the effect is apt to be mistaken for the cause, and the symptoms for the disease. Hide boun I and lampas are not in themselves any thing more than effects, or symptoms; the former being commonly, and the latter being always, dependent on a deranged state of the stomach: both are, therefore, to be treated accordingly. Exactly the same will apply to all the other symptoms of morbid condition. SUBSECT. 2. Inflammatory Diseases of the Horse. 6426. The inflammatory diseases of the horse are numerous, but his fevers are few; a febrile state being generally brought on by the inflammation of some important organ. Inflammation may be considered as general or diffused, and local or confined, and both seem to arise from an affection of the bloodvessels, and perhaps from a peculiar state of the blood itself. 6427. General or diffused inflammation constitutes fever or extensive inflammatory affection, and appears to consist in an increased action of the heart and arteries, accompanied with an increase of heat. In some instances where the fever is purely symptomatic, and dependent on the inflammation of some important organ, as of the lungs or the intestines, the circulation appears retarded rather than increased, from interruption arising to its passage through the heart. 6428. Local or confined inflammation is also dependent on an affection of the blood-vessels, but confined principally to the blood vessels of the part affected. It is betokened by redness in the skin, tumour or swelling, heat, and tenderness, with pain. Inflammations, both diffused and local, are brought on by excitements, such as over-feeding, excessive heat, the reaction produced after cold, and the reaction produced by inordinate exertion. Those more exterior arise from injuries, the application of improper substances, &c. Inflammations terminate in various ways; but it is to be remarked, that in consequence of the very large circulatory system in the horse, his febrile affections rage higher, and terminate sooner, than in man. The usual termination of inflammatory affections in the horse is, by resolution, effusion, suppuration, and gangrene. Schirrus is not at all a common terinination of inflammation in the horse. 6429. Inflammation of the brain (phrenitis), brain fever, phrensy fever, staggers, mad and sleepy. There are few diseases more likely to be mistaken by inexperienced farriers than this; it is not to be wondered at, therefore, if indifferent persons should be led into error by it. It appears in two forms, a violent frantic one, and a sleepy lethargic one; and the latter appearance is also common to a disease, not dependent, as this is, on idiopathic inflammation of the brain, but on a paralytic affection of the stomach, and thence it is called stomach staggers. This latter affection, however, may be distinguished from the former by attending to the colour of the eyelids, nose linings, mouth, &c., which, in stomach staggers, are usually more yellow than red; whereas, in sleepy staggers, they are more red than yellow. Inflammation of the brain shows itself, in general cases, by disinclination to food and motion, drowsiness, accompanied by a heaviness and closing of the eyelids, with moisture and redness of them; and also of the linings of the mouth and nose. Sometimes these symptoms increase until the horse becomes comatose, and after a few frightful struggles, he sinks to rise no more. In these cases the pulse is apt to be oppressed instead of increased; but most frequently after the first stages he becomes furious, plunges about, and is vicious to himself and others, approaching to a state of madness, in which state he continues till he sinks from his own exertions, when he rises again to renew his violence. 6430. The causes of staggers may be various: the immediate are either an original accumulation of blood within the brain, or the translation of the inflammation of some organ to the brain; as a remote cause it is often brought on by too full feeding, without sufficient exercise, and particularly in horses at one time working very hard, and at another suffered to remain inactive, but which horses, whether used or not, are equally fed. Sudden cold, violence, &c., may bring it on. 6431. The treatment of staggers should be begun by abstracting a very large quantity of blood promptly, by opening both jugulars, and letting the horse bleed to the amount of ten or even twelve quarts; repeat ing the same until the delirium ceases. After the first bleeding, back rake, throw up a laxative clyster (Fet. Pharm. 6564), blister the head, promote a current of free air in the stable, and treat altogether as directed under other febrile affections. 