A 58401 3
SINTILIBUS

ARTES
LIBRARY
1837
VERITAS
SCIENTIA
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
· PLURIBUS UNUM:
SIQUAERIS PENINSULAM AMOENAMI
CIRCUMSPICE
VASARJAU
HOMOEOPATHIC
LIBRARY
QUE
7
•
#
#619
182
09
7
Į
MESSRS. J. MOORE & SON,
Veterinary Surgeons
(HOMOEOPATHIC),
IA, LANCASTER GATE, HYDE PARK, W.,
(Late of 11, Upper Berkeley Street, W.)
PATIENTS VISITED IN TOWN OR COUNTRY.
Horses Examined as to Soundness previous to Purchase.
HORSES AND DOGS RECEIVED INTO INFIRMARY"
FOR TREATMENT.
ADVICE PERSONALLY OR BY LETTER.
AT HOME.
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, AND FRIDAY,
FROM 2 TILL 5 O'CLOCK.
Clients coming from a distance are recommended to notify
their intention—time permitting—the previous day; and
when sending servants, to furnish them with written details
of the symptoms, &c.

Archie Truser mid
1895
OUTLINES
or
VETERINARY HOMEOPATHY
COMPRISING
HORSE, COW, DOG, SHEEP,
I
AND
HOG DISEASES,
AND THEIR
HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT.
BY
JAMES MOORE, M.R.C.V.S.
EDITED AND REVISED BY
THOMAS MOORE, M.R.C.V.S.
TENTH EDITION.
LONDON:
LEATH AND ROSS, 5, ST. PAUL'S CHURCHYARD,
AND 9, VERE STREET, OXFORD STREET.
LEAMINGTON :
LEATH AND WOOLCOTT, UPPER PARADE.
1889.
2.4 Mow.
AUTHOR'S PREFACE.
{
THE superiority of the Homœopathic system, in
comparison with other modes of treating diseases,
is becoming more generally recognised every day;
and many of those who have experienced its bene-
ficial effects upon their own persons are naturally
desirous to employ it in the diseases of their do-
mestic animals. In consequence, however, of few
veterinary surgeons having, as yet, adopted the
new mode of treatment, a want is felt for some
work that will enable the owner of horses, cows,
etc., to discover the ailments of his animal, and
the most successful means of restoring it to
health. This work, therefore, is designed not to
supersede the services of the homoeopathic veteri-
nary surgeon, when they can be procured, but to
supply the deficiency adverted to. It purports to
be an easily understood exposition of the causes
which produce, and the symptoms which charac-
terise, the most frequent diseases incidental to
the horse, cow, dog, pig, and sheep; giving, at
the same time, concise directions for the selec-
tion, use, and administration of the most efficient
155041
1
1
{
iv
AUTHOR'S PREFACE.
homœopathic medicines. In order to render the
work extensively useful, the author has carefully
avoided, as far as possible, the use of all technical
terms, and has confined himself to language, which
every person can readily understand. A glossary
is appended, explaining the signification of cer-
tain scientific words which are unavoidably used.
With a view to render the work as complete as
its scope and limits admit, the Author has availed
himself of the researches of others, and has con-
sulted the best works upon the diseases of the
lower animals; his aim being to bring within the
comprehension of every person a method of treat-
ing the diseases of the horse, cow, dog, pig, and
sheep, which many years' experience has sanc-
tioned as the best that can be pursued.
1500
2
}
PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.
THAT this work has been found to supply the
want adverted to in the preceding Preface is
proved by the gratifying fact that the first edition
has been sold in eighteen months. This rapid
and extensive sale induces the Author to believe
that he has been of some service to the patrons.
of Veterinary Homœopathy.
In its present form the work has undergone
several alterations. The diseases are differently
classified; the indications for the selection of the
medicines are clear and unmistakable; fresh
matter has been introduced; and, in short, an
attempt has been made to render this edition.
more extensively useful than its predecessors..
0
1
¿
:
*
1
C
↓
1.
PREFACE TO THE TENTH EDITION.
IT is gratifying to find that this work main-
tains its popularity and position as a guide to
the stock-owner in the treatment of his sick
animals.
This edition has undergone careful revision,
several corrections and additions, dictated by
more mature experience, have been made, but in
its entirety the work remains a plain and concise
exponent of a system of curing the maladies of
the lower animals, which has been of vast use in
alleviating their sufferings, maintaining their
usefulness and value, and modifying the ortho-
dox mode of treatment.
Y
f
Preface
..
CONTENTS.
INTRODUCTORY SECTION.
Explanation of homoeopathy
Advantages of homœopathy
List of medicines of internal use
External remedies...
Selection of the medicines
...
...
The doses and repetition
Directions for giving the medicines.
Linseed poultice
Bran poultice
Turnip poultice
Yeast poultice
How to feel the pulse
AL
...
V
*
...
I-GENERAL DISEASES.
Idiopathic fever
Symptomatic fever
Rheumatism
...
CA
...
Abscess
General dropsy
Purpura hæmorrhagica
Glanders and farcy
Myalgia ...
**
L
UA
...
...
**
44.
***
...
i
...
...
...
...
Strangles...
Inflammation of the lymphatics
...
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
•••
+4
•
•
...
▼
At
...
..
...
...
...
...
L
...
+4
...
:
A
:
:
:
...
:
***
...
...
...
:
...
...
:
:
**
:
:
...
:
**
...
...
***
….
·
...
:
KA
*
PAGE
iii
XV
xvi
xvii
xix
xxi
xxii
xxii
xxiv
xxiv
xxiv
xxiv
xxiv
I
4
5
17.00
8
10
12
15
17
19
22
!
viii
CONTENTS.
:
}
II. DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.
Inflammation of the brain
1
P
Megrims; fits
Palsy of the face...
Paraplegia
Tetanus; lock-jaw
Pleurisy
Broken wind
...
...
...
•
}}
Sore throat
Inflammation of the larynx
Bronchitis
Inflammation of the lungs
...
III. DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF BREATHING.
Nasal gleet
Catarrh, or common cold
Influenza ...
Thick wind
Roaring
Dropsy of the chest
Cough
Spasm of the midriff
...
••
•
...
•
...
...
...
*
...
...
...
Crib-biting
Gastralgia
Indigestion
Stomach-staggers
Loss of appetite ...
Colic, or gripes
Windy colic
Diarrhoea, or purging
Dysentery, or flux
Inflammation of the bowels
...
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
...
→
...
...
···
...
...
:
...
L
...
...
...
-DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF DIGESTION.
Dentition, or difficult teething
Diseases, etc., of the teeth
Lampas
4.
...
***
4
...
#4
·
peritoneum
"
•
..
...
·
•
44
...
•
•••
+ I
•
...
...
1
:::
+
...
•
1.
..
U
..
...
...
•••
Y..
...
L
1
...
⠀⠀⠀⠀
14.
...
...
...
...
PAGE
23
25
27
28
29
34
36
38
41
42
44
47
50
acz czerencs
54
56
58
63
64
65
66
66
67
68
70
71
73
74
76
77
80
CONTENTS.
ix
Inflammation of the liver
Costiveness, or bound bowels
Bots
Worms
Dropsy of the belly
+44
}}
Bloody urine
Retention of the urine
Scanty urine
Diabetes
V. DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS.
Inflammation of the kidneys
bladder
VI. DISEASES OF THE EYE.
Simple ophthalmia.
Specific ophthalmia
Cataract
Specks on the eye
Amaurosis
...
VII. DISEASES OF THE SKIN.
Surfeit
Mange
Cracked heels
Grease
4
...
•
UNA
...
…
Hidebound
Mallenders and sallenders
Warts
Quittor
Sandcrack
Corns
Over-reach and tread
•
...
...
...
..
A
...
...
…….
140
...
3
...
...
4.
4
::
:
⠀⠀
:
VIII. DISEASES OF THE FEET AND LEGS.
Inflammation of the feet
Prick in the foot
...
•
...
T
A
•
...
:
...
***
..
•
•
✰
•
...
:
:
***
:
%
..
4
Y
•••
:
...
***
4
:
N
:
:
:
...
...
:
:
..
L
N
:
:
E
PAGE
82
84
84
86
S7
88
90
91
92
94
94
96
98
100
101
1ΟΙ
103
104
105
106
109
109
I10
III
113
115
116
118
119
!
$
*
CONTENTS.
}
»
}
f
...
Thrush
Spavin; splint and ringbone
**
}}
Sprains
Curb
IX,-WOUNDS AND INJURIES.
Flesh wounds
Bruised wounds
Broken knees
Open joints
Fistulous withers
1
...
***
440
...
...
344
Poll evil ...
Saddle galls; galled back
Sitfast
Speedy cut
Capped hocks
elbow
..
...
...
...
O
...
...
144
***
...
...
...
***
Thoroughpin and Windgalls
14
•••
...
+4
...
***
:
Inflammation of the eye
Foul in the foot; foot-rot
Warbles
Mange
Hidebound
...
44
D
...
...
...
:.
3.
••
DISEASES OF THE COW.
1.—GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS DISEASES.
Inflammatory fever, quarter evil
Vesicular epizootic
Rheumatism
Lumbago...
Epilepsy, or fits
Palsy
*
4.
...
...
ga
...
...
...
...
..
...
:
...
•
...
···
K
...
...
...
II. DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF BREATHING.
Cold in the head
Sore throat
...
AG
...
···
1
...
···
...
...
···
:
V
✰✰
16
►
..
...
...
..
D
...
:
:
...
...
PAGE
120
122
124
126
127
129
132
133
134
135
135
136
137
137
139
140
142
146
149
151
152
154
155
156
157
158
159
161
162
1
CONTENTS.
xi
Ang
Catarrh, hoose, or common cold
Bronchitis
from worms
4
}}
Pleurisy
Pneumonia
Pleuro-pneumonia, or lung disease
#
!
Hoove, or blown
Diarrhoea, flux, or scouring
or skit, in the calf
...
*
...
"}
Dysentery, or flux
Colic, or gripes
Jaundice
Inflammation of the spleen
...
Cough
III. DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF DIGESTION, ETC.
Loss of cud
Irregular teeth
Blain
4
...
..
•
..
Abortion, or slinking
Flooding after calving
Sore teats
Inflammation of the udder
Red water
Gonorrhoea
The cleansing
...
KA
...
...
IV. DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS, ETC.
Milk fever
...
44
...
***
4
*
...
***
...
...
...
..
14
Na
P
11
...
**
.
...
DISEASES OF THE DOG..
I. GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS DISEASES,
Distemper
Inflammation of the bladder
Gleet
Inflammation of the eye
...
..
:
•
4
CLA
N
...
..
***
...
...
...
**
:
**
**
A
...
U
:
...
AU
*
:
...
**
...
...
VAN
PAGE
163
165
166
169
170
173
183
185
186
186
188
190
192
193
195
197
198
200
211
214
215
216
219
220
222
223
226
227
228
t
xii
CONTENTS.
Canker in the ear
Rheumatism; chest-founder; kennel-lameness
Sore feet
anatomy
))
Worms
Anasarca
II. DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF BREATHING.
Running from the nose...
Catarrh, or cold, and bronchitis.
Inflammation of the chest
Bronchocele
III. DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF DIGESTION, ETC.
Salivation
Diseases of the teeth
Constipation, or bound bowels
Colic, or gripes
R
Diarrhoea
Dysentery
Inflammation of the bowels
liver
...
…….
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Epilepsy, or fits ...
St. Vitus's dance
Palsy
...
V.-DISEASES OF THE SKIN.
Smallpox ...
Lice
Mange
...
**
4.
...
...
...
...
...
IV. DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.
A
4.
...
...
**
...
...
...
***
...
•
4.
1.
...
+4
...
A
•
43
...
I. DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS.
Aphtha, or thrush
Hoove, fog, blast, blown
...
...
1
•
···
...
...
N
...
...
40
:
:
:
...
:
DISEASES OF THE SHEEP.
•••
0
...
...
...
...
...
•
:
···
**
···
:
**
...
•
...
{
PAGE
229
230
231
232
233
234
236
237
238
239
240
241.
242
243
244
245
246
248
249
250
252
253
254
256
257
CONTENTS.
xiii
7
!
į
Inflammation of the bowels
Diarrhoea, or purging
Dysentery, or flux
II. DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.
Apoplexy...
Sturdy, giddiness, staggers
Milk fever
Abortion ...
*
III. DISEASES OF THE CHEST.
Glossary
Index
A
}}
•••
Inflammation of the lungs
udder
IV. DISEASE OF THE FOOT.
Foot-rot
...
...
...
...
***
D
44
...
•
...
A
***
:
...
***
***
...
AKA
Strangles, or quinsy
Common cold, or sniffles
Inflammation of the lungs
Colic, or gripes
Diarrhoea, or purging
Inflammation of the bowels
Brain fever; frenzy; inflammation of the brain
Measles
Mange
***
..
DISEASES OF THE HOG.
:
...
*..
:
...
⠀⠀
*
44
...
...
...
...
: :
***
:
...
:
···
...
...
***
...
***
Wa
:
...
...
•••
#
→S
··
**
...
...
...
...
***
PAGE
258
259
260
262
263
266
267
269
270
272
274
276
277
278
279
279
280
281
283
285
289
·
!
INTRODUCTORY SECTION.
1. HOMOEOPATHY.
HOMOEOPATHY is a method of treating diseases
by the administration of a medicine which is
capable of producing in the healthy system
symptoms similar to those of the disease which
it is given to cure. This is the "law" or principle
which distinguishes Homœopathy from every
other system; indeed, it is the only method
which is practised in accordance with fixed and
unchangeable principles.
Homœopathy is the only system which investi-
gates the properties of drugs on the living body,
by watching the effects of their operation in
health. Other systems endeavour to arrive at a
knowledge of their peculiar actions when the
body is already suffering from disease. It is
apparent that it is difficult, if not impossible, to
distinguish the sufferings which the drugs pro-
duce and those which characterise the disease;
whilst for practical purposes, all such experiments
are useless. The manner in which medicines are
chosen for disease, in conformity with the homoeo-
pathic law, is this:-The symptoms of any given
S
ご
​xvi
INTRODUCTORY SECTION.
i
ì
ܐ
disease are first accurately ascertained, and then
the medicine that will produce in health similar
symptoms is considered the most likely to cure
that disease quickly and permanently. Thus,
when Aconitum is given to healthy persons it
produces thirst, hot skin, quick, full pulse, scanty
urine, and the other symptoms of fever, which
mark the onset of many complaints. When the
same symptoms arise from other causes, Aconi-
tum is the best medicine to cure them.
Homœopathy, applied to the diseases of the
lower animals, has this decided superiority over
every other method-it is the most economical;
and for several reasons.
I. Small doses of medicines are found far more
effectual than large ones, and therefore a con-
siderable saving is effected.
2. The animals recover much sooner, and are
therefore able to resume work at a much earlier
period after the sickness has ceased.
3. They are not deteriorated in value. No
severe means are resorted to, such as bleeding,
blistering, setoning, and the like; the strength
of the animal is consequently husbanded, at the
same time that the ravages of the disease are
stayed; therefore the animal is, as an article of
property, almost as valuable after as before his
illness, and he soon recovers his condition, and
with it his powers of working and his worth to
his owner.
2
INTRODUCTORY SECTION.
xvii
4. Homœopathy has another advantage, which
takes precedence of all others-it is the most
successful. Many diseases, such as pleuro-
pneumonia and milk-fever in cattle, and in-
fluenza and inflammation of the lungs in the
horse, are amenable to its remedies; whilst the
old system either does not cure at all, or cures
very few cases, or leaves the animal affected with
incurable diseases, which depreciate the useful-
ness and value of the animals.
Name of the Medicine. Dilution.
2. THE MEDICINES.
a. Internal Remedics.
The following are the medicines prescribed
in this work, with their respective dilutions, or
degrees of strength, and common name:
TINCTURES-DECIMAL SCALE.
Aconitum napellus
Ammonium causticum
Antimonium crudum...
Arnica montana.
Arsenicum album...
Baryta carb........
Belladonna..
Bryonia alba.
Calcarea carbonica
Cannabis sativa..
Cantharis
Causticum
China
Cina....
44
·
161♡♡T T
I
3
{
I
I
6
Crude antimony.
Leopard's bane.
I
2
White arsenic,arsenious acid.
Carbonate of barytes.
6
I
Deadly nightshade.
I White bryony, wild hops.
3
I
I
Common Names.
Aconite, monkshood.
Caustic ammonia.
Impure carbonate of lime.
Hemp.
Spanish fly, blistering.
Caustic water.
Peruvian bark.
Worm seed.
b
1
xviii
INTRODUCTORY SECTION.
1
Name of the Medicine. Dilution.
Colocynthis...
Cuprum aceticum
Digitalis purpurea...
Drosera rotundifolia...
...
Dulcamara
Euphrasia
Ferrum
Graphites
Helleborus niger..
Hepar sulphuris..
Hyoscyamus niger......
...
...
...
Ignatia amara..
Iodium
Ipecacuanha
Kali bichrom..
Kreosotum
Lachesis
Lobelia inflata
Mercurius cor.
Mercurius vivus.
Nitri acidum.
Nux vomica.
•
•
ADU
Opium.
Phosphorus
Phosphori acid.
Pulsatilla
Rheum palmatum..
Rhus toxicodendron
Ruta graveolens...
Sabina...
Secale
Silicea..
Spongia
Stannum.
Stramonium
Sulphur
Terebinthina
Thuja occident.
Veratrum album
···
A
•
.. ··
•
**
I
3
I
I
I
I
36
I
6
I
I
3
I
3
I
6
I
6
5
3
♡ I
I
I
= 2
2
I
I
I
I
I
I
6
I
6
I
6
I
I
I
Common Names.
Bitter cucumber.
Acetate of copper.
Foxglove.
Round-leaved sundew.
Bittersweet,woodynightshade
Eyebright.
Iron.
Pure black lead.
Black hellebore, Christmas rose.
Liver of sulphur.
Henbane.
St. Ignatius' bean.
Iodine.
Ipecacuanha root.
Bichromate of potash.
Kreosote.
Poison of lance-headed viper.
Indian tobacco.
Corrosive sublimate.
Quicksilver.
Nitric acid.
Nux vomica.
Opium.
Phosphorus.
Phosphoric acid.
Meadow anemone,windflower
Rhubarb.
Poison oak.
Rue.
Savine.
Spurred rye, ergot of rye.
Silica.
Toasted sponge.
Pure tin.
Thorn apple.
Flowers of sulphur.
Turpentine.
Tree of life.
White hellebore.
And the homoeopathic Preparation of Camphor, which must
be kept separate from the above.
INTRODUCTORY SECTION.
xix
TRITURATIONS.
To be kept apart from the tinctures.
Attenuation.
I
I
1
Arsenicum..
Ferrum sulph.
Hepar sulphuris
Mercurius vivus
Sulphur...
Tartarus emeticus.
Attenuation.
I
I
I
b. External Remedies.
In addition to the foregoing remedies, which
are all used internally, other medicinal agents are
employed to the skin, in local affections, in order
to render their action more speedy and efficient.
In all cases the same medicine must be employed
at the same time, both internally and externally,
when they are ordered to be so used.
These external remedies are the following:
1. Arnica montana.--The lotion is prepared
by mixing two tablespoonfuls of the mother
tincture with a pint of pure water.
USES. For all kinds and varieties of injuries produced by
mechanical violence, such as sprains, falls, contusions, lace-
rated and bruised wounds, corns, to the wounds after a surgical
operation, etc.
2. Rhus toxicodendron.-To make the lotion,
add one tablespoonful of the mother tincture
to a pint of water.
USES. To be well rubbed into the parts affected in sprains,
injuries of tendons, rheumatism, etc.
3. Calendula officinalis.—The lotion is made
by adding one tablespoonful of the mother
tincture to a pint of water.
USES.-In cuts, lacerations, and all kinds of flesh-wounds.
}
XX
INTRODUCTORY SECTION.
4. Ruta graveolens.—The lotion is made as in
the last case.
USES.-In curbs, thorough-pins, etc.
5. Arsenic.-Arsenical lotion is made by boil-
ing four grains of Arsenic in one pint of distilled
water.
USES.-In cracked heels, grease, mange, etc.*
6. Sulphur.-The ointment is prepared by
mixing one ounce of sulphur with two ounces
of lard.
USES.-In mange, etc.
7. Thuja occidentalis.-This lotion is made by
mixing a tablespoonful of the tincture with a
pint of water.
USES.-Mallenders and sallenders, grease, warts, etc.
8. Hydrastis canadensis.-This lotion is made
by adding one part of the mother tincture to
fifteen parts of water.
USES.-In fistulous sores, quittor, inhalation in nasal
catarrh.
9 Sanguinaria. The lotion is made in the
same way as the last.
USES.-In wounds, to check profuse granulations.
10. Phytolacca.-Add one part tincture to
fifteen of water.
USES.-In garget, swelling and induration of udder.
All these medicines must be kept apart from
the others.
* To prevent accidents this preparation should be labelled
"POISON," and be kept locked up.
↓
INTRODUCTORY SECTION.
xxi
3. THE SELECTION OF THE MEDICINES.
Symptoms are perceptible or ascertainable
alterations of the healthy actions of the body,
and serve to point out the particular part affected,
the change going on, and the inevitable conse-
quences. They also indicate the treatment re-
quired to effect a restoration to health.
When an animal is ill, the first thing to do is
to make an accurate examination of its con-
dition, with a view to discover its sufferings and
the disease with which it is attacked. This being
done, a medicine must be selected that is known
to produce in health similar sufferings. In every
disease mentioned in the following pages symp-
toms are arranged, which point out the particular
medicine that must be adininistered. In some
cases it will be necessary to give only one remedy,
because its indications tally in all important points
with the symptoms of the disease; but in other
cases, where this remark does not apply, two medi-
cines may be needed, and they must be given in
turns, not mixed together. Should amendment
take place, as shown by the symptoms assuming
a less severe character; or should they become
aggravated; or should they altogether change,
another medicine, or other medicines, as the case
may be, must be substituted, that bear a closer
analogy to the alterations of the patient's con-
}
xxii
INTRODUCTORY SECTION.
7
:
*
dition. In all cases the selection must be governed
by the indications given along with each medicine.
The doses of the medicines are to be repeated
according to the severity of the symptoms. In
severe cases the dose may be given every half
hour or hour; in others, every two, three, or four
hours; whilst if decided improvement occur, it
will be sufficient to give a dose two or three times
a day.
4. DIRECTIONS FOR GIVING TIE MEDICINE.
The tinctures are to be given in pure water,
the purer the better. For horses and cows a
wine-glassful is the proper quantity; for sheep, a
dessert-spoonful; for pigs, the same; dogs, from
a globule to three drops of the tincture accord-
ing to size. The tincture may be given in a tea-
spoonful of water; the globule placed upon the
tongue. Foals, three drops; year olds, five
drops; three-year olds, seven drops; adults, ten
to twenty drops; cattle, as directed for horses.
The triturations are to be mixed with a handful
of bran, or with a small portion of a favourite or
inviting food.
Some animals violently resist taking medicine;
when such is the case, the tincture may be given
as directed for the triturations.
Small horns, capable of holding about a wine-
glassful, are the most convenient instruments
1
INTRODUCTORY SECTION.
xxiii
f
with which to give the fluid medicines. Where
two medicines are given, two horns should be
used, and in all cases they should be perfectly
clean, and well washed out, before each dose is
administered.
Fomentations and poultices are necessary
adjuncts to the treatment of many cases. By
supplying warmth to the part they are applied
to, the tissues are softened, inflammation is re-
duced and frequently averted. They assist in
removing grit from wounds, in drawing pus to
the surface, and relieving the inflamed surround-
ings of abscesses, etc. Fomentations are espe-
cially applicable to parts where it would be
difficult or impossible to fix a poultice, and may
be used in conjunction with poultices. The
water should be as hot as the hand can bear,
and relays of hot water should be provided to
keep up the heat.
Poultices should be large enough to retain
heat and moisture for some time, but not so
large as to be heavy and burdensome. They
should be applied direct to the skin, and where
growth of hair would prevent that being done,
the hair should be removed. Poultices may be
medicated with Arnica tincture for bruises, or
Calendula tincture for wounds. A little of the
selected tincture may be poured on that portion
of the poultice which would come in contact
with the affected part, immediately before it is
WE ARE THE
1
1
xxiv
INTRODUCTORY SECTION.
applied. They retain heat and moisture longer
when spread on brown or damp-proof paper.
Linseed poultice.-Sprinkle crushed-linseed, or
linseed-meal, into hot water, stirring the while,
and apply as quickly as possible; useful for
indurated sores, tumours, suppurating abscess.
Bran poultice.-Sprinkle bran into hot water
in a similar manner; useful for most cases where
a poultice is required, particularly where there is
a discharge of pus, as in fistulous sores, open
abscess, etc.
Turnip poultice.-Good sound turnips boiled
quite soft and well mashed-useful in gangrenous
sloughing sores.
Yeast poultice.-Mix yeast, flour, and water
into a dough and apply whilst fermenting; use-
ful in foul sloughing sores.
A combination of bran and turnip, on which is
sprinkled a little Hydrastis C. powder, makes a
useful and beneficial application in foul-smelling
affections, such as grease, thrush, cracked heels,
etc.
How to feel the pulse.-This is best felt where
the artery passes over the edge of the jaw-bone.
To find it, apply the fingers to the angle of the
jaw-bone, and slowly pass them down to where a
notch in the bone may be felt; the artery passes
along this notch, where the throbbing will be
perceptible. It is generally situated about three
inches from the angle of the bone.
PART I.
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
CHAPTER I.
GENERAL DISEASES.
FEVER.
KINDS-Idiopathic and Symptomatic.
I. IDIOPATHIC FEVER.
V
THIS is a constitutional affection, and exists.
without injury or disease of any one part. It
may have this character so long as it continues,
but the rush of blood which takes place to the
internal parts in fever may be followed by in-
flammation in any one of them, especially if that
part be naturally weak; or if the powers of the
body be low, from over-work, bad food, or foul
smells. In such a case, a local inflammation
(or one confined to a particular part) is added
I
2
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
?
f
to the general fever, which is then known as
symptomatic.
CAUSES. A certain state of the air; exposure
to cold; changes in the weather; sudden removal
from a cold to a warm place, or from a warm to
a cold one.
SYMPTOMS.-In the first stage, the horse is dull
and heavy; he yawns, hangs his head, and is
unwilling to move; he sweats from the least
exertion, and sometimes trembles all over; the
legs, ears, mouth, and feet are cold; the coat.
stares and looks rough; the breathing is quick
and rather difficult; the pulse is quick, small,
and weak; the urine is scanty and the bowels
bound; the dung is in hard, small pieces; there
is no appetite.
In the second stage, the skin is hot, dry, and
smooth; the tongue dry and coated; the breath-
ing much quickened; the pulse hard, full, and
strong; the breath is hotter than usual; the
face looks anxious; the nose and eyes are red;
the thirst is great; and the animal is uneasy, and
moves about from one place to another.
In the third stage, the skin sweats a little, and
is not so hot as before; the water is more
abundant, and a sediment falls from it; the
pulse is neither so full nor so quick as formerly;
the thirst is less, and the mouth moister.
TREATMENT.—1. When the legs, ears, and nose
are very cold; the hair rough; the breathing
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
3
quick and difficult; the horse dull and yawning;
the pulse small and weak; and there is great
loss of strength-give Ammonium causticum.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every half hour
or hour as the case may require. When the horse improves
continue the medicine every three, four, or six hours until he
is well.
2. When the last medicine does not stop the
disease, and when there are-shaking and trem-
bling; dry, burning skin; great thirst; restless-
ness, quick, full pulse; burning heat in mouth,
which is also dry; and red nose and eyes-give
Aconitum.
Mag
DOSE. As directed for the last medicine, except that it must
be given every one, two, or three hours.
3. When Aconitum does not improve the
horse, or only very slightly, after several doses
have been used—give Belladonna. It is suitable
for the same symptoms as those which point out
that Aconitum is needed.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
4. When there are-shivering and shaking all
over; sweating at night; great thirst; great
weakness of the body generally; hard quick
palse; bound bowels; little urine; and especially
when the breathing comes quick, difficult, and
attended with catching at the sides, and grunt-
ing; and when the lungs have become inflamed-
give Bryonia.
K
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum. If the symptoms show
that the lungs have become inflamed, the treatment must be
that of Pneumonia, which see.
}
4
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
5. When all the violent symptoms have gone,
in order to complete the cure and prevent the
horse from getting worse again-give Sulphur.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every eight hours
until the animal is quite well.
2. SYMPTOMATIC FEVER.
This kind of fever comes on after injuries,
such as a prick in the foot, or an open wound in
the joint; and accompanies inflammation, as,
for instance, in the lungs, feet, eyes, or bowels.
It therefore never exists alone, but attends upon,
and is a symptom of, some disease or injury in a
particular part of the body.
The treatment of symptomatic fever is given in
other portions of this book, where the several
diseases and injuries with which it is combined,
and of which it is merely a symptom, are sepa-
rately described. Such, for instance, are inflam-
mation of the feet, lungs, eyes, bowels, bladder,
kidneys, pleura; open joints, prick in the foot,
and other injuries or diseases of a particular part
of the body.
t
F
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
5
RHEUMATISM.
CAUSES. Cold and damp; exposure to
draughts of cold air; bad food and ways of
feeding.
M
SYMPTOMS.—It begins with shivering all over ;
hot skin and mouth. Then the horse becomes
lame in one leg, or several joints are affected so
that he cannot move, but stands in one place;
the joint or joints are very hot, exceedingly pain-
ful, and swollen; the pulse is quicker at one time
than at another, or stops now and then for a
moment or two; the breathing is quick; sweats
break out; the animal becomes weak. When
the disease attacks the fore-legs, farriers call it
chest-founder," and when it is in the loins, the
back is raised and the belly tucked up: this is
known as CC
loin-bound."
C(
The rheumatism in some cases removes from
one leg to another, especially when the horse is
exposed to wet and cold. Sometimes it assumes
a chronic form, causing persistent lameness in
one or more limbs for months, without, however,
there being any enlargement or other symptom
to denote the exact seat of the pain.
Rheumatism is a prolific source of lameness
in horses, and it is no exaggeration to say that
thousands of horses are "unnerved," fired,
6
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
J
J
A
5
!
blistered, setoned, and even killed, every year
through errors in the diagnosis of their malady.
In support of this assertion, and at the same
time to point out some of the diseases produc-
tive of symptoms similar to those of rheumatism,
it may be as well to enumerate a few cases
which have come under the writer's care within
the last few years.
1. A gelding, aged fifteen, had been under
allopathic treatment for three months, alleged
to be lame from sprained fetlock. It was
declared to be incurable, and the animal was
sentenced to death. He was then treated
homoeopathically, resumed work in six weeks,
and is still at work-four years after.
2. A cob lying helpless for three days from
supposed paralysis (paraplegia) was said to be
incurable, and destruction was recommended.
The case was one of lumbago, and he recovered
and resumed full work in four days.
3. A hunter, after a hard day's work, was
found excessively lame. The veterinary sur-
geon diagnosed fracture of the thigh-bone, and
advised that he be shot. The case was one of
acute sciatica, and he was perfectly well in a
week.
4. A carriage horse had been under allopathic
treatment for three weeks; said to be suffering
from fever in the feet (laminitis). Bleeding and
further rest for six weeks was advised. He
}
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
7
recovered under homoeopathic treatment, and at
the end of ten days resumed and continued his
usual work.
5. A cob, five years old, was lame "all over,"
and firing one hock and "unnerving" both fore
feet was recommended. By the use of simple
remedies internally he resumed work at the end
of nine weeks.
6. A horse was about to be blistered for
alleged pleurisy, when the owner objecting, the
ailment was found to be rheumatism affecting
the chest. A speedy recovery was made with-
out blistering, the effects of which would have
taken twice as long to eradicate as was taken to
cure the malady.
TREATMENT.-I. When the disease is of recent
origin, and of the acute kind, being characterised
by hot skin and mouth, quick full pulse, great
heat, swelling, and pains in the joints, the pain
being much aggravated by touch-Aconitum is
the best remedy.
DOSE. 10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every three hours.
2. When the rheumatism is confined to one
or more joints, and the joints are painful, hot,
and swollen-give Mercurius.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
3. When the pains are aggravated by the
slightest movement, so that the horse remains.
fixed to one spot, the joints of the leg swollen,
со
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
1
and when fever has been effectually lowered by
the previous medicines-give Bryonia.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
4. When the pains are felt, and the consequent
lameness is apparent, more especially after rest,
but are both relieved by motion; the joints stiff
and rigid, when beginning to move after a night's
rest, but disappearing after having been moved
for some time; and when the disease has been
caused by exposure to damp weather-give
Rhus.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
5. When the disease shifts about from one
part to another, causing pain and lameness in
one leg now, and the same in the other to-
morrow-give Pulsatilla.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
6. In some cases of chronic rheumatism, and
in the convalescent stage of the acute kind—
give Sulphur.
Dosa. As for Aconitum.
STRANGLES.
Strangles is an idiopathic fever, followed by
abscesses in various parts of the body, generally
under the jaw. It occurs most commonly be-
tween the first and fifth year, when the teeth are
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
9
being shed; and in spring or autumn when the
weather is changeable. Almost every horse has
it, but only once in his lifetime.
SYMPTOMS. The disease begins as if the horse
were about to have a common cold; he is dull
and depressed, eats little or no food, coughs now
and then; the coat stares; the pulse is slightly
quickened; the mouth hot and dry, and after-
wards frothy fluid comes from it; the throat
sore; the nose red, and matter flows from the
nostrils. The glands under the jaw become
swelled, hot, and painful, to such an extent as to
cause "quidding," and so much difficulty of
breathing that the horse seems almost suffocated.
The swelling becomes still larger and softer, until
it bursts, and matter flows out. From this time
the animal begins to recover, and is soon well.
In some cases, however, the horse does not get
well so quickly; for after the abscess in the
gland has burst out, others form upon the back,
shoulders, legs, breast, or other parts of the out-
side, or even in the inside of the body. This is
called Irregular Strangles.
TREATMENT.-I. When the mouth is hot and
dry; the glands tender, swollen, and hot; the
pulse quick and full; the difficulty of swallowing
and pain considerable-give Belladonna.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every four hours.
2. When the glands of the neck are painful
and hard; the difficulty of breathing increasing,
ΙΟ
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
and no discharge issuing from the nostrils-give
Hepar sulphuris.
DOSE.-1 grain of the first trituration in a handful of bran-
mash every four hours.
In almost every case it will be necessary to
administer these two medicines in turns—that is,
first one and then the other. A bran-poultice
must be applied under the jaw, and changed
every night and morning, continuing until the
abscesses in the glands have burst of themselves.
or been opened, and the remaining wounds are
healing up satisfactorily.
3. When the abscess is discharging matter,
and when it is healing up-give Silicca.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water three times a day.
4. When the disease is subdued, but the animal
suffers from its effects, such as being thin, weak,
and refusing food-give Arsenicum.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water three times a day.
WEED, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE
LYMPHATICS.*
CAUSES. Sudden changes from bad to good
food; exposure to cold and wet; overwork after
several days' rest; disordered stomach; standing
in cold water; exposure to draughts of cold air,
etc.
* See Glossary at the end of the work.
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
II
SYMPTOMS.-The disease comes on very sud-
denly, and begins, in general, with shivering,
which is soon followed by full, strong, quick
pulse; accelerated breathing; hot, dry mouth,
and general feverishness. It attacks in most
cases the left hind-leg, although in some in-
stances the other hind-leg, or a fore one may be
affected. The leg is lifted from the ground; it
is hot, painful, and swells from above to below.
The swelling increases very quickly, and the leg
becomes much larger than the other; the pain
also becomes worse, and prevents the animal
from moving; and when the leg is pressed upon,
it is snatched away. Several hard, round, and
very painful cord-like swellings may be felt on
the inside of the leg; these end in small lumps,
which are also hard and more painful than the
cords. A watery fluid exudes from the skin, and
may be seen in drops upon the hair.
TREATMENT.-The leg must be fomented with
hot water for an hour, in the morning and at
night.
I. When the disease begins with symptoms of
fever, and when the leg is very painful and
swelled-give Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every three hours.
2. When the feverishness has been reduced--
give Kali Bichrom., and continue it till the horse
is well.
Dosr. As directed for Aconitum..
i
1
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
12
1
1
The animal should have plenty of exercise,
except during the acute stage. In the majority
of cases I order the horses to work, continuing
the medicine till well, and find they recover
much sooner than when allowed to stand in the
stable.
ABSCESS.
An abscess is a gathering of matter.
DIVISIONS.-Abscesses are divided into two
kinds :-
1. Circumscribed, in which the inflammation is
of a healthy character, and its tendency towards
recovery. The fibrine* poured out from the
blood softens down only in the middle, whilst
the hard part round it forms a kind of bag,
which confines the matter and hinders it from
spreading.
2. Diffused, in which the inflammation is of an
unhealthy character, and prone to extend. The
whole of the fibrine then breaks down into a
mattery fluid, which is not confined, but spreads
widely.
CAUSES. A vitiated state of the blood, as in
strangles; blows, or other injuries; thorns, splin-
ters, nails, or other foreign bodies in the skin or
flesh.
*See Glossary at the end of the book.
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
13
!
SYMPTOMS.—A hot, painful swelling, at first
hard in the middle, softer round, and attended
with fever (see Fever), which is of a mild or
severe kind, according to the nature and situation
of the abscess.
PROGRESS.-The matter increases in quantity,
and makes its way generally towards the skin.
In some cases it may burst into the bronchial
tube, or into some other canal of a like character;
whilst in many instances it is confined and
bound down by sinews, horn, and other resisting
substances, amongst which it spreads and bur-
rows, leaving fistulæ in every direction. A fistula
is a deep, narrow, and hard ulcer or sore, arising
from an abscess. A healthy abscess increases in
size, becomes softer in the middle, fluctuates or
yields to the pressure of the fingers, and at last.
points or bulges above the surface at one particular
place. Here the skin sloughs, and an opening is
made through which the matter flows out.
TREATMENT.-All foreign bodies, such as
thorns, etc., must of course be removed if the
abscess depends on their presence; if it arise
from a blow, the bruised part must be kept wet
with Arnica lotion (see Introductory Section)
until the heat, pain, and swelling disappear. But
if the latter symptoms increase, foment with hot
water three times a day, and after each fomenta-
tion apply a large bran-poultice. These means
will relieve pain, favour the formation of matter,
14
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
F
も
​ĭ
and assist in discharging it after the abscess has
opened. For the latter purpose a fresh poultice
must be applied every night and morning so long
as there is much pain or matter, and until the
healing process begins. A piece of linen or cotton
cloth may then be well moistened with Calendula
lotion (see Introductory Section), and applied
several times a day to the raw place. The matter
may be washed away from around the wound for
the sake of cleanliness, but it must on no account
be removed from the wound itself, which it pro-
tects and sheathes from injury.
In most cases an abscess requires to be opened
when it points and fluctuates, when it spreads and
does not come towards the surface, and when it
is placed deeply amongst muscles, sinews, etc.
The opening should be made where the skin is
about to break, or at the lowest part of the
abscess, so that the matter may flow out freely.
This a veterinary surgeon should do.
Sometimes, as in strangles, the abscess dis-
appears, in consequence of the matter being
drawn into the blood, from which it is afterwards
discharged by the kidneys or liver.
The most suitable medicines are the following:
1. When the swelling is hard, hot, and pain-
ful, and before the matter is formed—give Ar-
senicum.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every four hours.
2. When the swelling increases in size and
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
15
softness, showing that matter exists, but does.
not mature quickly-give Hepar sulphuris.
DOSE. As directed for Arsenicum.
3. When the matter has been discharging for
some time, and begins to get less in quantity,
and when the abscess is filling up from the
bottom-give Calcarea carbonica.
DOSE. As directed for Arsenicum, except that it must be
given only night and morning.
4. When sufficient progress is not being made
by the preceding medicines, Silicea should be
substituted or given turn about with Hepar sul-
phuris.
DOSE. As directed for Arsenicum.
K
ANASARCA, OR GENERAL DROPSY.
This is the name given to a watery swelling
over the whole body, between the skin and
flesh; the swelling depending on a collection of
serum.
CAUSES.-Exposure to cold and wet; sud-
denly turning out a horse in cold weather from
good feeding and a warm stable.
SYMPTOMS. The belly, sheath, breast, lips,
and eyelids are more or less swelled; the swell-
ing has little or no pain, is soft, and a mark is
left when the finger is pressed upon it. The
!
16
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
fluid falls downwards, and the legs and thighs
become very much enlarged; there are, besides,
poor appetite, low spirits, quick breathing, small
and weak pulse, weakness, purging, and the
horse does not lie down. In many cases the ab-
domen and chest contain a watery fluid.
TREATMENT.-I. When there are, besides the
dropsy, great weakness, loss of spirits, dry tongue,
thirst, scanty urine, cold legs, lost appetite, quick
breathing, small weak pulse, purging, and when
the chest and belly contain water-give Arseni-
cum.
DOSE.-Give 10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every two
or three hours.
2. The author has found great benefit from
the alternate use of Digitalis and the last
medicine.
DOSE.-Give 10 drops in a wine-glassful of water, time about
with Arsenicum, a dose every two or three hours.
3. When the dropsy comes on suddenly and
runs a rapid course, and when there are great
weakness, scanty urine, slimy dung, great thirst,
water in the belly and chest-give Helleborus.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every two or
three hours.
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
17
PURPURA HÆMORRHAGICA.
CAUSES.-The great cause which renders the
horse liable to this complaint is general weak-
ness, produced by overwork, disease, bad food,
and breathing impure air in dirty stables. It is
brought on by cold and wet, and may follow
several other diseases.
