PREFATORY.

The author of this -work has endeavored to give the reader correct ideas of the nature and treatment of dis�eases occurring in that faithful servant and noble ani�mal, the horse. It is intended to supply the -wants of that class of agriculturists and horsemen � and their name is legion � who are in favor of a more sanative and rational system of medication than that recommended in many �works on farriery. Such individuals, in conse�quence of the scarcity of competent veterinary surgeons, are compelled to treat their own horses ; and this work is intended to be to them, in the hour of need, one that will enable them to restore the sick and cure the lame.

The author has aimed to be brief, yet practical, and has selected, eclecticaUy, from the materia medica, those agents which his own experience, during a professional career of nine years in the vicinity of Boston, has proved to be the most efficacious in curing disease and lame�ness�so far as medicine is capable of accomplishing 1 *nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; C6}nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; ^

6nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; inbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; PREFATORY.

those objects; for it is a well-known fact that medicine, unaided by nature in the silent operation of the life forces, is, in most cases, positively useless. Some knowl�edge of the law of physiology, as it applies to brute bodies, is indispensable for the successful treatment of disease; and all who practise the veterinary art should study that law, not only in view of practising understand-ingly, but for the more important purpose of preventing many thousands of unnecessary cases of disease and pre�mature deaths that are annually occurring among all classes of live stock ; for many diseases and premature deaths follow encroachments on the sanative laws of life. The more a man knows of physiology, the less faith has he in medicine. He resorts to our great catholicon. Na�ture. Animals, if left to themselves, invariably do the same thing ; they seek rest and some simple agent which their own instinct points out as the Balm of Gikad, and they almost invariably recover, except when about run�ning their last race. The province of the physician is to know when to withhold medicine ; for many diseases are self-limited, and would, if the patient were placed in fa�vorable circumstances, run through their various grades up to a healthy termination without the use of some of the trash styled medicine.

Those who wish to practise according to the princi�ples laid down in this work must learn to exercise pa�tience, and practise a rational expectancy. Nature per�forms all her operations in a series of slow and gradual changes, and any attempts to hurry her can only be accomplished at the expense of the vital principle. The reader will perceive that the therapeutic agents are

PREFATORY.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; 7

selected with an eye single to their innoxious qualities � not calculated, like some horse medicines, to make a well hoi'se sick, but for the very reverse of this.

Health, however, must not be supposed to exist in drugs and physic balls. The sick animal must be trans�ferred within the ramparts of the science of life, the means for accomplishing which are comprehended in a strict system of hygiene, and without which medicine may as well be throvm to the dogs as given to a sick horse. The author considers it due to himself to state that he still adheres to those opinions promulgated in former works regarding the vile practice of bloodletting, and the use of agents that are known to depress the vital principle ; and his aim is, and ever will be, so long as he has the power, to substitute sanative medication for that which experi�ence has proved destructive, and to advocate the cause of those denied the power of speech � unable to plead their own cause.

If there is credit following the labors of the author in the cause of reform, he declines receiving it, for it is the property of the profession at large. He is indebted to physicians of all ages and sects for many suggestions and facts that have illuminated his professional path ; and he has no disposition to see laurels placed on the wrong brow.

Some change has, however, taken place in the author's views regarding the several medical sects. He was for�merly somewhat of a specialist, wedded to one particular system of practice; he now practises without regard to sect, � eclectically, � selecting from the various systems those means and agents best calculated to aid, foster,

8nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; PREFATORY.

and perpetuate the physiological state, without regard to their origin or kind, or whether they be mineral or vege�table ; reserving to himself the right to reject every process and agent which militates against the sanatory forces of the body.

It is generally customary among authors, when sending forth a book, to write some sort of an introduction. We propose, for once, to deviate from the general custom, and therefore launch this book into the great ocean of literature without any sort of introduction, preferring to let it carve its own way to public patronage on its merits alone.

G. H. DADD.

CONTENTS.

PRELIMINARY.

raquo;OB

On the Qualifications necessary for the Practice of Yeterinary

Medicine...............................................nbsp; nbsp; 15

Great Benefits derived from studying Comparative Anatomy

and Physiology,........................................nbsp; nbsp; 22

Brief History of Veterinary Science.............................nbsp; nbsp; 28

DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND ITS MEMBRANES.

Stomach Staggers,............................................nbsp; nbsp; 35

Sleepy Staggers..............................................nbsp; nbsp; 40

Inflammation of the Brain,....................................nbsp; nbsp; 42

Apoplexy,...................................................nbsp; nbsp; 43

Vertigo......................................................nbsp; nbsp; 46

Concussion of the Brain,......................................nbsp; nbsp; 49

Lethargy....................................................nbsp; nbsp; 61

Inflammation of the Arachnoid Membrane of the Brain...........nbsp; nbsp; 6i

Remarks on and Explanation of Vapor Bath.....................nbsp; nbsp; 62

DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORT ORGANS AND AIR

PASSAGES.

Pink Eye and Horse Ail,......................................nbsp; nbsp; 54

Spasm of the Larynx,.........................................nbsp; nbsp; 68

Laryngitis,...................................................nbsp; nbsp; 61

Inflammation of the Lungs....................................nbsp; nbsp; 63

Dropsy of the Chest..........................................nbsp; nbsp; 72

Pleuro-pneumonia............................................nbsp; nbsp; 76

Pleurisy,.....................................................nbsp; nbsp; 76

Consumption,................................................nbsp; nbsp; 81

Strangles,...................................................nbsp; nbsp; 88

(9)

CONTENTS.

Bronchitis,...................................................nbsp; nbsp; 94

Catarrh,.....................................................nbsp; nbsp; 97

Nasal Gleet.....................,............................nbsp; 100

Roaring.....................................................nbsp; 101

Common Cough,.............................................nbsp; 103

Tracheotomy.................................................nbsp; 105

Bleeding from the Nose,......................................nbsp; 105

Heaves or Broken Wind......,................................nbsp; 106

DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.

Inflammation of the Kidneys,.................................nbsp; nbsp;108

Bloody Urine,................................................nbsp; 113

Albuminous Urine,............................................nbsp; nbsp;114

Profuse Staling............,..................................nbsp; nbsp;118

Inflammation of the Bladder,..................................nbsp; nbsp;119

Suppression of Urine,.........................................nbsp; nbsp;122

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE CAVITY AND ITS SUEFAOES.

Bots,.-----...................................................nbsp; nbsp;126

Description of the Horse's Stomach,............................nbsp; nbsp;130

Inflammation of the Bowels,...................................nbsp; nbsp;133

Inflammation of the Stomach and Bowels.......................nbsp; nbsp;139

Twisting of the Intestines......................................nbsp; 147

Colic,........................................................nbsp; nbsp;150

Inflammation of the Peritoneum...............................nbsp; nbsp;154

Diarrhoea.....................................................nbsp; nbsp;154

Falling of the Fundament,.....................................nbsp; nbsp;156

Scours and Constipation in young Colts,.........................nbsp; nbsp;161

Indigestion...................................................nbsp; nbsp;165

DISEASES OF THE LIVER.

Jaundice,.................................................... 168

Inflammation of the Liver,.................................... 172

DISEASES OF THE EYE AND ITS MEMBRANES.

Inflammation of the Eye....................................... 174

Cataract,..................................................... 178

Amaurosis or Gutta Serena,................................... 179

Specific or Feriodlo Oi'hthalmio........c....................... 181

CONTENTS.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; 11

DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.

Palsy........................................................nbsp; nbsp;184

Locked-jaw,.................................................nbsp; nbsp;¹⁸7_

Springhalt...................................................nbsp; 200

Hysteria....................................�................nbsp; nbsp;203

Hysteritis,.....................'..............................nbsp; 207

FEVEE IN HOESES.

Eemarks on Fever,...........................................nbsp; 207

Simple Scarlet Fever,.........................................nbsp; 213

Malignant Scarlet Fever,......................................nbsp; 216

Typhus Fever,...............................................nbsp; 219

Putrid Fever,................................................nbsp; 220

DISEASES OF THE MOUTH.

Slavering...........................................�......... 224

Inflammation of the Tongue...................................227

Wounds of the Tongue...................................;-----228

Lampas...............................................i...... 228

Aphtha;, or Thrush,........................................... 231

Dentition..................................................... 231

Sharp and Projecting Teeth,................................... 231

Bishoping.................................................... 232

LAMENESS FROM STRAIN AND OTHER CAUSES.

Observations on Lameness,.................................... 232

Hip Joint Lameness........................................... 236

Lameness of the Stifle Joint,................................... 237

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;quot; Hock......................................... 238

lt;lt;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; �lt; Shoulder,.................................... 239

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;quot; Elbow Joint,.................................. 240

Curb........................................................243

Navicularthritis,.............................................. 244

Operation for Neurotomy,..................................... 247

Pleurodynia.................................................. 25i

Acute Rheumatism, or Founder,............................... 256

Chronic Rheumatism,......................................... 261

Spasm of the Muscles......................................... 262

Splent.............................................�.......... 263

Spavin,..................................................... 265

12 'nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;CONTENTS.

Bog and Blood Spa-vius,.......................................nbsp; nbsp;275

Wmdgalls...................................................nbsp; nbsp;276

Ringbone,...................................................nbsp; nbsp;276

Bemarks on Strain,...........................................nbsp; nbsp;282

Strain of the Fetlock,.........................................nbsp; nbsp;283

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; quot; Knee,...........................................nbsp; nbsp;283

laquo;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;quot; CoffinJoint......................................nbsp; nbsp;283

laquo;�nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;�' Back,...........................................nbsp; nbsp;283

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;quot; Shoulder,........................................nbsp; nbsp;284

Thoroughpin.................................................nbsp; nbsp;284

Open Joint...................................................nbsp; nbsp;286

Bemarks on Dislocation,......................................nbsp; nbsp;289

Dislocation of the Neck.......................................nbsp; nbsp;289

laquo;laquo;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;laquo; Shoulder,...................................nbsp; nbsp;290

laquo;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;quot; Hip........................................-nbsp; nbsp;290

lt;lt;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; laquo; Stifle,......................................nbsp; nbsp;291

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;quot; Fetlock,....................................nbsp; nbsp;291

DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND SUB-CELLULAR TISSUES.

Grease or Scratches,.......................................... 292

Hardening of the Skin,........................................ 298

Maianders and Salanders,...................................... 299

Poultry Lousiness,............................................ 300

Rats Tail..................................................... 305

Hidebound,.................................................. 306

Falling off of the Hair,....................................-----308

Ringworm,...............................................� � � � 309

Swelling of the Legs,......................................... 311

Stings of Bees................................................ 313

Cutaneous Eruption and Itching,................................ 316

Mange,...................................................... 316

Cracked Hools................................................ 317

Acute Irritation of the Skin,................................... 318

Sweating,................................................... 321

Warts,...................................................... 324

Considerations and Experiments relating to Contagious Diseaseraquo;,. 325 Melanosis,.......................................... �#9632;-� �� 329

DISEASES OF THE HOOF AND LAMINAE.

Observations on the Horse's Hoof,............................ �nbsp; nbsp;331

Treads and Overreaches,.............................�........nbsp; nbsp;334

Quarter Crack,....................lt;..........................nbsp; nbsp;335

Toe Crack,..................................................nbsp; nbsp;335

COXTENTS.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; 13

Quittor,.....................................................nbsp; 338

Pumice Foot,.................................................nbsp; 340

Foot Eot,....................................................nbsp; 345

Corns........................................................nbsp; 347

Bruise of the Sole,...........................................nbsp; 350

Thrush,.....................................................nbsp; nbsp;350

Acute Inflammation of the Feet, (Laminitis,)....................nbsp; 351

Contraction of the Hoof, {Hoof bound,')..........................nbsp; 354

Canker of the Foot,...........................................nbsp; 355

Cutting, (Interfering,).........................................nbsp; 357

GENERALITIES

Cribbing, {Crib biting,)........................................nbsp; nbsp;357

Poll Evil,....................................................nbsp; 361

Fistula of the Withers.........................................nbsp; 363

Docking,....................................................nbsp; 364

Wounds,....................................................nbsp; 365

Incised Wounds,.............................................nbsp; 365

Contused quot; .............................................nbsp; 366

Lacerated quot; .............................................nbsp; 367

Punctured quot; .............................................nbsp; 367

Penetrating quot; .............................................nbsp; 368

Penetrating Wound of Intestine,...............................nbsp; 368

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; quot; of the Chest,..............................nbsp; 370

Worms,......................................................nbsp; 370

Nicking,......................................................nbsp; 372

Meteorization.................................................nbsp; 374

Protrusion of the Penis,.......................................nbsp; 376

Urethral Gleet,..............................................nbsp; nbsp;377

Glanders.....................................................nbsp; 878

Farcy,.......................................................nbsp; nbsp;387

Wet Packing.................................................nbsp; 394

Disinfection of Stables,........................................nbsp; nbsp;396

On the Use of the Cautery.....................................nbsp; 398

Operation of Lithotomy.......................................nbsp; 309

Scalded Shorts,...............................................nbsp; 399

Method of administering Medicines to Horses,....................nbsp; 400

Soundness, as opposed to Lameness.............................nbsp; 401

Lymphatitis,.................................................nbsp; 412

On the Gadfly.................................................nbsp; 414

Medicinal Preparations used in Veterinary Practice...............nbsp; 418

Posological Table,............................................nbsp; nbsp;428

Abstract of Seventh Census.....................................nbsp; 431

Table of Boneraquo;................................................nbsp; 432

ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAOB

Skeleton,....................................................nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; 2

Stomach and Bowels,........................................nbsp; nbsp; 34

Vapor Bath,.................................................nbsp; nbsp; 63

Male Oboans of Ctenebation,................................nbsp; nbsp;109

Female Organs of Genebation,..............................nbsp; nbsp;120

Stomach......................................................nbsp; nbsp;126

Bots,.............................f..........................nbsp; nbsp;126

Fcettjs.......................................................nbsp; 204

Method of Slinoino a Horse.................................nbsp; 233

Spavins,................................................ 266,nbsp; 267

Binobone,...............................laquo;...................nbsp; 267

Apparatus fob Fbaciube, amp;0.,................................nbsp; 288

THE MODERN HOESE DOCTOR.

ON THE QUALIFICATIONS NECESSARY FOE THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE.

The subject to which the author is about directing the reader's attention is one of great importance to Americans, both as regards their individual and national interests; for while it contributes to the honor and greatness of the one, it advances the interests of the other; and no man, class of men, nor a nation, can feel satis�fied that they have done their duty to their flocks and herds, the cattle on a thousand lulls, the noble war-horse, � the right arm of a nation's power on hard-contested battle fields, � unless there are means provided for their restoration when sick, a reme�dy against deterioration, and a preventive against empiricism and barbarity. The means, remedy, and preventive are com�prehended, in the veterinary science.

This science is to the brute just what human medicine is to his master; and if we estimate the value of the former in exact ratio to that of those noble animals which we are so often permitted to behold, it must be apparent, to every thinking mind, that a science which contemplates so much that is really useful and beneficial to the lower orders of creation may be worthy the sup�port of the American people.

In allusion to the veterinary science, the author has no refer�ence to the haphazard method which is now practised by many, who, without any medical training, or even attending medical lectures on the sister art, when there are such favorable oppor�tunities, vainly attempt to prescribe for the sick and dying, sup�posing that they have inherited medical skill from their ances�tors. This is not legitimate science. Our art is not acquired in

(IS)

16nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

this way ; it is the property of the industrious and devoted stu�dent, and from all others it is withheld. Facts in medicine, are, like the hidden treasures of the earth, only to be discovered by patience and industry.

In order to obtain the necessary knowledge for successful prac�tice, some often have devoted a lifetime to it, yet, after all, ac�knowledged themselves but feeble children, in regard to the mag�nitude of their professional responsibilities.

It follows, then, thiat there is no hereditary road to medical truth; that the necessary knowledge which our art requires as an element for its correct practice, can only be attained by un�remitting and methodical observation, by years of careful study and practice.

But we refer to a rational system of medication founded upon the physiological laws of life; a correct system of therapeutics, pathology, and chemistry, without a knowledge of which no man can ever practise this science with any degree of credit or success.

Reader, let us reason together. Every qualified human prac�titioner enters upon the duties of his profession with an under�standing of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and chemistry, and has other scientific qualifications, all of which, combined, enable their possessor, under the direction of a trained intellect, to under�stand the laws of nature ; to comprehend her ways and means of sustaining the vital forces, promoting their harmony, and pre�venting discord.

Such an individual possesses a knowledge of what is already known, or believed to be so, of the theory and practice of medicine in all its details; his own daily experience confirms the facts or points out errors. He treasures up the one and rejects the other, and in the investigation of a medical case, the human surgeon finds a useful guide to correct diagnosis in conference with his patient. The responses of the latter throw considerable light on the nature, locality, and intensity of the malady. These advan�tages have no parallel in veterinary medicine; we cannot ques�tion our patients, and can only judge of the state of their health by physical examination � by the signs revealed. Hence the greater need of preliminary education and tact on the part of those who undertake to prescribe for brutes.

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;17

It may be urged, that much of the information required for the practice of our art is acquired by the senses. Then we answer, that they require cultivation; the mind must be educated, so as to be able to digest the phenomena which constantly occur, in every variety of feature and form, throughout the whole range of medical diversity.

Surely, if the qualifications here so briefly alluded to, and others not enumerated, are requisite for the successful practice of human surgery, how can they be dispensed with in the vete�rinary department? Surely, they cannot; for they are an es�sential element not to be dispensed with.

The intelligent and thinking husbandman, who, as a matter of necessity, has been compelled to prescribe for the ailments of his flocks and herds, without the privileges of medical tuition, has probably often felt that every new gleam of light which flits across his path, only serves to bewilder, and make him better ac�quainted with his own want of knowledge and the comparative darkness that now exists, where all should be bright and radiant.

Such, as well as those engaged exclusively in the management of horses, prescribe to the best of their ability; but death has the advantage of them, for they know not his mode of warfare, nor the means necessary for a successful combat. There are a few veterinary surgeons, located in this country, endeavoring to light up the dark spots referred to, and serve the cause of humanity; yet, however diligent, when we compare their labors with the magnitude of the cause, they bear the same relation to it that a grain of mustard seed does to a mountain.

In every city, town, and village, throughout this great republic, there is need of veterinary practitioners. quot;We must have them ; there are great interests at stake. Some of the interested have heard, read of, or their animals have experienced the benefits of, a correct system of practice, and now they desire to see such sys�tem extend, so that all may receive benefit therefrom.

The masses, however, have not had an opportunity of judging of the merits of this science, in consequence of a dearth of the right kind of information, and the scarcity of its disciples. Books of authority are as scarce as the latter: of American parentage, they are few and far between; and this is mortifying to our 2*

18nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

national pride, especially when we contemplate the universal in�telligence that pervades all classes of community. There are in�tellectual stars in this country, the brilliancy of whose productions has astonished the world of literature in every department except the one here alluded to, and that is a barren waste � neglected, unexplored. Works of authority are those recognized as such by the faculty, written by men whose impartiality, love of truth, practical industry, and method have gained for themselves that popularity and respect which the author seriously recommends to American rivalry.

It is true we have works on farriery, but they are not of the right kind; they lack merit; they may be rich in theory, but their pages are barren of the practical and useful; the few golden truths that they contain are so mixed up with the sands of errori that, in order to distinguish and select one from the other, a greater amount of veterinary talent and discrimination is needed than usually falls to the lot of those who read.

quot;Without, however, casting any reflections on the authors of such works, who have given to our people the very best proofs of their noble natures and philanthropic motives, we observe that these productions, although the very best they were enabled to write, are not what the age requires, or our interests demand.

If the community wish to peruse a work of authority on lame�ness, glanders, or farcy, they must, at great expense, procure foreign authors; they must consult a Percivall, or some such writer. A horse literature is sadly needed, for we have diseases in this country, peculiar to climate and location, that differ some�what from those familiar to the nations of the old world.

The extreme diversities in the climate of the United States are a frightful cause of disease � a subject worthy the investi�gation of all men ; especially does the subject demand attention from those who would boast of the sanitary condition of their flocks and herds, for it is only by comparing the diseases of locations most dissimilar in their character and temperature, that the most useful illustrations of morbid influences are to be ob�tained.

We ask, Where are our statistical tables of diseases peculiar to this country ? And echo answers, Where ?

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;19

What do we know practically of the cause and nature of the various forms of influenza, commonly called pink eye, horse aiU amp;c. ? The same may be said of milk sickness, pleuro-pneumonia, and many other diseases that we might name. We know noth�ing � absolutely nothing.

Milk sickness is a disease that at times prevails in the West-em States, to such an alarming extent, attended with such a frightful mortality, that it has served as a cause to disband a whole community. A reward of several thousand dollars has been offered by legislative authority, to be given to that individual who shall first discover and make known the cause of the disease-But the reward has never, to the author's knowledge, been claimed. Diseases of the lungs are so rife in the United States, that, if we except old age, two thirds, or perhaps one half, of the losses experienced by owners of stock in the death of horses and cattle, result from diseased lungs.

Pneumonia is a common form of disease among horses, and great skill and discretion are needed in order to bring it to a favorable termination, for it often laughs to scorn the puny efforts of man, however well directed. It requires the very best skill for its treatment, because the organ involved is one whose function gives life and action to all the other organs. It performs the very last act of digestion, which is the decarbonization of the blood; and modern physiologists inform us that the lungs play a more important part in the circulation of the blood through the arterial ramifications than the heart itself; which has heretofore been considered the only source of circulation. Be this as it may, no organ, when deranged, requires so much skill in its early stage as this � early, because the delay of a few hours may prove fatal. A mistake in the diagnosis, or a wrong medicine administered, may place the patient beyond the aid of man.

You may call on the veterinary surgeon in the latter stages of the disease, and, as often happens, after the patient has been pretty well dosed; but it is too late; the animal has passed the Rubicon, and has entered within the boundaries of the valley of death.

It is necessary, therefore, to be able to detect this disease in its primary form, before it has completely invaded the citadel

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of life. But how many are there in these United States that can diagnose a disease of this character ? Not one hereditary doctor in a hundred can do so with any degree of certainty ; yet, to such a state of perfection are auscultation and percussion now arrived, that the qualified can detect a lesion of the lungs with astonishing precision. Almost every change that takes place within those organs can now be detected by the surgeon with remarkable exactness. And a regularly educated veterinary surgeon would dishonor his profession, and likewise impart a withering influence to his future operations, if he were found wanting in this particular. So that the qualifications needed, not only for the management of this, but every other disease, should be of the first order; for it is a fact that the losses from acute diseases are far greater than they ought to be, and these losses are felt by the hard-working farmer, and by those who de�pend on the earnings of horses for a living; and they certainly must hail as a great blessing any attempts to introduce an im�proved medical literature, and a rational system of practice that shall remedy the great evils which now exist.

The author now proposes to give the reader some idea, by a single illustration, of the absurd and positively injurious tendency which many of our present works on horses have. In a work on the horse, lately published in the city of Boston, we read, that a disease of very frequent occurrence, named ringbone, is an enlargement fed by a bladder; and no doubt the author thought so, or he would not have written it; for he was a high-minded man, much opposed to violence and unnecessary medica�tion in the management or treatment of horses. quot;Well, this error in reference to the nature of the disease was not of such great account; but it led to the infliction of a useless and painful op-eration. The extraction of this bladder is there recommended. An operation is to be performed in a portion of the structure highly organized, and, of course, susceptible to great pain, to ex�tract the bladder, which has about as much to do with the real malady as the reader has with the rising and setting of to-mor�row's sun. But whom have we to extract this bladder ? The author undertakes to answer for the profession. No educated #9632;orgeon can be found willing to disgrace the art, and belie his

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conscience in the practice of so absurd and cruel an operation. No ; the nature of the disease, and the changes which the parts undergo, from exostosis to anchylosis, (see article Ringbone,) are so clearly demonstrated in works of authority, and so well illus�trated on dissection, that no doubt exists in the minds of the faculty regarding the disease.

There are many other kindred errors existing in like works, but our limits prevent their exposure; we have chosen to allude to this particular case, because we have within a few days seen an article in one of our most respectable journals, recommending also the extraction of quot; the bladder, by which the ringbone is fed,quot; for its cure, and that every three out of four cases operated on were cured.

What they mean by cure possibly amounts to the same thing as when speaking of the cure of spavin, that the lameness after a time disappears. (See Spavin.) The freedom from lameness in some cases of ringbonp results from the superior and inferior pas�tern bones becoming united, (anchylosed,) thus the action of the joint is forever destroyed. This, forsooth, is the cure ! When anchylosis can be cured, we shall be able to boast of reversing nature's laws.

Some of our readers may think that there is no practical bene�fit derived from allusions to the unscientific customs of past days. But when we come to consider that the veterinary art has, in this country, progressed in a circle; that our domestic animals are still the subjects of misguided notions peculiar to the dark ages; that cruelties which have had their day of reproach are now being enacted over again, even under our own eyes ; this is our apology for alluding to the past, so that we may improve in the future.

We live in an age when the little we know of the veterinary art is a mere item of what we should know; for such knowledge can be made an instrument in the hands of philanthropic men for the benefit of all classes of creation.

The important discoveries made of late in Europe, in the sev�eral departments of veterinary medicine, are indicative of the age in which we live. Americans must not be behind the age; their interest, pride, and patriotism should arouse them to a sense of their indifiereace, and consequent dependence on other nations

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for Teterinary knowledge. In conclusion, we observe, that the veterinary science has to be built and reared on facts, recorded facts, the result of practical experience, for the understanding is incapable of acting on innumerable facts from the memory alone; hence our need of the written experience of scientific men. Such writings furnish the practitioner with the power, aided by his own observation, in discriminating between maladies which are often confounded, to the great injury of the science.

It is useless, therefore, to suppose that the veterinary art can be acquired at the forge, plough, or in the stable, without prelimi�nary education; and then but very few could spare the time to study the art and produce records of their experience. The length of time necessary for it, the intellectual labor, and the weariness of such pursuit, are obstacles not easily surmounted. Every one to his trade, then. In order to understand how the veterinary science is to be studied, so that men can comprehend its legitimate object, � the why and wherefore of disease, and the modus operandi of medicine,�we must have the same facili�ties here that now exist in Europe within her veterinary uni�versities.

There are hundreds and thousands of young men in these United States undecided what to do for a living. quot;We say unto such, Come over and help us, for quot; the harvest is ripe, but the laborers are few.quot; Now is the time to come to the rescue, and carry out the intentions of the veterinary art, and thus change the current of oublic opinion in its favor.

GREAT BENEFITS DERIVED FROM STUDYING COMPARATIVE ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY.

quot; If medical men have been guilty of gross errors, it is because they have neg�lected to dissect brutes.quot; � Galen.

quot;With a view of showing how much human medicine is in�debted to comparative investigations on the bodies of animals, let us briefly consult the records of the past.

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History informs us that most of the ancient and modern prac�titioners who have distinguished themselves in their profession and gained the confidence of mankind, have always paid more or less attention to the dissection of brutes. Thus, in the language of Mr. Vines, quot; they have transplanted to the medical profession the honor of discoveries that were made in trenching on the terri�tory of the veterinary science.quot; ^u And,quot; continues the same author, quot; it is not to the study, the treatment, and cure of animal disease alone, that this science is strictly confined. Second only to human medicine in actual importance, it possesses considerable advantage over it, and offers opportunities for the cultivation of general path�ological and physiological knowledge, and more particularly for that important branch termed comparative anatomy, that are far superior to any thing that medical practitioners can boast of.quot;

In the early period of the history of medicine, it has been recorded that dissections of the human body were held in strict abhorrence; and when we contemplate what we observe in our own enlightened day and generation �how medical teachers have often been compelled to resort to illegal means in order to pro�cure the necessary material for demonstrating to their pupils the science of life, and that the authority of the law, and the more formidable one, public opinion, has been arrayed against the gen�eral practice of dissecting the bodies of men � then we are pre�pared to realize how much odium the ancients must have attached to the practice.

From the quotation above, the reader will' perceive that Galen attached great importance to the dissection of brutes, and his followers, up to the present day, have, to some extent, carried out his suggestions.

Reading on through the pages of the history of the past, we learn that those small lacteals, termed absorbents, which are so numer�ously distributed over the internal surface of the alimentary canal, by the aid of which the blood is furnished with the neces�sary material for supplying the waste, developing and preserving the animal organization, were first discovered in kids. Those wonderful pieces of divine mechanism placed within the heart, and known to anatomists as its valves, were first discovered in animals by Erasistratus, who also discovered the oesophagus.

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The fallopian tubes, a portion of the female organs of genera�tion, were also discovered in a ewe. Galen demonstrated in Eome, on living animals, the organs of sound and respiration. He also showed on them the effect produced by ligature on the nerves.

Vesalius proved, by experiments on animals, that it was possible to restore suspended animation by artificial inflation of the lungs. This discovery is one of the most important, and has resulted in as great good to the human family as any like dis�covery made before or since. See the fond and anxious mother bending over the cold and apparently lifeless form of her darling boy, who has just been recovered from the watery element! Witness her agony as she contemplates what appears to her as a bereavement; and now, hope � the anchor of her soul � is aroused, as she watches, with a mother's anxiety and love, the efforts made by the medical attendant, who is now repeating the experiments of Vesalius. His labors are rewarded. Nature resumes her empire; and anon signs of returning animation are perceived, and the mother shouts with frantic joy, quot; He breathes! He lives!quot;

Are there not thousands of fond parents and anxious friends that have been benefited in a similar manner ?

Those organs termed the salivary glands, which secrete a por�tion of the fluids necessary for the digestion of food, were first discovered in an ox, by Eustachius, who subsequently discovered in a horse the thoracic duct.

Dr. quot;Wren made several experiments on living animals, to be assured of the effect of different substances on the blood and solid parts. This truly valuable discovery has been one of great im�portance to the whole world, for it was then made known that, through the medium of the lacteals, (absorbents,) lacteal veins, and thoracic duct, inorganic materials reached the blood, and finally became deposited in the cellular and solid structures. This discovery has enabled us to explain in what manner the elements of nutrimental matter reach their ultimate destination. It further enables us to explain the why and wherefore of the alteration in the color of the cow's milk when fed on beets or saffron, and also the cause of that offensive taste in pork when

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fed on the rotten recrements of cities. In short, lacteal absorp�tion gives us the modus operandi of many medicines on the systems of man and animals.

Observations on taste and feeling were first made on brutes, and afterwards verified on man. The lachrymal ducts were first discovered in the eye of a sheep, and the excretory duct of the pancreas was discovered in a turkey.

Bernard and Spallanzani discovered the antiseptic properties of the gastric fluid in the following manner : they obtained some of that fluid from a stomach, mixed it with an equal quantity of putrid blood, and then allowed them to stand together for eighteen hours ; the mixture was then injected into the jugular vein of a dog. The mixture produced no inconvenience; and being aware, before making the experiment, that any putrid matter, on being injected into the blood of a living animal, was sure and certain death, the conclusion they arrived at was, that the gastric fluid was endowed with the power of neutralizing the deleterious action of the putrid ferment, thus depriving the morbid matter of its poison�ous properties; and this conclusion has been frequently verified. This discovery was also of great value in more ways than one ; but it enabled us to explain why animal matters in a state of putrefaction, when introduced into the stomach, do not always prove destructive. The reader, probably, knows that the dog, wolf, and many other carnivorous animals are fond of putrid flesh, and that some men, even, have a craving for game in a partial state of decomposition, and they all seem to digest such filth with very little inconvenience.

Another equally important experiment was made by Magen-die on a dog. He injected fifteen grains of blood into the jugular vein of the animal. The effect was, great disturbance of the functions of the brain and circulation, and the animal died in twelve hours.

Another experiment was performed. The same physician introduced two drachms of putrid water, in which fish had been kept, just underneath the skin, and the animal died almost im�mediately. Such experiments speak to us in a warning voice; they teach us to be careful how we trifle with putrid matter. We may introduce it into the stomach, provided that organ be in 3

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a healthy state; but the moment it comes in contact with the vital current by other means, that very moment life is endangered.

It was from experiments on animals, made by Drs. Wren and Boyd, that led to the transfusion of blood ; for shortly after those experiments, a Frenchman transfused the blood of a human subject into the veins of another, and it is recorded that several lives have in this way been saved.

In the course of transfusing the blood of one animal into that of another, it was discovered that what are termed the globules of the blood were uniform in all animals of the same species, and yet presented different forms in animals of different tribes. In man, the particles of blood presented flat disks, resembling pieces of money, having a slight depression. In birds, reptiles, and fishes the disks were oval, instead of being round, and instead of being depressed in the centre, they were elevated on each side. From this experiment it was argued that the fitness of the blood of one animal to the uses of another of a different species de�pended on the formation of its globules. Experiments have frequently been made to test the truth of this theory, and it has been found to be correct. An eminent physiologist has remarked that, quot; in order to arrive at an explanation of what is obscure in man, we must look to the lowest and simplest forms of creation. For though in man is combined, in a wonderful and unequalled manner, all the functions which separately exhibit themselves in various other animals, he is not the most favorable subject for observing their action; hence we are obliged to refer to a num�ber of other tribes for the assistance we gain in the study of their comparative structures. There is not a single species of animal that does not present us with a set of facts which we should never learn but by observing them in such species, and many of the facts ascertained by the observation of the simplest and most common animals.quot;

Yet in view of all these discoveries, and the consequent increase of knowledge, there is yet much to learn. Instead of being at the summit of the temple of science, we have only just surmounted some of the obstacles that surround its base; and ere long, phenomena of the most surprising nature yet remain to be discovered, and fresh laurels are to be won by the industrious

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and devoted physiologist. At the moment of writing this article, intelligence lias reached us, that inoculation for the mitigation of pleuro-pneamonia is being practised in France, Holland, and Prussia, and the respective governments of these countries have appointed commissions of scientific men to inquire into the success and value of the practice. The inoculations are made under the conviction that pleuro-pneumonia is highly contagious, and spreads itself from this cause, as well as from the special causes of the extension of epizootic diseases. What takes place in the system of cattle after inoculation is identical with that observed in man when inoculated with virus. The operation in each case engenders a peculiar state of the system, which, without impart�ing the disease itself to the subject, gives immunity against the several causes that produce it. If the experiments shall ulti�mately prove successful, we may safely say that no discovery of equal importance to the husbandman has ever dawned upon the veterinary science. In the United States, however, this fearful disease is not so prevalent as in various other countries. This arises in consequence of our cattle and horses being scattered over a much larger territory, and our cities being compara�tively exempt from the causes which are said to produce it; yet enough Josses occur here to arouse us to a sense of the danger.

It may be proper, however, to inform the reader, that the reports of the commission to the several governments are some�what contradictory, and the novel enterprise has met with some opposition; but this is the history of many improvements of the past; therefore, we must not be hasty in forming our con�clusions.

The advocates of inoculation declare that it is of equal im�portance to vaccination in the human subject. Who knows but in a short time that dreadful scourge in this country, known as milk sickness, or trembles, may be disarmed of its terrors by the same process ? Not only milk sickness, but many other con�tagious diseases, may, perhaps, be made to assume a mild and innoxious form.

As the subject is a new one to the husbandmen of this country, the author may be pardoned for introducing an illustration of the benefits derived from inoculation. quot; The town of Hasselt, in

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which are kept two thousand cows and oxen, is a town full of dis�tilleries, and these animals are fed on slops and grains. From the situation, want of drainage, and accumulation of filth, added to the imperfect system of ventilation, management, amp;c., the location may be considered as the very centre and focus of a dis�ease like pleuro-pneumonia.quot; Since the year 1836 the town has never been free from the malady, and many hundreds of animals, during the past sixteen years, have fallen victims to it, and the town is now said to be free from the pest!

Finally, the few distinguished men here named, and others, too numerous to mention, animated with a desire for knowledge, have availed themselves of the opportunities afforded for reading the book of life as it is written by the hand of Omnipotence in the series of animated creation, and the benefits which all have derived are incalculable.

BRIEF HISTORY OE VETERINARY SCIENCE.

The veterinary science, like that practised on man, was first called into existence by necessity; the many diseases to which domestic .animals were subject, and to which they, too frequently, fell victims for want of proper professional knowledge, and the great loss which agriculturists experienced in consequence, led them to seek for a remedy.

In the year 1761, the first veterinary school was established at Lyons, under the patronage of government, whose fostering care the infant school for a time received. At the commencement of this embryotic enterprise, the populace looked on with indiffer�ence ; but many of the liberal and scientific men of that day saw in the enterprise a boundless field for research, a broad road to usefulness and distinction, and many eagerly embarked in it with unflinching perseverance, overcoming every obstacle, with a view of making known those laws regulating the vital forces of domes�tic animals.

The fruits of their labors are bequeathed as a legacy to the

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profession, and the names of the first cultivators of veterinary science are inscribed on the tablets of their country's history as public benefactors.

Four years after the endowment of this, the first school in France, a similar one was established at Alfort. A regular sys�tem of veterinary medicine was there taught, under which students acquired an acquaintance with the various forms of disease, and the modus operandi of therapeutic agents on domestic animals. The novel enterprise was regarded by other nations of Europe with a watchful eye, and they were not slow in coming to the rescue; schools rapidly sprang up in Holland, Berlin, Copen�hagen, Stutgard, and in various other places, which proved equally successful and beneficial as the French schools.

We shall now pass over a period of twenty-seven years, during which time the science had gradually enlisted in its ranks men of influence, talent, and research. And now an individual of French descent, named St. Bel, lands on the shores of England, having letters of introduction from the first men in France to Sir Joseph Banks and other influential individuals, to whom he made known his mission; which was, that of establishing the veterinary science, then unknown, and of course unappreciated, in the British dominions.

He was encouraged, with very flattering assurances of success, to commence operations, and shortly after his arrival in London he published proposals for establishing a veterinary school; there seemed, however, to be a sort of indifference manifested among the masses, and consequently very little, beyond making known his object, was effected during the first year. In the following, he published proposals to read lectures on the science, and thus give the English nation an opportunity to judge of the value of the new project; but, alas! he was doomed to disappointment; his second proposal met with no better success than at first. The apparent failure of his primary labors has been attributed, by an eminent writer, to various causes, and it may be well for us to notice them, for the very same causes have been, and are now, in active operation, diverting American skill and intelligence from embarking in a cause so worthy the attention and support of a free and enlightened nation. It was in consequence of the 8raquo;

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character of those who presumed, without the necessary qualifi cations, to practise the art, that the English husbandmen refused to put their shoulders to the wheel, and receive the offered boon. That country had been visited by diseases of a pestilential type, which had made sad havoc among the stock, and had swept them from the green hills and verdant valleys, as by the blast of a tor�nado. Their horses, too, did not escape the arm of the destroyer; they were constantly suffering and dying from insidious forms of disease, the history and characters of which were almost unknown. This state of things, together with the unfortunate occurrence that there were no legitimate practitioners, had opened a wide field for adventurers and quacks, whose barbarous sys�tem of medication, probably, was the cause of many deaths. These practitioners, in lieu of better, were taken as standards, and the people had, to a great extent, formed an estimate of the value of this art in exact ratio to the talents of the village farrier, and in proportion to the success that attended his labors. This is precisely the state of affairs in America.

St. Bel gives us another reason for his failure, but it amounts to nearly the same thing. He says, quot; The opulence of England offered a wide field for impostors of foreign origin, by whom the nation was daily imposed on, and repeated experience of such impositions naturally excited distrust towards foreigners in gen�eral ; and because honesty of views was not written on his face, patience and perseverance became his only resources.quot;

At this stage of affairs St. Bel was fortunate enough to make the acquaintance of a gentleman who had a decided taste for the art, and who eagerly responded to the views of the professor, and bade him not despair of ultimate success; assuring him that by setting the matter in its right light before the people he would soon obtain all he desired. This assurance inspired St. Bel with new hopes, and he immediately issued a pamphlet of- some twenty-eight pages, entitled, Plan for establishing an Institution to cultivate and teach the Veterinary Art. This pamphlet was well received, and several agricultural societies paid the writer handsome compliments, and conferred on him honorary distinction.

During the year 1790, several meetings took place between the members of agricultural societies and gentlemen favorable to the

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cause; till, at length, active measures were adopted for promoting the object. A resolution to this purport was now passed, which read as follows: quot; That the parties had observed the good effects produced on the public mind by the exertions of the friends to the art, for its improvement, and approved of St. Bel's plan for establishing a public institution for that purpose.quot; The result was, that an institution was soon endowed, which was named ''The Veterinary College of London,quot; to which St. Bel was appointed professor. But unfortunately, that distinguished indi�vidual had scarcely occupied the chair one year, when a sudden and brief illness terminated his mortal career, and he was con�signed to the silent tomb ere the laurels had scarcely encircled his brow.

Being thus cut off at such an early period, yet in the midst of his usefulness, the prospects of the infant institution became greatly affected�only for a short season, however. The college was considered to be in a flourishing condition; the Duke of Northumberland had already contributed a sum equal in our cur�rency to twenty-five hundred dollars, and the enterprise num�bered among its stanch supporters such men as the Earl of Grosvenor, Mr. Penn, Earl Morton, Drs. John Hunter and Craw�ford, and subsequently that great surgeon and medical hero, Sir Astley Cooper.

Medical men hailed the new enterprise as one not only calcu�lated to ameliorate the condition of suffering domestic animals, but, what was of still greater importance to them and mankind, they perceived in it a fruitful field for the cultivation of comparative anatomy and physiology. With this object in view, Dr. J. Hun�ter assisted the friends of the new school both by his professional influence and from his private purse.

Although the college had been in existence but a brief period, its pupils had gained sufficient knowledge of theory and practice to distinguish themselves; thus fully realizing the anticipations of its founders. Among the first pupils who sought to qualify themselves as efficient veterinary practitioners, we find recorded the names of Laurence, Blain, and Clark. Each of these philan�thropists has since left to the world a record of their labors, which, even in this enlightened age, serve as Useful guides to the young aspirant for veterinary fame.

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The professorship made vacant by the death of the father of this science, St. Bel, was conferred on Mr. Coleman, who had previously devoted himself to physiological research; he, too, soon distinguished himself, and the college again assumed its former dourishing condition. A medical committee was now appointed, consisting of some of the most eminent practitioners that the country could boast of, by whom the pupils were exam�ined, and when found to have acquired sufficient knowledge of the art, certificates were granted accordingly. We are informed that this medical examining committee were lecturers of human medi�cine, and with a liberality that reflected great credit on them, permitted the veterinary pupils to attend their lectures on human anatomy free of charge. Thus did a band of really great and good men unite their efforts and interests, for the study of the science of life in all its diversity and forms. By this wise asso�ciation of the sister sciences, its advocates aimed a death blow at. the ignorance, quackery, and superstition of the times, and they were successful to some extent; for a new order of practitioners took the field; they soon demolished the old landmarks set up by the ignorant farriers, and erected in their stead beacons of light: thus spread the illuminating rays of science broadcast, and the public, as well as their domestic animals, were benefited thereby.

Professor Coleman had now succeeded in securing the patron�age of government � the strings of the public purse were loos�ened, and the parliament voted a sum of money, to be paid annually, for the support of the college. It is related also, that the reigning monarch, George the Third, granted the. rank of commissioned officers to such veterinary graduates as were intended as surgeons to the cavalry regiments.

The Honorable East India Company, observing the good effects produced by such appointments, was likewise induced to follow the example of their monarch in appointing veterinary surgeons to serve in their armies in India. Other nations have thus followed the example set them by France and England, so that regular veterinary surgeons may be found in all the four quarters of the globe.

In England, at the present day, veterinary students rapidly increase; never were they so numerous; recruits arrive from

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every quarter, to enlist in the army of scientific veterinary medi�cine, and ere long human practitioners must look to the laurels, or they will be snatched from their brows.

The advantages under which the veterinary art can now be studied in England, France, and Germany are not inferior to those of the most favored university; and such astonishing dis�coveries, through the aid of chemistry and the microscope, are in such rapid succession surprising the medical'world, and so splen�did are the achievements in the departments of veterinary surgery, that the noble sons of JEsculapius � our brethren of the human school � are watching the labors of their kindred spirits with no ordinary interest.

Such is the brief history of our art; much interesting matter might be added, with a view of enlisting the sympathies of Ameri�can philanthropists; but the author feels assured that the time is soon to arrive when the people of this country will unite with their brethren of the old world in a hearty cooperation for the amelioration of live stock.

EXPLANATION OF CUT.

1.nbsp; 1, I. The three coats of the stomach; generally described asfmir.

2.nbsp; (Esophagus or gullet.

3.nbsp; Region of the cardiac orifice of the stomach.

4.nbsp; Muscular coat of the stomach.

5.nbsp; Cellular and mucous coat.

6.nbsp; External coat, or peritoneal tunic, reflected over.

7.nbsp; Region of the pyloric orifice.

8.nbsp; Great convex border.

9.nbsp; ConcaTe border.

10.nbsp; Fundus, or great cul-de-sac.

11.nbsp; Small cul-de-sac.

12.nbsp; Representing the nerves of the stomach. They cannot, however, be shown to much advantage in this view; as the cerebro-spinal and sympathetic form various plexuses within the chest, and interchange fibres ere they reach the diaphragm, where they form two branches, termed inferior and superior; one goes to the fundus, and the other to the pyloric end oi the stomach.

13.nbsp; Duodenum, or second stomach, as it is sometimes called.

14.nbsp; Bilary and pancreatic duets.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; ,

15.nbsp; Small intestine, known as duodenum jejunmn, and iletim.

16.nbsp; Terminating portion of the ileum, at the junction of the csccum and colon.

17.nbsp; Ca;cum, or blind gut.

18.nbsp; nbsp;Colon.

19.nbsp; Rectum.

20.nbsp; Anus.

21.nbsp; Sphincter muscle of the anus.

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STOMACH AND BOWELS.

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DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND ITS MEMBBANES.

STOMACH STAGGERS.raquo;

This is a disease very prevalent in this section of the United States, and probably originates in derangement of the stomach. The latter organ is united to the brain in the ties of sympathe'tic relationship, through the medium of the great sympathetic nerve ;#9632; and whenever the stomach becomes overburdened, and there�fore incapable of performing its normal function, it communicates the intelligence to head quarters, � the brain, �and soon sympa�thetic relations are established, and the brain, as it were, becomes secondarily affected.

Disease of this character seldom, if ever, attacks horses when due care is exercised in regard to dietary management. A very celebrated author has said that this disease never occurs ex�cept by the fault of those who have the management of the horse. It sometimes arises from giving a horse too much provender, after he has been kept too long without food, and in the interim worked hard, or driven fast. At other times, a horse may get loose during the night, and so gorge himself that the stomach is incapable of contracting upon its contents, or in any way perform�ing its function'; in such cases, the walls of that organ are often ruptured.

* A stomach surcharged with food, without any accompanying tympanitic dis-tention, does not appear to occasion any local pain, but operates with that kind of influence upon the brain which gives rise to symptoms, not stomachic, but cerebral; hence the analogy between this disease and staggers, and the appel�lation for it of quot; stomach staggers.quot; The unnaturally filled stomach produces, for the first time, a sense of satiety; the horse grows heavy and drowsy, re�poses his head upon the manger, falls asleep, and makes a stertorous noise. All at once he rouses from his lethargy, and violently thrusts his head against the rack or wall of the stable, or any thing, in fact, that happens to oppose him, and in this posture paws with his fore feet, or performs the same action with them as he would were he trotting, evidently all the while unconscious of what he is about. His eye, which at first was full of drowsiness, has now ac�quired a wild, unmeaning stare, or has already become dilated and insensible to light. The respiration is tardy and oppressed; the pulse slow and sluggish; the excretions commonly diminished.� Hippopatholcffy.

THE MODEBN HORSE DOCTOE.

Not long ago, a firm in this city (Boston) lost three valuable horses, in the course of six weeks, from stomach staggers, brought on by the hazardous experiment of making the victims subsist on two meals a day, one at five o'clock in the morning, and the other after work at night. The experiment was not from pecu�niary motives, but because the stable was so far distant from the owners' place of business that it was inconvenient to drive the horses there.

On the death of the first horse, some one possessing a knowl�edge of the facts in the case, and understanding that sudden changes of this character in diet were sure to terminate in stag�gers, represented the matter to one of the partners in business, who, however, treated the affair lightly, and remarked that many of his acquaintance kept their horses on two meals a day, making up for the loss of the noon meal by giving them double allowance at night. On the death of the second, which was a very valuable animal, from a disease that had never before prevailed in their stable, the proprietors themselves began to doubt the ex�pediency of dispensing with the noon meal, and therefore ordered the horses to be driven home at noon ; but ere the order was ex�ecuted, a third horse had gone the way of all horseflesh. Some eighteen months have since elapsed, and the survivors, who have enjoyed their three meals a day, are in good health. The dis�ease was thus timely arrested.

Those of our species, who, after protracted abstinence, in�dulge too freely.in the luxuries of the season, can call to mind their sleepy, unpleasant sensations, headaches, amp;c., can, proba�bly, realize what a horse suffers from an empty, overloaded, or disordered stomach. From these and other fasts which might be adduced, we may safely conclude that the disease is of stomachic origin.

The disease, having once manifested itself, is very apt to re�turn, and for the simple reason that precautions are not taken to guard against a relapse. So soon as the animal' appears better, and craves food, he is bountifully supplied, and returns almost immediately to work ; even before the stomach has had time to recover its equilibrium. The animal soon becomes a confimed dyspeptic, and is saddled with an incurable disease.

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

A horse, therefore, having once had an attack of staggers, should be fed with great care and regularity; care must be ex�ercised in regard to the quality as well as the quantity of the food; for, unfortunately, the course pursued by practitioners� although those of the present day have improved somewhat�leads to prostration and debility; and in order to place the animal in a condition to sustain the living principle and ward off future attacks, we must furnish him nutritious food, tfom which albu�men may be extracted with as little expenditure as possible of -the chemico-vital forces of digestion.

A horse fed on hay and grain that is deficient in nutriment � of inferior quality � is liable also to be the subject of staggers; so that the disease does not always arise from the same exciting cause. It is well known that much of the pasture land in this country abounds in rank weeds and poisonous herbs, which, if partaken of by a horse already enfeebled J)y disease, are sure to operate unfavorably on some portion of the digestive apparatus. Therefore it need not seem strange if some horses, even at grass, should have an attack of staggers.

Symptoms. � The dull, sleepy appearance and staggering gait of the animal are symptoms not to be mistaken, and as almost every horseman prides himself on his ability to detect a case of this character, we shall now, therefore, come to the treatment.

Treatment of Stomach Staggers. � If the patient is known, or even supposed, to labor under distention of the stomach, the most rational course to pursue, instead of bleeding and purging, is to excite the digestive organs � to secrete the fluid destined for the solution of its contents. Yet, in cases where the stomach is gorged � packed full � and distended beyond its healthy capaci�ty, and there is reason to suppose that, in consequence of the over-distention, some of its muscular fibres are lacerated, or a loss of continuity has taken place, the treatment then will be of no avail. quot;We excite the stomach, therefore, in simple disten�tion, to pour out its gastric fluids for the solution of the albumi�nous and gelatinous constituents of its contents, so that by the withdrawal of these we afford more room for the reduction to a state of fine division that portion of the food which remains.

We want room in the stomach for the reason that the solvent

�

^:]l

THE MODEKN HOESE DOCTOK.

action of the gastric fluid is aided by the least movement of the walls of the stomach, quot;and without successive contractions and relaxations of the muscular fibres of that organ we cannot insure prompt digestion.

If we can only effect the reduction of a small portion of the alimentary mass, something has been done likely to benefit our patient; for, although, in consequence of obstruction to the py-loric orifice, that portion of food which is now reduced to a homogeneous mass cannot move onward through the alimentary route, yet nature finds a way to get rid of it through another channel. It is known to physiologists, that a portion of the nu�tritious matter, dissolved by the gastric fluid, is at once absorbed into the blood vessels of the stomach, and never passes into the intestinal tube, nor into the special lacteal system.

With the above object in view, we administer remedies of a stimulating and antiseptic character.

Take pure pulverized capsicum, quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; common salt.

To half an ounce of the former add four ounces of tho latter; rub them together in a mortar, and drench the horse with one fourth, in a small quantity of water, at intervals of ten or twenty minutes, until relief be obtained.

A solution of pepsin (which is obtained from the washed stomach of a cow, calf, or pig) might possibly act on the contents of a distended stomach in much less time than any other agent; for, at the ordinary temperature of the body, it is a powerful solvent.

It seems strange, when we take into consideration that the action of the gastric fluid, both in and out of the si;omach, is purely of a chemical nature, that practitioners do not avail them�selves of chemical aids, (either the hydrochloric, acetic, or lactic acids,) which are the real solvents detected in the gastric flnid, rather than to resort to bloodletting; for however well calcu�lated such evil doing may be to deprive the vital machinery of blood, it cannot relieve the stomach of a load of semi-digested food. It is the doctrine of the schools that any thing having a tendency to overflow the brain with blood may be considered as a cause for staggers, and the idea of the brain, in such cases,

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being surcharged, probably first led to the use of the fleam. If the brain be in a state of congestion, there is a cause for it � a distended stomach; relieve that of its burden, remove the cause, and the congestion will disappear.

After the animal has swallowed several doses of the capsicum ^nd salt, and seems to improve, we may then venture on a dose of cathartic medicine, with a view of carrying off the superabun�dant carbon; whereas, had the cathartic medicine been given before the stomach had resumed its digestive function, � which is now presumed to have taken place, � it would have done more harm than good. The author admits that he was formerly in favor of early purging, that is, so soon as the disease manifested itself; yet a few years of practical experience has weaned him from the hobby; and what contributed most to produce this change in practice was, that by making several post mortem ex�aminations of subjects which had died from staggers of this descrip�tion, and who had been pretty essentially dosed by advice of the neighbors, he often found in the cardiac portion of the stomach a mixture of salts, aloes, castor oil, amp;c., which had not reached the sensitive tissues of this organ in consequence of its distended state, and the pressure kept up from within by the enormous bulk it contained. In some cases, on removing the food, a por�tion of the living membrane of the stomach would peel off. So great presstire had the food been submitted to in some cases, that it was about as firm as a Dutch cheese, and the stomach en�veloped it with drum-like tightness. There might have been no help in such cases; but, as we have said, the post mortems have changed our views as to the treatment of the malady now under consideration.

Karely, if ever, any bad consequence follows the exhibition of cathartic medicine when the vessels of the brain are surcharged, provided it be given as here recommended, for it matters not which of these articles � aloes, croton farina, salts, or castor oil � are given: they all act on alimentary surfaces as mechanical irritants, exhaust the fluids of the parts, and tend to draw blood from the brain, and thus favor the more equal distribution of that fluid.

Catharsis once established, the bowels should be kept soluble

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

with green feed or scalded shorts. Superpurgation may be im�mediately checked by a few doses of charcoal, or a small quanti�ty of bayberry bark and ginger ; but if our subject be plethoric no fears need be entertained of over purging from an ordinary dose of medicine. See Cathartic Medicine, or Physic Mass.

Should stomach staggers attack an over-driven or over-ridden horse, he never having manifested any cerebral or digestive de�rangement, nothing more is needed than rest, kind nursing, and a light diet. If he recover at all, he will be more likely to do so under the judicious promptings of a humane man than by any other course.

On the other hand, a debilitated, broken-down subject must be put on a course of tonic medicine, alterative also in its character. The following serves as an example : �

Powdered gentian, quot; golden seal, quot; grains of paradise*⁽ sulphur,

each 1 ounce.

Oatmeal, 1 pound.

Mix. Divide the mass in twelve parts, and mix one with the fodder, night and morning.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;'

The next form of this kind of disease has received the appel�lation of

SLEEPY STAGGERS.

This disease is named sleepy from the fact that its most charac�teristic symptom is that of coma or somnolency. The subject may be surrounded by all the noise and confusion of a city stable, yet, in the midst of this, and at any time, day or night, will fall fast asleep with his mouth full of fodder. On arousing him, he evinces some alarm; yet almost immediately, and while standing by his side, he is off into what appears to be a sound nap.

There are other features in the case that enable the observer to make out a diagnosis, such as stertorous breathing ; slowness of respiration; slow, soft pulse; amaurotic eyes, (generally closed;) the head either drooping or pressed forward into the crib. In most cases the excrement is hard and knobby; the urine scanty

THE MODERN HOESE DOCTOR.

The disease probably originates in derangement of the stom�ach and its associate digestive organs. It is very apt to termi�nate fatally, either from effusion or extravasation.

Treatment. � Here we are at fault, not having been very suc�cessful in bringing such cases to a favorable termination. We remember one case, however, that was considered hopeless ; and by way of experiment we administered the unwarrantable dose of half a pound of lobelia, expecting at the same time that it would cause his death; but, contrary to our expectations, he re�covered. The remedy was followed up by stimulating injections and cold water bandages around the head.

The lobelia seemed to have no other effect than to produce profuse perspiration, and this suggested the idea of placing such patients in a vapor bath � an idea that we have not yet been able to carry out. There is no doubt, however, that nauseating medi�cines, in conjunction with the warm bath, will do as much to relieve congestion in the horse as they have accomplished in human medicine.

If we had nothing but simple congestion to contend with in the treatment of this malady, our success would be more certain; but cases now and then occur when some morbid change takes place in the structure of the brain, so that our treatment avails nothing. The treatment most likely to succeed in a curable case consists in the administration of nauseating medicines. One drachm of lobelia, with half the quantity of bloodroot, may be given in warm water every hour. A dose of cathartic medicine should be administered in the early stage of the disease, fol�lowed by injections of salt and water. Counter irritation may also be of service when applied to the extremities.

Cathartics and nauseants must be our sheet anchor, and should be repeated until a free evacuation has taken place; for they have a tendency to lessen the force of the circulation, and conse�quently relieve the brain. The author is well aware of the difficulty encountered in administering medicine to horses labor�ing under disease of the brain and its investing membranes; the danger too, both as regards the person of the physician and the life of the patient, must be taken into consideration ; for there are times when the patient is unable to swallow, and if we should 4*

42nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

then insist on forcing down a drench, a portion of it might enter the air passages and choke him. The attendant is at times in danger of personal injury from the animal's suddenly falling; but these suggestions apply more to those forms of disease known as

INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN___{Phrenitia.)

This form of disease corresponds to that recognized by human practitioners as hrain fever. In the horse, the disease, frequently, in its last stages, assumes so violent a form that veterinary prac�titioners have denominated it mad staggers. The animal is not rabid, however, but frantic; now rearing on his hind legs, the fore ones are plunged into the crib; he extends the head as high as possible towards the ceiling, and then, as quick as thought, furiously dashes himself against the stall, or on the floor, where he lies panting for breath, in a perfect state of delirium. At other times, convulsions will follow each other in quick succes�sion ; the animal pants, perspires, and foams at the mouth, as if he were about to breathe his last breath; and a happy release from his sufferings would it be, if at this stage the vital spark were to vacate its tenement; but, unfortunately, he is often doomed to suffer for hours, and sometimes days, ere death takes place.

Treatment. � The treatment of mad staggers must be con�ducted on the same principles as in the preceding disease. quot;We must embrace the most favorable opportunity; and perhaps while the animal is down will be the best time to administer the following drench: �

Pulverized aloes,........7 drachms,

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; assafoDtida.......2 quot;

Hot water,..........1 pint.

This medicine should be followed up, at intervals, with doses of salt and water ; two ounces of salt to one pint of water, grad�ually diminishing the quantity of salt until purgation sets in, when it should be discontinued. Injections should be thrown into the rectum every four hours, composed of

Powdered lobelia, ?�* ��v i ��_,~ bloodr�ot,5^{ofeacl,lounce}' Hot water, two or three quarts.

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A counter irritant, consisting of mustard, cayenne, and vinegar, may be applied to the chest. The head must be kept cool with �water.

If the bowels do not respond to the aloetic drench, after wait�ing a reasonable time, it will be advisable to give three or four drachms more. There need be no fears of superpurgation; and if that should be the result, it could not do much harm. quot; Pur�gation in mad staggers has ever stood in such high repute among farriers, that a comtnon saying among them is ' Purge a horse with staggers, and you cure him;' and this, like many other old veterinary adages, appears to have been founded in sound obser�vation. In fact, it is a practice pursued by every surgeon in cephalitic cases, with the twofold view of removing any source of irritation or cause for the head affection that may exist within the bowels, and of indirectly abstracting blood by derivation and discharge.quot; � Hippopathology, p. 20.

APOPLEXY.

The immediate causes of apoplexy are, compression of the brain from congestion of its blood vessels ; or by an effusion of blood, or serum, (water,) into some portion of the cranial cavity ; or from tumors, which compress some portion of the medullary substance of the brain. Congestion, and subsequently effu�sion, may be brought on in subjects predisposed to the disease, by any thing that determines the afflux of blood to the head; or, in other words, by any thing that disturbs the equilibrium of the circulation, and prevents the free return of blood from the brain.

There are various exciting causes which tend to produce san�guineous apoplexy; for although the immediate cause seems to be an excess of blood in the vessels of the brain, this may be brought about by an overloaded state of the primse viae.* In such cases the symptoms somewhat resemble those of stomach staggers; the animal appears drowsy, feeble, and is constantly banging or resting his head in the crib.

When apoplexy proceeds from fluid within the ventricles of the

#9632;#9632; 1

* The stomach and intestinal tube are so called.

it!

44nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; THE MODERN HOBSE DOCTOE.

brain, besides other symptoms, there is a disposition to rear up or fall backwards, when any one attempts to handle the head.

Should apoplexy proceed from tumor within the cranium, it seldom, if ever, admits of perfect recovery.

Symptoms of Sanguineous Apoplexy. � The horse generally falls down suddenly, and remains in a state of insensibility; the breathing is laborious, the eyes are fixed, glassy, and amaurotic; the membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth are highly injected, ofttimes of a purple color; the veins of the neck are distended, the pulse is strong, full, and slow; the whole muscular system is occasionally aflfected spasmodically, and the limbs are icy cold.

Treatment. � Our first business is to endeavor to arouse the patient out of his lethargy. Some strong spirits of hartshorn should be held to the nostrils, while one or two persons are engaged in rubbing the external surface with stimulants; mus�tard and vinegar must be used pretty freely to the limbs, followed with hard rubbing and stimulating injections. If through these means we should be successful in bringing the patient to a state of consciousness, the next object should be to evacuate the bow�els : our usual drench in such cases is,

Powdered aloes,........6 drachms,

quot; assafcetida,......2 quot;

quot; lobelia........3 quot;

To be mixed in warm water, sufficient.

Before this drench is administered, the practitioner must sat�isfy himself that the patient has so far recovered as to be able to swallow, or the medicine may prove a death warrant. If the apoplectic fit be only the effect of plethora from high feeding and want of proper exercise, this treatment will generally succeed. We have had occasion, however, in a few cases, to follow up the drench with salts, dissolved in a bucket of water, which our patients generally drank. The after treatment consists in feed�ing the animal with great care; and the best means to prevent a recurrence is to let the animal run to pasture.

Dr. White refers to a case of apoplexy quot; that was considered hopeless, and not worth any further attention; yet as it was sup�posed that blood had been effused on the brain, the horse was trepanned, (a portion of the skull removed,) and an opening

THE MODERN HOESE DOCTOR.

made in the dura mater, or outer membrane of the brain, which was immediately followed by a considerable effusion of blood.. In about ten minutes after the operation, the horse got up, and being led to his stall, began to feed immediately. He continued apparently well for several days, but died a fortnight after the operation.quot; *

Tracheotomy, which consists in making an incision into the trachsea, and then introducing a hollow tube for the animal to breathe through, has received the advocacy of some. On p. 26, Hippopatlwlogy, the following paragraph occurs: quot; Trache�otomy. On no animal is this operation practised with more facility than on the horse; neither are the consequences of it such � though it may, now and then, leave the animal a roarer � as to deter us from practising it in any case in which important benefit is likely to accrue from it. Dr. Physic, of Philadelphia, first suggested its performance in hydrophobia ; and Dr. Marshall Hall has recently advised a trial of it in cases of apoplexy. His words are,' In apoplexy from congestion, I am persuaded that the fatal event might be averted by the timely adoption of this measure ; the patient dies of asphyxia, � (cessation of the pulse,) � and of an asphyxia which tracheotomy would, I believe, prevent.'quot;

The author has no faith in the trephine for the cure of con�gestion, although it might give temporary relief, as in the above case. The instrument has been called into requisition in cases of compression of the brain, from fracture of the skull, and with decided benefit to the patient; but in apoplexy the case is far different; the blood is loaded with carbon, the respiratory organs are unable to imbibe a sufficiency of oxygen to decarbonize it, and therefore if we were to remove the whole of the skull by trephine, we should be just as far off as ever in unloading the vital current of its defiling burden. There is no way, that the author knows of, by which the blood can be vitalized, other than that which takes place in the lungs through the admission of oxygen ; therefore tracheotomy, which provides for a due supply to the lungs of pure air, holds out more certain advantages than the former operation.

* White's Dictionary.

1! i

si-

#9632;

ifi

THE MODERN HOESE DOCTOR.

VERTIGO. � iihgrims.)

Horses are, now and then, attacked with a sort of giddiness, which is apt to come on while going fast; the animal all at once commences shaking his head, staggers, reels, and stops short; if permitted to rest a while, he recovers, and travels on as if nothing had happened.

The vertiginous symptoms are very apt to return; therefore a horse having once had an attack must be managed with caution; he is certainly unsafe for either saddle or chaise; but with due care in regard to stable management and work, he might be used with some degree of safety in a four-wheeled vehicle, for, if then he should fall, the occupants might escape without injury, other�wise they would not. The disease is generally supposed to be connected with some pathological state of the brain or nervous system, and must therefore be considered incurable so long as that organ* or system remains in a pathological condition.

The treatment of vertigo, or megrims, as it is sometimes called, does not reflect much credit on us, neither is it at all times satis�factory to our employers ; for so soon as the horse returns to work, the same causes which produced a previous attack are again in operation, and soon produce a subsequent one. Our first object is, to act on the digestive surface by means of a full dose of physic. Some mustard, moistened with vinegar, should be rubbed along the neck, on each side, near the head. Some practitioners recom�mend setons through the temples, or along the nape of the neck; others blister the head. Bloodletting is generally resorted to for most diseases of the brain; with what success the reader may learn by consulting the text books. The practice, however, lacks the sanction of the new school and our own humble advocacy. We have seen some benefit derived from the daily use of an anti-spasmodic draught, composed of

Powdered gum assafoetida,.....1 drachm,

Sweet spirits of nitre,.......2 drachms,

Thin gruel,..........I pint.

To be given so soon as the bowels have responded to the purge, and to be continued until the patient appears betterT

This treatment we have found efficient to prevent a reattack for a longer or shorter time, depending, however, on the man-

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ner in which the horse is kept and used. Good grooming, light diet, clean stables well ventilated, and light work, are among the best means for warding off an attack of this, which is generally considered an incurable disease.

quot; By vertigo is meant a chronic disease of the #9632; horse, chiefly indicated by a disturbance of the sensitive faculties, occasioning derangement in the ordinary functions of life. Much that is in�correct has been written regarding the seat, properly so called, of the evil: at present, most veterinary surgeons are agreed in seeking the proximate cause, not as formerly, in the brain, but in the abdominal organs, and in considering the cerebral affection as purely secondary. The vertigo often succeeds acute ence�phalitis, the intensity of which has diminished to a certain degree; but very frequently also it comes on without having been pre�ceded by inflammation of the brain. It recognizes the same causes as the latter, isolation, confinement in hot and badly aired stables, cold, extreme fatigue, blows and injuries on the head, indigestion, unwholesome or too much food in proportion to the exercise taken. The fear of punishment, especially of the whip, occasionally gives rise to it in sensitive and irritable animals. Some horses have an hereditary predisposition to it, and mares are considered more subject to it than stallions. Fur�ther, it is scarcely ever observed except in hot weather, and as it is generally at the beginning of summer that it commences to appear, it goes away always in autumn, at least with respect to its chief symptoms. These are the following: the horse, a little before lively and active, begins all of a sudden to appear heavy and indolent; he is dejected, and prefers to keep himself in the darkest comer of the stable, eyes dull, look fixed and stupid, eyelids half shut, inattention to every thing, forgetting even him�self, and, as it were, asleep, and head hanging to the ground, and resting on the manger, or on the rack. His gait is heavy, slow, and unsteady; he raises the feet very high, and puts the entire sole to the ground, raising and letting down the limbs in a man�ner purely mechanical, and, as it were, unconsciously. He ex�hibits much awkwardness in turning, and cannot be pulled back except by depressing the head very much, and pushing it laterally. Generally, also, he leans on one side in walking. To maintain

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOB.

his equilibrium the better, he places the fore legs beneath the belly, and moves his ears in a peculiar manner, and backwards. According as the disease progresses, he becomes less and less sensible to external impressions ; mastication is performed slowly; he takes from time to time a mouthful of food, masticates it, swallows a portion of it, but keeps the remainder in his mouth. He prefers taking his food off the ground rather than in any other way, and when drinking he plunges his head into the water, even above his nostrils. During and after some rather violent move�ments, his symptoms become much aggravated, and the signs of complete insensibility become more and more marked. The ani�mal runs on quite blind till some obstacle stops him, or turns round, or remains tranquil, when, with his head depressed, and the legs crowded beneath the body, without being able to change this unusual attitude unless assisted to do so. There is never any fever: the pulse is often from ten to twelve pulsations slower than in the normal state.

quot; In the same way, also, the respiration is constantly slow, deep, and frequently of a sighing character. In almost all cases the tongue is foul, and the mouth dry and clammy. With respect to treatment, the remedies which have succeeded best with me are, camomile (some doses), then sulphur, and nux vomica. In a particular case where, independently of the symptoms peculiar to vertigo, the conjunctiva, tongue and mouth were more yellow, the horse frequently flexed his fore legs, seldom lay down, fasces hard, and passed but little urine. I obtained benefit from the use of nux vomica, with sulphur as consecutive treatment. Others used pulsatilla in general: however, they also obtained good effects from veratrum album in many cases ; nux vomica was employed with the horse inclined to the left, and arnica when he leaned to the right. Several horses have been cured by means of belladonna; and one, which was considered as lost, was saved by giving him belladonna, hyoscyamus and nux vomica. The utility of digitalis and opium has been verified in slight cases of vertigo, in which cases benefit has been derived from arnica. On one occasion veratrum album was prescribed during four days, twice a day, and then stramonium, employed in the same manner; on the fifth day the animal was cured. It is always

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advisable to have recourse to sulphur as consecutive treatment.quot; � Veterinary Homoeopathy, p. 127.

CONCUSSION OF THE BRAIN.

The bony structure�which encloses the cerebral organs� is so wisely adapted for their protection, that injuries of this char�acter are somewhat rare: a very few cases have come to our knowledge during nine years' residence in Massachusetts; but we have never treated but one, and that may be termed a mild case. The subject was a bay gelding, nine years old, blind in the off eyequot; from cataract; he had been left opposite the quot; Revere House,quot; harnessed to a furniture wagon, when some person threw a lighted cigar on him; he then ran across the street, and was suddenly brought up by striking his head against an iron railing; he fell on the pavement, and lay there for some time in an insensible condition, almost pulseless, and the respiration scarcely discern�ible. He was unharnessed, and the bystanders attempted to raise him up ; but he had lost all control over the muscles of voluntary' motion, and drooped his head as though he were dying. The horse having received a wound just above the left orbit, from which the blood was trickling down, it was supposed that the skull was fractured, and the owner was just thinking about de�spatching him, when, all at once, he rose on the fore legs and squatted on his haunches like a dog. After remaining in this position a short time, and making fruitless efforts to get up, he at last, under assistance, rose, and after a good deal of trouble, reached the proprietor's stable.

Our attention having now been called to the patient, we found him scarcely able to stand; pulse about 50, full and jerking; respiration hurried and somewhat laborious; the body bedewed with a cold sweat; the pupil of the sound eye was dilated; the head drooping, and inclined to the nigh side. On exploring the wound, neither fracture nor injury to the bones could be per�ceived ; it was therefore brought together by stitches, and dressed with quot; Thrlington's Bahamquot;

So soon as the horse had been rubbed dry, a preparation, con�sisting of equal parts of tincture of lobelia and capsicum, was 5

�O

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

applied along the back and to the chest; the legs were hand-rubbed until reaction took place, and they became warm, then bandaged. A cold water bandage was applied to the head, and the body covered with a buffalo-skin.

It will be seen by this preliminary treatment that the object was to equalize the circulation, so as to prevent congestion of the brain; and in furtherance of this object, a stimulating clyster was administered, all of which seemed to have a good effect.

Not thinking it prudent to risk an antispasmodic draught, the patient was placed in a well-bedded quot; wide stall,quot; and suitable directions given for his management during the night.

On visiting the patient next morning, the symptoms had slightly improved, and he drank half a bucket of water containing twenty drops of the tincture of arnica; four hours afterwards were ad�ministered

Powdered aloes.......6 drachms,

quot; assafostida, .... 1 drachm, Thin gruel,.......1 pint.

He took, during the day, a small quantity of scalded shorts, forty drops of tincture of arnica, and four gallons of water.

On the evening of the next day, made a visit to the patient; found him with the head still drooping; the parts in the region of the wound were somewhat tumiiied and hot; the pulse was soft and less frequent; the bowels had slightly responded to the medi�cine ; in short, the general appearances were indicative of improve�ment. Directions were given to sponge the head, more particu�larly the wound, with a weak mixture of arnica, (one ounce of the tincture to a quart of water.) The diet to consist of thin gruel. In view of remote counter irritation, a paste, made of mustard and vinegar, was rubbed on each side of the chest.

The above includes about all the treatment; the mustard was washed off the next day, and for a few succeeding ones the diet was sparing ; the head in the mean time was kept bathed when�ever it became hot. The patient returned to work about a fort�night afterwards.

We learned from the owner that the animal had been in his possession about five years, during which time he was never known to lie down, nor did he do so during this sickness.

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

It may be of some service to the reader to be informed that counter irritants should not be resorted to in the early inflamma�tory type of cerebral disorder, for they are always painful to the horse, whose skin is so highly sensitive, and the stimulation or irritations are always reverberated to the affected organs, and also occasion more or less excitement to the whole system. Therefore they should not be resorted to until some general treat�ment has been adopted ; they will then be of much use in divert�ing the internal local irritations to the surface, by which means the internal tissues are relieved.

LETHARGY.

This is a mild form of apoplexy, and arises either from a con�gested brain, or may be occasioned by an overloaded stomach.

Gibson says, quot; When a horse falls into a lethargy, he generally rests his head with his mouth in the manger, and his poll often inclined to one side; he will shew an inclination to eat, but for the most part falls asleep with the food in his mouth, and seldom chews, but swallows it down; unless he is roused, he presently falls asleep again. If a horse continues any time in this state, he falls into an atrophy or general decay.quot; The best remedy for this pathological condition is a long run at grass. Lethargy is probably only another name for sleepy staggers, (which see.)

INFLAMMATION OF THE ARACHNOID MEMBRANE OF THE BRAIN. � {Arachnoiditis.')

This membrane is situated between the dura and pia mater; the former is situated within and next the cranium, and the latter is in immediate contact with the brain; so that the arachnoid membrane lies between the two, and extends to the termination of the spinal marrow. It is a very difficult affair to diagnose cor�rectly a disease occurring in a membrane so obscure and slightly organized as this is known to be, and it requires considerable stretch of the imagination to conceive how this membrane can be the special seat of inflammatory action without involving its asso�ciate tissues, and even the brain itself; and even should the dis-

THE MODERN HOBSE DOCTOR.

ease be unaccompanied with inflammation of the brain, which is rarely the case, we know of no special means of treating it other than those recommended for inflammation of the brain. A French writer, however, informs us that acute arachnoiditis is occasioned by loss of continuity, or lesion of that membrane, from which result staggers and water on the brain.

REMARKS ON AND EXPLANATION OF VAPOR BATH.

The following cut, representing a horse in a vapor bath, will appear somewhat novel to Americans, as we are not aware that any thing of the kind has ever been got up in this country. Indeed, Mr. Percivall, from whose work the illustration and ex�planations have been transcribed, expresses his surprise at the introduction of this apparatus, even at so early a day as the present, in a country too where improvements are continually progressing. We hope that ere long this useful article may be extensively used in this country, for every practitioner must have occasionally felt the need of it.

EXPLANATION.

a represents a boiler originally erected for the purpose of supplying the infirmary with hot water; c is the main pipe issuing from the top of the boiler, receiving the steam, and conducting it, when not required for other purposes, into either a flue or the open air at o ; e and f are branch pipes from the main one (c), f being that which conducts the steam into a worm (A), winding through a condensing trough (17); e the branch pipe which conducts the steam (prevented by stop-cock from going in the other direction) into the bath: the place of admission (n) being on one side, close to the floor, at 1 point inter�mediate between the horse's fore and hind feet while standing in the bath, with his head outside ; m is the bath, being a horse box, such as is usec'. for embark�ing horses on board of ship, with the addition of a lining of flannel, a roofing of hoops and tilting, and curtains over the doors, front and back, to prevent the escape of steam. The box, being placed upon wheels, serves, besides being used as a bath, for the transport of sick or lame horses ; and, having doors at both ends, and a movable platform for the horse to walk in upon, is in general entered without any great deal of unwillingness.

THE MODEUN HORSE DOCTOE.

5raquo;

54.

THE MODERN HOKSE DOCTOR.

I I

DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS AND AIR PASSAGES.

PINK EYE AND HORSE AIL.* �(7n/?raquo;laquo;KO.)

It will be seen that very little idea can be gained of the nature of the disease under which the subject suflfers from the above terms; they have their meaning, however, among horse dealers. Any affection of the respiratory organs, from laryngitis to influ�enza, strangleg included, are all considered under the above head by some. The disease we propose to enlighten the reader on in this article is influenza; that veritable disease which usually attacks green horses, as they are called, shortly after their first introduction to city life, although it may occur in the country as well as the city. The time of its appearance is generally in the spring, when horse dealers crowd the city stables with sale horses. This is the most trying period of a horse's life, and generally tests his metal. The sudden change from a pure atmosphere to one contaminated with ammoniacal gases, and other injurious va�pors, also the change of food, water, and habits, are calculated to impair the health of even an old stager, whatever might be their effect on a young horse. If he can withstand these incursions on the sanitary laws of his existence, and at the same time pass safely through an attack oiquot; pink-eyequot; � influenza, � and come out right side up, his owner can confidently recommend him to any pur�chaser as one having been through the mill. ' We do not wish the reader to confound influenza with catarrh or strangles, {which see;) although influenza may finally as�sume the form of strangles, or end in a bad discharge from the nose, chronic cough, amp;c., and in inveterate cases, may terminate in glanders.

The principal features of influenza are, that it appears at cer-

* These terms are used by horsemen in New England to denote a kind of catarrh or influenza, that often breaks out among young horses at particular seasons of the year, and seems to rage more in some stables than others. It is the general opinion that all horses must have an attack of this sort once in their lives. Therefore a horse that has once had it is considered acclimated, and his owner finds a more ready sale for him than for one that has not had this affection.

THE MODEKN HOBSE DOCTOR.

tain seasons of the year, in stables, at remote points, prevailing more in some than in others. When once it breaks out in a stable, it is sure to effect all the susceptible subjects ; sometimes it creep's from stall to stall in a slow and gradual manner; at others, three or four horses will be attacked all at once, and in the course of a few days all the new comers are on the sick list. Yet if the stable be well ventilated, and the horses properly man�aged, both as regards diet and exercise, the evil day may be put off in some, and others may have so light an attack as not to occasion any alarm. Many thus managed are known to run clear for years, and then, on coming in contact with the infection, become its victims.'

Symptoms.�There is no disease that assumes so great a variety of symptoms at its commencing as this; still there are some features always present that convince us of the nature of the disease we have to treat. The first symptom the stabler notices is, that the horse is dumpish, as he calls it, which signifies debility. This is a remarkable feature, and one that seldom, if ever, presents itself in any other form of disease so early. To a casual observer the horse looks as if he had been sick for months. If you urge him to move, he does so after the fashion of an over�grown elephant. The eye is indicative also of the disease; its vessels are turgid, have an arterial red appearance, (this has perhaps led to the term pink eye,) the lids become swollen, and the animal shrinks from the light as if its rays caused pain ; the tears trickle over, and now and then a particle of purulent or lymphy matter can be seen in the angles of the eye. The animal seems unable to support the weight of his head ; it either remains in a drooping position, or he rests it in the crib. First one hind limb and then the other swell, become infiltrated with fluid, which constitutes anasarca; or they may both commence to swell at once; in fact, other parts of the body become dropsical, so that the patient sometimes more resembles an elephant than a horse. This swelling of the legs, let it be more or less, is considered, in connection with the other features, the diagnostic symptoms. It is veiy different from that tumefaction which we observe in the limbs of many horses, occasioned by want of exercise, amp;c. It comes on suddenly, affects the whole limb, groin, and sheath;

THE MODEIIN HOKSE DOCTOR.

the latter to such an extent as to cause the penis to protrude. The hair from the first Las an unhealthy aspect and rough feel; the ears, nose, and limbs are cold or not, according to the stage of the disease. The appetite is poor from the first, and any attempt to swallow tells us that the throat is excessively sore; inspect the fauces, and they will be found inflamed; the tongue is foul, thickly coated, and saliva runs freely, although not always, for in many cases the niouth is dry and feverish; the excrements are voided in small quantities; the excretory as well as the secretory functions are as torpid as the animal himself. In the course of a few days a nasal discharge sets up, and this is cob-sidered a favorable crisis. In some subjects, however, the disease terminates in submaxillary abscess; the animal sometimes has a troublesome cough.

These are the main features of this form of influenza. They vary in different subjects, both in the mode of attack, intensity, and termination; and in the progress of the disease, although self-limited, it depends much on treatment, and still more on the management of the horse during his sickness.

Treatment. � Our first business is to place the patient in a situation where he may have the benefit of a pure atmosphere, (this is the best medicine for the lungs;) for the blood, being loaded with carbon, owing to its languid circulation, requires pure air to decarbonize it. The body is to be clothed according to the temperature of the stable. If the limbs are cold, they should be well rubbed, and if any difficulty is experienced in in�creasing their temperature, some stimulating liniment should be rubbed on, and flannel bandages applied if necessary. These, however, must be omitted when the limbs become anasarcous; for they only keep the parts hot and feverish. The same apply to body clothing; the natural clothing of the body is all the animal needs in the febrile stage, provided the atmosphere be comfortable.

The following dose should be given early, as it helps to clear out the digestive cavity of all morbid material: �

Sulphur,...........5 drachms,

Cream of tartar,........2 quot;

Salt..............1 ounce.

Mix, with flaxseed tea, for a drench.

THE MODERN HOESE DOCTOR.

�1

quot;We find from experience that salt has a good effect on this disease, and therefore generally allow the patient all he will eat.

The hest drink for the patient is flaxseed tea, acidulated with cream of tartar, and thickened with powdered licorice. Yet if he eat much salt, which is often the case, a corresponding thirst may be expected : in this event, we see no good reason in with�holding water, provided it be given a quart or two at a time, with the- chill off, although warm water generally excites disgust on the part of our patient, and he will often go thirsty rather than diink the nauseous stuff, which would at almost any time sicken a dog. As regards the diet: a plethoric horse should be half starved, both in view of reducing his fat and lessening the fever, which, as a matter of course, will accompany the malady. In fact, sloppy drinks and scalded shorts are all that are needed in any case, until the disease turns for the better.

Should the throat be sore, let it be rubbed occasionally with warm vinegar and salt. The discharge from the nostrils must be encouraged by steaming. The rectum may be emptied occa�sionally with warm soapsuds. In view of guarding against sub�sequent cough and debility, we give the following: �

Powdered elecampane, quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; pleurisy root,

quot; licorice.

Slippery elm, . . .

Salt.......

Gentian,.....

equal parts.

Dose, 1 ounce daily.

The swollen limbs are to be rubbed frequently, and the patient must have walking exercise as soon as the state of his health permits.

It is a notorious fact that there is no disease to which horses in this country are subject that has opened so wide a field for empiricism as this. Every man has his favorite remedy, and often applies it to his own loss, because he thinks it beneath his dignity to employ a physician to treat what horse dealers con�sider a simple disease, which, however, frequently becomes com�plicated from want of knowing when to do nothing, or applying suitable means at the proper time.

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

SPASM OF THE LARYNX.

The larynx Is an irregular cartilaginous tube forming the upper extremity of the windpipe, and is the organ which produces that peculiar sound called neighing; it affords free passage, in its normal state, for respiration, and also attachment for numerous muscles. Its internal cavity is protected by the common mem�brane termed mucous, which, at times, becomes the seat of a dis�ease known as laryngitis.

Our own opinion is, that the spasm may arise from other causes than those acting directly on the laryngeal apparatus. From the symptoms detailed by Surgeon Haycock, which we shall here introduce, it seems to bear some analogy to laryngismus stridulus, (quot; croupquot; of the human family,) and that which is here termed spasm may result from a nervous affection induced by indigestion ; in that case spasm of the larynx is a symptom of another disease. What some might term spasm of the larynx may result from some morbid productions within the larynx, an cedematous swelling occurring in the submucous membrane of the larynx, as in cases of violent laryngitis, may give rise to many symptoms noticed by the individual just named ; yet a morbid production of this char�acter could not with propriety be called spasm.

The history of laryngismus stridulus � croup � is as follows : the attack comes on during sleep; the child starts suddenly; struggles for breath; face flushed, and swollen, and purple ; and after repeated efforts, we have long inspiration, accompanied with a whooping or crowing noise, arising from obstruction, not spasm. It makes very little difference, however, whether the difficulty of respiration occur from spasm or obstruction, since the treatment of either does not materially differ, that is, as regards present relief. The three principal means of cure are � nauseants, counter irritations, and lastly, tracheotomy.

Let it be understood that this treatment applies to those cases which occur from internal obstruction; the treatment, of course, must vary according to the nature of the case. For our prin�cipal object is not so much to treat spasm of the larynx, as it should be to discover its cause � that removed, spasm will cease. That

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

it is not always a primary disease we have ample testimony from Mr. Haycock's own pen: see Veterinary Homoeopathy,'p.K/l. quot; The causes are numerous,quot; amp;.C. quot; It may arise from laryngitis,quot; Sec. If it does arise from laryngitis and other affections, it is only a secondary disease, or, as Mr. Percivall says, quot;symptomatic of some distinct and acknowledged genus or species of disease.quot;

Symptoms of Spasm of the Larynx.�quot;The symptoms of spasm of the larynx are of so evident a nature as to warrant me in say�ing that they declare themselves, and that too in the most decisive manner. Sometimes the disease manifests itself in a moment, as it were, with a most terrible severity; the animal begins to gasp for breath ; the eyeballs protrude, and present a wild, haggard appearance; the nostrils are dilated to their utmost extent; the nose is protruded, and the neck is carried in a line with the back ; the flanks heave with most excessive violence, and every time the poor beast inspires air, a sound is emitted, which will vary in its character and intensity according to the vigor of the spasm. Sometimes it will be loud and shrill, sometimes a kind of scream, at other times like the loud twang from a trumpet � or it may be rasping, snoring, or like that elicited when sawing wood. As the disease proceeds, the general symptoms become more violent � the mucous membrane of the mouth assumes a purple color; the animal becomes partially unconscious; he rushes wildly from place to place, as though seeking in vain for aid; the body becomes suffused with a streaming perspiration; at last, the spasm is either � suddenly relieved, which is very rarely the casCj or he falls heavily to the ground, struggling for a few moments, and then dies completely asphyxiated. If the disease supervene upon an inflammatory attack of the organ, the symptoms in such cases, for a short period at least, will most probably be of a milder character. A partial spasm of the muscles will manifest itself, which may exhibit just such a degree of violence as to excite alarm, and nothing more, when the whole will gradually subside, and leave the patient in a very tranquil state; in a short time, however, may be in two or three hours, or more or less according to circumstances, it again commences, and continues for a longer period, or it goes on increasing in violence until either relief is afforded surgically, or the patient dies.quot;

THE MODERN HORSK DOCTOR.

quot;We must not therefore, as already observed, consider spasm of the larynx in all cases a primary affection, for we know that in the human family croup is often associated with impaired nutrition, and well-marked derangements of the digestive organs, and all attempts to cure by local means fail, unless aided with pure air and a well-regulated system of hygiene. So that if impaired nutrition leads to spasmodic diseases, and, reasoning from analogy, we may safely conclude that it does, our object in the treatment should be to restore the digestive organs to their normal state. quot;We have lately read a paper written by Dr. Fer�guson, of Dublin, which goes to show that spasm of the larynx can be produced at will: he States, he administered some hydro�cyanic acid to several frogs; after death he examined them, and found the larynx of each one spasmodically closed. A dose was also given to a rabbit, and after death the blood vessels of the larynx and trachea were intensely congested. A similar state of things might be brought about in the horse, by the use of similar poisonous agents; but as medical treatment would, in cases of this kind, fail, it is unnecessary to write any thing more on that subject.

Treatment. � It has been hinted, at the commencement of this article, that nauseants, counter irritants, and tracheotomy are the principal agents in view of immediate relief; unfortunately, how�ever, the former are of little avail unless administered early � before alarming symptoms set in, as in partial spasm. When the patient is attacked suddenly, and shows all the worst features of the disease, he can only be relieved by a surgical operation called tracheotomy. The operation is not considered a dangerous one, yet the services of a qualified person are indispensable ; as also in cases which result from the presence of morbid growths in the vicinity of the larynx, surgical skill must be sought.

It is proper, in all cases of either spasm or obstruction existing in or about the larynx, to let the patient inhale the vapor of hot water, or else that arising from medicated water. A small por�tion of nitrous ether, dropped on a large sponge previously satu�rated with hot water, and held up to the patient's nostrils, may give relief; we have tried this article, as well as chloric ether, in cases of obstructed respiration, and think benefit has been derived. Only a small quantity of these articles, however, can be used, for

THE MODEEN HORSE DOCTOR.

in excess they are apt, instead of relaxing, to produce rigid spasms of what are known as the vocal cords. In administering chloro�form to animals this rule holds good, for we have invariably found that if etherization is carried beyond a certain point, a tetanic laquo;pasm of the muscular tissues is the result � which is only reme�died by removing the breathing apparatus for a short time, when the muscles soon relax and become pliable.

Lobelia is considered, also, a very good relaxant; it is extolled very highly by some physicians for the cure of asthmatical com�plaints, and for relaxing rigid parts; we have used it in this view for a number of years on all classes of domestic animals, and con�sider it a valuable antispasmodic. A strong infusion of lobelia can be brought in contact with the horse's nostrils by means of a sponge, and perhaps prove as beneficial as ether. All sorts of means have been suggested for steaming the nostrils ; we prefer the sponge to any other contrivance, for hot steam (that arising from boiling water directly applied) will tend rather to inflame than relax a part already in an irritable state. The sponge, being porous, permits cool air, in the act of respiration, to pass through, mingle with the hot fluid and vapor, and thus moderate its tem�perature. Counter irritants, applied externally in the region of the throat and chest, are generally recommended; the common hartshorn liniment, essence of mustard, or a mixture composed of equal parts of olive oil, tincture of capsicum, and lobelia, are among the most efiScient remedies for this purpose. The rectum must be kept empty by stimulating clysters ; all food to be with�held until the worst symptoms are past, when some thin gruel, sweetened with honey, may be allowed.

LARYNGITIS. � {Inflammation of the lining membrane of the larynx.')

lt; #9632;;%

The membrane which lines the larynx is one of great sensi�bility, and prone to take on disease of an acute character, from a trifling cause, and if not properly attended to is very apt to result in chronic cough. The same membrane in the interior of the larynx is part and parcel of that peculiar to the trachea and other air passages; yet it appears to be more sensitive there, as well as in the bronchial divisions. Mr. White, in alluding to the sensi-6

*�

THE MODERN HOKSE DOCTOR.

bility of the membrane of the larynx, and the comparative insen�sibility of that portion within the windpipe, says, quot; This I have ascertained by opening the trachea, introducing my finger, and scratching the membrane. I did the same with a bit of straw, #9632;which the horse did not appear to feel; but on passing it up�wards, the moment it touched the larynx, the most violent irri�tation and coughing was produced. I have tried this experiment several times with the same result. In a roarer, where I found an ulcer in the larynx, the most distressing irritation and wheezing were produced whenever the horse was made to exert himself, and this rendered him so useless that he was killed. In another horse that was glandered, I-found (after death) the whole of the internal membrane of the trachea ulcerated; but this horse was not observed to have a cough, nor was he a roarer, the glanders being the only seeming disorder he labored under.quot;

Symptoms. � The animal generally projects the head, indicat�ing a stiffened neck; he endeavors to bring objects, by rotating the eyes, within the range of vision, rather than by moving his head. The respirations are short and painful, and emit a labored sound; the throat and sub-glands are tumefied, but not so much in the early as in the latter stages of its inflammatory type. The act of swallowing is performed with difficulty; sometimes on attempt�ing to swallow food, or even water, the animal will be seized with a fit of spasmodic coughing, really distressing to witness. The slightest pressure in the region of the throat will excite spasmodic coughing. At first a slight cough is only perceptible; but as the disease progresses, the cough increases, until it becomes hoarse and feeble. These symptoms, without noticing those which may occur during the progress of the affection, are sufficient in them�selves to indicate the nature and seat of the disease, so that there need be no mistake about it.

Treatment. � In all cases of this character a pure atmosphere is indispensable; the diet must be of a sloppy character, easy of digestion, and containing but a small amount of nutriment. The bowels should be kept soluble with cooling saline aperients; if, however, they can be so kept by bran mashes, seasoned with salt, the former may be dispensed with. Some apply poultices, em�brocations and fomentations to the throat, neither of which should be continued any length of time unless they give immediate relief;

THE MODERN HOESE DOCTOR.

for let it be remembered that the animal may suddenly expire from suffocation, in his efforts to breathe. In cases of an alarm�ing character, such, for example, as when the mucous membranes are infiltrated, or tumefied, or the laryngeal cavity occupied by morbid secretion, recourse must be had to bronchotomy, or trache�otomy, either of which terms serves to designate the nature of the operation. It consists in making an opening into the windpipe, and introducing through it a tube, so that the lungs are inflated, without the air having to pass through the laryngeal channel. The operation is both safe and practicable, for it is seldom, if ever, attended with bad results.

This operation, however, should only be resorted to when the danger of suffocation is imminent; and then the breathing tube ought to be removed, the wound closed, and the integuments brought together by stitches, just so soon as the horse shows signs that the danger is past.

We have founc^ water, cold or warm, as the season permitted, very good for relieving acute laryngitis, applied by means of sponges to the throat.

In chronic cases, when the glandular organs around the throat are swollen, a stimulating liniment will be indicated, which should be rubbed in night and morning, the animal to have a nutritious diet, and to be drenched as follows: �

Balsam of fir,......1 ounce,

Sweet spirits of nitre, . . . ^ ounces. Sirup of garlic,.....4 ounces.

Mix. Dose.-of thin gruel.

� One sixth part to be given every night in a pint

INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS.

PNEUMONIA.

Mr. Percivall uses the word quot;pneumony,quot; instead of pneu�monia, quot; to express either a state of congestion or of inflammation in the lungs.quot; The disease may be in the congestive or inflam�matory stages, simple or complicated, involving the bronchia, or pleural membranes, either the one or the other; acnle and laquo;**-

jMM

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOK.

' |j,

acute are also terms applied to this disease, but these terms have merely reference to the stage or intensity.

Symptoms of Congestive Pneumonia. � quot; In the worst cases of this kind, the animal is all over in a tremor; a cold sweat be�dews his body; there is no pulse to be felt; his extreme parts betray the coldness of death; his eye is frightfully wild; and, together with the boring of head and stupidity evinced by him, clearly denote the poor sufferer to be laboring under a spe�cies of delirium. Should this state of congestion come on in the stable, gradually, and some time after the cause is applied, the horse will show it by appearing dull, listless, heavy headed, and off his appetite ; his respiration will gradually become more dis�turbed and oppressed, indicating much more of labor than of pain. The pulse will be full and quick, but probably so feeble as hardly to be perceptible. The ear, applied to the chest, de�tects no sound; the usual respiratory murmur is lost. The ex�tremities � the legs and ears � have a cold, de^th-like feel; and in extreme cases, the mouth is cold also, and the pupils more or less dilated. Cold sweats supervene; no pulse is to be felt; the animal gradually sinks, and in convulsions and delirium dies.quot;

Symptoms of Inflammatory Pneumony. � quot; The symptoms will be such, as are observed at the beginning of common fever and other inflammatory diseases, such as staring, or erection of the hair, and cold extremities, followed, perhaps, by actual rigor; the horse ' hangs his head' either in or under the manger, and has not eaten his last meal; has had for some days a short, dry cough, which comes on when he is exercised, or after drinking ; and is dull and dejected in countenance, and moves with great disinclination. To this succeed fever, quickness of pulse, and heat of mouth, and injection of the membranes of the nose and eyes ; and now, in the second stage, the breathing becomes disturbed, and the case quickly develops itself. The nostrils will be seen opening and shutting their wings ; the flanks labori�ously working up and down ; for the disturbed breathing will be of a kind to indicate embarrassment or oppression, rather than sickness or pain ; whereas in subacute cases, the flanks can hard�ly be seen to move at all; then it is that the nostrils become an important guide to us. The pulse, at the beginning, is ac-

THE MODERN HOUSE DOCTOR.

celcrated, and commonly distinct; but, as the disorder proceeds, it is very apt to grow indistinct from fulness and oppression; from which, however, it recovers by loss of blood, and then again becomes perceptible, and often, compared to what it was before, possessed of strength; the ears and legs are colder than ever; the membrane of the nose is moist and reddened, and there is often to be perceived a sparing yellow, slimy issue from one or both nostrils. The horse stands constantly in the same place and posture, often with his fore legs stretched out, and prefers having his head directed either to the door, or to any open win�dow there may be. He never oflfers to lie down ; but from time to time casts a look backwards at his heaving flank, of a peculiar desponding character, which the experienced practitioner does not fail to recognize. The third and last stage is characterized by the respiration becoming quicker and more oppressed; the pulse also quicker, but less distinct; the coldness of the extremi�ties continuing unrelieved ; the membrane of the nose changing from red to a leaden hue ; convulsive twitchings of the muscles of the surface; extreme uneasiness; lying down and rising again ; reeling in his gait; haggard countenance; delirium ; convulsions; death.quot; � Hippopathology, vol. ii. p. 79-81.

The causes of this derangement are various: any thing which suppresses the natural evacuations of the system will produce it. Among the chief causes are want of pure air, insufficient exer�cise, exposure to cold, plethora, and uncleanliness. The derange�ment may, however, be excited by causes varying in their general character. A horse may be driven a long distance after having stood for several days in the stable without proper exer�cise. The lungs are suddenly brought into active operation �a part they are not well calculated to perform after long rest. They, like the muscular or nervous systems, require constant, yet judicious exercise, in order that they shall maintain their physiological relations; and this explains the reason why so many horses are attacked shortly after a smart drive.

Mr. Percivall says, quot; He that has clean and cool stables will

have a healthy stud, and the converse of this will never fail to

engender disease. Above all other considerations, then, in taking

the colt from his natural state, it behooves us to guard him from

fel!^:-

M'/H' fi

*Mm

THE MODEKN HORSE DOCTOR.

the vicissitudes of cold and heat, and to keep him in an atmos�phere as pure as that of which we have just deprived him. � . Horses of any age, but above all young horses, should never be exposed to a heated air; they may be warmly clothed, and even with advantage be kept in moderately warm stables, but they ought never to respire a hot and stimulating atmosphere.

quot; The next circumstance to be attended to, in order to preserve the health of a horse recently domesticated, is exercise. Com�pelling the animal at once to perform such exercise as comes under the denomination of work, is merely subjecting him to the invasion of disease, and of disease most probably of the organs of respiration; hence the old observation, ' A young horse ought never to be sweated in his exercise.' Numberless horses, not only young ones, but of all ages, are, from want of consideration on the part of their owners, killed in this way in the course of a year. A person purchases a young horse of a dealer, who, most likely, has had him for some weeks, during which time the animal has been getting fresh, as the dealers call it; i. e., he has been pampered with all possible care, fed as if he were put up to be fattened for the butcher, and little or not at all exercised: suddenly, the horse, by way of trial, is made to perform by his new master what he calls, and to another would have been, but moderate work, but what in this case is excessive exertion; and the con�sequence is, that the animal is attacked with pneumonia, and dies in the course of forty-eight hours. It is of the utmost conse�quence, therefore, to attend to this circumstance; if the horse be young, we cannot be too gentle with him in regard to his exer�cise, for at this period he is totally unfit for work.

quot;... Though a horse newly purchased of a dealer is one whose age indicates that he is able to work, still, in conse�quence of his having, probably, been kept in a state of inactivi�ty, a proper regimen will be required to put him even in actual condition for hard work. Hunting a horse with others, under such circumstances, is like matching a man nursed in the lap of indolence, to contend with a pugilist in hard and continual training.quot;

Inflammation of the lungs is generally ushered in with a shiv�ering fit, succeeded by superficial heat of the body and cold ex-

THE MODERN HOUSE DOCTOB.

tremities. These symptoms are accompanied by a quick pulse; respiration short, quick, and laborious. The movement at the flanks, termed abdominal respiration, is marked, generally, by a degree of regularity indicative of the oppressive state of the organs of respiration. As the disease progresses, the ears, nose, and legs have an icy coldness ; the aninjal assumes a position that will expand the thorax; the head and neck are extended; nostrils dilated; the fore legs are stiffened and stretched out, and the disease frequently terminates in engorgement of the lungs, and, more frequently in this country than in any other, effusion into the thorax.

