Dr B D Whitestone ^ 68 Beatrice Cir ^Jl^ Belmont MA 02178 ^^ ebster Family IJbraa' of Veterinary Medicine immings Sr" ";ary Medicine at TUFTS UNIVERSITY LIBRARIEJ 3 9090 3 414 ^^ ///^^^T^ VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY IN ITS APPLICATION TO THE INCLUDING A CODE OF COMMON SUGGESTIVE SYMPTOMS, BY JOHN SUTCLIFFE HURNDALL, Member of the Royal College of Veterinar\- Surgeons, England. SECOND EDITION. PHILADELPHIA: BOERICKE & TAFEL. 1910. Copyrighted, 1896, BOERICKE & Tafel. CONTENTS. Prefacb: Ill Introduction v Hygiene and Sanitation i5 Diagnosis 21 Strength of Drugs and the Dose 34 Arrangement of Diseases 43 General Diseases 45 Simple Fever 45 Bilious Fever 46 Strangles 47 Influenza 5° Erysipelas 5° Glanders and Farcy 61 Anthrax 72 Rheumatism 77 B1.00D Poisoning 82 Pyaemia, Septicamia 82 Rabies 85 Weed, Lymphangitis 87 Purpurea Hsemorrhica 92 Diseases of Parts and Organs Included in the Respiratory Tract 95 Common Cold 96 Nasal Gleet 97 Laryngitis loi Roaring 103 The Lungs 109 Bronchitis no Congestion of the Lungs 115 Pleuro-pneumonia 115 CONTENTS. Broncho-pneumonia 115 Pneumonia 116 Pleurisy 123 Asthma — Broken Wind ... 126 Newmarket Fever 129 Diseases of the Circulatory System 132 Palpitation 136 Enlargement or Dilations of the Heart 138 Carditis, Endocarditis, Valvulitis, 140 Fatty Degeneration of the Heart 146 Arteries 146 Phlebitis — Inflammation of the Veins 147 Hiccough, Spasm of Diaphragm 148 Diseases of Digestive System 149 The Teeth 152 Lanipas 154 Glossitis — Inflammation of the Tongue 156 Parotitis — Inflammation of the Parotid Glands . . 157 Pharyngitis — Inflammation of Pharynx 159 Sore Throat 159 CEsophagus, Gullet 161 Gastritis — Inflammation of Stomach 162 Indigestion, Dyspepsia 167 Rupture of the Stomach 170 The Intestines 174 Intestinal Obstruction 176 Colic 183 Rupture of Intestinal Walls 188 Enteretis— Inflammation of the Intestines 190 Dysenter)- 192 Prolapsus Ani 194 Peritonitis 195 Acites, Dropsy 197 Constipation 198 Diarrhcea 205 Diseases of the Liver 210 Congestion of the Liver .211 Diseases of the Urinary and Generative Organ.'^ 214 CONTENTS. Congestion of Kidneys, Renal Congestion 217 Nephritis: Inflammation of Kidneys 219 Diabetes 223 Cystitis: Inflannnalion of the Bladder 225 Azoturia 227 Occasional Diseases of the Urinary Organs 229 Parturition 233 Before, During and After the Act 233 Retention of the Foetal Membranes 237 After-birth 237 Hfvmorrhage or Flooding 238 Diseased Conditions Incidental to Parturition 240 Vaginitis: Inflammation of Vagina 241 Metretis: Inflammation of the Womb 242 Mammitis: Inflammation of the Udder 244 Sore Teats 246 The Foal 246 Arthritis 248 Abortion and Premature Birth 250 The Nervous System . . •. 260 Meningitis. Cerebritis: Inflammation of the Brain 266 Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis 268 Tetanus — Lock-jaw 271 Chorea 275 Paralysis • • . . 276 Lameness 278 Sprains of Tendons, Ligaments and Muscles 281 Diseases of the Eye 304 Occasional Diseases 310 Diseases of the Skin 312 Internal Parasites 320 Inflammation 321 Code of Common Suggestive Symptoms 327 General Index 237 PREFACE. The object I have tried to keep before me while preparing this book, has been to furnish, in concise and, so far as possible, un- conventional language, information that will enable those who have the charge of horses to discover what ails the animal when signs of illness or incapacity for work are obser\-ed ; and further how to treat a patient under such conditions. I make no claim for the production of a scientific work; but I am attempting to cater to those who have no acquaintance either with medicine or disease but who at the same time are thrown upon their own resources when their equine charges fall ill. I am informed that over large districts of the United States of America, the services of a qualified \'eterinar5' Surgeon are not available simply because there is not one resident within a reasonable distance; I hope that in such districts, especially, this book will prove of considerable service. It has been my aim to treat of common and oft-recur- ring ailments and in my descriptions I have sought to express myself in the everyday language of the stable. If in the opinion of some it should seem that I am chargeable with prolixity and that many phrases are oft repeated, I must ask one and all to remember that I am writing for the million, among many of whom, educational advantages may possibly not have been of the highest order; to make clear to such as these, the full meaning of all I desire to convey, has, as it seems to me, rendered the frequent repetition of phraseolog3' an absolute necessit}'. Conventional terms appear much oftener than I could have desired, but to avoid these simply means to leave many ailments untouched; I have therefore sought to obviate the objection which may possibly be raised to th2ir introduction by a very full Index to which reference can always be made to insure a simpler understanding of the meaning. With a view to render it comparatively easy to discover a given ailments, I have prepared a list of prominent suggestive symp- IV PREFACE. totns, such as are common to the observation of any man who is qualified to undertake the responsibiUty of managing or superin- tending a stable; and in juxtaposition therewith, the names of the various diseases in which these symptoms occur; on a careful perusal of this portion of the work it will be observed that quite a large proportion of these symptoms occur in a number of different diseases, and, perhaps, it may strike some persons that, after all, the list of suggestive symptoms is not much help; but my advice is, that when a horse appears unwell, a note should be made of all the chief symptoms observable; thereafter refer to the list, and the disease which covers the greater number of symptoms should be studied in order to determine if the case in hand answers to the fuller description therein contained. The number of remedies prescribed in the body of the work is considerable, and under some special forms of disease circumstances demand refer- ence to various remedies; the careful comparative study of the ' ' suggestive symptoms ' ' with those symptoms which indicate the selection of a given drug under specific conditions, will be found extremely useful as it will result in conveying a lasting impression upon the mind that will render the practice of recognizing symptoms much easier on future occasions. I sincerely hope that as these ' ' suggestive symptoms ' ' become thoroughly impressed upon the minds of those who do me the honor to consult this work, the simpler will the task of recogniz- ing disorder become from time to time; and that the object I had in view when I undertook this work will be fully realized and ultimately prove a boon to many a man who is thrown entirely upon his own resources in the management and treatment of his horses. J. SUTCLIFFE HURNDALL, M. R. C. V. S., Sussex Villas, Kensington, London^ /"^h'> ^^95' INTRODUCTION. For every work that is worth the doing, a good reason may, if necessary, be assigned, for how can a good work exist without a reasonable cause! It may not be absolutely necessary to advance a reason for the production of the present work on ' ' Veterinary Homoeopathy in its Application to the Horse." Nevertheless it is to be hoped that it will not detract from its usefulness if an attempt is made to explain why the production of such a work should have been entertained. During the last two decades the science of Physiology, which purports to treat of the body in a state of health, and the science of Pathology, which, in like manner, treats of the bodily functions in a state of disease, have respectively made rapid advances both as regards discovery and application; but, apart from those who practice Homoeopathy, little or no advance has been made in the science of Therapeutics, which is the science of curing disease; this may seem an unwarrantably dogmatic assertion, but it has been so frequently admitted by leaders of the medical profession to be a lamentable fact, that any one who has a practical acquaint- ance with the "better way," may well be pardoned for referring to so weak a spot in the armour of the general orthodox practi- tioner. In view of the fact that a very large majority of the medical practitioners of the world, and for the sake of comparison to all intents and purposes, all the Veterinary Practitioners, remain faithful to the old system of medicine, which, since Homoeopathy sprung into exi.stence has been termed Allopathy, the practical and intelligent layman naturally asks tlie question as to what is the distinction between these two systems; and in many instances it is not before either he or .some dearly beloved friend has been snatched from the jaws of death by means of the medical system known as Homoeopathy after all that could be done by means of the old-fashioned system of allopathy has been tried and failed, that serious attention has been given to the subject and even then it is VI INTRODUCTION. admired and relied upon, in niuet3'-nine cases out of a hundred, because, notwithstanding the antiquity of the old system, the new has done what the old failed to realize and the man accepts the truth of Homoeopathy and believes in it because through it his life or that of his friend was saved. It is quite true that Homoeopathy has done what Allopathy has failed to do, and it is impossible to assign an intelligible reason for the non-acceptance of the principles of Homoeopathy among so large a proportion of the medical and Veterinary professions, the real fact, stated in plain unvarnished language is, that for some unaccountable reason, the word Homoeopathy and the name of Hahnemann, its discoverer and founder, are like the proverbial red rag to a bull, to members of these professions; the bull with- out thought, reason or compunction on seeing a red rag tosses and does his best to destro)' it; this is very much like the action of the medical profession towards Homoeopathy ; a rational person would naturally conclude that on hearing of what Homoeopathy could do and had done, the medical profession, whose first duty it is to save life and ameliorate suffering, would hail with jo)^ and thanksgiv- ing any discovery that promised well to realize so desirable an object; and that, without loss of time, it would fearlessly and honestly investigate the facts and prove them for itself; it is acknowledged tint by no means an inconsiderable number has adopted this course, with the result that so far as is known publicly not one single member of the allopathic professions ever under- took the serious investigation of Homoeopathy with a conscientious determination to learn the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth who did not accept the principle as his guide in the future. This is a fact worthy the serious consideration of every practical layman, and from it he may without difficulty draw his own deductions as to the reason why so few, as compared with the full roll of medical practitioners and Veterinarians in the world have adopted Hahnemann's golden rule, as their own; true, America has shown a splendid example and she has done more to foster the growth and development of this glorious, life-saving principle than any country in the world, and she in- cludes among the alumni of her famous medical colleges a suf- ficiently influential number of the loyal followers of Hahnemann who are a power in the States; still, as compared with the vast INTRODUCTION. vil ami}^ of allopathists they are but feeble folk numericall\ . The position which homoeopathists occupy would seem to furnish a sufficiently valid reason for the production of a practical manual that shall serve as a guide to laymen, especially those located in districts which lie very distant from the centres where the profes- sional veterinarian is established, and that without reference to the fact that the system offers advantages far and away superior to the old fashioned practice chiefly in vogue among the general run of veterinary surgeons. It is of the first importance that all whom it concerns should enjoy an intelligent appreciation of the difference between Homoeopathy and Allopathy; and in the first place with a view to explain the matter, it may be safely averred that whereas Allopathy means, etymologically, treating by oppo- sites, Homoeopathy is treating by likes. At first sight it looks as though Allopathy had, from a rational standpoint, the best of the argument, but as we proceed we shall discover that Allopathy furnishes no guiding principle in the selection of drugs, whereas the foundation of Homoeopathy is based upon its one guiding principle ' ' likes may be cured by likes ' ' and but for this the whole superstructure would tumble to pieces," — in fact there would be no superstructure. Let us attempt in a few simple words to clear up the objections to the old-fashioned allopathic method of prescribing; it has already been said that allopathists have no principle or law to guide them in selecting drugs for the cure of diseases, and remarkable as this may seem to those not practically acquainted with medicine, it is an undeniable fact; it has also been stated that allopathists pretend to prescribe and treat disease by opposites, that is to say they endeavor to find a drug or method of treatment which is contrary or opposed to the patient's symptoms, or dis- ease; for instance, if an animal or man is constipated, administer a purge or laxative; if loose in the bowels administer an astringent, and so on; at first sight this appears a very rational line of pro- cedure; but inquire a little further; how are you to find out the contrary or opposite of a toothache, a stomachache, a .sore throat, sickness, inflammation of the lungs, bronchitis, inflammation of the kidneys, and so on to the end of the chapter; the fact is }ou cannot do anything of the .sort, and it will be clear to the percep- tion of any practical mind, that failing this, the allopathi.sts' method has uo guiding principle about it. The same objec- Vlll INTRODUCTION. tiou arises when j^ou examine the plan allopathists adopt of treating diseases from knowledge gained through the study of pathology, which is the science that deals with the changes that go on in the various organs of the body, and the tissue or material of which those organs consist; for instance, consider what changes take place under certain conditions in the liver and the lungs; without any scientific knowledge, any man who has been in a Knacker's yard and seen these organs exposed to view could easily tell that very considerable changes had taken place in the tissue if only guided by the color and texture of these organs when diseased as compared with those recognized as in a healthy or normal condition; well! how can a contrary or opposite in the form of a drug be found to these diseased conditions? Knowledge, such as allopathists have, can only be obtained by experimenting on patients, and this many of them not only admit, but boast is their method of prescribing; experience and experiment are very forcible and effective words and sound well to the mind not specially trained in medicine, but they may be badly applied, and mislead the unwary, and so they have done, and still are doing; but it is the duty and the privilege of those who have studied the prin- ciples of Homoeopathy to show to all intelligent people who are willing to learn, that there is a rule or guiding principle, based on scientific principles, as unerring in its application tis any of the great and acknowledged laws of nature by which the Veterinarian and medical man may determine what drug to administer in the thousand and one ailments to which man and beast are dail}' fall- ing victims; to the practical layman, who looks at the matter from a common sense p^int of view, and whose mind is not biased by any old traditions, the system, which can give a well- defined reason for its regular course of action, must assuredly commend itself. Now, for the better understanding of the matter let us a.sk the question "What is Homeopathy? " Many persons are under the impression that this word is associated only with the administration of small, and in some cases infinitesimal, doses; that the drugs are generally prepared in the form of globules or pilules and are devoid of nauseous taste; but it must plea.se be distinctly understood that the.se are erroneous con- ceptions of the meaning of Homoeopathy; there is not a vestige of truth in the idea, and the reason why it became so prevalent INTRODUCTION. IX can onlj' be due to the fact that few persons have ever troubled themselves to investigate and find out the truth concerning the system; they have satisfied themselves with the result of the practice of Homoeopathy either in their own experience or that of an intimate friend, and there the matter has ended, but to avoid any misiniderstanding let it be distinctly understood the matter of the dose is one of experience only and has nothing to do with the pri)uiplc\ this alone depends upon a law based on the relationship which exists between a given drug and the symptoms it is capable of producing on a healthy sub- ject and the sjanptoms which present themselves in a subject when affected by disease. The various strengths of drugs as defined in the Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia and the very precise methods of their preparation are the results of ex- tensive practice after Hahnemann introduced the Law of selec- tion to public notice, and it is very necessary that they should be observed and adopted, for there is no doubt that very frequently the drug which is homoeopathically selected and administered in its crude form not only fails to do good but actually does harm by intensifying and rendering more acute the very condition it is intended to alleviate; further the methods of preparation, which Hahnemann laid down for the guidance of the Pharmaceutical Druggists should be conscientiously observed, as there is no doubt, whate\-er some Practitioners may say to the contrar\-, that the succussion or shaking of the tinctures and the persistent tritura- tion with the pestle and mortar of the powders brings out in some mysterious way the active power of the drug, without which it is absolutely ineffectual and useless, and to the absence of these pre- cautions are traceable the failure and disappointment which un- fortunately will crop up in homoeopathic practice; there is a great tendency in the present day to ignore the value of what are called high attenuations, simply because the practitioners who attribute little importance to the value of highlj- potentized drugs appear incapable of appreciating the fact that in this condition they are more (under certain conditions) effective than in the crude state; the fact that they are so, — these learned gentlemen notwithstand- ing, — has been prov^ed among the lower animals very frequently. But to return to the main subject, viz. the Law which consti- tutes the principle of Homoeopathy: it does not call for the ex- X INTRODUCTION. ercise of much imagination to understand that given a healthy subject, whether among the human race or the lower ani- mals, and you administer a non-poisonous dose of Arse?iic, Mei'cury, Strychnine, Aconite, Belladonna or any other drug, whether it belongs to the mineral, vegetable, or animal worlds, you will in all probability be able to observe the result, which result will make itself known by certain symptoms either experienced by the subject in the way of sensation or notice- able to the eye of anyone looking on; for instance, if a person takes sufficient Belladonna to produce the ordinary effects of this drug on the healthy, both kinds of symptoms will present them- selves: first the subjective, or symptoms of sensation experienced by the person, namely, a sore throat, headache and fever; second, a symptom observable to the eye of one looking on, nameb', a scarlet rash on the skin; this is an objective symptom. Now these subjective and objective symptoms, namely, fever, headache, sore throat and scarlet rash furnish a picture of the symptoms experi- enced by one who is the subject of scarlet fever. Belladojina there- fore is the remedy according to Hahnemann's law of drug selection for scarlet fever, and so clinical or bedside experience has proved it to be, times out of number; but in the practical application of this law there is a pitfall into which many persons fall when attempt- ing to put.it to the test, and not a few of these failures could be found among members of the medical and veterinary professions, what wonder, therefore, if a layman makes a mistake ! T\\^ pitfall consists in taking one, two, three or more symptoms while two or three others that may be present were overlooked or ignored; Hahnemann states that the totality — which means the whole of them, not leaving even one out — of the symptoms, either patent to the naked eye, or experienced or felt by the patient, must be included to enable the doctor to properly select the remedy for the case before him ; byway of illustration take scarlet fever and i9^//a- donna already referred to; a person might easily be the subject of fever and have a headache and sore throat, but if there was no bright scarlet rash on the skin depend upon it he was suffering from something other than scarlet fever; in which case the fever, headache and sore throat would not point to Belladonna as a suitable remedy; provided, always, that those three symptoms formed the totality of the symptoms of the case. With these facts INTRODl'CTION. XI before the reader it will be quite clear that to select a drug for a case of disease or illness requires close observation, especially among the lower animals who cannot give expression to their feel- ings by word of mouth; at the same time anyone constantly among animals, who is endowed with quick perception, can soon learn much from the dumb show often most intelligently displayed by these creatures that shall lead to quite as correct an estimate of their sensations as can be learned from the higher order of creation who by word of mouth not infrequently mislead by incorrect or wilfully untrue statements. It will now be seen that the homoeo- pathic law, " Likes may be cured by likes,'' has a scientific founda- tion, inasmuch as it furnishes a means for and a guide in the choice of a medicine, and for this reason alone it should commend itself to every man of ordinary intelligence. There is no diffi- culty in finding suitable remedies, inasmuch as Hahnemann and a considerable number of his followers in more recent times have tested the action of a very large proportion of the drugs now in- cluded in the pharmacopoeia upon themselves when in health, and these have been recorded in various books which are now kept for reference; of necessity the study calls for a retentive memory backed up by indomitable perseverance before an3-thing like an adequate understanding of the subject can be arrived at; but to render the present work of practical use to the horse owner who desires to treat his own animals a summary of the principal symp- toms in many of the more common ailments will be prepared, so that reference may the more readily be made to that portion of the book which deals with diseases under their recognized headings, and the special remedies will be indicated; in this manner it is hoped to compensate the layman for his want of technical knowledge and experience, and in this way assist those who by reason of locality are unable to avail themselves of professional advice. Let us now examine the position arrived at; it is an acknowledged fact among those who content themselves with prescribing drugs as the allo- pathist does, that experience is the sheet anchor on which they rel}'; let us assume that a certain man or a certain animal was the subject of an illness, which the allopathic practioner described in his professional phraseology as ''Pneumonia,'' which in plain language means " infJammation of the lung-s;" a certain course of treatment was adopted in this case and the result, together with Xll INTRODUCTION. the name of the drug or drugs used, has been handed down to future generations of practitioners; the patient recovered, hence when other cases of Pneumonia crop up the allopathist falls back upon the S3^stem of treatment which he finds recorded as above; and so the thing has gone on for ages; but not one of those who have acted on this line could give any scientific reason for the use of the drug or drugs referred to, and more often than not disap- pointment has resulted and the patient has died. An effort has been made to give loud-sounding names, based on the science known as pathology, to every form of disease, and in each of the many diseases recognized the same course of procedure has been adopted; one man has tried one thing for a given disease and suc- ceeded; another has experimented on some other drug with equally good results, and so on ad infinitum, and each in their turn pub- lished their experience in some book or journal until the medical professions have become fairly bewildered with the numerous pre- scriptions for various diseases; but this very fact should convince that some other method than an experience based on the uncertain foundation of guess work is called for; you may give names to such as Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Pleurisy and the like, and for pro- fessional descriptive purposes these names may serve a useful purpose; but there never were two cases of Pneumonia, or Bron- chitis, or Pleurisy, or any other form of disease, recognized by name, that were exactly alike; some symptoms occur in one case that do not present themselves in another, and the presence of one or more symptoms in one case that are absent in another are quite sufficient to account for the failure of a certain line of treatment that was perhaps marvellously successful in another that had pre- ceded it; the allopathic practitioner places no value upon the totality of the symptoms; in other words, he generalizes, but is not sufficiently precise. This is where Homoeopathy steps in and furnishes a definite mode of procedure; it does not ignore any symptoms; nay more, it not only includes the aggregate or totality of the symptoms pre- sented at the time by the patient, but takes into consideration any symptoms experienced or that may have been observed in the previous history of the case; and comparing all these as a whole, with the symptoms that drugs are capable of producing in the healthy body as a whole, a correct selection of a drug for a given INTRODUCTION. xiii ailment may be made on the principle or law that likes may be cured by likes; as before stated, given several cases of Pneumonia, Bronchitis, or Pleurisy, no two cases will present an exactly similar totality of symptoms, therefore, though generally speaking, the names given to these diseases may be useful, they do not furn- ish any relial)le data whereupon a doctor razy select a remedy; every case must be taken as it is found and the guide for the selection of the drug must l^e the aggregate of the symptoms pre- sented; in conclusion the law of healing (Therapeutic Law) includes two classes of symptoms: First. — The symptoms out- wardly exhibited and inwardly felt by the patient. Second. — The symptoms produced in a healthy subject by a drug; provided always that the symptoms which the drug produces are similar to those of the patient, under which circum.stances the former will relieve and remove the latter. So far our aim has been to make clear the system of medicine in accordance with which the ailments of a patient may be cured through the instrumentality of a remedy in the form of drugs; but it must be distinctly understood that as with the human subject, so, and indeed more also, with horses it frequently happens that circumstances calling for very careful attention arise in which the science of treating animals by means of drugs (therapeutics) will not meet the case adequately, or, indeed, at all; for instance, a horse meets with an injury due to an unavoidable accident, or he has his foot severely pricked while being shod; again, you may own a mare that is with foal, which, by reason of its having got into an unnatural position cannot be born w'ithout assistance; these are cases calling for operative sur- gery; and while it is not at all improbable that the condition of the patient may be such, as a consequence of these circumstances to require the administration of drugs by way of assistance, the difficulties could not be got over by drugs alone; operative sur- gery here would be the chief factor in the course of treatment; therefore it must not be imagined that cases such as these calling for mechanical interference can be cured by the administration of drugs only. Again, there are certain diseases which owe their origin to parasites, which are found both in the body and upon it externally; lor the removal of these chemical or mechanical means must be adopted; for the destruction of these animal or vegetable organisms the homoeopathic law is not applicable, though there is XIV INTRODUCTION. very little doubt that so far as internal parasites are affected much can be done to render the places of their abode in the organism an unsuitable habitation, by which is meant that the intestines when they harbor parasites are not in a healthy condition and conse- quently favor the production of parasitic germs, and that by the administration of suitable remedies they may be restored to a healthy condition and as a result rendered unfavorable to the pro- duction and development of parasites; thus far drugs may be useful, but it cannot be said that under such circumstances the homoeopathic law is brought into practice; that is to say, in the sense of curing a disease by drugs alone; the parasites have to be destroyed, hence the process is a chemical one and not a thera- peutic. Although many of these methods of treatment do not come within the possible knowledge of a lajmian, it has been deemed necessary to clearly point them out lest a misconception should arise that all diseases can be cured by drugs alone; there are limits in the application of the homoeopathic law of cure, and it is desirable that this should be clearly understood, otherwise discredit will be brought upon the principle and great disappoint- ment experienced by persons who may be attempting an impossi- bility. Although this attempt at expounding the tenets of the homoeopathic faith has been made, the author feels he has but feebly realized the objects aimed at; the difficulties have rather been enhanced by reason of the necessity laid upon him by the pub- lishers to avoid, as much as possible, technical professional terms; still it is hoped that this introductory chapter will not be without interest and utility, in so far as those who desire to avail them- selves of the work may be able to comprehend the difference between the man who has a principle to guide him in the selection of a drug for any given ailment, and he who simpl}' does so by guess work on the off chance that a cure may be hit upon. HYGIENE AND SANITATION OR PRINCIPIvES TO BE OBSERVED FOR THE PRESER- VATION OF HEALTH. The old-fashioned adage that '' preveiition is better than cure'^ cannot be more usefully brought into practice than in its applica- tion to the health of the horse and other domestic animals; for so long as a horse enjoys immunity from disease, so much more valuable is he to his owner, as no time is lost in the due fulfillment of his daily duties, to say nothing of the absence of anxiety and trouble on the owner's or stableman's minds and parts, by reason of attention and expense involved during a bout of sickness; therefore it will not be out of place to devote a special chapter to the careful consideration of how to keep a horse in health so far as ordinary precautions avail. One of the first and most important matters for consideration is the construction of the stable; few, if any, architects seem able to grasp the first principles of ventilation, or, if acquainted with them, rarely carry them into practice; free circulation of pure air com- bined with a complete freedom from cold draughts is an absolutely essential feature of a healthy stable; many horses, especiall}^ those kept for racing, hunting, trotting and carriage work, are kept in elaborately built stables in which a high temperature is maintained by keeping the inlets to fresh air tightly closed, and that without any provision for its ingress other than passes through the windows or doors. Places no better provided with ventilation than this are egregiously faulty; horses kept for sport and private convenience, especially the former, are, without doubt, rendered peculiarly sus- ceptible to disease, particularly diseases affecting the respiratory organs, by the mistake of keeping them in an unnaturally high temp2rature; it is quite possible to keep a horse sufficiently warm -to fulfill the exigencies of training for racing and hunting and 1 6 VETERINARY HOMOEOPATHY. carriage work, and still to maintain an equable temperature com- bined with a free circulation of pure air, but to do this windows and doors must not be relied upon. Windows are intended for the admission of light and doors for the passing in and out of the inhabitants. Fresh air must have a means of ingress, and foul air a means of egress peculiar to each, and that altogether separate and distinct from doors and windows; the requirements may best be provided in the following manner: The walls of the stable should be from fourteen to eighteen inches thick, and the inside should be either plastered or faced with glazed bricks, about tv/elve inches above the level of the ground outside. A longitudinal channel should be left in the centre of the wall about four and a half inches wide and nine inches deep, and on a level with this channel, both inside and out, psrforated bricks should be laid alternately; that is to say, the outside perforated bricks should not be directly opposite those inside, but alternate with them. The object of this is, of course, patent to any one, viz., to prevent direct ingress of the fresh air, and vSO obviate a draught, at the same time insuring a constant, continuous and gentle diffusion over the whole building; it is no less important to provide for the due escape of foul air as for the admission of fresh, and to this end nothing can exceed in value an open roof with louvre boards running the whole length of the stable; there is, however, one important objection to an open roof, namely, the exposure to cold in winter and heat in summer; but this may be obviated by hav-. ing a ceiling placed at the same angle as the roof, but about a foot from it, with a large central shaft and side exits under the eaves of the ceiling in the wall. This, of course, does not act so well as the open roof, but it guards the occupants of the stable from the extremes of temperature. By observing these precautious a per- fect ventilation is assured. Next to ventilation comes drainage, which in residential houses is not easy to perfect, but in stables it is a simple matter; given a reasonable fall and surface drains are all that is required within the building; each stall or loose box should have a central channel towards which the superficial area of the floor should slope in both directions, and this central channel should empty itself into a main channel running in the longitudinal direction of the build- ing, which in its turn should be discharged into an underground HYGIENE AND SANITATION. 1 7 ■drain, but this should hz so arr;ui,s:^jd that the pjiut of discharge should be situated at least six feet from the outer wall of the stable; taking for granted that the floor of the stable is paved with a suitable material that is impervious to moisture, a free sluic- ing of water will ensure cleanliness and the due washing awaj' of all excrementitious material. Ventilation and drainage being secured as near perfection as possible, it is very important to the well being of horses that they be abundantly supplied with /(^/i^, and if you cannot do better than windows in the walls, let them be arranged high up; but better than all are the vertical lights obtained from the roof; but even these are not without their objection lest the sun's rays should rest too fully upon the horses at midday; this, however, may be obviated by having the louvre doafds replaced by g/ass in the same form, and if the glass be ground or fluted the rays of the sun will be broken so as not to rest directly on the inmates of the stable. A good light is absolutely essential, not only for the sake of general health, but especially for the preservation of the •eyesight. As it is of the first importance to the health of the horse that lie should not be exposed to damp, a precaution which is only too often overlooked, it is very necessary that the site and aspect of the stable should be carefully and properly arranged; nothing, of course, beats a good gravel soil, but if the locality does not enjoy the advantage of this kind of soil, then the place should be well drained to a depth of three or four feet, and the floor of the stable should be raised at least one foot from the level of the ground and allowed to rest upon a concrete base. In the cases of Tiorses trained for racing, hunting and trotting, with whom a per- fectly-sound condition of the respiratory organs is an essential point, the adoption of open fireplaces is a great advantage, not so much in use for the sake of ensuring warmth, as to keep the stable dry and to render the ventilation more perfect, as well to maintain an even temperature during the night; of course horses can be kept warm in their bodies by the use of clothing, but no amount of clothing will keep out the moisture and cold which is so fre- ■quentl}' experienced in districts where rapid climatic changes take place, and proves so disastrous in many instances, though it is to be regretted in the interest of owners, that trainers and stud 2 1 8 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. grooms too often fail to recognize the importance of providing against this natural difficulty; indeed, there is no doubt in the author's mind that among race horses described as non-stayers, or that make a noise (roarers, whistlers, etc.), the cause in the majority of cases is to be traced to stable surroundings; the tem- perature of the building should not exceed 55° F., good food, clothing and exercise will do all else that is required to keep a horse warm and comfortable; in conclusion it need hardlj'be added that cleanliness is a sine-qua-non for the horse, as for the man, and that all excrementitious material, whether solid or fluid, should be swept up and removed with as much expedition as possible from the confines of the building; it is astonishing how rapidly putrefactive changes take place in a horse's excrement if allowed to accumulate, and specially does this apply to the urine, and when the process is established the gases are quickly diffused over the building and the otherwise pure air is loaded with foul exhala- tions which breathed in through the lungs speedily gain access to the blood and bring on low fevers of an insidious type; indeed, they are more insidious and deeply reaching in their effects upon the animal constitution than is generally recognized and render the system less able to combat those forms of disease which by their distinctive manifestations have more importance attributed to them; many a horse may be the subject of these low types of fever without showing any very precise symptoms or even appearing seriously ill, and while ready to respond to the call of tlie whip or the spur is quite unable to realize the fond hopes of his owner and trainer by winning a race or a match; but in the majority of instances the condition which is responsible for such failures may be avoided by observing the precautions in stable management herein indicated, and this applies with no less force to horses of all breeds and classes so far as general utility is concerned. The subjects which include forage, grooming, exercise and stable management generally, might fairly be included under the head of. " Hygiene,'" but as it is desirable not to lengthen out this division of the work inordinately, and every horseman is. supposed to understand these matters and to appreciate their value and importance more than the great majority appears to do that affecting the buildings, no attempt will be made to treat of same except to give a warning note about the water; this has such a. HYGIENE AND SANITATION. I9 powerful bearing upon health that it cannot be omitted. First. See that your service tanks are regularly and not un frequently cleaned out. Second. Be sure that no contaminating source from drains or otherwise can come in contact with your water supply. Third. H your horses are constantly supplied with water in the stall, be sure that the supply is changed at least twice daily, so as to avoid the passible contamination from gases originating from putrefactive sources. Fourth. Let your water supply be natural soft water if possible; but should it come from a hard spring, by all means ha\-e it boiled in order to counteract the influence ex- ercised upon the digestive organs by the minerals naturally held in solution, which are capable of acting upon the system much as a drug does when administered as a poison. vShould this sugges- tion of the boiling appear to the practical mind of some horse owner, a vague, theoretical, and impracticable sort of idea, which he has not the patience to carry out, then let him see to it that this hard, cold spring water is collected in a tank exposed to the sun's rays for a few hours before it is used; this is the next best thing, but do not fail to understand that much more care is neces- .sary with regard to water supply than is generally acknowledged if you desire to do the best you can for your horses to keep them in health. There is one more point worthy ot consideration be- fore leaving this subject of water, and whereas it is one upon which practical horsemen differ it deserves a special word: " When is the best time to allow a hard-worked horse to drink ? " In coming to a definite opinion upon this vexed question it be- hooves the practical man to bear in mind the anatomy of the horse; First. Remember that the stomach of the horse, compared with other parts of the body, is decidedly small; Second. That he is supplied with a large bag-.shaped compartment in the intestinal tract, which forms a sort of cul de sac and is called the Caecum which serves the purpose of what may be described a water stomach: when a horse drinks, the fluid does not remain any length of time in the digestive stomach but quickly passes on to the Caecum and from thence is distributed over the body. Now this being the case it points distinctly to the desirability of allow- ing the horse to partake of such an amount of fluid as the natural call of thirst demands before taking food, because the water which has passed on to the Caecum will serve the purpose of 20 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. slaking thirst without diluting or interfering with the normal digestive secretions of the stomach which begin to pour out so soon as masticated food enters the organ and hence the process of digestion, can go on without interruption, and the assimula- tion of the alimentary material in its physiologically natural con- dition will take place; if water is given after feeding, while the process of digestion is going on in the stomach, the natural diges- tive fluids are diluted, they cannot act in this state upon the alimentary material and digestion is arrested until the fluid has passed on to its proper locality, the Caecum, still further argu- ments, might easily be adduced in favor of allowing a hard worked horse to drink before he is allowed to eat, and in the cases of horses such as hunters which have probably been called upon for the exercise of great exertion, and have been hours without any food, it would be a safe course to allow at least a quarter of an hour to elapse after letting them drink before giving food of any sort, and even then not more than a handful or two of long hay while they are being cleaned and dressed, after which the circulation will have assumed its normal pressure and the stomach will be prepared to receive the food and perform its natural functions. The object of this chapter has been to merely touch upon the main points affecting the sanitary conditions which have a baneful influence on horses of all classes, and not to attempt to deal with the subject in extenso; it is intended to serve as a sort of warning to owners against some of the dangers they have to provide against; to deal with hygiene comprehensively would entail a much longer chapter than the limits of this will provide, therefore the reader must please understand that no attempt has been made to deal with this important subject in an exhaustive manner. DIAGNOSIS. HOW TO FIND OUT THE BEST COURSE OF TREAT- MENT. One of the chief difficuUies, which besets even the experienced professional practitioner, is to determine what is really the matter with his patient, especially when first called into a case; without doubt there are distinct types of disease which it is comparatively easy to distinguish at first sight, but the cases which baflfle the honest practitioner to discern right off the reel are occurring very frequently, especially if called upon to state what really is the matter in orthodox medical phraseology; and if the experienced practitioner finds it difficult to discover how the case stands, cer- tainly the layman is placed in a much more difficult position when compelled by force of circumstances to rely upon his own powers of discrimination unaided by professional experience. To assist such a one is the object of this chapter; it is comparatively eas}' to write a description of the various diseases affecting the horse, but it is not so easy to explain to the untrained novice how he should proceed. Certainly an intelligent layman, who is endowed with powers of observation and discrimination, can the more readily learn what to do in cases of urgent necessity when guided by the principles of homoeopathy, than can the allopathist with his vague and uncertain generalities; still for any one to turn to practical account a work on medicine, written in the plainest and most un- conventional language, demands the exercise of keen observation. Many and varied are the indications which horses of varying tem- perament and differing character exemplify when they first begin to feel ill. These indications will be referred to further on; but first let it be understood that having observed that something appears wrong with your animal, what should you do to make sure you have not formed a wrong impression; in other words, 21 22 VETERNARY HO.MCEOPATHV. how are you to proceed to determine first, ivhclher there is any- thing the matter, and second, ivhat is it / In the early stages of disease, before any decided symptoms present themselves, there is nothing so surely indicative of prospective trouble as the exaltation of the internal heat of the body above that recognized as the normal standard; to enable any one to satisfy himself upon this point a cheap little instrument, known as the thermometer, is avail- able; it is so constructed that one portion of the quicksilver serves as an indicator which remains in position after use until shaken down; any instrument maker selling same will show a purchaser ho V to proceed if he does not already understand its application and use; most of these instruments are constructed on the Fahren- heit record, and, according to this, the normal or healthy standard is 98.5 degrees, and anything above loo degrees must be con- sidered suspicious in the horse; a further test in a few hours should be made to discover whether the thermometer continues to rise, if it does so, then further, developments must be looked for; this departure or variation in the temperature of the body from the normal standard of 98.5 degrees may be taken as a most sig- nificant indication of the development of disease, and no horse owners, especially those who have to rely upon their own unaided judgment in the management of their stables, should be without a clinical thermometer; in England a good one costs about twelve or fifteen shillings; not infrequently, in cases of simple fever brought on by extra exertion on a very hot day, the temperature will run up to 105 or 106 degrees rapidly, and, after proper treat- ment, recede almost as quickly; but, as a rule, a high temperature, say of 103 to 104 degrees that is maintained, means a serious ill- ness: if such proves to be the case, the regular use of the ther- mometer must be relied on at stated intervals, and, better still, at positively exact hours, say 8 o'clock in the morning and 8 o'clock in the evening. As a rule, under favorable conditions, the ther- mometer will register two or three decimals of a degree higher at night than in the morning. And so long as the instrument shows an uniform register for several days, it is fair to conclude that the crisis is not reached. Should the temperature rise still higher it generally leads one to conclude that matters are rather worse than better; again, if the thermometer shows a rapid fall in tempera- ture and registers below the 98.5 degrees, .say 95 or 96 degrees, it DIAGNOSIS. 23 is almost a certain indication that nature has entirely given way and death is at hand; but the most favorable indications, judged thermometrically, are when the temperature, after attaining the maximum, gradually drops a few decimals of a degree every day until the normal 98.5 degrees is again reached and nature's balance is restored. Pulse. — Next to the temperature of the body as registered by the thermometer the state of the pulse ranks in importance; but considerable practice and experience is called for, otherwise too much may be made of certain indications on the one hand and too little on the other; it is hardly necessary to state that the pulsations of an arter\' indicate the contractions or beats of the heart, which, according to circumstances, may vary in rapidity within a given time; also in rapidity and degree between the beats; in hardness, softness, wiriness, or fullness, according to the amount of blood pressure; in the interval occurring between the several beats, whether regular or irregular, and, if the latter, in the form the irregularity assumes. The ordinary number of beats or pulsations in the healthy horse varies from 36 to 40, though occasionally a slow, lieavy-dispositioned animal, who is not easily disturbed, may be found with a pulse of 32; on the contrary an irritable, nervous horse will have a normally healthy pulse of 45. This variation in character and mental impression in the horse demands thoughtful consideration and due allowance to be made when about to take the pulse; if the horse is naturally unconcerned and immovable no great caution is called for when approaching him for the pur- pose of testing the pulse: but if, on the contrary, he is naturally excitable and nervous it is well to spend a few minutes in gently talking to him with a view to gaining his confidence and allowing time for the heart, which has probably been considerably accele- rated in its action, to slow down to the condition in which it was before 3'ou entered the stall or box; by the exercise of such care only can you discover all you want to learn from the pulsation of the heart; and inasmuch as it is impossible for a layman to esti- mate correctly the difference in the various pulsations and the relative meaning of any variation from the normal standard so as to differentiate between a structurally diseased heart and one that is merely affected sympathetically, it would be wise of every horse owner, trainer and stableman to practice periodically the taking of 24 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. the pulse in a healthy horse, as he will be able at all events to dis- tinguish between a healthy pulse and one that indicates a dis- ordered state of the system, and this, after all, is about as mucii as a lay horseman can expect to attain to; there are three special things to be observed in taking the pulse, namely, the number of beats per minute, which in health will on the average be 33 to 40; the regularity in the time between one beat and the next; and the even state of the blood pressure in the artery rendering it uniformly compressible; the following variations from the normal may be observable, viz: hard and full; soft and full; intermittent; irregular as to compressibility; weak, thin, small, wiry, thready; oppressed, by which is understood a very full artery with a very in- distinct pulsation; and the hard, throbbing pulse, which is sug- gestive of acute inflammation in some organ; finally there is the exceptionally slow pulse, which, when present in an animal that has in health a pulse of normal speed and regularit}', suggests brain disease. The artery, which is most usually selected for pulse taking, is that known as the submaxillary; it will be found winding round the angle of the jaw in company with the vein and the duct of the parotid gland, from which two vessels it must be distinguished; the artery is almost always, if not invariably, found situate in front of the duct and vein, and will be found to be the most firm and elastic of the three; another artery which may conveniently be used for the purpose is the radial; it is situate higher up, inside the forelegs, and will be felt just in front of the elbow-joint by introducing the fingers between the leg and the breast; this SLVtery is also accompanied by a vein. The two central fingers, or the second and third, are the best to take the pulse with, and these should be laid transversely along the artery wuth just sufficient pressure thereon to enable the operator to observe the number of beats per minute, which should be told off with a stop-watch having a large second-hand. It is absolutely necessary to care- fully distinguish between an artery and a vein, as in the latter no pulse is observable for anatomical reasons that do not call for ex- planation here, suffice it to say that it is the artery that must be relied upon. Another very satisfactory method of checking off the number of heart beats per minute is to have the near foreleg pulled right DIAGNOSIS. 25 forward and place your right ear against the side of the breast, when you will distinctly hear the beat of the double heart; that is to say, you hear the closing of the valves of the uppsr part of the heart first, immediately followed by the closing of the valves of the lo'.vjr half of tlis heart; these two sounds have to be counted as one in calculating the pulsations of the artery; but the plan affords a very nice check in case of irregularity of the pulsations and if the substance of the heart or its valves are at fault, it is the more readily observed by this method of auscultation or listening to the heart's sounds. In utilizing the pulse for purposes of diagnosis it must be borne in mind that while frequency of beat is always present in cases of acute fever and in inflammation of the internal organs, and may be relied upon as a certain indication of disease, provided the frequency is maintained for any length of time — say some hours — still it must be remembered that teniporar\^ altera- tion in the action of the heart may be brought on by violent ex- ertion, by excitement, or even by indigestion after partaking too freel)^ of food on an empty stomach, as in the case of a hunter after a long day or a cart horse that has had many consecutive hours of work, all of which must be taken into calculation in estimating the importance and bearing of any deviation from the recognized healthy standard of the pulse. Respiration. — One of the first things that attracts the atten- tion of a practical horseman to the fact that there is something wrong with an animal, is that the horse is blowing, but it is very easy to attach either too much or too little impDrtance to the ir- regular performance of this function; it has this advantage, how- ever, that whereas other indications of present or coming illness might easily be overlooked until well established, the acceleration of the performance of the act of breathing generally commences as soon as the horse begins to feel unwell, and in this way it serves as a warning to the stableman that some attention is called for; under such circumstances the first thing to do is to take the temperature and then the pulse; the best place to observe the number, and in a certain degree, the character of the respirations is the flank; the normally healthy horse breathes as a rule thirteen times in sixty s2conds. While in health there is a fairly uniform re- lationship between the act of breathing and the pulsation of the heart, because of the interchange of chemical products which 26 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. takes place between the air and the blood as the former passes in and out of the lungs, it is a singular fact that in disease this uni- form relationship is not maintained; for instance, in the earlier stages of a disease the pulse may have risen to 85 or 90 beats per minute; the temperature stand at 105 degrees and the breathing be fifty respirations a minute; in the course of twenty-four or thirty-six hours the respiration may have dropped to 25 per minute, while the state of the pulse and tempera- ture are only slightly changed; or, on the other hand, the tem- perature might have dropped to say 103 degrees and the pulse to 60 without any decrease in the number of respirations; from this fact it will be seen that uniformity of action on the part of the the heart and the lungs must not be always anticipated, nor need the absence of the uniformity cause too much anxiety; it is a proof, however, that nothing must be left to casual observation, nor must you allow 5"0urself to be misled by the mere fact that on the one hand the horse is the better because he breathes less fre- quently, or that he is no better because his respirations continue unaltered in frequenc3\ It must also be remembered that the character of the act of breathing differs; on the one hand you have what is called abdominal breathing, this is effected by the contraction of the muscles of the abdomen and is most noticeable in the flank; again there is the chest breathing and whichever of these two classes of breathing predominates and are most clearh- observable it indicates that the other is the seat of disease because the muscles of the diseased portion of the organism cannot act properly and so the burden of the respiratory act is thrown on the other part, namely, either the cavity of the chest where the lungs are located, or the cavity of the abdomen, the part where the intestines are situated. There is one special form of breathing in the horse which deserves notice in passing because it serves as a distinct evidence of that condition known as '' broken-zvi?id;" the inspiration or act of drawing in the air, and the expiration or the act of sending out the air are not regular, but spasmodic in expiration; this will be observed by noticing a line along the course of the flank as though the muscles were tightly drawn together every time the air is expired and this line is seen to move like a wave along its course with two distinct efforts of expiration; at the same time the horse is troubled with a peculiar cough; this, DIAGNOSIS. 27 however, is only mentioned in passing; the fuller particulars will be gone into under the proper heading. When the abdominal breathing is very pronounced and you have therefore an indication that the thoracic cavity is the seat of the disease, namely, that either congestion of the lungs, or bron- chitis or pleurisy, or worse still, all three combined are present, then your attention must be given to find out by what is called auscultation, (or listening to the sounds) of the chest, by apply- ing the ear to both sides of the horse; the chest, roughl}^ speaking, being included in that portion of the body which is en- closed within the ribs, and whereas the lungs occupy a consider- able space, they offer a rather large surface for examination, for which reason the ear should be carefully applied to various parts of the chest in order to be sure which portion of the lungs, and whether only one is affected, or both are. As recommended in the case of taking the temperature and the pulse, an amateur would do well to practice carefully on healthy animals so as to learn what the normal sounds of the chest are, and this will en- able him the more readily to discern anything out of the common when disease is present. It is very important that the operation should be practiced in a perfectly quiet place so that the attention of neither operator nor patient is distracted. As there would be no practical utility in going deeply and closely into a definition of all the recognized deviations from the healthy standard of breath- ing in the horse, and it will be sufficient for the purpose of this work to endeavor to explain two or three of the most noticeable departures from the normal, it is essential to a clear understand- ing that the sounds observable in health should be explained; shortly, they represent an even, soft murmur like the gentle rust- ling of thick foliage on a quiet summer's night listened to at a distance; the sound pitch is much the same during both inspira- tion and expiration, though it must be distinctly understood that between the two acts a pause takes place; the character of the sound has also been likened to that produced by gently rubbing two pieces of silk together. In contra-distinction to the soft respirator}' murmur heard in a health}' animal, modifications of the same will be observable in disease; the sounds may be harsh and roiii^h, suggestive of inflammation of the lungs; deep in tone, in- dicating the early stages of bronchitis when the larger tubes are 28 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. first affected. Should this condition remain unchecked and the disease extend to the finer ramifications of the very small bronchial tubes the sound will become high pitched like a whistle pipe. Further the sounds may convey the impression that the air is passing over something dry or that rough substances are being rubbed together, while on the contrary the sounds may represent air bubbles passing through a liquid. The dry, grating sound is generally observed in the earlier stages of respiratory disease, and hence precedes the moist sounds; the latter suggest the presence of mucus, blood or pus in the cavities of the bronchial tubes. A still further modification in the respiratory murmur is a crackling sound like the breaking of small sticks; this again may be followed by a gurgling or drip- ping sound like the dropping of fluid into fluid; these conditions are generally present in cases of pleurisy, and this diagnosis may frequently be confirmed b}^ observing that the acts of inspiration and expiration are not regular as in health, but catchy, short and very irregular. There is still one more abnormality in the chest sounds, which, though very infrequent still invoU'es such serious consequences if not recognized and properly treated, that passing notice must be granted it; reference is made to that sound which is represented 'better than anything else by the tenn cavernous, namely, like the sounds emitted from a hollow cavern in the rocks; and this des- cription is very appropriate as these particular sounds never occur unless a cavity, due to an abscess, is present in one of the lungs, the abscess being a sequel usually, though not invariably, to in- flammation of the lungs in the horse; one very unmistakeable char- acteristic of this condition is, however, almost alwaj^s present, nsLtnely, ''stinking breath,'" which seems to impregnate the whole atmosphere of the stable. There are other sounds associated with respiration that have not immediate relation to the the lungs but may be due to other parts of the respiratory tract or to the supply of nervous force thereto, such as grunting, roaring, whistling, coughing, broken wind, .shortness of breath and so on, but it is not necessary to deal with these here, as they will, with sufficient treatment, have to be considered under separate headings, more- over, every practical horseman can recognize them without the necessity of any suggestions here. So far the consideration nf DIAGNOSIS. 29 aids to diagnosis, or how to find out what ails the animal, have been confined to temperature, pulse and respiration; now we must proceed to note other evidences of illness as they present them- selves in the patient; in other words, we want to get at the S3'mp- toms; not merely one or two of those most easily observed, but the totality, the whole of them; this is most important, and calls for the exercise of patience, time and keen observation. Assuming first that the temperature is high, say 104 or 105 de- grees, and the pulse and respirations rapid, it is fair to conclude that we have to contend with some disease in an acute form; next, we must, if possible, determine whether the whole system is involved, and if so, what class of disease we have to contend against, or whether some particular organ or organs, say the kidneys, or the liver, are implicated and the brunt of the disease settled therein; to assist one to form a conclusion as to which, if either, of the organs is invaded, we have in the case of the kidneys the condi- tion of the urine to be noted, examined, and perhaps tested by an analytical chemist if such an one is available, or if the liver is the chief seat of disease, the yellow color of the mucous mem- branes of the eyes, nose and mouth serve to point to this organ; moreover, in confirmation of this suggestion as to the liver, it is very frequently found that the faeces (or dung) are pale in color and very fluid in consistence, excoriating the surface of the skin wherever the faeces happen to touch; the urine, also, will be of a deep orange color; in addition to these objective sj^mptoms there is a very important subjective symptom to be noted; on the right . or off side of the horse just behind the ribs is the seat of a promi- nent portion of the liver, if you press this with the ends of your fingers you will be able to learn whether there is anj^ pain or ten- derness of the organ, as the horse will tell you by flinching, or in an acute case by grunting; care, however, must be taken to dis- criminate between animals that are naturally touchy and do not care to be handled at all, otherwise you may be misled; should it be clear on pressure that pain is e.Kperienced, it is fair to assume that congestion of the liver is present. In further examining a patient it is well to look at the lining membrane of the nose and eyes and note the condition; whether it is dry or abnormallv moist; whether the color is the healthy pink or whether on the other hand it is blue and leaden or of a bright verraillion, either 30 VETERIXARV HOMCEOPATHY. of which is suggestive of mischief; proceed next to the glands between the jaws and also the parotid gland, wdiich lies just be- hind either jaw from the bottom of the ears downwards, i-f the glands are clearly perceptible to the touch, being either hard and knotty, or soft, swollen and tender, it is clear that these symptoms will have to be taken into account. That portion of the poll, just between and slightly posterior to the ears, should be exam- ined, for when the injury known as '' poll evil " has advanced to the stage of suppuration ( formation of matter ), it affects the ner- vous system of the horse to such a degree that he appears very dull, heavy and generally ill, and no doubt feels so, and very much more than mere surgical interference is called for here; the same remarks apply with equal force to a case of fistulous withers, which are brought on generally by badly fitting saddles, and occa- sionally collars; it is very important in such cases as these or in those affecting any other part of the body where injury has been sustained and serious inflammation set up, followed by suppura- ion (formation of matter), to regularly take the animal's temper- ature, as the formation of matter generally affects the whole sys- tem, makes the animal feel ill and unless properly treated with a remedy which is capable of arresting the formation of matter (pus), serious consequences may and do frequently follow if such means are not adopted; and the body temperature is a guide to tell one whether the tendency to form pus is arrested or not; if not, the temperature will either continue to rise, or if previously high, will be maintained; on the other hand if it graduall}^ falls, one is justified in the conclusion that the tendency to form pus is arrested, and that the existing abscess will speedily ripen and dis- charge itself and thereafter the cavity heal up; it may be well to remark in passing here, lest the idea should be conveyed that the internal administration of the suitable drug should be solely relied upon, that antiseptic local treatment may also be advan- tageously adopted; indeed it is absolutely necessary where, as in fistulous withers, the opposing walls of the sinus (or cavity), come constantly in contact, because the living organisms which certainly encourage the further development of pus require to be destroyed, hence the internal and the local treatment should go hand in hand. One is not less important and necessary than the other, if a rapid and complete cure is to be effected; it should, DIAGNOSIS. 31 however, be distinctly understood that homoeopathic practi- tioners are alone able to apply this double-barrelled system for the simple reason that in such cases allopathists rely solely upon local and surgical treatment and indeed know nothing of the remedies honioeopathists use for arresting the formation of pus in the body. To proceed with your inquiry, it should be the aim to discover if the horse has any pain, and, if so, where. When the pain is located in some part of the abdomen (or belly), the horse more frequently than not lies down, rolls, all of a sudden jumps up and turns his head to one or other side, and, perhaps, if very acute, will snap at or try to bite the place where the pain is most severe; these are the methods the horse has of telling where the pain is situated, and, of course, it points to some portion of the intestinal tract (or gutj, or to some organ, as kidneys, liver, spleen, etc., located in the abdomen and among the intestines, or it may be to the presence of a calculus (or .stone) in the intestines; having this guide you will then be in a position to find out from other symptoms what has to be contended with and how to proceed. There is one practice very common amongst veterinary surgeons, as well as stableman, in cas^s that so frequently occur among draught horses which the author, from practical experience, strongly condemns, namely, the custom of keeping a horse con- tinually on the move when suffering from any pain that naturally induces him to roll. ''Keep him on his legs^"' the man says: ''don't Jet hint era doivn ! " The author condemns the practice as absolute nonsense on the one hand and gross cruelty on the other, for by preventing a horse from rolling, you frustrate the only thing he can do to afford himself some measure of relief; by one's own experience when suffering from the "belly-ache^'" it is quite certain that relief does follow a good roll, and if in the man, why not in the horse ? The advocate of the ' ' kcehinr on the leo^s ' ' principle will tell you that to allow a horse to roll involves the risk of a twisted gut; but where is the proof? If a horse that afterwards died proved to have a twisted gut, it is most probable that the twisted gut was the cause of the pain and not the result of a roll while the pain was on; the "twist" more than likely having been made when the horse was called upon for some extra exertion in pulling a 32 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY, heavy load. No ! Whenever your horse has pain that induces him to roll, take off his halter and all his clothing, put him into a big, loose box, or open yard, where there is plenty of straw and let him roll to his heart's content, j^ou in the interim watching that he does not get cast on his back, and doing what j^ou can by the administration of suitable remedies, or rather a suitable remedy, to remove the cause of the pain. There is one very suggestive habit a horse has, particularly when he is in a loose box, if he is the subject of a calculus (or stone,) in the intestines, namely, that of pressing his hindquarters firmly against the wall, and all the while straining as though he were going to have a motion. Horses will frequentl}^ rest their heads sideways on the manger, or against the wall; in such cases look out for diseased molar teeth or brain disease; the former can readily be discovered by examination, and the latter may be partially confirmed if the pupils of the eyes are either very much dilated or contracted. Another very suggestive subjective symptom occurs when the horse poses himself repeatedly, as in the act of urination and probably strains as though he wanted to pass water which in all probability he does; in such cases the condition of the urine will furnish the confirmatorj' indication required. It is hardly necessary to state that the condition of the faeces (or dung) is an all important physical symptom which serves as a guide in many instances to disorders of the digestive system, and under this head it will be necessary to look for information herein, before deciding what to do. There is one point that almost invari- ably exercises the mind of a horseman; indeed the subject is one that causes great anxiety to almost all men, whether it effects themselves or their charges; we refer to constipation of the bowels; this matter will be dealt with in its proper place and merely in passing do we wish to draw your attention to the fact, because there really is no necessity in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred to be so wonderfully concerned if the excretion of the faeces is temporarily suppressed; how to get over this difficulty will be ex- plained under its proper heading, and it will be found that this object can be attained without the usually violent measures of purgation. Roughly speaking the foregoing are some of the most prom- inent indications by which a horseman may discover what DIAGNOSIS. 