Chapter X (2)

Smell is perhaps the most acute sense with which the equine race are endowed; the horse can appreciate that in which the human being vainly endeavors to detect even the slightest odor. Not only is the scent far more acute than that of man, but the two beings have to be compared as regards their habits; the animal is most cleanly in its tastes. Flesh it abhors, and all fatty substance it shrinks from; men eat such things with appetite. Then, the human subject can dwell, and even labor, in a tainted atmosphere with comparative impunity. A quadruped may be forced to toil in such a place; but those who oblige the creature to do this kind of work know the certain consequences of the act. They buy cheap and old horses--animals which have suffered much, and have but a year or two longer to exist. Were younger or dearer quadrupeds purchased, in which an energetic constitution would render disease more malignant, and were such animals obliged to breathe such contamination, the loss in every way would be fearful.

There is, at present, a great fuss made about sanitary laws; but the attention of those to whom such subjects are confided seems to be engrossed by man and his excretions. No one yet appears to have imagined that the subject involves life in all its varieties; the horse cannot exist in the air which human lungs have exhausted; man cannot live in the atmosphere in which the horse has perished. The two creatures are not, therefore, entirely distinct; but the open nostrils and huge lungs of one horse can consume the oxygen which would support many men. Then, the dung of the horse, which is always exposed, gives off fumes only slightly less dangerous than those which emanate from the human body. Yet officers pry into alleys and into courts; they enter the habitations of the poor, and count the number of those who _sleep_ in each room. The impacted people are pointed to as the source of certain diseases, and society shudders as the medical report is circulated. No one, however, visits the stable; no one inquires whether horses _live_ in the space which affords sufficient atmosphere to support existence; no one has yet traced disease in man as probably originating in the close and contaminated fumes of nearly every London mews. Still, if the over-crowded rooms of the poor merit an elaborate report as so very dangerous to society, may not the stifling and reeking condition of the stables deserve a passing comment in its relation to the same effect?

Cutting the hair from, and thereby exposing the hinder heels to the operation of cold and of wet is no unfrequent cause of grease. Such is a common practice with lazy horsekeepers when not stimulated by the proprietor's eye. In winter, when the legs most require warmth and protection, the heels are deprived of the covering which nature intended should protect them; and parts where the blood flows most tardily are laid bare to the effects of evaporation and of frost. When the animal returns soiled from work, most grooms will sluice a pail of cold water over the legs; the dirt is thereby washed off, but the legs are suddenly chilled, and soon become more cold, because of the moisture which they retain and of the evaporation which ensues; for very few stablemen, finding the appearance pleasing to mortal perceptions, think about the comfort of the creature which is principally concerned.

Sudden chill striking a part, and followed by gradually-increasing cold, will certainly induce congestion; the foundation of disease is thus laid. The better plan would be to instruct the groom that appearance is secondary to the welfare of his charge. Order the man not to mind about leaving his horses so very clean and tidy; never allow the hair, which grows long and luxuriant about the heels, to be cut off. Leave strict orders that, when the animal returns with dirty legs, the stableman is to take several wisps of straw and rub them until the surface is quite dry. The absence of wet will greatly add to the comfort of the horse, while the friction will increase the circulation and prove the very best preventive to disease. With the moisture, of course, much of the dirt must be removed; any which is left behind will readily fall out on the following morning, upon the hair being carefully hand-rubbed and combed. However, mind and see this is done, for it entails some trouble; and, if you are content with merely giving orders, the "old buffer's megrims" are sure to be laughed at and disobeyed.

Turning out to grass, especially during the colder months, when the wet is particularly abundant, and the bite peculiarly short, is another fruitful source of this affection. If a well-bred, aged animal, which has done its work, after a life spent under the protection of the stable and in the enjoyment of its carefully-prepared diet, is, from mistaken motives, turned into the field, life may be prolonged, but it is at the expense of much suffering, with the almost certain visitation of grease in a virulent form.

