In obstinate grease and swellings of the legs, accompanied with
lameness of the joints, dry coughs, worms, diseases of the skin,
farcy, apoplexy or staggers, affections of the liver, &c. &c.,
mercurial purges are of the greatest service. They purge; destroy
worms; generally increase the flow of urine; operate upon the skin,
liver, and other viscera in a peculiar manner; cause a healthful
action in these parts; and remove many chronic complaints incident
to the horse. Great caution is necessary during their operation,
lest the horse take cold. The water given him must be warm, and when
exercised he should be properly clothed.
Horses that are kept on dry meat, and are full fed, with little or no
exercise, require regular purging every six months, with two or three
doses each time, allowing proper intervals between each.