Chapter VI (1)
The Horse. How Obtained. Description of. Inspection of. Power of
Teams. Weight behind Artillery-teams. Gaits of Artillery. Dentition.
Plate of Diseases. Sick Horses. Health and Disease. Veterinary
Medicines. Drugs and Doses, and How to Administer Them. Mashes,
Poultices, etc. Veterinary Notes, with Symptoms and Treatment of
Various Diseases. Stables and Stable Management. Grooming. Feeding
and Kinds of Food. Watering. Training Horses. Rules for Treatment
and Care of Horses. Destruction of Horses.
HORSES.
HOW OBTAINED, DESCRIPTION, ETC.
Horses are obtained from the Quartermaster Department. Submit requisitions, generally in triplicate, stating the color desired, and whether the horse is for lead-, swing-, or wheel-team.
The artillery-horse must be sound, free from vicious habits, a square trotter, well broken to harness, and must conform as nearly as possible to the following description: A gelding of uniform and hardy color; in good condition; from fifteen to sixteen hands high; weight of the lead-horse not less than 1050 pounds, and that of the wheel-horse not more than 1300 pounds; from four to eight years old; full-chested; shoulders sufficiently broad to support the collar, but not too heavy; full-barrelled, with broad, deep loins; short-coupled, with solid hindquarters; feet sound and in good order. Long-legged, loose-jointed, long-barrelled, and narrow-chested horses, as well as those which are restive, vicious, or too free in harness, are to be rejected.
SELECTING HORSES.
Care must be taken not only that they possess the form and qualities necessary for the work they are likely to be employed in, but also that they are docile and easy-tempered and sound. Form differs according to breed, and upon it depends the fitness of the animal for draught or saddle purposes. For either purpose a horse should walk and trot well. Horses with deeply scarred backs (or, if for harness, shoulders), or which show signs of having been much cut with the girth (girth-galled), should not be selected, if avoidable. If for riding purposes, the withers should be neither too high nor too low, and the shoulders oblique; forearms long and muscular; chest moderately wide and deep; ribs well arched behind saddle and continued close to haunch; loins broad; hindquarters long, wide, and muscular; tail set on as near the level of the croup as possible; limbs from knees and hocks downwards short, wide laterally, with the tendons and ligaments standing well apart from the bone, and distinctly defined. Neither beneath knee nor hock should they be narrow or abruptly tied in; knees wide in front, hocks sideways. Pasterns not too long or oblique, inclined out or in, nor yet too upright; hoofs black, if possible, and circular in shape; wall smooth and even from coronet to ground, and not marked by horizontal rings; heels well spread; soles concave and strong; frogs well developed, sound, and firm. The foot in progression should be placed evenly on the ground, neither toe nor heel coming too markedly in contact with it. Coarse-bred horses, with hairy legs and large, flat feet, should never be chosen. Fore limbs should be examined for broken knees, splints, sprains of tendons and ligaments (indicated by thickening, and, if recent, by tenderness on manipulation), ring-bone (an uneven deposit of bony matter around the lower end of the pastern), side-bone (ossification of the elastic cartilages on each side of the foot toward the heels), sand-crack in hoof (usually in the inside quarter of fore foot), chronic laminitis (manifested by horse putting heels first to the ground, convex soles, walls hollow in the middle in front, bulging at toe, and made uneven by rings on surface), navicular disease (usually shown by contracted heels, very concave soles, lameness, and digging toes in the ground during walk or trot, wearing the shoe more at point of toe than elsewhere, extending limb forward and elevating heels while at rest), corns (a bruise of sole at the heels, only to be discovered by removal of shoe and paring sole at this part).
Hind limbs should be examined for spavin in hock (a bony tumor in front of inside hock, best seen by standing at animal's shoulder and viewing this part of the joint in profile; compare both hocks in this way, and if there is any inequality, and the prominence be hard, it is almost certain to be spavin; lameness or stiffness of the limb is generally present), sprain of tendon inside hock (marked by a swelling inside point of hock), curb (a sprain of ligament at back and below point of hock, seen as a more or less prominent convex swelling on looking at the hock sideways), sprain of back tendons or ligaments (as in fore limb), ring-bone (as in fore limb).
The eyes should be healthy; examine them by moving the finger smartly near the eye, but without touching it, when the animal will wink if it be not blind; for careful examination, inspect the eye in sunlight, then cover with hand for a few seconds to ascertain if the pupil contracts and enlarges; to examine interior of eye, employ a lighted candle in a darkened stable.
Examine head behind ears, withers, back, and shoulders for bruises; nostrils for glanders (if there be any discharge); turn round suddenly and back the horse to discover if there is sprain of back, and if hindquarters are moved firmly and promptly. Inspect skin for mange and ringworm, heels for grease and cracks, and coronets for fistulous wounds.
Have him ridden very rapidly for a couple of hundred yards, stopped suddenly, and then place ear in rear of left shoulder to listen if the heart beats properly, and also near the nostril to hear if his breathing is all right.
If a hollow cough is present, observe motion of abdomen at flank; should this have a double ascending movement or "lift" in expiration, the animal is broken-winded. In galloping, or when suddenly menaced by a blow of a whip, should a grunt or shrill whistling sound be heard in inspiration, the animal should be rejected. If, during rapid motion, a wheezing noise be heard in expiration or inspiration, the horse is unsound.
Before selection is completed the horse should be ridden if for saddle purposes, or driven in harness if for draught.
Every animal will be branded with the letters "U. S." on the left fore shoulder on the day he is received. They are also branded on the left hip with the letter of the battery and the number of the regiment. A complete descriptive list will be made of each animal at the time of purchase, which will accompany him wherever he may be transferred.
_A._ Molar teeth.
_B H._ Canine or tush.
_C I._ Incisors.
_E._ Atlas.
_G._ Orbit.
_M._ Cariniform cartilage.
_N._ Ensiform cartilage.
_O._ Coracoid process of scapula.
_P._ Spine.
_Q._ Cartilage.
_R._ Trochanter major.
_S._ Subtrochanterian crest.
_T._ Trochlea.
_U._ External condyle.
_V._ Patella.
_W._ Hock-joint.
1. Cranium.
2. Lower jaw.
3. Cervical vertebræ.
4, 4. Dorsal vertebræ.
5, 5. Lumbar vertebræ.
6, 6. Sacrum.
7, 7. Coccygeal vertebræ.
8. Sternum.
9, 9. True ribs.
10, 10. Cartilages of true ribs.
11, 11. False ribs.
12, 12. Cartilages of false ribs.
