more common to young horses than old; also, changes of temperature,
introduction of foreign bodies or liquids into the trachea (windpipe)
and the bronchial tubes, inhalation of smoke or irritating gases,
excitement, exposure to cold after clipping, turning out to pasture from
a warm stable, or injury to chest or ribs from being struck with a pole,
etc.
SYMPTOMS: Dullness in spirit; animal usually shivers or trembles; when
this ceases the temperature rises to perhaps 103 to 106 degrees F.,
pulse increases to sixty or ninety per minute, full and bounding;
breathing short and labored and abnormally quick, increasing to perhaps
fifty inspirations per minute, whereas in health it does not exceed
twelve or thirteen per minute. A cough is also likely to be present, and
the animals remain standing until they are on the road to recovery, or
until death takes place. Other symptoms are constipation, feces covered
with mucus or slime; urination frequent, scanty and dark in color;
appetite poor, but thirst great; the eyes look glassy and the membranes
have an inflamed appearance. It is a good sign if the animal looks about
freely. When the critical stage is past the temperature and pulse
gradually fall, the appetite returns and the urine becomes more
abundant, and takes on its natural color, the cough loosens, and the
discharge from the lungs is profuse, and of a yellowish color, and the
breathing becomes normal.
TREATMENT: Good care is of the utmost importance. Place the horse in a
comfortable, well ventilated stall, being careful to exclude drafts.
Hand rub and bandage the legs with woolen cloth. Blanket the animal,
give plenty of bedding and keep pure water before him at all times.
Internally administer Quinine, two ounces; Iodide of Ammonia, two
ounces; Ammonia Bicarbonate, two ounces. Mix well and make into sixteen
powders. Place powder in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun every
four hours. It is quite necessary that the above remedy should be placed
in capsule, as drugs of this nature tend to irritate the throat. Do not
give physics, as it is much safer to give laxative food, as hot bran
mashes, steam rolled oats or some vegetables, in fact anything the
animal will eat, i.e., that has food values. It is advisable to apply
over the chest the following liniment; Aqua Ammonia Fort., four ounces;
Turpentine, four ounces; Raw Linseed Oil, four ounces. Mix and shake
well before applying each time over the chest cavity.
In case the animal is constipated, give rectal injections of soap and
warm water containing a few drops of Turpentine.
MANGE
(Scabies)
CAUSE: Mange is a contagious disease, produced by the presence of a
small parasite that varies in length from a fiftieth to a hundredth of
an inch, according to the species, of which there are three: Sarcoptes,
which generally affects the withers; Symbiotes Communis, affecting the
legs, and the Psoroptes Communis, which affects horses about the root of
the tail and mane. The latter is the one most commonly found affecting
horses. They multiply rapidly and are spread from diseased to healthy
horses by their bodies coming in contact with one another, or by
corrals, stables, railroad cars, etc., recently occupied by mangy
horses.
SYMPTOMS: The mange mite attacks the skin and produces a thickness of
its outer surface, covering it with crusts and scabs, with a consequent
loss of hair. Intense itching accompanies the disease, and affected
horses continually bite and rub themselves.
Psoroptic Mange commences at the root of the tail, or at the roots of
the mane on the neck or withers, and gradually spreads over the back, up
to the head, over the sides, and finally affects the entire body. In
cases of long standing the skin becomes ulcerated, the animal becomes
greatly weakened, emaciated and finally dies.
TREATMENT: When a large number of horses are affected (in one locality)
it is best to prepare a vat and dip them, under the supervision of the
United States Bureau of Animal Industry. When just a few horses become
affected, the following has proven very effective: Sulphur, eight
ounces; Oil of Tar, eight ounces; Sweet Oil, two quarts. Mix and apply
liberally to the parts affected. A few applications are generally
sufficient to eradicate the disease.
MONDAY MORNING DISEASE
(Lymphangitis)
CAUSE: This ailment is common with hard working horses, and is caused by
confining them in the stable and allowing their usual amount of food.
More nutriment is consumed than can be taken up by the system, which
causes an irritation. It is frequently found in certain stables on
Monday morning, hence its name--Monday Morning Disease.
SYMPTOMS: Swelling and lameness, most usually affecting the hind leg
inside of the thigh and extending down the leg in a hard ridge. It will
pit on pressure, and cause intense pain; the horse will have difficulty
in extending the limb forward, the swelling may surround the leg
entirely. Pulse will be fifty to sixty per minute, temperature 102 to
104 degrees F., breathing will be faster than normal. The animal has
great thirst, but the appetite is very poor; usually remains standing;
if he lies down will have great difficulty in getting up.
