Chapter III: Part 3

CAUSE.—Injuries such as a kick from a sharp shoe, wire cuts, punctures from snags, or from probing a wound near a joint. Open joint is one of the most serious accidents that may happen to a horse, for the sufferer is apt to die from the ensuing constitutional disturbance, and even if he recovers the joint will, in all probability, be permanently stiff.

SYMPTOMS.—If the joint is opened or severely injured the wound will have an ordinary appearance except that there may be a flow of joint oil from the injured oil sack. However, the discharge gradually becomes more unhealthy until finally it is mixed with pus and blood and assumes a fetid odor. After two or three days the joint swells and becomes very painful and a high fever sets in. In unfavorable cases the animal dies from exhaustion very shortly, or at best recovers with a permanently stiff joint.

TREATMENT.—Never probe a wound near a joint. If the injury is small and noticed immediately, apply Red Iodide of Mercury, two drams; Vaseline, two ounces. Mix and rub in well over the wound. This will set up sufficient inflammation to close the opening and kill any infection that may be present, as it possesses powerful antiseptic properties. If the wound is large, wash with Bichloride of Mercury, one part to one thousand parts distilled water. The wound should be washed twice a day with this solution. Then dust the wound with Tannic Acid, one ounce; Iodoform, one ounce; Boracic Acid, one ounce; Calomel, one dram. Mix and place in sifter top can and apply this after washing each time. Then bandage the wound by first placing clean absorbent cotton over the wound. Do not attempt to syringe a solution into an opening or some of the solution may gain entrance into the joint. Keep the animal as quiet as possible and feed laxative food.

PALESADE WORM.

(_Strongulus Armatus_)

This parasite thrives on marshy ground and is commonly found in the United States and Canada. The body of the worm is gray in color, more or less stiff and straight and thicker in the front than in the hind part; it varies in length, the male measuring from three-fourths of an inch to one inch and the female from one to two inches. It may occur in an adult or an immature state. In the former it implants itself on the mucous membrane of the large intestines by means of its armed mouth, while in the latter it lives in cysts underneath the mucous membrane of the intestines and is sometimes found in the brain, testicles and liver. The immature worms which do not issue directly from the cysts get into the arteries and are carried by the force of the blood to all parts of the body.

SYMPTOMS.—Same as in Red Worm with the exception of colicky pains caused by the worms blocking the arteries which carry blood to the intestines, thus interfering with the process of digestion. Where the worms enter the arteries of the limbs it results in lameness. It is a good plan to examine animals once or twice a year to insure them against this pest.

TREATMENT.—Same as for Red Worm.

PLEURISY.

CAUSE.—Exposure to sudden changes of temperature, confinement in ill-ventilated, damp stables, wounds penetrating the chest, fractured ribs, heart diseases. It also occurs in conjunction with Bronchitis, Influenza, etc.

SYMPTOMS.—Generally only one side of the lungs is affected and that being the right, although it may affect both sides at the same time. First you will notice the animal distressed, uneasy, shivering, the affected side is painful to pressure of the hand. The breathing is short and quick, and the flanks heave—which shows that the animal tries to breathe as much as possible, by the action of the muscles of the abdomen and not by the movement of the ribs. The nostrils are dilated. There is usually a short, dry, painful cough present, which is repressed by the animal as much as possible, so as not to shake the inflamed parts. Often when expelling air from the lungs the horse gives a painful grunt especially when made to move. The pulse is generally hard and faster than usual. The temperature in early stages may rise from 104° to 106° F. If the ear is applied to the affected side a dry crackling or friction sound can be heard; a groove along the lower portion of the ribs will extend back to the flank. Within two or three days the pulse will be softer and weaker, temperature will fall to 101° or 102° F. and there will be fluids form and the painful short breathing will disappear. The liquids may now undergo absorption if properly treated, and the case terminate favorably in a week or ten days.

Frequently large quantities of fluid accumulate in the chest cavity that cannot be absorbed, the breathing becomes more difficult, short and quick, pulse becomes weak and rapid and the animal dies from exhaustion.

TREATMENT.—Place the animal in a comfortable, roomy stall; blanket if the weather is chilly, permit fresh air, but no drafts, as this is very important. Apply a paste made from Mustard and cold water over the chest cavity. Internally, administer Ammonium Iodide, Chlorate of Potash, Nitrate of Potash, each four ounces. Make into thirty-two powders and give one powder every two or three hours in gelatin capsule and administer with capsule gun. The diet is a proper means of keeping up the animal and is very important. Coax the animal to eat grass or vegetables, hot bran mashes or steam rolled oats. If there is a cough present, give the same treatment as recommended for Acute and Chronic Coughs.

PIN WORM, THREAD OR MAW WORM.

(_Oxyuris Curvilis_)

This worm when full grown is about one and three-quarter inches in length; its tail is thin and whip-like and head thick and terminating in a curve somewhat resembling the crook of a stick. The presence of these parasites may be detected by a light-yellow substance (the eggs of the worms) which adheres to the skin below the anus. Pin Worms like Round Worms frequently come away with the feces.

TREATMENT.—Dissolve four tablespoonfuls Common Salt in one gallon of warm water and inject it into the rectum. When this has been expelled, follow with an injection per rectum of Turpentine, four ounces, to one-half gallon Linseed Oil. Elevate the horse’s hind quarters so as to retain the injection longer. This will expel the worms and their eggs that cling to the walls of the rectum. The worms sometimes make their way so far forward that it is impossible to reach them with an injection. In this case treat same as for Round worms.

