A \ \ \ WY << \\\ KK AXA AX WY WY \ WY AX A NAY AK RAK AK LIBRARY NEW YORK STATE VETERINARY COLLEGE rere, - £ f= ‘ITHACA, N. Y. DISEASES AND DISORDERS OF THE HORSE. ‘(xato0g) LOO SHSMOH AHL . Fig. J,—Tue Dicir with THE Hoor REMOVED, FLEXED AND. VIEWED FROM BEHIND A. Sensitive sole; B. Sensitive lamine that were interleaved with the horny lamine of the bar F, The pyramidal body, or sensitive frog; L. Lateral lacuna of.the same; M. Median lacuna of the same; Q. Q. Fibrous sheath uniting the two branches of the perforatus; R. Branches of the per- foratus passing to be inserted into the os coronz; T. Tendon of the perforatus; T’. Tendon of the perforans, in its passage between the branches of the perforatus; V. Reinforcing sheath of the plantar aponeurosis ; X, Attachment of the same to the side of the os suffraginis. . Fig, I].—Verticat MESIAL SECTION OF THE DicIT. “A. Os pedis; B. Coronary cushion; C. Coffin-joint; D. Navicular bone; E. Os corone F. Pastern-joint ; H. Branch of the perforatus at its insertion into the lateral aspect of the os coronz ; I. Insertion of the plantar aponeurosis into the semilunar crest ; K. Os suffraginis; L. The perforatus tendon ; M. Ligament of yellow fibrous tissue which unites the anterior face of the perforans to the posterior face of the os coronz, and separates the inferior cul-de-sac of the great sesamoid sheath from that of the synovial membrane of the coffin-joint; N. Protrusion of the synovial membrane of the corono-pedal joint between the navicular bone and the os pedis; O. Small sesamoéid sheath; P. Synovial membrane of the coffin-joint in contact superiorly with the great sesamoid sheath, from which it is separated by the yellow transverse ligament M.; T. Tendon of the perforans ; Y. Fetlock joint. Fig. III,—Arrerizs oF THE Dict, A. A. Digital artery; C. Perpendicular artery at its origin; H. One of the posterior branches (rameaux echelonnes) for the perforans tendon; J. Another of the same; K. Origin of the artery of the plantar cushion; M. Origin of the anterior branch of the coronary circle; M’. Posterior branch _ of the same circle; R. Origin of the preplantar artery ; S. Plantar artery in the plantar groove and in the os pedis, torming with the opposite artery the semilunar anastomosis ; V. V. Descending branches from the semilunar anastomosis. Fig. [V.—TuHe Hoor—pianTar asPECt. P. P. Region of the toe; S. Sole; L. Frog; A. Line indicating the junction of the wall and sole; B. Angle of inflexion of the wall, showing the continuity of the wall and bar; E. Inferior edge of the bar; F. Lateral lacuna of- the frog; G. Bulbs of the frog ; Q. Median lacuna of the eh U. Regions of the quarters; O. Regions of the heels, Fig. V.—EXTREMITY OF THE DiGIT wiTH THE HooF REMOVED—VIEWED FROM THE SIDE, ' A. B, Plantar cushion with its villosities ; D. Groove between the plantar cushion and the perioplic ring; E. Perioplic ring; F. Inferior border of the plantar cushion; G. Sensitive laminee ; H. Villosities which terminate the lamina. Fig. VI.—ANTERO-POSTERIOR MESIAL SECTION OF THE HooF—SHOWING ITS INTERIOR. M. Series of horny lamine; O. Section of the wall; P. Section of the sole; s. Upper edge of the periople above the cutigeral grove; T. Section of the frog; X. Cutigeral groove. DISEASES & DISORDE ‘ OF THE BLO 3 A Treatisé on Equine Medicine and Sur BEING A CONTRIBUTION TO THE SCIENCE OF COMPARATIVE PATHOLOGY, BY ALBERT GRESSWELL,; Graduate in High Honours, and late Junior Student of Christ Church, Oxford ; Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England; Author, in conjunction with Mr. J. B. GREsswELt, of the ‘‘ Manual of the Theory and Practice of Equine Medicine ;” and of “The Equine Hospital Prescriber,” &c.; AND JAMES BRODIE GRESSWELL, M.R.C.V.S., Author of the ‘‘ Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics,” and other Works and Papers on Veterinary Science; Veterinary Inspector for the Lindsey Division, and for the Borough of Louth, Lincolnshire; Provincial Veterinary Surgeon to the Royal Agricultural Society ; REVISED, WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY GEORGE GRESS WELL, Graduate in Honours, and late Open College Exhibitioner of Christ Church, Oxford; Graduate of the University of the Cape of Good Hope; Author of the ‘‘ Evolution Hypothesis,” “The Wonderland of Evolution,” ‘‘The Place of Physical Science in Education,” &c.; recently Lecturer in Physical Science under the Government of the Cape of Good Hope. [ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ] LEEDS: PUBLISHED BY THE VORKSHIRE CONSERVATIVE NEWSPAPER Co.,, Tah LONDON; «| | S BAILLIERE, TINDALL & COX Kine Wu. LIAM Stmeet, oe 1886. Sed quum tota philosophia, mi Cicero, frugifera et fructuosa, nec ulla pars ejus inculta ac deserta sit, tum nullus feractor mm ea locus est nec ubertor, quam de officiis, a quibus constanter honesteque vivenadt precepta ducuntur. Cicero De Officits, Lib IIL, Cap. 2. TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD RANDOLPH HENRY SPENCER CHURCHILL, M.P., CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER, AND LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS,’ This Work Is Dedicated, IN ADMIRATION OF HIS LORDSHIP’S BRILLIANT QUALITIES AS A STATESMAN, ORATOR, AND LEADER OF MEN, BY THE AUTHORS, | PREFACE. In no branch of knowledge has there been of late years more decided progress than in that of Comparative Pathology; and we may venture to say, without fear of contradiction, that upon the still further prospective elaboration of this most important Science, human welfare in large measure depends. To the greater encouragement of original research in the various departments in ‘Pathology by the more enlightened countries, in Europe, in America, and in our colonies, our progress in sanitation and therapeutic knowledge is very greatly due. The bonds of union between human and veterinary medicine and surgery are yearly—we had almost said daily—becoming more and more intimate, as men are beginning to realise the necessary connection which must subsist between all vital phenomena, whether normal or abnormal. Hence it comes about that investigation in each and every branch of Pathology and Surgery is of the greatest importance, not only in itself, but as bearing upon every other part of each of these two wide subjects. It was in 1885, that we first put before the veterinary and scientific - worlds primarily, and before the public secondarily, “ A Manual of the Theory and Practice of Equine Medicine.” In the preface to that work, our intention to follow it up by the production of other treatises was intimated. We have it in contemplation before long to issue a work on Comparative Pathology, which is already in hand, and conjointly, “A Manual on the Theory and Practice of Equine Surgery.” A complete and comprehensive book on veterinary medicines is already written by Mr. George Gresswell, in co-operation with Mr. Charles Gresswell. xiv. This work, which is now passing through the press, is entitled “The Veterinary Pharmacopceia, Materia Medica, and Therapeutics,” and will shortly be published by Messrs. Baillitre, Tindall, & Cox. It will be evident that the large amount of investigation, necessary before writing such works as these, is only to be accurately estimated by those who have devoted their special attention to similar pursuits. In the midst of professional calls, it is a matter of great difficulty to find sufficient leisure—not to speak of the question of remuneration—for the necessary application. For these reasons, our purpose of bringing to completion a work we have had in view, has not yet been accomplished. Recently we have been engaged in the study of the malignant tumours of men and animals, in the hope of shedding some rays of light on the nature and etiology of these insidious and most interesting manifestations of disease ; and we hope that our work ‘will, in the future, be not altogether in vain, especially as, working together and separately, we have reason to hope for more complete knowledge, than that we at present possess. Such marked success as we scarcely hoped for has induced us to continue more quickly than we otherwise should have felt eoneawe for, our deliberately expressed resolve. Of course literary and scientific workers will recognise the great difficulties encountered in working thus rapidly. That we should have been utterly unable to do so, we may with all modesty say, had it not been for the fact that much of what we have given to the world has existed in the form of practical and written knowledge for a considerable period. The treatment recommended in this book, as in the others for which we are responsible, is mainly the result of the prolonged experience of the lifetime of a man who has done very much for the progress of veterinary.science. The numerous pupils of the late Mr. D. Gresswell will recognise the painstaking care with which he always strived both to alleviate and to prevent the diseases and dis- orders of the domesticated animals. The study of science in all its forms was to him the chief joy in life, and he has left what we may XV. with justice call a monument of fame, if only by the impress he has. made on the veterinary science of his day. The great encouragemént we have hitherto received from the press, and the large sale of our previous works, have been to us at _once most gratifying rewards for labours achieved, and at the same time have furnished us with a most wholesome stimulus for. renewed application. The need of and consequent demand for such a handbook. as the present one have been abundantly testified in numerous ways. With regard, however, to the way in which this particular work came to be written, we may say that although we had intended to bring out before long a book of this character, still we should in all. probability certainly not have carried out our intention so rapidly, had it not been for the enlightened and most kind courtesy of the Editor and Proprietors of Zhe Yorkshire Lost. We hope that the readers of that well-known and justly esteemed paper will have derived as much advantage as we ourselves have done. Were it only for the exigencies of providing “copy,” a most wholesome, if at times a very inconvenient stimulus to a writer, we ought to acknowledge the benefits we have derived from our connection with this widely circulating paper. The advantages, however, are by no means confined to this necessity, and we can only say that we hope the good accruing has been shared by all others as well and as much as by ourselves. In view of the large amount of errors prevalent regarding the diseases of the horse,. and the very great detriment often accruing in cohsequenes: we do not apologise for again intruding on the public, inasmuch as our efforts hitherto have met with the approving “commendation of many of those justly entitled to form an opinion as to the merits of our work. When the favorable remarks of the general public, to whom we.also appeal, were added, we no longer feared that this, our latest production, would meet with a reception no less favourable than that of its predecessors. The number of letters we have : | \ xvi. already received from the readers of The Yorkshire Post, justify, we think, this anticipation of ours. . It is well to add that most of the cases described have actually occurred in the practice of Mr. J. B. Gresswell, and that the treatment mentioned and recommended is that usually carried out by him. The whole of the literary and pathological portion of the work has fallen to the lot of Dr. Albert Gresswell; but the principal part of the recent revision, alteration, and correction, of the whole work as opposed to the original articles as they appeared in Zhe Yorkshire Post, has been carried out in co-operation with Dr. Gresswell, by Mr. George Gresswell, who also has re-written certain portions here and there, both in the original articles, and in the body of the book as it now stands, as well as the introduction. To Professor J. M‘Fadyean, of Edinburgh, we are indebted for the two valuable illustrations of the horse’s brain, and to him also we owe our frontispiece and the description of it. In addition, we have in conclusion, to acknowledge our indebtedness to the following :— Firstly and chiefly, to the prolonged and extensive experience of the late Mr. D. Gresswell; and also to the admirable and classical researches of Drs, Fleming, Klein, and Cobbold, to Messrs. Percivall, Williams, Gamgee, Signol, Charles Gresswell, Mayhew, Brown, Chauveau, and others. ALBERT GRESSWELL, Kelsey House, Louth, GEORGE GRESSWELI,, Mercer Row, Louth, Lincolnshire. JAMES BRODIE GRESSWELL, Veterinary Institute, Louth, Lincolnshire. Jury, 1886. CONTENTS. 0. Part I.—Medical Diseases of the Horse. Introduction , CHAPTER I. GENERAL DISEASES OF 1HE IIORSE - Influenza or Distemper Strangles or Colt-Ill Ey ses Glanders and Farcy 4 on tes ae iat Anthrax or Charbon: Anthracoid Diseases; Glossanthrax, and Anthra- coid Angina oe on wee pier tea Scarlet Fever and Purpura vee * oe ow General Diseases due to errors in Dieting and ee Weed or Lymphangitis a 2 Diabetes Insipidus and Diabetes Mellitus oo Oxaluria ... Azoturia . -Lock-Jaw or Tetanus ‘Rheumatism ss Rabies, or Hydiephoula one CHAPTER II. DISEASES OF THE BREATHING AND CIRCULATORY ORGANS Coughing, Grunting, and Whistling ... Roaring «.. on oe Asthma and Broken-wind ine Chill, Common Cold, and Chronic Catarrh Sore Throat, or Laryngitis a8 aig Bronchitis, or Inflammation of the Bronchial Tubes ... Congestion of the Lungs Inflammation of the Lungs Pleurisy Heart Diseases xxiii. m= NT OO WG 7 21 25 25 27 28 28 29 32 34 36 36 33 41 44 46 47 49 51 52 54 Vil. CHAPTER IU. DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS AND LIVER... one wea 55 General Remarks on the Digestive Organs mie es Cae 55. Acute Indigestion, or Stomach-Staggers ; Chronic lidieciians ; Gastritis 61 Rupture of the Stomach ane te ae waa Sens 62 Colic oo tee sae was ona ae 64 Lampas .. fee one a “ wet et 66: Fifizenmnation of the Mouth, or Stomatitis; both Contagious and Non-contagious oe ss one ais cea 67 Inflammation of the Tongue ... ae oe see 68 Crib-Biting and Wind-Sucking ‘ey ais is vei 68- Inflammation of ‘the Bowels ... we a tee 69 Constipation and Obstruction of the Bowels --- ms sae 92 Diarrhoea oe ws Ae tag ae eae 74. Rupture of the Intestines ee 8 vee oe 75 Dysentery a see oa ales aa 76 De Piste of the Liver Na aw oe id ate 77 CHAPTER IV. INTESTINAL PARASITES... ae sis eas eae aa 719 CHAPTER V. DISEASES OF THE KIDNEYS AND BLADDER Bets or ses 87 CHAPTER VI. DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SysTEM oe on tees Les 94 General Remarks on the Anatomy and Physiology of the Nervous System 94 Stringhalt we wee eee found very beneficial. When gastric irritation is great, we may add thirty minims of. diluted hydrocyanic acid to each draught. If the aloes does not act within the first forty-eight hours, it is best to administer one to two pints of castor oil, In stomach-staggers, it is never advisable to abstract blood. In the further treatment of this disease, as soon as the appetite returns, the diet should be at first of a laxative nature, and limited in amount. Chronic. indigestion, like the acute form, is chiefly caused by dietetic errors, though these are not always apparent. Sometimes the food, though of good quality, is too stimulating and dry. In other cases it is not sufficiently masticated, perhaps owing to irregularities in the teeth, but in most cases it will be found to be of inferior quality, or administered irregularly. Dietetic errors induce changes in the gastric juice, and in the movements of the stomach, which, however, are sometimes deficient from impaired nerve power. The symptoms of chronic indigestion are very variable. ‘The appetite may or may not be impaired. Sometimes it is capricious and perverted. In other cases, though it continues good, the animal still continues to lose flesh. The bowels are generally irregular, the feeces often coated with mucus, and there may be great thirst and acid eructations. Abdominal pain is not unfrequent in severe cases, especially when the appetite remains unimpaired. The horse is weak, sweats easily, and the skin is dry and hard. These cases are but too frequently dosed and poisoned with over-doses of aconite drenches. In treating chronic ) indigestion, the causes of the disorder should be enquired into, and the dietetic arrangements carefully regulated. Some purgative should be given in all cases, unless the bowels are 63 freely open, and should be followed by the administration of vegetable tonics, The diet should be limited in amount, and it will be advantageous to change it. Internally we may administer half an ounce of Fowler’s solution, with 3 (tena rnin rns Oa ES A TTT TR half an ounce of bicarbonate of potassium in the drinking water, twice or thrice daily after meals, for three or four days. Afterwards we may administer stimulating balls, eight drachms each, of equal parts of carbonate of ammanium, ginger, and gentian, made up with treacle, These may be given at first twice, then once daily.” Inflammation of the stomach or gastritis may be acute or chronic. It is commonly due to toxic agents taken, but may come on from indigéstion, or it may arise from foreign bodies such as calculi, or be due to bots. Crib kiting also is not unfrequently a cause of dyspepsia and chronic gastritis. The treatment of these affections is in the main similar to that of the preceding. Under any circumstances the food should be restricted in amount in the acute variety, consisting of linseed gruel and other non-irritating material; but in all cases it is necessary to -ascertain the cause, and if any poison has been ingested, it will be necessary to treat the inflammation in accordance with the nature of the toxic agent. Tincture Lopiam in doses of one cuneeand a half, with one ounce of sulphuric. ether, and_one ounce of spirit of chloroform, given three_o gi r four times during the day in three quarters of a pint_of gruel, -will be found very beneficial Fortunately, acute gastritis is not very common in the horse... RUPTURE OF THE STOMACH. THERE remains for our consideration but one more disease of the stomach, and although it is nearly always fatal, we propose to treat of it pretty fully, because it illustrates so well the.baneful effects liable to be caused by injudicious feeding and work. Partial or complete rupture of the walls of the stomach is not uncommon among horses. It is mainly due to errors in dieting and work, and is more frequently met with among the heavier draught horses, which are especially subjected to irregularities of work, and defective dietetic arrangements. Rupture is especially likely to occur when a large amount of food is given after exhausting or prolonged work. Under these circumstances, the food is especially liable to undergo fermentative changes from its longer retention in the stomach, owing to the slow and imperfect action of the gastric juice and defective movements of the walls. It is more frequent in horses fed on bruised than on whole grains, especially when put to work after a full meal. Rupture of the stomach is probably, in most instances, preceded by derangement and distention, or actual disease of the walls, consequent on chronic indigestion and other causes. It is rarely met with in young animals, but most commonly occurs in aged horses, especially when these have undergone severe exertion, or have been overworked for a long period. "Vomiting, or attempts at vomiting, generally occur in rupture of the stomach, but as it is not invariably present, and may proceed from other 64 causes as, for instance, rupture of the large intestine, it cannot be considerect. a distinguishing symptom. Vomition is, however, more complete in rupture of the stomach, and in dilatation of the opening of the gullet into it, than in rupture of the intestine, Rupture may be brought about by gradual distension of the walls of the stomach, and without much pain, until the contents escape into the body-cavity. Sometimes, however, rupture occurs. suddenly, owing to the violent struggles of the animal in its paroxysms of pain, during the course of disease of the stomach or gut. The animal becomes uneasy, with countenance dejected, and he looks anxiously round at his flanks. There is great weakness and rapid prostration of strength. The pulse is feeble and fluttering, the respirations are short and quick, and there are frequent attempts at vomiting. In some cases the animal remains quiet for a time after the rupture, while in other instances the pain is intense, and the animal becomes delirious. In some cases of rupture, collapse and death follow in a few hours; while in others, where the rent is not so extensive, life may be prolonged for a couple of days or more, Treatment is of no avail, and if the veterinarian decides the case to be one of rupture, he deems it best to have the animal put out of his agony. Our readers will perceive that cases of chronic indigestion, the treatment. of which we described above, may, if neglected, lead eventually to rupture of the coats of the stomach. We may conclude our observations on the diseases of the stomach by remarking that in the horse a staring coat, sluggishness at work, emaciation, with a tucked-up appearance of the belly, are among the most apparent signs of dyspepsia. The presence of undigested food in the feeces, and especially of un-crushed oats, and the occasional appearance of griping pains, all indicate that the digestive organs are at fault (Gamgee). COLIC. PAIN in the abdomen may arise from derangement of the functions of the intestinal tract, or it may be due to actual organic changes of varying extent and nature. To the former disorder the term “true colic” is applied, while, when depending on organic disease, this condition is sometimes spoken of as “false colic.” “True colic” is of two varieties, which may be associated together. The one termed “spasmodic colic,” is due to spasmodic contraction of the muscular wall of the gut; the other, termed “flatulent colic,” is owing to extensive gaseous accumulation in the intestine. It is said that the spasmodic form may terminate in intestinal inflammation. Colic is generally due to dietetic errors, such as overfeeding, irregularities in the diet, such as food of inferior quality or unsuitable kind, taking a large amount of food after a long fast, or it may arise from prolonged or severe exertion. These causes, are all potent agencies in the production of spasmodic intestinal contraction, as well as of flatulent distension, which may either be associated with the spasmodic variety or occur independently. 65 Besides dietetic errors, there are many other causes of colic. This _ painful affection may be due to mechanical displacement of the bowels, or to the presence of parasites in the bowels, and sometimes also in the neighbouring parts. Young animals, especially when badly fed and attended to, are more liable to colic from this source than older horses. The onset of spasmodic colic is generally mére or less sudden. The horse shows signs of abdominal pain by looking round at his flanks, by restlessness, by striking at his belly with his hind feet, and in various other ways. He lies down and rolls about from side to side. After a while he rises and eats a little, and soon, perhaps, a paroxysm of pain again attacks him. In uncomplicated cases of colic, the pulse and respirations and temperature are rarely elevated, except during the paroxysms of pain. The pulse is then much accelerated, and the respiration usually becomes hurried. The attack may now subside, or may gradually become more and more severe, the paroxysms being more continuous, and the pain more intense. The restlessness and excitability increase, and partial stupor supervenes. The attack, if unrelieved, may end in death from continued pain or from exhaustion, with varying complications. In most cases of colic the bowels are constipated, and the excrement, if any, which is passed is usually hard and often coated. The flatulent form of colic due to distension of the intestine with gas, may be associated with spasm of the muscular coats, or it may occur independently of it: It is especially to be attributed to digestive disturbance depending on ingestion of food, which is prone to undergo fermentation, This affection usually comes on suddenly. The horse is noticed to be very restless, and the abdomen distends and’ becomes tense, and gives a hollow note if struck. The breathing is short, and the pulse is frequent and feeble. The extremities are cold, and there may be more or less delirium and dizziness. When the animal lies down, he does not throw himself suddenly on the ground, as in spasmodic colic, but allows himself to fall more slowly and carefully. If unrelieved, the continued distension may lead to further disturbance of the heart and lungs, and death may result from asphyxia. Sometimes rupture of the colon or other part of the bowel or of the diaphragm is the cause of death. In ordinary cases of colic, the prognosis is very favourable in both varieties, but it is not so good in severe cases of the flatulent kind. In all prolonged cases with great pain and restlessness, there is danger of displacement or entanglement of the intestine ; and when gaseous distension is very great, and the struggles are very violent, there is great risk of rupture of the large bowels or of the diaphragm. In inflammation of the bowels, of which we shall treat hereafter, the abdominal pain, unlike that of colic, is continuous, it is more agonising, and rarely has periods of intermission. The prognosis in this latter disease is very grave. In all cases of colic, except those in which diarrhoea is present, it is F . 66 advisable to commence treatment by administering a purgative medicine. Barbadoes aloes is the best purgative, and is given preferably in the form of a ball, in doses of five, six, or seven drachms, depending upon the size and condition of the animal. It is of the greatest importance that the aloes be of the best quality. Much of that sold is really unfit for use, and great care is therefore necessary in procuring the drug. In all cases where a full dose of aloes is given, three full days’ rest is absolutely necessary. In addition to the cathartic, clysters of water at about 100° F. should be given, and repeated at intervals of two or three hours if necessary=—in addition, a drench composed of one ounce of sulphuric ¢ ether, one ounce of tincture of opium, one ounce of nitric “ether, and half an ounce of. powdered pimiento, should be given at intervals of oné or two hours, ina pint of gruel, as may be necessary. \ Some recommend Fleming’s tincture of aconite, but this remedy is not necessary in the treatment of simple colic. Hot fomentations, and stimulating liniments, or mustard, may with advantage be applied to the abdomen. The diet should consist of warm water and bran mashes. In flatulent colic it is advisable that the drenches should also contain one ounce of aromatic spirit of ammonia. Seen Te ee ee — LAMPAS. WE will now turn to the consideration of the diseases of the mouth, and in. this connection shall treat of lampas, inflammation of the mouth, inflammation of the tongue, crib-biting, and wind-sucking. i Some of our readers will be a little surprised to hear that lampas is not a disease at all. It is merely a swollen condition of the palate, occasioned by a determination of blood to this part, which is the seat of active changes, during the development of the teeth in young horses. Gamgee, in his work on the domestic animals in health and ‘disease, states that whence the absurd name lampas is derived, he cannot venture to determine; but he observes that it has done much mischief, by being regarded as a specific name for a specific disease, supposed to require active treatment by the hot zron. In many instances this swollen condition of the palate which manifests itself by projecting below the level of the front teeth requires no treatment. Sometimes lampas occurs as a manifestation of disorder of the stomach or. intestinal organs. When it is due to a congested condition of the gum, occasioned by teething, a few pricks with a lancet, or bathing the part with an astringent solution, consisting of two drachms of alum and one ounce of tincture of myrrh to twelve ounces of water, will relieve the irritation. The latter method of procedure is much the best for the amateur, as it is nearly always sufficient. Care must be taken in Jancing the gum not to cut the artery underneath. The animal should be fed for a few days on mashes, and half an ounce of bicarbonate of potassium with two drachms of nitre, may be given in the drinking water twice daily. 67 When lampas is due to digestive derangement, this condition must be treated. Locally, nothing need be done, but the same internal treatment may be adopted as when teething is the cause. It is well in all forms to ‘commence treatment by the administration of a mild dose of aloes, say two “to four drachms. / INFLAMMATION OF THE MOUTH OR STOMATITIS, BOTH CONTAGIOUS AND NON-CONTAGIOUS. INFLAMMATION of the mouth or-stomatitis, occurs in several forms in the horse ; and in addition to the more common varieties, there is a contagious disease of the mouth in which little blebs, which eventually become ‘pustules, are formed on the tongue and on the membrane lining the inside of the mouth. This disease, however, is so rarely met with as to require only a cursory notice. Recently we have had two cases under treatment. In these ‘cases the whole of the lining of the mouth underneath the tongue and on the inside of the cheeks was found to have peeled off in flakes, and the raw surface left was studded copiously with little rounded ulcers. The mouth was hot, dry, and red. This disease is specially interesting from the fact that it is so very readily communicated to man. In these cases of which we are speaking, both the foreman and the shepherd became inoculated while giving balls prior to calling in the writer, and both became seriously ill, but’ they eventually recovered. We will now consider the simple non-contagious varieties of inflammation of the mouth. This disease is most frequently met with in young animals, which are especially predisposed to it by malhygienic conditions and improper dieting. It may be due to local irritation or to mechanical causes, or may follow disorders of the digestive organs. It often occurs in animals debilitated by disease, and is in many instances traceable to a certain vegetable fungus, or to a special acarus. : There are several varieties of non-contagious stomatitis. The first called simple stomatitis is chiefly met with in foals, The first manifestations of this disease are small circumscribed red patches on the membrane lining the cheeks and roof of the mouth. These patches are covered with a yellowish film, which soon separates, and leaves a superficial erosion. The breath smells badly, and thick saliva accumulates in the mouth. This form is sometimes seen in old animals, and is often associated with bad digestion. The next form is called vesicular. In this affection small blebs appear on the membrane lining the mouth, and some of these rupture. In the third or last form, called pustular, the vesicles become pustular. The hygienic and dietetic arrangements should be attended to in the first place in stomatitis. As local applications, lotions of chlorate of potassium, twenty-five grains to the ounce of water, or of carbolic acid one part in forty of water are very useful, Ifthe ulcers become very offensive or indolent, they may be painted with a solution of nitrate of silver, ten grains to the ounce of water, once daily. A mild purgative should be given in the first instance, and half an 68 ounce of bicarbonate- of potassium, with half a drachm of chlorate of potassium may be given in the drinking water twice daily, so long as the- disease lasts. INFLAMMATION OF THE TONGUE, INFLAMMATION of the tongue is not often seen in the horse, except when resulting from the action of irritants or from mechanical injury. It may: follow on inflammation of the structures near it. The tongue becomes- swollen, hot, tense, and painful, and soon protrudes in consequence of its. increase in size. There is difficulty in swallowing, and saliva and mucus. accumulate in the mouth. Gargling firstly with warm water, and afterwards- with carbolic acid lotion (one in forty of water), or alum lotion (four drachms.- in eight ounces of water), is very useful. We spoke, in treating of anthrax,. of a disease called glossanthrax, and this rare malady, we said, was nearly always fatal. It has nothing to do with simple inflammation of the tongue,. - though one of its chief manifestations is the enormous size which the organ: assumes. CRIB-BITING AND WIND-SUCKING. CRIB-BITING is a habit in which the horse seizes hold of the manger witlr his teeth, and forces out wind from the stomach. “In wind-sucking the horse smacks his lips, gathers air into his mouth, extends his head or presses it against some solid body, arches his neck, gathers his feet together, and undoubtedly swallows air, blowing himself out sometimes to a tremendous. extent ” (Williams). As may be imagined, the latter vice is more serious in its consequences than the former, though both constitute unsoundness.* They both cause digestive derangement, but it seems not improbable that wind-sucking may be an effect as well as a cause of indigestion and impaired’ general health. Enforced idleness is one of the causes of these habits. Other factors are dyspepsia, and imitation of animals addicted to these vices. Crib-biting wears away the foremost edges of the central and lateral incisor teeth, and by this worn appearance of the teeth, the habit of the horse is easily detected. There are various ways in which these vices may be ‘prevented. The most common method is to place a strap round the neck loose enough to allow the swallowing of food and drink, but too tight to-- admit of the muscles of the neck being tightly contracted. “As we shall frequently have occasion to refer to the question of unsoundness, it seems advisable to give our readers the legal interpretation of the term. It is as follows :— 7 “Tf at the time of sale the horse has any disease which either actually does diminish the natural usefulness of the animal, so as to make him less capable of work of any description, or which in its ordinary progress wz7dl diminish the natural usefulness of the animal, this is unsoundness ; or if the horse has, either from disease or accident, undergone any alteration of struct, tre, that either actually does at the time, or in its ordinary effects 27/2 diminish the natural usefulness of the horse, such a horse is unsound.” (Lord Ellenborough in the case of Elton 7, Brogden, 4 Camp. 281). It will be seen from this, that the term wmsoundness is an extremely elastic one, and therefore that the very greatest care should be taken in pronouncing a horse sound. spas antes 69 Wind-suckers and crib-biters should have a supply of water by them, as ~well as a good lump of rock salt in the manger. Half an ounce of -bicarbonate of potassium given in the water once daily, will sometimes prove -very beneficial. Inflammation of the gullet is generally the result of direct injury. It smay be induced by the passage of very large portions of food, or by the administration of irritant liquids) The symptoms are difficulty of -swallowing, tenderness on manipulation, and sometimes spasm of the gullet. Many cases do not require treatment beyond the use of liquid food for a day or two: In severe cases, linseed gruel, to which an ounce of tincture of -opium has been added, is of benefit where there is much pain. Hot water -fomentations are useful. INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. “WE now turn to the consideration of inflammation of the bowels, but may first say a few words about inflammation generally. What is inflammation? Inflammation comprises three kinds of changes. Firstly, there is a change in the blood vessels, and in the circulation through them ; secondly, there is _an exudation of fluid, and often little blood cells escape through the walls of the vessels; and lastly, there is change in the tissues themselves. The _arteries first enlarge in inflammation, and the blood flow is accelerated. Afterwards, the blood flow is much retarded, and little cells of the blood -accumulate in the small veins, and stick fast in those little communicating tubes between the veins and arteries, which are called capillaries. The ‘blood flow through these channels at last stops, and then some of the little cblood cells pass out of the containing vessels into the parts around. Inflammation leads to depression of vitality, and death of the tissues ‘involved. There is no increase of vitality, and no multiplication of the -elements of tissue. Inflammation of the bowels or enteritis in horses is a disease of very great importance, being both very fatal and very common. It is more -commonly met with in adults, and in those animals which are in -confinemént, than in the young and those out at grass. It is also of more frequent occurrence among the heavy draught horses, than among the more highly-bred animals. This fatal malady has two distinct forms, which, -although presenting many symptoms in common, are in reality of a different nature. The first-variety we may term apoplectic, from the rapidity with which -the animal is’ struck down. The horse may even die ina few hours. Of ‘this variety the causes are not always apparent. Over-exertion, prolonged -exposure to cold, drinking cold water when heated, and, finally, washing the _animal in cold water, while still in a heated and perspiring condition, are however the most important. This variety is generally fatal. The other ~wariety, which may be termed secondary inflammation of the bowels, is 7O in most instances of not such a severe type, even though the extent of inflammation is sometimes very great. This form is due to continued obstruction of the bowels from various causes, or to taking irritant poisons. such as arsenic, or to irregularities of feeding and work. In inflammation of the bowels, sometimes the large and sometimes the small intestines are invaded, while at other.times both are involved simultaneously. In some cases the symptoms of enteritis are gradual, _ while in others they are sudden in their onset. Not unfrequently the pain in the belly is preceded by general constitutional disturbance, shown by acceleration of the breathing, marked dulness, depression and loss of appetite; while, in other cases, the inflammatory action is ushered in with: marked shivering or rigors. Inflammation of the bowels is a disease very prevalent among the heavy cart horses, not only in the country districts but also in our large towns ;: and it is therefore very important that its general symptoms should receive: the special attention of horsemen. Our reason for laying stress on this- matter is, that the disease in question is one of all others which is especially amenable to early, judicious, careful treatment. The belly in enteritis is very tender when pressure is applied, and in this particular we have a feature: which helps us in diagnosing the disease to be one of far greater danger’ than simple colic. The pain also, unlike that of simple colic, is continuous,. is more agonising, and but rarely has periods of intermission. The pulse,. at first quick, hard, and wiry, becomes in the later stages still more accelerated, though of less volume, feebler, and gradually more irritable and’ imperceptible. In number, the beats range from 70 or 80 to 120 per minute. In cases of simple colic, the pulse is unaltered, except during the paroxysms of pain; whereas in enteritis it gradually becomes more and more disturbed. The animal in the paroxysms of pain, stamps and strikes at his belly, and when he lies down, he may be observed to do so with greater care than in- simple colic. He often turns his eyes towards his flanks. Copious sweats. bedew the body. He groans in agony. At other times he stands almost motionless, with an expression indicative of acute suffering depicted on his countenance. The surface of the body becomes cold, the pupillary openings- ' of the eyes dilate, and delirium and stupor may supervene. The animal soon, perhaps, becomes more restless than ever, and wanders about the box,. or casts himself down, and rolls about regardless