13. Scapula.
14. Humerus.
15. Radius.
16. Elbow.
17. Os pisiforme.
18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23. Carpal bones.
24. Large metacarpal bone.
25. Outer small metacarpal bone.
26. Inner small metacarpal bone.
27, 28. Sesamoid bones.
29. Os suffraginis.
30. Os coronæ.
31. Os pedis.
32. Wing of the pedal bone.
33, 34, 35, 36. Os innominatum.
37. Femur.
38. Tibia.
39. Os calcis.
40. Astragalus.
41, 42, 43, 44. Tarsal bones.
45. Large metatarsal bone.
46. Outer small metatarsal bone.
47. Inner small metatarsal bone.
]
_Head._
1. Muzzle.
2. Nostril.
3. Forehead.
4. Jaw.
5. Poll.
_Neck._
6, 6. Crest.
7. Throttle or windpipe.
_Forequarter._
8, 8. Shoulder-blade.
9. Point of shoulder.
10. Bosom or breast.
11, 11. True arm.
12. Elbow.
13. Fore arm (arm).
14. Knee.
15. Cannon-bone.
16. Back sinew.
17. Fetlock or pastern joint.
18. Coronet.
19. Hoof or foot.
20. Heel.
_Body or Middle Piece._
21. Withers.
22. Back.
23, 23. Ribs (forming together the barrel or chest).
24, 24. The circumference of the chest at this point, called the girth.
25. The loins.
26. The croup.
27. The hip.
28. The flank.
29. The sheath.
30. The root of the dock or tail.
_Hindquarter._
31. The hip-joint, round, or whirlbone.
32. The stifle-joint.
33, 33. Lower thigh or gaskin.
34. The quarters.
35. The hock.
36. The point of the hock.
37. The curb-place.
38. The cannon-bone.
39. The back sinew.
40. Pastern or fetlock joint.
41. Coronet.
42. Hoof or foot.
43. Heel.
44. Spavin-place.
]
POWER OF TEAMS.
If a horse has to work at speed (as in the case of horse-artillery) he can, as a rule, under service conditions, draw about 600 pounds, or carry on his back about 260 pounds, although in some services he is required to do more.
In light field-artillery, where great speed is not expected, this may be increased to about 700 pounds; for heavy field-artillery a further increase may be made.
Metcalfe gives: horse-artillery, 650 pounds; light field-artillery, 700 pounds; heavy field-artillery, 850 pounds; and siege-artillery, 1000 pounds; and the English Handbook contains the following table giving a rough estimate of what teams may be called upon to transport:
-------------------------+---------+---------+---------+----------
|Teams of |Teams of |Teams of |Teams of
|4 horses.|6 horses.|8 horses.|12 horses.
-------------------------+---------+---------+---------+----------
| Cwt. | Cwt. | Cwt. | Cwt.
Horse-artillery batteries|20 to 24 |33 to 36 | |
Field-batteries |26 to 30 |39 to 45 |48 to 56 |
Batteries of position | | | 70 | 5 tons
-------------------------+---------+---------+---------+----------
_b_, breast-strap; _c_, collar; _d_, double-tree; _s_, single-tree;
_t_, trace.]
Owing to their interference with each other's motions, the maximum load drawn by teams of horses increases less rapidly than does the number of horses in draught. In horse-artillery teams 6 horses is the greatest number that can be usefully employed; in the heavier field-batteries 8 horses are sometimes used, but not when it can be avoided, as it makes a cumbersome team and a large percentage of the working power of the extra pair is lost.
Bad roads, insufficient food, rapid movement for short times, and forced marches require that the weights behind horses should be kept at a minimum consistent with the service required. The average weights exclusive of cannoneers of all the principal military powers are: horse-artillery--gun-carriage, 634 lbs.; caisson, 727 lbs.;[7] and field-artillery--gun-carriage, 718 lbs.; caisson, 796 lbs.
GAITS FOR ARTILLERY.
The =Manœuvring Gallop= is at the rate of twelve miles an hour (352 yards in a minute). This gait is used on occasions by horse-artillery, and in great emergencies for very short distances by field-artillery.
The =Manœuvring Trot= or =Trot-out= is at the rate of eight miles an hour (235 yards in a minute.)
The =Canter= is at the same rate, viz., eight miles an hour.
The =Slow Trot= is at the rate of from six to six and one half miles an hour, and should be used by light artillery for distances of several miles when necessary to move at a faster gait than a walk.
At drills and on road marches it should be considerably employed so that teams may move easily and with unnecessary fatigue when called on to cover long distances rapidly.
The =Walk= is at the rate of four miles an hour (117 yards in a minute). It is the pace usually employed on the line of march for field-batteries, although they move, as does horse-artillery, at an alternate trot and walk, covering about five miles an hour.
DENTITION.
=Age of Horse from One to Nine Years, as Indicated by Teeth (Incisors) in Lower Jaw.=--The age of a horse is determined by:
1. The character of the teeth, i.e., whether they be temporary or permanent.
2. The period at which they are cut.
3. The condition of the teeth themselves.
Temporary or milk teeth are distinguished from the permanent teeth by being smaller, whiter, and having more distinct necks. The fangs are small and have little attachment to the gums. The jaws are plump, fleshy, and round, and the teeth are arranged in something like a semicircle. Permanent teeth are larger, broader, wider in the necks and more discolored than milk-teeth. The plumpness and circularity of the jaw is less than in the young colt, and gradually decreases. In old age the teeth are arranged in a nearly straight line.
During the first ten months the six incisors appear. At twelve months the teeth show little signs of wear, the corner teeth are mere shells, having no inner walls, and the teeth are close together.
At two years the corner teeth have grown up to level of others; the centre teeth are worn. The teeth stand wide apart at necks because of growth of jaw.
Shortly before three years old the two centre milk-teeth are shed and replaced by permanent teeth.
Shortly before four years old the next two milk-teeth on either side are shed, and permanent ones appear.
Shortly before five years old the corner milk-teeth are shed, and permanent ones appear, but as shells only, having no internal walls.
At about six years old the inner wall of the corner teeth has grown up level with outer wall.
The tusks appear at about three and one half years, are matured at six, and then begin to wear away. Usually absent in mares.
Between three and five years the marks or cups in the permanent teeth are very plain.
At _six_ the marks are well worn in centre teeth.
At _seven_ the marks disappear from centre teeth, are well worn in the two next, but plain in corner teeth.
At _eight_ the marks have all disappeared, except in corner teeth, in which they are worn.
At _nine_ the marks are usually gone from all the incisor teeth in lower jaw.
