820 THE AMERICAN FARMER. 



Megrims. This disease is a mild form of apoplexy, and is a pressure of blood upon 

 the brain, caused by an unusual flow of blood to that organ. Various causes contribute to 

 this disease, such as excessive exercise in a hot day, violent blows upon the head, tight col 

 lar or check-rein, the two latter of which would prevent the blood from circulating freely, 

 and from returning from the head, which would unduly distend the blood-vessels of the 

 brain. Youatt describes the symptoms as follows: 



&quot;When the horse is driven rather quickly, he will, without any premonitory symptoms, 

 suddenly stop, shake his head, and exhibit evident giddiness, and half-unconsciousness. This 

 will soon pass over, and he will go on as if nothing had happened. 



When the attack is more serious, he will fall without the slightest warning, or suddenly 

 run round once or twice, and then fall. He will lie insensible, or struggle with the utmost 

 violence. In five or ten minutes he will begin gradually to come to himself; he will get up 

 and proceed on his journey, yet somewhat dull, and evidently affected and exhausted by 

 what had happened, although not seriously or permanently ill. 



A predisposition to a second attack almost always remains, and it is a long time before 

 the blood-vessels recover their former tone. Experience has shown that a horse that has had 

 a second attack of the megrims is never to be trusted.&quot; 



The treatment should be modified according to the cause of the difficulty. Bleeding at the 

 moment of attack should be resorted to, in severe cases. If the animal is constipated, a mod 

 erate dose of physic should be administered. Rest and careful nursing for a while, together 

 with judicious feeding, will be better for the animal than drugs, in the majority of cases. A 

 covering worn over the head, but not resting upon it, will prove very beneficial in protecting 

 the brain from the hot sun. These are supported by a wire and fastened to the head-stall, 

 and are much used on draft-horses in many localities. 



Navicular Disease. This is sometimes called &quot;foot disease,&quot; and is an inflammation 

 of a small bone in the interior of the foot, called the navicular bone. Improper shoeing, and 

 overwork on rough roads and hard pavements, are the principal causes. It may be fcest 

 determined by an unnatural degree of heat in the foot, although the symptoms are somewhat 

 obscure. Remove the shoe and soak the hoof in water that is quite warm, from half to 

 three-quarters of an hour every day. In some cases it may be necessary to poultice the foot 

 to further relieve the pain and inflammation. The horse should have a long period of rest, 

 extending from two to six months. It is a disease that is slow of recovery, while if there be 

 a relapse, a cure may be regarded as very doubtful. It is highly important that it receive 

 attention in the first stages. A blister applied around the coronet will frequently prove highly 

 beneficial, while in severe cases a frog-seaton should also be inserted, and a discharge encouraged 

 by a daily dressing of it with the tincture of cantharides. In about three or four weeks the 

 seaton may be removed, and another blister applied. The horse should then be turned out 

 to pasture and permitted to run for three or four months. Particular care should be taken 

 to have the horse shod properly after recovery. 



Hygienic management in the stable is also very important in such cases. Some prefer a 

 cold bath for the foot instead of warm, but we have always found the latter most beneficial. 



Ophthalmia. This is an inflammation of the eye, which is liable to recur at regular 

 intervals, and frequently terminates in total blindness to one, or both eyes. It is sometimes 

 called &quot; moon blindness.&quot; The attacks are usually rather sudden; the lid becomes swollen, 

 and water drips from the corner of the eye. The eye is very sensitive, and there is an aver 

 sion to the light. This disease frequently terminates in a cataract. Pure air and cleanliness 

 in the stables are of the first importance, and any carelessness in this respect will increase 

 the difficulty. 



Treatment should commence during the first stages. Sometimes a seaton put in about 



