated by letting it alone; or, in some cases, by
the application of a bandage. When, however, in the
scrotum, castration is the only cure, and a bandage in this
case would not only be useless, but hurtful to the coit.

(4.) VENTRAL RuprurE.—This is when the bowel pro-
trudes through any part of the belly, excepting at the
umbilicus or navel, or any natural opening, and is generally
the result of injury or accident, as from a hook from the
horn of a cow, or the kick of a horse. The common place
where this kind of rupture is usually seen, is on the lower
portion of the belly, between the ribs and at the flanks.

Symptoms. A. large, puffy swelling which can be lessened
in size and forced into the cavity of the belly again, by
merely pressing against it. The skin will be loose when
the bowel is thus pushed in; and when the pressure has

RUPTURES. 191

eeased, the enlargement or swelling returns at once, and
fills up the loose skin.

Treatment. In most cases, let the enlargement alone ;
as, in nearly all instances, no inconvenience from it will be
experienced by the horse. ‘The only way to reduce such a
rupture is, by gathering and holding the loose skin, and
_ covering the rupture after the bowel has been pushed into
its place by means of long clamps, like a long vise, till the
skin falls off. This cure is worse than the affection it is
intended to remedy; for by breaking the skin the bowels
are exposed to the air and the uncertainty of the edges of
the skin uniting firmly together. This is frequently, also,
more than can be expected, as the horse is not a rational
being, and cannot be told to stand this or that way, in this
or that position. If he experiences any pain, he will]
become restless, and lay down, and roll; and then what of
the nicely adjusted clamps? In short, the horse will dia
in a few hours.

(5.) RuptuRE.—Of Castration. This variety of rupture
sometimes follows immediately, or a few days, after the
operation of castration.

Causes. When the rupture occurs as soon as the horse
rises from the operation, it is produced by the violence of
the struggling, or rising with too much of a jerk. When
occurring a few days after the operation, the cause may be
laid to the wound not healing and uniting properly.

Symptoms. As in colic; the horse rising, lying down,
pawing, rolling, sweating; high fever and inflammation ;
and, finally, gangrene, or mortification of the parts, and
death of the horse.

General Remarks. The termination of ruptures of all
kinds and varieties most to be dreaded, is that condition
known as strangulation, which occurrence is indicated by

192 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

the pawing, rolling, sweating, and restive condition of the

horse, etc. If not relieved in a very short time, he will

die. To reduce strangulation, he must be secured, and
fastened ; and all conceivable ingenuity must be exercised
to get the bowels back into their proper place. No rule
can be laid down to accomplish this, as some ruptures are
reducible, and others are not. But the hands of the
operator must be well oiled when handling the bowels, and
the bowels kept scrupulously clean; and when they have
been successfully placed into their proper cavity, the horse
will be at rest, and relieved from pain. To prevent the
bowels from returning again, the rupture must be closed by
skewers made of iron, or stiff wood, passed through the
lips of each side of the wound, half an inch from the edge,
with waxed cord wound round and over the skewers, in
the form of the figure 8.

Metallic or silver wire is used by scientific veterinary
surgeons in securing the edges of the skin of ruptures and
injuries to the belly of all domestic animals, as the best and
most successful plan.

Ruptures of the stomach, bowels and diaphragm, are
occasionally the immediate cause of death in cases of colic.

(See Hock, ae

NEEDLE ARMED WITH WIRE,

Saddle Galls.—Sores produced by the saddle and
other portions of the harness, and are best treated by the

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SALIVATION. ) 193

eompound tincture of aloes. When the sores become haré
and firm, like warts, use the ointment of iodide of mercury.
(See Medicines and Prescriptions.) Remove the cause of
the trouble by attending to the saddle and harness, and if
no fault be found with the stuffing of the saddle, cut a hole
in the padding sufficiently large to accommodate the sore
without touching it.

Sallenders.—(See Mallenders.)

Saliva.—A fluid secreted by the salivary glands, which
serves to moisten the mouth, and is swallowed with the
food. When horses are feeding, the saliva mixes with the
feed, and resolves, dissolves, and changes it into a soft mass
fit to be swallowed. (See Parotid Duct.)

Salivation.—This is an increased flow of saliva induced
in the horse by mercury and other medicines, and is often
seen in horses feeding upon the second crop of clover late
in the fall of the year, or after slight frosts; which fact
sufficiently accounts not only for the salivation of, but also
affords the reason why horses so feeding lose flesh and be-
come thin and weak, although apparently feeding upon
abundance.

Second crop clover grows fast, is soft, and full of moisture,
while the coo] nights arrest its mush-room growth, and the
moisture it contains in great quantity is converted from a
sweet and nutritious substance into a sour and acidulous
fluid, not unlike vinegar or acetic acid. The acid so formed
within the clover leaf and stem is pressed out by the act of
mastication or chewing, stimulating the fauces of the mouth
and the salivary glands toa great extent and taxing the
substance of the body for the saliva to meet an enormous

demand. Hence, the weakness and loss of flesh of horses
so fed.

194 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Sand Cracks,—(See Foot Diseases.)

Sanious Pus,—Pus mixed with water and blood —
unhealthy pus.

Scalds.—(See Burns.)
Scald Mouth.—(See Mouth Diseases.)

Scarlatina,— A disease newly discovered in light-
colored horses, attended by sore throat, as in man, and
with slight fever and dry skin—the glands of the neck are
slightly swollen, and in about two days the lining mem-
branes within the nose and lips become studded with scarlet
spots about the size of a garden pea, which run together.
In light bay horses will be seen patches from which the
hair falls off and is replaced by a coat of a lighter color,
thus making the animal look as if he had had an attack of
varioloid or small-pox. Scarlatina is an eruptive fever,
running a fixed and definite course, and is closely allied to
purpura, influenza and strangles, (all of which see.)

Treatment. Place the horse in a cool place, and give
small doses of aconite, followed by gentian and carbonate
of ammonia. In a few days iron may be added. (See

Medicines.)
Scratches,—(See Grease, Phagadena, and Frost Bites.)

Schirrus.—Pronounced skirrus, and signifying indura-
tion or hardening of any structure, but now used cnly when
speaking of cancer.

Scouring. —(See Diarrhcea.)

Scrotum.—The bag or skin covering the testicles of
the stallion, which is the seat of large watery swellings, as
a sequel to debilitating disease, or disease treated by
starving, bleeding, etc. If the swelling does not grow less

0 a. Lee eae Oy Eee

SEROUS ABSCESS. 195

after extra feed is allowed, and a few iron powders are
given, the scrotum will have to be opened a little on both
sides to allow the fluid to flow out. Do not mistake the
swelling for scrotal rupture. (See Ruptures.)

Scurf.—A scaly eruption on the skin of badly-groomed
and cared for horses. It is cured by good grooming, good
feeding, and, in some cases, a change in stabling.

Secretion.—The product secreted or separated from
the blood. Secreted products are of two kinds:

(1.) Hveretion, or matter separated by animal bodies,
and thrown off on account of their noxious or effete
qualities. Examples—the urine, the dung, sweat, and
carbonic acid gas from the lungs.

(2.) Secretion is matter separated from the blood for
further use, and for the performance of various actions in
the living system. Examples—bile, saliva, etc.

Sedatives.—Medicines which lessen pain, and should,
therefore, be called calmatives. Aconite is the most certain
and successful sedative and calmative we have to offer, and
will seldom disappoint the highest expectations, if used
properly, and in good time.

Serum,—The thin, colorless fluid, which separates from
the blood.

Serous Abscess.—A variety of abscess seen usually
about the breasts of horses. It arises from injury followed
by the pouring of a serum from the blood into the injured
part, which, not being absorbed readily, remains there in
the form of a large ovoid flattened bag. A blind man,
who never saw a tumor, could tell that it contained fluid.
Indeed, wherever dropsical swellings are not absorbed, a
serous abscess will be formed.

196 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Treatment. Open it with a knife, making a large opening
through the skin, only at the lowest soft part, so the serum
will run out without pressing. Inject once or twice with
cold water, and anoint the skin with lard to prevent it from
cracking or becoming dry.

Seton.—A piece of tape placed under the skin by
means of a needle, made for the purpose. Setons are
rarely of use, and are often torn violently out, making an
ugly sore.

Shivers.—So called because the horse is seized with
tremor of the muscles of the whole body, when any attempt
- is made to push him back. The tail is erect as in cases of
locked-jaw.

Causes. Tumors on the ventricles of the brain.

Shoeing of Sound Feet.—Most diseases of the feet,
and every stumble are, either directly or indirectly, the
result of bad shoeing. Horse-shoers have long been in the
habit of using the knife and rasp too freely to keep feet
sound very long so. When the shoe is carefully removed,
the wall or crust, where a well seated shoe should only
rest, should be gently rasped to remove fragments of loose
horn and old nails. In deep, well-made feet, the sole
requires paring out till it is in the form of a cup, but not
too thin—the bearing surface, or wall, to be made level for
the new shoe. This is all that is required in a sound fwot.
The frog must be left to fill its functions. Above all, do
not let the rasp be used upon the surface of the foot, for it
is the skin of the hoof, and by its removal you expose it to
every change in moisture and dryness, and leave it weak,
dry, porous and brittle.

The shoe should be a plain one, equally broad and wide
from heel to toe, and put on without seating; for why

i le a i Se

SHOULDER LAMENESS, 197

bring a concave foot in contact with a concave shoe? The
toe should be slightly turned up, and not too short at the
heels. The hind shoes should be provided with heels.

The nail holes should be three on the outside, and two
on the inside, and made straight through the iron, and not
incline inwards, and the shoe fitted to the foot, and not the
foot to the shoe.

Dray horses should be shod with tips, or toes and heels,
which secure firmness of tread, and greater power when
drawing heavy loads, especially in cities with smooth paved
streets.

SHOEING UnsounD FEET.—Feet with corns, weak, flat
feet, convexed sole, and sand or quarter cracked feet, should
have shoes well-seated ; and it is advisable to throw some
extra weight upon the frog, for which purpose a bar-shoe
should be used. (See Foot Diseases.) Leather soles are
useful in weak-soled feet when the horse steps high and is
much used upon city streets. One-sided nailing answers
well for weak heels. Ring-boned animals should be shod
with easy fitting shoes, to avoid jarring. Horses having a
tendency to navicular or coffin-joint disease should have
shoes turned up a little at the toe, with the ground surface
of the wall well cut away, and the sole and frog untouched.
The art of shoeing horses consists in fitting a shoe to the
foot of a horse, for the purpose of protecting, and, at the
same time, not injuring it.

Shoulder Lameness.—This is produced by a slip, or
side-fall, and is frequent with horses in cities having broad
rails laid on the streets for railroad purposes. In wet
weather these rails are very slippery ; hence the horse has
no foot-hold, the leg is stretched far out before the animal
and the muscles of the shoulders, and in some cases, the

198 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

shoulder-joint is involved. A much more serious affair
than simple shoulder sprain is the result.

Shoulder lameness is common to young horses when
ploughing in the furrow.

Symptoms. The absence of heat ; tenderness, and swelling
in any other part of the leg or foot. Always find out
with certainty where there is no lameness and the situation
of lameness will very soon be apparent. Negative and
positive symptoms should always be well considered before
coming toa final conclusion, as by doing so the situation
or trouble is so narrowed down that a mistake can scarcely
occur. Shoulder lameness, however, is known by the horse
stepping longer with the lame leg, and shorter with the
sound one; and, excepting in very severe cases, the horse
will not only point the leg out from the body, but carry it
also to the side of the body. Now, in most sprains and
diseases in the foot, the leg will be pointed straight out
without any side position. ‘Take the leg which is lame by
the pastern, and gently carry, or pull it straight out from
the body of the horse in front, and gently also to the out-
side; if it be shoulder lameness, the horse will not only
show evidences of pain, but will in many cases, depending
upon the spirit and animation of the horse, get up from the
ground with the sound leg and endeavor to wrest the lame
leg from you.

In very severe cases, when occurring from a bruise, the
horse will stand on his toe, which is evidence of contusion
of the shoulder.

Treatment. Absolute and entire rest, warm water cloths
applied for two days, followed by cold water cloths, in the
same way, and for as many days. ‘Then a slight blister of
the Spanish fly may be rnbbed into the skin of the shoulder,
taking care that none of it is put on at the situation of the

SHOULDER-JOINT LAMENESS, 199

collar, as it would render the part a little tender for a while
by friction from the collar. Take Spanish fly in powder,
one drachm; hog’s lard, six drachms; mix, and make an
ointment, or salve, and rub the better half of it into the
skin. Next day wash off with warm water (not hot), and
when dry from washing, anoint the blistered parts with
oil or lard, daily, fora week. It is not advisable to put
horses to work, or even exercise, too soon after getting well
from lameness.

Shoulder-joint Lameness,—This is a more serious
form of lameness than sprain of the muscles of the shoulder.
Tt consists in the softening of the articular cartilages of the
joint, with inflammation of the joint membranes, and great
secretion of unhealthy synovia, (joint oil) producing bulging
of the ligaments, (capsular) and covering the joink It can
be detected by making the horse stand upon the lame limb,
and by holding up the other one. This is a disease similar
to spavin in the hock-joint, which accounts for the unsatis-
factory results of treatment.

Symptoms. The horse drags his toe, and throws his leg
out at every movement of the limb. .

Treatment. As before stated, this is rather unsatisfactory,
from the fact that the cartilages are likely to be destroyed,
and the bone underneath apt to become ulcerated ; but if
taken in time, much good can be done. In many cases, a
cure can be effected by the ointment of red iodide of
mercury, well rubbed in once a week, for a few times.

Take of bin-iodide of mercury, two drachms; hogs lard,
two ounces. Mix well on the bottom of a dinner plate, or
a smooth slate, with a table knife. Of this ointment, take
one-fourth and rub well into the joint, tieing up the horse’s
head for a few hours, to prevent his getting at the shoulder
with his mouth; allow soft bedding for the front feet te

200 DISEASES OF THE HORSE,

stand upon, as the horse will stamp with his foot on the
floor—for the action of this ointment is considered to be as
painful as the hot iron, for about half an hour from the
time it begins to act till the parts commence to swell from
its splendid effects. Hence, firing irons are now not much
used, except in the hands of old fogies. Daily, oil or
grease the parts for a week, then apply as before, and
remember, that to get all the benefit of this ointment, it
must be well rubbed in the parts.

Side Bones.—A species of ring-bone; only the side
cartilages of the foot are converted into bone, and do not,
as in ring-bone, extend round the coronet, or portion
immediately above the hoof. The cause and treatment
are the same as in ring-bone, (which see.)

Sinus,—A long, narrow and ulcerated track, communi-
cating either with the inside of an abscess or diseased bone.

(See Fistula and Poll-evil.)

Sitfasts.— These are hard and insensible tumors,
sometimes called warbles, and are caused by undue pres:
sure from the harness. ~ 3

Treatment. Rub in, about the size of a bean, of the
ointment of red iodide of mercury. (See Prescriptions and

Medicines.)
Skeletor. of the Horse, Bones of the,—The skele-

ton is composed of two hundred and forty-seven separate
bones, which are united by joints to form the spine, thorax,
pelvis, tail, and fore and hind extremities. The spine is
finished anteriorly by the head, which is divided into the
cranium and face, and contains the teeth. Suspended from
the head is the os hyoides, which completes the number of
bones. Thus :—

a eo ee

SKIN DISEASES. 201

The spine consists of 7 cervical, 18 dorsal, and 6 lum-

bar vertebre—Total . ... ¢; ol
The thorax is made up of the oid t eviolees with

18 ribs on each side, and the sternum in the middle

Re ei ee Sane APL CeN aNaye
The pelvis comprises 2 ossa Sweetin ee ilium,

ischium, and pubes), and 1 sacrum—Total . . . 3
The tail contains on the average 17 bones . . . . 17
The fore extremity is made up on each side of the

scapula, humerus, os brachii, and 8 carpal bones, 3

metacarpal, os suffraginis, os corone, os pedis, os

naviculare, 2 ossa sesamoidea—Total on both sides 40
The hind extremity has the femur, patella, tibia,

fibula, 6 tarsal bones, 3 metatarsals, os suffraginis,

os corone, os pedis, os naviculare, 2 ossa sesamoidea

> MRR a tet 2) eA Se aE

Bones of the cranium . . . UR aa are, bara). ice
Bones of the face and lower pa ios aes ial ol aera ea fl
ae es ak sin tae
Bones of the meer ear, re in onal Neate i.) 8

Os Hyoides, or bone of the tongue, made up of five
OES Fg Sil ap gen en ee a) hay ess ants al) ay ee

Gemutotal oo .ce A

Skin Diseases.—There are many, and apparently
different varieties of skin diseases described by writers,
many of which are the same, and produced by the same
cause, but present different appearances in different animals,
and in different stages and conditions of the affection.
Where the same cause can be properly assigned in pro
ducing different diseases, although apparently dissimilar,
the treatment must be the same. Thus, if the acar? is the
cause of more than one kind of skin disease, of course the

202 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

treatment must be directed to the destruction or removal
of this insect or mite, before a cure can be effected; so
also, with faulty assimilation or digestion, which so often
gives rise to skin disease, and which must be improved and
corrected before the effect, (disease,) will cease and be cured,

(1.) BaLpNEss.—Parts of the skin of the horse become
denuded of the hair, occasioned by minute or small pim-
ples, which usually contain a fluid, and burst, or break,
carrying the hair with it. These pimples, or small tumors,
however, are sometimes vesicular, sometimes papular, and
sometimes scaly. They are caused by faulty digestion,
and should be treated by soft feed, or fresh-cut grass.
The hair will grow again.

Baldness is caused by scalds, burns, and blisters; and
where the rue skin is not entirely destroyed, the hair can
be restored by using a weak ointment of iodine—iodine,
half a drachm ; hog’s lard, eight drachms ; mix, and apply

by rubbing with the hand, once every third day, till there ©

are evidences of a growth of hair springing up. Gun-
powder and lard have no more power in causing hair to
grow, than as much lard, saltpetre, sulphur and charcoal
would have; nor is it to be compared to the iodine,
because, if iodine does not restore the hair in all cases, it
will certainly dye or stain the skin a dark color, which
cannot be washed off; and hence, in dark-skinned horses,
is of much use in removing the bare, bald-look of a white
spot.

(2.) Manes, ItcH, Psora, oR SCABIES.

Cause. The result ‘of an insect breeding and burrowing
in the skin, and is called acari, a variety of mite or
animalcule.

Symptoms. At first, a fine crop of pustules, not at this
time always seen, about the head and neck, and under the

f
is
ie
’

]
‘

a = ttt Fe

SS —

SKIN DISEASES. 203

mane. By the horse rubbing himself against whatever he
ean get at, the hair falls off, and exposes an angry and
red-colored skin, with red points and _ lines, fissures,
wrinkles, or scratches. After this condition, we have
dryness, scruffiness, baldness, and whitening of the skin,
accompanied with great itchiness.

Treatment. The best plan for curing this disease in
horses, is as follows: Take fine sea-sand, such as is used
by stable-men for scouring steel bits, and rub the affected
parts well for a few minutes. Then wash the parts well
with good soap and water, and a brush, after which dry
them carefully. Then anoint with the following ointment:
Powdered sulphur, one ounce; hog’s lard, two ounces;
mix. ‘The following is more cleanly: Liver of sulphur,
or hepar of sulphur, two to three ounces; cold water, one
quart; mix, and make awash. This plan, with either of
these mixtures properly applied, will not only kill the
insect, but will effect a cure. This disease has baffled
many who have attempted its cure without first reaching
the insect, by scouring him out of his covering, and killing
him with sulphur—a highly destructive article to parasitic
life.

Observe. This disease is contagious. Stall-posts, man-
gers, harness, combs, brushes, etc., used about the horse,
should be subjected to great heat either by boiling or
steaming. ‘Trees, gates, and rubbing-posts in the field,
should be washed with water, and coated with a mixture
of sulphur, lime and water.

(3.) EczeMa.—This is an affection peculiar to some
horses during the summer months. By close inspection,
large numbers of minute elevations, or raised parts, closely
joining each other, and filled witn a watery fluid, will be
observed ; the skin will soon present a red and angry look,

204 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

the hair be short and dry, accompanied with extreme
itchiness—so much so, sometimes, that horses so affected
become almost unmanageable. The situation of this dis-
ease is usually in the hind legs, and is considered hereditary.
At all events, when a horse is once attacked by it, it is
liable to return again with the warm weather.

Cause. A peculiar condition of the blood, developed by
heat.

Treatment. This disease in my hands, in several carriage
horses which were rendered completely useless in the
summer months, has not only been cured, but also pre-
vented from returning, by the administering of half ounce
doses of the sulphite of soda, for two weeks previous to
the hot weather, once a day. In addition to this, a few
bundles of fresh grass, cut from the borders of several
gardens, were given. ‘The soda, designed to neutralize,
ferments in the blood; and the fresh cut grass to assist,
by its action on the stomach and bowels, and ultimately
upon the blood itself.

(4.) SuRFEIT.—A disease making its appearance in the
spring of the year in fat horses that are short and well
built. It is characterized by tumors about the size of a
grain of Indian corn, covering the whole body as com-
pletely as the nettle-rash does that of children, and does
not generally cause itching, nor is it, like some skin
diseases, contagious.

Cause. Robust stamina.

Treatment. Give soft or slop feed composed of bran, cut
hay, cold water, and salt, for a few days. Give grass, if
it can be had; without any additional feed. A few doses
of the sulphite of soda will be of advantage.

Bleeding and purging have arrested the tumors in theix
growth, but unfortunately they become permanent fixtures,

ae ee
ee —

SLOUGH. 205

only to be removed by calomel and opium, which cause
their absorption. In this event take calomel, thirty grains;
opium, ten grains; mix, and give once a day, for a week
or ten days. Good feeding will have to be given.

Rineworm.—Porrigo, and Favus, are names given to
this disease.

Symptoms. Small circular patches, or scales, sometimes
running together, forming large crusts and ulcers under
them, in which insects breed. ‘This is a contagious disease,
and is communicated from man to animals, and animals to
man. ‘he microscope has shown the presence of fungi in
the scab of ringworm, but whether it be merely the effect
of the disease, or otherwise, is not at present known. It
is, however, more likely to be the cause.

Treatment. Wash and keep the parts clean, and aim at
jestroying the fungi. For this purpose remove the scab
as soon as formed, and apply a solution of oxalic acid to
the surface, using fifteen grains of the acid to an ounce of
water. ‘Tar ointment, creosote, sulphur, and mercury,
have all been tried; but none of these meet with so much
success as the solution of oxalic acid, just recommended.
For other diseases of the skin, see Grease, Mallenders,
Sallenders, Tumors, and Boils.

Slobbering.—This is traceable in horses to a variety
of causes. We may enumerate large doses of aconite, or
veratrum; also, sore, or scald mouth, and in some cases
poisoning. Slobbering from eating second crop clover,
will be found treated of under the article SALIVATION,
(which see.)

Slough.—The separation of a diseased or dead part
from the healthy portion. A slough may be of greater or
less thickness, and may include the skin and flesh to a

206 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

considerable depth—as from the centre of an abscess. (See
Gangrene and Mortification.)

Sores,—Healthy and unhealthy sores occur in, or on,
all parts of the body of the horse. Healthy sores are best
treated by the tincture of aloes, or myrrh, or simple
ointment. (See Medicines and Prescriptions.) Unhealthy
sores should be treated, first, by the application of some
caustic, or powdered blue stone, nitrate of silver, or caustic
potassa, which will make an unhealthy sore a simple and
healthy one. To be treated as the above.

SoRE Moutu.—(See Mouth Diseases.)
SoRE Foot.—(See Foot Diseases.)
SorE THROoAtT.—(See Catarrh, Cold, and Bronchitis.)

SorE Back.—Re-stuff the saddle, and apply the tincture
of aloes or myrrh.

SORE SHOULDERS.—See to the collar, and apply as in
sore back.

SorE NEcK.—A variety of this disease presents itself
about the place where the collar usually rests and presses
when descending a hill in double team. They are very
troublesome, and difficult to heal, if the horse is kept at
work, and cause great irritation and uneasiness. Fre-
quently, when the hand is laid upon it, the horse, if he be
a spirited animal, will plunge in the stall, and even kick,
however quiet he may be at other times.

Treatment. Apply simple ointment, and place a firm,
but strong piece of leather over it, so that the collar, when
put on, can rest upon and slide over it, instead of upon the
mane and neck.

Soundness.—This is when a horse has nothing about

SPAVIN, 207

him, that does or is likely to interfere with his feeding,
working, and general usefulness.

Spavin,—A variety of disease affecting the hock-joint.
Spavin is not now looked upon as in the days of Oliver
Goldsmith and William Shakspeare, because in the minds
of those distinguished men, and of some of their readers
of the present time, spavin is an enormous enlargement of
the hock of the horse; whereas, in some of the worse
forms of spavin, there is no enlargement at all, while the
hock-joint is completely destroyed, stiff, or anchylosed.
Shakspeare thus refers to Petruchio’s horse :—“ His horse
hipped with an old mothy saddle, the stirrups of no kin-
dred: besides possessed with the glanders, and, like to
mose in the chine, troubled with the lampas, infected with
the fashions, full of wind galls, sped with spavins, raied
with the yellows, past cure of the fives, stark spoiled with
the staggers, begnawn with the bots, swayed in the back,
and shoulder shotten, ne’er legged before, and with a
half-cheeked bit, and a head stall of sheep’s leather.”

(1.) Boe Spavin.—This kind of spavin is situated in
front of the hock-joint, and is a soft, fluctuating swelling,
which rarely ever causes lameness. It is merely an
enlargement or distention of the bursal cavity of the joint,
and is filled with the natural fluid of the joint, but in-
creased in quantity, and possibly, in some cases, a little
changed in quality also.

(2.) BLoop Spavin.—This is the same as bog spavin,
but more extensive, and generally involving the hock-joint
on its three sides, front, inside, and outside, and giving to
the limb a thick, rounded appearance, called thorough-pin,
(which see.) The swelling is soft and fluctuating, and
indeed there is no perceptible difference in the nature and
result of this form of spavin, and the preceding variety,

208 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

beyond its being more extensive, interfering, perhaps, with
the flow of blood in the sub-cutaneous (ander the skin)
vein, which is seen in front, and partly to the side of the
joint, adding very little to the general swelling.

Causes. Hard work and fast driving, especially when
horses are young.

Treatment. The application of the ointment of red
iodide of mercury, in the hands of some, has done much
good ; but the enlargement is apt to return when the horse
is again put to work, from the fact that more joint-oil, or
fluid is poured out. Acupuncturation, or forcing small
steel instruments into the swelling to let out the fluid, is
sometimes resorted to, after which a bandage or truss is
fitted to the part to press out the fluid that remains, and to
cause the adhesion of the parts together. ‘The difficulty in
curing soft spavin, is the danger of opening into a cavity
or joint containing oil (synovia). An old way of treating
such disease, is by striking the parts with a mallet, so as to
break the skin, that the fluid can escape; the blow given

to the skin being so great as to set up adhesive inflamma-

tion, and a closure of the opening.

(3.) Bong Spavin.—Consists in the sprouting out of
irregular bony matter from the bones of the joint,
preventing their smooth and proper action over one an-
other, and causing lameness. This bony growth sometimes
attains a good size, and in some cases we find one or two
of the bones only involved; in others nearly all of them

are affected. The situation of bone spavin is on the inside, ©

and in front of the joint.

Symptoms. When horses are what is called breeding
bone spavin, ordinarily persons think and say the lameness
is in the hip, (see Hock) from the action which is reflected
by the muscles of the hip at every movement made by the

|
‘
|

SPEEDY CUT. 208

hock-joint, and from the fact that there is no enlargement
as yet in the joint. The horse is lame on starting, but
gets better after a little while, and after standing will start
lame again. In the stable, he shifts one hind leg after
another, and when resting the lame leg, he stands on the
toe. Pain and lameness cease when the joint is consoli-
dated, although remaining a little stiff.

(4.) OccutT Spavin.—This is a disease similar to bone
spavin, the difference being that there is no enlargement
of the joint whatever, although the bones of the joint are
all diseased, immovable and stiff. This seems to puzzle
and perplex horsemen, because they cannot comprehend a
bone spavin without an enlargement of the joint outside;
and, consequently, the poor horse is sometimes blistered
and tormented in every part of the leg, but the right place.
The cause, results, and effects of this disease are the same
as in bone spavin, excepting that there is no enlargement.

Treatment. For the two varieties of spavin, just de-
scribed, the treatment should be the same. In young
horses, the red iodide of mercury in ointment, is the
proper treatment. One drachm of bin-iodide of mercury,
and one ounce of lard. Mix, and apply once in a week,
and lard the parts once a day, till the next application.

Old horses should have a liniment applied, once every
second day, to the parts. Oil of olives, two ounces; oil
of turpentine, one ounce; creosote, one ounce; mix. This
will relieve the pain, and toa great degree the lameness.
Spavined horses should have an extra allowance of feed,
to keep them in condition equal to their more healthy and
fortunate neighbors.

Specks on the Eye,—(See Eye Diseases.)
Speedy Cut.—This is an injury to the knee from the

210 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

shoe of the opposite fore-foot, and is prevented by driving
slower, and nailing the shoe on one side only,

Lreatment. Apply cold water cloths, and if the swelling
does not all go away, follow with the application of the
red iodide of mercury, in the form of an ointment, once a
week, for a few times, and lard or grease the parts till
the next application. Boots are sometimes used as a pre-
ventative.

Spleen Diseases.—The diseases of this organ are
obscure, and chiefly consist of enlargements, tubercles,
softening, rupture, and tumors. The symptoms attending
these affections are not well marked.

Splint.—A small bony enlargement, situated usually
on the inside of the fore-legs, about midway between the
knee and the pastern joint. When splint begins to grow,
it sometimes produces lameness by stretching the covering
of the bone, which, however, soon accommodates itself to
the altered structure.

Cause. Working horses when too young, and before the |
leg and splint bone have become united. Hence, splints —

disappear when the horse grows older, and the unity of
these bones takes place. 3

Treatment. Oxe or two applications of this ointment:
Red iodide of mercury, or tincture of Spanish fly, one
ounce; oil of croton, twenty drops. Mix, and apply with
rubbing. |

Sprains,—By this term is meant partial displacement ;

the twisting of a joint with more or less injury to the
articulations, ligaments, tendons and their sheaths. At
times small portions of the bones of the joint are separated.
Indeed, every variety and degree of severity is to be seen
in sprains of different parts. very joint is liable te

q

SPRAINS. 211

sprain, but the usual or more common sprains will be
found in the pastern or fetlock joint, shoulder and its joint,
hock, stifle, back and loins, flexor tendon, suspensory
ligaments, etc., produced by a common cause, such as slip-
ping, falling, overwork, the weight of the body, and not
unfrequently the load falling upon a part, when not in its
proper position for receiving it.

Symptoms. Pain, heat, swelling, tenderness and lameness,
more or less severe, depending on the severity of the sprain,
and the part affected. In severe sprains, care must be
taken to guard against mistakes, and to form a correct
judgment of the nature of the injury, whether it be a
real or simple sprain, or whether there be fracture or dis-
location. :

Treatment. Absolute and entire rest, is the principal
point to be attended to in the cure of sprains, for a sprain
cannot be cured without rest, no matter what other reme-
dies are employed; and, if there be much fever and
excitement about the horse, a few doses of aconite will
have to be given. ‘Tincture of aconite root, fifteen drops,
given three times in the day for two days, will remove
fever and irritation. Then apply warm water cloths for
three days, followed by cold water cloths for the same
length of time, taking the cloths off at night, as it is
necessary that water must be poured on the cloths every
hour, or before the warm ones become cold, and the cold
ones become warm. After which, the lameness and
swelling will have ceased ; or should this not be the case,
apply for a few days, once a day, the following liniment:
Creosote, one ounce; oil of turpentine, one ounce; oil of
olives, two ounces; mix. Be assured the horse is quite
well before he is put to work again, as many joint diseases
are brought on by mismanaged sprains, which never can

212 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

be cured. or sprains of different parts of the body see
Shoulder and Shoulder Joint Sprains, ete. }

Staggers.—A disease familiar to every horseman, and
of a serious character. It presents different symptoms in
different horses, depending altogether upon the extent to
which the brain and nervous centres are affected, and
whether the variety be mad, grass, stomach, or sleepy
staggers.

(1.) Stromacn SraccEers.—This is an attack of acute
indigestion, from overloading the stomach; digestion is
arrested, fermentation is set up, and the evolution or giving
off of carbonic acid gas distends the stomach and bowels,
and presses on the space allotted for the lungs to play in,
depriving them of erating the blood, thereby affecting the
healthy action of the brain and nervous centres, and
producing death in from twelve to twenty hours.

Treatment. Injections of warm water and soap, and a
handful of salt to clean out the bowels, so that the gas can
get free passage. Arrest fermentation by dissolving two
ounces of the sulphite of soda in a little water, and giving

it at one dose, the dose to be repeated every hour. Mix |

eight drachms of powdered aloes in a little warm water,
and drench the horse with it to stimulate digestion, and
open the bowels.

(2.) Grass or SLEEPY StaccEers.—A_ chronic
variety of stomach staggers, and should be treated as the
above variety.

(3.) Map Sracerers.—This is inflammation of the
brain, and is sometimes called Phrenitis.

Symptoms. Dullness, followed by excitement and mad.
ness. The sleepy stage, or the congestive period passing
off, then the madness is seen. The horse unconsciously
throws and dashes himself about, and sometimes endeavors

- - 7
— —— a a

STAKED. 213

to climb up the wall. At times, ropes will have to be
used to keep him from pulling back, and becoming
unmanageable, thereby destroying harness, carriages, some-
times other horses, and even the stable itself. The power
of a mad horse is great, and a painful sight to see. Finally
he becomes exhausted, falls and dies.

Treatment. The horse is not worth saving, and rarely
can be saved ; for nothing can, or will, give relief to a mad
horse, but bleeding, and this to so great an extent that
life does not rally, and the horse dies, a dull, stupid, and
immovable mass, unable to eat or drink. The brain is
pressed with fluid and lymph, between the pia mater and
the arachnoid.

Remove a mad _horse, as soon as possible, from anything
of value, or that can be broken or hurt. Especially
remove him from other horses, so that he may not injure
them.

Staked.—An accident to some portion of the body, but
most frequently to the belly, occasioned by leaping fences,
or it may be by the horn of an ox, cow, or bull.

Treatment. If the injury be at the belly, the wound having
entered it to some depth, ascertain, with the finger, whether
any portion of the bowels is injured, or has escaped
through the opening. If so, and part of them be torn,
sew with small, fine, cat-gut, (such as is frequently used
by fishermen who employ artificial flies as bait,) and pass
the bowel or intestine into its proper place, closing the
wound in the same way as is recommended for rupture of
the belly, (which see.) If the skin is only wounded, treat
it as for simple sore. If the wound is in a fleshy part,
‘ and the skin peeled or torn from the flesh, it had better be
clipped off, as it will not unite again, but shrink and dry

214 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

up; hence, it is neither advisable to let it hang, nor to
attempt to sew it. Trim off the fragments of loose skin,
and treat the wound with a weak solution of blue stone,
chloride, or sulphate of zinc. (See Medicines and Pre-
scriptions, and Bleeding Wounds.)

Stings from Bees, Hornets, etc.—Not unfrequently
we hear of horses losing their lives from irritation and
fever, originating from the stings of these insects.

Treatment. Take acetic acid No. 8, four ounces; pow-
dered camphor, one ounce; mix, and dissolve, then rub a
portion of the mixture into the parts most affected. The
poison, swelling, irritation, etc., will be at once arrested.
In an hour afterwards, anoint the parts with sweet oil or
lard. As acetic acid may not be at hand in an emergency
like this, strong table, or white wine vinegar should be
used, without the camphor. Acetic acid of French manu-
facture is eight times stronger than ordinary vinegar.

Stifle-joint Lameness,—In the article on Hock-joint,
I have stated that this form or situation of lameness in
the horse, is not so common as horsemen and others
suppose it to be; nevertheless, no part or function can be
declared exempt from accident and disease. It is chiefly,
however, an affection of young colts kept on uneven
ground, and arises from the wearing away of the toe of
the foot, thus inducing dislocation of the stifle, or patella,
which slides off the rounded heads of the bones, at every
step the animal takes.

Treatment. Remove the horse to level pasture, and have
him shod with a shoe, having a projecting piece of iron
attached to the toe, which will prevent the bones from
sliding out of place, and knuckling at every step.

Stifle Ulceration.—This is a disease of the half-moon

STRANGLES. 215

shaped cartilages of the joint, and is a serious disease, 2s
all joint affections commonly are.

Symptoms. The leg is held firmly somewhat in advance
of the other, and is thrown outwards at every step. The
joint is enlarged, and the capsular ligament very much
distended, especially when the animal’s weight is thrown
upon it, by holding up the sound leg.

Treatment. Not satisfactory; as ulceration is generally
progressive in its character, and frequently destroys the
heads of the bones. But the ointment of the red iodide of
mercury may be tried.

Bin-iodide of mercury, one drachm; hog’s lard, one
ounce; mix, and apply by rubbing with the hand, once a
week, for a month. Lard or oil the parts daily, between
each application.

Stomach Diseases.—(See Gastritis Mucosa, Staggers,
Colic and Enteritis.)

Stone in the Bladder.— Are those concretions
named calculi, formed in the bladder from a diseased
condition of the urine. fi

Symptoms. Pain, an occasional stoppage in the stream of
the urine before all is passed, and a straddling gait.

Treatment. Is the province of surgery.

Strains.—(See Sprains.)

Strangles.—This is an eruptive fever, characterized
by swelling in and between the bones of the lower jaw,
terminating in an abscess.

Cause. A specific poison in the blood, which few, if any
horses that live ten years, ever escape. It especially
attacks young horses, but is often seen in those of in-
creased years. Sometimes, the enlargement or abscess of

216 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

the strangles, is seen on the side of the face, and even on
other portions of the body.

Treatment. Give the horse grass, or soft feed, and little
or no medicine. The appetite will return when the abscess
is opened, or breaks of itself. ‘This is the great secret in
the treatment of strangles. Do not poultice the swelling,
as it will only thicken the skin. If anything is to be
done to hasten the abscess, rub in a little of the ointment
of Spanish fly. (See Medicines and Prescriptions.)

Stranguary.—This is a name given to the urine,
when mixed with blood, and when pain is present while
the horse is urinating.

Cause. Irritation of the bladder or kidneys, or both,
from the use of the Spanish fly, either in the form of a
blister, being too extensive, or too near the loins and
kidneys; also, from the fly being given in an improper
manner, or in too large doses.

Symptoms. Frequent desire to pass urine, which when
passed, is in small quantities, and bloody. Pain, irritation,
and fever, are present.

Treatment. To remove the pain, give twenty drops of
the tincture of aconite root every three hours, together
with plenty of cold water to drink; also flaxseed tea, to
horn, or drench down the throat of the horse, and sheath
the parts from irritating substances. Take equal parts of
good mustard and flour, mix with warm water, make into
a soft paste, and lay over the region of the kidneys, or
small of the back, occasionally moistening it with warm
water, and covering it with a dry cotton or linen cloth.

Strangulation.—This is a term applied to a part
which is tightened, contracted, or closed. Strangulation
snd stricture are terms implying different degrees of the

STRINGHALT. D7

same phenomena. ‘Thus we speak of strangulation of the
bowels from rupture, and of the glottis or head of the
wind-pipe, when, from some cause or other, it is closed.
Death of the horse is the result, if no opening be made
lower down in the wind-pipe, to admit atmospheric air.
Stricture is that condition of the wind-pipe or glctiis
which when contracted or pressed upon by enlargement of
the glands of the neck, or thickening of its own membranes,
diminishes the space or width of its calibre, giving rise to
thick wind and increased breathing and cough.

Stringhalt.—This is an affection of the hind leg, and
is known from the peculiar way in which the hind leg or
legs are raised from the ground—a quick, spasmodic jerk.

Causes. These are two fold. rst. The loss of nervous
influence, whereby the extensor pedis muscle—and possibly
some others—is deprived of its proper power. Second.
The peculiar anatomical articulation and general structure
of the hock-joint of the horse are such that when the leg
of a dead horse is stripped of its muscles the ligaments
are not disturbed at all; and if the legs above and below
the hock be caught hold of by the hands, and the leg
straightened out, the moment the hands are taken from it,
it will spring into a bent position, thereby imitating string-
halt, as near as can be. ‘Thus the balance of power is not
equal; the articulary ligaments of the hock are stronger
than the muscles of the thigh. Hence, the moment the
horse lifts his foot from the ground, the leg is snatched up
by the power of the articulating ligaments.

Treatment. Restore the lost nervous influence; thereby
the muscles of the thigh are to be brought into healthy
action. This will best be done by good feeding, and one
grain of strychnia nux vomica given daily, for six weeks,
in the horse’s feed.

918 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Stumbling. —Veterinary writers are nearly all silent
on this subject, while those who say anything about it call
it a habit. In this we cannot coincide with them, but
regard it as a nervous affection—a nervous debility result-
ing in atony of the flexor muscles of the shoulder. A
stumbler is unsafe, either for riding purposes, or for use in
single harness when attached to a two-wheeled vehicle.
Can such an animal be classed as sound? We think not!

Sunstroke—Coup de Soleil.—This disease of late
years has become of such frequent occurrence, that although
not mentioned by previous veterinary writers, it demands
a notice from us. The chief symptoms are exhaustion and
stupidity, the animal usually falling to the ground and
being unable to go further.

To prevent it, allow the horse at short intervals a few
mouthfuls of water, and fasten a wet sponge over the fore-
head. The sun-shades now used by extensive owners of
horses, will go very far in lessening the occurrence of this
affection.

The following treatment, when attended to at once, in the
majority of cases, will prove effectual :

First. Remove the horse from the harness to a cool,
shady place. Second. Give two ounces of sulphuric ether ;
twenty drops of the tincture of aconite root, and a bottle of
aie or porter as a drench to sustain the vital powers, and
to act as a powerful stimulant in equalizing the circulation
throughout the body ; whilst, T’hirdly. Chopped ice should
be placed in a coarse towel, cloth or bag, and laid between
the ears and over the forehead, secured in any way the
ingenuity of the person in charge may suggest. If the
legs be cold, bandages will be of advantage. Do not put
the horse to work again until he is completely restored.
Dumbness is the usual result of sun-stroke—a species of

SWEENIE. 219

coma—for which there is no cure. Horses so affected are
of little use in warm weather, but are useful in winter.

Suppuration.—This signifies the secretion of pus, and
is one of the terminations of inflammation.