The temporary incisors in upper jaw fall out usually a little earlier than those in lower jaw. The permanent incisors in upper jaw are longer and larger than the lower, and the mark is deeper and remains longer than in the lower teeth.
Beyond nine years the teeth become angular and foul, the tusks worn, and the age only to be determined accurately by much experience and observation.
Old horses frequently suffer from uneven and sharp-edged grinders. Their mouths should be occasionally examined, particularly if the animal be off his feed, and, if necessary, the teeth should be rasped off.
SICK HORSES.
The horses on sick report are in charge of the stable sergeant, who reports daily to the captain for instructions as to their treatment.
In garrison the battery officer of the day inspects the sick horses daily, and records in his guard-report book the names of the horses on sick report, and the treatment they receive.
In treating sick horses it is to be observed that very little medicine is ordinarily required, and that unnecessary doses do a great deal of harm.
If a horse sustain an injury, neglect his feed, refuse his water, or give any evidence of sickness, it will be at once reported.
No horse on sick report will be taken from the stable or picket-line for exercise or work without permission from proper authority.
If there be at any time a suspicious discharge from one or both nostrils of an animal, it must be immediately reported.
To prevent contagion to man or beast, an animal that shows any decided symptoms of glanders is to be isolated at once, and confined or tied up in some locality where no other animal can approach him.
A glandered horse should be killed as soon as possible. The stall in which he stood is torn down and all the woodwork burned and the ironwork disinfected, or otherwise it is closed and must remain empty until the rack, manger, and every part of the iron and woodwork, as also the vessels used in watering and feeding, and his saddle and bit, have been three or four times thoroughly washed with a 5 per cent solution of carbolic acid or a 1 to 1000 solution of corrosive sublimate; all parts to which the latter has been applied should be thoroughly scrubbed with hot water to remove all traces of the poisonous salt. The application of a lime wash to all the stalls, after complete disinfection, will be desirable. Small articles, such as bits, etc., can be disinfected by keeping them immersed for a half-hour in boiling water. All articles of little value that have been used with a glandered horse, such as halters, bridles, horse-cloths, saddle-cloths, blankets, nose-bags, currycombs and brushes, etc., should be destroyed.
Stables occupied by infected or suspected horses should be disinfected daily by washing exposed surfaces with a 5 per cent solution of carbolic acid, and nose-bags, halters, buckets used for drinking-water, etc., should be carefully washed with the same solution or with boiling water.
HEALTH AND DISEASE.
------------------------+-----------------------------------
| Corresponding to the Condition of
Points. +--------------------+---------------
| Health. | Disease.
------------------------+--------------------+---------------
1. Temperament | Vivacious. | Dull.
2. Coat | Healthy. | Staring.
3. Membranes | Pale and moist. |Florid and dry.
4. Appetite | Good. | Bad.
5. Pulse |36 to 40 per minute.| 50 to 90.
6. Respirations | 8 to 12 " " | 20 to 50.
7. Temperature, external| Warm. | Cold.
8. Temperature, internal| 98°.4 to 100°. | 101° to 105°.
------------------------+--------------------+---------------
On entering a stall to determine the state of an animal the =temperament= and =coat= are first observed. To examine the =membranes=, elevate the nostrils so as to obtain a good view of the interior, ascertain the condition of the =appetite= by observation or a trustworthy source. Take the =pulse= for a full minute. The best and most usual place to take it is beneath the lower jaw, at a spot corresponding to the swell of the jaw; this failing, as it sometimes does in cases of extreme weakness, the artery inside the arm, near where the leg joins the body, should be sought for. The number of beats, whether soft or hard, and whether regular or intermittent, should be noted.
The =respirations= are best observed at the flank, an inspiration and expiration going to make up =one= respiration.
The =external temperature= is ascertained by feeling the ears and extremities.
The =internal temperature= is obtained by means of a clinical thermometer. Set the instrument at 98°.4 F., insert it in the dock, and allow it to remain in the body three or four minutes.
DISEASES OF THE HORSE.
1. Caries of the lower jaw.
2. Fistula of the parotid duct.
3. Bony excrescence or exostosis of the lower jaw.
4. Swelling by pressure of the bridle.
5. Poll-evil.
6. Inflamed parotid gland.
7. Inflamed jugular vein.
8. Fungus tumor, produced by pressure of the collar.
9. Fistula in the withers.
10. Saddle-gall.
11. Tumor of the elbow.
12. Induration of the knee.
13. Clap of the back sinews.
14. Malanders.
15. Splint.
16. Ring-bone.
17. A tread upon the coronet.
18. Quittor.
19. Sand-crack.
20. Contracted or ring foot of a foundered horse.
21. Capped hock.
22. Malanders.
23. Spavin.
24. Curb.
25. Swelled sinews.
26. Thick leg.
27. Grease.
28. A crack in front of the foot, called cow-crack.
29. Quarter-crack.
30. Ventral hernia.
31. Rat-tail.
]
VETERINARY MEDICINES.
INTERNALLY ADMINISTERED.
Medicines that Act on the Stomach and Intestines or their Contents.
=Cathartics.=--Agents that cause purgation: aloes, calomel, Epsom salts, common salt and sulphur, croton, linseed, and castor oils, injections and mashes.
=Anthelmintics.=--Agents that destroy or expel worms: nearly all cathartics, tartarated antimony, and sulphide of iron.
=Nauseants.=--Agents that induce nausea: aloes and white hellebore.
=Antacids.=--Agents that counteract acidity: soap and the carbonates of lime, magnesia, soda, and potash.
=Alteratives.=--Agents that bring about a healthy state of the system: aloes, calomel, cod-liver oil, sulphur, nitrate of potash.
=Cardiacs.=--Agents that invigorate the system by stimulating the stomach: Cayenne pepper, ginger, gentian, caraway seeds.
=Demulcents.=--Agents that lubricate or sheathe surfaces: glycerine, gum-arabic, linseed, and starch.
=Antidotes.=--Agents that counteract the effects of poisons: depending upon the kind of poison.
Medicines that Act upon the Brain, Nerves, and Nerve-centres.
=Excitants.=--Agents that stimulate the brain, nerves, and nerve-centres, and thus increase their energy: alcohol, ammonia, arnica, strychnia.
=Narcotics.=--Agents that are excitants, but whose action is followed by depression of energy: camphor, henbane, belladonna, opium.
=Sedatives.=--Agents that depress nervous power or lower circulation: digitalis, hydrocyanic acid, tartarated antimony, and chloroform.
=Antispasmodics.=--Agents that prevent or allay cramps: alcohol, ethers, oil of turpentine, opium.
Medicines that Act upon Glands or Glandular Structures.