Where there is irritation produced about the tail the horse continually rubs and it is well to apply Mercurial Ointment to both tail and the anus.

POLL EVIL.

Poll Evil is so-called because it occurs in the region of the poll. It is not a constitutional disease, but comes, no doubt, from well marked causes, as from inflammation set up and involving the bones and muscles in the region of the poll, and perhaps of the larger ligament. Owing to the low vitality of the parts and the action of the head in taking food, etc., the pus is apt to burrow deep into the muscle.

CAUSE.—Direct or indirect injury. A common cause is striking the head against a low doorway or an ill-fitting halter or bridle.

SYMPTOMS.—Swelling just back of the ears on one or both sides of the head. The animal stands with the nose out; slight heat in the parts, pain on pressure. In the first stages, it is merely inflammatory action. The second stage is suppuration, or there may be great swelling in some cases when there is but little pus formed.

In other cases there is profuse suppuration and the pus makes its way out and discharges to the surface and sinuses are formed, which extend in various directions. Any abscess in this region is called Poll Evil.

TREATMENT.—When the enlargement is first noticed in the region of the poll, I would advise the following: Red Iodide of Mercury, four drams; Lard, four ounces, rub in well over the enlargement and perhaps this will prevent sinuses from forming, but when the cases are long standing and so-called pipes are formed, I would advise removing all diseased material and treat as an ordinary wound.

PETECHIAL FEVER.

(_Purpura Haemorrhagica_)

CAUSE.—Constitutional weakness following some debilitating disease such as Distemper, Pink Eye, Catarrh and even following operations, when an animal becomes weak from want of exercise, in which case it generally appears during his recovery. It is not infectious and cannot be transmitted by inoculations.

SYMPTOMS.—There is a slight swelling of the limbs, most likely to be about the hocks. The swelling may disappear by exercising, but will soon return. The swellings present a very abrupt appearance, nearly the same as if a string were tied around the limbs and swell very quickly, and symptomatic of Purpura. Exudations take place in which, if on white limbs, you will see little red spots, from which a liquid is oozing. The swelling is very painful and the entire limb may be swollen. Small vesicles appear on the limbs and also in the mucous membranes, and it is well to look at the mucous membranes before giving your opinion, as you will, no doubt, detect these spots, which may extend into the lungs. These spots increase and may run into each other. The mucous membranes of the nose may become a mass of corrupt matter. The upper lip may hang pendulous, which is due to the want of nervous stimulus. If the nostrils are swollen very badly, there is difficulty in breathing and if the animal is not able to take food, the symptoms are considered very bad. The pulse varies much in some cases; although the swelling is very great, the pulse may not be more than forty or fifty per minute. The temperature is elevated one to three degrees above normal, there may be a cough and a brownish colored discharge from the nostrils. The mouth and eyes become affected and, together with the discharge from the nose, the horse is a loathsome looking object. In milder cases the appetite is retained, or the animal may take food one day and the next refuse it. The bowels are constipated as a general rule in the first stages of the disease and the urine may be of a dark color, may even contain blood. There may be a peculiar dropsical swelling of these petechial spots or it may show itself in connection with the eyes and there may be blood extravasation without outer symptoms. This disease may effect the bowels, liver, lungs, etc. The animal usually stands, perhaps from the difficulty in moving the limbs. It is necessary to watch the case closely, for flies will attack him and he will be filled with maggots. Sloughing may take place; the entire sheath or patches upon the body may slough off and there may be paralysis of the penis.

TREATMENT.—Place the animal in a clean, light, comfortable stall. If the weather is cold, blanket. The following medicine is recommended because of its particular effect on the blood in this disease: Chlorate of Potash, eight ounces; Iodide of Potash, eight ounces; Quinine Sulphate, eight ounces. Make into thirty-two capsules and give one capsule every six hours. Also administer one ounce capsules filled with Spirits of Turpentine three or four times a day. Moisten the capsules with Sweet Oil and give with capsule gun. Feed hot bran mashes containing two or three ounces of pure Flaxseed meal. Also, feed vegetables, green grass, if possible.

QUITTOR.

(_Fistula of the Foot_)

CAUSE.—Injuries. Horses working on rough stony roads are subject to punctures, pricks, bruises, corns, treads, etc., which end in pus formation which does not get a pendant opening and destroys the tissues with which it comes in contact. Finally it bursts, forms sinuses and pipes, as commonly called, at the top of the hoof.

SYMPTOMS.—Extreme lameness, heat, pain and swelling will show themselves about the top of the hoof. As a rule a Quittor develops slowly and is more or less painful during the first stages. After the sinus is formed and the pus discharges, the inflammation generally subsides. Its healing process is often delayed due to the diseased portion of the cartilages inside the horny hoof.

TREATMENT.—Apply Flaxseed or hot Bran poultices to relieve the inflammation and hasten the formation of sinuses or pipes. Then with an ordinary syringe inject the following: Silver Nitrate, ten grains; Water, one ounce. Inject fifteen to twenty drops twice daily. Keep the food clean and the animal as quiet as possible. It is very disagreeable, as stated before, and the healing is very slow, but this must be naturally expected, as we are unable to provide the sinuses with good drainage.

RED WORM.

(_Strongylus Tetracanthus_)

The Red Worm varies in length from one-third to three and one-quarter inches, and is sometimes white, though it usually appears to be red because of the blood it contains. This parasite is found in all parts of the world. Its favorite haunt is marshy land.