of obstacles. Sometimes the animal will balance himself for a short time, with teeth clenched, and limbs and ears very cold, when he may suddenly fall, and. die exhausted after severe strugeles. Some time before death, an apparent improvement may take place. The horse stands quiet for a while, yet,. though the breathing becomes quieter and the pain abates, and he takes a little food, the countenance maintains its haggard, dejected appearance, cold sweats bedew the body, and the pulse continues to be thready, and perhaps almost or quite imperceptible. In still more advanced stages, if agony, pain, and intense inflammation have not already carried off our patient, he trembles continuously, the lips fall pendulously, the eyes become VI duller, the mouth becomes clammy, the breath perhaps fetid, until at length he can hold out no longer, and death puts an end to his suffering. The mortality in enteritis varies from 45 to 65 per cent. If, as happens in some rare instances, the acute symptoms abate after the lapse of a few hours, and the pulse regains in some degree its normal character, becoming fuller, softer, and slower, there is great hope of recovery. In the form of enteritis, which we spoke of as apoplectic, the appearances - found at the autopsy are very marked and characteristic. The lining membrane of the affected section of the gut is intensely congested, being of a deep purple or even black colour, and in many instances much blood is effused into the intestinal canal. The lining membrane is also much thickened, and can easily be separated from its connections with the underlying coats of the gut. The other coats are also intensely infiltrated with blood-stained effusion. In some cases so extensive is the infiltration and thickening, and so intense is the inflammatory process, that the tissue just outside the lining membrane appears as a dark purple or black gelatinous mass two inches or more in thickness, extending for varying lengths of the gut, and sometimes involving many feet of the intestinal tract. "It is noteworthy that even though the amount of effusion into the gut be very great, and the contents themselves be fluid, the bowels usually remain inactive, owing to paralysis of the muscular coats. In other forms of enteritis the inflammatory- process is not of this marked character: the inflammation is usually more patchy in distribution. Inflammation of the bowels requires all the care and attention of the high-class veterinary surgeon. ; K In cases of enteritis, a drench containing seven minims of Fleming's tincture of aconite, two drachmis of chloroform, one ounce > of ‘sulphuric ether, and_one ounce of tincture of opium, given in a pint of gruel or water is an efficacious mixture. It may y be repeated a at first every two hours for four or five times, and then _every four hours, 50 long. as. ‘the pain lasts. It is of primary importance in all cases of inflammation of he bowels to control the CLYSTER PIPE. pain by the administration of such anodynes as these mentioned, for the continual struggles of the animal Often lead to rupture of the gut, which is necessarily followed by death. Belladonna is not of much value in the LN , 72 treatment of enteritis in horses, and should not therefore be administered. Hot fomentations by means of woollen rugs wrung out from very hot water, should be applied to the belly and renewed every half-hour for five or six times, while the pain is very acute, and afterwards every hour or so. During the time when the rugs are being renewed, some stimulating liniment may be well rubbed in by the attendant, over the belly. Some practitioners prefer the application of a poultice of mustard, which is rubbed off in two or three hours, and followed up by the application of hot fomentations. Enemas of tepid water should be given by means of the ordinary funnel apparatus, but on no account is it advisable to use an injecting syringe. If the horse is inclined to drink, he may be allowed linseed gruel or linseed tea, or thin oatmeal gruel. We do not recommond the use of purgatives in enteritis. After the abatement of the acute symptoms, the diet should be laxative, consisting of bran-mashes, linseed and oatmeal gruel. No hard food should be allowed on any account until all danger is over. In some animals in high condition, bleeding is indicated in the early stages. Blood, however, should be abstracted in moderation only. It is our practice never to remove more than two or three quarts, and never to repeat the operation. CONSTIPATION AND OBSTRUCTION OF THE BOWELS. CONSTIPATION, or torpid action of the bowels, is by no means uncommon in .the horse ; but, although it very seldom leads to a fatal result, it nevertheless deserves attention and judicious management. It depends upon obstruction of the bowels, or upon deficient intestinal action or secretion. The two latter are in their turn chiefly due to dietetic errors, though they may also depend upon other causes. Generally, the belly is full and distended, but this is. by no means a constant symptom. If the constipation continues unrelieved, the appetite fails, weakness follows, and the pulse becomes feeble and accelerated. In some instances a mucous secretion is discharged in cases of constipation, and this is frequently niistaken for diarrhoea by the uninitiated, when, on the contrary, it is indicative of a costive condition of the bowels. As long as the animal remains in pretty good health, all that is necessary in constipation is a moré laxative diet. If the constipation is habitual, a moderate dose of aloes, say four or five drachms, followed up by the administration of vegetable tonics, such as nux vomica, gentian and others, is efficacious in most instances. In some cases irregularity of the bowels depends upon paralysis of part of the intestine, and in these cases purgatives cannot be administered. In these cases a mixture consisting of liquor strychnine hydrochloratis two drachms, and of aromatic spirit of ammonia one ounce, may be given three times daily in half a pint of gruel. For the prevention of the recurrence of constipation, bran-mashes and other laxative diet may be substituted occasionally for the more solid food ; and eight drachm balls made up of equal parts of carbonate of ammonium, ginger, and gentian made up with treacle, 73 with the addition of one grain of sulphate of strychnine, may be given three or four times weekly with great advantage. If necessary, an occasional ‘dose of aloes may be given. In cases of young foals unable to void the excretions, clysters of oil will generally be found efficacious. If the bowels are not relieved by this means, or if it is found inconvenient to adopt the above measures, two and a half ounces of castor oil may be administered internally. There are many causes of obstruction of the bowels in horses. Sometimes it is due to impaction of matter in the gut, such as concretions of various kinds. Sometimes it is due to twist of the gut, and again at other times it is owing to passage of one part of the bowel into that immediately below it. ‘The symptoms of obstruction which may proceed from so many different ‘causes are very variable. | When it is due to impaction of feeces or to the presence of concretions, the symptoms are usually gradual, and of an intermittent character. The other forms are generally more sudden in their onset. Twists or strangulations of the intestines of the horse are generally associated with great abdominal pain, restlessness, sitting on the hind-quarters, small, frequent, thready pulse, accelerated respiration, cold extremities, distended belly, and collapse ending in death from exhaustion. In these -cases where there has been constipation with frequent attacks of colic, the obstruction is probably due to impaction of faeces. In cases of absolute stoppage of the bowels, a drench, composed of one ounce and a half of sulphuric ether, half an ounce of chloric ether, and one ounce of tincture of opium, given in three-quarters of a pint of gruel or water, will be found very useful. Clysters of warm water may be injected in full amount into the rectum, and hot fomentations or woollen cloths wrung out ‘from hot water applied to the belly. The food should be of a laxative kind, and only allowed in moderation. In very severe cases of constipation, sulphate of eserine is an invaluable - remedy, when injected in solution, intravenously. On May roth, 1886, asix year old strong draught horse was affected with colic, due to obstinate constipation. "We were called in to see it on the 2oth, and gave a six drachm aloes ball. At 4 p.m. on the 21st, there was no relief; the pulse was 96; the pain was almost continuous. From the foreman’s calculations, there had been no passage for three days. One grain of sulphate of eserine was given by intra-venous injection into the jugular vein. In eight minutes there was extreme pain; the horse broke out in twenty minutes time into a profuse perspiration. Muscular tremors were marked features. At the twelfth minute after the injection, hard feeces together with fluid were passed. Violent straining continued for the next twenty minutes, during which time the animal voided no less than thirteen distinct discharges of alvine material, several of the latter being quite fluid. The tenesmus and grunts were intensely extreme. Muscular tremors increased up to half an hour after the injection, after which time the animal quietened, ate some mash, and the pulse went down to 60. On leaving, further action was prevented by the administration of an . opiate draught. 74 The horse is now well, and completely recovered. . We have also used this valuable salt in cattle. A cow had been constipated for four days, and had during that period absolutely no passage. She had received full doses of Epsom salts, linseed oil, castor oil, aloes, jalap, calomel, and other aperients. Half a grain of sulphate of eserine was injected into the jugular vein, with no other results, than pain’ manifested. by frequent moanings, gurglings in the bowels, and restlessness. After an interval of half an hour, three-quarters of a grain were injected. In nine minutes the cow passed hard lumps, and fluid feces. On the following day, three-quarters of a grain was again injected with good results. The animal had two or three passages afterwards during the day, and then made a gradual but complete recovery. We have tried it in three or four other cases, and find that unless-from three-quarters to one grain is given, and that by intra-venous injection, little or no action is produced. It is well to bear in mind that this drug should never be given except in very severe cases, as the action is so extremely excessive. DIARRHEA. DIARRHEA is the general term applied to abnormal fluidity, and increased” amount of the alvine discharges. The proximate causes of diarrhoea are excessive secretion from the walls of the gut, combined with increased action of its muscular coats. These conditions are in their turn either due to direct irritation of the lining membrane from without, as, for instance, by food,. foul water, parasites, or to indirect nervous influences. Perhaps, of all causes of diarrhoea, the most frequent in the adult animal are injudicious and irregular’ dieting. Sudden changes in the diet, especially from a dry to a moist or laxative one, ingestion of certain substances, copious draughts of cold water, when the animal is heated after exposure to the sun’s rays or exertion, and feeding immediately after severe work or exposure to cold and damp, may be mentioned as specially liable to induce diarrhcea. In plethoric horses, doing very little work, a small amount of exercise will often bring on an attack of diarrhcea. In some cases of diarrhoea there is great prostration, the breathing becomes more rapid, and pain in the belly is not uncommon. The pulse is usually not much altered. In the young, diarrhcea in many instances differs from that of the adult,. having characteristic features of its own. The form of diarrhoea to which we refer is a specific catarrh of the bowels which, though not contagious in foals,. as it is probably in the bovine tribe, is, nevertheless, a far more serious. affection than ordinary diarrhoea of the adult. It owes its origin to defective sanitary arrangements, and also to changes in the quality of the milk. Such changes are traceable in some instances to the fact that the mare is worked. hard during the day, and returns at night to her foal, which, after its fast during the day, is apt to take more milk than it can well digest. The . Symptoms of this diarrhcea of foals usually appear during the first two or three: 75 weeks of life. The alvine discharges are at first of a yellowish-white colour, and there is little orno pain. In more advanced stages there is more or less abdominal pain, which may be very severe. If the disease continues, the foal ceases to suck, and loses flesh rapidly. The prognosis is usually very favourable in ordinary cases of diarrhcea, but in the infantile variety a fatal termination is not uncommon. We should, before treating diarrhoea, in the first place, endeavour to- ascertain its cause. If it proceed from irregularities in the feeding, or in the work, these should be immediately rectified. In most instances medicine is not required, unless the diarrhcea is excessive, or the pain and general disturbance very great. No cold water should be allowed on any account, and the animal should be kept quiet, and warmly clad. The food should be easily digestible, and linseed gruel or other demulcent drinks may be allowed. Where there is very great pain, a drench composed of one ounce of tincture of opium, one ounce of spirit of chloroform with a drachm of camphor, may be given three times daily in flour gruel. When prostration is very marked, and the pain severe, one ounce of tincture of opium, one ounce of sulphuric ether, and one ounce of spirit of chloroform may be given three times daily, with a moderate amount of alcoholic stimulant, such as brandy or whiskey.. Woollen cloths wrung out from warm water may be applied frequently to the belly, and stimulating liniments rubbed in during the intervals between the applications. In treating diarrhea in youny foals, it is well to commence by giving three ounces of castor oil, in order to expel the irritant matter in the intestines. With the castor oil, two drachms of sulphuric ether may begiven. This treatment may be followed up by the administration of camphor and opium, with spirit of chloroform three times a day in water, or in strong decoction of tea. Each drench may contain of camphor, twenty grains ; tincture of opium, two drachms ; spirit of chloroform, three drachms ; liquid extract of bael fruit, six drachms; and water to four:ounces. When weakness is very marked, a little alcoholic stimulant may be added, and the hot cloths and stimulating liniments applied to the abdomen. RUPTURE OF THE INTESTINES. RUPTURE of the walls of the gut is of more frequent occurrence in the large than in the small intestines, and is due in most cases to impaction of excreta or to excessive accumulation of wind, or to both these conditions together. It will easily be seen that these disorders are especially liable to result when the walls of the gut are in an unhealthy condition. The symptoms of rupture are very variable and not characteristic. In most cases rapid exhaustion follows the intestinal rupture, wherever it may be situated. In some cases, collapse and death soon follow the occurrence; while in others, life is not extinguished for several days. In many cases, rupture is difficult to.diagnose from several other severe affections of the bowels. Sometimes, when following impaction of the excreta in the large bowel, or great 76 accumulation of wind, rupture is succeeded by relief. The restlessness and straining subside, and a period of calm follows, until death results. The countenance is anxious. The pulse is small and thready, and gradually ‘becomes more and more imperceptible. The breathing is short. There is great disinclination to stir. In rupture of the large sacculated bowel, the horse frequently sits on his haunches, and may attempt to vomit ; but these symptoms cannot be said to be characteristic. Sitting on the haunches, indeed, is a very frequent symptom in twists and other forms of disease of the bowels. Treatment is of no avail in rupture of the bowels. DYSENTERY. DYSENTERY is of less frequent occurrence in the horse than in the other domesticated animals, and, owing to the comparative rarity of its appearance, it is hardly necessary for us to give our readers a lengthy account of its characteristics. It has not yet been established whether this affection can be communicated from one horse to another, but it is not improbable that it may sometimes spread in this way. In most cases dysentery occurs as an independent affection, while sometimes it supervenes on an attack of ordinary diarrhoea. Among the chief causes of dysentery are overcrowding, vitiated air supply, exposure to noxious emanations, insufficient or bad food, foul water, exposure to cold and damp, overwork, and all other depressing agencies. Malarial poison arising from decaying vegetable matter, is also a common cause of dysentery. This is more especially the case in low-lying, marshy tracts, and in shady places. Sometimes dysentery begins insiduously, in which case we may at first not suspect the true nature of the affection. As the disease progresses, however, the appetite becomes more markedly impaired. Great depression and thirst, general wasting, and severe prostration are marked features. Usually the attention is first attracted by the frequency of the alvine discharges, but not unfrequently febrile manifestations, debility, and rapid prostration precede the other symptoms. These discharges are thin and watery, and are sometimes voided with great pain, and in most cases there is much straining. - Mild cases of dysentery usually terminate in recovery, but in severe ones there is not much hope of amelioration. In the treatment of dysentery, it is at first necessary to attend to the sanitary arrangements. The animal should be kept at rest, and the diet should be of an easily digestible, fairly nutritious, moist kind. A small dose of oil, say three-quarters of a pint of linseed oil, may be given in the first instance. This should.be followed up by the administration of drenches composed of one ounce of tincture of opium, two drachms of camphor, half an ounce of nitric ether, half an ounce of bicarbonate of potassium, with water to ten ounces. These drenches may be given twice daily. Ifthe progress of the disease be not arrested in a few days, astringent medicines will be necessary. In such cases, eight drachm 77 balls, made up of two drachms of opium, and one drachm of acetate of lead,. with a sufficiency of gentian and treacle, may be given twice daily. Each ball should contain in addition, twenty drops of carbolic acid. A favourite: mixture of ours is one containing sulpho-carbolate of sodium, given with tincture of opium, liquid extract of bael fruit and ipecacuanha. It is the: most efficacious combination we are acquainted with. Though we have no evidence, as yet, that dysentery owes its origin to: the entry of any germ into an already unhealthy and depressed system, it. seems not at all unlikely that this is the case. DISEASES OF THE LIVER. THE liver is the largest of all the glands. It weighs in the horse about eleven pounds. It has three very important functions. The liver of the horse is far less commonly affected by disease than that of man, in whom it is too frequently injured by immoderate drinking. We may remark,. incidentally, that if the alcohol were more freely diluted than it frequently is- the effect would not be nearly so deleterious, even though the actual amount taken were the same. The liver is a gland made up of oval portions called lobules, each of which is 1.20th of an inch in diameter, and composed. of little branches of the blood vessels, and of the liver duct, the interstices being filled with liver cells. The latter form the secreting part of the gland. They are spheroidal, and contain little nuceli and granules. Sometimes they exhibit slow contractile movements, just as those little animals which are termed amcebze do, or the white blood corpuscles of the blood which are very similar to amcebee, and, like them, throw out arm-like prolongations,. and then withdraw them again. Disease of the liver is very rare in the horse in this country, but is more often met with in eastern countries, especially in India. The usual causes are high feeding, and want of exercise ; while residence in hot, damp climes- also predisposes horses to attack. Lack of sufficient air is also regarded as a cause of this affection. The usual signs of liver disease are the same in the horse as in man. Among the most common symptoms presented, are jaundice, local pain in the region of the liver, colicky pains, and persistent pain in the off shoulder. From a comparative point of view, it is interesting to observe how these manifestations of liver disease, correspond with those: shown in man, in whom the lameness of the horse’s rZght fore-limb is represented by pain in the 77gh¢ shoulder. In cases of congestion of the liver coming on suddenly, and manifested by jaundice, shown by the yellowish tinge of the white of the eyes, and loss of appetite, coldness of the extremities, and pain over the region of the liver on pressure, it is advisable to abstract blood in moderation, say two or three quarts. The blood-letting should. be followed up by the administration of five or six drachms of aloes. The diet should be laxative and restricted in amount. After the aloes is given, sulphate of sodium in four ounce doses with 78 one ounce of bicarbonate of potassium may be given twice daily in the drinking water. When congestion is gvadually developed, as it sometimes is in hunters ‘“summering,” and is dependent on dietic errors or want of proper exercise, it is of the first importance to restrict the amount of food, and attend to the sanitary conditions. In addition, salines, such as those above recommended, may be administered twice daily in the drinking water, and a full dose of aloes given. In order to prevent the recurrence of these affections of the liver, the diet should be restricted in amount, and regular exercise enjoined. Experience has abundantly proved that a hunter is all the better for his winter work, if “summered” on his ordinary food. The food, of course, should be given in smaller guantitzes, and the horse should be kept zz regular, though not exacting exercise. CHAPIER I¥4 [INTE STINA i PARASITE &: Bots. Ascaris Megalocepha, or Large-headed Lumbricoid Worm. Oxyuris Curvula, or Maw Worm. Strongylus Tetracanthus, or Four-Spined Strongyle. Strongylus Armatus, or Armed Strongyle. Echinococcus Veterinorum, or Common Hydatid of the Horse. ALTHOUGH one is generally disposed to hear and speak of worms with anything but pleasurable feelings, we need -hardly tell our readers that there are few creatures, whose development and growth are more wondrous or more interesting, than that of the several intestinal parasites. It is not, however, our purpose to enter deeply into the life histories of these creatures, but to cast a glance over the modes of their living, and to describe in as simple a manner as we are able, the methods to.be adopted in order to rid the horse of his self-invited guests. We shall treat of six different varieties of internal parasites. The other kinds are so rarely met with, as to require no description at our hands. ' The first of the parasites of the horse of which we have to speak is the common gad-fly, or cestrus equi, whose larval form is the bot. All our readers have heard of the gad-flies, which prove so irritating to oxen by piercing through their hides. The female gad-fly settles on its victim while out at grass, late in the summer, not for the sake of deriving sustenance for herself, but for that of providing .a suitable habitat for her eggs. It is at this time of the year that she deposits her eggs on the hairs of the coat, and this she is enabled to do by means of a thick, sticky fluid. The fly generally selects, as sites for depositing her eggs, those parts of the horse which the animal can reach easily with the tongue, namely the shoulders, the lower part of the neck, and the inner parts of the forelegs, especially around the knees. The horse frequently licks the portion of coat on which the eggs have been deposited. They gradually become hatched in about three weeks from the time of their deposition by the gad-fly, and the larval form or maggot makes its escape out of its enclosing egg-shell. The maggots are . then carried to the horse’s mouth, and ultimately to his stomach along with “his food and drink. Necessarily, as Professor Williams points out, many larvze perish during this passive mode of immigration ; some being dropped from the mouth, and others being crushed in the food during mastication; but 80 notwithstanding the waste, the interior of the horse’s stomach may become completely covered with the larvae commonly termed “ bots.” When the bots, which hold on to the lining of the stomach by means of two large hooks, are perfectly grown, they release themselves, and are carried through the intestines along with the excreta, and thus they finally fall to the ground. They then bury themselves below the surface, in order to undergo a transformation from the condition of the bot, to that of the pupa or chrysalis. When they have remained thus buried for six weeks, they make their way out of their enclosing cocoons, and emerge as perfect gad-flies. The male insects die, but the females live long enough to deposit their eggs, which are generally about forty in number. The bot passes about eight months of its existence in the stomach, where it is present in the winter months. It leaves in spring or early summer. The fly is developed from June to September, and after the latest females have appeared, all perish in October. Not uncommonly, the presence of bots in the stomach of the horse gives rise to considerable mischief. When very numerous, they may _ set up serious disease, sometimes even perforating the walls of the intestines, It is not always possible to diagnose the presence of bots in the stomach, but not unfrequently they may be seen in the excrement, or adhering around the anus. When there is reason to suspect their presence in very large numbers, it is well to place a piece of rock salt in the horse’s manger, and to administer a drench, consisting of spirit of ether two ounces, of glycerine of carbolic acid three drachms, and of linseed-oil a pint. This may be repeated once every day for four days. The accompanying pictures show the various forms assumed by the cestrus equi. A is the larva or bot, B is the pupa case, C is the male fly, and D is the female fly. There is another species of gad-fly called the cestrus: haemorrhoidalis, which deposits its eggs on the lips and nostrils of the horse. We need not speak at length here of the bot-fly of the ox, but may mention that, unlike the bot-fly of the horse, it passes its larval stage as a bot beneath the skin of its host, and it is this larva whose growth causes the appearance of 81 the tumours called warbles. The fly is provided with an ovi-positor, by means of which it bores holes through the skin, in each of which it deposits one egg. The eggs develop into bots, which may be recognised by the growth of little elevations or tumours, called warbles. The tail end of the bot places itself in the tumour of the host, in order that it may. be enabled to: breathe. The bot, when completely developed, escapes and buries itself in. the ground, and then passes through the chrysalis stage, in which it remains about six weeks, at the end of which time it at length emerges as a perfect fly, which again deposits eggs, and so the cycle goes on again. The eggs of = the bot-fly of the sheep are deposited in the nostrils, to the great distress of the poor animal. The larvee or bots pass upwards towards the sinuses or cavities of. the forehead of the-sheep, and thus cause great" distress. 4 ASCARIS LUMBRICOIDES, A, Female Ascaris Lumbricoides. B, Anterior extremity enlarged, seen from the side. C, The same, seen from the front, showing the opening in the centre. ‘E, The Posterior extremity enlarged. D, Male Ascaris, natural size. G 52 ‘ ‘The worms which invade the horse most commonly, are the ascaris megalocephala, or the large-headed lumbricoid worm, and the little oxyuris “curvula or maw worm. The male of the lumbricoid worm is rarely over seven inches, but the female may attain a length of sixteen to eighteen inches. This worm has a smooth body with transverse rings, and it may occur in any part of the intestinal canal, although it is especially found in the small intestines. The horse is known to be invaded by these parasites by their occasional passage out of the body with the excrement. It is noteworthy that the eggs of the lumbricoids effectually resist dryness, and it is possible that horses become infected with this parasite, by drinking out of ponds containing sewage matter. In cases of invasion by this parasite, the horse should havea full and nutritious diet. In the first instance, it is well to give a ball containing six drachms of aloes and one drachm of tartar emetic. Two or three days afterwards, a ball consisting of santonine thirty grains, of sulphate of iron one drachm, of carbolic acid fifteen drops, of aloes one drachm, made up with ginger and gentian and treacle to one_ounce, may be given twice daily for three or four days. The oxyuris curvula, or maw worm, is partly transparent, and is marked with transverse stripes. In length, the males are one and three quarters of an inch, and the females from three to four inches or more. This worm has a long tail. Its usual habitat is in the large sacculated bowel, where it may set up much local irritation. The horse rarely requires treatment for the expulsion of this worm. A full dose of aloes may be administered, and clysters given once daily for a few days will prove beneficial. Each clyster may be made of two ounces of the oil of turpentine, with mucilage of starch one pint. We will now turn our attention to two other kinds of worms which not infrequently infest the horse. One is called the four-spined strongyle (Strongylus Tetracanthus), the other the armed strongyle (Strongylus Armatus ). The four-spined strongyle is sometimes found in large numbers in the horse, ass, and mule, and, though not uncommon in this country, is not so frequently met with on the continent. The males and females are of about equal size, and occupy the walls of the large intestines of their hosts. They set up by their presence localised congestion and inflammation, and the formation of matter in the wall of the gut. The species is recognised by its bright red colour, by the four conical spines surrounding the mouth, by two neck bristles, and by the three-lobed long head of the male. The head, when viewed in profile, is truncated, and seen from above it appears round. The body is smooth, and presents indistinct rings. The eggs of the worm probably gain access to the intestines of small insects, and the immature form is swallowed by the horse in the water or in the food. The worms then become encapsuled in the lining membrane of the large gut. They are then about 3°6 millimetres long when uncoiled. In this condition the worms cast their skins. They enter the cavity’ of the gut, and undergo another change of skin prior to acquiring the 83 adult state. They do this by rolling themselves within the fecal matter of the horse’s intestine. In this state they lie coiled in the cocoons they make for themselves. In some districts the worm is not often met with, while in others it is most destructive. -Mr. Lloyd was the first to recognise this worm as the cause of the Welsh epizootic outbreaks. ‘The worm gives rise to emaciation, colic, diarrhoea, and sometimes to inflammation of the bowels. Sometimes the pain is very acute, and the animal rolls and tosses about in great agony. In other instances, abdominal pain is not a marked feature. Last year we were called to see a team of cart horses, two of which had already died. The remaining two were much prostrated and extremely emaciated. Careful examination of the excreta soon revealed to us these characteristic little red worms, as the cause of the mischief. The males are about one-eighth of an. ‘inch long, the females two-fifths of an inch. When these worms infest the horse, a full dose of aloes should be given in the first instance, and this should be followed up by giving mashes for a couple | of days or so, and then by good nutritious food and the administration of tonic and stimulating medicines. The following formula is a good one :—of carbonate of ammonium two drachms, the double citrate of iron and ammonium two drachms, ginger, gentian, and treacle, to make an eight drachm ball. One ball to be given two or three times daily for three weeks. We may now say a few words regarding the armed strongyle. This worm has long been known to naturalists. Formerly two varieties were described, but these are now known to be the same worm in different stages of growth. The body is rigid, the head flattened and armed with numerous upright denticles like those of a circular saw. The hind ray of the hood of the male is thrice cleft. The males are about an inch and a half long, the females two inches. The eggs are elliptical, and when passed out with the fieces, they become hatched in three weeks in mud, and at the same time part with their tails. They next gain access to the bodies of some intermediary host, probably some insect, where they are still further matured, and from thence they gain access to the horse. From the intestinal ARMED STRONGYLE, x, adult strongyle, natural size; A, head of adult, enlarged thirty times. d, asenual strongyle, natural size; B, head of asexual strongyle, seen from the point, enlarged thirty times. (Zundel), 84 canal of the horse they get into the small vessels of the gut, and pass on into the large arteries, and becoming embedded in the walls of these larger blood vessels, they cause bulgings termed aneurisms. Lastly, these parasites make their way out of the vessels, and thence endeavour to make for the large gut, where they again change their skins, and, adhering to the mucous lining of the bowel by means of their spines, attain sexual maturity. se GES. fees» ANEURYSMAL ARMED STRONGYLE. 1, male, natural size; 2, female, natural size; 3, anterior extremity, highly magnified ; u, complete buccal capsule ; b, cesphagus, or gullet; c, intestine. 4, caudal extremity of the male worm; A, hook and accessory part. (Rayer). The ancurysms or swellings occur in a large percentage of horses and asses, and they vary in size from a pea to a man’s head, and are met with in animals six months old and upwards. The number of worms inan aneurism varies, and is usually nine to ten, the highest number in one horse being 121- It has been said “that foals and yearlings suffer more from parasites in the paddocks, than they do on adjoining farms where only a few animals are bred.” “This is explained,” says Dr. Cobbold, “by the relatively greater amount of egg dispersion proceeding from the infected brood mares. It is quite evident that the lives of many valuable animals are annually sacrificed by the neglect of hygienic arrangements. The palisade worm, as this parasite is commonly called, is chiefly destructive to young animals, and, as Mr. Percivall has remarked, is commonly the cause of lingering and hidden disease terminating in death, without any suspicion on the part of the practitioner as to the nature of the malady.” Treatment for these avorms is not of much value. We have lastly to speak of the common hydatid of the horse. It is well known that after death hydatids (Echinococed veterinorum) axe: sometimes found in the various organs and glands of the horse, more especially in the lungs, liver, and kidneys, and sometimes in the brain. 