VET INDEX | ANIMAL INDEX - OLD VET TREATMENTS AND REMEDIES.
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FARMING INDEX - OLD FARM PRACTICES AND REMEDIES FOR ANIMALS, PLANTS AND FIXING THINGS.
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PART I.
THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
SIMPLE OR CONTINUED FEVER
Is A comparatively mild and benign disease, lasting from two to eight days. It disturbs all or nearly all the chief functions of the body, occurs independently of local inflammation or blood contamination, and is common among horses brought into dealers’ stables.
Remedy.—Comfortable box ; fresh air and light ; quiet. Clothe body ; bandage legs ; mild laxative. Salines ; am monium acetate solution ; potassium chlorate or nitrate ; spirit nitrous ether. Mash diet ; gruel ; diluents ; with- hold hard, dry food. Alcohol, ether, bitters,* acids ; tonic as soon as acute symptoms abate. Catarrh, gastrointesti nal or other special symptoms must receive appropriate treatment. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.)
ACUTE OR INFLAMMATORY FEVER
Concurs with acute local inflammation.
Remedy.—Aconite ; occasional bleeding in early stages in robust subjects. Aperients, salines, laxative injections. Attend to any wounds ; remove any causes of irritation.
* Bitters are usually spirituous liquors in which bitter herbs or roots have been steeped, such as aloes, cascarilla bark, various cinchona barks, gentian, myrrh, nux vomica, quassia, &c. Combinations of acids and bitters have long been used in dyspepsia, the good effects of the latter being believed to result from their stimulating the movements of the stomach, and from their action on the liver. (Dun.)
40 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
Warm clothing, but cool air to breathe. Warm bath or sponging with warm water. Sodium sulphite, sulpho- carbolates, resorcin, or other antiseptics and antipyretics. Alcohol and digitalis sustain heart tone. Salicylic acid and salicin in rheumatic fever. Acids and bitters allay thirst and aid digestion. Light, easily digested food ; diluents ; salines in drinking water. For doses, see pages 13 to 29.
LOW OR TYPHOID FEVER
Occurs in most epizootics in connection with blood con tamination, in inflammation of mucous membranes, and in debilitated subjects.
Remedy.—Mild laxatives and injections when required. Salines, acids, bitters, antiseptics. Quinine, especially in intermittent types. Arsenic in malarial cases. Alcohol, ethers, or volatile oils promote excretion and maintain heart action. Turpentine and iron salts for bleeding cases. Suitable clothing ; diet ; hygiene (preservation of health) ; sponging ; baths. For doses, see pages 13 to 29.
INFLUENZA,
Also called Catarrhal Fever, Pink Eye, &c., is usually epizootic and, comet-like, appears at irregular intervals. ‘ Its worst visitation in North America perhaps was that of 1872-73. Little is known of the exact nature of the disease. It differs in form and symptoms as it appears in different localities and at different times. Robertson describes four forms of the disease—(1) simple catarrhal ; (2) pulmonary ; (3) intestinal catarrhal ; (4) rheumatic. Some of these forms may be caused by active living or ganisms (mites). The disease is very infectious. Severe cases constitute pink eye.
Symptoms.—Simple catarrhal : As before said, they differ, but there are usually shivering fits, more or less loss of appetite, sneezing, coughing ; a somewhat dry or
INFLUENZA.
41
staring coat, eyes watery, the conjunctive membrane some times being of a clear pink color (pink eye) ; nasal mem brane red and dry ; pulse 60 to 70 ; temperature 104 ; dullness, debility, &c. These symptoms may steadily in crease in severity. Runs its course in about 14 days.
The pulmonary form, which is dangerous, may either follow or be independent of the simple form. It has three
![](Diseases_Of_The_Horse-1.jpg) Fig. 2. Confirmed Influenza.
forms—(1) capillary bronchitis ; (2) bronchitis with heart disease ; (3) pneumonia, or rather pleuro-pneumonia.
The intestinal catarrhal form is sometimes so distinct, and one of its symptoms or complications is so evidently connected with the special functions of the liver, as to cause it to be called bilious fever. The symptoms resem ble those of mild colic.
The rheumatic form is usually a sequel to the simple catarrhal. The parts usually affected are the great ten dons of the flexor muscles of the foot.
Remedy.—Isolate patient and disinfect the premises. Comfortable box ; temperature 60 to 65° F. ; pure air. Rugs, hood, bandage legs. Injections, linseed mashes and, if necessary, a laxative for bowels. Liquor ammoniæ ace
42
THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
tatis, Epsom salt, and niter for fever. Mash diet, with a little green food, till fever abates ; then digestible, con centrated, nutritive food.
Catarrhal symptoms treated by steaming head, medica ted inhalations, or sprays. (See ‘ Catarrh.’) Flannels wrung out of hot water and mustard, or other embroca tions, to the throat relieve congestion of the upper air passages. Embrocations are fluid remedies for in-rubbing.
Swelling symptoms, treated with salines and antiseptics, require early use of such stimulants as alcohol, ether, oil of turpentine, or ferric chloride solution.
Pneumonic cases : Liquor ammoniæ acetatis, potassium nitrate or chlorate, and camphor. Fomentations to chest ; mustard applied, but washed off in 15 or 20 minutes ; reapplied if necessary, or injection of Savary’s mustard extract. With salines give alcohol and ether, early, but in moderate doses, every three hours.
(Gastrointestinal complications treated in earlier stages by a few doses of gray powder or calomel, conjoined with laxatives ; in later stages by nitro-hydrochloric acid. Ab dominal pain relieved by chloral and cannabis indica in ternally, or by morphine hypodermically.
Rheumatic symptoms : Salicylic acid, oil turpentine, diuretic doses of digitalis and salines, with stimulation of affected muscles and joints. Patients, if reduced, require milk, eggs, beef tea, and frequent alcoholic stimulants. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.)