TREATMENT: In this particular disease apply hot fomentations to the
affected limb or limbs, for one hour, then rub dry and apply Camphorated
Liniment. Give Nitrate Potassi, Chlorate of Potassi, Iodide Potassi,
each four ounces. Mix and make into thirty-two powders. Give one powder
three times a day in drinking water or in a gelatin capsule and give
with capsule gun.
In most cases it is advisable to give a physic: Aloin, two drams; Pulv.
Gentian Root, one dram; Ginger, one dram. Place in gelatin capsule and
give with capsule gun.
MUD FEVER
CAUSE: Horses driven over muddy roads during the day and exposed to
freezing weather at night, or driving them over muddy roads, then
washing the limbs and not drying them properly, often produces a
superficial inflammation of the legs.
SYMPTOMS: The legs are swollen, extremely hot and tender, the horse is
stiff, the hair comes off the legs easily and if the cause is not
removed severe complication may follow, as the secretions of the skin
become greatly affected.
TREATMENT: Prevention. Horses that are driven over muddy, wet roads
should have their legs rubbed dry when stabling them for any length of
time. When the legs are badly swollen wash them with clean warm water
and Castile soap and dry them well with a clean soft cloth. Then apply
Zinc Oxide Ointment or a lotion made from Acetate of Lead, one ounce;
Zinc Sulphate, one-half ounce. Place in a quart of clean water and apply
twice daily. Either application is very beneficial in the treatment of
Mud Fever. Feed the animal wheat bran mashes, steamed rolled oats,
vegetables, etc., as they have a very good effect on the system which
aids in relieving the inflammation of the skin.
NASAL GLEET
(Chronic Catarrh)
CAUSE: Exposure to cold followed by neglect, and lack of nourishing
food; bruise or fracture of the frontal bones of the head; injury of the
blood-vessels inside the bones, or an ulcerated tooth. May also be
caused by tumor, or foreign substance or liquids in the nasal cavities.
Sometimes dried pus in the nostrils, resulting from a cold, will cause
nasal gleet.
SYMPTOMS: A white or yellowish discharge from one or both of the
nostrils, the quantity varying with the severity of the attack and the
length of time the disease has been established. If, when tapping over
the nose below the eye, a dull sound is produced, it is safe to conclude
that the cavities are filled with pus; to make certain, compare the sick
animal with a healthy one; in some cases you will notice that even the
bones of the nose below the eye are slightly elevated. The lining of the
nose may be of a red or yellow color but not ulcerated in spots, as in
Glanders. The animal may continue in pretty good spirits and work well
for a time but as the case develops he becomes lean in flesh and what is
termed hide-bound. Always examine the teeth. In a case of long standing,
the discharge has a fetid smell, differing in this respect also from
Glanders.
TREATMENT: If not due to fractured bones of the head or ulcerated teeth,
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 secure the services of a
skillful Veterinarian, one whose professional knowledge renders him
thoroughly competent. 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.
[Illustration: Photograph of a horse.]
SADDLE STALLION ASTRAL KING, CHAMPION SADDLE STALLION.
Owned by James Houchin, Jefferson City, Mo.
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
after-birth 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 the
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 to 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 with 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 or
secure the services of a competent veterinarian and he will prescribe a
treatment or operate, which will apply directly to your colt's or
horse's particular case.
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 your animals once or twice a year to insure them against this
pest.
TREATMENT: Same as for Red Worm.
PLEURISY
CAUSE: Exposed to a sudden change 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
degrees 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 degrees
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 muscles.
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 that you secure the
services of an accomplished Veterinarian.
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 and 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, more 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 coughing 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 thing 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 affect 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--as 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.
SYMPTOMS: Lameness will manifest itself when the horse first starts out
in the morning; this may become less noticeable or even disappear
temporarily as the animal works. They gradually grow lamer and
examination will disclose an enlargement at or around the top of the
hoof. This may appear in one or more feet, but the front feet are more
often affected.
TREATMENT: If the Ringbone is very much inflamed, reduce the heat by
applying cold water or ice packs to the part. Clip off all hair from
around the top of the hoof and rub in well for twenty minutes the
following: Red Iodide of Mercury, two drams; Pulv. Cantharides, two
drams; Turpentine, one dram; Pine Tar, two drams, and mix in two ounces
of Lard. This applied every two days for a week and repeat same
treatment in two weeks. Keep the animal as quiet as possible as it
assists in producing a recovery. If the animal is comparatively young,
recovery is certain, although the enlargement may never disappear.