Symptoms. Whenever suppuration is going on to any
extent in or on the body of the horse, a shivering fit,
similar to a chill, will or may be seen, followed in a day or
so, either by the discharge of a yellow pus from the nose,
or the formation of an abscess on some portion of the body.
Suspect suppuration when rigors and shivering occur,
especially after accidents of whatever kind.

Treatment. First. Support the strength of the horse by
good feeding, whereby the process will soon be over, and
without any complication with it. Second. Do not physic
or bleed, for those measures would prevent the process of
suppuration from going on in its original place, and,
perhaps, drive it to another. (See Metastasis.)

Surfeit.—(See Skin Diseases.)

Swelled Legs.—(See Grease, Sprains, Debility, and
Dropsy.)

‘Swellings.—These are of different kinds—the hard,
inflammatory swelling caused by injury, suppuration, and
diseased bone; the soft and fluctuating swelling, which is
generally circumscribed, and seen in diseases of the joints,
as blood spavin, etc., and contain joint oil; the dropsical,
or soft and non-inflammatory swelling of many and differ-
ent parts of the body, at one and the same time. Each
must be treated according to the cause of the swelling.

‘See Farcy.)

Sweenie,—This word or name is so deeply buried in
obscurity that researches in every quarter have failed to

220 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

discover its origin, or secure to it a satisfactory resurrection.
It applies, however, when used by horsemen, to a falling
away or shrinkage of the muscles of the shoulder, and
indicates not so much a lameness in the shoulder as it does
a disease elsewhere—in the foot or leg, as corns and disease
of the pastern joint. ATROPHY should be substituted for
sweenie, as it is generally sympathetic, and, moreover,
means that the body or a part is diminishing in bulk.

Treatment. Remove the cause of atrophy or sweenie,
and the effects will pass away.

Sympathy.—That condition which is developed in one
part of the system or body of an animal, although not of
itself a disease, but is the result of disease or accident
happening to some other, or remote portion of the body.
This sympathy is communicated through and by the
nervous system. A _ nail in the foot, or a broken bone, is
immediately followed by sympathetic fever, and general
disturbance of the whole system. Herein lies the great
difference between animal and vegetable life. A branch of
a bush or a tree can be lopped off without any disturbance
to the life or health of the main trunk. No such immu-
unity exists in the animal creation.

Synovia,—A clear, colorless and viscid fluid, secreted
by the lining membrane of the joints, for the purpose of
preventing friction, and allowing an easy motion of the
heads of the bones over one another. Synovia sometimes
changes in quality, becomes thinner, and gives rise to
swellings of the joints. (See Blood and Bog Spavin.)

Synchronous.—This name is applied to the action or
beat of the heart, when it is in time with the beat or
pulsation of an artery.

THOROUGHPIN. 221

Systole.—The movement or contraction of the heart,
as the systolic murmur.

Tabanidce.—A species of fly which are a great annoy-
ance to horses.

Tabes.—Wasting of the muscles of the body. (See
Mesenterica. )

Talpxz.—A wart-like tumor, easily removed with a
sharp pair of scissors.

Teeth.—(See Mouth Diseases.)

TOOTH FORCEPS.

Tetanus,—(See Locked-jaw.)

Tetter.—(See Skin Diseases.)

Thick Wind.—(See Heaves and Broken Wind.)
Thick Leg.—(See Grease and Farcy.)
Thiselo.—(See Fistula.)

Thoroughpin,—An affection of the hock-joint, accom-
panying bog and blood spavin, characterized by soft,
fluctuating swellings, containing fluid or joint oil in
increased quantity, and an altered quality.

992 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Treatment. ‘The same as for bog or blood spavin,
{which see.)

Thread Worms.—(See Worms.)

Throat Diseases.—(See Bronchitis, Cold, and Ca-
tarrh.)

Thrush,—(See Foot Diseases.)
Thrombus,—(See Jugular Vein.)

Thumps,—tThis is spasm of the diaphragm, or the
curtain which hangs down and separates the cavity of the
abdomen, or the belly from the chest.

Cause. Over driving and oppression, paralyzing the
accessory nerve, and hence the flapping of the diaphragm.

Treatment. Place the horse in a cool, airy place, and
allow him plenty of cold water, and if the noise, after an
hour or so, does not subside, give two bottles of ale or
porter as a drench.

Tongue, Laceration of the.—(See Mouth Diseases.)
Tonics,—(See Medicines and Prescriptions.)

Toxicology.—(The science of poisons, and their anti-
dotes.)

Tracheotomy.—An operation to
open the windpipe, in cases of closing
of that tube by tumor, or thickening
of its membrane. It is an operation
rarely required, and moreover, not to
be attempted by a non-professional
person not acquainted with the art and
science of surgery. Therefore, we will
TRACHEOTOMY TUBE. forego a description of it.

]

TREPANNING. 223

Transfusion,—This is the act or operation of trans-
ferring the blocd of one living animal into the vascular
system of another by means of a tube. Mr. James Farrel,
of Dublin, Ireland, was the first veterinarian, to my
knowledge, who employed transfusion to any extent, and
to excellent advantage. In cases of debility from blood
letting, he has done wonders with it, and has conclusively
proved to his countrymen the danger of bleeding horses to
cure or prevent diseases. For, in such cases as had not
been bled, he had no trouble; but, in those which had been
bled before he was called to them, every one died. Hence
he resorted to transfusion, in order to save others that had
been treated by bleeding. The effect of transfusion is
almost instantaneous.

Tread.—(See Foot Diseases.)

TREPANNING INSTRUMENTS.

Trepanning.—This is an operation for opening into
the bones of the head or face to elevate or raise a portion
of bone which from accident has been depressed or frac-
tured. The instrument used for this purpose is called a
Trephine.

It is designed to cut out a circular portion of the bone, so
that a smooth piece of iron is inserted in the hole, and

424 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

TREPHINE.

used as a lever to raise tne depressed portion to its proper
level.

Trismus,—(See Locked-jaw.)
Tubercles,—(See Glanders.)

Tumors.—Tumors may be defined as circumscribed
swellings of different sizes, without inflammation, and dif-
fering from one another, according to their situation and
their nature.

(1.) EncystED Tumors.—This is a variety of tumors
often seen about the side of the nose of the horse. It is
about the size of a pullet’s egg, soft, and elastic to the
touch, with no heat, inflammation, or soreness of any kind.

Cause. Closing of the sebaceous openings of the part.
Hence the elevation, swelling, and filling up of that portion
of the skin which contains the sebaceous or suet-like matter.

OPERATING KNIFE.

Treatment. Open the part with a knife, and inject for a
few times into the inside of the tumor a teaspoonful of

TUMORS. 225

the tincture of iodide, to kill the walls of the cyst. The
surgeon sometimes cuts these tumors out, in the form of a
soft ball, without opening them. This requires a steady
hand.

(2.) ENcEPHALOID.—This term means a brain-like
tumor, so named from its structure being like that of the
brain. It is one of the kinds of cancer which sometimes
attack the horse, but is more frequently seen in the dog
and ox.

Cause. A specific poison in the blood, not as yet well
understood. |

Symptoms. It is solid, hard, irregular in shape, and
knotty, with no hair upon its surface, and presenting a
smooth and shining aspect. ‘These tumors grow rapidly,
and finally break on the top, presenting an angry and
malignant sore or ulcer, which cannot be healed without
first removing the entire tumor, with a knife, and treating
it as for a simple sore.

(3.) Frsroma.—This is a fibrous or warty-like tumor,
familiar to most persons, and is attached chiefly to the
skin only. It is troublesome only in so far as it is apt to
bleed, thereby keeping up a degree of irritation—especially
in warm weather, because of the sweat and the flies.

Treatment. Those persons who have not sufficient nerve
to cut them off with the knife, can take arsenic, one
drachm; hog’s lard, four drachms; mix, and make an
ointment; rubbing in and around the tumor, once a week,
a small portion of the salve. Inashort time it will fall off.

(4.) Farry Tumor.—-This is a variety of tumor of fre-
quent occurrence in horses, and is composed of fat as its
name indicates. It is sometimes called adipose and lipoma
by the surgeons of continental Europe.

Symptoms. A round, ovoid shape, with a firm feel, but

226 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

not hard nor elastic, or at least not so mucn sv as the
encysted form.

Treatment. Take a sharp knife, and after getting a
twitch upon the horse’s nose, and one of the fore legs held
up, make a straight cut over the centre of the tumor through
the skin only. Then roll out the ball of fat with the
fingers; the knife here is of no use. The simply opening
the skin, and rolling out the fatty tumor, is called occlu-
sion, and when cleverly done, looks well.

(5.) CANcEROUS.—(See Melanosis.)

(6.) MELLANOID.—(See Melanosis.)

(7.) Bony Tumors.—A. species of tumor attacking the
bone, and is called osteo-surcoma, (which see). When
attacking the head, it is called osteoporosis, (which see).

(8.) VaricosE.—The horse is not often the subject of
varicose tumor of the veins, simply from the fact that no
garters or other ligatures are tied around the legs, inter-
fering with a free circulation. The saphena major, however,
is the only vein liable to varicose, arising from bulging of
the hock-joint, and in cases of bog and blood spavin, and
thorough pin, (which see).

Tympanitis.—This term means drum-belly, such as
occurs in cases of flatulent colic, (which see).

Ty phia—Ty phinia—Ty phus,— These are continued
fevers, and are lit up and fed by a specific zymotic matter in
the system which is generated when horses are badly fed and
crowded together in an inadequate supply of air. The
fevers of glanders, farey and pyemia are good examples.
The seeds of the disease can only be got rid of by the
effectual destruction of the typhinia—its existing ferment
or leaven. (See Glanders.)

Typhoid.—A low form of disease, accompanied with

TY PHOSUS. 227

fever. Example, Influenza, or catarrhal fever. (Gee
Influenza, and Gastritis Mucosa.)

Typhosus.—A species of fever at present, perhaps, not
very clearly defined, and consequent upon changes that
have taken place in the blood of horses—a blood disease
resulting in nervous prostration. It is comparatively a
new disease, and is, in different parts of the country, called
and known by various names, according to the chief symp-
tom there observed. It is known in New York as
cerebro spinal-meningitis by those who have seen the
disease, because it is thought to be like when a man is
affected in the meninges—or membranes which envelop
the brain and the spinal marrow—producing choking dis-
temper, putrid fever, paralysis of the par-vagum, or pneu-
mogastric nerve, on account of the chief symptom being
the inability of the horse to at least voluntarily swallow.

The Symptoms of this affection in the horse are at first or
in the early stage very latent or hidden. The chief of
them is in the quiding of the food, as the holding it in the
mouth and refusing to swallow; also, by placing a bucket
of water or other fluid within reach of a horse so affected,
when he will place his mouth into and agitate it, going
through the process of deglutition or swallowing without
consuming. ‘This has been the great symptom with those
on the Delaware River, at Wilmington, Odessa, Smyrna,
Bombay Hook, and also at Cold Spring Harbor, Long
Island, New York, in the year 1867, when and where my
advice and services were required. The inability te
swallow continues for some days, when, from loss of
sustenance and change in the circulating fluid, the horse
lies or falls down exhausted. It should be observed that
while the horses on Long Island, and on the Delaware

228

= aaa

<OUSURRER I):

DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

flat lands could not voluntarily swallow, they
were enabled to do so when drenched out of a
bottle, with their heads elevated. This pecu
liarity, however, may be ascribed to gravitation
having its own way, and to relaxation of the
paralyzed muscles of deglutition, which, though
offering no assistance, interpose nothing. Those
cases that seem to live but a few days, as is
related by some persons, die because the symp-
toms are not observed until weakness and
consequent inability to stand force themselves
to recognition. There are other symptoms that
we might mention, but they are alike common
to all diseases of an asthenic or low or depressed
type. It is a disease wherein the vis vite is
extremely low, and it is consequently very
fatal—time not being allowed in many in-
stances for the treatment to supply, through it
and the vis a Tergo, the elements of nutrition.

Treatment. In a disease of this kind, where
nervous force is almost gone, we suggest the
diffusible and more fixed stimulants, with car-
minitives and tonics—which are embraced in
the following formula, to be given, mixed in a
bottle of cold water, five times in the twenty-four
hours: Powdered carbonate of ammonia, three

-drachms; powdered capsicum, two drachms ;
_ powdered pimenta berries, four drachms ; tinc-

ture of nux vomica, twenty drops; mix.
Drench the horse with cold water several times

uypopermic daily, adding sixty drops of commercial sul-

SYRINGE.
(See Endermie

; phuric acid to assist in sustaining the flagging

ULCERS. 229

powers of life. Corn meal may also be given in the same
way, and for a like purpose.

By way of experiment, galvanism or electricity may be
employed over a blistered surface made along the pnea-
mogastric nerve on each side of the neck. Injections
endermically—under the skin—with strychnine may result
in gaining time for other measures to become effectual as a
cure.

The cause of this disease in horses does not differ, we
think, materially from those that give rise to like diseases
in men ; for on the shore opposite to Long Island in 1867,
and at the very time horses were affected with the disease,
over 400 deaths were recorded in the human family from -
an affection similar to paralysis.

The prevention of this disease, like many ciners that
affect domestic animals, is more easily accomplished than the
cure. Use dry stables; also good feed, in which a drachm
or two of the sulphate of iron, or five grains of arsenic
should be mixed, and given once daily, when such diseases .
are in the vicinage, for eight to ten days at a time.

Ulcers.—I do not intend to speak of internal ulcers, as
of the brain, chest, or belly-—they being beyond the skill
of the most learned, much less the non-professional reader
—but will confine myself to eaternal ulcers, as of the skin
and flesh.

(1.) Heatruy Uscers.—These are generally the result
of an accident, or incision with a knife, or other instrument.
Every sore which does not heal by what is called the first
intention, but suppurates, is called a healthy ulcer.

Treatment. Most healthy ulcers will beal of themselves:
at most all that is required to be done, especially in warm
weather, is to keep the granulations (which see,) from

230 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

growing too fast, and above the level of the skin; and for
this purpose apply a solution of blue stone, or chloride of
zine as follows: Chloride of zinc, four grains; rain water,
one ounce; mix. Or, powdered blue stone, two drachms;
rain water, eight ounces; mix. One of these mixtures
may be applied once a day, just sufficient to moisten the
sore, and keep proud flesh down. The simple ointment of
the drug stores is a good healing salve, and should always
be in the house and at hand.

In neglected sores, and when proud flesh has grown up
above the level of the skin of the healthy part, take a stick
of caustic potassa, and hold one end with a piece of cloth,
or stick one end in a goose-quill, and touch the sore with
the other end of the caustic a few times, till the proud flesh
turns black. Repeat at another time, if necessary. Keep
the caustic in a tightly-corked bottle, or else it will be
dissolved into fluid when next wanted.

Sewing the lips of wounds and sores together is not now
much practiced, as the stitches are apt to rot, and the parts
swell, in consequence of which the sewing gives way,
thereby aggravating the sore.

Adhesive plaster is also not advisable, as, when it is put
on over the sore, it prevents the proper fluids thereof
from being discharged, and the moisture serves to lovsen
the plaster.

(2.) INDOLENT ULcErs.—This variety of ulcer or sore
usually attacks the skin of the legs and heels of borses,
(see Phagadena, Grease, and Farcy,) eating down into or
below the surrounding surface. It is covered with a
whitish-gray matter, and, in some few cases, small red
spots are seen looking through the white covering. ‘These
are granulations, and are possibly unhealthy ones. (See
Frost Bites.)

VENTILATION, 231

Lause. A bad habit of the body and blood ; poor feeding,
asal debility.

Treatment. Apply powdered blue stone to the ulcer, to
eat off the unhealthy surface. Then apply a poultice for
the night, made of any soft, moist material—say boiled
turnips, carrots, or bran and flaxseed meal, made with a
little warm water. The face of the poultice should be
covered with powdered charcoal or brewer’s yeast. Con-
tinue the treatment with an occasional poultice, and the
solution of blue stone.

Feed the horse well, and give half-ounce doses of the
sulphite of soda, once a day, to purify and enrich the blood.

(3.) IrRrrABLE Uxcer.—Example: Sores on the past-
ern-joint irritated by the flies, heat and sweat of summer.

Symptoms. Cannot be touched without they bleed;
angry-looking, and very sore; highly inflamed, and ex-
tremely vascular.

Treatment. Difficult to cure during warm weather, but
easily healed in moderate weather, when there are few or
no flies. |

Dress the sore with oil of olives, one ounce; creosote,
half an ounce; oil of turpentine, half an ounce; mix, and
apply to the sore with a piece of soft cloth, once a day.
Do not let any of the mixture run down on the hair, which
will, if so treated, fall off.

Urinary Calculi.—(See Stone in the Bladder.)
Urine, Bloody.—(See Hematuria.)

Varicose,—The enlarged vein on the hock-joint, caused
by bog and blood spavin. (See Spavins and Tumors.)

Venesection.—Bleeding by opening a vein.
Ventilation.—Few persons are aware of the vast

252 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

importance of pure, fresh air, in the maintenance of health,
and the prevention of disease, in both man and beast.
However necessary pure air is in health, it is still more so
to an animal when sick from fever and disease ; and indeed
there are diseases in which no treatment can or will be
successful, no matter how skilfully directed, without pure,
fresh air and cold water to drink. Show me a badly
ventilated stable or barn, and I will show you in the
spring of each year horses fevered and diseased. (See
Disinfectants.) Coughs, colds, lung fever, influenza,
grease, scratches, farcy and glanders, are the results of bad
ventilation.

Who has not heard with horror of the BLack HOLE at
CaLcuTTA, in which one hundred and forty-six men were
confined for a few hours without ventilation, and only
twenty-three survived the short confinement. Horses con-
fined only for a few hours without ventilation, as was the
case in two military expeditions sent out by England—one
to Quiberon, and the other to Varna—in which the hatches
of the ships were put down, and only for a short time,
but sufficiently long to produce glanders in almost every
horse. Hence, it will be perceived that, without good
ventilation, a high standard of general health cannot be
maintained very long.

Veterinary Biography.—The increased facilities for
receiving and transmitting intelligence in all parts of the
world, make it desirable in a book, designed, as this is, for
the non-professional reader, that something should be said
of the persons, whose opinions have had some weight, con-
cerning the cause, treatment and prevention of diseases of
stock, throughout the world. The history of veterinary
medicine, has a claim to greater antiquity even than thea
of domestic medicine, which few will deny; or else wny

eo

VETERINARY BIOGRAPHY. 93

should Vegetius have uttered these words :—“Ars veteri-
nart post medicinum Secunda est,’ and write a book in
VIII volumes, entitled “De arte Veterinaria.” And
further, we are assured through the writings of Homer,
1000 years before Christ, that this science had an existence
in his day ; and this is also corroborated by Herodotus 500
years later. Simon, the Athenian Farrier, was practicing
the art as it then existed, fully 300 years before Galen, .
and about 500 years before Celsus, the Roman physician,
had yet lived. It was by order of the Greek Emperor,
Constantius, of the seventh century, that the various writs —
ings upon the subject were collected, and arranged under
the title, Hyppocratika, and were translated from the
original Greek into Latin, by Dr. Ruelle, in the latter part
of the fourteenth century, by order of Francis the First,
King of France. Ramazzini, of Italy, Sauvage, of France,
and Camper, of Germany, form the connecting link between
ancient and more modern times—or to the advent of
Charles Vial de Sain Bell, the founder of the first veteri-
nary college in England, in the year 1792. Sain Bell
was a man of ability, a good reasoner, clever, and very
brilliant. He died before much progress had been made
in establishing the college. He was succeeded by a dashing
young medical student named Coleman, a favorite of Sir
Astley Cooper, the great surgeon; but it is by no means
clear that he was regarded, by the celebrated John Hunter,
as filling the chair of so illustrious a predecessor in a satis-
factory manner. However, he was the means by which
veterinary science made considerable progress. The grave,
some years ago, closed over his mortal remains; but his
writings are much thought of, and quoted by some
although many other writings, more modern, are in the
hends of the public.

934 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Where there was but one great teacher, there are now
many, and able. Among them is Wm. Youatt, who is
known wherever the English language is spoken. He is a
clear and indefatigable writer, and a great and constant
advocate of bleeding, and blistering, in nearly every disease.
Many publishers and others have tried to elevate his works
to the new idea of a rational and successful system ; yet,
withal, much inconvenience and loss, to the agriculturist,
has resulted from consulting his works, in cases of sickness
and disease. He was a bold and daring man. Many
times he allowed himself to be bitten by mad-dogs, and,
strange to say, never suffered from canine rabies.

James Beart Simmonds, who is still living, is known in
this country by his report, to the British Parliament, on
the rinderpest. He is professor of cattle pathology to the
Royal Veterinary College, and a man of ability.

Charles Spooner, principal of the college known to the
readers of the Royal Agricultural Society’s Journal, is also
prominent. The Scotch are well represented by Professors
Dick, Dun, and Gamgee. Mr. Dick is the founder of the
present Edinburgh College, and veterinarian to the High-
land and Agricultural Society. Mr. Dun is sound, and
learned, and has carried off more prizes on veterinary
agricultural subjects, than any other man. The Irish
agricultural interests, are protected by Messrs. Ferguson,
and Farrel. Edward Mayhew is an invalid, and has
confined himself to book-making. He has shown the
world well, how a man may write books, when he knows
nothing of the subject he is writing about. In his works,
the book-making tact is seen to advantage, and they bear
many evidences of cleverness.

France is well and creditably represented by Reynal
and Boulay; and Germany, by Herring. The United

— ae _
Ss J

VETERINARY SURGEONS. 235

States has made great progress in veterinary science, within
a few years, and especially in regard to the treatment of
disease. ‘The various State agricultural societies, and farm
schools, are doing much in the way of advancing the cause
of a rational system of animal medication, throughout the
land. The Philadelphia Society, for the Promotion of
Agriculture, the oldest society of the kind in the country,
has long been a powerful patron of veterinary science.

The Pennsylvania Farm School orders a course of
lectures to be delivered before the class, each session. The
New York State Agricultural Society’s efforts are gigantic,
practical, and in the right direction. ‘The secretary, B. P.
Johnson, Esq., is well known throughout the country, as
devoting his life to the cause, and advancement of agricul-
ture, in all its auxiliary branches. Massachusetts has
spoken no less ably through Mr. Flint, her secretary.
Ohio, and other States of the Union, might be named in
this connection, but space will not permit.

Veterinary Colleges.—These do not seem to flourish

in this country; many have been started, but most of

them have been closed for want of patronage. Prof.
McClure in his earlier years, conducted very successfully
in Philadelphia, the “ Merchants’ Veterinary College;”
but the leading veterinary school in America at the pres-
ent day is the Veterinary Department of the University
of Pennsylvania under charge of Dr. R.S. Huidekoper.

Veterinary Surgeons—Veterinarians,—Terms in
use or apphed to persons whose calling is to cure diseases
among domestic animals. Veterinary surgeons are not
unlike domestic physicians—many of whom are mere
apologies in their profession. This is not so because of
inferior education to those who have risen to distinction as

236 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

successful and skilful in practice, but chiefly from a want
of natural adaptability to the profession they have chosen,
mistakably for themselves, and a source of disappointment
to their patrons.

Thus Mr. Greaves, of the London College of Veter-
inary Surgeons, and one of the most expert and
successfui members of his profession to be found
in any country, says in the Veterinarian, (periodical)
that among the certified pupils leaving college,
many cannot even tell which leg a horse is lame
in. Again, he says that on account of this, and
the want of confidence of the public in them, the
practical man, though ignorant, is preferred to the
practitioners who write M. R. C. V. S. L. after their
names. ‘To insure a uniform standard of efficiency
in veterinarians, it is now customary to make a
preliminary examination of each person before ad-
mission to studentship. This examination is not in
the abstract sciences, but in those matters, the pos-
session of which, when put together, form common —
sense, or a good judgment of things and phenomena.
It is for the want of such merit in the purely scien-
tific, that little or no room is left for practical matters
and their application.

The science of Gamgee did not discover the cause of
Texan Fever; whereas, we think if he had but stooped to
look at common and unhidden things, the apparent mystery
would ere this time have been closed up. We would not,
however, under-rate science; for when it is associated with
good judgment, it is the key to success in veterinary
medicine and surgery. We desire to add, in this connec-
tion, the lamentable fact that in cities and large towns, and
indeed all over the country, persons will be found who call

WENS. 237

themselves veterinary surgeons, and practice as such without
qualification—having neither legal, moral, nor educational
attainments.

Vives.—A term given to bastard, or an irregular
variety of strangles. (See Strangles.)

Warts.—(See Tumors.)

Warranty.—A form of certificate given on the purchase
or payment fora horse. There is nothing mysterious, nor
yet of much importance, as to the form of a warranty.
The best forms amount to nothing, in the eyes of the law.
Horses are like other merchandise. If not as represented,
damages or difference in value can be obtained by a process
of law, providing the seller can be found, and has property
which can be levied upon. ’Tis true, in such a case, an
action in tort may be brought whereby if payment is not
made, he can be sent to prison for awhile, or till he can
claim the benefit of the insolvent act.

Few persons will bring an action at court for swindling,
or getting money under false pretences, by horse dealing,
for it will be difficult to maintain such an action, and get
a verdict upon it. (See Soundness.)

Warbles,—(See Skin Diseases.)
Water Farcy.—(See Dropsy and Farcy.)

Weeping Eye.—As its name indicates, this is a flow
of tears from the eye down the side of the face, instead of

_ through their proper channel.

Cause. Obstruction in the lachrymal sae, or nasal duct,
from a disease called fistula lachrymalis.

Treatment. This is the province of the surgeon and
anatomist.

Wens.—The common name for external tumors.

238 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

Wheezing.—This is a sound given from a horse having
enlarged glands, or thickening of the membrane of the
wind-pipe, or the glands pressing upon the head decreasing
its calibre. Whistling is caused by the same alteration of
structure in the wind-pipe.

Whirl-Bone, a Sprain of the.—(See Sprains and
Hock.)

Wind Galls.—Are soft but elastic swellings or enlarge-
ments. They are non-inflammatory in character, and ar
produced by the same cause, governed by the same laws
and present the same phenomena as bog, blood spavin, and
other enlarged or distended bursa of joints, which are all
produced by, and are evidences of hard work. No treat-
ment for them will be satisfactory, as they will return
again, even if they have been removed.

Wind-Sucking,—(See Crib-Biter.)

Worms.—The worms which inhabit the body of the
horse are of many varieties. Some of them are harmless,
while others interfere with his health. They are, Ist. The
bot or estrus equi, found inhabiting the stomach. 2d.
The estrus Hemorrhoidalis or Fundament bot, found in
the rectum, and often seen about the anus, and under the
tail. 3d. The strongylus, and Filaria, found in the aorta,
and other blood vessels. 4th. The ascarides vermicularis,
found in small cells within the mucous covering of the
coecum, or blind gut. Sth. Filaria, found in the aqueous
humor of the eye.

(1.) Stromacw Bor.—These worms are the result of
turning horses out to pasture in the summer months, and
are produced from the eggs laid or glued to the fore legs
of the horse, by the bot fly.

Symptoms. An unthrifty coat, and loss of flesh after a

WORMS, 239

run at grass, may be taken as an indication that bots are
present within the stomach.

Treatment. Improve the condition of the horse, so that
the debilitating effects of the bots’ presence may not inter-
fere with the general health and condition of the horse ;
for it must be borne in mind that no medicine can, or will,
dislodge or destroy these parasites short of killing the
horse, also. Once the eggs are in the stomach, which
seems to be the natural nursery both for their protection,
and the propagation of their species, they cannot be re-
moved by force. In one year from the time the eggs are
taken into the stomach, will the bot be a perfect chrysalis,
and will fall from the coats of the stomach, and be expelled
with the excreta or dung. In a short time after, it will be
provided with wings, and fly about, commencing the prop-
agation of its species, which must pass through the same
period of probation or incubation, as its progenitors.
Give iron and gentian, in addition to good feeding, to
prevent the bots from debilitating the animal too much.
Take powdered sulphate of iron and gentian root, each
three drachms; mix, and make one dose, to be repeated
twice a week.

(2.) FUNDAMENT Bot.—Like that of the stomach, but
also the result of a run to the grass. Instead of the eggs
being deposited upon the legs, they are stuck to the muzzle
or lips of the horse, and are the color of the skin, hence
not often seen.

Symptoms. The following year, during the summer
months, the larva of this species will be seen sticking
about the anus, and under the tail, which in spirited horses
prove a source of great uneasiness and irritation.

Treatment. Injections of linseed oil, or tobacco smoke.

240 DISEASES OF THE HORSE.

(3.) StronGyLus.—This variety, and a species of
Filaria, are sometimes found in the blood vessels, and are
similar in the effects produced in the horse, to those seen
in sheep affected with rot.

Cause. Feeding on wet and marshy land, and pasture
having been flooded with water. Who has not heard of
the effects produced from this cause, in animals grazed
upon the course of the river Nile, in Egypt, after each
inundation ?

Treatment. Support the strength by good, generous feed-
ing, and give iron, and gentian, each two to three drachms,
once a day, removing the animal to high and dry pasture.

(4.) ASCARIDES.

Cause. A bad habit of body, called cachexia and chlo-
rosis.

Treatment. Give iron, gentian and arsenious acid, in
the following manner: Powdered sulphate of iron, two
drachms; gentian root, two drachms; arsenic, five grains ;
mix, and give in one dose in mixed, cut or soft feed, twice
or three times a week.

Wounds.—tThey are divided into simple, incised, con-
tused, lacerated, punctured and poisoned. Wounds are

DIRECTOR AND PROBES USED IN THE CURE OF WOUNDS AND SORES.

more or less dangerous, when entering the chest and belly ;
as are also poisoned wounds, or those from the bite of a
mad dog. (See Bites.)

WOURALI. 241

Wounds following by bleeding, will be found treated of
under the article on Bleeding, (which see.)

CURVED AND PROBE PAINTED SCISSORS FOR DRESSING THE
CAVITIES OF WOUNDS:

Contused. lacerated and punctured wounds are generally
followed by suppuration, (which see) which should be
encouraged by warm poultices applied to the parts, and
should be kept freely open to allow the pus free escape.
Wounds entering the belly or chest, should be treated by
placing a pad over the part to exclude the air, followed by
the application used in simple wounds. Keep down pain
by giving twenty drops of the tincture of aconite root,
three times a day, for two days only. Poisoned wounds
will be found treated of under the article on Bite of Mad
Dog, (which see.)

Wourali,—A name given toa poison, which is prepared
by the Macousi Indians, of South America, and used by
them on the points of their arrows. This poison has been
advocated by some in the treatment of locked-jaw, in the
horse, but in my experience nothing favorable can be said
of it as a cure for this terrible disease. The power of this
poison is so great, that in four minutes after an ox, of one
thousand pounds weight, was pierced in each thigh by an
arrow poisoned with it, the poison took effect, and in a few
minutes more his head and legs ceased to move. In

242 DISEASES OF THE HORSE,

twenty minutes from the time he was wounded, the ox was
dead, having apparently died without pain.

Yellows,—Discoloration of parts of the skin from liver
disease. (See Liver.)

Yellow Water.—(See Liver Diseases.)

Zoology.—That part of natural history which treats
of the structure, habits, classification, and habitations of ali
animals, from man to the lowest of all the tribes.

Zumins,—Are Ferments.

oe i ee el

’

——
f — :

DISEASES OF CATTLE.

Tuts part of our work is
devoted to the explanation
and treatment of the various
diseases affecting the ox, to-
gether with an account of the
diseases incident to milch
cows and young calves.

Cattle diseases are, in many
particulars, similar to those
of the horse. Thus inflam-
mation, iritation and fever,
are common to all animals. Still, however, there are many
diseases affecting cattle, in which we fail to find a counter-
part in any disease attacking horses. Among such diseases
we may mention those of contagious typhus, or rinderpest ;
epizootic aphtha, or the murrain; splenic apoplexy and
quarter evil, or the black leg.

The manner or mode of treating disease in the ox differs
no more from that employed in the case of the horse, than
one disease differs from another. For it must be remem-
bered by every person who undertakes to give medicine to
an ox or a cow, that they have four stomachs—1, the
rumen, or paunch; 2, the reticulum; 3, the manyplus; 4,
the abomasum. For this reason, or, as it were, peculiarity,

cows or oxen should, under every condition, be treated
243

244 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

with medicine in a flwid form only, so that it may pass
from one stomach to another without injury, and in the
shortest possible time. By giving medicine in the form of
a solid—as is sometimes given to the horse—in place of its
finding the way into any of the stomachs, it is more likely
to break through the floor of the cesophagean canal, (a
platform at the bottom of the gullet) thus not only losing
the medicine, but at the same time destroying the animal.
In cases of abscess, tumors, sores or ulcers, etc., in cattle,
and where the description and treatment is not full enough,
or not given at all, the reader is requested to turn to the
Diseases of the Horse, in the preceding part of this work,
where he will find ample information upon these subjects.

(1.) Abortion.—An affection peculiar to cows, and
chiefly attacking those that are kept in the neighborhood
of cities and large towns, and in the vicinity of cheese
factories. It is rarely seen to any extent in the herds of
the breeder and agriculturist. It consists in the cow
parting with her calf at any time between the first month
of conception and the last month of gestation.

Premonitory Symptoms. By these the event is at times
clearly foreshadowed. ‘They are extremely deceptive and
uncertain, however, and differ materially with the cause of
the trouble. In those cases which resemble an epizootic
(epidemic) disease in their course, a short, inaudible, involun-
tary cough is observed, while, by auscultation of the neck,
a slightly roughened sound will be heard in the bronchia,
accompanied by weakness of the body. Indeed, the
symptoms of this occurrence, when not of sporadic origin,
are weakness and debility. This debility and weakness,
to most persons, will prove deceptive, because the blood is,
or has gone under a morphological change; and then, and

ABORTION. 245

then only, do the calf attachments to the womb or uterus
of the mother separate. The cow brightens up, and feels
as it were a life de nova, though carrying her dead offspring
—which she will continue to do till the fresh stimulus
given by the blood that formerly gave life to the calf
enables her system to contract the womb, and thereby expel
the foreign body.

Causes. These should not have remained so long a mys-
tery, when we consider how difficult and unreasonable it is
for us to expect the cow to thrive and do well when placed
in an anomalous condition—one totally foreign to her spe-
cies—a “factory hand,’ as much so as the veriest operative
in the mills of Lowell and Lawrence. The true causes,
to be brief, are—1. Feeding upon slop or other milk
secreting materials. 2. Insufficient feed of whatever de-
scription. 3. The attempted reproduction of the species,
whilst at the same time a drain is being made upon the
system by an excessive and unnatural demand for milk.
4, Irritation of the white membranes of the wind-pipe,
changing and weakening the blood. 5. Exudative pleuro-
pneumonia, or other debilitating disease. Any of the
above named causes, singly or combined, when acting
upon an animal placed at so great a disadvantage, as we
have shown, will necessarily result in outraged nature
chosing her great prerogative between life and death and
the perfect propagation of her progeny.

Prevention. This can readily be done, as every intelligent
reader will conclude after reviewing the causes. It con-
sists In:

1. Feeding substantial feed, and enough of it, but not
excessively sloppy or wet—for in this way, the bowels are
kept too loose, relaxing the solids of the body, and thereby
inducing over secretion of milk at the expense of good

health.

246 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

2. Though the cow be unprofitable, allow some feed,
gradually increasing it in quality, and, if necessary, in
quantity, as she approaches the time of calving. By this
means the extra demands of nature in the increasing size
and wants of the calf will be supplied without at all affect-
ing the health or strength of the mother—thus insuring a
natural parturition.

3. Dry up the milk in all cows that do not, in the
natural order of things, stop secreting milk, say three
months preceding their time of calving, by giving sulphate
of iron, three drachms, in powder, combined with gentian
root; also, in powder, half an ounce, once daily, mixed in
feed, for a week to ten days. No milking should be done,
other than to prevent injury to the udder if it becomes
distended.

4, If there is a cough peculiar to more than one or two
cows, allow plenty of good food, with two drachms of the
sulphate of iron, and half an ounce each of ginger and
gentian, twice daily, to keep the blood in its normal state,
to prevent relaxation of the solids of the body terminating
in exudation, and to promote absorption.

When any of the cows have been sick of pleuro-pneu-
monia or other disease, cure them and keep up the strength
by tonics and a generous diet, always bearing in mind that
it is poor policy and worse economy to starve animals.
especially when suffering from disease. Thus we have
mapped out a plan, which, if faithfully followed and put in
practice, will accomplish what it is intended to do; and if,
in the opinions of others, I am in any way mistaken, I can
only say as did Luther at the diet of Worms, “ier stehe
ich, ich kann nicht anders.”

(2.) ABortTion, SporADIC.—This variety is the result
of accident and disease of the womb itself, and is not to be

ABORTION. 247

confounded with abortion arising from causes named in the
preceding article.

(3.) ABoRTION BEFORE VIABILITY.—A_ variety of
abortion occurring within a few weeks of pregnancy, caused
by irritation and excitement of the uterus. To prevent a
recurrence of the annoyance, change the pastures or feed of
the cows before putting the bull among them.

Remarks. It will no doubt be remarked that the views
herein expressed seem to differ with opinions already
given, to some extent, to the public. They are neverthe-
less the same in substance that we have heretofore enter-
tained, and they have given satisfaction to all who have
faithfully put them to test. In my own hands, hundreds
of cows in Pennsylvania, in the vicinity of Philadelphia,
have not only been prevented from aborting their calves,
but prevented from pleuro-pneumonia, also, when both
were in the herd at the same time, and immediately
preceding the use of iron, ete. So much does this accom-
plish, that Mr. Horace B. Taylor, a druggist in this city,
sells it in quantity according to the receipt as heretofore
- published by me, and at the instance of Sylvester J.
Megargee, Esq., a breeder of fine cattle, who has found it
all that can be desired as a prophylactic in abortion.

In this connection, we would refer the reader to a lec-
ture by the Hon. W. I.Skinner, of Little Falls, N. Y., in
the course of which was shown the loss of nine calves by
abortion, whereas in the use of iron, etc., the trouble was
at once arrested. To those who at any time may have
found no relief from its use, if there be any such, we can
only say that the fact must be attributable to misapplica-
tion, adulteration, bad material, or, peradventure, some
other cause. We would ask such persons “do they not
find it as profitable to draw milk year in and year out

248 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

from the machine without interruption—which can be
occasionally done by the cow aborting—as from cows
carrying their calves to full time, and the consequent loss
of three months’ milk, (although an occasional cow re-
main dry as the result of abortion,) when butter, cheese
and milk command so high a price?”

The etiorts of others to solve the apparent mystery sur-
rounding the cause of abortion have been considerable, and
the results have been invariably somewhat contradictory,
negative, non-cominittal, or of questionable utility. Thus
the New York State Agricultural Society, through its then
president, J. S. Gould, presented a memorial to the Legis-
lature of the State, setting forth the evil results recurring
to the dairy interests of the State, and asking for an
appropriation to defray the expenses of a commission to
investigate the cause, and point out a remedy; also,
assuring the Legislature that if the prayer was granted,
certain veterinary surgeons and medical men in Philadel-
_ phia, ete., were likely to throw light upon the cause, and
recommend a cure. Thus, at the very beginning of his
efforts, Mr. Gould perpetrates a blunder ; for no veterinary
surgeon or medical man from Philadelphia was employed
on the commission. The choice of Mr. Gould was J. C.
Dalton, M. D., of New York, whose report of investigations
and their results disappointed many persons who had
entertained high expectations from it; for it proved to be
negative, and of little use to the dairy interest. The
Society evidently was not satisfied with Dalton’s report,
for next year a new commission was formed, with W. H.
Carmalt, of New York, at its head, but with no veterinary
surgeon attached toit. His report was rendered in due
time, and though non-committal in character, it con-
tained valuable information toall interested in the dairy.

ANEMIA. 249

Amongst the contradictions of the two reports, we will
only mention that Dr. Dalton says a cow having once
aborted is four times more likely to do so subsequently,
and Dr. Carmalt says that she is about twice as liable.
Have they been guessing, or is this discrepancy merely the
result of idiosyncrasy ?

The experiments of X. A. Willard, Esq.,—a leader in all
that pertains to excellency in dairy management—in feed-
ing his cows “bone meal,” are in the right direction, but do
not go far enough, although apparently successful in
preventing the recurrence of abortion. By substituting
for bone meal that which contains more of the nutritious
combined with the astringent in effect would be preferable;
but as we have already intimated, it goes a certain way
in meeting one or more of the causes of the trouble.

Abomasum,—The fourth or true stomach of the ox,
and of the sheep also.

Angle Berries.— Warty-like excrescences, which differ
from the ordinary wart by having a stem or neck to them.
Treatment. Cut them off with a knife or pair of scissors.

Anemia.—This term is applied to a weak condition of
cows, sometimes called want of blood, and is more common
than most persons are aware of. Cows are not selfish; the
more they get in feed, the more they will generally give in
the form of milk and butter.

Symptoms. Whiteness and clearness of the lining mem-
branes of the nose, mouth, and eyes, are sure indications of
a want of blood in the system. When this condition
occurs as an effect of disease as, for instance, that of
pleuro-pneumonia, the animal will become hectic, and die
in a month or so from the first attack.

Treatment. Give the following powders, night and morn-

250 DISEASES OF CATTLE,

ing, in cut feed: Powdered gentian root, three drachms;
powdered ginger root, three drachms; mix, and make
one dose. If these powders improve the animal in a week
or so, give two drachms of the sulphate of iron in addition
thereto. ‘The iron, however, may dry up the milk con-
siderably. The case then resolves itself into whether it
would be better to have a dead cow oradry one. Good
and generous feeding is indicated in this disease.

Apoplexy.—(See Splenic Apoplexy.)
Aphtha or Thrush,—This is an eruption in the mouth

similar to small bladders, and is often mistaken a
contagious disease called Epizootic Aphtha.

Cause. Irritation in the mouth of young cattle from
teething.

Treatment. If treatment be at all necessary, a weak
mixture of vinegar and cold water will answer; or a solu-
tion of alum or alum water applied to the mouth twice a
day, will be all that is wanted.

Biliary Calculi or Gallstones,—These are of several]
colors.

(1.) WHITE GALLSTONES.

(2.) YELLOW Brown GALLSTONES.

(3.) Dark GREEN GALLSTONES.—AIl of which are
hard, grooved, and have the odor of musk. During the
life of the animal no symptoms are observed whereby their
presence can be detected. This, however, is of little or no
consequence, as no treatment is necessary, and they scarcely
ever cause the ox any inconvenience.

Black Quarter.—Joint Felon—Quarter Evil. This is
a disease peculiar to young cattle, and occurs in the spring

of the year. It is characterized by one hind leg and thigh

BLADDER. 251

becoming congested, and black with coagulated blood. The
other portions of the body retain their normal or healthy
appearance. It is sudden in its attack, and death follows
in a few hours.

