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GIFT or 
 
 A* F, Morrison 
 
 
®k J[i[m0ni$ 
 
 0r$]i$. 
 
 BY 
 
 FRANK TOWNEND BARTON, 
 
 First- Class Eonorman Royal College of Vetermary 
 
 Surgeons ; Special Distinction iyi Pathology 
 
 and Morbid Anatomy, dec. ,* Author of 
 
 * Every Lay Ailments of Poultry* 
 
 Net'j York : 
 BRENTANO'S. 
 
 1900. 
 
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 THE 
 
 AILMENTS OF HORSES. 
 
 Abscess. — This is an accumulation of 
 matter, either pus-like or watery in cha- 
 racter, whilst its formation is. the result 
 of a direct or indirect injury; less fre- 
 quently through blood-poisoning, in which 
 case the formation of matter commonly 
 takes place both internally and externally, 
 bringing about grave constitutional dis- 
 turbance. The collection of matter form- 
 ing under the jaw during the ordinary 
 form of strangles is simply an abscess, 
 and requires but the treatment prescribed 
 for any other boil. In the last-named 
 disease we believe that it is of a specific 
 nature. 
 
 Very large abscesses are quite common 
 in the horse. 
 
 The point of the shoulder is not an 
 uncommon place for an abscess to make 
 its appearance, especially in colts. 
 
 An abscess in connexion with the brain 
 or heart is most certainly fatal. 
 
 Symptoms. — A gradual increase in size 
 (if externally), accompanied by heat, ten- 
 derness, and, in the later stages, a throb- 
 bing sensation imparted to the finger when 
 placed over the seat of disease. Later on, 
 
 M92348 
 
6 The Ailme'iits of Horses. 
 
 the i^kiu '' pits " Oil pressure, and takes on 
 a soddened feel bcnep.th. 
 
 Internal abscesses give rise to pain and 
 exhaustion. When about the brain the 
 horse presses its head against the wall, 
 manger, &c. 
 
 A watery (serous) abscess is well seen 
 during the outset of poll-evil and fistulous 
 withers. Such may appear upon any part 
 of the body. 
 
 Treatment. — Warm fomentations, and 
 when the abscess is mature, cut it open 
 at the lowest part, so that the matter will 
 drain freely away. 
 
 Keep the wound open for a few days 
 by the insertion of a bit of tow, and wash 
 the sac out with a little weak antiseptic 
 solution. The wound can now be allowed 
 to heal itself, of course after the removal 
 of the tow. 
 
 A serous abscess does not require, unless 
 at the poll or withers, any fomenting. Its 
 contents must be given free exit through 
 the use of the knife. 
 
 During strangles good and extra food 
 is called for. 
 
 House the animals. 
 
 Amaurosis, or glass-eye. — As the name 
 implies, the eye or eyes assume a glassy 
 appearance. 
 
 It is the result of paralysis of the nerve 
 or nerves of sight. It may be temporary 
 or permanent. 
 
 Angle-berries. See Warts. 
 
 Anus, protrusion of. — This is not an 
 uncommon accident. It is denoted by the 
 protrusion of the red membrane of the 
 
The Ailments of H(yrses. 7 
 
 anus, forming a tumour under the root of 
 the tail. Dry food and severe straining 
 act as excitants towards its production. 
 It may become strangulated, and then it 
 assumes a blackish appearance. 
 
 Treatment. — Cleanse the part, then try 
 and return it, subsequently smearing with 
 gallic acid ointment. Soft food must be 
 the order. 
 
 X.B. — The protrusion must not be 
 mistaken for a polypoid (stalked) 
 tumour. 
 
 Anthrax. — This is a germ disease, being- 
 caused by an organism circulating in the 
 blood. 
 
 The germ is known as the Anthrax 
 Bacterium {jjL Bacteria). It is extremely 
 minute in size, requiring high powers of 
 the microscope for the demonstration of 
 the same. 
 
 In shape it is like ,that of a short rod, 
 with square or notched ends. 
 
 Its methods of multiplication are by 
 the rod breaking across (transverse fission), 
 or else by forming spores in the interior 
 of the chain-like length. The latter 
 usually happens outside the body. These 
 organisms give rise to deadly excretions, 
 which cause, as a rule, the rapid death of 
 their host. 
 
 In the horse anthrax is not at all com- 
 mon in this country, but either the same, 
 or another disease very closely allied to it, 
 is common at the Cape, where ,it bears the 
 name " Cape Horse Sickness. ' A horse 
 which has been fortunate enough to re- 
 cover from this malady is known as 
 
 A 2 
 
8 The Ailments of Horses, 
 
 " salted," /. e., proof against the disease 
 (acquired immunity). 
 
 Outbreaks of anthrax in the horse hap- 
 pen now and again, though chiefly in the 
 fen -lands of Norfolk and Lincoln. 
 
 In cattle the disease is known as splenic 
 apoplexy, and in them it is fairly common. 
 The horse may get it from these animals, 
 so may the human subject, dog, sheep, 
 pig, rodents, &c. 
 
 In dealing with anthrax-stricken ani- 
 mals^ — -living or dead — the utmost pre- 
 cautions have to be taken to guard against 
 inoculation, as the disease is usually fatal 
 to man, though not to the dog, fowl, &c. 
 
 In acute anthrax the animal may be 
 seized whilst at work, succumbing to the 
 attack within an hour or so. 
 
 Trembling from head to foot, violent 
 pain in the belly and quick breathing, 
 along with a small pulse, are the symp- 
 toms of most importance. The body 
 rapidly decomposes after death. The 
 diagnosis must rest upon the finding of 
 the germs, for which w^ork an expert 
 microscopist is required. 
 
 Swelling of the head and tongue is 
 commonly seen when the disease takes a 
 slower course. 
 
 If suspected report the matter at once 
 to the nearest local authority. 
 
 Arsenic poisoning. — Some horse- 
 keepers have got into the pernicious habit 
 of giving white arsenic (arsenious aeid) to 
 their horses about once a week, in the 
 form of a powder, along with the anim.als' 
 food. 
 
The Ailments of Horses. 9 
 
 The average dose of this poisonous drug 
 is 3 grains, but these foolish fellows often 
 give twenty times this amount. Con- 
 tinued for a long time, the " tolerance " 
 of the drug enables the animal (like 
 arsenic and opium eaters) to stand big 
 doses, but as arsenic tends to accumulate 
 in the cells of the liver, a fatal attack of 
 arsenic poisoning (acute inflammation of 
 the stomach and bowels) may happen at 
 any moment, the blood-stream having 
 swept the drug into the circulation. 
 
 As a rule the proprietor is at a loss to 
 account for this sudden onset of disease, 
 and the horsekeeper is not going to 
 willingly sacrifice his situation, and 
 perhaps incur criminal prosecution, if he 
 can possibly avoid confession. 
 
 Analytical and veterinary experience 
 may subsequently compel him to do so, 
 or the plea may be established perhaps 
 without voluntary statements on his part. 
 
 Grrooms ought to be made aware of the 
 consequences of drugging their horses 
 without consulting their master. 
 
 Symptoms. — A'iolent pain in the belly ; 
 purging or dysentery ; straining ; quick 
 small pulse and shallow breathing ; sweat- 
 ing, redness of the eyes, and thirst. 
 
 Treatment. — This must be left in 
 the hands of a duly qualified veterinary 
 surgeon. The proper antidote is peroxide 
 of iron, and morphia to calm the pain. 
 
 Azoturia. — This has been commonly 
 termed nitrogenous urine, because it was 
 thought the nitrogenous constituents of 
 this liquid excretion were largely increased. 
 
10 The Ailments of Horses. 
 
 The disease comes on very suddenly, 
 usually showing itself after the horse has 
 been idle for a day or so, and then not 
 until, as a rule, the animal comes out of 
 the stable. It may be that it has only 
 travelled a few yards. 
 
 Symptoms. — Partial or comjAete loss 
 of control over the movements. Some- 
 times the animal falls before it can be got 
 home. 
 
 The muscles of the haunch feel as hard 
 as wood, and the animal is unable to rise. 
 
 The most important indicator of 
 azoturia is, however, the colour of the 
 urine. It soon becomes like coffee 
 infusion without the milk. 
 
 A large number of horses die from this 
 disease, especially when down. Recoveries 
 are also frequent. 
 
 Treatment. — Dose of purgative medi- 
 cine, and a clyster or two to assist the 
 action of the purgative. 
 
 Stimulate the spine. Clothe the body, 
 and keep a dry bed for the animal to lie 
 on. 
 
 Veterinary aid is essential, because it 
 is advisable to draw off the urine, and 
 perhaps wash out the bladder. 
 
 Further, skilful treatment is very im- 
 portant in a malady so quickly fatal. 
 
 B 
 
 Back, broken. — The back may be broken 
 either through a fall, the fall of a heavy 
 w^eight upon it, or during struggling, 
 when the animal is cast in its stall. 
 Disease of the bones predisposes towards 
 
The Ailments of Horses. 11 
 
 the occnrrence of broken back. Paralysis, 
 behind the seat of breakage, results. 
 
 Bladder, inflammation of. — Inflam- 
 mation of the bladder is not a common 
 affection by any means. 
 
 The cause, symptoms, and treatment 
 are matters for the skill of the veterinary 
 surgeon. 
 
 Bladder, stone within. — Calculi fre- 
 quently occur in the bladder of both the 
 mare and the horse. Such may or may 
 not be formed in this situation. If the 
 calculus is a small one, it is quite pos- 
 sible for it to be expelled during the act 
 of urination. 
 
 The flow of urine may be either im- 
 peded or completely stopped, through 
 stone blocking the outlet of the blad- 
 der, or lodging in some portion of the 
 passage. 
 
 Eemoval of the stone or stones can be 
 effected by operation (lithotomy). 
 Blood-spavin. See Spavin. 
 Bog-spavin. See Spavin. 
 Bone-spavin. See Spavin. 
 Bot-fly.— This fly is about during the 
 months of May, June, July, and August. 
 It deposits its egg upon the hairs of the 
 horse, especially about the knees, anus, 
 shoulders, &c. 
 
 By some not very well-understood 
 means the larval stage of the fly gains an 
 entry into the horse's stomach, and barrel- 
 shaped larvae attach themselves to the 
 gullet end of the stomach lining. 
 
 In the following spring these let go 
 their hold, and pass out with the dung. 
 
12 The Ailments of Horses. 
 
 After a period of quiescence on tlie 
 ground a full-blown fly emerges, ready 
 to repeat perpetuation of the species. 
 
 The horse thus serves as an " inter- 
 mediate " bearer. 
 
 Bowels, inflammation of. — This is, we 
 regret to say, of too common occurrence 
 in the horse. It is denoted by continuous 
 IDain, a hard, small, thready pulse, anxious 
 expansion of countenance, dilated pupils, 
 cold sweats, and general coldness of the 
 body. 
 
 Eising, rolling, and kicking with pain 
 are ever constant symptoms. 
 
 The covering of the bowels very often 
 participates in the inflammation. 
 
 So far as we are aw^are it is always 
 fatal, death occurring within 24 hours, or 
 thereabout, from the onset of the pain. 
 A common cause is that of parasites 
 (w^orms), but " twist of the bowel," and 
 " telescoping" of it, are frequently found 
 after death. 
 
 It has been seen in anthrax, and through 
 the ingestion of vegetable and mineral 
 poisons. 
 
 Bruises. — These can be treated by the 
 application of cooling lotions, or a plaster 
 of fuller's earth, &c. 
 
 Brushing. — This is caused "by striking 
 the opposite limb with the inner side of 
 the shoe. 
 
 The horse may fall through the pain 
 inflicted. 
 
 Keep the foot narrow on the inner side, 
 or use a three-quarter shoe. A boot can 
 be put on. 
 
The Ailments of Horses. 13 
 
 Bronchitis. — Inflammation of the bron- 
 chial tubes is not uncommon ; in fact it 
 often happens in influenza, though it does 
 occur apart from this. It is either 
 " acute " or " chronic." The former often 
 ends in the latter, whilst there is always 
 an inclination — under the slightest provo- 
 cation — for the last named to usher itself 
 into the acute form. 
 
 The large, small, or medium-sized air- 
 tubes may be affected. 
 
 When the smallest bronchial tubes are 
 the main seat of the disease its gravity 
 is increased. 
 
 Bronchitis may, if neglected, run on to 
 inflammation of the lungs. 
 
 Symptoms. — In the acute form of the 
 malady there is always a considerable 
 amount of fever. The cough, at first 
 hard and dry, is subsequently soft and 
 moist. Pain is present. 
 
 The so-called mucous rale is an im- 
 portant indicator of bronchial inflamma- 
 tion 
 
 The mucous membranes of the eyes 
 are of a bluish-pink colour. 
 
 Loss of appetite, confined bowels, and 
 so forth are other minor symptoms. 
 
 Chronic bronchitis is denoted by a 
 cough. It constitutes the so-called 
 " chronic cough." 
 
 Treatment. — Place the animal in a 
 well-ventilated stable, and keep the 
 temperature as near 60° F. as possible. 
 Uniformity of stable temperature is one- 
 half the battle in dealing with bronchitis 
 in its acute stage. 
 
14 The Ailments of Horses. 
 
 Clothe the body, and put on a set of 
 flannel bandages. 
 
 ►See that the bedding material is dry. 
 
 If the bowels are confined, add a few 
 tablespoonfuls of linseed oil to bran 
 mashes, scalded linseed and crushed oats, 
 once daily. 
 
 Encourage the discharge from the nose 
 by steaming the nasal passage twice daily. 
 
 Sometimes a seton placed in front of 
 the chest does good. 
 
 Mustard paste, or some stimulating 
 liniment — e.g. camphorated oil — should be 
 well rubbed over the throat and chest. 
 In sore throat this treatment is equally 
 applicable. 
 
 Make use of the following electuary 
 
 twice daily: — 
 
 R, — Extract of belladonna ... 3 drachms. 
 
 Dover's powder 4 drachms. 
 
 Powdered squills ... ... 1 ounce. 
 
 Treacle A sufficiency to 
 
 make of the consistence 
 of good jam. 
 Directions. — Smear a piece about half the size of 
 a walnut on the sides of the molar teeth or tongue 
 as directed. Continue this treatment, with the 
 addition of half an ounce of bicarbonate of potash 
 in the drinking water, night and morning. 
 
 Keep the atmosphere moist by allowing 
 a few pails of water to stand about ; but 
 this must not be allowed for drinking 
 purposes. 
 
 Chronic bronchitis is very little bene- 
 fited by medicinal agents. 
 
 C 
 
 Catarrh. — Catarrh, or "cold in the 
 head," as it is sometimes called, is a- 
 
The Ailments of Horses. 15 
 
 pretty common complaint amongst horses, 
 especially dm'ing the change of seasons, 
 or long spells of work in damp or wet 
 weather. 
 
 Although a comparatively benign affec- 
 tion, it is one which, if neglected, is liable 
 to end in a continuance of the nasal dis- 
 charge, constituting one cause of chronic 
 nasal gleet. There may or may not be a 
 cough present, but there is always a dis- 
 charge from the nose, and perhaps eyes, 
 along with a loss of the usual vivacity and 
 energy. 
 
 Treatment. — Throw the horse off work 
 for a few days, clothe the body, and give 
 warm soft food, but avoid liquids for 
 24 hours. 
 
 Steam the head .with steam issuing 
 from boiling water and bran, to which a 
 tablespoonful of spirit of camphor and 
 terebene has been added. 
 
 Oil of eucalyptus can be used instead. 
 
 Chronic nasal discharge. See Nose, 
 discharge from. 
 
 Cataract. — This is a disease affecting 
 the lens of the eye, or the capsule invest- 
 ing the lens, or both. 
 
 It is an unsoundness, and in the horse 
 a cure is out of the question. 
 
 One or both eyes may be affected. 
 
 The sight, in course of time, becomes 
 entirely lost. • "• 
 
 By dilating the pupil with certain 
 medicinal agents (atropine) a better view 
 of the cataract can be got. 
 
 The candle-test is the best for dis- 
 covering defects in the lens. 
 
1() The Ailments of Horses. 
 
 Chorea, shivering, or St. Vitus' dance. 
 
 — In the horse this appears to be an in- 
 curable disease, and constitutes unsound- 
 ness. There is often a great difficulty in 
 detecting it, because the animal may go 
 for weeks' without rendering evidence of 
 being a " shiverer." 
 
 We have seen horses badly affected 
 with it at fairs, &c., which the seller has 
 tried to conceal, either by turning the 
 animal quickly, or employing some other 
 stratagem. A simple -' quivering " of the 
 tail will, perhaps, be the only sign of the 
 disease. 
 
 The muscles of the forearm are in some 
 horses the locale of the affection. 
 
 The quivering of the tail can often be 
 observed in the stall by causing the ani- 
 mal to pass from side to side numerous 
 times, with the observer behind. If this 
 fails, give the animal a drink of water, or 
 (when convenient) drive it into a pool of 
 water, watching the tail, &c., meanwhile. 
 Cold. See Catarrh. 
 Collar-galls (sore shoulders). — An ill- 
 fitting collar is a common enough cause 
 of sore shoulders. 
 
 Some horses are predisposed. To work 
 a horse with collar-pressure whilst suffer- 
 ing from a gall thereon is a criminal 
 offence, and renders the proprietor liable 
 to prosecution. Horses predisposed to the 
 affection can be worked with a breast-band. 
 Another cause is that of fraying of the 
 lining of the collar. 
 
 A good-fitting collar should have equal 
 pressure all round the shoulders, without 
 
The Ailments of Horses. 17 
 
 squeezing the windpipe and blood-vessels. 
 The traces should be attached half way 
 up the collar. 
 
 As a lotion for collar-galls, the following 
 will be found beneficial:- — 
 
 5^. — Subacetate of lead 1 ounce. 
 
 Powdered boracic acid ... 2 drachms. 
 
 Oxide of zinc 2 drachms. 
 
 Water 1 quart. 
 
 Mix, and apply several times daily. 
 
 Colic, gripes, or belly-ache.— This is, 
 perhaps, the commonest complaint from 
 which the horse suffers. 
 
 Although a horse with simple belly-ache 
 may seem in a serious condition to the 
 layman, it is an affection which readily 
 yields to proper management, provided it 
 is " colic," not inflammation. The reader 
 must understand that a simple attack of 
 belly-ache implies severe pain in the 
 horse, owing to the large size and extent 
 of the bowels. Such pain is due to 
 spasmodic contraction of the wall of the 
 bowel at some particular part of its length. 
 The writer's opinion is that an ordinary 
 attack of belly-ache never runs on to 
 inflammation. There is nothing to show 
 that such has ever happened. 
 
