VETERINARY MEDICINE.

Printed by S. Hamilton, Weybridge, Surrey.

VETERINARY MEDICINE,

IN FOUR VOLUMES.
VOL. III.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS

ON
SOME IMPORTANT DISEASES OF THE HORSE ;

THE GLANDERS, FARCY, STAGGERS, INFLAMMATION

OF THE LUNGS AND BOWELS, THE PREVENTION

AND TREATMENT OF LAMENESS, AN0

PRECAUTIONS TO BE OBSERVED

IN PURCHASING HORSES.

Late Veterinary Surgeon to tlw First or Royal Dragoons.

LONDON:
PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND
BROWN; B. AND R. CROSBY AND CO.; WALKER
AND CO.; CRADOCK AND JOY; AND SHERWOOD,
NEELY, AND JONES.

The gradual progress, which is observ-
able in the advancement of the arts and
sciences, proceeding from the diligence
and abilities of numbers, rather than from
the genius or discoveries of individuals,
holds out an encouragement to all, exci-
ting each by the hope that he may add
something to the general stock of know-
ledge. Every one, therefore, who may
consider himself sufficiently fortunate to
have any thing to offer, may be expected
to present the result of his inquiries, whe-
ther it be much or little.

The author of the following Treatise
has not the good fortune to be able to
propose an infallible remedy for- any of

the diseases incident to his fellow crea-
tures; but the knowledge, which the
experience of several years has enabled
him to attain in his profession, he
communicates to the public j trusting,
that, although his attention has been
confined to matters of less moment,
yet some importance may be attached
to the object he has pursued�the preser-
vation of one of our most useful domestic
animals.

Since the institution of the Veterinary
College, much has been done for the im-
provement of veterinary medicine; and
the diseases of the horse have been more
successfully treated : a large field, how-
ever, still remains open for discove'ry;
many disorders are but imperfectly under-
stood, and some have resisted every effort
of medical skill. Previous to the adoption
of the present system of education, and
more liberal diffusion of veterinary know-

ledge, the most experienced practitioner
could advance but little beyond those
who had preceded him; and the progress
of the art, during a long series of years,
was, of course, inconsiderable: but, since
the establishment of the college, veteri-
nary education has assumed a new form,
and is conducted on the same principles
as the other departments of medical
science. By pursuing this track, there
is reason to hope, that the veterinary
art will continue to advance, and its pro-
gress keep pace with the other branches
of knowledge.

No one can be more willing than the
author of this work to give a just tribute
of praise to those writers, who have hand-
ed down to us the practical information
they had obtained; their errours he
would point out with indulgence, rather
than with supercilious severity: under
the difficulties they had to encounter,

their works could only be expected to
contain some useful observations, mixed
with much errour. It is pleasing, how-
ever, to reflect, that the disadvantages,
under which the art has hitherto labour-
ed, are, in the present age, gradually di-
minishing ; we have now the satisfaction
of seeing it countenanced by all ranks,
and can congratulate the profession on
the daily acquisition of talent and re-
spectability.

The diseases, which form the subject
of the present work, are, perhaps, of
all that are incidental to the horse, the
most destructive j they have, therefore,
excited much attention among veterinary
practitioners.

The glanders have long been a parti-
cular object of investigation; and it is
much to be regretted, that the labour
bestowed on the inquiry has not been
more successful: the diligence, however,

with which it has been pursued by many
practitioners, has been productive of ad-
vantage; much light has been thrown
upon the nature of the disease; and,
though we have failed in the main point,
the discovery of a cure, we have mate-
rially improved our knowledge with re-
spect to its prevention.

The expectation of discovering a re-
medy for glanders appears to have been
very sanguinely entertained by those,
who considered it as a local disease; but,
after all the attention they have bestowed
upon it, the anxious endeavours they
have employed, and the various experi-
ments they have made, the complaint
has baffled all their efforts.

Among the first of that class of veteri-
narians we may rank La Fosse, a cele-
brated French practitioner, who imagi-
ned he had accomplished the desirable
object. He made use of astringent and

other preparations, which he applied by
means of a syringe, to the nostrils and
cavities connected with them; after hav-
ing made appropriate openings in the
bones covering those cavities. Bartlet,
an English writer on farriery, was a strong
advocate for the same plan ; and publish-
ed a plate for the purpose of describing
more accurately the seat of the disease,
and the mode of performing the opera-
tion. Practitioners, however, were not
long in discovering the inefficacy of this
boasted remedy, and very soon gave up
the attempt. It is evident, that neither
La Fosse nor Bartlet had a correct know-
ledge of the disease, but confounded it
with some other complaints, to which it
bears some resemblance; for they de-
scribe seven kinds of glanders, four of
which they admit to be incurable. For
my own part, I must candidly confess,
that, after having for many years paid

considerable attention to the subject, I
have not been so fortunate as to discover
a remedy; nor has it ever come to my
knowledge, that any other practitioner
has been more successful. It is true, we
have often heard of ignorant farriers, who
have professed to cure the disease; but,
even if we could generally depend on the
veracity of such men, I should place no
reliance on their assertions in this parti-
cular instance : the limited extent of their
knowledge and opportunities of seeing
the disease, rarely enables them to distin-
guish the glanders from those diseases to
which, in some respects, they bear a re-
semblance; to say nothing of the ten-
dency which such men almost invariably
have of raising their importance and re-
putation, by magnifying the value of their
performances. The present professor of
the Veterinary College, Mr. Coleman, has
devoted much time and attention to the

subject. I believe he has tried, without
success, every method and medicine that
he himself could devise, or that could be
suggested by others. Many other re-
spectable practitioners have been no less
industrious and equally unsuccessful.
With such authorities as these, I think
no one will hesitate in admitting, that
the glanders have hitherto proved incu-
rable. It should be recollected, that the
men who pretend to cure the glanders,
are ignorant of the principles of the .art
which they presume to practise : wholly
without education, deprived, from their
situation in life, of the advantages of
much experience, their opportunities of
witnessing the progress of the disease must
be very limited, and, consequently, their
judgment, as to its real nature, very cir-
cumscribed. On the contrary, the re-
gular practitioners, who have made such
repeated attempts to discover a remedy,

and have candidly admitted the failure
of their endeavours, have possessed an
extensive field for experience, combined
with all the advantages derived from a
well-grounded knowledge of their pro-
fession, and a free communication of the
experiments and opinions of each other.

The ravages of this fatal disorder
have excited a correspondent degree of
anxiety among the profession to discover
an antidote; and the merit that will
accrue to the fortunate accomplisher of
this desirable object, will be in propor-
tion to the difficulties that are to be sur-
mounted.

Mr. Coleman may justly, I believe,
be considered as the first veterinarian,
who had any correct knowledge of the
disease; and it is to be regretted, that
he has not yet published the result of
his investigation; should he have aban-

doned the pursuit, the knowledge he has
acquired would serve as a foundation for
those who may succeed him in this in-
teresting research. With the advantages
to be derived from the light of past
experience, renewed efforts open fresh
sources of information; and thus, by a
gradual progression in science, succes-
sive discoveries ultimately lead us to a
perfect acquaintance with the object of
our inquiry.

In common with his contemporaries
in the profession, the author of this trea-
tise has beheld, with pain, the destruction
occasioned by the glanders; a disorder,
the more to be dreaded, not only because
it has hitherto proved incurable, but
from its being, at the same time, highly
contagious. He has had frequent op-
portunities of witnessing the fatal effects
of the disease in the army, among wag-

gon and post horses, and in private sta-
bles. In the course of fifteen years' prac-
tice, he has given this subject a large por-
tion of his attention, and has suffered no
opportunity to pass him unimproved.
The result of his labours is now presented
to the public.