85 ‘They vary much in size, sometimes being as small as a pea, and occasionally as large as a good-sized cocoa-nut. They may or may not produce symptoms, which vary according to the organ invaded, and the size and exact position of the cyst. This hydatid is common in man, being often found in the liver, and sometimes in other organs ; and it may attain in him a very large size. This hydatid or cyst in its early form is small and globular, with transparent walls and finely granular contents. In its later stages, when it has much increased in size, the walls become thick, and the _ contents fluid. Sometimes these cysts contain several pints of clear fluid. In the above picture B shows the echinococcus of the dog, magnified ; € is one of the little heads which are formed in the cyst wall ; X is the part where the head is attached to the cyst wall. 86 This hydatid is the larval form of the Z@ata Echinococcus, which infests the small intestines of the dog or wolf. The adult tape worm is composed of four segments or joints, and isa little over a quarter of an inch in length. The first joint includes the head, which is about one-hundreth part of an inch wide, and is provided with four suckers, a double coronet of hooklets, between thirty and forty in number, and a central beak. The fourth segment is as long as all the rest of the worm. The way in which the human being and the horse and other creatures become infested with this larval form is as follows :—-The mature worm in the intestines of the dog discharges its ripe eggs, and these being ingested by man or the horse, soon lose their shells, which are dissolved, thus liberating the six-hooked little embryoes. These bore their way into one of the blood vessels, and are thus carried to the various organs of the body, more especially the liver and lungs. When the embryoes have arrived here, they become metamorphosed into hydatids. The lining membrane of these little cysts then develops heads. The worm cannot undergo further development, unless the hydatid be eaten by some animal. Dr. Cobbold tells us that at least 1 per cent. of our dogs harbour the mature tape worm, and he asserts that in the United Kingdom several hundred human deaths occur annually from the ingestion of the eggs, which develop into hydatids. In some other countries, especially in Iceland, where dogs are so much used, and live in close contact with their masters, this disorder is fatally endemic, and thus Iceland stands at the head of the afflicted territories. Our Australian colonies are probably entitled to the next place of distinction in this respect (Cobbold). Dogs frequently convey the eggs of this parasite to man by licking his hands and face. Regarding the treatment of this larval form we have nothing to say, it being very rarely diagnosed in horses. Last year we had under treatment an aged cart horse suffering from chronic renal disease. The water passed contained abundance of matter. After death, thirty hydatid-cysts were found in the right kidney. They varied considerably in size, one being as large asa cocoa-nut ; the others varied from the size of a walnut to that of a pea. In the left kidney there were also more than a dozen of these cysts. CHAPTER V. DISEASES OF THE KIDNEYS AND BLADDER. Inflammation of the Kidneys. Retention of Urine. Incontinence of Urine. Stone or Caiculus in the Bladder. Infiammation of the Bladder. THE kidneys are two glands whose chief function it is to eliminate from the blood certain substances, the products of the waste of the various parts ~ of the body. They vary much in weight in different horses, but the right one is always more voluminous and heavier than the left, its average weight being twenty-seven ounces, while that of the latter’is only twenty-five ounces. The diseases of the kidneys and bladder in the horse are not nearly so frequent or so varied as in man; but nevertheless they merit careful attention, for interference with the functions of these intricate glands is of serious moment. Before describing the diseases of the kidneys, we may say a few words regarding the conformation and structure of these important organs. In the horse, sheep, and pig, the kidneys are not composed of distinct lobules as they are in the ox; although during development they present a similar conformation. If the kidney be carefully examined with the microscope, it will be found to consist of a large number of tubes, made up of several distinct sections, which differ very much both in situation and in structure. . Anyone who has not made a special study of the wonderful conformation of these little organs, would hardly credit the wondrous formation, and the labyrinthiform intricacy of their secreting conduits, lined with variously shaped cells. ; The little tubes or conduits commence as dilated capsules, composed of fibrous tissue, and are lined internally with little flattened plates called epithelium cells. Inside the capsule, will be seen a tuft of very small blood vessels bound together by tissue, and likewise covered by flattened epithelial plates. The tuft of vessels has a main vessel leading to it, and one leading from it. The blood brought by the former is freed from water and salts in. the capsule, and it returns purified through the latter. A is the capsule. B is the tuft of vessels. C and D are the two vessels, of which one enters and one leaves the tuft. E is the commencing tube lined by cells. The tubes are on an average about one six-hundredth of ‘an inch in diameter, and as they pass onwards, they vary greatly in shape, and oo are lined by special cells, whose duty it is to separate the waste products in the blood. The accompanying diagram shows the varying contour of the tubes in the various parts, i EE H Rf [as T Trae ria ray After these preliminary remarks, we may immediately proceed to consider the various derangements of the kidneys and bladder of the horse. The first disorder to which we propose to draw attention, is acute inflammation of the kidneys. This is a disease for the most part due to chill or exhaustion. It is attended by considerable fever with colicky pains, the attack resembling colic attended by fever. The pulse is quickened, and is full, hard, and firm. The breathing is short and accelerated, the bowels are constipated, and there is much thirst. In some instances there is stiffness, tenderness in the loins, and arching of the back, but these symptoms are not invariably present. The most characteristic feature of 89 é inflammation of the kidneys, however, is the scanty elimination or total suppression of the urine, and the desire to pass it frequently. The animal Strains violently, but may be unable to pass more than a few drops of water. This is highly coloured, and contains blood. In many cases of inflammation of the kidneys, the flow of water completely ceases; und not uncommonly there is no other symptom to indicate the nature of the malady. In other cases, there are signs of pain manifested by lying down and rolling about ; while at other times the seat of pain is pointed at, by the animal turning round, and endeavouring to bite or scratch at the loins. If the suppression of the urine be prolonged, the animal may become partially unconscious; but there is no loss of motor power. In most cases of acute inflammation caused by cold, fatigue, or exhaustion, if the pulse be strong, it is our custom to bleed in moderation, ‘that is to remove from two to three quarts. Those cases, however, which supervene on various fevers, do not bear depletion so well. The bowels must be freely acted upon by the administration of five to six or seven drachms of aloes. A lax condition of the bowels should be maintained by the administration of sulphate of sodium given in the drinking water. Eight to twelve ounces or more may be given in the course of the day. The pain may ‘be relieved by the application of woollen cloths, which have been steeped in hot water and then wrung out, or of linseed-meal poultices over the loins. The diet should be laxative, consisting of linseed and oatmeal gruel and bran mashes. When the fever has subsided, salts of iron and vegetable tonics are necessary. The following formula is a good one for this and other cases of horses convalescing from acute inflammations :—Of sulphate of cinchonine, forty grains ; of the double citrate of iron and ammonium, two - drachms, made up into a ball with gentian, ginger, and treacle to eight drachms. One of these balls may be given twice daily for four or five days. We may now speak of the presence of blood in the urine. One of the causes of this occurrence, as we have just said, is inflammation of the kidneys. There are, however, other causes of this condition, such as strains from violent exertion, improper feeding, diseases of the bladder such as inflammation, of which we shall shortly speak, and the presence of a stone in -the bladder. In these cases, the animal must be put on a plain, laxative, soothing diet, which should consist of linseed gruel and mashes. Linseed tea is a very good drink in the place of water. Three drachms of aloes, in the form of a ball or in solution, may be given in the first instance ; and in the drinking water three drachms of tincture of perchloride of iron may be given twice daily, so long as the condition of the urine remains unaltered. Sometimes a condition is met with in which the urine is very high coloured, and yet does not contain blood. For this, luxurious dieting is to be assigned as the cause. In such cases, five or six drachms of aloes may be administered in the first instance, and half an ounce of bicarbonate of potassium may be given twice daily in the drinking water. We have already treated of diabetes or profuse urination, which, as we mentioned, is not a disease of the kidneys. go Retention of the urine is a condition not very uncommon in the horse, and is dependent on a variety of causes. The animal, although attempting to pass water, is unable to do so. In these cases the bladder becomes much distended, and the animal stretches himself and strains violently, sometimes groaning with pain. In these cases a clyster of warm water, in which four drachms of opium have been boiled, has been recommended. The animal should be warmly clad, and a mild dose of physic, such as three-quarters of a pint of linseed oil, may be given. A ball consisting of camphor two drachms, and of opium one drachm, has proved useful, according to some authorities, when administered early, and repeated in a hour or two, When these measures are ineffectual, it will be necessary for the veterinary surgeon to pass the catheter. Incontinence of urine is a condition likewise depending upon several different causes. In some instances retention is accompanied by incon- tinence of urine, which continually dribbles away. In other cases it is due to stone in the bladder, or to paralysis of the orifice of this organ. When incontinence is due to over-distension, the catheter must be used. When dueto paralysis, clysters of cold water into the rectum, and the administration internally of balls consisting of powdered nux vomica a drachm, and of ginger and gentian with treacle to eight drachms, may be given twice or thrice daily. We have lastly to speak of stone in the bladder, and of inflammation of this organ. A calculus or stone is composed of varying substances, but in most cases contains a large quantity of carbonate of lime. It varies much in size and consistency, and may sometimes almost fill the cavity of the bladder, Stone is usually manifested by repeated straining, and attempts to pass water, colicky pains, incontinence of urine, repeated motions of the tail, stiffness of the hind limbs, and by interruption to the flow of urine. Surgical interference is the only treatment of any avail in cases of stone. The accompanying picture is a section of a calculus from the bladder of the horse, showing the disposition of its constituents in concentric circles. gi Inflammation of the bladder in the horse is nearly always caused by the administration of cantharides or turpentine, or by the absorption of cantharidine from a large blister of cantharides. This malady may however, also be set up by the presence of a stone in the bladder. The symptoms of inflammation of this organ are restlessness, pain, and frequent attempts to pass water, which are attended with difficulty and pain. Febrile symptoms are also present in most instances. The nature of the case is known by the history, if it occurs after severe blistering. In such cases the blister must be at once rubbed off. The bowels should be regulated by laxative diet, and demulcent liquids should be allowed. Hot fomentations applied to the abdomen are very beneficial in alleviating the pain when severe. Internally, drenches composed of ten minims of Fleming’s tincture of aconite, and four ounces of liquor ammonii acetatis may be given every six hours for the first day. Afterwards the liquor ammonii acetatis may be given alone, three times daily. We may conclude our notice of the diseases of the kidneys and bladder, by adding that in those cases, where, from a variety of causes, the water is- observed not to be passed as readily as it should be, half an ounce of bicarbonate of potassium, with one drachm of nitre, may be given in the: drinking water, or with the food, twice daily. ye X Great Jongitudinal fissure between hemispheres of cerebrum Crucial fissure Crucial fissure Lateral fissure Lateral fissur Great oblique . fissure Great obliqu fissure JS Lateral lobe of \ cerebellum Middle lobe of cerebellum Medulla oblengata BRAIN—Superior ASPECT. Great longitudinal fissure between hemispheres of cerebrum Olfactory bulb Olfactory Peduncle Int. olf. tract Infundibulum ‘Tuber cinereum Optic (2nd) nerve: Optic chiasma Optic tract Pituitary body” Fissure of | —__. Ext. olf. tract. Sylvius Corpus albicans 7 3rd nerve - Pons *Tarini 4th nerve Hi» Int. root ) > Text. root | | of sth nerve’ 6th nerve 7th nerve —- fPortio Crus cerebri { intermedia. , 8th nerve Grehe oblique \ fear: oth nerve Pons Varolii roth nerve ‘Trapezium ith nerve Lateral lobe sath nerve of cerebellum r Medulla oblongata Inf. pyramid Decussation of pyramids BRAIN—INFERIOR ASPECT. CHAPTER YI. DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. ‘General remarks on the Anatomy and Physiology of the Nervous System of the Horse. Stringhalt, Chorea, Shivering, “ Immobilité.” Megrims, or Congestion of the Brain. Mad Staggers, or Inflammation of the Brain. Epilepsy, Paralysis, Hydrocephalus, or Water on the Brain. Tumours of the Brain. GENERAL REMARKS ON THE ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. DISEASES of the nervous system, as might be expected, are not nearly so frequently met with in the equine tribe as they are in man, and they present far less diversity of form and character. It is sufficiently clear that amid all the marchings and counter-marchings which have been taking place in the rapidly advancing civilisation of man, the most forced and rapid advancement is that which has been aptly termed the “march of intellect.” But, like other forced movements, it has been attended by many heavy penalties; for aul forced marches, when repeated frequently, wear out the finest troops that were ever commanded by energetic generals. So has it béen with modern intellectual advancement, rendered imperative by the growing demand of progressive civilisation, which has been attended, as has been known for some time past, by those many forms of nervous exhaustion, which appear before us like spectres at every step. It is not our purpose here, to discuss this part of our subject further, but we may point out that the horse, by nature retiring, timid, and excitable, although as far as we know free from nervous diseases, while enjoying liberty, untouched by the hand of man, has likewise become subject to a list of maladies, fortunately not a long one, the results of confinement, and the artificial conditions which attend it. We shall treat of stringhalt, “shivering,” chorea, megrims, mad staggers, epilepsy, paralysis, water and tumours in the brain. Before describing these maladies, we may first consider briefly a few of the most important structural features of the nervous system; for these are of very great interest and importance. The nervous system of man and the higher animals consists of two portions—the cerebro-spinal and the sympathetic—each of which has certain characteristics in structural build, in 95 range of influence, and in mode of action. The cerebro-spinal system includes the brain and spinal cord, and the various nerves proceeding from them. , The sympathetic system consists of a double chain of nerves—one on each side of the backbone—from which branches are distributed. The nervous apparatus is made up of two ultimate factors, nerve-fibres and nerve-cells, and these are intimately associated together. The cells are collected together in groups or masses, and are always mingled more or less with fibres, and both together form what is.termed a “nerve-centre.” The fibres, besides entering into the composition of nerve-centres, form nerves, which connect the different centres, and are distributed to the various parts of the individual. Nerve-cells and nerve-fibres differ in function. The former generate and conduct nerve force, while the latter merely conduct it. ‘We may compare the nervous system with a galvanic battery, and the telegraphic wires proceeding from it. The battery, like the nerve centre, generates and conducts the current; while the wires, like the nerves, merely conduct it, having no share whatever in its production. Nervous force travels at a very quick rate. It has been calculated by physiologists, that the rate of conduction in human nerves supplying muscles with motor power is 111 feet per second, and that in those nerves by which sensation is conducted, it is still quicker, reaching as high as 140 feet per second. Each nerve is composed of a variable number of bundles of nerve-fibres, which have separate sheaths. The bundles of fibres, also, have separate sheaths, and the whole of them in turn are enclosed in a firm fibrous covering. —- 1 & Figure A shows a nerve fibre (after Klein) magnified 300 times. 1 is the sheath, 2 is the medulla, and 3 is the axis-cylinder. The constriction in the centre, where the medulla is deficient, is called a node of Ranvier. Figure B shows a bundle of nerve-fibrils cut transversely, and parts of two others. Several such bundles make up a nerve. This specimen is from the nerve of a dog, highly magnified. 90 A nerve-fibre is a microscopic element composed of a proper wall and contents. The wall is the sheath we mentioned, and it is a thin elastic membrane. The contents comprise in the centre a solid core, called the axis cylinder, along which the nerve current passes. In many fibres, between the axis cylinder and the wall, is found a viscid substance called the medulla. Those fibres which do not contain the medulla, and which are specially characteristic of the sympathetic system, are called non-medullated. The majority of nerve-fibres measure about gs'v5 of an inch in diameter. The nerve-cells are large nucleated bodies of very variable shape, and they have one or more prolongations extending from them. These prolongations or poles establish relations with the nerve-fibres, and constitute the origin of the nerves. In the above figures, A shows some nerve cells of different shapes. BL shows a stellate cell from a developing animal, magnified 4oo diameters. When a cerebro-spinal nerve is irritated by pinching, there is either pain manifested, or there is twitching of one or more muscles, to which the nerve distributes its fibres. From various considerations, it is certain that pain is- always the result of change in the nerve cells of the brain. Therefore, in such experiments as those referred to, it seems to the experimenter that the irritation of the nerve-fibre is conducted in one of two directions, either to- the brain the central termination of the fibre, when there is pain, or to a- muscle when there is movement. The effects of these simple experiments. are the types of what always occur, when nerve-fibres are engaged in the performance of their functions (Kirke). The brain of the horse and of the other higher animals is formed of a central white part composed of fibres, and an outer convoluted portion of grey matter composed of nerve-cells and fibres. In the horse it weighs about 23 ounces, in the ass 12 ounces; and it is formed of a front portion called the cerebrum, and a hind part called the 97 cerebellum. The spinal cord, unlike the brain, is formed of an outer white portion and a central grey portion, the former made up of fibres, and the latter of cells and fibres. The two figures placed ‘at the beginning of this chapter are taken by the kind permission of Dr. J. McFadyean, M.B., C.M., B.Sc., from his valuable work on the “Anatomy of the Horse.” They will give our-readers a very good idea of the superior and inferior aspects of the horse’s brain. It will be seen that the encephalon, or brain of the horse, is an ovoid mass, which, when viewed on its superior surface, shews most posteriorly the continuation of the spinal cord, called the medulla oblongata, and in front of this, the superior surfaces of the middle and two lateral lobes of the cerebellum.. In front of the cerebellum are seen the two large cerebral hemispheres, which are separated from the cerebellum by a deep transverse fissure, into which the tentorium cerebelli passes. On the inferior aspect, we see that the medulla oblongata is prolonged beneath the cerebellum, and then becomes continuous with the cerebral hemispheres, by means of the crura cerbri, which are bounded in front by the two thick white cords, the optic nerves. The brain may be said to consist of three portions: (1) Zhe isthmus of the encephalon (the prolongation of the spinal cord); (2) The cerebellum; (3) The cerebrum. For further details, vide Dr. McFadyean’s work, or Chauveau’s Comparative Anatomy. STRINGHALT. AFTER these preliminary remarks, we may at once proceed to describe the diseases of the nervous system of the horse, commencing with stringhalt. Stringhalt consists in involuntary convulsive motions of the muscles, generally those of one or both hind legs; but occasionally it is seen in the fore legs also. Generally speaking, however, it is confined to one of the hind legs; more rarely affecting both of them. Stringhalt is a common affection of the horse, and of necessity constitutes unsoundness, although many horses affected with this disorder are able to do their work exceedingly well. We havea chestnut horse at the present time, and have seen numbers of others, which do their work every whit as well as horses in all respects healthy. In severe cases, stringhalt is evident to the observer at every step taken by the animal, while in cases not so marked, the affection can only be noticed at longer or shorter intervals. The animal may proceed a few yards in a normal manner, and then suddenly snatch one or both of his hind legs from the ground convulsively, with a. sudden jerk, and bring it down again with unusual force. ' Stringhalt often becomes worse as time passes on, but it may remain in - pretty much the same condition for some years. We have often observed that it improves as the general health and condition of the animal improve, and becomes worse when the animal is worked too hard, or when from any other cause he is out of condition, As, in many instances, stringhalt H 98 becomes more aggravated with age, and as the value of animals afflicted with it, is depreciated by this unsoundness, it is important to be able to recognise the affection, when only slightly developed. It is advisable to have the animal turned from one side to the other, and then in the reverse direction. In cases of slight stringhalt, the peculiar convulsive twitching is often shown only as the animal turns one way. Stringhalt is a disease which generally comes on gradually, but cases where the malady has come on in the night are recorded. We are of the same opinion as Professor Williams, in considering that the chief cause of stringhalt is an inflamed condition of the nerves, supplying the affected limb. Stringhalt coming on more rapidly, is in many cases a rheumatic affection, due to cold, damp, or exposure. Although on the continent, methods of treating chronic stringhalt by certain surgical operations have been advocated, yet at present we are not able to say how far these methods have been successful. This subject, indeed, is at present engaging the attention of veterinarians at home and abroad. In cases where the symptoms become aggravated from any cause, ' or when the disease suddenly manifests itself, the animal should be rested ; and if the disease be due to rheumatism, the malady should be treated as we have already mentioned. In such cases nothing need be done locally, beyond hot water fomentations. When not traceable to rheumatism, rest, a dose of physic, hot fomentations, and three drachms of bromide of potassium, given in the drinking water three times daily, may prove serviceable. CHOREA, OR ST. VITUS’ DANCE. WE will now speak briefly of the disease called chorea, and better known in the human being under the name of St. Vitus’ dance. It is a peculiar disorder, characterised by irregular contractions of different muscles. It is not a common malady in the horse. It is usually traceable to hereditary predisposition, although mal-hygienic conditions, overwork, and exhaustion, may also act as exciting causes. Stringhalt itself may be regarded as a peculiar choreic disease. In treating chorea, it is necessary whenever it is possible, to remove the cause when that is to be ascertained. The general hygienic conditions should be attended to, the diet should be good and nutritious, and the work proportzoned to the strength of the animal. Internally half an ounce of Fowler’s solution, and three drachms of bromide of potassium, may be given twice daily in the drinking water. “Shivering” is a peculiar disorder affecting the muscles of the back and posterior extremities. When a horse subject to this affection is backed or turned, the muscles of this region are thrown into a spasmodic condition, contracting and relaxing irregularly. The tail is often spasmodically elevated, and then depressed. When the horse is trotted forwards, the spasms are very seldom developed, but they may be brought into action by the head being rapidly turned round, ; 99 SHIVERING, “ IMMOBILITE.” “SHIVERING” is so called from the resemblance of the muscular spasms to ‘shiverings. J#ezob¢lzté is the word which the French apply to those cases -of muscular weakness which are manifested by the inability of the horse to turn round quickly, without falling. The horse can walk or trot forwards, ‘but when turned sharply, he falls to the ground. Sometimes a horse turns with great difficulty, but does not actually fall. He moves his hind limbs in an unsteady and irregular way, and seems to have but little power of ‘co-ordinating the movement of this part of the body. This latter condition* is generally termed by horsemen broken or sprained back, and is usually due to chronic disease of the spinal marrow. Shivering, zwzmodzlité, and sprained back all constitute unsoundness. Professor Williams records that four young horses, the progeny of a dam which was affected in the back, - died from paralysis of the spine, before they had attained the age of three years. A fifth is now living, and shows signs of aggravated nerve disease. Nerve disease is commonly transmitted to the offspring in the equine tribe, _and we mentioned in treating of roaring, a nervous disease often dependent upon dietetic mismanagement, the important part which hereditary disease plays in the production of this malady. MEGRIMS, OR CONGESTION OF THE BRAIN. WE turn now to the remaining disorders of the nervous system of the horse, namely, megrims, mad staggers, epilepsy, paralysis of the lips, water and tumours in the brain, and lock-jaw or tetanus. We have, in treating of diseases of the stomach, spoken fully of stomach staggers, and in treating of poisons, we spoke of grass staggers. Now, we have first to consider the two remaining varieties of staggers, and these are megrims or congestion of the brain, and mad staggers, or inflammation of the brain and its coverings. ; Megrims or “vertigo,” also spoken of as “staggers,” occurring in harness or draught horses is almost always due to mechanical impediment to the flow of the blood from the brain, occasioned by the pressure of too tightly or badly fitting harness. By some, megrims is believed to be due to inflammatory action, but there do not appear to be any grounds for this supposition. It is said that megrims may be produced by exposure to the rays of the sun, or by driving fast after a heavy meal. These causes certainly may increase the tendency to this affection, but it is very improbable that they alone can cause it. As already pointed out, indigestion is liable to be caused by driving fast after heavy meals, and may induce dizziness or staggers, which it is not easy to distinguish from megrims depending on actual congestion of the brain. : An attack of megrims is generally sudden in its onset, there being usually no warning symptoms, The animal slackens speed, or stops *Qur readers will understand that the disease termed sprained back has no relation to true 4prain of the muscles of the back, of which we shall treat along with other sprains. 1900 suddenly, and moves the head from side to side, or upand down. Sometimes the horse turns its head to one side. The vessels of the face and throat are engorged, the eyes stare, the nostrils are widely opened, and the breathing is rapid. The skin may be bedewed with perspiration, and the muscles of the face twitch convulsively. If the collar causing the obstruction be removed, the symptoms abate, and the animal soon recovers. When the symptoms are very severe, there is great excitement, the convulsions become still more marked, and the animal falls prostrate to the ground. It is necessary first to remove the collar, to permit of the return of the blood to the heart, and then to apply cold water to the head. When we have reason to suspect that the affection depends upon indigestion, this must be treated as we have already directed. When the neck is peculiarly shaped, it may be necessary to use a breast strap, instead of a collar. Mad staggers is nearly always due to inflammation of the brain, though frenzy or uncontrollable fury may be one of the symptoms of rabies, and sometimes. has been thought to come on as a result of acute indigestion. MAD STAGGERS, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN, OR ENCEPHALITIS, OR PHRENITIS. INFLAMMATION of the brain is a rare disease in the horse, and is usually due to direct injury, such as a blow on the head, but may also be caused by great exhaustion or exposure to the rays of the sun. Sometimes the symptoms are very sudden, consisting in great excitement with convulsions, followed: by a stage of depression. At other times, the stage of excitement is absent. In these cases, the animal is very intolerant of its head being handled, or pressed upon, and the skin and mouth are hotter than natural. The eyes are staring, and the pupils contracted, though in the later stages of the disease they become widely dilated. The pulse is quickened, and the horse moves to and fro sullenly, and his body is sometimes bedewed with perspiration. Occasionally muscular twitchings and general or local insensibility are manifested. The stage of excitement is of variable duration, and the symptoms manifested in it differ widely in intensity. It is followed by the stage of depression. Cases of inflammation of the brain call for all the care of the scientific veterinarian, and it is therefore impossible for the amateur to take such cases in hand. Bleeding is indicated when the fever is high, and the excitement very great. Generally from two to three quarts of blood may be removed. A full dose of aloes should be given in the first instance—say five to seven drachms, according to the size of the animal. Locally, ice or cloths steeped in cold water or some evaporating lotion (alcohol one part, solution of subacetate of lead one part, water eight parts), should be applied to the head during the stage of excitement. The animal should be removed from alk noises, and kept as strictly quiet as possible. The diet should be light and nutritious: If the animal continues to drink, two drachms of bromide of . 101 ‘potassium and two of hydrate of chloral, may be given every four hours in the water, during the stage of excitement. If paralysis continues after the abatement of the acute symptoms, a smart blister may be applied to the poll, and repeated if necessary. EPILEPSY. EPILEpsy isa rare disease in the horse. It may be defined as an affection of the nervous system, characterised by sudden temporary loss of consciousness, associated for the most part with a convulsive attack, which in many instances cannot be referred to actual disease of the brain. A horse when attacked with epilepsy, champs his jaws, becomes unconscious, and falls to the ground convulsed. Sometimes the spasms are very slight, and the animal quickly regains consciousness, and seems as well as ever. Sometimes the spasms are confined to one limb, sometimes to one side of the body, or to the muscles of a particular part, as the face or neck. The animal froths at the mouth, grates the teeth, moves the head quickly to and fro, and turns about wildly. During the attack, cold water may be dashed on the head, and all means should be adopted to prevent the horse harming himself in his convulsions. In very strong animals, bleeding has been practised. After the attack is over, the general health should be promoted, the diet carefully regulated, and the bowels opened. If the disease depends upon worms, these should be- expelled. /In chronic cases one drachm of each of the bromides of sodium, ammonium, and potassium may be given three times daily in the drinking water, for a week or two. , ee pas ~ as” /PARALYSIS OF THE LIPS. ‘THE only form of paralysis of which we need treat here, is paralysis of the lips, a disease not uncommon in horses. ‘The nerves which supply the muscles of the lips are liable to become pressed upon by badly fitting bridles. Sometimes _ the nerve of one side, sometimes those on both sides become thus pressed upon, and paralysis ensues. When both nerves are affected, the lips cannot be closed, but hang pendulously, and saliva flows from the mouth. When the nerve of one side only is implicated, the lip, having no longer any power, is drawn by the action of the opposing muscles towards the other side. The horse cannot grasp his fodder when the lips are paralysed, and so he has to snatch his food with his teeth. In such cases the first thing necessary is to - remove: the badly fitting bridle, and to apply a blister of equal parts of the ointments of red iodide of mercury and of cantharides below the ear and along the cheeks. | Internally, a moderate dose of aloes may be administered, : and an eight drachm ball, made of two drachms of iodide of potassium, one drachm of powdered nux vomica, made up with a Sifficieicy of ginger and treacle, may be given twice daily. The diet should be soft and laxative, consisting of oatmeal and linseed cake gruel. If desired, the iodide of * potassium may be given in the food, i instead of administering the balls. Two arachms may be thus given twice daily. — 102 HYDROCEPHALUS, OR WATER IN THE BRAIN. TUMOURS IN THE BRAIN. WATER in the brain or hydrocephalus is not uncommon as a congenital defect in foals, but is only rarely met with in older animals. The hydrocephalic head is recognised by the great enlargement of.the volume of the skull. In the early stages, the foal is irritable and feverish. Afterwards he becomes weak, and the sensibility is impaired. Paralysis and convulsions. precede death in fatal cases. The largest amount of fluid recorded as having accumulated ina foal’s brain, is two and a half gallons. Recovery in this disease is very rare, and even in the most favourable instances, there is little profit to be derived from keeping hydrocephalic foals, as they never thrive. Tumours in the cavities of the brain of the horse are very common, but as they grow very slowly, and do not occasion severe symptoms until they have attained a size about as large as a pigeon’s egg, their presence is rarely suspected until shortly before leading to a fatal result. At the autopsy of the famous racer Macgregor, Mr. Charles Gresswell, of Nottingham, found a large tumour in each of the lateral cavities of the brain. CHAPTER. Vii. POISONING. Arsenic. Aconite. Ergot ( Claviceps Purpurea); Grass Staggers. Lead. Hellebore (Veratrum Album). Antimony; Opium. Savin. Bryony. Cantharides or Spanish Fly. Euphorbium or Spurge. Yew Tree. Water Drop Wort. Meadow Saffron (Colchicum Autumnatle). Remarks on the Condition of Horses. ALTHOUGH it may be fairly stated that poisoning in horses is not so frequently met with as it once was, it is still common, and is, therefore, of very great practical importance. In almost all cases of poisoning, it is noteworthy that the drug has been administered by the attendant with the intention of preventing or curing ~ some real or imaginary disease, which the horse is supposed to be suffering from, or of promoting his well-being by increasing his appetite, or in other ways; and it may be pointed out that whereas formerly mineral agents, such as arsenic and antimony, were largely given for these purposes, we now find. _ that vegetable poisons, such as hellebore and overdoses of aconite, are frequently substituted. It is well known that many vegetable poisons are quite as powerful ds the mineral ones, and we should, therefore, be especially suspicious of nostrums advertised to contain no mineral poison, for these but too frequently contain vegetable poisons still more dangerous. A large. number of old formule in the hands of those employed in the stable, and on the farm, contain overdoses of arsenic, hellebore, aconite, antimony, and other preparations, which are seldom employed by the veterinarian except in severe cases, and some of them are scarcely ever given by him internally. Sometimes, however, more especially in the case of lead, poison is taken accidentally. At other times, though very rarely, it is given with criminal intent. We will first consider the baneful effects produced by acute and chronic arsenical poisoning, and will then treat of the others in the order of their. importance, at the same time mentioning shortly the treatment to be adopted in these cases. 104 : ARSENICAL POISONING. ARSENIC is usually administered to horses in the form of arsenious or common white arsenic anhydride. Though poisoning by this substance is of less frequent occurrence than it once was, arsenic is still very commonly given by labourers and waggoners, and more rarely by grooms, in certain parts of the country. When given in excessive doses, it is generally through ignorance that this is done ; but instances are recorded of cases in which it has been given with criminal intent. It is usually made up in the form of a ball with soap, tar, or sulphur, or indeed any suitable substance. Sometimes it is administered as a powder in the food or water, and though the proper medicinal dose is but four grains, attendants commonly give as much as will lie upon a sixpenny or shilling piece, or even more. The following accounts will serve to show some of the more important symptoms and fost mortem appearances of arsenical poisoning :— When summoned one morning, some time ago, at 3 a.m., the late Mr. D. Gresswell found four cart horses in a very dangerous state. They were fine heavy animals in excellent condition, and on the previous day had shown no signs whatever of ill health. Their restlessness had attracted attention about 12 orl am. They were breathing rapidly, and the pulse was very rapid and almost imperceptible, the arteries feeling like mere threads. Al! four animals were in great pain. They got up and down alternately, rolled over and over, and manifested other signs of intense agony. The bowels were very loose, and there was much straining. The extremities were cold, and the eyes were staring ; and there was total loss of appetite, and extreme prostration. Eructations of gas frequently passed from the stomach. One horse died at 10 a.m., a second at 4 p.m., and a third at 10-30 p.m. Before death the animals became still more restless, the pulse was weaker and finally imperceptible ; the mouth became clammy and the breath fetid, and they succumbed at length in a state of extreme agony and collapse. One animal recovered, but remained so weak and debilitated as to be incapable of rising without assistance. At length, however, he made a gradual and apparently complete recovery, but was not able to resume work for three or four months. When the stomachs of the animals which had died were examined, they were found to contain undigested food, and the contents were tinged with blood. The membrane lining the stomach was blackened, and in parts the walls were much eroded, forming many large eschars or patches of burnt tissue, and in other places the lining was raised in the form of small blisters. In one of the cases there were two almost complete perforations through the walls. / In these cases, although the waggoner denied having administered anything, it was afterwards elicited, that he had given to each of the horses a quantity of the white arsenic, made into balls by mixing it with tar. This he had given at about 8 or 9 p.m. the previous day. On the 2oth of June, 1883, we had a team of four cart horses belonging to a farmer, under our care. The symptoms in these cases were similar, but 105 ‘much less ‘severe, than those above described. One of the animals died, but the remaining three made a gradual recovery, and were soon again at work. It was ascertained in these instances that the drug had been given in the form -of the ordinary white arsenic. The waggoner had for some time previously given to each of his horses every night, as much as he could place on the end of a large pocket knife. On the night when the horses were so suddenly affected, he had given an extra dose to each, three or four hours previous to the appearance of the symptoms of poisoning. Several months afterwards, we took the opportunity of examining two of the horses which hhad recovered. Both were found to have diseased hearts, and the foreman informed us that they never regained their previous strength. That arsenic when given in solution acts much more rapidly and powerfully, is shown by the following record of nine cases of poisoning, which occurred in the late Mr. D. Gresswell’s practice some years ago. One of the waggoners ona large farm having obtained a pound and a half of white arsenic, stirred it in a tub of boiled linseed gruel. This was served out equally to nine horses, on their return from work, at two o’clock in the afternoon. Very shortly afterwards the horses manifested considerable uneasiness, and eight of them died very quickly, while the ninth recovered under very careful treatment and management. We might record many other cases, but the above will suffice to illustrate the baneful effects of arsenic. Before closing our remarks on the subject, we must say a few words concerning chronic arsenical poisoning. At the present time, this form of poisoning is of much more frequent occurrence than the acute form; and although sometimes the horse may escape any outward signs of indisposition from the occasional administration of small overdoses of white arsenic, yet the practice of administering this drug by.attendants, is to be deprecated from every point of view, as it not unfrequently totally incapacitates the animal from any prolonged exertion. In February, last year, we were called to see a valuable seven-year-old hunter, belonging to a gentleman residing on the Lincolnshire wolds. The horse had an excellent appetite, but was in- poor condition. The pulse was fairly strong, but irregular, losing a beat every now and again. The breathing was somewhat accelerated. We were informed that when galloped even for a short distance the horse breathed laboriously, and could only with difficulty be induced to go beyond aslow trot. It was ascertained that for many months previously, the late groom had given to’ the horse small doses of arsenic at regular intervals. The untoward symptoms were attributable to this practice, as the horse had always enjoyed perfect health previously, and made much improve- ment after the groom left. Arsenic should not be given unless for some definite object, and, when necessary, is best administered in the form of Fowler’s solution, of which the dose is half an ounce in the drinking water after meals. Arsenic has a special action on the skin, and is very useful in many forms of skin diseases in horses and other animals. It is mainly given by attendants to make the > TIMUMAMA x NN “SS AX i Soa tT 140 We shall first speak of the causes to which navicular disease is to be aattributed ; then of its symptoms and methods of detection, in this connection dealing with contracted foot; and, lastly, we shall review some of the various methods of treatment, unfortunately in many instances so futile. Hereditary influence, that potent predisposing factor in the causation of ‘so many diseases, is often clearly traceable in navicular disease. The practical conclusion to be deduced from this fact is, that animals afflicted with this malady should not be used for breeding purposes. It has been -said, and we believe with good reason, that feet with high heels are more liable to navicular disease than open flat ones. When the soles are flat, there is necessarily more constant pressure on the frog, which, together with the structure it supports, is thus maintained in a more healthy state. It ‘must be borne in mind that heredity is probably of influence not so much in predisposing animals to inflammation of the navicular bone, as in transmitting to the offspring that peculiar shape of foot which is especially liable to lead to such changes in this important structure. In any case the knowledge that heredity plays a great part in the production of this disease is of value, as indicating that affected animals should not be used for stud purposes. When we consider that the hind feet are very rarely affected with navicular disease, but that the fore feet are very commonly so diseased, one “naturally expects to find some cause which, though very rarely resulting in changes of this kind, is very potent in leading to disastrous lesions in the fore feet. What is the cause? It has often been noticed that this affection is far more commonly met with in horses used for quick work on hard roads, than among other animals. We naturally infer from these facts that navicular disease is largely dependent upon concussion or undue jarring, which necessarily affects the fore more than the hind feet, and is more violent and sustained in roadsters and hacks. The disease, it may be stated, often begins in the membrane lining the navicular joint, or in thé cartilage lining the surface of the bone, which is the ‘spot where we should expect that the effects of constant and violent concussion would be especially liable to result in inflammatory changes. Among hunters and racers, navicular disease is not nearly so common ; for their work on softer ground does not cause this violent jarring. It is to the quick, long journeys made on the hard roads that this inflammation leading to such disastrous consequences is mainly due. Regarding these points Mr. Stewart long since wrote, “long journeys, performed quickly, will ‘make almost any horse ‘groggy.’ Bad shoeing and want of proper care also help, but alone they never produce this affection. The animal must journey far and fast; but, if his feet be neglected, or the shoeing be bad, a slower pace and a shorter distance will produce the mischief.” As we might expect, navicular disease is almost unknown among cart- horses ; but they are more subject to laminitis than finer bred animals. In addition to the major causes of navicular disease, there are some minor ones we may shortly mention. Rheumatism is believed by some to be a cause of navicular disease, but we do not think this is ever the exciting factor. 141 Rarely, navicular disease may be due to injury of the foot caused by nails or bruises. Finally, slanting pavements are believed by some to favour’ the production of disease of this bone. When lameness comes on gradually in a horse six or seven years old or more, and the animal points his foot in the stable, we have strong grounds for suspecting commencing navicular disease. It is of importance to be able to recognise this affection in its early stages, before the disease becomes chronic ; for not unfrequently therapeutic measures may be taken to prevent the progress of the inflammation. This form of lameness, although usually affecting animals of six years old and upwards, is not very uncommon in younger horses from three to four years old. When the disease first begins, there may be but little to attract attention beyond the pointing of one or both fore feet in the stable, an abnormal warmth of the hoofs, and a scarcely perceptible lameness, perhaps only manifested at times, and disappearing after. exercise. As the disease progresses, the lameness increases, and is more marked after-rest ; especially when this is preceded by a journey of seven or eight miles sharp trotting on hard ground. If the foot be examined, it is sometimes found to be‘hotter than normally, and as a result of the disease of the navicular bone it- becomes contracted ; but it may be pointed out that contraction is not always present in navicular disease, nor is every. contracted foot necessarily accompanied by this affection of the bone. CONTRACTED Foot. Unless the case be somewhat advanced, the animal generally walks sound; but betrays his disease by his short groggy steps when trotted, especially when going at a sharp pace over hard stones. The horse digs his toes in the ground in order to obviate the pain, which would be caused by bringing the heels firmly down. The iron at the toes of one or both shoes. becomes worn away in consequence. The habit of pointing the fore feet, which is done by the animal to ease pressure on the heel, is a characteristic 142 -sign of navicular disease. When an animal thus affected is to be sold at a fair, he is commonly tied up closely to the manger, so that he cannot point his feet, and thus the unwary are deceived; for the lameness may not be -apparent in the cursory trot up and down the soft ground outside the stable, The best way to detect this insidious malady, is to ride the animal six or eight miles briskly, and then let him stand Joosely tzed. If affected with navicular disease, he will then probably soon point one or both fore feet, After resting a quarter of an hour, he should then be led out of the stable, ; and trotted up and down on hard ground. The peculiar characteristic gait will then in most instances become apparent. In these trials the animal should carry a good fair weight. Horses affected with navicular disease generally stumble a great deal, -and thus not uncommonly break their knees ; but, when worked judiciously,’ .and not trotted fast on hard ground, they may work well for many years.. On soft ground, affected animals are benefited by regular work, and may be used for hunting or other purposes. Indeed, it is not at all uncommon to see a horse with navicular disease in the chase. When the disease becomes -confirmed, the lamenesss does not necessarily increase ; for the caries of the ‘bone and its cartilages may remain in a somewhat similar condition for years. In most cases of navicular disease, the lameness is most pronounced -on first leaving the stable; but it gradually disappears, perhaps entirely, -during exercise. The treatment of navicular disease will necessarily vary considerably -with the nature of the case. In those very acute cases which come on very suddenly in the course of a week or so, it is advisable to give the animal five -or six drachms of aloes, and feed him. for three days on warm water and bran mashes. Poultices for a week or a fortnight will also prove very useful. Internally one ounce of bicarbonate of potassium may be given twice daily in the water fora week or more. Blistering the coronets with ointment of biniodide of mercury, and the turning out the animal to grass for six months ,will sometimes effect a cure. Bleeding from the coronets is s 143 in all instances worse than useless in the treatment of any form of navicular disease. In ordinary chronic cases of navicular, if the animal can be rested for six months, he should be frog-setoned and then turned out to grass. Blistering may be adopted instead of frog-setoning. If he cannot be rested or if the disease is not so marked as to necessitate cessation from work, it is best to have the animal lightly shod, and to apply swabs moistened with cold water. The work should be gentle. Hacking is the most suitable of all kinds of work. The heels should be rasped down a little. Half-moon shoes as sepresented, may be applied, or we may adopt-the Charlier method of shoeing. We append a representation of this method of shoeing from M. Signol’s “ Aide-mémoire du Vétérinaire.” =I Veterinarians have devised miany forms of shoe for the alleviation of chronic navicular disease. We append two of these, but we cannot speak of their value, as we have no experience of their efficacy in preventing the foot from becoming contracted. ' 144 ‘ Toe clips should be very small, or dispensed with altogether. The heels: of the shoe should be thickened. The “Thacker” shoes are strongly recom- mended by some. We may here remark that large toe clips are not uncommonly a‘cause ofdisease of the foot, and should never be used. Animals subject to navicular disease, require a cool bedding on a level. pavement, but nothing can serve the purpose better than sawdust, or a good. supply of straw. Animals, asa rule, will lie down in a quiet well-bedded box more readily ; and, as the recumbent posture is to be encouraged at: night, it will be well to make the box as comfortable as possible. When these measures have been taken, there remain two operations- which have been devised for the cure of navicular disease, and of these we- shall say a few words. The first, frog-setoning, as represented in the second of our illustrations, is said to have proved serviceable in some inveterate: cases, when all other measures had failed. The second operation for the- alleviation of navicular lameness is termed neurotomy. It was at one time so highly thought of as to be very frequently performed. It consists in removing a portion of nerve from both sides of the plantar nerves of each fore limb. It is sometimes a very successful operation. It is, however, not advisable to perform it except as a last resource, when all other measures’ have failed, and the animal ts quite unfit for work, as, although it often affords temporary relief, the nerves usually grow together again after a time,. and the animal may become still more lame than before. In performing the operation, it is usual to remove about one inch from the nerve of each side of | both fore limbs; but sometimes it is performed on one limbonly, Neurotomy was supposed to have been first introduced by Mr. Sewell, but we have reason to- believe that the operation was practised some years earlier by Mr. Moorcroft- 145 After division of the nerves, the part below the seat of section loses sensory power, and, no pain being felt, the animal often ceases to manifest lameness, It is scarcely ever advisable to perform neurotomy on a young horse. Some time ago, we performed the operation on a four-year-old colt, on which all other methods had been tried. The animal has since been perfectly sound, having made a good recovery. Our readers must bear in mind that the treatment of navicular disease is at best mainly unsatisfactory. It is always well to dispose of animals so affected, when an opportunity offers itself, SANDCRACK, By a sandcrack we understand a longitudinal fissure of greater or less extent in the horny fibres of any part of the wall of the hoof, commencing close to the coronet, and mostly found at the inner quarters of the fore feet and at the toes of the hind feet. More rarely these fissures are met with'in the outer quarters. At first the fissure is small, but it gradually extends downwards and inwards. Wherever situated, sandcrack constitutes unsoundness. In the healthy horn, the fibres are held together by an agglutinating cellular substance, and therefore they do not become separated.@, When, however, the secreting membrane is injured by concussion or other cause, L 146 the fibres become separated, and a crack or split is formed, as the result of the impaired secretory action of the injured part. These cracks nearly always come on gradually. Indeed, the writers have rarely known a crack to be formed suddenly. Those fissures recorded as having arisen suddenly, are in reality to be put down to constitutional disease of old standing. The brittle condition of the crust, altering the character of the horn secreted, it will thus be seen, is to be attributed to an unhealthy action of the membrane secreting the horny fibres, and of the substance binding them together. In some animals, the horn is more brittle and weak than it should be, and is more liable to crack on any unusual strain. Such a condition of horn, more commonly met with in animals bred in damp, low-lying districts, though not unfrequently inherited, is no doubt in many instances traceable to badly devised methods of shoeing. When the sole and frog are made unduly thin by paring, and seated shoes are used, the weight of the animal is thrown on the crust of the wall only, instead of being more uniformly distributed ; and, as a consequence of this, the membrane secreting the horn is liable to suffer, when the crust it forms is subjected to additional strain, Naturally, this will be especially liable to occur when the badly-shod feet are subjected to continued concussion, by fast riding or driving on hard ground. The fissures are more likely to occur at the inner quarters of the fore feet, and at the toes of the hind ones; for these are the parts more especially subjected to strain. As we mentioned, the cracks, at first insignificant, lengthen and deepen, and thus they gradually spread through the horn to the sensitive structures, which become inflamed and bulge through the apertures of the wound. Lameness now becomes a marked feature, and the affected part becomes very painful. Lameness appears before the fissure is evident from the outside, when the crack commences beneath the outer portion of the crust, and then spreads outwards; and it may be added that it is in such cases as these, that cracks are said to be suddenly made. In reality they-have been forming for some time past. Lameness is more marked when the crack is at the toe, than when in the quarter of the foot, and when involving the toe of the hind foot, it is still more aggravated. As the animal raises its foot, the walls of the fissure widen, and as it places its foot down again, they become approximated, thus pinching tightly the protruding, inflamed tissue, and causing great agony. Sand and mud find their way into the wound, and increase the inflammation and irritation, and at the same time tend to increase the extent of the fissure. The treatment of sandcrack varies according to the nature of the case. If there be no suppuration, it is our custom to make a horizontal incision with a firing-iron, about one eighth of an inch deep, above the upper extremity of the crack. The crack itself we then fill up with gutta percha, In simple cases, a cure is generally easily effected by these means. In those cases where there is lameness and inflammation, it will be necessary to remove the shoes and administer a dose of aloes, say four or five drachms, and allow total rest for several days, on a diet of warm water 147 and bran mashes. During this time, the edges of the crack should be carefully pared, so as to allow of the escape of all irritating mud, and foul matter. When this is washed away, the inflamed sensitive tissue beneath may become visible. ‘it will be advisable to have the foot poulticed for a -day or two after this operation. When by these measures the inflammation and consequent pain have in a few days subsided, it is our object to promote the growth of new healthy horn to fill up the crack from beneath ; forthe edges of the woundcannot become structurally united. Bar-shoes of a fair thickness may now be applied, and care must be taken to remove pressure from that part of the foot, immediately offosz e ¢o the fissure. When the crack extends as high as the coronet, it is customary to pare away a groove between the upper end of the fissure and the coronet, so as to divide the fissured horn from the substance which forms the new horn. A leathern strap or tarred twine may now be applied tightly round the hoof if necessary, or a clasp may be used. There are two operations which may be performed for the cure of sandcrack. The first, only performed in very bad cases of long standing, is applicable when the cracks extend as high as the coronet. It is termed the stripping method, and consists in making two grooves, each beginning at the coronet about half an inch to an inch on either side of the upper end of the fissure, and joining together at the other extremity of the fissure at an angle of about 70°, The whole of the horn enclosed within this V-shaped area is then stripped off, and the part exposed is protected by the application of a strap. In those cases where the fissure extends below the junction of the grooves, the horn may be pared away below it also. The animal must now be rested until the gap is filled with newly secreted horn. In the meantime, the foot should be carefully bandaged and dressed with some mild astringent lotion. The coronet may be blistered so as to stimulate it to increased secreting activity, with an oin'ment of one part of biniodide of mercury and two of lard. The time taken for a sandcrack to grow up completely from the base, is about nine or ten months. The clasping method is in most 148 instances greatly to be preferred to the above, as being of a far less serious. and lengthy character. The operation may be performed in two ways. The. French perform the clasping method by burning two holes’at equal distances: on each side of the fissure by the instrument A raised. to a red heat, and then fitting the two ends of the clasp B into them. The“clasp when inserted, is made tight by pincers, as represented in figure C. : (After Signol). It is best to use a number of clasps placed at a distance of half an inch apart, and when this operation is completed, the foot may be supported by a 149 firm leathern strap. When the horn is thick, more especially when the fissure is seated at the toe, the nailing method of clasping is very useful. A notch is cut about half an inch on each side of the crack, about a quarter of an inch in depth. Several other notches may also be made at intervals of about an inch, if the crack is a long one. Then, by the aid of a skilled smith, horse. nails are driven from one side to the other, and their parts are drawn together tightly by pincers, and the ends rasped down. When situated at the toe, a hole may be bored under the crack, and a nail passed through and similarly clenched. When the crack is cured, it is necessary to use flat shoes, and to remember never to allow the smith to thin the sole. ‘ CANKER. CANKER is a disease characterised by the abundant discharge of thin fetid matter from the frog and sole of the foot, and by the presence of large fungoid granulations, or pallid irregularly shaped elevations, occupying the place where healthy horn should grow. When examined with the microscope, these elevations appear to consist chiefly of imperfectly formed horn cells ; and this would lead us to infer that the horny matter itself was - improperly secreted, owing to abnormal changes in the membrane. Canker most probably depends upon inflammation, and consequent alterations in the membrane, which secretes the horny sole and frog, and covers the coffin bone. The disease usually commences in the frog, extending to the sole, and sometimes involving the sensitive lamin, which secrete the inner part of the wall of the hoof. Sometimes, the diseased action is confined to one foot, but in other cases it affects two; and the writer has not unfrequently met with cases in which all four feet were involved. The hind feet are more frequently affected than the fore ones. _ Canker is very rarely seen except in cart-horses, in which it is not at all an uncommon disease. Regarding the causes of this affection of the foot, it has been suggested by Percivall, that some horses, more especially bulky animals of sluggish: lymphatic temperament, are peculiarly predisposed to become affected; and it is in such animals that the affection termed grease is also especially liable to appear. Sometimes, canker has its origin in a neglected injury to the foot, in which case it will be confined to the wounded member. Not uncommonly ‘it is traceable to standing on damp and filthy bedding, and to generally bad sanitation. In canker the horny sole of the foot becomes gradually separated from the membrane which secretes the horn, and, as the unhealthy action spreads, the whole of the sole is thus undermined. Canker is a very difficult disease to treat successfully, and it is therefore advisable to call in the best professional aid. In severe forms, the operation of cutting away the sole is generally necessary. We shall not describe the operation, but we may mention that it consists in taking away the whole of the horny sole of the foot, and the unhealthy growths by which it is undermined. Afterwards, the 150 exposed surface is dressed with some caustic solution, and after filling up the excavation with carbolised tow, or tow saturated with tar, the foot is encased in a leathern boot. A short time ago, we had under our care a very severe case of canker, affecting both fore feet of an aged cart-horse. The animal was totally unfit for work, but it was decided not to perform the operation of stripping the sole. At first the soles were well pared, and the diseased growth was treated by the application of the actual cautery. A week later, the affected part was dressed with the acid nitrate of mercury, and this was renewed every third day for four times. The animal has made a gradual and almost complete recovery, one foot being quite healthy, while the other is progressing very favourably. a One of the best applications for cases of canker is a mixture of four parts of glycerine, to one of pure carbolic acid. Strong solutions of sulphate of copper are also useful. THRUSH. By thrush we understand disease of the sensitive frog, accompanied with the discharge of an acrid, foul-smelling fluid, from this part of the foot. In severe cases, the disease spreads between the sensitive frog and the horn, thus causing separation of the latter. The cleft of the frog is the part usually first affected, but the disease, if not cured, may soon involve the whole of this structure. Thrush may owe its origin to dampness of the ground on which the animal stands, when turned out into low-lying pastures, or placed in damp, ill-drained stables. Not unfrequently it is due toa filthy condition of the litter of the bedding, or to stopping the feet with decayed matter—a common, but pernicious and absurd custom. It is really wonderful how difficult it is to uproot customs, which by constant use have become so ingrained on the mind, as to be regarded as being beyond question-of material value. The practice of stopping the feet with decaying matter, is still a common though most absurd custom. As we said above, the dampness causes maceration of the frog, and by thus denuding the sensitive part of the structure, leads to an abnormal state, which necessarily becomes still more aggravated by the uncleanly matter. In such a way thrush is not uncommonly developed ; but it is fortunate that this condition is generally easily remedied by judicious attention and care. Dampness causes maceration of the frog, and, by thus denuding the sensitive part of this structure, leads to an unhealthy condition, which becomes still more aggravated, when filth is an additional factor. Want of pressure on the frog is also sometimes a cause of thrush. Lastly, this affection may sometimes owe its origin to constitutional causes, and to frost bite., Lameness is sometimes traceable to this diseased condition of the frog, which necessarily constitutes unsoundness, so long as it remains uncured, Unlike canker, thrush is in most instances easily cured. In the first instance, the animal should have a good dry litter, and the frog should ‘ I51 be kept in a clean condition. On no account must the animal be allowed to stand on bedding saturated with excreta, or with accumulation of decomposing matter. Stoppings for the feet must not be employed. The diseased portion of the frog should be removed with the knife, and the affected part dressed once or twice daily with about half a teaspoonful of powder, composed of equal parts of calomel or iodoform, or this powder may be alternately used with one of equal parts of starch and iodoform. A mixture of one part of carbolic acid and four parts of glycerine, is also a very valuable application. Ointment of salicylic acid will also prove of great efficacy. ; It is also well to maintain a firm pressure on the frog. In severe cases of: thrush, causing lameness, or when there is a tendency to grease, indicating a possible constitutional factor.in the production of the disease ; it will be best to commence treatment by the administration of three or four -‘drachms of aloes, followed by three days’ rest, during which time the animal should be fed on warm water and mashes. FALSE QUARTER. By false quarter we understand the existence of one or more clefts, or deficiencies of horn, in any part of the wall of the foot. Referring to the anatomy of the horse’s foot, our readers will remember that the outer horny covering of the wall of the foot is secreted by the coronary substance ; and we may here mention that these clefts are due to destruction of this coronary substance by injury, such asatread. False quarter is totally different in nature from sandcrack. It consists actually in longitudinal flaws in the outer covering of the horn of the wall of the foot ; and at the bottom of the fissures, we find the horny laminz which are secreted by the sensitive ones. Although not usually causing lameness, nevertheless false quarter constitutes unsoundness, as it is liable to affect progression at’ almost any time, from injury to the thin horny covering of the affected part which is exposed. In cases of false quarter due to recent injury, the affected part of the coronet should be carefully treated. After bringing the injured surfaces together, and applying some antiseptic ointment, such as borax ointment, constant pressure should be applied by means of a bandage. In old cases, all that can be done is to apply a blister of red iodide of mercury ointment round the coronet, and to fill up the gaps with gutta percha, moulded in, while warm. In addition, the feet may be shod with bar shoes, so as to distribute the pressure more evenly. Not uncommonly, horses with false: quarter are passed off on the unwary, by thus filling up the gaps with gutta percha, and painting the hoof with lamp black or hoof ointment. In order, therefore, to be on one’s guard against such tricks, it is advisable, before examining an animal, to have his feet cleaned. 152 CORNS. CoRNS are bruises or contusions of the sensitive menibrane, which covers the lower surface of the coffin-bone, and secretes the horny sole. A corn appears as a small reddish spot or patch, in the space between the bars and the_wall at the heel. Corns are almost always met with in the fore feet, though the hind ones are also sometimes affected. In nearly all cases it is the insides of the feet, which are the seats of these bruises, and this is probably attributable to the fact that more weight is thrown on the inner than on the outer side of the foot. We mentioned, in treating of navicular _disease, that the fore feet were much more liable to suffer from continued concussion than the hind ones. This would also account for the much more common occurrence Of corns in the fore feet than in the hind ones. As in navicular disease, so in the case of corns, it has been observed that animals subjected to constant work on hard ground, are more liable to become affected ; and this is especially the case with high-stepping animals, with weak heels and marked “heel action.” In the accompanying picture of the near fore foot, A shows the position of corns between the bar B and the wall at the heel. The chief cause of corns is the irrational method of shoeing, which causes pressure at the seat indicated at A in the above picture. In the opinion’’of Professor Williams, “the ordinary seated shoe is the most irrational and insensate one which ever emanated from man’s brain. It isa mechanism which bears upon no rart of the sole, except upon the spot which is incapable of pressure. It is dished out, made concave all round the foot 153 éxcept. at the heel; and corns result.”. The seat of corns is just that part where the heey sole is thinnest, and consequently most liable to injury. If the bars have been cut down, and the heels allowed to grow unduly long, coms are more likely to be produced. It must, however, be mentioned that corns are not unfrequently met with in feet -in all other respects healthy ; but in most instances they only appear as the result of defective methods of shoeing. When the sole is very weak, or has been unduly thinned, corns are naturally more liable to be produced. Sometimes owing to a space left ‘between the shoes and the horny heel, dirt insinuates itself, and pressing on the seat of corn causes the appearance of these bruises. We have already exposed that most pernicious and barbarous custom of stopping horses’ feet with decaying matter; and we only allude to it again, to state that by macerating and weakening the horny sole of the foot, it thus renders it far more liable to be injuriously affected by bad shoeing or fast trotting on hard ground, or by any other direct cause. “Stopping” feet is therefore an indirect cause of corns. It is, we wish to point out, not merely owing to the fitting on of the seated shoe, which we have said is so frequently the cause of corns, but also to other mistakes which the smith commonly makes, that these bruises make their appearance. Not uncommonly he pares away the bars, and by this practice, the foot tends to become contracted ; and the pressure of the heels of the shoe falls upon the spot indicated as the seat of corm. Lastly, we may add that the use of calkins, and the practice of not renewing the shoes often enough, are to be regarded also as occasional factors in the production of corns. When a shoe is not removed as often as is necessary, and is on the contrary allowed to wear down, it may be removed from its original position, and press upon the seat of corn. A corn constitutes unsoundness, because, although it may not cause lameness in all instances, or at all times affect progression, yet, until cured, the animal may become so much worse, as to be wholly unfit for work. Rest for several days will often render the horse free from lameness for a time. ‘Asa rule, there will not be much difficulty in diagnosing a case of lameness when dependent upon corns. When the horn at the seat of a corn is pared away by the smith, a reddened patch becomes visible, and renders the diagnosis certain. In some casés—and these are not uncommon—all that can be discovered, besides the manifest lameness, is merely an increased sensibility of the sole at the seat of the corn. There is no red patch of effusion, for this necessarily depends upon actual rupture of some vessels of the sensitive sole, consequent upon a severe contusion. As the smith pares the sole still more, the reddened patch may be found to extend completely into the quick ; or, on the other hand, it may be merely superficial. In the former case the bruise is of recent origin, while in the latter it is of older Standing. We mentioned, in treating of inflammation, that serous fluid is poured out of the little blood-vessels of the affected part. This is the case when the sensitive sole is inflamed. A yellowish fluid oozes through the corn, and moistens the horny sole around. Sometimes so severe are the inflammatory 154 changes, that “pus” or “matter” is formed. This is a serious condition, for, if not discovered, the pus may force its way gradually upwards to the coronet, and produce a quittor, a grave affection of the foot, of which we shall shortly have to speak. Sometimes the imprisoned matter, instead of passing upwards, may lead to inflammation of the intimate parts of the foot around it, and give rise to a very grave condition. : In cases of corns, it is first necessary to remove the shoes, and have the sole at the heel well pared away. Our treatment will now vary with the state we find the corn to be in. If matter is imprisoned, it must be let out, and the foot should be poulticed with bran for several days. A little tow soaked in tar, or in strong lotion of carbolic acid (1 in 15 of water) may be placed in the wound. When the internal structures of the foot, such as the pedal bone, are in a state of decay, it will be necessary for the veterinarian to remove the diseased tissue. In such instances, usually manifested by the discharge of fetid matter, the process of cure will necessarily be tardy and difficult, as it requires considerable professional skill, and an accurate acquaintance with the minute anatomy of the foot. When the nature of the corn has been thoroughly investigated, the animal may be shod with a three-quarter shoe. The first principle of the cure of corns is rational shoeing. After an animal has once been affected with corns, care should be taken not to press upon the particular spots, where they are alone liable to be seated. : In order to prevent corns, stoppings should be discarded, and the mistakes we have indicated in shoeing should be avoided. The web of the shoe at the heels should be broadened, and the bars should not be pared down by the blacksmith. When corns are very ubject to recur, we usually recommend the three-quarter shoe ; but, in most instances, it will be found that a plate of leather between the shoe and the sole will act as efficiently. In those cases where quittors result from corns, they must be treated in the way we shall shortly indicate. SEEDY TOE. By this term we understand the secretion of diseased horn, leading to the formation of a cavity within the wall of the hoof, and extending upwards to the coronet. It is called seedy toe, from the fact that it is usually most manifest at the toe, though it may extend around the whole wall of the foot. It often invades the quarters of the foot. It in reality consists in a detachment of the crust from the sensitive lamine. Seedy toe is often the sequel to laminitis, but it also sometimes follows the use of the toe clip. The _ sensitive lamin in this disease instead of forming healthy horn, secrete a dry soft caseous substance, which, formed rapidly and imperfectly, leads to their separation from the horny crust of the foot. A space is therefore formed, and this can readily be diagnosed by tapping the horn, when a hollow resonant note will be emitted. Professor Axe believes seedy toe to be due to the presence of small worms, to which the perverted condition of the 155 horn is attributed. Some observers believe these worms to be accidental, and do not regard them as primary agents in the production of this disease. Sometimes seedy toe is without doubt due to bad shoeing, by which the weight-bearing surface of the foot is limited to the wall. The progression of the animal is often but not invariably affected by seedy toe, which, it may be remarked, constitutes unsoundness. Sometimes lameness is very marked, and this is especially liable to be the case when the cavity becomes distended with accumulation of mud and sand. Seedy toe is not difficult to- diagnose, as it is generally quite apparent as soon as the smith removes the shoe. The emission of the hollow sound when the foot is struck, will indicate the extent of the cavity. In these cases the diseased horn should be carefully and thoroughly removed, and tow moistened with a preparation of carbolic acid, or with ointment of salicylic acid, may be passed into the cavity. The foot should be. kept moist by the application of some hoof ointment, and the coronet should be mildly blistered with equal parts of lard and ointment of red iodide of mercury. The animal may be shod with bar shoes. In those cases which follow founder, the hope of recovery is not so- greatasin others. In most instances, however, seedy toe is easily dealt with. and cured. Toe-clips should be discarded. QUITTOR. By the term quittor we understand the presence of a diseased channel, opening upon the quarters or heels of the coronet, and extending down between the walls of the hoof, and the sensitive structures which secrete it. Sometimes the channel has but one course, while at other times it has. several ramifications. It is to be borne in mind that the quittor does not open at first at. the coronet, but appears as a small tumour there, which gradually comes to a point and bursts. Quittors are caused by treads ;. pricks in shoeing; corns ending in the formation of matter, which cannot escape in any other manner, than by passing upwards to the coronet ; or indeed by any injury, which ends in matter being formed either in the structures of the coronet, or in those within the hoof. Frost-bite of the coronet has also been known to lead to quittor. It will thus be seen that quittor may commence above, at the coronet, or it may commence below, and spread upwards. A quittor is recognised by the presence of a hard, hot, and tender swelling upon the coronet. On the swelling there are soon seen one or more openings, from which is discharged matter of varying consistency, ‘sometimes-thin, and sometimes thick. If these openings are traced, it will be proved that they extend downwards, sometimes to the bottom of the foot. Quittors are distinguished from wounds or abscesses, by the presence of the little openings, which discharge an unhealthy matter; and also by the hardness of the tumour. Lameness is sometimes extreme in cases of quittor, and the animals affected with it, which are principally heavy cart-horses, often cannot place the foot to the ground. 