 The pain of belly-ache may continue 
 for several days, and then subside. No 
 one would induce us to believe that there 
 had been the slightest touch of inflam- 
 matory activity present. 
 
 We have never had the pleasure of 
 seeing a horse recover from inflammation 
 of the bowels. 
 
 The only danger attachable to belly- 
 
18 The Ailments of Horses, 
 
 ache is that the animal may twist some 
 part of the gut during its struggles 
 through pain. In-foal mares must be 
 prevented from rolling when suffering 
 from colic. 
 
 Causes. — Sudden changes of food 
 drinking cold water when over-heated 
 abuse of purgative medicine ; worms 
 impaction of the bowels with food material 
 concretions moving from one part of the 
 intestine to another ; and other causes. 
 
 Treatment. — At the outset we must 
 condemn the too frequent practice of 
 giving the anti-colic draughts of quack 
 medicine vendors. Nothing could be 
 absolutely more harmful, unless the 
 vendor guarantees such free from physic. 
 
 To give a horse any kind of purgative 
 medicine without knowing the cause of 
 the belly-ache is to place oneself on the 
 borders of Eubicon. 
 
 Supposing that you are certain that the 
 pain is the result of indigestion or confined 
 bow^els, then by all means give a purgative, 
 and let it be a good one, so that the 
 bowels wdll freely respond to its action. 
 
 In every instance, the pain ought to be 
 calmed ; for which purpose the pre- 
 scription below will be found suitable ; — 
 
 I\. — Tincture of belladonDa ... 3 drachms. 
 
 Chlorodyne 4 ounce. 
 
 Sweet spirit of nitre ... ... 2 ounces. 
 
 Bicarbonate of potash ... \ ounce. 
 
 Hyposulphite of soda ... 4 ounce. 
 
 Water f pint. 
 
 Directions. — Give the whole at once. 
 
 After giving this, keep the horse walk- 
 ing about. 
 
The Ailments of Horses, 19 
 
 In one hour's time, if the pain be no 
 better, give half an ounce of chlorodyne 
 and one ounce of spirit of camphor in 
 half a pint of tepid water. Massage the 
 belly. 
 
 Flatulent colic. — This is much more 
 serious than the last-named, because the 
 animal may become so distended with 
 gas that the heart's movements are stopped 
 by the forward pressure of the midriff. 
 The bowel or the midriff may rupture, 
 though the mere fact of finding the latter 
 ruptured after death does not say that 
 such occurred whilst the animal was alive. 
 
 Active treatment is demanded. Four 
 ounces of turpentine, blended with a 
 pint of linseed oil, ought to be given 
 at once, if no other drugs are at hand. 
 
 Keep the animal moving about. Send 
 straight away for veterinary assistance, 
 because it may be necessary to puncture 
 the bowel, in order to let out the gas. 
 The distension of the belly with the gas 
 is sometimes so great that the horse may 
 succumb before veterinary aid can be got. 
 Always give the draught, however, and 
 do not regret sending for the veterinary 
 surgeon because the horse is well when 
 he arrives. It might have been getting 
 worse. The cost is nothing like the risk. 
 
 Diagnosis of Colic. — The pain is inter- 
 mittent, i.e., there are intervals of ease. 
 The pulse is not altered when the pain is 
 resting ; although the horse may be 
 sweating greatly, there is no anxiety 
 about the face, no pinched expression, 
 and the body does not assume a cold, 
 
20 The Ailments of Horses, 
 
 clammy feel, as happens in a fatal 
 inflammation. 
 
 The after treatment consists of careful 
 feeding. 
 
 Consumption. See Tuberculosis. 
 
 Contracted Feet. ^66 Feet, contracted. 
 
 Constipation. — Some horses are pre- 
 disposed to suffer from torpidity of the 
 bowels, probably on account of the con- 
 tinued use of dry fodder. 
 
 A deficient secretion of bile leads to 
 constipation. 
 
 Certain foods have an astringent or 
 binding action. 
 
 Treatment. — Soft, moist food. If the 
 animal leads an idle life, daily exercise 
 ought to be given, so as to rouse up the 
 liver functions. The tone of the intes- 
 tines can be improved by the daily use of 
 half a drachm of powdered nux vomica, 
 along with one ounce of liquorice, given in 
 the animal's food. 
 
 Constipation is a constant symptom of 
 certain febrile conditions, e.g. rheumatism. 
 
 Foals are frequent sufferers. The 
 waste materials (meconium) are naturally 
 expelled by the purgative properties of 
 the first milk (colostrum). To overcome 
 this confined condition, inject two or 
 three ounces of glycerine, and give one 
 or two ounces of castor oil, along with 
 two ounces of linseed oil. 
 
 Corns. — A corn constitutes unsound- 
 ness. 
 
 It usually appears upon the inner 
 quarter (heel) of the fore-limbs. The 
 immediate cause is a bruise. 
 
The Ailments of Horses. 21 
 
 A recent corn is denoted by a red star- 
 shaped mark, but an old corn has a 
 bluish-black appearance. 
 
 Sometimes a corn begins suppurating 
 (suppurating corn). 
 
 In order to detect a corn the shoe 
 must be taken off. 
 
 Lameness is often present. 
 
 The horse can be shod with a leather 
 sole. 
 
 Cough, chronic. See Bronchitis. 
 
 Crib-biting. — This is a stable vice, and 
 a very objectionable one. 
 
 A muzzle or concealed crib can be used. 
 The animal may be kept in a place where 
 there is no manger. 
 
 Cracked Heels. — The horse is fre- 
 quently troubled w4th this ' complaint. 
 It is the result of irritation through sand, 
 wet, &c., and very often the fault of the 
 groom. 
 
 Lameness arises through the sores 
 cracking when the animal first leaves the 
 stable. 
 
 Treatment. (1) Preventative.— li the 
 groom does not dry the heels properly, 
 forbid him washing them, but let the 
 mud dry on, and then brush it off. 
 
 Some avoid clipping the hair off the legs. 
 
 (2) Medicinal. — Apply white lotion. 
 See Lotions. 
 
 Curb. — Horses having over-bent or 
 sickle-shaped hocks are predisposed to 
 " spring a curb." 
 
 What is a curb ? — It is a variously 
 sized swelling, three or four inches below 
 the point of the hock. 
 
22 The Ailments of Horses. 
 
 How can one tell whether a horse is 
 affected with curb ? — ^Y^iy, by looking 
 at the part in profile. 
 
 What shall we see ? — A slight convexity 
 rising from the back of the bone. 
 
 Does curb cause lameness ?^ — ^Yes, 
 when it is forming, but not necessarily 
 when formed. 
 
 Is it an unsoundness ? — Certainly. 
 
 The treatment comprises firing, or the 
 daily application of a little red blistering 
 ointment. 
 
 Cuts. See Wounds. 
 
 D 
 
 Diabetes. — In its commonest form, 
 diabetes is characterized by the excessive 
 outflow of pale or colourless urine, per- 
 haps affecting a number of the same stud 
 at one time. The excessive discharge from 
 the urinary organs arises from disturbed 
 digestive functions, probably brought 
 about through feeding the animal or 
 animals upon musty hay or oats, &c. 
 
 The abuse of diuretic (staling) balls, 
 powders, &c., will also bring it on. 
 
 The diagnostic symptom is an excessive 
 discharge of pale-coloured urine. 
 
 Treatment. — Withhold all liquids lor 
 about twenty-four hours. 
 
 Give one of the following balls night 
 
 and morning — 
 
 I]^.— Resublimed iodine ... 2 drachms. 
 Iodide of potash ... 4 drachms. 
 
 Bicarbonate of potash ... 1^ ounce. 
 Powdered gentian ... 4 ounces. 
 
 Treacle A sufficiency to 
 
 make six balls. 
 Give as directed. 
 
The Ailments of Horses. 
 
 Zo 
 
 Of course the cause must first of all be 
 removed. 
 
 Diarrhoea. — Colts and foals are the 
 most frequent sufferers from excessive 
 evacuation of liquid faeces. A distinction 
 must be drawn between moderate and 
 excessive purgation. 
 
 Over-acidity of the stomach is the 
 usual cause of infantile diarrhoea, and it 
 is only when treatment is directed against 
 this hyper-acidity that one can hope to be 
 successful in stopping the discharge. 
 
 A fairly common cause of diarrhoea in 
 yearlings is a blood-sucking worm, known 
 as " vStrongylus Tetracanthus." Sudden 
 changes of diet, abuse of physic balls, 
 exposure to cold, too much green food, 
 and other special causes, are the chief 
 factors operative in the production of 
 diarrhoea. 
 
 Treatment. — Try to ascertain the 
 cause, because be it understood that 
 diarrhoea is but a symptom of disease or 
 disorder. 
 
 In the case of sucking foals, give the 
 dam half an ounce of bicarbonate of soda 
 or potash, along with her food, twice or 
 thrice daily. 
 
 To the foal, give a couple of ounces of 
 castor oil, along with one drachm of lauda- 
 num. A few houi'S afterwards give it 
 two drachms of bicarbonate of potash, re- 
 peating this every six hours. This powder 
 can be given in a little milk. 
 
 Or one may, instead of giving the castor 
 oil, administer a dose of grey powder — 20 
 grains placed on the back of the foal's 
 
 B 2 
 
24 The Ailments of Horses. 
 
 tongue. Afterwards use the potash 
 powders previously recommended. 
 
 Adult horses affected with diarrhoea, 
 either through the abuse or unexpected 
 action of physic, or arising through ex- 
 posure to cold, &c., may have half an 
 ounce of chlorodyne and one ounce of 
 tincture of catechu, and a quarter of an 
 ounce of tincture of kino, administered 
 night and morning, in a pint of wheaten 
 flour gruel. 
 
 Sloppy diet ought to be withheld, unless 
 it be of a binding nature. 
 
 Hard food of any description must not 
 be given. 
 
 Distemper of the horse (influenza). — 
 Long known by the terms influenza, pink- 
 eye, bilious fever, &c., we have decided to 
 give our readers a change of name — 
 though not original — in connexion with 
 this disease, which we have spoken of as 
 " horse distemper," and define as a specific 
 infectious malady, capable of spreading 
 from horse to horse, but not to anionals of 
 a different species. 
 
 In its simplest form it is characterized 
 by a catarrhal discharge from the nose, 
 general weariness, cough, soreness of the 
 throat, and a rapid loss of flesh. The 
 extreme prostration is one of the most 
 marked features of influenza, whilst the 
 internal temperature ranges from 103° F. 
 to 105** F., more rarely higher. 
 
 Sometimes the lungs, liver, bowels, and 
 joints become implicated, and this is the 
 reason why the terms " chest distemper," 
 " bilious fever," "rheumatic," "influenza," 
 
The Aihnents of Hoo'ses. 25 
 
 &c., are often used. Pink-eye had its 
 origin through the peculiar scarlet colour 
 of the mucous membrane lining the eye- 
 lids. 
 
 Although a horse may have more than 
 one attack of distemper, we believe that 
 the occurrence is rendered less liable if 
 the animal be exposed to infection. 
 
 During certain seasons influenza as- 
 sumes an epidemical form ; at others it 
 partakes of the endemic nature, i.e., the 
 horses of one city may be largely affected, 
 whilst adjoining cities know little of the 
 disease during the particular season of its 
 prevalence in a given locality. 
 
 Like distemper of the dog, this equine 
 equivalent is always present in this 
 country, though perhaps free from local 
 or general distribution. Isolated cases 
 are constantly occurring. 
 
 Spring and autumn are the times of 
 the year when distemper is the most 
 prevalent. 
 
 Symptoms. — Dryness and redness of 
 the mucous membranes lining the eyes 
 and nose, followed by a thin watery dis- 
 charge, gradually thickening. The cough 
 is at first dry and hard, subsequently 
 becoming soft, moist, and oft repeated. 
 
 If pleurisy sets in the cough is hard, 
 short, and suppressed, the latter being to 
 avoid pain during the act of coughing. 
 
 Soreness of the throat is usually pre- 
 sent — indeed, the cough may proceed 
 from throat irritation. During the early 
 part of the attack shivering fits are pre- 
 sent, though these ma^ escape careless 
 
26 The Ailments of Horses. 
 
 observation. Thirst, loss of appetite, and 
 lying down to rest are constantly seen in 
 influenza. 
 
 Internal temperature elevated several 
 degrees, bowels confined, and a scanty 
 secretion of urine. 
 
 Bilious symptoms are seen in some 
 horses. The yellow colour of the " whites " 
 of the eyes, inside of the cheek, and pallid 
 mucous membranes elsewhere, are the 
 chief indicators of liver implication. The 
 pulse is soft and feeble. Diarrha?a or 
 dysentery is inclined to prevail if the 
 horse is situated where debilitating (bad 
 drainage, darkness, &e.) influences prevail. 
 
 Bronchitis is a common complication, 
 whilst pleurisy and lung inflammation 
 are not infrequent. 
 
 Pleurisy is denoted by the short and 
 painful acts of coughing, high tempera- 
 ture, and " sighing." 
 
 The pulse will be found beating at the 
 rate of about eighty times per minute, 
 and of a small, hard, and wiry nature. 
 If dropsy of the chest comes on to any 
 extent, the horse stands obstinately, 
 breathes carefully, and dropsical swellings 
 appear about the chest and limbs. A 
 ridge will be seen running along the side 
 of the belly. An important symptom of 
 lung inflammation is the upward heaving 
 of the back-bones. 
 
 A description of the rheumatic form 
 wdll be found on reference to Eheumatism. 
 
 Treatment. — Place the animal in a 
 clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated 
 stable. Clothe the body. If a light 
 
The Aihnents of Horses. 
 
 'Zi 
 
 horse, bandage the limbs. In the event 
 of the disease beginning amongst a stud, 
 separate the diseased animal at once, and 
 keep it alone. Then take the tempera- 
 tures of the rest of the horses, and note 
 the " rise " in any of them. Mark such 
 as suspicious. 
 
 Having got out the diseased, disinfect 
 the building with chlorine gas. 
 
 Grood food and nursing are the best 
 aids towards a favourable issue. To the 
 animal's drinking-water add half an 
 ounce of powdered nitre twice daily. 
 
 No purgatives or bleeding must be 
 thought of. These would be subduing 
 the horse — not the disease. 
 
 As a draught, we can recommend the 
 use of the following every six hours — 
 
 R.- 
 
 -Sweet spirit of nitre... 
 
 .. 1 ounce. 
 
 Sulphuric ether 
 
 .. 6 drachms. 
 
 Concentrated acetate of 
 
 
 ammonia ... 
 
 .. 3 drachms. 
 
 Rectified spirit of wine 
 
 .. 4 ounces. 
 
 Tincture of belladonna 
 
 .. 2 drachms, 
 
 Water 
 
 ... \ pint. 
 
 Mix, and give the whole at once. 
 
 If pleurisy is suspected, give half an 
 ounce of tincture of perchloride of iron, 
 along with half a drachm of quinine, in 
 half a pint of water. 
 
 Repeat every six hours. 
 
 If the bowels are confined, a few — say 
 four — tablespoonfuls of linseed oil can be 
 added to a small bran mash daily, until 
 the consti])ation has been overcome. 
 
 However, veterinary skill is always 
 called for if the owner has reason for 
 
28 The Ailments of Horses, 
 
 suspecting the onset of this untoward 
 complication, and it is not infrequent. 
 
 For the bilious form, thirty grains of 
 calomel may be added to a diuretic ball. 
 
 If there is pain in the belly, give half 
 an ounce of chlorodyne, two ounces of 
 sweet spirit of nitre, and six ounces of 
 brandy, in a pint of cold water. 
 
 Bran and linseed tea, steamed oats, 
 carrots, &c., along with eggs and milk 
 and a little brandy, will help to support 
 the strength, and thus aid the depressed 
 circulation to re-establish itself. 
 
 Tonics and mild exercise form the basis 
 of convalescent aids. 
 
 Dislocation of the knee-cap. — The 
 stifle-joint is made up partly by three 
 bones, the one in front being a small 
 gliding bone, known as the patella, or 
 knee-cap. It may slip away from its 
 proper articulating surface. The causes 
 of this are variable. 
 
 Treatment. — Draw the limb forwards, 
 and keep it in position by a cord around 
 the neck. The stifle can then be blis- 
 tered. This treatment is chiefly appli- 
 cable to colts, and not when there is a 
 fracture, &c. 
 
 A high-heeled shoe can be put on. 
 
 The most important matter is that of 
 keeping the limb extended. 
 
 Dropsy. — Dropsy of the chest, beneath 
 the skin, within the belly, and (excep- 
 tionally) of the brain, are the chief 
 forms. 
 
 Dropsy is but the outward expression 
 of disease somewhere else, 
 
The Ailments of Hwses, 29 
 
 Heart disease, kidney and liver disease, 
 are frequent causes. 
 
 Dyspepsia. See Indigestion. 
 
 E 
 
 Eczema. — This is a non-contagious 
 skin affection, characterized by congestion 
 and the subsequent formation of vesicles. 
 When these latter are mature they rup- 
 ture, their contents drying upon the sur- 
 face, forming hard tear-like masses. The 
 disease can be either acute or chronic. 
 The chronic variety is frequently seen 
 upon the inner surfaces of the knee and 
 hock, constituting the well-known mal- 
 lenders and sallenders. It is on the flexor 
 surfaces of the joints. Its technical name 
 is " psoriasis." Defective nutrition is 
 probably at the bottom of the whole 
 affair. 
 
 Treatment. — Grive half an ounce of 
 Fowler's solution of arsenic in the food 
 or drinking water night and morning. 
 Apply tar ointment or chrysophanic acid 
 ointment to the sore places every night. 
 
 If the surface is moist, use, in place of 
 the ointments, a lotion composed of a 
 drachm of creolin, one ounce of laudanum, 
 and eight ounces of water. 
 
 Grive good food, and plenty of it. 
 Change diet. Continue treatment for 
 several months. 
 
 Elbow, capped. — A common cause of 
 this is constant bruising of the soft tissues 
 at the point of the elbow through the 
 heel of the shoe. It also occurs in un- 
 shod hofses, or those at grass, 
 
30 The Ailments of Horses. 
 
 At the beginning, it is a serous abscess, 
 but leads up to the formation of solid 
 tibrous tumour. As a preventative, an 
 elbow-pad can be worn. 
 
 The insertion of a seton does good, 
 causing a gradual wasting of the swelling. 
 
 Another plan of getting rid of the 
 tumour-like formation is by putting an 
 india-rubber ring around the base of the 
 swelling, the constant pressure of the 
 ring causing the tumour to die (cutting off 
 nutritive supply), subsequently sloughing 
 away. 
 
 Elbow, wounds of. — A wound in this 
 region may lead to, or produce at once, 
 an open -joint (which see). 
 