A HORSE SCRATCHING ONE LEG WITH THE OTHER FOOT--A SYMPTOM OF THE
EARLIEST APPEARANCE OF GREASE.
]

The earliest symptom of approaching grease is enlargement of the legs, accompanied by considerable heat of the skin. If the animals be now observed, they will be seen to be uneasy in their stalls; the hinder feet are occasionally noisily stamped upon the pavement. Should the hair be examined, it will be discovered loaded with scurf about the roots, while one hind foot will be frequently seen employed to scratch the back of the opposite leg.

Should these indications attract no attention, the hairs soon begin to stand on end or to project outward, as though each was actuated by a separate purpose, and each desired nothing so much as to avoid its fellows. At the same time, the part begins to exude a thick, unctuous moisture, from which the disease derives its name. This hangs upon all the hairs of the heel in heavy drops. It is an offensive secretion. It emits a remarkably pungent and a very peculiar odor, which, once inhaled, is never afterward to be forgotten.

EXUDATION.]

CRACKS.]

Should no regard be now bestowed upon the sufferer, and should the horse be worked on despite the lameness which it now exhibits, the skin swells, while cracks, deep and wide, appear upon the inflamed integument. The lines of division ulcerate, sometimes very badly; a thin, discolored, and unhealthy pus mingles with the discharge; the odor grows still more abominable, while the wretched animal becomes yet more lame.

THE THIRD STAGE OF CONFIRMED GREASE. HORNY BUNCHES WHICH ARE
COMMONLY CALLED GRAPES.
]

Should, even at this period, no proper remedy be applied to check the disease, the leg enlarges. Proud flesh, or fungoid granulations, sprout from the lines of ulceration. The granulations grow in bunches, and have a ragged surface. Often the masses are of great size, and shake, as though about to fall, with every movement of the foot. The points, from exposure, become dry and hard; their nature, from that of fungoid granulations, changes to a substance resembling horn, like which, they are without sensation. These bunches have been named "grapes," which they are vulgarly thought to resemble. The likeness, however, is very distant--the one being pleasant to look upon, the other forming a painful and disgusting spectacle.

However insensitive the points of the bunches may become, the limb itself, throughout the disorder, possesses a morbid sensibility. The gentlest touch occasions exquisite torture, and the animal will tremble lest the agony should be repeated. Upon the slightest impression, the leg is instantly snatched up, nor is it trusted again upon the earth until fatigue necessitates rest or till the cause of suffering has departed. Horses have even suppressed their urine, lest the fluid, splashing upon the seat of disease, should provoke any access of the infliction. Few greasy animals ever have a bed under them, the straw of which might arrest the liquid in its flight. Indeed, such a luxury might save them from one source of torture, but assuredly would start up another. The ends of the straw, pricking or even touching the disorder, would cause such agony as must occasion the animal constantly to stand in terror.

One peculiarity, witnessed during grease, has not been indicated in the above illustrations. It has been purposely omitted, because, though invariably attendant upon the disorder, it in reality forms no part of the malady, being only a sympathetic effect. The cutis is continuous with the coronet and lamina, which secrete the outward horn of the hoof. Any disease fixing upon the one, of course cannot but affect the other. The irritation which involves the skin of the leg, therefore, necessarily stimulates the growth of the foot. The hoof of a greasy leg, from this cause, often becomes of enormous dimensions but this peculiarity has not been noticed, because it was desired to keep the attention of the reader fixed wholly upon the more immediate symptoms of the loathsome affection.

The remedy for grease is simple enough. Indeed, did not a sense of duty oblige it to be resorted to, the smell would, in the majority of persons, induce it to be employed. In the first place, clip off the hair--if any remains to be cut off. The natural protector of the heels now can conserve nothing. It can only heat the skin and retain the discharge. This being accomplished, if the leg merely be hot and scurfy, have it thoroughly cleansed with curd soap and warm water. Then a cloth, saturated with the lotion for the earliest stage of grease, should be laid upon the inflamed integument. This should be removed so soon as it becomes warm, and another, also dripping, should immediately supply its place. Thus a wet, cold cloth should constantly cover the part till the heat is destroyed, or at all events is greatly mitigated.