156 The treatment of quittor, which varies. with the nature of the cause, requires patience and skill, as a cure is not often made before the lapse of about ten weeks or so, and may be a much longer affair, if the disease has already been of some duration. In the first place, the shoe should be removed at once and the sole pared and examined, in order to discover any possible wound, prick, or corn. If matter be found in the foot, as the result .of any of these causes, an opening must be made at the sole, in order to liberate it, and allow of its escape when renewed. Then the foot should be poulticed for several days, the bran being prevented from entering the wound, by placing a piece of cloth over it. The coronet may be Dblistered with advantage, by means of the ointment of the red iodide of mercury. Shoeing with a bar shoe is ordered by us when the foot is much injured, and the animal seems to require it. Into the wound, it is a good practice to inject a solution of bichloride of mercury from above—half a drachm to the ounce of water, with a few drops of hydrochloric acid added. This preparation is a safe and efficient method of removing the diseased walls of the purulent channel, but it must not be repeated more than twice. If the tumour at the ‘coronet have no opening, it will be best to make an orifice with a knife, prior to blistering the elevated and swollen tissues. When the disease does not take its origin from below, or when no prick or ‘corn can be discovered, it is our custom to probe the wound at the coronet with the view of ascertaining its extent. The veterinarian then passes a bistoury with a hidden knife (é¢stourz caché) into the sinus, and, as ‘he withdraws it, the instrument cuts through the diseased tissues. In addition to these measures, we may inject a solution of bichloride of mercury of the same strength as mentioned into the wound, not repeating it again unless necessary. If the wound still has an unhealthy appearance in four or five days’ time, a second injection may be made. In the ‘meantime, the foot should be enveloped in poultices, which should be renewed at least every day. There is no occasion to use strong astringent applications. Moreover, the practice of burning away the diseased tissue at the coronet with a red-hot iron, though sometimes a very good one, is not often necessary. In some protracted cases, when all other measures have been taken, and still the sinuses will not heal, it is customary to pusha pointed red-hot iron to their bottom. This operation is often attended with very good results, but must be very carefully and judiciously performed. In those quittors, in which the pedal bone or the lateral cartilages have become involved, the disease is consequently of a very grave nature, and it will be necessary for the veterinarian to remove the altered structure. This serious operation is fortunately one not frequently called for. TREAD. By the term “tread,” we understand the infliction of a wound, caused by the shoe of either fore or hind foot, upon the coronet of the opposing fore or hind foot respectively. Tread is not a common occurrence, except in heavy 157 draught horses, and, when it does occur, it is usually traceable'to overwork, orto injudicious shoeing. A severe tread, if neglected, may end in a quittor, and should therefore receive careful attention. If very slight, tread will require no treatment beyond the application of a little carbolised oil (1 in 40), or of tincture of myrrh. If the injury be of a more serious nature, the wound should be carefully cleaned with tepid water, and afterwards dresssed with carbolised oil or carbolic acid lotion (1 in 30). In those cases where “pus” tends to form, the wound must be kept very clean, and the foot poulticed for three or four days. Sometimes a little mild blistering ointment around the wound will stimulate the part to healthy action, when the healing process is. unduly protracted. OVER-REACH. AN over-reach is a wound upon the coronet of the fore foot, caused by treading on the inner or outer edge of the toe of the hind foot. The injured - _ spot is generally. situated immediately above the heels, and is often to be attributed to careless riding or hunting over heavy country. In horses having a tendency to over-reaching, the toes of the hind shoes should be of a square pattern, with side clips if necessary. In order to prevent the infliction of this injury, circular india-rubber guards are made, which pass over the foot, and protect the seat of injury. In most instances, it will be unnecessary to poultice the foot for over-reach ; but in severe cuts, this should be done for several days. In simple cases, the wounds should be cleansed thoroughly, and afterwards dressed daily by the application of a little carbolised oil (1 in 40). In most instances of over-reach under our notice, the animals were hunters or thoroughbreds. In some instances the tendons at the back of the heel are bruised or cut, and in such cases it will be well to rest the animal, and apply a high-heeled shoe if necessary. In these cases the wound should be well cleaned with tepid water, and carefully dressed with carbolised oil and then bandaged. If there be no actual wounds, cooling lotions (spirit 1 part, solution of subacetate of lead 1 part, water 8 parts), bandaging, and rest will suffice. VILLITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE CORONARY BAND. THERE are two diseases of the coronet to which we must allude, before considering the nature and treatment of horn tumours. Villitis, or inflammation of the coronary band, a disease generally met with in heavy cart horses, but sometimes occurring also in more highly bred animals, is manifested by a tender, hot, and swollen condition of the coronet. The horny crust of the foot becomes harsh and brittle, owing to interference with the secretory activity of this coronary band, which is tender on pressure. The 158 progression becomes shuffling, if both fore feet are affected. The heels are put to the ground first, but not so markedly as in laminitis. From the latter disease, villitis may be distinguished by the swollen condition of the coronet, and the harsh, dry, and striped condition of the horny crust. In these cases, which it may be mentioned are generally due to work on hard stony ground, the shoe should be removed, and bar shoes applied. Rest is essential. A mild aperient such as three or four drachms of aloes should be administered, and the diet should consist for three days of bran mashes and warm water, During this time, poultices should be assiduously applied ; but afterwards cold applications to the coronet may take their place for a time. When the inflammation has subsided, a mild blistering ointment made of three parts of lard, and one of ointment of red iodide of mercury may be applied around the coronet. CARBUNCLE OF THE CORONARY BAND. THE second disease of the coronet of which we may say a few words is a very rare one. It is termed carbuncle of the coronary band, and has ‘fortunately only come under our notice on two occasions. These cases are always of great danger. It is our practice to administer a fair dose of aloes in the first instance, and to remove the shoe in order to make a careful examination of the foot. Internally, drenches composed of two drachms of carbonate of ammonium, and half an ounce to an ounce of tincture of opium may be given three or four times daily. The animal should be fed on oatmeal and linseed gruel, or indeed with almost anything he will take, to keep his strength up. Locally, the sloughing ulcers should be powdered well over with pulverised nitrate of lead, or equal parts of iodoform and calomel. ‘Professor Williams recommends nitrate of silver. Above all things the stable should be thoroughly cleansed, and all the hygienic conditions attended to. HORN TUMOURS. We have now to speak of horn tumours or keratomata, which are formations situated at the inner side of the horn of the hoof of the toe, and caused by pressure of the toe clips, or by blows. These horn tumours, usually seen at the toe of the hind feet, but not uncommonly met with in the fore ones, in many instances cause unmistakeable lameness. They press on the pedal or coffin bone, and thus cause a corresponding gap in its substance. We have not encountered many of these formations of late; for it has been found quite possible to discard the use of toe clips altogether as unnecessary. Moreovor, when still used, they are often made of less size, and are not hammered down with the violence which smiths were wont to deem it their duty to employ. Horn tumours constitute unsoundness, as, unless the coffin bone becomes absorbed, in correspondence with the growth of the tumour, lameness is manifested. 159 Sometimes these horn tumours are met with as the result of blows or continued local pressure, where no clips have been used. With regard to the diagnosis of their presence, which is sometimes not patent at first sight, it may be mentioned that the outer side of the hoof, corresponding to the site of the tumour internally, is often seen to be more hollow. It will be necessary in cases of tumour in this position to remove the cause, when that is possible. In those cases, however, where lameness continues to be manifested, still more vigorous measures must be taken. The tumour may be excavated from below with the searcher from the sole of the foot, and may then be filled with tow, saturated with some antiseptic - preparation. The shoes may then be re-applied, care being taken that they are ‘adjusted, so as to cause no undue pressure at the seat of disease. When no lameness is manifested, the disease often escapes detection. We have frequently met with it in examining feet after death, when no disease of the foot was previously suspected. i PRICKS AND INJURIES OF THE FOOT. PRICKS in the foot are of very common occurrence in horses. They are caused by nails driven into the sensitive parts of the foot, generally through the carelessness of blacksmiths. Not uncommonly, also, horses tread accidentally upon nails, or other sharp implements lying about on the ground. The writer could describe hundreds of such cases of pricks in the foot, which have come under his care ; but it will suffice here to speak of the subject in a general way, indicating at the same time the method of treatment to be adopted. It should be remembered that injuries of the frog or sole of the foot very frequently cause extreme pain and Jameness, and must never be neglected ; for, apart from all risk of lock-jaw setting in, very serious constitutional disturbance and rapid increase of the local mischief, are apt to follow in neglected cases. Although pain and lameness often follow immediately after the infliction of the injury, they may not become manifest for several days aflerwards. Local inflammation is set up in the region of the prick, and then “matter,” technically known as “pus,” is formed. This, being imprisoned by the horn, causes intense pain by the pressure it exerts on the surrounding parts. Sometimes a horse is pricked, and the smith perceiving it at once, draws out the nail, while at other times the nail is left in. In either case, whether the nail be left in or not, more or less inflammation is of necessity set up. Again, at other times a nail when driven into the horn splits, and while one arm passes in the proper direction, the other passes into the sensitive parts, and likewise sets up inflammation. Necessarily the signs and results of a prick will vary exceedingly, not only according to the seat of injury but also to its depth. The writer has seen a number of instances, where the njury and its results were confined to a very small area. In neglected cases, matter may be developed under the whole of the sole of the foot. Asarule, 160 a prick is not difficult of detection, though it may be mentioned that sometimes, after being shod, horses may go lame, when the heels have been very much pared down, although there be no prick or injury whatever. Before mentioning the usual signs of a prick, we may shortly consider some of the risks encountered in nailing on the shoe according to ‘the English method, briefly comparing it with the Arabian plan. “In warm countries,” writes Mayhew, “the horse’s hoof grows strong and thick, and the wall is allowed to descend half an inch below the sole. Completely through the portion of the projecting hoof, the untutored Arab drives the nails to secure the shoe. Proceeding thus, he does not injure the foot by the insertion of foreign bodies through its more brittle substance, while he secures both the resistance and tough qualities of the complex covering of the foot. The English smith, on the contrary, by ranging the holes for the fastenings round the edge of the shoe, drives the nails into the harder kind of horn and transfixes the crust for a considerable distance. The English shoeing nail is intended only to pierce through the black or outer substance _of the wall. Now, though this may seemingly afford the better hold, it also offers the more dangerous dependence.” There is, moreover, the risk of pricking the sensitive parts, when the nail happens to turn a little to one side, as well as of driving it “too fine;” that is forcing it too near the white horn, rather than of directing it through the centre of the narrow dark crust. The smith ought, in shoeing a hoof with thin walls, to exercise the greatest care not to injure the sensitive parts by pricking or by driving the nail “too fine ;” for a nail when driven “too fine” may bulge inwards, when the animal is worked, and inflammation then setting in, severe lameness and the formation of matter are sometimes induced. Mr. Mayhew, did not advocate the Arabian method, but he pointed out that the drawing knife might be used with more caution, and he saw no reason why the wall need be cut away until level with the horny sole. The latter, by being thus exposed close to the earth, is frequently injured. He suggested on these grounds that half-an-inch of crust should be allowed to project below the sole, which should be of moderate thickness, The idea that the breadth of the shoe affords the slightest protection should be at once abolished, and the shoes should be made just wide enough to afford protection to the wall. With these rational views we entirely coincide. We may point out, in respect to levelling both sides of the lower surface of the hoof, that the difference of a few fractions of an inch between them may lead to very untoward results. A blacksmith should always be careful to ascertain whether the foot is level or not, because undue strain is imposed on the joints and ligaments when there is unequal pressure, and, moreover, the hoof tends to become deformed, and the growth of the horn modified (Fleming). In the following plan, to show how the hoof should be levelled at each side, in order to preserve the proper direction of the limb and foot, the line A A is seen to be at right angles to the vertical line B. 161 We may now proceed to speak of the usual signs and methods of detection and of treatment of pricks in the sole and frog. Very often an animal, as soon as he is pricked, flinches and goes lame from the pain inflicted ; and the nail when withdrawn is sometimes ‘blood-stained, showing that it has-taken a wrong direction. When an animal goes lame after being shod, we may frequently find the offending nail, by tapping lightly with the ‘hammer round the hoof; and we may endeavour to define the seat of the injury more exactly, by pinching the crust with the pincers, in the region of the suspected spot. When the shoe has been removed, “matter” not uncommonly oozes from the hole made by the intruding nail; but the “matter” will of course not yet be formed, if the injury be of recent standing. When the injured spot is found, it will be necessary to pare out the puncture with the searcher, at the same time being very careful not to injure the sensitive parts. By this means the “matter” is liberated. If it is still left pent up in the foot, quittor, and still more extensive disease of the structures within the hoof, will most probably ensue. Some practitioners prefer to cut down upon ~ the nail from the outside of the hoof, with the view of running less risk of injuring the sensitive parts of the foot. We, however, do not recommend this method of procedure, but prefer the usual method of cutting away the separated horn. If the injury be not serious, and there be but a little “matter” oozing out of the hole, but not very great lameness, a little tow, saturated with tincture of myrrh, may be passed into the wound, and the foot carefully poulticed with bran. Sometimes blacksmiths and others use turpentine, or certain very deleterious mixtures for dressing such wounds. *We are now attending a case of severe lock-jaw in a yearling thoroughbred, valued at £1,000. The owner had been dressing an injury in the sole with turpentine, for a fortnight before the disease manifested itself. We cannot too strongly condemn such practices, as we have repeatedly seen the injured member made ten times worse than before, by such ill-devised means. In severe cases, the above-mentioned simple methods of treatment are of course not applicable ; though in all instances it is necessary to pare out the- injured part, and poultice the foot, until the inflammation and lameness. *We are delighted to be able to record that the foal referred to made a complete recovery, ai : 162 subside. In cases of injury of the foot, it is well to give a moderate dose of aloes in the first instance, and to feed the animal on a laxative diet of warm water, bran mashes, and oil-cake gruel, until the inflammation and fever subside. Half an ounce of nitre and half an ounce of bicarbonate of potassium, may be given once daily in the drinking water. The writer was recently called to a case where it was necessary to remove the whole of the sole, and the animal, although previously much neglected, made a complete recovery. In some instances, the coffin bone is injured by the penetrating nail, or other foreign substance. Such cases, as a rule, are very severe and lingering. In a horse recently attended, a nail had penetrated into the navicular joint, and caused not only very acute pain, but also very high fever, In such cases, even when the “matter” has been liberated, the animal still goes very lame; and, indeed, the continuance of thelameness is sometimes the only symptom, which leads us to suspect such a serious condition of the foot. During the early part of last year, we were called to see a six-year-old cart mare. A piece of pointed wood had penetrated into one of the feet, between the bar and the side of the frog, for a distance of about three inches. The pulse was imperceptible, and the mare gasped for breath in her intense agony. Ina very short space of time, in spite of all-remedial measures, the animal died from the acuteness of the pain. Although strongly recommended by me to shoot the animal, the owner had refused, not realising the futility of treatment. Some years ago the late Mr. ,D. Gresswell was called toa horse with acute lock-jaw, the result of a nail which had passed into the cleft of the frog. We may conclude our remarks on injuries of the foot, by advising our readers in all severe cases, to procure professional aid as early as possible. SIDE-BONE, WE mentioned, in describing the structures of the horse’s foot, that the pedal or coffin bone, contained within the hoof, has, on each side of it, a lateral prolongation of cartilage or gristle. We may now add a few particulars regarding these important appendages, which are generally spoken of as the lateral cartilages. These are thicker and more extensive in the fore than in the hind feet, and are peculiar to the equide or horse tribe. When one considers the important purpose which these cartilages subserve, it will readily be seen how it is that, if they are ossified, or, in other words, turned into bone through disease, when they are called “side-bones,” very untoward results are produced. Regarding the functions of these two thin quadrangular plates of cartilage, which surround the wings of the pedal bone, Professor Williams says, that, in virtue of their elasticity, they assist the sensitive frog and the soft structures of the foot, in regaining their natural position, after being pressed upwards and outwards, by the weight of the animal. Undoubtedly, he writes, they expand at their hinder borders, each time the animal puts his foot to the ground; but, in this expansion of the heel, they are mere passive agents, being in fact pressed outwards by the structures, contained in the space between them. They are, however, active ote, 163 agents in causing the contraction of the heel; for, when the pressure is removed from their inner surfaces, they tend to assume their natural position, in virtue of their elasticity, and the pressure they exert upon the sénsitive frog, forces the heel into its original shape. ’ CARTILAGINOUS APPARATUS OF THE HorsE’s Foor. A, external face of the lateral cartilage; B, superior border; C, posterior border ; D, anterior lateral ligament bordering the cartilage in front; E, flexor tendons; F, extensor tendons; G, coffin bone. i Briefly, then, they may be said to expand, when the foot is on the ground; ahd to assist contraction, when the weight which forces the sensitive frog upwards and outwards, is removed from the foot. Professor Williams, in short, holds that these lateral appendages act, as it were, “elastic sides,” preventing undue expansion of the soft parts of the coronet and heel. The term side-bone, we have said, denotes a bony or ossified condition of the lateral cartilages. This condition is commonly met with in heavy draught horses, and is but rarely seen in the lighter breeds. It is almost always met with in the fore feet, though in rare instances it has been observed on the hind ones. In the latter situation, it is never known to occasion lameness. The lateral cartilages are of lesser size here, and, being of less functional importance, are memseqmently much less liable to become diseased. We may now proceed in the first place to examine the causes of this very common form of disease among our heavy draught horses. Some “authorities compute that over fifty per cent. of the heavy draught horses become affected with this disease by the time they have attained the age of six or seven years; but, according to our own computation, sixty : per cent. is not an exaggerated estimate of this common form of morbid action. Why is this? Indubitably this morbid process depends, as do 164 many of the other diseases of the foot, of which we have already spoken, on the violent and continued concussion on the hard roads. The heavy weight of the animal, and the shoeing with high heels or calkins, are additional factors in the causation, High calkins deprive the foot of the uses which the frog serves as a buffer, and the concussion, received at every step by the heels, is thus directly transmitted to the cartilages, which suffer in consequence. The pressure on the heels is, moreover, greater than it would otherwise be, were high calkins dispensed with. Again, the sensitive frog is pressed downwards, by this practice of using high calkins, and the horny covering, being elevated from the ground, does not afford the support it otherwise would do. As in so many other diseases of man and animals | hereditary influence also, no doubt, predisposes very strongly to the contraction of this form of bony degeneration. The practical conclusion to be drawn from this fact is, that one should not breed from animals so affected. : The formation of a side-bone is often spread over a long period of time. When met with in aged cart-horses, whose progression is often thereby not much affected, they are not of any great moment. When, however, they are met with in the lighter breeds of horses, whether they cause lameness or not, and when they affect the gait of the cart horse, they are cof much more importance. Now, although side-bone constitutes unsoundness, it is not necessary, or even advisable, to condemn an animal as unsound, unless. the . progression be affected thereby. Side-bone is in most instances accompanied, uy aw fl aN q vi Weds a Hah (Ne | W(t a j Ea Nal \ is \ ‘ ih hina Pedal hone of the horse, showing the ossification of the lateral cartilages, A, A. 165 by lameness in harness and in saddle horses; though when they are not worked, there being no concussion, the progression is not necessarily impeded, or altered. Mr. Fearnley writing on these points says, “we not unfrequently find the lateral cartilages strong, but yielding, and, when that is the case, a horse with a good foot otherwise may be considered as sound. These strong lateral cartilages are not ossified, ‘and have no particular tendency to become so. If you can feel them to yield, no matter how little, they are not ossified.” Very different, however, is it with heavy-bodied dray horses, in which the lateral cartilages have a strong tendency to become transformed into bone, A harness or saddle horse, although sometimes not actually lame from side-bone, will generally lose his elasticity of action when worked ; and, before Jong, actual lameness is to be expected, if not already manifest. Ina cart- horse employed for slow work, it is not of such paramount importance that the action be characterised by that elasticity natural to the healthy foot ; “but, if the soles be flat or convex or otherwise misshapen, and the action of the animal be stiff, he cannot be passed as sound. _ In examining a horse for side-bone, the lateral cartilages should be pressed upon firmly. If normal, they will be found to be yielding and elastic. in disease they become hard and inelastic, owing to the deposition of bone ; and a hard swelling may be found at the back of the coronet and heels. If the morbid process be recent, and in a state of inflammation, the swelling will be found to be tender and hot. It must be pointed out that sometimes the bony deposit involves the whole cartilage uniformly, while at other times it affects only one or more isolated parts of it. Again, sometimes it involves the hind portions; and at others it only affects the fore parts of the cartilage, in which case the hardness is felt at a point well forward on the quarter. In the latter position, side-bone is much more likely to cause lameness, than when situated more posteriorly, and in this situation has sometimes been mistaken for ring-bone, a disease on which we shall shortly speak, These two affections, side-bone and ring-bone, however, are entirely different, involving different parts, and occasioning different kinds of dameness. An animal, when lame as the result of side-bone, brings the toe of the foot first into contact with the ground. When both feet are affected, the action resembles that of navicular disease, each of these diseases been characterised by a want of elasticity of action, and by a short groggy style of progression. Sometimes, it may be added, side-bone affects only one lateral cartilage. ' The animal should be shod with bar shoes, and berested. The affected part should be smartly blistered with ointment of biniodide of mercury. If these measures are not effectual, firing will be necessary. Prick-firing, or firing with a small pointed instrument, is the method generally best adapted for the cure of this affection. When thoroughly applied, this is found to be, in many instances, a very efficient method of treatment. Sometimes other structures are involved in the disease of the cartilage, and in these cases it is better to employ stripe-firing. 166 In hopeless cases, neurotomy may be performed as a last resource. It has been found that this operation is often more successful, in the relief of lameness from side-bones, than when the result of navicular disease. The French veterinary surgeons sometimes excise diseased lateral cartilages ; but this operation is not one of much practical value. RING-BONE. By ring-bone we understand a bony or osseous deposit of an inflammatory ° origin, formed upon the upper and lower pastern bones, This disease generally affects the hind pasterns, but may be found on theffore ones. There are two kinds of ring-bone, named “true” and “ false” respectively. “By a false ring-bone, we mean a bony growth which is developed on one or “both of the ridges situated at the back of the long pastern bone. This form of ring-bone does not always cause lameness; but, when large, not uncommonly affects the progression of the animal. Although, according to “Mr, Fearnley, “ring-bone is an unsoundness which cannot for a moment be regarded in any mitigated light ;” and, although wherever situated, it very commonly affects progression by impeding the action of the ligaments of the joints or of the tendons, it is, nevertheless, when of thej false kind, not . invariably to be regarded as an unsoundness. In the figure A is the long pastern bone, B is the short one, and C is the pedal bone; X shows a false ring-bone. 167 True ring-bone is the term applied to a deposit of bone‘in either of two situations. When the deposit of bone involves the pastern joint, that is the joint between the two pastern bones, it is termed high ring-bone. This is the variety most commonly met with. When the deposit affects the coffin-bone joint, that is’the joint between the small pastern and the coffin-bone, it is termed low ring-bone. Although this latter form is necessarily the more grave variety of ring-bone, yet it must be remembered that true ring-bone@in either situation always constitutes unsoundness, as it occasions very inveterate and often incurable lameness. In some instances, both high and low ring-bone coexist at the same time. In this figure X shows the position of low ring-bone. Speaking of the nature of side-bone, we showed that it is a disease of the side cartilages of the coffin-bone ; and it will therefore be?seen that it is of-a totally different character from true ring-bone, which fis}a‘fbony deposit around the ends of the bones forming the pastern and coffin joint. When the deposit involves the latter joint, which our readers will remember is within the upper part of the hoof, the lameness is ‘often very severe ; because the horn, although elastic, nevertheless, fitting closely, presses upon the new growing bone. Ring-bones vary greatly in size and shape. They are generally confined to the sides and front of the bones ; but sometimes they extend ta the back of the joints, forming a complete “ring.” Hence the name has. been derived. Sometimes only the sides of the bones are affected, fand, sometimes only the front parts of the joints are invaded by the bony growth. When the front part of the bone is affected, the lameness is necessarily very severe. Yet it must not be thought that the degree of lameness depends. 168 upon the size of the bony matter thrown out. We have known cases in which a large deposit gave rise to little or no lameness, and many cases where but little new bone caused very severe lameness, In cases where the lateral parts of the bones are only affected, lameness is often not so marked as when the ring is complete, or when the deposit is only formed on the front of the joint. It must be borne in mind that ring-bone is the result of inflammation, affecting the ends of the bones. Lameness .is therefore manifested at an early date, before any bony enlargement can be felt, as the result of the inflamed condition of the bone. The progression will remain affected, as the bony growth continues to be formed and’ deposited ; but, when this is completed, and the joint has become fixed and immovable, the action may be but little impeded. Indeed, the lameness in some instances disappears altogether, although the gait is not as elastic as it was before. We have said above that side-bone is in most cases found on the fore legs; and in this it differs from ring-bone which is somewhat more common on the hind than on the fore feet. When a horse is lame from a ring-bone in the fore extremity, he invariably goes on his-heel, excepting in those instances in which the deposit is at the back part of the bones. When the hind limb is affected, the animal brings his toes down first, when the pastern joint is involved, and the deposit does not involve the front part of it; but, when the coffin-joint is diseased, the heel is brought to the ground before the toe. The figure from Percivall shows the back of the pastern joint, affected with ring-bone, A, B, C, D. Regarding the causes of ring-bone, we have not much to say. Hereditary influence, however, it has been proved, is a potent agency as a predisposing factor. As in the case of side-bone, therefore, the practical conclusion to be drawn from the fact, is, that one should not breed from animals so affected, unless the disease be traceable to some actual injury, inflicted by accident. * » 169 s In addition to heredity as a factor in the causation of this disease, it has been noticed that horses with straight upright pastern bones are more likely to contract ring-bone. _ In cases of ring-bone, it is often impossible to do very much to alleviate the lameness ; but it is advisable to fire deeply in the first instance, and ‘then blister smartly with ointment of biniodide of mercury, with the object of promoting the absorption of the deposit, or of causing cessation of the inflammation. ‘ ; Neurotomy has been recommended for chronic cases of ring-bone ; but we have not much faith in its value, although in some instances it is said to have proved successful. GHAPLTER 1-1. WOUNDS. General remarks on the Treatment of Wounds. Sutures, Antiseptic Applications. Brushing and Speedy Cutting, Sore Back, Sitfast, Harness Galls. Broken Kuiees. GENERAL REMARKS ON THE TREATMENT OF WOUNDS, SUTURES, ANTISEPTIC APPLICATIONS. THE subject to which we now call the attention of our readers, is one of universal interest. All horsemen should have some accurate knowledge of the usual scientific methods of treating the commoner and less severe kinds © of wounds, With the object of being more precise in our description of wounds, we may conveniently divide them as follows :—incised, or made with a cutting instrument, punctured, lacerated, bruised, and finally, those caused by firearms. We might also add poisoned wounds to this list. A minute description of the ways in which wounds are healed, would doubtless be. of great interest to some of our readers ; but, as we fear this would not prove of much practical value, we shall forthwith proceed to consider the best methods to be adopted for promoting the repair of the injured tissues. It is well known, that the power of-repairing lost tissues and the healing of wounds, is much greater and more rapid in some of the lower than it isin the higher animals, such as the horse and ox. Ifa crab or lobster have the misfortune to lose a limb, this can again be reproduced whereas, as we ascend the scale of animal life, the faculty of restoring a lost. member gradually disappears, and is finally lost altogether. Nevertheless, the healing of injuries of a very severe and extensive kind, is of daily occurrence in horses and other animals. Our methods of treatment of to-day are in accordance with the dictates of practical science, and more especially with those discoveries which, intimately associated with the name of Sir Joseph Lister, have shown the supreme value of great cleanliness and antiseptic applications. Our- forefathers, unfortunately, had no knowledge: of those tiny little fungi spoken of as germs. Certain organisms, floating about in the air around us, find their way into wounds, and thrive and ferment the more, as they find the raw surfaces unclean and unhealthy, and. 171 then may enter the blood vessels of the animal, where they may multiply, and cause great constitutional disturbance, and even death. In healthy wounds, fortunately, they cannot thrive. Hence we see the value of maintaining cleanliness, and of applying antiseptic lotions, to prevent their becoming established, and increasing rapidly. ‘When our attention is called to the existence of a recent wound, we may find it bleeding, or the blood may have already ceased to flow. In most instances, moderate pressure for a time will stay the bleeding, or the ‘application of a mixture of tincture of perchloride of iron one part, and of SSS The above illustrations show, first, two common suture needles, and secondly,- Simpson’s needles Interrupted Suture. 172 water six parts, will act as a powerful styptic in arresting haemorrhage, . Pressure, we may mention, is more often employed when the wound has been sustained on one of the limbs. When blood spurts from a wound in jets of a bright red hue, an artery is injured, and in order to stay the hemorrhage, : it must be tied. When an artery is cut in two, blood, as a rule, does not escape in jets, because the divided ends contract, in virtue of their elasticity, and moreover they become retracted also, inasmuch as the vessel is in a permanent state of tension or stretching. Our readers will thus see that it is when an artery is partially divided, that hemorrhage is liable to be so severe and continuous. Sometimes it will be very difficult to find the bleeding artery, and in such cases. the application of the red-hot iron may _arrest further hemorrhage. After docking, this method of closing the divided arteries by searing is commonly adopted. In the next place, it is advisable to sponge gently over the wound with tepid water, in this way removing any dirt or blood clots, which may remain in the injured part. The steps now to be taken will vary much with the nature and extent of the wound. If it be incised, our object will be to bring the several parts together; and this may be accomplished by sutures or bandages, or by plasters in trivial cases. If the wound be very deep, it is customary not to sew up the severed tissues for several hours, in order to allow time for the escape of the liquid serum, which oozes from the injured parts. Strips of plaster are especially adapted for bringing together the edges of a wound, when of a very superficial nature. When it is necessary to employ sutures, we may use what is termed the interrupted, the twisted, or the continuous method. The twisted sutures our readers will observe, on referring to the pictures below, is made by inserting a curved pin through the lips of the wound brought together, and then maintaining its position there, by winding thread between the two ends in the form of a figure 8. Twisted Suture. 