6432. Locked jaw, stag-evil, or tétanus, arises from cold, excessive fatigue, sometimes perhaps from worms, but more often from a wound of some part, as pricks in shoeing, &c. Such wound is seldom in a recent state, but after two or three weeks' continuance, sometimes after it has healed even; it follows docking, gelding, and nicking frequently, and is preceded by a flabby unhealthy state of the wound. It is not always produced by an open wound; it is sometimes consequent on a bruise, strain, &c.; and is sometimes brought on by cold, violent exertions, &c. &c. It appears as an affection of the brain, which transmits its morbid irritation, particularly to the nerves attached to muscles, by which they become cramped, or may be considered as in a high state of action, giving the horse a peculiar look of energy, as though immediately stopped from full speed, with his nostrils extended, his head raised, and nose carried forward; his legs straddle wide, and his tail is cocked and quivers, as after violent exercise. The jaws will now be found, if not closed, yet nearly so, when he is called jaw-set. 6433. The treatment is not often successful; but, however, it is sufficiently frequent that it is so, to deserve the utmost attention. Blaine informs us that enormous bleedings have succeeded; but he places his principal dependence on the application of cold by the means of ice, or of constant dashing with cold water, with an active blister applied the whole length of the spine. Balls of camphor and opium, to the amount of two drachms of each, may be given every three hours. If any room remains in the mouth, the ball may be passed up by means of a stick, or it may be given as a drink by means of a syringe; and even when the mouth is entirely closed, he informs us we may give a drink by the nostrils. Moorcroft used cold also. Fearon, on the contrary, has experienced benefit from a bath, heated to ninety degrees, and kept at that temperature for three hours. White recommends camphor and opium. Wilkinson, of Newcastle, has been very successful by keeping up heat and stimulus over the skin in general, by means of newly stripped sheepskins put on hot. Perhaps if the body were previously rubbed with oil of turpentine one part, and common oil two parts, it might assist Wilkinson's plan. When locked jaw arises from nicking, it might be prudent for a veterinary surgeon to dissect down on the nerves of the tail, and divide them; and when from docking, it would be advisable at once to cut off another portion of the tail; which practices, in both instances, would afford a moderate chance of saving the animal. It is necessary further to remark, that it is of great consequence that the bowels be kept free from fæces, by raking and clysters. With regard to the latter they are very important in this disease, as a medium, commonly the only one, of giving support. A horse has been kept alive on nourishing clysters alone for seven or eight days. (Vet. Pharm. 6566.) 6484 Catarrhal fever, epidemic catarrh, influenza, distemper, cold, morfoundering, &c. These names apply to one common disease, which often in rainy, variable seasons appears as an epidemic, and affects thousands of horses at once. It is observed to be particularly prevalent in this form in the spring of some years, more than of others. It is not contagious, like the more malignant form, but is brought on as an epidemic by the same causes being applied to nearly all subjects alike; which are alternations of heat with cold, moisture, and dryness, &c. In crowded cities and large towns it is more prevalent than in more open situations, and it is more frequently found in the young than in aged horses. Where it does not exist as an epidemic, it is brought on by an accidental cold taken. It is of great consequence to distinguish it from pure inflammation of the lungs, with which it is very apt to be confounded; and which mistake is often å fatal one, from the treatment being in some essential particulars different. Inflamma tion of the lungs commences by a short cough, without much other disturbance to the health than the pain it gives the horse to cough; but which is often so considerable as to make him stamp his feet while coughing. If a horse in the distemper coughs early, it is not a hollow, harsh-sounding, and distressing cough of this kind; if he expresses uneasiness, it is principally from a sore throat, which is very common BOOK VII. DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 979 in distemper, but by no means common in pneumonia. The sore throat in distemper gives the horse a 6435. The treatment may in some cases be cut very short; for as in almost every instance a shivering fit begins the disease, so when many horses are in a stable, and the disease is very prevalent, those who have not been attacked should be watched, and the moment such an attack does take place, give of sweet spirit of nitre, or when not at hand of spirit of hartshorn, an ounce, in a pint of sound ale. Exercise the horse briskly, then well hand rub him, clothe him warmly, and it is more than probable that the disease will be cut short. But should it proceed, or should the disease have gone on unobserved to the appearance of the symptom detailed, begin by bleeding moderately, if the horse be not already weak, or if there have not appeared the running of matter from the nose. If there have, the bleeding had better be dispensed with, unless the fever appear, from the quick full pulse and redness of the inner surface of the nostrils and eyelids, to be still so considerable as to require it; in which case we must not be deterred from one moderate bleeding; and which, if the febrile symptoms do not abate, may be even repeated. It will, however, in general cases, be advisable to avoid bleeding after the second day of the attack, or after the discharge has appeared from the nose, or after considerable weakness has come on. In all cases a very cool temperature is essentially requisite: hot stables or hot clothing is very per. A hood is not improper over the head, because it encourages the nicious, but particularly the former. running to make an early appearance; and for this reason a warm mash may advantageously be hung round the neck three or four times a day. Before the discharge commences, give night and morning the fever powder (Vet. Pharm. 