It was formerly a received opinion,
and is a notion which, in some instances,
now prevails, that the glanders are a
local disease. With reference to this
idea, the author of this work has made
numerous experiments, in order to ex-
amine into its truth; and has now pub-
lished the result of those attempts, which,
he thinks, will corroborate the opinion
he has formed, that the discharge from
the nostril does not arise from a local
cause, but is symptomatic of a constitu-
tional affection.

The public, it is conceived, will be
much interested in the conclusions to

be drawn from one of the experiments
related in the pursuit of this inquiry: it
is believed, that it will, for the most part,
afford a certain test for ascertaining the
nature of a discharge of matter from the
nostrils, and proving, beyond a doubt,
whether it is the effect of glanders, or
some other complaint, the symptoms of
which resemble that disease. The test,
to which this allusion is made, simply
consists in the inoculation of a sound
horse or ass with the suspected matter: if
it is really glanderous, infection will be
the consequence; which cannot be the
case, if the discharge proceeds from some
other cause than the glanders. This has
been proved by experiment; and is, per-
haps, the only certain method of dispel-
ling any doubt that may exist in these
obscure cases, the nature of which can-
not be otherwise determined.

The knowledge of the nature and

origin of glanders has been so confined,
that various conjectures have been en-
tertained of the mode in which the dis-
use is generated. Amid this obscurity,
some have thought, that it has been
caused by a noxious vapour, arising from
the glanderous matter j others have en-
tertained the opinion, that the nostril,
coming into contact with the matter,
has produced the infection: the author
has given a course of experiments on
these heads, together with his reason for
believing, that the propagation of glan-
ders is principally owing to contagion;
not by the application of matter to the
nostrils, but by its being swallowed,
either with the water or food.

In speaking of the nature and causes
ot farcy, it was not thought necessary
^to be so minute as in the preceding
eoapter. Experiments have proved, that

these two diseases bear a very near re-
lation to each other; and it is found,
that they are so closely connected, that
one complaint will frequently produce
the other. When farcy makes its ap-
pearance, it is usually the precursor of
glanders; and is, in fact, most com-
monly generated by the identical com-
plaint which it ultimately thus produces.
The alliance between these two com-
plaints is such, that the notice of one of
them, almost of necessity, involves the
other; but there are certain circum-
stances, which render it more advisable
to treat of them under distinct heads, in
order to convey a more exact idea of
each ; and this is the plan, that has been
pursued in the present instance. The
numerous attempts that have been made
to cure the glanders evince, in a high de-
gree, the importance veterinary profess-

ors have attached to the discovery of a
remedy for this malignant and destruc-
tive complaint. Although their unre-
mitting endeavours have hitherto been
frustrated, it is hoped, that a brief narra-
tive of some of the means that have been
employed, will not be unacceptable, as
it may contribute to a more clear illus-
tration of the disease.

On the first projection of this publi-
cation, it was intended to confine the
matter to the notice of glanders and
farcy j but subsequent reflection held
forth an inducement to annex a few re-
marks on the nature and cause of stag-
gers; because they are a complaint, the
origin of which seems, in general, to be
but little understood. In adverting to
this subject, the author cannot forego the
satisfaction of publicly acknowledging
his obligations to a certain gentleman for
much valuable information on this im-

portant subject; by whose permission, he
has added to the work a letter, which he
had the honour of receiving from him, on
the probable causes, the nature, sym-
ptoms, and the dreadful effects of that dis-
order in the neighbourhood of Swansea.
The observations comprised in the letter
bear evident marks of minute and at-
tentive investigation, and, without doubt,
will be perused with corresponding in-
terest.

With respect to the style of the per-
formance, in general, it may not be im-
proper to observe, that, in treating on the
several subjects, it has been the endeavour
of the author to explain them with bre-
vity, and, at the same time, to render them
intelligible to his readers. It has been
his wish to avoid swelling the bulk of his
work beyond what was necessary; and,
with that view, he has attempted to com-
press the matter in as small a compass as

^Was bought to be consistent with a pro-
per understanding of the information he
wished to convey. A succinct, but clear
account of the diseases under considera-
tion, has been the main object of the
undertaking. How far success has at-
tended the attempt, must be left to the
candid judgment of a discerning public.

A question may probably arise, as to
the motives or the utility of publishing a
°ook on diseases that are professedly in-
curable. It _may be answered, that, al-
though so much is not efFected as might

^e desired, yet some essential benefit may
accrue to society from an experimental

account of the analysis of disorders, the
nature of which is not generally known j
^d that the intent of the following pages

oes not presume to supersede the infor-
mation of scientific men, but rather di-
_r^CCts ^lts "Auctions to those more nume-
^f0US °^lasses ^of society, who are deprived of

the opportunities of acquiring such know-
ledge. If the matter, with men of science,
be denied the merit of much originality,
it may, however, promote the beneficial
purpose of stimulating them to farther
investigations, and thereby produce some
valuable improvements in the manner of
treating these obstinate diseases. The
attainment of these objects will complete
the wishes and expectations of the au-
thor ; and, if he should fortunately prove
a remote instrument in advancing that
desirable object, he hopes that he shall
not be censured with a misapplication
of time, in committing his present la-
bours to the consideration of the public.

When this book was ready for the
press, it was suggested to the author, that
its value would be increased by adding
instructions for the treatment of inflam-
mation of the lungs and bowels, and for
the prevention and treatment of lame-

^ness- Although these subjects have
been treated of in the first volume, subse-
quent experience has enabled him to
°ffer some farther observations, which,
he trusts, will not be deemed unworthy
of public attention.

The following Works, by Mr. White, may be
had of the Publishers of this Volume.

1. A TREATISE ON VETERINARY MEDI-
CINE. Vol. I: containing a Compendium of the Veterinary
Art; or, an accurate Description of the Diseases of the
Horse, and their Mode of Treatment; the Anatomy and
Physiology of the Foot; and the Principles and Practice of
Shoeing. Illustrated by Plates. With Observations on
Stable Management, Feeding, Exercise, and Condition.
Dedicated, by Permission, to his Royal Highness the Duke
of York. The Tenth Edition, considerably enlarged,
price 7*. hoards.

2. A TREATISE ON VETERINARY MEDI-
CINE. Vol. II: containing The Materia Medica and
Pharmacopoeia. Seventh Edition, price 5s. boards.

3. AN ADDRESS TO A REGIMENT OF YEO-
MANRY CAVALRY, respecting the Management of
their Horses, when employed on actual Service; pointing
out the Accidents and Diseases most likely to happen on
that Occasion; and the most effectual and expeditious
Means to be employed for their Removal. With Direc-
tions for Shoeing, and practical Observations on the Cure
and Prevention of Lameness.�Dedicated to Colonel
Lord Rolle. Price 2s. 6d.

_v In the Press.
,4. A TREATISE ON VETERINARY MEDI-
CINE. Vol. IV: containing Practical Observations on
Epidemic Diseases in Horses; the Diseases of Cattle, and
various Operations in Farriery. Illustrated by Engravings.

VETERINARY MEDICINE.

A Description of Glanders.

nanfdre¹³"⁶ ^ ^conse<I^uences «$ this malig-
byall tho, ^SeT^l?^0t ^be ^t0° ^serious'y considered

Itisthe T ^aVethemana^^mentofhors^-
duty of ^Stof Proprietors, no less than the

^rlies, _o^SerVa0ts' ^to squire a knowledge of its
*e i_ns\TT°^mV ^and ^to ^attend ^fully to
Prevent ' ^ ** °^ffered ^wilh ^a view to

in i_ts _na ^Spreading ^of * complaint, which,

^hertoJT',¹⁸ ^hlghlj ^contag^ious> and has
Th « '"curable.