SYMPTOMS. All the legs below the knees and
hocks are much swollen; higher up the swelling
is enormous, and ends abruptly at the elbow
and stifle joints; the lips and nostrils are also
much swelled, and have a shining appearance ;
the openings of the nostrils are almost closed by
it, causing a blowing sound when the air is
forced out from the lungs; the inside of the nose
is first very red, and then covered with purple
spots, which afterwards become of a leaden
colour; the inside of the lips is also covered
with spots of the same kind, of various shapes,
and differing in size from a shilling downwards;
these spots contain dark-coloured fluid blood,
which flows out when one of them is scratched
with a pin; there is a discharge of bloody, and
sometimes of mattery fluid from the nose; the
gums are swelled and livid; the breathing is
quick; the pulse small and frequent; the dung
soft and dark-coloured; the cough painful and
frequent; the urine is high-coloured, and has a
Į
1
1
18
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
};
strong smell; little or no food is eaten. Then,
in a few hours, the swelling-which is hot, hard,
painful, and in some cases shining-extends to
the eyelids, breast, flank, belly, quarters, and
between the thighs as high as the fundament;
the swelling in the other parts may go down
very much for a few hours, and then become as
bad as ever; the pulse falls, and more food is
taken; when the breath is drawn inwards, there
is a crowing sound; fluid hangs in drops from
the hair of the sheath, which is much swelled
still; the discharge from the nose is greater, and
somewhat like porter; small pieces of the mem-
brane in the inside of the nose slough ;* the
joints become much swelled, and so stiff that the
animal cannot move; portions of the skin, from
the size of the hand downwards, become cold,
hard as a board, and at last slough from those
parts of the body which were before much swelled,
leaving raw sores; the urine has a great deal of
blood in it, some of which is in clots or little
lumps. All these symptoms become worse until
the animal dies.
da
TREATMENT.-The most reliable remedy in
this disease, for which it is almost a specific, is
Kali Bichrom. As a rule no other medicine is
required, and the greatest confidence may be
placed in the Kali Bichrom. even in the most
serious cases.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every three hours.
* See Glossary at the end of the book.
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
19
Food.-Ordinary food of good quality; pota-
toes are of great service.
Oatmeal gruel and linseed tea should be given
if other food be refused, or when the head and
throat be affected rendering mastication diffi-
cult.
GLANDERS AND FARCY.
Glanders and farcy are the names given to two
forms of the same disease; glanders being con-
fined to the nose, farcy to the lymphatics.*
CAUSES.-Want of food, bad food, impure air
in a close stable; healthy horses becoming glan-
dered by receiving the matter into their bodies
from diseased animals.
SYMPTOMS.-Glanders.- A constant discharge
from one or both nostrils, generally from the left
only; at first thin, then thick and like white of
egg. It may continue in this way for some time,
or it becomes very soon more mattery and sticky,
then greenish or yellowish, or mixed with streaks
of blood, and having a bad smell. Soon after
this discharge is first noticed, the glands under
the jaw become painful and swollen, and one of
them appears to be fixed to the inner side of the
* See Glossary at the end of the book.
20
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
jaw-bone. Then the membrane, lining the in-
side of the nose, has a yellowish or leaden colour;
small elevations are noticed upon it, which
afterwards become ulcers; these have sharp
borders, and spread until the gristle and bones.
beneath become ulcerated. The disease now
spreads to the lungs, which become filled with
small abscesses; there is a cough, wasting,
want of appetite and weakness; the hair
is dry and loose; the lips and eyelids be-
come swollen, and in a short time the horse
dies.
Farcy. Upon the face, lips, or other portions
of the body, and especially upon the legs, hard,
painful, hot lumps are felt, which are called farcy
buds; they increase in size, pain, and heat,
until the skin ulcerates through, and a thin dis-
charge flows out. Between these lumps, hard-·
ened cords are felt; the groin and space between
the chest and fore-legs become swollen and very
painful; the legs become swelled, and glanders
ensues.
t
TREATMENT.-I. When there are-discharge
of green and yellowish matter, of a bad smell;
ulcers in the mucous membrane of the nose-
give Pulsatilla.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water three times a day.
2. When an offensive smell issues from the
nose, and when the matter is copious, offensive,
greenish, or bloody; the glands under the jaw
1
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
21
+
painful and swollen, and when pustules are seen
on the nasal membrane-give Mercurius.
DOSE.-One grain of the trituration in a handful of mash
thrice a day.
3. When in addition to the discharge the
horse wastes, and has no appetite, and the lips
and eyelids swell-give Arsenicum.
DOSE. As directed for Pulsatilla.
4. When ulcers with deep bottoms and ragged
edges exist, and the discharge is copious and
streaked with blood; and when farcy buds are
found in different parts of the body-give Kali
Bichromicum.
DOSE. As directed for Pulsatilla.
Glanders is a highly contagious disease, and
communicable to man. The groom should there-
fore be careful that he has no wounds on his
hands; otherwise he may easily get infected.
The diseased horse should be separated from all
others. In confirmed cases, or when the disease
attacks worn-out horses, the best remedy is a
bullet. The writer has been successful on several
occasions of curing cases of unequivocal glanders.
The risk of infection to man and beast, and the
improbability of curing a horse affected with it
being so great, it should not be attempted with-
out serious consideration. As a rule the best
policy to pursue is to destroy the animal with-
out delay, but before doing so the symptoms
should be carefully compared with those of
Ozæna or Nasal Gleet.
S
22.
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
MYALGIA
Is a malady affecting the muscles.
CAUSES. Excessive and prolonged exertion,
racing, hunting, etc., requiring great muscular
effort.
SYMPTOMS. A few hours after resting the
patient is found standing in a somewhat rigid
position. When made to move he does so
reluctantly, and with apparent soreness and
stiffness. The pulse and breathing may, or
may not, be slightly increased.
TREATMENT.-I. Give Arnica.
DOSE.-10 drops every three hours.
2. When the more prominent symptoms have
subsided, and there remains want of appetite,
small hard fæces, urine scanty-give Nux vomica.
DOSE. As directed for Arnica.
K
!
CHAPTER II.
DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS
SYSTEM.
PHRENITIS; MAD STAGGERS; BRAIN
FEVER; INFLAMMATION OF THE
BRAIN.
THIS disease consists of inflammation of the
brain, or the membranes covering it, or of both.
CAUSES.-Over-exertion in warm weather,
when the animal is full of blood, and hot; ex-
posure to the sun at mid-day; blows on the
head, etc.
<
SYMPTOMS.-In some cases the attack comes
on slowly. The horse is dull and sleepy; he
rests his head on the manger, places it against
the wall, or between his legs, and then falls asleep.
In this state he will perhaps stagger and almost
fall down; he however wakes up, stares about
him as if in surprise, takes a mouthful of hay,
chews it slowly, and ere long he is again dozing,
or fast asleep. The eyelids are nearly closed;
I
24
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
i
1
the eyes and nose red; the pupils dilated; the
bowels bound; the pulse slower than in health.
This stage of the disease may continue until the
animal recovers or dies; but other symptoms
appear, in general, to which the name mad stag-
gers is more properly applicable. In such a case
the pulse rises; the breathing is much quick-
ened; the mouth is dry and hot; the nose and
eyes are very red; the nostrils are widened; the
eyes have a wild and fierce look; the feet are
stamped as if the horse were in a passion; he
plunges about the box, rears upwards, strikes out
with his fore-feet, and falls backwards upon the
ground, where he lies covered with sweat, and
panting for breath; his eyes are thrust forward
out of their sockets, and rattles are heard in the
windpipe. Towards the end of the disease these
violences are repeated, and it is dangerous to go
near the horse. At last he is so done up, that he
cannot rise from the ground, and amidst convul-
sions, struggling, foaming at the mouth, sweating,
and labouring for breath, he dies.
TREATMENT.—I. When the pulse is quick and
full, the eyes red, etc.-give Aconitum.
DOSE.-Give 10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every two,
three, or four hours, then twice or three times a day until well.
2. When the horse is dull and sleepy, and his
eyelids closed or half-open; when the eyes are
red and furious-looking; the mouth hot and dry;
* See Glossary at the end of the book.
1
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
25
է
rearing and plunging about; convulsions in the
legs—give Belladonna.
DOSE.-Same as directed for Aconitum.
3. When the horse is sleeping, and boring his
head against the manger; the pulse and breath-
ing slow; when he quickly goes to sleep after
having been roused up; eyelids nearly closed;
pupils wide-give Opium.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
4. Bryonia.
One of these medicines
5. Hyoscyamus. may be tried if the horse
6. Stramonium. does not improve.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
K
This is a disease which few but a veterinary
surgeon can treat with success.
MEGRIMS; FITS.
CAUSES. Megrims may arise from there being
too much blood in the vessels of the brain; hence
it most frequently occurs in fat and over-fed
horses, or in those that are over-worked and the
head tightly reined up.
SYMPTOMS.-Megrims suddenly attacks the
animal; he stops, shakes his head, and looks
stupidly about him; he then turns round, stag-
gers, and falls to the ground deprived of all his
He is then slightly or most violently
senses.
}
!
26
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
1
convulsed; the urine and dung are discharged
involuntarily; his legs are stiffly held out and
shaken; the muscles tremble; the eyes are deeply
drawn into their sockets, and the haw is thrust
forward. The convulsions then end, the horse.
rises up, shakes himself, looks about surprised,
and appears in a few minutes as if nothing had
been amiss.
TREATMENT.-The head must not be too
tightly reined up, and if the horse be too fat, no
oats must be given for a time, and he should be
exercised every day. Some horses are liable to
megrims, and as the attack comes on unawares,
they are dangerous both to ride and drive. The
author has cured several cases of megrims, to
which the horses had been subject for many
years. Very little can be done whilst the horse
is in the fit; the chief point is therefore to
prevent another coming on.
1. When there are-convulsions all over the
body, and especially about the face and eyes;
widened pupil; the dung and water come away
during the fit; loss of all the senses; the horse
wakes from the fit with a start-give Belladonna.
DOSE.-Give 10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every night
and morning, and then every night only, as the horse improves,
to be continued for several weeks, until no more fits happen.
2. When the horse turns half round, staggers,
and falls-give Arnica.
DOSE.-Same as Belladonna.
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
27
3. Stramonium.
Ignatia.
These medicines are more
suitable in some cases than
Hyoscyamus. Belladonna, and one of them
may be given instead of it, if the fits continue.
DOSES. As directed for Belladonna.
4. Sulphur.
These medicines are
Calcarea carbonica. to be used, especially
Silicea.
when the fits have
attacked the horse for a long time, and the dis-
ease continues in spite of the last medicines.
DOSES. As directed for Belladonna.
PALSY* OF THE FACE.
CAUSES.-Disease of the brain; pressure upon
the nerves of the face by heavy head gear; ex-
posure to draughts of cold air.
SYMPTOMS.-The muscles on one side of the
facet having lost their power of motion, the lip,
especially the corner of the lower one, hangs down
uselessly and seems swollen; the lips on the
sound side are drawn that way, and the corner
of the mouth is pulled upwards; the food cannot
be picked up well, and to overcome the difficulty
the horse inclines his head in order that he
may use the sound side of the lips with greater
* See Glossary at the end of the book.
The author has seen several cases of both sides of the face
being paralysed.
*
28
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
!
}
advantage; he chews the food slowly and with
some difficulty, and it becomes crammed in
between the cheek and teeth, so that he cannot
chew at all until it is taken away; he "quids"
the food, and it falls out of his mouth. In some
cases the horse has no feeling in the face and
lips.
TREATMENT.-The medicines most likely to
prove serviceable, are Causticum, Nux vomica,
Graphites, and Arnica.
DOSE.-10 drops night and morning.
PARAPLEGIA.
Paraplegia is palsy of the hinder half of the
body.
CAUSES.-Injuries to the back, produced by
casting in the stable; strain, such as may be
sustained when turning in a narrow stall; blows
upon the loins; inflammation of the spinal
marrow; fracture of the back bones; loss of
nervous power.
SYMPTOMS.-The animal lies on the ground
unable to raise himself; he attempts to get up
but cannot; he rises upon and supports himself
with his fore-legs, whilst his haunches rest upon
the ground. He remains in this position for a
short time, and either lies down again or drags
his powerless hind-legs along the ground for a
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
29
few paces; then he falls exhausted, breathing
quickly and sweating all over.
When the palsy is only slight, the horse
cannot place his hind-legs forward so firmly,
quickly, and steadily as in health, or he trails or
drags them after him he sways from one side to
the other, and sometimes walks upon his fet-
locks; he does not feel the pricking of a pin
when the disease has lasted for some time.
TREATMENT.—
Belladonna.
These medicines are the best
Nux vomica. J for this form of palsy.
DOSE.-Give 10 drops in a wine-glassful of water three times
a day. Give Belladonna first until the horse is well, but if it
fails, give Nux vomica instead.
When the palsy is caused by the spinal mar-
row being pressed upon by pieces of broken
bones, no cure can be expected.
TETANUS; LOCK-JAW.
Tetanus is a disease of the spinal marrow,
attended with more or less spasm* and stiffness
of the muscles* which are subject to the will of
the animal.
CAUSES. Tetanus is said to be idiopathic
when it arises from some disorder of the body
* See Glossary at the end of the book.
30
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
}
produced by cold or damp; strangles suddenly
stopped; worms; distension of the stomach, etc.
It is called traumatic when it is the consequence
of wounds, such as broken knees, open joints,
bruises, nicked or docked tail; castration;
wounds of the feet; pricked foot from a nail; it
has been caused by the galling of the crupper.
SYMPTOMS.-Tetanus comes on in some cases
with great suddenness and violence, but in general
it attacks the horse slowly. The muscles of the
jaws and neck are first affected, so that the
animal has difficulty in swallowing, and in turn-
ing his neck. These muscles then become quite
stiff; the mouth is nearly closed; the jaws cannot
be parted, and little or no food can be taken into
the mouth. Then all the other muscles become
affected with the same stiffness and cramp; the
eyes are fixed, staring, pulled back into their
socket, and squinted outwards, and the haw is
thrust forward in front; the neck cannot be
bent, and the muscles feel hard and firm; the head
cannot be raised or lowered, and is held forward
with the nose stretched out; the nostrils are
expanded; the ears pointed forwards, erect, and
fixed; the lips are firmly stretched across the
teeth, which are partly seen; slaver flows from
the mouth; the horse looks anxious; he can
scarcely move, and when made, he does so stiffly
and altogether, as it were; the belly is hard,
tucked up, and narrowed; the tail is lifted up,
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
31
held straight out, and is in a constant tremble;
the legs are fixed stiffly upon the ground, and
spread out from each other; the bowels are
bound; the urine is difficult to pass; the breathing
is quickened, laboured, and convulsive; the pulse
is disturbed easily by frightening or speaking
angrily to the horse; it becomes afterwards weak
and fluttering. While the spasm of the muscles
lasts, the animal is in constant pain, although it
is less severe at some times than at others.
TREATMENT.-In traumatic cases, the treat-
ment must in the first place be directed to the
injury. If the foot is wounded or pricked by a
nail or other sharp substance, the lock-jaw comes
on generally when the wound is nearly healed, or
the discharge of matter has suddenly stopped,
nine or ten days after the injury. In all cases.
the wound or injury which produced the locked-
jaw must be treated as directed in other portions
of this work.
1. When the tetanus is produced by some
injury, Arnica and Belladonna may be given
alternately every one, two, or three hours,
according to the severity of the disease.
DOSE.-Give 10 drops in a table-spoonful of water until the
jaws are not so fast; then give them every four or six hours,
according to the improvement. One dose of Belladonna is to
be given first, and two, three, four, or six hours afterwards a
dose of Arnica; then, after the same time, another dose of
Belladonna, and so on, in turns.
2. If the horse does not improve with the last
:
32
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
medicines, Nux vomica and Arnica may be
given instead; or if the disease arises from any
other cause than an injury-Nux vomica and
Belladonna may be used.
DOSES.-As directed for the others.
3. Camphor.
These medicines act better
Bryonia. than the others in some cases,
and may be used instead if the horse does not
improve.
DOSE. As directed for Belladonna and Arnica.
4. If the bowels are not opened, an injection
of warm water and soap may be thrown up.
Stabling-Bearing in mind the great pain
which the animal is suffering from, and the fact
that the spasms are made more severe by the
slightest annoyance, the groom who waits upon.
him must on no account shout or speak loudly or
angrily to the horse; he must not be handled
roughly or unkindly; no light should be admitted
into the box; and everything should be done in
the quietest possible manner. The medicines
should be given by means of a syringe, attached
to a tube placed in the back part of the mouth.
Food. When the jaws are firmly set no food
can be taken, but there are times when the spasm
is not so great, and the jaws are rather wider than
at other periods. Green food and gruel may
then be offered to the horse. When the jaws
become more open, he may have bran, clover,
P
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
33
hay-tea, gruel, and such other foods. If the jaws
are so firmly closed that the animal cannot get
any food into his mouth; or being able to do so,
if he cannot swallow it, some oatmeal gruel may
be injected up the fundament with a large syringe,
after the bowel has been cleared out by an injec-
tion of lukewarm water.
Care should be observed not to give the animal
too much food when recovering; otherwise indi-
gestion and a fatal result may ensue.
3
{
1.
CHAPTER III.
DISEASES OF THE ORGANS
OF BREATHING.
OZÆNA-NASAL GLEET.
THIS is the name given to an old-standing
running from the nose.
CAUSES. The flux arises from a diseased state
of the membrane which lines the inside of the
nasal passages. It is often left after common
cold, especially when badly treated, and when
it happens in an old and worn-out horse. A
diseased tooth in the upper jaw may give rise to
a discharge of matter, but this is not the true
nasal gleet.
SYMPTOMS. The discharge is yellowish or like
cream, or it is, in some cases, greenish. It may
be in clots, or of a uniform thickness; it may be
constantly flowing, or be snorted out in great
quantities; it may come from both nostrils, but
generally from only the left. The gland under
the left jaw may or may not be fixed, hard, and
painful. The membrane of the nose has a leaden
K
P
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
35
+
colour. The discharge may stop for a time, and
come again in quantities still greater than before.
After the discharge has continued to run for a
long time, the animal becomes thin and poor,
and at last dies of exhaustion, or blood-poison-
ing from absorption of pus.
TREATMENT.-1. When the discharge is thick,
yellowish, or greenish, offensive, and attended
with frequent snortings-give Pulsatilla.
DOSE. 10 drops in a wine-glassful of water three times a day.
2. When the discharge has lasted for a con-
siderable period, sometimes ceasing for a while.
and then reappearing; and when the animal
loses flesh and strength-give Arsenicum.
DOSE. As directed for Pulsatilla.
3. When the gland under the jaw is hard and
painful; when an offensive smell issues from the
nostril, and the discharge is copious and yellow-
ish-give Kali Bichrom.
DOSE. As directed for Pulsatilla.
Should one or other of these medicines fail to
give relief, the article on Glanders must be re-
ferred to, or a homoeopathic veterinary surgeon's
opinion obtained.
36
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
CATARRH, OR COMMON COLD.
This disease consists of slight inflammation of
the nose and back part of the throat.
CAUSES.-The same as those of Bronchitis.
SYMPTOMS. The common symptoms are--
the horse is not so lively and active as usual;
he eats little or no food; he coughs and sneezes;
a watery discharge flows from one or both nos-
trils, and also from the eyes, which are red and
swollen.
malay
In the more severe form of cold the symptoms
are-shaking, warm skin, quick pulse, frequent
and somewhat difficult breathing, sore throat,
pain in throat when pinched, frequent tickling
cough, rough coat, bound bowels, red eyes, and
red and dry nose; tears flow freely, and little or
no food is eaten. When recovery is about to set
in, a white or yellowish discharge flows from
both nostrils.
Cold may end in bronchitis; indeed, in all
chief points, they are the same disease, the only
difference between them being, that common cold
is confined to the nose and throat, whilst bron-
chitis passes downwards to the bronchial tubes
or air-passages in the lungs. If the cold be not
cured, nasal gleet may be left.
TREATMENT.-I. When the disease begins
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
37
with shivering, and when there are-hot and then
cold skin; dry, short, and frequent cough; quick
and full pulse; red nose and eyes; hot and dry
mouth; scanty and high-coloured urine; run-
ning of tears-give Aconitum.
DOSE. Give 10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every two
or three hours. Should the horse be better in twenty-four
hours, continue the medicine every six hours; if no better, or
if fresh symptoms arise, in place of Aconitum use one of the
following medicines.
T
2. When the attack comes on after exposure to
cold or wet, or when there are great weakness,
low spirits, nasal discharge which continues for
some time and does not become less in quantity,
difficult breathing, swelled legs, scanty water,
dry skin, no appetite-give Arsenicum.
DOSE.-Give as directed for Aconitum.
3. When there are-frequent coughing and
sneezing at the same time; dry frequent cough
(worst in the night); great discharge from the
nose, having a bad smell; swelled and sore nos-
trils; red eyes; painful and swelled glands under
the jaw; sore throat; difficulty of swallowing ;
great flow of tears-give Mercurius.
DOSE. Give as directed for Aconitum, until the animal is
well.
4. In cases where Mercurius is indicated by the
symptoms, but fails to do good after several
doses have been given-give Belladonna.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
Stabling and food-As directed for Bronchitis.
3,8
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
FEVER;
INFLUENZA; CATARRHAL
EPIDEMIC CATARRH; THE DIS-
TEMPER; THE EPIDEMIC.
Influenza differs from common cold in the
following particulars :-The fever, of a low kind,
which sets in suddenly, and soon reaches its
height; the great lowness and weakness which
come on soon after the attack begins; and the
disease being of an epidemic character, that is,
attacking many horses at the same time in the
same place, then abating and returning at another
season.
CAUSES.-Those of common cold; it is most
frequent in the fall and spring, and is supposed
to be brought on by some unknown state of the
air.
SYMPTOMS.-The influenza of one year may
differ in many respects from that of another, but
the following symptoms will be generally ob-
served-The horse is dull, low-spirited, and
easily tired; he yawns and hangs his head; his
coat stares; he sweats easily, and breathes.
quickly when even slightly worked or moved.
He eats little or nothing. As the disease ad-
vances the skin is sometimes hot, at others cold ;
the mouth and tongue are dry and hot; the white
of the eye and the nose are red; the bowels
are bound; the urine is scanty; the eyelids are
P
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
39
swelled, partly closed, and tears flow down the
face and fret the skin. The sides of the nostrils
are also fretted by the discharge from them, which
is sometimes great. The throat is much inflamed,
so that swallowing is attended with great pain
and difficulty; the animal "quids" his food and
splashes the water with his muzzle, being afraid
to swallow either fluid or solid food. The throat
is painful, hot, and swollen on the outside; the
glands are also swelled, hard, and painful; mat-
ter sometimes forms in them. The cough is
frequent, tickling, and comes on in fits; the
breathing is more or less difficult on account of
the swollen state of the throat and upper portion
of the gullet. When the disease has lasted some
time, the dung is slimy and mixed with blood,
and the discharge from the nose is streaked with.
blood.
TREATMENT.—I. When there are-shivering,
cold skin (especially of the legs and ears);
staring hair; sniffling at the nose; quick, diffi-
cult breathing; general weakness, etc.—give
Ammonium causticum.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every two hours.
•
2. When the skin becomes hot and dry; the
pulse hard, full, and frequent; the cough fre-
quent; the mouth hot; the urine scanty, etc.-
give Aconitum.
Dosɛ. As directed for the last medicine.
3. When the eyelids are closed and swelled,
}
40
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
The
the throat sore, the glands painful and swelled,
the cough coming on in fits and worse in the
evening, abundant flow of tears, frequent attempts
to swallow, attended with difficulty and pain-
give Belladonna.
DOSE. As directed for the first medicine. Continue it every
six hours, or only three times a day if the animal improves; if
not, the next medicine must be given instead.
4. When the following symptoms exist: Great
discharge from the nose, shaking all over, diffi-
cult breathing, swelled legs, scanty water, dry
cough, small and weak pulse, no appetite, slimy
dung, purging, great weakness, yawning, and
lowness of spirits-give Arsenicum.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every one, two,
three, or four hours, according as the case may require. When
the horse improves do not give the medicine so often.
5. When there are-hollow, rough cough, at-
tended with rattling in the windpipe, loss of
appetite, bound bowels, thirst, moving about from
one place to another, cold and then warm skin,
and sniffling at the nose-give Nux vomica.
DOSE. As directed for Arsenicum, except that one dose is
to be given every four hours until the horse is well.
Stabling-As directed for Bronchitis.
Food.-Malt mashes, boiled oats, linseed or
flour gruel, green food, and, in short, the horse
must have the best food that can be got.
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
41
SORE THROAT.
SYMPTOMS. Sore throat depends upon inflam-
mation of the parts about the throat, and occurs
frequently in cases of common Cold and Bron-
chitis. In some cases the throat is the only part
inflamed, and then the symptoms are these:
The throat is hot, painful, and swelled on the
outside; it is painful in the inside also, for the
horse has difficulty in swallowing his food-he
“quids" it, that is, partly chews it and then
drops it out of his mouth; the glands under the
jaw and below the ears are painful, hard, and
swelled, and matter may form in them; fluid
foods return in some cases, by the nose; slaver
flows out of the mouth; as the swelling of the
inside of the throat and about the top of the
windpipe increases, so that breathing becomes
more and more difficult, and the animal seems at
times as if he were nearly suffocated; fever is
present.
TREATMENT.—1. When there is much heat of
skin, dry mouth, sore and tender throat, etc., at
the beginning of the attack-give Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every four hours.
2. When the act of swallowing is attended
with considerable pain and difficulty, so that
liquids return by the nostrils; when the glands
42
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
of the neck are swelled and tender, and the
breathing difficult-give Belladonna.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
3. When the same symptoms exist as indicate
Belladonna; but it does not produce rapid.
amendment, and when the swelling of the throat
and the difficulty of breathing increase-give
Mercurius.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
LARYNGITIS; OR, INFLAMMATION OF
THE LARYNX.
The larynx is the upper portion of the wind-
pipe, and inflammation of it is a very dangerous
disease. It is generally attended with, or pre-
ceded by, common cold or bronchitis.
CAUSES.-The same as those of Bronchitis.
SYMPTOMS.-The outside of the throat is hot,
painful, and swelled; swallowing is difficult, and
the fluid portion of the food is returned by the
nose; the breathing is short, difficult, and when
air is drawn into the lungs, a rough, harsh sound
is heard in the larynx; the cough, which is at
first short and hard, becomes afterwards hoarser
and feebler, and occurs in fits, especially after the
horse has tried to swallow; the pulse is quick,
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
43
hard, and full; the skin hot. As the disease
advances, the breathing becomes still more dif
ficult, and is attended with a rasping, crowing
sound; the neck is straightened and held stiffly,
the head is raised, the larynx is drawn down
towards the breast, the nostrils are widened, the
nose is the colour of lead, the eyes are red, the
skin is damp with sweat, the pulse is now weak
and irregular, and at last so little air reaches the
lungs in consequence of the windpipe being
narrowed, that the animal dies really of want of
breath.
TREATMENT.—I. When the fever runs high,
the pulse being full, hard, and frequent; the
skin hot and dry; the mouth hot; the urine
high-coloured and scanty; the breathing difficult
-give Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every one, two,
or three hours, as the case may require.
2. When the symptoms of fever have been
relieved by Aconitum, and when there are-hot,
swelled, and painful throat, difficulty of swallow-
ing, swelled glands, soreness of larynx, cough
coming on in fits, and when the horse seems as
if he were about to be suffocated-give Bella-
donna.
ma
Dose. As directed for Aconitum, except that if the horse
improve the medicine may be continued every six or eight hours.
3. When the fever is lowered by Aconitum,
but the breathing has become hoarser and more
44
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
difficult, as if the opening of the windpipe were
blocked up; when the larynx is painful, the
cough shrill or rough; the breathing slow, ob-
structed and rasping-give Spongia.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
4. When the breathing is oppressed and stifled,
and attended with general uneasiness, and throw-
ing up the head; great tenderness at the upper
part of the windpipe, hoarse cough, etc.-give
Hepar Sulphuris.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
BRONCHITIS. INFLAMMATION OF
THE AIR-PASSAGES.
This disease consists of inflammation of the
bronchial tubes, which are the small branches of
the air-passages in the lungs.
CAUSES.-Exposure to cold and wet; sudden
changes in the weather; turning out the horse
into a cold place, or bringing him up from grass
into a warm stable; standing in draughts of
cold air; washing the warm and sweating skin
with cold water, and not drying it afterwards.
SYMPTOMS.-The disease begins generally
with slight cough, quick breathing, sore throat,
low spirits, dislike of food, slight discharge from
nostrils, pain when the throat is pinched, and
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
4-5
difficulty of swallowing. In some cases it comes
on suddenly with shaking; the legs, ears, and
muzzle are hot at one time, cold at another; the
skin is rough and staring; the head hangs down ;
the mouth hot; the animal remains standing, and
shows no wish to move; the pulse is full and
quick; the cough short, frequent, and tickling ;
the breathing quick and difficult; the eyes and
nose are red, and rattles are heard in the wind-
pipe at the breast. A great discharge of matter
comes from the nostrils, and from this time the
animal begins to recover.
TREATMENT.-I. When there are -hot and
dry skin; quick, strong, and full pulse; short,
tickling cough; great thirst; difficult breathing;
hot mouth, etc.-give Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every two, three,
or four hours, according to the severity of the symptoms.
2. When there are-hot, dry mouth and skin;
quick breathing; unwillingness to move; rattling
in the throat-give Bryonia.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum. Should the horse im-
prove, go on with the medicine till he is cured.
The symptoms in some cases point out that both of these
medicines are required. They may then be given in turns,
that is, one dose of Aconitum first; then one of Bryonia, in
two, three, or four hours after; then another dose of the first
medicine in two, three, or four hours; and so on. As the
horse improves, give them every six or eight hours.
de Big
3. When there are-severe and violent fits of
coughing, which come on now and then, and
especially in the evening; pain in the throat
46
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
MY?
when it is pinched; difficulty of swallowing; dry
skin; quick breathing; coughing and sneezing
at the same time-give Belladonna.
DOSE. As directed for Bryonia.
4. When the cough is worse at night, and
excited by tickling in the throat; red eyes and
nose; discharge from nose; pain in throat-give
Mercurius.
DOSE. As directed for Bryonia.
Sometimes it is necessary to give the last
two medicines time about, in the same way as
directed for Aconitum and Bryonia.
5. When the animal is all but well, give Sul-
plur night and morning for a few days, to com-
plete the cure.
DOSE. As for Bryonia.
S
Stabling-Place the horse in a large, loose box,
into which the fresh air is freely admitted, and
all damp and draughts prevented; remove dung
and dirty straw; spread clean straw over the
ground; clothe him according to the state of the
weather and the skin; hand-rub and flannel-
bandage the legs every night and morning, or
oftener if necessary.
Ma
Food. When the horse is ill, bran mashes,
gruel, and aired water only; when recovering,
malt mashes, boiled oats, turnips, carrots, and
green food, if it be in season.
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
47
PNEUMONIA; OR, INFLAMMATION
OF THE LUNGS.
CAUSES.-Plethora occasioned by high feed-
ing, hot clothing, stabling of high temperature,
sudden alternations between heat and cold;
drinking cold water when hot; overwork.
SYMPTOMS. -This disease begins, in some
cases, with slight cold, rough coat, want of appe-
tite, low spirits, etc. It begins, in others, with
shivering; the legs, ears, and skin are cold; the
hair is rough; the nose pale and dry; quick
pulse, which becomes soon afterwards frequent
and full; breathing at first quick, then panting
and heaving; the skin is now hot except at the
legs, which remain very cold; the nose and eyes
are red; the mouth is hot and dry; the eyes
have a yellowish colour, and the horse looks
uneasy and restless.
As the disease goes on, the breathing becomes
more difficult, and is attended with heaving of
the flanks; the nostrils are much widened; the
nose and head are held out; the neck lengthened;
the fore-legs are fixed in one place, and separated
from each other; the nose and eyes have a dark-
bluish colour; the face looks anxious and dis-
tressed; the legs and ears are very cold; the legs
are fine, and the hair upon them glossy; the
48
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
cough is more frequent, hard, and painful; the
horse seems drowsy; there is no appetite; the
dung is hard and covered with slime; and the
urine high-coloured and scanty. In the last
stage, the pulse is small, weak, and can scarcely
be felt; the breathing is quicker and more.
difficult; the air coming from the lungs is very
hot; the eyes and nose are like lead in colour;
the skin is cold, and clammy sweats break out
upon it here and there; the mouth is cold; the
tongue coated; the teeth are ground every now
and then; twitchings are sometimes seen. The
eyes now look heavy, glassy, and dim; the
strength is much weakened; the horse leans
against the manger, or he wanders round the box;
he then staggers and falls; tries to get up again,
but cannot; he groans, struggles, and dies.
TREATMENT.-I. When the legs, ears, and
nose are cold, the hair rough and staring, the
breathing quick and difficult, the pulse small
and weak, and the depression considerable-
give Ammonium causticum.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every one or
two hours.
2. When the horse trembles and shakes; is
thirsty and restless; when the pulse is quick and
hard, the membranes of the nose and eyes in-
jected, the mouth burning hot, etc.-give Aco-
nitum.
DOSE. As for Ammonium causticum.
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
49
3. When the fever is lowered by the last
medicines, and when there are-short breath-
ing, attended with a catch or grunt when the
air is drawn into the lungs; pain in the side
when pressed; unwillingness to move from one
place; short cough, attended with pain and
grunting; all of which show that the pleura is
also inflamed, as occurs very often — give
Bryonia.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every two, three,
or four hours.
4. When the disease still goes on in spite of
the last medicines, and when there are—short,
difficult breathing; tickling, painful cough; dis-
charge from nose of yellowish or greenish matter,
which may or may not be streaked or mixed
with blood-give Phosphorus.
DOSE. As directed for Bryonia.
K
5. Arsenicum. If the horse gets worse and
6. Lachesis. worse, and if there arc-great
weakness and lowness; cold skin, especially of
the legs; cold mouth; bad smell coming from
the mouth and nose; discharge of greenish or
reddish matter from the nose; quick, small pulse,
which can scarcely be felt; purging, etc.-give
Lachesis and Arsenicum.
Dosɛ.—10 drops of each, mixed in separate wine-glassfuls
of water, and given every one, two, or three hours time
about.
4
1
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
50
&
tament
7. When the horse is recovering-give Sul-
phur.
DOSE.-10 drops twice a day.
Stabling and food. As directed for Bronchitis.
PLEURISY; OR, INFLAMMATION OF
THE PLEURA.
The pleura is the membrane which lines the
inside of the chest, and covers the lungs.
CAUSES.-A horse is rendered liable to have
pleurisy from plethora, or that condition of the
body in which the blood is richer and more
abundant than the health agrees with or re-
quires. Common cold may give rise to this
disease; broken ribs; wounds of the chest; over-
work; exposure to cold.
SYMPTOMS.-Shaking all over, followed by hot
skin, dry mouth, white-coated tongue, red nose
and eyes, low spirits, want of appetite, anxious
look in face; hard, quick, and wiry pulse. The
act of drawing air into the lungs is short, and
stops at a certain point, at which time pain is felt
in the chest; the act of forcing air out from the
lungs is slow and full. The pain is made worse by
coughing, and by taking a full breath, which the
horse will do if suddenly moved, or frightened
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
51
unawares. If the inflamed side be pressed against,
he gives forth a sound like a grunt; the cough
is short; the horse remains standing; the skin.
on the inflamed side is thrown into folds, and
twitchings are occasionally seen at the same.
place. The skin about the sides of the nostrils
and at the ends of the mouth is wrinkled. The
neck is lengthened; the nose thrust forward; the
horse stands in a crouching manner, and seems
uneasy, but does not move. As the disease
advances, the pulse becomes more frequent, and
afterwards smaller, until it can scarcely be felt;
the breathing is quicker, more painful and catch-
ing when air is drawn into the lungs; it becomes.
suddenly more easy and free; no catch is seen,
nor grunt heard; the twitchings are not observed;
cold, clammy sweats break out over the body;
the horse appears dull and stupid, and then
death closes the scene.
TREATMENT.—1. When the pulse is quick and
full; the skin hot; the mouth dry; and the
other indications of fever exist, which they
always do at the beginning of the attack-give
Aconitum.
DOSE.- -10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every one, two,
three, or four hours, according to the violence of the symptoms.
2. When the breathing is short and catching,
the grunt heard on moving the horse, or pressing
against his sides; the side painful; the cough
short; the pulse hard and small; the water
♪
52
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
scanty; the position of the horse crouching;
when he will not move, and cold, clammy sweats
break out-give Bryonia.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
3. When the fever has been abated by Aconi-
tum, and the pain by Bryonia, and the horse is
manifestly improving-substitute Sulphur.
DOSE.-10 drops twice or thrice a day.
BROKEN WIND.
CAUSES. Rupture of the air-cells in the lungs;
disordered stomach; spasm of the muscular fibres
which lie on the inside of the small branches of
the windpipe in the lungs. Some say that it is a
pure nervous complaint; disease of the midriff is
sometimes connected with this affection.
SYMPTOMS. The flanks are slowly drawn up.
until they have a tucked-up appearance, when
they suddenly fall down. The act of forcing air
out from the lungs is more difficult, and takes a
longer time, than the act of drawing air into
the lungs. There is also a short, weak, and
wheezing cough; rough, dry coat; greediness for
food, yet the animal is thin and looks poor; belly
swelled with wind; oats pass unchanged through
the bowels.
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
53
TREATMENT.-Some cases of broken wind
cannot be cured, especially when they have lasted
some time, or depend on some change in the
structure of the lungs. Others may be cured or
much benefited by the long-continued use of the
following remedies:
1. When there are-short, hurried, difficult
breathing, especially on going up a hill; wheez-
ing noise during breathing; frequent wheezing
cough—give Arsenicum.
DOSE.-10 drops of the third dilution every four hours; and
when the animal improves give only one dose in the morning,
and another at night.
2. When there is-shortness of breath; diffi-
culty of breathing; breath at one time quick and
short, at another time slow and low; cough at
night; hoarse, hollow cough-give Belladonna.
DOSE. As directed for Arsenicum.
3. When the breathing is panting and hurried;
the inspiration impeded; and the cough dry and
hacking-give Bryonia.
DOSE.--As directed for Arsenicum.
4. When the breathing is oppressed and diffi-
cult, or short and hurried; and when the act of
inspiration is shortened, whilst that of expiration
is prolonged-give Lobelia.
DOSE. As directed for Arsenicum.
}:
54
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
THICK WIND.
CAUSES.-It is frequently left after bronchitis
or pneumonia; most commonly attacks greedy
horses with low breeding and badly shaped
chests; it may be brought on by violently work-
ing the horse after eating, and when the stomach
is filled with food.
SYMPTOMS.-When exercised, especially up
hill, the horse breathes shortly, hurriedly, and
more laboriously than in health. This causes
much distress, and the horse expands his nostrils,
and heaves, and pants for breath.
TREATMENT.-Some cases are, from the con-
dition of the lungs, beyond cure; but in almost
every case much good will be effected by giving
the following medicines in succession for some
time :
DOSES. Give 10 drops in a wine-
glassful of water three times a day,
then twice or only once, according
to the degree of improvement.
Begin with Ammonium causticum
alone, and continue it for several weeks, when, if it does no
good, select another medicine in its place.
Lobelia.
Sulphur.
Ammonium causticum.
Arsenicum.
Belladonna.
1
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
55
ROARING.
CAUSES. Roaring is due to obstruction offered
to the passage of air through the larynx, owing
to its diminished calibre. This latter condition
may be brought about in various ways. It may
arise from thickening of the mucous membrane,
the result of laryngitis, from pressure of enlarged
glands, but more frequently it is due to paralysis
of the nerve supplying one side of the larynx,
and consequent atrophy of the muscles and
bulging in of the larynx on the side affected.
When horses suffering from diseases of the
respiratory organs (such as pneumonia, bronchitis,
laryngitis) are treated homoeopathically they
rarely turn "roarers."
As roaring is hereditary, animals suffering
from it should not be used for stud purposes.
TREATMENT.—When associated with acute,
or recent diseases of the throat, or chest, the
directions named under the headings referring
to these diseases should be followed. In long
standing cases of roaring no cure can be hoped
for.
The diet of horses suffering from respiratory
defects should be carefully attended to. The
food should be the best of its kind, given in
56
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
small quantities, and often. Bruised oats, bran,
and chaff slightly damped, and well mixed, arc
good, with once or twice a week a linseed and
bran mash. The use of hay should be restricted,
and only given in the form of chaff. The
Specially Prepared Food invented and manu-
factured by Mr. Goode, Blackett Mills, Copper-
field Road, Bow, E., is a most excellent diet for
horses afflicted with defective respiration. Being
of a high nutritious value, easy of digestion and
assimilation, and of small bulk, its use affords the
necessary relief to the pneumo-gastric organs
which cannot be obtained from ordinary food, no
matter how carefully used.
HYDROTHORAX; DROPSY OF THE
CHEST.
CAUSES. Chronic inflammation, which is
sometimes left after a violent attack of pneumonia
or pleurisy. Dropsy happens more especially
when the pleura has been inflamed and the horse
has been bled several times for it; in consequence
of which operation the blood-vessels are weak-
ened, and the serous part of the blood passes
through them. As the horse is never bled when
treated homœopathically, water in the chest
happens rarely in our practice.
