THE NOSTRILS--THEIR ACCIDENTS AND THEIR DISEASES.
COLD.
It should not excite surprise if the horse, though generally strong, and
exposed to every abuse, is occasionally subject to the disease which, in
man, is almost the property of the delicately nurtured. The animal exists
in a stable commonly kept at a high temperature by means of contaminated
air; it is taken thence into a wintry atmosphere to stand for an uncertain
period before the master's door. There it has to remain inactive,
shivering in the blast, until it suits the proprietor's convenience to
come forth; next, it is pushed along till the perspiration bedews the
sides. Then it has to remain, generally unprotected, in the cold until
some business is transacted, when it is flurried home again, and often has
to wait afterward till it suits the groom's leisure to dry the reeking
frame.
[Illustration: SELLING "A CAPTAIN," AS ANY HORSE WITH A NASAL DISCHARGE IS
CALLED BY THE LOW DEALERS.]
Can it create astonishment if an animal so treated exhibit that nasal
affection denominated "cold?" The case is similar with hunters. They leave
hot stables to join the distant meet. Game may be soon started, or "the
find" may occupy hours; at last, men, horses, and hounds scamper off;
the fences are cleared; the fields, though they be swampy or plowed, are
crossed at the longest stride. The pace is killing while it lasts; at
length, comes a check. That saves many a steed, whose breathing ability
was well nigh exhausted; but every animal has to shiver till the "view
holloa!" again summons the assembly to motion.
How often does my lady's "carriage stop the way?" And how long have the
horses to stand in the rain before it does go? How frequently does the gig
or brougham linger near the curb, while another glass to good fellowship
is drained? Then, we have to reflect upon the breathing forms harnessed to
hired carriages; how the street cab rests in storms! How, day or night,
the horses must be exposed to all the varied seasons! Unsheltered from the
sun; with no protection from the frost! Let the reader reflect upon this
and say, not if it be wonderful that a few horses exhibit the affection
denominated cold; but whether it is not a legitimate matter for surprise
every second horse is not thus affected?
[Illustration: A HORSE'S HEAD, EXHIBITING A COLD.]
A mild cold, with care, is readily alleviated. A few mashes, a little
green meat, an extra rug and a day or two of rest, commonly end the
business. When the attack is more severe, the horse is dull; the coat
is rough; the body is of unequal temperatures, hot in parts, in places
icy cold. The membrane of the nose at first is dry and pale or leaden
colored; the facial sinuses are clogged; the head aches; the appetite has
fled; often tears trickle from the eyes, simple ophthalmia being no rare
accompaniment to severe cold; till at length a copious defluxion falls
from the nostrils without immediately improving the general appearance of
the animal.
The treatment is plain. When mucous membrane is involved, all depletion
must be avoided; the invalid should be comfortably and warmly housed;
should have an ample bed, and the body should be plentifully clothed. Then
a hair bag, half as long and half as wide again as the ordinary nose-bag,
should be buckled by a broad strap on to the sick horse's head; into the
bag should be previously inserted one gallon of yellow deal saw-dust; upon
the saw-dust, through an opening guarded with a flap upon the side of the
bag, should be emptied a kettle of boiling water, the superfluity of which
may run or drain through the hair composing the bag.
The boiling water ought to be renewed every twenty minutes, as the bag
should be retained upon the head for an hour each time. Should not yellow
deal saw-dust be obtainable, procure some of common deal, upon which last
pour one ounce of spirits of turpentine. Mix well and thoroughly before
you apply the bag to the head; but should not a proper apparatus be in the
stable, then it is better to forego the steaming, as the common nose-bag
is far too short and too tight for safety. The cloth moreover is apt
to swell and not to allow the free passage of the water. Sad accidents
have ensued upon the incautious employment of the ordinary nose-bag for
steaming purposes.
[Illustration: STEAMING THE NOSE OF A HORSE WITH COLD.]
If the horse appear to be weak, and there is the slightest suspicion that
the weight of the appliance for the time directed may tax the strength,
let some substance, as a stool, a form or chair, be placed beneath the
bag. The animal will require no teaching to understand the use of the
intended resting-place. As the weight begins to drag, the head will be
lowered, and after a very brief space the steaming apparatus will be found
reposing upon its intended support.
While the membrane is dry, use the steaming-bag six times daily. When a
copious stream of pus flows from the nose, its application thrice daily
will be sufficient. At the same time let the food consist of grass with
mashes, to regulate the bowels and subdue the attendant fever. Give no
medicine; but the discharge being established, three daily feeds of
crushed and scalded oats, with a few broken beans added to them, will
do no harm. Likewise, should the weakness be great, a couple of pots of
stout, one pot at night and the other at morning, will be beneficial.
