DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 809 



Horses will also form the habit by imitation, from seeing others. A young horse may 

 sometimes be cured by turning him out in a pasture for several weeks, and not permit him 

 to occupy a stall during that time. By this means the habit will be frequently forgotten. A 

 strap buckled rather tightly round the neck, and thus compressing the wind-pipe, is also 

 pretty sure to check the evil, and frequently to cure it; but it is an objectionable one, as it 

 must be constantly worn to prove effectual, and its pressure is apt to bring on a greater evil, 

 which is an irritation of the wind-pipe, and which leads to roaring. 



Muzzles and certain patent halters have also been used to some extent; also covering 

 the wood work with sheet- iron, etc. 



The best remedy that we have ever known, is to mix cayenne pepper and brown soap 

 together, forming a paste, and apply it in numerous places within reach of the horse, and 

 especially to those parts of the manger or wood-work wherever the marks of his teeth are 

 discerned. It should be lightly applied, and the place disguised by having a little 

 dust sifted over it, so that he will not be able to distinguish its locality. He will soon evi 

 dently entertain the opinion that the whole wood-work tastes the same, and let it entirely 

 alone. 



A five-ring halter with a piece of sheet-iron or zinc cut in the shape of a heart, and so 

 attached to the halter that when the neck is arched in the act of cribbing, the point of the 

 piece will prick the skin under the lower jaw, will frequently cure the habit. 



Always keep a little rock salt within their reach, where they can get it when they wish. 



Curb. This is one of the numerous diseases of the hock, and consists of an enlarge 

 ment of the back of it, three or four inches below the point, and results from a strain to 

 either the ligament which binds the tendons or of the sheath of the tendons. Any sudden 

 action of the animal that brings a strain upon this part, such as leaping, severe galloping over 

 uneven ground, or a violent check while galloping, will be liable to produce it. Pulling a 

 horse up suddenly on his haunches while going rapidly at any gait will also not unfrequently 

 cause it. 



It will usually produce lameness and may justly be considered unsoundness, although 

 some horses will have curbs for years without being lame. It may be best detected by a 

 side view of the leg. 



The inflammation should first be reduced by frequently bathing the part in cold water, 

 or in vinegar, in which a little salt has been dissolved. A wet bandage is good if it can be 

 made to fit the leg, but it is difficult to keep a bandage on without obstructing the movement 

 of the joint. 



It is very essential that an animal thus strained should be allowed perfect rest for a 

 time. Arnica is also valuable for relieving the soreness. Cold water in which saltpeter has 

 been dissolved, applied sufficiently to keep the leg constantly wet for a few days, is used very 

 successfully by some veterinarians. 



In cases of long-standing blistering may be necessary, and the same treatment given as 

 for ring-bone. 



Diabetes. This disease is rare in the horse, and when once fully established is regarded 

 as incurable. It may, however, be cured in its early stages, by removing the cause, which is 

 generally the use of strong diuretics or unwholesome food, that has a tendency to induce an 

 increased action of the kidneys. The hay and oats should be of the very best quality. 

 Mow burnt hay has a tendency to produce this disease. The administering of powerful nos 

 trums, which act upon the kidneys, as is frequently done by many ignorant persons having 

 the care of horses, (and usually without the knowledge of the owner,) will sometimes prove 

 the secret of this difficulty. In the first place, in this disease, the most careful attention 

 should be given respecting the quality of the food. 