STRANGLES (PUS FEVER, COLT ILL),
Is a common and well defined disease, but veterinarians are not agreed as to its exact cause or nature. It is at tributed by some to a streptococcus, which settle on and irritate the nasal membrane. It is peculiar to but not lim ited to young horses, and seldom occurs but once. The fever (Percivall calls it ' strangles fever ’) is nearly always followed by an abscess or abscesses in the space between
STRANGLES. 43
the branches of the lower jaw, involving the adjacent glands. The pus mites, it is said, are liable to be carried to and inflame other glands in the shoulder, groin, or internal organs.
The disease is probably contagious, and is sometimes epizootic. It is well named, for it sometimes causes death by strangulation. Robertson describes two forms of it— “regular or benign,” which is easily cured, if not self- curable, and “irregular and malignant,” which is dan gerous. It is disposed to run a ‘ regular ’ course, and should be aided rather than retarded. The tumor, when
![](Diseases_Of_The_Horse-2.jpg) Fig. 3. Poultice and 8-tailed bandage for Strangles.
ripe, may be lanced, or it may be allowed to burst nat urally. Its most dangerous sequels are pus fever and purulent and putrid blood poisoning.
Symptoms.—Usually mild catarrhal discharges; dull; cough, pickish appetite, throat sore, interfering with swal lowing ; head pointed forward ; mouth hot and dry ; may be cutting the corner incisor teeth or the tushes; if so, make crucial incisions over them ; in doubt till tumor appears under the jaw ; tumor steadily increases in size, becoming hard, defined, painful.
In the irregular or complicated form there is sometimes a slight swelling at the jaw, but instead of maturing it recedes, and may attack the glands of the head, neck,
44
THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
chest, or even more remote parts, intensifying and mul tiplying the symptoms.
Remedy.—Good nursing ; soft or green food. Perfect sanitary surroundings. Steam head where catarrhal symp toms are troublesome. Fomentations or poultices hasten tardy abscesses. Sodium sulphite and potassium chlorate in the drinking water oppose fever and blood poisoning. Sweet spirit of niter and quinine also for blood poisoning. Cleanse discharging abscess daily with carbolic oil. Iso late ; disinfect premises. Milk, eggs, beef tea, with ale or wine if the animal is weak. When at grass, shelter at night. For doses, see pages 13 to 29.
Tracheotomy affords instant relief, and is a safe op eration. The incision is made at the point indicated in the annexed cut. Should it be made higher than this,
![](Diseases_Of_The_Horse-3.jpg) Fig. 4. Performing the operation of Tracheotomy by Lamp Light.
the tube will interfere with the application of a poultice. Provided with a needle and thread, make a longitudinal incision three or four inches in extent down to the wind pipe. After the windpipe has been pierced and the ani mal is in some measure relieved, draw the thread through
0
ERYSIPELAS. 45
the part that is to be removed, so that it cannot be drawn inside and thus increase the impediment to breathing. After this, cut out a circular piece of the tube about an inch in diameter—a part of two of the rings that com pose the windpipe, not the whole of one—using a narrow bladed knife. Then insert a pewter, ivory, or box-wood tube, with shoulders, and holes through the shoulders, so that it may be fastened around the neck with strings. A piece of elder, three inches long, with notches cut in it, will answer the purpose.
The tube will require to be taken out from time to time and cleansed. The animal should be watched and fed on well-made gruel. In time soft food may be given, and, should the case take a favorable turn, the tube may be removed.
Should the violent effort nec essary in coughing inconveni ence the animal, on account of the partial escape of the air through the artificial opening, place the hand over it, and thus compel the escape of the breath through the larynx, the proper channel. Fig. 5. The tube in use.
ERYSIPELAS
Is a specific, febrile, inflammatory disease of the skin and its subjacent tissues. Erysipelas mites (streptococcus erysipelatous) are said to be present. The disease is some times epizootic, and severe cases are frequently fatal. It is peculiar to the hind legs. The swelling is diffuse and is accompanied with eruption and great pain.
The disease differs from scarlet fever in that the swell ing is uniform and firm, not in patches ; from purpura in
46 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
that it is local and painful, not irregularly distributed and comparatively painless ; from acute farcy in that there are no corded lymphatics, and that the sores, when they exist, have no hard, circumscribed bases ; from lymphan gitis in that there are vesicles, sloughing sores, gangrene, and sometimes structural changes in the membrane of the mouth and upper air passages ; also that it frequently begins in the region of the hock, not in the inguinal (groin) region.
Remedy.—Aperients for irritation ; aconite for fever. Salines, potassium chlorate, with spirit of camphor. Hot fomentations for several hours ; then moisten with borax solution and laudanum. Hypodermic injections of anti septics sometimes limit swellings. Belladonna, internally and locally, paralyzes sensory nerves. Open all abscesses. Cleanliness, good sanitary surroundings, generous diet. Milk, eggs, beef tea, alcoholic stimulants. Ferric chlo ride solution, externally and locally, especially in weak patients ; also quinine. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.)
SCARLET FEVER (SCARLATINA),
Is characterized by fieabite-like scarlet spots on the mu cous membrane of the nose and mouth, scattered skin eruptions—sometimes suppurations—and sore throat and neck glands. It is a sequel of other diseases—epizootic catarrh, &c. Unlike human scarlatina, it is non-conta- gious. There are two forms—the simple, and the com plicated and severe. In the former the pulse varies from 60 to 70 ; in the latter 90 to 100, with great soreness of throat, a loud, moist cough, a yellowish-red mucous dis charge from the nose and mouth after each cough, &c.