Mr. Percivall (Lect. xxxviii. p. 323) makes some very inter�esting remarks in connection with pneumonia, which, although intended for the meridian of London, aite applicable to this country. He says, quot; Pulmonary disease runs its course now and then with surprising rapidity. I have known a horse to be at�tacked with acute pneumonia, and to die from it in the space of seventeen hours ; and it is by no means uncommon for it to prove fatal on the second or third day from its onset. Ignorabce of this fact has led to the institution of many lawsuits, and to some oppressive judicial arbitrations for horse dealers ; e. g., a gentle�man purchases a young horse, warranted sound, and the next day, or the day after, rides or drives the animal, unprepared for fatigue, and consequently unable to bear it, by way of trial; the day following this trial, or rather ordeal, the horse refuses his food, blows a little, and soon after manifests a severe attack of pneumonia, of which, within a few days or weeks from his pur�chase, he dies. An action is immediately brought against the dealer. Some blundering, ignorant farrier, on the part of the plaintiff, swears that the animal, when opened, was found * as rotten as a pear,' and that he must consequently have been dis�eased long before he was bought. The result is, that the dealer is cast, and the gentleman recovers his money. Now, in the gen�erality of these cases, the very reverse of this is the absolute truth; the animal was perfectly sound at the time of purchase, and was made otherwise solely by the exertion his purchaser put him to ; and so far from the rottenness of the lungs, or agglutina�tion of them to the sides of the chest, being proofs of the contra-

THE MODERN HORSE DOOTOK.

ry, I have seen the one produced in seventeen hours, and know, from extensive observation, that the other, viz., blackness and en�gorgement of them with blood, or something like an approach to mortification, (for rottenness is an expression that has here no definite meaning whatever,) may take place in the course of four and twenty hours. Indeed, when pneumonia proves fatal, it most commonly does so in the course of the first three, or four, or five days ; if it continue beyond this, or there be any remission, it is always a favorable indication. In these cases, the lungs themselves, as I have just stated, are found nearly black, of the color of the darkest venous blood, with which they are pro�digiously glutted; the pleura also displays a surface highly vas�cular, and adhesions are occasionally discovered upon it.quot;

The hot, moist atmosphere, which is to be found in the majority of unventilated stables, prevents the insensible perspiration from being evaporated with that rapidity so necessary for the purifica�tion of the system. The atmosphere may be said to be saturated with moisture, so that the excrementitious materials thrown out from the external surface, instead of finding a ready outlet in space, where they would be soon decomposed and again made fit for respiratory uses, are condensed on the surface, and reab-sorbed in their defiling state. It has been discovered by a number of experiments, that when warm-blooded animals are placed in a hot atmosphere, saturated with moisture, the temperature of their bodies is gradually raised 12deg; or 13deg; above the natural standard, and that the consequence is then inevitably fatal. Let it be under�stood, then, that no evaporation from the skin can take place when the-stable atmosphere is saturated with vapor, and also that if this be the case, the heat of the body increases, rather than decreases� a condition which places our patient beyond the reach of the veter�inary art. A peculiar feature in the treatment of inflammatory pneumony is, to withdraw heat from the body by evaporarion. It is well known that a profuse exhalation from the surface fulfils all the indications that are contemplated in the use of the fleam, and the practice is more rational and less prostrating. A large quan�tity of solid animal matter, besides other secretions, is carried out of the system by the skin, and the patient is thus relieved. quot;That which is called the hydropathic system proceeds upon the plan of increasing the cutaneous exhalation to a very large

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; '69

amount; and there seems much evidence that certain deleterious matters, the presence of which in the blood gives rise to various diseases, are drawn off from it more speedily and certainly in this way than in any other.quot;

It has been a universal custom to resort to the lancet, in the cure of this disease. From time immemorial, the most talented of the profession have invariably resorted to the fleam, as their sheet anchor, in the treatment of this, one of the most destructive in the catalogue of veterinary diseases. We object to the deple�tory system, for we have no idea of bleeding a horse to death with a view of saving life. If, as it frequently happens, in this disease, the lungs are congested, and the abstraction of blood will promote . the free and full circulation of that which remains, then there might be some excuse for bloodletting. It will be urged that horses do get well after being bled; but this is no proof of its utility. On the contrary, it goes to show, as in the case where a horse receives a violent blow on the head, by which the skull is fractured, and he recovers, that his health is restored in spite of the violence done. Blood is the fuel that keeps the lamp of life burning; it is the sum of the powers that resist disease. quot; With�out blood there is no heat, no motion in the body;quot; its abstraction leaves the various organs less capable of self-defence. But there are other reasons why we object to the use of the lancet; and the first is, the disease can, if curable, be cured without abstracting blood.

Secondly. In every disease wherein bleeding has been re�sorted to, complete recovery has been protracted, and the animalnbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; j manifests the debility by swollen legs, and other unmistakable evidences of derangement of the normal condition.

Thirdly. Because the letting of blood impoverishes that which remains in the system, and leads to other equally danger�ous diseases as the one it was intended to cure.

We are aware that our uncompromising opposition to the use of the lancet, in the treatment of pneumonia, will subject us to the sneers of its advocates, who, by the by, are, generally speak�ing, a hundred years behind the age; their dogmas are to them what the laws were to the Medes and Persians. But some con�solation is afforded us in the fact that there never was a new science but was opposed by some. The science that Harvey

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

labored to discover was bitterly opposed, even by professional men. Galileo, Newton, Franklin, and Fulton � indeed, a host of men of kindred genius � have been assailed and pronounced the humbugs of their day. But what care we for censure when engaged in this glorious work of reform ? If we can only arrest the stream of blood that is now, in consequence of an evil system of medication, flowing from the veins of our domestic animals, we shall have clone a good work; and persecution, from whatever source, only stimulates us.to greater exertion. We have but to thank God that we are in enlightened America � among a nation of scholars, where men delight to honor even a Spurzheim, one whom the nations of the old world denominated a fool. The American people have testified their approbation of his worth by erecting in Mount Auburn Cemetery a monument to his memory. Hence our lot is cast quot; in pleasant places,quot; and our work is a comparatively light one, to what it would have been in any other country.

Treatment of In�ammation of the Lungs. � Before commen�cing the treatment of this malady, the horse should be placed by himself in a shed or barn, where he can breathe an uncontami-nated atmosphere; for the author considers it a matter of impossibility to carry a case of inflammatory pneumony to a successful termination in an atmosphere such as we find pervade ing some of our city stables. In this disease the venous blood is of a black, pitchy character, loaded with carbon, a defiling mass, which requires pure oxygen for its decarbonization, and any thing short of purity is not admissible. No dependence can be placed in remedial agents, or the most consummate skill, unless seconded by an atmosphere that will decarbonize the blood. Having then secured a pure atmosphere, in a situation where the patient shall be free from annoyance of every kind, we thus commence the treatment: Suppose the bowels to be constipated, extremities cold, respiration laborious, amp;;c., take

Powdered aloes.........4 drachms,

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; crawley root.......2 quot;

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;lobelia, ( � � � � of each 3 drachms,

Honey,............half a gill,

Boiling water..........1 quart.

When cool, administer from a bottle.

THE MODEKN HOESE DOCTOR.

Small doses of ipecac and lobelia may be given occasionally in thin gruel, in view of relaxation of the tissues. Injections must also be given.

Many practitioners object to giving fluid in a case of lung fever, for fear it will excite the animal. Human practitioners might, with the same propriety, prohibit their fever patients (in�fants) having medicine forced down their throats, for the same reason; and if they were treated in the same rough manner as the horse is, the prohibition would be judicious. To give a horse a ball, under the circumstances, is perfectly absurd; we might just as well substitute a canister shot; for, before the former can be digested, the horse is about to kick the bucket.

Having administered the above draught, we next resort to counter irritants. These must be applied particularly to the legs, with constant hand rubbing, until they are quite warm; then a flannel bandage is to be applied to each leg, and the process of rubbing to be again repeated, should they again become cold. Every drop of blood thus invited and retained in the extreme vessels is so much gained towards relieving the congested state of the lungs. Our usual counter irritant is, �

Oil of cedar,..............nbsp; nbsp;4 drachms,

Oil of sassafras..............nbsp; nbsp;2 quot;

Dissolve the above oils in a wine-glass of alcohol; then add

Tr. capsicum, (or hot drops,)........nbsp; nbsp;1 pint.

With a view of promoting the insensible perspiration, the ani�mal should be covered with suitable clothing, not enveloped in a mountain of blankets, or buffalo skins, as we frequently see them; but a single blanket, with flannel leggings, will probably be all that is needed, even in cold weather. In the hot season a linen covering will be the most suitable. Our only object in clothing the animal at all, is, to retain the insensible perspiration in the immediate vicinity of the surface; we then have the materials (warmth and moisture) which are generally needed to keep up the relaxation of the capillary and excrementitious vessels of the external surface.

If the disease is seen and treated according to the above rules, very little else is needed; for, the blood by this means being equalized, there can be no congestions any where. We have then only to maintain the equilibrium of the circulation, and this

THE MODEKN HORSE DOCTOR.

can generally be accomplished by an occasional drink of lobelia and hyssop tea; one ounce of each to a quart of boiling water. quot;We use lobelia in the same view that veterinary surgeons use white hellebore, viz., for producing nausea and relaxation. Mr. Percivall, when referring (in his Lectures) to the latter article, says, quot; To describe the operation of hellebore, perhaps I cannot do better than advert for a moment to the use of ipecacuanha, under similar circumstances, in the human subject. That sub�stance is a nauseant, a vomit, and a sudorific, and is highly ser�viceable in pneumonic affections, from the effects it manifests in lowering vascular action and promoting diaphoresis and expecto�ration. Much in the same way white hellebore appears to operate.quot; And so in like manner does lobelia operate. If given to a healthy cow or horse, it nauseates, and induces a profuse flow of saliva, with general relaxation and prostration. In the human subject it is superior to all other emetics. It is an excitant of all the secretions, and its efficacy in pulmonary diseases is beyond dispute.

The mild, subacute, inflammatory, and chronic pneumonia may be treated on the general principles here laid down; yet chronic, which may be a continuation of that which was at first inflammatory and dangerous, sometimes requires nothing more in the way of medicine than to lubricate the respiratory passages, which are often left in an irritable state. In such cases, we recommend

Powdered pleurisy root, elecampane, bloodroot, caraways, ginger,

^#9632;quot;�J of each 2 ounces,

Linseed meal, ... 1 pound.

Mix. Divide the mass into sixteen powders, and give one in the food night and morning.

DROPSY OF THE CEEST. � (Hydrothorax.)

This form of the disease is almost always fatal. Case of Pneumonia, terminating in Hydrothorax and Death � The subject, a gray mare, six years old, had, just previous to

THE MODEIIK HOKSE DOCTOR.

the attack, fallen into the hands, by purchase, of Mr. B., of this city. Nothing particular was noticed in her, until the appearance of febrile symptoms. She had gone well � to the satisfaction of her new master. She was in fine spirits, and had a good appe�tite. On the 17th of May, she was suddenly taken with a fit of shivering. The owner ordered her to be warmly clothed, and have a stimulating drench administered. By the aid of blankets, hand rubbing, and medicine, some improvement apparently took place, which, however, was only of short duration. The horse was evidently sick, and required professional skill. On the 18th, at the request of Mr. B., we proceeded to Maiden to visit the patient, and found her standing in the stall, looking rather dull. The pulse was over sixty � respiration quick and laborious; the sclerotica, conjunctiva, and nasal membranes were highly injected. The ears, nose, and legs were icy cold, yet the surface generally was hot, and the fore legs, as is usual in such cases, were stiifened out. The animal was rather indifferent about food, and had not lain down for two nights. A strong application, composed of vinegar, mustard, and black pepper, soon had the effect of restor�ing heat to the extremities, which were then bandaged. A por�tion of the mixture was also applied to the chest, in view of coun-ter-irritation, and an aperient drench was given. A diet of cut grass and scalded shorts, and warm drinks, was ordered. The disease was treated in the usual manner, and on the tenth day, after our first visit, she lay down, and appeared so much improved, that we had hopes of her speedy recovery. She was now per�mitted to run in an adjoining pasture for two or three hours during the day. In the course of three days, she appeared so much hetter, that we directed her to be left in the pasture most of the day.

On the 6th of June, Mr. B. called on us, and stated that the mare was not so well. quot;We visited her, and found it to be the case. On leading her out, she was quite unsteady in her gait, and walked with her legs wide apart. There was slight oedema (dropsical swellings) of the breast and belly. The pulse was sixty, although only three days ago it was but forty. The respi�ration was somewhat distressing, apparently performed by the abdominal and intercostal muscles. The respiratory murmur on 7

*�*laquo;

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

11 gt;#9632;'#9632;'

the left side was audible ; but on the right, there was an absence of all sound. The ribs seemed to be elevated at each inspiration. The animal had a distressing look. The appetite was impaired, and the bowels were constipated; the faeces hard and slimy. Effusion had now evidently taken place. We treated the animal in the most judicious manner; at least, to the best of our ability. Counter irritants were applied externally, and aperients, diuretics, and alteratives internally. The horse was kept free from excite�ment in the stall, where water and food were brought to her, but all to no purpose. The symptoms rapidly grew worse. From the 6th to the 9th of June, the patient had lost considerable flesh. The bowels had, through the aid of green food and acidulated drink, been kept in a lax state � a condition very favorable under the circumstances. We now determined to try what virtue there was in tapping the chest: for this purpose we pucked up a fold of the skin covering the intercostal space behind, and on a level with the point of the elbow. A slight puncture was now made through the skin � then the trocar and canula were pushed through the intercostal muscles and pleura. Through this aper�ture we caught four and a half gallons of water. . A bandage, drawn moderately tight, was wound round the chest, and over this a blanket. After the operation, the respiration appeared more tranquil, yet the operation was of no avail; the mare died about thirty-six hours afterwards.

We have had considerable experience in the treatment of hydrothorax, and must confess that it is the most fatal of all chest diseases. Medicines which, under ordinary circumstances, in other diseases of the chest, afford some relief, seem in this disease to be Worse than useless; and if ever we feel disposed to quot; throw physic to the dogs,quot; it is when treating a case of hydrothorax; yet in duty to our employer, patient, and lastly, for the sake of our own reputation, we are constrained to use all the means wilhin our power for the patient's recovery. The majority of both human and veterinary practitioners, whose opinions are worth any thing, all agree that the prognosis of hydrothorax is quot;gen�erally unfavorable;quot; that it has seldom been cured, and in many cases will hardly admit even of alleviation. The author of Jlip-popathohgy terms the treatment of the disease now .under con-

THE MODEEN HOK8E DOCTOR.

eideration quot; an affair of desperation,quot; and confesses that his own practice has proved unsuccessful. quot; I have frequently performed .tapping, and as frequently failed in any good result. From an old horse I drew elften gallons of water�seven quarts from the left side, and thirty-three from the right side. He died on the fourth day succeeding the operation, without having been in the least relieved by the evacuation. After death, six gallons more were found within the chest, and one quart within the peri�cardium.quot;

INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS AND LINING MEMBRANE OF THE CHEST. � (Pfewro-Pneumoma.)

The above terms signify a disease of a compound character -� pleurisy and pneumonia combined. The treatment does not differ from that recommended for pleurisy and pneumonia, (which see). The disease, however, runs into a state termed typhoid: this is nothing more nor less than an advanced stage of the same disease; the diagnostic symptoms of which are, the nasal membranes have a blue tinge, appearing as if they were glazed over with a coating of lead-colored paint; the breath is very offensive; the throat is somewhat sore, and the glandular structures around are swollen; the patient is in a sinking condition, with no appetite; quick yet feeble pulse ; the urine high-colored and fetid, and the excrement is scanty, voided in round lumps. The body is trem�ulous, and the coat looks as if the horse had been dead for a week or more. In cases of this character, our remedies must be of a kind calculated to support the living powers and to arrest decom�position, for which we haver never found any thing to equal the following: �

Pale brandy.........nbsp; nbsp;Ja pint,

Tincture of capsicum......nbsp; nbsp;1 ounce,

Table salt,.........nbsp; nbsp;2 ounces,

Pyroligneous acid,......nbsp; nbsp;1 ounce.

Shake the mixture until the salt is dissolved; then give a wine glass every hour, as a drench, in a small portion of oatmeal gruel. Salt is a very excellent antiseptic ; a portion should now and then be laid on the tongue, or the subject tnay have an occasional drench of salt and water.

-I'l

Jt^tA

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

PLEtTRISY. � {Pleuritis.)

The internal cavity of the chest and the outer surface of the lung are lined and covered with a highly-organized membrane termed the pleura: here the disease locates itself. In the early stage, the disease is termed acute, and in the latter, chronic. The disease sometimes terminates in suppuration; so that, on examin�ing a case after death, shreds and flakes of matter will be found adhering to the pleural membranes. Now and then, the disease terminates in mortification.

quot; In 1830, a four-year-old liorse was discovered at 7 o'clock in the morning, in his stall, sweating profusely; heaving hard and quick at the flanks, and pulling at an equal rate at the nostrils; pulse but very indistinctly to be felt; mouth hot and clammy; legs intensely cold; head hung down, and countenance betraying serious malady; eyes and nose reddened, and the latter moist with yellowish-bloody matter; breath fetid as well as mouth. When pressed upon the side, he flinched and turned his head, and evinced much soreness. As soon as he was got dry and warm from the cold sweat he was in, he was bled; scarcely, however, had two quarts of dark thick blood flowed before he began to reel. The treatment afterwards was such as is ordinarily pursued; but to no purpose. The pain he manifested was extreme. He would rub his nose against the rail across the doorway of the box, thrusting his lips violently against it; his eyes sinking with suf�fering. He was twice seen to lie down, but immediately rose again. Towards the conclusion, a bloody issue appeared at the nose. Before death, he became delirious, and expired in dreadful agony. Water within both sides of the chest�from six to eight quarts; pleura intensely inflamed; costal portion every where most minutely and thickly injected; pulmonary portion, covering the lungs, likewise injected, but it had also become gangrenous � it exhibited a green hue; lungs partly tuberculated; otherwise, and particularly in the interim, they were sound.quot; � Hippo-pathology:

From the tuberculated state of the lungs, there was, probably some previous indisposition, which accounts for the rapid course

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; 77

of the disease. The author has made several post mortem exami�nations of pleuritic eases, and has always found the substance of the lungs more or less involved, and a question has arisen in his mind whether or not the pleuritic affection -was antecedent to the pulmonary. Some physicians, and among them Mr. Percivall, doubt if quot; inflammation is ever fully developed in the pleura with-out extending to the lung, or vice versa. It is not a question I shall trouble myself to solve ; all that is necessary for us to know, in my opinion, is the fact, that, when inflammation is invading these parts, it is sufficiently predominant in one to induce us to regard that as the chief or principal seat of disease, and to treat the case in accordance with such views; and that it is, compara�tively, rarely so equal in its attack of the two parts as to lead us to believe that one is quite as much the object of our care as the other. There are cases enough of pleuro-pneumonia, perhaps more than of any other description ; still I contend, that in almost all of them we shall find either the lungs or the pleura to be the part primarily and principally affected, and as such, as I before observed, to be the especial object of treatment.quot;

Symptoms of Pleurisy. � Like most forms of acute and febrile diseases, pleurisy commences with uneasiness, puffing and blowing, and pain. One feature about this disease, which distinguishes it from all others, is, that the patient is very unwilling to turn in a cir�

cular direction; he. will turn his head and gaze anxiously at the

sides, expressive of pain in that region; but if you attempt to move his body round, he utters something like a grunt, or sup�

pressed groan, indicative of the pain excited by the movement. The surface of the body has a hot, dry feel, showing beyond a doubt that the insensible perspiration is suppressed. Still, how�ever, we must bear in mind that the insensible perspiration may be quite profuse without becoming sensible; for if the atmosphere be warm and dry, and thus able to carry off, in the form of vapor,

the fluid which is poured out on the skin, it cannot be perceived, and we may be deceived in our diagnosis.* Every one knowsnbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; |

� Although no evaporation from the skin can take place when the surround�ing atmosphere is loaded with vapor, the secretion of the perspiratory glands continues ; and does so even when the skin is immersed in fluid, provided the

fluid blaquo; of high temperature. Hence we see that the conditions under which it 7raquo;

78nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;THE MODERN HOESE DOCTOB.

that the drying of a cloth is much more rapidly effected in a #9632;warm, dry atmosphere, than in a cold, moist one ; more quickly, too, in a draught of air, than in a situation where there is no cur�rent, and where the air is consequently soon charged with moisture. As an illustration, we were once treating a case of pleurisy in an unventilated, damp stable, and observed that our patient sweated profusely; it was a clear day, the wind westerly, our patient was placed under a shed in the open air: soon, the surface became dry and hot; after remaining there for the space of five hours, the hair and skin had an unpleasant, feverish feel, although the general feature, aside from this, remained the same. After being led to his old quarters, the surface soon became moist again. Therefore atmospheric influences must always be considered. The membranes of the eye are generally injected with arterial blood; the pulse is quick and wiry; mouth hot and dry; a slight hacking cough is sometimes observed, and pressure between the ribs always elicits pain. The disease, if not arrested, generally terminates in effusion � dropsy of the ch^t.

Treatment.�As in all other inflammatory diseases, the prin�cipal object will be to equalize the circulation, thus lessening the determination of blood to the pleura; to effect which, it will be necessary to keep the horse under the exhibition of nauseants� lobelia or ipecac. English surgeons use hellebore in this view, but we prefer a compound in the following form:�

is poured forth are peculiar to the living body alone, and entirely different from those under which simple evaporation takes place. The purpose of this watery exhalation, and of its increase under a high temperature, is evidently to keep the heat of the body as near as possible to a uniform standard. By the evapo�ration of fluid from the surface of the skin, a considerable quantity of heat is withdrawn from it, becoming fatetit in the change from fluid to vapor; of this we make use in applying cooling lotions to inflamed parts. The more rapid the evaporation, the greater is the amount of heat withdrawn in a given time. Hence, if we pour on separate parts a small quantity of ether, alcohol, and water, we shall find that the spot from which the ether is evaporating feels the coldest, and that which is covered by the alcohol less so, whilst the part moistened with water is comparatively but little chilled. The greater the amount of heat, then, applied to the body, the more fluid is poured out by the perspiratory glands ; and as the air can carry it off more readily in proportion to its own heat, the evaporation becomes more rapid, and its cooling effect more powerful.� Carpenter's Physiology.

THE MODEKN HOUSE DOCXOB.

Ipecac, .quot;}

Lobelia, . �� of each, powdered, 1 ounce.

Bloodropt,}

Mix. Divide in six parts, and give one in warm water twice a day.

Then take vinegar,..... .1 pint,

⁽* mustard,.......4 ounces,

** tincture of capsicum, , , 2 ounces.

Rub this briskly over the region of the chest, and over all apply flannels wrung out in warm vinegar. Keep the flannel in close contact with the parts by passing a cotton roller several times round the body, which, together with the application, may be dis�continued so soon as sufficient counter irritation or soreness is insured. We have found it necessary in some cases to apply the same counter irritant to the fetlocks ; it may create great uneasi�ness, but it is beneficial at times, for we know that every muscu�lar effort of the animal tends to favor the passage of the blood through its capillary floodgates, and tends to the more equal distribution of that fluid. At the same time, we must remember that the foot of a horse, in consequence of its highly-organized arterial and venous structures, is apt to take on a specific form of inflammation, termed laminitis, on the application of an exciting irritant. And the pleural difficulty, in some cases, may gravi�tate, by a process termed metastasis, � which implies the shifting of a disease from one part to another, � to the feet, and thus produce a disease almost as difficult to treat as the one now un�der consideration. Therefore due caution must be observed in local applications of this character.

To allay pain and calm the nervous irritation, we use

i -'W

Powdered assafectida, #9632; ? laquo;f

' each 1 drachm.

quot; pleurisy root, \

Sirup of garlic.......2 ounces.

Thin gruel,........1 pint.

Two or three doses of this given at intervals of twelve hours will probably suffice.

In cases where the lungs are involved in the disease � which may be known by the presence of a troublesome cough�the following drench has been found of great value: �

Sweet spirits of nitre, ... 3 drachms.

Balsam copaiba......� an ounce.

Mucilage of gum Arabic, . . 6 ounces.

To be repeated at discretion.

JJLA

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The state of the bowels must be attended to; and, although it might not be proper to excite peristaltic action by drastic cathar�tics, yet if the case needs it, we may venture on a mild aperient, such, for example, as the following: �

Glauber salts,.......6 ounces,

Powdered gentian......3 drachms.

quot;Warm water sufficient.

Provided the bowels do not respond at the end of twelve or sixteen hours, the dose may be repeated. In the mean time, however, it will be proper to administer injections of salt and water. During the whole stage of the disease, the food must be light, composed of slops, gruel, scalded shorts, or linseed tea.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;,

During a practice of nine years in the city of Boston, we have had but few cases of pure pleurisy ; there are cases enough, no doubt, but still other diseases of the respiratory apparatus are more common among the horses of New England. The infre-quency of such cases may be accounted for from the fact, we be�lieve, that it often presents itself in a chronic form, and as the sub�ject is not actually incapacitated for work, he goes on, from day to day, until the owner becomes convinced that all is not right, and not until then does he seek advice; the case has then assumed a complicated form. The following is a case in point. In the month of May, 1853, a dark roan gelding, the property of a gentleman residing at Cambridgeport, was put up at a stable in Eoxbury, for sale; the horse remained there about a week; nothing was observed about him that looked like disease, except that he breathed quot; a little short at the �anks.quot; On the 2d day of June, the horse was loaned to a gentleman to drive, with an understanding that if the animal suited, the party would pur�chase him. He was driven but a short distance when it was dis�covered that something ailed the horse; the driver noticed that his charge panted hard at the flanks, and required urging to get him beyond a walk. He was put up at the nearest stable, and tlit next day our attention was called to him. We found the patient with a quick, wiry pulse; skin hot; breath fetid; the flanks heaving; slight cough ; and a discharge of thick, yellow matter, streaked with a dark-colored fluid. He evinced great

#9632;

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

pain yrhen pressure was made on the intercostal spaces. We had him backed out of the stall, but found he moved with great difficulty, and showed evident signs of pain. He grew rapidly worse, and at the end of four days died. The medical treat�ment was little else than palliative, but it had no sort of effect on him ; effusion had already taken place; two days before he died, the breath became so offensive that it was impossible to en�dure it.

We find, on reference to Percivall's Hippopathology, the fol�lowing passage referring to the forms of pleurisy : quot; The kinds or forms of pleurisy are two � acute and chronic: one may follow the other ; or the chronic kind, as well as the acute, may exist by itself. Although consisting, as far as we know, both in inflammation, thej' appear quite opposite diseases ; one is full of activity and expression of pain and irritation ; the other compara-tivaly painlesj, tardy in its progress, and apt to continue many weeks before it will come to any issue.quot;

CONSUMPTION. � (Phthisis.)

Horses and the human subject are alike liable to this awful malady; in fact, it may be said to spare neither age, sex, pro�fession, nor species; yet there are certain periods in the life of both man and animals when the disease is more likely to make its appearance. A colt may be the offspring of a mare classed as one of the consumptive diathesis ; the germs of tubercles may ex�ist in the system of the former at birth, yet may not develop such a disease as phthisis, nor unfit the animal for the ordinary busi�ness of a working horse for many years. Such an animal, if used at work in the country, where he has the advantage of pure air, and simple, yet nutritious diet, and being the property of an individual who practises a judicious system of management, may live to the average age of such description of property. There are locations, however, that may be said to be favorable for the development of consumption, such as low, wet lands, where the humid atmosphere * prevents a full and free evaporation of the

� quot; It has been ascertained by experiment, that when a warm atmosphere,

laquo;MM

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insensible perspiration; such an atmosphere is no less injurious than that of a crowded, unventilated stable. A horse may be attacked with pneumonia, which may run through its various stages, and finally end in tubercles, or pulmonary consumption. Perverted nutrition, in a constitution predisposed to the develop�ment of this malady, may be equally prolific with the former; for if the fibrine of the blood be imperfectly elaborated, it is less fit to undergo organization ; and, consequently, instead of being converted into living tissue, part of it is deposited as an Hnorgan-ized mass, resulting in tubercle. In the predisposed, such de�posits take place more frequently in the lungs than any other part, and besides impeding the circulation and respiration, they produce irritation and inflammation, in the same manner that other foreign bodies would when imbedded in any of the tissues; so that the issue, although often postponed for several years, is most generally fatal. Most medical writers agree in the opinion that, when tuberculous matter is once deposited in the lungs, there is no getting rid of it. Microscopic examinations of tubercular matter show that it consists of half-formed cells, fibres, amp;c., together with a granular substance, which seems to be little else than' coagulated albumen.

As regards the existence of tubercles at birth, Mr. Percivall

loaded with dampness, is breathed, there is rather an absorption than an exha�lation of aqueous Tapor; and the same may, probably, take place, in a less de�gree, in an ordinary atmosphere, when the body has been drained of its fluid. In this manner, perhaps, we are partly to account for the extraordinary in�crease in weight which the body undergoes by absorption from the atmosphere, under psculiar circumstances.

quot; That absorption may take place through the lungs is evident also, from the effects upon the system of certain gases, which act as virulent poisons, even when respired in small proportion. Thus a bird is speedily killed by breathing air which contains no more than 1-l�OOth part of sulphuretted hy�drogen ; and a dog will not live long in an atmosphere containing l-800th part of this gas.

quot; The effects of carburetted hydrogen are similar; but a larger proportion is required to destroy life. Both these gases are given off by decomposing ani�mal and vegetable matter, the neighborhood of which is very injurious to health. It is chiefly by preventing the accumulation of such substances that an efficient drainage becomes so important a means of preserving health and promoting life.quot; � Dr. Carpenter on Secretion.

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

seems to have some doubts; for, says that writer, quot; we seem to lack proof of this being the case; whereas we have had demon�stration enough of horses ' breeding the disease' in their con�stitutions.quot;

The history of pulmonary consumption in the human family substantiates this opinion ; for men of broad chest and iron consti�tution have been known to fall victims to pulmonary disease of this character, when we know that the man predisposed, as it is termed, is the one of narrow chest, spare muscles, tall frame, and slender limbs. On the same principles we characterize the colt with narrow chest, flat sides, long legs, and spare muscles, to be the one most subject to phthisis.

Our own opinion is, that the evils of domestication have as much, if not more, to do with the development of this form of pulmonary disease than predisposition. We will introduce to the reader's notice a single illustration of the evils of domestica�tion : �

quot; When I came to the farm which I now hold by purchase, I found the stables built under large trees, and near a spring of water, with a northern aspect. My horses were soon in poor condition, with long and rough coats, and almost always lax in their bowels, nor could I get them up by extra food or lighter work; but my cows suffered most, for they were always sick. Their milk fell off, and their butter was poor, and of a bad color and taste, and four of them slipped their calves before their time. When the spring came, they left their winter quarters in a worse state than I had ever seen them, and two of them died from the scours on going to pasture. On inquiry, I found that the tenant who had left had always been what the neighbors termed unfor�tunate in his horses and cattle; and from that cause, more than any other, he had not been able to make both ends meet. The truth flashed upon me in an instant, and in a very little time longer than it has taken me to tell you my story, I had com�menced pulling down the stable, the unhealthiness of which had been, I was convinced, the cause of all the evil and all the loss ; and it was not more than two days before there was not left one stone upon another of the whole fabric. I now set to work and

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erected another on higher ground, removed from water, and clear from the shade of trees, with a south-east aspect, and dry, capa�cious yard; and from that day I have had neither sickness nor sorrow in my out-door household.quot; � Boston Cultivator.

This is only one among the many -evils of domesticated life, and he who would prevent sickness, and thus save himself from loss and vexation, must know something of the laws of life, and be able to understand how, and by what means, disease and death stride through his flocks and herds.

SYMPTOMS OF PHTHISIS.

In the early stage of the disease, the hide appears tight about the ribs, and cannot be so easily raised from its subcellular attachments � horsemen often express their idea of this feature in the case by the appellation hidebound. The owner of such an animal may have observed that he sweats under the least exer�tion, and sometimes coughs, though the cough may be so slight as not to attract notice. This may also apply to his condition, which has in so insidious a manner been falling off that the owner, who may have had the patient continually under his inspection, yet does not actually realize that there has been a gradual wast�ing of the solids and fluids of the body, which to the man of ex�perience would be very apparent.

As the disease progresses, the respiration becomes somewhat disturbed, and a glance at the flanks shows what is generally termed slight abdominal respiration. The cough, which is gen�erally a short, dry one, has increased. Pressing on the intercostal spaces � between the ribs � gives the animal pain. The pulse is quick and small, and the spirits are occasionally depressed. Sometimes the appetite is good, and the patient eats with con�siderable relish; at others he seems indifierent to food, but will generally partake of grass if offered to him.

In the latter stages, all the symptoms are aggravated, followed by fetid breath and discharge of bad-looking matter from the nostrils. Dropsical swellings, diarrhoea, and great emaciation terminate the scene.

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

We have given the reader merely an outline of the symptoms of this scourge of animated' creation ; much might be written in detail concerning it, very interesting and instructive to the student of veterinary medicine, yet unprofitable to the practical man, � the man of toil and care, � whose occupation does not admit of so thorough a course of training as that required by the former. It will be noticed, however, in addition to the foregoing symptoms, that the horse scarcely, if ever, during the latter � and indeed it may happen so during the early stage � never lies down; and that the nostrils are always distended, and appear thin around their margins.

Treatment of Consumption. � The main feature in the treat�ment of the malady contemplates the invigoration of the system, by good, nutritious diet, � including, if possible, green food, � gentle exercise, pure air, and if the weather be cold, warm cloth�ing : by the due employment of these means in the early stage, perhaps, many valuable horses might be saved.

As the tubercles seem to be formed at the expense of albumen, such articles should be given as are known to be rich in that material: milk, for example, should be allowed to the amount of a quart per day. It is a well-known and exceedingly interesting fact, that milk affords us the only instance in which nature has provided a single article of food for the support of the animal body; and as it contains so large a proportion of albumen, besides oil and sugar, it must be a valuable agent in the treatment of consumption. We know of no better way of strengthening the faith of our readers in this simple, yet sanative agent, than to remark, that all the tissues, organized, and if�there are any� unorganized, are formed from the albumen and fibrine of the blood ; gelatine may be detected in them, however, yet that also is formed from albumen and fibrine. Gelatine taken in the form of jelly, soup, or broth, although very useful in the treatment of prostrating diseases, cannot be applied to the nutrition of the albuminous tissues.

quot; Some experiments have recently been made in Paris on this

subject, with a view of determining how far the soup made from

crushed bones, which constituted a principal article of diet in the

hospitals of Paris, was adequate for the support of the patients.

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The result of these has been quite confirmatory Oi previous conclusions, namely, that gelatine may be advantageously mixed with albumen, fibrine, gluten, amp;c., and those other ingredients which exist in meat, soup, and bread, but that when taken alone, it has little more power of sustaining life than sugar or starch possesses.quot;

quot;We know that an animal may be effectually starved to death on sugar or starch; and many articles of diet hitherto con�sidered highly nutritious have failed to support life. � See Lie-Mg's GItemistry.

From these and other considerations, which we might urge, milk is superior to every other agent in the treatment of pulmo�nary consumption. The principal drawback in cases of great prostration, however, is, that the digestive apparatus may be in�volved in the deterioration of the system, and be unable to digest the fatty constituent, (butter;) hence, in the exhibition of a daily allowance of milk, attention must be paid to the nutritive func�tion, or such a simple article as milk may prove a barrier to our efforts at cure. In a recent case of pulmonary consumption in a horse that came under the author's care, one pint of milk, mixed with two ounces of lime water, was given twice a day, with decided benefit; on omitting it for a few days, the horse rapidly grew worse, but seemed to rally in a most surprising manner on resuming the milk treatment. The case was not seen by us until it had become confirmed, or it might, perhaps, have terminated favorably. This, however, may be considered as assuming too much; but we have great confidence in the milk and lime water treatment, aided by whatever medicinal agents the nature of the case seems to require, and therefore recommend our readers to give it a fair trial.

We use lime water in conjunction with milk with the same view that human physicians have in prescribing phosphate of lime for a quot; breaking up of the constitution,quot; and lime water is considered very useful for irritable stomach and other maladies of the digestive apparatus.

Proceeding on the dietary principle, with a view of supplying materials to repair the waste of the body, we recommend green vegetables, with the addition of oat-meal, pea-meal, linseed-meal,

THE MODERN HOESE DOCTOR.

and wbeaten flour. A liberal quantity of salt * must be mixed witb tbis description of food, for it not only aids digestion, but abstracts fluids from the body, and thus creates a desire for other fluids. Now, the abstraction of the morbid fluids of the body, and the substitution of water to supply the loss, must be beneficial; for, literally speaking, it cleanses the body by infiltration, the whole body being considered cellular. Aqueous drinks, which include water and bay tea, are rapidly absorbed without under�going digestion, and are therefore indicated in all cases of diseased lungs, whether salt be used or not.

For the medicinal treatment of this disease we recommend

Phosphate of lime, Powdered bloodroot,

quot; pleurisy root,

of each 2 ounces,

quot; Incquot;

�* goldenseal, quot; slippery elm, 1 pound.

Mix; and divide the mass into twenty-four powders; one to be given in the food every night.

This compound is best adapted to the disease after it has made some progress ; but in the incipient or early stage, and pro�vided the patient be not the subject of debility, the following will be best adapted to the case: �

Powdered bloodroot, quot; ipecacuanha quot; lobelia,

�

each 1 ounce.

Mix: divide the mass into twelve parts, and sprinkle one in the food night and morning. These powders may be continued as long as the horse shows signs of strength and spirits ; they are calculated to nauseate and debilitate, and no fear need be enter�tained from the horse showing but slight symptoms of debility or shortness of breath, which may follow their use.

During the various stages of the disease, the horse should be occasionally drenched with an infusion of one of the following articles: liverwort, skunk cabbage, hoarhound, Solomon's seal, or tansy.

Warmth and moisture, in the form of a steam bath, and the

� Salt consists of muriatic acid and soda; the former is the essential ingre�dient in the gastric juice, whilst the latter performs a very important part in the production of bile.

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sponging of the body with warm saleratus water, if the weather is not too cold; iu either case, dry frictions afterwards will exert a favorable action on the cutaneous exhalants.

Injections of soap and water are to be given should the excre�ment be voided with difficulty, or appear knotty.

STRANGLES.

Strangles may set in from the same causes that induce other catarrhal diseases. It is most prevalent in young horses: from quot;colthood'quot;* up to the eighth year; after which the disease is somewhat rare. We have seen several well-marked cases occur�ring in Pennsylvania, and in Vermont breeds shortly after their arrival in this city; their ages varying from five to eight years. As far as our own experience goes, we have nothing to say as to the extent of its prevalence in colthood, for we do not remember ever having been called to treat such a case; yet there may be a great number of colts attacked in the course of a year, and get over it; of this we have no means of knowing. quot;We hear, now and then, that such a colt has just recovered from the quot;horse ail;quot; but the ambiguousness of the term throws a pall over the nature of the disease, which may, perhaps, be strangles. The disease is, with�out doubt, one of the evils of domestication, and results from errors in diet, and in the general management, which, if we except a few isolated cases, will bear improvement. If it be a disease resembling quot; small-pox, measles, or an eruptive fever occurring but once in the animal's lifetime,quot; � as some writers contend,� then the sooner every horse has it the better, and we need not trouble ourselves about its causes, for those who have attempted to penetrate the hidden secrets of nature, and bring to light the mysterious cause of a definite disease, have failed, and thus had their labor for their pains. But Mr. Percivall sets the matter at rest, for in answer to the question, Do strangles, in any form, occur in all horses? he answers, quot;No! Many, in my opinion, escape it.quot; Hence, if many escape, it is very natural for those

* Mr. Percivall, in his Hippopathology, records a case of strangles occurring in a colt six months old, and also states that Mr. Coward had cbserved the dis�ease at three months after birth.

THE MODEEN HORSE DOCTOR.

who know the value of pure air, natural food, and exercise, to conclude that the colt while enjoying these great luxuries by the side of its mother, guided by her superior mind, (instinct, if you please,) is not liable to be attacked with a disease which, as already stated, we believe to result from depriving animals of those blessings which nature has in store for them in their unre�strained state. But it often happens that young colts, after running a season with their mother, partaking of the invigorating country air, grow up to be strong and robust; and then the period arrives for weaning them. How changed the scene ! Instead of being permitted to gambol in their native element, they are confined to a small space, not large enough to swing a cat round, and perhaps as dark as the grave; and the animal, after fretting for a season, and making unsuccessful efforts to escape from its prison house, tamely submits to the discipline, not, however, until he has cut, and bruised, and otherwise injured himself. We were called, a short time ago, to visit a young colt that had lacerated his head, breast, and fore legs in a most shocking manner, in making an attempt to escape through a window from the horrors of con�finement. His companions were about a dozen cows, more calcu�lated to alarm and render his position a perilous one than other�wise ; and the impure atmosphere, rendered so by the emanations from the excrements, and from the lungs of his companions, was a source of great mischief. Then who can blame such a one for attempting to escape and regain liberty? If strangles should appear in such a subject, it would not be surprising.

Then, again, take a colt from its mother, whose milk contains all the elements for sustaining life and developing the organization of the young subject, and place it upon a diet of hay or like innu�tritions trash, a whole truss of which would not afford one half the quantity of nutriment contained in a quart of its mother's milk. However profitable and well adapted hay may be for stock of mature growth and powerful digestive organs, it is a sad mistake to suppose that it will do for the young. A case of this kind came under our observation last year. The subject, aged two and a half years, died in a state of marasmus.* Post mortem

� A gradual wasting of the system without any apparent disease.

90nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

examination failed to detect any disease other than general emaciation. On making inquiries concerning the food, the owner replied, quot; The colt has been fed on good sweet hay and cornstalks ever since it was weaned.quot; This was capital food for the poor thing, provided, however, its stomach had a grist mill within it; otherwise, it was hard fare, and must derange the digestive func�tion, and ere the colt has attained maturity, dyspepsia, in either a mild or aggravated form, has secured a victim.

The rea'der will perceive that there is a great difference between a young animal enjoying the privileges of a natural life, partaking of nutrimental agents adapted to its condition and welfare, and another that shall be shut up in a dark, filthy prison house, � perhaps, however, he may be permitted the range of the barn yard, which is as bad, if not a worse place, than the barn itself, � and while living in this artificial condition, partaking of food ill adapted to its constitution.

Knowing, then, as we do, that in the difference between a natural and artificial life exist the chief causes of disease, in its diversified forms, then we certainly have just grounds to believe that many young colts reared and fed at a distance have many diseases which the residents of large cities know nothing of, neither as regards the disease nor the means used to get rid of it. They may have had strangles, yet the owner assures his friends it was only quot; horse ailquot; � something which horse dealers sup�pose every animal is attacked with at some period of life. Under the above abuses, colts are as liable to strangles as a full-grown horse.

The disease is set down by authorities as laquo;on-contagious�not quot;catching.quot; quot;We have no desire to discuss this question, but leave it for those who, from more extensive experience, are better qualified to judge of the matter. We always take the precaution to separate the patient from healthy animals, and would recom�mend this as a general rule in all catarrhal affections. We now come to the symptoms and treatment of strangles, which the fol�lowing case will illustrate : �

The subject was a gray gelding, aged seven years, the property of Mr. B., of Boston, which was suffering with an attack of (so called) horse ail. The animal had been off its feed for two or

THE MODERN HOESE DOCTOR.

three days previous, and appeared dull and unwilling to work; consequently the owner ordered him to be laid up, and procured another to do the work. At this stage our attention was called to him., On applying the finger to the submaxillary artery, (at the angle of the jaw,) found the pulse fifty per minute, and strong in character. The respirations were not attended with any pecu�liarity, being about seventeen; yet we noticed slight abdominal respiration, � commonly denominated heaving-flanks � heaves. The coat looked rough; skin tight; and a hollowTiess of the flanks, just sufficient to denote debility.

On exploring the throat, a knotty tumor, occupying the space between the jaws, was found, which appeared hot and tender; the throat also was sore; for the animal was very unwilling to have it handled. The parotid glands � beneath the ear � ap�peared tumefied. The membrane � Schneiderian � of the nose was red � injected; mouth hot; tongue coated with a white fur, and somewhat dry, indicating fever and thirst. On inquiring, was told that the animal coughed occasionally.

Treatment. � Ordered the animal to be clothed warmly, to be fed on thin gruel, and the drink to have the chill taken off. Did not prescribe any medicine, other than a little sup, tart. pot. � cream of tartar, to be given in the drink.*

On visiting the patient next day, March 1, 1851, the tumor under the jaw and surrounding parts had enlarged considerably ; the whole pathological symptoms of the previous day were aug�mented ; with the additional tumefaction of the cheeks and lips, cold extremities, and constipated bowels.

Treatment. � Ordered the legs to be rubbed and bandaged; the diet to consist of thin gruel acidulated with cream of tartar; and the following mixture to be applied around the jaws and throat:�

Olive oil,.........4 ounces.

Acetic acid, (distilled vinegar,) . 1 ounce.

#9830; Horses laboring under febrile symptoms, and having a coated (OTiffttc, have not that acute sense of taste which we find in healthy ones; hence they will often drink with avidity what at other times they would refuse to swallow; and this is a fortunate circumstance for both doctor and patient; for the former is spared some trouble, and the latter some pain and excitement.

92nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

The rectum was relieved of its conteats by the following enema:

Powdered aloes.......4 drachms,

Hot water........2 quarts,

Common salt,.......1 drachm.

March 2. The tumefaction has fearfully increased and spread, yet is very hard ; the animal makes a distressing noise in efforts to breathe; stands in a fixed posture, with the head elevated, unable to move it.

Treatment. � Prepared a poultice of slippery elm, linseed, lobelia, and poplar bark, which was moistened with water and vinegar, equal parts. This was quilted between two pieces of cloth, with a view of distributing it over a large surface, and then applied and confined around the throat. The head was also steamed with a mixture consisting of four ounces of tincture of lobelia, and one pint of vinegar, poured upon a red-hot brick held beneath the nose. This appeared to give some relief.

March 8. This morning, the slaver flows out of the swollen mouth, and there is a slight discharge of matter from the nostrils; the animal appears in great agony, and is almost suffocating. On removing the poultice, the tumor appeared very tense, yet soft at a point near the thyroid cartilage: on striking a spring lancet into it, a volume of purulent matter, streaked with blood, issued, and continued to run in a perfect stream; the orifice was after�wards enlarged with a button-pointed bistoury. The quantity of matter discharged was beyond any thing we had ever seen before, amounting to several pints, and, to judge from the collapse of the surrounding parts, must have occupied a large space in the cellular tissue. Relief was immediate, and the poor horse seemed to manifest gratitude by looks and actions not to be mistaken. On offering him a little thin gruel, he drank it greedily, and looked round for more; and no wonder, for during the past thirty-six hours he had not tasted any thing.

Treatment.� The discharge of the pus was accelerated by ap�plying a broad bandage drawn moderately tight around the parts. The diet to consist of scalded bran and oatmeal.

Visited the patient again in the evening, when the bandage was removed, the parts cleansed, and afterwards sponged with a cold infusion of bayberry bark � astringent. Gave the following draught: �

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

Powdered podophyllum, ...nbsp; nbsp; 2 drachms,

Extract of boneset,.....nbsp; nbsp; 3 drachms,

Cream of tartar,......nbsp; nbsp; 4 drachms.

Warm water, ....*...nbsp; nbsp; 1 pint.

Did not get more than half of it down, owing to the stiffness of the neck and the unwillingness of the patient to swallow.

March 4. Found the patient greatly improved; appetite pretty good; excretions, dung and urine, scanty, yet natural; discharge from the throat less copious. The parotid glands as large as a man's wrist, also the submaxillary and thyroid glands still enlarged. Prescribed the following embrocation: �

Neatsfoot oil, . . . *. . . . 1 pint,

Spirits of camphor,.....4 ounces,

Pyroligneous acid......3 ounces.

To be applied to the glands night and morning, and one of the following powders to be given in the food at the same time : �

Powdered gentian,.....nbsp; nbsp; 2 ounces,

quot; goldenscal.....nbsp; nbsp; 1 ounce,

quot; pleurisy root, ...nbsp; nbsp; 1 ounce,

quot; licorice......nbsp; nbsp; 1 pound.

Divided into six parts.

March 7. On leading the patient out of the stall, he appeared somewhat stiff in the limbs. The swelling has all subsided, with the exception of the parotid glands, which are quite large. The discharge has almost abated, and the animal appears in good spirits, and has a natural appetite.

From this date the animal was daily exercised, and returned to his usual diet, and in the course of a fortnight was put to work. The parotid glands, however, were enlarged for some weeks after, but gradually decreased under the daily application of a stimulat�ing liniment.

Contagiousness of Strangles. We learn from the Veterinarian that M. Reynal, clinical pro�fessor at the Alfort School, submits a number of observations corroborative of the contagious character of strangles. He states that quot; Young horses having strangles, and put into stables with horses of adult age, doing their duty, have communicated the dis�ease to those of the latter who have stood in adjoining stalls, though some few have only exhibited the disease in a catarrhal

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form. Even the foal has been known to suck the disease from its dam.

quot; Moreover, experiment has been had recourse to, to inoculate for strangles.

quot;M. Damalix smeared with a sponge impregnated with mat�ter taken from the abscess of strangles, twice daily, both sides of the pituitary membrane and the internal surfaces of the linings of the eyelids, in a sound horse, about to be cast for spavin. This was continued for seven days. On the eighth, he remarked, the horse had lost his appetite, had commenced running from both nostrils, coughed softly and loosely, had swelling under the jaw, which ended in resolution ; all the symptoms terminating eight days from their commencement.

quot; It has been remarked that strangles is more surely communi�cated at an early than a late stage, and in a certain form more readily than in others. Strangles will assume the herpetic char�acter, will simulate farcy and glanders, will settle in the mesen-teric glands, or may follow castration. In regard to contagion may be mentioned, as most readily communicable, this form of strangles, which assumes the character of eruptions on the lips, nose, and pituitary membrane.quot;

BRONCHITIS.

Veterinarians recognize this disease under three aspects, viz.:

1.nbsp; Acute, as when the horse is suddenly attacked with an irrita�ble cough and sore throat, with the usual febrile symptoms, such as quick, wiry pulse ; membranes of the nose and mouth redder than usual; accelerated respiration; great anxiety of counte�nance, amp;c., amp;c.

2.nbsp; nbsp;Chronic bronchitis, which sets in after the acute has sub�sided ; this stage is marked by a discharge of watery and some�times mucous fluid from the nose; the act of respiration is performed with a sort of wheezing noise, which is caused by ob�struction within the bronchial vessels, either from contraction, by which their calibre is lessened, or else from a thickening of the lining membrane, or, lastly, from the accumulation of sero-mu-cous fluid within their cavities, o^ which they are somewhat re�lieved in the act of coughing.

THE MODERN UORSE DOCTOR.

3. The third variety has been named epidemic bronchitis, be�cause, like other epizootics, it retains its character in every part of the globe, and appears to maintain its influence in certain lo�cations, to the exclusion of other forms of disease. There may, however, be some difference in the severity of the disease at the commencement, height, or decline of the morbid period.

quot; The epidemic variety,quot; says Percivall, quot; is remarkable for the emission of copious discharges or fluxes from the nose, at one time turning yellow, at another green, and then again white. In this form the disorder is exceedingly apt to assume the chronic type, and, after continuing for a length of time, to leave the ani�mal reduced in flesh, and much debilitated.quot; There is no doubt in the mind of the author, that many of those cases of abdominal respiration noticed among horses in the New England States, and commonly termed quot; heaves,quot; is the result of bronchitis, which leaves the upper air passages in a contracted state,_#or else thick�ens their lining membrane.

Treatment. � Bloodletting has ever been extolled as one of the main dependences in the cure of bronchitis ; but as we have no faith in the curability of such diseases by the fleam, of course we cannot recommend the practice to the reader. To equalize the blood so that there shall be no excess in the membranes of the air passages, seems more rational than to abstract it. In view of pro�ducing so desirable a result, we use drachm doses of powdered lobe�lia seeds twice a day. Most veterinarians, however, recommend powdered hellebore, in half drachm doses, twice a day, preceded by free abstractions of blood. The lobelia is to be continued, to�gether with warmth and moisture to the external surface, until, from the softness of the pulse and moisture on the surface, we are certain that the remedy has taken effect. This is not all that is to be done; for the mucous membranes must be sheathed by lubricants, so as to protect them from the effects of the morbid secretion continually flowing over their surfaces ; and no better or cheaper article than slippery elm can be found. A small por�tion of the powdered bark is to be stirred into a given quantity of boiling water, until it forms a mucilage just thick enough for a drink ; to a pint of which add two ounces of sirup of garlic ; to be given twice daily. Counter irritants applied in the vicinity

J�

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of the throat, trachea, and chest, do much good; blisters and setons are highly extolled, but they only torment the patient, and in�crease the irritability of, not only the parts to which they are ap�plied, but the animal also; and then we cannot regulate their action so well as we can that of other agents of a more sanative character; for the pain and irritation will sometimes remain a long time after their removal. A good effect is generally pro�duced from the occasional application of essence of white mus�tard seed, tincture of capsicum, and we have witnessed favorable results attend the use of essence of cedar. When a relaxing effect is desirable�and we do not know but such is always so in bronchitis � the following can be used: �

Vinegar.........1 pint,

Powdered lobelia, .... 2 ounces.

Let the above simmer over a slow fire for a short time, and ap�ply it to the throat two or three times a day. The throat should be encircled with a piece of soft flannel.

The bowels are to be kept loose ; not by purgatives, for their action on the digestive surfaces is sure to make matters worse; the patient must be kept on a sloppy kind of diet, well seasoned with common salt. Fine feed, scalded, and placed before the animal while warm, answers two purposes, viz., that of relaxing the engorged surfaces of the nose and throat from inhaling the warm vapor, and also has a relaxing effect on the bowels, which are apt to become torpid sometimes, from no other cause than want of exercise. If the patient be carried through the various stages of bronchial difficulty, with an eye single to his comfort and convenience, and proper attention is paid to the wants of nature, the skin kept moist, the bowels loose, the patient having the ad�vantages of a pure atmosphere, then the case, if it is a curable one, is sure to terminate favorably. So long as the patient mani�fests febrile symptoms, the drink should consist of water, acidulated with cream of tartar, and an occasional enema must be adminis�tered. In the treatment of bronchitis, whether it be acute, chronic, or epidemic, 'the patient must be removed from the nox�ious effluvia arising from the bodies and excrements of other animals, for they are highly deleterious when reintroduced into the living body of an animal which, in consequence of disease, is

THE MODERN HOHSE DOCTOR.

unable to resist their influences. Mr. R. D. Granger has lately-written some interesting remarks on the influence of noxious effluvia in the origin and propagation of epidemic diseases, an extract from which we here introduce. quot; That the effete matter eliminated from the system is small in amount is no objection to the intensity of its action; for to the physiologist it is well known that a minute quantity of a powerful agent � the putrid matter in�troduced on the point of a needle, in the dissection of the dead � or a single drop of prussic acid placed in the mouth of an animal � is sufficient to destroy life. It is in the over-crowded bed rooms, in unventilated schools, workhouse dormitories, amp;c., that this effete matter taints the air, and, entering the blood, poisons the system.quot;

CATAEBH.

Definition. � A sero-mucous defluxion from, commonly, both nostrils, increased redness of the Schneiderian membrane, lining the nostrils ; oozing of tears from the corners of the eyes; swell�ings underneath the jaws; snorting ; cough, with or without fe�brile disorder. � Percivall.

It is well known that many of the most formidable diseases to which mankind and animals are subject originate in a common cold; hence such a common affection should always receive our earliest attention, for its treatment is then a very simple affair: perhaps, if proper attention were paid to the general management of catarrhal subjects, the disease would subside spontaneously ; provided, however, the subject be free from latent disease. But it often happens that catarrh is symptomatic of several other dis�eases, and then will require a special course of treatment. As regards its spontaneous cure, we may remark, that in our crowded stables such termination may be very rare, for various causes are in operation to retard rather than favor it. If a horse be in good flesh, (which generally means a state of plethora,) and kept in a hot stable, catarrh will generally be attended with a cough and quickness of breathing. .Now, if the weather is favorable, he may be turned out in the daytime, and partake of green food; when taken up for the night, a bran mash should be given. This change of air and diet will contribute much towards the cure. 9

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People generally suppose that cold and exposure are the sole causes of catarrh ; yet it is a well-known fact, that many horses take cold even though they have not, within several days, some�times weeks, been in a situation where cold could be taken after this fashion; in short, have not left their warm, comfortable stables. But we must remember that a high temperature is just as likely to bring on sf cold as any other cause, especially when the subject has been liberally fed; and, indeed, veterinary writers of the present day teach that catarrh, in general, offener arises from heat than cold. But after all, an insalubrious atmosphere may be set down as the chief cause of common colds.

Treatment of common Catarrh. � If the weather be cold, let the animal have comfortable quarters, and a good bed of clean straw. A blanket may be thrown over the body, and the legs should first be well rubbed with a wisp of straw, and then ban�daged with flannel. It has often been remarked, that if a man's feet are cold, his whole system is chilled, and the same may be said of the horse; for, so long as the feet of the latter are cold, we cannot expect to equalize the circulation, or restore the ex-halant function. The diet should consist of scalded shorts, and these should be given warm, for the steam arising from them aids the nasal discharge, and relaxes local strictures. We have fre�quently given, with good effect, a quart of linseed tea, sweetened with honey, night and morning. If the throat is sore, a little powdered bloodroot may be added. The soreness of the throat may be reheved by the following: �

Olire oil...........8 ounces.

Oil of cedar..........1 ounce.

To be rubbed around the parts night and morning. Yet, in slight cases, a simple flannel bandage fastened around the neck might answer the purpose just as well. We frequently employ the following, with a view of regulating the secretions, and lubri�cating the mucous surfaces : �

Powdered elecampane,.....nbsp; nbsp;2 ounces,

quot; licorice,.......nbsp; nbsp;4 ounces.

Cream of tartar.........nbsp; nbsp;1 ounce.

Powdered bloodroot,......nbsp; nbsp;4 drachms,

quot; slippery elm,.....nbsp; nbsp;8 ounces.

Mix; divide into eight parts, and give one night and morning.

THE MODERN HOKSB DOCTOR.

, Treatment of severe Catarrh.� The same directions as re�gards clothing, diet, amp;c., just enumerated, apply also to this form of disease � gruel made of Indian meal, to which a few kertels of garlic may be added, and boiled with the same until they are quite soft. A very liberal allowance of this beverage must be got into the horse; if he is not inclined to drink, pour it down his throat from a bottle, remembering, however, that the parts around the throat are sore, and require you to proceed in the most gentle manner. Be kind to your patient; let him know, by the manner in which you handle him, that your intentions are friendly ; but, above all, do not elevate his head higher than necessary, nor pour down the liquor faster than he is able to swallow it. The principal object in the treatment of this form of catarrh is, to restore the function of the skin, which is one of exhalation; and for this purpose we resort to nauseants. The following is the best we know of; �

Powdered ipecacuanha.......nbsp; nbsp; 2 drachms,

quot; lobelia,........nbsp; nbsp; 4 drachms,

quot; bloodroot,.......nbsp; nbsp; 2 drachms,

quot; assafcetida,.......nbsp; nbsp; 1 drachm.

Mix; divide into four parts, and give one every four hours, in mash or gruel: if administered in gruel, add two ounces of honey, and continue the same until the whole external surface feels warm, which generally happens after the administration of from four to six powders. It is not advisable to continue them too long when the patient is in poor condition, for the medicine is rather prostrating than otherwise. Keep the rectum empty with injections of warm water, into which a small quantity of soft soap may be stirred.

If the discharge from the nostrils is thick and tenacious, steam the head, as recommended in article Strangles. A very trouble�some cough may be relieved by adding to the gruel one drachm of fir balsam, or balsam copaiba. If the patient is unwilling to have a draught administered, and refuses to swallow it, even though he is handled in the most gentle manner, and the cough is so troublesome that something must be done, then give

Balm of Giload buds, (chopped fine,) ...nbsp; nbsp; 1 ounce,

Powdered skunk cabbage, (ictodesfcetid.,) .nbsp; nbsp; 3 drachms,

quot; slippery elm.........nbsp; nbsp; 3 ounces,

quot; lobelia, .........nbsp; nbsp; 2 drachms.

' ^:

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Mix; divide into three powders, and give one in the food, three times, daily. The nasal passages may be kept partially free from accumulations, by blowing into them, from a quill, a portion of the following catarrh snuff: �

Powdered bayberry bark, ^

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; bloodroot,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;gt; equal parts.

quot; lobelia,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;)

Catarrh, occurring in any description of live stock, may be treated on the general principles here alluded to. As regards the proper doses of medicine to be given to animals differing in age, sex, or kind, very little need be said; for the agents are san�ative, and a small quantity in addition, or less than the doses here prescribed, as the case may be, is of no material consequence. Aid the vital powers; use agents .favorable to physiological ac�tion ; administer such in small doses, and often; practise good nursing; and disease will, in most cases, terminate favorably.

NASAL GLEET.

Nasal gleet is considered a chronic affection of the Schneiderian surfaces. The discharge consists of a thick, yellow mucus, and if the animal be at grass, it assumes a green color. At times it becomes purulent, tinged with blood, and if not arrested at this stage, it may finally end in ulceration of the cartilages of the nose: we then have a case of glanders. In the early stage of this complaint, we often have enlargement of the superficial glands under the jaw, and this has led many who do not under�stand the nature of the case to pronounce the subject glandered. The discharge is neither persistent nor uniform; for in fine weather it sometimes subsides for several days at a time, and returns after a wet day, if the animal is exposed to the rain or cold; also increasing and decreasing with the fluctuations of the weather.

In cases where the discharge confines itself to the left nostril, becomes tenacious, elastic, and accumulates around the edges of the nasal cavities, and is accompanied by enlargement of the lymphatic submaxillary gland on this side, with a drooping of the ear, we may be prepared for the worst; for ten chances to one if it does not terminate in glanders.

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Treatment.�Inject the nasal passages by means of a mid�dling-sized syringe,daily, with an infusion ofbayberry bark; one ounce of bark to a pint of boiling water; to be set aside until cool, and then strained through fine linen. The constitutional remedies consist of

Grains of paradise,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; I

Powdered marshmallows, 1

quot; sulphur,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;Vcqual parts.

quot; charcoal,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; j

White mustard seed, J

Dose, 1 ounce, daily.

Half an ounce of balsam copaiba, and two drachms of sweet spirits of nitre, should be given occasionally in thin gruel.

In a case of this kind, good nutritious diet is indicated. The limbs and body must be kept warm, and all exposure avoided.

ROARING.

Bearing is considered as a symptom of some mechanical obstruction, or abnormal condition, in or about the upper respi�ratory passages. quot; The various collected reports that have been made from time to time on the state of the air passages of roarers, have shown that all of them have produced the effect in one of three ways, viz., either by contraction of the pas�sage or its orifice; by distortion or deformity of it; or by ob�struction within; and this difference of causation, together with the part or place in which it exists, will serve still further to account for the various hinds of, or rather sounds emitted in, roaring.quot;

Roaring is frequently occasioned by a thickening of the mem�brane lining the respiratory passages, by which their calibre is diminished. It often follows laryngitis, catarrh, influenza, bron�chitis, amp;c. It is apt to follow putrid sore throat; at such times we may expect to find ulcerations of the membrane of the larynx, or they may happen to be ulcerated; and if so, there will be a discharge of glairy fluid from one or both nostrils. The thyroid cartilages occasionally become ossified, from the absurd practice of confining a horse's head in an unnatural position, and from pressure by the throat latch, which absurd practice is also apt to 9 *

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produce distortion of the larynx or windpipe ; the result is then the same.

Roaring may also be occasioned by pressure on the throat from tumors, amp;c., from tonic spasm, and from atrophy of the parts. We have always supposed that the seat of roaring was confined to the upper respiratory passages ; but the following case, related by Mr. Percivall, goes to show that the lungs may be�come its seat. quot; A horse was treated for violent roaring. The neck was repeatedly blistered; it was even fired; but still no relief. So painful was it to hear the animal roar, when he was even gently led out of the stable, that bronchotomy was had re�course to, but without avail. At length, seeing the animal suf�fered so much pain and distress in breathing, and that the case appeared altogether insusceptible of being relieved, it was de�termined to destroy him. On examination, no thickening of the laryngeal or tracheal membrane appeared, nor, in fact, any other disease of those parts; but the lungs were hepatized throughout their substance, and the smaller divisions of the bronchial tubes in many places so compressed that they were hardly pervious.quot;

To prove the nervous origin'of roaring, Mr. Field made the following experiment: quot; Having ascertained that the organs of respiration of a horse used for farming purposes were sound, I cast him, and laid bare the recurrent nerve of the off side, and passed a ligature loosely around it; he was then allowed to get up, and, after a few minutes, galloped severely without evincing the slightest defect in his breathing. The nerve was then drawn out by the ligature, and one inch and a half of it excised; and immediately on only trotting the horse a short distance, such a degree of roaring was occasioned, that, had the exertion been continued, he would soon have fallen.

quot; I kept this horse four years, and though his breathing became much better, he continued a sad roarer; at the end of that time I destroyed him, for the purpose of procuring the larynx, which exhibited the usual condition of wasted^nuscles (atrophid) on the side deprived of the influence of the recurrent nerve.quot;

Treatment of Soaring. � The intelligent reader will here per�ceive, that in the majority of cases very little hopes can be enter�tained of a cure, and in fact, the defect cannot be cured unless we

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

103

can remove the exciting cause; and that, in cases of distortion, hepatization, amp;c., is beyond our art. If the difficulty be at all removable, we know of no better way to accomplish it than by improving the general health of the subject, in the use of proper diet, expectorants, and relaxants; by steaming the nasal passages, amp;c. If it arise from atrophy of the muscles, let them be stimu�lated daily with hartshorn liniment, or some such application, and frequent hand rubbing. If from tumors, let them be removed. If the thyroid glands are enlarged, they should be rubbed daily with stimulating liniment, or ointment of iodine. The horse should at all times have the free use of his head and neck, or the best treatment might fail. Should the cause of roaring evidently exist (below the fauces) either in the bronchii, trachea, or lungs, the operation of tracheotomy may be preferred, which consists in making an opening into the trachea, and through it inserting a tube, which may be worn for any length of time, by taking the precaution to cleanse it occasionally. See Tracheotomy.

COMMON COUGH

Cough is defined as a sonorous concussion of the thorax, pro�duced by the sudden expulsion of air through the vocal organs. It is present, and often causes some annoyance to the patient, when suffering from catarrh, laryngitis, bronchitis, strangles, horse ail, amp;c. Cough is present also in cases of deranged digestive organs, and when a quantity of worms are present in the diges�tive cavity. quot;We examined a horse once which was the subject of chronic cough from diseased liver. During life the mucous sur�faces were always more or less tinged with bile; he was subject to constipation also. The post mortem revealed a tuberculous liver. A common cough, therefore, may attend various forms of disease. In many cases of a catarrhal character, when a quantity of mucus accumulates in the respiratory passages, the act of coughing ejects it, and thus relieves the animal; therefore, a cough of this kind quot;may be salutary rather than otherwise, and in that event needs no treatment.

A sympathetic cough can only be cured by directing our reme�dies to the seat of the malady; that cured, the cough ceases.

laquo;MMti

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It does not interfere with the treatment of any disease, how�ever, to use simple remedies to mitigate a cough which seems so intense as to cause thequot; patient some annoyance; in this view we resort to

Powdered slippery elm, quot;1 quot; Indian turnip, I quot; elecampane, [gt; of each 4 ounces. quot; skunk cabbage, I quot; caraway seeds, J

Dose, half an ounce twice a day, in gruel.

A cough may sometimes continue after the disappearance of pulmonary disease, catarrh, influenza, amp;c.: for this we prescribe

Balsam of fir,.......1 ounce.

Sweet spirits of nitre, .... 2 ounces,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; a

Sirup of garlic,.......4 ounces.

Dissolve the balsam in the nitre, then add the garlic. Dose, one ounce, night and morning; to be given in mucilage or thin gruel. For an old chronic cough that seems likely to wear the animal out, and also the patience of its owner, depending perhaps on some organic change, or irritable state of the respiratory surfaces, use counter irritation, and give a dose of the following, night and morning: �

Powdered pleurisy root, quot; licorice, quot; lobelia, quot; sulphur, quot; sassafras, quot; bloodroot.

equal parts.

Dose, one ounce, night and morning, for the first two days; then omit the morning dose. To be mixed with the food.

A cough occasioned by derangements of the digestive organs, or from worms, amp;c., may be always relieved by the following: �

Powdered worm seed. Whole mustard seed, Castile soap shavings. Powdered goldenseal^ j. _of _each ₁ ^

quot; sulphur, quot; salt, quot; charcoal,

Mix; and divide the mass into eight parts, and give one every night in the food.

In the treatment of any kind of cough, the horse should be de�prived of his usual amount of water, and be compelled to drink

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

105

some flaxseed or slippery elm tea. If the throat prove sore, bathe it every night with tincture of capsicum.

TRACHEOTOMY.

This operation consists in making an opening into the windpipe to admit air to the lungs, when the natural passage is obstructed by foreign bodies, or when its calibre is lessened by tumefaction occasioned by disease. In severe cases of laryngitis, strangles, and their kindred diseases, when the patient seems almost suffo�cated, tracheotomy should be immediately performed. In per�forming the operation, we select a spot about six inches below the throat, in front of the neck, and over the region of the windpipe; an incision is to be made with a common penknife, (in lieu of a better instrument,) to the extent of two or three inches, in a down�ward direction, so as to lay bare the trachea; having exposed space sufficient, a circular piece between two rings, corresponding to the size of the tube, is to be cut out, and a short tube inserted, which can be confined in position by means of tape passed around the neck. When the obstruction is removed, or the fauces restored to their natural state, remove the tube, bring the edges of the integuments together, and sew them up.

BLEEDING FROM THE NOSE. � (Epistaxis.)

Common hemorrhage from the nose is not of itself dangerous, for we never knew, nor do we ever remember hearing, of its being fatal; it merely indicates a congestive state of the nasal, and sometimes the cerebral membranes, or blood vessels; as a symp�tom, therefore, which it really is, of local congestion, it informs us that there is an unequal distribution of the circulating fluid, or else the patient is plethoric. In either case the treatment is simple: we merely cool the head, warm the limbs, give a dose or two of laxative medicine, exercise the patient, and regulate the diet according to circumstances. quot;When the blood appears frothy and of a dirty color, issuing from one nostril only, the breath being fetid, the respirations somewhat hurried, attended by cough, the owner had better consult a veterinary surgeon, for the horse is proably, or will be, the subject of glanders.

�

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HEAVES, OR BROKEN quot;WIND.

Chronic heaves is that condition of a horse which veterinarians designate as broken wind. In cases of this character, the act of inspiration is followed by a violent heaving motion of the ribs and flanks; this is the source, probably, from whence the term heaves is derived.

The disease bears some resemblance to asthma in the human subject, for in each there is nearly the same difficulty in respi�ration, attended with dyspepsia and emaciation; there is this differ�ence, however � in man there are remissions; while in the horse with confirmed heaves (broken wind) there is scarcely any cessa�tion. It is quite common, in Massachusetts, to hear horsemen define every case of abdominal respiration as heaves: such are not to be considered, however, as so many cases of broken wind. In order to make out a pure case of the latter, we must have a kind of jerking double flank movement in the process of expiration. Distention of the lungs, or inspiration, must also be followed by a corresponding expansion of the chest and flanks. A slight cough is generally present, which has a wheezing sound, sometimes resembling a sort of grunt, and the subject is a confirmed dys�peptic having a voracious appetite, staring coat, large belly (tympanic), spare muscles, dull miserable look, drooping head, unwilling to travel fast, and when urged to do so, becomes soon exhausted and quot; used up ; quot; the excretions also indicate derange�ment of the digestive organs. These are the principal symptoms of broken wind, and we have generally found these present in what is called quot; heaves.quot;

Kegarding the nature of broken wind � which, however, is a very funny name for a pathological condition of this character � it originates in disease occurring either in the organs of digestion or of respiration; the former affecting the latter, through the sympathy that is known to exist between them, or else from innutrition � the digestive organs failing to furnish the proper amount of nutrimental matter to supply the respiratory apparatus with its required fuel. The lungs, or rather its air cells, are then dilated, while the respiratory passages and lining membranes are

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contracted or lessened in calibre, either from contraction of their tubes or thickening of their lining membranes ; and this state of the parts is all that we require to explain the peculiar phenomena of abdominal respiration.

Yet there are various states and conditions of the respiratory apparatus which may give rise to broken wind; in fact, any organic change that permits dilatation of the air cells and bronchial tubes, without a corresponding enlargement of the upper air � passages, they retaining their original size, may result in broken wind. In some cases the lungs are emphysematose � their substance inflated with the gases of the body, without perceptible rupture of parenchyma; a state resembling that known as pneu-matosis, a collection of air under the cellular tissue of the skin; they are then specifically lighter, and larger, than in their natural state. In such cases we often find the diaphragm in a state of atrophy, pale and attenuated, from over distention and extra work. The direct causes of heaves or broken wind are over-exertion and indigestion.

Treatment. � The object is to improve the patient's health; and if we can do this successfully, an improvement in a curable case generally follows. We must restore digestion in order to cure indigestion, and in this view we give aromatic tonics ; thenbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; {,

following we have used with considerable success:�nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;^!

Tincture of aromatic sulphuric acid. Written for, by physicians, thus: �

Tr. acid sulph. arc.

Dose, one drachm in a pint of water, night and morning. Most animals, however, will drink it from a bucket. In the mean time we put the animal on a course of the following alterative medi�cine : Powdered ginger, gentian, sulphur, salt, cream of tartar, charcoal, licorice, elecampane, caraway seeds, and balm of Gilead buds, (chopped fine,) equal parts. Dose, one ounce every night in the food.

Changes in diet, exercise, and management, calculated to fulfil the indications alluded to above, are indispensable. So soon as considerable improvement is perceptible, the aromatic tincture

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should be omitted; and, instead of giving one ounce of the alter�ative as a dose, give half an ounce night and morning. A broken-winded horse should always be watered from a bucket, regularly three times a day; and if he be a foul feeder, arm him with a muzzle, and only remove it at meal time. In addition to the above remedies, we occasionally allow a small quantity of garlic, say a couple of heads every other day, chopped fine, and mixed in the food.

EXPLANATION OF CUT. �MALE ORGANS.

1.nbsp; Posterior vena cava.

2.nbsp; Posterior aorta.

3.nbsp; Supra renal capsules.

4.nbsp; Kidneys.

5.nbsp; Ureters.

6.nbsp; Bladder.

7.nbsp; The bladder laid open to show its mucous coat.

8.nbsp; Vesiculie seminales, or seed receptacles.

9.nbsp; Prostate glands.

10.nbsp; Yasa deferentia; these transmit the semen to its receptacles.

11.nbsp; Epididymis.

12.nbsp; Testicle.

13.nbsp; Tunica vaginalis, or covering of the testicle.

14.nbsp; Spermatic arteries and veins.

15.nbsp; Corpora cavemosa, or body of the penis.

16.nbsp; Urethra.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; _v

17.nbsp; Glaus penis, or head.

18.nbsp; Orifice of the urethra.

19.nbsp; External tunic of the penis.

DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.

INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. � (Nephritis.)

In the horse the kidneys are considered the great emunctories, their office being to carry off a large amount of superfluous ex-creraentitious fluid. If any one will examine the urine of an animal that is allowed an unlimited quantity of hay and grain, he will find the urine thick, ropy, and of a bad odor. This is most

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109

MALE ORGANS OF GENERATION. 10

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likely, however, to happen when the animal is not regularly worked. It is very natural to suppose that urine of this kind, laquo;bounding in morbific materials, should irritate the membranes lining the urinary organs, and result in a high grade of inflamma�tory action. Yet the disease may arise from other causes. We have known it produced by repeated doses of gin and saleratus, and spirits of turpentine; but generally, these agents involve the ureters and bladder in the inflammatory diathesis. It has gen�erally been considered that the disease is often brought about by over-exertion, either in drawing heavy loads, or in holding back (shaft horses) on going down hill; in fact, immoderate work of any kind might result in a disease of this character.

Symptoms. � A constant desire to void urine, although only passed in small quantities, high colored, and sometimes tinged with blood, though more generally quite natural. There is usu�ally a peculiar stiffness in the hind extremities, especially when the horse is made to describe a circle. Pressure on the loins elicits symptoms of pain, and the pulse and respirations denote febrile symptoms.

Treatment. � Apply a cold water bandage to the loins, and administer a drench composed of

Linseed oil...........?_raquo;laquo;*�laquo;__r,

Muc�age of slippery elm......J pint of each.

Enemas of warm water should be given daily. The less fluid the animal drinks, the better; and the best drink, under the cir�cumstances, is flaxseed tea. Should the horse refuse to partake of it, a sloppy mess, made of oatmeal and boiling water, will answer, and he will probably prefer it to the former. In a few cases, which were considered of recent origin, we have prescribed a solution of muriate of iron, in doses of two fluid drachms, twice a day, and we have reason to think that the remedy did some good. The article should be turned into pure water, and offered to the patient in a bucket. This preparation of iron is a valuable tonic, and in chronic cases will generally prove serviceable. In the acute stage, and after the bowels have responded to some mild cathartic, either linseed oil, Glauber salts, or a decoction of marshmallows will have a beneficial effect. The decoction is thus prepared: Take of marshmallow roots, dried and bruised.

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eight ounces, water three quarts ; boil down to two quarts. When cool, strain, and give a pint every six hours, until the horse is reheved.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;laquo;

This simple treatment, aided by a light diet and rest, will generally effect a, cure. If, however, the disease arises from concretions within the cavity of the kidneys, the case will require the aid of a skilful veterinary surgeon.

The author has noticed in stables celebrated for the number of horses with a stiff, straddling gait, laboring under an attack of acute or chronic form of nephritis, that there is, generally, a bountiful supply of rosin on hand, and on several occasions has learned that the parties having charge of the animals are much in favor of diuretic medicine, and think it absolutely necessary to give a dose now and then. This haphazard dosing is no doubt the cause of the mischief; for diuretics, which generally act with extraordinary power on the horse, diverting the excrementitious fluids from the skin and lungs, are apt to produce inflammation, and thus induce chronic disease of the kidneys. Many horses that can readily be found suffering from what their owners term strain of the loins, are, no doubt, so many cases of chronic dis�ease of these organs.

On chronic disease of the kidneys, Mr. Percivall writes, quot; I am inclined to think that nephritis, in a mild or subacute form, exists in many instances, wherein, from the trifling perceptible alterations induced by it in the ordinary health of the animal, we are apt either altogether to overlook the disorder, or else to re�gard it as too unimportant to notice. Horses are often brought to us with complaints of pain and difficulty in staling�of the urine they pass being thick, foul, or bloody ; and which horses probably may, on inquiry, be found to show some stiffness about the loins when first brought from the stable, though by use the parts soon grow pliant again. And yet in a general way they exhibit every sign of health. With these facts we may connect the circumstance of occasionally discovering, in horses which have died from other causes, purulent matter within the kidneys, and now and then disorganization of their substance, and without any thing having occurred during life to direct our attention to those organs.quot;

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As it is a common custom to administer diuretics to horses when the urine does not appear just about right, it may be well for us to notice some of its variations: �

quot; 1. In respect to age. In the foetus it is inodorous, insipid, and almost aqueous; but as the young grow, it becomes more acrid and fetid, and in old age more particularly so.

quot; 2. In respect to drink. The urine is secreted in greater quan�tity, and of a more pale color, from cold and copious draughts.

quot; 3. In respect to food. From eating the heads of asparagus, or olives, it contracts a peculiar smell; from the fruit of the opuntia it becomes red; and from fasting, turbid.

quot; 4. In respect to medicines. From the exhibition of rhubarb root it becomes yellow ; from cassia purple-green; and from tur�pentine it acquires a violet color.

quot;5. In respect to the time of year. In the winter the urine is more copious and aqueous; but in the summer, from the increased transpiration of the skin, it is more sparing, highly colored, and so acrid that it sometimes occasions strangury. The climate induces the same difference.

quot; 6. In respect to muscidar action of the body. The urine is secreted more sparingly, and concentrated by motion; and is more copiously diluted and rendered crude by rest.quot;

From the above remarks, which to some extent apply to horses, and from the result of experiments made on horses, we learn that the urine is subject to great variations; and therefore, should it not appear natural, diuretics are not always indicated.

It is generally supposed that diuretics act on the kidneys in a much shorter time than other classes of medicines do on various other parts of the animal economy. Magendie explains this on the principle that-diuretics, in the fluid form, quot;are directly ab�sorbed by the veins, and transported by them to the liver and heart, so that the direction which these liquids follow, in order to reach the bladder, is much shorter than is generally admitted, viz., by the lymphatic vessels, the mesenteric glands, and the thoracic duct.quot; We have said that simple treatment, light diet, and rest will generally effect a cure of nephritis ; we must, how�ever, have a curable case, and be permitted to attend to it in the early stage, for cases of this kind sometimes terminate in degen-

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eration of the kidney, and result in death. A case of softening of the kidney has been communicated to the Veterinarian, by Mr. Cartwright, who observes, quot; Each kidney was found to be in a complete state of putrefaction, of a light bluish color; its texture so totally destroyed that the finger would pass through any part of it as through so much mud. The vessels of the kidneys did not appear diseased as I drew them out of the diseased masses.quot; Diseased kidneys are apt to terminate in abscess, mortification, hypertrophy, condensation, induration, amp;c. Such cases are apt, however, to baffle the best medical skill. For information on these terminations of nephritis, consult Hippopathohgy, IPAt-boval, and the Veterinarian.

BLOODY XJEINE. � (flimaftmffi.)

The voiding of blood with urine is generally indicative of an injury sustained by some portion of the urinary organs, either by falls, blows, bruises, or strains. It may, however, arise from in�juries directly inflicted on the tissues by urinary calculi, amp;c.

A discharge of blood with urine is generally attended with acute pain, evinced by the peculiar motions of the animal, which are readily recognized.

The voiding of such urine is often attended with danger, especially when mixed with matter of a purulent character.

In some of the diseases of horses and cattle, manifesting a pu�trid type, the urine is of a color resembling blood; such general�ly terminate fatally. Now and then cows void very high-colored urine. It is considered, generally, a disease, and receives the appellation of red water, although in many cases it is a link in a chain of symptoms, which, if carefully traced,_%will be found to be connected with a disease of gastric origin.

If a horse voids pure blood, it may be known by inspecting the urine; some of it should be caught and examined; if found to contain small coagula, it may be pronounced bloody urine ; oth�erwise we must not be too hasty in our opinion; for a high state of inflammatory action pervading the urinary apparatus � the liver, amp;c., give rise to discharge of urine very much resembhng bloody. When the trouble can satisfactorily be traced to a blow, 10*

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strain, over-exertion, or whatever cause it may be, our treatment is somewhat similar to that for inflammation of the bladder and kidneys. When owing to calculi being present in the ureters or elsewhere, our remedies must be palliative; mucilaginous drinks, enemas, warm or cold water bandages to the loins, rest, and an occasional aperient, if necessary, to clear out the bowels, are among the most rational means in use. To relieve pain, if it be very acute, let the patient be drenched with

Powdered assafoetida,.......2 drachms,

Tincture ef Indian hemp,......1 drachm,

Thin gruel,...........1 pint.

Mix; and administer from a bottle, once or twice, daily, as the urgency of the case demands.

The symptoms usually noticed by the attendant, in cases of hfematuria caused by the presence of urinary calculi, are, that the patient appears dull, very uneasy, frequently lying down and getting up again, urinary calculi can only be removed by a skilful veterinary surgeon.

THICK (ALBTJMINOITS) URINE.

Those who have the care of horses frequently complain that their charges pass quot; thick, ropy quot; urine; and, in order to remedy the supposed evil, they too frequently resort to strong diuretics, and in nine cases out of ten they do more harm than good. Thick urine is at times an evil that only exists in the imagina�tion of the groom ; for horses that are over-fed, or even fed on grain of an inferior quality, are often known to pass albuminous, at least thick, ropy urine, and in the course of a few days it again assumes its nattval properties. There can be no need of diuret�ics in such cases. It does not follow that because a horse passes quot; thickquot; urine, his urinary organs are diseased; far from it. The chemico-vital powers of digestion cannot always control the heterogeneous affinities that exist between the various agents known as fodder, foul bedding, amp;c.; consequently they often fer�ment or decompose, and thus give rise to noxious compounds, which must be eliminated or the animal would soon fall sick.

When a plethoric horse has copious sediments in the urine,

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we may consider that it is a favorable omen, and that the tissues are relieving themselves of useless matter.

Albumen is generally present in the urine in many diseases of an acute character, such as inflammation of the lungs, pleura, liver, peritoneum, and heart, and hence can only, under the cir�cumstances, be considered as a symptom, rather than a disorder of itself, and a favorable symptom, too ; for Dr. Bird has adduced evidence to show that in many disorders there is a steady and considerable increase in the quantity of solid excreta whenever the patient improved, and as remarkable a diminution when the symptoms relapsed.*

It is a well-established fact, however, that in cases of diseased kidney, termed Bright's disease, the urine becomes albuminous; but so far as our observation goes, the disease so prevalent in the human family is very rare in the horse. Should any dis�ease of these organs exist, it may be known by the straddling gait, and other symptoms enumerated under the head of Inflam�mation of the Kidneys.

The urine, at times, has a thick, gelatinous, straw-colored ap�pearance, containing a large amount of excrementitious material; this is not to be confounded with albuminous urine, for horses very frequently pass very thick, and to all appearances morbid urine, especially when fed high and worked but little. The urine of this kind can always be improved by proper attention to the horse's management. Albuminous urine is known by being of bright-yellow color, of the consistence of jelly, and can be lifted from the floor between the fingers, in the form of shreds or strings.

Should the owner of the horse feel desirous of doing some�thing to liquefy the urine, and give it a more natural appear�ance, � although we do not think that the horse, in all cases, would be benefited thereby,� he may give the following: �

Powdered assafoetida.......1 ounce,

quot; poplar bark, .....8 ounces,

quot; juniper berries, , '. . .2 ounces.

Mix; and divide the mass into eight parts, and give one night and morning, in the food.

* On Urinary Deposits, amp;o., by Dr. G. Bird.

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It may be proper, in all cases where the horse passes, for any length of time, urine that appears to be albuminous, for the own�er to consult a veterinary surgeon.

CAUSES OF ALBUMINOUS UllINE.

quot; M. Ed. Robin lately read a paper on the above subject before the Academy of Medicine of Paris. quot;We subjoin an abstract of the same: In the normal state the albumen is burnt in the blood, and the nitrogenized residue of this combustion, viz., urea and uric acid, is eliminated by the urine. The combustion is, how�ever, not so complete as not to allow some little albumen to escape with the renal secretion ; but this albumen, besides being very small in amount, is somewhat diiferent from the ordinary kind. M. Robin thinks that if during a sufficiently long time the albumen underwent in the circulation a much smaller amount of combustion than is habitually the case, it might pass unaltered into the urine, instead of being thrown off in the form of urea and uric acid. The author cites the following facts in support of his opinion : �

quot; The urine becomes albuminous in croup, in complete ascites, and in cases of capillary bronchitis, with emphysema, accom�panied by much dyspnoea ; in pulmonary phthisis, especially when complicated by pneumonia and marked with difficult breathing ; in gestation, when sufficiently advanced to occasion an habitual congestion of the kidneys, owing to an impeded abdominal circu�lation ; and in such states of the system in which a very incom�plete respiration causes a marked diminution of combustion. The urine is also albuminous in cyanosis of whichever nature it may be; in affections of the heart, when they exist in such a degree as to keep the patient in a state of semi-asphyxia ; and, of course, in such cases where an obstacle to the circulation of the blood, or a malformation of the heart, prevents the hsemato-sis from being as rapid as under ordinary circumstances. The urine is likewise albuminous in idiopathic or traumatic lesions of the nervous centres, which cause a lowering of temperature, and thereby a marked decrease of combustion; in diabetes, a disease where very often a lesion of the nervous centre seems to be the

THE MODEEN HOESE DOCTOR.

117

crt'go mali ; where the great abundance of sugar in the blood seems to be an obstacle to the combustion of albumen; and where, finally, the natural heat is lowered by one or two degrees with patients who are severely affected. The urine is albumi�nous in that kind of nervous exhaustion which characterizes the state of frame called lumbago, which exhaustion must be con�nected with a great diminution of calorification and slow com�bustion. The urine is likewise albuminous in consequence of severe exposure to cold of a large surface of the body. Finally, Bright's disease, where the urine is always albuminous and anaemic, is especially attributed to many of the causes which have been above enumerated as capable of exciting the passage of albumen into the urine.

quot; The author continues by stating that some useful data may be obtained from comparative physiology. As a general rule, the urine of the common mammalia and of birds contains no al�bumen. Among reptiles, on the other hand, the batrachia, so remarkable for the low temperature of their animal heat, yield urine in which albumen is always to be found. It now remains to be proved, says M. Robin, that the urine becomes albumi�nous under the influence of such agents as interfere in a marked degree with slow combustion. The author then adduces the folowing conclusions: �

quot; When the activity of the combustion which takes place in the blood is too feeble to bum the whole of the albumen which, in the normal state, should be consumed in a given time, the gen�eral vitality is diminished, and thus more or less albumen is al�lowed to pass unaltered into the urine, viz., just so much organic matter as escapes the transformation into urea or uric acid. The proportion of urea contained in albuminous urine should, therefore, be smaller than it is found in normal urine, and such is found to be the case in the following diseases, the only ones, according to the author, in which experiments have been made, viz., pulmonary phthisis, diseases of cerebro-spinal axis, exlaquo; tensive and acute bronchitis, with intense dyspnoea, and Bright's disease.quot; � Perciva�.

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PROFUSE STALING. � {Diabetes imipidtts.)

Profuse staling�when there is an immoderate flow of urine of its usual color and odor � is technically named diabetes insipidus ; but we doubt very much if it can with propriety be considered as a disease, for mere augmentation of urine can be brought about at pleasure; we have only to give the animal a dose of gin, juniper, or sweet spirits of nitre, or let him drink large quantities of water, as animals sometimes will when thirsty, and then let the subject stand in a cold place; an immoderate flow of urine generally follows.

On p. 345 of Hippopathohgy, we read that quot;simple aug�mentation of urinary discbarges, without any material change in the composition of the urine, is the effect of a multitude of causes, some of an alimentary, others of a medicinal, and others again of a nervous nature, and, when but temporary, cannot be viewed in the light of disease. Every horseman knows how very often certain kinds of hay and corn cause horses to stale more than they ought to do, and that drinking a large quantity even of plain water will produce the same result. Medicines called urine balk, or diuretics, are given for the especial purpose of increasing the urine. But nervousness will likewise do it; fright, or anxiety of almost any kind, will make a horse stale inordinately; how frequently do we see hunters at the covert side, when the hounds are about quot;finding,quot; staling or continually stretching themselves out to do so; and I have seen horses having wounds commence staling the moment the twitch was put on, from the remembrance that it was the prelude to some painful cutting or dressing they had undergone before.quot;

The horse has four depuratory surfaces, viz., the skin, lungs, digestive surface, and kidneys; in health, and under favorable circumstances, there is an equilibrium of action in these parts, that is, a constant exercise of function, eliminating from the com�mon mass of the fluids, such as would be injurious if retained. But exposed as horses are to sudden atmospheric changes, the harmony between the above functions is disturbed so as to pro�duce essential changes in quality as well as quantity of the fluid

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119

eliminated. Diminution in function, or suppressed cutaneous exhalation, excites instinctive movements in the tissues of kindred functions, and thus the discharge from the kidneys may be very large.

This author has long since, and continues, to discountenance any unnecessary medication, believing that it is the duty of every physician to know when to do nothing�quot;let well alone.quot; la a case of this character, when it has only existed for a short time, and there be no perceptible alteration in the health of the animal, medicine is actually unnecessary.

Strict attention, however, should be paid to stable management; if the animal is located in a stable or barn, the temperature of which is much below that of the body,* let him be removed to a warmer place, and clothed with a blanket, if necessary; the more fluid we draw from the surface, the less will there be left for the kidneys to eliminate; and this cannot be accomplished without heat.

Attention must also be given to the quality of the food, and water; the former must be of the best kind, and the latter pure and fresh. Changes in the kind of food will often be of benefit.

INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDEB___(Ct/slitea.)

Inflammation of the bladder is not in all cases to be considered as a primary disease, but arises in consequence of disease in the adjacent parts, or from calculi within its cavity. The urine may

* quot; Every impression of cold admitted to the surface below the point of tem�perature that the subject has been accustomed to, instantly withdraws from the body a just proportion of its caloric; and as this is taken away, so in proportion there is an assault made on the regularity of the functional exercise: although it may not amount to disease, yet the system is more exposed to other hurtful agents.

quot; The effect of incompatible degrees of cold is to condense and contract the dermoid tissue, to embarrass the exhalations on the surface. When incompati�ble degrees of cold are often reapplied, and followed suddenly by heat, the tissues acquire an increase of sensibility, by which they are more likely to be acted on by a subsequent exposure, and indeed to other exciting causes. Hence arises a state of predisposition, and cold in this instance becomes merely a remote cause of disease. But remote causes rarely produce active disease with�out some exciting cause, and on a repetition of the exposure to cold, it may become the exciting cause.quot;.� Gallup.

120

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

FEMALE ORGANS OF GENERATION,

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also become acrimonious, from perverted function in the skin and lungs, and thus set up disease in the bladder.

The symptoms of this disorder somewhat resemble those of nephritis: the patient will be seen to make frequent attempts to void urine, at the same time suffering from pain, and only suc�ceeding in passing a few drops at a time. The usual feverish symptoms are always present while the parts are inflamed.

Treatment. � There is very little chance of removing this dis�order by the fleam, nor can it be removed by diuretics: we must endeavor to establish an equal circulation throughout the entire system, by warmth externally, and relaxing medicines given internally. The vapor bath, which has been so successfully intro�duced in. human practice, and to a limited extent in veterinary, is an efficient relaxant of the tissues, and promotes both exhalation and absorption. The medicines to be given internally are, �

1.nbsp; Nauseards. A compound of equal parts of lobelia and bloodroot in drachm doses, given at intervals of a few hours, is well calculated to diminish the vibratory action of the heart and arteries, and thus relaxes the tissues so as to induce a free circu�lation of blood.

2.nbsp; nbsp;Cathartics. Should the horse be plethoric, or labor under the least symptom of constipation, they are indicated, for they not only diminish the contents of the digestive canal, but the whole of the vascular tissues.

3.nbsp; Lvbricants. These-are always indicated in case of inflamed mucous surfaces; a decoction of mashmallows is probably the best for diseases of the urinary organs. It follows, then, that if the function of the skin be restored by the above means, the bowels kept loose, the mucous surfaces lubricated, and the urine diluted, the patient may soon recover.

EXPLANATION OF CUT. �FEMALE OEGANS.

1.nbsp; Descending or posterior portion of the vena cava and its bifurcations.

2.nbsp; Descending or posterior portion of the great aorta � great artery�and its bifurcations.

3.nbsp; Supra renal capsules.

4.nbsp; Kidneys.

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5.nbsp; Ureters, through -nrhich the urine passes to the bladder.

6.nbsp; Bladder severed from its ureters.

7.nbsp; Ovaries.

8.nbsp; Broad ligaments.

9.nbsp; Fallopian tubes.

10.nbsp; Comua or horns.

11.nbsp; Frimbrise of the fallopian tubes.

12.nbsp; Body of the uterus.

13.nbsp; Labia pudendi reflected over to show the vaginal membrane. It. Emulgent arteries.

SUPPRESSION OF VBISB. � (Stmngunj, Ischuria, Dyauria.)

quot;When a horse attempts to urinate, and a few drops only pass at a time, the case is termed strangury or dysuria.

A total suppression of urine is termed ischuria.

Strangury and retention are generally termed by stablemen quot; stoppage,quot; or quot; stoppage of water;quot; and it is no uncommon thing to see horses, while laboring under an attack of colic, una�ble to urinate; in such cases, the stricture at the neck of the bladder, or at whatever part of the urinary channel it may exist, is the result of sympathetic action with the muscular or nervous tissues of the alimentary organs; so that, if we relieve the patient of colic, and subdue the inflammatory symptoms of the one class of organs, the others are almost sure to resume their function. Suppression of urine is so common an attendant with colic, that often what amounts to a mere retention only is consid�ered the disease, and the unfortunate creature is dosed with diu�retics, which may increase the urinary secretion to the risk of life, but have no power over the paralytic or rigid state of the bladder.

Those who are in the habit of treating colic must have noticed that the moment a horse gets relief, � that is, when the accumu�lated gas evacuates the abdominal channel, the feces come away, and the worst symptoms subside, � then the urine passes off freely� a sure sign of a quick recovery, and positive proof that the urinary organs were not primarily affected.

The causes which give rise to strangury are numerous; disease of the kidneys or any part of their associate organs may, either directly or indirectly, produce it; paralysis, tonic spasm, pressure

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on the neck of the bladder from hardened faeces or from an accu�mulation of gas within the rectum, urinary calculi, and powerful diuretics,�all tend to produce suppression and retention of urine.

Let the reader understand that the manner in which the urine is voided is modified by many other diseases as well as colic. In some of them the secretion may be so scanty as to lead to the supposition of strangury or retention, when in fact the blad�der is not distended beyond its healthy capacity. Simple reten�tion of urine within the bladder may arise from some physical obstacle within the urethra; this must not, however, be confounded with suppression, which implies that the secretion within the kidneys is suspended. We have seen horses in this state, and, on examining the parts, have found the orifice of the urethra occupied by a hard substance termed by horsemen a quot; bean,quot; on the removal of which the urine has soon after passed in a free and full stream. This quot; beanquot; is formed from the secretion and filth that usually accumulates about a horse's penis.

A diminution of the urinary discharge, approaching almost to retention, accompanies hydrothorax and other dropsical aflfections.

Dr. Good considers retention of the urine a common symptom in all affections attended with coma, and also in diseases of the nervous system.

The author wishes to have the reader bear in mind that retention of urine, so often confounded with suppression, is more generally the effect rather than a cause of disease.

Any one, by making a simple examination per rectum, can easily ascertain if the case be one of suppression or of simple retention. Let the hand be introduced within the rectum; and if the bladder be found empty, there is evidently suppression, whereas,-if the bladder be large and full, occupying considerable space within the pelvis, it is a case of retention.

Treatment. � Suppression of urine must be treated according to its indications; the cause must be sought for, and, if possible, removed. Assafoetida, uva ursi, and cream of tartar are good to increase the secretion when the kidneys permit of augmenta�tion. But on the whole, the safest plan will be to consult a vet erinary surgeon.

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Eetention of urine may generally be relieved by introducing a gum elastic catheter through the urethra into the bladder, or by simply removing any obstruction that may exist within the former.

Cases now and then occur in which, from some obstruction within the urethra, the catheter cannot be introduced; we have never met with such a case, however, but have generally suc�ceeded � though for some time baffled � through the means of patience and a well-oiled catheter, in accomplishing our object.