 The movements of the hip sometimes 
 exert a suction-like action, drawing air 
 into the tissues beneath the skin (em- 
 physema), causing distension of it. 
 
 If left quiet, the animal will regain its 
 normal condition. 
 
 Eyes, inflamed (ophthalmia).- — Inflam- 
 mation of the mucous membrane lining 
 the eyelids is not uncommon. The 
 causes are variable, but a hay-seed, thorn, 
 cold, chemical and other irritants are the 
 usual agents in bringing it on. 
 
 Treatment. — Keep in a dark box, and 
 apply a lotion composed of two drachms 
 of Goulard's water to every eight ounces 
 of cold water. Bathe the eye or eyes 
 several times daily with this lotion. 
 
 If neglected, this disease may per- 
 manently damage the sight. It is not 
 uncommon to find the clear portion of 
 the eye opaque, the opacity as a rule 4is- 
 
The Ailments of Horses, 31 
 
 appearing under appropriate treatment. 
 If a foreign body is the cause, then the 
 first thing is to remove it. Examine the 
 eye very carefully. In one form of 
 influenza the eyes are affected. 
 
 P 
 
 Farcy. See Grlanders. 
 
 Feet, inflammation of. — A very com- 
 mon affection, popularly known as " fever 
 in the feet," " founder," and " laminitis." 
 
 It is a disease more prevalent amongst 
 the lighter breeds of horses, probably 
 because the degree of concussion is 
 greater ; though be it understood that 
 heavy draught-horses are not uncommonly 
 affected with it. 
 
 One attack predisposes to others, repe- 
 titions of which are readily observed by 
 reference to the feet, the wall of the 
 hoof-horn becoming arranged in an 
 irregular, ringed manner, whilst the sole 
 assumes a flattened form. 
 
 The congestion of the feet often leads 
 to a separation of the ''' sensitive " 
 structures on the pedal-bone, from the 
 " insensitive " laminse on the inner side 
 of the hoof-wall. This allows the coffin- 
 bone to descend ; therefore it occasionally 
 happens that the point of bone projects 
 through the sole at the toe. The term 
 " dropped sole " is applied to this part 
 when it has taken on the flattened 
 condition — usually the outcome of foot- 
 founder. 
 
 Causes. — Concussion ; exposure to 
 damp or cold ; change of inflammation or 
 
32 The Ailments of Hm^ses. 
 
 congestion from some other part of the 
 body, e.g., lungs ; standing constantly on 
 one foot through lameness in the other ; 
 feeding on wheat, &c., &c. 
 
 Symptoms. — One, two, or all four feet 
 may be affected, but the fore-feet are 
 those commonly diseased. 
 
 The feet are hot and painful, which is 
 rendered particularly evident when tapped 
 with a hammer. 
 
 It is quite likely that the animal 
 refuses to budge a step, and when 
 compelled to do so propels itself forward 
 (if disease is in fore-feet) by a dexterous 
 manipulation of the hind limbs. 
 ' The attitude is characteristic. 
 
 When all the four feet are participating 
 in the diseased activity, they are bunched 
 together under the body as much as 
 possible, and the heat in them is greatly 
 increased. The pulse is full and strong. 
 The pain appears to be intense, the 
 slightest movement causing the horse to 
 shake from head to feet, perhaps falling 
 to the ground for relief. The bowels are 
 constipated, appetite lost, and thirst is 
 considerable. 
 
 Fat, heavy draught-horses are those in 
 which the malady assumes its worst form. 
 
 As a rule, laminitis is not a fatal 
 affection, but its results are damaging. 
 
 Treatment. — After the animal has 
 been got into the stable, have the shoe- 
 ing-smith sent for to remove the shoes. 
 This done, put on cold bran poultices, 
 and keep these constantly cold. 
 
 In our opinion, every case of laminitis 
 
The Ailments of Uwses, 33 
 
 should be treated at the outset with cold 
 applications, and after twelve hours with 
 hot ones, but considering the many draw- 
 backs which these latter often entail, it is 
 our intention to recommend the continued 
 use of cold bran poultices. Experience 
 has proved to us the fallacy — and even 
 danger — of asking horse-keepers " to 
 keep the heat up." Such is often an 
 impossibility. Cold is infinitely superior 
 to irregidctr heat. 
 
 The shoes removed, poultices applied, 
 the next thing may be that of trying to 
 persuade the horse to lie down. If there 
 is severe pain, and a short, deep, dry 
 straw-bed has been provided, there need 
 not be much difficulty in pushing the 
 animal over. We do not advocate the 
 use of slings for this affection. 
 
 A draught can now be driven. 
 
 R. — Powdered Barbadoes aloes ... 3 drachms. 
 
 Hot water ... 2 ounces. 
 
 Add this solution to— 
 
 Tincture of belladonna ... jounce. 
 Bicarbonate of potash ... 1 ounce (dis- 
 solved in a little water). 
 
 Linseed oil 12 ounces. 
 
 Mix, and give the whole at once. 
 
 Having done this, leave the animal in 
 charge of a trustworthy attendant, and 
 return in six hours to administer the 
 draught as follows :— 
 
 R. — Sweet spirit? of nitre 2 ounces. 
 
 Tincture of aconite, B.P 20 drops. 
 
 Concentrated acetate of ammonia 4 drachms. 
 Bicarbonate of potash ... ... ^ ounce. 
 
 Water 4 pi^t' 
 
 Continue to repeat the medicine at 
 
34 The Ailments of Horses, 
 
 intervals of six hours, until recovery has 
 sufficiently advanced. 
 
 Bleeding or the " exercise treatment " 
 is quite uncalled for. 
 
 As recovery takes place, a little green 
 food should be allowed, and daily exercise 
 enforced, but not overdone. Grive the 
 latter on soft, wet ground. 
 
 Avoid putting to work too soon. 
 Common-sense will be the best guide in 
 the matter. 
 
 Fetlock, sprained. — This is denoted 
 by heat, pain, and swelling. 
 
 Cooling applications, a bandage, and 
 rest constitute the main features of treat- 
 ment. 
 
 Feet, contracted. — One of the most 
 fertile causes of this is that of paring 
 away the frog (foot-pad) until it is hardly 
 worthy of its name. 
 
 By all means give frog-pressure — the 
 more the merrier, so far as the horse is 
 concerned. The smith need not take 
 the trouble to practise horn-carving at 
 his client's expense. 
 
 Narrowness or contraction of the heels 
 constitutes unsoundness. 
 
 Flatulent colic. See Colic. 
 
 Foot, pumiced. — The hoof becomes 
 elongated and flattened from above to 
 below. 
 
 Foot, punctured or pricked. — When- 
 ever this happens it is an accidei^t 
 demanding immediate attention. 
 
 A misdirected nail (through careless- 
 ness at times) may fall to the lot of the 
 most skilful shoeing-smith. He takes 
 
The Ailments of Horses. 35 
 
 care to immediately withdraw such, but 
 the injury is done. Tlie wound, if 
 neglected, begins to suppurate, and the 
 horse is exceedingly lame and ill. It is 
 the pent-up matter that causes all this 
 mischief. If an exit is not given at the 
 sole, the matter burrows its way out at 
 the coronet (quitter). 
 
 Whenever a horse begins to go lame 
 shortly after being shod have the feet 
 thoroughly searched. 
 
 Treatment. — Pare out the seat of the 
 puncture until the sensitive structures 
 are seen. The matter must have drain- 
 age. Xow put the foot in a poultice, 
 give a dose of physic, and a few days* 
 rest. Remove both shoes, of course. 
 
 Foot, canker of, — This is a very 
 intractable disease, attacking the foot-pad 
 and sole, emitting a most obnoxious odour. 
 
 Xo thing short of an operation is the 
 least use. 
 
 Founder of the feet. See Inflamma- 
 tion of these. 
 
 G 
 
 Gastritis. See Stomach, inflammation 
 of. 
 
 Girth-galls. — This is a common com- 
 plaint amongst cavalry horses and young 
 horses. 
 
 The saddle shifts forward, and the girth 
 galls the back of the elbow and the sides. 
 Careless saddling, big-bellied horses, 
 dried sweat, &c., are all causes. 
 
 Remove the cause. The girth can be 
 strapped back. 
 
36 The AilTiients of Hm'ses, 
 
 Glanders and farcy. — So far as the 
 cause is concerned, these are identically 
 the same diseases. 
 
 Both are due to a specific germ, known 
 as the Bacillus malleus. 
 
 Grlanders can be either acute or chronic 
 — usually the latter. 
 
 Farcy answers to both these. 
 
 Glanders may end in farcy, or vice 
 versa. Commonly both are present at the 
 same time. 
 
 Farcy is denoted by the appearance of 
 the so-called farcy " buds," or " buttons." 
 It is the skin-form of glanders, though in 
 reality the absorbent vessels are the most 
 affected. 
 
 Both diseases are incurable, and sche- 
 duled under the Contagious Diseases 
 (Animals) Act. 
 
 This Act compels the owner to report a 
 " suspect " to the nearest local authority, 
 with the least possible delay. If certifi- 
 cation shows the affection to be either 
 glanders or farcy, the animal or animals 
 will be ordered to be destroyed straight 
 away. 
 
 The new method of detecting glanders 
 is by the injection of mallein. 
 
 Chronic glanders is denoted, in most 
 instances, by a discharge from one nostril, 
 usually the left, and the appearance of 
 " punched "-out ulcers within the nose. 
 There is a cough, and the gland or glands 
 beneath the jaw are hard, fixed, and swollen. 
 
 Sometimes there is no visible ulceration 
 within the nostril (occult glanders). 
 
 In the acute form there is a higher 
 
The Ailments of Horses, 37 
 
 degree of fever and a citron-coloured dis- 
 charge from the nostrils. 
 
 In farcy, the limb swells, often to a 
 great extent, and the vessels (lymphatics) 
 are cord-like. 
 
 In the acute form the limb is' very hot 
 and painful. 
 
 The disease is cipable of transference 
 to man by inoculation, in whom it is 
 an equally grave affection. 
 
 The utmost precautions are necessary 
 when dealing with a glandered (or 
 " suspected ") horse. 
 
 Immediate isolation of the diseased is 
 essential. 
 
 Grease. — This is a skin-disease, affect- 
 ing the limb or limbs of the horse. As 
 the name implies, the part affected has a 
 sticky and greasy feel. The hind-limbs 
 are often affected, and large grape-like 
 formations take place. Thickening of the 
 skin and tissues beneath often causes the 
 lower portion of the limb to assume a most 
 unwieldy appearance. 
 
 A soft ordymphatic temperament pre- 
 disposes to grease. 
 
 Irritating discharges don't improve 
 matters. A greasy limb causes the part 
 to have an objectionable odour. 
 
 Treatment. — ^If grapy tumours have 
 formed, these can be removed by burning 
 them off with the actual cautery, i. e., a 
 hot flat-iron (blacksmith's shovel). When 
 there is merely a slight greasy feel about 
 the part, dust it over twice daily with equal 
 parts of powdered boracic acid, lead acetate, 
 alum, and kaolin powder. If an ounce of 
 
 c 
 
38 The Ailments of Horses. 
 
 each of these be used, 20 grains of carbolic 
 acid can be added to the mixture. 
 
 (rive an occasional diuretic ball, and 
 plenty of oreen food. 
 
 Poultices are needed in some cases. 
 
 A bandage can be put on after the 
 powder has been used. 
 
 Half an ounce of Fowler's solution of 
 arsenic, given in the food twice daily and 
 continued for three weeks at a spell, and 
 then a mild dose of physic, will be found 
 about the best means of getting rid of 
 this nasty complaint. Repeat the arsenic 
 in a few days after the purgative, and 
 continue this line of treatment for three 
 or four months. 
 
 Keep the diseased part very clean. 
 
 Gripes. See Colic. 
 
 Grunting.— Some horses will make 
 this noise wKen an attempt is made to 
 strike them. It is often resorted to for 
 the purpose of ascertaining wiiether the 
 horse is a '' roarer," though grunting 
 is not necessarily associated with any 
 respiratory defects. 
 
 A horse may be sound, yet grunt. 
 
 H 
 
 Heart, fatty degeneration of. — This 
 is a diseased condition, and one which 
 must be regarded as a sign of " under " 
 nutrition, w^hereas fatty infiltration results 
 from " over" nutrition. 
 
 Aged and worn-out horses are not 
 uncommonly after death observed to have 
 their hearts in this state. 
 
The AUmeoits of Horses, 39 
 
 The organ is pale in colour, soft, and 
 flabby, with a greasy feel. 
 
 Here and there a fatty patch will be 
 seen ; less frequently one side of the 
 organ is affected. A fatty patch on the 
 right side predisposes to sudden death 
 through rupture of the organ, fatty tissue 
 being incapable of fulfilling the duties 
 assigned to the muscular tissue composing 
 the heart, which has been " replaced " 
 by the fatty material. The liver may 
 suffer the same change. 
 
 Heart, fatty infiltration of. — The 
 heart may be entirely embedded in fat, 
 and yet quite healthy so far as its intimate 
 structure is concerned. 
 
 Very fat animals have often their heart 
 in this condition. 
 
 So long as the deposit of- fat does not 
 interfere with the movements of the 
 organ, there need be no fear of harm. 
 
 The oily material is simply poured in 
 between the fibres (does not replace 
 them). 
 
 Heart, dropsy of. See Dropsy 
 
 Hock, capped. — In ordinary parlance, 
 this means any swelling situated upon the 
 point of the hock, forming, as it were, 
 a cap over this. 
 
 Playing over the point of the hock 
 there is a flexor tendon {flexor pedis 
 perfaratus), the expansion of which forms 
 a cap. 
 
 Now, between the tendon and the bone 
 there is a lubricating membrane, while 
 between the former and the skin there is 
 a similar apparatus. 
 
 c 2 
 
40 The Ailments of Horses, 
 
 Either of these may be the seat of 
 capped liock. 
 
 The " capping " of the hock may be 
 formed out of the thickened skin, or 
 tissues subjacent to this, to " dropsy " 
 beneath the skin (commonest form of 
 capped hock), dropsy between the bone 
 and tendon, or disease of the tendon or 
 the point of the hock. If the tendon, 
 where it plays over the point of the 
 hock. 
 
 Causes. — Some form of external 
 bruising. 
 
 Very often capped hock is a sign of an 
 inveterate kicker, but its j^resence may 
 be purely of accidental origin. 
 
 In reality, it constitutes unsoundness. 
 
 When purchasing a horse, care must be 
 exercised to avoid deception with reference 
 to its origin. 
 
 Symptoms.- Look very carefully at 
 the points of the hocks, standing a little 
 to one side, when it will readily be 
 observed. If the point or points of the 
 hocks have just been bruised, then 
 there will be increased heat, pain, and 
 swelling. Not so with an old capped 
 hock. When the disease is located in 
 the tendon it has a very hard feel ; 
 on the other hand, dropsy beneath the 
 skin and tendon confers an elastic re- 
 sistance. 
 
 Lameness may or may not be present. 
 Usually not. 
 
 Treatment. — Supposing that the injury 
 has just happened, and that the tip of 
 the hock feels swollen and hot, then. 
 
the Ailments of Horses. 41 
 
 you must use the lotion, at once, as 
 below : — 
 
 R. — Tincture of arnica 
 
 ... 1 ounce. 
 
 Goulard's water 
 
 4 ounce. 
 
 Laudanum 
 
 ... 2 ounces, 
 
 Water 
 
 ... 1 pint. 
 
 Mix, and make a lotion. 
 
 
 Directions. — Apply the liquid to the hock four 
 or five times each day, by means of a pad of tow 
 soaked in it, and kept in position by the use of a 
 flannel bandage, applied rather tightly. Rest, and 
 the application of a high-heeled shoe, will assist 
 matters towards a favourable issue. After the in- 
 flammation has subsided, try the daily application 
 of equal parts of iodine ointment and red blistering 
 ointment. 
 
 The above treatment must be per- 
 severed with for several days. 
 Hock, inflamed. See Spavin. 
 
 I 
 
 Indigestion. — The horse is a frequent 
 sufferer from digestive disorder, and no 
 wonder when one comes to consider the 
 disrespectful way in which some pro- 
 prietors of this slave treat his digestive 
 apparatus. By some, the horse's stomach 
 is regarded . as a corn-box, capable of 
 being fiUed^distended — at pleasure ; 
 others go to the opposite extreme, be- 
 lieving that such substances as cabbage- 
 leaves and straw will satisfy the demands 
 of the economy. Both practices are 
 equally pernicious ones ; whilst under 
 feeding, improper food, and irregular 
 feeding are the main causes of the horse 
 being so frequently the subject of diges- 
 tive disturbance. 
 
 There is a disorder known as " stomach 
 
42 The Ailments of Horses. 
 
 staggers." This is acute indigestion. 
 Its causes are dietetic. 
 
 Symptoms. — Pain in the belly (colic), 
 indicated by restlessness, or rolling and 
 rising. The pain is not continuous. It 
 often happens that the horse has a 
 staggering gait (hence the name), and 
 seems sleepy (sleepy staggers), perhaps 
 pressing his head against the wall. 
 
 The pulse under these circumstances 
 is " slow." 
 
 Sometimes the pain continues in this 
 way for two or three days, but the body 
 never becomes covered with cold sw^eats 
 (unless it is going to terminate fatally) ; 
 the face does not assume the anxious ex- 
 pression seen in inflammation of the 
 bowels, neither does the pulse take on a 
 settled " wiry " feel. 
 
 Treatment. — Give a purgative, in 
 order to rid the alimentary canal of 
 irritating material. The following w^ill 
 answer : — 
 
 H. — Powdered Barbadoes aloes .. 
 
 . 6 drachms, 
 
 Dissolve in hot water 
 
 . 6 ounces. 
 
 And add — 
 
 
 Tincture of belladonna 
 
 . ^ ounce. 
 
 Sweet spirit of nitre ... 
 
 . 2 ounces. 
 
 Bicarbonate of potash 
 
 . 1 ounce. 
 
 Water 
 
 . ^ pint. 
 
 Mix, and give the whole straight away. 
 
 Some people believe in blood-letting, 
 provided the horse is a suitable subject. 
 
 Three or four quarts can be withdrawn. 
 
 AUow^ plenty of warm water to drink. 
 
 INIustard can be applied, as a paste, to 
 the belly, but wash it off in a quarter of 
 an hour. The pain and other evil symp- 
 
The Ailments of Horses. 43 
 
 toms will disappear as soon as the 
 purgative has had time to act ; but do 
 not leave the animal whilst it is in pain. 
 
 If the latter continues, give one ounce 
 of tincture of opuim, along with one 
 ounce of aromatic spirits of ammonia, in 
 half a pint of warm water. 
 