Causes. A robust stamina or plethoric condition, and
fulness of blood.

Treatment. No time for cure.

Prevention. This is the most important particular to be
attended to. On the first appearance of this disease, give
each young animal less than two years, and those above
one year of age, a good brisk purge to clean out the
bowels. For this purpose, use half a pound of epsom
salts in two bottles of water, sweetened with molasses, and
add a teaspoonful of ginger. Put the young stock on high
land, and where the grass is not too good.

Black Tongue,—(See Glossanthrax.)

Black Water.—(See Red Waiter.)

Bladder Diseases.—The ox is not free from disease
of this organ. Bladder diseases in cattle generally, are the
result of irritant matters in the urine, and of calculi or
stone in the bladder.

Symptoms. The animal is restless, having pain and
irritation, and constantly endeavoring to make urine, but
only a few drops passing at'a time. ‘The eyes are invari-
ably blood-shot. Should the animal not be relieved, it
will die from weakness, exhaustion, constant excitement
and irritation.

Treatment. Give at once twenty-five drops of the tincture
of aconite root, to relieve irritation and pain. Give freely
linseed tea and other demulcents, to soothe the kidneys
and bladder. In order that any earthy matter which may
be present in the wretus, kidneys or bladder may be

252 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

lessened or destroyed altogether, give sixty drops of muri-
atic acid once or twice a day in cold water. This, however,
should not be given whilst there is pain or irritation present.

Bladder, Prolapsus of the.—Among cows, during
and after difficult calving, there will be sometimes observed
a white, shining, watery bag protuding between the lips
of the vulva. This is the bladder holding the urine. It
is twisted at its neck, and, therefore, cannot be emptied.
Many a good cow has been destroyed by ignorant persons
mistaking this for some of the watery membranes sur-
rounding the calf, and, therefore, intentionally tearing it
asunder.

Treatment. Carefully examine the distended bag, its
shape, and size. Having determined that it is the urinary
bladder, carefully cleanse it, if dirty, and pass the hand
previously oiled along its surface, ascertaining which way
the turn or twist is made. Having satisfactorily known
this, take the bladder by the other hand and reverse the
turn or twist, and then carefully push the bladder back
into its place.

Should the bladder again return, a tampon—a roll of
soft cotton cloth—should be used to plug up the vulva for
‘an hour or two. If this should not be sufficient, a stick
or suture of stout saddler’s silk, or other strong material,
should be passed through each side of the vulva with a
small packing or darning needle, and be allowed to remain
for a few days.

Diseases of the urinary bladder are many, and diverse in
their character. Having pointed out the most common
forms of disease of this organ, I will simply mention by
name others not so often seen, or at all events observed:
Distention, causing abdominal pain; eversion; extroversion ;
inversion, causing painful urination ; inflammation ; paraly-

BRITTANY COW. 253

sis, causing difficult, and in some cases entire stoppage of
the urinary flow and rupture of the bladder, and polypi in
the bladder, causing frequent urination, and the urine
small in quantity. Milch cows are chiefly the subjects of
these last varieties of diseases of the bladder, which are the
real causes of many mysterious deaths amongst them.

Blood Shot.—(See Quarter Evii.)
Blood Diseases,—(See Quarter Evil, Red Water, etc.}

Brain Diseases,—Phrenitis. An inflammation which
is the same as mad staggers in the horse. It is due to
overfeeding in long, wet grass or clover, and distention of
the stomach. In rare instances it is caused by the deposit
of a wax-like matter within the ear that communicates
with the brain.

Symptoms. The animal is dull during congestion. This
is succeeded by quickened breathing, excitement and de-
lirium, the eyes being blood shot. It is the picture of
disease and suffering, and if not soon relieved, falls and
remains in a state of stupor, from which it never re-
covers.

Treatment. In the early stages of this disease, much can
be done by an active cathartic or purge, composed of one
pound of epsom salts, and one pound of table salt, dis-
solved in four quarts of cold water and sweetened with
molasses. Apply ice or ice water to the forehead, warm
water bandages to the legs, and tightly clothe the body.
Inflammation of the brain is often seen in the fatal form
of milk fever in cows.

Brittany Cow.—A very small animal, imported from
the south of France, and from Brittany itself—which is to
the northwest of France, and separates the English Channe!

254 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

from the Atlantic Ocean. M. P. Bellamy, Veterinary
Professor +o the Department of Agriculture, at Rennes,
says, La Vache Bretonne—Utile au Riche, Providence du
Pawre— the Brittany cow—useful to the rich, and a
blessing to the poor.” Some few of these useful little
cows, have been imported into this country, and, if all be
true which is said in their favor, more of them ought to
be imported. They are represented to be hardy and
healthy; they can be kept on such food as other cows
would starve upon, and they can stand a greater amount
of hardship than any other variety.

Bronchitis.—This is inflammation of the wind-pipe,
and even extending to the lungs themselves. There are
every variety or severity seen in this disease, from the
simple irritation of the buccal membrane to the intense
inflammation terminating in the outpouring of serum from
the blood into the cavity of the chest, resulting, if the cow
be with calf, in abortion, and often, among others, in the
death of the animal, after a long and lingering hectic fever.
Bronchitis, and throat and chest diseases in cattle, are
insidious and deceptive, for the ox does not, even under
the most severe forms of these, exhibit fever and irritation,
loss of appetite, etc., which are shown at once when
attacking the horse. Not until the disease has made con-
siderable progress, does the ox or the cow show symptoms
of disease ; so much is this the case, that I have on several
occasions pointed out bronchial and chest disease, in milch
cows, whilst the owners failed to see anything wrong.
Indeed, this is the great difficulty in the successful treat-
ment of diseases in neat cattle—not getting or applying
the remedies at an early stage of the affection. A closer
attention, and more careful observation on the part of
farmers and others, is almost imperatively demanded, and

BRONCHITIS. 255

more especially should this be the case with dairy people,
for when anything in the least unusual is discovered, such
as a very slight grating sound in the wind-pipe when the
ear is steadily applied, the cow should immediately have
some iron, or tonic powders, and all will be well in a few
days again; whereas, if left to itself, serum is exuded, and
debility, weakness, and even death may follow. I would
say to dairy men, study the sounds in the wind-pipe, both
in the sick and well animal, and you will not only perfect
your knowledge in this particular, but I assure you it
will be no zdle study ; for in a short time you will not only
be able to detect these insidious diseases, in the beginning,
in your cows, but can apply the remedy also, thereby
saving yourself from inconvenience and loss, which some
can ill afford. In this way, you can prove to your neigh-
bors, and to the world at large, that cattle diseases are
not so difficult to cure after all, and that while others have
so long sat and brooded with soured and sullen minds over
their losses, and the ignorance and inefficiency of cow doc-
tors, you have obtained a mastery of the situation. :

Cause. Bronchitis is a disease which rarely attacks one
animal only, but usually the most of the herd will have
been attacked before it leaves the place, and then it will
leave when there are no more victims to seize. These
epizootic diseases depend upon what is called atmospheric
causes. Such condition usually manifests itself in the
spring of the year, and sometimes early in the summer.
The peculiarity of the air causes irritation of the fauces of
the mouth, throat or wind-pipe, and, as before stated,
sometimes extends to the chest and lungs themselves.

Symptoms. In a week or so after the attack, a slight
husky cough, with weeping from the eyes, and a watery
discharge from the inner corner of the nose, will be seen;

256 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

and by applying the ear to the course of the wind-pipe, a
slight, rough and grating sound will be heard. This
sound, however, can be heard from twelve hours after the
attack. According to the amount of serum poured out,
and whether the cow be in calf, and how far she is gone in
calf, so will the quickness and depth of the breathing be.
Bronchitis is the forerunner of pleuro-pneumonia, com-
monly called the “ Massachusetts Cattle Disease.” The
spotted and solid appearance of the lungs of animals having
died of this disease, is due to the lungs being so long
immersed in the serum or fluid, which is poured into the
chest. Pathological anatomists are well aware, that if the
substance of the lungs had been the original seat of the
disease, the animal so affected would either have died, or
have recovered in about forty-eight hours; whereas, none
scarcely die within the first week from the attack, and
many live a lingering life of six weeks and two months.
This fact cannot be reconciled with the current theory of
the lungs being diseased by direct attack. No! They
are solidified either from their functions being impaired by
being immersed in and surrounded by fluid poured out
from the fibrous serous tissue, or from the effects of in-
flammation of the linings of the wind-pipe, and, perhaps, —
the linings of the chest, singly or conjointly with that of
the wind-pipe also. This, I am satisfied, is susceptible
of no other theory, or explanation whatever; and the
sooner farmers and others think so, too, the better it will
be for them.

Treatment. If the disease be discovered within forty-
eight hours from the attack, take from four to five doses
of the tincture of aconite root, twenty-five drops to a dose,
and give one dose every four hours. If there be uncer-
tainty as to whether the disease has existed longer or

ee ee ee oe ee ee

BULL BURNT. 257

shorter, to save time, the aconite may be given along with
the following powders, three times in the day: Powdered
sulphate of iron, three drachms; powdered gentian root,
half an ounce; powdered ginger root, half an ounce;
powdered sulphite of soda, half an ounce; mix, and make
a drench, to be poured down the mouth out of a strong
bottle. This medicine is to be continued (omitting the
aconite after the fifth dose) till the animal is well, or looks
brighter, and eats all it gets. If it be a milch cow, the
usual quantity of milk will be given. In addition to the
above medicines, give, once or twice daily, half an ounce
of commercial sulphuric acid, largely diluted or mixed in
half a bucket of cold water. In feeding, care should be
taken not to give too much, so as to bring on dangerous
indigestion. Cold water and pure air are indispensable
agents in the treatment of this and all diseases of horses
and cattle.

Bull Burnt.—This is a disease similar to gonorrhea in
man. Of all the domestic animals, the ox tribe are the
only ones which are subject to this disease, more common
m hot than in cold weather.

Symptoms. In urinating there is uneasiness, and the
urine is passed in small quantities; slight mucous dis-
charges from the organ of generation. In the bull, there
is at times no desire for copulation, even when it is
desirable that there should be. This often leads to the
discovery of the cause.

Treatment. Separate the bull from the cows, and dose
the affected ones, including the bull, with a purgative of
epsom and common salts. Give one pound each, mixed
or dissolved in four quarts of cold water, sweetened with
molasses, and add a little ginger—say a quarter of an
ounce. Be assured that both bull and cows are thoroughly

258 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

cured before the bull is admitted among the cows, for a
second attack on the bull will render him useless,

Cachexia,—This, properly speaking, may be denomi-
nated a bad habit of the body, from faulty digestion, and
assimilation of the food taken into the stomach.

Symptoms. Morbid or diseased appetite—the animal at
every chance licking the earth, stones, lime walls, and
other substances, which cows in health would not touch.
This disease, like many others, occasionally takes an
epizootic form, and attacks animals over a large tract of
country. More particularly, the animal’s coat stares, fol-
lowed by a mucous discharge from the eyes and mouth;
milk almost disappears, and what there is of it is very
blue and thin. At this stage of the disease, the animal is
thin; the membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes are
white and pale, showing the bloodless state to which the
beast is reduced. Stiffness of the joints soon presents itself,
consequent upon infiltration of serum into the bursz of the
joint, causing much swelling. In certain parts of England
it is called the “cripple.” Finally, the animal is reduced
to a skeleton, and dies within a few months to a year from
the first appearance of the disease.

Treatment. The first thing to be done is to have the
animal removed to high and dry pasture lands, which
may be the means of cutting short the disease, before much
injury has been done it. Give plenty of salt, and the pre-
paration of soda and lime, with good food of a nutritious
quality. A few doses of commercial sulphuric acid highly
diluted—say half an ounce by weight, given once a day in
half a bucket of cold water—and, if necessary, a few doses
of iron and gentian, will arrest the disease.

Calving.—This is an operation of nature, which most

ee re, ee Te.

CALVING. 259

dairymen and farmers are familiar with, and upon which
we will say comparatively little. Before we do this, how-
ever, a short description of the symptoms, by which it is
known when a cow is in calf, will be given.

Symptoms. ‘The first and most important symptoms of
a cow being with calf, is the absence of cestromania or
bulling. This, however, is not altogether relied upon in
some cows, for there are cases in which a pregnant cow
will receive the bull up to the time of calving. The next,
and probably the more sure sign of a cow being with calf,
is the increased size of the belly. The hand placed firmly
against the flank or portion, where there are no ribs; a

hard, firm body will be felt, which is the calf. As time

passes along, the movements of the calf in the womb can
occasionally be seen. Within a few weeks of calving, the
external organs of generation—labia pudendi—increase in
size, and discharge a thick mucus. The udder becomes
swollen, hot, and full of the first milk—colostrum—which

is sure indication that the time for calving is near at hand.

This is accompanied by a relaxation of the ligaments of the
pelvis, or, as the dairymen say, “ she is down in her bones.”

Symptoms of Immediate Delivery. Great restlessness
and uneasiness, shown by lying down and rising up, and
increasing in severity, until she has been delivered of a
calf. From the time of conception, till natural parturition
or calving, it is about forty weeks, or two hundred and
eighty days.

There are, however, opinions at variance with these
dates, founded upon the sex of the calf. If a male, it
is carried longer than if of the opposite sex. These opin-
ions form ground for debate, therefore we will drop
theorizing.

NaturaL Cautvine.—This resembles the fruit when

260 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

ripe, breaking from its attachment to the parent tree, and
falling into the lap of mother earth. If the pelvic bones
are well or proportionably formed in the cow, and the
presentation and size of the calf be right, no trouble need
be apprehended, and the cow may be left to herself. The
natural presentation at full time, and of a full grown calf,
is as follows: The amnion, or waterbag having been rup-
tured or broken, there will be seen the fore legs and head
of the calf resting upon the two feet, and protruding a
little. If, however, the cow should labor long with the
calf in this position, and she is weak and thin in flesh, she
may be assisted. ‘This can be done by taking hold of the
two feet and part of the head, and when the cow makes an
effort to strain, pull at the calf. If sufficient force cannot
be applied by the hands, then place a soft but stout rope
round the feet of the calf, and apply traction or force.
Before any force whatever is used, be sure that the mouth
of the womb is sufficiently dilated; for if this be not the
case, then by using force the womb is torn or ruptured,
and the death of the cow is the result. Be patient, and
time—the prover of all things—will also prove the wisdom
of waiting. If after delay, however, both cow and calf
should be lost, be consoled by the fact, that it is likely the
one or both would have been lost any way; for there will
be found some one or other of these malformations, either
in the pelvis or arch of the pubis of the cow, or an undue
proportion of the size of the calf to the pelvic arch through
which it is has to pass, to be delivered. In all cases where
the calf presents itself in the form above described, and
delivery is not effected, rest assured that the pelvic arch
of the mother is too small or too narrow. If that be not
the case, the calf is over size, from water in the head,

(Hydrocephalus,) or water in the belly, (Dropsy,) or both

CALVING. 261

of these conditions combined, which is seen by veterinary
surgeons, in large country practice.

Before a calf of this description can be delivered, and
the cow relieved, the head of the calf must be pierced, to
lessen its size, then a long spear-like instrument—trocar—
is used to pierce the belly or abdomen of the calf, to empty
the fluid, to lessen also its great size. When that is
properly done, and the cow is not too greatly exhausted,
she may complete the delivery without further assistance.

Twin Catves.—Twin presentations are as various
as they are curious. Thus, we sometimes see a fore leg
of one calf, and the hind leg of the other. In this condi-
tion of things, it must be evident that no force should
be used to bring them away till each calf is properly
adjusted in its position. The best and quickest way is to
adjust the calf which first presents itself, and if portions
of the other be presented also, push them back into the
womb. When one calf is safely delivered, not much diffi-
culty will be experienced with the other.

UNNATURAL PRESENTATION.—We have now arrived
at that portion of our subject which, more plainly talking,
has reference to when the calf is being forced into the neck
of the uterus or womb in any form except the natural
position already described. ‘The unnatural position of
calves, about to be delivered, is happily rare, and forms
the exception to the natural law of presentation. However
rare these presentations are, they nevertheless are some-
times seen. Thus the feet are presented, and the head of
the calf doubled on its neck, and in the womb. ‘This
condition is best remedied by tying a rope round the fore

feet, or both together, and raising the hind parts of the

cow off the ground; thus forcing the calf down to the
fundus or bottom of the womb. This being done, reach

262 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

the hand in and seize the calf by the head, and bring it
with you, while an assistant is pulling upon the rope
attached to the fore legs.

By adopting this plan a safe and speedy delivery will
be effected. English veterinary surgeons, with Professor
Simmonds at their head, say this is the most dangerous
form of presentation, involving the life of both cow and
calf. Why do they say so, and how does it prove so to
them? Because they vainly endeavor by force to bring
the head of the calf into the neck of the womb, when there
is no room to do so, without first elevating the hind portion
of the cow sufficiently for the calf to fall to the bottom of
the womb, where there is plenty of room to turn, not only
the head, but the whole of the body also.

Another form of malformation is, where we have the
head and neck within the neck of the uterus or womb,
without the fore feet and legs. ‘The only alternative in
this case is to remove the head by cutting it off from the
neck ; leaving, however, sufficient skin for attaching a rope
to it. But if the head has not fairly passed out, an attempt
should be made to put it back into the womb again, and
not bring it out. Before pushing it back, fix a rope round
the lower jaw. The legs one by one should be searched
for by the hand, and when found secured by another rope.
After both fore legs and head are thus fairly within the
grasp, use traction or gentle force, and take advantage of
every strain made by the cow, and by these means the calf
will be safely delivered.

The next unnatural form consists in the presentation of
one or other of the fore legs, where the nose is pressed
downwards, and the crown of the head only is seen or felt.
Secure the leg which is seen by a cord, push on the crown
of ‘he head or elevate the lund parts uf the cow a little, to

CALVING. 263

force the calf slightly down in the womb; then pass a cord
round the lower jaw, and find the other fore leg, securing
it by arope. The rope attached to the jaw should be first
pulled to straighten the head on the neck, then the cord
attached to the legs should be pulled simultaneously, and
the head and feet as they are presented should be guided
by the hands of an assistant until the head and both fore
legs have fairly entered the proper channel.

The next presentation is what is called a breech pre-
sentation—the tail and buttocks are here presented for
delivery, which, of course, cannot be effected in such
position. The only chance of a safe delivery is to get
hold of the hind legs, which is not easily effected; but
perseverance, assisted by ingenuity, can do much, when it
is well known what is required. In this case, get hold of
both hind legs, and when they have been secured, and
brought into the proper channel, delivery can be easily
effected.

The next and last presentation which we notice, is where
the crown of the head is presented, and the calf is lying
upon its back. This is a tedious labor, and to effect a
delivery at all, the calf must be turned, which, by the by,
is not an easy task; still, however, it can be done by
securing the head and fore legs with arope. Should all
efforts fail, dj not exhaust the strength of the cow, but
hasten to detach the legs of the calf, opening its belly, and
in some cases, the head also, to lessen its size, thereby
securing the delivery of a mutilated calf, but a living
cow. The subject is far from being at this point ex-
hausted, but we have gone sufficiently far for our pages.
We will now proceed to another subject connected with
calving, and that is the retention of the after-birth, or
retentio secundinarium, as it is called, or, as the dairy folks
say, the cleansing of the cow.

264 DISEASES OF CATTLE,

RETENTION OF THE PLACENTA, OR AFTER-BIRTH.—
If the cow has gone her full time with calf, and is in a
healthy condition, the after-birth will not be retained long
after she has given birth to her calf. When a cow does
not cleanse properly, and within a reasonable time, there
is then something otherwise wrong with her health, such
as debility and want of vitality in the system. It is this
that must be looked to, and not the want of timely cleans-
ing that demands attention, as being the cause of the cow
not doing well ter calving. Remedy these existing
causes, and the cow will cleanse properly enough. Con-
trary to the generally received opinion of farmers and
others, the retention of the after-birth for a day or two
will do no harm, provided that decomposition does not
take place with the after-birth; for in such cases, the
whole system of the cow is apt to be contaminated and
poisoned.

Treatment. Cows not having cleansed properly within
twenty-four hours after calving, should be given the fol-
lowing mixture: Epsom salts, one pound; powdered ginger,
one ounce; powdered foenugreek, one ounce; caraway seeds,
half an ounce; mix, and give in three or four bottles of
warm ale, porter or warm water, sweetened with molasses.
This mixture not having the desired effect in twelve hours,
the hand, well greased, should be introduced, and the
after-birth at the attachments, called cotyledons, gently
pressed. This must not be accompanied with much pulling,
as pressure with the finger and thumb will be all that is
wanted. ‘This operation may be followed by giving the
cow a little warm ale or molasses water, with half an ounce
of powdered ergot of rye; and in half an hour, an addi-
tional half ounce. This will cause contraction of the womb,
and expulsion of the placenta. When decomposition or

CATARRHUS LINUUM FRONTALIUM. 265

putrefaction of the after-birth has taken place, which is
known by the biack color, the womb should be weil
washed out with a weak solution of chloride of lime.
Administer, also, by the mouth, one ounce, “iee times in
the day, of sulphite of soda for a week, to neutralize any of
the poison of putrefaction, that may have been absorbed
into the blood. Give the cow good and nutritious feed to
support her strength.

Symptoms of Blood Poisoning. The absorption of putric.
matter into the blood is immediately foilowed by fever, of
a low type, callea typhoid, and if not speedily checked
will be succeeded by typhus, from which the animal cannot
recover.

Treatment. Give the sulphite of soda in the manner
spoken of above, combined with two drachms of the sul-
phate of iron, and one ounce each of powdered ginger and
foenugreek three times in the day, till the beast is bright,
lively, and free from stupidity. m

Inversion of the bladder will be found treated of under
Bladder Diseases. |

DisEASE.—Inversion of, or falling down of the calf bed,
will be treated of under its proper or alphabetical head,
Falling of the Womb.

Catarrh.—This is not a disease common to the ox, fot
when causes arise sufficient to produce catarrh or cold in
the cow, it does not run its course as such, but is speedily
accompanied, or at least followed, by severe complications.
Cattle not exceeding two years old are subject to a disease
somewhat similar to cold, called hoose. (See Bronchitis
and Hoose.)

Catarrhus Linuum Frontalium.— Malignant Ca-
tarrh. This is one of the recorded diseases of the ox which

266 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

I think has really no existence, except in the brain of some
men; or it may be a condition confounded with Typhus
Contagiosus Boum. ‘The disease is described as being
similar to glanders in the horse. If this be the case, the
disease is not properly named; for the frontal sinuses are
not the seat of the disease. This multiplication of names
of diseases is only calculated te puzzle people, and annoy
the farmer. Further than this, I have so little patience
with the writers who thus manifest their ignorance of the
first principles of pathology—to which all writings and
opinions should be subservient—that I feel it my duty to
denounce them unsparingly whenever opportunity offers.

Cattle Plague.—This is a vague name, and conveys
no intimation of the cause, nature, seat, or characteristics
of the affection, whatever it may be. ‘Therefore, for the
credit of the writer and the convenience of the public, no
disease should be called a plague. There is now no disease
affecting the human ‘family called a plague. The experi-
enced physician can tell the nature, seat and complete
history of the disease, and gives it a name by which it will
be known and recognized. Why should not the veterinary
surgeon do likewise ?

So long as such men as Gamgee continue to write and
speak of cattle plagues, so long will veterinary surgeons
continue to: labor in vain for the public confidence. Why
should not things, states and conditions be calied by their
right names? Cattle disease, cattle plague and rinderpest
should long ago have been blotted from the books ; for, at
best, they only serve as a cloak or cover to hide the innate
ignorance and stupidity of some veterinary surgeons—
horse and cow doctors particularly. The word plague
means a stroke, and that is all the insight a person can

a
a
by!
(
;

CHOKING. 267

derive from the word. As every disease may be consid-
ered a stroke, why not add what kind of stroke it is,
whether it be a stroke of palsy, or of the sun? (For
Cattle Plague see Typhus Contagiosus Boum and Pleuro-
pneumonia.)

Chicken-pox.— Varicella Boum.—A pustular eruption
on the teats of cows, presumed to be caused by eating vine
leaves. The eruptions soon discharge, dry up, and heal,
without any treatment whatever having been applied to
them.

Choking.—This is of frequent occurrence among cattle
or cows fed upon potatoes, turnips, ete.

Treatment. When the potato is lodged in the upper or
middle third of the gullet, the mouth of the animal is to
be held open by means of a balling iron, or some other
contrivance, while a person having a small hand should
pass a cord like a clothes line, with a loop on the end of it,
and try to get the noose over and beyond the obstruction.
If the substance be low down in the gullet, manipulations
may be tried from outside, by tightening the skin upon
the obstruction, and trying to move it up, if possible; but
downwards, if it will go without too great force being
used. Failing to remove it either up or down, try to dis-
lodge it by pouring small quantities of oil or melted lard,
not hot, down the throat. If this also prove ineffectual,
the probang should be used; or in its stead, a strong
flexible cane or rattan, may be tried; but care should be

_ taken to have the cane go down the right passage. If

coughing is set up on the introduction of the cane, have it
withdrawn as it has entered the air passages, but try till
it has been properly entered down to the obstruction.
With patience and perseverance the difficulty will usually

2°68 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

be vvercome. Still, however, there are cases which require
the gullet to be opened over the place of obstruction ; a safe
operation requiring only a simple cut through the skin and
outer surface of the gullet, which will readily heal without
much trouble, by bringing the lips of the wound together,
with a stitch or two of strong, but small twine or saddler’s
silk, by means of a small packing needle. Feed the cow
or ox, for a week or more, upon soft or prepared food till
the wound has healed. When cows or oxen remain long
in a choked condition, the throat is apt to swell from the
accumulation of gas in the first stomach, which will have
to be treated as for hoven or tympanitis—occurring usually
from eating clover or rank and wet grass. (See Hoven.)

Colic.—Colic in cattle is more rarely seen than in the
horse, but occurs in the form of hoven, (which see.)

Consumption,—This disease is not so common in
domestic animals as in the human family, nor is it as
frequent in any of the animals as it is in the milch cow.
Consumption in cows is usually exhibited in the tubercular —
form. ‘These tubercles are from the size of a pin head
to that of a hickory nut, flattened, oval and round, and are
not confined to the lungs, but are seen underneath the
pleura costalis lining the ribs—over the diaphragm, peri-
toneum, and the omentum or caul.

Causes. 'This is considered one of the hereditary diseases
of cattle, or rather milch cows. As is elsewhere stated in
regard to hereditary disease—in the first part of this book
—it does not necessarily follow that a cow should be con-
sumptive, because its mother was so. No. But rather
because it has inherited the great milking qualities of its
ancestors, whereby the animal is reduced in flesh, condition
and vitality, the fibrous, serous tissue of the body becoming

en
” a

CONTAGIOUS TYPHUS. 269

deteriorated—hence the foundation for tubercular consump-
tion. Cows of some breeds are not selfish, for the more
they are fed, the more milk will they give. These are all
the claims which can justly be made in favor of the
hereditary cause of consumption in cows.

Symptoms. Thin of flesh, unthrifty; a staring coat or
hair, long and dead-looking ; a low husky cough, loss of
appetite, weakness, and a bloodless condition of the whole
system, which is readily known by the pale, white look of
the lining of the eyes, nose, and mouth. The consumptive
cow stands with her back arched, and her fore legs turned
out at the elbows, and when lying rests on the belly
and breast bone. The milk of such cows is thin, blue,
and watery. |

Previous to the death of a consumptive cow, diarrhea,
dysentery, discharges from the nose and eyes, accompanied
with hectic, or sympathetic fever, conclude the symptoms
of this lingering, but fatal disease.

Treatment. In the early stage of consumption in cows
much can be done in the way of treatment. Feed the
animal well with rich and nutritious material, such as lin-
seed, cake meal, etc. Sulphuric acid given several times a
week, in doses of half an ounce in weight, largely diluted
with water, will sustain the vital powers, and impart
tenacity to the buccal membrane throughout the body.
Use occasional doses of sulphate of iron and gentian ; three
drachms of iren and half an ounce of the gentian, will
make one dose. Such treatment will prolong the life, and,
at the same time, improve the condition and milking qual-
ities of the cow.

Contagious Typhus.—(See Typhus Contagiousus

Boum.)

270 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

Coryza.—(See Catarrhus, Linuum and Hoose.}

Cow-pox.— Variole Vaccine. This is a simple affec-
tion of the skin of the udder, which has claimed much
notice on account of the valuable benefit conferred by it
upon the human family, in furnishing the material for the
vaccination of children.

Cause. At present unknown.

Nature. A contagious eruption, running a fixed course,
and accompanied by slight fever.

Symptoms. Teats painful, slightly swollen, a faint blush
upon the udder; and in about three to four days, red hard
spots are seen, succeeded by red patches, which, in from a
few days to a week, form bladders containing the true
vaccine lymph. |

Treatment. Warmth, good nursing, and the drawing of
the milk from the udder by the sypHoN—as shown in the
treatment of diseases of the teats. (See Teats.)

Croup.—Stridulous croup in animals is rare, but it is
seen occasionally in milch cows, and is very fatal, from the |
fact that it is situated in the larynx, which speedily causes
suffocation, unless the windpipe be opened with a knife to
admit of the act of respiration and expiration till the
swelling of the head of the windpipe has passed off.

Cause. Cold attacking the head of the windpipe, fol-
lowed by inflammation, and the development of false
membranes.

Symptoms. Loud, stridulous noise or murmur, quickened
breathing, excitation, fever, and threatening suffocation of
the animal, cough and distress.

Treatment. Place the animal in the open air—if in
summer time, in the shade—and give aconite, in the form
of tincture, twenty-five drops to a dose. This will allay

DIARRHGA. 271

the excitement, fever and irritation. If this give relief,
repeat the dose in a few hours again. But on the con-
trary, there being no relief in half an hour, give no more
aconite, nor indeed anything else. There will be but one
of three things to be done: either to kill the beast, if it be
in good condition, and fit for market; or wait for the
animal to die, or have the boldness to cut out a hole in the
windpipe, about the middle, and on front of the neck. In
ease the latter is preferred, tighten the skin on the front
of the windpipe, and make a clean cut fair down the centre,
and through the skin; when the white shining windpipe
is brought to view, have an assistant to hold the edges of
the skin back out of the way, till a hole is cut out of the
cartilages of the tube, as large as a fifty cent piece. This
will give instantaneous relief. The hole will gradually
fill up, and close again withoct any trouble whatever.
This, I am satisfied, is the only sure way of cure in this
disease.

Cud, Loss of the.—This occurrence is the symptom
of, and not a disease. Loss of the cud, or rumination,
accompanies almost every disease of any importance attack-

‘Ing the ox or cow. When rumination has ceased for a

time, and is resumed again, it is a good symptom that the
animal is somewhat better, and an indication that the
functions of the body are about being resumed again, and
are demanding food for their nourishment, Loss of cud is
among the first symptoms observed by farmers in case of
bronchitis, pleuro-pneumonia, hoven, aphtha, ete.

Diarrhea, Simple.—This variety does not call for
much description, as it is only an effort of nature to get rid
of something that is injurious. By its removal the purging
will stop. Simple diarrheea rarely calls for treatment, but

272 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

if it should, change of feed and pasture land will be the
first things to be attended to; and, if necessary, after a
trial of new feed and pasture, a few powders composed of
prepared chalk, two ounces; ginger, half an ounce; opium,
one drachm; may be mixed and given in the form of a
drench, with wheat flour gruel. Repeat the dose, if it be
necessary, but never be in a hurry to give astringents in
looseness of the bowels, as much mischief may be done by
controverting the efforts of nature, which are always of
salutary effect, if not too violent for the condition of the
beast, and in that case interference is necessary.

(1.) DraRRHa@A, CHronic.—This condition is some-
times called the Rot, from the belief that the animal is
rotten. Chronic, or indeed, any kind of diarrhcea should
not be looked upon as a disease at all, but merely a symp-
tom of internal irritation of some kind.

Causes. This is an important inquiry in cattle pathology,
for farmers are sometimes disappointed when they are told
the animal will die within a given time, not knowing the
nature of the disease of which diarrhoea and dysentery are
but the symptoms. Chronic diarrhea is the sequel to
tuberculous consumption already described under that
head; or dysentery may show itself before even consump-
tion is either thought of or recognized. However, chronic
diarrhoea or dysentery is the result of tubercles situated on,
and in the white membranes throughout the body.

Treatment. Generous diet, composed of linseed or cake
meal. Commercial sulphuric acid, gentian, and sulphate
of iron, are the medicines employed. In addition to this
treatment, which has already been recommended for con-
sumption, I would advise weekly inhalations of sulphurous
acid gas in the manner recommended under that head in
the list of medicines, (which see,) for I think this is one of

DIARRHGA. 273

those diseases which will be greatly benefited by its proper
use.

(2.) DriaRrRHa@A IN CALves.—This is a frequent affec-
tion among young calves, and destroys thousands of them
every year.

Cause. Depending upon the character of the milk; not
so much its quality as the time and manner of giving it.
Thus, calves are not allowed to suck their own mothers;
frequently they are not allowed to suck at all, but have
to drink the milk out of a bucket, and then it is often
cold before they are allowed to have it. The rapidity with
which they drink their allowance, which is often too much
for them, gorges the stomach and paralyzes the digestive
functions. Hence, the white diarrhcea so often seen among
young calves.

Symptoms. The symptoms one would think alike in all
animals; but this is not the case here, or so far as the
diarrhoea of calves is concerned. They have a voracious ap-
petite, swelling of the belly with occasional pain, discharges
of wind or gas, and white or yellowish-colored excrement
or dung, while in some bad cases the true milk is passed
unchanged by the action of either stomach or bowels.

Prevention. This is better than cure, and consists in
allowing the calf, until several weeks old, to suck its own
mother, not only morning and night, but at least three
times in the day, dividing the periods as evenly as possible.
Thus, by allowing calves to suck the milk for themselves,
paralyzation and gorging the stomach with cold milk is
avoided, and thereby white diarrhoea prevented.

Treatment. Give three drachms of carbonate of soda in
well boiled wheat flour gruel oncea day. If this is not
- eonvenient, give a tablespoonful of common rennet after
each feed of milk the calf takes; this wil) materially aid

274 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

proper digestion by its power in decomposing the milk and
fitting it for assimilation.

Distention of the Rumen,—({See Hoven.)
Dropping After Calving.—(See Milk Fever.)

Dysentery.—(See Consumption and Chronic Diar-
rheea.)

Ectopia Cordis.—This is a deformity sometimes met
with in calves at birth. The heart may be seen outside
of the chest, or the lower portion of the neck, or even
through an opening below the chest, and sometimes even
in the abdomen. ‘The animal will have to be killed.

Epizootic Aphtha,—Murrain. In some parts of the
world, this disease is called murrain. It is one of the
epizootic diseases of cattle, attacking the feet and mouth,
and sometimes extending to the teats of the udder.

Causes. Contagion is believed to be the cause, but I
never can be reconciled to belief in the repeated bug-bear
that contagion is the only cause of certain diseases. We
all know, however, that when a disease is once established
it can affect others; but still we must consider that all
diseases, of whatever kind, must have had an origin aside
from any contagious element to produce it. This, I firmly
believe to be one of those diseases, depending not so much
upon contagion, as upon what Sydenham would call the
peculiar constitution of the year, exercising certain deleteri-
ous influences on the system, and soon followed by disease
of some portion or other of the body.

Symptoms. Sore mouth, sore teats and sore feet; elevated
vesicles within the mouth, and on the teats, which contain
pus, and soon discharge and dry up through the formation
of a scab—at which juncture fever and other constitutional

EYE DISEASES. 278

symptoms subside. When the feet are badly affected tha
sores burrow deep in between the hoof and the sensitive
structure of the foot, which results in a complete separation
of the hoof, and its being finally thrown off entirely.

It is painful to look, as I have done on several occasions,
‘upon a whole row of cows suffering from suppuration, and
falling off of the hoofs. The loss to dairy men, consists
in the loss of milk, and loss of condition in the cows; for
if the cows are properly attended to, not many of them need
die. The hoof will grow again, and be as useful as ever,
from the fact that cows like pigs are not kept for racing
purposes, and a second hoof, although not so strong as the
first one, will answer for the purpose of walking on soft
- ground, and gathering their food.

Treatment. Apply to the sores the following lotion:
Sulphate of zinc, two drachms; water, one pint.

Prevention. When once fairly established in a place, it
is almost a certainty that all cows and neat cattle will take
it, some developing it sooner than others. To save time and
expense, “take the bull by the horns,” and inoculate every
one of them. By producing the disease in this way, a
week or so will see the last of it, and by good care not
much time or loss will have been incurred. The milk of
cows affected with this disease is poison. Calves, by
drinking the milk of cows with this disease, will perish in
great numbers. :

Symptoms. Difficulty in swallowing, and cough; saliva
driveling from the mouth. The whole accompanied by
fever, and frequently ending in death.

Eye Diseases,—Cows are not so often the subject of
diseases of the eye, as horses are. There is, however, one

disease of the eye which cows are often affected with,

276 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

namely: cancer of the eye, which cannot be cured, but
will ultimately destroy the eye altogether. For other
diseases of the eye, see Hye Diseases in the first part of
this book.

Falling Sickness,—(See Milk Fever.)
Falling of the Womb.—Calf Bed—Reed, ete. This

deviation from the normal or healthy condition is a great
trouble to the farmer and breeder.

Cause. Relaxation of the horns or ligaments of the womb
from a weak and relaxed habit of the body, accompanied
by debility.

Prevention. Immediately after calving, apply a truss or
pad to the mouth.of the vagina, and secure it in the fol-
lowing manner: put a large horse collar on the cow’s neck;
one surcingle round the body of the cow, behind the fore
legs, and another in front of the udder and hind legs.
This being done, attach a small soft rope to each side of
the collar, bring it along each side of the back bone, give
it a hitch round the fore surcingle, and the same on the
hind one; then bring the rope close together under the
tail, and place the pad over the proper part, with the
ropes laid firmly over it. Here tie both ropes together
with a string, just below the pad, then bring one rope
down between the udder and thigh, give it a hitch round
the hind surcingle or band, and finally secure the end of
the ropes to.that portion coming along the back.

Treatment. When the womb has fallen down and is in-
verted, assistance should be had at once. The womb or
bag should be lifted into a clean cloth, and held up by a
person on each side. There are two ways of returning the
womb into its place, the one by pressure on the neck or
small portion of the womb, and the other by pressure to

FEEDING OF MILCH COWS. 277

the fundus or large end, or bottom of the womb. This
last is the best way, because we have not only the mere
pulling of the womb to contend with, but its invertion also.
So, therefore, apply gentle pressure to the bottom of the
womb, first having cleaned it from dirt, dung and straw.
The operation will be effected more easily by having the
cow placed with her fore legs low, and the hind ones high,
so that it will slip in without much difficulty. After it is
in, the cow should be kept standing in such position, or
even lying in this position, a day or so, and the pad,
already spoken of, should be applied as soon as the opera-
tion is finished. The pad is a much better way of securing
the parts than by sewing the lips of the vagina.

Where all efforts fail to put back the bed, and when
decomposition or mortification has ensued, the only chance
to save the life of the cow is to cut the womb or bed at its
smallest or neck portions; but before doing so, tie firmly
round the neck of the womb a well waxed cord, which will
prevent bleeding. This is to remain on the bed which is
left. Give immediately, twenty-five drops of the tincture
of aconite root every three hours, till four or five doses are
given, which will relieve pain, and control the circulation.

Fardel Bound.—This is a disease affecting the omasum,
or third stomach of the cow or ox. (See Impaction, Hoven,
and Texan Fever.)

Feeding of Milch Cows.—I am induced to refer to
this subject on account of its importance, together with the
eminently practical manner of feeding cows, suggested in a
pamphlet by Mrs. Agnes Scott, a lady of Scotland.
Premising, however, that the bean and pea meal spoken of,
may, with advantage, in this country (at least in the
present condition of our agriculture and variety of crops

278 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

produced) give good place to our Indian or corn meal,
The turnips may be supplanted by beet or mangold, ete.
Turnips as a crop, farmers do not as a class with us, appre-
ciate the true value of, either as a feed for cows or as an
improver of manure—lying at the base of true agriculture:

Experience soon taught me that most milk and butter
were produced when the feeding was most carefully at-
tended to. In order to ensure this, I superintended this
department myself, and shall give the management as
systematically followed. In winter, at six o’clock in the
morning two arms windling—an armful tightly wound up
between them. Afterwards they were well cleaned, the
stalls being also well littered, and the doors of the cow-
houses shut until eight o’clock, when all were called to the
milking. At ten o’clock, an ordinary sized barrowful of
turnips was given between three cows, and when the
turnips were not to be had, a quart of peas or bean meal
was given instead, mixed with a pint of cold water.
There is no feeding, however, equal to turnips, especially
the Yellow Aberdeen. A richer taste and color is im-
parted to the butter produced by this root than from any
other kind of feeding in the early part of winter—while a
larger quantity both of butter and milk is produced
thereby. In the spring, when the feeding properties of
this root are very much deteriorated, a small quantity of
peas or bean meal will be found needful to keep up the
full return of milk. The peas or bean meal are preferable
to oil-cake or locust-beans, as both of the latter give the
milk and butter a hard flavor.

About one o’clock, the cows should be let out to watering,
and when weather is mild and otherwise favorable, fresh
air will be found to be of very great advantage to the
general health of the dairy stock. When the cows are at

FEVER. 279

farge, the cow-houses should be thoroughly cleaned in
every nook and corner, the doors being left open to admit
fresh air, weather being seasonable. While kept in the
house, let them have a drink of meal and water twice a
day; a handful of oatmeal and three pints of lukewarm
water will be sufficient. In the first draught, let a handful
of salt be given.

When the cow-houses are well aired, a windling of straw
should be given between two cows as they return from
watering. Upon the supposition that the cow-houses are
well ventilated from the roof, the doors should be shut.
About four or five o’clock, turnip should be given in quan-
tity as before; or, failing turnip, the above named substitute.
The time of feeding should be regulated according to the
season ; milking-time also should be so fixed that it may be
regularly kept—and kept so as to be suitable not only for
the parties engaging in it, but so as not wnduly to disturb
either the rest or feeding of the cows.

At eight o’clock a windling of good meadow hay between
two cows should be given for supper, the quantity being
always regulated according to what each cow can consume.
It is a great mistake to keep fodder in quantities lying
unused ; rather let the appetite be tested, and by keeping
it always sharp, not only will each meal be eaten up with
relish, but a more healthful state will be maintained. In
addition to this hay, cows that have recently calved should
get half a pailful of boiled turnip, mixed with a quart of
peas or bean meal rather more than lukewarm. For four
or five days after calving, cows should have no turnips.