In case of failing to reach the bladder with the flexible cathe�ter, there are two operations proposed, one or the other of which is now and then performed. One is called cutting through the perinseum* into the urethra. The operation is performed by first introducing a catheter within the urethra, which must be pushed forward until it can be felt in the perinjeum. A whale�bone staff, flattened and grooved at the end, is preferred by sur�geons to the former. The next step in the operation is to make an incision through the integuments and subcellular tissue into' the urethra; the bladder can then be reached and its contents evacuated through a straight or slightly curved hollow tube. The gum elastic catheter used on the human subject may answer in laquo;lieu of a better article.

The other operation referred to is termed quot; tapping the blad�der.quot; There are two methods of performing this ; one consists in puncturing the bladder through the walls of the rectum, and the other consists in penetrating the bladder through the muscles of the abdomen. Either method is attended with some danger, even when practised by men of great veterinary acquire�ments. The author considers puncturing the bladder after this fushiod equivalent to a sentence of death. The former opera�tion, provided an operation be needed, is the most safe, and can be performed by any one possessing a knowledge of surgical anatomy. If the case is evidently one that can be medicinally relieved, give the following: �

* Perinanim, the space just below the anus, defined in the mare as the space between the anus and varfna.

THE MODEEN HOKSE DOCTOE.

125

Balsam copaiba.......A ounce,

Sweet spirits of nitre, .... 2 drachms, Flaxseed tea........1 pint.

Mares are not subject to this difficulty.

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE CAVITY AND ITS SURFACES.

BOTS.

The following cut is a representation of a cluster of bots found in the stomach of a horse after death. quot;We were informed by the owner that the horse had for several months been subject to staggers, (vertigo.) During this period, his appetite failed, and the animal gradually lost flesh, and was at last unable to perform the least work without profuse perspiration. Finally, the horse lost so much flesh that he .appeared like a walking skeleton, and the owner ordered him to be killed. Being in the vicinity at the time of death, we made a post mortem examination, and found the bots as represented. The internal surface of the stomach and alimentary canal was blanched, indicating indigestion. The lungs, spleen, liver, and kidneys were in a comparatively normal state. The external appearances were decidedly those of gen�eral emaciation, and, in our humble opinion, the horse, by a judicious system of medication, might have been saved. quot; The horse had been doctored for bots,quot; without any regard to the general health, which should have been improved by the use of tonics, stimulants, and alteratives, after which vermifuges might have been ventured on. If the bots, as we suspect, presented in part only a mechanical obstruction to the passage of food into the stomach, his strength might have been preserved by a daily allowance of flour gruel and by nutritious injections. The bots, generally speaking, are not so troublesome to horses as people seem to suppose; for it is very rare, in making post mortem ex�aminations, that we do not find more or less in the stomach. We have heard some wonderful stories related of the bots burrowing 11 *

12G

THE MODERN HORSK DOCTOR.

Fiff.l.

Fig. 6.

Fig. i, letter a. The eggs of the gadfly adhering to the hair of the horse.

Fig. 2, letter 6. The eggs as seen through a magnifying glass.

Fig. 3. A bot in the progressive stage of development.

Fig. 4. A full-grown bot, detached.

Fig. 4 The female gadfly.

Fig. 6. Cut of the horse's stomach.

quot; quot; letter a. The gullet, or oesophagus, extending to the stomach;__

i, 6, the margin which separates the cuticular from the villous coats of the stomach:�c, the entrance of the gullet into the stomach ; �d, d, the cuticu�lar portion of the stomach; � e, the communication between the stomach and first intestines; �f, f, f, the villous or raucous portion of the stomach, in which the food is principally digested.

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through the walls of the stomach. This we deny in toto, at least while the horse is alive. The little creature is too comfortably located to attempt its exit into a cavity where its destruction would be inevitable. If it be about to vacate its stronghold, instinct teaches it the most safe and expeditious route, which is the alimentary canal. We do not deny that bots are found in the abdominal cavity, for the moment the horse dies all the various organs are subject to the laws of decomposition. Chemical action, which, during life, was regulated by the vital forces, now assumes the supremacy. Those powerful solvents termed the gastric fluids, which had previously dissolved nothing but food, now act on the stomach itself, and hasten its decomposition; and what had previously been good food for bots is now their bane, and they must themselves in turn be destroyed unless they escape from it. The peristaltic motion of the alimentary canal, which, during the existence of the horse, was so favorable to their exit by that channel, has ceased. They are too well acquainted with the in�tricate, labyrinthian outlet, (their usual route,) to attempt its passage. No. The same energies of one eternal mind,

quot; Pervading and instructing all that Irre,quot;

suggests the only means of escape. The stomach now offering but little opposition to them, being partly decomposed, they burst their prison-house, and hence are found in the abdominal cavity. And here they may be said to have jumped quot; from the frying pan into the fire.quot; quot;We are frequently called upon to visit sick horses, said to have the quot; bots,quot; when there is no more connection between them and the disease than there is between the horse and the anvil on which his shoes are forged. It is all very well for us to say quot; a horse has the bots,quot; and prescribe some medicine for their expulsion; but there is no practical advantage gained; neither is the horse benefited by such decision or treatment. For most of the remedies used as vermifuges would kill the horse, while the former would not be injured in the slightest degree. Mr. Bracey Clark says, quot; The slowness of the growth of bots, and the purity of their food, which is probably the chyle, must occasion what they receive in a given time to be proportionably small; from which, perhaps, arises the extreme difficulty of de-

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stroying them by any medicine or poison thrown into the stomach. After opium had been administered to a horse laboring under locked jaw for a week, in doses of one ounce every day, bots were found in the stomach perfectly alive. Tobacco has been employed in much larger quantities in the same complaint, and has also been continued without destroying them.quot; Mr. White, V. S., says, quot;While making experiments on glanders, I found living bots in the stomach of a horse, though he had been taking, for many days, arsenic and corrosive sublimate.quot; * Mr. Elaine says, quot; that he has kept them alive for some days in olive oil, and in oil of turpentine, and that even the nitrous and sulphuric acids do not immediately destroy them.quot; The history and habits of the bot are thus alluded to by Mr. Clark: quot; Bots are not, prop�erly speaking, worms, but the larvae of the gadfly, which deposits its eggs on the horse's coat in such a manner as that they shall be received into his stomach, and then become bots. When the female fly has become impregnated, and the eggs are sufficiently matured, she seeks among the horses a subject for her purpose, and approaching it on the wing, she holds her body nearly up�right in the air, and her tail, which is lengthened for the purpose, carried inwards and upwards. In quot;this way she approaches the part where she designs to deposit the eggs, and suspending her�self for a few seconds before it, suddenly darts upon it, and leaves the egg adhering to the hair by means of a glutinous liquor se�creted with it. She then leaves the horse at a small distance, and prepares the second egg; and poising herself before the part, deposits it in the same way; the liquor dries, and the egg becomes firmly glued to the hair. This is repeated by various flies, till four or five hundred eggs are sometimes deposited on one horse. They are usually deposited on the legs, side, and back of the ahoulder�those parts most exposed to be licked by the animal: in licking, the eggs adhere to the tongue, and are carried into the

* Very nice articles to experiment with, truly! And yet we are sorry to say that experiments � for they cannot he called any thing else � are daily macle in this city with agents whose therapeutic powers are so diversified that the wisest of the faculty have never ventured to fix limits to their action. They are like the torch in the hands of an incendiary. The healthy parts must suffer equally with the diseased.

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; 129

horse's stomach in the act of swallowing. The bots attach them�selves to the horse's stomach, and are sometimes, though less frequently, found in the first intestine. The number varies con�siderably ; sometimes there are not half a dozen, at others they exceed a hundred. They are fixed by the small end to the inner coat of the stomach, to which' they attach themselves by means of two hooks.quot;

Cure. � It has been remarked that no effectual remedy has ever been discovered for the cure of bots. Yet we venture to say that, in nine cases out of ten, if the animal be permitted to run a short time at grass, when the hot has attained its full growth, and is capable of exercising an independent life, it will detach itself from the stomach and pass off with the excre�ment. quot;We have frequently brought away large quantities of bots during the administration of the following articles, and we do not hesitate to recommend them as safe and efficient. As a vermifuge, they are unrivalled; at the same time they restore the tone of the digestive organs.

Compound for the Expulsion of Bots.

Powdered male fern..........nbsp; nbsp; 2 ounces,

*'nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;poplar bark,........nbsp; nbsp; 4. **

White mustard seed,.........nbsp; nbsp; 2 quot;

Common salt,............nbsp; nbsp; 6 quot; .

Sulphur,.............nbsp; nbsp; 3 quot;

Powdered aloes,...........nbsp; nbsp; 1 ounce.

Mix; divide into eighteen powders, and give one, night and morning, in the food.

The animal should have a daily allowance of green food if the season permits.

The author of Hippopathology writes, quot; It has been conjec�tured that bots might prove serviceable to the animal by aiding the cuticular coat in the trituration of the food. That Nature should have created an animal, and designed it as an inhabitant of the stomach of another animal, without some good, but, I sus�pect, unknown end, I think, in unison with others, highly im�probable� irreconcilable with her other beautiful and more readily explained operations ; I am, however, for my own part, unable to draw up the curtain which is here interposed between fact and design.

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quot; Supposing that bots in some way or other do good rather than hurt, surely we cannot be solicitous about removing them; for though we are unable to demonstrate their beneficial influ�ence, we may, from all the circumstances arrived at, at least assert thai they in general are not injurious. Howbeit, we cannot per�suade the world so; and, therefore, we must be prepared to meet the complaints of persons who come to us, at certain seasons, and say that their horses have worms, which must be got rid of� with a remedy for that purpose. Should any other malady exist at the time, no matter what, its origin will commonly be traced to the presence of these mischievous vermin.quot;

As far as our experience goes, we have no faith in medicine to expel bots, yet we have seen them voided with the excrement two or three times while the patients were under the influence of a dose of physic; the bots, however, were full grown. Dr. Clark thus reasons on the subject: quot; We can, it is true, force the medicine down a horse's throat, but we cannot afterwards get it into the throat of the worm, who is placed in his own element, and can refuse the food that does not suit him.quot;

The nit or egg can easily be got rid of by greasing the horse's hair, and then rubbing it with a coarse cloth, or by applying warm water, which loosens their hold on the hair.

ON THE HORSE'S STOMACH.

Comparing the size of the stomach with that of the horse, we find it less capacious than in some other herbivorous animals. The ox, for example, has a most complex form of stomach, con�taining four distinct cavities, through all of which the food has to pass ere it can be properly digested. In sheep, also, we find a similarly complex form of stomach; this admits the food as fast as the animal can crop it, from whence it is returned to the mouth to be masticated at leisure.

The capacity of a horse's stomach varies in proportion to the size of the animal; thus in a small horse it is about eight quarts, and in one of large proportions it sometimes exceeds thirty. It is occasionally dilated to an extraordinary size. A case came under our observation, a short time ago, of dilated stomach, the

THE MODERN IIOKSK DOCTOR.

131

subject of which died from inflammation of the stomach and bowels. The owner labored under the impression that his horse had been poisoned, and, in order to satisfy his curiosity, employed us to make a post mortem examination. The mystery was soon solved. On exposing the stomach, it appeared about as large as two ordinary ones ; and after cutting into it, out tumbled about half a bushel of stuff resembling brown sawdust, but which turned out to be brown bread ! The animal had been regularly fed for many months on brown bread, mouldy or not, just as it happened; he was the constant subject of colic, in consequence of which the stomach bad probably become gradually dilated by distention from gas, until acute disease terminated his existence.

Mr. Gamee, in his Descriptive Anatomy of the Abdominal Viscera of the Horse, quotes from a paper written by M. Colin. Ha found the stomach of a very small horse to contain only nine quarts, while in one of colossal dimensions the stomach held thirty-three quarts.

The stomach, therefore, not only varies in size with the dimen�sions of the horse, but also as to whether it be full or empty, adapting itself generally to the amount of food taken.

The horse's stomach is composed of four coats; the first or external one is a part of the membrane which covers the whole of the abdominal contents, called peritoneum. This is termed the laquo;erows coat of the stomach. The second coat is called the muscular; it is composed of three layers � inner, outer, and middle. These run in various directions, give strength, and admit of a complicated muscular motion which greatly facilitates digestion.

The outer layer of muscular fibres is a continuation of the longitudinal ones of the oesophagus.

The fibres of the middle layer embrace the stomach in circles; they admit of considerable contraction and relaxation, and are very powerful as they approach the lower orifice of that organ.

The third or inner layer of -fibres runs in an oblique direction. The third coat of the stomach corresponds to the cellular tissue under the skin of man ; it serves to connect the parts together, and acts as a medium for the transmission of blood vessels ; and being soft and cushion-like, protects them from injury or pressure.

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The fourth or internal coat of the stomach corresponds to the mucous membrane of other organs ; its upper or cardiac portion is protected by a thick cuticular layer, supposed to be insensible, like that found within the gizzard of the feathered tribe. This membrane is a prolongation of the external covering of the body into its interior; its walls pour out or secrete a fluid which acts upon the foodlaquo; in such a manner as to dissolve it; and through its walls is also absorbed a portion of the food which is destined for the support of the system.

This cuticular covering of the stomach, to which we find the bets attached, terminates about midway. The other half, termed the villotis, from its glistening aspect, extends to the pyloric ori�fice, where it gathers into a fold, forming a kind of valve. This valve opens and shuts by the muscular relaxations and contrac�tions of the stomach and diaphragm, and permits the food, when reduced to a fluid form, to pass into the first intestine.

The villous coat of the stomach, being thickly studded with blood vessels and nerves, is highly susceptible of irritation; it is distinguished from the cuticular portion by its red, glistening appearance, and by being coated with a thick mucus.

It is a fact of great practical importance to the farmer to know that the gastric fluid, secreted by the glands and follicles of the villous coat of the stomach, is the real solvent of the food, and that a certain quantity can only act on a limited amount of food; therefore if a horse, from a depraved appetite, takes more food into his stomach than the gastric fluid can dissolve, it remains there undigested, a source of irritation and mischief. The amount of gastric juice secreted at any one time is not in pro�portion to the amount of food in the stomach, but to the wants of the system ; so that if a horse be fed without any regard to quantity, occupying twenty out of the twenty-four hours in cram�ming his digestive organs, and the evil goes on increasing with every addition to their cavities, disease sooner or later must man�ifest itself, or else the animal becomes a depraved feeder, and living, yet half dead, drags out a miserable existence. These depraved feeders � often made so by want of foresight on the part of their owners � are to be found under all circumstances and among every variety of breed ; which fact argues a general

THE MODEKN HORSE DOCTOR.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;133

want of knowledge on the part of horsemen regarding the phys�iological action of the stomach. If a man ever becomes intem�perate, it is generally from habit, and the same may be said of the horse. Those who have experienced the cravings of a depraved appetite can sympathize with the four-footed creature, who, after devouring his provender, sets to work on the bedding, and finishes his meal from the boards which compose the stall and crib. A very extraordinary case of a depraved feeder is recorded by a French veterinary surgeon: quot; Neither manger, nor rack, nor the fragments of the bars escaped him : he gnawed his halter, and licked the walls, and ate up all the earth he could get at. He was a confirmed crib-biter and roarer. For many years he had been subject to violent colics, which became latterly more and more frequent. In one of these paroxysms, at last, he died. There were found in his stomach, after death, four pounds and a half of earth and sand. He had, as was learned after�wards, escaped from his groom on the morning of the day he died, and galloped to the riding school, where he was found eating the earth and sand composing the floor. A brass wire, about the size of a knitting needle, and eight or nine inches long, was found sticking in the intestines, through whose walls it had penetrated, and had run into the lumbar muscles.quot;

Foreign bodies are sometimes found in the stomachs of horses after death, which do not seem to occasion much inconvenience during life; thus many hundred hots have been found within that cavity without the subject being at all incommoded by them. The stomach terminates in that part known as its pyloric outlet, or inferior portion, from whence commences the duodenum, known as the second stomach. See cut of the stomach and intestines.

INIXAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. �(Stfer�is.)

Cause. � This disease arises under circumstances so wholly dissimilar, that different and even opposite causes are assigned to the same affection; that is to say, different causes appear to produce the same results. Thus inflammation of the bowels may supervene immediately after exposure in a rain storm, or from 12

134

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

the application of cold water to the surface; also from the pres�ence of some irritating substance within the alimentary canal. Sudden change of diet, from dry to green feed, has often, appar�ently, produced this malady. In each case the apparent cause is somewhat different, and the disease may have had some common antecedent; as, for example, a congestion of the blood vessels of the alimentary canal. Therefore it is very difficult to determine, in every case of disease, what are the direct causes; yet we may safely conclude that in many such there previously existed in the system a peculiar predisposition, or, in other words, loss of vitality, ere the disease then present could have manifested itself.

Mr. Percivall thus alludes to the causes: quot; The causes of enteritis are both numerous and various. We have seen that colic may give rise to it. Constipation may be viewed in the light both of cause and effect in its relation to it. Collected hardened feces must naturally not only of themselves he irritative, but ob�structive and subversive of the functions of the bowels, and in either one or the other way may lay the foundation for an attack of inflammation. Certain kinds of indigestible food, calculous bodies, irritating matter of any sort, within the bowels, may cause an inflammation of them. Obstruction of any of their passages�whether it be from the lodgment and immovableness of the matters they contain, or from entanglement of the intes�tines, or jntus-susception � must in the end occasion inflammation. Over-fatigue, and consequent excessive irritation in the bowels, will bring it on. * * *

quot; Cold, from exposure, and skin wetted while hot, and so forth, is commonly entered high up on the list of the causes of enteritis, and, perhaps, with propriety. I must confess I have not met with so many cases from this as from other causes.quot;

Symptoms. � There is some analogy between the symptoms of this disease and colic; there is, however, one marked feature of the case which enables us to diagnose the disease with some degree of certainty, for when inflammation has fairly set in, there is little, if any, remission of pain; whereas, in colic, the pains are of a spas�modic character, so that the animal at times is quite easy. The pulse, in inflammation of the bowels, is full, firm, and quick, in�creasing in beat and volume as the disease increases in intensity.

THE BIODERN HORSE DOCTOR.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;135

The patient evinces pain when even the slightest pressure is made on the walls of the abdomen; the belly is quite tense; and drawn up towards the h.ps. On moving the horse, he groans, indicative ot pam, and looks anxiously towards the flanks. When lyin-down, he stretches himself out at full length, throws his head back! and paws wuh-the fore feet; sometimes he sweats profusely a^

wfr ^ ^ar0U.^Dd ^the ^neck; ^chanlP^s ^and Srinds the teeth together; the nostnls are dilated, and respirations hurried- at times the urine trickles away from the urethra involuntarily, and the feces are hard, and often covered with slime; the eyes appear bnght, glassy, and the pupils are dilated. In the last stais of h.s pamful malady, a cold sweat stands on the body; occasional tremors set in ; the lips hang pendulous; the limbs, ears, and lips feel death-hke; and death soon puts an end to the scene.

Treatment.-In relation to the treatment of this disease, we remark, that most practitioners recommend, more or less, the ab-s racoon of blood. Dr. White says, quot;Seven or eight quarts of blood may be taken with safety, and if no relief is given in tha course of a few hours, five quarts more may be drawn away.quot; Most wnters, in fact, place the greatest reliance on the fleam for subdumg ^m^. quot;The first and grand thing to be done is, to let bbod from the jugular vein to the utmost extent the patient will bear; the blood can should not be taken from the neck until evident prostration demands it. Should this come on prematurely

.TrT'T_l^Sh0Uld ^the ^h0rSe ^Stagger ^and ^aPP^ear ^fa^ from loss' of blood, although but a few pints have flowed,_pin up the vein

and administer to him his drench and an injection; and then

should his strength seem revived, have recourse once more to the

fleam ; for blood he must lose, and in large quantities; upon that

mainly, depends his vecwvj.quot; ~ Mppopathology, vol. ii. p 251'

Let the reader omit the bloodletting, and have recourse, if the'

nature of the case requires it, to a drench and injection, together

with such other restorative means as we shall recommend, and

there w.U be no need of abstracting blood. As a single illustration

ot the truth of this proposition, we merely refer to the fact, that

during nine years' practice in the city of Boston, the author of this'

work has never in a single case of this, or any other form of dis-

ease, had recourse to the practice of bloodletting. And the reader

13Gnbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

can infer from the fact that we get a comfortable living, that our

practice is, to say the least, somewhat successful � for were it otherwise, we should not enjoy the confidence and patronage of so many kind friends who have stood by us in our efforts to reform the abuses that have crept into the practice of veterinary medicine.

Practitioners seem sometimes to forget what Dr. Dixon is so anxious to impress on their memories, viz.: quot; Nature is ever busy, by the silent operation of her own forces, in curing disease. Her medicines are air, warmth, food, water, and sleep. Their use is directed by instinct; and that man is most worthy the name of physician who most reveres its unerring laws.quot; Now, it is a well-known fact that the drawing of blood from a vein, though it lessens the volume of that fluid, does not mend the matter; quot; for it does not act directly on the diseased part; the action is only indirect;quot; therefore it is imperfect, and positively injurious � injurious, because quot; blood is the fuel that keeps the lamp of life burning: if the fuel be withdrawn, the vital spark is extin�guished.quot;

The fact of bloodletting having been practised from time im�memorial, for the cure of this or any other disease, is certainly not a clear proof of its utility, nor is it sufficient recommendation that it may be practised with safety; for quot; no man, however wise, can tell how much blood ought to be taken in a given case.quot;

The indication of cure in inflammation of the bowels is, to equalize the circulation, and remove irritation and obstructions to vital action. This we accomplish by the aid of natural and medi�cinal antispasmodics, such as we shall recommend. They are simple, but efficient. We do not depend on their strength or power to produce given results, such as follow the exhibition of aloes, antimony, amp;c., {where we judge of the value of such agent simply by its effects, without reference to the injury done to deli�cate membranes.) The great secret is, to select such agents as shall produce a change, or, in other words, act in concert with the uncompromising laws of nature. Unfortunately, the medical world, as well as horsemen and farmers, have been accustomed to judge of the power of a remedy by its effects, and not in pro�portion to its ultimate good. Thus, if a pound of salts be given to a horse or cow, and they produce liquid stools, � operate well,

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�they are styled a good medicine, althougK they shall leave the mucous surfaces of the alimentary canal in a weak state, and otherwise impair the digestive function ; yet this is a secondary consideration. For if the symptoms of the present malady, for which the salts are given, shall disappear, nothing is thought of the after consequences. The animal may be constipated for several succeeding days, and finally refuse its food, and ultimately die ; but who suspects that the salts were the cause of such result ? If ever symptoms are altered by medicinal agents, they should be for the better.

It will be seen, then, that bloodletting is resorted to in view of a prostrating or sedative effect, which can be more sanatively brought about under the more rational use of laxative medicines. Purgatives, however, cannot always be given with safety in inflam�mation of the bowels, because they might tend to augment the previous irritability of the alimentary canal. A dose of cathartic medicine may, however, be mixed with lubricants, � for example, slippery-elm, mucilage of gum arable, or olive oil,�so as to defend the sensitive parts, and at the same time not deprive the medicine of its cathartic properties.

After having ascertained the case to be one of enteritis, we administer the following: �

Linseed oil.........8 ounces,

Lime water,........2 ounces.

Another: -

Epsom salts,........8 ounces,

Tiini

Thin gruel,........1 quart,

Another:

Pulverized aloes,......4 drachms.

Mucilage of slippery elm, ... 1 pint.

Another: -

Common salt,.......6 ounces,

Warm water,.......1 pint.

Frequent injections are to be given until the bowels respond; and if after a reasonable time they should not do so, one of the above prescriptions,quot; in about half the proportion, may be ventured on; yet it is best not to be too hasty, for super-purgation induced by active cathartics would be equivalent to a sentence of death. 12*

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A handful of common salt to three quarts of tepid water forms a very good injection.

Whether the medicine be repeated or not, there is no safety nor ease for the patient until the irritating faeces have passed off. quot;With a view then of diffusing the medicine, and diluting the hard�ened mass within, diluting drinks should be allowed; if the patient has no inclination to drink, some warm water must be poured down; at any rate, it will do no harm, for warm water is nauseat�ing, and of course relaxing, therefore is a valuable antispasmodic.

Some practitioners resort to counter irritants, as mustard em�brocations, tincture of cantharides, amp;c. The former is prepared by mixing it to a proper consistency with hot vinegar; the latter, by steeping powdered cantharides in spirits of turpentine. Still we think that warmth and moisture, in the form of warm water and flannel bandages applied to the abdomen, and renewed often, will fulfil every necessary indication.

We believe that counter irritation, in the form of external applications, does more good when applied to parts remote than when made in the vicinity of the morbid phenomena, as in the malady we are now treating of.

Hence warm water must be faithfully applied; yet in order to derive any benefit from it, the process of evaporation must be somewhat checked, by winding dry sheets over the wet flannels: this insures, comparatively speaking, a more equal temperature of the parts, and tends to relax the capillary vessels.

At times, especially when the patient is in great pain, fomen�tations of hops will be found of great benefit, for they are consid�ered anodyne�soothing; and an occasional drench of hop tea may be given, instead of opium, which some practitioners recom�mend. Hop tea may be thus made: �

Hops,..........2 ounces,

Boiling water........1 quart.

Pour the boiling water upon the hops: when cool, strain and sweeten with honey.

The diet should consist, during the inflammatory stage, of thin slippery-elm gruel. After the acute symptoms have subsided, hay tea, thickened with oatmeal, may be allowed. To relieve

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pain and tranquillize the nervous system, give a dose, as occasion may require, of tincture of Indian hemp {canabis sativus indicus), one fluid drachm to a pint of warm water, two or three times a day. Diluted tincture of arnica, one ounce of tincture to a pint of water, has a good effect to lessen the pulse, and moderate inflammation.

INFLAM1IATION OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS.� {Gastro-enteriiis.')

This is a complicated disease, attended with considerable danger, and requires some knowledge of pathology in order to detect it when occurring in an animal destitute of the power of speech. The disease, probably, first manifests itself in the stomach, and, as it progresses, involves the inner membrane of the intestines, and from thence shifts to various parts of the system. From the fol�lowing remarks by D'Arboval, who is considered the best authority on this subject, such an idea seems very plausible: quot; quot;With other phenomena, preceding these, becomes united, in both forms of the disease, and in every case, more or less disorder of the functions of other organs. Divers phlegmonous complications make their appearance in other parts of the digestive apparatus and its de�pendencies�in the mucous membrane of the air passages, in the brain, in the urinary passages, in the organs of generation, and even, at times, in the skin. The sur-excitation of the mucous membrane of the mouth may be regarded as sympathetic, for it increases or diminishes in the same ratio as the gastro-enteritic disorder itself does. According as the attack is sudden or pro�tracted, this membrane is dry or clammy; the tongue rarely preserves its natural complexion and humidity; it has a more or less bright-red aspect, particularly towards its point and border; its papillae and mucous follicles are more or less developed; its surface, blanched, white, or yellowish, is covered with a blackish epidermoid crust; the organ acquires volume and firmness, and exhibits sometimes along its under surface phlyctsena, or else ulcerations more or less deep and extensive. In opening horses that have died, points of inflammation have been detected upon the pharynx and oesophagus ; sometimes even aphth% are found

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at the bottom of the mouth: I have seen them in many horses. The large intestines are sometimes inflamed, and even on some occasions the margin of the anus may be observed to have grown red. The liver, with its peritoneal covering and excretory ducts, participate in this same excitation. Gastro-enteritis rarely ex�ists in intensity for any time without reacting upon the mucous membrane of the respiratory passages, producing that sympa�thetic phlegmasia which is known by a sort of rale; by a pain�ful state of the throat and upper part of tBe windpipe; by embar�rassed respiration ; by dilatation of the nostrils ; by accelerated heavings of the flanks; by a short, dry, hollow cough; by shak�ings; and occasionally by a discharge from the nose of frothy mucous matter, sometimes, but rarely, yellowish. Inflammation of the lungs may also be a complication; then the expiration becomes more frequent, the respiration short and quick, the ex�pired air hot, and the pulse strong. Peritonitis and nephritis may likewise prove complications. In the first case, the horse experiences abdominal pains, and rubs his lips; in the second, there is inflexibility of the spine about the lumbar region, and the animal evinces pain when pressed over the kidneys; the urine is also redder and less in quantity. In fine, when gastro�enteritis is most intense, the consequent uneasiness and fatigue are often attributable to the brain ; the derangement of which is indicated by the extended neck, the heat and heaviness about the head, the drooping attitude, the resting-point that he makes of the manger, and the drowsiness he evinces. At the time, the sight and hearing become affected; the conjunctiva looks red and injected, or it assumes a purplish hue, which, at the bottom, often turns yellowish, and exhibits phlyctcena ; the eyeball is inflamed, and the eye obscured; the muscles of the face are irregularly con�tracted ; there is grinding of the teeth; often symptoms of vertigo, and sometimes to that degree that some veterinarians�among others Dupuy � have regarded the gastro-enteritis of 1825 as a form of vertiginous affection. This combination is especially fatal, and quickly so, and particularly in old horses, and such as are oppressed with work beyond their powers, or otherwise de�bilitated. Phlegmasia, sympathetically developed in the urinary passages and organs of generation, will account for the changes

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in the urine before mentioned, for the agitation of the tail; the frequent desire to stale ; the erections of the penis of the stone-horse; the outstretching of the legs of the gelding; the reddening of the mucous membrane of the vulva of females, and the sense of heat in introducing the finger into the vagina. The skin will not prove exempt from becoming sur-excited, as will be evinced by its elevation of temperature, its state of dryness or sweat, the slight adherence of the hair, its dull and rough aspect; and, moreover, in some epidemics, by the buttony eruptions manifest upon it. At the last, swellings rise upon the hind legs or hocks; oedema appears upon the belly, sheath, and breast; the scrotum becomes covered with a dried matter in place of the natural unc�tuous secretion ; or else phlegmonous tumors form upon divers parts of the body; some we have observed upon the parotids and breast.

quot;Autopsies. � Postmortem inspections have shown different and various diseases, according as gastro-enteritis has set in more or less suddenly, been slow or rapid in its course, and more or less complicated with the inflammation of some viscus or other part, besides the stomach and- intestine; for it is to be remarked, that constantly one organ is especially attacked, and exhibits dis�ease violent in proportion as other organs are slightly affected. The mucous membrane lining the stomach is more or less red�dened, particularly the portion within the right sac, the entire surface of which sometimes appears so; besides which it is in�jected, and in some places ecchymosed. The red color � proof incontestable of the existence of inflammation during life � ap�pears under a great variety of shades; the deep-brown tint shows gangrene, a change also indicated by the friability of the part and its speedy progress to putrefaction after death. Patches of redness are also visible in different places upon the membrane, (the mucous follicles being larger than common;) sometimes superficial uleerations, petechiae even, and gangrenous eschars, which may be nothing more than ecchymosis. Similar appear�ances are found in the small intestines, whose mucous membrane in many parts is reddened, injected, softened, and studded with assemblages of pointed eruptions; a gray, thick, glairy mucus, and some petechial spots, are also visible. In some cases, the

142

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matters contained in the small intestines are solid, and look as though they had been dried, though this is an appearance more common in the large guts, unless there happened to have existed diarrhoea before death; in the caacum we almost always find this, and for some way also, though in a less marked degree, within the cells of the colon. More or less inflammation is observable in the mucous membrane of the fauces ; the sides of the tongue are covered with ulcerations resembling aphthae; and the surface of the pharynx, which is more or less deeply reddened, some�times presents a cribriform or worm-eaten appearance. Its folli�cles also often acquire such considerable development that they might be mistaken for buds, with their orifices wide open. Some of these alterations are perceptible at times within the oesopha�gus. When the disease has proved complicated, we also find, after death, alterations in those organs which have shown a dis�position to partake of it. The liver is often tumid, its veins are gorged with blood, and its substance is pale and without firm�ness ; in some subjects ecchymosis and recent adhesions are ap�parent upon its exterior, evidently the consequences of inflam�mation. The lungs at one time are simply engorged; at another, within the anterior appendices and extremities of the lobes they exhibit the red induration ; or they are hepatized in places, or inflamed around their periphery, and contain spumous blood. In certain subjects, the pleura is reddened and thickened, and covered with layers of albumen, a part of which forms false membranes and points of adhesion to the walls of the thorax. Effusion is rare ; notwithstanding it has been observed by me in two instances, and in one of them so considerable was the quan�tity that the case nowise differed from hydrothorax. Accord�ing to M. Girard, whose observations we are now borrowing, the heart is the organ most and oftenest affected. The pericar�dium, commonly infiltrated in substance with yellow fluid, contains more or less serosity, sometimes bloody, and affords evident marks of acute inflammation. In many subjects the heart is twice its natural volume, its substance pale and discolored, and void of tenacity, rends with facility ; its exterior, in a state of inflamma�tion, exhibits black spots, the effects either of ecchymosis or gan�grene, (most probably of the former.) Its cavities always contain

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black, thick blood, semi-coagulated; and often yellow, consisting of fibrinous, albuminous concretions. These productions, large or small, exist sometimes, says M. Girard, in the right cavities, some�times in the left, and sometimes in both right and left at once; they always occupy the auriculo-ventricular opening, and more or less completely fill it. Such appearances would have escaped observation both in men and animals, had not M. Girard pointed them out in horses in the gastroenteritis called the epidemic of 1825. Do they form during or after life ? The former director of the Alfort school entertained the first hypothesis, and thought that the concretions in question might prove the cause of death, by producing that suffocation which he had observed in horsey which died suddenly and in a manner asphyxiated.

quot; Supposing it were so, adds M. Girard, we should obtain an easy explanation to the obstruction of the lungs, the engorgement of the liver, the phlogosis of the air tubes, and the presence of frothy mucus within them. According to the same authority, the internal surfaces of the cavities of the heart present vestiges of sub-acute inflammation; the redness is most remarkable in the tricuspid and mitral valves, and extends into the arterial and venous trunks; though it is not equally perceptible in all the cavities of the heart or within the venous and arterial trunks.

quot; In general, little alteration is visible in the brain, though in some subjects the exterior presents marks of inflammation. M. Girard once observed inflammation in the right lobe; and M. Rainaud speaks of the injection of the veins of the brain, of effusion into the lateral ventricles, of slight yellowish infiltration, and of concretions of the same hue in the choroid plexus. When the urinary apparatus participates in the inflammation, the kid�neys are redder than ordinary, and their tissue is extremely lacerable ; the bladder exhibiting red spots, and the urine being saffron or brick-dust colored. In some instances, the whole of the sub-cutaneous, cellular, and muscular tissue is infiltrated, and its areolae are filled with yellowish fluid � an appearance most remarkable in the breast, scrotum, and sheath, when such parts have proved cedematous during life.

quot; Such were the principal signs of disease observed in the horses that fell victims to the gastro-enteritis of 1825. The

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principal and most constant lesion, however, � that which con�stituted the disease, and from which all the others were derived, � was inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines.quot; � Hippopathology, p. 232.

Symptoms of Gastro-Enteritis. � The symptoms vary as the disease progresses and spreads over the digestive surface, so that it is almost impossible to give, with certainty, any symptoms that can correspond to a given case of this character; for the disease may be termed, and sometimes is, one of progression, beginning in the stomach, invading tissue after tissue, until the disease becomes general; it is then said to be complicated, and as a mat�ter of course, we meet with a variety of symptoms as the morbid phenomena develop themselves. Notwithstanding this, there are a few symptoms, which, if recognized, tend to mark the form and character of the disease.

Supposing the disease first to originate in the stomach, as it no doubt does, we shall be assisted somewhat in our diagnosis if we are acquainted with the prominent symptoms, as they occur in the human subject, selecting those, however, which apply to animals, either directly or indirectly. The symptoms, as they occur in our species, are, a violent pain in the stomach, disfention, and flatu�lency ; thirst, restlessness, anxiety; frequent, hard, and contracted pulse ; great loss of strength; interrupted respiration ; coldness of the extremities; clammy sweats, terminating in suppuration, ulceration, or gangrene. On dissection, we find a highly vascu�lar and inflamed gastric surface, having a layer of coagulable lymph lining its surface, and sometimes ulceration takes place, and the walls of the stomach are thickened.

The symptoms of enteritis (inflammation of the bowels) in the human subject are � it is ushered in with sharp pain, extending over the whole of the abdomen; obstinate constipation and vom�iting, (the latter does not apply to the horse ;) thirst, great anxiety, restlessness, quick and hard pulse. After a short time, the pain becomes more severe, the bowels seem drawn together by a kind of spasm, which extends to the bladder, so that the urine is voided with great difficulty.

Dissections show inflammation of the internal coat of the in-

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testines, nlcerations and mortification. The intestines are ob�structed, twisted, and one part frequently dips into another, so as to entirely block up the channel. Combine the symptoms of these two diseases, and we have a case of gastro-enteritis. We must remember that in the horse the inflammation extends more rapidly, and difiuses itself to other tissues, and that, ere ulceration or gangrene have set in, the animal frequently dies.

The symptoms of gastro-enteritis, in the horse, have thus been described by D'Arboval: quot; When the disorder sets in rapidly, it is indicated by dejection, dulness, slight anxiety, head depend�ent and heavy, and hanging in the manger; infiltration of the eyelids, which are half closed ; reddening with yellowness of the conjunctiva; tearful eyes; deep and jerking respiration. Soon the mucous membranes acquire the same hue as the conjunctiva, and are at times infiltrated and tumefied. To these symptoms are joined loss of appetite, often sudden; a dry, clammy, foul tongue, red at the upper part and around the borders; more or less thirst; stiffness of the spine and hind legs, with .difficulty in moving, and swelling of the latter ; staggering gait j weariness ; alternate heats and chills about the ears; pulse at the com�mencement full, strong, and quick; afterwards small, hard, and thready. The belly becomes tense, but has rather k tucked-up than inflated appearance. On some occasions the attack is so sudden that the horse, saddled or harnessed, experiences all at once a remarkable heaving of the flanks, dilatation of the nostrils, dependence or incurvation of the head, griping pains, partial tre�mors of the muscles of the shoulder and stifle, staggering, some�times squatting upon the haunches, or falling down and reposing the head upon the ground. Most horses cannot lie down; many maintain the erect position evidently with pain; others fear to move lest they fall. The vital powers seem to concentrate them�selves inwardly; the skin becomes insensible; the coat loses its gloss, and turns dry and penfeathered; prostration supervenes; the discharges are rare and scanty; the dungballs small, dry, blackish, and coated; the urine, equally scanty, is at one time reddened, at another limpid and crude, and not expelled without effort. Most horses, during the height of their complaint, will, 18

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at intervals, grind their teeth; all experience considerable heat under the foretop, across the whole parietal region. The horses predisposed to sudden attacks of gastro-enteritis are the young, vigorous, sanguineous, and irritable; in particular those over well fed in proportion to their work.quot; � Hippopalhology, p. 225.

In this section of the United States, where so little attention has been paid to hygienic rules as they apply to horseflesh, we find a large proportion of equine diseases originating in the stomach; ordinarily, however, they manifest themselves more on the nervous and cerebral functions than on the gastric, princi�pally through their sympathetic relations : there are cases, how�ever, from the presence of a large amount of food in the stomach, which that organ is unable to digest, where it may, by irritating the inner walls of the stomach, produce acute disease of that organ. So also as regards poisonous agents; they act chemically, or as mechanical irritants, developing primary disease in the gastric cavity, which gradually extends to other organs.

Treatment of Gastro-Enteritis. � With a view of lessening the irritation of the digestive surfaces, we resort to mucilaginous drinks. Various articles are in use, such as gum arabic, slippery elm, flaxseed, flour porridge, amp;c. The treatment must, how�ever, have reference to the exciting causes. If a horse shows symptoms of this malady, and is supposed to have an engorged stomach from food, a stimulating drench must be given, to arouse the digestive function, and thus get rid of the burden. It is gen�erally customary among our race to take stimulants after a hearty meal, to assist digestion; and we generally find they have the desired effect. So, also, if we wish to empty a full stomach, and arouse the digestive function of a horse, we must do the same thing, or we cannot remove the exciting cause. Purges are of no sort of use for the purpose of liberating the contents of an overloaded stomach; and if inflammation has fairly set in, they are injurious. On the other hand, the stimulants here recom�mended will do no harm while the stomach is gorged or other�wise, provided they be mixed with lubricants, or not, as the case requires. Physicians do not hesitate a moment about applying stimulants, such as tincture of myrrh, amp;c., to wounds and abraded surfaces. The popular empyrical compound so much in use al

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the present day, called pain killer, is a concentrated stimulant, and we are told that it does good.

Supposing that the stomach is in a torpid condition, we give the following drench: �

Tincture of ginger,.....2 ounces,

Fine salt,.........1 ounce,

Essence of peppermint, .... 1 ounce.

At the end of four hours we commence to lubricate the diges�tive surfaces, by mucilaginous drenches. To guard against constipation, we resort to cream of tartar and sulphur, and if the pain is still severe, (which may be known by the patient's actions,) a dose of linseed oil and lime water should be given. Occasional clysters are advisable so long as the bowels are torpid and the excrement scanty. Counter irritants are indicated when the extremities are cold and the surface inactive; hand rubbing and wisping with straw in a downward direction tend to impart heat and a free current of blood to the surface, and of course relieve deep-seated inflammation.

If the disease is occasioned by the use of large doses of anti�mony or other mineral poisons, the patient should be drenched with weak soap suds, or lime water and linseed oil, equal parts, and afterwards be fed on starch gruel and mucilage of marsh-mallows. We cannot be expected to write all the necessary directions that may be needed in a case of this character; there�fore, if the services of a veterinary surgeon can be obtained, the owner had better employ him,

TWISTING OF THE XRIESTlWES. � {Volvulus, Intussusception.)

Definition. � (Intus-susceptio, and intro-susceptio ; from intus, within, and suscipio, to receive.) A disease of the intestinal tube, and most frequently of the small intestines; it consists in a por�tion of gut passing for some length within another portion. � Hooper.

Volvulus, from volvo, to roll up. The iliac passion, or inflam�mation in the bowels, called twisting of the guts. � Ibid.

This trouble is quite common among horses, yet at post mortem examinations it is not always evident; this may arise in conse-

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quence of the intestine having slipped into place, either from handling the howels, or from the relaxation that takes place at death. A circumscribed, strangulated, and discolored spot may perhaps be found, and in the absence of any constriction of the intestinal canal at this spot, we may suspect that intus-susception has existed.

Intus-susception may arise from various causes; the chief of which is a deranged state of the digestive organs. It is well known that the difficulty often follows both flatulent and spas�modic colic, and these maladies are the sequel of the former. It is also well known that in colic a large amount of carbonic acid and other gases are generated within the intestinal canal, by which their volume is inordinately increased, and their position so changed that we need not be surprised to find them at times twisted into all manner of shapes. In cases of intus-susception, we have met with strictures in various parts of the small intes�tines ; these contractions or constrictions of the canal may possi�bly be the cause of intus-susception�if so, then our treatment should be nauseating and relaxing. In the human subject, intus�susception is generally relieved by vomiting � inverted peristaltic action; but as that is rather an uncommon quot;occurrence in the horse, we must not expect relief in this way.

The symptoms of volvulus do not differ materially from those attending colic, with this exception, that the animal is more tran�quil when lying down, and does not paw with his fore feet when up, as he invariably does when suffering from colic. The pain also seems more persistent, as evinced by the distressing look and uneasiness of the head. The disease is apt to terminate in rup�ture of the intestine, diaphragm, or stomach � for which there is no remedy.

Treatment. � Administer the following drench: �

Tincture of ginger......2 ounces,

Oil of peppennint, . ... .20 drops,

Chloric ether........2 drachms,

Thin gruel.........i pint.

Rub the belly, and give clysters of salt and water.

We prefer to give the above medicine prior to the administra�tion of nauseants, especially in the early stage of an attack, (when the symptoms are more of a colicky nature,) because we have

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seen it accomplish wonders, in relieving the animal of flatus, and freeing him from pain in the course of a very few minutes. The reader may perhaps observe, that when relief is thus quickly obtained, the case is one of colic. Our answer is, that volvulus comes from colic, and if that is cured, there is an end of the mat�ter. We have relieved several horses from this terrible affection by the system oipaching, after the fashion of homoeopathy.

Bloodletting is almost universally practised for this complaiat; but we prefer to nauseate instead of deplete. It is one of tha most painful affections to which the horse is subject, and in the course of a very short time the pain has so perverted the functions that blood cannot be spared, as will be seen on perusing the fol�lowing article: �

quot; Changes which the Blood undergoes during Pain.

quot;M. Clement, in his researches on the alterations which pain, a long time endured, may occasion in the composition of the blood, intended to serve in aid of explaining respiration and nutrition, remarks, it appears that during violent pain �

quot; I. The water and coloring matter of the blood augment, or seem to augment, in quantity.

quot; 2. The albumen and fibrine diminish.

quot; 3; That while the fibrine and albumen in unison are diminish�ing i^jys on an average on the one part, the coloring matters of the blood are increasing about i-Jw on the other side.

quot; 4. That these facts, studied in relation to the influence of pain on the organism, show that severe pain, by the sure excitation of the organic functions it produces, must be expected to speed�ily and deeply wear the economy, so that this last, in order to sustain itself, has need to react strongly on the elements of the blood.

quot; 5. That the blood in this case loses part of its fibrine and part of its albumen, withouLlosing any of its globules.

quot; 6. That in relation to the study of nutrition and respiration, it would seem to result from these facts, and especially when we come to compare the chemical composition of the blood with that of the soft tissues, in particular the muscles: a, the fibrine, is to serve exclusively for nutrition ; h, and that albumen, which would 13*

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appear to escape this physiological act, is destined for the purpose ' of respiration and to produce fibrine.

quot; 7. That this supposition seems explicable on the double fact: a, that the albumen, which exists in great quantities in the blood, is, on the contrary, but little abundant in the muscles and other tissues; b, that the fibrine, which predominates in the muscles, for example, figures in a very small proportion in the composition of the blood.

quot; 8. That, according to the same supposition, the albumen of the blood will be in part free, in part combined; and that the portion in combination would be with the fibrine in order to hold it in solution, and thus favor its circulation through the vessels, and in its ultimate analysis, its assimilation.

quot; 9. That, in every respiration a part only of the albumen is combusted and converted into fibrine.

quot; 10. That this dissolution of fibrine becomes necessary in order to oppose the coagulation of a principle whose disposition is to become solid, and, as we all know, very firmly so.

quot;11. That, moreover, this coagulation is hindered by the inter�position and suspension in the blood and motion of the colored corpuscles.

quot; 12. That the use of these corpuscles is to divide the albumen and fibrine, to oppose the coagulation of the latter, and moreover to imbibe the oxygen of the air which is going to occasion a fresh combustion in the woof of the living tissues, and so favor the normal accomplishment of the function of assimilation and nu�trition.quot; � Translated from the French, hy Mr. Percivcdl.

COLIC.raquo;

In nine cases out of ten, colic is the result of impaired digestive organs; the food runs into fermentation, and evolves carbonic acid gas. In view of prevention, then, it becomes a matter of importance to know what are the causes of indigestion; and the

* Saleratus is a favorite remedy among horsemen for the cure of colic and indigestion. Being an antacid, it is supposed to combine with the free acid existing in the digestive cavity, and thus neutralize it; the benefit which might be derived from this alkali is prevented, by mixing it, as many do, with

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most frequent may be said to be immoderate feeding�eating or drinking whatever disagrees with the stomach, either in regard to quantity or quality. Every tyro in medicine knows that a drink of hard water will often produce colic, both in man and beast, provided the digestive function shall be impaired. Mr. White says, quot;When the Eoyal Dragoons were quartered at Croydon, scarcely a day passed without one or more horses being attacked with flatulent colic, and, on examining the water made use of in the barracks, it was found remarkably hard.quot; Our own experience confirms this fact, for before the introduction of Cochituate water into Boston, very many of our employers' horses were frequently attacked with both flatulent and spasmodic colic, which are now entirely free from it, since they use pure, soft water.

The treatment should consist, first, in the use of diffusible stimulants, (not alcoholic,) of a carminative nature, such, for example, as grains of paradise, caraway seed, ginger, amp;c.; and these should be given in a liquid form. Stimulants of a sanative nature are always indicated in the treatment of colic; for if the stomach be distended with a load of semi-putrid food, how can we get rid of it except by the ordinary way, when the parts are in a healthy state? Men have strangely erred in recommending medicine � castor oil, salts, aloes, opium, turpentine, amp;c. �for the cure of colic, and, perhaps, we ourselves are not free from blame in this matter. Experience, and nothing else, has changed our

milk, and sometimes with molasses; both of #9632;which contain an acid, and must

therefore partly neutralize the alkali before it enters the horse's stomach,

where it often does more harm than good. The action of an alkali, when used

in this view, is only palliative, as it does not correct that diseased state of the

digestive organs which favors the formation of acid or gas. The constant use

of saleratus on horses tends to produce a disease of the alimentary canal, and

thus lay the foundation for future attacks of colic. Alkalis should always be

combined with carminatives, and sometimes tonics; and in no case should large

doses be given. If the animal labors under pylorie obstruction, and the gas is

supposed to exist in the stomach, the following is the best preparation: �

Carbonate ammonia,.......1 drachm,

Tincture of ginger.........1 ounce.

Water,............1 pint.

Mix, and drench the horse.

If the acid or gas exist in the bowels, substitute lime water for ammonia, and add half an ounce of tincture of gentian.

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views, and we give them for the benefit of man and horse. quot; Experience is the only true guide.quot;

We select the following case as an example of treatment. The subject was a gray mare, seven years old, remarkable for her capacious belly. The attack was ushered in with the usual ap�pearance of uneasiness. We found her lying down, her legs gathered up, groaning, and looking anxiously round at the flanks. She would occasionally roll on her back, but the abdomen was so enormously distended with flatus, that it was with much difficulty she could get on her side again. We commenced the treatment with the following: �

Powdered grains of paradise.......1 tea-spoonful.

quot; caraway,..........� tea-spoonful.

Oil of peppermint,..........20 drops.

Powdered slippery elm,........1 table-spoonful.

Hot water,.............1 pint.

These were mixed together and given from a bottle. An injec�tion of common soap suds was then thrown into the rectum. In a few minutes the mare voided a mass of excrement, accompanied with slime and wind. She now appeared to grow easier, and in a few minutes was free from pain. Very simple treatment, the reader may observe, yet we will venture to say very efficient. We have frequently cured alarming cases with a little pepper�mint tea alone; whereas, had the subject been treated after the fashion of some, the malady might, as it often does, have run on to a fatal issue. Those who prefer to use powerful remedies, as they are called, may ask. What good can peppermint tea accom�plish ? We answer, nature delights in simples; the mother finds it good for infants, and men almost invariably take peppermint, in some form, for the relief of colic; and we have tried it, and found it good for horses.

Inflammation of the bowels is very apt to set in curing an attack of colic from the use of spirits or oil of turpentine, and other popular nostrums; and it is much to be deplored that so noble an animal as the horse should be made to undergo such torture as he is known to do from the administration of turpen�tine. If any of our readers wish to satisfy themselves of the irritating properties of turpentine, let them just apply a small quantity to the skin of a horse, and they will perceive that it is

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an irritant of no ordinary character; the restlessness of the ani�mal, bis efforts to quot; get at the part,quot; and the tumefaction that fol�lows, all denote the pain he suffers.

An article of this kind, therefore, to say the least, is not a suitable one to introduce within the digestive canal, the surface of which may be considered equally susceptible to irritation. Neither are we compelled to resort to its use in view of curing colic, when the arcana of nature teem with an untold number of valuable carminatives and antispasmodics. A few drops of the oil of peppermint, or anise-seed, dissolved in a small quantity of alcohol, and given as a drench in thin gruel or warm water, are worth all the spirits of turpentine in the world for the cure of colic.

The author is in possession of uncontrovertible facts, which show that turpentine administered without the precaution adopted by those who know its properties, and are still in favor of its use, � which is, to mix it with mucilage, � that a vast number of valuable horses have been suddenly destroyed, and many others have lingered for several days before death, from an aggravated form of intestinal inflammation.

Lest the reader should suppose us singular in our opinion regarding the effects of oil of turpentine, we will just quote one case to the point. A veterinary surgeon says (p. 432, vol. xxv. Veterinarian) that he was called to attend a horse with apparently colicky pains. quot; The village smith was summoned, who prescribed a large dose of oil of turpentine, which was repeated; but the symptoms increasing rather than abating, I was sent for. But, alas ! ere my arrival the medicine had done its work, death having relieved the animal from further maltreatment. I at once pro�ceeded to make a post mortem examination, and never saw more widely diffused inflammation. The whole of the intestines were highly inflamed, and there was, besides, sufficient evidence of the kidneys not having escaped intact, as also some of the other vis�cera. No cause being assigned, it is impossible to say whether the inflammation existed previously to, or was the result of, the administration of the turpentine. Even if the former were the case, it is certain the latter exacerbated the disease.quot;

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INFLAMMATION OF THE PERITONEUM. � (PmVoni�w.)

The peritoneum is a serous membrane, within the abdominal cavity, connected throughout the whole extent of the walls of the abdomen by cellular tissue. It forms a covering also to the whole of the viscera within that cavity. It is occasionally the seat of peritonitis, which does not differ from inflammation of the bowels; it is the same disease located on the outer instead of the inner membrane, and consists of a loss of equilibrium in the circulating fluids, or a determination of blood to the parts. It is supposed to arise from chilling the surface, or from mechanical injuries. The treatment is the same as for inflammation of the bowels; which see.

JDIARRHCEA.

This is not a very common disease among horses; there is, however, a kind of feculent diarrhoea that often happens among gross feeders; yet, so long as it does not continue any length of time, nor prostrate the patient, it is rather salutary than other�wise ; it is the only means by which the system can be relieved of the superabundant carbon which the depraved feeder often takes into his stomach at a time when there is no need of it; so that we should not be over-hasty in checking a diarrhoea of this description. A case which may serve as a warning to some occurred in this city some time since. The subject, a valuable dapple-colored stud, had an attack of feculent diarrhoea; it had been on him about twelve hours, when the owner called on us, and stated that he wished to have the diarrkcea stopped, as he must ride the animal on the day following in a military proces�sion. We represented to him the danger that might arise from suddenly arresting active peristaltic action, but our advice was not heeded. quot; Stop the diarrhoea is all I ask of you ; I risk the consequences,quot; said the owner; and accordingly we prescribed the following medicine : �

Powdered white oak bark, ...nbsp; nbsp;1 ounce,

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;bayberry,.....nbsp; nbsp;1 ounce,

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;charcoal,.....nbsp; nbsp;4 ounces.

quot; gum kino,.....nbsp; nbsp;� ounce.

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

155

He ate the -whole of this, mixed with dry meal, in the short space of twelve hours. The diarrhoea stopped; the horse per�formed the duty required of him to the satisfaction of his owner; and, in spite of the most active treatment, died on the seventh day, of dropsy. We should use no efforts, therefore, to check a diarrhoea in its early stage, when occurring in a plethoric sub�ject or depraved feeder. The occurrence should only serve as a warning to us to dip a light hand into the meal chest, and diet the animal; perhaps a dose of sulphur, charcoal, and sassafras, in equal parts, to the amount of an ounce or more, may serve to arrest morbid action, and prevent fermentation. The form of diarrhoea for which our services have generally been required is the hepatic, in which there is an abundant watery discharge, mixed with fecal matter and slime, of a dark-yellow tinge: in such cases the disease runs into a chronic type ; there is a marked coldness about the body and limbs; the appetite is im�paired ; the animal loses flesh very rapidly, and the discharges are frequent. The causes of the various forms of diarrhoea are, increased irritability of the intestines, which produce too rapid propulsion of the secretions; from a large collection of excrementitious matter in the digestive cavity; from perverted action of the liver; and from congestion of the mucous mem�brane of the intestines. These causes are often preceded by others which act directly or indirectly on the external surface ; hence, if a horse, when in a state of perspiration, be suffered to cool off too suddenly, or if his body and limbs be sluiced with cold water when the exhalant vessels are very active, this dis�ease may follow. Some horses, when permitted to eat large quantities of new oats and hay, are apt to scour : this form, how�ever, requires no medical treatment, for we have only to change the diet, and there is an end of the matter. Other animals of a weak, washy constitution are frequently attacked with diarrhoea, whenever they are put to hard work; all that is needed in such cases is to change their work for something lighter, and give them an occasional dose of ginger and charcoal, equal parts.

Treatment. � As the disease is so apt to occur after the appli�cation of cold, we may safely, in all cases, excite capillary action on the surface, by heat and friction ; the body and legs may be

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clothed, as the case seems to require, having previously rubbed them with a wisp of straw; when there is great chilliness, we, find a loss of equilibrium in the circulation, and, of course, inter�nal engorgements; and this state cannot always be altered by internal medicine alone ; therefore we resort to the use of caloric externally, and stimulants internally. The following is fre�quently used by us : �

Powdered ginger,.....3 drachms,

quot; charcoal.....2 drachms,

Flour gruel,.......1 pint,

Oil of peppermint,.....20 drops,

for a drench. Another dose may be given at the end of six hours, and is only contra-indicated by a too sudden stoppage of the discharge, which we must not be too anxious to check. A nu�tritious diet is always indicated in cases of prostration or debility. In almost all cases of chronic diarrhoea, we use a large quantity of charcoal, with the very best effect, allowing the animal also a liberal supply of flour gruel, seasoned with salt and cinnamon. If astringents are needed to check immoderate discharges, that have continued for several days, and apparently weaken the pa�tient, we use hardback, gum catechu, or bayberry bark. Diar�rhoea occurring in a plethoric animal must not be immediately checked, but rather encouraged at first, by giving a dose of lin�seed oil and lime water; two ounces of the former to six of the latter; it can then, at the proper period, be checked with the above remedies. If the disease depends on deranged digestive function, � the liver included, � give a few doses of the follow�ing:�

Powdered goldenseal, .... 2 ounces,

quot; ginger,.....1 ounce.

Salt...........1 ounce.

Dose, half an ounce twice a day.

FALLING DOWN OF THE FUNDAMENT. � (Proiopjilaquo; Ani.)

Falling of the fundament is generally occasioned by constipa�tion of the bowels, wherein a large quantity of fecal matter ac�cumulates in such a manner as to cause a portion of the rectum to protrude beyond the sphincter muscle of the anus. This

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

157

muscle, however, at times, seems to have lost the power of con�tracting to its normal size, from the pressure from within out�wards; hence the great difficulty of keeping the parts within their limits, even after they have been returned.

The difficulty may also be occasioned from inordinate peristal�tic action, known as purging, looseness, and diarrhaja; it pro�ceeds then from debility, and besides using local astringents, the patient's health must be restored by means of nutritious diet and alterative astringent medicines. Powerful drastic cathartics and over-exertion are classed among the causes oiprolapsus.

Treatment. � If the case be one originating in constipation, the bowels must be evacuated with the following drench: �

Linseed oil,.......12 ounces,

Tincture of aloes,.....2 ounces,

Powdered ginger,.....3 drachms.

If, however, the bowels can be evacuated with any of the saline aperients, such as epsom or glauber salts, they are to be preferred. The object is to unload the bowels, and the less medicine and the more mild its operation, the better. quot;When the bowels have re�sponded to the medicine, they must be kept soluble by scalded mashes, green food, if it can be had; a liberal allowance of salt will be of benefit, not only in view of preventing constipa�tion, but also for the purpose of preventing the food generating the usual quantity of carbonic acid gas; the result of which would be distention of the bowels, and great obstruction to the return of the gut. If the bowels are merely in a torpid condition, and the constipation has existed but a short time, the following aperient will be indicated: �

Flowers of sulphur, .... 1 ounce, Powdered bloodroot, .... 2 drachms.

To be mixed in a bottle, with half a pint of molasses and water, for a drench.

The rectum must be returned by the most gentle means, and kept in position by pad and bandage. Before returning the parts, they should be freely bathed with cold water; the water may be made slightly astringent by the addition of a few drops of tinc�ture of muriate of iron, or a small quantity of powdered alum. The cold water contracts the capillary vessels, and subdues* 14

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inflammatory symptoms, and of course reduces the size of the tumor, so that some time should be spent in bathing the parts ere the reduction be attempted.

A case of prolapsus ani was treated by the author a short time ago, which is here introduced as an example to illustrate the treatment. The subject was a bay gelding, nine years old, of plethoric habit; he had been used but little during the previous three weeks, although kept on full feed; the groom had noticed that the animal strained hard in voiding the excrement, and that considerable protrusion of the rectum took place at such times. The prolapsus was of two days' duration ere the author's atten�tion was called to it.

The protrusion was large, presenting a highly-inflamed lobular surface of thickened mucous membrane, very sensitive, and some�what gangrenous near the anal opening; emitted a fetid odor, and discharged a sanious fluid.

Treatment. � A drench was given, composed of

Sulphur............1 ounce.

Cream of tartar,........4 ounce,

Flaxseed tea,.........1 pint.

After which, a clyster of salt and water, to avoid mortification, was administered. It brought away some slimy excrement, yet aggravated the prolapsus. The parts were then bathed by means of a soft sponge, with an astringent wash, (one ounce of tincture of muriate of iron to a bucket of water,) which, after a time, re�duced their size. With a view of producing an astringent effect, and thus collapsing the rectum, a small portion of the liquid was thrown info the interior, taking care to let it flow from the syr�inge in a gradual manner, so as not to excite peristaltic action.

Meduction of the Tumor. � A pad of linen, wetted with alum water, was placed on the tumor, and constant pressure, aided by a sort of kneading of the fingers, was kept up for some time, but to no purpose, when the following expedient was resorted to: Having procured a middling-sized bladder, the air was pressed out of it; on being softened with warm water, a common horse catheter was introduced through its neck, and there fastened with twine ; after being smeared with olive oil, it was introduced within the rectum; an assistant was now directed to place the

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other end of the catheter in .his mouth, and gradually inflate the bladder. After being sufficiently inflated to occupy considerable space, it was gently pressed forwards, and by kneading and pres�sure on the external tumor, it was immediately reduced. On removing the finger from the open orifice of the catheter, which had been placed there to keep the bladder inflated, the latter collapsed, and was shortly after withdrawn. Pressure, by means of pad and bandages, was kept up for several hours; at which time the patient showing signs of a desire to dung, the bandages were loosened so as to permit elevation of the tail. Some faeces, accompanying the fluid which was thrown into the rectum, came away, following which a protrusion of the gut. This, by the aid of astringent lotion and manipulation, was easily returned The animal at this stage was left in charge of its owner for the night, who was instructed not to let him lie down, and to return the rectum if it should again protrude.

On inquiring next morning, the attendant informed us that the patient had voided fasces twice, and that the gut protruded each time, although much smaller than at first, and more readily reduced. Our own observation, at a later period in the day, dis�covered that the tumefaction, irritable and inflammatory state of the parts, had subsided, and also that a portion of the mucous mem�brane had sloughed off, and the muscular coat of the rectum was perceptible ; a few soft, pulpy lobules of mucous membrane, of a gangrenous aspect, remained, and they were dressed with pyroligneous acid and pulverized charcoal. The following (anti�septic and alterative) was given: �

Powdered charcoal,.....1 ounce,

IAH-quot;*......******

Stirred in a mess of scalded shorts.

Bathing the anus and the surrounding parts with cold water every two hours, and an antiseptic injection at night, concludes the second day's treatment. The patient was deprived, from the first, of all food except a small quantity of fine feed slops, the object of which will be apparent to the reader.

Third day, the bowels were soluble; evacuations, however, scanty; pulse and respirations, which had hitherto been disturbed, were normal; no prolapsus since yesterday.

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Gave

Fyroligneous acid,.....3 drachms,

Thin gruel,.......1 pint.

Cold water bathings were continued. This comprises about the whole of the treatment. The animal gradually returned to full diet, and from exercise to work.

Operation for Prolapsus Ani. � In the event of failing to return the engorged gut by the means here recommended, and the difficulty increasing, nothing remains but to operate by. excision. Our first business is, to secure the patient, so as to guard the operator from personal injury: if the horse is of gentle disposition, a side line and twitch may suffice; but if he proves restive, and seems unwilling to have the parts handled, he must be cast; it is good policy, however, not to cast a horse unless we are con�vinced that it is our only resource. The instruments needed for the operation are, a common scalpel, tweezers, scissors, an armed needle, ligatures of saddler's silk, a bucket of water, and sponge. The tail is to be turned upwards and forwards, on the rump, and there held by an assistant. The operator then dissects the en�gorged mucous membrane from the muscular coat of the rectum, taking care not to injure the latter.

In the course of the operation, some ramifications from the rectal arteries will be divided; the sponge, and perhaps the water, may now be needed, to wash off and absorb the blood, so as to enable the operator to see and take up, with the tweezers or forceps, the bleeding arteries; if they can be so taken up, they are to be secured by ligature; if any difficulty is experienced in getting hold of them, pass an armed curved needle partly around the bleeding vessel, including some of the mucous tissue, and thus secure it. After excising the parts, wash with cold water, and ascertain if any bleeding vessels remain untied; being all secured, the operation is completed. Some persons dress with some sort of traumatic, viz., tincture of myrrh, amp;c.; but, in a case that occurred lately, we used nothing but cold water, throwing, by means of a syringe, a pint into the rectum morning and evening. The patient must be kept on a light, unirritating diet, and have walking exercise as often as convenient. If constipation super�venes, give a dose of cream of tartar and sulphur. Any unhealthy

THK MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

161

appearance about the interior of the fundament, or fetid discharge from the anus, which may occasionally happen in warm weather, must be met by antiseptics: diluted acetic acid, pyroligneous acid, solution of chloride of soda, are among the articles best cal�culated to arrest morbid action.

SCOURS AND CONSTIPATION IN YOUNG COLTS. �

A friend, residing in the Mohawk valley, informs us that many young colts are troubled in that vicinity with scours � diarrhoea� after they become a week old; and that others, at the same age, die of constipation. As the disease, in all probability, is not pecu�liar to that region, we propose to give the reader our opinion or that subject. In the treatment of scours, or constipation, occur�ring in animals of tender age, too much attention cannot be paid to the mother; she, having just passed through a trying ordeal,� the period of gestation, � and having brought forth her young, now requires, to say the least, what might be commonly termed a little kind nursing. It is a common element in the nature of mankind to sympathize with those in pain or distress, and our sympathies should at all times extend to domestic animals. At no time has the female greater claims on us than at the very interesting and to them trying period of parturition ; and if that care be bestowed upon them which their condition requires, and which they are entitled to at the hands of their quot; lord and mas�ter,quot; many maladies which are of daily occurrence, both to them�selves and offspring, might possibly be prevented. In our esti�mation, it is not a feature of good husbandry, to say the least of it, to turn a mare out to grass, or elsewhere, to shift for herself, immediately after foaling, particularly after she has been sub�mitted to all the evils of domestication; for she may not be able, from the scantiness of the provender, to obtain sufficient nourish�ment for herself and offspring; for the colt must now, and, indeed, until it be able to masticate food, depend altogether on the parent's milk, and the latter cannot furnish it in sufficient quantities unless kept on generous food. It is pretty hard work for a mare that has always been pampered and fed on highly nutritious food to procure enough to supply her own and the 14*

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foal's wants, and the practice has been very appropriately termed

quot; working for a living.quot; quot;We should have no hesitation, provided

the mare, having passed safely through the parturient process, is

now doing well, in recommending that she be turned, for a few

hours daily, into a good wholesome pasture ; not, however, until

twenty-four hours after her delivery. When taken up for the

night, a wide stall, good bedding of clean straw, and a generous

supply of her usual food, should be assigned her. Mr. Youattnbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; ' '

directs that,quot; As soon as the mare has foaled, she should be turned

into some well-sheltered pasture, with a hovel or shed to run into

when she pleases; and if the grass is scanty, she should have a

couple of feeds of corn daily. The breeder may depend upon it,

that nothing is gained by starving the mother and stinting the foal

at this time ; it is the most important time in the life of an animal,

and if from false economy his growth be now arrested, his puny

form and want of endurance will ever afterwards testify the error

that has been committed. The food should be given in a trough

on the ground, that the foal may partake of it with the mother.quot;

White also recommends, quot; that the dam should be well fed.quot;

Now, suppose that, in consequence of a want of attention to these and other particulars, (all forming a necessary part of stable economy,) the mother shall be the subject of temporary functional derangement; and if so, the foal will also suffer in like manner ; for the mother cannot have any derangement of the digestive function, however slight, but it will also affect the nursling.*

/ '

* The milk of a woman (and we may add that of a horse, to a certain extent) differs, �

quot; 1. In Respect to Food.�The milk of a woman who suckles, living upon vegeto-animal food, never acesces, nor coagulates spontaneously, although exposed for many weeks to the heat of a furnace. But it evaporatgs gradually in an open vessel, and the last drop continues thin, sweet, and bland. The reason appears to be, that the caseous and yemoraceous parts cohere together by means of the sugar; hence its acesoence is prevented. It does acesce, if mixed or boiled with vinegar, juice of lemons, supertartrate of potassa, dilute sulphuric acid, or with the human stomadi. It is coagulated by the acid of salt, or nitre, and by an acid gastric juice of the infant; for infants often vomit up the coagulated milk of the nurse. The milk of a suckling woman who lives upon vegetable food only, like cow's milk, easily and of its own accord acesces, and is acted upon by all coagulating substances like the milk of animals.

quot;2. In Respect to tke Time of Digestion.�During the first hours of digestion,

THE MODERN HOESE.DOCTOE.

163

Hence our first duty is to attend to the wants of the mother__

establish her health if it be impaired; then, if the foal has scours, or constipation, we may set about obviating the difficulty with some chance of success: even then it is not always good policy to administer medicinal agents to an animal of a few hours' growth; but we can, with safety, provided our agents are sana�tive, use them on the mother, and thus the foal will have the benefit of them through the lacteal secretion, for it is a Well established fact that many medicinal agents pass into the living organism unassimilated, and can be detected in the various secre�tions : thus the color of the cow's milk is changed when that ani-

the chyle is crude, and the milk less subacid; but towards the twelfth hour after eating, the chyle is changed into blood, and then the milk becomes yel�lowish and nauseating, and is spit out by the infant. Hence the best time for giving suck is about the fourth or fifth hour after meals.

quot; 3. In Respect to the Time after Delivery. � The milk secreted immediately after delivery is serous, purges the bowels of the infant, and is called colostnm. But in the following days it becomes thicker and more pure, and the longer a nurse suckles, the thicker thp milk is secreted.

quot; i. In Respect to Food and Medicines. � Thus, if a nurse eat garlic, the milk becomes highly impregnated -with its odor, and is disagreeable. If she indulges too freely in the use of wine or beer, the infant becomes ill; from giving a pur�ging medicine to a nurse, the child also is purged; and, lastly, children afflicted with torpor of the bowels, arising from acids, are often cured by giving the nurse animal food.

quot;5. In Respect to the Affections of the Mind.�There are frequent examples of infants being seized with convulsions, from suckling mothers irritated by anger. An infant of one year old, while he sucked milk from his enraged mother, on a sudden was seized with a fatal hemorrhage, and died. Infants at the breast, in a short time, pine away if the nurse be afflicted with grievous care; and there are also infants who, after every coition of the mother, or even if she menstruate, are taken ill.quot;

The use of the mother's milk is, �

quot;1. It affords the natural aliment to the new-bom infant, as milk differs little from chyle. Those children are the strongest who are nourished longest with the mother's milk. [This we doubt.]

quot;2. The colostrum should not be rejected, for it relaxes the bowels, which in new-born infants ought to be open to clear out the meconium.*

quot; 3. Lactation defends the mother from a dangerous reflux of the milk into the blood, whence lacteal metastasis and leucorrhaia are so frequent.quot;

* Meconium; the green excrementitious substance that is found in the large intestine of the foetus in lying-in women, who do not give suck. The motion of the milk also, being hastened through the breasts by the sucking of the child, prevents the very common indu�ration which arises in consequence of the milk being stagnated. � Hooper.

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mal is fed on tieets; when fed on garlic, its odor can be detected in that fluid; and every farmer knows that turnips impart their own taste to it also. Stock raisers might learn a lesson from nurses who attend human parturients; they give the old-fashioned dose of castor oil understandingly, knowing from long experience that it operates both on the mother and child. Hence, if the foal shall suffer from constipated bowels, and the mother be in the same condition, the medicine should be given to the latter: thus many young animals might be saved; that they do die from the effect of drastic purges we know, and our correspondent testifies to the fact, for he says, quot; Some have constipation, and are often killed by forcing salts down them.quot; It must be evident that salts and aloes are not the best remedies in the world for colts but quot; laquo; few days or a week old.quot; A human practitioner who could be so reckless as to adfninister like remedies to the new-born infant, would certainly be censured, and run a great risk of losing his patient. The milk of the mother, immediately after parturition, is the best kind of medicine to regulate the secretions and excre�tions of the offspring, and it generally has the desired effect, unless, as we have said, the mother is ailing. There may, how�ever, be cases where, in consequence of exposure, the foal may have diarrhoea; then the little subject becomes an object of special attention, as regards his management. He must be placed in a warm situation, with a view of restoring the exhalant func�tion of the skin, for until this is restored there is but little chance for recovery. Having taken these preliminary steps, perhaps all that will now be needed for the cure is some warm ginger, or caraway tea; and a little of either of these simple articles, pul�verized, may, with advantage, be given to the mother in her food. If the latter be the subject of scours � diarrhoea � then our chief attention is turned to her; we administer such medicinal agents as the nature of the case seems to require; at the same time, if the patient is fat, and has not had sufficient exercise previous to parturition, we are not to be in a hurry to stop the discharge, but merely to hold it in check. If, on the other hand, our patient is in poor condition, and still losing flesh, then, in addition to medi�cinal agents, which should be of tonic and astringent properties, we give freely of gruel made of wheat flour. Under these cir-

THE MODERN HOB8E DOCTOR.

165

cumstances, and as long as the scours continue, the foal should not depend altogether on its dam for sustenance, but might have a daily allowance of boiled cow's milk, cooled to about the tem�perature of milk when drawn. Hay tea, to which a small quan�tity of cow's milk may be added, is an excellent drink for the young foal in the absence of its mother's milk. Try it, reader, on your calves, also, if you have occasion.

As regards costiveness, green food and scalded shorts are �the antidotes, and the mother will partake of either with relish; some of the former, if the season permits, should be cut and placed before her soon after labor. If the articles fail to have the de�sired effect, a dose of aperient medicine �� castor oil, or salts � should be given, followed by thin gruel; in this way both dam and foal may be cured.

Astringent drink for colts: �

Angelica root,.....nbsp; nbsp; 1 ounce,

Cranesbill,......nbsp; nbsp;2 ounces,

Bayberry bark,.....nbsp; nbsp;J ounce,

African ginger,.....nbsp; nbsp;3 ounce.

Pour on the above ingredients two quarts of boiling water; set them aside for a few hours.

Dose. � Half a pint every four hours until the disease is checked. If the discharges are fetid, add to each dose half a table-spoonful of finely-pulverized charcoal, and if the foal be weak and in poor condition, allow it hay tea, thickened with oat�meal.

Probably the safest laxative for young calves, suffering from constipation, is sulphur and cream of tartar, of each a tea-spoon�ful in molasses. Laxative enemata should, if necessary, be ad�ministered.

INDIGESTION.

This is the great national disease of the United States ; both men and horses are alike its victims; it lies at the bottom of almost every disease to which both are subject, consumption not excepted. The horse shows it by an unthrifty condition, and dry, pen-feathered coat; his body shrivels and contracts after the fashion of that of a smoked herring ; he has a dry-sounding, hard cough, mostly noticed after meals, especially when he has

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just made a hearty one on foul litter, which he is very apt to do; at other times, however, he is very fastidious, and, like his mas�ter when suffering from the same disease, will search for some�thing nice; failing to find it, the subject has no objection to a little dirt, sand, plaster, or a small piece of brick, which he mas�ticates with considerable relish. The deranged state of the digestive organs is generally indicated by an intolerable foetor of breath; the excrement, too, has the same unpleasant smell, and is very variable in color and consistence, often hard and covered with slime ; at other times soft, when the presence of intestinal parasites can be detected. #9632; The urine is scanty, and either col�ored or thickened with foreign material; in fact, both the func�tions of excretion and secretion are impaired. The animal is generally cross and irritable, and leaves the stable, at working time, very unwillingly; he requires considerable urging while travelling, and, of course, is incapacitated to perform his usual work. These are the main symptoms of indigestion; they are not noticeable at first, but gradually arrive at this state, increasing in intensity, diminishing, or running into other affections, accord�ing to circumstances. Acute indigestion is apt to terminate in acute diseases of a different character, and the chronic form in diseases of a chronic type. For treatment of acute indigestion, see Gastritis.

Causes. � The causes of indigestion are numerous : too little or too much of food, water, or work ; bad ventilation ; exposure; poisons; damaged or highly nutritious food; working the ani�mal on a full stomach, � are all operative in producing indiges�tion in its acute or chronic forms.

Treatment. � In treating cases of disordered digestive organs, we first remove, if possible, the' cause. In view of ascertaining that, we inquire into the history of the patient, and ascertain in what way the laws of his existence have been violated, and if successful, we apply the remedy, or remove the cause. It is impossible to lay down rules as to the quantity of food required by a horse, because his health and life are subject to various modifications, under a variety of circumstances; therefore it is folly to say how much this or that animal shall have, for the quantity suitable for one may be insufficient for the other, and

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vice versa. The amount of exercise, kind of work, and con�dition of the animal, are the modifying circumstances which are to be taken into account, ere we can form any idea of the amount of food required. A foul feeder should, in the intervals between meals, be muzzled, or the bedding must be taken away. If the animal lias been fed on dry food, let him have a mixture of boiled oats, shorts, and carrots, well seasoned with salt, to which add daily half a table-spoonful of white mustard seed. We have used brandy and salt, with very good effect, in several cases of this kind � one pint of pale brandy to four ounces of fine salt; dose, a wine glass, in oatmeal gruel, night and morning, just be�fore meals. A sufficient quantity of good hay will be needed, in order to distend the stomach to its healthy calibre, yet the ani�mal must not be permitted to spend half his time eating; for the digestive organs require regular periods of rest, just as other parts of the system do. Attention must also be paid to the water which the animal drinks: if it be inconvenient to substitute a different kind, throw a handful of pulverized charcoal, daily, into the water trough , this will improve the very worst kind, and render it innoxious and palatable.

In view of acting on the system at large, and improving the general health, take

Sirup of garlic..........nbsp; nbsp; 2 ounces,

Tincture of ginger,........nbsp; nbsp; 2 drachms.

Compound tincture of aloes and myrrh,nbsp; nbsp; 3 drachms,

Tincture of muriate of iron.....nbsp; nbsp; 1 drachm.

Mix; to be given occasionally in oatmeal gruel. Or, if it be

more convenient, substitute the following : �

Powdered assafoetida........nbsp; nbsp; 1 ounce,

quot; ginger.........nbsp; nbsp; 2 ounces,

quot; sulphate of iron......nbsp; nbsp; 5 drachms,

quot; guldens eal,.......nbsp; nbsp; 1 ounce,

quot; poplar bark,......nbsp; nbsp; 2 ounces,

quot; capsicum,.......nbsp; nbsp; 1 drachm.

Oatmeal,...........nbsp; nbsp; 1 pound.

Divide the mass into sixteen doses; one to be given, in food, every night.

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DISEASES OF THE LITER.

JAUNDICE. � (Zcfenu.)

Definition. � A yellow discoloration of the tissues, caused by an interrupted excretion of bile.

On making post mortem examination of animals having been the subjects of this disease, we find the yellow tinge pervading every part of the organization. It is diffused through the whole of the muscular, fatty, cartilaginous, cellular, bony structures, and has also been detected in the brain.

Mr. Percivall considers quot;jaundice to be an unfrequent disease among horses; and one reason appears self-evident, as soon as we are put in possession of a knowledge of the causes from which it may proceed. I mentioned swelling or compression of the hepatic duct as one, in speaking of it as a symptom of hepatitis ;* and probably this is the most common one. In the human sub�ject, it frequently arises from obstruction of the ducts, either from collected or concreted bile in them, to which the name of biliary calculi is given ; or it may be the effect of spasm in the ducts, or in that part of the duodenum t where they terminate ; but I am not aware that cases of this kind have occurred in veterinary practice ; and one reason, I repeat, is obvious. The horse has but a single duct, through which the bile flows as fast as it is secreted; it has no retrograde course to take, no recepta�cle to collect in and to concrete into gall stones; and, as a proof that this is one reason, dogs, and such other of our domestic quadrupeds as have gall bladders, are all of them much oftener jaundiced than horses. People who lead sedentary lives, such as corpulent subjects and women, are predisposed to jaundice; in them the bile often grows inspissated { in its ducts, and biliary calculi are now and then detected in the stools : this is a cause

* Inflammation of the liver.

f The first portion of the intestines; sometimes called the second stomach. In cattle it is known as ihe fourth stomach. J Thickened.

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of disorder, as I have said before, that we can but rarely adduce in veterinary practice.

quot; Jaundice, produced from whatever cause it may be, consists in the absorption of unchanged bile into the circulation, which bile becomes diffused and conveyed to every part, giving rise to those appearances that are so remarkably characteristic of its presence. It does not appear to originate either in defective or altered secretion; for, had not the liver done its office, how could we explain the appearance of bile in the system at al! ?

quot; The yellow aspect that jaundice gives to the skin, the mouth, and the eyes, at once betrays its presence. The skin is every where dyed yellow, though the change is only visible to us in places bare of hair. The membrane of the mouth puts on the same appearance. The conjunctiva (the membrane lining the eyelids) has a yellowish-pink hue, the cornea is obscured, a yel�low sediment may often be perceived floating in the anterior chamber, and the iris itself is tinged in places with this yellow dye. The bowels are costive; the excrement that is voided is hard, huttony, and dark-colored, besmeared often with a yellow, slimy matter, like bile diffused in mucus, and consists of dryish masses of ill-digested aliment. The urine is a deep-yellow or orange color, and is sparing in quantity. In the human subject, the absorption of bile into the system often generates considera�ble disorder, operates, in fact, like so much poisonous matter, exciting an itching sensation of the skin, and depressing the strength and spirits of the patient; and the latter of these effects is often very remarkable in jaundiced horses. The eyelids are drooping or closed; the head hangs down; there is evident sinking both of strength and spirits; and often there is a degree of moping stupor present, which, at times, borders on vertigo, so that the animal walks unsteadily, or reels as he moves; his pulse is about 60 or 65; his respiration is unaffected, and his flank untucked up.

quot; In the treatment of jaundice, our sheet anchor is purging. No time should be lost in exhibiting ten or twelve drachms of aloes;* and, if we can insure the administration of it, the

* The dose is too large.

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decoction is preferable to a bolus. If there was much stupor or vertigo present, I would bleed, but not largely. I would follow up the first dose of aloes with half an ounce in solution every twelve hourg until purgation came on ; we need be under no ap�prehensions of super-purgation * in these cases. As soon as the bowels are freely opened, apply a blister to the right side, and repeat it every twelve hours.f It may be necessary to recur to the venesection.

quot; Now and then jaundice terminates fatally, and when it does so, the event is commonly sudden ; probably some time has elapsed before we are called in; the bowels resist our first dose of medi�cine ; in the mean time the pulse rises in spite of our recurrence to the use of the lancet; the skin and extreme parts become cold; the animal grows senseless, and perhaps vertiginous, and in that state suddenly drops and expired. On dissection, the liver is found glutted with bile. I found the gland so prodigiously distended in one case that the right lobe of it had burst, and dis�played a considerable fissure.

quot; Now and then we hear of cases of rupture of the liver. I have never been present but at the one mentioned above, myself, but I am told that large, heavy, draught horses are

� Excessive evacuation.

t Humanity calls upon us to dispense with blistering if it can possibly be done. There is no necessity for resorting to such cruel means: #9632;when counter-irritation is really needed � and we doubt if, under the circumstances, it could accomplish any good�there are a number of agents that we car. safely rely on to fulfil that indication, without putting the animal to so great pain.

The only method of getting rid of the bile, diffused in the system, at the same time favoring its passage into the duodenum, and palliating all urgent symptoms, consists in regulating the various secretions : this cat. only be done on general principles, for the disease is not only manifest on the surfaces, but also in the serum of the blood, in the urine and excretions generally, and in nearly all the tissues of the body. Suppose jaundice results from indigestion; will a blister restore the integrity of the stomach ?

The coloring matter, and other constituents of the bile, are known to exist originally in the blood; and it is reasonable to suppose that it may there accu�mulate, producing a radical alteration of the latter fluid, a poisoning, as it has been called. Do blisters purify the blood ?

Then, again, if jaundice shall originate from an engorgement of bile, in con�sequence of the closure of the outlets in the liver, � or the destruction of its secreting cells,�in either case a blister is the very last thing we should think of resorting to, much less repeat it every twelve hours.

THE MODERN HOESE DOCTOR.

171

more particularly liable to the accident, and that it happens in the violent efforts they are compelled to make in drawing heavy loads.quot;

Should the bowels be freely opened, we think that both blister and venesection might be dispensed with, for human practitioners have found it advisable, in treating disease of this character, frj dispense with both.

Case of Jaundice. � November 2, 1851. � 'Visited a dapple gray gelding, the property of Mr. C. Found the animal standing in the stall with his head hanging below the crib; his position that of a weak (apparently lazy) horse; pulse 58, respirations 17 ; eyelids partly closed; on raising which, the membranes pre�sented a yellow cast; the same was observed in the mucous sur�faces of the mouth. We were told that the urine was of a dark-yellow color; the excrement dark, slimy, and hard. Com�menced the treatment by giving

Powdered mandrake, (podopAy/fom^)e/toilaquo;m,) .nbsp; nbsp; 4 drachms,

Castile soap, in shavings.........nbsp; nbsp; 2 drachms,

Cream of tartar.............nbsp; nbsp; 2 drachms,

Powdered ginger............nbsp; nbsp; 1 drachm,

Extract thoroughwort,.........nbsp; nbsp; 2 drachms.

Water................nbsp; nbsp; 1 quart.

Two quarts of weak soap suds were now thrown into the rectum, which brought away a moderate quantity of fetid dung.

As the animal appeared to be in very fair condition, directions were given to keep him on a light diet of scalded shorts.

November 3. � The horse is in much the same condition as yesterday; the medicine, however, has operated. He has par�taken of a very small portion of the mashes; has eaten some hay, and drank, at various times, about three gallons of water. Gave the following in one quart of warm water: �

Carbonate of soda,...........nbsp; nbsp; 2 drachms,

Powdered goldenseal...........nbsp; nbsp; 3 drachms,

quot; mandrake,..........nbsp; nbsp; 1 drachm,

quot; poplar bark,..........nbsp; nbsp; 2 drachms.

The mash to be continued, and a few carrots to be thrown into the crib.

November 4. �The animal is apparently better; his motions are more lively; appetite slightly improved ; bowels relaxed;

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urine more abundant, yet of a yellow cast; the mucous surfaces still tinged yellow; the pulse and respirations have not varied much from the commencement. As the bowels appeared to be sufficiently relaxed, the mandrake and soda were omitted, and the following tonic draught administered: �

Goldenseal..............2 drachms,

Extract thoroughwort,.........1 drachm.

Diet�the shorts to be mixed with an equal part of meal, and a small quantity of hay allowed.

November 5. � The animal has improved some since yester�day ; is more lively and willing to move; the appetite is return�ing, and he has partaken of food with good relish; the excre�ment appears more natural, yet has a glossy appearance on its surface. We had no opportunity of observing the color of the urine, but were told that quot; it looked well.quot; The yellow tinge has almost disappeared from the membranes of the mouth and eye ; the latter is quite bright. Ordered the following: �

Powdered goldenseal,..........4 drachms,

quot; mandrake...........4 drachms,

quot; ginger,...........4 drachms.

Which was divided into eight parts, one to be given in the feed twice a day; the animal to be well groomed, and have walking exercise in the open air.

Saw the horse again on the 7th. The case had now assumed a favorable aspect; scarcely a trace of the yellow tint was to be seen. We gave directions to continue the powders, the horse to be regularly exercised, and return to his accustomed diet. This is the last we saw of the animal; but learned that he was taken out of the city the next day, and soon putto work.

This disease was probably induced by over feeding on cracked corn and oats, which produced irritation of the stomach and intes�tines, and the liver became diseased purely by sympathy with those parts.

INFLAMMATION OF THE UNVR,. �{Hepatitis.)

The parenchyma, (cellular substance which connects the body of the liver together,) and serous surface of the liver, are occasion�ally the seat of increased vascular action; rather unfrequent,

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however, in horses: they seem to enjoy, to a certain extent, im�munity from a disease which appears to have a greater affinity for the livers of their masters; or else we have not been smart enough to detect it in our patients, having noticed but a few iso�lated cases. The most of the symptoms noticed in this affection do not differ materially from those noticed in jaundice; other local signs are required, however, to make out a case of acute hepatitis; these are, pain in the hepatic region, extending to the right shoulder, so that the patient is lame in the off limb, unsteady in his gait, and evinces signs of pain on our pressing in the above region. The pulse is strong, skin hot and dry, slight cough, loss of appetite, and dull, sleepy look. For consecutive symptoms and treatment, see Jaundice.

When the disease is located in the serous covering of the liver, it is called hepato-peritonitis. The treatment does not differ from that for the preceding disease.

Softening, condensation, and tubercles are the result, in some cases, of a chronic form of hepatitis ; for the demonstration of these states during the subject's life our diagnosis is all at fault, and therefore it is useless to write any thing about the treatment, other than to inform the reader that the author's remedies for the cure of diseases of the liver are, mandrake,* soap, and carbonate of soda.

� Medical Properties of Podophyllum, {Manarake.) � Podophyllam, when administered to man, is an active and certain cathartic, producing copious liquid discharges, without much griping or other unpleasant effect. Its opera�tion resembles that of jalap, but is rather slower, and is thought by some to be more drastic. It is applicable to inflammatory affections, which require brisk purging. The common names by which this plant is known are May apple, mandrake, amp;c. It grows in almost all parts of the United States.

From our own experience in the use of the article, we can safely recommend it as an efficient cathartic; very permanent in its operation, generally leav�ing the bowels in a soluble condition. It seems to have a peculiar action on the liver, and when given to a horse, in repeated doses of from one to two drachms, every twelve hours, operates in the same manner as when calomel is prescribed; though less liable to do harm, in the hands of the inexperienced, than the latter article. In this view, we term mandrake quot; the calomel of the physopathist.quot; Its range of application, however, is more extensive than that of calomel. It may be used as a substitute for aloes, whenever an active cathartic is indicated, in doses of from four to seven drachms, in the form of drench. AVe have frequently used it as an aperient, in inflammation of the

15 raquo;

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DISEASES OF THE EYE AND ITS MEMBRANES.

INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE. �(OpfeAotouo.)

Ophthalmia is a disease so familiar to every one, that a de�scription of it seems unnecessary. Its seat is in the membrane which lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the white of the eye; its diagnostic symptom is vascular congestion. When seen and treated in the early stage, it generally yields to very simple treatment; if, however, it advance beyond the primary stage, structural and functional alteration takes place. A simple in�flamed eye, to some persons, does not appear of much account; yet the author would inform such, that from this primary form of disease others of a more alarming nature supervene.

As prevention is much cheaper than cure, it must be obvious that it is of great importance to practise that system of manage�ment, with respect to feeding, exercise, cleanliness, and ventila�tion, which is most likely to prevent ophthalmia. quot;When horses are put to regular daily work, their health will be best maintained by feeding them regularly three times a day with a mixed diet, composed of bruised oats, shorts, meal, cracked corn, and cut hay. These should be allowed in sufficient quantity, and no more ; for too much food must impair the digestive organs and derange the general health.

As regards exercise, it is indispensable. No man or horse can ever enjoy good health unless habituated to daily exercise; it tends towards their health and strength, assists and promotes a free circulation of the blood, determines morbific matter to the

lungs and bowels, in doses of. two drachms, repeated as occasion seemed to require. With a view of preventing its local action on the mucous surfaces, in the latter diseases, we always give it in a thin mucilage of slippery elm. If an alterative is indicated, we prescribe it combined with equal parts of goldenseal, from one to two drachms of each, daily. quot;We could say a great deal more in proof of its extensive therapeutic power, but refrain, in hopes that some of our professional brethren will give it a trial. Wo are not aware that it has ever been used in veterinary practice until of late. The therapeutic (curative) prop�erties of podophyllum are dependent on the presence of a principle called podophyUin.

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various outlets, develops the muscular powers, creates a natural appetite, improves the wind, and finally invigorates the whole system. The exhaustion produced by want of rest is equally dangerous; such horses, at certain seasons of the year, are always among the first victims, and when attacked their recovery is generally protracted.

As regards cleanliness, the brush and curry-comb should be used morning and evening; the latter, however, must be dispensed with when the horse is laboring under any form of cutaneous disease, at least while in its acute stage. Good rubbing promotes the circulation of blood through the capillary vessels, acts as a counter irritant, and relieves congestions. Many of the diseases to which horses are subject, more particularly those of the ali�mentary canal, have their origin in a filthy skin. We are decid�edly opposed to the use of the curry-comb with a view of divesting the horse's legs of mud and filth, for the parts below the hnee and hoch are destitute of fleshy fibre; from which circumstance the periosteum, enveloping the bone, is more exposed to violence from the teeth and edges of the curry-comb. If a horse comes from his work covered with mud, the better plan would be to detach it, when dry, with a wisp of straw, after which a good etitf brush will put on the polish.

The admission of light into stables, being a subject next in importance to the former, deserves a passing notice. Nothing is so detrimental to the eyes as sudden transitions from comparative darkness to a glaring light; and probably many of our readers have, at some time, experienced the very unpleasant sensation of mingled pain and giddiness, which is not readily dismissed, after emerging from a dark room, and suddenly coming in contact with the glaring rays of the sun ; and if they have, they know how to sympathize with a poor horse.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;,.

Treatment. � As soon as the inflammatory symptoms make their appearance, the patient should be placed in a situation where he shall be free from annoyance of every kind. A cool shed, rather darkened, will be the most desirable place; a very light diet of scalded shorts, or gruel, will be all the patient needs, until the inflammatory symptoms somewhat abate.

We commence the treatment by administering an active or

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mild cathartic, as the case may seem to require: thus, if the bowels are soluble, a mild dose is indicated, consisting of

Powdered Socotrine aloes, . , . . 3 drachms,

quot; gentian.......2 drachms,

quot; cream of tartar, .... 1 drachm.

Mix with honey for a ball, or with warm water for a drench.

Should the dung appear hard, covered with slime, or even dark-colored, the following must be given: �

Aloes............5 drachms,

Gentian,..........2 drachms.

Mix as above.

We do not wish the reader to suppose that in all cases of this complaint a cathartic is absolutely necessary; for in some instances a foreign body may have lodged on the sclerotica, the removal of which, and the after application of cold water, may be all that are required for the patient's relief. quot;Whereas, to purge a horse, under the circumstances, would be both absurd and injuri�ous. A careful examination, therefore, of the eye must be made, and the inspector having satisfied himself that there is no local cause of irritation, and that the nature of the case demands active treatment, then a cathartic will be indispensable.

Local means, for the purpose of allaying irritation, must now

be resorted to. Authors recommend various articles; our favorite

one is, �

Tincture of arnica,.......1 ounce,

Water,...........1 pint.

In bathing the eye, a piece of soft sponge should be used; at the same time bearing in mind that the eye is highly sensitive, and that any unnecessaiy handling of the part is liable to give the patient great pain, and increase inflammation.

The head should be sponged two or three times a day with cold water; nothing tends so much to allay superficial inflam�mation as the application of cold water � quot; It puts out the fire of inflammation.quot;

It has been customary, and the practice has received the sanction of eminent surgeons, to abstract blood in this case from the jugu�lar vein; but as the author has no sort of confidence in such pro�cedure, he cannot recommend it. Bleed the horse through the

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alimentary canal, is our motto, by means of purgatives; � thus the superabundant fluids of the body can be drawn off, and the system as certainly prostrated as in the use of the fleam; not to the same extent, however, unless purgation be continued beyond the limits of reason and experience. Why should not a system, comparatively speaking, of starvation, be superior to the common mode of prostrating, viz., by bloodletting? for in withholding food we put a stop to the nutritive processes, and the animal-, as it were, lives upon himself, thus reducing the fluids and solids of the body: this is just precisely what the practice of phlebotomy contemplates. At the same time we seriously protest against unnecessary use of physic. Cathartics may now and then be indicated, but bloodletting never. This is our honest conviction ; yet at the same time we have no ill feelings towards those who conscientiously practise the latter.

During the active stage of this disease, cooling drinks are use�ful, because they lessen the febrile symptoms, and at the same time prove refreshing to our patient; and, if composed of suitable agents, they tend to aid the exit, by appropriate channels, of all excrementitious matter. In this view we use cream of tartar or epsom salts. One ounce of either article, dissolved in a common bucket of water, answers the purpose.

This drink may be allowed, at discretion, during the time and after the medicine shall have operated; provided, however, the animal be not griped from the effects of the physic, nor the evac-

* quot; Of the direct effects of a full dose of cathartic medicine on the system, we have pretty satisfactory evidence. Not only does it influence the general distribution of blood by causing^a preternatural determination to the abdominal viscera, but its operation is attended with a greater consumption of that fluid, in consequence of there being an augmentation of the intestinal, and probably other secretions. And when we calculate the extent of the secreting surface of the alimentary canal, and take into our consideration that there may be an augmented afflux of other secretions to it, in addition to its own, we shall be able to form some idea of the loss of vital fluid the system may sustain in this way; nothing indeed, can evince to us the debilitating effects of cathartics more strikingly than the quick depression of condition, and with it strength and spirits, which supervene upon excessive purgation. Even as a depletive, therefore, next to bloodletting, catharsis is the most potent remedy we pos sess ; and it is chiefly with the intention of determining blood to the bowels, and of drawing it off in the form of secretion, that we employ purgation in most inflammatory diseases.quot; � Percivall'a Lectures.

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uations profuse; in either case a small portion of ginger may be

added.

If the constitutional and local treatment have not had the ef-quot;

feet of changing the morbid action of the part, and it remains in

an irritable state, a mucilaginous fomentation of slippery elm or

marshmallow roots will be of benefit. If a profuse fluid secretion

takes place, the application must possess astringent properties.

The following is a good example: �

Powdered slippery elm, ... 2 drachms, quot; bayberry bark, ... 1 drachm, Hot water,.......1 pint.

Set it aside until cool; then strain, and it is fit for use.

Cold applications generally agree best with an inflamed eye; yet, in the cold months, it may be advisable to apply them with the chill off.

If what is commonly denominated a quot; speck quot; should appear,

then take

Tincture of bloodroot, ... 1 ounce. Water,........1 pint.

Bathe the eye three times a day with this mixture, taking care to introduce some of it within the eyelids. If the quot; speckquot; be large and persistent, the tincture alone must be applied by means of a camel's-hair pencil. Let it be understood, however, that the term speck is merely applied to that opacity which is confined to the external tunic of the organ of vision, and must not, therefore, be confounded with cataract, which consists of an opaci�ty of the crystalline lens or its capsule, preventing the rays of light passing to the optic nerve.

CATARACT.

In the early stage of this disease, a small white speck appears in the centre of the lens; sometimes, however, it is first observed at the upper or lower margin of the pupil; it gradually increases in size until the sight is wholly obliterated. Human practition�ers have been successful in the cure of cataract by operation, and we think the process of depressing or extracting the dis�eased lens in the horse's eye might safely be practised, provided it be done before the retina (which is an expansion of the optic

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nerve) is diseased. Some authors urge as a reason for not per�forming such operation on the horse that, the retractor muscle draws the eye back so powerfully and so deeply into the socket as to render an operation almost impossible. But this difficulty � thanks to the discoverers of chloroform � can now be obviated; still we have doubts of such an operation as couching (extract�ing) being of any benefit to quadrupeds, unless we can form some sort of a convex lens to place before their eyes.

We know of no remedy that can be depended on for the cure of this malady other than such as comes under the denomination of quot; alterative,quot; calculated to improve the general condition of the patient; and perhaps such would be of little avail in the cure of what is generally considered an incurable disease. There are kinds of cataract, however, of a spurious nature, that can be absorbed. � For further information on this subject, the reader is referred to Percivall's Veterinarian and Hippopathology.

AMATJROSIS, OR GUTTA SEREXA.

This disease (commonly called glass eye) is attended with a diminution or total loss of sight. In most cases the pupil is dilated to its utmost extent, and incapable of contraction when a light is held near it. The eye has so bright and glassy an appearance as not to be mistaken.