ROUND WORM
(Ascaris Megalcephala)
Resembles the Earth Worm somewhat in shape, yellowish-white in color,
stiff and elastic. When full grown, it varies in length from six to
sixteen inches. These worms are usually found in the small intestines,
although they sometimes invade the stomach, and when numerous seriously
disturb the animal's health.
SYMPTOMS: The animal's general health is affected as is evident from the
morbid state of his appetite, rough coat, pot-belly, liability to colic
and slight diarrhoea. Some of these worms are often expelled with the
feces. As they increase in number, they block up the small intestines,
giving rise to colic, and may in time kill the horse. They sometimes
cause perforation of the bowels.
TREATMENT: Withhold all food from eighteen to twenty-four hours, then
administer the following: Ferri Sulphate, two drams; Antimony Tartrate,
two drams; Pulv. Quassia, two drams. Place in gelatin capsule and give
with capsule gun. Follow this from six to eight hours with Aloin, two
drams; Ginger, two drams, and give as above directed. It is a good plan
to repeat the above treatment in ten days to insure the removal of any
worms which may have survived the first treatment.
SCROTAL RUPTURE
(Inguinal Hernia)
CAUSE: Abnormal size of the upper ring through which a part of the
intestines or its connecting membrane descends into and through the
canal leading from the abdomen to the scrotal cavity. There is little
danger of strangulation from this form of rupture which may occur at
birth and disappear with age. A careful examination should therefore be
made of the scrotum before castration.
SYMPTOMS: In most cases, this condition is easily detected. The scrotum
will be somewhat enlarged. Sometimes the intestines will become
strangulated and colicky symptoms appear. When a young male colt shows
signs of colic, examine him for Scrotal Rupture.
TREATMENT: The trouble usually disappears with age although in some
cases it is well to operate. Where colicky symptoms are present, roll
the colt on its back, manipulating the scrotum. Diet carefully.
SHOE BOIL
(Capped Elbow)
CAUSE: Injuries, bruises or pressure when lying on a rough floor. Sharp
heeled shoes and kicks also have a tendency to produce it.
SYMPTOMS: A hot painful swelling of the Elbow joint when first noticed.
When neglected, it takes on a white fibrous or callous growth.
TREATMENT: First remove the cause. Do not lance the enlargement; let it
come to a head of its own accord, by applying Red Iodide of Mercury, two
drams; Pulv. Cantharides, three drams; Lard, two ounces. Mix well
together and apply twice a week. When the swelling is hot and painful it
is well to apply cold water or ice packs before applying the above
mentioned prescription.
SPLINTS
CAUSE: This disease is chiefly produced by trotting or running on hard
ground, etc. It is evident that horses with high knee action and heavy
bodies are more liable to this disease. Jumping is also a common cause
of splints, but the more accustomed a horse is to jumping the less
liable he is to throw splints, because practice teaches the animal to
regulate his movements so as to more or less diminish the disagreeable
if not actually painful effect of concussion.
SYMPTOMS: A splint is detected by grasping the horse's leg with the
fingers upon one side and the thumb upon the other, and tracing the
inner and outer splint bones from their heads downward to their tapering
extremities. Any actual enlargement will at once arrest the hand; any
rising or irregularity will create suspicion and lead to close
examination. Horses, especially young ones which have lately been put to
work, not infrequently develop splints before any swelling appears. For
this reason, in examining a case of obscure lameness, particularly if
the animal is young, do not fail to look for the sign of splint
lameness, namely: that the lameness is abnormally greater at a trot than
at a walk and that the animal usually fails to bend the knees freely and
grows worse with exercise. The last mentioned condition is also present
with corns, but an examination of the foot will determine the question
of their existence. In young horses splints are sometimes mistaken for
coffin-joint lameness or navicular disease. To avoid this error, it
should be remembered that, when brought on by navicular disease, the
action of the limb improves with exercise; also that horses of five
years of age or less very rarely suffer from coffin-joint disease. Some
horses, owing to unusual development of the inner splint bones of the
fore legs may appear to have splints, although careful examination may
prove both limbs to be free from any bony deposit. When deciding such a
point, note if the two inner splint bones are of the same size. Any
swelling perceptible in a limb recently affected with splint-lameness is
usually attended by heat and pain.
TREATMENT: If there is heat present, foment with hot or cold water; when
heat has subsided, apply the following ointment: Red Iodide of Mercury,
two drams; Turpentine, twenty drops, and mix. Apply every forty-eight
hours until three applications have been applied. Rub in for twenty
minutes each time.