Remedy.—Comfortable box; light, digestible, laxative food. Water, given with sodium sulphite and hyposul phite, as antiseptics. Ammonium acetate, spirit nitrous ether and camphor in draught, thrice daily, abate fever. Medicines given in electuary when swallowing is difficult.
PURPLE OR BLOOD FEVER.
47
Inhalation of hot water vapor, medicated with antiseptics or anodynes, relieve breathing. Fomentations, woolen cloths, soaked in hot water or hot oil, for sore throat. Fomen tations with hot water, mixed with sulphurous acid, for external swelling. Gargles of potassium chlorate, borax, or sulphurous acid lessen discharge and fetor from mouth and throat. Daily rubbing with vaselin or glycerine and water removes scaling crusts. Small doses of alcoholic stimulants, acid solutions of quinine or iron salts help recovery. Rest, carefully regulated, nutritive diet during convalescence. (For closes, see pages 13 to 29.)
PURPLE OR BLOOD FEVER (PURPURA HÆMORRHAGICA),
Is an eruptive, intermittent, non-contagious fever, usu ally, but not always, a sequel to another disease, as in fluenza, catarrh, or strangles. Blood issues from the flea- bite-like spots on the mucous membranes and a bloody whey from the skin swellings. The latter are painful, hot, hard, and shining, with small spots on the uncolored
![](Diseases_Of_The_Horse-5.jpg) Fig. 6. Head deformed by Purple Pig. 7. Leg of horse suffering from
Fever (Purpura Hæmorrhagica). same disease.
surfaces. Vesicles about the size of a pea appear on the lower part of the limbs, and cracks at the flexures of the
48 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
limbs, from which an unhealthy amber or purple colored discharge issues. The sheath, abdomen, breast, lips, nos trils, eyelids, &c., swell.
The disease is usually caused by blood contamination, but it may arise from defective drainage, ventilation, or bad food.
Remedy.—Potassium chlorate, 3 or 4 drams, 2 or 3 times daily ; then half doses ; usually given in drinking water. Iron salts, sulphate, perchloride ; quinine, oil of turpentine. Good hygienic conditions. Concentrated, nutritive diet ; oatmeal gruel, milk, eggs, alcoholic stim ulants. Swellings, when limited and about head, bathed with cold water and refrigerants ; when about throat, body, and legs, hot fomentations preferable, especially in cold weather. Avoid scarification unless swellings are large and causing inconvenience. Scrupulous cleanliness and antisenytic dressings while skin is ulcerating or sloughing. Open Windpipe if necessary. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.)
BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD FEVER (CEREBRO- SPINAL FEVER OR MENINGITIS),
Is a specific horse disease, characterized by congestion and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and their nerve centers, causing paralysis, dizziness, and sudden falling to the ground. The neck and dorsal (back) mus cles contract so violently as to sometimes draw the head back ; the eyes are wild and injected, the head tossed about, &c. The disease is probably caused by a specific poison. It is often enzootic or epizootic, and always dan gerous. In veterinary medicine ‘ enzootic’ and ‘ epizootic’ correspond to ‘ endemic’ and ‘ epidemic ’ in human med icine. Enzootic diseases are local, and are confined to as well as peculiar to (if not the product of) certain districts. Epizootics are general, and may spread from country to country, like the terrible influenza epizootic of 1872-73.
HORSE-POX AND DIPHTHERIA. 49
Remedy.—Slings if unable to stand. Full dose of aloes ; salines, laxative clyster injections, and mash diet. Small, repeated doses of alcohol and quinine for prostra tion. Counter-irritation to spine ; ammonia and soap lini ments; ice bag to spine. If urine is not passed freely, use catheter. Chloral hydrate and atrophine hypodermic- ally relieve spasms and pain. Also ergotin and atrophine. Iron salts and strychnine for paralysis. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.)
HORSE-POX (VARIOLA EQUINÆ),
Is a specific, contagious fever, depending on a microbe (mite) affecting the skin and mucous surfaces, and pass ing through papular, vesicular, and pustular stages. Rare. (Dun.) The fever is mild—continued or intermittent— and tends to self-cure.
Remedy.—Salines ; antiseptics internally, cooling, lax ative diet. Borax and sulphurous acid solutions abate irritation of aphthae (roundish, pearl-colored vesicles) in mouth and throat. Lead subacetate solution, with glyc erine and water, relieve skin eruptions. Isolate and dis infect. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.)
DIPHTHERIA
Is a specific fever, characterized by inflammation of the throat, accompanied by exudation and softening of mucous surfaces. Contagious. Affects horses and dogs occasion ally.
Remedy.—Ice sucked. Spray with chlorine, iodine, iodoform solutions. Ferric chloride tincture, internally and locally. Electuaries of boro-glycerine or glycerine of carbolic acid ; belladonna electuaries relieve congestive stage. Sodium sulphites and hyposulphites and sulpho- carbolates internally and locally. Salicylic acid and pilo- carpine aid in dissolving false membrane. Soft, nutritive food ; eggs, beef tea, alcohol. For doses, see pages 13 to
50 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
29. Boro-glycerine, or boro-glyceride, is made of 92 parts of glycerine to 62 of boric acid. Glycerine of carbolic acid is made of 1 part of the acid to 4 of glycerine.
A few fevers—more common to cattle than to horses— appear in Part II.
RABIES
Is a nervous, febrile disease, originating in the dog, occasionally in the cat, caused by a specific microbe (mite) in the saliva of the rabid animal. Pasteur has demon strated that dogs and other animals inoculated with cul tivated virus do not take the disease when bitten by a rabid dog, nor when inoculated with virus which would kill unprotected animals He also claims that the culti- vated virus is usually protective, if used shortly after the bite. (Dun. ) Speaking of Pasteur’s experiments Williams says : “If rabies be not of spontaneous origin, and if the experiments all turn out successful, there seems to be no reason why rabies should not be entirely extirpated.” But he thinks the disease is sometimes spontaneous. He fur ther says that Pasteur has succeeded “ in rendering ani mals absolutely proof against the poison of rabies."