^cl'^e of^rL?T°^mS °^f ^g,anders ^are> ^a ^dis-

^a ^s*ellin<. of T , °^ne °^r ^both ^nostrils, and

«ommo2 ' *" f ^,ands> ^or *«�* as they are

vo_L. _uf ' ^CtWeen ^the ^brancb~« Pf the

WColanans Fatenb Shoe.

2 ' TREATISE ON VETERINARY MEDICINE.

lower jaw-bone. When the discharge of mat-
ter is from one nostril only, the swelling is ge-
nerally confined to that side of the jaw-bone :
this is a very common case in the early stage
of the complaint.

In the mild kind of glanders, the matter is
small in quantity, and of a thin, glutinous ap-
pearance, adhering to the exterior part of the
nostril, or upper lip; the general health is sel-
dom affected, the horse appearing perfectly
well in every other respect. On examining
the interior, or red part of the -nqstril, in this
stage of the complaint, ulcers are rarely obser-
vable, and the matter is free from odour; this,
indeed, is often the case after the disease has
existed several months: yet it has been thought,
that an offensive smell constituted one distin-
guishing mark of glanders.

The disease, sometimes, continues in this
mild stage several months ; and, in a few in-
stances, even for years : when this happens, it
is generally found that the horse is of a hardy
constitution, is in good condition when at-
tacked by it, and afterwards is treated with
proper care. But when the disorder attacks
horses, that are worked hard and inadequately
fed, or such as are of delicate constitutions

Tlu, exparuUnq Shoe.

The old, screw Shoe.

DESCRIPTION OF GLANDERS, , 3

its progress is usually more rapid, and the se-
cond stage soon commences.

This is distinguished by a more copious dis-
charge, often attended with ulceration in the
interior parts of the nostrils. When the dis-
^c ^large is at all tinged with red, or mixed with
streaks of blood, it is a certain proof of the ex-
istence of ulceration ; though perhaps not low
enough to be discovered : and, if the matter
^smell offensively, it is probable, that not only

ne red membrane, b ut also the cartilage and
bones are diseased. In this stage, the matter
⁰ ten proceeds from both nostrils, and the
glands under the jaw are considerably en-

arged. When the glanders arrive at the second
^stage, the strength of the horse undergoes a
more or less rapid decline : the accumulation
matter, together with the thickened and ul-
f^erated ^state of the parts within the nostril,
some degree obstructs respiration, and
causes a snuffling noise in breathing, which
may be often heard at the distance of several
yar s. On the occurrence of these symptoms,
_0r⁶ ^lun§^s ^are always affected with tubercles,

^r abscesses ; and the animal soon falls a vic-
tim to the disease.

^he glanders, sometimes, attack with great

!.,-Tl<h,�.ftikliv/j;Jtns,wH-r�.Sr['mil'sGum2l

V'liil.Jim,- W.I8IZ.

4 TREATISE ON VETERINARY MEDICINE.

violence; beginning with a copious discharge
of matter from the nostrils, and ulceration of the
membrane within them. In such cases, the
horse soon becomes weak and emaciated, and in
a short time sinks under the complaint.

I have met with many instances, in which
glanders were preceded by general indisposi-
tion. The horse appeared weak and languid,
and fed badly ; proceeding at times in this
way for two or three weeks, with a gradual loss
of strength and flesh. At length, the symptoms
which are supposed to constitute glanders made
their appearance; that is to say, there was a
discharge of matter from the nostrils, and the
glands under the jaw became enlarged.

In cases of this nature, it is commonly thought
that the glanders are generated ; or that the
disease is a consequence of the general debi-
lity, under which the animal labours : but I
think it far more probable, that it is the effect
of contagion.

A swelling of the gland under the jaw is
sometimes observed, without any discharge
from the nostrils. In such instances, we gene-
rally find, that at some former period the horse
has had the farcy, or has been kept with glan-
dered horses ; and, on a careful inspection, a

LcncbruRib. JjfJJahruon &\ \\.\". tout* Church Tard.Jwu to. t.Vt.

DESCRIPTION OF GLANDERS. 5

^S1ght degree of moisture is usually perceived in

e nostril, which is on the same side as the

swelling_; or an appearance, as though the more

j P^arts of the discharge had evaporated,

^aving a dirty coloured coating upon the

^s- But if this symptom be not visible, we

^may ^earn ^fr°m the person who has attended

ed the horse, that such an appear-

₁"^Ce ^aS ^at ^times ^been observed, or that the

^se has occasionally thrown out matter in

_fi ?^r ^In�^- This circumstance, therefore, is suf-

sw n"¹¹° ^excite suspicion, however trifling the

⁶ ing and discharge may be; especially

farrf ^U ^ ^known» ^that ^the ^horse ^has ^had ^the"-y at any former penoa, or nas ever oeen

exposed to infection.

« is astonishing in how slight degree the
glanders sometimes exist in horses of strong
institutions, that are fed well and moderately
^u- ouch instances often occur among
our cavalry; where, upon the slightest cause
rat !^U_f^8picion»- ^thC ^h°^rse '^S (g^enerally) sepa-
d_ut^e . u�¹ ^the ^reSt' ^and ^not ^employed in any
forh' ^Ugh ^the ^aI1owance of forage issued

'ywork 'd ^thC ^Same ^ ^th°^Ugb ^hC ^WCre ^reS^ular"
^Jt ^sometimes happens, that the discharge

6 TREATISE ON VETERINARY MEIMCINE.

from the nostril ceases for a time; but the
swelling of the glands under the jaw generally
remains, the discbarge sooner or later returns,
and the disease ultimately proves fatal.

The following case, sent to me by a gentle-
man, who keeps a great number of horses, will
serve as an example of this: '' Upon examin-
ing our horses, I found one with a suspicious
running : I had him immediately separated ;
in the course of a few days the running ceas-
ed; and, as the horse appeared perfectly
well, he was returned to the working stable.
In about a fortnight, I found a large swelling,
where it usually is in glanders, but no run-
..:.._& -o �i,� ..��^ , 1,1,1, onbiiiug was frequently

bathed with salt water without effect; but the
horse continued without any running at the
nose for months. A decisive glanderous run-
ning then came on suddenly, and the horse was
destroyed."

A Description of Farcy.

has been clearly ascertained, as will be
shown hereafter, that the glanders and farcy
will mutually produce each other, and are
therefore nearly allied; yet there are circum-
^S ^ances, which make it appear necessary to
&ive them a separate consideration.

he farcy, generally, appears in the form of
small tumours, called buds by farriers; or
small ulcers, about the legs; sometimes on
^l»e lips, face, neck, or other parts of the body,
ihese tumours are, in some cases, so small,
so few m number, and create so little incon-
tinence to the animal, that, for a time, tbey
-scape observation ; at other times, they are
^argei", more numerous, painful to the touch,
and spread more rapidly; and, in these in-
stances, _a general swelling of the limb often
^kes place, particularly when the hind legs

⁶ ^attacked, and some degree of lameness
ensues.

8 TREATISE ON VETERINARY MEDICINE.

The tumours, or buds, are at first hard, but
soon become soft, and burst; degenerating into
foul ulcers, of a peculiar appearance.

