xc:*:: iLIBIlARYOFCOiNGRESS.I # ^.^ , ||hq,. .M ... |arerisM io ^ I J7^c<^ >kA.1 I IJP ^S><5fe,'%'?fe'%'^«k.'lfe>'^ ^K.<3lfe>'%,'%.'^'5^^ ^g^ ■^ ■ oatL-^j;.' w 1870. yi^'T/ TO VETERINARY MEDICINE; OR, A Treatise on the Sick Horse, WITH THE MOST SCIENTIFIC MODES OF TREATMENT. By WILLIAM SNYDER, Veterinary Surgeon. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870 By WILLTAM SNYDER, In the U. S. District Clerk's Office for the Eaetern^ Dtstrict-of Mich. C^ ADRIAN, MICH.: TIMES AND EXPOSITOR STEAM PRINTING HOUfiE. 1870. (/ PREFACE. The plan of this little book is intended to be pre- cisely such as the Author conceived to be warranted by the general reader. He trusts it will be most acceptable to those who hav^e not the leisure or the opportunity to consult more elaborate works on the subject. "Per- haps," says Dr. Johnson, "the excellence of aphorism consists not so much in the expression of some rare or abstruse sentiment, as in the comprehension of some ob- vious and useful truth in a few w^ords. We frequently fall into error and folly, not because the true principles of action are not known, but because, for a time, they are not remembered; and he may, therefore, be justly numbered among the benefactors of mankind, who con- tracts the great rules of life in sh(;rt sentences, that may be easily impressed on the memory, and taught by frequent recollection to recur habitually to the mind. " Such a volume as this has long been wanted by the pub- lic, and the stirring interest of the theme, leaving out of view its importance, should recommend it, as likely to prove a welcome and animating addition to the study of veterinary practice. The object of the Author has been to confine himself to facts, avoiding any strong expres- sion one way or the other, and hence the work may be safely entrusted to the popular or youthful reader; and it is the Author's hope that each reader will find some useful information on those very points about which ev.ery one possessing animals should know something. It has been said. Knowledge of a part of any science is better Mum ignorance of the world. ^f^ HA.]Nr>-BOOIi VETERINARY MEDICINE ►fM^^/s^^^////♦• By WILLIAM SNYDER, Veterinary Surgeon. ^.vWVVWVWWa- CHILLS, OR LUNG FEVER. Symptoms. — The first symptoms which are usually ob- served before the chill proper sets in, may be thus de- scribed: Dullness, or want of spirits; upon the animal entering the stable after a journey, hanging of the head; standing fixedly in one place; taking little or no notice when spoken to; smelling at the food; picking amongst it, perhaps, for a short time, and then leaving it alto- gether. From this condition, if the animal be judi- ciously treated, the attack may gradually pass off, and perfectly recover; or it may pass into Catarrhal Fever, or Pneumonia, or Bronchitis, or Inflammation of the Bowels, or, what is very common, a bad Cough. Treatment. — At the commencement of the Chill, take 4 oz. spirits of nitre, 2 oz. tincture lobelia, 2 oz. tincture 4 HAND-BOOK TO aconite, made from the root. Dose — ^ oz. once in 20 minutes, until nausea is produced; then once in 2 or 3 hours, until entirely recovered. Making application of mustard blisters to the sides and chest is essentially nec- essary. They should be rubbed over a large extent of surface, and freely and repeatedly applied until the skin and sub-tissue become distended with serum; bandage the legs; take 3 oz. copsic, 1 qt. alcohol; bathe as far as can be bandaged; use woolen bandage; feed bran mashes; keep water in reach, with 1 table spoonful cream tartar in same; give injections with castile soap and warm water; clothe well with blankets when Chill is on; give the medicine 2 or 3 times a day while the Cough lasts. L^se this medicine for Coughs and Colds. NEPHRITIS:— Inflammation of the Kidneys. Symptoms. — The symptoms of Nephritis, in many re^ spects, are very similar to those which are present when the bladder is inflamed or irritated. Nephritis fre- quently commences in a very insidious manner; the hind limbs are moved stiffly; the abdomen is tucked up; the animal urinates frequently, and the urine is scanty. As the disease proceeds the patient walks with a straddling gait, the efforts to urinate become more freouent and more urgent, and the small portion of urine which may be expelled is mixed with blood; the animal breathes hurriedly, and the pulse is quick and irritable; the pa- tient presents a suffering and dejected appearance, and the skin over the region of the kidneys is warmer than natural. Use aconite in the beginning if the animal is very un- easy, and the urine is frequent, depositing a thick muddy sediment. Dose, 20 drops of tincture, repeated every half , hour, alternate with 20 drops fluid extract Hyos- ciainu^,^ then hot water fomentations to the loins, also as a purgative if the cause of the disease can be traced to VETERINARY MEDICINE. 