Fever.—Cows are subject to ephemeral fever, or more
plainly speaking, a fever of a day’s duration, which passes
off without any trouble. This fever has been thought, by

280 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

some persons, to depend upon hollow horn and wolf in th¢
tail, and they have consequently cut the tail, and bored the
horns of the poor dumb brute.

Foul Claw.—Foul in the Foot. This is a sore between
the digital spaces, and is caused by the animal standing in
mud and moisture, which scalds the parts, and produces
lameness.

Treatment. Cleanse out with a hair rope or by some
other means, and apply sulphate of zinc, one drachm;
water, half a pint. Keep the feet dry and clean, which
will not only assist the cure, but is a preventive also.

Gangrene of the Tail.— Gangrena Caude Epizootica.
This is not, as yet, at all events, an American disease, but
is of frequent occurrence among the cows of continental
Europe. This fact, however, I believe to be the only true
reason why we in Pennsylvania will persist that cows heve
wolf in the tail, accompanied with an empty horn.

Cause. Unknown.

Symptoms. We are told by Hering and Rychner that
the tail becomes paralyzed, its skin soft, swollen, and filled
with water at its end, and when opened, a bad smelling
ichor is discharged. The disease spreads upwards, where
finally separation of the tail takes place, leaving the animal
without one.

Garget Mammitis.—Inflammation of the udder in
cows is often of a very troublesome character. It occurs
shortly after calving, and in some instances not for a week
or two after. The inflammation is usually confined to one
quarter of the udder only, and may be of an acute, or
chronic character. |

Cause. Want of proper attention in not milking the
eow sufficiently after calving, and in many cases by not

GARGET MAMMITIS, 281

milking the cow when her udder is almost ready to burst,
even before calving. In a word, if the udder, teats and
milk ducts are kept from over-gorgement, there can be no
udder disease. The trouble is, that all cows are not alike
in the production of milk, but unfortunately they receive
the same treatment; and hence those cows which are
endowed with great milking qualities are usually the
victims of garget.

Symptoms. Heat, redness and pain, followed in a day or
so by elevated swellings, which, if acute, will grow to a
point, becoming soft and fluctuating, and containing pus;
and if not opened at this stage, fistulous sores will be
formed, which may cause the final destruction of one por-
tion of the udder.

When the heat and redness is not followed by swelling
containing pus, it is called chronic garget. In addition to
these symptoms, the cow will have shivers and chills, not
from cold, but from the muscular rigor which is set up in
cases of extensive suppuration.

Treatment. In the acute form, apply warm poultices to
hasten suppuration or beeling. Where the parts point, and
contain fluid or pus, open deeply at the lowest point, that
the pus may escape without forcing. When properly dis-
charged, heal as for a common sore. (See Ointments in
the part of this book treating upon Horse and Cattle
Medicines.) For chronic garget, use a cold application,
so as to put it back, if possible; if not, hasten the suppura-
tive process, and treat as for the acute form. Whatever
treatment may be adopted, by all means do not forget to
milk the udder severely, and the best plan will be to put
two strong calves to suck, for by so doing the pus may be
drawn off by them.

282 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

Gastro-Enteritis in Calves,.—(See Diarrhea in
Calves.)

Glossitis—Anthrax—Blain.—This is a disease af-
fecting the tongue, and can only be taken for epizootic
aphtha already described. Although apparently situated
in the tongue, it is a constitutional disease—a blood poison
in fact. This is also an epizootic disease, and as usual, it
is thought to be contagious, which is equivalent to saying,
we know nothing of its cause or mode of warfare. Few
veterinary surgeons, or horse doctors, have, it would seem,
ever known of zumins, ferments or leavens, as the Scrip-
tures have it, for not in any work on veterinary science or
animal husbandry are any of these words mentioned ; nor
is a hint thrown out that such agents do exist, and have a
deleterious effect upon the health of animals. I am satis-
fied that upon further inquiry and investigation, ferments
will be found the only cause of such diseases as are at
present involved in darkness and obscurity.

Symptoms. Loss of appetite, saliva flowing from the
mouth ; the tongue red, swollen, and inflamed, thus arrest-
ing mastication, or chewing; the muzzle or lips, head and
neck swell; breathing disturbed. Appearances of suffoca-
tion set in, the saliva is offensive to smell, and tinged with
blood ; the basis of the discharge is of a greenish color, not
unlike vomice seen in the lungs of glandered horses and
consumptive men. In this condition, the animal will live
from two to four days.

Treatment. Lance the turgid tongue to relieve congestion,
wash the mouth with vinegar, and administer a slight
purgative. Give one pound of epsom salts in two bottles
of water, sweetened with molasses ; a little powdered ginger
may be added. Allow the animal plenty of cold water te

HIDE BOUND. 283

drinx, to cool the mouth and tongue, and furnish pure air.
Follww with two drachms of the sulphate of iron, and an
ounce each of ginger, fenugreek and sulphite of soda twice
in the day, which will give strength to the body, and purity
to the blood.

Hamaturia—Blood in the Urine.—This occurrence
is not to be confounded with red water. Coagulated, or
congealed blood comes when the first flow of water is dis-
charged, and the remainder of the urine is clear.

Cause. Blows or other injuries over the region of the
kidneys, or from eating the leaves or tops of plants having
a powerful diuretic effect, such as some of the yews, cedars
and savins. Cows in calf, and mares with foal, will eat
what other animals, or what they themselves would not eat
when in other condition. (See Red Water.)

Treatment. Give linseed tea to drink, and slush mashes
and plenty of fluids to drink. No medicine will be re-
quired.

Hair Balls.—These are very common in cattle, and
are introduced by the animal licking itself, and swallowing
the hair. These balls are found after death, and are of
various sizes, and thoroughly felted.

Herpes.—(See Mange.)

Hide Bound.—This is not to be taken as a disease,
but merely the result of faulty digestion and assimilation.

Treatment. Give one pound of epsom salts, half an ounce
of ginger, and mix in two bottles of cold water, sweetened
with molasses. Next day follow with the following pow-
ders: Powdered ginger, one ounce; fenugreek, one ounce;
caraway seeds, half an ounce; mix, and give in one dose;
and one dose may be given daily for a week.

284 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

Hoose in Calves.—This is a common disease in
breeding districts, and is very fatal in its results, attacking
young calves and cattle, till two years old. It is a para-
sitic disease.

Cause. The presence of minute worms in the bronchial
tubes. These worms are called filaria bronchi, and inhabit
the windpipe of young cattle, sheep and lambs.

Prevention. Keep calves, sheep and lambs on dry land,
where there is no marsh, wet land or meadow.

Symptoms. Constant, husky cough; difficulty in breath-
ing; emaciation, and loss of appetite. Thus the disease
goes on from bad to worse, until death takes place in from
two to three weeks, depending much, however, upon the
age of the beast.

Treatment. Linseed oil, two ounces; oil or spirits of
turpentine, half an ounce, well mixed with the linseed oil.
This dose is for a calf of six months old. It should be
repeated every two days. Give the calves good feed, such
as oil cake, ete. Another form, and a good one, which is
generally used in sheep to save expense and trouble, is to
get them together, and drive them into a pretty close house |
or shed, not larger than will hold all the affected ones.
Then procure an earthern bowl or basin, containing one
ounce each of common salt and oxide of manganese, and
pour over this a mixture, say, water, half an ounce; sul-
phuric acid, one ounce and a half; stir with a stick, and
chlorine gas will be evolved. When sufficiently stirred,
leave the place, and close the door. Repeat the inhalations
for two or three times, and let two days pass before each
subsequent inhalation. If the animal be much weakened
by the parasites, mix caraway and fenugreek in their
feed, of each a quarter of an ounce, once a day, for a week
er 80.

HOVEN. 285

Hoven.— Tympanitis or Drum-belly. So called from the
appearance and sound. The evolution, or giving off of
carbonic acid gas, from the large quantity of grass or clover
when wet, contained within the rumen or paunch, together
with the suspension of the function of digestion, and peris-
taltic action of the bowels—all of which combined, go to
make up the disease called hoven. Hoven may occur in
one hour, for we often see cows turned out to pasture in
the morning, and are almost found suffocated in an hour
afterward. In cases of this kind there is obviously no
time to be lost. very farmer should be prepared to meet
and cure them as they occur, there being no time to run
for assistance.

Cause. Over filling the paunch, and in too quick a
time—before the stomach has time to act upon it; hence
fermentation is set up.

Symptoms. Great distress; the sides are distended, and
when struck, sound like a drum, the beast lying and rising;
the breathing is hurried; there is great suffering, and if
not speedily relieved, the rumen will give way, burst or
rupture ; if this does not happen shortly, the brain becomes
affected, and the beast dies unconscious. The disease runs
its course with fearful rapidity.

TROCAR, WITH CANULA.

Treatment. At once plunge a dinner knife, well sharp-
ened, into the side, or at equal distance from the haunch

286 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

bone and short rib, on the left side of the animal.
Veterinary surgeons use a trocar for this purpose, and
every farmer should have one also. If the case be nota
severe one, it may be entrusted to time, nature and medi-
cine. Give half a pound of table mustard, and an ounce
of the chloride of lime, mixed in as little cold water as will
float the mustard out of the bottle, and down the throat of
the animal. Or, instead of the mustard and lime, give
one ounce of recently powdered carbonate of ammonia in
cold water. Dashing cold water over the loins of the
beast often cures the affection, by inducing reflex action of
the nervous centres of the body. Sometimes we see a
chronic form of this complaint, occurring at intervals,
owing to a debilitated condition of the walls of the rumen,
which is cured by the following powder, given morning
and night in the feed: Powdered ginger, half an ounce;
gentian, half an ounce; fenugreek, half an ounce; mix,
and give in one dose, and continue it for a few days.

Hydatids in the Brain,—This is a parasitic disease
—a worm found floating in a serous fluid, surrounded by
a sack or small bladder, and situated generally on one side
of the brain, and under or near the base of the horn.

Cause. This affection is caused by the animal eating
with the feed or grass, some of the ova or eggs which have
been dropped from dogs, affected with tape-worms.

Symptoms. The affected beast will be observed in the
early season of the disease, to be affected in one of the eyes,
ending shortly in total blindness of that organ. This,
however, is not always the case. The great symptom
chiefly to be relied upon, is the constant turning of the
animal in the form of a circle. This, the animal will
always persist in doing, and stop only when brought in

INFLAMMATION, 287

eontact with a stone wall or fence, which prevents further
circular turning. Unfortunately, the poor animal comes
in contact with the wall with such force, and so often
repeated, that on that side of the head will be seen swell-
ings and enlargements of the bones of the jaw. In this
way does the affected beast turn from day to day until
emaciated from weakness and hunger. The end of some
cases is frequently hastened by their falling into holes,
rivers, etc. The inability to stop turning prevents the
animal from gathering food, and hence the case terminates
in starvation.

Treatment. The success attending the treatment of such
cases is very great. The cure consists in finding out the
exact spot on the head over the hydatid, and boring
through the bone with an instrument made for that pur-
pose. As soon as the bone is bored through a small pair
of forceps or tongs is put through it into the sack, and by
this means, together with a syringe with a long nozzle to
_ pump out what fluids there are in the cavity, the cure is
completed. The hole, of course, will have to be closed by
a pad or cloth, to exclude the air till it has closed by a
new bone. (See Diseases of Sheep.)

Inflammation,—Inflammation is the same in all ani-
mals, but happily it is not common to the ox tribe.
Indeed inflammation in all animals is not so common as it
is usually represented to us to be. Jrritation is oftener
observed among animals and men, than inflammation, and
disease with decreased force or power is more frequent than
either diseases now-a-days; or, it may be, we are better
educated, and thereby can more readily discern the true
conditions of diseases, than men of former times; or, it
may be from both causes combined, that we are able to

288 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

discern such a change in diseases. However, the majority
of diseases, now met with, are of a low type, and require
for treatment not bleeding, but medicines and good feeding,
to support the powers of nature.

Impaction of the Omasum, or Third Stomach.—
In some parts of the world this disease is called “wood
evil.” So called because the stomach is filled with leaves,
dried bramble and sticks or twigs, from bushes. These
articles being deficient in nutritive matter, cause the sus-
pension of rumination (chewing the cud,) and digestion.

Causes. In addition to the causes above given, we may
add that of dried grass, which has been left standing in the
field; or in fact any kind of food, which does not contain
essential principles for fat and blood making, in proportion
to its bulk, is sure to bring on an attack of wood evil or
impaction of the third stomach.

Symptoms. Loss of cud, loss of appetite, and quickened
breathing, accompanied with a grunt. Diarrhea is fol-
lowed by constipation, great thirst; the legs, horns and
ears are cold; grinding of the teeth, and when the disease —
has about run its course, moaning takes the place of the
grunt, diarrhoea succeeds costiveness, and the poor beast
dies exhausted. Examinations after death disclose a curi-
ous condition, namely : the third stomach is perfectly stuffed
full with food, and it is so hard and dry, that it readily
burns when fire is applied to it.

Treatment. Allow the animal plenty of cold water to
drink, so that the mechanical effects thereof may be advan-
tageous in assisting to wash, dilute and moisten the dry
mass. Give strong purgatives. Take epsom salts, one
pound; table salt, half a pound; oil of croton, fifteen
drops; mix, and give in one dose, in fully a gallon of

JAUNDICE. 289

water; for be it remembered that cattle should have all
medicines given in large fluids, and it is more imperatively
demanded in cases like this, where so much depends upon
fluids. If twenty-four hours pass by without any effect
from the salts, repeat the dose with an addition of two
ounces of the spirits of turpentine. With this dose the
purgative medicine should be stopped, whether it has had
any effect or not. So long as the animal does not seem
stupid or the brain be not affected, there are still hopes
that recovery may reward our labors. (See Texan Fever.)

Jaundice.—TIcterus. This is a common disease in the
ox, from the fact that he is supplied with a gall bladder,
and gall in great quantity. Jaundice may be properly
called biliary intoxication, or distribution of bile through-
out the whole circulation of the body.

Causes. Closure of the biliary ducts in the liver, and
the consequent absorption of the bile into the stomach.
The bile duct may be closed from gall-stones.

Symptoms. In white-skinned oxen, jaundice is seen at
once from their yellow color. In dark-colored animals we
are satisfied to examine the lining of the mouth, nose and
eyes, for this yellow appearance. In addition to these
signs, we have dullness and costiveness, while the dung is
of a whitish or straw-colored look.

Treatment. If the symptoms be not very prominent, the
animal may be left with safety to the powers of nature,
which can be assisted by giving slop food, or placing it
upon bare pasture for a few days. If the case be more of
an acute kind, give a dose of purgative medicine, as
follows: Epsom salts, one pound; table salt, half a pound;
ginger, half an ounce; mix, and dissolve in four bottles of
water, sweetened with molasses.

290 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

Kidney Disease,—Kidney disease in the ox is of a
rare occurrence. Disease of the kidneys is more peculiar
to animals, whose lives are allowed to run longer than
those of oxen, especially when fat and fit for market.

Laryngitis,—(See Croup and Bronchitis.)

Leucorrhea,—A. discharge of muco-purulent matter
from the womb and vagina of cows.

Cause. Debility and bloodless condition of the system.

Treatment. Iron, gentian, fenugreek, the mineral acids
and good nourishing food are what is wanted to build up
the system, and a weak solution of lime may be injected
into the vagina once a day with a No. 6 syringe, to which
is attached an 8-inch nozzle. Give the following powder,
morning and night: Powdered sulphate of iron, two
drachms; powdered gentain root, half an ounce; pow-
dered ginger, half an ounce; fenugreek, half an ounce;
mix, and give in one dose, and continue for a week.
Commercial sulphuric acid in half ounce doses, by weight,
may be given once a day in half a bucket ‘of cold water, ©
which the cow will readily drink.

Lice,—(See Lice in the first part of this book.)
Liver Disease.—(See Jaundice.)

Locked-jaw.—Kill the beast and dress it for market
as soon as it is known that it is locked-jawed.

Lung Diseases,—(See Pleuro-pneumonia.)

Lymphangitis,—An affection of the ox tribe, following
an accident, which partakes of some of the characteristics
attending farcy in horses, but without any specific poison
being developed.

MILK FEVER. 292

Treatment. A dose of salts internally, and fomentations
or poultices. Apply to the swelling and to the sores, if
there be any, which will depend upon whether the skin
gives way or not.

Malignant Catarrh.—(See Catarrhus, etc.)

Mammitis,—(See Garget.)
Mange.—(See Mange in the first part of this book.)

Milk Fever.— Febris Lactea—Metria. Milk fever occurs
from the first to the third day after calving; rarely after
the third day. It is seldom met with before the fourth
calving, then attacking chiefly cows of select breeds, and
good milkers. Milk fever consists in inflammation of the
womb, which sometimes even extends to the bowels.

Symptoms. Loss of appetite; chewing the cud, or rumi-
nation ceases; staggering gait, wild look, falls and cannot
rise. If the disease be not checked the brain will soon be
affected also, when the cow will dash about with her head
and horns plunging them into the ground.

Cause. Undue determination of the blood to the womb
from over feeding before, and immediately after calving,
and from sudden changes of the weather at the time of
calving.

_ Prevention. Give, one week before calving, one pound
of epsom salts, half a pound of table salt, and half an
ounce of ground ginger, mixed in four bottles of cold
water and sweetened with molasses. Let the cow’s feed
be of the lightest kind, such as hay and thin slop mashes,
and no meal, grain or solid food. This measure will
lessen the tendency to interruption of the circulation, and
will improve the health and tone of the whole system.
To avoid, as much as possible, the effects of sudden changes

2992 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

of the weather, have the cow brought into the house.
When milk fever is anticipated, give, a few hours after
calving, twenty-five drops of the tincture of aconite root,
which may be repeated every six hours, till four doses
have been given. Nothing that I am acquainted with is
as capable of equalizing the circulation of the blood by
controlling the heart’s action, and thereby the circulation,
as aconite; and for this purpose I highly recommend it
to farmers and breeders of stock throughout the country.
The foregoing measures, together with light slop feeding
for a few days after calving, I am sure will prevent much
suffering to the cow, and inconvenience and loss to the
owner.

Treatment. When the disease is present, give at once
thirty drops of the tincture of aconite root, and half an
ounce of the pure opium in powder, in a bottle of thin
oruel. The aconite must be repeated every four hours
without the opium, until four or five doses are given.
Place chopped ice in a bag on the forehead, and attach it
to the horns, renewing it when wanted. This being done
quickly, at more leisure get epsom salts, one pound ; table
salt, one pound; ginger, half an ounce; mix, and dissolve
in four bottles of cold water, with a little molasses to
sweeten it, and give at one dose. After this medicine has
been given, turn the cow from side to side every four hours,
or when the aconite is given, which will save labor and ©
unnecessary excitement to her. She should be left as quiet
as possible, and her legs and body be kept warm, thereby
relieving the womb to that extent. Do not deny pure air,
nor plenty of cold water to the afflicted animal, for she not
only needs them, but they are indispensible to a sure and
perfect recovery in most diseases, and as much so if not
more in a disease of this kind.

MURRAIN. 293

Milk Trembles.—This is a disease seen in the wooded
country of the South and South-west, and depends upon
cold, moisture and miasma. The disease disappears with
improvements and clearing of the land from timber.

Treatment. Give gentian, ginger, and fenugreek, of each,
half an ounce; mix, and make one dose, which may be
repeated once in the day.

Moor Evil.—(See Red Water.)
Mouth Disease.—(See Epizootic Aphtha.)

Murrain,—This is one of the names given to diseases
of cattle, which ought long ago to have been expunged
from the books and writings of men who ought, if they do
not, know that the word murrain means to die. By classi-
cal scholars, orators, and poets, the use of the word murrain
may be taken as an indication that they have read Virgil,
Homer and Horace; but when cow doctors talk about the
murrain, it conveys the reverse idea to that entertained
when used by the orator and poet. Cattle plagues and
murrain are excellent names, whereby the ignorant pre-
_ tender may gain credit among farmers and others, for a
knowledge he never did possess. He may give the name
of murrain to any disease or diseases, however different the
one may be from the other in sign, symptom and seat,
providing that the beast die. It will be observed, how-
ever, that if the animal should live, murrain can’t be its
proper name. Murrain, as applied to cattle diseases,
conveys no idea of the nature or seat of the disease. In
some parts of the world, murrain is applied to epizootic
aphtha, a disease affecting the mouth and feet—de la fievre
aptheura—and withal, not deadly or fatal. Without
fatality, any intelligent person would naturally and know-
ingly think that there can be no murrain, and the absurdity

294 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

-of the name so applied, can induce no very high opinion
of cow doctors.

Nephritis.—This is a name given to a disease, or in-
flammation, of the kidneys. It is scarcely ever seen in
the ox. |

Nervous Diseases.—These may be classed as follows:
Brain diseases, apoplexy, inflammation of the brain, palsy,
paralysis, locked-jaw, twitching of the muscles, ete.

(Estromania.—A term applied to cows when bulling.

(Estrus Bovis.—The fly which deposits the eggs, from
which the ox bot is developed.

Osseous.—Composed of bone; bony tumor.

Ovarian Dropsy.—tThis is a disease peculiar to milch
cows, and consists of watery swellings of the ovary, but
one ovary being usually affected. Ovarian dropsy is
characterized by a large, soft swelling, situated upon the
side of the cow, between the short rib and the thigh.

Treatment. Tap the tumor with an instrument called a
trocar, whereby the fluid is let out. When this is done, |
feed the cow well, and give her iron, gentian and ginger,
to prevent further accumulation. ©

Ovarian Tumor.—The difference between ovarian
dropsy and ovarian tumor, as ascertained by the touch, is,
the dropsy is seft and fluctuating, and the tumor hard
and slightly movable. Ovarian tumors are generally hard,
and similar to cancrotd and encephaloid tumors found in
man and animals.

Treatment. Fatten the animal, and kill and send her to
market, before she dies and becomes a complete loss.

Palsy, or Paralysis,—This is a nervous disease, and

PLEURO-PNEUMONTA. 295

is characterized by the animal having lost the power of
standing. Palsy may be partial or complete.

Cause. Tumors on the brain; injury to, or softening of
the spinal cord.

Symptoms. Inability of the animal to move, continued
laying; will usually eat and drink as if nothing were
amiss, and will continue to do so for many weeks.

Treatment. We are in possession of only one drug,
which is oftentimes of service in curing this disease, de-
pending on whether the paralysis be from reflex action
of the nerves of motion, or from entire suspension of
feeling. If the case be from reflex action, then this
medicine had better not be given; but if the nervous
feeling be entirely lost, strychnia may then be given in one
grain doses twice in the day in the animal’s feed, and
continued for a week or two.

Parasitic Lung Disease.—(See Hoose.)
Parturient Fever.—(See Milk Fever.)
Phthisis.—(See Consumption and Diarrhea.)

Placenta.—This is a name given to the after-birth.
Plethora.—Fatness ; full of blood.

Pleurisy.—This is inflammation of the pleuro, or
white, fibrous, serous tissue lining the ribs within the
chest, and the covering of the lungs. For further par-
ticulars, see the following article.

Pleuro-pneumonia,—“ Massachusetts Cattle Disease”
—Hpizootic Pleuro-pneumonia. Pleuro-pneumonia is a
compound disease, as its name indicates—pleuro and pneu-
monia.. My own opinion is, however, and it is almost a
certainty, I think, that the single name pleurisy would
cover the whole ground; for the pathology of the disease

296 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

unmistakably points to this one fact, that the lungs are not
affected as a disease from the beginning, but the solid,
spotted and mottled condition of the lungs are but the
effects of disease of the pleural covering, and the consequent
effusions of serum into the chest, floating and surrounding
the lungs, together with weakness, low vitality, and debility
of the animal affected. This, then, is the reason why the
lungs have become diseased, and the consequent double
name given to the affection.

However much men may doubt it, this disease is nothing
more than buccal inflammation, extending from the cover-
ings of the mouth and nose down to the pleural membranes
within the chest, speedily followed by extensive outpouring
of fluid called serum, and it is not till this fluid has
accumulated in sufficient quantity that the evidences of
disease show itself to the farmer or breeder. Cows are not
so nervous, nor yet so excitable as horses, whether in
health or sickness, and hence the absence of those symp-
toms in the early stage of the disease in cows, which are so
early shown in horses, when affected by the same sickness.
Farmers should remember this, for in early detection lies
often the life of the animal. |

Again, and in support of my theory, if the lungs were
one of the primary seats of the disease, it would not be
reasonable to expect the animal to live for a week, and in
some cases a month, as is the case with animals affected
with this disease. In no disease of the lungs, excepting
tubercles, will animals live so long as those do when
affected with pleuro-pneumonia, thus entirely disproving
‘the theory universally entertained by those who have an
idea to offer upon the subject. |

The length of time animals live with this disease, to-
gether with the serum, the condition of the lungs, and the

PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. 297

adhesions so often seen connecting the lungs with the sides
of the chest, does not go to prove the incurability of the
disease at all, as has been so often asserted, but on the
contrary, it goes to show the curability of the disease, and
the ignorance of those who have been guilty of so bold and
unwarranted an assertion, thereby deceiving the honest
cow keeper and breeder to their great loss, and in some
eases to their ruin. Pleuro-pneumonia then I take to be a
disease similar to typhoid influenza in the horse, affecting
the white membranes of the nose, mouth, windpipe and
chest, speedily followed by outpouring of fluid into the
cavity of the thorax or chest, gradually increasing in
volume, till the lungs are nearly submerged, solidifying
them, thus arresting aeration, or proper oxygenation of the
blood, together with shreds of plastic lymph connecting
and interfering still further with the action of whatever
healthy lung there may be left: and thus by a gradual,
but progressive process, the vital power gives way, and the
poor beast dies from suffocation, or asphyxia, in from one
week to two months or more—depending if the cow be in
calf, and what condition otherwise the animal may be in.
The better the condition, the longer will they live, and the
more likely are they to live, even without medicine, thus
giving the lie to its ineurability. (See Bronchitis.)

Cause. Some subtle poison in the atmosphere sometimes,
which is not always present; sudden and severe changes in
the temperature, cold, heat, dryness and moisture, easterly
winds, and possibly some other conditions which may be
present, but not recognized, and which give rise to what
is called the predisposing cause, for since we have those
various changes in the condition of the weather, without
producing the disease, something is wanted in the animal
economy to act as a predisposing cause, two causes being

298 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

necessary to produce epizootic disease, namely: the predis.
posing cause which resides in the system, and the exciting
cause, which belongs to the atmosphere. Atmospheric
cause is being clearly proven from the fact of the early
symptoms of the disease being irritation of the mucous
membranes of the nostrils, nose, eyes, etc. That this may
be properly understood, let any person enter the too
frequently over-heated lecture room or theatre, with its
impure air, and on coming out to the keen air of night,
how readily the membranes of the eyes drop tears, and
sneezing from irritation of the nose takes place. Pleuro-
pneumonia being a disease chiefly attacking milch cows
and working oxen, and rarely affecting herds of cattle in
the field, we are carried back again in our inquiries to the
cow house, barn yard and its surroundings. There we
find the slop feed stimulating the cow to over secretion of
milk, and at the expense of her general health and condi-
tion—the smoking and putrefying dung heap—the imperfect
ventilation and over-heated stable—the giving of stimu-
lating feed, and immediately after turning the heated cow
out to the cold, and sometimes frozen watering trough,
to quench her thirst. In one or other of these anomalies,
or all combined, will be found the cause of this epizootic
disease—contagion, if it is really contagious, which I
honestly doubt and even deny, however, if so, then they
cannot be the only exciting and predisposing causes of the
_ disease. 7

Symptoms. As has been already stated, the early symp-
toms are irritation of the membranes of the nose, windpipe,
etc. The symptoms of this irritation are not perceived by
the farmer, till effusions of fluid are poured into the chest
in considerable quantities, interfering with the movements
of the lungs, and consequently the breathing or respiration:

ao. SY Ee
>

PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. 299

then—and then only does the farmer observe that the
animal is sick. The presence of irritation in the windpipe
can be detected by placing the ear close to the windpipe,
previously tightening the skin upon it, when a slight
grating sound is heard. The immediate effect of irritation
of the windpipe of the cow, is a slight discharge of an

Aacrid fluid, of the appearance of water, from the corners of

the eyes and nose, which is, however, sometimes so slight
that most persons fail to see it, and if they did, would
attach no importance to it—so the first, and most impor-
tant time and symptom is passed by uncared for, unheeded
and unchecked. The next and important symptom is a
half involuntary cough, or rather a husking sound—not the
clear cough which horses give, when similarly affected.
When cough is heard, it may then be said the incubative
stage has passed away. I have said incubative, although
not believing in the existence of such a thing, if it be not
in the passive condition of the minds of men, who give
credence to such a theory. The milk now becomes smaller
in quantity, thin and blue; cough louder and oftener ;
breathing quick and labored, accompanied with a grunt;
rumination is irregular, and the appetite precarious. Such
then are the symptoms that may be seen by the ordinary
observer. Auscultation and percussion applied to the sides
of the chest, are not to be relied upon by persons who are
not accustomed to the chest murmurs, or sounds in health
and diseases. Animals in good condition rally from the
attack and get well, without assistance from medicine or
art. In weak and low conditioned animals, the disease
and symptoms are gradual and progressive, and they
finally die in from two weeks to two months.

Treatment. The success of the treatment here recom-
mended, will depend upon, 1st. Whether the animal be in

300 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

good or low condition; 2d. Whether the cow be heavy
with calf; 3d. Whether the disease has been discovered,
and treatment applied in good season. ‘These are impor-
tant inquiries, having much depending upon them, for this
disease is much more frequent and fatal in cows heavy with
calf, and animals in low condition. If the disease has been
observed within forty-eight hours from the time of attack,
give the following powders every four hours between six
o’clock in the morning and at ten at night, or at six, ten,
two, six and ten o’clock :

Tincture of aconite root, two drachms and a half; pow-
dered gentian root, three ounces; powdered ginger root,
three ounces; sulphate of iron, two ounces; mix well,
and divide into five powders and give as above directed.
After the five powders have been given, continue with the
same powders, but without the aconite, and give them only
three times in the day, instead of five as above directed.
Half an ounce of the sulphite of soda may be added te each
powder with advantage. The powder will have to be mixed
in a large bottle of water, and sweetened with molasses.
Allow plenty of pure air, cold water and good strong feed,
but not too much at a time; this will be better than thin,
poor and non-strengthening slop, which is so injurious and
deceptive, and so often recommended and adopted in cases
of sickness. In the early stages of the disease, the carbo-
nate of ammonia given in three drachm doses, along with
the other powders, will do much good. There are two
points I have ever sought to obtain, in the treatment of
this disease. 1st, To maintain the appetite. 2d, To
restore and maintain it, if it be lost.

Prolapsus Vaginze.—Procidenta. This is a protru-
sion of the womb through the vulva, and is an accident of

RAILWAY DISEASE. 301

frequent occurrence with cows when accumulating flesh
fast, and also among cows, denominated bullers. Some-
times, however, it may be due to tumors, or dropsy in the
womb or ovaries.

Treatment. If from ovarian disease, spay the cow, and
in simple cases elevate the hind parts of the cow, by
making the stall lower at front and higher behind, placing

a pad on the parts, after the manner described, under the

article Falling of the Womb.
Prolapsus Vesicee.—(See Bladder, Diseases of the.)

Prurigo Vernalis.—This is a disease peculiar to the
Spring of the year, and characterized by extreme itchiness
—the body being covered with inflammatory spots, which
discharge pus, and form scabs that fall off and leave the
parts bald, or without hair.

Treatment. Give a dose of epsom salts, and fumigate the
beast with sulphurous acid gas. (See Sulphurous Acid
Gas, in article on Horse and Cattle Medicines.) Give
good feeding and good shelter.

Puerpural Fever.—(See Milk Fever.)
Quarter Evil.—(See Black Leg.)
Railway Disease of Cattle.—The summer of 1867

showed very clearly the existence of a disease developed by
the transportation of cattle to the markets of New York
and other cities from the saline plains and pastures of the
West. For the want of a better name, we have designated
it as above, not being satisfied of its identity with that
disease commonly called “Texan Fever;” because the
cattle of Texas and of the Cherokee nation are not known
to be ever sick from Texan or other diseases, except from

802 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

starvation in dry seasons, from which they have been
known to die by thousands. (See Texan Fever.) Rail-
way disease is characterized by weakness, debility, and
fever, with complete absorption of all the fluids of the body.
These conditions naturally arise, Ist. Because of the salty
nature of much of their late pastures, which tend greatly
to the loss of the animal fluids and increased desire for
water as a consequence of the action of salt upon the
animal economy. 2d. The crowding of large numbers
in cars without food or water, except, perhaps, at long and
insufficient intervals of time, together with want of air,
proper attention, and expedition in their transportation
during the heated season of the year.

Remove the cause, and the effect will cease, is particu-
Jarly applicable to this disease.

Red Water.—This is a disease of milch cows soon
after calving, and consists in an altered condition of the
blood, in which the red globules are broken up, and the
coloring matter which is called hematosin escapes and is
passed with the urine.

Cause. Obscure, but assigned to local causes such as the
peculiar properties of certain herbs or grasses which the
cow feeds upon. My opinion, however, is that the cause
will be found to be local congestion, the red coloring matter
is but the product—red-colored serum.

Symptoms. Diarrhea lasting for a day or two, followed
by constipation; urine of a brown color changing to a
deep red, and in the last and fatal stages to a black,
resembling porter.

Post-mortem. Appearances confirm my opinion that it
is local congestion that gives rise to red water. The liver
and kidney being chiefly implicated.

RINGWORM. 300

Treatment. Give a strong dose of epsom and common
table salt, one pound each, and half an ounce of ginger, dis-
solved in four bottles of water, and sweetened with molasses.
Give mashes pretty well wet, and in a day or two follow
by giving powdered ginger root, half an ounce ; powdered
gentian root, half an ounce; powdered fenugreek, half an
ounce; mix, and make one dose; give one dose twice in
the day, till sufficient improvement takes place to warrant
no further medicine being given. To hasten recovery,
give good and generous feeding, which will also assist in
making blood for that which has been lost.

Reticulem.—The second stomach so called from ret,
or net like, and is sometimes called the honeycomb.

Retroflexion of the Womb.—Retroflexion is said to
be present when the canal is bent on itself.

Retroversion of the Womb,—This term is applied
when the canal is straight.

Rheumatism.—(See Rheumatism in the first part of
this book.)

Rinderpest.— This is the Dutch name for Cattle
Plague. So much do I abhor the employment of such
ignorant and unmeaning names, that I cannot but enter-
tain a poor opinion of the scientific attainments of those
who constantly usethem. The disease will be found treated
of under the article Typhus Contagiosus Boum, (contagious
typhus of cattle.)

Ringworm,—tThis is a parasitic disease, and consists
in the growth of cellular tumors on the skin. Young
animals of one and two years are most subject to the attack
of the parasites.

Symptoms. Broad and flattened elevations on the skin,

304 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

Treatment. If left to themselves they will die out ina
year. The oxide of zine ointment will speedily cure the
affection. It is considered a contagious disease, although

not a fatal one. (See Ointments in article on Horse and
Cattle Medicines.)

Rot.—(See Diarrhoea and Consumption.)

Rumen or Paunch,—This is the first stomach, and is
the receptacle for all food that is gathered, which is kept
there till wanted, or till the rumen is full, when rumina-
tion is usually begun by contraction of the rumen upon its
contents, whereby portions of the food are forced into the
gullet and mouth, to be remasticated, and finally passed
down the gullet again. It does not, however, pass over
the floor of the canal this time, but separates the pillars,
and goes, not into the rumen, but into the manyplus, or
third stomach.

Rupture in Calves.—The rupture we are now con-
sidering is what is known by the name umbilical, which
occurs in young colts and calves, and consists in the pro-
trusion of a portion of the bowel and intestine through |
the navel, thus forming a small tumor. This condition is
often congenital, or found on the calf at birth.

Treatment. Force the bowel up into the belly, gather the —
loose skin together, tie a well waxed cord tightly round it
close to the belly, and a strong pin may be forced through
the skin below the ligature or cord, to keep it from falling
off before the loose skin comes away. Ina few days the
skin will fall off, leaving a healthy sore without any hole
or rupture, |

Another form of treatment is to place a bandage round
the body, and a pad over the rupture, as is recommended |
for the same condition in colts, which see. Whatever

-— — ———

SPAYED COWS. 305

the plan that mzy be scvpteé for the cure of umbilical
hernia in calves, they must be kept separate from one
another, as each will suck the other, thus preventing
closure of the rupture and healing of the parts.

Siberian Boil Plague.—Carbuncular Disease. This
is one of those diseases affecting cattle on the Russian
Siberian Steppes. It isa blood poison or pyemia, and is
closely allied to the other Russian Steppe disease, com-
monly called rinderpest and cattle plague.

Slinking the Calf.—(See Abortion.)
Sore Throat,—(See Bronchitis.)

Spaying.—This is the name given to an operation
for the removal of the ovaries or female testicles from the
milch cow and young female oxen. The object for the
removal of the ovaries from young cows that never have
had a calf, is to prevent them from ever having a desire for
the male, so that she will be the more easily fattened and
fitted for the market. Young cows so operated upon, are
henceforth called heifers.

Spayed Cows, the Advantages of.—The following
are the reasons why dairymen should spay their cows,
when not intended for breeding :

1. Spayed cows are more easily kept in good condition
than cows not spayed.

2. They are less liable to sickness of an epizootic kind,
and when sick, more certain and easy of cure.

3. When epizootic diseases are present in the vicinity,
or even in the herd, spayed cows are always in condition,
and fit for the butcher. ‘To prevent loss and save expense
in the treatment, with the attendant risk of loss of some,
and loss of condition and milk of all that are affected, they

306 DISEASES OF CATTT-E,

can be sold without loss—which is not the case with cows
not spayed, and when pleuro-pneumonia is among them.

4, Spayed cows give the same quantity and quality of
milk all the year round, if they are properly f* ond cared
for.

5. Ten spayed cows will give the year round as much
milk as double the number of cows not spayed, thus saving
the interest on the outlay for ten cows, together with the
absence of risk from loss of some of the principal by death
of one or more from sickness, or accident, not to speak of
the feed of ten cows. Between the feed of ten cows and
their manure, the farmer can best estimate the difference
in value.

6. With spayed cows there is no risk to run from milk
fever, nor trouble with cows “‘alled bullers.

7. To fatten a cow, spay her instead of giving her the
bull, as is the present custom—by which feed and time are
consumed, and the animal is not made very fat after all,
for she has to provide the fatteuing substance to the calf
in the womb, which, if she had been spayed, would have
been appropriated to herself; nor is this all, for the calf
in the belly of the cow is at once discounted by the butcher,
as it is not a saleable article in market.

8. Spayed cows cannot abort or slink their calves.

Having thus had a kird’s eye view of the advantages to
be derived from spayed cows, let us look in the same
manner at the disadvantages of spayed ones.

1. The expense of the operation and attendant risk of
the animal dying—although this is not great, (about one in
the hundred.) ‘The expense of the operation will be from
three to five dollars, which will depend upon the distance
the operator has to travel, and how many animals are to be
operated upon.

STRANGULATION, 307

2. Spayed cows are apt to accumulate fat and flesh, se
that they will become dry much sooner than cows not
spayed. Still there can be little loss, for a fat cow is
always ready for sale. These, then, are the objections to
de spaying of cows, if objections they may be called. We
now leave the subject to those who are more immediately
interested.

Spleenic Apoplexy.—This is a new disease, consisting
in engorgement of the spleen with blood, and the subse-
quent rupture of the organ,. followed by death in from
twelve to twenty-four hours from the time of attack.

Cause. This disease is clearly traceable to the new, and
what is wrongfully called improved feeding and fattening
of cattle. Food, rich in nutritive qualities, and deficient
in fluids, is the great cause of spleenic apoplexy in cattle.

Symptoms. Constitutional disturbance is set up all at
once, and no early symptoms manifested. The animal is
well to every appearance at one time in the day and dead
by evening. When the symptoms are seen, they are as
follows: Colicky pains, twitching of the muscles, stagger-
ing gait, frothing from the mouth, and the urine colored
and mixed with blood. The animal falls and dies, the
immediate cause of death being coma, from derangement
of the brain.

Treatment. Treat the case by way of prevention with
low diet. No treatment, however well directed, is of any
use when the disease has once manifested itself. Life is
prolonged a few hours by blood letting, but no cure can be
effected.

Spring Eruption.—(See Ringworm.)
Stomach Staggers.—(See Hoven.)
Strangulation.—(See Choking.)

308 DISEASES OF CATTIE,

Sturdy.—(See Hydatides.)

Teats.—Teats of milch cows are often subject to diseases
and derangement.

1st. Milk stones sometimes stop the flow of milk, and
are felt within the milk channel, when the teat is pressed
between the fingers. For their removal, take a silver
probe or knitting needle, and, if possible, force the obstruc-
tion up into the udder.

2d. Strictures of the milk channel of the teat cause a
small stream of milk to flow, and impair the usefulness of
that quarter of the udder. This can also be remedied by
using a silver probe or needle, commencing, however, with
a small size, and gradually using thicker or larger ones,
till the channel is as large as wanted. This operation will
have to be carried on for a week or two, the first day using
the small probe three times in the day, and following the
next day with the larger size, and so continuing with other
sizes, till finally cured.

3d. Warts are of occasional trouble to the cow, and to
those who milk her. Itritation, and sometimes swelling
is induced, which cause closure in the channel of the teat.
Warts are to be removed by a pair of sharp scissors.

MILK SYPHON.

4th. Sore teats are cured by the simple ointment, one
ounce, and one drachm of the rust of copper, commonly
ealled verdigris, added to it. The milk can be drawn from
the teat by means of a tube, as is shown by the above
illustration, called a milk syphon.

TEXAN PEVER. 309

Teeth, Diseased.- -Diseases of the teeth in cattle are
not so common as in horses. However, I have seen cases
of a diseased tooth in cows, causing a bony enlargement on
the lower jaw, and subsequently a fistulous opening, with
discharges running from it. When disease of the roots of
the upper teeth takes place, it is accompanied with a bad
smelling discharge from the nostril on the side on which
the diseased tooth is.

Texan Fever.—This is a disease accompanied with
sympathetic fever, and is not confined to Texas alone;
for we see it more or less every year in the Eastern and
Middle States, showing itself at the close of the summer
months, and to the end of autumn. Texan fever is nothing
more than the Fardle Bound of the European writers—
impaction of the manyplus with withered and dried grass
and herbage containing no moisture whatever: the stomach
refusing to digest it. Heat, dryness and fever of the sys-
tem is thus set up, with all their attendant consequences.