6578. No. 1. or 2) in a mash or drink; after the running has come on, or as soon as the weakness has become considerable, give night and morning either of the fever drinks. Pharm. 6579, No. 3. or 4.) Malt mashes, when the weakness is great, are proper; at other times bran mashes with plenty of chilled water are best. To relieve the throat, rub the outside with mild liquid blister (Vet. Pharm. 6563.); and if the weather be warm enough to allow it, two or three hours turning out in a field each day is proper. Green meat in the stable, when it can be procured, should likewise be given. (Vet. 6436. Malignant epidemic, murrain, or pest. Now and then the distemper or influenza assumes a character of uncommon malignance; which is happily not frequent here, but not unfrequent in con tinental countries; sweeping off a third of the horses and kine, without any means being found sufficient to arrest its progress. In these cases it is highly contagious, attacking almost all the horses as well as cattle within its sphere of action, or which communicate with each other. Dr. Layard, and Osmer, English writers of established reputation, noticed the appearances of this disease long ago; and their descriptions are not different from the milder kind noticed (6434.) but in degree. The throat is intensely sore, and the mouth ulcerated; the glands of the head swell, and sometimes these and other parts sup purate and burst. The matter from the nose is bloody, and the stench intolerable; the weakness is also peculiarly great, and shows itself early. 6437. The treatment recommended by Blaine is the early use of malt mashes; even ale is indispensable. Green meat should be allowed, and a very cool stall is necessary, having a free communication with the As medicine, three doses are necessary, every day, of the malignant epidemic fever drink (Vet. open air. Pharm 6582.); half a pint of yeast with a pint of ale has been given, with good effect, three times a day; also, to prevent the infection from spreading, fumigate the stables and all the outhouses with the preven tive fumigation. (Vet. Pharm. 6583.) SUBSECT. 3. Diseases of the Head. 6438. Epilepsy, megrims, sturdy, or turnsick, are epileptic attacks of greater or less violence, and which are apt to be confounded with the accidental strangulation that sometimes takes place, from a collar too The epileptic fit makes its appearance by a sudden stop; tight, or from driving a horse hard up hill, &c. if the horse be in action he shakes his head, looks wild and irresolute, but after some time he proceeds; when more violent, he suddenly falls down, is convulsed, dungs and stales insensibly, and remains some time before he recovers. This disease, like staggers, is generally the consequence of too full a habit; and is, therefore, best relieved by bleeding, and a more moderate diet; and, where it is convenient, a run at grass should be allowed to alter the habit. 6459. The diseases of the horse's cyes are not numerous, but they are very destructive. The principal are ophthalmia and gutta serèna. 6440. The ophthalmia, lunatic, or moon-blindness, is a very peculiar disease among horses, affecting their eyes generally about their full growth, but sometimes later, and seldom earlier. It is but little known among mules and asses, and unknown in oxen and sheep. It does not, however, appear to be a disease natural to the horse, as wild ones, or even those little subjected to artificial restraints, are not observed to be subject to it: but among others, it is become so common as to have the tendency handed down in the breed, the progeny of some stallions being more prone to it than others. It is often very sudden in its attack, the eyelids being found swelled and almost closed to avoid the light; they are also very red within, and the haw is half drawn over the surface; the tears flow down the face perpetually, and the whole head is hot now and then these appearances come on gradually. The suddenness of the attack makes the complaint to be attributed to accident, as blows, hay-seeds within the eye, &c.; and it is frequently difficult to get the owner of such a horse to believe that a constitutional attack, as it usually is, can When such an attack has taken place, come on so suddenly. Sometimes as it comes on quickly, so it goes off, the eye, from being opaque and milky, in twenty-four hours becoming clear and almost well. even if nothing be done, the horse sooner or later amends, and the eye or eyes, for it is sometimes one, and sometimes both that are so attacked, become again clear and well, and remain so an indefinite period, from five or six weeks to as many months. Another attack, however, sooner or later follows, to which others succeed, each leaving increased milkiness on the outer coats, and some dimness within the pupil, either speck-like or diffused; and finally the horse becomes blind from cataract. When one eye goes blind totally before the other, it is often the means of preventing the future attack on the remaining one; which has given rise to a custom of putting out one eye to save the other, and which has succeeded. As this is a constitutional disease, brought on by artificial habits, as over-exertion, close unhealthy confinement, and heating food; so it is clear the abstraction of all these are necessary to remove the complaint, and to prevent a recurrence; but particularly the close, dark, and unventilated state of the stable should be attended to, as well as the removal of the litter, which retains the volatile alkali of the urine, and irritates the eyes most injuriously. The food should be mild and cooling, and the exercise moderate, but long continued. Under the height of the attack, however, rest is advisable, with noderate light, which may be still further moderated by keeping over the eye or eyes a thick cloth wet with goulard water. (Vet. Pharm. 