It is worthy of remark, that this disease
always proceeds upwards, if in the limbs; if
in the neck, it advances towards the chest; if
in the lips or nose, it spreads towards the
glands under the jaw; in short, its invariable
direction is to the heart: often in its course
affecting the superficial glands, and causing
them to swell, in like manner as the venereal
poison, from a chancre, affects the glands of
the groin, and causes buboes.

The lines of communication between the
buds, or ulcers, are, generally, very observable;
particularly when they occur on the inside of
the limbs, where the superficial veins are large;
as in the thigh : they consist of what the farri-
ers call corded veins, but, in reality, are in-
flamed and enlarged lymphatic, or absorbent
vessels ; which vessels very closely accompany
the superficial veins, and are in bulk propor-
tioned to the size of the vein.

When the farcy bud has suppurated and
burst, it sometimes spreads under the skin,
forming what are termed sinuses, or pipes;

DESCRIPTION OF FARCY. 9

and when this happens on the hock joint, or
on the flexor tendons of the legs, it generally
causes considerable lameness, and is difficult
cure. When no remedies are applied to a
^arcy ^ulcer, it commonly spreads more or less
apidly; but, by the free application of caus-
es, assisted by internal remedies, and by lay-
^Jng open the sinuses when they exist, the sores
gradually heal, and the horse is apparently
¹ � in slight cases, this apparent cure is
ected by caustics alone, and occasional

th'^St<r^S" *^l '^S' ^nowever> generally found, that
is disease, though it seems to have been per-
fectly removed, is followed by the glanders;
e interval being sometimes considerable,
varying from two or three weeks to several
months. (See chapter x, experiments 9, 10,
and 12.)

u_s^Wn^en ^the ^far°^y ^attacks extensively, it is
_by^Uajjy accompanied, or very quickly followed,

The commencement of farcy is sometimes
more violent than has yet been described.
_u]c ^Umbs ^sweU to an enormous size; foul

_anH^erSi^EPr^ar ⁱⁿ ^Various P^arts' ^the nose swells,
^d ^charges fetid matter; and the horse
B 5

10 TREATISE ON VETERINARY MEDICINE.

breathes with difficulty, from the swelling and
ulceration of the nostrils. This malignant
kind of farcy is not very common, and occurs
to post and stage-coach horses, more fre-
quently than to such as are worked moderately.
When it does happen, however, it speedily
destroys the animal.

When a farcy bud has burst, and become
an ulcer, there is something peculiar and
characteristic in its appearance. The edges of
the skin, that surround the ulcer, terminate
abruptly, and the surface of the sore has a
pale, glossy appearance. If a caustic be freely
applied, so as to destroy the diseased parts,
the sore loses this peculiar appearance as soon
as the slough separates: the skin, instead of
terminating abruptly, is gradually lost in the
sore; which looks red and healthy, and very
soon heals, though no other remedies are
applied.

The farcy sometimes attacks horses that are
in good condition, and without any previous
illness ; most commonly, however, it is pre-
ceded by various symptoms of constitutional
derangement. In some cases, the horse gra-
dually loses flesh and strength; the coat be-

DESCRIPTION OF FARCY. 11

comes dry; the skin tight; and the hind legs
swell: i_n _otne,. j_nstanceSj _tne _norse _nas _Deen

suddenly attacked with lameness, without any
visible cause, when, after a few days, the ap-
pearance of farcy buds has pointed out the
nature of the disease.

12 TREATISE ON VETERINARY MEDICINE.

A Description of those Diseases, which may be
mistaken for Glanders; and the Method of
distinguishing them.

The symptoms of glanders have been fre-
quently confounded with those of some other
complaints, nearly resembling them; but
which, in fact, are essentially different in their
origin and nature. The diseases liable to be
mistaken for glanders are the strangles; ca-
tarrh, or cold; inflammation of the throat,
with discharge from the nostrils, commonly
termed quinsy, or sore throat; chronic inflam-
mation of the membrane within the nostril,
causing a slight discharge, and a trifling en-
largement of the glands under the jaw; a
discharge of stinking matter, in consequence
of a fracture of the bones of the nose; and
epidemic catarrh, commonly called the dis-
temper.

The strangles are a disease, which usually
occurs to young horses, and in some respects
resembles the glanders; that is, there is ge-

DISEASES MISTAKEN FOR GLANDERS. 13

nerally _a discharge of matter from the nostrils,
and the g]_ands under the jaw are swollen,
here is no difficulty, however, in distinguish-
^lng ^thls ^disease, as it is commonly attended by
^co«gh, and some degree of fever; the eyes
appear dull, or inflamed and watery; the ap-
petite is affected, and there is often difficulty
in swallowing; the tumour under the jaw be-
comes tender, gradually increases, and at length
^rs ^s' discharging' a considerable quantity of
white matter. After this, the horse becomes
ively, feeds well, and all the symptoms, under
Pj"°per management, gradually disappear,
this description of strangles, it is unna-
^ary to show, in a more particular manner,
^l* is to be known from glanders. It is
Proper, however, to observe, that, in a few in-
s ances, the discharge of matter from the nos-
"as been known to continue after the other
symptoms had ceased : this, perhaps, has given
° an opinion, that sometimes, through
g ect, or bad management, the strangles have
egenerated into glanders. I have never seen

char⁰⁸^"⁰⁶ °^f ^tMs; ^and ^whenever ^the dis-

tb.^ar*i ^r°^m ^the ^stranS^les has continued after

_alr⁶ °'^her symptoms have been removed, 1 have

^eady observed, that it ceases in time, and the

14 TREATISE ON VETERINARY MEDICINE.

horse perfectly recovers. In treating of the
nature and cause of glanders, this subject will
be more particularly considered.

A copious di-ciiarge of matter, sometimes,
takes place from the nose of a horse, in con-
sequence of inflammation of the throat and
higher parts of the nostrils. This complaint
is termed quinsy, or sore throat, and, by some,
the inward strangles: here there is pain and
difficulty in swallowing, which symptom gene-
rally precedes the discharge a short time; an
unusual quantity of saliva is often formed; and
sometimes the disorder is attended by fever;
but the glands under the jaw are seldom affect-
ed In this case, there can be no difficulty in
distinguishing the disorder from glanders.

The next disease to be described has often
puzzled the most experienced practitioners;
it consists in slow or chronic inflammation of
the membrane within the nostrils, accompanied
by a discharge of matter, and a trifling enlarge-
ment of the glands under the jaw.

It is necessary here to remark, that, over the
whole surface of the delicate membrane, which
lines the interior of the nostrils, a mucous fluid
is constantly forming by vessels destined for
this purpose, in order to lubricate it, and pre-

DISEASES MISTAKEN FOR GLANDERS. 15

serve it in _a stare of moisture. These vessels
may be affected by various causes, so as to
form more of this fluid than usual, and of a
different quality and appearance: it will then
be seen flowing from the nostrils. The causes
which produce this state of the membrane are
various. If, f_or example, a stimulating fluid
sufficient strength were injected into the
'^stn > i* would excite inflammation, and
P " ^l'ce a discharge. The same effect is
brought on by what is termed catching cold;
� also happens in strangles, as has been de-
nned ; in glanders, likewise, the most con-
spi'uous ^s>mptom is a discharge irons the
'si nls, occasioned by a peculiar kind of poi-
son having got i_nt0 the circulation. But the
arge now under consideration cannot be
ascertained; _u so nearly resembles that which
^0c<urs in the mild kind of glanders, thai, by
,.� ^uy examining the parts, it is extremely
"It, if _not impossible-^ to fix the distinc-
tion between them. I can point out only one
method, by which this appearance may be
known with certainty from the mild gian-
ers; and this will be explained in the seventh
chapter.