5 foul food. When such is the case, administer a 6-drachm ball forthwith, and afterwards resort to the aconite as before. ENTERITIS: — Inflammation of the Bowels. Symptoms. — Pain of an unceasing character, referable to the bowels, and which causes the animal to manifest more or less unceasing violence during the existence of the disease. The muscular walls of the abdomen are contracted, and the abdomen is tender upon pressure. Treatment. — Aconite is the chief remedy to be de- pended upon in this disease, and should be frequently administered till a cilm is established, which generally takes place in about an hour. Dose, 20 drops every 15 or 20 minutes, until relieved. Arsenicum, Fowler's solution, if after the use of aco- nite some symptoms still remain, especially if the disease has been produced by green food, or by drinking cold water when heated. Dose, 1 drachm every half hour, or at longer intervals if the disease is not very violent. Coloycinth, if arsenicum does not remove all the symptoms, especially if it is accompanied with colic, and there are bloody evacuations. Dose, the same as di- rected for arsenicum. INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. This somewhat rare disease is generally met with in hot weather; horses in high condition after being exposed to the rays of the sun for a considerable time are the ones usually attacked with it; but it is sometimes produced by a blow on the head. The first symptoms of this dis- ease are noticed by the animal having a dull, heavy ap- pearance; he stands with his head down, and it is with difficulty that he is made to move; after a day or two his breathing becomes accelerated, with violent trembling of 6 HAND-BOOK TO the whole body, he stares wildly about, he throws up his head, rears upon his hind legs, dashes furiously and un- consciously about, plunges headlong on the ground^ springs up again, gnashes his teeth, strikes at anything that happens to be in his way; after a time he becomes calm, and stands motionless, or walks slowly around. Remedies. — Aconite, Belladonna, Veratrum and Opium. Aconite in the very commencement of this disease, if the pulse is accelerated,, fever, congestion toward the brain, rapid breathing, and trembling of the whole body. Dose, 20 drops every twenty minutes, until sev- eral doses have been taken, or the more violent symp- toms subdued. Give each dose in an ounce of water. Belladonna, if the animal has a wild, staring, fixed look, dashes furiously and unconsciously about, which is indicative of violent congestion of the brain. Dose, 20 drops every twenty or thirty minutes in half an ounce of water, until the violence of the attack is subdued. Veratrum, if the legs and ears are icy cold, with con- vulsive trembling of the whole body, or where there is aik reeling, staggering motion, and the animal plunges vio-f lently and falls down head foremost. Dose, the same as directed for belladonna. Opium, if after the paroxysms the animal remains motionless, wdth fixed, staring eyes, the tongue of a leaden, or black color. Dose, 20 drops in half an ounce of water, every half, one, or two hours, according to cir- cumstances. PLEURISY. One of the earliest symptoms which is usually noticed in this disease is that of the animal giving a clear, sharp grunt — a symptom particularly evident by turning the patient quickly around in the stall; this, in many cases, is spe'edily spcceeded by considerable lameness in one or both fore extremities; if present in one limb only, the VETERINARY MEDICINE. patient will hold it in a fixed position; if in both, he will step with a slow, short, straddling gait. Treatme/id. — The same as in lung fever throughout. COLIC. Colic is a common malady. The animal is suddenly attacked with acute pain in the bowels; the patient crouches; stamps with the feet violently upon the ground; kicks the abdomen with the hind feet, or throws himself down and rolls over. The pulse at first is seldom quick- ened; the breathing is sometimes short and hurried. In this state the patient will usually continue for a few minutes, when a cessation of the pain occurs, and the horse