Good nursing, a loose box, fresh air, warmth, and not even exercise till
the disorder abates, are also to be commended. Afterward take to full
work with caution, as much debility is apt to ensue upon severe cold.
It will also sometimes lead to other diseases, as those of the larynx,
air-passages, and lungs. Should the symptoms deepen, the treatment must be
changed; the lesser affection (=cold=) being swallowed up by the greater
disorder, which is superadded; consequently, disregard the original
ailment, taking those measures requisite to relieve the new and more
important affliction.
Animals with =chronic cold=, or with a constant running from the nose,
soon exhibit excessive weakness. Nothing taxes the strength so much as the
prolonged disorder of any mucous surface.
All that ignorant people know of glanders is, that the disease is
accompanied with a nasal defluxion. The more cunning in horse flesh,
likewise, are aware that glanders causes the lymphatic gland within the
jaw to swell, or that a glandered horse is always, as such people assert,
jugged.
[Illustration:
HEAD OF A HORSE WITH "A JUG," OR WITH ONE OF THE LYMPHATIC GLANDS OF
THE THROAT SWOLLEN.
1. The enlarged lymphatic within the jaw.
]
Now, both the discharge and the enlargement are generally present during
inveterate cold. Animals of this kind are sold to the unwary as sound
horses. The vendors believe the quadruped to be glandered, or to be
affected with the most terrible of equine diseases; and the purchaser
wants knowledge to perceive the contrary.
Let, therefore, no man who buys "a captain," (which is the slang for a
horse with nasal discharge,) become alarmed, and to some member of the
gang from whom it was bought, resell his bargain for a few shillings.
Large sums are often made by thus disposing of a diseased animal for a
high price; then, directly afterward, frightening the purchaser with a
view to buying back at a cheap rate the supposed glandered horse. Always
take the animal to the nearest veterinary surgeon. Have the quadruped
examined; and, if really glandered, order it to be immediately destroyed.
Listen to no offer; but have the order obeyed.
A gentleman once attending a sale, bought for a large price a fine black
horse. No sooner had the money been paid, than a man came up and informed
the purchaser of the real character of his recent acquisition, offering to
take the bargain off the new owner's hands for fewer shillings than pounds
had just been given. The proposal was indignantly refused. Others came,
but all encountered the same answer. The terms were gradually heightened,
till double the money expended was tendered. The horse, however, was
destroyed; thus a gang of swindlers were deprived of a property which,
they owned, had for the last year earned them an easy thousand pounds.
Every man, however, must not anticipate so favorable a proposal. The
animals mostly are worthless, and would only be rebought for a very
trifle; the swindlers, generally, being perfectly indifferent whether
their eyes ever again behold a creature which can be easily replaced.
NASAL POLYPUS.
A =polypus=, when not otherwise distinguished, represents a pear-shaped
body, which has little sensation, but great vascularity. It is not
malignant, and its growth is generally rapid. By the increase of its
weight, the polypus ultimately hangs from the spot where it grew,
and becomes pendant by a sort of stalk, formed principally by the
blood-vessels enveloped in the membrane which coats the tumor. Such
growths are peculiar to mucous tissues, or to all the cavities of the body
which communicate with the external air. With regard to the horse, polypus
is mostly met with in the nostrils.
[Illustration: A POLYPUS.]
It is a disputed point how these growths are occasioned. However, no
compliment is paid to the veterinary science, when it is asserted that,
even to this day, no recognized plan of treatment for polypus has been
laid down. Such tumors are allowed to be removed with the knife, by
ligature, by traction, and by tortion; in short, as you please. The first
has generally been employed after a most butcherly fashion, slicing a
piece off one day, and taking a morsel the next, till by slow degrees the
whole was extirpated. So barbarous an operation is only worthy of ancient
farriery; the blood lost must be enormous, and the subsequent weakness of
the animal must more than counterbalance any benefit which the operation
could have promised. Mr. Varnell, assistant professor at the Royal
Veterinary College, lately removed a growth of this kind in a much more
surgical fashion. That gentleman had a knife made with an angular blade;
by employing this instrument, he was enabled to excise the tumor with a
single cut, inflicting little pain, but affording immediate and lasting
benefit to the creature. Where it can be employed, Mr. Varnell's angular
knife is to be recommended, as the quickest and most efficient means of
eradication which the public possess.