6575.) Sometimes one quarter of vinegar to three quarters of water has been found a useful application; and whichever is used, the eyes and eyebrows should be kept continually wet with it, which 3 R 2 by exciting evaporation will keep the part cool. A seton may be introduced under the eye or jaw. In some cases, blistering the forehead or cheek is found useful; but in every instance bleeding is proper, which should be repeated until the disease lessens. When the horse is very full and gross, physic and alteratives assist the cure. When blistering is used in any part near the eye, the greatest care is requisite to prevent the blistering matter from being rubbed into it. A very peculiar ophthalmic affection is also sometimes occasioned, particularly to the horses of hot climates, by the entrance of a filària or thread-worm into the globe of the eye, which swimming about in the aqueous humour, eventually occasions violent inflammation. The cure consists in letting out the aqueous humour with a lancet, when, the filària escaping with the fluid, recovery follows. 6441. Gulta serèna or glass eyes, so called from the peculiar glassy appearance of the eye, arise from a paralysis of the optic nerve. As the eye is not materially altered in appearance, a horse often becomes blind without its being noticed, until his cautious stepping, quick motion of his ears, &c., give notice of the case. On examination it will be found that the pupil remains dilated, however great the light, and the eye is irrecoverably lost. In the very early stages, blisters to the forehead and stimulants to the eyes (as white vitriol a drachm, water four ounces,) may be tried, but with faint hopes of success. 6442. Pole evil. This complaint commonly requires the attendance of an experienced practitioner: but the prevention is often in the power of owners, and others about horses; and to this point we shall particularly direct their attention. Pole evil is commonly the effect of accident. Repeated small blows of the manger, or continued pressure from hanging back on the halter, &c., will, if not remedied, produce swelling at the nape of the neck, with some tenderness. In this early state, if the collar be removed, and the part be kept continually wet with vinegar and water, the swelling will often disperse; but if, in spite of this, it proceeds to suppuration, let a vent be made for the matter by a seton (6537.) so that it may readily flow out. Introduce nothing healing, but encourage a free discharge, and it may yet heal at once. When such is not the issue, the disease attacks the ligaments, sinuses form, and the matter burrows under the skin and muscles, when a seton must be introduced from the opening above and should be brought out at the bottom: the seton should be then daily wetted with the liquid blister. (Vet. Pharm. 6562) Should this plan fail, escharotics will be required in the form of the scalding mixture. (Vet. Pharm. 6586.) 6443. Strangles, vives, or ives. This disease has been likened to the human measles; because it usually attacks every horse, and most of them at a young period, between three and five years. It is fortunate when it attacks colts at grass, as it seldom occasions inconvenience, which has led some persons into error by turning their horses out as soon as attacked; but it is not found that stabled horses, thus turned out, pass through the disease more mildly, but the contrary, except the disease exists under its very mildest form. White has conjectured that colts breeding the strangles while at grass are afterwards exempt from glanders, but this wants confirmation. Prosser has also affirmed, that inoculation by the matter of strangles is good; because it mitigates the complaint, and renders the horse not liable to any future attack: but the practice has never gained ground. When the strangles occurs in the stable, and now and then also in the field, it proves a severe disease, and shows itself under the appearance of a cold, with cough, sore throat, and swelling of the glands under the jaws, or behind and under the ears. Sometimes there is not much external swelling, and the tumours break inwardly, and nature effects a cure; at others they break outwardly, and the disease runs off that way; and sometimes the swellings disperse either by nature or art, which breeders think unfavourable, as they suppose it renders the animal liable to a future attack, but many so treated pass the remainder of their lives without more affection. 6144. The treatment of strangles. When the swelling lingers, and neither comes forward nor recedes, poultices are preferable to fomentations, which, by leaving the horse wet, promote evaporation and produce cold. Peal recommends blistering the part, as the best means of promoting suppuration. The horse should be kept very cool, and bran mashes with warm water should be his principle support, unless the complaint last long, and produce much weakness, when malt mashes should be substituted. Bleeding is only advisable when the early symptoms are violent, as heaving at the flanks, extreme soreness of throat, with much swelling around it, and considerable cough, in which case bleeding and fever medicines are proper. 