 Allow sloppy food. Feed carefully. 
 
 Inflammation. — Any portion of the 
 body, either externally or internally, may 
 become the seat of inflammation. The 
 causes are either irritation or injury. 
 Specific inflammations are those arising 
 from special causes. 
 
 The cardinal signs of inflammation are 
 heat, pain, redness, and swelling. 
 
 Treatment. — To subdue the inflam- 
 mation (removing the cause whenever 
 possible) and allay the pain. Cold 
 applications in the early stages, followed 
 by warmth. 
 
 Laudanum and belladonna (half an 
 ounce of each, the latter as tincture) 
 internally. Gfive the draught in water. 
 
 Influenza. See Distemper of horse. 
 
 Intestines, inflammation of. See 
 Bowels, inflamed. 
 
 J 
 
 Jaundice. — ^This is symptomatic of a 
 diseased or disordered liver. 
 
 It appears to be the result of absorp- 
 tion of bile pigments and then subsequent 
 distribution in the blood-stream through- 
 out the body. 
 
 It is denoted by yello^vness of the 
 white portion of the eyeballs, saffron- 
 
44 The Ailments of Horses, 
 
 tinged mucous membranes, slow pulse, 
 torpid indisposition, &:c. 
 
 Pain, when the liver is pressed behind 
 the ribs, on the right side. Sometimes 
 there is lameness in the right fore-limb. 
 
 The dung is clay-coloured. 
 
 Treatment. — The so-called "bilious 
 fever " is one manifestation of influenza. 
 
 In most instances, good results from 
 thirty grains of calomel and one drachm 
 of physic ball-mass. In the drinking- 
 water add half an ounce of sulphite of 
 soda daily. 
 
 If the bowels become too loose, stop 
 the medicine. 
 
 No purging must be allowed if the con- 
 gestion is an accompaniment of influenza. 
 
 A very useful agent is dilute nitric acid. 
 Of this liquid two drachms can be added 
 to a small bran-mash, night and morning. 
 
 General management. — Non-stimu- 
 lating diet. 
 
 Joint, open. — The hock, fetlock, and 
 knee are those most frequently punctured. 
 When a joint is punctured, a glairy 
 (whit e - of - egg - like) semi - fluid issues 
 therefrom. This then is called " open 
 joint." 
 
 What is known as an open bursa is not 
 so serious as an open joint. The last- 
 named is often very stubborn to treat 
 successfully. 
 
 It is not necessary that the joint be 
 opened at the time of injury. Subsequent 
 sloughing is capable of bringing this about. 
 
 Symptoms. — The joint and its struc- 
 tures around are acutely inflamed. This 
 
The Ailments of Horses. . 45 
 
 is denoted by swelling, heat, and, if the 
 horse is down, inability to rise will very 
 likely be present. 
 
 Usually there is considerable systemic 
 disturbance, demanding early treatment. 
 
 Treatment. — Let us suppose that the 
 joint has just been opened and that it is 
 the hock. What are we to do ? 
 
 Put the horse in slings at once. 
 
 Apply cold-water fomentations (see 
 these latter) to the joint, and at the end 
 of each act lay on a pad soaked in oil of 
 cloves. Put a bandage and tow tightly 
 over the whole. Do not interfere with 
 the wound for three or four days. It is 
 an excellent plan to cover the pad — 
 soaked in the oil of cloves— with iodofoim 
 gauze. A physic ball — not exceeding 
 four drachms — may be administered. 
 
 It is very important not to tamper with 
 the wound, because this would reopen 
 the joint if it be healing. Again, care 
 must be exercised in order to guard 
 against infecting the wound. 
 
 Supposing that the injury is not a 
 recent one, and that the joint-lubricant 
 has been flowing out for some time ? 
 Under these circumstances, we think that 
 the best plan is that of applying a smart 
 cantharides blister over the swollen joint 
 and all around the sore. 
 
 This treatment excites a more vigorous 
 inflammation, whilst the increased swelling 
 closes the wound. 
 
 Stiff joints. — ^The joints — particularly 
 the knee and hock — may become sealed 
 by deposition of bony matter around their 
 
40 The AilTnents of Horses. 
 
 articular surfaces. This is termed " an- 
 chylosis." The ligaments often participate 
 in the diseased activity. 
 
 Anchylosis (permanent fasion) of the 
 vertebra? of the loins is not uncommon in 
 old horses and hunters. In the latter it 
 is a serious defect, whilst in both it pre- 
 disposes to fracture in this region. The 
 so-called occult (hidden) spavin is nothing 
 less than fusion of the tarsal (hock) bones. 
 
 Anchylosis, wherever situated, must 
 constitute unsoundness. 
 
 This stiffening commonly arises from 
 an injury to the joint, especially at the 
 knee. 
 
 A stiff-kneed pony will manage to do 
 some kind of labour, and there is no 
 pain, although it may be very lame. 
 
 K 
 
 Kidneys, inflamed. — Inflammation of 
 the kidney or kidneys is not a common 
 disease in the horse, either as an " acute " 
 or " chronic " affection. A blow over the 
 loins, cold, abuse of diuretics, &c., will 
 cause it. 
 
 Symptoms. — There is pain over the loins 
 when the animal attempts to urinate ; 
 straining, perhaps pain in the belly (colic), 
 and a urinous odour given off" from the 
 skin. If any urine is passed, it is only 
 very small in amount and highly coloured. 
 
 Treatment. — Place the animal in a 
 very warm stable. Clothe the body and 
 bandage the limbs. 
 
 Apply mustard-paste to the loins, 
 washing it off in about half an hour's time. 
 
The Ailments of Horses, 47 
 
 Having done this, give the following 
 draught : — • 
 
 R. — ^Barbadoes aloes ... ... 5 drachms. 
 
 2 drachm 
 ^ ounce. 
 1^ ounce. 
 ^ pint. 
 
 s. 
 
 Tincture of belladonna 
 Tincture of ginger... 
 Chloric ether ... 
 Aqua ... 
 Mix. Dissolve aloes in water. 
 
 Directions. — Give the whole at once, and repeat 
 every six hours, omitting the aloes. 
 
 An improvement is denoted by dimin- 
 ished j^ain and the flow of urine. 
 
 Knees, broken. — The terrn " broken- 
 knee " is commonly employed to indicate 
 any form of wound to the knee or knees, 
 no matter whether such be the mere 
 grazing of the skin, or one in which the 
 joint is opened, or even the bones frac- 
 tured. 
 
 Commonly, an injury to the knee is 
 the result of a fall, the gravity of which 
 is determined by the condition of the 
 ground upon which the accident happens. 
 The harder and more flinty the road, 
 usually the greater the degree of injury. 
 
 Some horses — e.g., " speedy cutters " — 
 are very liable to stumble. Careless 
 driving may cause the horse to fall ; but 
 we must never be too ready to lay the 
 blame to the driver, because such acci- 
 dents will, and do, often happen to the 
 most expert horsemen and drivers. 
 
 Symptoms. — When the skin has been 
 merely bruised there may be nothing but 
 a little swelling to indicate this, with, of 
 course, a slight degree of stiffness in the 
 joint owing to the latter. 
 
 In other cases the tendons may be 
 
48 The Ailments of Horses. 
 
 exposed, the joint opened, or one or more 
 bones fnictured. 
 
 If this has happened there will be a 
 thin glairy discharge issuing from the 
 wound, the discharge being increased 
 when the animal moves the limb. The 
 glairy liquid is the so-called joint-oil. 
 Its presence is always indicative of serious 
 injury ; in fact it points to one of the 
 worst forms of ''' broken-knee." 
 
 When the bones of the joint are broken 
 recovery may take place, but it is always, 
 we believe, attended with permanent 
 stiffening of the joint. Previous injuries 
 to the knee or knees may show nothing 
 but discolouration of the hair — darker 
 than the rest, or one or two grey or white 
 hairs. 
 
 Treatment. — If through '' speedy cut- 
 ting," attending to shoeing or the applica- 
 tion of a boot must be the owmer's first 
 thought. 
 
 Bruises will gradually disappear them- 
 selves in two or three weeks, but deeper 
 injuries may require a couple of months' 
 rest for repair to take place. When the 
 skin is simply bruised, use the following 
 lotion three times daily: — 
 
 R. — Sal ammoniac ... ... H ounce. 
 
 Common salt ... ... 2 ounces. 
 
 Methylated spirit of wine ... 6 ounces. 
 
 Cold water ... ... ... 1 pint. 
 
 Directions. — Soak a linen bandage in the lotion, 
 apply it loosely around the joint, covering the whole 
 with an ordinary flannel one. 
 
 Fasten the head to the pillar-reins. 
 
 If the skin is broken the first thing to 
 be done is that of cleansing away any 
 
TJie Ailments of Horses. 49 
 
 dirt, grit, &c. Neglect of this might lead 
 on to lockjaw. Having seen this properly 
 done, dress the wound with creolin lotion 
 (two drachms to every pint of cold water). 
 Apply the lotion with a piece of tow and 
 a bandage. 
 
 It is a very good plan to sponge the 
 knee with the lotion for about half an hour 
 night and morning. 
 
 In three or four days, substitute the 
 following ointment for the lotion; — 
 
 R.— Iodoform powder 20 grains. 
 
 Boracic acid ointment ... 1 ounce. 
 
 Red oxide of mercury ointment ^ ounce. 
 
 Oxide of zinc ointment ... jounce. 
 
 Mix. Apply twice daily on tow. 
 
 When the joint has been punctured it 
 is advisable to apply a little pad of cotton- 
 wool (steeped in oil of cloves) over the 
 part from whence the glairy liquid is 
 escaping. Do this every third or fourth 
 day, but don't dress the knee any oftener 
 than this under these circumstances. 
 
 The horse should be kept on the pillar- 
 reins the whole time. 
 
 L 
 
 Labour, mare in. — The mare may 
 foal either in the standing or lying 
 attitude. The immediate sign of com- 
 mencing labour is that of pain within the 
 abdomen. At the beginning the spasms 
 are but slight and feeble, but as time 
 rolls on they become stronger and more 
 prolonged, until a final expulsive effort 
 brings the foal into the world. 
 
 If the mare is standing, the creature 
 
50 The Ailments of Horses, 
 
 glides slowly down the backs of the thighs 
 and hocks, the fall rupturing the cord. 
 
 In some instances the owner severs the 
 cord with a knife, previously tying a piece 
 of thin string around it. 
 
 A little bleeding is unimportant. 
 
 Before foaling, the mare should have a 
 well-bedded dry loose-box set apart for 
 her accouchement. 
 
 Noisy demonstrations of any kind ought 
 to be rigidly avoided. 
 
 At first, perhaps the foal won't be able 
 to stand, but it is not very long before 
 getting the use of its limbs. It then 
 begins to look for the teats. 
 
 The milk usually appears in the gland 
 about the time of birth. 
 
 After foaling, the mare should be kept 
 warm, warm food given, especially such 
 of a sloppy nature. 
 
 The " cleansing " or after-birth follows 
 the birth of the foal. It should never be 
 allow^ed to remain beyond twelve to twenty- 
 four hours. Its retention beyond the 
 specified time is a source of danger. It 
 requires the exercise of considerable skill 
 for its removal. 
 
 The utmost cleanliness must be observed 
 about foaling time. 
 
 Lice. — ^The horse is now and then the 
 subject of a lice plague. 
 
 Poultry-lice seem to flourish upon his 
 skin, and these vermin often come from 
 this source. 
 
 The cause should, if j^ossible, be done 
 away with, and the animal dressed with 
 the lime and sulphur lotion recommended 
 
The Ailments of Horses. 51 
 
 in the treatment of mange, or some other 
 anti-parasitic agent. 
 
 Lockjaw (tetanus). — This is a specific 
 disease, being caused by living germs, 
 each germ having the shape of a screw-eye. 
 
 These germs are constantly present in 
 the soil of certain localities. A trivial 
 wound, such as a sore back, saddle or 
 collar gall, puncture of the foot, &c., is 
 quite as liable to be followed by the 
 appearance of lockjaw as when the wound 
 is deep or extensive. 
 
 At the best of times lockjaw is of grave 
 moment, and a large number of deaths 
 arise through it. Kecoveries are not un- 
 common. 
 
 As no amateur would be likely to 
 undertake the treatment of a case of this 
 description, we consider it inadvisable to 
 enter into a discussion of the symptoms 
 and treatment. 
 
 One very important matter to bear in 
 mind is that of preserving the most 
 perfect quietude. Noises of every descrip- 
 tion aggravate this malady. Even the 
 careless opening of the stable-door will 
 bring on a spasm. 
 
 Loins, strain of. — Heavy draught - 
 horses are those most liable to suffer 
 injury in the region of the loins. A 
 heavy weight falling on the back, or a 
 heavy load, up or down hill, are both 
 capalDle of producing strained muscles in 
 this region. 
 
 The horse must have several months' 
 rest, and the spine should be massaged 
 daily. 
 
52 The Aihneiits of Tforses. 
 
 A plaster of Burgundy pitch and rest 
 in the slings constitute the rest of treat- 
 ment. 
 
 Lungs, congestion of (pulmonary 
 apoplexy). See Pneumonia. 
 
 Lungs, inflammation of. See Pneu- 
 monia. 
 
 Lymphangitis, weed, or Monday- 
 morning disease. — This is a very common 
 malady amongst horses working through 
 the week, with a day of rest at the end 
 of it. 
 
 The heavier breeds are very frequent 
 sufferers. 
 
 The disease in its acute form is denoted 
 by the sudden swelling of a fore or hind 
 limb, commonly the latter, such swelling 
 first beginning under the fore-arm, or 
 upper and inner side of the thigh. 
 
 When the disease makes repeated in- 
 vasions the limb becomes permanently 
 enlarged, consequently unsightly. 
 
 If the swelling is hard, yet the inflam- 
 mation acute, the pain is intensified. 
 
 The causes are twofold. The sudden 
 cessation of work allows congestion of the 
 lymphatic glands to take place. This is 
 because the supply of lymph exceeds the 
 demand — the machinery of expenditure 
 being at its minimum. 
 
 The other factor is the ordinary quantum 
 of food. 
 
 Weed, then, w^e consider is a congestion 
 of the absorbents beneath the fore-arm or 
 thigh. 
 
 Treatment. — 1 . Preventative. — Give 
 half an hour's exercise on Sunday morning. 
 
The Ailments of Horses, 53 
 
 2. Medicinal. — Exercise freely. If 
 bowels are confined, we mnst give a physic 
 ball. Warm water can be applied to inner 
 side of the thigh, &c., if needed. 
 
 By bandaging the leg the swelling 
 can not be kept at the upper part. 
 
 A diuretic ball may be given on 
 alternate days. 
 
 M 
 
 Madness. See Eabies. 
 
 Mallenders. See Eczema. 
 
 Mange. — This is a parasitical skin 
 disease, appearing upon the limbs, body, 
 or both. It is very troublesome when a 
 number of horses are affected at the same 
 time, being a contagious disease, and in 
 the Shetland Isles is scheduled as such. 
 In every instance it is due to the trans- 
 plantation of the parasite on to the skin. 
 A pregnant female acarus or the ova 
 (eggs) are equally fertile in producing 
 the skin irritation which we recognize as 
 " mange." 
 
 Three distinct varieties of these vermin 
 attack the horse, the commonest bearing 
 the technical name of Sarcoptes equi. 
 The two others are known as Dernia- 
 todectes and Syrnhrotes equi. 
 
 The first-named attacks the neck, 
 mane, chest, back, and tail. If the para- 
 sites are allowed to continue their 
 ravages they will denude the body of its 
 hairy covering. 
 
 Although always the result of infection 
 — directly or indirectly — we believe that 
 neglected or badly fed animals are pre- 
 
 P 
 
54 The Ailments of Horses. 
 
 disposed to sufier, or at any rate they 
 form a suitable soil for the vermin to 
 enjoy themselves. Being energetic, they 
 are not long in making inflammation of 
 the skin, though such is not easily seen 
 upon certain parts of the cutaneous 
 surface. 
 
 It must be understood that mange may 
 happen in spite of good grooming, feed- 
 ing, &c. 
 
 Symptoms. — If a number of animals 
 are grazing, or stabled together, then the 
 spreading nature of the malady is fairly 
 good evidence that the affection is mange 
 (parasitic mange). 
 
 The skin being irritable, the animal will 
 be seen rubbing itself against various 
 objects, such as gate or stall posts, &c. 
 The hair falls off in patches, and the skin 
 becomes dry and scurfy. 
 
 Loss of condition follows. 
 
 The diagnosis of course rests upon 
 finding the parasite. 
 
 To do this, take some of the encrusted 
 matter off one of the sores and examine 
 them carefully with a powerful pocket- 
 lens. The parasite will very likely be 
 seen. 
 
 It does not matter whatsoever to the 
 layman as to the variety of this, because 
 the treatment is essentially the same for 
 all. 
 
 Treatment.— If there is only one horse 
 kept, then you must take him out of the 
 stable in which he has been living, and 
 dress the body and limbs very thoroughly 
 ■yvith the following lotion :— 
 
The Aihnents of Horses. 55 
 
 R. — Flower of sulphur 2 pounds. 
 
 Slaked lime 2 pounds. 
 
 Water 7 quarts. 
 
 Boil the mixture down until it measures one 
 gallon. Subsequently filter, and use as diiected 
 above. 
 
 It is the best way to rub the lotion in 
 with the hands ; but before doing so we 
 always wash the animal with soft soap, 
 hot water, and Jeyes's fluid in solution, 
 having previously — in the case of long- 
 haired animals — clipped off the superfluous 
 hair. This facilitates dressing. This is 
 chiefly applicable to colts, &c., which have 
 been out at pasture for some months. If 
 the dressing is properly applied, it will 
 kill the parasites — i.e., the disease — within 
 half an hour. 
 
 No portion of the body surface must be 
 left untouched. 
 
 Having done this, the animal should 
 not be allowed to return to the stable 
 until the place has been thoroughly 
 cleaned out with boiling water and soda 
 lime-whitening the walls, &c., with hot 
 lime. 
 
 In every instance the diseased must 
 be kept separate from the healthy. 
 
 Dandy-brushes, curry-combs, chamois- 
 leather, harness-padding, &c., must all 
 have their share of attention in the 
 general cleansing. 
 
 If proper measures are adopted the 
 disease should be got rid of entirely in 
 any stud within three weeks or so. 
 
 Megrims.— Vertiginous seizures coming 
 on with apoplectic suddenness, usually 
 whilst the horse is at work, and not 
 
 p 2 
 
56 The Ailments of Horses. 
 
 unattended with danger if there be any 
 one riding behind the animal. It is 
 thought to be most frequent in harness- 
 horses, attributed to collar-pressure. The 
 pressure exercised by a tightly fitting collar 
 does undoubtedly prevent the free return 
 of blood from the brain. 
 