=Stimulants.=--Agents that act upon the glands generally: calomel, oxide of mercury, iodine and its compounds.
=Diuretics.=--Agents that increase the secretion of urine: copaiba, nitrate of potash, turpentine, resin.
=Parturients.=--Agents that cause contraction of the womb: ergot of rye.
=Lithontriptics.=--Agents that dissolve calculi: hydrochloric acid, the fixed alkalies.
=Diaphoretics.=--Agents that cause perspiration: colchicum, tartar emetic, acetate of ammonia, spirits of nitrous ether.
Medicines that Act upon the Muscular Fibre.
=Tonics.=--Agents that act gradually, and permanently improve digestion and nutrition: gentian, the sulphates of iron, copper, and zinc, cascarilla bark, camomile flowers.
=Astringents.=--Agents that cause contraction of muscular fibre: alum, catechu, oak-bark, tannic acid.
EXTERNALLY ADMINISTERED.
Medicines that Act upon the Skin and External Parts by Direct
Application.
=Refrigerants.=--Agents that diminish morbid heat of a part: salt and cold water, solutions of acetate and subacetate of lead.
=Discutients.=--Agents that dispel enlargements: compounds of iodine, soap liniment, camphor.
=Rubefacients.=--Agents that cause heat or redness of skin without blistering: liniments of ammonia, tar and turpentine, vinegar.
=Vesicants.=--Agents that produce blisters: cantharides, tartar emetic, croton-oil, hot water.
=Caustics.=--Agents that decompose the part to which applied: carbolic, nitric, sulphuric, and hydrochloric acids; chlorides of antimony and zinc, corrosive sublimate, nitrate of silver, sulphate of copper, hot iron.
=Pyogenics.=--Agents that induce suppuration of wounds: liniment and ointment of turpentine, black hellebore.
=Detergents.=--Agents that cleanse wounds and skin and excite them to healthy action: acetate of copper, creosote, liniment of sulphate of copper, ointment of chloride of ammonia and nitrate of mercury, sulphur and some of its compounds.
=Astringents.=--Agents that diminish discharge from wounds: alum, sulphate of zinc, acetate of lead.
=Antiseptics.=--Agents that destroy putrid condition of wounds: carbolic acid, salicylic acid, iodoform, charcoal, chloride of zinc, nitrate of potash, permanganate of potash, yeast.
=Traumatics.=--Agents that excite healing in wounds: aloes, myrrh, collodion, oil of tar, resin, solutions of sulphate of copper and zinc.
=Emollients.=--Agents that soften and relax parts: fomentations, lard, olive-oil, palm-oil, poultices.
DRUGS AND DOSES, AND HOW TO ADMINISTER THEM.
The most convenient method to administer medicine is either in the form of a bolus, gelatine capsule, or drench. Before proceeding to give medicine turn the animal around in stall in a position so that he cannot run backwards. If giving a drench, either hold head up by hand or pull it up by placing halter-shank over some high object, pulling head up; then place horn or bottle inside of mouth. Take plenty of time; induce the horse to move his tongue, instead of pinching his throat and pulling out tongue, as is customary and wrong in all cases. The tongue must pass back in mouth, or else horse cannot swallow. To give a bolus, pull out tongue gently with left hand, keeping the mouth open, pass bolus back over root of tongue with right; by proceeding slowly very little trouble will be experienced.
If the animal will eat, medicine in the form of powder (provided it be not very repulsive to the taste) may be given in grain or mash, or dissolved in the water given to drink.
=Aconite= (Tincture).--Useful in cases of fevers and inflammation. Dose, 15 to 30 drops, repeated every three hours; should be given in one ounce cold water.
=Alcohol.=--Useful as a stimulant; one to three ounces, repeated every five hours, given in eight ounces cold water.
=Aloes= (Barbadoes).--Useful as a cathartic. Dose, six to eight drachms, with two drachms powdered ginger, made into a bolus or pill; only one dose required.
=Ammonia= (Aqua).--Useful as a stimulant. Dose, one half ounce, given three times a day in six ounces cold water.
=Ammonia= (Aromatic).--Useful in acute indigestion and flatulant colic. Dose, one ounce every two hours until better.
=Arnica= (Tincture).--Useful in all cases of bruises and sprains; should be applied frequently.
=Arsenic.=--Useful as a tonic or alterative. Dose, five grains given three times a day in the food.
=Belladonna= (Tincture).--Useful in allaying pains and spasms. Dose, one to two drachms, repeated every four hours.
=Bromide of Potassium.=--Useful as a nerve sedative. Dose, two to four drachms three times a day, given in water.
=Castor Oil.=--Useful as a cathartic. Dose, one pint.
=Chloral Hydrate=--Useful in allaying pain. Dose, one-half ounce every four hours until relief comes.
=Chloroform.=--Useful as an anæsthetic and anodyne in allaying pain. Dose, one to three drachms given in four ounces cold water.
=Digitalis= (Tincture).--Useful as a heart stimulant. Also for coughs and colds. Dose, one drachm three times a day.
=Dovers Powders.=--Useful for colds and coughs. Dose, three drachms three times a day in feed.
=Gentian.=--Useful as a tonic. Dose of tincture, one ounce; of ground, one half ounce--in feed three times a day.
=Ginger.=--Useful as a tonic and stimulant. Dose, tincture, one ounce; ground, one ounce--in feed three times a day.
=Iodine= (Tincture).--Useful when applied externally for sprains, bruises, etc.
=Iodoform.=--Useful when applied to galls. Take one part iodoform and three parts sulphur and cover the gall with the powder. Iodoform one part, cosmoline nine parts, makes a good antiseptic ointment.
=Iron= (Sulphate).--Useful for worms and as a tonic. Dose, one half ounce three times a day.
=Iron= (Tincture).--Checks bleeding, when applied externally; is a tonic internally. Dose, one half ounce in water three times a day.
=Laudanum.=--Useful in allaying pain. Dose, one to two ounces, to be repeated every two hours if pain lasts.
=Lead= (Acetate, Sugar of Lead).--Useful for wounds, bruises, sprains, and to allay inflammation. One ounce to one quart of water, and apply often.
=Linseed-oil=.--Purgative. Dose, ten to thirty ounces.
=Nitre= (Saltpetre, Nitrate Potash).--Is useful in fevers, blood disorders, and sluggish kidneys. Dose, one half to one ounce a day.
=Podophyllin.=--Useful in liver disorders. Dose, one to two drachms once a day.
=Quinine.=--Useful in all debilitating fevers and where there is loss of appetite. Dose, twenty to thirty grains five times a day in pills.
