38 Distemper 



between pains. It is possible for the colt to be born hind feet first but 

 often difficult. If the mare suffers intense pain, 1 to 11/^ ounces (2 to 3 

 tablespoonfuls of chloral hydrate may be given in 2 quarts of water every 

 of water. An injection under the loose skin of the neck of 1 teaspoonful 

 of patuitrin often is beneficial in aiding in foaling. The dose may be 

 repeated in one hour. Some drug stores handle patuitrin. 



When the pelvic bones are too narrow it may be necessary to render 

 aid by pulling. Pulling should be done gradual and patiently only as 

 the mare strains. The greatest diameter of the pelvic opening is from 

 above downward hence the colt should be born with the back next to the 

 back of the mare. However it is possible for colts to be born with the 

 back next to the base of the pelvic opening. Cutting off limbs or parts 

 of obstructions may be necessary in most obstinate cases. The import- 

 ant things to remember in aiding the mare is to raise the hips high to 

 enable you to straighten the foal if wrong presentation is offered. All 

 aid should be given gently and do not try to cause the birth to quick 

 since it often requires time to straighten a foal or give the pelvic open- 

 ing time to enlarge. 



A mare that encounters difficulty in foaling should be washed out 

 daily for a few days with a gallon of luke warm water having 1/4 pint of 

 sheep dip in it. This can be done with a funnel and 4 to 5 feet of 

 rubber tubing. Insert the rubber in the womb and pour the water in 

 the funnel. 



DISEASES OF THE BLOOD 

 DISTEMPER OR 



(Strangles), (Shipping Fever) 



Distemper is caused by a germ which lives from year to year out- 

 side the body of the horse. Hence the necessity of a thorough cleaning 

 up or disinfecting after an attack to prevent succeeding out breaks. The 

 first horses usually get the germs from public watering fountains, feed 

 troughs or infected stables. Highly bred horses from 3 to 5 years old 

 seem to get the disease easier than poorly bred horses or mules or more 

 aged horses. Some people state that a horse never takes distemper but 

 once, however I've seen the same horse effected three times. 