SYMPTOMS.-All the violent symptoms present
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
57
in inflammation of the lungs or pleura have gone,
but the horse does not get well quickly. He eats
very little food, is low-spirited, and the hair is
rough and staring. As the fluid increases in the
chest, it presses upon the lungs, and makes the
breathing more or less difficult; the breathing is
quickened when the horse is moved in the least,
and he then appears frightened; the pulse is
weak, sometimes stops for a moment or two, and
can scarcely be felt; the nose, eyes, and mouth.
have the colour of lead; the legs, breast, sheath,
and belly are swelled from dropsical effusion; the
urine is scanty; the bowels are bound; the cough
is short. Then, as the disease advances, there
are-great difficulty of breathing; dilated nos-
trils; anxious look; great weakness; the horse
never lies down, and at last dies, worn out or
suffocated by the fluid having increased to so
large an amount as to prevent the action of
the lungs.
TREATMENT.-I. When the horse is exces-
sively weak and generally prostrated, and when
there are great thirst; cold legs; no appetite;
difficult breathing, more so at one time than at
another; weak, irregular pulse; scanty urine;
and swelling of the legs and breast-give Ar
senicum.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every three
hours.
2. When the symptoms indicate that there
{
58
exists some affection of the heart; when the
pulse is quick or irregular, the legs and breast
swelled-give Digitalis.
DOSE. As directed for Arsenicum.
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
3. When the cough is short, constant, and
shaking, the breathing quick, oppressed, and
difficult, and the nostrils dilated-give Mer-
curius.
DOSE. As directed for Arsenicum.
4. When the dropsy comes on quickly after the
inflammation, and when there are-great weak-
ness; urine almost suppressed; difficult breath-
ing; and disposition to doze-give Helleborus.
DOSE. As directed for Arsenicum.
COUGH.
A cough may be defined to be a loud and
violent expulsion of air from the lungs. It ac-
companies many other affections, such as pleurisy,
pneumonia, bronchitis, catarrh, etc., and is then
said to be symptomatic. In all such cases the
disease, of which the cough is merely a symptom,
must be treated by itself. Other cases are, how-
ever, of frequent occurrence, in which the only
apparent affection is the cough; it is then known
as idiopathic. Thus, some horses are subject to
1
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
59
a cough which continues of the same character
for years whilst the appetite remains good, the
horse keeps in good condition, and is, in all other
respects, in sound health. The cough comes on
after eating or drinking, in the mornings or even-
ings, and on going out to exercise. It, however,
predisposes the animal to inflammation of the
air-passages or the lungs, and frequently ends in
thick or broken wind. Another kind of cough is
excited by changes of air or temperature, as when
the horse is taken out of a warm stable into the
cold air, and is attended by mucous discharge.
When, therefore, a horse coughs, an examination
must be carefully made to ascertain whether it is
a symptom of a more extensive affection, or
whether it exists independently of any such
connection. Another kind of cough, called
chronic cough, is found associated with thick
wind, broken wind, glanders, worms, and in-
digestion.
TREATMENT.—1. When the cough is dry,
barking, and short, occurring in the evenings
or night-time, and as if brought on by tick-
ling in the throat, or by the presence of some
foreign body at the top of the windpipe-give
Belladonna.
M
DOSE.-10drops in a wine-glassful of water three times a day.
2. When the cough, which is dry and hoarse,
can be traced to derangement of the stomach;
бо
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
}
when it is worst in the mornings, and is ag-
gravated by eating or by exercise-give Nux
vomica.
DOSE. As directed for Belladonna.
3. When the cough is dry, coming on in the
evenings, after drinking, or by going up a hill,
attended with difficult breathing, thin discharge
from the nostrils, and especially when the cough
is excited anew by contact with cold air-give
Arsenicum.
DOSE. As directed for Belladonna.
4. When the cough is dry, and appears to be
occasioned by a tickling in the windpipe, or ex-
cited by drinking or by cold air, and when it is
attended with phlegm and oppressed breathing—
give Phosphorus.
DOSE. As directed for Belladonna.
D
5. When the cough is of the chronic kind, deep,
hollow, and hoarse-give Drosera.
DOSE. As directed for Belladonna.
6. When the cough is hoarse, attended with
watery discharge from the nostrils, and accom-
panied by purging—give Mercurius.
DOSE. As directed for Belladonna.
7. When the cough is shaking and spasmodic,
attended with oppressed breathing from the ac-
cumulation of phlegm, which causes rattling at
the breast-give Ipecacuanha.
Dose. As directed for Belladonna,
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
61
8. When the cough occurs during frosty
weather, or whilst east winds prevail, or after
eating and drinking-give Bryonia.
DOSE. As directed for Belladonna.
9. When the cough is dry, ringing, and hard;
and when dependent on stomachic derangement
—give Kreosote.
DOSE. As directed for Belladonna.
SPASM OF THE DIAPHRAGM OR
MIDRIFF.
CAUSES-Disorders of the stomach or bowels;
violent exertion when the stomach is full of food.
SYMPTOMS.—The midriff contracts with so
much force that the whole body is shaken, and a
"thumping" noise is heard at some distance ;
these thumps are best heard when the ear is
placed over the back at each side of the spine ;
the pulse is small, and from fifty to sixty, and
the breathing from twenty to thirty in the
minute; the breath is drawn quickly into the
lungs, with a sniffling sound at the nose; the
sides of the nostrils are drawn inwards when the
breath is inhaled.
This complaint has been mistaken for beating
of the heart. It is known from this by the num-
ber of the heart's beats, and the spasms being
در
62
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
different, in the minute; by the sounds being
best heard over the back, and by the sides of the
nostrils being drawn inwards at each inspiration.
TREATMENT.-The author has always cured
this disease with Stannum, of the sixth dilution.
DOSE.-Give 10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every four
hours,
CHAPTER IV.
DISEASES OF THE ORGANS
OF DIGESTION.
DENTITION, OR DIFFICULT
TEETHING.
SYMPTOMS.-The cutting or shedding of the
teeth, and especially of the tushes, is sometimes
attended with much disorder of the body. The
animal will either not eat his food, or he has pain
and difficulty in chewing it; the body is thin;
the bowels are out of order; humours break out
on the skin; he may cough, and slight fever is
present. The gum is hot, painful, and swollen.
TREATMENT.-The gum over the tooth or
teeth must be cut in the shape of a cross.
I. When the teeth are tardy in appearing-
give Calcarca carbonica.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every night and
morning.
2. When the gums are tender and swollen,
and the animal is prevented from chewing-give
Belladonna.
DOSE. As directed for Calcarea.
3. When a dry, frequent, hacking cough exists
-give Nux vomica.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water three or four
times a day.
64
DISEASES OF THE HORSF.
DISEASES, ETC., OF THE TEETH.
I. Some of the teeth, and especially the
grinders, grow longer than the others; or one
part of the same tooth may be longer than
another. The consequence is, that the tongue,
cheeks, and roof of the mouth are injured, and
ulcers form; the horse cannot chew his food,
owing to the pain which is caused; or he will
refuse it and get thinner every day; or he
"quids" the food. Whenever "quidding" is
noticed, the mouth should be looked into for bad
teeth.
The TREATMENT is to draw out long teeth, and
rough down long-edged ones with the tooth-rasp
as often as may be necessary.
2. Rotten teeth may produce the same symp-
toms as are given above. In addition, an offen-
sive smell comes from the mouth; stringy slaver
dribbles away in large quantities; the eyes may
be inflamed. If allowed to remain, the fangs
become diseased, the socket and gum inflame, an
abscess forms, and a portion of the jaw-bone may
die. When this occurs in the upper jaw-bone,
the matter may burst into the nose, be discharged
of a bad smell and colour, from the nostrils-a
state that may be mistaken for Nasal Gleet.
Some horses have been destroyed as glandered.
The author has had several cases in which the
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
€5
lower jaw-bone was much diseased, owing to the
presence of a rotten tooth. The cause was not
found out before, and the bone got no better
until he drew out the tooth, after which the horses
gradually recovered.
The TREATMENT, therefore, is to draw out all
diseased teeth. If the jaw is diseased, poultice
night and morning, and give Silicea.
DOSE.-10 drops night and morning in a wine-glassful of
water.
LAMPAS.
CAUSES.-Shedding the teeth in young horses,
in whom this complaint is the most common ;
worms in some cases; deranged stomach or
bowels in others.
SYMPTOMS.-Lampas is the name given to a
swelling of the bars behind the front teeth of the
upper jaw. The swelling is sometimes on a level
with the teeth; at other times it bulges below
them.
TREATMENT.—If the teeth are coming through,
treat as directed in the article on Difficult Teeth-
ing. If the stomach be out of order, follow the
treatment laid down for Indigestion.
We cannot too strongly condemn the bar-
barous practice of burning out this swelling with
a hot iron.
5
66
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
1
CRIB-BITING.
Crib-biting is mentioned here, not as a distinct
affection, but a marked symptom of disease. This
disease is generally some disorder of the stomach.
The best medicines to give are Arsenicum and
Nux vomica. Give ten drops in a wine-glassful
of water every night and morning. Use Arseni-
cum first, and in a few weeks give Nux vomica
instead an interval of one week being allowed
before the latter medicine is substituted for the
former.
K
GASTRALGIA, OR PAIN IN THE
STOMACH.
This affection has never been noticed before, as
far as the author knows.
SYMPTOMS. The symptoms of this disease are
like those of Colic, but these two complaints may
be distinguished from each other by observing,
firstly, that in Gastralgia the horse puts his nose
close behind the elbow-joint on the left side, in
which part the stomach is situated, and where
the pain is seated; and, secondly, that wind rises.
upwards from the stomach, and, coming up the
œsophagus (or passage from the mouth to the
stomach), it is seen to cause a kind of waving
motion, like that which is observed when the
horse swallows water.
!
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
67
TREATMENT.—Antimonium crudum has al-
ways cured this disease when other medicines
have failed.
DOSE.-Give 10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every
hour; and when the horse is relieved, give every four hours.
INDIGESTION.
In this disease there is some fault in the diges-
tion of the food, in consequence of the stomach,
liver, or bowels being deranged.
CAUSES.-Bad food; suddenly changing the
kind of food; working the horse after eating; too
much food; bad or uneven teeth, which prevent
the horse chewing the food well.
SYMPTOMS. The skin presents the condition
known as hidebound; the horse sweats easily; he
is weak, and cannot work so long nor with so
much mettle as in health; he is thin and does
not fatten; his tongue is foul; mouth slimy; the
dung is dry, and mixed with undigested oats, or
it is slimy and bad-smelled; the water is scanty
and thick, or clear and abundant; he has a short,
frequent cough. Sometimes he eats very greedily;
at others he will eat nothing placed before him,
or he will take one food and leave another; or he
likes dirty straw, or his bedding better than the
best oats and hay. He will in some instances
lick the wall or eat the plaster from it.
.68
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
TREATMENT.—I. When the appetite is change-
able, fastidious, and depraved; the bowels costive,
the dung glazed with mucus, urine high-coloured,
tongue covered with a yellow fur-give Nux
vomica.
DOSE.-10 drops three times a day in a wine-glassful of
water.
2. When the horse is weak, unthrifty-looking,
and sweats easily; the urine scanty, the appetite
gone; the cough short and frequent, particularly
after eating and drinking; the tongue foul, the
mouth filled with soapy mucus, and the dung
slimy, bad smelled, and mixed with half-digested
food-give Arsenicum.
3. Should these medicines produce but partial
benefit-give Ferrum.
Dasɛ. As for Nux vomica.
STOMACH-STAGGERS.
CAUSES.-Weakness of the stomach from in-
digestion; low condition; old age; eating too
much dry food after long fasting; hard and
violent work or exercise after eating a great deal.
These causes, and others of the same kind, pre-
vent the food being dissolved in the stomach and
passed onwards. The stomach is crammed full
of food, and then the brain becomes affected.
SYMPTOMS. They are like those of the first
stage of mad staggers, and the two diseases are
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
69
known from each other chiefly by finding out
how the horse was before the attack came on.
He is found dull and sleepy; perhaps still eating
slowly and carelessly; or he is fast asleep; the
head upon the manger, against the wall, or
between his legs; the breathing is slow and
laboured; the pulse slower than in health; the
eyes are closed, or nearly so; slight convulsions
occur; the nose and eyes look yellow; he will
sometimes paw the ground, look round to his
flanks, or lie down and roll about, showing that
he is griped. All the symptoms become worse
by degrees until he dies.
TREATMENT.-I. When there are twitchings
of the muscles, occurring every now and then;
dulness and sleepiness; deep sleep and dozing,
from which the animal occasionally starts up and
stares about wildly as if in unconscious surprise,
whilst the eyes almost start from their sockets,
relapsing, however, into lethargic insensibility;
when the eyelids droop over the eyeballs; and
the animal totters from side to side when walking
-give Belladonna.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every two or
three hours.
2. When the attack arises from loss of power
in the stomach to digest the food, and is asso-
ciated with costiveness and griping pains-give
Nux vomica.
DOSE. As directed for Belladonna.
70
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
"
3. When jerking and convulsive action of the
muscles are present, attended with heavy drowsi-
ness and temporary unconsciousness, and when
the eyelids are half closed-give Opium.
DOSE. As directed for Belladonna.
K
LOSS OF APPETITE.
The natural desire to eat food may be either
lost or diminished for a time in many diseases.
Loss of appetite is therefore not a disease, but
merely a symptom, and as such it is present in
almost every complaint, whether recent or old,
quick or slow in progress. There are cases,
however, in which the horse appears well in every
respect, save that he does not eat. In other
cases the mouth should be looked into for uneven
or rotten teeth; difficult teething or sore throat
may also be present as causes. These must of
course be treated according to the directions
pointed out in other portions of this work.
TREATMENT.-The best medicine to give is
the trituration of Arsenicum, in one-grain doses,
in a handful of bran-mash, night and morning,
an hour before the usual feeding-time. Nux
vomica is also serviceable, and may be given in
the same way.
Or one dose of the former medi-
cine may be given in the morning, and one of the
latter at night.
34
you
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
71
COLIC; GRIPES.
Colic is a very common disease, and consists
of severe griping pains, which are produced by
the muscular covering of the gut being in a state
of spasm at one or more places.
CAUSES. Sudden application of cold air or
water to the warm skin or stomach; bound
bowels; hard dry dung, gathered together in a
mass; large quantities of green food, from which
gas is given off during fermentation; tumours,
worms, and stones, sometimes act as causes.
SYMPTOMS. The attack begins suddenly.
The animal is uneasy; he shifts his position,
paws or stamps the ground, kicks his belly with
his hind feet, looks frequently at his flanks, groans,
falls upon the ground, and rolls about violently,
or lies on his back, in which posture he remains
for a short time, quiet and free from pain. Soon,
however, another attack of cramp comes on, and
the old symptoms of violence are repeated with
even greater intensity than before. He throws
himself wildly about, quite careless of the injuries
he receives during moments of agonising suffer-
ing. He grinds his teeth, bites his manger, and
looks towards his flanks with a wild and anxious
expression. Lastly, if he is about to recover, the
pain lessens, and he is quieter for a long time;
72
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
!
or if he is to die, every attack of cramp becomes
more severe, the pain is not relieved, and death
results from inflammation.
TREATMENT.-I. When the horse knocks and
rolls himself about in the most violent manner, in
consequence of the extreme severity of the pain;
when the skin is covered with sweat, the belly
tender to the touch, the pulse full and frequent,
and when there are constant and ineffectual efforts
to stale-give Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every fifteen or
twenty minutes, until relief is obtained and the animal is better.
Then give one dose every one, two, three, or four hours, ac-
cording to the degree of improvement.
2. When the colic is caused by eating green
food, and when the attack is characterised by dis-
tension of the belly, and the presence of rumbling,
by purging of greenish fluid, by violent pain with-
out any apparent abatement of suffering-give
Colocynthis.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
3. When the attack is caused by bound bowels
and accumulation of hard dry dung, or by expo-
sure to cold draughts when sweating, or by drink-
ing cold water after hard work; when the pain is
not constant, but occurring in "bouts," which are
not, however, marked by violent suffering; when
the horse lies full-length on his side, appearing
restless and uneasy, and lifting his head to look
at his flanks only occasionally, and when he tries
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
73
frequently to stale, but passes only a few drops of
urine, or none at all-give Nux vomica.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
4. The author is in the habit of frequently
giving Ammonium causticum, as directed for
Aconitum. It is more especially suited for
"windy colic," but he has been uniformly suc-
cessful with it in the majority of cases, the attack
being invariably over in a few minutes after the
first or second dose has been administered.
5. When there are excessive purging, at-
tended with loss of strength, profuse sweating, and
general sinking, Arsenicum may be beneficial.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
TYMPANITES; DRUM-BELLY, OR
WINDY COLIC.
SYMPTOMS. This form of colic presents much
the same symptoms as those of colic, except that
the pain is sharper, and the animal is more furious
and violent; the belly, on one or both sides, is
more or less swelled with wind; rumbling noises
are heard, and wind is discharged. It very often
comes on after eating green food.
TREATMENT.-Ammonium causticum as di-
rected above.
74
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
DIARRHOEA; PURGING; SCOURING;
LOOSENESS.
CAUSES.—Green food; new hay; worms; bad
bile; cold air or water; quick work after much
eating or drinking, etc.; large doses of aloes,
which produce over-purging, and may kill the
horse.
SYMPTOMS.-Frequent and abundant dis-
charges of slime, or of fluid dung mixed with
slime; pain in the bowels, causing the horse to
stamp and paw the ground, to look at his sides,
and to roll about violently; his face looks
anxious; cold sweats break out; the legs and
ears are cold; the pulse is small, weak, and can
scarcely be felt; the breathing is quick; the body
wastes rapidly, and to an alarming extent; no
food is taken. Death frequently occurs from
sheer exhaustion.
TREATMENT.-I. When the discharge is slimy,
watery, and brownish in colour; when it comes
on after eating or drinking, and is attended with
griping pains, great thirst, pale mouth, cold legs,
thin body, great weakness, lowness of spirits, and
no appetite-give Arsenicum.
DOSE.-10 drops every one or two hours until the horse is
improved, when the medicine may be given every four, six, or
eight hours, according to the improvement, until he recovers.
2. When the discharge is watery, frothy, or
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
75
slimy, and greenish in colour, attended with
griping pains, cold sweats, and shaking of the
body-give Mercurius.
DOSE. As directed for Arsenicum.
Ma
3. When the last two medicines have been
given for three or four days, and have done no
good; when the discharge is almost constant and
slimy, the dung has had a bad smell, and the
horse gets very thin-give Veratrum.
DOSE. As directed for Arsenicum.
gl
4. When the animal continues to get worse,
and when there are-cold skin, which is covered
here and there with cold, clammy sweat; con-
stant discharge of fluid in great quantities;
strength very much lowered; body thin; and
the pulse scarcely to be felt-give Camphor.
DOSE.-10 drops every half-hour until better, when the doses
must be given at longer intervals.
5. When the purging is of old standing, oc-
curring during hot weather, aggravated by eating
and drinking, and induced by exposure to cold
easterly winds, or by checked perspiration from
drinking cold water, or by taking impure water,
impregnated with vegetable matter, from moors
or marshes-give Bryonia.
DOSE. As directed for Arsenicum.
The
6. Should the above remedies fail to do good
-give Mercurius corrosivus.
DOSE. As directed for Arsenicum.
Pa
76
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
4
DYSENTERY; FLUX.
CAUSES.-It occurs most frequently in horses
in good condition, and is caused by change
of food, over-work, sudden exposure to cold or
wet, etc.
SYMPTOMS.-Frequent passing of slimy, bad-
smelled matters, like fat; hence the term "molten
grease," used by farriers, under the mistaken
notion that the discharge consists of the fat of
the body made fluid by heat and exercise. The
slime is mixed with more or less dung, and some-
times with blood; there is much straining, and
frequent attempts to force out more fluid, with-
out succeeding. The mouth is hot and dry, the
legs are cold, the breathing is quick, no food is
taken, the pulse is small and weak, there is great
thirst, and the horse becomes very thin and weak.
In some cases the lower part of the gut protrudes
from the fundament.
TREATMENT.-I. When the horse is fat, and is
violently relaxed, and when the attack is attended
by severe pain, tender belly, full hard pulse, heat,
thirst, hot mouth, and quick breathing-give
Aconitum and Arsenicum.
DROPS.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every two or
three hours alternately.
2. When there is violent straining, attended
with, or followed by, protrusion of the gut, and a
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
77
scanty discharge of slime or of blood, followed
occasionally by small hard pieces of dung—Mer-
curius corrosivus.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
3. Colocynthis is a valuable medicine.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
ENTERITIS; INFLAMMATION OF THE
BOWELS.
In this disease the three coverings of a portion
of gut are more or less inflamed.
CAUSES.-Cold air to the warm skin or cold
drinks to the warm stomach, especially after hard
work; dust-balls; stones and hard dung in the
bowels; the thrusting out of a part of gut from
the belly; the falling of one portion into another.
Colic ends very often in Enteritis. When treated
homœopathically, it is comparatively rare.
SYMPTOMS.—Enteritis begins in most cases
with dulness; heavy eyes; staring coat; restless-
ness and moving about from one place to another;
the pulse and breathing are both quickened; no
appetite. Some are preceded by colic. Other
cases begin with shivering. The animal paws,
kicks, and rolls about in the most violent manner;
he tries often and strains hard to pass water, but
either none, or only a few drops, come away; the
f
1
78
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
pain is most intense, and does not cease for a
moment; it is increased by pressure and moving
about; the belly is hot, tucked up, and hard,
unless there be wind in the bowels, when it will
be more or less swelled; the bowels are very
much bound, although small, hard, dry masses
may be passed; the legs and ears are intensely
cold; the pulse is small and hard; and sweat
breaks out all over. Later on, the pulse becomes.
still smaller and weaker, until it can scarcely be
felt; the breathing is quick, irregular, and at-
tended with sighs; the skin is covered with cold,
clammy sweat; the eyes seem to have lost their
power of seeing; the horse is very weak, and
trembles all over; convulsions come on, and then
death follows.
DISTINCTIONS between Colic and Enteritis.-
In Colic, the attack begins suddenly; in Enteritis,
it comes on generally by degrees. In Colic, the
pain is not constant, and there are times during
which it is not felt; in Enteritis, the pain never
ceases for a moment, but becomes gradually worse
as the disease goes on. In Colic, the pain is re-
lieved by rubbing the belly and moving about;
in Enteritis, it is greatly increased by these
means. In Colic, the strength is not much
weakened unless the disease be near the end; in
Enteritis, the weakness is very great from the
first.
TREATMENT.—I. As soon as the attack begins,
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
79
when there are-pawing, kicking, rolling about
in the most violent manner, and other signs of
intense pain in the belly-give Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every quarter or
half-hour. If the horse is relieved after a few doses have been
given, continue every one or two hours until he is well; if not,
another medicine must be selected.
2. When the disease continues unchecked after
several doses of the last medicine have been
administered, either substitute Belladonna for it,
or give them both time about, at short intervals.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
3. When the bowels are obstinately bound, or
hard masses of dung are discharged; and the
bladder cramped at its neck, so that although
there is frequent urging to stale, only a few
drops of urine flow away-give Vux vomica.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
When the pulse becomes small and weak;
the skin cold and covered with clammy sweat;
the belly exquisitely tender, and tucked up; the
paroxysms of suffering constant and excruciating,
and the failure of strength sudden-give Arseni-
cum as the last resource.
Dose. As directed for Aconitum.
Fomentations sometimes relieve the pain.
ہو
80
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
PERITONITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF
THE PERITONEUM.
The peritoneum is the delicate membrane
lining the inside of, and covering the parts
within, the belly.
CAUSES. It follows frequently the gelding of
the horse, especially if he be afterwards turned
out to grass too soon, or during cold and wet
weather; exposure to cold, such as standing in
draughts, or drinking cold water; it may come
on after a stab in the belly, and sometimes when
the gut or the stomach bursts, and their contents
escape into the belly.
C
SYMPTOMS.-As it is in general found to come
on after gelding, the symptoms which such a case
would present will be described. A few days,
more or less, after cutting the colt, the yard and
sheath are found to be swelled and painful; little
or no matter flows from the wound; the animal
is restless and uneasy; the belly is painful when
pressed against, and perhaps swelled with watery
fluid; the legs are cold; the bowels bound; the
skin is rough and dry; no food is eaten; if
loose, he rests his hind quarters on the side of
the box. The swelling in the breast, legs, and
sheath increases; the breathing is quick and
attended with pain; the pulse is hard and quick,
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
81
:
afterwards small and weak. These symptoms
become gradually worse and worse until the
animal dies.
There is a slow form of this disease in which
the symptoms are-poor appetite; low spirits;
uneasiness; pawing the ground occasionally;
looking at the belly and groaning; belly painful
when pressed, also tucked up; quick breathing;
small, weak pulse; bound bowels; awkward way
of walking with the hind legs; mouth dry and
bad-smelled; body thin; coat staring and un-
thrifty; urine scanty; weakness. As the disease
advances the belly fills with a watery fluid,
and the symptoms and treatment are those of
Ascites.
TREATMENT.-I. When this disease arises
after castration, and is directly caused by some
deviation from the healthy progress of the heal-
ing of the wound occasioned by that operation,
a veterinary surgeon had better be called in, in
order to apply the usual surgical measures.
2. When the pulse is quick, hard, and full;
the breathing accelerated; the pain severe, and
when there is feverishness-give Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops every three hours in a wine-g'a s.ul of water.
3. When the discharge from the wounds has
stopped before they have healed up thoroughly,
and when it is considered desirable to excite the
suppurative process-give Hepar sulphuris.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
1
6
82
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
تر
4. When the belly, sheath, and legs are much
swelled; the pulse and breathing quick; the urine
scanty; the strength reduced; and when the
animal is restless and uneasy-give Bryonia.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
5. When the belly is painful and tucked up;
the pulse small and weak; the coat staring; the
urine scanty; the flesh reduced; the strength
impaired; and when the animal is depressed,
moping, and restless-give Arsenicum.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
M
HEPATITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF
THE LIVER.
CAUSES.-The common causes of inflam-
mation taking place in other parts of the body.
SYMPTOMS.—The animal is dull, sleepy, and
unwilling to move; he eats little or nothing; the
coat stares; the urine is scanty, the dung dark-
coloured, and in lumps. Then the nose, tongue,
eyes, and mouth become yellow, owing to there
being bile in the blood. This is Jaundice, or the
Yellows. The dung is now mixed with bile and
covered with slime; the urine is thick, dark-
coloured, contains bile, and deposits a sediment.
The right side is painful when pressed against,
and the horse looks sometimes towards it; he is
probably lame in the right fore-leg, and perhaps
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
83
paws the ground with it; he has a dry cough ;
quick breathing; full quick pulse, which becomes
afterwards slow and weak, and the legs are very
cold. Then he becomes duller and more sleepy;
staggers, falls to the ground, and dies.
TREATMENT.-I. When there are-hot skin
and mouth, scanty urine, bound bowels, quick
full pulse, and the other symptoms of fever-
give Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every two, three,
or four hours, until these symptoms are relieved, when the
next medicine must be used instead.
2. When there are-pain in the right side
when pressed against; lameness in the right
leg; unwillingness to move; difficult breathing;
scanty urine; dulness; yellow colour of mouth
and tongue, and tongue covered with yellow fur
-give Bryonia.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum, except that if the horse
improve, the medicine must be continued every six or eight
hours.
3. When there are-pain in side when pressed;
yellow mouth and eyes; shaking of the body;
brown water; slimy dung; bile in the urine;
great thirst, and no desire to eat-give Mer-
curius.
DOSE. As directed for Bryonia,
4. When the dung is soft and fluid; the urine
brown; dung yellow; and breathing difficult-
give Pulsatilla.
DOSE. As directed for Mercurius.
}
84
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
?
COSTIVENESS, OR BOUND BOWELS.
CAUSES.--Want of bile, palsy of some part of
the gut, want of exercise, and dry food; it is a
symptom of many diseases.
TREATMENT.-When costiveness is a symp-
tom of some disease, it will yield when that dis-
ease is cured. When the horse's bowels are bound,
without any other disorder existing, he should be
regularly exercised, and have green food, with
only a moderate quantity of corn, and no beans.
Use the following medicines :
Į
-
DOSES.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of
Nux vom water; nux in the morning, opium at night.
Opium.
Obstinate cases will usually yield after giving
a few doses of the first trituration of Nur vomica,
one grain night and morning.
If the above should fail, Sulphur may be
given in the same way.
When the rectum is full of hardened dung,
throw up an injection of warm water.
BOTS.
Bots are like small grubs, which appear at the
fundament and fasten under the tails of horses
during spring and early summer. When fixed to
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
85
this part, they cause very great and annoying
itching, so that the animal goes awkwardly and
sluggishly.
HISTORY.-A bot is the maggot-form of the
gad-fly. Towards the end of autumn the female
fixes the eggs upon the hair of the horse's knees
and sides by means of a sticky fluid. The animal
licks these parts with his tongue, and the small
grubs so set free are carried into the stomach, into
which they fasten themselves. Being ready in
spring to undergo further change, they separate
themselves, pass along the bowels, and are got
rid of with the dung. After a few weeks they
become gad-flies.
SYMPTOMS. Some horses may not suffer much
from bots, whilst others are supposed to be killed
by them.
Sometimes there are no symptoms
which point out that the horse has them, but,
when they are in great numbers, he generally
loses flesh and strength, until he is like a
skeleton, and can scarcely move one leg after
another; he has griping pains in the belly; he
eats and drinks greedily; the oats pass through
the bowels without change, and the dung has a
bad smell.
The author has seen the stomach eaten com-
pletely through in several places by bots; whilst
in other portions its mucous surface was covered
with little holes into which their heads had been
thrust.
86
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
1
TREATMENT.-Arsenicum.
DOSE.-Place one grain of the first trituration in a handful
of bran-mash, which the horse will eat. Give one dose night
and morning for three weeks, and continue in this way if the
horse improve; if not, give Ferrum instead.
Ferrum.-DOSE.-As directed for Arsenicum.
WORMS.
The worms found most commonly in the horse
are of two kinds: the first are round, white,
sometimes red, from four to twelve inches long,
wide in the middle, narrow at both ends, some-
thing like the common earth-worm, and occupy
the small guts; the second kind are half an inch
long, white, thick at one end, thin at the other,
occupy the large guts, move quickly from one
place to another, and cause much annoyance and
itching about the fundament.
SYMPTOMS.-Worms cause hidebound, cough,
loss of appetite, gripes, fits, and other symptoms.
or complaints, but the only sure proof that they
exist is to find them discharged with the dung.
TREATMENT.-I. When there are- loss or ir-
regularity of appetite; slimy covering on dung;
bowels sometimes costive, at others purged;
rough, dry, staring coat; and dry cough-give
Arsenicum.
DOSE.- -2 grains in a handful of mash night and morning,
half an hour before the usual hour of feeding.
2. When this fails to do good, give Ferri sul-
phas, in the same way.
k
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
87
ASCITES, OR DROPSY OF THE BELLY.
CAUSES.-Those which produce general dropsy
(see Dropsy); diseases of the chest and belly.
SYMPTOMS.—The horse is low, dull, and un-
willing to move or exert himself; he will not eat,
and gets thinner every day; the bowels are
bound, the urine scanty, the legs are less or more
swelled, and receive the mark of the finger, the
belly increases in size by degrees, and if the
hand be placed against one side of it whilst the
other is struck, a wave of the fluid will be felt.
As the fluid increases, the breathing becomes
more and more difficult, especially if the chest
contain water as well. An attack of gripes may
come on, from which the animal dies, or the
fluid continues to increase until breathing is no
longer possible, and he dies either worn out or
suffocated.
TREATMENT.-When this disease has lasted
for some time, the treatment should not be un-
dertaken except by an homoeopathic veterinary
surgeon, because it necessarily varies with every
change in the progress of the case, and is
regulated by the symptoms which exist for the
time being. It is impossible in this place to give
explicit directions for the selection of the best
medicines; but those prescribed for hydrothorax
-another form of the same disorder, viz., dropsy
-may be administered, when better assistance
cannot be obtained.
CHAPTER V.
DISEASES OF THE URINARY
ORGANS.
NEPHRITIS; INFLAMMATION OF THE
KIDNEYS.
CAUSES.-Bad food, such as mow-burnt hay,
kiln-dried oats, etc.; cold and wet applied to the
loins; injuries to the same part by blows, heavy
weights, or straining, which may be brought on
during severe or long-continued exertion; the use
of nitre or saltpetre, when given in large quan-
tities to increase the flow of urine-a practice that
cannot be too strongly condemned; some kinds
of herbs mixed with the grass which the horse
eats.
SYMPTOMS. The pulse is full, hard, and quick-
ened-it becomes afterwards small and weak; the
mouth hot; the bowels are bound; there is great
thirst; the water is either suppressed or made often
in small quantities, and with great straining; the
urine that is passed may be red and bloody, or
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DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
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it contains mucus or matter; the flanks are looked
round to; the hind legs are stiff and placed
widely apart; the horse is not willing to move,
and when he does so, it is in a straddling manner;
he turns round with difficulty; the spine is some-
what arched and stiffened; the loins are hot, and
when pressed upon over the kidneys, the animal
feels pain.
TREATMENT.-1. When the disease begins
with symptoms of fever, such as full quick pulse,
hot dry skin and mouth, quick breathing, great
thirst, and pain in the loins-give Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops every three hours in a wine-glassful of water.
2. When, in addition to the foregoing symp-
toms, which the last medicine may have only par-
tially relieved, there are-hot loins, pain over the
region of the kidneys, and frequent expressions
of pain, such as looking towards the flank-give
Belladonna.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
Kr
3. When the urine is made frequently in
small quantities, and after much difficulty and
straining, and when it contains blood-give
Cantharis.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
4. When the disease can be satisfactorily traced
to bad food, and when there is frequent but in-
effectual urging to stale-Nux vomica.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
90
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
CYSTITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF
THE BLADDER.
CAUSES.-This disease can be frequently traced
to the absurd practice of giving strong staling
medicines, such as nitre, when the horse is not
making much water. Also to the use of Spanish
flies; stone in the bladder; exposure to cold and
damp, etc.
SYMPTOMS. The horse makes frequent and
painful attempts to stale, but parts with only a
few drops of water at a time. The bladder
cannot hold any water, so that the horse is
almost constantly trying to make urine. The
water is clear, or clouded with mucus, or mixed
with blood or matter.
TREATMENT.—1. When the pulse is full and
quick, the skin dry and hot, and the other symp-
toms of fever present; when there is frequent and
ineffectual attempts to stale, attended by much
pain; when only a few drops of urine pass, and
the urine is deep red, and deposits a bloody sedi-
ment-give Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops every two hours in a wine-glassful of water.
2. When the urine, after repeated attempts to
stale, passes away drop by drop, and attended by
considerable pain; and when the urine is clear, or
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
91
mixed with mucus, or with matter-give Nux
vomica.
DOSE.-As directed for Aconitum.
3. When the urine is mixed with matter, or
with bloody mucus, and is discharged after urgent
and ineffectual efforts, drop by drop, and with
much pain-give Cantharis.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
Food.-Linseed gruel; barley water.
HEMATURIA, OR BLOODY URINE.
CAUSES.-The blood, with which the urine is
mixed, may come from the kidneys, in conse-
quence of inflammation of them; or from blows
or strains of the loins, as during violent exercise;
stones in the kidney or bladder; ulceration of
the inside of bladder; Spanish flies applied as a
blister or given internally. It is sometimes a
symptom of purpura hæmorrhagica.
SYMPTOMS.—Discharge of urine mixed with
blood, or else holding clots of blood in it. When
the blood depends on some disorder of the kidney,
there are generally pains in the loins, straddling
with the hind legs, and an awkward way of walk-
ing. When it proceeds from the bladder, the
92
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
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first urine discharged has not much blood in it,
and the last has; the blood is in little lumps or
clots, and more blood is passed when it comes
from the bladder than from the kidneys.
TREATMENT.-The treatment varies with the
If it exists as a symptom of inflamma-
tion of the kidney or of the bladder, or of pur-
pura hæmorrhagica, the reader must consult the
articles on these diseases.
cause.
1. When the disease arises from some strain
or blow, and when the blood is equally mixed
through the urine without clots—give Arnica.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every two, three,
four, six, or twelve hours, according to the violence of the
symptoms, and the degree of improvement.
2. When the blood is in clots, and comes from
the bladder-give Terebinthina.
DOSE. As directed for Arnica.
3. When the urine is bloody, and is passed
drop by drop, with pain-give Cantharides.
DOSE. As directed for Arnica.
RETENTION OF URINE, OR WANT OF
POWER TO STALE.
CAUSES.-Holding the urine too long; in-
flammation, or other diseases of the bladder,
which cannot contract upon and expel the water
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DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
93
cramp at the neck of the bladder; stone in the
bladder; bound bowels.
SYMPTOMS. The symptoms are in some rc-
spects like those which are present in Colic,
attended, however, by the horse putting himself
into the attitude of staling, and straining with
great force as in the act of making water, with-
out any or very little urine being discharged.
This symptom is occasionally present in cases.
of gripes, the bladder acting in sympathy with
the cramped gut. When, therefore, any doubt
exists, and when the horse is trying to make
water and cannot, the hand should be passed up
the fundament, and the bladder will be found
large and full of water.
TREATMENT.-When a stone lodges against
the opening in the bladder through which the
water flows, an operation is required to remove
it that a competent veterinary surgeon is alone
able to perform. In all other cases the following
medicines will do good.
I. When there are very urgent attempts to
make water, with no success, and attended with
great straining and pain-give Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every half hour
until relieved.
2. If no relief follows after several doses have
been given, and if the symptoms depend more
on sympathy than on an affection of the bladder
itself-give Nux vomica.
Dose. As directed for Aconitum,
1
94
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
1
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​3. If the above medicines fail to do good-
give Cantharis.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
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SCANTY URINE.
Scanty urine is a symptom of many diseases'
such as inflammation of the kidneys; diarrhoea ;
over-purging from aloes, etc.; and in all other
complaints where there is much fever. The
urine is always diminished in quantity during
warm weather, and when the horse is severely
worked, because a large amount of fluid is given
out from the body by the lungs and skin.
TREATMENT.-The disease of which scanty
urine is a symptom must of course be treated,
and then the water will be passed as in health.
In those cases where the horse is well in all
respects but this, that he does not make much
water, the following medicines are the best:
Arsenicum.
Bryonia.
Use either of these medicines in 10 drops, in
a wine-glassful of water, three times a day
until cured.
DIURESIS; DIABETES INSIPIDUS;
PROFUSE STALING.
CAUSES.-Bad food, such as kiln-dried oats
mow-burnt hay, etc.; the use of staling medi-
cines, as nitre, and chronic disease of the kidneys.
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
95
?
SYMPTOMS.-The horse does not eat much,
he sweats easily, is soon tired, appears low and
weak, the bowels are bound, the skin is dry and
rough, the tongue white, there is great thirst,
and the water is quite clear or milky, passed
very often, and in great quantities. As the dis-
ease advances, the horse eats nothing, he gets
thinner and weaker every day; the dung is hard,
lumpy, and covered with slime; the hair stands
on end, and the flow of urine is enormous; and
if not cured death soon arrives.
TREATMENT.-The food must be inquired
into, and none but the best given; changing the
food is also of service.
1. When the horse frequently passes a large
quantity of colourless urine, is low and weak,
and easily tired-give Acidum phosphoricum.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water thrice daily.
2. When the water is copious, and a large
quantity is frequently discharged at each time
of staling-give Baryta carbonica.
DOSE. As directed for Acidum phosphoricum.
P
3. When the latter gives only partial relief-
give Iodium, in the same way.
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CHAPTER VI.
DISEASES OF THE EYE.
OPHTHALMIA, OR
OF THE EYE.
INFLAMMATION
KINDS.-I. Simple or Common; 2. Specific or
Periodic.
I. SIMPLE OR COMMON OPIITIALMIA.
THIS disease consists of inflammation of the
conjunctiva only. The conjunctiva is the deli-
cate membrane which lines the inner surface of
the eyelids, and covers the front of the ball of
the eye.
CAUSES.—The irritation caused by a hay-seed
or bit of dirt; blows; cold and damp, in which
case common cold may also be present.
SYMPTOMS.-Eyelids closed and swollen; pro-
fuse flow of tears; light cannot be looked at; the
conjunctiva over the white of the eye is covered
by a great number of red streaks; red and
swollen haw; the eye itself seems to be covered
with a scum in the advanced stage.
TREATMENT.-I. Examine the eye for hay-
seeds, dirt, and such other substances, and, if
found, remove them. They are generally found.
under the upper eyelid, which may be turned
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
97
inside out by taking the lashes between the finger
and thumb, and turning the lid upwards over the
point of the finger. If a little of the conjunctiva
or of the cornea be taken away by the blow, the
pain may be relieved and the part soothed by
putting two or three drops of glycerine into the
eye.
2. When the membrane over the white of the
eye is covered with numerous red streaks, when
the eyes water copiously, and the eyelids are
almost or nearly closed to exclude light-give
Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every four hours.
3. When the tears are abundant and scalding to
the skin, the eyelids swollen, the pulse quickened,
and the appetite gone—give Belladonna.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
P
4. When the disease is occasioned by blows or
outward violence, or by the presence of foreign
bodies-give Arnica.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
Ma
5. When the eyes cannot bear light, the flow
of water copious, and the eye covered with a hazy
scum-give Mercurius.
DOSE.-One grain three times a day in a handful of bran-
mash.
6. Arnica lotion (see Introductory Section)
may be applied to the hurt eyelids night and
morning, but only when the inflammation is pro-
duced by some injury.
7
98
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
1
2.-SPECIFIC OR PERIODIC OPHTHALMIA.
This form of ophthalmia consists of inflamma-
tion of the eyeball, all the parts in the inside of
the eye being affected more or less severely.
CAUSES. Simple ophthalmia may end in it;
cold or wet applied to the surface in whatever
way; impure air in a dirty stable; general
fulness of blood; too much blood about the head,
as during the cutting of the teeth; hereditary
tendency, or a peculiar liability transmitted from
the parents to the offspring; violent exertion, as
hunting.