Much has been said and written about the nature and
cause of Texan Fever by nearly all persons who have had
an idea upon the subject. The questionable theories pro-
mulgated throughout the country in regard to the disease
by the Hon. Horace Capron, Commissioner of Agriculture
at Washington, compel us to reiterate the fact that the
affection 7s an impaction of the manyplus. Further than
this, the bulletins that were issued from, or by authority
of, the Agricultural Department, in 1867, concerning the
discase, were not only unscientific and unsound, but in
themselves contradictory, having no good effect upon those
interested in the consumption of beef, and a positive injury
to the cause of veterinary science in this country. Instead
of a sensible view being taken as to the cause of the disease,

310 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

nothing short of /ungi would suit the minds of the Botan-
ist and Microscopist. Their conclusions called to my mind
the story of Paddy’s flea, which, when he put his finger
upon it, was not there. ‘Texan Fever is a misnomer, and
it is not known in Texas or amongst the cattle of Texas,
but amongst those of other States. It is even supposed by
many persons, well informed, that Texan cattle give dis-
ease to other cattle that subsequently graze on pastures
trodden by them. How ridiculous and unreasonable is
this theory when viewed in the light of science and common
sense. How can healthy oxen, and from a healthy coun-
try, give or impart a disease they never had ?—cattle that
never were amongst others having anything infectious or
contagious ?—~impossible! Has it never entered into the
minds of Mr. Capron or Gamgee, that the droves of hungry
cattle on their way to market, from the rich, nutritious
mesquit grass of Texas, feed extensively upon the dried
tuft or Buffalo and Bermuda grasses of the States through
which they pass, in the latter months of summer, and
succeeding a good grass growing spring? Or, if so, have
they ever asked themselves whether this fact has anything |
to do with the cause of Texan Fever? This is not a
subject for the microscopist, but simply demands of us that
we look with the naked eye to things as they are—to the
consumption by hungry cattle of whatever of green or fresh
grass there is to be found; leaving to the native cattle the
dry, innutritious, indigestible tufts, spindles and grass!
This is undoubtedly the real cause of the disease, however
much some persons may be disposed to doubt it. The
Hon. John Wentworth, of Illinois, though not seeing the
cause of the disease, placed his cattle in a cordon, while they
were surrounded by Texan cattle. All of them escaped
the disease. On the other hand, cattle grazing on the

THROAT DISEASES. ll

pasture upon which the Texan cattle had been, became sick.

Thus it is shown that our view of the cause of the disease
is the only correct one; for, if it be not so, Mr. Went-
-worth’s cattle, from their proximity to those from Texas,
would have taken sick also. No fence or enclosure, when
the wind blows towards it, can or will keep out atmos-
pheric air impregnated with an infection.

Post-mortem. The heart, liver, lungs and spleen are con-
gested; the gall bladder is swollen to several times its
natural size, and filled with a dark, yellowish-brown fluid ;
the food in the stomach is in a hard, dry and caked
condition, with no progress made towards digestion; the
stomach is friable and easily torn. We would here add
that though the spleen be enlarged, heavy, and filled with
blood, it is not a sufficient reason for the Commissioner of
Agriculture to call the disease “‘Spleenic Fever ;” it is the
effect of a cause, and not the disease itself.

Treatment. Give large doses of epsom or glauber salts,
dissolved in great quantities of molasses water. If no
relief follows in twenty-four hours, repeat the dose, bearing
in mind all the while that great quantities of fluid or cold
water is a means to overcome the dry condition of the
impacted stomach. Indeed, the cure has a good deal of a
mechanical nature about it, for large drenches of water
with the salts, do not only assist their action, but in many
cases wash and dissolve the dry feed into a soft mass or
pulp, which will readily pass away, and the poor beast be
relieved from pain, and cured. Suspect this disease when
occurring after a good grass growing spring, succeeded by
a dry, scorching summer, converting grass into spindles
containing no moisture, and little nutritive properties.

Throat Diseases.—(See Bronchitis.)

312 DISEASES OF CATTLE,

Thrush,—(See Epizootic Aphtha.)

Tongue of the Ox.—We speak of the tongue of the
ox not for the purpose of referring to its diseases, for that
has already been done in speaking of aphtha. Our design
is simply to explain the difference in appearance between
the tongue of the horse and that of the ox; for occasionally
they are seen side by side in provision stores and other
places, and all sold as the tongue of the ox or cow. The
appearance of a salted tongue of the horse is much shorter
and broader at its tip, and is, withal, the finest looking.
Those who are not aware of these facts are most likely to
prefer and purchase the horse tongue to that of the ox.
The ox tongue is long, and narrow at its point, and is used
much the same as a cat handles its prehensile paw. The
horse cannot do this, but gathers his food with his front
teeth. Avoid the good-looking, broad and short tongue,
and choose the long, narrow and irregular one; then you
may be sure of the tongue of the ox.

Tubercle Disease.—(See Consumption and Diarrhea.)
Tympanitis,—(See Hoven.)

Typhus Contagiosus Boum—Contagious Typhus
of Cattle—Rinderpest—Cattle Plague—Steppe
Disease—Loserdurre, etc,—This is one of those 2pi-
zootic diseases which have, at distant and different periods
of the world’s history, attacked the ox tribe of Europe,
and consists in inflammation and irritation of the fibrous,
serous tissue, or white membranes of the nose, windpipe
and chest, and instead of serum or fluid being poured out
as a consequence, as is the case in epizootic pleuro-pneu-
monia, the membranes become deteriorated, portions become
detached, and some partially adhere, but all decay, and
become a dangerous poison, which is gradually absorbed

TYPHUS CONTAGIOSUS BOUM. 313

into the general circulation, speedily followed by fermenta-
tion of the blood within the body, resulting in boils, or
small carbuncles containing pus, which soon break and
discharge. All of this is accompanied by sympathetic
fever, (typhus so called) gradual and progressive in its
character, till the blood and tissue of the body are no
longer fit for the purposes of life, and the animal dies an
exhausted and miserable object, in from a few days to one,
two and three weeks from the time of attack.

Causes. Certain conditions of the air and earth, as heat
and moisture, cold and dryness; contagion. These may
be called the exciting causes; something still being wanted
in the system of the animal to form the predisposing cause
—as debility, and a low standard of general health. In-
deed, the conditions which sometimes exist in, and form
pleuro-pneumonia, are capable of producing contagious
typhus. I am borne out in this opinion by Jessen, who
among the discordant opinions and theories of Europe, has
declared the disease to be associated with pleuro-pneumonia.
Dr. Greenhow also says that contagious typhus existed
side by side with pulmonary disease in England, in the
middle of the last century. Why theorize then any fur-
ther, for it is so plain that those who run can read, that
veterinary surgeons, politicians and notoriety hunters have,
at the expense of the suffering farmers of Europe, con-
tinued to perplex and puzzle too long? The same has
been attempted in Pennsylvania, and other States of the
Union, even in cases of simple sporadic pleuro-pneumonia
in milch cows, whereby, with a power of metamorphosis
far outstripping that of Publius Ovidius Naso, the one
disease has, as if by the wand of the magician, been con-
verted at once into that of another.

Symptoms. We are told that the disease has its period

i
314 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

of incubation, varying from four to fourteen days. This
is simply nonsense. Where is the repeated incubation in
cows when affected with pleuro-pneumonia? Nowhere,
but in the minds of men who know nothing of pathology.
Is incubation to be taken for blindness, and ignorance for
science and education? It may be asserted, with equal
truth and justice, that the condemned culprit, or rather
suspended animation, can date the period of incubation
from the time of condemnation, however long that may be
before the moment he is launched into eternity. The
weeping eye, the acrid drop from the imner corner of the
nostrils, together with slight rough sounds from the wind-
pipe, will tell the intelligent and scientific observer that
something is wrong, and all this can be told from twelve
to twenty-four hours from the time of attack. Where,
then, is the period of incubation? Echo seems to answer,
where? The husky cough, with dullness and prostration,
follow the weeping eye and nostril. The back is arched,
appetite and rumination irregular, the rigor and the chill
tell that blood poison is present, and suppuration is going
on as a remedial and natural measure, to get rid of the
foreign or poisonous matter in the blood. The breathing
soon becomes labored, the heat of the body is variable,
while the skin and hair look unhealthy, and fever gets
high. If the mouth and nose be examined, eruptions and
sores will be seen; and these sometimes extend to the feet.
All the foregoing symptoms are now speedily followed by
discharges, from the nose and eyes, of pus streaked with
blood. Salivation and diarrhoea supervene, together with
stupor, and all the phenomena of approaching death. In
this disease, as in pleuro-pneumonia, cows heavy with
calf or otherwise debilitated, die sooner, and do not bear
up so well as animals in better condition. The intelligent

TYPHUS CONTAGIOSUS BOUM. 315

and careful reader cannot fail to see several prominent and
important symptoms common alike to this disease and
epizootic pleuro-pneumonia, (which see.)

Treatment. The correct method of treatment is at once
apparent from the nature, symptoms and post-mortem,
or appearances after death. All taken somatically and
considered, amount to this, that the animal is affected with
fermentation of the blood, consequent upon inflammation
- and deterioration of the fibrous, serous tissue of the body,
accompanied with fever of a typhus type. Then the first
thing to be done is, to build up the system and arrest
fermentation by the elimination or neutralization of the
zumin, leaven, or ferment. For this purpose then, order
the following powder: Powdered carbonate of ammonia,
one ounce; powdered sulphate of iron or copper, three
drachms ; powdered gentian root, half an ounce; powdered
ginger root, half an ounce; mix, and make one dose.
Give one dose of this powder morning and night. In the
middle of the day give one ounce of sulphite of soda daily.
The animal must be fed well and in a generous manner,
but not by any means to arrest digestion by over feeding.
Such, then, is about the plan I would recommend for the
cure of contagious typhus in cattle. I would add how-
ever, or take from, just as the indications appeared. Thus,
I would have them daily inhale for an hour sulphurous
acid gas. For the manner of using it, see Horse and Cattle
Medicines in this book.

The treatment here offered will cure a major part of all
affected. The number will depend upon the condition of
the animals, whether they are cows and with calf, or are
debilitated animals, ete.

English Treatment. Professor Gamgee, the great veteri-
narian says, little can be done beyond purging the animal,

316 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

etc., and adds that all treatment appears futile. Now the
word “appears,” in this case, implies a doubt. Scientific
men should be more emphatic and particular in the words
used. If there is any one remedy to be avoided in this
disease of cattle, it is purging or physicking. Will a dose
of physic cure blood poison, build up the system, and arrest
typhus? The person who says so is certainly not fit to
give an opinion on this particular subject. Out of many
evils, choose that which is the least; that is, restore the
digestive functions with carminatives and tonics, and not
physic; remove the cause of the derangement, and the
effects will cease—but do not take the bull by the horns,
or beard the lion in his den. A Mr. Dobson devotes
nearly ten pages to the subject, and winds up with the
following words: “ We trust we have said enough to give
our readers a fair idea of the nature and consequence of the
Rinderpest.” Mr. Dobson has not, as he seems to think,
given either the true nature or pathology of the disease ;

and has not gone so far as Mr. Gamgee, for he has not

even so much as hinted that there is a dose of physic in
existence. His article, however, has proved one thing,
and that is, that a man can write much about what he
really does not understand. ‘The treatment, according to
Mr. Moore, the veterinary homceopathist, is nearer the right
kind than any English author I have heard of; but
Mr. Moore, to be successful, will have to throw his injfin-
itesimals to the dogs, and increase his doses. There are
other authors of less note, but all follow in one beaten
track, from which there seems to be no variableness nor
shadow of turning. The minds of Englishmen all follow
in one direct line of march, and will continue to do so with
a bewitchment similar to that which shut out the truth
from the foolish Galatians.

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VAGINAL CATARRH. 317

Prevention. As has already been stated, it is a contagious
disease, and to prevent its spread, isolation, or separation
will have to be adopted.

Epizootic influenza in the horse, and pleuro-pneumonia
in cattle, took twenty-one years to travel from Europe tc
the United States. Now, should contagious typhus in
cattle travel at the same rate, we may expect to hear of it
atanytime. This disease broke out in England, in June,
1865, and in one year it destroyed two hundred and fifty
thousand, eight hundred and seventy-five (250,875,) head
of cattle. About thirty-three thousand, two hundred and
thirty-five (33,235,) recovered ; all the others died, or were
killed to prevent contagion, and spread of the disease. To
enter into a history of this disease would take up more
time and space than can be afforded, and would only be a
rehearsal of what is already recorded in regard to the
visitation upon English cattle in 1865. For an English
history of this disease in all parts of the world, the reader
is referred to a work of eight to nine hundred pages by
Professor Gamgee, published in London. In this work
much printed matter is discernible, but there is a great
scarcity of information. Parliamentary reports, an Order
from Privy Council, letters, editorials and suggestions
that had been contained in the London Times, together
with the reports and actions of the International Veterinary
Congress, held on the Continent of Europe, go to make up
this large book.

Udder Diseases,—(See Garget.)
Urine, Bloody.—(See Red Water.)

Vaginal Catarrh.—A disease in old cows a few
weeks after calving. It resembles, and is treated the same
as Leucorrhea, (which see.)

318 DISEASES OF CATTLE,

Varicella Boum.—(See Chicken Pox.) |
Vertigo,—(See Stomach Staggers and Hoven.)

Warbles.—The product of the cestrus bovus, or ox fly,
from having deposited its ova or egg in the skin. It isa
disease peculiar to the summer months, and is characterized
by tumors varying in size from a grain of corn to that of a
hickory-nut.

Treatment. Squeeze the tumor and the larva is forced out.

Water in the Chest.—(See Pleuro-pneumonia.)

Whites.—(See Leucorrhea.)

“Worms.—(See Hoose.)
Womb.—(See Falling of the Womb.)

~ DISEASES OF SHEEP.

For the fol-
lowing Essay on
the Diseases of
Sheep, Dr. Rob-
ert McClure was
7S awarded a medal
2 and diploma by
the United States

‘ ‘\ Agricultural So-
: PIM SERS . ciety :

The diseases of sheep which are laid under contribution
are :—irst. Those that are the most frequent and destruc-
tive, therefore of the greatest interest and concern to the
sheep farmer. Second. Those in which treatment and
preventative means can be employed with profit and suc-
cess. Third. Those the pathology of which has been in a
measure or entirely misunderstood, therefore wrongly
treated, and the preventative measures neglected or mis-
applied.

These diseases will embrace a large number of maladies
that have been treated of separately in the work by the
late Wm. Youatt as independent affections, when literally
a great many diseases alluded to by this indefatigable
writer are but different degrees and conditions of the same
morbid phenomena.

319

320 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

I would here say it is a pleasure to think that some
addition has been made of late to the stock of veterinary
knowledge as regards this useful animal, and I trust that
the time is proximate when the good sense of American
farmers will demand that a knowledge of the diseases and
general management of sheep shall form a prominent
feature in the education of the veterinary surgeon.

Braxy-Enterites,—(Inflammation of the Bowels.)—
Inflammation of the bowels is commonly known by the
unmeaning name of “ Braxy.”* It is a disease of more
frequent occurrence among this class of domestic animals
than any other I know of, chiefly affecting young sheep in
their first year, and in cold and stormy weather, and
exposed situations. It is not unfrequent when sheep have
been feeding on turnips in the winter season, to find in the
morning, after a cold, wet night, as many as a dozen, out
of a few score, dead, dying, or affected by this disease.

Symptoms. ‘They will be observed to be very restless ;
lying and rising; resting on one side, and then on the
other; walking up and down as if looking for a place to ©
lay down, but can find no place to suit. 3

Treatment. Give castor oil, two ounces; calomel, five
grains; laudanum, two drachms; molasses, two ounces;
beat up with an egg, and as much warm water as will be
sufficient for a small drench, to be poured out of the stroupe
or pipe of a common tea or coffee pot. Repeat this in half
doses every six hours.

* Sheep affected by this disease are generally on the turnip field,
and in good condition. If so, and the animal is very sick, never at-
tempt to cure; as in most cases death will take place before medical
agents (be they ever so well directed) can take effect. Therefore, it
will be the better plan to cut the neck, letting out the blood, thereby
saving time and trouble, and preserving the mutton in good order.

HYDROCEPHALUS HYDATIDEUS. o2l

Prevention. In stormy weather, and when they have
been feeding upon turnips, particularly where fenced in,
remove them to pasture a little elevated, and as sheltered
as possible from the storm, until the weather improves,
and the turnip or other fields become drier ; place common
or rock salt in covered troughs, which will tend to keep
their bowels open. Salt is a good laxative for cattle and
sheep.

Diarrhea.— Treatment. Powdered opium, two grains;
powdered gentian and powdered ginger, one drachm each ;
mix. To be given in an infusion of linseed, and repeated

if necessary.
Hydrocephalus Hydatideus, Sturdy, etc.—A

singular disease; a very prevalent and fatal one, if left to
run its course; so much so, indeed, that in France alone,
no less than one million sheep die yearly, or are destroyed
by this pest of the ovine race. The symptoms by which
this disease is accompanied are as follows: In the com-
mencement, the animals will be observed to stop in the
midst of their grazing, and then start away in a gallop
over the field. ‘They seem at times to be utterly uncon-
scious of where they are, separating themselves from the
rest of the herd. By-and-by they become dull, and have
a peculiar staggering gait. If there is a brook or rivulet
within their reach, you are almost sure to find them
standing by it, apparently becoming giddy, not unfre-
quently tumbling in, and thus being lost. They lose flesh,
the countenance becomes haggard, and subsequently, the
animals thus affected commence a rotary motion, going
round and round in the same direction, with the head
inclined to the same side of the body. Now it almost
ceases to feed or ruminate, as it cannot restrain the rotary

322 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

motions, and is becoming rapidly blind. Death generally
ensues from starvation. |

Veterinary writers and agriculturists have differed very
materially as to the cause of hydatid, some attributing it
to certain poisonous plants—but these have never been
pointed out; others considering it a species of serous apo-
plexy, and others still contending that it arises from local
weakness of the brain, etc., etc. Autopsical examinations
have, however, proved it to arise from a different cause,
viz.: Cenurias cerebralis, or hydatid in the brain, found
floating in a serous fluid, contained within a sac or bladder,
thus constituting Sturdy, Gid, Turnsick, ete. It attacks
sheep from the sixth to the eighteenth month.

* Certainly the most common cause consists in the lamb
or young sheep picking from the pastures the ova or larve
of the tenia solium, which infests the shepherd’s dog. If
Echinococcus, polymorphus or vetrinorium, be swallowed
by the dog, they are developed into tape-worm, with but
few serrations. The minute ova are gathered and swal-
lowed with the food of the sheep or lamb, and are taken
up from the surface of the intestines. They find their way
into the blood, and finding a convenient nidus among the
loose textures of the brain, are there deposited. Nature
sets to work and encloses these foreign bodies in a mem- |
branous sae, so that otherwise they may not produce fatal
consequences, and in the short period of three months they
are found to have reached the size of a filbert.

Conversely, if these hytatids are swallowed by the dog,
they are developed into tape-worms. Hydatids may be
prevented in sheep by curing or preventing tape-worms in
other animals, especially the dog. As before mentioned,
hydatids only affect young sheep, and spring from the ova

* Findlay Dun.

HYDROCEPHALUS HYDATIDEUS. 323

of the tenia. Herds managed without dogs are found to
be quite free from the disease. However, dogs may be used
with impunity when the sheep are upwards of eighteen
months old.

Treatment. (The following is from the Practical
Farmer, by the present writer.) The treatment of this
infection, until lately, has been varied, barbarous, and
cruel; one practising and recommending the cutting and
pulling out the ears, and another of hunting the poor ani-
mals with dogs, and, if possible, running them over some
precipice, frequently maiming or killing them. A strong
knitting-needle forced up the nostrils has long been used,
with occasional success; but a small case of instruments,
consisting of four pieces, is much better and safer, and,
if properly used, will cure from seventy to eighty sheep
out of a hundred thus affected, and can be used by any
intelligent shepherd or farmer with perfect safety. In
operating, observe carefully the side to which the sheep
turns, as it invariably turns to the side of the skull which
is affected, and which must be first operated upon. Secure
and tie fast all the four feet, and place the animal ona
table. Let your assistant sit down on the end of the table.
Clip away all wool from the brow, sides, and crown of the
head. Ascertain, by the fingers, if the skull yields on
pressure at any particular spot on the side to which the
sheep turned: if so, shave the wool from the soft part.
Use first the instrument with the adjusting screw, its use
being to prepare for the other, it being made a little wider
than the trocar, with canula, so that the silver may not be
broken in piercing the bone. Care, however, must be taken
_ to stop when the point is fairly through the skull: this is
easily ascertained. The guard must then be screwed back.
This done, take it out and insert the trocar and canula in

324 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

the same hole, until past the split in the silver canula;
then withdraw the trocar, leaving the canula sticking in
the head, when the water will be forced from the hydatid,
showing that it has been pierced. Put the point of the
syringe into the canula, and draw out repeatedly, emptying
each time until no more water will come out, or the cyst,
has been drawn into the canula, which now withdraw,
taking care that the skin of the hydatid be caught hold of
by the forceps, which the operator should have ready in
his hand. Having removed the hydatid, leave the mouth
of the wound open, only placing a piece of clean rag as a
pledget over it, as water will escape for a day or two.
Put on the angular hood to keep the cloth and padding in
their place, and secure it by worsted ties. Care must be
taken, if the sheep has not been able to eat for some days,
that it get a bottle of gruel before operating, as the less
disturbance it is subjected to for some hours after the
operation the better, the brain taking a little time to adjust
itself to the cavity that has been made by the removal of
the hydatid. Neither must the sheep be put on too rich
pasture, as on recovering they are apt to take too much
food, which may cause inflammation in the head. Mark
well the side that has been operated on, as it very fre-
quently happens that there are more hydatids than one.
In a week or two, if the sheep be observed turning to the
opposite side, secure it a second time, and proceed as before.
There are occasionally more than one or two in the same
subject, and at the same time. Indeed, I have known as
many as five, and not one of them less in size than the yolk
of an egg. But two are quite common, one on each side
of the brain, nearly under the seat of the horn. Occasion-
ally there is one behind the first lobe of the brain, which
is also easily taken out.

PARONYCHIA OVIUM. 325

Louping Ill.—Zabes Dorsalis—Phrenitis. In every-
day language this is properly called inflammation of the
brain. Youatt, in his work on sheep, has been at the
trouble to write out no less than six different diseases, all
of which might have been treated under this head, being
essentially the same in character, cause, and effect. It
is characterized by extreme dullness, followed by ex-
citement and madness. In horses, these symptoms continue
for about two days; but in cattle and sheep, much longer.
The seat of the disease is the pia mater, or the vascular
internal membrane of the brain, which is found after death
to be rough and yellow, with extravased lymph and serum
at the base of the brain.

Treatment. Give croton oil, six drops; syrup of ginger,
one tablespoonful ; in a little gruel, so thin that it will run
from the tea-pot. Apply cold water or ice to the head,
and see that the poor animal does not hurt itself against
the wall or fence.

The causes of this disease are sometimes the result of
injury to the head. It also arises from other than external
injuries, the principal of which are exposure to cold, and
a powerful sun in an exposed situation. But the most
common causes are the eating from the pasture poisoning
plant, or weeds, as the atropa belladonna, (deadly night-
shade,) conium maculatum, (common hemlock,) cicuta
virosa, (water hemlock,) delphinium staphysagria, (staves-
acre,) felis foeomina, (female fern,)—all of which, if taken
in sufficient quantity, will produce disease in the brain.
I could easily swell the list of poisonous plants, but it is
not my intention to include in this work information of so
unimportant a character.

Paronychia Ovium,— Foot-rot. This disease has

326 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

been more prevalent within the last thirty years than.

previous to that time, which is accounted for to some
extent in the varieties and breeds of sheep and in the
increasing number. So much is this so, that farmers can-
not find highland pasture sufficient for them, and they are
brought down and put on moist lowland pasture, where
they can find plenty of food without travelling much;
hence, the growth of horn is more than the wear, or the
supply more than the demand. Subsequently the horn
becomes over-grown and turns upon the sole, and bruising
the sensitive structures, earth and sand soon find their way
into the cavities produced, causing inflammation of the
lamin, lameness, and secretion of fetid pus.

Causes. As before stated, it results from an increased
supply of horn which turns up from the toe, pressing upon
and irritating the sensitive structures of the foot.

This affection of the feet is almost certain to follow the
removal of heavy bred sheep, such as the black-faced
Cheviot and Southdown, from their native and upland
pastures to rich meadow and arable lands. Their native
walks being rough and rugged—the grass not so plenty,
which insure the sheep walking over a large tract of land
in order to procure their food—hence the waste and supply
of hoof is balanced.

Treatment. Whenever the sheep is observed to go lame,
it must be caught and the feet examined. Remove all
filth and sand; then cut off every loose and unsound
portion of horn with a stout pocket knife, and apply the
following to the sore parts: Oil of turpentine, two ounces ;
sulphuric acid, half an ounce; olive oil, one ounce; mix.
To be applied with a small piece of sponge or cloth on the
end of a stick; or a goose feather will answer very well.
If sores occur on the digital space (divisions) or elsewhere,

PSORA. 327

they should be touched with nitric acid or a little of the
old butter of antimony, (terchloride of antimony,) by means
of a feather. These appliances should be continued twice
weekly, or as often as is necessary, until a change for the
better takes place.

Prevention. To prevent this disease, the growth of horn
must be kept down; and if the sheep are on soft land,
they must be examined every month, and the superfluous
horn must be cut off. Some shepherds advocate driving
along a hard road to wear the hoofs; I do not recommend
such a course, as it does sheep a great deal of harm. The
better way is to drive them into a sheepfold and examine
their feet.

Draining and liming the land very often puts a stop to
foot-rot; the drainage to harden and dry the land, the
liming to remove the soft, mossy herbage which is a great
cause of the disease in sheep. It is not contagious in
sheep ; but in cattle, occurring in connection with murrain
or vesicular epizootic, it is deadly contagious.

Pneumonia,—Treatment. Nitre, one drachm ; digitalis,
twenty grains; tartar emetic, twenty grains; mix. To be
given in linseed tea, once per day, in inflammation of the
lungs, common cold accompanied with fever, or any disease,
that is necessary to arrest the inordinate action of the heart.

Psora.—Scabies—Scab. When a sheep or flock of
sheep are affected with scab, which is-easily known by
their continually standing by the fence and rubbing posts,
scratching, and tearing the wool off their back and sides,
they will scarcely ever be seen grazing or lying down
quietly and remasticating their food, as is the case with
sheep in perfect health. This disease in sheep is the same
as mange in horses, dogs and cattle; and it is the result of

828 DISEASES OF SHEEP,

the attacks of minute insects, or mites (acari) burrewing
in the skin, producing great irritation and itching, and
manifesting itself in small pimples, with dryness, scurfiness
and baldness of the skin. ‘This disease is contagious ;
therefore, to prevent the spread of the infection, the healthy
must be separated from the diseased sheep. Keeping sheep
clean, and occasionally washing in the summer season, in
a great measure prevents a suitable nidus for the acart,
and diminishes the prevalence of scab. Before putting
healthy sheep on the same pasture, it will be necessary to
wash all the rubbing posts with the solution of the chloride,
or common lime, which will literally burn up the virus.
To make the impossibility of infection doubly sure, (neat
cattle and cows are as liable to take it as sheep) the best
plan is to take a crop of hay and turn it over for a crop of
corn, or any other purpose.

Treatment. The object to be attained in curing this
disease is the destruction of the acari, which is necessarily
the same in all animals; but in sheep the material used
must be in a fluid form, so as to penetrate the wool.

The following is both an excellent cure and preventative
of scab in sheep: R. Acid Arseniosi, lbij; Sulph. Ferri,
lb. cev; Aque, cong. lxv. Translation.—Powdered arseni-
ous acid, two pounds; sulphate of iron, two hundred and
five pounds; water, sixty-five gallons; mix. Boil until
the fluid is reduced to one-third, and then add as much
water as has been lost by evaporation. This preparation
is the celebrated “ Bain de Tessier,” so highly prized in
France. The. following will answer the same purpose,
which will not stain the wool, as it contains no sulphate
cf iron, and will, no doubt, be preferred by many to the
preceding one on that account: Arsenious acid, two pounds;
sulphate of zinc, ten pounds; water, sixty gallons; mix.

PSORA. 329

Prepare as the foregoing one. Each of these valuable
sheep-dipping mixtures are sufficient to cure and dip one
hundred sheep.

The way sheep-dipping mixtures are sometimes used is
far wrong, as was the case in the celebrated sheep-poisoning
ease at Burton, England, where the animals were driven,
immediately after their bath, containing twenty ounces of
arsenic, twenty ounces of soda-ash, and two ounces of
sulphur, to their pasture, with their wool saturated with it,
and consequently dripping from the wool on the grass that
the sheep were just eating.

The improved plan in dipping sheep is: First. The
solution or the mixture is to be put in a tub, or other
vessel, sufficiently large to allow the sheep (except the
head) to be immersed in it, without the mixture running
over the sides of the tub or vessel. Second. When the
sheep is taken out, it must be placed in another tub or
vessel, and the liquid pressed from the wool, and returned
again into the dipping vessel. Third. The sheep must
be kept enclosed in a sheep-fold, or other sufficiently airy
place, where there is no food of any kind that a sheep will
eat, until the wool is perfectly dry.

Several of the veterinary professors of the Edinburgh
veterinary colleges, after the above sheep-poisoning case
occurred, instituted a series of experiments to prove
whether arsenical baths were dangerous, and if sheep could
be poisoned by immersion therein. The following is the
result of their experience. (“ Edinburgh Veterinary Re-
view” for April, 1859.)

First. That the immersion of sheep whether sound, or
suffering from scab, with extensive eruptions or “ foot-rot,”
with free exposure of the vascular structure of the feet,
in arsenical solutions, varying in strength, is unattended

330 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

by prejudicial effects, and proves salutary to the diseased
animals.

Second. That the congregating of sheep after dipping,
where food is not allowed them, is unattended with danger;
and I can distinctly testify to the absence of all risk from
sheep licking each other.

Thwd. That all sheep having remained damp from
twenty-four to thirty-six hours after being dipped, cuta-
neous absorption of arsenical solution might have been
going on rapidly during the prolonged period in which the
sheep continued wet; but no unfavorable symptoms ensued,
_ —indeed the reverse.

Fourth. The absence of the slightest change in health,
or of the manifestation of symptoms which usually ensue
on the administration of arsenic to the lower animals, even
in medicinal doses by the mouth, leads us to infer that if a
minute quantity of arsenic, in solution, can penetrate the
system of a sheep by absorption by the skin, it is quite
insufficient to develop the physiological action of the
compound.

Fifth. A solution of arsenic is not more readily ab-
sorbed from limited abraded surfaces than from the healthy
skin, owing probably to the arsenic acting as an astringent
on the sores, and rendering the latter as impenetrable,
probably, as the uninjured skin. This remark does not
apply to large wounds. |

Siath. It appears impossible to poison sheep by bathing
them in arsenical solutions, provided the liquor is not
introduced directly or indirectly into the stomach by the
mouth. By the direct means of introduction of the con-
stituents of a “dripping mixture” in the stomach of a
sheep, is meant making the sheep swallow the liquid whilst
being bathed; and by the indirect means is implied the

ROT. 331

penetration of arsenical solution into the stomach by food
poisoned by the liquid dropping from the bodies of the
sheep, the wool of which has not been pressed, or from a
number of sheep injudiciously congregated over food they
subsequently eat.

Seventh. Arsenical solutions, whether weaker than ordi-
nary dipping mixtures, or much stronger, are likewise
incapable of being absorbed by the skin of sheep or man.

Eighth. Sheep will partake of grass and other food
which has been smeared or soaked with an arsenical solu-
tion, notwithstanding the presence of soft soap and soda.

Arsenical baths and mixtures are not only used for
the cure and prevention of scab, but are the most highly,
and, I think, justly valued preservatives of the fleece of
sheep, and are a protection to the propagation of man
parasites. |

Rot—Cachexia Aquosa.—Chlorosis. The very name
of this disease is a terror to many sheep farmers who have
suffered and lost so much by it. It is so destructive
amongst sheep, that it is estimated that in the rainy winters
of 1829-30 two million sheep died or were destroyed by
this disease alone. It again made its appearance in Great
Britain during the very wet years 1852-53. The symp-
toms by which this disease can be detected in its early
stage are very latent; but if there are suspicions of this
disease, it can readily be detected by the color of the
mucous membranes, or the fauces of the mouth; the ap-

-pendages of the eye being of a pale yellow; the animal

costive, and the urine of a high color, thus indicating
disease of the liver. As the disease is more advanced
there is little difficulty in coming to a true and proper
diagnosis of the case, as all the muscular fibres assume a
uniform yellow brown color, and the wool has a matted

382 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

and dry appearance, and subsequently the muscles waste,
and digestion is impaired, and at length the animal dies in
from two to four months. Where a flock of sheep do not
thrive and acquire fat and flesh on good feed and pasture,
something must be wrong, and the sooner it is found out
the better, as they may have acquired the disease before
they were bought. The better way would be to have one
of the worst ones brought in and destroyed, and then have
a thorough examination, which will set everything to rest,
and point out the line of duty which is open to be pursued
in the treatment and prevention of the disease, ere it be too
late to do good.

It is very frequent in wet seasons, in wet and undrained —
lands, and is characterized by an enlarged and softened
condition of the liver, and accumulation of the common
fluke (distomum hepaticum,) in the biliary ducts and gall
bladder.

Post-mortem appearances show most clearly the nature
and extent of the disease, as before mentioned. There is
found a large number of these flukes in the liver, and that
organ very much enlarged, soft, and flabby; the bile and
all the serous fluids are of a yellow color, and, on account
of the debilitating nature of the disease, a large quantity
of the exudative matter is found in the belly and chest.
There is one appearance that will never deceive: the liver
is not of that pale and, I would say, cooked appa
which is usually nhecaied after ordinary “ Hepatitis ;”
but in most cases is all covered with livid spots not unlike —
the mottled appearance of the lungs of cattle that have died
of epizootic pleuro-pneumonia. In a word, the liver is the
only true seat of this disease.

Cause. The cause of this disease, until lately, was often
a surmise and supposition. Then the question arose, why

ROT. 333

it has been a precept with careful shepherds not to let the
sheep graze on dewy grass, or wet and marshy land?
Why the dew and wet land was considered so dangerous
none could tell, and least of all the bucolic guardian.
Although unable to give a reason why, he could aver and
prove that it was so. The rational conclusion is, that
many creatures pass the early portion of their predatory
existence in the bodies of one species of animal, and their
maturity in another. Their eggs are deposited in the
former, but are not developed until expelled and cast upon
the earth or manure-heap to shift for themselves.

They lie on the smoking dung-pile or such places, and
far away from the sheep, in which they can find food and
develop themselves. The rain washes them into the earth,
or they are carried to the fields with the manure. The
humidity serves to develop them; they fix themselves
upon the moist grass, and with it these tiny enotozoa are
carried into the stomachs of the sheep. Once there, their
work is soon accomplished.

Treatment. The successful treatment of this disease
embraces particularly that of prevention. As before men-
tioned, it is chiefly caused by wet and damp pasture
lands—hence the proposition for their restoration will be,
First, their removal to a high and healthy pasture, giving
them hay and nourishing food, such as a little bruised oil
cake, or linseed-meal, and placing covered troughs in the
field containing rock, or common salt, which sheep are
very fond of licking, and which moreover regulates their
bowels, and gives them an appetite for food and water.
Second, give each sheep epsom salts, two ounces; oil of
turpentine, one ounce; pulverized ginger, half an ounce.
To be given in half a pint of molasses-water, to be followed
up with tonics, if they are found necessary. The following

334 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

will answer a good purpose: Sulphate of iron, in powder,
ten grains; gentian, in powder, thirty grains; ginger, in
powder, thirty grains. To be given in linseed-meal gruel
once a day fora few days. It is the experience of almost
every sheep-farmer, and sometimes too dearly bought,
that to place sheep on wet and marshy land, even for a few
days, is certain to generate this disease, notwithstanding
the animals may have been in perfect health prior to his
placing them there. Before placing sheep on pasture
where there is access to any bog or marsh, it will amply
repay the time and trouble to fence it in; or have sufficient
sheep-drains opened through it six months before any sheep
are put on it.

Sheep-drains are wide, and not filled up with tiles or
stones, but left open. The shepherd can find time to keep
both the sheep in order, and the drains clean of rubbish,
except in the lambing and clipping season.

Sheep Laurel, Poisoning by.—Kalmia. A shrub,
the leaves and young twigs of which sheep and lambs are
very fond, and when eaten by them to considerable quan-
tity gives rise to a disease called hoven or impaction of the
rumen, accompanied by a staggering gait, sleepiness, and
inability to walk.

Treatment. To be successful must be timely as well as
energetic, with a view to arousing the power of the stomach,
and for this purpose two drachm doses of the spirits of
ammonia may be given in a tumbler full of cold water once
in the hour, till three or four doses are given; withholding
the medicine when the animal recovers, though one dose
only has been given.

Small-pox.— Variola Ovina. Fortunately this disease
has as yet been confined to Europe, and more especially

SMALL-POX. 335

the continental portion, where it may be said to be never
absent. In France and Italy it occurs frequently, and
causes much loss and destruction. England was visited
with it in 1847, when it was communicated to a flock at
Datchett, and another at Pinnar, by some Merinoes from
Spain. In 1862 it again occurred, but this time very
suddenly, and in a very severe form among the flocks of
Wiltshire; for which re-appearance neither infection nor
traceable contagion could be assigned as the cause. The
light shed upon it makes it appear to be an instance of
the origination of a more malignant type of variola ovina,
Such is, in fact, assigned to this disease in Africa, it being
well established that certain injurious atmospheric influ-
ences produce skin diseases and facilitate the appearance
of pustular eruptions. From the nature of the disease in
its being produced both by atmospheric causes and conta-
gion, it soon assumes an epizootic form, and causes more
destruction than any other malady affecting this useful
animal, Out of a flock of 1720, ninety-two were attacked
in a natural way, of which fifty per cent. died. Of eight
hundred inoculated cases, only thirty-six per cent. died.
The mortality from this disease is never less than twenty-
five per cent., and not unfrequently whole floeks have
been swept away, death taking place in the early stages
of the eruption, and others in suppurative and ulcerative
stages.

Symptoms. These may be mapped out as follows: The
animal is seized with a shivering fit, succeeded by stupidity,
which remains till death or recovery takes place. On the
second or third day pimples are seen on the inside of the
thighs and arm-pits, accompanied with redness of the eyes,
complete loss of appetite and other symptoms which are
common to other diseases of the same animal.

836 DISEASES OF SHEEP.

Prevention. Two plans are resorted to for the purpose
of preventing the spread of the affection, which promise a
certainty of success. ‘The first and best plan is, isolation
and destruction. This plan proved a great protection to
the sheep farmers of Wiltshire, in 1862. In well known
epizootic diseases, where individual cases occur and are
pointed out and well recognized, as soon as the fever sets
in, and before the eruptions appear, they should be slaugh-
tered at once and buried. The loss of one or two sheep is
nothing to the consequences of the spread of a disease of
this kind. By doing so the disease has been known to
be confined to a few cases in a large flock.

Treatment. In treating this disease, resort has been had
to a plant called sarracenia purpura, Indian cup, or pitcher
plant, which is used for treating this disease in man by
the Micmac tribe of Indians in British North America.
(See Horse and Cattle Medicines in this book.) Take
from one to two ounces of the root, (dried if to be had)
and slice it in thin pieces; place in an earthen pot; add
a quart of cold water, and allow the liquid to simmer
gently over a slow, steady fire from two to three hours, so
as to lose one-fourth of the quantity. Give of this tea or
decoction three wine-glassfuls at once, and the same quan-
tity from four to six hours after, when a cure will generally
be effected. Weaker and smaller doses are certain preven-
tives of small-pox, whether in men or animals. The public
are indebted to Dr. Norris, Physician to the Halifax (Nova
Scotia) Dispensary, for the manner of preparing this highly
important article. Sulphurous acid gas will be found
useful in small-pox. For manner of using, see Horse and

Cattle Medicines in this book.

HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES,

It was re-
marked by one of
South Carolina’s
learned sons, who
has long and
honorably filled
the chair of The-
rapeutics in the
Jefferson Medical
College of Phila-
delphia, “ Give
sme mercury,
iodine, quinine
and the lancet,
and I will com-
bat with disease.”
Without alto-
gether endorsing the views of the distinguished professor,
either in the choice or numbers of medicines he thinks
necessary, or sufficient to cure disease, I would say, give
me aconite, iodine, iron, mineral acid, soda, creosote, and a
few others, and I will not only combat, but successfully
cure and overcome disease.

Every article in use by myself in the treatment of dis-
eases will be described under the name by which it is best
337

MEDICINE CHEST.

3838 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

known. No attempt will be made to describe adulterations
in the drugs spoken of. Many useful plants containing
high curative properties are to be found all over this
country, which will be well worth special attention.

Acids.—These are derived from the mineral, vegetable
and animal kingdoms, and are of a sour taste—hence the
name acid. Some acids are solid, others fluid, and all are
easily dissolved in water. Acids are mostly poisonous,
except when highly diluted, or mixed with water.

Acetic Acip.—This acid is eight times stronger than
ordinary vinegar.

Use. Sometimes used in sprains, and for the destruction
of the poison of insects, by adding one ounce of camphor to
four ounces of the acid.

Pyro.tienEous Acip.—This is gotten by the distilla-
tion of wood, and sometimes sold in a diluted form as
white vinegar. It is used with salt by horsemen for sore
backs and shoulders. 3

Mortiatic Acip.—This is commonly called the spirit
of salt. |

Use. A good tonic in debilitating diseases in horses and
eattle, and can be advantageously employed in pleuro-pneu-
monia in cattle, for it relieves the quick breathing, and
keeps up the strength.

Dose. Forty to sixty drops given largely diluted, or
mixed with cold water, and repeated three to four times in
the day. _

Externally, it is used for sores in the feet of horses, by
pouring a few drops in the nail-hole or sore. ‘Ten drops
poured into the fistulous openings of poll-evil, or quittor in
the foot, daily, sometimes cure the disease.

Nirric Acrp, or Aqua Fortis.—This, given properly,

ACIDS. 339

and largely diluted, is an excellent tonic, and 1s used for
the same purpose, and in the same doses as the preceding.

SuLpHuric Acip.—Possibly this acid is preferable to
any other of the acids for internal use, in weakness and
debility. It is given in from forty to sixty drop doses,
also largely diluted with water. Horses and cattle will
usually drink water, when acid is in it. In all kinds of
fevers, sulphuric acid is an excellent medicine to give. In
mixing it, the acid is to be added to the water, not the
water to the acid.