During this treatment use the horse for slow work on soft roads, etc. As
a rule the splints will not disappear at once, but will gradually. I may
add that common splints are not considered an unsoundness.
[Illustration: Photograph of four horses.]
PRIZE WINNING PERCHERON STALLIONS LYCEE 105934 (102746);
KAPON 97589 (90705); MICMAC 106083 (105208),
AND MARTELET 106199 (106199).
Owned by Oaklawn Farm, Wayne, Ill. (Dunhams)
SPASMODIC COLIC
CAUSE: Horses seem to be predisposed to this form of colic on account of
the great length of their intestines which are apt to be telescoped,
twisted or their circular muscular fibers spasmodically contracted.
Perhaps the principal cause is a change of food, sudden change of
temperature, constipation, drinking cold or too large a quantity of
water, especially if the animal is warm; overloading the stomach with
frozen or mouldy food. Worms frequently produce colic.
SYMPTOMS: If the animal is tied it will become uneasy, paw, point its
nose to the flank, twitch the tail, lie down and get up frequently. If
the animal is loose it will walk around, paw, kick at its belly with the
hind feet, make attempts to lie down, roll on its back and remain in
that position for a while. The pulse increases with the pain,
temperature rises from one-half to one degree, breathing labored and
fast, the animal sweats in spots, there may be diarrhoea present, but
this does not frequently occur.
Unfavorable symptoms of spasmodic colic are cold legs to the feet, point
of the ears cold, trembling of the muscles, cold sweats, mucous
membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes have a dark color due to the
congestion.
TREATMENT: In all cases of spasmodic colic, except where there is
diarrhoea present or mares heavily in foal, give Aloin, two drams;
Ginger, two drams. Place in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun.
It is advisable to give rectal injection of Warm Water and Glycerine.
They are soothing and cooling to the intestinal canal. Also give the
following prescription: Pulv. Nux Vomica, four ounces; Carbonate of
Ammonia, four ounces; Asafoetida, four ounces. Make into six powders;
place one powder in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun every two
hours until relieved. The former prescription removes the cause as it is
a physic. The latter contains medicines blended so as to counteract the
spasmodic contractions of the bowels. It is also a heart stimulant, just
what is needed in colic to keep up the animal's vitality. Beware of
colic remedies that are given in drop doses. They contain drugs to only
relieve the pain and not remove the cause. When their effects are worn
off, the disease has progressed; the animal's heart action has been
weakened and chances are that the animal will die. If drenching is
resorted to, it must be done with great precaution. Remember a horse
cannot breathe through his mouth.
SIDE BONES
CAUSE: The chief causes of Side Bones are: Deprivation of frog pressure,
injuries, high heeled shoes, the use of which is almost entirely
confined to draft horses. A high-heeled shoe prevents the frog from
resting on the ground which is its natural support.
SYMPTOMS: Enlargement just above the hoof, usually affecting the front
feet, or may affect only one side of one of the feet. The pain which
produces the lameness is due to pressure on the soft tissues between the
newly formed side bone and the hoof. Sometimes the enlargement has a
tendency to spread the hoof. In such a case the lameness is not so
severe.
TREATMENT: Clip the hair from over the Side Bone and rasp the foot below
the enlargement, so that the hoof will be flexible on pressure from the
fingers. Then apply the following to both the enlargement and the rasped
surface on the hoof: Red Iodide of Mercury, two drams; Pulv.
Cantharides, four drams. Mix well in two ounces of Lard and apply every
forty-eight hours until three applications have been applied.
If you must work the animal, put it to some easy work where it has soft
ground to walk upon.
STAGGERS
(Forage Poisoning--Inflammation of the Brain)
(Cerebral Meningitis)
CAUSE: Certain plants or stagnant water are most commonly instrumental
in producing staggers; frequently seen in the early autumn months when
the grass in the pastures becomes dry and certain forage remains green
which contains toxic principles. These plants are ravenously eaten by
horses on account of being green and tender. This is one of the common
causes of the disease, although mouldy, indigestible or highly
nitrogenous foods are frequently producers of staggers. This form of
staggers is not contagious, although what produces staggers in one horse
will also produce it in another. In this way several horses may become
affected with staggers at the same time. Inflammation of the brain may
occur as a complication of some infectious or digestive disease. Other
causes are blows to the head, tumors in or on the brain, which cause the
animal to naturally stagger, as the brain controls the horse's organs of
locomotion.