For this purpose, two men are required, one to remove and the other to apply. Four old cloths will be necessary. These, when removed, should be flung over a line, so that as large a space as possible may be exposed to the cooling action of the atmosphere. There is nothing so disagreeable in performing this office as might at first appear. The active agent of the lotion is a powerful disinfectant and deodorizer. The first cloth removes almost all the fetor, and hanging the wrappers subsequently over the line effectually purifies the atmosphere. The part being reduced to a comparatively natural temperature, the after-treatment consists in renewing the cloths so often as the heat returns; and in otherwise moistening the limb with some of the subjoined lotion thrice daily:--

_Lotion for the earliest stage of Grease._

Animal glycerin Half a pint.
Chloride of zinc Half an ounce.
Water Six quarts.
To be employed after the manner already directed.

When the cracks, with ulceration, appear, the previous lotion is too weak to be of much service; but the same treatment must be adopted: only one of the lotions subsequently given should then be used:--

_Lotion for the ulcerative stage of Grease._

Permanganate of potash or phosphoric acid One pint.
Water Six quarts.

Or--

Chloride of zinc One ounce.
Creosote Four ounces.
Strong solution of oak bark One gallon.
Both to be used after the manner of the previous solution.

Should the spurious granulations have begun to sprout, lose no time in having the horse cast. Have near at hand a small pot, with a charcoal fire beneath it. Let the vessel be full of boiling water. Within the fluid, previous to the casting, insert several irons; then throw the animal. With a keen knife excise the external bunches of proud flesh. As each lump is removed, much bleeding will ensue; therefore, before using the knife again, take an iron and lay it flat upon the raw surface. Should one not check the hemorrhage, return the first to the saucepan and apply a second. It is necessary to operate with as small a loss of blood as possible; for horses having grease are always old and debilitated. In this manner proceed till all the external growths are cut away. Then let the animal rise. Enough has been suffered for one occasion; more agony the exhausted system of the animal might not sustain. Besides, with every attention concerning the irons, the bleeding, generally, will not permit more to be accomplished.

One thing has been forgotten. When removing the fungoid excrescences, it is always well, for the comfort of the operator, to have the leg previously saturated with chloride of zinc; also to have a man, with a sponge and a quart of the solution, ready to bathe the limb as fresh surfaces are exposed. Subsequently wet the leg frequently with the lotion last recommended.

In another three days the animal may, a second time, be cast. The operation being again confined to the crop of growths which on the former occasion were exposed; all the previous directions should also be strictly carried out. After three days have once more been suffered to elapse, the horse, if necessary, should be thrown for the last time, and the knife once more employed. The after-treatment will depend much upon circumstances. If the ulceration predominates, employ the last lotion. Should the granulations appear likely to grow, make use of the first solution of chloride of zinc--only it should be double the strength which was originally recommended. When both ulceration and granulation appear equal, the first and last lotions may be alternated.

Such are the chief remedies necessary for the cure of grease. The other measures are: the removal to a loose box thickly bedded with refuse tan; the food should be liberal--old beans are now of every service; each feed of oats should be rendered damp, and a handful of ground oak-bark ought to be thoroughly mixed with it. For medicine, those excellent tonic and alterative drinks may be thus prepared, and given daily:--

_Drink for Grease._

Liquor arsenicalis One ounce.
Tincture of the muriate of iron One ounce and a half.
Porter or stout One quart.
Mix, and give one pint night and morning.

Chopped roots, speared wheat, hay tea, and a little cut grass, should it be in season, are all proper in this disease. At the same time, walking exercise is much to be commended. Motion quickens the circulation; but in grease it seems, in a manner which is not understood, also to allay pain. A horse having grease will be led out of the stable limping lame; but after an hour's exercise it may return walking firmly and almost soundly. After cleanliness, good food and medicine, nothing is so beneficial to grease as moderate exercise.

MALLENDERS AND SALLENDERS.