33 disease he has to refer to, and therefore the line of treatment to be adopted in cas2s of iUness; much remains for him to find out, and there is a great call for the exercise of common sense; still it is hoped that this chapter, taken in conjunction with the list of predominant s>niptoms and the chapters specially dealing with each disease in the body of the work, will go very far to en- able one, who is a real obser\-er, to alleviate the pains and suffer- ings which so frequently fall to the lot of the horse, especially the hard-working animal, that contributes so largely to the material prosperity of his owner, from whom he deserves the utmost care and consideration that an intelligent human being can lavish upon one who is entirel}' dependent for the most ordinary comforts of an e^iistence upon his forethought and provision. THE STRENGTH of DRUGS and the DOSE. The subjects which we propose to treat of in this division of our work demand the careful and thoughtful consideration of any and all who would turn to best account the information we hope to offer to our readers and students; the term ' ' strength of drugs ' ' is here adopted not because it strictly represents the author's views or is by any means a correct description of the various, pharmaceutical processes to which all drugs, other than those in the absolutely crude form, should be submitted by the honest hom- oeopathic pharmaceutical druggist; we repeat it is not because the term is a correct one that we use it, but because to the untrained mind of the layman it more nearly conveys the idea which he has been accustomed to accept as the explanation of the various potencies or attenuations which all who have accepted Homoeo- pathy as their law in medicine are acquainted with; at the same time we shall try and explain why we do not consider it a correct term to use, and further why it is calculated rather to mislead. It has been already stated that potencies and dosage have nothing to do with the law " Similia Similibus Curantur," nor do they in the slightest degree bear upon the true meaning of the principle laid down by Hahnemann. This fact cannot be too strongly em- phasized by the author nor remembered too often by the reader,- potencies and dosage are merely matters of experience; it has been found that all drugs, generally, and some more than others, are far more effective in their action — the same being more prompt, deci-sive and permanent — after being submitted to the various pro- cesses which will now be explained. In the first place let us point out that the homoeopathic druggist has to be mathemati- cally precise if he is to do his work correctly and according to the rule of the homoeopathic pharmacy; to this end two forms of calculation have been adopted in the reduction of drugs, the cen- tesimal and the decimal; these words explain their own meaning: and here it may be pointed out in passing, that although the term 34 THE STRENGTH OF DRUGS AND THE DOSE. 35 ^^ potencies " has so far been adopted, it is far too closely allied in meaning to the word ' ' strength ' ' to which we have already taken exception, to be further used; our object has been to gradually bring the student round to understand the application of the term "ATTENUATION," upon which we shall hereafter rely in describ- ing the fractional minuteness and the infinitesimal quantity of the various drug preparations — and it is certainly not used here in the sense applied to it in the British Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia as indicating that the specific attenuation contains more or less of the crude material, but rather that it indicates the extent to which the drug has been attenuated, pulverized, dynamized and diffused, by which means its power has been developed: the prevailing idea that the stronger the drug is in the possession of its natural qualifications for producing specific effects on the healthy organ- ism, the better and more reliable it is for administration to the sick, has long been exploded, even among allopathists, if we are to accept their prescriptions as illustrative of their simple faith: but homoeopathists, especially those who possess faith enough to follow strictly all the tenets of their master, Hahnemann, have discovered that drugs in their crude, and therefore physiologically strongest condition, do not best serve the purposes of the healing art; indeed, those who are most skeptical on this point will admit the illustration which common Sulphur furnishes in support of this statement, for it is a well-known fact that this agent will pass through the system practically unaltered in its crude state, but after it has been submitted to the various processes of attenu- ation up to the thirtieth centesimal, and much higher still, the effects it will produce upon the system is simply marvellous; if with Sulphur why not any other drug you can name ? Some one may say that its inertness in the crude form accounts for this, but that argument does not seem to meet the case, as any one who will think for a moment will readih' decide. Before offering our reasons for the greater utility of the attenuations which we claim to exist, we must hark back to a description of the processes the drugs should undergo that the student ma}- the better appreciate the importance of obtaining the exact attenuation prescribed. For the sake of brevity and conciseness let it be understood that the drugs used in pharmaceutical preparations exist in two forms, the fluid represented by tinctures and the solid represented by 36 VETERIXARY HOMCEOPATHY. powders or triturations; the vehicle used for reduction of fluids generally consists of alcohol, that for solids consists of sugar of milk: in preparing the liquid attenuations the process starts at a fixed standard, which in preparing from the vegetable substance the druggist understands how to fix uniformly and describes as the mother tinctures: from this mother tincture the centesimal and decimal scales are prepared; namely, for the first centesimal from two to six drops of tincture are mixed with ninety-four to ninety-eight drops of alcohol according to drug power of tinctures; for the second centesimal one part of the first centesimal (which is recognized by the plain figure of one) to ninety-nine of alcohol and so on from one attenuation to another until j'ou attain the thirtieth or two hundredth; the same proportion is adhered to in the decimal scale, namely, from two to six drops of tincture are mixed with four to eight drops of alcohol according to drug power of tincture and so on through each series up to the thirtieth deci- mal, each attenuation being recognized by the marks ix, 2x, 3X, and so on as high as the preparation has been carried; a similar course of proceeding is adopted with the solids by weight, say ninety-nine grains of sugar of milk to one grain of the crude ma- terial for the centesimal scale, and nine grains of the sugar of milk to one grain of the drug proper for the decimal scale, and so on with each attenuation as high as the dispenser desires to carry it. But this actual measurement by no means exhausts the necessities of the process; the liquid attenuations have to be submitted to violent shaking or succussion; and the powders have to be sub- mitted to an exhaustive course of trituration or pulverization with pestle and mortar, according to distinct rules fixed by Hahne- mann, and even if these processes are carried far beyond the limits assigned by the great master no harm will come of them; it is better to err on the side of excess than the other way about; and to show why this is the case we will proceed to explain the advantage derivable from these various processes. During each progressive process of trituration the various pirticles of the medicinal agent become more finely divided, and the author is of opinion that not only is it to this very minute subdivision of particles that the agent derives its activity, but that it develops an inherent power not previously possessed; but without attempting to reason this out we will confine ourselves to the physical aspect TIIK STRENGTH OF DRUGS AND THE DOSE. 37 and on this ground furnish a reason for a belief in the greater activity of a highly attenuated drug: we take it that no one will question the assertion that six, twelve or fifteen processes of trit- uration must of necessity reduce the particles of a drug more and more as each process is effected, namel}', that those particles of the drug in the fifteenth decimal attenuation would require a much higher power of the microscope to discern than do those in the third decimal, for instance; now let us consider in what way med- icinal agents so broken up are better qualified to do their work than those administered in their original state. To this end we must remember that the various parts and organs of the body are built up of tissues peculiar thereto; for instance muscle, fat, carti- lage, bone, nerve, etc.; each of these tissues consists of special elements varying in structure and density but in all alike, not- withstanding their various modifications as recognized by the naked eye, can be traced back as the starting point of their ultimate structure what is described in phj'siology as the cell, to ■discover w^hich one has to call in the aid of a microscope. Of these simple materials the body is built up, and before a drug can exercise its own peculiar power it must be rendered capable of penetrating the walls of these cells, the first elements of the tissues of the body; and whereas the cells themselves are so small, it follows as a natural consequence that drugs to per- meate or pass to them must be reduced to a condition to render such a process phj'sically possible: to further illustrate our mean- ing, look what takes place in the vegetable world as ordained by the great power that made and rules the Universe; how do plants appropriate nutriment which comes to them through the media of rain, sunshine and air? It is generally acknowledged that this takes place through the leaves only, if }-ou examine a leaf under a high magnifying power, you will observe that the surface is studded with thousands of minute openings; microscopic pores, and through these the rain has to pass if the chemical products it contains are to be utilized as nutriment; can a drop of rain pass through these ? Certainly not ! But nature has her methods and plans of attenuation; each drop of rain the size of a pea can be broken up into millions upon millions of molecules, and this is effected in the form of dew or condensed vapor; so fine, indeed, that the moisture in this form can freely pass through the micro- 38 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. scopical orifices on the surface of the leaf and thus reach the primary elements of plant life; what saj's the " Word'' on this subject: "J/)' doctri7ic shall be as the rain, My speech shall distil as the dezv as I he s)>iall rain upon the tender herb.'' If such min- ute provision has to be made in nature's laboratory for the appro- priation of ordinary nutriment in the vegetable world, should it be cause for surprise that at least a similar amount of care and trouble is called for in the animal world when the healing of the sick is concerned! We hope that this simple illustration will serve to point a lesson as to the necessity of the careful attenuation of drugs and that the importance of this pharmaceutical process, peculiar to the homoeo- pathist, will be fully appreciated. Some persons have an idea that animals require stronger medicine, and very much more of it at a dose, than do human beings, physiologically. We cannot now, nor ever could, see a reason for this, and experience cer- tainly does not confirm the suggestion. Some allowance cer- tainly is made, as a matter of practice, for size and bulk of body, but whether it is absolutely necessary, is open to considerable doubt. The adoption of the word ' ' strength ' ' in its application to the various processes of attenuation is apt to mislead because it con- veys the idea only of the relative quantity of the crude drug present in the preparation; for instance, a remedy such as Arseni- cum marked 3. means that the preparation contains the one mil- lionth part of the drug arsenic; in other words, it has been sub- mitted to three processes of trituration on the centesimal scale; take Arsenicu?n 6x, this, like the former, contains the one millionth part of the drug arsenic in its composition, but it has been submitted to six processes of trituration under the decimal scale in conse- quence of which the arsenic in this form must be worked up to a much finer state than the sample that has only been triturated three times, and according to the author's belief, which is based on practical experience, this sample under the decimal scale pos- sesses powers of action which that under the centesimal cannot have, inasmuch as the latter has only been triturated three times. So far for the attenuation of drugs; we will now pass on to the dosage. As a rule lo the larger animals such as the horse, it is usual to THE strp:ngth of drugs and thp: dose. 39 administer from ten to fifteen drops per dose whatever the at- tenuation, being guided more by the condition of the malady — whether the same is acute or chronic — than by the precise at- tenuation of the drug. In very acute cases such as those of simple fever brought on by exposure to the sun on a very hot day in which the temperature runs up rapidly as high as io6 degrees or even 107 degrees — though the latter is considered extremely suggestive of danger — the drug may satisfactorily be given in the crude form, when ten drops should suffice; but these are rare cases, and we may possibly account for their useful administra- tion in this form from the fact that the excessively high tempera- ture renders the tissues more susceptible and hence better capable of appropriating the remedial qualities of the drug, but as soon as a turn takes place, the drug should be given in gradually higher and higher attenuations, and this same principle applies with equal force when the malady to be treated is not of so acute and exalted a character, and the ordinary attenuations of 3X or 6x as prescribed in the body of the work are administered in the earlier stages of the case; it will be found extremely useful to commence with these and as convalescence is becoming established to administer the same drug in a higher attenuation, by which is meant, commencing with 3X then 6x and finish off with i2x. In all cases therefore, where the dose is not referred to under the various prescriptions given it should be understood that ten minims (or drops) of a tincture and ten grains of a powder for trituration) are the doses to be given. In cases of acute illness the repetition of such doses must depend upon the seriousness of the case and the nature ot the malady. If the animal is in verj^ acute pain, the doses may be repeated as often as every quarter of an hour for a time until some relief is obtained, after which the intervals between the doses may be extended to an hour, three hours and so on7 but in ordinary cases of illness three or four doses daily at intervals of four hours are sufficient. In administering these medicines the tinctures are best mixed with a .small quantity — say a wineglassful — of quite clean water; rain water that has been filtered is the best if it is not practicable to obtain distilled water; if the latter is available, by all means use it; a .strong soda water bottle is far the most useful instrument for drenching the horse with, because the glass does not absorb the 40 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. essential quality of the drug used, and can readily be cleansed with very hot water; moreover these bottles are made of glass that is so hard and tough they will even bear the force which a horse can exercise with his jaw without breaking: horns are very frequentl}' used for the purpose but cannot be recommended because their porous nature decidedly favors the absorption of whatever agent is used, and whereas the homoeopathically pre- pared drugs are very sensitive their influence may easily be neu- tralized by coming in contact with what has been previously administered from a vessel made of horn. Great care must be exercised in the use of triturations, not to administer remedies of lower attenuation than are prescribed herein; in all such drugs as arsenic, mercury, copper, etc., noth- ing of a lower attenuation than the third decimal should be used, otherwise a poisonous dose may easily be given: it must be remembered that the third decimal attenuation is equivalent to one part of the crude drug in a thousand parts of the attenuated powder, while in the second decimal scale one part of the crude drug is contained in a hundred parts of the triturated powder; were one to give continuous ten-grain doses second decimal of such dangerously powerful drugs as arsenic and mercury serious and quite unlooked for consequences might be the result. There is still another side of this question bearing upon the influence the process of trituration has upon certain agents like sulphur, which in the crude form are practically inert, there is no doubt that this process wakens up a sort of new energy and acquires for them a physiological activity which in their natural condition was quite dormant so far as their influence upon the animal organism is concerned; gold, silver and flint are further illustrations of this kind of agent, in whose case it is not the lower attenuations that have to be guarded against so much as those of a higher order; hence it is important that those, who practice according to the information laid down herein, should allow themselves to be guided by us as to the attenuation to be relied upon in specific disorders: it is moreover peculiarly interesting to note what the effects of these pharmaceutical processes upon different drugs are, because they serve to entirely upset the theory that drugs are most efficacious in action when used in the crude form as is the custom of the allopathic practitioner; undoubtedly, from a busi- THE STRENGTH OF DRUGS AND THE DOSE. 4 1 ness point of view, the higher attenuations of all drugs prepared strictly according to the rules laid down b}- Hahnemann for the guidance of the pharmaceutical druggist, are worth more pecu- niarily than those of a lower scale, and the druggist should be paid more for them; their proper preparation involves an immense amount of labor and hard work, which it is quite unreasonable to expect a druggist to expend if he is not paid for it: we are strongly of opinion that pharmaceutical druggists are not without blame themseh'cs for not demanding suitable remuneration for work of this sort, but on the other hand they have grave difficulties to contend with in making their customers rightly appreciate the matter, until it has come to this that only druggists of high standing who value their reputation more than their banker's account, can be confidently relied upon to strictly adhere to the pharmaceutical rules aforesaid; to this most unfortunate fact may be attributed the failure and disappointment so often heard of at the meetings of medical societies when practitioners are favoring their professional brethren with all and sundry of their experi- ences, whereupon no little discredit devolves on the devoted heads of those who through good and evil report are staunch to the true faith; in a very large number of instances failure is due in prac- tice to indifferent pharmacy ; and for this indifferent pharmacy a stingy, mean short-sighted public is mainly responsible, while at the same time close-fisted medical practitioners do much to render the druggists' experience a very sorry and disappointing one, by becoming their own dispensers; hence the importance of seeing to it that drugs are purchased of those whose word may be relied upon, and of never failing to elicit from the druggist that the remedies sold are strictly in accordance with the prescription. The author feels that he is justified in going somewhat closely into this matter of attenuation, because of the important bearing it has on clinical (bedside) results, and in again reiterating its importance, it is felt that it will not detract from the urgency of this branch of the subject when it is borne in mind that Dr. Car- roll Dunham, one of the most scientific and successful physicians the United States of America ever knew, was one of its most strenuous advocates: the author in his practice among the lower animals, owes much of his success to information gleaned from this learned man's writings, and it is with feelings of personal 42 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. gratification that the present offers the opportunity to present an humble but earnest tribute of acknowledgment and indebtedness to his revered memory. ARRANGEMENT OF DISEASES. To facilitate a ready reference to the malady of which a horse is temporarily, the subject, is now our object and, the difficulty of realizing this in a simple way, so that he who runs may read, is not easily overcome; the list of ''suggestive symptoms,'" it will, it is hoped, materially aid the horseman to discover under what classification of diseases the malady is to be found; a large pro- portion of these ''suggestive symptoms'' will be found to refer to various maladies and at first sight this may strike the student as . somewhat perplexing; but this condition of affairs is siniplv un- avoidable, because the same symptoms do regularly appear in different maladies. This is one of the obstacles which the allo- path, who in his superior way has never condescended to make a study of the principles of Homoeopathy, can never surmount; the obstacle however, is by no means so insurmountable as he ( the alo- path) would feign believe, the whole crux of the matter is summed up in the word totality. Having made a list of all the symp- toms observable it will be found that while three or four of these are each present in some half dozen or more maladies, there is still one more symptom which is only found in one of these said half dozen maladies and this will be the disease you will have to .study. For instance, you will find staring coat, quickened breathing, rapid pulse, heightened temperature, constipated bowels urine very high colored and diminished in quantity in no end of maladies and were these or but one of these symptoms taken alone the prescriber '^^ould find it difficult to suggest a remedy, but take them as they stand and you have a picture of connnon simple fever, at the same time they one and all may be observed in a very large number of maladies that present not only these but one or more symptoms which you must discern before you can prescribe, hence it becomes absolutely necessary to carefully trace the various symptoms presented by the patient from one disea.scd condition to another until you find the groui) under one malady 43 44 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. and -to this reference must be made for the treatment, and from the description of the disease thereunder some idea can be formed as to organs or parts that are affected. To the uninitiated the process may at first seem a trifle wearisome but practice will soon clear the course and render comparatively easy that which at first seemed like chaos. There are some forms of disease which appear to affect in greater or less degree the whole system of the horse, those which pro- perly come under this classification will be described under the heading of Generai., while others localize themselves in special organs and in the course of description these will be referred to- under the various Tracts, Organs or parts specially affected. GENERAL DISEASES. SIMPLE FEVER. This malady, as the name indicates, is a febrile condition affect- ing the whole body generally; and is distinct from that kind of fever which accompanies or presages an inflammation of some special organ, such as the Lungs, Kidneys or Intestines; here the fever is the diseased condition itself — unassociated with any special part or parts of the animal system; the fever is the prominent feature that has to be com batted; this once allayed and there is no necessity to anticipate any bad after consequences. Symptoms — Heightened Temperature varying from 104 degrees to 106 degrees. Quick strong full pulse; more frequent respirations; legs cold; shivering fits; staring, harsh coat; loss of appetite; increase of thirst; bow^els irregular in action, tendency to slight constipa- tion; less urine passed than usual, and what there is appears high colored. Treatment. — Aconite (-> five drops every hour for three doses, wdien temperature will probably drop two degrees in a few hours; after which Aconite 3X ten drops at intervals of four hours will serve to complete the cure and in five or six days the horse will be convalescent; theclinical thermometer must be frequently used, as the internal heat must serve as a guide to indicate the patient's progress; after the early and sudden decline the temperature usually subsides gradualh'. If the legs are ver}' cold they should be dry hand rubbed to arouse the circulation, and thereafter a flannel bandage, not too tight, put on; the rubbing and the bandaging being periodically renev.'ed. As soon as the body temperature begins to subside the horse will evince a desire for food, which should be of a light and easily digestible character, administered sparingly at first; the thirst will all along be observable, and to slake this to his heart's content the horse should be furnished with a constant supply of 45 46 VETKRINARY HOMCEOPATHY. cold water. Should the temperature have risen very high, viz. 106 degrees or 107 degrees, and the subsidence after the first fall has proved very gradual, convalescence when attained will be followed by marked weakness and exhaustion; the horse will require building up, to effect which it will be better to administer two doses of SulpJmr jn. for two successive evenings, to be thereafter followed with ten drop doses of C/iinad night and morning, for a week; by this time the powers of assimilation will be restored, and the full benefit from the food will be derivable and experienced. BILIOUS FEVER. This is much like the last malady affecting more or less the whole system, while at the same time the force of the fever ap- pears to be centered upon the liver; the duct which should conve}' the bile to the intestines is blocked and cannot effect an exit; the bile, as secreted, is then thrown back upon the organ; it passes through the walls of the bile tubes and thence through those of the hepatic arteries and is conveyed over the whole body by means of the circulation of the blood; this is how it happens that the mucous membrane lining the mouth, nose and eyes, and not infrequently the skin of white animals, takes on such a j^ellow appearance. Symptoms. — Precisely as in Simple Fever, with the addition of the yellow' appearance of the visible mucous membranes. Treatment. — Aconitt- 3X in the early stages; Arsenicum 6x gr. X to a dose; when lining membrane of eyes is particular!}- yellow; when the stool looks light colored and the food is not digested; when the horse drinks a little at a time but very fre- quently; and when'he appears alternately depressed and irritable. Bryo?ini TfS.. Pain on pressure over seat of liv^er; seems to ex- perience pain in limbs when moved; lips and tongue 3'ellow, dry and cracked; bowels constipated, faeces dry and hard, as though burnt or .scorched. Meracrius Cor; 3X gr v. to a dose; when the yellowness of membranes extends to the skin and is very pronounced; motions colorless, grey or whitish, with considerable straining both before and after relief; breath smells very foul; urine scanty and of brown- ish red color having a foetid smell. Eupatoriiun pcrfoliatioii, ix. — The chief characteristic for the selection of this drug in Bilious Fever is the violent bone pains; if STRAXGLES. 47 you handle the horse about the shanks and pinch them between your fingers he will give evidence of p.xin by flinching; or, again, press the ends of your fingers into the bones of the face and he will soon show you how much it hurts; in such cases, taken in conjunction with the symptoms previous!}' eiuunerated, this may be accepted as a leading indication for Eupatorium Ur. Dun- ham discovered the difference between this drug and Bryonia in ■cases of bilious fever, and came to the conclusion that in Jyrjoiiia the perspiration is free, while in Eupatorium it is suppressed. Eupatorium is suitable when the patient is restless and uneas}'. Bryonia when quiet and apparently depressed, or rather unable to move. Nux vomica, jjc. — When the region of the liver externally is hard and swollen; horse refuses all food; when symptoms are aggravated, early in the morning; constipation with frequent un- successful urging and straining to effect a stool. Leptandra Virginica, ix. — The principal indication for the selection of this drug is the condition of the stool; when this is frequent, urgent, black, tarry in consistence and color, pappy and smells badly, resort should be had thereto. When convalescence is attained Sulphur jo and China i-> may be u.sed with advantage as suggested under simple fever, and the in- structions under that heading as to diet, et cetra, should be followed. STRANGLES. This malad}' is more particularly associated with young horses, and in our experience it has proved communicable from one young horse to another; at the same time the disease is not restricted to adolescence, as horses of all ages are liable thereto; but while adult horses do not appear so likely to be infected by association with one of their own period of life that is the subject of strangles, young horses, until they attain the age of four years, are more readily infected from an aged horse than by one of their own years; at least this is our experience; and it is well known that as is the case in most infantile diseases, one attack does not protect a horse from a second or third, although in the majority of horses one attack in a lifetime suffices, while a few seem to escape en- tirely. Strangles is much more likely to prove infectious in a 48 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. large stud where the surrounding' sanitary conditions are bad or only imperfectly provided against, and where the numbers of young horses are kept in close proximit}' ; in studs where large numbers of valuable young horses are kept as soon as strangles is developed the sufferer should be isolated and his box immediately disinfected. The term strangles derives its origin from the fact that it con- sists of a more or less extensive swelling of the glands in the region of the throat, or at the back of the tongue, which unduly presses upon the windpipe, the effect of which is to choke or strangle the patient. Strangles is recognized as belonging to the class of eruptive fevers, more or less affecting the general constitution, but center- ing itself upon the glandular system, particularly those large glands which are situated between the under jaws, among wdiicli large and painful abscesses are developed, accompanied with very decided febrile symptoms; the temperature often rising to 105 degrees, or even higher, before the crisis is attained. This crisis is generall}' reached when the abscess is fully matured and ready either to burst of itself or be discharged by operative surger}-; after this period is reached the febrile s\'mptoms abate and the temperature gradually descends; but if by careless treatment, such as exposing the abscess to a. cold draught, or allowing too much time to elapse between the application of the necessary poultices the maturation (or ripening) of the abscess is delayed, or fresh and unfavorable constitutional s3miptoms are developed, other abscesses may break out over the body and it will be found that the temperature is beginning to rise again, when the febrile con- dition will assume an altogether different type, not improbably of a septic character involving great trouble and no little risk to the animal's life. Symptoms. — Inability to swallow food; running at the nose; cough, rough but feeble, as though it gave much pain; frothy saliva dripping from mouth; head poked straight out in an aim- less manner; temperature 105 degrees or more; pulse rapid; respiration not so urgent as in many febrile conditions; sometimes not affected in frequency, but a great roaring noise is made both in inspiration and expiration. The space between the jaws, where the glands are situated, is much swollen and very hard and STRAXCLES. 49 occasionally extends to those glands at the back of the jaw bones, ■when the swelling is diflfused and the whole head is affected. Treatment. — Isolate into a large, airy box, free from draughts of cold wind: keep body warmly clothed and legs bandaged with flanuels; food nourishing but sloppy; crushed oats well steamed, mixed with boiled linseed; a plentiful supply of barley water made with psarl barley in the ordinary way. Local applications should consist of well prepared poultices of li-.iseed meal, or boiling water poured over spent hops, either of which should be enclosed in a gauze bag to fit the parts, covered w :th a piece of oilskin over which and to support the poultice a por- ti )n of horse rug or several thicknesses of close house flannel should bo used. The poultices should not be allowed to get cold, and should be changed three times in twentj'-four hours. The change should be effected rapidly, but before applying a fresh poultice the parts should be gently bathed with hot water containing a few drops of Condy's Fluid, so that the parts ma}- be kept sweet and clean. By the aid of internal medicines three or four days will generally serve to mature the abscess, which will be recognized as ripe by its softness, when it may be left to discharge itself or be opened; unless a veterinar}'- surgeon is at hand to advise, the former is the safer course from all points of view; if allowed to spontaneously discharge, as soon as it has burst, the whole abscess should be gentl)^ squeezed and thereafter washed clean with a soft sponge and hot water medicated with Condy's Fluid; after which poultic- ing should be continued until the whole of the matter is discharged; and to complete the cure the parts should be dressed with powdered Iodoform and still kept covered up with medicated dry cotton wool until the orifice is healed. Interxai, Treatment. — In the first instance, while the fever is developing and the temperature rising Aconite jx for one day; to be followed by Hcpar, sulphur 6x ten grains dry on the tongue four times a day at intervals of four hours. This is all that will be required for simple or benign strangles, but should the more dangerous symptoms be developed already referred to, and fresh swellings containing matter (pus), spring up over the body, which are suggestive of blood poisoning a change in the remedy nmst ])e made; and not improbably the animal will give 4 50 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. evidence of such decided constitutional debility as to call for the administration of some stimulant, such as good, sound old ale mixed with beef tea, or raw eggs beaten up and mixed with wine or whiskey, while the most suitable remedy will probably be found in Lachesis 12, ten drops every four hours. Some careful nursing will in all severe cases of strangles, especially those in which the more serious symptoms supervene, be found essential, to facilitate which the administration of China twice a day will afford material assistance. INFI.UENZA. The designation adopted to describe the various forms of illness which are supposed to be included thereunder, is a very ambiguous and unreliable one; in olden times Influenza was presumed to ex- press a feverish cold in the head attended with an irritating fluid discharge from the nostrils which by some was considered infec- tious, by others not so; as at present used, however, the term has to cover a much wider area, inasmuch as it affects at one time the respiratory organs, at another the digestive organs, while yet again it may centre its force upon the nervous system. In one form the United States and Canada, in 1872 and 1873, experienced a visitation of a very virulent type of this disease while Great Britain and various localities on the Continent of Europe have, on several occasions, had outbreaks of a serious character and under varying conditions. Probably the chief feature of each type is the extreme prostra- tion experienced by the patient, and in most there is a distinct soreness of the muscles and a pronounced disinclination to move; dullness, and a sort of '' cave nothing for anything'' attitude is very marked, especially when the malady is thoroughl}^ estab- lished; the surface temperature of the body as revealed to the touch is extremely variable; the lining membrane and the tissues thereunder of the eyes are very swollen and suffused with red streaks, tears trickling freely from the corners over the face; the membrane lining the nose is intensely injected; the internal tem- perature rises to 104 or 105 degrees; the pulse is rapid but small in volume and weak in force; the respirations are regular but much more frequent than they ought to be; the mouth is usually excessively hot, and the saliva hangs therefrom in long, ropy INFLT'KXZA. 51 Strings; when the force of the malady is fixed on the respiratory organs auscuhation of the chest right in front under the wind pipe will reveal a rough, grating sound, which suggests a compli- cation in the bronchial tubes; when these symptoms are develop- ing the horse will have a harsh, rough cough, which apparently causes no little pain and inconvenience. As a rule the faeces are dry and difficult of expulsion, but when the motions begin to take place, the drug pellets will frequently be covered with pieces of mucous membrane, conunonl}' described by stablemen as ''skin;'' the urine is mostly scanty and high colored. One very marked characteristic of the disease is the extensive swelling of the legs down their whole course; this is due to what is termed an infiltration of the connective tissues, and as a result of this swelling the horse experiences general stiffness and soreness; the swelling in horses (males) not unfrequently extends, to the penis, along the abdomen, to the under portion of the chest; if the swellings are not reduced, we have seen cases where a mixture of blood and serum appeared to ooze through the pores of the skin, which, of course, clearly indicated that the effusion of fluid under the skin and among the muscles and tendons was so exten- sive it could not be retained, notwithstanding the swelling and elasticity of the parts, and must, therefore, find an outlet some- how; when the fever seems to exercise its force on the windpipe, bronchial tubes and lungs, the difficulty of breathing is much more marked; the nostrils are dilated and the heaving at the flanks is very noticeable; moreover the horse invariably evinces a desire to put his head over the box door presumably to get fresh air; the nasal membrane instead of being bright red, assumes a purple or leaden hue, and the secretion is generall}^ thicker and more glutinous; the internal temperature will rise as high as 106.5 o^ i<^7 degrees, and the animal evinces more marked pros- tration than ever; if the earlier developments of bronchitis are not arrested the disease will progress until inflammation of the proper substance of the lung tissue is established, which may be discovered from the greater difficulty experienced in breathing; by the various sounds observable on auscultation (listening) of the chest over the sides where the ribs extend, which, of course, only a properly qualified and experienced veterinary surgeon can discern; however, if inflannuation of the lungs does supervene, it 52 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. is generall.\- attended by the discharge through the nostrils of blood which will serve at all events as an indication for the selec- tion of a suitable remedy. In addition to these chest and lung complications we haye, not unfrequently, to combat such as attack the digestive organs, and these, while sometimes occurring independently, do frequently follow those already indicated, and that, of course, at a time when the system is very low and unable to combat any additional strain upon its recuperative powers; it is probable that of all the abdominal organs the liver is the one that first feels the effect of this Influenza Fever, as is evident by the extremely yellow color of the visible mucous membranes; the first thing that draws the attention of the horseman to the fact that the disease has settled itself upon the digestive organs is the indication of pain in the bowels, the horse will lie down, roll, get up again, look around at his flanks; and whereas, during the earlier stages of the disease, he refused to do anything but stand, he is continually now lying down, at the same time restless and ill at ease; manual examina- tion of the body over the region of the liver will point to distinct tenderness; the faeces are sparing in quantity, dry and coated with mucus; the urine is more than ever scanty, very dense in sub- stance, and highly colored; if there is any alteration in the pulse, it is more wiry, and as before pointed out, the respirations will be thoracic, (or from the chest,) because the pain is chiefly exper- ienced in the abdomen and treathing is therefore effected so as to relieve the painful parts; the tongue also serves as a very useful indicator, inasmuch as it will be found to be swollen, will pit on pressure, and is pulpy to the touch, while the mouth is constantly full of sticky saliva; the temperature is generally not so high, as in the respiratory form, so that as a sequel to respiratory compli- cations a fall from io6° to 104° cannot under these conditions be deemed favorable: this is one of the few exceptions when a de- crease in internal temperature cannot be relied upon, as indicative of convalescence; but as the fall does not steadily continue but will be maintained at 104 degrees for some days there wnll be no difhcully in recognizing that the first drop was not an indication of convalescence, but rather a change of attack on the part of the malady. It is pretty well agreed by those competent to form an opinion that Influenza or Grippe as the malady has been some- INFLUENZA. 53 times designated, is more likely to spread over a stnd of horses, when the stable accommodation is too cramped and limited, and the surroundinj^s are of an unsanitary character; such circum- stances also seem to favor an outbreak; we have no doubt as to the infectiousness of the malady, not only from horse to horse, but also from horse to man. These conclusions point to the desirability of isolation so soon as an outbreak is recognized, to avoid as much as possible an ex- tension thereof; this, however, may not alwa3's be successful in stopping its spread, if the theory that atmospheric conditions favor the development of the malady, be reliable; nevertheless no harm can come of the precaution, and it is ahvaj^s best, from an econo- mical point of view, to adopt preventive measures, especially sucli as sanitation and common sense suggest. Complications affecting the intestines and other abdominal organs, if not successfully combatted, very often develop typhoid symptoms, especially when stables are overcrowded, and these are the leases that usually prove fatal; but even these with homoeo- pathic remedies available should show a marked diminution in mortality over the ordinary allopathic treatment as there are sev- eral drugs specialh- suitable for these conditions that are not recognized by orthodox medicine. Treatment. — A large, well ventilated, loose box well supplied with fresh air and light serves as the best hospital for a horse sick of Influenza; the bedding should be of sawdust for preference, and if of straw it should be cut short to enable the horse to move about without obstruction, he by reason of stiffness and soreness being unable to lift his legs off the ground in the ordinary way; the supply of fresh water should be constant and the trough swilled out mau}^ times during the day to wash away any accumu- lations of saliva; the food must be of the lightest, most easily digestible and nourishing description, making allowance for stimulants when other food is not taken in sufficient quantity; the food being given, a small quantity at a time and oft repeated, care being taken to frequently cleanse the manger as there is no doubt in our mind that the ropy saliva which is a peculiar secretion of this disorder is calculated to retard recovery when re- mixed with fresh food and allowed to accumulate in the manger from time to time; as the surface temperature is so variable in this disease it 54 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. must be maintained at an equable standard by warm clothing to the body and legs, and this clothing should be removed at least three times a day and the horse be rubbed down with gentle friction before replacing same; to avoid the risk of chill one man on either side should be engaged in dressing him that the process may be got through with as little loss of tims as possible and the clothing put on again before the animal has had the chance of get- ting cold. The administration of medicinal agents must be ar- ranged according to the special symptoms. Aconite, jx — This remedy always comes first in these diseases that are ushered in by decidedly febrile indications, and in many cases of influenza great benefit is derived from its early adminis- tration as it serves to abort the fever, and in this way cuts short the further developments; but, as a rule, a hor.se is frequently allowed to go beyond the stage when Aconite is useful before the nature of the malady is discovered. Arsenicum iodide, jx. — This remedy is peculiarly efficacious in those cases of influenza when the predominant symptoms are run- ning at the nose and eyes; great prostration and weakness; tem- perature 104 degrees; pulse feeble and frequent; respirations urgent; thirst gratified only by small, but very oft-repeated draughts of water; appetite precarious and uncertain; very pro- nounced swelling of legs. Dr. E. M. Hale, of Chicago, a well- known homoeopathic physician and literateur was one of the first to test this remedy on his own horses, during one of these epidemics in the United States, the results of which were emi- nently satisfactory, and to this gentlemen we are indebted for drawing our attention to the specification of the drug under cir- cumstances when these symptoms chiefly prevailed in a stud of horses we were attending. Ge/semijiPi, ix. — There are several very characteristic symp- toms which occur in influenza for which this drug, in the earlier stages, is peculiarly appropriate; we have proved it on several of onr patients and on one occasion with marked success on ourselves when we believe we had been infected from inhaling the breath of a patient that pre.sented these particular symptoms; they are, very marked swelling of the eyelids, to the extent of absolutely clos- ing the visual opening; there are indications of marked pain in the head by the dull, heavy expression of the animal's face as lNFLrP:NZA. 55 though there were great oppression of the brain; the horse seems unable to control his movements, the legs being powerless or even paralyzed; there is also evident giddiness. Under such circum- stances this remedy may be given in the earlier stages in the place of Aconite, and it will be found that under its influence a temper- ature of 104 or 105 degrees, will, in the course of twelve hours drop down to 102 or loi degrees. In our own experience it acted in this manner, and seemed to fairl}' abort the threatened malady by lowering the temperature most effectively. With regard to this remedy we believe the honor of introducing it into practice properly belongs to Dr. E. M. Hale, of Chicago. In cases wherein the disease extends its influence to the bron- chial tubes and proper substance of the lung, Bryonia and Phos- p/iorus, or such other remedies as will be found prescribed under chapters on bronchitis and pneumonia should be administered and to these we must refer the student. Much the same may be stated with regard to those complications which affect the intes- tines and abdominal organs; at the same time special note may be made of the following remedies, viz: Nux vomica, jx. — When the fever is maintained and the horse gives evidence of chilliness and shivering; hard cough, accom- panied with breaking of wind per rectum when the horse coughs; want of appetite and constipation of bowels attended with strain- ing to obtain relief. R/ius toxicodendron, JX. — The horse evinces great disinclination to move, but when he does, stretches his limbs as though to ob- tain relief from the aching pain; lies down and stretches, then rises again; tip of the tongue will be red as compared with other parts of the organ, and the internal temperature will rise higher at night but falls slightly in the morning; movement seems to afford relief, which is the exact opposite of Bryonia. Oxygen gas. — This, from the standpoint of a homoeopahist, can hardly be described as a therapeutic agent, its administration must be included under the head of sanitation; in man}' cases of influ- enza, and indeed, other diseases as well, the animal, notwithstand- ing the most assiduous nursing and careful prescribing, seems to gradually become more depressed and unable to stand up against the ravages of the invading malady. A something in the sur- roundings seems to be wanting; the vitality of the system appears 56 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. to be gradually ebbing away, and the prominent symptoms affect- ing, especially the respiratory organs, become more and more urgent, neither remedial measures nor stimulants produci any appreciable effect for the better. These conditions probably owe their existence — it may be said their overpowering existence — ^to the fact that the vitalizing influence of the ordinary atmosphere is by reason of its fixed constitution not equal to burn up and destroy the immense quantity of effete material with which the blood stream is loaded, consequently the blood becomes more and more effete in quality, and nature is thwarted in her efforts to restore an equilibrium. What is required? Our reply is oxygen ! We are indebted to our friend Edwin Faulkner, Esq., M. R. C. V. S. , of Manchester, England, for first drawing attention to this agenr and its marvelous utility under such conditions; in his experience, and since in our own, it has proved a veritable life saver; and although it is rather expensive treatment, and the administration demands considerable care, where valuable horses are concerned these are matters of no moment. In England oxj^gen gas is manufactured for sale in large quan- tities and supplied in strong cone-shaped iron cylinders, which contain a given measurement of the gas, the size most suitable for veterinary purposes being that which costs about sixteen shillings; each cylinder is supplied with a brass tap to which may be attached an india rubber tube; a leather nose-bag having been adjusted to the horse's head the aforesaid tube is introduced to, the bottom of the bag, just under the horse's nostrils, and the tap is turned on sufficiently to allow a gentle stream of the gas to pass continuously for a period of twenty minutes into the bag and so pervade the atmosphere which the horse is inspiring; this, ac- cording to the greater or less urgency of the case, should be repeated three, four or five times every twenty-four hours. As a rule marked improvement speedily supervenes upon this procedure as evidenced in the first place by the calmer performance of the respiratory functions and the lowering of the internal temperature. In this manner the ordinary provision of nature, as determined by the fixed law of atmospheric composition, has been super-added to by the aid of chemistry and the conditions surrounding and affect- ing the body of the patient are reduced to submission; nature is INFLUENZA. 57 now in a position to avail himself of strictly therapeutic assistance and effect a complete restoration to health. Eucalyptus, ^. — Still another valuable agent must be referred to, which under some conditions is capable of acting tlierapeuticall}^ while at others it appears to act chemically, in virtue of its disin- fecting properties; it is more with regard to the latter that we propose to advocate its use in stables where a number of sick horses are from force of circumstances necessarily kept together; the apparently volatile character of the organisms or germs, through the medium of which influenza is spread from place to place, or by which one animal is the medium of infecting another, makes it desirable, nay imperative, that no effect should be left untried that may possibly tend to arrest the progress and further development of the infective virus; this result may frequentl}' be attained by the agent, Eucalyptus, now under consideration; as a disinfectant and deodorizer it may very usefully be used in a stable b}^ means of a spray diflEuser. The mother tincture will, when used in this way over the general area of the stable until the whole surrounding atmosphere of the building is impregnated, (which may be determined by the excess of the aromatic over other smells, ) serve at a small expense and little trouble to pre- vent healthy animals from falling victims to the malady and will facilitate the cure of those already the subjects of treatment. Antimonium iartarkuw , 6x. — When the cough is loose though attended with a good deal of oppression and apparent difficulty; thick lumps of soft gelatinous looking mucus will be discharged from the nose while the animal is undergoing a fit of coughing. The exertion of coughing evidently shakes the animal, this is suggestive of stomach complications for which the remedy is eminently suited. Lachesis, 30. — When the swelling down the legs and along the abdomen persists and increases ultimately resulting in the oozing of drops of blood and bloody serum through the skin. If this remedy does not act promptly and within six hours give distinct evidence of arresting this hemorrhage it should be substituted by Crotalus, 12. Under such serious conditions the remedy should be adminis- tered frequently, at least once in every two hours, and inter- mediate between the doses stimulants should be given, probably 58 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. nothing is better than Scotch whiskey and milk in suitable quan- tities according to the strength of the patient, varying from one to five fluid ounces of whiskey in an equal quantity of milk. ERYSIPEIvAS. This is an acute febrile disease affecting the whole thickness of the skin and the underl3dng parts; it, as a rule, diffuses itself over a wide area; there is much general swelling and pain and the evidence of its presence is shown by the hot red shining con- dition of the inflamed skin upon and within which a number of very small blisters which contain a yellowish fluid mixed with blood ma}' be observed. In the human subject it is described as a contagious disease, but by some eminent authorities on horse pathology it is not considered capable of propagation from one animal to another. Without wishing to arrogate too much to our- selves we are distinctly of opinion that it is innocculable from one horse to another, and therefore we should consider it might prove contagious especially if some of the exuded serum from one pa- tient comes in contact with an abraded wound on another animal. The disease as a rule commences to develop at the fetlock joint or hock and spreads in an upward direction covering the whole superficies of the leg; on this account it may be distinguished from lymphangitis (or weed) which usually commences at the upper portion of the limb and .spreads as it descends. So far as swell- ing, heat and tenderness occur in weed they resemble erysipelas, but the skin in the latter is generally a brighter red, more .shin- ing and tense, while in weed we do not find that tendency to form little vesicles and sloughing sores that are generally present in erysipelas. Symptoms. — The first indications are similar to those observed in many other febrile diseases, viz: Exalted temperature, full and rapid pulse, quickened breathing, staring coat, mouth hot and clammy, lo.ss of appetite, breath very unpleasant, much prostration and waste of the muscular tissues. The local symptoms are, at fir.st, slight swelling from which a yellowish fluid exudes; the swelling gradually extends over the limb, which as a rule is one of the hind ones; as the swelling increases the affected parts will pit on pressure but the indentation will fill up again soon after the finger is removed; if this condition is not arrested by suitable treatment, ERYSIPELAS. 59 the parts soon become so full of fluid under the skin, that the latter is firmer and no impression can. be made on it; this is the period in the de^•elopment of the disease when large numbers of small vesicles will form, ostensibly to relieve the parts from the pressure of the accumulated fluid; should this proceed to sup- puration or the formation of matter (pus), the skin will become dead in patches and peel off and in very severe cases it has been known to penetrate to the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints the consequences of which may be very serious, leading to stiff joints or even to death; but under homoeopathic treatment, with ordinary care and attention, results such as these should be un- known. Treatment. — Aconite, ix is the most useful remedy to com- mence with when the fever is ver\' high at the outset, the skin dr}^ and hot, the pulse full rapid and bounding, and when giddi- ness excitability and nervousness are evinced and the horse can- not bear to have the parts touched; ?f taken in time this remedv will not infrequently abort further developments and complete the cure. Apis Mellifica, 3X. — This is a peculiarly efficient remed}^ in the more superficial forms of the disease, when the swellings contain- ing fluid are spread over a greater surface and do not form the small vesicles (or pimples), and when the parts are not particu- larly red and shining; there is one special symptom to guide in the selection of Apis, when the horse coughs as though the throat were rough and dry, nor does he care to drink to relie\-e the dry- ness; the urine also is scanty and ver}^ high colored; the remed\' has been found very efficacious in those forms of the disease which arise as the result of a wound or injury; a general diffused swell- ing of the eyelids, as though fluid was dispersed under the skin which may arise independently of or in conjunction with erysipelas in other parts points distinctly to this drug as the suitable remedy. Belladonna, 3X. — The leading indication is the smooth, bright red, shining condition of the skin, the oedema (or swelling) is not so considerable as that for which Apis is suitable, but the parts are hotter and more tender to the touch; that peculiar svmptom referred to on several occasions, throbbing pnlse of the carotid arteries also serves to determine in favor of Belladomia, as does an 6o VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. intolerance of light; the horse will poke his head into an}' corner to get away from the window or open door, Cantliaris, 3X. — It is well known that local physiological mani- festations from the use of this drug are pimples, vesicles and pustules; but erysipelas like many other pathological develop- ments is often accompanied by symptoms in the organs or parts of the bod}' which do not seem to be associated, at the same time when they appear together and form a totality of present symp- toms the one remedy cures the lot; so it is in the case of Cantliaris in erysipelas when the urinary organs are affected at the same time, there being a constant desire to pass water, but ability only to do so a few drops at once; itching, however, is not a predomi- nant symptom; the affected parts rather feel hot and burning; the pimples are large and flat containing a good deal of their fluid serum, and the vesicles burst readily. Rhzis toxicodendron, 2x. — One of the chief remedies in vesi- cular erysipelas, especially if the near hind leg is attacked and- thereafter it extends to the off leg; the surface of the skin is very red, burns to the touch, swells considerably, and the vesicles are small and ntimerous; itching- is intolerable, as the horse will give evidence of by rubbing the legs together or against the sides of the box. These are the principal agents that are likely to prove eft'ectual in chet-king the spread and further development of this disease; the internal administration of the drugs, which must be selected according to the totality of the symptoms, will be rendered more rapidly effective if also a local application consisting of one part of the mother tincture of the selected remedy is mixed with two parts of glycerine and three of water and applied to the skin with a soft brush twice or three times a day. As the febrile symptoms are usually very pronounced, and the waste of muscular tissue is in consequence considerable, the most nourishing and easily digestible food must be given, and in conjunction therewith dur- ing convalescence nothing better than China (-) ten drops night and morning can be combined to give tone to the system and pro- mote assimilation of nourishing diet. GLANDERS AND FARCY. 6 1 GLANDERS AND FARCY. These terms serve to describe manifestations of one and the same disease in different parts of the body; they are both due to one and the same specific virus (or poison); the term glanders is appHed when the recognized symptoms pecuhar to this malady are developed and observable in the lining membrane of the nose, the glands between the under jaws, the upper portion of the air passage, the windpipe and lungs; and farcy when the disease locates itself chiefly in the lymphatic vessels which accompany the course of the veins as they travel down the legs, the hind legs being more often the seat of attack than the fore; these lymphatic vessels are swollen and hard, and at intervals small enlargements like buds on a young branch in trees are observable; it is a very common thing for stablemen to speak of any enlargement of the hind legs, accompanied by a diffuse swelling and discharge of sticky fluid as belonging to a horse that is " farcied;" this, how- ever, is a misappropriation of terms, if by this word it was in- tended to convey that the horse was the subject of '' farcy '^ proper. In describing this disease we shall be understood to convey the impression that we are dealing with one whose characteristics are most malignant; it is capable of transmission from one horse to another by immediate contact, by which we desire to convey the idea that the discharge from the ulcers peculiar to this disease if brought into contact with an abraded surface on the skin or mucous membranes of another healthy horse will reproduce a similar condition, the virus (or poison) having found its way into the system through the medium of the general circulation of the blood; moreover we would go further and state our belief that the morbific material is capable of transmission from one horse ( dis- eased) to another (not diseased) through the media of food, water, litter via the digestive canal. Again we are strongly of opinion that the virus of this disease may be conveyed from one animal to another through the atmosphere; that is to say, it is considered to be volatile; not volatile in the sense that chemists use the term, but that the poisonous substance is so finely divided into the most minute particles that it becomes capable of trans- mission from one place to another — to say nothing of one horse to 62 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. another — on the wings of the wind; and this is by no means a fanciful fiction, as minute portions of lung tissue are acknowl- edged by physiologists to be regularly expelled at each act of respiration, and it requires that no great demand should be made upon the ordinary' intelligence of man to appreciate that at each expiration active disease organizations should be conv^eyed, which may still further be distributed by atmospheric currents, and become inhaled through the breath into the lungs of a healthy horse, from thence into the fluid stream and thus become devel- oped like new seed upon fresh soil. To go closely into detail into the patholog}-, modes of propagation, incubation and special characteristics of this disease, would in a work of this kind, be a waste of time and energ}'; the main thing in the first instance that has to be impressed upon the minds of the probable readers of this book is the extremely infectious and contagious character of the disease; too much cannot be said upon this point, nor can an}' horseman be too much warned against the serious conse- quences of letting his charges once come near enough to a subject of the disease to risk their becoming contaminated; in Great Britain and various countries on the Continent of Europe the losses sustained through the dire effects produced by this awful disease cannot possibly be estimated, so rapidly infectious is it when once established, while at the same time its approach is occasionally most subtle b}' reason of the length of time it may lie latent or undeveloped in the system, so far as external manifesta- tions are concerned. Without doubt the first thing an owner has to do who recognizes that he has a case of glanders or farcy in his stable is to isolate such an animal, and the isolation stable should be situated at a considerable distance from that ordinarily used for healthy horses; moreover it is not less important that the stable- man whose duty it is to attend a glanderous patient should be kept strictly to his one job, and under no circumstances allowed to g3 near other healthy animals; the box or stable occupied by the infected animal up to the time of the discovery that it was the subject of glanders or farcy, should be immediatel}' disinfected by first Inirning powdered sulphur on a charcoal fire, every door, window and aperture in the place being stopped up, the process to be actively carried on for at least two hours; thereafter the walls and paint should be carefully scraped and the refuse there- GLANDERS AND FARCY. 63 from burnt, the walls and partitions being thoroughly washed down with a solution of corrosive sublimate consisting of one part of the drug dissolved in five hundred parts of boiling water; this being completed and the place dry, the walls should be thoroughly lime-washed and the wood-work repainted, after which the stable will be fit for habitation once more; pails and all stable utensils previously used for the affected animal must be also subjected to a similar disinfecting process; the man who attends the diseased animal must either subject his clothes, more particularly the outer garments made of wool, to disinfection or better still have them burnt before he ventures to appear in the ordinary stable; if these precautions be taken, and nothing less stringent zcill do, then the propagation of the disease ma}^ be arrested; but if the affected animal was in a stable in company with other horses which so far present no outward manifestation of disease, such horses must in the interest of the owner, be subjected to the Mallein test here- after explained, to determine whether they are any or all the sub- jects of the disease in a latent, outwardly undeveloped form; if they are, then they also must be isolated and treated as we shall direct further on. As experience has taught that in a very large number of cases considerable time elapses between the reception into the animal system of the virus (poison) of glanders and the manifestation or outward development of the characteristic symp- toms it is a most important matter to understand how the presence of the disease may be determined; but thanks to recent research in Great Britain and on the Continent of Europe, a fairly — if not absoluteh' — reliable test has been discovered of a simple character that an}' intelligent horseman can put into practice after being supplied with the proper agent; in England veterinary practi- tioners are mainly — if not entirely — indebted to Professor Mc- Fadyean, of the Royal Veterinary College, London, for introduc- ing Mallein, the agent referred to, to the notice of the profession, and further still for preparing and keeping up the supplj^ for those members of the profession who are putting Mallein to the test: Professor McFadyean in conjunction with one or two other members of the teaching staff at the college have put Mallein to the test in a large number of cases — something like one hundred and fifty we believe — and as the result the professor gives expres- 64 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. sion to the following opinion in the ''Journal of Comparative Pathology and Therapeutics'" for March, 1S93, "^'i^- ' ' The very numerous observations that have now been pub- lished at home and abroad regarding the action of- Mallei ?i appears to warrant the following conclusions: 1. " If in any horse that presents symptoms exciting a sus- picion of glanders or that is known to have been exposed to the infection of glanders, an injection of Mallein raises the tempera- ture from about the normal (under 10 degrees) to 104 degrees and produces a marked inflammatory reaction at the seat of in- jection that horse may be pronounced ' glandered.'' 2. "If in such a horse an injection of Mallein determine a marked local reaction and an elevation of temperature equal to 2 degrees, that horse may be pronounced ' probably glandered.' 3. " In horses that have already a febrile temperature (102 de- grees or over) the temperature reaction after Mallei?i is inconstant and unreliable as a guide to diagnosis. "It only remains to be added that the local reaction deserves to be called ' marked' when the swelling extends for three or four inches from the point of injection." It is now necessary to explain for the right understanding of the reader that Mallein is prepared by what is called cultivating the virus (poison) of a glandered horse, the virus being found in the discharges from the nose and eyes and this is cultivated from one growth to another in the Pathological Laboratory until it is sufficiently attenuated for use, and may be obtained sometimes in the fluid form and sometimes in the dry as is exemplified by what is described as Foth's ' Dry Mallein ' nor does there appear to be any difference in the reaction of the two samples; presumably the dry sample keeps the best. The usual quantity used at one inoculation is 2J2 cubic centimetres of the fluid preparation which should be injected with a chemically clean subcutaneous syringe that has been rendered properly aseptic under the skin of the neck; probably no better method of rendering the syringe aseptic can be adopted than plunging the various disconnected parts into boiling water and there holding them for a few minutes, after which they can be put together and used; the middle part of the neck measuring both the length and depth of same, is the best place to select for the operation; this of course is the point where GLANDERS AND FARCY. 