8 F 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 
 
 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 
 
 ^'".'vl^^^^ff 
 
Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1879, 
 
 By William D. Cole, 
 
 In the Office of the Librarian of Congress. 
 

 M 
 
 THE 
 
 FAEMEES' HAm).BOOK 
 
 -OF- 
 
 VETERINARY MEDICINE. 
 
 -BY- 
 
 W. D. COLE, M. D. V. S., 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
 MANKATO, MINN., 
 1880. 
 
THE 
 
 iFamiTslIVinli-lanli 
 
 fETERlNiRT MEDICINE. 
 
 A RATIONAL GUIDE 
 
 TO THE LATEST METHOD OF TREATING THE PRINCIPAL DISEASES TO 
 WHICH THE EQUINE RACE ARE SUBJECT, AND ESPECIALLY DE- 
 SIGNED FOR THE USE OF THE FARMER LIVING OUT OF THE 
 REACH OF :MEDICAL ADVICE, SHOWING HIM A WAY OF 
 TREATING HIS HORSES WHEN THEY ARE SICK, 
 IN THE MOST SIMPLE, SAFE AND EXPI- 
 DITIOUS MANNER, V.'ITH ALL THE 
 REQUISITE PRESCRIPTIONS 
 WRITTEN IN PLAIN 
 ENGLISH. 
 ALSO 
 
 A- SHORT CHAPTER ON THE HORSES' FOOT, 
 
 WITH SUITABLE INSTRUCTION ON SHOEING, 
 — BY— 
 
 ^\ II.LIA.3X 13. COLE, ]>X. jy. ^. S., 
 
 Late Veterinary Surgeon U. S. A. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR: 
 
 MANKATO MINNESOTA, 1880. 
 
 ^31 j 
 
 /c 
 
 ]M A N K A T O : 
 Geo. Y\\ Neff, Book and Job Printer. 
 
 1880. 
 
TO 
 
 CHARLES F. WARNER, M. D., 
 As a testiinouy for many acts of kindness which the author has received, and as an 
 appreciation of his medical skill, this book is respectfully dedicated by his most 
 humble servant, 
 
 WILLIAM I). COLE. 
 
 S^A 
 
 S\ 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 In presenting this little work to the public, the author is conscious that he is tread- 
 ing on dangerous ground ; for, in order to be popular with the people, an author must 
 necessarily express views in accordance with the stereotyped opinions of his readers. 
 When he deviates from this path, he must expect that blows will fall thick and fast, 
 from tie right hand and from the lef . 
 
 With a perfect understanding of the existing prejudices among a large majority of 
 horse owners, against a rational method of treating their diseased animals, we ven- 
 ture to oflTer them wholesome advice : and are willing to abide the consequences of 
 our rashness. 
 
 The country has been flooded with "horse literature" : yet, to the average reader, it 
 is not worth the paper on which it is printed. And why ? Because, 1st : He does 
 not understand it. The writers have been so technical, that their works have been 
 unintelligible, except to the highly educated. Second : The most of the veterinary 
 works in use, eminate from the old country, where Equine diseases are very differ- 
 ent from what they are in this country ; besides, the treatment prescribed, is vague 
 and unsatisfactory. 
 
 While the science of Human Medicine has been progressing with gigantic strides ; 
 Veterinary Medicine has remained at nearly a stand still for nearly fifty years. 
 Bleeding, purging and emetics have been discontinued— except in rare cases— from 
 Human practice; yet in Vetrinary practice, we find the average "Horse Doctor", bleed- 
 ing, giving cathartics, and using the Seton, for nearly every disease to which the 
 Equine race are subject. 
 
 If a human being is sick, his friends— with all haste— send for the best physician 
 that can be found. How different with the poor brute slave. Nearly every man 
 that owns a horse— however ignorant he may be— thinks that he is capable of treat- 
 ing poor animated natiire, and the poor horse is forced to swallow all the villainous 
 compounds that can be devised by the master and his neighbors, until, fearing that he 
 will lose his slave, he sends for some "Horse Doctor", equally ignorant with himself, 
 to come and see the poor old horse die. He will not employ an educated vetrinarian ; 
 
but he must have some one equally ignorant with himself. From this class of hu- 
 manity, the author expects harsh ancVsevere criticism. 
 
 In this matter, however, there is no such thing as compulsion. They are at liberty 
 to read the book, or to let it alone, as it may suit their convenience. 
 
 The book was written for the benefit of another class of men— though largely in the 
 minoritj'— who practice humanity toward their animals, when they are well, and 
 when sick, strive to alleviate their sufferiu^-5. 
 
 The author having determined to relinquish the pra ctice of Vetrinary Medicine— 
 upon the earnest solicitation of friends— concluded to place his past experience be- 
 fore the public; and if by so doing, the condition of the Equine race while suifering 
 from disease, should be ameliorated, it will be ample remuneration for all the criti- 
 cism the work will bring forth. 
 
 The work has been hastily written, and in many respects is far from being perfect. 
 In the description of disease, and in giving their symptoms the author has sometimes 
 copied from "text books", but tlie treatment in nearly everj- case, is original. No 
 form of treatment, and no remedies are given but such as have been thoroughly tested 
 during a practice of more than twenty years, with the most gratifying results. No 
 remedies are recommended but such as are perfectly safe, when given in proper doses ; 
 as they are the same remedies which are given every day to human beings, by the 
 best physicians of the land. 
 
 The author feels confident that this work — though diminutive in size— will prove a 
 lasting benefit to every owner of the horse, who may faithfully follow its instructions. 
 Only the diseases which are the most common are treated, it is true, yet it would be 
 folly in a work of this kind, to try and instruct every one how to treat diseases that 
 can only be txeated by a skillful practitioner. By keeping a fev/ of tlie remedies al- 
 waj's on hand, and attending to a sick animal promptly at the first ax-»pearance of dis- 
 ease ; in the majoritj' of cases not only can money be saved, but the life of the animal 
 also. 
 
 In the article on shoeing, the author speaks from practical knowledge, and advises 
 every owner of a horse to give the advice there given, a thorough trial ; then if he is 
 not satisfied with the theory', he Avill be at liberty to discard it. 
 
 With these few remarks, we take leave of this little work, trusting that the recom- 
 mendation herein given, may prove of lasting benefit to all who read its pages. 
 
 The Author. 
 
HINTS TO BE REMEMBERED. 
 
 It is easier to keep a horse in health, than to cure him when sick. 
 
 Never give a horse more than one pail of water at a time. 
 
 It is not the amount of food which a horse eats that benefits him, 
 but the amount that is properly digested. Therefore, feed no more 
 than the stomach will thoroughly digest. 
 
 Never increase the feed on account of a hard day's work. 
 
 Feed your horses regular, and at stated periods. 
 
 After driving your horses to the market town, do not let them 
 stand out in the wind and cold, thinking thereby to save ten cents with 
 which to buy whisky. Better by far to pay the ten cents for sta- 
 bling your horses, and do without the whisky. 
 
 When your horses are sick, never give them any medicine that you 
 would not take yourself under similar circumstances, even if your 
 neighbors do recommend it. 
 
 Bots never kill a horse, or make him sick ; therefore, do not keep 
 drugging your horses for bots. 
 
 Glanders cannot be- cured, therefore, it is a safe method to slaughter 
 the animal as soon as the disease manifests itself. 
 
 Never permit the blacksmith to pare the frog of your horse's foot ; 
 or to*fit the shoe while hot. 
 
 Keep always on hand a few simple remedies, that you may ad- 
 minister them in season, and thereby, perhaps save the life of your 
 animal. 
 
 Hens' inwards, soft soap, ash«s, or filth of any kind were never in- 
 
6 
 
 tended to enter the stomach of any animal, therefore, should never 
 be administered. 
 
 Medicines that should always be kept in the stable : 
 
 Tincture of Aconite, dose for a horse, - 10 drops. 
 
 Belladona, " " " 10 drops. 
 
 " Golycinth, " " " 5 to 10 drops. 
 
 Fluid Extract Gelsemium, " " " 10 drops. 
 
 Tincture Arnica, " " " 10 drops. 
 
 Sulphate of Morphia, " " " 5 to 5 grains. 
 
 Tincture Opium, " " " 1 to 2 ounces. 
 
 Sulphuric Either, " " " 1 to 2 ounces. 
 
 Raw Linseed Oil, " " *" 1 to 2 quarts. 
 
 An 8 or 10 ounce syringe and a drenching bottle should also be kept 
 
 in every stable where there are horses. 
 
 A bottle of black Oil for which a formula will be found in the back 
 part of the book, and a bottle of the No. 1 Liniment, should also be 
 kept prepared ready for use. 
 
 Slxoeing". 
 
 The object in shoeing horses is to prevent the hoofs from being 
 "broken or otherwise injured, as would naturally result from driving 
 over our hard roads unprotected. 
 
 A horse without sound feet is of little value ; hence the necessity 
 of protecting the feet by artificial means against the abuses incident 
 to the life of an animal which before being domesticated to a life of 
 slavery, roamed at will o'er the vast extended plains of the East, feed- 
 ing on green grasses, drinking from the running brook, and provided 
 by a benificent Providence, with a soft velvety carpet — moistened by 
 the dews and rains of Heaven — to walk upon. 
 
 It is claimed by those writers who have made themselves conver- 
 sant with the habits of the horse in his wild or native state, that a 
 horse, lame from any defects of their feet is seldom if ever seen. 
 Many men arguing from this standpoint claim, that it being natural 
 for horses to go barefoot, it is folly to go to the expense of getting 
 them shod. While reasoning thus, they overlook one very important 
 point. A horse domesticated, is not the same animal as the horse in 
 his wild or natural state. The domesticated horse feeds on dry food, 
 stands on a hard dry floor, and travels on dry hard roads. Durin 
 the summer season there are weeks and oftentimes months, that the 
 
feet do not come in contact with moisture, and in consequence, the 
 hoofs become dry, hard and brittle. In this condition the hoofs are 
 liable to become broken or cracked', rendering the animal lame and 
 unfit for service. 
 
 To prevent this it is necessary that artificial means should be adop- 
 ted to preserve the feet from injury. — First, means should be adop- 
 ted to keep the feet soft and pliable. This subject will be treated 
 more fully hereafter. Second, the best method of protecting the feet 
 from injury is by the aid of shoes. 
 
 The feet are the basis upon which the whole superstructure rests, 
 a beautiful and complicated piece of mechanism, and, like all com- 
 plicated machinery, easily deranged ; hence, the necessity of preserv- 
 ing it in a healthy state, to accomplish which, shoeing has been in- 
 stituted, which, when properly done, has the desired effect. The 
 shoe has two very important offices to perform : 1st., to preserve the 
 hoof in its natural shape ; 2nd., to protect it from injury. 
 
 In order to properly understand the principles of shoeing, it is nec- 
 essary that we should understand the structure of the horse's foot, 
 and with this view we will briefly consider some of its anatomical 
 relations. 
 
 The foot is composed of the horny box that covers the extremities 
 of the horse, and the contents of that box. The hoof or box is com- 
 posed of the crust or wall, the coronary ring and band, the bars, the 
 horny lamince (layers,) the sole, and the horny frog. 
 
 The crust, or ivaU, is that portion which is seen when the foot is 
 placed on the ground, and reaches from the termination of the hair 
 to the ground. 
 
 The crust is composed of numerous horny fibres, connected togeth- 
 er by an elastic membraneous substance, and extending from the cor- 
 onet to the base of the hoof. It differs materially in its texture, its 
 elasticity, its growth, and its occasional brittleness according to the 
 state in which it is kept, and the circumstances that are acting upon it. 
 
 The thickness of the crust in the front of the foot, is rather more 
 than half an inch ; it becomes gradually thinner toward the quarters 
 and heels, but this often varies to a considerable extent. 
 
 While the crust becomes thinner towards both quarters, it is more 
 so at the inner quarter than at the outer, because more weight is 
 thrown upon it than upon the outer. It is more under the horse, 
 and being thinner, it is able to expand more. Its elasticity is called 
 more into play, and concussion and injury are avoided. When the 
 
expansion of the quarters is prevented by their being nailed to an un- 
 bending shoe, the inner quarter suffers most. Corns are oftenest 
 found there ; contraction begins there ; sand-crack is seated there. 
 Nature meant that this should be the most yielding part, in order to 
 obviate concussion, because on it the weight is principally thrown, 
 and therefore, when its power of yielding is taken away it must be 
 the first to suffer. 
 
 A careful observer will likewise perceive that the inner quarter is 
 higher than the outer. While it is thin to yield to the shock, its in- 
 creased surface gives it sufficient strength. 
 
 At the back part of the foot the wall of the hoof, instead of contin- 
 uing round and forming a circle, is suddenly bent in, making an in- 
 flection or bending at the heel. The bars are, in fact, a continuation 
 of the crust, forming an acute angle, and meeting at a point at the 
 toe of the frog; and the inside of the bars, like the inside of the crust, 
 presents a continuation of the horny leaves, showing that it is a part 
 of the same substance, and helping to discharge the same office. 
 
 It needs only the slightest consideration of the natural hoof, to 
 show the importance of the bars. The arch which these form on 
 either side, between the frog and the quarters, is admirably contriv- 
 ed, both to admit of, and to limit to its proper extent, the expansion 
 of the foot. 
 
 When the foot is placed on the ground, and the weight of the ani- 
 mal is thrown on the leaves of the- inside of the bars, these arches 
 will shorten and widen, in order to admit of the expansion of the 
 quarters — the bow returning to its natural curve, and powerfully as- 
 sisting the foot in regaining its usual form. It can also be conceived 
 that these bars must form a powerful protection against contraction, 
 or luiring in, of the quarters. A moment's inspection of the natural 
 foot will show that, if the bars are taken away, there will be nothing 
 to resist contraction or falling in of the quarters, when the foot is 
 exposed to any disease, or bad management, that would induce it to 
 contract- One moments observation of them will also render evi- 
 dent the security which they afford to the frog, and the effectual pro- 
 tection which they give to the lateral portions of the foot. 
 