Symptoms.—The disease is manifested in a variety of ways. Sometimes there is great apparent distress, sudden perspirations, unruliness, stamping and pawing violently, and finally becoming frantic and dangerous. Sometimes the horse will bite the wound, tearing the skin off ; in tolerance of light, nervousness, eyes fixed and staring, pupils dilated ; ears worked ; saliva abundant. There are intervals of quiet between the fits, but they become shorter and the fits more dangerous.
Remedy.—When the disease is developed, there is no cure, but excising the wound and then cauterizing it with caustic potash or silver nitrate may possibly prevent its development.
SPASMS, CONVULSIONS, PARALYSIS. 51
SPASMS AND CONVULSIONS.
Spasms are involuntary muscular contractions. When attended with pain, they are called cramp. When consist ing of alternate contractions and relaxations, they are called clonic spasm. When the rigidity is permanent, they are called tonic spasm, as in lock jaw. Convulsions are mus cular spasms of comparatively greater severity and extent than ordinary or local spasms, but are essentially the same in nature. The cause of the disorder is probably nervous disturbance. The fibers of a spasmed muscle feel hard and are shortened and swollen.
The disorder, which is rare, often attacks the hind legs, when it may be mistaken for spavin (concealed or not), hock disease, or patella dislocation. (The patella is the whirl-bone of the stifle joint. The whirl-bone corres ponds to the knee-cap in man.) The duration of the cramp varies from minutes to hours and hours to days. Relapses are common. Sometimes the disorder is of an epileptic character (fits).
Symptoms.—When of a limb, sudden lameness; limb may be dragged, or there may be both hopping and drag ging ; hind leg may be caught up and thrown out in an awkward manner ; standing position natural.
Remedy.—For ordinary cramp of leg, exercise. Chlo ral hydrate, 3 to 4 drams. Chloroform inhaled and swal- lowed. When of spinal origin, morphine subcutaneously (under the skin) ; spinal ice bag. When of cerebral (brain) origin, bromides or ammonia internally. Cold water or ice to head. When reflex, remove source of irritation. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.)
PARALYSIS (PARESIS, PALSY),
Or loss of motor power, is a symptom of disease rather than disease itself. It is nevertheless of great importance, for it is dangerous. It is of four kinds—general, unilat-
52 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
eral (one side), transverse (before or behind), and local. Traseverse paralysis, on account of its intimate relation to the spinal cord, is often called ‘ spinal paralysis.’ (Rob ertson.)
Paralysis is caused by falls or blows, fractures or inju ries, especially of the spine ; overwork, blood poisoning, grass staggers, the use of the vetch known as ‘ lathyrus sativus,’ &c. When horses are quartered in low, wet, cold pastures, especially where there is stagnant water and cold air currents, the disorder is liable to become epizootic. The attack is usually sudden. The hind legs are very susceptible to the disorder. It often affects first one leg and then the other. The sense of feeling as well as mo tion may be lost, which may be detected by pricks, pinches, or blows.
Symptoms —If of hind quarters, horse down, strug gling with fore feet to get up ; in extreme cases the rec tum and bladder are also paralyzed ; evacuations may be retained, but oftener pass involuntarily ; when retained, remove artificially.
In complete paralysis of side, horse down on affected side ; in incomplete, can stand and even drag itself along ; head, neck, loins, and hind quarters incline to one side ; affected eye sunken ; ear lops ; lips pendulous and drawn aside ; drinking and mastication difficult.
In paralysis of head, the face is distorted ; corners of mouth drawn upward ; mastication impracticable ; sight affected, but eyes retain power of motion. The disease called glass eye may follow paralysis of the head.
Remedy.—Rest, quiet. Light, digestible food. Salines, tonics. Friction, blisters, electricity, impart nervous and muscular tone. Potassium iodide and salines if dependent on pressure from fluid. Trephine and raise bone if from depression of cranial bones. Remove any gastric, uterine, or other local irritation, or blood contamination. Nux vomica and strychnine stimulate motor centers and nerves.
TETANUS OR LOCK-JAW.
53
When caused by embolism (blood clots or foreign bodies plugging vessels), or by thrombosis (escape of a fluid and the injury caused thereby) treat the first by rest, concen trated, rather spare diet, and ammonia salts ; the second by refrigerant applications or fomentations, bitters, and scarification when the swelling causes inconvenience. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.)
TETANUS (LOCK-JAW),*
Has four forms. 1. Cramp of the muscles of the face and neck, causing the jaws to close ; the most common form. 2. Cramp of the muscles of the back and loins, causing elevation of the head and sinking of the loins. 3. Bending the body and neck forward, with arching of the spine. 4. Bending the body laterally.
![](Diseases_Of_The_Horse-6.jpg) Fig. 8. Testing Tetanus. When the head is raised the haw projects over
the eye.
The exact nature of the disease is still a matter of dis pute. Some horses seem to be predisposed to it. The nerve centers chiefly if not solely affected are the medulla oblongata and spinal cord. The medulla oblongata lies between and connects the brain and spinal cord.
* Lock-jaw is only one of four different forms of Tetanus. This important fact should be borne in mind ; otherwise an intelligent diagnosis (determina tion) of the disease is impossible.
54 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
The disease is either acute or chronic. The acute form, which usually results from wounds, is rapid in its course and very dangerous. It is perhaps sometimes spontaneous and epizootic. It attacks young as well as old. and lasts from one to three or four weeks. When curable, the turn comes in about ten days.
