latter, may exist and cause no signs of distress, or, again, it may
become strangulated and cause death. Inguinal hernia is seen mostly in
stallions, next in geldings, and very rarely in the mare. Bearing in
mind that scrotal hernia is seen only in entire horses, we may proceed
to detail the symptoms of strangulated, inguinal, and scrotal hernia at
the same time. When, during the existence of colicky symptoms, we find a
horse kicking with his hind feet while standing or lying upon his back,
we should look to the inguinal region and scrotum. If scrotal hernia
exists, the scrotum will be enlarged and lobulated; by pressure we may
force a portion of the contents of the gut back into the abdomen,
eliciting a gurgling sound. If we take a gentle but firm hold upon the
enlarged scrotum and then have an assistant cause the horse to cough,
the swelling will be felt to expand and as quickly contract again.
The history of these cases will materially aid us, as the owner can
often assure us of preceding attacks of "colic," more or less severe,
that have been instantaneously relieved in some (to him) unaccountable
manner. The colicky symptoms of these hernias are not diagnostic, but,
probably, more closely resemble those of enteritis than any other bowel
diseases. In many cases the diagnosis can be made only by a
veterinarian, when he has recourse to a rectal examination; the bowels
can here be felt entering the internal abdominal ring.
_Treatment of inguinal hernia._--If the reader is sure of the existence
of hernia, he should secure the horse upon its back, and, with a hand in
the rectum, endeavor to catch hold of the wandering bowel and pull it
gently back into the cavity of the abdomen. Pressure should be made upon
the scrotum during this time. If this fails, a veterinarian must be
called to reduce the hernia by means of incising the inguinal ring,
replacing the intestines, and to castrate, using clamps and performing
the "covered operation."
VENTRAL HERNIA.--In this form of hernia the protrusion is through some
accidental opening or rupture of the abdominal wall. It may occur at any
part of the belly except at the umbilicus, and is caused by kicks,
blows, hooks, severe jumping or pulling, etc. Ventral hernia is most
common in pregnant mares, and is here due to the weight of the fetus or
to some degenerative changes taking place in the abdominal coats. It is
recognized by the appearance of a swelling, at the base of which can be
felt the opening or rent in the abdominal tunics, and from the fact that
the swelling containing the intestines can be made to disappear when the
animal is placed in a favorable position.
_Treatment of ventral hernia._--In many instances there is no occasion
for treatment, and again, where the hernial sac is extensive, treatment
is of no avail. If the hernia is small, a cure may be attempted by the
methods to be described in treating of umbilical hernia. If one is
fortunate enough to be present when the hernia occurs, and particularly
if it is not too large, he may, by the proper application of a pad and
broad bandage, effect a perfect cure.
UMBILICAL HERNIA is the passing of any portion of the bowel or omentum
("caul") through the navel, forming a "tumor" at this point. This is
often congenital in our animals, and is due to the imperfect closure of
the umbilicus and to the position of the body. Many cases of umbilical
hernia, like inguinal and scrotal of the congenital kind, disappear
entirely by the time the animal reaches its second or third year.
Advancing age favors cure in these cases from the fact that the omentum
(swinging support of the bowels) is proportionally shorter in adults
than in foals, thus lifting the intestines out of the hernial sac and
allowing the opening in the walls to close. Probably one of the most
frequent causes of umbilical hernia in foals is the practice of keeping
them too long from their dams, causing them to fret and worry, and to
neigh, or cry, by the hour. The contraction of the abdominal muscles and
pressure of the intestines during neighing seem to open the umbilicus
and induce hernia. Accidents may cause umbilical hernia in adults in the
same manner as ventral hernia is produced, though this is very rare.
_Treatment of umbilical hernia._--In the treatment of umbilical hernia
it should be remembered that congenital hernias are often removed with
age, but probably congenital _umbilical hernias_ less frequently than
others. Among the many plans of treatment are to be mentioned the
application of a pad over the tumor, the pad being held in place by a
broad, tight bandage placed around the animal's body. The chief
objection to this is the difficulty in keeping the pad in its place.