65 the local swelling referred to by Professor McFad\'eau takes place after the Malleiu has been injected, which swelling has to be measured both as to its length and breadth to determine in con- junction with the rise in temperature, whether the horse is prob- ably the subject of glanders. With respect to the observations to be made with the thermometer, it will be necessary to take the temperature six hours before the injection of the Mallein, at the time of the operation, and every six hours thereafter, until thirty- six hours has expired from the time the Mallein was injected, on which occasions also the measurements of the local swellings must be taken; each of these particulars must be registered in detail; if the register of the temperature shows that the thermometer has risen from loo to 103 degrees or higher, and the local swellings extend an average of five or six inches both ways, then it is pretty safe to condemn the horse as the subject of glanders, and he must at once be isolated; but if during the period of thirty-six hours following the injection the temperature rises onh^ one degree or a fractional part thereof the evidence is not sufficient to warrant the conclusion that the horse is the subject of glanders; the test operation should be repeated a week after. It is perhaps hardly necessar}- to state that if the services of a professional veterinarian are available, it is far better to entrust such an one with the performance of the test operation; on the contrary if one is not within reasonable reach, the Mallein should be obtained through some reliable wholesale druggist w^ho may be trusted to obtain the proper agent from the right source. The next question that has to be considered is how to form a conclusion from symptomatology that a horse is affected with glanders and to this end we will offer a list of the principal guid- ing Symptoms, and to do this satisfactorily it is almost necessary to divide them into two classes, nameh', the acute and the chronic: we shall take the acute first: the temperature will be considerably exalted; the pulse quick and rather soft, the respirations rather more frequent than is usual in health; the coat has a generally unthrifty appearance and feels harsh to the touch, dry and stands up on end; the animal speedily loses condition, and becomes wasted and thin: the urine is rather increased in quantit.v and has little or no color; the mucous membrane of the nostrils is of a 5 6tV VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. dark leaden hue, on which will be observable, very shortly, small patches about the size of a pea, which to the eye seem to contain a yellow fluid, the margins of which are surrounded by gray zone this 3'et again encircled by a red areola; after a few days these pimples or patches develop into open ulcers with ragged edges which discharge from their centres a sticky matter (pus). The glands between the jaws are swollen and hard, and after a time become attached to the surrounding parts and immovable; these glands are as a rule very tender, and the horse does not like to have them pressed upon or squeezed; the lips and outer wings of the nose become swollen, and upon them ulcers sometimes form which discharge purulent matter; in consequence of the swelling- and thickening of the upper internal parts of the nose and some- times the larynx of the throat, the breathing is considerably interfered with and assumes a snuffling character w hich is gen- erally accompanied by a cough, soft and painful; if not arrested in the earlier stages the lungs are rapidly implicated and symp- toms of bronchitis and pneumonia supervene, after which the horse soon gives evidence of rapid decay, the appetite fails and the breathing is more distressing; the legs conmience to swell, the cords and buds of farcy appear and the animal speedily succumbs. The symptoms of chronic glanders, by reason of the subtle invasion of the virus are more slowly developed and not so easy of recognition; the disease may be thoroughl}' established in the horse's system for many months before the more obvious symp- toms declare themselves; all the same, however, the horse so affected is a centre capable of disseminating the virulent poison; these occult cases, as a rule, are affected chiefly in the lungs, and it has frequently been a matter causing us no little surprise on making a post mortem examination that the horse had not given more distinct evidence during life of the pathological conditions that had evidently been progressing for months in the lungs, and at the same time no visible symptoms had presented themselves; we once knew a case of this sort which was productive of the most painful consequences to the owner and his friends: the gentleman owned a horse that was in regular hard work; he purchased a three year old filly and put her into the next standing to the old .horse; the following day after her purchase he thought she would be better for an alterative ball, and administered it himself, in doing GLANDERS AND FARCY. 67 which he grazed the back of his hand against a sharp molar tooth; in a few days the young mare and the owner both developed all the signs of acute glanders; in six weeks the owner after a most painful illness died: the old horse meanwhile developed a. suspic- ious cough, and as the young mare died shortly after her master, it was suggested that probably the older horse was the origin of the outbreak, and he was accordingly slaughtered; there was no evidence of the disease in any part of his body except the lungs, and these to the pathologist were a sight to wonder at, this case furnishes a description of one kind of chronic glanders occasion- ally met with: the more common cases are those in which the animal presents an unthrifty looking coat, whose appetite is capricious and uncertain; that one day appears fairly bright and well while on another it is depressed and indolent; the glands between the jaws are ver}^ hard, much enlarged and adherent to the jaw bones, not necessarily very tender, but generally rather so; there may or may not be a discharge from the nose and one or more ulcers may be developed rather high up in the nasal chamber, left side for preference, but the lining membrane of the nose almost always displays that very significant blue or rather slate color; with regard to the discharge from tha nostrils and the char- acter of such discharge it is necessary to be observant, otherwise a case of. nasal catarrh or ozoena may be mistaken for glanders; the discharge varies in character as the disease progresses, being first rather thick and viscid, from which it changes to a decidedly purulent discharge not unfrequently mixed with a little blood, or it may still alter its character by assuming a very green color; it is quite true that under the worst conditions the character of the nasai discharge cannot be accepted as positive evidence of the presence of glanders virus, but it is certainly very suggestive and serves as a very good indication for the adoption of the Mallein test; there is probably no more correct indication of the presence of chronic glanders than the up and down variations of the in- ternal body temperature; if the horse appears dull and unwell and the temperature be taken regularly two or three times a day for three weeks consecutively, considerable variations will be reg- istered; one day the thermometer will stand at 104 degrees, an- other loi degrees, yet again to 104 degrees, then fall to 103 degrees, and again to 100.5 degrees, and so on from one day to 68 VETERIXARV HOMCEOPATHV. another, all the while the animal will have a capricious appetite and present alternating indications of depression and renewed vitality; the urine is generalh^ very much increased in quantity and lacks its normal color. Farcy is recognized by the swelling of the legs, especially the hind ones, diffuse and general, attended with marked heat and pain; the course of the lymphatic glands and vessels is soon marked out by these standing out beyond the more general swell- ing in well developed cords and buds; these buds become very prominent; they are painful, swell more and more, then burst and discharge the matter peculiar to this disease, leaving deep ulcers with ragged edges. We believe that the foregoing list of symptoms will, at all events, serve to enable a horseman to determine if he has a suspic- ious case of glanders or farcy in his stable, and if this be the case the next procedure in his own interests is to subject the suspect to the Mallein test, or if that is really not available then the practice of auto-inoculation may be resorted to, which consists of the follow- ing operation: shave off the hair in the middle of the neck about three inches square in extent; carefully wash the surface of the parts with carbolic soap and dry with a clean cloth; take a sharp scalpel or knife previously held in absolutely boiling water for two minutes, make a very slight incision of one inch long but onh^ sufficiently deep to exude about one or two drops of blood; with the point of the knife take a small quantity of the discharge from one of the ulcers present on the nose or leg, and gently rub the same into the incision; if the horse is the subject of the malady, the symptoms already developed will become intensified, and the temperature will probably rise 2 or 3 degrees, and the seat of inoculation will swell considerably. _ In England and on the Continent of Europe the prevailing impression among allopaths is that glanders is an absolutely in- curable disease, and as in pleuro-pneumonia among cattle, the stamping out process is in vogue, and the law is so framed that it steps in to enforce these regulations; it is certainly an exhibition of great weakness and impotence on the part of the veterinary profession that such steps should not only be rendered necessary, but should be encouraged by the profession as a body; at the same time we cannot overlook the fact so long as a glandered GLANDERS AXD FARCY. 69 horse is allowed to mix with others, so long is it a source of risk to the healthy, by reason of the virulent and infectious nature of this disease; moreover while the disease is considered by the lead- ing lights — to say nothing of the rank and file — of the profession to be incurable, and therefore no efforts are made to effect cures, it would seem as though no other course but the stamping out process is available in countries where these views prevail. Never- theless while it may seem extremely presumptions for one indi- vidual to firmly adhere to views diametrically opposed to those held by an overwhelming majority of a learned profession, we venture to assert that in our opinion glanders and farcy are cap- able of being cured just like any other disease, and we can dis- cover no valid reason why glanders should be an exception to the general rule; moreover we have good and sound reasons for believing that cases of glanders have been repeatedly cured; and by this we do not mean apparoitly cured, as may sometimes appear to be the case in consequence of the healing of the ulcers and sores on the nasal membrane, leaving a cicatrix behind as evidence of the same, while at the same time the virus of the disease remained in the system, and the horse was as much a medium for the spread of infection as ever he was; we mean an absohite cure, the virus of the disease to all intents and purposes dead and positively inactive, in which the capacity for infection no longer exists, the living organisms (bacteria) starved and incapable of carr}-iug on their direful effects upon the horse's constitution; all this we confidently assert may be effected, the whole allopathic profession notwith- standing, by means of properly selected homoeopathic remedies; and in passing we venture to allude to what we believe to be the terrible moral responsibility which rests upon the medical profes- sion for ignoring homoeopathic practice, as a sort of forlorn hope if for nothing else, in cases of this dire disease on the human sub- ject; certainly no harm could come of a trial with a homoeopathi- cally selected drug in a disease which is generalh- admitted to be absolutely incurable by orthodox practitioners; without doubt orthodox practice is impotentl}- helpless in combatting glanders, but that is no reason wh}" men should be allowed to die, when successful treatment is available and within the ' ' ken ' ' of any practitioner who will condescend to seek after it; we have no hesi- tation in averring that many men have been convicted of murder 70 VETERIXARV HOM, ten drops twice a day for a fortnight, or longer if necessary; the ordinary food being gradually resorted to so soon as the horse seems able to digest it. RABIES. 85 RABIES. This terrible disease can only be developed in the horse as the result of inoculation and can generally be traced to the bite of a dog; spontaneous generation is uot now recognized as possible; of course the disease may be imparted to a horse through the bite of one that is already rabid, and it is with a view of preventing such a calamity that we deal with the disease at all in these pages, for while considering it not altogether impracticable to effect a cure, provided proper measures are taken in good time, still the risk in- curred by reason of the dangerous propensities it gives rise to, and the damage which in attempiug treatment might be inflicted by so pDwerful an animal, w^e are strongly of opinion that the safest and wisest course is to slaughter the sufferer as soon as the un- questionable proof vst forthcoming that a case of rabies has to be dealt with. It is more than likely that a horse may be inoculated with the virus of rabies by the bite of a dog without the owner or his attendants being cognizant of the occurrence; it is, therefore, desirable to give the list of symptoms by which madness may be recognized, so that, at least, those in charge may be able to gain the necessary information, the possession of which is all-import- ant to put them on their guard against the more serious and danger- ous developments. There is no time that can be fixed as the period of incubation after the animal has been bitten, nor is there anything in the manner of the horse to suggest that he has been inoculated wath the rabies virus until the more definite symptoms, peculiar to ihe disease, commence to display themselves. Probably among the earlier symptoms observable are great excitability, inability to control its movements, the muscles of the loins and hind legs generally become hard and unyielding to the touch, as also ma}' those of the back and neck, and caution must be exercised that the rigid condition of the large muscle is not mistaken for tetanus Tlock- jaw) nor tetanus for it ; there are symptoms of differentiation, easih' recognized by the professional veterinarian, but the layman needs to be on his guard to discern the one disease from the other; to do which satisfactorily he must stud}^ both diseases carefully for him- self and get the difference in the symptoms impressed on his mind 86 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. lest the consequences of such an error cost him dearly; to continue the symptomatology, the earlier SN^nptoms referred to are speedily followed by the exhibition of an ungovernable temper; the slightest noise in or near to the stable excites the animal to such an extent that he will dash himself about to the imminent risk of knocking the partitions and doors down; as the disease advances the salivary glands become greatly influenced and large quantities of saliva will flow from the mouth, while the animal makes a vicious grab at anything and everything that comes within its reach. One of the most marked differences between tetanus and rabies, so far as the spasmodic condition of the muscles is con- cerned, that in rabies the muscles of the jaws are rarely affected while in tetanus this is the most frequent and special seat of action, and this, as is well known, to an extent that the jaws are in- capable of extension and hence the designation ' ' lockjaw. ' ' As the disease gains a more decided hold on the horse the fury becomes more pronounced until it reaches such a height of in- tensity that it can do no more; then intervals of cessation are observable and the disease assumes the form of periodical fits, which gradually become less and less violent, until a relapse into the opposite extreme, that of stupor and even paralysis takes its place; this is an indication that death is not far off and its thorough establishment is soon followed by the closing scenes as exemplified by a most painful exhibition of suffering. "Treatment may with reason be attempted if the fact that the horse has been bitten by a rabid dog or animal is recognized at the time, also in the earlier stages w^iere symptoms and surround- ing circumstances warrant the suspicion that rabies has to be con- tended with; but once the disease is thoroughly established and the more violent indications of its existence are displayed, to at- tempt treatment would be undiluted folly, were it for no other reason than the risk to human life which must attend it. Among the remedies that have been proved capable of destroying the virus of rabies, none stand out more definitely than BcUado7ina, and this should be administered in a fairly high at- tenuation say the 6x. We believe that Dr. Hering, one of the most popular and successful homoeopathic physicians that ever practiced in the United States of America, advocates the admin- istration of Ilydrophobin which is of course none other than the LYMPHANGITIS. 87 active virus in an attenuated form — and here again is an instance of Homoeopathy taking precedence of the scientists, as vide "Pasteur" and his cure of rabies inoculated patients; the symp- toms for the selection of Hydrophobin are that the wound made by the rabid dog assumes a bluish-red color and the edges thereof are hard and swollen. Other remedies which may be occasionally useful are Stramo7iium and Hyoscyamus but as these belong to the same natural order as Belladonna the differences are rather re- fined and call for a closer study than can be given here when the general recommendation is slaughter; we would issue one warn- ing, never under anj^ circumstances adopt the suicidal practice of cauterization; it is absolutely the surest way of insuring the de- velopment of the virus because by its adoption the blood vessels are all sealed up and the escape of the virus is impossible; if within the range of possibility submit the animal to a Turkish bath or some such process so as to secure the most profuse pers- piration, in this way you may succeed in sweating out the virus; if you use a cauterizing agent you ensure its being firmly locked into the system. WEED. LYMPHANGITIS. Among stablemen this form of disease, whose presence is re- cognized by lameness and swelling of one or both hind legs — rarely the forelegs — is described as ' ' Monday Morning Disease ' ' pre- sumably because it usually makes itself manifest after the cus- tomary rest on the Sabbath or succeeding an enforced rest on ac- count of the inclemency of the weather. Its cause is generall}^ attributed to a disordered state of the digestive functions and it was a matter of question with the writer whether its proper place in this work should not have been among Diseases of the Digestive Tract; but on second consideration, it was determined that though closely allied with the function of digestion, it could not be afl&rmed that the digestive organs proper, namely those organs that are en- closed within the abdomen, are responsible for its development, nor is its pathological condition located in these organs; moreover it is a disease which exercises a disturbing influence upon the whole sys- tem, as is evidenced by the exhalted temperature, increased fre- 88 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. quency of pulse and respirations with other symptoms common to many febrile disorders which profoundly influence the general constitution. In the absence of an acquaintance with the general phj^siological processes associated with digestion and the assimila- tion of food as it undergoes digestion for the purpose of restoring wasted tissues, it is a somewhat difhcult undertaking to attempt an efficient explanation of the relation which exists between these processes and the somewhat remarkable development in the legs of a horse, and therefore we shall have to ask our readers to take a great deal on trust. We may perhaps venture to assume that most men who have enjoyed the advantages of a moderate education are acquainted with the fact that the blood is carried from the heart to the outermost limits of the body by means of tubes or vessels known as arteries; these arteries gradually become smaller and smaller and increase in number, as they approach the limits of the body and are then described as capillaries; these again turn round the corner after arriving at the skin and begin to enlarge gradually until they become veins which again further enlarge until the blood passes into one vessel that empties itself into the heart; in this manner the blood performs a circuit, so to say, of the whole body, and ultimately comes back again to its starting point the heart, which has to act as an engine for pumping the blood through the system of tubes called arteries, capillaries and veins; in conjunction and side by side in many parts of the body, with the blood vesselsis another system of tubes called lymphatics whose function is closely connected with the distribution of material that serves to build up and renew the body and also to convey same to the blood with which it is connected by means of the vessels already referred to; in structure the larger lymph vessels are like veins; the material these vessels contain is collected by absorption from the tissues through which they pass, and is in the first instance the watery constituents of the blood, but these vessels pass through various callijig stations, if we may so describe them, called glands where it is considered reorganization of the material goes on and as the circulation of the material progresses in its course along these channels changes are affected in its composition, certain matters being left behind and others taken up for conveyance to the blood stream, some of which are probably intended to be con- veyed out of the system while others undergo changes which. LYMPHANGITIS. 89 adapt them for nutritive purposes; man}' of these small lymph vessels start from small points in the intestines and while the pro- cess of digestion is going on take up portions of the imperfectly digested material, called chyle, conveying it also along these tubes and this in its course presumably becomes mixed with the water}' constituents of the blood picked up b}^ these vessels in other parts of the body. Now as these vessels (lymphatics) are found all over the bod 3', generally in company with blood vessels, at all events in the legs of the horse, it will be understood how it is that digestion is considered to play so prominent a part in the production of lym- phangitis (or weed). The ordinary constitutional symptoms are very similar to those which present themselves in most febrile diseases, but the distinguishing symptom is localized generall}^ in the hind limbs, and consists of considerable swelling, which com- mences in the groins, accompanied by extreme tenderness, which gradually extends downwards to the hock and fetlock joints; the swelling is produced by an exudation of fluid from the lym- phatic vessels and the veins; and the anticipated result of admin- istering a remedy for this condition is the taking up again of the fluid on the part of the veins, that has passed through their walls already and those of the lymphatics; it is perhaps necessary to explain here that the walls of these lymphatic vessels and veins are so constructed that under excessive pressure, brought on under certain inflammatory conditions, the fluids contained are able to pass out on a modifled principle of the sieve, and where the fluid has passed out, it can of course pass in, provided the necessary attraction is present to draw it in again; this attraction is just the power that is wanting so long as the inflammation exists; let that be allayed, and the conditions are altered, the vessels are then capable of retaking up the fluid and passing it on to its proper destination and the swelling subsides; but when the necessary' remedy which is required to allay the inflammation is not administered, and the vessels are not reduced to the condition which enables them to reabsorb the exuded fluid, something has to be done with this fluid, and nature has ordained that if not removed it must be turned into something solid, and so a tissue is formed which, if examined under the microscope, is found to con- sist of the most minute fibres worked up into very beautiful mesh- 90 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. like forms; but like many other beautiful things to look at, it is uot only useless but harmful; hence the object of treatment in this disease is to allay the inflammation, prevent the exudation of the fluid as much as possible, and to ensure that such as has already exuded shall be taken up afresh and not allowed to remain to become formed material, as one peculiarity of this dis- ease is, that once established it is very difficult to get rid of; it will continually recur on the slightest aggravation and each time the consequences and results are apparent by the continual thick- ening of the leg and the general enlargement of the limb; this becomes most unsightly, interferes with the horse's action and produces a chronic state of lameness. The constitutional symptoms, as the same are indicated by rise in temperature, hurried pulse and respirations generally present themselves at the same time as the swelling of the hind limb; the appetite is usually very poor, but the desire for liquids is pro- nounced; the horse will not infrequently point with his muzzle to the affected parts as though he would direct attention to the seat of pain. Treatment. — Aconite, jx. — As soon as the febrile condition declares itself the remedy should be resorted to every two or three hours, but cannot be expected to do more than reduce the tem- perature and so prevent the aggravation of the inflammatory condition; the digestive organs must be influenced by more direct remedial measures. Belladonna, jx, may occasionally prove more useful in the earlier stages than Aconite when the skin over the swollen parts of the legs is very tense, bright red and shining. Hanianielis (■>. — In cases where the swelling is so intense that the fluid exudes through the skin and is accompanied by some blood; bearing in mind the close relation, anatomically, of veins and lymph vessels, it is probable that this drug might prove eminently successful in a large number of cases. /Ca/i Inc/iromician, JX, strongly recommended by the late Mr. James Moore, M. R. Col., of London, both internally and locally as a lotion; we have used this remedy in a large number of cases, only, however, to be disappointed; nevertheless we feel that after the experience of so practical a man as the late Mr. Moore, a LYMPHANGITIS. 9 1 remedy recommended by him should not be left out of a work of this sort. lodium, 2X. — We have found considerable advantage accrue from the use of this remedy, and were indebted for the suggestion that prompted us to give it a trial to Dr. Richard Hughes' PJiarm- acodynamics; in the article upon this drug, Dr. Hughes quotes from an observation of Dr. Herbert Nankivell, "that Iodine enables fatty food to be digested which otherwise could not be given;" Dr. Hughes also directs attention to the specificity of this agent in its capabilit}- to influence the coats of blood vessels at certain points, as was proved by Dr. Thin at a post mortem; upon these grounds we were induced to experimentize, and the result was eminently satisfactory. Undoubtedl}^ lymphangitis is a rather refractory disease and is very liable to recur, moreover its treatment has caused us very considerable anxiety and no little annoyance by reason of the persistence with which it resisted our various attempts at cure. lyocal applications are desirable and very helpful if only to alleviate immediate pain; our plan to invoke the aid of moist heat to allay the inflammatory swelling has been followed with marked success in some cases, while in others it was not so self-evident; we, however, account for some failures on the ground of inefficient application, and to the fact that some horses are so persistently fidgety that the}' will continually renew their efforts to shake off the application; our plan has been the common one of binding the leg from bottom to top with a soft hay bandage, and thereafter frequently applying water, as hot as can be borne by the naked hand; after this has been continued for some hours, the hay bandage should be taken off, the leg rubbed dry and a broad flannel bandage lightly applied as high up the leg as possible, and if the swelling is not reduced the hot fomentations must be re- peated as before. With respect to diet, the horse should have light digestible food including the artificial grasses and linseed boiled to jelly. Alco- holic stimulants should be avoided. If the swelling of the leg does not yield to treatment, then when administering Iodine inter- nally an ointment of the same may be applied locally with gentle friction once a day. Exercise must be postponed until the swell- ing and tenderness are reduced. 92 VETERNARY HOMCEOPATHY. PURPURA H.EMORRHAGICA. This may well be taken to succeed the chapter on weed as there are some points of similarit}^ while as yet the distinctive features are marked. Among horses this disease frequently succeeds im- mediately upon convalescence from some exhaustive and lowering diseased conditions such as are observed in influenza; at the same time we have known many cases which, so far as we could tell, developed quite independently of any previous illness; whether the blood alone or the bloodvessels of themselves are responsible for the condition known as " purpura," we are not prepared to posi- tively affirm; one opinion, however, is that a disorded state of the blood and a want of tone in the vessels accounts for the symp- toms peculiar to this disease; one of the earliest indications is the swelling of the head, particularly about the nostrils and lips, but extending more or less all over; large swellings witli distinctly sharp margins arise on the abdomen and chest, and about the upper portions of the legs, fore and hind; these swellings are neither particularly hot nor tender, but upon their surface a large number of small spots (or vesicles) appear, which contain a red- dish-colored fluid; these little vesicles soon burst and the fluid oozes out, the swellings are considered to be due to an escape of the blood from the bloodvessels into the tissues through which they take their course; either muscle or so-called connective tissue, chiefly among the latter; and, inasmuch as the blood has got out of its proper channel in the parts where these swellings are found, its natural tendency is to escape somewhere, hence the regular oozing of the red fluid over the surface of the large swellings. In addition, blood spots will be observedon the mucous membrane lining the nose; these which at first merely look like star-shaped spots of a very bright red color, also discharge the red fluid, and the spots have a distinct tendency to run together and form large ones; after the oozing has been going on for a few hours the color of the fluid graduall)^ assumes a much darker hue and dries and cakes over; this, however, is due to the drying influence of the atmosphere and not to the properties of the blood which seems so changed and altered in its constitution as to have lost its normal tendency to form a clot, the fact being that as it becomes blacker in color it is less likely to congeal and rather keeps up a constant PURPURA H^^iMORRHAGICA. 93 trickling from the nostrils and the swellings about the body. As an evidence that purpura is a constitutional disorder it may be mentioned that the temperature, pulse and respiration certainly undergo a change from the normal, though not to such a marked extent as is observed in many diseases of a more pronounced febrile type. The thermometer will, perhaps register 102 or 103 degrees; the pulse beats number 60 to 65 and the respirations 25 to 30. The appetite is almost invariably considerably impaired and the powers of digestion very weak, while constipation is fre- quently . observed . It is a notable and rather remarkable fact that this disease is apt to recur after apparent convalescence, a condition of things more frequently observed in purpura than any other disease we know of; this may perhaps be accounted for by the fact that the blood having undergone such evident change in constitution takes longer to recover its normal condition than practitioners have been disposed to allow, also that there has been a want of a suitable remedy and that hence while nature had been struggling to gain the ascendency she has been blanked in the effort by reason of unsanitary surroundings and the lack of that assistance which can only be secured through the aid of some remedies only recognized by avowed and conscientious homoeopathists. If the disease is not arrested and does not progress to its final termination, the skin over the large swellings on the body becomes cold and hard and ultimately drops -off in dead- looking shreds, sometimes exposing a raw, unhealthy-looking patch; the sheath of the penis is usually swollen to an enormous size, the urine is high colored and smells very offensively, and the breathing is difficult, of a muffling character and is sometimes so oppressed that the horse seems as though he would choke; the difficulty in breathino- is produced by the swollen condition of the membrane lining the nose and air passages, the fact being that the internal organs are affected in a manner quite similar to the external portions of the body; should this condition of affairs continue to get worse and the horse give evidence of suffocation, the only method of relief for the time being is to perform the operation of tracheotomy which consists in making an opening into the windpipe and insert- ing a tube made for the purpose; this of necessity demands the aid of a qualified surgeon. 94 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. Treatment. — HamamcHs ix is indicated when the hemorrhage is of a passive character, that is to say, where the blood drips away slowly and continuously, and especially if the veins are noticed to be distended, as though very full, and the nasal membrane has a blue (not black) appearance, and further when the bleeding is observ^ed at the anus during or after stool. Lachesis 12 is more often than any other the remedy that has to be resorted to in purpura, probabl}' because the disease has generally advanced to the stage at which it is best fitted to cure, by reason of delay or lo.ss of time in recognizing what was the matter in the first instance. Constant oozing of black blood that will not coagulate is one of the chief indications for Lachesis; copious flow of dark-colored urine; constipation. Phosphorus J. V. — Where there is reason to believe that the in- ternal organs, particularly the liver, are affected; this may be judged by the general yellow color of the skin and mucous mem- branes, namely those of the eyes, that are not affected with the blood spots, and the oozing of blood. lodium IX. — By a singular coincidence, the use of Iodine has quite recently been introduced into allopathic practice, for cases of purpura, and for the time is looked upon as one of the most recent novelties; to whom we are indebted for the introduction of this remedy among the British Veterinarians we are not aware, unless it be to Mr. I. A. W. Dollar, of New Bond St., London. We have ourselves proved the value of this agent in such cases, and although it does not strike one at the outset as being a remedy for the disease, our attention was drawn to it some years ago, when reading Dr. Hughes' article on Iodine in his Pharmacodynamics, wherein it is stated: "It can hardly be imagined that so univer- ' ' sal an irritant of the living matter should circulate in the blood " without affecting its corpuscles. But whether this be the ' ' rationale or not , it is certain that Iodide of Potassium every now and * ' then causes petechia and purpura and that under the long con- ' ' tinued influence of Iodine the blood and the secretions become " thin and watery." The first case that we submitted to Iodine treatment had been for some days previous taking Sulphuric ««■^ small quantity to plent}^ of water. By way of nutriment at such times, all .solids must absolutely be dis- pensed with for many days, and nutritious mucilaginous drinks, such as milk, linseed gruel, barley water, thin arrow root, etc., provided instead. Inflammation of the stomach, as a primar)' disorder, rarely pre- sents itself in the horse; but as has already been stated, amono- other causes an overloaded or impacted condition will set up in- flammation of the organ; at the same time the animal will probably experience considerable pain and inconvenience long before inflam- mation of either the muscular walls or simply the mucous mem- brane lining them is established, and the point which the stableman has to determine so far as he can is whether the pain the horse evinces is due to an overloaded state of the stomach or to ordinary colic affecting the intestines; when in consequence of a ravenous appetite or partaking of coarse, indigestible, unsuitable food, the stomach is filled to bursting, the process of digestion is arrested and the alimentary material does not pass on, symptoms ver}- simi- lar to those already quoted will present themselves; such as, pawing with the fore-feet attempt at vomition accompanied by an escape of gas through the mouth or nose; pain evinced by the horse turning its 1 66 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. head frequently to the side; trembhng and shaking of the muscles of the neck and limbs; partial sweating, particularly about the neck; extra secretion of saliva which escapes from the mouth in abundance, pulse hard, wiry and frequent; the expression of the countenance very haggard; horse rarely attempts to lie down as in colic, indeed, seems afraid to do so; the matter of first importance under such circumstances is to restore to the stomach, which has lost all nervous and muscular energy, — hence the reason the food has become impacted — its healthy tone; through being called upon to do too much at once, the coats of the organ are wearied out, they refuse to respond to the nervous stimulus; the pyloric orifice which opens into the small intestines is closed, the food that ought to pass on for further digestion is retained and the viscus is now more than replete with alimentary material; what is to be done? ordinary practice would suggest an aloetic purge, but what is the use of that? Aloes act upon the intestines almost exclusively; we have to deal with the stomach which is already vSo full that nothing will pass out of it; therefore, what good will aloes do; absolutely none! What is required is a remedy that will give tone and impart renewed vigour to the muscular wall ot the stomach, so that the pyloric orifice will open and the contents of the organ be passed on after saturation with gastric juice, into the intestines, and there is no drug better calculated or more likely to effect this than Nux vomica ix, of which ten drops in half a wineglassful of water should be given, and the dose repeated every half hour until relief is obtained. In those cases where the gastritis is the primary disease and presents itself in the acute form, the symptoms are much like those already enumerated, and the question at once arises how are the two forms to be recognized and distinguished; it is somewhat difficult but the careful horseman ought to know whether the animal has had an opportunity of over-filling the stomach with either digestible or indigestible material; apart from that, the symptoms also include, with these already suggested some soreness of the throat, a swollen and an infiltrated condition of the eyelids; the animal may also be observed licking the walls of the box, and grinding his teeth together; the point of the tongue is red but the INDIGESTION. 167 flat part of the body of that organ is dirty, white and covered with mucus. Treatment. — Kali bichromiacm 3X. — This is a famous remedy for many troublesome cases; the peculiar condition suggesting its selection is best recognized when the coating of the tongue is 5'ellow, and the surface thereunder, after cleaning off, very red; further, when diarrhoea is present some remarkable cures have been elTected. Belladonna 3X when complicated with a sore throat, swollen condition of the eyes and discharge therefrom. Mercurius cor. 3X when salivation is a prominent symptom, in conjunction with sore throat and gums; breath very foetid. Atiiimonmm crudum 3X when the eructation of gas is a promi- nent symptom and the tongue is thickly coated Avith a white covering. Arsenicum albnni 3X when the animal becomes impoverished and thin; the breath and excretions offensive; the legs swell and the fever rises; thirst, a little water and often, is a marked indica- tion. Niix vomica 3X is such an important stomach medicine that any affection of the organ is almost certain to furnish a number of sj-mptoms for which at one time or another this remedy is indi- cated ; those suggestive of its selection are chiefly : loss of appetite ; depression of spirits; constipation, faeces being hard and coated with slime; frequent evidence of a desire to pass dung, with some difflculty in effecting the function; pulse small, rapid and thin; tongue red at sides and coated with 3'ellow slime on the sur- face; internal temperature elevated to 103 degrees or 104 degrees; pain attested by considerable restlessness. Phosphorus ■^\-^ is a remedy that proves useful in chronic cases of gastritis, where the disease has been hanging about for a con- siderable period; the most suggestive symptoms are vomiting, flatulence, hunger that cannot be appeased, dysentery and constant straining, the faeces being coated with mucus, blood and slime, wasting and continuous fever. INDIGESTION— DYSPEPSIA. Indigestion, like many other diseases, assumes two forms, acute and chronic; the latter is generally a sequel of the former; acute 1 68 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. indigestion is brought on in the first place by overloading the stomach beyond its capacit}^ with nutritious food, or by over re- pletion with material of inferior quality; it has already been pointed out in a previous chapter, that errors are frequently com- mitted by stablemen, when by way of compensating for many hours of abstinence large quantities of food are put before a horse, under the impression that extra work calls for an increase of food supply; but we take this opportunity to again point out that at such times the digestive functions, like all the vital powers are wearied, depressed and unequal to extra work ; that at such times and under such circumstances great care and circumspection should be exer- cised to avoid the untoward consequences which so frequently fol- low well-intentioned but injudicious management of this kind; at such times a horse necessarily feels faint and hungry and un- less a higher intelligence is brought to bear regulating the amount of food to be partaken of, will eat voraciously, overload the stomach to such an extent that the function of digestion will be arrested and distension follows as a natural consequence; the re- sult is pain, evinced by constant pawing with the fore feet; the food instead of digesting ferments in the viscus and large quanti- ties of gas are formed, when the horse protrudes his head and makes efforts at eructation, sometimes accompanied b}' vomition of fluid material through the nasal passages; as the pain becomes more severe, the animal will throw itself down with violence and roll about in too evident agony, occasionally resting on the breast bone, with both fore legs bent into position as though it intended to rise; great anxiety will be apparent in the countenance, with considerable though partial sweats over the neck and body. If the stomach is not relieved by a discharge of its contents, the animal becomes sympathetically affected in the brain, stupor and partial unconsciousness supervening, as is indicated by the hang- ing down of its head or pressing the same against the wall; a loss of control over the powers of movement is also e\-inced and the pulse is full and resistant; this condition represents what used to be described as stomach STAGGERS. The acute cases of indigestion in which prompt action for relief is called for are much rarer than the chronic form of the disease, which comes on as the result of injudicious feeding, and mild forms of engorgment which the animal manages to get over with- INDIGESTION. 1 69 out experiencing- the more formidable symptoms just enumerated; or again by an unhealthy condition of the mucous membrane and glands of the stomach, in consequence of which the gastric and other secretions are Avanting in quantity or quality; such cases as these develop gradually and in such a manner as to render it difficult to recognize the real cause of the disorder; the attention is first drawn to the unthriftiness of the horse's coat, the appetite is capricious; the animal loses condition and has a tucked-up appearance; a very little exertion causes profuse sweat- ing; the dung is very irregular in consistence, at one time voided in hard, blackish lumps and at another soft, coated with mucus and very offensive to the smell; the food, especially oats, passes whole and undigested; the urine is scanty and high colored or de- posits a white sediment; the horse evinces also a depraved appetite by eating dirty, soiled bedding, and licking lime washed walls or picking up gravel off the road; the latter practices are very sug- gestive of a Crib Biter and Wind Sucker, especially when ac- companied by acid eructations and unusual thirst; the opinions held by eminent veterinarians as to the cause of these troublesome and very bad habits are various, but we believe that they are in- variably due in the first instance to chronic indigestion; the horse experiences these acid eructations, due probably to an unhealthy condition of the gastric secretion; what in the human subject is described as heart-burn is experienced by the animal and to obtain relief from the unpleasant sensation, it learns the habit of drawing in cool air which it endeavors to swallow with a view to alleviation; further, instinct teaches the animal that by firmly lay- ing hold of some rigid structure such as a manger, the position attained produces a vacuum in the gullet down which the cool air rushes; as a natural sequence to this proceeding the stomach is over- filled with atmospheric air, and the animal, to obtain relief, en- deavors to belch it up again; in consequence of this unnatural proceeding, which only affords temporary relief to the unpleasant burning sensation in the oesophagus (or gullet) the powers of diges- tion are still further impaired, the food is never properly assimi- lated, and hence the loss of flesh and condition. Having attached a good deal of blame to unwholesome and innutritious food as causes of gastric derangement, we must also draw attention to the fact that too much stimulating food, such as beans or other mem- lyo VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. bers of the leguminous order are not infrequently responsible for indigestion, inasmuch as they make too much demand upon the secreting powers of the viscus and impair the nervous energy, whereby the expulsive movement of the muscular walls is lost and the contents are not passed on as they should be. The practice of giving horses cooked food is one that cannot be commended, and should only be resorted to under very excep- tional circumstances, such as may be indicated in certain forms of illness; the objection is mainly that the animal is encouraged to swallow the food without mastication, without which, of course, little or no saliva is secreted, and the alimentary material is thus passed into the stomach devoid of 'that essential element in the digestive process; moreover the food is swallowed too rapidly and thus the stomach becomes overloaded and distended; the food in- stead of being softened by the saliva is rendered moist with a liquid that rather tends to counteract the action of the gastric juice and certainly dilute it, so that the material is rendered un- fit to pass on to the intestines for the completion of the digestive process; it will thus be apparent that this also is conducive of in- digestion and is a practice to be avoided. In young animals be- tween the ages of two and four years, it should be remembered that the teeth may also be responsible for some cases of indigestion, as the food is not properh^ masticated but is swallowed in a con- dition quite unfit for gastric digestion, in consequence of these ir- regularities; the mouth should therefore be examined, and should it prove that dentition is backward or is not proceeding with ordi- nary healthy regularity the treatment must be directed towards the repairment of this difficulty, not so much by the extraction of the offending organs as by the administration of a remedy that will foster their normal maturation. RUPTURE OF THE STOMACH. This is a condition of affairs that admits of no alleviation either surgically or therapeutically and we include it in our list of ail- ments only to enable horsemen to detect the condition and so enable them to form conclusions as to possible hopes of recovery when cases of this description comes under notice. By some veterinarians vomition is considered as a certain indi- cation that rupture of the stomach has taken place, but this can- RUPTURE OF THE STOMACH. 171 not be accepted as a positively reliable symptcm, as vomiting has been known to take place when the diaphragm or intestines have post mortem exhibited a rupture, while the stomach was in- tact; moreover the stomach has been found ruptured after death while during life no symptoms of vomiting were presented. The late Professor Robertson, whose experience was very con- siderable, states in his '''' Equine Medicine'' that "with regard to the relation of the symptoms of vomition or attempt at vomition, to the actual occurrence of the ruptures there has been considerable speculation and little certainty. Many have regarded the existence of the lesion as incompatible with any action of the organ approach- ing to what may be looked upon as vomitiou; that with the walls of the stomach torn, there could be no effort made for the eject- ment of what material was contained in it, and that consequently the symptom of vomition, where existing, was alwa^'s a symptom antecedent to the occurrence of the lesion. Of the correctness of this we are far from being satisfied; it proceeds upon assumptions we can scarceh' admit, such as the necessity of a stomach ere vomition can be accomplished, the impossibility with a rent in its walls of pressure being exercised upon its contained materials, or of relaxa- tion of its cardiac opening. To our mind these latter conditions will altogether depend upon the nature and extent of the rupture, and the relation of the viscus to other influences, nervous and muscular. The lesion can certainly be conceived of as being of such a character that its interference with forcible contraction of the muscular tissue and lessening of the capacity would not be obsolute and complete. While from observ'atiou made on many cases shortly previous to death, and immediately afterwards, there appears satisfactory evidence that rupture and escape of ingesta into the peritoneal cavity may exist sometimes antecedent to the exhibition of attempts at vomition. In some of these there has been ample evidence of inflammatory action consequent on the escape of contained material into the abdominal cavity, and changes which could not possibly have occurred under a period of several hours, while not long prior to death we had attempts at vomition with ejection of material from the nose. Again it is equally certain that actual vomition has occurred during the simple repletion and distension of the stomach without any rupture of its walls, seeing that following the vomition and discharge of 172 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. ingesta from the nostrils we have had perfect recovery of the animal. Thus while we do not appear to be in a position to give a distinct and incontrovertible opinion as to the exact relationship which the symptom of vomition or attempted vomition bears to rupture of the stomach, there is yet ample reason why we should as a general rule, particularly when thissj-mptom is collateral with others, still continue to regard it as one of the most important. ' ' From the foregoing ver}^ valuable and important piece of reason- ing, it will be seen that the late professor, while not placing im- plicit reliance upon vomition as symptomatic of a ruptured stomach, evidently considered it an important and suggestive indication; and to render some further aid in clearing up the symptomatology of this condition, we may add that wdien in conjunction with vomition, or attempted vomition, the following indications are pre- sent, it will be safe to conclude that little hope remains of saving the life of ahorse under such circumstances; and the symptoms corroborative of this condition are: respirations gradually becomes weaker and the animal every now and again heaves a deep sigh; the pulse becomes weaker and less frequent in the beat; the coun- tenance assumes an anxious appearance; exhibits signs of pain and great uneasiness; the visible mucous membrane becomes pallid, the mouth and tongue cold and clammy; as death ap- proaches the uneasiness ceases, the horse stands in one position, with head depressed apparently nearly unconscious, ultimately drops and dies. If there is a disinclination on the part of an owner to put an end to the scene with — in this sort of case — the merciful bullet, then nothing remains but to render the last end comparatively easy by the subcutaneous injection of Morphia, that is to say, when it is quite clear no hope of betterment by medical treat- ment seems at all likely. General Treatment. — Hydrastis ca7i. 9. For dyspepsia or in- digestion, this is one of the finest remedies in the pharmacopoeia, and provided common caution is exercised to avoid improper diet, primary cases of indigestion will almost invariably yield to this agent, and the horse rapidly put on condition. Arsenicum album 3X when attempts at vomition are made in the early stages, which are possibly due to an ulcerated condition of the mucous membrane of the stomach, and tlmt, notwithstand- RUPTURE OF THE STOjMACH. 1 73 ing the previous remarks aneiit vomitioii and ruptures, it is prob- able that this remedy would save the rupture, which, when it does occur, is sure to be present in a weak spot of the w^alls of the stomach, such as that where an ulcer has been present; should the horse be affected with any skin disease, other than one of those due to external parasites, this will .serve as an additional indication for this remedy. Carbo vcgetabilis 3X. This is a most useful remedy to check fermentation and alia}- that form of indigestion which is accom- panied with acidity and flatulence; in cases where a horse has eaten voraciously, and distended the stomach to that extent that it is well nigh bursting, as indicated in symptomatology, the pure vegetable charcoal may with advantage be given, a tablespoon- ful being carefully mixed in a pint of water and administered; this will act mechanically by arresting the formation of gas from the fermenting material and as a" detergent of the mucous metn- brane''' (Hughes). We have had several very satisfactory in- stances of cure by the aid of this remedy of chronic indigestion and have found it specially useful in the attenuated form — third decimal — in cases of crib biting and wind sucking. Further, we are able to confirm Dr. Hughes' symptom, that Carbo veg. is in- dicated in cases of flatulent dyspepsia attended with looseness of the bowels, rather than constipation. Carbolic acid i-s.. In view of the complicated and uncertain condition of things when vomiting is present, it is highly import- ant to test any remedies on the horse that have any power to produce vomiting, in the hope that a cure may be affected before a rupture of the stomach takes place; and in Carbolic acid\v& have such an agent. Vomition accompanied by the formation of gas in the stomach, as evidenced by the horse belching up wind through the gullet and frequently taking long breaths or sighing, indicate this remedy. Should the urine be scanty, thick and albuminous and the eye lids be swollen and red confirmatory in- dications of its appropriateness are supplied. Alumina 3X. We include this remedy in the list, as we once had an interesting case of chronic dj-spepsia in an old hunter in whom a most satisfactory cure was effected. We were led to its selection by reason of the peculiar dryness of the fasces and the presence of a hard, dry cough; it is specially useful in cases where 174 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. the gastric juice is deficient, and we believe this was the case with our patient; he had been previously dosed ad nauseam with Aloes, but all to no purpose; a week's treatment with Alumina, two doses a day, served to effect a most satisfactory cure. Kali bichromiciim 3X. Cases of chronic indigestion, attended with troublesome diarrhoea and the tongue coated with a yellow, fur which, if removed, leaves behind a raw surface, will generally yield to this drug. Nux vomica 3X. No treatise on dyspepsia would be complete that did not include this remedy among its prescriptions; indeed, so great has the faith of sincere homoeopathists been in ' 'Nux vom. for indigestion " that we have known cases — not a few — where disappointment has followed its use and some discredit brought upon Hahnemann's system in consequence of the blind faith put in this drug for all sorts of cases of indigestion; Nux vomica, like every other remedial agent, has its own field of operation, and the following may be accepted roughly as the symptoms which indi- cate its selection: Pain, accompanied by some distension; faeces hard and difficult of expulsion, frequent attempts to effect a pas- sage with much straining; retching occasionally, but not neces- sarily, occurs; the animal becomes dull, heavy and comatose ; flatu- lence and acid-smelling eructations are observable; the back part of the tongue, only, is coated with fur; the horse absolutely refuses all kinds of food, nor is much water required. THE INTESTINES. Before attempting to describe the various disorders affecting this part of the digestive tract, we may with advantage explain how anatomists artificially divide the canal for the sake of distinc- tion. The small intestines which commence at the opening out of the stomach called the pyloric orifice consist of three divisions; the first known as the duodenum which, as the horse stands, pro- ceeds in an upward direction, over the rounded surface of the liver, supported by a mesh-like membrane called the omentum; the duodenum here receives the duct or tube which conveys the bile from the li^'er and the juice from the pancreas, both of which have been referred to as essential products for the completion of digestion; this tube enters the duodenum, about five or six inches from the pyloric opening; the duodenum then passes over the THE INTESTINES. 1 75 pancreas and here forms a curve round that organ, passes under the spinal column and terminates; the next portions of the intes- tines are the jejunum and ileum, which hang loosel}^ in the fatt}^ membrane called the mesentery terminating on the right side of the animal not far from the region of the kidneys at the ileo-caecal valve, the latter provision (the valve) being evidently intended to prevent food passing back from the large to the small intestines; here commences the large intestines, which in the horse are very considerable and occupy by far the largest portion of the abdomi- nal cavity; the caecum is like an egg-shaped bag, the base of which is situate at the right side, extending forwards, though rather to the left, on the floor of the abdomen; it is sufficiently large to hold several gallons of water, from four to six, according to the size of the horse, and it is generally considered that the large draughts of water which horses sometimes consume, pass direct into this organ; if this conclusion be correct — and there is good reason to believe that it is — it points to the desirability of watering an animal before giving it any food, otherwise some portions of the undigested or only partly digested alimentary material may get washed into the caecum, an organ which, unlike the small in- testines, does not possess any glands capable of secreting digestive juices. At the point where the small intestine opens into the caecum the large intestine known as the double colon commences at a junction described as the " ccrcum caput coif ; after a short distance a large portion of intestine takes a turn and passes for- ward as far as the diaphragm on the right side; here it bends over to the left one, and then, after passing in a backward direction turns once more at what is described as the sigmoid flexure; it proceeds yet again in a forward direction, then diverges to the left and blends itself into the single colon, which hangs loosely in the posterior portion of the abdomen and terminates in the rectum and anus. It will, from this description, be gleaned how exten- sive a surface the intestinal canal represents; and what with the muscular coats and the internal lining of mucous membrane of same, each of which is liable to get out of order, there is little wonder that the digestive tract of the horse presents opportunities for the development of painful conditions oft times resulting fatally; for, as has already been averred, the intestinal tract 176 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. is too often treated, by those who ought to know better, as though it were a metal tube with neither sensibility nor susceptibility. INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION. The title explains itself; the intestinal tract consists of a tube of variable size; the alimentary material has to pass along the wiiole length — probably forty feet or more — of this tube, some of which is withdrawn for nutrition and rebuilding of the system while the remainder is passed on and evacuated as solid faecal matter. Dur- ing the process an accumulation may easily be collected, either through an unhealthy condition of the mucous membrane, to which it adheres, or some other cause, and at this point the tube becomes blocked up; an obstruction is established. Yet again, an obstruction may be due to a displacement of the intestines, es- pecially in tliose parts where they hang free and loose in the margins of the mesenter}-; one of the most common and frequently observed conditions of the intestines is a twist, in which the in- testine becomes entangled in itself; another similar condition is observed through the mesentery being torn (the mesentery is a fibro-fatty membrane which is attached to the spine and to which the intestines areslung) and a portion of the intestines passing through the rent; in some mysterious manner the intestines form a loop and get tied into a knot. Once more, one part of the in- testines passes within that which is continuous with it; this is known as intussusception or invagination. We shall presently deal with the condition known as colic, but it may be as well to state in passing that many cases which are considered in the first instance to be merely colic ultimately turn out to be twist, in- carceration or intussusception of some portion of the intestines, while still another form of obstruction frequently met with is the presence of a calculus (or stone), Avhich gets wedged into an open- ing where a large portion of the tube suddenly merges into one much smaller, as is the case when the double colon is continued by the single colon, and this is a very favorite spot for large cal- culi to become fixed and immovable. It will perhaps facilitate the better understanding of the matter if a short explanation be given how it is the alimentary material keeps moving along this tube; it must be remembered the muscular coat of the intestines consists of two layers; the outer layer consisting of fibres placed longitud- INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION. I 77 inally, and the inner layer of fibres placed transversely; by this arrangement the muscular contractions, which are brought about by a stimulus furnished from the nervous system, alternate, thus producing first an enlargement and then a contraction of the tube in consequence of which the alimentary contents are gradually pushed on; it should be observed, however, that these said con- tractions and dilatations of the tube proceed and follow one an- other like the waves of the sea and are not continuous from one end of the intestines to the other, as one movement; in this man- ner the food passes slowly and steadily along the digestive canal, meaijwhile mingling with its secretions and being absorbed, as digestion is completed, through the various openings and blood- vessels of the lining mucous membrane. In dealing with these various forms of intestinal obstructions it may be as well to take that which, in certain places, occurs very frequently, namely the presence of a calculus (or .stone); in our experience these in- testinal concretions, which vary in consistence from material formed by the accumulation round a centre of undigestible prov^- ender to that which is as hard and brittle as a flint and also in bulk from the size of a small pebble to an ordinary cannon ball are found more often in horses belonging to millers and corn factors than anywhere else, and we attribute this to the probable fact, that bran is a staple commodity of food with owners of this class or trade; we could quote quite a number of instances, were it necessary, in proof of this opinion, in which after discontinu- ance of bran as an ordinary article of diet the presence of intes- tinal calculi never thereafter w^as discovered, and certainly no losses by death from this cause were experienced; inasmuch as bran con- tains or consists of a very large proportion of mineral matter, it is quite within the bounds of reason that the animal partaking of undue proportions of this diet should be unable to assimilate a chemical constituent of this character when the same was present in superabundant quantities, and it is not improbable that a hind- rance to its evacuation might arise by reason of the chemical action of the intestinal secretions thereupon; hence the tendency to accumulate and deposit around a nucleus, in the way of a small nail, pebble or other foreign substance, such as are fre- quently found in the large colon of the horse; and this formation once established usually continues until one large calculus is 178 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. formed, and not infrequently quite a quantity of small ones, of varying sizes, in addition. It is probably hardly necessary to state that unless the calculus passes from the large double colon into the single colon before it becomes too large to occupy the lumen of the latter portion of the intestines there is no other method of relieving the animal of the diflSculty other than by surgical opera- tion, by effecting an opening through the walls of the abdomen; we believe that a few very bold surgical operators have attempted this as a deurier-resort, but we cannot from personal experience speak as to the probable success of what looks like a very venture- some operation; at the same time we are strongly of opinion that the horse will bear surgical interference with the contents of the ab- domen far better than the teaching of the past would induce one to anticipate; be that how it may, however, such an operation could only be undertaken by one trained in the art of surgery and the consideration of the subject does not consequently come within the bounds of this work. The question then arises, to what extent can therapeutics aid in solving the diflSculty, and we regret to add that in the event of a calculus being present which is too large to pass through the single colon only temporary alleviation can be afforded; ultimately the calculus is certain to become fixed in the opening where the double colon merges into the single colon, the constriction in the size of the canal being at this point very marked and sudden; the peristaltic action of the intestines forces the calcu- lus into this position and there it is retained, unless a violent or sud- den reverse peristalisis can be established to cause the muscular walls of the large colon to relax their grip of the stone, and it thence falls back into the bottom of the large colon, but only in due course to go through the same process once again ; at the same time every horse owner would undoubtedly prefer the off chance of a temporary cure to having his animal destroyed on the ipse dixit of the most experienced veterinarian of the day. The remedy we have found capable of effecting the desired object is Niix vomica ix, ihe dose to be repeated every hour until relief is obtained; assistance may be afforded three or four times for the same animal, periodical attacks coming on every two or three months, but in the end it generally happens that the stone be- comes so firmly wedged into the lumen of the colon, at the point already referred to, that it is immovable and results in the death INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION. I79 of the horse after about twelve hours of the most excruciating agony. In cases where the A^ux vomica treatment does not avail in two or three hours to effect relief, at all events in some degree, and the animal seems to be getting worse and experiencnig severe attacks of pain, evincing growing weakness and prostration, it is better to anticipate the worst, and afford the poor animal some ease by the administration of an anaesthetic, such as two ounces of Chloral hydrate dissolved in a quarter pint of water and given per mouth, or repeated subcutaneous injections of Morphia — this, for humanity's sake, is the course w^e adopt where the prospect of a temporary cure seems unpromising. Next in importance to calculi (or stones) so far as frequency of occurrence may be accepted as a guide in estimating the import- ance of the various forms of intestinal obstruction met wnth in the horse, we should allot the position to " twist " (or entanglement • of some portion of the intestine upon itself). It is not so difficult, as may at first sight appear, to diagnose a case of ticist from the symptoms which will hereafter be presented under one classifica- tion, the single classification being adopted to avoid unnecessarj^ repetition; there are one or two special symptoms that serve to differentiate between twist and the presence of a calculus, which we shall point out later on under the general classification of symptoms in intestinal obstruction. When the tn'ist takes place in the single colon or in the posterior portion of the double colon examination per rectum occasionally reveals the condition ; having thrust the arm up as far as one can reach, it will distinguish the presence of a twist by the cord-like state of the intestine, and the obstruction will prevent the hand passing beyond the point where this is perceptible; the position of the twist can be determined by the direction taken by the aforesaid cord-like condition; which ever way the cord turns, either to the right or left, the portion of the bowel that involves the entanglement must come from the opposite direction, and it is possible by closing the fist, and thrusting it well into the obstruction to swing the entangled por- tion to and fro and ultimately by a vigorous effort to throw it back again into its natural position; we are well aw^are that by many veterinarians such a result is considered impossible of realization, but from experience we are satisfied that it can be done, having had the most satisfactory proof of the possibility in more cases l8o VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. than one; to mention a single case will probably be sufficient for our present purpose; we had been in attendance upon a brewer's horse, one of the heavy class of animals used by this trade; the animal had been in great pain for six hours without intermission, everything had been done that was possible to alleviate suffering but without avail; the pains were continuous and increasing, already we had made several examinations per rectum without observing anything, and as matters were becoming more and more serious and the pain growing acute, we determined to make one more manual examination; on this occasion we distinctly dis- covered the cord-like condition already described, and adopted the measures for replacement herein suggested; the swinging to and fro of the entangled portion of the intestine followed by its falling over into the natural position, as the result of the jerk given by the arm to effect this result, were distinctly felt, and immedi- ately the animal gave a sigh of relief, assumed a calm and eas}- position, the circulation became regular, the coat, previously dripping with sweat, rapidly dried, and the horse shortly com- menced to feed, ultimately making a good recovery. The incarceration of the intestines and invagination of one part of the intestines within that w^hich is continuous wnth it, are also conditions affecting the horse occasionall)', and when present gener- ally take place in the small intestines, and are without doubt capable of reduction through the instrumentality of internal medication, though the possibilitj^ of such a result in therapeutics would probably be scouted as ridiculous by all practitioners except the followers of Hahnemann, Symptoms. — In the opinion of many veterinarians of consider- able experience the various symptoms which by others are con- sidered indicative of intestinal obstruction are not accepted as diagnostic of the condition, and while we have no intention of posing as an infallible authority we cannot do other than offer our opinion that in a majority of cases the following symptoms will be presented in one or other of the different forms of obstruction and that if they be relied upon few mistakes will be made in diagnos- ing the conditions when they arise. The first symptom to which the attention is drawn will be the exhibition of considerable pain; the horse will lie down roll two or three times, groaning the while, suddenly jump onto his legs again, and commence walking INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION. iSl round the box; it is difficult to divert the attention of the animal from itself; after moving round once or twice a sudden halt will be made and the head will be turned to the side the most pain is experienced, while at others the nose will be rested on the exact locality of the obstruction. After a few turns the animal will lie down again, roll, and then maintain the recumbent position for a few minutes, suddenly jumping up again and repeating the fore- going movements; meanwhile, according to the urgency of the pain, sweat breaks out ov-er various parts of the body, and at times so profuse is the secretion that the coat is thoroughh' sat- urated and it can be observed dripping off the bottom of the abdomen. In our experience one symptom is diagnostic of calcu- lus that we have never observed in a case of twist or other form of obstruction, namely, the hor.se places itself with its tail and quart- ers firmly pressed against the walls of the stable and at the same time urges as though to effect a passage of faeces. In cases of twist, invagination and incarceration of the intes- tines, the pulse and respirations are more properly influenced than when a calculus is the cause of obstruction; the respirations are urgent and hurried at all times and the pulse gradually gets more rapid, hard and wiry unless relief be afforded until ultimately the animal is so worn out and exhausted that no pulse is perceptible. We have remarked in quite a number of cases of obstruction the animal becomes after awhile very impatient of the pain, especiall}' in cases of ht'i'st. Treatment. — There are three remedies that are under their own respective indications capable of effecting a cure in cases of incarceration, invaginatio7i and heist, and of occasionall}^ affording at least temporary relief when a calculus is the cause of obstruc- tion, and they are Nux vomica, Plumbum and Belladonna and in the foregoing order their value and importance may be ranged. Nux vomica ix. Constipation is a most important indication, especially when accompanied by frequent ineffectual efforts at evacuation; a distended condition of the abdomen with flatus (or wind) ; hiccough and rising of either gas or food ; a prolapsed con- dition of the anus as the result of repeated straining; the pains, while they may be more or less continuous, are certainly spas- modic, namely, worse at one time than another. Plumbum 3X, is a most effectual remedy in cases of obstruction 1 82 VETERINARY IIOMCEOPATHY. due to impaction of hard, dry faeces shaped like balls, and gener- ally black in color; the anus instead of being protruded and relaxed as in Nux vomica is constricted; except in cases of twist the abdomen is retracted and the horse has a tucked-up appear- ance, but when the obstruction is due to impacted faeces the abdo- men is swollen and distended; this remedy is also very effectual in cases of obstruction arising from hernia (rupture) when the intestines protrude through the walls of the abdomen in the form of a tumor, but such cases are very rare except in foals and stal- lions; in the former they take place generally at the navel and are known as umbilicai^ hernia; while in the stallion the tumor appears in the scrotum, the seat of the testicles, and is known as SCROTAi^ HERNIA; whenever a hernia is found in an aged horse, it usually takes the form of strangulated hernia which in- volves a constriction of the intestine so that the contents cannot pass onward, and consequently the circulation of the blood is arrested in that part. Belladonna 3X serves to assist in cases of twist where inflam- mation is set up; a swollen and very bright red condition of the lining membrane of the eyes; a firm, hard, resistant swelling in the abdomen on the course of the large colon with an indication of sharp griping pains at one particular spot, recognizable by the horse pointing with his nose repeatedly to the same place may be accepted as the symptomatic of this drug. ^Accessory treatment. — The first thing to do in cases of this description is to make careful manual exploration of the rectum; well oil the hand and arm and empty the bowel of its contents, then search for either a calculus in the single colon or the presence of the cord-like condition of the intestine suggestive of twisted bowels; should neither of these be observed, it will be desirable to invoke the aid of a enema pump — an instrument specially used for the purpose — and therewith inject three or four gallons of water raised to blood heat into the intestines; in the case of calculus this proceeding may assist its displacement or if a twist it may afford mechanical aid in reducing it; under any circumstances the warm application will be grateful to the sufferer and it will aid in locating whatever faeces lie behind the obstruc- tion. Beyond this and the regular administration of the most suitable remedy every hour or so little can be suggested; should COLIC. 