The disease has many causes. A nail in the foot, a mere tread, punctures, amputation of the tail, docking, saddle galls, castration, especially where caustic clamps are used ; intestinal irritation, either from foreign bodies or parasites ; sudden changes of temperature, especially after clipping ; strychnine internally or injected ; in fact, any violence. It may occur even after a wound has healed. Dun says the “ involuntary tonic (rigid) muscular spasms " of tetanus are probably caused by a microbe. The mites would cause irritation of course.
![](Diseases_Of_The_Horse-7.jpg) Fig. 9. Feeding a horse suffering with chronic Tetanus. A catheter passed through the nostril to the stomach; gruel pumped in.
Symptoms.—First stage: Neck, back, and loins stiff; appetite lost; swallowing difficult; lips about natural; discharge of saliva; jaws refuse to separate naturally; grinding of teeth ; nose elevated and slightly protruded ; facial muscles twitch; excitable, irritable; throws head
TETANUS—MEGRIMS. 55
up if touched; eyes watchful, brilliant, the haws, their natural shield, shooting across the eyeballs; pulse little increased, but rather hard and incompressible.
Second stage : Muscles cramped generally; head drawn upward and backward, presenting deer-like aspect; hence the name “ stag-evil;" tail elevated and tremulous ; limbs stretched ; countenance haggard, ghastly ; eyes wild, star ing, protruded, haws shooting over balls, if excited ; other wise dull and sunken ; ears erect, rigid; nose protruded ; nostrils dilated ; gait hobbling; jaws more firmly locked, &c, &c.
Third stage : Symptoms much the same, but intensified, and distress more general. Sometimes the windpipe is opened to prevent suffocation. Fatal.
Remedy.—Put in dark box; perfect quiet; loosely in slings. Aloes, aided by nutritive mashes, gruel, molasses. Salines in drinking water, kept within reach. Will suck up sloppy food even when the jaws are closed. Foment or poultice wound; remove any cause of irritation and apply anodynes. Powdered opium and cannabis indica extract, 30 grains each, softened by admixture of ammo nium acetate solution, 3 times daily among molar teeth. Bromides and chloral hydrate give temporary, sometimes permanent relief. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.)
MEGRIMS (VERTIGO, DIZZINESS, STAGGERS),
Is brain disturbance (cerebral congestion). Its usual cause is tight or badly fitting collars. This seems to be proved by the fact that horses subject to it are free of it if worked with a band across their breast; further, by the fact that loosening the collar soon stops a fit. If the collar is not loosened manually, the horse will plunge about till it falls, and thus loosen it itself. The disease has other causes, such as general plethora (too much blood) increased action of the heart, disturbed vaso-motor (vessel movement) activity, &c.
56 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
Symptoms.—Stops suddenly; shakes head either from side to side or upward and downward; head sometimes turned aside; head and throat vessels distended, their
![](Diseases_Of_The_Horse-8.jpg) Fig. 10. Characteristic look after repeated attacks of Megrims.
respective muscles twitching rapidly ; eyes stare; nostrils dilated; breathing rapid or stertorous; fore legs often wide apart, as if for support; skin damp from perspiration. Remedy.—Treat as above stated. Cold water on head. Walking exercise. Hand-rubbing of body and legs. Mod erate bleeding or physic sometimes useful.
LYMPHANGITIS OR WEED (SWELLED LEGS),
Is inflammation of the lymphatic glands, absorbent ves sels and blood vessels, especially of the legs. It is pecu liar, as the name indicates, to lymphatic temperaments. It is attributed to general disturbance of function, especi ally digestion and assimilation. Overfeeding and idleness, cold and wet, nails in the feet, inherent tendency, he redity, &c, are predisposing causes. The blood abounds in serum (a greenish yellow fluid). The second day after it is drawn the clot will swim in it. In repeated attacks the skin becomes thick and rough, as in ‘elephantiasis.’ Sometimes abscesses dot the limb, especially the inner
LYMPHANGITIS OR WEED.
57
part. In chronic cases the lymph glands are sometimes filled with calcareous material, grating when cut into.
The swelling of the limb is sudden, and usually reaches its hight in from 24 to 48 hours, remaining stationary equally long before declining. Any limb is susceptible to the disease, but it is a curious as well as interesting fact that the one usually affected is the left hind leg.
Symptoms.—Leg swollen, tolerably firm, hot, painful and sometimes moist, the swelling being from above down ward; when severe, drops of a yellowish fluid bedew the skin ; fever active, and sometimes ushered in by shivering fits; pulse 75 to 95, the artery being tense and cord-like; in severe cases the breathing is hurried, short, catching; internal temperature increased from two to five degrees; mouth clammy ; bowels inclined to be confined ; urine— not at first increased in quantity—is of a higher specific gravity than natural; appetite more or less impaired, with increased desire for fluids ; slight restlessness, sometimes simulating colicky pains; anxious countenance; looks back repeatedly.
Remedy.—Bleed robust subjects and where fever is acute. Purge, laxative injections, and salines in drinking water. Bran mashes. Aconite for acute fever. Hot fomen tations for several hours; then swathe legs lightly in woolen or hay bandages. If tender and painful, moisten with soap liniment and laudanum. Clothe well in cold weather. Stimulants where preliminary rigor is severe or continued. Exercise is injurious during acute symptoms, but service able later.
In hard-worked and debilitated subjects, bleeding and aconite unsuitable. Give them a half dose of physic and salines ; foment leg; turpentine and alcoholic stimulants.
Aid reduction of swelling by exercise, followed by mod erate work. Smart friction of leg daily, with oil. Diu retics and tonics; iodine or potassium iodide internally; laxative diet and green food.
58
THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
Careful regulation of food, work, and rest diminish the chances of relapses. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.)
