MODERN FARRIER. 19 



DISEASES OF HORSES. 



16. Surfeits. 



Synq^foms. — The surfeit assumes a different ap- 

 pearance in different subjects. In some it is indi- 

 cated by the coat staining and assuming a dirty, 

 rusty colour, and the limbs becoming full of dry 

 fixed scabs ; in others by small knots and lumps. 

 In some by a moisture, attended by heat and in- 

 flammation, the humours being so sharp, and itching 

 so violently, that the animals sometimes rub them- 

 selves raw ; while others have no eruption whatever, 

 and appear only lame and hidebound. 



Causes. — This disease may proceed from excessive 

 and immoderate feeding, or hard riding; but it may 

 in general be attributed to a suppression of the in- 

 sensible perspiration. 



Cure. — A slight eruption may be removed by 

 bleeding and diuretics ; but when the horse is in 

 high condition, a purge is the best remedy. The 

 following proportion will generally suffice : 



Barbadoes aloes, - 6 drachms. 



Castile soap, - - half an ounce. 



Ginger, . _ . half a drachm. 



INIixed in a ball with syrup of buckthorn. 



The food to be scalded oats or bran mashes. Vv hen 

 the purgative has ceased to act, the following ball 

 may be given every night for three or four nights 

 successively, viz. 



Emetic tartar, _ _ 4 drachms. 



Assafoetida . - _ 4 drachms. 

 Ginger, - _ _ _ 2 ounces. 



To be mixed, and divided into four halls. 

 During the time the horse is under this treatment, 

 he should be kept warm and daily exercised. If 