^In bribing the glanders, it was observed,

16 TREATISE ON VETERINARY MEDICINE.

that the progress of the disease was more rapid
in horses, that were weak and in low condition,
than in such as were healthy and strong. In
these doubtful cases, it may be worth while tq
try the effect of copious bleeding and low diet,
in order to reduce the strength of the animal:
if the disease were really the glanders, this
would, perhaps, so increase it, as to remove all
doubt respecting its nature ; whereas, if it arose
from any other cause, by such means it proba-
bly would be removed.

When a discharge takes place from the nos-
trils in consequence of catching cold, there is
seldom any swelling of the glands under the
jaw; and, when this symptom does occur, the
swelling is generally tender, and either suppu-
rates, or gradually subsides. There is also a
cough, and the eyes are frequently affected;
the discharge proceeds from both nostrils; the
matter is commonly thicker than in cases of
glanders, and of a whitish colour, like that from
a common abscess.

In the epidemic catarrh, or distemper, which
raged with great violence in the summer of
1798, many instances occurred, which were
supposed to degenerate into glanders: in some
of these, ulceration took place within the nos-

DISEASES MISTAKEN FOR GLANDERS. 1J

^tnls' ^and several horses were destroyed under

^a ^Conviction of their being glandered. 1 am

"Alined to believe, that such cases were not

glanderous; though, it is probable, that in

^me ot them, the lungs were incurably dis-

� I hose that came under my observa-

, >"ered materially from glanders : when

e discharge came from the lungs, as well as

^s ⁿ's, it was known by a weak rattling

g � there was seldom any swelling under

J ^w> and the horse was extremely weak and

, ^c'^ate(k When these symptoms occurred*

^e horse soon died. If the distemper was

owed by a discharge from the nostrils, un-

^ed by cough, the matter was generally

^very abundant, and flowed equally from both

^ris; the glands under the jaw were sel-

_e^0Rl ^enlarged. But the most material differ-

^ce between this disease and glanders con-
sisted in it

us not being infectious; that is, so

T_n-^aS ^mJ ^exP^erieuce enabled me to judge,
subject will be more particularly discussed
^,n ^th« sixth chapter.

tak ^larS^e of foetid matter, sometimes,

of ^S, , ^ace ^from the nostrils, in consequence

tur d ^ ^Whit'^h ^the ^b°^ne ^baS ^bee" ^frac"

^re 5 and is generally accompanied by a swell-

18 TREATISE ON VETERINARY MEDICINE.

ing of the gland under the jaw. I have seen
two instances of this kind, in which the sym-
ptoms had existed a considerable time; and so
nearly resembled glanders, that many experi-
enced persons were deceived. But the disease
was clearly proved to be of a different nature,
from the circumstance of the horses being con-
stantly kept with others, without producing any
infection.

Adescription of those Diseases, which r

^e Farcy, and how they may be distinguish-
ed from it.

|n regard to the symptoms of farcy, a liability
⁰ errour in judgment prevails, as in the case
�■ glanders j_ust described i but the difference
between f_arCy_} and the diseases that may
sometimes be mistaken for it, is readily distin-
guished.

Ho_rses are often attacked with diffused

sellings of the limbs, belly, or sheath; and

Particularly ₀f the hind legs' These swellings

metimes considerable, and occasion lame-

11 finger be strongly pressed on the

^en ^^art' ^t^^le impression will be found to

-un some time. Ulcers, also, will occasion-

^y break out about the limbs; but a greater

s degree of fever and loss of appetite ge-

'y accompanies the first attack. In some

and^S' i! ^SWellin^ ^is Preceded by shivering,

^m_S⁰_a^t_re^erK^syir^pt.^oms ^of ^fever-^These ^s^^mp-

are, by farriers, termed farcy.



		vn
	PREFACE.	vn
	PREFACE.

ledge, the most experienced practitioner could advance but little beyond those who had preceded him; and the progress of the art, during a long series of years, was, of course, inconsiderable: but, since the establishment of the college, veteri- nary education has assumed a new form, and is conducted on the same principles as the other departments of medical science. By pursuing this track, there is reason to hope, that the veterinary art will continue to advance, and its pro- gress keep pace with the other branches of knowledge. No one can be more willing than the author of this work to give a just tribute of praise to those writers, who have hand- ed down to us the practical information they had obtained; their errours he would point out with indulgence, rather than with supercilious severity: under the difficulties they had to encounter,



xii
xii		PREFACE.

	subject. I believe he has tried, without success, every method and medicine that he himself could devise, or that could be suggested by others. Many other re- spectable practitioners have been no less industrious and equally unsuccessful. With such authorities as these, I think no one will hesitate in admitting, that the glanders have hitherto proved incu- rable. It should be recollected, that the men who pretend to cure the glanders, are ignorant of the principles of the .art which they presume to practise : wholly without education, deprived, from their situation in life, of the advantages of much experience, their opportunities of witnessing the progress of the disease must be very limited, and, consequently, their judgment, as to its real nature, very cir- cumscribed. On the contrary, the re- gular practitioners, who have made such repeated attempts to discover a remedy,



			19

		CHAPTER IV.

Adescription of those Diseases, which r				resent-

	^e Farcy, and how they may be distinguish- ed from it. \|n regard to the symptoms of farcy, a liability ⁰ errour in judgment prevails, as in the case �■ glanders j_ust described i but the difference between f_arCy_} and the diseases that may sometimes be mistaken for it, is readily distin- guished. Ho_rses are often attacked with diffused sellings of the limbs, belly, or sheath; and Particularly ₀f the hind legs' These swellings metimes considerable, and occasion lame- 11 finger be strongly pressed on the ^en ^^art' ^t^^le impression will be found to -un some time. Ulcers, also, will occasion- ^y break out about the limbs; but a greater s degree of fever and loss of appetite ge- 'y accompanies the first attack. In some and^S' i! ^SWellin^ ^is Preceded by shivering, ^m_S⁰_a^t_re^erK^syir^pt.^oms ^of ^fever-^These ^s^^mp- are, by farriers, termed farcy.



		TEST FOR DISTINGUISHING GLANDERS. 41 ifectffl ■ K > out, when the symptoms are so ill- s' erable as to escape notice, many horses ^ay be infected, before it is thought necessary

^t0 separate him from oth			lers.
			lers.

	, . ^e �Howing case may serve to illustrate m'n i^ ^Valuao'^e horse was attacked with the md of glanders; and, as no suspicion entertained of his being unsound, he was sold for t 1 aft h- ^^e ^SUm- ^ "^evv ^montas> however, as t ^ls'. ^e discharge became so considerable mad ^Xcite ^alarm ; and, on application being ho ° ^mC' ^ ^not hesitate to pronounce the _wJ^e ^to ^nave been glandered at the time he _rno ^rchased, I_n consequence of this, the Th' ^WaS ^returned> ^ano^ the horse destroyed, pinion was soon after confirmed by the _m ^CaSe ^aPPearing in two colts, that had cotn- ^cation with this horse before he was sold, with �^douotful ^cases may be distinguished 2 ^ainty, by inoculating a sound horse, matt ^G ^G ^^r°^m Senders ^an<l farcy, with sun ^6r ^fr°^m ^the ^nose ^of ^that ^whlch ^h den _tt^d ^t0 ^be S^landered. If it be the glan- p ' ^e ^e"^ect described in experiment 1, di_Sea₈, ^W'^U-^be P^roduced- ^If ^ifc ^be ^any ^other low-^Se'iⁿ° ^lnflammation or swelling will fol- ^Un\|ess the experiment be clumsily per-



		51
	ATTEMPTS TO GURU GLANDERS.	51

the medicines most likely to succeed are mer- curials, aided by a judicious system of manage- ment, so as to prevent, as much as possible, the debilitating effects of the mercury.