[Illustration: POLYPUS FORCEPS OR SCISSORS.]
Tortion is more repulsive in appearance than in reality. A pair of
scissors having sharp curved claws, at the expanded ends of blunt blades,
are employed. The tumor is seized by the claws, a little pressure is
made, and, at the same time, the scissors are drawn slightly forward. By
that means the points are driven into the substance, and a firm hold is
obtained. The handles of the scissors are next fastened together with
wire, or not, at the pleasure of the operator. The scissors are afterward
made to revolve several times, and with each revolution they oblige
the polypus to turn upon its pedicle, which motion first twists and
ultimately ruptures it. The growth is thus removed; as the polypus is not
very sensitive, and the operation should be soon over, small suffering
is inflicted, when compared with the permanent ease which the proceeding
insures.
Of the operation by traction or dragging away, no notice will be taken; it
is a vulgar and a cruel affair. Ligature, however, where it can be used,
is generally preferred; because the employment of it is not so sudden,
and, consequently, not apparently so violent; because no blood generally
follows the removal, and therefore there is no visible evidence of pain.
The writer is not certain it is the least painful of the methods proposed;
the relief is delayed, although the appearance and the appetite of the
animal are assurances that nothing approaching to agony is inflicted.
[Illustration: DIAGRAM OF A TUBE FOR THE REMOVAL OF NASAL POLYPUS.]
For ligature procure a fine, hollow tube, having at one end a cover made
to screw on and off; the opposite extremity must be open, and should have
a cross bar attached externally, one inch from the termination. Upon the
cover two holes must be bored, each large enough to admit a fine wire; to
arm this instrument, which should be about eighteen inches long, procure a
piece of zinc wire one yard and a half long; push this through one of the
holes on the unscrewed cover and down the tube; screw on the cover; fasten
the projecting end of the wire to the cross bar; return the wire through
the other hole, and, passing it down the tube, leave it hanging free. Form
of the wire a loop, large enough to surround the polypus; pass it gently
over the head of the growth; by means of the tube, work the loop upward,
tightening the wire as the size of the polypus diminishes. When the wire
is round the pedicle, fix it by winding it also over the cross bar; then
slowly make turns with the tube, observing the growth while so doing.
When the tumor changes color or the animal exhibits pain, discontinue all
further movements; release the wires from the cross bar and withdraw the
tube, leaving the ends of the ligature protruding from the nostril and
turned up on one side of the face.
Order the horse to be fastened to the pillar-reins that night, and to be
watched while feeding. The next day, if the tumor do not feel sensibly
cold and has not evidently lost the living hue, reinsert the wires into
the tube, fix them again on the cross bar, and give another turn or
two. If small alteration be subsequently observed, the same evening the
proceeding may be repeated; but, when death appears confirmed in the
tumor, twist the tube till the pedicle gives way.
The advantages possessed by this invention is, firstly, the ability of
twisting a ligature tight when the growth is partly removed from view.
Also, in the adoption of wire which will retain the form it is placed in,
and remain unaffected by the moisture natural to the nostrils. Moreover,
the tube can be made without the screwing head-piece, and answers quite as
well, or even better, when solid. If made without the screwing head-piece,
it can assume a flattened form, and it is somewhat easier to introduce;
but the wire, in that case, must have both ends pushed through the holes
down the tube.
The =bleeding polypus= is not met with in the horse. For that polypus
which sprouts from the nasal membrane and extends to the fauces, impeding
respiration and deglutition, appearing like a disease of the structure, to
which it is attached by a broad base, nothing can be done. It grows fast,
and in a short time renders longer life a larger misery.
[Illustration: A TENACULUM.]
The polypus which admits of removal is a smooth, moist, glistening
and vascular body. It greatly impedes the breathing. These growths
have been known to push out the cartilaginous division of the nostrils
until the once free passage was all but obliterated. They provoke a
constant discharge of pure mucus, and, on that account, the horse, thus
affected, has been condemned as glandered. However, the truth may be at
once recognized by closing the nostrils alternately. It is then easy to
discover which cavity is affected, as a resistance is provoked by stopping
the free channel, which bears no resemblance to glanders. To bring down
the polypus, cough the horse, by making gentle pressure upon the topmost
part of the windpipe; for, during the stages of glanders, any appearance
at all resembling polypus is never present. It was usual, the instant the
growth was visible, to transfer it with a tenaculum. This, however, like
other barbarities, only did harm. The substance of a polypus is easily
rent, and it bleeds freely. The bleeding concealed much, which, after
proceedings rendered necessary, should be plainly seen. It is better, when
sufficient room is not left for operation or inspection, to proceed with
greater boldness, so as to ascertain the advantages likely to result from
further measures. Then throw the horse, and with a probe-pointed, straight
bistoury, slit up the nostril upon the outer side. That done, release the
animal till all bleeding has ceased, when the endeavors may be renewed
with a better prospect of success. Afterward, close the incision with a
double set of sutures, (one set to the true nostril and another for the
false nostril). Apply to the wound the chloride of zinc wash, and in a
short time all will be healed.