 Then appears the necessity of passing lightly over them, and leav- 
 ing prominent, when the foot is pared for shoeing, that which so 
 many smiths cut perfectly away. They imagine that it gives a more 
 open appearance to the foot ; and thus they too often habitually 
 pursue, with regard to all their customers, the injurious practice of 
 
9 
 
 removing the bars. The horny frog thus deprived of its guard, will 
 speedily contract, and become elevated and thrushy ; and the whole 
 of the heel, having lost the power of reaction which the curve be- 
 tween the bar and the crust gave it, will speedily fall in. 
 
 The inside of the crust is covered by thin horny leaves, extending 
 all round it, and reaching from the coronary ring to the toe. They 
 are about five hundred in number, broadest at their base, and termi- 
 nating in the most delicate expansion of horn. They not a little re- 
 semble the inner surface of a mushroom. 
 
 They correspond with similar cartilaginous and fleshy leaves on 
 the surface of the coftin-bone, and form a beautiful elastic body, by 
 which the v/hole v/eight of the horse is supported. 
 
 is under, and occupies the greater portion of the concave and elastic 
 surface of the foot, extending from the crust to the bars and frog. It 
 is not as thick as the crust, because, notwithstanding its situation, it 
 does not support so much weight as the crust ; and because it was in- 
 tended to expand, in order to prevent concussion, when by the de- 
 scent of the bone of the foot, Ihe weight was thrown upon it. 
 
 In a state of nature it is, to a certain degree hollow. The reason 
 of this is plain. It is intended to descend or yield with the weight of 
 the horse, and by that gradual descent or yielding, most materially 
 lessens the shock which would result from the sudden action of the 
 weight of the animal in rapid and violent exercise ; and this descent 
 can only be given by a hollow sole. A flat sole, already pressing up- 
 on the ground, could not be brought lower ; nor could the function 
 of the frog be then discharged ; nor would the foot have so secure a 
 hold. When if the sole is naturally hollow, and hollow because it 
 must descend, the smith should not interfere with this important ac- 
 tion. When the foot will bear it, he must pare out sufficient of the 
 horn to preserve the proper concavity. He must put on a shoe that 
 shall not only not prevent the descent of the sole, and which shall 
 not only not press upon it, but shall leave sufficient room between it 
 and the sole to admit of this descent. 
 
 THE FROG. 
 
 In the space between the bars, and accurately filling it, is the frog. 
 It is a triangular portion of horn, projecting from i.he sole, almost on 
 a level with the crust, and covering and defending a soft and elastic 
 substance called the sensible frog. It is firmly united to the sole 
 
10 
 
 but is perfectly distinct from it. It is softer and far more elastic. It 
 discharges various duties beside the one above named. It comes in 
 contact with the ground and prevents the horse from slipping, espec- 
 ially when the heel comes first to the ground as in galloping. 
 
 To discharge these various duties, it must come in contact with the 
 ground, and in the unshod horse it always does. The practice of 
 cutting away the frog in shoeing, is therefore highly improper. 
 Even the rough and detached parts should not be touched with the 
 knife, as they do no harm, and will wear away if let alone. The 
 crust or wall of the hoof should be pared sufficiently to bring the frog 
 just above or within the level of the shoes. It will then, in the descent 
 of the sole, when the weight of the horse is thrown upon it in the 
 putting down of the foot, descend likewise, and pressing upon the 
 ground, do its duty ; while it will be defended from the wear and 
 bruise and injury that it would receive if it came upon the ground 
 with the first and full shock of the weight. The frog is of a spongy, 
 elastic nature, furnished with a hard or horny covering, which if left 
 alone, will in due time shed its covering in a natural way. When 
 this horny covering is cut away, there is no protecting surface left, 
 and the action of the atmosphere on this unprotected surface 
 produces or causes an absorbtion of what moisture there is in the 
 frog, and in consequence the frog becomes dry and contracted ; it 
 serves no longer as a cushion for the bones of the foot to rest upon ; 
 aids no longer in the expansion of the quarters, and results the most 
 serious may ensue. 
 
 It has been proved by long experience, that the sensitive parts 
 within the hoof do not suffer so long as the frog remains in a healthy 
 condition, and the bearing of the animal is confined to the crust or 
 wall ; but when the frog becomes dry and contracted, and the weight 
 removed from its natural bearing, the foot soon becomes diseased. 
 Hence, if the sole of the foot bear against the shoe to any consider- 
 able degree, the fleshy or inner sole becomes bruised between the 
 shoe and the horny sole below, and the coffin-bone above, the horse 
 soon becomes lame in consequence. It is obvious, therefore, that 
 the crust or wall being the natural bearing of the horse's foot, it 
 should be carefully protected, and confine the bearing of the shoe to 
 that part of the foot. A shoe of the breadth of the crust would de- 
 fend the foot sufficiently as long as it would last ; but in consequence 
 of its rapid wear, such a shoe would only be applicable for tempora- 
 ry purposes 
 
11 
 
 To give all the support the crust can receive, and at the same time 
 to make the shoe sufficiently strong to wear a reasonable time, the 
 upper surface of the shoe should be divided into two parts. The first 
 or outer margin should be perfectly level, and of the width of the 
 crust; the second, the inner margin, beveled inward so as to avoid 
 pressure upon the sole, leaving the heels of the shoe perfectly level 
 from the quarters backward. 
 
 For an ordinary sized foot, the nail-holes should be five in number ; 
 three holes in the outside of the shoe and two holes in the inside. 
 The holes should be placed near together, commencing as near the 
 toe as possible, so as to leave the quarters free to expand when the 
 weight is forced against the ground. For feet of larger size it is 
 proper to have seven nail-holes in each shoe ; four in the outside and 
 three in the inside. A shoe thus put on — if the work is properly 
 done — will remain a sufficient length of time for the welfare of the 
 foot. The object to be obtained by this method should not be over- 
 looked. It has been stated that the crust or wall of the inside of the 
 hoof is not as thick as that of the outside. The reason why nature 
 has made this discrimination, has also been fully explained. Now 
 by placing only two or three nails (according to the size of the foot) 
 in the inside of the shoe, the quarter is left free, and can expand at 
 will, as nature intended. By the common method of nailing on the 
 shoe, the hoof from the toe, to some distance back of the quarters 
 being confined to tlie unyielding iron prevents the foot from expan- 
 sion and favors contraction. 
 
 It must be borne in mind that no one form of shoe is applicable to 
 all forms and conditions of the feet. These instructions are intended 
 for the management of the healthy foot, for the purpose of preserv- 
 ing its healthy state : as it deviates from that standard, so must the 
 bearing of the shoe be altered to meet the altered conditions as they 
 occur. To more clearly illustrate this subject we have only to refer 
 to the injuries of shoeing as ordinarily practiced. Examine, if you 
 please, the ordinary shoe used on all occasions, and upon all forms 
 and conditions of the feet; place a level across the heels, and you 
 find the shoe at the quarters presents a concave surface, being bevel- 
 ed from without inward ; hence the foot rests in a concavity. When 
 such a shoe is nailed to the foot, it presents a lateral resistance to the 
 natural expansion of the foot, it being impossible for the heels to ex- 
 pand up these inclined planes : hence the tendency to force tliem in- 
 ward, so that they gradually become contracted. This is a natural 
 
12 
 
 result, and follows sooner or later in every case. On the other hanrl, 
 shoes properly made and fitted have never been known to cause con- 
 traction. 
 
 If we observe the foot in the early stages of contraction, we find 
 this horny case gradually becoming less ; it no longer accommodates 
 itself to the soft structure within its limits ; the result is, concussion 
 is greater, and the elasticity very much less ; in consequence of which 
 the parts become bruised, fever ensues, which still further facilitates 
 contraction of the hoof by absorbing its moisture. The first effect of 
 contraction is to bruise the sensitive portion of the hoof, and we soon 
 discover lameness in consequence. 
 
 Another evil in shoeing, which is calculated to do much mischief, 
 is the fitting of the shoe to the foot while hot. The application of the 
 shoe in this condition cannot be made — even under the most favor- 
 able circumstances — without causing much mJschief. As stated 
 above, the wall or crust, and the sole of the foot are composed of nu- 
 merous layers, or laminae, which expand more or less, every time the 
 weight of the animal is pressed upon them. It is calculated that this 
 expansion is equal to the covering of four square feet of surface for 
 each ordinary sized foot. Xow anything that will have a tendency to 
 diminish this expansion, must necessarily lead to contraction to a 
 greater or less extent. It is an impossibillity to hi ing a hot shoe in 
 contact with the hoof without destroying some of the laminae, or lay- 
 ers, and each layer destroyed diminishes to that extent, the natural 
 expansion of the foot ; besides, the heat thus produced, causes an un- 
 healthy secretion of horn for a long time after, rendering the animal 
 less sure-footed, and often causes lameness to follow its application. 
 The shoe should in all cases be fitted to the foot, and not the foot to 
 the shoe. This of course would be attended with more labor ; hence 
 the unwillingness of smiths to do it. Better by far would it be for 
 the owner to pay double price for shoeing his horse than to have in- 
 jury done by the application of the red-hot shoe. If the hoof is too 
 long it should be pared from the bottom of the foot; but never per- 
 mit the toe to be cut off from the front, giving the foot the appear- 
 ance of being "stubbed toed". Four or five weeks is as long as a 
 shoe ought to remain on the foot without being re-set, and the hoof 
 properly pared. The shoe should be no longer than is necessary for 
 the hoof to rest. The nails should be driven well up, the clinches 
 made smooth, but the enamel should in no case be rasped from the 
 hoof. There is one evil which prevails to a considerable extent, es- 
 
13 
 
 pecially among livery men, viz: the shoeing of horses with plates, in- 
 ^stead of using calkins. This custom seems to have originated in the 
 fact, that running and trotting horses are shod with plates. The rea- 
 son that owners of fast horses use plates instead of calkins, is, that 
 calkins detract from the speed of their animals. It must be borne m 
 mind however, that race horses are used on soft tracks and do not 
 get much exercise in the mud. Other horses are used mostly on 
 hard roads, and in all kinds of weather. However hard the roads, 
 small, low calkins will make more or less indenture in the ground, 
 which prevents concussion to a certain extent, consequently the ani- 
 mal after a hard drive v.ill not exhibit the same amount of soreness 
 which is often times noticed v/hen shod with plates. Fast driving on 
 dry hard roads with plates, always has a tendency to make a horse 
 feel sore and stiff, from the concussion, caused by the vrhole surface 
 of the foot coming in contact with the hard ground, without any 
 spring or elasticity which exists where small, low calkins are used. 
 Besides, when the roads are muddy, plates will slip and slide about, 
 without any sure footing: often causing a splint, curb, or spavin to be 
 thrown out which might be avoided by the use of calkins. 
 
 P*lii-eiiitis.---XiiflaiiiMiatioii of tlie Bi-ain. 
 
 • This disease is essentially the same as inflammation affecting se- 
 rous membranes in other situations : but owing to the unyielding 
 bony case Avhich contains the brain, a small amount of effusion and 
 exudation is vastly more serious than a much larger amount in other 
 situations. The exciting cause of this disease is oftentimes obscure. 
 Some writers are of the opinion that the majority of cases are caused 
 by keeping the animal exceedingly fat, by overworking them, and 
 then by suffering them to eat voraciously until their stomachs are 
 preternaturally distended. The writer has seen cases ushered in by 
 sudden cold. 
 
 Symptoms. — The horse is a little off his feed — he is more than usually 
 dull — and generally, there is a certain degree of stupidity about him. 
 The actual illness is perhaps first recognized by the horse standing with 
 his head depressed. It bears upon, or is forced against the manger 
 or the wall. As he thus stands, he is balancing himself from one 
 side to the other as if he were ready to fall : and it is often dangerous 
 to stand near him, for he falls without warning. The next moment 
 he may be on his feet again — his head in a corner, pressing against 
 
14 
 
 the wall — the eyes wild and staring with an unmeaning glare, the 
 breathing laborious and loud, the nostrils dilated, and their lining 
 membrane a deep scarlet hue. He now begins to foam at the mouth. 
 The pulse is quick and wiry, he grinds his teeth, twitchings steal over 
 his face and attack his limbs. They sometimes proceed to convul- 
 sions, and dreadful ones too, in which the horse beats himself about 
 in a terrible manner ; but there is rarely a disposition to do mischief. 
 
 Treatment. — In a case of evident phrenitis, blood-letting and physic 
 should be carried to a considerable extent. Open the juglar vein and 
 abstract from two thirds of a pail full, to a pail full of blood. Give 
 Fluid Extract of Gelseminum in one dram doses every half hour, 
 until the patient is quiet. Then administer the following drench : — 
 Castor Oil J pint, Groton Oil 30 drops, well shaken. Give 10 drops 
 Tincture Arnica every hour, thirty minutes after giving the Arnica, 
 give 10 drops fluid extract Gelseminum. Continue this treatment, 
 giving the two remedies alternately every 30 minutes until the horse 
 is quiet, and the pulse drops to its normal frequency, which is about 
 40 beats in a minute. Then give the drops once in two or three 
 hours until recovery. 
 
 Give water to drink in small quantities, as often as the patient will 
 drink it. Give no food for a few days except thin corn meal, or oat 
 meal gruel. For several days after convalescence, feed no grain but 
 warm bran-mash. 
 
 The most of the Veterinary writers speak very discouragingly about 
 the successful treatment of this disease ; but by following the above 
 treatment for a long term of years, our success has been all that we 
 could wish. The patient requires close attention from the first attack 
 until convalescence, and should in no case be left without an attend- 
 ant, night or day. Tie the animal high, with a stout halter to pre- 
 vent throwing and injury. 
 
 Striiig--lialt. 
 
 String-halt is the imperfect development of that form of disease 
 which, in man or dogs, is called chorea, or St, Vitus's dance. In 
 dogs it jerks the whole body, even to the face. In the horse however 
 it is seen only in the hind extremities. While in the dog it often ter- 
 minates in death, yet in the horse it never proves fatal. 
 