HERNIA (RUPTURE),
Is a tumor or enlargement in any part of the body, caused by the protrusion, by rupture, of a viscus or part through its natural cavity. When the part can be re turned to its proper cavity, the hernia is called i reduci ble:’ when it cannot, it is ' irreducible;’ when it in terferes with the circulation, it is ‘ strangulated.’ The kind or name of the hernia depends on the part affected. The most common and important kind is
INGUINAL (GROIN) AND SCROTAL HERNIA.
It occurs in stallions, but is rare in geldings. It is comparatively rare in this country and England, but in France, Germany, India, Arabia, &c, where castration is but little practiced, it is common. The causes are over straining of any kind, kicks, &c, but the latter is very rare. It rarely exists on both sides at once. It is peculiar to the right. Sometimes it is imperceptible, the small intestines, which are the cause of it, not protruding fur ther than the inguinal canal. In this case feel for them. When the intestines descend to the scrotum, the hernia is called ' scrotal hernia.’ Castration is necessary to a permanent cure.
When the hernia is imperceptible, the following are the
Symptoms.—Indisposition to work; head erected; ap petite impaired; pain succeeding, animal breathes deeply, paws, and assumes various postures for relief. Sometimes the horse seems to be suffering from fatigue ; at length pulse becomes thready ; eyes reddened and pupils dilated; inflammation causes slight colic.
The symptoms of scrotal hernia are very distinct, but as the disorder is visible and the services of a surgeon are necessary, a description of them is superfluous A
NAVEL AND BELLY HERNIA—FISTULA. 59
case is recorded wherein the scrotum hung down nearly to the hocks.
Sometimes hernia follows castration, caused by straining perhaps. Frequently it is congenital, disappearing in from three to six months. It may exist in the fetus (fœtus.)
Remedy.—Cast, and return the bowel by hand, and if need be by application of ice or refrigerants. If this fails, enlarge constricting ring. Covered castration operation in stallion.
UMBILICAL (NAVEL) HERNIA
Is protrusion of a part of a bowel through the navel. It is peculiar to the young, and is common in breeding districts. Many require no treatment at all; others do, for they sometimes cause death. In serious cases send for a veterinary surgeon.
Remedy.—Fast for several hours; cast, place on the back, and return the protruded part. Retain in position by stitches, clamps of wood or iron, skivers or elastic lig ature. Cantharides blister applied to adjacent skin causes swelling, and in slight cases shuts up opening.
VENTRAL (BELLY) HERNIA
Is caused by kicks, staking, the thrust of a horn, or other violence. It is rarely dangerous. When small and recent, the opening is usually closed by a blister. When necessary, after returning the part, cut down and stitch the opening.
Cases of artificial anus are recorded in both belly and navel hernia. Hernia of the bladder is recorded. It was as large as a man’s fist, and was separated from and hung below the scrotum.
FISTULA,
A narrow, suppurating canal, may be internal or ex ternal, superficial or deep-seated, complete or incomplete,
60
THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
that is, have an external or internal opening only, or both. The canal may be short or a foot or more in length. Fistulæ (pleural of fistula) are caused by diseased bone, cartilage, tendon, &c, and are hard to heal.
Remedy.—Before pus is formed, reduce inflammation with cold water to the part; then iodine and a purge; do not puncture. After pus is formed, enlarge the canal with a knife ; pass seton or otherwise provide dependent opening. Remove diseased bone or other irritant. En courage healing of wound from below. Where the knife is unsuitable, inject saturated solution of corrosive subli mate, or sulphate of copper or zinc Where milder treat ment fails, slough out ulcerating surfaces and secreting walls with corrosive sublimate or arsenic plug. Dress with carbolic acid or other antiseptic. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.)
POLL-EVIL
Is a fistulous ulcer at the poll of the neck, near the ears. From a simple swelling it develops into a tumor, from a tumor into an abscess, and from an abscess into deep- seated, chasm-like ulcers. It is caused by tight bearing-
![](Diseases_Of_The_Horse-9.jpg) Fig. 11. Poll-Evil; ready for operation.
reins, blows, bruises, pressure, friction, &c A stiff and hard halter or other headgear or collar may cause fric-
FISTULA IN THE WITHERS. 61
tion, and a low doorway or loft floor may cause bruises. The disease is slow and hard to cure. It will penetrate to the bone, and has been known to cause pressure upon the brain.
As poll-evil is the result of mismanagement, its best remedy is the avoidance of the cause. For remedy, see ‘ Fistula’ (page GO).
FISTULA IN THE WITHERS,
Like poll-evil, is the result of mismanagement and in juries. The withers are usually injured by saddles, har ness-pads, and collars. In chronic cases, or what may be called the third stage, the disease will penetrate to and cause disease of the bone, as in poll-evil.
The first stage of the fistula is a tumor. It may be swelled, hot, and tender, or it may be indolent, mani festing neither heat nor tenderness. The former requires a cooling lotion, applied with linen; the latter, which usually has an eschar (crust or scab) on its summit, re quires a bagged bran poultice, confined by a surcingle.
![](Diseases_Of_The_Horse-10.jpg) Fig. 12. Fistulous Withers; worst stage.
The formation of pus may be called the second stage of the disease. Some of the sinuses or holes are of such depth that ordinary probes are useless. When practicable, the abscess should be laid open, to afford vent for the pus. When not practicable, a counter-opening may ac-
02 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
complish this purpose. When practicable, setons in the fistulous canals will not only keep the apertures open, but will aid healthy granulation. Carious bone, cartilage, or ligament should be removed. Remedy.—See 'Fistula.’
FISTULOUS PAROTID DUCT
Is rare. It is a sinuous opening, communicating with the interior of the duct, through which saliva is dis charged, especially during mastication. In chronic cases the duct becomes so enlarged by the accumulation of saliva that, instead of being comparable to a goose quill, it will admit the finger. The situation of the fistula may be the angle of the bone, the inner border of the jaw, or the side of the cheek. The discharge of saliva proclaims the nature of the case. The causes of the disease are abscess of the gland, strangles (the disease), and injuries of all kinds.