for a like period is quiet; after which the pain, re- turns, wixh perhaps even greater severity than before. As the disease goes on, it either slowly subsides, or it takes on greater severit}^; the patient rolls and tumbles with greater violence; large patches of perspiration break out upon the several parts of the body, such as the sides, under the abdomen, upon the haunches, and be- tween the hind limbs. Treatment. — Tincture of aconite, made from the root. This remedy, in my opinion, will aid in the cure of at least sixteen cases of genuine colic out of every twenty. Great care is necessary in diluting it freely with water, and in not giving it in over-doses; otherwise it will pro- duce frothing of the mouth of the patient, and momen- tary acts of swallowing, and other symptoms of a painful character. Use the tincture in 15 or 20 drop doses, in an ounce of water, from 20 to 30 minutes apart. Nux Vomica — Fluid Extract. — Nux vomica is indi- cated when flatulence is present; when rumbling sounds within the abdomen are heard; when the pain is of a slow, strong, girdin^r character; and also when the disease may be fairly attributed to a change of diet. Use it in 20 drop doses, mixed with an ounce of water. This » HAND-BOOK 10 remedy may either be used alone, or in alternation with aconite. CoLACYTHis. — This remedy I have found valuable in numerous cases of Colic, arising from the animal having partaken of grass. Use it in 20 drop doses, in an ounce of water. Should the disease be attended with Tyom- pany, alternate Colocythis with Capsicum. Chloroform. — The value of Chloroform as a sedative is too well known to need any further explanation of the fact in these pages. Should the disease be very acute, and obstinate in its continuance, have recourse to Chlo- roform. Give 60 drops for a dose; administer it in 4 ounces of water, or tlour gruel, every half hour; an in- jection of hot water at the below named temperature — ilO deg. Fahrenheit. GASTRITIS; OR BLIND STAGGERS. Symptoms of Acute Gastritis. — The earliest symp- toms are unsteadiness of the gait. The animal reels and staggers as though drunk; the countenance is dull and stupid looking, and the horse appears to those in at- tendance as though only half conscious. As the disease proceeds this unconsciousness becomes more marked; the patient falls to the ground, and there remains, to all ap- pearance powerless; the eyes either present a staring, fixed look, or the eyelids are closed; the pulse is generally slow and heaving, and the breathing slow and deep. Sometimes, however, the pulse is quick and irritable, and the breathing hurried; the bowels are constipated, and the urine scanty. In this state the patient may re- main for several days, and then (if properly treated) re- cover; or the unconsciousness and inability to rise may not continue more than a few hours. Aconite will be serviceable, and may always be given, especially if during an attack the horse falls down, and then trie's to get up again without succeeding. Dose, 20 VETERIXARY MEDICINE. 9 drops every 2 or 4 hours until relieved. If the animal turns quickly around, falls down, and continues alter- nately to struggle and lie quiet, give 20 drops belladonna, the same as the aconite. If the animal lies in a stupid state, as if dead, give opium, the same as directed for aconite; give 6-dram ball of aloes, and give injections of warm water and cas- tile soap. FOUNDER. Symptoms. — Throbbing of the arteries of the limbs afiected, associated with unnatural heat and excessive tenderness of the feet. Treatment. — Give 20 drops aconite in an ounce of water once in two hours until the fever subsides. Stand the horse in a tub of water, or water enough to cover the feet, bandage the legs and keep wet with cold, water, give socroten aloes, loz at a dose. OPHTHALMA. First, the disease is periodic in its attack; second, it is manifested suddenly, and it is also a mitestatic affection, that is, it may suddenly disappear out of one eye, and suddenly appear in the other; third, it is attended with more or less febrile commotion of the system, especially at the outset of the disease; fourth, it is prone to termi- nate in Cataract, and in complete blindness of one or both eyes. Treatment. — Use aconite in the very commencement of the disease; if there is a high degree of inflammation, the vessels of the eye congested, this remedy alone is often sufficient to efiect a cure. Dose, 20 drops every three hours until improvement is set in. Use Bella- donna