183 no relief be afforded, then to save unnecessary^ pain, resort had better be had to one or other of the anaesthetics before mentioned. COLIC. A common stable term indicating that violent spasmodic contrac- tions of the intestinal muscular walls are taking place producing sharp griping pains which come on in paroxysms with intermedi- ate periods of partial relief; it has been affirmed that in colic of a simple and uncomplicated character there is neither exaltation of bodily temperature nor acceleration of pulse beat; if this be so our experience is an unique one, for we invariably make it a rule to take the temperature and test the frequenc}- of the heart beats as revealed by the pulse, and it is in our experience a very rare circumstance to find the pulse normal and certainly more often than not the temperature is higher than in robust health; we freely admit that there is a vast difference between the state of pulse and temperature in a horse suffering from spasm of the intestine and one that is the subject of enteritis (inflammation of the intestines); but our experience does not allow us to confirm the statement of other writers on this subject with respect to the particular disorder now under consideration. It certainh- appears at first sight a somewhat singular coincidence that horses are so generally and very frequently the subjects of this disorder, unless we account for it by susceptibility in consequence of the immense volume of the intestinal area; this certainly does not strike us as at all a satisfactory conclusion to draw, but probably in at- tempting to define the various causes productive of or tending to colic w^e may discover something like rational evidence to account for its frequenc5\ Among agricultural horses food is in most cases accountable for producing attacks of spasmodic and flatulent colic; some owners seem, by their actions, to hold the opinion that any rough material, never mind how coarse, is good enough for a horse that works on land; the horse returns home after long abstinence and being as most are a ravenous feeder, the digestive organs are gorged with material that is not only bulky but also too fibrous to yield to the action of the digestive juices; the conse- quence is that large masses of this undigested material accumulate where they act as an irritant; the muscular walls of the intestine at this point become paralyzed after repeated ineffectual efforts 184 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. to move on the accumulated mass of faeces; the spasms then com- mence as the result of the repeated efforts of the intestines above the obstruction to forcibly remove this mass of ingesta. Yet, again, farm horses are not infrequently the subjects of flatulent (or windy) colic either from this dry indigestible material fer- menting and thus producing increasing quantities of gases which develop distressing and dangerous symptoms, or the same result also occurs from the injudicious use of succulent green food, by allowing it to be given in a too 3'oung and consequently immature state or under conditions, for which the atmosphere is responsible which are known to render this description of diet unsuitable for use. Yet, again, although manj^ farm horses can and do live ex- clusively, during certain monthsof the year on succulent green food, their digestive organs require to become accustomed gradually to this kind of diet otherwise if allowed to indulge in a sudden reple- tion, flatulent colic is the usual sequel of this indiscretion. Where really good nutritious food is a staple commodity and horses are kept in high condition, intestinal disturbance result- ing in colic is of frequent occurrence through the injudicious prac- tice of administering more food than the digestive organs can dis- pose of, as is frequently done after an extra hard day's work when the urgency of agricultural requirements demand long hours at high pressure; the animals are supplied with more rich food than the system can appropriate and a greater quantity than will pass through the digestive canal, the consequence being that accumu- lations take place and obstructions are established with the re- sults that have already been defined. Horses both of the heavy and the light classes that have to work from one place to another, undertaking long, tiresome journeys, as is often the case with those kept in large towns in connection with big trading concerns, owe their attacks of colic more frequently to the influence of cold and damp; to a too free allowance of cold water; to at one hour proceeding at a rapid pace and then standing still for a considerable time and on their return home late at night to an over repletion of food on an empty stomach. Other causes of colic are those of the various forms of mechani- cal obstructions, such as impaction of indigestible material, and the presence of large numbers of worms. COLIC. 185 Symptoms are in many respects very similar to those already described under the head of intestinal obstruction, with the ex- ception that they are not so continuous, nor do they produce such severe effects, nor is the attack developed so suddenly; in numer- ous instances horses are capable of bearing a good deal of pain before presenting any distinct evidence of suffering, and there is little reason to doubt that frequently an animal may feel unwell for some considerable period before any outward manifestations are declared; it is when the pain becomes severe that a horse com- mences to paw with his fore feet, strike at the abdomen withthe hind feet and otherwise give evidence of great restlessness and uneasiness; this will be succeeded by attempts to lie down, the prone position being ultimately effected, when he will either roll from side to side or throw himself right over two or three times and then suddenly jump onto his feet and remain quietly standing for some minutes, evidently the while comparatively free from pain; but on the spasm being renewed the pawing is recommenced, and after crouching in the act of lying down he will suddenly prostrate himself as before and go over the same process from time to time until relief is afforded. It is the practice of most horse keepers and stablemen, and also of very many veterinarians, to endeavor to hinder a horse from rolling, under the impression that it is at- tended with the risk of producing a twisted bowel; with this view we do not concur, and invariably allow our patients whatever comfort and ease is derivable from rolling, under the conviction that the act must afford some relief, and this impression receives some countenance, as illustrated by the human subject, who in- variable tosses about and rolls from, side to side when suffer- ing acute agony from abdominal pain. Professor Robertson's ''Equine Medicine'' lays down the following points of differentia- tion for diagnosing which portions of the intestines are more par- ticularly affected, as follows: " It seems probable that the symp- toms of extreme restlessness, frequent pawing, much pain, with anxious turning of the head to the flanks, are indicative of involve- ment to a greater extent of the small intestine; while stretching of the body as if desirous of urinating, throwing the head upwards with curling of the upper lip and a disposition to mo^'e backwards and press with the posterior parts against some resisting object, as the wall or staU post are more particularly indicative of disturb- 1 86 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. ance associated with impaction or distension of the large bowel. ' * In cases of flatulent colic, in which the distension of the large double colon is the most marked feature, it will be observed that horses are very undecided about l3'ing down, and if they do ulti- mately resort to this position they remain in it but a short time, appearing to experience considerable discomfort over and above the pain, and consequentlj^ after going down they quickly rise to their feet. In flatulent colic also the respirations are especially affected, due probably to the fact that the contents of the immensel3'-dis- tended abdomen press undul}' upon the diaphragm and the lungs, rendering the breathing peculiarly difficult ; it will be noticed that the respirations are short and quick, breathing being effected almost entirely by the aid of the thoracic muscles. The abdomen becomes tense and drum-like, and in the absence of relief there is some risk that either the intestinal walls or the diaphragm may be ruptured. Intestinal obstruction, simple spasmodic colic and flatti- leyit colic may arise quite independently; at the same time there may be a combination of all three in one case at the same time; fortunately we have remedies capable of combatting each and all of these conditions, and in making our choice of treatment we must be guided by the totality of the s3'mptoms, taking as our most important and reliable indication the condition which gives evidence of the most prominence; it is, however desirable that it should be distinctly understood that these three forms of colic need not neces.sarily occur quite independently of one another, but as Professor Robertson says, ' ' Colic or abdominal pain may be the common bond of union which links together these different forms of disturbed function, spasm of the bowel, accumulation of excrementitious matter and varying degrees of tympany, it is probable that its most frequent manifestation is in connection with disturbance which is a variable combination of all these indi- vidual conditions." Treatment. — Aconite S has proved a consistently successful remedy in cases of colic arising from cold and exposure; for colic brought on by allowing a horse to drink freely when overheated, and in ca.ses where inability to pass water is specially marked; the horse repeatedly postures himself to urinate and strains, with the result that no urine passes, or only a few drops at most; these COLIC. 187 cases are usually observed in horses that work long hours at a stretch, among the heavy class, or among carriage horses that have to wait at the doors of theatres and concert halls in the chill hours of the night ; the usual dose should be repeated every half hour until the horse passes water or gives outward evidence of relief. Nux vomica ix may probably be taken as the next most useful remedy, and especially in cases due to excessive engorgement from food accompanied by marked constipation and repeated efforts to evacuate; in compound spasmodic flatulent colic it affords speedy relief. Colocynthis 3X when the pains are exceptionally severe and intermittent, accompanied by diarrhoea and straining to evacuate. The animal doubles himself up and rolls excessiv^ely ; the flatulent condition, if present, shows itself hy distension far back in the ab- domen; it is essentially a neurotic remedy. Veratruni album 3X is useful in extreme cases, leading on to collapse; circulation of the blood is weak and fluttering; purging is constant, retching may be present; the body is generally cold and bathed in a cold sweat; the muscles of the arms and thighs are all of a tremble; spasmodic pains frequent. Chamomilla >r) is essentially a useful remedy when foals are the subjects of colic, and especially when the spasms are so sharp and severe that the patient seems unable to bear the pain; no less an authority than Hahnemann states that "it is less benefical to those who remain patient and composed during their sufferings, — an ob- serv^ation he considered of the utmost importance;" (Hughes); the pains are worse for the application of warmth, such as hot flannels, etc., and they cause the patient to be spiteful, coming on as a rule during the night, accompanied by insatiable thirst. Cocculus hidicus ix very appropriate to mares with foal, especi- ally in flatulent (windy) colic, accompanied by irritabilit}' , nerv- ousness and general coldness of the bod^^ Dioscorea villosa 6*. — Severe pain in the lower parts of the ab- domen, causing the horse to make efforts to kick itself in this part, and thereafter it will lie down and stretch all four legs; the general pain is continuous, while violent paroxysms come on at intervals; the lining membrane of the nose, eyes and mouth is sometimes of a deep orange yellow. l88 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. Iris versicolor 6x. — There are some cases of colic in which the Hver and the pancreas — more especially the latter — are involved, which after Nux vomica and Colocynth have failed will yield to Iris versicolor; attempts to vomit, purging and extraordinary secre- tion of saliva, soreness of the anus from the acrid state of the faeces and great tenderness on pressure just behind the ribs on the left side serve as reliable indications. Plumbum 3X. — Colic due to persistent constipation when the faeces are dark in color, round and small in size, dry and lumpy in condition; flatulence is present with a constant desire to expel the wind; legs and ears are cold; appearance generally depressed and cadaverous; animal will rest on the abdomen as though pres- sure afforded relief, and there is suppression of urine. Accessory Measures. — Flannels wrung out of really hot water and applied to the abdomen; copious enemas of water raised to the temperature of the body; hand-rubbing of the abdomen; for the time being, entire abstention from food, and for some hours following relief; thereafter great caution not to give anything but easily digestible food, and that only in small quantities, for two days; no horse that has suffered from a severe attack of colic should be put to work for several days. RUPTURE OF INTESTINAL WAEUS has been referred to as one of the possible contingencies and a sequel of flatulent colic when relief is not afforded by anj^ means available; to obviate this unfortunate condition, in cases where medicinal agents for some reason or other fail of their desired object and the symptoms are extremely urgent as a dernier resort the abdomen may be punctured; but this requires a combined in- strument known as the trocar and canula, and should be entrusted to a veterinary surgeon for performance; by the means of this operation, which may be performed with perfect safety in able hands, the accumulated gasses are released, the distension due thereto reduced and the attendant pain relieved, but it may be necessary to allow the canula to remain in position some hours until the tendency to form gas is overcome. In the case of rupture, however, the case has gone beyond medical or even surgical aid, and it is only to enable the reader to recognize the condition that it is referred to here and the symptoms presented for considera- RUPTURE OF INTESTINAL WALLS. 1 89 tion, and to this end \ve cannot do better than quote Professor Robertson's lucid description; he saj's: "The symptoms which iiadicate the fatal termination of disturbed function are neither uniform nor diag'nostic. In some the occurrence of the lesion seems to be followed by rapid collapse; in others it would appear that life may be prolonged for many hours. With one we may have mitigation of the distressing features previously existing; with another, on the contrary, all these may suffer aggravation. When occurring in association with impaction or unnatural rela- tion of ingesta in the colon, together with considerable distension from gases in the bowels, in which cases we often have restless- ness and much straining, the occurrence of the lesion is naturally followed by relief in the symptom of restlessness, and a subsid- ence of the straining, comparative calm and quietness being the condition succeeding rupture until death. In all with the com- pletion of the rupture I have observed that exhaustion is a feature rapidl}'^ developed; and that although relief from pain seems to have been obtained at once and unexpectedly, there is a haggard, anxious expression of countenance, a frequent and small pulse, steadily becoming more rapid and at last imperceptible, patchy perspiration, short, catching respiration, gradually a disinclina- tion and inability to move, the animal balancing itself as it were on the limbs until the very last. Whenever cases of colic, marked by impaction of the bowels, with or without much distension, ac- companied with straining, suddenly exhibit cessation of the pain and straining, together with the appearance of much exhaustion and other symptoms indicated, we have some grounds for fearing rupture of some part of the intestinal wall." In face of the several suggested doubts as to the possibility of recognizing the absolutely diagnostic sj-mptoms of intestinal rupture, we can but earnestly commend the practice of persistent treatment right up to the end, even in the most suspicious cases; the remedies to be used being those suggested under colic accord- ing to the totality of the symptoms. igo VETERIXARV HOMCEOPAfHY. INFLAMMATION OF INTESTINES. ENTERITIS. The difference between an infiamraatory condition of the in- testine and that which takes place in simple colic, although from the character of the pain there is nothing striking to enable one to differentiate between them, is recognized in the fact, that while in colic the pain is due to '"disturbance of fmid/'onal activity" (Robertson), and in many instances is originated through some defects in the ner\-ous system, in enteritis important changes in the structure of the intestinal walls are taking place, affecting either the lining mucous membrane or the more deeply-seated muscular tissues of the walls; in connection with or rather as the result of the inflammatory action there is a varying amount of effusion of a jelly-like material which mixes with the faeces when of an ordinary consistence, but when constipation is marked the evacuations are coated with what is vulgarly described as slime. The large bowel — double colon — is more often the seat of inflammatory attack in the horse than are the smaller portions of the intestinal canal; but unless the origin of the disorder arises from irritation, such as may take place when a horse has received - too large a quantity of Aloes and superpurgation supervenes, the intestinal canal being more or less affected from one end to the other, the morbid lesions are generally observed in patches. Symptoms. — Enteritis is invariably preceded by shivering; the attack comes on suddenly; the temperature is exalted to 103 degrees or more ; the pulse is rapid and wiry in character; the mouth generally dry and hot; the pain, though frequently less severe than some bad cases of colic, is constant, and manipula- tion of the abdomen with pressure is resisted; nausea and occa- sionally retching are observed; the extremities are invariably very cold; the animal will roll, drawing the legs up sharply and thereafter stretching them out to the full extent, while at times a distinct effort will be made to balance itself on the back; as the disease advances, where not successfully checked, the pulse in- creases in rapidity while the volume is distinctly lessened and the the action of the heart becomes much weaker. As a rule con.sti- INFLAMMATION OF INTESTINES. I9I pation is present from the first, but we have known cases in which diarrhoea was a marked symptom all through. In all cases of enteritis that have proceeded to extremities, it is necessary to guard against the delu.sion that a horse is likely to recover in consequence of an apparent improvement from the al- leviation of pain, and even though the horse may begin to pick at his food ; the relief from the agonizing pain is in such cases probably due to mortification; to determine what measure of hope there is in such extreme cases one must be guided by the general appear- ance of the animal; if it still exhibits a haggard and worn counte- nance and is dull and listless in its manner, with a weaker pulse and more rapid respirations only the worst can be anticipated; on the contrary, if the horse maintains a brighter disposition, looks more cheerful, has a stronger pulse and breathes less frequently the disappearance of pain is a good augury. Treatment. — Aconite ix during the earlier febrile symptoms for a few doses to, if possible, reduce the temperature, this gen- erally' comes in most usefully before the diagnostic symptoms of enteritis have declared themselves; the horse appears dull, listless, and heav}'; the mouth is hot and dry, and the chemical ther- mometer indicates a high rate of body heat; as soon as distinct evidence of continuous abdominal pain is evinced then the next remedy should be resorted to. Mocurius corrosivus 6x. — When the large intestines are the seat of inflammation there is no remedy to equal this, and it is worth}' of special notice that the attenuation here given is the proper one, under no circumstances should it be lower (stronger); as a rule the tongue will be found generally coated, and pro- nounced nausea is present; pressure on the abdomen, particularly on the right side, fairly forward in position will show marked tenderness; diarrhoea, if not present in the first instance, .soon fol- lows; the faeces are mixed with slime and mucus, while occasion- ally streaks of blood will be observable, or a deep tinge of yellow or green, indicating the presence of bile; the patient experiences a great deal of straining after an evacuation, and the anus and parts thereabouts whereon the liquid faeces drip become excoriated and sore. A cadaverous and dejected appearance is present, sometimes accompanied by a profuse slavering from the mouth. 192 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. The remedy should be repeated every four hours in doses not ex- ceeding ten grains. Podophyllum 3X. — This remedy is more especially suitable when the inflammation is located in the small intestines; the faeces will be mixed, rather than coated, with blood and glairy mucus, while in others marked indication of the presence of bile stain will be declared; the posterior portion of the abdomen will not evince so much tenderness, nor is distension from accumulated gases so frequent as when the large intestines are implicated chiefly; in cases that are complicated with diarrhoea at the outset, in connec- tion with which there is a great deal of straining accompanied by protrusion at the anus of portions of the rectal mucous membrane this remedy will be found ' ' en raport. ' ' Lycopodium 6x. — In cases of enteritis in foals brought on by partaking of indigestible food, which is accompanied b}^ consider- able distension through fermentation of the ingestia and very audible rumbling in the abdomen with frequent sharp pains, a generally jaundiced appearance of the visible mucous membranes and pronounced constipation, this remedy in the usual doses every hour will soon afford relief. Accessory measures. — The animal must be kept perfectly quiet, in a box where the temperature can be maintained at an even standard, not below 60 degrees F.; during the paroxysms _of pain flannels wrung out of hot water must be constantly applied to the abdomen, and after the worst symptoms have passed away, the abdomen must be carefully clothed with a wet compress for several days. The ver}^ lightest food possible must be allowed, and that only in small quantities at a time; farinaceous diet is the best, with plenty of wholesome milk to drink, varied occasionally with an allowance of barle}^ water and then linseed tea. DYSENTERY. This form of disease is, so far as our experience goes, rarely met with in the horse; during the time we have been in practice we can only recall two or three clearly-distinct cases; dysentery may be described as a combination of enteritis and diarrhoea; fever is always present, the faecal discharges are fluid, mixed with blood and slime, and, unHke enteritis, constipation is never present; dysentery, however, owes its origin to very different causes to DYSENTERY. 193 that of enteritis; bad sanitation and unhealthy surroundings; malarial poisoning, either through the air or water; persistent chronic diarrhoea, and exposure to extremes of temperature are mainly accountable for attacks of this disorder when they arise; hence very ordinary precautions will serve to protect horses from its invasion. Symptoms. — Diarrhoea is the earliest noticeable feature of the disorder; in the next place fits of shivering will be observed, which should lead to the taking of the temperature; this will be found somewhat elevated and the pulse abnormally fast; prostra- tion is generally well marked, accompanied b}' impaired appetite and general wasting of the muscular tissues; the faecal discharges are usualh^ liquid in character mixed with jelly-like mucus and blood, while shreds of mucous membrane will be frequently observed in the mass; as the disease makes further inroad, the appetite decreases, the thirst increases, the faecal discharges become very foetid, while wasting and exhaustion are hourly more pronounced; continued straining, both during an evacuation and thereafter is specially noticeable; the mucous membrane lining the mouth and tongue is frequently soft and pasty in consistence. Treatment. — Aconite ix. — In the early stages this remedy, given in hourly doses, will at times arrest the febrile condition and thus prevent the further development of the disease; but should no apparent advantage follow its administration within three hours, it may fairly be concluded that the morbid process has obtained too firm a hold upon the constitution, and that drugs more appropriate to the precise condition are called for. Nitric acid 6x. — In cases of d3'sentery where the mouth, tongue and throat are specially implicated and a dry laryngeal cough ex- perienced, this remedy will be found very appropriate. Aloes 3. — Forcible expulsion of water}' evacuations, attended with much straining, and soreness of the anus, followed by evident exhaustion and faintness. Colchiciim 6. — This remedy fills up a gap that is occasionally difficult to supply, when dysentery is associated with the formation of gases and the large intestines are inflated, an exceptional condi- tion that gives rise to considerable difficulty in treatment; this, however, furnishes a proof of the advantage of a homoeopathically selected drug which orthodox practice fails to supply; the occur- 194 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. rence is truly an exceptional one, but this only renders it the more valuable when it does arise; the accompanying distinctive symp- toms are pronounced nausea, great prostration and rumbling in the large intestines. Ipecacuanha 3X was in earlier times frequently administered in this disease and afterwards fell into disuse. Hahnemann, however, revived it in his day, and discovered the specific symptoms which, suggested its selection, they are particularly persistent straining, with frothy, foetid and bloody evacuations, occasionally tinged with greenish bile and mixed with mucus; if nausea and retching are present they furnish additional reasons for its selection. Metcurius corrosivus 6x. — When the evacuations are specially of a bloody character, mixed with mucus and attended with severe pain and straining, both during and after the passage of faeces, with marked suppression of urine and great difficulty in passing the same, while the patient is comparatively composed and quiet, this is one of the most effective agents at disposal for this trouble- some conditon; indeed it is, more often than not, in true cases of dysentery, the most reliable remedy in the whole pharmacopoeia. Arsenicum album 3X. — Great thirst, demanding frequent and small quantities at a time, cold breath, cold extremities, cold sweat, great weakness, persistent restlessness, weak heart, stink- ing evacuations, highly-colored urine, passed with difficulty, indi- cate this remedy. Accessory measures. — A wet compress continually applied to the abdomen is generally of great benefit; while the most severe pains are on, flannels wrung out of very hot water should be ap- plied, care being taken to have each successive one ready before the previous one is removed; warm injections with the enema tube may usefully be administered after an evacuation. Barley water, cold water and milk with eggs beaten up and mixed therein may be freely allowed; but all stimulating food must be avoided. PROLAPSUS ANI. PROTRUSION OF LINING MEMBRANE OF BOWELS. This condition is occasionally observed in horses as the result occasionally of diarrhoea, but more frequently of constipation; PERITONITIS. 195 while now and again it arises in consequence of protracted strain- ing, produced by the presence of a large calculus in the colon. Treatment. — The first thing to be done is to return the pro- truded mucous membrane; if it has become swollen and dry by reason of long exposure, fomentation with hot water is desirable in the first instance, after which the hand should be well lubri- cated with carbolized oil, and the exposed parts returned into their normal position; it very frequently happens that immediately this is done the horse strains, out comes the membrane as before, and all the work has to be done over again; in such cases a pad must be applied to the anus, which will bring external pressure on the parts and be kept there by passing side lines tightly drawn and fastened round the chest, the lines being first attached to a broad band that passes over the pad and keeps the same in position. Ignatia ix, a dose every hour, especially in foals, is a useful remedy where there are much straining and frequent ineffectual efforts to pass faeces; as soon as any relief is obtained, the fre- quency of the dose must be reduced to three times a day and con- tinued for a week to overcome any well-established weakness of the parts. Merciirius corrosivus 6x. — In cases where the prolapse is at- tended with much irritation, accompanied by a discharge of mucus, and particularly if diarrhoea is present. Accessory measures. — After the protruded bowel is returned the application of cold water is frequently attended with satisfactory results, not only externally, but internally, by means of a syringe or enema tube. The animal should be kept perfectly quiet. The diet should be light, nourishing, and calculated to favor a healthy and easy action of the bowels. If worms, calculus, constipation or diarrhoea are the cause of the condition the treatment under these headings must be consulted. PERITONITIS. The intestines are covered and supported by a ver^^ fine mem- brane, described as the peritoneum; this membrane, which is of the serous order, lines the abdomen and also covers the intestines and other organs of the abdomen; when attacked by inflammation, it is called peritonitis; inflammation of this delicate membrane may arise from cold; from irritation arising from an inflamed con- 196 VETERINARY HOMOEOPATHY. dition of the abdominal organs, such as the intestines, the livei" and the uterus; from blood contamination in certain specific fevers, such for instance as are associated with the puerperal state in females; from operative surgery, such as the infliction of a wound in penetrating the abdomen for the relief of flatulent colic, or even in castration. Symptoms are generalh' ushered in by shivering and an eleva- tion of temperature; pain is exhibited in the abdomen of a more or less constant character, and the parts are generally so sensitive that the animal can ill bear anv pressure, the pulse is quick and thready; the patient is restless, and will not maintain any one position long at a time, repeatedly tvirns the nose to the seat of pain, and wears an anxious expression of countenance. In peri- tonitis, the result of mechanical injury or surgical wounds, the animal gives evidence of very marked internal pain by pawing restlessly with the fore feet and paddling with the hind ones; the respirations are short and quick, and are performed by means of the ribs and thoracic muscles; the pulse is very hard, thin and wiry; the internal temperature rises above the normal, and very considerabl}' so if the mechanical injury is a serious one; the horse will not bear the abdomen to be hand rubbed, as in simple colic, as no doubt the pressure externally produces considerable pain within. Treatment. — Aconite ix when peritonitis is due to cold, and tTie febrile sjnnptoms are very pronounced; the doses to be re- peated hourly for some time. Bryonia 3X follows the previous medicine in similar cases and where the pain appears sharp and is aggravated by motion; con- stipation and general uneasiness are further indications for its use. Arnica 3X when peritonitis owes its origin to mechanical injury and surgical operations, under which conditions it should be re- lied upon from the outset. Mercicriics corrosivus 6x. — In cases other than those due to me- chanical injury, especially when tympany and diarrhoea ai'e pres- ent, and the lining membranes of mouth and eyes are very yellow. Dr. Hughes affirms: ' ' I have used it more frequently than Bryonia, and with most gratifying results." Accessory measures. — Hot fomentations by means of flan- ASCITES — DROPSY. 1 97 nels wrung out of boiling water and continuously applied to the abdomen afford relief; the horse should have a supply of cold water near at hand in order to partake thereof as frequentl}^ as may be desired; when the worst of the pain is over a wet compress should be constantly applied to the abdomen for some days, and the food should be of a light, unstimulating character, adminis- tered in small quantities at a time, and not too frequently; perfect quiet is also very essential. ASCITES. DROPSY. This form of dropsy is peculiar to the abdomen, and arises from the development of a fluid in the peritoneum; it sometimes fol- lows an attack of peritonitis, and consists of a collection of fluid in the cavity of the abdomen round which the peritoneum forms an encircling fold; ascites is veiy frequently due to a diseased condi- tion of other organs, namely, the heart, liver and kidney's, con- nected \vith which an obstruction of the venous system is associa- ted, bringing about an escape of the fluid constituents of the blood, through the walls of the veins; in this w^a}'- and at such times sw^elling of the limbs is often observed, which is due to the same cause; also the animal is dull and devoid of all natural spirit; bears a generally unthrifty appearance; has capricious appetite; rarely lies down, and when it does, remains in that posi- tion but a short time; in addition to the swelling of the limbs, the abdomen becomes enlarged and pendulous and the skin along the middle line of the belly is swollen, pits on pressure, and there- after fills up again. The visible mucous membranes are pale and anaemic, the pulse is weak, and often intermittent; the urine is scanty, high-colored and thick; when the abdomen is very much enlarged and the collection of fluid is extensive around the intes- tines, the pressure upon the diaphragm is so great that the breath- ing becomes labored and difficult, and is performed almost entirely by the thoracic walls, which is recognized by the heaving and ex- pansion of the ribs. Treatment. — Apocynum Cannabinum i-^. — This remedy is credited with possessing a remarkable power over dropsy, and Dr. 198 VETERINARY HOMOEOPATHY. Hale, of Chicago, has drawn special attention to its virtues; Dr. Hale seems to consider that its influence for good is derived from the specific action of the drug upon the kidneys, restoring the urinary secretion to its normal constitution and in this way free- ing the system from the surplusage of fluid constituents; probably it acts more generally, for in many cases the drug has effected relief after other remedies had proved ineffectual. Arsenicum album 3X in cases where the legs are much swollen and disease of the heart is present; general debility, emaciation and poverty; difficult breathing; dry, scaly skin; continuous thirst; feeble and irregular pulse; coldness of the ears and other ex- tremities are general indications for the selection of this drug. Apis mel. 5 is a valuable agent when the animal has difficulty in passing water and only makes a small quantity at a time; also when the temperature is elevated and febrile symptoms are present. Digitalis ix when dropsy is due to the irregular action of the heart, as indicated by an intermittent pulse, accompanied by great difficulty in breathing and when the animal persistently maintains the standing posture. Accessory Measures. — Contrary to ordinary practice we advise that a dropsical horse should be allowed as much cold water as it desires to take; there should be a constant supply available, as we believe that water under such cases tends to in- crease the amount of fluid excreted and that far beyond the bulk that is imbibed; it also tends to improve the appetite and restore vigor to the constitution; in this way the pulse becomes stronger and the dropsical effusions are reduced. Food of the most easily digestible character must be allowed, such as artificial grasses, carrots, turnips, and the like, with plenty of linseed gruel and barley water. The place the animal is stabled in should be dry and warm; and if alcoholic stimulants should appear desirable Holland gin mixed with milk is the best agent under the circum- stances. CONSTIPATION. This condition of the digestive tract is by no means an uncom- mon one in the horse, and it is frequently attended with conse- quences that do not lend to the general well-being of the animal; on CONSTIPATION. 1 99 the Other hand, it is desirable not to be over anxious, if what is deemed to be the natural action of the bowels does not invariabh- take place; for in many cases of illness, especially those attended by much fev^er. the heat of the body seems to dry up the natural secretions, and among them the products of the intestinal glands, whereby the faeces, as they pass along the canal, are lacking in moisture and assume an undue condition of dryness; under such circumstances let but the right medicine be selected, appropriate, that is, to the main disease and the totality of the symptoms, and the constipation will yield to the action of the drug, quite in- dependently of an)' specific action upon the bowels; but in this article we are dealing with constipation as an independent and special condition, and as such we have to consider its develop- ments and treatment. While we do not admit for one moment that constipation is a condition to be desired, we are perfectly satisfied that a great deal more importance is attached to it than the circumstances warrant; there is a tendency among horsemen and stablemen to jump to the opposite extreme and to treat the condition as though it in- volved the risk of life; no sooner does a horse show some torpidit}- of the bowels than an aloetic ball is prescribed and administered; nay! further than that, if a horse has to be got read}^ for any special work, such as hunting, racing, steeple-chasing or what not, an aloetic purge is considered desirable as a sort of preliminary to further preparation; to question such a course of procedure is of course rank hetorodoxy, nevertheless we have no hesitation in af- firming that a more undesirable and unnecessary course of action was never pursued; one would thmk, judging by common practice in every sort of stable, that a horse's digestive canal was a reservoir of accumulated filth that called for a regular sluicing out, and that the intestines were nothing more than a metal tube which re- quired flushing to render them pure; the positive effect of aperi- ents upon the intestinal canal is completely ignored, and the fact that their action upon the system is "to disorganize the parts on which their force is chiefly expended " (Ruddock ) is entirely over- looked. lyCt us for a moment just look into the pathogenetic effects of Aloes; the action of the drug is mainly brought to bear upon the large intestines, the liver and the pancreas; it evidently excites the secretions of the mucous membranes, because the faeces 200 YKTERINARV HOMCEOPATHY. are of a decidedlj' fluid character, but in a more intensified form it influences the muscular walls of the intestines to more energetic peristaltic action, the evidence of which is quite clear from the violent manner in which the faeces are ejected from the anus; its action upon the liver is ver}' marked, inasmuch as the secretion of bile is considerably increased; over and above these the whole of the abdomen and its contents is very congested, there being a decided determination of blood to the whole of the viscera; when administered in quanties beyond the natural ability of the patient to bear, super-purgation is readily established which may be fol- lowed by inflammation of the intestines, and under such circum- stances the chances of recovery are remote. The effect of an ordinary dose of Aloes upon a horse is at all times trying, and vuider the most favorable circumstances many days must elapse before the effects pass off; the animal has to be again built up by careful attention and feeding before its previous robust condition is attained. An idea is entertained by the majority of men who have to do with horses that purgatives are necessary every now and again to expel impurities from the body, and when after the administration of a purge the fasces smell very badly, they tri- umphantly point to the fact in proof of their theory; the real fact is that Aloes and many other purgative drugs have such an effect upon the intestinal canal that the unpleasant smell is really due to the drugs and w^ould not have been observed but for the action of the drugs themselves; this fact may always be observed how- ever good the previous health of the animal. One of the bad effects of the action of purgatives, more espec- ially as regards those that unduly stimulate the numerous secre- tory glands situate in the mucous membrane of the intestines is that a large quantity of blood is drawn to these parts, the glands pour out their natural secretion in excessive quantities, thereby impairing their future usefulness; a general debilit}^ of these glands is the consequence, they are unable thereafter to secrete a normal quantity of their proper fluids, the ingesta is therefore but partially dissolved and digested, the faeces are abnormally dry, chronic constipation is established, the necessary nutriment is not available from the food passing through the canal, and the horse becomes weak and unthrifty; such may be accepted as the natural consequences of frequent purgation. CONSTIPATION. 20r According to Hahnemann's principle of treatment, as based upon his method of drug selection, purging for constipation is the very antithesis, and after a fair experience we can cordiall}^ endorse all that true and faithful homceopathists aver as to the needlessness of purgation ; nay, more, we have no hesitation in condemning the practice as positively harmful to the well-being of the animal system; it is quite possible that in some cases, where constipation is a prominent symptom, that the liver of the patient is disordered, and that the normal quantity of bile is not secretetl; or, on the other hand, the organ may be abnormally active and secrete more bile than is necessary for the due performance of the function of digestion; whereas Aloes is a more than useful remed}' by reason of its direct action upon the liver, it is quite possible that much benefit may have appeared to follow the administration of an ordinary allopathic dose of Aloes to a horse; under such cir- cumstances the same amount of good would have followed the ad- ministration of a small dose of Aloes, such as we should ourselves give, without the undesirable effects brought about by a large purgative dose of the drug; but in the face of the good results ob- tained the allopath is quite content and never gives a moment's consideration to the consequences of heavy dosage, nor to the pos- sibility of obtaining the desired result on any lines other than those which produce a regular clearance out; the really proper treat- ment for constipation is a remedy that is capable, in the healthy subject, of producing constipation, together with all the other observable symptoms; in point of fact, rather than give Aloes to a horse for constipation we administer it for the opposite, as found among some of the varied forms of diarrhoea, and specially when the rectum is swollen and haemorrhoids or piles are present. Con- stipation is by no means a single-handed condition, other sjmip- toms almost invariably accompany it, and this fact alone renders it all the more easy to grapple with and overcome without going to useless and injurious extremes, if the practitioner only has the powers of observation well developed and some practical acquaint- ance with the pathogenetic powers of drugs, so as to apply them according to the rules of Homoeopathy; readers of this wot k will find all the necessar}^ information under the various remedies here- inafter referred to, and from the distinctive details given there- under will be able to note not only how to overcome the diflScul- 202 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. ties, but in what they consist and upon what they depend; and it will be further discovered that to treat constipation effectively and so as to avoid an early recurrence, the object to be attained is not alone to bring about an action of the bowels, but rather to correct the disorder to which the constipation is primarily due. Add nitric 12. — This drug furnishes an interesting coincidence of how the same remedy administered in different attenuations is at one time appropriate to diarrhoea, while under somewhat differ- ent conditions it is not less useful in constipation; this peculiarity of circumstances provides a pitfall for allopaths and they aver that it is one of the things "no feller can understand;" it is quite certain anyhow that to properly appreciate such apparently con- tradictory results one needs to be an intelligent student of Hahne- mann; but to return to the subject, namely, when \s Nitric acid useful in constipation? To Dr. Dyce Brown, of London, we are indebted for the information, to whom Dr. Hughes also gives the credit of the observation; constipation accompanied by a dry laryngeal cough almost invariably yields to this remedy; but to attain the result a high attenuation, like 12. is according to our experience necessary ; the lower attenuations, such as third decimal, would probably fail, if they did not actually intensify the symp- toms; if general constitutional depression be very marked, this furnishes confirmatory evidence of the usefulness of Nitric acid under such conditions of constipation. Bearing in mind ihat this drug is essentially one for diarrhoea it may be interesting to note that beyond the fact that the fsecal pellets are rather large and somewhat hard, there is nothing characteristic in the condition of the dung, as there is in Alumina, to lead one to select it for con- stipation, but in addition to the cough and the general depression a foetid state of the urine is observable in Nitnc acid cases; the reason for dealing thus fully with a drug that is probably but rarely indicated in constipation, is accounted for by the fact that some cases are exceptional, but when found extremely difficult to cure; indeed, impossible with any other remedy; it furnishes a splendid illustration of the necessity that frequently arises in prac- tice for delicate differentiation without which no practitioner can succeed in a very large proportion of cases. Alumina 3X. — In this remedy we have a further illustration of the absolute importance of the nice discrimination that is requisite CONSTIPATION. 203 to enable one to prescribe successful!}' in man}' cases which sorely perplex the ordinary allopathic practitioner ; at first sight, one who has not made a study of the action of drugs from a homoe- opathist's standpoint, would very naturally conclude that Alumina, known by many as the Oxide of Aluviiniinn, was a peculiar agent to use as a remedy at all, and the conjecture would follow that if administered, the physiological result such a procedure would en- tail, would be, that constipation must necessarily ensue; or at all events a drying up of the ingesta and faeces involving great diflS- culty in the performance of the function of evacuation; we may state in passing that this deduction is an absolutely correct one, when the agent is administered in sufficient quantity to the healthy subject; hence its utility in one form of constipation as based upon Hahnemann's law of selection. In contradistinction to many remedies that are useful in other forms of constipation, Ahunina may be selected on evidence that is obtainable from the character- istic condition of the faeces, namely, dryness, amounting to a crumbling condition, and paleness of color; but in addition to this we almost invariably find that the mucous membrane of the pharynx is in sympathy with that of the colon and rectum and a dry cough is experienced in consequence; dryness of the mucous membranes with some irritation is a characteristic feature indicat- ing this remedy. (Hughes). The same author mentions that a frequent desire to urinate during the night, especially in old patients, suggests the utility of Aliinmia in conjunction with the before-mentioned symptoms; this observation we can corroborate; in one case of a horse that had long been the subject of a dry cough and constipation, the faeces dry, pale and crumbling, all the symptoms yielded to a few doses oi Alumina, and the owner was so struck by the marvelous rapidity with which the cure was effected — for the animal had been under ordinary treatment for many months — that it seemed too good to be true, and he enter- tained doubts as to its permanency-; he was, however, ultimately satisfied that the horse was thoroughly restored to health, as he thereafter rapidly put on flesh and stood the work of the hunting field in his usual form. Bryonia alba 3X for constipation that is due to indigestion and eating unwholesome, vmdigestible food; there is no inclination for evacuation of faeces; when passed the stool is black and dry and 204 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. has tlie appearance of having been burnt; disorder of the liver is- generally associated with this form of constipation; the dung balls are, as a rule, very large and difficult to pass. CoUinsonia Canadensis i x . — A very valuable remedy for pregnant mares having a tendency to inertia of the bowels; this condition may readily bring about ver}^ undesirable consequences in mares that are eight or nine months on with foal, as the straining which is thereby provoked, may result in abortion; under such circum- stances spasmodic and flatulent colic frequently supervenes, which in animals so situated will be relieved with this remedy. Hydrastis Canadensis for constipation which is the immediate consequence of frequent administration of Aloes or other purgative agents; the colon and rectum having got into a debilitated state require something to restore them to their normal tone and vigor; in prolapse of the anus, due to weakness and general want of tone, and for haemorrhoids (or piles ^ this remedy is worth a fair trial, and generally gives good results. Lycopodiiun 6x. — In case of obstinate and chronic constipation associated with disordered liver this is a most excellent remedy; pain over the region of the liver, on the right side just behind the ribs, coldness of the legs and ears, and the passing of a large quantity of urine during the night, with a sallow appearance of the visible mucous membranes are leading indications for its selec- tion. - Niix vomica 3X. — Constipation is not infrequently due to a lack of harmonious peristalsis; consequently the evacuations are spasmodic and irregular and often accompanied by straining, namely, efforts to pass dung are ineffectual; these may be purely idiopathic cases of constipation, unassociated with any exciting cause, such as often arises from disordered liver, et cetera; the condition is essentially the disease, and for such cases A^ux vomica is the best remedy. Opium 3x. — Here we have an illustration of a remedy applied b}^ homoeopathists for the exactly opposite condition to that which it is most generally used by allopathists; given in large quantities it certainly produces constipation, probably by paralyz- ing the muscular coats of the intestinal tract; Hahnemann once wrote: ''Opium is a specific for certain kinds of the most obstinate constipation;" and so we have frequently proved it. DIARRHCEA. 205 The muscular walls of the small colon and rectum seem to have lost their peristaltic action; the faeces when passed come away in black, hard, glazed balls; drowsiness in a marked degree gener- ally presents itself in such cases; the pupils of the eyes are con- tracted, and there may be some fever as indicated by the clinical thermometer; retention of urine takes place and colic pains speed- ily supervene; the constipation may even amount to obstruction, still Opium is the remedy in small but frequent doses. Plumbum metallicum 3X. — Dr. Hughes says: "For obstinate habitual constipation when the stools are dry and lumpy and the intestines half paralytic and half crampy, I have the utmost con- fidence in it : " this description is intended to refer to the human subject, but no language of ours could more correctly define its indications among the lower animals; as a rule the impacted faeces produce spasmodic colic, and a very reliable symptom as a guide to its selection is the retracted, tucked-up condition of the abdo- men; in addition to the foregoing, if the horse is observed during an attack of colic, such as is here described, to knuckle over at the hind fetlock joints, indicating loss of power in the extensor tendons, the symptom serves to corroborate the selection of Plumbum. Accessory Measures. — Much assistance may be afforded in protracted cases of constipation when the intestines are loaded with faecal matter by first carefully emptying the rectum with the hand and thereafter injecting tepid water with an enema pump; in this way the obstruction, if to such it amounts, will be broken down, and the faeces generally rendered soft; moreover the action of the water upon the intestinal walls will be to set up a quiet and uniform peristaltic movement by means of which frequent evacua- tions will be produced, and that without any irritating effect on the mucous membrane lining the intestines such as is produced by strong purgative agents. DIARRHCEA. The very opposite condition to constipation, only more to be dreaded by reason of its debilitating effect upon the constitutional vitality; the evacuations are frequent, excessive and more or less fluid; straining is occasionally but infrequently present; diarrhoea may arise from eating improper food, or taking impure water; the 206 VETERIXARV HOMCEOPATHY. causes may be functional only or due to structural changes in the coats of the intestines; congestion of blood to the parts, and oc- casionalU' inflammation arising from cold; through partaking of large quantities of very cold water when overheated, especially in the summer time; or in consequence of a check to perspiration through standing about at draughty street corners or other ex- posed places. In the horse there is little doubt that more often than not injudicious dieting is responsible for the production of diarrhoea; changing the food during spring time from that which is of a hard, dry character to that which is green, moist and bulky; new hay and oats in like manner are frequently accountable for a relaxed condition of faeces, as also are oats that have become heated and turned acid; it is also worthy of note, as being a some- what remarkable and interesting observation, that both deficiency and great excess of bile produce a liquid condition of the faeces; the difference in the two extremes being that deficiency of bile causes the faeces to scald and irritate the mucous membrane at the anal orifice while an excess of bile does not bring about this very unpleasant condition of the muco-cutaneous outlet, but imparts to the faeces a very deep color and pungent odor and renders them of extremely fluid consistence. According to Professor Robertson, raw potatoes are very calculated to produce diarrhoea, the " faeces being of a pale color, watery and of a peculiar and penetrating odor;" our personal acquaintance with the effect of potatoes has been confined to their use in a cooked form, and we certainly did not observe any ill consequences upon the digestive organs. Worms are at times responsible for the troublesome and persistent forms of diarrhoea, and to quote Professor Robertson, " the par- ticular parasite which appears more liable than others to act as an inducing factor in the production of this state is the strongylus tctracanthus, a very small nematoid of a flesh color, a true blood- sucker and found inhabiting the coats of the intestines, chiefly the colon and caecum. In addition to other symptoms indicative of its existence in this situation— as wasting, an unhealthy state of the skin, irregular appetite, with the occasional appearance of a lielminth or two in the faeces— is intestinal irritability, with fitful diarrhoea, not excessively watery." The only rational method to cure diarrhoea depending upon intruders of this kind is to get rid of the cause, but in the case of DIARRHCEA. 207 this class of worm it is no easy task, as they depend upon the hfe blood of the host for their sustenance and, not as many other worms do hve upon the food taken by the host; the proper and only successful treatment under such circumstances is to admin- ister a remedy that will render the mucous membrane of the intestinal canal incompatible with the nourishment and existence of these parasites; this is to be done, not by destroying the para- sites by means of strong poisonous drugs, but by the admin- istration of a remedy that will restore the mucous membrane to a thoroughly healthy state. A very troublesome and dangerous form of diarrhoea occasionally arises as the result of an over dose of purgative medicine, producing a condition known as super- purgation; or it may occur from undue exposure to cold or from being put to work while an ordinary dose of purgative medicine is operating; under such circumstances it is not wise to trust en- tirely to the recuperative powers of nature, some counteracting remedy must be administered to check the excessive purgation. The common practice is to endeavor to arrest diarrhoea by ad- ministering drugs that act as astringents, but these measures are unsatisfactory, unreliable and not infrequently extremely prejudi- cial; they merely temporize and do not go to the root of the matter, inasmuch, that while one symptom is temporarily relieved others are aggravated and as a consequence a recurrence takes place. Treatment. — Aloes 6x. — Loose motions accompanied b}' great straining, soreness and raw appearance of the anus; animal ap- pears weak and exhausted after a motion ; quantities of gelatinous- looking material comes away with the stool. Antimo7iiuni criidum 3X. — Diarrhoea which alternates with con- stipation; dung balls are coated with mucus; rumbling in the ab- domen due to fermentation of ingesta; inability to retain water, urine thick and cloudy; animal is troubled with flatulence, is ex- tremely drowsy and loses flesh rapidly; occasionally an eruption of the skin, the formation of pimples which suppurate and burst is present; the tongue is coated with a thick fur down the middle. Acid phosphoricum 3X. — Exhausting diarrhoea of long standing, apparently painless and the animal is unable to retain its faeces, c<^)nstanth' passing some involuntaril)^ Arsenicum allnan 3X. — Diarrhoea with extreme weakness and emaciation; constant desire to drink; extremities cold; skin rough 208 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. and coat harsh; eyes sunken; occasional griping pains attend the passing of a motion; faeces fluid and watery. Bryonia alba 3X. — Although more generally used in cases of constipation this remedy finds its place occasionally in diarrhoea, especially during the heat of summer when looseness of the bowels follows exposure from great heat to sudden cold, or as the result of drinking cold water when heated by exertion. Camphor — -RubinP s tincture. — Or that of a7iy competent homoeo- pathic chemist ivho manufactures it at the same strength. Ten drops on a dessertspoonful of moist sugar laid far back upon the tongue is an invaluable remedy for diarrhoea wdiere shivering and coldness are observed in the early stages, accompanied b}' con- siderable abdominal pain. Dose to be repeated every hour until relief is obtained. China (■> for thin, watery diarrhoea with which are mingled large quantities of undigested food, and taking place during the height of summer heat; not at any other period. Ipecacuanha 3X is specially adapted for diarrhoea in young foals and colts; this often proves a troublesome condition to the breeder and great difficulty is experienced in arresting looseness of bowels in young animals; the faeces are of a pappy consistence, of a deep yellow color, and considerable griping pain attends the evacua- tion. The dysenteric diarrhoea in foals which sometimes occurs, when the faeces are coated with mucus and tinged with blood generally yields to this remedy; indeed, among young animals it is an invaluable agent for this condition. Mercuriiis corrosivus 6x is essentially the remedy for dysentery, when the slimy condition of the faeces is the marked symptom of the case, of course accompanied with some blood; in other respects the faeces are pale, clay-colored and smell verj^ offensively. In simple diarrhoea when no blood is passed, nor are there present the usual indications of the inflammatory process, Mercurius cor. is still a useful agent; but here again the presence of slime and the offensive odor are the leading indications for its use. Pulsatilla ix. — This again is a useful remedy for sucking foals when the digestion is upset by change of food; the faeces are variable; sometimes fluid, at others pasty; they are evacuated without pain, and appear to pa.ss awaj^ spontaneously, the little animal having no control and being apparently unconscious that DIARRHCEA. 209 the motion is passing; it is said that one noticeable symptom for this drug is that the diarrhoea generally occurs during the night; this latter we have not noticed, but it is a S3'mpton worth observa- tion, as it might serve to lead to the selection of this drug at a critical time when other treatment had failed. Podophyllum 3X. — Among 5'oung animals diarrhoea and the straining'which frequentl}^ exists in conjunction therewith result in a prolapse of the rectum; this complication often proves very troublesome, and it is more than gratifying to be able to suggest a remedy that will overcome this vexatious condition of affairs; Podophyllum is that remedy; the agent appears to have a special affinity for the small intestines, and when they are the principal seat of the diarrhceic diathesis. Podophyllum will speedily afford relief; indeed, when the inflammatory process has attacked the duodenum jejunum and ileum it is the best remedy to allay the condition and effect a cure; the rectum again is another locality that feels the influence of this drug, especially among young animals; this remedy is indicated also when the diarrhoea takes place early in the morning; the amount of f£eces passed is usually very large and the smell offensive, said to be not unlike that of carrion; a symptom we are able to confirm from experience. Rheum 3X. — We once had a ver}- notable case in which this drug effected a distinctly marked cure; and the symptom that led to its selection was " purgation on movement;" the horse for which we prescribed this remedy had been suffering from the disease for a long period; so long as the animal remained quiet in the stable the action of the bowels was normal, but directh' he was taken to work and began to trot, the purging came on — it was a butcher's horse; three doses of Rhetnn ser\'ed to effect a permanent cure and that without any recurrence. 14 DISEASES OF THE LIVER Among the somewhat complex functions of the Hver the most prominent and important is undoubtedly that of the formation of bile to assist in the digestion of food. Phj^siologists have already made some most important discoveries respecting the action of bile, but if we may judge by what has already been brought before our notice concerning the functions of this organ, we can only come to the conclusion that there is much more to be learned than has yet come to light; one very interesting coincidence has been observed by us; the absence of bile is productive of a very irritat- ing form of diarrhoea; the presence of an excess of bile results in a form of diarrhoea that differs from the previous kind by an absence of irritation, by an excess of coloring material and by its peculiar odor; we do not for one moment arrogate to ourselves the ability to explain these differences, we merely state that such is our experience, and we are of the opinion that "much has yet to be learned from the physiologist's standpoint as to the functions of this organ. Horses do not fall victims so readily to diseased liver as do dogs, nevertheless the frequent complications with other forms of disease in which the liver is involved serve to prove how sensitive this organ is and how easily it gets out of order; in the course of this work frequent reference is made to liver compli- cations as evidenced by a yellow condition of the visible mucous membranes, the high color of the urine, and the state of the fasces, we have frequently remarked that were horses and dogs as free livers as men, and included alcohol in their dietary, they would in all probability be the subjects of very decided liver complaints, quite as troublesome, if not more so, as in the human subject; moreover, the relations of the liver with other organs, and its capabilities of influencing them in the performance of their func- tions, are deserving of consideration and attention; among these latter may be mentioned one very curious instance in which a deranged liver has been held responsible for lameness of the ofE 2IO CONGESTION OF LIVER 2 I I fore limb; it is therefore desirable and important in the interests of the owner and the welfare of the horse to be always alive to any possible liver complications that may arise in connection with almost every form of disease, the suggestive indications of which have already been mentioned. CONGESTION OF LIVER Is intimately connected with disturbance of the heart due either to an obstruction of the flow of blood as it returns through the large veins, or to an increase of blood over and above the normal in the blood vessels which convey the vital fluid to and from the organ itself; it has already been stated that the principal function of the liver is the formation of bile; the organ "is made up of small roundish or oval portions called lobules each of which is about 2V of s^ ^^^^^ ^^^ diameter, and composed of the minute branches of the portal vein, hepatic arter}', hepatic duct and he- patic vein; while the interstices of these vessels are filled by the liver cells. These cells which make up a great portion of the substance of the organ are rounded or polygonal from about g^^- to Y^ViT of an inch in diameter containing well-marked nuclei and granules and having sometimes a yellowish tinge, especially about their nuclei; frequently also they contain also various-sized parti- cles of fat. Each lobule is very sparingly invested by areolar tis- sue " {Kif'ke's Physiology). The small vessles described as ducts convey the bile after it is formed in the cells to the main duct, which empties itself into the intestines, and as these lie in juxta- position to the numerous blood vessels already named it will be apparent how it is that an excessive accumulation of blood, which does not pass away from the organ as it should do, accounts for much that would otherwise be difficult to understand in relation to the yellow color imparted to the visible mucous membranes, from which we learn by ocular demonstration that the functions of the liver are disorganized and out of order, for it would appear that when the flow of blood out of the organ is retarded, pressure is brought to bear on the bile ducts, hindering the free passage of the bile in its right course and causing it to pass through the walls of the ducts into and through those of the blood vessels, by which means the blood stream is overcharged with bile and its color altered, and in this w^ay the yellow tinge is imparted to the pale 212 VETERIXARY HOMOEOPATHY. mucous membranes as the blood continues its course over the gen- eral system. Symptoms. — Yellow condition of the mucous membrane of eyes and mouth; pain of the right side in region of liver, just behind the last rib, which the horse shows by frequently turning his head in this direction and by tenderness on manipulation; marked languor and dulness; impaired appetite; frequent pulse and quick respirations; but unless complicated with other disease the temper- ature remains about normal; legs and ears are frequently cold; at the same time it will be well to examine the patient for diseases of heart, lungs and intestines, as complications are frequently present. Hepatitis or inflammation of the liver rarely occurs among horses; and " the condition when affecting the horse I have not been able during life to differentiate from the congestive actions already noticed. The existence of hepatic disturbance may be certain; to determine whether the gland is congested or superficially inflamed is, in the greater number of cases, not possible. The history of the case may in some instances assist us." (Robertson). The ex- perience of this writer is in complete harmony with our own, but we have quoted his own words in proof of the fact we are not alone in being unable to definitely distinguish in all cases between simple congestive and inflammatory action; we shall therefore proceed to deal with the treatment of the disease as it generally .presents itself among horses. Treatment. — Bryonia 3X. — Tenderness on pressure; region of liver may be slightly swollen and enlarged; giddiness; pale 3^ellowness of skin and mucous membranes; constipation, no incli- nation to pass faeces. Mercurius solubilis 3X. — Shivering; cold sweat; faeces pale in color, constipated and offensive to the smell; appetite suspended; eyes and mouth yellow, but the skin is sallow looking; horse ex- periences so much pain in the region of liver that he rarely lies down, and when he does, it is to rest on the near side; the faeces may be relaxed, in which case they give evidence of the presence of an excess of bile so far as the color is concerned. Aconite 3X in cases of sudden and acute bilious fever, when the temperature is exalted and the pulse and respirations much more CONGESTION OF THE LIVER. 