6445, Vives, or ives, is supposed to be a relic of the latter complaint, and it does appear now and then that after the strangles the parotid or vive glands do remain enlarged (6463.), which occasions the disease in question resolution may be attempted by mercurial frictions; suppuration should be avoided, otherwise the gland may be destroyed. 6446. Diseases of the mouth, lampas. All horses, but particularly very young ones, are liable to enlargement of the rug or ridges of the palate, dependent not on any local disease confined to the part itself, but occasioned by an affection of the whole passage of the mouth, throat, and stomach. It is usual to attend to the part only, which is scarified or burnt to little purpose, when a mild dose of physic, or gentle alteratives, would prove more certain expedients; to which may be added rubbing the ruga themselves with bay salt, or with vinegar. 6447. Bridle sores. When the bit in colt breaking, or in hard-pulling horses, has hurt the bars, care is requisite to prevent the bone becoming carious. Touch daily with ægyptiacum, and cover the bit with leather, unless total rest can be allowed. 6448. Diseases of the teeth are fully treated of under the anatomical description of the bones. (6305.) SUBSECT. 4. Diseases of the Neck. 6449. Fistulous withers are brought on usually by pressure from a saddle with too low or narrow a saddletree; and what has been said both with regard to prevention and cure on the subject of pole evil, will equally apply here also. (6442.) 6450. Sore throat is common to horses in colds, in influenzas, and in strangles. (6434. 6443.) It is dis covered by the horse chewing his hay, but instead of swallowing he drops it from his mouth, or, as it is called quids it. He likewise shows a disinclination to drink. In every case, the horse finds great difficulty in reaching every thing that stretches his neck downarwds or upwards; his water therefore should be held to him, and his hay should be pulled for him: omission of these services greatly aggravates the sufferings of horses labouring under sore throat. 6451. Swelled neck. A very serious swelling sometimes follows on bleeding with a rusty or poisoned lancet, or fleam, and sometimes also from causes not apparent. (6547.) SUBSECT. 5. The Chest. 6452. Inflammation of the lungs is a disease to which the horse is peculiarly liable; as we might a priori suspect, from the vast dimensions of his circulatory system, and the vast alteration from a natural state to which we subject him, and thereby increase his pulmonary circulation. 6453. The causes are these deviations remotely, but the immediate attack is generally brought on by sudden cold, acting on a heated surface; and thus it is that knackers and collarmakers in frosty weather expect a glut of horses that die from this disease. Hard riding is a very common cause, and high feeding also. It often commences slowly, a hard dry cough has been slightly noticed, but which has occasioned no alarm for two or three days: gradually, however, the cough appears to give the horse pain; he occasionally shivers, and his ears and feet feel colder than the rest of his body; he heaves at the flanks, and the lining of his nose is found to be much more red than usual, in the worst cases it is seen of a purplish hue; the inside of the eyelids also are tinged with the inflammation. The appetite now becomes affected; and although there is not much apparent pain, except when the horse coughs, yet there is much anxiety of countenance present. The pulse is usually small but quick. If in this state the horse accidentally or erroneously be taken out and subjected to considerable exertion, it is almost always fatal to him: it likewise happens that this complaint is sometimes mistaken for distemper, and, from a fear of profuse bleeding, the only remedy that is to be depended on is omitted, and the horse is lost. At the veterinary college, in these cases, a small dose of aloes is given every six hours, and after being bled and rowelled, the horse is turned out in the open air; and it is affirmed that many recover from this treatment. Certain it is, that the stable in which a horse is placed in this disease can hardly be too cool; but when entirely turned out, his feet and legs cannot conveniently be hand-rubbed, or bandaged up to promote circulation; neither can we blister a horse when turned out, so conveniently; and on blistering we depend as the second source of cure. 6454. The treatment is to be commenced by attempts at lessening the action of the arterial system by carly and large bleedings, as seven or eight quarts from a large horse, and which should be repeated in five or six hours if he be not relieved in his breathing. Immediately rub into the brisket, on the chest, and behind the fore legs, the blister. (Vet. Pharm. 6559. No. 1.) Give half a dose of physic, and assist it by mashes and warm water, which, if not readily taken, horn down. Back-rake also, and throw up the laxative clyster. (Fet. Pharm. 