 We believe, however, that animals with 
 heart-disease are strongly predisposed to 
 megrims. 
 
 It constitutes unsoundness, though its 
 detection is impossible, as a rule, when a 
 horse is examined for the latter by a 
 veterinary surgeon. Its occurrence after 
 certification by this authority would in no 
 way render him liable for breach of faith. 
 The horse usually shows no premonitory 
 symptoms of the impending megrim 
 seizure. 
 
 Sometimes the animal stops and falls 
 to the ground, struggling at once, or it 
 may remain in the standing attitude the 
 whole time. 
 
 Perhaps the shafts will be broken in 
 the act of struggling. The attack lasts 
 but a short time, though the horse may 
 injure itself during the struggle. 
 
 As such animals are unsafe, we must 
 recommend that they never be used for 
 the conveyance of human life. 
 
 By keeping the bowels open, feeding 
 upon soft and easily digested food, the 
 fits can be kept partly in abeyance. 
 
 If the horse is working in a collar, 
 substitute the breastband. 
 
 During a fit, remove the pressure by 
 drawing the collar upwards and forwards, 
 
The Aihnents of Horses. 57 
 
 The seller of a horse affected with 
 megrims is rendered liable for any 
 injury arising from such. 
 
 Mud fever. — This term is applied to 
 an affection of the skin denoted by a 
 scurfy eruption, especially about the 
 limbs and belly, subsequently upon other 
 parts of the body, due to the irritating 
 effects of mud upon it. It commonly 
 results from bad grooming, mud being 
 allowed to accumulate upon the skin. 
 
 Horses thus affected are hide-bound 
 and unthrifty in appearance. 
 
 Treatment. — Add half an ounce of 
 Fowler's solution of arsenic to the animal's 
 drinking-water every night, and in the 
 morning a powder composed of half a 
 drachm of iodide of potash and 2 drachms 
 of powdered nitre. 
 
 Each night give two tablespoonfuls of 
 linseed oil in a small bran mash. 
 
 Allow linseed, carrots, crushed oats, 
 and bran for food. 
 
 Muscles, sprained. — Any muscle 
 during severe exertion is liable to be 
 over-stretched, but perhaps their tendons 
 are those commonly strained, consequently 
 the flexors of the fore or hind limbs are 
 often found to be hot, thickened, and 
 painful, with the horse resting the limb. 
 Sometimes the muscles under the loins 
 are injured, in hunters, especially during 
 the " drop." It may happen that the 
 horse is unable to rise on the morning 
 following the hunt. 
 
 In addition to this, there is a high 
 degree of constitutional disturbance. 
 
58 The Ailments of Horses. 
 
 This accident is known as sprain of the 
 psoae muscles. It may end in an abscess. 
 
 Purgatives, an occasional warm clyster 
 of barley-water, with an ounce of lauda- 
 num added, and hot fomentations to the 
 loins comprise the chief rules for treat- 
 ment of this injury, but skilled advice is 
 necessary. 
 
 Recent sprains of the back-tendons are 
 treated with warmth and moisture. 
 
 Apply a flannel bandage soaked in a 
 cooling lotion as follows: — 
 
 R. — Methy/spirit of wine 4 ounces. 
 
 Sal ammoniac ... ... ... Bounces. 
 
 Ice , ... ... ... ... h pound. 
 
 Salt o ounces. 
 
 Cold water 1 quart. 
 
 Dissolve. 
 
 Over the flannel bandage apply another 
 dry warm flannel bandage, taking care to 
 use both evenly, thus allowing the 
 pressure to be equable. 
 
 Chronic inflammation of the tendons 
 is frequently treated surgically. 
 
 N 
 
 Nail-bound. — This is a term applied 
 for the purpose of denoting that one or 
 more nails are driven too tightly home, 
 the resulting pressure causing the animal 
 discomfort, perhaps lameness. If sus- 
 pected, remove the shoe and fasten 
 not so tightly. 
 
 Nasal-gleet. — By this we mean a dis- 
 charge from one or both nostrils, either 
 of a temporary or permanent nature. 
 In reality it is but a symptom of disease, 
 and before attempting to cure this 
 
The Aihnents of Hwses. 59 
 
 condition an effort must be made to 
 ascertain the cause of tlie flux. 
 
 Causes. — Disease of the upper or lower 
 molar teeth ; chronic catarrh (cold) ; 
 inflammation of the mucous membrane 
 lining the nasal and air chambers in con- 
 nexion therewith ; pus in the guttural 
 pouches. In glanders, strangles, influenza, 
 &c., a nasal discharge is common. 
 
 Ulceration of the nasal mucous mem- 
 brane is a sign of glanders, so that care 
 is necessary when examining a horse thus 
 affected, in fact with any nasal discharge. 
 Treatment. — As already stated, an 
 effort ought to be made to ascertain the 
 cause. 
 
 There will be no difficulty in the case 
 of a horse suffering from influenza or 
 strangles. 
 
 Usually the nasal flux ceases when 
 recovery has been completed. 
 
 The same may be said of acute catarrh. 
 Steaming the nostrils with hot water and 
 camphor will do good in the last-named. 
 
 Diseased teeth will require operative 
 interference for their removal. 
 
 It may be needful to open the air- 
 sinuses in order to wash the same out 
 after the discharge has been allowed to 
 escape. 
 
 A bulging of some part of the bone, and 
 a dead sound when the bone is struck, indi- 
 cates an accumulation of matter beneath. 
 The insufflation of iodoform powder 
 daily does good when the discharge arises 
 from prolonged inflammation of the nasal 
 mucous membrane. 
 
GO The Ailments of Horses. 
 
 Navicular disease. — This is an in- 
 curable malady affecting the navicular 
 bone, its cartilage, bursa, synovial mem- 
 brane, and tendon gliding over its surface. 
 
 It is a very common complaint, and 
 almost always confined to one or both 
 fore feet. 
 
 Horses thus affected are vulgarly termed 
 " grogs," and their action is spoken of as 
 being " groggy." 
 
 The short catlike step is very cha- 
 racteristic of the disease, though this is 
 not so evident if the malady is confined 
 to one limb. 
 
 In order to destroy the pain arising 
 from this affection, an operation known 
 as unnerving (neurectomy) is frequently 
 practised. This oj^eration in no way does 
 away with the disease— merely the pain. 
 
 An unwary purchaser may quite easily 
 be taken in by having an unnerved horse 
 palmed off as a sound animal. 
 
 So far as the purchaser is concerned, 
 such an animal is worthless, though we 
 do not say useless for work. 
 
 The nerves are divided in the hollow 
 just above the fetlock joint, so that careful 
 scrutiny at this seat is necessary. The 
 presence of a slight scar here points to 
 this operation having been performed. 
 However, it is quite easy to confirm one's 
 opinion by pricking the foot below this 
 part. It (the animal) does not respond 
 to the stimulus thus applied. In other 
 words, sensation is lost after the nerve 
 has been cut and a portion taken away. 
 
 Symptoms. — Pointing of the foot (shoe 
 
The Aihnents of Hm^ses, 61 
 
 worn at toe); lameness as soon as horse 
 leaves stable, which may disappear after 
 the animal has been trotted or warmed 
 up a bit with work ; upright pastern or 
 pasterns ; wasting of the muscles of the 
 shoulder ; wasting of the frog or frogs ; 
 absence of disease in other parts of the 
 limb ; pointing of the foot or feet when 
 at exercise and in the stable. 
 
 Treatment. —Careful shoeing. Keep 
 the toe short. The operation of neurec- 
 tomy by a veterinary surgeon. Shoe with 
 a leather sole. At its best, treatment is 
 but palliative. 
 
 Nettle-rash (urticaria). — Nettle-rash 
 is rather a frequent complaint in the 
 horse. 
 
 It is characterized by the sudden ap- 
 pearance — and equally sudden disap- 
 pearance — of numerous elevations upon 
 the skin, varying in size from a three- 
 penny piece to half-a-crown. It is at- 
 tended with a considerable degree of 
 irritation. 
 
 Although a comparatively mild affection, 
 it is one which indicates disturbed diges- 
 tion, and, it may be, nerve irritation. 
 
 Treatment. — Bathe the elevated 
 patches with a solution of baking soda — 
 one ounce to a pint of cold water. 
 Anointing the places with zinc or boracic 
 acid ointment is also useful. The same 
 may be said of Groulard's lotion and white 
 lotion. Internally, four drachms of aloes 
 and twenty grains of calomel can be 
 given, unless the bowels are loose enough. 
 Add half an ounce of bicarbonate of 
 
62 The Ailments of Horses. 
 
 potash to the animal's drinking-water 
 every morning and evening. Grive a 
 change of diet. Grreen food may be 
 tried. A diuretic ball can be used 
 instead of the powders, giving the last- 
 named every other day for several days. 
 
 Nose, bleeding from (epistaxis). — 
 Bleeding from one or both nostrils is now 
 and again seen in the horse. Its occur- 
 rence has been noticed after an injury to 
 the bones in this region. It may hap})en 
 after the removal of a polypus. In a 
 disease known as purpura haemorrhagica 
 {see this) it is not uncommon. In addition 
 to those named, there are other causes. 
 
 Treatment. — Syringe out the nostrils 
 with warm and cold water (alternately). 
 
 O 
 
 Open-joint. See Joint, open. 
 
 Ophthalmia. See Eyes, inflamed. 
 
 Over-reach or tread. — This in an 
 injury to the band running around the 
 top of the hoof, otherwise called the 
 coronet. 
 
 Very commonly it is caused by the 
 shoe of a hind-foot striking against it, 
 sometimes through the habit of standing 
 with one foot over the other. 
 
 Long fetlocks predispose to the injury. 
 It is an unsoundness. 
 
 The coronet-band feels hot, looks in- 
 flamed, and causes considerable lameness. 
 
 Treatment. — Have the shoe taken off. 
 Put the foot into a bath of hot (not too 
 hot) water, and allow it to remain here 
 for an hour or two. 
 
The Ailments of Horses. 63 
 
 Having done this, put on a warm bran 
 and linseed poultice. 
 
 Continue this treatment until skilled 
 advice can be got. 
 
 A tread may, if neglected, end in ring- 
 bone or quittor. 
 
 P 
 
 Paralysis. — The entire control of the 
 body may be lost (total, complete, or 
 general paralysis), or some particular 
 member may become paralyzed (partial 
 paralysis). Instances of the first are seen 
 in azoturia (see this), and certain brain 
 and spinal-cord affections. Paralysis of 
 the eye, tongue, cheek, lip, bladder, 
 bowels, and a fractured limb afford 
 examples of local paralysis. 
 
 As a rule the causes of complete para- 
 lysis in the horse are very difficult to 
 determine, just as difficult as it maybe 
 to ascertain whether the whole or only a 
 portion of the body is paralytic, provided 
 the paralysis is in connexion with the 
 trunk. Old horses frequently become 
 paralytic, though we believe that this is 
 more correctly regarded as loss of power 
 through — in many instances at least — 
 sheer exhaustion, especially if the animal 
 has been half-starved. Paralysis of the 
 tongue, cheek, lips, and male generative 
 organs are but rarely benefited by treat- 
 ment. 
 
 The bladder may be paralyzed through 
 over-distension with urine. 
 
 Fracture of one or more of the bones of 
 the spinal column happens now and 
 
CA The Aihnents of Horses, 
 
 again. There is complete loss of control 
 and sensation behind the seat of injury. 
 Diseases of these bones predispose to this 
 accident. 
 
 Disease of the kidney is another cause 
 of paralysis. 
 
 The treatment will entirely depend 
 upon the seat and cause of the paralytic 
 condition. Strychnine does good in some 
 instances, but its use is only safe in the 
 hands of the professional man. 
 
 Parrot-mouth. — The upper incisor 
 teeth project in front of and over the 
 lower incisors. 
 
 In " reversed " parrot-mouth, the low^er 
 incisor teeth project upwards and out- 
 wards in front of the upper incisors. 
 
 Peritonitis. — By the use of this term 
 we imply inflammation of the delicate 
 membrane covering the bowels. It is 
 commonly associated with inflammation 
 of the latter, and its course, symptoms, 
 and treatment follow so closely bowel 
 inflammation that we deem it inadvisable 
 to enter into a discussion of the malady. 
 {See Bowels, inflammation of.) 
 
 Pink-eye. See Horse-distemper. 
 
 Pleurisy. — The lungs are covered by a 
 serous membrane known as the pleura. 
 This may become inflamed, either alone 
 or else along with the lungs. It often 
 occurs during an attack of influenza. The 
 danger of this disease chiefly lies in the 
 tendency which there is towards the accu- 
 mulation of watery fluid (effusion) within 
 the cavity of the chest. If this happens, 
 and the amount of accumulated liquid 
 
The Ailments of Horses. 65 
 
 is great, its withdrawal by operation 
 becomes a necessity, though it may not 
 be successful. 
 
 A short, suppressed cough ; ridge run- 
 ning along the floor of the belly ; hard, 
 small, and quick pulse ; high temperature, 
 and sighing are the usual symptoms. 
 
 Dropsical swellings beneath the skin 
 and difficult breathing point to the pre- 
 sence of liquid in the chest. 
 
 Treatment. — Mustard paste ought, in 
 our opinion, to be well rubbed into the 
 walls of the chest, and washed off in 
 about a quarter or half an hour. 
 
 The body must be well clothed, and 
 the limbs bandaged. 
 
 If necessary, the mustard application 
 can be repeated. 
 
 The pain can be overcome by the use 
 of morphia, j^referably as an injection 
 beneath the skin. 
 
 The average dose is 40 drops of the 
 B.P. injection. 
 
 About 30 grains of opium in the form 
 of a ball can be given with the same view. 
 
 When liquid begins accumulating in 
 the chest the pain diminishes. This is 
 not a good sign. 
 
 An ounce of sweet spirit of nitre and 
 half an ounce of salicylate of soda, given 
 in a pint of water twice daily, can be 
 tried, before the watery accumulation 
 takes place. In every instance we should 
 recommend that professional advice be 
 sought. 
 
 Pneumonia. — Inflammation of the 
 lungs is a fairly common disease of the 
 
66 The Ailmeoits of Horses. 
 
 horse. Its first stage is that of congestion 
 or engorgement, and tlie second and final 
 consolidation. 
 
 A sudden congestion of the lungs appears 
 rather frequently amongst hunters which 
 have not had proper preparation before the 
 season begins. Over-heated and damp 
 stables are capable of bringing it on. 
 
 It is probable that some forms of lung 
 inflammation have their origin through 
 the presence of germs. 
 
 If in a hunter in the field the disease 
 is denoted by the animal coming to a 
 sudden standstill, breathing rapidly, and 
 having a small quick pulse — perhaps 100 
 per minute. 
 
 Anxious expansion of face and coldness 
 of the body and beating of the flanks are 
 additional symptoms. 
 
 Treatment. — Dismount, ungirth, and 
 turn the horse's head in the direction of 
 the most fresh air. Hand-rub the ex- 
 tremities. Half a pint of whiskey can be 
 given to the same quantity of water, but 
 the treatment is that of bleeding the 
 horse. From six to eight quarts of blood 
 should be drawn straight away. To neg- 
 lect this is simply tampering with the 
 animal's life. 
 
 Other forms of lung inflammation should 
 be placed in the hands of the veterinary 
 surgeon. 
 
 Poll-evil. — By this term we jnean an 
 abscess or suppurating sore upon the poll. 
 
 It is commonest in cart-horses and 
 ponies working in coal-pits. At the 
 beginning it is simply a bruise running 
 
The Ailments of Horses. 67 
 
 on to a watery swelling, the bursting 
 being followed by infection and suppura- 
 tion. 
 
 Treatment. — In the early stage cooling 
 applications, in order to try and subdue 
 the inflammation. If matter forms, the 
 abscess will require lancing and then 
 treating as an ordinary wound. The worst 
 feature about poll-evil is the tendency for 
 the pus to burrow between the muscles. 
 If this happens it is necessary to operate, 
 so that free exit can be given for its 
 escape. 
 
 Polypi, nasal, Sec. — A polypus is a 
 pedunculated (stalked) tumour growing 
 from mucous membrane. As a rule, the 
 favourite places for these to grow upon 
 are the membranes of the nose, rectum, 
 vagina, &c. 
 
 Their removal, when accessible, can be 
 effected by putting a piece of catgut 
 around the base of the polypus. Bleeding 
 is thus avoided. 
 
 Sometimes these tumours are composed 
 of bone ; then their excision is more 
 difficult. The ecraseur has been used for 
 this purpose. 
 
 Purpura hsemorrhagica. — This malady 
 occasionally follows upon influenza or 
 strangles and other debilitating diseases. 
 
 It is denoted by the appearance of 
 swellings upon the skin, especially about 
 the head and limbs. In course of time 
 sloughing begins, and dark-coloured blood 
 oozes therefrom. Blood may also issue 
 from the nostrils. The mucous membranes 
 ^re covered with purple spots, 
 
68 The Ailments of Horses, 
 
 The treatment should be left in the 
 hands of the veterinary surgeon. 
 
 Q 
 
 Quarter, false. — A false quarter is a 
 fissure or depression in the wall of the 
 hoof, situated at the quarters. 
 
 It appears to result from a defective 
 secretion of horn, brought about through 
 an injury to the coronet. It is an un- 
 soundness, predisposing to sandcrack, 
 owing to a weakening of the horny wall. 
 
 Treatment. — Remove the pressure off 
 the wall at this part, through the use 
 of an indentation in the shoe, or by paring 
 a notch in the horn. 
 
 A blister to' the coronet may be tried. 
 
 Quittor, or fistula of the foot. — This 
 is a very common disease of the foot, 
 either fore or hind, more frequently the 
 former. 
 
 Its presence is indicated by the forma- 
 tion of one or more running sores around 
 the top of the hoof, previous to the 
 appearance of which the coronet is hot, 
 swollen, and painful. 
 
 By far the commonest cause is a 
 puncture to the sole of the foot, either 
 through a misdirected nail during shoeing, 
 or an injury inflicted in some other 
 manner. 
 
 The original wound being closed up 
 prevents the exit of matter, which now^ 
 makes its way up the foot, finding it 
 convenient to discharge itself at the 
 coronet, which being tough but elastic, 
 prevents the formation of a proper abscess. 
 
The Ailments of Horses. G9 
 
 therefore one or more sinuses or channels 
 are formed instead. 
 
 These hitler are quite incapable of 
 drawing the matter completely away, 
 so that chronic suppurating sores result. 
 