The disease may be either symptomatic or sympathetic. In the first case, it arises from some injury'to the brain produced by concussion, or from pressure on some portion of the cerebral mass. In the latter case, it arises from derangement of the organs of digestion.

Symptomatic gutta serena can only be made to disappear by the removal of the existing cause ; if this be impracticable, then the trouble is incurable. But if it depend on acute or chronic indigestion, we may entertain some hopes of recovery. If the disease be of recent origin, and the patient in fair condition, we may entertain some hopes of a cure ; yet, after all, that will de�pend on the nature of the case. Youatt and some others con�sider amaurosis an quot; incurable disease.quot; These writers probably refer to that form which originates in disease of the retina, optic

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nerve, or from tumor within the ventricles of the cerebral mass. But the most common form of amaurosis in the horse is that de�nominated sympathetic. We have seen horses that have sud�denly become amaurotic from overfeeding, the subjects at the same time leading a lazy life in an air-tight stable, by which errors the digestive, as well as other functions, become impaired, and reveal their pathological condition by external sign � amau-ros�. We remember the case of a young colt which died of chronic indigestion � debility. For several weeks previous to death, the animal was amaurotic in both eyes : he would stand with his nose protruded, ears erect, and head raised to an unnatu�ral position, and the owner informed us that if he attempted to move the patient, he would raise his limbs after the fashion of a dancing master. Such, together with the dilated pupils, are the symptoms to be considered in diagnosing this malady.

Sympathetic amaurosis, therefore, may admit of cure; and that cure consists in the restoration' of whatever function may be de�ranged ; the mere application of local remedies to the eye alone will be of no sort of use; we must go beyond � seek for first causes, and apply suitable remedies in the region of the actual disease ; for, in nine cases out of ten, amaurosis is but a symp�tom indicating disease of an alarming nature, located, perhaps, in the digestive canal.

The causes assigned for amaurosis in the human subject are, compression of the optic nerves; from debility; from spasm; aud from poisons; and probably the same causes may produce similar results in the horse.

27ie treatment of amaurosis must depend on the nature of the

case; if the subject be in a state of plethora�fat and sleek �

administer the following cathartic drench: �

Powdered aloes,......nbsp; nbsp;4 drachms,

quot; gentian, .....nbsp; nbsp;2 drachms.

Common salt,......nbsp; nbsp;1 ounce.

Warm water,......nbsp; nbsp;1 pint.

Keep the animal on a light diet of scalded shorts; sponge the head with cold water; give an occasional injection of salt and wat^r; and let the patient have regular exercise.

If the patient be in a state of ancemia � debility � we must have recourse to tonics and alteratives, with a view of invigor-

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

181

ating the system. The medicine best calculated to produce this result is

Powdered goldenseal, quot;1

quot; gentian,

quot; sulphur, gt; of each 1 ounce.

quot; ginger,

laquo; salt, J . Oatmeal,........1 pound.

Mix; divide the mass into twelve parts, and give one in the

food, night and morning. The eye may be bathed twice a day

with the following astringent lotion: �

Powdered bayherry bark, . . 1 ounce. Boiling water,......1 pint.

quot;When cool, strain, and add a table-spoonful of tincture of blood-root; it is then fit for use. A good nutritious diet is indis�pensable.

Should amaurosis be the sequel of cerebral disease, little hope can be entertained of recovery. Should the reader, however, desire to treat such case, he must have recourse to counter irri�tation as well as internal medication. As counter irritants, some recommend a seton quot;under the jaws; but probably a mustard poultice applied behind the ears would have the same effect.

SPECIFIC OK PERIODIC OPHTHALMIA.

The specific or periodic form of ophthalmia differs from com�mon ophthalmia.

1st. The inflammation is deep-seated, and on examining the eye, after death, we find the choroid coat highly inflamed, pre�senting a scarlet appearance. The vitreous humor appears of a light yellow tint; all the internal structures, and especially the lens and its capsule, are highly injected, presenting a network of blood vessels; whereas, in simple ophthalmia the tunica con�junctiva alone is commonly affected.

2dly. Specific ophthalmia, unlike simple, is considered consti�tutional, and is subject to regular paroxysms, lasting for two or three days at a time. The intermission is noticed by a disap�pearance of the acute symptoms, and a restoration of the sight. The intermissions are sometimes of* several months' duration, and we are often led to suppose that the disease has entirely 16

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subsided; but a relapse manifesting itself in one or both eyes, soon undeceives us.

Causes of Periodic Ophthalmia. � The disease may be in�duced by a variety of exciting causes; hereditary influence is supposed to be one among the many causes prolific of the malady; yet veterinarians are undecided in their opinions as to whether the disease itself, or oaly the predisposition, is transmitted. Mr. Percivall considers hereditary influence as quot;predisposent only � not excitant; nor sufficient of itself to produce ophthalmia.quot; Professor Coleman teaches, in his Lectures, that quot; the disease is never seen prior to the domestication of the animal; never occurs on a common or in the open air, but is the p'roduct of the poison generated from the effluvia of the breath, dung, and urine of horses standing together ; in proof of which the disease is found to be more or less prevalent, according as the stables in which horses stand are ventilated. In stables that have the most cases of inflamed lungs, grease, and glanders, there we find the most blindness; and where these diseases are rarest, ophthalmia is least known. Coincident with the opinion of Coleman, and we may add Percivall and many other writers, is the experience of the author, and many intelligent horse dealers of the United States also; for the disease, in the first place, is not so prevalent here as in the crowded cities and barrack stables of the old world; and, secondly, we do not find so many blind horses here. quot;Whenever a case of simple or specific ophtbalibia occurs, we generally find the subject located in a filthy stable, or on low, marshy ground, or else he has been shut up for many hours in a railroad car, there respiring over and over again the foul products of combustion and excretion. The disease, as a matter of course, maybe induced by mechanical means, � through injuries sus�tained, � or by violating, in the stable management of the animal, some physiological law. The disease induced in this way may at times, assume in its primary stage, the form of simple ophthal�mia, and afterwards degenerate into the disease now under con�sideration.

The us#of blinders, which are now fast going out of fashion, must tend to irritate the eyes of horses ; and the sooner they are entirely dispensed with, the better will it be for both horse and owner.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;,.

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Treatment of Periodic Ophthalmia. � The first thinquot; to be done, is to place the patient in a situation where he shall be as free as possible from exciting causes ; the treatment may then be conducted with a ray of hope. Even should the animal be the recipient of hereditary predisposition, his removal from a crowded stable to the country reduces him, as it were, to a state of nature, and tells wonderfully in view of both palliation and cure. .

Antiphlogistic measures, such as topical and general blood�letting, purgatives, amp;c., are usually resorted to in the treatment of common ophthalmia, and sometimes with remarkable success; but in a disease of this character, they are worse than useless. And lest this our opinion should appear singular, we quote from. Hippopathology, p. 97 : quot; Blood has been drawn from the jugular vein of the same side as the affected eye, until the animal has quite staggered under the evacuation; the carotid artery of that side has been stopped by ligature; nay, the vessels carrying on the inflammation, themselves, as they ran upon the cornea, have been severed by scarification and by cauterization, and all to no other purpose than that of checking, or, to appearance, subduing an inflammatory action, which has been, after a time, sure to return with equal or even with redoubled force. A common inflamma�tion, once fairly conquered, has no power to revive again; at least not in its original activity; but as for the inflammation of periodic ophthalmia, it will return again and again, after having been, to appearances, overpowered; and, in opposition to our most strenuous endeavors, will march slowly or rapidly on, accord�ing as the case happens to be acute or chronic, to the ultimate destruction of the eye.quot;

Purgative medicine, also, which has been so highly extolled for the cure of conjunctival ophthalmia, has generally failed to ben�efit the patient: from these facts alone the reader may form some idea of the disadvantages under which, a medical man labors while treating so formidable a malady. Hence we place very little reliance in the antiphlogistic treatment, but have great confidence in the means which God and Nature have provided for the .maintenance of health, and for its restoration when absent. We therefore recommend the reader to study that branch of medicine � hygiene � which treats of the preservation of health:

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for without a knowledge of its fundamental principles we cannot cure disease.

Having then removed the patient to a healthy location, we make some sort of change in the diet, calculated to have an alterative effect. All green fodder may be considered altera�tive ; and after a horse has been kept up for some time, and fed on stable provender, any description of green succulent herbage may be given, with the assurance that it will have a sanatory effect.

The medicine best calculated to cooperate with hygienic means, is, �

Powdered sassafras,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; /

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; skunk cabbage, r ... of eachnbsp; 3 ounces,

**nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; gentian,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; ^

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; sulphur,..........nbsp; nbsp; 2 ounces,

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; elm bark..........nbsp; nbsp; 8 ounces,

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; ginger,..........nbsp; nbsp; 2 ounces,

laquo;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; salt,............nbsp; nbsp; 3 ounces.

Mix ; divide into twelve powders, and give one every night in the food.

The following antispasmodic preparation must be applied to

the eye two or three times a day: �

Tincture of Indian hemp, (canabis sativtis Indiens,) . . 1 ounce. Eain water,................1 pint.

DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.

PALSY. � {Parahjs�.)

There are three varieties of paralysis to which horses are sub�ject.� Variety 1. Hemiplegia, � affecting one half of the body, longitudinally, that is to say, the limbs and body of one side only. Should the animal have a sudden attack, and, without warning, in an instant fall down, and remain there on the affected side, deprived of the power to raise himself, hemiplegia is then considered quot; complete ;quot; whereas, in quot; incomplete quot; hemiplegia, the horse^retnains standing, although, if urged to move, the ex�tensors of the limbs seem to have lost their power, and the latter arc merely dragged along. We remember treating a case of

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incomplete hemiplegia, occurring in a six year old gelding, sup�posed to have been brought on by overfeeding, followed by a hard drive. The off side, which was affected, was insensible to the prick of a pin, and felt several degrees colder than the other; the head was drawn into an unnatural position, partly round to raquo;the affected side, and the patient seemed unable to straighten the neck ; the eye on this side inclined backward, and the lower lip and right ear hung pendulous. This horse was left one evening in an empty bam, as usual, and next morning the owner called and informed us that the patient had fallen during the night, and broke his neck ; that the head was doubled completely round on the side of the neck, and lay underneath him. quot;We did not see the patient after the accident, but from the man's description of the position of the horse, concluded that he must have stumbled against something during the night, and in the fall dislocated the first cervical vertebra at its occipital articulation.

Variety 2. Paraplegia. � This affects the posterior half of the body, and the subject is found squatting on his haunches, at the same time making incessant efforts with his fore extremities to raise the body; but his efforts all prove of no avail; and after the primary excitement has subsided, he will be found sitting dog fashion, merely making an occasional effort to get up. In this condition the urine and excrement often pass involuntarily. Paraplegia generally results from some injury to the spinal cord, received in slipping down on the pavements, or otherwise, or else through violent efforts at heavy draught; thus injuring the spinal marrow, either by laceration, or effusion into its canal.' Such cases generally terminate fatally.

Variety 3. Paralysis partialis. � This is identical with pa�ralysis facialis of the human family, and consists in distortion of the parts about the head and face : ordinarily the muscles of the face are drawn upwards � one side only; but in some parts of the Western States such subjects have a most unearthly appear�ance about the face ; it seems to affect them on both sides of the head, so that the upper lip is doubled completely upwards, and both eyelids are raised, so as to expose-the greater portion of the upper part of the eye: there is, however, in the latter case, tremulous agitation of the head and limbs, and sometimes of the IG*

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whole body, which does not take place in simple paralysiraquo; facialis.

Paralysis partialis is generally the sequel of indigestion; iherefore the cure consists in restoring the digestive function to its normal state. A change of diet, laxative medicines, tonics, ex�ternal frictions, light work, and pure air, are the means best cal�culated to restore the patient. The external irritant we gener�ally make use of, in all cases of paralysis, is composed of

Oil of cedar.........1 ounce.

Tincture of capsicum,.....6 ounces.

Linseed oil,........1 pint.

To be applied daily over the region of the spinal column, and in the vicinity of the paralyzed parts.

Whatever may be the cause of this disorder, we cannot err in combining antispasmodics * with whatever medicines are admin�istered. There are three kinds which we are much in favor of, viz., assafoetida, garlic, and Indian hemp. The dose of the former is, one drachm of the powder; garlic we use in the form of sirup � from one to three ounces ; and the latter in the form of tincture�from one to three drachms.

Should the patient, in consequence of overfeeding and want of sufficient exercise, be in a state of plethora, which may be known by a sleepy, unwilling gait, redness of the membranes of the eye, constipated bowels, and thick, sometimes high-colored urine, the antispasmodic ipay then be combined with six or seven drachms of aloes, and a pint of warm gruel, with which the horse may be drenched. The diet should be �ne feed, scalded, and well seasoned with salt.

Paralysis is very frequently a symptom of cerebral disease,quot; and must be treated accordingly. See Staggers, amp;c.

* Antispasmodics have been defined as '* agents which overcome inordinate muscular action ;quot; therefore all nauseants � and among them we include warm water and lobelia � are antispasmodic. The reader has probably experienced the relaxing and beneficial effects of a warm bath, or a wann cup of tea; and to reason from analogy, he may conclude that warm fluid, applied either inter�nally or externally, has the same effect on a horse. Under the head of Anti�spasmodics, Professor Morton enumerates alcohol, ether, oil of turpentine, opium, spirit of nitric ether. Professor Curtis considers all the essential oils antispasmodic.

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LOCKED-JAW. � (TmmtM, Tetanus.*)

Tetanus is a disease of nervous origin, affecting tbe muscles of external relation, through the agency of perverted nervous force ; it consists in a permanent spasm of some, and in the latter stages all, of the voluntary muscles; it is subject occasionally to slight remissions, but no relaxation.

In the human subject, we recognize three peculiar features: �

1.nbsp; The body is bent forwards �anticm.

2.nbsp; Body bent backwards�posticus.

3.nbsp; Body bent sidewise � lateralis.

The horse, however, is most subject to that form of disease known as trismus, which meansect; painful, fixed, and rigid con�traction of the jaws, mouth firmly closed; and one or more of the above features are generally blended with trismus. Yet, at the onset, the locked-jaw may be the first symptom that arrests our attention, and so long as this symptom remains unconnected #9632;with gpasm, or stretching of muscles of the trunk, (it seldom affects those of the limbs,) the case is one of pure trismus � locked-jaw.

That form of the disorder which is most prevalent in this country is termed traumatic, resulting from wounds � docking, pricking, amp;c.; from injury to sensitive tissues; arising also

* S. G. quot;Wilmot, member of the Royal College of Surgeons, who has great experience in the treatment of tetanus, communicates for the Dublin Medical Journal the following: �

^,(1. Tetanus depends on irritation, directly or ujdirectly, of the excito-motory system, or true spinal cord, by which it becomes surcharged with motor influence; and that inflammation in or about the cord, or any appreciable lesion, is not an essential condition for the development of the disease.

quot; 2. That our grand object, in the treatment of tetanus, should be to sup�port the patient's strength, by the administration of stimulants and strong nourishment, with a view, as it were, to compensate the vital powers for their great exhaustion, consequent upon the expenditure of force, by the violent muscular contractions, which in some cases are excessive.

** 3. That, as the removal of the exciting cause � when once the first evidence that irritation has been propagated to the spinal cord becomes manifest � docs not in the least degree check the progress of tetanus, or abate the violence of its symptoms, all operations in traumatic cases are generally not only unne�cessary, but iu'urious.quot;

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from driving a nail (when shoeing) in the wrong direction, and from puncturing the foot, by picking up a nail. It is generally supposed that when locked-jaw follows an accident of this kind, a nerve must have been injured: it may happen so in some cas^s, but we have known a horse to die of this malady, when the brunt of the exciting disease was expended on the coffin bone and navicular joint, which were extensively ulcerated; there were no signs of any injury to the nervous filaments, and, if a nerve had been injured, would not its abnormal action have merged into the more formidable one progressing in the cartilaginous and bony structures ? For it is generally supposed that two distinct diseases, one of the nerves and another of the osseous structure, could not coexist: hence the locked-jaw must have yielded, if it had existed in consequence of injury to a nerve. The locked-jaw was, no doubt, sympathetic, and probably a great propor�tion of those cases termed punctured nerve, are of sympathetic origin.

That locked-jaw frequently occurs as a sympathetic affection, we have abundant evidence. Many horses, whose digestive organs have acquired a morbid habit, and have gradually arrived at a certain state of intensity, are finally attacked with trismus, and die with their jaws set as tight as if held in. a vice.

That locked-jaw is generally a sympathetic affection shouldquot; be known to every man, for a great deal of useless medication and unnecessary pain is inflicted on animals, when, if the exciting cause was understood, the poor brute might oftener be relieved than he now is.

The very absurd idea promulgated by many, that locked-jaw of the traumatic species always results from injury to a nerve, and from no other cause, should now be exploded; the idea receives no advocacy from modern veterinarians, and only exists in works of doubtful origin. On consulting Hippopathology, p. 48, we learn that traumatic tetanus may arise from various causes. One case originated from a wound under the eye inflicted by the lash of a whip. quot; The late Mr. John Field mentions one case in which all that he could find to account for it was a saddle gall; and in another there existed only a wound in the neck. * * laquo; On one occasion it succeeded cauterization of the jugular vein.quot;

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Two cases are related also, occurring after strangles; in one of them, however, there existed some gastro-intestinal irritation.

quot; D'Arboval informs us, that at a remount, depot for cavalry established at Bee, (department de L'Eure,) twenty-four horses were castrated on the same day, and afterwards were four times a day made to take a cold bath in water derived from an ex�ceedingly cold spring; the consequences were, that sixteen out of the twenty-four died of tetanus between the tenth and fifteenth days.quot;

Sympathetic Tetanus. � This is supposed to arise from irrita�tion, or some derangement of the digestive organs ; we have seen and treated several cases of this character with success; the chief remedies were, assafoetida combined with mineral tonics, (car�bonate of iron;) stimulants; frictions, with liniment, to the jaws and spine; injections and fomentations. The worst case of sym�pathetic tetanus we ever treated was that of a ten year old geld�ing. It occurred in the stable of Mr. J. Gilson, West Cambridge Centre, during the latter part of 1852. The animal had, previous to the attack, been noticed as a ravenous feeder; and although he ate enough to support two common horses, his condition was not benefited by it, for he lost considerable flesh; his coat looked bad, and he was the subject of constipation and occasional slimy discharges. This state of things had continued for some time; when the owner, on going into his stall one morning, to feed, found the animal's jaws locked. We saw him a few hours after�wards, and found the jaws unnaturally fixed, yet not closed with that vice-like tetanic spasm that is seen in some cases of acute tetanus; the jaws could be opened so as to admit a body the size of a man's finger between the nippers. The eye had the usual appearance, being drawn backwards, and partly covered by the membrane nictitans (haw.) The ears were erected, nostrils ex�panded, and the neck was rigidly extended forwards ; the coun�tenance presented that anxious and distressing look so easily recognized by those who have once seen a case of this character; the muscles of the back and the recti of the abdomen were the seat of tonic spasm; the hind limbs were widely separated, and the fore were slightly advanced, being in the most favorable position for affording support to the inflexible body; the jaws

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THK MODERN IIOKSE DOCTOR.

remained in the state just alluded to for the space of sixteen days; there was no lateral motion to the jaws, but the patient could readily imbibe thin oatmeal and flour gruel, and also the thera�peutic agents, which consisted of the articles just named, and an occasional laxative to keep the bowels soluble. The animal, however, came near losing his life on the very night after the jaws relaxed. He had been fed, watered, secured for the night, and was left doing as well as any poor horse in his circum�stances might be expected to do. Next morning he was found down, his eyes tumefied, skin knocked off in various parts of the head and body, belly enormously swollen, fcc, all going to show that he had, during the night, and was now, suffering from flatu�lent colic. A barrel of beans scattered on the floor, one side of the stall lying flat, and every thing about the barn presenting the utmost confusion, went to show, that during the night our patient got loose and went on a voyage of discovery within the limits of the barn; in the course of his travels he came across a barrel of beans, a savory meal for a half-starved horse, and no doubt he tried the strength of his masseter muscles, which had of late been quite useless. The sudden change from gruel to hard beans was too much for our patient's digestive organs; hence the colic. By the exhibition of diffusible stimulants, carminatives, steaming, rubbing, amp;c., he got over the trouble, but was a long while before all his external injuries healed; he is at the present time owned in Koxbury, apparently as well as ever. If we take into consideration the animal's previous protracted illness, it seems remarkable that he should have recovered. We should therefore never despair. Another case of sympathetic tetanus occurred in the same town, which was brought to a favorable termination: the jaws relaxed on the fifth day, when the patient, in consequence of being fed immediately with too bountiful a hand, died a few days after of gastro-enteritis. We have lately viewed with favor the theory of our veterinary luminaries, that tetanus in most cases is of sympathetic origin. Some very interesting remarks occur in Hippopathology bearing on this point, which we shall here introduce as valuable acquisitions to our poverty-struck vet�erinary literature.

quot; The sympathetic disorder,quot; writes Mr. Percivall, quot; as I shall

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call the other form of centripetal tetanus, (having discussed the traumatic variety,) is that which, from the absence of all wound or injury, we have got into the habit of considering as idiopathic; though, in point of fact, while some cases so considered are, no doubt, central, i. e., originate within the spinal marrow, others, there seems good reason for believing, must be dependent upon some irritation, either within the alimentary canal, or in some other part of the body. Should this turn out to be the case, our pathology of tetanus will have undergone essential improvement; and we shall be able to account, in a measure, for our therapeu�tic agents succeeding in one case and failing in another�a fact that has hitherto led us either to regard the asserted remedy as useless, or to attribute its failure or success to an erroneous source. In a word, by endeavoring to discover the real seat and nature of two kinds or forms of disease which have hitherto been confounded under the epithet idiopathic, it is manifest we are in the road to a very considerable amendment of our method of -treatment.quot;

Mr. Percivall quotes also the opinions of Messrs. Karkeek and Henderson in support of his own opinion as to the sympa�thetic origin of tetanus; and he introduces, with a view of substan�tiating this theory, the opinion of that distinguished surgeon, Mr. Abernethy, who, he says, quot; was of opinion that the injury, what�ever it might be, leading to tetanus, first produced disorder of the digestive organs; and that disorder occasioned derangement of the functions of the spinal marrow, and, through it, of those of the system at large, which latter derangement constituted tetanus.quot; . On page 51 of Hippopathology, a passage occurs, so full of inter�est to the American reader, that we take the liberty to transfer it to our pages.

quot; Mr. A. Henderson, V. S., London, who presented the Veter�inary Medical Society with a good practical paper on tetanus in 1832, ' doubts if the horse has ever the disease except from sym�pathy ;' and in confirmation of this opinion states, that although during life the symptoms have proved insufficient to direct his attention to the seat of the source of irritation, examination after death has manifested appearances which left no doubt on the mind of Mr. H. about the nature of a case which he had at first

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considered to be idiopathic, i. e., central. And in the position which Mr. H. has taken, I am very much disposed to think, that (although I do not believe his theory complete) he stands very strong.

quot;I feel no doubt myself, that a very large proportion of our cases of tetanus originate either from wound, discovered or not discovered, or from some other cause of local irritation; and that cause Mr. H. has found frequently to be ' an unusually vascular appearance of the large sympathetic nerves, through their various ramifications in the chest and abdomen.' In one case, in combi�nation with this appearance, he found distention and redness of the stomach, with crimson spots upon its pyloric portion; in a second case, with the same, an enormous quantity of bots, several of which had eaten through the coats of the stomach; in a third, with the same, an immense number of worms, called terites, in the stomach and small intestines, and in some parts of the duode�num and jejunum, sufficient to block up the passages. The ves�sels of the pia mater were also unusually distended, the brain in this case being examined; and there was more water than usual in the ventricles. To this it may be right to add, that Mr. H. found the sympathetic nerves similarly affected in a ease of tetanus apparently caused by broken knees. Mr. Karkeek, V. S., has since made the same observation on idiopathic tetanus; and in regard to it, coupled with the consideration of other facts, sagaciously remarks, that ' tetanus depends, if any disease does, upon sympathy.' And in another place, says, ' I am of opinion that a diseased state of the digestive organs is invariably the primary cause, as, on dissection, I have ever discovered it to exist. Thus confirming Mr. Abernethy's opinion.quot;

The reader must bear in mind that the nervous system of or�ganic life and the sympathetic nerves, � originating from the spinal marrow, � form a network of ganglia and fibrils, which are distributed to the various parts of the nutritive and secretory apparatus, the fibrils forming a plexus upon the walls of blood vessels, and with them running to the various parts of the body. They possess the power of exciting muscular contractions in the various parts to which they are distributed, by reflex action on their spinal origin, from whence they derive motive power.

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Hence it will readily be perceived by what, means a diseased condition of a certain .organ produces sympathetic disease. Again let it be understood that all vital manifestations in. the animal economy, are entirely dependent on the nutritive function; that the properties of all tissues and organs are dependent for their integrity on a supply of perfectly elaborated blood ; that respira�tion, circulation, and secretion cannot go on unless the nervous forces are well balanced; and that the harmony of that vast and complicated apparatus, known as- the nervous system, is in turn dependent for the performance of its legitimate function on nu�trition. Then we can perceive that many diseases, including tetanus, may readily arise from perverted nutrition, and inde�pendently of any external causes. External causes, however, produce the same result, but not so often as people suppose. The reason why we thus labor to change the current of opinion in favor of the sympathetic origin of this malady is, that a more rational system of medication will then follow, and instead of blistering, bleeding, and cauterizing, as recommended by Touatt and others, � tormenting a poor, dumb brute to no purpose,� we may be led to look beyond the imaginary limit, find the real seat, of the difficulty, and treat it accordingly.

Treatment of Tetanus.� The author does not wish the reader to suppose that all eases of tetanus are curable, or that Ms treat�ment is always successful; there are cases now and then occur�ring which, with the very best veterinary skill, must terminate fatally. Tetanic symptoms sometimes develop themselves in horses of a peculiar diathesis, which opposes rather than contributes to the harmony of the vital forces ; the subjects are not able to bear up against the encroachments, which are continually going on during the long siege of sickness, nor to improve their other�wise unhealthy condition, and, consequently, they sink in spite of our best efforts. Then, again, cases have come under our ob�servation, in some of which the subject's jaws had been locked for two, and even three, days, ere any thing had been done for the animal; some of the owners supposing that the horse had lost his appetite, others that the throat was sore, amp;;c.; so that, under such and other circumstances, too numerous to name, yet under�stood by medical men, we cannot expect to be always successful. 17

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The treatment, in order to be any thing like successful, must be conducted with enlarged views of the animal economy as a whole � we must realize how much one part is dependent on, and contributes to, the support, perpetuity, and identity of func-tior, on another, and that all parts are united by a common bond of sympathetic continuity, as well as cellular structure, and are destined, in certain stages of disease, to suffer in common from a common exciting or predisposing cause.

TVe must also take into account, that the debility present, or which may ensue during the progress of tedious or prostrating disease, must be met by prompt agents favorable to health, for debility (functional or general) may with certainty be consid�ered as the principal cause of premature death. With a view, then, of promoting the living integrity, and producing an equilib�rium of function throughout the whole economy, we must, in�stead of prostrating the system by bloodletting and purging,� so strenuously urged by most writers, and, indeed, practitioners � administer tonics, antispasmodics, stimulants, and laxatives ; for there is nothing that we know of so prostrating to the system of man or horse as acute pain. Long-continued pain, such as a tetanic subject is known to suffer, changes the very elements of the blood : so that the fluid on which our very existence depends for � using a homely expression � its bread and butter (car�bon) is deficient, and the patient may die for want of fuel to support pulmonary combustion. There is really no necessity for the abstraction of blood in tetanus. For it has been shown by Dr. Eadcliffe (see Half-yearly Abstract of the Medical Sciences, vol. xvi. p. 312, and also No. 17, p. 222, January to June, 1853) and by other eminent surgeons, that convulsive, spasmodic, and tremulous diseases depend on a decided and unequivocal de�ficiency in the due amount of that stimulus which is supplied to the muscles from the blood, nerves, and other sources, and not upon an increased afflux of such stimulus. Dr. Eadcliffe clearly demonstrates, in the papers alluded to, that these, as well as other muscular disorders, depend upon the same want, and are manifest�ed in a state of general or local debility, and not in one of health and vigor. Hence the plan of treatment here recommended, and by which we have saved several valuable horses, is superior to

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that which contemplates prostration of the vital fofces. It would be exceedingly interesting to follow Dr. Eadcliflfe in his argu�ments sustaining the proposition just broached, (the state of the circulation in convulsive and spasmodic disorders ;) but our limits will not allow us to do so. With a view, however, of sustaining our own opinion, we quote the following: �

quot; The state of the circulation in tetanus may be illustrated by two recent cases. One of these was sent to The Lancet by Mr. Salter, of Dorset. It was that of an old man, upwards of seventy-three years of age, whose foot had been partly destroyed by a threshing machine. The spasms set in after a prolonged employ�ment (for three or four days) of strong purgative mixtures of salts, senna, and tartar emetic, along with morphia and aperient pills. During the spasms the injured foot was pale and numb, the skin moist, and the countenance cadaverous. The state of the pulse is not specified; but what this was is to be inferred from the foregoing particulars, as well as from the adoption of vigorous stimulation with brandy and ammonia when the spasms occurred. Indeed, in a man so old, so injured, so antimonialized and purged, only one conclusion is possible, namely, that the circulation must have been very greatly depressed. This appears also from the sequel, which was this, under the new mode of treatment the system rallied, and the tetanized parts relaxed ; and this rally�ing and relaxation lasted for several days, at the end of which the symptoms relapsed. This was after an exhausting and agi�tating interview with some friends. Again stimulants were had recourse to, and again the spasms disappeared, not to return. In the relapse, the pulse is stated to have been extremely feeble, and of a typhoid character. In the second patient, the state of his system is stated to have been such as to contra-indicate the use of any lowering medicines, the spirits being faint and low, the countenance anxious, the pulse 98 and weak, and so on. Quinine, ammonia, and turpentine were had recourse to; and the result of the treatment was, that the system rallied, and the spasms subsided. These instances illustrate the large body of cases of tetanus, for certainly the majority are in no way com�plicated with any kind or degree of vascular activity; but do they illustrate the role? Are there no exceptions in which

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there are plethoric or other active symptoms ? The answer, as it seems to us, is clearly in the negative. It is stated by all au�thorities, and must be evident to all who have had any experience in the disease, that there is no fever in tetanus; and this of itself is almost sufficient to prove our position; for so anxious have med�ical men been to find some fever in maladies of this class, that to admit its absence is almost equivalent to admitting the oppo�site. Undoubtedly the vascular state in tetanus assumes many aspects, and some of these are such as to deceive an unpractised eye or an impatient finger. There can be no mistake in such cases as have been described, but they may very readily be in irritable subjects. In such persons, owing to the excitement of examination, or some unusually severe pangs at the moment, the. pulse, when first felt, may beat with considerable force and fulness, and so give rise to an impression of fever or plethora; but this rapidly passes off, and the color fades; the pulse flags and falters. The pulse, indeed, is eminently changeable, and any excitement which may be manifested in it is quite momenta�ry, in comparison with the almost constant state of depression. It must also be borne in mind, as confirming the same view, that in fatal cases the spasms of tetanus continue, and often increase, in spite of the progressive failure of the circulatory powers � a fact that is only explicable on the supposition that the spasms are dependent upon the very reverse of vascular activity. The same conclusions arise also out of the cadaveric rigidity; for in this case we have a state oi-tetanoid, or, rather, eataleptoid con�traction, which subsists with stagnation and death of the blood, and which endures untiringly until the muscles are broken up by incipient decay. In spasms, therefore, as in Ttremulousness and convulsion, there is abundant evidence of a decided lack of circulatory power. It would seem, also, as if that lack were greater in convulsion than in tremulousness, and in spasm than in convulsion. * * raquo; Tetanus, we learn from many surgeons, is most apt to occur when soldiers are dispirited, exhausted, ill fed, and exposed to cold. Cadaveric rigidity is the work of death. In short, the causes of tremor, convulsion, and spasm are such as go to confirm the deductions arising out of the con�dition of the vascular, nervous, and muscular systems; and the

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condition of these systems reacts in confirming tLe idea that these causes are, as they seem to be, of an anti-vital character.quot; Taking into consideration, then, that tetanus is a disease of a depressing character, we must support the vital powers; and if the case is one supposed to originate from the introduction of a foreign body within the hoof, or from any other injury evolving pain, the sooner we commence to give stimulants and nutritive food the better. Flour or oatmeal gruel, made thin enough for the animal to suck up, and seasoned with salt, should be kept before him ; and whatever medicine seems requisite may be administered in this way. As a standing daily medicine, we use the following, and we can conceive of no case that would contra-indicate its use. Take

Powdered assafrntida, ...nbsp; nbsp;12 drachms, quot; carbonate of iron, . 6 drachms, ¹¹ capsicum, ... 3 drachms,

Salt..........1 ounce,

Cream of tartar, ..... 2 ounces.

Mix; divide the mass into twelve parts, and give one every

night. The jaws and spine are to be rubbed for at least two

hours, daily, with a portion of the following : �

Tincture of capsicum, I

Essence of �. \ quot; ^'Mapint. Beefs gall, . . . J

The parts are also to be occasionally lubricated with olive oil; the jaws to be encircled with flannel. Should the horse have been pricked in the foot, take off the shoe, and having found the orifice where the nail entered, examine it, and see if there be any foreign body within it; if so, remove it; enlarge the outer orifice with the point of a knife ; then, having cleansed the part, apply the follow�ing poultice: �

Powdered hemlock barkO

quot; lobelia,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;gt; equal parts.

quot; slippery elm, )

Moisten with boiling water, then add a handful of soft soap. When sufficiently cool, apply it to the foot in the usual manner, renewing it daily. If at the end of three or four days no dis�charge appears, it may be discontinued, and a common dressing of tincture of aloes applied. 17*

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Injections. � In view of evacuating the lower bowels and rec�tum, we give clysters of soap suds, and in view of supporting the strength, (after evacuating the former,) we resort to meat broth and flour gruel, to be used as occasion may require. If the patient be of plethoric diathesis, we need not be in too great hurry to administer nutriment,* but should simply keep the bowels in a soluble state, by a dose of cream of tartar and sulphur; four drachms of the former to about six of the latter, being about the right proportion. If any exciting cause exists, we, of course, pay attention to this, and to the relaxation of the jaws. If they are rigidly set, and the external application fails to give relief, we may try warmth and moisture. A lobelia poultice applied around the jaws, and kept moist with warm water, will generally do good, even in the very worst cases.

Some patients, at the commencement, show unmistakable symp�toms of debility; to all such we give, with a liberal hand, strong sage tea, or infusion of gentian, sweetened with honey. The cases that have terminated favorably, have been treated some�what after this simple fashion. We have tried chloroform, and cold water, and feel satisfied that they did more harm than good, and thus hastened the death of several patients.

The disease frequently sets in after docking and nicking. In such cases the books tell us to prick, or nick deeper, and dock a little higher up. This looks very well on paper, but fails in ap�plication. We never saw any benefit derived from the barba�rism ; we think, however, that a good poultice of bayberry bark and lobelia, applied to the tail, might answer a better purpose. But the trouble is not in the tail; yet it might be. gangrenous; then, in view of removing exciting causes, it must be amputated: at such stage, however, we have doubts of its efficiency, for the disease is beyond the reach of the knife.

Very little improvement has taken place in the treatment of tetanus. Veterinary surgeons have generally followed somewhat

* Nutritive Enemata. � A horse may, for a long time, be supported on nu�tritive enemata, composed of flour, or fine oatmeal gruel, mixed occasionally with a little salt. There is a case recorded in the Foreign Quarterly Retro�spect, of a man unahle to swallow, who was supported thirty-nine days on nutri�ment administered per rectum.

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in the footsteps of human practitioners, whose aim and view of cure, Hooper tells us, is, �

quot; 1. To remove the local cause or irritation, which ma^appear to have excited the disease.

quot; 2. To lessen the general irritability and spasmodic tendency.

quot; 3. To restore the tone of the system.

quot; If a thorn or other extraneous substance be lodged in anypart, it must be extracted ; any spicula of bone, which may have brought on the disease after amputation, should be removed; a punctured wound ought to be dilated, amp;c. Some have proposed dividing the nerve going to the part, or even amputating this, to cut ofifthe irri�tation ; others paralyzing the nerves by powerful sedatives, or de�stroying them by caustics ; others, again, exciting a new action in the parts by active stimulants ; but the efficacy, and even propriety of such measures are doubtful. To fulfil the second indication, various means have been proposed. The abstraction of blood, recommended by Dr. Rush, might perhaps appear advisable in a vigorous plethoric habit, in the beginning of the disease; but it has generally proved of little utility, or even hurtful, and is rather contra-indicated by the state of the blood. [Mark that, ye who advocate bloodletting.] Purging is a less questionable measure, as costiveness generally attends the disease; and in many cases it has appeared very beneficial, especially when calomel was employed. It has been found, also, that a salivation, induced by mercury, has sometimes greatly relieved the disorder, but in other instances it has failed altogether.

quot; The remedy which has been oftenest employed, and with the most decided advantage, is opium; and sometimes prodigious quantities of it have been exhibiied: indeed, small doses of it are useless, and even large ones have only a temporary effect, so that they must be repeated as the violence of the symptoms is removed; and where the patient cannot swallow, it may be tried in clyster, or rubbed freely into the skin. Other sedative and antispasmodic remedies have been occasionally resorted to, as hemlock, tobacco, musk, camphor, amp;c., but, for the most part, with less satisfactory results. The warm bath has sometimes proved a useful auxiliary in cold climates; but the cold bath is much more relied on in the West Indies, usually in conjunction

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with opium. In Germany, alkaline baths, and the internal use of the same remedies, are stated to have been decidedly service�able. Others have advised the large use of bark and wine, which seems, however, rather calculated to be preventives, or to fulfil the third indication; yet wine may be employed rather as nourishment, since in severe cases little else can be taken. Electricity seems too hazardous a remedy to be tried in a general affection, especially in the muscles of respiration; but if confined to the jaw it may be useful¹ in a mild form.quot; � Hooper's Dic�tionary.

SPRINGHALT.

This peculiar spasmodic affection of muscles in the hind ex�tremities is not so common among American horses as it is among the French and German breeds. It is an affection over which the veterinary surgeon, armed with the whole materia medica, has very little power; for, in the nervous system first originates the cause, which subsequently gives rise to the peculiar gait termed springhalt; and the practitioners of all creeds have acknowledged their inability to direct medicine to the nervous structure, even after they have secured its digestion in the stomach. To introduce medicinal agents into the latter is an easy matter, but to make them reach that wonderful and delicate organized substance, the brain, and its nervous filaments, is another affair. These remarks, however, apply to cases of springhalt depending on some lesion of nervous filament, pressure, or atro�phy of the nerves of nutrition. Minor derangements, resulting in spasmodic action, may be relieved, by removing the cause or the morbid habit which induces them. To do this, our treatment must be general; that is, we must restore healthy action to the whole animal structure, and remove obstructions wherever they exist.

Before alluding to the treatment, we shall introduce to the reader's attention a selection from Mr. Percivall's lectures, de�livered some thirty-five years ago ; and, if the reader will com�pare that author's views with those of the surgeons of the present day, he will find that they have nothing new to offer.

The distinguished lecturer on. veterinary science remarks,

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quot; We need give no description of the action or peculiar gait of a horse said to have springhalt: the greatest novice easily detects it, and seldom fails to make objections to purchase an animal thus aifected. Mr. Feron, one of the few writers who have no�ticed springhalt, says, ' I am convinced, however, by long experi�ence arid observation, that springhalt, as it is called, is no disease, therefore can require no remedy.' And in another place, ' In�deed, in Spain, France, and Germany, it is esteemed eictremely graceful in their riding schools, or manege, particularly when there is a springhalt in both hind legs' This writer has, however, admitted it to be a disease, to the full scope of the word, in the very outset of his description, by defining it to be ' an involuntary convulsive motion of the muscles, which extend or bend the hock.' In some particulars, springhalt bears some affinity to what in human medicine is called chorea. We do not mean, however, to assert that they are essentially the same disease; much less do we imagine that a similar mode of treatment could have any good effect; all we wish to infer by such an analogy is, that they are both spasmodic or convulsive diseases, in which the will has lost more or less of its control over certain voluntary muscles. Not unfrequently, when the animal has lifted his hind leg from the ground, which is always done with a convulsive twitch, the fetlock nearly approaches the belly, and, by some other remarkable irregularities in its action, before the foot can be replaced upon the ground, (which it seldom is in the most advantageous position,) displays such unnatural movements as to convince us that volition has but little power over it during its suspension. Sometimes this irregular action is confined to one leg, but we believe that it is more commonly seen in both. It is seldom or never removed.

quot; Such writers as offer any opinion of its nature suppose it to be a muscular affection, mistaking, we conceive, the effect for the cause. We choose rather to refer its seat to the spinal marrow, or to the nervous trunks passing between it laquo;nd the affected muscles ; an opinion we were first led to adopt, from having ob�served a broken-backed horse exhibit all the characteristic signs of springhalt, which in this case was clearly only an accompany�ing symptom of the former disease. It was stated in the fore-

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going part of this lecture, that section or compression of the spinal marrow paralyzed muscles, and that irritation of it con�vulsed them. Now, we know that many cases of broken back terminate in palsy; and, if this be true, why should not others be productive of springhalt� since the one arises from compres�sion, while the other is merely the result of irritation ? It is not, however, necessary that a broken back be present; for any other cause of irritation, we apprehend, would induce this disease. Horses are very subject to injuries of the loins �much more so than we seem to be aware of�from being suddenly stopped or turned, or from being overweighted about those parts; accidents that are but too seldom detected, since they may not be severe enough to constitute broken back, though they may so far disturb the nervous functions as to cause springhalt. Should the injury, or the consequences of it, be confined to one side, then only one column of the marrow will be affected, and but one leg con�vulsed : the nature and extent of disease in it will perhaps de�termine the degree of springhalt.

quot; Such is our theory of a disease whose nature, we believe, has up to this time remained unexplained; whether we have taken a correct view of it, experiment and special attention to these cases in future can alone decide. We have long had it in con�templation to attempt to induce springhalt by artificial means; and we intend, as soon as an opportunity presents itself, to insti�tute some experiments for this purpose.

quot; We so seldom know any thing of the origin and progress of these cases, and, even if we did, they have generally endured so long, that it would be labor lost to treat them. Should, however, a recent case present itself, in a horse of value enough to render his recovery an object of consideration, we may pursue such means as have been recommended in the equally hopeless one of broken back.quot;

Regarding the Treatment. � It will be proper, when the attack is sudden, to let the horse rest; for, in a sudden attack, we might naturally suspect that some injury, either by blow or strain, had been done to the nerves of voluntary motion : in that case, cold water bandages, (around the body,) rest, light diet, nauseating medicines, with an occasional light dose of cathartic medicine, to

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clear out the bowels, will be indicated. Fomentations, light frictions with antispastuodic liniment, and the vapor bath, may assist materially in the recovery of the patient.

In chronic cases of long standing, all hopes of recovery must be abandoned: should the subject, however, be in a state of de�bility, the general health may be improved, and the spine should be daily rubbed with embrocations calculated to restore nervous energy; in this view, we recommend the following embrocation for springhalt: �

linseed oil,........1 pint,

Spirits of haitshorn,.....2 ounces.

Fine mustard,.......J ounce.

The medicine to consist of

Powdered goldenseal. 1

oZJ^nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;#9632; of-quot;�.

Charcoal,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;J

Assafoetida.........J ounce.

Mix; divide into eight parts; one to be given morning and

evening, in the food.

HYSTEEIA IN MARES.

Hysteria is derived from a Greek noun, signifying the womb: the disease is of a nervous and spasmodic character, and is sup�posed to arise from derangement in the organs of generation. In the human subject, plethora and suppression of the menses are assigned as the chief causes of this affection; yet these conditions, probably, had another antecedent, which is quite common among various species, viz., dyspepsia; for we know that there is a lia�bility of two or several organs to be affected in succession by a disease commencing in one of them: the stomach therefore, and uterus, which are conjoined in the performance of special functions, � nutrition and reproduction,� although having no direct ana�tomical connection, are very apt to display morbid sympathies, commencing in one and ending in the other: this is accomplished through the nervous connections between distant parts.

From what the author has been able to observe and glean, it is his opinion thaT hysteria occurs most frequently among virgin mares, after the age of puberty; and in such as have had a foal,

204

THE MODERN HOESE DOCTOR.

FCETUS.

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and afterwards deprived of sexual intercourse. The disease is more apt to make its appearance about the menstrual period * than any other; at such times the mare should be fed light, and excused from every sort of active work; perhaps a saline aperient

* The following communication on menstruation in marcs has been received by the author, from Dr. C. H. Cleaveland: �

quot; Probably all know that mares of the proper age, and at certain seasons of the year, menstruate, or, in other words, have uneasy turns, get 'foolish, as they say in Illinois; and that, at such times, they seem unwilling to perform their usual task, either as travellers or as draught horses; that they seem fret ful, and often ill tempered, vicious, spiteful, and frequently get a most thorough whipping, because their masters also get' foolish.'

quot; Now, the simple fact is, that the mare knows more than her master in regard to her then condition, and she is trying to drive into his foolish noddle that, on such days, she should be left quiet, and be subject to no labor beyond the most gentle exercise.

quot; If the reason why this course should be pursued, in preference to the hard

work and the whipping which your mare has had bestowed upon her at such

times, is not now plain and satisfactory to you, most sapient reader, just inquire

' of any old matron within the circle of your acquaintance, and she will tell you

that I am correct, but perhaps ' without a why or wherefore.'

quot; The reproductive organs, in all animals, are intimately connected with the nervous system, and of course exert a vast influence over not only the nerves, but also the entire body, mind, and disposition; and when those organs are deranged or diseased, the entire animal economy must suffer, and be rendered in a greater or less degree unfitted to perform its usual labors. In the female, these organs exercise a still more powerful influence upon the other parts of the system than in the male; and as they are liable to periodical derangements or excitements, it becomes obviously necessary to be strictly cautious not to tax the animal's powers of endurance at those periods.

quot; Mares that have been ridden under the saddle, or driven in harness, during their periods of heat, and have performed no more than their usual anurant of labor, are frequently discovered to be covered with perspiration across the loins, while all other parts of the surface are cool and dry; and the hostlers will say that they have been unable to rub those moist spots dry, even after the lapse of many hours; and the next day the mare is observed to drag her hind legs after her, almost as though her back were broken. Indeed, her back is lame, weak, and painful. She urinates with difficulty, and there is evident inflam�mation of the kidneys, the ovaries, and the uterus.

quot; From slight injuries of this class mares will readily recover; but if they are of too frequent repetition, or the injury be of too grave a character, the chances are, that the animal wfll be unable ever after to perform well, and will soon become nervous, irritable, and weak, and will be passed from jockey to jockey until she dies ; a martyr not to her own 'foolishness,' � for her waywardness at those times are wise admonitions to her master, � but to the folly of those who will not learn to understand nature, because ' they know all about their horseraquo;,' and do not wish to be instructed by any book doctor.quot; 18

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may be of some use in correcting any existing morbid habit of body. quot;When the disease occurs in mares that have once foaled, it may be confounded with hysteritis, (inflammation of the wonib.) In order, therefore, that the reader shall be able to draw a distinct line between the two diseases, we inform him that hysteritis gen�erally occurs a few days after delivery, or abortion; and on examining the vagina, it appears augmented in bulk; its lining membrane redder than usual, and the anus free from those vio�lent twitchings and loss of motor power which are present in hysteria.

Symptoms of Hysteria. � A mare during the menstrual period, or perhaps a few days subsequent, will be seized with a paroxysm resembling a fit; although there is no cerebral apoplexy nor stertorous breathing, (symptoms of cerebral disease,) and lies or falls down, and while the paroxysm lasts is unable to get up again: . during this brief period the pulse is accelerated; respirations rapid; the flanks are bedewed with moisture; there is a peculiar rigidity of the muscles of locomotion, attended with paralysis of the hind limbs : as the paroxysm declines, the use of the limbs is gradually restored; the animal becomes more calm ; the pulse lessens in volume and beats; the respirations become more nat�ural. At this stage, the owner of the mare may observe that she is not herself, (as the saying is,) being excessively nervous and irritable, and is excited by the least noise: the mare, however, gradually becomes calm, and then is suddenly seized with another paroxysm; or they may follow each other in rapid succession, in which case death often puts an end to the scene, or it results in cerebral disease. Veterinary Surgeon Haycock remarks, that out of three mares attacked with hysteria, two of them every now-and then strained violently, and ejected, per vaginam, excessive quantities of coffee-colored urine, which consisted principally of blood: this, as far as the author's observation goes, has not been confirmed. Our observations, however, have only extended over a few cases; in which we noticed that,the animals passed neither dung nor urine until they arose, and then the urine was but slightly colored.

Treatment. � It is useless to give medicine while the patient is in a paroxysm; all that can be done is to give the animal, while

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down, an injection of warm water and salt, to which add an ounce or two of tincture of assafoetida; let the external surface be well* rubbed with wisps of coarse straw; as soon as the fit is over, give a drench of

Powdered assafoetida, ....nbsp; nbsp; 2 drachms,

Tincture of valerian, ....nbsp; nbsp; 1 ounce,

Sirup of garlic,......nbsp; nbsp; 2 ounces,

Thin gruel,........nbsp; nbsp; 1 pint.

If the animal be not relieved in the course of six hoursquot;, repeat the dose, and clear out the bowels with a dose of glauber salts, to which add a small quantity of ginger.

HYSTERITIS. � (Inflammation of the Womb.)

The causes of inflammation in the womb are, difficult and pro�tracted labor, abortion, and retention of placenta or foetal envelopes. Mares most subject to this disease, as well as prema�ture expulsion of the foetus, are the plethoric ; it generally comes on a few days after labor, and, unless early arrested, will terminate fatally. The objects in treating this disease are, to contract the womb, (encircle the loins with cold water bandages,) and palliate urgent symptoms ; keep the animal on gruel, and give a pint of bethwort tea every four hours; attend to the state of the bowels; if they are torpid, give a pint of olive oil, and follow it up with flaxseed tea. Should the disease be connected with vaginitis, (inflammation of the vagina,) the treatment is the same, with the addition of cold water to the pudendum.

FEVER IN HORSES.

Fever should not always be treated as disease; for, in a great majority of cases it is only symptomatic of some local or general derangement.

Fever is the same in its essential character under all circum�stances and forms which it exhibits. The diiferent quot;gradesquot; as they are termed, are but varieties of the same condition, produced

'208

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

by variations in the prevailing cause, or regulated by the amount of vital power in each given case, and are therefore an index pointing to the progress of the disease, operating to ward off the malady and restore health. An eminent physician has said, quot; Our indications of cure and modes of treatment are to be learned from those manifestations of the vital operations uniformly wit�nessed in the febrile state. If fever marks the action of the healing power of nature, which we must imitate to be successful, why should we not consult the febrile phenomena for our rule of action ? Now, what are the indications of cure which we derive from this source ? In other words, what are the results which nature designs to accomplish through the instrumentality of fever? They are an equilibrium of the circulation, a properly-propor�tioned action of all the organs, and an increased depuration of the system, principally by the excrementitious outlets.quot;

Suppose a horse shall be suffering from a form of disease known as gastro-intestinal, occasioned by an accumulation of partly-digested food within the stomach; the mass acts as an irritant,� an exciting cause,�and the result is inflammation, (local fever;) then general excitement, or sympathetic action, which is manifest�ed by increase in number and volume of pulse, hurried respira�tion, superficial heat, amp;c. Now, it is evident that the inflam�mation� local fever�is not confined to the stomach alone, but becomes general, as we have just said, through the sympathetic relations. The effect of this general abnormal condition is to mitigate the force of the disease on the primary tissue, or tissues, to shift the weight of the burden, and so apportion it to the sev�eral parts of the system, as to lessen its intensity.

The heat at the external surface shows that the circulation is active. quot; Without heat there is no vitality in the system,quot; and without blood there is no heat. Then the blood must be sent to the surface for the purpose of relieving the internal organ, and therefore fever must, under some circumstances, be considered favorable to the cure of disease. Hence the reader will perceive that the practitioner whose creed, is, quot;The more fever the more bloodletting,quot; is one of the greatest opponents nature has to deal with, and it is no wonder that so many animals are said to die of fever: it is most probable, however, that many die from the

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treatment. The practice of indiscriminate drenching, under the circumstances, with salts and aloes, may sometimes prove just as destructive as the injudicious use of the lancet; for purgatives of this character act on the alimentary surfaces as mechanical irri�tants, and then and there set up a pathological action, to counter�act which nature recalls her forces from the external surface, and employs them in the vicinity of parts where they were not wanted, until laquo;nan's unwise interference conflicted with the well-planned arrangement; in short, made nature turn a somerset. When the increased action and heat are manifested on the surface, does it not prove that the diflferent organs are acting harmoniously in self-defence ? Is not this same action manifested through the same channels in a state of health ? And if morbific materials are present in the system, and are the cause of fever, will the mode of evacuation be different from that of health ? Certainly not. Hence the marked tendency of fever to evacuation by the skin in profuse perspiration, from the nostrils in the form of catarrh, by the bowels as in diarrhoea, and lastly, by abscess. Therefore the great secret of curing diseases consists in accurately observing by what critical evacuations nature casts off whatever may be the cause of her infirmities, and in following and assisting her agreeably to her indications, for she acts with great regularity. When an animal has taken cold, and there is power in the sys�tem to keep up a continual warfare against encroachments, the disturbance of vital action being unbroken, the fever is called #9632;pure or persistent. Emanations from animal or vegetable sub�stances in a state of decomposition or putrefaction, or the noxious miasmata from marshy lands, if concentrated, and not sufficiently diluted with atmospheric air, enter into the system, and produce a specific effect. In order to dethrone the intruder, who keeps up a system of aggression from one tissue to another, the vital power arrays her artillery, in good earnest, to resist the invading foe; and if furnished with the munitions of war in the form of sanative agents, she generally conquers the enemy, and dictates her own terms. While the forces are equally balanced, which may be known by a high grade of vital action, it is also called unbroken or pure fever. The powers of the system may become exhausted by efforts at relief, and the fever will be periodically 18*

210

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

reduced; this form of fever is called remittent. By remittent fever is to be understood that modification of vital action which rests or abates, but does not go entirely off before a fresh attack ensues. It is evident in this case, also, that nature is busily en�gaged in the work of establishing her empire; but being more exhausted, she occasionally rests from her labors. It would be as absurd to expect that the most accurate definition of fever in one animal would correspond in all its details with another case, as to expect all animals to be alike. There are many names given to fevers; for example, we have milk or puerperal fever, symptomatic, typhus, inflammatory, amp;c. Veterinary Surgeon Percivall, in an article on fever, says, quot;We have no more reason

�nbsp;not near so much � to give fever a habitation in the abdomen, than we have to enthrone it in the head; but it would appear from the full range of observation, that no part of the body can be said to be unsusceptible of inflammation, (local fever,) though, at the same time, no organ is invariably or exclusively affected.quot;

From this we learn that disease always attacks the weakest organs. The same author continues, quot;All I wish to contend for is, that both idiopathic and symptomatic fevers exhibit the same form, character, species, and require the same general means of cure; and that, were it not for the local affection, it would be difficult or impossible to distinguish between the one or the other.quot;

Dr. White, V. S., says, quot; Some practitioners do not admit the existence of fever in the horse as a primary disorder, [they are sensible men,] but consider it as a symptom dependent on inter�nal disease. Then why not attend to the internal disease, instead of attempting to cure the fever? It would be a very difficult task for us to convince mankind generally that fever does not require to be treated as the real enemy; for fevers are very fashionable dis�eases, and it is a very easy matter to convince a man that his horse has ⁱ got a fever,' and he is always willing to pay for its treatment.quot;

Mr. Blaine, V. S., refers only to three different kinds of fever

�nbsp;the common or simple fever, symptomatic fever, and malignant epidemic fever. Mr. White, V. S., thus refers to fever: quot; The fevers of horses (for it is of little importance whether we call them fevers or inflammation) are generally connected with

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inflammation either of the mucous or serous membranes, or both; in other words, fever may be of the catarrhal kind, as in the epidemic catarrh, or the violent influenzas which sometimes pre�vail in the spring or beginning of summer. Fever may affect the mucous surface of the stomach and bowels, when it causes great languor and debility.quot;

The day is not far distant, when a practitioner will as soon think of confining his treatment to scraping off a patteat's coated tongue, when suffering from a bilious attack, as to think of treating the febrile manifestations of a local disease in the horse, in view of curing the latter.

Our own definition of fever is, that it is a symptom of disease arising in consequence of sympathy of the system with disease in some particular part. Pleurisy, for example, consists in inflam�mation of the serous membranes within the thorax; and at the commencement, and indeed during the various phases of the malady, fever may be present, manifesting itself in the usual manner; but are we to treat the fever, the mere manifestation of the disease � pleurisy? or shall we not find it more in accord�ance with the principles of reason to endeavor to cure the latter? Fever is present in all cases otan inflammatory charac�ter ; therefore we would warn our readers not to let fever in the horse so engross their attention as to overlook the real malady. Next to inflammation, fever is the great scarecrow of the em-pyric, when, in fact, there is nothing very alarming about the fever itself; yet it leads us into the by-paths of ignorance; for if there were not previous disease, there could be no fever, so that he who merely treats fever is playing the part of mountebank to the disease then present. A few illustrations will serve to ex�plain : A man, for example, manifests paroxysms of cold, hot, and sweating stages; these phenomena may prevail in different degrees, and their mode of succession vary; but if the three differ�ent stages are evident, the case is called intermittent fever. Now, quot; dissections of those who have died of intermittent fever show a morbid state of many of the viscera of the thorax and abdo�men ; but the liver, and organs concerned in the formation of bile, as likewise the mesentery, are those which are usually most affected.quot; � Hooper, Why, then, should men trifle with the lives

212

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

of their patients in curing fevers of this type, when such impor�tant organs as the above are the primary ones involved ? Then, again, in cases of typhoid fever, post mortem examinations re�veal inflammation of the brain and viscera, and more particu�larly of the stomach, intestines, and Peyers glands. Is it not reasonable, then, for us to suppose that fevers � the febrile symptoms � appear subsequently to the above diseases? that they develope them in so slow and insidious a manner as not to be noticed until what men are pleased to denominate fever sets in ; this being, at that stage of the disease, the most marked symptom; and not having the privilege of inspecting the patient's internal organization, and of course being in the dark as to what is going on there, we jump at the conclusion that the patient has some sort of a fever, and name it according to its type and in�tensity. It is then treated secundum artem.

A horse may all at once show signs of febrile phenomena; but who is so wise as to be able to demonstrate that an error in gen�eral management had not previously deranged the equilibrium of the vital forces ere the first symptom of fever appeared ? So in the case of a cow, the subject of puerperal fever: she may have been for months in a state of plethora, (an abnormal con�dition,) which is generally the case with such animals; the dis�ease perhaps has been in a state of incubation for some time, but at length it arrives at a stage when the vital forces succumb � a general febrile state speedily follows � hence the fever is not the real malady. Our limits will not admit of further discussion under this head, other than to remark, that this as the age of reason, � quot;godlike reason,quot; � and the world should be dotted over with medical investigators, who are willing to solve the problems of disease and health according to the principles of reason, disregarding the stereotyped conclusions of by-gone days.

Three fornls of fever occurring in the horse are alluded to by the author of Hippopathology. 1st. Common fever; 2d. Idio-pathic; and, 3d. Symptomatic. The first is but a general dif�fuse inflammation. The second arises without any apparent local injury; and the third from some local cause or irritation. The above distinguished author, however, is evidently aiming at perfection, for he has classed these three under the signification

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of quot; one common kind;quot; and he also alludes to two of a kind that are uncommon, which he names specific, arising from some special, mysterious, or unknown cause. � See Hippopaihology, vol. i. p. 149.

Treatment of Fever. � Under the iron heel of medical despot�ism, we are bound to quot; arrest its progress, and to mitigate its violence.quot; But suppose we do. Are our patients any better offquot;? The records of the past will show. A rational system of veterinary medicine contemplates, in the treatment of febrile symptoms, nothing more than a kind of expectancy. If the patient be in the cold stage, administer warm diffusible stimulants and diaphoretics, aided by warmth and moisture externally ; friction on the extremities, and, if necessary, stimulating applications to the chest and extremities. In the hot stage, and when the super�ficial heat of the body is great, cooling drinks are indicated; water, acidulated with cream of tartar, makes a good febrifuge. The patient may be occasionally sponged with weak saleratus water. The alkali has a beneficial effect on the cutaneous vesselraquo;, while the water lessens the temperature of the body. No treat�ment, however, can be of any rational use, unless it contemplates a restoration of the healthy equilibrium of the whole system. Let the doctor treat the disease, and a good, attentive groom can manage the fever.

SIMPLE SCAELET FEVER. � (StorWrna.)

Mr. Percivall, in referring to scarlatina, says, the first ac�count of it was published by himself in the Veterinarian for 1834. quot; This since has received such confirmation from other quarters as to leave no doubt in my mind that, rare as the malady acknowledgedly is, and hitherto undescribecLas it has remained, it will one day find a place in our established veterinary nosology.quot;

It is difficult to say to what extent scarlatina prevails in this country, for tiiere are very few persons qualified to define such a disease; in fact, the majority of men do not know that such an affection ever manifests itself in horses. From the 'fact, however, that we have seen two cases within the past four years occurring in this city, we are led to suppose that it may, at certain seasons, prevail to some extent.

214

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

The symptoms are very minutely defined in the following arti�cle by Surgeon Haycock : �

quot; Simple Scarlatina. � This form of the disease usually ap�pears in association with epidemic catarrh : it seldom, or, perhaps, never manifests itself simultaneously with epidemic catarrh, but usually on the third or fourth, and even as late as the sixth day from the commencement of the former. The animal affected with catarrh will, perhaps, he fed and left at night in what may be con�sidered a fair way of recovery ; but when the attendant enters the stable on the morning following, the patient may be found affected in a very peculiar manner ; the hair about, the neck, the fore and hind limbs, will be elevated in blotches, while the limbs themselves will be found in a swollen condition. The blotchy elevations, generally speaking, are not large, but they are exceedingly char�acteristic of the malady. If the hand be pressed lightly over them, scarcely any corresponding elevations can be found upon the skin beneath. The mucous membrane of the nose will have upon it a few scarlet spots of variable size; the pulse, in some instances, will be increased in action considerably, while in oth�ers, even when the disease appears most severe, not so much. If the epidemic catarrh, or the disease under which the patient labors, be attended with soreness of throat, that soreness may be�come greatly increased, or it may not. Sometimes the blotchy elevations are confined to the hind limbs, and the scarlet spots to the membrane of one nostril, while in other cases all these symptoms are present, but in such a very mild degree as not to excite the attention of any one but a closely observing prac�titioner. If, at this stage of the disease, the animal be judicious�ly treated, and the stable be dry and comfortable, the whole may pass off in a few days without any further mischief ensuing ; but if the treatment be improper, the stable cold and damp, and the animal otherwise unfavorably circumstanced, it is probable that the disease will become more virulent, and either assume the malignant form, or pass into what is called ' purpura hoe-morrhagica,' and the life of the animal, in either state, become greatly endangered.quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; �

Treatment. � This is one among the many diseases which are considered self-limited; that is, they will run a regular course.

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up to a certain intensity, and then, all things being favorable as regards the patient's previous health, management, amp;c., the un�favorable symptoms subside gradually, and the subject conva�lesces into a normal condition. Some medical treatment, advice at least, may be needed. A veterinary surgeon should be con�sulted if possible ; he may do nothing by way of medical treat�ment, but his advice will prove invaluable, and, in the end, of great pecuniary advantage to the patient's mastelr. The treat�ment of small-pox or scarlet fever occurring in human subjects in the London hospitals is a very simple affair to what it was a few years ago, and, in consequence, those maladies are less fatal So with reference to scarlatina in the horse � the medicines, if any are indicated, must be few and simple. The owner of the horse cannot err in carrying out a proper system of hygiene, so strictly observed in well-conducted hospitals. As a febrifuge, water acidulated with cream of tartar is the best: this may be given at discretion ; it allays inflammatory symptoms, cools the thirst, promotes the secretions and excretions; in short, is just the drink for a fever patient.

A kind of sloppy diet may at first be used, composed of scalded fine feed, amp;c.; a small quantity of sweet hay will be required, to keep the stomach employed, and to distend it to a healthy capacity; yet, in the early stages of this disease, we need not be very solicitous about the quantity of food necessary; for if we should half starve the patient just at this time, it is of little importance, provided he has an abundance of good water and sloppy gruel to drink. When the disease has so far advanced as to exhaust the patient's strength, then it is time for us to loosen the string of the meal bag.

If the bowels become constipated, at any stage during the progress of this affection, a dose of sulphur and cream of tartar (one ounce of the former, and half an ounce of the latter) may with perfect safety be given, and also repeated, if necessary. It is best to give the medicine in the form of drench. The after treatment depends altogether on circumstances; if the patient has had a careful nurse during his sickness, he may not require any medicine.

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MALIGNANT SCAELET FEVER.

Malignant scarlet fever is a sequel to the preceding disease, and may be said to commence where the other terminates : it is difficult, however, to determine the exact line of demarcation where one ends and the other commences; yet, when the patient has passed through the usual probation of simple scarlatina, and, instead of appearing better, grows worse, we may reasonably suspect that the disease will terminate in the above form. The author's experience is so limited as regards the symptoms of this malady, that he prefers to give those detailed by Surgeon Hay�cock, who is considered good authority.

Symptoms of Malignant Scarlet Fever. � quot; The patient for some days may have manifested what is usually considered to be influenza, or epidemic catarrh, the symptoms of which will, for the most part, consist of sore throat of an obstinate nature, with fever more or less severe, with cough, loss of appetite, dis�charge of purulent matter from the nostrils, and general debility: when, suddenly, the whole changes ; the limbs begin to swell, which swelling presents either an uneven surface, (occupying the whole of the limbs,) or it appears in lumps, or masses, which are both large and numerous, also hot, hard, and painful, while those portions of the skin which are free from such swelling present the blotchy elevations so common to the simple form of scarlatina. The membrane of the nose becomes, also, covered with large-sized spots of an intense scarlet color, while from the nostrils is dis�charged a mixture of blood, purulent matter, and serum. At this stage, the soreness of the throat becomes excessive, accom�panied, of course, with a corresponding degree of difficulty in swallowing; the cough also becomes worse, and of a suffocating character. The pulse increases in number, reaching, at times, 90, or even 100, beats per minute, and is always of a weak or feeble character. The swollen limbs are excessively tender, and if the patient be left alone, he will stand for hours nailed, as it were, to one place and in one position; it is only with the great�est difficulty that he can be made to move at all. As the disease proceeds, or assumes more intensity, large blisters or vesicles

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appear upon the limbs, particularly around the joints; these vesicles burst, and discharge a bright amber-colored fluid, which is very corrosive in its effects on the adjoining skin. In other cases again, some extreme portion of the organism, such as the ears, for example, will suddenly present a blanched appearance, the skin of these organs will shrink, and become hard and dry, as though frozen, and in the course of a day or two these blanched portions snap off, leaving a raw surface, which speedily suppurates. The appetite entirely disappears, and the secretion from the bowels becomes checked, and what is denominated con�stipation ensues ; the urine is scanty, and of a thick, yellow, or brown color. In the course of twenty or twenty-four hours from the commencement, (and in many cases even less,) the scarlet spots on the membrane of the nose enlarge and pass into the purple-colored patches, and these patches sloughf and leave a raw surface, from which is secreted an abundance of purulent matter; at the same time, a similar sloughing goes on around the joints, where the blisters or vesicles first appeared. If the animal does well, the fever will generally abate (in the milder states at least) about the fourth or fifth day from the commence�ment of the more acute stage, while in the more malignant kinds it is seldom that a change for the better occurs before the seventh or eighth day.quot;

Treatment. � The medicines must be of a stimulating, anti�septic, and laxative character� stimulants, of a permanent char�acter, to arouse vital action, and carry on the various functions of the body; antiseptics, to arrest decomposition, and ward off the typhoid state; laxatives, to carry off the morbid products, as fast as they accumulate within the digestive surface. The disease is now supposed to have invaded all the tissues, to a greater or less extent, and requires to be promptly met with medicines of this description, aided by a nutritious diet easily digested, such as coarse oatmeal, dry, or in the form of thick gruel; equal parts of flour and �ne feed may also be used in this view, with an allowance of boiled roots � carrots, potatoes, parsnips, or beets. Every means that the urgency of the case demands must be put in force to make the animal as comfortable as possible. The rectum must be occasionally emptied, by means 19

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of injections; and if the throat be sore, or, from any other cause, the patient cannot swallow sufficient food to support the vital forces, his strength may be kept up by nourishing enema � beef tea, flour gruel, amp;c.; at all events, a supply of hay tea, thickened with some farinaceous substance, ought to be kept in the crib ; it is a tempting delicacy to sick horses, and they often give it the preference to all other kinds.

The following compound is considered the best, in view of fulfilling the indications just alluded to : �

Powdered capsicum......nbsp; nbsp;1 drachm,

*' charcoal,......nbsp; nbsp;A ounce,

quot; cubebs.......nbsp; nbsp;2 drachms,

Sulphur,.........nbsp; nbsp;6 drachms.

To be given at a dose. How this shall be given is not for the

author to say; that will depend on circumstances. The throat

may be sore ; laquo;in that case it will not be prudent to drench the

patient; hence it must be introduced into the stomach along

with the food. The patient may have no disposition to eat; if

so, we must give him medicines of less bulk, which, through

patience and care, we may at last succeed in getting down the

throat. Our remedy then is brandy and salt, in wine-glass

doses, or

Tincture of capsicum, .... 1 ounce,

Linseed oil.........4 ounces,

Fir balsam, '. . '......1 ounce.

In the event of the patient not swallowing the whole of this, it will have the effect of lessening the pain within the throat, even should it only come in contact with the mucous surfaces. Let the medicines be given in broken doses, at intervals of a few minutes ; in this way we may succeed, even should the throat be sore.

The blotches over the body should be sponged daily with alkaline wash � weak ley of wood ashes, or saleratus water. So soon as abscesses appear, they are to be moistened with

Pyroligneous acid,.....4 ounces,

Water,.........1 pint.

The case will very soon be decided; the patient will either grow worse, or show symptoms of amendment; if he should, however, appear better, the above treatment, with the addition

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219

of some tonic medicine, such as gentian or goldenseal, may gradually complete the cure.

TYPHUS FEVER.

Disease of the above type is more frequent in the Western than in the Eastern States, and more commonly occurs among cattle than horses : the main features of it consist in a tendency to rapid putrescence of the solids and fluids, and greatquot;prostra�tion : it is generally complicated with disease of the lungs or intestines. Its diagnostic symptoms are, pulse quick, soft, and feeble ; tongue coated with a yellow-brown fur on its centre ; its margins are of a light-red color, and cracks or fissures are occa�sionally observed. The teeth have lost their natural, and are now of a dark brown color ; the gums are red, and discharge an ichorous fluid; the breath is very offensive; the color of the nasal membranes almost resembles that of the tongue ; yet they more frequently present symptoms of pulmonary congestion, hav�ing, however, a dry appearance, with dark, reddened patches. The eyes are suffused, and the countenance has an expression of turgidity. If typhus is complicated with pulmonary disease, the respirations are hurried and the bowels sluggish. When connected with intestinal disease, the dung is slimy, black, and fetid ; pressure in the abdominal region elicits signs of pain. There is also great thirst and loss of appetite. On carefully passing the hand over the patient's body, we discover a morbid heat, and perhaps some elevations or eruptions. These are the diagnostic symptoms; others, common to various diseases of a low febrile type, are present, varying in duration and intensity, according to the nature of the case. Post mortem examinations show no other constant pathological changes that can be depended on ; so that the external signs appear of more value to the sur�geon than the internal. Its last stages are marked by a putrid type ; mortification puts an end to the patient's sufferings. We consider the disease, at a certain stage, both contagious and in�fectious. (For treatment, see Malignant Scarlet Fever.) The prophylactic means are, ventilation, cleanliness, nutritious diet, and fumigation.

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

PtTTRID FEVER.

This disease is somewhat rare in this section of the United States, but sometimes prevails to an alarming extent in the South-Western. The following communication was lately received by the author from a veterinary surgeon of Pennsylvania : �

quot; Buckixoham, November 26,1853.

quot; Respected Friend : Agreeable to promise, I will now endeavor to give you some of the causes, symptoms, diagnoses, prognoses, and treatment of the disease that has recently been prevailing, not only with your horses, but with many others, in different sections of Bucks, Montgomery, and New Jersey � with horses differently fed, exercised, stabled, and groomed, as is common to arise from the different avocations and peculiar views of their different owners. I have never attributed the disease to any kind of feed, exercise, stabling, or grooming, particularly; but I attribute the remote cause of the disease to atmospheric influence, and the proximate cause to debility, however induced. This theory of the cause of the disease I will endeavor to give you some reasons for. First, the disease has always prevailed to a much greater extent in the fall of the year than at any other time, when the weather is frequently changing from heat to cold, and from cold to heat.

quot; A change from cold to heat has a relaxing and debilitating effect upon the whole system; the perspiration flows freely on the least exertion, showing great relaxation of the skin; and when the horse is in this relaxed condition, perhaps the weather changes suddenly to a cold, damp, north-east wind. This change makes a great demand upon the caloric of the system, or, in other words, extracts a great proportion of animal heat, closes the pores of the skin, thereby throwing the perspiration back upon the internal vital organs, which impedes their free, full, and healthy functions�particularly so in the fall of the year, when the horse is changing his summer for his winter coat, or what is called the moulting. As the moulting is a process extending over the whole of the skin, requiring a very considerable expen-

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

221

diture of vital power, which, taken in conjunction with the other causes hinted at above, renders the horse more susceptible or predisposed to diseases of a low grade, such as I am now consid�ering, that energy and nervous and vital influence, which should support the whole frame, are in the moulting season to a great degree determined to the skin, and the horse is languid, and un�able to bear as much hard work as at other seasons of the year; and if he is pressed beyo^'2 his strength, he will be liable to be�come seriously ill, and that illness will be, in a great majority of cases, of a low, malignant, or typhoid type, in which the system is never able to react, so as to produce a disease of an inflam�matory order. Hence the frequency, at this season of the year, of the disease in question, which consists essentially in a great prostration of the living principle. In some attacks of this dis�ease, it is so severe that it destroys life in the space of from six to twelve hours, and on examination of the cadaver after death, there will scarce be the slightest trace of the disease left behind; because the force of the cause of the disease was so powerful that it took life at once, as if it had been taken by a blow on the head, or as if a large dose of arsenic had been given, which immediately destroys the power of the system to produce heat and nervous energy, and death takes place without any reaction, or without leaving any perceptible effects of the poison behind. Precisely so is it with this disease when it takes life without re�action. But if the attack is not severe enough to destroy life under three or four days, there will be some reaction, and traces of gangrenous imflammation may be discovered, on dissection, to have taken place on the mucous membrane of the windpipe, lungs. amp;c. And again, in a still milder attack, where the horse will linger along from a week to two or three weeks, his whole body becomes one mass of putrefaction, and wholly unfit to be even cast to the dogs. Such, then, is the malignant nature of the disease produced by poisonous agents in the air, acting on horses predisposed to receive it. It not unfrequently, when it prevails as an epidemic, destroys two thirds of those attacked. Bidding defiance to every remedial means, it boldly marches on its course, until its work of destruction is complete, and then it seems as if occupying the desolated spot in triumph. 1raquo;laquo;

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THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

quot; Symptoms. � The first or premonitory symptoms of putrid fever are a peculiar wrangling of the body and striding of the limbs, as if the horse was conscious of his inability to walk. At the same time, there will be some difficulty of swallowing, and some thirst; the horse will appear as if drinking a great deal, and will delight to continue at the water a long while, when in fact he is getting little or none down. These symptoms are soon followed by extreme muscular debility � a weak and intermitting pulse. The horse gets down, is totally unable to rise, or to swallow either food or drink; not from any swelling or obstruc�tion in the throat, but from want of strength in the muscles of deglutition to perform their functions. He lies on his side, paws with his fore feet, struggles, and seems in great distress; now commences breathing short, rattles in the windpipe, (which is full of a substance like lively soap suds, which exudes from the mucous surface of the windpipe and bronchial tubes,) coughs so as to shake the entire frame, although it is a peculiarly weak, ineffectual cough, brings nothing up, nor does it afford any relief. From the weakness of the circulation, there will be, at every round thereof, more or less of blood deposited in the lungs, till they become congested, or filled with blood. This congestion of the lungs is often mistaken by inexperienced persons, as well as those poor in diagnosis, for primary inflammation of them, and the lancet is resorted to, (although the pulse would forbid its us^ if they knew how to consult it,) which hurries on, at a rapid rate, the very congestion which they were expecting to relieve, by producing still greater debility in the system, which is the sole cause of the congested condition which the lungs are frequently found in after death. In some cases a great discharge of saliva takes place from the mouth; breath very offensive ; bowels cos�tive, and when a discharge does take place from them, it is gen�erally covered with a white, slime-like substance, though in some instances a purging takes place, but by no means a common occurrence; legs and ears cold; the heat of the skin is generally too low, although in some rare instances it rises to a high degree, and is acrid and burning to the touch. The countenance ex�presses some anxiety. His eyes preserve their healthy look till near death, when tears may be seen rolling around in them.

TUE MODERN HOESE DOCTOR.

223

quot; Diagnosis. � It may be distinguished from inflammatory sore throat by the sudden and great prostration of strength; by the putrid tendency in the system; by the typhoid type of the fever, and low, intermittent pulse, and putrid smell of the breath. There is no soreness evinced when the throat and windpipe are pressed between the fingers, nor is there any pain manifested in making an effort to swallow, as there is in inflammatory sore throat.

quot;Prognosis. � Favorable: The countenance preserving its natural state; the look firm and clear; respiration not disturbed; pulse but little altered; but slight difficulty in swallowing; the prostration of strength not great, the horse continuing to feed without an increased secretion of saliva.

quot; Unfavorable : Extreme anxiety of countenance ; difficult res�piration ; great prostration of strength, without the power to swallow either food or drink, although they will continue- to try almost constantly; copious flow of saliva, of a tenacious, white appearance ; increased arterial action, with diminished muscular power; unable to stand but for a short time, and almost constantly struggling whilst down, and if turned on his breast, the nose will rest on the ground; he has not strength sufficient to hold it up.

quot; Treatment. � In attacks where the prostration of strength is not great, give a drachm of camphor and half an ounce of nitre, both finely pulverized and dissolved in half a pint of warm water, and give as a drench every six hours, till you give two doses ; then omit one dose, and give one ounce of powdered aloes, and half an ounce of capsicum, dissolved in a pint of warm water; drench with it, but never raise the head higher when drenching than is unavoidable, taking especial care not to strangle him. In six hours after giving the physic, commence with the camphor and nitre as before, and give it every six hours, till it has con�siderable of a diuretic effect, or till the horse shows symptoms of returning health, when three doses in twenty-four hours will be sufficient. But if the horse should be losing strength, the nitre must be left out, and from two to four drachms of capsicum added to the camphor in its place, and given every four or six hours. Should the physic not operate in twenty-four hours, half the above quantity must be given; it is not proper that severe purging should be produced, but sufficiently so to warrant the belief that the alimentary canal has been thoroughly cleansed.

224

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

quot; But should he still be losing strength, in taking the capsicum and camphor he must have added to them, night and morning, from three to four drachms of finely-powdered cascarilla. Injec�tions must be used twice a day whilst the bowels are costive, composed of half an ounce of castile soap to a quart of warm water, and four ounces of epsom salts dissolved in a quart of warm water, alternately. The throat must be gargled every two hours, v;ith a tea made by pouring half a gallon of boiling water on six drachms of capsicum, and when cool add a pint of good vinegar. The throat externally must be well rubbed with the following mixture three or four times a day: half a pint spirits of harts�horn, ditto of turpentine, ditto of camphor, all mixed and kept well corked. If the horse is down and unable to get up, he must be helped whenever he struggles to get up.

quot; I have now given you a short outline of the causes, symp�toms, treatment, fcc, as you desired me to do. I have not car�ried out in detail the different heads alluded to as I could have desired, but I trust the hints which I have thrown out will dispel some of the doubts and darkness that hang over this disease; and if the prescriptions here given are timely and judiciously applied, they will arrest the disease in a number of cases, and stay the astonishing waste of property that we so frequently hear of. quot; With respect, I remain your friend,

quot;Isaiah Michenek, V. S.quot;

DISEASES OF THE MOUTH.

SLAVERING. � {Augmented Salivary Secretion.*)

Slavering horses are frequently met with in farming districts, where clover is used as an article of fodder. There seems to be some peculiar property about the flowers of clover which renders

� Showing the abundance of the Salivary Secretion. � Mr. Charles Dickens, a veterinary surgeon of Kimbolton, has taken the trouble to ascertain the amount of saliva secreted by a parotid gland; he was enabled to make the experiment

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them a source of great irritation to the mucous surfaces and sali�vary apparatus of the horse. Some horses, however, will partake of clover without the least inconvenience ; in fact, they quot;get used to it,quot; as the saying is, and, with the addition of other grain, grow fat and sleek.

Lobelia and tobacco have about the same effect on some green horses as clover, always inducing an increased flow of saliva. These articles may induce an increased secretion of this fluid in two ways: �

1.nbsp; By irritation; the article coming in direct contact with highly sensitive secretory surfaces, which always pour out their fluids on the application of an irritant, so long as it remains an irritant, and provided the parts retain their normal sensibility.

2.nbsp; Through the medium of absorbents: thus calomel affects ihe salivary glands, and causes them to secrete and pour forth an amount of fluid at times almost incredible. Any irritating body placed within the horse's mouth may produce an increased flow of saliva. It is the custom among horsemen in Hungary, to place on the horse's bit a small piece of corrosive sublimate, or arsenic, and very soon he begins to foam at the mouth, which is considered a mark of high temper; and, strange to write, his general ap�pearance improves � he gains flesh; the coat lies smooth and sleek; he is all life and ambition. But the day of reckoning comes; the poison accumulates in the system, and the high-mettled plethoric steed loses all his artificial qualities, so mulaquo;h admired; his mettle and ambition desert him, his muscles shrink, and he soon becomes food for the ravens and other beasts of prey. The sharp edges of a worn-down tooth, or a tooth in a state of ulceration, may give rise to profuse salivation; then again, a rough bit, and a hard master may be set down among the direct causes of this complaint.

on a horse which was the subject of fistulous parotid duct. He found that, while the animal masticated hay, from eight to ten drachms of saliva per minute flowed; but if the jaws were quiet, from six to eight drachms only. Now, if we take the medium at one ounce per minute, and suppose an equal secretion from the opposite gland, it will fall little short of a gallon per ?toitr, in a compara�tively small animal. Adding to this, therefore, the submaxillary, sublingual, amp;e., secretions, the amount secreted in a given time must be very great.

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Lastly. Indifferent fodder of any kind, and impaired diges�tive organs, are apt to produce augmented salivary secretion.

Treatment. � The causes must be diligently sought for, and if practicable, ought to be removed: this important step may, of itself, procure relief. If the trouble can be traced to a cari�ous tooth, let it be extracted, or should the edges of a tooth irritate the inside of the cheek, apply the tooth rasp, and make all smooth. If any irritation exists about the glands of the throat and mouth, apply a stimulating application to them, composed of hartshorn and olive oil. quot;When the malady is supposed to originate in consequence of the presence of some obnoxious article in the fodder, change the diet, and give the following: �

Poivdered bayberry bark, 1 quot; gum myrrh, . 1 quot; goldenseal, V of each 1 ounce. �' ginger, quot; sulphur,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; J

Mix; divide the mass into eight parts, and mix one in �ne feed, night and morning.

In some cases we have used gargles, composed of decoction of witch hazel, bayberry bark, tincture gum catechu, and a solution of alum, either of which is good when an astringent is indicated. There are cases, however, that often baffle our utmost skill, such, for example, as are supposed to depend on some lesion of the nervous structure, known by a partial paralysis of one side of the face.

Mr. Cox relates, in the Veterinarian, the case of a cow, quot;which was said to be constantly slavering, and more so when she was ruminating. The symptoms were, one eye half closed, caused by inability to raise the eyelid ; the ear, on the same side, hang�ing down ; and likewise the upper lip on the same side. It was evidently an attack of paralysis which was the cause of these appearances. The treatment was, blisters applied round the base of the ear, amp;c., and laxative medicines given. In a month she appeared well.

quot;Another, having the same symptoms, was cured by a like treatment.

quot; Another case yet, of like symptoms and treatment, with the

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addition of the insertion of setons, never recovered; her eyelid, and ear, and side of her lip, remained down, and she continually kept slavering, until, at last, I Tost sight of her.

quot; I knew a mare in which the saliva ran out of the mouth in a most astonishing manner. The cause I found to be a slight attack of paralysis on one side of the upper lip.

quot; My attention was once directed to a cow that had been slaver�ing for upwards of nine months previous. Gallons of saliva might be caught in the course of twenty-four hours. I examined this cow over and over again, but never could find any apparent cause for the morbid secretion. She had milked well the greater part of the time, and had never failed in her appetite. Although she had become very poor, she was sold to a slink butcher. I had not an opportunity of making a post mortem examination. The person that opened her could discover ' nothing the matter.'

quot; In another case of a cow, which presented the symptoms of the case last described, and which had been amiss about a month, #9632;we treated thus : a gentle purge was first given ; afterwards, an occasional stimulant and tonic were administered; and the region of the parotid and submaxillary glands well blistered; and this was repeated. She ultimately recovered.quot; quot;

INFLAMMATION OF THE TONGUE� (Gamp;mslaquo;!w.)

This is generally supposed to arise from injury to the tongue; but cases frequently occur that cannot be traced to this source. We treated a case of this kind occurring in a horse, the property of Mr. Thomas Bancroft. The animal had performed his usual labor, when, on putting him up at night, the tongue was observed to be swollen, and the tip protruding on one side. On careful examination, no lesion nor injury of any kind could be found. Next day, the tongue was enormously swollen, so that the pa�tient was unable to close the nippers; he had also inflammato�ry sore throat, and considerable fever. The treatment consisted in applying stimulating liniment to the throat; the mouth was kept constantly moist with salt and water, occasionally cram�ming a handful of salt between the jaws; he subsisted on thin oatmeal gruel, acidulated with cream of tartar, and got well in

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six days, without any medicine. Another case was treated in the same manner, which ended in abscess under flie jaw, and the subject quickly recovered.

At times, inflammatory action runs high, when it will be necessary to give a dose of glauber salts; dose, ten ounces.

WOUNDS OF THE TONGUE.

It is very fortunate for horses that wounds occurring in this useful appendage to the mouth generally heal very rapidly: all -that is necessary is, to let the animal rest, keep him on a sloppy diet, and apply tincture of arnica to the parts.

LAMPAS.

So long as horse owners believe quot; lampas quot; to be a disease, and men can be found to quot; burn it out,quot; as it is sometimes termed, just so long Will the error exist, and the barbarism continue.

Lampas is a term used to signify a state of tumefaction exist�ing in the palate, about that part known as the bars, situated in the vicinity of the upper nippers. The tumefaction arises, �

1.nbsp; From local emphysema, � windy swelling, � rendering the palate elastic and augmented.

2.nbsp; From induration, � abnormal increase in the consistence of the palate, � owing to an accumulation of dense particles of blood, which resist a free circulation of that fluid through the parts.

3.nbsp; From congestion, either passive or active.

In passive congestion, there is an excess of blood, in conse�quence either of weakness in the propelling force, or of an obsta�cle to the exit of blood from the congested membrane: this state gives rise to swelling of the veins in horses' legs also. Active congestion is a determination. of blood to the part, in conse�quence of local irritation, teething, amp;c. In aged horses we fre�quently find the bars of the palate in a state of hypertrophy; but as this is only an exaggeration of a natural state, we take no notice of it; in fact, arising from whatever cause it may, (except teeth�ing,) lampas does not cause the animal any inconvenience.

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This opinion, we are aware, will conflict with that of a great many horsemen, who make a practice of searching a horse's mouth whenever he shows the least signs of illness, to see if the quot; lampas are down ; quot; but let it be understood that the bars or ridges of a horse's mouth correspond to the hard palate in man, which every one knows is not very sensitive, and therefore can�not be the cause of ill health, nor prevent the animal from mas�ticating his food. Hence the practice of burning the barjs is an unnecessary barbarity, which should never be countenanced. The most that we ever do in cases of lampas is to wash the mouth with a weak solution of alum, or infusion of bayberry bark ; but it often happens that subjects with lampas are brought to us for examination, and in a great majority of cases we find them la�boring under some derangement of the digestive function, the restoration of which allays the owners' apprehensions about lam�pas. The reader, if he still considers that quot; something must be done for lampas,quot; may, possibly, change his opinion on perusing the following from the pen of Mr. Percivall: �

quot; Lampas is a name given by writers on farriery to a swell�ing, or unnatural prominence, of some of the lowest ridges or bars of the palate. I should not have thought it worth while to have taken up time with this supposed malady, but that it has called forth the infliction of great torture on the animal by way of remedy, and that it has been a cloak for the practice of much imposition on those who have been in the habit of consulting farriers on the diseases of their horses. I allude to the cruelty and barbarity of burning the palates of horses so affected: equal�ly consistent would it be, and were it consistent, more requisite, to cauterize the palates of children who are teething; for the truth is, the palate has no more to do with the existing disease (if disease it can be called) than the tail has. Lampas is neither more nor less than a turgidity of the vessels of the palate, con�sequent upon that inflammatory condition of the gums which now and then attends the teething process ; but notwithstanding this plain and'simple truth, the horse continues to be persecuted for it, even by some professional men, as well as farriers. The practice is a stigma upon our national character, and a disgrace to the professors of veterinary science. 20

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quot; Teething in children is now and then a season attended with restlessness and pain, and was one, before surgeons were in the habit of using the gum lancet, of anxiety and danger; but it is not so with horses ; they never have any feverish irritation created in the system, though they may have some tenderness of the gums and palate, and though some few, in consequence of this tenderness, cud their food, or refuse to eat any but what is soft and unirritating. In such a case, if any thing requires to be done, we ought to lance the gums, notquot; the palate; but I do not remember ever to have had to do this but once ; and this hap�pened in the case of a horse, then in his fifth year, which had fed so sparingly for the last fortnight, and so rapidly declined in condition in consequence of it, that his owner, a veterinary sur�geon, was under no slight apprehensions about his life. He had himself repeatedly examined the horse's mouth, without having discovered any-defect or disease; but another veterinary sur�geon, to whom he had shown the animal, was of opinion that the averseness or inability manifested in masticating food, and the consequent cudding of most of that taken in, arose from a pre�ternatural bluntness of the faces of the grinders: these teeth, therefore, were filed, but. no benefit resulted. It was after this that I saw the horse, and must confess that I was just as much at a loss, in my first examination, to offer any thing satisfactory on the case as many others who were then present; for his teeth and mouth appeared to us all to be perfect and healthy. As I �was ruminating, however, after my inspection, on the apparently extraordinary nature of the case, it struck me that I had not seen the tusks. I immediately betook myself to a reexamina-tion, and then discovered two little tumors, red and hard, in the situations of the posterior tusks, which, when pressed, appeared to give the animal insufferable pain. I instantly took a pocket knife, and made crucial incisions through these prominences down to the teeth, from which time the horse recovered his ap�petite, and was restored.quot;

Tumefaction of the mouth, arising from whatever cause it may, indicates cooling and astringent washes: a weak solution of alum will probably answer every purpose, with which the mouth may be sponged two or three times daily; an infusion of witch-hazel or bayberry bark will answer the same purpose.

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A hot, tender, or inflamed mouth, unattended with disease, may be relieved in the same manner.

APHTHiE, OB THETJSH.

This disease of the mouth is very common among young horses. It consists of small red patches and vesicles on the in�side of the cheeks, also on the tongue. The mouth is hot and feverish, and the animal will frequently allow the food to fall out of ir, from inability to masticate. The principal means to be em�ployed are, a paste made of equal parts of honey and powdered bayberry bark or borax; the parts to be anointed every night. To promote healthy action and purify the blood, give

Flowers of sulphur,.....1 ounce,

Powdered goldenseal, .... 2 ounces, ** sassafras,.....1 ounce.

Mix ; divide into four parts, and give one every night in scalded shorts. This treatment applies to all classes of live stock.

DENTITION. � {TeetJiing.-)

There is no doubt that a colt sometimes suffers considerable pain from teething, in consequence of the resistance which the teeth encounter from unyielding gums. The pain does not arise, as some suppose, from the point of the tooth pressing upward against the gum, but from the downward pressure, � the roots of the tooth compressing the dental nerVe, � consisting in local irri�tation, which, if not relieved, deranges a part or the whole of the nervous system. The remedy is a sharp gum lancet. Make an incision right down to the point of the tusk, or tooth, and the animal generally experiences relief. If he labor under sympa�thetic fever, appears irritable and nervous, give him a drachm of assafcetida in thin gruel, keep the bowels soluble, and let the diet be light.

SHARP AND PROJECTING TEETH.

Owing to the unequal wear of some horses' teeth, their edges project and become sharp; they are then apt to irritate and

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wound the mucous membrane on the inside of the cheek. In such cases we notice an increased flow of saliva, imperfect mastica�tion, and loss of flesh. The remedy is a mouth rasp.

BISHOPING.

Bishoping consists in making artificial marks on horses' teeth, to give them the appearance of youth. It is a species of im�position so reprehensible that all honest horse dealers have set their faces against it, and we are not aware that it is to any ex�tent practised here. Mr. Youatt says, quot; It is called hishoping from the name of the scoundrel who invented it. The horse of eight or nine years old is cast, and, with an engraver's tool, a hole is dug in the now almost smooth surface of the corner teeth, and in shape and depth resembling the mark in a seven-year old horse. The hole is then burnt with a heated iron, and a perma�nent black stain is left; the next pair of nippers are sometimes lightly touched, to imitate the brown color of the natural mark.quot; However dexterously the operation may be performed, the fraud is easily discovered by those who are in the habit of examining teeth. If the horse is aged, it may be known by the general appearance; such as gray hairs, sunken eyes, deep hollows above them. The bones are prominent; lips flabby; and the nippers of the lower jaw, instead of appearing angular, approach, as the animal advances in years, to the horizontal.

LAMENESS FROM STRAIN AND OTHER CAUSES.

OBSEEVATIONS ON LAMEXESS.

The principal dilBculty surgeons meet with in the treatment of lameness is, that their services are not called into requisition in the first instance, � so soon as the trouble is discovered,� some owners thinking that the lameness is too slight to lay the animal up, and therefore they work him, hoping it will pass off;

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or they argue, should he groio worse, it is then time enough to talk about doctoring him. This puts us in mind of the story told about the sailor, who, having just left port, was one day overhaul�ing his kit, when out tumbled three or four pairs of stockings, having small holes in each heel. His shipmates, knowing him to be a married man, let off a few jokes at his wife's expense, for not mending them. In order to excuse the wife's seeming neg�ligence, he stated that she informed him just before ha sailed, that quot; the holes were too small to require darning, and not large enough for a patch; and that next voyage she would see to them.quot; She did not believe in the doctrine that quot; a stitch in time saves nine;quot; nor does the horseman who waits until the horse becomes lamer. And in the event of increased lameness, it is not always that science is consulted, even at this stage; for there are always enough men to be found, who consider quot; that any body can doctor a horsequot; more especially a lame one; and who are ever ready to offer an opinion as to the seat of the lameness, (very fre�quently an erroneous one,) for we often see their prescriptions applied to the whirl hone, as they call it, when the lameness is evidently in the hock. The same mistake occurs when a part of the forward limb is affected. It would be quite amusing to notice some of the remedies, from new rum and wormwood down to a hot shovel, that are in such repute among these amateur savans ; but the cause of science would not be benefited by it. quot;We feel thankful, however, that this practice of doing worse than nothing is fast dying out, and that more sensible horse owners begin to realize that it requires just the same skill to manage the diseases of a horse as it does for those occurring on the owner. The very moment a horse becomes lame, he should be excused from duty, because, if it should be of a trivial nature, rest may perform a cure. Indeed, rest, in the early stage of any sort of lameness, is beneficial, because it lessens whatever inflammation may be about the part, which, if it should exist, work would only aggra�vate. If, on examination, the owner cannot discover the cause and seat of lameness, he had better not trust to his neighbor's opinion, but consult some one skilled in the anatomy of the horse ; and although it may cost him a dollar or two, it will be the cheap�est in the end. Prompt aid in the primary stage of any lame-

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ness, apparently trivial, might prevent much of the chronic lameness that we now see, and perhaps prevent many a spavin and ringbone, and other deformities known to originate in liga-mentary lameness. Lameness may arise from a great variety of causes. A horse v/ith�at soles may be shod so that the sole rests on the shoe, and while travelling on soft ground he may go without the least sign of lameness; but the moment he comes on to the pavements, he all at once becomes dead lame from bruise of the sole, or he may get a small pebble between the sole and shoe, and thus produce the same result. A horse may, in travelling, pick up a nail, or insinuate some foreign body into the sensitive part of the foot; if so, he soon shows it by limping : he may not, however, limp in a slow walk, but shows it more when urged to a trot. Knowing how apt horses are to pick up for�eign bodies in the road, should an animal become lame all at once, the driver ought to dismount and see if he can discover the lame limb. If there is sufficient pain present to arrest the ani�mal's attention, he will generally endeavor to show it by some peculiar motion, such as pointing the lame foot before its fellbw, catching it up, or flexing it. Having discovered in which limb the lameness exists, the foot must be carefully examined. By scraping out the parts, any foreign body between the shoe and sole can be easily got rid of, and thus the cause is removed; but if a nail should be discovered, it is not so easy to remove it, for it often requires some tact, and strong pincers. quot;VVe remember being called once to draw a nail which had previously resisted the efforts of a strong man. The horse had to be cast, and it was found necessary to cut round the nail, so as to enlarge the exter�nal orifice. On withdrawing it, the point was found to have been bent, probably by coming in contact with the coffin bone ; it had thus formed a sort of hook, which explained the reason why it could not be got out until the external wound was dilated. The horse was a long while ere he recovered, for a fungous growth was continually sprouting through the orifice of the sole, which made the cure very tedious. The nail being removed, we gen�erally dress with fir balsam, or mixed soap and sugar, � which�ever happens to be at hand, � and bind some oakum on the part, to keep out the dirt. The subsequent treatment will depend upon

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circumstances. For every other kind of lameness on the road, except that arising from the introduction of a foreign body, and provided the animal is not actually incapacitated for travel, the driver has no remedy but to get the horse to his quarters, letting him go at his own gait.

We now come to the consideration of the various kinds of lameness, which are to be discovered either by the motions of the animal, or through manipulation ; and we set out with the understanding that it is no easy matter, at all times, to discover the real seat of lameness; even those who are best qualified often disagree both as to its seat and nature. quot;We shall endeavor, however, in a very brief manner, to give some diag�nostic symptoms by which an intelligent man, having some knowledge of normal action, may detect abnormal. We com�mence with

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This is a very rare lameness, although we constantly hear complaints that such a horse is quot; lame in the whirl bone.quot; Over-exertion and immoderate work, which are considered the chief causes of lameness, are more apt to produce it in the lumbar region, and from the stifle downwards, than at the hip joint. This form of lameness is quite common in man, and frequently results in anchylosis ; but we must recollect that the limbs of a horse, in consequence of the complexity of their bony and carti�laginous structures, are better calculated to sustain concussion than the former. There is no joint in the horse that is so well protected from blows and every external injury as the thigh-joint : the enormous muscles that surround it act as cushions, and successfully guard it from injury of this kind. If a horse falls on his side, and brings the hind quarters to the ground first, he is more likely to injure that part of the hip known as its an�terior superior spinous process; in short, he knocks the hip down, as it is termed, or fractures the pelvis, instead of injuring the hip-joint, as some would suppose; and even should he slip down on the haunches, and force a limb outwards, the abductor muscles, which limit the action of it in that direction, are more apt to be torn from their attachments, than that the joint should

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be injured. Mr. Percivall has remarked that quot;the advances made in veterinary science have satisfactorily shown that the farriers' opinion was for the most part founded in error; the halting action, which they considered as denoting hip lameness, more critical observation, combined with post mortem results, has demonstrated to have its origin in disease of the hock, for the most part: indeed in spavin this disease is a fruitful source of lameness behind, frequently insidious in its rise and progress, sometimes difficult of detection, occasionally incapable of demon�stration ; no wonder, therefore, that it should so often lead the unwary and inexperienced into error.quot; Sympathetic lameness of the femoral region, however, is not uncommon; for we find that long-continued pain in the foot will produce, through the sympathetic relations existing between remote parts, tenderness, heat, and sometimes corded glands in the groin. We shall not contend that lameness never occurs in this joint, but that it is rare ; for we know that, like other joints, it is sometimes the seat of synovial inflammation, ulceration, and suppuration.