		A TREATISE ON VETERINARY MEDICINE. VOL. III.

			Printed by S. Hamilton, Weybridge, Surrey.



	viii
		PREFACE.


their works could only be expected to contain some useful observations, mixed with much errour. It is pleasing, how- ever, to reflect, that the disadvantages, under which the art has hitherto labour- ed, are, in the present age, gradually di- minishing ; we have now the satisfaction of seeing it countenanced by all ranks, and can congratulate the profession on the daily acquisition of talent and re- spectability. The diseases, which form the subject of the present work, are, perhaps, of all that are incidental to the horse, the most destructive j they have, therefore, excited much attention among veterinary practitioners. The glanders have long been a parti- cular object of investigation; and it is much to be regretted, that the labour bestowed on the inquiry has not been more successful: the diligence, however,



		PREFACE. ix with which it has been pursued by many practitioners, has been productive of ad- vantage; much light has been thrown upon the nature of the disease; and, though we have failed in the main point, the discovery of a cure, we have mate- rially improved our knowledge with re- spect to its prevention. The expectation of discovering a re- medy for glanders appears to have been very sanguinely entertained by those, who considered it as a local disease; but, after all the attention they have bestowed upon it, the anxious endeavours they have employed, and the various experi- ments they have made, the complaint has baffled all their efforts. Among the first of that class of veteri- narians we may rank La Fosse, a cele- brated French practitioner, who imagi- ned he had accomplished the desirable object. He made use of astringent and A 5



			X PREFACE.

		other preparations, which he applied by means of a syringe, to the nostrils and cavities connected with them; after hav- ing made appropriate openings in the bones covering those cavities. Bartlet, an English writer on farriery, was a strong advocate for the same plan ; and publish- ed a plate for the purpose of describing more accurately the seat of the disease, and the mode of performing the opera- tion. Practitioners, however, were not long in discovering the inefficacy of this boasted remedy, and very soon gave up the attempt. It is evident, that neither La Fosse nor Bartlet had a correct know- ledge of the disease, but confounded it with some other complaints, to which it bears some resemblance; for they de- scribe seven kinds of glanders, four of which they admit to be incurable. For my own part, I must candidly confess, that, after having for many years paid



		PREFACE. xi considerable attention to the subject, I have not been so fortunate as to discover a remedy; nor has it ever come to my knowledge, that any other practitioner has been more successful. It is true, we have often heard of ignorant farriers, who have professed to cure the disease; but, even if we could generally depend on the veracity of such men, I should place no reliance on their assertions in this parti- cular instance : the limited extent of their knowledge and opportunities of seeing the disease, rarely enables them to distin- guish the glanders from those diseases to which, in some respects, they bear a re- semblance; to say nothing of the ten- dency which such men almost invariably have of raising their importance and re- putation, by magnifying the value of their performances. The present professor of the Veterinary College, Mr. Coleman, has devoted much time and attention to the



		PREFACE. xiii and have candidly admitted the failure of their endeavours, have possessed an extensive field for experience, combined with all the advantages derived from a well-grounded knowledge of their pro- fession, and a free communication of the experiments and opinions of each other. The ravages of this fatal disorder have excited a correspondent degree of anxiety among the profession to discover an antidote; and the merit that will accrue to the fortunate accomplisher of this desirable object, will be in propor- tion to the difficulties that are to be sur- mounted. Mr. Coleman may justly, I believe, be considered as the first veterinarian, who had any correct knowledge of the disease; and it is to be regretted, that he has not yet published the result of his investigation; should he have aban-



			xiv PREFACE.

		doned the pursuit, the knowledge he has acquired would serve as a foundation for those who may succeed him in this in- teresting research. With the advantages to be derived from the light of past experience, renewed efforts open fresh sources of information; and thus, by a gradual progression in science, succes- sive discoveries ultimately lead us to a perfect acquaintance with the object of our inquiry. In common with his contemporaries in the profession, the author of this trea- tise has beheld, with pain, the destruction occasioned by the glanders; a disorder, the more to be dreaded, not only because it has hitherto proved incurable, but from its being, at the same time, highly contagious. He has had frequent op- portunities of witnessing the fatal effects of the disease in the army, among wag-



		PREFACE. _Xv gon and post horses, and in private sta- bles. In the course of fifteen years' prac- tice, he has given this subject a large por- tion of his attention, and has suffered no opportunity to pass him unimproved. The result of his labours is now presented to the public. It was formerly a received opinion, and is a notion which, in some instances, now prevails, that the glanders are a local disease. With reference to this idea, the author of this work has made numerous experiments, in order to ex- amine into its truth; and has now pub- lished the result of those attempts, which, he thinks, will corroborate the opinion he has formed, that the discharge from the nostril does not arise from a local cause, but is symptomatic of a constitu- tional affection. The public, it is conceived, will be much interested in the conclusions to



			xvi PREFACE.

		be drawn from one of the experiments related in the pursuit of this inquiry: it is believed, that it will, for the most part, afford a certain test for ascertaining the nature of a discharge of matter from the nostrils, and proving, beyond a doubt, whether it is the effect of glanders, or some other complaint, the symptoms of which resemble that disease. The test, to which this allusion is made, simply consists in the inoculation of a sound horse or ass with the suspected matter: if it is really glanderous, infection will be the consequence; which cannot be the case, if the discharge proceeds from some other cause than the glanders. This has been proved by experiment; and is, per- haps, the only certain method of dispel- ling any doubt that may exist in these obscure cases, the nature of which can- not be otherwise determined. The knowledge of the nature and



		PREFACE. xvii origin of glanders has been so confined, that various conjectures have been en- tertained of the mode in which the dis- use is generated. Amid this obscurity, some have thought, that it has been caused by a noxious vapour, arising from the glanderous matter j others have en- tertained the opinion, that the nostril, coming into contact with the matter, has produced the infection: the author has given a course of experiments on these heads, together with his reason for believing, that the propagation of glan- ders is principally owing to contagion; not by the application of matter to the nostrils, but by its being swallowed, either with the water or food. In speaking of the nature and causes ot farcy, it was not thought necessary ^to be so minute as in the preceding eoapter. Experiments have proved, that



			elate ,1

	",*

		� t^00i.:>


!.,-Tl<h,�.ftikliv/j;Jtns,wH-r�.Sr['mil'sGum2l				V'liil.Jim,- W.I8IZ.
				V'liil.Jim,- W.I8IZ.



	xviii
		PREFACE.


these two diseases bear a very near re- lation to each other; and it is found, that they are so closely connected, that one complaint will frequently produce the other. When farcy makes its ap- pearance, it is usually the precursor of glanders; and is, in fact, most com- monly generated by the identical com- plaint which it ultimately thus produces. The alliance between these two com- plaints is such, that the notice of one of them, almost of necessity, involves the other; but there are certain circum- stances, which render it more advisable to treat of them under distinct heads, in order to convey a more exact idea of each ; and this is the plan, that has been pursued in the present instance. The numerous attempts that have been made to cure the glanders evince, in a high de- gree, the importance veterinary profess-



		PREFACE. XIX ors have attached to the discovery of a remedy for this malignant and destruc- tive complaint. Although their unre- mitting endeavours have hitherto been frustrated, it is hoped, that a brief narra- tive of some of the means that have been employed, will not be unacceptable, as it may contribute to a more clear illus- tration of the disease. On the first projection of this publi- cation, it was intended to confine the matter to the notice of glanders and farcy j but subsequent reflection held forth an inducement to annex a few re- marks on the nature and cause of stag- gers; because they are a complaint, the origin of which seems, in general, to be but little understood. In adverting to this subject, the author cannot forego the satisfaction of publicly acknowledging his obligations to a certain gentleman for much valuable information on this im-