 Professor Spooner, of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, re- 
 ports a case of string-halt, wherein he found after death, an effusion 
 
15 
 
 of blood on the sheath of the sacro-sciatic nerve. That however 
 could not have influenced the motion of the limb, as that nerve 
 moves the flexor muscles, while string-halt is a disease of the exten- 
 sor muscles only, and the condition of the nerve alluded to by Prof. 
 Spooner could in no way influence the motion of the limb. 
 
 Profs. Percival and Goodwin cite cases where animals affected with 
 string-halt, pressure existed upon the posterior portion of the spinal 
 column. A spicula of bone pressing on the spinal column produces 
 string-halt, which lasts during the lifetime of the animal. No cure 
 can be effected, as no drug can reach the seat of the disease. 
 
 Siinple Optlialinia. 
 
 Simple Opthalmia is inflammation of the fine membrane which 
 covers the horse's eye ; it reaches no deeper, it does not alfect the in- 
 internal structure of the organ, and it is not so much to be dreaded 
 in its immediate as in its after consequences. 
 
 Treatment. — Give the horse warm bran-mash for a few days to 
 loosen his bowels, and wash the eye three or four times a day with 
 the following lotion : 
 
 Sulphate of Zinc, - - - - 10 grains. 
 
 Fluid Extract of Matico, - - - 1 dram. 
 
 Rain Water, - - - - h, pint. 
 
 Filter, or strain through a fine linen cloth. Give the horse perfect 
 rest for a few days. 
 
 This is an imaginary disease, which requires no other treatment 
 than to give the horse warm bran-mashes for a few days, and if the 
 bars of the mouth are much inflamed, start a few drops of blood with 
 a lance or a sharp pocket knife. Draw the edge of the knife lightly 
 across the bars in several places; only cut deep enough to just start 
 the blood. In a few days all inflammation will disappear. Never 
 permit the cruel and barbarous practice of burning the mouth for the 
 lampas. 
 
16 
 
 Many horses are seen to drop the hay from their mouths hefore it 
 is properly masticated. Especially is this the case with aged horses. 
 If the mouth be examined, it will be found that the molar teeth, or 
 grinders, are worn slanting, like 'a pair of shears. The outside of the 
 upper, and the inside of the lower teeth will be found as sharp as 
 needles. The sharp edges of the teeth wound the inside of the cheeks 
 and the tongue, and cause a disinclination to eat, and provoke a 
 dribbling of salivia. 
 
 Treatment. — A tooth-rasp should be procured, and the sharp un- 
 even edges of the teeth should be filed until the difficulty is obliter- 
 ated. 
 
 Oftentimes a decayed tooth will be found. Then the animal will be 
 likely to suffer from the toothache, the same as a human being. In 
 this case the tooth should be extracted. 
 
 Oolcl. 
 
 No one should be surprised that the horse, being exposed to every 
 abuse, should occasionally be subject to a disease which, in man, is 
 of an every-day occurrence. Usually the animal exists in a stable 
 kept hot by contaminated atmosphere ; it is taken thence into the 
 wintery atmosphere ; driven at a rapid rate to the nearest town ; its 
 sides bedewed with prespiration ; it is left standing at the hitching 
 post for hours with not even a blanket to shield it from the wintery 
 winds. The owner after eating a warm meal and transacting other 
 business, unhitches his team and starts for home. Arriving there, 
 he leads his horse to the well, gives it all the cold water it will drink ; 
 puts it in the stable ; fills the rack with hay ; empties the corn or oats 
 in the feed-box, and leaves it until morning, and gives it no further 
 thought. In the morning he finds the grain untouched ; the horse 
 shivering ; the coat is rough; the body is of unequaled temperature, 
 hot in parts, in places icy cold. The nasal membrane dry and lead- 
 en-colored ; the pulse hard and wiry ; the head aches and hangs in 
 the manger ; the appetite has fled ; tears trickle from the eyes ; at 
 length a copious discharge falls from the nostrils. 
 
 Treatment, — Cover the patient with blankets ; rub the limbs brisk- 
 ly ;' give on the tongue 10 drops Tincture Aconite Root, every 30 
 minutes until the pulse softens down, and the patient is warmer; 
 
then give the aconite once every two hours until a cure is afCecteu. 
 Give every night and morning one of the following powders : 
 
 Tartar Emetic, - ... - - 1 ounce. 
 
 Chlorate of Potassa. 1 ounce. 
 
 Pulverize the Chlorate of Potassa and thoroughly mix. Divide into 
 twelve powders. Give perfect rest for a few days, and feed no grain. 
 Feed warm bran-mashes with a little salt added. Remove the chill 
 from the water and give as often — in small quantities — as the pa- 
 tient desires it. After convalescence give gentle exercise daily, grad- 
 ually increasing to the usual labor. 
 
 01xi*oiiic Ofitax-i'li and Ozena, or IVasal Grleet. 
 
 Any mucous discharge from one or both nostrils, continuing for 
 any great length of time, is usually termed Nasal Gleet. A term to 
 the untutored, analagous with Glanders. While Glanders may very 
 properly be termed Nasal Gleet, yet an animal may have a chronic 
 discharge from the nostrils for years and still have no glanders. 
 
 Usually, Veterinary writers in classifying disease, make a distinction 
 between Nasal Gleet, Chronic Catarrh, Ozena, etc., claiming them to 
 be distinct and separate diseases. The term Nasal Gleet signifies a 
 chronic mucous discharge from one or both nostrils, but fails to serve 
 as a true guide to the disease in cfuestion. A careful diagnosis (study 
 of the symptoms) is essential to enable us to successfully treat any 
 disease, especially this one. 
 
 When we iind fetid ulcers in the nose, accompanied with caries of 
 the bones, and involving the frontal sinus, the antrum, (cavity in the 
 bones) and the adjacent structure, we have a case of Ozena. This 
 disease may be caused by the projection of a molar tooth, causing, 
 irritation; by a blow or kick upon the frontal bones, and it is not an 
 infrequent consequence of epidemic catarrh. If the disease is caused 
 by a projecting tooth, the tooth should be extracted at once; and the 
 treatment hereafter prescribed for chronic catarrh should be followed : 
 but in this case, as well as where the disease is caused by a fracture 
 of the frontal bones, it is usually necessary to resort to the Trephine, 
 which will require the services of an experienced Veterinarian, and 
 then, success is not always certain. 
 
 The symptoms of chronic catarrh, are, a profuse mucous discharge 
 
from one or both nostrils, the nasal membrane livid, the glands be- 
 tween the jaws usually enlarged, and the parotid gland (extending to 
 the ears) is sometimes considerably enlarged. In some cases the 
 coat stares, the legs swell considerably, the appetite more or less af- 
 fected, and the animal unusually dull. In other cases the appetite is 
 not affected and for months the animal may be in his usual spirits. 
 This disease may be the consequence of a neglected cold, or it may 
 be the sequelae of Influenza, or strangles, (called in the United States, 
 Horse Distemper.) 
 
 Treatment. — Feed twice a day bran-mash, and once a day, oats. 
 If the patient has a cough, sprinkle the hay with water. If the 
 weather is cold, keep the body warm with blankets. Keep the nose 
 washed clean by means of a sponge or cloth. Give every night and 
 morning in the bran-mash one of the following powders: 
 
 Tartar Emetic, . . . . . 1 ounce. 
 
 Chlorate of Potassa, - - - - - 1 ounce. 
 
 Hyposulphite of Soda, . . - - 1 ounce. 
 
 Powder fine and thoroughly mix, and divide into twelve powders, 
 ;uid give as above. At noon give in the oats, one ounce of the fol- 
 lowing : 
 
 Tincture Chloride of Iron, - - 10 ounces. 
 
 Fowler's Solution of Arsenic, - - 6 ounces. 
 
 Mix, and put one ounce into one pint of water and mix with the oats. 
 When the above treatment has been pursued one week, discontinue 
 for one week and give the following for one week : 
 
 Bi-chromate of Potassa, - - - 1 dram. 
 
 Rain Water, - - - - - 1 pint. 
 
 Powder the potassa, mix, and when thoroughly dissolved, give one 
 dram three times a day, on the tongue. Change this treatment every 
 week, according to above directions. Inject the potassa mixture into 
 the nostrils once each day; one ounce to each nostril affected. Use 
 the foliowins- liniment for the enlargement on the throat. 
 
19 
 
 Kerosene Oil, - - - - 8 ounces. 
 
 Raw Linseed Oil, _ . - 8 ounces. 
 
 Oil Hemlock, . . - - 4 ounces. 
 
 Gum Camphor, . . - 2 ounces. 
 
 Aqua iVmmonia Concentrated; - - 2 ounce. 
 
 Mix. Rub this on the enlargement with the hand thoroughly, twice 
 a day. If this should fail to diminish the enlargement after several 
 days, then use the following: 
 
 Deuto-Iodide of Mercury, - - - 2 drams. 
 
 Fresh Hog's Lard, . . . - 2 ounces. 
 
 Mix well together to form an ointment. Rub on the enlargement 
 once a day. enough to make a ball about the size of a Hickory nu1. 
 This should produce quite an irritation. Do not blister, as blister- 
 ing will prevent absorption. 
 
 Gentle exercise is far better each day, than perfect rest. With the 
 above treatment we have usually perfected a cure in from four to 
 eight weeks, in ordinary cases. Some cases may rec{uire more time. 
 
 Olxx'oiiic? Oovig"li. 
 
 Any coQgli may become chronic by neglect. Cough is too often 
 caused by unhealthy lodging, or by musty hay and grain. Some- 
 times it is caused by worms : again it may the relics of a ba^^lly man- 
 aged case of Pneumonia, 
 
 Treatment. — Sprinkle your hay and grain : clothe warm : give one 
 feed of oats each day, and two feeds of warm bran-mash well salted: 
 remove the chill from the water, and give the following : 
 
 Fluid Extract Relladonna, - - - 2 drams. 
 
 Balsam Copavia, . . . . 1 ounce, ' 
 
 Balsam Fir, - . . _ . l ounce. 
 
 Sweet Spirits Nitre, - - . . ] ounce. 
 
 Syrup Ipecac, . _ . . -1 ounce. 
 
 Simple Syrup, - . - . 2 ounces. 
 
 Mix, and give one tablespoonful every three hours on the tongue. 
 
20 
 
 Should the above iail to give relief, aud shoald worms be suspect- 
 ed as the cause, give the following: 
 
 Tartar Emetic, . - . . . i ounce. 
 
 Chlorate of Potassa, - - - - l ounce. 
 
 Wormseed, - ... . i ounce. 
 
 Powdered Copperas, . - . i ounce. 
 
 Pow^dered Elecampane, ... i ounce. 
 
 Powdered Licorice, - - - 1 ounce. 
 
 Powdered Gentian, . _ . . i ounce. 
 
 Mix, and give one even tablespoonful in the bran-niash tvvice a day. 
 I*iioiii»ionia.~Iiiilaiaiaiiatioii ol'tlie Liiiig-s. 
 
 Symptoms. — When acute pneumonia occurs, it is rather lingering 
 in its development; the breathing is labored and slightly accelerated; 
 the pulse is less increased than would be expected ; the artery is full, 
 and the beat seems driven by some hidden force through a gelatin- 
 ous obstacle; it bulges out, and then all is still for an interval, after 
 which the operation is repeated. The horse has lost all spirit ; in- 
 deed, a considerable portion of its consciousness has evidently de- 
 parted ; it stands as though from giddiness it feared to fall ; its legs 
 are separated and strained outward to the farthest limit. The head 
 and ears are dejected; the coat rough, the extremities cold, the body 
 vv^thout warmth; the visible membranes discolored, and the bowels 
 cositive ; in fact the animal appears oppressed by some heavy mis- 
 fortune. Feeling seems half dead ; thus we are warranted in imag- 
 ining that the attack has embraced all the component structures of 
 the lungs, and that it consists in no small degree of congestion. The 
 horse with decided pneumonia can scarcely be induced to move. 
 He cannot spare for a moment the assistance which he desires from 
 certain muscles, and he will continue obstinately to stand until he 
 falls exhausted or dying. When the patient wearied out, lies down, 
 it is only for a moment, for if the inflammation is not subdued, he can 
 not dispense with the auxialiary muscles; the inspiration being 
 lengthened, and the expiration so rapid, and the lungs not being 
 compressed by the usual means, every muscle that can be brought to 
 bear upon the part, must be called into action. He frequently, and 
 
21 
 
 with doleful expression looks at his sides : the head is protruded, and 
 the nostrils extended, and the mouth and breath intensely hot. The 
 nose is injected from the earliest period ; Snd soon afterward there is 
 not merely injection, but the membrane is uniformly and intensely 
 red. The unfavorable symptoms are, increased coldness of the ears 
 and legs; partial sweats, grinding of the teeth, evident weakness, 
 ^^taggering, the animal not lying down. The pulse becomes quicker, 
 and weak and fluttering ; the membrane of the nose paler, but of a 
 dirty hue; the animal growing stupid, comatose. At length h^e falls, 
 but he gets up immediately. For a while he is up and down almost 
 every minute, until he is no longer able to rise: he struggles severely; 
 he piteously groans; the pulse becomes more rapid, fainter, and he 
 dies of suffocation. The vessels ramifying over the cells, have yield- 
 ed to the fearful impulse of the blood, and the lungs have presented 
 one mass of congestion. The writer has witnessed cases where the 
 animal stood in one position, without scarcely moving, for nearly 
 two weeks, then dropped dead, without even a struggle. 
 
 The favorable symptoms are, the return of a little warmth to the 
 extremities, the circulation beginning again to assume its natural char- 
 acter, and next to this, the lying down quietly and without uneasi- 
 ness; showing us that he is beginning to do without the auxialiary 
 muscles. These are good symptoms, and they will rarely deceive. 
 
 In every case of pneumonia, early and anxious recourse should be 
 had to auscultation, (listening to the sound of the lungs.) If the 
 reader is not familiar with the deep, distinct marmur of the healthy 
 lung, let him hold his ear to the chest of a healthy horse. Then he 
 will make himself best acquainted with the respiratory murmur in 
 its full state of development. When he has familiarized himself to 
 the natural sound, let him place his ear to the chest of the diseased 
 animal ; and if pneumonia exists to any considerable degree, he will 
 hnd this murmur has been changed for, or mingled with a curious 
 crepitating sound, which having been once heard, cannot afterward 
 be mistaken. It is caused by the infiltration of blood into the air- 
 cells. Its loudness and perfect character will characterize the in- 
 tensity of the disease, and the portion of the chest at which it can be 
 distinguished will indicate its extent. 
 