These names are to be traced to no derivation, but in their arbitrary signification they denote a certain condition of the parts situated on the points of principal flexion in either limb. =Mallenders= appear upon the back of the knee; =sallenders= are located in front of the hock. Both, in the first place, are scurfy patches exhibiting a roughened state of hair and suggesting considerable irritability. Either, if neglected, will degenerate into a troublesome sore from which a foul discharge will issue. With ordinary care they neither do much harm; but are rather regarded as proofs of idleness and as eyesores, than as actual diseases, to which importance they now seldom attain. For their relief it is essential to pay scrupulous attention to cleanliness; as, when the coat suffers from neglect, it is very probable the same cause may likewise influence the constitution. Therefore, always begin the treatment with the tonic alterative drinks described on the previous page; at the same time applying with friction a little of the annexed ointment thrice daily:--

_Ointment for Mallenders and Sallenders._

Animal glycerin One ounce.
Mercurial ointment Two drachms.
Powdered camphor Two drachms.
Spermaceti One ounce.
Incorporate all thoroughly together, and apply as directed.

When the scurf, through neglect, degenerates into a sore, treat after the manner subsequently advised for cracked heels. But in every case of this kind always begin the treatment with a change of stable attendant; for where certain diseases appear, these are conclusive proof that duty is neglected. No remonstrance, no chiding, can amend the habits of the groom, who has, from drink or other indulgence, lost pride in the stable over which he should reign supreme.

CRACKED HEELS.

This is, save where very wrong-headed measures are pursued, the affection peculiar to the cold and wet months of the year. Even during the inclement weather of the summer, however, the horse may, if badly managed, exhibit this form of disease. Should the hair, which nature with kind intention placed upon the fetlock, be ruthlessly cut away, the animal is thereby rendered liable to =cracked heels=. The wet very rarely penetrates that designed defense. When it does, the ample covering of hair falling over the skin prevents evaporation, and the moisture rather promotes warmth than causes any excess of cold. The dirt of the road always lodges upon the surface of the hair, and if the horse-keeper exercise only ordinary care it can never soil the flesh.

The liability induced by removal of the natural covering exemplifies the folly of those practices which have lately become so very fashionable as at the present time to be almost universal. But there has always appeared to exist in the human mind a restless desire to improve the beauty of the horse. Now the tail has been docked; then the ears have been cut. A short space prior to these amendments, the skin was tampered with to produce a star, as a white spot upon the forehead was termed. At the passing hour almost every man who owns a horse must have the body clipped or singed. The length of hair is given in this climate as a necessary provision. Nature never forms anything without its use; though man in his ignorance may not always be able to comprehend her intention. Were finer coats desired, it would probably be wiser to obtain them by warming the stable, increasing the clothing, and avoiding those long stagnations during which the animal has to remain motionless before street doors. A long coat is a defense against a cold winter; and unless man provides against the consequences of our climate, it is evidently flagrantly wrong to deprive a dumb creature of the protection which nature has bestowed.

Shortening the coat, if anywhere justifiable, is certainly most pardonable among hunters. Animals used for this purpose always have, or should have, plenty of attendance; these creatures also are mostly required during the autumn and early winter. Removing the coat certainly does stimulate the body. The horse assuredly is capable of greater exertion immediately after the deprivation. At the same time, however, a greater susceptibility to disease is engendered, and often the deprived animal falls a victim to man's fancy, notwithstanding all the care and attention which the hunting-stable can command. A burst and then a check, when a piercing wind blows from the northeast, invariably produces sad effects among the horses, especially at the commencement of the season. A gentleman who prizes the animal he rides should take it to "the meet" unclipped; and, perhaps, should the run be long, the quadruped may hold a better place at the death than horses adorned after the prevailing fashion.

The folly of the custom is shown in the animals attached to London vehicles. These horses are mostly wanted for spring service. The stimulant of the autumn is purchased at the cost of debility during the spring. The coat is shed the later because of the previous deprivation. When the summer hair is growing, the creature presents a very uneven and ragged appearance in consequence of the points of the new and the roots of the old coat being of opposite colors. The gentleman who, therefore, has his nag and carriage horses shorn of their natural coverings at the time when hunters are thrown up, beholds the objects of his pride deficient in animation and beggarly in aspect, while the animal that has been allowed to wear its native garments dashes past him in all the briskness of the season and the smartness of new apparel.