[Illustration: NASAL POLYPUS.]
=Nasal polypus=, nevertheless, is an affection often requiring the
performance of tracheotomy, before any examination can be attempted. For
this necessity, the operator must be prepared; but, as tracheotomy is
required only to relieve the breathing during examination, the temporary
tube invented by Mr. Gowing is, in that instance, decidedly to be
recommended.
NASAL GLEET.
This terrible affliction is suppuration of the mucous membrane, lining
the facial sinuses. It rarely occurs in the stable; but when it does, the
cause mostly is to be traced to the projection of some molar tooth, and
the disease is then generally hopeless. The pressure of the tooth has
provoked irritation of the bone. The sinuses are no longer hollow spaces,
but have been converted into cavities crowded with bony net-work. To
cleanse them in that condition is impossible, and death is the only resort
left to a humane proprietor.
Horses, when allowed a run at grass, are often taken up with the bones of
the face swollen and soft. Percussion draws forth the same response as
would be elicited by rapping upon a pumpkin. The animal, suddenly released
from toil, has been playing in the field with its new associates. The
simple creature could not comprehend the feet were fettered. The equine
race always display joy with their heels, and the hoof, which unshod might
lightly touch the neighbor's skull and no injury result, being armed with
iron carries additional weight with the blow, and leaves behind a deadly
bruise upon the facial bones. The following engraving, representing an
extreme case of this kind, is a warning never to turn your animal into a
field where others are grazing; but if you are obliged to starve a horse
on grass, at all events choose a spot where it can be alone.
[Illustration: NASAL GLEET.]
Besides the distortion, the next prominent symptom attending nasal
gleet is fetor. Discharge is not always present. It is irregular in its
appearance, but can generally be made to flow, by a brisk trot or by some
tempting food being placed upon the ground. Stench and discharge, often
coming only from one nostril, but occasionally from two, are likewise
symptomatic of the same disorder.
Pus is, naturally, the blandest secretion of the body; but being confined,
it corrupts, and then smells abominably. The blow, which started up the
secretion, injured the bones forming facial sinuses. Those cavities
open to the nostril on either side by two comparatively small flaps,
slits, or valves. These are their only means of communication with the
external atmosphere; and through these valves all the pus must flow. Is
it surprising if such structures occasionally become clogged, till the
accumulated secretion, or the increased breathing, or the position of the
head, obliges the passage to give way?
The chances likely to result upon treatment are about equal, but the
process is generally slow. The trephine has to be employed upon the facial
sinus, and circular portions of bone have to be removed. Into the openings
thus made is to be injected, by means of a pint pewter syringe, half a
gallon of tepid water, or water heated to ninety-six degrees, in which
half a drachm of chloride of zinc is dissolved. The chloride of zinc not
only destroys the fetor, but also disposes the membrane to take on a new
action.
[Illustration:
THE TREPHINE, BY MEANS OF WHICH A CIRCULAR PIECE OF BONE MAY BE
REMOVED.
]
[Illustration: INJECTING THE HEAD OF A HORSE FOR NASAL GLEET.
Copied from a work by La Fosse.]
The injection, however, only cleanses the sinuses, and the nose also
becomes involved by the disease. It is usual to describe the turbinated
bones, or the fragile bones situated within the nostrils, as thin osseous
structures, making numerous convolutions upon themselves. They favor such
an opinion when viewed _in situ;_ but, being removed, are found to consist
of ample sacs or bags, which the external layer concealed from view.
These hidden spaces soon fill with pus; here it remains; the position of
the head even cannot entirely dislodge it, as the head is seldom carried
perpendicularly. Here the pus hardens or concretes, until by degrees the
cavities are filled with a foul and solid matter.
[Illustration:
THE TURBINATED BONE WITHIN THE NOSTRIL OF A HORSE AFFECTED WITH
NASAL GLEET; PARTLY ABSORBED BY PRESSURE AND PARTLY DISTENDED BY AN
ACCUMULATION OF CONCRETE PUS.