Prussic Acip.—A highly dangerous poison. There
are two forms of this acid kept in the drug stores.
Scheels’ contains five per cent., and that of colleges about
two per cent.

Use. Given in locked-jaw in the horse with considerabie
success.

MINIMUM, OR DROP MEASURE. GRADUATED MEASURE,

Dose. Half to one drachm once a day. If the korse be
young, half a drachm will be enough. Two drops to the
ounce of water is an excellent wash to the skin of all
animals, in mange and inveterate itching. Great care,
however, must be exercised in its use, whether internally
or externally. It is sold under the name of hydrocianic
acid.

Acontre,— Aconitum Napellus— Wolfsbane—Monkshood,

340 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

An active poison, and one of the garden plants vf parts of
Europe. ‘The tincture is that portion which is used in
diseases of horses and cattle.

TINCTURE OF ACONITE Root.—One of the most power-
ful, certain and successful sedatives which can be used. It
has done away with bleeding, blistering and physicking,
which were formerly thought proper agents wherewith te
combat and cure disease. It is not only sedative, but it is
a nauseant, calmative, anodyne, stimulant, diaphoretic and
antiphlogistic. It controls fever, and allavs pain and in-
flammation ; and is the only medicine, excepting hellabore,
which can excite the horse, the ox, or the elephant, to
vomit. Although these animals cannot vomit, it is the
one to cause them to make the effort. If, according to the
founder of homeopathy, mercury was a divine metal, ne
less surely may aconite be considered a divine vegetable ;
for without it, or something as good, what can be so suc-
cessful in curing lung fever, founder, inflammation of any
part of the body, colic from eating green food, and fever
accompanying cattle diseases of whatever kind? Nothing
controls the circulation and action of the heart so promptly
as aconite. The nervous centres of the body are no less
ready to obey its action. Hence, its value in allaying
fever, irritation, excitement and pain, from whatever cause.

How to use it. Aconite should never be carried too far,
or prostration and weakness will follow. Never give
more than eight doses, when twenty drops are the dose,
nor more than six doses when twenty-five drops are the
dose. Or, in other words, never, in any disease, give more
than two drachms, or one hundred and twenty drops,
whether the dose has been ten, twenty or twenty-five
drops. In pleuro-pneumonia and other diseases, iron and
the mineral acids should follow aconite.

AMMONIA, o41

Alcohol.—Spirits of wine entirely free from water, and
i. used for making tinctures of the various plants. It is
the foundation of many lotions and liniments. Alcohol
may be given to horses having a chill, in half pint doses,
mixed with a little warm water, not too hot.

Aloes.—This is the expressed juice of several plants
of same name. Aloes are of several varieties: Barbadoes,
Socotorine, Cape, and Hepatic—all of which differ in
color, and some of them in strength. Barbadoes and the
Socotorine are the varieties kept in the drug stores.

Use. Aloes is used as a purgative, or cathartic, for
horses only. Cattle do not respond to aloes, nor is ita
proper internal medicine for those animals.

Dose. From six to eight drachms, made into a bolus, or
ball, with two drachms of powdered ginger, and molasses,
to cause them to stick together.

Tincture of aloes is an excellent application to a healthy
sore. In the form of a compound tincture, which is com-
posed of aloes and myrrh, it is preferred, by some persons,
to the simple tincture.

Alum.—A compound salt, containing sulphuric acid,
potash, and alumina.

Use. It is applied to sores, to arrest bleeding, and in the
form of burnt alum, is used to touch indolent sores, which
are not disposed to heal quickly.

Ammonia,—Liquid ammonia is commonly called spir-
its of hartshorn.

Use. A diffusable stimulant, and is given in cases of
flatulent colic. Formerly it was in much repute among
farriers, mixed with oil, as a liniment, but it is not now
considered of much value, and is apt to blemish.

342 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

Dose. 'Two drachms to half an ounce, as an anti-spas-
modiec, in flatulent colic.

CARBONATE OF AMMONIA.—A highly valuable medi-
cine, when given in weakness, debility, and prostration,
from influenza, lung fever, bronchitis, ete.

Dose. From two drachms, to half an ounce, which may
be repeated three times in the day, and should be given,
mixed in cold gruel, so that the latent, or hidden heat, will
not be developed, as it would be, if given in anything
warm, thereby scalding the throat while drenching.

MuRIATE OF AMmMONIA.—This possesses the same
properties as the above, but is not so strong.

ACETATE OF AMMONIA.—Is made extemporaneously,
by dissolving the carbonate in strong acetic acid, till
effervescence ceases; then, adding water to it, till it is of
the strength of ordinary vinegar.

Use. An excellent form of ammonia when given in
weakness and debility. Indeed, ammonia, and its several
preparations, need only to be used, to convince of their
utility, in supporting the vital powers, and thereby curing
disease. |

Anesthetics.—Medicines which induce insensibility.

Aniseed,—A warm carminative, and used in conjunc-
tion with fenugreek, and cardamoms, in weed, and fevers
in milch cows, and for he ria and loss of appetite in
horses.

Dose. For horses and cows, one to two ounces, given
three times in the day.

Anodynes.—These are medicines which allay pain.
(See Aconite, Opium, Morphia, Chloroform, and Ether.)

Antimony.—A metal. Many preparations of anti-
mony are kept in the drug stores.

343

BALANCE WEIGHING ONE GRAIN TO A FEW OUNCES.

TARTARIZED ANTIMONY.—This is commonly called
Tartar Emetic, and was formerly relied upon in the
treatment of lung, or chest diseases in horses, and cattle;
but, to the great surprise of the knowing ones, recent
experiments have shown that tartar emetic has no sedative
effect whatever, upon horses, cattle, sheep or, other herbivo-
rous animals. Pounds of tartar emetic have been given
to horses, cattle, and sheep, without any effect, excepting
increasing the appetite a little, and having no effect upon
either the respiration, or circulation, whatever. Therefore,
tartar emetic we will leave to the dogs and to man.

Tartar emetic ointment is sometimes recommended, to he
applied to the region of the kidneys, where the Spanish fly
dare not be used.

TER SULPHURET OF ANTIMONY, OR BLACK ANTIMONY.
—This is a favorite, with many horsemen, for making a
horse shine.

344 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

TER CHLORIDE OF ANTIMONY.—This is a useful medi-
cine for diseases of the feet of horses, cattle, and sheep ; it
owes its properties to hydrochloric acid. It is commonly
called, by old farriers, buttyre of antimony. In foul claw,
in cattle, and sores in the feet of horses, a piece of cotton
should be moistened with it, and laid upon the sore.

Antiseptics,— Medicines which arrest decay, and
putrefaction.

Antispasmodics.— Medicines capable of relieving
spasms, as in colic.

Areca Nut.—An effective cure for tape-worm in the
dog.

Dose. About two grains of the nut, to every pound of
the animal’s weight, and given in the form of a pill, or
aspended in milk.

Arnica Montana,—Leopard’s bane.

TINCTURE OF ARNICA.—A valuable remedy for sprains
and bruises. <A lotion is made as follows: Tincture of
arnica, one ounce; water, two ounces. Cloths, kept wet —
with it, should be laid on the part which is sore.

Arsenic,—A well known poison.

Use. A splendid tonic, improving health, condition, and
wind of the horse. |

Dose. When given once a day, five grains will be a safe
efose, for an ordinary sized horse. If given twice a day,
two and a-half grains will be enough.

Arsenic should be given mixed in feed, in large bulk,
such as cut feed, so as to protect the stomach as much as
possible, whilst at the same time reaping its advantages.
These doses should be continued at least for two weeks,
stopping at that time for one week, and commencing again

ASTRINGENTS. 345

as wore. This will insure safety, with the benefits of the
arsenic, and an improved condition in both wind and body.
In Switzerland, and other parts of the world, arsenic is
relied upon for the cure of heaves in the horse.

FowLer’s SoLUTION OF ARSENIC.—Made as ordered by
the colleges, contains four grains of arsenic, to the ounce of
the solution, or fluid.

Asafcetida,—This is a gum-resin, having a smell like
vnions. Asafcetida is a stimulant and vermifuge, and is
given to horses for loss of appetite, and to produce a fine
silken coat upon them. It is given to dogs, to expel
worms. Dose, for the horse and the cow, two drachms,
and for dogs, ten to twenty grains.

Tincture. Where the stimulant effect is wanted, the
tincture is a good form, and is given in about the same
doses as the gum, for all animals, |

Asarabacca.—This is used in horses where matter is
lodged in the nares of the nose, and it is desirable that
it should be brought down; and also in sheep and calves,
with fahria bronchi, or worms in the air passages. For
horses, blow a drachm up each nostril, out of a cone of
paper, taking care that the person does not inhale it
himself. For a flock of sheep, or a number of calves,
confine them in a close shed, with sufficient air, and throw
a considerable quantity among them, so the animals will
inhale it. Sneezing and snorting take place, followed by
mucous, and small worms, from the nose. This action is
called errhine.

Astringents.—Medicines which are capable of drying
up discharges, whether from the bowels, or from a sore.
The principal medicines of this class are opium, tannin,

eak-bark and chalk.

346 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES,

Atropine.—The active principle of Belladonna.

Belladonna,—Atropia Belladona.

Belladonna is used in veterinary practice for the same
purposes as opium, but is to be preferred to opium on
account of its having no binding effect on the bowels.
The extract is the preparation used, and is prescribed in
all animals, for colic, rheumatism, coughs, sore throat,
bronchitis, influenza and locked-jaw. Doses, half a drachm
to forty or fifty grains, dissolved in half an ounce of the
sweet spirits of nitre, and repeated three times a day, in
the diseases above mentioned. In diseases of the eye, it is
considered valuable, as it has the power of contracting the
iris of the eye, thus causing enlargement of the pupil, and
breaking up adhesions between the iris and the lens. It
also facilitates operations on the eye.

Benzoin.—A gum-resin, the tincture of which is known
as the old Friars Balsam, and is an excellent application
for sores, and unhealthy ulcers.

-Benzole.—This is a watery carbon, and is obtained
from coal tar. It is used to destroy lice, and other insects
in the skin of all our domestic animals.

Bismuth, Subnitrate of.

Use. For dogs when affected with vomiting, and purging.

Dose. Five to fifteen grains, given on sugar; may be
repeated.

Bole Armenia,—Formerly in great repute among old
horse doctors, for many diseases of all the animals, and it
entered into almost every mixture. It is useless.

Borax—Or Biborate of Soda. A good application
for ringworm, for which purpose dissolve half an ounce of
borax in eight ounces of water.

CALCIUM, OR QUICKLIME. 347

Bromide of Potassium.

Use. For arresting the growth of fibrous tumors so eften
nret with in all animals.

Doses. For horses and cattle, from one to three drachms,
and for dogs, five to ten grains, repeated three times in the
day, for a considerable period.

Buckthorn,—A syrup is made of the berries, and
kept in the drug stores, and is recommended as a mild
purgative in dogs having distemper.

Calamine,—An impure carbonate of zinc. Oxide of
zine should be used or substituted for it. Used in the
healing of wounds, both in powder and ointment.

Calcium, or Quicklime.

Use. Lime is used in indigestion and acidity in all
animals; in tympanitis in the horse, in hoven in cattle, and
in the form of lime-water. Mixed with linseed oil in
equal quantities, it makes the celebrated Carron oil, so
called from its constant use among the men employed in
the Carron Iron Works, when any of them get burnt.
Lime-water and calomel make the yellow-wash, and corro-
sive sublimate, and lime-water, make the black-wash, so
highly recommended in unhealthy, and in ill-conditioned
ulcers and sores. It is used as a disinfectant in stables
and barns. 7

Dose. Quicklime is given to horses and cattle, in from
one to two drachms. Lime-water is given in five ounce
doses to horses and cattle. For calves with diarrhea,
two ounces of lime water, a drachm of powdered gentian
root, and from three to five drops of the tincture of
aconite root, given three times a day, is an excellent
remedy.

348 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES,

Calomel.— Chloride of Mercury.

Calomel should be rarely used in horse and cattle prac:
tice, from the fact that animals are not so subject te
scrofulous diseases, and liver complaints, as man is, and as
these are the diseases chiefly calling for calomel, we can in
veterinary practice do without it, so far as internal use is
concerned. For external application, in the form of the
black and yellow-wash, it is valuable. Calomel sprinkled
on unhealthy ulcers and sores is valuable, quickly changing
their appearance. Calomel is sometimes used in thrush of
the foot of the horse, inserted into the cleft of the frog.
In cattle with foul claw, and in sheep with sore feet, it can
be used to great advantage. A dog can take as much
aloes as will kill a man, but a man can take as much
ealomel as will kill several dogs.

WEDGEWOOD MORTAR. WEDGEWOOD MORTAR.

Camphor.— Use-——Camphor is a slight stimulant, fol-
lowed by calmative effect. Hence, it is recommended in
eases of irritation, and nervous excitement, and enters into
all mixtures used in cases of chronic cough. Three to five
grains of camphor, and extract of belladonna five grains,
rubbed down in a little whisky or alcohol, and mixed in
three ounces of water, is an excellent remedy in allaying
irritation in dogs having distemper. An excellent rubi-
facient can be made with camphor, one ounce ; acetic acid,

CARBOLIC ACID. 349

No. 8, four ounces. To allay irritation in a sore, camphor
and sweet oil is a good application.

Doses. Camphor is given to horses and cattle, in from
two to four drachms, repeating the dose three or four times

a day. .
Cantharides.—(See Spanish Fly.)
Capsicum,—(See Pepper.)

Carbolic Acid.—This is the product of coal tar, and
was formerly known to the scientific world as phenile or
phenic acid, but is now generally known as carbolic acid.
Its smell resembles that of creosote, which is carbolic acid
and a fixed oil, and is very offensive to most persons. Its
form is that of an acid solution, though sometimes sold in
erystals. Its great importance is due to its property of
coagulating the albumen of the animal tissue, and hence
its value in sores, wounds, and ulcers. It may be applied
with safety to all parts of the body or legs, and is invalua-
ble for destroying lice, wood ticks, and all forms of parasite
life, and by merely washing or moistening those parts of
the legs and bodies of horses, cattle, and sheep, and chosen
by the bot, horse or other flies to deposit their eggs, their
hatching or even deposit may be prevented.

As a disinfectant in stables and buildings affected with

fevers and all kinds of distempers, it was found extremely
serviceable in England, in checking the ravages of the
rinderpest by washing the floors and stalls; and adding a
tablespoonful of the solution of the acid to a bucketful of
water, in whitewashing the walls and ceilings.

External Use. For sores and wounds, when unhealthy,
a good application may be made by adding one drachm
of the acid to one pint of water. This will destroy all

350 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

putrefaction, and induce the wound to take on a healthy
action.

Cardamoms.—tThe seeds of a plant.

Use. Given to milch cows in case of loss of appetite, and
fevers. Generally it is united with fenugreek, ginger, or
gentian root, mixed in warm ale, or molasses water. This
mixture will cure ephemeral or fevers of a day’s duration,
when other medicines have failed.

Dose. One to two ounces.

Caraway.—The seeds of a garden plant, and used for
the same purposes as the preceding.

Carbonate of Lime.—A chalk which is sold in the
drug stores under the name of creta preparata, or prepared —
chalk.

Doses. For horses and cattle, one to two ounces is the
dose. For calves, two to three drachms, given in wheat-
flour gruel, with a drachm of ginger, or caraway seed, for
curing diarrhea.

Cascarilla,—The bark of a tree.

Use. A bitter tonic, and resembles in some particulars
that of quinine.

Doses. For horses and cattle, one to two ounces, mixed
in gruel.

Castor-oil.—The expressed oil of the seeds of the
Ricinus Communis.

Use. However useful castor-oil may be as a purgative
in the human family, it is certainly a dangerous poison
when given in sufficient quantities to induce purging, in
either the horse, cow or sheep. It produces irritation, and
inflammation of the coats of the bowels, without relief from

purging.

CHARCOAL. 35)

For the dog, castor oil may be a proper and useful
purgative; and for the pig, also. Aloes, and linseed oil,
is the purgative for the horse; epsom, or glauber salts,
for the ox, and the sheep. Whatever suits man, as a purge,
will answer for the dog and pig.

Cassia.— False Cinnamon. Much cheaper than cin-
namon, and may be given to horses and cattle, in powder,
mixed in gruel, for loss of appetite.

Dose. One to two ounces, for horses, or cattle.

Catechu.—An extract from a species of acacia.

Use. An astringent, binding the bowels in diarrhea, and
is used in combination with chalk and opium.

Dose. For horses and cattle, two to five drachms. For
sheep and swine, one to three drachms. For the dog, ten
to twenty grains.

For superpurgation in horses, and cows, my favorite
combination is as follows: Catechu, two to five drachms;
prepared chalk, one to two ounces; powdered opium, ten
to thirty grains; mix, and drench with wheat-flour gruel.

Chalk.—(See Carbonate of Lime.)

Chamomile.—The flowers of anthemis noblis.

Use. A very mild tonic, possibly too much so for the
horse or cow. We have better ones, although, perhaps,

not so well known.

Charcoal. — Occasionally given to cows, in chronic
diarrheea. :

Dose. Half an ounce to one ounce, given suspended in
gruel, of any kind. Externally, charcoal is very valuable,
when applied to badly smelling wounds, and ulcers. It
immediately corrects the fceter, and rapidly disposes them

oO HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

to heal. Charcoal and brewers’ yeast are good cleansers
of putrid sores, and ulcers, and are worthy of more exten-
sive use.

Chenopodium Anthelminticum.— Wormseed. An
excellent remedy for worms in dogs. Drop from two to
five drops of the oil in a little soup, or give from ten to
twenty grains of the bruised seed, for four successive
nights, and then follow with a dose of castor-oil.

Chlorine Gas,—Chlorine gas is prepared by pouring
hydrochloric acid on the black oxide of manganese, also
by heating sulphuric acid with common salt and the man-
ganese.

Use. This gas is a disinfectant, and for this purpose
it 1s made and used as follows: Take an ounce or s0
(depending upon the size of the place to be disinfected)
of black oxide of manganese, and hydrochloric acid of
sufficient quantity, carry them to the place where they are
to be used, pour the one into the other, and close the doors,
having first removed all the animals out of the place. A
spirit lamp, placed under the bottom of the vessel holding —
the materials, will insure a greater volume of gas. (Ree
Disinfectants.)

Chlorine, when sufficiently and properly used, is consi-
dered to be of great advantage in arresting the ravages
of glanders, farcy, and other distempers in the horse, of
pleuro-pneumonia and contagious typhus in cattle, and
small-pox in sheep. It is to be hoped that farmers gene-
rally will provide themselves with proper apparatus for
this purpose. It will not cost above three dollars, and
consists of a small lamp with a stand so formed that a
small glass bottle, commonly cailed a Florence fiask, can
sit right above the blaze of the lamp, while from its wide

CHLOROFORM. 353

and open mouth issues the disease-healing, and health.
restoring gas.

Chloric Ether.—Chloroform, dissolved in spirits of
wine.

Chloride of Potassium,—lIs similar to chloride of
soda, or common salt.

Chloride of Lime.

Use. As a disinfectant, from its antiseptic, and deo-
dorizing effects, and is an excellent stimulant to unhealthy
ulcers. Chloride of lime has been highly recommended in
tympanitis in the horse, and hoven in cattle, arising from
eating wet clover.

Dose. From two to four drachms, given, mixed with
cold water.

As a disinfectant it may be sprinkled on the stable o1
barn floor every morning ; but a good way would be to
suspend it in a box having many small holes in it and
hung from the roof of the house. If the house be large,
two or more boxes may be used.

Chloroform.— Terchloride of Formyle.

Use. Chloroform is an excellent stimulant, when given
to horses having a chill, or shivering fit, from congestion,
or from cold, and is equal to turpentine, for the cure of
colic. An excellent liniment is made, by adding one ounce
of chloroform to two of olive oil.

Dose. Chloroform is given to the horse and cow, in
doses from one to two drachms, mixed in weak whisky,
and repeated every two or three hours, or till the colic is
relieved. .

Inhalation. The inhalation of chloroform, by either
horse, or ox, ig attended with risk, provided the animal be
not secured, or tied, so that it cannet get loose; because

23

354 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

some horses and cattle become completely wild, when the
effects of the inhalation commence to act upon the brain.
On the other hand, some horses will quietly stand up,
others as quietly will lay down under it.

Two to four ounces are sufficient to produce anastheesia,
or loss of sensibility. The usual way of giving chloroform
by inhalation is, by pouring about two ounces of chloroform
on a soft and moist sponge, whilst the animal is tied down,
and holding the sponge to one nostril only, covering the
nose loosely, with a large towel, to save the fumes of the
chloroform, using great care not to exclude the admission
of pure air with the fumes of the chloroform.

In all operations lasting any length of time, whether in
the horse or the cow, humanity and fine feeling demand
the outlay for a little chloroform. It is not necessary to
completely destroy all feeling—just sufficient to blunt the
sensibility of the nerve centres.

Cholagogues.—Medicines which increase the flow of
bile.

Examples: Calomel, podophyllin, irridin, leptandrin, etc. —

Cinchona.— Peruvian, or Jesuit Bark. There are sev-
eral barks of cinchona, used in medicine, and from which
the sulphate of quinine is made. Cinchona, or its barks,
are not used in horse and cattle diseases.

Quinine is the only preparation used ; but its high price
is against its general use, in veterinary practice. Among
valuable horses, it is frequently used to hasten recovery
from influenza, lung fever, ete.

Dose. Twenty to forty grains, repeated from three te
four times a day.

Quinine is apt to be adulterated with arsenic, as proved
to be the case with many samples used during the late war.

COLLODION. 355

Cochineal.—An insect used as a dye for coloring
tinctures and other medicines for the purpose of deception.
Druggists color water with it, for filling the show bottles
usually found in their store windows.

Cod Liver Oil.—In all animals, cod liver oil increases
fat and flesh. In diseases affecting digestion and assimi-
lation cod liver oil can be of no use. It materially
relieves broken wind or heaves in horses. For hastening,
or forcing animals intended for show, cod liver oil is just
what is wanted, as it not only hastens the fattening process,
but increases the quality and appearance of the meat.

Dose. For swine, two ounces daily. For small pigs,
one ounce.

Colchicum.— Meadow Saffron. The seeds and root are
the parts usually employed in medicine, sometimes in
powder ; but the best is in the form of tincture.

Use. Given in all rheumatic affections of the joints, and
in lumbago, and also in diseases of the eye of the horse,
depending on rheumatism of that organ.

Dose. Of the crom or seeds in powder for horses and
cattle, the dose is from one to two drachms, given in the
animal’s feed twice in the day, for a week or two. The
wine of colchicum will answer for the dog, in from five to
fifteen drop doses, twice a day in a little water.

Collodion,.—This is a solution of gun-cotton.

Use. Collodion is used for dressing wounds and cuts,
instead of sticking plaster, and is applied in the following
manner: Clip the hair from the edges of the wound, take
a camel’s hair pencil, or a soft brush, and paint the surface
and edges ef the wound well, and in a few minutes, the
ether, which holds the gun-cotton in solution, evaporates,
leaving over the sore a complete covering, resembling the

356 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

gold-beater’s skin, thus completely shielding the sore from
the action of the air. Hence, its value.

Copper, Sulphate of.—Blue Vitriol. This is one of
the most useful articles that can be used in horse and cattle
diseases, both internally and externally. Internally used,
sulphate of copper is a powerful tonic and builder up of
the system, and is recommended in all diseases character-~
ized by a low state of the system. Farcy, glanders,
purpura, etc., in the horse, have, in several cases, yielded
to its effects. Sulphate of copper should never be given
alone, but should be combined with gentian or ginger.
After the fever has passed off in cases of pleuro-pneu-
monia, the sulphate of copper is an excellent medicine to
support the vital powers, and prevent effusions in the
chest, which is the cause of death, in most cases, from this
disease. :

Dose. In horses and cattle, one to three drachms are the
proper doses, given twice in the day.

The external use of the sulphate of copper is often called
for as a caustic in wounds and sores growing proud flesh,
which are readily controlled by it, simply by touching
the parts with a piece of the crystal in powder, or in
solution.

For diseases of the eye, I think it has no superior. For
this purpose, use three grains of the powdered sulphate to
an ounce of rain water, and apply with a soft feather, or
what is better, a camel’s hair pencil.

For wounds which have no proud flesh in them, eight
to ten grains to the ounce of water is a good and cheap
application. —

CopPER, ACETATE OF.—This is used only for sores in
the form of an ointment. ‘Take of the acetate or verdigris

DIGITALIS. 357

one drachm, and add to it an ounce of the simple ointment.
I have known sores to heal from its use, which have bid
defiance to almost every other application.

Coriander.— The Seeds. This is a useful article, and
may be considered an excellent medicine for young calves
having weak stomachs. ‘The bruised seeds should be
given, in two drachm doses, in the milk which is given to
the calf. :

Creosote.—This is a peculiar smelting fluid derived
from tar. Creosote has had the credit of curing glanders
in man, and is a good remedy in pleuro-pneumonia in
cattle, but we have better ones, and not so costly. Cases
of farcy and glanders in the horse are greatly benefited by
its use.

Dose. For horses and cattle, use from one to one
and a half drachms, made into a mass, with flour and
molasses, and the whole crumbled down into some gruel.
Make a drench, to be poured down the throat.

As an external remedy, it is of great advantage in mange,
sores, ulcers, caries of the bones, canker, thrush in the
horse’s feet, and the foot-rot so troublesome in sheep.
Indeed, the more the virtues of creosote are known to
farmers, raisers and breeders of stock, the more will it be
valued and the greater will be the advantages derived
from it. (See Prescriptions.)

Croton Oil.—A dangerous medicine when improperly
used, but a useful one nevertheless, when hasty action of
the bowels is wanted, as in milk fever in cows.

Dose. For the cow ten to fifteen drops, given along with
epsom or glauber salts.

Digitalis.— Digitalis Purpura. The action of this
powerful medicine has been much sought for as a sedative

358 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

in lung diseases; but since we have become acquainted
with the superior qualities of aconite, digitalis is not now
worth keeping in the veterinary Materia Medica. More-
over, digitalis is a dangerous medicine, from the fact that
it accumulates in the system, for a time, and all at once,
its effect is manifested in the weak action of the heart, so
that in many cases, the heart ceases to beat altogether.

Doses. For horses and cattle, twenty grains of the pow-
dered leaves.

Disinfectants.—I have, in two portions of this book,
referred to the importance of a better acquaintance on the
part of farmers and stock raisers with this subject.

VOLATILE DISINFECTANTS may be divided as follows:

1. Chlorine.

2. Nitrous acid fumes.

3. Sulphurous acid.

These diffuse themselves through the air of stables and
barns, and neutralize the poisonous gases which are given
off from the excrement of animals, whether in health or
disease. :

FrIxED DISINFECTANTS.—These are such as can be
mixed with the excreta and decaying matter, without
destroying them for manure.

1. Perchloride of wron.

2. Permanganate of potash.

3. Gypsum—Sulphate of lime. This is not a great one,
but it is useful.

4. Charcoal. This, in fine powder, should be thrown
into damp stables and barn-yards, as it will not only re-
move unpleasant smells, but will make good manure.
Refuse tan bark, and other vegetable substances, made into
charcoal, is cheap, and of great utility as a disinfectant,
and adds to the quantity and value of the manure.

ELM BARK. 359

Frxep, sut Noxious DisInFEcTANTS.—These are dis-
infectants which, when mixed with manure, render it
valueless as such.

1. Chloride of Zinc. (Burnet’s Disinfectant Fluid.)

2. Nitrate of Lead. (Ledoyer’s Disinfectant.)

3. Sulphate of Copper, and Zine Solution. (Larnaudes.)

Chlorinated Soda Solution may be mixed with manure,
without destroying its qualities as such.

Chloride of Lime. Solid, or in powder, does not destroy
the manuring qualities of vegetal, and other materials
usually converted into manures.

Diuretics.— Medicines, which, when given to animals,
increase the flow of urine. They are used in cases of
swellings and dropsies of the body and legs of horses.

Elecampane.—Jnula Helenium. The root of this plant
is highly thought of, and much used, by horsemen, in
coughs and colds. Some make a tea of it, or decoction,
and give it to the horse to drink. It is certainly a warm
and grateful aromatic, and a good expectorant. The plant
should be gathered when the seed is ripening.

Elm Bark.—Slippery. This bark, when scalded with
hot water, makes a useful poultice for irritable wounds,
ulcers, and sores. A decoction of the bark will answer
every purpose for which flaxseed, or linseed is used, or
recommended, as in diseases of the kidneys, and bladder,
produced by the use of Spanish fly, and from over-dosing
with rosin, and other diuretics. In diarrheea, in all ani-
mals, slippery elm tea, or decoction, will serve a good
purpose, by sheathing the covering of the bowels, which
is so apt to become irritated and inflamed in violent

superpurgation.

360 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

Emetics,—Medicines which produce vomiting. Horses,
cattle, and sheep cannot vomit, whilst the stomach remains
entire. In cases of rupture of that viscus, however, vomit-
ing is occasionally seen. Emetics are useful in diseases of
the dog, and swine. Tartar emetic, or sulphate of zine,
given in from two to five grain doses, will cause dogs and
swine to vomit.

Epsom Salts.—Sulphate of Magnesia. This is a valua-
ble medicine, in diseases of cattle and sheep. No other
purgative should ever be thought of, or given to either
cattle or sheep. Even supposing other purgatives to be as
good, none, certainly, can be so cheap, as epsom and
glauber salts, or the sulphate of soda. For all purgative
purposes, the one is as good as the other. Salts should be
largely diluted with water; for the quantity of fluid given
with them, facilitates their operation. In domestic prac-
tice, half an ounce of salts, in one tumbler full of water,
will operate as strongly as one ounce, in half the quantity
of water.

Doses. For ordinary sized cows, one to two pounds is ©
the dose, mixed with four quarts of cold water; one ounce
of ginger in powder, and the whole sweetened with molas-
ses, or coarse sugar. For average sized calves, two to four
ounces; for sheep, four to six ounces. A few drops of
commercial sulphuric acid—say twenty to sixty drops, will
greatly remove the nauseous taste.

Ergot.—Diseased Rye. This is a curious, as well as a
valuable medicine.

Use. In the calving, lambing, and foaling season, it is
sometimes of great service, but should be carefully handled ;
as, for instance, if given to any animal about to deliver her
young, and when the mouth of the womb containing the

EUPHORBIUM. 361

young is not sufficiently opened, the administration of this
remedy would be attended with extreme danger, as the
womb, by the powerful contraction set up, caused by the
ergot to expel its contents, would likely be ruptured, or
torn, followed by the death of the animal. When the
animal seems to have exhausted its strength, and the
passage is open, and the young is coming in a natural way,
then only should the ergot be given. If there should be a
malformation in the young, or in the pelvis of the mother,
it would be equally unwise to give ergot.

Doses. For a mare, or cow, half to one ounce of the
powder is the dose. For sheep, swine, and large sized
bitches, one drachm is the dose. Small bitches, ten to
thirty grains.

Essential Oils.— Volatile Oils.—{See Oils.)

Ether.—Sulphurie Ether. This is a valuable article of
the veterinary materia medica, and is used in diseases of
all the animals.

Use. It is used as a stimulant, and is given in weak-
ness, fevers, and in colic, as an antispasmodic. Ether is
scarcely strong enough to produce anasthesia in horses and
cattle. —

Dose. For horses and cattle, one to two ounces is the
dose as a stimulant, and antispasmodic. Ether should be
given in cold water, to prevent its volatilization on its
exposure to the air. Twice its own volume of alcohol
added to it makes the spirit of sulphuric ether.

Euphorbium,—A resinous juice, expressed from a
eactus-like vegetable which grows in Morocco.

Use. This is only used for external purposes, and is
among the very few articles in veterinary medicines capable

of blistering the thick skin of the ox.

362 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

Expectorants,—This is a class of useful medicines,
which cause a separation of the mucus from the throat, and
air passages, thereby relieving cough and other symptoms
usually attendant upon throat diseases.

Febrifuges,— Medicines capable of relieving fever.

Fenugreek,—The seeds of this annual plant, found
erowing in the south of Europe, is a useful cattle medicine,
given in one ounce doses, for loss of appetite, ephemeral
fevers, etc. It is usually, however, combined with ginger,
gentian, and other medicines of that class.

— Fern.— The Male—Aspidium Feliz Mas.
Use. Given to animals affected with worms. A good
remedy.

Doses. For the horse, one pound of the root in powder
is the dose. For sheep, three to five ounces. For the dog,
with tape worm, it is invaluable, destroying the worm in
two hours. A purgative should be given next day.

Friar’s Balsam,—This is the compound tincture of
benzoin, and is an excellent article when applied to sores
and wounds, as the fluid soon evaporates, and leaves a
resinous covering over the wound, thus shielding it from
the action of the air. (See Benzoin.)

Galbanum.—A dried juice, having medicinal properties
similar to asafoetida.

Galls.— Nut Grails. These are rough excrescences on
oak trees resulting from holes being made in the bark by
an insect. :

Use. A powerful astringent, binding the bowels of all
animals affected with dysentery and diarrhea. Also a
good application to the greasy heels of horses.

Doses. For horses and cattle, powdered galls are given

GINGER. 363

in from four to six drachms. For sheep and swine, thirty
to sixty grains. When externally applied the powdered
nut may be sprinkled on the sore.

Gallic Acid.—(See Tannin.)
, Gamboge.—This is a gum resin from a tree growing in
‘the Island of Ceylon.

Use. A useful purgative for cattle. (See Epsom Salts.)

Doses. For cattle, six to eight drachms is the dose.
For sheep, thirty grains, given in solution; should be
given with other medicines of the same class.

Gentian Root.— Gentiana LIutea. This is an invalua-
ble medicine in the treatment of diseases of horses and
cattle, where the appetite is to be restored and kept up.
In debility, weakness, swellings of the legs and body, and
where the stomach is out of order, as is the case so often in
fevers, and as a sequel to debilitating diseases, gentian,
combined with iron, is an excellent tonic, and cheap.
Gentian, combined with ammonia and pimenta berries,
will make a horse eat almost whether he will or not.

Doses. For horses and cattle, half to one ounce is the
dose, repeating it three times in the day. For sheep, one
drachm. For dogs, five to ten grains. For horses and
cattle, it is best given mixed in gruel, and in a drench out
of a strong necked bottle. Gentian root should enter into
all condition powders.

The colleges order a tincture to be made, but the powder
is all that is wanted in the treatment of horse and cattle
diseases.

Ginger.—Zingiberis. A well known root, and a useful
article to have in the house.

Use. Ginger is given in cases of gripes, or colic,
whether in horses or cattle, and should enter every dose

364 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

of purgative medicine given to all the animals. Ginger is
useful in loss of appetite in horses, and in calves is an
excellent medicine to give with chalk, and other things, in
scours, or diarrhoea.

Doses. For horses and cattle, one to two ounces is the
dose; for sheep, two drachms; for calves of three
months old, one drachm, and for younger ones less. The
essence of ginger, of the drug shops, is well adapted to use,
as the active principle of the ginger is given without so
much inert or dead matter.

Glauber’s Salts.—Sulphate of Soda. A good purga-
tive for cattle and sheep. (See Epsom Salts.)

Glycerine,—A fluid which scarcely ever dries up, and
is the saccharine principle of fats. Bower’s glycerine is
the best in the American market, and is inodorous, or
without smell, which is the best indication of its purity.

Use. Many sores on all animals readily heal by the
application of glycerine, especially seratches, and sores
about the heels of horses. Glycerine will be found in-
valuable for the use of companies, in all our cities, having
horse railroads, where the authorities allow the use of salt
on the streets, for the removal of snow. The slush so
formed first chills, then scalds the skin of the heels, so that
in a short time the skin cracks, and nasty sores are the
result, which are difficult to cure. To prevent this con-
dition of things, and to protect the heels of horses from
the injurious effects of the salt and slush, the application
of glycerine should be made to the heels morning and
mid-day, whilst the salt, slush and snow are upon the
streets. :

Guaiacum,—This is a resin.
TINCTURE OF GuUAIACUM.—A valuable medicine in

HEMP. 368

cases of rheumatism in old horses, and in rheumatic lame-
ness in dogs.

Dose. For horses, the dose of the tincture will be half
an ounce twice in the day, given in cut feed, or in a drench
with cold water. For dogs, ten to twenty drops, given in
a spoonful of cold water or soup.

Gum Arabic.—Gum Acacia. This is an importation
from Alexandria, in Egypt. There are several varieties
of gum.

Gum Senegal.—This is similar to the above.

Gum Tragacanth, —This is another variety of gum.

Use. The gums are demulcents, emollient and soothing
to an inflamed part, as the bowels in diarrheea, the kidneys
and bladder, when diseased and irritated.

Doses. For horses and cattle, from one to two ounces.
For calves and sheep, four drachms. Gum should be
given, dissolved in warm water, and drenched out of a
bottle or ox horn.

Hartshorn.—This is an impure solution of ammonia.
(See Ammonia.) |

Hellebore.— Hellebrosus Niger.

Use. Recommended in poll-evil, wherein a piece of the
root is to be inserted in the fistulous opening. No depend-
ence should be placed in it. Better agents are at hand.

Hemlock. — Conium Maculatum. Formerly recom- .
mended in inflammation. It is of benefit in the form of a
poultice to cancerous sores.

Hemp, Indian.— Cannabis Indica. The colleges order
a tincture and an extract. In the east of Europe, the
resin of the plant is known as churrus, and its preparations
are known as gunjoli, bang and hachish. According to

366 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

the accounts which have reached us, in regard to the use
of this article, no such action can be produced upon man
from any preparation of the hemp in use in America, as is
represented to be produced amongst the subjects of His
Majesty, the Sultan of Turkey. The genuine preparations
of Indian Hemp produce in man great excitement, high
spirits, great laughter, talkativeness, pleasing thoughts, and
a great appetite for food and sexual excitement, followed
by sleep, from which the person recovers without any
unpleasant effects. Experiments instituted by the writer
with this medicine upon horses, do not warrant its intro-
duction into the list of horse and cattle medicines.

Henbane. — Hyoscyamus Niger. An extract and a
tincture is ordered to be kept in the drug stores. Hyos-
cyamus is indicated in all cases where belladonna is used.
It has, however, little effect upon animals chewing the
cud. To horses, it is occasionally given to relieve cough
and irritation of the throat or windpipe.

Dose. For horses, one to two drachms of the extract
is the dose, which should be given, rubbed down in a little ©
cold water, and repeated several times in the day. Better
drugs, and less expensive ones, answer a better purpose.
This medicine was formerly relied upon for the cure of
insane persons, but is now almost discarded for that
purpose. ;

Iodine.—A chemical preparation manufactured from
kelp or sea-weed and used both rightfully and wrongfully
in many diseases. However, iodine itself is, I think, of
little value as a medicine; but when united chemically
with iron, copper, mercury, lead, arsenic and potassium, it
certainly is one of the most useful and indispensable of
medical agents, given internally, and applied externally.

IODIDE OF POTASSIUM. 367

Dose. Iodine is given to the horse and the ox in from
twenty to forty grains; for dogs, use from three to six
grains. An ointment of iodine is made as follows: Take
one part of iodine to eight parts of lard. This is a good
ointment to apply to soft swellings on the body of the
horse, and should be applied by rubbing with the hand.

Iodide of Potassium.—Aydriodate of Potash. This
is a chemical union of potash with iodine, a costly remedy
for horse and cattle diseases, and in most cases can be done
very well without. Its action is that of an absorbent, and
it is, therefore, used in swelling of the glands, and other
parts of the body. To get its full benefit, it should be
given in syrup or molasses, so that the iodine will not be
lost, leaving the water only behind.

Dose. From twenty to thirty grains for horses and
cattle, repeated three times in the day. For the dog, five
grains.

(1.) IopmpE or ArsEenic.—Highly recommended by
some persons for glanders, farcy and purpura in the horse.

Dose. Five grains given once a day, in cut or mixed
feed.

(2.) IopibE oF CoppEeR.—A valuable remedy, but
costly. It should be used only for valuable horses, in
eases of debility and loss of condition, mingled with cut or
mixed feed.

Dose. From one to two drachms, given twice or three
times in the day.

(3.) IoprpE or Iron.—This is even more valuable than
that of the iodide of copper, and is given for the same
purpose, and in the same doses. To use the iodide of iron
once, will insure its use again. Its high price is the only
drawback. Iodide of iron enters into the powders and

368 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

balls which are given to the English race horses, whilst in
the trainer’s hands ;—a high recommendation.

(4.) lopipE or SuLpHuR.—A valuable remedy in
mange, and other skin diseases, which may be given
internally also, in the same disease. |

Dose. For horses, give two to four drachms in the
animal’s feed. For mangy dogs, give ten to fifteen
grains once a day. Give it at night, as warmth assists its
action very much.

(5.) loprip—E or Leap.—Too weak for veterinary prac-
tice, but excellent for swellings on the body of man. It
is only used externally. Iodide of lead is of a beautiful
yellow color. 3

(6.) IopipE or MERcuryY.—Bin-Iodide of Mercury—
Red Iodide of Mercury, etc. This preparation of iodine is a
medicine that the educated veterinary surgeon cannot do
without in the practice of his profession; for there is
nothing which will so well meet his wants. Iodide of
mercury is not used internally, in any disease, as calomel
contains the same internal action as that of the iodide. :

Use. It is used in all cases of induration and swelling
of the glands of the neck; tumors, whether of bone or soft
tissue ; splints, spavins, ring-bones, wind-galls, shoulder-
joint lameness, or thoroughpin, and will answer well for
an ordinary blister, for whatever purpose. The only
objection to it, as a blister over an extensive surface, is its
painful operation.

The iodide of mercury is used as an ointment as follows:
One part of the red iodide of mercury to eight parts of
hog’s lard, well mixed together. This ointment is to be
well rubbed into the parts to be cured; swelling will
follow its action, but will subside in a few days, if one
application be enough—which will be known, if tae

IRON. 369

enlargement has been broken or has disappeared. If not,
apply in from five to six days again, scarcely rubbing so
hard as at the first application, as the skin is more easily
acted upon at this time. But whether one, two, or half a
dozen applications be necessary, let sufficient time elapse
before each succeeding application, so as not to prevent the
hair growing, thereby blemishing the part. Apply lard
once a day between each application, and occasionally
wash the parts with water, not too warm, and lard, or oil
the part when dry. The horse’s head should be tied up,
so that he cannot get at the parts with his mouth. A few
hours will be long enough. Place plenty of soft bedding
under the feet, so that, by stamping, the horse will not
break or hurt his feet.

Observe. When, apparently, the tumor, gland, or other
enlargement, does not disappear, or go away at once,
surprise is sometimes expressed to see it totally go away,
as if of its own accord. ‘Thus the red iodide of mercury
exercises a powerful influence, long after its use has been
dispensed with. Iodide of mercury, occupies, in my estima-
tion, in external diseases, as prominent a position as the
preparations of aconite do in internal affections, whether in
horses or cattle.