=Resin=.--Useful in kidney disorders. Dose, one half ounce three times a day in feed.
=Soda= (Bicarbonate).--Useful in cases where an antacid is required. Dose, six drachms three times a day in feed.
=Soda Sulphate= (Glauber Salts).--Useful where a saline laxative is required. Dose, one pound.
=Santonine.=--Useful for worms. Dose, two to four drachms.
=Sweet Spirits Nitre.=--Useful for colic and kidney trouble. Dose, one to two ounces in cold water, to be repeated if necessary.
=Zinc= (Sulphate).--Useful for wounds. Add one quart water to one ounce zinc and apply three times a day.
=Bran Mash.=--Place bran in clean pail and pour on as much boiling water as it will absorb; add ½ ounce salt; stir and then cover over to retain steam until sufficiently cool; add, if on hand, to the bran a pound of well-boiled linseed.
=Gruel.=--Put 1 pound of meal in cold water, place over fire, and stir until it boils; then simmer until thick; permit to cool until temperature of new milk; add wineglass of spirits if animal be exhausted.
=Poultice.=--Bran, with a little linseed-oil, steeped in hot water; boiled turnips or carrots; linseed-meal and a little olive-oil.
=Charcoal Poultice= is made by adding linseed-meal to boiling water and stirring until a soft mass is produced; then stir in powdered charcoal and sprinkle some over the poultice when made up. If desired as an astringent, add sulphate of zinc.
=Mustard.=--Add water to 1 pound of mustard until a thick paste; rub on skin and then wash off carefully after 15 or 20 minutes. Apply again in six hours if necessary.
=Enemas.=--Usually water at the temperature of the body, 3 to 6 quarts. Sometimes a little soap is added.
=Cantharides.=--If effect of blister be too severe, diminish by dressing part with liniment of lead, acetate of lead, and olive-oil; or wash off blister and dress with oil.
=Gombault's Caustic Balsam= is a most excellent vesicant.
=Tonics= should be given under observation of surgeon and effect carefully watched, especially mineral tonics.
=Mineral Tonics.=--Sulphate of iron, 1 to 2 drachms, with 2 to 4 drachms of ginger; or sulphate of copper, ½ to 1 drachm, with powdered gentian 2 to 4 drachms; or arsenious acid, 5 grains.
=Vegetable Tonics.=--Quinine, ½ to 1 drachm, dissolved in a few drops of sulphuric acid, in a pint of water; or oak-bark, 2 to 3 drachms made into a ball with treacle and bran; or powdered gentian-root, 1 to 2 drachms; or tincture of gentian, 1 to 2 ounces in a pint of water.
SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT OF VARIOUS DISEASES.
ABSCESS.
=Symptoms.=--The result of a bruise or blood impurities; is attended by pain, heat, and swelling, with in time a soft or fluctuating part on its surface from which the hair falls off.
=Treatment.=--Open with a knife at the soft point and free of matter; then hot fomentations or poultices are sometimes required; apply twice a day carbolic acid, 1 part; water, 20 parts.
BLADDER IRRITATION.
=Symptoms.=--Restlessness; frequent straining; protruding penis; passing small quantities of urine at short intervals.
=Treatment.=--Rest; plenty of water and mucilaginous fluids, with ½ ounce bicarbonate of soda or potash; warm rugs over loins; a pint of linseed-oil if laxative is required.
BLADDER INFLAMMATION.
=Symptoms.=--Similar to bladder irritation, but more aggravated; considerable fever, indicated by quick pulse; high temperature; arching of back; whisking tail; frequent straining; passing a few drops of urine at short intervals, generally thickly colored, with ropy mucus and pus, and sometimes blood.
=Treatment.=--If bladder be distended, use gentle manipulation and pressure per rectum. This failing, use catheter. Apply hot blanket to the loins, and when removed rub that part with embrocation of oil, 6 ounces; strong solution of ammonia, 1 ounce; and tincture of opium, 2 ounces. Give mucilaginous drinks, such as linseed-tea, hay-tea, etc., and cooling, laxative food. After relieving congestion give ½ ounce bicarbonate of soda two or three times a day in the drink.
BOWELS, INFLAMMATION OF (ENTERITIS).
=Symptoms.=--Similar to those of colic, only there is more distress, and the pain is continuous, and not in paroxysms, as is the case in colic; the body is covered with perspiration; pulse quick and small; extremities cold instead of warm, as in colic.
=Treatment.=--Powdered opium, 2 drachms in watery solution; belladonna, 2 drachms; linseed-oil, 1 pint. Following this give 10 drops tincture of aconite and ½ drachm powdered opium in watery solution every two hours. Frequent enemas of tepid water; mustard or very hot water to abdomen; hand-rub and bandage legs; clothe warmly. Bran mashes and bran gruel for a short time after recovery. Exercise great care and give simple diet for some days.
BRONCHITIS, INFLAMMATION OF THE TUBES OF THE LUNGS.
=Symptoms.=--The first day quick breathing, with whistling sound on listening at side of chest, or a deeper and more noisy sound at front of chest; pulse harder and quicker than normal; breathing quickened; nostril red and inflamed. About second day increased secretion of mucus and suppressed cough; pulse decreased in volume and more rapid; breathing hurried; dilated nostril; heaving flank.
=Treatment.=--Place animal in airy box and clothe warmly; bandage legs; bran mash. If legs be unequal in warmth and coat inclined to stare, give, night and morning, 1 ounce spirits nitric ether, 4 ounces acetate of ammonia, 8 ounces water.
If disease unmistakably sets in, give 1 drachm carbonate of ammonia, or ½ ounce sweet spirits of nitre, or sulphuric ether, every 4 to 6 hours. If inclined to drink, ½ ounce nitre dissolved in each half pail of water until the kidneys act freely. Have animal inhale steam from bucketful of boiling water and tablespoonful of oil of turpentine poured over hay. If constipated, 2 ounces Epsom salts, 1 ounce nitrate of potassa, until slight effect is produced. Foment chest with blanket wrung out of hot water, and also sides. After each application slightly stimulate by rubbing with weak ammonia liniment (1 part liquid ammonia sesquicarbonate to 3 parts olive-oil.)
BURNS.
=Treatment.=--Cover with cosmoline, 10 parts, carbolic acid, 1 part, or with rags soaked in olive-oil to which a little sugar of lead has been added; or dust thickly with starch or flour and cover with cotton-wool; or liniment of equal parts of limewater and linseed-oil (carron-oil).
COLIC, SPASMODIC.