213 frequent than the}- should be; bihous attacks that are the result of cold and chill. Chelidonium majus <-> has a marked action on the liver; chronic inflammation, jaundice and the presence of gall stones call for its remedial powers, and derive marked benefit therefrom; the faeces may be either soft and of a deep j^ellow color, or constipated and very pale; the skin and visible mucous membranes are generally of a deep orange color, such as is observed in a true case of jaundice; the urine thick, of a deep yellow color, and leaving a sediment after evaporation; the tongue thickly coated with yellow fur. Leptandra Virginica 0. — The usual symptoms of bilious fever or jaundice, but with one especial distinguishing characteristic of the faeces, "■frequent, profuse, black, foetid aiid papescenty (Hughes). Lycopodium 3X. — Obstinate constipation; action of kidneys un- usually active, a great deal of urine passed during the night; rumbling of wind in the intestines; visible mucous membranes pale and sallow; extreme tenderness on manipulating the seat of the liver; oppressed breathing; deposit of brick-dust-looking sedi- ment with the urine. Hepar sulphur 6x in cases of congested liver after the patients have been ineffectually dosed with too large quantities of calomel. Accessory Measures. — Food of a non-stimulating character should be allowed in moderate quantity only; corn of all descrip- tions must be temporarily suspended; if the time of year permits it, artificial grasses, such as clover and lucerne, form the best and most suitable articles of diet; the horse should be placed in a roomy loose box, wherein he can move about if so disposed, and so soon as convalescence is established exercise on a graduallj^ in- creasing scale should be given, the horse being led by hand for this purpose; but actual work must not be attempted until the animal has resumed his natural vigor and life, and even then should be brought to it by degrees. DISEASES OF THE URINARY AND GENERATIVE ORGANS. In attempting to treat of these subjects in a plain and easy-to- be-understood manner, we confess to entertaining some fear as to success, for we recognize no little difficulty in the effort before us; it is indeed by no means a simple matter to explain why such difficulty exists: the fact, however, is an acknowledged one, that even in the realm of physiology, masters of the science are unable to reconcile, one with the other, the multifarious details affecting the functions of the organs now under consideration, and precisely as to the results of the performance of said functions. It is, how- ever, desirable for the better appreciation of the disea.ses affecting the urinary organs, that it should be understood that broadly speaking their functions are the separation from the blood of those substances that the body has no further use for, the collection of such in a state of solution and their conveyance out of the body; the kidneys are the organs through the medium of which the effete material in the blood is separated and collected for trans- mission through tubes which connect the kidneys with the bladder, the receptacle provided for retention of the urine as it is drop by 'drop filtered through the kidneys; from the blad- der it passes through a still larger tube called the urethra, which in the male passes down the full length of the generative organ, while in the female it empties it.self into the genital canal about two or three inches from the opening of the same. To re- turn to the kidneys, their mechanism is arranged structurally to realize a continuous process of steady filtration; very minute blood vessels lie side by side with equally minute tubes for the collection of urine, the arrangements for which are most beautifully ordered for the realization of this object; the power of selection — if such a term may be applied — which the kidneys possess to draw off from the blood, only those constituents which are worn out and 214 DISEASES OF THE URINARY AND GENERATIVE ORGANS. 21 5 done with is certainly remarkable: according to the amount of pressure in the blood stream, which is, in a great measure at least, regulated by the force of the heart's contractions, so chiefly is the secretion of the urine augmented or decreased; at the same time the secretion may be modified if there is an obstruction in the veins, which is one way of explaining in what way the liver, when the portal circulation is out of order, has an influence on the urinary secretion; by way of illustrating the power which blood pressure has in the production of urine, it is only necessary to refer to the well known fact that in hot weather much less urine is passed than in cold, assuming that the amounts of fluid taken into the body are nearly equal; this is due to the relaxed condition of the capillaries of the skin through which the watery constitu- ents of the blood exude in the form of perspiration, consequently the amount of fluid that has to be filtered through the kidneys is much reduced. It should also be understood that while one of the main func- tions of the kidneys is that of filtration from the blood, there are recognized constituents in the urine which have not been observed in the same form in the blood, hence the conclusion has been ar- rived at that the kidneys have the power of secretion, and that certain constituents are added to the urine in its passage through the tubes of the kidneys; putting these facts together, it will be seen that the functions ot the kidnej-s are of a twofold character; namel}^ first, the function of filtrating the watery and soluble substances from the blood; and, second, the removal of certain constituents w4iich go to make up the whole of the urine bj' means of a secretory power possessed by the uriniferous tubes; these facts are worth noting and have a special interest when deal- ing with a case of suppres.sion of urine in the horse. If a kidney be cut into two equal sections and the surface of the cut portion examined under a powerful magnifying glass, it will be seen that it consists mainly of convoluted tubes of various sizes, while the central portion of the organ forms a cavit}' w^herein the secretion is collected; from thence the urine passes down a single tube of pro- portionately larger calibre and is emptied into the bladder, w'hich is an organ consisting of various kinds of muscles lined internally with mucous membrane; as the bladder becomes filled the desire to evacuate same arises throu2:h the influence of certain nerve 2l6 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. branches from the spinal cord, and the desire is responded to by the action of special nerves upon certain muscular fibres, which go to make up the walls of the bladder, and therefore these muscular fibres contract and in this way make the organ itself smaller, and so the urine is forced out into the urethra and from thence dis- charged as hereinbefore explained; other influences are brought to bear in assisting the bladder to empt)' itself, but this will suffice for the object in view, namely, to supply a cursory glance of the function of urination. In order that the importance of obtaining an intelligent appreciation of this subject may be impressed upon the reader, it may be well to state, as shortly as possible, the prin- cipal constituents of urine; and as we proceed it is hoped that it will be discovered this has an important bearing upon the health of horses, as observations of the appearance of urine, so far as regards color and consistence are made. In the first place, the specific gravity of the horse's urine averages 1045; the range varies from 1 01 6 to 1060, the variations depend in a great measure upon the mode of feeding as well as upon diseased conditions; the diet also has a bearing upon the condition of urine whether the same gives an acid or an alkaline reaction upon testing, a process that furnishes valuable aid in selecting a drug under certain con- ditions. The constituent composition of urine in health is ap- proximately made up of water, urea and uric acid, which are de- composition products of food and of the tissues of the body; hippuric acid deriv^ed chiefl}^ from food; coloring and aromatic matters, and salts, among which the phosphates abound. Much greater care in observing the state of the urine is called for than is generally exhibited during periods of illness, and there are several points calling for special consideration; for instance, urine may have either an excess or deficienc)^ of the watery constituents; an excess of water may under certain conditions be favorable, as it serves to wash away from the tubes of the kidneys any accumulation of solid matter that has collected during disease; on the other hand it may be an evidence of disease itself, as in one form of diabetes. Then, with regard to apparent deficiency of water, it ma)' be due to the fact of the horse having been submitted to hard work in hot weather causing considerable perspiration; or the increase of urea and other solid constituents ma)- be larger without a relative increase in the water; in both instances the alteration may take CONGESTION OF KIDNEYS. 217 place without involving any morbid conditions; but should the changes occur in conjunction with the development of some febrile disease it would be clear that the one was associated with the other and this would undoubtedl}^ be an aid to diagnosis and treatment. Further, it may be found by examination that there are substances present in the urine that are not found in health, such as albumen, bile, sugar, any or all of which will be present in a state of solu- tion and require chemical tests to discover their presence; blood, pus and mucus, the presence of which can be determined by microscopical and chemical examination. It would not serve anj^ useful purpose to mention in detail the several methods of testing for the presence of such abnormal and foreign substances, the safest and cheapest procedure is to submit the urine to a qualified analytical chemist, and obtain a full report, as much may depend upon a proper appreciation of the actual facts as to the nature of the disease, its locality and conditions; and this is the more im- portant, inasmuch as distant organs like the liver and the lungs, to say nothing of the organs of digestion and circulation, exercise a distinct and unmistakable influence upon the urinary secretion, and it is absolutely necessar}' to differentiate between morbid con- ditions due to other and distant organs and morbid lesions of the urinary organs themselves. We commenced the chapter by assert- ing that the subject of the urinary organs was a complex and diffi- cult one, and we believe this brief introduction to the main sub- jects will in the opinion of our readers fully justify the assertion. CONGESTION OF KIDNEYS. RENAL CONGESTION. By renal congestion is to be understood an excess of blood in the structure of the kidnej^s; this congestion is a condition which invariably precedes inflammation of these, or, indeed, any organ of the bod}-; and if the congestion can be allayed, inflammation will never follow. The word inflammation with the ordinary stableman, or even with the horse-knacker, is a phrase that is vul- garly applied to almost every case of illness where there is an evi- dence of excess of blood to a part without regard to the real dis- ease conditions or the organs affected; and we have repeatedly 2l8 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. heard post-mortem congestion of the king, on the side the dead horse had lain for some hours, seriously described as inflamma- tion; it is therefore desirable that a more intelligent appreciation of the meaning of these words should be accepted by those who peruse these pages. Congestion of the kidneys is not frequently met with in the horse, a somewhat remarkable fact when we bear in mind that it is capable of development as the result of intro- ducing into the system such irritant agents as Turpentine and Cantharides, both of which are frequently use4 as outward appli- cations in connection with blistering and stimulating operations; we have known more than one case where distinct evidence of renal congestion was shown following a blister applied to the loins for a sprained back caused by a horse over-jumpingin the hunting field; and one case in which a horse had an application of Turpen- tine over his ribs for congestion of the lungs; the best antidote in such cases is Camphor; the fact remains, however, as a standing monument in proof of the truth of the principles of Homoeopathy, inasmuch as both these drugs prove remedial in all simple cases of congestion of the kidneys when brought on from cold or following upon some specific fever. It is desirable in all cases to observe the sj^mptoms which indicate a congested condition of the kid- neys, in order to prevent its developing into true inflammation, and probably one of the earliest of these is suppression of urine; the horse will repeatedly posture himself, as for the act of mictur- ition, and strain out a few drops only of thick, turbid urine, some- times accompanied with a little blood, but the latter will not always be observable to the naked eye, while yet again, the red coloring material may be distinctly observable and no blood corpuscles visible under the microscope, these being present in a broken-up state. The constitutional symptoms are not sufficiently marked to enable one to rely upon them as a sure indication that the horse is wrong, therefore we shall pass on to the Treatment. — Provided that Turpentine is not the cause of con- gestion, there is no remedy more likely to prove effectual than Tere- binthina 3X. Other remedies, such as Belladonna , Mercurius corro- sivus, Ca^iiharis and Arsenic have produced congested kidneys and would no doubt prove serviceable under given conditions, but these it is not worth while reverting to, in face of the almost invariable success of Terebinth. There is, however, one condition that may INFLAMMATION OF KIDNEYS. 219 give rise to renal congestion, namely, external violence and conse- quent injuries to the renal organs, when, as a rule. Arnica 2 x will be found most suitable, and the internal administration of this drug may very usefully be combined with an outward application of a lotion of the same 1-6 applied as a compress. In all cases where the patient exhibits symptoms of great pain by uneasiness and unwillingness to rest, warm compresses should be applied by wringing out flannel dipped in boiling water, apply same when at all bearable, cover with oil skin, and over that again a thick horse cloth. INFLAMMATION OF KIDNEYS. NEPHRITIS. Like some other organs of complex structure, the kidneys may be the seat of inflammation as a whole — certain!}' a rare occur- rence in the horse — or as is more common, one portion of their structure is in a state of inflammation, while the other may be entirely free from the influence of inflammatory products; while it is common practice among laymen to speak of inflammation of the kidneys in a general sort of way as though one form and one only existed, it is desirable for the sake of successful treatment to endeavor to make it clear that a distinction exists, what that dis- tinction is and how it may be discovered. Already an attempt, though a very crude one, has been made to explain something of the anatomical structure of a kidney, and we got so far as to show that this organ consisted mainly of tubes of varying size and con- figuration, arranged in bundles, and that as well as the tubes their structure consisted also of various shades and sizes of blood vessels; now it will no doubt appear quite feasible — indeed abso- lutely necessary — that some sort of support should be supplied to keep these tubes and blood vessels in place, and so there is a fibrous network cunningly introduced between the interstices of the tubes described as ''connective tissue,'" the whole being en- closed and kept in shape by a beautifully fine membrane called the capsule. Not to burden the reader with an unnecessarily long explanation we shall divide the possible inflammatory conditions of the kidney into two groups; first — inflammation of the tubes or 2 20 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY tubal nephritis; and second — inflammation of the ^'connective tissue'' ox interstitial nephritis; a third condition however some- times arises which may develop either among the tubes or in the substance of the ' ' connective tissue ' ' and may therefore become a sequel to either of the two main groups of inflammation, namely, suppurative nephritis, or the formation of abscesses due very fre- quently to blood poisoning. The next question that arises for consideration is how are these two main groups of inflammation to be recognized the one from the other. When the tubes are the seat of inflammation, the deleterious and effete matter which is trying to make its way out of the sys- tem through the kidneys blocks up the urine tubes because the quantity of material to be conveyed is in excess of the capacity of the tubes, this being the origin of the primary congestion and subsequent inflammation; there being under these conditions no suppression of urine, the fluid constituents are unable to pass out as in health and a regular block takes place; the consequence is that with the pressure of the blood stream behind, the fluid por- tions must find an exit somewhere, and dropsical effusions under the skin are the result and albumen almost invariably makes its appearance in the urine; in the horse, the most common localities for the effusions to first appear are the breast and the penis, some- times extending along the floor of the abdomen; as in the case of renal congestion the first thhig to attract the stableman's atten- -tion is the uneasiness, the repeated posturing with hind and fore legs as about to micturate, standing up again and so on until per- haps a small quantity of thickish-looking urine is passed; a turn- ing round of the head first to one side and then the other, and if not tied up occasionally lying down and on rising making a further effort to pass water. The horse will experience some general disturbance affecting temperature (103 degrees), pulse (75), respiration uncertain. The appetite for food will be decidedly impaired and the desire for fluids almost nil; the horse will evince a good deal of pain when called upon to move, and the hind legs will be dragged along in a stiff, almost helpless manner; gentle pressure over the loins on either side of the spinal column will cause the animal to exhibit distinct evidence of tenderness and pain. An opportunity must be availed of, when the horse is able to pass a little water to have NEPHRITIS. 221 some collected in a perfectly dean vessel; this should at once be carefully transferred to a clea7t bottle, tighth^ corked down and forwarded to the nearest analytical chemist without loss of time, and should the report confirm the natural suspicion that tube casts, albumen and possibly blood are present, good reason will exist for administering Cantharis -^yiovoxy three hours; should this fail to give relief in the course of twelve hours, and the suppres- sion of the urine thereafter becomes complete then Tcrebinthina IX must be tested. In those cases wherein the effusion under the skin is very pro- nounced and the exhalations from the skin have a decided urinifer- ous smell, Terebinthina should be given in the first instance, and when the urinary troubles are relieved therefrom, but the effusions remain as large as before, Apis niel. ix three times a day should be given. This urinary difficulty occasionally arises as a sequel to strangles or influenza in the horse; when this is so, and the dropsical condition about the chest and other parts is slow to be removed, Arsenicum 3X grains ten three times a day will often effect the desired object and otherwise tend to restore the animal to a good state of health and vigor. To return to the other group, nameh^ Interstitial nephritis, or inflammation of the connective tissue of the organ, we have to deal with a far more serious condition of affairs, but fortunately for horse owners one only rarely observed in that animal; it has been stated that it may start as a sequel to tubal nephritis or in an independent character of its own; moreover, the extent of the parts affected varies, which no doubt makes a deal of difference in the results of treatment. By a remarkable coincidence, so far as cause and effect have a bearing upon the treatment suggested for this description of renal inflammation, we find that the late Prof. Robertson in his masterly work on " Equine Medicine,'" when deal- ing with the ' ' causation ' ' of this morbid condition states, ' ' slow ingestion of lead and some of its salts are said to induce the condition," while Dr. Hughes in \)xs Manual of Therapeutics \n the chapter devoted to this subject affirms, "I have always pointed out that our most hopeful outlook is in the direction of Plumbum.'''' In comparing these two statements, emanating as they do from such eminent authorities, we are compelled to come to the conclusion that a distinct pathogenetic and therapeutic 222 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. relation exists between lead and interstitial nephritis. We have never seen a case in the horse, but have good reason for believing that we once enjoyed the exceptional opportunity of doing so in the cow; so far as the animal was concerned she presented a most perfect picture of lead poisoning one could ever expect or wish to see, still no opportunity had existed for her to partake of the poison. Without the slightest hesitation therefore we prescribed Plumbum 3X, grains xv ever}' four hours, and one of the most unexpected and marvellous cures was effected we ever expect to witness; the cow's urine gave unmistakable evidence of the con- dition of the kidneys; this was accompanied with spasmodic colic, knuckling over of the hind fetlock joints; paralysis of the intes- tines; frightful emaciation; constipation; retracted abdomen; sup- prevSsion of milk secretion; slow, lethargic pulse; breathing op- pressed; temperature below normal; eyes amaurotic; the urine had to be drawn off with the catheter, and the passage of the faeces was assisted with repeated injections of warm water, and when passed consisted of small, black, bullet-shaped masses. Now, although this was not a complicated case of interstitial nephritis we feel justified in quoting it as a practical illustration of the suit- ability of Plumbum for this disease condition. We now pass on to the consideration of suppurative nephritis, namely that condition in which ordinary inflammation has devel- oped into the formation of abscesses; the only special symptom over and above those already indicated is the presence in the urine of matter or pus; here again the analytical chemist must be consulted with a view to definite information upon which reliance may be placed. Beyond the ordinary possibility of inflammation developing suppuration, abscesses may arise in the tubes from the presence of stones in the kidneys, but when this latter is the cause suspicion may be aroused by the evidence of great pain that the horse will show; at the same time it is important to confirm such a suspicion by a watchful oversight and examination of the urine for evidence of the presence of stones, which, of course, can be only very small. For the suppuration per se, and in the absence of foreign substances, Hepa) sulphuris 3X may be administered twice daily; but should there be unmistakable evidence of the presence of stone, Dr. Hughes recommends Uva ursi. Whenever pain is very marked it will invariably be desirable to DIABETES. 223 endeavor to allay this b}' topical applications, such as flannel wrung out in hot water, laid on the loins, and covered with oil cloth and externall}- a horse rug to keep up a state of warm moist- ure to the parts; this may be renewed whenever the pain seems specially marked; the feeding should be of the light, nutritious, easily digestible order, and the drink consist of linseed gruel and barley water. If the horse is brought down low in condition it will be desirable to give him China 0, ten drops, night and morning for a week; discontinue same for a week, giving one intermediate dose of Sidpluir 3, and recommence the China for another week and so on till condition is decidedly improved. DIABETES. This maladjMS, without doubt, more frequently met with among Tiuman than veterinary patients, and one peculiar feature in con- nection with it is, that whereas tnere are two distinct manifesta- tions of the disease, the one that more generally appears in the human subject, is of rare occurrence in the horse; while that which is observed among equines is less frequentl}' noted in man. It cannot be affirmed that diabetes is strictly a disease of the urinary organs, but we have indicated it thereunder because its chief manifestation, so far as human observation goes, is through this channel. Diabetes is ascribed by some to dietetic causes, but our own -opinion is that some reasons, other than these, are called for to account for its development. Already we have referred to the fact that the malady assumes two distinct forms and two names are accordingly employed to designate the one from the other, namely diabetes mellitus in which traces of the presence of sugar are observable and diabetes i?isipidus which is by no means of un- common occurrence among equines; to the con.sideration of this form of the uialadj^ we shall mainly confine out attention, simply pointing out in passing that if the specific gravity of the urine at any time points to a probability that sugar is present the doubt can soon be set at rest by submitting samples of the water for several successive da^^s to an analytical chemist, and in the event of the test affirming the suspicion three times out of four, it will be fair to assume that a case of diabetes mellitus has to be contended 224 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. with when no better remedy than Phosphoric acid ix three times a day can be administered; meanwhile all food that contains an excess of saccharine constituents should be avoided. Diabetes insipidus is characterized by an unusual proportion of watery urine; it is affirmed by some that the usual solid elements of the urine are not deficient, but that the watery constituents are so much in excess of the normal that it appears as though the solids were entirely wanting; the late Professor Robertson at- tributes the cause of "insipid urine" to disturbed innervation, while among existing influences, he considers damaged provender responsible for its de\'elopment. The most notable case that has come under our immediate notice and care was that of a horse worked by a market gardener in conveying his produce from house to house during the morning half of the day; by no means heavy work; for a period of three months the animal had been gradually evincing less and less capacity for the performance of his com- paratively light work; he lost flesh and had a precarious appetite, at one time eating voraciously, at another refusing the most dainty diet, it had been observed that he drank very copiously and always appeared to be ready for the pail; the owner's observation had not, however, been attracted to anything peculiar in the performance of urination; the only feature of the case to which our special at- tention was drawn was that presence of an extraordinary large number of nematoid worms, (Ascaris megalocephala) and for the eradication of these, we were consulted; usual remedies were ad- ministered with the result that though a very large number came away whole with the faeces, while others came away in bits, portions of which had been evidently digested by the secretions of the large intestines, the horse was no better; indeed, the emaciation was more pronounced; we therefore urged our client to send the animal into the infirmary which he reluctantly consented to; the horse had only been under our immediate care a few hours before we discovered what was at all events partly the matter with him; the box in which he was placed was absolutely flooded out; we afterwards discovered that his temperature fluctuated to an extra- ordinary degree from day to day, between 99 degrees and 104 degrees; this led us to suspect something more than diabetes; we at once commenced administering Phosphoric acid i-\ but as the re- sult was not satisfactory, resorted to Scilla ix; this latter certainly CYSTITIvS. 225 effected a marked diminution in the amount of urine passed; but as the post mortem proved the horse was the subject of general con- sumption (tuberculosis), both lungs presenting the most remark- able specimens of diffuse miliary tubercle we ever saw, and all the internal organs were more or less affected; this, therefore, and not the diabetes, was the cause of death; but it is deserving of special attention that notwithstanding these complications, the remedy administered for the diabetes was able to exercise the de- sired effect in some degree; and it would we think, justify us in the conclusion that in uncomplicated diabetes insipidus, Scilla is a promising medicine The symptoms of this malady are greenish blue color of the visible mucous membranes; faeces constipated; temperature rather under than over the normal 98.5 degrees; the skin dry, the coat harsh and staring; pulse soft and weak gen- erally about 50; urination excessively profuse without any color- ing material in it; thirst specially marked, and appetite precarious and changeable. In the treatment of this malady there is one point worthy of notice; if, as is the case sometimes, there is distinct evidence that the digestive organs are at fault Muriate of Ura7iiiim 3X trituration is a serviceable remedy and preferable to others already prescribed. CYSTITIS. INFLAMMATION OF THE URINARY BLADDER. This in the horse is of rare occurrence as a natural disease; when it does arise there is as a rule some extraneous cause to account for it, such as the irritation which the presence of a cal- culus (stone) would produce; and it is worth while to make a special note of this fact, lest the symptoms which in all cases differ but little, should lead anyone to attempt a cure by the internal administration of drugs when a stone was the cause of the difficulty; under such conditions nothing but failure and disap- pointment would accrue, and it would provide the enemy (allo- paths') with a fine opportunity to point the finger of scorn at Homoeopathy generally; when a stone is present in the bladder, a fact which is easily confirmed by manipulation of the organ per rectum, the only satisfactory method of treatment is removal by 226 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. surgical operation at the hands of an expert veterinarian; this fact furnishes no reasonable ground for the enemy to revile, because the removal of a foreign body does not come within the range of therapeutics at all but is a mechanical operation to effect which the aid of surgery must be invoked; where, however, a true case of cystitis arises which does not result from the irritation of such foreign substances, then medicine will avail as successfully as in all other forms of disease to which therapeutics proper are applic- able. The symptoms are in many respects marvelously like those of nephritis, but there are two or three special symptoms which point distinctly to the bladder as the affected organ; and they are as follows: A continual paddling movement with the hind legs; an irritable swishing of the tail; and a more or less constant dribbling away of bloody urine; under these conditions we have found Belladonna 3X and Cantharis 6x administered in alterna- tion, a dose every three hours, afford marked and speedy relief; in cases of stone after removal by operative surgery Arnica 3X three times daily should be administered, as this serves to remove the general soreness of the parts and facilitates the healing pro- cess. lyike nephritis this malady may be caused by the application of a topical irritant such as Cantharides, under these circumstances a few doses of Camphor spirits on moist sugar should be admin- istered. - It will be noted under the chapter headed Colic that one of the conditions then frequently affecting horses is an inability to pass water; we consider that this is due to a paralyzed condition of the muscular walls of the bladder, either from colds or in consequence of the horse having held his water too long, under such circum- stances a dose of Aconite every fifteen minutes, as a rule, affords prompt relief. There is further a condition affecting mares wherein an inflam- matory state of the organ is set up, namely, inversion of the bladder; the first and most important procedure is to reduce the organ to its proper site, an operation calling for the experience of a trained veterinarian; but after the operation is completed, much benefit will follow the internal administration of Aniica 3X for several days; it will help to restore tone to the organ itself^ AZOTURIA. 227 together with its supporting ligaments, and so facihtate its main- taining the proper position in the body. As we have referred to the possible presence of stone in the bladder so be it understood we may not infrequently meet with cases where gravel accumulates in that organ and evidence of its presence is made known when a horse makes water on a flat slab of stone or some other smooth substance upon which the gravel ca,n rest and discover itself after the water has dried up; under such circumstances it will be wise and most probably hinder the development of future complications to administer a dose of Lycopodium 6x, grains fifteen, night and morning for a week, meanwhile watching the effect; if the gravelly deposit still con- tinues, which is certainly improbable, a course of Phosphoric acid 6x, drops ten night and morning should be tried. Inasmuch as gravel sometimes forms in the kidneys in particles of such size that they cannot pass away without causing inten.se pain in their passage through the tubes, presenting symptoms of acute colic in the horse, it is desirable to mention that if the indications point to this condition Berberis ix is the remedy; presuming that it was already known that a horse had passed .sandy urine, and an attack of colick}^ pain supervened, characterized by short, sharp, oft- recurring attacks of pain, while on manipulating the loins over the region of the kidneys, one side evinced considerable tenderness, it would not be unreasonable to surmise that it was a case of renal colic, and the use of Berberis would be justified, although the malady cannot be considered as one of frequent occurrence in the horse, nor is it one that often presents itself in any animal; hence the desirability of not forming too hasty an opinion in such cases of pain. AZOTURIA. We have experienced some difficulty in determining to our own satisfaction under what head to introduce the consideration of this malady; inasmuch, however, as its chief manifestation is observ- able from the characteristic condition of the urine, and that post mortem the kidneys betray indications of certain morbid processes, it has been determined to allocate a position under the head of urinary diseases. It is among well-fed, highly-conditioned horses that this disease usually presents itself, whose work is irregular. 2 28 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY, smart active work alternating with a period of rest; the attack comes on -with great suddenness and severity, and an animal which one hour was to all appearance in the very bloom of health is in the next a pitiably helpless object. The first indication of the malady is usually inability to proceed by reason of muscular spasms affecting the loins and thighs, a loss of control over the movements of the hind legs; breaking out into a profuse sweat, and trembling all over; the posterior extremities soon become unable to support the weight of the body and the animal rolls over on its side, often struggling violently when down with a very obvious desire to regain the standing position; ultimately the horse wearies of these futile efforts and gives himself up to the necessity of the case and thereafter shows a firm determination to lie down quietly. Very shortly spasmodic twitchings of the large muscles of the loins and thighs supervene, ultimately these same muscles become rounded, hard and rigid, and seem to have lost all power of con- traction. It is, as a rule, necessary to draw off the urine with the catheter and then the character of the secretion is observed to be of a deep coffee color, somewhat more dense in consistency than normal urine. The pulse is increased in frequency generally to about 65 or 70 beats per minute, while the temperature will register 102 degrees or thereabouts; the respirations will be regulated very much by the state of calm or irritability the animal has exhibited when the attack first declared itself. In case the horse renews the strug- gle to get on to its legs, it is best to apply the slings and get it properly fixed up therein, otherwise it may speedily exhaust itself. Mares are considered by some to be more frequently the sub- jects of this malady than male horses, but this is undoubtedly a mistake, for all our cases have been in geldings, and Professor Robertson's experience seems to coincide with our own in this respect in the main. There is one very troublesome complication or sequel to the disease within our experience that does not appear, so far as records go, to have fallen to the lot of other practitioners, namely, LAMiNiTis, or inflammation of the sensitive laminae of the feet, those of the forelegs in particular, and in one case notwithstand- ing the most careful treatment this condition proceeded to ex- OCCASIONAL DISEASES OF URINARY ORGANS. 229 tremes, the pedal bones protruding through the soles; whether the long period of standing in the slings was the main cause of this we cannot say, but under the circumstances we should, after this experience, be disposed to advise allowing a patient to retain the recumbent position if it would do so quietly, satisfying our- selves with moving it over from side to side once in twelve hours, and using an abundance of soft straw to support the body, draw- ing off the urine with the catheter ever)^ four hours, administering an abundance of demulcent drink such as linseed gruel and barley water to wash out the urinary tubes and the bladder. The medicine we should first rely upon would be Causticum ix, repeating the usual dose every three hours during the daytime, and if this only succeeds in restoring the urine to its natural color and consistence, the muscular rigidity will soon relax and a good cure may be anticipated; but as a rule these are by no means promising cases. The faeces generally show a tendency to con- stipation, but should there be any disposition to diarrhoea com- bined with a high specific gravity of the urine Senna H will be found an efficacious remedy ; we have tested both these agents at one time or another and each in turn has seemed to render satis- factory results. Friction with Arnica lijiiment over the rigid muscles will sometimes afford ease to the patient; at all times the body should be kept warm with clothing to induce gentle exhala- tion through the skin, and the food must be light so as to avoid the risk attendant at such times upon overloading the digestive organs. OCCASIONAL DISEASES OF URINARY ORGANS. There are several forms of disease which assume more of the surgical aspect than the therapeutical, at all events in ordinary practice, and their introduction here is more to prove that they are not overlooked than in the hope that much advantage will accrue upon their consideration; still as cases of extreme urgency may arise it is deemed better in the interest of the reader to lightly touch upon them with a view to amelioration of suffering should they arise under such circumstances. Those morbid conditions w^hich it is proposed to refer to will be found only in the male and the first is inflammation of the urethra; this is the channel 230 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. which conveys the urine through the penis from the bladder and also the semen from the testicles in the act of copulation. Inflammation of the urethra may be of the simple, benign form^ or, as in the human subject, it may also assume the contagious character of a gonorrhcea, the latter, however, is very rare in the stallion ; still there has been sufficient evidence forthcoming to warrant the assertion that it may exist; the symptoms are those common to this form of disease; matter forms and exudes at the end of the penis; and if the sheath of the penis is full and well developed an accumulation of the discharge will be found in that part of the organ, irritating the surrounding parts and producing considerable swelling thereof; the animal experiences distinct pain and difficulty in passing water and evinces a frequent desire to perform the act. The treatment is simple and effective; whether the discharge is benign or contagious it is similar; the parts should be carefully washed with warm water medicated with a small quantit}^ of Condy's fluid; and Merciirius corrosivus 2x, grains three to a dose, dissolved in a wineglassful of water, administered internally three times a day. Phimosis is a condition, affecting geldings generall}', in which the penis cannot be drawn out in consequence of the undue con- traction of the sheath; it is said to be caused by external violence, and it may also arise after castration, or when the sheath has become excessively swollen during an illness and for lack of suffi- cient exercise; in attempting treatment much depends upon the cause; probably the best thing to do in a case of emergency would be to apply frequent fomentations of hot water together with hand friction and the rubbing into the parts oi Arnica lotion 1-6; but if at all available the services of a qualified veterinary surgeon should be called into requisition. Paraphimosis is the antithesis of the former, in this case the penis is protruded beyond the sheath and cannot be withdrawn; the organ or that part of it which is so unnaturally exposed be- comes immensely swollen; inflammation is speedily set up and the pain is evidently extreme; in consequence of the swollen con- dition of the penis, the sheath becomes tightly constricted, the circulation is interfered wdth, and the exposed portion becomes cold. If the condition is due to a paralysis of the organ, the pros- OCCASIONAL DISEASES OF URINARY ORGANS. 231 pect of restoring its pristine vigor is by no means promising, but the first thing to be done is to relax the constricted state of the sheath, and this in the majority of instances calls for operative surgery; if this is not available an effort must be made to reduce the engorgment with hot fomentations and friction; at the same time the penis should be supported with a broad piece of calico fastened round the body in such a manner as to comfortably sus- pend the injured organ therein, and if the constricted sheath be- comes still tighter, relief may be afforded by effecting three or four incisions about half an inch deep with a sharp pair of scissors; this will have the effect of relieving the excessive turgescence of the parts, free haemorrhage for a short time will probably conduce to the desired result; but should this continue too long then a stream of cold water should be allowed to play upon the parts until the bleeding stops; when the swelling subsides the exposed part of the penis should be well lubricated with carbolized sweet oil and an attempt made to return the organ within the sheath; the incisions made into that part should be carefully brought to- gether and retained in position with a silken suture and thereafter a lotion 1-6 of Calendula (■> applied two or three times a day until the healing is complete; if, however, a veterinary surgeon can b}' any means be secured it is distinctl}^ advisable to incur au)^ reasonable trouble to obtain his services under such circumstances, for the case may prove so hopeless as to necessitate the amputa- tion of a portion of the penis, to determine which a professional opinion would be absolutely called for. Orchitis or inflammation of the testicles is a disease little likely to affect a horse unless it be due to injury during an attempt at copulation; there is nevertheless the bare possibility of its ex- istence from cold or undue exposure after being accustomed to warm surroundings; under such circumstances the swelling of the parts, which would also be ver}^ tender, would be attended by constitutional and febrile symptoms; the temperature would be exalted and the pulse more than usually rapid; the animal would be off his feed and generally give expression to feelings of malaise; under these circumstances a few preliminary doses of Aconite 3X should be followed by Pulsatilla ix three times a da}'. If the horse has suffered from a blow and the testicles are contused thereby, the parts will require frequent fomenting with hot 232 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. water medicated with a few drops of Arnica 0, and Arnica 3X should be internally administered three or four times dail)-. Satyriasis.— We use this term to convey the idea of excessive sexual excitement in the stallion; several cases have come under our notice of valuable thoroughbred horses which seemed to have developed a habit of self-abuse by continuously whacking the penis up against the abdomen until the excitement of the proceed- ing caused an emission of semen; unfortunately we were not pro- fessionally consulted in either of the instances referred to, and consequently cannot speak practically as to a cure; we see no reason however to doubt the possibility of such an occurrence, had the opportunity been placed at disposal and among the reme- dies that promise success under such conditions are Phosphorus, Nux vomica and Plati7ia. Impotence in the stallion we believe to be exceedingly rare, but that it may and does occasionally arise especially in the case of horses whose services are in great public demand there is no doubt, but our firm belief is that in the majority of cases where a mare proves barren the fault is on her side and not the horse's. First, then, impotence may be due to an excessive demand upon the sexual functions. Under such circumstances it is of the first im- portance that the stallion should enjoy absolute rest for some months, during which time Phosphoric acid & should be given twice a day and food rich in phosphates provided. Second, the demand on the sexual powers of the horse may have been sufficient to produce atrophy or wasting of the testicles; this condition is still more serious; for such a state of affairs Coniuvi and Baryta carbonica are recommended, but we cannot speak from experience as to the value of these remedies. PARTURITION. BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE ACT. . But for the fact that there are inckided in the Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia so many drugs which are entirel}' ignored or un- acknowledged by the allopathist, whose special function seems to be to afford aid to the female during the periods of gestation and parturition (bearing and delivery), it would be absolutely useless to attempt to compress into the pages of this book anything re- garding this unusually wide subject that would be likely to be of the slightest use. Dr. Fleming in his text book on ' ' Veterinary Obstetrics" has filled up over 750 pages, and Dr. Guernsey in his valuable book on Htunan Obstetrics occupies close on 1000 pages in dealing with this all-important subject; it may, there- fore, be asked what useful purpose can be served by attempting to present to laymen a few scattered thoughts, when the proper consideration of the subject by these two learned practitioners has occupied so much space. Well, our reply to such a critic, if such a one there be, is that a few crumbs to the starving are better than no food, and the few suggestions on this vitally important topic which can be compressed herein will, it is hoped, prove better than allowing breeders of horses to find nothing in this work regarding the subject which affects them from a financial standpoint in so marked a manner. Had we nothing more hy way of assistance at so critical a juncture than the allopathist can offer, we would feign let the subject pass, but as we can make sugges- tions for the comfort and safety of the ' ' in-foal mare ' ' before time of deliver}^ and further, can assist nature during the act of delivery, and, further still, help to restore nature to her normal equilibrium after the same has been upset di\ring the period of ' '/oal birth ' ' there is good reason to believe that we are war- ranted in the endeavor to place before those who are otherwise helpless a few leading suggestions for their adoption, and if the 233 234 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. experience of the past stands for anything, these suggestions will be found worthy of careful consideration. It is well known to all practical breeders that in the mare, as in all other animals, but probably in the mare more than any other, the foetus during its development and growth in the uterus (womb) assumes all sorts of positions, some of which are normal and favorable to spontaneous and unaided birth, and many others which are abnormal and decidedly unfavorable to birth wnthout the intervention of the surgeon; these positions are described as ^^presentations'' according as the head, fore feet, hind feet,' croup, etc. , first presents itself to the hand of the exploring sur- geon; the variety of these presentations is very numerous, and while the tissues of the womb, and the canal through which the foetus has to pass during the act of being born, are extremely mobile and elastic, so much so that foetuses in all sorts of abnor- mal positions have been brought into the world with more or less surgical force, there is a limit to the extent to which the parts will relax and for the good both of the mother and her offspring, it is of the first importance that this — under the most favorable circumstances — painful fulfillment of nature's demands should be carried out under the most favorable conditions, and although the allopathist, the orthodox practitioner as he delights to call him- self, has not, with all his vaunted boasting, discovered anything to alleviate nature's pain at this critical period save the anaesthetic Chloroform, the much maligned homceopathist has found out that Pulsatilla is an agent in drug form capable not only of preparing the womb for the fulfillment of its natural functions under favor- able and comparatively easy conditions, but that this valuable plant is capable of so influencing the maternal organs that in the event of a FALSE or complicated PRESEXTATioisr the foetus will, under its influence, right itself sufficiently to be born without ex- traneous or surgical aid, and that without producing a permanent displacement of the womb w'hich, in some instances, is the result of the rough usage and the violent methods resorted to when diffi- cult presentations occur. It may not be generally known to breeders, but it is a point they ought to be made aware of and to which they should give serious consideration, that operative ob- stetric surgery of the very crude and rough description to which so many mares are subjected, is responsible in quite a considerable PARTURITION. 235 number of cases for permanent displacemext of the womb, and the subsequent barrenness of valuable brood mares; the fact that so many mares miss being in foal after a satisfactory service, is too frequently attributed to the sterilitj^ or incapacity of the stallion, while the really responsible cause is that the womb of the mare through the violent measures adopted at her previous parturition (delivery) is displaced, and the os (or mouth) of the womb instead of being in a direct line with the genital canal is drawn on one side or the other so that the semen, when discharged in the act of copulation, cannot enter the womb but ultimately finds its way on to the floor of the canal, thereafter to be washed awa}' on the first act of urination; and, of course, the mare proves not to ^be in foal and is a bitter disappointment to her owner; to render the act of parturition a normal and spontaneous one is of the first consequence to the breeder of horses, and to dispense with mechani- cal interference, especially the rough and tumble sort of work so often attempted by ignornant quacks and inexperienced, though well-intentioned stablemen, is no less important; the author does not wish it to be understood that obstetric surgery can alwaj's be dispensed with; there must of necessity be cases in which the presentations are so complicated and peculiar, either by reason of the distorted shape of the fcetus or its excessive size, that nothing short of mechanical aid will effect delivery; but these cases should and might be much more rare than they are, and when mechani- cal aid is absolutely required it should be entrusted only to a skillful and experienced obstetric veterinary surgeon; indeed, we go so far as to state that an unqualified man who attempts to deliver a parturient animal should be amenable to the law for cruelty, as in so many cases is the attempt made by those who are absolutely ignorant of the anatomy of the animal. B}^ wa}^ of preparation for a safe and comparatively easy deliv- ery the owner should see to it that the in-foal mare has ten drops of tincture of Pulsatilla ix in a wineglass of water night and morning regularly for a month before the date she is due to foal on; and this should be given half an hour before both feeding and watering. Space will not permit of dealing with the science of breeding nor of doing anything beyond offering a few suggestions as to treatment in cases of emergency; therefore it must be assumed 236 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY, that the owner has made satisfactory and suitable provision for the comfort, general well-being and health of the mare, and that the due date of foaling has arrived; under the influence of Pulsa- tilla administered as hereinbefore explained, the mare will prob- ably experience a spontaneous and normal delivery; but ther& may arise difficulties, which are amenable to the influence of drugs and w^hich drugs will obviate without mechanical interfer- ence, concerning which some helpful suggestions may be offered. A contracted, hard, rigid condition of the OS uteri (mouth of the womb) arises, and this quite independent of cancerous grov/ths, termed cauliflower excrescences, which are sometimes the cause of this rigid condition ; when this is the case it can of course only be positively recognized by manual exploration which should be carefully and gently attempted when delivery is delayed or the* mare has made many ineffectual efforts to discharge the foetus; before making the examination the person who undertakes the responsibility must strip off his clothes even to the shirt, wash his hands and arms carefully w'ith warm water, and then dress the arm that he is going to use in the examination with carbolized oil; this serves to facilitate the easy introduction of the arm into the vaginal canal and to prevent septic infection; if the os is found to be closed and very hard try the administration of tincture of Ca,ulophyllum ten drops every hour for three doses, after which at the expiration of twelve hours from the first dose if the os is not dilated and the delivery effected professional aid should be obtained, but as a rule this drug removes the functional disturb- ance which caused the rigidity, the os relaxes and dilates and labor proceeds to a satisfactory termination. Another cause which sometimes accounts for delay in delivery is due to lack of nerve power in the walls of the womb, resulting in very spasmodic and irregular contraction in which case, if the mare seems to ex- perience very violent pains while they last, and she gets irritable and probably neighs spitefully Chamomilla 3X, ten drops to a dose every hour will be most suitable. In cases where no progress seems to be made and the mare bursts out into cold sweats especi- ally about the neck and shoulders and every pain appears to exhaust her more and more Vcratrum album 3X in the usual dose to be given every half hour until the cold sweats cease. When the pulse is very w^eak, the body externally cold to the SOME ACCIDEXTS INCIDENTAL TO PARTURITION. 237 touch and drj^, the mare extremely restless though apparently experiencing no real labor pains, give Camphor 30 every quarter of an hour, this will probably revive the natural heat and bring on the proper labor pains. Should the vaginal canal be very drj^ and devoid of the natural lubricating fluids, and these parts with the os uteri are unbearably tender to pressure, the mare at the same time evincing great rest- lessness, groaning to herself in a sort of undertone, lying down with great care but almost immediately getting up again, tincture oi Aconite ix ten drops every half hour until more calm and the fluids of the vaginal canal begin to exude. Again tliis dryness and tenderness of the vagina and os uteri xn?Ly be present and the mare show signs of violence and knocking herself about when the labor pains come on; the whites of the eyes and the membrane lining the nose and mouth of a bright Vermillion color; the pains come on very quickly, last but a short time and pass off as quickly; indeed there is every indication of the general system being as it were in a tumult, then give Bella- do7i7ia 3x once an hour until the excitement has calmed down. SOME ACCIDENTS INCIDENTAL TO PARTURITION, RETENTION OF THE FCETAL MEMBRANES OR AFTER-BIRTH. . This is b}^ no means an infrequent condition and calls for prompt treatment, as the consequences may and indeed do fre- quently prove serious and sometimes fatal; particularly is this the case when the retained membranes commence to decompose; as a rule there is not much difficulty in determining whether the after- birth has come away because when retained either a portion of the umbilical cord or a mass of the membranes generally protrude from the vulva and hang down sometimes as low the hocks; in cases, however, where the membranes are enclosed in the womb other indications have to be relied upon to determine their presence; among these are the following: The mare will rest full upon her belly with knees and hocks well under, occasionally- straining, when the lips of the vulva will open and verj^ frequently the mouth of the womb will be observed nearing the orifice each time she strains; at other times the mare will stand up and stamp first one foot and then the other at the same time angrily whisk- 238 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. ing her tail, when all of a sudden she will posture herself as though about to micturate. If decomposition has set up, a dark- colored, sometimes bloody fluid discharge will continuously ooze away from the vagina, the stench from which is simply abominable; the discharge will at times come away in rushes accompanied by small broken up pieces of membrane when the mare strains in the standing position or passes water or dung; the period during which the after-birth may be retained varies considerably, we have known it go as long as nine days and then be spontaneously voided, but this is an undesirably long period. As a rule the membranes are voided spontaneously, but cases do occur where they have to be removed artificially; under homoeopathic treat- ment this, however, is extremely seldom. Breeders of horses should be aware that while in cows retention of after-birth is rarely of much consequence, in the mare it is of first i^mportance to be well assured that the membranes are expelled. When a mare has been regularly having Pulsatilla as hereinbe- fore directed, it is a rare thing to find that the after-birth is re- tained; if, however, she should not have previously been taking this remedy, then Pulsatilla 3X, ten drops every four hours, will generally do the trick; if the mare has been under the preliminary Pulsatilla treatment and retains the placental membranes, then twenty-four hours after the birth of the foal commence giving Secale cornutum 3X, a dose every four hours; ■ this remedy is specially useful after protracted labor, and when the discharged blood is of a dark color and smells badl}-. POST-PARTUM HEMORRHAGE, OR FLOODING AFTER BIRTH OF FOAIv OR ABORTION Is, in our experience, a very exceptional occurrence; still should it take place in a valuable brood blood mare — probably the most likely sort of animal in the world to be the subject of such a cas- ualty — it is necessary to be armed with means for arresting a con- dition which must otherwise prove exceedingly debilitating to the general constitution if not absolutely fatal; flooding may com- mence either before or after the delivery of the after-birth. The following remedies, with their indications, may be relied upon under the conditions specified: Aconite 3X. — Mares of excitable, restless temperament, in high *>OST-PARTUM HEMORRHAGE. 239 condition, with a profuse flow of ordinary-colored blood; frequently lying down and getting up, and when on their legs totter up against the side of the stall or box, as though giddy. Belladonna 7x. — Extremely excitable, amounting to irritability, pulsation of the carotid arteries distinctly perceptible to the touch; a wild, bounding pulse; the discharge of the blood is very prof use and the color extremely bright, and very unusually hot to the feel; tL'd whites of the eyes wall be streaked with bright-red lines, and th'if pupils distinctly dilated; the mare strains, and in so doing presse.=5 out the walls of the vagina, which appear also of a bright- red color. Crocus 2x. — Very useful when the blood is of a dark color and comes away in long strings or stringy clots. Hamamelis 6 w'hen the flow of dark-colored venous blood is slow and constant. Ipecacuanha^ 3X trituration, 10 grains to a dose. The flow of bright-red blood is full and constant; this may be attended with an effort to vomit, although it is a recognized fact that horses rarely do vomit, and w^hen they do, the ejecta pass through the nostrils and not the mouth, in consequence of a veil of mucous membrane which lies at the back of the mouth and at the entry to thecavit}' known as the pharynx. Nevertheless, cases have been known of horses vomiting, and hence the symptom, if present, should be noted, as it is an important indication for the selection of this drug in conjunction with the other symptoms specified. Sabina 2x is a very important remedy in cases of haemorrhage after delivery; its indications are blood dark in color; comes awaj^ in black clots, which float in a thin, watery-sort-of-colored fluid; the discharge is not constant and regular, but it comes away in spurts as the mare strains when the after-pains come on. Secale cornutiun 2x. — Blood of a dark color and smells badly; the flow is constant but slow; mare apparently very weak, and takes little or no notice of what is going on around her; the bleed- ing is accompanied by very frequent after-pains, but these do not appear to affect the flow in any marked degree; the mare's exter- nal body temperature is low, and- the expression of the counte- nance gives the impression that she is in constant pain. Among the accidents which occasionally result from parturition are inversion (or turning inside out) of the womb and the 240 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. vagina; these do not occur so frequently in the mare as in the cow, but sufficiently often to necessitate passing reference here; in- version of the bladder occasionally occurs at these times, and sometimes before parturition, and in the mare more often proba- bly than any other of the domestic animals; it is therefore most desirable to be on guard at such times not to mistake one organ for another; in such cases as these it is of the first importance to secure the services of a trained veterinarian, as without doubt surgical methods take the first place here, and the administration of drugs can onl}- be secondary thereto; the first step is to effect reposition of the organ and then to take the necessary measures for keeping it in situ; this being satisfactorily effected the most useful remedy that can be selected to assist in rendering the surgical operation a complete success is tincture of Arnica 3X, a dose every hour for some time; should this not afford the neces- sary relief so far as the constitutional s^'mptoms are concerned, one of the remedies referred to under the headings Retention of After-birth and Flooding may be tried according to the special symptoms indicated thereunder. DISEASED CONDITIONS INCIDENTAL TO PARTURITION. Some of the diseases incidental to foal-bearing in the mare have such a distinct bearing and influence upon the production of those two bugbears of the horse breeder, abortion and barrenness, that, if for no other reason, it is most important to refer to them as fully as possible in order to show how such evil and peculiarly disastrous consequences may be avoided or at least materially lessened; the period of gestation in the mare is so long and the accidents incidental to pregnancy so numerous that as a matter of profit and loss, it becomes the horse breeder to exercise every available precaution so as to minimize the risks he has to contend with in this important branch of business; and especially does it behoove the breeders of high-class horses to do this, inasmuch as. the better bred the animal is the more likely is she to fall a victim. VAGINITIS. 241 VAGINITIS, INFLAMMATION OF THE LINING MEM- BRANE OF THE VAGINA. This form of infiammatiou may exist independently of the adjacent parts, but in the mare it is one of rare occurrence; and even assuming that for any period it has affected that part of the genital canal only, it speedih" extends to the OS of the womb and the internal lining membrane of that organ; when the origin of the inflammation is the vagina it usually arises as the result of protracted labor or the irritation set up by the use of instruments and ropes in effecting delivery mechanicallj^; the more general seat of origin of this inflammatory condition is the womb when endo-metrifis or inflammation of the lining membrane of the womb is present and extends therefrom to the vagina; a still more serious condition is that of metritis which includes an inflammation of the tissues of the walls of the womb as well as the lining membrane; this latter condition will be considered specially further on, as its consequences ma}^ be immediately serious; the more simple forms of inflammation, vaginitis and endo-metrilis, are in themselves important and deserve notice, as their existence usually results in the production of a discharge commonly called leiicorrhcea, which in its early stages is a secretion composed of mucus, and if this is not arrested by suitable remedial measures, both constitutional and topical, it rapidh^ assumes a graver character b}' the addition therewith of blood and pus. The consequences of this condition are serious to the breeder as to them may be traced the fact that so many mares prove barren, the secretion being of an acrid char- acter destro3's the active elements (spermatozoa) of the semen of the horse; this disease when originating in the uterus may be due to the same causes as those enumerated under simple vaginitis or to abortion or miscarriage; moreover if pregnancy is effected, notwithstanding the presence of this leucorrJuva, it maj^ also result in abortion; it will therefore be quite clear that it is very import- ant, especially in the case of valuable mares kept solel}' for breed- ing, to watch for the presence of this discharge before the timxC of CESTRUM (coming into use), otherwise it may be easily overlooked. The first thing to observe in treatment is cleanliness, and the best method of ensuring this is to freely wash out the canal and womb with a tepid solution of Corrosive sublimate consisting of 16 242 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. one part of the drug to one thousand of water; this can best be effected by using a large syringe with a long wooden nozzle; the injection should be continued until the solution returns per vulvam quite clear and free from any secretion; after that a lotion of Hydrastis B, one part to six of tepid water should be injected well into the womb and after quickly withdrawing the syringe hold the lips of the vulva firmly together in order to retain the lotion upon the parts for some two or three minutes; if after the first ap- plication the secretion is decidedly less the Corrosive sicblimate solution washing need not be repeated, otherwise it should be; but the injection of the i^^r^i'/zV lotion must be repeated night and morning till a cure is effected; the internal administration night and morning of Hydrastis 0, ten drops in a wineglass of water to a dose will much facilitate the cure. METRITIS, INFI^AMMATION OF THE WOMB. This disease is sometimes described as parturie?it /ever; when it occurs as a sequel to the birth of a foal it may very easily result in blood poisoning, if the surroundings of the box or stable are of an unsanitar}^ character or if the dung pit is in close proximity; and in cases of protracted labor or when the titcnis has been wounded by the careless use of instruments in effecting delivery, the septic infection gains entrance to the blood through this wound or abrasion. True metritis ma)' be recognized by the ex- alted body temperature, it rapidly riins up to 105 degrees or even higher, and by the increased frequency of the pulse; from ninety to one hundred beats per minute being by no means infrequently observed, the respirations being proportinately increased in number. The mare will give distinct evidence of acute pain by turning her head first to one side and then the other in the region where the uterus is situated, and if the abdomen thereabouts is manipulated and also the loins she will generally flinch as though the parts were very tender; she will lie down and rise again quickly and give evidence of great restlessness, hence the condi- tion must not be mistaken for one of simple colic; as the inflam- mation increases the mare will continue standing presumably be- cause the act of lying down hurts her, the organ having become increasingly tender; considerable difficulty is generally experienced in evacuating the bladder and rectum. METRITIS. 