Blisters are often applied over the swelling, and, as the skin hardens
and contracts by the formation of scabs, an artificial bandage or
pressure is produced that at times is successful. Another treatment that
has gained considerable repute of late years consists in first clipping
off the hair over the swelling. Nitric acid is then applied with a small
brush, using only enough to moisten the skin. This sets up a
deep-seated, adhesive inflammation, which, in very many cases, closes
the opening in the navel. Still another plan is to inject a solution of
common salt by means of the hypodermic syringe at three or four points
about the base of the swelling. This acts in the same manner as the
preceding, but may cause serious injury if the syringe or solution is
not sterile.
Others, again, after keeping the animal fasting for a few hours, cast
and secure it upon its back; the bowel is then carefully returned into
the abdomen. The skin over the opening is pinched up and one or two
skewers are run through the skin from side to side as close as possible
to the umbilical opening. These skewers are kept in place by passing a
cord around the skin between them and the abdomen and securely tying it.
Great care must be taken not to draw these cords too tight, as this
would cause a speedy slough of the skin, the intestines would extrude,
and death result. If properly applied, an adhesion is established
between the skin and the umbilicus, which effectually closes the
orifice. Special clamps are provided for taking up the fold of the skin
covering the hernial sac and holding it until the adhesion is formed.
DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA.--This consists of the passage of any of the
abdominal viscera through a rent in the diaphragm (midriff) into the
cavity of the thorax. It is a rather rare accident, and one often
impossible to diagnose during life. Colicky symptoms, accompanied with
great difficulty in breathing, and the peculiar position so often
assumed (that of sitting upon the haunches), are somewhat characteristic
of this trouble, though these symptoms, as we have already seen, may be
present during diseases of the stomach or anterior portion of the
bowels. Even could we diagnose with certainty this form of hernia, there
is little or nothing that can be done. Leading the horse up a very steep
gangway or causing him to rear up may possibly cause the hernial portion
to return to its natural position. This is not enough, however; it must
be kept there.
PERITONITIS.
Peritonitis is an inflammation of the serous membrane lining the cavity
of and covering the viscera contained within the abdomen. It is very
rare to see a case of primary peritonitis. It is, however, somewhat
common as a secondary disease from extension of the inflammatory action
involving organs covered by the peritoneum. Peritonitis is often caused
by injuries, as punctured wounds of the abdomen, severe blows or kicks,
or, as is still more common, following the operation of castration. It
follows strangulated hernia, invagination, or rupture of the stomach,
intestines, liver, or womb.
_Symptoms._--Peritonitis is mostly preceded by a chill; the horse is not
disposed to move, and, if compelled to do so, moves with a stiff or sore
gait; he paws with the front feet and may strike at his belly with the
hind ones; lies down very carefully; as the pain is increased while
down, he maintains the standing position during most of the time; he
walks uneasily about the stall. Constipation is usually present.
Pressure on the belly causes acute pain, and the horse will bite,
strike, or kick if so disturbed; the abdomen is tucked up; the
extremities are fine and cold. The temperature is higher than normal,
reaching from 102 deg. to 104 deg. F. The pulse in peritonitis is rather
characteristic; it is quickened, beating from 70 to 90 beats a minute,
and is hard and wiry. This peculiarity of the pulse occurs in
inflammation of the serous membrane, and if accompanied with colicky
symptoms, and, in particular, if following any injuries, accidental or
surgical, of the peritoneum, there is reason to think that peritonitis
is present. Peritonitis in the horse is mostly fatal when it is at all
extensive. If death does not occur in a short time, the inflammation
assumes a chronic form, in which there is an extensive effusion of water
in the cavity of the belly, constituting what is known as ascites, and
which, as a rule, results in death.
_Treatment._--The treatment of peritonitis is somewhat like that of
enteritis. Opium in powder, 1 to 2 drams, with calomel, one-half dram,
is to be given every two, three, or four hours, and constitutes the main
dependence in this disease. Extensive counterirritants over the belly,
consisting of mustard plasters, applications of mercurial ointment,
turpentine stupes, or even mild blisters, are recommended. Purgatives
must never be given during this complaint. Should we desire to move the
bowels, it can be done by gentle enemas, though it is seldom necessary
to resort even to this.
ASCITES, OR DROPSY OF THE ABDOMEN.