 Treatment. — 1 . Preventative. — When 
 the foot has been punctured, have the 
 part kept clean and dressed with an 
 antiseptic lotion, such as creolin. If 
 matter has begun to form, pare the foot 
 (sole) well out, in order to give free exit 
 to the discharge, which must be en- 
 couraged in its descent, through the use- 
 of some bran poultices. 
 
 2. Medicinal or surgical. — The 
 fistulous sores must be opened to their 
 depths, so as to convert each into a 
 healthy healing wound. It is simply 
 useless trying to heal them from the 
 surface, because fresh sinuses will form at 
 an adjacent part. 
 
 The so-called " bottoming " of the 
 sinuses may often be attained by inserting 
 a red-hot piece of wire into the depths of 
 each fistula, though it is a painful process. 
 
 A radical cure can be effected by means 
 of the removal of a portion of the cartilage 
 (lateral cartilage) situated at the side 
 and back of the hoof. 
 
 We would recommend this operation as 
 being the best and least expensive in the 
 long run. 
 
 Treads on the coronet must be treated 
 by the use of cooling lotion, and then 
 moist warmth after forty-eight hours. 
 Rest is essential, and a mild dose of physic 
 should have a salutary effect. 
 
The Ailments of Hm'ses. 
 
 R 
 
 Rabies.— Tlie horse has been known to 
 suffer from this disease, and it is always 
 the result of a bite from a rabid animal, 
 usually a dog. It is a specific malady. 
 
 Ranula. — ^A ranuhi consists of a swell- 
 ing beneath the tongue. Its precise 
 cause is not well understood. 
 
 Rheumatism. — The horse is a tolerably 
 frequent sufferer from rheumatism, though 
 perhaps most frequently from the clironic 
 form of the malady. 
 
 Foals are common sufferers from acute 
 inflammation of the joints. 
 
 Again, influenza commonly assumes a 
 rheumatoid form, particularly if the con- 
 stitution be predisposed. 
 
 Repeated attacks of articular rheuma- 
 tism lead to the permanent stiffening and 
 enlargement of the part affected. 
 
 The most characteristic feature of 
 articular rheumatism, is its tendency to 
 shift from one joint to another without 
 the slightest apparent warning. 
 
 The joint or joints are hot, painful, and 
 swollen. The fetlock and knee are 
 common locales for this to happen in. 
 Somethnes tliere is a high degree of fever 
 (rheumatic fever). 
 
 Treatment. — A dry bed and warm, dry 
 apartments are absolutely essential to 
 successful treatment. Clothe the body 
 well, and do not allow the least draught 
 to enter the stable. To the swollen joints 
 apply cooling lotion (never use fomenta- 
 tions of warm water or liniments in acute 
 
The Ailments of Hm^ses. 71 
 
 attacks), such as iced water or sal am- 
 moniac and saltpetre (1 ounce of each to 
 a quart of water). 
 
 This lotion can be used by dipping lint 
 into it, and then covering the whole over 
 with a bandage soaked in vinegar and 
 water. 
 
 Foals require the same treatment, so 
 far as external applications are concerned. 
 
 Internally, give the animal the draught 
 as follows, twice daily : — 
 
 R. — Salicylate of soda 2 drachms. 
 
 Iodide of potash ... ... 50 grains. 
 
 Bicarbonate of potash ... h ounce. 
 
 Directions. — The whole to be given at once. 
 
 To foals give the following powder 
 thrice daily: — 
 
 R. — Iodide of potash 20 grains. 
 
 Dover's powder ... ... 5 grains. 
 
 Bicarbonate of potash ... 10 drachms. 
 
 Salicylate of soda ... ... 40 grains. 
 
 Mix. Give in eight tablespoonfuls of tepid milk. 
 Get a dozen of these powders made at the chemist's. 
 
 For chronic rheumatism the best 
 treatment is massage for half an hour 
 twice daily. 
 
 General management. — Cold water to 
 drink. ►Sloppy, but good food. Milk, 
 with a dessertspoonful of carbonate of 
 soda, can be given as a drink. Linseed 
 and bran mashes. If the bowels are 
 obstinately confined, give a clyster. To 
 foals, two or three ounces of castor oil. 
 A little green food, if possible. 
 
 Rectum, protrusion and rupture of. — 
 Protrusion of the rectum is the result of 
 straining, either during foaling, or else 
 through constipation, 
 
 E 2 
 
72 The Ailments of Horses, 
 
 - Old age and debility predispose towards 
 it. The })n)truded portion requires 
 cleansing and then returning. 
 
 Kupture of the rectum is not very un- 
 common in the mare. In her it has been 
 produced through false service, i.e., per 
 rectum. 
 
 A vigorous vaginal copulation has been 
 said to have produced it, the pressure 
 being brought upon the upper vaginal 
 wall. 
 
 Pain comes on shortly after service. 
 It appears to be always fatal. 
 
 Ringbone. — This is a bony enlargement 
 upon the pastern-joint or a little above it. 
 The first seat of disease confers the title 
 of "low," and the second "high" ring- 
 bone. Both these can be detected, we 
 believe, with the aid of the X-rays, 
 though the usual method is by the sense 
 of touch, and, when large, by the sight. 
 As a rule, the ring of bone is incomplete. 
 
 It is the result of an acute inflammation 
 of the covering of the bone and the bone 
 itself. 
 
 Although ringbone may appear upon 
 the fore limbs, it is usually upon the 
 hind ones that we find it. 
 
 Causes. — A blow in this region is 
 capable of setting up inflammation. 
 
 Concussion is said to be a frequent 
 cause, whilst hereditary predisposition 
 still holds its sway. 
 
 Lameness, when the inflammation is 
 progressing. 
 
 Treatment. — Rest and the application 
 of a bar shoe, Some people fire the part,. 
 
The Ailments of Horses. 73 
 
 Ringworm. — A skin disease, caused 
 by a vegetable parasite, of which there 
 are two species. 
 
 The hair falls off, leaving a circular 
 stubbly patch.* 
 
 Treatment. — Wash and scrub the part 
 with soft soap and hot water. Now rub 
 in iodine ointment daily, or paint with 
 iodine tincture. 
 
 Roaring. — This constitutes one of the 
 worst forms of unsoundness, and is a very 
 common disease. 
 
 iNIany handsome horses are perfect but 
 for this defect. This is the reason why 
 many high-class horses are doing cab or 
 other menial work. 
 
 Although usually said to be an hereditary 
 disease, it by no means follows that every 
 " roarer " has received such as an in- 
 heritance — in fact, this is an indisputable 
 truism. 
 
 Hereditary roaring is, so far as we 
 know, incurable, the muscle of the larynx 
 (voice-box) having undergone fatty de- 
 generation through impaired nerve func- 
 tions. 
 
 The muscular tissue is gradually re- 
 placed (destroyed) by fatty material. This 
 is, of course, quite useless for the func- 
 tions assigned to the replaced muscle. 
 Hence a portion of the larynx remain^ 
 paralytic, and it is this which interferes 
 with the air supply to the lungs. 
 
 Whistling is a modification of roaring. 
 
 Tumours in the nostril, larynx, disease 
 
 * In the other variety a honeycomb appearance 
 is produced. 
 
74 The Ailments of Horses. 
 
 of the windpipe, are other causes of 
 roaring. 
 
 If the morbid growth can be removed, 
 then the roaring - as such is but a symp- 
 tom of disease — can be cured. 
 
 Many horses work throughout their 
 lives with an air " inlet " and " outlet " 
 tube fixed in their windpipe — indeed, this 
 is the best palliative for hereditary roaring. 
 
 It is the lighter breeds of horses that 
 are the usual sufferers. 
 
 Grunting, when a feint is made to 
 strike the horse, points to the animal 
 being " touched in his wind," though by 
 no means must it be regarded as positive 
 evidence witliout further trial. Put the 
 horse to severe exertion. 
 
 Ruptures. — The commonest rupture is 
 found at the navel in colts, foals, and 
 fillies. This constitutes umbilical hernia. 
 As a rule it disappears as the animal grows 
 older. If not, ah operation is called for. 
 
 Scrotal rupture is sometimes seen. The 
 bowel passes into the testicular bag, 
 and sometimes hangs down between the 
 legs, if large. The danger rests in 
 the liability towards strangulation of the 
 bowel. An operation is needed. 
 
 S 
 
 Saddle-galls. — These are produced by 
 an ill-fitting saddle, and correspond to 
 " shoulder " and " girth " galls, also car- 
 bine-bucket galls, shoe-case galls, sword- 
 galls, &c. 
 
 Loss of flesh predisposes to saddle- 
 galling. Careless riding, long rides, and 
 
The Ailmients of Horses. 75 
 
 removing the saddle whilst the back is 
 hot and wet, are amongst other causes. 
 
 If the injury is caused by the saddle, 
 make a careful inspection when the saddle 
 is on the back. The cause must be re- 
 moved, and the injury allowed time to 
 heal. 
 
 Sallenders. See Eczema. 
 
 Sandcrack. — By the use of this term 
 we mean a split in the horn of the wall 
 of the hoof. It is an unsoundness. Some 
 horses go very lame through advanced 
 sandcrack. Unless the split nips the 
 sensitive structures on the front of the 
 pedal (coffin) bone it causes no pain. 
 
 Sandcracks usually appear upon the 
 " inner quarter " of the fore-limbs, and at 
 the " front " of the hinder ones. 
 
 The split may begin on the inner or 
 outer side of the wall, and extend through 
 the thickness of the horn in either 
 direction. 
 
 Treatment. — The main object aimed 
 at is that of inducing a healthy growth of 
 horn, from above to below. 
 
 Clasping the crack prevents further 
 injury. The horse must not be worked 
 if pain is induced. 
 
 Seedy-toe. — The horn at the toe 
 assumes a mealy appearance. It is soft 
 and devoid of tenacity. It may be that 
 the toe-clip is causing it. 
 
 Remove the clip, if this is the case. 
 
 Shivering. See Chorea, or St. Vitus' 
 dance. 
 
 Shins, soreness of. — Soreness, or in- 
 flammation, of the shins arises through 
 
7() The Ailments of Horses. 
 
 the effects of concussion, and is said to be 
 commonest in racehorses. 
 
 A blow is capable of bringing it on. 
 
 It is an inflammation of the membrane 
 covering the bone — cannon-bone. 
 
 Heat, pain, lameness, and swelling are 
 the chief symptoms. 
 
 Treatment. — Rest, and cooling lotion 
 to the inflamed part. If an abscess forms 
 the matter must be allowed to escape. 
 This is done by scarifying the part, but 
 skill is necessary for this purpose, there- 
 fore it is advisable to consult a veterinary 
 surgeon. 
 
 Sitfast. — By a " sitfast " we mean an 
 indolent sore upon the back. There is a 
 seat surrounded by a zone of dead tissue, 
 or a tissue at any rate that impedes the 
 healing process. 
 
 Excision of the dead tissue brings good 
 results, but a blister can be applied 
 around the sore. It is necessary to keep 
 the animal off its work if a cure has to be 
 effected. 
 
 Side-bone. — At the back of the coffin- 
 bone two flexible pieces of cartilage are 
 attached. These yield an elastic feel 
 when the thumb is pressed against the 
 upper and back j^art of the hoof, provided 
 that they are healthy, but don't respond 
 to this pressure if diseased. 
 
 Now, in side-bone we find that they 
 have gradually become hard, and assumed 
 a bony-like character. It is this which 
 constitutes side-bone. Heavy horses are 
 those usually affected, though in these 
 the disease is the least objectionable. 
 
The Ailments of Horses. 77 
 
 The fore limb or limbs are the usual 
 seats of the disease. 
 
 Never buy a light horse with side-bone. 
 In any case, if it be decided to purchase 
 the animal, the price must be reduced. 
 
 The chief cause appears to be con- 
 cussion. During progression, the horse 
 throws his weight upon the front part of 
 the foot. 
 
 Treatment.— Rest, firing, high-heeled 
 
 shoe, or operation. 
 
 Sore-throat. — This is a fairly common 
 affection. It is often spoken of as "la- 
 ryngitis," and may be the result of a 
 simple cold, or part and parcel of influenza. 
 
 The horse has a cough— hard and dry 
 at first— difficulty, or complete inability 
 to swallow anything beyond a little liquid. 
 
 The nose is poked forward, so as to 
 relieve the pressure upon the upper part 
 of the windpipe. 
 
 As soon as the cough becomes moist 
 and soft, a free discharge from the nostrils 
 takes place. This is a good sign. The 
 discharge must be encouraged by the use 
 of inhalations. The difficulty of breathing 
 may become so great as to threaten 
 suffocation ; if so, tracheotomy ought to 
 be performed. 
 
 Fever and a hard pulse are other 
 symptoms. 
 
 Treatment. — Apply turpentine lini- 
 ment to the throat, beginning beneath 
 the jaw and extending the rubbing down 
 the course of the windpipe. 
 
 Mustard paste can be used instead ; but 
 wash it off" in about a quarter of an hour. 
 
78 Tlte Ailments of Hoi'ses. 
 
 Swathe the whole of the head and neck 
 with a flannel-lined hood, &c. Use the 
 .following electuary thrice daily, by smear- 
 ing a piece about the size of a walnut on 
 the inner side of the cheek :-- 
 
 R. — Powdered chlorate of potash 1 ounce. 
 Extract of hyoscyamus ... ^ ounce. 
 Powdered myrrh ... ... 1 ounce. 
 
 Powdered liquorice ... ... 1 ounce. 
 
 Glycerine 2 ounces. 
 
 Treacle ... A sufficiency 
 
 to make the whole of the 
 consistency of good jam_ 
 
 Grive soft or liquid food only. 
 
 Spasms. See Colic. 
 
 Spavin.^ — When the enlargement is of 
 a bony nature, it is termed bone-spavin ; 
 if a distended vein at the part, blood- 
 spavin ; whilst inappreciable (though 
 suspected) changes between the bones of 
 the hock-joint give rise to the so-called 
 occult (hidden) spavin. 
 
 Bog-spavin is a loose term, and can be 
 used in connexion with any swelling of 
 the hock. 
 
 Both light and heavy horses are equally 
 subject to spavin. 
 
 It is spoken of as an hereditary disease 
 when of a bony nature. 
 
 Strictly speaking, there is only one 
 kind of spavin, and that is the bony 
 formation, usually showing itself upon 
 the inner and lower face of the hock, 
 just at the head of the large metatarsal 
 (cannon of hind leg) bone. 
 
 The spavin is really the outcome of 
 inflammation attacking the covering of 
 the bone here and the bone itself. 
 
The Aihnents of Horses. 79 
 
 Xature endeavours to repair the injury 
 by cementing the parts together with 
 new bony material. In young horses 
 this is usually completed, but in old 
 worn-out animals the disease exceeds the 
 reparative attempt. The exciting cause 
 of bone-spavin is concussion. 
 
 How is one to detect a spavin ? — Com- 
 pare both hocks by the sense of touch. 
 This is the best guide, though it needs 
 experience. 
 
 Large spavins can be seen at a glance. 
 
 It may be asked, Is a spavined horse of 
 little value ? — Certainly not, so far as 
 utility is concerned, unless the animal be 
 damaged in other respects. 
 
 Cart-horses over five years, with good 
 strong hocks, though spavin be present, 
 are reckoned by some as good as an animal 
 without the malady. 
 
 It is during the inflammatory stage — 
 i. e., whilst the spavin is being built up — 
 that the animal goes lame. The free 
 flexion of the hock, in horses of quick 
 action, is, of course, necessarily diminished. 
 
 Treatment. — Eest during inflammatory 
 process. Cooling applications to the 
 inflamed hock. Dose of physic. After- 
 wards apply a good blister. 
 
 For the bony deposit, pyro-puncture or 
 thermo-cautery is the best. 
 
 Blistering or firing, or both, and then 
 turning out to grass, are common practices. 
 
 Occult spavin cannot be detected — 
 unless the X-rays can do it. The rays 
 prove an admirable means of detecting 
 bony deposits of the horse, and perhaps 
 
80 The Ailments of I^orses. 
 
 may be the means of settling many knotty 
 arguments. 
 
 Speedy - cutting. — A speedy - cuttin g 
 horse is one that strikes the inner side of 
 the fore-leg (usually about the knee, or 
 below this and the fetlock) with the shoe 
 of the opposite limb. 
 
 Tunied-in toes and high action are 
 favourable towards speedy-cutting. It is 
 a dangerous fault, and rightly contitutes 
 unsoundness. 
 
 Treatment. — Rest; cooling lotion to 
 the sore. Keep the foot narrow on the 
 inner side, and the toe short. A three- 
 quarter shoe can be tried. 
 
 A speedy-cutting gaiter may be used. 
 
 Various patterns are made for the 
 purpose. 
 
 Splint. — -A splint is a variously sized 
 deposit (or deposits) of bony material 
 upon the back of the cannon bone, and 
 almost always affecting the fore limbs. 
 
 Horses of moderate or fast pace are 
 those usually affected ; heavy horses 
 seldom. 
 
 Strictly speaking, splint constitutes 
 unsoundness, though many able veteri- 
 narians would never dream of rejecting a 
 horse for such, provided everything else 
 satisfied them. 
 
 The deposit of bone may be rough or 
 smooth upon its surface. A " simple " 
 splint is a single deposit of bone ; a 
 " compound " when a number of bony 
 deposits are present. 
 . A splint near to the knee or upon the 
 outside of the leg should always be con- 
 
The Ailments of Horses. 81 
 
 sidered most objectionable, and we think 
 that no veterinarian would (h-eain of ad- 
 vising any client to purchase a horse thus 
 affected. 
 
 It is during the formation of the splint 
 (i.e., the deposit of bone) that the animal 
 goes lame. 
 
 The chief cause is concussion, though 
 a blow in this region is liable to cause 
 the part to inflame and a splint re- 
 sult. 
 
 Splint lameness is characterized by 
 the increase of such during exercise, 
 especially if the horse be trotted on hard 
 ground. 
 
 If the splint is in its formative stage 
 there will be increased heat, tenderness, 
 and pain when the leg is manipulated at 
 the back of and between the knee and 
 fetlock joints. 
 
 Treatment. — During the inflammatory 
 stage rest is the first essential. Cooling 
 applications. A high-heeled shoe may 
 be put on. 
 
 The daily use of red blistering oint- 
 ment will be found of some service. 
 
 Veterinary surgeons adopt other special 
 forms of treatment for this malady. 
 
 Staggers, grass. — This is a peculiar 
 form of disease seen at a particular 
 season of the year, and said to be 
 brought on through eating rye grass. 
 Eemove from pasture and give a dose of 
 jjJiysic. 
 
 The complaint is indicated by a stag- 
 gering gait. 
 
 Staggers, stomach. See Indigestion, 
 
82 The Ailments of Horses, 
 
 Stomach, inflammation of. — Vege- 
 table and mineral poisons of various kinds 
 are capable of causing inflammation of 
 the stomach. 
 