 Treatment, — Too much care cannot be taken of the patient labor- 
 ing under this disease. He should at once be removed to a roomy 
 stall ; the floor covered wtth clean dry straw or hay ; his legs should 
 be well hand-rubbed, in order to restore if possible, the circulation 
 
•>9 
 
 to the extremities. Flannel bandages should he applied to his legs, 
 from the foot to the knee. He should be well clothed ; and as for 
 air, in warm weather he cannot have too much. In cold weather his 
 box must be airy, but not chilly. We want to determine the blood 
 to the extremities and the skin, but all the clothing in the world will 
 not keep our patient warm if he is placed in a cold and uncomfort- 
 able situation. 
 
 As for food, we need not think of it, for in ninety nine cases out of 
 a hundred he will not touch anything. Should he be inclined to eat, 
 give nothing but warm bran-mashes, or corn meal gruel. Keep a 
 pail of fresh water continually within easy reach. At the commence- 
 ment of the attack, give 10 drops Tincture Arnica, or Veratrum Ver- 
 ide on the tongue. In 15 minutes give 10 drops Fluid Extract Gel- 
 seminum, changing from the Arnica to the Gelseminum every 15 
 minutes until the breathing is easier. This will usually take place 
 J3y the time six or eight doses haA'e been given. Now give the drops 
 once an hour; giving them alternately, until convalescence takes 
 place. 
 
 Rub on the chest, and on the side affected, and if both lungs are 
 implicated, rub on both sides, back of the fore legs, the following 
 sweating blister : 
 
 Spirits Turpentine, - - - 4 ounces. 
 
 Strong Cider Vinegar, - - 4 ounces. 
 
 Water, - - - 8 ounces. 
 
 Ground Mustard, - - - 4 ounces. 
 
 Mix and rub on thoroughly with the hand. R.epeat in two hours if 
 the first application failed to draw a blister. 
 
 Should the case prove to be an obstinate one, and the symptom- 
 not yielding readily to the aboA'e treatment, give the following: 
 
 Tartar Emetic, h ounce. 
 
 Powdered Digetalis, 2 drams. 
 
 Powdered Nitrate of Potassa, 1 ounce. 
 
 Mix, and divide into twelve powders. Give one powder three times 
 a day. 
 
 While recovering, the animal for many days, should have no grain. 
 
23 
 
 except warm bran-mashes. Should the patient have much cough, 
 give the foKowing. 
 
 Carbonate of Ammonia, 1 ounce. 
 
 Syrup Ipecac, 3 ounces. 
 
 Syrup Squills, 2 ounces. 
 
 Tincture Lobelia, 2 drams. 
 
 Simple Syrup, 4 ounces. 
 
 Mix, and give one tablespoonful every two hours, on the tongue. 
 
 Bots. 
 
 We are indebted to Mr. Bracy Clark, an English Veterinarian, for 
 almost all we know in relation to this parasite; therefore we Avill give 
 their history in the language of Mr. Clark. 
 
 "A species of gad-fly, the a'^rM.s eg'^a, is in the latter part of the 
 Summer exceedingly busy about the horse. It is observed to be 
 darting with great rapidity toward the knees and sides of the animal. 
 The females are depositing their eggs on the hair, which adhere 
 to it by means of a glutinous fluid with which they are surrounded. 
 In a few days the eggs are ready to be hatched, and the slightest ap- 
 plication of warmth and moisture will liberate the little animals 
 which they contain. The horse in licking himself touches the egg ; 
 it bursts, and a small worm escapes, which adheres to the tongue, 
 and is conveyed with the food into the stomach. There it clings to 
 the cuticular portion of the stomach, by means of a hook on either 
 side of its mouth ; and its hold is so firm and so obstinate, that it 
 must be broken before it can be detached. It remains there feeding 
 on the mucous of the stomach, during the whole of the Winter, and 
 until the ensuing Spring ; when, having attained a considerable size, 
 and being destined to undergo a certain transformation, it disengages 
 itself from the cuticular coat, is carried into the villous portion of the 
 stomach with the food, passes out of it with the chyme, and is evac- 
 uated with the dung. 
 
 The larvce or maggot, seeks shelter in the ground, and buries 
 itself there: it contracts in size, and becomes a chrysalis or grub, in 
 which state it lies inactive for a few weeks, and then bursting from 
 its confinement, assumes the form of a fly. The female becoming 
 
24 
 
 impregnated, quickly deposits her eggs on those parts of the horse 
 which he is most accustomed to lick, and thus the species are perpet- 
 uated. 
 
 There are several plain conclusions to he drawn from this history. 
 The hots cannot, while they inhabit the stomach of the horse, give 
 the animal any pain, for they have fastened on the cuticularor insensi- 
 ble coat. They cannot be injurious to the horse, for he enjoys the 
 most perfect health when the cuticular part of the stomach is filled 
 with them, and their presence is not even suspected until they appear 
 at the anus. They cannot be removed by medicine, because they are 
 not in that part of the stomach to which medicine is usually conveyed: 
 and if they were, their mouths are too deeply buried in the mucous 
 for any medicine, that can be safely administered, to affect them • 
 and last of all. in due course of time they detach themselves, and 
 come away". 
 
 The writer has a specimen of hots taken from the stomach of a 
 horse, which lived fifty-eight houi's submerged in strong alcohol ; and 
 sealed air tight. It will^be seen by this experiment, that it is much 
 easier to give medicine that will kill the horse, than to kill the hot ; 
 even after you take the hot from the stomach. Therefore, the wise 
 man will leave them to themselves, or content himself with picking 
 them off when they collect under the tail and annoy the animal. 
 
 There are many men who firmly believe that hots will kill a horse, 
 from the simple reason that after death hots are found in the cavity 
 of the abdomen ; having eaten through the walls of the stomach. 
 
 Any horse that has had a run at grass, or has stood for hours at 
 the hitching-post where he would be likely to come in contact 
 with the Gad-fly. will have hots in his stomach ; but there is nt> 
 more probability of hots eating through the stomach, thereby killing 
 the horse, than there is of any sane man setting fire to his dwelling 
 house and burning it over his head. 
 
 The stomach of the horse is the natural home for the hot. When 
 the animal dies, the hot, by instinct (or some other means unknown 
 to us) seems to realize that they are in confinement; and probably 
 realizing the long arduous mode of exit through the alimentary canal, 
 think to shorten their pathway to the open air by passing through 
 the walls of the stomach. This accounts for bots always being found 
 in the abdominal cavity. The eating is always done after death : 
 never before. But says one, "'the stomach was like a sieve, all full 
 of holes." Always bear in mind that the gastric juice, while it does 
 
25 
 
 not affect live animal matter, yet, as soon as death ensues, the juices 
 of the stomach at once takes hold of the Vv^alls of the stomach, and in 
 a short time they become dissolved, and then present the porous con- 
 dition above noticed. It is said by some, that "a horse troublect with 
 hots will turn up the upper lip : look back to his sides ; paw with his 
 fore feet: lie down and roll; etc., etc." These are symptoms of some 
 abdominal difficulty. Find out by careful inspection what the diffi- 
 culty is, then apply the proper remedies ; but never treat your horse 
 for hots. 
 
 The writer has treated hundreds of horses with above symptoms, 
 that recovered without the aid of any of the so-called "hot remedies," 
 and in fact, he has never given a dose of medicine for hots in his life. 
 
 Ci'lb-Biting". 
 
 This is more of a habit than a disease. There is no known cure 
 for it. About the best thing that can be done to stop it, is to pierce 
 a strap with several sharp brads or tacks ; then buckle it around the 
 horse's throat. This will usually prevent his cribbing as long as you 
 keep it on him. Some Veterinarians recommend keeping plenty of 
 salt and white chalk within easy reach. 
 
 If the habit has become confirmed it will probably last during life. 
 
 Eliiteritis— Inflaimixation of the Bo^^^f^els. 
 
 Enteritis is a fearful disease, creating the greatest possible agony. 
 Its causes, unfortunately, are in a great measure purely conjectural ; 
 such as drinking cold water, etc., etc. 
 
 If all the animals exposed to the operation of such provocatives 
 were to have enteritis, two-thirds of the horses inhabiting this conti- 
 nent would be dead by to-morrow morning. 
 
 The principal thing, therefore, is the predisposition : and any trivi- 
 ality may start up the disease. 
 
 A severe fit of colic, long continued or ill-treated, may end in 
 enteritis. This is well known; yet it was not the colic which induced 
 enteritis ; but the real cause was that which originated the first 
 affection. The predisposition must be present before the bowels 
 would exhibit that inflammation into which the colic merged ; the 
 injudicious and cruel treatment that most horses receive from their 
 masters, may probably be accused as the root of all these evils. 
 
26 
 
 Disease is the loudest proof that the life is stinted in some essential 
 particular. The same food is placed before all horses; one animal 
 will, however, purge upon exertion; labor, on the other hand, may 
 constipate the fellow occupant of the same stable. When the same 
 effect has produced such opposite results, all the bodies cannot be 
 alike. The diet which supports one animal in health, may loosen or 
 constringe its companion: yet we are too ignorant to practically use 
 such distinction. 
 
 There is no practice more general than to load the rack and pih' 
 the manger after any uncommon toil has been endured. The prac- 
 tice may originate in the best intentions ; but no intentions can 
 convert that which is evil into a possible good. The wretched 
 animal is tempted to cram the stomach when excessive labor has 
 weakened the vital functions. The frame being exhausted, rest is 
 far more essential than food ; the nourishment then should be very 
 light, and such as can be quickly swallowed. A few quarts of bran 
 made into a thin gruel with warm water ; a good rubbing, and a good 
 bed to lie upon, then left alone until morning, would be far better 
 for the horse, than to till the rack and manger full of hay and oats; 
 for the danger of introducing substances into a stomach dead to its 
 functions would thus be avoided ; nothing likely to irritate or to 
 operate as foreign bodies upon the bowels would be set before the 
 debilitated horse. The wish is to sustain a debilitated body, not to 
 blow out an idle stomach. 
 
 Constipation, if permitted to exist for any period, is always dan- 
 gerous : hardened feces (dung) is one of the surest causes of enteritis. 
 
 The predisposing cause may in most instances, be difficult to dis- 
 cover ; but the premonitory symptoms of enteritis are well marked. 
 It speedily runs its course, and it is of great consequence that its 
 early symptoms should be known. 
 
 If the horse has been carefully observed, restlessness and fever 
 will have been seen to precede the attack. In many cases a direct 
 shivering fit will occur ; the mouth will be hot, and the nose red. 
 The animal will soon express the most 'dreadful pain by pawing, 
 striking at his belly, looking wildly at his flanks, groaning, nnd roll- 
 ing. The pulse will be quickened and small ; the ears and legs cold ; 
 the belly tender, and sometimes hot; the breathing quickened: the 
 bowels costive ; and the animal becoming rapidly and fearfully weak. 
 
 The horse paws and stamps as in colic, but without the intervals 
 of ease that occur in that disease. The pulse is also far quicker 
 
27 
 
 than in colic. The breathing is more hurried, and the indication of 
 suffering more evident. 
 
 Treatment. — The treatment of inflammation of the bowels, likt- 
 that of the lungs, should be prompt and energetic. Place the horse 
 in a large roomy stall or box. with a plenty of dry straAv ; give the 
 following: Sulphate of Morphia, 5 grains. Repeat every three hours 
 if necessary to quiet pain. Give on the tongue 10 drops Tincture 
 Aconite root. Throw up injections of warm water (three or four 
 quarts) every hour. A horse suffering from inflammation of the 
 bowels, will at intervals nibble away at the hay if there is any with- 
 in his reach. The stomach and intestines are in no condition to 
 digest food, consequently this will prove a source of irritation. 
 Therefore, one of the first things to be done, is to remove all hay or 
 straw from the manger. Offer the patient water (from which the 
 chill has been removed) quite often. When the disease abates so 
 that the patient manifests any disposition for food, offer him corn- 
 meal or oat-meal gruel, which has been prepared with the same care 
 that an efficient nurse would prepare it for the sick room. If it is 
 palatable to the human being, it may be relished by the horse. 
 
 After convalescence, judgement must be exercised with regard to 
 diet. For many days the bowels will be tender, and in no condition 
 1o receive the usual food. Therefore, gruels, warm bran-mashes, 
 boiled oats, or some other equaly light food (easy of digestion) only, 
 should be administered. 
 
 During the disease, clothing should be used to keep the body 
 warm; the legs should be well rubbed and bandaged with flannel ; as 
 our success will depend on keeping the blood circulating freely in 
 the extremities. 
 
 Should the Abdomen be very tender and'hot, much good may be 
 accomplished by applying hot fomentations. A very good way to do 
 this, is to put a large blanket into hot water, wring out the water, 
 double it and place it around the loins ; cover it with a dry blanket, 
 and hold them in their place by a surcingle around the loins. The 
 patient should not be left alone, but should have a faithful attendant 
 night and day until convalescent. 
 
 -A^scites.— I>x'oi>s^' ol tlie Alxiomen. 
 
 Symptoms. — The symptoms which announce that the serous mem- 
 ])rane has effused water into the abdomen are. a want of spirit : 
 
28 
 
 f.onstant lying down and remaining in one position for a long period ; 
 perpetual restlessness; thirst; loss of appetite; weakness; enlarged 
 abdomen ; constipation and hide-bound. At length small bags con- 
 taining fluid, depend from the chest and the inferior surface of the 
 belly. Should the disease be suffered to progress, the sheath and 
 one leg generally enlarge: sometimes there is an enlargement of 
 both legs ; and the writer has seen cases where all of the legs were 
 enlarged to enormous dimensions. 
 
 By hard, prolonged pressure upon the legs with the thumb and 
 lingers, the fluids are forced aside, and deep indentures are left, 
 which will remain for several minutes. The hair of the mane and 
 tail breaks off, and is easily pulled out. 
 