6564) Avoid all exercise, clothe moderately, allow a free circulation of cool air through the stable, and rub the legs frequently; and when not under this process, keep them bandaged up to the knees with hay-bands or woollen cloths. When the bowels are opened, give the fever drink (Vet. Pharm, 6580.) three times a day. The terminations of this complaint are various. It is not uncommon for the horse to appear better, to cat and to drink, and to excite every hope of a perfect recovery; but on some sudden exertion he falls down and expires. Ón examination after death, it is found that effusion of a large quantity of serous fluid has taken place in the chest. 6455. Thick wind is another termination of pneumònia, by leaving the bronchial passages charged with coagulated blood. Moderate exercise and soiling in the stable, with mild mercurial physic, form the best mode of treatment; but frequently the cough resists all these, and terminates in broken wind. 6456. Roaring is also a termination of pneumònia, in which case the lungs are not affected, but congealed blood, under the name of coagulable lymph, remains in the trachea or windpipe, and obstructs the free passage of the air; by means of which the roaring noise is made. It is in vain to expect a cure: blistering the throat sometimes slightly relieves it. 6457. Chronic cough is also a termination of pneumònia, and appears dependent on a peculiar irrita. bility the disease leaves in the bronchial passages, which are found afterwards incapable of bearing any sudden alteration of temperature: thus horses with this kind of cough are excited to it as soon as the stable door opens, and by every exertion, by drinking, by eating, and, in fact, by any thing that alters the situation of the body, or is new to the part. But, besides pneumonia or inflammation of the lungs producing it, it is often brought on likewise by gross feeding, which, weakening the stomach, impoverishes the blood, and thus injures the lungs which are fed by that blood. Worms also by the same means are a cause of chronic cough. It is thus that we expect to derive benefit by mediums acting on the stomach. Green food is often found useful, but particularly carrots. The hay should be excellent in quality and small in quantity; and it will be found that soiling in the stable, but particularly a course of carrots, forms a better plan of treatment than turning out. If worms be suspected, treat as under that head. (6478.) Formulæ of chronic cough balls are seen in the Vet. Pharm. (659.) It is 6458. Broken wind is also sometimes brought on by pneumònia, and sometimes by occult causes. often occasioned by over-exertion after full meals, in which the lungs become permanently weakened, perhaps ruptured, in their air-cells. Inexperienced persons find some difficulty in detecting broken wind from other chest affections, as chronic cough, occasional colds, &c. &c. 6459. Criteria of broken wind. The cough which accompanies broken wind is a short deep hollow grunting noise, and the short grunting expiration is peculiarly excited by turning a horse quickly round, striking him smartly with a stick at the same time, which often produces the deep sound without the cough; and which is so significant as never to be mistaken when once heard and attended to: but the principal peculiarity arises from the beating of the flanks, which operate rather by three efforts than by two as usual. In the first, the air is drawn in, in the usual manner, and the flanks fill up as in common: but in the next, the falling of the flanks is by no means natural; for it is not done by a gradual sinking of the sides, but it takes place at once, with a kind of jerk, as though the horse were sighing; and then a third effort takes place by a more slow drawing up of the muscles of the belly and flanks, to press out the remaining air. Broken wind usually destroys the fecundity of the mare, and hence argues permanent alteration of structure; it is also always incurable, but horses may be rendered very useful that have it, by feeding them very nutritiously, but with their food much condensed in bulk. Little hay should be allowed, and that little should be wetted, water in any other way should be given but sparingly, for which they are however very greedy: from which circumstance, as well as that they are peculiarly flatulent, we learn, that the vitiation of the lungs is either aggravated by the deranged state of the digestive organs; or, which is more probable, that the digestive powers become weakened from the state of the lungs. In some few cases a partial rupture of the diaphragm or midriff has been observed in broken wind. 6460. Discases of the belly. Inflamed stomach seldom attacks the horse as an idiopathic affection, but it is not unfrequent for the stomach to become inflamed by mineral poisons as well as rendered inert by vegetable ones. Over-distention may also inflame it. 6461. Mineral poisons inflame the stomach acutely, and produce excessive distress, and cold sweats; the animal lies down, rolls, gets up again, looks short round to his ribs, stamps with his fore feet, and his pulse beats quick and short. When arsenic or corrosive sublimate have occasioned the malady, a viscid mucus distils from the nose and mouth, and the breath is fetid. When copper in the form of vitriolic salts or verdigris has been given, to the foregoing symptoms are usually added ineffectual attempts to vomit. Immediately the poisoning is discovered, pour down two ounces of sulphuretted potash, in a quart of water; or in the absence of that, an ounce of common potash in the same quantity of water: or when no better substitute