The diagnostic symptom of hip joint lameness is a halting, or kind of hopping gait, and difficulty in turning.

Treatment. � Rest, refrigerating lotions, and light diet are in�dicated in the inflammatory stage ; and stimulating liniments in the chronic form. See Liniments.

LAMENESS OF THE STIFLE JOINT.

The bones composing the stifle-joint consist of the patella, lower part of the femur, and upper part of the tibia; they are retained in position by capsular and connecting ligaments, and are liable to sprain and injury. The diagnostic symptoms of sprain are heat and tenderness, and the limb is advanced with difficulty: rest, fomentations with infusion of poppy heads, cold water, and sometimes physic will be the most proper means of cure. For chronic stifle lameness, originating in adhesions, or infiltrations of the surrounding tissues, a few applications of the acetate of cantharides will probably effect a cure.

Horses frequently injure the parts around the stifle joint by leaping fences and stone walls : the treatment is the same as for

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bruise of any other part, when it is not convenient to foment � a diluted tincture of arnica (one ounce of arnica to a pint of #9632;water) may be used ; or perhaps a weak solution of acetic acid may answer the purpose. Should the part be wounded, as it often is, it may be necessary to employ sutures; but if the acci�dent is not discovered early, sutures are of no use. The com�pound tincture of aloes and myrrh will expedite the healing process; and when suppuration commences, use pyroligneous acid. We saw a horse a short time ago, which, in jumping a wall, or scrambling over it, inflicted a wound about two inches below the patella; considerable tumefaction followed, with a profuse discharge: the former yielded to fomentation and physic; in order to stop the latter and heal the wound, it was thought ad�visable to introduce a setori below it, and there set up an arti�ficial discharge, by which means a cure was effected. A horse may be punctured in this region. A case occurred in a ship yard at Medford, which may be proper to notice : A sliver had en�tered on the inside of the patella, and passed several inches backward; it was extracted and dressed; next day the limb from the hock upward became dropsical, hot, and tender: refriger�ating lotions, cathartics, and diuretics were used ; the swelling gradually subsided, and the wound healed; but a large abscess formed just above the hock, which was opened, and the horse finally got well. Another horse, standing in a stable in this city, was punctured with a hay fork, on the outside, yet close to the patella; synovial inflammation and discharge of synovia took place; the case was protracted, but finally yielded to astringent injections; the horse was lame for some time after, owing to adhesions that had taken place. Punctures of this character must be treated the same as open joint. See Dislocation of the Patella.

LAMENESS OF THE HOCK.

Lameness of the hock is generally ligamentary, except when originating in spavin; and some contend that even spavin first commences in ligamentary tissue; however, we have nothing to say about spavin just now, except to refer the reader to that article. Lameness in the hock, from strain, over-work, or blow, is evident from the heat, pain, and tumefaction about the part;

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the animal will flinch when the parts are handled, and sometimes catch the leg up ; if you back him out of the stall, and make him step forward, it will be observed that there is free motion in the fetlock joint � the foot is planted on the ground with that freedom denoting there is nothing the matter with it; he can raise the leg, showing that the stifle joint is all right; and there is perfect freedom about the hip joint, so that the seat of lame�ness is evident. This is the state of affairs in the early stage : let the animal be the subject of lameness for two or three days, and we observe sympathetic affection; that is to say, stiffness and pain, which is the cause of lameness in a remote part of the limb. And this peculiar feature is not one of singularity, for we find the same thing takes place in man: persons laboring under hip joint disease are often heard to complain of pain in the knee, the opposite extremity of the diseased bone. There is nothing better for recent lameness of the hock than arnica, either in the form ofquot; diluted tincture or infusion. The parts are to be kept wet, by means of a sponge, so that a cooling process shall go on during the inflammatory stage; and even should the case prove to be one of incipient spavin, such treatment is well calcu�lated to meet it. Eest, also, is one of the principal means of cure: those who work a horse lame in the hock must not be surprised if he should ultimately prove spavined. If the horse shows symptoms of an inflammatory diathesis, or morbid habit, a dose of medicine and a few messes of scalded shorts will do much good.

LAMENESS OF THE SHOULDER.

Lameness is more apt to arise in the shoulder than in the cor�responding part of the hind extremities; the latter having a bony union to the body, which prevents, or rather limits, undue exten�sion of the muscles. The lameness may exist in the muscular tissues, or at the point of articulation between the shoulder blade and the os humeri.

Symptoms. � The principal diagnostic symptom is, that the horse, instead of advancing the leg straight forward, moves it in a circular manner; and the action of the shoulder is quite different from that of the other side; it will be observed also, that the

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animal throws the weight of the body as much on the sound side as possible.

Treatment. � The treatment of shoulder lameness will depend altogether on the nature of the case; if it be one of muscular origin, caused by heavy drawing, violent tugging, or galloping on hard roads, rest, fomentations, and a light dose of medicine are indicated. Should the animal still be lame after the inflammatory symptoms have subsided, use the following liniment: �

Linseed oil,........1 pint,

Chloric ether,.......1 ounce,

Oil of cedar,........^ ounce.

Mix ; and apply to the shoulder night and morning. If the dis�ease is confined to the joint, counter irritants are indicated : some recommend blisters. What we have used of late is the acetate of cantharides, to be applied occasionally over the parts aifected. A stimulating liniment may, however, answer the purpose, com�posed of

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Spirits camphor, � . . . . equal parts.

Tincture of ginger,}

ELBOW JOINT LAMENESS.

This joint is more liable to disease than any other in the body: we mean, however, not to resti-ict such disease to the joint proper, but to the immediate surrounding parts, which go, as a whole, to make up the joint for the uses to which it is put in propelling the body forward. The immense muscles which are attached to the point of the elbow render it necessary that the union between the ulna and radius should be very strong. The principal power, so far as the fore limbs are concerned, required for the propulsion of the body, are to be found in this vicinity; and therefore acci�dents, for several reasons, are more apt to occur.

Lameness arises very frequently in consequence of synovial inflammation, and from ulceration of the cartilages of the bones. Synovial inflammation arises from violence, directly or indirectly applied; it is indicated by tenderness, pain, swelling, heat, and tumefaction around the joint, with inability of free motion, amp;c. The treatment must be on the antiphlogistic plan. A dose of

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cathartic medicine should be given to lessen the heart's action; anodyne fomentation of hops may prove useful; if high heat pre�vails in the surface of the lame region, refrigerating lotions � vin�egar and water � are indicated; we have frequently used arnica with good effect. Very little benefit can be derived from any treatment unless the animal be kept at rest, and on a light diet. Some will say that this is very simple treatment; but it is suitable and the author has frequently essentially mitigated deep-seated inflammations by time and just the same sort of treatment.

Ulcerations of the articulating surfaces of the hones comprising the elbow joint are more difficult of cure, and to the non-pro�fessional man still more difficult to detect. It may be present without any of the physical signs by which deep-seated diseases in more sensitive tissues are discoverable. If a horse, however, is lame in this joint for a great length of time, and the lameness gradually grows worse, and is always greater during exercise or work, though a few da}^' rest improves the action of the limb, yet seldom cures it, we may suspect ulceration.

Ulceration may arise from sub-acute or synovial inflammation from external injuries, such as a kick or blow. We have a specimen of fracture of the ulna., (point of the elbow,) and ex�tensive ulcerations and osseous deposits on the bones entering into this joint, following the injury; the fracture had united, but the horse was subsequently destroyed, in consequence of the incurability of the ulcerations. ulceration also follows a breach of the synovial membrane.

Treatment. � The bowels are to be kept in a soluble state by means of saline aperients and messes of scalded shorts; these counteract a tendency to constipation, which is sure to follow the rest absolutely necessary for the cure. The treatment should not be very active at first, for the ulceration may be only a sequence of injury to the synovial membrane. It is sufficient to attend to constitutional treatment, subdue any morbid diathesis that may exist, and sweat the parts by applying the following two or three times a day: �

Tincture of balm of gilead,... 8 ounces,

Oil of cedar.........1 ounce,

New rum,.........1 pint.

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In the later stages the application of acetate of cantharides may be persisted in. If the ulcerations are very superficial, not involving the joint, but merely confined to the heads of the bones, they can be delected by manipulation, and we may entertain some hope of restoring the animal to some degree of usefulness; whereas, in the former disease, our best efforts and hopes are often met by failure and disappointment.

Jjameness from Tumor on the Elbow.� An encysted tumor may make its appearance just below the elbow, small at first, but grad�ually enlarging to about the size of a man's double fist: some per�sons are in the habit of excising them. We saw a case, a lew months ago, in which the tumor, including the integument, had been sliced off, leaving a most awful gaping wound, which was left to heal by the slow process of granulation. Such an opera�tion argues but very little on the score of skill or humanity, and is more indicative of the age of barbarity than that of reason. There are chronic cases occasionally brought under the surgeon's notice, in which an operation becomes unavoidable; and that is when the tumor has degenerated into a dense fibrous mass, and interferes with the action of the limb: ordinary lameness, how�ever, is not an accompanying symptom, for many horses can be found in this city with medium-sized tumors that are never known to take a lame step. These tumors ultimately become indolent, neither inflamed nor painful, and finally degenerate into a fibrous mass, which may be nothing more than an eyesore.

Cause of Tumors.�They may arise, like tumors in any other part of the body, from bruise or accident, and they some�times occur without any visible cause; we strongly suspect that the effused fluid comes from the parts above,�articulatory sur�faces of the shoulder,�at this point the common integument being loose, forms a sort of Sac, � a receptacle for the accumulation of such fluid, � and it ultimately becomes enveloped with a sac of fibrin formed out of its own deposits. Some persons have sup�posed that these tumors are enlarged bursae: if that were the case, they would take on extensive inflammatory action when opened, as bursal sacs invariably do: on the contrary, they are punc�tured, setoned, and even excised, and seldom, if ever, any high grade of inflammatory action results; so that they cannot be the

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ordinary bursal sacs, and must therefore originate in effusion of lymphy fluid.

Treatment. � We have now and then seen cases of elbow-tumor brought on by bruising the parts with the calking of the shoe while the horse is lying down in the stable. Here the cause is evident; we have a common bruise, and if it were treated promptly with cooling applications, effusion might be prevented; but it happens in many cases that the injury is not perceived; and if it is, very little, if any, notice is taken of it, until, by a repe�tition of the act, a callous or morbid local diathesis is confirmed, and we observe a chronic tumor.

The treatment then, in the early stage of bruise or injury to the part, is the same as for bruise or injury in any other location� mild, soothing, and refrigerating. In the case of a chronic tumor, we first ascertain if it have a fluctuating feel: if that should be the case, we puncture it with a common trocar, and canula, or an incision may be made into it. If, on the other hand, we can clearly ascertain that there is a dense tumor to deal with, the best course is to cast the horse, make an incision, and dissect out the tumor: the cavity should be sponged with tincture of myrrh, (to set up adhesive inflammation.) and the wound may be brought together by sutures, leaving a small opening at the most depend�ent part of the sac for the escape of pus. In view of promoting healthy action, the part may be dressed daily, after being washed, with compound tincture of myrrh.

In a tumor that has no perceptible origin, but may be supposed to arise in the manner just alluded to, viz., by effusion from the scapular surfaces, the moment fluid can be detected at the point of the elbow, pass a seton through it. quot;We have tried all the usual remedies, from a common irritant io a blister, in view of absorbing the fluid, and have found nothing equal to a seton; but it should be resorted to early, before a layer of fibrin has been formed.

CURB.

A curb is an enlargement which makes its appearance on the hind legs, about two inches below the hock. It is sometimes occasioned by a blow ; but the most frequent cause is strain of

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the sheath through which the flexor tendons pass. If seen in its early stage, it would, in all probability, yield to rest and cold water bandages. But if neglected until effusion takes place, or the surrounding tissues become injected and thickened, and the horse becomes lame, then a different course of treatment must be adopted. Our usual remedy is

Acetic acid........4 ounces,

Powdered bloodroot,.....I ounce,

Turpentine........1 ounce.

To be applied to the part night and morning for at least a week ; afterwards to be bathed daily with common vinegar.

There are cases, however, in which coagulable lymph will form, and may thus leave the parts in a state of callosity for some time, which only patience, constant friction, or the applica�tion of some stimulant, can overcome. Among the various ap�plications in use, we prefer the following : �

Oil of cedar, ^

*' sassafras, gt; . . of each, 1 ounce,

quot; marjoram, }, Soft soap,.........1 pint.

To be used daily, always rubbing in a downward direction.

As regards exercise, the inflammatory stage requires rest; and in the chronic form, exercise will be indicated, provided, how�ever, the horse be not lame.

XAVICULAETHPaTIS. � {Disease of the Navicular Joint.)

Mr. Percivall, who is the best authority on navicular disease, defines navicularthritis to be quot; a disease of the navicular joint, giving rise to lameness.quot;

The Nature of the Disease. �It consists in deep-seated sprair,, injury, or morbid action, within the hoof, first manifesting itself by inflammatory action, heat, and tenderness, terminating in ad�hesion, ulceration, and caries; at times, however, in ossification of contiguous parts.

Symptoms. � The most important diagnostic symptom is, that the horse generally jioinfe the foot, viz., advances it, while stand�ing in the street or stable, a few inches� sometimes more�be�yond its fellow, the fore feet being the ones generally affected;

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the heels are sometimes hot and feverish, and, on making pres�sure with the finger (into the space formed by the quarters and pastern bones) in a downward direction, the horse shows signs of pain, There are times, however, when symptoms of pain cannot be elicited by pressure; and that is when the disease commences in the navicular bone, and before the sensitive tissues are in�volved. But even should the disease commence in the former, the horse will at times point the foot forward, and occasionally be caught limping, not lame enough though to attract the atten�tion of any but a close observer. As the disease progresses, the heels contract, and curve towards each other; the hoof appears dry and brittle; the sensitive and nutritive tissues are now in�volved ; the supply of synovial fluid is partly, or wholly suspend�ed ; friction commences; adhesion forms, gluing parts together, preventing the free articulation of the joint; the horse goes per�ceptibly, yet gradually, lamer, up to the period of ulceration. The final result is often fracture of the navicular bones. The diagnostic symptom�pointing of the foot�is a persistent fea�ture of navicular disease ; for not only does the animal show it at rest, but also, while travelling, the toe touches the ground before the heel. On examining a horse's foot, therefore, supposed to be the subject of this disease, we shall find the under surface of the shoe worn more at the toe than at the heels. These symp�toms, coupled with observation that hard work aggravates the lameness, and that there is no abnormal action or enlargement elsewhere, will go to make out a case of navicular disease.

When both fore feet become affected, the horse is said to be groggy. Surgeon quot;White defines grogginess to be quot; a tenderness and stiffness about the feet, from hard trotting upon the road, which causes him to go in an uneasy, hobbling manner, particu�larly when made to trot down a hill without any support from the bridle.quot; So much for the symptoms ; and, in order to give the reader more light on the nature of grogginess, we refer to Percivall, who informs us that quot; the epithet groggy was suggested by the unsteady, rolling, unsafe action of the lame horse being com�pared to that of a drunken man.quot; The pathological researches of later times have demonstrated that groggy lameness has its origin in navicularthritis. 21*

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THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

If we except the few veterinary surgeons that are scattered over the united States, scarcely any one else knows any thing about the history or pathology of this disease. Dr. quot;Wood has lately called attention to it in an article published in the Boston Cultivator; aside from this we do not remember ever reading any thing on the subject. In England, the attention of the fac�ulty was directed to the subject by Mr. Turner, V. S. See Hippo-pathology, p. 131.

Treatment. � If the lameness is seen in the early stage of na-vicularthritis, our general custom is, to remove the shoe, and apply cold poultices, composed of oatmeal, vinegar, and water, to which add for each poultice a handful of fine salt; the poultice is to be fairly spread over the surface of the hoof and heels, then to be confined by means of thin cotton cloth, secured just above the coronet. A mixture of equal parts of vinegar and water should be kept ready to moisten the mass whenever it becomes dry, so as to keep up a refrigerating action of the foot. Three or foqr poultices will generally suffice, employing one every twenty-four hours, on removing which the foot must be washed with soap and water. At the end of four days, substitute for the poultice

Tincture of arnica,......4 ounces,

Water, .........1 pint.

Mix; and sponge the foot three times a day. Give the patient a dose of medicine ; keep him on scalded shorts, seasoned with salt, allowing a small quantity of hay, and let him have rest. If it should turn out, on discontinuing the poultices, that the heels are tender, the animal being unwilling to bring the frog to the floor, some soft clay must be placed under him, and so disposed of that he can stand on it. quot;We consider this treatment best adapted to the early sub-acute stage of the malady. Some persons recom�mend hot poultices and fomentations; but we prefer cold to the inflammatory, and hot applications to chronic stages of deep-seated, and even superficial disease. Should the case be one of a chronic type, we follow up the above treatment with counter irritants. A preparation known as the acetate of cantharides (which can be procured of the apothecaries) has been, in our practice, instrumental in removing lameness of this description. This, however, or any other remedy, would have but little effect

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in restoring a part to soundness that was in a state of caries. As a palliative, we can with confidence recommend it, having witnessed good effects follow its use.

If the animal be not restored to usefulness under this treatment, let him run to grass, if the season permits, having tips nailed on the feet to guard against fracture of the hoof; and, after the lapse of a few weeks, if he still be found lame, as a last resort, neurotomy may be tried. See Neurotomy.

OPERATION FOR NEUROTOMY. � (xVemraquo;^.)

Neurotomy consists in a division or excision of a portion of nervous fibre. The operation has, to some extent, received the cold shoulder from very many horsemen in this country, whose horses, after being operated on, have actually walked off, leaving their hoofs behind them. We feel safe to say, however, that this unfortunate occurrence may have been the fault of those who a few years ago went about from one place to another, operating without the requisite skill necessary for the ultimate success of the object, and destitute of that knowledge necessary in the selection of suitable subjects for the operation. This is evidently the case ; for some of the animals thus operated on were the subjects of acute laminitis � a form of disease that no regular veterinarian would ever think of relieving by neurotomy ; so that many who now decry neurotomy have had but a partial opportunity of judging of its merits. If a man lacking the requisite skill under�takes to amputate a person's limb, and at a certain stage of the operation fails to secure the main artery, and in consequence the patient bleeds to death, where does the blame rest ? Not with the science, � that has its regular law of rule and contingency, � but on him who thus ignorantly misperformed the operation. So of neurotomy, if (and we are confident) it has here been performed in direct opposition to the established rules of science and the principles of practice, the results should be no criterion of its general application or usefulness. Neurotomy was never in�tended, nor is it calculated, to relieve every form of disease occurring within a horse's foot, no more than trepanning is calcu�lated to cure all diseases of the brain and its appendages ; but in

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a case of depression, or when a small portion of bone has pene�trated the cerebral mass, and the patient is comatose, relief by trephine is almost with absolute certainty calculated on. Hence we advise the readers not to be over-hasty in judging of the value of this surgical operation, until they have satisfied them�selves that the operators were qualified to select suitable subjects for it. For it is only calculated, like many others, to give relief in certain morbid conditions, and at a certain progressive stage of the infirmity. The author's experience, as regards the utility of the operation, is rather limited, he having only performed it in a few isolated cases, and then at the particular request of the subjects' owners. Many horses have been brought to him as subjects for neurotomy, laboring under chronic diseases of the foot, for the cure of which he has preferred other means, with probably better success than might have attended the oper�ation. We have always maintained that in the event of a lame horse being restored to usefulness after being neurotomized, it is no proof that he might not have been restored by less objectionable means. We shall now furnish the reader with some of the views of Professor Percivall, whose works, occupying, as they do, so elevated a position in veterinary literature, are consulted author�itatively. Our quotations must be incomplete,�merely a synopsis, � in consequence of our prescribed limits.

Mr. Percivall awards the credit of introducing neurotomy into veterinary practice to Surgeon Moorcroft; and to Professor Sewell, he argues, quot; belongs the credit of practically demonstrat�ing its utility for the removal of foot lameness of a navicular-thritic description; also as a remedy for the removal of lame�ness in cases where medicine is confessedly powerless, together with the serviceability of neurotomized horses, not for driving only, but for riding, and even for hunting.quot; Mr. Moorcroft's views regarding the operation are learned from a passage which occurs in a letter, communicated by him, eighteen years after his first operation, to the editor of the CalciUta Journal.

n * * * 1 recollect not the number of horses operated on by me successfully, though it was somewhat considerable. Some of these were worked by myself; and the general impressions on my mind at this interval are, that horses so operated on, when

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they did not again become lame, were more apt to stumble with the limb operated than with the other, and that this mode of treat�ment was likely to be more usefully applicable to coach horses than to horses intended for single harness or for the saddle.

quot; The remote Effects from Neuroiomy looked for. � Whether the nutritive and secretory functions of the foot, deprived of nervous power, would proceed as before ; and, further, what dif�ference neurotoray might make in the animal's action or tread upon the ground. Moorcroft had observed that, under the loss of nervous energy,' the repairing powers of the foot were not in�jured so far as they depended upon the action of blood vessels;' and subsequent experience has confirmed this observation. In�flammation appears to be the same process on a senseless as it is on a sensitive foot, and the secretion of horn goes on as well in one as in the other: the grand and important difference between the two is, that, supposing the neurotomized foot to receive a prick or bruise, and inflammation and suppuration to follow, matter may collect and burrow underneath the sole or frog, or other part, and the horse, incapable of feeling any hurt in his foot, can of course give no intimation of mischief, by showing pain or lameness to his groom or master; and consequently, un�less the latter should detect the evil himself, suppuration may proceed to that extent to cause the hoof to separate and be cast off the foot � a catastrophe which has happened more than once, and one that has been brought forward as a fearful argument against the practice of neurotomy. A neurotomized horse may receive a stab, in being shod, from a nail taking a wrong direction, or he may pick up a nail on the road, and no intimation what�ever of the injury be given, unless his farrier or groom happen to discover it. Such accidents, however, are not of every day's occurrence, neither are they, in the bands of expert farriers and careful grooms, likely to happen without their knowledge, and therefore have no right to be regarded in the light of arguments against neurotomy, further than such hazard, remote though it may be, tends to the diminution of such horse's value in the market.quot;

Mr. Percivall decides that quot; neurotomy not only destroys the safeguards of the foot, but the horse does not maintain the same

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step and tread he used before.quot; As an offset to this, he intro�duces several very interesting cases to show the benefits derived from neurotomy, with the accompanying remark, that quot; he feels convinced that when the subjects for the operation shall have been properly selected, and the fitting time chosen for its per�formance, similar results may be sanguinely and pretty surely anticipated.quot; *nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;The cases here referred to clearly show that the operation on

them was eminently successful. The rule laid down by Mr. P. is, quot; to operate on no other but the incurably lame horse; and whenever this has been attended to, not only has success been more brilliant, but indemnification from blame or reproach has been assured.quot;

quot; To command success in neurotomy, three considerations re�quire attention: �

quot;1. The subject must be fit and proper; in particular, the disease for which neurotomy is performed should be suitable in kind, seat, stage, amp;c.

quot; 2. The operation must be skilfully and effectually performed.

quot; 3, The use that is made of the patient afterwards should not exceed what his altered condition appears to have fitted him for.quot;

A number of cases are next alluded to, going to show that quot;for lameness in the foot, coronet, or pastern, incurable or unrelieved by therapeutic means; for navicularthritis and its consequences; for the effects of chronic coronitis and laminitis, barring sunk soles; for ossified cartilages, for ringbone, for contraction, the operation of neurotomy is especially applicable � nor will prac�titioners who regard their own credit, or that of the operation, feel desirous of extending, for lameness at least, its sphere of appliancy.quot;

Mr. Percivall warns veterinary surgeons against performing the operation when there is any detectable inflammatory action about the foot; but recommends them, first to subdue by the usual antiphlogistic means, any acute symptoms that may be present; he urges as a reason, that surgeons never perform (if it can possibly be avoided) an operation on the human subject in an inflamed locality. Another reason might be added for subdu�ing inflammatory action prior to operating; for after having done

#9632;

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80 (there might be such a case) the lameness may subside, so that the owner would be spared the expense, and his horse the pain, of an operation.

Neurotoray, observes Mr. P., quot;has other objects besides the removal of lameness. Both the oestral and generative functions have been restored through neurotoray. Brood mares that have proved barren in consequence of painful lameness annihilating in them all sexual desire, and that have ceased to have at the usual season any return of the oestrum, have, from losing such pain, had their natural generative functions restored, and become again good breeders.quot;

quot; In 1822,quot; writes Mr. Eockwood, quot; a chestnut mare at Oakley, the property of the Marquis of Tavistock, -went very lame in the near foot behind, in consequence of complete ossification of the lateral cartilages and extensive ossific disease around the coronet. She scarcely ever placed the foot upon the ground, but generally moved upon three legs. Her sufferings prevented the periodical cestrum. She had not bred for years. About two months after the operation, she went to work, and moved round; she has bred several healthy foals, and works as usual.quot; In this view the author looks upon neurotomy as a curse rather than a blessing, for the United States can. already outdo any nation on earth in the number of her horses laboring under some form of ossific dis�ease ; and for them to call in the aid of neurotomizers only to add to the countless host of deformed animals would increase their number to a deplorable extent. A mare having quot; complete ossification of the lateral cartilages and extensive ossific disease around the coronet,quot; ought never to be put to a stud; the suppres�sion of her periodical cestrum, and the annihilation of her sexual desire, would be a public benefit, to say the least, while it should teach us that nature strives by all the means in her power to perpetuate nothing but what is calculated to retain the stamp, perfection, and beauty of its original type. The suppression of the generative function is in this case, as also in many others, the operation of that law which limits all animated creation to certain bounds, beyond which they cannot go without forfeiting their right and title to the protection of those harmonious laws which the God of nature has thrown around them.

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Let people neurotomize horses for incurable lameness, for the relief of pain which no other means can accomplish, and we call them philanthropists � the handmaids of nature. But when neurotomy is resorted to for the purpose of forcing nature to teem with deformities, it should be set aside as a curse to the four-footed race; and its advocates should be rebuked. We consider an unsound animal, as the mare evidently was, just about as valuable for breeding purposes, in view of perfect symmetry of form, endurance, and long life, as a diseased potato would be for the production of a succession of perfect germs and a supply of healthy food for man. The deformities of the parent, and the imperfections of the vegetable germ, may not at once appear; but the day of reckoning must come ere many generations have passed away, or many harvests have been gathered; and if nature con�demns the one to barrenness' and the other to premature decay, it is done to assert her empire. In justice to the talented author just quoted, we remark, that the practice of neurotomy for the purpose to which we allude does not receive his advocacy: he merely observes, that neurotomy has other objects besides the removal of lameness; and introduces a case from the pen of another individual by way of illustration.

As regards the success of the operation in the United States, when performed by qualified persons, so far as the author has been able to ascertain, it has been quite as successful as in the old world; and there is no reason why it should not be, when practised by qualified veterinary surgeons.

We now come to describe the operation of neurotomy; and we recommend that, in all operations of this kind, the subject be etherized, not only in view of preventing pain, but that we may, in the absence of all struggling on the part of our patient, perform the operation satisfactorily, and in much less time after etheriza�tion has taken place than otherwise. So soon as the patient is under the influence of that valuable agent, we have nothing to fear from his struggles, provided we have the assistance of one expe�rienced to administer it. We generally use a mixture of chloro�form and chloric ether in our operations, and consider it far preferable, so far as the life of the patient is concerned, to pure chloroform,

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Whichever article is used, care should be taken not to intro�duce it into the respiratory organs too suddenly. A sufficient quantity of atmospheric air must be amalgamated with it; and this is insured by moving the sponge to and fro before the nos�trils for a short time, when the sponge may be placed in a common breathing apparatus; * in many cases, however, when operating in a barn, or any where under cover, we use nothing but a large circular sponge having a deep concavity, which admits of the horse's nose. The horse having been cast and etherized, we release one of the fore legs from the hobbles, and if the limb be found in a perfect state of relaxation, the subject having no con�trol over it, then is the proper time to commence the operation.

The limb is now to be brought into its natural position, and thus held by an assistant. Supposing the horse to lie on the off side, we now make an incision over the region of the plantar nerve, on the outside of the near limb. The incision commences just below the head of the pastern, to the extent of one inch, or a trifle more: having exposed the nerve, we pass a director beneath it; a simple incision into the groove of the director separates the nerve. If it is desirable to excise a portion of the nerve, we seize the lower end with a small pair of forceps, and cut off a small piece with a pair of scissors. If both fore legs are to be operated on, we first operate on the inside of the off leg; then, by rolling the animal over, we have an opportunity to repeat the same thing on the opposite side. Most surgeons bring the edges of the wounds together by sutures; and if we could be sure of uniting them by what is called first intention, it would be proper to do so: it is certainly in accordance with the principles of rational surgery, and looks more workmanlike thus to close the incisions; but a friend of ours residing in Maine, who has operated on quite a number of horses, informs us that he never uses suture, but dresses with a balsamic liquid, and over all a cold water bandage, and the animals show but a slight blemish. In the few cases we have operated on, sutures were used, and bandages, which some recom�mend, were dispensed with, for they only tend to irritate the wounds and keep up an unnatural heat about the part: our ex-

* In all cases of etherization at the Massachusetts Hospital, a simple sponge is used. The complicated and expensive tteathing maehincs are dispaneed with. 22

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perience is, that bandages do not agree so well with horse as with human flesh. Various instruments are in use for the perform�ance of this operation, which we do not deem necessary to describe here. The success of the operation depends more on the skill of the operator than on his tools ; for a good anatomist can at any time divide the nerve with a common penknife: in fact the thing is often done.

The reader will perceive that we have merely described the operation, without entering into its details, or the anatomical points involved: to place on paper all the minutiae necessary to constitute every man a neurotomist would be a work of impossi�bility ; hence we advise those who desire to have their Worses operated on to employ a professional man.

PLEXJRODYNIA. � {Inflammation of the Muscles of the Chest and fore Extremities.)

This is a disease to which the attention of veterinarians has lately been called by Mr. Haycock, in his work on Veteri�nary HomcBopathy, who observes, quot; I am perfectly satisfied as to the existence of this disease, and also of its having been over�looked.quot; We have frequently treated animals presenting some of the peculiar symptoms here enumerated, and, for the simple reason that we had no other name for it, called it rheumatism, or founder.

The symptoms are as follows: quot; One great difference between pleurodynia and pleurisy is, that in the former affection the dis�ease exhibits little or no variation, while in pleurisy, the varia�tions are remarkable, and constitute one of the principal features by which it is to be distinguished or recognized.

quot; In pleurodynia, the animal moves in a very rigid manner; he steps short and very slow; he is greatly dejected and cast down ; the back is arched ; the skin over the surface of the body exhibits great tenderness, whether he be handled roughly or deli�cately ; he also grunts a good deal, and great tenderness is some�times^ present upon one or both sides of the chest, and the skin presents that state of corrugation easily recognized. The respi�rations are short and limited, and ihe pulse will generally range

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. from fifty to sixty-four per minute, but on some occasions it is not at all disturbed. If the ear be applied to the chest, the mur�mur can generally be detected very clearly throughout, particu�larly in the superior regions of the cavity, while, if the ear be held close to the lowest part of the inferior region, a sort of rumbling sound is heard; but this can only be detected when the skin over the part is more tender than elsewhere, and when it is contracted into folds, and moves, and when such contractible motion is continuous. This sound I entirely attribute to the tremulous motion which is going on within the subtextures; for if the ear be kept firmly to the chest, the motion soon ceases, together with the rumbling sound; and, provided we remain quiet, and the animal be pacified, we can then distinctly hear the clear, natural respiratory murmur, though somewhat suppressed from the constrained manner in which the chest itself is expanded. The hair over the entire body is dry, and very unthrifty in ap�pearance. If the animal be made to walk up hill, it is performed cleverly, but great difficulty is experienced in coming down again ; the patient travels as though his feet were actually in�flamed ; the appetite is bad in some cases, and moderately good in others ; the urine is scanty, and the dung is dry looking; the patient does not lie down well; it is seldom or never that he coughs. In this state the animal may remain for weeks, without the least variation, save that the pulse becomes lower, falling to about thirty-eight or forty-two per minute ; but the majority of such cases, if properly treated, are generally cured in from three to six days.quot;

The causes are, over-exertion and exposure. quot; If the disease be from an inflammation excited within the muscles of the chest and fore extremities, and also of the cellular tissue investing or surrounding such muscles, the fact, I think, will in a great meas�ure be satisfactorily demonstrated. Should the animal have been subject to long-continued and very severe exertion, this, together with the tenderness of the muscles, and the assistance which aus�cultation will afford us, will be sufficient to enable us to decide. In conclusion, I may add that pleurisy, pleurodynia, and inflamma�tion of the muscles may either exist as separate affections, or two or more of them may exist in association, or any one of them, or

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all of them may also exist in association with disease of the heart.quot; Treatment, homoeopathic. The best remedies we know of for an affection of this character are, rest, laxative medicine, light diet, and cold water packing � supposing, however, that it is brought on by severe work. Should it be occasioned by exposure, treat it the same as a common attack of rheumatism.

ACUTE RHEUMATISM, OR POUNDER.

This is a very common disease among horses, and probably occurs more frequently than people would suppose. We have treated quite a large number of cases during the past few years. Some of them yielded very readily, and disappeared just as sud�denly as they came ; others were protracted, became chronic, and left the subject with stiffened muscular fibres, contractions of mus�cles and hoofs, effusions into bursal sacs around the fetlocks, amp;c.; and two cases terminated fatally, in one of which the autopsy showed high inflammation of the interior of the heart�endocar�ditis : the internal membrane of that organ had the appearance of purple velvet, with effusions of lymph on its surface ; the ten�dinous cords of the lateral ventricles were strung with fibrous de�posits to such an extent that they must have had interference with the heart's action. The second case was complicated; the ex�ternal covering of (he heart�pericardium � had several adhe�sions, and its surface next the heart was studded in several places with lymph granules ; slight effusion had also taken place. The internal appearance of the heart was the same as in the preceding case, excepting the fibrous deposits on the cordce tendi�ng. (This rare specimen is now among our collection of morbid anatomy, for the inspection of those who may wish to see it.) quot;We strongly suspect that many diseases of the fibrous and ten�dinous structures have their origin in rheumatic disease ; and if the horse could only speak, he would often tell us of his flying aches and pains, long before we discover any thing of the sort. These horses, from the first, had febrile symptoms of an acute inflammatory character, which active cathartics and counter irri�tants seemed to have no effect on. The first subject died on the fifth day from the attack, and the latter on the ninth. In the

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human subject, rheumatism and cardiac affection are twin hrothers. In some subjects the diseases appear, now and then, to go hand in hand; cardiac disease is liable to end in rheuma�tism, and vice versa. Gallup thus alludes to the subject: quot; If rheumatism shows a propensity to migrate more than some other affections, it claims this right by keeping within the range of its kindred tissues. It goes to the tissue of a neighboring joint of the same family, and its way is prepared by an altered and ex ' cited state of all these tissues, when the morbid habit has been established. If it steals its way to the heart, it there occupies its family seat in the fibrous tissues. But it is not very common that it makes this stride ; when it does, it is liable to be a fatal one ; it commonly abides there to spend its rage and subdue its victim. It acknowledges the same predisposing causes with other acute diseases, which are aided by an idiosyncrasy. It is a dis�ease chiefly of cold seasons, but does appear in the predisposed from the influence of relative cold, from sudden changes in warm seasons.quot;

quot; The concentrations of local affections in disease often pass from one part to another with equal facility, before the part has suffered essential lesions by their ravages ; and, indeed, in some cases, when this is the fact, without carrying with them the alterations they have already made. The localists and humoral-ists have always been confounded with their own theories, be�cause they never could apprehend how their materia excitans should so easily migrate the capillaries as to get so far without their quot;being able to ken its march.quot;

Here we have an explanation of that peculiar state of the system, termed by some writers lody founder, which is nothing more nor less than rheumatism in its chronic stage. In a case of this kind, the whole muscular system seems affected. White thus describes it: quot; At first the foundered horse appears as if every part of the body were affected, and sometimes this is the case; at others, the fore parts or the feet appear affected; and in some cases, the loins or hind parts generally. This disorder is similar to acute rheumatism, or rheumatic fever, [it is identi�cal,'] and appears to depend on inflammation of the muscles, sometimes affecting the muscles of respiration, and sometimes

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li !

even the heart itself.quot; There is no difference, then, between acute rheumatism and founder; their terminations are in harmo�ny with each other; and this proposition is confirmed when we notice the causes of the latter. Founder is produced by chilling the animal when exhausted or much fatigued ; he may be chilled, after a brisk drive, by exposure to the weather, by external in�fluences, or he may be chilled by imbibing cold water in quan�tity sufficient to reduce the temperature of the system too sud�denly. The author last quoted says, quot; Founder is produced by driving a horse, when in a state of perspiration, into a pond, ex�posing him to cold wind or rain, or tying him up in the stable yard while the hostler washes his legs or thighs, and sometimes his body; but excessive exertion alone will, and often does, pro�duce every kind of founder.quot; Here we have the causes of rheu�matism. quot;Who can deny it ? Take a plethoric, over-fed horse, and let him be exposed even to a slight exciting cause, an affec�tion is generated, and propelled, with railroad speed, from tissue to tissue, constituting acute rheumatism � body founder; or, as in the cases just alluded to, it may spend its force on the heart, and extinguish the vital principle. The disease is apt, at times, to locate in Circumscribed situations, about a joint or mus�cular region; but the treatment will not differ much.

Treatment of acute Rheumaiism. � Our first prescription is invariably the following nauseating cathartic: �

Powdered aloes,......6 drachms,

quot; lobelia,.....2 drachms,

Warm water,.......1 pint.

Free action of the bowels must be persisted in, and they must afterwards be kept soluble by means of some such remedy as the following: �

Cream of tartar, p

Sulphur,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; 5. of each, . . 2 drachms,

Podophyllum, )

Wine of colchicum,* .... 2 drachms,

Thin gruel,.......1 pint.

Mix, and give as a drench.

� Vimm. Colchia seminis of the United States Dispensatory. It can braquo; procured of any apothecary. The author has a prepijration of colchicum

THE MODERN HOUSE DOCTOE.

259

This medicine should be continued as occasion may require; for example, suspending it when the discharges are frequent, and again exhibiting it when peristaltic action is tardy.

In view of increasing cutaneous exhalation, we give an infusion of lobelia and pleurisy root, half an ounce of each to half a gallon of boiling water; when macerated sufficiently, strain, and add a gill of honey. Dose, one pint every four or six hours.

As regards large and repeated Doses of Medicine.� When car�ried beyond a certain point, these are sure to do harm ; for this disease is located in tissues that are under the dominion of the nerves of external relation : these tissues may be highly excited and painful, in consequence of the congested state of the capil�laries ; at the same time, the vital fluid � blood �is deficient in the region of nutritive tissues: at such times cathartics have a dis�astrous sedative * tendency, very prostrating and uncontrollable.

It is a fact not generally realized, that there is more danger in giving too much, than too little, medicine. It is astonishing how little medicine will at times favor the physiological state, and thus restore a patient to health; while we have abundant evidence going to show that ours, as well as the four-footed race, have been almost universally over-dosed. quot;We generally keep the rectum empty by means of saline injections; should the bowels respond to the medicine as often as seems proper, they may be dispensed with.

As regards external Applications. � If steam can be so con�ducted to the body of the patient (see Steaming Apparatus) as to keep up a relaxation of the capillaries, external liniments may be dispensed with. In the event of failing to secure diaphoresis, the capillary absorbents must be excited with the following ex�ternal application: �

which he prefers to any other; he has termed it the acidulated tincture of coU

c/ucum. It is made in the following manner: �

Take of colchicum, bulb and seeds,......3 ounces,

Proof spirit,............1 pint,

Diluted acetic acid..........1 pint.

(Diluted acetic acid is formed by mixing one part strong acetic acid with four

parts water.) Let the preparation stand for the space of a fortnight; pour

off the clear liquor, and run it through fine linen, and it will be fit for use.

* All cathartics have a sedative effect.

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOK.

Spirits camphor.......2 ounces,

Tincture of Indian hemp, ... 1 ounce, Olive oil,.........4 ounces.

Mix; and lubricate the stiff and painful regions daily, and cover them with flannel.

The diet during the inflammatory stage should be light, con�sisting of sloppy mashes. Linseed tea, and water acidulated with cream of tartar, form the best drink for fever patients. An acute case may generally be treated somewhat after this fashion. There is, to be sure, much diversity of opinion as regards the means; for while one recommends us to bleed with one hand and give opium with the other, (by which means the system is pros�trated,) another recommends stimulants, to exalt the circulation, and thus secure its equilibrium, so that there shall be no excess of blood in any part; a third advocates cold water; and a fourth, homceopathy. Finally, in many cases the subjects get well with�out one particle of medicine. The physician who has studied his profession with care will know when to give and when to with�hold medicine : at all times he should endeavor to see how little medicine he can get along with, for by so doing he studies the interests of all concerned.

The diagnostic symptoms of acute rheumatism are, great pain elicited by pressure or motion ; swelling of the limb or body, as the case may be; febrile symptoms are present; some thirst; the urine has a very pungent odor; the pulse is full and hard, and peristaltic action is slow. Some other portions of the case de�serve notice. The disease occurs very suddenly in subjects not far advanced in years; there are regular periods in the course of the twenty-four hours, from day to day, when the patient will be worse. In the human subject, night is the period when the pains and fever are greatest; and in four-footed subjects, confined in ill-ventilated stables, we have noticed the same thing; yet in many cases the disease leaves the subject very suddenly, or migrates to other tissues, so that this feature is not so persistent as in man. The disease has, to our certain knowledge, gravitated to the feet; it is then called acute laminitis � another name, in a majority of cases, for founder in its acute stage.

The diagnostic symptoms, when the heart becomes affected, are, palpitation, difficult breathing, and great oppression. These

quot;THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

261

symptoms are to be met by saline medicines and counter ir�ritants.

CHRONIC RHEUMATISM.

Chronic rheumatism is occasionally a sequel to the acute form; yet it may come on without any previous perceptible acute attack, and entirely independent of it. The principal difference between this and the acute disease lies in the less activity of the attack and inflammatory fever, and the indefinite duration of the symp�toms : the lameness is not persistent, but goes off after exercise, and returns again while the animal is at rest.

As regards the Causes of this Malady. � It is known ^o be of hereditary origin ; sometimes arising in a sort of spontaneous manner, without any assignable cause : it frequently follows hard driving, exposure, and chilling the surface with cold water.

Horses, after having been driven a long distance, sometimes come into the stable in a very exhausted state, and instead of rubbing them dry, clothing them with a warm blanket, and pay�ing that attention to them which their circumstances demand, they are suffered to drink cold water, driven perhaps into a cold corner of a stable, neither wind-tight nor water-proof; the legs are sluiced with cold water to clear them of mud, and the knight of the stable, a humane man perhaps, out of charity for the poor quot;devil,quot; gives him a double allowance of food just at the very time when the digestive organs are unequal to the task. Next morning, on attempting to back the horse out, his fore, and some�times the hind, limbs are as stiff as a poker. quot; My horse is foun�dered,quot; exclaims the owner�a term very expressive of the ruined condition of the poor brute. The founder, or rheumatism, which�ever the reader pleases to call it, may finally locate on the muscles of the shoulders and fore extremities, or it may run to the feet, and there spend its fury, in the form of laminitis, � in�flammation of the laminae of the feet: this finally becomes chronic; produces atrophy� a wasting of the muscles. The horse is then said to be foundered in the chest. When the disease locates and remains within the horny covering of the foot during its several stages, and finally leaves the foot in a contracted, ruined condition, the horse is said to be foundered in the feet. We do

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not mean to give the reader an idea that all cases of laminitis arise in this way, for it is known to be the sequel, through a pro�cess termed metastasis, to diseases of the respiratory and other organs.

With regard to the treatment of chronic rheumatism, that which is known to be the sequel of the acute kind, without swell�ing, going off by exercise, and attended by a sort of chronic fever. This form is always benefited by the warm bath, and if a steam�ing apparatus could be brought into requisition in such cases, we could reckon with some degree of certainty on a cure.. Cold water, and even a cold, moist atmosphere, only aggravate the malady; the patient must be placed in a moderately warm box stall, and have the benefit of local warm water bandages, followed, in some cases, by frictions, with liniment of ammonia and rose�mary.* The internal medicine (and we are satisfied this is the best) consists of

Tincture of guaiacum,

** quot; balm of gilead

quot; quot; Jamaica ginge

or,gt;

f each 2 ounces,

Sirup of garlic, ....'... 6 ounces.

Mix, and give one sixth part of the mixture in a pint of camo�mile tea, night and morning.

This medicine will go the rounds of the circulation, and there excite action in the remote parts, differing from the morbid, and thus assist in removing the affection. We have found that flan�nels saturated with warm vinegar and water, bound on the limbs, and occasionally removed, have a beneficial effect. Finally, time, persevering in the use of simple means, and proper attention to diet, will do all that can be expected.

SPASM OF THE MUSCLES. � (CVaraquo;raquo;;gt;.)

Horses, as well as men, are subject to spasmodic affections of the muscular system, which sometimes appear and disappear with equal rapidity. A horse attacked with cramp shows it by

� Compound Liniment of Ammonia. � Take

Water of ammonia,......3 ounces,

Olive oil,..........8 ounces,

Oil of rosemary,.......1 ounce.

Mix. To be applied by means of a piece of soft flannel.

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becoming suddenly unable to move the limb, and when 'compelled to step forward, drags the affected part after him. At other times he is travelling on the road, and becomes, without any warning, dead lame, limps or steps short, and after standing a few mo�ments, regains the use of his limb, and proceeds onward to the journey's end without a reattack. Horses that have once had an attack of this sort are liable to relapses, unless the exciting causes be removed. quot;What are the causes ? Some physiological considerations are necessary in order to understand the sub�ject. Every movement of a muscle produces a corresponding waste, and thus exhausts the vital principle : the waste must be supplied by the blood, and the blood in its turn depends on nu�trition. Hence it follows that when a horse is compelled to per�form great muscular action, he requires an amount of blood equal to the loss sustained; and that Uood has to be manufactured in its chemico-vital laboratory, out of a corresponding increase of food. But suppose nutrition is perverted, or that the food, which in quantity seems sufficient, is deficient in nutrition; then we can perceive how spasmodic affections of the muscles may arise, knowing, as we do, that spasm arises from mal-nutrition.

The cure consists in restoring the tone of the digestive func�tion, should it be impaired: a few doses of gentian, ginger, and salt, equal parts, will generally answer the purpose. The limb may then be rubbed daily with common hartshorn liniment, and the cure is completed.

SPLENT.

Definition of Splent. � An exostosis � i. e., a callous or osseous tumor � growing upon one, or contiguous to one, of the splent bones. � Percivall.

A splent seldom occasions lameness, except in the primary stage of inflammation of the fibro-cartilaginous substance which unites the splent to the canon bone; or, in cases when the splent is high up, in close proximity with the carpal bone � (which rests on the upper part of the inner small metacarpal) � splent sometimes involving more-than one of the carpal bones; and from the size of the tumor, it being large, having a very rough

264

THE MODEEN HORSE DOCTOR.

surface. In such cases we may expect lameness; but it seldom lasts long, for the bones soon become anchylosed � glued to�gether ; and should the tumor be rough, so as to produce lame�ness, there will soon be thrown out on its contiguous tissues a fibrous layer, which to some extent prevents friction. This form of splent, having eminences, depressions, and a rough, irregular aspect, may be denominated tuberculated splent: it generally interferes with the motion of neighboring parts. A splent of the circumscribed kind � a tumor about midway between the superior and inferior ends of the janon, on the inside � generally differs from the above, in presenting a smooth eminence, with a well-defined outline, varying in size from that of a bean up to a walnut.

Cause of Splent. � A good deal of speculation is afloat as to the cause of splent. We are aware tha't it may be produced by a blow, or injury in the form of sprain. If it come from a blow, we should be apt to consider that the animal himself was the cause of it, by striking with the opposite foot; although he gen�erally strikes the fetlock, or else the inside of the knee; but he may once in a while have an ill-adapted shoe placed on his foot, and then, in consequence of being reined up suddenly, or getting one foot into a hole, may, without the knowledge of the person riding or driving, inflict a slight blow on the inside of the limb, which may prove, in a predisposed subject, the exciting cause of this affection. Predisposition may lurk in breed; and from the fact that many animals are now to be met with carrying about with them miniatures of ancestral deformity, spavin, ring-lone, amp;C., we may presume that splent, at times, comes under this category.

Treatment. � In the early stages, supposing some inflamma�tory symptoms present, we resort to cooling, evaporating lotions : these are various. The following will probably answer the pur�pose ; we have used it extensively, and found it efficient:�

Acetic acid,.........2 ounces.

Water............Bounces,

Chloric ether,.........1 ounce.

Mix ; take a pad, composed of three or four folds of cotton cloth, immerse it in the mixture, place it over the seat of splent, then

TUT. MODERN HOKSE DOCTOR.

265

confine it, so as to produce slight pressure on the tumor, the outer bandage to be moistened as often as convenient. Rest at this stage is highly important, because the periosteum, or else the interosseous fibro-cartilage between the splent and canon, is inflamed, and all motion aggravates it.

In a case of long standing, and even in one having a well-marked tumor, stiffness and lameness may be relieved by the occasional application of acetate of cantharides.

Some surgeons blister for the cure of splent; others saw off the tumor; and periosteotomy has been resorted to in view of cure ; but, unfortunately, splent is no more curable than spavin, when once the cartilage has been converted into bone; and as in the majority of cases it is but an eyesore, and detracts but little from the value, and still less on the score of usefulness, of the horse, it may be well to pause ere we operate for the cure of an incurable disease.

EXPLANATION OF CUTS.

Cut 1. � Appearance of the hock before dissection and maceration. Cut 2. � Appearatice of bones composing the hock after maceration,

1.nbsp; Os calcis.

2.nbsp; Astragalus.

3,nbsp; 3. Large and medium cuneiform bones, united to each other, and coated with bony deposit.

4,nbsp; 4, 4. Bony prominence, or spavin tumor, �. Canon or metatarsus magnus.

6.nbsp; Small (inner) metatarsal or splent, the head of which is iuvolTed in ossific disease, so as to be immovable.

7.nbsp; The articular cartilages being ossified, the canon is united to the bone above. The whole surface of diseased parts, as delineated, have a rough, un�even, and spongy appearance. This is one of the hocks alluded to in article .Spavin. The disease'd parts were obtained from Messrs. Freeman amp; Scates, owners of the horse.

SPAVIN.

It is most astonishing that in this age of improvement means are not discovered for the prevention of this, one of the most common diseases of the horse's hock. It has got to be so com-23

26C

THE MODKRN HOUSK DOCTOR.

APPEARANCE OF THE SPAVIN TUMOR BEFORE DIS�SECTION AND MACERATION.

TUB MOUEKN B�RSE DOCTOR.

267

Cut 2.

APPEARAACE OF THE SPAVIN TUMOR AFTER DIB

SECTION AND MACERATION.

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mon a disease of late, that if a purchaser finds a horse free from blemish of this description, he considers himself fortunate. By way of showing how little some people think of spavin, the fol�lowing incident is related : The author was lately travelling in the eastern part of Massachusetts, and had occasion to use a team, which was procured at the village stable. The owner kindly consented to drive to our destination, some four or five miles dis�tant. During the journey the conversation turned upon horse-ology. Our friend appeared to be well posted�knew every horse in town, his cost, and present value. We remarked to him that the horse he was then driving had a couple of spavins. quot; 0,quot; exclaimed the man, quot; that is nothing ; the horses in these parts are all spavined ! quot; quot; Pray,quot; asked we, quot; what do you attribute all this to ? quot; quot; The chief causes are, breeding from old, broken-down, spav�ined m�res and worthless studs; and permitting the foal to run by the side of its mother while she is in harness.quot;

Our own experience has taught us to look in this direction for the causes; and we feel assured that if breeders would be more particular in the choice of both sire and dam, and leave the colt at home, instead of trotting it to market, by the side of the mare, � as is the fashion in the country, � and also pay attention to the conditions which the law of physiology imperatively de�mands for the maintenance of health and vigor, then there would be few spavined horses. Here, then, is where our preventive measures must commence; for as sure as quot; like begets like,quot; so sure are spavins transmitted from parents to offspring. Not that we would have the reader suppose that every case of spavin is brought about in this way, or that every case is transmissible; for we know that hard work on our paved streets must tend to inflame the inter-articular cartilages betwsen the small bones of the hock; and this inflamed, bruised state of the parts may be considered the primary stage of spavin. Concussion on pave�ments, when the horse is in the act of drawing heavy loads, has much to do with the production of spavin; still, iu the country, where there are no pavements, we find the most spavined horses. How shall we account for this ? It seems very, probable that great muscular exertion, in drawing a load up hill, or, in fact, descending a slope rapidly with a load, may overtax the liga-

THE MODEUN UOltSK D�CTOK.

269

mentary tissues; and especially so in cases where there is some pre�disposing taint lurking in the system : so that there are various causes for spavin. Our views of the cure of spavin � that is, if anchylosis can be considered in the light of a cure � are, that, in order to render the animal capable of future usefulness, we must follow in the path of nature, and aid her. For example, on discovering a horse lame in the hock, having the usual symptoms of spavin in its incipient stage, we should release him from labor, or even turn him out to grass, thus, to some extent, guard�ing against the irritation and inflammation which usually follow hard work; for we know that in the early stage of the disease inflammatory action is active, and that hard labor and use of the joint must aggravate it; therefore any measures that are taken, calculated to control or lessen pain and irritation, must prove beneficial. By sucli means we place the patient in the most favorable position for nature to perform a cure (anchylosis) in her own time, and after her own fashion.

Some people have an idea that nothing short of firing or blis�tering can be of any benefit; yet experience has shown that the practice is unsatisfactory, as the reader will perceive on consult�ing English authority. The fact of a few horses having been restored after the application of the hot iron or blister is not proof positive of its etBcacy; for, as we have said before, both horses and nien will sometimes get well in spite of all we can do to prevent them. quot;We have succeeded in rendering horses as free from lameness by mild means, as, we think, can ever be accom�plished by the scientific, yet barbarous mode of fire and blister. Our general advice is, during the inflammatory stage, let the ani�mal have rest, and apply cooling, evaporating lotions to the parts. Our usual remedy in this stage is

Muriatic acid........4 ounces,

Water...........2 quarts,

Tincture of bloodroot.....6 ounces.

Applied daily by means of a sponge.

Another equally useful remedy may be thus prepared: Taklaquo;

Strong acetic acid,.....nbsp; nbsp;4 ounces,

Water,..........nbsp; nbsp; 1 quart.

Proof spirit.........nbsp; nbsp;2 ounces,

Common salt, ......nbsp; nbsp;3 ounces.

Mix.

23*

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Our usual mode of application is as follows: Take a piece of sponge, slightly concave, corresponding as near as possible to the form and size of the hock; by means of a few stitches, affix two pieces of tape or linen, so as to form an X; each piece must be long enough to encircle the joint two or three times; after dip�ping the sponge in the mixture, it must be applied to the inside of the hock, and there secured, and afterwards kept constantly moist. By a faithful application of the above, the inflammatory symptoms (which are not confined to the joint alone, but prevail in the surrounding tissues) will soon subside, and anchylosis pro�gresses in a slow, yet favorable manner, without the usual pain and irritation.

Much of the lameness in spavin arises in consequence of the tumefied state of the ligamentary and sub-cellular tissues around the joint. We knew a horse, some time ago, that was regularly worked on the lead of a city truck, he being the subject of spavin on both tarsal joints, which were enormously swollen; and any person not acquainted with the nature of the case would suppose that the bulk of the enlargement was of a bony character, it being dense, hard, and unyielding. On dissection, however, the hulk was the result of a general thickening of all the parts in the vicinity of the hock; the exostosis, or bony enlargement, was but trifling, and the tarsal bones � composing the hock � were in a perfect state of anchylosis. (See cuts of spavin.) The animal, up to the period of his death, was considered quot;a very lame horse.quot; Now, the lameness must have been of a ligamentary character, and not bony nor cartilaginous; for the bones were united as firm as a rock, leaving not the least trace of inter-articular cartilage.

In our collection of morbid specimens can be seen two excel�lent specimens of spavin, taken from a horse formerly the prop�erty of a teamster doing business in Boston. The owner informed us that at the age of eight the horse showed symptoms of spavin ; he was immediately taken from work, and for upwards of a year was permitted to lead a life of comparative rest in the country, part of the time at grass; the remainder was spent in ham and yardWfe. During this time, he was more or less lame; yet nothing, by way of treatment, was done for him, except an occasional dash of cold

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

271

water on the diseased joints. The horse, on being put to work, showed little more than the usual -stiffness consequent on anchy�losis, � which had probably then taken place, � and he continued to perform daily labor for the space of eleven years, and died at the'age of nineteen, of congestive pneumony. The important features in the case are, that there was less of lameness, tumefac�tion, and bony enlargement than we ever remember to have seen; and this favorable result was, no doubt, brought about by the rest and cold water treatment. The-owner of this horse was quot;dead setquot; against firing and blistering, had no faith in the curability of spavin, and still less in quot; meddlesome medication,quot; as he termed it. If the cure of spavin, then, consists � as we are told it does by some of our employers � in merely freeing the horse from lame�ness, so that the owner may get rid of him without much loss, or if the animal shall be restored to his former usefulness, yet still having an enlarged hock (an eyesore) and a little stiffness of the joint, � all this can easily be accomplished by promoting anchy�losis.* quot;We shall be told that these are no cures at all. quot;We have examined several of these wonderful cures wrought by the firing iron, and find that they all amount to about the same thing. For if any of our professional brethren ever cured a case of anchylosis, which is often a concomitant of spavin, we should like to know it. Sir A. Cooper has pronounced it positively incura�ble. In fact, partial anchylosis is a desirable event in the treat�ment of spavin, and one which we always endeavor to induce. If a horse happens to have an enlargement on the inside of the hock, and goes a little lame, which he is very apt to do under the circumstances, it is set down as a spavin ; and the poor brute, if he were put into the hands of a humane man, who would prob�ably give him rest, and perhaps foment the limbs, would soon recover from the imaginary spavin. But it often happens that, with the very best intentions on the part of the owner, the patient

� Anchylosis. This denotes an intimate union of two or more bones which were naturally connected by a movable kind of joint. All joints originally de�signed for motion may become anchylosed; that is, the heads of the bones forming them may become so consolidated together that no degree of motion whatever can take place. In such cases the interarticular cartilages are ab�sorbed, or become ossified, (changed into bone.)

272

THE M�UJiUN II�KSK D�OTOR.

is handed over to his tormentors. Who are his tormentors? They are not men who have devoted a great portion of their lives to the study of this truly valuable and important branch of science; for if they were, they would not make such a gross mistake as that alluded to. But the very converse of this is the truth, and such will be the case until the American people shall educate our young men, and qualify them to practise, on correct principles, the veterinary art.

However well qualified, by observation and experience, the latter class of men may be to prescribe for simple forms of dis�ease, they cannot be trusted to perform an operation, one of the most difficult and dangerous, and one that requires a knowledge of anatomy and physiology, in order to first diagnose it with any degree of accuracy. Surely, when men unacquainted with the mechanism of a joint undertake to restore it to a healthy state by means of agents whose action is to them unknown, then their weapons are like a sword in the hands of a madman. It is a consolation, however, to us, and also to every friend of humanity, to know that the veterinary honors have, in a great majority of cases, been forced on this class of practitioners, and that they are willing to relinquish them so soon as the legitimate candidates make their appearance.

We repeat, then, that spavin cannot he radically cured; for if anchylosis is induced, the joint is still in an abnormal state. The cartilages,* (between the bones,) which, in their healthy state, yield to chemical analysis one third their weight of bony matter, are now turned wholly into bone ; therefore they cannot be restored to their elastic condition.

If spavin exists in the form of periosteal f exostosis,! then we think that, by exciting absorption, the deposits might be got rid of.

* These are placed on the surfaces of bones, on their movable articulations, and not only serve as a cushion, to prevent concussion, but also to facilitate motion, and connect bones together.

f quot;Fiom paimteum, a membrane which covers the bones. It is very strong, composed of fibres, highly organized, having numerous arteries, veins, nerves, and absorbents.

J Periosteal exostosis. Sir A. Cooper defines this to be a bony deposition seated between the external surface of the bone and the internal surface of the periosteum, and firmly adherent to both.

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Almost all the veterinary surgeons of the old world have re�sorted to the firing iron or blister for the cure of spavin; the cure, however, we contend, is only imaginary. The restoration of the horse to comparative usefulness is the object, and that does not always follow; yet, in justice to those whose position and long experience entitle them to the confidence of the world, we are constrained to acknowledge that their practice is often accompanied with astonishing success. The practice of firing, however, we do seriously oppose ; it is a barbarism that should long since have been discontinued. We never performed the operation but once, and have ever since been sorry for it.

As to blisters, we regard them in the light of a last resort; yet, when applied understandingly, we are not sure that it would be good policy to oppose their use; for they are used by human practitioners in urgent cases with marked success. Cases are constantly occurring in large cities, in which, for several reasons, it is our duty to hurry the process of anchylosis, and thus put the subject into working condition in less time than by the ordinary method of nature ! The remedy in this view is acetate of can-tharides, applied occasionally, so as to keep up an active state of inflammatory action, by which means the usual transforma�tions are effected. The remedy is contra-indicated in all cases of high inflammatory action, attended with heat, pain, and un�usual lameness : these states are to be subdued by the usual re�frigerating and anodyne lotions, ere we resort to any preparation of cantharides. The above preparation does not produce so much pain or irritation as a common blister.

Nature and Seat of Spavin. � Spavin is a compound of two diseases, known as exostosis and anchylosis: the former signifies hypertrophy of bone, (hyperostosis,) � morbid enlargement; anchylosis signifies stiff joint � absorption of inter-articular car�tilage and substitution of bone. Anchylosis, however, does not take place in what is properly understood as the hock joint, com�posed of the tihia and astragalus � although a very common oc�currence in the human subject; but it generally occurs beneath the true joint, within its collateral or inferior articulations, known as the tarsal bones. Spavin, therefore, may commence in exos�tosis and end in anchylosis, and vice versa. The seat of spavin,

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then, is on the inside of the hock, in the region of the tarsal bones, and beneath the true joint, from which point it may both spread and acquire magnitude. Hypertrophy, or enlargement of the bone beneath the tarsal articulations, occurring on the up�per part of the canon, does not constitute spavin: in England, such an enlargement is denominated quot;a jack.quot;

As regards the Cause of Spavin. � From what has preceded, the reader will see that it has two origins: 1. Hereditary. 2. Exciting.

1.nbsp; nbsp;Hereditary Predisposition. � Facts have proved conclu�sively that spavin, as well as predisposition�morbid tendency � to the same, is transmitted from parents to offspring. It is prob�able, however, that predisposition is more frequently transmitted than actual disease; for the latter does not make its appearance so early as it otherwise would were it transmissible. Spavin is not peculiar to colthood, but to adult life, and even then can often be traced partly to an exciting cause � strain, injury, over-work, amp;e. Predisposition may not always have an hereditary origin; still it will not differ in its mode of action from the former ; for all predisposing causes produce in the economy certain changes which may be said to prepare it for disease; and, therefore, pre- , disposition, whatever its source, may be considered as the incu�bative stage of disease.

2.nbsp; Exciting Causes are those from which this disease seems to have direct origin � such, for example, as strain, injury, over�work, amp;c.; yet these fail to produce spavin in a great majority of cases; in confirmation of which we have only to look into the history of our tncck horses, particularly those used for several years in the shafts. The herculean strength necessary to back a load which requires the united strength of two or three to draw would, one would think, be likely to produce spavin ; yet a great proportion of such are exempt from this disease; therefore we may infer that exciting causes are in some cases inoperative, un�less conjoined with predisposition.

Symptoms of Spavin. � Unfortunately for the poor brute, lameness is not generally of that character which incapacitates him for work; and thus he is urged to the performance of his duties, the disease progressing, and his sufferings increasing.

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until the owner sees that the lameness is not to be driven off. The generality of non-professional men are unwilling to believe in the existence of spavin, unless they can both see and feel it, and are therefore more prone to refer primary spavin lameness to some other joint, until, after a few months of intermittent lame�ness, they are, by ocular demonstration, convinced.

SpaTin commencing in inter-articular cartilage is not demon�strable in this manner ; there is no circumscribed tumor, nor ir�regularity ; our diagnosis must, therefore, be made up from the signs revealed � from the heat and tenderness about the part, of a sub-acute character�from the absence of tumor � from the manner of catching up the limb � and from the intermittent nature of the lameness, which is progressive, yet fluctuating. The history of the case, also, must be considered. If a sort of irregular lameness has existed for some months, referable to no other joint than the hock, and the difficulty has of late gradually increased, so that the joint appears stiff, all doubts are set aside, for anchylosis is hastening towards completion; after which we may expect to observe a tumor on the inside of the hock. A tu�mor once formed in the region already referred to needs no wise man to point it out; it can be both seen and felt; and this, accom�panied with hock lameness and ligamentary tumefaction, is the diagnostic symptom of spavin in its exostotic stage.

BOG SPAVIN. � {Enlarged Bursa: Mucuste.) BLOOD SPAVIN. � {Local venous Congestion.)

Bog spavin is the term usually given to enlarged mucous cap�sules, or to a distended state of the sub-cutaneous veins in the re�gion of the hock. In the latter case it is termed blood spavin. It will be seen, on referring to article Spavin, that the above abnormal states bear no resemblance to the latter ; therefore the term is misapplied, and should not be made use of by any per�son professing veterinary knowledge. Enlarged mucous capsules in the one case, and local venous congestion in the other, are significant terms, and by them we understand the nature of the case, and also by what means they are to be treated.

The remedies for enlarged mucous capsules are, in the early

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stage, cold water and refrigerating lotions; in the latter stages, strong infusion of bayberry bark ; and lastly, brandy and salt, per-severingly applied. Congestion may be treated in the same manner, aided by friction.

quot;WINDGALLS. � {Enlarged Bursa Macosa.)

The bursal capsules located just above the fetlock, as well as in the vicinity of the hock, secrete a synovial fluid, corresponding to what some persons term quot;Joint oil,quot; the use of which is to facilitate motion. In cases of this character, either the walls of the capsule are hypertrophied � augmented in bulk � or the syno�vial secretion is inordinate, or else its flow is obstructed. Coun�ter-irritation, bandage, friction, and regular exercise are the best remedies, and yet they often fail to remove the eyesore.

EXPLANATION OF CUT.

1.nbsp; Superior pastern.

2.nbsp; Inferior pastern.

3.nbsp; 3. 4,4. The joint anohylosed�immovable.

5. The bony tumor, extending laterally, and diffusing itself in front of the joint.

EINGBONE.

Definition. � Ringbone is a bony tumor � exostosis � situ�ated on or in the vicinity of the pastern bone, frequently ending in anchylosis of the pastern joint. Some very curious notions are entertained of the nature of ringbone. As an example, a late writer in New England tells us that ringbone is fed by a bladder situated at the posterior parts of the tumor, and recommends for its cure the extraction of this bladder. This erroneous view of the matter would not amount to much, only it has led to the in�fliction of a useless and cruel operation, which oply tends to make

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271

RINGBONE AND ANCHYLOSIS.

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bad worse, and exhibit its advocates in the light of barbarians. It is not enough, forsooth, for the poor subject of ringbone to suifer the excruciating torment attending tendinous, ligamentous, ox periostea! inflammation and ossification, but he must, in addition, be compelled to submit to atrocities unheard of in the history of human medicine, and for which the veterinary science of the present day furnishes no authority, but, on the other hand, one of universal disapprobation. It has been our painful duty, occa�sionally, to take in charge subjects that have been most shame�fully maltreated for the cure of ringbone. One case, which we can never obliterate from memory, happened to a poor aged ani�mal, that for a long period had been a faithful slave to his master. For many years he had been the subject of this disease, and his owner had long since given up all hopes of cure, till, at length, one of those exotic, pestiferous specimens of inhumanity, termed horse doctors,�but who have no more claim to the title than a maniac or a wild Indian, � undertook, for the sum of�ve dollars, to cure an hereditary incurable disease. The owner, through the deceptive arguments of the barbarian, consented to an opera�tion, which for cruelty would have outdone an inquisitor. It consisted in cutting through the integuments down to the bones, � for both hind legs were operated on; a red-hot iron was then freely used over the exposed surfaces; some oil of turpentine then being poured into the horrid wounds, it was set on fire ; and thus the brutal operation terminated. What a pity the horse had not the power to make his tormentor exchange places with hirn, and pay him in his own coin! The disease was not benefited by the operation, as any veterinary surgeon, had he seen it, would have foretold ; the case being one, not only of common ringbone, but also anchylosis of the pastern and coronet joint. quot;Without occupying the reader's attention any longer in this direction, we shall at once proceed to causes of ringbone, its nature and ireat-ment.

Causes of Ringhone.�We have no better authority on this subject than our oft-quoted Percivall, who teaches that there are '� three kinds of causes � hereditary, structural, and incidental.quot; Our attention was first drawn to the hereditary origin of ring�bone from a remark made by an extensiveSiealer in horses, in

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reply to a question put to him, how it happened that but a few ringbones were now met with, compared to the number that at�tracted notice in times past. The reply was, quot; Because no breeder of horses nowadays will send a mare to a horse having ringbones.quot; (A very good example for American horse-breed�ers to follow.) There appeared something like reason and truth in this; and we felt more inclined to attach faith to it, when we came to read in Sollysell's work, quot; The ringhone is some�times hereditary; though it is usually occasioned by a strain taken in curvetting, hounding turns, and violent galloping or racing.quot;

quot; That form, as well as breed, is concerned in the production of ringbone, we have sufficient living demonstration. A coarse or half-bred, fleshy, or bony-legged horse, with short and upright pasterns, is, we have observed, the ordinary subject of disease; and there exist satisfactory reasons why we should expect him to be so. The pastern and coffin bones constitute the nethermost parts � the pedestals � of the columns of bones composing the limbs; and being so, they receive the entire weight and force transmitted from above. The pastern, when long and oblique in position, receives the superincumbent weight in such an indirect line, that, bending towards the ground with the fetlock, nothing like jar or concussion follows. The very reverse of this, how�ever, happens every time the foot of a limb, having a short and upright pastern, comes to the ground. In it, instead of the weight descending obliquely upon the sesamoids, and the fetlock bending therewith, it descends direct, or nearly so, upon the pastern, making this bone entirely dependent upon the bone beneath it � the coffin � for counteracting spring; and should any thing occur to destroy or diminish this spring, or to throw more weight, or sudden weight, upon the coffin bone, than it can counteract, jar of the whole apparatus ensues, and an effort of nature to strength�en the parts, by investing them with callus and ossification, is likely to be the ultimate result. For we would view ringbone, disease though it most assuredly must be called, as frequently, in young horses, a resource of nature whenever the [pastern] bones are found unequal to the exertions or efforts required of them.quot;

2'he exciting Causes of Ringbone. � quot; These may be said to

280

THE MODERN 1IOKSE DOCTOR.

consist in any acts or efforts of speed or strength productive of concussion to the bones of the pastern. Some have ascribed the presence of ringbone to bloias. Undoubtedly, a blow upon a bone would be very likely to produce exostosis; but the pastern, the hind pastern in particular, is rather an unlikely part to be struck. After inflammation from any cause, even after that produced by a common blister, very often we know an enlargement of the pastern will be left; and though this is not called ringbone, it may be regarded as something very analogous to it.quot;

Nature of Ringbone. � quot; Ringbone is but a species of exos�tosis � a bony tumor, which in one situation constitutes ring�bone, in another splent, in another spavin; yet the three differ as well in their origin as in their effects. Ringbone has an ex�ternal origin ; and though it may, from spreading, interfere with the motion of a joint, still it does not, that we know of, produce any affection of the synovial membrane; spavin, on the con�trary, seldom confines itself to the external or ligamentary tis�sues, but affects the synovial membrane as well; and splent originates in the very joint � the fihro-eartilaginous � which it afterwards blocks up and grows from.

quot; Ringbone is either a ligamentary or a periosteal affection, or both. From the situation in which we commonly find it, and from the causes .which are known to give rise to it, we believe it usually to be ligamentary in its beginning ; though, when once formed and given to spread, no tissue, save the tendons, escapes conversion, to contribute to the osseous mass ; and even the ten�dons themselves have been known to become partly ossified. In fact, when the exciting cause has been great, or when there exists an evident proneness in the constitution to ossific action, such is the extensive and varied form ossification takes on, that we can hardly say when it will end, so long as any soft tissues yet remain to be converted. quot;Writing in the year 1823 on this subject, with a hundred and fifty morbid specimens of the kind upon the table before us, we find we were led at the time to make the following remarks : �

quot;' By far the most common seats of [ossific] disease are the pastern, coronet, and coffin bones. Out of the said hundred and fifty specimens there arenbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; c

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5 of complete anchylosis of the fetlock joint, 40nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; do.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; do. of the pastern joint,

18nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; do.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; do. of the coffin joint.

The others are either simply incrusted, more particularly around their extremities, with layers of new bone, or are variously de�formed by exostosis of diflferent shapes, many of which are very large, and several of them confined to one side. Upon one of the pastern bones a complete osseous ring is formed, the result of ossification of the flexor perforatus tendon. In nearly all, the disease appears to have taken its rise at, and to have spread from, the pastern joint; there being but few specimens in which some osseous accretion is not observed around the lower end of the pastern bone and the upper one of the coronet bone; which is the kind of deposition that gives rise to ringbone.'quot;

Treatment of Ringbone. � The old method of treating exos�tosis by fire and blister is fast giving way to a more rational procedure. It has been discovered that there is not really any cure for this malady, more than there is for spavin: if we can relieve the horse from lameness, that is all that can be expected of us ; but even then the disease is not cured � an eyesore still remains, and perhaps a stiff joint. quot;We treat the disease, when first discovered, just as we would a recent splent or spavin �by cooling, evaporating lotions, cold water bandages, amp;c.; rest, too, so much disregarded by physicians, and not mentioned by some veterinary authors, is of some importance. Human practitioners realize how much is gained by their patients, when laboring under diseases of the joints, by strict attention to rest; for by that means inflammatory action is kept within bounds. To con�trol inflammatory action, and by that means lessen pain and irri�tation within or around a joint, should be our first business: from this we have seen great benefit derived. Our business as phy�sicians is to follow in the footsteps of nature, and observe by what means she repairs injuries and performs her cures. We shall find that her cure of spavin and splent consists of anchy�losis ; all that she requires for it is rest: if any thing more be needed, it is revealed to her handmaid, the physician. The parts are hot and inflamed; cooling applications are needed: now they are cold and inactive ; warmth, moisture, and perhaps 24 *

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THE .MODKKX UOKSK DOCTOB.

stimulants are indicated; and so on to the end. If the physician has learned to interpret the language of nature, he is indeed her handmaid. In the case of hip disease occurring in children � the natural cure of which is anchylosis � physicians enjoin rest, which favors union of the diseased bones. If such means favor anchylosis in the human subject, we cannot dispense with them when treat�ing the horse. The author has tried such means, and is satisfied that he is on the right track. In all cases, then, of early disease of this character, whether it be periosteal, bony, cartilaginous, fibrous, or muscular, cooling lotions, fomentations, light diet, and rest are the means most calculated to do good, whether the in�tentions of nature are anchylosis or not. In chronic cases we use acetate of cantharides, applied daily, until the parts appear hot and tender; we then substitute cold water bandages, and repeat the process if necessary.

STRAIN OF JOINTS OR MUSCLES.

What we understand by strain is a common wrench, stretching a fibre, tendon, or ligament beyond its physiological capacity, with or without extravasation of blood, generally followed by pain, lameness, and sometimes deformity. In human practice, the word sprain is used to signify an incomplete luxation, accom�panied with stretching, and more or less laceration of the liga�ments of a joint, and sometimes with rupture of a tendon. Both terms appear to apply to the same state; yet, as strain is the word generally used in horse practice, we prefer it to the other. A strain in the horse is a very different affair from what it is in man; for rest � which is the principal means of cure � cannot be insured; when the patient, instead of cooperating with us in keeping the limb quiet, often keeps it in constant motion, thus counteracting our best methods of cure. Then, again, if a man sprains a wrist or ankle, he immediately adopts the best method of cure, and keeps the limb quiet until the inflammatory symp�toms have subsided. But strain occurring in a horse is not thought much of by the majority of horsemen; and therefore the services of a physician are not called in until the horse is as lame as a kitten.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;lt;

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The treatment of common strain, if seen early, is a very sim�ple affair, and may be conducted somewhat after the following manner : Take tincture of arnica and pure water, equal parts ; bathe the parts in a thorough and careful manner, and apply a cold water bandage, and continue the treatment until relief is obtained : in cold weather, the wet bandage must be covered with dry cloths, or packed.

STRAIN OF THE FETLOCK.

Strain of the fetlock is frequently occasioned by bending the joint in a lateral direction, and injuring the capsular ligaments of the joint. Lateral motion in these joints is very limited; there�fore, if a horse treads on a round body, or gets his foot in a hole, and the strain comes upon the side of the joint, lameness is gen�erally the result.

Treatment. � If a loss of continuity has taken place in any of the tendons or ligaments, a starch bandage must be applied, in the form of figure 8. If it is nothing but a sprain, the cold water bandage may suffice. Any morbid habit, however, must be sub�dued by alterative medicine. See Alteratives.

STRAIN OP THE KNEE. Treatment. � The same as in strain of the fetlock.

STRAIN OF THE COFFIN JOINT.

Treatment. � Eest, cold water applications, cooling medicine, and light diet.

STRAIN OF THE BACK.

Strain in the back or lumbar region arises from causes very evident to those who pay any attention to the anatomical struc�ture of the horse. Considering the heavy loads he is often com�pelled to carry or draw, it is astonishing that he should be so free as he is from lameness in the back. The diagnostic symptoms of this form of strain are, pressure over the lumbar

284

THE MODERK HORSE DOCTOR.

region elicits symptoms of pain; the part feels hot; and the horse, when compelled to describe a circle, shows, by the careful manner in which he turns, that it gives him great pain.

Treatment. � Rest; applications of cold water; light diet; and cream of tartar water as a drink. One ounce of cream of tartar to a bucket of water, daily. It was customary, but a few years ago, to apply charges, and plasters, to the back, for-the cure of strain and lameness. But the day of plasters, in human as well as veterinary practice, has gone by; they are now only used by those who have never taken the trouble to understand the exha-latory function of the skin � which salutary function plasters obstruct; the wet sheet next the skin, and a blanket over it, will be more likely to do good than a plaster. Should the horse show more than ordinary symptoms of pain, a fomentation of hops should be resorted to; if, after a day or so, the pain is still mani�fest, the trouble is something more than mere strain, and the owner had better consult a medical man.

n I

STRAIN OF THE SHOULDER.

Treatment. � The part must be sponged, two or three times a day, with diluted tincture of arnica. In fact, a common strain of any part of the muscular system may be treated in the same manner; at the same time attention must be paid to the state of the bowels.

THOROUGHPIN. � {Enlarged bursa.)

Thoroughpin makes its appearance in the form of bursal swelling, the fluid of which can be squeezed from one side to the other: it is located in the region of the hock, in a space bounded by the os calcis, tendo achillis, and lower end of the tibia. It seldom occasions lameness, but is considered a sad blemish; for the removal of which, -Mr. Gloag, V. S., recommends acupunc-turation and pressure. The following case, from the Veteri�narian, illustrates his mode of procedure: �

quot;July 11, 1850, a chestnut mare, aged four years, admitted with a large thoroughpin, off hock. This had existed four or five months, and seemed to be increasing in size. Jt was proposed to

TDE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

285

me that the hock should be extensively fired; but, instead of so doing, the following plan of treatment was adopted : �

quot; I cut a slica transversely, about half an inch in thickness, off a large bottle cork, and this was pierced by four common-sized darning needles, so that their points projected about half an inch from the surface. The cork was used in order to give the needles a firm position, and to admit of the distances of their projecting points being graduated according as required. I then plunged the needles into the enlarged sac, on each side, which was fol�lowed by a slight oozing of serous fluid. The hock was after�wards ordered to be well fomented. This treatment was daily repeated until the

quot;16th, when no particular change had occurred. The opera�tion was to be daily continued; but, instead of fomenting after the puncturing, the parts were to be well smeared with an ointment composed of hydriodate of potass one part, mercurial ointment one part, blister ointment half part, and lard ten parts.

quot;25th. The thoroughpin is evidently somewhat reduced. After each operation the swelling partly subsides, but subsequently fills again. The ointment is occasionally-discontinued for a day. I was now resolved to try the effect of pressure. For this pur�pose I applied a spring truss to the hock, upon the enlarged bursa, which was to be daily punctured, as before, with the appli�cation of the ointment as often as it could be safely used. After the first application of the truss, it was quite astonishing to observe the difference in the enlargement, which had become quite soft, and evidently showed that its contents would be absorbed. The mare wore this truss day and night, and took her walking exercise in it daily. I need not follow the case in detail, but simply state that, on the

10th Aug., the enlargement of the hock was almost gone, and that, in a very short time afterwards, it became as clean as tho other joint. The truss was discontinued on the

quot; 20th Aug., when the mare was discharged. Up to the present time there has been no appearance of a return of the affection.

quot; Remarks. � This is the fourth case I have treated success�fully in this way; and, from what I have seen of the plan, I am quite satisfied it is extensively applicable. The late Mr. Ions, of

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quot;Waterford, many years ago, was the first person who mentioned to me about puncturation with needles : he told me it was a very common practice with him. This case, however, did not fully answer my expectation; and the matter remained unsettled in my mind until I saw in the pages of the Veterinarian a drawing and account of a spring truss for the hock, where the two remedies, puncturation and pressure conjointly, struck me as being very feasible ; and now I am quite satisfied that they will answer in many cases. I do not think that bursal enlargements can with safety be opened in any other way than by puncturation with needles.quot;

OPEN JOINT.*

Open joint, or broken knees, as some term it, is generally occa�sioned by falling on them; open joint, however, is an opening into its capsular ligament, which may also be made, by accident or design, with any sharp instrument. Cases of open joint very

* Open Joint. � On #9632; page 377, No. 67, third series, London Veterinarian, we find a communication from E. Mayhevv, (a part of which we submit to the reader,) on the treatment of this lesion: �

quot; For a long time it occurred to me, that the present treatment of open joints was based upon false principles. What could Coleman mean by the free use of the budding iron, which he both taught and practised ? In the first place, when a knee is opened, the injury does not stop there; we know little of the real state the part will ultimately assume for three days or a week; we must wait till the slough has taken place before we can pronounce a definite judg�ment of the extent of the wound; then applying the hot iron, even supposing it upon each application to act as the late professor intended, was merely to singe that which must eventually come away. It must, however, be a good-sized budding iron, which is to fit the orifice left, after the vast majority of sloughs have fallen off. But setting aside the folly of that remedy which is of no use when we most require assistance, did it never strike the advocates of the iron, that, if it is sometimes reparative, it is more often destructive in its agency ? Is it fair or prudent to employ upon other people's property a remedy which, if its chance of doing good do not answer, is certain of doing serious harm ? Yet I say too much, when I allow it has a chance of doing good. Heat an iron to any extent that it may please the operator, then plunge it into the white of a broken egg. Hold it within the substance till the iron cools, or is of a dead heat, and then withdraw it. In what condition will the iron be when it is taken out ? Yet this is exactly the basis upon which Mr. Coleman used to advocate the use of the budding iron. The iron plunged into white of egg will be coated with its coagulation, and the same weapon inserted among synovia will be covered with the like product. The substance which was to be

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seldom occur; the horse, in falling on his knees, merely lacerates the integuments, and, perhaps, punctures the sheath of the ex�tensor tendon -which passes over the knee, from whence synovial fluid escapes, and this is mistaken for the true joint synovia Such an injury, although simple as it may appear, often termi�nates in anchylosis of the carpal bones.

Treatment. � Supposing the horse to have just fallen, let the part be cleansed of foreign bodies; then remove all the pendent skin, and clip the hair short, (it is of no use to try to heal by �rsf intention � therefore sutures are useless;) we then ascertain, by probe, if the joint be opened; but whether it be so or not, our first dressing consists of a pledget saturated with tincture of aloes and myrrh, over which apply a cold water bandage. Eest and a light diet follow. The dressing is not to be removed until sup�puration commences, which will be in the course of two or three days; then cleanse and apply a paste of charcoal and' fir balsam, and bandage as before. In cases of open joint with profuse dis�charge of synovia, add an equal quantity of pulverized bayberry bark to the charcoal, and dust the parts frequently with the same, without removing the dressing; for the wound must not be ex�posed, unless absolutely necessary. We once cured a rather bad case of open joint by covering the chasm with paste formed of fir balsam, powdered myrrh, and charcoal; over this was placed a piece of lint, and a nicely-adjusted splint was fixed to the back of the knee joint, and. over the whole a starched bandage three inches wide and five yards in length.

left behind to serve as a plug -will come away, and the injury be aggravated, the bad effects alone being left behind. I know the iron is now recommended for small openings alone; but there may be a small opening in the first instance, which, when the slough takes place, shall prove a large one; and what can be the service of a remedy which is uncertain in its action, injurious in its appli�cation, and which does not provide for the natural after-consequences ? There remains yet another mraquo;de of treatment to be mentioned: this consists simply in mechanically stopping the flow of synovia,�placing a cork in the orifice, as I have heard it elegantly expressed. Now, as open joint is generally accom�panied by a lacerated wound, a lacerated wound must close by suppuration; then, in thus plugging the orifice, they not only prevent the escape of synovia but at the same time they dam up the pus. It matters not whether lime, cor rosive sublimate, compound tincture of aloes, with a pledget of tow and band ages, India rubber, or brown paper be used; the principle is the same.quot;

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_C.....^-^r........jj

Kg. 1.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;Fig. 2.

APPARATUS FOR DISLOCATION OF THE FETLOCK.

EXPLANATION OF CUT. Fio. 1 represent* the outside of a horse's leg, mth the apparatus fixed.

A. One of the supporters of the leg, extending from the ground surface of the foot to within a little of the hock, made of stoutish iron, curved and adapted to suit the convexity of the fetlock joint; its upper portion, B, being rounded and turned downwards, to prevent abrasion, and to form a loop to receive and keep a leathern strap in its place; its lower having a screwed end, which is

C ied through a hole in the projecting portion, C, at the side of the shoe, and ly fixed by means of a nut, D.

E.nbsp; A plate of iron, riveted on the supporter, having a convexity on its exter�nal and a concavity on its internal surface, to receive the joint.

F.nbsp; A leathern strap, with buckle attached, to be fastened round the leg.

Fio. 2.

A,nbsp;A. The corresponding internal supporter.

B.nbsp; The shoe, unattached, showing its two lateral projections, C, C, contain�ing holes for the reception of the supporters.

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The bandage remained on for six days; during which time the patient was kept on his legs. On removing the bandage, care was taken not to disturb the lint; some fresh paste was smeared over it, and a cold water bandage substituted for one of starch. The chasm was finally healed by the use of collodion and fir balsam without bandage.

In slight wounds of the knee, it is sufficient to cleanse the part, and wet, occasionally, with arnica � two ounces of tincture to one pint of water, accompanied with rest.

DISLOCATION.

By dislocation is meant the displacement of a bone from its articulating socket. The most common accidents of this charac�ter occur in the stifle and fetlock joints, although, excepting the elbow and coffin joints, all articulating surfaces in the horse are susceptible of dislocation. In this country, very little attention has ever been paid to the treatment of either dislocation or frac�ture, and, in consequence, very many valuable horses have been condemned, or abandoned by their owners for a mere trifle, that might have been restored to comparative soundness. Horses have been known to recover from dislocation of the spine, shoul�der, hip, and we have had several cases of this kind, occurring in the stifle and fetlock, that have terminated favorably.

Dislocation of the Neck, or cervical vertebrae, is occasioned by a horse pitching forward, or suddenly falling at a time when his head is turned in a lateral direction; or he may get into what is termed an awkward fix, across the stall, or under the manger, unable to extricate himself, and thus dislocates the bones of the neck. The diagnostic symptoms are, muscular paralysis, unnat�ural curvature of the neck; the head at the same time being more or less pendulous, and at a certain point on the convex side of the neck will be felt a space and fulcrum of motion.

The means of reduction are, warm fomentations to the con�cave side of the neck, gradual extension, and manipulation. 25

290nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;THE MODERN HOUSE DOCTOR.

The extension, however, consists of little else than slowly and steadily turning the head to the central part of the body, while the operator presses with one or both knees on the most prominent part of the convex angle. The animal is supposed to be down, and the ordinary precaution taken to secure his limbs in hob�bles or by means of rope. It not unfrequently happens that the muscles on the convex side of the neck are lacerated: in that case, even after reduction, the neck would still incline to an an�gle ; to obviate which, a sort of concave splint must be applied to the concave side, reaching from the angle of the jaw to the shoulder, being curved and padded at each end, for the recep�tion of their respective parts, and then confined by rollers, straps, amp;c.

Dislocation of the Shoulder is reduced also by extension and manipulation; but, owing to the shallow cavity of the lower part of the shoulder blade, it is very difficult to retain the parts in apposition; still the animal is not to be sacrificed until means have been tried, which are, continual pressure backward on the head of the humerus. The diagnostic symptoms are, promi�nence of the head of the humerus, and inability to bring the limb forward.

Dislocation of the ITip. � Very little hopes can be entertained of reducing so formidable a displacement; for the head of the thigh bone is generally thrown out of its socket on the pelvis, and the abductors exert such a powerful force upward that it is almost impossible to counteract them; still we should not de�spair. There is a horse now in existence within a few miles of Boston, that, three years ago, slipped on turning a corner, and dislocated the thigh bone, the head of which could be dis�tinctly seen and felt. The unfortunate subject was carried home on a sled ; the owner treated him on the hydropathic principle, and left the case to nature, without making any attempts at re�duction. At the end of six months, he could hobble along pretty well; all that could be noticed was, a prominence on the hip and a shortening of the limb. Up to the present time, he has gradually improved, so as to become quite useful in doing light work. The means are simple, and the author has no better to offer.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;^

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Dislocation of the Stiffe Bone. � If we should believe all the stories that are told us of horses having the sti�e out, the diffi�culty would appear to occur very often, which, in fact, is not the ease. quot;We are frequently called to see horses said to have their stifle out, which, on examination, turn out to be sprain of the fetlock, or punctured foot. The error arises in consequence of a lack of anatomical knowledge; for the symptoms of each are so different that it is almost impossible for a veterinary surgeon to make such a gross mistake. The stifle joint is composed of the lower end of the femur, upper end of the tibia, and patella, the latter corresponding to the kneepan of man. So soon as the pa�tella � stifle bone � is luxated, the horse is unable to advance the limb; it is stiffened and protruded backwards; and, on ex�ploring the region of the patella, it will be found outside the ex�ternal condyle of the femur. When the bone is dislocated in�wards, the limb will be drawn upwards, the animal being unable to rest on it.

The reduction is effected by bringing the limb forwards and upwards, at the sarfto time pressing the patella towards its origi�nal position. After the bone has been replaced, it must be held there until the muscles have regained some degree of contractility. The parts must then be kept wet with cold water, until an infu�sion of bayberry or white oak bark can be prepared, which may be used pretty freely about the joint for several days.

Dislocation of the Fetlock.� See cut, p. 288. The author has no personal experience in the use of such apparatus delineated in the cut; yet it is spoken highly of by some veterinary surgeons.

The best method the author knows of for treating dislocation of the fetlock is by means of starched bandages. A dislocation of this joint is easily detected. Its reduction can be effected by any one: a little starch and a narrow bandage, five yards in length, are all the appliances needed. Best, light diet, and atten�tion to the patient, complete the cure.

292

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND SUB-CELLULAR TISSUES.

GEEASE, OR SCRATCHES.

quot; The presence of grease is a pretty infallible 'test of negli�gent grooming.quot; � Percivall.

Grease, or what is more generally known in the United States as scratches, is a disease of frequent occurrence. It probably originates, like many other cutaneous affections, in a foul habit of body�a retention of morbific materials in the system, or, more properly speaking, congestion of the superficial capillary vessels. The disease is said to be most prevalent in the cold months. quot;We know that at this particular season the function of the skin is more or less interrupted; the insensible transpira�tion, being neither so regular nor profuse as in the warm months, must result in an accumulation of excrementitious mate�rial ; hence the difficulty.

The cavicy just above the heels of a horse, like that under the axilla, or armpit, of man, is furnished with a large number of exhalants � secreting and excreting glands ; and when the ani�mal is in a state of health, and these vessels in a normal con�dition, the moisture (if it may be so termed) keeps the parts soft and pliant, lubricates the external surfaces, thus preserving them against friction, irritation, and disease ; at the same time the system is relieved from the burden of a large amount of morbid matter. Sometimes the morbid materials are retained in the immediate vicinity of the parts, in consequence of the accumula�tion of filth on the surface, or from the chilling influence of a draught of cold air on the legs after they have been washed.

It is well known that variations of temperature always have a tendency to disturb, and partially check, the cutaneous exhala�tions ; yet they cannot be set down as direct causes of grease, though they may be classed among the indirect.

Mr. Percivall, in his lectures, thus refers to this disease : quot; The etiology of grease throws considerable light upon its verita�ble nature. Horses which are at pasture or in straw yards � in situations, in fact, where heat and cold are laquo;ot naturally, and

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cannot be artificially, made suddenly operative upon the heels � rarely have grease. Those that have grease in stables are mostly coach and cart horses, with thick, fleshy heels and white legs; which are subject to get their heels wet, and do not com�monly have such pains bestowed upon them, to dry the legs, as hackneys, hunters, and racers have. Indeed, among the latter, grease is a very uncommon disease. Such horses also stand in stables hot and filthy from dung and urine, the very exhalations from the Utter of which proves an additional excitement.

quot; Grease formerly made great ravages in the English cavalry and ordnance service; whereas at the present day the disease is scarcely known. This change for the better is ascribed to three causes � to proper ventilation of the stables; the greater atten�tion paid to grooming; and to the presence of a veterinary sur�geon, who checks, at the onset, such a casual occurrence.quot;

Sainbel, who wrote An Essay on Grease, for which he was presented with a prize by the Eoyal Society of Medicine in France, thus commences his paper: quot; Grease is, in general, a cutaneous, chronic affection; sometimes inflammatory, sometimes * infectious, and I have known it contagious. It invades the legs of horses, asses, and mules, but seldom attacks those of the ru�minating species. We are told that cow-pock had its origin in the transfer of the matter of grease from the heel of a horse to the teat of a cow, and that the disease may be communicated to the human subject by inoculation with this matter, the same as with that taken from the ulcerated teat of the cow. Some have gone further than this, and said that glanders and farcy could be gen�erated in this way. The accounts of these strange transactions, however, have made but little impression ; for we hear nothing of them nowadays ; and that is not a very bad criterion of their want of truth and foundation altogether. I have heard Pro�fessor Coleman say, that there never was a well-authenticated case of cow-pock being produced from grease; and I verily be�lieve myself� though I do not know that the fact has been ex�perimented on � that there is no truth of its being communicable among horses. In certain seasons and situations, the disease is certainly sporadic, (affecting a few at any time or season;) but, then, the causes are too manifestly operative among hones 25*

294

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

under the same circumstances, to refer its production to infection or contagion.quot;

The reader will perceive from these remarks that 'proper ven�tilation of the stabks, good grooming, (which includes care and attention to the general management of the animal,) and the knowledge obtained of the laws of animal life and the conditions requisite for its perpetuity, derived through the medium of the veterinary art, are the means of prevention best calculated to remedy the evil.

Symptoms of Grease.�In the early stage of grease, the primary symptoms attending common inflammatory affections, � viz., heat, tenderness, and tumefaction � are generally present. On applying the hand to the heel and fetlock, the parts will be found hot, and, under pressure, the animal will evince signs of pain; the parts have a greasy feel, and the morbid matter, which oozes through the tegumentary tissues, has a fetid, un�pleasant smell. As the disease progresses, the parts become swollen,�infiltrated with serum of a morbid character, � thus increasing the inflammatory symptoms, and causing the animal much pain, which he usually evinces by occasionally catching up the foot, as it is termed. The offensive matter on the surface of the heels now becomes more profuse; the hairs stand out hori�zontally, and sometimes, even a long time after the animal is considered cured, the hair still continues to wear an unnatural aspect. This is owing, probably, to the fact that the disease has extended to the hair bulbs. When the disease attacks both hind legs, the pain is sometimes intense, especially if the horse be plethoric, or his system is charged with morbid humors. In the latter case, the greasy discharge is very profuse; for the pent-up waste matters have now found an outlet, whiph, according to principles purely hydrostatic, admit of a free discharge of the fluids of the body.

The symptoms, however, thus far detailed, apply to grease in what may be considered a comparatively mild form, as we often observe it in horses used for general purposes in this city. In such cases, exercise and light work rather tend to lessen the swelling and pain than otherwise ; And the patient, after having travelled a short distance, under a light load, sefems comparatively

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free from lameness, which, together with oedema, again returns after standing a few hours in the stable. If the disease is at this stage promptly met with skill in the application of suitable medi�cinal agents, it generally yields; but if neglected, it is very apt to assume the form of a pustular eruption, and, subsequently, gran�ulating excrescences.

During the year 1852, a mild form of grease, usually de�nominated scratches, has been unusually prevalent in the New England States; the subjects of which disease, in a great major�ity of cases, were in a state of plethora. In short, there was an evident disproportion between the daily allowance of food and the amount of labor performed, or, in other words, an unequal proportion between the oxygen respired and the amount of carbon (in the form of food) taken into the system at any given time.

Some of these cases yielded very readily to local treatment, while others required active general treatment � a purification of the fluids and a restoration of the healthy secretions.

The disease, after having passed the primary stage, as just alluded to, assumes a more malignant character. Granulated excrescences and an offensive discharge appear. Sainbel com�pares such granulations to the quot; outward coat of a pineapple; quot; and some call them grapes. The disease at this stage affects the general health, more or less; and the patient has sympathetic fever; the appetite is impaired, and other functions, in a certain extent, are perverted. Cases of a very malignant character are recorded by veterinary writers; but the disease is so readily recognized, even by the merest tyro in veterinary matters, that the writer deems it unnecessary to extend these remarks further than to advise those who wish to perfect themselves in this pecu�liar branch to consult the works of Mr. Percivall.

Treatment. � This will depend somewhat on the stage and in�tensity of the malady, and the state of the patient's health. It is worthy of remark, however, that a great change for the better has taken place during the past twenty-five years. Among those who have been foremost, both by their influence and daily prac�tice, in producing so favorable results, stands the name of Mr. Percivall. In the early period of the history of our art, notwith�standing popular prejudice favored the ancient barbarous methods

296

THE MODEEN HORSE DOCTOH.

of cure, this individual advocated a system of medication tem�pered with mercy, instead of barbarity. Let the reader under�stand, that, in those times, the most inhuman atrocities were perpetrated on the bodies of uncomplaining brutes, and the most destructive quot;remediesquot; were called into requisition, to fill up_the measure of their woes; the law of humanity, as applied to the brute creation, was generally disregarded � for it was only until cruelty to animals was made a penal offence that the masses were restrained in their shameful career of ingratitude. Contrast the treatment recommended by this distinguished surgeon with that of some others, whose chief agents for the cure of grease were, corrosive sublimate, muriatic acid, antimony, lead, amp;c., and we are led to exclaim, that a humane surgeon is more to be admired than the hero of a hundred battles.

In the early stage of disease attention must be paid to diet, ventilation, and cleanliness. If the heels are hot and swollen, apply the following poultice: �

Slippery elm, powdered, . . .4a pound, Fine salt,........2 ounces.

Mix to a proper consistence with hot water, and when cool,

spread a portion on cotton cloth, and bind it on the parts.