 Treatment. — In treating this disease it is necessary to give a hy- 
 dragogue cathartic; for the purpose of removing as much of the 
 watery fluids as possible. Therefore give the following drench: 
 
 Raw Linseed Oil, . . . . i quart. 
 
 Groton Oil, . _ . . 30 drops. 
 
 Mix. Shake together thoroughly until the oils are well blended, 
 and give at one drench. 
 
 Should there be any fever, give once an hour 10 drops tincture 
 aconite root, on the tongue until the fever abates. 
 
 It is necessary that the patient should have several copious dis- 
 charges ; but should the physic continue to operate for more than 
 forty-eight hours, check by giving the following; 
 
 Laudanum, ... _ . ] ounce. 
 
 Sulphuric Ether, - _ - . l ounce. 
 
 Water, - . _ . .1 pint. 
 
 Repeat the above every two hours until the bowels are checked. 
 
 Now it will be necessary to do something to build up the debilita- 
 ted system : and at the same time we should bear in mind the 
 excretory organs, (the skin, liver and kidneys) which will require 
 assistance to enable them to perform their proper functions. 
 
 The diet should consist of good bright hay ; one feed of oats each 
 
29 
 
 day, and two feeds of bran-mash. Every morning and night give in 
 the bran-mash, one of the following powders: 
 
 Calomel, _ . . _ . 2 drams. 
 
 Podophyllin, - - - - 1 dram. 
 
 Powdered Gentian, . - . . IJ ounces. 
 
 Mix, and divide into twelve powders. Give one powder every 
 night and morning as above. Give once a day in the oats the 
 following : 
 
 Chloride Tincture of Iron, - - - 10 ounces. 
 Fowlers' Solution, - - - 6 ounces. 
 
 Sweet Spirits of Nitre, - - - 5 ounces. 
 
 Mix, and put one ounce in one pint of water and stir into the oats 
 and give as above. This last mixture should be given once a day 
 until the animal finally recovers. 
 
 Since the Epizootic epidemic of 1872, there has been a strong ten- 
 dency to a dropsical condition among a large number of horses. 
 This often manifests itself in an (Edematous condition of one or both 
 of the hind legs. This may very properly be called "Dropsy of the 
 cellular tissues." The leg or legs will usually present an enlarged 
 appearance in the morning, and by exercise the swelling will dis- 
 appear. This will continue for a time, when it will be noticed that 
 exercise does not seem to remove the enlargement only to a limited 
 extent. 
 
 The legs gradually increase in size : the size however, varying 
 according to the amount of exercise. The swelling is hard to the 
 touch, but upon constant pressure the fluids seem to separate and 
 leave an indenture which will remain for considerable time. 
 
 The same functional disorder which produces ascites is very prob- 
 ably the exciting cause of this complaint. The last recipe given 
 above for ascites usually effects a cure in this complaint, in from 
 ten to twelve weeks. The remedy should be given every day with- 
 out intermission until the legs assume their natural proportions. 
 This disease is sometimes called "Big-leg", and if permitted to run 
 its course, the animal may in a short time become an unsightly 
 object. 
 
30 
 
 Influenza, oi* Epidenxic Oatax-r"!!. 
 
 In October. 1872, when this disease made its appearance in the 
 State of New York, (and in tlie course of a few weeks spreading over 
 the greater portion of the American Continent, destroying thousands 
 of the equine race) it was supposed by many to be a new disease; 
 and people wondered tliat veterinary skill could discover no remedies 
 that would check its fe.arful ravages. 
 
 Many able veterinarians had never seen a case : and many mlling 
 themselves "Horse Doctors'', had never heard of such a disease, and 
 in consequence they knew not what to do for it. Under these cir- 
 cumstances, is it any wonder that the people stood aghast, while 
 their favorite slaves were cut down by hundreds and by thousands? 
 
 Prof. George B. Wood, in writing of this disease in 1847, says : 
 ■'The first epidemic of this kind, of which we have any distinct 
 medical record, occurred in the year 1510. There can be but little 
 doubt, however, that it has occasionally visited mankind from the 
 earliest ages. Since the year mentioned, we have numerous records 
 of its occurrence at irregular intervals, down to our own times. '^^ * * 
 
 "In general it is very mild; but on some occasions it has proved 
 extremely fatal. "•- "-^ * "-■' 
 
 "Many instances are on record, in which horses, dogs, sheep, and 
 even birds have been siezed by the epidemic. "^ ''^ * 
 
 "In the year 1580, more than nine thousand persons died with it 
 ill the city of Rome." "^ ''^ ^ 
 
 Says Prof. Youatt. "In 1714, this malignant epidemic was import- 
 ed from the Continent, and in the course of a few months destroyed 
 70,000 horses and cattle. It prevailed in 1815. and three horses out 
 of live attacked died. 
 
 It reappeared in 1823, but was not so fatal." 
 
 In a work by Prof. W. C. Spooner on this disease, we find the 
 following: — "The influenza very extensiely prevailed as an epidemic 
 in this country, (England) in the years 1836 find 1840. The symp- 
 toms in 1840 were very similar to those of the epizootic of 1836. 
 sufficiently so as to justify us in denominating it the same disease." 
 
 This disease is both epidemic and endemic, sometimes raging over 
 large districts so that scarcely a stable escapes, and at others being 
 confined to a neighborhood. 
 
 Some writers claim that this disease is clearly attributable to at- 
 mospheric influence ; also that it is contagious beyond a doubt. 
 
31 
 
 These notions are contradicted by tlie f;ict, tliat the disease has 
 occurred under all possible varieties of appreciable atmospheric con- 
 dition, at all seasons, in all weather, and at the same moment in 
 distant places, differing wholly in climate and the state of the atmos- 
 phere at the time. 
 
 A contagious disease usually attacks some one individual in a 
 family, and after a certain interval extends to others. Influenza 
 commonly runs through the stable in which it appears ; but it does 
 not invariably attack every animal within the building. Sometimes 
 it will seize the horse nearest the doors, then travel to the stall 
 farthest from the entrance ; thus it skips about without ]"egularity. 
 and often spares many individuals. 
 
 Contagious affections communicated through the atmosphere 
 usually occur but once. An attack of influenza is no security against 
 subsequent attacks. Since the epidemic of 1872, the disease has re- 
 appeared in different localities, in each succeeding year; in many 
 instances the same animals being attacked three or four times. 
 
 After a careful analysis of the various theories advanced by the 
 different writers on the cause of this disease, we are compelled to 
 confess our ignorance on this point, and are constrained to wait pa- 
 tiently until we can obtain new light. 
 
 Symptoms. — In influenza there is no difficulty in pointing to the 
 structure affected. It would be hard to allude to the part which was 
 not involved. The weakness and stupidity which accompany the 
 affection declare the brain and nervous system diseased. Local 
 swellings show the cellular tissue to be deranged; heat and pain in 
 the limbs and joints announce the serous, the ligamentous, and os- 
 seous (bony) structures implicated. The muscular and digestive 
 functions are acutely disordered; the rapid wasting of the flesh, 
 demonstrates that the absorbents are excited. There is no portion 
 of the body which can escape the ravage of influenza. 
 
 The other symptoms (which, however, are very uncertain as re- 
 gards any of them being present or absent) are, pendulous head, 
 short breath, inflamed membranes, swollen lips, dry mouth, enlarged 
 eyelids, copious tears, sore throat, tucked up flanks, compressed tail, 
 filled legs, lameness and hot feet. Auscultation may detect a harsh, 
 grating sound at the chest. Whenever this sound is heard, there 
 will usually be a copious nasal discharge. 
 
 Treatment. — Move the horse to a well littered, loose box. If the 
 case is an extravagant one, no food will be eaten; but suspend a pail 
 
32 
 
 of well-made gruel within easy reach of the animars head. In less 
 extravagant cases where the appetite is not wholly lost, warm bran- 
 mash or boiled oats may be given three times a day. If there is any 
 cough, the hay should be sprinkled with water, to remove the dust. 
 The discharge from the nostrils should be washed off several times 
 each day; as cleanliness is a very important adjunct to medical 
 treatment in all diseases. Prepare the following: 
 
 Powdered Chlorate of Potassa, - - 1 ounce. 
 
 Antimony Et. Potassia Tartras, - - 1 ounce. 
 
 Hyposulphite of Soda, . . . 2 ounces. 
 
 Mix, and divide into twelve powders. Give one powder each night 
 and morning, mixed with syrup and placed on the tongue. 
 
 Tincture Aconite Root, - - - - J ounce. 
 Fluid Extract Belladonna, - - - J ounce. 
 
 Mix; and give 10 drops on the tongue every two hours. 
 A volatile liniment should be used as a local application to the 
 throat twice daily. Compound as follows: 
 
 Spirits Turpentine, . . . . 2 ounces. 
 
 Aqua Ammonia f. f. f., - - - - 2 ounces. 
 Raw Linseed Oil, - . . . 2 ounces. 
 
 Mix. Rub on the throat and between the jaws with the hand. 
 To be well shaken before each application. 
 
 With the above treatment the writer has trealed six hundred and 
 twenty-seven cases; only one case proving fatal. 
 
 If the disease should make • its appearance in cold weather, the 
 chill should be removed from the water ; the body should be kept 
 warm by the aid of blankets, and hand-rubbing and flannel bandages 
 applied to the legs. In all cases, give the animal perfect rest until 
 convalescent. 
 
 Worms are of various kinds ; and oftentimes are the source of con- 
 
8; 
 
 siderabh' iiiti'stiual irritalioii. Tlio^c which sefui to cause the groat- 
 t^st annoyaiio' to tht^ horse are. the Ascarides and the Strongulus. 
 Tliey produce extraordinary rasages, notwithstanding their 
 iusignficant appearance. They inliabit the htrge intestines, and are 
 sinnetiuies difticult to eradicate, because of the extent of the bowels 
 "vhich tliey infest. The Strongulus will sometimes eat through 
 important structures, but the Ascarides are always located within the 
 rectum; therefore, it is usually considered proper to give injections 
 of oil. in connection with other remedies, as most medicines are de- 
 prived of their activity, and are inoperative before they reach this 
 locality. 
 
 Trkatment, — Feed generously with bran-mash, boiled oats, etc.: 
 but feed sparingly with hay. Give every moruing and nighi the 
 following mixture : 
 
 Powdered Sulphate of Iron. 
 
 Pow^dered Gentian. 
 
 Wormseed, 
 
 Tartar Emetic. 
 
 White Sugar, 
 
 Calomel, 
 
 2 ounces. 
 2 ounces. 
 2 ounces. 
 2 ounces, 
 4 ounces. 
 1 ounce. 
 
 Mix thoroughly, and give in warm l)ran-mash one tablespoonfnl at 
 a dose according to above directions. 
 
 After giving the above mixture three or four days, give the follow- 
 iug mixture as one injection: 
 
 Piaw Linseed Oil. 
 Spirits Turpentine. 
 
 4 ounces. 
 ] ounce. 
 
 Tliis is to he thrown ^vell up the rectum, 
 
 !!5>|:>us$iii.o<iio Ooli<*. 
 
 That affection which in ladies is designated spasms, in gentlemeji 
 is called pain in the bowels, and in children is known as the belly- 
 ache, is. in the horse, colic ; and from the largeness of the animal's 
 iiitestiiu's. the affection probably provokes more anguish in the 
 
34 
 
 quadruped than the same disorder docs in the entire human race. 
 Under whatever term it may he recognized, spasmodic colic is never 
 more than a partial contraction of the muscular coat of the intestines. 
 The action so compresses a part of the tuhe as to expel the hlood and 
 render the natural pink of the tissues, for some time after the disor- 
 der has departed, a glistening white. The blood, driven 'from 
 particular spots, is forced into those parts in which no disease exists. 
 Excess of blood predisposes to inflammation; hence we probably 
 trace the reason why, if spasmodic colic be suffered to continue, the 
 afTection is apt to end in incurable enteritis (inflammation of the 
 bowels.) 
 
 Symptoms. — The attack of colic is usually very sudden. There is 
 often not the slightest warning. The horse begins to shift his pos- 
 ture, look round at his flanks, paws violently, strikes his belly with 
 his feet, and crouches in a peculiar manner, advancing his hind 
 limbs under him; he will then suddenly lie, or rather fall down, and 
 balance himself on his back, with his feet resting on his belly. The 
 pain now seems to cease for a little while, and he gets up, and shakes 
 himself, and begins to feed ; the respite however, is but short, the 
 spasm returns more violently, every indication of pain is increased, 
 he heaves at the flanks, breaks out into a profuse perspiration and 
 throws himself more recklessly about. 
 
 In the space of an hour or two, either the spasms begin to relax 
 and the remissions are of longer duration, or the torture is augment- 
 ed at every paroxysm ; the intervals of ease are fewer and less marked, 
 and inflammation and death supervene. The pulse is but little 
 affected at the commencement, but it soon becomes frequent and 
 contracted, and at length is scracely tangible. 
 
 Treatment. — Fortunately we are acquainted with several remedies 
 that will allay these spasms; and the disease often ceases almost as 
 suddenly as it appeared. The following has been given many times 
 with successj 
 
 Sulphuric Ether, . . . . 2 ounces. 
 
 Chloroform, . . . . - 2 ounces. 
 
 Tincture of Opium, - - - 2 ounces. 
 
 Mix. and give one-third of the above in one pint of water. Repeat 
 in one half hour if necessary. The best remedy that can be used for 
 this disease, in our opinion, is Sulphate of Morphine, 5 grains dis- 
 
35 
 
 solved in a tea-spoonful of water, then given at one dose. Repeat if 
 necessary in one hour. This treatment has never failed to give relief 
 in every case when I have used it. Feed warm bran-mashes for a 
 few days and remove the chill from the water. When convalescence 
 occurs after any disease, it will be proper to give for a few days some 
 of the ALTERATIVES mentioned in the back part of this book. 
 
 Tympanitis^.— Flatulent oi' T^iiidy Oolio. 
 