2 Sutures are not so much employed in veterinary as in human practice, as it is difficult in many instances to maintain complete rest, when the injury is seated in some parts of the animal. When the eyelid is torn, as it -often jis, or when the nostril is rent open, and in many injuries of a like kind, itjis of course absolutely necessary to stitch up the severed tissues as early ° Continuous Sutures. as possible, first, however, carefully sponging the raw surfaces with tepid water. We have had several cases in foals, where very large rents extending from the edge of the mouth to the middle of the cheek, needed to be carefully sutured together. In one instance, owing to the motion of the ‘cheeks in mastication, the wounded surfaces had to be again sewn up, as- the sutures all became loosened ina few days ; and in another case three successive suturings by the interrupted method, were required at intervals of about a week, before the tissues grew firmly together. For suturing we often use medicated strong twine or silk, but in some instances silver wire is to be preferred. In these operations, one should commence the stitch about half an inch to an inch, varying with the thick- ness of the lips of the wound, from each edge, and should not be afraid of passing the needle pretty deeply, so as to obtain a sufficient hold. Asarule, the stitches should be about half an inch to an inch or so from each other; and one should be careful to bring the corresponding parts of the severed tissues into close apposition with one another. When the sutures have been carefully made, we may bathe the tissues with a bland unirritating antiseptic lotion, or may anoint the part with a little ointment. A lotion of boric acid is very useful. This may be made of boric acid, one part ; hot water, twenty parts. Dissolve, and when cold, use the clear solution. A lotion of boroglyceride, made of one part of this preparation with thirty parts of water, is likewise very efficient. A very useful ointment of boric acid may be made of six parts of vaseline to one of the acid. After dressing the wound, it may, if necessary, be carefully bandaged; but this will seldom be requisite. No fomentation should on any account be applied, so long as the wound remains free from:inflammatory action; but the surfaces may be bathed with the lotion once daily, or more frequently. The sutures may be. removed in about eight to twelve days after being inserted. " Having now disposed of the different methods of suturing, let us turn to consider more closely some points regarding the antiseptic treatment of wounds. We have here especially recommended lotions and ointment of boric acid in preference to carbolic acid, because they are much less irritating, when applied to recent wounds. Nevertheless, carbolic acid 174 lotions and oils are very valuable, more especially when the injury is taking on an unhealthy action, or is discharging fetid matter. A useful lotion of carbolic acid for veterinary purposes may be made of carbolic acid, one part; water, thirty-six parts; and glycerine, four parts. For superficial injuries, carbolised oil is sometimes to be preferred to the lotion, as it does not flow away so rapidly, or evaporate to the same extent as the former preparation. It may be made of olive oil, thirty parts ; and carbolic acid, one part. For foul ulcerated surfaces, twenty parts of oil to one of the acid will be found a valuable application. Lotions and ointments of oil of eucalyptus or of salicylic acid are also very valuable. In cases of incised wounds, the animal should be fed on a laxative cooling diet, and the bowels should be gently acted upon, by two or three drachms of aloes. Punctured wounds are of a more dangerous nature than ‘simple incised injuries. In those instances where the tissues are not much lacerated, it should be our object to promote early adhesion by the application of weak boric acid lotion, and bathing with cold water. Suturing will necessarily not be applicable to such cases. In very severe punctures, the danger is much greater, and it is very important to apply warm water fomentations assiduously during the day. In case any foreign body be left in the wound, it must be removed as early as possible ; and, if there be severe hemorrhage, steps must be taken to prevent it. Poultices and fomentations are also of value in those cases, where the injury may be expected to take on aninflammatory action. Internally, a mild aperient of three or four drachms of aloes should be given, and strict quietude should be enjoined. If there be inflammatory action and febrile symptoms appear, the diet should be laxative and restricted in amount, and drenches, containing five minims of Fleming’s tincture of aconite with four ounces of liquor ammonii acetatis, may be given with four ounces of water twice daily. When a limb is much injured, it is sometimes advisable to place the animal in slings. In simple bruises, cold applications are indicated, such for example as Spirit lotion, which may be made of spirit, one part; solution of acetate of lead, one part; water, eight parts. If, however, “matter” or pus is already being formed, warm applications and poultices are necessary. When the injured animal is much debilitated, strengthening diet and tonics soon become necessary, especially if there be much discharge of matter. — A very severe incised wound came under our notice just lately ; and we may conclude with a short veswmé of this important and interesting case :—On November 17th, 1885, we were summoned to see a thorough- bred yearling foal, on a farm on the Lincolnshire Wolds. The muscles in front of the near fore leg, between the shoulder and the knee, were quite divided to the bone, and hung down pendulously about seven inches. The skin was torn transversely and longitudinally. This severe injury had been sustained several hours before our arrival. In accordance with the usual prevalent but most erroneous popular notions, the furnace had been lighted and cloths procured, for the purpose of continuous fomentation. Happily this had not been started ; but the fact of its being strongly discountenanced, 175 occasioned great surprise to the owner and his servants. The severed muscles were bathed, and stitched together, with carbolised cat-gut sutures. A drainage tube smeared with ointment of carbolic acid, eucalyptus, iodoform and lard was inserted over the muscles ; and then the skin was stitched up -with medicated silk on the whole extent, with the exception of the lower part, through which the tube was left depending, to act as a draining orifice ‘to this extensive and severe injury. The external surface of the wound was now covered over with a bundle of carbolised tow. The wound was then carefully bandaged up, so as to support the lower part ofthe disunited muscles. On the following day, the injury showed no alteration beyond slight swelling. The parts were dressed with a solution made of -carbolic acid, eucalyptus oil, a little tincture of opium and water, and the tube was re-dressed. On November 2oth, there was a little more swelling, which had broken several of the sutures in the skin. There was now some ‘discharge externally. No fomentations were allowed, but the parts were dressed daily with the antiseptic ointment. The foal was one of great value, and had been entered for racing ; and consequently an attendant was -set aside to watch, and attend to him constantly. On November 21st, the ‘skin sutures had all broken away, but the union of the muscles appeared to be quite firm. The pulse rose to 48 beats per minute, but the temperature always remained at its normal height. After this time, the parts were only dressed with the antiseptic ointment above mentioned. On November 24th, the union of the muscles was firmer, but the skin had separated about four-and-a-half inches. Much granulation tissue, otherwise called proud flesh, had now formed. On the 27th of November, the discharge had almost ceased, and on the 2nd of December, it had quite disappeared. The wound was healthy, and the skin wound was now only two inches long. On December gth, the foal was liberated. Afterwards, the remaining tissues speedily grew together, and ultimately the animal made a perfect recovery. BRUSHING, SPEEDY CUTTING, SORE BACK, HARNESS GALLS. ‘WE now propose to consider briefly the nature and methods of treating several forms of injury to special parts. The first kinds to which we have to draw attention are brushing and speedy cutting. Of these two unpleasant ‘forms of self-inflicted injury, the latter is the most dangerous. By brushing we understand the wounding of the fetlock by the outer edge of the inner quarter of the shoe of the opposing leg. This injury is chiefly confined to the hind extremity. When the animal wounds the inner side of the fore leg immediately below the knee, by the agency of the opposing fore foot, the injury is termed a speedy cut. As might be expected, horses not uncommonly inflict a wound, at a point between the seats of these two injuries. In some cases of spinal disease, cutting is liable to be very severe indeed. In such instances the injury is inflicted by the whole of the hoof, and not only by the tip of the shoe. 4 176 t Brushing is frequently due to weakness, and is, therefore, especially common in long-legged, debilitated animals. When exhausted after a long journey, many horses are liable to cut, and often very seriously. Brushing may also be due to turning out the toes, or to certain irregularities in the shape of the animal. Wide-chested horses, with well proportioned hind- quarters, very seldom cut. This habit sometimes, moreover, owes its origin to defective shoeing, by which the outer quarter of the foot is made higher than the inner. After treating the injured spot by the application of some antiseptic ointment, as the unguentum -acidi _borici, it is necessary to take steps to prevent the infliction of this injury. A very valuable antiseptic ointment, useful for dressing the he injured part,,may be made of oil of eucalyptus, two drachms ; carbolic a acid, half a drachm ; iodoform, half a drachm ; lard, an ounce and a half; vaseline, an ounce aud 8, a half. If there be a arse scabbed surfate, caused by the infliction of “previous cuts, this is removed by poultices, before applying the ointment. The formula above- mentioned, we may add in _passing, is a very valuable application to any sore ao as it possesses. great antiseptic and Bealing properties : ee With regard to the prevention of brushing-and speedy cutting, it is. found that horses shod by the Charlier method—of which we spoke in treating of navicular disease—seldom or never inflict these injuries upon themselves. The patent pads made of india-rubber, are very useful in preventing speedy cutting. They are shaped like crescents, and consist of two distinct parts, one flat, the other projecting in the form of a pad. The flat portion is introduced between the shoe and the foot, and the pad thus projects beyond the shoe. If the owner does not procure these valuable preventive pads, the inner side of the shoe of the injured limb may be made thicker, or the horny crust of the outer quarter of the same foot may be made lower; and that section of the shoe which inflicts the wound must be smoothed off by the smith. In case these alterations prove unavailing, a stout india-rubber ring, such as that commonly employed, or a leathern boot laced on the leg may be procured. Although we mentioned that in speedy cutting the injury is generally situated below the knee, we have met with instances where it has been inflicted just above the joint, and it is not so very uncommon for the hind limbs to be similarly injured, immediately below the hock joints. The injury, especially when repeated, is liable, like brushing, to cause a bony growth at the wounded spot ; and its repetition increases the tumefaction, and renders the habit more liable to become permanent. In examining horses, it not unfrequently happens that a bony growth is found at the spot, wherea speedy cut has been inflicted by the shoe. It is advisable, therefore, in purchasing a horse, to see whether there be any traces of previous injuries. In some severe instances, speedy cutting is attended with some _ constitutional disturbance, and cases in which matter is formed at the bruised spot are not very uncommon. In such cases the animal must be rested, and placed in a comfortable loose box. Good nutritious diet of a 177 laxative nature, such as oil cake gruel, should be allowed, and internally some tonic medicine will often prove of great service. In serious cuts the bruised parts should be fomented with warm water ; but, if not severe, the application of the above ointment will be sufficient. Should any matter be formed in the injured part, a horizontal opening at the lower part is _ necessary, in order to allow it to escape. Afterwards cooling and astringent ‘lotions are very valuable, and may judiciously be combined with steady pressure by means of bandages. By the term “warbles” are meant swellings caused by undue localised ‘pressure of the saddle or collar. If the irritation continue, the tumour may suppurate, and matter be formed. Thus a more serious state of things is set up, necessitating rest and careful treatment. In most instances, cooling applications and removal of the pressure will relieve the inflammatory condition of these swellings ; but, when this process is more severe, warm water fomentations and poultices are indicated. When the swelling remains i “unabated, and matter threatens to form, the ointment of oleate of mercury may be applied. When formed, the matter must be liberated by the knife, and poultices ‘assiduously applied. To hasten the healing process, the antiseptic ointment above-mentioned, (viz. that of eucalyptus, iodoform, and carbolic acid) will will prove useful. Afterwards, as the sore heals, astringent : lotion of alu alum, 1, tincture. of myrrh, and cold water will harden the disordered tissues. During the process “of cure, the horse must have no saddle work. By way of preventing these swellings, the saddle may have a thick piece of felt stitched to the pannel on each side. When a “warble” is neglected, it assumes a chronic unhealthy appearance, and is termed a sitfast. This unhealthy condition should be treated by poultices, until the scab be removed, when the antiseptic ointment should be applied twice daily. +A good application in the first instance for sore shoulders, is a'lotion composed of glycerine one ounce, solution of acetate > of lead one ounce, facta aee Spirit one ounce, and of water r eight | ounces. _ ie a BROKEN KNEES. WE may now turn to the consideration of broken knees, unfortunately a very common form of injury. Our readers will remember that we said, in speaking of the horse’s knee, that it corresponded with the human wrist, and is formed by seven small bones, arranged in two rows, The upper row has three bones with an additional one at the back, while the lower one has three independent solid osseous components. A very important tendon passes over the front of the knee, and when called into action, extends the joint, which is, properly ‘speaking, composed of three joints. Between the ‘tendon and the knee there are two so-called bursze, or pockets containing lubricatins oil. Broken knees, under which term we include slight as well as grave injuries to the knee, caused by a fall, or otherwise, very commonly leave, after healing, some evidence of their previous existence. N 178 It is necessary to be on one’s guard in purchasing a horse, to see that he has never sustained an injury of this kind. We do not necessarily consider a slight roughness of the skin over the joint, as constituting unsoundness, except when it interferes with the action of the animal. It must, at the same time, be borne in mind that a somewhat severe injury does not always leave a large scar; and the joint, therefore, may be much weakened, and the progression of the animal rendered insecure, by what appears as a very slight visible blemish. As our readers know full well, any blemish of the knee reduces the value of a horse very materially. Lastly, we may turn our attention to the consideration of the treatment of broken knees. In the first place, the injury should be bathed with tepid water, until all the grit and dirt have been gently but thoroughly removed. The animal should then, when the injury is at all severe, be tied up, and fed on laxative food. In such instances it is advisable also to give a gentle aperient, say three drachms of aloes, and to place the animal in a cool, airy box, with the head tied up. The borax ointment, wé have already __. mentioned, is a valuable local application. After anointing the wounded surface, a strip of lint soaked in carbolised oil (1 in 25) may be placed over the wound; over this a bandage may be gently applied, with the’view of keeping the application in contact with the wound. The dressing should be repeated once daily. When the injury is very severe, slings are necessary, as the animal, becoming exhausted, may be unable to remain standing until the healing process is completed. When the joint is open, and the oil which lubricates it escapes, the injury is necessarily much more grave. Sometimes the bones of the knee are actually broken in the fall. These cases seldom recover. The tendon on the front of the joint is sometimes much lacerated and bruised, and this also is a source of additional danger to our patient. Warm water fomentations are not to be applied to the wound, except when the joint becomes immensely swollen and inflamed. In some instances, sutures have been employed for sewing together the divided skin; when this covering is alone injured, and torn in the fall. They are, however, not much good as a rule, because, when the animal bends his knee, they usually burst, and the rent is made worse than before. With the view of stimulating the healing of the wound, if it appears sluggish, the antiseptic ointment of eucalyptus, carbolic acid, and iodoform is very useful, It also stimulates the growth of the hair afterwards. The application of caustics to the so-called proud flesh is an unnecessary performance. ete ssn TRNESES: LLOrmanes,, CHeaPTER 1¥. SPRAINS. Ginzral remarks on the Nature and Treatment of Sprains. Sprain of the Suspensory and Check Ligaments. Curb. Sprained Back. Sprain of fetlock and Hock, Sprung Hock. Sprain of the’ Shoulder and Elbow Joints. GENERAL REMARKS ON THE NATURE AND TREATMENT OF SPRAINS. In dealing with the important subject of sprains, we shall adopt the same method as.the one we followed in treating of wounds; firstly, speaking of sprains and their treatment generally, and then turning our attention to the ' elucidation of the. nature and therapeutic measures, necessary for the treatment of these unfortunately common injuries. No doubt our readers are aware that the muscles, tendons, and ligaments are the structures which under certain circumstances may be “sprained” or ‘‘strained.” The muscles are endowed with contractile power, and by means of this, the bodily movements are executed. Had we space at our disposal, we might enter shortly into a consideration of the microscopical features and physiological properties of muscle, for these are of extraordinary interest. For the most part the voluntary muscles of the body act as sources of ' power, for moving the various bones, to which the muscles are attached. A tendon is chiefly composed of a bundle of white fibres intermingled with ‘. cells. It is attached to the muscle by one extremity, and narrowing into a firm, Strong cord, is securely united to the bone by the other. The ligaments are tissues, the purpose of which is to bind together the structures, entering into the formation of the joints, thus rendering the union more firm. By a sprain we understand an overstretching or rupture of some of the elements of a muscle, tendon, or ligament, dependent upon sudden or continuous strain of the tissues. Asa rule, sprain of a muscle more quickly ‘disappears under rest and proper treatment, than a like injury to a tendon or ligament. As one might naturally expect, sprains are most commonly met with in the fore feet of horses, more especially in animals used for continuous and rapid work on hard ground, 180 The primary essential of treatment in all cases of sprain is rest, both constitutional and local. The animal should be placed in a comfortable box, and a mild dose of physic should be given. Three or four drachms of aloes will prove of great value, in abating the inflammatory action of the injured tissues. The diet should be cooling and laxative; mashes, oilcake gruel, grass, and carrots, taking the place of corn and hay. In those instances where a severe sprain of a fore limb has been sustained, a shoe with high calkins sometimes appears to be beneficial, in affording rest to the structures at the back of the leg. Slings are seldom necessary, excepting in cases of severe sprain of the hind limbs, or rupture of the suspensory” ligament, if the animal will not lie down. ; In the case of a sudden sprain, it is our custom to see that the injured part be assiduously fomented with water at about 100° F., for an hour or two, several times daily. After each fomentation, a flannel bandage soaked in a lotion made of tincture of opium one ounce, tincture of arnica one ounce, water twelve ounces, may be applied, and again readjusted after each fomentation. When the animal begins to recover, as will probably be the case in a few days, it is our custom to apply a cooling lotion of spirit and acetate of lead, or lotion of chloride of ammonium and nitrate of potassium, the formule for which we have given in a previous article. Internally, one ounce of bicarbonate of potassium, may be given in the water once daily, for several days. Some practitioners recommend the application of cooling lotions from the outset ; and probably this treatment, when judiciously carried out, may be as effectual as the one we have described above. A favourite method, instead of applying cooling lotions, is that of directing a jet of cold water on to the affected parts, for ten or twenty minutes at atime. In those instances in which the animal has sustained several sprains previously, and has weak legs in consequence, this method of treatment is especially useful. In the treatment of recent sprains, exercise, we may add, should be strictly prohibited until all pain, heat, lameness, and swelling have abated, In order to promote absorption of the effusion, hand-rubbing, and pressure by means of an elastic bandage, uniformly and carefully, but not too tightly applied, will prove useful. When the animal commences work again, it is. advisable to continue the hand-rubbing, should any fulness appear in. consequence. Having now concluded our general remarks, we may proceed to consider in detail the nature and treatment of the various special kinds of sprain. SPRAINS OF THE SUSPENSORY AND CHECK LIGAMENTS. THE suspensory ligament of the fetlock is a long and powerful brace, composed of fibrous tissue, and often containing bundles of fleshy fibres im its texture.—(Chauveau.) It is situated behind the canon bone, and between ! 181 the two splint bones. At its origin from the head of the canon bone, it is quite thin ; but it soon becomes enlarged, and at the lower part it divides into two branches, which are attached to‘the two small bones at the back of the fetlock. The branches unite together again in front of the joint. The purpose of this ligament is to limit the degree of extension of the fetlock. Many horsemen are acquainted with the site and appearance of this ligament on the side of the leg, between the tendons at the back, and the canon bone in front. It is not certain whether it is elastic or not. Probably it is not. Ina well-formed animal it is seen to stand out boldly and unmistakably, more especially in well-bred horses. Often it is obscured by the presence of additional tissue, and ‘this is more especially the case in heavy draught horses. Although this ligament may be sprained at almost any point, the usual spot where the injury is inflicted, is at its division into the two branches above spoken of. The tendons at the back of the leg are two in number, They pass from their insertions into the muscles above, downwards behind the ligament we have been speaking of. They are termed the perforated flexor, and the perforating flexor tendons respectively. The former more superficial one divides, and the two portions are inserted into the two sides of the small pastern bone. The latter or perforating tendon passes between the two branches behind both pastern bones, over the navicular bone, and is- attached to the back of the coffin bone. This is the tendon often involved in the disease of the navicular bone. The check ligament is a powerful band originating from the head of the canon bone, and becoming firmly attached to the perforating tendon, about midway between the ends of the canon bone. It is. worthy of note that, whereas sprain of the suspensory ligaments is of more common occurrence among horses used for fast work, especially when galloping on hard ground, sprain of the check ligament is more frequently met with among-heavy draught horses. In the latter, however, this accident is by no means common, and, when it does occur, it generally happens in descending a hill with a heavy load behind. Those cart horses with oblique elongated pasterns are more subject to this injury. Of the tendons the perforating is the one most subject.to sprain. This tendon is not uncommonly strained, owing to fast riding over heavy country, whereas both the ligaments and this tendon are often injured, in going down hill with a heavy weight behind, or in galloping. It should be remarked that, when the progression is very fast, sprain most generally affects the suspensory ligament of the fore leg. Contrary to what has been observed in cart horses, it has been noticed that in racers with elongated and oblique pastern -bones, there is less risk of spraining the suspensory ligament. With upright pasterns, there is of necessity great risk of spraining the ligament, more especially when descending a hill. Racing men do not view with equanimity ‘the risks run by such an animal, should the course have any sharp descents. Sprain. of the ligaments, one must bear in mind, is much more liable to occur when the muscles are exhausted, or are in an atonic or weak condition. Animals which often sprain the suspensory ligament, when used for racing, ' 182 or for long journeys, seldom or never do so, when worked less severely, or when intervals are allowed, in which the muscles may recover themselves. Every time a muscle contracts, there is waste; and, when the tissue is ina weak condition, it cannot so readily repair the loss. Necessarily any animal is more liable to a sprain if he treads accidentally on uneven ground, or comes upon a very hard or irregular surface, after taking a fence. As we stated above, the suspensory band may be slightly or severely sprained, or it may be ruptured, and these injuries may affect one or both ' sides of the ligament. The lameness occasioned is proportional to the degree of the injury, but is always very great in severe sprains.. If the ligament be quite ruptured, there is a complete break down, and the toe turns up. Heat and tumefaction follow the injury. Should rupture of the ligament involve one branch only, the resulting injury of the fetlock is not so marked. We have seen many instances of sprain of the check ligament, which have generally been confined to cart horses; but, of course, sprain of this ligament may occur in any horse, if he tread suddenly on a stone, or on any uneven surface. This ligament is more liable to sprain in ascending a hill, especially when drawing a heavy weight upa steep incline. When the check ligament is injured, swelling of the tissues is occasioned at the back part of the leg, between the knee and the fetlock. Heat, pain, and great lameness are additional symptoms of this accident, although, when the injury to the ligament is slight, the progression may be but little impeded or altered. The inflammatory action in these sprains is not uncommonly very marked, and may leave permanent thickening, at the point where the check ligament joins the tendon. In very slight cases of sprain of the check ligament, all that one can observe is fulness at the back of the leg, below the knee, attended with heat and tenderness. Lameness may be present, but in such cases it is rarely severe. When the tendons at the back of the fetlock are sprained; there are pain, heat, swelling, and lameness, which will vary in degree. The treatment of these sprains is that which we have already described, but we may add a few necessary details concerning sprain of the suspensory ligament. After this accident, our object is to promote union of the severed fibres of the ligament. Absolute rest is the first essential. The hollow of the heel should be well padded up with lint or tow, which must be retained there by the application of a bandage, carefully and tightly wound around the injured member. Around this, another bandage may be applied, so as to support the limb still more firmly. The opium and arnica lotion may be applied as a fomentation, and will prove serviceable in assuaging the pain, and diminishing the inflammatory action, Sprain of the suspensory ligament is always a serious injury. With very careful management, however, and prolonged rest, the animal not unfrequently is enabled to do moderate work. This injury almost invariably leaves some mark of its presence ; and it must be considered an unsoundness, because, if the work happen to be at all severe, or there be any unusual strain, great lameness is soon developed. 183 CURB. By the term curb, we understand a sprain of the ligament situated at the back of the hock joint, which makes its appearance as a swelling, as a rule some five inches from the point formed by the bones of this joint, Our readers will perhaps be aware, that the hock joint corresponds with the ‘ankle of the human foot ; and that the bone, which forms the projection at the back of the joint, is the so-called os calcis or heel bone. Now, it is this. ligament which keeps this bone in its place, and extends downwards to be fastened to the bones below, which is sprained in curb. Of the causes of curb we have not much to say, but may mention that it usually results from leaping or galloping, Heredity, it is clear, has oftentimes something to do with the predisposition, which some animals have to-sprain this ligament of the hock. This, no doubt, is to be attributed to the fact that the conformation or build of the bones and ligaments of the joint, having more especially a tendency to sprain, is inherited by the offspring. In this connection we may add that it has been said that an animal with a long heel bone is more liable to contract curb ; and this is possibly correct. In any case, the practical conclusion to be drawn regarding these facts and probabilities is, that animals which have had curbs should not be employed for breeding purposes. As our readers are no doubt aware, a curb constitutes unsoundness, even though the progression of the animal be not altered. It is therefore very important that one should be able to detect the presence of such an injury, if it exist. The observer, in examining a horse for curb, should view the hocks. at a. side glance, from the off as well as the near side, carefully scanning it from above downwards. The line from the angle of the hock downwards should be straight, and should have no swelling or bulging in its course. If there be no swelling nor any alteration in the gait of the animal, the absence of curb is proved. One must bear in mind that there are sometimes noticed, enlargements of the hock, which are not unfrequently mistaken for curb. In such instances, however, on examination, it will be found that enlargement does not interfere with the progression of the animal; and, moreover, it is sometimes present in an equal degree in both limbs. Such a condition of the hock is due to unusual size of the bone termed the cuboid, which is situated below the heel bone. Again, sometimes an enlargement is apparent when one views the hock from the outer side, but is not noticeable when one looks at it from the inner side. Such an abnormality is due to a greater development than usual of the structure, termed the external splint bone, situated below the cuboid bone. Although, however, it thus appears that there may sometimes be some uncertainty regarding the presence or absence of curb, decision as a rule is by no means difficult. It not unfrequently happens that horses bruise their hocks at the usual seat of curb, and thus cause some superficial swelling, Advantage is sometimes taken of this fact by unscrupulous dealers, who may endeavour to persuade the purchaser that a curb is in reality a mere bruise caused by some external injury. 184 When the progression of the animal is not affected by the presence of the curb, even though he be employed for constant work, he is practically sound. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that lameness may result. at any time, if the animal be worked hard, more especially on irregular ground, or be regularly run in the chase. This is still more likely to be the case with young animals, and we may mention that curb in a young horse is always to be regarded with suspicion, and as constituting inefficiency or practical unsoundness. In older animals of six or seven years, the tissues may be so far repaired as never to contract sprain again ; but in young ones, laxity of the ligamentous tissues and repeated sprain, may be an almost continual source of lameness. In treating curb, the limb should be put at rest by placing a high-heeled shoe on the foot. Although it is a common custom to apply blisters immediately after a horse has “sprung” a curb, this practice must be strongly condemned. We have seen so much permanent damage done by this means, that we wish to draw the special attention of our readers to the harm it so frequently does, in the early stagés. It is the best practice to apply cooling applications, until all inflammation has ceased. This may be best accomplished by directing a stream of water from a hose on to the affected hock, thrice every day. It is well to give the animal a mild dose of physic in the first instance, and to feed him upon mashes and warm water for three days. When the inflammatory action has ceased, the blistering ointment may ¢hen be applied. In very severe cases it is best to fire at once, and not to try blistering first. SPRAINED’ BACK. SPRAINED back is an injury not very uncommonly met with in the hunting field. It is due to sprain of the so-called psoas muscles, contracted in taking a fence, but more frequently by what is often termed “slipping up.” An animal so injured can stand fairly well, as a rule, though sometimes he is unable to regain his feet. Our readers will be aware that, if the back be broken, the animal would be absolutely unable to stand, even when raised up. In these cases a dose of physic should be given in the first instance, and the animal should be fed on laxative diet, such as mashes and oil cake gruel. Locally, the sprained parts should be treated by the application of warm water fomentations, followed by the use of anodyne lotions of opium and arnica, formulze for which we mentioned above. SPRAINS OF THE FETLOCK, HOCK, SHOULDER, AND ELBOW JOINTS. WE may now consider sprain of the many structures, liable to injury in the fetlock joint. We need not enter in detail into the distinctive characteristics of sprain of the separate structures of the fetlock, but may speak of them 185 collectively. The fetlock joint when sprained is hot, swollen, and tender, and if moved causes pain to the horse. In such cases, it is well to put on a. high-heeled shoe, in order to enable the animal to keep weight off the heel, and to treat the injured parts as we have already directed in our last article. In very aggravated cases, the application of ointment of biniodide of mercury is sometimes ordered. When the fetlock is not acutely inflamed, but is “full and puffy,” cold applications, succeeded by the use of an elastic bandage will be very beneficial. When the ligaments of the fetlock joint are much worn, and relaxed in consequence, an unsightly bending, termed “knuckling over,” is occasioned. Sometimes a swelling of the fetlock appears at the back of the joint. It is-due to an inflamed condition of the burse or lubricating pockets, situated between the tendon at the back and the sesamoid bones. It is hard, thus differing from windgall, which is soft. Like windgall, however, it can be pressed from one side of the fetlock to the other. This inflammation sets up serious lameness, which usually recurs on working, and is difficult to cure radically. ; Of “sprung hock” we must now say a few words. By this term we understand a sprain, necessarily a very severe one, of those ligaments which bind the bones of the hock together, and of that which envelopes them in a capsule, as it were. This injury causes great lameness and pain, and the animal manifests constitutional disturbance with febrile symptoms. Extensive tumefaction appears above and below the back, and inner part of ' the hock joint. The general directions already mentioned will suffice for the management of this injury, which, it must be mentioned, being of a very ‘severe nature, will necessitate six months’ rest at least, and sometimes even more. We have still to speak of sprains of the elbow and of shoulder sprain. In elbow sprain there is, as in other forms of sprain, pain, heat, and swelling of the affected parts. The limb at each step shows itself unable to support any weight, and the animal therefore drops, as it were, and is in danger of falling. Regarding treatment, the methods already indicated will suffice. ‘When the muscles of the shoulder are sprained, an accident by no means uncommon, especially in young animals employed for drawing heavy weights, or for ploughing, they waste, and losing their tonicity or healthy condition, allow the head of the humerus to bulge out, as the animal walks. This ‘condition is often spoken of as shoulder slip. Wasting of the muscles as has been pointed out, involves only those of the outer side of the shoulder ; whereas the wasting which sometimes ensues, as the result of chronic lameness of the foot, invades all the muscles of the leg. The progression of the animal in shoulder sprain is diagnostic of the seat of injury. The injured limb is not brought directly forwards, but it is moved in a kind of rotatory manner. The toe thus describes part of a circle, and is drawn or dragged along the ground. Inflammation of the shoulder joint and other injuries of this part give rise to the same characteristic dragging of the foot, and rotatory motion of the limb. The animal shows no sign of pain in the foot, 186 nor does he manifest any, in putting it to the ground. When, however, he: brings it forward to the front, he exhibits signs of hesitation, and suffers. pain. The treatment of shoulder sprain consists of warm fomentations, followed up shortly by the application of smart blisterings. Rest is essential, and the application of a high heeled shoe advisable. CHAPTER V. FRACTURES AND DISLOCATIONS. ' INASMUCH as there is often great difficulty in treating fractures of the bones. of the horse, owing to the fact that absolute rest is not easily maintained, we shall not enter into a very elaborate discussion of this subject. A fracture is spoken of as simple, when the bone is broken at one spot only, and when there is no external wound, extending down to the seat of injury. When such an external wound exists, the fracture is termed compound, and when the bone is broken in several parts, it is termed comminuted. When a bone of a limb is broken, lameness necessarily results. The animal often manifests. great pain, and displacement of the parts is often noticeable. If the broken ends are rubbed together, a grating sound may often be heard. In some instances, there is no distortion of the normal relationship of the tissues. We purpose to say firstly a few words regarding the general treatment of fractures, and then to describe some of the more common forms in detail. Compound and comminuted fractures are always difficult to treat, far more so than simple ones. In the treatment of a fracture, absolute rest is the first essential; and, in order to secure this, slinging will in many instances be indispensable. When the fracture is compound, it will be necessary to treat the wound as well as the fracture by the application of some antiseptic lotion, as for instance of ‘ carbolic acid, water, and glycerine; and, moreover, all detached fragments of bone should be carefully removed. The question of the advisability of ‘treating a fractured bone in a horse is often a pecuniary one. The requisite food, rest, and attendance, skilled and manual, are serious items of expense ; and moreover the chance of failure, owing to the difficulty of maintaining the _ broken ends in close apposition, is a point for due consideration. The broken ends of a bone are brought together, and secured thus, by means of splints. made of gutta percha or leather. Sometimes, bandages moistened with hot water, and then covered with plaster of Paris, are employed. The plaster’ sets firmly, and the fractured bone is thus rendered firm and secure. ; Sonietimes what is spoken of as a charge proves very valuable in maintaining the broken bone at rest. By a charge we understand a cotton bandage about four or five inches in breadth, on which is placed some material which sets hard. Such a preparation may be made of equal parts. of ordinary pitch and Burgundy pitch. This method of treatment is to be y 188 preferred to that of securing apposition by means of plaster of Paris. In the case of a limb, when it is purposed to employ splints, one is placed on each side of the injured member ; and then a bandage covered with plaster of Paris or starch is wound not too firmly round the whole. It is well, before adjusting the splints, to place tow or lint around the injured limb, so as to fill up the gaps and irregularities of the surface. When there is an external wound, this must be left exposed to the air, and thus an aperture corresponding with the open injury must be left in the splint. In most instances, it will be necessary to allow the splints or charge to remain in place for six to eight weeks. At the end of this time, they may be removed, and bandages should then be firmly applied. The animal cannot be exercised, until after the lapse of at least sixteen to eighteen weeks, after sustaining the injury. Ifthe animal manifests great pain, an ounce or two of tincture of opium may be administered. During the treatment of the injury, the bowels should be regulated by the administration of an occasional dose of physic; and the animal should be fed on a nutritious laxative diet, consisting of oatmeal gruel, grass, and carrots. The fractures we most commonly meet with are those of the pastern bone, skull, thigh bone, tibia, and back. Fracture of the pastern bones generally occurs as the result of hard and fast riding and galloping, over irregular ground. Sometimes a pastern bone is broken in one part, and in other cases in several. The long pastern bone is more often fractured than the short. This injury, contrary to what might be anticipated, is not in every instance attended by marked signs. Lameness, however, in most cases is very pronounced, and the poor animal is not able to bring his foot down to the ground. Distortion of the parts may or may not be manifest, but pain and swelling are generally present. In those instances where the bone is broken in several places, treatment is generally not successful ; but when only broken in one place, and when little or no displacement occurs, recovery is to be expected. At the same time it may be mentioned that an animal so injured is, after recovery, rarely fit for fast work again. The animal should be placed in slings in the first place, and the shoe should be removed. The best method of treating the injury is to fill up the hollow behind the pastern with tow charged with pitch, and then to wind a narrow bandage nine or ten feet long similarly charged around the limb. When the bone has united, .as it probably will have done, in the course of about five or six weeks, the charge may be removed; and, if there’ be much swelling, owing to the new bone thrown out, the part should be smartly blistered. By broken back, we understand fracture