if aconite has not been sufficient, and there re- mains a dimness of the eye. Dose, 20 drgps of fluid ex- tract three times a day. For an affection in the eye use 10 HAND-BOOK TO raw linseed oil, 2 ounces; tincture of Opium i drachm; 15 drops tincture of Camphor; ^ drachm Sweet S"pirits Nitre Apply with a feather twice a day. Seaton about three inches below the eye. Move the rowell every day. Let remain ten or twelve days. DEURESIS, OR DIABETES. Symptoms. — This malady is usually designated Dia- betes Insipidus. It is a disease which may prevail at any period of the year, and it may be produced from a variety of causes. It may exist either in an endemic or sporadic form. It is an affection which calls for prompt- ness and decision on the part of the Veterinary Sur- geon; otherwise it may speedily terminate in the patient becoming glandered. The excessive drain of fluid from the system, a fact so peculiar in this disease, so de- ranges the vital economy of the blood as to favor the rapid development of the latter. The symptoms at the outset are frequently insidious. The apj)etite fails; the animal exhibits weakness of a general character, dullness of spirits, and perspiring readily upon slight exertion ; the patient is thirsty; he urinates frequently, and the urine is secreted in great abundance. Treatment. — The first essential towards the cure is to remove the cause of the disease, and as this generally arises from improper food, the diet should be thoroughly inspected, and what is objectionable at once removed. Aconite. — I have cured great numbers of cases of Di- abetes with this remedy. Use it in 20 drop doses, in 1 oz of water, every 3 or 4 hours apart. Tincture of Iodine. — Sometimes the Aconite fails to produce the desired effect; in which case have recourse to the Tincture of Iodine. Use it in drachm doses, mixed with 2 ounces of water. The close may be repeated morning,' noon and night, for three or four days in suc- cession. VETERINARY MEDICINE. 11 MANGE. Symptoms. — The proofs of Mange are of a very direct nature. The existence of the insect upon the skin will at once aftbrd certain and conclusive evidence of the ex- istence of Mange. It can be readily determined. To do so, comb a quantity of the scurf from the skin, upon a piece of black cotton having a smooth surface, and by spreading the scurf upon it, and observing it closely, any one having a good vision may, if the insect be present, readily detect its movements with the naked eye. A good common pocket lens, however, will aid the observer materially. Treatment — Outward application — Take Pyrolignious Acid, Linseed Oil and Turpentine, equal parts. For inward treatment, give Arsenicum, Fowler's So- lution, in drachm doses, 3 times a day. If the hair falls off, and the skin becomes loose and Habby, or if there are ulcers with hard red edges, give one ounce Iodide Po- tassa in one quart rain water. Dose — ^ oz. 3 times a day. Keep the bowels open with bran mash. GREASE— OH APPED HEELS OR SCRATCHES. External Remedies. — Prior to the application ex- ternally, remove the hair carefully from the sores, and cleanse them well with tepid water and soap. The ex- ternal remedies comprise poultices, hot water bandages and fermentations. For poultices, boiled turnips, the same as for eating, and add one teacup of salt to each poultice; then apply three times; then apply glycerine once a day. WORMS. Are frequently met with in large quantities in horses, especially those that are kept upon unwholesome diet. There are several different kinds of worms, but, unless 12 HAND-BOOK TO they exist in large quantities, they are not so hurtful as is generally supposed. There is the Sumbrici, almost like the common earth worm, and generally about five or six inches long. These worms are sometimes the cause of a staring coat, hide bound, and tucked up flanks. Remedy. — Take 2 oz. Aloes, divide into 8 parts, and give night and morning ; then take 8 oz Fowler's Solu- tion and give in drachm doses twice a day. I will here add some of the best formulas for Lotions, Liniments, Blisters, Condition Powders, &c. : COOLING LOTION. Tincture Arnica 1 pt. Acetic Acid i pt. Salamoniac 2 oz. Soft Water 1 qt. This is one of the best lotions in use ; it will reduce in- flammation from strains, bruises, &c. The parts in- flamed should be constantly wet with it. CHLOROFORM LINIMENT. Oil Cedar 1 oz. Oil Hemlock 1 oz. Oil Chloroform , 2 oz. Alcohol 4 oz. This is a favorite Liniment, it is used by man for In- flamed Rheumatism, and by horsemen for Sprains and other lameness. The parts may be bathed from two to three times a day with the Liniment. HEALING LINIMENT. • -Oif T^r 4 oz. Camphor Gum 4 oz. VETERINARY MEDICINE. 