243 Aconite 3X. — It is generally safe to give this remedy in the first instance, especially when the pulse is hard, full and rapid, the temperature very high, skin hot and dry, abdomen very tender to the touch and accompanied by marked restlessness. Belladonna 3X. — Straining and pressure of the vagina outwards; the mucous membrane of the vagina very bright red; the urine flows involuntarily; mare is very violent, and the membranes of the nose and e3'es are a bright red; mare will press the forehead against the wall as though suffering from headache; throbbing of carotid arteries. Nnx vomica 3X. — This remedy is useful when there are fre- quent but ineffectual attempts at passing water or dung, or both; constipation. Lachesis 30. — In cases of blood poisoning indicated by shiver- ing; alternate heat and cold of body outwardly; suppression of urine and stool; stinking bloody discharge from the vagina; great uneasiness; the visible mucous membranes assume a dark hue and the temperature rises higher until the crisis, at which period if the change is not favorable, the temperature will drop down gradually until it is below the normal standard of 98.5 degrees, under which circumstances the termination is likely to be unfavorable. In cases where convalescence is not established and the malady passes into the chronic form, which is by no means a rare occur- rence, the discharge from the womb will continue and assume a putrid, stinking character; swellings and ulcers will appear on the external part of the vulva; relapses will take place and show themselves by alternate fits of heat and shivering cold; the appe- tite becomes irregular; the coat stares and the skin clings to the bod}^ and will become covered with red spots and various erup- tions; colicky pains and constipation will recur; the secretion of milk is entirely discontinued; for such conditions Secale conuUuni 3x is the best remedy. Should this not complete the cure Sulphur 6x trituration, twenty grains dr}' on the tongue, morning and night for three days will often serve to arouse the system and render the action of the medicine that has previously been admin- istered more effectual and so complete the cure. Breeders of valuable horses, whether blood stock, trotters or cart horses cannot give too much attention to their brood mares at foaling time with a view to save them from the risk of an}- sort of 244 " VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. infection; for parturition certainly predisposes to this, in conse- quence of the favorable condition of the parts, both genital canal and uterus, to come under the influence of septic (poisonous) material; and for this reason the most stringent measures should be adopted to ensure perfect cleanliness both in and around the box in which the mare foals; and further, it is a wise precaution to keep other in-foal mares, whose time for delivery is near at hand as far away from the mare that has just foaled as circum- stances will permit, and that for a sufficient time to be satisfied that the mare has cleansed and is going on satisfactorily; and under no conditions should a man who has assisted in removing a decomposing cleansing be allowed to go near an in-foal mare until he has had a thorough good bath and disinfected his outer clothing; disregard of these precautions is only too often the chief factor in bringing about abortion or slipping foal; neither should any recently foaled mare be allowed to go into a pasture with other in-foal mares; all the litter in the box wherein the mare foaled should be burnt; and if the mare has been the subject of any of the foregoing maladies, the floor of the box should be thoroughly disinfected with quicklime before allowing another mare to occupy it. MAMMITIS, INFLAMMATION OF THE UDDER. Although this is a form of disease that rarely attacks the mare, --no work on medicine would be complete without reference to it; moreover it is necessary for the horse breeder to be on his guard against any disorganization of this gland lest the milk should be altered in character or the secretion suppressed or only diminished, the consequence of which would fall on the sucking foal. In the mare the gland is divided into two partitions thus differ- ing from the cow, whose udder has four divisions. In the mare the whole gland is generally affected, while in the cow only one quarter is, as a rule, the seat of inflammation in the first instance or at one time. Symptoms. — The gland is swollen, hard and shiny; the swell- ing extends along the abdomen, on the inside of the thighs and down the legs; the large veins on the under surface of the abdo- men are distended and full; if the teats are squeezed a thick fluid mixed with blood is discharged; or if there is no blood the milk MAMMITIS. 245 •comes away in clots or flakes; febrile symptoms are present as indicated by the exalted temperature, the rapid full pulse, and the quickened breathing; constipation frequently persists, and the tn-ine is high-colored and lessened in quantit)^; if pressure is brought to bear on the loins the mare evinces pain and stiffness, sometimes to the extent of lameness of one hind leg on the side the udder is most affected; where timely treatment is not resorted to the mare may lose the use of the udder through the organ becom- ing hardened and wasted. Trkatment. — Aconite 3X when the inflammation is set up by a •chill and high fever is present together with restless anxiety and great thirst. Belladonna 3X when the bladder is very swollen and heavy, and the veins and arteries stand out prominentl3^ Phytolacea ix. — This is as a rule the best remedy for this disease and in conjunction with Belladonna effects a satisfactory cure even when suppuration is established; it is specially indicated wdien the udder is very hard and the beats are painful and sensitive to manipulation. Bryonia 2x when the parts are stony hard and lumpy; ex- tremely hot, excessively painful and sensitive; great thirst and constipation the faeces being dry and burnt looking; moving seems to aggravate the pain. Silicea 6x ten grains dr}' on tongue, night and morning, when suppuration is very advanced, and the udder discharges matter from broken ulcers. As a rule properly selected remedies reduce the inflammation and avert suppuration, but in severe cases these internal remedial measures should be supplemented by Local applicatioxs such as fomentations with hot water and poultices; with the latter a few drops of the mother tincture of the remedy which is being internally administered may usefull)^ be applied; the poultice should consist of some soft agent like linseed meal or marshmallow; or, better still, " spent " hops; if difficulty is experienced in applying and keeping in place such a poultice then the udder should be well rubbed with a cerate or ointment medicated with the remedy which is being internally administered; if, however, suppuration is established nothing short of a poultice will be of any use, and this must be continued until the abscess is 246 VETERNARY HOMCEOPATHY. discharged, after which the orifice should be gently plugged with cottou wool dressed over with Iodoform and repeated during the healing process so long as it will remain in place; this is to serve as a preventive against septic infection and blood poisoning. SORE TEATS. It may happen, especially in mares with a first foal, that the teats are very sore fiom cracks and fissures in their substance; and on some octasions they become so tender and sore that the mare not only absolutely refuses to allow the foal to suck, but when the latter is persistent in its efforts to obtain its nutriment, may go so far as to kick and perhaps permanently injure it; under such circumstances the teats require attention ; the cracks may be brought on by cold or by the strong pulling of the foal in the act of sucking. Treatment. — Thoroughly cleanse the teats with warm water; dress them with a lotion made up according to the following formula: Calendula one part, Glycerine two parts and water three parts. If possible the foal should not be allowed to suck for two or three days, which of course necessitates hand feeding with cows milk the while, and the use of the teat syphon to empty the glands must be resorted to; this little syphon must be obtained of a size to suit the mares teats; before introducing same the instrument should be dressed with carbolized oil; then holding . the teat with one hand it should be gradually passed into the milk duct without any force and allowed to remain till the contents of the gland have drained off; this process together with the cleansing and the dressing should be repeated three times in twenty-four hours at least. The internal administration of tritura- tion of Graphites 6x, grains five to a dose, night and mornings will facilitate the cure. THE FOAE. It is impossible to lay down any general rule for the treatment of foals, but as these are frequently the subject of some infantile disorders, the work would not be anything like complete that did not refer to same; for instance, before the foetus is absolutely sep- arated from the mother by severance of the umbilical cord, the same being born in the fcetal membranes, it is quite evident it THE FOAL. 247 must be released therefrom or it will be suffocated; if the cord is not properly ruptured it should be ligatured (tied) with string or catgut ill two places; the one about two inches from the body of the foal, and the other one inch from that again, and severed be- tween the two; the membranes should be ruptured and carefully removed thereafter, leaving the mare to cleanse the body by lick- ing; but if she shows an}^ disinclination for this, sprinkle the body of the foal with a small quantity of salt or oatmeal in order to ex- cite the attention of the dam and induce her to fulfill her maternal duties; it is desirable, also, to examine carefully the natural open- ings of the foal, such as the anus, mouth, vulva, etc., and if these do not exist, produce artificial ones by puncturing the parts with a sharp knife and keeping the orifice open by plugging same with medicated wool to prevent union of the parts. If the foal when born does not appear to have any life or animation, it is probable the act of breathing has not been properly established, but to induce this several experiments may be tried; for instance, some cold water poured on the top of the head; rubbing the limbs with considerable friction; tickling the nostrils with a feather; remove the mucus from the mouth with a damp sponge, after which an attempt may be made to artificially inflate the lungs with air by means of a pair of bellows carefully passed up one nostril while the other is closed by pressure over the side of the nose. Should the mare refuse to cleanse the foal, it should be carefully washed with a warm sponge, dried with soft cloths, and thereafter kept warm, the milk of the mare being hand drawn and given to the foal; if by reason of temper or inexperience the foal is not allowed to suck, the mare must be put under restraint, and the foal be coaxed to utilize the teats, after which, as a rule, the foal will find the udder of its own accord and the mare takes kindly to it and fulfills her maternal functions without further compulsion. Within a few hours of the birth, after the foal has partaken of its first meal of milk, it should have an abundant evacuation of the material collected in the intestines during its intra- uterine period of existence; should this not take place, and the anal orifice bemg quite certainly clear, then some remedial measures should be adopted or troublesome infantile constipation will ensue; probably the best remedy is a small dose of a mixture of liquid honey and castor oil in equal parts, in all amounting to a quarter of a pint; 248 VETERINARY HOilCEOPATHY. if, however, the constipation has become established other meas- ures must be adopted, as purgatives or even mild laxatives only effect the desired object for the time, the constipation thereafter being more firmly established than ever; for treatment under such conditions reference must be made to the general article on consti- pation and the remedy selected according to the symptoms; the same remarks apply to cases of diarrhoea, as upon the subjects of constipation and diarrhoea special chapters are written; the treat- ment of the allopathic school under such conditions being so dia- metrically opposed to that of the homoeopathic it is deemed advisa- ble to devote special attention to the consideration and treatment of these two forms of common ailment. After the foal is born it will sometimes exhibit signs of too much bleeding from the remains of the cord by which it was origi- nally attached to its mother; under such circumstances it is best, if enough of the cord remains, to tie a piece of silk firmly round it, being careful that none of the intestines are inclosed; should, however, the remnant of the cord be too short to get sufficient hold for a ligature, then soak apiece of cotton, wool or lint wjth sesqui- chloride of iron and apply same firmly to the parts by means of a bandage over the loins, or if there is difficulty in maintaining this in position by reason of the restlessness of the foal, then obtain a stick of nitrate of silver and gently dress the orifice and surround- ing parts with same until the bleeding is arrested. In some countries it is no uncommon thing for foals to have a rupture, which may appear at birth or soon after, at the seat of the navel, and if not cured at the time it may prove very trouble- some; this shows itself in the form of a round tumor into which the intestines drop, and it v^aries in size according to the amount of intestine that has descended, and how full the intestines are at the time; no measures need be taken for some little time beyond the administration of doses, night and morning, of Calcarea car- bonica 6x grains five to a dose; should this not answer and an operation prove necessary, then resort nuist be had to a trained veterinar}' surgeon. ARTHRITIS. The heading of this chapter is the name given to a disease that affects the joints of foals; it is recognized in England under the ARTHRITIS. 249 term " joint ill;" we are of opinion that it is of scrofulous origin, and due in no small degree to improper crossing of mares with horses, either the sire or the dam being the subject of some dis- ease which interferes wath their capability to reproduce healthy progeny; some attribute its development to improper systems of management or to giving the mare food deficient in those nutrient qualities which the requirements of the foal demand; while yet again it is considered that the milk of the dam is lacking in the proper proportion of mineral salts. Our own opinion is that each of these views has some bearing upon the condition known as arthritis, but that probably the digestive organs of the foal are more responsible than aught else for the disease in consequence of which the food is not thoroughly assimilated, and while the nec- essary constituents may be, and probably are, present in the food a large proportion of these pass through the system of the foal without being appropriated as they should be; the principal tissue in the body of the foal to feel the effect of this resulting deficiency is the bone, and the epipheses or large ends of the bones of the legs, which together help to form the joints, not hav- ing the necessary amount of the mineral elements deposited in them become the seat of a disease which produces so much incon- venience and pain, and not infrequently results in consequences sufficiently important to influence the general constitution; in Homoeopathy we have one remedy which has proved eminently satisfactory in overcoming this diseased condition and also its ■various complications; moreover, if it is given in the earlier developmental period, the more serious complications need not be anticipated; the earlier symptoms are swelling and heat of the joints, particularly those of the fetlocks, which on manipulation will be found exceptionally painful and tender to the touch and productive of considerable lameness; if the general constitutional symptoms give evidence of high fever a few doses of Aconite 3X ten drops may be administered with advantage, thereafter to be followed for some weeks by five-grain doses of Calcarea phos- phorica 6x night and morning, and unless the arthritis becomes complicated by the development of abscesses around the joints and among the tendons this remedy should complete the cure, but in the event of such complications five grains oi Silicea i2x three times a day must be substituted. 250 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. INDIGESTION. Among highly bred blood or trotting stock, which are bred specially for sport or sale, indigestion in the foal is a malady of rare occurrence because the little animal is never away from the mare and therefore takes its food at proper intervals; but in the case of the cart mare, working on the farm, the absence from the foal during the hours of labor necessitates the retention of milk in the udder until it probably becomes altered in constitution or on returning, the foal being ravenously hungry, engorges its stomach with fluid that is not now fit for it; the obvious method to be adopted to avoid this state of things is to allow the foal to suckle at more frequent intervals; indigestion may be due to the im- proper diet given to the mare or to the natural acidity of the secretions of the foal's stomach; if the former accounts for it the diet must be altered; if the latter, a few doses of Chamomilla 3X given to the youngster will generally put matters right; should the indigestion assume the lympanitic form when swelling of the abdomen is a leading symptom and much wind is passed per anus, Carbo vegetabilis ix, gr. x, three times a day will afford relief. We have how touched upon the several ailments to w^hich the young foal is subject with the exception of two very common dis- orders, the one being the antithesis of the other, namely, constipa- tion and diarrhoea; but thf^se, as has been already intimated, will _be dealt with under chapters specially devoted to these subjects; we therefore now revert to the mother once more and take up the consideration of that great curse to the breeder, ABORTION AND PREMATURE BIRTH. By the term abortion we desire to be understood that the foetus is expelled at a period anterior to that in which it could maintain a separate existence from its dam. Authorities on the subject are pretty well agreed that in the mare this period may be included any time before the three hundredth day of gestation, but it occurs more frequently during the first half of the period of pregnancy than the second half Abortions occur under very varying condi- tions; some are due to accidents and take place in various parts of a country; while, yet again, quite a number of cases may arise on one estate, or in one township, or a large country district will be ABORTION AND PREMATURE BIRTH. 25 1 affected at one cind the same time, and that without any recognized cause; this latter condition, however, is rarely experienced among studs of mares without the cause being capable of recognition, such as some particular description of food, as ergotism among rye grass, a species of rust in straw and a filthy water supply. Anything which is calculated to effect a sudden surprise such as a thunderstorm, may produce abortion, while contagion from decomposing cleansings or the discharges from mares that have already aborted is considered capable of bringing on miscarriage. Probably the most potent cause in the production of abortion is a diseased condition of the uterus and the vagina, or it may be traced occasionally to debility in the stallion in consequence of the horse's strength being enfeebled by being called on to serve too many mares during a season. With regard to the symptoms of abortion we cannot do better than to quote from Fleming's Vctcr- inary Obstetrics, as therein they are clearly set forth, and though expressed in somewhat scientific terms they will probably assist the breeder to discover when a mare is likely to be visited wath this mishap; it states as follows: " Generally abortion takes place without any premonitory indi- cations, and the animal may be as well and lively as usual up to the moment when the foetus is expelled; and the expulsion itself is so sudden, so prompt and accomplished with so little visible effort or disturbance that the accident in most cases receives very little if any notice. It often occurs during the night and wonder is often expressed at finding in the morning the aborted fcetus, generally contained in its intact envelopes, lying behind an animal which, on the previous evening, looked perfectly well, and even now is so cheerful and unaltered and its functions so unimpaired, that it can scarcely be believed that it has been the subject of such a mishap. Even the sentiment of maternity, which is so strongly developed in animals, as Saint Cry justly remarks, is not awakened in favor of the expelled foetus, and the mother shows the utmost indifference to it as if it were in no way related to her. When this simple abortion has taken place during the day, it has been noted that the flanks fall in a little, the abdomen descends, the vulva and vagina slightly dilate and there escapes from them a glutinous, sometimes sanguinolent fluid, with which the foetus is passed, sometimes without effort. We have said that the ovum or 252 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. foetus is generally expelled in its intact membranes; this more- frequently happens at an early stage of pregnancy. vSometimes, however, the amnion ruptures at the commencement of the abor- tion and the embryo or foetus escapes with a small quantity of liquor amnii, the envelopes being rejected soon after, or in some instances they may be retained in the uterus, and thus constitute a source of danger, the animal not making any effort to get rid of them. This complicated abortion occurs more frequently at the later stages of pregnancy, and more resembles normal birth than simple abortion, which is more often witnessed in the first half of gestation. Nevertheless we have the latter happen so late some- times as the seventh or eighth month in the larger animals. - It is observed more particularly in those which are debilitated from any cause; but at the same time animals which appear in the very best health are often the victims of simple abortion. So little dis- turbance does this kind of abortion cause that the animal can be treated in every way as if nothing had happened, though it is more judicious to give a little extra care for some hours at least. In what has been termed laborious, difficult or complicated abortion, which is often due to external causes such as injuries, the precursory sj^mptoms are generally well marked, and vary somewhat according as the foetus may be dead or alive. The animal suddenly appears dull, and peculiarly dejected; or it is restless, uneasy and continually moving about; if pregnancy is advanced and the foetus is alive and strong, its movements are, on watching the abdomen at- tentively, perceived to be frequent, violent and disordered, but they soon become feeble and unfrequent and cease altogether when the foetus has succumbed. The appetite is lost, and a plaintive neigh in the mare is emitted every now and again; the pulse is quick, small and hard as in haemorrhage; progression is difficulty and unsteady; the physiognomy is anxious and respira- tion hurried. When the foetus is alive there is perhaps less pros- tration, and with the mare there appears to be much abdominal pain. The animal often looks anxiously towards the flanks, paws with its fore feet and stamps with its hind ones, moves from side to side, perspires at the flank breast and elsewhere, lies down and gels up again, whisks the tail incessantly and exhibits every indi- cation of increasing restlessness. At the same time the abdomen. ABORTION AND PREMATURE BIRTH. 253 loses its round shape and drops; if the animal is in milk, the mammae become soft and diminish in size more or less rapidly, while the secretion diminishes; but if it is not yielding milk then on the contrary they become enlarged and turgid; the vulva is tumefied, and from it escapes a tenacious mucus, serous or sero- sanguinolent and if the foetus is dead more or less foetid fluid, ac- cording to the circumstances. Then follow sj'mptoms analogous to those which characterize normal parturition; the uterus begins to contract, and the expiratory muscles act simultaneously with it; the expulsive efforts or ' labor pains ' acting more or less ener- getically and continuously according to the suddenness of the abortion and the strength and health of the animal. The first re- sult of this straining is the evacuation of the bladder and rectum; the rext is the dilatation of the os uteri and protrusion of the mem- branes into the vagina, then through the vulva where they ap- pear externally as the ' water bag;' this may rupture and the liquor amnii escape, and the pains becoming more powerful the foetus is at last expelled either nude or covered by the membranes. This act occupies a variable period, from a few to many hours, according to the strength of the animal, and it may even require human intervention to bring it to a successful termination. In other instances the foetus is not expelled immediately after it is dead, but after many of the premonitory symptoms just described have been manifested; with the cessation of the movements in the foetus the animal regains its ordinary tranquility, appetite and liveliness, and all the symptoms disappear for one or more days when they again set in and the foetus may be rejected without any apparent effort or after much straining. ' ' From a study of this graphic description of the circumstances arising out of and connected with a possible or actually realized abortion it will be possible, if discovered sufficiently early, to make an attempt to avert the fulfillment of the mishap involving such serious pecuniary loss; but before offering suggestions of a remedial character for the attainment of this object, we may just mention in passing that certain conditions of the uterus and its appendages may exist before pregnancy which are sufficiently serious to produce abortion and even to prevent conception and thus account for barrenness; horsemen are, as a rule, more in- clined to attribute barrenness to the fault of the stallion than to the 254 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. mare; but as the result of many j'ears' experience during which time the opportunity of examining a large number of mares has arisen, we unhesitatingly alhrni that with a considerable proportion of barren mares the stallion is not to blame, but the mare herself. Displacements of the uterus are frequent; the cause of these it is not necessary to go into, further than to affirm it as our belief that they are due in a large number of cases to unneces- sarily rough obstetric surgery at a previous delivery, but whatever the cause may be, the fact remains, displacements of the uterus are frequently met with; to obviate this and procure conception it is necessary, in the first place, to allay all the inflammatory effects arising from the distortion of the organ, and thereafter to ensure the introduction of the male semen into the proper chan- nel by means of an instrument, for the invention of which obstetric veterinary surgeons are indebted to American ingenuity. Mares that have once proved barren should be submitted to a careful manual examination without running the risk of losing another season, expending money in stallion's fees, or before raising any question as to the sterility of the horse; this last precaution serves two useful purposes; y?/'^^//)', it obviates the risk of any legal or contentious proceedings on the part of the owner of the stallion for libellino- his animal, and, secondly, it saves the owner of the mare from further disappointment should he have special reasons for availing of the cross with that particular animal; and yet, again, he has the satisfaction of tracing the absolute cause of the barren- ness and may therefore know how to obviate it in the future; we have reason to speak confidently as to the practical utility of the OS dieator, having put it to the test with perfectly satisfactory results. Other causes of abortion and barrenness are an inflammatory and ulcerated condition of the uterus; also of the neck and mouth of the uterus; this inflammatory condition of the uterus and ad- joining parts results in the secretion of an unhealthy and foetid discharge, occasionally of an acrid and acid character; if this is present when conception takes place it tends to render the develop- ment of the embryo very imperfect and usually results in abor- tion; and it may be added that the acridity of the secretion is frequently sufficient to destroy the vitality of the semen, prevent conception, and so prove the immediate cause of barremiess. The ABORTION AND PREMATURE BIRTH. 255 causes which may be accountable for abortion are so numerous that it is impossible to include within the limits now available anything like a detailed account of them, but we must in passing note one form, that which is said to be due to infection, when a number of animals abort one after another w^ithout any assignable reason ; it is true that such a result is not frequently noticed among mares, tut that is probably due to the fact that as a rule mares are not kept in such numbers as are cows or sheep; but there is no reason why such fatal consequences should not follow where mares are "kept in any large number for breeding purposes; we are never- theless firmly of opinion that under proper treatment and suitable conditions there is no reason why an epidemic of abortion ought not to be prevented, and mainly because of this faith do we pro- pose to enter into the consideration of the administration of drugs as one means of averting the serious losses attendant upon the business of the breeder; the main symptoms have already been furnished in the language of Dr. Fleming, in his able work on Veterinary Obstetrics, and these must serve as the sign posts by the way to point the breeder to the destination he seeks to arrive at; with the hints there offered he will glean information that wall enable him to determine if abortion is threatened, and when this is so, then from the symptoms given under the various drugs he will be able to select one that is suitable to the case, and, perchance, prevent the abortion; on the other hand, if one mare aborts then the time has arrived for watching closely all the other in-foal mares on the premises, in order that no time maj^ be lost in treating them should symptoms of abortion supervene. Arnica 3X. — In cases where a mare has sustained an injur}', such as running against a fence or gate; or if she has fallen while galloping about and so experienced a shock to the system, a few •doses of this remedy will serve to prevent untoward results. Aletris far. 0. — If a mare has aborted more than once this remedy should be administered in ten-drop doses every other day for a fortnight before the period of pregnancy to which she had attained on the previous occasion, and there is good reason to be- lieve that it will serve to interrupt the habitual tendency to abortion. Belladonna 3X. When a mare gives signs of uneasiness, and strains till the vagina presses outwards, with more or less discharge 256 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. of blood, which feels very hot; the eyes bright red, and the carotid arteries throb under pressure; the slightest noise causes consider- able excitement. Calcarea carb. 6x is suitable for mares of heavy disposition with little or no life about them; ears, nose and legs more frequently cold than of a natural heat; the slightest abrasion of the mucous membrane brings on bleeding; if labor pains come on attended with giddiness and the before-mentioned susceptibilities are recog- nized as peculiar to the animal this remed}^ will suffice. Caulophyllum t'. — Where abortion is threatened but the uterine contractions are feeble and the loss of blood slight. Chainomilla 3. when labor pains come on and the discharge of dark blood is attended with frequent attempts at passing water, the urine being profuse and of a pale, watery color; the mare will give distinct proof of excitability and irritableness, by continually Ijdng down, getting up and moving about the box as though she did not know what to do with herself; moreover, if ordinarily quiet and inoffensive, she will viciously snap at her attendant as he passes her off his guard. Cimicifuga 3X for mares that habitually abort and have at some time or other been the subjects of rheumatism; this has proved itself an invaluable remedy under the conditions indicated, and is one of the agents which under the most depressing condi- tions does such valiant service for the cause of Homoeopathy, as it effects the cure of cases that entirely baffle the best efforts of Allo- pathy, probably because the latter fails to recognize the possible relation between two such diseases as abortion and rheumatism, and the bearing one has upon the other. Cr-ocus IX. — The one indication for this remedy is the discharge of black blood in string}^ clots; this is by no means an unusual condition when mares are about to abort, and if the symptom is presented no time should be lost in administering Crocus. Gelserniutn ix is an extremely valuable drug in those cases where the symptoms of abortion present themselves accompanied by the special indication " loss of control over movement/'' Ipecacuanha 3X. — It is seldom that horses ever give eviderice of nausea by retching, inasmuch as they are unable to vomit through the mouth by reason of a belt of mucous membrane that lies at the root of the tongue, being suspended from the roof of the throat; ABORTION AND PREMATURE BIRTH. 257 but occasionally under extreme aggravation, such as maj^ very possibl}' take place with an in-foal mare, the desire to vomit over- <}omes ever}^ obstacle and the effort is repeatedly made; when this effort of nature accompanies other indications of abortion, and is attended by a profuse flow of bright red-blood per vulvam, Ipe- ■cacuanha will render good service and effect a most satisfactory cure. Sabina ix. — When abortion occurs at regular periods, more particularly the fifth month in mares and is accompanied by a profuse discharge, clotted and fluid blood, some dark, some red in color. Viburnuvi ix. — When the pains are very severe and the blood is discharged entirely in clots, indicating threatened abortion. The above-mentioned are all suggested as preventive remedies to be administered according to their special indications before abortion has taken place; we have now to consider what has to be done where abortion has already occurred first as regards the indi- vidual sufferer, and second as it affects or may affect other mares similarly placed. The mare that has aborted requires almost as much care and attention as one that has gone her full time and born a fully developed foal; she should be protected from ex- posure and generally nursed with light, easily digestible food for a few days; she should receive a few doses oi Arnica ix, and be watched for the complications attending an ordinary parturition, especially as regards the cleansing; at least twelve months should be allowed to elapse before permitting sexual intercourse, and meanwhile a manual exploration of the genital organs should be made by a qualified veterinarian to determine whether the parts are all in a healthy state, and if not, proper treatment should be adopted, both constitutional and local, if requisite. If there is reason to believe that the abortion is due to infection from a previous case, great care should be taken to isolate the animal that presents sjmptoms of abortion, and keep her far away from other pregnant mares; the attendant set apart to look after the one that has aborted should not be allowed to go near other preg- nant mares until his clothes are properly disinfected; all the excreta of the patient should be covered with quick lime, the floor and drains dressed with a disinfectant, and thereafter thor- oughly washed down with plenty of water, while the building ^7 258 VETKRINARY HOMCEOPATHY. itself should be disinfected by burning sulphur for some hours, and thereafter exposing it to a current of fresh air for a fortnight before allowing mares that are with foal to occupy the compart- ment. When abortion can be traced to ergotized hay, rusty straw or other damaged fodder, the remedy is clear enough and it calls for no suggestion how to act. To those who have invested large sums in the purchase of valuable brood mares whose object it is to- make breeding pay, or we would even say, who do not wish to lose money, we w'ould impress upon such the importance of taking some- thing like a scientific view of the position ; mere hap-hazard chance will not do where vital processes, such as those associated with re- production, are concerned, and bearing in mind the immense sums of money that have been lost for want of a more delicate apprecia- tion of the requirements of nature under such conditions, we feel that we are only attempting to serve the cause we have at heart by issuing a warning note on this all-important subject to the breeders of the future: those who aim to realize profit at horse breeding, and who can conduct establishments on anything like an extensive scale should see to it that they secure the services of a qualified veterinarian who has made the subject his own in all its bearings, for certainly no lay horseman, however clever and observant, can properly undertake the responsibilities arising out of the care of a stud of brood mares, if the best possible is to be made out of them, and serious losses are to be obviated; for men, who are horsemen only, and have no practical knowledge of the subject of reproduction, the art of breeding must be a costly ex- periment, and if such think they can find among ordinary stud grooms or stablemen, those who can properly conduct a breeding establishment, we have no hesitation in stating that they will be disappointed in nine cases out of ten; it is not reasonable to ex- pect anything else; it would be just as likely to answer, if a man was brought up to the business of a shoemaker to expect that he could conduct a large engineering works; every one knows what would be the consequence of such an appointment. It would be very easy to point to quite a number of horse breeders who seem to have done fairly well; but we never came across an instance yet where far better things might not have been realized had the business been in the hands of a man who knew how to deal witli ABORTION AND PREMATURE BIRTH. 259 the subject of breeding from a scientific standpoint; the saving in mares alone would have shown a large profit on the gross capital invested; we are constrained to write very strongly upon this point, because so many men act as though the reproduction of the various classes of animals was a mechanical work; something like a clock which has to be wound up once a week to keep it regu- larly going; although necessarily compelled to blow one's own trumpet in showing how the business should be conducted, we are not slow to give a good, loud blast, as we are convinced that it will be for the ultimate benefit of those who have a hobby for breeding horses if they will but follow our suggestion, which is to rely upon a professional veterinarian in all that concerns the man- agement of brood mares, always provided that he has made the subject a specialty. THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. In order to properly, or even approximately, understand the tre- mendous influence which the nervous system exercises over all the other systems of the animal body in the regulation and main- tenance of their varied functions, it is necessary to explain roughly the methods by which this marvelous combination of cause and effect is brought about; it is no uncommon thing for medical men and veterinarians when asked to account for certain morbid con- ditions, to attempt to disguise their own ignorance of the real cause by attributing the same to the mysterious influence of the nervous system, a procedure which doubtless serves to mystify the enquirer and may even leave the impression that the profes- sional man is a singularly learned individual; it does not, however, make the matter any clearer, and therefore as passing reference has, here and there, through this book been made to the influence of the nerves or the nervous system in the production of certain morbid conditions, we desire as far as it is possible to clear up such vao-ue generalities by a simple explanation of how these effects are brought about, and that before the special diseases affecting the different parts of the nervous system are considered. First then, of what does the nervous system consist? It may perhaps render the explanation more easy of comprehension, if we liken it to a large number of telegraphic oflices, all of which are located under one roof and more or less intimately connected too-ether.; these are represented by the brain and spinal cord; and each of the respecti\-e offices is represented by what is commonly known as a nerve centre; each of the before-mentioned offices has a wire which conveys messages to it, and a wire that conveys messao-es from it; these wires are represented by what are known as nerves; for instance, an external impression is made upon some part of the skin, the nerve which receives such an impression conveys the message like a telegraph wire to the office or nerve centre in the spinal cord, and from thence it is conveyed by the 260 THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 26 1 other wire to some particular muscle which under its influence contracts: this is spoken of in physiology as reflexation; in other words an impulse is conveyed to a centre by a sensory nerve and is reflected from that centre through a motor nerve and through the latter produces a muscular contraction. There is further, an automatic action, the difference between which and reflex action, it is somewhat diSicult to define, but perhaps the simplest ex- planation is this, that whereas so-called reflex action is due to some impulse effected from without the body, automatic action is due to impulses effected within the body, and without which life and the various functions of the body could not be maintained, such, for instance, as respiration, the pulsation of the heart, the movements of the alimentary canal, the control of the size of the blood vessels, etc. ; at the same time the principle of conduction is much the same in both, the impulses being received at one place, conveyed therefrom b}' means of nerves to a centre and reconveyed by another nerve to the part to be acted upon; a very familiar illustration of this may be cited in the act of defoecation; the feel- ing of necessity for relief is brought about by the contact of the faeces with the mucous membrane of the lower intestine (the rectum); through the sensory nerves the impulse is conveyed to the nerve centre and from thence to the muscles of the rectum by the motor nerves, which produce contraction of said muscles and expulsion of faeces; this illustration, however, serves a double purpose, first to explain the meaning of automatic action, and second that some automatic actions are capable of restraint by exercise of the will; this is known as the inhibitory action. There are reflex actions other than those that affect the various complex movements referred to, which excite and set up the peculiar func- tion of secretion in the glands, such, for instance, as the secretion of saliva, which is excited by some substance touching the tongue or through the action of the jaws in mastication. In attempting a simple description of the nerve centres, they were referred to as a number of telegraph offices all located under one roof and com- municating with one another, and that these are represented by the brain and spinal cord; some of these offices or nerve centres are located in the brain and some in the spinal cord; at the same time the inter-communication between these centres is maintained by what are called ''paths of conduction " in the spinal cord; this may 262 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. be proved by dividing the cord, when the parts that receive their nerve supply from the portion below or posterior to the division are paralyzed both as to feeling and the power to move, for the connection with the nerve centre which may either be located in the brain or in a part of the cord above the division is severed and the ''path of conduction " is broken up; the same result transpires when through an injury the spinal cord is ruptured, as does occur sometimes to horses in the hunting field or while running in a steeplechase; the common method of testing the seat of injury to the spine is to prick the body and legs with a sharp pin; if the animal displays no sense of feeling in certain parts while it evinces pain in others, it is comparatively easy to determine approximately the seat of injury, as well as to come to an authoritative diagnosis with relation to its extent and serious consequences. Reference has already been made to the inhibito>y or restraining action of some nerves and an illustration furnished; another instance may be mentioned of a similar kind of action, which has an interesting bearing upon the consideration of certain difficulties that beset the horse when called upon for a supreme effort of speed, namely, the power of restraining the beating of the heart which is effected when certain fibres of the pneumo-gastric nerve are unduly stim- ulated; now, it must be explained that the pneumo-gastric nerve is endowed v^ith very complex functions; its centre is in the brain, and there it is very intimately associated with two other of the cranial nerves; among other functions, it presides over the pro- cesses of digestion in the stomach and intestines, which it serves to stimulate; but the branch that goes to the heart exercises the exactly opposite (the inhibitory) function, and according to the extent this branch is stimulated, it may either act usefully in pre- venting the heart from beating too frequently, or it may act prejudicially by arresting its action altogether; the point therefore which is of interest to the practical horseman is, that whereas the pneumo-gastric nerve is endowed with the power of producing two exactly opposite kinds of impulse, one branch going to and acting upon the digestive organs, while the other goes to the heart, an ex- planation is furnished of how some animals under peculiar circum- stances are easily affected by careless feeding, or by calling upon them to perform work that demands special fitness at times when they are totally unfit to make anything like a violent effort. THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 263 In contradistinction to the inhibitory or restraining action of some nerves there is also a provision in the nervous system for augmentation or increase of action in some nerve centres; this provision is evidently intended by an all-wise Creator to counter- act difficulties that would, without it, otherwise arise in connec- tion with the circulation of the blood, as the effect of such power of augmentation is most noticeable by the way in which the cali- bre of blood vessels is regulated; without an extra stimulus, at times, the ordinary blood pressure in the vessels would be insuffi- cient to keep up the necessary regularity in the normal blood supply to all parts; were this counteracting provision for regulat- ing the blood pressure unprovided in all probability some parts would be overloaded and congested with blood, while others would be lacking and anaemic. Both inhibition and augmentation in nerve action are conditions which may become unduly established; that is to say, each par- ticular function after being brought into action may continue beyond the time or period in which it may be useful or necessary, and thus become a disease; the principle of the regulator of a watch somewhat explains the condition of affairs; when a time- keeper goes too fast and gains, the regulator iray be moved too far in the contrary direction and the watch thereafter loses time; so long as the regulator is allowed to remain in this position the losing of time goes on; in like manner the nervous system may get out of order and require regulating; a study of the chapter on the diseases of the heart, its treatment, and the remedies which have a special affinity for that organ, will materially assist in over- coming the difficulties arising out of the irregularities in the nerv- ous system just referred to, inasmuch as having discovered the totality of the symptoms and the drug peculiar to the same, the irregularity which has become established in certain nerve sup- plies will, under the action of such remedy, speedily be corrected and that frequently without the drug being included in the list of so-called nerve tonics, which is the kind of treatment generally resorted to by allopaths for these nervous disorders; the matter of chief importance for the practical horseman, who has to depend upon his own unaided powers of discrimination to discern condi- tions in an animal that are frequently most difficult of recognition, is to bear in mind that intimate relations exist between the various 264 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. systems, and that unless these relations are recognized, and allow- ances made accordingly, it is not to be expected that treatment can be successful; the fact that injudicious feeding, both as to the quality of the food and the time of giving the same, may possibly exercise an unwarrantable demand upon the functions of the nervous system, which, in its turn, avenges itself upon the heart, and through that organ the lungs, points a moral and teaches a lesson which an intelligent horseman should not be slow to appre- ciate and put to practical application; fortunately for those who practice on homoeopathic principles, it is not necessary to wait until ever}^ detail of the cause of disorder is discovered; the totality of the symptoms furnish the guide to a remedy, but among the symptoms must be included those that are observable through careful examination of the heart and how it performs its functions, bearing in mind when conducting such examination, the influence of the nervous system over that organ. There is still one other special action with which the nervous system is endowed, namely, co-ordination; to illustrate the meaning of this term it is only necessary to remind our readers of the loss of control which, under given conditions, horses occasionally experience over their powers of movement; as the attempt is made to walk the animal rolls from side to side, and in extreme cases is unable to retain its foot- ing; this peculiar inability to control the movements may, some- times be observed in the disease commonly called " staggers,'' of which there ar.e two kinds, or at all events two kinds are described; one being considered due to the brain and the other to the stomach; however this may be, there is the fact that under these conditions the animal is unable to perform the complex muscular movements which the act of walking requires; other illustrations of co-ordina- tion occur in the acts of swallowing and coughing, both of which acts call forth a regular succession of muscular contractions, one after the other, for their perfect performance; these complex movements are governed by certain nerve centres located in the spinal cord, where the co-ordinating impulses are developed. This brings us to the conclusion of the consideration of the physiologi- cal aspect of the nervous system; but for the fact that the subject has such an important bearing, alike upon health and disease, we should have refrained from any reference thereto; it seemed, how- ever, desirable to attempt to show how the nervous system (albeit THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 265 in a very imperfect manner) presides over and keeps going the other systems — circulatory, digestive, respiratory, etc. — and that without it the whole organism would come to a standstill; the im- pression undoubtedly prevails in the minds of leading veterinarians that primary disease of the brain, the spinal cord and the nerves, is comparatively rare in the horse, and probably this is so; seeing the diflSculties in the way of recognizing the various morbid con- ditions in the human subject, and hence the greater difficulties that must of necessit}^ beset the veterinarian to discern similar conditions among the lower animals, it is a matter of congratula- tion that diseases of the nervous system are comparative! 3' rare among our patients; nevertheless we fully believe that the entire dependence of the other systems upon the nerves warrants the conviction that the study of the influence exerted by the nervous system as a factor in the cause of disease among horses and lower animals generally, demands far more serious consideration than it has 5'et received. Before proceeding to the consideration of the diseases affecting the different parts of the nervous system, it is desirable for the sake of simplicity and the clearer appreciation of the same, that an explanation should be given of the parts that enter into the composition of this intricate and highly important division of animal life. The apparatus which provides, supplies and conveys all over the bod}- that excitation which is requisite for the execution of all the acts and functions that are indispens- able for the maintenance of life, is divided into two parts, namely: the cerebro-spi7ial axis, which consists of the brain and spinal cord, and the nerves, which are given off on either .side of the central axis and therefrom distributed to all parts of the body. The brain and spinal cord are both enveloped, for the sake of protec- tion, in a bony case called the cranial cavity (or skull) and the spinal canal (or vertebrae); in addition to these there are three membranes called the meninges, which serve to separate the soft nervous substance from this hard, bony case; the outer membrane serves as a lining to the bony case and is called the " dura mater;'' the inner membrane, which is closely adherent to the outer sur- face of the cord and brain, is called the " pia mater;'' while the middle membrane consists of two layers, one covering the outer portion of the pia mater and the other the inner part of the dura. 266 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. mater, which is known as the ^^ arachnoid;'' between the two layers of the arachnoid, and therefore intervening between the pia viatcr and the dicra maier, a particular serous fluid is present; the object of this fluid is probably to diminish concussion and generally to afford protection for the soft, delicate material of the brain and cord and prevent injury thereto that might otherwise attend the jar against the hard, bony case. In respect of the nerves, it may be stated broadly that they arise from certain recog- nized centres in the brain and spinal cord, and pass out of the cranial cavity and spinal canal in pairs through special openings (or foramina) and proceed therefrom to their particular destina- tions to be distributed over the whole body ; of the cranial nerves there are twelve pairs; and the spinal nerves are estimated at forty- two pairs. The three membranes already described as the dura mater, the arachnoid and the pia mater will in the future be re- ferred to conjointly as the meninges, it not being necessary to dif- ferentiate between them when treating of them in the inflamma- tory conditions affecting them in the various forms of disease in which they are complicated; but it was deemed desirable to explain how and of what the meninges are composed, as they occupy a rather considerable and important position in some disease con- ditions affecting the brain and cord. INFLAMMATION OF BRAIN SUBSTANCES— CEREBRI- TIS— INFLAMMATION OF THE MENINGES— MENINGITIS. Although the true brain substance and the brain coverings may under certain conditions be independently the seat of inflamma- tion it is rare to meet with a case in the horse where, either at the outset or as an ultimate development, both parts are not affected, and this is accounted for by the fact that the disease is generally due to a cause that necessitates their joint implication; injury as the result of external violence or some abnormal prominence in the cranial bones accounts most frequently for these cerebral in- flammations; they may arise in some instances from exposure to the overpowering rays of a tropical sun, or in connection with a specific fever, but in the hor.se this is of rare occurrence. It will therefore be seen that whether the inflammation hz due to violence from without or injury from within the cranial cavity as the result INFLAMMATION OF ERAIN SUBSTANCES. 267 of an unduly prominent bone the effect will in the end be much the same; not only will the meninges participate in the damage, but the true brain substance also. The distinctive characteristics of the cerebral and meningeal structures under the influence of inflammation are set forth very clearly by the late Professor Robertson in his work entitled '''Equine Medicine,''' in the fol- lowing terms: " When the membranes are primarily affected there is suddenness in development of symptoms, local congestion, ex- citement with muscular spasms or convulsions, succeeded by sub- sidence or arrest of normal nervous activity. Invasion of the true cerebral structure, on the other hand, is less active in develop- ment of symptoms, is marked by no frenzy or excitement, but from the first exhibits lowered or depressed functional activity and impairment at the outset of some special nerve function. In the early stages of inflammation of the cerebral structures in all ani- mals during which there is much muscular derangement, and par- ticularly when the meninges seem more largely the seat of this morbid action there is very likely to be excitement, delirium or convulsions. The severity of these will be determined by the extent of tissue invaded. This hyperactivity of cerebral function is not constant or continuous, but paroxysmal in character, liable to be brought on or seriously augmented by an}' untoward nois2 or disturbance to which the animal may be subject. The consti- tutional fever is well marked, the temperature raised, skin and mouth perceptibly hotter than natural; there seems pain in the head, which the animal cannot bear to have roughly handled; the eyes are staring and bloodshot, with pupils contracted; the pulse frequent and hard or sharp; respiration irregular and .sometimes accompanied with a moan; bowels confined. The animal is rest- less and uneasy, moving from side to side or around his box, the body sometimes damp with perspiration. Occasionally muscular twitchings and general or local hypersethesia are symptoms well marked. Succeeding this stage of increased nerv^ous irritability and vascular excitement, which is generalh' short-lived, is that of nervous aberration and depression, indicative of more extensive involvement of the true nerve structures. The fever subsides, the temperature of the body is lower, the pulse diminishes in fre- quency, is less sharp or hard; the breathing becomes stertorous, the delirium or excitability gradually declines, and special sensa- 268 VKTERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. tion is lessened, until consciousness is lost in coma more or less perfect. With the subsidence of the restlessness the horse will, if capable of maintaining the standing posture, do so listlessly in one position, the head lowered, the ej^es glassy, with pupils dilated, while control over voluntary movement is much disturbed. The disposition lo preserve the position of the limbs as they may be placed is not unlike the condition which prevails in catalepsy. From the commencement the appetite is capricious and the dis- charge from kidneys and bowels' less in amount than natural. The partial muscular twitchings or general convulsions are not present in every case and usually most attractive as the termina- tion is approached. At this period the animal is almost certain, unless carefully watched, to do itself injury by violent and uncon- scious tossing. ' ' Treatment. — Arnica ix. — When the disease can be traced to external injuries this remedy should be administered four times a day at intervals of four hours; and compresses soaked in a lotion of the mother tincture, one part to four of distilled water, constantly applied. CEREBRO-SPINAL MENINGITIS. Nervous diseases affecting the horse are, we must admit, very obscure, so far as our knowledge of them is concerned; at the same time we are satisfied that however we may attempt to account for it, cases of this kind are far less numerous among the lower orders of animals than in the human subject, and under the circumstances there is cause for congratulation that it is so. The disease, which we now propose to consider is generally in- cluded in works upon equine medicine under the hea.d of general disorders, but inasmuch as it owes it origin to and distinctly affects this group of organs, we feel justified in including it under the list of diseases of the nervous system proper. We believe we are correct in stating that some years ago an outbreak of what was described as cerebro- spinal fever took place in New York, and carried off quite a considerable number of animals, and it was at that time looked upon as a true specific fever; but we are not aware that any positive opinion was arrived at as to its precise pathology, nor were the actual relations between the severe symp- toms exhibited and the changes which post mortem were observed CEREBRO-SPINAL MKNINGITIS. 269 ill the brain and cord satisfactorily cleared up; this, however, is a matter of far less importance to the homoeopathist than to the allopath, as he depends upon the symptoms a case presents dur- ing life rather than to any knowledge of changes that are going on as the result of the disease; for this cause we, as homoeopaths, do not find ourselves beset with the same difficulties in attempting treatment of obscure diseases that the allopaths do. It is not at all clear what accounts for this form of fever, though by some it is attributed to dietetic errors, while others account for its pres- ence by climatic disturbances; certainly the facts that frequently quite a number of horses are attacked at one and the same time, and that the outbreaks " are only occasional, but when they do arise come suddenh', point rather to climatic influences than to dietetic errors; but whatever may be the cause it does not seem to us that this has much bearing upon the treatment. First we will deal with the Symptoms presented: Suddenness is characteristic of the disease; the horse loses all power of control over his move- ments; falls to the ground without any apparent reason, intima- tion being given but a few moments prior to going down by giddiness and staggering; when down the horse struggles vio- lently and makes frequent ineffectual attempts to rise; sweat breaks out over different parts of the body and literally pours off the animal; the pulse and respirations are rapid, urgent and irregular, there being no relation between one and the other, as there is in health and in many diseased conditions; the horse is extremely sensitive, and muscular spasms affect him in various parts of the body, contracting and relaxing with great apparent force; the eyes have a wild and staring look, and the animal throws its head about with great violence; the visible raucous membranes, especially of the eyes, are extremely red and injected. Unless the disease centres its force almost entirely on the brain, the horse cannot bear to have any pressure upon the spinal col- umn. Constipation usually sets in early; the urine is passed with difficulty and at varjdng periods. The temperature changes remarkably; at one time of the day it will be found considerably elevated, at another almost down to the normal, nor is there any specified time when these alterations take place. Treatment. — In the first place it is important to have the animal placed in a quiet and roomy box, away from other horses. 270 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. and apart from the attention of his nurse, should be allowed to remain as undisturbed as possible. Aclea mccmosa ix is specially indicated for sharp muscular spasms and great restlessness; and when the symptoms already referred to as affecting the eyes and the urine are present, these only confirm its usefulness; when a horse is in the condition which this remedy covers, it is a critical period, and to have a medicine at hand that is capable of alleviating these symptoms is a matter of the first importance. Ciciita virosa 3X. — This remedy goes farther in its effects than the previous one, as it not only meets those cases that have spas- modic twitchings, but also the paralytic symptoms; a horse is down and cannot rise in consequence of the paralyzed condition of hind quarters, give him this remedy and you will probably find that he is soon able to get up; in many cases that have died from this disease the post mortem examinations have revealed hyperse- mia (excess of blood) of the brain and cord; the same condition presents itself in animals poisoned by this drug; to this extent, therefore, pathology and pathogenesy agre(^ Cupyum accticiim 3X is a splendid remedy to steady muscles that have been the subjects of spasmodic twitchings, in addition to which paralysis, particularly when centred upon the right side and in the fore limb, is amenable in a remarkable manner to its action ; this remedy exercises a potent influence upon the brain while at the same time a post-mortem examination reveals no organic mischief; a further indication of its usefulness in the dis- order may be gleaned from the symptom already referred to of scanty urine. Ipecacuanha <■>. — Dr. Hughes, in his Pharmacodynamics, when referring to the action of this drug on the nervous system, states: ' ' What amount of direct action Ipecacuanha exerts on the nervous system in health is uncertain. But it has found an occasional place in the treatment of neurotic affections in both schools of medicine, as may be seen in Dr. Imbert-Gourbeyre's collection. I can speak only of cerebro-spinal meningitis and of intermittent fever. In an epidemic of the former disease occurring at Avignon in 1846-7 Dr. Bachet was led to Ipecacuanha as the medicine most similar to the symptoms present, and he gave it (in the mother tincture) in every case with such great relative success that it was appropriated TETANUS — LOCKJAW. 271 (of course without acknowledgement) by the practitioners of the old school in the place, and ranked as a specific." Veratnim viride 3X is another agent which, after administration to the healthy in poisonous doses, produces hyperaemia of the brain and cord; among its chief symptoms are muscular spasms and con- tortions. Dr. Hale, of Chicago, esteems it highly under such con- ditions, and compares its action to those of Aconite and Belladonna conjoined. The pulse is a full, bounding one, and the tongue is coated with yellow fur at the sides, having a red streak down the middle. TETANUS— LOCKJAW Is a disease of the nervous system that is characterized by a con- tinuous spasm of certain muscles, generally in the horse, those of the face; it certainly does at times affect other groups of muscles about the body, as in the case of the neck, when the head is drawn upward and backward; of the body generally when the tendency is to bend forwards; or of one side, when the effect is to draw the whole animal to one side. The most recent studies of pathology have led the members of the old school to ascribe the disease to a specific organism; but as the larger number of cases in the horse seem to be the result of some mechanical injury, such as a prick in shoeing or a surgical operation, it is difficult for us to accept the microbe theory; our belief is, that these microbes are to be found in any and every form of disease, and our faith in their absolute powers of disease production receives a considerable shock when we come to try to account for the production of a disease which as a rule seems to depend on such a cause as mechanical injury, like the one now under consideration, and the question at once arises in the mind, is this theory deserving of serious consideration in any form of disease? We find the other school of medicine admitting that symptoms similar to those of tetanus can be produced in the healthy animal by the administration of Strychnine — which is one of the remedies used by homoeopathists to cure tetanus — therefore we agree that though microbes may be discovered in the blood of a tetanic subject, there are causes other than the microbe produces to account for the development of tetanus; and further, we are of opinion that whether recognized or not at the time, some injury, 272 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. known or vmknown, is invariably the fons et origo of all cases of tetanus; this may strike some as an illogical argument; we cannot help that; our faith remains the same, and it is rendered the more firm in this direction by the evident relation, pathogenetically and therapeutically, of certain drugs which have the power of produc- ing on the healthy exactly similar symptoms to those presented in a true case of tetanus, and their capacity to cure the disease when it occurs in a patient. Although the term tetanus may refer to spasm and rigidity of any of the voluntary muscles of the body, it is more generally applied to those of the face and neck of the horse, in which situ- ation the morbid affection is mostly observed; through the rigidity of the muscles of the face, the jaws are closed, hence the charac- teristic terra lockjaw. It would seem that a good warrant exists for the accepted idea that the muscles of deglutition are the first to experience an impression of a coming seizure, as one of the earliest symptoms observable is an irritable champing and grind- ing of the teeth, while at the same time saliva is rather profusely secreted, which drips from the corners of the mouth, the position of the head is almost invariably alike in all cases, the nose being poked out so that the angle of the jaw is a decidedly obtuse one; the muscles of the back of the neck become rigid, renderings the protrusion of the nose a more marked feature. Further, another essentially characteristic symptom is the spasmodic move- ment of the membrane, provided by nature to wipe the surface of the eyeball, termed the membrana niditans; in ordinary health this fine membrane is never seen, being located beyond ordinary observation within the inner canthus of the e3^e, and only when a foreign substance alights upon the eye is it projected with great rapidity over the anterior surface for its removal; when, however, a horse is the subject of tetanus it frequently protrudes beyond its normal situation and flashes itself more or less frequently within the line of natural observation. The nostrils are very much dilated and the rate of breathing very much accelerated; the pulse and temperature are variously affected, one case exhibiting much greater sensibility than another; when the muscles of the body are affected those of the back will feel rigid and hard, while the tail goes through a continuous series of spasmodic twitchings; the animal stands with his legs much farther apart from one another TETANUS — LOCKJAW. 273 than is usual in health, and can only move a few steps at a time with the greatest diflSculty. From the character of the breathing and the general appearance of the countenance an impression is conveyed that the animal suffers acuteh^ a view that bacomes con- firmed when, as is often the case, perspiration is very profuse; if the animal is beyond the reach of relief, the pulse, which may in the earlier stages have been firm, as death draws near becomes more rapid and decidedly feeble, and overpowering exhaustion is but too plainly evident. Treatment. — To prevent the administration of medicinal agents from being absolutely useless there is one precaution that must be observed most strictly; the more perfect the silence in the box or stable and the more completely quiet prevails in the immediate precincts, the better for the patient; but it is absolutely a sine-qua-non that the man who attends the horse should move about in the quietest and most deliberate manner possible; the stable should be darkened; the door must be opened and shut without any noise, and strictly abstain from shouting or even talking, any deviation from this line of conduct is calculated to aggravate the spasms and paroxysms of pain and thus retard a pos- sible recovery. From a medicinal standpoint we have known many cases cured absolutely and alone by Aconite ix, more especially in cases that can be distinctly traced to undue exposure to cold, or to sudden shock from a local injur}-; Henry Edgar, Esq., M. R. C. V. S., of Wan.stead, in Essex, has reported several cases very successfully treated with Aconite; while we have personally had the satisfaction of seeing three very decided cases make excellent recov^eries under the action of this remedy. Strychnia 3X. This powerful drug is credited wnth being thor- oughly en rapport with tetanus when the same owes its origin to traumatic causes. Dr. Hughes affirms ' ' the homoeopathicit}' of -Strychnia to tetanus needs no demonstration. It is one of those facts which go to prove the fundamental character of the law of similars, since we see nature herself making provision for its ap- plication. Now Dr. Stille cites (as I have mentioned) eight cases of the traumatic form of the disease in which its use was followed by cure. ' ' We have relied more frequently upon this agent than any other, and, as a rule, though not invariably, with success. Acid hydrocyanic 3X; doses not to exceed Jive drops; if Aconite 18 274 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. fails this agent may usefully be employed, especially in the more acute cases, when the spasms are violent and attended by intervals of specially marked exhaustion. We are not able to offer any well-defined indications which will enable one to differentiate be- tween these remedies. In administering medicine the attendant must exercise great caution not to alarm or startle his patient, and must show unmis- takeable forbearance and patience; if the horse is able to swallow, the homoeopathic remedies, being capable of administration in small quantities of water as a vehicle, can be gently introduced to the back of the mouth by using a syringe for the purpose; or if that is not practicable the drops be mixed in a teaspoonful of glycerine and thence laid on the tongue; if this also is impractica- ble by reason of the close proximity of the teeth, then a rather larger dose, half as much again, must be injected well up the rectum. The horse should, as a rule, be put into slings at the outset of the attack, unless there is reason to conclude from previous exper- ience that it will annoy or irritate the animal. Ice enclosed in muslin bags should be applied down the course of the spinal column and kept in position by means of long tapes tied round the abdomen, unless made sufficiently large to lie where placed without shaking off; when removed a soft hor.se cloth should be thrown loosely over the body to check a possible chill from the melted ice running over the sides. One of the chief diffi- culties that one has to contend with in a case of this sort is to induce the animal to take any nourishment; under no circum- .stances is food taken freely, therefore when presented it should be of a nourishing character and in concentrated form, such also as will check any tendency to constipation; eggs beaten up in new milk; beef tea, etc., etc.; if it is not partaken of voluntarily and the exercise of force to introduce it by the mouth is calculated to upset the horse, then an effort must be quietlj' and gentlj' made by means of the enema pump to introduce a substantial quantity per rectum. The frequency of the dose depends a good deal upon the severity of the attack, the intervals ranging from one to three hours; as infrequently as possible is our advice in order to avoid unneces- sary disturbance. CHOREA. 