810 THE AMERICAN FARMER. 



Carrots and other green food, such as potatoes, are very good, given with oats and bran. 

 Flax-seed steeped in water for several hours, should be liberally given. In connection with this, 

 give one drachm of iodine of iron, and from ten to twelve grains of opium once a day. A 

 moderate dose of opium administered twice a day is also an excellent remedy in some cases. 



Bleeding for this disease, according to the old time method of practice, is one 

 of the worst things that could be done, and should never be permitted under any circum 

 stances. 



Diarrhea. Flax-seed gruel mixed with the food is very soothing to the bowels in 

 cases of diarrhea or dysentery. In connection with this give 1 oz. prepared chalk, 12 grains 

 pulverized opium; tincture of aconite root, from fifteen to twenty drops. Mix in a little 

 water and give in one dose. If relief does not follow in three or four hours after adminis 

 tering the above, repeat the dose. Feed with good hay and oats, giving a warm bran mash 

 (wheat) every other day; also every day a half pound of flax-seed that has been steeped in 

 hot water several hours. 



Another very good remedy, where the disease assumes a chronic form, is to give one of 

 the following balls every day, until three are used; afterwards two the next week, and one 

 the week following: Barbadoes aloes 16 dr.; nitrate of potash 18 dr.; sulphate of iron 2 oz. ; 

 powdered gentian 2 oz. ; powdered capsicum 3 dr., and Venice turpentine sufficient to make 

 into six balls. 



Distemper, This is a kind of contagious disease among horses, characterized by a 

 swelling between the bones of the lower jaw, and which generally terminates in an abscess. 

 Horses that have it should be kept apart from all others. Feed warm bran mash and green 

 food principally; keeping the animal warm and comfortable, while at the same time, the sta 

 ble should be well ventilated, also kept clean and free from offensive odors. 



In some cases it may be necessary to poultice the abscess until it breaks, or is ready to be 

 opened. After the abscess has discharged, the appetite will return. The animal will then 

 require a generous amount of nutritious food to recover its former condition and strength. 

 Rest and good nursing are better than medicine in such cases. 



Epizootic. This disease has been known also under the names of contagious influ 

 enza, epidemic catarrh, contagious catarrhal fever, etc. It is estimated that from the time 

 of its first appearance, which was in Canada in September, 1872, and during the winter of 

 1873, the epizootic influenza destroyed 1,500 horses and mules in New York city, or about 

 4 per cent, of the entire number it contained. The immediate cause of this disease is, with 

 out doubt, blood poisoning from germs floating in the air, and it generally proves most 

 malignant and contagious in large, overcrowded and ill-ventilated stables. 



The early symptoms of this disease are a general weakness, hanging of the head; shiv 

 ering of the body and trembling of the limbs; watery discharge from the nose, and sometimes 

 a watery appearance of the eyes; loss of appetite; staring hair; weak, quick pulse and rapid 

 breathing. A horse thus affected seems reluctant to lie down, and stands in an unnatural, 

 strained manner, his legs seeming to prop up his body. The bowels are generally somewhat 

 constipated, and the urine much less in quantity than in health. The discharge from the 

 nose becomes of a white, yellow, or greenish hue, and is quite copious. In some cases the 

 throat becomes very sore and ulcerated, the swelling showing externally, the animal refus 

 ing to eat. 



It is always best in the first place, since prevention is much easier than cure, to avoid, as 

 far as possible, all diseases of this nature by allowing the animals an abundant supply of pure 

 air, and the observance of other sanitary conditions, which can only be secured through 

 proper ventilation and cleanliness of the stables. The following methods of treatment are 

 condensed from that recommended by Dr. James Law, of Cornell University. 