SYMPTOMS.—Paleness of all visible membranes, eyes watery and inflamed, swelling of the sheath, legs, and lower surface of the belly; fetid diarrhoea, dullness, debility, emaciation, rough coat, and the presence of worms in the feces. The worms when first passed are bright red in color but after being exposed to the air they turn dark and may easily escape the notice of the casual observer.

TREATMENT.—Withhold all food for twenty-four hours, then place the following drugs in a gelatin capsule: Calomel, two drams, Barbadoes Aloes, three drams; Ferri Sulphate, two drams. Give with capsule gun. Also place the following tonic in their feed: Pulv. Quassia, one ounce; Ferri Sulphate, two ounces; Pulv. Anise Seed, two ounces. Mix and make sixteen powders. Give one powder two or three times a day in the feed.

RHEUMATISM.

CAUSE.—Exposure to cold rains, drafts, lying on damp ground when the blood is in poor condition. Also due to over-stimulating food.

SYMPTOMS.—Lameness, swelling or soreness which may shift from one place to another, then finally locate in or near one of the joints of the limbs.

TREATMENT.—Take away all grains and feed laxative foods such as potatoes, carrots, apples, kale and good hay. If the weather is warm turn out to pasture, but confine in warm stable at night. It is advisable to give a physic, as Aloin, two drams; Gentian, one dram; Ginger, one dram. Place in gelatin capsule and give at one dose with capsule gun, as its action on the blood has a very good effect. When the swellings are painful, apply Camphorated Liniment once or twice daily. Also, administer the following tonic: Potassi Iodide, one ounce; Nitrate of Potash, two ounces; Chlorate of Potash, two ounces; Pulv. Gentian Root, one ounce; Ferri Sulphate, one ounce; Pulv. Anise Seed, four ounces. Mix well and make into twenty powders. Give one powder three times a day in bran or place in capsule and give with capsule gun.

RING BONE.

CAUSE.—Faulty conformation—a narrow or straight pastern joint is considered faulty. Be very careful in selecting a sire when breeding, as faulty conformation is hereditary. Ringbone may also result when young animals are put to work on hard roads, or running in stony pastures sometimes produces Ringbone before the bones have become properly hardened. Other causes are injury to tendons or ligaments, bruised joints, blows, calking, or picking up a nail.

SYMPTOMS.—Lameness will manifest itself when the horse first starts out in the morning; this may become less noticeable or even disappear temporarily as the animal works. They gradually grow lamer and examination will disclose an enlargement at or around the top of the hoof. This may appear in one or more feet, but the front feet are more often affected.

TREATMENT.—If the Ringbone is very much inflamed, reduce the heat by applying cold water or ice packs to the part. Clip off all hair from around the top of the hoof and rub in well for twenty minutes the following: Red Iodide of Mercury, two drams; Pulv. Cantharides, two drams; Turpentine, one dram; Pine Tar, two drams, and mix in two ounces of Lard. Apply the ointment every two days for a week and repeat same treatment in two weeks. Keeping the animal as quiet as possible will hasten its recovery. If the animal is comparatively young, recovery is certain, although the enlargement may never disappear.

ROUND WORM.

(_Ascaris Megalcephala_)

Resembles the Earth Worm somewhat in shape, yellowish-white in color, stiff and elastic. When full grown, it varies in length from six to sixteen inches. These worms are usually found in the small intestines, although they sometimes invade the stomach, and when numerous seriously disturb the animal’s health.

SYMPTOMS.—The animal’s general health is affected as is evident from the morbid state of his appetite, rough coat, pot-belly, liability to colic and slight diarrhoea. Some of these worms are often expelled with the feces. As they increase in number, they block up the small intestines, giving rise to colic, and may in time kill the horse. They sometimes cause perforation of the bowels.

TREATMENT.—Withhold all food from eighteen to twenty-four hours, then administer the following: Ferri Sulphate, two drams; Antimony Tartrate, two drams; Pulv. Quassia, two drams. Place in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun. Follow this from six to eight hours with Aloin, two drams; Ginger, two drams, and give as above directed. It is a good plan to repeat the above treatment in ten days to insure the removal of any worms which may have survived the first treatment.

SCROTAL RUPTURE.

(_Inguinal Hernia_)

CAUSE.—Abnormal size of the upper ring through which a part of the intestines or its connecting membrane descends into and through the canal leading from the abdomen to the scrotal cavity. There is little danger of strangulation from this form of rupture which may occur at birth and disappear with age. A careful examination should therefore be made of the scrotum before castration.

SYMPTOMS.—In most cases, this condition is easily detected. The scrotum will be somewhat enlarged. Sometimes the intestines will become strangulated and colicky symptoms appear. When a young male colt shows signs of colic, examine him for Scrotal Rupture.

TREATMENT.—The trouble usually disappears with age although in some cases it is well to operate. Where colicky symptoms are present, roll the colt on its back, manipulating the scrotum. Diet carefully.

SHOE BOIL.

CAUSE.—Injuries, bruises or pressure when lying on a rough floor. Sharp heeled shoes and kicks also have a tendency to produce it.

SYMPTOMS.—A hot painful swelling of the Elbow joint when first noticed. When neglected, it takes on a white fibrous or callous growth.

TREATMENT.—First remove the cause. Do not lance the enlargement; let it come to a head of its own accord, by applying Red Iodide of Mercury, two drams; Pulv. Cantharides, three drams; Lard, two ounces. Mix well together and apply twice a week. When the swelling is hot and painful it is well to apply cold water or ice packs before applying the above mentioned prescription.

SPLINTS.