=Symptoms.=--The attack usually comes on suddenly; the horse paws, kicks his belly, looks at his flanks, moves about uneasily, throws himself down violently and groans, rolls, lies on his back, jumps up and oftentimes commences eating. The extremities continue warm, and between the paroxysms the pulse is normal.
=Treatment.=--1 ounce chloral hydrate in ½ pint of water--repeat in an hour if necessary; or 1 ounce tincture of opium and 1 ounce sweet spirits of nitre in ½ pint of cold water, repeated every half-hour until well; or 1½ ounces opium and 2 ounces alcohol in ½ pint water--repeat in one hour if necessary.
Administer enema of warm water in which a little soap is dissolved. Should constipation be the cause, give aloes in solution, 5 to 8 drachms, or 1 pint of linseed-oil. Apply hot blanket to abdomen. Have animal walked about or belly well hand-rubbed, and give ½ pint of whiskey, or brandy, or any stimulant in pint of water if drugs be not at hand.
In =Flatulent Colic=, when the bowels are distended by gas, detected by bloated appearance and resonance on percussion, give promptly baking-soda, 2 to 4 ounces; if this fails, give carbonate of ammonia in ½-ounce doses every half-hour, or chloral hydrate, 1 ounce in ½ pint of water.
Physic with 5 to 8 drachms Barbadoes aloes or 1 pint linseed-oil. Frequent enemas of turpentine, 1 to 2 ounces, and linseed-oil, 8 ounces. Apply hot blankets.
CONSTIPATION.
=Symptoms.=--Uneasiness; distended abdomen; pulse and respiration nearly normal.
=Treatment.=--Copious enemas of tepid water and a little soap. Dose of linseed-oil, 1½ pints. Sloppy food; slow exercise.
CORNS.
=Symptoms.=--These bruises of the foot or heel are commonly caused by improper shoeing, or leaving shoes on too long until they become imbedded. They are usually on fore feet, in that part of the sole included in the angle between the bar and the outside wall of the hoof.
=Treatment.=--If lame and when the spot is pared there be matter, foment and poultice until lameness has disappeared. Then shoe with bar-shoe resting on frog, the spot being relieved by cutting away horn.
CRACKED HEELS (SCRATCHES).
=Symptoms.=--This is an inflammation of the oil-and sweat-glands of the skin, due to exposure, irritants, mud, filth, cold, washing heels with inferior soaps, cold draughts on heels, standing in slush or snow.
=Treatment.=--Remove hair; poultice with warm bran and charcoal, and keep clean; apply ointment--acetate of lead 1 part, lard 3 parts. If sores be deep and painful, put on shoes with high heels. Feed cooling, laxative food.
CURB.
=Symptoms.=--Sprain of the superior straight ligament at the back of the hock-joint. It looks like a swollen knot a few inches below the hock.
=Treatment.=--Reduce inflammation by hot fomentations, and after it has subsided apply biniodide ointment (biniodide of mercury 1 part, lard 12 parts), or a liniment composed of 2 parts of soap liniment and 1 of tincture of iodine. If there be much thickening, blister.
DISTEMPER.
=Symptoms.=--See STRANGLES.
FARCY.
Farcy of a specific nature is identical with glanders, and is incurable.
FISTULA.
=Symptoms.=--Fistula of withers is ordinarily due to badly fitting collars or saddles, or to bruises.
=Treatment.=--If very slight, remove all pressure at that point (rest if possible), and bathe with salt water or muriate of ammonia frequently. If more advanced, use hot fomentations. If matter forms, make free opening for its escape at lowest point. Treat with solution of sulphate of zinc. When the sore becomes healthy, and the core removed, use carbolic dressing and keep clean. Should it break out again, inject the abscess with a solution of sulphate of zinc 20 grains to the ounce of water every second or third day until entirely healed.
FOOT INFLAMMATION.
=Symptoms.=--Brought on by founder, hard driving, lack of moisture to hoofs, indigestion and fevers, punctures, bruises, etc. Manifested by increased temperature of foot, pain on moderate percussion with hammer around the wall of hoof towards clenches and heel (the opposite foot being held up), and firm pressure by pincers around margin of hoof after removal of shoe.
=Treatment.=--After locating the injury remove surrounding horn freely to prevent formation of, or to give vent to, any matter. Place foot in hot water for one hour, and then poultice. Dress with tar and tow.
FOUNDER.
=Symptoms.=--Laminitis, or acute founder, consists of inflammation of the laminæ by which the hoof is attached to the sensitive foot, caused by hard driving, leaving heated horse to stand in snow, standing in cold draughts, too much grain and cold water afterwards.
The animal evinces much distress and can scarcely be made to move, and when compelled to stir does so with great difficulty and pain, putting heels of fore feet to the ground and bringing hind feet forward under body. The feet are very hot and intensely painful, and the slightest percussion causes great agony. In standing the fore feet are advanced if they are affected (most frequently the case). If they are drawn under the body, the trouble is in the hind feet.
=Treatment.=--Give 1 pint of linseed-oil; remove shoes, then stand in cold water or wet clay most of the time for two or three days, and make cold applications to legs. Poultice if necessary. Then compel animal to take exercise on soft, damp ground, at first slowly and for short distances. If tenderness remains after inflammation has passed, blister around coronet, and continue exercise on damp ground. Blister may be repeated every nine days if necessary.
Be careful to apply blister (cantharides 1 part, olive-oil 6 or 8 parts) only on protuberant band which extends for a finger's breadth above the hoof, and _not_ on pasterns.
Feed bran mashes and grass. Place bucket of water containing ½ ounce nitre near by if animal be feverish, so that he may drink.
GALLS (see SORES).
=Treatment.=--Remove the cause and bathe the spot with Castile soap and cold water as often as possible. If this does not succeed, a root will appear at the centre of the gall, the edges of which will be clear, the sitfast holding only by the root. Pull it out with pincers; bathe frequently with cold water. A little oil or grease, free from salt, or carbolic acid 1 part, glycerine 15 parts, may be rubbed lightly on the parts as they begin to heal.
When the sore becomes healthy, cleanse thoroughly and apply 1 part iodoform, 3 parts sulphur. If necessary to use the animal, cover with old-fashioned sticking-plaster, after putting on the powder just indicated. If possible, the collar or saddle should not bear on the spot.
GLANDERS.
Before a horse is destroyed for either glanders or farcy he should, as soon as suspected, be separated from all the other animals, and every precaution taken to prevent the spread of the disease. When the disease is definitely determined, destroy the animal at once, burn all articles of clothing, brushes, brooms, etc., and have other articles, equipments, stalls, etc., thoroughly disinfected.
Bear in mind that this terrible disease is highly contagious, and easily communicated to man.