SYMPTOMS: Vary to a certain extent, but a careful observer will detect
some trouble connected with the nervous system, as the animal walking
unsteadily, stepping high and keeping the legs spread apart, bracing
itself to keep from falling. There is also great depression, as dullness
and sleepiness with little or no inclination to move about. The head may
be placed against a wall or fence and the legs kept moving as if the
horse were trying to walk. As the disease progresses and no attempts are
made to relieve it, they will become fractious, nervous, easily excited,
pawing and eventually fall, keeping the feet moving as if walking,
throwing their heads about in a delirious manner and eventually death
follows. The horse as a rule eats and drinks ravenously when the first
signs of staggers are noticed, but in its latter stages the tongue and
gullet become paralyzed and although the animal attempts to eat and
drink he cannot swallow. The pulse varies. It is strong, but subnormal
when the first symptoms of staggers are noticed, that is to say, it is
as slow as twenty to twenty-five beats per minute. As the disease
progresses, however, it becomes weaker and faster. Constipation
frequently accompanies this disease, also paleness tinged with yellow
about the mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes. In many instances I
believe that the poisonous forage eaten by horses depresses the heart
action to such an extent that it results in the brain not receiving the
proper blood supply, causing dizziness or staggers.
TREATMENT: Place the animal in a clean, dark stall, keeping the
surroundings as quiet as possible. In its first stages it is easily
treated, but as the horse becomes easily excited and his swallowing
becomes difficult, treatment becomes more difficult. When the first
signs are noticed, administer a physic as: Aloin, two or three drams;
Ginger, two or three drams, according to the size of the animal. Place
in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun. This physic removes the
irritant from the intestines and prevents its absorption into the blood.
Also administer the following: Bromide of Potassium, twelve ounces;
Nitrate of Potash, four ounces; Iodide of Potash, three ounces. Make
into twenty-four capsules and give one capsule every four hours.
My method of administering medicine to animals places me in a position
to treat them and compel them to take the medicine even though paralysis
may exist. When animals will eat, feed food that is easily digested, as
hot wheat bran mashes, steamed rolled oats and vegetables and give small
quantities, but often, of clean fresh water. It is necessary to give
stimulants and tonics as soon as they are on the road to recovery, as
Pulv. Nux Vomica, four ounces; Pulv. Gentian Root, four ounces; Sulphate
of Iron, two ounces. Make into sixteen capsules and give one capsule
three times daily.
STIFLE JOINT LAMENESS
(Dislocation of the Patella)
Although dislocations are infrequent, this is the most common form which
occurs in the horse.
CAUSE: Young loose jointed horses are predisposed to dislocation of the
stifle on account of the comparative want of strength of their
ligaments. They are much more liable to this accident than older horses,
especially if they are in poor health or in rough hilly pastures; the
nature of which would naturally make them susceptible to this injury,
which, however, may take place as a result of accident at any age. Young
horses that suffer, off and on from dislocation, often lose their
liability with increasing strength and age. This dislocation may be
partial or complete. In the former instance and the most common is where
the patella, or the little stifle bone that glides in the groove
composed of the lower hip and upper thigh bones, has become partially
dislocated or removed from its natural position.
SYMPTOMS: When the dislocation is complete the affected limb is drawn
forward, while the foot from the pastern down is drawn backward, and the
animal may throw weight on it when made to move, which is accomplished
with great difficulty. When the dislocation is partial, the symptoms are
about the same as mentioned, only the limb is less rigid. If the horse
is moved, the stifle makes a klick sound. In this form, you may have
both limbs affected.
TREATMENT: In partial dislocation, the stifle bone may be replaced by
drawing the leg forward, and with the hand pressing in on the stifle. In
complete dislocation, tie a rope around the pastern of the affected leg,
then draw the rope through a collar placed around the horse's neck and
draw forward as far as possible and tie. Then press with both hands
inward. After the stifle is placed back into position use the following
liniment: Aqua Ammonia Fort., four ounces; Oil of Turpentine, four
ounces; Raw Linseed Oil, four ounces. Mix and apply well over the stifle
joint once or twice a day for two or three days. Feed nourishing food
and put the animal to slow, easy work or turn out to good pasture.
In old chronic cases of Stifle Joint Lameness, treatment is of no value,
therefore, care for the animal as soon as the catch in the walk or
lameness appears.
STRING-HALT
CAUSE: Several theories have been put forth as to the cause of
String-Halt which is generally supposed to be a nervous disease; a
condition opposite to paralysis. The exact cause of this disease is hard
to determine, but it is likely to occur in highly nervous horses. It
sometimes follows an injury which may have irritated the nerves in some
way. I believe that castration causes it in many instances, due to the
severe struggle when being thrown, or pulling down severely on the
spermatic cord when removing the testicle.