CAUSE.—This disease is chiefly produced by trotting or running on hard ground, etc. It is evident that horses with high knee action and heavy bodies are more liable to this disease. Jumping is also a common cause of splints, but the more accustomed a horse is to jumping the less liable he is to throw splints, because practice teaches the animal to regulate his movements so as to more or less diminish the disagreeable if not actually painful effect of concussion.

SYMPTOMS.—A splint is detected by grasping the horse’s leg with the fingers upon one side and the thumb upon the other, and tracing the inner and outer splint bones from their heads downward to their tapering extremities. Any actual enlargement will at once arrest the hand; any rising or irregularity will create suspicion and lead to close examination. Horses, especially young ones which have lately been put to work, not infrequently develop splints before any swelling appears. For this reason, in examining a case of obscure lameness, particularly if the animal is young, do not fail to look for the sign of splint lameness, namely; that the lameness is abnormally greater at a trot than at a walk and that the animal usually fails to bend the knees freely and grows worse with exercise. The last mentioned condition is also present with corns, but an examination of the foot will determine the question of their existence. In young horses splints are sometimes mistaken for coffin-joint lameness or navicular disease. To avoid this error, it should be remembered that, when brought on by navicular disease, the action of the limb improves with exercise; also that horses of five years of age or less very rarely suffer from coffin-joint disease. Some horses, owing to unusual development of the inner splint bones of the fore legs may appear to have splints, although careful examination may prove both limbs to be free from any bony deposit. When deciding such a point, note if the two inner splint bones are of the same size. Any swelling perceptible in a limb recently affected with splint-lameness is usually attended by heat and pain.

TREATMENT.—If there is heat present, foment with hot or cold water; when heat has subsided, apply the following ointment: Red Iodide of Mercury, two drams; Turpentine, twenty drops; Lard two ounces, and mix. Apply every forty-eight hours until three applications have been applied. Rub in for twenty minutes each time.

During this treatment use the horse for slow work on soft roads, etc. As a rule the splints will not disappear at once, but gradually. I may add that common splints are not considered an unsoundness.

SPASMODIC COLIC.

CAUSE.—Horses seem to be predisposed to this form of colic on account of the great length of their intestines which are apt to be telescoped, twisted or their circular muscular fibers spasmodically contracted. Perhaps the principal cause is a change of food, sudden change of temperature, constipation, drinking cold or too large a quantity of water, especially if the animal is warm; overloading the stomach with frozen or mouldy food. Worms frequently produce colic.

SYMPTOMS.—If the animal is tied it will become uneasy, paw, point its nose to the flank, twitch the tail, lie down and get up frequently. If the animal is loose it will walk around, paw, kick at its belly with the hind feet, make attempts to lie down, roll on its back and remain in that position for a while. The pulse increases with the pain, temperature rises from one-half to one degree, breathing labored and fast, the animal sweats in spots, there may be diarrhoea present, but this does not frequently occur.

Unfavorable symptoms of spasmodic colic are cold legs to the feet, points of the ears cold, trembling of the muscles, cold sweats, mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes have a dark color due to the congestion.

TREATMENT.—In all cases of spasmodic colic, except where there is diarrhoea present or mares heavily in foal, give Aloin, two drams; Ginger, two drams. Place in gelatine capsule and give with capsule gun. It is advisable to give rectal injection of Warm Water and Glycerine. They are soothing and cooling to the intestinal canal. Also give the following prescription: Pulv. Nux Vomica, four ounces; Carbonate of Ammonia, four ounces; Asafoetida, four ounces. Make into six powders; place one powder in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun every two hours until relieved. The former prescription removes the cause as it is a physic. The latter contains medicines blended so as to counteract the spasmodic contractions of the bowels. It is also a heart stimulant, just what is needed in colic to keep up the animal’s vitality. Beware of colic remedies that are given in drop doses. They contain drugs to relieve the pain only and do not remove the cause. When their effects are worn off, the disease has progressed; the animal’s heart action has been weakened and chances are that the animal will die. If drenching is resorted to, it must be done with great precaution. Remember a horse cannot breathe through its mouth.

SIDE BONES.

CAUSE.—The chief causes of Side Bones are: Deprivation of frog pressure, injuries, high heeled shoes, the use of which is almost entirely confined to draft horses. A high heeled shoe prevents the frog from resting on the ground which is its natural support.

SYMPTOMS.—Enlargement just above the hoof, usually affecting the front feet, or may affect only one side of one of the feet. The pain which produces the lameness is due to pressure on the soft tissues between the newly formed side bone and the hoof. Sometimes the enlargement has a tendency to spread the hoof. In such a case the lameness is not so severe.

TREATMENT.—Clip the hair from over the Side Bone and rasp the foot below the enlargement, so that the hoof will be flexible on pressure from the fingers. Then apply the following to both the enlargement and the rasped surface of the hoof: Red Iodide of Mercury, two drams; Pulv. Cantharides, four drams. Mix well in two ounces of Lard and apply every forty-eight hours until three applications have been applied.

If you must work the animal, put it to some easy work where it has soft ground to walk upon.

STAGGERS.

(_Forage Poisoning—Inflammation of the Brain_)

(_Cerebral Meningitis_)

CAUSE.—Certain plants or stagnant water are most commonly instrumental in producing staggers; frequently seen in the early autumn months when the grass in the pastures becomes dry and certain forage remains green which contains toxic principles. These plants are ravenously eaten by horses on account of being green and tender. This is one of the common causes of the disease, although moldy, indigestible or highly nitrogenous foods are frequently productive of staggers. This form of staggers is not contagious, although what produces staggers in one horse will also produce it in another. In this way several horses may become affected with staggers at the same time. Inflammation of the brain may occur as a complication of some infectious or digestive disease. Other causes are blows on the head, tumors in or on the brain, which naturally cause the animal to stagger, as the brain controls the horse’s power of locomotion.