 This is altogether a different disease from the former. It is not a 
 spasm of the bowels, but inflation of them from the pressure of 
 carbonic acid or sulphurated hydrogen gas ; generated by the decom- 
 position of indigested food. Whether collected in the stomach, or 
 small, or large intestines, all kinds of vegetable matter is liable to 
 ferment. In consequence of this fermentation, gas is evolved to a 
 greater or less extent, perhaps to twenty or thirty times the bulk of 
 the food. This may take place in the stomach; but it usually takes 
 place in the colon and* crecum, (two of the large intestines) and the 
 distention may be so great as to rupture either the one or the other, 
 or sometimes to produce death without either rupture or strangula- 
 tion, and that in the course of from four to twenty-four hours. 
 
 Symptoms. — The symptoms, according to Prof, Stewart, are, "the 
 horse suddenly slackening his pace, preparing to lie down, or falling 
 down as if he were shot. In the stable he paws the ground with his 
 fore feet, lies down, rolls, starts up all at once and throws himself 
 down again with great violence, looking wistfully at his flanks, and 
 making many fruitless attempts to void his urine". Hitherto the 
 symptoms are not much unlike spasmodic colic, but the real charac- 
 ter of the disease soon begins to develop itself. It is in one of the 
 large intestines, and the belly swells all round, but mostly on the 
 right flank. As the disease proceeds, the pain becomes intense, the 
 horse more violent, and at length death closes the scene. 
 
 Treatment. — Injections of warm water should be thrown up the 
 rectum from the start; repeating as often as every thirty minutes. 
 From half to two-thirds of a pail-full should be thrown up at each 
 injection. Give the same treatment as recommended for spasmodic 
 colic. One or two doses of the morphia are usually all that will be 
 required, if treatment is commenced in season. 
 
^Tei^lii'itisisi.— -Iiiliaiiiiiijstioii <>i' tlio lvicliio.> s-ii. 
 
 Symptoms. — Tlie syniptoiiis of lhi< disease are a liard quick pulsf^ : 
 short )3reathiiig, pallid mucous membranes, fVeqaeutly looking toward 
 I lie seat of anguish : head depi-essed. ]>ack roached, hind legs straddled. 
 ;iud the urine scanty. The animal almost lefuses to "come round"' 
 in its stall, seldom lies down, and crouches beneath jtressui-e when 
 made upon the loins. 
 
 Subsequently, as the symptoms alter, pus or matter may subside 
 in the water. It is indicative of an unfavorable termination, should 
 a fetid odor attend the secretion, and should it l)e deeply tinted by 
 the blood. 
 
 Treatment. — The treatnu^nt of nephritis consists in applying wai-m 
 fomentations to the loins. This may be done by folding w'oolen 
 blankets in water as warm as the animal can bear without scalding. 
 Place them over the loins, and cover wnth dry blankets. Should the 
 case be urgent, the following sweating blister may l)e well rubbed on 
 Ib.e loins before the application of the blankel. 
 
 Spirits Turpentine * 4 ounces. 
 
 Strong Cnler Vinegar 4 ounces. 
 
 Water. 8 ounces. 
 
 Ground Mustaid, .... 4 ounces. 
 
 Injections of warm water should be thrown up the lectum every 
 hour, as these are the nearest approach that can be made to actual 
 fomentation. The bowels should be opened by a gentle laxative : 
 and for this purpose give one quart of raw linseed oil. 
 
 Give every hour ten drops tincture aconite root on the tongue. 
 
 The food should consist of w^arm bran-mash, or linseed gruel. 
 The horse should be kept w^arm by the free use of clothing ; the limt)s 
 sbould be hand-rubbed frequently, and bandaged with flannel. 
 
 Great care should be taken that no drugs should be given that 
 would excite the already diseased parts. No Nitre or other diui<di.-s 
 should be given. 
 
 This troublesome disease is very similar to the itch of the human 
 
 l)cino'. 
 
87 
 
 Mange depends upon ilie presence of an insect which is classed 
 ^vith spiders, though to the uninitiated it looks under the microscope, 
 like a deformed crah. 
 
 Symptoms. — In the majority of cases tliis disease first appears in 
 the mane, among the hairs of which a quantity of loose, dry scurf is 
 ])erceptahle. Before such a sign however, i^ to be recognized, ex- 
 cessive itchiness is exhibited. The disease soon extends to the head, 
 to the neck, to the w-ithers, to the sides, to the loins, to the quarters, 
 iind in some cases to the legs. As the disorder proceeds, the hair 
 IVills off, leaving vacant places upon the body; these have a peculiar, 
 dry, acrid and irritable appearance; they suggest that portions of the 
 liody have been scorched with quick-lime, so irregular, patched and 
 scabby are the parts just referred to. 
 
 The above are the more obvious indications of mange. However 
 should the diseased locality be more minutely inspected, a number of 
 small pimples are discerned; these elevations are clustered upon dif- 
 ferent spots. As they mature, the point of each contains a very 
 slight cpiantity of gelafinons fluid; the vesicles ultimately burst; the 
 contents exude and become dry through the absorption of the atmos- 
 phere, forming incrustations upon the surface. 
 
 The disease is contagious, and the diseased animal should at once 
 he removed from his fellows. The same comb and brush should in 
 no case be used upon a healthy animal, that is used on one afflicted 
 with mange. 
 
 Treatment. — Wash the patient once a day with the following: 
 
 Rain Water, . . . . 1 gallon. 
 
 Carbolic Acid, - - - - 1 ounce. 
 
 Mix. 
 
 Give once a day in w'arm bran-mash, the following: 
 
 Murriate Tincture of Iron, - - - 10 ounces. 
 Liquor Arsenicalis, - - - 6 ounces. 
 
 Mix. Dose one ounce put in one pint of water and mixed in the 
 lood. Feed w^ith nourishing food, and groom w^ell each day* 
 
 Grrease. 
 
 This filthy disorder is a disgrace to every person concerned with 
 
38 
 
 the building in which it occurs. It proves neglect in the proprietor. 
 want of fitness or positive idleness in the groom, and culpable igno- 
 rance or the absence of the slightest moral courage in every one who 
 has anything to do with the stable 
 
 The first appearance of grease is usually a dry and scurfy state of 
 the skin of th'e heel, witli^iedness, heat and itchiness. If the disease 
 is permitted to run its course, deep cracks will soon appear, with an 
 ichorous discharge, and considerable lameness will be exhibited. 
 After the chaps or cracks have healed, the legs will sometimes be- 
 come gorged and swollen. In some cases the cracks are not confined 
 to the center of the heels, but spread over them, and extend on the 
 fetlock, and even up the leg, while the legs are exceedingly swelled, 
 and there is a watery discharge from the cracks, and an apparent 
 oozing through the skin at other places. The legs are exceedingly 
 tender and sometimes hot, and there is an appearance which the 
 farrier thinks very decisive as to the state of the disease, and which 
 the better informed man should not overlook: the heels smoke, the 
 the skin is so hot that the watery fluid partly evaporates as it runs 
 from the cracks or oozes through the skin. 
 
 Treatment. — The medicines should be confined to mild diuretics, 
 tonics and alteratives. The food should consist of good hay; warm 
 bran-mashes, and boiled oats. Gentle exercise should be permitted 
 each day when the roads are dry, but the animal should be kept out 
 of all mud and water. The stables should be kept thoroughly clean : 
 and the animal well groomed. Give once a day the following: 
 
 Murriate Tincture of Iron, - - - 10 ounces. 
 Fowler's Solution, . _ . . 6 ounces. 
 
 Sweet Spirits of Nitre, . . - 5 ounces. 
 
 Mix. Put one ounce of the above mixture in one pint of water 
 and stir in the feed once a day. Wash the diseased limb twice a day 
 with the following: 
 
 Chloride of Zinc, . . . . 1 dram. 
 
 Rain Water, 1 quart. 
 
 Whenihe watery discharge ceases, discontinue the above wash 
 and use the following: 
 
39 
 
 Spirits Turpentine - - - . - 8 ounces. 
 
 Raw Linseed Oil, - - - 8 ounces. 
 
 Oil Tar, . . . _ 2 ounces. 
 
 Oil Stone, .... 2 ounces. 
 
 Tincture Iodine, ... 1 ounce. 
 
 Mix the above in a stone jug, and slowly add, Sulphuric Acid two 
 ounces. Leave out the cork until cold. Shake gently every fifteen 
 minutes. Apply a little to the crack or sores, two or three times a 
 day. The last mixture is all that we ever use for grease, (called 
 scratches in this country) in its first stage. 
 
 Oraekecl, or* 01iai>pecl Heels. 
 
 The last mixture recommended for grease, will affect a cure in a 
 few days, if applied according to above directions. 
 
 Brolien AViiid— -Heaves. 
 
 In this disease the symptoms are too well known, to require a 
 description here. If emphysema (rupture of the air-cells) has not 
 taken place, a cure can sometimes be affected. We have known of 
 good results being obtained from the following mixture: 
 
 Murriate Tincture Iron, ... 8 ounces. 
 
 Iodide of Potassa. - ... 2 ounces. 
 
 Chlorate of Potassa, .... 2 ounces. 
 
 Mix. Put one ounce of this mixture in one pint of water, and 
 mix with warm bran-mash once a day. 
 
 Feed once a day a single handful of sumac berries in the grain, and 
 do not give the horse more than twelve pounds of hay each twenty- 
 four hours. Tie th^ animal, or muzzle so that he cannot eat the 
 bedding. Water often, but not more than one-half pailful at a time. 
 
 Strang-les, or Hoi'se Disteiifiper. 
 
 This disease is easily recognized by nearly every owner of the 
 horse. In the way of treatmejit much good can be done to palliate 
 
40 
 
 the disease. As soon as it is notice.! that thf^ tliroat is sore, ii will 
 be well to prepare an eight-tailed bandage, and bind on a warm 
 poultice of ground flaxseed or wheat bran. The bandage is made by 
 taking a piece of cloth a yard and a quarter in length, by nine inches 
 ill width. Three slits are to be mide at either end : each should be a 
 quarter of a yard deep. This is placed round the throat and at the 
 ends tied, four in front, and four behind the ears. 
 
 A nose bag should be improvised for the occasion by taking some 
 coarse cloth, (a piece of coffee sacking will answer the purpose.) 
 Make a sack large enough that the air and steam can escape around 
 the nose to prevent scalding. Now place a few quarts of bran or 
 saw-dust in the bag; turn on this two ounces spirits turpentine: 
 then turn in a few quarts boiling water; place the horse's nose in the 
 bag and secure it there by means of a strap faste^ied over tlie head. 
 This steaming should be continued until the breathing is easy and 
 natural. To be used at least an hour at a time and several times 
 during the day and night. If the patient will eat, feed with warm 
 bran-mash. Give on the tongue three times a day, two drams 
 powdered Hyposulphite of soda mixed with syrup. Give also the 
 following : 
 
 Tincture Aconite Root, - - - - v ounce. 
 Fluid Extract Belladonna. ... ^, ounce. 
 
 Mix. and give on tlie tongue, ten drops every two hours. 
 
 When the tumor on the throat points, or when a soft spot can l>e 
 found, lose no time in making a free opening with the knife. After 
 the pus bas discharged freely, again ajiply the poultice as liefore. 
 
 This is the most foj-midable of all the diseases to which the horse 
 is subject. It is a dangerous and infectious disease, and if the poison 
 is introduced into wounds, malignant and gangrenous sores are pro- 
 duced both among men and animals. 
 
 Symptoms. — The earliest symptoms of Glanders according to Prof. 
 Youatt, are. ''an increased discharge from the nostrils, small in 
 quantity, constantly flowing, of an aqueous (walery) character, and a 
 little mucous mingling with it, 
 
 "If a horse is in the highest condition, vet has this small wateiv 
 
41 
 
 discharge, and especially from one nostril, no time should be lost in 
 separating him from his companions. The peculiar stickiness and 
 gluiness which is generally supposed to distinguish the discharge of 
 glanders from all other mucous and prevalent secretions belongs to 
 the second stage of the disease, and for many months before this, 
 glanders may have existed in an insidious and highly contagious 
 form. 
 
 "It is a singular circumstance, for which no satisfactory account 
 has yet been given, that when one nostril alone is attacked, it is, in a 
 great majority of cases, the near or left. In process of time, pus 
 (matter) mingles with the discharge, and then another characteristic 
 symptom appears. Some of this is absorbed, and the neighboring 
 glands become affected. If there is discharge from both nostrils, the 
 glands within the under jaw will be on both sides enlarged. If the 
 discharge is from one nostril only, the swelled gland will be found 
 on that side alone. 
 
 "Glanders will frequently exist at an early stage without these 
 swelled glands, and some other cause as catarrh, will produce them. 
 Then Ave must look out for some peculiarity about these glands, and 
 we shall readily find it. The swelling may be at first somewhat large 
 and diffused, but the surrounding enlargement soon goes off, and one 
 or two small, distinct glands remain, and they are not in the centre 
 of the channel, but adhere closely to the jaw on the affected side. 
 
 The membrane of the nose will either be of a purplish hue, or al- 
 most of a leaden color, or of any shade between the two ; or if there 
 is some of the redness of inflammation, it will have a purple tinge: 
 but there will never be the faint pink blush of health, or the intense 
 and vivid redness of inflammation. Spots of ulceration will appear 
 on the membrane covering the cartilage of the nose, not mere sore 
 places, or streaks of abrasion, and quite superficial, but small ulcers, 
 usually approaching to a circular form, deep, and with the edges 
 abrupt and prominent. When these appearances are observed, there 
 can be no doubt about the matter. 
 
 "When ulcers begin to appear on the membrane of the nose, the 
 constitution of the horse is soon evidently affected. The patient 
 loses flesh, his belly is tucked up, his hair unthrifty, and readily coming 
 off, the appetite is impaired, the strength fails, cough, more or less 
 urgent, may be heard; the discharge from the nose will increase in 
 quantity ; it will be discolored, bloody, offensive to the smell, the 
 ulcers in the nose will become larger and more numerous, and the 
 
42 
 
 air-passages being obstructed, a grating, choking noise will be heard 
 at every act of breathing." 
 