 According to the nature of the irritant 
 so must the treatment be. 
 
 The symptoms resemble those of in- 
 flammation of the bowels. 
 
 Strangles. — This is chiefly a disease of 
 colthood and fillydom. In its simple 
 and usual form it is denoted by the 
 formation of an abscess beneath the 
 jaw. 
 
 The swelling interferes with the free 
 inlet and outlet of air. 
 
 Treatment. — Two courses are open to 
 the owner. He may either order the 
 swelling to be fomented or poulticed 
 with hot applications, or he may apply 
 a blister. We think that there need be 
 little hesitation in recommending the 
 latter. 
 
 The abscess, when ripe, can be opened 
 or allowed to burst. Then keep the part 
 open for a few days, dressing with an 
 antiseptic. 
 
 Irregular strangles implies that the 
 abscess is removed from its usual situa- 
 tion. This form is dangerous. Abscesses 
 often form in connexion with vital 
 organs. 
 
 Stringhalt. — This disease is denoted 
 by the sudden catching-up of the limb. 
 It is fairly common in the hind limbs. 
 Both light and heavy horses suffer 
 from it. 
 
 It is an unsoundness. Sometimes the 
 
The Ailments of Horses. 83 
 
 leg is held up for a considerable time, 
 then suddenly dropped. So far as we 
 know, it is incurable. 
 
 T 
 
 Teeth, diseases of. — The molar teeth 
 are more frequently affected than the 
 incisors. The grinding surfaces of the 
 former are commonly the seat of irre- 
 gularities and decay. This is particularly 
 the case with old or aged horses. 
 
 General symptoms of teeth affec- 
 tions. — Loss of condition ; quid ding of 
 food ; or the presence of this latter in the 
 mouth after the animal has finished its 
 provender. 
 
 If the mouth is opened — which can be 
 done by grasping the tongue gently with 
 the hand — irregularities will very likely 
 be seen, or if a decayed tooth or teeth 
 be present, it will not only be seen 
 but smelt — an odour not readily for- 
 gotten. 
 
 A decayed tooth may cause a discharge 
 from the nostril or a fistulous opening 
 may. appear on the side of the jaw. 
 
 Treatment. — Decayed teeth, or a 
 supernumerary tooth, may require re- 
 moval, for which purpose the serv^ices of 
 a veterinarian are indispensable. Any 
 irregularities the layman can rasp off 
 with the tooth-rasp, keeping the mouth 
 open with a balling-iron (gag). 
 
 In the so-called " shearlike " mouth, 
 it is the inner edge of the lower and 
 the outer edge of the upper molars which 
 
84 TJte Ailments of Horses. 
 
 have their grinding surfaces worn away in 
 a very oblique direction. Rasp down the 
 irregularities. 
 
 Polishing of the grinding surface is in- 
 curable. Soft food is about the best 
 means of keeping up existence. 
 
 Entangled teeth — a condition occa- 
 sionally found during shedding of the 
 temporary ones — call for the removal of 
 the milk-tooth at the seat of entangle- 
 ment. 
 
 Tendons, sprained. — Below the knee 
 and hock joints the muscles above end in 
 ribbonlike bands, known as " flexor " 
 and " extensor " tendons, the functions of 
 which are those of flexing (bending) and 
 extending (stretching forward) the limbs. 
 Now, any form of severe exertion neces- 
 sitates extra strain being put upon the 
 muscles to which these tendons are 
 attached, or rather from which they come, 
 consequently the belly or fleshy part of 
 the muscle, contracting too powerfully, 
 exercises undue tension upon the delicate 
 fibres of its tendon, provoking in these 
 inflammation, and perhaps rupture of 
 some of the libres. This commonly 
 happens to the " flexors." 
 
 Symptoms. — If the injury is recent 
 there will be increased heat, swelling, 
 resting of the limb, and pain upon 
 manipulation. 
 
 After a time the tendon shortens, and 
 the animal knuckles over. 
 
 " Breakdown " of the racehorse is due 
 to rupture of the tendon fibreSj either of 
 one or both limbs, 
 
The Ailments of Horses. 85 
 
 Treatment. — -In the early stage apply 
 a cooling lotion, such as the following :— 
 
 R. — Nitrate of potash ... ... 2 ounces. 
 
 Sal ammoniac ... ... ... 3 ounces. 
 
 Common salt ... ... ... 1 ounce. 
 
 Spirit of wine ... ... ... 4 ounces. 
 
 Vinegar and water, each ... 4 ounces. 
 Mix, and make lotion. 
 
 Directions. — Make several folds of linen and soak 
 it in the lotion, fastening it on with a linen Vjandage, 
 over which a flannel one must be put. 
 
 The lotion must be applied four or five times 
 every day. 
 
 If this treatment does no good in about 
 
 forty-eight hours, try the following lotion 
 
 instead : — 
 
 R. — Tincture of arnica ... ... 2 ounces. 
 
 Warm water .., ... ... 1 pint. 
 
 Thisf lotion requires the application of 
 " pressure *' at the same time, so for that 
 purpose we must make some even rolls 
 of tow, dip them in the liquid, and apply 
 the same evenly on each side of the 
 sprained tendon. 
 
 Pad any depressions after the linen 
 bandage is on, so as to get equable 
 pressure upon the sinew. Xow apply a 
 hot dry flannel bandage. This must be 
 done several times daily. It is an ex- 
 cellent plan to rub the tendon with the 
 thumb and finger for about twenty 
 minutes twice a day. 
 
 Supposing that the tendon is perma- 
 nently thickened — either through sprain 
 or rheumatism — then there is nothing 
 better than firing or blistering, or if a 
 young and useful horse, he may get his 
 veterinary surgeon to perform an operation 
 known as " tenotomy " — t he obj ect of w^hich 
 
 F 
 
86 Tlic Ailments of Horses. 
 
 is that of allowiiio- the coiitraeted tendon 
 to relax through division of it. 
 
 Some horses will work very fiiirly upon 
 soft ground if the shoes are made with a 
 high toe. 
 
 Tendons, contracted. — Contraction of 
 the flexor tendons in adult horses is 
 usually the result of chronic inflammation 
 in connexion with the tendon, either 
 through sprain or rheumatism. 
 
 Foals arc not uncommonly born with 
 this defect, but it may come on from 
 birth up to two years. Sometimes the 
 little animal is rendered a complete 
 cripple. 
 
 It is probably due to insufficient length 
 of the flexors ; or to over-length of the 
 cannon-bone. Thoroughbred foals are 
 frequently affected. 
 
 As a rule, the defect is obvious at a 
 glance. 
 
 Treatment. — Put the foal on its back, 
 and then place the knee against the 
 fetlock-joint, at the same time extend 
 the parts below this by means of the 
 hands, so that the fetlock is brought into 
 an oblique position. 
 
 Now put on a bandage of starch or 
 plaster of paris. The latter bandage must 
 be of cotton, about one and a half inch 
 in width, with the powdered plaster laid 
 over its length (one side only) before 
 rolling it. Having done this soak the 
 rolled bandage in cold water and apply, 
 taking care to put on a dry bandage next 
 to the skin before doing so. Do not apply 
 the bandage too tightly, otherwise the 
 
The Ailments of Horses, 87 
 
 circulation of the blood in the foot will 
 be impeded. 
 
 Common sense is the best guide with 
 regard to this. If the operation has been 
 successful the foal will begin to put weight 
 on the limb or limbs. The contracted 
 tendons in adult horses are often removed 
 by the operation of dividing the tendon 
 or tendons (tenotomy), but if both hind 
 and fore legs are gone we would not 
 recommend any one to have it done. 
 
 Thrush of the foot or feet. — This is a 
 very common disease, especially where the 
 stables and feet are allowed to harbour 
 filth. The seat of the affection is within 
 the cleft of the frog, from which an offen- 
 sive but characteristic discharge issues. 
 
 The smell is sufficient to diagnose 
 " thrush of the foot." 
 
 Decomposing excreta lodges in or other- 
 wise sets up inflammation in the deeper 
 parts of the cleft, resulting in infection, 
 followed by suppuration, i. e., the dis- 
 charge of pus. Decomposition of the 
 discharge leads to the abominable thrush- 
 like odour. 
 
 The hind feet are necessarily more 
 frequently affected than the fore, but it 
 is common enough in the latter. 
 
 As a rule, it is safe to regard it as a 
 disease resulting from neglect. 
 
 Treatment. — 1 . Preventative. — Clean- 
 liness. 
 
 2. Medicinal. — -Put the foot into a 
 bath of Jeye&'s fluid (one part to forty 
 parts of water), in order to cleanse it 
 thoroughly. 
 
 F 2 
 
§8 The Ailments of Horses, 
 
 This being done, dress the sore with 
 the powder as follows — 
 
 \k. — Calomel ... ... ... 4 ounce. 
 
 Powdered iodoform ... ... ^ ounce. 
 
 Powdered boracic acid ... A ounce 
 Mix. 
 
 Direct, lints. — Insert some of the powder well into 
 the depths of the cleft, and the.i put a pledget of 
 tow in, so as to keep the part dry. 
 
 Do this twice daily. It will soon cure 
 it. Don't forget that 'cleanliness is 
 essential to success, so that you must 
 keep the feet cleaner and the stable 
 likewise. 
 
 Straw bedding is preferable to any- 
 thing else while thrush is present. 
 
 Thrush of the mouth. — Foals, and 
 less frequently, we think, adult horses, 
 are occasionally affected with inflam- 
 mation of the membrane lining the 
 mouth. In the former it is common 
 when still sucking. 
 
 It would appear to be due to deranged 
 digestion, but some authorities think that 
 it is the result of a parasite. For the 
 present purpose it makes little difference 
 which of these views is the correct one. 
 
 Symptoms. — The foal will be seen to 
 have some difficulty in sucking, which 
 leads us to examine the mouth. We 
 then find reddened patches on the cheeks 
 and roof of the latter, with, perhaps, 
 small blisters, or collections of grey 
 material, the handling of which gives the 
 hand a nasty smell. 
 
 In adult horses, blisters are seen upon 
 the tongue, inside the cheeks, roof of the 
 mouth, &c. These burst and leave a 
 
The Ailments of Horses. ^9 
 
 nasty raw-looking surface, the marks 
 varying in size. 
 
 Sometimes blister fuses with blister, 
 producing large sores. 
 
 Treatment. — Borax and honey is 
 suitable for the foal. 
 
 Smear a teaspoonful inside the mouth 
 three or four times daily. 
 
 Grive the mother half an ounce of 
 bicarbonate of soda in her food or drink- 
 ing-water twice daily, while the foal may 
 have the following powder placed U})on 
 its tongue daily — 
 
 R. — Grey powder 40 grains. 
 
 Bicarbonate of potasn ... 4 drachms. 
 Mix, and divide into four powders. Give as 
 directed above. 
 
 For adult animals, add two drachms 
 each of chloride of ammonia, carbonate of 
 soda, and hyposulphite of soda to the 
 animal's drinking-water night and morn- 
 ing. Wash or gargle the mouth with a solu- 
 tion of common salt and tepid water twice 
 daily. Continue this treatment until well. 
 
 General management. — Soft food. 
 Keep clean stable. Fresh water. A 
 little green food if possible ; failing this, 
 a few tablespoonfuls of linseed oil to a 
 bran-mash twice daily. 
 
 Thorough-pin. — By this term we mean 
 a swelling, or distension, at the u})per and 
 back part of the hock. 
 
 As the swelling can be made to appear 
 at either side of the hock, pushed through 
 as it were, it has in this way come to get 
 its present name, derived from "through- 
 pin." 
 
90 The Aihnents of Horses. 
 
 Young horses with upright hocks are 
 said to be particularly liable, but it is not 
 at all uu common in adult animals. 
 
 It is the capsular ligament of the 
 hock joint proper (tibia and astragalus) 
 which becomes distended with fluid. 
 
 Signs. — A swelling at the back and 
 up})er part of the hock, capable of being 
 pushed from side to side, and without 
 lameness or inflammation. It is only in ex- 
 ceptional cases that the former is present. 
 
 Treatment. — Paint the swelling daily 
 with tincture of iodine, though it is 
 doubtful whether it will cure. 
 
 Pressure is as good as aught else. Fill 
 the hollow of the hock with pads of tow 
 and put on an elastic bandage. Some- 
 times a thorough-})in truss is used. 
 Puncturing the swelling has been tried, 
 but is no good without it is repeated 
 several times, at intervals of about six or 
 eight weeks. 
 
 The cavity is washed out with iodine 
 after the operation. 
 
 Toe, bleeding from, in disease. — 
 Bleeding from the toe is certainly a very 
 ancient practice ; but whether it has been 
 attended with the benefits accorded to it 
 by some, we are rather sceptical. 
 
 Its use has been largely advocated by 
 old writers —and some present ones as 
 w*ell^ — for the treatment of inflammation 
 in the feet (founder here). 
 
 The horn is pared away at the toe until 
 blood flows out. This is encouraged by 
 soaking; the foot in warm water for a few 
 minutes. 
 
The Ailments of Horses. 91 
 
 Tracheotomy. — This is an operation 
 performed upon the windpipe (trachea), 
 for the relief of difficult breathing or 
 threatened suffocation. A small tube is 
 inserted. ■ 
 
 Inveterate roarers often wear a tube 
 throughout their livTs, carrying on breath- 
 ing (quietly) through the artificial opening 
 thus produced. 
 
 Again in strangles, sore throat, or any 
 sweUing threatening to bring on suffoca- 
 tion, opening the windpipe becomes a 
 necessity. In this way, the " tide of 
 danger " may ebb away. 
 
 Tuberculosis, or consumption. — Like 
 man and many other animals, the horse 
 is liable to suffer from consumption, 
 though we think much less frequently 
 than the ox. 
 
 It is a germ disease, being caused by 
 the bacillus tuberculosis (Koch's bacillus). 
 It can be produced in the horse by in- 
 jecting the cultured germs beneath the 
 skin. 
 
 The germs are of very minute size, 
 and contain in their interior little bright 
 spots. These are surmised to be spores. 
 The spleen (melt) appears to participate 
 largely in this disease as it appears in 
 the horse, producing in this situation 
 tubercles or nodules containing the 
 germs, upon the finding of which the 
 diagnosis of the disease must rest. 
 
 Progressive emaciation is the most 
 important symptom to the layman. 
 
 " Tuberculin," injected beneath the 
 skin by means of a fine syringe, is another, 
 
92 Tlie Ailments of Horses. 
 
 but recent, means of diagnosing the 
 disease. 
 
 Treatment.— This can be but palliative. 
 
 If the animal is of no special value, 
 destruction is as economical as any plan 
 we know of. 
 
 Tumours. — The word " tumour " can be 
 employed to indicate any form of swelling, 
 no matter whether such be hard or soft, 
 situated either internally or externally. 
 
 Tumours, be they hard or soft, when 
 situated in connexion with, or in juxta- 
 position to, vital parts, usually cause 
 death, either in virtue of the pressure 
 which they exert, or through the subse- 
 quent inflammation which they induce 
 by reason of their rupture and acrid dis- 
 charge. 
 
 Solid tumours situated externally, e.fj.^ 
 capped-elbow, are usually amenable to 
 surgical treatment. In most instances 
 their removal is called for, either by 
 ligature — i.e., tying a string around their 
 base — or by the knife. 
 
 In the former case, there is less bleed- 
 ing, and it is one which commends itself 
 as being the most suitable for the layman 
 to adopt. The only additional treatment 
 comprises keeping the wound sweet with 
 creolin or .leyes's lotion (two drachms to 
 a pint of water), and protecting the part 
 from further injury. 
 
 Warts and angle-berries can be removed 
 by the same method. 
 
 Polypi — i. e., pendulous tumours — ■ 
 within the anus or vagina are readily 
 done away with by the application of a 
 
The'Ailments of Horses. 93 
 
 piece of catgut tied tightly around the 
 base of the polypus. The nostrils are 
 occasionally the seat of these morbid 
 growths. Sometimes they are composed 
 of bone, though this is uncommon — in 
 fact, it is incorrect to apply the term 
 " polypus " to a growth of this description. 
 
 Malignant tumours are such as have a 
 tendency to return after being excised. 
 Under these circumstances, the excision 
 of the tumour demands giving it a wide 
 berth. 
 
 Abscesses must, when ripe, be opened. 
 If preferred, an abscess may be allowed to 
 rupture. It is better to open it. 
 
 U 
 
 Urine, incontinence of. — By this we 
 mean inability to retain the urine within 
 the bladder, either through paralysis of 
 the latter, disease of its walls, or irrita- 
 bility of its lining membrane. 
 
 Foals commonly are found to be pass- 
 ing urine through their navel opening. 
 This is caused through a tube leading 
 from the bladder not having become 
 closed (which it ought to do before birth), 
 in this way allowing the escape of the urine. 
 
 Treatment. — ^P^or the incontinence of 
 adult animals, we must try and get to 
 the root of the cause, then treat in 
 accordance with this. 
 
 A ball composed of half a drachm 
 of powdered nux vomica and 4 drachms of 
 j)Owdered gentian, with 2 drachms of 
 linseed meal and treacle, given twice 
 daily, will be found useful. 
 
94 The Aihnents of Ilarses. 
 
 In the case of foals, the best plan is to 
 throw the little creature, touch the open 
 vessel with a bit of red-hot wire, and then 
 blister around the navel with a little 
 cantharides ointment. Tliis will usually 
 effect a complete cure in a few days. 
 
 Urine, stoppage of. — Inability to 
 urinate does not necessarily imply that 
 the secretion of urine by the kidneys has 
 been " suppressed." 
 
 Stone within the tubes leading from 
 the kidneys to the bladder, within this 
 latter, or tube leading out from it, may 
 offer mechanical impediments to the out- 
 flow of the liquid. 
 
 Again, during such diseases as paralysis, 
 colic, stranguary, &c., the animal is com- 
 monly unable to pass any urine, either 
 through participation of the bladder in 
 the disease, or owing to the horse being 
 unable to place himself in position for 
 urinating. 
 
 Treatment. — Try and find out the 
 cause. 
 
 Suppressed secretion cannot last very 
 long, the animal being liable to die from 
 urine poisoning (see Kidneys, inflamed). 
 Try and pass the catheter ; if a male, a 
 longer instrument is necessary. 
 
 The penis is withdrawn from its sheath 
 with the left hand, the catheter cleansed 
 in creolin lotion (two drachms to a quart 
 of water) and then smeared with bella- 
 donna ointment. It is now introduced 
 into the passage and allowed to glide 
 slowly along until it reaches the bend of 
 the pelvis. Here an assistant guides it 
 
The Ailments of Horses. 95 
 
 round with his hand, after which it will 
 be found to go into the bladder without 
 further obstruction. Xo force must be 
 employed. If there is a stricture in the 
 lower part of the passage (urethra) the 
 2^assing of the catheter will, likely enough, 
 do away with it, and so allow the flow of 
 urine. 
 