=Symptoms.=--The three characteristic signs are:
1st. A peculiar transparent, glutinous, and continuous discharge, usually from one nostril, which accumulates and entangles all kinds of filth. This discharge is at first thin and aqueous, but soon assumes the characteristic glary condition, and is generally of a straw-color, but in very late stages becomes more purulent.
2d. Ulceration of the mucous membranes of the nostrils. Before ulceration takes place in the nostrils the membrane of the part usually assumes a dingy leaden or slate color, often in patches, and the other parts highly injected.
The ultimate symptom, leaving no doubt of the character of the disease, is the formation of true ulcers in the nostrils.
The ulceration usually commences with a small vesicle on the membrane, which after a few days bursts, leaving a small unhealthy ulcer, which has no disposition to heal, but, on the contrary, gradually spreads and deepens. The nostril first affected by discharge is generally first affected by ulceration.
After the formation of ulcers the discharge is often tinged with blood, and becomes offensive.
3d. The submaxillary gland, in the channel formed between the lower jaw-bones, becomes swollen and painful, but, as a rule, shows no inclination to suppurate. It soon becomes hard and firmly attached to the jawbone, and ceases to be painful on the application of pressure.
On any one of the above-enumerated symptoms appearing, at once isolate the animal; have bedding destroyed, and carefully remove all clothing, stable utensils, etc., from the vicinity of other horses. Place a steady man in charge, and warn him of his personal danger.
GREASE.
=Symptoms.=--A diseased state of the skin of the legs, more especially the hind ones, caused by uncleanliness or washing with cold water and not properly drying them afterwards. In the early stages it consists of intolerable itching, followed by an inflammation of the sweat-glands, and an offensive oily discharge. The heels feel hot and greasy.
=Treatment.=--Trim hair; poultice with warm bran and charcoal for several days, changing twice a day, and cleaning with sponge and tepid water each time; or apply a flaxseed poultice over which has been poured some lotion consisting of sugar of lead ½ oz., carbolic acid 1 drachm, water 1 quart. Then, if animal is not weak, give a dose of purgative medicine, and when it has acted apply to the heels a dressing of vaseline 1 oz., oxide of zinc 2 drachms, iodized phenol 20 drops; or equal parts of sulphate of zinc and sugar of lead in water; or carbolic acid 1 part, glycerine 20 parts, applied with a brush and covered with lint and bandage, is good after poulticing. When the frog is affected, pare to the quick and dress with dry caustic powders (quicklime, copperas, bluestone) or carbolic acid, and put on tight bandage, the dressing being renewed every day at least. When there is any tendency to inflammation or ulceration of skin of heels in bad weather, dress with lard or tallow, or lard 8 parts and alum 1 part.
HIDE-BOUND.
=Symptoms.=--The hide becomes tightly drawn over the flesh, and the coat hard and staring.
=Treatment.=--Aloes 1½ oz., sulphur 3½ oz., ginger ½ oz., linseed-meal ½ oz. Make into six balls, and give one night and morning.
HOOF-BOUND.
=Symptoms.=--This is the result of some preceding disease of the foot, giving rise to an atrophy of the flesh structures of the foot, allowing the wall to fall in and become contracted.
=Treatment.=--Stand in moist place; apply blistering liquid (powdered cantharides 1 part, olive-oil 6 to 8 parts) to coronet.
HOCK-LAMENESS.
This applies to a variety of diseases, such as bog-and blood-spavin, bone-spavin, curb, sprained ligaments, etc., all of which give rise to lameness.
=Treatment.=--Rest; hot fomentations to allay inflammation; hand-rubbing and blistering are used according to circumstances.
INFLUENZA.
=Symptoms.=--This specific epizoötic fever of a low type, associated with inflammation of the respiratory mucous membrane, begins very suddenly with marked fever; great dulness and extreme weakness; headache; limbs stiff and weak; pulse quickened; eyelids swollen and tearful, and, if inverted, appear pink or dark red; disinclination to move; legs swollen; short, painful cough, betraying soreness of throat; difficulty in swallowing; hurried breathing (if breathing hurried and nostrils dilated, inflammation of lungs is to be apprehended); sometimes discharge from nostrils, as in catarrh, or there may be only a thin, yellowish, transparent fluid from the nostrils. If bowels are involved, the horse exhibits symptoms of abdominal pain. If liver is also involved, the lining membrane of the eyelid will be a yellowish-red hue. Constipation or diarrhœa almost invariably present.
=Treatment.=--Isolate; rest; nurse carefully. Box stall where the temperature should be about 60°; clothe, hand-rub and bandage legs so as to maintain normal temperature. Rub throat and well towards ears with liniment made of soap liniment 2 oz., compound camphor liniment 2 oz., and tincture of opium ½ oz.
(Soap liniment is composed of soft-soap 4 oz., camphor 1 oz., proof spirits 2 pints, solution of ammonia ½ pint. Compound-camphor liniment is composed of camphor 1 oz., olive-oil 2 oz.)
If cough is severe, steam nostrils with bucket of boiling water and tablespoonful of turpentine poured over hay. Should there be constipation without symptoms of bowel complications, give injection of soap-suds and mild dose of Epsom salts, but not otherwise. If diarrhœa be present, do not check unless it increases the debility, and then give starch or flour gruel with an ounce or two of prepared chalk.
If abdominal pain be great, apply hot blankets; same to chest if involved. Quinine in 20-grain doses four or five times a day.
Give saline agents, such as 1½ oz. sulphate of magnesia; or 1 oz. hyposulphate of soda; or 4 oz. acetate of ammonia with 1 oz. nitric ether, once or twice a day.
Gruel of bran or oatmeal with a little nitre therein, or cold water with nitre for drink. Bran mash and scalded oats for food.
LAMENESS.
Lameness, when in the foot, is indicated by the animal pointing; in the shoulder by the animal dragging or swinging the limb in a rotary manner.
In the majority of cases it is below the knee when in the fore leg, and in the hock-joint when in the hind leg.
Examine carefully, and have the animal trotted slowly both towards and from you. If the lameness be in front the animal drops on the well quarter, and throws his head up when the unsound leg is placed on the ground. If lame behind he hitches up the lame quarter, and nods the head when the sound leg is placed on the ground. Then determine location. If in foot, the lameness is more apparent on hard than on soft ground. If lame elsewhere, it will be as apparent, and probably more apparent, on soft as on hard ground (except in splint and other exostoses), and is usually some sprain of a ligament between knee and fetlock in fore leg, and in hock of hind leg. (See Corns; Cracked Heels; Curb; Foot Inflammation; Founder; Grease; Hock Lameness; Hoof-bound.)