13 Tincture Arnica 8 oz. Tincture Iodine 3 oz. Oil Spike 1| oz. Castile Soap 8 oz. Add 1 quart of soft water to 4 oz. of these ingredients, after being mixed. This Liniment is used for all open sores and fresh wounds. THE ABSORBENTS. Tincture Iodine 4 oz. OilVitrol ^ oz. Corrosive Sublimate | oz. Tinct. Cantharides 1 oz. Well mixed. In using this absorbent, from 3 to 5 ap- plications will remove new Bone Spavins, new Ring Bones, and Curb or Splint, and any Blemish that is a hard callous, Bog Spavin or Thorough Pin. Use till there is a gummy substance starts ; then stop. BLOOD POWDERS. Black Antimony 3 oz. Sulphur 4 oz. Powdered Golden Seal .2 oz. Mix well. This may be used in any case where the blood is supposed to be out of order, as in Poll Evil, Fistula, &c. Dose, a teaspoonful at night in the feed. GREASE HEEL LINIMENT. ( Pyroligneous Acid. . . . Linseed Oil. }■ Equal Parts. Turpentine Wash the parts clean, and apply the above mixture twice daily; about once in three days the parts being the most sore should be well sprinkled with finely powered 14 HAND-BOOK TO charcoal. The bowels should be kept open with soft feed and a little Sulphur given once every day. Dose, half a teaspoonful. CaLIC CURE. Powdered Mustard Seed 1 oz. Powdered Ginger 2 oz. Warm Water 1 pt. Give at a dose, and repeat iii 15 minutes if there be no improvement. CONDITION POWDERS. Black Antimony 3 oz. Sulphur 4 oz. Cream Tartar 4 oz. Saltpetre 4 ozr. Carbonate Ammonia 2 oz. Copperas 4 oz. Blood Root 4 oz. Well mixed. Dose — one table spoonful three times a day. HOOF SALVE. Tar. ^pt. Resin | lb. Beeswax ^ lb. Venice Turpentine 2 oz. Apply to the hoof, about one inch below the hair, twice a week. WHIRLBONE LINIMENT. Vinegar, (strong,) 1 pt. Spirits Turpentine i pt. Whites of Eggs 3 - - Origanum Oil 1 oz. This Liniment is used for Strain of the Stifle, Shoulder Lameness i\,nd -Sweeny. For Whirlbone Lameness this VETERINARY MEDICINE. 15 Liniment should be used twice a day, bathed in with a heated brick. CONDITION POWDERS. Powdered Gentian ') Powdered Bloodroot ( . , o Powdered Golden Seal l^^ eacn^ oz. Powdered Elecampane ) Mix; dose, teaspoonful every night in the feed. This powder will be found good for Coughs, Colds, &c. , and may be given after Distemper, and for loss of appetite. HEAVE POWDERS. Tartar Emetic 4 oz. Carbonate Ammonia 2 oz. Ginger 4 oz. Skunk's Cabbage 4 oz. All finely powdered, and give one tea spoonful twice a clay, morning and evening. FLATULENT COLIC. This occurs from fermentation of the food in the stomach, generating gas in large quantities. Green corn is a frequent cause of this disease. Symptoms are the same as in Spasmodic Colic, with the addition of the swelling- Treatment. — This must be prompt to be effective. The same remedies are to be used as in Spasmodic Colic, with the addition of one or two drachms of Chloride of Lime to the dose, in ^ pint of hot water. TO CURE THISTELO; OR POLL EVIL. Cut the parts open and fill with common salt and soap, leave it in until the pipes and sack slough out, which 16 HAND -BOOK usually takes from three to four days; wash the wound with soap and warm water; if the diseased parts are not all sloughed out use more soap and salt. To heal apply a Liniment composed of Linseed Oil 6 oz. Turj)entine ; 2 oz. Pyroligneous Acid 2 oz. LIQUID BLISTER. Take Alcohol h pint; Turpentine |^ pint; Aqaammonia 4 oz. ; Oil Organum 1 oz. Apply this every three hours until it blisters. This is good for Big, or Milk Leg. PHYSIC BALL. Take | oz. Aloes; 3 drachms of Gamboge; 2 drops Oil of Juniper, and make into a pill, with a few dro^^s of molasses. THE GENERAL LINIMENT. Linseed Oil i pt- Spirits of Ammonia 2 oz . Spirits of Turpentine 2 oz. Tincture of Capsicum. i oz. Shake well, and it is for use. This is upon Sprains or Swellings of different kinds. It is good for man or beast. Apply it erery evening by rubbing it in well with the naked hand. ABSORBING PASTE. Iodine 100 grains. Calomel 50 grains. Lard 1 oz. - .This is good for Curbs, Splints, Bog Spavin, Wind- galls and Thorough Pins. Apply once a day for two or three days-, or until it is blistered. ^^rM^: :5S 3^ XL: 3Du ^ %-^ i>:S*>~ -1, =f5-ST»I>: >Z>,0:i«> 5^- sr^»> '"d:^"^:j> 3.^15 i%^ ^J-Sl^ ^'t^-|S>::35 ^5 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS llll 'I! 002 844 982 3 liliil