SIMPLE AILMENTS 279 



When the circulation is poor, and the extremities are 

 cold, flannel or serge bandages are called for, which must be 

 put on quite loosely, for tight bandages would diminish the 

 already weak circulation. If the legs still remain cold 

 layers of cotton- wool placed under the bandages will be an 

 additional help in promoting warmth. The bandages should 

 be removed at least twice a day, when the legs should 

 receive gentle hand-rubbing. 



A sick animal does not require much grooming, if any at 

 all ; but a wisp and a rubber just passed lightly over the 

 coat will help to remove some of the dust with which the 

 coat is apt to become overcharged. It is, however, always 

 advisable to sponge daily the eyes, nostrils, and dock with 

 lukewarm water, to which a little vinegar has been added. 

 The sheath should always be carefully cleaned at the 

 commencement of any serious illness. 



The box must be kept perfectly clean, with an ample 

 supply of bedding, though in most illnesses a horse will not 

 lie down unless absolutely compelled to do so by growing 

 weakness ; and it is generally a sign, especially with well- 

 bred horses, that the patient is either much better, or much 

 worse, when it is seen to lie down. 



When the appetite fails the horse should be tempted 

 to eat by offering it a small handful of special dainties, 

 frequently repeated. As long as they are eaten bran 

 mashes form the staple food, together with oats and 

 linseed gruel. To make "boiled" or "scalded" oats a 

 double-handful of bran should be placed at the bottom of 

 a bucket, next a layer of two double-handfuls of oats 

 (crushed if possible), and then alternate layers of bran and 

 oats until the requisite quantity for the feed is in the bucket. 

 Add linseed gruel which is actually boiling, or hot water, stir 

 with a stick, and cover with a cloth for an hour, when it 

 will be ready for use. Anything which is left should be 

 thrown away, and the bucket or manger thoroughly washed 

 out after each meal, for the smell of sour bran is very likely 

 to increase any distaste for food. Hay on which the animal 

 has breathed should also be thrown away, and not used as 

 food. Green food is most invaluable for tempting the 