of one of the vertebrze or bones of the back, a most serious injury, generally caused by a violent fall. Sometimes, as we mentioned in treating of sprains, broken back is difficult to distinguish from sprain of the muscles of the back. The former is necessarily of far greater danger, and, though often a remediable accident, when the fracture involves one of the vertebral bones, from which the ribs extend to encircle the chest cavity, it is nearly always fatal, when the column of bones is broken in the region of the loins. In the latter case, the paralysis, 189 » caused by the broken bone pressing upon the spinal marrow, is often absolute ; ; while in the former case the paralysis is mostly not so severe. In broken back, if the animal has not regained his feet, and it is deemed advisable to give him a chance of recovery, he must be treated in the recumbent position. If he regains his feet, he should be placed in slings... When the bones are much displaced, and great irregularity is felt in passing the hand down the back, and when paralysis is very marked, récovery is mostly. impossible, and it is the kindest course to put the animal out of suffering. Of the dislocations found in the horse, the two most common are dislocation of the patella and of the shoulder. We purpose here only to- speak of the former. The patella—the little bone in front of the stifle joint of the horse—corresponds with the knee-cap of the human being. Foals, more especially) weakly and debilitated animals with lax tissues’ and . ligaments, are greatly liable to this injury. Dislocation of the patella may be partial or complete. It is an easily recognised injury. In cases of complete dislocation, the limb is held stiffly, and is directed backwards. The front part of the hoof, moreover, is brought into contact with the ground; and the animal walks with great difficulty, the limb being carried stiffly and straightly. There will also be lameness when the injury is only partial, but this will not be so marked. In partial dislocation, the bone will “sometimes pass back into its proper ponition, when the animal is suddenly moved forward. The best method of reducing dislocation of the patella is to tie a firm rope round the pastern bone of the injured leg. The rope should then be pulled forward by one man, while another individual should press upon the displaced bone, and endeavour to push it into its proper place. While this is being done, it is best to back the animal. Sometimes this method is not successful. In this case, chloroform is often administered, with a view of causing laxity of those muscles, which are attached to the patella. After the reduction of the patella, it is necessary to take steps to make it retain its. proper position. With this object, the rope attached round the pastern is passed forward round the neck as a collar, or it is attached toacollar, A blister may now be applied to the limb, and may be repeated in about a week’s time. It is well to be careful at first not to allow too much exercise, but to increase it gradually, as the animal is able to bear it. CHAPTER Vi. SPLINT, BONE SPAVIN, SORE SHINS. SPLINT. By a splint, we understand a bony deposit, formed as the result of inflammatory action, generally on the upper and inner third of the cannon and splint bones of the fore leg. In some instances, the osseous deposit may be formed on the outer side of the leg, and in other cases it may involve the outer as well as the inner side. The bony growth, moreover, may be found midway between the inner and outer aspect, and instances in which ‘splints have been formed on the hind limbs are not very uncommon. In the latter situation, they generally occupy the outer aspect of the canon bone, and very rarely cause lameness. There are five classes into which splints may conveniently be divided :-— Firstly, simple splints. By a simple splint, is meant a deposit of bone, which does not interfere with the tendons and suspensory ligament, and is situated at a distance from the knee. Simple splints, when not impeding the progression of the animal, are not to be regarded as constituting unsoundness. All other kinds of splints, and simple splints when causing lameness, as they ‘sometimes do, in the early stages more especially, constitute unsoundness. It may be mentioned that this variety of splint more often provokes lameness, ~vhen seated on the outer side of the leg. Secondly, double or pegged splints. Splints are termed pegged, when there are two deposits, one on the inner and one on the outer side, connected through the leg by a bony communication. Thirdly, splints situated near the knee. Fourthly, two deposits, one above the other, on the same side of the leg. Sometimes there is a bony connection between them. Lastly, bony deposits involving not only the splint bones, but a bone of the knee joint also. Concussion is the chief cause of splints. Heredity also is a potent factor in predisposing to the formation of these inflammatory deposits. Splints commonly owe their origin to the fact that the animal has been trotted on hard ground, more especially when this has been kept up continuously. Young animals, particularly when first put to work and too heavily weighted, frequently develop splints. Our readers will be aware that splints often appear, while the young animals are as yet capering in the Ig1 ‘grassy fields, unbroken and untouched by the hand of man. Not only,, however, are horses of under five years more subject to splints, but at this _ period of life they are also more commonly rendered lame by these bony * deposits. When one learns that concussion is the chief cause of splints, one will readily see how it is that the more purely bred animals, since their work is faster, more frequently develop splints, than animals of coarser breed. -One will also understand that a splint in a draught horse, not required for fast work, is of less serious moment, than in more rapidly moving animals. Although we attribute the greater immunity from splints, which cart-horses enjoy, thore especially to the smaller amount of concussion, which their legs undergo in progression, we must bear in mind that their limbs, being of much heavier build, are not so liable to be injured by continual shock, as are those of finer bred horses. We do not often meet with splints in old horses, ‘but they are sometimes seen, even in horses of advanced age. The bones of man and most animals are covered over by a fibrous envelope ; and it is inflammation of this covering or periosteum, as it is ‘termed, as well as of the bone itself, which results in the formation of those osseous deposits, which we know under the term splints. One can easily imagine that a young bone, not fully grown, is more liable to become inflamed ‘by work, more especially when such work causes much concussion. It is fortunate that a great number of splints are those which we spoke of as simple; and, as these rarely cause lameness, excepting sometimes during their period of growth, that is in the early stages of inflammatory action, the progression of the animal is not so often interferred with, by this disease of the bones, as one might expect. A splint, situated on the outer side of the leg, in most instances causes greater lameness, than one seated on the inner side: It should always be borne in mind, that lameness from a splint does not depend upon the size of the deposit. Sometimes, indeed, a very small . deposit causes marked lameness, while at other times a very large bony -growth may not even alter the gait in any way. One cannot gauge the amount of alteration in the bone by the external size and conformation of ‘the splint, because a very small superficial growth may co-exist with inflammatory deposit, existing more deeply. It is not strange that horses -often manifest marked lameness, as the result of inflammatory action of the ‘bone, while as yet there is no external sign of a splint. In such cases, the amateur is often at a loss to account for the lameness. There are, however, -certain facts which help us in diagnosing correctly, whether the lameness ~ -proceed from inflammatory action of the bone, or not. Lameness in a young animal, in the first place, is more likely to be due to this cause ; whereas in -older animals it is more likely to proceed from navicular disease. Again, it is well known that a horse, whose progression is altered by the -existence of a splint, walks sound or nearly so; whereas in trotting, the ‘lameness is very marked. Manipulation of the leg also often reveals heat cand tenderness at the usual seat of splint, and a small hard rounded growth ‘may sometimes be discovered. Pressure upon the site in such instances, 192 may show such tenderness, as to cause flinching. We have met with instances, where no deposit was thrown out for some length of time after lameness became manifest. Sometimes in splint lameness, there is diminution of the proper amount of bending at the knee, as the horse moves. Our readers will remember that we said that horses, suffering from navicular disease, as a rule improved in their action during exercise. In animals with splints, however, the lameness as a rule becomes more marked during progression. This, we may remind our readers, is also the case with horses having corns. When one wishes to examine a leg, with a view to detecting the presence of a splint, one should grasp the limb in the usual manner, with the fingers upon one side, and the thumb upon the other, and then should trace the splint bones from above downwards. Should there be any growth, it will readily be felt. In those instances in which the splint does not cause lameness, it is. customary not to interfere with the disease. The animal should be put upon a diminished diet scale, and his food should be of a laxative nature. It is. well to give an aperient, and afterwards enjoin that no exercise should be given. These injunctions should be ordered to be carried out, until the inflammation has ceased. In those cases where the lameness is not very marked, it is best to rest the animal for a time, and blister the inflamed bone with ointment of biniodide of mercury. A dose of aloes should also be given, in order to lessen the inflammatory action. Should the blister not prove curative, it will be necessary to fire the part with the prick-iron. When the lameness produced bya splint is very severe, and the animal places but little weight on the limb, Mr. Sewell’s operation of periosteotomy is sometimes performed. BONE SPAVINS. WE may now turn our attention to the consideration of spavin. Few diseases of the horse are so commonly before our notice as spavin, and few cause so much litigation, and give rise to the expression of such diverse professional opinions. Regarding the origin of the word spavin there is. also considerable doubt. The Latin word was employed by Jordanus Rufus, in the thirteenth century; but we cannot say whether he originated the term, or not. Some writers believe it is derived from the Italian sparavano. Others again derive it from the Greek word sfasmos, a spasm or cramp. Winter derives the term from the French ésfarvzn, while others again believe it to have its origin from the Latin spavsws, on account of the straddling’ gait, which often results in this disease of the hock. A spavin may be defined as a deposition of bone on the inner and lower part of the hock, resulting from chronic inflammatory action of certain bones composing this joint, and generally resulting in their cementing or anchylosing together. Our readers will understand that the bones affected by spavin are not those forming the true hock joint; but are the canon bone and the little bones situated just above it. Sometimes, we may add f 193 that the bones of the true hock joint do become implicated, as the disease spreads ; but it is not by any means a common occurrence. One will readily understand that the higher the bony growth is deposited, the more grave are the consequences. On the other hand, when seated lower down between the canon bone and the little bone immediately above it, the cementing together of the joint is not of great moment. The progression of the animal in this case is not much affected thereby, as there is but little ‘motion in this joint. The causes of spavin are of two kinds, actual or external, and predisposing or internal. There are a number of predisposing causes, which we may briefly consider. Firstly, the bones of young and overgrown horses being soft and immature, are more liable to become diseased. One can readily understand that, at an early age, the bones and their coverings, as well as the joints and ligaments, are most liable to become diseased, especially wheri the animal is heavily weighted, before his bony tissues are really consolidated. Secondly, irregular conformation of the hock joint is also to be regarded as a predisposing factor in the causation of spavin. When the angle of the hock is less than 135°, the animal is termed “ sickle-hocked.” Such a conformation of hock we mentioned was unsuited for rapid progression, and is especially liable to curb. Likewise it is believed to be more liable to become the seat of spavin, though the predisposition to this disease is not so marked, as in the case of curb. Wide hocks, sometimes caused by bad shoeing, or disease of the fetlock joint ; straight hocks, in which the angle of the joint is more than 160°; and cow hocks are also examples of irregular construction of these parts. We do not know that these latter irregularities increase the liability to spavin. Animals with “laced-in hocks” or “tied in below ‘the hock” are also especially subject to spavin; and this is also the case in animals with short or round hocks. Thirdly, excitable animals of irritable tempérament, it is believed, are also more subject to contract spavin. Fourthly, animals with long backs and narrow hind quarters, are more prone to the osseous disease of the hock in question. Lastly, hereditary predisposition is very marked in this inflammatory disease. The actual causes of spavin are strain or concussion of the structures of the joint, due to galloping, or very hard work, or wearing shoes with too. high calkins, and imperfect food supply. Necessarily, if the food is. insufficient and of bad quality, the animal will be more subject to spavin, and, indeed, also to sprains of the various muscles and tendons of the body. It is in cart-horses that high calkins not uncommonly are answerable for the production of spavins; and this is especially the case, when the animal is employed for drawing heavy weights down hill. It is necessary that animals employed for hunting should have well formed hocks, because the amount of concussion on the hocks in leaping renders them more liable to suffer from spavin, and one rarely sees an animal which has been hunted for a couple of seasons without observing that he has thrown out spavins. It is not strange ‘that the more forward the spavin appears, the greater is the resulting impediment to the progression. oO 194 : Coarse hocks are not necessarily to be regarded unfavourably, as they commonly become finer, as the young animal matures in age. If, however there be any dissimilarity in the size of the two hocks, or if there be any lameness, our suspicions are aroused. If the hocks are coarse in an old horse, and there is no alteration in the animal’s gait, lameness very rarely indeed results. It is fortunate that in horses six years old and under, spavin is generally amenable to treatment. In old animals therapeutic measures are of little avail. ‘ Spavin lameness is sometimes difficult to distinguish from alteration of the progression owing to other causes. Hip lameness, we should remember, causes stiffness of the whole limb; and ‘there are generally tenderness, heat, and swelling at the hip, in such cases. The toe also is | dragged along the ground in hip lameness. Regarding the judgment we may pass upon the spavin, we may point out that animals with well-shaped- hocks, as a rule, more speedily recover, and are less likely to have a renewal of the inflammatory process, than others with badly-shaped hocks. Spavin also is more damaging to an animal required for fast and heavy work, than for one employed for lighter work at a slower pace. A spavin situated internally is, as we have pointed out already, less likely to interfere with the progression, than one situated on the front of the joint ; and low spavins, we also mentioned, were less likely to cause lameness than high ones. Moreover, when the true hock joint is implicated, there is but little chance of recovery. Bony deposits, situated at the back part of the inner surface of the hock,. do not often cause much lameness. In animals well shapen, a spavin is not likely to be so damaging as in long-backed horses, badly ribbed up, having poor appetites. When the deposit is associated with string-halt, or causes any other disease by its presence, the prognosis is not so favourable. : In those instances where there is no external sign of any bony deposit, even although there may be very marked lameness, the disease is spoken of as occult spavin. In occult spavin, no bony deposit is thrown out, but the inflammatory action results in ulceration of the contiguous surfaces of the bones, and is not followed by any reparative process. Our readers will understand that spavins, like splints and other such bony growths, are in reality “‘nature’s means of fortification against more serious failures.” In occult spavin, this reparative’ process of bone formation, in order to make good the loss by ulceration, does not occur; and therefore there is no external sign of the disease. Occult spavin is more grave and intractable than ordinary spavin. It is of much more frequent occurrence in old animals than in younger ones. We may now say a few words regarding the means of detecting spavin, and then proceed with the treatment of this common disease. In spavin lameness, there are some points specially noteworthy. There is a lack of bending at the hock joint. The lameness, as a rule, is less marked, after the animal has been exercised for a time. The step will be noticed to be on the toe, at which part the shoe is consequently more worn, than elsewhere. 195 A horse with a spavin, as Percivall said, is especially lame on stepping out of the stable, on the day following after a heavy day’s work. Dragging of the toe is sometimes noticed, on riding a horse down a steep hill; and, in this manner, spavin has been not unfrequently detected. Percivall was the first authority to whom we are indebted for accurate descriptions of spavin. Regarding the actual position generally taken by spavin, we cannot do better than quote his words. “It is precisely the interval between the prominence where the hock ceases, and the canon-bone begins, that is the site of spavin. A small round tumour interrupts the natural declivity from the hock to the canon bone, and in a moment catches the eye of the experienced observer. In cases where the tumour being small, or flat, or diffuse, is indistinct to the eye, the observer will not make up his mind concerning it, until he has narrowly compared the suspected, with the sound hock.” In some severe cases, the lameness of spavin is characterised by a kind of spasmodic jerking up of the limb, at the instant the heel comes into contact with the ground. Sometimes there may be no lameness ; but, when active change is going on in the bones, this is rarely or never absent. In all cases the examiner should feel both hocks, when he wishes to compare them with the view of noticing any difference of conformation. It is customary to examine the near hock with the right hand, and the off one with the left. Often a spavin can be felt, when it is too small to be observed ‘ with the eye. Animals with spavin should not be used for breeding purposes, unless, indeed, the disease be due to some external cause, such as a sprain.’ In those cases of lameness from spavin, which are seen in the very early stages, a purgative should be given in the first instance, and the animal should be rested, and shod with a high-heeled shoe. Locally, a blister of ointment of biniodide of mercury may then be applied. If ineffectual, setoning or firing will then be necessary. Unless the spavin gives rise to lameness, treatment is seldom carried out. Firing is commonly adopted in .those chronic cases which have resisted the milder remedies, such as blistering, or the douching with cold water, practised by some. In applying the actual cautery, the horizontal lines should not be made too closely together, but they should be pretty deeply burned in, in order to act more effectually. After firing, a rest of six or seven weeks or more is necessary, ’ before the animal is again fit for work. Prick firing we frequently advise, as it often proves more valuable than stripe firing. The prick iron we use is different from the one commonly in use; the prick at the extremity being only about one-sixth of an inch in length. This is heated red-hot, and is then thrust in in several places (see page 208). We'do not recommend setoning in cases of spavin. If it be decided to pass a seton, it is best to have the animal cast, and one must take care not to injure the large vein, which runs over the inner and front portions of the hock. The seton is passed vertically exactly over the growth, or we may insert two smaller ones on each side of it. After 196 setoning, the animal should be rested, and fed for a fortnight on a cooling laxative diet, and a shoe with high heels should be applied. After the wound is healed, the part may be smartly blistered. “Some horsemen are very fond of corrosive applications, such as those composed of corrosive sublimate, dissolved in spirit; but these, although often useful and efficacious, sometimes destroy the skin, and thus cause a blemish. SORE SHINS. By the term “sore shins,” we signify a disease of the canon-bone and its covering, usually affecting its lower and front part, and only differing from a splint, in that it affects another portion of the bone. In some instances, the affection involves the whole length of the canon-bone. Like splint formations, this disease also is mainly due to concussion, and is likewise especially common in young animals, worked before the bones are matured. Sometimes all four canon-bones are diseased ; but, as a rule, the affection is present only in the fore legs, as these necessarily are more liable to suffer from shock, than the hind ones. It has been noticed that the leg, with which the animal leads in the gallop, is more often affected, than the other ones. Sore shins are rarely met with excepting in young race-horses, among which it is a common disease. The lameness occasioned by sore shins is insidious. The animal is at first observed to step somewhat short. Unless the disease be arrested, as soon as the first symptoms appear, by rest and treatment, the lameness becomes very marked indeed, and constitutional symptoms are manifested. When the inflammation is severe, the pulse is increased, and swelling at the lower third of the canon bone appears. When handled, this will be noticed to be ‘soft, elastic, and very tender to the touch. In very severe cases, unless active measures be taken, necrosis or death of the bone may ensue, and the disease may even prove fatal. In less extensive disease, the swelling is circumscribed, and afterwards becomes quite hard. In cases of sore shins, a purgative should be given, and the diet should be laxative. If the disease is not very severe, cold applications should be assiduously applied, and these should afterwards give place to a smart blister. In very severe cases, it is necessary to cut through the inflamed covering of the bone. Fomentations of warm water, with applications of antiseptic lotions (carbolic acid one part, water twenty parts), are then necessary.* As the inflammation subsides, blisters are called for. In cutting down upon the canon-bone, the voursinary surgeon must be careful not to injure the tendons. When the disease is cured, it is very essential that the animal be rested for a time, and then put into work gradually. The exercise at first should be on soft ground, and the animal should not be allowed to gallop much until he is well able to bear it. *Mr. Charles Gresswell, of Nottingham, who has had large experience in the treatment of sore shins, especially recommends the ointment of boracic acid. CHAPTER VII. BURSAL ENLARGEMENTS. Bog Spavin, Windgalls. Thoroughpin. Capped Hock and Elbow. THOROUGHPIN. THOROUGHPIN is a bursal enlargement, which appears as a swelling on the lower and lateral aspect of the thigh, at the upper and back part of the hock. It is due to a swollen condition of the sheath, which envelopes the flexor perforans tendon ; and this may be owing to disease of the tendon itself, or to disease of he sheath. If a thoroughpin be pressed upon, it may be made to move from one side to the other. In size these bursal enlargements differ very much, varying from that of a pigeon’s egg to a child’s head. It has been noticed that they are more commonly found in animals with short vertical hocks; and that heredity has much to do with the predisposition, which some horses have to this form of disease. Thoroughpin constitutes unsoundness, although fortunately it is in almost all cases a curable affection. Generally it is consequent on sprain of the tendon, sustained by moving a heavy weight ; though occasionally it is due to an over-secretion of fluid in the sac. In the latter case, when it is termed dropsical, it is as a rule more amenable to treatment, than when following a severe sprain. It is our custom, in treating thoroughpin, to order the attendant to direct a flow of water from a hose, for half-an-hour three times daily, on to the swollen hock, and to apply a well-fitting spring truss, which is easily procured at a small expense. This method of treatment is nearly always successful ; but the length of time it must be persevered with, varies greatly. When it is not efficacious in causing disappearance of the thoroughpin, it is our practice to blister the swelling with equal parts of ointment of biniodide of mercury and of cantharides. From the first in all cases it is advisable to apply a high-heeled shoe. Should this not prove successful, firing with the stripe-iron will always prove efficacious in reducing the swelling. Some writers recommend the application of the ointment of iodine, or of the liniment of this drug, in preference to the cold water treatment. The method of treating thoroughpin, by evacuating the sac by means of a puncturing needle, applied carefully under the skin, we do not recommend, as it is, to say the least, dangerous, and in many hands has proved fatal. Just recently we have had under treatment a thoroughpin nearly as large as a child’s head. This disappeared after firing, and has since shown no signs of recurrence. 198 WINDGALLS. By the term windgalls, horsemen understand those small puffy swellings, commonly met with in different positions on the fetlock joint. These little swellings, which are due to a distention of the synovial sacs of the fetlocks, are not of very serious moment. When the windgall is situated between the tendon at the back of the fetlock joint and the sesamoid bones, it is spoken of as. thoroughpin of the fetlock. This name is given to it, because, being prevented by the tendon from projecting backwards, it makes its appearance on both sides as a divided swelling at the back of the joint. The treatment of windgalls is not of much importance. The application of a bandage, tightly applied, will often prove useful by maintaining firm pressure on the distended sacs. Rest also tends to reduce them. Mild blisters, such as liniment of iodine, are in most instances only temporarily efficacious. The cold douche, followed by the application of bandages moistened with some cooling lotion, often proves very useful by astringing the relaxed tissues of the part. The treatment, however, which we recommend is the application of a smart: blister. BOG SPAVIN. By the term bog spavin, we understand an elastic, boggy swelling, situated at the inner side and front of the hock joint. It is a distended condition of the synovial or lining membrane of the true hock joint; and it occupies therefore a higher position than that generally taken by an ordinary bone spavin, with which it has no relationship except in name. As it increases in size, it extends up the leg for several inches. Bog spavin is of two chief varieties, which must be carefully distinguished from each other; as, while one kind constitutes unsoundness, the other does not, as a rule, impair the usefulness of the animal. The former variety is caused by inflammation of the hock joint. When this is acute, there is marked lameness, and the animal cannot put his leg to the ground. The pain, tenderness, and swelling, which is. hard, are great; and constitutional symptoms manifest themselves, When the inflammation is of a chronic variety, it may be due to a rheumatic affection of the hock joint bones or other causes. When the affection of the bones of the hock is of a rheumatic nature, extensive changes occur in the cartilages of the joint, and the disease is incurable. The other variety of bog-spavin is, just as in the less severe variety of thoroughpin, due to a dropsical condition of the joint, and is not generally provocative of pain. In this case, the swelling is not tender or hot, and when felt is found to be boggy and elastic. The inflammatory variety of bog-spavin is generally due to sprain of some of the structures of the hock joint ; whereas the dropsical variety is generally due to overworking, while the bones of the animal are not full grown. Heredity, as in the case of thoroughpin, we believe, is sometimes answerable for the predisposition which some animals have to bog-spavin. Cold, wet, and chill are potent factors in the causation of the rheumatic variety. 199 : In cases where inflammation is present, it will be necessary to give an aperient, say, four to six drachms of aloes, and to feed the animal on laxative diet. Rest is essential. Locally, cooling lotions, such as one composed of spirit one part, solution of acetate of lead one part, water eight parts, may be applied at frequent intervals, Afterwards, and in dropsical cases, from the first the joint may be blistered with ointment of biniodide of mercury, or with a tincture made by dissolving thirty-five grains of bichloride of mercury in two ounces of methylated spirit, and adding forty grains of biniodide of mercury. If this does not prove efficacious, firing is necessary, and will almost certainly prove curative, as, fortunately, all varieties of bog-spavin, excepting the rheumatic, prove almost universally amenable to judiciaus treatment. The fluid effused cannot be drawn off by puncturing, as it is contained in the true hock joint, which must on no account beopened. We have'not seen many cases of so-called blood+spavin. By this term is signified a varicose condition of the large vein running over the inside of the hock. Such a condition is very rarely met with. ’ CAPPED HOCK, KNEE, AND ELBOW. THERE are two varieties of capped hock. The commoner kind of this affection is a serous sac, situated at the point of the hock, between the skin and the tendon situated there. It is generally due to an injury, the result of a sharp blow sustained in kicking, or in other ways, If there be heat in the part indicating inflammation, cooling lotions should be applied locally ; and, when the acute stage is over, the ointment of biniodide of mercury will prove valuable, if repeated at intervals of several days. There is a bursa situated at the point of the hock; and, when this becomes inflamed, as the result of a sprain or other injury, the second yariety of capped hock is produced. This bursal enlargement, which is rarely met with, can easily be distinguished from the other variety of capped hock, by the fact that it makes its appearance on both sides of the joint of the hock, as an elastic fluctuating tumour or swelling. Although the previous variety cannot be regarded as an unsoundness, this form does render the animal unsound. The only treatment of value for this affection, is either blistering with ointment of red iodide of mercury, or firing. General rest is necessary, and local rest of the limb should be secured: by the application of a high-heeled shoe. Capped knee is due to a swollen condition of the bursa in front of the knee joint. This bursa is that over which the tendon in front of the knee plays; and it is not unfrequently injured by blows, or by the entrance of thorns into it, when it becomes swollen, and distended with effused fluid. As soon as the injury is sustained, pain and lameness usually manifest themselves. In these early stages, rest, an aperient of aloes, and the application of warm water fomentations are requisite. As the inflammation passes off, it is well to blister the swollen part with ointment of equal parts of biniodide of mercury and of cantharides, If this does not cause the absorption of the effused fluid, is is best to puncture the distended sac, at its 200 lowest point at the innermost part, by a horizontal incision. The fluid may then be squeezed out. The most scientific and at the same time the best method, is to draw off the fluid by the aspirator. After the application of a blister, pressure by means of a bandage should be maintained. This is also necessary after the evacuation of the sac by puncturing. In the latter case the bandage should be kept firmly applied, so as to maintain the walls of the sac in close contact, and to cause their union together. Capped elbow, like the rarer variety of capped hock, is due to the appearance of a serous sac at the back of the elbow joint. It is generally caused by a bruise, the result of lying down with the heel in close contact with the elbow. Warm water fomentation, assiduously carried out, is the best treatment. After each fomentation, the elbow may'be rubbed with the ordinary white linament. The fomentations should be carried on for an hour at a time, four or five times daily, fora few days. If these measures are not Successful in causing the disappearance of the tumour, it may be smartly blistered, or a seton may be passed through it. In some instances, when the tumour becomes indurated, it may be removed by an incision in the vertical direction through the skin. CHAPTER VIII. Poll-Evil. Inflamed and Fistulous Withers. Open Joints, Rupture. Choking. Osteo-porosis. Melanosis. POLL-EVIL. By the term poll-evil, we understand the growth of one or, more abscesses at the upper and back part of the skull, just behind the ears. This unfortunately common malady usually results from an injury, whether it be caused by a sudden blow, or by the use of a tight bearing rein. There is, as a rule, no difficulty in recognising poll-evil. In the early stages, one finds a soft diffuse swelling in the position mentioned, and the neck is held stiffly. The swelling is tender to the touch, more especially at first, and it gradually becomes more defined, and commonly ends in the formation of an abscess, When.we see a case of poll-evil, before matter is formed,.it is our custom to order the application of cooling lotions, such as those of acetate of lead and spirit, and to order the administration of a dose of aloes internally, with the view of possibly preventing the swelling terminating in the formation of an abscess. If, however, matter be already formed, it is necessary to freely open the-abscess at its base, as early as possible, and to foment the surrounding parts assiduously with warm water. The wound must be kept strictly clean ; and in order to promote its healing, the application of ointment of boric acid, or of that of eucalyptus iodoform and carbolic acid, the formule: for which we have already mentioned, will prove very useful. It not uncommonly happens that the inflammatory process spreads, and ‘the disease then assumes a more chronic and obstinate character. The abscess having been left to burst spontaneously, discharges, in such a case, an unhealthy, fetid matter, and shows no tendency to heal, The “pus’ burrows in various directions among the ligamentous tissues of the neck. In treating an animal thus afflicted, professional skill isnecessary. It is our practice to freely open the burrowing channels with the knife, and then to dress the wound once with some strong caustic solution, such as that of chloride of zinc. After thus destroying the walls of these sinuous passages made by the burrowing matter, we dress the wound with carbolic acid lotion, or ointment of iodoform and eucalyptus. Although such cases as these frequently prove troublesome, they are, as a rule, amenable to careful and judicious treatment. 