The question of clipping and of singeing is simply this. Do you require your servant's services all the year round, or do you want its utmost exertions for a comparatively short space immediately subsequent to the removal of the outer hair; and, at how great a hazard are you prepared to purchase your wish?

Were the legs of horses allowed to retain that adornment which nature gave, and were the parts not shorn of their shaggy beauty--were men not inclined to confound the different breeds of horses, and, because the thorough-bred has clean legs, to imagine the cart-horse can be artificially made to display members equally fine--were masters more resolute in resisting the selfish suggestions of lazy grooms, who love to have the bushy heels clipped--were the stable-keeper not afraid of doing his duty, but would go down upon his knees and rub the fetlocks dry, instead of drenching them with water, and then leaving them to chap in moisture and in cold,--were these things attended to, there is no reason why cracked heels should not speedily become a thing which has been, but no longer is.

However, if animals are exposed throughout the wintry season, under the pretense of being placed in a straw-yard, the proprietor must expect to take the creatures up with some defect. The worst case of cracked heels the author ever looked upon, was produced after the last-mentioned method; the skin was much thickened and deeply marked by fissures. In places it had sloughed, and where the integument was absent fearfully deep ulceration was established. Fortunately, the absorbing process had reached none of those important structures which are situated about the heel of the horse; and the animal, after lengthened treatment, was cured.

For cracked heels, if bad, the animal must rest, at all events till the parts are improved. When slight, always wash them with tepid water and mild soap, upon the animal's return to the stable; dry them thoroughly with a soft leather; then damp them with the following:--

_Wash for Cracked Heels._

Animal glycerin Half a pint.
Chloride of zinc Two drachms.
Strong solution of oak-bark One pint.
Dissolve the zinc in water, then mix, and use thrice daily.

Should sloughing and ulceration have commenced, that condition claims the first attention as being the most dangerous.

Forbear all exercise while such a state exists. Throw up the animal. Allow it to rest in the stable. Give a few bran mashes or a little cut grass to open the bowels; but do not take the horse out even for exercise while such an unhealthy action is in existence. Ulceration is too dangerous and morbid a process not to be treated with every consideration; and it is far too irritable and painful a state not to necessitate perfect inaction for its relief. Apply the following to the heels:--

_Wash for Ulcerated Cracked Heels._

Animal glycerin or phosphoric acid Two ounces.
Permanganate of potash or creosote Half an ounce.
Water Three ounces.
Mix, and apply six times daily.

Upon the ulceration being arrested, the last prescription may be discarded, and the former recipe resorted to; with these, however, it is always well to attend to the constitution. A drink, each day, composed of liquor arsenicalis, half an ounce; tincture of the muriate of iron, one ounce; water, half a pint, should be given every night. This composition has been often recommended, but the author knows of none which is more beneficially tonic to the general system, and which, at the same time, acts so directly upon the skin.

Stablemen are fond of urging various excuses to hide their disinclination for exertion. Thus it is common for such people to assert that the horse's heels cracked while the animal was out on a cold, a wet, or a windy day: this is nonsense. Stablemen, of course, do not desire the creatures which they look after to be exposed to that soil which it is their duty to remove; but nature, that ordained the climate, formed the animal to endure it.

Were not the heels clipped, nothing short of extreme stable neglect could occasion those parts to crack. If the hair is removed, nothing but excessive good fortune will prevent this affection. The groom in the last case is not to blame, should the heels become sore. However, the best method of avoiding this affection, where the hair is cut short, experience has proved to be the following: Upon return to the stable, wash the feet scrupulously clean with cold water; then dry them thoroughly. Use several cloths to effect the latter purpose, and do not relinquish the object while the slightest moisture remains; nor cease to rub them until the parts are in a glow. Subsequently, smear over the heels a little glycerin; but even this will not in every instance prevent the affection. No care can render safe that which human folly has exposed.