SYMPTOMS: Spasmodic contraction of one or both limbs. This sign varies,
as sometimes it is very violent, while in others it may be so slight
that it is hard to detect when stepping the horse forward, but on
backing or turning the horse around the signs are easily noticed. All
symptoms are better marked in the winter than in the summer, as some
show it in the winter that do not show it in the summer at all.
TREATMENT: Very unsuccessful, although an operation proves beneficial in
some cases, but if this is attempted, the services of a competent
Veterinarian should be secured.
The feeding of laxative foods that are easily digested relieves
String-Halt in many instances.
SORE THROAT
(Pharyngitis--Laryngitis)
CAUSE: Exposure to cold weather or rain when the animal is not
accustomed to it; drenching with irritating medicines or inhaling
irritating smoke or gases.
SYMPTOMS: At first the animal generally chills, the legs and ears are
cold, but eventually they become very warm as the temperature increases,
coughing, grinding of the teeth, saliva oozing from the mouth; the
animal will hold its head in a stiff straight position, moving it as
little as possible. There will be great difficulty in masticating and
swallowing, as the food will come from the mouth in the form of wads,
and as this soreness of the throat progresses food will also come from
the nostrils. This is a bad sign, as extensive inflammation is no doubt
present. Water, also, runs through the nostrils freely when the animal
attempts to drink, due to the swollen condition of the throat. The
animal forces the water back into the mouth, but is unable to swallow
and hence the water gushes out through the nostrils. The animal evinces
great pain when pressure is applied from the outside and he breathes
with great difficulty. Although the pulse is not much affected at this
stage, the temperature is elevated from one to two degrees above normal.
The urine becomes scanty and highly colored, the eyes bloodshot and
discharging. Eventually the throat becomes greatly swollen and abscesses
may form and discharge. As a rule constipation is associated with this
disease.
TREATMENT: Mild attacks of sore throat are easily treated, but when
serious cases develop, it is unsuccessful. Place the animal in a clean,
comfortable stall; permit as much fresh air as possible, but avoid all
drafts. If the weather is chilly, blanket the animal, hand rub the legs
and bandage with woolen cloths or bandage. Administer a mixture made
from Chlorate of Potash, three ounces; Nitrate of Potash, three ounces;
Tannic Acid, one-half ounce; Molasses, one-half pint; Pine Tar, one-half
pint. Mix well and place about one tablespoonful on the tongue every two
hours in severe cases; in mild attacks, give less frequently. When they
will eat, feed food that is easily digested, as hot wheat bran mashes
and steamed rolled oats containing two or three ounces of pure ground
flaxseed. It is always necessary to apply strong liniments to the
throat, as they relieve inflammation and stimulate the formation of an
abscess. The following liniment will be found very beneficial: Aqua
Ammonia Fort., four ounces; Oil of Turpentine, four ounces; Sweet Oil,
six ounces; shake well and apply two or three times daily. If the
swelling is extreme between the jaws, so as to interfere with the
animal's breathing, it is well to lance the abscess if a soft spot can
be found. Just cut through the skin with a knife; then use a clean blunt
instrument to locate the pus cavity. Otherwise, severe hemorrhage may be
produced.
SURFEIT
(Nettle-Rash--Urtecaria)
CAUSE: The usual cause of Surfeit is supposed to be due to a character
of food consumed which upsets the animal's digestive organs, the skin
being continuous with the mucous membranes lining the intestinal canal.
A disturbance of the one structure is readily communicated to the other.
Apparently, owing to the extreme dry nature of the forage during the
greater part of the year, horses in the United States frequently suffer
from Surfeit.
SYMPTOMS: Surfeit is a term applied to an eruption of small irregular
lumps or boils which are more or less painful to the touch and which
break out suddenly as a rule on the horse's body and neck, and in rare
cases on the legs. A favorite seat of Surfeit is the parts covered with
the harness or saddle and along the neck and withers. Surfeit is very
troublesome and annoys both the horse and driver, especially when the
horse perspires, as he will rub violently when coming in contact with
any object.
TREATMENT: Give two to four ounces of Epsom Salts in hot wheat bran
mashes every morning. Feed as much sloppy food as possible, vegetables,
etc. Avoid feeding dry woody hay, as it irritates the intestines and
aggravates the disease.