			XX PREFACE.

		portant subject; by whose permission, he has added to the work a letter, which he had the honour of receiving from him, on the probable causes, the nature, sym- ptoms, and the dreadful effects of that dis- order in the neighbourhood of Swansea. The observations comprised in the letter bear evident marks of minute and at- tentive investigation, and, without doubt, will be perused with corresponding in- terest. With respect to the style of the per- formance, in general, it may not be im- proper to observe, that, in treating on the several subjects, it has been the endeavour of the author to explain them with bre- vity, and, at the same time, to render them intelligible to his readers. It has been his wish to avoid swelling the bulk of his work beyond what was necessary; and, with that view, he has attempted to com- press the matter in as small a compass as



		PREFACE. _xxi ^Was bought to be consistent with a pro- per understanding of the information he wished to convey. A succinct, but clear account of the diseases under considera- tion, has been the main object of the undertaking. How far success has at- tended the attempt, must be left to the candid judgment of a discerning public. A question may probably arise, as to the motives or the utility of publishing a °ook on diseases that are professedly in- curable. It _may be answered, that, al- though so much is not efFected as might ^e desired, yet some essential benefit may accrue to society from an experimental account of the analysis of disorders, the nature of which is not generally known j ^d that the intent of the following pages oes not presume to supersede the infor- mation of scientific men, but rather di- _r^CCts ^lts "Auctions to those more nume- ^f0US °^lasses ^of society, who are deprived of



	xxii
		PREFACE.


the opportunities of acquiring such know- ledge. If the matter, with men of science, be denied the merit of much originality, it may, however, promote the beneficial purpose of stimulating them to farther investigations, and thereby produce some valuable improvements in the manner of treating these obstinate diseases. The attainment of these objects will complete the wishes and expectations of the au- thor ; and, if he should fortunately prove a remote instrument in advancing that desirable object, he hopes that he shall not be censured with a misapplication of time, in committing his present la- bours to the consideration of the public. When this book was ready for the press, it was suggested to the author, that its value would be increased by adding instructions for the treatment of inflam- mation of the lungs and bowels, and for the prevention and treatment of lame-



		PREFACE. xxiii ^ness- Although these subjects have been treated of in the first volume, subse- quent experience has enabled him to °ffer some farther observations, which, he trusts, will not be deemed unworthy of public attention.



		TREATISE ON VETERINARY MEDICINE.

	CHAPTER I. A Description of Glanders. nanfdre¹³"⁶ ^ ^conse<I^uences «$ this malig- byall tho, ^SeT^l?^0t ^be ^t0° ^serious'y considered Itisthe T ^aVethemana^^mentofhors^- duty of ^Stof Proprietors, no less than the ^rlies, _o^SerVa0ts' ^to squire a knowledge of its e i_ns\TT°^mV ^and ^to ^attend ^fully to Prevent ' ^ * °^ffered ^wilh ^a view to in i_ts _na ^Spreading ^of * complaint, which, ^hertoJT',¹⁸ ^hlghlj ^contag^ious> and has Th « '"curable. ^cl'^e of^rL?T°^mS °^f ^g,anders ^are> ^a ^dis- ^a ^sellin<. of T , °^ne °^r ^both ^nostrils, and «ommo2 ' " f ^,ands> ^or «� as they are vo_L. _uf ' ^CtWeen ^the ^brancb~« Pf the



	\

2 ' TREATISE ON VETERINARY MEDICINE. lower jaw-bone. When the discharge of mat- ter is from one nostril only, the swelling is ge- nerally confined to that side of the jaw-bone : this is a very common case in the early stage of the complaint. In the mild kind of glanders, the matter is small in quantity, and of a thin, glutinous ap- pearance, adhering to the exterior part of the nostril, or upper lip; the general health is sel- dom affected, the horse appearing perfectly well in every other respect. On examining the interior, or red part of the -nqstril, in this stage of the complaint, ulcers are rarely obser- vable, and the matter is free from odour; this, indeed, is often the case after the disease has existed several months: yet it has been thought, that an offensive smell constituted one distin- guishing mark of glanders. The disease, sometimes, continues in this mild stage several months ; and, in a few in- stances, even for years : when this happens, it is generally found that the horse is of a hardy constitution, is in good condition when at- tacked by it, and afterwards is treated with proper care. But when the disorder attacks horses, that are worked hard and inadequately fed, or such as are of delicate constitutions

		I



		4 TREATISE ON VETERINARY MEDICINE. violence; beginning with a copious discharge of matter from the nostrils, and ulceration of the membrane within them. In such cases, the horse soon becomes weak and emaciated, and in a short time sinks under the complaint. I have met with many instances, in which glanders were preceded by general indisposi- tion. The horse appeared weak and languid, and fed badly ; proceeding at times in this way for two or three weeks, with a gradual loss of strength and flesh. At length, the symptoms which are supposed to constitute glanders made their appearance; that is to say, there was a discharge of matter from the nostrils, and the glands under the jaw became enlarged. In cases of this nature, it is commonly thought that the glanders are generated ; or that the disease is a consequence of the general debi- lity, under which the animal labours : but I think it far more probable, that it is the effect of contagion. A swelling of the gland under the jaw is sometimes observed, without any discharge from the nostrils. In such instances, we gene- rally find, that at some former period the horse has had the farcy, or has been kept with glan- dered horses ; and, on a careful inspection, a



			./■'/)/. /.

		*LcncbruRib.* JjfJJahruon &\ \\.\". tout Church Tard.Jwu to. t.Vt.*



		DESCRIPTION OF GLANDERS. 5 ^S1ght degree of moisture is usually perceived in e nostril, which is on the same side as the swelling_; or an appearance, as though the more j P^arts of the discharge had evaporated, ^aving a dirty coloured coating upon the ^s- But if this symptom be not visible, we ^may ^earn ^fr°m the person who has attended ed the horse, that such an appear- ₁"^Ce ^aS ^at ^times ^been observed, or that the ^se has occasionally thrown out matter in _fi ?^r ^In�^- This circumstance, therefore, is suf- sw n"¹¹° ^excite suspicion, however trifling the ⁶ ing and discharge may be; especially farrf ^U ^ ^known» ^that ^the ^horse ^has ^had ^the"-y at any former penoa, or nas ever oeen exposed to infection. « is astonishing in how slight degree the glanders sometimes exist in horses of strong institutions, that are fed well and moderately ^u- ouch instances often occur among our cavalry; where, upon the slightest cause rat !^U_f^8picion»- ^thC ^h°^rse '^S (g^enerally) sepa- d_ut^e . u�¹ ^the ^reSt' ^and ^not ^employed in any forh' ^Ugh ^the ^aI1owance of forage issued 'ywork 'd ^thC ^Same ^ ^th°^Ugb ^hC ^WCre ^reS^ular" ^Jt ^sometimes happens, that the discharge



		6 TREATISE ON VETERINARY MEIMCINE. from the nostril ceases for a time; but the swelling of the glands under the jaw generally remains, the discbarge sooner or later returns, and the disease ultimately proves fatal. The following case, sent to me by a gentle- man, who keeps a great number of horses, will serve as an example of this: '' Upon examin- ing our horses, I found one with a suspicious running : I had him immediately separated ; in the course of a few days the running ceas- ed; and, as the horse appeared perfectly well, he was returned to the working stable. In about a fortnight, I found a large swelling, where it usually is in glanders, but no run- ..:.._& -o �i,� ..��^ , 1,1,1, onbiiiug was frequently bathed with salt water without effect; but the horse continued without any running at the nose for months. A decisive glanderous run- ning then came on suddenly, and the horse was destroyed."