Judg
SYMPTOMS. The pulse is full and frequent;
the mouth hot; the tongue dry; the urine
scanty; the bowels costive. The eyelids are
swollen and closed; scalding tears flow in great
quantities; the eyes cannot bear the light, and
are drawn into the socket; the haw is red,
swollen, and pushed in front of the eye; the
white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids
are covered with red blood-vessels, some of which
run into the clear part of the front of the eye;
this is more or less dim; the humours or waters
in the inside of the eye are not so clear as in
health; the pupil is narrowed, and the parts near
and behind are more or less changed in appear-
Matter is observed in some cases behind
the clear portion of the eyeball. The eye seldom
returns to its natural state, for though one attack
ance.
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DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
99
may be cured, another is almost sure to come,
which leaves it dim or covered with specks; or a
cataract forms in the lens. The eyeball also
becomes smaller, pointed in front, and sinks
within the socket. Only one eye is affected, in
general, at once; and when the inflammation is
leaving it, the other one becomes diseased. Thus
both eyes are attacked in turns, until they are no
longer fit for the purposes of sight.
TREATMENT.-No light must be allowed to
enter the box in which the sick animal is placed.
I. When the disease first appears, and is
attended with the symptoms of fever, such as
quick full pulse, hot mouth, dry and hot skin;
when the eyes cannot tolerate light, are covered
with red streaks, and when tears flow-give
Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every three hours.
2. When the eyelids are swollen and shut, the
eyes sensible to light, the cornea traversed by
blood-vessels, the conjunctiva highly injected, and
the tears abundant-give Belladonna.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every three hours.
3. When the pupil is narrow, the humours of
the eye dim, the cornea covered with a scummy
opacity, the pupil blocked up with lymph, and
the anterior chamber filled with matter-give
Mercurius.
DOSE.-2 grains every two hours in a handful of bran-mash
on a small piece of bread.
100
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
4. When recovery is slow, and in order to com-
plete the restoration of the parts and to prevent
a relapse-give Sulphur.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water night and
morning.
CATARACT.
CAUSES.-Injuries to the eyes; it often follows
attacks of periodic inflammation of the eye; old
age.
SYMPTOMS.-In some cases the cataract is in
the middle of the lens, and is so small as almost
to escape notice; in others, white streaks run
from the middle outwards; whilst in many
instances the whole of it looks dim and whitish
in colour. Sometimes a yellowish substance fills
up the pupil and hides the lens-this is false
cataract.
-
TREATMENT.-Old and thick cataracts are in-
curable; but the false and recent kinds may be
benefited by giving the following medicines for
some time:
1. Calcarea carbonica.
2. Phosphorus.
3. Cannabis.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glass-
ful of water twice a day.
One medicine must be used alone for several
weeks, and if it fail to benefit, one of the others.
must be substituted.
¥
It frequently happens that no treatment what-
ever does any good.
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DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
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SPECKS ON THE EYE; OPACITY OF
THE CORNEA.
CAUSES.-Specks on the eye may be left after
inflammation of the eye, either of the common or
periodic kind; they may also arise from a piece
of the cornea being taken away by an injury, such
as a stroke of the whip.
SYMPTOMS. The cornea is the clear, bulging,
fore part of the eye, through which the light
passes. A whitish substance will be seen upon
it in one or more places; or the whole of it has a
dull-coloured appearance.
DOSES.-Only one
of these medicines
must be given at a
time for two weeks
together, and if it fail to do good, give one of the others instead.
Give 10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every night and
morning.
TREATMENT.
Calcarea carbonica.
I Cannabis.
Euphrasia.
Pulsatilla.
AMAUROSIS; GUTTA SERENA.
In this disease the power of seeing is either
lost or weakened in consequence of some change
either in the brain or in the nerve of vision.
CAUSES.-Tumours pressing upon the brain or
upon the nerve which goes to the eye from the
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102
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
brain; injuries to the head or to the ball of the
eye; it frequently follows stomach-staggers.
SYMPTOMS.-The horse walks cautiously, steps
high; his head is elevated, and his ears are moved
quickly backwards and forwards. The pupil is of
one size, and does not become wider or narrower
when light is taken away from or held near to the
eye. The eye has a peculiar glassy appear-
ance.
TREATMENT.-When the blindness arises from
some change in the structure of the brain or the
optic nerve, as the history of the case may eluci-
date, it must be regarded as incurable. There
are, however, cases characterised by impaired
function which medicines may benefit. But as
the choice of a remedy must have reference to the
cause of the disease, and other collateral circum-
stances, it will be advisable to consult a homœo-
pathic veterinary surgeon.
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CHAPTER VII.
DISEASES OF THE SKIN.
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SURFEIT.
THIS is the common name for a disease of the
skin, which may be considered under two forms.
CAUSES.-Changes suddenly made in the kind
and quality of the food; violent exercise; checked
sweating by draughts of cold air; drinking cold
water after work; sudden changes in the weather.
SYMPTOMS. In the first form: Great itchiness
of the skin, which compels the animal to con-
stantly rub himself; the hair is rubbed off in
several places, which are covered with bloody fluid
or scurf of a reddish colour; the skin in other
places is warmer than in health; the hair is also
rough and unthrifty looking; the legs are per-
haps swelled, and the horse dull and weak.
In the second form: There appear on the skin
many small and hard or large and flat lumps or
swellings, which go away as quickly and suddenly
1
104
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
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as they came. They may be over the whole body,
or only on the neck, quarters, sides, and shoulders.
In all other respects the animal seems well.
TREATMENT.—1. Give one grain of Arsenicum
night and morning.
2. Should it fail to afford much benefit, substi-
tute Sulphur-10 drops twice a day.
3. For the second form of Surfeit-give Bella-
donna in the same way.
MANGE.
CAUSES. Mange is a disease of the skin. Poor
and dirty horses are more liable to it than others.
It is contagious-that is, spreads by contact from
one horse to another; the brush, comb, and halter
are very often the means of carrying the disease
from a mangy to a sound horse.
SYMPTOMS.-Great itching, which causes the
animal to be always rubbing himself. The skin
is covered with little pimples, which inflame
and form small blister-like risings, containing a
clear fluid; this fluid may afterwards become yel-
low, in which case there is matter in the blisters.
These blisters may be distinct from each other,
or several of them join together. They at last
burst, and the fluid flows out. The hair then
falls off, and patches of skin are left either quite
5
3
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
105
bare, or covered by only a few hairs. Sometimes
small points of blood are observed on the surface
of a bald place, caused by the horse rubbing him-
self. In old cases, the skin becomes thickened,
hard, dry, rough, and wrinkled, especially about
the neck, withers, etc.
TREATMENT.-Clean the skin, by rubbing away
every scaly or scurvy portion of it, by washing
with warm water and soap, and by carefully dry-
ing it afterwards.
Sulphur. DOSES.-Use these medicines of the first tritu-
Arsenicum.ration. Put I grain of sulphur in a handful of
bran-mash, which the horse will eat every night, and the same
quantity of Arsenicum every morning, until the animal is cured.
Sulphur ointment (see Introductory Section)
may be rubbed into the mangy places every
night and morning, and, as the horse improves,
only once a day.
Arsenicum lotion (see Introductory Section)
may be used in the same way if the last dressing
fail.
CRACKED HEELS.
In health the skin at the joints is softened by
an oily matter, which is either diminished or sup-
pressed in the condition known as cracked heels.
CAUSES. This disease is most common during
the fall and winter; when the weather is damp or
frosty, and when the horse's heels are not dried
after being wet.
106
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
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SYMPTOMS. The result of this bad grooming
is that the legs, especially the hind ones, swell,
become hot and painful, and then crack. The
cracks are sometimes deep and wide, producing
great stiffness, lameness, or halting, and from
them flows a thick matter, which has a bad smell.
The horse does not eat much; his coat is rough,
and he is dull and lazy.
TREATMENT.-Clip away the hair from around
the edges of the cracks. If there be much pain
and discharge, foment the part every night and
morning, and afterwards apply a bran poultice
until the heels are less painful, and the matter is
more healthy. The horse may be gently exer-
cised on dry ground for one or two hours every
day.
Arsenicum.-DOSE.-Give 10 drops in a wine-glassful of
water every night and morning.
Arsenicum lotion (see Introductory Section)
must be used every night and morning, applied
to the cracks by means of a clean sponge.
GREASE.
Grease is an inflammation of the skin and of
the small glands* of the skin, at the heels.
CAUSES. Allowing dirt to remain on the heels
during cold or damp weather, washing and not
drying the heels, especially if the horse is in low
condition at the time, and by many other causes
* See Glossary at the end of the book.
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
107
of the same nature. It probably spreads by con-
tagion.
SYMPTOMS. In the first stage the legs are
swollen, and the skin is very painful, so that the
animal cannot bend his heels, and walks lamely
and stiffly; after a little exercise this will go off,
and the animal will be sound in his action. The
heel is hot and dry, or oily to the touch, and a
bad smell rises from it; the hairs are like bristles,
and many of them stick together; the skin is red
and raw-looking.
In the second stage the swelling, heat, and pain
become greater, the skin ulcerates and cracks into
raw, deep places, which are very tender and give
forth an offensive discharge.
In the third stage what are called "grapes"
spring up from the raw cracks. These grapes
are red, painful, and easily bled, and cause lame-
ness or unwillingness to move. They get larger
and spread up the back of the leg, which becomes
swelled and much thicker than in health. The
grapes then become free of pain, and gristly or
horny, quite bare or only covered by a few brist-
ling hairs, and separated from each other by
cracks, more or less deep, from which a nasty dis-
charge continues to flow.
TREATMENT.-In the first stage give bran
mashes instead of corn, exercise gently every day,
wash the leg with lukewarm water and soap, and
dry it well with a soft cloth; if there be much
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108
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
pain, apply a bran poultice every night and
morning.
Arsenicum is an excellent remedy, and if given
early enough, will often cut the disease short.
DOSE.-Give 10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every eight
hours.
In the second stage give green food, bran
mashes, and a little hay; let the horse be gently
exercised every day, clip away the hair from the
edges of the cracks, remove the discharge with
lukewarm water and soap; if the cracks are pain-
ful, long, and deep, put a boiled carrot or turnip
poultice to them every night and morning.
Arsenicum.-Dose.-Place 1 grain of the first trituration in
a handful of bran-mash, which the horse will eat.
Give I grain
in the morning and another at night, until the horse is much
improved, when only one dose may be given in the day.
Arsenicum lotion (see Introductory Section)
must be applied to the cracks every night and
morning by means of a perfectly clean sponge.
In the third stage, if there be much pain and
discharge, apply a boiled carrot or turnip poultice
night and morning. The following medicines.
are the best that can be given, and cause the
grapes to speedily disappear:
Dilute Sulphuric acid is another potent applica-
tion when Arsenicum does not succeed. It may
be applied to the grapes by means of a brush,
every second day, first removing with a knife
any superfluous portion of the growth.
Glycerine is a good lubricant.
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
109
HIDEBOUND.
Although mentioned separately in this place,
hidebound is not a disease, but a symptom of
disease. This is generally some disorder of the
stomach.
M
CAUSES. Disordered stomach; poor food;
exposure to rough weather. It is a frequent
consequence of other diseases, such as Glanders,
Grease, Founder, old-standing disease of the
lungs, and others.
SYMPTOMS.-It is known by the hair looking
rough and unthrifty, the natural smoothness and
gloss being both absent; the skin feels hard,
tough, and fixed to the flesh.
TREATMENT.-The cause of the hidebound
must, of course, be found out; and the disease of
which it is a symptom must be treated according
to the instructions laid down in other portions of
this work. (See especially the article on Indi-
gestion.)
MALLENDERS AND SALLENDERS.
These are the names given to a scurvy state of
the skin; Mallenders being situated at the back
part of the bend of the knee, Sallenders at the
fore part of the bend of the hock. They seldom
IIO
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
cause lameness, but are ugly, and ought to be
removed before they get worse.
TREATMENT.-Wash well with warm water
and soap every night and morning, and after-
wards dress with Thuja lotion. (See Introductory
Section.)
Thuja.-DOSE.-Give 10 drops every night and morning
until the animal is cured.
WARTS, OR ANGLEBERRIES.
Some horses are covered nearly all over with
these growths. When they exist on the eyelids,
and when large, they require removal by an ope-
ration; when small, they may be snipped off with
scissors; or a piece of strong silk thread may be
passed round the root close to the skin, and kept
firmly tied until the warts fall away.
Calcarea carbonica will, in many cases, prevent
their growing again, and will remove those that
cannot be clipped off.
DOSE.-Give 10 drops in a wine-glassful of water night and
morning.
+1
CHAPTER VIII.
DISEASES OF THE FEET
AND LEGS.
LAMINITIS; INFLAMMATION OF THE
FEET; ACUTE FOUNDER; FEVER IN
THE FEET.
CAUSES.-Standing in one position for a long
time, as during sea-voyages; inflammation may
leave another part of the body, very often the
lungs, and attack the feet; sudden changes from
heat to cold and from cold to heat, acting directly
upon the feet; standing in snow or cold water
after a journey; violent concussion of the feet, as
during a long and quick journey.
SYMPTOMS.--The discase begins generally with
shaking and shivering. The flanks heave; the
breathing is quick and laboured; the pulse full
and frequent; the horse shifts his feet from one.
place to another, lies down and rises frequently,
but he does not paw the ground nor kick his
belly; he will sometimes place his lips on the
fevered feet, as if to tell where the cause of the
pain lies; he places the hind legs under him in
order to take the weight of his body off his fore
1:
112
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
feet; he groans or moans from the severity of
the pain, and at last lies down, being unable to
stand any longer upon the inflamed feet. The
feet are intensely hot and painful. If one foot
be held up, he can scarcely stand upon the other,
and may tumble down. He does not like to get
up from the ground, and is unwilling to move
from one place to another. If the disease be not
stopped, matter forms inside the hoof, which is
then thrown off.
TREATMENT.-The shoes must be removed
from the inflamed feet. Allow the horse to lie;
soak some cloths in cold water and wrap them
round the feet, which must be constantly kept
wet; or if the disease arise from the feet being
much battered during a long journey, they may
have constantly applied to them Arnica lotion
(see Introductory Section) on cloths. Cold
poultices, made of turnips, applied to the feet,
are sometimes of service.
The medicines required are the following:
1. When, after shivering, the pulse is full and
frequent, the breathing quick and heaving,
the feet hot, and when there are uneasiness,
moaning, and other expressions of intense pain-
give Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops every two or three hours in a wine-glassful
of water.
2. When the last medicine has afforded only
partial relief, and the symptoms of fever still re-
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
113
I
main, and when the predominant symptom is the
intense pain-give Belladonna.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
3. When the cause is violent concussion over
hard roads, during a long journey performed with
speed-give Arnica.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
Should these measures fail, call in a homeopa-
thic veterinary surgeon.
PRICK IN THE FOOT.
This is a wound of the foot in either the frog
or sole, produced by sharp bodies, such as nails,
glass, pointed stones, etc. A nail or other sharp
substance may be "picked up " in the street; or
the nails may be trodden upon when the shoe is
torn partly off; or the nail may go the "wrong
way" in shoeing.*
TREATMENT.-Pinch the foot with pincers, or
hammer it, to find out where the pain is. The
place where the mischief lies having been found,
take the shoe off, pare away the hoof from the
injured place until it yields to the thumb; follow
the nail-hole to the bottom, and if the injury is
* Sometimes the smith is unjustly blamed for an unavoidable
mishap.
S
}
114
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
newly done, a dark-coloured, dirty fluid will flow
out. Make a good vent for the fluid, and if there
is much lameness, put a piece of cotton soaked in
Tincture of Arnica upon the pricked place, and
tack the shoe lightly on with a leather sole, and
the usual stopping between it and the foot to
prevent dirt getting into the wound.
But if the injury has been done several days,
and there are much heat, pain, and lameness,
matter will have formed, and may run under the
sole, or make its way to the coronet.
In such a
case make a good opening, remove all dead horn,
and this only; dress as before with Arnica, and
put the foot in a large bran or turnip poultice,
which must be changed night and morning. Con-
tinue in this way until the lameness and matter
become less, dress still with Arnica, and shoe the
foot as before.
-
Arnica must, and Aconitum may, be given, if
there be much fever.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every four
hours, or two or three times a day.
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
115
QUITTOR.
A quittor is a deep narrow ulcer, opening
upon the coronet, and connected generally with
an abscess in the foot.
CAUSES.-Treads and over-reaches; corns;
pricks or wounds of the feet by nails or other
sharp substances.
SYMPTOMS. More or less lameness; heat and
pain in the foot; discharge of matter from the
open wound; or, if the quittor is caused by the
matter from a corn, the coronet above the heel
will have upon it a hard, painful swelling, which
becomes afterwards softer and larger.
TREATMENT.-If the quittor has arisen from a
wound of the sole or a prick, after the wounded
place has been pared out and poulticed as directed
at pp. 113 and 114, a probe should be used to
find out the number and direction of the fistula,
and Calendula lotion (see Introductory Section)
should be squirted into them three or four times
a day. The poultices must be changed night and
morning until no more matter flows, and the
quittor begins to heal. When quittor arises from
a corn in the heel, and the matter has got to the
coronet, the swelling must be cut into to get the
discharge out; then poultice night and morning;
squirt in Calendula lotion as before; rasp down
4
116
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
Th
the wall of the hoof under the fistula which runs
between the heel and the coronet, until it yields
to the pressure of the thumb, and put on a bar-
shoe. Roll a bandage round the coronet, to keep
out dirt from the quittor. When a joint in the
foot is opened into and joint-oil flows out, or
when the bone is ulcerated, which may be
known by a greenish appearance in the quittor,
the cure of the case is doubtful, or takes a long
time.
Silicea is of great service in these cases.
DOSE.-Give 10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every four
hours, and then two or three times a day as the horse mends.
SANDCRACK.
This is a separation of the fibres of the hoof
from above downwards-more rarely crosswise.
In the fore feet the fissure generally occurs at
the sides, or quarters, in the hind feet at the front
from the toe upwards. It is often produced in-
stantly by an extra strain or false step. When
the crack is deep, extending to the sensitive parts,
lameness is produced, and there may be a secre-
tion of pus, which if not allowed to escape at the
bottom or middle part of the crack will find a
vent at the coronet, and materially complicate
the case.
"
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
117
TREATMENT.-Poultice for a few days, but if
there be good reason to suspect the presence of
pus, the crack should be carefully cut out and
the imprisoned matter allowed to escape. Fill
the fissure lightly with cotton wool, soaked in
Tincture Arnica, and apply poultice over.
When the lameness and discharge have ceased,
it will be necessary to fill the fissure to prevent
the intrusion of dirt. A good plan is to form
the edges of the fissure as straight as possible,
and insert a piece of hard wood imbedded in
Stockholm tar. The wood must be riveted in,
or it may be pushed up from the bottom, in
which case no rivets are necessary, only the
posterior surface, or base, must be somewhat
wider than the front part, otherwise it would
fall out of the crack. It may be left in until
the new horn grown from the coronet has quite
filled the crack.
1. Silicea is of service during the earlier
stages.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water three times a
day.
2. Calcarca carbonica is useful when the case
is mending.
DOSE. As for Silicea.
"
M
¿
118
}
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
CORNS
A corn is a bruise upon the sole of the foot at
the angle between the wall and the bar.
CAUSES.-Contracted feet, cutting away the
bars, thick-heeled shoes on weak, flat feet, dirt
getting between the shoe and the heel of the
foot, and not having the foot pared out often
enough.
SYMPTOMS. The pressure arising from these
causes bursts the blood-vessels under the horn,
so that the angle of the foot has a blood-red
appearance, and feels softer than the other por-
tions of the horn; this place is painful, and when
pressed upon the animal flinches; there will also
be more or less lameness. In some cases matter
will form, and, unless a vent be made as early as
possible, it will underrun the sole, or appear at
the coronet, and form a quittor.
TREATMENT.-The heel must be well pared
out, and all dirt removed. Then apply mother
tincture of Arnica upon a bit of cotton, tack on
the shoe lightly, with the pressure of the sore
heel, and a leather sole between it and the foot.
But if matter has formed, remove all dead
horn, make a free vent, so that the matter can
flow out freely, foment the foot with hot water
for an hour, soak a bit of cotton with Arnica
lotion (sce Introductory Section), and apply it to
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
I 19
the heel, and then place the foot in a large bran
or turnip poultice.
Change the poultice and dressing every night
and morning. In a few days the foot will be
ready to be shod in the usuai way, and with the
leather sole to keep out dirt. Should a quittor
form, it must be treated as such.
OVER-REACH AND TREAD.
1. An over-reach is a bruise upon the heel of
one of the fore feet caused by the blow of a hind
shoe.
2. A tread is also a bruise upon the inside
coronet of a hind foot, caused by the shoe on the
other foot treading upon it; or it may be caused
by a fore shoe treading upon a hind coronet, as
when the horse is backing.
In both cases a quittor may form, or the death
of the crushed coronet will leave the hoof altered
in shape.
TREATMENT.-Remove the crushed and torn
skin and horn; clip away the hair from around
the bruised part; wash it with water to remove
dirt; foment it with hot water three times a day ;
after each fomentation apply to it a piece of
cotton soaked in Arnica lotion (see Introductory
Section); or if matter be likely to form, put the
foot in a large bran or boiled turnip poultice,
120
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
i
}
¡
}
}
which is to be changed night and morning. Go
on in this way until the pain and lameness be-
come less, then dress with Arnica as before,
twice a day, and keep out dirt from the wound
by rolling a bandage over the dressing and
round the top of the hoof.
If quittor is left, the treatment for that disease
will have to be adopted (see Quittor). The horse
may also have—
Arnica.-DOSE.-Give 10 drops in a wine-glassful of water
night and morning.
If there be much fever and pain-give the
same dose of Aconitum.
THRUSH.
The disease named Thrush consists of inflam-
mation of the sensible frog, which secretes pus,
instead of horn. This matter is offensive, and
issues from the cleft of the frog. The cleft is
naturally shallow; but when thrush exists, it
becomes both lengthened and deepened, and, at
first, moisture is observed upon it; afterwards
the discharge becomes more abundant and offen-
sive; the frog wears off, and a fresh growth of
horn fails to appear; it then becomes thin,
shrivelled, contracted, and fissured, and as the
disease extends, the matter becomes still more
t
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
121
foetid, and may terminate in a much more serious
and unmanageable disease, viz., canker. In
addition to these symptoms, the frog is painful
when pressed upon by the thumb or pincers, or
when the animal treads on a stone.
TREATMENT.-—In all cases it is necessary that
the discharge should be stopped. When con-
nected with contracted fore feet, particular atten-
tion must be paid in shoeing.
When excited by standing in dung, and urine,
and moisture, which is the most frequent cause
of thrush in the hind feet, these causes must be
guarded against for the future.
All loose, ragged portions of the frog must be
carefully and entirely removed, in order to prevent
accumulation of matter and dirt. The discharge
must be wiped up with a piece of tow, pressed
down into the cleft by means of a thin piece of
wood. Then smear the frog with a mixture
composed of half an ounce of Sulphate of copper
and six ounces of tar. A small piece of tow is
to be dipped into this mixture, and afterwards to
be placed in the cleft, or in whatever part of the
frog a sinus exists. In some cases this dressing
has to be repeated every day; in others, only
once in two or three days. When the dressing
is properly applied, it will neither fall out nor fail
to prevent the entrance of dirt. If, however, the
frog be extensively diseased, a bar-shoe may be
necessary, and the dressing will then be kept in
T
++
เ
122
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
C
its place by the cross-bar of iron, or a leather
sole may be used under the shoe.
Throughout the treatment 10 drops of Arseni-
cum are to be given night and morning in a little
water.
SPAVIN; SPLINT AND RINGBONE.
Spavin is a bony enlargement, situate for the
most part in front of the union between the
splint-bone and the shank, at the inner side of
the hock-joint.
Splint is also a deposition of bony matter
at the upper part of the canon-bone or shank,
below the knee.
Ringbone is an enlargement of the same nature,
on the outer or the inner side of the coronet, or
it may encircle the whole of that part.
TREATMENT.-When any of the above diseases
are of recent occurrence, and attended with heat
and pain at their respective seats, Rhus lotion
(see Introductory Section) should be rubbed in
three times a day, and 10 drops of Rhus may
be administered night and morning. Should
the disease continue other treatment becomes
necessary. Two good applications are Nitric
and Sulphuric Acids, in the proportion of 20
drops to a pint of water. One of these mixtures
may be rubbed into the part affected night and
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
123
morning, until the skin becomes tender. Then
desist for a few days, using meanwhile soap and
warm water to remove the scales which form in
consequence of the irritation of the mixture.
Another application, composed of a drachm of
Corrosive Sublimate to 16 ounces of water, may
be used in the same way as the foregoing, should
they fail. Ten drops of the dilution of either of
these medicines are to be given night and morn-
ing during their simultaneous external employ-
ment.
The diseases mentioned above do not always
cause lameness, and it is obvious that a horse may
be lame from other causes apart from splints,
etc., even if they be present on the affected limb.
It is too much the custom if a horse having a
splint "goes" lame-say from rheumatism-to
at once fire and blister the limb, on the assump-
tion that the splint must be the cause. It has
been the writer's good fortune to spare many
horses the infliction of such cruel treatment, and
the owners the loss consequent on the deteriora-
tion of their property such treatment entails.
S
CHAPTER IX.
WOUNDS AND INJURIES.
WOUNDS.
I.-FLESH WOUNDS.
TREATMENT.—1. Stop the bleeding by con-
stantly applying cold water, or by bandaging the
injured part, if it can be done. If these means
fail, and much blood continues to flow, it will be
necessary to tie the blood-vessels, or to draw
them slightly out with the forceps, and twist them
round several times.
2. Remove all dirt, gravel, clots of blood, or
other substances that ought not to be in the wound.
Do this with cold water and a sponge; the fingers
or forceps may have to be used.
3. Bring the sides of the wound together by
stitches if the cut is extensive, or if it be of con-
sequence to leave no blemish, as in wounds of the
eyelids, nostrils, eyebrows, etc., the common way
of stitching or sewing a wound is, or ought to be,
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
125
this have a crooked, flat needle, about three
inches long, armed with well-waxed silk or other
strong thread; place the sides of the wound.
closely together in the same position as in health,
and let an assistant hold them there; pass the
needle through one side from without inwards, at
about a quarter or half an inch from the cut, and
on the other side bring it from within outwards.
Then draw the ends of the thread together, but
not too tightly, lest the whole gives way, and tie
with the common knot. At an inch or so from
this stitch place another in the same way as the
last, and in this manner the whole of the wound
must be sewn up. Another mode of stitching is
to bring the wound together, and then to pass
some pins through its sides at about the same dis-
tances as the threads. Then twist the middle of
a long thread around the upper pin, in the form
of a figure 8; bring the thread down to the next
pin and twist as before; repeat this with all the
others, and then tie the thread. Apply Arnica
lotion (see Introductory Section) to the wound
several times a day.
4. Prevent inflammation by keeping the patient
and the wound resting as much as possible, by
feeding on bran-mashes, and, if there is much
fever present, by giving 10 drops of Aconitum in
a wine-glassful of water night and morning. But
if inflammation comes on, if the sides of the wound
become hard, swollen, and painful, if a thin fluid
+
11320
126
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
flows out, then the stitches must be taken away,
and poultices applied to the wound, which, being
now an open one, will heal up from the bottom.
Apply Calendula lotion (see Introductory Section)
several times a day.
II. BRUISED WOUNDS.
Bruised wounds are injuries to any part of the
body without any cut in the skin. There are, of
course, many degrees of bruises with respect to
severity and extent, some being very slight, others
severe.
TREATMENT.-In simple bruises the only treat-
ment required is to give the animal bran-mashes.
instead of corn, to keep the injured part at rest,
and to constantly apply Arnica lotion (see Intro-
ductory Section). Give 10 drops of Arnica in a
wine-glassful of water three times a day. But if
the bruise is severe, if much blood has been
thrown out from the blood-vessels, if the skin is
stretched almost to bursting, and if there are
much pain, heat, and fever, make an opening at
the lowest part of the swelling, and treat as an
abscess.
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
127
BROKEN KNEES.
Injuries to the knees may be considered under
hree forms:
1. Injuries which consist of simple bruises,
without the skin being cut through. Though
this is not, strictly speaking, broken knee, yet it
is convenient to speak of it as such. The knee
is more or less painful, swollen, and hot; some
hair may be removed and the skin grazed.
The TREATMENT is, to prevent inflammation by
rest, by washing the knee with water to remove
dirt, and by applying Arnica lotion (see Intro-
ductory Section) several times a day.
2. Injuries in which the skin and parts under-
neath are torn and destroyed. The skin is seen
to be broken through and torn, and some black,
thick blood mixed with dirt lies on the raw place.
The breach in the part may be more or less ex-
tensive.
The TREATMENT consists in washing the knee
with warm water to remove all dirt and blood;
then, if the wound be likely to heal soon, bring
the cut parts together as closely as possible, and
apply a piece of lint, well moistened with Arnica
lotion, kept to the leg by means of a bandage.
Should the animal be feverish, give 10 drops of
the first dilution of Aconite in a wine-glassful of
128
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
.
*7
water three times a day; if not feverish, give
Arnica in the same way.
If the knee be much torn, inflammation will
come on in spite of these measures; the injured
parts will separate in a mass, and the wound will
heal from the bottom. In some cases this result
ought to be assisted by cutting away the ragged
portions of the skin, instead of making them fit
together. When, therefore, the knee becomes.
more painful and swollen, hot fomentations and
oat or linseed-meal poultices must be applied
until the wound has a clean raw surface. Then
use Calendula lotion (see Introductory Section)
several times a day; place the animal in a loose
box, with the cradles round his neck, to prevent
the wound being bitten. If necessary, Aconite
and Arnica may be given as directed above.
Some thickening of the skin and blemish from
destruction of the hair-bulbs will remain, espe-
cially if the wound heal from the bottom. In
such a case the hair will never grow again.
3. Injuries in which the skin, sinews, etc., are
more or less bruised and torn; and, besides, the
knee-joint is opened into. When this is the case,
joint-oil-a clear fluid, like white of egg-flows
out from the wound. This is a very severe in-
jury, and sometimes proves fatal. The delicate
membrane covering the bones in the joint becomes
inflamed; the bones rub against each other, and
inflame also; the animal suffers intense pain, and
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
129
at last dies from the severe fever which follows
the injury.
The TREATMENT is to remove all dirt and
blood; and then the great object must be to pre-
vent inflammation within the joint by closing
the opening. For the treatment of this, see the
following article on-
OPEN JOINTS.
The shoulder, hock, stifle, pastern, and knee
joints are the most frequently opened; and the
consequences in all these cases are the same in
nature, though, of course, differing in degree.
CAUSES.-Joints are opened by falls, as fall-
ing upon the knee; by stabs, as with a nail, or
the stable fork; by a kick upon the joint.
SYMPTOMS.—A fluid comes out of the joint,
having a yellowish colour, and not unlike white
of egg in thickness, and when rubbed between
the finger and thumb. This fluid is called joint-
oil, and its use is to prevent rubbing between the
bones, and to make their surfaces slide easily
upon each other when the joint is moved. It is
produced from a delicate membrane which covers
the bones and the inside of the ligaments* that
wall in the joint. The fluid flows out through
the wound, and prevents its healing up; inflam-
*See Glossary at the end of the book.
9
TA
DISEASES OF TIIE HORSE.
1
130
*
الام
mation attacks the inside of the joint until the
bones are affected and the horse dies; or the
fever which follows the injury is so intense that
he dies before the bones become diseased. In
some cases he becomes lock-jawed and dies from
it, or he recovers with a stiff leg. The symptoms
of the fever are like those mentioned under that
head at page 2, in addition to which the horse
shows signs of great local pain and suffering.
TREATMENT.-There are two things to be done,
firstly, to keep down the fever; and, secondly, to
prevent inflammation in the inside of the joint, by
closing the wound as soon as possible. This is
sometimes difficult to do, because the constant
flow of joint-oil through the wound prevents the
sides being kept together, which is necessary to
their healing up, and because the animal is rest-
less and cannot be kept perfectly quiet. If the
wound is only a slight one, it should be cleaned
with lukewarm water, and then sewn up, if ne-
cessary. A piece of cotton cloth, well wetted
with Arnica lotion (see Introductory Section)
must be kept constantly to the wound by a band-
age, if the opened joint exists in one of the legs.
If possible, a piece of thin, stiff wood, padded
with plenty of tow, should be fastened to the leg
by bandages, in order to prevent all motion of
the injured joint. Tie the horse's head to the
rack or manger, to prevent him lying down, and
put the cradles on, so that he may not tear off
M
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
131
the dressings; feed him upon bran-mashes or
green food. If there are much fever and pain,
give 10 drops of Aconitum in a wine-glassful of
water every one, two, or three hours. When the
fever is lowered, Arnica may be given in the
same dose every four or six hours, until the ani-
mal is well. If large quantities of joint-oil escape,
Silicea ought to be given in the same way as
Aconitum, and newly-slaked lime finely pow-
dered, constantly applied to the opening. In
many cases this treatment will succeed; the
joint-oil congeals and fills up the opening, so that
no more can escape from the joint; inflammation
in the joint is thus avoided, the sides of the open-
ing then come together, and the wound heals up.
In other cases the knee or other joint is much
torn, and a large opening made through the liga-
ments. It is then a question whether it would
not be kinder and cheaper to kill the animal at
If the owner is determined to give the
horse every chance of being cured, he had better
procure the advice of a veterinary surgeon, as it
is impossible in this work to lay down specific
directions for the treatment of every individual
case of injury of so serious a character as opened
joints.
once.
}
*
132
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
FISTULOUS WITHERS.
CAUSE. The most frequent cause is the severe
and long-continued pressure of the saddle upon
the top of the shoulder.
SYMPTOMS. The part is bruised, and then
inflames-becoming hot, painful, and swollen.
Then the swelling grows larger and softer; matter
forms, and unless it be let out, it will spread and
run amongst muscles and sinews, cause the bones.
to inflame and ulcerate, and leave deep narrow
sores, which are termed fistulæ. These sores take
a long time to heal, because their sides are hard
and thick, and cannot be kept together, owing to
the movements of the shoulder.
TREATMENT.Alter the saddle so as to pre-
vent all pressure upon the hurt place. When the
shoulder has been injured only for a day or two,
it must be treated as a bruise. When matter forms,
the treatment is that of an abscess. If there are
fistulæ, several openings must be made to let the
matter out, and to prevent it lodging in the
abscess. Then squirt in Calendula lotion (see
Introductory Section) several times a day. I
this fail, the fistula must be slit up with a knife ;
dead bone must be searched for, and, if found,
scraped away, and the edges of the cut must
be kept from healing by putting a piece of tape
between them. As this operation, to be done
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
133
safely, requires anatomical knowledge, a veteri-
nary surgeon's assistance should be sought. Then
apply Calendula lotion upon a piece of cotton
three or four times a day, until the discharge be-
comes less and the sores heal up from the bot-
tom. Give 10 drops of Silicca in a wine-glassful
of water every night and morning until the
animal is well.
POLL EVIL.
CAUSES.-Hitting the poll against the lower
edge of the manger, or against the roof of a low
stable; hanging back in the stall, so that the
poll is injured by the halter, etc.
SYMPTOMS.-In consequence of these or other
injuries, inflammation comes on, and a hot, ten-
der, painful swelling appears. The inflammation
is seated under the cervical ligament, and if it be
not speedily subdued, matter forms and burrows
amongst tendons and ligaments, and the bones.
may eventually ulcerate.
TREATMENT. In the first stage, when the
swelling is observed, measures must be directed
to subdue the inflammation and to prevent the
formation of matter. With this view, the horse
should rest, and all the exciting causes should be
guarded against; the head should not be tightly
134
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
reined up; the halter should not press on the
swelling, and every other means must be adopted
to prevent any further injury. Arnica lotion
should be applied by means of cloths wetted with
it; as soon as they become dry, more of the
lotion must be used. At the same time, 10 drops
of Belladonna, and the same dose of Arnica, may
be given in turn four times a day. But if, in the
second place, the swelling continues to increase
in size, pain, and softness, then matter will form,
and in order to expedite its maturation, the part
should be fomented with hot water three times a
day, and bran poultices must be applied and re-
newed night and morning. Ten drops of Hepar
sulphuris and of Belladonna are to be given
four times a day during this stage. In the third
place, the matter, when once formed, must be
speedily let out by opening the abscess in one or
more places, in order to prevent it from burrow-
ing. This a veterinary surgeon should do.
SADDLE GALLS; GALLED BACK.
These names are given to a bruise upon the
back, caused by the saddle not fitting properly.
The TREATMENT is that of Bruised Wounds.
The saddle must, of course, be made to fit better,
and all pressure must be taken off the bruised
part.
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
135
SITFAST.
This name is given to a peculiar thickening of
the skin, produced by the long-continued pressure
of the saddle or collar. The part is at first bruised,
and has no chance of returning to the healthy
condition, because of the pressure being allowed
to continue. The consequence is, that a portion
of the skin dies, and becomes hard and gristly.
In some cases it is separated from the healthy
skin round it by a channel of ulceration.
The TREATMENT is to cut completely out the
thickened skin, and then to apply Calendula lotion
(see Introductory Section) three or four times a
day, all pressure being, of course, removed from
the sore place.
SPEEDY CUT.
This is the name given to a bruise on the
inside of the knee, just below the joint, caused by
the hoof or edge of the shoe hitting against that
part.
SYMPTOMS.—More or less pain, heat, swelling,
and lameness.
TREATMENT.—Rest the horse, and treat as
directed under Bruised Wounds. Alter the shoe,
and get the swelling away completely, else the
place will again be hit, and bone may be formed
as the result of these repeated blows.
136
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
CAPPED HOCKS.
CAUSES. It is most frequently produced by
kicking, either in harness or in the stable; it may
follow other injuries to the point of the hock.
SYMPTOMS.-There are two forms of it.
I. The usual form is a swelling on the point of
the hock, consisting partly of thickened skin, but
chiefly of bloody fluid under the skin.
2. Another and rarer form is a swelling which
bulges on each side of the point of the hock, and
is caused by the distension of the bursa situated
under the sinew which passes over the bone at the
back part of the hock. This bursa, like all others,
is a small bag, containing a fluid like white of
egg,
which makes smooth and slippery the sur-
face over which the sinew runs.
TREATMENT.—When the injury has been newly
done, the hock must be fomented with hot water
three or four times a day, and after each fomen-
tation let Arnica lotion (see Introductory Section)
be rubbed in. When the pain and heat have
gone, foment no more, but continue to use Arnica
lotion to get the swelling down. If this fail Rhus
lotion (see Introductory Section) must be used
instead, every night and morning.
Arnica or Rhus may be given internally at
the same time that they are applied externally.
DOSE.-10 drops three times a day.
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
137
CAPPED ELBOW.
CAUSES.-Blows; it is caused most frequently
by the horse lying with the caulkins of his shoes
pressed upon the elbow-joint.
SYMPTOMS. The swelling is composed of
bloody fluid and thickened skin. If the shoe be
not altered, whilst the pressure is continued, the
fluid is removed and the swelling becomes hard
and firm. In some cases it softens, and matter
forms.
TREATMENT.-The shoe must, of course, be
altered when it is the cause. The swelling must
be treated in the same way as Capped Hock.
Should it become soft it must be treated as an
Abscess,
SPRAINS.
A sprain, or strain, means a violent stretching
of a sinew or ligament, with or without a tear of
the small fibres of which it is made up.
The following are the sprains commonly met
with:
I. SPRAIN OR STRAIN OF THE BACK TENdons.
Sprain of this part occurs most frequently in
the foreleg, and at first produces much pain, heat,
138
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
and afterwards swelling in the sinew between the
pastern and knee-joints; the horse rests on the
toe, and is afraid to put the foot down flat. Un-
less the swelling is removed, it becomes larger
and firmer, until it lames the horse beyond cure.
The TREATMENT is to put a high-heeled shoe
upon the foot, in order to prevent the tendon
being stretched still further; then foment with
warm water for an hour night and morning, and
rub the swelling with Arnica lotion (see Intro-
ductory Section) for a quarter of an hour three
times a day. Give ten drops of Arnica in a wine-
glassful of water morning, noon, and night. If
these means lessen the heat and pain, but not
the swelling, use Rhus lotion (see Introductory
Section) instead of, and in the same way as,
Arnica—give Rhus as directed for Arnica at the
same time. The lotion should be well rubbed in,
and the leg bandaged moderately tight after-
wards. The horse must not be worked hard for
some time, even after all the swelling has gone
down. The heels of the shoe must be gradually
lowered as the horse improves.
2. OF THE SHOULDER.
This sprain may be known by the horse not
being able to put his leg straight forward, but he
drags it along on the toe and swings it round; he
goes down hill with great difficulty. In some
cases there is great pain when the shoulder is
鼠
​DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
139
pinched; also heat and swelling. If the leg is
lifted high up, and drawn out before the horse in
a straight line, it causes great pain. It may be
known from any disease in the foot by this, that
when the horse is standing still he places the leg
before him, not stretched straight out, but bent,
and it rests on the point of the toe.
The TREATMENT is, when there are much pain,
heat, and swelling, to foment with hot water
three or four times a day for an hour each time;
then dry the part, and rub in Arnica lotion after
each fomentation. In other respects follow the
same directions as are given for the last kind of
sprain.
A forcible stream of cold water, so used as to
impinge on the affected part, is efficacious, espe-
cially in warm weather.
CURB.
Curb is a sprain of the ligaments* at the back
part of the hock.