SWEENEY
(Atrophy)
CAUSE: An ill fitting collar, one tug longer than the other, striking an
object when pulling, like a stone or a corner of a building, slipping,
kicks, or the animal may have a splint, sprain, ringbone, side bone,
coffin-joint lameness, curb, corns, stifle lameness, in fact anything
that tends to make an animal favor the use of certain muscles. It is not
a disease, just a lack in the development of the muscles, which waste
away or shrink when not used as nature provided. For instance, perhaps
you have had or have seen persons that had a fractured leg or arm and on
account of not being able to use the leg or arm the muscles wasted away
(Atrophy), until they were used normally for sometime, when the muscles
again came back to their normal size.
SYMPTOMS: First locate the cause. The animal may be very lame although I
have seen Sweeneys where lameness was very hard to detect, being those
which were usually due to ill fitting collars. Remember you can have a
Sweeney of the hip as well as the shoulder, and keep in mind the above
mentioned causes.
TREATMENT: When you have an animal affected with Sweeney, find the true
cause and remove it if possible. Unless the Sweeney is an old chronic
one, it is successfully treated with Aqua Ammonia Fort., four ounces;
Turpentine, four ounces; Sweet Oil, four ounces. Mix and apply well over
wasted muscles once a day. If the application is too irritating, as some
horses have thinner skins than others, it is advisable to add more Sweet
Oil than above mentioned.
TAPEWORM
(Taenia)
These worms have been found in the horse, but so rarely that they need
not be considered.
THOROUGHPIN
CAUSE: Generally due to some irritation of the hock joint such as severe
sprains from animal jumping, slipping, kick or falling through a culvert
or bridge or it is frequently hereditary; so be very careful in choosing
a sire when breeding.
SYMPTOMS: Sometimes there is lameness when the Thoroughpin is first
noticed, but it will gradually disappear as soon as the inflammation
ceases. There will be a puffy, soft enlargement which occurs at the
upper and back part of the hock, beneath the great tendons. Generally
both sides are enlarged and puffy, but occasionally it happens that one
side is only involved. Thoroughpin is also a forerunner of Bog Spavin as
they generally are connected, as you are aware that the hock contains
joint oil as all other joints do, retained in place by a thin, white
fibrous membrane. Irritation of the hock joint tends to develop an extra
large quantity of joint oil, and the hock is less protected by tendons
where a Thoroughpin or Bog Spavin occurs--hence those puffy swellings
are filled with joint oil and are connected. If you press on one side of
a Thoroughpin, you will see the other side bulge out. If you press on a
Bog Spavin and there is a Thoroughpin present, you will see it bulge on
either side of the Thoroughpin--or vice versa.
TREATMENT: If on an old horse and the Thoroughpin is of long standing,
treatment is unsatisfactory, but on the other hand if the animal is
young it can be successfully treated with Tincture of Iodine, one ounce;
Gum Camphor, two ounces; Gasolene, one pint. Mix well and rub in with
nail or tooth brush twice a week. Keep the animal as quiet as possible
as the results will be accomplished much sooner. Never attempt to open
or lance a puffy swelling about a joint as it contains joint oil. The
result would be an open joint.
THRUSH
CAUSE: The two main causes of Thrush are lack of pressure on the frog
and the decomposing effect of filth and fermentation of organic matter
which accumulates in the cleft of the frog.
SYMPTOMS: The animal in some cases is lame; there will be a swelling
accompanied by a very fetid discharge; in some cases the frog has
practically rotted away; there will be more or less inflammation in the
foot. The legs may even swell. Thrush is more frequently found in the
hind feet because of the manure and filth with which they must come in
contact.
TREATMENT: Cut away all loose pieces of horn from over the frog and
apply a Flaxseed meal poultice and leave it on for twenty-four hours,
after which wash well with Soap and warm water. Then apply Calomel to
the groove in the frog. Keep the foot clean. Do not allow the animal to
stand in filth.
WIND COLIC
(Flatulent Colic)
CAUSE: This dangerous form of Colic is a distension of the bowels with
gas, resulting generally from the decomposition of undigested food in
the bowels. It sometimes follows Spasmodic Colic, in which there is
first spasms due to the irritations set up by the presence of undigested
matter, and subsequently this food decomposes and forms gas. I may
conclude that Flatulent or Wind Colic is usually caused by errors in
feeding and watering horses. Perhaps the animal has been given large
quantities of rank grass, watery roots, which on account of its moist
nature is quickly swallowed without being properly masticated.
SYMPTOMS: The signs resemble those of Spasmodic Colic, except that they
are less violent. In most cases there is general accumulation of gas,
the abdomen distended to a considerable size before the animal shows
signs of uneasiness. In cases where the animal swells on the right side,
it is the large intestines filled with gas. In other cases where both
sides are equally swollen, the stomach and small intestines contain gas.