Should the horse be quot; humory,quot; or even in quot; good condition,quot; �

fat, � a mild cathartic will be indicated, consisting of

Powdered aloes,......4 drachms,

quot; gentian......2 drachms,

quot; ginger......1 drachm.

Mix the above (if a ball is required) with honey; or, if it bo more convenient to administer a drench, dissolve the mass in one pint of warm water, and sweeten with molasses.

On the other hand, if the horse shall be in poor condition, the medicine can be dispensed with, and a generous diet allowed, together with a meal of grass occasionally, if the season permits. If the patient does not improve in condition, we may infer that the disease will not mend until the health is restored; and in view of accomplishing that object, we recommend

Powdered gentian, I

quot; sassafras, [

quot; sulphur, V . . 1J ounce each,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;.

quot; ginger, Fine salt, . . . } Oatmeal,......I pound.

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Mix; divide into twelve parts, and give one, in the food, night and morning. In either case, it will not be good policy to continue the poultices for any length of time; for, knowing as we do, from actual experience, that warmth and moisture combined, in the form of a poultice, are relaxing, and therefore enervating, and that grease, in its early stage, is merely augmented issue, the poultice might have the effect, if repeated, of inviting fluids to the parts. Still the ingredients might be so combined as to pos�sess astringent properties. The following is an example: �

Slippery elm, or flaxseed, . . ad libitum, Powdered bayberr^bark. | . . ^ _parts.

Mix. Perhaps, with the addition of a small quantity of salt and bloodroot, this poultice would form the most proper one in the advanced stage of the disease; for we are taught that astrin�gents have a tendency to suppress the secretion, and the discharge, sooner or later, becomes arrested. After poulticing the parts, as the nature of the case seems to demand, we then endeavor to aid nature in her efforts at restoration, both by local and general means. If, for example, the heels crack, become dry, hard, and contracted, the surface should be smeared over with

Linseed oil,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;J

Powdered charcoal, �� . . . equal parts. quot; sulphur, )

Mix the charcoal and sulphur with a sufficient quantity of oil to make it of the consistence of cream, and apply it to the parts, with a brush, night and morning.

The general means imply a restoration of all the secretions and excretions, by the use of alteratives. The following is a good example: �

Powdered sulphur, 1

quot; bloodroot,

quot; sassafras, gt; . . . equal parts. Cream of tartar, Skunk cabbage,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; J

Dose, half an ounce, night and morning, mixed with the food.

There is one remedy which the writer has found well adapted to almost every case of grease, or scratches; and it is highly recommended by Professor Morton, of the Royal Veterinary College. It consists of

298

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOB.

Pyroligneous acid, linseed oil, Turpentine,

l⁰ⁱ

each equal parts.

Mix; let the heels first be washed with lukewarm water and castile soap; after wiping them dry, apply the mixture. Re�peat night and morning.

In order to keep down morbid granulations � denominated by some quot; proud �eshquot; � the parts maybe sprinkled daily with one of the following articles: �

Powdered bloodroot, quot; burnt alum, quot; bayberry bark.

Put on a good coating of one of the above articles; cover the sore with dry lint, and apply a bandage over all. It should be borne in mind that bandages should always be dispensed with, if possible; for they invariably irritate and inflame whatever parts they are applied to. This is owing to the high state of sensi�bility in the skin of the horse.

HARDENING OF THE SKIN. �(Induration.*)

Hardening of the skin generally takes place in consequence of pressure from some portion of the harness; it often occurs, however, from laceration of the integuments and sub-cellular tis�sue ; by the calkings of the animal's shoes; and we sometimes find that it is the result of fungus, or morbid growths, after they have been removed by caustics. An excellent application for these indurations is, the acetate of cantharides, prepared thus: �

� Induration is an abnormal increase in the consistence of an organ or part, and may exist under various circumstances. It may be owing merely to a de�ficiency of blood in a part, in consequence of which its denser particles are more closely aggregated, and therefore offer an increased resistance. There are various parts of the animal structure which are often the seat of indura�tion. The lungs, for example, in consequence of previous inflammatory action, become hepatized: this is identical with induration, and is owing to the deposit and coagulation of that portion of the blood known as fibrin. The liver now and then becomes the seat of a fibrinous deposit; the organ first enlarges, but afterwards gradually contracts and hardens: as it is reduced in size, it be�comes hard and tough ; here we have schimis of the liver�induration. Other varieties of interstitial deposit are known to the profession; and the reader, if disposed, can also learn what is known of this branch of pathology from stan�dard works.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; quot;a

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Acetic acid,........1 ounce,

Water...........S ounces.

Pulverized cantharides, .... 1 ounce.

Mix; let it macerate for fourteen days; then filter through linen or blotting paper, and add one ounce of spirits of wine: it is then fit for use. To be applied occasionally, by means of a small piece of sponge.

A preparation which answers the same purpose is composed of equal parts of oil of turpentine and olive oil, to be applied as above.

MALANDEKS AND SALANDERS.

The above terms are usually applied to scurfy eruptions, ac�companied with oozing crusts and cracks in the skin, situated either in front of the hock or at the posterior part of the knee joint. They probably produce some sort of an itching sensation ; occasional pain, and even lameness, have been known to arise from them.

The disease is said to arise from long travelling on bad roads, want of cleanliness, amp;;c.; but probably it originates from that peculiar state of the system which favors the production of cuta�neous diseases.* The disease does not prevail to any great

* In the treatment of cutaneous affections the reader must always bear in mind the fact, that a local disease seldom, if ever, exists long ere the constitu�tion suffers ; and that almost every case of an eruptive nature is either symp�tomatic or sympathetic. But lest we may be charged with uttering sentiments exclusively our own, we quote from an article on Diseases of the Skin, by T. Hunt, Esq., F. R. C. S. His extensive practice in the Western Dispensary for diseases of the skin entitle his opinions to the highest confidence.

quot; � � � A local disease can so seldom existierlaquo;, independently of some lesion of the general system, that to argue in favor of the constitutional origin or nature of any particular local affection, may seem superfluous. If a child falls into a tub of hot water, the whole surface of the body is blistered�it is a local affection; but how soon do the symptoms show that it is one in which the whole system participates ? A carbuncle, an eruption of small-pox, scarla�tina, or measles, and an attack of erysipelas or vesicular fever, are all so many illustrations of the fully admitted truth, that a severe affection of the skin, whether caused by accident or otherwise, involves the constitution in the gen�eral disturbance. In the milder forms of skin diseases the general lesion may be less obvious ; but from analogy we are bound to conclude that it exists. If a person be inoculated for small-pox, and but one pustule appears, that pus�tule is jweceded and accompanied by some degree of fever. Nor is it possible

300

THE MODEKN HOESE DOCTOE.

extent in the united States. The author has seen two cases, occurring in subjects of the scrofulous diathesis, which has led him to suppose that the disease is of a scrofulous character: at any rate, it sometimes depends on internal causes; and therefore, in addition to the local remedies, some sort of medicine of an alterative character must be given. See Alteratives.

The term mcdanders is applied to the disease when the fore legs are affected, and salanders when it is located in the hind ones. As both are supposed to proceed from the same cause, the local treatment consists in washing the parts twice a day with an alkaline wash � lime water � or saleratus ; and after the part or parts are wiped dry, the following application must be used: �

SpWtefftopentine, ] ' � ' of each equal parts.

POULTRY LOUSINESS IN HORSES.

Poultry lousiness, one of the evils of domestication, has prob�ably never occupied much of the attention of horse owners in this country; yet it is important that such should be made acquainted with the facts in relation to it, because a knowledge of them may explain the origin of many cutaneous diseases � attended with loss of hair � that seem to have a spontaneous origin, and at the same time resist the ordinary treatment. It is very necessary

for a pimple to be thrown out spontaneously on the surface of the body without some previous lesion, however slight, either of the solids or the circulating fluids of the system; else we should have an effect without a cause. In like manner, every cutaneous disease, whether arising spontaneously, like lepra or herpes, or whether resulting from contagion, as scabies or porrigo, either originally or ultimately involves the constitution, more or less obviously, in the changes which are taking place in the capillary system. As the brain takes cognizance of every disturbance in the extremities of the nerves, so the heart receives and reflects an impression when the minute vessels, however distant from the centre of circulation, become congested or inflamed. In fact, a sym�pathy exists throughout both systems, and in all parts of the frame; so that every part of the body suffers with every member, and each member with the whole body�the local disease, when communicated from without, becoming the cause of the constitutional disturbance, and vice versa; the general cachexy, when it exists primarily, becoming, in its turn, the cause of the local affection.quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; #9632;quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; *

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also that fowl breeders (who, in a great majority of cases, are horse owners) should know that there is such an evil in exist�ence ; having, as will he seen hereafter, a well-defined cause oper�ating, not beyond their comprehension, but which, in such case, is invariably present, and cognizant to the perceptive faculties of every thinking man.

In the treatment of disease, our first business is to discover, as near as circumstances permit, its cause, and then, if possible, to remove it. In such a case as this, we might treat the cutaneous affection, but with little credit to ourselves or profit to our em�ployer, unless the cause be removed. A writer in the Mural New Torker thus alludes to the matter : �

quot; During the early season of my keeping fowls, I had their roosting-place adjoining the stall where I kept my horse, with a partition between. I think it was the second year after I kept my hens in this manner, that I discovered there was something the matter with my horse. He showed a disposition to rub and bite himself; but for a long time I paid little regard to it, think�ing he would soon be over it; but it seemed to increase upon him. I could fit up no stall nor partition of sufficient strength to resist his efforts. I could leave him nowhere unhitched; and if I hitched him, he would soon break loose, and get to some place where he could rub. For six months or more, he continued in this manner, before I ascertained what ailed him. I tried various remedies for humors in the blood, bled him copiously, drenched him with physic till he could hardly stand; and all to no effect. He was a large and valuable horse commonly, but at this stage of matters he was truly a sight to behold. He was minus his mane, and was in nearly the same condition with his tail; his sides lacerated and naked, in consequence of his continual rubbing and biting. At last the thought struck me that the animal might be lousy; and, on close examination, I found be was literally covered with small hen lice; and they adhered so closely to the skin, that it was almost impossible to comb out one with a fine comb. I now changed my course of doctoring, and by dint of perseverance, through the application of various remedies for the destruction of lice, in the course of six or eight weeks I succeeded in effecting a perfect cure. 26

302nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;THE MODERN HOKSE DOCTOR.

quot;The first thing I did after this was to remove my hen roost, and scald and whitewash the stable. I have not been troubled with hen lice getting on my horse since. I have heard of similar cases, where horses have been afflicted in the same way; hence I consider it safest not to build a hen house behind the stable.quot;

This affection has become so common of late among horses in the United States, and as the majority of their owners are almost in the dark regarding it, we here introduce to the reader an inter�esting article from the pen of Mons. H. Bouley, translated from the French, by Mr. Percivall: �

quot;Amongst these there is one, interesting alike as regards its cause, its! mode of manifestation, and its treatment, which has been confounded with general itch or mange; to which, indeed, it bears some resemblance, in consisting, as it does, of the existence of a parasitic animal, and which must be destroyed ere the disease will disappear. To this variety oi phthyriasis* M. Bouley has given the name of the PovUry Lousiness, (phthyriasis des oiseattx,) on account of the unique cause giving origin to it, as well as by way of distinguishing it from the pedicular t disease peculiar to horses.

quot; Its commencement is instantaneous. All at once the horse is seized with a violent, continued general itching. So sudden and irresistible is the desire the animal possesses to scratch himself, that he is not easy for a single moment. He rubs his skin against every resisting body near him, stamps the ground con�tinually, strikes his belly, bites every place he can reach with his mouth; manifesting, by his continual movements, the burning itching by which he is devoured. At night his torments increase; so much so, that should the animal be abandoned to himself, he rubs and bites himself to that degree, that he tears his skin, and carries portions away in his mouth, denuding himself extensively of his scarf skin ; nor does he relax until smarting pains succeed the insupportable torments of the itching.

quot;At the time these symptoms of prurience J are making their appearance, the skin is the seat of an eruption of very small vesi�cles^ some solitary � others, in greater number, congregate,

* Lousiness.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; J Itching.

t Trom pediculus, a louse.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;sect; Small eruptions containing fluid.

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; 303

occupying more or less extent of surface. These vesicles contain, at the period of their maturity, scarcely serosity enough to raise the epidermis,* which becomes detached, dragging the hairs with it that run across, leaving behind it a small bare surface, perfectly circular, of the diameter of a lentil, or the smallest silver coin. This bare part becomes covered with a crust of dried serosity, which soon exfoliates, f and is replaced by a new epidermis, per�fectly smooth.

quot;This primary stage of the disease is difficult to meet with, because, ordinarily, horses are not submitted to examination before depilation has commenced�the sequel of the desiccation J of the vesicles.

quot; At the second stage of the poultry lousiness, the most pathog-nomonic sect; lesion is the depilation || consecutive on the vesicular eruption; and this is so characteristic, that, once the disease observed in its true form, and traced to its cause, a simple coup d'oe�^ is all that is necessary to recognize and distinguish it from all other cutaneous affections.

quot; The depilation is of that remarkable character that it reflects exactly, in the general impression it makes upon the skin, the form of the vesicular eruption, solitary or confluent, of which it is the latest vestige. In fact, the surface is marked by regular cir�cular patches, of the diameter of a lentil, giving it the aspect of tiger spots. In places where the eruption has been the most con�fluent, the depilation spreads between the vesicles, and so extends over a considerable patch of surface; but, even in these places, the circular disposition of the denuded patches, the primary expression of the original vesicular eruption, is still maintained in the smooth condition of the epidermis.

quot; This depilation spreads, like the vesicular eruption of which it is the consequence, with very great rapidity. In two or three days, the horse, with the most shining coat, may have it spotted over with circular patches bare of hair, and in the course of a

* The outer or scarf skin.

t Separates from the living skin.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; J Drying up.

sect; A term given to the symptoms which mark the disease. Lesion means injury. || Loss of hair.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; It Glance.

304nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;THE MODERN HORSE DOOTOH.

#9632;week will the hair and epidermis be destroyed over a large extent, corresponding to the parts where the eruption has been the most confluent. Such is the rapidity of the depilation that we are but too apt to date the disease back to a long period, when it is, in truth, but of a few days' duration.

quot; It is only at this stage of the phthyriasis that horses ordinarily come under observation; and therefore does it become difficult at such a time to assign to the disease any specific character; the vesicular kind of eruption serving to distinguish and classify it having left no trace upon the skin, save circulatory depilation. Sometimes, at this stage of the disease, sorts of solid papulae * form within the substance of the skin, which become crowned with secondary vesicles, whose progress is identical with that of those we have already pointed out, disappearing after the formation and detachment of the crust succeeding the secretion.

quot; During the whole of this stage, as at the first breaking out of the disease, the patients are tormented with continual burning itching, causing them to rub themselves incessantly and without relaxation; so that we observe upon the skin, in those places the most rubbed, lesions, which we may call traumatic,^ consequent on the violent action occasioned by the bodies against which the animal rubs himself. Those epidermic excoriations } appear either in series of lines or in broad patches, or in places irregularly cir�cumscribed, according to the regions in which they are found, and the nature of the bodies against which the friction has taken place. They are principally remarkable upon the lateral sect; parts of the head and neck, upon the back and croup, upon the sides and flanks, and upon the internal parts of the limbs. They look either very angry or bloody, when observed immediately after the rubbing, or they are covered with red incrustations more or less adherent, according to the length of time they have existed ; or else they appear in a state of granulation || and suppuration, whenever the skin has become sufficiently deeply injured. But these superficial lesions of the skin do not by right belong more properly to poultry lousiness than to any other pruriginous

* Elevations.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;sect; Side.

-f Like wounds.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; |{ Grain^ike, fleshy bodies

t Abrasions of the skin.

THE MODEBK HOESE DOCTOR.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; 305

disease ; and so far from being considered as one of their pecu�liar features, we ought to look upon them as simulating those affections to which they in truth belong, and which they stand in the place of.

quot; This disease in no way interferes with the integrity of the general functions. Apart from the violent excitement the ani�mal may experience, and the consecutive irregularity of his respiration and circulation it may occasion, he presents all the aspect of the most perfect health. When, however, the disease becomes of long duration, the subject of it will be apt to fall off his appetite, to grow thin, and to lose his condition for work from the gradual wasting of his powers. Indeed, there occur cases in which this privation of rest (from continual excitement) brings on complete marasm,* and such inability for work, that the proprietor feels himself compelled to get rid of his horse at any price.

quot;Such is the nature of this singular affection, whose most striking characters are, the suddenness of its appearance and the rapidity with which it spreads over the entire surface of the skin, leaving every where uniform marks, vestiges of its presence, viz., depilation in circular patches of the skin, and a terrible sense of itchiness, without intermission and with evening ex�acerbation.quot; t

In order to destroy the vermin, and at the same time to cure the cutaneous eruptions, and restore the hair, take

Linseed oil.........I ounce,

Fyroligneous acid.......4 ounces,

Spirits of turpentine......1 ounce.

Two or three daily applications of this compound will generally suffice. The parts to which the application has been made must be washed with soap and water. The vermin can also be de�stroyed by sponging the body with an infusion of lobelia.

EAT'S TAIL.

Rat's tail is a name given to a narrow streak of denuded hair which occasionally appears on the upper part of a horse's tail.

� Emaciation.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; t Increase in violence of symptoms.

26*

quot;

306nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; THE MODEEN HOESE DOCTOB.

It generally arises from a sort of exanthema, or cutaneous erup�tion, causing an intolerable itching; the horse is constantly rub�bing the part against the side of his stall, and thus the pilous covering is worn off. The remedy is

Spirits of turpentine, f

Fyroligneous acid, gt; . . . . equal parts.

Linseed oil,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;}

quot;Wash the parts daily, and dress with the above.

HIDE BOUND.'

This term is generally applied to horses whose coats are quot;staringquot; the skin tight on the ribs, and otherwise out of con�dition. The appearance generally denotes derangement of the digestive organs, and therefore can only be considered as a symptom of disease. At times the skin appears very scurfy, and the exhalants of the external surface seem to pour out an unusual quantity of morbid matter, the more volatile parts of which evaporate, precipitating on the surface the more solid par�ticles in the form of thin scales. It gives the horse a very filthy appearance, and requires some care in grooming in order to make the animal appear any thing like decent.

quot; The condition of the skin and hair,quot; says Mr. Spooner, quot; will afford a true indication of the state of the health in a general way. ' The horse is unhealthy in his coat] is a very common ex�pression, and this sign should never be neglected. The hair of a healthy horse is smooth and sleek, and the skin soft and ex�pansive. This is indicated by the touch, as in cattle. When the system is deranged, the skin loses its pliancy, its surface be�comes hard and dry, and the hair, to use another common ex�pression, ' storelaquo; on end,' and is rough and rusty. These symp�toms accompany almost every constitutional disease, especially disorder of the digestive organs. The sympathy existing be�tween the skin and alimentary canal is very considerable, and it follows, in almost every case, that when either of these become affected, the other takes on sympathetic derangement.quot;

Some writers on farriery would have us believe that quot; hide bound results from worms;quot; and they repgmmend strong and

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;307

dangerous medicine. That #9632;worms should be found in such horses we are not surprised; but to set them down as the cause is absurd; for their presence in the digestive canal is merely-owing to perverted nutrition, and they may be found in many horses whose coats are as smooth as glass. The cure of hide bound, then, consists in restoring to healthy action whatever organs are diseased. The general health must be improved ere the coat will assume its natural sleek appearance and soft, pliant feel. If no particular disease can be detected about the animal, let some change be made in the diet, his body be warmly clothed, and mix the following alterative in his food night and morning:�

Powdered sassafras bark, f

quot; sulphur,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; C of each, 3 ounces,

quot; salt,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; )

': SSM � lt;*laquo;laquo;*.So�**-

Oatmeal,.........1 pound.

Mix; and divide into twelve parts.

Treatment of cutaneous Affections. � Any system of medicine that contemplates the cure of cutaneous diseases must include change in diet, or it is almost inert. On this subject Surgeon Hunt has written as follows : �

quot; Man is an omnivorous animal. This circumstance is both an advantage and a disadvantage. It enables him to sustain life for a short time on almost any kind of aliment, animal or vege�table ; but it likewise induces a necessity of a considerable varie�ty of diet, or frequent change, in order that he may retain health and strength for a long time together. Chemistry has not yet detected the reason of this necessity; and as the proximate ele�ments of animal structure are found in bread and water, as well as in milk and various other articles, it does not appear that change should be necessary at all. But it is known to all gra�ziers and feeders of cattle, sheep, and other animals, that change is necessary and salutary for them; and much more is it for man. Patients recover under homoeopathic treatment, because a rigorous system of diet is imperatively prescribed. The sys�tem is not founded on any science or principles which will bear a moment's examination. The things to be avoided are per�fectly harmless and wholesome, but in the very absurdity and strangeness of the diet prescribed consists its value. It is a

308nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;THE MODERN HOUSE DOCTOR.

great change. The digestive organs have to pick their aliment out of a new arrangement of the elements which support animal life, and this new work is refreshing. There is more or possibly less defecation required than before; there is more or it may be less work given to the kidneys than before. Torpid organs are aroused, wearied organs find repose, blood is supplied with less nervous exhaustion, and the brain participates in the relief and vigor of the whole system. Under these circumstances local disease often finds a spontaneous remedy either in the improved condition of the circulating fluids or in the circulation itself, and the whole mystery of this dietetic cure is nothing but the relief of change �just such a relief as is afforded by change of air, change of habits, change of country, or of pursuits. The want of change in diet is obviously a frequent cause of disease in the skin, where it occurs in large boarding schools, where the diet is too simple, plain, restricted, and unvarying, to maintain the sys�tem in vigorous health for a long time together. Accordingly a change of diet�the more sudden and violent the better�will gen�erally remove the most of the difficulties in the way of recovery; and if to this be added change of air and change of habits, the muscles of the lower extremities being duly called into exercise as well as of the upper, the mysteries of the case are explained, the inveteracy of the disease is destroyed, and it yields to ordi�nary treatment, or even to the spontaneous efforts of the system without any medical treatment whatever.quot;

FALLING OFF OF THE HAIR__(Xtopewo.)

There are various forms of eruptive diseases which induce a falling off of the hair; and these external eruptions which ap�pear on the skin are not always the disease, the real enemy to be overcome, but are oftentimes the manifestations � products or symptoms � of some internal affection. So soon as the erup�tive disease extends to the hair bulbs, a sort of morbid action commences within them, which loosens the liair, and it falls off.

At times we find small vesicles which are elevated above the skin, often in very considerable numbers ; they pour out on the skin a fluid, which, by the process of evaporation, forms crusts;

THE MODEUN HOKSE DOCTOR.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; 309

these crusts are sometimes converted into minute ulcers, which deepen, until they destroy the roots of the hair. They generally produce intolerable itching, which obliges the animal constantly to rub himself, and thus destroy the hair. The eruption some�times occupies a single spot, which soon extends so as to cover a large space; sometimes it appears on the tail, at others on the neck and on the flanks, whence it gradually extends. This form of eruption is called humid exanthema. There is another form, known as dry exanthema, which appears in the form of small pimples : they soon scale off, and the place they occupied is cov�ered with a farinaceous powder. The animal seems to suffer the most excruciating torment, and is constantly rubbing himself. The best local remedy for either case is,�

Pulverized charcoal,.....nbsp; nbsp; 1 ounce,

Olive oil..........nbsp; nbsp; 1 pint,

Fyroligneous acid.......nbsp; nbsp; 5 ounces.

Common salt,.......nbsp; nbsp; 1 ounce.

Mix, and lubricate the parts daily with a sponge.

The internal treatment should always commence with small doses of sulphur, sassafras, and bayberry bark, given occasionally in the food. For further information, the reader is referred to article Poultry Lousiness.

EINGWORM.

Eingworm presents itself in the horse in the form of circular, and sometimes irregular, patches denuded of hair, having on their surfaces a morbid secretion, and incrustations of the same. It generally locates on the sides of the neck, and occasionally on other parts. We have never seen any thing on the subject in American books, and presume there are but few who ever suspect their horses to be subject to ringworm. In fact, the author would have been in the dark regarding it, had he not seen an article on the subject, written by Mr. Percivall, who was the first to call the attention of English veterinarians to it. Since reading Mr. Percivall's account of it, we have come into pos�session of Mr. Haycock's Veterinary Homoeopathy, and there find a case, which, for the benefit of the reader, we here in�troduce.

310

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

quot; Gase. * * * The driver informed me that for several days past he had observed the horse to rub himself a good deal against the sides of the stall�a practice which he was not in the habit of doing; and that he had also observed upon various parts of the skin a number of raw-looking spots of a round form. The horse at the time was in excellent condition, and in good health in every other respect.

quot; Present'State.� 1. The skin of the animal presents a few round and raw-looking spots completely denuded of hair; they are present on both sides of the neck, and also upon the skin of the left cheek.

quot; 2. Upon the skin on both sides of the neck, upon the superior part of both shoulders, upon the back, in the region of the lum�bar vertebrae, and particularly upon the hind quarters, are a number of peculiar-looking spots or patches, each of about the size of a shilling.

quot; 3. The appearance which these patches present is somewhat as follows: Some of them are round, while others are of an irregular form. The hair in connection with them is of a dirty gray color, and it appears as though a portion of fine dust had been placed upon it, and then a gummy fluid had dropped amongst the whole, and, being allowed to dry, had become incrusted.

quot; 4. If the fore finger is placed firmly upon any one of these patches, and at the same time forced forwards, the incrusted mass slides, as it were, away from its matrix, and a raw surface is exposed to view, which, if examined with a common magnify�ing lens, a number of pits, or cavities, are observed, some of which are filled with purulent matter; while running, as it were, around these cavities, is a red continuous line of variable thick�ness.

laquo;5. The incrustations I found to consist of the hair aggluti�nated together, from the presence of a gummy substance ex�creted from the diseased part beneath.quot;

Treatment. � Wash the parts with a strong infusion of bay-berry bark, wipe dry, and then smear the denuded spots with a mixture of

Pyroligneous acid,.....4 ounces,

Turpentine.........1 ounce.

THE MODERN HOUSE BOOTOK.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;311

The washing and dressing to be repeated until healthy action is established. If the disease does not readily disappear, give

Sulphur,

Cream of tarta

Sassafras,

-l

. . , . equal parts,

Dose, six drachms daily. If the disease still lingers, sponge the denuded parts with tincture of muriate of iron.

SWELLING OF THE LEGS. � (^raquo;.hoj-co.)

This is a species of dropsy, which shows itself in the legs of horses; and sometimes the tumefaction extends to the sheath, and along the abdomen, as far as the pectoral muscles. The swelling generally appears towards morning, after a night's rest, and disappears again after a few hours' work.

Ordinarily, the hind limbs are the most prone to become ana-sarcous; except in cases of effusion into the whole cellular tis�sues of all the limbs � such as we observe in general dropsy, or when the subject is laboring under an attack of influenza, quot;pink-eye,quot; amp;c.

Cullen enumerates five species of anasarca, viz.: �

1. Anasarca serosa; as when the due discharge of the serous or watery matter of the blood is suppressed, amp;c. 2. Anasarca oppileta, as when the blood vessels are considerably pressed during pregnancy, amp;c. 3. Anasarca exanthemata ; this happens after ulcers, and various eruptive disorders. 4. Anasarca anos�mia happens when the blood is extremely poor, from considerable losses of it. And, 5. Anasarca dehilium ; as when feebleness is induced by long illness. The last three are the kinds we gener�ally have to contend with in veterinary practice.

Anasarca exanthemata appears simultaneously with farcy, (or disease of the superficial absorbents,) and in various cutaneous eruptive diseases. A swelling sometimes appears in the lower parts of the legs, (which feel hot,) and occasions to the animal a sense of itching, and an acute pain, whenever the part receives pressure ; although at other times there appears little or no pain. At length a serous fluid discharges itself through the cutaneous .vessels, or pores of the skin, corroding the skin, and finally ends in the disease termed quot; grease.quot; �

312

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

Anasarca ancemia happens in horses that are bled at certain seasons of the year, under the foolish notion of improving their condition ; also when repeated bleedings have been practised for the cure (!) of inflammatory diseases. In such cases, there exists a morbid habit of body, and the serous fluids are apt to migrate from tissue to tissue, so long as, this common morbid habit con�tinues ; unless the fluid accumulates within the thorax, the ven�tricles of the brain, or abdomen; then the case will terminate fatally.

As the oedema swelling (a synonyme of anasarca, generally used to express this kind of swelling) is confined principally to ihe legs, absorption may be promoted by friction and bandages. At the same time, the patient must be put on a course of medicine, with a view of restoring the general health.

The following compound, if accompanied with generous feed, friction, and bandage, will be found efficient: �

Pulverized assafoetida, .... 4 ounce,

Cream of tartar,......1 ounce,

Powdered gentian,.....2 ounces,

Ginger (African),......2 ounces.

Rub the ingredients together in a mortar, until they are mixed; then add four ounces of finely pulverized poplar bark, (poptdus (remuloides,) and divide the mass into six parts; one to be given every night in the food.

Anasarca dehilium, which often accompanies chronic disease, must be overcome by invigorating the constitution with tonic medicines, such as gentian, goldenseal, and balmony; and if there be languid circulation, stimulants may be proper. In this event, we resort to grains of paradise, ginger, and capsicum. The diet, too, must be nutritious. Regular exercise, such as the patient can bear, must not be neglected. The proportions of the above compound are.

Powdered goldenseal,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; J

quot; gentian,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;�� . . of each \ ounce,

quot; balmony, (snakehead,) J Flaxseed...............#9632;( pound. -

Mix; and divide the mass into six parts, and give one, night and

morning, in the food.

In order to excite the absorbents, so as to remove the fluid

effused into the cellular tissues, it is sometimes necessary (besides

THE MODERN HOBSE DOCTOR.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;313

resorting to friction) to use the following liniment, which may be rubbed on the legs every night: �

Essence of cedar,......2 ounces,

Tincture of capsicum.....1 ounce,

New rum..........1 pint.

Another:

Spirits of hartshorn,.....2 ounces,

Olive oil,.........8 ounces.

Mix together.

The stimulants referred to may be given in the following pro�portions :�

Powdered grains of paradise, . .nbsp; nbsp;1 ounce,

quot; capsicum,.....nbsp; nbsp;A ounce,

quot; ginger,......nbsp; nbsp; 1 ounce,

quot; slippery elm, . . . .nbsp; nbsp;J pound.

Mix; divide the mass into six parts, and scatter one on cut feed, night and morning.

It may be well to observe, however, (for fear the reader should make a mistake, and consider a case of scarlatina, scarlet fever, as one of anasarca) that simple malignant disease of this type, so well known to our race, does (though somewhat rarely) attack the horse; in either form of which � simple or malignant � swelling of the legs more or less prevails. There are some fea-ures in the latter malady by which it may be distinguished from every other form of disease.

Swelling of the belly, sheath, and breast arise from effusion of fluid into the cellular tissues of the parts, and are nothing more nor less than local dropsy, and consequently can be treated in the same manner as anasarca.

STINGS OF BEES.

Many cases are on record of horses dying in consequence of an attack by an army of bees. There may, possibly, be no help for such cases; yet we cannot witness the excruciating torments under which the poor animal labors, without striving to do some thing for its relief. quot;When the stings are not very numerous, im mediate relief may be obtained by lubricating the parts with n mixture of

K'terJ -.....laquo;*�laquo;***

314nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;THE MODERX HOKSE DOCTOR.

In more aggravated cases, the whole body must be first sponged with lime water, and afterwards smeared with linseed oil. The patient must be. drenched with eight ounces of epsom salts, and be kept on scalded shorts. If lime water cannot readily be pro�cured, a weak solution of saleratus and water may be substituted.

AVe have found the above preparation (olive oil and lime water) a most valuable external application for allaying the irri�tation of the skin after a horse has been stung, or bitten, by some of the various' tribes of winged insects. The relief which the application gives is remarkable, and in many cases it acts in�stantaneously. The remedy is much used in human practice, by the most distinguished of the faculty, in severe burns and scalds, and it never fails to mitigate the pain of the unfortunate sufferer. More prompt is it to act on the horse; for of all the oleaginous compounds known to the profession, not one is so readily taken up, or absorbed, as linseed oil: you may give a dose internally, and in the course of a few hours it will have pervaded the whole cellular structure of the animal, and can even be detected on the sclerotic membranes of the eye, by merely applying a piece of clean linen, which on removal from the eye will have both the peculiar odor and greasy appearance of the article. Hence an article so highly diffusible as this has proved to be, must have advantages over many others used in the same view. Among the many cases recorded of horses being stung by bees, we select the following, translated from the -See. de Med. Vet, by the editor of the Veterinarian. The case occurred in the practice of M. E. Clichy, V. S. quot; Of the five horses attacked by the bees, one was dead on M. Clichy's arrival; while the four others, which had been withdrawn from the scene of the accident with considerable difficulty, after having cut their ropes, were in an extraordinary state of exasperation. One three-year-old horse, particularly, of very strong constitution, when turned into a loose place, became so outrageous that approach to him was impossible. Under con�tinual agitation, he lay down and rose again incessantly, or he threw himself against the walls of his abode, and tore his flanks. He was deaf to the voice of the man looking after him, and under extreme excitability; while the eyelids were so swollen as to completely cover his eyes ; his respiration, laborious from agita-

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;315

tion, was rendered yet more so by the tumefaction of his nostrils. No treatment could be put in practice, and he in a short time died.

quot; The three others, though difficult of approach, received some treatment. They were less agitated than the one deceased, though their symptoms were the same. In addition to oppressed breathing, and full, strong, and very quick pulse, they had injected membranes; pupils dilated to an extraordinary degree; the borders of all the natural apertures swollen; the tongue larger than usual; exhibiting black spots, from the stings sticking on the mucous membrane.

quot;Treatment.� Dry frictions, to eradicate the stings implanted into the skin; frictions with ammoniacal liniment; bloodlettings from the jugulars. The blood appeared thick and black, and quickly coagulated. Injections were thrown into the mouth. All the horses died.*

* And that such a result shouldhappen we arc not surprised. Only think! � a horse suffering the most intense agony, � the surfaces highly injected, and a thousand fold more sensitive than at any other time, � is now to he submitted to dry frictions ! This is timilia similibus curantur with a vengeance. A high state of inflammatory action is to be augmented by dry friction. To he chari�table, we remark, that such may not be the object of the practitioner; but the practice must produce such result. For example: Let a person, on a chilly day, seat himself before a comfortable fire; he soon feels a glowing sensation all over the body; the oxygen from the fire stimulates the nerves of the ex�posed parts, such as the face and hands, and the blood mounts up to the latter with a rush. How has this been accomplished ? Not so much by increased arterial action, as by excitation of the nervous sensibility, which always invites an afflux of blood, and raises the sensibility of a part by means of the mutual relations existing between the capillary and nervous systems. In this state of primary inflammatory action, what is to be done to reduce it ? Are we to order the person to give his face a sound rubbing ? The reader will see the inconsist�ency of such an act; and in the case of the horse, he laboring under inflamma�tory action of even a more aggravated nature, dry friction, which increases irritation, must be conducive of more harm than good. Among the many reasons we may urge against bleeding a horse after being stung, we just allude to one; and that is, that the blood is not at fault� that the pain arises from nervous influence. The blood has no other purpose in the economy of the horse than to convey nutrition into the neighborhood of parts where it is wanted. If too much accumulate in a given part, it is owing to some irritant; remove or lessen the irritation, and thus allay nervous excitement, and the pain ceases. If ever a horse is to be relieved when suffering from the excitement and pain described above, it can only be accomplished by some such lubricating agent as just recommended.

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THE MODERN HOBSK DOCTOR.

quot;Post Mortem Examinations.�In all of them a great quantity of stings were found sticking in the skin, especially around the nose, eyes, mouth, ears, anus, flanks, sheath, and internal surfaces of the thighs. The borders of the natural orifices were much tumefied; excoriations about the body from frictions and blows. Some of the horses had their teeth broken. Besides which, there were to be seen infiltrations under the skin, and sub-cutaneous collective tissue in different parts, especially where the bones were projecting, where there were stagnations of blood.quot;

Bleeding never relieves stagnation.

CUTANEOUS ERUPTION AND ITCHING.

A very slight eruption of the skin will sometimes cause violent itching. There are various forms of this disease, but they are only varieties of the same condition, and require nearly the same means of cure.

Treatment. � Changes in diet, according to the condition of the horse, will often cure a simple case without any medicine. If it does not yield to this, let the animal be sponged daily with a weak ley of saleratus water, into which throw a little sulphur; and give a few doses of sulphur and sassafras, equal parts. Dose, one ounce daily. The covering of the body, which may be needed in consequence of sponging, should be linen, instead of flannel.

MANGE.

Mange is a disease to which man, as well as a great variety of animals, is subject; although when occurring in the former it is generally denominated itch. It is known to be a highly contagious disease, and therefore an infected animal should be located by himself. Various opinions are entertained regarding its nature: the most popular opinion is, that it is dependent on the presence of animalcula � minute insects � to which Mr. Percivall gives the name of mites, or acari. Our own opinion is, that the mites are the effect, and not the cause; that they are generated in the metamorphosis of the cuticular tissues. Poverty and insufficient food have been assigned as among the causes of mange; but this cannot ahvays be the case, for we know tKkt it often occurs

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in horses that have oeen well fed, and it occasionally occurs in dogs that eat a large quantity of animal food. It probably origi�nates more frequently from deranged digestive organs than from any other cause: uncleanliness, without doubt, may give rise to it, but it occurs in dogs that have the very best care and attention as regards cleanliness. In fact, the author is so well satisfied of its digestive origin that he never attempts to cure it without con�stitutional, as well as local, treatment.

Treatment. � Before making any application to the skin, let the animal be sponged all over the body with lime water; after the skin becomes dry, anoint it, by means of a sponge, with

Pyroligneous acid,......nbsp; nbsp;4 ounces,

Spirits turpentine.......nbsp; nbsp; 1 ounce,

Linseed oil,........nbsp; nbsp; 3 ounces.

Sulphur,.........nbsp; nbsp; 1 ounce.

Mix. To be well shaken when used.

Medicine. � Take sulphur, cream of tartar, sassafras, and pow�dered mandrake, of each two ounces; rub then^ together in a mortar. Divide the mass into twelve parts, and give one night and morning in the fodder. It is necessary also to make some change in the diet, and by all means avoid musty grain and ground meal, while treating the disease.

CRACKED HEELS.

This is a very common affection among horses in this country, and is often attended with considerable lameness. It may be con�sidered in the light of local plethora, or congestion of the capil�laries. If they have existed any length of time, an offensive discharge sets up, and the surrounding skin becomes tender, and the limb tumefied; sympathetic fever then sets in; the animal loses his appetite, and falls off in flesh. Cracked heels may be treated on the same general principles as recommended under article Grease or Scratches ; which see. It is necessary at times, in order to keep the edges of the crack in contact, to apply a soft pad wetted with Turlington's balsam, and encircle the parts with a narrow roller. To relieve pain, apply a tent moistened with bulphuric ether.

raquo;

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ACUTE IREITATIOlSr OF THE SKIN, BY CLIPPING.

In the EUments of Veterinary Hbmceopaihy, written by Sur�geon Haycock, we find an article on acute irritation of the skin. The author takes to himself the credit of being the first to call attention to the subject: be that as it may, he has earned for himself the thanks of all those who have quot; a heart to feel another's woe,quot; by giving publicity to his views on this subject.

When we come to take into consideration the irritation and pain some men suffer, who, after allowing their beards to grow long, cut the hair off close to the skin, we can then realize that horses must also suffer from the practice of clipping. This can be explained on the principle, that the hair at its base, or inser�tion, is much more unyielding than at its remote point, (if the hair be long,) and therefore, if the hand or blanket be rapidly passed over the short hair, considerable resistance is met with, and a greater degree of motion is felt in the sensitive tissues that enclose the bulb and radicles of the hair; consequently, a repe�tition of the practice, or from the act of grooming, acute irritation is often the result.

Another reason for the irritation may be assigned. The hair is described as small, cylindrical, transparent, insensible, and elastic filaments, which arise from the skin, and are fastened in itquot; by means of small roots. Being cylindrical, therefore, it is very reasonable to suppose that by cutting off the natural coat of hair at its base, where its calibre is of considerable magnitude, we expose an immense surface of highly sensitive tissue, which, in reality, may be compared to stripping off so many minute particles of skin. The stimulating effects of an impure, or even a pure, atmosphere on the interior surface of the hair bulb is injurious. We often hear men complain of taking cold, and experiencing a feeling of slight pain or irritation at the same time they take cold, probably partly from this cause, and partly from the removal of the pilous covering of the head. The symptoms, as described by Surgeon Haycock, are: quot;Acute irritation of the skin is charac�terized by a general soreness of the entire surface. If the observer attempts to place his hand upon the body of the animal,

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it shrinks away with great fear. Sometimes the soreness is so very excessive that it is dangerous to hastily approach the poor brute; he will kick and resist handling in every possible way in which he can. The skin is dry, and the hair feels very dry and harsh to the touch ; in some cases, a great number of elevations will be found upon the skin in the region of the neck, the breast, upon the inner surfaces of the fore limbs; upon the haunches under the abdomen ; and around the H!nd limbs, from the stifle joints to the hoofs. The appetite is sometimes very much impaired, and the pulse becomes increased in the number of its beats; but, generally speaking, neither the appetite nor the pulse is much affected. Sometimes, again, it is associated with swelling of the limbs and chapped heels, and also swelling of the sheath in horses.

quot; I will here select a case which will furnish the reader a good example of the form and conditions under which it is generally presented: �

quot;November 11, 1850. I was requested to attend upon a pony, the property of J. Battles, Esq., solicitor, in this town.

quot; History, fyc. � The animal in question is about twelve hands two inches in height, of a black color, and well bred. About a week ago it was clipped, and in the course of four or five days after the operation, it was observed to shrink very much if the groom or any one attempted to handle it; and this morning it was found so much worse in the above respect, that I was requested to attend it.

quot; 1. The pulse and respirations are normal.

quot; 2. The appetite is by no means good. It eats a little now and then ; neither does it partake of much water.

quot; 3. The dung is dry-looking and scanty, and the urine scanty and thick.

quot; 4. It is very much afraid of being handlfed. If I attempt to lay my hands upon it, it retreats to the far end of the stall, and gathers itself together. � quot; 5. Upon the skin in the region of the neck, also between the inner surfaces of the fore limbs, upon the sides of the abdomen, under the abdomen, upon the haunches, and around the hind limbs, are a great number of hard elevations about the size of a small pea.

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quot; 6. The fore limbs are swollen from the knees downwards, and the hincF limbs from the hock downwards, and within the hollow of the heel of the right fore limb is a deep crack or fissure, which stretches across the shin, and discharges an offensive mat�ter ; the left heel is also slightly chapped.

quot; It is difficult to accurately determine the cause of the attack in the present case, unless it arose from the sudden exposure of the skin. Previous to its being clipped, it was perfectly healthy; and since then it has been regularly used and fed as before, while the weather has remained, upon the whole, very fine, (con�sidering the period of the year) during the last six or eight days.quot;

The treatment in this case was homoeopathic.

Treatment. � We might with truth say quot; no clipping, no treat�ment ;quot; for, if acute irritation is the result of clipping, we have only to discontinue the practice, and that is the end of the matter. But Dame Fashion is such an-arbitrary slut that it is no sort of use to oppose her mandates, especially when they receive the sanction of her millions of votaries ; therefore we must prescribe something to mitigate the sufferings of the poor victim that has been thus deprived of his natural clothing, and made the subject of unnecessary torture. A simple alkaline wash may possibly answer every purpose. One ounce of saleratus to half a bucket of water will be sufficiently strong: indeed, we do not know but sponging the body twice a day with cold water instead of the former � which should be so used � might have a good effect. If, however, the patient is uneasy, irritable, and feverish, in short, has the usual symptoms of sympathetic derangement of some one or more of the functions, then give the following: �

Cantor oil,........8 ounces,

Tincture of aloes,......2 ounces,

Essence of peppermint, .... 2 drachms.

The groom should be careful to use a soft brush, and dispense with the currycomb ; and, as it is customary, and perhaps ju�dicious, to clothe the animal, whether exposed or otherwise, the blanket should be lined with soft linen, and -when not in use must be spread out to dry.*

� quot;If the owner,quot; says Haycock, quot;cannot suffer a Iqng coat of hair, and will have it shortened, he must never allow the horse to be motionless while he

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SWEATING.

quot; My horse sweats easy,quot; is a common complaint among horse owners; and as such view it in the light of a peculiar disease, the practitioner must be prepared to prescribe for such cases. The �sweating seems to be the feature most regarded, and if that can only be made to disappear, our employers are generally satisfied, although they are not always solicitous to learn the real cause of it.

Let us, therefore, in as brief a manner as possible, inquire into the causes of increased transpiration of the fluids of the body.

A large quantity of watery vapor is continually passing off from the body of horses, and it may be very considerable, although not sensible. If the atmosphere be warm and dry, it readily ab�sorbs the cutaneous exhalation, so as to pass oif unobserved; but on a damp day, when the atmosphere is highly charged with vapor, � almost to saturation, or completely so, � then the ex�halation from the surface is there condensed so as, occasionally, to give the horse an appearance of being in a profuse sweat. Under these circumstances, the amount of condensed perspira�tion depends on the warmth, dryness, and motion of the sur�rounding air.

The motion of the atmosphere has considerable to do with carrying off the insensible fluid. Many of our readers must have observed that a horse will dry off quicker, and of course sweat

is wet or exposed to a cold blast. He must have a good groom and a good stable. Those who have both seldom have a horse that requires clipping; but when clipped, he must not want cither. A long coat takes up a deal of mois-ture, and is difficult to dry; but whether wet or dry, it affords some defence to the skin, which is laid bare to every breath of air when deprived of its natural covering. Every one must know from himself whether wet clothing and a wet skin, or no clothing and a wet skin, is the most disagreeable and danger�ous. It is true that clipping saves the groom a great deal of labor. He can dry the horse in half the time, and with less than half the exertion which a long coat requires; but it makes his attention and activity more necessary, for the horse is almost sure to take cold if not dressed immediately. When well clothed with hair, he is in less danger, and not so much dependent on the care of the groom. These observations coiitain the whole rationale of clipping, and show it is inapplicable to farm horses; and as country grooms are usually qualified, clipping would prove but problematically beneficial to the saddle or harness horse of the farmer.quot;

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less, in a draught of air than in a damp stable, where there is no current.

As no evaporation from the skin can, therefore, take place while the atmosphere is loaded with vapor, and as the perspira�tory glands still continue to pour it out on the surface, it must inevitably produce an appearance of profuse sweating. In such cases, the reader will perceive the absurdity of dosing a horse; for the conditions under which the fluid is poured forth are peculiar to all animals whose skins are not covered with scales or plates. Physiologists teach us that the purpose of this watery exhalation, and of its increase under a high temperature, (for it does increase under the scorching rays of a noonday sun, whether the horse be drawing a load or not,) is evidently to keep the heat of the body as near as possible to a uniform standard. By the evaporation of fluid from the surface of the skin, a considerable quantity of heat is withdrawn from it, becoming latent in the change from fluid^-to vapor, and this evaporating process lessens the temperature of the whole body. Were it not for this all-wise provision, neither man nor horse could ever endure the rays of a tropical sun; nei�ther could they sustain any high degree of heat for any great length of time without injury to the vital tissues. Carpenter in�forms us that the perspiration contains a small quantity of solid animal matter, most of which accumulates on the surface: this is � at least should be � removed by the brush and currycomb. Besides, there are other secretions of the skin which are mingled with it; and there is good reason to think that this excretion is of much importance in carrying oif certain substances which would be injurious if allowed to remain in the blood. This re�ceives confirmation from the fact known to all grooms, that hu-mory horses, as theyare termed, have an abundance of scurf on their hides, and require constant grooming to keep them any thing like decent. quot;We here see the circumstances under which evaporation and condensation take place, and have learned something as regards the object of cutaneous exhalation in its normal or healthy aspect.

We are now prepared to investigate the causes of abnormal exhalation. And this takes place at various times, subject to the preceding provisions, under several forms of disease ; yet of itself

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it cannot be considered as such. It is sometimes indicative of pain, irritation, amp;c. A horse, for example, has an acute attack of gastro-enteritis, � inflammation of the stomach and bowels; � he seems to sweat so profusely that the water runs from his body in large drops; the pain, together with the muscular efforts of the animal, augment this secretion; and thus augmented, it helps to cool our patient and lessen inflammatory symptoms. In such case, and in many others of an acute character, occurring in a plethoric subject, sweating is decidedly beneficial: it is prostrat�ing, no doubt; but as the object of every practitioner in the treatment of acute disease is to prostrate by some means or other, sweating is a valuable process, in view of cure. Here again we need not prescribe for sweating.

We, however, often find horses of a weak, washy constitution, laboring under some chronic form of disease, that cannot perform mere ordinary work without getting into a perfect lather. Such are proper subjects for veterinary skill, not in view of prescribing anti-sweating medicine�although it prove so, by restoring the animal to health,�but for the purpose of treating the real mal�ady. If successful, the sweating will disappear.

A horse must be expected to sweat on a sultry day, especially if he shall have imbibed large quantities of water. The sweating, however, is beneficial, and often wards off an attack of founder or rheumatism.

Profuse perspiration in the last stages of dissolution is a feature only regarded as a symptom, and therefore it is useless to pre�scribe with a view of putting a stop to it. For these and other reasons which might be presented, sweating cannot be considered as a disease.

Sweating often relieves the system from disease, by liberating, through the surface, morbid matter; so that if we were to suppress the cutaneous exhalation by providing for its exit through some other depuratory surface, disease of some sort is very liable to succeed.

There are four depuratory surfaces � the skin, lungs, digestive surface, and kidneys: each is continually eliminating materials, many of which, if retained, would prove injurious to both man and animals.

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But exposed as domestic animals are to such varieties of atmospheric changes, it seems natural that some provision should he made for change or diminution of function. And thus we find that, if a horse in a profuse sweat is suddenly exposed to a current of cool air, the mouths of the exhalants close, putting a sudden stop to transpiration: the result would he disease, and probably death, (which now and then does happen,) were it not that the fluids recede to some other surface. When the kidneys are its receptacle, it passes off by the urinary organs ; when it recedes to the digestive surface, a diarrhoea is the result. Should the lungs be called upon to perform the extra labor, copious expectoration is the result. In each of these cases disease is very apt to follow, and therefore under no circumstances whatever should the cuta�neous exhalation be checked. #9632; If an animal is laboring under any form of disease, prescribe for that, and let him sweat.

WARTS.

These excrescences, arising from the cuticular covering of the skin, are sometimes very annoying to horses, especially when occurring about the eye, sheath, penis, or on parts which come in contact with the harness.

Warts are so familiar to every one, that it appears unnecessary to enter into any description of them, other than to remark, that they are at first composed of fibrin, which ultimately becomes cartilaginous.

Treatment. � A wart having a broad base should be treated in. the following manner: Take a common suture needle, and arm it with a double ligature; each ligature is to be composed of three threads of saddler's twine, well waxed; pass the needle right through the centre of the wart, close down to the skin; tie each half separately, with a surgeon's knot, as tight as possible; cut the ends off pretty close to the knot, and in the course of a short time the whole will drop off. A wart having a small circum�scribed pedicle may be removed in the same way, by tying a single ligature round its base. If the exposed surfaces should not heal readily, moisten them occasionally with tincture of aloes and myrrh; and if they show a disposition^- to ulcerate, sprinkle

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them with powdered charcoal and bloodroot, equal parts. Warta about the sheath or penis should be removed by excision : to do this, we often have to cast the animal, the consequent hemor�rhage to be arrested with tincture of muriate of iron or styptic. See Styptic.

CONSIDEEAHONS AND EXPERIMENTS EELATING TO CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.

quot; Prevention is cheaper than cure.quot;

In these remarks M. Magendie's object has been to examine into the channels through which dehterious substances �nd admis�sion into the animal economy.

quot; Respiration is the principal one. Through it we are continu�ally exposed to the action of gases, vapors, emanations, virulent and caustic poisons, germs and seeds, the ulterior development of which may entail mortal results. The majority of substances thus introduced are of a nature to alter the composition of the blood, and disturb its vital operations.

quot; The vapors have divers chemical compositions. Some there are which have the power of quickly extinguishing the nervous energy; and although not many of them possess this fatal prop�erty, it no less becomes our duty to inquire into their mode of action. At the head of these we must place prussic acid, a substance so volatile that it condenses while evaporating. Ma-gendie illustrated this by experiment. He mixed, in a conical vessel, a portion of medicinal prussic acid in combination with three fourths of alcohol, and one fourth of the acid. He then took a rabbit, and held its nose to the mouth of the glass vessel, so that it was fully exposed to the vapor rising from the mixture. The animal became convulsed, and in a few seconds died. In this case, the blood of the rabbit became impregnated with the gas of the acid, without the pulmonary vessels being involved. The lungs are constituted of a myriad of tubes, whose mem�branous walls, being extremely thin and porous, have the property of being permeable to vapor. The vapors arising from the blood in the same manner pass out, constituting the pulmonary 28

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transpiration. This may be plainly seen by introd*cing phos�phorus into the blood. As soon as the blood containing it arrives at the lungs, it escapes by respiration, the animal breath�ing opaque white vapors, consisting of phosphoric acid, which inflames in contact with air. This continual evaporation is no hinderance to the air coming in contact with the blood circulating through the pulmonary capillary vessels. What is without may pass into the blood, and vice versa.

quot; These phenomena command the utmost attention from medical men. It is of the greatest importance to know the composition of the air we respire, since so many diseases are in this manner produced; and though we with difficulty arrive at any certain knowledge of the miasms rising in marshy grounds, from the de�composition of putrid vegetable and animal matters, there can be no doubt whatever of their entering into the blood, through the medium of the air, and so producing grave disease. In some countries especially, such affections rage with extreme intensity; in hot, humid climates, and particularly on the sea coast and bor�ders of certain rivers, as, for instance, the Gulf of Mexico, Vera Cruz, New Orleans, amp;c. Such causes of disease admit of dem�onstration ; since, by introduction of them into the blood, ex�perimentally, may be produced, though not exactly, the yellow fever, symptoms bearing the greatest resemblance to it, with black vomit and speedy death. Lower Egypt, where the plague formerly prevailed so alarmingly, owing to such causes, has been rendered comparatively healthy by the improved condition of the country.

quot; What we observe in such insalubrious countries and situations abroad as these, is apt but too often to present itself in our dis�secting rooms at home. In spite of every precaution to disinfect such places, and retard the putrefaction of the bodies in them, every year we have a certain number of dissecting pupils seized with the low fever called at the present day typhoid.

quot; A very curious experiment has served to show the facility with which miasms enter the blood through the respiratory pas�sages. For a long time it has been the opinion of M. Magendie, that the pulmonary mucous membrane did not extend through the extreme ramifications of the bronchi, �^an assertion rebutted

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by several anatomists, on the score of the mucous linings of canals extending throughout these cavities, �and that, if the pul�monary membrane could not anatomically he proved to do so, it was on account of its extreme tenuity. In proof, however, that his opinion was well founded, M. Magendie experimented with a virulent poison called woorara, which was known to take no effect on mucous surfaces, but to pass through the stomach and intestines unaltered in its properties, although, when placed in contact with a vascular surface, the smallest particle of it occa�sions instant death. With this he smeared the interior of the bronchial tubes without producing any effect; though when he reduced the poison to very fine powder, and contrived the grad�ual introduction of it into the air cells, where it underwent solu�tion, then its poisonous effects became manifest, furnishing con�firmatory evidence of M. Magendie's theory of their anatomy. A proof, as has appeared all along, that respiration is the princi�pal and the most common channel through which miasms enter the blood, is, that animal matters, in a state of putrefaction, in�troduced into the stomach, do not prove destructive. Some car-nivora � the dog and the wolf�are fond of putrid flesh. Certain men have the same craving. There are some who live on human flesh; and we know, by many, game that is called high is preferred to that which is fresh.

quot; If human industry has for a long time made us acquainted with the means of neutralizing the effects of putrefaction, the stomach has ever possessed this property in an eminent degree; and this, doubtless, is the explanation of our being able to eat viands in a putrid condition. M. Magendie has made this the subject of some very curious experiments. Fifteen grains of blood in a state of putrefaction, giving off ammonia and sulphu�retted hydrogen, was injected into the jugular vein of a dog. The effecl was, great disturbance of all the functions of the brain, the circulation, and locomotion; and the animal died in twelve hours. Here death could not be owing either to the ammonia or the sul�phuretted hydrogen contained in so small a quantity of blood. A second experiment is, introducing underneath the skin of a dog a couple of drachms of putrid water, in which stale fish had been. The simple absorption of this proved sufficient to bring

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on rapid death. In both these cases, after death the lungs proved greatly injected j the blood within the large vessels was deep black and hardly coagulated, and much resembled currant jelly. Frequent repetition of these experiments led the learned professor to the conclusion that, whenever putrid matter in any quantity is introduced into the system, the blood losing its char�acteristic properties, and becoming unfit for circulation through the lungs, death ensues.

quot;With a view of ascertaining {{the gastric juice possesses any influence in counteracting the deleterious effects of putrefaction, M. Bernard, after having contrived to obtain some of this juice through means of a stomach fistula, mixed it with an equal quan�tity of putrid blood, leaving them together for eighteen hours, and then injecting the mixture into the jugular vein of a dog. The animal giving no signs of having felt any thing amiss, the conclusion was come to, that gastric juice was endowed with the power of neutralizing the deleterious action of the putrid fer�ment. Spallanzani had already shown that gastric juice was an antiseptic: this observation shows more � that the same juice has the power of robbing putrid matters of their hurtful qual�ities.

quot; Under certain conditions putrid miasms prove highly active. These conditions are, a sufficient quantity of the miasm, an ele�vated temperature, and, we must add, individual susceptibility. ' quot; We readily understand that, for the production of the disease, it is necessary that the miasm should exist in sufficient quantity, spread about in the air, and that the air reach the lungs sufficiently saturated for it to become introduced into the system. The heat also, at the time, ought to be perceptible and continuous. Yellow fever does not prevail in cold seasons. It is in countries where the air is warm and humid that putrid fermentation actively proceeds and acquires all its baneful properties. M. Magendie, in his experiments, found that more putrid matter was required to take effect in cold than in hot weather ; in addition to which, every individual has his peculiar insusceptibility, (resistance propre.)

quot; So that the cause of disease called, not without re-aon, putrid, is to be sought in the introduction into the circulation of putrid

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matters, be they in the liquid form, or in that of gas or vapor.quot; � Lectures delivered to the College of France, by M. Magendie.

MELANOSIS,

Melanosis exists in the form of tumor or tubercle of an irregu�lar shape; and when cut into, presents a sort of black color. There seem to be two kinds � one located in visceral organs and in the eye; the other generally locates about the tail and under the common integument. Gray horses are more subject to it than those of any other color. The only treatment known to the author is, extirpation with the knife.

Extirpation of two Melanotic Tumors from the Body of a Horse, while under the Influence of Chloroform.

History of the Case, fyc. � The subject, a gray stallion, aged nine years, the property of D. Hanlin, Harrison Avenue, was observed, about eighteen months since, to have small tumors, occupying a space known as the humeral region, (below the shoul�der blades.) They had gradually increased in size; yet, as the horse was performing his ordinary duties without the least incon�venience, very little notice was taken of the matter, and the owner considered the swelling as nothing more than an quot; eyesore.quot; Lat�terly, however, the horse had been used in the shafts ; and either in consequence of bruise, or friction from the shafts, the swelling had rapidly increased in size, so as to interfere with the normal action of the shoulder ; in consequence of which, our advice was sought, and after an examination, we proposed an operation, to which the owner consented.

Operation, � Friday, November 4, 1853. The patient was cast, off side up. Dr. Fletcher Oakes, of this city, kindly con�sented to superintend the administration of chloroform. A sponge, being saturated with two ounces of this article, was enclosed in a suitable breathing apparatus, and thus applied to the patient's nostrils. The quantity used during the operation was three and a half ounces. The pupils of the eyes being dilated, and sterto�rous breathing having commenced, a straight incision, of eleven inches in length, was made over the region occupied by the 28*

THE MODEEN HOUSE DOCTOK.

tumors; they were tHen dissected from their sub-cellular and mus�cular attachments. The blood vessels cut during the operation being merely sub-cutaneous ramifications, it was not thought neces�sary to employ ligatures; and the horse lost but a trifling amount of blood. The wound having been cleansed with cold water, its edges were brought together by interrupted sutures, and finely dressed with compound tincture of myrrh. The horse was shortly afterwards led to his stable.

Description of the Tumors and their Location.�The first was of an ovoid form, measuring seventeen inches around its short diameter, by seven inches in length, and weighed four pounds. On making a straight incision through its centre, it presented a black, pitchy appearance, and was composed of a somewhat dense, fibrous body, containing within its meshes a thick fluid, resem�bling coal tar, which left a black stain on the scalpel and fingers, easily removed, however, by water. This tumor was situated on the off side, in the quot;posterior inferiorquot; region of the shoulder blade.

The second tumor was of a similar form and character, and occupied the space immediately below the former; it weighed a trifle over one pound. The large tumor was firmly imbedded in cellular tissue, and also had a slight attachment to the common integument�its base being united to the intercostal muscles. .

Subsequent Treatment. � The wound made by the incision had done well up to the fifth day ; when, probably in consequence of an itching sensation, which usually attends the restoration of dis�eased parts, the animal's attention was directed thitherward, and for the relief of which he commenced rubbing himself against the stall: this manoeuvre was, no doubt, rather pleasant than other�wise ; his owner, however, happening to look in about this time, put a stop to it, and rewarded our patient with a dressing. He was then secured to the middle of a wide stall, by means of a halter on each side, and left for the night; during which he broke loose, and by means of his teeth tore out every stitch, and laid the wound fairly open. Next morning it presented a frightful looking chasm, from which was issuing a mixture of blood, pus, and serum very profuse and somewhat fetid; yet notwithstand�ing this interruption of the healing process, the horse is so far

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recovered as to be able to go to work�just four weeks after the operation.

A twitch having been placed on the horse's nose for the pur�pose of directing his attention from what followed, the edges of the wound were again brought together by stitches, leaving at the base an orifice for the discharge of morbid matter. The parts were then dressed with a compound of aloes and myrrh ; a com�press of linen, saturated with the same, was applied, which was kept in position by means of a bandage encircling the chest. The dressing was renewed once in twenty-four hours until the third day, when a profuse discharge of healthy pus having taken place, the pad and bandage were omitted. About this time the off fore limb became infiltrated,�dropsical,�attended with slight sympathetic fever; for which he took

Sulphur,.........4 drachms,

Cream of tartar.......2 drachms.

Sassafras.........S drachms.

This was given as a drench, in thin gruel, for three successive days, with decided benefit. The cure was completed by the fre�quent application of equal parts of linseed oil and pyroligneous acid. The diet consisted of hay and scalded shorts, until the patient was able to take exercise; when his regular allowance was served out.

DISEASES OE THE HOOF AND LAMINAE.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE HORSE'S HOOF.

The external covering of the foot may be divided into four parts, viz., the waU, or crust, the Jars, sole, and homy frog. The external portion, named crust, is adapted as a defence to the sen�sitive parts within. It is composed of small filaments, or hollow tubes, consolidated in such a manner as to preserve their canals distinct. These canals constitute the excrementitious outlets of the hoof, through which morbific or waste matters make their exit; and in them may also be found the vessels by which the

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horn is secreted. The small vessels arising from the vascular and nervous membrane beneath the hoof,* which is considered as a continuation of the true skin, enter also into these canals. The small vessels alluded to, technically called papilla, possess the properties of sensibility and conductibility. They are formed from cells, and have an allotted function to perform, for which, in their healthy state, they are. all-sufficient, and for which no other class has or can perform without derangement to the parts.

The bars are a continuation of the external portion just de�scribed. They form an angle at the heels, which terminate towards the toe. They serve to give strength and durability to the hoof, prevent contraction of the heels, and thus aid the hoof in protecting the soft and sensitive parts. The internal portion of the bars presents the same appearances as that of the crust. They are held together by vital affinities, and so long as they maintain their fiormal integrity, the foot will preserve its form.

Next in order is the sole. It is considered to be more elastic than the crust, and is the medium of the sensitive faculty, through which, together with its powers of elasticity, the percussion of the foot against the ground is regulated.

The horny frog is still more elastic than either of the parts de�scribed, and any unnecessary quot; paring,quot; on the part of the smith, is to be deprecated.

On the internal portion of the parts just described we find a beautiful set of laminie, resembling those found on the under part of a mushroom: their number is said to be about five hundred, which articulate with a similar number given off from the coffin bone. Each lamina, having two sides and an edge, forms a series of articulations, numbering about three thousand ! The whole

* The nails of man conespond to the hoof of a horse, for they are formed of a substance analogous. If we examine the nail under the microscope, we shall find that it consists of hard, transparent, and somewhat elastic plates, which adhere to the vascular and nervous membrane of the papillae. The latter are arranged in longitudinal and parallel rows. The internal surface of the nail, like that of a hoof, is soft, pulpy, and marked with longitudinal grooves and prominences, corresponding to the laminaj found within the hoof. A similar arrangement, possessing, however, exquisite sensibility, is found on that portion of the finger covered by the nail; and, by this muturf adaptation, the connec�tion between them is sustained. The nails are a continuation of the true skin.

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presents a surface of four square feet. Hence the body of a horse rests upon sixteen 'Square feet of surface within the hoof.

The hoof, we have already observed, serves as a defence to the sensitive parts within. It varies in size and thickness according to the age and condition of the animal. Its texture may be ren�dered hard or soft by the judicious application of therapeutic agents. Its conformation may be altered, for better or worse, by proper attention to the laws of animal life, stable management, and skilful shoeing.

When we see a poor dumb brute driven, hobbling along on three legs, to the nearest blacksmith's shop, with a view of dis�covering the seat of lameness, and there subjected to the inquisi�torial process of pinching,* we have almost wished that the poor horse could exchange places with his tormentors. If the culti�vators of human medicine had adopted this brutal method of diagnosing a disease, it would have been natural to suppose that they were qualifying themselves as butchers.

Some people seem to suppose that a horse's foot is as insensi�ble as a stone; and when we see the smith wrenching off the shoes, often bringing away a portion of the hoof with them, and cutting off large pieces with as little care as a man would trim a log, then applying a red-hot shoe to the part, without any regard to the feelings of the animal,�under these circumstances it would appear to justify the conclusion that the foot is, really, insuscep�tible to feeling.

Many of our readers have, probably, had occasion to deplore the present barbarous system of shoeing. Dear-bought experi�ence may have taught them a lesson which they are not likely to forget. The Hon. M. P. Wilder, in a letter to the author on this subject, remarks, quot; I know of no greater evidence of inhumanity to that noble animal, the horse, than the almost universal custom of paring down the foot and burning on the shoe. It has ever, to my mind, been among the barbarisms of the age, and which I trust will no longer be countenanced by civilized society. I sym�pathize with your efforts to correct this, and other equally

� Which consists in grasping the foot between the points of a pair of pincers, and applying them vigorously to every part of the hoof until a tender spot is found, (produced!)

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dangerous practices, in the administration of destructive medi�cines ; and I hope your efforts will be crowned with success.quot;

TEEADS AND OVERREACHES.

A tread, or calk, is an injury inflicted on one foot by the quot;calkinquot; � or, as often happens, the edge of the shoe � on another foot, producing a contused wound, which is often trouble�some to heal. This sort of injury differs from any incised wound, inasmuch as it is a sort of bruise by which the surround�ing parts are lacerated and violently torn from their horny at�tachments, and the wound, although simple in appearance, is of such a complicated nature that it often requires several weeks to restore the parts to a healthy state.

The treatment consists in allaying irritation, removing the dead parts, and promoting granulation. We first apply a poul�tice of carrots ; then, with a pair of scissors, remove any partly-separated portions of skin or hoof. The wound is then dressed with Turlington's balsam. quot;We generally, however, first sprinkle the chasm with a portion of finely-pulverized myrrh: this sub stance forms a coating over the newly-formed granulations, and protects them from injury.

In the winter season, a calk, unless attended to early, often becomes a serious affair. During the past two years, a foot dis�ease of a very malignant character has prevailed around Boston. It sometimes appears without any apparent cause, except slight febrile symptoms; at others, a calk seems to be the exciting-cause ; the disease speedily extends above the coronet and with�in the hoof. It is a species of inflammatory gangrene, and is generally, attended with sympathetic and occasionally typhoid fevers. The best local remedy is, a mixture of pulverized char�coal and fir balsam ; the constitutional treatment according to the nature of the case.

Whenever a horse is calked, the chasm should be cleansed and filled up with fir balsam.

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QUARTER CRACK___(Fissure in the Quarter oft/te Hoof.)

All horsemen understand what is meant by quarter crack. It consists of a loss of continuity in the fibres of the hoof, leaving an opening through its substance. It generally occurs in the fore, although often in the hind feet. A fissure of this kind is not con�sidered of much importance; yet, after the cure has been effect�ed, there remains a cicatrix, which is, by some horse dealers, looked upon as an eyesore; and they often refuse to purchase an otherwise perfect animal solely on this account.

If the crack be only a simple �ssure, and does not extend to the sensitive parts of the hoof, there is no perceptible lameness; hence, when such a fissure is first observed, it should be at once attended to, in order to prevent lameness, which, however, is generally slight. For causes and treatment, see next article.

TOE CRACK. � (Fissure in the Longitudinal Fibres of the Fore Part of

the Hoof.)

The_a hind feet are generally supposed to be the seat of this defect, yet it very frequently occurs in the fore feet. When it occurs in the hind feet, or foot, there is generally considerable lameness present; and the subject has frequently to be laid up for a few days, or else perform his labor with a hobbling gait, very distressing to himself and mortifying to his driver.

When the crack extends from the coronet down to the toe, and a complete division of the homy fibres takes place, so that the sensitive laminte are exposed, a discharge of small quantities of blood, and finally of matter, takes place. The subject is then, of course, too lame for work, and must have immediate attention.

Causes of Quarter and Toe Cracks. � The fact that the parts do crack, would go to show that there must exist some brittle-ness in the hoof. This may arise from two causes: first, from a want of healthy action in the nutritive and secretory vessels of the foot; secondly, from the common custom of rasping the walls of the hoof, and otherwise mutilating the foot in shoeing.

Still it may arise from contraction of the parts, from a narrow-

386

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

heeled shoe, from congestion and deep-seated disease within the hoof. In short, any sort of work, management, or system of shoeing, that tends to dry up the natural moisture of the foot, may be considered a direct cause of contraction. Predisposing causes may also exist in breed. It is well known that some animals are foaled marked with the parent's deformity � con�tracted quarters, for instance; and such are, more especially than others, liable to quarter crack. This affords a reason why horses, not predisposed, escape the evils alluded to, and others not enumerated; as in, for instance, a dry, sandy country, on shipboard, or in hot stables with dry floors.

Mr. Percivall says, that quot; greater attention to shoeing and in�creased care about the condition of the hoof itself have, no doubt, had very beneficial effects in the prevention both of contraction and quarter crack.quot; The same author thus alludes to the causes of toe crack, or toe sand crack, as English surgeons term it. quot; Toe sand cracks are caused by violence. Shoeing, also, may have something to do in its production. The horses, which are the subjects of it, are those which are employed in laborious or straining draughts. The toe of the hind foot is the grand ful�crum through which the hind limbs, the propellers of the body, exert their power; and it is in some violent and forcible effort that the hind hoof, strained as it is to its uttermost, and particu�larly at the toe, splits, commonly first at the coronet; the same as in the fore foot, where the horn, but newly formed, is thin and unresisting; the crack subsequently extending gradually down the wall, even as far as the point of the toe.

quot; Digging the point of the toe into the ground, or stamping it hard down upon the pavement, (and especially when this stress upon the fore part of the wall is at all times promoted by high calkins to the shoe,) must certainly, one would think, be the main producer of toe sand crack � an opinion still further fa�vored by the observation which has been made of shaft horses in drays, being more subject to the accident than trace horses. Still, however, for all this, it behooves me to say, that wjth the best judges of such matters, the point is one not yet free from doubt and difference of thinking. Shorthand upright pasterns, with clubby prominent hoofs, indicate a predisposition to toe

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sand crack; the disease being in no instance seen in flat, shelvy, oblique hoofs.

quot; It is said sand cracks may originate in tread. Undoubtedly, any lesion of the coronary body sufficient to injure or destroy its secretory apparatus, may occasion imperfect or morbid secretion of horn, or loss of form altogether; but I do not believe this to be a very common cause of sand crack.quot;

Treatment of Toe Orach. � It is generally customary in this part of the country to call in the aid of the blacksmith to repair a toe crack, which he does in the following manner: if the fissure is only a partial one, that is, commences a short distance below the coronet, and only extends part of the way down the wall, a red-hot iron, having a sharp edge, is drawn across the upper and lower parts of the crack, and sometimes down the crack itself; with a view of destroying any morbid matter that may exist in the fissure. A crack fixed after this fashion is called cross firing. If the fissure extends from the coronet right down to the toe, two or three pieces of wire are passed through the edges of each half of the hoof, through holes drilled for that purpose, and the fissure is thus riveted together. The operation requires some skill on the part of the blacksmith; for if he should bore the holes too deep, the sensitive lamince might be included, and thus protract the cure. Some physicians recommend en�circling the hoof with waxed twine, instead of riveting, with a view of restricting any tendency to expand at the toe, when, by its pressure on the heels, it might favor their contraction, and therefore cannot be of much use. Of the two, we should prefer riveting, if performed by a skilful workman.

But why not close the crack by interrupted sutures, after the following fashion: good' substantial waxed threads answer the same purpose as iron rivets, and are far preferable, because they can be so easily removed after having fulfilled their intention. We have made but one trial of this kind. The case turned out well; still a single experiment is not sufficient to establish its superiority over other methods.

The best practice would be, first, to poultice the foot, (suppos�ing the shoe to have been removed,) with a view of softening the hoof and removing any extraneous matter that may have insinu-29

338

THE MODEEN UOESE DOCTOK.

ated itself into the crack. When the hoof is sufficiently softened, it should be cleansed, examined, and dressed with tincture of myrrh. Select a spot about an inch below the coronet, and with a small gimlet bore a hole through the two edges of the crack, and another one inch above the toe. A straight needle, armed with a strong ligature, is to be passed through the upper holes, brought over and through a second time ; thus closing the two edges of the fissure by what the sailors term a quot; round turn.quot; The same thing is to be repeated at the toe. The assistant, by the aid of pincers or otherwise, shuts the crack as close as possible ; the ligatures are each drawn tight, and tied with a surgeon's knot. A small quantity of blister ointment is to be smeared over the crack, and bar shoe applied. A quarter crack may be treated in a similar manner, omitting, however, the sutures.

The cure is accomplished in two ways � first, by fusion ; sec�ondly, by the growth of new horn from the matrix downwards. After the edges have firmly united, cut the ligatures, and pare the uneven edges of the cicatrix level with the surrounding parts, and the cure is completed.

QUITTOR.

Quittor is a fistulous opening running between the sensible and insensible lamina of the foot; the opening, or sinus, runs in various directions downward ; at other times, the lateral carti�lages are in connection with it, and become diseased. It gen�erally makes its appearance on the inside of the foot, near the matrix of the hoof. In such case, its origin is from bruise or wound. It arises also from pricks in shoeing, gmvel, neglected corns, amp;c. Should a nail enter the sensitive laminae of the foot, and cause suppuration, and the lower outlet become plugged up, the matter moves upward, burrowing through the tissues, until it gains exit above the hoof. This is a true quittor. A disease of this character is often very difficult to heal, unless attended to in its early stage; and a practitioner gains but very little credit in curing such, because he has been so long about it. It frequently happens that we not Qnly have the quittor to con�tend with, but considerable tumefaction and morbid enlargement

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in the parts above the hoof, against which the horse is apt to strike the other foot, and thus excite persistent inflammation, leaving a denuded, uneven, sanguineous sore, very diiRcult to heal; for if the animal does not bruise it with the other foot, he lacerates it in lying down or getting up. If we attempt to pro�tect it from this sort of injuries, our only resource is bandage; and we have remarked, in another part of this work, that band�ages do not agree with horseflesh, when applied to denuded surfaces; therefore such cases require considerable tact and patience. '

Treatment.�quot;We first examine the sinus by means of a small-sized, flexible bougie, such as are used on young persons. Being flexible, we are enabled to trace the cavity, whatever direction it may take. Having discovered that, we make up our mind as to the treatment. Should it descend towards the sole, it is caused either by prick, corn, or gravel, which can be ascertained on care�ful examination. In order to make such, we remove the shoe, pare the foot, and perhaps poultice it, with the double object of softening the hoof and removing obstructions to the lower outlet, if any there be. Whether the cause be evident or not, we waste no time in injecting the sinus, (which is practised by many,) but make a small opening in the sole, as near the base of the sinus as possible, and invite a discharge from it by means of a poultice placed only in contact with the sole. A free discharge once secured from the lower outlet, we have no fears of a cure. So soon as a discharge sets up, inject from below strong tinc�ture of bloodroot, two or three times, and then sprinkle some bloodroot in the cavity; there is no need of any bandage; let the matter have free vent. The upper orifice will now close; it is only necessary to moisten this region with compound tinc�ture of aloes, or some other traumatic.

We have tried all manner of ways to cure quitter, and find there is nothing like making an opening below the sinus. A bad case, however, will generally require time, and some variation in the treatment, according to the nature of the case. quot;We must not, in our attention to the foot, overlook the horse; his health must be attended to; an occasional dose of alterative medicine (sulphur and sassafras) may be given, and the common allowance

340

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of food should be lessened. When the sinuses are superficial, and do not extend beyond the coronal region, injections may be tried : among the most efficient are solution of alum, zinc, and sulphate of iron; tincture of muriate of iron, and tincture of blood-root. In some cases, however, the knife will be required.

PUMICE FOOT.

Pumice foot is an aggravated form of convex sole, attended with a morbid condition of the parts and larainal dislocation. quot;We now and then see an aged animal, wliich has long been the subject of chroniclaquo; disease on the fore feet, presenting actual pro�trusion of the coffin bone, forwards, between the wall of the hoof and sole; and the bone is of a spongy character, studded with crystallizations, composed of phosphate of lime, amp;c. The disease also occurs in animals that have led a sort of fast life; that have been trained for the course ere they had attained maturity; pam�pered and fed on highly nutritious grain, and driven at times be�yond endurance, until a morbid habit is firmly established, which may affect the feet either directly or metastatically. The pa�thology of pumice sole, says Mr. Percivall, amounts to this: quot; In consequence of inflammation in them, be that inflammation acute or sub-acute, the sensitive laminiE, from causes which have already been detailed, become detached from their union with the horny laminiB, and the coffin bone, losing its ties of suspension, is pressed down by the weight upon the horny sole, which, unable to hear the burden thus unnaturally transmitted to it, bulges, and either immediately or some short time afterwards bursts, and lets the toe of the coffin bone, with its covering of sensitive sole, throug.'i its breach. This, and this state of foot alone, it is, either actually present or impending, which properly constitutes pumice foot. Flat feet, nay, even convex and fleshy feet, do not of themselves amount to pumice, but, on the contrary, may exist independently of it. They may be, and are, dependent upon altered states of the hoof alone; whereas pumice foot consists in disorganization of the interior economy of the foot; in altered structure and rela�tive situation of the parts within the hoof, and in partial escape of them.

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quot; Pumice Sole can have hut one Origin. � Its existence is de�monstrative proof either of the presence or of the preexistence of laminitis, in the acute or sub-acute form. Those dovetailed and intimate bonds of union between the sensitive and horny lamiiuv; which hardly any amount of mechanical force can, in situ, rend asunder, gradually lose their hold under the action of in�flammation, and let the coffin bone down upon the horny sole. This, as we have seen, may result either from acute or sub-acute laminitis, but with these notable differences, � that, whereas, under acute inflammation, pumice foot is rapid, sometimes sudden, always decided in its occurrence; under sub-acute inflammation its approach is tardy and stealthy, and for some time doubtful and indeterminable. Indeed, in the latter it often happens that the sinking of the sole is the first intimation we obtain of the presence of the disease. The horse may have been observed to step short or gingerly, compared to his usual style of going, and this is succeeded hy tenderness of tread to that degree that continuance at work becomes impossible; under which circumstance we are called to examine his feet, and to the surprise, probably, of the owner, find the soles either actually sunk or showing unmistaka�ble signs of sinking. Pumice sole resulting from acute laminitis is, as we have seen, though at all times a lamentable affair, a more complicated and serious one still, from its so frequently having suppuration of the foot as an accompaniment; and when this proves to be the case, all prospect of remedy may be said to be at an end. It is not so, however, in the. case wherein pumice foot follows a sub-acute or low kind of inflammation. Here there is not the tendency to suppuration, but rather to adhesive action; and this it is that on occasions invites us to take the case under treatment, and now and then we succeed in restoring the integrity of the breach and soundness of the sole. But this, I am reluc�tantly forced to add, is but a rare issue, compared with the states of pumice sole which defy our art at effecting such restoration of them as will render the feet again useful for work.

quot; The Treatment of Pumice Sole � when the case happens to be of such a nature as to inspire us with hope through judicious and careful management of it � obviously presents to us two ob�jects for consideration ; the first being the healing of the wound, 29raquo;

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THE MODERN HOUSE DOCTOR.

and closing of the breach in the sole to which it owes its exist�ence ; the second, the elevation of the coffin bone, and its adjust�ment, as far as we can, in its natural position. I say ^l position,' for as to forcing up the bone into its proper place again, of course that is a matter entirely out of the range of possibility. quot;When once complete separation of the laminaa has taken place, no power we possess can restore their union; indeed, no means can be employed to effect so much as we may be able to accomplish to�wards the raising up of the bone before we have completely restored the integrity of the sole, and made the part where the breach existed sound and firm, and able without pain to bear pressure.

quot; For the Healing of the Wound, the continued application of poultices will be found beneficial so long as any annoying inflam�matory action is lurking about the foot, and so long as the wound itself puts on a healthy aspect, and seems disposed to granulate, or actually is granulating. But whenever such is not its cbarac-ter, and particularly when its surface looks pallid, and the circu�lation through it appears languid, stimulating and detergent dressings ought to be substituted for the poultices.

quot; Of the various Kinds of Dressings in ordinary use for the pur�pose of promoting the healing of foot wounds, and their subsequent coating by a sound secretion of horn, none are found to answer well, unless they be, through some suitable contrivance, firmly bound upon the ulcerated surface, so as to give as much pressure to it as the animal can bear. Pressure to the extent of produ�cing pain is injurious; but the utmost degree short of this is uni�formly found to be attended with the happiest effects. In short, without concomitant pressure, the most extolled dressings will seldom prove of much avail. If the hoof be cool, and it is con�sidered that a light shoe can be wora without hurt, providing it be put on with small nails driven through parts of the crust able to bear the concussion of the hammer and to hold such nails, great advantage will be derived from it, inasmuch as it will afford very convenient means for employing such pressure as is found so salutary and effectual. This is to be managed by obtaining two or more pieces of iron hooping, cut into lengths to admit of being placed diagonally across the sole, and of being confined in that

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situation through their ends heing driven for stays between the web of the shoe and the sole. They should be so placed as to cross each other opposite to the part where the dressing is, that being previously covered with as many thicknesses of tow as become requisite for the necessary pressure. After the hoop-iron stays are arranged so as to give firm and steady support to the tow underneath them, they may be, at the point of crossing, well hammered down upon the foot; an operation which will serve to accommodate them more completely to their situation, at the same time that it operates in giving additional pressure, which will be maintained when the foot comes to be set upon the ground by the standing of the horse upon the compressed dressing.

quot; In regard to the best medicament to apply, providing the exposed parts of the sensitive sole be � as they commonly are � in a healthy condition, stimulating applications agree best, and no one in the class exceeds in efficacy the ol. terebinthinse. This, under the influence of pressure, will generally of itself bring-about all we desire ; though, should any change of dressing , be deemed desirable, we may use either tinct. benzoin c�., or tinct. myrrhaj c�. Should any signs of unhealthiness or ma�lignancy� a rare occurrence � make their appearance, escha-rotic stimulants, such as solutions of copper and zinc, and even of mercury, might be employed. An astringent, such as solution of alum, or a detergent in the form of chloride of lime, may also occasionally be required.

quot; Having succeeded in healing the wound and causing the breach to be covered over with sound though soft horn, a dossil of dry tow well pressed down will be all that will be further needed to keep the dirt and wet from the parts, and to harden and prepare them for being finally stopped and protected from injury when the horse shall be permitted to take exercise or go to work. The new-formed sole being now sound and tolerably firm and hard, should a shoe have not been nailed on the foot before, now is the time for one to be put on ; and the shoe best for such a descrip�tion of foot is that which will, either of itself or through additions made to it, enable us to give that amount of pressure upon the sole which is found to be so requisite for the purposes of support and uplifting of the descended coffin bone, to the extent possible,

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into some proximity to its original place. Whether we really possess any such power as will effect this, may very properly he made the subject of doubt; but that we can, by pressure and support to the sole, prevent any further descent of it, should that appear likely to happen, is beyond a question. A broad-web shoe � such a one as Plomley's of Maidstone � is a good one for this purpose; and this should be plugged internally with stopping, intermingled with tow, the two together forming a compressible pillow, upon which reposes with ease and firmness the as yet tender sole of the foot. Over the stopping and tow should be placed, and nailed on with the shoe, a stiff piece of sole leather. Or, which some prefer, after the shoe is nailed on, a piece of gutta percha, cut of smaller size than the circumference of the shoe, may, after being softened in hot water, be kneaded in upon the sole, over the stopping, with the thumb, and pressed around the edge sufficiently underneath the web of the shoe to maintain its hold. With his foot thus shod, and cushioned, and protected, the horse may return gradually to hard work.

quot; Instead of the broad-web, heavy shoe, it may be advisable, in a case where the foot is thin of horn and the crust apt to break away, to substitute a shoe as light as it can be made consistent with its purpose. A shoe made narrow but thich in the web will sometimes be found to answer very well when used in conjunc�tion with leather or gutta percha in the manner before directed, such a shoe possessing the advantage of being held on by smaller and fewer nails than the broad shoe requires. And when�ever we meet with a foot of such description, with thin and weak or brittle crust, we are not to be particular as to either the num�ber of the nails used to keep the shoe on, or the situations they occupy through the hoof; for sometimes it becomes necessary to nail the shoe all round in order to fix it firmly for work, and to make use, for the purpose, of double or even of triple the number of (small) nails we ordinarily insert. In fact, if the horse is to go to work in it, the shoe must be secured at any multiplicity and variety of nailing, and clipping in addition, save that of doing positive injury to the foot.quot;

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FOOT ROT,

A disease to which some have given the ahove name made its appearance in the city of Boston in the winter of 1853, and is at the present time prevailing in different parts of the state. It appears to spread after the manner of sporadic dis�eases, and prevails chiefly among horses of coarse breed, with clumsy feet, brought on in some cases by quot; hard usage and sore abuse.quot; The disease luxuriates in stables that are filthy, damp, and unventilated, and among horses that are constantly exposed to all sorts of weather; for it is seldom that we hear any thing of the disease prevailing in horses of superior breed, located in comfortable stables, where they are supposed to have that care and attention so necessary for the preservation of health ; yet, however potent the above causes may be, they are not in all cases direct, but merely approximating. It has been observed that this peculiar disease often follows injuries of the foot by calking� from puncture by nail or otherwise. Here we seem to have a direct cause, which may be termed special; for such en�gender distinct disease. From the fact, however, that the disease is not prevalent in the summer months, we are led to infer that the combinations of cold, moisture, and bad management are more prolific of it than any other cause. The term/oolt; rot does not convey any definite idea of the nature of the affection, but merely implies a state of rottenness, similar to that occurring in sheep and cattle; whereas this disease varies, and often passes through several stages ere rottenness (gangrene) sets in. Some subjects are attacked suddenly with disease of the plantar ab�sorbents � deep-seated lymphatitis. In the course of a few d^ys � sometimes hours � a profuse discharge of matter, resembling lymph, from the coronet takes place, and inflammatory gangrene supervenes. Or a horse will all at once be seized with lame�ness, continually catching up the foot, and in the course of a few hours pus is seen to ooze from the orifice. Here we have two stages of a disease which may progress to rot or gangrene, viz., inflammatory, characterized by heat, pain, and lameness; sup-purative, of which the discharge of pus is proof positive. The

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finale is a gangrenous state, characterized by transformations and death of the tissues of the foot. The name of this disease should, therefore, be conferred in accordance with the notable changes that occur throughout its progress : they are inflamma�tion, suppuration, gangrene ; and it often happens that the abnor�mal process is arrested in either one or the other of the first stages, although it is prone to run into gangrenes. These char�acteristic symptoms furnish a title for the disease; and should death supervene, whether in the inflammatory, suppurative, or putrid stages, the name of the disease will be that of the cause of death ; so that foot rot � if it iipply a rotten, putrid, or gan�grenous state � should be termed inflammatory gangrene, which is produced by extravasated blood, or rather fluids, they rapidly passing into a state of decomposition, thus destroying the vitality of those tissues � the laminte of the foot � so that the hoof fre�quently separates from its attachments and falls off.

Case. � A horse, the property of Mr. Doolittle, doing business in Ivers Street, was punctured by picking up a nail; it entered the sole midway between the point of the frog and the toe of the off hind foot: it was dressed in the usual manner by a black�smith. On the following day the author was requested to see the animal. He was found standing on three legs ; the affected limb drawn up towards the body; the foot very hot and painful; the flank on that side bedewed with perspiration ; pulse quick and jerking ; mouth hot and clammy : in short, sympathetic fever had set in. On removing the shoe and dressings, a small quantity of pus streaked with blood oozed out of the puncture, on dilating which with a drawing knife, a very profuse discharge followed. Two or three poultices, of an antiseptic and astringent charac�ter, were applied. Chloride of soda, salt and vinegar, fir bal�sam, solution of alum, zinc, and such constitutional remedies as the case seemed to require, were resorted to; but all to no pur�pose : the horse grew rapidly worse ; a thin, aqueous, and acrid discharge from the quarters and coronet took place, which finally separated the hoof from its matrix: the discharge degenerated until it became of a dark reddish color, very offensive. The tissues above the hoof underwent cellular transformations, and bulged out about an inch or more beyond their ordinary limits,

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having here and there deep gangrenous ulcerations. Thus did the disease progress (apparently unchecked by medical treatment, which had often proved successful) until the eleventh day from the time of the injury, when, on making an effort to get up, a complete separation of hoof from foot took place. Mr. D. im�mediately ordered the animal to be put out of his misery, and he was accordingly destroyed. This disease we have termed inflammatory gangrene ; and although it rarely runs so rapid a course, or attains so malignant a type, it is the one commonly known as foot rot.

Ordinarily, and in other than the cold season, puncture of the foot, by nail or otherwise, is followed by healthy suppuration and discharge, and the parts resume very nearly their original condition; but in the case just alluded to, the suppuration was from the first unhealthy, and attended with a positive loss of laminal continuity, ulceration, and gangrene.

Treatment. � It is useless to lay down any particular plan of treatment, for that must depend on the nature, stage, and inten�sity of the disease. The principal local remedies are, �

1.nbsp; Antiseptics. � Pyroligneous acid, charcoal, chloride of soda, and lime.

2.nbsp; Astringents. � Tincture of muriate of iron, sulphate of zinc and of iron, bayberry bark, gum catechu.

3.nbsp; Remedies to relieve Pain. � Chloroform, sulphuric ether, tincture of Indian hemp, infusion of hops or poppy heads.

4.nbsp; nbsp;Constitutional Remedies. � Tonics and alteratives. (See Medicinal Preparations.) In cases that indicate poultices, substi�tute fir balsam.

CORNS.

Corns generally make their appearance in the inner heel, within the bar and crust, at or near their junction. We find that a great number of horses are afflicted in this way; and it is supposed that an imperfect system of shoeing has more to do with the production of com than any thing else. The following article from White's Dictionary may possibly furnish the reader a better idea of the nature and treatment of corns than the au�thor of this work can give: �

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quot; In their recent state corns generally cause some degree of tenderness, though not amounting to actual lameness. If not attended to at this period, the horse soon becomes lame; and when the shoe is removed for examination, the horny matter in the part described will be found, upon scraping off the exterior surface, of a dark-red color, to a greater or less extent, accord�ing to the length of time it has existed, or rather to the degree of injury the sensible parts have sustained. If the shoe be not removed at this stage of the disease, which sometimes happens from a supposition that the lameness arises from some other cause, its continued pressure on the tender part, or corn, will at length cause matter to form, which, finding no vent beneath, as�cends to the coronet, where it breaks out. Even this is sometimes mistaken for a tread, or blow from the other foot, while the real cause is lost sight of. In the treatment of corns in their recent state, or before suppuration has taken place, the method gener�ally adopted is to pare out the red part, or what is termed the com, and so contrive the shoe that, when applied to the foot, it may have no bearing on the tender part. This, in slight cases, generally affords temporary relief, and enables the horse to go to work again: in a short time, however, the horse's weight causes the shoe again to rest upon the heel, and the inflamma�tion and lameness of course return. The only effectual mode of taking off pressure from the heel is by means of the bar shoe ; and this can only be applied where the frog is sufiiciently promi�nent and firm to receive its pressure. For should the frog be considerably lower than the heels, (that is, supposing the foot to he taken up, and its bottom part held upward,) it must be obvi�ous that the bar shoe cannot bear upon it, and will therefore be useless. The only thing to be done in this case is to pare away the crust of the tender heel, so that the heel of a common shoe may not rest upon it. I am aware that the original cause of corns is often a natural weakness of the inner heel, or a want of sufficient strength in the horn to protect the sensible parts from the pressure of the shoe. It is from this consideration, perhaps, that Mr. Eudd observes,' We have frequently seen the plan of cutting away the horn (in corns) followed with avidity, on ac�count of (he temporary relief it affordt; such a plan, however,

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is deceitful, and dictated by too shallow an idea of the coraplaint; for though it gives time for the removal of it when existing, still it leaves what may be termed an increased disposition to ft, be�cause it deprives the sensitive parts of the protection of which they already stood too much in need; and we have no hesitation in saying, that it is from this mode of treatment solely that some horses are so frequently and indeed almost constantly affected. The best plan, therefore, which can be followed, is to apply a bar shoe, as this affords more ample means of throwing the pressure off the affected parts; no excision of the horn, we repeat, ought to be resorted to, unless there is reason to believe that suppura�tion has taken place.' If no horn is to be pared away in corns, #9632;what, I would ask, is to be done in circumstances where the bar shoe cannot be employed ? that is, where the frog is much lower than the heels, or too rotten and tender to bear pressure. Mr. Budd tells us that the shoe is to be 'laid off the part;' that is, the shoe is to be so formed, that when applied to the foot it may not be in contact with the tender heel: this may afford temporary relief, but by one day's work the shoe will be brought to its origi�nal form. I am inclined to believe that corns are often rendered inveterate by trusting to such ineffectual means; for the propri�etor, finding his horse relieved, sets off perhaps on a journey; the shoe soon bears down upon the heel again, and the bruise or corn is much aggravated; by dint of spur and whip, however, the horse is compelled to go on ; and when he arrives at the end of the stage, so high a degree of inflammation will perhaps have taken place that suppuration cannot be prevented. The only mode, I conceive, by which a corn can be either cured or palli�ated, is to take off all pressure from the diseased parts ; and this not only for a short time, but till the injured sensible part has lost its tenderness, and formed horn of sufficient strength to en�able it to bear pressure. quot;While a horse is worked, the shoe should be frequently examined; and whenever the heel appears to be so near the diseased part as to be in danger of bearing on it, it should be immediately removed, and some more horn pared away, so as to have a considerable vacancy between the heel of the hoof and the heel of the shoe; for even if a bar shoe is applied, the horn will in time grow down, so as to be in contact 30

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THE MODERN HOESE DOCTOR.

with the heel of the shoe. When a horse becomes very lame from a corn, it will be advisable to leave off the shoe for a short time, and apply a large bran poultice. Wlien tenderness is per�ceived about the coronet, and a little matter is seen oozing out from'the horn at the heel, it should be pared away, that the mat�ter may escape freely. The exposed part may be dressed at first with a solution of blue or white vitriol; afterwards with tincture of myrrh, or friar's balsam.quot;

BRUISE OF THE SOLE.

Horses, in travelling over hard, uneven roads, are very apt to cast a shoe. The sole then, being unprotected, becomes bruised, and by the time the horse has arrived at home, or at the nearest smith's, he is quite lame. On making an examination of the foot, it will be found hot and painful. The best remedies, in view of immediate relief, are rest and cold water. The latter may be applied by means of a piece of flannel, tied fringe-like, but loose, around the fetlock, and kept constantly wet. It is probable that, in cold weather, rest alone will perform a cure; if it should not, immerse the foot in tepid water twice a day.

THRUSH.

Thrush, or, as some call it, frush, is a disease of the horse's hoof very prevalent in the United States; it is a disease so well known among horsemen that any description of it seems super�fluous. Its diagnostic symptoms are, foetid odor, and morbid exudation from the frog, accompanied with softening of the same. For a common thrush, which does not occasion lameness, the remedy is cleanliness : let the feet be washed night and morning, and occasionally immersed in salt and water; the trouble will then disappear. In inveterate cases of this kind, our object must be to prevent decomposition � in the use of antiseptics: a charcoal poultice now and then, and the free use of pyroligneous acid, and salt, are the best means. A few doses of the following compo�sition will also be needed : sassafras, sulphur, salt, and charcoal, equal parts. Dose, one ounce daily. Addressing of fir balsam

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may be applied to the frog and sole, which is to be confined there in the usual manner. Thrush is often the result of morbid habit in the system of the horse, giving rise to an excess of morbific products, which naturally gravitate to the feet, and there find an outlet; therefore we should not be in too much of a hurry to stop such issue, for by so doing, the matter may be reabsorbed, ana produce sympathetic fever, swollen legs, amp;c. The safest way, therefore, is to treat the disease both locally and constitutionally.

ACUTE INFLAMMATIOX OF THE FEET. � (Lommilt;M.)

Acute inflammation of the feet differs very little in its physical phenomena from inflammation in other parts of the system, ex�cept in the former it appears more complete and permanent. Of the agents which produce laminitis, which cause more blood to flow into the vessels of the foot, which regulate their enlargement or constriction, and finally induce effusion of serum, lymph, or fibrin, and produce alterations in the structure of the foot, much has been conjectured, yet very little is known. It may be safe for us to argue, however, that the same causes that operate in producing inflammatory action in other parts are all-sufficient in laminitis. In acute laminitis we have an afflux of blood, from which arises that feverish heat known as fever in the foot: the development of heat being directly proportioned to the activity and fulness of the circulation � heat is accompanied with redness and pain; increased pulsation in arteries leading to the foot: this increased pulsation seems due to obstruction in channels through which blood usually circulates with freedom, while the same or even an augmented force continues to impel it. quot;We next observe effusion of serum, lymph, and fibrin; though we repeat that laminitis does not differ from inflammation in some other parts. The varieties of laminitis are acute and subacute; the former follows excessive work: in such cases the system becomes ex�hausted ; then follows local increase of blood in consequence of weakness in the propelling forces � lungs, heart, and capillaries. When acute laminitis follows a long drive on hard ground or pavement, or violence of any sort, including long-continued paw�ing or stamping, the blood is determined to the feet by a high and

M^:

352

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

permanent grade of vital action; which is apt to end in change of structure. The acute form is invariably attended with sympto�matic phenomena, so that the patient exhibits all the symptoms of a high fever, attended with intense agony and disturbance of the normal functions. On the other hand subacute laminitis is not so intense nor dangerous, and it differs somewhat in its mode of attack ; it has occasionally a metastatic origin�that is, when disease is transferred to a new seat. For example, a horse suf�fering from pneumonia may be suddenly relieved on the super�vention of laminitis; the disease abandons the interior, and assails the extremities. The translation of disease in this way may some�times be considered salutary. Thus, if such change occur in the system of a horse not enfeebled by age or disease, strong hopes of recovery may be entertained; otherwise the subject is no better off; for it frequently leaves him in that deplorable and utterly, ruined condition denominatedyoMracfer.