SYMPTOMS.—These vary to a certain extent, but a careful observer will detect some trouble connected with the nervous system, as the animal walking unsteadily, stepping high and keeping the legs spread apart, bracing itself to keep from falling. There is also great depression, dullness and sleepiness with little or no inclination to move about. The head may be placed against a wall or fence and the legs kept moving as if the horse were trying to walk. As the disease progresses and no attempts are made to relieve it, they will become fractious, nervous, easily excited, pawing and eventually fall, keeping the feet moving as if walking, throwing their heads about in a delirious manner and eventually death follows. The horse as a rule eats and drinks ravenously when the first signs of staggers are noticed, but in its latter stages the tongue and gullet become paralyzed and although the animal attempts to eat and drink he cannot swallow. The pulse varies. It is strong, but subnormal when the first symptoms of staggers are noticed, that is to say, it is as slow as twenty to twenty-five beats per minute. As the disease progresses, however, it becomes weaker and faster. Constipation frequently accompanies this disease, also paleness tinged with yellow about the mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes. In many instances I believe that the poisonous forage eaten by horses depresses the heart action to such an extent that it results in the brain not receiving the proper blood supply, causing dizziness or staggers.

TREATMENT.—Place the animal in a clean, dark stall, keeping the surroundings as quiet as possible. In its first stages it is easily treated, but as the horse becomes easily excited and his swallowing becomes difficult, treatment becomes more difficult. When the first signs are noticed, administer a physic as: Aloin, two or three drams; Ginger, two or three drams, according to the size of the animal. Place in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun. This physic removes the irritant from the intestines and prevents its absorption into the blood. Also administer the following: Bromide of Potassium, twelve ounces; Nitrate of Potash, four ounces; Iodide of Potash, three ounces. Make into twenty-four capsules and give one capsule every four hours.

My method of administering medicine to animals places me in a position to treat them and compel them to take the medicine even though paralysis may exist. When animals will eat, feed food that is easily digested, as hot wheat bran mashes, steamed rolled oats and vegetables and give small quantities, but not often, of clean fresh water. It is necessary to give stimulants and tonics as soon as they are on the road to recovery, as Pulv. Nux Vomica, four ounces; Pulv. Gentian Root, four ounces; Sulphate of Iron, two ounces. Make into sixteen capsules and give one capsule three times daily.

STIFLE JOINT LAMENESS.

(_Dislocation of the Patella_)

Although dislocations are infrequent, this is the most common form which occurs in the horse.

CAUSE.—Young loose jointed horses are predisposed to dislocation of the stifle on account of the comparative want of strength of their ligaments. They are much more liable to this accident than older horses, especially if they are in poor health or in rough hilly pastures; the nature of which would naturally make them susceptible to this injury, which, however, may take place as a result of accident at any age. Young horses that suffer, off and on from dislocation, often lose their liability with increasing strength and age. This dislocation may be partial or complete. In the former instance and the most common is where the patella, or the little stifle bone that glides in the groove composed of the lower hip and upper thigh bones, has become partially dislocated or removed from its natural position.

SYMPTOMS.—When the dislocation is complete the affected limb is drawn forward, while the foot from the pastern down is drawn backward, and the animal may throw weight on it when made to move, which is accomplished with great difficulty. When the dislocation is partial, the symptoms are about the same as mentioned, only the limb is less rigid. If the horse is moved, the stifle makes a clicking sound. In this form both limbs may be affected.

TREATMENT.—In partial dislocation, the stifle bone may be replaced by drawing the leg forward, and with the hand pressing in on the stifle. In complete dislocation, tie a rope around the pastern of the affected leg, then draw the rope through a collar placed around the horse’s neck and draw forward as far as possible and tie. Then press with both hands inward. After the stifle is placed back into position use the following liniment: Aqua Ammonia Fort., four ounces; Oil of Turpentine, four ounces; Raw Linseed Oil, four ounces. Mix and apply well over the stifle joint once or twice a day for two or three days. Feed nourishing food and put the animal to slow, easy work or turn out to good pasture.

In chronic cases of Stifle Joint Lameness, treatment is of no value, therefore, care for the animal as soon as the catch in the walk or lameness appears.

STRING-HALT.

_Cause._—Several theories have been put forth as to the cause of String-Halt which is generally supposed to be a nervous disease; a condition opposite to paralysis. The exact cause of this disease is hard to determine, but it is likely to occur in highly nervous horses. It sometimes follows an injury which may have irritated the nerves in some way. I believe that castration causes it in many instances, due to the severe struggle when being thrown, or pulling down severely on the spermatic cord when removing the testicle.

SYMPTOMS.—Spasmodic contraction of one or both limbs. This sign varies, as sometimes it is very violent, while in others it may be so slight that it is hard to detect when stepping the horse forward, but on backing or turning the horse around the signs are easily noticed. All symptoms are better marked in the winter than in the summer, as some show it in the winter that do not show it in the summer at all.

TREATMENT.—The feeding of laxative foods that are easily digested relieves String-Halt in many instances.

SORE THROAT.

(_Pharyngitis—Laryngitis_)

CAUSE.—Exposure to cold weather or rain when the animal is not accustomed to it; drenching with irritating medicines or inhaling irritating smoke or gases.