The horse's back will have an arched appearance, passing of gas from the
anus frequently, the horse will make attempts to vomit. In some cases
actual vomiting takes place. This is a bad sign, as rupture of the
stomach usually occurs at this stage.
TREATMENT: Give Aloin, two drams; Ginger, two drams, in gelatin capsule
and give with capsule gun. However, this is a physic and should not be
given to mares heavily in foal. Also apply to the abdominal cavity,
liniment consisting of Aqua Ammonia Fort., four ounces; Oil of
Turpentine, four ounces; Sweet Oil, four ounces. Mix and rub in well
over the abdomen.
To mares heavy with foal, apply the above liniment and give rectal
injections of Glycerine and warm water frequently.
The following remedy should be administered to all cases of Colic,
including mares heavy with foal: Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia, six
ounces; Turpentine, six ounces. Mix well together and place one ounce in
gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun every hour. Puncturing the
intestines is advisable in some cases to relieve them of gas. This
requires a special instrument for the purpose and no one should attempt
to perform the operation unless they know the anatomy of the part, as
the arteries of the intestines may be penetrated and produce internal
hemorrhage or infection of the intestines, or abscesses may follow.
WIND GALLS
CAUSE: By concussions from fast work on hard roads and from sprains from
slipping.
SYMPTOMS: When concussions alone are responsible, the suspensory
ligament and the back tendons will at first be in a normal condition,
and the swelling will probably be confined to both the inside and
outside of the leg, and may be felt in the form of a puffy swelling on
each side of the fetlock by placing the fore finger and the thumb on the
joint. In more serious cases resulting from sprains, the vacant space
between the back tendons and the suspensory ligament may also become
filled with fluids. In other words, a Wind Gall has formed. In some
cases the animal may be lame.
TREATMENT: When there is heat present apply cold, wet packs until the
heat disappears. Then apply Tincture of Iodine, one ounce; Gum Camphor,
two ounces; to one pint of Gasolene. Apply every three days with nail or
tooth brush. Shake contents of the bottle well each time before
applying.
I may add that this is a very difficult blemish to treat and is not
always successful, so do not be discouraged if the enlargements do not
disappear, but the above prescription has proven the most successful of
any treatment I have personally used in my private practice.
WOLF OR SUPERNUMERARY TEETH
Wolf Teeth are comparatively small in size and have only one root and
are found just in front of the upper molar teeth. Sometimes they do
harm, but that is an exception and not the rule. They can be easily
removed with a pair of small forceps or they may be punched out in some
instances.
I think they interfere with the eyes, causing them to become watery and
inflamed due to the tooth exerting some influence upon the ophthalmic
division of the fifth nerve.
Supernumerary Teeth: Tooth substance may develop in almost any part of
the body. These are called Supernumerary Teeth and are most commonly
found in the testicles, ovaries and sinuses of the head, etc.
WOUNDS
Wounds caused by external injuries have a general resemblance, and
whether clean-cut, punctured, lacerated, poisonous, gunshot, etc.,
require practically the same treatment.
TREATMENT: Wash with a Carbolic solution, one tablespoonful to one pint
of distilled water.
SEWING OF WOUNDS: I cannot say that I am in favor of sewing wounds
unless they are gaping or wide open.
After the wound is washed, dust with Iodoform, Boracic Acid and Tannic
Acid, each one ounce. Powder finely and place in a sifter top can and
apply twice daily. Cord or heavy thread may be used for sewing the wound
after being saturated in a Carbolic Acid solution, using a large darning
needle. If the animal is vicious, place a twitch on his nose or it may
be necessary to throw him.
DISEASES OF CATTLE
Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
[Illustration: Photograph of cow with numbers referring to
the parts named below.]
1. Mouth
2. Nostrils
3. Muzzle
4. Face
5. Eyes
6. Forehead
7. Ears
6. Poll
9. Horns
10. Jaws
11. Dewlap
12. Brisket
13. Neck
14. Withers
15. Crops
16. Shoulders
17. Heart Girth
18. Fore flank
19. Legs
20. Feet
21. Dew claws
22. Belly
23. Milk wells
24. Milk veins
25. Fore udder
26. Teats
27. Barrel or ribs
28. Back
29. Coupling
30. Rear Flanks
31. Hook points
32. Tail-head
33. Pin bones or thurls
34. Rump
35. Esoutcheon
36. Tail
37. Thighs
38. Rear Udder
39. Switch