DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 805 



cartilaginous substance that has not already changed to bone, can generally be absorbed by 

 thoroughly rubbing the part with oleate of mercury daily for a few days. 



Another preparation frequently employed by veterinarians in such cases is aqua ammo 

 nia, one ounce; olive oil, two ounces; mix these and add oil organum, two ounces; half an 

 ounce of oil of wormwood ; one ounce spirits of turpentine ; camphor gum, one ounce ; one 

 pint of alcohol; mix thoroughly, and apply three times a day. 



A blister for spavin aside from that already given may be made of one ounce of 

 pulverized cantharides, mixed with three or four ounces of lard. In applying it, clip off the 

 hair over the bunch, and rub in this mixture well for ten or fifteen minutes. One such 

 application will generally be sufficient to produce the counter irritant required. After two 

 days, apply sweet oil to soften and heal the skin. 



As has previously been stated, a bone-spavin is a serious matter, and when once the 

 bony material is formed to a considerable extent, or when anchylosis has taken place, no cure 

 can be effected. 



Although spavin is caused by strains and overwork, yet it is hereditary to a peculiar 

 degree, the progeny of a spavined sire or dam being very liable to be affected in this manner 

 at an early age. For this reason, such horses should never be used for breeding purposes. 



Bots. These are the larvae of the bot-fly, which infests the stomach of the horse, and, 

 sometimes, though rarely, produces injurious results. The horss bot-fly ( Gastrophilus equi), a 

 species of the gad-fly, lays its eggs on the hair of the horse, generally on the knees and sides 

 of the animal. In licking himself, the eggs, or small worms that are hatched from them, 

 adhere to the tongue, and are carried with the food into the stomach. The larvae are pro 

 vided with a hook, on either side of the mouth, by which means they attach themselves to 

 the inner portion of the stomach, and there remain feeding upon the mucus for about a year. 

 After attaining a considerable size, and undergoing certain changes, they release their hold, 

 and, passing into the bowels, are eventually removed with the natural evacuations. This 

 usually occurs late in the spring. The maggot buries itself in the ground, where it changes 

 to a chrysalis, and, after a few weeks, escapes from its confinement a perfect fly. The female 

 soon lays its eggs upon the parts of the horse which he is accustomed to lick, and in this 

 manner the insect continues to be propagated. It is supposed that the bots, by their attach 

 ment to the coats of the stomach, do not produce pain, and that they cannot be removed by 

 any medicine which will not injure the horse to have administered. 



Their presence may be indicated by loss of flesh, and an unthrifty coat. The best treat 

 ment is to improve the condition of the animal by a generous supply of nutritious food, so 

 that the system may not become debilitated, and the general health suffer. Tonics are some 

 times administered, but, as a general rule in such cases, good care and generous feeding will 

 obviate the evil without the use of drugs. 



Sometimes the bot-worm is found in the rectum, and may be seen about the anus and 

 under the tail, proving very troublesome to the animal. Injections of linseed oil, or tobacco 

 smoke, will generally remove them. There is a disagreement among breeders and veterina 

 rians as to the* extent of the injury done by the bot-fly. 



Broken Wind. (SEE HEAVES.) 



Bruises or Contusions. Bathe in lukewarm water as soon as practicable, accom 

 panied with rubbing by the hand, after which apply freely tincture of arnica two or three 

 times a day. The sooner this treatment is received after the injury, the better. 



Burns. Linseed oil, or sweet oil, should be applied with bandages when the skin has 

 been removed, and the parts be kept as much from the air as possible. 



When the skin is unbroken and no blister formed, bathing in pure cider vinegar will be 

 found an excellent remedy. 