SYMPTOMS.—At first the animal generally chills, the legs and ears are cold, but eventually they become very warm as the temperature increases, coughing, grinding of the teeth, saliva oozing from the mouth; the animal will hold its head in a stiff straight position, moving it as little as possible. There will be great difficulty in masticating and swallowing, as the food will come from the mouth in the form of wads, and as this soreness of the throat progresses food will also come from the nostrils. This is a bad sign, as extensive inflammation is no doubt present. Water, also, runs through the nostrils freely when the animal attempts to drink, due to the swollen condition of the throat. The animal forces the water back into the mouth, but is unable to swallow and hence the water gushes out through the nostrils. The animal evinces great pain when pressure is applied from the outside and he breathes with great difficulty. Although the pulse is not much affected at this stage, the temperature is elevated from one to two degrees above normal. The urine becomes scanty and highly colored, the eyes congested and discharging. Eventually the throat becomes greatly swollen and abscesses may form and discharge. As a rule constipation is associated with this disease.

TREATMENT.—Mild attacks of sore throat are easily treated, but when serious cases develop, treatment is unsuccessful. Place the animal in a clean, comfortable stall; permit as much fresh air as possible, but avoid all drafts. If the weather is chilly, blanket the animal, hand rub the legs and bandage with woolen cloths or bandages. Administer a mixture made from Chlorate of Potash, three ounces; Nitrate of Potash, three ounces; Tannic Acid, one-half ounce; Molasses, one-half pint; Pine Tar, one-half pint. Mix well and place about one tablespoonful on the tongue every two hours in severe cases; in mild attacks, give less frequently. When they will eat, feed food that is easily digested, as hot wheat bran mashes and steamed rolled oats containing two or three ounces of pure ground flaxseed. It is always necessary to apply strong liniments to the throat, as they relieve inflammation and stimulate the formation of an abscess. The following liniment will be found very beneficial: Aqua Ammonia Fort., four ounces; Oil of Turpentine, four ounces; Sweet Oil, six ounces; shake well and apply two or three times daily. If the swelling is extreme between the jaws, so as to interfere with the animal’s breathing, it is well to lance the abscess if a soft spot can be found. Just cut through the skin with a knife; then use a clean blunt instrument to locate the pus cavity. Otherwise, severe hemorrhage may be produced.

SURFEIT.

(_Nettle-Rash—Urtecaria_)

CAUSE.—The usual cause of Surfeit is supposed to be due to a character of food consumed which upsets the animal’s digestive organs, the skin being continuous with the mucous membranes lining the intestinal canal. A disturbance of one structure is readily communicated to the other. Apparently, owing to the extremely dry nature of the forage during the greater part of the year, horses in the United States frequently suffer from Surfeit.

SYMPTOMS.—Surfeit is a term applied to an eruption of small irregular humps or boils which are more or less painful to the touch and which break out suddenly as a rule on the horse’s body and neck, and in rare cases on the legs. A favorite seat of Surfeit is the parts covered with the harness or saddle and along the neck and withers. Surfeit is very troublesome and annoys both the horse and driver, especially when the horse perspires, as he will rub violently when coming in contact with any object.

TREATMENT.—Give two to four ounces of Epsom Salts in hot wheat bran mashes every morning. Feed as much sloppy food as possible, vegetables, etc. Avoid feeding dry woody hay, as it irritates the intestines and aggravates the disease.

SWEENEY.

(_Atrophy_)

CAUSE.—An ill fitting collar, one tug longer than the other, striking an object when pulling, like a stone or a corner of a building, slipping, kicks, or the animal may have a splint, sprain, ringbone, sidebone, coffin-joint lameness, curb, corns, stifle lameness, in fact anything that tends to make an animal favor the use of certain muscles. It is not a disease, just a lack in the development of the muscles, which waste away or shrink when not used as nature provided. For instance, perhaps you have had or have seen persons that had a fractured leg or arm the muscles of which through lack of use had wasted away (Atrophy), until they were used normally for sometime, when the muscles again came back to their normal size.

SYMPTOMS.—First locate the cause. The animal may be very lame although I have seen Sweeneys where lameness was very hard to detect, being those which were usually due to ill fitting collars. Remember you can have a Sweeney of the hip as well as the shoulder, and keep in mind the above mentioned cases.

TREATMENT.—When you have an animal affected with Sweeney, find the true cause and remove it if possible. Unless the Sweeney is a chronic one, it is successfully treated with Aqua Ammonia Fort., four ounces; Turpentine, four ounces; Sweet Oil, four ounces. Mix and apply well over wasted muscles once a day. If the application is too irritating, as some horses have thinner skins than others, it is advisable to add more Sweet Oil than above mentioned.

TAPEWORM.

(_Taenia_)

These worms have been found in the horse, but so rarely that they need not be considered.

THOROUGHPIN.

CAUSE.—Generally due to some irritation of the hock joint such as severe sprains from animal jumping, slipping, kick or falling through a culvert or bridge or it is frequently hereditary; so be very careful in choosing a sire when breeding.

SYMPTOMS.—Sometimes there is lameness when the Thoroughpin is first noticed, but it will gradually disappear as soon as the inflammation ceases. There will be a puffy, soft enlargement which occurs at the upper and back part of the hock, beneath the great tendons. Generally both sides are enlarged and puffy, but occasionally it happens that one side only is involved. Thoroughpin is also a forerunner of Bog Spavin, as they generally are connected; as you are aware the hock contains joint oil as all other joints do, retained in place by a thin, white fibrous membrane. Irritation of the hock joint tends to develop an extra large quantity of joint oil, and the hock is less protected by tendons where a Thoroughpin or Bog Spavin occurs—hence those puffy swellings are filled with joint oil and are connected. If you press on one side of a Thoroughpin, you will see the other side bulge out. If you press on a Bog Spavin and there is a Thoroughpin present, you will see it bulge on either side of the Thoroughpin—or vice versa.