Several other preparations of iodine are made by the
manufacturing chemists; such as the iodide of gold, and
silver—which are of no use in horse and cattle diseases.

Ipecacuanha,—Cephaelis Ipecacuanha. In veterinary
practice, ipecacuanha is only used for dogs, in fifteen to
thirty grains, as an emetic, when first attacked with dis-
temper.

Iron.—Fferrum. This is one of the most valuable
medicines we have to recommend, in many of the most

370 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

important diseases, of all the animals; a fact readily seen,
when it is stated that iron is a constituent of the blood of
all warm-blooded animals, and without iron being in proper
quantity in the blood of an animal, it cannot be healthy—
is ancemic, or impoverished in blood. In fact, iron is an
elementary principle, essential to health.

Metallic iron is rarely used in veterinary practice, except
it be in the form of iron filings, given by some persons,
in cases of worms in horses. The sulphate is just as good
for this purpose. Iron filings, called Ferrwm Redactum,
are much used in the weakly and sickly female. To pre-
vent the filings from oxidizing, or rusting, they are put
into a tube, similar to a gun barrel, at a strong heat, and
are then plunged into cold water, which give them a sky-
blue color; the finer the blue, the better the medicine.
For the valuable dog, iron filings, in this form, may be
given, in from five to ten grain doses. The following
preparations of iron will be used for the horse and ox:

(1.) CARBONATE OF I[ron.—Fferri Carbonas. This
preparation of iron is only used in veterinary practice, for
the dog, on account of its mildness.

(2.) SESQUIOXIDE OF IRon.—Rust of Iron—Ferugo.
This form of iron is only used by veterinary surgeons, in
poisoning from arsenic, as an antidote, by forming in the
stomach an insoluble arsenite of the protoxide of iron.

(3.) SuLpHATE OF IrRon.—Ferri Sulphas— Green
Vitriol-Copperas. This is one of the best, and cheapest
preparations of this valuable metal, that can be used in
diseases of horses and cattle.

Use. In medicinal doses the sulphate of iron is tonic
and astringent; therefore, it is used in cases of weakness,
want of condition, looseness of the bowels, swellings of the

legs, body, sheath, breast, etc. It is improving, adding

TRON. 371

richness to the blood, and giving tonicity and health to the
fibrous, serous tissue, from which the fluid causing the
swelling arises. In pleuro-pneumonia in cattle, after fever
has abated, nothing will restore and prevent effusions of
serum, or fluid, in the chest, like sulphate of iron; and
effusions in the chest of cows, and neat cattle, is the cause
of very many deaths. The effusions form connecting links
between the lungs and the sides, from which adhesions
take place in that disease, and from which the animal can
never be restored to good health, although it may live for
a year or two. How important, then, is a medicine
offering so much hope!

In addition to the diseases just named, sulphate of iron
is the medicine to be used in all cases where the powers of
life are low and depressed. In red water in cattle, bleeding
internally in all animals, dysentery, purpura, scarlatina,
and in debilitating diseases generally, no medicine offers
so much as the sulphate of iron.

Observe. Sulphate of iron should not be given while
inflammation and fever lasts; it is time enough to give it
after all irritation has subsided. It should always be com-
bined with a vegetable tonic, such as gentian, or ginger.
Iron changes the dung toa green color, as if the animal
was at pasture.

Doses. For horses and cattle, the dose is two to three
drachms, with the same quantity of powdered gentian, two
to three times in the day, to be given, mixed in a quantity
of cold water. Drench out of a bottle, if the animal does
not eat it readily, mixed with cut, or soft feed.

(4.) PERCHLORIDE oF IRron.—Whether in a fluid or
solid state, this preparation is valuable for bleeding wounds,
to stop the flow of blood—which it will readily do, if
properly applied, and the blood vessel that is wounded is

372 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

not too large. It should be applied with a soft brush, or
a pledget of soft cloth or cotton dipped in it and laid over
the wound, and kept bandaged. Perchloride of iron
should be kept in every farm, or country house, for this
purpose. It should be kept in a glass-stoppered bottle to
keep it pure.

Jalap.—Convulvulus Jalape. This root derives its
name trom a town in Mexico, called Xalapa, and grows
fully six thousand feet above the sea level. It is, in
veterinary practice, used only as a purge for the dog, in
from twenty to sixty grains.

Juniper Berries.—Juniperis Communis—The Fruit.
This medicine is valuable in horse and cattle diseases, as a
stimulant to the stomach in loss of appetite, and in con-
valescence from debilitating diseases.

Dose. For horses and cattle, one to two ounces is a dose.
Dogs, twenty to forty grains.

Kino,—A juice of several plants. This is used as an
astringent in diarrhcea iv all animals, and is considered
more powerful than catechu, (which see.)

Kousso.—The flowers of this plant are brought from
Abyssinia.

Use. To expel, or destroy tape-worm in man, and the
dog, and is prepared and used in the following manner:
Take of kousso half an ounce, of warm water half a pint,
let it stand till cool, and give it, flowers and all; and give
next day a -dose of castor-oil.

Laudanum,—(See Opium. )

Laxative.—A mild purge.

Lead.—Plumbum. Metallic lead in the form of shot,
is used by our horse dealers, to relieve temporarily the

LINSEED. 373

heaving, or symptoms of broken wind, or heaves in horses.
It will be needless for me to say, that if the lead is not
speedily converted into an insoluble oxide, the animals
so treated will die in a month or two. (See Lead
Poisoning. )

(1.) OxipE or Leap.—This preparation of lead is
used in the manufacture of common sticking plaster, or
Diachylon.

_ (2.) IopmpE or LEAD.—(See Iodine.)

(3.) ACETATE OF LEAD.—Sugar of Lead. Solution of
acetate of lead is known by the name of Goulard’s Extract
of Lead, and was formerly, and is still by some persons
recommended, and used in cases of sprains, and as a wash
for diseased eyes. Better and less injurious agents are
now used by the educated veterinary surgeon.

Observe. Goulard’s Extract, or lead-water, should never
be used in diseases of the eye, as it can do no good beyond
what cold water can do, but it dulls the eye, by making it
hazy and opaque. It will be well to remember this, and
act upon it, not minding what old and antiquated books
and individuals may say or think in regard to what is here
recommended.

Lime.— Oxide of Calcium.
Lime, Carbonate of.—(See Chalk.)

Linseed.— Linum Usitatissimum. Ground flaxseed
makes the best poultice, as it is less irritable and retains
its moisture better than most articles in use for that
purpose.

CakE Merau.—tThai portion which is kept after the oil
has been expressed from the seed, is a good feed for horses
and cows, given occasionally, and makes a good and much
cheaper poultice than the most costly seed.

874 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES,

Linseed Oil.—Olewm Lini. This is a good and safe
purgative for the horse, and should be given by farmers
and non-professional persons in preference to any other
article. ‘The English veterinary surgeons use linseed oil
for colic in the horse, in the following combination: Lin-
seed oil, one pint, and two ounces each of oil of turpentine
and laudanum. In cases of choking, in either horses or
cattle, a half pint of linseed oil should be poured down the
throat, so that by its emollient properties the substance
may pass readily down the gullet.

Doses. For horses, one to two pints is the dose used for
a purgative. For scalds and burns, linseed oil is mixed
with lime-water. (See Lime-water.)

Liquorice Root.—Glycyrrhiza Radix. This was for-
merly in use for making balls for horses, but it is now
superseded by molasses,

Lobelia Inflata.—Indian Tobacco. This medicine is
in great use by the eclectic physicians in the United States
as an emetic, which fact, I believe, has induced Dr. Dadd
to recommend it to veterinary surgeons and horsemen of —
this country. Does the Doctor not yet know that the
horse, the ox and the sheep, cannot vomit? Therefore, it
is not entitled to a position, for such purpose, in the veteri-
nary Materia Medica.

Logwood,—Hematozxylon Campechianum. This is a
valuable medicine not well known, and consequently not
appreciated.

Use. One of the very best astringents for binding the
bowels in diarrhcea and dysentery, in all animals, and
especially when accompanied with irritation of the bowels.
Logwood is cheap, sold in chips, and is prepared and given
in the following manner:

MARIGOLD. 375

Logwood chips, two ounces; boiling water, one pint,
Allow it to stand till cold, then strain through cloth, or a
fine sieve.

Dose. For horses and cows, this quantity will make one
dose. For calves with scours, one to three ounces will be
the dose, which repeat if the case demands it. A safe
remedy, and cheap.

Lunar Caustic.—(See Silver.)

Lupuline.—The Hop. Makes a good poultice, applied
to the udders of cows, when lumpy and hard. It hastens
the suppurative process.

Lytta-Cantharides,—(See Spanish Fly.)

Magnesia,— Ozide of Magnesium. Used sometimes in
young foals and calves, when they have no appetite. A
good antidote for arsenical poisoning. |

Dose. For these animals, two drachms to six is the
dose. A little ginger should be added to it to prevent
griping. :

(L.) CARBONATE OF Macnesta.—Magnesia Alba. The
action of this is similar to the preceding.

(2.) SULPHATE OF MAGNEsIA.—(See Epsom Salts.)

Manganese.—A metal used as a disinfectant, in com-
bination with some one of the mineral acids. For the way
to use it, see Disinfectants.

Marsh Mallow.—The Root of Althea Oficinalis. Used
in the form of an ointment, but not of much utility. It,
however, still holds a place in horse and cattle medicines.
It can be done without.

Marigold.—Calendula Offcinalis. A garden plant.
TINCTURE OF MaricoLp.—This is a good application te

376 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

sores, ulcers, and abscesses, and is applied with soft cloths,
saturated or moistened with it, and laid over the affected
part. It is a new remedy in burns and scalds.

Mercury.—A liquid metal called quicksilver. In its
metallic state it is not used asa medicine. There, how-
ever, is a prevalent idea in the minds of ignorant persons
that doctors and veterinary surgeons give this substance
to force a passage through the bowels, and that if it fails
the bowels and stomach will be ruptured or torn. If the
patient should die, the blame is not unfrequently laid on
the use of quicksilver by the doctor, when this substance
was never thought of for any such purpose. Quicksilver
has no action whatever on the animal system, either in
health or sickness.

(1.) Mercury WitH CHALK.—Gray Powder. Used
in diarrhcea in calves, in doses from ten to fifteen grains,
given with a little ginger, and mixed with wheat-flour
oruel. |

(2.) Iop1ipE or Mrercury.—(See Iodine.) 7

(3.) Bi-CHLORIDE oF MErcury.— Corrosive Sublimate.
A dangerous poison, and should never be given to any
animal. It is, however, used in solution, in some skin
diseases, as in ring-worm and mange. When so used, only
a small portion of the body should be washed with it in
one day. For this purpose, take four grains of the sub-
limate to two ounces of rain water. For a dog, two grains
to the ounce, in water, will be strong enough.

(4.) NrrrRATE oF MeERcury.—Ointment. This is the
citron or golden ointment, and is a good remedy in ring-
worm. Unfortunately, however, it spoils with long keeping,
and not being made extemporaneously, it is often rancid
and of little value. |

MUSTARD SEED. 377

(5.) OxrpE oF MEercury.—Red Precipitate. Used in
the treatment of unhealthy ulcers and sores, in the form
of powder and ointment. It is the principle in the yellow-
wash already spoken of in connection with the subject of
lime. (Which see.)

(6.) SutpHaTE OF MeErcury.—Turbith Mineral. A
medicine of no use, which should be expunged from the
books on horse and cattle diseases.

(7.) Sus-CHLORIDE oF MERcuRY.—Calomel. A medi-
cine I never use, and will not recommend for internal
administration. In the form of the black-wash, and
sprinkled upon sores, it is a good remedy. Calomel is
recommended for thrush in the feet of horses, and is in-
serted in the cleft of the frog.

Mercurial Ointment.—This is sold in the drug stores.

The ointment of mercury is chiefly used in skin diseases,
as mange in horses and dogs. But a better remedy will
be found in sulphur, and its preparations, which are not
only more safe, but more certain of curing the case.

Mezeron.— Daphne Mezerum. A plant, from the bark
of which an extract is made, and from the extract an oint-
ment composed of one drachm to four parts of lard, which
is used for the purpose of keeping up the irritation of
blisters.

Morphia,—(See Opium.)
Muriatic Acid.—(See Acids.)

Mustard Seed.—Sinapis Nigra. Used as an irritant
on parts of the body, where the Spanish fly would be
improper and dangerous. On the belly, and over the
loins are the usual places where mustard is applied. In
Jumbago, and sprains ef the back and loins, and in pain in

378 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

the bowels, mustard is useful. The mode of application
of mustard is as follows: If the hair of the part be long,
cut it off, then foment the part with warm water, and
immediately rub into the parts a handful of the best flour
of mustard. This is more effectual than laying a paste or
poultice without rubbing.

Volatile Oil of mustard makes a good counter-irritant,
when a few drops are rubbed into the skin. Vinegar
added to mustard does not, as is thought, produce a
better effect. Warm water answers every purpose.

Myrrh.—A gum resin, used in the form of a tincture
and acompound tincture, for sores, and a good applica-
tion in sore mouth, from the bit, or other cause.

Narcotics are medicines which act upon the brain,
and thereby allay pain. Example: Opium and its prep-
arations, aconite and chloroform.

Neat’s Foot Oil.—Used for skin diseases, and for
allaying the irritation of blisters and keeping the skin
from cracking.

Nervines.—Medicines relieving pain, without pro-
ducing narcotism.

Nitric Acid.—(See Acids.)

Nitre.—Salipetre. This medicine haslong been used as
a diuretic, and asa febrifuge in low fevers. Cheaper and
better medicinesare daily in use for this purpose. Nitreis
nota cheap medicine, nor yet is itan indispensable one.
The days are past when emetic, tartar, nitre, and digitalis
were the remedies used in cases of inflammation, irrita-
tion and fever. This formula hasin its day deceived many
a man,and has been the means whereby many thousands
of valuable animals have been jest. Wherever nitre

NUX VOMICA. 379

is jndicated, I use the sulphite of soda, and have no cause
to regret the change. A bundle of fresh cut grass given
to a horse, will have a better, and more soothing effect
than nitre. Instead of being given in any disease, nitre
should be left to fulfil its destiny in the making of gun-
powder to liberate the toiling millions of other lands from
the hands of the despot and the oppressor.

Nux Vomica.—Strychnos Nua Vomica. An active
poison in large doses, but a valuable agent in the cure of
diseases in all animals. The powdered nut is uncertain in
its effects, therefore the tincture, and the alkaloid should
only be used.

Use. A nervine, and used when the nerves are depressed
and weak, just as aconite is used when the nerves are
strong and excited. The one medicine is used in de-
pression, and the other in diseases with exalted symptoms.
Paralysis or palsy is the loss of power in the motor nerves
of the part affected. Therefore, nux vomica is used in
twitching of the muscles of all animals; and in glass eye
in the horse, depending upon the want of nervous energy
in the optic, or nerve of vision.

TinctuRE.—Dose. For horses and cattle, the dose is
from ten to twenty drops, repeated three to four times in
the day.

STRYCHNINE.— Dose. To horses and cattle, give one
grain, once a day, gradually increasing the dose till three
grains are given in the day. To get the full benefit from
it, it will have to be given for a week or two, if the beast
has not got well by that time. In the use of strychnine,
care and good judgment must be exercised, for it must be
remembered that however useful a drug, or medicine may
be, its abuse is readily accomplished. Strychnine should

380 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES,

be administered in feed, if the animal will eat it; if not,
give it in gruel in the form of a drench. Twelve grains
is the dose required to kill a full grown horse.

Arsenite of Strychnia is recommended by the French
veterinary surgeons, in nasal discharges, but with what
effect is not stated. If it does not cure, as I suppose
it does not, it only serves to show to my mind how utterly
ignorant veterinary surgeons are in regard to the true
pathology of these discharges, supposed to be glanders.
Mr. Gamgee, on the International Veterinary Congress,
held at Hamburg, says, “when the subject of glanders was
mentioned, no one responded.” Why? certainly not that
they knew all about it. No, the contrary is the case, for
they knew nothing at all about its nature, and hence we
have the French using a drug the least of all likely to
change, arrest, or cure the disease. Prussian blue is said
to contain ten per cent. of strychnia; some Be iste
contain as high as sixty grains.

Oak Bark.— Quercus Cortex. This is a good auirihoene
for outward use, or for sores which discharge or run
matter. The bark is boiled: half an ounce to a pint of
water. This decoction is an excellent remedy for drying
up the moisture of greasy heels, so troublesome in horses,
In diarrhcea in calves, given in four drachm doses, much
good will result. |

Oils.—There are two varieties of oils used in medicine
—fixed and volatile.

Fixrep Orzs.—Castor, olive, linseed, croton and neats’-
foot oil. The uses of these oils will be found treated ¢“
under their respective heads.

Opium.—Papaver Somniferum. The dried juice of the
white poppy, and is one of the most remarkable substances

OPIUM. 381

in nature. There are several varieties of opium: Turkey,
Egyptian, East Indian, Persian, and European opium,
The medical preparations of opium are several :

Morphia, or morphine, is the most important preparation
of opium, and sold in the drug stores in the form of white
crystals, as also in that of a liquid—liquor morphia acetas,
and liquor morphia sulphas. Either of these preparations
of opium are much better medicines than the crude opium
itself. Each fluid ounce contains one grain of the mor-
phine, or the true principle of the opium, and one grain of
morphine is equal to three grains of opium, or to forty-
five drops of the tincture of opium, commonly called
laudanum.

Use. Opium is a narcotic, or reliever of pain, and is
especially recommended in milk fever in cows.

Dose. The dose of the acetate, sulphate, or muriate, in
crystals, for the horse, is from twenty to forty grains. For
the cow with milk fever, from forty to eighty grains. To
a medical man, such large doses may seem enormous, for
in man the dose is from half to one grain.

Horses will scarcely show the least effects from the
administration of from two to four drachms of the pow-
dered opium. On cattle, opium has even much less power
than on horses. Cows can take one ounce, and sheep half
a drachm of powdered opium, without suffering. The
doses of crude, or powdered opium for horses, are from
one to two drachms, and for cattle, two to four drachms,
In veterinary practice, opium is not now so much used, as
aconite answers almost every purpose for which opium was
given, and without in any way binding the bowels. But
in case of milk fever, opium, or its alkaloid morphia, is
well worthy of a trial, and if taken in time, will scarcely
disappoint any one.

382 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

TINCTURE OF Opium.—Laupanum.—Every fifteen
drops of the tincture contain one grain of opium. Lau-
danum is the most costly of all the preparations of opium ;
and not only that, the large quantity of alcohol, or spirits
of wine it contains, is a decided objection to its use in
many diseases. Crude opium rubbed down with a little
water will be far better when it is to be used at once, or
not kept for any time. Laudanum is used in lotions and
liniments for the relief of pain, and it enters into eye washes,
for the same purpose.

Wine of opium contains spices. Not much used.

Codia, narcotine, narceine, paramorphia, papaverine,
meconine and meconic acid, are the various constituents
of opium, but they are not used in medicine, either in
domestic or veterinary.

BATTLEY’s sedative drops, so well and familiarly known
throughout the world, wherever the English language is
spoken, though a secret, are known to contain opium,
water and a little spirit, and are one-third stronger than
laudanum.

Pariera Brava.—A root which is to be sliced, and
have one pint of water added to one ounce of the root.
Boil, and strain when cold. This is a good tonic for
horses. Mix with the feed, half a pint to the dose.

Peach Leaves.—One ounce infused in the same way
as tea, with one pint of water, is an excellent application
for the skin of animals having the itch and skin diseases.

Peppermint.—NMentha Piperita. The essence of this
garden plant is sometimes given to horses having colic,
and given in doses of twenty drops. Dogs can have three
drops for a dose, in the same disease.

PHOSPHORUS. 383

Pepper.—-A plant, and frw't, of the genus Piper.

(1.) Buack Prprer.— Piper Nigrum. Occasionally
given to horses affected with colic.

(2.) Jamaica PEPpPER.—Pimento—Allspice. This is a
valuable medicine for horses and cattle affected with fever,
loss of appetite and indigestion.

Doses. From three to five drachms, and SAveH, in com-
bination with ammonia.

(3.) Capsicum.—Cayenne Pepper. This is also used for
the same purpose as the above, and given in from twenty
to thirty grain doses.

Pepsin.—The active principle of the gastric juice of
animals. Its cost prevents its use in calves having diar-
rhoea, when the discharges are like milk. A good sub-
stitute for pepsin is rennet, which farmers should have about
them, not only for cheese-making purposes, but for use in
looseness, or scours in calves. It assists the stomach to
digest the milk, which, in diarrhea, lays upon the stomach,
without being digested or changed. Hence, the white
diarrhcea, so often seen in calves.

Petroleum.—Aock-oil. This substance was formerly
highly recommended in chest diseases, but it has been
succeeded by more certain and successful drugs for this
purpose. However, it is still occasionally used as an
external application for sores, and for the destruction of
lice, etc., in the skin. It is apt to leave a blemish by
causing the hair to fall off, and in some cases, in which I
have seen it used too extensively, the hair did not come
again. The better way to use coal-oil is to mix equal
parts with some other oil having no acrid principle.

Phosphorus.—An elementary substance resembling
wax. There is, however, another resembling brick aust,

384 HORSE AN® CATTLE MEDICINES.

when in & mass. ‘The preparations of phosphorus are
numerous: Hypophosphate of ammonia, hypophosphate
of iron, and the phosphate of lime, or bone, or earth,
phosphate of soda, apd of quinine. Phosphoric acid,
diluted, is the one which should be used in veterinary
practice.

PuHospHoRIC Acip.~~Is used in diseases of the bones of
young colts,. ; |

Doses. For young colts, the dose will vary from ten to
sixty drops, given diluted in cold water.

Pitch,— Burgundy Pitch.—The concrete juice of the
abies excelsa. This is used in the composition of the
plaster, formerly used over the loins, in weakness, sprains,
lumbago, ete., in the horse. Not now recommended.

Pomegranate Punica.—Granatum. The bark of the
root of this tree is used for the destruction of tape-worm,
in all animals. ‘Take of the bark, one ounce; water, one
pint; and boil down one half. The dose for the dog will
be a small wine-glassful.

Poppies.—(See Opium.)

Potash.—Ovwide of Potassium. Preparations of potash
are many :—

(1.) Caustic PorasH.—Used as its name indicates, as
a caustic, and is a favorite one of mine. Many persons.
object to it, on account of its extreme fluidity, which I
consider to -be its most valuable property ; as, if it did not
readily assume a fluid form, its caustic properties would
not be so good. Indeed, according to its fluidity, when
applied to a part, so is its caustic property. For the quick
_ reduction of proud flesh, it has no superior.

(2.) CARBONATE OF PorasH.—This is sometimes used

RHUBARB. 585

as an antacid, but is not much used in horse and cattle
diseases.

(3.) SuLpHURET OF PorasH.—Hepar Sulph—Liver of
Sulphur. This is a valuable remedy when applied to mange
in all animals. Dissolve an ounce in a pint of water, first
having rubbed the mangy part with fine sand, to expose
the insect to the action of the sulphuret.

(4.) SuLpHATE oF PorasH.—(See Glauber’s Salts.)

(5.) IoprpE or Porasu.—(See Iodine.)

(6.) NirRaTE oF Porasu.—(See Saltpetre.)—The ace-
tate, and tartrate of potash, are not used in veterinary
practice.

- (7.) CHLORATE OF PorasH.—Used for the same purposes
as the nitrate, and in the same doses. The same may be
said of the permanganate.

Prussic Acid.—(See Acid.)

Pumpkin Seeds,—An excellent remedy for destroying
tape-worm.

Purgatives.—Medicines which empty the bowels.
Pyroxylic Spirit.— Wood Naphtha. Used to relieve

chronic cough, and is given in half-ounce doses in gruel.
Quinine.—(See Cinchona.)
Rennet,—(See Pepsin.)

Rhubarb.— Rheum Palmatum. Rhubarb is a tonic
and purgative in dogs, and other carnivorous animals, but
in horses and cattle it has scarcely any effect whatever,
further than improving the appetite. Better, and much
more efficient and cheaper drugs are used in horse and
cattle diseases. I know of a gentleman farmer, who uses
the spiced rhubarb in young calves, in cases of looseness

386 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES,

of the bowels, and in diarrhoea. The dose of the spiced
thubarb is from one to two teaspoonfuls, repeating it tyey
to three times a day.

Ricinus Communis,—(See Castor-oil.)
Rochelle Salts,—(A Tartrate of Potash and Soda.)
Saffron.— Crocus Sativus. (See Colchicum.)

sagapenum,—This is a gum, and is used for the same
purposes as asafcetida.

Sal Ammonia.—Chiloride of Ammonia. (See Am-
monia. )

Salt.—Table Salt. Chloride of Sodium, a valuable
condiment, when given with the food of animals. Salt is
a laxative in horses, cattle and sheep, and is considered
a preventive of sheep rot.

Sal Volatile.—This is the compound spirit of ammonia,
(See Ammonia.)

Sassafras, — Laurus Sassafras. This is a favorite
remedy with farmers for their horses, and is given to them —
in the spring of the year, to strengthen and improve the
appetite. Sassafras may be given to horses, either in the
form of a powder, or as a decoction, or tea, and mixed
with the food.

Sarracenia Purpura.—Indian Cup or Pitcher Plant.
This plant is found growing along the coast of Labrador,
and the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, on wet and marshy
land. :
Use. This plant has recently proved to be one of the
most useful, in the whole list of medicines, and from all
accounts, it is, and will still be a blessing to thousands
who may become affected with small-pox. For small-pox

SENEGA, POLYGALA SENEGA. 387

in cattle and sheep, it is not only a sure remedy, but also,
as good a preventive for the disease. The form and
manner of using this medicine, is in that of a tea. The
time, however, will soon be, when the chemist will provide
us with an extract, or an alkaloid of this plant, which
will enable us to give the essence of the plant without any
inert matter. Take from one to two ounces of the dried
root, and slice in thin pieces, place in an earthen pot, or
other vessel, and add a quart of cold water, and allow the
liquid to simmer gently over a slow fire, for two to three
hours, so as to lose one-fourth of the quantity.

Dose. Give to cattle, half a pint ; and to sheep, two wine
glassfuls ; repeating the dose in six hours, when a cure will

generally be effected.

Savin.—Juniperus Sabina. The oil of juniper is used
in veterinary practice, for the purpose of destroying worms
in all animals.

Doses. For horses and cattle, the dose is from three to
four drachms, and for the dog, three to five drops. An
ointment of the dried savin tops is used for the purpose of
keeping up the action of blisters. Take one part of the
fresh tops, to sixteen parts of lard.

Sedatives.—Medicines which allay inordinate action
of the heart.

Senega, Polygala Senega.—Snakeroot. This, like
other of our native herbs, is often used by country folks in
the spring of the year. They give a decoction, or tea of
the snakeroot to their horses. It is an excellent remedy
in coughs, bronchitis, cold, ete. Take one ounce, boil in
a pint and a half of water, and strain through a sieve or
strainer.

388 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

Dose. For a horse, half a pint, mixed in his feed, night
and morning.

Sialagogues.—Medicines which increase the secretion
of saliva, such as aconite in large doses, and second crop
clover, after it has been exposed to cold nights or a little
frost. :

Silver, Nitrate .of.— Lunar Caustic.— Used as a
caustic to unhealthy sores and ulcers; and a solution,
three to four grains to an ounce of rain or distilled water,
is used to the eye in purulent ophthalmia. The nitrate of
silver is too costly for general use. The sulphate of
copper, or blue stone, will, for most purposes, answer as
well, and is very cheap. |

CAUSTIC HOLDER.

Soap.—A combination of fatty acid with an alkali.

Soap Liniment.—Opodeldoc. A very useful applica.
tion for sprains, bruises, and for stiff joints.

Soda.—A. mineral alkali.

(1.) CARBONATE OF Sops.—Useful as an antacid, in
doses of from two to four drachms.

(2.) SULPHATE OF SopA.—(See Glauber’s Salts.)

(3.) SuLpHITE oF SopA.—This is made by passing a
stream of sulphurous acid through a concentrated solution
of carbonate of soda. It is a valuable article in the treat-
ment of diseases of horses and cattle. The sulphite of soda
possesses the power of neutralizing the action of zumins,

SPANISH FLY. 389

ferments, or leavens, when introduced into the circulation.
Professor Polli, of Milan, has clearly demonstrated that
this substance is capable of purifying the blood of noxious
matters, and further, he has by his experiments upon dogs,
proved that glanders can be cured by it; for he says, that
forty-five grains of the virus of glanders taken from the
nares of the nose of a glandered horse, and injected into
the circulation of a dog, after the disease had shown itself
in the dog, was readily cured by the administration of the
sulphite of soda. Upwards of seventy cases have thus
been experimented upon by this distinguished professor—
all going to show the value of soda, as a purifier of the
blood, by its alterative effects.

Sulphite of soda is a remedy in all cases of eruptions on
the skin, in farcy, glanders and purpura in the horse, and in
pleuro-pneumonia and rinderpest, etc., in cattle. Wherever
pus is thrown out as a product of disease, the sulphite of
soda should be given. Dogs with distemper should have
it to keep the circulation pure of pus. The blood of the
dog becomes contaminated in this way, and hence, the good
dog falls a victim to this scourge of fine bred animals.

Dose. For horses and cattle, the dose is from half an
ounce, to one ounce, given twice in the day. For dogs,
twenty grains given in camphor water. In farcy and
glanders or other diseases, accompanied with debility, the
soda should be combined with gentian and other tonics.

Spanish Fly.—Jytta Cantharides. An insect ground
into powder, and mixed with lard or oil, making what is
familiarly known as a blister. The Spanish fly is, besides
its blistering qualities, a very valuable internal medicine,
a powerful tonic and alterative, and has been used with

success, in the hands of Mr. Vines, of London, England,

390 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

in the cure of farcy and glanders in the horse. In the same
diseases, and where the lungs were free from tubercles, I
have cured them with the Spanish fly, gentian, copper, and
the sulphite of soda.

Dose. Spanish fly is given to the horse in five grain
doses once a day only, and mixed in cut or soft feed.
Horses are more easily affected by the Spanish fly than
mares. Blisters of Spanish fly are made as follows: Pow-
dered Spanish fly, one drachm; hog’s lard, six drachms;
mix, and apply, by rubbing with the hand into the part
to be blistered ; wash off the part the next day, oil or lard
it for a week, and the swelling will leave when the irritation
has gone out of the part.

The tincture of Spanish fly was = pera eele used as the
basis of the old sweating blister. An excellent application
for the removal of a splint, or soft tumors about the legs
of horses, is made as follows: Tincture of Spanish fly, one
ounce; oil of croton, twenty drops; well rubbed into the
part, it acts like magic; that is, if the tumor can be
removed at all by any means.

Specifics.—Medicines which cure disease, but the
manner of action is unknown.

Spermaceti,—This is a solid crystalline fat, found in
the large head of the sperm whale. There is a plan,
however, by which it is said that spermaceti can be made
out of the muscles of a dead cow or horse, by enclosing the
flesh in a box perforated with holes, and sinking it in a
running stream of water for a month or more, when the
flesh will be converted into a mass of tough, solid matter.
After which, it is treated with nitrous acid, poured over
it to remove the offensive smell, and to separate the fat.
Another plan is, to pour nitrous acid over the flesh without

SPONGE. : 391

immersion in the brook, and which is said to convert the
flesh in the short period of three days, into a yellow colored
spermaceti. Another plan is mentioned by Lord Bacon,
in his work Sylva Sylvarium, in which he says that the
flesh of an animal may be changed into a fatty substance,
by cutting it into pieces, putting it into a glass vessel,
covering with parchment, and allowing it to stand for six
or seven hours in boiling water. Experiments of this kind
might result in profit to those who would undertake them.
The use of spermaceti in horse and cattle diseases, is for
the making of ointments and salves, especially in hot
weather, when lard cannot be conveniently carried without
the risk, not only of losing a portion of the ointment, but
of soiling the clothing, or other articles coming in contact
with it.

Spirits of Nitrous Ether.—Sweet spirits of nitre is
well known to most persons as a good household remedy
for fevers, etc. In the treatment of diseases of horses
and cattle, sweet spirits of nitre is used as a stimulant and
antispasmodic. It is also used in the case of a horse
having a chill, and in colic. For colic, it was formerly
given in combination with laudanum.

Dose. For horses and cattle, the dose of sweet spirits of
nitre will be from one to two ounces, given in cold water
to prevent loss.

Spirits of Wine.— Alcohol. This is used for making
tinctures for medicinal purposes, from the various plants in
use. It is also a good stimulant; much better than the
bad whisky which is so often poured down the throats of
horses affected with colic.

Sponge.—A valuable article for the cleansing of wounds
and sores.

392 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

Starch.—A good remedy in diarrhea in all animals,
when combined with a few grains of opium, and a little
ground ginger, or a few drops of the tincture, commonly
called the essence.

Sty ptics.—Substances having the quality of stopping
bleedings from wounds. Examples: Perchloride of iron,
cobwebs, the hot iron, and the bandage.

Sudorifies.— Medicines which produce sweating.
Sugar of Milk.—Much used by homeeopathists, both

domestic and veterinary, in the form of powder, but oftener
in the form of globules or small pellets. Not recommended
for the treatment of any disease. Molasses is the best form
in which to give sugar to animals, and it is useful in cases
of sick cows, mixed in a drench.

Sugar of Lead.—(See Acetate of Lead.)
Sulphuric Acid,—(See Acids.)
Sulphur.—Brimstone.—Sulphur is kept in the drug

stores in three forms, flowers of sulphur, mak of sulphur,
and sulphur vivum. |

Use. Sulphur is chiefly used for skin diseases, in the
form of an ointment. It is believed by many persons to
be a great preventive of diseases and distempers in all
animals, and is one of the ingredients of an incongruous
mass extolled and recommended by the Hon. Isaac Newton,
Commissioner of Agriculture, as a preventive of cattle dis-
eases. Whateyer may be the medicinal virtue possessed
by sulphur, it certainly has no prophylactic effects mixed
with tar, etc. The simple ointment of sulphur is made as
follows: One part of the flowers, or sulphur vivum, mixed
with four parts of lard. In winter, when lard is hard,

SULPHUROUS ACID GAS. 393

oil should be used instead, thus forming a liniment of
sulphur more easy of application.

Doses. Sulphur, as a laxative for horses and cattle,
should be given in doses from one to three ounces, and
administered in gruel, in the form of a drench. For dogs,
the dose is one to two drachms. It is not recommended as
an internal medicine.

Sulphurous Acid Gas.—This is one of the most
powerful disinfectants we have. The great objection to
its general use for this purpose is, its poisonous character
when breathed or inhaled to any extent. But from recent
experiments instituted by Dr. James Dewor, of Kirkcaldy,
Scotland, for testing the efficacy of sulphurous acid gas as a
disinfectant, results are shown which lead to the conviction,
that diseases such as cholera in man, and rinderpest and
pleuro-pneumonia in cattle, may not only be prevented, but
much modified by this, hitherto considered, poisonous gas.
The method of generating sulphurous acid gas is very
simple and inexpensive. It is only necessary to have a
small chaffern of red hot cinders from a coal fire, a small
crucible on the hot cinders, and a piece of sulphur-stick
about as large as a man’s thumb placed into it. This will
fumigate a large cattle shed, or stable, in twenty minutes.
Contrary to expectation, the animals seem to enjoy it, and
it acts at the same time as a tonic on man and beast. The
shed or other house must be well ventilated, by having
the windows a little open before, during, and after the
fumigation. Sanitary rules must be enforced in regard to
cleanliness, removal of dung-heaps, ete. During the
prevalence of such epizootics as are above named, the
fumigation may be made according to the foregoing direc-
tions, four or five times in the day. It is further said,

394 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

that the treatment has not only cured some cases of the
above named diseases; but that mange, ring-worm and lice
have also vanished before it, and that greasy heels in
horses have also been cured by it, while severe cases of
tubercles of the lungs, glanders, and farcy have also been
relieved by the inhalation of this gas. This is well worthy
a fair trial, and if it but accomplish half what is claimed
for it, a great and cheap fumigation and disinfectant is
within the reach of any one. But, bear in mind, that it is
a poisonous gas, and to prevent a deleterious effect, have
free ventilation through the whole place.

Sulphate of Zinc.— White Vitriol. This is a valuable
article for healing wounds and sores. It is not adminis-
tered internally to any animal, except as an emetic to dogs.
As an external wash for sores, one part of zinc to twenty
of rain-water, will answer for most purposes. For eye-
wash, three to four grains to the ounce of water. This is
one of the best applications which can be applied to the
eye in cases of purulent ophthalmia.

Tannate of Glycerine.—An excellent application
for the eyes, in purulent ophthalmia, and for moist sores,
wherever situated upon the body.

Tannin,—This is the acid of barks, and is valuable,
mixed with water, in running ulcers and sores, and in
diarrhoea, in all animals. The powder sprinkled upon
bleeding sores, will in many cases stop them. One drachm
to a pint of cold water makes a good eye-wash, and in
many cases dries up the scum, and removes it altogether.
It is certainly a cheap and useful remedy, and can do no
harm to the eye. |

Doses. For horses and cattle, in diarrhoea, the dose of
tannic acid is from half to one drachm, given in gruel as a

TOBACCO. 395

drench. For calves with the same disease, give from ten
to twenty grains asa dose, mixed with wheat-flour gruel.
Snuffed up the nostrils by man, in bleeding from the nose,
it will in most cases arrest it at once.

TANNIN OF KRAMERIA.—This is used for the same
purpose as the preceding, but it is a better stypic, or
arrester of bleeding from the skin or other sores.

Tar.—Pix Liquida. Tar is not now used internally to
the extent it formerly was. To cattle it is still given in a
disease of the throat called clyers. For this purpose egg-
shells are filled with good Barbadoes tar, and suspended
on the end of a split stick, and gently pushed down the
throat of the ox. As an external application, tar is still
used on sores about cattle, to keep the flies off; and it is
used to make stopping for horses’ feet, singly, and mixed
with clay. It is kept in every horse-shoeing shop for
putting on the soles, usually with cotton, and having
leather nailed on with the shoe.

Or or Tar.—tThis is an excellent application when
mixed with equal parts of sweet, or some fish oil, to pro-
mote the growth of horn on the foot of the horse. To
give it a dark color to suit the foot, lamp-black may
be stirred in, in sufficient quantity to make a black hoof
ointment, which will be found an excellent formula for this
purpose.

Tartar Emetic,—(See Antimony.)

Tobacco.—Nicotiana Tabacum. Tobacco is used as a
medicine, principally in skin diseases, and for the de-
struction of lice and other insects, in the wool of sheep.
‘Tobacco smoke is a favorite remedy with some veterinarians,
for the removal and killing of worms, and in constipation,
and colic. For these purposes, better and safer agents

896 HORSE AND OATTLLE MEDICINES.

are in every-day use. Tobacco in all, or any of its rorms,
is dangerous, being followed by great sickness, nausea
and prostration, from which many animals are ultimately
destroyed.

Tragacanth,—(See Gum.)

Turpentine,— Zerebinthe. The various varieties of
turpentine in market.

(1.) Common TURPENTINE.—The produce of the pinus
palustris of North Carolina, and other States, and also of
Norway, and the north of Europe. The Pinus sylvestris,
or Scotch fir, yields considerable turpentine.

(2.) VENICE TURPENTINE.—This is procured from the
Larix Europea.

(3.) CANADA BatsamM.—Procured from Abies Balsame,
and is considered to be the purest of all the turpentines ;
hence it is called sometimes, the balsam of Gilead.

(4.) FRANKINCENSE.—A_ product of Norway, and the
north of Europe. This variety enters into the composition
of what is known as Burgundy pitch, and is used in
veterinary practice for making adhesive plasters for the
loins of horses having been sprained, or having lumbago.

(5.) Om oF TURPENTINE.—This is commonly cailed the
apirits of turpentine, and is used very largely in horse and
cattle diseases, both for internal administration and external
application.

Uses. Oil of turpentine is a powerful stimulant, diuretic,
and antispasmodic, and is, therefore, used in colic in the
horse, in puerperal apoplexy in cows, and in general
debility in all-animals. As an external embrocation, it is
very efficient. when combined with an equal portion of
sweet oil, but very dangerous when applied to the skin of
the horse alone. The horse will become restless, and, in
some cases, utterly unmanageable.

VALERIAN, 397

Doses. The doses of oil of turpentine for horses and
tows are from one to two ounces, always mixed with its
own bulk of oil, especially for horses. For dogs affected
with tape-worm, half to one drachm is the dose, mixed
with the yolk of an egg.

(6.) Rosin, or Restn.—The residue left from the dis-
tillation of turpentine, which is chiefly used by horsemen to
cause the horse to urinate more freely. Much mischief is
often done to horses by the administration of rosin. In-
deed, most diseases of the kidneys and of the loins can be
traced to over-dosing with this substance. The oftener
rosin is given to the horse, the more he appears in the eyes
of the driver to stand in need of his favorite dose. The
kidneys become over-worked, the desire to urinate is more
frequent, less urine is voided each time, and the poor man
does not see the mischief he has already done, but hastens
to give the horse more to remedy the urinary defect he has
thus been instrumental in producing. It will be well to
remember that powerful diuretics, like powerful purgatives,
tend only to weaken and debilitate. If there be a urinary
defect, find out the cause, and, if possible, have it removed,
and the effect will cease, “sublata causa, tollitur effectus,”
but do not attempt to do so by force, and against all science
and common sense. Other preparations of turpentine have
already been noticed. (See Tar.)

Urse Ursi,—The leaves of the whortleberry. They
were once in repute in diseases of the horse, but are now
fallen, and others have taken their place. They were used
chiefly in diseases of the bladder and kidney.

Valerian, — Valeriana Offcinalis. However useful
valerian may be in nervous irritation in man, it is not so
useful in veterinary patients. Camphor, and the gum

898 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

resins, or asafcetida, answer our purpose better than
valerian,

Valerianate of Soda,—This has been found useful in
chorea, or twitching of the muscles in the dog, in doses of
from one to two grains,

(1.) VALERIANATE OF IRon.—A good tonic for the dog.

(2.) VALERIANATE OF QUININE.—An excellent remedy
for agues In man.

Veratrum.— White Hellebore. If we had not so useful
a sedative medicine as we have in aconite, I would cer-
tainly recommend the tincture of white hellebore-root, in
all diseases for which aconite is recommended. On account
of its being more dangerous than aconite, in case of over-
dose, I will not say much more about it, as wherever
white hellebore is found in the country stores, aconite will
be there also. Hence, there can be no good reason for
recommending it when aconite can be procured.