This is seen as a result of subacute or chronic peritonitis, but may be
due to diseases of the liver, kidneys, heart, or lungs. There will be
found, on opening the cavity of the belly, a large collection of
yellowish or reddish liquid; from a few quarts to several gallons may be
present. It may be clear in color, though generally it is yellowish or
of a red tint, and contains numerous loose flakes of coagulable lymph.
_Symptoms._--There is slight tenderness on pressure; awkward gait of the
hind legs; the horse is dull, and may have occasional very slight
colicky pains, shown by looking back and striking at the belly with the
hind feet. Oftener, however, these colicky symptoms are absent. Diarrhea
often precedes death, but during the progress of the disease the bowels
are alternately constipated and loose. On percussing the abdominal walls
we find that dullness exists to the same height on both sides of the
belly; by suddenly pushing or striking the abdomen we can hear the
rushing or flooding of water. If the case is an advanced one, the horse
is potbellied in the extreme, and dropsical swellings are seen under the
belly and upon the legs.
Treatment is, as a rule, unsatisfactory. Saline cathartics, as Epsom or
Glauber's salt, and diuretics, ounce doses of saltpeter, may be given.
If a veterinarian is at hand he will withdraw the accumulation of water
by tapping and then endeavor to prevent its recurrence (though this is
almost sure to follow) by giving three times a day saltpeter 1 ounce and
iodid of potash 1 dram, and by the application of mustard or blisters
over the abdominal walls. Tonics, mineral and vegetable, are also
indicated. Probably the best tonic is one consisting of powdered
sulphate of iron, gentian, and ginger in equal parts; a heaping
tablespoonful of the mixture is given as a drench or mixed with the
feed, twice a day. Good nutritious feeds and gentle exercise complete
the treatment.
DISEASES OF THE LIVER.
In the United States the liver of the horse is but rarely the seat of
disease, and when we consider how frequently the liver of man is
affected this can not but appear strange. The absence of the gall
bladder may account to a certain extent for his freedom from liver
diseases, as overdistention of this and the presence in it of calculi
(stones) in man is a frequent source of trouble. In domestic animals, as
in man, hot climates tend to produce diseases of the liver, just as in
cold climates lung diseases prevail. Not only are diseases of the liver
rare in horses in temperate climates, but they are also very obscure,
and in many cases pass totally unobserved until after death. There are
some symptoms, however, which, when present, should make us examine the
liver as carefully as possible. These are jaundice (yellowness of the
mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and eyes) and the condition of the
dung, it being light in color and pasty in appearance.
HEPATITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER.
This disease may be general or local, and may assume an acute or chronic
form.
_Symptoms._--The symptoms of acute hepatitis are: Dullness; the horse is
suffering from some internal pain, but not of a severe type; constipated
and clay-colored dung balls; scanty and high-colored urine; and general
febrile symptoms. If lying down, he is mostly found on the left side;
looks occasionally toward the right side, which, upon close inspection,
may be found to be slightly enlarged over the posterior ribs, where pain
upon pressure is also evinced. Obscure lameness in front, of the right
leg mostly, may be a symptom of hepatitis. The horse, toward the last,
reels or staggers in his gait and falls backward in a fainting fit,
during one of which he finally succumbs. Death is sometimes due to
rupture of the enveloping coat of the liver or of some of its blood
vessels.
_Causes._--Among the causes that lead to this disease we must mention
first the stimulating effect of overfeeding, particularly during hot
weather. Horses that are well fed and receive but little exercise are
the best subjects for diseases of this organ. We must add to these
causes the more mechanical ones, as injuries on the right side over the
liver, worms in the liver, gallstones in the biliary ducts, foreign
bodies--as needles or nails that have been swallowed and in their
wanderings have entered the liver--and, lastly, in some instances, the
extension of inflammation from neighboring parts, thus involving this
organ. Acute hepatitis may terminate in chronic inflammation, abscesses,
rupture of the liver, or may disappear, leaving behind no trace of
disease whatever.