Remedy.—Percivall cured two cases with the follow ing injection : Lunar caustic, ½ dram; nitric acid, 1 dram; distilled water, 1 ounce. Judging by experience, he recommends that the quantity of water be doubled. In the second case treated by him, the gland was de stroyed. Distilled water is made as follows : Take of water 10 gallons; distill 2 pints of impurities and throw them away; then distill 8 gallons. Put in glass bottles. Dis tillation is the operation by which, with the aid of heat and closed vessels, the volatile or liquid parts of bodies are sep arated from the fixed or solid. Distillation is purification.
FISTULA OF THE ANUS,
When on account of the friction caused by the action of the muscles of the tail, is greatly benefited by confin ing the tail to a rope fastened around the neck, the same as horse dealers do when they link their horses together for traveling. (Percivall.)
DIABETES, RHEUMATISM. 63
DIABETES (POLYURIA),
Is a complex morbid condition, originating in or closely connected with certain disturbances in the process of as similation, evidenced by excessive secretion of urine, great and persistent thirst, rapid emaciation and loss of energy, and in one form (the serious) characterized by the pres ence of saccharine (sugar) material in the urine. (Rob ertson.) Musty pats or hay, badly saved fodder, malted barley, impure water, &c., are predisposing causes. A horse has been known to drink 38 gallons of Water in 5 hours. (Percivall.)
Remedy.—Half dose of physic. Iodine with potassium iodide. With iodine alternate or conjoin iron salts. Chalk or whiting in manger for acidity. Phosphoric acid and bitters lessen thirst. Change food. Moderate supply of water, with which mix sodium bicarbonate and wheaten flour or oatmeal. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.)
RHEUMATISM
Is an inflammation of the fibrous structures of the joints, tendons, ligaments, sheaths of muscles, or of the heart and closed cavities, caused by a specific condition of the blood, and accompanied by fever, stiffness, and lameness. It is shifting or erratic in its character. (Williams) It is believed to depend on the accumulation in the body of some product of nutritive derangement, probably lactic (milk) acid. (Dun.) Cold, dampness, predisposition, the debility caused by other diseases, and heredity are its chief causes perhaps.
Remedy.—Alkalies, potassium bicarbonate and nitrate in drinking water. Ammonium acetate and colchicum. Hot fomentations or flannels wrung out of hot water or oil to affected parts. Then moisten with aconite, opium, or other anodynes. When acute symptoms abate, quinine, arsenic, Donovan’s solution internally. Quiet, comforta-
64
THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
ble quarters. Flannels soaked with hot oil and alkaline solutions, kept on for 1 or 2 hours, for stiffness and swell ing. Then soap liniment. Light work. If mild reme dies fail, apply cantharides ointment. Actual cautery sometimes required in chronic articular (joint) rheumatism. No bleeding. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.) Actual cau tery means the application of a red hot iron.
BARRENNESS.
Remedy.—Change diet and surroundings. Exercise. Alteratives; potassium iodide; phosphorus and canthar- ides, small doses. Gradual reducing of fat, plethoric sub jects. Good diet and tonics for debilitated. Dilate os uteri if it be impervious. Change male. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.) The 'os uteri’ is the mouth of the womb.
DROPSIES,
Says Percivall, may arise from general or local plethora, obstructed circulation, deficient absorption, or a thin or watery condition of the blood. They are either external or internal, acute or chronic External dropsy is a col lection of watery fluid in the cellular membrane beneath the skin. In internal dropsy the fluid fills the cavities of the body—the chest, belly, head, &c
Dropsy is the result of vascular (vessel) disturbance. Vascular disturbance is therefore the exciting cause of dropsy; debility is the predisposing cause.
“ Turned out " horses are often dropsical. They ex change a warm atmosphere for a cold and moist one, a generous for a low diet, and sometimes wholesome for unwholesome water.
DROPSIES.
65
DROPSY OF THE ABDOMEN OR PERITONEUM (ASCITES),
The peritoneum is a watery membrane lining the ab dominal cavity. Anything that disturbs its healthy action, such as disease of the liver, heart, kidneys, spleen, or omentum (a prolongation of the peritoneum); improper or insufficient food, exposure to cold, &c., may cause dropsy. It is sometimes complicated with hydrothorax and dropsy of the pericardium—a sequel sometimes of the latter. The pale, straw-colored fluid—aggregating gallons —is sometimes mixed with flakes of lymph. The disease is peculiar to the young rather than the old.
Symptoms.—Dull; if in the field, alone; appetite and general condition bad; disposed to rest; abdomen becomes gradually pendulous; pulse weak and rather frequent; membranes blanched. These symptoms may become in tensified and multiplied, the swelling extending to the limbs, &c. When the liver is much diseased, the urine is always scanty and biliary; when the kidneys are dis eased, it is charged with albumen.
Remedy.—Diuretics, salines, oil of turpentine. Digi talis in heart complications. Combat liver complications. (See liver diseases.) Tapping gives relief.
Shelter, good food, some exercise. Cautious use of prep arations of iron. When bowels confined, moderate doses of aloes at long intervals, or sulphate of soda steadily. For albumen in urine, perchloride or sulphate of iron, with dilute sulphuric acid, alternated with solution of iodine or iodide of potassium—one in morning, other at night—using diuretics, if at all, sparingly. Remove local swelling by fomentation, smart friction, with simple oil, and moderate exercise. For chronic, debilitated cases, 2, 3, or even 4 ounces cod-liver oil, twice a day, mixed with 4 or 5 eggs. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.)
