the animal will, in most cases, recover with proper medical treatment.
When due to injury to the bones of the head, tumors, ulcerated teeth
or dried pus in the nasal cavities, it is best to remove the diseased
portion with the aid of bone chisel or tephine and treat the wound
antiseptically. In the mild forms of nasal-gleet or chronic catarrh,
administer the following: Ferri Sulphate, Potassi Iodide, Nux Vomica,
each four ounces. Mix well and make into thirty-two capsules. Give one
capsule three times daily and feed food that is nourishing and easily
digested.
NAVEL STRING INFECTION.
(_Umbilical Pyemia_)
CAUSE AND NATURE.—While the unborn foal (foetus) is in the womb of its
mother, it is surrounded by enveloping membranes which constitute the
afterbirth on delivery. These membranes are attached to the wall of
the womb and are connected to the foetus by means of the navel-string
(umbilical cord) which is provided with two arteries and a vein for
the nourishment of the young creature and for the removal of its waste
products.
It also has a narrow canal (the urachus) which serves to remove the
urine of the foetus; in fact the subsequently formed bladder takes its
origin from a dilation of the urachus. Under normal conditions when the
foal is born, respiration takes place, the umbilical arteries and veins
become quickly blocked up, urine is discharged through the urethra (which
communicates with the penis or vagina, as the case may be), the foal
enjoys a separate existence and the wound caused by the division of the
umbilical cord leaves a scar which is known as the navel.
It is usually supposed that the germ of navel-string infection gains
admittance into the body through the exposed surface before the wound is
closed. However, I am of the opinion that the mother is the bearer of the
infection in a great many cases for in the uterine secretions of mares
whose foals fell with navel-string infection, the same characteristic
germs were found as were present in the joints of the affected foals.
The infectious material is, by the act of covering, conveyed from mare
to mare, so that the mucous membranes of the womb becomes the habitat of
the specific germ. By inoculation of these germs into the blood stream
of foals an illness is produced which in the smallest particular cannot
be distinguished from that arising in naturally affected foals. It is a
strange fact that when the infected germs are transmitted by the mother,
their presence does not produce any disturbance in her.
This is a very common malady in most places. I have known several
instances on particular farms where they were unable to raise either
foals or calves, but if the mother were removed to another farm
immediately after or before foaling, the foal or calf lived and was
reared without difficulty, and although constitutional debility plays an
important part, the presence of specific germs constituting an infected
area is, I believe, the most important factor in producing this disease.
According to my observation, about seventy-five per cent of the cases die
within the first three weeks after birth. This high rate of mortality
would be considerably diminished if proper treatment was adopted.
SYMPTOMS.—The attack usually comes on during the second or third week
after birth and almost always before the closure of the navel opening,
which, in affected animals, will be found to be in a wet and suppurating
condition. Occasionally foals two or three months old which have the
urachus closed and are in an apparently healthy condition contract this
disease in a form of painful swelling of the joints. The first symptoms
are generally dullness; more or less fever; lameness which is often
attributed to rheumatism or to injury caused by the mare treading on
foal; the disinclination to move or even to stand. Upon examination the
patient will be found to have a soft, gelatinous swelling of one or more
of the joints of which the hock, elbow, fetlock, stifle and hip usually
manifest the enlargement most clearly.
These swellings are hot and painful to the touch; they tend to suppurate
and frequently cause intense lameness. In very rare cases open urachus
may exist without any joint inflammation. In this disease, inflammation
of the joints and open urachus are almost always co-existent.
Animals that recover from a bad attack are seldom worth the trouble
of rearing, because as a rule their constitution becomes permanently
impaired and one or more of their joints becomes stiffened by the attack.
TREATMENT.—In the treatment of this disease, we have to attend to
constitutional disturbances, inflamed joints, open urachus and
complications such as constipation and diarrhoea. The comfort of our
little patient must be studied under all circumstances. If the weather
be at all cold it should be covered by a warm sheet. Should the foal
have any difficulty in rising from the recumbent position, an attendant
should assist it to rise and see that it is regularly fed. It is only
in extreme cases that the animal refuses to suck its dam. During warm
weather, and especially if the ground is dry, such a patient is always
better off for a little sunshine, but on no account must it be left out
during extreme heat, as in this state it is very liable to sunstroke.
The best food for the mare is grass, which during the day, she can
generally have. The inflamed joints of the foal should be rubbed lightly
with the following, after being thoroughly mixed: Red Iodide of Mercury,
two drams; Vaseline, two ounces, every forty-eight hours, which, when
applied to the skin, appears to have a well-marked antiseptic action on
the underlying tissues. An inflamed joint should on no account be bathed
with warm water, fomented or poulticed because the application of moist
heat would be the best possible means for promoting the development
of the infective germs which are the cause of the local and general
disturbance. The open navel-string should not be ligatured because
that operation is generally followed by an increased inflammation of
the part, and by an aggravation of the other symptoms apparently on
account of this outlet for deleterious products becoming blocked up. If
the navel-string has been ligatured and is in an inflamed state, the
ligature should be removed without delay. If the foal is constipated give
two or three ounces of Castor Oil; also, administer the following: Zinc
Sulphocarbolates, one-half dram; Hyposulphite of Soda, four ounces. Mix
and make into thirty-two powders. Give one powder well back on the tongue
every four hours.
As a supplement to the food, we may give brown sugar or treacle, both
of which are easily digested and are very nourishing. Four or five eggs
daily will also aid in keeping up the strength.
NAVEL RUPTURE.
(_Umbilical Hernia_)
CAUSE.—Hereditary predisposition is well marked in this complaint. It may
exist at birth, but so-called congenital rupture may very probably be the
result of the pulling which the navel-string underwent at the time of
foaling. However, umbilical hernia usually occurs during the first two
or three months after birth; that is to say, while the opening at the
navel is becoming obliterated and the tissues at that place are becoming
consolidated. They can, however, appear later and may result from more
or less violent strains sustained when the foals are jumping or playing.
At other times these strains are induced by intestinal irritation
accompanied by diarrhoea or constipation with straining. But, however
the strain may take place, the abdominal muscles contract and push the
intestines towards the wall of the belly. Then if they find an opening or
even a weak spot, like the ring of the navel while it is undergoing the
process of becoming blocked up, they select it and a rupture is produced.
SYMPTOMS.—This rupture, the situation of which clearly shows its
character, may vary in size from that of a hen’s egg to that of an
ostrich’s egg. If pressed upon with the hand, especially if the animal
is placed on its back, the rupture will disappear, to return, however,
when the pressure is removed. If it be composed of intestines it will be
soft and elastic when the bowels are empty, but when they are full of
semi-solid food they will be doughy. In any event, the tumor will feel
elastic when composed of intestines, but when formed of its connecting
membranes, will naturally not vary in consistence. If intestines be
present, movements and abdominal rumblings may be detected in it. This
rupture rarely gives rise to serious consequences because its contents
are composed of large intestines and omentum, either of which is, in this
position, not liable to become strangulated. It may, however, become
engorged and inflamed from injury. Its existence naturally depreciates
the value of an animal suffering from it.
TREATMENT.—In the majority of cases, they will disappear of their own
accord in two or three months. In case the rupture shows no signs of
diminishing in size it is well to apply a bandage around the abdomen.
OPEN JOINT.
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.