]
[Illustration:
PART OF A HORSE'S HEAD WHICH HAS THE BONE TREPHINED SO AS TO ENABLE
THE SURGEON TO EMPTY THE TURBINATED BONE. THE COURSE OF THE NERVES
IS SHOWN.
]
Such a store-house of disease may thus be opened and cleansed. Mark with
chalk or charcoal the spot in a line with the infra-orbital foramen,
and a little anterior to the third molar tooth the positions of both
may be clearly ascertained by feeling externally upon the head of the
living horse. At that place cut through the skin, but no deeper. Make a
T incision, only reverse the letter ⊥. Withdraw the two flaps of skin;
remove by means of blunt hooks any structures that conceal the bone, upon
which last, when clear, employ the trephine.
The side of the face being opened, insert through the opening a steel
probe. Thrust it through the concrete pus, and strive to discover the
most depending portion of the sac. To this spot, if possible, apply a
hollow metallic tube, about twelve inches long. This instrument has a
horn-shaped mouth at the blunt extremity, and a fine sharp steel saw at
the other. The saw being fixed upon the spot indicated by the probe, and a
few revolutions being given to the horn-shaped end, between the palms of
the hands, a circular portion of the bony net-work which characterizes the
turbinated structures is removed.
[Illustration: FIG. 2.
Fig. 1. The hollow metallic tube, having at one extremity a
horn-shaped mouth for the convenience of inserting a gum-elastic
probe, and at the other end a fine saw for cutting through the
turbinated bone.
Fig. 2. _a._ A gum-elastic probe to be threaded through the metallic
tube, and so forced out of the nostril. _b._ A portion of string
passed through the eye of the probe and forming a loop. _c._ The
tape which constitutes the seton passed through the looped string.
]
Now, so soon as this is accomplished, force through the hollow instrument
last employed an elastic probe armed with a piece of linen tape. The
probe, being about eighteen inches long, will, by the application of
very gentle force, soon glide through the opening last made, and out
of the nostril. The tape is, by traction, made to follow, and the ends
being tied, a seton is established. By the daily movement of this last
contrivance, the concrete matter may effectually be displaced.
This being finished, the syringe is to be daily employed; and the cure may
be often expedited by the following ball, which should be given once every
twenty-four hours:--
Balsam of copaiba Half an ounce.
Cantharides (in powder) Four grains.
Cubebs A sufficiency.--_Mix._
Should this appear to affect the urinary system, immediately discontinue
it. In its place, half a drachm of belladonna should be rubbed down in
one ounce of water, and administered every hour, till all appetite is
destroyed, and the drug should be discontinued after this effect is
gained. The belladonna, however, should be exhibited only every fourth day.
The lymphatic glands under the horse's jaw occasionally enlarge; but as
the affection is destroyed the swelling will disappear. However, the cure
may be expedited by commodious lodging and liberal food. It evidently
is folly to stint the provender and expect a starved nature to vanquish
disease.
HIGH-BLOWING AND WHEEZING.
These peculiarities admit of no pictorial illustration. Obviously, it is
impossible to picture a sound. Both affections are known by the noises to
which they give rise.
=Highblowing= is complained of only in saddle horses. It consists of
forcing the respiration violently through the nostrils, whereby a
bur-r-r-r-ing kind of noise is made. This sound children are fond of
imitating, when they play "horses;" but in the animal it is unpleasant to
the equestrian, because by it the nostrils are cleared, and the trousers
of the rider are often soiled. Besides, fashion at present favors a quiet
steed. For this habit there is no remedy, except throwing up the horse for
harness purposes, in which employment the habit is not generally regarded
as objectionable.
=Wheezing= is a thin, whistling noise, heard only during inspiration. It
is provoked by some impediment to the breathing, and the cause always
resides in the nasal chambers. It is astonishing how small an obstacle
engenders this affection. This, like the former peculiarity, is equally
incurable. It is easy to stop each nostril, and thus to tell from which
the noise proceeds; yet, for its removal, the affection demands a purely
experimental destruction of parts, so ample, that even veterinary science
shrinks from the attempt.
However, to such chalices the life of a horse is exposed. The indulgence
of a habit which adds to the animal's beauty in the eyes of the foot
passenger, is regarded as objectionable in one position, while it is
admired in another situation; the advent of the smallest excrescence in a
large cavity can deteriorate the value of a life. A loss of value entails
loss of caste. The life descends to harder work and lessened care. The
first step taken, the others rapidly succeed; for it cannot be asserted
that, as a general rule, the lower classes appear to advantage, when the
custody of a beautiful animal is morally considered.