 The above symptoms will be sufficient to gaide the owner in dis- 
 tinguishing a case of glanders. When he is thoroughly convinced 
 that his horse is glandered, no time should be lost in killing him. 
 Tliere is no ewe, and the danger to which ef ery person is exposed 
 who comes in contact with a glandered horse, is too great to be triffled 
 with. The disease may be checked for a time, and the discharge 
 dried up so that the animal could be disposed of; but the transaction 
 would be a dishonest one, and no honest man would suffer himself 
 to assist in spreading a disease so contagious and so dangerous to life. 
 
 The author will not give any form of treatment for this disease. 
 
 The name "farcy" is given to such cases of glanders in which the 
 morbid process has its seat in, and immediately beneath the skin, 
 and in which boils (glanders-buboes,) and ulcers of a very infectious 
 and chancrous character make their appearance in the subcutaneous 
 tissue, and in the skin itself. Farcy and glanders are but different 
 types of the same disease; a disease produced by contagion, depend- 
 ent on a specific poison. A poison for which there is no known 
 antidote. 
 
 Symptoms. — The morbid process in this rather frequent disease has 
 its principal seat in the subcutaneous connective tissue, and in the 
 lymphatic system of the skin and the muscles, but especially on the 
 inner side of the hind legs, on the hips, on the neck, between the 
 fore legs, and on all such places where the skin is thin and fine. At 
 first incipient boils or glanders-buboes make their appearance in the 
 subcutaneous tissue. These swellings or boils soon commence to 
 dissolve, or to decay from within, the ulceration begins in the centre, 
 but the matter, being very corrosive, soon works its way into the 
 skin, the boil finally opens, and presents a farcy ulcer with a stea- 
 tomatous bottom (containing matter like suet) and elevated, corroded 
 and inflamed borders. These ulcers vary in size and form, and have 
 a tendency to generate large ulcers from which spring unsightly 
 bunches of fungoid granulations. The smaller description of this 
 disorder has no preference for any particular locality. It appears in 
 small lumps all over the body. These lumps, from their size and 
 uniformity, have been likened to buttons; hence the term "button 
 
43 
 
 farcy." While the capillary vessels of the arteries are everywhere 
 employed in building up the frame, the absorbents are no less dili- 
 gently at work in selecting and carrying away every useless or worn- 
 out portion or part of it. There is no surface on which thousands of 
 these little mouths do not open. Opening on the surface of glander- 
 ous ulcers, they absorb a portion of the virus secreted by them, and 
 as it passes through the little tubes, they become thickened and 
 inflamed by means of its acrimonious qualities, and hence they 
 receive the name of "corded veins" from farriers, who mistook them 
 for the veins whose courses they follow. 
 
 Many claim that farcy has been cured : but the best veterinarians 
 at the present time deny those claims. In our opinion, the only 
 rational treatment of glanders or farcy, consists in the administering 
 at the proper time and place, an ounce of cold lead. 
 
 Bone Spa-vin. 
 
 This disease is too well known to need any descripion. 
 Treatment. — When a spavin first makes its appearance, we have 
 often cured them with the following ointment : 
 
 Red Iodide of Mercury, . . . 2 drams. 
 
 Lard, . ^ . - . 2 ounces. 
 
 The mercury to be thoroughly rubbed in the lard. With a pair of 
 shears clip the hair on the tumor as short as possible. Rub on the 
 tumor, with the finger, a piece of ointment about the size of a hazel- 
 nut once every day. Give the horse perfect rest, and usually a cure 
 can be affected in from four to five weeks. 
 
 If the spavin is of long standing use the following : 
 
 Venice Turpentine, .... \ ounce. 
 
 Powdered Euphorbium, ... 1 ounce. 
 
 Powdered Gorrossive Sublimate, - - 1 ounce. 
 
 Melt the euphorbium in the turpentine over a slow fire, (use an 
 earthen vessel to prepare it in) and when thoroughly melted, remove 
 from the fire. With a wooden spatula stir in the corrosive sublimate. 
 Have previously prepared a piece of strong cloth four inches wide 
 and two yards long. After cutting the hair from the tumor, spread 
 
44 
 
 on the salve; while warm. Now put on the bandage ; winding both 
 above and below the Os calcis, (point of the hock.) Sew on the 
 bandage, so that it will remain for twelve or fourteen hours. 
 
 In very severe cases it is advisable to leave the bandage on for 
 fourteen hours, but usually twelve hours will be sufficient. When 
 the bandage has been removed, all further treatment that will be 
 necessary is to well grease the part every day until healed. In rare 
 cases this treatment may have to be repeated at the end of two weeks* 
 With the above treatment we have succeeded in removing the lame- 
 ness in one hundred and twenty-three cases of bone-spavins and 
 ring-bones in the past five years : having had to repeat the treatment 
 in five or six cases. In some cases the horse ceased to be lame 
 within forty-eight hours. 
 
 Splints. 
 
 The ointment of red liodide of Mercury recommended for spavins 
 will remove a splint in a few weeks. 
 
 Iiiiig"-!Boixes. 
 
 The same treatment given for bone-spavin will also remove the 
 lameness caused by ring-bone. 
 
 Ourl>s. 
 
 Use the red Iodide of Mercury ointment after the inflammation 
 subsides. It will remove any curb. 
 
 \^iixa-Oalls. 
 
 Use the red Iodide of Mercury ointment. Rub thoroughly into the 
 skin once a day to keep up a slight irritation. 
 
 Attached to the extremities of most of the tendons, and between 
 the tendons and other parts, are little bags containing a mucous sub- 
 stance to enable the tendons to slide over each other without friction, 
 and to move easily on the neighboring parts. From violent exercise 
 these vessels are liable to enlarge. There is one of them on the 
 
45 
 
 inside of the hock ; and many writers and practitioners claim that 
 bog-spavin is nothing more or less than an enlargement of this sack. 
 Much error exists in regard to this. We speak with confidence, 
 after numerous dissections, when we say, that this disease does not 
 occur from the enlargement of any mucous bag; but that a bog- 
 spavin is nothing more or less than a distention of the capsular 
 ligament of the joint itself: so that if we cut into it, as many recom- 
 mend, we open the joint and endanger the life of the animal. There 
 are different degrees of severity in which this disease may exist; it 
 may be merely an increased secretion of synovia, (joint oil) so as to 
 distend the ligament, and in such case it is readily curable ; or it may 
 be, as it more frequently is, a rupture of the connections of the liga- 
 ment from the bones, as not only to distend, but actually to enlarge 
 the cavity of the joint. In the latter instance, though the disease 
 may be temporarily removed, it generally recurs with work. 
 
 Thoroughpins, are the same morbid affection as the bog-spavin, 
 but affecting the upper and back part of the joint, and may be on one 
 or both sides. Usually the two affections exist at the same time. 
 
 By pressure on the bog-spavin we will notice an enlargement or 
 bulging out of the thoroughpen, and vice versa; the fluid passing 
 through the joint, from one enlargement to the other. 
 
 The two affections being the same, they require the same treat- 
 ment. 
 
 Treatment. — The proper treatment for bog-spavin and thorough- 
 pin, is to endeavor to promote the absorption of the excess of fluid, 
 and at the same time, if possible, assist nature in her attempt 
 to grow the distended ligament to the bones. 
 
 The best treatment which we have been able to find, is the repeat- 
 ed application of the red iodide of mercury ointment recommended 
 for bone-spavin and curbs. At the same time, it will be necessary 
 to use a compress, bound on with bandages, in order to keep the dis- 
 tended ligament in contact with the bones of the hock. For this 
 purpose take a fold of cloth about four inches square, on which place 
 a half of a large cork, place these on the enlargement, and bind with 
 the bandages. This treatment, faithfully persevered in, will usually 
 affect a cure in from six to eight weeks. The bandages should be 
 removed every twelve hours, and the limb be well hand-rubbed, in 
 order to keep up the proper circulation of the blood. The animal 
 should have perfect rest. 
 
46 
 
 Corns are of four kinds — the old, the new, the sappy and the 
 suppurating; all are caused by bruises to the sensitive sole. 
 
 Corns in the horse do not answer to those excrescences found up- 
 on the feet of man ; being bruises, they consist of effusion in every 
 instance. The effusion may either be of blood or of serum ; blood 
 constitutes the old and the new corn, serum gives rise to the sappy 
 corn. 
 
 The suppurative corn is an after-consequence of either of those just 
 named ; when the effusion has been so large as to defy absorption, 
 a new action. is started up — pus, (matter) is secreted, and a suppura- 
 tive corn is created. 
 
 For an old, or for a new corn, pare the sole sufficient fo prevent 
 the shoe from resting on the corn-seat, put on a few drops Ter-chlor- 
 ide antimony, then turn on melted pitch or tar; and crowd under 
 the shoe a little tow or cotton. 
 
 If a suppurating corn be present, the sole must be gradually re- 
 moved until the pus is released ; cut away every particle of detached 
 horn; wash out the cavity with a solution of chloride of zinc — one 
 grain of zinc to one ounce of water — fill the cavity with tar or pitch, 
 and covering with tow or cotton, as above. 
 
 Sappy corns should be treated the same as suppurative corn. In 
 both cases, as soon as the orifice is protected by new horn, the horse 
 should be shod with leather under the shoe, covering the whole sur- 
 face under the foot. 
 
 Thrush. 
 
 This is a very common affection of the horse. It may be caused 
 by internal disease, but the usual cause is bad stable management. 
 When internal disease gives rise to thrush, it is present in the fore 
 feet. When provoked by bad stable management, it shows itself in 
 the hind feet. 
 
 Thrush is a foul discharge from the cleft of the frog, and attended 
 with disorganization of the horn. If in the fore foot, the quarters 
 will be strong and high ; the sole thick and concave ; the frog small 
 and ragged. When in the hind foot, the foot may be of any shape, 
 but the frog is generally large, and the discharge will be more cop- 
 ious than in the former instance. 
 
47 
 
 Treatment. — The first thing is to cleanse the stable thoroughly. 
 Bed down the stalls with clean, dry straw. Wash the feet clean with 
 water, in every pint of which is dissolved two scruples of chloride of 
 zinc. When the fetor has been removed, with a sharp knife cut 
 away every particle of the diseased frog ; the knife to be used until 
 all the white powdery substance is effectually removed. 
 
 The shoe is to be nailed on and the animal returned to his stable. 
 
 The cause being removed, the effect will soon cease. No oint- 
 ment or grease of any kind are required. Once or twice a day wash 
 the feet with the chloride of zinc lotion ; three grains to the ounce of 
 water. The wash to be forced into every portion of the diseased foot 
 with a swab, or piece of sponge. 
 
 A^ciite Laiiiiiiitis, ox* ITeT^er in tlie Feet— - 
 Foil n. del*. 
 
 There is but one cause for this disease ; and that is, man's brutali- 
 ty. The symptoms of the disease as given by Prof. Maghen, are: 
 'The horse is found all in a heap, and the food untouched; the flesh 
 quivering; the eyes glaring; the nostrils are distended, and the 
 breath jerking. The flanks are tucked up ; the back roached, the 
 head erect, and the mouth is firmly closed ; the hind legs are ad- 
 vanced to take the bearing from the inflamed fore members; the 
 front feet are pushed forward, so as to receive the least possible 
 amount of weight, and that upon the heels; but the feet thus placed 
 are constantly on the move. Now, one leg is slightly bent; then that 
 is down and the other is raised ; the horse is, according to a vulgar 
 phrase, "dancing on hot irons." In this attitude the wretched quad- 
 ruped will stand, its sides heaving and its flesh creeping, with the 
 pain within its hoofs, and with the fire that burns within its blood. 
 
 The teeth are occasionally heard to grind against each other; ex- 
 pressive sounds sometimes issue from the throat, and partial per- 
 spiration burst forth upon the body ; it is a horrible picture of the 
 largest agony. 
 
 "The fore feet are mostly the seat of the disorder ; all four feet 
 may be involved, but the author has only witnessed the fore feet 
 affected. 
 
 "Horses sometimes lie down in this disease; but they more gener- 
 ally stand. When down they should be suffered to remain." 
 
 Treatment. — The usual metliod of treating this disease is to bleed 
 
48 
 
 regularly from the jugglar vein; but we have had far better success 
 in local, than general bleeding. Open the plate vein just below the 
 button, on the inside of each fore leg. The vein can be found very 
 readily, as it is usually gorged to double its natural size. One quart 
 of blood abstracted from each leg will afford greater relief than a 
 pail-full taken from the neck. 
 
 Pin up the orifice, and place the feet in a tub of water, as hot as 
 the horse can bear, without scalding. Keep them in the water for 
 three or for hours at a time ; repeating the operation several times 
 during the day for several days. Give the horse the following 
 drench : 
 
 Castor Oil. U Pint. 
 
 Groton Oil. 30 drops. 
 
 Oil Sassafras, 2 ounces. 
 
 Mix thoroughly and give at a draught. Give on the tongue every 
 half hour, until the fever abates. 
 
 Tincture Arnica, - - - - 10 drops. 
 
 Fifteen minutes after giving the arnica, give 
 
 Tincture Rhus Toxicodendron, - - 10 drops. 
 
 Continue giving these drops every fifteen minutes apart, as long as 
 the horse has any fever. 
 
 If the Rhus Tox. cannot be found, give in its stead the fluid ex- 
 tract of Belladonna. 
 
 The animal should be kept well clothed, in order to start the per- 
 spiration freely. At each time after removing the feet from the wa- 
 ter, the legs should be rubbed dry, and bandaged with flannel. 
 
 IVavicular Disease, 
 
 This disease is the scourge of horse-flesh.; and is one of the most 
 frequent diseases to which the horse is afflicted. It is a disease of 
 the navicular bone; a small wedge-like bone above the frog; articu- 
 lating with the lower pastern bone above, and the coffin bone below. 
 In its union with these two bones it helps to form the coffin joint. 
 
 Symptoms. — The symptoms of this disease are so plain that any 
 ordinary observer ought not to be mistaken. While standing, the 
 horse will point with, or place the diseased foot forward, or if both 
 feet are affected, he will alternately place one foot before the other. 
 