 Stoppage of urinary secretion really 
 demands immediate professional advice. 
 
 Urine, blood contained in. — The ex- 
 pulsion of blood along with, before, or 
 after urination is a matter of grave 
 importance in many instances, but, as a 
 rule, less so in the mare, knowing it is 
 not unlikely to have come from the 
 reproductive organs. 
 
 It may be passed as bright red fluid 
 blood, in the form of a clot, or in a state 
 of solution. This latter is characteristic 
 of a disease known as " azoturia," in which 
 affection the urine assumes the colour of 
 coffee minus the milk. 
 
 When the blood comes from the kidney 
 it will likely succeed the act of urination, 
 but pi^ececle it if from the tube leading 
 the liquid from the bladder. 
 
 Causes. — Injuries to the loins ; stone 
 in the passage ; disease of the generative 
 organs ; disturbance of digestion, as in 
 " azoturia." 
 
 Treatment. — When no cause can be 
 
 ascertained, give the following ball night 
 
 and morning : — 
 
 R. — Acetate of lead 40 grains. 
 
 Powdered nux vomica ... 30 grains. 
 Extract of gentian... ... 2 drachnos. 
 
 Linseed meal and treacle... A sufficiency to 
 
 form a ball. 
 
96 Tlie Ailfrbeotts of Horses. 
 
 V 
 
 Veins, inflamed. — Either of the large 
 veins in the neck are particularly liable 
 to become inflamed, chiefly through the 
 usage of a rusty or dirty fleam during 
 the operation of bleeding. Bleeding 
 several times from the same opening is 
 another cause. Never do this. 
 
 Symptoms. — The lips of the wound in 
 the vein look thick, red, and angry. There 
 may be swelling around ; sometimes ab- 
 scesses form. 
 
 Treatment. — If there are any abscesses, 
 these must be fomented with warm water 
 and then opened with a clean but sharp 
 penknife or lancet. 
 
 Having done this, wash all around the 
 wound with warm water, and then apply 
 some fly-blister along the course of the 
 swollen vein. Eub it in for about ten 
 minutes. 
 
 Now fasten the head on the pillar-reins 
 for twenty-four hours ; at the end of this 
 time a little vaseline can be smeared on 
 the blistered part. 
 
 G^ive green food or a laxative ball. 
 
 Vertigo. See Megrims. 
 
 W 
 
 Warbles. See Saddle-galls. 
 
 Warts, removal of. — These are thick- 
 enings of the horny covering (epithelium) 
 of the skin. They may be " simple " or 
 " compound." In the latter instance, a 
 number of warty growths spring from one 
 root-stock, as it were. 
 
 Their removal is best efifected by tying 
 
The Ailm ents of Horses . 9 7 
 
 a piece of catgut around the base of the 
 growth, allowing it to slough (die) away. 
 There is no danger attached to this 
 method. If very small, try painting 
 them with strong nitre or acetic acid 
 every third day. 
 
 When in the neighbourhood of the 
 eyelids, acids must not be used. Lunar- 
 caustic can be applied instead. 
 
 Another excellent remedy for the 
 removal of warts is a lotion composed 
 of 100 grains of chromic acid, added to 
 an ounce of water, and painted on daily. 
 
 Weaving. — ^This is an acquired habit. 
 The animal appears to be constantly 
 shifting its head from side to side 
 (weaving it). It seems to depend upon 
 nervousness, because by carefully observing 
 the horse, unknown to it, it will be seen 
 to hav'e ceased the movement. 
 
 Weed. See Lymphangitis. 
 
 Whistling. See Roaring. 
 
 Wind, broken. — This disease is some- 
 what frequent amongst horses, especially 
 those used for heavy draught, though it 
 may occur irrespective of breed, age, 
 sex, &c. 
 
 Although the symptoms are mainly 
 those of a respiratory affection, the disease 
 is intimately associated with perverted or 
 deranged digestive functions. 
 
 We believe that broken-wind results 
 from changes in connexion with the 
 principal nerve governing the stomach 
 and lungs. 
 
 Causes. — ^Feeding on dusty hay or 
 fodder; driving immediately after feed- 
 
98 The Ailments of Horses, 
 
 ing ; or through the constant use of bulky 
 food. Never drive a horse just after 
 feeding it, unless you wish it to become 
 broken-winded. Grreedy feeders are rather 
 prone to suffer. 
 
 Symptoms. — There is a hollow, dry, 
 short cough. Once this is heard, it is not 
 easily forgotten. After feeding or drinking 
 the cough can generally be provoked. 
 
 The breathing is characteristic. 
 
 " Inspiration " (taking in of air) is 
 shorter than in health ; but " expiration " 
 is double (double-lift). In the first part 
 of the act the air is forced out quickly, 
 but very slowly during the second part. 
 Wind-sucking, and other minor symptoms 
 of disordered digestion, are commonly 
 present. 
 
 Broken-wind is, of course, an unsound- 
 ness in every sense of the word. 
 
 Treatment. — 1 . Preventative. — Feed 
 carefully. Don't work immediately after 
 food has been given. 
 
 2. Medicinal. — Grive soft food, and 
 regulate the bowels with occasional small 
 doses of linseed oil. 
 
 Half-ounce doses of Fowler's solution 
 of arsenic, given in the drinking-water 
 daily or twice daily, will help to ward off 
 the unpleasant symptoms. 
 
 A vessel containing tar at the bottom 
 should be always used for the animal to 
 take its drinking-water from. 
 
 This latter is very good for the purpose. 
 
 Wind-sucking. -Like weaving, wind- 
 sucking is an objectionable practice, and 
 constitutes unsoundness. 
 
The Ailments, of Horses. . 99 
 
 A wind-siieking horse gathers air in his 
 mouth, swallowini;- it with a gulping sound. 
 Irregular or insuthcient feeding is, we 
 believe, a cause. 
 
 Wind-suekers are predisposed to colic 
 and other digestive disorders, likewise to 
 broken -wind. 
 
 Treatment. — Feed reoularly. 
 
 To tlie drinking-water add a couple of 
 teaspoonfuls of l^icarbonate of potash 
 daily or twice daily. 
 
 Wind, thick.^ — Under the heading of 
 this title we refer to a condition in which 
 the breathing has become somewhat 
 altered in its character, giving rjse to 
 coarse sounds, particularly during severe 
 exertion. 
 
 Although coarseness of the breathing 
 may be but of a temporary nature, w^e 
 think that the term "thick-wind" is 
 mostly limited to a chronic or permanent 
 affection, such as chronic bronchitis, in 
 which the inflammation has produced 
 structural changes in the walls of the air 
 tubes, either large, medium-sized, or. 
 small. 
 
 The treatment must be directed towards 
 the disease upon which the abnormal 
 sound depends. 
 
 Wind-galls. — The so-called " wind- 
 gall " is a puffy swelling, usually appear- 
 ing at the fetlock joint. 
 
 In reality it is uQt a wind (air) swell- 
 ing at all, its contents being of a liquid 
 or granular nature. 
 
 Either the fore or hind fetlocks may 
 be affected. 
 
100 The Ailments of Horses. 
 
 Tlie exciting cause seems to be hard 
 work. 
 
 Treatment. — Irrigation with cold water 
 for a quarter of an hour each day, followed 
 by a good rubbing with iodine ointment. 
 
 Firing produces the best results. 
 
 Withers, fistulous. — It is not at all 
 uncommon to find the horse suffering 
 from fistulous sores upon the withers, and 
 we must confess that, once the disease 
 becomes thoroughly established, it is 
 usually extremely difficult to cure. 
 
 This show^s the importance of taking 
 steps to check the complaint at the very 
 outset. 
 
 Some horses are, through defective 
 conformation of their withers, predisposed 
 to suffer. 
 
 Commonly an ill-fitting saddle is the 
 '' exciting '' cause, but a blow will cause 
 it. It is not necessarily confined to 
 saddle-horses, though they may suffer 
 more often than others. 
 
 At the beginning the disease appears 
 to be a mere bruising and inflammation 
 of the tissues beneath the skin of the 
 withers and lubricating pocket (bursa), 
 on the upper surface of the lower bones 
 of the neck, producing a form of abscess 
 (serous abscess) containing a watery 
 fluid. 
 
 It is the bursting (or opening) and 
 subsequent infection of this which leads 
 up to the formation of a running (sup- 
 purating) sore or sores. 
 
 Treatment. — The swelling requires 
 opening, but care is necessary in order to 
 
The Ailments of Horses. 101 
 
 avoid infecting the part. Before cutting 
 it open, wash the lancet in a strong 
 solution of carbolic acid, Jeyes's fluid, 
 creolin, Szc. Clip the hair off around the 
 sore, and then wash the skin in this 
 region (over the sore as well) with the 
 same antiseptic solution. After cutting 
 the abscess open — which should be done 
 at the lowest point of the swelling, so as 
 to favour the free escape of its contents — 
 wash the cavity out with a solution of 
 corrosive sublimate and compound tinc- 
 ture of iodine, employing a glass syringe 
 for this purpose. Three grains of corro- 
 sive sublimate may be added to every 
 pint of water, along with a drachm of 
 dilute hydrochloric acid and an ounce of 
 tincture of iodine. 
 
 _ If fistulse have already formed, then 
 the services of a qualified practitioner 
 are necessary. Setoning is useless so far 
 as curing the disease is concerned. 
 
 The burrowing of matter, and perhaps 
 disease of subjacent bony tissue, neces- 
 sitates surgical interference. 
 
 Womb, inflammation of. — This is a 
 very serious complaint, and one in which 
 no time should be lost in seeking the 
 most skilled advice obtainable. 
 
 It not unfrequently follows labour, 
 either as the result of direct injury to 
 the womb through surgical interference, 
 or through a decomposing (putrefying) 
 "after-birth" (placenta) being retained 
 too lono-. This is })articularly liable to 
 happen durino- warm weather. 
 
 ^ever allow the " cleansing " to re- 
 ft 
 
102 The Ailments of Norses. 
 
 main longer than twelve or twenty-four 
 hours in a mare, otherwise it may cost 
 her her life. 
 
 It requires careful separation from the 
 wall of the womb. 
 
 After removal of the cleansing the womb 
 ought to be washed out with a solution 
 of corrosive sublimate, ten grains to a 
 quart of tepid w^ater. 
 " Internally, a pint of linseed oil may be 
 given, to which a couple of ounces of 
 chloric ether has been added. 
 
 General management. — Grreen food 
 night and morning. 
 
 Bran and scalded oats. 
 
 Half an ounce of chlorate of potash in 
 the animal's drinking-water twice daily 
 before food. 
 
 Strict attention to surrounding clean- 
 liness. 
 
 Freely use Jeyes's fluid in solution, or 
 carbolic acid in the same manner. 
 
 Clean l>edding. Never allow food to lie 
 about after a meal. Clothe the body. 
 
 Watch carefully for unfavourable symp- 
 toms — denoted by patchy sweating on 
 the body, a rusty, mucilaginous discharge 
 from the vulva, pain in the belly, and 
 blood or dark spots upon the mucous 
 membrane lining the eyelids (conjunctival 
 membrane). 
 
 Worms. — Three distinct forms of in- 
 ternal parasites are found infesting the 
 horse and ass. These are — 
 
 (1) The flat or fluke-like worms (tre- 
 matodes), uncommon in this animal, 
 found now and again in the bile passage. 
 
The Ailments of Horses. 103 
 
 (2) Round worms (nsematodes). 
 
 (3) Tape-like worms (cestodes). 
 
 Both the latter are very commonly 
 fomid in the intestines both large and 
 small. 
 
 There is also an " encysted " form of 
 parasite occasionally found in the liver, &c. 
 
 ROUXD WORMS. 
 
 Amoup-st these there is the so-called 
 "pin" worms, found within the rectum. 
 The irritation produced by these parasites 
 often causes violent kicking. 
 
 To dislodge the parasites give an in- 
 jection of turpentine, warm water, and 
 salt. About half a teacupful of turpen- 
 tine and a couple of handfuls of salt, 
 added to three quarts of water, will 
 answer the purpose. 
 
 The four-spined strongyle (Stroyigylus 
 tetracanthus) is not uncommon, especially 
 amongst colts in the fen lands. It is a 
 true blood-sucking worm, causing loss of 
 flesh, pain in the l">elly, diarrhoea, and 
 gradual wasting of energy. At one period 
 of its life-history it is coiled up in the 
 wall of the gut, and can be seen shining 
 through when a portion of the latter is 
 exposed to the light. 
 
 It is not an uncommon cause of in- 
 flammation of the bowels. Other worms 
 may be present along with these. It is 
 bright red in colour, and in this way easily 
 distinguished from the other varieties. 
 
 It sometimes causes perforation of the 
 gut wall. 
 
 Treatment. — Change from pasture to 
 
104 The Ailments of Hm^ses, 
 
 a warm and clean stable. Allow pure 
 water. Give the best of food, though in 
 small ({uantities. A tonic treatment must 
 be carried out. G-iv^e half an ounce of 
 powdered oentian and two drachms of 
 powdered sulphate of iron, mixed together 
 in the food night and morning. 
 
 Add linseed to the food. 
 
 Bran, scalded oats and carrots (boiled), 
 are as suitable as aught else in this way. 
 Serious losses often occur through these 
 parasites. 
 
 If pain and diarrhoea are present then 
 give half an ounce of chlorodyne night 
 and morning along with a pint of wheaten 
 gruel. 
 
 Burn the excrement and avoid pas- 
 turing animals where the colts have been 
 grazing. 
 
 A very common — indeed the com- 
 monest — large round worm of the horse 
 is Ascaris raegalocepJuda, chiefly locating 
 itself in the small bowel, though not 
 necessarily so. It is a spindle-shaped 
 worm with transverse stripes of the same 
 colour (cream). The sexes are distinct. 
 
 Treatment. — Each evenino- oive one 
 of the following powders : — 
 
 R. — Santonin ... ... ... 6 drachms. 
 
 Powdered quassia ... ... 3 ounces. 
 
 Mix, and divide into six powders. 
 
 Directions. — Give one powder about six o'clock, 
 before feeding, and then three hours afterwards a 
 bran mash. 
 
 The powder must be mixed with a small 
 bran mash, and four tablespoonfuls of 
 linseed oil can be added as well. 
 
The Ailments of Horses, lOo 
 
 ^law worms are pretty common in the 
 stomach. They don't seem to do much 
 harm. Again, thread worms (Jilaria) 
 are now and again found in the eyeball 
 and its coverings. Others are found be- 
 tween the eyelids and eyeball. For the 
 removal of the former " puncturing " is 
 recommended. 
 
 TAPE "WORMS. 
 
 Several of these are very common in 
 the horse. Tce/iia plicata is often three 
 feet in length, whilst Tcenia perfoliata 
 averages two inches or thereabouts. 
 
 The first is found in the small bowel, 
 and the second within the large. 
 
 Treatment. — Turpentine, given in 
 doses from one to two ounces along with 
 a pint of linseed oil, is a good enough 
 remedy. A dose of aloes should be 
 given afterwards. It can be repeated in 
 twenty-four hours. Repeat in a few 
 days' time. 
 
 Wounds. — -These are commonly spoken 
 of as solutions of continuity, and in ac- 
 cordance with their nature are usually 
 known as — Incised (clean cut), punctured 
 (stabbed), lacerated (torn), poisoned, gun- 
 shot, &c. 
 
 The region of the injury is an im- 
 portant matter. 
 
 Wounds in' the neighbourhood of the 
 chest and belly are specially liable to be 
 followed by serious consequences. 
 
 A large wound is not necessarily a sign 
 of its gravity. Trivial wounds in the 
 region of the feet are often fatal, less 
 
lOG The Ailments of Horses. 
 
 frequently those about the mouth. ^luch 
 depends upon circumstances. Wounds 
 may be either accidentally or artificially 
 inflicted. 
 
 When a bone is fractured, in addition 
 to the wound, the oravity of the injury 
 is proportionately increased. The same 
 may be said when an artery is wounded. 
 Depreciation of value usually results from 
 an injury to the knee (wrist in man), 
 usually spoken of as " broken-knee." 
 
 Treatment. — Superficial wounds can 
 be painted with a solution of gutta-percha 
 or else friar's balsam. 
 
 Slioht injuries to the knee can be treated 
 in the same manner. When the wound 
 is about the eyelids, nose, cheek, &c., it 
 ought to be carefully stitched up. 
 
 A curved needle is the most suitable 
 for this purpose, and it should be threaded 
 with silver wire or cat-gut, &c. 
 
 The stitches must be taken separately, 
 i.e., interrupted. If wire is used it should 
 be thin, especially if the injury is upon 
 the eyelids. Further, the stitches must 
 not be draAvn too tightly together, but a 
 sufficient " grip " must be taken. In this 
 way a wound can, if neatly sewn up, often 
 be got to heal straight away. Never sew 
 up a wound upon the surface of a joint, 
 e.g.^knee or hock. The stitches are almost 
 certain to be torn out when the animal 
 flexes or extends the same. 
 
 Deep wounds upon the buttocks, &c., 
 require button sutures, i.e., flat pieces of 
 metal (notched) to fix the threads to, so 
 that the tension is exercised upon the 
 
The Ailments of Horses, 107 
 
 button, thereby preventino- the suture 
 from being torn out of its place. 
 
 Contusions, i.e.^ bruisinf,' beneath the 
 skin, demand coolino- applications at the 
 outset. A fuller's earth poultice can be 
 tried. 
 
 When there is a broken bone in addi- 
 tion to the wound the latter ought to be 
 left uncovered with the splint bandage. 
 It should be dressed with iodoform pow- 
 der and then covered up with gauze, gutta- 
 percha, or tissue, and a bandage over all. 
 Dress the wound daily. 
 
 Punctures of the feet demand the im- 
 mediate removal of the shoe ; the foot (sole) 
 pared so that the injury is " bottomed," 
 and, if festered, to allow the free drainage 
 of matter. If this be not done a 
 " quittor '" (fistula of the coronet) com- 
 monly results. Having done this, put on 
 a good hot poultice, give a mild dose of 
 physic, and allow the horse a few days' 
 rest. Then shoe with a leather sole. 
 
 Many veterinary surgeons now use a 
 substance termed " anti-tetanin." This 
 they inject under the skin. It is regarded 
 as a preventative against lock-jaw 
 (tetanus), hence the name. It corre- 
 sponds to the anti-toxin, now used in the 
 treatment of diphtheria in the human 
 subJ3ct. 
 
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