VERATRIA.—The alkaloid of white hellebore, and is one
of the most destructive of the deadly poisons. Nothing —
could be more so than this preparation of hellebore; and
what is more, at present, no test is known whereby to
detect its presence within the stomach or system.

Wax.—This substance is used for giving hardness and
consistency to ointments, and is a favorite with me in the
form of shoemaker’s wax, for the purpose of filling up
cracks and holes in the feet of horses, to keep out sand and
dirt. To be applied as follows: Make the wax in the
form of a stick, so that it can be held by one end, while
you hold a hot iron to the other, and hold it over the hole
or crack, so that the warm wax will drop into it. When -
the part is full, wet the finger, and by this means the wax

ZINC. 399

can be smoothed, so that ordinary observers can scarcely
observe a deficiency in the foot. The hole or crack must
be perfectly dry, and free from moisture, or else the wax
will not stick very long. When dry, and the wax is put
properly in, it will last for a month, or till the next shoeing
time.

Willow Bark,—A much neglected, valuable and cheap
medicine. This bark has within it a crystalline substance
called salicine, which is an excellent substitute for the
expensive quinine. Farmers and others will do well to
gather it in sufficient quantity, and have it dried; and in
the spring of the year, or when any of the horses are weak,
or out of sores, take of the willow bark one pound, and
boil in four quarts of water, till two quarts are left; then
strain for use, and give a tumblerful, mixed in cut feed, —
once or twice in the day. This will be found much better
than the black snakeroot already spoken of under its
proper head.

Yeast.—Brewer’s yeast is one of the best applications
for an unhealthy sore or ulcer, as it immediately changes
its look and smell. A mixture of yeast and charcoal is a
domestic remedy not to be overlooked in the treatment of
sores, especially in the summer time. The yeast and the
charcoal are to be mixed in the form of a poultice, and
used as such, occasionally changing it so that full benefit
may be given to the sore by its use. After the sore is
cleansed and corrected, it may be then healed as a simple,
healthy sore, by other remedies amply described through
the book.

Zinc,—There are several preparations of zinc, which are
used in the treatment of horse and cattle diseases, but
chiefly in the form of external applications.

400 HORSE AND CATTLE MEDICINES.

(1.) OxipE oF Zrinc.—This is a white powder, like
wheat-flour, and is useful when applied as a powder in
greasy heels and other sores which discharge a sanious
fluid from them. Oxide of zine is often used in the form
of an ointment mixed with lard. An excellent ointment
is also made by soap shaved down, moistened with a little
water, and having oxide of zinc added to it. This isa
good form for greasy heels and scratches on horses that
have to work every day. It keeps down irritation and
fever, prevents swelling of the legs, and is easily washed
off on the horse coming into the stable for the night.

(2.) CARBONATE OF Zinc.—This is used under the old
name of calamine, either in the form of a powder or an
ointment. ‘The ointment is made by adding four parts of
lard to one of calamine. It is good for healing sores.

(3.) SULPHATE OF Z1nc.—This preparation of zinc has
already been described under the head of sulphate of zine,
(which see.)

(4.) CHLORIDE oF Zinc.—Bbuitter of Zine. This, as
well as the other forms of zinc, is not used as an internal
medicine, except the sulphate, which - is occasionally given
to the dog as an emetic.

Chloride of zine is a powerful disinfectant and deodo-
rizer, and is used in the healing of wounds and sores.
The solution is the usual form of using it. Two grains of
the chloride of zine to an ounce of rain-water, makes a
good eye-wash. For ordinary sores, four to five grains of
the zinc to one ounce of rain-water, is a good application.
One characteristic of the preparations of zinc when applied
to sores is, no proud flesh can or will arise during their
use. The chloride of zinc is used by some veterinarians as
a caustic, but for this purpose better caustics, and cheaper
ones, will be found elsewhere described.

CERATES. 401

(5.) AcrraTe or Z1nc.—This is made by dissolving
oxide or carbonate of zine in acetic acid. The chief use
of the acetate of zinc is for the healing of wounds. In
European stables it is employed for the purpose of wetting
bandages applied to old hunters and other horses, whose
legs cannot be otherwise kept fine and free from swelling.
The bandages usually employed in such cases are made of
wash-leather, which is so extensively used for drying
earriages after being washed, and is called chamois leather.

Zingiberis,—(See Ginger.)
Zyloidine.—This is a white substance, which is in-

soluble, and is obtained from starch, concentrated witrie
acid, and cold water.

PRESCRIPTIONS AND PREPARATIONS.

Cerates.— Used for dressing sores and ulcers.

(1.) SmmpLE CERATE.— Take yellow or white wax,
three ounces; olive oil, two ounces; melt them on a slow
fire,

(2.) Turner’s CeRATE.—Take of simple cerate, five
ounces; prepared calamine, one ounce; mix, and stir till
cold. , |

(3.) CERATE oF Zinc.—Take simple cerate, six ounces ;
melt, and add oxide of zinc, one ounce, and stir till cold.

(4.) Resin CEeRATE.— Yellow Basilicon. Take yellow
rosin ar.d yellow wax, of each half a pound, then add eight
ounces of olive oil or lard, melt together over a slow fire,
and strain through flannel cloth while hot. This is an old,
put exceitent application for sores, scalds, burns, etc.

402 PRESCRIPTIONS AND PREPARATIONS,

Clysters.—For colic of all kinds, take warm water of
about blood heat, one stable bucket full; four ounces of
common table salt, soap sufficient to make a good lather
or froth; of this, three to four quarts may be injected in
the rectum, every half hour till the animal is well. For
the expulsion of the fundament bots, injections of flaxseed
oil are an excellent and safe method. Tobacco smoke
injections are sometimes used for their removal, as well as
in cases of constipation. To give injections of tobacco
smoke, an instrument having both force and suction is
necessary. Tobacco smoke is not recommended for either
of these affections by the author.

Drenches,—Used in cases of colic: Take sulphuric
ether, half an ounce; laudanum, two ounces; flaxseed oil,
one pint; mix. Or, take spirits of turpentine, one ounce;
tincture of aconite root, twenty-five drops ; aloes, one ounce
in solution; mix. Or, take warm ale, two pints; ground
ginger, half an ounce; tincture of aconite root, twenty
drops; mix. Used in flatulent colic, accompanied with
swelling of the belly: Take laudanum, two ounces; aloes
in solution, one ounce; chloride of lime, half an ounce;
mix. Or, take tincture of aconite root, twenty drops ; aloes
in solution, one ounce; sulphite of soda, one ounce; mix.
Or, take spirits of hartshorn, three drachms; aloes in solu-
tion, one ounce; water, one pint; mix.

Eye Lotions and Washes,—Asrrincent EyE
Lorion.—Take sulphate of zinc, five grains; rain-water,
one ounce; mix.

Lotion FoR PURULENT DISCHARGES FROM THE EYE.
—Take sulphate of copper, three grains; laudanum, ten
drops; rain-water, one ounce; mix.

For THE SAME.—Nitrate of silver, four grains; rain-

LINIMENTS OR EMBROCATIONS, 403

water, one ounce; mix, and apply with a camel’s hair
pencil once in the day.

SoorHine Eyr-wasH.—Take extract of belladonna,
half a drachm; rain-water or distilled water, six ounces;
dissolve and strain. This is to be used warm, as a fomen-
jation to the eye.

Miup AstRINGENT EYE-wATER.—Alum, four grains;
rain-water, one ounce; mix.

SEDATIVE Eyr-wasH.—Take sulphate of atropine,
three grains; rain or distilled water, one ounce; mix,
and strain. The reader of this book will remember that
belladonna, or atropine, when applied to the eye, will cause
the pupil of the eye to dilate.

Eye Salves.—Nirrate or Sitver OrnTMEeNntT.—
Take nitrate of silver, twelve grains; dissolve in as many
drops of water; simple cerate, one ounce; mix.

PRECIPITATE OINTMENT.—Take red precipitate of
mercury, three grains; pure lard, two drachms; mix, and
use when the eyelids are red and oozing.

Freezing Mixtures,—Take sal ammoniac, five parts;
nitre, five parts; cold water, sixteen parts; mix. Or, take
sal ammoniac, and nitre, of each five parts; Glauber’s salts,
eight parts; cold water, sixteen parts; mix. ‘The article
to be cooled should be placed in a tin vessel, which should
be put in the mixture just as a butter kettle would be
placed in ice water. By throwing a handful of sal ammo-
niac, or coarse salt or nitre, upon ice or snow, a low degree
of cold will be produced, sufficient for all purposes,
Freezing mixtures are of much benefit applied to sprains,
- when iée cannot be had.

Liniments or Embrocations,—These are for exter-

404 PRESCRIPTIONS AND PREPARATIONS,

nal applications, and are used in the cure of sprains, bruises,
chronic swellings, ete.

LINIMENT OF AMMONIA.—Take solution of ammonia,
two ounces; sweet oil, six ounces; mix.

LINIMENT OF CAMPHOR.—Take camphor, one ounce;
olive or sweet oil, three ounces; mix.

LINIMENT OF ACONITE.—Take tincture of aconite root,
two ounces; olive or sweet oil, four ounces; creosote, one
ounce; mix. This is one of the most valuable embroca-
tions which can be applied toa painful bruise, or sprain
of whatever kind. It allays and removes inflammation,
irritation and pain.

LINIMENT OF LEAD.—Take soap, (castile,) five ounces ;
camphor, one drachm; Goulard’s extract of lead, half an
ounce; boiling water, one pint. Cut the soap into thin
pieces, and the camphor in fine powder, and stir them inte
the Goulard’s extract, then pour in the boiling water.

Soap LINIMENT.—Opodeldoc. 'Take castile, or even
white soap, three ounces; oil of rosemary, two drachms;
oil of thyme, one drachm; camphor, one ounce; spirits
of wine, one pint. The camphor is to be in fine powder,
and the soap in fine shavings. The camphor, oils and
soap are to be dissolved in the spirits of wine. Place the
vessels holding these articles by the fire till the soap is
dissolved. It should be kept in wide-mouthed bottles, of
from four to six ounces’ capacity.

Observe. The oils of rosemary and thyme, entering into
the mixture, are not so much for their medical virtues as
for the fine smell. In horse and cattle practice, these
oils can be dispensed with; or, add the same quantity of
olive oil.

Soap LinrmENT.—Common. This may be used instead
of the opodeldoc. Take soap in shavings, four ounces;

OINTMENTS. 403

samphor, in powder, one ounce; spirits of wine, one pint;
jaudanum, half an ounce; and dissolve. This is a cheap
and useful liniment for sprains and bruises.

TURPENTINE LinrmMENT.—Take spirits, or oil of tur-
pentine, two ounces ; olive oil, two ounces; mix.

Live Linrmwent.—Take equal parts of lime-water and
linseed oil, and shake them well together till a white, thick,
creamy, or saponaceous compound is made. This is used
fn cases of burns and scalds, whether in man or beast.
Spread some of the liniment on a soft cotton cloth, lay it
on the burned part, and when dry renew again.

Carpotic AcipD LINIMENT.—Carbolic acid, one drachm ;
olive oil, eight ounces; mix. Or, water alone may be
used for ordinary sores instead of the oil ; but for scratches,
the same quantity of glycerine will answer a_ better
purpose.

CREOSOTE LINIMENT.—Take creosote, one ounce; oil of
turpentine, one ounce; olive oil, two ounces; mix. This
is a favorite liniment for sprains, bruises, and sores, and
gives relief from pain when rubbed upon the sprained
hock-joint and stiff joints generally.

Ointments.—B.isteRInc OrnTMENT.—Take of Span-
ish fly, in powder, one drachm; hog’s lard, six drachms;
mix. This is the ordinary blistering ointment. The old
formula is, one of Spanish fly to four of lard. The weaker
ointment answers the better purpose.

Rep lopmpE OINTMENT.—Take of bin-iodide of mer-
cury, one drachm; hog’s lard, one ounce; mix. This is
the most useful ointment the veterinary surgeon can
employ, or possess, for the cure of splints, ring-bones,
spavins, indurated or hardened tumors, and the reduction
ef enlargements of the glands of the neck. Iodide ointment

406 PRESCRIPTIONS AND PREPARATIONS,

should only be used once in five days, or till the effects of
the previous application have subsided a good deal. This
precaution is necessary to prevent a blemish being made by
the hair falling off and not growing again, which should
always be avoided.

GREEN OINTMENT.—Take of simple cerate or ointment,
one ounce; add one drachm of verdigris (diacetate of
copper), and mix. This ointment will heal sores when
other applications have failed.

SULPHUR OINTMENT.—Take of iodide of sulphur, one
drachm ; hog’s lard, one ounce; mix. Used in mange and
skin diseases.

ZINC OINTMENT.—Take carbonate of zinc, one drachm ;
hog’s lard, one ounce; mix. A good healing ointment.

LIVER OF SULPHUR OINTMENT.—Take of liver of sul-
phur, one drachm; hog’s lard, one ounce; mix. Used in
mange and other skin diseases. A more cleanly and easily
managed form, performing all its actions, is one part of the
liver of sulphur to eight parts of water.

FrENcH Hoor OrntmEentT.—Take of olive oil, wax,
lard, honey and white turpentine, equal parts; dissolve, or —
digest over a slow fire. For black hoofs, a little ivory-
black stirred in while hot, will give it sufficient color. For
blue feet, add sufficient Prussian blue or indigo, along with
the ivory-black till a blue tint is given to the ointment.

Cemmon Hoor O1ntmMEentT.—The hoof ointment sold
for such, is composed of Venice turpentine wax, and suet
in quantities sufficient to give consistence or thickness to
the mass. Oil of tar and oil of olives, or some of the
fish oils, equal parts, and sufficient lamp or ivory-black
stirred in to give thickness to the whole, is probably
the best ointment which can be used for the hoof of the
horse.

SPIRITS. 407

Plasters.—Plasters are not often called for in horse
and cattle diseases, but some cases arise which require a
plaster over the back or loins, such as chronic sprains,
iumbago, etc. Take Burgundy pitch, four parts; wax,
one part; camphor, half drachm; Spanish fly, half a
drachm; melt over a slow fire, spread on soft leather, and
lay over the loins while warm. This will be sufficient for
all purposes where a plaster is indicated. Plasters should
be worn six weeks, so that the horse will reap some benefit
from them.

Poultices,—Carrot Pountice.—Take of washed
sarrots, boil till soft, strain off the water, and bruise the
earrots into a fine pulp or mass; spread upon strong cloth,
Used for sores of an unhealthy kind.

LinsEED MEAL Povtticse.—Take of boiling water one
quart, stir in sufficient linseed meal with a wooden stick
or spoon, and beat it well so as to have no lumps. To be
spread on strong cloth or canvas, and applied.

YEAST AND CHARCOAL PouLTice.—Take yeast, one
pint, and powdered charcoal sufficient to give consistence
to the whole when well stirred in. This is a valuable
poultice, and is not as well known as it ought to be.
Used in sores discharging a stinking matter, which it soon
arrests.

Spirits.—Proor Spreirs.—Take rectified spirits of
wine, three parts by measure; water, two parts by measure;
mix. This is the proper strength for making tinctures.
Keep the rectified spirits by itself till wanted, the water
ean be added when needed.

SPIRITS OF CaMPHOR.—Take of camphor, two and a
hulf ounces; rectified spirits, one pint; dissolve. Used
for sprains, bruises and sores,

408 PRESCRIPTIONS AND PREPARATIONS,

Tinctures,—TincturE or Arnica.—Take arnica
flowers, four ounces; alcohol, one quart; macerate, or
steep for one week, and strain.

TINCTURE OF ACONITE Root.—Take of the dried and
bruised root, four ounces; alcohol, half a pint; macerate
for two weeks, and strain. ‘This medicine no farmer can very
well do without. Those who do without it, do not know
its actual value. Twenty drops of the tincture of aconite
root, under certain circumstances, is as valuable as the
animal which may stand in need of its great curative
virtues. Measured by its power in curing disease, its
weight in gold is not its value.

CoMPoUND TINCTURE OF BENzZOIN.—Commonly called
Friar’s Balsam. Take of gum benzoin, one and a half
ounces ; storax, one ounce; balsam of tolu, half an ounce;
aloes, in powder, two drachms ; alcohol, one pint ; macerate
for one week, and strain or filter. Used for healing sores.

TINCTURE OF ALOES AND Myrru.—Take aloes, in
powder, one ounce; saffron, half an ounce; tincture of
myrrh, half a pint; macerate for two weeks, and strain.
Used for healing sores and wounds.

TINCTURE OF Jop1INnE.—Take of iodine, half an ounce;
iodide of potassium, one ounce ; alcohol, one pint ; macerate
for a day or so, and it is fit for use. Used as an injection
for abscesses and empty cavities. It is also used by some
for enlargements, in the same way as it is used for erysipe-
las in man, by painting the affected part. :

Waters,—LimE-waTrer.—Take a lump of lime or
limestone, of about a pound weight, lay it on a soup plate
and wet it with water, which will soon convert the hard
stone into a fine powder. Then put it into a stone jar
holding a gallon or upwards, fill in one gallon of water,

MEDICINES. 409

and cork it closely. It is now ready for use when wanted.
The same lime may be used repeatedly, by pouring fresh
water, as the other is taken out. This water is what the
lime liniment is partly composed of.

TAR-WATER.—(Bishop Berkeley's Receipt.) Pour a
gallon of cold water on a quart of liquid tar; stir, mix
and work them together thoroughly, with a wooden ladle,
or flat stick, for five or six minutes. Then let the vessel
stand, closely covered, for three days and nights. Care-
fully skim the surface, without moving the vessel, pout
off the clear solution, and keep it in bottles well corked
for use. This is a useful medicine for man and horse in
chest diseases, and it would be well worthy of a trial in
chronic cough in the horse.

MEDICINES TO BE KEPT ON HAND.

The following medicines should be kept in every farm-
house, where there are horses and cows. If the farmer
should not think it of sufficient importance, he should at
least ascertain what is kept in the village, or country store,
so that he may know exactly where to get what he may at
any moment stand in need of, for his horse or cow, in case
of accident or sickness. Medicines should be kept in
bottles ; some in wide, and others in narrow-mouthed ones.
A plain label should be affixed to every bottle, and on
those known to be poisonous, a dark-colored label should
be used, and marked Poison. This will often prevent
mistakes and accident.

410 USEFUL MEDICINES,

TINCTURE OF ACONITE Root.—One ounce.
Rep IopipE oF MErRcury.—One drachm.
TINCTURE OF Nux Vomica.—One ounce.
SPIRITS OF TURPENTINE.—lI'wo ounces.
Epsom SAuts.—T wo pounds.

SIMPLE CERATE, OR OINTMENT.—T wo ounces.
LINSEED O1L.—One quart.

ALOES.—One ounce.

CARBONATE OF AMMONIA.—One pound.
GENTIAN Root.—Half a pound.
SuLPHUR.—Half a pound.

OLIVE O1L.—Half a pint.

CHALK.—Two pounds.

POWDERED OpruM.—One ounce.
GINGER.—One pound.
FENUGREEK.—One pound.

SULPHATE OF [Ron.—Half a pound.
Caustic PoTasH.—Six sticks.
GLYCERINE.—Half a pound.
LIME-WATER.

TANNIN.—One ounce.

CATECHU.—One ounce.

SULPHURIC ETHER.—Two ounces.

BLUE STONE.—Two ounces.

OXIDE oF Z1nc.—Four ounces.
SuLPpHuRiIc AcrD.—One pound.

SPIRITS OF SALT.—One pound.

SULPHITE OF SopA.—One pound.
SPANISH Fty.—Half an ounce.
CaRBOLIc ACID, (in crystals).—One ounce.
CrREOSOTE.—Half an ounce.
ALCoHOL.—One pint.

Corron, or Tow.—One pound.

MEDICINES. All

Laupanuw — -Two ounces.

NitTrRATE OF SILVER.—Two sticks.

CHLORIDE OF Lime.—A few pounds.
POWDERED CHARCOAL.—A few pounds.
Buack OxIpDE OF MANGANESE.—Three ounces,
Roti SuLpHuR.—Half a pound.

LIvER oF SULPHUR.—Three ounces.

TABLE OF DOSES ACCORDING TO AGE.

If the dose is for a full grown animal, of whatever kind,
fet it be one ounce.

A colt of one year will require one-third of an ounce.

A two year old will require one-half of an ounce.

A three year old will require three-fourths of an ounce.

The same proportion may be observed in eattle, from
one year old and upwards. But a calf, a week or two old,
will require another division of dose, still following the
same rule. The dose for a one year old is one-third of the
dose of an adult, or full grown ox. Then the dose fora
ealf of four weeks will be one-twelfth of that given to a
one year old, and a two months’ old ‘calf or colt, will
require one-sixth of that of a one year old animal. Fora
one week old animal, the dose will be one-fourth of that
of the animal aged four weeks. The rule and the dose are
merely approximate, but it is the best and only plan
we can offer as a rule or guide for a posological table.
Some persons have advocated a decrease in the dose for old
animals. This I cannot favor, as but few horses live to be
so old that a full dose of medicine would be an injury te

412 MEDICINES.

them. The great trouble with aged horses, is not froma
failure of the constitution and the general system, but from _
defect in the teeth, whereby, in winter, they are nearly —
starved, because of inability to masticate what they eat. —
If their food could be prepared, as is done for old men, their
lives and usefulness would be prolonged; then it would
be time enough to think of diminishing the dose for old
horses,

ARTICLES NECESSARY FOR MEASURING,
WEIGHING, ETC.

One pair of scales and weights capable of weighing from
one grain to one ounce.

Two glass measures, one measuring from five drops to
sixty—the other from one drachm to six ounces.

One Wedgewood mortar, with pestle to match.

One tile for making ointment upon.

Two spatulas, or round-edged knives, for mixing and
dividing powders, and mixing ointments.

A few small bottles with corks, to hold from one to
eight ounces.

A few labels for pasting on the bottles, with directions
for the use of the medicine.

A few labels with the word “ poison.”

A few sponges.

One ox’s horn cut sloping at the wide end for drenching
horses or cattle, which is better than a bottle. <A bottle
made of block tin, in the shape of a champagne bottle, is
a good article for drenching with. 7

MEDICINES. 413

Equivalents.

A table-spoonful is equal to half an ounce by measure.

A dessert-spoonful is equal to two fluid drachms,

A tea-spoonful is equal to one fluid drachm.

A wine-glassful is equal to one and a half fluid ounce.

The surest way, however, to get the true quantity is to
have the article measured by properly graduated weights
and measures. It will not, however, be necessary to weigh
each powder separately. Thus, half a pound of ginger
can be easily divided into ten or twelve equal parts with
a knife, without the trouble of weighing each powder
separately.

\

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

By JoHN R. Mouser, V. M. D.,
Assistant Chief, Bureau of Animal Industry.

Nature and Characteristics.—Foot-and-mouth disease,
also known as aphthous fever, epizootic aphtha, and
eczema contagiosa, is an acute, highly communicable
disease chiefly confined to cloven-footed animals and
characterized by an eruption of vesicles or blisters on
the mucous membrane of the mouth and on the skin
between the toes and above the hoofs. The vesicles rup-
ture, forming erosions and ulcerations; there are also
salivation, tenderness of the affected parts, loss of appe-
tite, lameness, emaciation, and diminution in the quan-
tity of milk secreted.

The tremendous ravages of the disease are seen in the
number and variety of the species attacked. While it
may be regarded as essentially a disease of cattle, hogs
would seem to be as easy a prey. Almost in the same
grade of receptivity are sheep and goats. Next in order
of susceptibility come the buffalo, American bison,
camel, chamois, llama, giraffe, and antelope. Horses,
dogs, cats, and even poultry may occasionally become
infected with the disease, the last three being particu-
larly dangerous as carriers of the contagion. Man him-
self is not immune, and the frequency of his infection
by coming in contact with diseased animals is established
by numerous observations.

414

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE. 415

As with other communicable diseases, the source and
origin of foot-and-mouth disease have given rise to
much speculation. The disease had been known in
Europe for centuries, but it was not until comparatively
recent years that the erroneous conceptions of its spon-
taneous origin as a result of climatic and meteorological
conditions, exhausting journeys, etc., were abandoned.
It is now conceded that foot-and-mouth disease is propa-
gated by a specific virus and that every outbreak starts
from some pre-existing outbreak.

Investigators have so far been unable to identify or
isolate the specific organism causing the disease, al-
though numerous attempts have been made to cultivate
and stain it by laboratory methods. Experiments have
shown that the virus will pass through standard germ-
proof filters, thus indicating its minute size and the
reason it has not been detected by the staining methods.
The contagion may be found in the serum of the vesicles
on the mouth, feet, and udder; in the saliva, milk, and
various secretions and excretions; also in the blood dur-
ing the rise of temperature.

A wide distribution of the virus and a rapid ceeaea
of a herd is the result. Animals may be infected directly,
as by licking, and in calves by sucking, or indirectly by
such things as infected manure, hay, utensils, drinking
troughs, railway cars, animal markets, barnyards, and
pastures. Human beings may carry the virus on their
shoes and clothing and transmit it on their hands when
milking, since the udder is occasionally the seat of the
eruption. It may also be carried by dogs, eats, rats,
chickens, pigeons, ete. Milk in a raw state may also
transmit the disease to animals fed with it.

The observations made by some veterinarians would
lead us to suppose that the virus is quite readily de-

416 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

stroyed. It is claimed that stables thoroughly cleaned
become safe after drying for a short time. Hence, lit-
ter of all kinds, such as manure or soiled hay and straw,
may remain infective for a longer time because they do
not dry out. Other authorities maintain that the virus is
quite tenacious and may live in stables even so long asa
year. They also state that animals which have passed
through the disease may be a source of infection for
several months after recovery.

Unlike most other infectious diseases, foot-and-mouth
disease may attack the same animals repeatedly. No
definite immunity is conferred by an attack.

The period of incubation (that is, the time elapsing
between the exposure of an animal to infection and the
development of the disease in that animal) is variable,
usually from three to six days. The disease may appear
in 24 hours, or, in exceptional cases, not for 18 days or
even longer.

Losses.—The highly contagious character of foot-and--
mouth disease and its rapid spread to practically all
exposed susceptible animals lead to heavy losses. Since
the mortality is comparatively low, ranging from only
3 per cent or less in mild forms to 30 or 40 per cent in
malignant cases, the havoe caused by the pestilence is
sometimes underestimated. But there are other sources
of loss which are much more important than the actual
mortality. The fever and the difficulty of eating cause
a rapid and extreme loss in flesh and a lessening or cessa-
tion of the milk secretion. The udders often become
inflamed and ruined by the formation of abscesses, and
cows affected in this way are sometimes rendered per-
manently valueless for milk production. The inflamma-
tion of the feet may cause the horn to drop from the toes,

(

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE. 417

producing great lameness and lasting injury. Abortion
is frequent with pregnant animals, and typical lesions
have been observed in the newly born at birth. Alto-
gether these losses may amount to 20 or 30 per cent of
the value of affected animals.

In addition there are indirect losses of a commercial
nature. Dairy farmers are put out of business for a
time. Necessary quarantine restrictions greatly inter-
fere with the movement of live stock and such commod-
ities as hay, straw, hides, and farm produce. The busi-
ness of the stockyards and slaughtering centers is
ereatly interfered with. Sometimes it is necessary to
close stockyards for disinfection. The whole business
of marketing, transporting, feeding, and slaughtering
is interrupted and deranged. Losses of this character
may reach enormous proportions.

Symptoms.—In three to six days or even longer after
the exposure of the animal to the infection the disease
makes its appearance. It is usually first indicated by
the animal suffering from a chill, quickly followed by
an invasion of fever, which may cause the temperature
to rise as high as 106° F. These symptoms are not
always present, or may be in so slight a form as to
escape notice. Following this in one or two days it will
be noticed that small vesicles or blisters about the size
of hemp seeds or a pea are making their appearance
upon the mucous membranes of the mouth at the border
and upper surface of the tongue near the tip, the inside
of the cheeks, on the gums and the inner surface of the
lips, or on the margin of the dental pad. These little
blisters contain a yellowish watery fiuid and gradually
become more extensive as the disease advances. Soon
after the eruptions have appeared in the mouth of the

418 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

animal it will be noticed that there is considerable swell-
ing, redness, and tenderness manifest about the feet, at
the coronet and between the digits of each foot. Erup-
tions similar to those within the mouth make their
appearance upon these swollen regions of the foot a day
or two later, and at this stage it is usual to find that
like lesions have made their appearance upon the per-
ineum of the victim. In the case of milch cows, the
udder, and more particularly the teats, show the same
vesicular eruption, but the latter as the result of milk-
ing soon become covered with reddened spots deprived
of the superficial layer of skin and may develop deep,
obstinate fissures. |

As soon as the disease has become well established the
patient evinces pain when attempting to eat; in fact
the appetite is often so seriously affected that all food
is refused and the animal uneasily opens and shuts its
mouth with a characteristic smacking sound, while
strings of cohesive, ropy saliva hang suspended from the
lips. With the advance of the disease the vesicles have
widened and extended until they may reach a diameter
ranging from that of a dime to that of a silver dollar.
These rupture soon after their appearance, sometimes
on the first day, more rarely on the second or third day.
After they have ruptured the grayish white membrane
forming the blister may remain attached for a day or
more, or disappear speedily and leave deeply reddened
sensitive spots or erosions, both within the mouth and —
upon the coronet and between the claws of the feet.
Similar erosions, which quickly form scabs as a rule,
may be noticed in cases in which the teats of milch cows
have become affected, and instances are reported in
which sloughing of the tegument immediately around
the lesions upon the udder has occurred. Owing to the

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE. 419

tough, fibrous nature of the bovine skin, it is exceed-
ingly rare for sloughing to occur upon any part of the
body other than those mentioned.

The attack upon the feet of an animal is frequently
manifested in all four feet at once, but one or more of
the feet may entirely escape and remain unaffected
throughout the course of the disease. The ulceration of
the interdigital tissue may extend to the ligaments of
the fetlock or produce disease of the joint or bone. As
the feet become sensitive and sore the animal lies down
persistently, and it has been found that bed sores de-
velop with amazing rapidity in all such cases and wholely
baffle all attempts at treatment until after the patient
has regained its feet.

The disease may attack some of the internal organs
before it appears upon any of the external tissues.
These cases are very liable to prove quickly fatal. The
animal dies from paralysis of the heart, due to the
formation of poisonous principles within the system, or
it may suffocate by reason of the action of these same
poisons upon the tissues of the lungs, or it may choke
to death as a result of paralysis of the throat.

In eases of serious affection of the udder the erosions
will often be found located within the passages of the
teats, resulting in a ‘‘caked’’ udder, and the same toxic
poisoning which is the cause of death in the apoplecti-
form types just mentioned may arise from this source.
In any event the milk from such eases will be found
dangerous for use, causing fatal diarrhea in sucking
ealves or young pigs and serious illness In human con-
sumers. The milk obtained from cows suffering with
foot-and-mouth disease is not readily converted into
either butter or cheese, but remains thick, slimy, and
inert in spite of churning and attempts at curdling.

420 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

Pregnant animals may abort. In pigs, sheep, and goats
the lesions in the foot are most common, but both forms
may be observed or only the mouth lesions.

When the disease has become fully established it will
be found that the duration of the attack will vary
greatly with different animals. From 10 to 20 days
are usually required for the recovery of the normal
appetite and spirits in mild outbreaks, while the return
to a full flow of milk, in the case of milch cows, is
seldom witnessed before the arrival of the following
season.

In the malignant type of the disease it requires from
three months to a year for an animal to recover. The
mortality, as already stated, 1s usually low. The disease
is more fatal in young animals that have been fed on
infected milk, and produced death in from 60 to 80
per cent of these cases as a result of gastro-enteritis.
In the present outbreak numerous new centers of
infection have been started among hogs and calves
which were fed on unpasteurized infected milk from
creameries.

Diagnosis.—The recognition of this affection should
not, as a rule, be difficult, especially when the disease is
known to be in the vicinity; in fact, the group of symp-
toms form a clinical picture too decided to be doubted.
The combination of high fever, vesicular inflammation
of the mouth, and hot, painful, swollen condition of the
feet, followed 24 to 48 hours later by the appearance of
numerous blisters varying in size from that of a pea to
that of a walnut on the udder and feet and in the mouth
should prevent any serious or long-continued error in
the diagnosis. However, in the inoculation of calves we
have a certain and final test. In 24 to 96 hours after

an

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE. 421

inoculation the calves present the characteristic blisters.
Such inoculation should be practiced, however, only by
officials who are properly authorized to deal with con-
tagious diseases.

How to Distinguish Foot-and-Mouth Disease from
Other Affections—The lesions of no other disease of
cattle closely simulate the vesicular eruption of foot-
and-mouth disease on the lining membrane of the mouth.
When the blisters have ruptured, however, and the
resulting lesions have become contaminated by numer-
ous secondary forms of micro-organisms, the correct
recognition of the disease may be involved in consider-
able difficulty.

Cowpox or horsepox may be accidentally transmitted
by inoculation. But the eruption of the ‘‘pox’’ goes on
to the development of a pustule, while in foot-and-mouth
disease the eruption is never more than a vesicle, even
though the contained fluid may become turbid. The
inoculation test in the case of cowpox does not respond
with fever and eruption for at least 10 days, and often
longer.

Necrotic stomatitis (sore mouth due to a germ) may
be distinguished from foot-and-mouth disease by the
fact that in the latter disease there is a rapid infection
of the entire herd, including the adult cattle, as well as
the infection of hogs and sheep. The characteristic
lesion of foot-and-mouth disease is the appearance of
blisters containing a serous fluid upon the mucous mem-
brane of the mouth and upon the udder, teats, and feet
of the affected animals. In necrotic stomatitis blisters
are never formed, destruction of the tissues occurring
from the beginning and being followed by the formation
of yellowish, cheesy patches principally found involving

422 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

the lining membrane of the mouth, especially the tongue
and cheeks.

In mycotic stomatitis (sore mouth due to a fungus or
mold), portions of the lining membrane become inflamed
and in a few days it changes to a croupous membrane
which peels off, leaving a raw surface, while the thin
skin between the toes may also be inflamed. The pre-
vious history of the case; the failure of the blisters, if
any appear, to spread extensively ; the absence of vesicu-
lar eruptions on other portions of the body, notably the
udder and teats, and, characteristically, the hoof, to-
gether with the absence of rapid spread to practically
all cattle in the herd and the complete negative char-
acter of inoculation of calves, distinguishes between the
local disease named and foot-and-mouth disease.
Mycotic stomatitis occurs in only from 10 to 50 per cent
of the animals in a herd, usually in the late summer or
early fall after a dry spell, and it does not run a regular
course.

The lesion, resulting from ergotism may be distin-
guished from those of foot-and-mouth disease by the
lack of eruptions in the mouth and by the location of
the disease at the tips of the ears, end of the tail, or
upon the lower part of the legs, usually below the knees
or hocks. The lesion of ergotism does not take the form
of pustules or blisters, but manifests itself first as a
swelling about the ankle, which later may slough and
cireumscribe the limb, forming a deep crack, extending
entirely around the limb and forming a distinct line of
demarcation between the healthy skin above and the
diseased below. The absence of ulcerous sores on the
coronet and between the claws, together with the healthy
condition of the membranes of the mouth and the knowl-
edge that the lesion upon the limb in question extends

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE. 423

uninterruptedly around it, should point conclusively to
a diagnosis of ergotism and to the exclusion of all fears
of foot-and-mouth disease.

In foul foot or ground itch of cattle, the inflammation
of the skin and toes is general and not in certain spots,
as in foot-and-mouth disease; the mouth remains unaf-
fected and the presence of the disease may be traced to
filth and poor drainage.

The severer forms of the disease might be confounded
with certain general diseases. Where gastro-intestinal
symptoms predominate acute gastric catarrh or inflam-
mation of the intestines might be thought of. Involve-
ment of the lungs might lead to a diagnosis of acute con-
gestion of the lungs or pneumonia. The distinction is
apparent in these diseases by the lack of vesicular erup-
tion on the mucous membrane or skin, and also by lack
of evidences of infection in the herd or neighboring
animals.

Prevention and Eradication.—The measures to be
adopted to prevent the spread of the affection must take
into consideration the highly infectious nature of the
disease, its ease of dissemination, and the liability of the
virus to live outside of the body of an animal for long
periods. Great care should therefore be observed in
keeping healthy animals unexposed to the contagion.
When an outbreak occurs in a community, the owner
should make every effort to keep other animals from
coming in contact with his diseased cattle. This espe-
cially applies to dogs, cats, goats, and poultry, which
usually have access to the stables and barnyards and
in this way furnish excellent means for disseminating
the infectious principle. He should be equally particu-
lar in prohibiting any person from coming onto his

424 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

premises, especially an attendant or owner or other
person in any way connected with cattle. Such a herd
may be placed under quarantine, with an inspector
appointed to keep the premises under constant sur-
veillance.

This method of quarantine alone, while very satisfac-
tory in many instances, is rather tardy in obtaining the
desired result. The experience of European govern-
ments, already mentioned, shows that eradication by
this method alone, when the disease has obtained a foot-
hold, is practically impossible. For this reason when
the disease breaks out in a country like the United
States, where the contagion is likely to spread rapidly
by means of infected cars, manure, hay, and other feed,
and where the results of its obtaining a firm foothold
would be so disastrous, it seems that this method of
temporizing is rather tedious, and more radical steps are
required in order to suppress and eradicate completely
the infection in the quickest and most thorough manner
possible. |

It would therefore appear better to concentrate the
expense incident to the extermination of foot-and-mouth
disease by purchasing and slaughtering all affected and
exposed cattle after judicious appraisement. The ear-
casses of these animals should be totally destroyed,
preferably by cremation, or otherwise by burying them
in a hole 6 feet deep and covering them with air-slaked
lime. The infected stable should be disinfected by thor-
oughly cleaning it, scrubbing the floor with hot water,
brushing down all loose dust from the walls, and tear-
ing off all woodwork which is partly decayed. Then the
whole interior of the stable should be disinfected with
one of the following substances:

A 5 per cent solution of pure carbolie acid.

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE. 425

Chlorid of lime, U. S. P. strength (30 per cent avail-
able chlorin), 1 pound to 3 gallons of water.

Formaldehyde, 1 quart 40 per cent solution to 5 gal-
lons of water.

A 3 per cent solution of cresol compound, U. S. P., or
accepted substitute therefor, containing at least 50 per
eent cresylic acid.

All stable utensils should be thoroughly cleaned and
disinfected by the application of a solution of one of the
above disinfectants. The manure should be burned or
disinfected and spread over ground (other than meadow
land) that is to be turned under. No other cattle should
be purchased for at least sixty days after the complete
disinfection of the premises.

The success in eradicating the disease by combined
quarantine, slaughter, and disinfection, as practiced in
the United States, Denmark, Great Britain, and a few
other countries, demonstrates in a striking manner the
efficacy of slaughtering and the futility of relying upon
quarantine alone in stamping out the disease.

Inoculation has been adopted in some countries in
order to have the disease spread quickly through the
herds, and while this practice has undoubted value
where the disease is indigenous, it is not desirable in
this country and should not be adopted.

As a rule medical treatment with a view to curing
affected animals is not to be recommended under con-
ditions prevailing in the United States, where the dis-
ease has not become established, and the first object is to
stamp it out as quickly as possible. Even though most
animals would recover, with or without treatment, it
would be practically impossible, while they were being
held for recovery, to prevent the spread of the infection
to others. The disease would be likely to spread faster

426 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

than it could be cured. As already pointed out, it has
been found impossible to prevent absolutely the spread
of the contagion by the strictest quarantine alone, under
the usual farm conditions. In addition, the affected
animals that have passed through the disease may be-
come a source of further infection as virus carriers for
weeks and months after they have apparently recovered,
and are susceptible of reinfection, as one attack does not
confer permanent immunity.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Man.—Foot-and-mouth
disease is primarily and principally a disease of cattle;
secondarily and casually, a disease of man. It is trans-
missible to man through the eating or drinking of raw
milk, buttermilk, butter, cheese, and whey from animals
suffering from foot-and-mouth disease. It is also trans-
mitted directly, though more rarely, from the salivary
secretions or other infected material which may gain
entrance through the mucous membrane of the mouth.
It is doubtful whether the disease can be transmitted to
man by cutaneous or subcutaneous inoculation, though
it is probable that the infection may be communicated if
the virus directly enters the blood through wounds of
any kind. Children are not infrequently infected by
drinking unboiled milk during the periods in which the
disease is prevalent in the neighborhood, while persons
in charge of diseased animals may become infected
through contact with the diseased parts or by milking,
slaughtering, or caring for the animals.

The symptoms in man resemble those observed in ani-
mals. There is fever, sometimes vomiting, painful swal-
lowing, heat and dryness of the mouth, followed by an
eruption of vesicles on the mucous membrane of the
mouth, and very rarely by similar ones on the fingers.

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE. 427

The vesicles appear on the lips, gums, cheek, and edge
of the tongue, and are about the size of a pea. The
vesicles soon rupture, leaving a small erosion which is
soon covered by a thin crust under which the new forma-
tion of epithelium proceeds rapidly. The skin eruption
mostly appears on the hands, tips of the fingers, base of
the nails, and more seldom on the toes and other parts
of the body. Besides these local changes, during the
course of the disease there are occasionally observed
headache, pain in the limbs, vertigo, abdominal cramps,
vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. The disease is
very seldom fatal, usually appearing in a very mild
form except in weakened children, in whom an accom-
panying intestinal catarrh may lead to a fatal termina-
tion.

Veterinarians who have had considerable experience
with the disease among animals regard the human affec-
tion as by no means uncommon in countries where foot-
and-mouth disease prevails, but the disturbance of
health is usually too slight to come to the notice of the
family physician.

But few outbreaks of the disease have occurred in the
United States, and therefore cases of its transmission to
man in this country are quite rare. Dr. James Law
reports having observed the disease in man from drink-
ing infected milk during the epizootic of 1870 in the
Eastern States; but the outbreaks of 1880 and 1884
affected such a small number of animals and were so.
quickly suppressed that no instance of its transmission
to man was recorded. A few cases have been reported
by Brush accompanying the New England outbreak of
1902. Similar reports have been likewise received con-
cerning the appearance of vesicular eruptions in the
mouths of children during the 1908 and 1914 outbreaks,

428 DISEASES OF CATTLE.

and the history of these cases incriminates the milk
supply.

Experiments by Loeffler and Froesch, as well as recent
experiments which have been made in Denmark and
Germany, indicate that the infection is comparatively
easy to destroy by heat or the usual antiseptics. Milk
pasteurized at a temperature of 60° C. for 20 minutes is
safe so far as infection by foot-and-mouth disease is con-
cerned.

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