CAUSES.-It happens in a moment from any
violent straining or awkward movement in the
hock-joint, such as may take place during a
gallop over heavy ground; racing, leaping, or
suddenly stopping in the gallop. The animal ist
then said to "throw out" a curb. Young "and
*See Glossary at the end of the book.
140
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
cow-hocked horses are more subject to it than
others, although it may happen to any horse.
SYMPTOMS.-More or less lameness, with pain
and heat about the joint. A swelling may be
felt at the back part of the joint, and three or
four inches below its point. It is best seen by
taking a side view of the hock.
TREATMENT.-In cases of simple curb the
horse may be worked during the course of treat-
ment; but in the more complicated and severe
kinds it is advisable to rest the animal, else the
weakened ligaments will again give way, and the
case will be irremediable.
>>
Rhus.-Dose.-Give 10 drops in a wine-glassful of water
every night and morning.
Rhus lotion (see Introductory Section) is to be
well rubbed over the curb three times a day,
until all the swelling and lameness have gone.
If they still continue, Ruta lotion (see Intro-
ductory Section) must be used instead, and in the
same way.
Ruta.-DOSE.-As directed for Rhus.
THOROUGH-PIN AND WINDGALLS.
The former is a name
name given to a bursal
enlargement at the side of the hock; the latter.
term is applied to a swelling of the same nature
at the sides of the fetlock, especially in the hind
leg.
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
141
TREATMENT.-In both cases the same plan of
treatment is required.
I. When recent, rub into the part affected every
night and morning Rhus lotion. And at the
same time give 10 drops of Rhus.
2. Ruta, as for Rhus.
3. When these measures produce no diminution
of the enlargement, use a lotion composed of 1
drachm of Mercurius corrosivus to 16 fluid
ounces of water, and rub it in night and morning.
As this mixture is poisonous, it must be locked
up. At the same time-give 10 drops of the
tincture, at the 6th dilution, night and morning.
{
PART II.
DISEASES OF THE COW.
CHAPTER I.
GENERAL AND MISCELLA-
NEOUS
DISEASES.
INFLAMMATORY FEVER, QUARTER
EVIL, ETC.
THE disease which bears this name is known
in different parts of the country by different local
terms, such as black quarter, quarter evil, joint
murrain, bloodstriking, show of blood, etc.
SYMPTOMS.-Youett says, "There are few pre-
monitory symptoms of inflammatory fever. Often
without any, and generally with very slight indi-
cations of previous illness, the animal is found
with his neck extended; his head brought, as
much as he can effect it, into a horizontal posi-
DISEASES OF THE COW.
143
tion; his eyes protruding and red; the muzzle
dry; the notrils expanded; the breath hot; the
root of the horns considerably so; the mouth
partly open; the tongue enlarged or apparently
so; the pulse full, hard, and from 65 to 70; the
breathing quickened and laborious; the flanks
heaving violently, and the animal remaining in a
low and peculiar way.
Sometimes the animal is in full possession of
his senses, but generally there is a degree of un-
consciousness of surrounding objects; he will
stand for an hour or more without the slightest
change of posture; he can scarcely be induced to
move, or when compelled to do so he staggers,
and the staggering is principally referable to the
hind quarters; rumination has ceased; and the
appetite is quite gone. After a while he becomes
more uneasy, yet it is oftener a change of posi-
tion to ease his tired limb than a pawing; at
length the animal lies down, or rather drops, gets
up almost immediately, is soon down again; and,
debility rapidly increasing, he continues pros-
trate, sometimes in a comatose state, at others
there are occasional but fruitless efforts to rise.
The symptoms rapidly increase, and there is no
intermission; and the animal dies in from twelve
to twenty-four hours. In the majority of cases
the animal seems to rally a little, and some of
the symptoms appear from which the common
names of the disease derive their origin. The
144
DISEASES OF THE COW.
I
}
}
I
{
2
,{
beast attempts to get up; after some attempts he
succeeds, but is sadly lame in one or in both of
the hind quarters. If he is not yet fallen, he
suddenly becomes lame, so lame as to be
scarcely able to move. He has quarter evil,
joint murrain.
One of the symptoms now most to be dreaded
is the rapid progress of that which has already
begun to appear, tenderness on the loin and back.
The patient will not bear even the slightest pres-
sure on these parts. The case is worse if to these
are added swellings about the shoulders, and
back, and loins, with a peculiar cracking noise, as
if some gas were extricated in the cellular mem-
brane, and the process of decomposition had
commenced during the life of the animal. Worse
even than this is the appearance of sudden, hard,
scurfy patches of what seems to be dead skin. It
is a kind of dry gangrene, and it is the commence-
ment of a sloughing process, extensive and rapid
to an almost inconceivable degree. Now we
have black quarter, with all its fearful cha-
racters.
The ulcers first appear about the belly, the
quarters and the teats, but they spread every-
where, and particularly about the muzzle and the
mouth. The mouth is almost invariably ulcer-
ated, and the tongue is blistered and ulcerated
too; and there is either a discharge of sanious,
offensive or bloody fluid from the nose and
DISEASES OF THE COW.
145
mouth, or considerable discharge of blood from
both of them. Now the urine, which had before
been high coloured, becomes darker or bloody;
the dung likewise has streaks of blood over it,
and both are exceedingly fetid. In this state the
animal may continue two or three days, until it
dies, a "mass of putridity."
TREATMENT.-I. When the disease is in its
first stage, and characterised by quick, laborious,
heaving breathing; hot breath; expanded nos-
trils; red eyes; dry muzzle, etc.-give Ammo-
nium causticum.
DOSE.-10 drops every one, two, or three hours.
2. When the last medicine effects only partial
benefit, and all the symptoms increase in severity
-give Aconitum.
DOSE. As for Ammonium causticum.
3. When the eyes are red and protruding;
the breathing quick and panting; the pulse full
and frequent; and when the animal is evidently.
unconscious, or lies in a deep sleep-give Bella-
donna.
DOSE. As for Ammonium causticum.
K
4. When the animal stands immovably fixed
to one place, and is unwilling to move; when
there is lameness in the hind quarters, and the
animal is unable to stand or move-give Bryonia.
DOSE. As for Ammonium causticum.
TO
}
146
DISEASES OF THE COW.
t
:
5. When there is great loss of strength and
of flesh; no appetite; when hard patches appear
on the skin, followed by sloughing and ulcera-
tion of the part; when there is a thin, reddish
discharge from the nostrils; high-coloured urine;
bloody fluid, fetid dung-give Arsenicum.
DOSE. As for Ammonium causticum.
The enlargements are to be fomented with hot
water; the ulcers carefully washed three times a
day, and afterwards dressed with the Arsenical
lotion.
VESICULAR EPIZOOTIC.
The disease which bears the above name made
its first appearance in this country in 1839. Since
that time it has never wholly disappeared, but is
much less frequent now than formerly. It differed
much in severity in different parts of the country ;
in some running a rapid and fatal course, in others.
it was of a lingering and tedious character.
CAUSES. Those which tend to produce it are
exposure to draughts and to cold and wet; want
of cleanliness; poor food; and any kind of im-
perfect mangement as regards diet and housing,
which are sufficient to lower the powers of the
body. The great cause, which acts more directly
than the others, is contagion-that is, a healthy
animal becomes affected from a diseased one, and
DISEASES OF THE COW.
147
so the disease spreads rapidly from one cow to
another.
f
SYMPTOMS.—The warning symptoms are dul-
ness; impaired appetite; the coat stares and feels
harsh; the muzzle, ears, horns, etc., are cold at
one time, hot at another; the beast shakes all
over, she seems uneasy, and does not associate
with the other cows; the cud is not chewed as
in health. Then the milk is found to be less-
ened, yellowish and thick; the bag is swollen,
hot, and painful when touched; the back is
arched, and she seems uneasy upon her feet, and
they are found hot and painful; the hoof at the
top is swollen, and a discharge runs from the
heels; tears run from the eyes, which look dim;
the inside of the nose and the white of the eye
are red; the mouth is dry and the membrane
which covers it has little red spots upon it, which
soon rise into blisters, over the whole of the
mouth; they contain a fluid, and increase gra-
dually in size; the blister bursts, and a sore is
left, which becomes a deep and ragged ulcer.
These blisters are formed upon the bag and about
the hoofs, especially of the hind-legs; the hoof
may fall off, the bones may become diseased, and
other mischief of a serious character may ensue.
The appetite is then much impaired; there is
great weakness, wasting, discharge of stringy,
bloody fluid from the mouth; mattery, offensive
running from the nostrils; swollen face; bad
148
DISEASES OF THE COW.
breath; quick, grunting breathing; small, weak
quick pulse; dropsy of the belly and legs; purg-
ing, and death.
TREATMENT.-I. When the disease has just
begun, with unimpaired appetite, harsh, staring
coat, cold legs and ears, and dulness—give Ar-
senicum.
DOSE.-10 drops every three hours.
2. When the udder is swollen, hot, and painful,
the hoofs tender and burning to the touch, the
mouth dry and parched, the eyes dim and watery,
the membrane of the nose and the eyes red and
injected-give Belladonna.
DOSE. As for Arsenicum.
M
3. When the mouth is dry, red, hot, and
swelled throughout its entire extent, the mem-
brane of the mouth covered with red spots, which
become vesicles and then pustules, and at last, by
bursting and coalescence, deep ulcers, the dis-
charge offensive, slimy, stringy, tenacious, bloody
and mattery, the face swollen, the tongue much
enlarged, and when blisters form in other parts
of the body-give Mercurius.
DOSE. I grain every four hours.
-
4. Should the last medicine produce no amend-
ment, after several doses have been given-sub-
stitute Tartarus emeticus.
DOSE. As for Mercurius.
DISEASES OF THE COW.
149
RHEUMATISM.
CAUSES. The great cause is long or sudden
exposure to cold or wet, especially if the animal
have just recovered from some illness.
{
SYMPTOMS.-Dulness; loss of spirits; disin-
clination to move; loss of appetite; stiffness of
the back on moving; pain in the back, mani-
fested by the animal flinching when it is pressed
upon; the joints, one or more, become affected,
and the animal cannot move, except with great
difficulty and pain; swelling of the joints, which
are also exceedingly tender and hot. In some
cases these symptoms are accompanied by much
fever; whilst in others it is either altogether
absent, or existing in only a mild form. The
complaint may disappear and come again when
the weather changes, or when the wind blows
from a different quarter. Sometimes the disease
attacks one leg, and then changes to one of the
others.
TREATMENT.-The beast should be placed in
a warm, dry byre, have good food (unless when
much fever is present), and be warmly clothed.
1. When the discase is of the acute kind, and
attended with symptoms of high fever, such as
quick, full pulse, hurried breathing, hot mouth
and skin, thirst, loss of appetite, etc.; when it
arises from exposure to cold, when the seat of
}
,
150
DISEASES OF THE COW.
t
the disease is excessively painful to the touch,
and when the heart is implicated, which may be
recognised by irregular or jerking pulse, and by
increased impulse against the left side-give
Aconitum.
DOSE, 10 drops every two, three, or four hours.
2. When the joints are hot, tender and swelled,
the pains aggravated by movements, the animal
disinclined to shift his position, and when the
fever does not assume an intense form-give
Bryonia.
DOSE.-10 drops every four hours.
3. In similar cases to the last, when Bryonia
has been given, but affords only partial relief—
give Rhus.
Dose. As for Bryonia.
Note. The two latter medicines are also well
adapted to those obscure cases of "flying lame-
ness" which are often traceable to shifting rheu-
matic pains.
4. When the disease lingers a long time and
resists the previous medicine, or returns at every
change of the weather-give Sulphur.
DOSE.-10 drops three times a day.
pdf d
A
5. When the last medicine has been given for
a fortnight, with only partial benefit-substitute
Calcarea carbonica.
DOSE. As for Sulphur.
1
J
፡
DISEASES OF THE COW.
151
LUMBAGO.
This is a variety of rheumatism which affects
the muscles of the loins. The author has suc-
cessfully treated many cases of it. It may be
mistaken for palsy; attention to the history and
symptoms of the case will, however, prevent this
mistake.
1
SYMPTOMS.-After exposure to cold and wet,or
to draughts of air when an east wind is blowing,
the cow will suddenly become lame of one leg,
without there being other signs to explain the
nature of the attack. Another leg becomes
affected, whilst the one that was first amiss is now
quite well. Some pain and heat may be dis-
covered at one of the joints; then the muscles of
the back are involved, and when the loins are
pressed upon, the animal yields and flinches in
consequence of the pain; the beast is not able to
walk, or does so in a stiff or awkward manner, for
the slightest movement makes the pain worse.
These pains may continue to wander about from
one part to another, until they at last disappear;
they may, however, quickly return if the animal
is again exposed to cold and wet.
TREATMENT.-I. When there are symptoms of
slight fever present, such as quickened pulse and
152
DISEASES OF THE COW.
+
breathing, loss of appetite, severe pain and heat
in one or more joints, etc.—give Belladonna.
DOSE.-10 drops every four hours.
2. When the pains are so severe that pressure
on the loins causes the animal to yield, and to
walk in an awkward, constrained manner, and
without the natural flexibility and pliancy of
movement; when they are aggravated by moving
and by exposure to cold air, and when the animal
manifests unwillingness to move-give Bryonia.
DOSE. As for Belladonna.
3. In old-standing cases, after using the last
remedy, and when there is much stiffness-give
Rhus.
DOSE. As for Belladonna.
EPILEPSY, OR FITS.
CAUSES. In the majority of cases fits attack
young, well-fed, fat cattle, which have been much
exerted or exposed in hot weather to the direct.
rays of the sun.
M
SYMPTOMS.-The beast staggers and falls sud-
denly; he often bellows in the most alarming
manner; then every part of the body is violently
convulsed; the tail is lashed; the teeth are
ground, the mouth closed, and the jaws fastened
$
DISEASES OF THE COW.
153
together; the breathing is quick, and attended
with heaving at the flanks; frothy slaver dribbles
from the mouth, and the power is lost to retain
the water and dung, which are therefore dis-
charged. In a short time the convulsions be-
come less severe, they then cease, and the animal
seems as if nothing had happened out of the
usual way.
TREATMENT.-Little or nothing can be done
in the fit; but as one attack is apt to be followed
by others, the treatment must aim at their pre-
vention and cure.
The most suitable medicines are Belladonna,
Hyoscyamus, Nux vomica, and Ignatia.
DOSE.-10 drops three times a day. One of the medicines.
at a time.
Fits are apt to recur at regular intervals or
periodically. When the animal is a valuable one
it may be worth while trying the foregoing reme-
dies. No distinct indications can be laid down
as to the most suitable for any given attack,
because the symptoms which guide to the selec-
tion of a medicine vary in every case. Generally
speaking, however, Belladonna may be given first
for some time, and if the fits still continue one of
the other medicines is to be selected, according
to the order in which they are mentioned.
154
DISEASES OF THE COW.
PALSY IN THE COW.
CAUSES.-It occurs chiefly in old and poor
cows; in those living in low and marshy districts,
or in damp, cold, and unhealthy shippens; it is
frequent in bleak springs, when the cow is sud-
denly turned out and exposed to the cold, after
having been housed all winter.
SYMPTOMS. The disease begins generally in
the hind legs, which are weak, trembling, and
cold; they then become stiff, and the animal
walks in a feeble, stiff, tottering manner, drag-
ging her hind legs after her when she walks, and
resting upon the pastern-joints instead of upon
the hoofs. Soon she is not able to stand upon
her hind legs, and remains on the ground in con-
sequence; she is still able to use her fore legs,
and may stand up upon them with her hind
parts resting on the ground, after the manner of
a dog sitting; the bowels are much bound, and
the appetite is bad.
TREATMENT.-The animal should be placed
in a warm well-littered box, and should be care-
fully tended; she should be turned over twice a
day if necessary, and her food should be occa-
sionally changed.
Belladonna.
Nux vomica. for this form of palsy.
These medicines are the best
DOSE. Give 10 drops in a wine-glassful of water three
times a day. Give Belladonna first until the cow is well, but
if it fail, give Nux vomica instead.
ku,
DISEASES OF THE COW.
155
SIMPLE OR COMMON INFLAMMATION
OF THE EYE; SIMPLE OR COMMON
OPHTHALMIA.
Simple ophthalmia is a disease consisting of
inflammation of the conjunctiva, the delicate
membrane which lines the inner surface of the
eyelids and covers the front ball of the eye.
CAUSES. The blow of a stick or a whip; a
hay-seed or bit of dirt; it may arise from cold
or damp, in which case some degree of common
cold is also present.
SYMPTOMS. The eyelids are closed and
swollen; tears flow in abundance; light cannot
be looked at when the eyelids are parted; the
conjunctiva over the white of the eye is covered
by a great number of red streaks; the haw is
also red and swollen; the eye itself is clouded
and covered by scum.
TREATMENT.-I. Examine the eye for dirt,
hay-seeds, or such other substances, and if they
are found remove them.
2. When the inflammation comes on from the
irritation of a hay-seed or a piece of dirt; when
the white of the eye and the eyelids are covered
with red blood-vessels, when tears flow freely,
and when fever is present-give Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops every three hours.
156
DISEASES OF THE COW.
3. When there are scalding tears, wide pupils ;
eyelids closed, and the eye cannot bear the light ;
the vessels enlarged, etc.—give Belladonna.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
4. When the eye and eyelids are very red, and
cataract forms in the lens-give Sulphur.
DOSE. 10 drops every night in a wine-glassful of water.
FOUL IN THE FOOT, FOOT-ROT.
CAUSES.-Foreign bodies, such as gravel, dirt,
etc., getting in the cleft of the foot; it is most
common in low marshy places.
SYMPTOMS.-Lameness, swelling of the pas-
terns, pain, etc.; matter then forms, and, unless.
it is let out, it will spread out in all directions
under the foot, and appear at the coronet; long,
narrow ulcers remain, and proud flesh springs up.
from the diseased places.
TREATMENT.-Examine carefully the foot, and
remove all dirt or other foreign matters that may
be found; then foment the foot with hot water
for an hour every night and morning, and after-
wards apply a turnip or oatmeal poultice; the
hoof should be pared, and those portions of it
cut away which may be thought likely to inter-
fere with the escape of the matter; all dead hoof
DISEASES OF THE COW.
157
must be removed. If the sore which is left looks
healthy, apply Calendula lotion (see Introduc-
tory Section) on a piece of cotton kept to the
foot by a bandage; if it is unhealthy, a portion
of the injured substance will probably slough,
and to this end the poultices should be applied
as before, until it is cast off.* Tar and tallow,
melted in equal proportions, is a good application.
Great care must be taken, by applying the tow
ointment on pledgets of tow to the diseased part,
and by bandaging, to prevent any dirt lodging in
the wound, or fresh irritation will be set up.
The best medicine is 10 drops of Silicea, night and morning.
WARBLES.
This name designates a disease which occurs
especially in warm weather, and is caused by the
gadfly piercing the skin upon the cow's back
for the purpose of depositing one or more of its
eggs. The result of this is a small swelling,
which the insect of the hatched egg occupies
until the following summer, when it makes its
escape, and in a short time becomes a fly on its
own account, propagating the species by the
same process that begot itself. There may, of
* When fistulæ exist, the same lotion is to be syringed into
them night and morning.
158
DISEASES OF THE COW.
course, be numerous swellings upon the cow's
back, and each is the temporary habitation of
the grub of the gadfly. They do not seem to
interfere with the general health or condition of
the animal, but injure the hide by riddling it with
holes.
TREATMENT.-The most effectual means of
ridding the beast of these pests is either to intro-
duce a red-hot needle or other instrument of the
same size into the small hole, which may be
easily discovered in the swelling on the cow's
back; or to squeeze it out between the finger
and thumb. These means will thoroughly de-
stroy the grub, and perhaps prevent many other
cows from being affected by this insect.
MANGE.
CAUSES.-Too much food on the one hand, or
too little on the other; producing, in the former
case, unnecessary fulness of condition; in the
latter, starvation. Mange is contagious or "catch-
ing," that is, a sound cow may become affected
by taking the disease from a mangy one; sud-
denly changing the cow from a poor pasture to
a rich one may also be reckoned a cause.
SYMPTOMS.-General itching, so that the
animal is continually rubbing herself; the hair
falls off; scabs or sores remain in pat hes, on the
}
DISEASES OF THE COW.
159
back and tail especially; the cow becomes thin ;
the appetite is bad; her milk is reduced in
quantity and quality, and she is altogether a
miserable object.
TREATMENT.-I. Clean the skin by means of
a brush, which must be used on no other animal
without being thoroughly washed, otherwise the
disease will be communicated; afterwards, cleanse
the skin with warm water and soft soap, carefully
drying afterwards.
2. Arsenicum is a capital remedy.
DOSE.-I grain night and morning.
3. Arsenicum lotion (see Introductory Section).
Rub it into the mangy places every night and
morning, and, as improvement sets in, only once
a day.
4. Should these measures afford only partial
benefit, substitute Sulphur, and give in the same
way as Arsenicum.
5. Sulphur ointment (see Introductory Section)
used same as the Arsenicum lotion.
HIDEBOUND.
This condition of the skin is generally due to
some derangement of the stomach or to the
existence of some old-standing organic disease.
The best medicines are Arsenicum and Nux
vomica.
DOSE.-10 drops three times a day.
1
160
DISEASES OF THE COW.
Arsenicum is to be given first, and if it effect
only slight benefit after two or three weeks
substitute the other remedy.
Or Arsenicum may be given in the morning
and Nux vomica in the evening.
1
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}
CHAPTER II.
DISEASES OF THE ORGANS
OF BREATHING.
CORYZA, OR COLD IN THE HEAD.
THIS disease consists of inflammation of the
membrane which lines the inside of the nose.
CAUSES. The most frequent is exposure to
cold or heat, or to sudden alterations of the
weather; it is sometimes the commencement of
catarrh; it occurs chiefly during winter, and in
consequence of the irritation produced by dust.
getting into the nose during a journey.
SYMPTOMS. In some cases of cold the inflam-
mation is confined to the nose alone, and then the
disease is called Coryza. It is known by a dis-
charge from the nose, at first thin and watery,
afterwards thick, mattery, and fretting the skin.
There are no other symptoms of any importance;
should others exist, the disease has progressed to
common cold, bronchitis, or inflammation of the
lungs.
.
}
II
162
DISEASES OF THE COW.
TREATMENT.-1. When the discharge is thin,
watery, acrid, and irritating to the skin, and
when the disease is caused by exposure to wet and
cold-give Arsenicum.
DOSE.-10 drops three times a day.
2. When the discharge is abundant, thick,
and mattery, the nostrils sore and swelled, and
the eyes swollen and watery—give Mercurius.
Dose. As for Arsenicum.
PHARYNGITIS, OR SORE THROAT.
This disease consists of inflammation of the
top of the gullet or passage of the food between
the mouth and the stomach. It is generally ac-
companied by catarrh. It arises from the same
causes which produce that disease. Sometimes
it assumes an epidemic and very fatal character,
especially when the spring and autumn are cold
and wet, and the animals graze on damp, marshy
lands.
SYMPTOMS.—Difficulty of swallowing, so that
solid foods are partially chewed and then dropped
out of the mouth; fluids are gulped down or
return by the nostrils; or all food is refused in
consequence of the severe pain attending swal-
lowing.
There is no chewing of the cud; the throat
1
DISEASES OF THE COW.
163
and glands of the neck are swollen, hot, and
painful; the cough is frequent, hoarse, and
painful; the breathing becomes exceedingly dif-
ficult and laborious, and the pulse is full and
quick.
TREATMENT.—The following medicines are
the most suitable for simple sore throat:
I. When the pulse is quick and full, the swal-
lowing painful and difficult, the throat and glands
tender and swelled, and the cough frequent and
evidently excited by the irritation in the throat
—give Belladonna.
DOSE.-10 drops every three hours.
2. When the above symptoms are present, but
do not yield quickly, give Mercurius, either alone
or in turns with the last medicine, as the symp-
toms indicate.
DOSE. I grain every three hours.
CATARRH, HOOSE, OR COMMON COLD.
CAUSES.-It is most frequent in spring and
the fall of the year, when the weather is change-
able and the cow is exposed to alterations of
temperature; crowding too many cows together,
so that the air breathed is impure and hot.
Young beasts and cows after calving are especially
prone to hoose.
SYMPTOMS.-Dry nose; frequent cough; dis-
164
DISEASES OF THE COW.
charge from nostrils; stiffness of limbs; disincli-
nation to move; purging; cold skin, then hot;
imperfect chewing of cud; scanty supply of milk;
watery eyes; quick pulse and breathing. It
requires to be attended to, or it will end in a
more dangerous disease. It is very frequent and
fatal in calves.
TREATMENT.-I. When the muzzle is dry and
hot; the mouth in the same state; the breathing
quick; the pulse full and quick; the thirst great
-give Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops every three hours.
2. When the cough is frequent, painful, and
grunting; the breathing short, constrained, and
attended with pain; the sides tender to the
touch, and the animal disinclined to move-give
Bryonia.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
pag
3. When the animal continues to get worse,
the strength and flesh being much reduced, the
appetite quite gone, the pulse small, weak, and
thready, and when excessive purgation sets in-
give Arsenicum.
My dog
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
4. If, however, all the symptoms abate and
the animal is evidently beginning to improve,
continue the medicine, until it is no longer indi-
cated; and with a view to hasten convalescence
and to prevent a relapse-give Sulphur.
DOSE.-10 drops three times a day.
!
DISEASES OF THE COW.
165
BRONCHITIS;
INFLAMMATION OF
THE BRONCHIAL TUBES.
CAUSES.-Exposure to wet or cold, or to
sudden changes of temperature; it is almost
always preceded by common cold, which has been
either overlooked or imperfectly treated.
SYMPTOMS. It comes on gradually by a cough,
which becomes slowly more painful, frequent, and
husky; the countenance appears anxious and
distressed; the breathing is quick and heaving.
and obstructed, in consequence of accumulation
of tough, tenacious phlegm; there is unwilling-
ness to move; the breath is hot; the cough is
increased by moving about, occurs in fits, and is
wheezing in character; no food is eaten; the
animal wastes, and the skin becomes dry and
bound to the ribs; the coat stares and looks un-
thrifty. It may end in inflammation of the
lungs or in the "lung discasc.”
min
TREATMENT.-I. The animal should be placed
in a shippen, rather warm, but well ventilated,
and be fed on warm mashes and gruel.
2. When the disease is well marked, occurring
suddenly and running a rapid course, proving it
to be of the true inflammatory type, and when, in
addition, the pulse is quick and full, the breath-
166
DISEASES OF THE COW.
;
ing accelerated, and the skin alternately hot and
cold-give Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops (three for calves) every three hours.
3. When the limbs appear stiff, and the animal
is unwilling to move-give Bryonia.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
4. When the bowels are purged, the eyes
watery, the eyelids swelled, the nose discharging
mucus, and the appetite impaired-give Arseni-
Cunn.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
5. When the eyes are red, the tears copious,
the cough frequent, the discharge from the nose
of a mattery character, and the supply of milk
scanty-give Mercurius.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
pg
Catarrh must be at once treated; in no disease
is delay more dangerous, because it speedily runs
on to inflammation of the lungs, or to pleuro-
pneumonia; or it lays the foundation of incur-
able consumption.
BRONCHITIS FROM WORMS.
CAUSES.-This destructive affection, to which
calves and yearlings are especially subject, arises
from the presence of small worms, of a silvery
white colour, and from one to three inches long:
DISEASES OF THE COW.
167
it is peculiar to certain districts, particularly in
low marshy, or in woody lands, with a scanty
supply of pure water.
SYMPTOMS.-The beast is first observed to have
slight hoose and a dry husky cough, which is
afterwards short and coming on in fits of a most
violent kind; he seems dull and drooping;
quickly loses flesh; the breathing soon becomes
much quickened, attended with occasional grunt-
ing, and there seems to be much anxiety within
the chest; the pulse is much accelerated, and
may reach 100 in the minute; a thin discharge
flows from the nostrils. As the disease prc-
gresses, the animal is restless; the breathing con-
tinues to be quick, difficult, and grunting; the
expression of the face is that of anxiety and con
cern; the eyes are hollow, the nostrils widened,
and the ears hang down; there is great weakness,
and the animal gradually wastes away, and at last
dies. In some cases the appetite continues good,
the beast lively, and the bowels open even to the
last, while the body is reduced to a heap of bones
-circumstances that may serve as guides in de-
termining the nature of the disease during the
life of the beast. When the lungs are examined
after death, certain signs are found indicative of
inflammation. In addition, the lower part of the
windpipe and the air passages in the lungs are
almost stopped up with worms, rolled into little
balls immersed in phlegm.
168
DISEASES OF THE COW.
TREATMENT.-Two objects must be had in
view, namely, the detachment and expulsion of
the worms from their present position. How are
these ends to be attained? Medicines given in-
ternally can have little effect in accomplishing
what we desire, and it is only by introducing
some remedy directly into the air-passages that
they can be effectually reached.
Chloroform is recommended for this purpose,
and its use has been attended with much success.
The best way to administer it is to pour about
one teasponful down each nostril.
By this
means the vapour of it will be readily conveyed,
during the act of taking air into the lungs, to the
worms in the air-passages.
Terebinthina.-This remedy may be given, and
in some cases will prove of service, the main
chance, however, being placed upon the inhalation
of chloroform, or some other agent possessing the
same property of expelling the worms.
DOSE.-Give 10 drops of the first dilution in a wine-glassful
of water every four hours, or three times a day.
DISEASES OF THE COW.
169
PLEURISY.
This disease consists of inflammation of the
delicate membrane which lines the chest and in-
vests the lungs, etc.
CAUSES. The most frequent cause is exposure
to cold, or the extension of catarrh. Pleurisy
rarely exists of itself, being usually accompanied
by bronchitis or pneumonia, one or both.
SYMPTOMS. This disease begins in much the
same way as Pneumonia, with dulness, loss of
appetite, etc. The cough is attended with pain,
and is of a short character, giving the notion
that the animal tries to stop it; the breathing is
short, limited, and painful, when the animal
breathes into the lungs, and attended with a
grunt when it breathes out from them; the sides.
are painful when pressed against; the skin at the
angles of the lips is wrinkled; the shoulders and
chest at the upper part are in a constant quiver ;
the head is stretched out; the eyes are unusually
bright; the tongue hangs out of the mouth, and
from it frothy slaver is continually flowing. The
animal neither eats nor chews the cud; she gets
weaker and thinner every day, and these symp-
toms becoming more and more severe, death
ensues, preceded very often by excessive purg-
ing.
-
2
170
DISEASES OF THE COW.
}
TREATMENT.-I. When the cough is frequent,
especially at night, and paroxysmal, the breathing
difficult and laborious, the expression of the face
haggard and distressed, the pulse quick-give
Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops every three hours.
2. When the cough is painful, wheezing, and
husky; the mouth hot and dry; the breathing
obstructed and attended with rattling in the wind-
pipe at the breast, and when the animal is disin-
clined to move—give Bryonia.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
S
3. When the breathing is quick, anxious, and
difficult; the coat rough and staring; the skin
dry and bound to the ribs; the appetite gone, and
the wasting great-give Arsenicum.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
PNEUMONIA, OR INFLAMMATION OF
THE LUNGS OR LIGHTS.
CAUSES.-Exposure to cold or to changes of
temperature: it is often preceded or accompanied
by Bronchitis or Pleurisy.
SYMPTOMS.-The cow is dull, disinclined to
move, and hangs her head in a low position; the
muzzle is dry; the mouth hot; the cough frequent
I
DISEASES OF THE COW.
171
and dry; the coat rough and staring; the horns
and ears and feet are hot at one time, cold at
another; the breathing is quickened, and attended
with heaving of the flanks; the pulse is full and
quick, the appetite is gone, and the chewing of
the cud suspended. There is much thirst; the
bowels are bound, and the dung dark coloured;
the spine is tender when pressed upon, the head
projected forwards, the eyes stare; tears flow
down the face; the teeth are ground; a discharge
flows from the nose, at first clear and watery,
and afterwards red and containing some blood;
the breathing is now quicker, more difficult, and
laboured; the cough comes on in fits; the nos-
trils are widened, and play to their utmost limit;
the body is covered with sweats; the pulse is
weak and increased in frequency.
These symptoms become gradually worse and
worse, until death ensues.
TREATMENT.—1. When the pulse is full, round,
and quick, the breathing laborious and accele-
rated, the mouth hot and parched, the horns and
skin alternately hot and cold, the thirst great-
give Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops every three hours.
2. When the cow is dull and sleepy, hanging
her head low, the cough dry and frequent, the eyes.
protruded and glistening, the flow of tears copious,
the teeth crunched, the nasal discharge copious,
172
DISEASES OF THE CÓW.
and when the cough occurs in
Belladonna.
bouts"-give
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
3. When the breathing becomes short and
difficult, the cough painful and tickling, the dis-
charge from the nose greenish, yellowish, or
bloody, and the nostrils dilated-give Phosphorus
and Bryonia.
DOSE.-10 drops every three hours turn about.
4. When the prostration of strength is con-
siderable, the pulse small and weak, the breathing
anxious and difficult, the dung thin and slimy,
the mouth and legs cold as death, the discharge
from the nose reddish and offensive, and the
purging excessive-give Arsenicum.
DOSE.-As for Aconitum.
5. When all the violent symptoms remit under
any of the preceding medicines, and in order to
remove any consolidation of the lung that may
have arisen from inflammatory action-give
Sulphur.
DOSE.-10 drops thrice a day.
DISEASES OF THE COW.
173
PLEURO-PNEUMONIA; PULMONARY
MURRAIN; OR THE LUNG-DISEASE.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
The disease, named as above, first appeared in
this country about the year 1841. It spread
rapidly from one dairy to another, proved ex-
ceedingly fatal; swept away thousands of the most
valuable cattle, and reduced many respectable and
thriving farmers to beggary. Since its first ap-
pearance, it has never wholly left this country,
but it is by no means so common as formerly.
Of those cows that were attacked, few recovered,
although every means were used to lessen the
fatality of the pest. The diseased cows were
assiduously purged, violently blistered and setoned,
and, in short, subjected to all the appliances that
the ordinary system of treatment could put in
force; but they still died, and the unlucky owner
had to pay a large doctor's bill, besides losing the
value of the animal. Hence arose a belief, which
is still strongly entertained by many cow-keepers,
that the disease under consideration is incurable,
and that no treatment whatever can arrest its
progress.
The author's extensive experience enables him
to assert that this hitherto intractable disease is
pride
174
DISEASES OF THE COW.
as amenable to proper remedies as any other
affection. If every cow-owner who reads these
pages would, on the first opportunity, test the
accuracy of these statements by trying the reme-
dies recommended, he would benefit himself, and
by advocating its adoption, the agricultural in-
terest generally would suffer less severely from
this virulent malady.
CAUSES. This disease arises from a variety
of different causes.
Thus it is found to exist
in low, damp, ill-drained, and badly-ventilated
shippens in swampy, damp, fenny districts, in
which various gases, the products of vegetable
decomposition, are given off, and become mixed
with the air which the cows breathe. It prevails
most frequently at certain seasons of the year,
and when the weather is undergoing some
change; thus it is most common during the
autumn and spring months, or, indeed, at any
other period of the year provided the weather be
damp and chilly; or when a sudden change
from heat to cold, or the reverse, occurs. Some
cows are more liable to be attacked than others;
thus it is far less frequent, fatal, and difficult to
cure in country districts, than in towns or large
shippens near towns, where the animals are living
in a highly artificial manner, being crowded to-
gether, highly fed, and milked dry, in order to
increase the quantity of milk. This unnatural
mode of life peculiarly fits the cow to be acted
DISEASES OF THE COW.
175
upon by any of the exciting causes. Many
persons consider the disease to arise from some
peculiar condition of the atmosphere, akin to
that which produces cholera and influenza in
human beings. It is, moreover, contagious-
that is, the disease is propagated from diseased
to healthy cows by contact or contiguity.
SYMPTOMS. The symptoms do not in every
case present the same character, for various cir-
cumstances, such as the constitution of the
animal, the nature of its food, the cause which
has excited the disease, etc., affect the way in
which the disease begins, and its subsequent
progress. We cannot, therefore, be expected to
detail any other than those characteristics of the
malady which are of the most frequent occurrence.
In the first stage.-It begins in one of three
ways: firstly, it may attack the cow suddenly,
and run a rapid course in spite of all treatment ;
secondly, it may come on slowly and insidiously,
the cow appearing to be not very ill, whilst the
lungs are becoming diseased beyond the hope of
restoration; and thirdly, it often begins with
violent purging, followed by great weakness and
loss of flesh.
The majority of cases, however, present the
following symptoms: a short, dry, husky cough,
which is heard only occasionally; it is highly
characteristic of this disease, and when once
heard cannot be mistaken again. The owner says,
176
DISEASES OF THE COW.
perhaps, that he has heard this "hoose" for two
or three days, but thought no more about it. On
inquiry, you find that the beast does not give so
much milk as usual, and that it has a slightly
yellowish tinge; the appetite is not much worse,
yet she is careless about her food, and does not
lick her dish clean; when at rest, the breathing
may not show any departure from its healthy
play, but when the animal is moved and walked
some distance it becomes more frequent, laboured,
and difficult; the pulse is often healthy in cha-
racter, although sometimes it is weak, and slightly
increased in frequency; the bowels may be either
confined or purged, or quite regular; the body is
sometimes hot, sometimes cold. The cow appears
dull and listless; when at grass she separates
herself from the others, and lies on the ground
whilst they are browsing.
In the second stage.-The cough is now more
frequent, and thick frothy phlegm dribbles from
the mouth; the breathing is short when air is
taken into the lungs, and long when it is pressed
out of them; the inward breathing is attended
with much pain, which causes the animal to
grunt, and to grate her teeth; the grunt is heard
when the animal is pressing the air out from the
lungs; the pain is much increased by coughing
and change of position, and to lessen it the cough
is now suppressed, or held back and short, and
the cow stands fixed in one place. The pain is
A
C
DISEASES OF THE COW.
177
owing to the pleura being inflamed, and the posi-
tion of the diseased place may be ascertained by
pressing the side between the ribs with the point
of the thumb, when the animal will flinch and
grunt. The pulse is quickened and oppressed;
the skin is hard, tight, and bound to the ribs; the
horns are hotter and the muzzle drier than usual;
the head is lowered and thrust forward, with the
nose poked out; the back is raised up; little or no
food is eaten ; the cud is seldom or never chewed;
the milk is stopped; the bowels are bound, and,
when moved, the dung is in hard, dry lumps.
In the third stage.-The breathing is much
quickened, very difficult, laboured, and even
gasping; the breathing is carried on partly
through the mouth, partly through the nostrils;
the breath has a bad smell; a stringy, frothy fluid
constantly dribbles from the mouth; the cow
groans loudly and frequently, whilst the grunt is
either gone or subdued ; the pulse is quick, weak,
and in some cases imperceptible or intermittent;
the horns, ears, and legs are cold, the skin covered
with cold sweat, the head and neck stretched out,
with the nose poked into the corner of the man-
ger; the fore legs are separated from one another.
and fixed in one place, unless the cow is restless
and uneasy; sometimes the hind ones are crossed
over each other, or the hind fetlock-joints are
knuckled forward; the stoppage of milk is com-
plete; the animal is thin and reduced to a skele-
I 2
178
DISEASES OF THE COW.
ton; the strength is also, of course, greatly im-
paired, and the beast can scarcely cough, insensi-
bility sometimes steals over her; the urine is very
high coloured; towards the last, violent purging
comes on, the discharged matter being quite
watery, blackish, highly offensive, and sometimes
mixed with blood; eventually the cavity of the
chest becomes so full of fluid, or so much of the
lung is condensed, that the breathing, from being
more and more difficult and frequent, at last
ceases, and the animal is dead.
S
I
A
TREATMENT.-The author strongly impresses
upon every cow-owner the importance and neces-
sity, for his own sake, of noticing particularly
when the first symptoms of this disease show
themselves, for at this time it is quite manage-
able; and if every cow had the remedies given
as soon as she became affected, very few, if any,
would have to be sent to the butcher. The
timely discovery of the first symptoms of the
malady, and the administration of the appropri-
ate remedies, would very considerably lessen the
fatality of the disease, and be an immense saving
to every farmer. In many cases which the author
has treated the cows were quite well within a
few hours after the disease began- the medicine
checked it at once, and permanently.
The following are the remedies which have
proved the most efficient: Aconitum, Bryonia,
Arsenicum, Ammonium causticum, Phosphorus,
DISEASES OF THE COW.
179
and Sulphur. Now these medicines are to
be chosen and used according the following
directions. Let us take an illustration: Suppos-
ing a farmer has a cow ill of this disease, he must
ascertain the state of the pulse-its character,
whether hard or soft, and its frequency; as to
the condition of the breathing, whether quick,
panting, or difficult-attended with pain and
grunting or not; as to the chewing of the cud
and the giving of milk; and, in short, as to the
presence of all the other symptoms or sufferings
which he can find out in the animal as indicative
of pleuro-pneumonia. Having done so, let him.
read the following remarks carefully:
1. If his cow is affected in the following way:
Pulse hard and quickened; breathing short, pain-
ful, anxious, attended with groans, and open
mouth; burning dryness of the mouth; shiver-
ing or trembling, attended with cold skin, espe-
cially of the legs, and followed by dry heat of
the entire surface-then he must give the cow
Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops in a wine-glassful of water given every one,
two, three, or four hours, according to the violence of the
symptoms just mentioned.
2. If the cow is suffering from these evidences
of the complaint: Frequent, short, suppressed
cough, which conveys to a looker-on the idea
that the action of coughing causes sharp pain in
the chest, and the cow tries to lessen this by
書
​1
180
DISEASES OF THE COW.
1
♪
#
stopping or cutting short the effort of coughing.