Causes of Laminitis. � We have already hinted at some of them, yet the reader must remember that the same agency may at one time only create a predisposition, and at another directly excite the disease. . Predisposing causes are those which produce in the system certain changes which prepare it for the develop�ment of disease; they are slow and gradual in their operation, not cognizable at all times. This is the incubative stage of dis�ease. Exciting causes are those from which diseases seem to have a direct origin, as in metastasis, for example; still it is very difficult, therefore, to decide where the first ends, and the latter commences. The opinion of scientific men must, however, be our guide. Mr. John Field gives the following account of the causes and symptoms of laminitis: �

quot; This disease may be occasioned either by severe work on dry, hard roads, or by inflammation of the lungs, amp;c., whereby, in the former instance, it arises from excessive friction between the sensible and horny laminiB, while in the latte^yjwraquo; the animal constantly standing, an undue and continued stress is laid upon that part. The symptoms are, a hard, strong, and frequent pulse; the animal expresses great pain, and blood sometimes oozes from the coronet, attended with a sinking of the coronary ligament. If the fore feet are affected, he extends thlaquo;m forward, and brings

\$\\\

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his hind legs under his body, to support the weight. If the disease is in the hind legs, he stands on his toes, bringing his fore legs to the centre of gravity. This complaint is accompanied with great heat round the feet, accelerated respiration, and sometimes sweating.

quot; Should the symptoms continue, there is an effusion of coagu�lated lymph or blood between the sensible and the horny laminaj, in consequence of which the coffin bone descends upon the sensi�ble and horny sole, the sole becomes convex, and the front of the hoof is depressed in the centre, or rendered more oblique.quot;

Next to over-exertion and concussion on hard pavements, the drinking of cold water when the animal is heated is the next cause assigned. It is well known to horsemen, that founder often sets in from the latter cause, and also after a hard drive followed by a full meal; and what is founder but an aggravated case of laminitis ?

Treatment of Laminitis. � quot;We have tried various kinds of remedies for this affection, but never found any thing equal to paching, after the fashion of hydropathy. The feet are to be en�closed in bandages saturated with a weak mixture of arnica � eight ounces of tincture of arnica to one gallon of water; the bandages are to be about five yards in length and four inches broad. Before applying the bandage, have the shoes carefully removed, cleanse the feet with soft soap and water, and adapt to each a piece of flat sponge just the size of the sole. This answers the purpose of a soft cushion for the horse to stand on, and at the same time keeps the sole moist. Having now applied the bandage, and secured it with tape, nothing further is needed but to keep the parts moist for several days, readjusting the bandage, how�ever, if it should become loose. The constitutional treatment depends upon circumstances: it may be proper in all cases to keep the patient on thin gruel, scalded mashes, and boiled roofs, and to give an occasional dose of sulphur and cream of tartar. Should the patient evince signs of much agony, give a few drenches of infusion of hops or poppy heads. High inflammatory symptoms are to met with arnica; dose, twenty drops of the tinc�ture every six hours, to be given in clear water; this the animal will generally drink. Should thirst prevail, the drink must be acidulated with cream of tartar, or a few drops of acetic acid. 30*

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CONTRACTION OF TEE KOOF. � (Hoof Bomid.)

Some of the causes of contraction have already been alluded to. (See Quarter Crack.) The prevalent custom of cutting away the bars � which ordinarily support the heels, and prevent their ap�proximation � may be considered, among others, as directly op�erative in producing this deformity, which, in some cases, may be considered in the light of local atrophy � diminished nutrition. Diminished nutrition generally results from disorder in the diges�tive organs, so that contraction of the hoof and indigestion may coexist; although many physicians deny the coexistence of dis�ease. Contraction of this kind is not apt to occasion lameness, because there is a very low grade of vital action in the parts. But contraction is now and then the result of deep-seated disease within the hoof�navicularthritis and laminitis, for example; the animal is then dead lame while the inflammatory diathesis lasts.

Treatment. � Contraction associated with inflammatory action of the tissues or cartilages of the foot must be treated in the same manner as recommended for laminitis: in all cases we must endeavor to give the frog a bearing on the ground; and in order to do this the shoe ought to be removed. A dry, brittle, and con�tracted hoof may be improved by repeated poulticing with soft soap and rye meal, applied cold. So soon as the hoof softens, let itr be dressed, night and morning, with turpentine, linseed oil,.and powdered charcoal, equal parts. Yet, after all, a run at grass in a soft pasture, the animal having nothing more than tips on his feet, is the best treatment. A very popular notion exists, that cow manure has a wonderful effect on a contracted hoof; but it is the candid opinion of the author, and no doubt the reader will coincide, that filth and dirt of every kind are unfavorable to healthy action. Such remedy, aside from its objection on the score of decency, savors too much of by-gone days, when live eels were sent on an errand down horse's throats to unravel their intestines. If any benefit belongs to such an objectionable appli�cation, it is due to the property it possesses of retaining moisture; therefore cold poultices and water are quot;far superior. Clay and moist earth, placed in the stall for the horse to stand on, are far

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inferior to a stuffing of wet oakum, which can be removed at pleasure. In order to keep it in contact with the sole, we have only to insinuate two strips of wood between the sole and shoe; one running lengthwise and the other crosswise of the foot. It affords considerable pressure to the foot, is cooling and cleanly, and is far superior to the above articles.

CAXKEE OF THE FOOT.

This is one of the most intractable diseases with which the veterinary surgeon has to contend. It is a disease somewhat analogous to cancer in the human subject. A true cancer, how�ever, is supposed to have its origin in remote parts; hence the great difficulty in curing it. Dr. Carpenter teaches that quot; can�cerous growths possess a remarkable analogy with the parasitic fungi, which develop themselves in the interior of vegetable and even animal structures; and the supposition long ago entertained, that cancer might be regarded as an independent growth of cor�responding nature, does not now appear so extravagant as it was at one time considered. There can be little doubt that a can�cerous tumor of any size may be developed from a single cell; and it is probable that the origin of such growths in parts distant from their primary centre is to be traced to the conveyance of cancer cells, or of their germs by the circulating current; so that it seems Very difficult to draw a line which shall separate such in�dependent growths on the one hand from the ordinary tissues of the body, and on the other from structures really parasitic. It is interesting to remark, that blood vessels cannot be traced in these productions at an early period of their formation, but that they make their appearance, as in the normal development of the tis�sues, at a later date.quot; quot;We consider canker in the horse to be an abnormal development of the ordinary tissues of the foot; for were it otherwise, we should never be able to cure it. If, however, it appear in other parts of the body, which is a rare occurrence, and assume a malignant aspect, it may be defined as true cancer. A common antecedent of canker is thrush ; its seat is the hind feet, occurring in horses of coarse breed, with ill-shaped hoofs, and diseased frogs, that always emit a fetid odor. In such animals

356

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

there seems to exist a peculiar diathesis favorable to the produc�tion of canker, which, on the occurrence of a simple injury to the foot by the accidental introduction of a nail, or from any other exciting cause, is immediately followed by an extraordinary mor�bid growth'.

Treatment.* � Our first business is to remove the shoe, and cleanse the foot with a weak solution of chloride of soda; the principal part of the morbid growth is then to be dissected off; if any hemorrhage follows, it can be arrested with pledgets of lint saturated with tincture of muriate of iron, or any other styptic; we next sprinkle the whole surface with powdered bloodroot, � sanguinaria canadensis,�then apply a dressing of strong pyro-ligneous acid, and by means of pledgets and bandages, keep a con�tinued pressure on the parts. The foot must be dressed in this manner for several days, occasionally washing it with a solution of alum, sulphate of zinc, or some vegetable astringent � infusion of oak or bayberry bark. Should these remedies fail, we recom�mend the following : Take a saturated solution of common potass, into which stir a suificient quantity of finely-pulverized oatmeal, to form a stiff paste; apply this to any fungous growth, and it will disappear in a very short time. This dressing should be followed by one composed of linseed oil and lime water, equal parts.

* M. Fischer recommends unslaked lime in preference to slaked; his reasons are, quot; The latter becomes with water more unctuous, it adheres better, and causes thicker crusts or sloughs, which more readily become detached. I pro�cure lime as pure as I can, and make it into a paste with water, immediately before application, in order that it may, in that form, reach the sinuses of the foot, after having sprinkled over the cankerous surfaces pure chloride of lime, or else that mixed with pulverized tan, according to circumstances. In cases where the calcined calcareous stone refuses readily to absorb the water, or does not slake, I obviate, in some measure, this inconvenience by making use of boiling water.

quot; First of all, I confine the paste upon the foot with a piece of linen, before I enclose the foot in a boot; otherwise the latter would speedily become de�stroyed by the caustic. At every fresh dressing, i. e. daily, the linen is cal�cined, as it were, by the lime, so that at each dressing fresh linen is called for.quot; � Tramlationsftom the French, by Percimll.

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CUTTING. � {Interfering.)

Horses are said to cut, or interfere, when they strike the inner side of the fetlock joint with the hoof or shoe of the opposite foot. It generally arises either from an unnatural curvature in�wards of the limbs, twisting in of the toe, from shelving of the hoof, and from errors in shoeing. It may also arise in conse�quence of weakness and fatigue, during a long journey over heavy and uneven roads; the subject is apt, also, at such times, � especially when the toe has a faulty position inwards, � to strike on the inside of the knee, and produce an inflammatory swelling, termed speedy cut, which sometimes takes a long time to reduce. It is evident, therefore, that, in order to remedy the evil, we must ascertain its causes ; yet, in the majority of cases, we have to depend on the blacksmith and a careful driver for a cure; the physician has nothing to offer but advice and palliatives.

GENERALITIES.

CRIBBING. �(Cni Biting.')*

The act of cribbing consists in grasping the crib, or a given point, with one or both jaws, at the same time uttering a laryn-geal sound, resembling a grunt. A cribbing horse has generally

* quot; Although the abnormal action with horses known under the appellation of crib biting is so frequently observed, it is still one far from being sufficiently understood. Many of our best veterinary authors have furnished dissertations on the subject; but these present great variety of opinion touching the causes, seat, nature, and consequences of crib biting. Whilst one contends that, in the act, the horse swallows atmospheric air, another contends that the animal ejects air, which act is accompanied with a particular noise, created by gas generated in the stomach. Some say that the habit is injurious to the horses that practise it, and that it frequently renders them valueless; while others maintain that it nowise materially hurts them. The Court (of Appeal) has pronounced in favor of its innocuousness.

quot; By this we are led to distinguish crib biting into that which is acquired by habit, habitual, and that-which is properly so called, and which is spontaneous.

quot; The opinion which regards crib biting as discharging air from the stomach,

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been considered unsound, but we know not on what grounds; for we look upon a horse as sound so long as he can perform the duties of an ordinary horse without inconvenience or lameness: he may have defects, both as regards form and action; but such are not to be construed into unsoundness. It is a remarkable fact that very few cribbers fail to perform the duties required of them. They may, once in a while, have an attack of colic; but

similar to belching in ourselves, is evidently an erroneous one, since it implies that the act is one of absolute necessity. Now, it is well known that by va�rious means we have it in our power to prevent crib biting in some horses for a longer or shorter time; but in doing this we never hear of any evil conse�quences arising from its suppression. Indeed, if such were true, horses ought to blow themselves out with the gas, which, instead of eructating, they are now compelled to retain. And, moreover, did crib biting consist in eructation, gas might make its escape through the nose, and then the animal would have no occasion for that violent movement which characterizes crib biting.

quot; To those who pretend that crib biting consists in swallowing atmospheric air, in order to aid the digestion of horses addicted to the vice, I reply, without entering into any physiological considerations, that if, by any means, the crib biting be put a stop to for several months together, the horse digests quite as well without as with the vice: of this I have often had occasion to convince myself.

quot; The explication given by Professor Gurlt, of crib biting with eructation,* supplies the reason of the difference of opinion we have adverted to, and is quite conformable to what one daily observes. M. Gurlt asserts that the crib biter swallows air, which he the same instant rejects ; but that, neverthe�less, in particular cases, a portion of the air, having descended into the cesopha-gus, does not reascend into the pharynx, but penetrates into the stomach, into which it is forced by the contraction of the wall of the (Esophagus. M. Strant, who has written an admirable memoir on crib biting in horses, admits of the view of the matter taken by Gurlt, which he explains in this way: ' The ani�mal, when he incurvates his head upon his breast, does so to gain a point ctappui, in order to force a certain quantity of atmospheric air into the phar�ynx, and thus overcome, in this act, the natural impediment offered by the velum palati and fauces; the larynx is elevated, while coincident muscular con�traction draws up the fauces to receive the swallowed air. At this moment the horse relaxes in his effort, (crib biters in the air effect the movement in slight elevation of the head,) and then the air swallowed flows back, and escapes with the characteristic sound. With old crib biters we may convince ourselves, by auscultation, that the sound attendant on the act is in truth produced at the moment of the evacuation of the air; and with horses in which the air reaches the stomach, a second faint, supplementary sound may be heard along

* Nachtr�ge zur Fatliologischcn Anatomie, von Gurlt, p. 69.

t Kepertorium des Thierhcilkunde, herau�gcgebeiyron Uering, 1850, p. 190.

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that is not due to cribbing, but to indigestion: still the popular belief is, that cribbing is either the result or cause of colic. The author's opinion is, that cribbing is a habit either ac�quired or hereditary ; that the sound or grunt originates in the vocal organs, from air admitted within them and expelled with�out entering the trachea, and in consequence of air supplied to them from the lungs during expiration. The grunt is evidently

the oesophagus, coming from the air entering the stomachic cavity. This last sound has some analogy to the borborygmi (rumblings) of the bowels.

quot; In this manner we may explain very readily how it happens that some crib biters blow their bellies out very much in the act, while in others nothing of the kind happens; so that in some horses the vice really proves prejudicial, while others seem hardly at all decreased in real worth by it.

quot; Hurtzel d'Arboval, and numerous veterinary authors with him, have sought the cause of crib biting in the digestive organs; but, in perusing this author's article on the subject, it is easy to perceive that he has collected exceptions to establish a general rule, and has mistaken the effect for the cause. Indeed, the medical opinions of this writer savor too much of the gastro-intcstinal organs being the seat of diseases obscure in their nature.

quot; I know many crib biting horses, but I am not acquamted with one instance in which the vice has proved decidedly {sensiblement) prejudicial, providing, as is done in my part of the country, measures he taken to hinder horses having it biting the crib any great deal. Many farmers, indeed, possessing such horses, regard them, though perhaps through prejudice, as their most hardy workers. I often find a single crib biter in a farmer's stable, where, perhaps, he has been for many years among the other horses, where he has acquired this evil habit, without the farmer's being at all able to divine the cause. And I have possessed a harness colt, which no sooner was separated from his dam to be tied up in a stall, than he commenced crib biting, without ever before having shown the slightest tendency that way. He is at present six or seven years of age, and still bites the crib. If crib biting, as some pretend, consists in swallowing air to serve the purposes of digestion, certainly this colt ought to have ill digested his food during the time he was kept from practising it; and if there results from the act the generating of gas in the stomach, the animal from this cause would have found himself disordered during his abstinence from crib biting.

quot; In general, crib biting ought rather to be regarded as a vicious habit than as a disease: as the latter I have never been able to regard it. Horses that are old crib biters present the inconvenience of being slow feeders; they require a good deal to satisfy them ; and those which generate air in their stomachs are very subject to attacks of meteorizatiou. To obviate such inconveniences, the following means have been recommended: either the ordinary crib-biting strap, or an iron T, whose branches so embrace the throttle as to prevent the horse's arching his neck after the peculiar manner in which he prepares for the act and accomplishes it.quot;

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an expiratory murmur, and tbe air necessary for producing such is derived from one of these sources. Some contend that the animal swallows wind, and thus creates flatulency, colic, amp;c.; but the idea is perfectly ridiculous. It is our firm belief, based upon a knowledge of the structure of the parts involved in the mechanism of respiration, that neither man nor horse, by volun�tary act, ever has power to swallow atmospheric air. The organs of respiration and deglutition differ so materially in their anatomical and physiological relations � have each special func�tions to perform � that it is impossible for one to perform the function of the other, which would be the case if a horse actually swallowed wind, � atmospheric air, � and then, as some others contend, regurgitated it.* On these grounds, we question, there�fore, the correctness of either theory. If horses possessed the power of eructating wind or gas from the stomach, we might expect, in violent cases of flatulency, to notice its escape in this way, which the author has never yet been able to do. drib biting, therefore, being nothing but a habit or vice, can only be corrected by means and appliances which prevent the subject from indulging in it. In this view, all sorts of contrivances have been resorted to, and among them was one which was invented by Sir Peter Laurie. The space between the bottom of the hay rack and the outer edge of the manger is boarded over, forming a steep inclined plane, leaving, in this way, no edge or point on which the horse can fix his jaw. Attached is a flap or slide, opened only at meal time. The author uses common bar soap as a preventive, which is to be rubbed on the edge and outside of the crib, and renewed as often as necessary.

* The saliva hos the property of enclosing within its globules, during the process of mastication, a small quantity of atmospheric air; but we never knew of its doing any harm: it may, possibly, answer some useful purpose in diges�tion, and we strongly suspect that in that wonderful laboratory, the stomach, it is decomposed.

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POLL EVIL.

quot; Poll evil results either from neglect or abuse.quot;

Poll evil generalJy makes its appearance about the nape of the neck, in the form of an inflammatory swelling, which, if not ar�rested, ends in abscess and fistula. It generally proceeds from blows or bruises. Horses that are located in low-roofed stables are apt to strike the poll against the beams or ceiling; and a frequent repetition of the act always ends in induration or poll evil. Some horses are very restless in the stall, and are con�stantly jerking their heads upward, especially if tethered too short; in consequence, the parts which come in contact with the upper part of the head-stall are bruised; the injury is not often perceived until considerable tumefaction and unhealthy suppura�tion have set in ; the case then becomes exceedingly difficult to cure, and may wear out the patience of all concerned. Exces�sive friction on the nape of the neck, from bridle or halter, or the pressure of either on the parts, from their being fastened on the head too tightly, are most fertile in producing this malady. Other causes are operative in producing poll evil that we shall just barely allude to, (merely in view of prevention.) It is well known that the poll is a part which very seldom makes the ac�quaintance of either brush or currycomb; yet it is the recep�tacle for considerable dust and filth: owing to the accumulation of either, a cutaneous eruption arises, the itching sensation of which causes the horse to rub whenever he can get a chance; the evil goes on, until what was at first superficial now be�comes deep-seated, by mere contiguity of tissue. The bungling and oftentimes cruel manner of forcing a small collar on a large horse � pulling first this way and then that, now a tug, then a jerk, and perhaps a blow with the whip stick � is not inoper�ative, to say the least, in producing this malady. Some men are in the constant habit of bracing the horse's head downward with the martingale, so as to bring the mouth and chest in close prox�imity ; and they seldom consider that the strain comes on the horse's poll: the pressure of the bridle from without, and the unyielding nature of the bones of the neck, bruise the interme-31

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diate soft tissues, and poll evil is the result. Notwithstanding all this, poll evil is of rather rare occurrence.

Poll evil i? first noticed in the form of an oval tumor, hot and tender, situated directly in the region of the nape, mostly inclin�ing to one side ; in the suppurative stage, and when the matter is deep-seated, scarcely any fluctuation can be felt; when, however, the matter lies directly beneath the skin, or in the cellular tis�sues, the reverse is the case. The suppurative finally runs into the ulcerative stage; we then observe chasms and sinuses, simi�lar to those observed in fistula of the withers, and finally the bones become involved in the disease.

Treatment. � In the early stage, a sort of antiphlogistic treat�ment is the best. The patient should be kept on a light diet, have a dose of cooling medicine, and the parts should be kept constantly wet by means of cold water bandages ; for an indo�lent sort of tumor we substitute a solution of vinegar and salt. Continue this treatment for a few days. Should the tumor increase in size, and have a soft, fluctuating feel, apply a poultice of linseed. quot;We must not wait for the tumor to break of itself; but as soon as matter can be distinctly felt, let it be opened at the lower margin, instead of its summit; by this means the matter can pass off as fast as it forms. It will be prudent to make a pretty large opening, so that no obstruction shall exist to the free and full discharge of matter, which must be pressed out. It is customary in such cases to apply poultices in view of pro�moting the discharge; instead of poultice, the author uses a paste composed of sugar, soap, and powdered bloodroot, equal parts; these are to be rubbed together in a mortar, and spread on cotton cloth, about the thickness of a dollar, and thus applied to the tumor, to be secured by bandage. In the majority of cases, however, the author endeavors, after having opened the abscess, to put a stop to the suppurative process in the following manner : Having punctured the tumor, and pressed out as much as possible of morbid accumulation, take a six or eight ounce syringe, and inject the cavity several times with tincture of iodine; after doing so, cram into the chasm a portion of salt and bloodroot, equal parts; put a cold water ^ad on the eminence, and encircle it with a roller, passed around the head and neck in

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the usual mannei¹, as tight as circumstances permit. On the following day the bandage is to be removed, the part washed and dressed, and a small quantity of tincture of iodine injected, and bandaged as before. This treatment must be followed up for several days, at the end of which, should the discharge have decreased, and other symptoms appear favorable, the chances are in favor of a cure. Our object in this treatment is to excite ad�hesive inflammation, by means of which, accompanied by pres�sure, the surfaces of the interior are glued together.

Cases, however, occur which set at defiance all our skill. In such the ligamentary, tendinous, fleshy, and bony structures are involved, perhaps accompanied with fistulas, running in various directions, like so many pipes or drains; and the difficulty of closing the latter is, that they acquire a mucous lining; and all mucous canals are very difficult to unite. The only remedy in such cases is the knife : the part must be laid open and all fistu-lous pipes dissected out. Should a portion of bone be diseased, that must also be removed. The chasm is then to be cleansed with a solution of chloride of lime, or pyroligneous acid; its edges brought together by suture, leaving an orifice at the lower part for the discharge of matter. Our object must still be to heal by adhesion, as already described. Should we fail in this, and the part assume a morbid type, inject and dress it with

Spirits of turpentine,}

Pyroligneous acid, t . . . equal parts.

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Fir balsam has also a very good effect on indolent and morbid parts. So soon, however, as the parts show a disposition to heal, dress with tincture of aloes and myrrh.

Our treatment must not be altogether of a local character; we must attend to the general health, and keep the bowels soluble. Sulphur, sassafras, and cream of tartar are the best remedies.

FISTULA OP THE WITHERS.

This disease does not differ from the preceding one, except in location : fistula of the withers, however, is more common than poll evil; and this arises in consequence of the withers being

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more exposed to injury than the poll. Of the two diseases, fis�tula is the more formidable; for the sinuses often burrow deep between the shoulder blade and spinous processes, in various directions, so that it becomes both dilEcult and dangerous to search for them. For the treatment of fistula the reader is re�ferred to Poll Evil

DOCKING.

Fashion and convenience seem to require that horses must submit to have their caudal appendages shortened. Yet that fashion which condemns a poor uncomplaining brute to torture merely for the caprice of his owner is to be deplored, especially when performed after the horrid fashion of some who seem to pay no regard to the feelings of the subject, while mangling and searing sensitive tissues that are as susceptible to pain as those in our race. It is useless, however, for the author to offer any arguments against a practice so long established; he, therefore, proposes to point out the best means of docking.

The animal should be cast, and brought under the influence of chloroform; an assistant then depresses the tail into its natural position ; the point of amputation having been selected, the oper�ator feels for a joint or articulation, just posterior to which he commences a circular incision, carrying the knife right round the tail to the point of commencement, cutting down to the fascia. The integuments are then to be forcibly drawn upwards, while the operator disarticulates the joint by making an incision right through it. The coccygeal arteries are to be drawn out with a pair of forceps, and secured by ligature. The integuments, in�stead of being retracted above the lower end of the bone, are now below it, and thus can be made to protect it from injuries. Two or three stitches are now needed to approximate the edges of the wound, and the operation is finished, without much loss of blood, and with little if any pain to our subject. Here the red-hot iron and guillotine, � a docking machine always puts us in mind of one, � are dispensed with, to the honor of our calling and benefit of our noble patient. The after treatment is very simple; cold water, or some tincture of aloes, will complete the cure. If they should not, owing to profuse suppuration, use pyroligneous acid, and give a dose of medicine.

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The common methods of performing this operation is by means of a docking machine, or other sharp instrument, which takes off the tail at one stroke; but the operator, unless he understands his business, often finds he has severed one of the bones of the tail and left behind some projecting spiculce, which afterwards have to be removed. To stanch hemorrhage a red-hot iron is applied to the stump ; and this is the most barbarous proceeding of the whole, for it is only necessary to seal the arteries with a pointed budding-iron, brought to a white heat, and merely touch them with the same. For if the iron be not sufficiently hot, or should it be kept in contact with the part too long, it will bring away an eschar, and thus the process has to be repeated. The common iron, with a hole in the centre, used for closing the arte�ries, is objectionable, because it is calculated to come in contact with the muscles of the tail, and must necessarily contract them, and leave the bone more exposed. But there is, actually, no necessity for cauterization, for the artery can be secured by lig�ature in less time than it requires to sear it.

WOUNDS.

The treatment of wounds depends altogether upon their nature and cause. It is very difficult in the horse � although not so in man � to heal a wound by what is called quot;first intentionquot; which means union by medium of coagulable lymph without suppuration. The definition of wound, technically, is, a solution of continuity in the soft parts, produced by some mechanical agent. Wounds are divided into incised, contused, lacerated, punctured, and penetrating.

Incised Wounds.

Incised wounds are those inflicted by sharp instruments. On the human body they often heal without any subsequent inflam�mation beyond what nature sets up in the restorative process; but the difficulty in the horse is, that we cannot always keep the parts in contact, and therefore it is not so easy to unite them. In many cases, after having been at the trouble to adjust by 31*

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sutures the edges of divided parts, and when all seems going on favorably, the animal gets his head round, and tears the wound opan afresh, so that our labor is all in vain. This puts a damper on healing hy first intention. There are several other difficulties in the way of healing by this method, well known to anatomists. We shall just merely refer to the principal one, because it may satisfy the reader that some wounds had better not be sutured, for they put the subject to a great deal of pain for no pur�pose. Horses, as well as some other animals, have, in lieu of hands, a peculiar muscular arrangement under the skin, by means of which they can shake off flies and other foreign bodies; and it is owing to the facility with which they can jerk or move the skin that we often fail in uniting flesh wounds. Other ob�stacles are to be met with, both in relation to the size of the wound and as regards its anatomical direction. If the wound is seen immediately after infliction, and there seems to be the least probability of healing by first intention, we place a twitch on the horse's nose, and examine the part. If there be found neither dirt nor foreign body of any kind, the blood had better not be washed off; for this is the best healing material in the woi'ld. The edges are then to be brought together by interrupted sutures, taking care not to include the hair between the edges of the wound, for that would effectually prevent union; Nothing more is needed but to secure the animal so that he cannot get at it. If he is to be kept in the stable, without exercise, for any length of time, he had better be put on half diet. Pure air will not hurt him !

Contused Wounds.

These are generally occasioned by hooks, or some blunt body connected with the harness or vehicle. They generally leave a gaping wound with bruised edges. We have only to remember that nature possesses the power of repairing injuries of this kind � of filling up the parts and covering them with new skin ; all we have to do is, to attend to the general health of the animal, and keep the wound in a healthy condition. Our usual applica�tion is the compound tincture of myrsh. If the part assume an unhealthy aspect, a charcoal poultice will rectify that. If snob

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cannot be applied, owing to the situation of the wound, dress it with pyroligneous acid.

Lacerated Wounds.

Lacerated wounds are generally in the form of a rent rather than cut, inflicted (as we have seen cases) by the calking of a shoe tearing off the integuments and-subcellular tissue, leaving a sort of triangular flap. In these cures we generally employ sutures, and treat them the same as incised wounds.

Punctured Wounds.

Punctured wounds are those inflicted by a pointed body, as a nail in the foot, point of a fork, or splinter of wood. These are the most dangerous kinds of wounds, for they are frequently the cause of fistula and locked-jaw.

We make it an invariable rule, in the treatment of punctured wounds, to first examine by probe or otherwise, and remove any foreign body that may be present, and then poultice with flaxseed, into which we stir a small quantity of fir balsam. In puncture of the foot by nail, instead of plastering it with tar, and forcing a tent into the orifice, and then covering the sole with leather, as most blacksmiths are wont to do, we have the shoe taken off, the foot washed clean, and a moderately warm poultice applied, and renewed daily, until the suppurative stage commences. That once established, we consider our patient safe; for many men, as well as animals, have lost their lives from the absorption of pus formed in the wound after the external breach had healed. When a bone is injured by the point of a nail, or fork, the cure is rather tedious; the primary means, however, are the same. The poultices may be followed by astringent injections, as alum water, amp;c. In case of injury to the bone, we use pyroligneous acid; to be thrown into the wound by means of a small syringe. If extensive disease of the bone sets in, the services of a veter�inary surgeon will be required. A very profuse or unhealthy discharge from a punctured wound must be met by constitutional remedies. Sulphur and sassafras, to the amount of half an

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ounce each, every other day, to the amount of three or four doses, will arrest the morbid phenomenon. The local remedy in all cases of this kind is diluted acetic or pyroligneous acid. For the treatment of a fistulous opening, see Fistula. For puncture of joints, see Open Joint,

Penetrating Wounds

Are inflicted by the horns of cattle, stakes, shafts, amp;c., and have to be treated according to the nature of the case. A pene�trating wound of the walls of the abdomen is generally followed by protrusion of the intestine; this has to be returned; the wound is then closed by strong sutures, and the belly must be encircled with a long bandage. In such cases we generally keep the bowels soluble with scalded shorts, well seasoned with salt, and empty the rectum occasionally by enema.

Penetrating Wound op Intestine.

To illustrate the mode of procedure when the intestine is wounded, the following case is introduced: We were called to see a three-year-old colt that had been gored by a cow. The animal had a wound on the off side, about four inches in length, in the iliac region, through which a portion of the small intes�tine protruded. On exploring the breach, it was found to run in a slanting direction, and as it approached the peritoneum, was found quite small, scarcely admitting the little finger; here the bowel was both strangulated and lacerated, the intestinal open�ing being external to the stricture. Before proceeding to cast the horse, a twitch was placed on the nose, and the edges of the wounded intestine were neatly sewed together with a very fine suture needle. Our reason for doing this before casting was, lest in the animal's struggles the bowel might recede, and give us some trouble in getting hold of it again. There was not much danger of it, however; still we wanted to he on the safe side. The intestinal wound was not produced by the cow's horn, but took place some three hours afterwards, and two before we saw the case, in the following manner: the protruded bowel had

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become,distended with gas, and according to the owner's account, �was about the size of his two fists. The animal, probably being in pain, got down and rolled on the injured side, and thus burst the gut. After sewing up the wounded intestine, it was cleansed with warm water, and attempts were made to return it within the abdomen, but to no purpose. quot;We then cast the patient, and, by means of a bundle of straw on each side, propped him on his back; the bowel did not return so easily as we had expected, for it was found necessary to dilate the stricture by means of a but�ton-pointed bistoury. The several layers of abdominal muscles were then sutured with as much nicety as the nature of the wound admitted; and lastly the integuments were brought to�gether by interrupted suture. This case terminated unfavor�ably, for the animal died on the sixth day from peritonitis. It may be well to observe that the accident happened on a very cold day, in the depth of winter; and the bowel being so long exposed to the depressing influence of cold, probably led to the fatal result; for it is well known that operations of this kind often prove successful. It may be interesting to the reader to know that wounds of the intestines heal as readily as those of other parts, as the following cases will show: �

quot; An incision one inch and a half in length was made in the bowels of a dog; the wound of the integuments was closed by suture; the animal was scarcely affected by the operation, took food as usual, and had natural evacuations. At the end /of a fortnight, when perfectly recovered, he was killed for the purpose of examining the bowel, when the wound appeared to be com�pletely healed.

quot; In the eighteenth volume of the Philosophical Transactions a similar experiment is related by Mr. quot;W. Cooper: ' An opening was made'in the abdomen of a dog; a large wound was made in the intestines, and the wound in the abdomen was stitched up, amp;c.; the dog recovered without any bad symptoms, and became perfectly well in a few days after.' It should be observed that the bowel does not appear to have been stitched up when re�turned into the belly. The following experiment by Mr. Travers is still more remarkable: ' A ligature of thin packthread was firmly tied round the first intestine � duodenum�of a dog, so

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as completely to obstruct it; the, ends of the strings were cut off, and the parts returned; the wound in the abdomen was closed, and the animal expressed no sign of suffering when the opera�tion was concluded. On the following day he was frequently sick, and vomited some milk that was given him; hia respiration was hurried. Third day his sickness continued, and he vomited some bilious fluid. Fifth day he passed a copious stool of the same appearance as the fluid discharged by vomiting; his sick�ness from this time ceased, and his breathing was natural; he took bread and milk, and drank abundantly of water. Seventh day he had three similar evacuations, and appeared well, eating animal food freely. On the fifteenth day, his cure being estab�lished, he was killed for the purpose of examination. The liga�ture which was fastened around the intestine divided the interior coats of the gut, in this respect resembling the operation of a ligature upon an artery; the peritoneal or outer coat alone maintained its integrity. The inflammation which- the liga�ture induces on either side of it is terminated by the depo�sition of a coat of lymph, exterior to the ligature; this quickly becomes organized ; and the ligature, thus enclosed, is liberated by the ulcerative process, falls of necessity into the canal, and passes off by stool.' quot; � Tracers on Injuries.

Penetrating Wounds of the Chest.

Wounds of this character are not fatal, provided the lungs or heart are not perforated. All that can be done is to suture the wound, pass several turns of a roller round the chest, and adopt such constitutional means as the case seems to require.

WORMS.

Animal parasites are sometimes found in the intestinal canal of a horse in very large numbers ; they often exist without producing any perceptible disturbance in the economy; yet in some cases they unquestionably produce irritation, suffering, and ill health. The usual disease with which worms are connected is indigestion, known by fetid breatttj tucked up belly, staring

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coat, loss of flesh, voracious appetite, and slimy stools. Worms � excepting bots � are supposed by some to be of spontaneous origin; but our opinion is, that they are the result of a per�verted state of the parts in which they appear. The long, round worm is an inhabitant of the small intestines; and the pin or thread worm is generally found in the large intestines and rec�tum.

Treatment. � Various are the remedies used for the expulsion of worms : the chief are, wood ashes, poplar bark, sulphur, salt, castor oil, turpentine, calomel, tartar emetic, and aloes; either of which will sometimes bring away a quantity of worms. But the difficulty does not end here ; the worms will generate so long as that morbid habit which gives rise to them exists. Hence the course invariably pursued by the author is to change the morbid habit by alteratives and vermifuges * combined. The following is a good example of the same : �

* quot; In this inquiry the principal experiments were performed by immersing the worms of dogs, cats, and other of the lower animals, in milk or fluid albu�men, at a temperature of about 77deg; Fahrenheit, and then adding the vermifuge of the fluid. Electricity was employed to test the actual death of the worm.

quot; Tape Worms. � The decoction of kousso and milk proved fatal in half an hour ; turpentine and albumen from one hour to one hour and a quarter j de�coction of pomegranate bark and milk or albumen, in from three hours to three hours and a half; ethereal extract of male fern with albumeu in from three hours and a half to four hours; and castor oil with albumen in eight hours. Therefore kousso appears to be by far the most potent of the vir-mifuges.

quot; Tape worms placed in a salad containing onions and garlic, and dressed with vinegar and oil, died in about eight hours.

quot; Dolichos pruriens appeared to exert no poisonous influence, nor did brown oxide of copper; though the latter excited violent mischief in the intestines of a cat, to which it was administered.

quot; Round Worms. � Santonine dissolved in castor oil caused death in about ten minutes; but santonine in milk or in albumen had no appreciable influ�ence ; creosote caused death within two hours; common salt in from two to six hours; and the roe of the herring, or flour of mustard, in four hours. Turpen�tine and albumen, or petroleum, or oil of cajeput and albumen, were upon a par with common salt. A salad containing garlic and onions caused death in from ten to fifteen hours; garlic acid, pomegranate root, and vinegar operated fatally in about eleven hours; but kousso and the other astringents required from twenty-four to thirty hours before they produced this result. Ordinary bisters acted very slowly and unsatisfactorily.

quot; From these experiments Dr. K. recommends that, to the cure of round

�

372

THE MODERN HOUSE DOCTOR.

White mustard seed, (whole,)nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; ]

Powdered mandrake,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;j

Sulphur,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;? o^f ^eac'¹ ² ounces,

Powdered wormseed, {chempodium anthehniiUicum,) ]

Salt, ginger, and charcoal,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; J

Poplar bark,..................1 pound.

Mix. Dose, one ounce, night and morning, in the food. Under th^ exhibition of this medicine, aided by proper dietary regula�tions, the animal will gradually improve in condition, and in the course of a short time the worms will disappear. Should the rectum abound in pin worms, an injection of salt will be indicated.

The following vermifuge is occasionally prescribed by the author, and it has, in some cases, brought away large quantities of worms: �

Castor oil............12 ounces.

Oil of wormseed,........1 ounce.

Oil of tansy,..........3 drachms.

To be given on an empty stomach, followed by mashes oi fine feed or shorts, well seasoned with salt. To be repeated, if ne�cessary, until the bowels respond.

NICKING.

Nicking is another fashionable barbarism that very few horses escape. The world of horsemen have decided, no tail no horse ; and if an animal does not describe an angle of forty-five with his tail, he is said to carry none. In order, therefore, to find a ready purchaser, an owner is often compelled to have his horse nicked, in order to make him appear more graceful. The opera�tion, as performed in England, is thus described by Surgeon White: �

quot; The operation consists in making three incisions in the under part of the tail, extending quite across, or as far as there is no hair produced. The first cut should be about two or three inches

worms, a mixture of santonine and castor oil should be made, in proportion of from two to five grains of the former to one ounce of the latter, and a tea-spoonful of this given until the desired effect is produced; and along with this he recommends salt and mustard, with oniuns and garlic, to be added to the diet of the patient.quot; � Report on Practical Medicine, by Dr. K�chenmeister.

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from the base of the tail, and a similar space should be left be�tween the first and second, and second and third incisions. On making the second incision, if the first has been sufficiently deep, part of the muscle will protrude, which must be drawn out and cut off. The bleeding is to be stopped by pledgets of tow firmly bound on. The tail is now to be kept in an elevated position by means of a cord tied to the end of it, Snd passed over a pulley with a weight attached to the other end of the cord. It is need�less to give a particular description of this part of the process, as the apparatus may be seen in any horse dealer's stable, where it is always kept ready. It will be necessary to keep the horse in the pulleys from three weeks to a month. The morning after the operation, the bandage must be loosened or cut through on the back part of the tail, or severe inflammation may be the con�sequence. The weight applied to raise the tail must at first be moderate, not exceeding two or three pounds; but about the sixth day it may be increased to four or five pounds. No kind of dressing is necessary during the process ; the loosened band�ages will fall off about the third or fourth day, and leave large gaping wounds, which will gradually fill up, and be completely healed in three weeks. When the horse has been in the pulleys about a week, he should be taken out for a short time, and led up and down, in order to see in what manner he carries his tail. If it is not sufficiently raised, it may be necessary to put the trans�verse line, upon which the double pulley runs, a little farther forward towards the head of the stall, that the tail may be brought more over the horse's back; and should he carry it on one side, the pulley must be so confined as to keep it on the op�posite side for a sufficient time to make him carry it straight. A similar examination should be made daily, and he should have a little exercise.quot;

The usual mode of operating in the United States, is to make a sub-cutaneous section of the muscles, known as depressores coccygis, the use of which are to depress the tail. The knife is introduced as near to the anus as possible on one side of the tail, between the bone and muscle; then, with a sort of sawing motion, � the back of the knife being towards the bones, � the muscle is divided, which may be known by the edge of the knife 32

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coming in contact with the integuments. This is repeated on the other side, and the operation is finished. The horse is generally fettered by a rope from the neck, secured to each hind leg ; he has also a twitch on the nose. This operation, when performed in a skilful manner, is, probably, superior to that recommended by quot;White, which leaves a large cicatrix, very objectionable to Ameri�can horsemen. It not unfrequently happens that horses lose an enormous quantity of blood after the operation ; but that results from want of anatomical knowledge. The coccygeal arteries are severed, which the surgeon knows how to avoid. Amateur oper�ators often find that the subject of their experiment is seized with locked-jaw; and in other cases the tail curves laterally towards the body. In the former, some unnecessary mangling has been performed, and in the latter case, one of the curvatores coccygis has been partly or wholly severed, which allows the associate muscle on the other side to draw the tail that way. Hence the necessity for skilful operators.

METEOEIZATION. � {Tympanic State of the Abdomen.)

Meteorization is a tympanitic state of the abdomen, that takes place in acute diseases suddenly and unexpectedly, as does the appearance of a meteor in the heavens. � Hooper.

The following article is translated by Mr. Percivall from the Eec. de Med. Vet.

Puncture of the CcEcum. � ( Cure.) � A light harness geld�ing, seven years old, after having eaten a good allowance of oats and bran, was employed to draw a load of dung from Paris to Creteil. He had no sooner arrived when he was attacked with violent colics; his belly became rapidly blown out, when, in consequence of suffocation being threatened, the carter imme�diately brought him to the veterinary school.

On his arrival his respiration was highly accelerated ; nostrils dilated; countenance anxious; flank so blown out that the pro�cess of the ileum is almost effaced; pulse very small, quick, and wiry, amp;c. Eectal exploration discovered that the large intes�tines contained but little solid matter, but werp mostly distend�ed with gas. From time to time quot;the animal made violent

THE MODERN HOUSE DOCTOR.

expulsive efforts, and wlien left to himself he lies down and rolls, amp;c.

Diagnostic. � Meteorization consecutive on indigestion.

Prescription. � V. S.; continual walking exercise; simple clysters; drink of assafoetida 15 grammes, (about 9 iv.,) with a like quantity of camphor. No relief being afforded in an hour afterwards, a drink of aloetic oil, composed of a pint and a half of oil with 10 grammes (about 5 j) of Barbadoes aloes.

Two hours after the administration of this drink, there had been no evacuation of either solid or gaseous matter from the anus.' The pulse had become small and depressed; the skin cold; the respiration anxious, sighing, and short. Asphyxia threatening, the indication is, if we would prevent it, and so save the animal, we must do something instantly. Puncture of the cjecum was determined on.

The skin was penetrated with a sharp, straight bistoury at the most salient part in the flank, about the middle of an imaginary . straight line extended horizontally from the angle of the ileum to the last rib, and, for want of a larger trocar, we made use of one of Guerin's, which is used for injections into the.joints. This instrument was plunged perpendicularly, with one thrust, through the muscular parietes of the abdomen, so as to penetrate the arch of the caecum, which it did with facility, the resistance of the skin having been previously surmounted by the incision made by the bistoury. The stillette was no sooner withdrawn from the wound than the gas made an impetuous eruption to es�cape, followed by frothy matters, and spreading around an em-pyreumatic vegetable odor.

At length, this current was on a sudden interrupted, on account of the canula being so short that it slipped out of the gut as soon as the latter came to subside and retire from proximity with the parietes. This first result obtained by puncture proving insuffi�cient, we were compelled to renew the operation. A first incision was made through the skin in a part of the flank nearer to the lumbar vetebrse, and again the trocar was plunged through the abdominal muscles in a direction nearly parallel with the trans�verse lumbar processes. In this way the instrument penetrated the most prominent part of the csecal arch, and at a point where

376nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;rnii mo�ekn huusk �octok.

the retraction of the gut was not to be feared so much, to alter the parallelism between the aperture through the gut and that through the skin. This gave issue to a prolonged flow of gaseous fluids having a repulsive odor; and with the efflux the parietes gradually lost their distention, and the respiration became fuller and freer. The canula was retained in the aperture until the current of gas ceased, and then was with�drawn. The belly had now recovered its former dimensions and suppleness.

The horse was relieved. His countenance had changed for the better ; but his pulse was depressed and his skin cold. In order to produce reaction, his body was ordered to be envel�oped in two cloths dipped in cold water, and over that to be placed six dry cloths, and he was to be left to himself in a stable made hot. In twenty minutes a very strong reaction had be�come established in the skin; the hands introduced underneath the cloths experienced great heat; the pulse had recovered its fulness, and with it the peristaltic action of the intestines had become restored ; for the animal now continually passed gas and excrementitious solid matters. From this moment all colicky symptoms disappeared.

Now, however, that all apprehension from gaseous indiges�tion was over, there remained behind such as might arise as consequences of the operation, among which the chief was peri�tonitis. To meet this, bloodletting was practised, and a large sinapism put upon his belly. The next morning the horse ap�peared in full spirits, drawing his provender out of his rack; and the quantity of accumulated fsecal matters he had evacuated showed the canal to be perfectly free. On the eleventh day after his admission, he returned to his master quite recovered.

PROTRUSION OF THE PENIS. � (PampAymosw.)

Paraphymosis consists of a contraction of the prepuce around, and posterior to, the glans penis. It is generally considered as an inflammatory tumefaction of the glans, accompanied or not with cellular effusion. The remedies are, aperient medicine,

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cold water applications by means of suspensory bandages, and light diet. lu cases that resist the ordinary remedies, the stric�ture must be divided.

URETKRAL GLEET. � (Blenorrhagia.)

Blenorrhagia is a simple augmented secretion of mucous matter from the urethra, not communicable by contact. It is supposed to be identical with nasal gleet. The worst case the author has ever seen occurred in a stallion which had covered one hundred and twenty mares during a single season. He had a copious dis�charge of white mucus from the urethra, unattended by symp�toms of pain in voiding urine. This is the diagnostic symptom ; for if there be any symptoms of pain or inflammatory action, at�tended with tumefaction of the glans penis, and variations in the color and consistence of the discharge, the case is then one of gonorrhoea, capable of being communicated by contact. Such a disease has never yet come undlaquo;r the author's observation. Still, if gonorrhoea owes its origin to inflammation, � as some contend, �we cannot see how horses can enjoy immunity from it; there�fore veterinarians must be prepared to treat it. In the case just alluded to, blenorrhagia arose from excessive action of the generative organs. For this complaint the animal was drenched daily with a portion of the following mixture : �

Balsam copaiba, .......nbsp; nbsp;2 ounces,

Sweet spirits of nitre,......nbsp; nbsp;1 ounce,

Sirup of garlic,....... .nbsp; nbsp;bounces,

Mucilage of gum Arabic, ....nbsp; nbsp;1 pint.

Dose, half a gill.

The penis and sheath were sponged three times #9632; a day with cold water, and the patient was kept from mares. Under the treatment he recovered. The same remedies are efficient for the treatment of leucorrhoea, occurring in mares, in which cool�ing applications or astringents are applied to the vagina. 32 *

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GLANDEES AND FARCY. Glanders.

It is a notorious fact, that many valuable horses, in this coun�try, are yearly sacrificed at the shrine of ignorance; having been pronounced by their owners as glandered, simply because they have a discharge from the nostrils, accompanied by enlarged maxillary glands.* And we do not hesitate to say that many such horses might, by proper medical treatment, be restored to health.

Mr. R. quot;Vines, V. S., says, quot;All the symptoms of disease which constitute glanders and farcy invariably depend on the unhealthy state of the system into which it is reduced or brought, and not, as is supposed, from a specific poison contained in the blood; and these symptoms of disease are found to depend on, and arise from, a variety of causes ; whether they occur at the latter states or stages of common inflammatory diseases, such as strangles, common cold, distemper, disease of the lungs, dropsy, amp;c., or whether they arise independently of such causes; for when the system is brought into an unhealthy state, and is more or less debilitated from neglect, or by the improper treatment of any of these diseases, farcy or glanders is the result. The diseases of every animal will, therefore, assume a character ac�cording to the state of the system.quot;

Mr. Percivall, V. S., says, quot; The state of the body, or consti�tution, will always have considerable influence on the character and tendency of disease. In horses whose bodies are and have long been in an unthriving and unhealthy condition, a common swollen leg -will occasionally run into farcy, and a common cold or strangles, or an attack of influenza, be followed by glanders. In other cases, such unfortunate sequels will supervene without any ostensible or discoverable cause.quot;

We have no doubt that a case of glanders may be induced

under the following circumstances: Suppose we select a horse �

and many such may be found in this city � whose general health

shall be itripaired ; let such animal be exposed to the merciless

�c * In glanders, it is the lymphatic, submaxillary glands that are affected

THE MODERN HOKSE DOCTOR.

379

stoi'm for several hours, and he will take what is termed, in popular language, a quot; cold.quot; Let him now be treated according to the principles of the quot; kill or cure systemquot; � bleeding and purging. The secretions then become impaired ; loss of appetite sets in; the quot; coat stares;quot; there is a dull, sleepy appearance about the animal, and a discharge from the nostrils, at first thin and opaque, but which soon acquires a tenacious and acrimonious character ; it finally assumes a putrid type, and decomposes parts of the mucous surfaces ; ulcerations of the cartilage of the nose follow, and we have a pure case of glanders. Then, as another illustration, let us suppose that the function of the skin be im�paired, and the animal be confined in � hot and crowded stable. Under these circumstances, the lungs have an extra amount of labor to perform, and soon become incapacitated. We then have deposits of morbific matter on the mucous membrane, which corrode, accumulate, and finally result in tubercle of the lungs.

quot;When horses take cold, there is a loss of equilibrium between the internal and external relations. The reader must bear in mind that the mucous membrane, which lines the internal cavi�ties, is a duplicature of the external surface; but not being ex�posed, like the skin, to the action of external agents, it is not so strong nor so dense as the latter ; yet it performs nearly the same office. If the action of one is suppressed, the other imme�diately commences to perform the extra work ; hence a common cold, which contracts the excrementitious vessels of the external surface, also checks insensible perspiration. Morbific materials now recede to the mucous membrane, producing a discharge either from the nose or eyes ; in some cases, however, pro�ducing diarrhoea.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;' .

Whenever a horse has taken cold, the prudent owner will en�deavor to force a crisis, that is, to relax the external surface,� or, in other words, promote insensible perspiration, � which can easily be accomplished through the aid of warmth, moisture, and irritants externally, and by giving sudorific and antispasmodic medicines internally. The stricture, if we may so term it, of the surface, being thus relaxed, permits the egress of morbific mat�ter, which would otherwise be thrown on the lungs or kidneys. If there is not sufficient power in the system to determine

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action to the surface, then diffusible stimulants may be re�sorted to.

Improper stable management is a more frequent cause of catarrh, glanders, and farcy than any other. The air which is necessary for the purposes of respiration must be pure, or it will irritate the lining membrane of the bronchia and their ramifica�tions. Professor Coleman relates a case which proves to demon�stration the fatal agency of inipura atmosphere in generating this class of diseases. quot; In the expedition to Quiberon, the horses had not Been long on board the transports before it became neces�sary to shut down the hatchways; the consequence ef this was, that some of them were suffocated, and all the rest were disem�barked either glandered or farcied.quot;

In a close stable the air is not only vitiated by successive res�piration, but there are other and more powerful sources of mis�chief. We allude to the injurious gases emanating from the dung and urine.

In this disease, as well as in every other, quot; while there is life there is hope.quot; A horse should not be condemned until he has had the benefit of veterinary skill. We see no good reason why � provided the disease be of a tuberculous form � the animal may not be so far restored, if treated before the finger of death be placed on him, as to perform ordinary work. We know that in the human subject, sooner or later, softening of tubercle usually takes place, and the portions of tissue imbedded in the deposit are at the same time destroyed; the mingled morbid materials are then thrown out of the body by expectoration, leaving behind a cavity, which Dame Nature,-�a very good doctor, if permitted to have her own way � soon fills up with a semi-cartilaginous body, leaving only a simple cicatrix behind. At times, however, the contents of the cavity are only in part evacuated, and the re�mains form a calcareous mass, which soon becomes enclosed in a sac, and is thus prevented from doing harm. Why, then, may not the same thing take place in the lungs of a tuberculous horse ? They are organized after the fashion of ours ; they introduce ox�ygen into the system, and liberate carbonic acid, in the same' manner and under the same circumstances as do the lungs of man. The difference in the treatment of each may solve the

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problem. The human patient has the advantage of medical skill in the early stage of his malady, under the directions of his own knowledge, the experience of kind friends, amp;e.; and, by directions from the family physician, he so regulates his mode of life that he is placed in the most favorable circumstances for cooperating with nature and with the physiological laws of his being; and his disease, although of a tuberculous character, may be modified in the manner just referred to, so as not only to render him a useful member of society, but to lengthen his days. But how striking is the difference in regard to the poor horse! He will work and toil to death without uttering a groan. He labors from day to day, while the disease, in an insidious form, is per�manently locating itself in the vital tissues. A slight cough, or other premonitory symptoms, may be present; but generally they are not considered of any consequence. If the poor brute lags in his pace, the whip is brought into requisition to urge him on under his heavy load; and after a day of toil he is often placed under circumstances very unfavorable for the healthy action of the vital forces. So soon as the disease has approached to that intensity as not to be mistaken, he then becomes an object of terror, neglect, and cruelty. Whereas, had the animal been attended to in the incipient stage, the disease might have termi�nated as favorably as it ofttimes does in the human subject. It is a well-known fact�perhaps confined within the halo of the profession � that thousands of our most valuable horses annually perish in consequence of neglect and ignorance on the part of their owners. For wherever we find the conditions which the physiologist asserts to be most favorable to the preservation of health most completely fulfilled, there do we find glanders least prevail. A few facts will place this subject in a striking light: A great majority of the cases of glanders occur among horses used under railroad contractions, where the work is of the most laborious kind, and the owners are too poor to furnish their animals with good quarters and wholesome food. So directly, however, is the health of the horse promoted by comfortable quarters, good management, and nutritious diet, that our wealthy citizens seldom, if ever, have a glandered horse, considering, however, that the disease is of spontaneous origin. The mortality

382

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

from glanders in that densely populated city, London, is not chargeable to any other cause than criminal neglect, indifference, and cruelty.

We shall now introduce a case tending to support our propo�sition, namely, that glanders may be palliated in the same ratio with its sister disease in the human family �phthisis pvlmonalis.

The subject, a dark-bay gelding of the sanguine-bilious temper�ament, aged eight years, was placed under our care for treatment. The following symptoms were recorded: A discharge from the left nostril of a purulent grumous mucus, which adhered to the edges of the part, and formed crusts of a yellow-green color. The breath was extremely fetid; the nasal membranes were of a deep-blue and reddish color, and ulcerations were apparent on the nasal membranes; the submaxillary lymphatic glands on the left side slightly enlarged; coat staring; flanks tucked up, and appetite poor; respiration gurgling.

Treatment. � The nasal passages were daily injected with pyroligneous acid. The diet consisted of equal parts of wheaten flour and oatmeal; the drink, Cochituate water, acidulated with elixir of vitriol, eighty drops to the bucket. The medicinal agents used were the same as recommended for farcy, (see Farcy;) in addition to which, the patient was occasionally drenched with brandy and salt�three ounces of the former to one of the latter.

The treatment occupied a period of about three weeks; during which time the horse was kept in a yard having a shed where he could retire in stormy'weather. The ulcerations of the r.asal membranes disappeared; he improved in condition, and had so far regained his former healthy appearance that he was sold for one hundred and seventy-five dollars. A period of two years has now elapsed, and our former patient enjoys good health, with the exception, as the owner informs us, of an occasional cough.

Eegarding the causes of glanders, M. H. Bouley considers,�

quot; I. That glanders is a spontaneous disease only with the horse species, it being in other animals always the result of contagion, that in the horse species it may be the result of contagion, but generally it is a product of disordereet or perverted nutritive

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action in the system, and, consequently, is in its origin peculiar to the horse species.

quot; II. That this exclusive generative faculty is coincident with the exclusive uses to which horses are put; the horse being thatnbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; ^

vital machine which is employed for moving great weights or overcoming great resistance.

quot; III. Oxen, in some localities, are likewise so employed; but then they do their work always at a tardy pace, so slow, indeed, that it does not interfere with rumination; while horses, on the contrary, almost always work with more rapidity, and oftentimes are compelled to carry great weights at the same rapid pace. And, moreover, the horse, nervous and excitable by nature, freely gives himself up to such rapid movements, expending thereby so much more strength in any given time than the bullock in his slow movement.

quot; IV. Excess of such kind of labor appears to be one of the causes of the horse's deterioration and wearing out. And so glanders, viewed as the result of excessive action in the living organ, is nothing more, in a great number of cases, than the effect of exhaustion induced by labor to which the powers of the animal were inadequate.

quot; V. But how does this excessive work produce exhaustion and premature wearing out of the machine ? Modern science furnishes us with an answer to this question of a more precise and satisfactory description than formerly could have been given.

quot; VI. Animal life is sustained through veritable combustion. Pulmonary exhalation proves this. The air expired from the lungs contains the products of combustion � carbonic acid and water. The combustible matter entering into the constitution of the organism is therein incessantly separated and eliminated through the agency of the affinity of the oxygen absorbed upon the pul�monary surface. It is the same with the incombustible matter, azote; that being separated from its various combinations when�ever the oxygen exerted its affinity, and becoming eliminated through the urinary passages.

quot; The effect of the air, then, introduced into the system through the respiratory passages, is incessantly to destroy organic com�binations, and eliminate their products in a state of combustion,

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(carbonic acid and water,) through the lungs and skin. Those incombustible, azotic matters, separated from the blood in tho form of urea, pass through the urinary channels. The oxygen of the air is continually producing combustion and decompo�sition of the living animal fibre.

quot; VII. This action of combustion and decomposition is the more potent the more the acts of respiration and circulation are accelerated, and the contact of the air with the blood becomes, in consequence, the oftener repeated.

quot; Work cannot be performed without the acts of respiration and the pulsations of the heart becoming more energetic, and pro-portionably so with the speed and intensity of the work; the consequence of which is, to bring the organic fibre oftener into the presence of oxygen, and so to hasten combustion and decomposition.

quot; Chemical analysis shows that the products of combustion, exhaled through the skin and lungs, after a rapid course are con�siderably augmented ; consequently, decomposition becomes aug�mented under such circumstances. I pass over, in this estimate of the causes of wear and tear in the animal machine, the nervous exhaustion consequent on muscular contraction, because, although I attach great importance to them, in this discussion they are not necessary for my demonstration.

quot; VIII. The orgasm is opposed to this oxidation, �

quot;1. By virtue of the innate force of cohesion existing between its component particles � a force which for a certain time is able to counteract the affinity resulting from the action of oxygen.

quot; 2. And especially through the continually renewed influence of the aliments introduced in sufficient quantity into the digestive apparatus for furnishing the living tissue with the elements proper for its reparation, and the oxygen of the air with com�bustible matters fit for the development and completion of its affinities, and through combination with it, for the production of the required animal heat.

quot; IX. But if, while we are exacting continually from the animal machine a large demand of strength, � which, as I said before, entails the introduction of a considerable quantity of at�mospheric air into the air passages,� we do not afford a suf-

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liciont supply of alimentary substance, � that is to say, of azotic and combustible matters, � the oxygen may exert its affinities on the matter actually composing the organs themselves, determin�ing a rapid decomposition, and finally producing with the azotic matter a new principle, endowed with powerful novel affinities, expediting by its presence the decomposition of the orgasm, and discovering itself during life by that cohort of symptoms and derangements which characterize glanders.

quot; This active principle, the result of the extreme oxidation of the system, analogous in its origin and progress to ferments, is glandered virus. I am, indeed, struck with the analogy existing between the mode of generation of glandered ferment in the living body, under the influence of the oxygen of the air, and ferments which are concocted without vitality through the affini�ties of the same gas.

laquo; * raquo; laquo; Now, may we not admit that, in the vital orgasm, azotic matter, continually coming into contact with the oxygen of the air, may become converted into a peculiar ferment, the same as we behold in the dead body, the organic substance turn�ing into putrid ferment through the combined action of air and water and moderate heat? There is an approximation here which has something specious about it.

quot; Once produced, in whatever way it may be generated, glan�dered ferment is certainly accompanied by ulterior phenomena in the system which bear the closest analogy to those of recog�nized fermentation. Placed in contact with matter capable of feeding it, the glandered principle assimilates it, and greatly hastens the organic decompositions. In fact, chemical analysis seems to demonstrate that the exhalation of carbonic acid is much more considerable in an animal under the influence of glandered fermentation, than, if I may be allowed the expression, in an animal in health. Such is the theory; let us now consider the facts.

quot; X. Experience has shown, and every day still shows, that incessant work, without rest, such as is \exacted of horses in cer�tain undertakings, is one of the most frequent causes of glanders, acute and chronic, but principally of acute. No discussion, I should-imagine, will arise on this point, it being an acknowledged 33

886

THE MODERN HOKSE DOCTOR.

fact set forth every year ia the comptes rendics of the Alfort School.

quot; It is no less certain that, in the greatest number of cases, whenever a horse becomes glandered from over work, it falls greatly off in condition before the disease makes its appearance � a fact which accords with the great exhalation of carbonic acid and water, the fatal consequences of the activity of the re�spiratory and circulatory functions.

quot; On the other hand, whenever glanders has declared itself, the horse rapidly falls off�he becomes a dog-horse � and this disappearance of his fat coincides with the augmented exhalation of carbonic acid, which becomes remarkable at the period of eruptive and acute glanders.

quot; Another fact is, that the influence of excessive work may be counteracted, and even rendered harmless, by a large reparative alimentation. Demonstrative experience of this passed under our eyes, on a very extensive scale too, on the occasion of the construction of the fortifications of Paris. The horses worked hard in draught became glandered or not, according as they be�longed to masters who could afford to (and did) keep them well or not. Most of the glandered horses were the property of un�fortunate piece-workers, (t�cherons,) knowing little of the man�agement of horses, and too parsimonious of their feed; while, on the other hand, the disease spared such as were well fed by wealthy contractors, undertaking the work on their own account.

quot;XI. The laboring ox is not subject, on account of being worked up, to any disease having the least analogy with glanders. Not to notice his difference of organization, which is a principal consideration in this question, I contend that the difference of results from the same cause in the bullock and the horse is owing to the modes of using them, to the constant slowness of pace of the one, and the occasional and frequent rapidity of that of the other. This difference may cease to exist whenever the ox is forced into quick work, and especially should he be fat at the time. In such condition, under the influence of hurried respira�tion, oxidation of the combustible elements takes place with so great rapidity that the exhalation of the carbonic acid product cannot get vent with sufficient celerityjquot; and the consequence is,

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the animal dies asphyxiated or charhonne�x. In this case, a new principle, a ferment, becomes generated in.the blood under the influence of extreme oxidation.

quot; XII. I am not to be supposed to admit that in every case glanders is the result of extreme oxidation. I reserve this inter�pretation for one cause alone of the disease, viz., over-work.quot; � London Veterinarian.

FABCY.

Authorities define farcy to be a disease of the lymphatic ves�sels, making its appearance in the form of circular swellings, termed farcy buds, which terminate in a discharge and ulcer-ation.

Symptoms. � The horse usually exhibits some symptoms of a deranged condition; sometimes, however, scarcely noticeable, at others very apparent. The horse is not in his usual spirits, appears dull, and does not partake of food with his accustomed relish. Some horses will have febrile symptoms, pulse quicker than natural, mouth hot, urine high-colored, amp;c.; others are suddenly attacked with a swollen leg. Horses often become sud�denly lame in one of the hind extremities. Mr. Percivall re�marks, quot; I have known horses so lame from farcy, before the disease had in any local or characteristic form declared itself, that shoes have been removed, and feet searched, amp;c., to discover the cause and seat of lameness, no suspicion having existed, at the time, that farcy was present in the animal's system. It may so happen, however, that none of these preliminary symptoms are observed or observable ; that, on the contrary, farcy at once develops in an attack on some locality � most probably one hind limb. Indeed, so sudden, sharp, and severe are attacks of farcy in some instances, that in the course of one night the horse's limb will be swollen to a frightful size, so as to incapacitate him almost from turning in his stall and walking out of the stable.

quot; Ordinarily the development of farcy plainly accounts for the halting or lameness; now and then, however, the lameness ap�pears without any ostensible cause.

quot; Viewing the affected limb from behind, we perceive a fulness on the inside of the thigh, along the course of the femoral vein ;

388

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

and the application of our finger to this will immediately detect a corded, nodous swelling, which has been happily enough, in the sensation it conveys to our feel, compared to a ' cord with so many knots tied in it.' This is at once declarative of disease in the lymphatic vessels � of the presence of farcy.

quot; Tracing the cord upward from its place of origin, which com�monly is above the hock, the hand is carried into the groin, and there discovers a lobulated tumor, a swelling of the inguinal glands, which may, without impropriety, be called a bubo; some�times, however, the bubo does not make its appearance until after the full development of the cord.

quot; Farcy does not at all times commence its attack in this open and unambiguous form ; on occasions it presents itself in a shape so insidious, that at first we hardly suspect it to be farcy, unless there happen to be present circumstances to induce suspicions of its existence. Sometimes one of the limbs, most likely the hind, will swell below instead of above the hock, and the swelling will increase around the fetlock, and an abscess will form there. In other cases, blotches or isolated pustules will break out upon the limbs, more likely upon the inner than the outer sides of them, or upon the body, or upon the shoulders, neck, breast, or quarters; and these will break and discharge among the hair, clothing those parts with an ichorous or dirty-looking thin puriform matter.quot;

These are the general symptoms of farcy: if any doubt, how�ever, exists as to the nature of the disease, it will in a few days, sometimes in a few hours, be dispelled by observing corded lym�phatics issuing from these patches, which soon become running sores.

A case of farcy came under our observation a short time ago. The subject had for some time been suffering under constitutional derangement, gradually losing his appetite and flesh. An influ�enza was now prevailing in the stable, which attacked all the in�mates. The one alluded to had a fetid discharge from the nose, differing from that of the other horses; and soon farcy buds made their appearance, accompanied by swelling of the legs. The fetid breath, together with the constitutional symptoms, would seem to favor the hypothesis that the patient was a sub�ject of deep-seated farcy, and, probably, had been such for a length of time. It was thought advisable to destroy this animal.

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The others all recovered; four of the number, however, having swollen legs, were permitted to run a few days at grass before they could be put to work. Veterinary writers speak of several forms of farcy; but these are only varieties of the same disease, differing only in their symptoms and duration, assuming a mild or malignant form, as the case may be, in exact ratio to the general health of the subject.

The first stage of farcy is tumefaction of the lymphatics � quot; development of the farcy bud.quot;

The second stage is commonly a suppurative one, terminating in a farcy ulcer. After passing through these two stages, the disease may, and frequently does, terminate in glanders. Hence the prognosis of farcy, in most cases, is considered unfavorable; yetj when it attacks horses in good condition, some hopes may be entertained of a cure. In the diagnosis of farcy we are not apt to be mistaken, provided we keep in mind the language of a dis�tinguished veterinary writer, who says, quot; No swelling of a hind limb (or any other part) constitutes a case of farcy apart from the unequivocal signs of lymphatic disease ; there must be pres�ent corded, nodulated swellings, � huds in some form or other, �' together with actual or approaching tumefaction of the lymphatic glands, or the case is not farcy.quot;

quot;I cannot help thinking,quot; says the same author,quot; from accounts I have perused in some veterinary works, that both glanders and farcy have been mistaken; or, rather, that diseases of another kind have been mistaken for them, and for farcy oftener than for glanders. One disease in particular, and one that is by no means so very rare in its occurrence, I feel quite certain has been called by the name of farcy, and under this appellation appears to have been ' cured,' and to have been recorded as such. The disease I allude to is that which is now known by the name of diffuse inflammation of the cellular membrane � a disease consisting in the generally sudden appearance of lumps or patches of sub�cutaneous effusion of a solid and even firm description, attended by oedematous, swollen states of the limbs, belly, sheath, amp;c.; and thus having, so far, the character of water farcy.* But in

* What was in former times known as water farcy is now understood as super�ficial dropsy � an effusion into the cellular tissue.

33*

S90

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

these cases, let it be well observed that there is no lymphatic dis�ease, nothing like farcy huds and cords; in wBich circumstance it is (connected with the. course and termination these respective diseases are seen to have) that we are to seek for a correct diag�nosis. But how are we to distinguish farcy buds from some cutaneous eruptions � from surfeits * � which appear so much like them ? There is but one species of farcy for which these eruptions can be mistaken; and that is the diffuse or broadcast variety � the button farcy. Now, should the attack be farcy, the probability is, from its being a general one, that the animal will show signs of ill health at the time; whereas a horse that has ' broken out in a surfeit all over his body,' is commonly in unusually good, what is termed fine condition. Then, again, surfeit lumps are often large and irregular in form, and frequently appear in patches; whereas the buds of button farcy are small, and regularly spheroid in shape, and spread pretty uniformly over the body. Again, surfeit eruptions are often but of an hour or two continuance � rarely are they visible on the following day ; any doubt, therefore, that may impend over the case is not �likely to be of lengthened duration.quot;

The causes of farcy exist in any thing that deranges the lym�phatic system; and probably the same causes that operate, either by contagion or otherwise, to produce glanders, will produce farcy. quot; By inoculation, farcy has been produced by the matter of glanders, and glanders by the matter of farcy; and, conse�quently, there is every reason to infer a similarity, or rather an identity, in the viruses of the two diseases ; and in further proof of this, as we said before, one disease, or form of disease, almost invariably terminates in the other prior to dissolution. There can be no question but that the same contaminated or miasmatic atmosphere of the stable or elsewhere, which produces glanders, may occasion farcy, and vice versa.quot;

Treatment of Farcy. � The patient should be placed in a well-ventilated stable; if, however, the season permits, a run at grass, in the daytime, will be preferable. Pure air and green

* Surfeit. A disease of the skin, consisting in an eruption of small pustules. It appears to arise from a diseased state of the stomach and bonds. � White.

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food, combined, are almost certain to produce a favorable effect; for pure air decarbonizes the blood, deprives it of- those impuri�ties which abound in farcy subjects, and at the same time distends the lungs to their normal capacity; by which means the blood is circulated with more force to the extreme vessels. The green food, while its action is alterative, provides for the laxity of the bowels, keeps them free and unobstructed, and entirely dispenses with cathartic medicine; the latter being generally considered necessary to clear out the bowels; but in our opinion, the quot; brisk dose of cathartic medicine,quot; so highly extolled by some, is calcu�lated to produce unfavorable results, especially if the patient shall be in a state of debility. Any man who has ever been foolish enough to practise the common error of periodical dosing with salts and senna, castor oil, amp;c., can testify as to their pros�trating effects; but this is only an item in the catalogue of evils ; great pain, griping, loss of appetite, subsequent constipation and dyspepsia, are the consequences of cathartics and purgation. Therefore, if the fecal accumulations can be got rid of under the exhibition of so safe and desirable an agent as grass, it is certainly to be preferred to the tripe-scour'mg compounds of the day.

The grass may perhaps act as a cathartic, especially if the sub�ject has been accustomed to corn and oats: if this should be the case, a sufficient quantity of dry food should be allowed to supply the waste of the body and promote the living integrity; for with�out oil the light will go out, and food is to the system what oil is to the light; therefore, in such case, a liberal allowance of nutri�tious food will be indicated.

When green food cannot be obtained, a sort of substitute can be compounded, consisting of boiled carrots, beets, and turnips, thickened with shorts ov fine feed, and the whole pounded up to�gether, to which a tablespoonful of salt may be added.

As regards the drink, we need only observe that pure water, in small quantities, is perhaps the best; yet if the patient be in exceedingly poor condition, he may then be allowed two quarts of hay tea and a pint of fresh cow's milk twice a day.

Animals suffering from either glanders or farcy should have

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a liberal supply of common salt.* A quantity should be placed in a situation were the animal can help himself; in addition to #9632;which the food should be salted.

Medicines. � These must possess the following properties : �

1.nbsp; Antiseptic. � To preserve the system from putrescence. The principal one is pyroligneous acid; dose, one ounce, twice a day, in a pint of sage tea.

2.nbsp; Alterative. � To change morbid action, the following is an example: �

Phosphate of lime,.......nbsp; nbsp; 1 ounce,

Powdered sarsaparilla, gt;,.,��!,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;laquo;: _ _. _

quot; sassafras, \ ^of ^each � 'nbsp; nbsp; ⁵ ^ounces'

quot; assafoetida, .�.....nbsp; nbsp; 1 ounce.

* Saline matters are essential constituents of the Wood, of the organized tissues, and of the secretions. They are, therefore, necessary components of our food; for without them health and Titality cannot be maintained.

The alimentary salts, which, on account of their occurring more frequently and largely in the system, may be regarded as of the most importance in a dietetical point of view, are common salt and the earthy phosphates. Ferruginous compounds (salts ?) and probably salts of potash, are also indispensable ingre�dients of our food.

1. Common Salt, (Chloride of Sodium.) � Though salt is a constituent of most of our foods and drinks, we do not, in this way, obtain a sufficient supply of it to satisfy the wants of the system; and nature has accordingly furnished us with an appetite for it. The salt, therefore, which we consume at our table as a condiment, in reality serves other and far more important purposes in the animal economy than that of merely gratifying the palate. It is a necessary article of food, being essential for the preservation of health and the mainte�nance of life.

It forms an essential constituent of blood, which fluid doubtless owes many of its important qualities to it. Thus it probably contributes to keep the blood corpuscles unchanged; for when these are put into water, a powerful and rapid endosmose takes place, in consequence of which they swell up and assume a globular form ; whereas in a weak solution of salt they remain unchanged. In malignant cholera, and some other diseases in which there is a deficiency of the saline ingredients of the blood, this fluid has a very dark, or even black appearance; whence it has been assumed by some writers that-the red color of the blood is dependent on the presence of its saline ingredients. From the salt of the blood, aided by water, the gastric juice derives its hydrochloric acid, and the blood and the bile their soda. The soda which exists in the blood, in com�bination with albumen, passes out of the system in union with organic matter, (C⁷⁰ H⁶⁶ N² O²²) represented by choleic acid: in other words, bile contains the elements of choleate of soda, though not necessarily arranged as such. Last�ly, quot; the soda, which has been used in the vital processes, and any excess of soda, must be expelled in the form of salt, after being separated from the blood by the kidney.quot; � Liebig.

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Mix; and divide into twenty-four powders; one to be given, night and morning, in thin gruel.

3. Stimulant. � To arouse vital action, the chief are capsicum and ginger. The author has used the following preparation with considerable success: �

Iodine, (reduced to powder,) .... 4 scruples.

Proof spirit,..........4 ounces.

Tincture of capsicum or ginger, . . . 6 ounces.

Dose, one ounce, twice a day, in thin gruel. Another.

Hydriodate of potassium......20 grains.

Dissolve in a pint of water; then add one ounce of tincture of ginger. To be repeated daily.

Such are the remedies on which our hopes of cure are to be founded; they are not to be given conjointly, but separately, as the various stages of the disease indicate.

Should the horse's hind limbs be enormously swollen, so that

he cannot move about without inconvenience and pain, then the

following drench must be administered : �

Powdered Socotrine aloes......nbsp; nbsp;4 drachms.

Tincture of gentian........nbsp; nbsp;4 drachms.

Sweet spirits of nitre........nbsp; nbsp;3 drachms.

Sirup of garlic,.........nbsp; nbsp;1 ounce,

Flour gruel,..........nbsp; nbsp;1 pint.

Mix.

It will probably not be necessary to repeat this dose; in fact, we should not recommend the aloes, were it not that the horse is now unable to seek an equivalent in the pasture, and the grave nature of the case calls for some agent capable of producing a change in the system diverting the fluid (which is now accumu�lating in the cellular tissues of the limbs) from the parts to the central membranes. Lest we may not be understood by the reader, (non-professional,) we remark, that aloes act as a me�chanical irritant on the alimentary surfaces, and a copious secre�tion of fluid from those surfaces always follows the exhibition of drastic medicine.

The swollen, hot, and tense state of the limb calls for some local application. We therefore first wash the parts with a weak ley of saleratus, and afterwards apply astringents, com�posed of a strong infusion of one of the following articles: bay-

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berry, white oak, nutgalls, gum catechu. Bandages moistened #9632;with equal parts of vinegar and water form a good evaporating, cooling lotion, when pain and inflammation are evident; yet, after all, voluntary exercise, such as the animal will take while procuring food in the pasture, will generally have a better effect on a tumefied limb than all the local applications we can make.

The local treatment of farcy buds is a matter of importance ; for the discharge from them is sometimes so corrosive, irri�tating, that It destroys the surrounding skin and subcellular parts. White and some other writers recommend the most de�structive poisons as topical applications, such as corrosive sub�limate, muriatic acid, lunar caustic, red precipitate � in effect, no quot;doubt, setting up a worse disease than the one already present. In such articles we have no faith : on the contrary, we consider them first-rate poisons, capable of altering, and In a great majority of cases destroying, one or more of the functions necessary to the support of life. The following will form the best local application we know of: �

Pyroligneous acid,......1 pint,

Tincture of bloodioot,.....1 gill,

Linseed oil,.........� gill.

Mix, and wet the farcy buds with It morning and evening.

WET PACKING.

The method of local treatment, after the fashion of hydropa�thy. Is thus described by Surgeon Haycock: �

quot; In the first place, procure the following articles, of the best quality of their kind; namely, two pieces of strong, coarse linen, or harding wrappers, one piece of which must be seven yards in length, the other three yards In length, and both of them four feet in width ; 3\so,four linen bandages of the usual width, and each of them six yards In length; or, what would be better, eight linen bandages, each bandage three yards In length'; also, two pieces of coarse woollen cloth, very firm, but soft and per�fectly pliable in its nature, of the same length and width as the two pieces of harding wrapper; also, eight woollen bandages, of the same length as the linen ones; aXstifthree or four large wool-

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len rugs, such as horses are usually clothed with in cold weather; also, o number of strong iron skewers, a strong packing needle, and several yards of thick string. Having procured the above articles, (for recollect it is worse than useless not to have them of a sufficient number, size, width, and length,) the second step is to use them properly ; and upon this depends entirely the suc�cess of the operation. Take the linen sheets and the linen band�ages, and immerse them in a large quantity of clean cold water, (the colder the water the better,) and stir them about in the water, so that the whole may become thoroughly saturated. Thirdly, take the large sheet out of the water, roll it up the short way, and give it a turn or two for the purpose of forcing out the loose water which it may contain, and giving this into the hands of an assistant, (of which the operation will require two or three,) he must then strip the patient of all clothing, and freely sponge its body with cold water from the chine to the loins, embracing the sides, and under the abdomen; then take the wet sheet, �= rolled as it is, � lay it upon the patient's back parallel to the spine, and, holding firm the loose end, let an assistant roll it firmly round and round the body as tight as possible ; then take the longer of the woollen wrappers, (not the woollen horse rugs,) and roll it also firmly round the body, and upon the top of the wet sheet, and secure its loose end with two or three of the iron skewers; and upon the top of this again fold a large woollen rug, which make secure where the ends meet with the needle and thick string. In precisely the same manner apply the smaller of the wet sheets to the neck, (but here a little difficulty may arise, which will require careful attention � the necks of well-bred horses are frequently very thin and spare, and they re�quire in this process to be packed : the best packing is made with a roll of wool, one roll of which is fixed on each side of the neck in the hollow, running parallel with the windpipe,) which fold with the lesser woollen sheet, and above it again with a woollen rug, made secure as above described. Then repeat the process upon every one of the limbs, and fold above the wet bandages the dry woollen ones. To complete the operation, all that is now required is to spread over the patient the dry woollen rugs: the one placed over the body make secure with a broad surcingle,

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while the one upon the neck may hang loose, after which close the box, and leave the animal alone for three or four hours, or even more: it may always be known, however, when the cloths have been on long enough, by simply passing the hand under them and feeling the state of the skin; and if the skin be wet and hot, do not disturb them; but if the skin be dry, or nearly so, and the linen cloths are also dry, or in a dryish state, remove the whole at once, and put upon the patient fresh, dry, comfort�able clothing; the quantity of such clothing necessary will, of course, depend upon the season of the year, and the temperature of the weather. After the cloths are removed, I sometimes have the skin rapidly and lightly sponged over with cold water, and then three or four men are set vigorously to work with their bare hands to rub it perfectly dry ere I apply the clean clothing. It is seldom that I find it necessary to apply the wet sheets above once or twice before an improvement becomes rapidly visible; and when once such improvement has set in, then assist it with such remedies as may answer best to the phenomena, for it must be borne in mind that the wet sheet is a very weaken�ing agent if applied too frequently.quot;

DISINFECTION OF STABLES.

The cheapest and perhaps the best stable disinfectants are quicklime, chloride of lime and of soda, and pulverized charcoal. Many of our horsemen have yet to learn that the health of their horses depends, in a great measure, on a proper supply of pure, uncontaminated atmospheric air: when they are convinced of this fact, we may expect a reform. It is a universal custom, in this city, to collect all stable sweepings denominated manure, and to deposit them in a reservoir beneath the stable floor: this is carted off from the city about once a week. In the summer months, the stench arising from this semi-putrid mass is almost intolerable. It is not, however, in all cases a matter of choice, but one of necessity; for in a crowded city, like Boston, the evil is not easy to remedy. Yet something can be done to conduct the impure emanations from the stable into the surrounding at�mosphere, where it would be comparatively harmless. In this

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view we recommend each stable-keeper to have a ventilator con�structed ; and it may be got up on a cheap scale from pine boards, which should be dovetailed together. Its form will be a matter of choice; the circular will be most preferable; yet, where economy is the order of the day, a hollow, square spout will answer. The lower end of this ventilator must be inserted into the stable floor, and only inserted, for if it be suffered to reach a few inches below the under surface of the floor, it will be but an imperfect ventilator. Its length will correspond to the height of the stable, always allowing a few additional feet, to rise above the roof. It may be protected from rain by a tri�angular cap.

We cannot close this subject without making what we conceive to be a valuable suggestion, which, if fully carried out, will be for the mutual advantage of stablemen and farmers. Our plan is, that each stable-keeper shall supply himself with a quantity of powdered charcoal, a limited portion of which is to be sprinkled every morning over the dung heap. For a stable av�eraging twenty horses, half a barrel of charcoal daily would not be too much ; the more there is of it the better for the farmer, and, indeed, for the whole human race. For then many of the diseases which have of late attacked our fruits and vegetables might be arrested, and, perhaps, wholly prevented. Much of the fruit now brought to market is a direct cause of diarrhoea and dysentery.

By this arrangement the farmer will be the one most benefited, and we venture to say that any sensible man would be willing to furnish the requisite quantity of charcoal, provided he has the privilege^ of purchasing the manure. He certainly would not object, when purchasing manure, to pay the additional cost of the charcoal, for it surpasses all other substances in the power which it possesses of absorbing ammonia, and the value of manure is increased in proportion to the amount of ammo-niacal salts which it contains. 34

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ON THE USE OF THE CAXTTEBY.raquo;

quot; The use of the cautery, to the credit of our art be it said, is on the decline. The farriers of former days had ever in their hands their cautery or firing irons; with them they opened abscesses and penetrated tumors, introduced setons, stanched hemorrhage, cleansed sores, and scored the skin over enlargements and lame�nesses of almost all descriptions; indeed, even nowadays, we occasionally meet with some luckless wight of a horse that has gone through this ordeal, bearing marks of having been scored over almost every joint in his body. This barbarous and un�necessary practice is, however, much diminished; the improve�ments of modern times have shown us that we can, in very many of these cases, afford the same relief in a much simpler and more humane manner. Not that I am one of those squeamish or chicken-hearted mortals, who would hesitate, as its medical at�tendant, to put an animal to any pain, short of actual torture, which I was thoroughly convinced was necessary for its cure or relief; at the same time, if I thought I could effect by mild means that for which were commonly employed harsh and pain�ful measures, I should feel it my duty to adopt.the former in preference to the latter, even though the process required a somewhat longer interval of time. In fact, I hold it up as one of the proudest boasts of modern veterinary surgery, that red-hot iron �that terrific though potent remedy � is in many cases superseded by comparatively painless but equally efficacious measures ; and let us hope the day is not far distant when we shall require its aid even less than we do at present.quot;�Per-civall on the disorders and lamenesses of horses.

� Cautery is of two kinds, actual tmA potential. By the first is meant the red-hot iron; by the second, any caustic application.

THE MODERN HOKSE DOCTOR.

OPEEATION OF LITHOTOMY, (FOR STONE,) IN THE BLADDER OF A HORSE.

The following case occurred in the practice of a veterinary surgeon in England, and may serve to illustrate the manner of procedure : �

quot; Having drawn out the penis from the sheath or prepuce, the operator passed a rod of -whalebone up the urethra, until the end of it could be felt in the perineum. He then cut down upon the end of the rod, and through the opening thus made in the urethra he introduced a director, and with a probe-pointed bis�toury continued the opening as far as the left side of the anus. He then introduced his right hand into the rectum, and the two fore fingers of his left hand into the bladder, and, without any difficulty, pushed the stone against the middle finger, by which he guided it to the neck of the bladder, and then easily forced it out through the opening in the urethra. The stone weighed rather more than four and a half ounces. Some parts of the stone appeared to have been broken off, and left in the bladder; these were easily removed by means of a bit of soft sponge tied to a whalebone probe, and some warm water. The wound quickly healed, except a small orifice, through which a part of the urine still passes ; but the horse has worked hard since, and suffered no inconvenience from it. Mr. M. has no doubt that a stone of seven or eight ounces might be thus extracted.quot; � Med. and Phys. Journal.

SCALDED SHORTS.

Shorts, as they are familiarly termed, when scalded, make an excellent diet for sick animals. The usual method of prepara�tion is, to turn two or three quarts of shorts into a bucket, to which add boiling water, so that the mixture, when stirred, shall be about the consistence of a soft poultice; it is then to be cov�ered with a cloth, and not given to the horse until sufficiently cool. When a horse has taken cold, and labors under a discharge from the nostrils, the mash may be put into the manger while hot, with a view of steaming the nasal passages, and favoring

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the discharge of morbid accumulations. It is our general prac�tice, #9632;when treating horses for acute diseases, to prescribe an oc�casional mess of the above; and we invariably observe some benefit derived. In acute diseases of the alimentary canal, � in�flammation of the bowels for example, � the practice is open to some objection, on account of the irritation which the article might produce on the mucous surfaces. During the active stage of such disease, food of this description is inadmissible, and such articles as are mucilaginous, lubricating, are indicated. The best we know of are ilaxseed, marshmallows, and slippery elm. It is customary in England, in large stables, to set a boiler in which hot water is continually kept for the purposes of the stable, and more particularly for making bran mashes, and at night, if any of the horses look dumpish, (fatigued,) a bran mash and a good warm bed of straw generally restore them. Let a man, who has performed a hard day's work, arriving at home late at night,� his clothes drenched with rain, his feet icy cold, and his frame shaking like an aspen leaf, � now partake of a bowl of warm gruel, and tumble into a good feather bed, he can afterwards un�derstand how a poor horse, under similar circumstances, might be benefited. White recommends bran mashes quot; in fever and all inflammatory complaints ; they are useful, also, as a preparative to physic, serving to remove any indurated foeces there may be in the bowels, whereby the operation of the medicine is rendered more safe and effectual. When a horse has been fed high for some time, a change to a diet of mashes for two or three days will often do a great deal of good.quot;

METHOD OF ADMINISTERINO MEDICINES TO HORSES.

The author almost invariably administers medicine in the form of drench, using a common champagne bottle. Some persons, however, assert that quot; there is great danger in drenching horses from a bottle ; also, that it is very difficult to make them swallow fluid.quot; We never knew of any accident following the use of the bottle, where ordinary caution was observed. There is a space between the canine teeth and grinders where the bottle can be introduced, and if kept in that position while quot; drenching the

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horse,quot; it cannot do any harm. Our usual plan is, to stand on the right side of the horse, our back turned towards his body; we then take a firm hold of the lower jaw with the left hand, at the same time moderately elevating the head, (not too high,) while with the right we gradually pour down the contents of the bottle. Time should be taken in the process, and if it is poured down in small quantities at a time, so much the better; the horse will be more likely to swallow it, especially if it shall be made palatable by the addition of a few caraway seeds or a little honey. Horses, like children, must be handled in the most gentle manner. They will generally refuse to drink even a little gruel, when any un�necessary severity is resorted to in its administration. They may be coaxed, but not forced.

In answer to the second objection, we observe, that there is no more difficulty (not half so much) in administering a drench to a horse, under ordinary circumstances, than there is in giving a ball. To the latter we have great objections. First, in reference to its bulk; secondly, the length of time it takes for the gas�tric fluids to dissolve it; and lastly, its action is uncertain. Whereas medicine given in the fluid form is readily taken up by the lacteals, and operates, for good or evil, in much less time. It has also been urged that, when a horse is suffering from disease of the respiratory organs, the additional excitement following the act of drenching is unfavorable to the cure. Unfortunately, we are in a worse predicament when a ball is given, for then the tongue is forcibly drawn out of the mouth, while the hand is passed up to its root, where the ball is deposited. Our own ex�perience in the matter leads us to decide in favor of the bottle. If any further proofs of its utility are wanting, we may mention the fact that one half of our city horsemen are in the habit of administering drink from the bottle without accident.

SOUNDNESS, AS OPPOSED TO LAMENESS.

quot; Reluctantly as we enter on this difficult and much-debated question, we feel it our duty, in a work on lameness, to make some observations on the subjeot, though these observations will be rather of a general than of a particular nature, and have

34raquo;

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especial reference to soundness regarded as the converse of or opposite state to lameness. No person buys or sells a horse with�out feeling some concern as to the soundness of the animal: the purchaser is apprehensive lest his new horse should from any cause turn out unserviceable or unequal to that for the perform�ance of which he has bought him; the vender is apprehensive, either lest the animal, in other hands, should not prove that sound and effective servant he conceived or represented him to be, or lest some unrepresented or concealed fault or defect he is aware the animal possesses may now, in his new master's hands, be brought to light. Soundness, as opposed to actual or decided lameness, (or as synonymous with good health,) is a state too well understood to need any definition or description : when we come, however, to draw a line between soundness and lameness in their less distinguishable forms, � to mark the point at which one ends and the other begins, � we meet a difficulty; and this difficulty increases when we find ourselves called on to include under our denomination of unsoundness that which is likely or has a tendency to bring forth lameness.

quot; The number of ' horse cases,' as they are commonly called, that have engaged the attention of our courts of law, have brought eminent persons of the legal profession to our aid in the solution of this intricate question. Lord Mansfield, years ago, made an attempt to settle the point according to an ad valorem scale; setting every horse down as sound in the eye of the law, whose cost or value amounted to a certain sum. This, of course, was law that never could hold in horse transactions. Lord Ellen-borough legislated with a great deal more knowledge of horse�flesh. The law he laid down was, that ' any infirmity which rendered a horse less fit for present use or convenience consti�tuted unsoundness' � a law which, though it admitted of great latitude of construction, and to some especial cases did not prove applicable at all, was still a wholesome and practicable one in a majority of cases of dispute. Lord Tenterden made but little improvement on it when he pronounced every horse unsound that 'could not go through the same labor as before the existence of the defect or blemish in dispute, and with the same degrees of facility'nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; lt;

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quot; Professor Coleman's notion was, that' every horse ought to be considered sound that could perform the ordinary duties of an ordinary horse.' This definition is open to the same objections as the judicial laws of Lords Mansfield and Tenterden: mange, diseases of the eye, (so long as they are confined to one eye,) nay, glanders * and farcy even, in certain stages, and some other diseases, do not incapacitate a horse, and yet they all amount to palpable unsoundness. On the other hand, many a horse, from age or want of condition, or from possessing a constitution natu�rally weak or washy, is unfitted for what might be considered ' the ordinary duties of an ordinary horse,' and yet cannot be called unsound. Then, again, comes for explanation, what are to be regarded as the ordinary duties, and what we are to look upon as an ordinary horse; both presumptions equally inde�finable with Lord Ellenborough's standard oi fitness, and with Lord Tenterden's statu quo ' before the existence of the defect or blemish.'nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; lt;

quot; The late Mr. Castley, veterinary surgeon to the 12th Lancers, � whose opinions on this subject, as well as on every other, his habits of acute and accurate observation rendered of peculiar value to us, � felt inclined, to use his own words, ' to steer a middle course ;' in accordance with which he ' ventured on the following propositions :' �' 1st. That all recognized disease con�stitutes unsoundness for the time being.' ' 2dly. That changes of structure or an altered condition of parts, and derangement or impairment of function, are allowed by all to be our two great landmarks in conducting examinations for soundness.' The first of these ' propositions' is fairly inclusible in the second ; all dis�ease consisting either in change of structure or change of func�tion, and most disease involving both these changes. And in re�gard to the second rule for our guidance, obvious and decisive as are changes of structure combined with deranged or impaired function of parts in general, there are still some of that trifling

� A large carrying firm on the western road had, many years since, a great number of glandered horses working in entire teams: these horses were bought in young, at high prices, but from neglect and mismanagement soon became in�fected with the disease, and in this state worked on, in some instances, for many years.

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or uninfluential nature that can hardly, when they do exist, be looked upon as unsoundness : such are chronic or partial diseases of certain parts or organs, the obliteration of a vein * or artery, for example, the conversion of fibro-cartilage into bone, as in splent, chronic or partial disease of such an organ as the liver, amp;c., amp;c.

quot; Our present inquiry into the nature of soundness being re�stricted to its relation to lumeness, and it being our intention here to deal with broad principles, leaving the nicer shades of distinc�tion for consideration until such time as we come to treat of par�ticular lamenesses, we may safely say that, �

quot; 1. Every horse showing lameness must be pronounced un�sound ; although the converse of this, as a fundamental principle, will by no means hold good, every horse not showing lameness not necessarily being (considered as) a sound horse. For instance, a horse shall have a spavin, or a curb, or a swollen back sinew, and still evince no lameness, even though he may show marks of having been fired or blistered for the same, and so give us every reason to believe that formerly he has experienced actual lame�ness from one or other of these defects. Would, however, any veterinary surgeon, under such circumstances, give a certificate of soundness ? If he did, it must be qualified in a manner that would little induce any person to purchase such a horse, unless at a price consonant with the evident reduction of his value. It will be requisite, therefore, for us to say, not simply that every lame horse is unsound, but to add the words, or that has that about him which is likely on work to render him lame. This will, it is true, open the door to difference of opinion and equivoca�tion. There may, as we have seen, spring up two opinions concerning the presence even of lameness. There will in more cases be two opinions concerning that which is accounted to be the precursor of lameness, or have a tendency at some period, proximate or remote, to produce lameness ; all which differences are best got rid of by reference to the ablest veterinary advice. There will be less diversity of opinion among professional men

� quot; It has happened, however, that a horse has been returned after purchase as ' unsound * in consequence of a lost (jugular) vein.¹*

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than among others, and the more skilful and respectable the pro�fessional persons are, the greater will be the probability of a happy unison in their views of the case. To lay down any statute law which shall meet such cases as these, is, from the ^ery nature of vital structures and functions, totally an impossible matter.

quot; We ought to be able to establish it as an axiom, although it may prove one not unassailable by argument, that a lame horse is an unsound horse. It might be objected, for example, that a horse having a stone in his foot � than which nothing, for the time, renders a horse more lame � should be regarded as un�sound ; and yet by this rule he must be so considered so long as he continues to go lame, though as sound from the moment that the stone is removed. The shoe 'nailed on too tight' furnishes another similar example. A horse, quite sound, enters a forge to be shod, and comes out going, as grooms call it, ' scrambling,' i. e., lame ; he is, in fact, no longer a sonnd horse : take him back, however, into the forge, and remove his shoes, nail them on ' easy,' and, if not completely restored to soundness, he is thereby evi�dently so much relieved as to give pretty fair earnest of his be�coming well or as sound as ever by the next or the following day. It may be said, and we quite agree in the reply, that such trivial points as these are not likely to come before us for de�cision, or to cause us any trouble if they do: still it is right we should be armed on all sides to defend that law which we, as pro�fessional men, deem it wholesome and just to lay down ; viz., that every horse going lame � no matter from what cause � ought to be pronounced unsound.

quot; If any real objection can be urged to the institution of such a law, one presents itself in the case of a horse that is lame at one time and sound at another. For instance, a horse shall have a frush, of which he shall flinch or go palpably lame every time he happens to tread upon a stone, or whenever he goes upon hard, uneven surfaces ; though at other times, upon soft ground or upon turf, he shall appear quite sound. This horse, we think, stands, in respect to the question of soundness, altogether in a different position from either the stone-in-the-foot or the tight-shoe case: here is disease � demonstrable disease; and although it gives rise but occasionally to lameness, still, as lameness is at

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times the result, we hold that the horse ought to be accounted unsound. The spavin � in certain forms � affords another ex�ample of temporary or transitory lameness. A spavined horse shall come excessively lame out of his stable in the morning, but after having gone a while and waxed warm, shall no longer ex�hibit lameness, or even stiffness of his hock. In accordance with the laws of the judges, and with that of our late professor, (Coleman,) such a horse being not ' less fit for present use or convenience,' being ' able to go through the same labor as before the defect or blemish,' able to perform the ' ordinary duties of an ordinary horse,' � such a horse, we repeat, must be pronounced, so long as he continues in this aptitude, to be sound; whereas, however much we may differ concerning other points, we believe all veterinarians will concur with us in opinion in declaring the occasionally lame spavined � if not the lame frushed � horse to be unsound, notwithstanding his redeeming quality of becom�ing sound on work, and of continuing so to the end of that work. quot; However strong we may feel ourselves in our axiom � that a lame horse must be accounted unsound � the moment, as we ob�served before, we attempt the converse of it, viz., that every horse free from lameness is (as respects the question of lameness) to be held as sound, we change into a position most infirm and untenable. All sorts of diseases and defects stare us in the face, which, though not the immediate producers of lameness, too surely, in our minds, betoken its approach, waiting only for work or other exciting cause for its development; and with such be-tokenment before us, it is quite impossible we can, with any show of reason or equity, pronounce the horse having them, notwith�standing he at the time goes free from lameness, to be virtually a sound horse. For how can we in conscience call that horse sound that we know has that about him which will probably � nay, certainly � cause him to become lame the first long or heavy day's work he is put to perform ? As well might we call an ap�ple or a pear sound which we know to be rotten at the core. And yet, strictly and litgrally speaking, the animal ffoes sound � ' is as sound in action to appearance as is the rotten apple or pear. In cases where so much difficulty, nay, impossibility, presents it�self to the drawing of a distinction between the two opposite and

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

407

(as we may call them) abhorrent states of soundness and un-soundness, it has struck us some good might arise from a di�vision of unsoundness into actual and prospective ; the latter de�nomination indicating a state of transient or trustless soundness. Notwithstanding a horse may be free from lameness, may go sound, yet, so long as he has that about him which will probably or surely render him lame the first time he is put to hard work, he is virtually an unsound horse, in honesty unwarrantable ; and the best denomination we are able to find for such a failable con�dition � a sort of intermediate state between soundness and un�soundness � is prospective unsoundness. So far as abstract ac�tion is concerned, the horse, it is true, must be regarded as sound; although that which he has upon him, making him liable or certain to become lame whenever he is put to excess of action or work, certainly stands in the way of any warranty of sound�ness being given.

quot; Prospective unsoundness, however, although it relieves us from the necessity of doing that which no professional man conscien�tiously can do in very many of the subjects brought before him, viz., of pronouncing the horse either actually sound or unsound, yet unfortunately it opens a door through which crowds of cases, really doubtful in their character or rendered so by the variety of opinions given on them, are ready to be forced in, and made to perplex us in coming to any proper or judicious selection of them. One horse has manifest disease, in some form or another, as the cause of his being pronounced likely or certain to go lame at no very remote period: his case admits of no question. But another horse has � no disease � only a malformation, a defor�mity, or misshapenness, the result of which is weakness of limb, and consequent liability to failure � to lameness, in fact. A third horse has neither disease nor deformity, nothing but a ' bad habit,' and that is said to amount to unsoundness. And it is the cases that come under one or other of these latter denominations � which are the offspring either of natural defect, of use or wear, or of habit � that, for the most part, puzzle veterinary practitioners in coming to judicious decisions on soundness.

quot; To elucidate these observations by example : A horse shall have a spavin or a curb, or a swollen or fired back sinew, any

ill

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disease, in short, from which on exertion he is likely, as our ex�perience tells us, to become lame: such a horse is prospeetively unsound. But suppose he have a club foot, a parrot mouth, bent limbs, curved or curby-looking hocks, weak joints, narrow or flat feet, a hip down, amp;c. � all natural deformities or malformations, none of them coming fairly or popularly under the category of disease � what is to be done in passing judgment upon them ? The equitable adjudication appears to be, as in the case of dis�ease, to declare that such of them constitute unsoundness as are probable or certain to give rise on work to lameness; but, then, we shall experience difficulty, in some of the cases, in drawing the line between actual lameness and natural failing or weakness. A horse foaled with evident deficiency of physical power, partial or general, can hardly be called unsound ; though should he have that about him which renders it likely he will, when put to work, become actually lame, he ought, assuredly, to be pronounced pro-spectively so. ' Cutting,' as the striking of one foot against its fellow leg is called, arise from whatever cause it may, is apt to produce occasional lameness, and, when it does so, is fairly re�garded as a species of prospective unsoundness. Springhalt is action so unnatural that some do not hesitate to affirm it to be a species of unsoundness, though it is a well-known fact that many horses so affected will do the same amount of work as it is rea�sonable to suppose they would or could do were they free from it. After all, as the foregoing observations will abundantly tes�tify, a good deal, in the decisions between soundness and unsound�ness, must be left to the skill and judgment of the professional man : he alone can unriddle the true nature of the case, and form a just estimate of the probabilities of lameness ; and, if he be but trustworthy and honest in his opinions, he is, beyond question, the preferable authority in such cases of appeal for advice.

quot; When we, as men acquainted with the animal economy, con�sider the multiplicity of evils even quadruped ' flesh is heir to,' and reflect in how many ways its health and action may become impaired, and how graduated down those impairments may be into states of indisputable soundness, we have no right 'jo feel surprised at the intricacy in which v^ find the subject before us

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involved, no more than we have, in a strictly pathological point of view, at the comparative paucity of sound horses coming un�der our observation. The separation of monomania in man from oddity or eccentricity is hardly more difficult than resolving the question of soundness in its dubious or transitory form is in horses; a great deal, after all, must be matter of opinion, and those opinions will ever prove best worthy our reliance which are founded on the widest experience, coupled with the best char�acter for honesty. No more responsible.duty attaches to a pro�fessional man than that of giving a certificate of soundness : by it the warranty of the dealer or vender is either confirmed or falsified, the purchase completed or set on one side, the value of the animal either established or destroyed; on all which accounts is the veterinarian pledged, not only to use his ' hundred eyes' in making the examination, but also his maturest judgment in diving into the nature of any unsoundness he may discover, as well as into its positive or probable effect on the action or ca�pabilities of the animal, both present and to come. This leads us, before we close the subject, to say a few words on warranty ; by which is meant an indemnity against any unsoundness, or a pledge given � commonly in writing � by the vender to the purchaser, that the horse is sound and quiet, and possesses such and such qualifications. Without such indemnification or pledge, the law says. Caveat emptor � let the purchaser take the conse�quences ; the rule at law being, that every body who purchases a horse takes him at his own judgment, and has no remedy against the seller, supposing the horse to turn out, upon a future trial, or a more considerate inspection after the purchase, to be worth less than the sum given; unless he (the purchaser) can prove he was induced to purchase by representations false within the knowl�edge of the seller; to fasten a fraud of which nature upon an experienced dealer in horses is, however, a difficult matter.* Warranties are of different kinds � express or implied, general or special. An express warranty speaks for itself. And as for an implied warranty, such a thing is hardly known, or, at least, rarely taken advantage of in horse dealing, the price paid, how-

* Tomlin's Popular Law Dictionary, 1838.