TREATMENT.—If on an old horse and the Thoroughpin is of long standing, treatment is unsatisfactory, but on the other hand, if the animal is young it can be successfully treated with Tincture of Iodine, one ounce; Gum Camphor, two ounces; Gasolene, one pint. Mix well and rub in with nail or tooth brush twice a week. Keep the animal quiet as possible, as the results will be accomplished much sooner. Never attempt to open or lance a puffy swelling about a joint, as it contains joint oil. The result would be an open joint.

THRUSH.

CAUSE.—The two main causes of Thrush are lack of pressure on the frog and the decomposing effect of filth and fermentation of organic matter which accumulates in the cleft of the frog.

SYMPTOMS.—The animal in some cases is lame; there will be a swelling accompanied by a very fetid discharge; in some cases the frog has practically rotted away; there will be more or less inflammation in the foot. The legs may even swell. Thrush is more frequently found in the hind feet because of the manure and filth with which they must come in contact.

TREATMENT.—Cut away all loose pieces of horn from over the frog and apply a Flaxseed meal poultice and leave it on for twenty-four hours, after which wash well with Soap and warm water. Then apply Calomel to the groove in the frog. Keep the foot clean. Do not allow the animal to stand in filth.

WIND COLIC.

(_Flatulent Colic_)

CAUSE.—This dangerous form of Colic is a distension of the bowels with gas, resulting generally from the decomposition of undigested food in the bowels. It sometimes follows Spasmodic Colic, in which there is first spasms due to the irritations set up by the presence of undigested matter, and subsequently this food decomposes and forms gas. I may conclude that Flatulent or Wind Colic is usually caused by errors in feeding and watering horses. Perhaps the animal has been given large quantities of rank grass, watery roots, which on account of its moist nature is quickly swallowed without being properly masticated.

SYMPTOMS.—The signs resemble those of Spasmodic Colic, except that they are less violent. In most cases there is general accumulation of gas, the abdomen distended to a considerable size before the animal shows signs of uneasiness. In cases where the animal swells on the right side, it is the large intestines filled with gas. In other cases where both sides are equally swollen, the stomach and small intestines contain gas. The horse’s back will have an arched appearance, passing gas from the anus frequently, and the horse will make attempts to vomit. In some cases actual vomiting takes place. This is a bad sign, as rupture of the stomach usually occurs at this stage.

TREATMENT.—Give Aloin, two drams; Ginger, two drams, in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun. However, this is a physic and should not be given to mares heavily in foal. Also apply to the abdominal cavity liniment consisting of Aqua Ammonia Fort., four ounces; Oil of Turpentine, four ounces; Sweet Oil, four ounces. Mix and rub in well over the abdomen.

To mares heavy with foal, apply the above liniment and give rectal injections of Glycerine and warm water frequently.

The following remedy should be administered to all cases of Colic, including mares heavy with foal: Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia, six ounces; Turpentine, six ounces. Mix well together and place one ounce in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun every hour. Puncturing the intestines is advisable in some cases to relieve them of gas. This requires a special instrument for the purpose and no one should attempt to perform the operation unless they know the anatomy of the part, as the arteries of the intestines may be penetrated, and produce internal hemorrhage or infection of the intestines, or abscesses may follow.

WIND GALLS.

CAUSE.—By concussions from fast work on hard roads and from sprains from slipping.

SYMPTOMS.—When concussions alone are responsible, the suspensory ligament and the back tendons will at first be in a normal condition, and the swelling will probably be confined to both the inside and outside of the leg and may be felt in the form of a puffy swelling on each side of the fetlock by placing the fore finger and the thumb on the joint. In more serious cases resulting from sprains, the vacant space between the back tendons and the suspensory ligament may also become filled with fluids. In other words, a Wind Gall has formed. In some cases the animal may be lame.

TREATMENT.—When there is heat present apply cold, wet packs until the heat disappears. Then apply Tincture of Iodine, one ounce; Gum Camphor, two ounces; to one pint of Gasolene. Apply every three days with nail or tooth brush. Shake contents of the bottle well each time before applying.

I may add that this is a very difficult blemish to treat and is not always successful, so do not be discouraged if the enlargements do not disappear, but the above prescription has proven the most successful of any treatment I have personally used in my private practice.

WOUNDS.

Wounds caused by external injuries have a general resemblance, and whether clean-cut, punctured, lacerated, poisonous, gunshot, etc., require practically the same treatment.

TREATMENT.—Wash with a Carbolic solution, one tablespoonful to one pint of distilled water.

SEWING OF WOUNDS.—I cannot say that I am in favor of sewing wounds unless they are gaping or wide open.

After the wound is washed, dust with Iodoform, Boracic Acid and Tannic Acid, each one ounce. Powder finely and place in a sifter top can and apply twice daily. Cord or heavy thread may be used for sewing the wound after being saturated in a Carbolic Acid solution, using a large needle. If the animal is vicious, place a twitch on his nose or it may be necessary to throw him.