275 CHOREA. The common and well-known term by which this form of disease is designated in the human subject is "St. Vitus' Dance," and although it is probable that while it is correct pathologically to speak of the nervous disturbances of the muscular system, which provoke the abnormal conditions known among horsemen as " shivering " and " stri^ighalt,"' among those classified under the general head chorea the symptoms are not identical with those observed either in man or dog. Whether it is the brain or the spinal cord that is principally affected, or which of these localities of the nervous system is the seat of the disturbance that produces these peculiar manifestations in the horse has not been definiteh^ decided by pathologists, therefore we shall not attempt to discuss the question. In man and in dogs the choreic spasms, whatever limb or part of the body they may effect are as a rule fairly con- tinuous, but in the horse that is a " shiverer''' this is not the case; and for this reason there is the greater necessity, when buying a perfectly strange horse, to avail of every well known test to dis- cover whether or no there is any tendency to this disease; this remark applies especially to horses of the heavier breeds, among which it is most commonly observed. Stringhalt, however, once developed is constant, and there need be little fear of deception from that source; with regard to its influence upon the usefulness of ahorse there is a marked difference; a " shiverer'' is to all intents and purposes a useless animal for draught w^ork; the animal may be able to move forward fairly well, but when it comes to backing it is a different thing altogether; strange to say, however, though patent to the observation of the greatest novice, '' stringhaW does not seem to effect a horse's useful- ness; we have known many horses that were the subjects of these peculiar muscular spasms, that worked regularly with, apparently, no difficult}' ; one case being that of a well known hunter whose owner rode him regularly ever\' week to hounds and was as a rule among the first flight and that in a close country where the jumps were numerous and the fences frequently awkward. It is not necessary to make reference to the symptoms of stringhalt it is so well known, but some notice must be taken of those that indicate ' ' shiverinz. ' ' 276 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. Symptoms. — Among the muscles of the loins and thighs, oc- casional and sometimes constant twitching are observable; those muscles which enable the horse to raise its tail are effected when the animal is in the act of drinking. Very occasionally the muscles of the neck, shoulders and arms are affected. When called upon to move the affected limbs are generally lifted from the ground with an unusually sharp, snatchy action, while on putting them down greater caution is observed than by a healthy animal. If the horse is turned quickly from one side to the other, it seems to lose control temporarily over its movement; and if forced to back immobility will be very apparent either by a decided refusal to move, by helplessly dragging the affected limbs along without lifting from the ground at all, or by snatching them up very spasmodically and putting them down very cautiously; at the same time the tremulous twitching of the tail will be noticeable. Walking or trotting in a forward direction rarely discovers any peculiarity and avails nothing in an examina- tion as to soundness. Treatment of either of these forms of nervous disease is very uncertain and as a rule productive of little benefit; still, if one has a horse in his possession that develops either of these morbid con- ditions, it will be worth while to make an experiment with one or more remedies to be indicated. lonatia ix in those cases wherein the symptoms are easily aggravated by being startled or frightened. Agaricits muscarius 0. — Twitchings cease when at rest. Cuprum mctallicum 3X. — Spasms extremely severe, indicating deep-seated disease — and structural change in the nerve centres. Arsenicum album 3X. — Symptoms worse at night; restlessness, weakness; when brought on by work; comes' on periodically; constitutionally impoverished. Zinc sulphate 3X. — When produced by injury or is the sequel to some exhausting disease. PARALYSIS. This condition is somewhat rare in the horse, though there are several forms in which it is occasionally observed; on account of its infrequency we shall confine ourselves to a consideration of those particular forms of the disease which are met with the most PARALYSIS. 277 often. We have to deal with .ca.ses of general paralysis wherein both fore and hind Hmbs are aflfected; with hemiplegia or one- sided paralysis in which both fore and hind limbs of one side only are implicated; with paraplegia in which either the near fore and and off hind limbs or vice versa are affected, the result being that we have a bilateral disturbance to deal with; and local paralysis, a condition but rarely seen, but when it does occur, appears to affect the lips, facial muscles, larynx, penis, tail or rectum. When general paralysis takes place it seems to be due to an affection of the brain, such as might supervene upon injuries, as a fall in the hunting field or during a steeplechase. Hemiplegia or one-sided paralysis is probably the rarest form of the disease that occurs in the horse; but when it does arise the angle of the mouth appears to feel the full force of the attack; the lips on the affected side hang pendulous and the animal can neither take up food or water in consequence. When called upon to move the animal is inclined to bear towards the affected side, and if left to itself would soon walk in a circle, as going straight ahead seems to be out of the question; the limbs on the opposite side to the lesion of the brain are the ones that fail to do their duty. Paraplegia, or transverse loss of power is the form most gener- ally seen in the horse; among the causes to which it is due we have to enumerate injuries to the brain and spinal cord from frac- tures of the vertebrae or spicules of bone in the cranium; a dis- eased condition of the ner\-e substance of the cord; a lack of nutrition of the nerve centres through the blood; and reflex irrita- tion from some foreign agent such as of worms, in the intestines. Local paralysis is generally due to some direct injury upon the affected organ or part of the body — probably the most frequently observed development takes place in the muscles of the face, due as it is considered to some impairment of the functional powers of the port to dura nerve; the indications of the existence of this form of paralysis are observed in the lips and mouth generally, affect- ing not only the powers of prehension, but also those of mastica- tion; the latter symptom distinguishes local paralysis from hemi- plegia, so far as the muscles of the face are concerned. Treatment. — Causlicmn ix. In paralysis of the lips, face and larynx this remed}^ has acquired considerable reputation, not only among men, but animals also; as Dr. Hughes points out, a lead- 278 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. ing symptom for this remedy is that of involuntary emission of urine when a paralytic patient coughs. Conium 3X in paralysis of the penis due to excessive coitus^ such as that which occasionally arises in stallions when they have served too many mares within a short period of time. Argentum 7iitricum 3X in paraplegia due to a fall in the hunt- ing field, the horse having pitched on to his head in landing over a big fence. Belladonyia 3X in paraplegia where the animal loses control over his movements; this remedy should be used in the early stages of the disease, especially when the whites of the eye are injected, red streaks appear thereupon, and the pupils are dilated; inability to bold water and considerable excitement are confirmatory symptoms. LAMENESS. The detection of the seat of lameness is not nearly so easy as many men who claim to have a fair knowledge of horses and their ailments seem to imagine; and while the scope and general objects of this work do not allow our dealing with the subject in any- thing like an adequate manner, it is necessary that a word of warning should be offered on the difficulties which are constantly presenting themselves to the amateur horseman in correctly de- termining the locality of the pain which causes a horse to go lame; ior unless a man has some practical acquaintance with these diffi- culties and is prepared to recognize that they exist, it will prove of very little value for us to provide instructions as to treatment, which is, in fact, the primary object of this work. In the first place, it is essential that a correct opinion should be arrived at as to whether the horse is lame of a fore limb or a hind one; to de- termine this, the horse should be run in hand, at a slow pace, both away from and towards the observer; in the case of a horse trot- ting from you, that is lame of one of the fore limbs, the dropping of the head gives a swaying motion to the body, which produces an up and down motion to the quarters, which might lead one in- experienced in testing such a case, to infer that the animal was lame of one of the hind limbs; but when the horse comes towards the observer it will be clear from the dropping of the head that it is in one of the fore limbs; on the contrary, when the lameness is LAMENESS. 279 in the hind limb the dropping of one quarter will be apparent as the horse goes from the observer, while in approaching him there is not so great a tendency to the counter-motion in front, and mis- takes are not so liable to be made as when the opposite condition exists. Having then determined at which end of the body the lameness is to be found, the next matter for consideration and de- termination is in which particular limb the cause of pain is located; if a horse is lame of the off fore limb he drops the weight of the body upon the near fore and his head bobs and sways toward that side and vice versa; it may be also that the animal is unable to flex (or bend) one of the joints of the faulty limb, which necessitates its being carried forward stiffly and in a stilty fashion; such a coinci- dence furnishes still further proof of the particular limb that is affected; again, an animal may be lame of both fore limbs, as is frequently the case when a horse is the subject of navicular dis- ease; under such conditions lameness will more often than not be overlooked by anyone other than an experienced veterinary surgeon, as there will be no dropping, no bobbing of the head, and the general action will be fairly level; shady horse dealers fre- quently take advantage of this state of affairs to palm off an un- sound animal as a perfectly sound one to the ma wary purchaser; and, what is still worse, a hors2 that was considered to be suffer- ing from an incurable lameness of one foot has had some foreign substance, such as a small piece of iron, inserted between the shoe and the sole of the sound foot, so as by pressure to produce ten- derness and pain equiv^alent to that experienced in the diseased foot; in this waj' the sound limb w^as rendered as bad as the other, by which means the real lameness was temporaril}^ obscured; it is of no use to rely upon the dropping gait to detect double lameness of this character; the way to discover it is to watch careful!}- the action, which under such circumstances is palpably short, stilty and cramped, accompanied by a distinct rolling of the bod}-, as though the animal was afraid to bring any weight to bear on thi feet, and no doubt this is the case. Cases of lameness in a hind limb are to be detected during motion from the dropping of the quarter on the side of the unaffected or sound limb, while the quarter of the affected limb is jumped at, as the animal, in course of progression, throws the weight of the body off the injured limb on to the sound one; the peculiar stiffness of gait already re- 28o VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. ferred to as being sometimes observable in a fore limb is more fre- quently a marked peculiarity of lameness in a hind limb. Sd far we have been considering the methods of observation in detecting lameness from movement and action; it remains now to refer to those indications which may be observed when the horse is at rest; these are pointing with the injured or faulty limb; standing with one foot in adv^ance of the other; standing with the knee bent or flexed and resting the leg on the point of the toe, the object of which is evidently to take the strain off the back tendons; in cases of severe shoulder lameness this flexed state of the knee joint is carried to such an extent that the toe, while barely touching the ground, rests lightly in a pendulous fashion behind the position occupied by the sound foot. In cases of lameness of both fore feet, such as occurs in laminitis (inflammation of the sensitive portions of the feet), when the animal suffers acute pain by reason of the natural weight of the body brought to bear while standing, the horse advances both hind limbs well under the body, at the same time the fore feet will be alternately resting or well drawn under the body in proximity to the hind ones in order that they may be relieved as much as possible of the weight of the body; on the other hand, if the hind feet are affected in this way, they will still be advanced under the body, but the fore limbs will be placed perpendicularly, straight under the chest, the head being hung down and the body swayed towards the front with the object evidently of bringing the main body weight forwards and as much as possible on to the fore limbs. lyameness of the hind limbs may be indicated during repose by a flexion of the fetlock joint, even to the extent of knuckling over; by continually resting the faulty limb, or, as is frequently seen, by standing with it completely elevated off the ground. Having proceeded thus far and satisfied himself of which limb an animal is lame, it behooves the observer to complete his ex- amination, and by manipulation to determine the positive seat and cause of the lamene.ss; in the majority of cases evidence is clear from the presence of heat, swelling and pain, while in not a few neither of these objective conditions can be discovered, especially in eases where the deeply seated, sensitive structures of the foot are implicated, the bones of the limbs and feet, and the muscles whose SPRAINS OF TKNDONS, I.IGAMENTS AND MUSCLES. 28 r function it is to enable the horse to flex and extend his limbs; under such conditions the evidence is rather of the negative order, and much reliance must be placed upon the peculiar character of the gait before the precise spot can be discovered, after which forcible manipulation in the case of an injured muscle will fre- quently cause the animal to reveal the seat of pain by flinching and drawing away from the person so examining it. In proceeding to deal with the more general causes and seats of lameness, we shall only be able to touch the fringe of the subject; so much ground would have to be covered if it were dealt with exhaustively, and a whole volume might be written on this one division of our work; connnon ordinary causes of lameness will be merely mentioned en passant, believing as we do that this will be sufficient for all practical purposes to the majority of those who will patronize this book; but with some of the more obscure causes of lameness we shall attempt a fuller description in order that our methods of treatment may be the better applied and more satisfactory results be obtained. SPRAINS OF TENDONS, LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLES. The tendons and ligaments of both fore and hind limbs below the knees and hocks are frequently the seats of injury, from slips, either in the stable or out of it; from over-stretching produced by some violent effort, such as starting a heavily- loaded cart or wagon or jumping in the hunting field. A sprained ligament is generally more troublesome to deal with than a tendon; we may as well endeavor to explain the difference between tendons and ligaments; broadly and generally speaking, a tendon is a strong, thick and long piece of fibrous tissue attached at the upper end to a muscle, while inferiorly it is attached to a bone; its function being to enable a joint to be flexed or extended; a ligament is a short piece of fibrous tissue of very firm structure though of less substance and size than a tendon, which serves to keep the two ends of long bones approximated together to form joints; around each joint, of the limbs for instance, there are four or more liga- ments: while both tendons and ligaments consist of what is described by the anatomist as fibrous tissue, a microscopical ex- amination of their respective structures reveals a difference in their construction; but beyond the practical fact that the tendon. 282 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. is, generally speaking, softer, more elastic and yielding than the ligament it is not necessary to go more closely into these details. The muscles consist of a much more highly organized tissue than is the fibrous tissue of tendons and ligaments; muscular tissue is endowed with the power of contraction produced by a stimulus from the nervous system; by means of this power of contraction or shortening of the muscles the various phenomena associated with motion are effected. The composition of muscular tissue renders it much more amenable to the action and influence of drugs than are the tissues of either tendons or ligaments; for this reason cases of injury to the muscles, as a rule, are more easily and quickly cured than in those where the tendons and ligaments are damaged; moreover the lowly organized insensitive tissue of which tendons and ligaments consist requires severer methods of treatment than does muscular tissue, which fact will serve to make clear the absolute necessity, in bad cases of injury to liga- ments for instance, for the use of the actual cautery or some irritant that will set up active inflammation for a time, a pro- cedure which practical experience has shown is necessary before these lowly organized tissues can be restored to a sound and healthy condition. This, of course, is a very common style of treatment among allopathic veterinarians for all sorts of lameness, and it must be understood that we do not advocate its adoption as common or even ordinary practice, but only in very extreme and chronic cases; at the same time we are satisfied that the applica- tion of the actual cautery, inasmuch as it is used to set up inflam- mation in a given tissue, is distinctly homoeopathic in principle; inflammation in the first instance was the cause of the morbid change that has taken place in a sprained tendon or ligament, and so caused lameness, to overcome this morbid condition and restore the tissue to its pristine condition, inflammation must sometimes be set up and allowed to subside naturally; without going into a detailed explanation of the various changes which take place under such treatment, it will suffice to state that as a rule satis- factory results follow its adoption, a thickened tendon or ligament thereafter assuming its normal size and usefulness. In the first instance we invariably advocate the adoption of gentler measures, such as the application of a non-irritating lotion, and in all recent cases of sprains and inj uries this method of pro- SPRAINS OF TENDONS, LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLES. 283 cedure suffices to effect a speedy cure. Heat, swelling and tender- ness are pronounced characteristics of sprained tendons; in muscles the swelling is not so distinctly observable, but instead are soft and pulpy to the touch, and if not properly treated this condition is sometimes succeeded by an absolute loss of substance, hence the wasting which is at times observable in the muscles of the fore arms and thighs after violent injury; the fibrillae or constituent elements of the muscle have in all probability been ruptured cross- wise; inflammation being set up, a fluid exudate is, consequent thereupon, thrown out and degeneration of the elements follows which interferes with the function of contractility. lyameness of the hind limbs from spra'in of the psoas muscles is no uncommon condition among all classes of horses. The psoas muscles are situated internally, under the spinal column; they originate about opposite the last ribs and extend in a back- ward direction to be attached to the pelvis, one of their functions being to draw the hind legs forward; injury to either of these muscles renders it very difficult for a horse that is down to rise, hence the necessity of using slings for an animal in this condition to avoid the risk involved by allowing it to assume the recumbent position; a horse with such an injury can manage to stand without any fear of aggravation, but when very severe it is no uncommon thing for knuckling over at the fetlock joints to take place, furn- ishing additional reason for putting the animal into slings. An animal suffering from injury to these muscles will stand with the hind legs wider apart than usual and, when called upon to walk, evinces considerable loss of power to bring either one or both legs forward, depending, of course, upon whether the mus- cles of both sides are affected; the animal is unable to proper!}- lift its foot off the ground and drags it along in a helpless, uncer- tain manner, while there is a distinct tendency to knuckle over at the fetlock joint. Confirmation of the precise seat of the injury may be obtained by examining the parts, namely, per rectum; let the bare arm, which should first be lubricated with carbolized oil, be introduced as far as possible up the rectum, when heat, con- siderable tenderness and possibly some swelling will be detected; in very severe cases swelling is sometimes observable externallj- at the anus. The best treatment for these cases, after putting the horse in slings, is to apply hot fomentations to the loins by means 284 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. of flannels wrung out of water aS hot as the hand can bear, and thereafter appljnng a medicated {Arnica 0) compress; the lotion, as usual, should be made of one part of tincture to six of water; this compress should be constantly applied for some few days; in addition two or three quarts of the lotion should be injected into the rectum by means of an enema pump tbree times a day, and the usual dose of Aniica 3X administered per oram thrice daily. The diet should be of a slightly relaxing character, wdth plenty of slops, so as to render the faeces as soft as possible. Another set of muscles involving lameness in the hind limbs that to an amateur horseman may prove obscure and somewhat perplexing is that portion of the quarters known as the aurat muscles; they extend in a mass from somewhere about the hip joint to the patella or stifle; their function is to raise the thigh and bring it forward; when these muscles are injured the horse can neither straighten the stifle nor bend the hock, and when an effort is made to walk the leg is dragged along on the toe, the limb as a whole being, as it were, left behind; these are among the cases where there is a risk of some one or more of the muscles becoming wasted; when such is the case nothing short of a blister, repeated two or three times over a period of six or eight wrecks, will serve to restore the wasted muscle to its normal state of health and usefulness. If the seat of lameness is discovered before wast- ino- of the muscular tissue commences, hot fomentations and liberal hand friction with arnica lotion will generally serve to restore the animal to soundness, absolute rest being indispensable meanwhile. One form of shoui.der lameness that frequently occurs among horses that are worked on the land during the ploughing operations is due to the sprain of certain muscles that serve to cover the shoulder blades, the points of the shoulders and the arms; also a long muscle which is attached superiorly each side of the head, passing down the lower part of the neck and helping to form the groove which exists down the course of the neck whence it passes over the point of each shoulder and is attached inferiorly to the inside of the fore arm, and that large mass of muscle which serves to cover the main bone of the arm as it lies in position, ex- tending from the point of the shoulder forwards to the elbow backwards, together with the corresponding internal muscles known as the pectoral or muscles of the chest. Several of these SPRAINS OF TENDONS, LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLES. 285 muscles are very liable to waste if the injury is neglected, in which case stimulating remedies and long rest are absolutely nec- essary to effect a cure. The wasting, as a rule, takes, place in those muscles that clothe the shoulder-blade, leaving a hollow space down the course of the bone which causes the prominent portion in the centre to stand out like a ridge. The objective symptoms during motion, are marked dropping of thie head, and the throwing out of the leg in a stiff, helpless fash- ion; when standing, the knee is flexed and the leg hangs just resting on the point of the toe. There will probably be some swelling and evident pain on pressure of the affected parts; a fur- ther test is to lift the leg from the ground, move it backwards, forwards and in a rotary manner, whereupon the animal will shrink from the proceeding and give evidence of considerable pain. When treatment is commenced early, it is rarely necessary to require anything more than that already indicated with Arnica lotion, plenty of hand friction and hot fomentations; but should the horse have been at all susceptible to the rheumatic diathesis, and Arnica does not effect a satisfactory cure, resort may be had to the application of Rhus toxicodendron on similar lines, both ex- ternally and internally. Shoulder slip, by which is meant an apparent dislocation of the shoulder joint when the foot is planted on the ground, but which disappears when the foot is lifted from the ground, and ELBOW LAMENESS are both associated with the muscular injuries already described, having symptoms very much alike, but dis- cernible the one from the other by the marked sensitiveness on manipulation of the affected part. When we descend to the knee, the tissues affected are of the fibrous character, and we have to deal with ligaments and bones, as in inflammation of the knee joints, including those very fine membranes which serv^e to secrete the lubricating fluid, known as synovia, that is required to enable the bones forming joints to play smoothly one upon the other as the joints are flexed and extended; below the knee are found the FLEXOR tendons, or BACK SINEWS as they are vulgarly called, underneath which, in the groove of the canon bone, lie the sus- pensory LIGAMENTS bounded on either side by the small canon BONES; these exist in the hind as well as the fore limbs; the fibrous tissues of which these ligaments are formed are of an in- 286 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. elastic character and are frequently the seat of sprain among the heavier class of horses that are called upon to move heavy loads; the lack of elasticity gives the horse the power to move a heav}' load, but when too much stress or force is laid upon the unyield- ing structures they give way, and a rupture of the individual fibres is the result; under such conditions nothing but long rest, in con- junction with ordinary treatment, is of any avail; time must be allowed for the fibres of the ligament to reunite and become firmly welded together before the animal can go sound or be fit for work of any sort. These remarks apply with equal force to the back sinews or flexor tendons, though we are of opinion that there is more elasticity in these than in the bulky ligaments just referred to; and inasmuch as the locality of these flexor tendons allows for more immediate application of lotions and liniments to them than is possible with the suspensor}- ligaments, treatment is generally more effective and satisfactory. The aforesaid suspensory liga- ment, on reaching the fetlock joint at the back, divides into two parts, is attached to two floating bones, called sesmoids, which form part of the fetlock joint, and from thence the two divisions of the ligament pass downwards and ultimately blend with and become attached to the principal flexor tendon of the leg. We have gone thus fully into a description of this ligament and its attachments with a view to the production of a proper estimate of the damage that a sprain of the deeper situated tissues may effect; the examination of a weak or injured limb by amateur horsemen is, as a rule, so superficial that it becomes necessary to particularly point out one of the fi"equent seats of lameness affecting horses that have to move heavy loads or those that have to make violent efforts, as have steeplechasers and hunters in the act of jumping, in the first instance all cases of injury affecting tendons and ligaments should be treated with hot fomentations, by standing the leg in a pail of hot water; occasionally adding a small quanity of boiling water to keep a uniform temperature; thereafter hand rubbing the affected part with Arnica lotion — i in 8 — and then applying an Arnica lotion compress, which should be retained in position, with some pressure for several hours; when the compress is removed the legs should be firmly bandaged with a strong roll of dry linen, which should be kept in position for two hours, and the former process of fomentation, rubbing and compress re- SPRAINS OF TENDONS, LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLES. 287 peated; these two methods should be alternated for several days; meanwhile the horse should be kept quite still in the box; if these methods do not result in effecting a cure then the more severe measures must be adopted, such as blistering sharply or firing lightly; in the case of thickened tendons point or pin firing is the best, as by this means blemishing is avoided and a good deal of pain is saved. Before leaving the upper part of the fore legs it is necessary to deal with a very common injury, namely broken knees; the importance to be attached to this class of injury varies in degree according to the extent of the damage done; but so long as the sheath of the extensor tendon is not cut, nor the articulations be- tween the rows of bones forming the knee penetrated, so as to allow the escape of synovia (or joint oil) no better treatment than the application of Calendula lotion, viz. , one part of the mother tincture to three parts of water, can be adopted, the lotion may be satisfactorily applied by means of the spray diffuser, a method that has a decided advantage over the common practice of satura- tion of lint which is kept in position with a bandage, inasmuch as the formative material thrown out in the natural healing process is not removed by the immediate application of a resisting medium, moreover the horse is far more likely to stand quiet and not flex (or bend) the knee if the healing agent is applied in this almost imperceptible manner; it is quite true that in the first instance the applications require to be frequent, say once every hour; but the more speed}^ healing of the wound more than repays the slight extra trouble this method involves. In cases where joint oil escapes either from the_ knee or the hock the measures it is neces- sary to take are tedious and sometimes involve many hours' persistent and unremitting attention; the continuous applica- tion of slacked lime, finely pulverized, sprinkling it on to the spot where the joint oil is escaping vnitil such, a time as the union of the oil and lime forms a plug and the further escape is arrested, is the best treatment; it is important to understand that once begun, this procedure must be continued without even one moment's inter- mission through day and night, if needs be; it is generally neces- sary to have a relay of at least three men who will keep up the sprinkling of the lime until the desired object is attained; once the flow of synovia is arrested the caked lime must be allowed to 288 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. remain until it drops off, which it generally does when the wound is healed; it should be hardly necessary to add that when injuries of this kind are experienced, the horse must not be permitted to- lie down, and in most instances it is necessary to put the animal into slings in order to afford it some rest. Splints or exostoses on the canon bone, particularly when they are located at the margins of the groove in which the suspensory ligament rests, are likely to be producti\'e of lameness, not merely because of the tenderness arising from inflammation of the bone, but also by reason of the splint standing out so prominently that the back tendons rub against it as the horse flexes and extends- his leg in trotting and so produces extreme soreness; yet again, when a splint arises immediately underneath the joint of the knee, thus interfering with the true action of the articulation, it produces lameness. There are several methods of treating a splint: First, if the fine membrane which covers all bones, and necessarily ex- tends over a splint when it forms, called the periosteum is cut, the splint will frequently disappear; this should be done with a fine periosteotomy scalpel by a veterinary surgeon. Second, a fine piece of hard steel, sharply pointed, about the size of a lady's ordinary stocking needle made red hot and plunged boldly into the splint will effect its reab.sorption. Third, rub in an ointment consisting of one part of Biniodide of mercury, one part of Iodine and eight parts of lard once thoroughly; if after the effects have passed off, the splint, or any portion of it remains, a second or even a third application may be required, but in the end the ab.sorption of the bony enlargement is effected. Sprain of fetlock joint is not of frequent occurrence, but when it does occur is productive of considerable trouble. Hunters and steeplechasers are more often the subjects of this form of lameness than any class of horse; indeed, fracture of the bone known as the suffraginis which enters into the composition of the fetlock, is not at all uncommon; if the fracture consists of a simple breakage in the long axis of the bone there is no reason why union should not take place and the horse be able to do light work; but when as is sometimes the case, the suffraginis is broken into splinters or in the transverse direction there is very little hope of effecting a satisfactory cure, and only in the case of a valuable brood mare should we recommend its being attempted; if, however,. SPRAINS OF TENDONS, LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLES. 289 an attempt is to be made, we recommend in addition to the usual surgical appliances the internal administration of Symphytum 0, a dose night and morning, as there is no doubt that this remedy aids the healthy union of fractured bones. In simple sprains, however, it is better to apply tow, cotton, wool or lint all round the fetlock joint, saturate the same with Arnica lotion and bind it on firmly with a cotton or linen bandage, taking care to keep the applications continuously moist with the lotion; a removal once in twent)^-four hours would be essential; internal administra- tion of Arnica 3X, a dose morning, noon and night, materially assists the action of the local application. As we near the foot, the diseases of which will be dealt with at the close of this article, we have one very troublesome condition, which mostly affects the heavier class of horses, viz., ringbone; this consists of a bony growth which develops upon the upper and lower bones of the pastern, and as its name indicates forms a ring around the bone; the long bone of the pastern, alread}' referred to as the suffraginis is the seat of the higher ringbone, and when very large it interferes with the free action of the ligaments which are attached to this bone; this form, however, is not frequently a source of trouble; the ringbone which gives the real trouble and produces such obstinate lameness is that which forms round the articulation of the suffraginis, or long bone of the pastern, and the ■corona, or short bone of the same, and ma}' be felt as a prominent bony deposit round the upper margin of the hoof; the cause of a ringbone is attributed to strong inflammation arising in the can- cellated structure of the ends of the before named bones; as the result of the inflammation, Ij^mph is thrown out, which, in the end, becomes organized and hard as bone; in a large number of cases, among heavy cart horses, this deposition of bony material goes on at the respective ends of these bones until an union is •effected, and the joint becomes anchylosed or firmly joined together, so that the articulation cannot act freely, a fact which accounts for horses so affected going somewhat stiffly in their gait; prior to this union being completed, and while the inflam- mation is activel}^ proceeding, the horse experiences pain and consequent lameness ensues; this is the period for treatment, the object being to arrest the inflammation and the deposition of the formed and bony material that goes to make up the ringbone; if 19 290 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. taken in time very satisfactory results may be looked for from the application locally and internal administration of Symphytum W; locally by means of rubbing in a lotion and the application of a compress of the same; the lotion to consist of one part of the remedy to three of water, and internally the usual dose, in both cases using mother tincture. A horse with ringbone of the fore limbs puts his foot to the ground heel first, much like it does when suffering from laminitis or inflammation of the sensitive laminae of the foot; but it may be distinguished from laminitis by the fact that the heat is confined to the upper part of the foot, whereas in laminitis the heat and pain are generally diffused over the whole of the hoof; when the ringbone developes in the hind limbs the horse generally puts the toe to the ground first. In all such cases rest is imperative, and we strongly advocate the removal of all four shoes and allowing the horse to stand on a bed of saw dust or moss peat a foot thick. We shall now turn our attention to lameness of the hind limbs other than those already dealt with, and will commence with the STIFLE; this joint is formed by the femur or thigh bone, the tibia or shank bone and the patella or knee cap of the human subject; inflammation of the ends and articular surfaces of these bones generally accounts for lameness of the stifle joint, and is very often due to what is described as the rheumatic diathesis; in other words the animal is susceptible to rheumatism, and this joint is a weak spot upon which the disease centres itself. In order to prevent as much as possible the articular surfaces of these bones from rubbing upon one another and so producing great pain, the horse stands with the leg flexed and resting on the toe; when the animal attempts to move, he drags the foot along on the point of the toe, and will not put the foot down flat if it can possibly be avoided; there is generally marked swelling and some heat in the region of the stifle joint. One of the best remedies for this condition is Rhus toxicodendroji H in the usual proportions 1-8 in the form of liniment, applied with plenty of friction, and internally administered in the third decimal attenuation ; both being repeated at least three times a day. The HOCK of the hor.se which corresponds with the ankle joint of the human subject, is by reason of its complexity the seat of SPRAINS OF TENDONS, LIGAMENTS ANDMUSCLES. 291 several forms of lameness; the articulations formed b\- the approx- imation of various bones are frequently the seat of disease; strain and concussion are accountable for setting up inflammation in the bones, bony deposition follows, and the surfaces of the bones cannot glide smoothly upon one another; when this takes place we have to deal with bone spavin. Then in order that these various bones may be kept in proper relation, the one to the other, numerous ligaments or short bands of fibrous tissue are found; these become sprained, inflamed and thickened, causing lameness. One well marked form of lameness known as curb, owes its development to sprain of the annular ligament of the hock in its posterior aspect; inflammation is set up, followed b}^ thickening of this ligament together with a short ligament that is attached to one of the posterior bones of the hock and the long bone of the leg called the metatarsal bone, consequent upon which a slight prominence (a curb) is observable at the back of the hock in its lower aspect. Many practitioners, after reducing the inflammation W'ith hot fomentations, fire for this condition; this practice we do not agree with; the remedy that we have found answer the best is a lotion consisting of one drachm of Perchloride of Mercury, dis- solved in one pint of boiling w^ater with j ust sufficient Hydrochloric acid added to keep the mercury in solution; with this the curb should be well rubbed twice daily until the parts are sore, after which apply a little sweet oil to the skin, and w^hen the soreness has passed off recommence with the lotion over another period till soreness is reproduced, and so on until the curb disappears en- tirely; the time that it takes to effect the complete absorption of an ordinary sized curb is one month under this form of treatment, which when properly carried out leaves no blemish behind. Bog Spavin consi.sts of a soft, fluctuating swelling on the inner portion of the front part of the hock joint; many horses are the subjects of bog spavin, but never go lame; nevertheless they are unsightly and must at all times be looked upon wdth suspicion lest they should develop into a condition that produces lameness; when treatment is desired the same lotion and course of procedure should be adopted as has been already prescribed for curb. Bone Spavin. — It is of the first importance that a horseman should be able to recognize when this form of bone disease is really present; even many profe.ssional men make mistakes and condemn 292 -VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. horses for bone spavin when nothing more than big, coarse hocks are present; there is probably more uncertainty, among those who should know what a spavin really is, in determining the actual ex- istence of the exostosis than in fixing upon any other defect to which a horse is liable; and from the great differences of opinion which have and do exist with reference to the fact that has to be fre- quently decided in courts of law, ' ' is there or is thej^e not a spavin,' ' no little discredit has fallen upon the veterinary profession; we have repeatedly seen horses condemned as having spavins that had coarse and large boned hocks, while, on the other hand, a horse with undoubted spavins has been passed sound as though they were not present; we have found no difficulty in determining the presence or absence of spavins, and we consider that every veterinary surgeon of experience should be in a similar position. The question then arises: What is a bo7ie spavin and how may it be detected? A bone spavin is a deposition of formed material, which ultimately calcifies and becomes hard and bone-like, on the inside of the hock at its lower point, and is due to an inflamma- tion of the bones which go to form that part of the hock, viz., the cuneiform and the metatarsal; after the inflammation subsides and the formed material has become calcified the articulation formed by the before named bones is united, or as it is technically termed '' anchylosed,'" zwA M\^ spavin is plainly discernible to the eye and forms a distinct prominence of greater or less size that is 'readily capable of detection by means of touch; a hock that is free from spavin has a smooth surface, and the various bones that enter into its composition can be felt in proper api)Osition; the ir- regularities of surface which are present in a spavined hock can- not be discovered in a hock that is sound; the hocks of some horses are very full and the individual bones round and large, but when carefully examined the surface will be smooth and even; hence this normal fullness of the bones should not be, mistaken for an abnormal and diseased condition; indeed, a horse with a large, bold or even coarse hock will stand far more work, strain and con- cussion than will the narrow, small joint. It has been asserted that if both hocks are alike in size and the action of the horse is good that spavins are not present, bub we do not consider this a satisfactory proof either way, as both hocks may be spavined; again, some horses have one hock naturally larger than the other SPRAINS OF TENDONS, LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLES. 293 and still are sound. No ! the proper thing is to be able to recog- nize when Q. spavin is present, and this we affirm every practitioner should be able to determine, and that without making a mistake. In dealing with spavins the most important matter for the owner to do is to watch for the first indications with a view to the pre- vention of further development; inflammation of the bones and their interosseous ligaments is the first process; an animal that is the subject of this inflammatory process must necessarily experi- ence tenderness, heat and actual pain in the parts, which is ex- hibited either by positive lameness or a tendency to ease the hock by flexing it and resting the toe on the ground; when valuable young horses, between the ages of three and six years, are noticed frequently resting one leg in this way the hock should be carefully examined for palpable heat and the joint should be flexed and ex- tended to determine if there is any tenderness; if these are present it would certainly be acting on the s^feside to suspect an incipient spavin; the treatment should be the same as that already recom- mended for the early stages of coming exo.stosis, namely, hot fomentations and the application of a lotion of Symphytum by means of hand-rubbing and a compress, at the same time admin- istering the remedy internally ; there is good reason to believe that this line of treatment will allay the inflammatory action and arrest the formation of the spavin. In the case of a fully formed spavin that is the cause of lameness and requires treatment we strongly recommend pyro-puncture with a fine iron, great care being ob- served not to insert the in.strument too near the articulation or serious and perhaps permanent damage would be effected. There is one man in England who claims the possession of knowledge by which he is enabled to remove a spavin, but the pro- cess is a secret one, nor do we, in our ignorance, see how such a process can be affected without causing an unwarrantable amount of pain and long suffering. Thoroughpin is another unsightly condition that frequently exists without producing lameness; it is due to the formation of an unnecessarily large quantity of fluid in the sheath of the flexor muscle of the foot, called the "' perforans;''' the fluid by pressure can be felt to move from inside to outside of the hock, at the back part thereof, hence the designation '' thoroughpin y treatment such as that recommended for curb will generally serve to disperse 294 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. the superabundance of fluid and thus effect a cure; some practi- tioners recommend the puncture of the sweUing with an instru- ment to which a syphon is attached, thus enabhng the fluid to be drawn off; but, inasmuch as it speedily reforms again and the sweUing is again as large as before, this does not commend itself to us as a satisfactory procedure; it is a surgical operation to be sure, and with some that fact goes a long way and is preferred to any less ostentatious methods, even though it does not effect a cure; we, however, prefer the more tedious process herein recom- mended, as it goes to the root of the master and gets rid of the cause which produces the diseased condition. Capped Hock as it generally arises, consists of the formation of a serous abscess between the tendon that passes over the point of the hock and the skin; a rarer form of capped hock is that which appears as a swelling on either side the point of the hock that is due to an inflammatory condition of the sheath of the tendon that passes down in that position; in consequence of this inflammation there is superfluous amount of synovia formed which fills the bursa to overflowing; the same preparation and treatment gener- ally as that prescribed for curb will effect a cure; the ordinary allopathic treatment is to reduce the inflammation and then fire, putting on the while a high heeled shoe ; even in our homoeopathic practice this latter precaution is worthy of adoption as it throws the leg into a position that gives rest and ease to the parts, and in this way assists the treatment advocated. All parts below the hock as far as the foot are liable to similar injuries, so far as tendons, ligaments and bones are affected, as those described in connection with the fore, limbs and the treat- ment is the same. We now pass on to the consideration of some of* the chief points affecting the foot; we have no hesitation in affirming that by far the larger number of diseases to which the foot is prone are either due to or materially influenced by the barbarous practice of shoeing; we have satisfied ourselves by experiment and experience that for no class of horse is it necessary to put on a shoe of any sort whatever, provided the foot has never been manipulated by the shoeing smith, nor had a drawing knife used upon it; an intact foot is capable of bearing any wear whether on macadamized roads or paved streets that a horse can under fair and ordinary SPRAINS OF TENDONS, LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLES. 295 conditions give it; we have heard it argued that the heavy draught horse could not start and move such loads as are required of him without the aid of calkins and toe pieces; our reply to this ob- jection is that any sound cart horse can start and move any load whatever that he can reasonably be expected to draw, as well or even better without shoes than with them, because in that state he will plant his foot on the ground naturally; toe pieces and calkins enable an animal to move a heavier load than he could do without them, provided he learns to stick his toes against the artificially laid street pavements; this leverage, however, enables the horse to put more force and power into his efforts than his natural strength warrants; hence sprained tendons and ligaments, ruptured diaphragms and such like injuries follow. On stone, wood or asphalt pavements, such as are laid down in large towns, the natural character of the horny sole and frog renders it specially adapted to the obtainment of a firm grip and foothold, whereas so far as the stone and asphalt pavements are concerned, it is well known an iron shoe renders foothold impossible. To take another objection, it is said that carriage horses whose work lies mainly on countrj^ roads of the macadam type, on which are flint stones ©r sharp gravel, would soon wear away the horn, which would become abnormally thin; that the soles would not resist the bruising on round stones, and very shortly the animal would fall lame; this conclusion w^e affirm is hypothetical and incorrect; it is quite possible that the wall of the foot would, as it wore away, leave behind some fibres of incompletely worn horn; and that the foot would, if nothing worse came of it, look untidy; this objection is easily overruled; the frays of horn fibre could be rasped away; or if some sort of shoe must be worn for the sake of neatness and show, then the Charlier tips could be adopted, which are mere bands of steel, the width of the wall in a groove of which they are seated flush with the surface of the sole so that a full bearing is obtained upon the sole and frog; this is the nearest artificial approach to nature. Hunters, steeplechasers and flat racers, in which class we include also trotters, invariably get over the ground better and more safely with nature's foot than the}- do with the artificial provisions of the shoeing .smith; moreover, the accidents and injuries due to jar, concussion and sprain are infinitely less numerous when the sole, bars and frog are left un- 296 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. touched by the knifes we are quite aware that the promulgation of such ideas does not meet with a favorable reception even by those whom it most concerns, and very naturally meets with the active opposition of shoeing smiths; these are features in the dis- cussion, however, which do not concern us; we have to advocate what we believe to be in the best interests of the horse and the liorse owner, and fearlessly we affirm that horses generally would do far better without shoes, provided the foot has never been pared or cut with the drawing knife. Among the diseases affecting the foot are ossification of the lateral cartilages known as side bones: navicular disease, a very frequent cause of lameness among town-worked horses of the lighter class, due to inflammation of the small bone known as the ' ' navicular, ' ' over which the tendon passes and plays like a pulley before it becomes inserted into the main bone of the foot; this ciondition can be recognized by contraction of the heels, and the short pottering style of action that subjects of this disease affect; it generally attacks both fore feet,. and hence there is no drop- ping to indicate special lameness in a particular limb, a condition frequently availed of by ignorant or deceitful men to pronounce the animal sound; as the inflammation of the bone progresses, it ultimately results in an ulcerated, and consequently very sore, condition of the articulatory surface over which the perforans tendon plays; in this manner the diseased process extends to the tendon, the fibres of which become degenerated, and in the long run many of them are ruptured. When a horse is the subject of navicular disease, he may be observed, while in the stable, point- ing first one foot and then the other; on coming out of the stable he will move like " a cat on hot bricks;" after going some dis- tance and ''getting warm,'" the worst features of the tenderness wear off, and the animal assumes a bolder style of action; let the horse, however, stand still for a time and get cool, and all the original cramped action recurs; further evidence of the existence of this diseased condition is presented by heat, tenderness and redness in the hollow of the heel, upon pressure being brought to bear on these parts; but the most conclusive evidence of its exist- ence is obtained from the peculiar stiff gait and stilty action that characterizes the movement of an animal suffering therefrom. The treatment of old-standiug cases of navicular disease is very SPRAINS OF TENDONS, LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLES. 297 unsatisfactory, and the prospects of success are extremely un- promising; if, however, it can be detected in the earlier stages there is good reason to anticipate the realization of a successful outcome of the treatment we advocate; the most important matter for the owner to arrive at in the first instance is the detection of the incipient stage — that is, when the bone is becoming congested and before the inflammation has become thoroughly established. The question then arises, how is this point to be determined ? The process of development is slow and insidious, a point certainl}- in favor of treatment, if it is recognized in the early stages; and we should certainly recommend an owner to allow his suspicions to be aroused if a hor.se was observed pointing either one or both feet w^hen standing in the stable; further, if an animal, on being brought out, went slightly lame for a short distance, after which the lameness graduall}^ wore off; if the natural action of the horse showed a tendency to shorten; if there be occa.sional heat, tender- ness and redness in the hollow of the heel; if regular fast work seemed to intensify the tendency to temporary lameness; w'ith these symptoms present we should certainl}^ consider it wnse to suspect incipient navicular disease, and especially so if there were neither splints nor corns present to affect the action of the horse. The treatment under such circumstances would involve a necessity for complete rest; the removal of the shoes; the horse should be compelled to stand in a bed of wet clay during the day, and at night be allowed a bed of moss peat; when taken out of the wet clay, the feet and legs should be carefully washed, the hollow of the heels be thoroughly rubbed with Aniica lotion, usual strength; afterwards the heels should be well padded with tow saturated with the Aniica lotion and surrounded with an ordinary compress to keep the tow moist; for internal medication give ten grains of Silicca 6x, night and morning; this course of treatment should be continued regularl}^ for a fortnight or three weeks; the horse should then be tried without shoes, and if the symptoms indicated as suspicious of navicular disease are discontinued and the animal goes sound, gentle work might be resumed; if not, the treatment had better be continued for a further period; but under no circumstances should a horse that has once gone lame from this cause be shod with ordinary shoes; resort should be had to the Charlier shoe in order to bring pressure upon the sole and frog, or the concussion and jar 298 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 'experienced with the ordinary shoe will soon set up the diseased condition once again. In well-established cases of navicular disease, where the horse is in all other respects a useful animal and the owner is reluctant to destroy it, a blister round the coronet might be tried, the best agent being the Biniodide of mercury ointment, and that because mercury has a specific action upon bony tissue; we have not much faith in this procedure, at the same time it might be put to the test; if this proves useless and the desire to retain the services of the horse is very strong, we should recommend that a veterinary surgeon be called in to perform the operation of neurotomy, as by this means the horse would be rendered insensible to pain and might, at all events, do slow work; before determining to have the operation performed it is well to remember that occasionally unfavorable results follow it, such as rupture of the tendon, fracture of the navicular bone and sloughing of the hoof; if an owner is prepared to run the slight risk of these possible untoward results, the operation will certainly enable the horse to move with- out pain, and so long as the bisected nerve remains disunited no indications of lameness will be observable. lyAMiNiTiS is probably one of the most painful diseases, while it lasts, to which a horse is subject; it is inflammation of the sensi- tive structures of the foot; a large proportion of these sensitive structures consist of laminae or leaves surrounding the pedal bone, -which fit into corresponding horny laminae or leaves all round the horny wall; among these layers of leaves or laminae an enormous number of blood vessels are situated; this fact accounts in a great measure for the agonizing pain experienced by a horse that is the subject of this disease, as the blood vessels become engorged with an excess of blood, which of necessity results in considerable swelling of the sensitive structures, and these being enclosed within the unyielding wall of horn, from which there is no escape, great pressure is brought to bear upon them, the con- gested vessels can obtain no relief, hence the extreme pain and agony. All practical horsemen know that when a horse has been the subject of a severe attack of inflammation of the foot it is no unusual thing for the animal to have what is called "dropped sole," and it may be interesting to know how this comes about; whenever blood-vessels are congested with an undue quantity of SPRAINS OF TENDON'S, LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLES. 299 blood, a condition that precedes and attends inflammatory action in whatever part of the body it is present, an exudation of the fluid constituents of the blood takes place; this fluid, which escapes from the blood vessels must find room somewhere, and in laminitis it occupies the spaces between the sensitive and horny laminae; this exudate or fluid, as it increases in quantity, ultimately presses upon the anterior portion of the os pedis (bone of the foot) and so forces it in a downward direction, at which point the bone presses upon the sole, which as time goes on loses its normal con- cave shape and becomes convex, assuming the characteristic bulg- ing appearance and condition; the pressure which is thus brought to bear upon the sensitive sole interferes with its secretory powers and the horn becomes consequently degenerated and thin, ulti- mately resulting in protrusion of the pedal bone; a case that has gone to such extremes maj- fairly be looked upon as hopeless. Without, however, going to such an extreme, the inflammation by proper treatment may be induced to subside and the exudate which has been thrown out will become partially or entirely re- absorbed; but the most favorable cases and successful cures bear the distinguishing marks of laminitis by reason of an extension of the inflammation to the coronary band, the part where the horn is secreted and grows, something like the quick of the nail, as it is called, in the human subject; this inflammatory process of the coronary band gives rise to that ribbed or ringed condition of the horn frequently observed on the hoofs of horses; we do not wish to imply that all horses that have ringed hoofs have been the subjects of laminitis, but when the rings are very prominent and noticeable there is some reason for suspicion, and a person before purchasing a horse with these marks should thoroughly satisfy himself that the animal is in this, as in all other respects, sound and in good health, and particularly note the condition of the soles, in order to be sure that they are of normal concave shap^. Laminitis owes its origin to several causes, most of which are preventable by the exercise of ordinary care on the part of the owner and stableman; among the various causes are: standing in constrained position for a great length of time on board ship or a railway train; over exertion in hot weather; partaking of large quantities of heating or improper food, such as wheat; drinking cold spring water in large quantities when ov'erheated or much ex- 200 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. hausted; exposure to a draught or chill of cold air; inflammation of the internal organs, such as the lungs and bowels, has been known to precede an attack of laminitis; sharp galloping on a hard road. L,arainits may attack either the feet of the fore or the hind limbs, but it is rare for all four to be affected at one and the same time; the two fore feet are more frequently the seat of inflammation than the hind ones. Symptoms. — The horse is exceedingly lame and hardly capable of moving; when located in the fore feet these are advanced and what pressure is brought to bear on them is confined to the heels; the hind feet are drawn forward and upon them, as much of the weio-ht of the body as is possible is centred; the horse stands as it were '' all of a heap;'' when called upon to move the animal sways himself to and fro, rears up as it were on his hind legs, carrying the front legs forward with a swing and plants them on the ground very cautiously. When the hind feet are affected the horse stands with all four feet together under the median line of the abdomen. A horse wdth laminitis rarely stands long at a time if the opportunity is afforded him to lie down. The pulse is rapid, 70 to 80 beats a minute; the respirations are quicker than usual, and with nostrils dilated he blows hard; the body temperature rises to 104 degrees or 105 degrees; the feet are exceedin-, aud the parts dressed with crude powdered white arsenic, and the administration internally, three times a day, oi Arsoiicum album 3X; it may be necessary to pare away the unhealthy horn every day and to redress with the ichite arsenic as frequently, in order to keep the agent well applied to the affected parts; pledgets of tow should be applied, and these may be kept in position by inserting crosswise strips of wood or iron and fixing same under the shoes; but this dressing must not be applied consecutively without intermission or it will destroy the secretive powers of the sensitive sole. Under such circumstances the animal need not remain idle, as some work is beneficial, exercise being advantageous; this, with good dry food and strict cleanliness in the stable, will contribute towards a satis- factory cure. So soon as the diseased process seems to be arrested, the sole should be dressed with tar, and pledgets of tow saturated also with tar, should be applied, so as to bring some pressure to bear upon the parts as the horse walks. QuiTTORS are due to injuries of the feet internalh', whereb}' in- flammation, followed by suppuration, is set up; as the injury de- velops into suppuration, the matter which is unable to find an exit spreads, and small sinuses (or tubes) are formed, and extend until an abscess arises about the coronet; this bursts and leaves a little orifice out of which purulent and foetid matter exudes; as a rule this description of wound requires the attention of a skilled surgeon, for unless it is probed to the very bottom, and the neces- sary applications are brought to act upon the whole course of the sinuses, whatever depth or direction they take, a cure is impossi- ble; to effect this thoroughly it is sometimes — nay, very often — necessary to lay them open with an instrument specially manu- factured for the purpose; when the sinus has been probed to its bottom, and if necessary laid open, the best dressing to be applied is a strong solution of Bichloride of Mercury, one part to eight of water, but to keep this in solution will require the addition of some Hydrochloyic acid. A quittor is always productive of great pain and suffering, therefore complete rest is an absolute necessity. This will complete our consideration of diseases affecting the foot of the horse, as being sufficient for the purposes of this work; we have dealt with those most frequently occurring and easily .SPRAINS OF TENDONS, LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLES. 303 recognized by the amateur horseman, and we are of opinion that no good purpose would be served by attempting to treat of the more occult and less frequently presented forms of disease that are occasion?liv the causes of lameness. DISEASES OF THE EYES. These are not of frequent occurrence in the horse, but when they do present themselves are mainly limited to three causes, viz. , injuries due to blows; the presence of a foreign body, such as hay seeds or portions of chaff; and cold. In byegone times horses were frequentl}' the subjects of inflammation of one or both eyes by reason of the unhealthy condition of stables; but since owners have awoke to the necessity of studying the comfort and well- being of their animals by providing more light and more sanitary arrangements the occurrence of this disease is rare. Ophthai^mia is a term generally used to define the presence of inflammation of the conjunctiva, a fine membrane that lines both the eyelids and the front of the eyeball; ophthalmia may arise as the result of any of the causes we have already referred to; in former times one form of this disease was described as periodic ophthalmia, owing to the fact that it frequently recurred, but this we attribute to the unsanitar}^ conditions of the stables, and the cause that provoked the first attack was likewise accountable for those that followed, and the repeated recurrence of the attacks were respon- sible for the production of complete blindness in cases not a few. Ophthalmia that is due to injuries — such, for instance, as the blow from a whip lash, or to the presence of a foreign body, is easily accounted for and with equal readiness successfully treated; the presence of a foreign body demands its careful removal, and once discovered, nothing answers better for this purpose than a bird's feather; after the removal is effected the organ should be fomented with hot water, and a weak lotion of Arnica, one in twenty, applied with a piece of sponge; when the inflammation is set up by a blow or an injury of any kind, frequent fomentations should be adopted and a compress of Arnica lotion, about one in twelve, applied; the compress can be kept in position by a piece of linen cut to the shape of the head with holes to pass over the ears and tapes to tie round the jaw. 304 DISEASES OF THE EYES. 305 Ophthalmia which is due to cold or some constitutional cause, as is sometimes the case, requires treating according to general symp- toms, as follows: Aconite 3X when the pulse is quick, the skin dry and the tem- perature at all higher than normal. Belladonna 3X. — Evident pain, swelling and redness of the white parts; dryness of the membrane of the eyeball; intolerance of light. Euphrasia ix is par excellence the remedy when there is a pro- fuse secretion of tears; great sensitiveness to light; a tendency to rub the eye, as though it itched or stung, and especially when the lachrymal secretion flows down the nostrils. Argentiim nitricuin 3X for old-standing and chronic cases, when the lachrj-mal secretion is no longer thin, but has asumed a thick and purulent condition. Mercurius corrosivus 3X. — In acute forms of the disease, when the animal has an evident dread of light, and when the glands between the jaws and around the throat are swollen. Arsenicnin album 3X for w'eak, emaciated animals, and when the inflammation is obstinate and intractable; the lachrj-mal secre- tion is acrid and as it were burns the skin over which it flows; light aggravates the condition and produces an increased flow of the secretion; the horse shakes his head every now and again as though it experienced paroxysms of stabbing pain in the eyeballs. Accessory Measures. — The eyes should always and regularly be fomented with warm water, any agglutinated secretion should be carefully washed away, and when Aconite, Belladonna and Euphrasia are indicated, a compress saturated with a lotion of the remedy — about one in twelve — should be applied to the eyes as before directed. In those cases where Argentiim nitricum is indi- cated a solution made by dissolving two grains of Nitrate of Silver in an ounce of distilled water should be introduced over the eye- balls and under the eyelids, with a camel' s-hair brush, night and morning. Parasites. — A worm is occasionally observed floating about in the humor of the eye, especially among horses in India and Canada; the symptoms are those of inflammation, there is an in- tolerance of light and the eyelids are kept closed; it is prevalent among horses that are allowed to run loose in low, humid situa- 3o6 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. tions where stagnant water is found in abundance. The onl>' satisfactory method of treatment in such cases is to puncture the eyeball and allow the parasite to escape with the aqueous humor; this operation, however, should not be attempted by a layman, or permanent injury to the organ would most probably be the result. Fungus H^Ematodes is a form of disease that we have on several occasions met with; it consists of a dark vascular tumor, of a malignant character, that forms at the back of the eye, and unless arrested spreads until the whole of the eyeball and sometimes the bones which help to form the socket of the eye are involved; the cases that have come under our notice were all so far advanced that we made no effort to treat them medicinally, but performed the operation of removal of the whole organ; and after the heal- ing of the parts was completed one case was furnished with an artificial eye that answered the purpose of concealing the unsightl}^ appearance which an empty socket presents. Could the disease be discovered in its earlier stages, and before it had invaded the organ too far, we should think thaXPhosphonis 3x and Hydrastis ix might be administered with some good pros- pect of arresting further development and so affecting a cure. Cataracts are opacities of the crystalline lens or its capsule,, which prevent the rays of light from passing on to the retina and thus produce complete blindness or imperfect sight; it is under the latter condition that horses are rendered somewhat dangerous, especially to inexperienced drivers, from the tendency to shy, a habit which is due to the inability of the animal to properly dis- cern various objects on the road. In this country cataracts are attributed to frequent attacks of ophthalmia; whether this is cor- rect or not we are unable to say; but we confess to being some- what sceptical about it ; on the other hand it is generally admitted that cataracts of one or both eyes develop independently of any preceding inflammation; it is hardly possible to positively diagnose the presence of cataracts without the aid of the ophthalmoscope; the majority of veterinary surgeons claims to be able to recognizp the condition without the aid of this instrument, but for our own part we prefer to rely upon more positive evidence than is obtain- able by trusting to our unaided sight. In the human subject cataract is said to be due to various cau.ses, viz. , to diabetes; to old age; in association with some established constitutional disease; DISEASES OF THE EYES. 307 to injury; to matters congenital dating from birth; and to de- fective nutrition. As a rule cataracts develop slowh' and gradu- all}' and for some time the patient sees more or less distinctly; if, however, a horse that had not previously been guilty of the habit of shying when on the road takes to doing so, it would be wise to have the eyes carefulh' examined by an experienced veterinary oculist, and if in the opinion of such a practitioner a cataract is forming, medical treatment should be commenced; among oph- thalmic specialists, as a rule, surgical measures onl\- are relied upon; the idea of dissolving the cataract^nd clearing up the lens through the instrumentalit}' of internal medication is scouted as ridiculous; but as the result of our own experience, we are satisfied that such a course of procedure is not only rational, but most hopeful; more- over, we have the experience of Dr. Burnett, of London, who has written a most interesting brochure upon the subject, that he has been instrumental in curing quite a number of well-established cases of cataract, and had we not had some success in this line among our own patients and had simply to rel}^ upon the experi- ence of Dr. Burnett we should unhesitatingl}' advise the practice he so ably propounds; such experience as we have had has been among dogs, but we see no reason wh}', if the opportunity offered, the same line of treatment should not suffice for horses. The late Sir David Brewster appears to have formed the opinion that a re- lationship existed between salinity of the lens and the origin of cataract; this is a most singular fact, as Dr. Burnett seems to have arrived at a similar conclusion; nay, more than that, he advocates strongly that persons with a tendency to cataract should discon- tinue taking salt with their food, in the belief that salt tends to produce cataract; moreover, Natriim miiriaticum (which is the homoeopathist's name for salt when prepared as a remedial agent), in high attenuation, is the remedy which Dr. Burnett prescribed for several of the cases of cataract that he succeeded in curing, and it was this drug that we prescribed for and cured several dogs that were the subjects of undoubted cataract. Dr. Burnett, how- ever, with no uncertain sound, prodaims the absolute necessity of not relying upon any specific as a cure-all in different cases of cata- ract; he points out clearly, like the true homoeopath he is, that every case must be treated according to the totality of symptoms, not merely those that do exist, but those also that have existed 308 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. years before; no doubt prescribing with such precision as this is all important in the human subject, while it is well. nigh impossi- ble among the lower animals; still it is gratifying to know by ex- perience that cases of this description do yield to medical treat- ment, because the surgical procedures now in vogue for the removal of cataract cannot possibly be resorted to among our patients, and even if they could, we should never be adequately remunerated for performing them. Treatment. — Being satisfied that a horse is the subject of a cataract WQ should recommend the daily administration, first thing in the morning before any food or water are given, of Nat rum nmriaticum 12, twenty drops; continue this course of treatment for a week, and then discontinue for a week; alternating in this manner for one month; then have the eye examined by an inde- pendent oculist with a view to a report of the state of the eye, after which resume again; if at the end of two months no im- provement is apparent, we should resort to Silicea 30, twenty grains once daily for similar periods. Other remedies that have been recommended for cataractous eyes are Belladonna after an attack of ophthalmia; Calcarea carb. when the animal is naturall}' ema- ciated and poor; S ulphiir \vhen chronic eruptions of the skin are present; Mercurius, Conium and Phosphorus, the selection depend- ing of course upon any special symptoms to which these remedies are chiefly applicable in addition to those connected with the eyes -more immediately. Entropium or inversion of the eyelids, and ECTROPiUM or eversion of the eyelids, are occa.sionally, but rarely, observed in the horse; when they do so occur, the services of an experienced veterinary surgeon should be called in to perform the necessary operation for alleviation of these respective conditions. DISEASES OF THE EARS. We have never, in the course of our experience, come across a case of disease of the ear in the horse, and with the exception of occasional injuries, there would appear to be nothing calhng for special treatment in the organs of hearing among the equine race. 309 OCCASIONAL DISEASES. Poll Evil is due to injury or violence brought to bear upon the top of the head; it may be caused by the willful act of some malicious person, .or the horse itself may inflict an injury by sud- denly throwing up the head and striking it against a cross beam; while by some it has been attributed to the habitual use of a Bear- ing rein. Whatever be the cause, the result is the same — ^namely, inflammation of the dense connective tissue wdiich lies under the skin just behind the ears; as the consequence of the inflammation suppuration is established, a large swelling is formed that ulti- matel}' has to be opened or bursts spontaneously; in con.sequence of the lowly organized character of the dense tissues in and about this part of the head, and the tendency that suppuration has to go deeper and deeper among them rather than come to the surface, burst and discharge, it is always desirable, by means of hot fomentations and poultices to hasten on the maturation of the ab- scess and then open it wdth a free incision at the base of the swell- ing and thus allow the matter (pus) to escape. In some cases of long standing the natural tendency which pus has to burrow leads to the formation of deep-seated fistulous ulcers which take the form of tubular cavities about the size of a goose quill; therefore, when an abscess of this description has been freel}^ laid open, it is still necessar}^ to examine its base and sides with a vulcanite probe to discover if any of these sinuses exist; if so, they also must be laid open so that the imprisoned pus may obtain an exit and the whole of the walls of the sinuses be properly dressed. One good dressing of the solution of Bichloride of Mercury, the same strength as that used for quittor, will frequently serve to arrest the tendency to form pus and convert the whole into a healthy-looking wound; however, should the one dressing not suffice, it must be repeated at about half the strength, and should there remain any sinuses but incompletely laid open these should be carefully injected with the lotion by means of a glass syringe. 