_Treatment._--This should consist, at first, of the administration of 1
ounce of Barbados aloes or other physic. General blood-letting, if had
recourse to early, must prove of much benefit in acute inflammation of
the liver. The vein in the neck (jugular) must be opened, and from 4 to
6 quarts of blood may be drawn. Saline medicines, as Glauber's salt or
the artificial Carlsbad salt, are indicated. These may be given with the
feed in tablespoonful doses. The horse is to be fed sparingly on soft
feed, bran mashes chiefly. If treatment proves successful and recovery
takes place, see to it that the horse afterwards gets regular exercise
and that his feed is not of a too highly nutritious character and not
excessive.
JAUNDICE, ICTERUS, OR THE YELLOWS.
This is a condition caused by the retention and absorption of bile into
the blood. It was formerly considered to be a disease of itself, but is
now regarded as a symptom of disorder of the liver. "The yellows" is
observed by looking at the eyes, nose, and mouth, when it will be seen
that these parts are yellowish instead of the pale-pink color of health.
In white or light-colored horses the skin even may show this yellow
tint. The urine is saffron colored, the dung is of a dirty-gray color,
and constipation is usually present. Jaundice may be present as a
symptom of almost any inflammatory disease. We know that when an animal
has fever the secretions are checked, the bile may be retained and
absorbed throughout the system, and yellowness of the mucous membranes
follows. Jaundice may also exist during the presence of simple
constipation, hepatitis, biliary calculi, abscesses, hardening of the
liver, etc.
_Treatment._--When jaundice exists we must endeavor to rid the system of
the excess of bile, and this is best accomplished by giving purgatives
that act upon the liver. Calomel, 2 drams, with aloes, 7 drams, should
be given. Glauber's salt in handful doses once or twice a day for a week
is also effective. May apple, rhubarb, castor oil, and other cathartics
that act upon the first or small bowels may be selected. We must be
careful to see that the bowels are kept open by avoiding hard, dry,
bulky feeds.
RUPTURE OF THE LIVER.
This is known to occur at times in the horse, most frequently in old,
fat horses and those that get but little exercise. Horses that have
suffered from chronic liver disease for years eventually present
symptoms of colic and die quite suddenly. Upon post-mortem examination
we discover that the liver has ruptured. The cicatrices, or scars, that
are often found upon the liver indicate that this organ may suffer
_small_ rupture and yet the horse may recover from it. This can not be
the result, however, if the rent or tear is extensive, since in such
cases death must quickly follow from hemorrhage, or, later, from
peritonitis. Enlarged liver is particularly liable to rupture.
The immediate causes of rupture appear to be excessive muscular
exertion, as leaping a fence, a fall, a blow from a collision, a kick
from a horse, or sudden distention of the abdomen with gas.
The symptoms of rupture of the liver will depend upon the extent of the
laceration. If slight, there will be simply the symptoms of abdominal
pain, looking back to the sides, lying down, etc.; if extensive, the
horse is dull and dejected, has no appetite, breathing becomes short and
catching, he sighs or sobs, visible mucous membranes are pale,
extremities cold, pulse fast, small, and weak or running down.
Countenance now shows much distress, he sweats profusely, totters in his
gait, props his legs wide apart, reels, staggers, and falls. He may get
up again, but soon falls dead. The rapid running-down pulse, paleness of
the eyes, nose, and mouth, sighing, stertorous breathing, tottering
gait, etc., are symptoms by which we know that the animal is dying from
internal hemorrhage.
_Treatment._--But little can be done in the way of treatment. Opium in
powder, in doses of 2 drams every two or three hours, may be given, with
the idea of preventing as much as possible all movements of internal
organs. If there is reason to suspect internal bleeding, we should give
large and frequent doses of white-oak bark tea, dram doses of tannic or
gallic acid, or the same quantity of sugar of lead, every half hour or
hour. Fluid extract of ergot or tincture of the chlorid of iron, in
ounce doses, may be selected. Cold water dashed upon the right side or
injected into the rectum is highly spoken of as a means of checking the
hemorrhage.
BILIARY CALCULI, OR GALLSTONES.
These are rarely found in the horse, but may occupy the hepatic ducts,
giving rise to jaundice and to colicky pains. There are no absolutely
diagnostic symptoms, but should one find a horse that suffers from
repeated attacks of colic, accompanied with symptoms of violent pain,
and that during or following these attacks the animal is jaundiced, it
is possible that gallstones are present. There is little or nothing to
be done except to give medicines to overcome pain, trusting that these
concretions may pass on to the bowels, where, from their small size,
they will not occasion any inconvenience.