INDEX

Abortion, 10

Abscess, 10

Acute Cough, 29

Anemia, 11

Aphthae, 13

Ascaris Megalcephala, 71

Atrophy, 83

Azoturia, 13

Barrenness, 15

Bleeding, 16

Blood Poisoning, 16

Bog Spavin, 17

Bone Spavin, 18

Bots, 19

Brain Inflammation, 77

Bronchitis, 20

Capped Hock, 22

Capped Knee, 22

Caries Teeth, 35

Castration, 23

Catarrh, Chronic, 57

Catarrh, Epizootic, 49

Catarrh, Nasal, 29

Cerebral Meningitis, 77

Choking, 25

Chronic Catarrh, 57

Chronic Cough, 29

Clinical Thermometer, 5

Coffin Joint Lameness, 26

Cold, 29

Colic, Flatulent, 85

Colic, Spasmodic, 75

Colic, Wind, 85

Colt Constipation, 30

Colt Diarrhoea, 31

Conjunctivitis, 42

Constipation, 27

Constipation, Colt, 30

Corns, 27

Cough, Acute, 29

Cough, Chronic, 29

Cracked Heels, 32

Curb, 37

Dentistry, 32

Diarrhoea, 38

Diarrhoea in Colt, 31

Diseases of the Eye, 42

Dislocation of the Patella, 79

Distemper, 39

Dropsy, Belly, 40

Dropsy, Chest, 40

Dropsy, Legs, 40

Dropsy, Sheath, 40

Dropsy, Udder, 40

Eczema, 41

Emphysema of the Lungs, 48

Epizootic Catarrh, 49

Eye Diseases, 42

Failure to Breed, 15

Farcy, 47

Fever, Petechial, 67

Filariae, 44

Fistula of the Foot, 68

Fistulous Withers, 43

Forage Poisoning, 77

Founder, 44

Flatulent Colic, 85

Galls, 46

Gastrophilis, 19

Glanders, 47

Grease Heels, 46

Haemopis, 50

Heaves, 48

Heels, Cracked, 32

Hemorrhage, 16

Hernia, Inguinal, 72

Hernia, Umbilical, 61

Hock, Capped, 22

How to Examine Teeth, 33

Infection of the Navel String, 58

Inguinal Hernia, 72

Inflammation of the Brain, 77

Inflammation of the Eye, 42

Influenza, 49

Irregular Teeth, 33

Knee, Capped, 22

Laminitis, 44

Lampas, 50

Laryngitis, 81

Leeches, 50

Lockjaw, 51

Lung Fever, 53

Lymphangitis, 55

Mange, 54

Maw Worm, 65

Meningitis, 77

Mud Fever, 56

Nasal Catarrh, 29

Nasal Gleet, 57

Navicular Disease, 26

Navel Rupture, 61

Navel String Infection, 58

Nettle-rash, 82

Normal Pulse Throbs, 9

Normal Temperature, 6

Open Joint, 62

Oxyuris Curvilis, 65

Palesade Worm, 63

Patella Dislocation, 79

Petechial Fever, 67

Pharyngitis, 81

Pin Worm, 65

Pink-eye, 49

Pleurisy, 64

Pneumonia, 53

Poisoning, Forage, 77

Poll Evil, 66

Pulse, 7

Purpura Haemorrhagica, 67

Pyemia, 16

Quittor, 68

Red Worm, 69

Rheumatism, 70

Ring Bone, 71

Round Worm, 71

Rupture, Scrotal, 72

Scabies, 54

Scrotal Rupture, 72

Septicaemia, 16

Shoe Boil, 73

Side Bones, 76

Spasmodic Colic, 75

Spavin, Bog, 17

Spavin, Bone, 18

Splints, 73

Sore Throat, 81

Staggers, 77

Stifle Joint Lameness, 79

String-halt, 80

Strongulus Armatus, 63

Strongylus Tetracanthus, 69

Supernumerary Teeth, 36

Surfeit, 82

Sweeney, 83

Taenia, 84

Tapeworm, 84

Teeth, Irregular, 33

Teeth, Supernumerary, 36

Teeth, Ulcerated, 35

Teeth, Wolf, 36

Temperature During Health, 6

Tetanus, 51

Thermometer, Clinical, 5

Thoroughpin, 84

Thread Worm, 44

Thrush, 85

Ulcerated Teeth, 35

Umbilical Hernia, 61

Umbilical Pyemia, 58

Urtecaria, 82

Use of the Clinical Thermometer, 5

Wind Colic, 85

Wind Galls, 87

Wolf Teeth, 36

Worm, Maw, 65

Worm, Palesade, 63

Worm, Pin, 65

Worm, Red, 69

Worm, Round, 71

Worm, Thread, 44

Wounds, 87

Transcriber’s Note

There were a number of printing errors with this book, where lines were transposed or printed on the wrong page entirely.

Page 9, the line “ones, as for instance, an elephant’s pulse rate is from” was originally printed on page 35 in the middle of a sentence:

“The ani-
[ones, as for instance, an elephant’s pulse rate is from]
mal falls off in condition in most cases.”

Page 11, some erroneously inserted text has been removed:

“or hot bran, flaxseed or vegetable poultices. [It is com-
hot bran, flaxseed or vegetable poultices] It will usually”

The last line of page 52 [possibly be bestowed upon the animal. The after-treat-] was originally printed as the first line of page 53, and the first line of page 53 [ment consists of allowing a liberal quantity of good nu-] appeared in its place. These have been reversed in order.

In the index, the entry for “Worm, Pin” was originally printed under M, and indeed the entries on the various types of “Worm” were all out of alphabetical order, so this has been fixed.

A few other minor typographical errors were also corrected.