202 INFLAMED AND FISTULOUS WITHERS. WE must now speak of inflamed and fistulous withers. Excepting in position, this condition is closely allied to poll-evil. Its nature and causation are similar to those just considered. Bruises, inflicted by ill-fitting saddles, are generally answerable for the production of these conditions of the withers. It will readily be understood that an animal with highly-elevated withers, will be especially liable to injury from this cause. The principles of treatment of these conditions are similar to those already described in speaking of poll-evil. In slight cases of bruised and inflamed withers, the application of cooling lotions, and the administration of a dose of aloes, will generally suffice. The diet should be of a laxative nature. When matter is formed, it is necessary to open the abscess freely, at its lowest part, as early as possible, so as to prevent it burrowing among the tissues. Warm water fomentations, and the application of poultices of bran or other material, are then necessary. There is, as a rule, no difficulty in perceiving when the inflammation has resulted in the formation of an abscess. The soft fluctuating feeling of the imprisoned matter, and the falling of the hair from the most prominent part of the swelling, indicate the formation of matter. When, as sometimes happens in poll-evil, the case assumes a chronic form, as the result of the burrowing of matter, or from portions of bone decaying, and thus causing irritation, the diseased channels must be freely opened and treated as in poll- evil. The application of a smart blister around the diseased part is sometimes valuable in such cases in promoting healing. OPEN JOINTS. ONE of the gravest forms of injury to which the horse is liable, is the opening of an important joint. The joints most commonly’ thus seriously injured, by a kick or a fall, are the hock and knee. These injuries are followed by very marked constitutional disturbance, manifested by high fever, and there is, in most cases, great emaciation, resulting from the con- tinual escape of synovial fluid from the joint. -Such a discharge of fluid is usually an early symptom, and indicates the serious nature of the injury sustained. Sometimes, we should point out, the oil may ooze from the wound of a joint, even when the latter is not opened. This occurrence is then to be attributed to the fact that the synovial covering of the bones entering into the formation of the joint is in an inflamed condition. The serous discharge from an open joint, at first thin and pellucid, soon becomes. thicker, yellowish, and purulent. The joint swells more as the inflammatory action becomes more established, and will be observed to be very painful and tender. The febrile symptoms, in unfavourable cases, show no signs of abatement, the pain continues to be very severe, the appetite is wholly or partially lost, and the poor animal sinks,'as the result of the constitutional disturbance and the exhausting discharge. In those instances where the 203 injury does terminate favourably, the bones forming the joint often become united together, and the animal has a stiff joint for life. We do not propose to enter deeply into the treatment of open joints, Considerable skill is requisite to secure a good result in such cases. The animal should be placed in slings, as otherwise he will soon fall, and be unable to rise again. A dose of aloes should be given in the first instance, and the diet should be of a nutritious, laxative nature. As the disease progresses, it is most important that the diet should be as tempting and as nutritious as possible, as the continuous discharge proves very debilitating. After the administration of the aloes, if the febrile symptoms are very marked, a drench, containing three ounces of liquor ammonii acetatis, and five drops of Fleming’s tincture of aconite, may be given in a little water,. every four hours, until the acute symptoms subside. There are several plans of treating the injury locally. Probably one of the best of these is the antiseptic method. The wound is carefully bathed with lotion of carbolic acid (carbolic acid one part, glycerine four parts, water twenty parts), and is then covered over with a quantity of gauze or lint of eucalyptus and iodoform. This acts as an efficient antiseptic. Around the antiseptic dressing, a bandage is then not too firmly wound. The wound will require to be dressed every other day, or more frequently, if there be any accumulation of matter. Some authorities recommend the application of a blister around the opening, when the swelling is very marked. In some instances, this plan seems to be attended with beneficial results. RUPTURE. OF ruptures or hernize, as these injuries are termed, there are two kinds to which the horse is liable. At the navel, rupture through the walls of the belly is not uncommon, and is readily detected. In this kind of rupture, which is generally present at birth, or occurs shortly afterwards, the bowel may or may not escape into the tumour. In many cases thé rupture disappears spontaneously, more especially in young foals. In order to cure this variety of hernia the animal should be cast, the bowels being previously opened by the administration of a pint of linseed oil. For several hours before operating, all food should be withheld. After casting the animal, the swelling is pushed up into the belly, and the loose skin is then drawn up tightly on the fingers, and maintained thus by two skewers passed through it, one at either end. The skewers are then fastened together, and the skin drawn up is held firmly, by strong twine passed round them. The skin then gradually sloughs away, and needs, as a rule, no further attention. The ligatures must not be too tightly applied. When the rupture occurs in the walls of the belly, but not through the navel, it should be passed back and retained there, by the careful application of bandages. ; The second variety of rupture, of which we need not speak at length,. is termed inguinal hernia. In chronic cases, as a rule, there is not much 204 harm from this form of rupture ; but, when the rupture follows suddenly any: sudden exertion, professional aid must be at once secured, as otherwise death will be almost certain. ; CHOKING. CHOKING is due to the impaction of a portion of food. Cut hay or chaff, swallowed rapidly, is especially liable to cause this condition. Frequently the obstruction consists of a piece of turnip, mangel wurzel, carrot, or potato ; and sometimes a whole egg given by an ignorant attendant, with the erroneous view of curing colic, proves to be the offending agent. Sometimes balls, made of larger size than they should be, will not pass down the gullet, and becoming lodged there, cause choking. Animals with voracious appetites, writes Percivall, are especially apt to bolt their corn, gulping it down so rapidly that the successive portions, instead of passing into the ‘stomach, accumulate in the gullet and block up its channel. Only a small collection, or a large one, may thus be made, before the animal manifests any uneasiness. All at once he leaves off feeding. He makes every effort to empty his gullet, and to relieve himself of his increasing distress. Should he not succeed, his throat and neck become, through his ineffectual exertions, spasmodically drawn up. Probably he gives every now and again a loud shriek, no less expressive of his own anguish, than excitive of the compassion of those around him. Should he attempt to swallow water, the fluid, together with the saliva abounding in his mouth, returns through his nostrils. These urgent symptoms are not, however, always present, and they depend chiefly on the position of the obstructing body. Thus, when it is in the upper part of the gullet, the distress, coughing, and slavering are very urgent. When the obstruction is in the neck, there is a visible enlargement in the course of the gullet, the general symptoms being great anxiety of countenance, sunken head, tremors, and partial sweats over the body, with great exhaustion, shortly after the occurrence of the accident. The term choking is sometimes also employed for obstruction to the windpipe, which sometimes is pressed upon by a too small collar, or in other ways; but it should be merely used to designate impaction of material in the gullet. When the portion of the gullet in the chest is obstructed, the symptoms manifested are usually not so severe. Sometimes even, the horse will drink a little water. Vomiting is. uncommon in the horse; and, when it does occur, the contents of the gullet usually escape through the nostrils, though at times they make their way through the mouth. When the whole length of the gullet is obstructed, the symptoms are most severe, and the danger necessarily greater. A condition which may be mistaken for choking is hellebore-poisoning, a case of which we have just recorded in the April numbers of The Veterinarian and The Veterinary Journal for the year 1886. On March 6, we were called to a heavy draught horse said to be choking. The symptoms observed by the owner had supervened three hours after the administration of a ball, containing a large quantity of 205 hellebore, The animal was found to be retching continually, but although: vomition does sometimes occur in such cases, it did not actually take place. The pulse was very irregular and feeble. The symptoms had been gradually becoming more severe, until, when death seemed imminent, advice was sought. Three ounces of whisky, with three ounces of aromatic spirit of ammonia, were ordered to be given every hour for six times and then every two hours. In twelve hours’ time the animal began ie improve. On the following day he was much better, and tonics were substituted for the stimulants. The animal then made a rapid recovery. It may be needless to add that, on our first seeing the animal, nothing whatever was said concerning the poison which had been given with the - idea of curing the “grease,” from which the horse was suffering. Sometimes professional men are called to cases of sore throat, which on examination prove to be uncomplicated instances of choking. Mr. King was called to a horse which was said to have a sore throat. The gullet had no impaction in that portion which is outside the chest, but all liquids taken were returned, the horse being quite incapable of swallowing them. The animal died, and in that portion of the gullet in the chest, a ball made of the ashes of tobacco was found. As in the case of hellebore-poisoning, the attendant did not mention having given anything, and so the probang, which would have been passed and saved the animal’s life, was not employed. In those cases where the impacted material is within reach, it may be removed by the hand through the mouth. If it is almost, but not quite, within reach it may be gently pressed upwards by an assistant, while the operator grasps it by his hand in the mouth. The tongue may also be drawn forward out of the mouth, as this will help in the upward movement of the foreign body. If an egg is lodged in the gullet, it may be broken by pressure if a thick needle is first passed through it. When we are unable to remove the body through the mouth, we may endeavour to move it up and. down gently, and if this be successful, it is highly probable that the animal will then be able to swallow it. If this does not prove availing, and in all cases where the obstruction is due to dry food impacted in the channel, it is- advisable to administer frequent draughts of a mixture of oil and water, not restraining the animal from regurgitating it again at will. The impacted food in the interval of giving the liquid may be gently manipulated up and down with the view of breaking up the mass. Should this not prove successful in relieving the animal, and if the matter can be felt from the outside, we must, nevertheless, not use the probang, as it generally in such. cases merely hardens the dry food into a more compact lump. ; In a case of choking by locust-beans, bran, and chaff, in which the symptoms were very severe, Williams administered water until the gullet was full of water. This induced a violent fit of coughing. The whole of the fluid was thus forcibly ejected, along with some of the impacted mass. The process was repeated after short intervals of rest! Each fit of coughing brought up more and more of the mass, until it was entirely expelled. The x 206 water was given through the nostrils, owing to the restiveness of the animal. When the obstruction consists of a piece of carrot or other solid body felt from the outside, it may be cut down upon and extracted. The wound is then sewn up by a fewstitches of carbolized twine, and is afterwards ‘dressed with antiseptic applications. Food must be withheld. for a time after this operation, and at first should consist of linseed or oatmeal gruel. Indeed, in any case after the relief of choking, the animal should be fed on moist.food, in order to allow the distended tube to regain its normal shape. The passage of a probang down the gullet requires great skill. OSTEOPOROSIS. WE shall have very little to say of osteoporosis or big head, as it is by no means a common disease. This affection of the bones is generally seen in young animals. The bones being ill-nourished, become light and of a spongy texture. Those of the face in particular are more especially affected, and the face thus becomes much enlarged, and altered in contour. This disfigurement of the features gives the animal a very peculiar appearance. Death generally ensues as the result of the diseased condition of the bones, but recovery sometimes follows judicious treatment. Laxative diet and the administration of vegetable and mineral tonics are necessary. MELANOSIS. MELANOSIS is an affection almost entirely confined to old grey horses. It consists in the growth of darkly coloured sarcomatous tumours in different parts of the body. The internal organs are often invaded by these malignant growths, but, as a rule, they just make their appearance on the tail, or on the region of the throat and neck, or on other parts. Sometimes a tumour will grow on old.grey horses very gradually for several years, probably seven or eight or more, without producing any noticeable ill effects. It may then suddenly start growing more rapidly, and unless removed it may increase until it bursts, and forms an unhealthy ulcerating wound, which will not heal. It is commonly supposed that, if a melanotic tumour be removed, it will necessarily reappear. In the year 1884, we removed a melanotic tumour from the throat of an. aged grey pony. Some years previously, the owner was advised that recovery was impossible, as the tumour would grow again, and that the wound made would not heal. It, however, was increasing rapidly when we were called in. We advised its removal, and after putting the animal under ether and chloroform, which were used instead of pure chloroform, as the poor creature was broken-winded, the tumour was successfully taken away. The animal made a perfect recovery, and up to the present time there has been no recurrence of the growth. CHAPTER IX. OPERATIONS. Administration of Anesthetics. Firing. Bleeding. ‘ADMINISTRATION OF ANASTHETICS. BEFORE performing a serious operation, it is generally customary to put the horse under -the influence of an anesthetic. Chloroform is the agent we almost exclusively employ for this purpose. Contrary to a notion somewhat widely spread, we may state emphatically that when administered carefully, there is not the slightest risk attending its use in healthy horses. The late Mr. D. Gresswell employed this agent for producing anzsthesia for many years in almost all serious operations on the horse in his extensive practice, - and never saw any ill effect attending or following its administration. We have likewise used it very extensively, and have never known of any untoward results caused by its inhalation. During the administration, however, it is necessary to feel the pulse at intervals; for chloroform has a tendency to reduce the tension in the blood vessels, while ether has no appreciable effect of this kind. Three to five ounces of chloroform are generally effectual in causing insensibility. It is our practice to pour two ounces of chloroform into Gresswell’s chloroform cap, an apparatus of which we append an illustration, and then to adjust it over the mouth of the animal. We add amounts of about half an ounce at intervals, as may be necessary. If a horse struggles much, he generally requires a larger amount than if he ‘breathes slowly and quietly. In some cases, we have found it necessary to give as much as six ounces before anzesthesia was complete. The idea of the danger of giving chloroform to the horse has doubtless arisen from the results of the wrong modes in which it is sometimes administered. Practically, the method we recommend will: prove thoroughly reliable. An idea of the degree of insensibility produced by the chloroform inhaled may be gained by observing whether the eye is sensitive to the touch, or does not respond to the irritation caused when anything is brought into contact with it. When the operation is over, and the shackles with which the animal has been cast are loosened, it is well to give a good bran mash; but it is not advisable to dash water over him, or otherwise unnecessarily annoy and irritate him with no possible object. Should suffocation threaten, and the pulse show any sign of failing, the cap should be at once removed, and cold water dashed over the head. X ay, Ly | i D. Gresswell’s Chloroform Cap. FIRING. WE have already incidentally spoken of firing in the treatment of several bony growths. We have now to speak of it more in detail. Before performing this operation, it is necessary to clip away the hair closely, from the part to be cauterised. In all instances where it is purposed to fire with the stripe-iron, it will be necessary to cast the animal, and then to administer chloroform, before proceeding with the operation. Of course, when it isfonly" intended to fire with the prick-iron for a splint or spavin, casting and the administration of chloroform will not be necessary, as this operation is soon over, and causes but little pain. Firing is a much more important operation than is generally believed, and requires infinitely more time, care, and judgment in carrying out thoroughly, than many people have any conception of. It is a most valuable counter-irritant, and is frequently productive of the best results. It is not only unadvisable, but it is absolutely inhuman, to withhold the administration of chloroform, in cases where it is intended to fire thoroughly. We may repeat again that, although we have employed chloroform very extensively indeed, we have never seen any ill effects following its use. The- owner need not therefore fear to order its administration. / Prick-firing is especially adapted for side bones, ring-bone, bone-spavin,. and splints; whereas stripe-firing is especially useful in treating sprains of the back tendons and sesamoid ligaments, curbs, thoroughpins, windgalls,. and bog-spavins. In firing for sprain of the back tendons and sesamoid ligaments of the fore leg, about ten strokes, with an interval of an inch 209 between each, may be made obliquely from the fetlock upwards. Each stroke made with a stripe-iron should be gone over at least twenty times, the metal being heated to redness, and slightly cooled. This operation necessarily takes time and care. On no account should*the skin be cut through. After firing, the animal’s head must be tied up for a week, and in many instances it is advisable to blister the cauterised limb with equal parts of ointment of cantharides and of biniodide of mercury. .The animal should be fed on mashes during this time, and should be led out daily for five or ten minutes. If a very severe action is not desired, we may fill up the burnt lines with Stockholm tar, instead of blistering. At the expiration of a fortnight, the incisions should be again filled with tar or grease. We have no hesitation in stating, that judicious firing is frequently the most efficient treatment fof sprained tendons and sesamoid ligaments, curbs, windgalls, bog-spavins, and thoroughpins. ‘ In firing the hock, it is necessary to exercise care to avoid the vein on the inside. Moreover, in firing in this part, the iron must not be too hot in operating on a thoroughbred horse, as otherwise it will penetrate through the skin, and cause an ugly gap. Oblique stripe firing is always attended with” better results, than when this operation is performed in vertical lines. We may conclude our remarks on firing, by stating, that having a very large amount to do, we employ irons of our own patterns. The prick of the . prick-iron we use is not more than from a fifth to a quarter of an inch in length, and our stripe-irons are not so bulky as those commonly in use. ' BLEEDING. WE may now say a few words regarding the practice of bleeding. Although scientific men are in the habit of inveighing, and with justice, against the absurdities which fashion imposes on its votaries in the matter of dress and various other customs, for instance, that most absurd custom of habitually taking certain noxious drugs, such as chloral hydrate, opium, tobacco, and large quantities of alcohol, still they themselves are not free from charges of worshipping at the same shrine. There is, strange to say, such a thing as fashion in medicine and surgery. At one time a particular drug comes into fashion. It is the custom to prescribe it, and this may be sometimes done, when it really is not needed. Bleeding, a useful practice extensively employed in former days, and perhaps too ‘much so, is now, on the other hand, scarcely practised at all by some. It is most unfortunate that there should be this tendency to indulge in the freaks of fashion. There is no doubt that, just as in the past, some asthenic individuals, both men and horses and other animals, have been simply killed by excessive or misapplied bleeding ; so in the present, many cases of acute inflammation of sthenic type in plethoric animals have been lost, simply through lack of that abstraction of blood, which is so extremely useful. There are annually in a large practice, many animals, horses, beasts, sheep, in which there would not be the least chance of recovery, unless depletion of the excessive amount of Fe 210 blood, which is circulating through the inflamed tissues, was carried out. Of course there are drugs which may to some extent serve a similar purpose ; but there are many instances, in which these do not prove so effectual, as the — process of bleeding itself. In treating plethoric, highly-fed animals, suffering from congestion of the lungs, acute laminitis or founder, lymphangitis or weed, inflammation of the lungs, and inflammation of the brain, bleeding is a necessary operation, We do not mention here special directions as to the method of bleeding, Under no circumstances should the amateur perform an operation fraught with'so much possible danger. In some instances under our notice amateurs have used the lancet in opening the vein. This is very reprehensible. In bleeding it is our custom-to use the fleam, opening the left jugular vein. 1. Bloodstick, 2, Fleam. 3. Method of closing the wound with a pin. 211 The course of the yein may easily be determined by pressirig upon it, when the part furthest from the heart will become distended, by the blood accumulating in its channel. The spot we select for opening the vein, is nine’ or ten inches from the angle of the jawbone, and the amount of blood to be abstracted varies from one to four quarts. It is best to press the edge of the receiving vessel against the cut end of the lower part of the incised vein. When sufficient blood is removed, a pin is passed through the edges of the incised wound. Horse-hair is then wound round the ends of the pin in the form of a figure 8. In six days or so, the pin may be removed. / CHAPTER X. DISEASES OF “THE. EYE. Simple Ophthalmia. Recurrent or Periodic Ophthalmia. Amaitrosis and Cataract. ‘ SIMPLE OPHTHALMIA. THERE are four diseases of the eye of which we must speak separately. These are simple and recurrent ophthalmia, amaurosis, and cataract. Simple ophthalmia, is a disease of the eye characterised by inflammation of the white covering, and of the lining of the lids which is continuous with it. Together, the white and its continuation lining the inner surface of the lids are spoken of as the conjunctiva. As a rule, this inflammation is set up by an injury, or by the presence of a foreign body in the eye. We have already, in treating of pink-eye, mentioned that inflammation of the conjunctiva, is a feature characterising this variety of influenza. In ordinary cases of influenza, and other fevers also, the conjunctiva is frequently more or less inflamed. This inflammation may also have its origin in a cold, as-is also very commonly the case in man. Simple ophthalmia is easily known by the swollen condition of thr lids, which are often wholly or partially closed, by the constant shedding of tears, by the projection of the haw or membrana nictitans, by the red hue of the inflamed part, and by the drawing back or retraction of the eye into its orbit. The cornea assumes a clouded appearance, but is only superficially inflamed. Sometimes, on examination, a foreign body will be found, and in such a case it is of primary importance that this should be removed carefully. The eye should be bathed with tepid water, and the animal should have a dose of aloes, and be fed for a time upon laxative diet, if the . inflammation be at all severe. Locally, a few drops of a lotion made of two grains of sulphate of atropine to an ounce of water, should be dropped into - the corner of the eye three times daily; and the animal, if very intolerant of light, should be placed in a darkened box.NIn two or three days, a lotion made of four grains of boric acid and ten drops of tincture of opium to each ounce of water, will prove valuable in restoring Strength to the _weakened eyes. a eae RECURRENT OR PERIODIC OPHTHALMIA. RECURRENT or periodic ophthalmia is a more serious disease than the one we have just been considering. It is fortunately rather rare, but we have 213 had several cases under treatment of late. These, fortunately, have all done well, Recurrent: ophthalmia depends -upon constitutional disturbance, induced by malhygienic conditions. Heredity is also a potent factor in predisposing to this disease. One should always bear this in mind, as no animal subject to it should be used for stud purposes. It has been noticed that animals bred in low-lying damp districts, are more liable to contract recurrent ophthalmia, than those living in healthy well-drained districts. As a rule, this disease attacks one eye only, and ‘the pupil of the disordered visual organ at first is seen to be contracted. It usually comes on very suddenly. There is no difficulty in distinguishing it from simple ophthalmia, to which affection it bears a general resemblance, from the fact that the whole eye being involved in the recurrent form, the inner parts assume a dull yellowish clouded aspect. An attack of recurrent ophthalmia runs through its acute stage in about eight days. The inflammation. then abates somewhat, and the animal becomes a little more tolerant of light ; but a relapse, even when the best therapeutic measures have been adopted, will nevertheless sometimes occur, and the eye becomes almost or quite as bad as before. In the general way, about a couple of months elapses between each attack, but in the interval the eye is not restored to its normal condition. Unless cured, the relapses become’ frequent, and the disorgani- sation of the eye becomes so complete, as to cause total blindness. The first attack of recurrent ophthalmia is generally the most severe, and its symptoms the most intense. The eyelids become very inflamed and red, and the animal cannot bear to open them, or allow his head to be touched. Early and judiciots treatment. is absolutely essential in treating recurrent ophthalmia. A dose of aloes should be given in the first instance, and the animal should be confined in a large, darkened, loose airy box, and fed upon laxative diet. Internally, a drench, containing liquor ammonii acetatis four ounces, bicarbonate of potassium half an ounce, and ‘spirit of nitrous ether one ounce, may be given in several ounces of water three times daily. Locally, a few drops of a lotion of four grains of sulphate of atropine to an ounce of water, : should be placed in the corner of the affected eye, three_times daily. In the region of the head, behind the ear, a seton should be placed ; or, if this be not done, the same part may be thoroughly blistered with a mixture of ointment of cantharides and of biniodide of mercury. The food should be of a more nutritious kind, after the acute stage’ is over, and the drenches may then also be discontinued. These measures are generally effectual in curing the complaint. Should a relapse occur, the same steps must be repeated. The treatment sometimes carried out-in this affection .is very strange, and founded on no scientific principles. AMAUROSIS AND CATARACT. By amaurosis, we understand an affection of the eye in which.the organ assumes aglassy appearance. It is frequently caused by derangement of the optic nerve, which expands to form the retina or nervous layer of the 214 eye, and generally involves both visual organs at the same time. The pupil does not react to light, that is, it does not contract and dilate, when light is admitted into, and shut out from, the eye. The lids are wide open; and, when both eyes are affected, the animal is quite blind. This affection, when dependent upon disease of the nerve itself, is incurable; but, when it depends upon other causes, the eye may possibly be restored again to its normal condition. Therapeutic measures will usually avail nothing for the cure of this affection. Among the actual causes of this disease, are the growth of tumours in the brain, and blows on the eye. By cataract, we understand an opaque condition of the lens of the eye, or of its capsule, which obscures the vision of the animal. It necessarily constitutes unsoundness, for, although it may be very small, it is nevertheless very liable to increase, and eventually results in blindness of the affected eye. It must be carefully distinguished from specks on the cornea, which are, as a rule, the result of previous inflammation. FINIS. Abdominal form of influenza .., : “S Abscess in strangles ... : 88 10 Absorbents, inflammation, of. me 25 Acarus scabiei 117 Accumulations in ‘the bowels, a ‘cause. of ‘obstruction 73 Achorion Schonleinii.... ti “ee aan w. 120 Acid, boric... : 173, 196 »» carbolic “ar, 355 173: 174 3, lactic... , 32 Aconite, poisoning by 106 Act, want of, to prevent the spread of anthrax ‘among horses, sheep, cattle, and other animals ca he ae 16 Actinomyces. ee ( vide Introduction ) Actinomycosis (vide Introduction} Actual cautery ' Acute bronchitis », farcy... a gastritis 3 gilanders 3, indigestion ... aye » pleurisy pneumonia i Age, effects of, in roaring Air, vitiated supply of ‘ Alcohol, in pulmonary congestion Alimentary system, diseases of Aloes, seemed of pene best qualities of Alteratives . Amaurosis ... Amy] nitrite in asthma Anemia, after ee diseases Anzesthetics, general .. she Aneurism, verminous Animal Parasites «ss Animal Parasites, a cause of disease Anthracoid, Angina .. we diseases ... Anthrax. av » _ bacillus of » causesof ... 4, distribution of » historical review of ... »; inoculation for prevention of: >» prophylaxis of ys symptoms of 3, treatment of... i , 195, 208 Kas AT 14 63 . 1, 13 61 52 51 ‘39 II 50 55 co lit 213 42 7 207 - (cde Inti action) 21 21 15 18 16 15 16 21 21 19 21 216 ‘ PAGE Antimony, poisoning by aca sia ae sich ve: 109 Antiseptic treatment of anthrax | ses 28 ii 21 % ” equinia (or glanders and tarey) sa aaa ay 15 ay wounds see wi wee “EIS Aphtha Sui ha “ais age a she sins aids 67 Apoplectic enteritis ... fe as as sits ois ie 69 . Apoplexy, pulmonary we ee ra ome a ++ 49, 50 ee splenic... a a ae saat Bi ae 15 Arsenic, in broken wind ate ues ae sa or ee 44 », poisoning by anc fa wie ba we 104 symptoms of .. ot he eee = oe 104, Axthritic rheumatism, acute... : sa wie ai sind? 32 58 chronic se ae a sie vee 34. Ascarides ... tos ste ait See ws ie Ascaris megalocephela aa ii ise ‘as Sale a 82 Asthma, etiology of ... dias pg awe a he ca 41 ap symptoms of tla oe oe ag ani Se be 41 ei treatment of tae wae ie a 42 Astier, germ theory started by... 5 da te ( vide Introduction ) Atmosphere, transmission of diseases by oo Sat ee vide Introducttan) Atropine... asd a sis are wee 212 Auscultation in pleurisy : op ie nas 53 \ Azoturia, definition, symptoms, and treatment of B. Bacillus anthracis... ats st ae 288 a ex 18 5, _ tuberculosis ... es aie ioe aX ve Bi 13 Back, broken ae 2a see ithe is ane we 188 »» sprained bce os a ant noe ee we = «184 Bacteria... a6 ae one ace ve 13, 18 Bael fruit in diarrhoea ito ies win deh 8 : 75 bandages... sie ee oe ss ees as 50, 180 Jiar-shoe ia oi tee ales Aiers 1138 Learing-rein, a cause ‘of poll- -evil ane Aid xis Sans ws. 201 Benign, or simple eae a tea ats sai on ae 8 _ Big-head_... es oe ant a w. 206 Bile in the blood, a cause of jaundice’ a8 se aaa a Bes a \ Bilious influenzay ... see aa aie oe we $5 5 Birds, anthrax le a cee ee “ ish oe rae 15 Bladder, diseases of . ‘ne oe aes ait age nia 90 a stonein .. sti 56 oe sis oe sige 90 Blain, or murrain in cattle idle 5 ae Ms ity sie 16 Bleeding, general remarks on ... age she sit ae ws 209 3, method of .. ans ae cine Pan et we 210 arr) in enteritis aa soe aie ain eee 72 », inflammation of the bali wee sin ei a sss 100 ‘i sa lungs one wae vies “ 52 Blistering ... ase Ba es as ss 192, 195, 196, "199, 209 Blood, effusion of ... a sg sts ee ove 71 » intheurine ... oe ie oe ase ee aes 89 Blood-letting iiss win a oes eo ws 209 Blood-spavin er i wee we cs 199 Bloody flux, or dysentery Ey a ase igs one a 76 Bog spavin ae wees gs ne ded ve * 198 Bones, cannon iat ais dias a bas ae ae 129 >» carpal 2a sa si ai a we: 129 4 cothn fo ae ae vist se sie 131, 132 », fractures of ... Age igs oe sie we ages, (EB x» hock sat is oe aut win wi 192, 193 >> navicular wat ste sa wie bie ae 129, 138 217 Bones, pastern » pedal x» skull x» Splint x tarsal ~ Bone-spavin Boric acid, and boro- relyeeride.. Bots Bran- mashes | igs Brain, anatomy of the 3, diseases of the », functions of the »» inflammation of the », tumours in the water in the Breathing, abdominal 55 in broken-wind Broken-back a Broken-knees Broken-wind 55 _ symptoms of ; a treatment of F Brorchi Sas : Bronchitis : ee acute : 35 chronic : oy mechanical » . secondary... Brushing or cutting ... ‘Calcium chloride, as a disinfectant Calculi ia the bladder 5 bowel ... eae kidney.., Calkins, high sine ‘Calomel in tetanus Camphor in diarrhoea Canker , Canon-bone, fracture of Cantkharides as a Sle : cystitis a poisoning |. Cape-horse sickness ... Capped-elbow _ »» hock a knee i Carbolic acid in anthrax 48 2s rabies »» . wounds Carbonate of ammonium ‘Carbuncle of the coronary band Cardiac diseases- Cataract Catarrh Cautery, actual is Cerebellum, functions of _Cerebrum ane ‘Charbon Check-ligament, anatomy of sprains of ” "192, 193 173; 196 “ne, III 98, 99, 100, IOI, 102 193 187 110 16 200 199 21 aa 35 173, 174 37, 48, 112 we 158 213 44 208 she ; 97 os 02, 93) 66 05% is E. 180 ~ 218 Chest, examination of Chloride of es for sprains Chloroform .. Chorea, causes and treatment of Chronic bronchitis Clasping for sand-crack Clysters on di Cold, common , influence of, in causing tinned wind | te »» influence of, in causing disease of the digestive organs Digestive organs asa i iiss si diseases of ... cee Digitalis, as a remedy in cases of broken-wind Disease, causes of », Classification of » «germs of Diseases of the alimentary tract a bladder a bowels aii brain ia Ra ax bronchi. See a. sf digestive organs 35 eye ‘ 49 212 - aa | Spe (vide Introduction ) 138, 139, 140, 141 94 212 152 157 158 138 109 44 37 36 193 123 68 183 ot re 42, 43 (vide Introduction) ne, S55. s+ 90, OI is 69 219 ‘ Diseases of the heart ” kidneys Saye larynx 9 liver ... +s mouth ie 9 nervous system ” aed mets system ae Spinal cord 9 skin .. ss 53 due to animal parasites $9 », due to nee parasites tongue “ tee Disinfectants Dislocation of the knee- -cap Dislocation treated ee ane Distemper ... Dropsical effusion Dysentery ... : ‘Dyspepsia, acute ne chronic Eczema... Elastic bandage Elbow, capped sie +» Sprain of the.. Elephantiasis Embryo of the echinococcus Emphysema gen ‘Emprosthototonos Encephalitis Entozoa we Enzootic paraplegia ... Enemas Enteritis... Epidemic catarrhal fever } Epilepsy Ergotised grain Erythema Euphorbium or spurge, poisoning by Eye, diseases of the ... False quarter Farcy, acute >, - chronic 'Favus Febricula Feeding... a oo Feet, contraction of the yi as 3, inflammation of the 3» injuries of the . ») Pricks of the. » shoeing of the .. Fetlock-joint, sprain of the 5 thorough-pin of the Fever, rheumatic .. ase >, scarlet 2, splenic : oS 142, 122 180 200 185. 85 42 26 100 79° 107 69° 101 107 126 110 112 — 220 Firing ee a a am ae oa ion we 208 » stripe Par enn “a ais di wh we 208 »> prick aie wal sie fee Sie a ve 208 Fistulous withers... aes ae oe See oe = 202 Flat worms dis ee ds me ee fe chs 84 Flatulent colic ae aus sits 28 ae ait we 65 Fleam ae tee a oe ais ae ae iss _ 210 Fleming, Dr, wee aia ds ws abe won 8, 11, 118 Fomentations “05 aus A wee ae ots w2 180 Food one tne ais ate ie 8 eK aise 55 Foot, anatomy of the Ses Bee sis a dh we 129 Fracture, comminuted wae fe wins sae wes ve 187 ‘3 compound ... ss wis ine ii sits ww «= 187 3 simple on se seh ae ade Kes we 487 Friction sounds in pleurisy ... ns vite jiad ve see 53 Frog, diseases of the... se sas ais wig er cat “EGO! >» wounds of the... ro aes iat idle ise aes 159° Functions, of the brain ate a a bs adie sale 96 is of the cerebellum ... vie sn $e See sah 96 53 kidneys ... wits ee ae ha at wae 87 -Gad-fly ae wih vi hs sie ah i st 79 Gall-bladder i oo wae a fe 6a ui 77 Galvanism in roaring... ae sea rhe a8 se te 41 Gamgee on broken wind ne wa a wie eas pai 42 Gastritis, acute aes hag Mise as ee ea 2 63. », chronic ee ae ota ee ew wid eax 63 Gastric juice eas eae dis ses is pita as 60 Gastrophilus equi id Ba ee si 79 Germs S36 baie sala (vide Introduction) also pages 12, 13, 18 Germ, theory Sou ies .. (vide Introduction) also pages 12, 13, 18 Glanders, acute ro aes ais ie es wie tive lI i chronic... ao as a re ec wes 14 -Glossanthrax sath 2 a esis Sap ait igs 21 Glossitis ... 96s aie ae es oe ia waa 68 ‘Gorged stomach ass ve kine said ie Re aie 61 Grapes chs te wee 08 ain sage, ide we 124 Grass-staggers sie sis mes nee bad ne ws 107 Grease we ss hs ate a ae seis we 124 Gresswell, Charles ... “is sae sais ans +++ 32, 102, 196 3) Dr. Albert es nit en ate (vide Title-page) 5 George... ee sige sea at (vide Title-page) ai James Brodie . iG a at (wide Title-page) si the late Mr. D.... «» 8, 15, 21, 29, 32, 104, 105, 108, 109, 208 Grunting awa tae ate on — oh a 38 Gullet va ves ae me Re oe aes ve 204 Gunshot wounds sis ba ani sis a's ine ws 170 Giinther, removal of cartilage by, in roaring wate one sis said 41 H. Hematuria ... ae iss we ia a eae sea 89 Heemorrhage, into the lungs... sit at et as Kah 49 a { into the intestinal canaly ... ald ae ane ope 69 Heart sounds Bes : aa : 33 Heart, diseases of the ae Heat, natural 2a wea ae aie aie wey eee Gy TS Hellebore, poisoning by ee i dies ak a ve 108 Heredity, influence of, in the causation of broken-wind ‘ er aH nervous diseases 8 ate 04 yy ” 33 ” 22 ” Hernia, inguinal 3, umbilical Historical review of anthrax »» glanders Hock, capped »> . Sprung Honey-comb, ringworm Hoof, contraction of .. >» Split... Horn tumours Hydrocephalus Hydrophobia Hydrothorax Immobilité ... Impaction, gastric Incised wounds Incontinence of urine Indigestion, acute chronic ... _ Inflamed withers -Inflammation of the bladder a bowels 7 brain - bronchi es feet a heart Ka intestines ... os kidneys a darynx ie liver a8 lungs 7 mouth wi pleura a stomach .... 39 throat tongue... Influence of age in the causation of disease *5 breed 3? heredity + Influenza ae Inguinal hernia Injuries to the feet Inoculation for anthrax hydrophobia “Intermittence of the heart. Intestinal diseases 3, obstruction... »» rupture ” twists Intestines, diseases of the Introduction i Intussusception Iodine, in cases of glanders Ipecacuanha, in cases of ao Trregularity of the heart ( wile LD troduction ) neg 2a ve 39 39, 99 (vide also Introduction ): 203 159° Jaundice Joint, open .. » oil Keratoma Kidneys, anatomy of the 5 congestion of the a functions of the in inflammation of the ... Knee, anatomy of the 3, broken Lacerated wounds Lactic acid . Lameness in ‘founder o or r laminitis 34 navicular disease .. sy from spavin as from splint aif a from sprung-hock Laminitis, acute i sic ” chronic aa sub-acute ... Lampas Laryngitis, acute Fe cedematous Lead, poisoning by Lice Life- History ‘of the gadfly 35 tape-worm . Liver, congestion of the >» functions of the >» inflammation of the Lock-jaw... Loins, paralysis of the oe Loodianah disease, or anthrax... Lumbricoid worms Lungs, congestion of the 5, inflammation of the Lymphangitis or weed Mad staggers Malignant growths Mallenders ... _ Mange a Mash, bran .. Mechanical bronchitis Megrims , Meningitis ... Mercurial poisoning . wee Metastasis in rheumatic fever Method of bleeding 222 PAGE 202 202 ss 100 -¢ vide Le ) eae a 72, 111 47 99 100 109 33 209 223 Microscopic structure of the kidneys 35: ss liver nervous system Monday morning disease “ = Moist and dry cough .. ‘Motor paralysis ... Mouth, diseases of the Mud-fever ... 3 _ Muscles, sprain of .. * Muscular atrophy of the larynx 5 rheumatism Navicular disease ° Nematode worms Nephritis Nerves 3 Nervous system, general remarks on the PF diseases of the ” functions of the Nettle-rash ... Neuroglia Neuwrotomy .. ay ~ Nitrogenous u urine in azoturia ... . Nostrils, pumestion a of the Nux vomica.. + Obstruction, intestinal Occult spavin ; CEdematous laryngitis | (Enanthe crocata, roe by (Esophagus sean of.. Cistrus equi. Open joint ... Operations ... se aan is A io administration of anwsthetics... 5 bleeding + 45 firing ” neurotomy Operation for sand-crack Ophthalmia, recurrent » simple ... ar Opium, poisoning Rie? sie, Osteoporosis ag se Ostitis Over-reach ... Oxaluria Oxyuride Oxyuris curvula Ozcena Pain in enteritis eee of the heart Palsy, lead . 144, 169 ‘108, 204 "145, 169 138 88 95 94 94 121 95 28 45 40 72 194 46 110 202 207 207 209 208 145 212 212 109. 206 196 157 28 82 45 7O 107 - Paralysis, motor 5) reflex i of the facial nerve of the lips.. Paraplegia ates as ig Enzootica Parasites, animal » vegetable ... a », skin diseases due to. Parasitic skin diseases. Parotid-duct, open... Pasteur, on anthrax ... a hydrophobia 224 ai perfection of the germ theory by Pastern bones Patella, dislocation of Pathology of inflammation oo laminitis Bit navicular disease _ seedy toe Pea, Indian.. ¥ Percivall,’on laminitis | ae choking... Periodic opthalmia Periosteotomy Phenol, iodised ‘ Physiology of the brain and cord 5 kidney ia liver Pink-eye Plethoric horses, bleeding Of sss Pleurisy, symptoms and treatment of Pneumonia, acute Bh chronic ... Pointing in navicular disease Poisoning by aconite... 53 antimony 45 arsenic ... a bryony wee ra cantharides * 5 euphorbium or spurge 33 hellebore 5 lead, m opium ... 3 savin ... ig water drop- -wort .. yew tree foliage .. Poisons as causes of disease Poll-evil Polyuria Poultry lousiness . Potassium, bicarbonate of - bromide of © 2 chlorate of a iodide of .. or ‘sy nitrate of (or nitre)... Pressure “a we Pricks in shoeing Prevention of speedy-cut e anthrax Probang, use of iv hydrate of (or caustic ¢ potash) | PAGE as 107 _ 107 Iol Io1 107 w. -107 79, 117 sath we «TIQ: an see. A 117 10 z pas vide Iiieoraeits 5 129, I 189 69 133- 138- 154. .17 137 204 212 192 re vide Fethodeetin d IIo Ilo 108 107 109: IIo II IOI (4 also Gilets D) 201 27 we IQ 33, 125. sie, TOL .» 40, 68 is we 128 s+ 275 37) 53, IOI a