is at hand, even strong soap-suds are advisable. Mineral poisons have also another mode of acting, and are often received into the constitution, neither by design to do mischief, nor by mistake; but are purposely given as remedies. In this way, both mercury and arsenic are frequently given for worms, glanders, farcy, &c., in daily doses, which, when even of considerable magnitude, occasion for many days no inconvenience; all at once, however, the constitution becomes fully saturated with the poison, and althongh before diffused throughout the blood, it now appears to return and act on the stomach to the great surprise of the owner. In these cases the symptoms are not usually so violent as in the former instance, but they are equally fatal. A similar treatment with the one already prescribed is necessary; and as soon as the first symptoms are abated, give laxatives. In all these cases, large quantities of linseed tea should be horned down, the back should be raked, and clysters thrown up; blood should also be taken away plentifully. As a preventive to this latter mode of poisoning, whenever mineral agents are used, it is prudent every five or six days to stop a while, and then recommence, by which the constitution will part with the previous quantity. 6164. Salivation is also another mode of poisoning; and though not equally injurious to the stomach, it often proves distressing, and sometimes fatal. Whenever, therefore, mercurials are given, carefully watch the gums, and as soon as they look red, and the horse quids his hay, give him a mild purge instead of his mercurial. 6463. Tegetable poisons also inflame the stomach; but by no means in an equal degree with the mineral poisons; nor is it supposed that it is the inflammation they raise that proves destructive, but by an effect 982 PRACTICE OF AGRICULTURE. communicated through the stomach to the nervous system. Digitalis purpurea or foxglove, Taxus baccata or yew, Enanthe crocata or water dropwort, Cicuta viròsa or water hemlock, Phellándrium aquáticum or water parsley, Conium maculatum or common hemlock, are all poisonous in a high degree to horses, and may be taken accidentally by the animal as food, or given injudiciously as medicine. Nicoti àna or tobacco, and the vegetable acid or vinegar, are also poisonous, and are sometimes productive of injurious consequences by over-doses, when intended as remedies. It is little known that a pint of strong As we cannot remove the matters from the stomach, we must endeavour vinegar has destroyed a horse. to neutralise their effects by acids and demulcents, as oil, butter, &c.: thus, when narcotics have been taken, a drachm of sulphuric acid or oil of vitriol may be given in a quart of ale; or six ounces of vinegar, with six of gin, and a quart of ale, may be tried. An excellent domestic remedy might be found in two ounces of flour of mustard mixed with ale or other fluid. 6461. Stomach staggers. This peculiar complaint, which is even yet but little understood, appears dependent on a particular state of stomach, acting on particular foods; and not on what is taken in acting a peculiar state of stomach." Blaine appears always on the stomach, as was supposed by Coleman, White, and others. From later communications of White, he also now appears to consider it as originating in to have characterised it as "a specific inflammation of the stomach." It appears among horses of every description, and at grass as well as in a stable; and there is reason to think it epidemic, as it is prevalent When it occurs at grass, the horse is in some seasons more than in others. It may, perhaps, be regarded now and then as endemic also; under which circumstance it appears confined to low wet situations, where long marshy grass is abundant, and where noxious aquatic plants mix themselves with the grasses. found stupidly dull or asleep with his head resting against something. This has occasioned the disease to be called the sleepy staggers: and it has often been confounded with the phrenitis, or inflammation of the brain. (6429.) In the stable the horse dozes, and rests his head in the manger: he then wakes up and falls to eating, which he continues to do until the distention of the stomach becomes enormous; for the peculiarity of the complaint consists in the total stop that is put to digestion, and the uneasy feel of the distention consequent to such indigestion appears to deceive the horse, and by a morbid excitement to force him to take in more. In this way he continues eating until the distention prevents the return of the blood from the head, and the animal dies apoplectic, or his stomach bursts with over-distention. More fre quently, however, the stomach becomes flabby, inert, and paralytic, and after death presents marks of inflammation towards the pylorus. When recovery has taken place, it has occurred only when the disease has been very mild, and has been assisted by stimulating the stomach into action by purgatives, at once active and invigorating, as an ounce of aloes dissolved in half a pint of gin. When a horse of extreme value is attacked, croton oil might be tried to the amount of 20 or 25 drops in two ounces of tincture of aloes. Warm water in small quantities, or mixed with common salt, should be frequently passed down. Remove every eatable; rake, clyster, and hand-rub; and, if the determination to the head be extreme, bleed, otherwise avoid it. 6466. Inflammation of the bowels, enteruis, or red colic, is a very distinct disease from the gripes, gullion, or fret, with which it is, however, very apt to be confounded to the destruction of many horses. The peritoneal inflammation of the bowels, the one here treated on, is an affection of their outer covering. 