LAMPAS.
=Symptoms.=--Swollen condition of roof of mouth caused by cold, indigestion, or growing teeth.
=Treatment.=--Laxative food, and even a mild dose of laxative medicine if required. Rub mouth with salt or a little alum and water.
LARYNGITIS (INFLAMMATION OF THE THROAT).
=Symptoms.=--Sore throat consists of inflammation of head of windpipe, indicated by cough and difficulty in swallowing; hot and tender in region of gullet; the least pressure may produce paroxysms of coughing; pulse quick, respiration somewhat hurried.
=Treatment.=--Place in box stall where atmosphere is warm and moist; avoid cold air; hot-water fomentations, and rub throat with ammonia liniment (1 part liquid ammonia, 1 part cantharides, 2 parts olive oil;) soft laxative food or grass, no hay; sponge throat with solution of nitrate of silver 10 grains to 1 oz. of water; steam nostrils every 15 minutes with bucket of boiling water and tablespoonful of turpentine poured over hay. No laxative medicine if avoidable. Use enemas, and if necessary give 2 oz. Epsom salts in a pint of water with two drams of ginger night and morning for several days.
Keep temperature of body normal by clothing, and give febrifuges in the form of small doses of ½ dram belladonna and 1 oz. nitre made into a soft ball or dissolved in water.
MANGE.
=Symptoms.=--An eruptive disease, very contagious; usually most severe in winter; ordinarily induced by inattention to cleanliness or contagion. Indicated by itching, hair falling off, skin becoming dry, wrinkled, and scaly, with raw spots and cracks over the body.
=Treatment.=--If coat be long it may be necessary to clip it. Wash well with warm water and soap; apply paraffine oil daily and allow to dry; or sulphur and linseed oil well rubbed in; or oil of tar and sulphur 2 oz. each, and linseed oil 1 pint. After treating a few days, use sal soda ¼ lb. to one gallon of hot water to wash off body and clean skin.
NAVICULAR DISEASE.
=Symptoms.=--Consists of sprain of the flexor tendon, or its sheath, as it passes over navicular bone, giving rise to inflammation of the joint.
If foot-lameness exists without apparent cause, animal points fore foot without resting hind quarters, wears away toe, goes up hill sounder than he goes down, feet, as a rule, contracted and hotter than usual, we may suspect navicular disease.
=Treatment.=--Rest; allow frog to bear on ground; cold poultices, or stand in cold water or on clay tempered with salt and water; laxative food. In a week blister around coronet and in hollow of heel.
This disease can only be alleviated, not cured.
OPHTHALMIA (SORE EYES).
=Symptoms.=--May arise from undue exposure to sun, cold, wind, dust, etc. Foreign substances usually lodge under the upper eyelid. The eyelids are swollen, tears running down face, with intolerance of light.
=Treatment.=--Bathe with warm water; dress daily with tincture of opium 2 drams, sulphate of zinc 4 grs., or alum 6 grs. and water 1 oz., and shade eyes with wide bandage suspended from brow-band. Keep in dark stable and avoid using in bright sunlight.
If feverish, give bran mashes. Bathe with cold water if unable to obtain warm.
PARALYSIS OF HIND QUARTERS.
=Symptoms.=--Partial or complete loss of voluntary motion of the parts, usually brought on by high feeding and no exercise.
=Treatment.=--1 dram powdered nux vomica twice a day; good nursing; easily digested food; dose of Glauber salts.
PHARYNGITIS (SORE THROAT).
=Treatment.=--Rub the throat with turpentine liniment (equal parts of turpentine and olive oil).
PLEURISY.
=Symptoms.=--One side of chest generally affected, especially at first. When independent of pneumonia it generally begins suddenly with shivering; breathing quick and shallow; nostrils dilated; respiration short and quick; regular elevated line or ridge along the lower border of the ribs from the point of the hip to the lower part of the sternum; fever; short, dry, painful cough; sighing grunt occasionally or when turned around; in early stages if ear be applied to chest a sound like rubbing dry hands together will be heard; pulse hard and wiry, at first about 60, runs to 80, and in bad cases to 100 and over, but not so full and oppressed as in pneumonia; restless and looks at side with anxious eye of pain; paws the ground; does not lie down, but attempts to do so; temperature of extremities irregular. Portions may be cold, others hot. In the second stage the friction sound in chest disappears; cough loose and moist; extremities for a time warm; pulse less frequent, smaller, and weaker; breathing less labored; membrane of nostril loses redness.
=Treatment.=--Roomy stable free from draughts; foment with blankets steeped in hot water and wrung out, as in pneumonia; continue this for some time, and when discontinued rub dry, and after four or five days, when acute stage has somewhat subsided, apply to sides liniment composed of olive oil 2 oz., tinct. cantharides 1 oz., solution of ammonia 1 oz., on alternate days. This liniment is not applied until the pain manifested by restlessness has subsided; clothe body. If legs be cold, hand-rub and flannel bandage. From the beginning give the following drench every six hours: solution of acetate of ammonia 3 oz., spirits of nitrous ether 1 oz., bicarbonate of potassium 3 drams, water 1 pint. In the beginning of the attack, if pain so severe as to cause animal to lie down or paw, give tincture of opium 2 oz.; raw linseed oil 12 oz.; laxative food; 2 oz. sulphate of soda or 1 oz. nitrate of potassa in a bucket of water to drink, and renew as often as necessary; if constipated, 2 oz. Epsom salts dissolved in water with ½ oz. nitrate of potassa twice a day; or enemas of warm water may be all that is necessary.
The treatment during fever and if debilitated is as for pneumonia; in fact the general treatment is the same, except the time of applying liniment.
PNEUMONIA.
=Symptoms.=--Usually begins with sudden shivering, followed by coldness of ears and extremities; other signs of inflammation; staring coat. _The coldness of extremities is a marked sign throughout the disease._ Animal uneasy; turns head frequently to chest; pulse oppressed and quick, generally about 60 at commencement, becomes quicker, and may run to 100, gradually becoming smaller in volume; temperature rises rapidly, frequently to 104° or 105° F.; cough may or may not be present. In early stages nasal linings paler than usual, but become purplish and then of leaden hue; respiration disturbed at once; animal persistently stands with fore legs wide apart and elbows out; never lies down except for a moment at a time, or in extremis; head inclined downwards, nose protruded, nostrils dilated.
In early stages a confused humming noise accompanied by a harsh, dry murmur is heard when ear is applied to chest; as the inflammation progresses the dry murmur gives way to a moist rattle.
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Handbook for Light ArtilleryChapter VI (1)
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