49 
 
 When taken out of the stable, his step will be short and quick, and 
 ihe feet will be placed gently and tenderly on the ground. He is 
 constantly tripping and stumbling; sometimes he will go lame only 
 for a short distance, at other times he will continue lame during the 
 journey. In a short time the hoof becomes dry and hard, the heel 
 high, and the foot contracted. At times the foot will be feverish, 
 and again there will be no change in the temperature. 
 
 After the horse has been lame for some time in both feet, he 
 usually points the fore feet as far forward as possible, which causes 
 the muscles of the chest to be thrown backward, giving the chest 
 the appearance of being sunk in. This is what many term "chest 
 founder." The term is a misnomer, however, as there is no such 
 ilisease. 
 
 A large majority of horses that are lame in the fore feet, are afflict- 
 ed with this disease; but not understanding the symptoms, many 
 persons try to locate the disease in the shoulder ; a mistake that is 
 entirely inexcusable. 
 
 Treatment. — In treating this disease, the first thing to be done is 
 to soften the hoofs and remove the fever. For this purpose the foot, 
 or feet, should be placed in a tub of warm water, for at least an hour 
 at a time for several days. After removing them from the water, 
 they should be wiped dry with cloths ;, the bottoms packed with wet 
 clay every twelve hours, the dry clay to be removed each time, and 
 the hoofs should be thoroughly anointed once each day from the hair 
 down, with the hoof ointment, recommended in the back part of the 
 book. 
 
 This treatment should be continued for weeks, and if the disease 
 has not progressed for too long a time, we have reasonable hopes of 
 success. 
 
 Poll E^il. 
 
 Poll Evil consists of a deep abstess on the most forward portion of 
 the neck, near the top of the head ; ending in an ulcerous sore which 
 usually has numerous sinuses. 
 
 When an enlargement first appears on the poll, if pus has not yet 
 formed, it can very readily be removed by a few applications of the 
 following liniment : 
 
 Powdered Corrosive Sublimate, - J ounce. 
 
 Camphor Gum, - - - i ounce. 
 
50 
 
 These to be put in four ounces of alcohol, and when thoroughly 
 dissolved, add 
 
 Spirits Turpentine, - - - 4 ounces. 
 
 Apply to the tumor with a swab once a day for three or four days, 
 then discontinue for a week, and if any of the enlargement remians, 
 apply again. If there should be any pus in the tumor, this liniment 
 will assist in bringing it to the surface, and if there is no pus, the en- 
 largement w411 disappear. 
 
 If pus is formed, open the prominent or soft places. Allow the 
 pus to issue; then cut down on the wound till the seat of the disease 
 is reached. Use a proper knife, and include as many pipes as possi- 
 ble in one clean cut. All others should join this. Empty out all 
 the concrete matter. Wash the cavity with cold water. Excise all 
 loose pieces of tendon and all unhealthy flesh. Wash the sore three 
 times a day with the chloride of zinc lotion, one grain to the ounce, 
 and cover the wound with a piece of cloth dipped in tar-water. If 
 the tumor has burst, still include the pipes in one smooth incission ; 
 clean out the concrete pus and treat as has been directed. Spare the 
 ligament w^hich lies under the mane, and work in a breast-collar 
 after recovery. 
 
 Fistixloixs 'Witliei'^. 
 
 This disease closely resembles poll evil, and in its first stage, the 
 treatment recommended for the first stage of that disease, is also ap- 
 plicable here. 
 
 When pus has been formed, it is especially necessary that an incis- 
 sion be made at once. Wash the wound as has been recommended 
 for poll evil. This having been done take a probe and feel for any 
 sinuses that may be formed. When you have found the number and 
 location of the sinuses, or pipes, insert in each sinus a piece of lun- 
 ar caustic (the stick), and with the probe insert it to the bottom of 
 the sinus. Do nothing more to it f'or twenty-four hours, by that time 
 there will be a hard pipe like substance extending from the surface. 
 to the bottom of the sinus. Now take a common catheter and intro- 
 duce it in the sinus, by the side of the pipe. Insert it to the bottom 
 of the sinus; with a syringe fitting the end of the catheter, injecl 
 castile soap and soft water, with sufficient force to loosen the pipe 
 at the bottom. Pull out the pipe, and after cleansing the sinus with 
 the soap-suds, inject the chloride of zinc lotion, one grain to the 
 
51 
 
 ounce, continue this treatment twice a diiy, taking particular pains 
 to get the wash to the bottom of the sinus. 
 
 The following formulas are preparations which originated with the 
 author, and have been used by him for years. The reader need have 
 no hesitancy in applying them as recommended. There is not one 
 of them but what is worth more than the price of this book : 
 
 Ground Flaxseed 
 
 
 pound. 
 
 Saltpeter, . _ . . 
 
 
 ounces. 
 
 Rosin, _ . . . 
 
 - 2 
 
 ounces. 
 
 Sulphur, - . . . 
 
 
 ounce. 
 
 Gentian Pioot, powdered, 
 
 
 ounce. 
 
 Golden Seal, 
 
 - 1 
 
 ounce. 
 
 Elecampane, - - - - 
 
 
 ounce. 
 
 Liquorice, . _ . . 
 
 
 ounce. 
 
 Ginger, .... 
 
 - 1 
 
 ounce. 
 
 Sub. Carbonate of Iron, 
 
 
 ounce. 
 
 Cream Tartar, . . _ 
 
 - 1 
 
 ounce. 
 
 Sassafras Bark, 
 
 
 ounce. 
 
 Lobelia Seed, pulverized, 
 
 1 
 
 ounce. 
 
 Capsicum, .... 
 
 
 ounce. 
 
 Bloodroot, . - - . 
 
 - i 
 
 ounce. 
 
 Dose. — One teaspoonful in bran-mash twice 
 
 a day. 
 
 For horned 
 
 cattle, dose, one tablespoonful twice a day. 
 
 
 
 Liciuiii A-lterative. 
 
 Tincture Chloride of Iron, - - 10 ounces. 
 
 Liquor Arsenicalis, - - - 6 ounces. 
 
 Dose. — One ounce to be put in one pint of water and mixed with 
 feed once a day. 
 
 This is the best tonic alterative that we have ever used. When- 
 ever the digestive organs are impaired, which may be detected by the 
 passage of undigested grain, the coat rough, the skin tight, and the 
 
52 
 
 appetite poor : this preparation will tone up the system and give new 
 life and vigor to the organs. 
 
 Blaeli Oil. 
 
 For Scratches, Grease Heel, Sore Necks and Shoulders 
 Spirits Turpentine, 
 
 Linseed Oil, - - - - 
 
 Oil Tar, - - - - 
 
 Oil Stone, .... 
 
 Tincture Iodine, 
 
 Mix in a stone jug, and slowly add 
 Sulphuric Acid, 
 
 Leave out the cork until cold. 
 
 If an ointment is preferred, make the following: 
 
 
 'pint, 
 pint, 
 ounces, 
 
 
 ounces, 
 
 
 ounce. 
 
 2 
 
 ounces. 
 
 JBlack Oiii.i:nieiit. 
 
 Lard, 
 
 Spirits Turpentine, 
 Oil Amher. 
 Slowly add 
 
 Sulphuric Acid, 
 
 1 pound. 
 
 ounces. 
 
 1 ounces. 
 
 Hoof* OintinLent. 
 
 For softening hoofs. 
 Linseed Oil, 
 Bees' Wax 
 Balsam Fir, 
 Venice Turpentine, 
 Oil Amber, Rectified, 
 Melt together, over a slow fire. 
 
 To 4 ounces of the above add I 
 an excellent healing ointment. 
 
 To the hoof ointment add : 
 
 pint. 
 
 ounces. 
 
 ounces. 
 
 ounces. 
 
 ounces. 
 
 ounce oxide of zinc, and you have 
 
 Finely Pulverized Verdigris, 
 and we have a fine green ointment for old sores. 
 For fresh wounds. 
 
53 
 
 ChLloi'ide of Zinc Solution. 
 
 Chloride of Zinc. 
 Rain Water, 
 This makes a fine dressing for fresh wounds 
 ointments or liniments. 
 
 far 
 
 1 dram. 
 1 quart, 
 better than any 
 
 INo. 1 Liniment. 
 
 For relaxing muscles. 
 
 Coal Oil, ... 
 
 / Boiled Linseed Oil. • - 
 
 Oil Hemlock, _ _ _ 
 
 Camphor Gum. - - - 
 
 Ac^ua Ammonia, concentrated, - 
 
 This liniment will relax contracted muscles quicker than any pre- 
 paration I ever used. It is also good for rheumatism. It will cure 
 corns and bunions on human feet. When used on horse flesh, it 
 should not be rul)bed in, as it will blister. 
 
 2 
 
 quarts 
 
 2 
 
 quarts 
 
 8 
 
 ounces 
 
 4 
 
 ounces 
 
 1 
 
 ounce. 
 
 ^tixiiiilatiii|jf Liniment. 
 
 Alcohol. 
 
 Oil Origanum, 
 
 Oil Cedar, 
 
 Oil Lavander, 
 
 Camphor Gum, 
 
 Aqua Ammonia, f. f. f. 
 
 ]>int. 
 
 ounce. 
 
 ounce. 
 
 ounce. 
 
 ounce. 
 
 ounce. 
 
 LiniAient. 
 
 To remove inflammation. 
 
 Tincture Aconite Root, - - 2 ounces. 
 
 Sulphuric Ether, - - - 2 ounces. 
 
 Aqua Ammonia, f. f. f.. - - 2 drams. 
 
 Bathe the parts inflamed three times a day. Rub well with the 
 hand. 
 
54 
 
 Worm Powdei'. 
 
 Copperas, powdered, - - 1 ounce. 
 
 White Sugar, - - ' - 1 ounce. 
 
 Mix. 
 
 Dose. — One teaspoonful in warm bran- mash three limes a day. 
 
 Calomel, - - - - 1 dram. 
 
 Tartar Emetic, - - - J dram. 
 
 Santonine, - - - 10 grains. 
 
 Mix, and give at a dose once a day for four or five days, then give 
 one quart raw linseed oil. 
 
 Healing^ Oiiitiixcnt. 
 
 For Scratches, Sore Necks, 'Shoulders, etc. 
 
 Lard, - - - 4 ounces. 
 
 Oxide of Zinc, - - - 2 ounce. 
 
 Calomel, _ _ . 2 drams. 
 
 Mix. Rub thoroughly together. Rub a little on the affected parts 
 twice or three times a day. 
 
 The author has covered more ground than he intended at the out- 
 set, yet this was found necessary to enable his readers to under- 
 stand the symptoms and treatment of those diseases which are com- 
 monly met with at the present day. Had the limits of the work 
 permitted, more space would have been allotted to the cause of dis- 
 ease, as it is a subject, which every owner of the horse ought to thorough- 
 ly understand. Should this effort be kindly received by the public, 
 the author may at some future time conclude to revise the work, 
 making it as complete as possible. With many thanks for the indi- 
 vidual acts of kindness, and the increasing patronage which the 
 author has received during his residence in Minnesota, he humbly 
 takes his leave, trusting that he has assisted in disseminating views 
 which may be profitable to his readers. 
 

 -I N D E X. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Page. 
 
 
 Page- 
 
 Ascites, 
 
 27 
 
 Healing Ointment, 
 
 54 
 
 Alterative Powders, 
 
 51 
 
 Inflammation of the Brain. 
 
 13 
 
 Acute Lamiiiitis, 
 
 47 
 
 Inflammation of Lungs, 
 
 20 
 
 Bots, 
 
 23 
 
 Inflammation of the Bowels, 
 
 25 
 
 Broken Wind, 
 
 39 
 
 Inflammation of the Kidneys 
 
 , 36 
 
 Bone Spavin, 
 
 43 
 
 Influenza, 
 
 30 
 
 Bog Spavin, 
 
 44 
 
 Liquid Alterative. 
 
 51 
 
 Black Oil, 
 
 52 
 
 Liniment No, I , 
 
 53 
 
 Black Ointment, 
 
 52 
 
 Liniment to Remove Inflam- 
 
 
 Cold, 
 
 16 
 
 mation, 
 
 53 
 
 Chronic Gararrh, 
 
 17 
 
 Liniment, St i m u 1 a t i n g . 
 
 53 
 
 Chronic Cough, 
 
 19 
 
 Mange, 
 
 36 
 
 Crib Biting, 
 
 25 
 
 Nasal Gleet, 
 
 17 
 
 Colic, Spasmodic, 
 
 33 
 
 Nephritis, 
 
 36 
 
 Colic, Flatulent, 
 
 35 
 
 Navicular Disease, 
 
 48 
 
 Cracked or Chapped Heels 
 
 39 
 
 Ozena, 
 
 17 
 
 Curbs, 
 
 44 
 
 Phrenitis, 
 
 13 
 
 Corns, 
 
 46 
 
 Pneumonia. 
 
 20 
 
 Chloride of Zinc Lotion, 
 
 53 
 
 Poll Evil, 
 
 49 
 
 Dropsy of the Abdomen, 
 
 27 
 
 Quidding, 
 
 16 
 
 Enteritis, 
 
 25 
 
 Ring-Bone, 
 
 44 
 
 Epidemic Catarrh, 
 
 3jD 
 
 Shoeing, 
 
 6 
 
 Epizootic. 
 
 30 
 
 String-Hait. 
 
 14 
 
 Farcy, 
 
 42 
 
 Strangles. 
 
 39 
 
 Founder, 
 
 47 
 
 Splint, 
 
 44 
 
 Fistulous Withers, 
 
 50 
 
 Tympanitis. 
 
 35 
 
 Grease, 
 
 37 
 
 Thrush, 
 
 46 
 
 Glanders, 
 
 40 
 
 Worms, 
 
 32 
 
 Hints to be Remembered, 
 
 5 
 
 WindsGalls. 
 
 44 
 
 Heaves, 
 
 37 
 
 Worm Powder No. 1, 
 
 54 
 
 Horse Distemper. 
 
 39 
 
 Worm Powder No. 2, 
 
 54 
 
 Hoof Ointment, 
 
 * 52 
 
 .- 
 
 4 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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