6467. The causes are various. It is not unfrequently brought on by a sudden translation of cold after great heats, as swimming during hunting, or from the removal of a horse from grass at once into heated stables; neglected gripes, or long-continued costiveness, excessive riding, and the immediate drinking of cold water, have brought it on. It begins by restlessness, loss of appetite, and some uneasiness; the mouth is hot and dry; the inner membranes of the mouth, nose, and eyelids are often redder than natural. As the disease advances, the pain, before not violent, now increases so as to force the horse to lie down and rise again frequently; and when very violent, he kicks at his belly, or looks round at his sides, pawing his litter very frequently. The pulse is usually small, quick, or hard; sometimes it is more full and small, but always hard. Breathing is quickened, and the flanks heave; the extremities are alternately hot and cold, but continue longer cold than hot; and the animal is costive: sometimes pain may force away a few hardened balls of fæces, but the principal contents are retained. Blaine has given the distinguishing features between this disease and colic, under which head we have stated them. 6468. The treatment must be active and immediate, or a fatal termination may be expected. Begin by abstracting a considerable quantity of blood, from a large horse to the amount of seven or eight quarts; proceed to back-rake; throw up a large clyster of warm gruel. Give by the mouth, if the expense be not considered an object, a pint of castor oil, mixed by means of the yolk of two eggs, with half a pint of broth or gruel. If the expense be objected to, give olive oil instead, following it up in half an hour by a gruel drench, in which six ounces of Epsom salts have been dissolved. A sheep. skin, immediately as it is removed from the sheep, may be applied to the belly, which should first be well rubbed with the stronger liquid blister. (Vet. Pharm. 6562.) In four hours repeat the bleeding; if a considerable improvement have not taken place, and if the bowels be not unloaded, give more oil, and clyster frequently, having first Avoid exercise; first hand rub, and afterwards wrap up the extremities to the knees. As back-raked. a clear passage for the dung is found, the symptoms mitigate, and the animal slowly recovers; but he must be fed at first very sparingly. 6469. Inflammation of the inner surface of the intestines is, in some measure, different from the former, which, as before stated, is an affection of their outer covering; whereas this is usually confined to their villous surface, and may be brought on by superpurgation from over-strong physic, or from mineral acids being taken in, particularly mercurials, which often exert more influence on the bowels than on the stomach. It differs from the former in the symptoms being generally accompanied with purging; neither is there usually so much pain or uneasiness present, nor such cold extremities; but where from the violence of the inflammation these symptoms are present, bleeding to the amount of three or four quarts is a proper preliminary, but can hardly be with propriety continued. The same stimulants to the outside of the belly should be used as in the last disease; but here, warm general clothing is recommended as well as warmth in the stable, as also hand-rubbing to keep up the circulation in the extre mities. Give astringent drink (Vet. Pharm. 6552. No. 1. or 2.) with a pint of boiled starch every three hours, and give the same by clyster with two quarts of pot liquor, or tripe liquor, free from salt. 6470. Dysenteric inflammation of the horse's bowels is happily not very common, but now and then appears, and is then called by farriers molten grease; they mistaking the morbid secretion from the intestines, for the fat of the body melted down and passing off thus: but dysentery is a peculiar inflammation of the mucous surface of the intestines, not contagious as in the hunan, nor epidemic, nor exhibiting a putrid tendency; but is peculiarly confined to a diseased increase in the mucous secretions, yet very different from simple diarrhoea, which is a mere increase in the peristaltic motion, by which the common aliments are quickly passed through the intestines, and ejected in a liquid form by an increase in their watery secretion. Whereas in the dysentery of the horse, the mucous of the intestines separates The usual symptoms of fever are from them in large quantities, and comes away with the dung surrounding it; but when it does not pass in this way it appears in membranous films like sodden leather, or in stringy evacuations, like morsels of fat floating in water; sometimes there is a little bloody appearance. always present, but not in a very high degree. 6471. The causes are cold, over-riding, and not unfrequently acrid substances within the intestines: change of food has occasioned it, and now and then superpurgation from strong physic. 6472. The treatment. In the first stages bleed considerably, and give, as the first internal remedy, six ounces of castor oil, which will amend the fæcal evacuations considerably; afterwards administer the |