For the same reason the breathing is short, at-
tended with pain and the characteristic grunt ;
pain followed by flinching and grunt when the
ribs are pressed against; the animal remains
standing in one place, and is unwilling to move,
because the pain in the chest would be thereby
increased then he must give the cow Bryonia:
DOSE. The same as for the last medicine.
3. If the cow is ailing in this way: Quick, diffi-
cult breathing, attended with rattling sounds ;
the breathing inwards is short, in consequence
of pain; cough frequent and attended with dis-
charge of phlegm from the windpipe, great weak-
ness, listlessness, and depression; pulse feeble and
quickened; frequent shivering or trembling; skin
hot and dry, afterwards moist-then choose Am-
monium causticum, and give it in the same way
as directed for Aconitum.
V
4. If the symptoms are these: Wheezing,
short, and difficult breathing; small, quick pulse ;
great weakness and loss of appetite; grinding of
the teeth; cold skin and clammy sweats; fre-
* It frequently happens that the cow presents all the symp-
toms which are included under the last two medicines, in which
case both are to be chosen and given every one, two, three, or
four hours time about, or in turns-that is, first one, then the
other, one, two, or three hours after, then the first again, and
so on, just according to the violence of the symptoms. The
same remark applies to all the other remedies. The reader,
then, is to remember this rule: That in choosing any of the
medicines, he must pick out those that correspond most nearly
to the present symptoms of the cow.
DISEASES OF THE COW.
181
quent short cough; purging, either in first or last
stage-then Arsenicum is the most suitable, and
it must be given as directed for Aconitum.
5. If the following symptoms exist: Breathing
difficult, oppressed, and obstructed; pains in the
chest, which are aggravated by taking a deep
breath, by moving about, and by coughing; pain
between the ribs; frequent short cough, attended
frequently with the discharge of slimy phlegm,
which is sometimes mixed with blood-then
Phosphorus is required, and must be given as
directed for Aconitum.
6. Sulphur exerts its beneficial action in this
complaint, more especially when one or other of
the foregoing remedies have subdued the more
violent symptoms, and when the cow is slowly
recovering.
Its chief effect seems to be to con-
firm the tendency towards health, and to guard
against a relapse.
DOSE.-10 drops in water, or on a little bread, three times a
day.
P
FOOD. The food should consist of bran-
mashes, boiled turnips and carrots, oatmeal
gruel, and hay-tea. Good old hay may be
given sparingly; straw and chaff not at all.
Great care must be observed, when the cow's
appetite is returning, not to give too much food
at once, for if the stomach becomes crammed
the disease is very apt to return, and death is
almost always the consequence. The author
182
DISEASES OF THE COW.
warns every farmer to guard against this un-
toward event by giving his cow only a moderate
quantity of food until the stomach has regained
its former power of digestion.
PRECAUTION.-This disease may be either
wholly prevented, or the violence of the attack
may be modified, by withdrawing the cows from
the influence of those causes which have been
enumerated as producing it. Thus healthy cows
should be placed in well-drained, airy, roomy
byres or shippens, or cow-shades; should have
good food, pure water, and not be exposed to
over-fatigue or to damp or cold, or indeed,
speaking in general terms, to any other circum-
stance or condition that may be calculated to
induce ill-health or to lower the powers of the
body.
Diseased cows should be at once removed from
the healthy stock, and lodged in a house at some
distance from the shippen. It should be dry and
well ventilated; air and light should be freely
admitted, although all draughts are highly in-
jurious and must be guarded against.
S
Owing to the operation of the Contagious
Diseases (Animals) Act, it is no longer permis-
sible to treat cattle suffering from this great
scourge. The Act provides for the compulsory
slaughter, not only of the affected beasts, but
also of those herded with them. The preceding
details of the treatment to pursue become there-
DISEASES OF THE COW.
183
fore practically a dead letter-at any rate in this
country-and are only retained in this edition ast
evidence of what can be done by homoeopathic
treatment, and in contradiction to those who
positively assert the impossibility of curing
pleuro-pneumonia.
The system of compulsory slaughter has not
rid the country of the disease, as it was expected
to do, but that when outbreaks occur its ravages
are confined to a limited area, cannot be denied.
Inoculation in conjunction with slaughter would
probably have the effect of "stamping out" the
disease, but unfortunately those in authority are.
blind to the advantages of inoculation, in spite
of the fact that by its means Edinburgh in a few
months showed a clean bill of health, although
for years a hot-bed of the disease; and that
London cow-keepers have practised it success-
fully for many years. If Inoculation of all young
stock were made compulsory, pleuro-pneumonia.
would probably be less rife than at present is the
case.
COUGH.
Cough in the cow is, with very few exceptions,
either the precursor or the attendant of disease of
the respiratory track-one of the most frequent
and best-marked symptoms of Catarrh, Bron-
184
DISEASES OF THE COW.
A
7
chitis, Pleurisy, and Pneumonia, and rarely exist-
ing of itself and independently of some other
complaint.
T
Its importance is such that it deserves to be
noticed and adverted to distinctly from any in-
dividual disease. The first invasion of the lung
disease is often announced by cough, and were
means at once adopted the further progress of
that malady might be checked. In other cases,
extensive and incurable changes are going on in
the lungs when the animal is coughing only oc-
casionally, and the owner is thinking that his cow
has but a slight cold which will wear itself off.
Whenever, therefore, a cow coughs, the owner
should examine her for other symptoms. He
should feel the pulse, ascertain the frequency and
character of the breathing, the state of the appe-
tite, milk, etc., and most likely he will discover,
to his surprise, that pleuro-pneumonia has set in,
or that some other affection of the air-passages
or the lungs is in its first stage. In such a case,
the treatment to be adopted is that enjoined in
the preceding articles.
CHAPTER III.
DISEASES OF THE ORGANS
OF DIGESTION, ETC.
LOSS OF CUD.
THIS is a symptom of many diseases, and will
yield when the treatment is directed to the com-
plaint which produces it. Sometimes, however,
it is the only thing in which the cow is ailing
after the disease has disappeared, and may occa-
sionally be present without any other derange-
ment.
TREATMENT.-I. When no other diseased
condition exists, except some derangement of
the stomach, of which loss of cud is the chief
symptom-give Nux vomica.
DOSE.-10 drops three times a day.
M
A
2. When, after some other disease, the appe-
tite and rumination are slow in returning-give
Arsenicum.
DOSE. As for Nux vomica.
1
186
DISEASES OF THE COW.
}
IRREGULAR TEETH.
SYMPTOMS.-The beast becomes gradually
thinner, and eats less food than usual; slaver
dribbles from the mouth along with half-chewed
food, especially whilst the cow is cudding; she is.
hoven at different times; a bad smell issues from
the mouth, arising from ulceration of the side of
the cheek, caused by the irregular teeth.
TREATMENT.-The mouth must be carefully
examined, and all long or irregular teeth must
be shortened and smoothed by means of the
tooth-rasp.
GLOSS-ANTHRAX, OR BLAIN.
CAUSES. Some peculiar conditions of the air:
it arises from healthy cows taking into their
bodies some of the discharge from the diseased
animal's mouth; is most common in spring and
autumn; certain herbs may cause it.
SYMPTOMS. The cow is low-spirited, dull, and
does not eat, nor chew the cud; a clear fluid,
without smell, flows constantly from the mouth;
the head and neck gradually swell until they are
much increased in size; the breathing is difficult
and obstructed, in some cases so much so that
DISEASES OF THE COW.
187
the animal cannot breathe, and dies; the fluid
from the mouth becomes like matter or is mixed
with blood, and the smell of it is very disagree-
able; the tongue is swollen, and its sides are
covered with large red blisters, which quickly
increase in size, at last burst, and, discharging
their contents, leave deep sores, which are apt to
mortify. Other blisters continue to appear, and
run the same course. Symptoms of low fever
come on, the whole of the tongue becomes in-
flamed and swelled; at last a portion of it mor-
tifies, and the animal dies, in some cases, within
a few hours after the beginning of the disease.
TREATMENT.-The diseased cow must be
placed by herself, and care must be taken to pre-
vent the healthy cows becoming affected, by not
using the same dishes or other articles to both.
The cow-keeper must be cautious not to get any
of the fluid from the mouth upon a sore on his
hand, or he will probably suffer. The blisters.
must be freely opened as early as possible.
1. When the tongue is swelled and painful,
and afterwards covered with deep ulcers, from
which flows out a large quantity of reddish and
exceedingly offensive discharge, and when the
head and neck are greatly swollen-give Mer-
curius.
DOSE.-1 grain every three hours.
At the beginning of the disease, when the
secretion of saliva is increased, the tongue
ISS
DISEASES OF THE COW.
1
inflamed and covered with small blisters, the
tongue is moved with difficulty and pain, and
when there is reason to believe, from the symp-
toms, that the disease has extended to the back
part of the mouth-give Tartarus emeticus.
DOSE. As for Mercurius.
S
Food.-As the cow cannot swallow on account
of the pain and swelling of the tongue, gruel
should be horned down occasionally during the
day. Some should also be placed before her, so
that she may take it if she feels disposed.
HOOVE, OR BLOWN
CAUSES. The most frequent cause is turning
the cow into a rich pasture; she eats so much
of it that the stomach becomes crammed and
unable to act in dissolving the food as usual;
it then undergoes chemical changes, gas or
wind is given off, and this causes the swelling:
drinking cold water, or eating too much bran,
chaff, grains, or turnips, may be followed by
the same consequence.
<
SYMPTOMS.-The disease is known by the
animal being swollen or "blown " over the whole
belly, but especially at the flanks and left side,
where the distended stomach lies; the swelling
DISEASES OF THE COW.
189
yields when fingered, and gives forth a hollow
sound when struck; there are sour or noisome
belchings of wind; the cow does not move;
moans, and breathes with great difficulty; she
neither eats nor chews the cud.
As the disease progresses, the pulse becomes
full, hard, and quicker than before; the eyes are
red and thrust forward out of their sockets; the
mouth is filled with frothy slaver, and the tongue
hangs out of the mouth; the back is crouched;
the legs drawn under the body; the cow then
becomes insensible; the swelling is at its worst;
she stands in one place, continually moaning or
grunting; she falls and struggles violently; sour
fluid, mixed with solid food, rises from the
stomach and is discharged from the mouth and
nostrils; lastly, death.
TREATMENT.-I. The best medicine to admi-
nister is Ammonium causticum.
DOSE.-5 drops of the strong solution in two or three wine-
glassfuls of water, the dose being repeated at longer or shorter
intervals, according to the condition of the cow, and the effects
produced by the remedy.
2. Should this fail to afford much relief-give
Belladonna.
DOSE. As for the last medicine, only use 10-drop doses.
3. When it arises from vegetable food-give
Colchicum.
Dose. As for Ammonium causticum.
4. In extreme cases, when the extrication of
3
190
DISEASES OF THE COW.
gas continues, and the animal is rapidly getting
worse, the trocar must be plunged inward and
downward into the paunch, through the left side
of the belly, midway between the last rib and the
haunch bone.
DIARRHOEA; FLUX; SCOURING.
CAUSES.-Rotten cabbages, bad grains, im-
pure water, or other improper food; suddenly
changing the kind of food, as giving the animal
rich grass in spring time; the use of purging
medicines for which there is no occasion; ex-
posure to cold and wet; acrid bile; sudden
change from dry to wet weather; severe exertion
in hot, dry weather.
SYMPTOMS. The disease comes on slowly
with staring coat, shaking, arched back, fore legs
drawn together; cold legs, ears, and horns; weak
pulse, and tucked-up belly; bowels rather looser
than usual, bad appetite, etc. The cow becomes
thinner, more depressed and dull; little or no
milk is given; and the bowels are purged to an
alarming extent. The purging comes on gene-
rally in old cows in good condition, and may stop,
and reappear to end in death; or it runs on to
dysentery.
TREATMENT.—I. When the complaint arises
from drinking impure water, especially from
DISEASES OF THE COW.
191
marshy grounds; when it occurs during hot
weather; when cold water has been drunk, and
the body has been exposed to cold winds; when
there are signs of pain in the bowels, and the
discharge from them is yellowish, greenish, or
slimy, attended with thirst, weakness, and wast-
ing-give Bryonia.
DOSE. Give ten drops every one, two, three, or four hours,
according to the urgency of the symptoms; increase the in-
tervals as improvement sets in, or substitute another medicine
if no benefit results after several doses have been given.
2. When the purging is occasioned by bad or
improper food of any kind-give Pulsatilla.
Dose. As for Bryonia.
3. When the body is chilly, and the horns,
ears, and feet very cold; when cold sweats break
out, and the discharge is watery and frothy; and
when the attempts to pass dung are attended
with pain and slight straining-give Mercurius.
Dose. As for Bryonia.
4. When the cow is much reduced in strength
and flesh, when there are severe pains in the belly,
great thirst, and when the purging is brought on
by improper food as regards changes or quality—
give Arsenicum.
DOSE. As for Bryonia.
5. If the above remedies fail to do good-give
Mercurius corrosivus.
DOSE. As for Bryonia.
192
DISEASES OF THE COW.
DIARRHEA, OR SKIT, IN THE CALF.
CAUSES. Sudden change of food; want of
food, or too much of it; and especially some
peculiar condition of the mother's milk.
SYMPTOMS. The purging is sometimes the
natural means of voiding some matter from the
body injurious to its health. In such a case it is.
wrong to arrest it, except when it is evident that
the calf is weak, and off its food; when it does
not chew the cud; when there are pains in the
bowels, and when the dung is slimy and mixed
with blood. Sometimes the discharge is like
cream, and is attended with considerable wasting
of the body.
TREATMENT.-When, therefore, it is deemed.
necessary to stop the purging, one of the follow-
ing medicines may be used :-
1. Ipecacuanha.-Dose.-Give 5 drops in a wine-glassful of
water every one, two, or three hours; and when the calf is
better, and the purging less, continue the medicine at intervals
of four, six, or eight hours, until the beast is well.
2. Rheum.-This remedy may be given instead of the last,
when it has failed to stop the purging, although several doses
have been administered. DOSE.-As directed for Ipecacuanha.
FOOD. No green food; but starch or flour
gruel, etc. should be given.
St
DISEASES OF THE COW.
193
DYSENTERY; FLUX.
CAUSES. This fatal disease may arise in many
ways. It is most common in cows that feed upon
marshy grounds, or upon meadows that are some-
times under water; or upon the rank grass grow-
ing near woods; or which are allowed to drink
from impure streams or still and stagnant waters;
or which are exposed to hot or cold weather, live
upon bad food, and are over-driven. The poor
and the fat cow are alike subject to it; it comes
after hoose, the disappearance of some skin erup-
tion, or the sudden stoppage of the milk; it is an
accompaniment of the murrain and consumption;
diarrhoea may end in it.
SYMPTOMS.—Shaking, dulness, anxiety, dry
skin, slightly rough hair, and uneasiness of man-
ner. In some cases the bowels are bound, the
dung hard, dry, in small lumps, and pain attends
their discharge; in other cases, the dung is soft
and discharged frequently, and the animal wastes
and loses her appetite and spirits. In other in-
stances, again, the purging is almost constant and
severe from the first, attended with pain, strain-
ing, gripes, and thrusting out of the fundament.
In this stage the discharge is watery, mixed with
white shreds or dark-coloured blood, with little or
no dung, and it has a horribly bad smell. These
violent symptoms may disappear, but the purging
13
194
DISEASES OF THE COW.
and wasting continue as bad as ever, or they stop
for a short time, then begin again, and continue
until the animal is worn out by the constant
draining; or they are arrested, and improvement
begins and goes on slowly. Medicine will do no
good in those very severe cases in which the
wasting is so excessive that the animal is reduced.
to a living heap of bones, the joints swelled and
covered with sores, the failure of strength great,
the eyes hollow and dim, the teeth loose, and the
parts under the jaw enlarged; the body covered
with vermin; the discharge mixed with blood or
matter, and having a horrible smell, and the body
bedewed with cold sweat.
TREATMENT.-I. When there are symptoms of
fever, such as thirst, shivering, dry skin, cold.
body, then hot; quick, full pulse; hard lumpy
dung-give Aconitum.
DOSE. Give 10 drops in a wine-glassful of water every one,
two, three, or four hours, according to the violence of the
symptoms; and when they subside, either increase the intervals
to six, eight, or twelve hours, or, if necessary, give one of the
following medicines instead.
2. Mercurius corrosivus rarely if ever fails to
cure those cases of the disease in which there are
frequent attempts to dung, attended with great
straining and the discharge of a small quantity of
yellowish and badly smelling slime, alone or
mixed with blood; or of pure blood, containing
also some hard pieces of dung, and followed
by the fundament being thrust out for a consider-
DISEASES OF THE COW.
195
able distance; these attempts are again followed
by others, without effect.
DOSE.-Give 10 drops as directed for Aconitum, only con
tinue the medicine until a cure is effected.
Mag
3. When all the symptoms just given disappear
under the use of the last medicine, except that
the blood continues to be discharged-give
Acidum phosphoricum.
Dose. As directed for the last medicine.
4. When the purging is excessive, the prostra-
tion of strength great, the loss of flesh consider-
able, the body covered with cold sweat-give
Arsenicum.
DOSE.-10 drops every hour.
5. When the disease still runs on, threatening
a fatal termination-try, as the last resource,
Veratrum.
DOSE. As for Arsenicum.
COLIC, OR GRIPES.
CAUSES. Certain kinds of food, such as
grains, unbruised oats, rotting turnips or cab-
bages; dry food; bound bowels; acrid plants ;
exposure to cold when the body is warm, or
drinking cold water in the same state.
SYMPTOMS. The animal suddenly feels great
?
196
DISEASES OF THE COW.
pain in the belly, and shows it by being uneasy,
pawing the ground, striking the belly with the
hind-legs or horns, after lying down and then
rising, grinding the teeth, moaning, etc. If it
arise from the presence of wind in the stomach,
a swelling will be observed in the belly on the
left side; the wind will pass from the fundament
and the mouth.
I. When the colic is of the flatulent kind and
caused by the gas given off from the green, or
other foods, either improper in their nature or
taken too abundantly-give Ammonium caus-
ticum.
V
霞
​DOSE.-10 drops every one or two hours.
2. Should the last medicine fail to cure the
attack (which it seldom does) and when the
stomach is distended with the gas-give Bella-
donna.
DOSE. As above.
3. When the pain increases in severity, the
pulse becoming more frequent and fuller-give
Aconitum.
DOSE. As above.
4. When the attack is caused by drinking
impure water from marshes-give Bryonia.
DOSE. As above.
M
5. When it arises from confined bowels, or
from eating dry food—give Nux vomica.
DOSE. As above.
DISEASES OF THE COW.
197
JAUNDICE; THE YELLOWS.
CAUSES. It is often caused by small stones
of gall becoming fixed in the gall-bladder, or in
the canal between it and the bowels, so that the
gall is stopped in its course; the same result will
occasionally follow the presence of the fluke-
worm and thickened bile; it is a symptom of
inflammation, and of other diseases of the liver.
*
SYMPTOMS. The symptoms will, of course,
be somewhat different as regards progress and
severity, according to the causes which produce.
the disease; but there will in general be found the
following: In some cases the pulse is full, hard,
and quickened; the breathing accelerated, and
attended with panting of the flanks, thirst, hot
mouth, scanty urine, loss of cud and appetite, and
other symptoms indicative of fever. In other
instances these are absent, but there are-loss of
spirits, dulness or sleepiness, unwillingness to
move, weakness; the body wastes and shows
other signs of impaired condition; the eyes, skin,
and urine are at first tinged yellow, and after-
wards the colour becomes deeper and more dis-
tinct; scales form on the skin; the bowels are at
first confined, but the purging may afterwards be
so rapid and excessive that it cannot be arrested,
and the animal dies in consequence. The milk
also becomes yellowish, and somewhat bitter.
198
DISEASES OF THE COW.
TREATMENT.—1. When the pulse is full and
hard, the breathing quickened and panting, the
mouth hot and dry, the urine scanty, etc.-give
Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops every four hours.
2. When the foregoing symptoms of feverish-
ness are less violent, and the animal is dull and
sleepy, disinclined to move, and never chews the
cud-give Belladonna.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
3. When the urine is scanty, the strength much
impaired, the appetite gone, the body wasted,
and the purging excessive-give Arsenicum.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
4. When the membrane of the eye is tinged
yellow, the urine and milk of the same hue, and
the bowels excessively purged—give Mercurius.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
SPLENITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF
THE SPLEEN.
CAUSES. It is most frequent among amimals
that are worked, especially if they are exerted
soon after eating, and before they have had time
to chew the cud sufficiently well; it is most
common during cold and damp weather.
DISEASES OF THE COW.
199
SYMPTOMS.-It generally begins with symp-
toms of pain in the belly, attended with quickened
breathing and heaving at the flanks; pain is
manifested when the upper part of the flanks is
pressed upon; the muzzle is dry and roughened;
there are frequent low moanings; no appetite
nor chewing of the cud; a swelling will be found
at the left side and flank, which may be mistaken
for that caused by hoove, but they may be dis-
tinguished by observing that in hoove the swell-
ing is greater and comes on much more rapidly
than in this disease, and that when struck a clear
hollow drum-like sound is heard, whilst in inflam-
mation of the spleen it is dull and heavy; the
animal is lame when he walks, or walks with
difficulty.
Kata
TREATMENT.—1. When the pulse is quick and
full, the breathing accelerated, the mouth hot and
dry, and the appetite impaired-give Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops every four hours.
2. When the left side and flank are hard and
swelled, the pain at these parts great on pressure
-give Mercurius.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
3. Should these medicines afford only partial
amendment, after several doses have been given
-substitute Pulsatilla.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
CHAPTER V.
i
DISEASES OF THE URINARY,
GENERATIVE ORGANS, ETC.
MILK FEVER, OR DROPPING AFTER
CALVING.
THE above disease is of frequent occurrence,
and generally attacks the best and fattest cows.
It is attended with great fatality, which induces.
many farmers to slaughter the animal affected as
soon as the disease appears, rather than run the
risk of losing money by a depreciation of her
value. The old method of treatment, viz., bleed-
ing and giving large doses of purging medicine,
is of very little use, and oftener fails than cures.
Almost every farmer can tell of cows that have
dropped after calving, but he will remember only
a few that have risen after such treatment.
Veterinary surgeons who practice this useless.
method of treatment can also speak of the un-
manageable nature of the complaint. Thus, Mr.
Cartwright, of Whitchurch, Shropshire, says, in
the 3rd volume of the Veterinarian, page 451,
Although I have seen at least a hundred cases,
(C
DISEASES OF THE COW.
201
chiefly in this town, during the last twenty-five
years, yet I am almost ashamed to confess that I
cannot recall to recollection that I have ever
cured a single case; nor have I ever heard of a
case being cured by any of the quacks in the
neighbourhood."
Mr. Wardle, of East Sheen, says, in the Ab-
stract of the Proceedings of the Veterinary
Medical Association for 1841, page 155, "Unfor-
tunately the majority of cases that have come
under my notice have proved fatal.”
Mr. Mayer, jun., of Newcastle-under-Lyne,
says, at page 160 of the same volume, "It is very
fatal, and, in some districts, considered so in-
curable that the animal when taken is generally
destroyed."
Mr. Simonds, professor at the London Veteri-
nary College, says, in the same volume, page 160,
"It seemed to be the very acme of all the ills with
which the lower animals are affected, bidding
defiance to all varieties of treatment adopted,
and terminating almost always in death."
From the above testimony, then, the extreme
fatality of the disease, when treated in accordance
with the old system, is admitted without any
hesitation. The two parties best qualified to
know, viz., veterinary surgeons of the old school
who use the remedies, and farmers who lose their
cows, can bear witness to the inefficiency of the
ordinary treatment.
202
DISEASES OF THE COW.
CAUSES.-There are certain circumstances
which exercise a peculiar influence upon the body,
and make the cow more liable to take this disease
than she would otherwise be. These are called
the predisposing causes. Thus fat stall-fed cows,
which give a large supply of milk, are apter to
take milk-fever than poor cows; cows are more
liable to drop after calving at the fourth, fifth,
and sixth periods, the latter being the time when
the disease is the most severe and dangerous; one
attack leaves a liability to have another; the
complaint is most common in the summer and
the fall, when the weather is variable, etc.
The exciting causes, or those to which the com-
plaint is more immediately traceable, are the
following: Exposure to cold or wet; driving the
cow a long journey; giving too much or too rich
food after calving, etc.
SYMPTOMS.-Milk fever begins shortly after
calving, and, in the majority of cases, within
twenty-four hours; if three or four days pass over,
the cow may be considered safe from an attack.
The following are the symptoms: The cow re-
fuses her food, or eats very little of it; she is de-
pressed, hangs her head, and looks dull; the horns
are hot; the nose, instead of being damp with the
healthy dew, is hot and dry; the urine is scanty;
the bowels are confined, or, if moved, the dung
is hard and lumpy; the pulse is quicker and fuller
than in health; the breathing is quickened, and
DISEASES OF THE COW.
203
attended with heaving at the flanks. To these
warning indications there succeed, with more or
less rapidity, those unmistakable symptoms which
are perhaps the first to awaken the owner's atten-
tion. The milk is reduced in quantity or entirely
stopped; the eyes glisten, and look bright and
staring; the white of the eye is covered with
numerous red streaks, or it is of a leaden colour;
the eyeballs are thrust forward from their sockets,
giving the cow a wild and somewhat anxious
expression; the hind legs seem weak, and are
separated a little from each other; she appears to
stand uneasily upon them, first rests upon one for
a short time and then changes to the other; this
paddling and shifting about from one leg to its
fellow continues until the difficulty of standing
increases, and the animal supports herself against.
the wall or stall; she does not chew the cud; all
discharge from the bearing is stopped; the calf is
neglected; the pulse is now slower than before,
and the breathing more difficult; the udder is
hard and swelled, and little or no milk can be
withdrawn from it. Gradually becoming worse,
the weakness in the hind legs increases to so great
an extent that they can no longer support her;
she staggers and sways about, falling, at length,
heavily upon the ground; she tries to rise again,
and may, or may not succeed; in either case, she
soon loses all power of getting up, and remains
upon the ground in a helpless state. In this stage
204
DISEASES OF THE COW.
of the complaint the symptoms vary in different
cases. In some cases they are,-the cow tosses
her head about from one place to another, writhes
her body, lashes her tail, struggles, stretches out.
her hind legs, moans, bellows, and appears, from
the expression of her face and general behaviour,
to suffer great pain. At the same time the
breathing is difficult and laboured; the skin
covered with clammy sweat; the paunch enor-
mously swollen, owing to the stomach having
entirely, or partially, lost the power of dissolving
the food, which now undergoes the ordinary.
chemical changes, attended with the giving off
of gas.
Unless the swelling which arises from the pre-
sence of this gas subside, the breathing becomes
more and more difficult and laboured, so that the
animal can scarcely take her breath; the pulse
becomes oppressed, and can scarcely be counted
at the jaw; the legs become very cold; more
severe pain is felt; wind, having a bad smell,
rises up from the stomach, and death ensues.
In other cases, again, these symptoms are alto-
gether absent, or exist only in a slight degree;
the more prominent ones being these—the cow
lies stretched out full length upon her side, or
her head is brought to the opposite side, with the
nose towards the udder, and the chin resting upon
the ground; or the head is twisted directly back-
wards, with the nose held out, and the horns
یا ہے
DISEASES OF THE COW.
205
turned upon the shoulder in a most awkward
manner. The eyes look dim and glassy; upon
placing a light near them, the cow takes no notice.
of it, and does not move or shut the eyelids, for
the power of seeing is lost; the pupil is widened,
in some cases almost round, and does not become
narrower when light is held before the eye, as it
does in the healthy state; the ears hang down;
the mouth is partly open; and when the head is
raised, the lower jaw drops down; the cow has
not the power of keeping the head up when you
raise it from the ground; the ability to swallow
is nearly or quite gone; she has lost the sense of
feeling; the breathing is still difficult and attended
with rattling in the throat; the pulse is weak,
slow, sometimes stops beating for a moment or
two and then goes on again, and, in some cases,
can scarcely be felt at all; the horns, legs, and
surface of the body generally, are cold and chilly;
the swelling of the belly increases; the udder is
much swelled, hard, and sometimes red on the
outside; in some cases neither dung nor urine is
discharged. All these symptoms become worse
and worse; and if it resist all treatment, death
ensues, generally within two days after the attack,
and in some cases within a few hours.
TREATMENT.—The symptoms of this disease
appear so suddenly, and run so quick a course,
that the cow, about the calving time, should be
narrowly watched, both night and day, in order
206
DISEASES OF THE COW.
that no time may be lost in opposing the com-
plaint at its onset by the proper remedies. The
delay of even a few hours may settle the question
of the cow's recovery; the disease is then fully
developed, and death may ensue before the medi-
cines have had a chance of acting. But even in
the advanced stages, the disease may be subdued.
The author has had cases of recovery, where
the butcher was in attendance several hours to
slaughter the animal, when at the point of death.
Still the cow is much more likely to rally, if the
disease be combated as soon as it begins. It
therefore behoves every farmer to be prepared, and
at once to give the medicines when the complaint
declares itself. Several medicines are suitable for
this disease, but the following six are, according to
the author's experience, the most efficient. They
are Aconitum, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia,
Ammonium causticum, and Nux vomica.
Attention to the following directions will enable
every cow-owner to decide which of those medi-
cines is the most suitable to give in any case of
this disease. He must first find out the symp-
toms or sufferings of his cow, that is to say, he
is to inquire as to the pulse, breathing, milk,
chewing of the cud, and general condition of the
animal.
In the first place, then, supposing the following
symptoms to be present: Refusal of food; dul-
ness and depression; hot horns; dry, hot nose;
DISEASES OF THE COW.
207
scanty urine; confined bowels; quick, full pulse;
hurried, heaving breathing; wild, staring eye;
stoppage of the milk; wild and anxious expres-
sion of countenance; paddling and shifting of the
hind legs; eyeballs thrust out; tossing about of
the head; struggling and uneasiness of the whole
body;-for these indications of the disease the
best and most successful remedies are Aconitum
and Belladonna. The author believes that if they
were given as soon as the disease becomes mani-
fest, almost every cow would recover.
DIRECTIONS.-Give them in ten-drop doses, not both
together, but in turns, thus-ten drops of Aconitum in a wine-
glassful of water to begin with; then, in one, two, or three
hours after, give ten drops of Belladonna in a wine-glassful of
water; then, after from one to three hours, give Aconitum
again as before; then, after the same length of time, another
dose of Belladonna, and so on, as long as necessary.
In the second place, if the disease advances and
the symptoms are these: enormous swelling
of the paunch; frequent, difficult, and laboured
breathing; gurgling and rattling in the throat ;
slow, weak, oppressed pulse; cold, clammy skin 1 ;
extreme coldness of the legs; lashing of the tail,
tossing about of the head and writhing of the
body, showing that severe pain is felt-then
give Ammonium causticum.
DIRECTIONS.-Give 10 drops in a wine-glassful of water,
every fifteen or twenty minutes, until the swelling goes down.
In the third place, if the symptoms just given
remain, and the last medicine has had the effect
of lessening the swelling, if, further, the cow is
208
DISEASES OF THE COW.
in the sleepy stage, and presenting the following
condition: insensibility to pain; loss of power of
seeing, of swallowing, etc.; glassy state of eyes;
open mouth; inability to hold up the head when
it is raised; general coldness of the body, etc.,-
then Arsenicum is to be chosen and given.
T
DIRECTIONS.-Give 10 drops every fifteen, twenty, thirty,
or sixty minutes, according to the violence of the symptoms,
until improvement sets in; then lengthen the time between the
doses to two, three, or four hours.
In the fourth place, if the cow has recovered
from all the more urgent symptoms; if all traces
of fever and of the sleepy stage have yielded to
the foregoing remedies, but the animal still lies
on the ground, and is unable to rise up, except
perhaps upon her fore legs-then give Nux
vomica.
DIRECTIONS.-Give 10 drops in a wine-glassful of water,
every four hours, until the cow is well.
In the fifth place, if, in the first stage, the eyes
are not bright, staring, and thrust from their
sockets; if the udder is soft and flabby; in short,
if the list of symptoms show that the head is not
much affected as yet-Bryonia is to be given.
را
DIRECTIONS.-Give 10 drops in a wine-glassful of water,
every one, two, or three hours, according to the urgency of the
symptoms.
DISEASES OF THE COW.
209
FURTHER GENERAL DIRECTIONS FOR
ADMINISTERING THE MEDICINE.
The best way is, to procure a new pint bottle
for each of the medicines, drop in it eighty drops,
and then fill it up with pure cold water, and give
a wine-glassful of it for each dose. Let each
bottle be used for its own medicine only. How
often the medicine is given must depend on cir-
cumstances. If the cow is very bad, it may be
given every one, two, or three hours, lengthening
the time between, to four, five, or six hours, as
the animal improves.
Where two medicines are given alternately, or
turn about, that is, first one, then the other, and
so on, they should not be mixed in the same
bottle, or given in the same horn; at least, if they
are, it should be well washed and wiped after one
before it is used for the other.
In the sleepy stage, when the power of swallow-
ing is gone, and when the cow would choke were
large quantities of fluid introduced into the mouth,
the medicine, in ten-drop doses, ought to be given
in half a table-spoonful of water instead of a
wine-glassful. The advantage of our remedies
is here apparent. During this stage, when giving
the medicine, care must also be taken not to hold
the head too high, otherwise the animal may be
choked.
14
210
DISEASES OF THE COW.
.
GENERAL DIRECTIONS.
I. The cow should, if possible, be placed in a
large box or stall by herself, where there is
plenty of fresh air, so that she may breathe
freely and have room to make attempts to rise,
which she will frequently do when recovering.
2. She should be laid upon clean, dry straw,
and no dung should remain long.
3. She should be comfortably clothed accord-
ing to the state of the weather.
4. The milk should be frequently drawn off,
and the udder hand-rubbed.
5. If she makes no water, the catheter should
be passed to draw it off, at least night and morn-
ing.
6. Care must be taken that the fore part of the
cow is rather higher than the hinder, or that she
lies upon an exact level, with her legs under
her, as in the natural position. She must be
placed rather upon one side, her legs under the
body, as in the natural position, and be well sup-
ported with bundles of straw. If she do not turn.
herself, she must be shifted from one side to the
other every two hours. She must on no account
be allowed to lie stretched out full length on one
side, else she will surely become worse and die
from suffocation. Her head should be supported
with bundles of straw.
1
DISEASES OF THE COW.
2[
ABORTION, OR SLINKING.
Abortion is the act of bringing forth the im-
perfectly formed calf before the natural period,
which is about 285 days after conception. The
cow slinks in general at some part of the time
which intervenes between the fifth and eighth
month.
CAUSES.-Blows, falls, strains, severe exertion,
and injuries or forcible movements howsoever
occasioned; it may occur during the illness of
the cow from some disease, such as consumption,
hoove, and inflammation of the bowels, especially
if the latter be caused by eating grass covered
with hoar frost; eating certain herbs which grow
in low marshy places; drinking water impreg-
nated with iron; injuries sustained in consequence
of intercourse with the bull during the course of
pregnancy; exposure to bad smells, arising from
rotting animal matter, especially if it be the
cleansing of a cow that has just slinked; in this
case, the cow is said to abort from "sympathy";
overfed cows are more likely to slink than those
in moderate condition; suddenly placing a lean,
starved cow upon a rich pasture, or a fat cow
upon poor food; fright may bring on abortion.
A cow that has aborted once is almost certain to
do so again.
212
DISEASES OF THE COW.
SYMPTOMS.—The symptoms which warn the
owner that his cow is about to slink are often not
noticed unless he be unusually observant. They
are—dulness; loss of spirits; want of appetite;
loss of cud, more or less complete; arrested se-
cretion of milk; hollow flanks; enlargement at
the lower part of the belly; staggering whilst
walking; disinclination to move, both when
standing up and lying down. The movements of
the calf, which were observed a few days ago at
the flanks, are now less frequent and soon cease;
the breathing is laboured and quickened; a
yellowish discharge comes from the vagina; the
belly continues to fall; the cow is fevered, and
moans occasionally; the calf-bed contracts at
last, and expels the calf, which is very often
already dead, or lives for only a short time.
TREATMENT.-The cow must be removed to a
clean, well-aired byre, where she can be kept
quiet, and by herself. The food should be light
and sloppy. Fat cows should not be fed upon
too rich and stimulating foods; whilst lean ones
should receive more nourishing materials. But
if the calf is dead, which will be generally ascer-
tained by the dropping belly, the absence of its
movements at the flanks, and the yellowish offen-
sive discharge from the bearing, the sooner it is
extracted the better. It is unnecessary to give any
directions as to the manner in which the extrac-
tion of the calf is to be effected, because in diffi-
DISEASES OF THE COW.
213
cult cases the aid of a veterinary surgeon is im-
peratively demanded. The dead calf should be
buried deeply, and at some distance from the
other cows; so also should the afterbirth, and
every means should be employed in removing all
trace of the abortion, in order that other cows
may be protected from the influence of that
"sympathy" which is recorded as a frequent
cause in producing abortions.
Play
The medicines required for this disease are the
following:
I. When the cow has slunk before, and when
she is thin, weak, and exhausted-give Secale
cornutum.
DOSE.-Give 10 drops in a wine-glassful of water night and
morning; if the symptoms which have been detailed above in-
dicate that the cow is likely to slink, continue the medicine in
the same way until all danger is past.
2. The same medicine is also of service when
the abortion is actually taking place, and when
there are-violent straining; great discharge of
black blood, having a bad smell; great weakness
and exhaustion; weak pulse; convulsions, etc.
M
DOSE. For this purpose the same dose may be given as in
the last-mentioned case, the doses being repeated every fifteen,
thirty, or sixty minutes, or every two, three, or four hours,
according to the urgency of the symptoms; and as improve-
ment becomes manifest, they must be given at longer intervals.
3. In some cases of expected slinking, or when
the abortion has already happened, and is accom-
panied by forcing pains; sinking of the belly; dis-
214
DISEASES OF THE COW.
:
charge of bright red blood; coldness, then heat
of body; quick, full pulse; frequent attempts to
pass dung-give Sabina.
DOSE. As directed for Secale.
4. When in addition to the symptoms under
Sabina, there are cramps or convulsions, and at-
tempts to vomit-give Ipecacuanha.
DOSE. As directed for Secale,
5. When the abortion is produced by blows,
fall, or injuries of whatever kind-give, in pre-
ference to either of the foregoing medicines,
Arnica.
DOSE. As directed for Secale.
Mga
6. When slinking is occasioned by strains,
overwork, or exertion, etc.-give Rhus Tox.
DOSE. As directed for Secale.
FLOODING AFTER CALVING.
Some blood is always lost after calving without.
any injury to the cow, and it is only when the
amount of it is so great as to produce serious re-
sults that the term "flooding" is applied, and
that means are required to arrest it.
CAUSES.-Wounds of the calf-bed, such as may
be produced when the calving is difficult, and
DISEASES OF THE COW.
215
force has been used in completing the process; it
may take place in consequence of the womb not.
contracting firmly.
SYMPTOMS. They are so well known that a
detailed description is unnecessary.
TREATMENT.—If the afterbirth is discharged,
and the bleeding continues, the cow must be
allowed to lie down and be kept quiet, with the
hinder parts rather higher than the lower; cold
air must be freely admitted into the box in which
she lies; a bandage must be applied tightly
round the belly; cloths wet with cold water
must be placed over the loins; injections of cold
water must be thrown up the fundament every
hour or half-hour, or water may be poured from
a height upon the belly.
The best medicines for flooding are those that
are required for the loss of blood attendant upon
Abortion.
SORE TEATS.
SYMPTOMS. The teats crack into sores, which
are very painful, and give forth a discharge which
mingles with the milk; the pain occasioned when
the cow is being milked is apt to make her
restless, vicious, and in the end she may acquire
A
[
216
the habit of keeping back her milk, which is thus
lessened in quantity; in such a case, garget is
very apt to be induced by the milk remaining in
the udder and causing irritation.
TREATMENT.-In the majority of cases the
teats heal quickly by the following treatment:
Wash them carefully and gently with warm
water, to remove all dirt and matter, and dress
them three or four times a day with Calendula
lotion (see Introductory Section), applied directly
to the sores. If the pain is so great that the
milk cannot be removed in the usual way, it must
be drawn off by means of the teat-tube, at least
three times every day.
To use it, all that is required is to grasp the
teat between the finger and thumb of the left
hand, and to pass it gently up the small hole
which will be found at the end of the teat; the
milk will then flow out without further difficulty.
DISEASES OF THE COW.
GARGET, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE
UDDER.
CAUSES. Exposure to cold and damp, espe-
cially if the cow is in good condition; not milk-
ing the cow clean, so that the milk remains in
the udder and causes irritation; lying upon the
#
DISEASES OF THE COW.
217
bag so that it is injured; it is most common after
the first calving.
SYMPTOMS.—The udder, in a certain part, is
painful, hot, and swollen; then little hard lumps.
can be felt in the teats or in one quarter of the
bag; the other parts of it become affected in the
same way; the pulse is full, quick, and hard; the
breathing quickened; the mouth and horns hot;
the bowels bound; and other symptoms of fever
are present. If the disease is allowed to go on,
the fever becomes more severe; the cow does not
eat or chew the cud; the swellings which were
before hard become soft, in consequence of matter
having formed; the milk is mixed with matter,
and, in some cases, with blood. If the matter is
not let out it will spread through the udder, at
the same time making its way slowly to the skin,
through which it at last bursts, leaving deep long
ulcers. These heal with difficulty, and in many
cases a portion of the udder is lost as regards its
power to produce milk. If this result is avoided
by judicious treatment, some hardening of the
bag may nevertheless remain, which takes some
time to remove.