66 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
DROPSIES, GENERAL (ANASARCA),
Swell the legs, sheath, breast, belly, lips, eyelids, &c. They are often the result of either constitutional disease or deficiency and poverty of blood. They are external— beneath the skin—but in chronic cases there may be in ternal accumulations also, and sometimes sympathetic in flammation of the air passages. The latter is a very dan gerous complication. The swellings have a soft feel and pit on pressure. Dullness, loss of appetite, strength, and flesh, short and difficult breathing, and frequent and in distinct pulse are characteristic symptoms.
Remedy.—Turkish baths. Digitalis infusion and strych nine are useful in most dropsies, especially in dropsy of the heart, in which give with salines. Copaiba in heart and liver cases. Laxatives and potassium iodide in kid ney cases. Encourage vicarious functions of bowels and skin in kidney cases. Iron and salines for lack of blood. Friction, shampooing, external stimulants. Draw off water with trocar. Also with aspirator (injection-like syringe). Acupuncture (the introduction of needles into the living tissues for remedial purposes.)
For doses, see pages 18 to 29.
DROPSY OF THE SCROTUM (HYDROCELE),
Is rare.
Remedy.—Evacuate by trocar and canula. Injection of iodine or other astringent solution.
SEROUS ABSCESS
Is a kind of dropsy. It is usually situated on the outer side of the thigh, in front of the stifle, the breast, the shoulder, and the arm. Though circumscribed, the ab scesses are occasionally of considerable size. Their shape is ovoid, flattened upon the surface. They have a soft, fluctuating feel, and, when punctured, emit a jet of straw-
GLANDERS AND FARCY.
67
colored fluid, very like the serum (water or whey) of the blood. They are caused by blows or other contusions. Percivall suggests that there may be another kind of serous abscess—one that arises spontaneously.
Remedy.—Do not attempt to disperse these tumors. Lance them. Inject with one of the following mixtures : 1. White vitriol. 1 scruple; distilled water, 1 ounce. 2. Lunar caustic, 1 scruple; distilled water, 1 ounce. Or pass a seton through the enlargement. After the injec tion, or after the withdrawal of the seton, a compress and roller will agglutinate the sides of the cavity. The seton should be retained only till healthy pus is produced. In some cases, especially where a bandage cannot be kept on nor a seton be inserted, sloughing the sac with a sharp escharotic (caustic), such as powdered blue vitriol, is the best means of cure. (Percivall.)
GLANDERS AND FARCY
Is a malignant, contagious, and fatal disease, due to the introduction into the animal economy, or of genera tion within it, of a virus (said by Dr. Struck of Berlin to consist of an organism, the ‘ Bacillus mallei.’ about the same size as those of tuberculosis), which, infecting the whole system, shows specific effects on the nasal mem brane, the lungs, and the lymphatic glands and ducts. It originates spontaneously in the horse, ass, and mule, and is transmissible to sheep, goats, dogs, cats, mice, and rabbits; also to man, in whom the virus seems to increase in malignancy. Cattle, swine, and fowl resist it, even when inoculated. It may occur under at least four forms— acute and chronic glanders; acute (bud) and chronic (button) farcy. (Williams.)
Old age, bad food and management, overwork, exhaust ing diseases, such as diabetes insipidus; specific miasmatic
68
THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
or animal poisons, especially those of overcrowded stables, &c; are believed to be predisposing causes of glanders.
The discharge from the nostrils caused by caries of the nasal bones and the roots of the upper molar teeth (the back molars), is sometimes mistaken for glanders. This need not be if the following facts are noted : In glanders the discharge, at first, is never fetid ; in caries it is ahvays fetid. In glanders, however, the discharge becomes very offensive in the course of time. The latter fact is very valuable in a diagnostic point of view.
When described as distinct diseases, glanders is said to affect the nasal membrane, farcy the skin.
Remedy.—Dress farcy buds with mercuric iodide oint ment or stick of silver nitrate. Sodium hyposulphite; iron and copper sulphates; arsenic internally. Liberal diet; exercise desirable, except in acute cases. Isolate from healthy animals; disinfect. Treatment only pallia tive. Better slaughter. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.)
OSTEOPOROSIS (HARDENING),
Consists in the excessive development of the tissues which occupy the canals and cells of bones, while at the same time the actual quantity of bony matter remains unaltered. (Rokitansky.) From perverted nutrition the bones are thus swollen and brittle. The cartilaginous tissues, and even the teeth, undergo similar degeneration. The disease occurs in horses, cattle, and sheep.
Incurable. Prevention consists in furnishing food con taining a proper proportion of all the elements of nutrition.
FLYBLOW (Magots from),
If neglected, may result in death. Sheep suffer more perhaps than horses.
Remedy.—Turpentine; tar oil; corrosive sublimate solution.
RICKETS. 69
RICKETS (RACHITIS),
Is faulty development and softening (causing bending) of the bones of young animals, depending on disordered nutrition of the osseous (bony) tissue ; in fact, to the mal- assimilation and non-development of the materials neces sary to the formation of bone — namely, phosphate and carbonate of lime.
Rickets appears when the patient is a few weeks or months old, and is caus ed by constitutional debil ity, scrofulous taint, or by external and preventable causes. Thus we find it in calves that are not al lowed to suckle their moth er, and in foals that suckle but two or three times a day, the mother being at work. Young animals fed on artificial food instead of milk, and not allowed prop er exercise, or reared under any unnatural conditions, are liable to become rick- Fig. 13 Rickets in humerus of dog. ety.
Remedy.—Nourishing diet. Milk, crushed oats, with linseed, for horses, cattle, sheep, swine. Milk, meat soup, cod-liver oil for dogs. In sucking animals, see to quality and quantity of milk. An aperient or antacids will rec tify digestive derangement. Calcium phosphate ; Parrish’s food ; iron salts ; healthy surroundings. Splints and ban dages if needed. (For doses, see pages 13 to 29.)
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