			7

		CHAPTER II. A Description of Farcy. has been clearly ascertained, as will be shown hereafter, that the glanders and farcy will mutually produce each other, and are therefore nearly allied; yet there are circum- ^S ^ances, which make it appear necessary to &ive them a separate consideration. he farcy, generally, appears in the form of small tumours, called buds by farriers; or small ulcers, about the legs; sometimes on ^l»e lips, face, neck, or other parts of the body, ihese tumours are, in some cases, so small, so few m number, and create so little incon- tinence to the animal, that, for a time, tbey -scape observation ; at other times, they are ^argei", more numerous, painful to the touch, and spread more rapidly; and, in these in- stances, _a general swelling of the limb often ^kes place, particularly when the hind legs ⁶ ^attacked, and some degree of lameness ensues.



		8 TREATISE ON VETERINARY MEDICINE. The tumours, or buds, are at first hard, but soon become soft, and burst; degenerating into foul ulcers, of a peculiar appearance. It is worthy of remark, that this disease always proceeds upwards, if in the limbs; if in the neck, it advances towards the chest; if in the lips or nose, it spreads towards the glands under the jaw; in short, its invariable direction is to the heart: often in its course affecting the superficial glands, and causing them to swell, in like manner as the venereal poison, from a chancre, affects the glands of the groin, and causes buboes. The lines of communication between the buds, or ulcers, are, generally, very observable; particularly when they occur on the inside of the limbs, where the superficial veins are large; as in the thigh : they consist of what the farri- ers call corded veins, but, in reality, are in- flamed and enlarged lymphatic, or absorbent vessels ; which vessels very closely accompany the superficial veins, and are in bulk propor- tioned to the size of the vein. When the farcy bud has suppurated and burst, it sometimes spreads under the skin, forming what are termed sinuses, or pipes;



		DESCRIPTION OF FARCY. 9 and when this happens on the hock joint, or on the flexor tendons of the legs, it generally causes considerable lameness, and is difficult cure. When no remedies are applied to a ^arcy ^ulcer, it commonly spreads more or less apidly; but, by the free application of caus- es, assisted by internal remedies, and by lay- ^Jng open the sinuses when they exist, the sores gradually heal, and the horse is apparently ¹ � in slight cases, this apparent cure is ected by caustics alone, and occasional th'^St<r^S" ^l '^S' ^nowever> generally found, that is disease, though it seems to have been per- fectly removed, is followed by the glanders; e interval being sometimes considerable, varying from two or three weeks to several months. (See chapter x, experiments 9, 10, and 12.) u_s^Wn^en ^the ^far°^y ^attacks extensively, it is _by^Uajjy accompanied, or very quickly followed, The commencement of farcy is sometimes more violent than has yet been described. _u]c ^Umbs ^sweU to an enormous size; foul _anH^erSi^EPr^ar ⁱⁿ ^Various P^arts' ^the nose swells, ^d ^charges fetid matter; and the horse B 5*



		10 TREATISE ON VETERINARY MEDICINE. breathes with difficulty, from the swelling and ulceration of the nostrils. This malignant kind of farcy is not very common, and occurs to post and stage-coach horses, more fre- quently than to such as are worked moderately. When it does happen, however, it speedily destroys the animal. When a farcy bud has burst, and become an ulcer, there is something peculiar and characteristic in its appearance. The edges of the skin, that surround the ulcer, terminate abruptly, and the surface of the sore has a pale, glossy appearance. If a caustic be freely applied, so as to destroy the diseased parts, the sore loses this peculiar appearance as soon as the slough separates: the skin, instead of terminating abruptly, is gradually lost in the sore; which looks red and healthy, and very soon heals, though no other remedies are applied. The farcy sometimes attacks horses that are in good condition, and without any previous illness ; most commonly, however, it is pre- ceded by various symptoms of constitutional derangement. In some cases, the horse gra- dually loses flesh and strength; the coat be-



		DESCRIPTION OF FARCY. 11 comes dry; the skin tight; and the hind legs swell: i_n _otne,. j_nstanceSj _tne _norse _nas _Deen suddenly attacked with lameness, without any visible cause, when, after a few days, the ap- pearance of farcy buds has pointed out the nature of the disease.



			12 TREATISE ON VETERINARY MEDICINE.

		CHAPTER III. A Description of those Diseases, which may be mistaken for Glanders; and the Method of distinguishing them. The symptoms of glanders have been fre- quently confounded with those of some other complaints, nearly resembling them; but which, in fact, are essentially different in their origin and nature. The diseases liable to be mistaken for glanders are the strangles; ca- tarrh, or cold; inflammation of the throat, with discharge from the nostrils, commonly termed quinsy, or sore throat; chronic inflam- mation of the membrane within the nostril, causing a slight discharge, and a trifling en- largement of the glands under the jaw; a discharge of stinking matter, in consequence of a fracture of the bones of the nose; and epidemic catarrh, commonly called the dis- temper. The strangles are a disease, which usually occurs to young horses, and in some respects resembles the glanders; that is, there is ge-



		DISEASES MISTAKEN FOR GLANDERS. 13 nerally _a discharge of matter from the nostrils, and the g]_ands under the jaw are swollen, here is no difficulty, however, in distinguish- ^lng ^thls ^disease, as it is commonly attended by ^co«gh, and some degree of fever; the eyes appear dull, or inflamed and watery; the ap- petite is affected, and there is often difficulty in swallowing; the tumour under the jaw be- comes tender, gradually increases, and at length ^rs ^s' discharging' a considerable quantity of white matter. After this, the horse becomes ively, feeds well, and all the symptoms, under Pj"°per management, gradually disappear, this description of strangles, it is unna- ^ary to show, in a more particular manner, ^l* is to be known from glanders. It is Proper, however, to observe, that, in a few in- s ances, the discharge of matter from the nos- "as been known to continue after the other symptoms had ceased : this, perhaps, has given ° an opinion, that sometimes, through g ect, or bad management, the strangles have egenerated into glanders. I have never seen char⁰⁸^"⁰⁶ °^f ^tMs; ^and ^whenever ^the dis- tb.^ar*i ^r°^m ^the ^stranS^les has continued after _alr⁶ °'^her symptoms have been removed, 1 have ^eady observed, that it ceases in time, and the



		14 TREATISE ON VETERINARY MEDICINE. horse perfectly recovers. In treating of the nature and cause of glanders, this subject will be more particularly considered. A copious di-ciiarge of matter, sometimes, takes place from the nose of a horse, in con- sequence of inflammation of the throat and higher parts of the nostrils. This complaint is termed quinsy, or sore throat, and, by some, the inward strangles: here there is pain and difficulty in swallowing, which symptom gene- rally precedes the discharge a short time; an unusual quantity of saliva is often formed; and sometimes the disorder is attended by fever; but the glands under the jaw are seldom affect- ed In this case, there can be no difficulty in distinguishing the disorder from glanders. The next disease to be described has often puzzled the most experienced practitioners; it consists in slow or chronic inflammation of the membrane within the nostrils, accompanied by a discharge of matter, and a trifling enlarge- ment of the glands under the jaw. It is necessary here to remark, that, over the whole surface of the delicate membrane, which lines the interior of the nostrils, a mucous fluid is constantly forming by vessels destined for this purpose, in order to lubricate it, and pre-