TREATMENT.-1. The milk must be got out of
the udder, either by milking or using the teat-
tube.
2. When the disease has just begun, and the
inflammation is not fully developed; when the
udder is hard, red, painful and swollen; and
218
DISEASES OF THE COW.
*
when there are some symptoms of fever-give
Bryonia.
DOSE.-Give 10 drops every two, three, or four hours, ac-
cording to the urgency of the symptoms, until improvement
becomes manifest, when the interval between the administra-
tion of each dose of the medicine may be increased.
3. When the inflammation and fever are more
severe, the udder very red and painful, and the
flow of milk stopped-give Belladonna.
DOSE. As directed for Bryonia. In some cases the two
medicines may be required, and should be given in turns; that
is, Bryonia to begin with, and Belladonna in two, three, or four
hours; then Bryonia after the same period has elapsed.
M
4. If, however, these means fail to reduce the
inflammation and fever, and matter begins to
form, the swelling must be brought to "a head"
by fomenting it, three times a day, with cloths
dipped in hot water.
5. At the same time give ten drops of Hepar
sulphuris, in order to expedite the formation of
matter.
The matter must then be let out with a lancet,
and poultices kept to the wound until it begins
to heal up-the poultices of bran being renewed
night and morning.
6. When the matter has begun to escape-
give Silicca.
DOSE.-10 drops three times a day.
DISEASES OF THE COW.
219
RED WATER.
CAUSES.-This disease is most common in
spring and autumn, and is most frequent in low,
damp places, where there is some peculiarity of
soil; it may be brought on by eating certain
acrid plants, or by drinking impure water; sud-
den alterations of the weather, disorders of the
stomach and liver, and by changing the cow's
pasture; it sometimes follows calving.
SYMPTOMS.-The first symptoms- namely,
dulness, loss of appetite, and staring coat, dry
nose, tender loins-may not be observed, and the
colour of the urine may be the first thing noticed
that declares the nature of the cow's complaint.
The water is at first more or less red coloured;
the breathing is quick, laboured, and attended
with heaving at the flanks; the legs, ears, and
horns are cold; the pulse is small and wiry;
and the milk is tinged of a reddish hue. As the
disease advances the urine increases in redness,
and towards the last becomes yellowish, and
then quite black; the pulse becomes weak; the
white of the eye, and every part of the skin that
can be seen, are of a yellow-brownish colour;
the animal gradually loses strength and flesh ;
the eyes are sunken in their sockets; and at last
death happens, preceded in some cases by exces-
sive purging.
P
220
DISEASES OF THE COW.
:
TREATMENT.-I. When the breathing is quick
and laborious, the pulse strong and full, the
mouth hot and dry, the milk diminished-give
Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops every four hours.
2. When the disease is brought on by violence,
such as blows-give Arnica.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
3. When the urine is red from admixture
with blood, or when it is yellowish and slimy -
give Terebinthina.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
4. When the eyes are tinged yellowish, the
breathing laboured, and the urine red and scanty
—give Ipecacuanha.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
S
GONORRHOEA; BULL-BURNT; CLAP.
CAUSES. Contact with the diseased organs
during sexual intercourse, whether the disease.
affects the cow or the bull; where no such cause
can be assigned, the disease may have arisen
from want of cleanliness, or from repeated acts
of coition.
SYMPTOMS.
In the cow, the disease named
as above begins in from two to four or five days
DISEASES OF THE COW.
221
after sexual intercourse, the first symptom being
a peculiar shaking and side movement of the tail,
which is kept at other times rather close over
the fundament; the bearing is at first swelled
and sore, afterwards much more swollen, sepa-
rated, and red in the inside; a mattery dis-
charge, sometimes in considerable quantities,
flows forth; the urine is made in small quantities
and frequently; whilst the act attending it is
accompanied by much pain.
In the bull, the sheath is red and swelled; a
constant discharge of matter issues from it;
great pain attends the act of urinating, and the
water is voided in small quantities, and in a
jerking manner.
TREATMENT.-I. The prepuce of the bull
and the pudenda of the cow must be kept
thoroughly clean with tepid water, in which a
little soap is dissolved.
2. When the disease is of recent origin, and
arising from contagion, or direct contact from a
diseased animal, and when there is considerable
soreness and discharge of thick matter-give
Mercurius.
DOSE. I grain three times a day.
3. When there is much pain and difficulty in
making water, as may be recognised by the
conduct of the animal-give Cantharis.
DOSE.-10 drops three times a day.
222
DISEASES OF THE COW.
4. An injection of five grains of Argentum
nitricum to a pint of distilled water may be
applied three times a day.
5. A mixture of twenty drops of Tincture of
Iodine to a pint of water has been successfully
administered as an injection, and may be used
if the last application fail.
THE CLEANSING.
The cleansing, or afterbirth, or, as it is tech-
nically termed, the placenta, unless discharged
soon after calving may cause considerable fever
and general derangement. In some cases it is
necessary to attempt its withdrawal by mechani-
cal means; but the two following medicines will
in the great majority of instances, render this
proceeding unnecessary.
Pulsatilla is to be given first, in ten-drop
doses, three times a day; and if it fail to effect.
the desired end in two or three days, substitute
Secale, and administer it in the same way.
Gagin
PART III.
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
CHAPTER I.
GENERAL AND MISCELLA-
NEOUS DISEASES.
Segm
DISTEMPER.
SYMPTOMS. The promonitory symptoms are
very insidious. They are rarely well marked,
and may fail to excite any suspicion as to the
existence of the disease. They consist of dul-
ness, loss of appetite, of flesh, and of strength;
whilst purging and vomiting are not uncommon.
There is a dry, husky, short cough; watery
eyes; increased vascularity of the membrane of
the eye; sensibility of the eyes to light; in-
creased frequency of the pulse, etc. As the
disease advances the animal shivers with cold,
CA
224
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
:
#
dislikes to be disturbed, seeks warmth, and
courts solitude; the bowels are confined; the
membrane of the eye covered with numerous fine,
bright, red vessels; a thick discharge of matter
flows from the eyes; the nostrils are covered
with a glairy, yellowish fluid; the cough is in-
creased in frequency, and comes on in fits, which.
terminate in the discharge of a yellow, frothy
fluid from the stomach; and the skin is hot.
M
Later on, all the foregoing symptoms are
aggravated. The body wastes; the shivering is
constant; the eyes are filled with thick matter,
which glues the eyelids together in the morning ;
a tenacious matter clogs the nostrils, and ob-
structs the breathing; this causes much uneasi-
ness and frequent but abortive attempts to
overcome the cause of annoyance. The discharge
from the nostrils becomes bloody and offensive ;
the breath is fetid; the lips covered with ulcers;
short cries express pain; and the animal be-
coming weaker, and worse in every respect, at
last dies-severe diarrhoea being the usual har-
binger of that event.
Distemper frequently runs on to chorea, pa-
ralysis, disease of the brain, etc., ulcers on the
eyes, and opacity, inflammation of the lungs,
and numerous other complaints.
TREATMENT.—-1. When the disease begins
with dulness, loss of appetite, quickened pulse
and breathing-give Aconitum.
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
225
DOSE. From 2 to 5 drops, according to the size of the dog,
every three hours.
2. When the eyes are inflamed and watery,
and sensible to light, the cough frequent and
spasmodic, and the feverishness continuing-give
Belladonna.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
3. When the animal wastes in strength and
condition, and has no appetite; when the dis-
charge from the nose is thick, yellowish, tenacious,
bloody, or offensive, and obstructs breathing; and
when, in the last stage, all the powers of life are
waning, and diarrhoea sets in-give Arsenicum.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
4. When the eyes are inflamed and watery,
giving exit to thick yellow matter, which glues
the eyelids together-give Mercurius.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
5. When the discharge is copious and mattery,
sometimes mixed with blood, and offensive; when
the eyes have a glassy appearance and are covered
with a whitish opacity; and when there is exces-
sive purging and great weakness-give Phosphori
acidum.
Dose. As directed for Aconitum.
6. When ulcers form in the nose, and when the
discharge is greenish and gluey; obstruction of
the nostrils and frequent sneezing; and when the
>
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15
226
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
eyelids are adherent from matter-give Kali
bichromicum.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
M
Should distemper terminate in any of the other
disorders already specified, the treatment must be
changed accordingly.
CYSTITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE
BLADDER.
CAUSES.-Stones in the bladder; injuries;
falls on the bladder when it is full of water, etc.
SYMPTOMS.-Hot, dry skin; pain in the back
and flanks; thirst; no appetite; restlessness, and
signs of pain being felt; the dog makes frequent
attempts to pass water, but does not succeed, or
else only a few drops come away; the water is
either clear, or thick and mixed with blood, etc.
TREATMENT.-I. When there is hot, dry skin,
thirst, loss of appetite, quick pulse, and accele-
rated breathing-give Aconitum.
DOSE. From 2 to 5 drops, according to the dog's size, every
two or three hours.
2. When frequent and ineffectual efforts are
made to pass water, each attempt being attended
with straining and pain, and when the urine is
passed by drops and is bloody-give Cantharis.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
227
GLEET.
CAUSES.-Uncleanness; taking the disease
from a bitch or a dog which has it; repeated acts
of sexual intercourse may produce irritation, and
then the discharge of gleet follows.
SYMPTOMS.-Discharge from the internal sur-
face of the sheath, sometimes from the urethra or
canal through which the water flows, consisting
of matter having a yellowish or slightly green
colour, and gluing together the hair about the
parts; sometimes the surface is red, angry look-
ing, and attended with swelling and pain; but in
general these are absent. In other respects the
animal may be well.
M
-
TREATMENT.-I. When the discharge is
copious, yellow, and the sheath and penis in-
flamed and painful —give Mercurius.
Dose. From 2 to 5 drops, according to the size, every four
hours.
:
2. When there is much pain and difficulty in
urinating—give Cantharis.
DOSE. As directed for Mercurius.
3. Should these means effect only partial im-
provement-give Cannabis.
DOSE. As directed for Mercurius.
ין
228
:
+
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
N
F
OPHTHALMIA, OR INFLAMMATION OF
THE EYE.
CAUSES.-Exposure to heat or cold; severe ex-
crtion; blows or other injuries; salted food, etc.
SYMPTOMS.-The white of the eye is covered
with red streaks; the clear portion in front is
dim; water runs down the face; light cannot be
looked at, and the eyelids are closed. An ulcer
then appears on the front of the eye, and it may
go on until it penetrates through the cornea, and
permits some of the waters of the eye to escape.
In some cases, proud flesh springs from these ulcers.
TREATMENT.-I. When the eye is inflamed,
watery, dim, and so sensible to light that the
eyelids are constantly shut-give Belladonna.
DOSE. From 2 to 5 drops, according to the dog's size, every
four hours.
2. When matter forms and glues the eyelids
together, and when an ulcer threatens to form
on the eye-give Mercurius.
DOSE. As directed for Belladonna.
3. Should the latter medicine fail to do good—
give Hcpar sulphuris instead.
DOSE. As directed for Belladonna.
4. When the predominant symptoms are sen-
sibility to light and copious flow of tears—give
Euphrasia.
DOSE. As directed for Belladonna.
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
229
CANKER IN THE EAR.
The disease so named consists of inflammation
of the inside of the ear, followed by the forma-
tion of matter.
CAUSES.-It occurs from frequent and sudden
exposure to cold and damp, hence dogs taught
to go into water are the most commonly affected;
fat dogs are more subject to it than others.
SYMPTOMS. The dog shows that he feels pain
by shaking his head, scratching his ears, etc. The
skin looks at first red, and it may afterwards
ulcerate; a discharge will be seen at the bottom
of the ear, consisting of a blackish fluid or of
matter; sometimes this fluid is very considerable;
a high degree of fever is present, which, with the
continued discharge, may wear the dog out.
TREATMENT.—The ear should be frequently
washed with warm water, in order to remove the
discharge.
I. When there are symptoms of fever, much
pain, and redness of the skin-give Belladonna.
DOSE. From 2 to 5 drops, three times a day.
2. Mercurius.
These medicines are to
3. Hepar sulphuris.) be given in five-drop
doses, three or four times a day. One only of
them may be given, or they may be employed in
turns; that is, first one medicine and then the
other, after the stated interval of time has elapsed.
230
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
$
RHEUMATISM; CHEST FOUNDER;
KENNEL-LAMENESS.
CAUSES.-Exposure to cold and damp, especi-
ally when the animal is warm, and has been lately
running at a fast pace, and for a long time.
SYMPTOMS. This is a rheumatic complaint,
and is known by stiffness or lameness in the fore-
legs; or the pain is so severe, that the dog can-
not move them; pain when the shoulders and
sides are pressed upon, hot skin, quick pulse and
breathing, loss of appetite, etc.
TREATMENT.-I. When the disease has just
begun, and is attended with hot skin, thirst, quick
pulse, and great pain-give Aconitum.
DOSE. From 2 to 5 drops, according to the size of the dog,
every two or three hours.
2. When there is much pain, swelling, and
heat about the joints, or when the muscular
system is chiefly involved-give Bryonia.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
3. Should the latter medicine produce only
partial benefit-give Rhus.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
4. When the disease has been partially subdued,
or when it is of the chronic kind-give Sulphur.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
}
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
231
M
SORE FEET.
CAUSES. Bruises or injuries sustained in
travelling over rough roads in dry weather, or
over snow.
SYMPTOMS. The foot is much swollen, and
little hard, painful lumps are felt; there is much
pain, and the animal cannot bear his weight upon
his feet. The skin becomes red, and the nails.
fall off; there is usually much fever and no desire
to eat.
TREATMENT.-If the feet are sore from bruises
after travelling,bathe them frequently with Arnica
otion (see Introductory Section), and give from
two to five drops of Arnica in a table-spoonful
of water every four hours, or two or three times a
day. If the dog is feverish, and matter threatens
to form, poultices must be applied and the abscess
opened.
}
CHAPTER II.
DISEASES OF THE ORGANS
OF BREATHING.
1
OZÆNA, OR RUNNING FROM THE
NOSE.
SYMPTOMS.-This disease, which occurs very
often in old dogs, and especially in pugs, is known
by a constant, abundant, and bad-smelled mattery
discharge from the nose, attended with a snoring
sound in breathing, attempts to sneeze, difficulty
in breathing through the nostrils, snorting, etc.
TREATMENT.-I. When the discharge is con-
stant, offensive, and yellowish-give Arsenicum.
DOSE. From 2 to 5 drops, according to the size of the dog,
three times a day.
.
2. When the discharge is of the same character
as just described, but fails to be stopped by the
last medicine-give Mercurius.
DOSE. As directed for Arsenicum.
B
3. When only partial benefit follows, administer
Pulsatilla.
DOSE. As directed for Arsenicum.
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
233
CATARRH, OR COLD; AND BRON-
CHITIS.
CAUSES.-It occurs especially during spring
and winter, or at other times when the weather
is severe or changeable.
SYMPTOMS.-Cough; running from the eyes,
the white of which is red; thin, watery discharge
from one or both nostrils; dulness and sleepi-
ness; poor appetite; sneezing; quick, heavy
breathing; weakness and wasting.
If the disease is not checked, Bronchitis or
cold in the chest comes on, known by a mattery
running from the nose, which may become stuffed
up, causing much difficulty of breathing; the
breathing is quick, and attended with rattling
in the windpipe; the cough becomes more fre-
quent and severe. Other symptoms might be
given, but these will be sufficient to enable the
owner to recognise the disease.
TREATMENT.-I. When the disease is charac-
terised by quickened pulse and breathing, hot
skin, diminished appetite, dulness, costiveness,
and scanty urine-give Aconitum.
}
DOSE. From 2 to 5 drops, according to the size of the animal,
every three hours.
M
2. When the cough is frequent and spasmodic,
the breathing accelerated and difficult, the eyes
<
234
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
inflamed and watery, and when a thin, watery
fluid flows from the nostrils-give Belladonna.
Dose. As directed for Aconitum.
3. When the discharge from the nose is copious
and consisting of matter; when the nostrils are
stopped up by the accumulated matter, and the
breathing is, in consequence, obstructed-give
Mercurius.
Dose. As directed for Aconitum.
4. Should the disease continue unchecked in
spite of these medicines, it is probable that the
inflammation has extended to the lungs or to
the pleura; and should the symptoms indicate
this, different treatment must be accordingly
adopted, as mentioned in the following article.
PNEUMONIA AND PLEURISY, OR IN-
FLAMMATION IN THE CHEST.
These two diseases-the former consisting of
inflammation of the lungs, the latter of inflam-
mation of the membrane which lines the chest
and covers the lungs are commonly present at
the same time, and will be described together.
CAUSES.-The most common is exposure to
cold and wet, wounds may produce it; it may
follow distemper.
SYMPTOMS.-Shivering; the sides are painful
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
235
when pressed against; twitchings are observed;
the dog sits upon his haunches; standing upon
fore-legs, which are separated from each other;
the head is held forwards; the breath hot; the
cough is short and painful; the breathing fre-
quent, laboured, and heaving; the pulse full and
quick; the tongue hangs out of the mouth; the
eye thrust forward and red; then drowsiness and
death. Sometimes the legs swell, and the breath-
ing becomes more difficult and almost suffocating
-then there is water in the chest.
TREATMENT.-1. When the breathing is
simply quicker than usual, the pulse acceler-
ated, the skin hot, etc.-give Aconitum.
DOSE.-From 2 to 5 drops, according to the size of the animal,
every two or three hours.
2. When the sides are painful when pressed;
the breathing frequent, short, heaving, or sup-
pressed; and the cough short and painful—give
Bryonia.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
3. When the breathing is laboured and diffi-
cult; the breath hot; and the animal sitting on
his haunches with widened, stretched-out fore-
legs-give Phosphorus.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
4. Should all the symptoms abate—give Sul-
phur.
DOSE.-As directed for Aconitum.
236
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
BRONCHOCELE.
A disease analogous to goître, or “Derbyshire
neck," in the human being.
The symptoms are, that after mange, dis-
temper, or other weakening diseases, especially
in poor, dirty, starved dogs, a swelling appears in
the front of the neck; it may remain stationary,
grow slowly, or quickly attain considerable size,
until, pressing on the gullet or windpipe, death
arises from suffocation, or inanition.
TREATMENT.-The most suitable medicines
are Spongia and Iodium, in five-drop doses,
night and morning-Spongia to be given at night,
and Iodium in the morning.
CHAPTER III.
DISEASES OF THE ORGANS
OF DIGESTION, ETC.
SALIVATION.
CAUSES.—Mercury given very often in large
poisonous doses by chemists, dog-fanciers, and
other persons ignorant of dog-diseases and their
treatment; whether given internally, or rubbed
on the skin as an ointment for mange, the effect
on the body is precisely the same.
SYMPTOMS.-Mercury acts as a poison, and
the symptoms which follow its administration are
briefly these loss of appetite; sore, swollen
gums, which easily bleed, and may eventually
ulcerate; loose teeth, which fall out; dribbling
of slaver from the mouth; offensive breath;
swollen glands; extreme weakness and loss of
spirits; the hair falls off, and there may be great
purging, attended with straining.
TREATMENT.-Acidum nitricum.-DOSE.-Mix 5 drops
in 6 ounces of pure water, and give from a tea to a table-spoon-
ful every four hours; when all the symptoms are improved,
give it only two or three times a day,
W
238
DISEASES OF THE DOG:
Brandy.-Mix one wine-glassful of pale brandy
in four wine-glassfuls of cold water, and pour two
or three table-spoonfuls of it into the dog's mouth
two or three times a day, so that it may come
into contact with the sore and perhaps ulcerated
gums.
Food.-The dog must have the best food; be
placed in a warm and dry place, be clothed if
necessary, and have every other attention paid
to his general comfort.
DISEASES OF THE TEETH.
Diseases of the teeth are more common in the
dog than in any other of our domestic animals.
CAUSES.- Eating bones, the hardness of which
may either break the teeth or rub them gradually
down; healthy and well-fed dogs pick bones; but
hungry, starved dogs endeavour to cat them, be-
cause no other kind of food is within their reach ;
pampered dogs are allowed rich foods, which
exercise a hurtful effect upon the teeth; mercury
is frequently given by ignorant persons, who con-
sider themselves qualified as dog-doctors; it brings.
on salivation, the teeth are loosened and fall out
of their sockets, or those that remain are liable
to become diseased. The practice of teaching
dogs to carry substances in the mouth, or to chase
stones or other hard articles, leads frequently to
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
239
:.
disease of the teeth; they are then rubbed down
to the gum, and the remaining fang produces
much mischief.
SYMPTOMS.-The symptoms which denote af-
fection of the teeth are few and certain. If the
dog's breath has a bad smell, if he seems to have
pain when he eats, and does not thrive or manifest
his usual spirit, examine the mouth. One or more
teeth will be found worn down to the gum; the
fang is producing much irritation, which may at
last end in an abscess of the gum; the sides of
the mouth are raw and ulcerated, and slaver
dribbles from the mouth.
TREATMENT.-Extraction is the sole remedy
for loose, irregular, rotten, or otherwise diseased
teeth. The owner of the dog must then consult
a veterinary surgeon.
CONSTIPATION, OR BOUND BOWELS.
CAUSES.-Want of exercise; disorder of liver,
or of some part of the guts; improper food.
SYMPTOMS.-Confined bowels may lead to
many complaints, such as mange, inflammation
of the bowels, etc. It is a frequent symptom of
many diseases.
TREATMENT.—In those cases in which confine-
ment of the bowels is the only deviation from
240
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
perfect health, the constipation may be overcome
by removing the dung in the lower part of the
bowels by means of the finger gently introduced
through the fundament; or by clysters of warm
water in which a little soap is dissolved, or by
giving a dose of castor-oil. When the constipa-
tion is merely a symptom of some disease, the
treatment must of course be directed to the cause
producing it. From 2 to 5 drops of Nux vomica
and of Opium are to be given four times a day
alternately.
COLIC, OR GRIPES.
CAUSES.-Exposure to cold; confined bowels;
changing the food suddenly; bad food; worms.
It is frequent in puppies.
SYMPTOMS.—The dog is suddenly attacked with
severe pain in the bowels; the pain comes on in
fits, being much more violent at one time than at
another; it is shown by the dog being restless,
frequently changing his place, and never seeming
to derive any relief to the pain by the removal;
he moans at first, and as the pain becomes more
frequent and severe, the sound of the voice is
short, loud, and rough.
TREATMENT.-I. Aconitum will, in almost
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
241
1
every case, relieve the attacks in a short time, if
given immediately when the colic comes on.
DOSE.-From 2 to 5 drops, according to the size of the
animal, every quarter, half hour, or hour.
2. When the disease is owing to confined
bowels and accumulation of hardened fæces-
give Nux vomica.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
3. When the pains are of an unusually severe
kind, and the animal is exceedingly restless-
give Colocynthis.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
4. Injections of warm water and soap.
DIARRHEA.
M
CAUSES.-Giving too much food; food of a bad
quality; cold and wet; bad bile.
SYMPTOMS.-Sickness; vomiting; thirst; the
dung is much thinner, and discharged more fre-
quently than in health; if it continue, the animal
becomes thin, weak, does not eat his food; and
his breath becomes offensive.
16
242
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
TREATMENT.-I. When the disease arises in
consequence of improper food, or from bad food;
when the discharge is greenish, watery, or slimy;
and when great thirst, and loss of flesh and
strength, are present-give Arsenicum.
DOSE. From 2 to 5 drops, according to the animal's size,
every one or two hours.
2. When the discharge is copious, frothy, and
streaked with blood-give Mercurius.
DOSE. As directed for Arsenicum.
C
3. When the discharge is greenish and slimy,
arising from cold, and attended with loss of ap-
petite and slight pain—give Dulcamara.
DOSE. As directed for Arsenicum.
DYSENTERY.
CAUSES. Those which produce diarrhoea,
which ends frequently in dysentery.
SYMPTOMS. Purging of fluid, mixed with small
pieces of dung; attended with great straining and
pain; some blood may be voided; loss of strength
and appetite, wasting, etc.
My
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
243
TREATMENT.-This disease will almost invari-
ably yield to Mercurius corrosivus, given in doses
of from two to five drops, according to the size of
the animal, every one or two hours, until the
discharge ceases.
ENTERITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF
THE BOWELS.
CAUSES.-Neglected or badly treated colic ;
stones in the bowels; exposure to cold and damp
after fatigue.
SYMPTOMS. The belly is hot, painful, and con-
tracted; the dog cannot bear it to be pressed
upon; he moves slowly, with fear and trembling;
cries and howls frequently; will not eat, but is
very thirsty; looks back to his belly; his bowels
are in general much confined; the dung is hard,
and in small pieces; cold legs; the tail is retained
over the fundament, and between the thighs.
TREATMENT.-I. When the pulse and breath-
ing are quickened, and the belly hot and painful
-give Aconitum and Belladonna.
DOSE.-From 2 to 5 drops, according to the dog's size, every
half hour or hour alternately.
2. When the last medicine fails to give relief,
:
1.
244
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
Alt
and when the pain is excessive and gives rise to
loud cries and howls-give Colocynthis.
DOSE. As directed for Belladonna.
HEPATITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF
THE LIVER.
CAUSES.-Injuries; exposure to cold and
damp; too much food and want of exercise
combined. It is most common in fat dogs.
SYMPTOMS.-The dog is dull; inclined to
escape notice; becomes thin; eats little, and is
thirsty. The skin, gums, lips, and those parts of
the skin which are not covered by hair, are
yellow; the urine is yellowish; the dung is dark-
coloured. This is known as jaundice, or the
yellows. The dog is sometimes hot, at other
times cold; he vomits yellow slimy fluid, which
may afterwards become greenish, and have some
streaks of blood in it. These symptoms become
generally worse; the dog becomes as thin as a
skeleton; and at last dies quite worn out.
TREATMENT.-I. When all the symptoms of
jaundice, as given above, are present-give Mer-
curius.
DOSE. From half a grain to a grain of the trituration every
six hours.
daddy
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
245
2. When there is great thirst, hot skin, quick
pulse, etc.-give Aconitum.
DOSE. From 2 to 5 drops, according to size, every three
hours.
WORMS.
The dog is subject to at least three different
kinds of worms; the first is red, resembling the
earth-worm, and existing especially in young
dogs; the second is the tænia or tape-worm,
which is sometimes of great length, flat and
Occupying the small guts; the third is the
ascarides, which are from half an inch to an
inch long, like threads, white in colour, thick
at the head, thin at the end, and existing in the
lower part of the bowels.
SYMPTOMS.—A dog may be suspected of
having worms, when he has a short, dry cough;
bad breath; greedy appetite; rough coat;
bound bowels, or purging; gripes; wasting;
fits. The best evidence of their presence is to
find them passed with the dung.
TREATMENT.-Cina.-DOSE.-Give 10 drops in a table
spoonful of water every night and morning, so long as the
animal continues to improve.
246
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
:
3
f
Sulphur.
DOSE. As directed for Cina.
Arsenicum.
DOSE. From 2 to 5 drops night and morning.
Ferri sulphas.
DOSE.-One grain of the 1st trituration night and morning.
ANASARCA, OR GENERAL DROPSY.
This disease consists of a watery swelling over
the whole or part of the body.
The symptoms are, that the dog is weak,
thirsty, restless, thin, and won't eat; he breathes
hurriedly, and the action of the heart is indis-
tinct; little water is made; the swelling "pits,"
or leaves a hollow, when the finger is pressed on
it.
TREATMENT.-Helleborus must be given when
the dropsy comes on suddenly and runs a rapid
course, and when there are great weakness,
scanty urine, slimy fæces, great thirst, water in
the belly and chest.
DOSE.-Give 10 drops every two or three hours, until the
animal is improved, then the medicine must be given only
every six hours. If, however, he is no better after several
hours have gone by, give the next medicine instead.
Arsenicum must be given when there are, be-
sides, the, dropsy, great weakness, loss of spirits,
dry tongue, thirst, scanty urine, cold legs, lost
1
J
i
さ
​DISEASES OF THE DOG.
247
appetite, quick breathing, small weak pulse,
purging, and when the chest and belly contain
water.
DOSE.-Give as directed for Helleborus.
Digitalis.
Bryonia.
These medicines are more proper
than the others for some cases,
Dulcamara. and one or other of them may
be given in the same way as Helleborus if no
good is effected.
CHAPTER IV.
DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS
SYSTEM.
EPILEPSY, OR FITS.
CAUSES.-Teething in the puppy; worms in
the bowels; they come on after or during the
course of distemper; want of exercise, and then
giving too much; disease of the brain, etc.
SYMPTOMS. The attack comes on violently,
the animal falling down, and being violently con-
vulsed over the whole body; his legs become stiff;
the face distorted; the eyes rolled about; the
tongue thrust out; the jaws nearly closed, etc.
The convulsions become gradually less severe,
then cease, and the animal appears in a short
time as if nothing had happened.
TREATMENT.-1. When the limbs are violently
jerked, and the muscles of the face convulsed so
as to distort the face; when breathing is laborious.
and swallowing difficult-give Belladonna.
DOSE. From 2 to 5 drops, dropped into the mouth every
half hour or hour.
paddin
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
249
J
2. When the animal wakes from the fit startled
and with foaming mouth and protruded eyes—
give Hyoscyamus.
DOSE. As for Belladonna,
3. When the disorder is traceable to improper
food-give Ipecacuanha.
DOSE. As for Belladonna.
CHOREA, OR SAINT VITUS'S DANCE.
CAUSES.-It follows a severe attack of dis
temper, especially when distemper occurs in a
young dog: worms act as a frequent cause; it is
often connected with disease of the stomach.
SYMPTOMS. The leg, shoulder, face, neck, or
eyelid is jerked or twitched every now and then ;
this jerking may exist in one leg only, or in both,
or the whole body may become affected. The
dog has no power in preventing them, and they
come on when he is at rest. He wastes, sleeps
badly, does not eat, and very often becomes
palsied; or the shaking is never still, even during
sleep; he staggers and falls when walking, and
at last dies worn out.
Belladonna.
One or other of
TREATMENT. Nux vomica.these medicines
Cuprum. is usually the
most successful in curing this disease. Employ
250
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
Belladonna first, and should it fail, select one of
the others instead.
DOSE.-Give 5 drops in a table-spoonful of water every four
hours, or three times a day.
Food.-The food should consist of the plainest
and simplest kind, and all hard, indigestible, or
irritating articles must be withheld. Give the
food frequently, in small quantities.
PALSY.
row.
CAUSES.-Diseases of the brain or spinal mar-
It is very often connected with inflamma-
tion of the bowels or disease of the stomach, and
occurs most frequently in well-fed pet dogs.
SYMPTOMS.-It is most frequent in the hind-
legs, which appear as if the animal had little or
no use in them; he staggers and falls, or lies
upon the ground, dragging his hind-legs after
him, but quite unable to stand upon them. In
other respects he may be well.
TREATMENT.-1. When the palsy is the result
of disease of the brain, or the spinal marrow, or
a symptom of nervous weakness or exhaustion-
give Nux vomica.
DOSE. From 2 to 5 drops, according to the size of the
animal, every four hours.
2. When it is traceable to rheumatism-give
Bryonia.
DOSE. As for Nux vomica.
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
251
3. Should neither of these remedies produce
any improvement-give Belladonna.
DOSE. As for Nux vomica.
4. If it be the result of injury to the loins-
give Arnica.
DOSE. As for Nux vomica.
5. Should the affection arise in consequence of
overfeeding, or from a loaded state of the bowels,
administer a table-spoonful of castor-oil, or an
injection of soap and water.
}
252
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
CHAPTER V.
DISEASES OF THE SKIN.
SMALLPOX.
CAUSES.—It occurs chiefly among young dogs
before the sixth month, and is most severe in hot
weather; cold prevents the disease coming to the
skin, in which case the animal generally dies. It
is contagious or catching; a healthy dog becoming
affected when placed with a diseased one.
SYMPTOMS.—After symptoms of severe fever;
the skin on the belly, groin, and between the
fore-legs becomes red, and then covered with
small, somewhat round spots, which may exist in
groups or singly. These gradually increase in
size until the fifth day, when the top of each of
the lumps contains a clear fluid, which becomes.
afterwards yellow. When this happens, the tops
of these lumps become flat, and in a few days a
little hollow is observed; at about the tenth day
from the first appearance of the eruption they
break and discharge their contents; these drying,
form scabs, which soon fall off, leaving the skin.
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
253
covered with brown spots, or small sores, which
remove the hair and leave the skin bare. When
the lumps break, the breath has a bad smell, so
also has the dung and urine. Inflammation of
the lungs is then very apt to come on.
TREATMENT.-I. As soon as the disease mani-
fests itself, and when symptoms of fever are
present-give Aconitum.
DOSE.-Give 5 drops in a table-spoonful of water every two,
three, or four hours, according to the urgency of the attack.
2. When the last medicine has subdued the
fever, but the disease still advances-give Bella-
donna.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum; continue this medicine
until the animal is cured, each dose being given every six,
eight, or twelve hours.
3. In some cases Mercurius is more suitable
than the last medicine, and may be substituted
when it fails to do good.
DOSE.-As directed for Belladonna.
4. In some cases Antimonium tartaricum is
more suitable, particularly in the suppurative.
stage.
DOSE. As directed for Aconitum.
VERMIN; LICE, ETC.
Mayhew says, "Lice often cover the body of
the dog, and especially crowd upon its head,
around the eyes and lips. There need be no
254
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
dread of their presence, since these vermin will
not live upon the human being. When they are
perceived, the dog should be carried into some
place in which grease-spots are not of much con-
sequence. It ought then to be covered with
castor-oil till the hair is completely saturated.
In this state it should be allowed to remain at
least twelve hours, at the expiration of which
time the oil may be removed with yolk of eggs
and water, only an additional number of eggs
will be required. As to the quantity of castor-
oil which may be necessary, a moderate-sized dog
with a long coat will require about a pound, and
a large Newfoundland dog four times that
amount."
MANGE.
CAUSES.-Long confinement in a close place,
from which the dung and dirty straw are not
often enough removed; certain kinds of food;
want of exercise; too much food and too little
exercise combined; starvation; a healthy dog may
"catch" the disease from a mangy one; a lia-
bility is transmitted in some cases from a mangy
dog or bitch to its puppies.
SYMPTOMS. The skin is itchy, and the dog is
always rubbing himself, sometimes so much that
the skin is red and bare in several places. In
Sa
;
DISEASES OF THE DOG.
255
some instances blotches appear on the skin, which
may become ulcerated. The dog becomes thin,
low spirited, and gradually dies, unless relieved.
TREATMENT.-I. Give from two to five drops,
according to the size of the animal, of Arsenicum,
three times a day.
2. Thoroughly apply the Arsenical lotion (see
Introductory Section) to the skin night and
morning.
3. Sulphur ointment is an excellent applica-
tion to use, if necessary, after Arsenic. It should
be well rubbed into the skin every night. The
animal is to be washed and carefully dried, after
the ointment has been used for three days: the
ointment to be reapplied if the disease continues.
4. Sulphur is to be given during the time that
the Sulphur ointment is being applied.
DOSE.-From 2 to 5 drops three times a day.
5. The greatest cleanliness must be observed,
and the food occasionally changed.
f
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**
PART IV.
i
DISEASES OF THE SHEEP.
CHAPTER I.
DISEASES OF THE DIGES-
TIVE ORGANS.
APHTHA, OR THRUSH.
SYMPTOMS.-Thrush is very frequently con-
nected with foot-rot, either as a symptom or a
result. It is known by the animal refusing to
eat as usual; dulness; the cud is not chewed;
frothy, stringy slaver flows from the mouth,
which is found to be covered with numerous
small blisters, and the animal is rather thinner
than formerly.
TREATMENT.-I. When the mouth and tongue
are covered with blisters, and stringy saliva flows
from the mouth-give Mercurius.
DOSE.-4 drops every four hours.
2. In some cases the last medicine produces
1
DISEASES OF THE SHEEP.
257
only partial benefit; when this is the case—
substitute Tartarus emeticus.
DOSE.-1 grain of trituration every four hours.
3. After all the violent symptoms have yielded,
but the animal remains poor, and has a bad
appetite-give Arsenicum.
DOSE. As for Mercurius.
M
HOOVE, FOG, BLAST, BLOWN.
CAUSES.-Eating clover, turnips, etc.
SYMPTOMS. The whole of the belly is much
enlarged; the swelling is best seen at the flanks,
and especially at the left side; the swelling is
elastic, and gives a hollow sound when struck;
the breathing is much impeded, and very difficult;
the sheep does not eat, appears sleepy, drowsy;
at last becomes unconscious, and then dies.
TREATMENT.-I. As soon as the nature of
the disease is ascertained-give Ammonium
causticum. In the majority of cases it will
speedily relieve.
DOSE.-5 drops every half-hour or hour.
2. When the last medicine does not produce
much benefit-give Belladonna.
DOSE. As for the first remedy.
3. Should the swelling increase, or remain un-
affected by the medicines, the trocar must be
used.
17
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​animals.
DISEASES OF THE SHEEP.
ENTERITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF
THE BOWELS.
CAUSES.-Those that produce it in other
SYMPTOMS.-Violent and constant pain in the
bowels, producing at first uneasiness, and then
rolling about on the ground; the sheep getting
up and lying down almost constantly; it some-
times lies on its back; the ground is pawed;
the belly struck with the hind feet, etc. These
symptoms of pain are attended with confined
bowels; quick pulse; cold legs and nose; the
belly is tender when pressed upon, and the
sheep becomes much reduced in flesh and
strength.
TREATMENT.—1. When the pulse and breath-
ing are quickened; the belly tender to the
touch; and there are indications of much pain
-give Aconitum.
DOSE.-4 drops every half-hour, hour, or two hours.
2. When the predominant symptoms arise.
from the excessive pain in the belly-give Bella-
donna.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
3. In some cases, when the fever is subdued
by the last remedies, but the violent pain con-
tinues-give Colocynthis.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
i
DISEASES OF THE SHEEP.
259
DIARRHOEA, OR PURGING.
CAUSES.-Purging is most common in spring,
and is then brought on by eating too much of
the newly-grown grass; the lamb is very liable
to a severe and speedily fatal kind of this com-
plaint, produced by the irritation of grass which
is eaten for the first time; by exposure to cold;
and in some instances by some peculiar purging
property of the mother's milk.
SYMPTOMS.-Discharges of various colours
and consistence, and sometimes very profuse.
This is accompanied by loss of appetite and fol-
lowed by wasting.
Vijay
TREATMENT.-In some cases purging is the
natural means of getting quit of some matter
injurious to the body. If this be the case no
means must be adopted to stop the discharge,
for it will cease of itself after the expulsion of
the offensive substance.
The medicines required are the following:-
1. When the disease arises from eating new
grass, or any other indigestible food, or from
drinking cold water in hot weather; and when
the discharge is slimy and watery, attended with
colicky pains and followed by wasting-give
Arsenicum.
Dose.-4 drops every two or three hours.
f
260
DISEASES OF THE SHEEP.
:
2. When the discharge is frothy or streaked
with blood--give Mercurius.
DOSE. As for Arsenicum.
3. When the discharge is greenish and slimy,
attended with loss of appetite, and brought on
by cold-give Dulcamara.
DOSE. As for Arsenicum.
DYSENTERY, OR FLUX.
CAUSES.-Diarrhoea ends frequently in this
complaint; the two exist very often in the same
sheep, at the same time, in unequal degrees of
severity; it is the frequent result of the opera-
tion of any cause that reduces the powers of the
body and impairs its vigour.
SYMPTOMS.-At the commencement of the
discase there are the usual indications of fever,
such as dulness, loss of appetite, thirst, dry
mouth, increased frequency of pulse, etc. Then
the animal shows the common signs attendant
upon pains in the belly; there are frequent
attempts to dung, followed by an abundant
discharge of slime mixed with small pieces of
hard dung; this slime is exceedingly sticky, and
adheres to the part about the fundament, and
very often binds the tail over the passage, and
prevents the dung from flowing away; after the
DISEASES OF THE SHEEP.
261
discharge has lasted for some time, the animal
rapidly wastes away until it becomes as thin as a
skeleton; the loss of strength is also rapid and
extreme; the discharge at last becomes black,
mixed with blood, and highly offensive; eventu-
ally the sheep dies, completely worn out by
excessive draining.
TREATMENT.-It is of course necessary to the
effecting of a cure, that the sheep should be
removed from the influence of the cause that
may have produced the complaint. The slime
should be removed from about the tail and
thighs by washing them in warm water and soap ;
sand or fine earth should be applied to prevent
the adhering of the tail, and the annoyance of
the fly.
The medicines required are the following:-
1. When the disease begins with thirst, dry
mouth, frequent pulse, etc.--give Aconitum.
Dosɛ.-4 drops every three hours.
K
2. When the discharges are abundant, slimy,
or bloody, and attended with severe straining-
give Mercurius corrosivus.
Dose. As for Aconitum.
M
3. When the flux continues and reduces the
animal in flesh and strength-givc Arsenicum.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
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1
1
CHAPTER II.
DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS
SYSTEM.
APOPLEXY.
CAUSES. Sheep are rendered very liable to
have this disease, in consequence of that plethora,
or fulness of blood, which is the result of over-
feeding; if a sheep in this state be driven for
some time, or at a quick pace, in hot weather, it
is very likely to have a fit of apoplexy.
SYMPTOMS.-There are generally some symp-
toms which indicate that the animal is about to
have this very frequent complaint: they are-
dulness; frequently standing still, or remaining
behind the others; the breathing is quickened;
it seems sleepy and unaware of what is going on
around it; the eyes appear as if they are blind,
the pupils are widened, the nostrils dilated; the
pulse is quick and hard; the membranes of the
nose and eyes are red. Then, from being stand-
ing fixed as it were to one place, it staggers and
falls; then is violently convulsed, and, unless
relieved, death speedily ensues.