S5 .

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ever high, not being legally held to be any guaranty of the soundness of the animal; and any thing that might transpire be�tween seller and buyer, implying warranty, being worth nothing without proof, which, being procured, would render the transac�tion, in law, tantamount to an express warranty., A general war�ranty extends to all defects and faults known and unknown to the seller ; but a special warranty is confined in its operation to the parts or particulars specifically pointed out. A horse may be warranted of such an age; or, having some defect visible upon his limbs, such as a spavin, or a curb, or a fired leg, of which he does not go lame at the time, that defect may be specified, and the horse warranted not (within any reasonable or prescribed period) to become lame in consequence of it. A general warranty, how�ever, affords no protection against such defects as are 'plain and obvious' to every body, and, consequently, to the purchaser; no more than a special warranty does against any which are not in�cluded or named in the specification. ' But if, on the sale of a horse, the seller agree to deliver it sound and free from blemish at the expiration of a specified period, the warranty is broken by a fault in the horse when delivered, although such defect was obvi�ous at the time of sale ; and as some splints cause lameness and others do not, a splint is not one of those plain defects against which a warranty will not indemnify ; and when a seller warrants a horse sound at the time of sale, and the horse afterwards be�comes lame from the effects of a splint, visible when the horse was bought, it is certain that the warranty is broken.' This rule will apply to spavin, or to curb, or to windgall, or, in fact, to any other defect' visible at the time of sale.' For all warranties can only undertake for the animal's qualifications at the time of sale : none can extend to any subsequent period unless there be a special clause ' to deliver the horse free from blemish,' and that delivery be by mutual agreement delayed.*

quot; The form in which a receipt including warranty is generally written: �

quot;' Eeceived, the 16th of July, 1845, of A. B., Esquire, the sum of ninety pounds, for a gray gelding (stallion or mare) warranted sound, and quiet to ride and drive.'

* Tomlin's Law Dictionary. 18J8.

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quot; Or,' Warranted free from vice and blemish, except -quot; Or,' Warranted in every respect, except-

quot; Or, ' Warranted to have been constantly driven both in single and double harness, to have carried a lady, to have been regu�larly hunted, to be a good hunter or hackney, amp;c., amp;c.'

quot; Following the word ' except' there being every opportunity afforded the (honest) vender of stating what he may know inval�idating the warranty, and thereby saving his reputation as well as screening himself from the probability of litigation afterwards.

quot; * With respect to what (oral) declarations of the seller will amount to a warranty, the primary rule for the interpretation of contracts in general is applicable. It depends upon the intention of the parties. A simple affirmation of the goodness of an arti�cle is a warranty, provided it (a warranty) appear to have been intended; whereas the sublimest epithets that seller ever em�ployed to recommend his goods to a credulous buyer will be re�garded as the idle phraseology of the market, unless an intention to warrant actually appear.' In fine, ' it is from the intention of the parties, as collected from the whole transaction, and from the meaning they appear to have attached to particular expressions, that the existence or non-existence of a warranty is to be in�ferred.' *

quot;' Let us now consider how the rights of the parties are af�fected by the horse being unsound at the time of the warranty. The contract being thus broken on the part of the seller, it is at the buyer's option either to treat it as a nullity, and return the horse, or to retain him, notwithstanding, and bring an action on the warranty. In the former case, the price paid is the measure of the damages he will be entitled to recover in an action ; in the latter, the difference between that price and his real value. If he offer to rescind the contract and return the horse, he may also recover the expenses of his keep; but in order to do this, a posi�tive tender is said to be necessary. No notice of the unsound-ness need be given to the vender to entitle the vendee to main�tain the action; nor is it necessary to bring the action imme�diately on discovering the unsoundness.' �' But although such a notice be not essential, yet it is always advisable to give it, as

* Law Magazine for October, 1S38.

412

THE M�DEKN HOUSE DOCTOR.

the omitting to do so will furnish at the trial strong presumption that the horse, at the time of sale, was free from the defect com�plained of; thus rendering the proof of a breach of warranty more difficult. Commoa justice and honesty require that the commodity should be returned at the earliest period, and before it has been so changed by lapse of time as to make it impos�sible to ascertain, by proper tests, what were its original proper�ties.' quot; � Hippopathology.

LYMPHATTTIS.

quot; Lymphatitis is a disease which, although without place in any of our systematic books by our professed writers, is yet, upon the whole, well known, and is designated by a variety of names. In Scotland, for example, it is called weed; while in various parts of England it is known as felltick, thick hg, farcy, water farcy, shot-o'-grease, and a number of others which it is unnecessary to detail, and which, if detailed, would be perfectly impossible to understand. Fifteen years ago, a Mr. J. Henderson wrote a paper upon this affection, which the reader will find in the ninth volume of The Veterinarian; and from that time to the present it does not appear that our knowledge of its pathology is very greatly increased.

quot; Symptoms. � The disease, for the most part, commences with a shivering fit, though, in many cases, its existence may be so slight, and its duration so short, as not to be noticed by any save a careful observer. Generally the attack is very sudden ; the owner, or the servant in care, may go now, as it were, out of the stable, and leave his horse to all appearance perfectly well, and upon returning in an hour hence he will find him standing upon three legs, while the fourth will be flexed and held high from the ground; the pulse will vary in its beats according 10 the intensity of the attack, rarely, however, beating less than fifty, or more than one hundred per minute; while the respirations may be fifteen or twenty, or even forty, in the same interval of time. If the affected limb be examined it will be fdTind hot and swollen, and tender if pressed upon, which symptoms for many hours will gradually increase in intensity. Soon after commence-

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

413

ment, a number of vessels may be seen running across tbe limb in various directions, of about the thickness of a quill; they are the most numerous, however, upon the inner surface of the leg, where they appear to terminate in round or irregular formed masses, which masses are acutely tender if squeezed within the hand; these prominent vessels are the inflamed lymphatics, and the prominent masses alluded to are the inflamed lymphatic glands. Sometimes the swelling extends from the junction of the limb with the body down to the very foot; at other times it only reaches down to the hock, and when very severe a sort of dew exudes from the skin and lies upon the hair.

quot; The coarser the breed and the older the animal, the greater the liability to lymphatitis. Young coarse-bred horses are also very prone to it, particularly if highly fed and under worked; but in the young horse, the disease, in the majority of cases, if not in all, quickly runs its course, and the affected limb becomes in time perfectly restored to its pristine condition, and if due precaution be taken the malady may not again manifest itself, at least for years to come ; while in old horses the diseased limb is seldom or never reduced � it remains permanently thickened, and the anipial is extremely liable to have acute or sub-acute attacks of the same disease periodically. In the majority of cases, again, its action is usually confined to a hind leg, and that on the left side ; sgrnetimes both limbs are affected, but never, that I have seen, very acutely so at the same time ; the left limb might be attacked, and some time afterwards the right one, but never both limbs simultaneously. I have also found that if the disease be treated according to the old mode, namely, by bleeding and purging, that horses so treated are prone to be attacked far more frequently than when treated homoeopathically.

quot; Causes. � The predisposing causes are simple, the chief of which are peculiarity of breed, and the regular giving of very nutritious food in too great abundance; also previous attacks of the same disease, old age, and the sudden changing of the animal-from a poor to a rich diet. The immediate or exciting causes are � heavy blows upon the limbs ; severe scratches and cuts ; sudden over-exerticn ; working of the animal in water, or very wet ground: the sudden checking of old discharges from diseased S5raquo;

414

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

limb�, such as grease, bad thrushes, amp;c.; allowing the animal to stand in cold draughts when perspiring freely, or checking the perspiration suddenly by riding him into a stream of cold water.quot; � Veterinary Homceopaihy, by Surgeon Haycock.

Treatment. � The best treatment the author knows of is, to apply diluted tincture of arnica externally, and give twenty grains of hydriodate of potassa twice daily.

ON THE GADFLY GRUB FOUND BENEATH THE SKIN OF THE HORSE.

quot; We know that the horse harbors several species of oes-trides, or gadflies, in his body, of which those best known are the cestrus equi, the cestrus veterinus, and the cestrus heem-orrhoidalis, whose habitations are the stomach and intestines. But what we do not seem to be generally aware of is, that un�der the skin, even, larvce, or grubs, of the diptera family breed and give rise to the formation of tumors analogous to such as strike our notice, at certain times of the year, upon the bodies of our large ruminants; and particularly of those who appear, in all other respects, to enjoy the best health. Eedi and Huzard (the father) have spoken of these inhabitants of the skin of the horse. Bracy Clark, likewise, has mentioned them in his Essay on Bots; but he regards them as identical with those of the hjpoderma species which exist underneath the thick skin of the ox.

quot; Dr. Roulin, of the Institute, in his Researches on certain Changes observed in domestic Animals transported from the Old to the New Continent, expresses himself as follows: ' In the hatos of Zlanos, the horses are almost entirely left to themselves. They are driven up only from time to time to keep them from becoming quite wild, to take off them the larva of the oestri, and to mark the foals with a red-hot iron. To what species do these American larva belong? As yet we remain in ignorance of this.' Last of all, M. Loiset, a celebrated veterinary surgeon of the Department of the North, published, some years ago, a short Notice on the (Estrus Cuticohns of the horse, and has given a description of the larva of this oestrus, of which we have, ac�cording to the text, made a full copy.quot;quot;

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

415

quot; At the present day, with nature herself before our eyes, we feel satisfied that this description, confessed to be imperfect even by the author himself, viewed as a branch of natural history, is wanting in exactitude. And this induced him to introduce a portrait of the insect in question, with a fresh description of it more in accordance with the rigorous precision prescribed by science.

quot; Its character once well established, we shall be able readily to resolve the question, whether the oestrus in point be identical with the hypoderme of the ox, or whether it constitutes another species to be added to the genus hypoderma.

quot; The larva cuticolens (skin-habitant grub) of the horse has a cylindrical form, measuring more round in its fore than its hinder part. It is without brain or feet. Its body is constituted of eleven segments, including the one in which is found the buo-cal orifice, (or mouth,) which consists of a very small hole, edged with a black border, with some bristles around so fine as to be with difficulty perceptible by the naked eye. The foremost segment is of all the smallest. From this the segments, as far back as the fifth, grow gradually larger; while, on the contrary, the five posterior continue to diminish as they approach the hinder part. These segments, examined upon their ventral sur�face, with the exception of the two last, are divided transversely, by slight grooves, into two unequal halves, each furnished with a great number of spinous tubercles, whose points, upon the ante�rior half of the segment, are directed backwards, but forwards upon the posterior half. Two cribriform plates, the sole organ of respiration with which the grub is furnished, are seated upon a sort of flattened termination of the anal segment.

quot; Alike in this respect to the hypoderma hovis, the skin-habi�tant grub of the horse has, contrary to what is observed in the majority of cases, the inferior surface of the body convex, while the dorsal side of the segments is slightly concave. Such form is in this manner exactly fitted to the spherical cavity which serves as a habitation for the parasite. It is worthy of remark, that the dorsal surface of the body is without bristles, save upon the two or three foremost segments. The general color of the skin is white; the bristly tubercles alone being brown, more or less

41C

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

shaded. The skin itself is translucid and vesiculous, as it were. In size, the larva is much below the hypoderma bovis, since it does not exceed an inch in length, while the larva of the ox oestrus, at full growth, attains to from three to four inches.

quot; This difference, in itself considerable, is not the only one we have to remark. Upon the subject of our inquiry we do not ob�serve the six longitudinal lines which, upon the hypoderme of the ox, form so many series of tuberculous eminences, ranged at certain intervals from the first to the last segment. Neither are to be seen the five or six eminences surrounding the mouth of the latter; though, to make up for it, we find at the posterior and inferior side of the second segment a kind of transverse prominence shooting beyond the surrounding skin, and furnished with very small tubercles, which have no existence in the grub found in the skin of the ox.

quot; These differences, united to those of size, suffice, in our mind, to authorize the conclusion, that the larva in question, though it belong to the genus 'hypoderma, constitutes a distinct species, up to the present time undescribed, to which we shall give the name of hypoderma equi.

quot; No doubt we shall be asked, quot;What are the habits of this in�sect in its different states ? Nobody, as yet, that we ^now of, has investigated them. The larva alone being recognized, it is to that the few observations apply of which science is in posses�sion. We know that this larva is found principally upon horses that have been living at pasture in the months of July and Au�gust, and that through its presence are caused large indurated knots or buttons upon the skin, which are found in- the greatest numbers along the spine, from the withers to the croup inclusive. These buttons, whose volume varies from a lentil to a small nut, have, according to M. Loiset, a shape inclining to conical; and, by carefully separating the hairs clothing them, may be seen on their summit a narrow aperture, resembling such as a large needle would make. Compressing the tumor causes to issue from this opening a minute quantity of purulent serosity, which, after being removed, is followed, in the last months of the growth of the tumor, by a vesicular point, which is neither more nor less than the posterior extremity of the larva. The efforts made to

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expel this are ordinarily ineffectual up to the period at which its growth fits it for metamorphosis; when, by squeezing the pus�tule forcibly between the nails, a vermicular body springs livelily out, as though impelled by elasticity, and rolls upon the ground. This body is no other than the larva.

quot; There can be no doubt but that these larvae feed upon the pus which forms in the tumors that serve them as habitations up to the moment of their transformation ; neither is there any that the bristles clothing their body serve to augment the secretion of the pus through irritation of the skin, no more than there is doubt that the animal makes use of them, like the hypoderma of the ox, for the execution of the motions required for his escape from his foul abode. Once at liberty, he sets out in search of shelter either in the earth or the dung, and therein, after having remained for ten or eleven months underneath the horse's skin, it changes into fly.

quot; The larva that has been engaging our notice is comparative�ly rare in the south, but frequently found in the northern parts of France ; it is likewise common in Belgium and Holland, along the entire shore of the Baltic and the North Sea.

quot; Save the phenomena already detailed, the cuticular larva of the horse occasions, according to M. Loiset, no appreciable mor�bid derangement. Nevertheless, about the period of its full growth, it appears to occasion some troublesome itchings, which give way to lotions of cold water, at times slightly vinegared, or else to some of the means employed for the destruction of the larva of the hypoderma bovis.

quot; How long does the state of fly continue ? quot;What are the habits of the insect after it has arrived at its final transforma�tion ? These two questions, as yet, wait for answers ; but it is to be hoped they will not wait much longer. quot;We have for guar�anty of this the renowned seal of MM. the professors of our Veterinary School, touching all that concerns the interest of science of which those gentlemen are the worthy representa�tives.quot; � Translated by Mr. Percivall, from the Journal des Vet-erinaires du Midi.

418

THE MODERN HOUSE DOCTOR.

MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS USED IN THE VETERINARY PRACTICE.

Compound for Wounds, Saddlegalls, $c.

Pulverized aloes.......nbsp; nbsp; 8 ounces,

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;myrrh,......nbsp; nbsp; 4 ounces,

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;catechu,.....nbsp; nbsp; i ounces,

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;benzoin, ......nbsp; nbsp; 4 ounces.

New rum,.........nbsp; nbsp; 1 gallon.

Let the mixture stand for two or three weeks, frequently shaking it, and filter through fine linen.

Styptic, � (Tb arrest Hemorrhage.)

Powdered gum benzoin,

quot; sulphate of potassa, ?��,, #9632; ��,�j alum,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;' ^ each 4 pound,

Water,..........5 pints.

Mix, and boil in a glazed vessel, for five hours, stirring constantly, and add fresh quantities of boiling water to supply the loss which is constantly taking place by evaporation. This mixture pos�sesses the property of coagulating blood.

Another.

Tincture of mastic.

Another.

Tincture of muriate of iron.

Physic Ball.

Powdered aloes.......6 drachms,

quot; gentian......lh drachms.

Oil of peppermint,.....5 drops

Soft soap, sufficient to form a bolus. A little honey, or mucilage, will also render the mass tenacious enough to administer.

Physic Drench. � ( Cathartic medicine?)

Pulverized aloes......6 drachms,

Sirup of buckthorn.....1 ounce,

Tincture of ginger, .... 1 ounce.

Laxative Ball.

Powdered aloes,......3 drachms,

quot; sulphur,.....1 drachm.

MandraUe,........2 drachms.

To be formed into a bolus, with honey or mucilage.

THE MODKRN HORSE DOCTOR.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;419

Another.

Powdered aloes.......3 drachms,

quot; mandrake, .... 2 drachms, Soap..........4 drachms.

Croton Purge. Pulverized croton seed and farina are frequently used as pur�gatives by the profession; the former in doses varying from fifteen to thirty grains, and the latter from twenty-five to forty-five grains.

Alterative Drench.� {To change morbid action?)

Sulphur.........1 ounce,

Powdered mandrake, .... 2 drachms. Thin gruel,.......1 pint.

Antispasmodic Drench. � {For spasmodic action, either nervous

or muscular.)

Tincture of assafoetida, ) �� , , �____

yalerian, \ #9632; eaqU. ounce,

Simp of garlic,......3 ounces.

Gruel,.........1 pint.

Another. � {For spasmodic cough.)

Balsam copaiba,......nbsp; nbsp;gt;, ounce.

Sweet spirits of nitte, ....nbsp; nbsp;3 drachms.

Sulphuric ether, .....nbsp; nbsp;A drachm.

Tincture of musk,.....nbsp; nbsp;A ounce.

Half of the above quantity to be given, night and morning, in gruel.

Tonic Drench. � {For weakness and debility.)

Port wine.........3 ounces.

Tincture of cinnamon,. . . . J ounce. Powdered goldenseal, .... 4 drachms.

To be given in thin gruel. Should the bowels be torpid, omit the port wine, and substitute one and a half ounce of pale brandy.

Astringent Drench. � (See Diarrhoea.)

Diuretic Drench.

Fir balsam........h ounce,

Sweet spirits of nitre, ... 2 drachms. Tincture of assafoctida, ... 1 ounce.

To be given in a thin mucilage of slippery elm.

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Nauseant and Diaphoretic Drench. � ( To increase the function

of cutaneous exhalants in febrile diseases.)

Powdered lobelia..........2 drachms,

quot; bloodroot.........1 drachm.

To be given in warm water, and repeated at given intervals. Stimulating Drench.

Tincture of capsicum, J

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; ginger, 5......each J an ounce.

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; cinnamon,)

To be given in gruel.

Narcotic Drench. � {To relieve pain and induce sleep.)

Tincture of Indian hemp,......3 drachms.

Chloroform,...........J drachm.

To be given in warm water. An infusion of poppies, or hops, is a good anodyne.

Sedative Drench. � (7b lessen arterial action.)

Tincture of arnica..........i drachms.

Water,.............1 pint.

To be repeated, gradually lessening the dose.

Cooling and Refrigerating Drench. � {For fevers or thirst.)

Cream of tartar...........J ounce.

To be given in an infusion of lemon balm.

Phthisical Drench. � {For Phthisis Pulmonalis.)

Powdered iodine..........10 grains,

quot; hydriodate of potassa, ... 20 grains.

To be given daily, in a decoction of comfrey, {symphitium ojjici-

nalis.)

Vermifuge Drench.

Aloes..............4 drachms.

Oil of wormseed..........20 drops.

Powdered male fern, {aspidiumfelix mas,) 1 ounce.

To be given in one pint of weak soap suds an hour before feeding.

Parturient Drench. � ( Given to arouse the uterus in protracted

labor.) Spurred rye, (secale conuitum,) .... 34 drachms. To be given in a decoction of bethroot, \trillium purpureum)

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Antacid Drench.� (To correct flatulency.)

Lime water,........2 ounces,

Tfcctureofie^tian.^ , ^ each i an ounce.

To be given in an infusion of horsemint, {monarda punctata.')

Liihontriptic Drench. � {For urinary calculi.)

Lime water,........2 ounces,

Honey,.........4 ounces,

Infusion of sassafras.....1 pint.

To be given daily, for a fortnight or more.

Saline Aperients.

(Either of the following is a dose.)

Epsom salts,.......12 ounces.

Glauber salts........12 ounces.

Rochelie salts,......8 ounces.

Sulphur,........1 to 2 ounces.

Demulcents. � (Intended to lubricate and sheathe mucous surfaces.)

Mucilage of slippery elm.

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;gum acacia, (Arabic.)

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;gum tragacanth.

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;Iceland moss.

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;benne leaves, (sesamum indicv.m.)

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;liquorice root.

The mucilage is made by pouring boiling water on a certain quantity of either of the above articles, and stirring until the required consistence is obtained. The dose is ad libitum.

Discutients. � (Medicines that are supposed to possess the power of repelling or resolving tumors.)

Ointment of iodine and hydriodate of potassa, made thus: �

M�XwJ- � � � of each 6 ounces.

Hydriodate of potassa J ' of each 1 ounce.

Melt the wax and tallow; and when partly cool, rub the whole together in a mortar. This is an excellent preparation for en�larged glands, before they suppurate. The next best discutients are, cold water, diluted acetic acid, soft soap, brine, and new rum. In fact, all refrigerants act as discutients.

Buhefacients. Rubefacients are substances which, when applied to the skin of a horse, produce increased action in the part without blister-36

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ing : such are alcohol, tincture of capsicum, stimulating liniments of various kinds, strong vinegar, and turpentine, mixed with lin�seed oil. They are indicated in all cases of internal congestion in view of counter irritation: for chronic lameness, and to soften indurated and indolent tumors.

Vesicants, or Blisters, The principal one used by the author, and several times alluded to in this work, is acetate of cantharides, made as fol�lows : �

Strong acetic acid,.....8 ounces,

Water,.........1 quart,

Powdered Spanish flies,.... 3 ounces.

Mix; let it stand for fourteen or more days, and then filter through blotting paper. Used in cases of spavin, splent, ringbone, and callous swellings. The usual vesicant is the common horse blister, thus prepared: �

Take lard, free from salt, twelve ounces; melt it in an earthen vessel with two ounces of rosin, � taking care not to raise the temperature above that of a man's blood, � then add powdered Spanish flies, two ounces; oil of origanum, one ounce : stir until cool.

The part to be blistered should be shaved, and then rubbed for a few minutes with strong vinegar; after wiping the part dry, spread on the blister to about the thickness of a dollar. If it be necessary to keep up the vesicatory action, let it be dressed daily with savin ointment.

Antiseptics, Antiseptics are remedies which arrest decomposition and ex�cite the healing process in wounds; among them we name pyro-ligneous acid, salt, charcoal, chloride of lime and of soda.

Emollients. The best emollient for softening and lubricating a part is poultice of slippery elm; the next best is tepid water.

Digestives.

Digestives are used for the purpose of hastening suppuration; we have used a great many, but find none equal to, �

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�nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; Bar soap,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;.......2 ounces,

Brown sugar........2 ounces,

Powdered bloodroot,...... i ounce.

Mix ; and apply by means of bandage.

Fomentations. Fomentations are indicated in all inflammatory swellings, strains, and bruises, and are occasionally applied over tbe region of deep-seated inflammatory disease � located in the intestines, kidneys, throat, amp;c. The usual fomentations are composed of warm water, infusion of poppies, hops, and lobelia. They must be perseveringly applied, or they are of little use.

Common Horse Liniment.

Olive oil,.........12 ounces.

Aqua ammonia,......2 ounces,

Oil of cedar,.......1 ounce.

Mix.

Sirup of Garlic.

Take of bruised garlic, four ounces; acetic acid and water, of each six ounces. Let the garlic macerate for flve days ; express the liquor and strain it; then add two pounds of white Havana sugar; boil over a slow fire until it is of the consistence of sirup. Dose, two to four ounces. It is an excellent antispasmodic.

Tincture of Assafcetida. Take gum assafcetida, six ounces; pale brandy, one quart. Macerate for two weeks, and filter through fine linen. This is also an efficient antispasmodic. Dose, three to eight drachms, to be given in thin mucilage or gruel.

Tincture of Capsicum. Take of powdered red peppers, two ounces; new rum, one quart. Macerate for fourteen days, and filter through blotting paper.

Tincture of Arnica.

Take of arnica flowers, (imported from Germany,) four ounces; new rum, one pint. Macerate for fourteen days; express the liquor, and filter through blotting paper. This remedy, in the proportion of one ounce to a pint of water, forms a good applica�tion for wounds, bruises, saddle galls, amp;c. The author has used

424nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;TUE MODEllN HOESE DOCTOR.

it with great success in amaurosis and other diseases of the eye of a paralytic character. Given to a horse laboring under in-flammatorv affections, in the proportion of twenty drops, diluted with water, it acts as a sedative, and lessens the heart's action; in view of producing effect, however, the dose must be repeated at intervals of four hours. It is useful also in ophthalmia. �

Tincture of Ginger. Take powdered Jamaica ginger, five ounces ; pale brandy, one quart. Macerate for fourteen days, and filter. Properties, stimu�lant and carminative. Dose, one to two ounces, in gruel.

Tincture of Ginnamon. Take bruised cinnamon, four ounces; new rum, one pint. Macerate for fourteen days, and filter. Dose, one ounce.

Gompound Tincture of Gentian. Take gentian root, two ounces ; orange peel, dried, one ounce; cardamom seeds, bruised, half an ounce ; proof spirit, two pints. Macerate for fourteen days, and filter. Professor Morton recom�mends this as a grateful litter. Dose, from one to two ounces.

Composition for Colic.

Powdered cinnamon, quot;l quot; ginger,

quot; cloves,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;gt; . . . equal parts.

quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; charcoal, ]

quot; slippery elm, J

Dose, a table-spoonful, to which add one quart of boiling water.

Let it stand for a short time, then pour off the clear liquor;

sweeten with honey, and drench the subject.

Basilicon Ointment. This is a very good digestive, and is prepared as follows: Take lard, free from salt, beeswax, Canada balsam, and resin, equal parts. Melt over a slow fire, and, while cooling, stir con�stantly.

Liniment of Turpentine.

Take oil of turpentine, olive oil, of each equal parts. Mix. This is recommended by Professor Morton as a useful digestive, or rubefacient.

THK MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; 425

Caraway Seeds.

The most valuable remedy, and one which we invariably re�sort to for the correction of flatulency, or for the expulsion of wind from the stomach and bowels, is the above. As a carmi�native, caraways stand unrivalled; they also possess antispas-^-modic properties, to which, in the treatment of spasmodic colic, their efficiency Las justly been ascribed. If they were brought into general use, to the exclusion of turpentine, gin and molasses, saleratus, amp;c., amp;c., so extensively used in this city, we should not hear of so many cases terminating fatally. Scarcely a week passes but we hear of valuable horses dying from diseases su�pervening on maltreated colic. In a recent case of spasmodic colic that came under our observation, the subject, a stud, valued at $175, was drenched with half a pint of vinegar and two ounces of saleratus! The death of so valuable an animal has probably taught its owner a lesson not to be forgotten. If a man should be suddenly attacked with colic, would he be so in�sane as to swill down medicines which his own common sense would seem to teach are opposed to the cure? Would he not rather try a little peppermint water, ginger tea, or caraway ? And if so, why not give the same to his horse, when similarly afflicted ? The diseases of the latter require the same sanative treatment for their cure.

There is not a more effectual or innocent agent in the whole materia medica, for the treatment of colic, than caraways. And this our opinion is confirmed by that of various eminent veteri�nary practitioners. The only objection to their use is, that they are innocent � simple. quot; The horse wants something power�ful;quot; he often gets it too; the remedy lessens not the disease, for that is only aggravated � augmented; the vital flame, the living principle, goes out, and the animal dies a victim to our misguided notions.

Caraways should be powdered and given in warm water, in doses of half a table-spoonful, and repeated as occasion may re�quire. Horses which, in consequence of deranged digestive' organs, are the frequent subjects of colic, may be benefited by a weekly dose of the article in their food. 3G*

42Cnbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; TOE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

Hydrastus Canadensis, (Goldenseal.) This article has lately been introduced into our materia medico,. It is a valuable tonic and alterative, and as all bitter medicines are supposed to be laxative, that property may with propriety a�o be added. This agent may be used with safety whenever the nature of the case, requires that these indications are to be fulfilled. Dr. McCann has contributed an article to the New Jersey Medical Reporter, (November number,) in favor of this valuable article. He quot; was led to the use of goldenseal by no�ticing its well-known sanative properties over inflammations of the mucous surfaces, such as aphthae of the mouth, amp;c. I hope that some of the profession will give the article a fair trial.quot;

Goldenseal possesses all the tonic properties attributed to gen�tian ; it is superior to that article, however, inasmuch as its ther�apeutic action is susceptible of wider range. It may be used in cases of local inflammation, when the latter article, in conse�quence of its stimulating effect, would be positively injurious. There is no agent in the materia tnedica that admits of a wider range of application than the one under consideration. As an alterative it ranks higher, in our estimation, than any single medicine ever used, and we feel confident that the veterinary profession will, in subsequent years, give this article a decided preference to the mineral alteratives. It acts very gradually on the system of a horse, improving the depraved secretions and excretions, especially in those broken-doum states of constitu�tion supervening on hard work, bad management, and in that prostrated state of the system which sometimes follows the im�prudent use of the fleam, antimony, arsenic, nitre, amp;c., amp;c. Its mode of action is less evident than its ultimate effects : it changes existing morbid actions, without any apparent influence over any particular function. Its manifest general effect is, to invigorate the system as a whole, and thus aid in removing disease wherev�er it may be located. The complaints for which we have gen�erally prescribed it are acute and chronic diseases of the liver, and diseases of the mucous surfaces, in doses of from one to three drachms every twelve hours. In ophthalmia it may be used with decided advantage as a local application, in the proportion of half a drachm of the powder to Kamp;lf a pint of boiling water.

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;427

When cool, the clear liquor is to be poured off; it is then fit for use. Let it be understood that we merely refer to the agent as a local remedy. There are other conditions which require ful�filment well known to the profession, and without attention to which no case of ophthalmia could ever be brought to a favor�able terminatioc. The conditions alluded to may be thus ex�pressed : Keep the bowels regular ; confine the animal to a light diet; keep the head cool, and feet warm; ventilate the stable, and confine the horse to a dark corner.

Goldenseal, combined with an equal quantity of charcoal, in the proportion of two drachms night and morning, is of great value in dysentery, flux, and scouring, especially when there is a tendency to putrescence. The powdered root has been used with decided advantage, as an injection, in diarrhoea, and in fall�ing of the fundament and womb. It has long been' employed in human practice, in ardor urinaj, gleet, gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, amp;c. Dr. McCann states, that quot; the ardor urinse, and discharges of mucus, have been entirely suspended, in every case, in from twenty-four to seventy-two hours. It is a perfect and perma�nent eradicator of the disorder.quot;

In fetid discharges from the vagina or anus, we have em�ployed it with decided advantage. The dry powder has been found highly useful alone, (although we prefer to add to it a small quantity of charcoal,) in obstinate ulcers and old sores.

Goldenseal belongs to the class Polyandria, order Polygynia, natural order Eanunculaceae. It is an indigenous plant, grow�ing in different parts of the United States, but most abundantly beyond the Alleghanies. It has a perennial root, and an herba�ceous stem, from five to twelve inches in height, two unequal leaves, and a single flesh-colored flower. The root is tortuous, and from which arise numerous long fibres, of a bright-yellow color.

A POSOLOGICAL TABLE

FOE THE HOESE;

ACTION OF THE MEDICmAL SUBSTANCES.¹

Acacia; Gummi.....

Acid Aceticum......

------ Arseniosnm ...

------ Hydrochloric..

------ Hydrocy. dil...

------ Nitricum......

------ Sulphuric.....

Adeps..............

Aloes Extract.......

Alumen............

-nbsp; nbsp;Ustnm........

Ammonia, Hydroch.

------ Liquor........

------ Liq. Acet......

------ Sesqui-car.....

------ Spt. Arom.....

Anthemides Flo res.. Antim. Potass. Tart.

------ Sesqui Chilaquo;....

------ Sesqui Sulph...

Argenti Nitras......

either Sulphuricus., Belladon. Extract...

Calx Chlorinata.....

Camphora..........

Cantharis...........

Capsici Baccse.......

Carni Sctnina.......

Cascar. Cortex......

Catechu Ext........

Colchicum .........

Internally. Demulcent,...

Astringent,...

Tonic,

Externally.

( Antiseptic, .. � � I Rubefacient,.. J

Caustic...........

( Antiseptic, . / Caustic, ....

Sedative......

Caustic,......

Caustic.......

Emollient.....

ad lib.

�?

grs. x. to xx. f 5 ij. to S iij. fSss. to 3j.

3j. to 5ij.

5j. to Si).

S iv, to 5 viij. 5ij. to 3iv.

fSss. to fSj.

fjiv. tofSviij. 5 ij. to 3 iv.

fSss. to 5j.

Sij. to 3iv.

3ss. to 3j.

3ij. to Sss.

f3iv. to 3vj. 3i.j. to 3-v. 3 ij. to 3 iv. 5j. to 3ij.

gr. v. to x.

gr. x. to xx.

jss. to Sj. 3ij. to 3iv. 5j. to 3ij.

3j. to 3ij.

(quot;Lithontriptic,.

j Tonic.........

Sedative,.......

Tonic,.

C Alteratlt; NauseaC Purgat

tivc.....quot;)

mt,.... � ive,....)

Traumatic, .

Astringent,. Erodent, ... Discutient, .

Stimulant,..

Discutient, .

Astringent,

Antacid,.......laquo;.

5 Stimulant.....

J? Antacid,.....

Diaphoretic,.....

Stimulant........

5 Stimulant.....

/ Antacid,......

Tonic............

5 Nauseant,.... I Diaphoretic,..

Vesicant,. Caustic, ..

Aterative,......

Antispasmodic, .

Narcotic,.......

Antiseptic......

Narcotic........

Caustic, .... Kefrigerant, Sedative, ... Antiseptic, . Discutient, .

Vesicant,...,

( Stimulant,

) Diuretic, .

:::!

Carminative,

Carminative,..

Tonic.........

Astringent,. ..

' Diuretic, ...

Diaphoretic,

Laxative,..,

^! -M(.rr..n^;. .Manual of Pliarmacy.

(423)

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

429

Copaiba............

Creasoton ..........

Crete Prepar........

Croton Semina......

------ Oleum........

------ Farina........

Cupri Ammou. Sulph.

------ Diacetas ......

Internally.

Diuretic,.....

5 Antiseptic, �

? Tonic.......

Antacid.......

Purgative, ...�

Purgative.....

Purgative,... � Tonic,........

Tonic,........

Alterative,..

Tonic.......

Astringent,.

Tonic,......

Narcotic, .��

Diuretic, ...

Alterative,..

Tonic,......

Astringent,.

, Tonic.......

Astringent,...

Tonic.........

Tonic,........

Externally.

( Caustic,......

) Antiseptic, ...

Absorbent,......

Irritant,.........

Sss. to Sj.

f S ss. to 5 j. ?

Sij. to giv. gr. xij. to xxiv. gtt. xx. to xxx. gr. xx. to Ix. 3j. to 3ij.

3j. to Sij.

3j.to Sij-

Sj. to Sj. gr. xx. to Ix. Sj-to 5ij. 3 ss. to 3 j.

Sij. to 3iv.

3 ij. to 3 iv. 3ij. to 3iv. fSss. to Sj.

gr. v. to x. gr. x. to xx. 3ss. to 3ij.

( Frodent,... I Detergent,

Detergent,...

i Erodent, .. ¹ Excitant,,

::\

------ Diniodidum ..

------ Sulphas......

Digitalis...........

Ferri lodidum......

- \

------ Sulphas......

G�lte.............

Gcntiance Bad......

------ Tincture.....

Hellcboris Nig......

Hydrarg. BicUorid..

------ Chlorid......,

Astringent,.

Excitant,. Caustic,..

Alterative,... lt; Alterative,. I Cathartic, .

------ Biniodid..

------ Nitratis..

------ Oxydum .

Hyosciami Ext.

lodininm......

Lini Semina....

------ Oleum ...

( Stimulant,. y Detergent,. Detergent,...

Alterative.........

Narcot.amp; Anodyne, ( Glandular ex- ) } citant,......5

Demulcent,.......

Laxative,.........

( Laxative......?

/ Diuretic,.....S

( Antiseptic, #9632; � � ?

ji Tonic,........5

Demulcent,.......

3j. to 3iss. Sj-to 3ij-

gr. v. to x.

ad lib. Oj. to Oij.

ass. to Ibj.

3 ij. to 3 iv. Oj. to Oij.

Sj. to Sij. fgss. to Sij. Sij. to giv.

Sij. to Siv.

Sedative........

( Glandular ex-( citant.......

Emollient,......,

Magneste Sulph....

Myrrha............

Oleum Olivce......

------ Palmce......,

------ Rapi........,

Opium...........

------ Tinctura ....

Petroleum .......,

Pimenta Baccse...

Pix Abietina......

------ Liquida.....

------ Nigra ......

Plumbi Acetas....

------ Diacetas ....

Potassa..........

I'otassae Carbon as.

------ Chloras.....

------ Nitras......

Traumatic, .

Emollient,.. Emollient,.. Emollient,.,

Anodyne,... Stimulant,.

C Narcotic and', } Antispasmodic,'

gt;timulant,.

( Stimulant,.

' Tonic,.

Rubefacient,. Rubefacient, . Rubefacient,.

Sedative, ....

Sedative.....

Caustic,.....

i Sedative,.... ¹ Astringent, ..

3ss. to Sj.

v Antacid,... j Diuretic, .. btimulant ? ., lt; Febrifuge,. ( Diuretic,...

lt; Refrigerant, .. ) I Antiseptic, . �. )

3 ij. to 3 iv. 3j. to 3ij. Sij. to Siv.

430

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

Fotassii lodidum... Quiiue DifAilphas... Kesina ��#9632;�#9632;�� Sabina............

Sapo..............

Secale Comutum... Soda; Carbonas.....

------ Chlorinat. liq.

-nbsp; nbsp;Sulphas......

Sodii Chloridum ... Spirit. Etheris Nit. .,

------ Rectificatus ...

Strychnia...........

Sulphur............

Terebinthinraquo; Vulg..

Terebinthinee Oleum

Veratrum Album.... Zinci Acetas........

------ Carbonas......

------ Chloridum ....

-nbsp; nbsp;Oxydum......

-nbsp; nbsp;Sulphas.......

Zingiberis Radix....

------ Tinct..........

Internally. Glandular excitant,

Tonic...........

Diuretic.........

Externally. Glandular excitant.

gr. zz. to zzz.

3 ss. to 5 j. Sss. to Sj.

S ss. to S ij.

S ij. to 3 iv.

5 ij. to 5 iv.

f S ss. to S ij. Ibss. to ibj.

gj. toSiv. fSj.to gij. fSj.to Sij. gr. j. to iij.

Sj-to gij.

Sss. to Sj. fSij. to 5iv. f 3 iij. to gvj. gr. xx. to xx.

Calefacient,. Irritant,....

5 Antacid,. Jf Diuretic,. Parturient, 5 Antacid,. I Diuretic, Antiseptic, Diuretic,

Stimulant,.

Antiseptic, Stimulant,..

| Tonic,........)

( Alterative,.... J f Antispasmod.,

lt;nbsp;Diuretic,.....

C Diaphoretic,..

5 Stimulant,.... I I Antispasmod., ) C Stimulant to ^

lt;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;the Motor gt; C Nerves,....) ( Laxative,.....)

j Alterative,.... )

Diuretic...........

( Diuretic, .....gt;

f Antispasmod., ) Nauseant,........

Refrigerant,.

Digestive........

( Irritant,......

} Digestive, �...

Stimulant........

Astringent,......

Caustic,.........

Astringent,......

5 Erodent......

{ Astringent,...

(Astringent,.

/Tonic.......

Carminative,

3j to 3ij. 5 ij. to 3 iv. fgss. tcfjij.

( Carminative amp;

( Antispasmod.

THK MODEUX HORSE DOCTOR.

431

ABSTRACT FROM THE SEVENTH CENSUS.

A Table of the Number and Value of Live Stock in the United States*

sei En

^3^Dgt;wostno^CT^ilaquo;;�-J^^oocnc3l�*#9632;l0^p~J�OEJlooUIJl^toulOoc^)� Mi��'5quot;

S2 11

#9632;fa

fc-nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; *. io �-J a. tn cn cs oo to a. en oo os -J^DWco w oraquo; ^--j a _ ^ lUtn go

to ot co i^Jo K taoioyt amp; to m jk to �. *. mj.laquo; u o -Jjo S o ^- w^pQ^pipo ogt; odjoJS

braquo;lt;^gt;�OlODOtOS^Cntaamp;OO-^OiWCDCJCCCltO�OCJi�OWtO(C^laquo;?QD0Ci�#9632;�^(OtD

3 �i fc- K)

_3 ^ A. m

S ec oo quot;^-i tolo ^.^ote'jraquo;. u i� oraquo; i� i�Jk ji.quot;to laquo; *o'h-¹ciquot;oo tOOCOOiCi'�i-'CJOWK'tOCitOinOtO-^00*.OiX)

#9632;#9632;#9632; -^ wooiii.tjwcooi to^ta wiommciom*'wcio

CDOOC04^CCtOtS*JOtO UlCOODOOUUiWCSH^

canbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; t-j raquo;-*-J oo �-'-4 tp #9658;-#9632; oonbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;klt; u co cntoenu i-laquo;

3 w h-jO�CjtpfO a.Ko �(00 � 3-Jwcigooi� -J w

iO (^ U m Goto tn O Ofc � tpgt;-'tn fO O W laquo;

-JCiQDOD^ltpCJi��tQWiOtOtDOiCOCOK

Ulh tnloquot;copy; i-t'coquot;inquot;^,M'A.'kgt;^-'^,k)quot;b)'H-'^-l'^,in

� CODi*.O�laquo;QO�iCD^OOtOUi(O�i-*l

i-i u^'to'k) w'tD'qo'H- ao laquo; �lt;quot;uiquot;to to'h-'q'oo'co to 'q kj'ss

-j jo K}}s ^iJiⁱ'i''j^;ji^J,j^amp;,^quot;j^t'i-¹i^J quot;^ ^j^i³ a⁰ ^quot;i⁰ o i� to c; ts cols ^^7o^^^^^^^^^^-in^quot;^quot;�iquot;4k'eraquo;quot;�iquot;ooquot;^'eiquot;eoquot;Jo

i�H-CJtJ-J-^rfi.tOgt;�^JJi-JOOtO � OCJ^tni�oi�afcCO�o

oamp;cosiamp; H-^aj^cojfc

i�OJOtOtSCOCOO^tOD

w tnTraquo; ^ oo'ciquot;OD'To^-A.'oquot;K-quot;inquot;cO'C)'(0'^-''

- -^ raquo;j jq in _r� �. -#9632; � . . -...,.... , - .- .

^�jojfltnj^jj ^3

raquo;'ci'cD'Vi'o'Vj'o) 'to'co uiquot;bjquot;tnquot;A.'tn oils co -j #9632; #9632;-nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;.........#9632; #9632; � � -o� a. - #9632; �

Sab'-oto�bamp;iino #9633;oot.^.^-^cacpomto (OoooiW-JcocJA^SsKSo-SoOD�cgt;

quot; According to the British Government Returns for 1830, the total number of horses thronghout the country walaquo; 839,250. The increase and decrease in the number of carriages and hones within the last ten years ia a remarkable sign of the times. Since 1840, the number of all kinds of horses throughout Great Britain has decreased 43,000. But while some have declined, others have increased in number. Of pri�vate riding and carriage horses (where one only is kept) there has been a decrease of 12,000, and of ponies 700. Stage-coach horses have declined 4000; post horses, 2500; horses used in hu8bnndry,57,000; breeding mares, 1300; colts, 7000; and horses kept for sale, 500. The London hackney-coach horses, on the other band, have increased, in the same space of time, uo less than 2000, and bo have the draught horses used in trade to the extent of 17,000; while those kept by small farmers are 13,000 more, and the race hones 400 more than they were in 1840.quot;

THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOE.

Bongs of the crani�um, or skull,... i,.

'Krontal,.....................................,. i

Parietal,................................,.....2

Occipital,..............,...................... i

Temporal,.....................................2

Ethmoid,......................................1

_i Sphenoid,.....................................1

Nasal,...........,............................2

Ungius,.......................................2

Malarum,.............................,,......2

Maxillatia, auperior and anterior,...............4

Palatine,......................................9

Turbinated bones,..............................4

Vomer,...................................,,.. 1

Posterior maxilla,..............................1

Lacrymal,.....................................2

Cuspidata, or canine,...........................4

j Molares,......................................24

1 Incisores,....................^................12

Hyoides,...................................... I

TMalleus,...........................J..........2

I Incus,........................................2

] Stapes,........................................2

[ Orbiculare,....................................2


	w
	rn
	M
	o
	H
	H
	W
	M
	pti	�
	o	gt;,

	W	r^
	g	'r
		3.
		X!
	CJJ	^
	amp;	#9632;K
	rv-l	K
	f�1
	r/j	ggt;

	w
	pa
	Eh	^
	fe	s
	t�i
		h
	t/j	#9658;c-
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	M	^

	H	s
	W	p
	t^-1	fc,
	P=H
	o
	pa
	S
	Pd
	-^
	amp;H

Bones of the face.

Denies, or teeth,.. Bone of the tongue,

Bones of the Ear,

Spine,

Cnbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; f Cervical,. ^....................................7

h .

Og-j

rood

J Vertebraj, �{ Dorsal, ..........................,-,...........13

[ Lumbar,......................................5

[ Sacrum,*..................................................1

Tan,...Coccygis, or bones of the tail,................................15

S Sternum, composed at birth of anumber of pieces, 1 True riba,.................................... 14 False do.,.....................................22

.Pelvis, Ossa inDominata,f........................................... 2

'Shoulder,...........Scapula,......................................2

Arm,...............Humerus,......................................2

Fore Arm,..........Radius, (and ulna, connected with the former,).. 4

' Os schapoides, (one to each knee,)..............2

Oslunarenbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;..............2

Os cuneiforme, quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; ..............2

Q .

my,

o #9632;

Bones of the knee.

Os trapezium,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;^unbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; ..............2

Os trapezoides, quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;..............2

Os unciforme,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;*nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; ..............2

Os magnum,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; ,..;..........2

.Os pisiforme,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; ..............2

' Mctacaxpi magnum,............................2

Splents,........................................ 4

Sessamoides,...................................4

Below the knee,

Suffraginis, (large pastem,).....................2

Os coronas, (small do., }.....................2

Os naviculare,.................................2

, Os pedis,.........................'.............2

Thigh,..............Femur,.......................................2

Stifle,..............Patella,.......................................Q

Leg, ,

Tibia,.........................................2

Fibula,........................................2

' Astragalus,....................................2

Os calcis,......................................2

Os cuboides,..................................2

Os cuneiforme magnum,.......................2

Internal medium,..............................2

External do.,................................2

' Metatarsi, (or canons,).........................2

Splents,....................................... 4

Os suffraginis,. #9632;�..............................2

Os coronie..................................... 2

Bones of the hock,

Below the knee,

Os sessamoides,................................4

Os naviculare,.................................2

_ Os pedis,......................................2

Total,...............................242

Dr. Hooper reckons the number of bones in the human subject at 248.

* The bones in the sacrum of the colt consist of fiVe pieces.

f The pelvic of the younganltnal is made up of the two ossa innominata,eacIi of which is formed of two pieces ; the larger is called os ileum, the smaller, in allusion to the human pelvis, has been subdivided into two portions, named os ischium and os pubis.

Z'/oo^





	MODERN HORSE DOCTOR:

	CONTAININ�

	PKACTICAL OBSERVATIONS

	OK TIJB

	CAUSES, NATURE, AND TREATMENT

	DISEASE AND LAMENESS IN HORSES.

	EMBKACINO

	THE MOST KECENT AND APPKOVED METHODS, ACCORDING TO AN ENLIGHTENED SYSTEM OF VETERINARY THERAPEUTICS, FOB THE PKESERVATION AND lUKTORATION OF HEALTH.

	WITH ILM.SXRATIONS.


	By GEOEGE H. DADD, M. D., *ACIH�K OF ANATOMY XgO* FIIYSIOLOOT OF THB UOESK, AVD XHX REFORMED CATTLE DOCTOR.**

	^#9632;.^ T	IHIKD THOUSAND. -laquo;.. / v Bmvox: y

	PUBLISHED BY JOflN-.^_IES^TT AND COMPANY. CLEVELAND, OHIO : JEWETT, PROCTOE, AND WOETHINOTOiN'. 1854.



	ITquot;

	*. *

	Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1854, by OEORGE H. DADD, M.D., In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. I

	STEEEOTYPED AT THE BOSTON 8TEBEOTTPB FOUNDRT.





	CONTENTS.

	PRELIMINARY. raquo;OB On the Qualifications necessary for the Practice of Yeterinary Medicine...............................................nbsp; nbsp; 15 Great Benefits derived from studying Comparative Anatomy and Physiology,........................................nbsp; nbsp; 22 Brief History of Veterinary Science.............................nbsp; nbsp; 28 DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND ITS MEMBRANES. Stomach Staggers,............................................nbsp; nbsp; 35 Sleepy Staggers..............................................nbsp; nbsp; 40 Inflammation of the Brain,....................................nbsp; nbsp; 42 Apoplexy,...................................................nbsp; nbsp; 43 Vertigo......................................................nbsp; nbsp; 46 Concussion of the Brain,......................................nbsp; nbsp; 49 Lethargy....................................................nbsp; nbsp; 61 Inflammation of the Arachnoid Membrane of the Brain...........nbsp; nbsp; 6i Remarks on and Explanation of Vapor Bath.....................nbsp; nbsp; 62 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORT ORGANS AND AIR PASSAGES. Pink Eye and Horse Ail,......................................nbsp; nbsp; 54 Spasm of the Larynx,.........................................nbsp; nbsp; 68 Laryngitis,...................................................nbsp; nbsp; 61 Inflammation of the Lungs....................................nbsp; nbsp; 63 Dropsy of the Chest..........................................nbsp; nbsp; 72 Pleuro-pneumonia............................................nbsp; nbsp; 76 Pleurisy,.....................................................nbsp; nbsp; 76 Consumption,................................................nbsp; nbsp; 81 Strangles,...................................................nbsp; nbsp; 88 (9)



	12 'nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;CONTENTS. Bog and Blood Spa-vius,.......................................nbsp; nbsp;275 Wmdgalls...................................................nbsp; nbsp;276 Ringbone,...................................................nbsp; nbsp;276 Bemarks on Strain,...........................................nbsp; nbsp;282 Strain of the Fetlock,.........................................nbsp; nbsp;283 quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; quot; Knee,...........................................nbsp; nbsp;283 laquo;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;quot; CoffinJoint......................................nbsp; nbsp;283 laquo;�nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;�' Back,...........................................nbsp; nbsp;283 quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;quot; Shoulder,........................................nbsp; nbsp;284 Thoroughpin.................................................nbsp; nbsp;284 Open Joint...................................................nbsp; nbsp;286 Bemarks on Dislocation,......................................nbsp; nbsp;289 Dislocation of the Neck.......................................nbsp; nbsp;289 laquo;laquo;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;laquo; Shoulder,...................................nbsp; nbsp;290 laquo;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;quot; Hip........................................-nbsp; nbsp;290 lt;lt;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; laquo; Stifle,......................................nbsp; nbsp;291 quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;quot; Fetlock,....................................nbsp; nbsp;291

	DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND SUB-CELLULAR TISSUES. Grease or Scratches,.......................................... 292 Hardening of the Skin,........................................ 298 Maianders and Salanders,...................................... 299 Poultry Lousiness,............................................ 300 Rats Tail..................................................... 305 Hidebound,.................................................. 306 Falling off of the Hair,....................................-----308 Ringworm,...............................................� � � � 309 Swelling of the Legs,......................................... 311 Stings of Bees................................................ 313 Cutaneous Eruption and Itching,................................ 316 Mange,...................................................... 316 Cracked Hools................................................ 317 Acute Irritation of the Skin,................................... 318 Sweating,................................................... 321 Warts,...................................................... 324 Considerations and Experiments relating to Contagious Diseaseraquo;,. 325 Melanosis,.......................................... �#9632;-� �� 329

	DISEASES OF THE HOOF AND LAMINAE. Observations on the Horse's Hoof,............................ �nbsp; nbsp;331 Treads and Overreaches,.............................�........nbsp; nbsp;334 Quarter Crack,....................lt;..........................nbsp; nbsp;335 Toe Crack,..................................................nbsp; nbsp;335



	ILLUSTRATIONS.

	PAOB Skeleton,....................................................nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; 2 Stomach and Bowels,........................................nbsp; nbsp; 34 Vapor Bath,.................................................nbsp; nbsp; 63 Male Oboans of Ctenebation,................................nbsp; nbsp;109 Female Organs of Genebation,..............................nbsp; nbsp;120 Stomach......................................................nbsp; nbsp;126 Bots,.............................f..........................nbsp; nbsp;126 Fcettjs.......................................................nbsp; 204 Method of Slinoino a Horse.................................nbsp; 233 Spavins,................................................ 266,nbsp; 267 Binobone,...............................laquo;...................nbsp; 267 Apparatus fob Fbaciube, amp;0.,................................nbsp; 288



	28nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR, which are kept two thousand cows and oxen, is a town full of dis�tilleries, and these animals are fed on slops and grains. From the situation, want of drainage, and accumulation of filth, added to the imperfect system of ventilation, management, amp;c., the location may be considered as the very centre and focus of a dis�ease like pleuro-pneumonia.quot; Since the year 1836 the town has never been free from the malady, and many hundreds of animals, during the past sixteen years, have fallen victims to it, and the town is now said to be free from the pest! Finally, the few distinguished men here named, and others, too numerous to mention, animated with a desire for knowledge, have availed themselves of the opportunities afforded for reading the book of life as it is written by the hand of Omnipotence in the series of animated creation, and the benefits which all have derived are incalculable.

	BRIEF HISTORY OE VETERINARY SCIENCE. The veterinary science, like that practised on man, was first called into existence by necessity; the many diseases to which domestic .animals were subject, and to which they, too frequently, fell victims for want of proper professional knowledge, and the great loss which agriculturists experienced in consequence, led them to seek for a remedy. In the year 1761, the first veterinary school was established at Lyons, under the patronage of government, whose fostering care the infant school for a time received. At the commencement of this embryotic enterprise, the populace looked on with indiffer�ence ; but many of the liberal and scientific men of that day saw in the enterprise a boundless field for research, a broad road to usefulness and distinction, and many eagerly embarked in it with unflinching perseverance, overcoming every obstacle, with a view of making known those laws regulating the vital forces of domes�tic animals. The fruits of their labors are bequeathed as a legacy to the



	46	THE MODERN HOESE DOCTOR.

	VERTIGO. � iihgrims.) Horses are, now and then, attacked with a sort of giddiness, which is apt to come on while going fast; the animal all at once commences shaking his head, staggers, reels, and stops short; if permitted to rest a while, he recovers, and travels on as if nothing had happened. The vertiginous symptoms are very apt to return; therefore a horse having once had an attack must be managed with caution; he is certainly unsafe for either saddle or chaise; but with due care in regard to stable management and work, he might be used with some degree of safety in a four-wheeled vehicle, for, if then he should fall, the occupants might escape without injury, other�wise they would not. The disease is generally supposed to be connected with some pathological state of the brain or nervous system, and must therefore be considered incurable so long as that organ* or system remains in a pathological condition. The treatment of vertigo, or megrims, as it is sometimes called, does not reflect much credit on us, neither is it at all times satis�factory to our employers ; for so soon as the horse returns to work, the same causes which produced a previous attack are again in operation, and soon produce a subsequent one. Our first object is, to act on the digestive surface by means of a full dose of physic. Some mustard, moistened with vinegar, should be rubbed along the neck, on each side, near the head. Some practitioners recom�mend setons through the temples, or along the nape of the neck; others blister the head. Bloodletting is generally resorted to for most diseases of the brain; with what success the reader may learn by consulting the text books. The practice, however, lacks the sanction of the new school and our own humble advocacy. We have seen some benefit derived from the daily use of an anti-spasmodic draught, composed of Powdered gum assafoetida,.....1 drachm, Sweet spirits of nitre,.......2 drachms, Thin gruel,..........I pint. To be given so soon as the bowels have responded to the purge, and to be continued until the patient appears betterT This treatment we have found efficient to prevent a reattack for a longer or shorter time, depending, however, on the man-



	72	THE MODEKN HORSE DOCTOR.

	can generally be accomplished by an occasional drink of lobelia and hyssop tea; one ounce of each to a quart of boiling water. quot;We use lobelia in the same view that veterinary surgeons use white hellebore, viz., for producing nausea and relaxation. Mr. Percivall, when referring (in his Lectures) to the latter article, says, quot; To describe the operation of hellebore, perhaps I cannot do better than advert for a moment to the use of ipecacuanha, under similar circumstances, in the human subject. That sub�stance is a nauseant, a vomit, and a sudorific, and is highly ser�viceable in pneumonic affections, from the effects it manifests in lowering vascular action and promoting diaphoresis and expecto�ration. Much in the same way white hellebore appears to operate.quot; And so in like manner does lobelia operate. If given to a healthy cow or horse, it nauseates, and induces a profuse flow of saliva, with general relaxation and prostration. In the human subject it is superior to all other emetics. It is an excitant of all the secretions, and its efficacy in pulmonary diseases is beyond dispute. The mild, subacute, inflammatory, and chronic pneumonia may be treated on the general principles here laid down; yet chronic, which may be a continuation of that which was at first inflammatory and dangerous, sometimes requires nothing more in the way of medicine than to lubricate the respiratory passages, which are often left in an irritable state. In such cases, we recommend Powdered pleurisy root, elecampane, bloodroot, caraways, ginger, ^#9632;quot;�J of each 2 ounces, Linseed meal, ... 1 pound. Mix. Divide the mass into sixteen powders, and give one in the food night and morning.

	DROPSY OF THE CEEST. � (Hydrothorax.) This form of the disease is almost always fatal. Case of Pneumonia, terminating in Hydrothorax and Death � The subject, a gray mare, six years old, had, just previous to



	76	THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

	PLEtTRISY. � {Pleuritis.) The internal cavity of the chest and the outer surface of the lung are lined and covered with a highly-organized membrane termed the pleura: here the disease locates itself. In the early stage, the disease is termed acute, and in the latter, chronic. The disease sometimes terminates in suppuration; so that, on examin�ing a case after death, shreds and flakes of matter will be found adhering to the pleural membranes. Now and then, the disease terminates in mortification. quot; In 1830, a four-year-old liorse was discovered at 7 o'clock in the morning, in his stall, sweating profusely; heaving hard and quick at the flanks, and pulling at an equal rate at the nostrils; pulse but very indistinctly to be felt; mouth hot and clammy; legs intensely cold; head hung down, and countenance betraying serious malady; eyes and nose reddened, and the latter moist with yellowish-bloody matter; breath fetid as well as mouth. When pressed upon the side, he flinched and turned his head, and evinced much soreness. As soon as he was got dry and warm from the cold sweat he was in, he was bled; scarcely, however, had two quarts of dark thick blood flowed before he began to reel. The treatment afterwards was such as is ordinarily pursued; but to no purpose. The pain he manifested was extreme. He would rub his nose against the rail across the doorway of the box, thrusting his lips violently against it; his eyes sinking with suf�fering. He was twice seen to lie down, but immediately rose again. Towards the conclusion, a bloody issue appeared at the nose. Before death, he became delirious, and expired in dreadful agony. Water within both sides of the chest�from six to eight quarts; pleura intensely inflamed; costal portion every where most minutely and thickly injected; pulmonary portion, covering the lungs, likewise injected, but it had also become gangrenous � it exhibited a green hue; lungs partly tuberculated; otherwise, and particularly in the interim, they were sound.quot; � Hippo-pathology: From the tuberculated state of the lungs, there was, probably some previous indisposition, which accounts for the rapid course



THE MODEKN HOUSE DOCXOB.		79

Ipecac, .quot;} Lobelia, . �� of each, powdered, 1 ounce. Bloodropt,} Mix. Divide in six parts, and give one in warm water twice a day. Then take vinegar,..... .1 pint, ⁽* mustard,.......4 ounces, ** tincture of capsicum, , , 2 ounces. Rub this briskly over the region of the chest, and over all apply flannels wrung out in warm vinegar. Keep the flannel in close contact with the parts by passing a cotton roller several times round the body, which, together with the application, may be dis�continued so soon as sufficient counter irritation or soreness is insured. We have found it necessary in some cases to apply the same counter irritant to the fetlocks ; it may create great uneasi�ness, but it is beneficial at times, for we know that every muscu�lar effort of the animal tends to favor the passage of the blood through its capillary floodgates, and tends to the more equal distribution of that fluid. At the same time, we must remember that the foot of a horse, in consequence of its highly-organized arterial and venous structures, is apt to take on a specific form of inflammation, termed laminitis, on the application of an exciting irritant. And the pleural difficulty, in some cases, may gravi�tate, by a process termed metastasis, � which implies the shifting of a disease from one part to another, � to the feet, and thus produce a disease almost as difficult to treat as the one now un�der consideration. Therefore due caution must be observed in local applications of this character. To allay pain and calm the nervous irritation, we use
			*i -'W*


Powdered assafectida, #9632; ? laquo;f	' each 1 drachm.
quot; pleurisy root, \ Sirup of garlic.......2 ounces. Thin gruel,........1 pint.

Two or three doses of this given at intervals of twelve hours will probably suffice. In cases where the lungs are involved in the disease � which may be known by the presence of a troublesome cough�the following drench has been found of great value: � Sweet spirits of nitre, ... 3 drachms. Balsam copaiba......� an ounce. Mucilage of gum Arabic, . . 6 ounces. To be repeated at discretion.


JJLA



THE MODERN HOESE DOCTOR.				87

and wbeaten flour. A liberal quantity of salt * must be mixed witb tbis description of food, for it not only aids digestion, but abstracts fluids from the body, and thus creates a desire for other fluids. Now, the abstraction of the morbid fluids of the body, and the substitution of water to supply the loss, must be beneficial; for, literally speaking, it cleanses the body by infiltration, the whole body being considered cellular. Aqueous drinks, which include water and bay tea, are rapidly absorbed without under�going digestion, and are therefore indicated in all cases of diseased lungs, whether salt be used or not. For the medicinal treatment of this disease we recommend

Phosphate of lime, Powdered bloodroot, quot; pleurisy root,			of each 2 ounces,

quot; Incquot;
quot; Incquot;	,

�* goldenseal, quot; slippery elm, 1 pound. Mix; and divide the mass into twenty-four powders; one to be given in the food every night. This compound is best adapted to the disease after it has made some progress ; but in the incipient or early stage, and pro�vided the patient be not the subject of debility, the following will be best adapted to the case: �

Powdered bloodroot, quot; ipecacuanha quot; lobelia,	�	each 1 ounce.

Mix: divide the mass into twelve parts, and sprinkle one in the food night and morning. These powders may be continued as long as the horse shows signs of strength and spirits ; they are calculated to nauseate and debilitate, and no fear need be enter�tained from the horse showing but slight symptoms of debility or shortness of breath, which may follow their use. During the various stages of the disease, the horse should be occasionally drenched with an infusion of one of the following articles: liverwort, skunk cabbage, hoarhound, Solomon's seal, or tansy. Warmth and moisture, in the form of a steam bath, and the � Salt consists of muriatic acid and soda; the former is the essential ingre�dient in the gastric juice, whilst the latter performs a very important part in the production of bile.					:t



THE MODEEN HORSE DOCTOR.	89

who know the value of pure air, natural food, and exercise, to conclude that the colt while enjoying these great luxuries by the side of its mother, guided by her superior mind, (instinct, if you please,) is not liable to be attacked with a disease which, as already stated, we believe to result from depriving animals of those blessings which nature has in store for them in their unre�strained state. But it often happens that young colts, after running a season with their mother, partaking of the invigorating country air, grow up to be strong and robust; and then the period arrives for weaning them. How changed the scene ! Instead of being permitted to gambol in their native element, they are confined to a small space, not large enough to swing a cat round, and perhaps as dark as the grave; and the animal, after fretting for a season, and making unsuccessful efforts to escape from its prison house, tamely submits to the discipline, not, however, until he has cut, and bruised, and otherwise injured himself. We were called, a short time ago, to visit a young colt that had lacerated his head, breast, and fore legs in a most shocking manner, in making an attempt to escape through a window from the horrors of con�finement. His companions were about a dozen cows, more calcu�lated to alarm and render his position a perilous one than other�wise ; and the impure atmosphere, rendered so by the emanations from the excrements, and from the lungs of his companions, was a source of great mischief. Then who can blame such a one for attempting to escape and regain liberty? If strangles should appear in such a subject, it would not be surprising. Then, again, take a colt from its mother, whose milk contains all the elements for sustaining life and developing the organization of the young subject, and place it upon a diet of hay or like innu�tritions trash, a whole truss of which would not afford one half the quantity of nutriment contained in a quart of its mother's milk. However profitable and well adapted hay may be for stock of mature growth and powerful digestive organs, it is a sad mistake to suppose that it will do for the young. A case of this kind came under our observation last year. The subject, aged two and a half years, died in a state of marasmus.* Post mortem � A gradual wasting of the system without any apparent disease. 8*
		11 1



	*/), % r* /:**	*i''.V*





	BIBLIOTHiEK UNIVERSITEIT UTRECHT 1,11II

	2856 051 8



	106nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

	HEAVES, OR BROKEN quot;WIND. Chronic heaves is that condition of a horse which veterinarians designate as broken wind. In cases of this character, the act of inspiration is followed by a violent heaving motion of the ribs and flanks; this is the source, probably, from whence the term heaves is derived. The disease bears some resemblance to asthma in the human subject, for in each there is nearly the same difficulty in respi�ration, attended with dyspepsia and emaciation; there is this differ�ence, however � in man there are remissions; while in the horse with confirmed heaves (broken wind) there is scarcely any cessa�tion. It is quite common, in Massachusetts, to hear horsemen define every case of abdominal respiration as heaves: such are not to be considered, however, as so many cases of broken wind. In order to make out a pure case of the latter, we must have a kind of jerking double flank movement in the process of expiration. Distention of the lungs, or inspiration, must also be followed by a corresponding expansion of the chest and flanks. A slight cough is generally present, which has a wheezing sound, sometimes resembling a sort of grunt, and the subject is a confirmed dys�peptic having a voracious appetite, staring coat, large belly (tympanic), spare muscles, dull miserable look, drooping head, unwilling to travel fast, and when urged to do so, becomes soon exhausted and quot; used up ; quot; the excretions also indicate derange�ment of the digestive organs. These are the principal symptoms of broken wind, and we have generally found these present in what is called quot; heaves.quot; Kegarding the nature of broken wind � which, however, is a very funny name for a pathological condition of this character � it originates in disease occurring either in the organs of digestion or of respiration; the former affecting the latter, through the sympathy that is known to exist between them, or else from innutrition � the digestive organs failing to furnish the proper amount of nutrimental matter to supply the respiratory apparatus with its required fuel. The lungs, or rather its air cells, are then dilated, while the respiratory passages and lining membranes are



	108nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; THE MODBEN HORSE DOCTOB. should be omitted; and, instead of giving one ounce of the alter�ative as a dose, give half an ounce night and morning. A broken-winded horse should always be watered from a bucket, regularly three times a day; and if he be a foul feeder, arm him with a muzzle, and only remove it at meal time. In addition to the above remedies, we occasionally allow a small quantity of garlic, say a couple of heads every other day, chopped fine, and mixed in the food.

	EXPLANATION OF CUT. �MALE ORGANS.

	1.nbsp; Posterior vena cava. 2.nbsp; Posterior aorta. 3.nbsp; Supra renal capsules. 4.nbsp; Kidneys. 5.nbsp; Ureters. 6.nbsp; Bladder. 7.nbsp; The bladder laid open to show its mucous coat. 8.nbsp; Vesiculie seminales, or seed receptacles. 9.nbsp; Prostate glands. 10.nbsp; Yasa deferentia; these transmit the semen to its receptacles. 11.nbsp; Epididymis. 12.nbsp; Testicle. 13.nbsp; Tunica vaginalis, or covering of the testicle. 14.nbsp; Spermatic arteries and veins. 15.nbsp; Corpora cavemosa, or body of the penis. 16.nbsp; Urethra.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; _v 17.nbsp; Glaus penis, or head. 18.nbsp; Orifice of the urethra. 19.nbsp; External tunic of the penis.

	DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. � (Nephritis.) In the horse the kidneys are considered the great emunctories, their office being to carry off a large amount of superfluous ex-creraentitious fluid. If any one will examine the urine of an animal that is allowed an unlimited quantity of hay and grain, he will find the urine thick, ropy, and of a bad odor. This is most



	THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;121 also become acrimonious, from perverted function in the skin and lungs, and thus set up disease in the bladder. The symptoms of this disorder somewhat resemble those of nephritis: the patient will be seen to make frequent attempts to void urine, at the same time suffering from pain, and only suc�ceeding in passing a few drops at a time. The usual feverish symptoms are always present while the parts are inflamed. Treatment. � There is very little chance of removing this dis�order by the fleam, nor can it be removed by diuretics: we must endeavor to establish an equal circulation throughout the entire system, by warmth externally, and relaxing medicines given internally. The vapor bath, which has been so successfully intro�duced in. human practice, and to a limited extent in veterinary, is an efficient relaxant of the tissues, and promotes both exhalation and absorption. The medicines to be given internally are, � 1.nbsp; Nauseards. A compound of equal parts of lobelia and bloodroot in drachm doses, given at intervals of a few hours, is well calculated to diminish the vibratory action of the heart and arteries, and thus relaxes the tissues so as to induce a free circu�lation of blood. 2.nbsp; nbsp;Cathartics. Should the horse be plethoric, or labor under the least symptom of constipation, they are indicated, for they not only diminish the contents of the digestive canal, but the whole of the vascular tissues. 3.nbsp; Lvbricants. These-are always indicated in case of inflamed mucous surfaces; a decoction of mashmallows is probably the best for diseases of the urinary organs. It follows, then, that if the function of the skin be restored by the above means, the bowels kept loose, the mucous surfaces lubricated, and the urine diluted, the patient may soon recover.

	EXPLANATION OF CUT. �FEMALE OEGANS. 1.nbsp; Descending or posterior portion of the vena cava and its bifurcations. 2.nbsp; Descending or posterior portion of the great aorta � great artery�and its bifurcations. 3.nbsp; Supra renal capsules. 4.nbsp; Kidneys. 11



	THE MODEEN HOKSE DOCTOE.	125

	Balsam copaiba.......A ounce, Sweet spirits of nitre, .... 2 drachms, Flaxseed tea........1 pint. Mares are not subject to this difficulty.

	DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE CAVITY AND ITS SURFACES.

	BOTS.

	The following cut is a representation of a cluster of bots found in the stomach of a horse after death. quot;We were informed by the owner that the horse had for several months been subject to staggers, (vertigo.) During this period, his appetite failed, and the animal gradually lost flesh, and was at last unable to perform the least work without profuse perspiration. Finally, the horse lost so much flesh that he .appeared like a walking skeleton, and the owner ordered him to be killed. Being in the vicinity at the time of death, we made a post mortem examination, and found the bots as represented. The internal surface of the stomach and alimentary canal was blanched, indicating indigestion. The lungs, spleen, liver, and kidneys were in a comparatively normal state. The external appearances were decidedly those of gen�eral emaciation, and, in our humble opinion, the horse, by a judicious system of medication, might have been saved. quot; The horse had been doctored for bots,quot; without any regard to the general health, which should have been improved by the use of tonics, stimulants, and alteratives, after which vermifuges might have been ventured on. If the bots, as we suspect, presented in part only a mechanical obstruction to the passage of food into the stomach, his strength might have been preserved by a daily allowance of flour gruel and by nutritious injections. The bots, generally speaking, are not so troublesome to horses as people seem to suppose; for it is very rare, in making post mortem ex�aminations, that we do not find more or less in the stomach. We have heard some wonderful stories related of the bots burrowing 11 *



	THE MODERN HOBSE DOCTOR.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;137 �they are styled a good medicine, althougK they shall leave the mucous surfaces of the alimentary canal in a weak state, and otherwise impair the digestive function ; yet this is a secondary consideration. For if the symptoms of the present malady, for which the salts are given, shall disappear, nothing is thought of the after consequences. The animal may be constipated for several succeeding days, and finally refuse its food, and ultimately die ; but who suspects that the salts were the cause of such result ? If ever symptoms are altered by medicinal agents, they should be for the better. It will be seen, then, that bloodletting is resorted to in view of a prostrating or sedative effect, which can be more sanatively brought about under the more rational use of laxative medicines. Purgatives, however, cannot always be given with safety in inflam�mation of the bowels, because they might tend to augment the previous irritability of the alimentary canal. A dose of cathartic medicine may, however, be mixed with lubricants, � for example, slippery-elm, mucilage of gum arable, or olive oil,�so as to defend the sensitive parts, and at the same time not deprive the medicine of its cathartic properties. After having ascertained the case to be one of enteritis, we administer the following: � Linseed oil.........8 ounces, Lime water,........2 ounces.

	Another: -

		Epsom salts,........8 ounces, Tiini
		Thin gruel,........1 quart,

	Another:

	Pulverized aloes,......4 drachms. Mucilage of slippery elm, ... 1 pint.

	Another: -

	Common salt,.......6 ounces, Warm water,.......1 pint. Frequent injections are to be given until the bowels respond; and if after a reasonable time they should not do so, one of the above prescriptions,quot; in about half the proportion, may be ventured on; yet it is best not to be too hasty, for super-purgation induced by active cathartics would be equivalent to a sentence of death. 12*



	168nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; THE MODERN HOUSE DOCTOR. DISEASES OF THE LITER. JAUNDICE. � (Zcfenu.) Definition. � A yellow discoloration of the tissues, caused by an interrupted excretion of bile. On making post mortem examination of animals having been the subjects of this disease, we find the yellow tinge pervading every part of the organization. It is diffused through the whole of the muscular, fatty, cartilaginous, cellular, bony structures, and has also been detected in the brain. Mr. Percivall considers quot;jaundice to be an unfrequent disease among horses; and one reason appears self-evident, as soon as we are put in possession of a knowledge of the causes from which it may proceed. I mentioned swelling or compression of the hepatic duct as one, in speaking of it as a symptom of hepatitis ;* and probably this is the most common one. In the human sub�ject, it frequently arises from obstruction of the ducts, either from collected or concreted bile in them, to which the name of biliary calculi is given ; or it may be the effect of spasm in the ducts, or in that part of the duodenum t where they terminate ; but I am not aware that cases of this kind have occurred in veterinary practice ; and one reason, I repeat, is obvious. The horse has but a single duct, through which the bile flows as fast as it is secreted; it has no retrograde course to take, no recepta�cle to collect in and to concrete into gall stones; and, as a proof that this is one reason, dogs, and such other of our domestic quadrupeds as have gall bladders, are all of them much oftener jaundiced than horses. People who lead sedentary lives, such as corpulent subjects and women, are predisposed to jaundice; in them the bile often grows inspissated { in its ducts, and biliary calculi are now and then detected in the stools : this is a cause

	* Inflammation of the liver. f The first portion of the intestines; sometimes called the second stomach. In cattle it is known as ihe fourth stomach. J Thickened.



	THE MODERN HOKSE DOCTOR.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; 169 of disorder, as I have said before, that we can but rarely adduce in veterinary practice. quot; Jaundice, produced from whatever cause it may be, consists in the absorption of unchanged bile into the circulation, which bile becomes diffused and conveyed to every part, giving rise to those appearances that are so remarkably characteristic of its presence. It does not appear to originate either in defective or altered secretion; for, had not the liver done its office, how could we explain the appearance of bile in the system at al! ? quot; The yellow aspect that jaundice gives to the skin, the mouth, and the eyes, at once betrays its presence. The skin is every where dyed yellow, though the change is only visible to us in places bare of hair. The membrane of the mouth puts on the same appearance. The conjunctiva (the membrane lining the eyelids) has a yellowish-pink hue, the cornea is obscured, a yel�low sediment may often be perceived floating in the anterior chamber, and the iris itself is tinged in places with this yellow dye. The bowels are costive; the excrement that is voided is hard, huttony, and dark-colored, besmeared often with a yellow, slimy matter, like bile diffused in mucus, and consists of dryish masses of ill-digested aliment. The urine is a deep-yellow or orange color, and is sparing in quantity. In the human subject, the absorption of bile into the system often generates considera�ble disorder, operates, in fact, like so much poisonous matter, exciting an itching sensation of the skin, and depressing the strength and spirits of the patient; and the latter of these effects is often very remarkable in jaundiced horses. The eyelids are drooping or closed; the head hangs down; there is evident sinking both of strength and spirits; and often there is a degree of moping stupor present, which, at times, borders on vertigo, so that the animal walks unsteadily, or reels as he moves; his pulse is about 60 or 65; his respiration is unaffected, and his flank untucked up. quot; In the treatment of jaundice, our sheet anchor is purging. No time should be lost in exhibiting ten or twelve drachms of aloes;* and, if we can insure the administration of it, the

	* The dose is too large. 15



	THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.	181

	ating the system. The medicine best calculated to produce this result is Powdered goldenseal, quot;1 quot; gentian, quot; sulphur, gt; of each 1 ounce. quot; ginger, laquo; salt, J . Oatmeal,........1 pound. Mix; divide the mass into twelve parts, and give one in the food, night and morning. The eye may be bathed twice a day with the following astringent lotion: � Powdered bayherry bark, . . 1 ounce. Boiling water,......1 pint. quot;When cool, strain, and add a table-spoonful of tincture of blood-root; it is then fit for use. A good nutritious diet is indis�pensable. Should amaurosis be the sequel of cerebral disease, little hope can be entertained of recovery. Should the reader, however, desire to treat such case, he must have recourse to counter irri�tation as well as internal medication. As counter irritants, some recommend a seton quot;under the jaws; but probably a mustard poultice applied behind the ears would have the same effect.

	SPECIFIC OK PERIODIC OPHTHALMIA. The specific or periodic form of ophthalmia differs from com�mon ophthalmia. 1st. The inflammation is deep-seated, and on examining the eye, after death, we find the choroid coat highly inflamed, pre�senting a scarlet appearance. The vitreous humor appears of a light yellow tint; all the internal structures, and especially the lens and its capsule, are highly injected, presenting a network of blood vessels; whereas, in simple ophthalmia the tunica con�junctiva alone is commonly affected. 2dly. Specific ophthalmia, unlike simple, is considered consti�tutional, and is subject to regular paroxysms, lasting for two or three days at a time. The intermission is noticed by a disap�pearance of the acute symptoms, and a restoration of the sight. The intermissions are sometimes of* several months' duration, and we are often led to suppose that the disease has entirely 16



	1H4nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. for without a knowledge of its fundamental principles we cannot cure disease. Having then removed the patient to a healthy location, we make some sort of change in the diet, calculated to have an alterative effect. All green fodder may be considered altera�tive ; and after a horse has been kept up for some time, and fed on stable provender, any description of green succulent herbage may be given, with the assurance that it will have a sanatory effect. The medicine best calculated to cooperate with hygienic means, is, � Powdered sassafras,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; / quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; skunk cabbage, r ... of eachnbsp; 3 ounces, *nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; gentian,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; ^ quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; sulphur,..........nbsp; nbsp; 2 ounces, quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; elm bark..........nbsp; nbsp; 8 ounces, quot;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; ginger,..........nbsp; nbsp; 2 ounces, laquo;nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; salt,............nbsp; nbsp; 3 ounces. Mix ; divide into twelve powders, and give one every night in the food. The following antispasmodic preparation must be applied to the eye two or three times a day: � Tincture of Indian hemp, (canabis sativtis Indiens,) . .* 1 ounce. Eain water,................1 pint.

	DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. PALSY. � {Parahjs�.) There are three varieties of paralysis to which horses are sub�ject.� Variety 1. Hemiplegia, � affecting one half of the body, longitudinally, that is to say, the limbs and body of one side only. Should the animal have a sudden attack, and, without warning, in an instant fall down, and remain there on the affected side, deprived of the power to raise himself, hemiplegia is then considered quot; complete ;quot; whereas, in quot; incomplete quot; hemiplegia, the horse^retnains standing, although, if urged to move, the ex�tensors of the limbs seem to have lost their power, and the latter arc merely dragged along. We remember treating a case of



	THE MODliKN HORSE DOCTOR.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; 187

	LOCKED-JAW. � (TmmtM, Tetanus.)* Tetanus is a disease of nervous origin, affecting tbe muscles of external relation, through the agency of perverted nervous force ; it consists in a permanent spasm of some, and in the latter stages all, of the voluntary muscles; it is subject occasionally to slight remissions, but no relaxation. In the human subject, we recognize three peculiar features: � 1.nbsp; The body is bent forwards �anticm. 2.nbsp; Body bent backwards�posticus. 3.nbsp; Body bent sidewise � lateralis. The horse, however, is most subject to that form of disease known as trismus, which meansect; painful, fixed, and rigid con�traction of the jaws, mouth firmly closed; and one or more of the above features are generally blended with trismus. Yet, at the onset, the locked-jaw may be the first symptom that arrests our attention, and so long as this symptom remains unconnected #9632;with gpasm, or stretching of muscles of the trunk, (it seldom affects those of the limbs,) the case is one of pure trismus � locked-jaw. That form of the disorder which is most prevalent in this country is termed traumatic, resulting from wounds � docking, pricking, amp;c.; from injury to sensitive tissues; arising also * S. G. quot;Wilmot, member of the Royal College of Surgeons, who has great experience in the treatment of tetanus, communicates for the Dublin Medical Journal the following: � ^,(1. Tetanus depends on irritation, directly or ujdirectly, of the excito-motory system, or true spinal cord, by which it becomes surcharged with motor influence; and that inflammation in or about the cord, or any appreciable lesion, is not an essential condition for the development of the disease. quot; 2. That our grand object, in the treatment of tetanus, should be to sup�port the patient's strength, by the administration of stimulants and strong nourishment, with a view, as it were, to compensate the vital powers for their great exhaustion, consequent upon the expenditure of force, by the violent muscular contractions, which in some cases are excessive. ** 3. That, as the removal of the exciting cause � when once the first evidence that irritation has been propagated to the spinal cord becomes manifest � docs not in the least degree check the progress of tetanus, or abate the violence of its symptoms, all operations in traumatic cases are generally not only unne�cessary, but iu'urious.quot;



	TUE MODKKN HOKSE DOCTOK.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;203 clear out the bowels, will be indicated. Fomentations, light frictions with antispastuodic liniment, and the vapor bath, may assist materially in the recovery of the patient. In chronic cases of long standing, all hopes of recovery must be abandoned: should the subject, however, be in a state of de�bility, the general health may be improved, and the spine should be daily rubbed with embrocations calculated to restore nervous energy; in this view, we recommend the following embrocation for springhalt: � linseed oil,........1 pint, Spirits of haitshorn,.....2 ounces. Fine mustard,.......J ounce. The medicine to consist of Powdered goldenseal. 1 oZJ^nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;#9632; of-quot;�. Charcoal,nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;J Assafoetida.........J ounce. Mix; divide into eight parts; one to be given morning and evening, in the food.

	HYSTEEIA IN MARES. Hysteria is derived from a Greek noun, signifying the womb: the disease is of a nervous and spasmodic character, and is sup�posed to arise from derangement in the organs of generation. In the human subject, plethora and suppression of the menses are assigned as the chief causes of this affection; yet these conditions, probably, had another antecedent, which is quite common among various species, viz., dyspepsia; for we know that there is a lia�bility of two or several organs to be affected in succession by a disease commencing in one of them: the stomach therefore, and uterus, which are conjoined in the performance of special functions, � nutrition and reproduction,� although having no direct ana�tomical connection, are very apt to display morbid sympathies, commencing in one and ending in the other: this is accomplished through the nervous connections between distant parts. From what the author has been able to observe and glean, it is his opinion thaT hysteria occurs most frequently among virgin mares, after the age of puberty; and in such as have had a foal,



	216nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOB.

	MALIGNANT SCAELET FEVER. Malignant scarlet fever is a sequel to the preceding disease, and may be said to commence where the other terminates : it is difficult, however, to determine the exact line of demarcation where one ends and the other commences; yet, when the patient has passed through the usual probation of simple scarlatina, and, instead of appearing better, grows worse, we may reasonably suspect that the disease will terminate in the above form. The author's experience is so limited as regards the symptoms of this malady, that he prefers to give those detailed by Surgeon Hay�cock, who is considered good authority. Symptoms of Malignant Scarlet Fever. � quot; The patient for some days may have manifested what is usually considered to be influenza, or epidemic catarrh, the symptoms of which will, for the most part, consist of sore throat of an obstinate nature, with fever more or less severe, with cough, loss of appetite, dis�charge of purulent matter from the nostrils, and general debility: when, suddenly, the whole changes ; the limbs begin to swell, which swelling presents either an uneven surface, (occupying the whole of the limbs,) or it appears in lumps, or masses, which are both large and numerous, also hot, hard, and painful, while those portions of the skin which are free from such swelling present the blotchy elevations so common to the simple form of scarlatina. The membrane of the nose becomes, also, covered with large-sized spots of an intense scarlet color, while from the nostrils is dis�charged a mixture of blood, purulent matter, and serum. At this stage, the soreness of the throat becomes excessive, accom�panied, of course, with a corresponding degree of difficulty in swallowing; the cough also becomes worse, and of a suffocating character. The pulse increases in number, reaching, at times, 90, or even 100, beats per minute, and is always of a weak or feeble character. The swollen limbs are excessively tender, and if the patient be left alone, he will stand for hours nailed, as it were, to one place and in one position; it is only with the great�est difficulty that he can be made to move at all. As the disease proceeds, or assumes more intensity, large blisters or vesicles

	\


r	224	THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

quot; But should he still be losing strength, in taking the capsicum and camphor he must have added to them, night and morning, from three to four drachms of finely-powdered cascarilla. Injec�tions must be used twice a day whilst the bowels are costive, composed of half an ounce of castile soap to a quart of warm water, and four ounces of epsom salts dissolved in a quart of warm water, alternately. The throat must be gargled every two hours, v;ith a tea made by pouring half a gallon of boiling water on six drachms of capsicum, and when cool add a pint of good vinegar. The throat externally must be well rubbed with the following mixture three or four times a day: half a pint spirits of harts�horn, ditto of turpentine, ditto of camphor, all mixed and kept well corked. If the horse is down and unable to get up, he must be helped whenever he struggles to get up. quot; I have now given you a short outline of the causes, symp�toms, treatment, fcc, as you desired me to do. I have not car�ried out in detail the different heads alluded to as I could have desired, but I trust the hints which I have thrown out will dispel some of the doubts and darkness that hang over this disease; and if the prescriptions here given are timely and judiciously applied, they will arrest the disease in a number of cases, and stay the astonishing waste of property that we so frequently hear of. quot; With respect, I remain your friend, quot;Isaiah Michenek, V. S.quot;

DISEASES OF THE MOUTH. SLAVERING. � {Augmented Salivary Secretion.)* Slavering horses are frequently met with in farming districts, where clover is used as an article of fodder. There seems to be some peculiar property about the flowers of clover which renders � Showing the abundance of the Salivary Secretion. � Mr. Charles Dickens, a veterinary surgeon of Kimbolton, has taken the trouble to ascertain the amount of saliva secreted by a parotid gland; he was enabled to make the experiment



	232nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; TUE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. wound the mucous membrane on the inside of the cheek. In such cases we notice an increased flow of saliva, imperfect mastica�tion, and loss of flesh. The remedy is a mouth rasp. BISHOPING. Bishoping consists in making artificial marks on horses' teeth, to give them the appearance of youth. It is a species of im�position so reprehensible that all honest horse dealers have set their faces against it, and we are not aware that it is to any ex�tent practised here. Mr. Youatt says, quot; It is called hishoping from the name of the scoundrel who invented it. The horse of eight or nine years old is cast, and, with an engraver's tool, a hole is dug in the now almost smooth surface of the corner teeth, and in shape and depth resembling the mark in a seven-year old horse. The hole is then burnt with a heated iron, and a perma�nent black stain is left; the next pair of nippers are sometimes lightly touched, to imitate the brown color of the natural mark.quot; However dexterously the operation may be performed, the fraud is easily discovered by those who are in the habit of examining teeth. If the horse is aged, it may be known by the general appearance; such as gray hairs, sunken eyes, deep hollows above them. The bones are prominent; lips flabby; and the nippers of the lower jaw, instead of appearing angular, approach, as the animal advances in years, to the horizontal.	¹

	LAMENESS FROM STRAIN AND OTHER CAUSES. OBSEEVATIONS ON LAMEXESS. The principal dilBculty surgeons meet with in the treatment of lameness is, that their services are not called into requisition in the first instance, � so soon as the trouble is discovered,� some owners thinking that the lameness is too slight to lay the animal up, and therefore they work him, hoping it will pass off;

	ik



	THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; 237 be injured. Mr. Percivall has remarked that quot;the advances made in veterinary science have satisfactorily shown that the farriers' opinion was for the most part founded in error; the halting action, which they considered as denoting hip lameness, more critical observation, combined with post mortem results, has demonstrated to have its origin in disease of the hock, for the most part: indeed in spavin this disease is a fruitful source of lameness behind, frequently insidious in its rise and progress, sometimes difficult of detection, occasionally incapable of demon�stration ; no wonder, therefore, that it should so often lead the unwary and inexperienced into error.quot; Sympathetic lameness of the femoral region, however, is not uncommon; for we find that long-continued pain in the foot will produce, through the sympathetic relations existing between remote parts, tenderness, heat, and sometimes corded glands in the groin. We shall not contend that lameness never occurs in this joint, but that it is rare ; for we know that, like other joints, it is sometimes the seat of synovial inflammation, ulceration, and suppuration. The diagnostic symptom of hip joint lameness is a halting, or kind of hopping gait, and difficulty in turning. Treatment. � Rest, refrigerating lotions, and light diet are in�dicated in the inflammatory stage ; and stimulating liniments in the chronic form. See Liniments.

	LAMENESS OF THE STIFLE JOINT. The bones composing the stifle-joint consist of the patella, lower part of the femur, and upper part of the tibia; they are retained in position by capsular and connecting ligaments, and are liable to sprain and injury. The diagnostic symptoms of sprain are heat and tenderness, and the limb is advanced with difficulty: rest, fomentations with infusion of poppy heads, cold water, and sometimes physic will be the most proper means of cure. For chronic stifle lameness, originating in adhesions, or infiltrations of the surrounding tissues, a few applications of the acetate of cantharides will probably effect a cure. Horses frequently injure the parts around the stifle joint by leaping fences and stone walls : the treatment is the same as for



	256	THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR.

	all of them may also exist in association with disease of the heart.quot; Treatment, homoeopathic. The best remedies we know of for an affection of this character are, rest, laxative medicine, light diet, and cold water packing � supposing, however, that it is brought on by severe work. Should it be occasioned by exposure, treat it the same as a common attack of rheumatism.

	ACUTE RHEUMATISM, OR POUNDER. This is a very common disease among horses, and probably occurs more frequently than people would suppose. We have treated quite a large number of cases during the past few years. Some of them yielded very readily, and disappeared just as sud�denly as they came ; others were protracted, became chronic, and left the subject with stiffened muscular fibres, contractions of mus�cles and hoofs, effusions into bursal sacs around the fetlocks, amp;c.; and two cases terminated fatally, in one of which the autopsy showed high inflammation of the interior of the heart�endocar�ditis : the internal membrane of that organ had the appearance of purple velvet, with effusions of lymph on its surface ; the ten�dinous cords of the lateral ventricles were strung with fibrous de�posits to such an extent that they must have had interference with the heart's action. The second case was complicated; the ex�ternal covering of (he heart�pericardium � had several adhe�sions, and its surface next the heart was studded in several places with lymph granules ; slight effusion had also taken place. The internal appearance of the heart was the same as in the preceding case, excepting the fibrous deposits on the cordce tendi�ng. (This rare specimen is now among our collection of morbid anatomy, for the inspection of those who may wish to see it.) quot;We strongly suspect that many diseases of the fibrous and ten�dinous structures have their origin in rheumatic disease ; and if the horse could only speak, he would often tell us of his flying aches and pains, long before we discover any thing of the sort. These horses, from the first, had febrile symptoms of an acute inflammatory character, which active cathartics and counter irri�tants seemed to have no effect on. The first subject died on the fifth day from the attack, and the latter on the ninth. In the



	THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOK.

	i	Spirits camphor.......2 ounces, Tincture of Indian hemp, ... 1 ounce, Olive oil,.........4 ounces. Mix; and lubricate the stiff and painful regions daily, and cover them with flannel. The diet during the inflammatory stage should be light, con�sisting of sloppy mashes. Linseed tea, and water acidulated with cream of tartar, form the best drink for fever patients. An acute case may generally be treated somewhat after this fashion. There is, to be sure, much diversity of opinion as regards the means; for while one recommends us to bleed with one hand and give opium with the other, (by which means the system is pros�trated,) another recommends stimulants, to exalt the circulation, and thus secure its equilibrium, so that there shall be no excess of blood in any part; a third advocates cold water; and a fourth, homceopathy. Finally, in many cases the subjects get well with�out one particle of medicine. The physician who has studied his profession with care will know when to give and when to with�hold medicine : at all times he should endeavor to see how little medicine he can get along with, for by so doing he studies the interests of all concerned. The diagnostic symptoms of acute rheumatism are, great pain elicited by pressure or motion ; swelling of the limb or body, as the case may be; febrile symptoms are present; some thirst; the urine has a very pungent odor; the pulse is full and hard, and peristaltic action is slow. Some other portions of the case de�serve notice. The disease occurs very suddenly in subjects not far advanced in years; there are regular periods in the course of the twenty-four hours, from day to day, when the patient will be worse. In the human subject, night is the period when the pains and fever are greatest; and in four-footed subjects, confined in ill-ventilated stables, we have noticed the same thing; yet in many cases the disease leaves the subject very suddenly, or migrates to other tissues, so that this feature is not so persistent as in man. The disease has, to our certain knowledge, gravitated to the feet; it is then called acute laminitis � another name, in a majority of cases, for founder in its acute stage. The diagnostic symptoms, when the heart becomes affected, are, palpitation, difficult breathing, and great oppression. These



ZbZnbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. not mean to give the reader an idea that all cases of laminitis arise in this way, for it is known to be the sequel, through a pro�cess termed metastasis, to diseases of the respiratory and other organs. With regard to the treatment of chronic rheumatism, that which is known to be the sequel of the acute kind, without swell�ing, going off by exercise, and attended by a sort of chronic fever. This form is always benefited by the warm bath, and if a steam�ing apparatus could be brought into requisition in such cases, we could reckon with some degree of certainty on a cure.. Cold water, and even a cold, moist atmosphere, only aggravate the malady; the patient must be placed in a moderately warm box stall, and have the benefit of local warm water bandages, followed, in some cases, by frictions, with liniment of ammonia and rose�mary.* The internal medicine (and we are satisfied this is the best) consists of


Tincture of guaiacum, ** quot; balm of gilead quot; quot; Jamaica ginge	a. or,gt;	f each 2 ounces,
Sirup of garlic, ....'... 6 ounces.

Mix, and give one sixth part of the mixture in a pint of camo�mile tea, night and morning. This medicine will go the rounds of the circulation, and there excite action in the remote parts, differing from the morbid, and thus assist in removing the affection. We have found that flan�nels saturated with warm vinegar and water, bound on the limbs, and occasionally removed, have a beneficial effect. Finally, time, persevering in the use of simple means, and proper attention to diet, will do all that can be expected.

SPASM OF THE MUSCLES. � (CVaraquo;raquo;;gt;.) Horses, as well as men, are subject to spasmodic affections of the muscular system, which sometimes appear and disappear with equal rapidity. A horse attacked with cramp shows it by � Compound Liniment of Ammonia. � Take Water of ammonia,......3 ounces, Olive oil,..........8 ounces, Oil of rosemary,.......1 ounce. Mix. To be applied by means of a piece of soft flannel.



	TUB MOUEKN B�RSE DOCTOR.	267



	Cut 2. APPEARAACE OF THE SPAVIN TUMOR AFTER DIB SECTION AND MACERATION.



	276nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; nbsp;THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. stage, cold water and refrigerating lotions; in the latter stages, strong infusion of bayberry bark ; and lastly, brandy and salt, per-severingly applied. Congestion may be treated in the same manner, aided by friction. quot;WINDGALLS. � {Enlarged Bursa Macosa.) The bursal capsules located just above the fetlock, as well as in the vicinity of the hock, secrete a synovial fluid, corresponding to what some persons term quot;Joint oil,quot; the use of which is to facilitate motion. In cases of this character, either the walls of the capsule are hypertrophied � augmented in bulk � or the syno�vial secretion is inordinate, or else its flow is obstructed. Coun�ter-irritation, bandage, friction, and regular exercise are the best remedies, and yet they often fail to remove the eyesore.

	EXPLANATION OF CUT.

	1.nbsp; Superior pastern. 2.nbsp; Inferior pastern. 3.nbsp; 3. 4,4. The joint anohylosed�immovable. 5. The bony tumor, extending laterally, and diffusing itself in front of the joint.

	EINGBONE. Definition. � Ringbone is a bony tumor � exostosis � situ�ated on or in the vicinity of the pastern bone, frequently ending in anchylosis of the pastern joint. Some very curious notions are entertained of the nature of ringbone. As an example, a late writer in New England tells us that ringbone is fed by a bladder situated at the posterior parts of the tumor, and recommends for its cure the extraction of this bladder. This erroneous view of the matter would not amount to much, only it has led to the in�fliction of a useless and cruel operation, which oply tends to make