DISEASES OF THE PANCREAS AND SPLEEN.
Diseases of the pancreas and spleen are so rare, or their symptoms so
little understood, that it is impossible to write anything concerning
either of these organs and their simple diseases that will convey to the
reader information of practical value.
GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES.
[By Maurice C. Hall, Ph. D., D. V. M.]
Horses are subject to infestation by a number of species of worms, these
worms being especially numerous at certain points in the alimentary
canal.
The tapeworms of the horse are relatively unimportant and not very
common. There are three species, the smallest about two inches long and
the largest about eight inches long. These two occur in the small
intestine; a form intermediate in size may also be found in the cecum
and colon. These are flat, segmented worms with the head at the smaller
end.
Flukes occur in horses elsewhere, but have apparently never been
reported in the United States.
Roundworms, or nematodes, constitute the most important group of
parasitic worms in the horse. The more important of these are as
follows:
ROUNDWORM (_Ascaris equorum_).--This is the common large, yellowish
roundworm (Pl. V, fig. 5), about the size of a lead pencil or larger,
which may be found in horses almost anywhere in the United States. It
occurs in the intestine and probably occasions little damage as a rule,
except when present in large numbers, in which case it will probably be
found in the droppings. The symptoms occasioned by it are rather obscure
and are such as might arise from a number of other causes, namely,
colicky pains, depraved appetite, diarrhea or constipation, and general
unthriftiness. In a general way, the presence of parasites may be
suspected when an animal shows no fever but is unthrifty, debilitated,
and shows disordered bowel movements in cases where there is no evident
explanation in the way of feed, care, and surroundings.
_Treatment_ for the removal of this worm consists in the use of
anthelmintics such as tartar emetic, turpentine, and carbon bisulphid,
but as these remedies are essentially poisons intended to kill the worm,
and as their use by persons unused to determining conditions unfavorable
for their use is dangerous and likely to result in the death of the
animal or in permanent injury to the kidneys or other organs, it is
advisable to call in a veterinarian in such cases.
PINWORM (_Oxyuris equi_).--This is a rather large worm (Pl. V, fig. 1),
somewhat smaller than the foregoing and readily distinguishable from it
by the presence of a long, slender tail. It also occurs generally
throughout the United States, and except when present in large numbers
probably does very little damage. It inhabits the large intestine and
hence is difficult to reach with medicines administered by the mouth.
The use of a half ounce of gentian on the feed night and morning for a
week has been recommended, but the use of rectal enemas will give more
prompt and perhaps more certain results. These enemas may be made up
with one or two tablespoonfuls of salt to the pint, or infusions of
quassia chips, a half pound to the gallon of water, and injected into
the rectum once or twice a day.
STOMACH WORMS OF THE HORSE (_Habronema_ spp.).--These worms (Pl. V, fig.
4) occur in nodules in the mucous lining of the horse's stomach and are
credited with doing more or less damage. Their presence is not likely to
be diagnosed in the present state of our knowledge, but in case their
presence is determined or suspected in connection with the summer sores
noted later, tartar emetic is recommended. At least one of these worms
has an intermediate stage in the ordinary housefly, the fly becoming
infested while it is a larva developing in horse manure. Obviously,
therefore, any measures looking toward the eradication of the fly or the
proper disposal of manure will aid in the control and eradication of
this worm. The United States Bureau of Entomology has shown that fly
maggots travel downward through a manure pile as it comes time for the
maggot to enter the ground and pupate, and an excellent maggot trap,
consisting of an exposed manure platform raised on posts which are set
in a concrete basin extending under the platform and filled with three
or four inches of water, has been devised. As maggots work down they
come to the platform and escape through the spaces between the boards,
left open for the purpose, to the water in the concrete basin, where
they are drowned. In this way the exposed manure pile serves to attract
flies with a deceptive proffer of a breeding place.
Apparently it is the young forms of these stomach worms which develop at
times on the skin, causing a cutaneous habronemiasis known as summer
sores. This is discussed under diseases of the skin.