'JIG OCCASIONAL DISEASES 311 Fistulous Withers are precisely the same sort of disease process as poll evil and resemble this morbid condition in all re- spects except the locality; the withers of some horses are so ex- ceptionally prominent that unless a saddle be expressl)^ made for a particular animal it fails to fit properly, and contused bruises are the natural consequence. Treatment on the same lines as for poll evil must be adopted; while in both diseases much benefit will accrue from the internal administration of Silicea 6x, three times daily until the wound is healed up. DISEASES OF THE SKIN. We shall make no attempt to arrange these diseases into any- thing like the orders and distinctions which are observed by dermatologists for the reason that the study of these disorders takes a much more simple form among horses than it does in the human subject; moreover, such forms as the veterinarian has to deal with among his patients seem to yield more readil}' to treat- ment than do many of the varieties observed in man; so far as our experience goes, and we can, without rendering ourselves charge- able with egotism, claim to have had a fairly extensive one in this direction, we have found that a very large majority of cases of skin diseases in the horse are due to parasitic mange; once this gets foothold in a stable there is no telling when it will be got rid of, unless an owner is willing to subject himself to an infinitude of trouble, so infectious is this disease and so readily is it conveyed from one animal to another; at the proper place, when mange comes under consideration, we shall offer our schedule of instruc- tions, and provided they be carried out in their strict integrity, the disease may be eradicated from a stable but not without; one iota of omission will render all previous efforts fruitless and as though they had never been conducted. In the first place, we shall refer to those forms of skin disease which owe their origin and development to constitutional causes, and are of a non-infectious character. Erythema is an inflammator)- redness of the skin of an uni- form character always attended by heat, and occasionally by swelling and irritation; this form of disease is due generally to cold, wet, friction and undue pressure. Cold, wet and frost are frequently accountable for the development of an erythema that results in the long run in cracked heeus and mud FEVER; the former requires no further explanation, but in the latter, which usually comes out as the result of wet and frost, the skin of the legs, arms, thighs and surface of abdomen are considerably swol- 312 DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 313 len, the parts are irritable and tender; the flexures of the knees and hocks develop cracks, and occasionally a serous fluid exudes therefrom; these conditions are described commonly as mallex- DERS and SAivLENDERS; under these circumstances constitutional symptoms are developed, as evidenced by an elevation of internal temperature and an abnormally rapid pulse, and until these febrile sj^raptoms are relieved the local manifestations show no signs of abatement. Treatment. — Aconite 3X when brought on through cold, chill and wet; when temperature is elevated; the skin dry and hot, at- tended with some irritation and considerable burning; in the early stages. Rhus toxicodendron 3X for itching and burning, going on to vesicular eruptions; and b}^ means of external application of same, consisting of one part mother tincture, two parts of glj^cerine and nine parts of water, gently dabbed on with a sponge and the oper- ation repeated night and morning. Graphites 3X for cracked heels, mai^i^enders and sai^len- DERS when the surrounding parts are dry and harsh and the cracks exude an excoriating discharge. Callendida (-J one part, glycerine two parts and water three parts, to be locally applied to cracked heels, and the cracks in Mallen- DERS and Sali^enders; to be applied to the affected parts three or four times a day with a sponge. Urticaria is a form of skin disease not infrequently seen in the horse, consisting of various shaped swellings that form rapidl}- over any part of the body; the swellings var}' in size from that of a pea to a walnut, having rather flat surfaces; the eruption is not unlike the wheals formed through the sting of a nettle, hence the common designation NETTLE rash; it is accompanied by a ting- ling irritation which causes the animal to bite and rub it-self; it is considered to arise as the cause of some stomach derangement; and being very capricious, sometimes departs as rapidly as it came; in tho.se cases, however, that last on and demand treat- ment it is not unusual to find a very fine outer layer of the skin peeling off after the febrile symptoms are abated, and following upon this the hair falls out in patches. Treatment. — Apis 3X in simple cases due to a slight chill or exposure in the burning hot sun. 314 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. Urtica urens B applied locally as a lotion, one part of the drug to four parts each of methylated spirit and water, and internally the usual dose of the third decimal attenuation; this in uncompli- cated cases. Antimonmm criidum 3X when due to stomach derangement and the tongue is thickly coated with white fur. Bryonia 3X in cases where the rash comes out quickly and de- parts as rapidly only to come out again m a short time; this is described as sudden retrocession. Vera f rum viride for outward application when the swellings or wheals are extremely tender and irritable; one part to four each of methylated spirit and water. Accessory Measures. — Much relief may be afforded by sponging the horse all over with hot water, as it soothes the irri- tation and renders the skin more amenable to the action of the local dressings. Exposure to sudden changes of temperature must, for a time at least, be avoided; great cleanliness in the body and general surroundings must be observed; moderate exercise must be given and no corn of a more stimulating character than oats is to be allowed, Simple Eczema — non-contagio2is and thei'efore non-parasitic — is characterized by more or less redness of a superficial kind, upon which small vesicles, about the size of a pin's head, form; these alternately burst, discharge a serous fluid, after which the}^ seem to run together and over a more or less extended area crusts or scabs form and dry. Locally a good deal of heat and irritation prevails, and successive crops spring up. The chief point in the treatment is to commence as soon as the vesicles appear and before they burst and discharge. We have rarely found any remedy beyond Rhus toxicodendron necessary; so far as any drug can be a specific this is in simple eczema. Internal administration is, of course, a sine-qua-non, but this must be supplemented by the out- ward application of a lotion consisting of one part of the mother tincture to eleven of water and be frequently dressed over the affected areas; should the disease have fullj^ developed and crusts or scabs have formed, an ointment consisting of Vaseline eight parts, Glycerine two parts and Rhus tox. one part should be thoroughly blended together and applied carefully twice daily. Eczema Impetiginodes is a form of this eruption often seen DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 315 in gross constitutioned cart horses that have much hair about their legs; it is commonly called grease; the disease generally origi- nates in the heels and hollow of the fetlocks; in the first place vesicles form, these are rapidly followed by pustules, which burst and discharge a foetid, unhealthy pus; the hind limbs are gener- ally the seat of the eruption, which as it develops sets up an in- flammation in the connective tissue around the back tendons that produces considerable tenderness; here a further crop of pustules spring up, these discharge and the secretion irritates the skin over which it flows, producing superficial cracks and ulceration, until large fungoid growths are formed, commonly known as GRAPES; these fungoid excrescences are supposed to be due to the inflammation of the sebiparous (or sweat) glands, and ultimately — if unchecked or imperfectly treated — thej^ become hard, rounded elevations. If through neglect this is allowed to go on and still further affect the leg, the fibrous tissue becomes alarmingly thick- ened until the legs are such a size that it is termed elephanti- asis. Whether their presence is accidental or otherwise there is no doubt that in cases of grease of long standing there are always present large numbers of snvaXX parasites called acari, and before a cure can be effected some dressing must be applied, and that thoroughly, which is capable of destroying these parasites. The exciting cause, in the first instance, is doubtless dirt and neglect, while sometimes improper food may have something to do with it; but we believe the main cause to which it may be at- tributed is constitutional tendenc}'. Treatment depends entirely upon the extent to which the disease has attained; in the first place, when from the offensive discharge, the heat and swelling, it is quite clear that the disease is thoroughly established, it is necessary to poultice the leg with boiled turnips; or with spent hops or linseed meal — anything, indeed, that has a tendency to soothe and soften the skin; after continuing this for a day or two the legs should be carefully washed with some non-irritating soap, thereafter dried as well as is possible and the long hairs cut off as closel}' as can be with a pair of scissors, after which an ointment of Benzoated zbic should be applied all over the affected parts; while internally Kali bichromicum 3X should be administered three times a day. If in a few days this does not arrest the formation of the offensive discharge and induce the 3i6 VETERINARY HOMOeOPATHY. sores to heal, a lotion, consisting of Bichloride of Mercury, one drachm dissolved in sixteen fluid ounces of boiling water, to which when cool, should be added four fluid ounces of Glycerine, should be carefully applied three times a day with a soft piece of sponge; this will effectually destroy all the acari that may be on the legs in about two days; a small quantity only of this lotion must be applied at one dressing, just sufficient to cover the whole affected surface, but not more, lest the Mercury should become absorbed into the S3'stem. After the acari are destroyed the treatment ex- ternally may revert to the Benzoated zinc ointment; but if this does not seem to do the desired good, while the itching and irri- tation is very intense, an ointment of Bismuth nitrate, one part to eight of prepared lard, while internally Croton tiglium ix should be administered three times a day. In old-standing chronic cases it will be better to give from the commencement Arsenicum album 3x, three time a day, and bathe the legs with a lotion made by mixing Liquor arsenicalis (B. P.), one ounce in a pint of dis- tilled water, and frequently applying same to the legs and that liberally. If the case has developed into one of grapes it will be well to try dressing the legs with a lotion consisting of equal parts of Tincture of Iodine, Methylated spirit and water, and to administer internally lodiiun 3X three times a day, after first cleansing the leg with poultices and washing for two or three days. "Occasionally, when the grapes are but small. Clematis 0, in- ternally, and externally as an ointment in the proportion of one part of the tincture to eight parts of vaseline, will be found effec- tual; it is hardly possible to say which of these various methods of treatment is the best; it is not easy to differentiate between the cases, the constitutional symptoms do not enable one to readily distinguish between them, nor do they render any aid in dis- criminating that which is most appropriate. Accessory Measures. — Much aid to treatment can be ob- tained from careful dietary; during the summer the food should be confined to artificial grasses: but in the winter carrots, pars- nips, turnips, or even mangold with sweet last season's hay chaff , and about one- fourth the ordinary allowance of corn (oats). Twice a week a mash consisting of boiled linseed, which has been gradually simmering for three or four hours, mixed with a suffi- SCABIES — MANGE. 317 ciency of bran, and if necessary, to make it palatable, a small quan- tity of condiment like Thorley's food may be added. When the legs are washed soft water should be used. Out of door exercise is desirable when led by hand, but ordinary work should not be attempted. Great cleanliness must be observed in the stable, and if it can be obtained, moss peat should be used instead of straw for bedding. SCABIES— MANGE Is a contagious form of skin disease which is due to the presence of one of the minute microscopical animal parasites; of these there are three kinds which attack the horse; the sarcoptes, which bur- row under the epidermis into the substance of the skin; the SYMBioTES which congregate in goodly numbers but only pene- trate the superficial layers of the epidermis; and the dermato- DECTES that cHng about the hairs and bite the skin; the result of the irritation set up by the.se parasites is the production of a serous, fluid and it is supposed to be this serosity which the creatures live upon. The sarcoptes, from their habit of burrowing under the epidermis, render the methods of treatment more diSicult, as the females lay their eggs in long channels or galleries, and unless the agent that is u.sed for the destruction of the parasite pene- trates to the depth of these galleries and dissolves the eggs, they will in all probability hatch out in three or four days and a fresh batch of parasites be raised; for this reason it is occasionally necessary to dress a horse a second or even a third time. With the two classes called symbiotes and dermatodectes the treatment is much more simple, and, as a rule, one dressing sufl&ces. The dermatodectic scabies is considered by some writers to be more frequent than either of the other two classes; our experience does not agree with this; certainly eighty per cent, of the cases we hare treated have been the sarcoptic scabies. Symptoms. — The neck and shoulders, mane and tail are the favorite haunts of these para.sites; their presence is indicated by small lumps forming in the skin which soon burst and discharge an acrid fluid; this serous fluid dries and forms a scab; in a short time the skin feels thicker to the hand and assumes a wrinkled appearance; wherever the exuded fluid touches the surface of the skin, the hair falls off in considerable quantities; at all times the: 3l8 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. hair stands on end and gives the horse a very ill-favored appear- ance. These parasites may certainly be said to be prolific in their powers of reproduction; after sexual intercourse the female com- mences to burrow under the skin and is said to deposit one egg a day, the meanwhile boring her way under the epidermis; having formed a canal and deposited her ova, she dies; but the numerous eggs she has laid hatch out with the heat of the horse's body in about eight to ten days, and by five weeks these youthful parasites have attained sexual maturity and immediately commence the process of reproduction; from these facts it will be quite clear that only a comparatively short period elapses before a horse is covered with these troublesome guests; and it will also be apparent that if one sexually mature female is left behind after treatment, the whole process will have to be gone over once more, hence the im- perative necessity for thoroughness. The parasites will live for some weeks apart from their natural host, located in brushes, on the sides of stalls and mangers, among harness and clothing, indeed, anywhere or in anything that the original has come in contact with during the period of the attack of the mange; the most diagnostic symptom of the sarcoptic variety is the presence on the neck and shoulders of the semi-circular wrinkles or furrows in the skin. Of course, it goes without saying, that the itching and irritation is intense, provoking the poor horse to rub and gnaw himself continually, and to stamp with his feet; indeed, at times it appears well nigh driven to distraction. Treatment of the hor.se itself; thoroughly .saturate the coat from head to tail with the following compound mange dress- ing, not leaving one hair without the application; allow the dress- ing to remain on three whole days and nights, after which the horse must be thoroughly washed with hot water and a non-irri- tating soap that lathers freely, once a day for three successive days. Prescription, for mange dressing: Unguent Hydrarg. Fort., one ounce; Ol. Terebinth, eighteen ounces; Ol. Pics, ten ounces; Hellebore Alb. pulv., one ounce; Sulphur Flav. pulv., two pounds; Bolarmenia, two ounces; dissolve the Unguent Hydrarg. in the Ol. Terebinth, carefully, and add sufficient Ol. Uini to make up to seven pounds. This quantity is about sufficient for dressing one full-sized draught horse. The dressing should be constantly shaken while being applied to the patient. SCABIES — MANGE. 319 To treat the horse alone, however, will prove useless; all brushes and clothing that have been used for and about the animal should be burned; the stable ought to be fumigated by burn- ing powdered Sulphur over a charcoal fire; the windows, doors and apertures being thorough!}' closed meanwhile; the fumigation should be kept constantly going for four or five hours; thereafter the walls, sides of stalls and mangers should be thoroughly washed down with a solution of Bichloride of Mercury, of the strength of one in five hundred; with this solution also the harness must be thoroughly washed, especially the collar and the saddle pads; also the shafts of the conveyance in which the animal may have been previous! }' working; the clothing of the stableman who has been attending the horse, ought to be sent to the cleaners and properly treated, and under no circumstances should this man be allowed to touch other horses that are free from disease, until the patient is cured and his clothes are cleaned, for the contagion is readily conveyed through the medium of clothing. After the patient has been submitted to this course of treatment, it should be narrowly watched for two or three weeks, and in case of any symptoms of irritation remaining, the animal should again be subjected to a second course. Horses are occasionally troubled with LICE; there are three distinct varieties, but it is a very rare •occurrence to find them upon the equine race unless they become infested through coming in too close contact with poultry, in which case no surer method of destroying the invaders can be suggested than a thorough dressing with the mange compound already given. A form of vegetable parasite of a contagious character, the tinea tonsurans, or ringworm, is not infrequently found among horses; it appears in the first instance in the form ■of small spots, which gradually increase and appear to run together or coalesce; ultimately a thin crust of oval or circular shape forms of a pale yellow color with raised edges. No little trouble is experienced to get rid of this disease, for it would appear that the development of the parasitic growth is fostered by constitutional tendencies, and it does not appear sufficient to simply use dressing that will destroy the fungus alone, the ad- ministration of internal remedies to render the soil less favorable to its growth is required. For local application nothing is better 320 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. than blue Mercurial ointment; while internally, Arsenicum alburn^ Sulphur and Calcarea curb may be administered with advantage. INTERNAL PARASITES. According to the late Dr. Cobbold, a well-known teacher of Helminthology at the Ro5'al A^eterinary College, in Ivondon the species of parasites that infest the horse are fairly numerous, but their importance in relation to disease is of less consequence than is the case with some other orders of domesticated animals. Tape worms are rarely found in the horse and are at all times compara- tively small in size. The most commonly found parasites, are the Ascaris Megalocephala a long round worm, and the Oxyuris Curoula or maw worm; these, however, are with comparative ease got rid of; the former by a few doses of Aloes, followed bj" a course of Sulphate of Iron in moderately substantial doses — say half a drachm ever}^ other day mixed with the usual medical aromatics; or from one to three ounces — according to the size of the animal — of Oil of Turpentine mixed with linseed oil, from half a pint to a pint will generally serve to destro}^ numbers of these large parasites. For the maw worm whose habitat is the rectum and colon, an enema of solution of Quassia three or four days in succession will generally dislodge these irritating little parasites, whose presence can always be determined, even though the worms are not observed among the faeces, by the whitish deposit round the fundament, the attention being first drawn to the horse con- tinually endeavoring to rub his tail against the sides of the stall. The internal administration of Cina 3X, night and morning, for a month consecutively has a very favorable influence on the consti- tution and doubtless produces such a healthy state of the mucous membrane lining the intestinal canal, that the locality becomes unfavorable to the life and existence of these parasites. There is one torm of parasite designated the Stroxgylus Armatus which gives rise in old horses to aneurisms oi the mesenteric artery; but its presence is not easily diagnosed with any certainty even by specialists, so that no useful purpose would be served by attempt- ing to suggest a prescription; were we to do so, seeing that it is included among the class of round worms, we should recommend a long course of Cina 3X on the principle already laid down. lu INFLAMMATION. 321 the article upon the diseases of the eye passing reference was made to the occasional presence therein of a worm; this is designated the Filaria papulosa, and as already stated, the only method of disposing of this parasite is to remove it by operative surgery. Although it is almost universally deemed necessary to destro}'- the in- ternal parasite by the administration of some drug that will destroy, there is in this course of procedure an invariable attendant risk of either poisoning the host or producing in it the pathogenetic action of the drug; and we are much more favorable to the slower and more tedious process of treating the host with a long course of medicine in a moderate homoeopathic attenuation with a view to constitutional remedial action; as has already been said, to render the intestines or other locality an unfit place of habitation for the parasite, and so starve it out as it were, such a result we believe to be quite within the region of possibility, although the sugges- tion may make a considerable demand upon the credulity of most persons; it goes without saying, strong drugs cannot be adminis- tered for the destruction of worms without exercising some bane- ful influence upon the horse; for instance, although oil of turpen- tine will in all probability effectually destroy a large proportion of the worms present in the animal, there is a great risk of its setting up strangury. Aloes, in sufficient quantities and given often enough, will without doubt clear out the parasites, but its administration for this purpose is very likely to set up super- purgation or even inflammation of the intestines; it is therefore worthy of serious consideration of horse owners whether it is not worth a trial to dispose of these troublesome and undesirable guests by means of middle measures; as already indicated Cina 3x is a successful remedy; Spigelia ix might also be put to the test, especially if giddiness, colic, lassitude and itching at the anus are marked symptoms. INFLAMMATION. We propose to offer a few suggestions upon the nature and character of this process, because in the first place it is frequently referred to in the course of this work, and also because such indefinite ideas concerning it prevail in the minds of laymen generally, the term laymen being adopted to distinguish between 322 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. those who have studied medicine and qualified and those who have not. Inflammation, as used by horsemen, stablemen or even horse knackers, is applied in the most general and vague manner to any- serious case of illness among animals that proves fatal; if you inquire of a man what a horse died of, the answer as a rule is " inflammation;'' that word is used as a definition with which to conjure; it is referred to with awe-inspiring feelings, as though an animal that is once the victim of inflammation cannot possibly recover save by fire or at least a miracle. A horse dies, the carcass is removed to the slaughterers to be disposed of; on being opened it is discovered that the lungs are black in color, instead of a bright pink as m health; the blood vessels contain blood clots and the whole organ is otherwise surcharged with black-looking fluid; the slaughterman at once pronounces it inflammation, and the groom accordingly leaves to report this sage piece of informa- tion to the owner of the horse; he in his ignorance of this particu- lar subject, is perfectly satisfied. All the while there was nothing- like the semblance of inflammation affecting these organs; they were congested with an excessive quantity of blood it is true; it may be that during life congestion to a certain extent existed, but not in so pronounced a condition as was revealed at the autopsy; the large quantity of blood observed in the lungs was the result of post mortem effects; it had, in point of fact, gravitated there; had -a precise examination been made, it is more than probable that the lung on that side of the animal upon which it lay when dying was far the blackest, and contained the greatest quantity of clotted blood and serum, the result really of gravitation and noth- ing more; there was, in point of fact, no inflammation, either local or general. Perhaps the reader will say, well! if this is not in- flammation, pray what is inflammation, after all? So far as we can do so in plain, unconventional language, we will try to ex- plain; because it is of importance that he who treats his own horse should clearly understand that the process is a definite and precise one and not a sort of generalized condition that serves to cover all the most serious complaints to which animals are subject in one comprehensive name. Inflamm^jtion may be either GENERAL when me enure system is implicnf.ed, or local when some particular organ is the seat upon which k* main force is INFLAMMATION. 323 concentrated. The exciting causes of inflammation are various, among which the following are included: Mechanical injury^ the result of a wound or bruise; chemical irritants, as when a can- tharides blister is applied to the skin; excessive heat or cold, as when an animal is exposed to sudden and extreme changes of temperature; and the introduction into the system of deleterious animal products like bacteria. We have already stated that inflammation may be either general or local; after we have attempted to explain the actual changes that take place as the result of inflammation, or rather that are dependent upon the condition known as inflammation, it will be seen why it is that inflammation of the local order occurs much more frequently than the general; by this we wish to be under- stood as meaning that special organs, as the lungs, kidneys, liver, et cetera, and very frequently only limited areas of these organs are more often the seat of the changes involved in the inflam- matory process than the body generally. The changes which take place in the process called inflammation involves, ist. The blood, the blood vessels and the circulation of the blood. 2d. The tissues through which the blood vessels so affected ramify and extend. In the first place we must remind the student what the compo- sition of the blood is; and in so doing shall refer onh' to its three principal constituents: (a) The liquor sanguinis or fluid portion; (^b^ the red corpuscles, and (r) the white corpuscles or leucocytes. The red corpuscles are circular, convex at the edges, and concave at the centres; thej' form about forty per cent, of the entire mass of the blood, and are the cause of its color and density. The white corpuscles are far less numerous than the red, and in com- parative weight much lighter, evidence of which appears when blood coagulates or forms into a clot, the light colored portion al- ways coming to the top; the shape of a white corpuscle varies considerably; if a single drop of blood is placed upon a glass slide, covered with a slip, and thereafter examined under a micro- scope, the red blood cells will be easily discerned by their shape and also by their movements, they keep up a continual .stream, by rapidly passing from one end to another of the slide, while the white corpuscles adhere to the sides of the slide. Whatever maj' be the cause of inflammation its consequen..es 324 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. are, as regards the blood vessels, arteries and veins, more or less dilatation, which gradually increases for some hours and then for awhile remains stationary. The circulation of the blood in the affected area is marked by increased rapidity in the early stages; after an excess of blood has flowed into the affected area a change takes place; the rate of flow slows down and ultimately this is followed by stagnation; an unusually large number of red cor- puscles are crowded into the space so invaded; this is the state of affairs so far as the central area is concerned; just outside the affected zone there is an area in which the circulation is observ- able, though sluggish in character, while on the outside of all the current of blood keeps up a rapid circulation, as though to com- pensate for the sluggish and stagnant condition of the central portion. In the blood itself important changes are effected; the white corpuscles accumulate in the vessels, especially the veins, and consistent with their natural tendency, they adhere to the -walls until layer after layer is formed and the lumen of the vessel is blocked up, thus bringing about a stoppage of the blood flow; after a time it would seem that they migrate and ultimately force their way through the walls of the bloodvessels; their ability to effect this change of location is due doubtless in no light degree ■ to their capacity of effecting an alteration in shape; as liberated white corpuscles they are known by the name of leucocytes, under which condition they wander about among the surrounding tissues; the red corpuscles are endowed with similar capacity to segregate together, and to effect a passage through the walls of the blood ves- sels, chiefly the capillaries, whose walls are of much more delicate fabrication than either arteries or veins; at the same time they do not migrate so freely as do the white corpuscles. The liquid por- tion of the blood (or at all events some of its consistent elements) ■exudes through the vessels and spreads itself over the surround- ing tissues. Now! what about the tissues through which the blood vessels pass and among which the blood, that has wandered •out of the vessels, has become distributed; passing reference must be made to the fact that muscle, skin, mucous and serous mem- branes, and all other tissues when reduced to their primary elements consist of cells; it is these cells that the inflammatory process acts upon, either destroying them entirel3^ or so interfer- ing with their nutrition that thev are starved and die; this fact INFLAMMATION. 325 "will be better understood if we call to mind that the skin, ov'er an inflamed sore, dies and peels off; this serves as an illustration of the result of inflammation when it proceeds to extremes or is not arrested by medical treatment. The foregoing is a rough and ready statement of what takes place during the development of inflammation; but when the process is arrested or stays its pro- gress of its own accord, what becomes of the blood corpuscles, white and red, et cetera, which have got out of their normal channel and are hence nothing less than foreign products among the other tissues ? Something must be done with them; they must either be re- stored to their original locality or be disposed of in some way. The term resolution is applied to the change which has to take place in order that nature may be restored to her original state; resolution consists of a subsidence of the vascular disturbance; the absorption of the exuded elements; the corpuscles have to undergo a. change, similar to fatty degeneration, to enable them to be re- absorbed into the blood vessels. The fluid portions of ihe exuda- tion that are not resolved in the manner referred to may, according to their characteristics, remain among the tissues or collect into a :given space; while these and the corpuscles also develop pus and bring about what is known as the suppurative process; the pus collects in cavities, or invades the substance of tissues and organs, forming abscesses; while still further results of inflammation may l)e enumerated in softening and general destruction of affected tissues; thickening and induration of tissues; ulceration and death of the affected parts. Whether we have succeeded in producing anything like an understandable explanation of what is involved in the inflamma- tory process or not, we trust that, at least, it is made plain that by inflammation of this organ or that, something more than a commonplace change has been effected, and that the term is not a mere vague expression without any definite characteristics of its own. CODE OF COMMON SUGGESTIVE SYMPTOMS. Abscesses, internal. — Blood Poisoning, Pneumonia, Pharyn- gitis. Abscesses on body. — Blood Poisoning. Abscesses at root of tooth. — Caries. Abdomen, enlarged and pendulous. — Drops}'. Action when lifting legs sharp and jerky with very cau- tious putting down of the feet. — Shiverer. Anxious countenance. — Congestion of I^ungs, Asthma, Gas- tritis, Rupture of Stomach, Peritonitis. Appetite capricious. — Chronic Glanders, Indigestion, Dropsy, Diabetes Insipidus. Appetite, loss of. — Simple Fever, Bilious Fever, Erysipelas, Glanders, Weed, Lymphangitis, Purpura, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Newmarket Fever, Possible Poisoning, Dysentery, Congestion of the lyiver. Blood dark, does not form clot. — Blood Poisoning, Purpura. Blood spots, small on nasal membrane. — Purpura. Blood oozes from swellings about body. — Purpura. Blood drips continuously from swellings. — Purpura. Body covered with patches of cold sweat. — Congestion of Ivungs, Palpitation, Bowel Obstruction, Crebro-spinal Meningitis. Bones of the face bulge out. — Advanced Nasal Gleet. Breathing becomes weak with deep sighing. — Rupture of Stomach. Breath drawn in easily and quickly. — Asthma. Breath foul. — Bilious Fever, Erysipelas, Caries. Breathing irregular. — Carditis, Meningitis, Cerebro-spinal Meningitis. Breath expired with difficulty. — x\sthma, Heart Disease. Breathing rapid and distressed. — Pleurisy, Newmarket 327 328 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. Fever, Palpitation, Carditis, Spasm of Diaphragm, Flatulent Colic, Lock-jaw. Breathing quickened. — Simple Fever, Bilious Fever, Stran- gles, Er3^sipelas, Glanders, Farcy, Anthrax, Rheumatism, Weed, Lymphangitis, Rabies, Purpura, Common Cold, Laryngitis, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Newmarket Fever, Aneurism, Congestion of the Liver, Mammitis. Champing and grinding of teeth. — Lock-jaw. Cheeks swollen. — Calculus in Parotid Duct (.see under Parotitis). Choke, tendency to, from swelling around throat.— Pur- pura. Constipated bowels. — Bilious Fever, Purpura, Pneumonia, Newmarket Fever, Enteritis, especially in Foals, Diabetes In- sipidus, Cerebritis, Meningitis. Constipation accompanied with dry cough — (See under Nitric Acid and Alumina article on Constipation). Convulsive struggles. — Anthrax, Vegetable Poisoning. Cough soft. — Strangles, Glanders, Common Cold, Broken wind . Cough hard and dry. — Laryngitis. Cough short and dry. — Bronchitis. Cough moist. — Pneumonia. Cough short and catchy. — Pneumonia. Cough difficult and painful. — Pleuris}', Asthma. Cough excited by exercise, eating or drinking. — Broken Wind. Cough accompanied by passing of wind per anum. — Broken Wind. Cough varied. — Sore Throat. Delirium. — Anthrax. Discharge of blood from natural outlets. — Anthrax. Difficulty in swallowing. — Sore Throat. Drink, constant desire to. — Temple Fever, Bilious Fever, Lymphangitis, Weed, Common Cold. Dropsical swelling of legs and abdomen. — Dilatation of the Heart. Drumlike state of abdomen. — Flatulent Colic. Dropsical effusions in the breast. — Nephritis. CODE OF COMMOxX SUGGESTIVE SYMPTOMS. 329. Dropsical effusion of the penis. — Nephritis. Dullness, lifelessness. — Chronic Glanders, Bronchitis, Pneu- monia, Dropsy, Congestion of the I^iver. Emaciated condition, — Aneurism, Dysentery, Diabetes In- sipidus. Endeavors to balance itself on its back. — Enteritis. Eructation of gas by the mouth. — Gastritis, Indigestion. Eyes, watery discharges from.— Common Cold, Pneumonia. Eyes, staring and bloodshot. — Cerebritis, Meningitis, Cere- bro-spinal Meningitis. Eyes, swollen and red. — Influenza, Common Cold, Conges- tion of Lungs, Pneumonia. Eyelids, swollen and diffused. — Gastritis. Exhaustion, indications of. — Blood Poisoning, Asthma. Exhaustion and distress. — Carditis. Fsecal evacuations very foetid. — Dysentery. Faecal evacuations with blood. — Dysentery. Faeces light-colored. — Bilious Fever. Fore legs set wide apart. — Pneumonia, Palpitation, Lock-jaw. Fore leg flexed and resting on toe. — Rheumatism. Food not digested. ^Bilious Fever. Food imperfectly masticated dropped in manger. — Caries. Frequent ineffectual attempts to lie down. — Colic, Flatu- lent Colic. Giddiness. — Erysipelas. Glands between back of jawbone and neck (parotid) swollen. — Parotitis. Glands parotid, swollen.— Laryngitis. Glands between jaws swollen and hard — Glanders, Nasal gleet. Glands between jaws swollen and soft. — Strangles, Nasal Gleet, Laryngitis. Great excitability. — Rabies. Grunting on being turned round. — Pleurisy. Gums swollen and tender. — Lampas. Head turned (either side) pointing to region of uterus. — Metritis. Head, inability to move sideways. — Parotitis. 330 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. Head turned to off side pointing to region of liver. — Con- gestiou of Liver. Head hanging down. — Congestion of Lungs. Head leaning on manger, — Brain, Teeth, Caries. Head pressed against \vall. — Anthrax, Indigestion with stupor. Head poked straight out. — Larjnigitis, Pneumonia, Indiges- tion, Lock-jaw. Heaving at the flanks— Influenza, Pneumonia. Hiccough. — Spasm of Diaphragm. Hind limbs flexed and resting on toe. — Rheumatism. Hind legs, stiffness of, dragging gait. — ^Nephritis, Shiverer. Hind fetlock joints knuckle over. — Constipation, Strain of Psoas Muscle. Hind quarters pressed against wall of stable. — Bowel Ob- struction. Impatient of pain. — Bowel Obstruction. Inability to swallow. — Strangles, Laryngitis, Glossitis, Caus- tic Irritation, Lock-jaw. Inability to open mouth. — Lock-jaw. Joints swollen, hot and tender, — Rheumatism. Jugular pulse. — Dilatation of the Heart, Carditis. Leaden hue of mucous membrane of nostrils. — Glanders, Farcy. Leg swollen. — Dropsy. . Legs and body deathly cold. — Congestion of Lungs. Legs and ears very cold. — Pneumonia, Newmarket Fever, Dilatation of Heart, Enteritis, Congestion of the Liver. Lips and cheeks swollen. — Lampas. Liquid returns through nose while drinking. — Obstruction of Gullet. Licking stable walls. — Gastritis, Indigestion. Lies down for a few minutes only at a time, — Dropsy. Lips on either side hang pendulous, — Hemiphlegia. Loins and thighs, muscular spasms of. — Azoturia, Shiverer. Loins tender on pressure. — Metritis, Mammitis. Looking round at flanks. — Influenza, Gastritis, Bowel Ob- struction, Nephritis. Loss of condition, — Glanders, Farcy, Indigestion. CODE OF COMMON SUGGESTIVE SYMPTOMS. 33 1 Masticate, inability to, — Paralysis. Makes a noise in breathing. — Roaring, Polypus. Mare after foaling rests full upon belly, knees, and hocks well under. — Retention of After-birth. Mare stamps her feet, swishes tail, and postures to urinate. — Retention of After-birth. Membrana nictitans of eye moves spasmodically. — Lock- jaw. Mouth dry and hot. — Enteritis. Mouth and tongue cold and clammy. — Rupture of Stomach. Movements of hind legs cannot be controlled. — Azoturia. Mouth hot and clammy. — Erysipelas. Movements cannot be controlled. — Influenza, Anthrax, Rabies, Cerebro-spinal Meningitis, Shiverer. Muscular spasms in various parts of the body. — Cerebro- spinal Meningitis. Muscles hard and unyielding. — Rabies, Eock-jaw. Nasal membrane red and dry. — Common Cold, Bronchitis. Nasal discharge thick and viscid. — Chronic Glanders. Nasal discharge rusty colored. — Pneumonia. Nostrils dilated. — Influenza, Pneumonia, Eock-jaw. Nose rested on seat of pain. — Bowel Obstruction. Nose mucus discharge clotted. — Nasal Gleet. Nose discharge mixed with blood. — Nasal Gleet. Nose elevated. — Earyngitis. Nose discharge yellow. — Newmarket Fever. Noise creates excitement. — Rabies. Paddling with the hind feet. — Traumatic Peritonitis, Cys- titis. Pain, paroxysms of. — Colic. Pain and great uneasiness. — Rupture of Stomach, Bowel Obstruction. Pain in abdomen, constant. — Enteritis, Peritonitis. Persistent pawing of fore leg but does not roll. — Gas- tritis, Indigestion, Mineral Poisoning, Colic, Traumatic Peri- tonitis. Penis, sheath of, excessively swollen — cannot protrude when urinating. — Phimosis. 332 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. Penis protrudes beyond sheath, cannot retract. —Paraphi- mosis. Pointing with nose to seat of pain. — Weed, Peritonitis. Prostration. — Influenza, Erysipelas, Carditis, Dysentery. Protrusion of the anus.— Bowel Obstruction. Pulse rapid.— Simple Fever, Bilious Fever, Strangles, Influ- enza, Erysipelas, Rabies, Glanders, Farcy, Rheumatism, Blood Poisoning, Weed, I^ymphangitis, Purpura, Common Cold, I^aryn- gitis. Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Newmarket Fever, Dysentery, Con- gestion of the L,iver, Nephritis, Azoturia, Mammitis. Pulse rapid, but weak. — Anthrax. Pulse rapid and hard. — Pleurisy, Cerebritis, Meningitis, Cerebro-spinal Meningitis. Pulse rapid and full. — Carditis, Metritis. Pulse rapid, small, and wiry. — Pneumonia, Gastritis, Bowel Obstruction, Enteritis, Peritonitis. Pulse rapid, small, and weak. — Congestion of Leungs. Pulse soft and weak. — Diabetes Insipidus. Pulse weak and intermittent. — Dropsy. Pulse quick and thready. — Peritonitis. Pulse intermittent and irregular. — Palpitation, Dilatation of the Heart, Carditis, Aneurism. Pulse tumultuous. — Palpitation, Spasm of Diaphragm. Refuses to be handled about mouth. — Lampas. ' Region of liver just behind last rib, tenderness on pres- sure. — Congestion of Liver, Nephritis. Respirations thoracic. — Influenza, Flatulent Colic, Periton- itis, Dropsy. Resting on breast bone. — Indigestion. Restlessness and uneasiness. — Cerebritis, Colic, Meningitis^ Nephritis, Peritonitis. Rolling and stretching. — Enteritis. Roof of mouth swollen. — Eampas. Rolls frequently. — Indigestion, Bowel Obstruction. Running at the nose and eyes. — Strangles, Influenza. Saliva dripping from mouth. — Anthrax, Caustic Glo.ssitis» Influenza, pampas, Lock-jaw, Foreign Substances in Gullet,. Gastritis, Mercurial Poisoning, Rabies, Parotitis, Strangles. Sediment in urine. — Rheumatism. CODE OF COMMON SUGGESTIVE SYMPTOMS. 333 Shaking. — Anthrax, Gastritis. Shivering fits. — Simple Fever, Bilious Fever, Congestion of Lungs, Carditis, Dysentery, Enteritis, Peritonitis, Pleurisy, Pneu- monia. Staring coat. — Simple Fev^er, Bilious Fever, Influenza, Ery- sipelas, Glanders, Farcy, Common Cold, Nasal Gleet, Bronchitis, Congestion of Lungs, Indigestion, Dropsy, Diabetes Insipidus. Standing position persistently maintained. — Carditis, Gastritis, Hemiplegia, Metritis, Pneumonia. Stiff gait. — Rheumatism. Stiffness in turning. — Aneurism. Stupor with partial unconsciousness. — Indigestion. Stiffness and soreness. — Influenza. Straining to evacuate. — Bowel Obstruction. Swelling of head, nostrils and lips. — Purpura. Swelling or distension down groove of neck. — Gullet. Swelling of legs. — Erysipelas, Aneurism, Influenza, Weed, Rheumatism. Swelling about legs and body with exudation of fluid and blood. — Erysipelas, Weed, Purpura. Swelling underneath abdomen that pits on pressure. — Dropsy. Swelling of abdomen w^ith exudation of blood. — Anthrax. Swelling of hind legs, high up extending downwards.— Lymphangitis. Sweating — iVnthrax, Carditis. Swelling of skin, tense, bright red and shining. — Erysipe- las, Weed. Swishing of the tail. — Cystitis. Temperature below normal. — Diabetes Insipidus, Mineral Poisoning. Tail, jerky twitching of. — Lock-jaw. Temperature heightened. — Bilious Fever, Simple Fever, Weed Strangles, Influenza, Rabies, Erysipelas, Glanders, Farcy, Lymphangitis. Rheumatism, Blood Poisoning, Purpura, Common Cold, Laryngitis, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Newmarket Fever, Pharyngitis, Enteritis, Dysentery, Peritonitis, Nephritis, Azoturia, Metritis, Mammitis, Cerebritis, Meningitis. Tenderness over region of liver. — Bilious Fever. 334 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. Tenderness on pressure over the loins. — Aneurism, Neph- ritis. Tenderness on pressure of abdomen. — Enteritis, Peritonitis. Testicles shrunken in size. — Impotence. Thirst very great.— Bilious Fever, Simple Fever, Lymphan- Throat swollen. — lyaryngitis. Throat sore. — Commou cold. Tires quickly with little work.— Indigestion, Nasal Gleet. Tongue dry and brown. — Primary Glossitis. Tongue swollen and protruding. — Primary Glossitis. Tongue swollen and whitish. — Caustic Irritation, gitis, Weed, Common Cold, Bronchitis, Dysentery. Turning constantly to one side in walking. — Hemiplegia. Udder swollen, hard and shining, the swelling extending along abdomen. — Mammitis. Ulcers on legs. — Farcy. Unconsciousness. — Anthrax. Urine, inability to pass.^ — Cohc, Metritis. Urination, posing for. — Colic, Renal Congestion, Nephritis. Urine, suppression of.— Renal Congestion, Nephritis. Urine, high-colored. — Simple Fever, Bilious Fever, Influenza, Purpura, Pneumonia, Carditis, Indigestion, Dropsy, Mammitis. Urine diminished in quantity. — Simple Fever, Bilious Fever, Influenza, Pneumonia, Carditis, Indigestion, Dropsy, Mammitis. - Urine increased in quantity. — Glanders, Farcy. Urine coffee colored. — Azoturia. Urine pale in color.— Glanders, Farcy. Urine v^ratery constituents excessive. — Diabetes Insipidus. Urine mixed with blood constantly dribbles from vagina. — Cystitis. Variable action of the bowels. — Indigestion. Visible mucous membranes greyish-blue color.— Diabetes Insipidus. Visible mucous membranes pallid. — Rupture of Stomach, Dropsy. Visible mucous membranes yellow.— Congestion of the Liver. Visible mucous membranes red and injected. — Cerebro- spinal Meningitis. CODE OF COMMON SUGGESTIVE SYMPTOMS. 335 Vomition.— Ruptured Stomach. Wasting of muscles. — Diabetes Insipidus. \A^omb, mouth of, closed. — (See under Parturition.) Yellow appearance of mucous membranes. — Bilious Fever, Influenza. GENERAL INDEX. Abdominal Breathing, Charac- ter of Abortion 238, 240, Acari After-birth . " Air, Ingress of Air, Egress of Allopathy and Homoeopathy, Their Distinction . . . Allopathy Has no Guiding Prin- ciple Allopathists, How They Pre- scribe Allopathic Prescribing Un- certain Allopathic Prescribing Is Not Precise Allopathic Prescribing, Why it Fails Anthrax Aneurism Antidotes Aorta Artery and Vein, How to Dis- tinguish Arteries 92, 135, Arthritis Asthma Ascites Astringents Ascaris Megalocephala .... Atrophy Attenuation, The Meaning of . Attenuation, The Advantages of Attenuation, Processes of . . . 26 250 315 237 16 16 xu 72 146 165 135 24 146 248 126 197 207 320 146 35 35 35 Attenuation, Action of Drugs Developed by 36 Attenuation, Comparative Strength of Drugs Devel- oped After 38 Attenuation, Physiological Ac- tivity Produced by ... . 40 Attenuation, Drugs Rendered More Active by 41 Auscultation of Chest . . 27, 119, 142 Auscultate, How to 27 Auscultation Practice on Healthy Animals Desirable, 27 Auto-inoculation 69 Azoturia 227 B Bacillus Anthracis 73 Balling Instrument 154 Barrenness 240, 253 Back Sinews 2S6 Belching Up Wind 173 Bladder, Inversion of 226 Blowing 25 Blood Poisoning 82 Bone Spavin 291 Bog Spavin 291 Bronchitis . no Brain 32 Breathing Rapid, an Indication of Coming Illness .... 25 Breathing, Differences in Char- acter of 26 Breathing, Different Sounds of . 27 Breathing, Modifications of . . 27 Broken Wind 126 Broken Wind, How Indicated . 26 337 338 GENERAL INDEX. Broken Knees . . . Broncho-pneumonia 287 115 Cataract Canker Calculus 179, 180, Calculus, Possible Presence of . Calculus, Symptoms Suggestive of Capped Hock Catarrh Capillaries Carditis Caries Canula Canon Bones Centicimal Scale Cerebritis Cerebro-spinal Meningitis . . . Chyle Chorea Chorde Tendinae Circulatory System Cleanliness of Stable, Reasons for and Importance of . . • Cleanliness, Danger Where Neg- lected Code of Symptoms Coryza Corona Common Cold 96, Corns Coma Coronary Band Congestion of Kidnej^s .... Congestion of the Liver .... Constipation Constipation, Not Necessary to Purge for Co-ordination Colic Colic, Horse Should be Allowed to Roll When vSuffering from Cracked Heels 306 301 227 32 32 294 97 133 140 153 188 285 36 266 268 89 275 142 132 16 16 327 96 289 HI 301 164 299 217 211 198 32 264 183 32 312 Crural Muscles 284 Crib-biter 173 Curb 291 Cystitis 225 D Dermatodectes 317 Decimal Scale 36 Decayed Teeth 153 Disinfection, Necessary, 48, 62, 63, 72, 76, 379 Diseases, Arrangement of . . . 43 Diseases, Classification of . . . 43 Diseases not all Cured by Drugs, 12 Diagnosis 21 Diaphragm, Spasms of ... . 148 Digestive System 149 Diarrhoea 205 Diabetes 223 Diabetes INIellitus 223 Diabetes Insipidus 223 Dose, The 34 Dose, General Quantity for a . 39 Dose, Repetition of the .... 39 Dosage 34 Doors, Their Use 16 Drainage of Stable 17 Droptsole " " . . 298 Dropsy 124, 197 Drugs, The Strength, of .... 34 Drugs When Given in Crude Form 38 Drugs, Strength of in Various Forms of Disease 38 Dyspepsia 167 Dysentery 192 E Ears, Diseases of 309 Eczema 314 Eczema Impetiginodes .... 314 Ectropium 308 Elbow Lameness 285 Elephantiasis 315 Embolism 146 Emphysema 128 GENERAL INDEX. 339 Entropium 308 Endo-metritis 241 Knenia Pump 182 Endo-carditis 140 Enteritis 190 Erysipelas 58 Erythema 312 Exostoses 288 Exposure 80 Experimental Inculation ... 74 Eyes 304 Farcy 61 Fatigue 80 Fetlock Joint, Sprain of ... . 288 Fever, Low Type Produced by Want of Cleanliness ... 18 Fever, Simple 45 Fever, Bilious 46 Fireplaces in Stables Advantag- ous 17 Fistulous Withers 311 Filaria Papillosa 321 Flooding After Birth 238 Flatulent Colic . 1S6 Flexor Tendons 285 Foot, The 294 Foal, The 246 Fcetal Membranes ...... 237 Fracture of Suffraginis .... 28S Fungus Haematodes 306 Gastritis 162 Generative Organs, Diseases of 214 General Diseases 45 Glanders 61 Glanders, Chronic 66 Glands 88 Glossitis 156 Gonorrhoea 230 Grapes 315 Gravel 227 Grunter 104 Grease 315 Gullet 149, 161 H Haemorrhoids 201, 204 Haemorrhage Post Partum . . . 23S Hepatitis . 212 Health, Preservation of ... . 15 Heart Beats, How to Count . . 23 Heart Valves 78 Heartburn 169 Heart 88, 132 Heart, Dilatation of 138 Heart, Fatty Degeneration of . 146 Hemiplegia 277 Hernia Umbilical 182 Hernia Scrotal 182 Hernia Strangulated 1S2 Hiccough 148 Homoeopathic Principle Unaf- fected b}' Dose 34 Homoeopathy and Allopathy, their Distinction vii Homoeopathy, What is it . . . viii Homoeopathic Law xi How to Determine What is the Matter 2[ Hock, the 290 Hygieue, Principles of ... . 15 Hypertrophy of Heart .... 13S Impotence 232 Importance of Drug Symptoms x Internal Parasites 320 Intestinal Obstruction 176 Influenza 50 Introduction ii^ Indigestion 167 Indigestion in Foals 250 Intestines, the 174 Inflammation 321 Inflammation of Lungs .... 115 Inflammation of Heart .... 140 Inflammation of .\rteries ... 147 340 GENERAL INDEX. Inflammation of Veins . . . . Inflammation of Tongue . Inflammation of Parotid Glands Inflammation of Pharynx . . Inflammation of Stomach . Inflammation of Intestines Inflammation of Peritoneum Inflammation of Liver . Inflammation of Kidneys Inflammation of Bladder Inflammation of Uretha . Inflammation of Testicles Inflammation of Vagina Inflammation of Uterus . Inflammation of the Womb . Inflammation of the Udder . Inflammation of Brain . . . Inflammation of Meninges . Inflammation of Foot . . . • Inflammation of Conjunctiva Intersusception Incarceration Invagination Isolation Jomts . . . . Joint 111 . . . Joint Oil . . • Jugular Veins 147 156 157 159 162 190 195 212 219 225 229 231 241 241 242 244 266 266 296 304 176 i76 177 62 77 249 287 139 Kidneys, Congestion of . . . - 217 Knee 285 Lamminitis 228, 298 Lampas I54 Laryngitis loi Lameness 278 Leucorrhoea 241 Ligament 77 Ligament, Sprains of 281 Liver 210 Light From Stable Roof, Its Advantage and Disadvant- age 17 Light, Importance of, to Pre- serve Eyesight 17 Lice 319 Local Paralysis 277 Lock-jaw 271 Lungs 109 Lungs, Congestion of 115 Lymphangitis 58, 87 Lymphatic Vessels 61, 88 M Mallein 63, 64, 68 Mammitis 244 Mallanders 313 Mange 317 Maw Worm 320- Medicine, How it Enters the Body . . 37 Medicine, Not Necessarily Re- quired Strong for Animals . 38- Medicine, Best Vehicles for Ad- ministering 39 Medicine, How to Administer . 39 Membrana Nickitans 272 Meningitis 266 Metritis . . 242 Mesentery 176 Miscarriage 250 Monday Morning Disease ... 87 Moisture So Mortification 191 Mud PVver 312 Muscles 77 Muscles, Sprains of the .... 281 Musicians 131 N Nasal Gleet 97 Navicular Disease 296 Nephritis 219 Newmarket Fever . . .83, 106, 129 Nervous System 260^ GENERAL INDEX. 341 Neurotomy 298 Nettlerasli 313 O CEstrum 241 OSsopliagus 161 Opthalmia 304 Orchitis 231 Os Uteri 236 Os Dilator 254 Oxygen Gas 55> 7^ Oxyuris Curvula 320 Parasites 305, 315 Parasites, Internal 320 Pathological Names Unreliable xiii Pain, Locality of. How Indi- cated 31 Paraplegia 277 Palpation 135 Palpitation . 136 Paraphimosis 230 Parturient Fever 242 Parotid Glands loi, 105 Parotitis 157 Parotid Glands, Inflammation of 157 Parturition 233 Parturition, Diseased Condition Incidental to 240 Paralysis, General 276 Peritonitis 195 Percussion 95 Pericarditis 13.S Periosteum .... .... 28S Phlebitis 155 Pharynx 149, 159 Phimosis 230 Pharyngitis 168 Piles 201, 204 Pleura 95, 110 Pleuro-pneumonia .... 115 Pleuro-pneumonia Septic ... 130 Pleurisy 123 Pneumonia 116 Potencies Potencies, Varieties of ... . Poll Evil 30, Poh'pus Presentations ... Presentations, False Probang Prolapsus Ani Preservation of Health .... Premature Birth Protrusion of Bowels Psoas Ivluscle Pulsations, Normal Numbers of Pulsations, Variations of . . . Purpura Htemorrhagica .... Pulse, the Character of the . . Pulse, Practice the Taking of . Pulse, Special Points in Taking Pulse, Where to Take it ... . Pulse, Variations of, What They suggest Pulse, Value Diagnosis of . . . Pulse and Respirations, Rela- tionship Between Pulse, Uniformity with Temper- ature and Respiration not Absolute Pyaemia Q Ouidding Ouittors . R Rabies Renal Congestion Respiratory Organs Remedies, Sensitiveness of Hom- oeopathic Restlessness . Respiration . Respirations, Normal Number of Respirations, How to Observe . Respirations and Pulse, Rela- tionship between . . . 34 35 310 105 234 234 162 194 xiii 250 194 283 23 23 92 23 24 24 24 25 26 27 82 153 302 85 217 95 40 80 25 26 26 26 342 GENERAL INDEX, Respirations, Uniformity with Pulse and Teinperature not Absolute 27 Respiratory Murmurs 27 Retention of FcEtal Membranes 237 Rheumatism 77 Ringbone . 289 Ringworm 319 Roaring 103 Rolling, to Prevent, in Colic is Erroneous 32 Roof, best for Ventilation ... 16 Rupture iSo Rupture of Intestinal Walls . . 188 Sanitation, Principles of . ... 15 Satyriasis 232 Sandcrack 301 Sallanders 313 Sarcoptis 317 Scabies 317 Septicamia 82 Seedy Toes 301 Shiverer 275 Shivering 275 Shoulder Lameness 284 Shoulder Slip 285 Side Bones 296 Sighing 173 Skin, Diseases of the 312 Sore Teats 246 Sore Throat 159 Speculum 105 Sprains 281 Splints 288 Strongulus Tetracanthus .... 206 Strongyulus Armatus 320 Stringhalt 275 Stethoscope 135 Stamping Out 68 St. Vitus' Dance 275 Strangles 47 Staggers 264 Stomach, Rupture of 170 Stomach Staggers 168 Stupor 164 Stifle 290 Stable, Construction of ... . 15 Stable, Drainage of 15 Stable, Lighting of 16 Stable, Importance of Site, Soil and Aspect 16 Suffraginis 288 Super-purgation 207 Suspensory Ligaments 285 Swollen Glands (see Strangles) . 47 Symbiotes 317 Synovia 285 Symptoms, How Expressed by Animals . . xi Symptoms, Totality of Neces- sary xii Symptoms, How to Recognize Totality 29 vSymptoms, How to Observe in Various Organs 29 Sj^mptoms, Objective 29 S3"mptoms, Subjective 30 Symptoms, Same in Diflferent Maladies 43 Tape Worm 320 Teats, Sore 246 Teeth 152 Temperature, Normal in Horse . 22 Temperature, Importance of Determining 22 Temperature of Stables .... 16 Temperature, Best in Building . 17 Temperature in Relation to Pulse and Respiration ... 25 Temperature, Uniformity with Pulse and Respiration not Absolute 25 Temperature an Important Guide 29 Tetanus 271 Tendons 77 GENERAL INDEX. 343 Tendons, Sprains of 28 1 Thermometer, its Value and Use 22 Thermometer, When to Use . . 22 Thermometer, Varied Registra- tion of . . . 22 Time Best for Watering Horse . 19 Time to be Allowed Between Watering and Feeding . . 20 Thrush 301 Thoroughpin 293 Thick Wind 113, 122 Totality of Symptoms x Tonsils 159 Trachea 106, 109 Tracheotomy 93 Trituation, Advantages of . . . 36 Treatment, How to Determine . 21 Treatment, Local Combined with Internal 30 Trochar 18S Trephining • ■ 99 Twist 179, 181 U Ulcers 61 Urinary Organs, Diseases of, 214, 229 Urticaria 313 Urethra 229 Uterus, Inversion of 239 Uterus, Displacement of . . . 254 V Valvulitis 140 Vaginitis 241 Venous Pulse 142 Veins 88, 133 Ventilation of Stable .... 15 Ventilation, a System of . . . 16 Virus 61 Vomiting 170 W Warmth of Body, How Best Maintained 16 Water, Service of 19 Water, Hard to be Boiled 19 W'ater, Influence on Digestive organs 19 Water, Purity of Supply Tested, 76 Watering Horse, Reasons for Special Time 20 Weed 87 White, Fibrous Tissue .... 77 Whistler 104 Windpipe 106, 109 Windows, Their Use 16 Wind Sucker 169 Womb, Inversion of . . . . 239 Womb, Displacement of ... . 235 Womb, Inflammation of ... . 242 Wool Sorters' Disease 74 CATALOGUE OF Homeopathic Veterinary Works PUBLISHED BY BOERICKE & TAFEL HoMCEopATHic Pharmacists, Importers and Publishers Boericke & Tafel's Pharmacies and Book Depots, to which or- ders may be sent, are located as follows : Philadelphia Pa. — loii Arch Street Philadelphia, Pa. — 125 South nth Street Philadelphia, Pa. — 15 North 6th Street New York Citv — 145 Grand Street New York City — 634 Cohimbus Avenue New York City— 129 West 42d Street Chicago, III. — 57 Wabash Avenue Baltimore, Md. — 326 N. Howard Street Allegheny, Pa.— 906 Federal Street Cincinnati, O. — 204 West 4th Street Business Established in 18^, ANSHUTZ, DR. E. P.—Do^s, How to Care for Them in Health and Treat Theyn When III. Homoeopathic Treatment. Illus- trated. 100 pages. Cloth, 75 cents, net. Postage, 5 cents. This book is a compilation from homoeopathic literature of the best published on the treatment of dogs, and reinforced by nu- merous clinical cases. The work was revised by Dr. J. T. Kent and is probably the most satisfactory book on the treatment of dogs ever published. "INCURABLE" DISEASES OF BEAST AND FOWL. '' Includi7ig Pleiiro- Pneumonia, Rinde^-pest or Texas Fever, Glanders, Tnhercnlosis, Roup, Chickc7i and Hog Cholera. 30 pages. 121110. Paper, 25 cents, net. Postage, 2 cents. Twenty-two of the thirty pages are taken up with a reprint of the eighth edition of James Moore's famous monograph of Pleuro- Pneuni07iia or Pulmonary Murain in Cattle. Following which are treatments of the other diseases named in the pamphlet's title. "If this little book is half what is claimed for it, it is worth its weight in gold. It gives directions for the cure of pleuro- pneumonia, glanders, hog and chicken cholera, roup and other incurable (?) diseases." — Farm, Stock a^id Home. MANUAL OF HOMCEOPATHIC VETERINARY PRACTICE. Designed for Horses and All Kinds of Domestic Ani77ials and Fowls ; Prescribhig Their Proper Treatment When Injured or Diseased, and Their Particular Care and Geiieral Management in Health. 685 pages. 8vo. Half-morocco, $5.00. Mailed, post-paid on receipt of price. This is the largest work on homoeopathic veterinar}^ practice published, and, as may be seen from the title, embraces all the domestic animals and fowls. It is considerably more than a work on the treatment of diseases of animals, as it also takes in their care, training, feeding, habits, and so on. The medical treatment of all the animals receives very full attention, and the book contains what no other \vork does, i. e., materia medica applied to animals, which is an especial and valuable feature of this excellent book. It is a book for all well-to-do farmers and stablemen, and can easily be made to save its price many times over if it is studied whenever anything is wrong with the live stock or in the poultry yard. "Of our own knowledge it has already done good service, as adapted to the treatment of horses especially, which, as a class and as a rule, know more than their drivers and their doctors combined; it is nearly perfect." — fohn Rogers, Veterinary Sur- geon. NEEL, DR. EDITH K.—Cais. How to Care for Them in Health and Treat Them When III. Illustrated. Second Edi- tion. 48 pages. Cloth, 50 cents, net. Postage, 4 cents. This is, we believe, the only homoeopathic book ever published on the homoeopathic treatment, the most efficacious known, for cats as it is for other animals. The directions for their care are also excellent. The book is very popular with cat lovers and dealers and surely fills a long felt want. The pictures are merely cat pictures. POULTRY DOCTOR, Tl:i¥.—Includhig the Homoeopathic Treatment ajid Care of Chickens^ TnrkeySy Geese, Ducks and Singiyig Birds; also a Materia Medica of the Chief Remedies. 85 pages. i2mo. Cloth, 50 cents. Mailed on receipt of price. This is the only book in print to-day devoted exclusively to the homoeopathic treatment of the ills of feathered creation. The brutal sentiment that "the hatchet" is the only cure for a sick fowl is contrary to self-interest, for with but trifling cost for medicine, and no more trouble than keeping the medicine dissolved in the fowls' drinking water, the lives of hundreds of thousands of them who die each year, could be saved. Under homoeopathic treatment such disastrous epidemics as roup or cholera, either of which carry off whole flocks of valuable poul- try, are effectually mastered with but little physical trouble or loss of fowls. This medication is a powerful aid to proper h> - giene and sanitation. RUSH, DR. JOHN— 77;^ HandBookof Veterinary Homoeop- athy; or Homceopathic Treatment cf the Horse, the Ox, the Sheep, the Dog and Swine. With numerous additions from the Ger- man of Guenther, by J. F. Sheek, M. D. 144 pages. i2mo. Cloth, 50 cents. Mailed, post-paid, on receipt of price. The smallest of our veterinary works, yet containing enough to repay any farmer or stock owner a hundred fold its price. Its directions for distinguishing ailments and for the remedies are so plain that anyone can become a very good veterinarian by their aid. SCHiEFFER, DR. J. Q,.—New Manual of Homceopathic Vet- erinary Medicijie. An easy and comprehensive Arrangement of Diseases, etc., of Horses, Cattle, ^Sheep, Swi?ie, and Dogs. Translated from the German, with numerous additions from other veterinarian manuals, by Charles J. Hempel, M. D. 321 pages. 8vo. Cloth, $2.00. Mailed, post-paid, on receipt of price. This has long been a favorite work in many quarters, and the translator. Dr. Hempel, says: "It is particularly distinguished by its eminentl}^ practical character." He also tells us that ' In order to render this work as complete as possible, a good many interesting and highly useful additions from Guenther, Haycock, Youatt and other writers on veterinary surgery and medicine have been incorporated." VON ROSENBERG, A. D. V. S. —Pocket- Book of Veterinary Practice. 126 pages Cloth, 75 cents. Postage, 4 cents. The author of this little book contends that animals can be cured of di.seases by the same methods and with the same rem- edies as the human subject ; that being pure vegetarians and their systems not subject to the dangers of highlj'-seasoned and indigestible food and liquors, they respond even more quickly to small doses of medicine. A diagnostic symptomatic code pre- cedes the consideration of the diseases and their remedial treat- ment. The treatment is homoeopathic very practical and easily understood. Webster Family Library of Veterinary Medicine Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tutts University 200 Westboro Road Nortb Grafton, MA 01 536