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1
DISEASES OF THE SHEEP.
263
SAconitum. These medi-
Belladonna. Scines should
TREATMENT.-
be given as soon as the first symptoms are
noticed, and they may frequently prevent the
occurrence of the fit.
DOSE.-Give 4 drops every hour or two alternately.
When the fit does come on, it is usually so
rapid in its course, that death ensues before any
treatment can be pursued. Should the animal
survive the fit, the above medicines are to be
continued.
STURDY; GIDDINESS; STAGGERS.
CAUSES.-The disease which bears the above
names is caused by the presence in the brain of
hydatids, which are small bags containing a
watery fluid, and occupied by a minute animal.
It is most common in wet and marshy places,
and in cold springs amongst lambs under twelve
months old.
1
SYMPTOMS. At first when the bag or bags.
are of small size, there may be little or nothing
to show that the sheep is diseased, but as they
increase in bulk, they press upon the brain, and
may remove a great portion of it; or one of the
cavities of the brain may be enormously dis-
tended; or the continued pressure of the growing
hydatid upon the bones of the head may cause
the bone to wear away and get thin, so that the
Mag
* }
1
264
DISEASES OF THE SHEEP.
situation of the bag may in some cases be known
from these circumstances; sometimes a small
hole may be discerned. The bag or bags are
usually confined to one side of the head, gene-
rally the left one. The first effect produced by
them is dulness; loss of spirits; the sheep chew
the cud slowly and carelessly; they do not
associate themselves with the other sheep; they
stagger when walking; stand before a pool of
water looking into it, and sometimes they tumble
in and are drowned; sometimes when eating they
appear suddenly to be frightened, and run over
the field as if they were pursued; the head is
held higher or lower than usual, and carried on
one side; the eyes have a peculiar bluish colour;
the sheep appears to wander; and gradually
loses flesh and strength. Then they begin to
turn round and round to one and the same side;
they seem quite unconscious of every object
around them; the round-and-round movements.
increase, until they are almost constant, and the
animal at length dies.
TREATMENT.-Seeing that this disease arises
in consequence of the pressure upon the brain
exercised by the hydatid, the great object to have
in view is the evacuation of the fluid contained
within the bag. When this is done, there may
be a good chance of the sheep's recovery; but
when there are more bags than one, as frequently
happens, all treatment will probably fail.
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}
4
1
3
1
DISEASES OF THE SHEEP.
265
The situation of the bag may in some cases be
known by the bone being thin, and feeling soft
and yielding to the finger when pressed upon ;
but in many others, no such plain indications exist.
as to where the fluid may be best discharged. The
bag is, however, always in that part of the brain
opposite to the blind eye, the palsied side, and
corresponds to the side to which the animal in-
clines when turning round. In some cases the
bag is situated within the substance of the brain,
but no certain signs are known which enable us
to point out its precise seat. Some shepherds
use a wire which they thrust up the sheep's nose,
and sometimes with good effect; others bore the
head with a gimlet over the place where they sus-
pect the hydatid to lie; others tear off a horn;
others remove a piece of the skull; whilst some,
again, push a trocar up the nose. Each method
has its recommendations, and the one has as often
failed as the other. Recoveries being thus un-
certain and difficult, and the affected sheep being
generally weakly and unfitted for breeding, they
should, as a general rule, be slaughtered when
the confirmed symptoms of this disease exist.
A
266
DISEASES OF THE SHEEP.
MILK FEVER.
This disease, which is apt to attack ewes shortly
after calving, is as much feared by the sheep-
owner as it is by the farmer when it affects cows.
SYMPTOMS.-The general characters of the
disease may be gleaned by consulting the article
upon Milk Fever, as it occurs in the cow.
(Aconitum. These reme-
Belladonna. S dies are suited
to the disease on its first appearance, and when
there are present the symptoms which characterise
the beginning of the disease, as before described.
TREATMENT.—
DOSE.-Give 5 drops in the usual quantity of water every
one, two, three, or four hours, in turns; that is, first one and
then the other, according to the violence of the attack; should
the sheep improve after a few doses have been administered,
continue the medicines at longer intervals of time until the
sheep is well; but should no amendment be manifest, another
medicine must be chosen instead.
Ammonium causticum is required in those
cases in which the paunch is distended with gas.
DOSE.-Give 5 drops every half-hour or every hour, until
the urgent symptoms are relieved.
Arsenicum- should be given when the sheep
manifests the symptoms peculiar to the sleepy
stage of the disease.
DOSE.-Give 5 drops every one, two, three, or four hours,
according to the severity of the attack.
DISEASES OF THE SHEEP.
267
Nux vomica. One or other of these medicines
Sulphur. Smust be employed after the
foregoing remedies have subdued the dangerous
symptoms, with a view to expedite the recovery
of the animal.
ABORTION.
CAUSES. The most frequent are exposure to
cold or wet; repeated intercourse with the ram;
fright, arising from a worrying dog; over-exertion
of any kind.
Magdagda
SYMPTOMS.-Usually abortion occurs before
the symptoms are noticed. They are chiefly,
repugnance to food; dulness; occasional or con-
stant bleating; discharge of yellow or red glairy
fluid; subsidence of belly, and cessation of
motion of the lamb in the ewe's belly.
TREATMENT.-Secale_cornutum is the best
remedy when the sheep is thin, weak, and ex-
hausted.
DOSE.-Give 5 drops in a wine-glassful of water every night
and morning, if the symptoms which have been detailed above
indicate that the sheep is likely to slink; continue the medicine
in the same way until all danger is past.
The same medicine is also of service when the
abortion is actually taking place, and when there
are-violent straining; great discharge of black
268
DISEASES OF THE SHEEP.
blood, having a bad smell; great weakness and
exhaustion; weak pulse; convulsions, etc.
DOSE. For this purpose the same dose may be used as in
the last-mentioned case, the doses being repeated every fifteen,
thirty, or sixty minutes, or every two, three, or four hours, ac-
cording to the urgency of the symptoms; and as improvement.
becomes manifest, they must be given at longer intervals.
Sabina.—This medicine is exceedingly service-
able in some cases of expected slinking, or when
the abortion has already happened, and is ac-
companied by forcing pains; sinking of the belly;
discharge of bright red blood; coldness, then
heat of body; quick, full pulse; frequent at-
tempts to pass dung.
Ipecacuanha. This medicine is to be given in-
stead of the last, when it fails to do good, after
several doses have been administered. It is
especially necessary when, in addition to the
symptoms under Sabina, there are cramps or
convulsions, and attempts to vomit.
DOSE. As directed for Secale.
Maggi
}
CHAPTER III.
DISEASES OF THE CHEST.
PNEUMONIA, OR INFLAMMATION OF
THE LUNGS.
CAUSES.-Exposure to cold and wet, or to
severe weather; sudden changes of the weather;
coid nights and mornings, warm mid-day, and
others of the same nature.
SYMPTOMS. Want of appetite, absence of
chewing the cud; dull, staring eyes; the ears are
hung down; the head is held up; the mouth is
open; the breathing is quick, difficult, and
laboured, attended with heaving of the flanks;
the teeth are grated; the inside of the nose and
the white of the eye are much reddened; a dis-
charge, at first thin and watery, afterwards mat-
tery and offensive, flows from the nostrils; fre-
quent painful cough, attended with rattling in
the throat. The symptoms become gradually
more and more severe, until the animal dies.
TREATMENT.-1. When the disease begins
and
270
DISEASES OF THE SHEEP.
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}
with fever, such as quick pulse and breathing,
loss of appetite, dulness, open mouth, thirst, etc.
—give Aconitum.
DOSE.-5 drops every two hours.
2. If there be any catching in the breathing;
pain in the sides; short, suppressed cough, etc.—
give Bryonia.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
3. When the difficulty of breathing becomes
greater, and is attended with heaving of the
flanks, discharge from the nostrils, rattling in
the throat, and painful cough-give Phosphorus.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
4. When all these symptoms are relieved, and
the animal is becoming well-give Sulphur.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
S
GARGET, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE
UDDER.
CAUSES.-Blows, bruises, cold, lying on hard
ground, filth or moisture, etc.
SYMPTOMS.-Redness, swelling and pain of the
teat or teats, or of the whole udder; in which
latter case, one or more hard lumps are felt.
3
DISEASES OF THE SHEEP.
271
TREATMENT.-I. In the first stage, when the
udder is red, hard, and painful-give Bryonia.
DOSE.-5 drops every four hours.
:
2. When the fever is considerable, and the
udder much swelled-give Belladonna.
Dose. As for Bryonia.
3. Fomentations of hot water should be
applied for half-an-hour every night and morn-
ing.
4. When the udder becomes larger, hotter, and
softer, it contains matter which must be let out
by means of a lancet.
5. When matter is forming-give Hepar sul-
phuris.
DOSE. As for Bryonia.
6. Should any hardness remain-give Mer-
curius.
DOSE. As for Bryonia.
:
CHAPTER IV.
DISEASE OF THE FOOT.
FOOT-ROT.
CAUSES.-Foreign bodies, such as gravel, dirt,
etc., getting in the cleft of the foot; it is most
common in low, marshy places.
SYMPTOMS.-Lameness, swelling of the pas-
terns, pain, etc.; matter then forms, and unless
it is let out, it will spread in all directions under
the foot, and appear at the coronet; long, narrow
ulcers remain, and proud flesh springs up from
the diseased places.
TREATMENT.-Examine carefully the foot, and
remove all dirt or other foreign matters that may
be found; then foment the foot with hot water
for an hour every night and morning, and after-
wards apply a turnip or oatmeal poultice; the
hoof should be pared, and those portions of it cut
away which may be thought likely to interfere
with the escape of the matter; all dead hoof must
be removed. If the sore which is left looks
healthy, apply Calendula lotion on a piece of
DISEASES OF THE SHEEP.
273
cotton kept to the foot by a bandage; if it is un-
healthy, a portion of the injured substance will
probably slough, and to this end the poultices.
should be applied as before, until the slough is
cast off. Tar and tallow, melted in equal pro-
portions, is a good application. The hoof will
then begin to grow. During its growth, great
care must be taken, by bandaging and otherwise,
to prevent any dirt lodging in the wound, or fresh
irritation will be set up. Give Silicea internally.
DOSE.-5 drops night and morning.
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PART V.
;
DISEASES OF THE HOG.
STRANGLES, OR QUINSY.
CAUSES.-Healthy pigs may become affected
by associating with diseased ones, so that the
latter should be kept apart from the former; fat
hogs are more subject to it than others; it occurs
chiefly in damp or hot, imperfectly ventilated, and
unclean styes.
SYMPTOMS. This frequent and fatal complaint
begins with swelling of the glands under the
throat; in proportion to the extent of this swell-
ing, so the breathing is rendered more difficult
and heaving, and swallowing more painful and
obstructed; the pulse is quickened, and a high
degree of fever results; the swelling, from being
hard and painful when touched, becomes soft, red,
and more extended, and mortification is not an
unusual result; the mouth is hot; slaver flows
from it, and the tongue hangs out red and swollen;
the eyes are red; the appetite gone; the teeth are
DISEASES OF THE HOG.
275
grated; the weakness increases; frequent moans
are expressed; and unless relieved, the swelling
increases and prevents the possibility of breathing,
so that the animal eventually dies.
TREATMENT.—I. When the disease begins
with quick, full pulse, hurried breathing, and
general feverishness-give Aconitum.
DOSE.-5 drops every two hours.
2. When, in addition to the foregoing symp-
toms, there are swelling and tenderness of the
glands, difficulty of swallowing and breathing,
etc.-give Belladonna.
DUSE. As for Aconitum.
3. When the swelling increases in size and ex-
tent, the tongue red and swollen-give Mercu
rius.
Dose. As for Aconitum.
4. Should all the symptoms assume a worse
form, mortification threaten to set in, or great
debility supervcne-give Arsenicum.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
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​276
DISEASES OF THE HOG.
2
+
COMMON COLD, OR SNIFFLES.
CAUSES. Those which produce the disease in
dogs and sheep.
SYMPTOMS.-Discharge from the nostrils of a
thin, watery fluid, which gradually increases in
quantity, and may be mixed with blood, followed
by cough, sneezing, difficulty of swallowing, ob-
structed breathing, general weakness, loss of appc-
tite, swelling of the nostrils, and contraction of
one side of the snout. It is apt to lead to disease
of the lungs, and finally consumption.
TREATMENT.-1. When the pulse and breath-
ing are quickened, the appetite gone, the skin
hot, etc.-give Aconitum.
DOSE.-5 drops every three or four hours.
2. When the cough is frequent, swallowing
difficult, and the breathing impeded-give Bella-
donna.
Dose. As for Aconitum.
3. When the discharge from the nose is
copious, the nostrils swollen and sore, etc.—give
Mercurius.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
A
4. Should the discharge still continue, the ap-
petite remain impaired, and the weakness increase
—give Arsenicum.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
pa
DISEASES OF THE HOG.
277
PNEUMONIA; INFLAMMATION OF
THE LUNGS.
CAUSES. Those that produce the same dis-
case in other animals; and especially breathing
the impure air of a dirty sty, in which the dung
and dirty litter are allowed to accumulate and
rot; some peculiar condition of the air is sup-
posed to give rise to this complaint.
SYMPTOMS.-Shivering of the body; red eyes;
hot breath; head stretched forward; quick,
panting breathing; full, accelerated pulse; fre-
quent or almost constant cough, with discharge
of phlegm; sweating in various parts of the
body; and tongue thrust out from the mouth.
When all these symptoms increase the pig dies.
TREATMENT.—I. When the disease begins
with shivering, red eyes, quick breathing, full
pulse, etc.—give Aconitum.
Dosc.-5 drops every three hours.
2. In almost all cases it will be beneficial to
give Bryonia alternately with the last medicine.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
3. When the breathing becomes more and
more difficult, the cough frequent, the discharge
of phlegm copious, etc.—give Phosphorus.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
278
DISEASES OF THE HOG.
i
4. When all the violent symptoms have sub-
sided-give Sulphur.
DOSE.-5 drops three times a day.
COLIC, OR GRIPES.
SYMPTOMS.-Restlessness, rolling on the
ground, loud cries of pain, and other symptoms
indicative of suffering.
TREATMENT.-I. As soon as the disease
begins, the best medicine is Aconitum.
DOSE.-10 drops every half-hour or hour.
2. Should it fail to do good after several doses
have been administered-give Belladonna.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
3. When the disease can be traced to improper
food, and when there is more restlessness than
indications of violent pain-give Nux vomica.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
4. When the pain is of the most violent kind,
as shown by the loud cries and rolling about-
give Colocynthis.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
Ma
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DISEASES OF THE HOG.
279
DIARRHEA, OR PURGING.
The treatment is the following:
1. When the attack arises from bad food or
from exposure to cold, and when the discharge
is thin and fluid-give Arsenicum.
DOSE.-5 drops every hour or two.
2. When the discharge is copious, slimy, and
bloody, and attended with pain and straining—
give Mercurius.
DOSE. As for Arsenicum.
3. When the purging continues to such an
extent that the animal wastes and is much ex-
hausted-give Veratrum.
DOSE. As directed for Arsenicum.
ENTERITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF
THE BOWELS.
1
CAUSES. Those which produce it in other
animals.
}
W
SYMPTOMS. The usual
manifestations of
severe and continued pains in the bowels, which
are aggravated by rubbing the belly, or by mov-
www
280
DISEASES OF THE HOG.
ing from one place to another; great pain when
the belly is touched; frequent looking towards
the belly; squeaks are elicited by the pain; the
other symptoms do not differ materially from
those that attend the same disease when it
occurs in the dog or sheep.
TREATMENT.-I. When the pulse is quick and
full, the skin hot, the appetite gone, etc.-give
Aconitum.
DOSE.-5 drops every two or three hours.
2. When, in addition to the foregoing, there
is great pain and tenderness in the belly, and the
animal cries loudly—give Belladonna.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
3. Should these remedies afford only partial
benefit-give Bryonia.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
BRAIN FEVER; FRENZY; INFLAM-
MATION OF BRAIN.
G
In these terms are included inflammation of
the parts within the skull, namely, the brain and
the membranes which invest it.
P
CAUSES. It occurs chiefly in pigs which are
full of blood, exceedingly fat, and fed upon the
best and most stimulating foods.
DISEASES OF THE HOG.
281
}
SYMPTOMS.-The animal manifests dulness and
depression; it is therefore not so lively as usual,
and seldom moves from one place to another.
As the disease advances, the white of the eye
becomes covered with red streaks; the pulse is
increased in frequency, the breathing quickened;
the strength reduced; and the animal runs about
from one place to another, evidently unconscious,
and deprived of the power of seeing; death then
occurs, frequently in the midst of convulsions.
TREATMENT.-1. When the disease has just
set in with quick, full pulse, accelerated breath-
ing, unconsciousness, red eyes, etc.-give Aco-
nitum and Belladonna.
DOSE.-5 drops of each, turn about, every two or three hours.
2. When there is dulness, sleepiness, uncon-
sciousness, loss of sight, etc.-give Hyoscyamus.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
MEASLES.
The so-called measles of pigs, or the condition
of the skin whence the term is derived, is but the
local manifestation of a disease which affects the
whole body.
CAUSES.-They are but imperfectly known.
282
DISEASES OF THE HOG.
2
SYMPTOMS. They are at first those of fever,
namely, hot, dry skin; quick pulse; loss of
appetite; hot muzzle, which is also dry; swollen.
eyelids; red eyes; watery running from nostrils;
short, dry cough, etc. Then there are red risings
on the skin in various parts of the body, but
especially between the fore and hind-legs, and
in some cases the skin over these parts sloughs,
or separates in large pieces, and leaves angry
sores in their place; or it simply peels off with-
out leaving any ulcers.
K
TREATMENT.-1. When the disease begins
with quick pulse, hot skin, etc.-give Aconitum.
DOSE.-5 drops every two hours.
B
2. When the eyes are red and watery, the
eyelids swollen, the cough short and frequent-
give Belladonna.
DOSE. As for Aconitum.
3. When the eruption makes its appearance-
give Pulsatilla.
Dose. As for Aconitum, every four hours.
Anda, de vega
4. When numerous unhealthy sores remain, and
the animal is weak and thin-give Arsenicum.
DOSE.-5 drops thrice daily.
DISEASES OF THE HOG.
283
MANGE.
The treatment of this disorder consists in the
use of the Arsenical lotion night and morning ;
and the administration of five drops of Arsenicum
at the same times.
The skin must be well washed and dried before
applying the lotion.
GLOSSARY;
OR,
EXPLANATION OF SCIENTIFIC TERMS USED IN
THIS WORK.
ABDOMEN The belly.
ABORTION-The expulsion of the young from the womb before
the natural period of delivery.
ABSCESS-A collection of matter.
ABSORBENTS-Are vessels which pervade the whole body, and
take up fluids, waste matter, and chyle from the intestines, all
of which is turned into the blood.
ACCELERATED-Increased.
ACUTE-Severe in character and rapid in course.
AGGRAVATED-Made worse.
AMAUROSIS-A disease of the eye, described at page 101.
ANASARCA-A collection of fluid between the skin and flesh.
APHTHA-A disease known by the existence of small ulcers on
the membrane of the mouth.
ASCITES-A collection of fluid in the cavity of the belly.
BLAIN-A disease in which there are ulcers on the mouth and
sides of the tongue.
BRONCHIA-The branches of the windpipe.
BRONCHIAL TUBES-The branches of ditto.
BRONCHITIS-Inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
BRONCHOCELE-A disease characterised by a swelling in front
of the windpipe.
CATARACT-A disease of the eye, in which the rays of light
are prevented from passing to the retina in consequence of
opacity of the lens.
CATARRH-Common cold.
CAVITY-A hollow, such as the cavity of the belly, or of the
chest, or of the head.
286
GLOSSARY.
}
Characterised-Distinguished by peculiar qualities.
CHOREA-A disease marked by constant and convulsive move-
ments of the body.
CHRONIC-Continuing a long time.
CIRCUMSCRIBED-Limited.
COLIC-Bellyache.
COMATOSE-Drowsy.
CONSTIPATION-Bound bowels.
1
CONVALESCENT-Progress towards recovery.
CONVULSION-Violent shaking of the body or limbs, such as
occurs in Epilepsy, Chorea, etc.
CORONET-The prominence or ridge along the upper part of the
hoof where it joins the leg.
CORYZA-A disease marked chiefly by flux from the nostrils.
CYSTITIS-Inflammation of the bladder.
DIAPHRAGM-The midriff, or muscle, which divides the cavity
of the chest from the cavity of the belly.
DIARRHEA A purging or looseness.
DISTENSION-The act of stretching,
DYSENTERY-The flux.
ENTERITIS-Inflammation of the bowels.
EPILEPSY-A disease which comes on suddenly, and is attended
by violent convulsions.
EXHAUSTION The state of being exhausted.
EXPULSION The act of thrusting out.
FIBRINE-A constituent of blood, muscle, etc.
FISTULA-A long narrow ulcer, with thickened sides, difficult
to heal, and generally arising from, or leading to, an abscess.
FLUCTUATE-A term expressive of the movement of fluid, as,
for instance, matter in an abscess, or water in the belly, when
pressed upon with the finger.
FETID-Having an offensive smell.
FUNDAMENT-The lower opening of the bowels.
GARGET-Inflammation of the udder.
GASTRALGIA-Pain in the stomach.
GLANDS-Bodies whose office it is to produce or void some
special fluid from the blood. Thus the liver is a gland, and the
bile which it produces assists in digesting the food, etc. The
kidney is also a gland, and discharges water from the blood.
GLEET-A discharge from the canal through which the urine
passes.
HAW-A small body at the inner angle of the eye, which is
rapidly drawn across the ball of the eye, to protect it from
injury.
HOMEOPATHY-The word signifies like-sufering, and is used to
GLOSSARY.
287
DA.
designate the new mode of treatment, by the law of healing
that "likes are cured by likes."
HOOSE-The common name for common cold when it attacks
COWS.
HOOVE-Distension of the paunch, with gas given off from the
food during its fermentation.
FYDATID—A very small animal, constructed of a thin, bag-
shaped membrane, containing a watery fluid.
IDIOPATHIC-A term applied to a disease when it exists inde-
pendently of another.
IMPINGE-TO fall against; to strike.
INANITION-Starvation.
INDICATED-Shown; pointed out.
LAMPAS-A fulness of the roof of the mouth behind the front
teeth.
LIGAMENTS-Strong, stretchable membranes, which either
surround the joints and keep in the synovia, or bind one
bone to another.
LYMPHATICS-Vessels which pervade the whole body and take
up effete matter.
MALLENDERS-A scurvy state of the skin. See page 109.
MANGE-A disease of the skin, produced by a small insect called
the Acarus.
MEGRIMS-The common name for Epilepsy.
MIDRIFF See Diaphragm.
Mucus-An animal fluid, as the mucus of the nose, mouth, etc.
MUSCLE Muscles compose the great bulk of the body, and are
commonly spoken of as flesh.
NASAL-Pertaining to the nose.
NEPHRITIS-Inflammation of the kidneys.
OPHTHALMIA-Inflammation of one or more portions of the
eye, or of the whole ball.
—
...
P
OZENA-A discharge of matter from ulcers in the nose.
PARALYSIS-A disease known by the ability to move in any
part of the body being lost or diminished.
PARAPLEGIA-Palsy of the hinder half of the body.
PAROXYSM-A fit of any disease.
PAROXYSMAL-Pertaining to paroxysm.
PASTERN―The part of a horse's leg between the joint next
the foot and the coronet of the hoof.
PERITONEUM-The membrane which surrounds the contents
of the belly.
PLEURA-The membrane which lines the cavity of the chest
and covers its contents.
PLEURO-PNEUMONIA-Inflammation of the lungs and pleura.
288
GLOSSARY.
1
PNEUMONIA-Inflammation of the lungs.
PREPUCE-The fore-skin.
PROTRUSION-Thrusting forward or beyond the usual limits.
PUDENDA-The parts of generation.
PUPIL-A little aperture in the iris of the eye, through which
the rays of light pass to the lens, and thence to the retina.
QUINSY-Sore throat.
QUITTOR-A fistula on the coronet.
SALIVATION-An increased discharge of mucus from the
mouth.
SALLENDERS-See page 109.
SECTION-A distinct part or portion.
SINEW-A ligament which binds the bones together.
SINUS-A little elongated cavity, in which pus is collected.
SLOUGH-A thin, foul, or mortified substance, in a moist
state; frequently appears on the surface of parts in a state
of suppuration or ulceration.
SNIFFLES The vulgar name for cold in pigs.
SPASM-Cramp, or the firm contraction of a muscle, in whole
or in part.
SPRAIN The violent stretching of a ligament or tendon.
SYMPTOMS-A perceptible change in the body and its functions,
which indicates disease.
SYMPTOMATIC-Indicated by symptoms.
M
TETANUS-A disease attended with spasm and rigidity of the
muscles.
TRAUMATIC-Pertaining to wounds.
TRITURATION-Reducing to powder.
TROCAR-An instrument for removing the water in dropsy, or
the wind in hoove.
TYMPANITES-Drum belly, or symptom of windy colic.
UDDER-The gland which secretes the milk. It is usually
applied to mean the milk-bag.
ULCER-A breach on any part of the body from which matter
is thrown off.
WITHERS-The upper part of the shoulder.
ABORTION in the cow, 211
sheep, 267
"#
Abscess, 12
Acute Founder, 111
Afterbirth, 222
Air-passages, inflammation of, in the cow, 165
dog, 233
hog, 277
horse, 42
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}}
"7
Amaurosis, 101
Anasarca in the dog, 246
horse, 15
BACK-galled, 134
JI
}}
Angleberries, 110
Aphtha, 256
Apoplexy, 252
Appetite, loss of, 70
Ascites in the horse, 87
Blain, 186
Blast, 257
}}
31
rheumatism of the, 149
tendon, sprain of, 137
? *
Belly, dropsy of, in the horse, 87
drum in the horse, 73
}}
#1
INDEX
}"
}}
"}
11
"
Biting crib, 66
Bladder, inflammation of, in the dog, 226
horse, 90
19
J
Bloody urine, 91
"1
Blindness from amaurosis, 101
cataract, 100
opacity of the cornea, 101
specks on
101
11
"}
};
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14
Im
{
19
290
INDEX.
Blown in the cow, 188
sheep, 257
"}
Bots, 84
Bound bowels in the dog, 239
horse, 84
}}
Bowels, inflammation of, in the
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11
}}
})
}}
}}
>>
})
ور
})
}}
Brain fever in the hog, 280
})
}}
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looseness of
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})
})
}}
})
1)
"}
11
"}
horse, 23
"}
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Brain, inflammation of the, in the hog, 280
horse, 23
Bronchitis in calves, 166
in the cow, 165
dog, 233
horse, 44
}}
}}
Bran poultice, directions for, xxiv
Breathing organs, disease of the, in the cow, 161
dog, 232
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}}
})
Bronchocele, 236
Bruised wounds, 126
Bruises of the knee, 127
Bull burnt, 220
"}
"}
"}
""
>>
1)
}}
}}
Broken knees, 127
wind, 52
11
Bronchia, inflammation of the, in the cow, 165
>>
})
horse, 44
}}
}}
Bronchial tubes, inflammation of the, in the cow, 165
horse, 44
dog, 243
horse, 77
from worms, 166
CALENDULA lotion, xix
Calf, casting the, 211
hoose in the, 163
skit in the, 192
J
Calving, dropping after, 200
flooding after, 214
pig, 279
sheep, 258
calf, 192
cow, 190
dog, 241
hog, 279
horse, 74
}}
}}
}}
horse, 34
sheep, 269
"}
})
INDEX.
291
Calves, bronchitis in, 166
hoose in, 163
skit, 192
""
Canker in the ear, 229
Capped elbow, 137
hock, 136
"}
Casting the calf, 211
Cataract, 100
Catarrh in the cow, 163
dog, 233
horse, 36
epidemic, 38
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}}
11
"}
1)
"}
Catarrhal fever, 38
Chest, diseases of the, in the cow, 161
dog, 23?
horse, 34
sheep, 269
}}
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>>
}}
-
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})
"}
Chorea, 249
Clap, 220
}}
}}
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}}
})
}}
"}
"}
"}
Cleansing after calving, 222
Cold, common, in the cow, 163
dog, 233
hog, 276
horse, 36
}}
}}
}}
dropsy of, in the horse, 56
founder
dog, 230
horse, 5
inflammation of the, in the dog, 234
water in the, of the horse, 56
"}
}1
}}
in the head, 161
}}
Colic in the cow, 195
dog, 240
hog, 278
horse, 71
15
}}
}"
}}
})
"}
}}
))
})
11
windy, 73
13
Common cold in the cow, 163
hog, 276
horse, 36
)1
Contents, list of, vii
1)
}}
Confined bowels in the dog, 239
horse, 84
}}
J1
Constipation in the dog, 239
horse, 84
Cornea, opacity of the, 101
Corns, 118
292
INDEX.
Coryza in the cow, 161
Costiveness in the dog, 239
horse, 84
""
}}
Cough in the cow, 183
}}
11
horse, 58
Cow, diseases of the, 142
Cracked heels, 105
Crib-biting, 66
Cud, loss of, 185
Curb, 139
Cut, speedy, 135
Cystitis in the dog, 226
horse, 90
"
DANCE, St. Vitus's, 249
Dentition in the horse, 63
Diabetes, 94
Diaphragm, spasm of the, 61
Diarrhoea in the calf, 192
cow, 190
dog, 241
hog, 279
horse, 74
sheep, 259
>>
}}
Difficult teething in the horse, 63
Digestion, diseases of the organs of, in the cow, 185
dog, 237
}}
})
"}
}}
35
11
*}
}}
};
"}
+1
}}
"
})
Discharge from the nose, 34
Diseases of the cow, 142
dog, 223
hog, 274
horse, I
sheep, 256
17
"
Distemper in the dog, 223
horse, 38
"}
}}
})}
}}
""
}}
})
"}
Diuresis, 94
Dropping after calving, 200
Dropsy in the horse, 15
11
})
of the belly in the horse, 87
of the chest in the horse, 56
in the dog, 246
}}
Drum belly, 73,
Dysentery, in the cow, 193
}}
}}
})
horse, 63
sheep, 256
7
INDEX.
293
Dysentery, in the dog, 242
"}
horse, 76
sheep, 260
17
">
EAR, canker in the, 229
Elbow, capped, 137
Enteritis, in the dog, 243
hog, 279
horse, 77
sheep, 258
}}
Epidemic catarrh, in the horse, 38
38
"
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}}
1)
the
#3
}}
Epilepsy, in the cow, 152
dog, 248
horse, 23
11
Epizootic, vesicular, 146
Evil, poll, 133
quarter, 142
Explanation of words, 285
Eye, cataract in the, 100
"}
}}
}}
}}
}}
}}
}}
}}
}}
"}
};
}}
}}
}}
31
11
FACE, palsy of the, 27
Farcy, 19
Feet, diseases of the, in the horse, III
fever in the, 111
inflammation of the, III
sore, in the dog, 231
1)
}}
}}
}}
"J
Fever, in the horse, I
idiopathic, I
symptomatic, 4
brain, in the hog, 280
horse, 23
"J
}}
>>
}}
diseases of the, in the horse, 96
inflammation of the, in the cow, 155
dog, 228
horse, 96
opacity of the, 101
specks on the, 101
}}
JJ
}}
catarrhal, 38
of the brain, in the horse, 23
in the feet, III
>>
21
Fistulous withers, 182
inflammatory, in the cow, 142
milk, in the cow, 200
sheep, 266
$
294
INDEX.
Fits in the cow, 152
dog, 248
horse, 25
}}
>>
"}
Flesh wounds, 124
Flooding after calving, 214
Flux in the cow, 190, 193
dog, 242
horse, 76
sheep, 260
"}
}}
"}
})
}}
"}
"1
Fog, 257
Foot, diseases of the, in the horse, 111
sheep, 272
})
"1
}}
}}
31
15
}}
"}
"}
"}
sheep, 272
"
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Foul in the foot, in the cow, 156
sheep, 272
Founder, acute, in the horse, III
dog, 230
"1
}}
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})
chest,
Frenzy in the hog, 280
4.
"}
} 1
foul in the, in the cow, 156
sheep, 272
GALLED BACK, 135
Galls, saddle, 135
Garget, 216
})
in the sheep, 270
Gastralgia, 66
General diseases of the cow, 142
}}
})
prick in the, 113
fever from prick in the, 4
rot, in the cow, 156
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}}
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}}
}}
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dropsy in the horse, 15
Giddiness in sheep, 263
Glanders, 19
Gleet, 227
}}
nasal, 34
Gloss, anthrax, 186
Glossary, 285
Gonorrhoea, 220
Grease, 106
Gripes in the cow, 195
dog, 240
dog, 223
hog, 274
horse, I
sheep, 266
INDEX.
295
Gripes in the hog, 278
horse, 71
}}
HEMATURIA in the horse, 91
Hæmorrhagica purpura, 17
Heels, cracked, 105
Hepatitis in the dog, 244
horse, 82
Hidebound in the cow, 159
horse, 109
}}
"}
Hock, capped, 136
Hog, diseases of the, 274
Hoose in the calf, 163
cow, 163
Hoove in the cow, 188
""
}}
})
sheep, 257
Horse, diseases of the, I
}}
Hydatids in the sheep, 263
Hydrothorax, 56
}}
IDIOPATHIC fever in the horse, I
Indigestion, 67
Inflammation of the air-passages in the cow, 165
dog, 233
hog, 276
horse, 44
sheep, 269
dog, 226
horse, go
dog, 243
hog, 279
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}}
}}
}}
}}
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}}
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})
}}
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}}
})
}}
53
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}}
}}
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}}
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})
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}}
}}
})
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}}
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bladder
19
11
bowels
}}
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brain
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chest
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}}
eye
}}
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bronchial tubes in the cow, 165
}}
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}}
})
}}
}}
})
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}}
}}
})
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horse, 77
sheep, 258
hog, 280
horse, 23
}}
horse, 44
cow, 169
dog, 234
hog, 277
sheep, 269
cow, 155
dog, 228
horse, 96
}}
III
296
INDEX.
:
4
}
Inflammation of the kidneys in the horse, 88
larynx
42
lights
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}}
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در
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در
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11
}}
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Lock-jaw, 29
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}}
}}
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}}
11
}}
}}
11
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}}
liver
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lungs
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})
}}
}}
lymphatics, 10
peritoneum, 80
Injuries, 124
Irregular teeth in the cow, 186
JAUNDICE in the cow, 197
dog, 244
}}
})
Jaw, lock, 29
Joints, open, 129
pleura in the cow, 169
horse, 50
})
JJ
}}
"}
Inflammatory fever in the cow, 142
Influenza in the horse, 38
"}
COW, 170
hog, 277
dog, 244
horse, 82
""
})
spleen, 198
udder in the cow, 216
sheep, 270
COW, 170
dog, 234
hog, 277
horse, 47
sheep, 269
KENNEL lameness, 230
Kidneys, inflammation of the, 88
Knees, broken, 127
LAMENESS, kennel, 230
Laminitis, III
Lampas, 65
Laryngitis in the horse, 42
Larynx, inflammation of the, 42
Legs, diseases of the, in the horse, 111
Lice, 253
Lights, inflammation of the, in the cow, 170
hog, 277
""
}}
}}
})
Linseed poultice, directions for, xxiv.
Liver, inflammation of the, in the dog, 244
horse, 82
))
7
}}
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}
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(
;;
INDEX.
297
1
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J
t
I
Looseness of the bowels in the calf, 192
cow, 190
dog, 241
hog, 279
horse, 74
sheep, 259
>>
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1
I
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>>
}}
}}
11
"
}}
Loin-bound, 5
Loss of appetite, 70
cud, 185
"J
Lotions, directions for making, xix
Lumbago in the cow, 151
Lung-disease of cattle, 173
Lungs, inflammation of the, in the cow, 170
11
dog, 234
hog, 277
horse, 47
sheep, 269
}}
}}
}}
در
}}
JJ
})
"}
Murrain, lung, 173
Myalgia, 22
MAD staggers, 23
Mallenders, 109
Mange in the cow, 158
dog, 254
}}
hog, 283
horse, 104
})
Matter, gathering of, 12
Measles, 281
}}
})
})
}}
})
}}
}}
1
}}
Lymphatics, inflammation of, lo
})
}}
Medicines, list of, xvii
Megrims, 25
Midriff, spasms of the, 61
Milk-fever in the cow, 200
sheep, 266
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}}
})
Miscellaneous diseases of the cow, 142
dog, 223
}}
})
"}
}}
}}
NASAL gleet, 34
Nephritis, 88
Nervous system, diseases of the, in the dog, 248
"1
Nose, discharge from the, 34
running
232
}}
"}
}}
}}
"}
horse, 23
sheep, 262
3
1
*
03
+
298
INDEX.
+
OINTMENT, sulphur, directions for making, xx
Opacity of the cornea, 101
Open joints, 129
Ophthalmia in the cow, 155
dog, 228
horse, 96
"T
}}
Overreach, 119
Ozana in the dog, 232
horse, 34
}}
>>
})
PAIN in the stomach, 66
Palsy in the cow, 154
dog, 250
}}
of the face, 27
in the horse, 27
})
Paps, sore, 215
Paralysis in the cow, 154
dog 250
}}
}}
Paraplegia, 28
Periodic ophthalmia, 96
,,
"
Peritoneum, inflammation of the, So
Peritonitis in the horse, So
Pharyngitis in the cow, 162
Phrenitis, 23
""
Pig, diseases of the, 274
Pleura, inflammation of the, in the cow, 169
horse, 50
""
}}
""
Pleurisy in the cow, 169
dog, 234
horse, 50
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"}
}}
"I
}}
Pleuro-pneumonia, 173
Pneumonia in the cow, 170
dog, 234
hog, 277
horse, 47
sheep, 269
"
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>>
*}
"}
}}
"}
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"}
Poll evil, 133
Poultices, xxiii
Pox, small, 252
Prick in the foot, 113
Profuse staling, 94
Pulmonary murrain, 173
Pulse, directions for feeling the, xxiv
Purging in the hog, 279
horse, 74
},
INDEX.
299
Purging in the sheep, 259
Purpura hæmorrhagica, 17
QUARTER evil, 142
ill, 142
}}
Quinsy, 274
Quittor, 115
RED water, 219
Retention of urine, 92
Rheumatism in the cow, 149
}}
"}
"}
horse, 5
dog, 230
"}
Rhus lotion, directions for, xix
}}
梦露
​})
19
Ringbone, 122
Rising of the lights in pigs, 277
back of the cow, 151
Roaring, 55
Rot, foot, in the cow, 156
sheep, 272
**
Running from the nose, 232
Ruta lotion, directions for, xx
}}
SADDLE galls, 135
Saint Vitus's dance, 249
Sallenders, 109
Salivation, 237
Sandcrack, 116
Scanty urine, 94
Scouring in the cow, 190
}}
3)
horse, 74
Sheep, disease of the, 256
Shoulder, sprain of the, 138
Simple inflammation of the eye, 96
Sitfast, 135
Skin, diseases of the, in the dog, 252
horse, 103
}}
JA
Skit in the calf, 192
Slinking of cows, 211
sheep, 267
}}
}}
Smallpox, 252
Sniffles, 276
Sore feet in the dog, 231
teats, 215
मुझे
tam
300
INDEX.
:
J
Fotos,
Sore throat in the cow, 162
horse, 41
"}
})
Spasm of the diaphragm, 61
Spavin, 122
Specks on the eye, 101
Specific ophthalmia, 96
Speedy cut, 135
Spleen, inflammation of the, 198
Splenitis, 198
Splint, 122
Sprains, 137
Sprain of the back tendons, 137
Sprained shoulder, 138
Staggers, mad, 23
in sheep, 263
stomach, 68
}}
"}
Strains, 137
Strangles, 8
"}
}}
Stale, want of power to, 92
Staling, profuse, 94
Stomach, pain in the, 66
staggers, 68
رد
in the hog, 274
""
Sturdy, 263
Swine, diseases of, 274
Surfeit, 103
Symptomatic fever in the horse, 4
TEATS, Sore, 215
Teeth, diseases of the, in the dog, 239
horse, 64
})
"}
irregular, in the cow, 186
")
}}
Thrush, 120
}}
Teething, difficult, 63
Tendons, sprain of the back, 137
Tetanus, 29
Thick wind, 54
Thoroughpin, 140
Throat, sore, in the cow, 162
horse, 41
1)
in the sheep, 256
}}
Tread, 119
Turnip poultice, directions for, xxiv
Tympanitis, 73
7
4
INDEX.
301
!
UDDER, inflammation of the, in the cow, 216
sheep, 270
}}
Urine, bloody, 91
}}
scanty, 94
1}
Urinary organs, diseases of the, in the cow, 200
horse, 88
VERMIN in dogs, 253
Vesicular epizootic, 146
Vitus's, Saint, dance. 249
WARBLES in the cow, 157
Warts, 110
Water in the chest, 56
}}
retention of the, 92
}}
Weed, 10
Wind, broken, 52
}}
}}
galls, 140
thick, 54
}}
Windy colic, 73
Withers, fistulous, 132
Worms, bronchitis from, 166
}}
}}
})
red, 219
"}
Wounds, 124
})
in the dog, 245
horse, 86
bruised, 126
fever from, 4
Alesh, 124
11
**
YEAST poultice, directions for, xxiv,
Yellows in the cow, 197
dog, 244
}}
LONDON:
Printed by Jas. Truscott & Son,
Suffolk Lane, City.

UNIV. OF MICH.
DEC 1 1906
+
L
Filmed by Preservation 1998
PLEASE SHE BASE
***
MOJ
AURKO