REPORT ON THE DISEASES 0<F FARM HORSES. 337 



nothing more than a stupid adherence to the ideas of one of the 

 farm men who was particularly knowing about horses. 



Symptoms. — Intolerance of light, with weeping and half or 

 wholly closed eye, the appearances are much the same as in 

 common ophthalmia to an ordinary observer, but after a few 

 days, there is no hesitation in pronouncing upon the internal 

 nature of the malady. 



The disease recurs on the slightest exhibition of the original 

 causes, and as other parts are involved, greater tendencies occur 

 for its reappearance. The iris refuses office — adhesions 'having 

 taken place it is immoveable — its edges are also roughened and 

 jagged. The membraneous covering or capsule of the crystalline 

 lens becomes also affected, and deposits of lymph occur, beneath 

 which constitute what is known by cataract. 



Treatment. — In first stages some people abstract blood, and 

 administer physic. I think aconite will answer without the 

 bleeding, particularly if well followed up with nitre and col- 

 chicum — as follows : — 



Nitrate of potass 4 drams. 



Colchicum 2 , , 



Belladonna or powdered opium 1 ,, 



Tr. Aconite (Fleming's) 10 drops. 



Given three times a day in bolus mixed with treacle, and a little 

 flour, or a scruple each of opium and calomel may be given as 

 often for two days. 



The affected eyes have always a diminished appearance, and 

 should be regarded with suspicion by all purchasers. 



Prevention. — Secure perfect ventilation and freedom from 

 noxious vapours. When horses go long distances, and during 

 wet weather particularly, provide good loin covers. Animals 

 should not be allowed to stand exposed to cold piercing winds 

 during perspiration. Their susceptibility is particularly roused 

 by heated stables, and want of ventilation. This disease is most 

 notoriously hereditary, therefore dams and sires suffering from it 

 should be discarded for breeding purposes. 



DISEASES OF THE FEET. 



If there is one department in connection with the care of 

 horses which requires special attention, it is that of management 

 of the feet. From an absence of proper regulations we have 

 diseases spring up which might otherwise be averted, and our 

 horses preserved throughout longer periods of usefulness. 



Pricks and Binds from shoeing are not uncommon. These 

 may arise either from a degree of carelessness, or they may be 

 altogether unavoidable with the most careful and skilful work- 

 man, arising from a difficulty of finding attachment for the nails 

 owing to the feet having been broken considerably by the animal 



