824 THE AMERICAN FARMER 



that the muscles of the jaw are so affected that the mouth become immovably closed. It 

 usually results from some injury to the foot, such as the stepping on a nail and driving it 

 into the sensitive portion, or from a prick in shoeing. It not unfrequently follows castration, 

 the docking and nicking of the tail, or other injuries. A sudden exposure to cold after being 

 heated has also been known to produce it. 



Tetanus is a disease of the nerves, caused by an injury to one of them, the effect of 

 which extends to the entire nerve organization. When it terminates fatally, it is generally 

 from the sixth to the eighth day after receiving the injury. The animal should be kept as 

 quiet as possible, and nothing of an exciting nature permitted. 



The difficulty with the treatment of this disease is, that it usually becomes well estab 

 lished before it is discovered, when remedies will have less effect than at an earlier period. 

 It would always be well to take suitable precautions against it whenever the hoof is injured 

 by being punctured by a nail or other substance. We once lost a beautiful and valuable animal 

 with this disease, from stepping on a nail while on the road. As soon as the accident 

 occurred, the horse stopped, held up her injured foot, and looked back to us. 



We immediately got out of the carriage, and, on examining the foot, found the nail, 

 which, on being withdrawn, did not indicate by any blood following, or the length of the 

 nail, that the puncture was a deep one, but she died of lockjaw from the effect five days 

 afterward, after the most intense suffering. 



When an injury of this kind occurs it would be well to take precautionary measures by 

 removing the shoe and soaking the foot and limb in warm water for an hour or more, as soon 

 as possible afterward, at the same time rubbing it gently with the hand. Then apply tine 

 ture of arnica from the knee down, rubbing it in, and getting as much as possible into the 

 hole made by the nail. 



A hot poultice for the foot and limb would also prove beneficial. Such treatment fol 

 lowed immediately after receiving the injury, would have a tendency to ward off the disease. 

 The bowels should be kept moderately laxative, and a plenty of water and flaxseed gruel 

 given for drink. 



When it is discovered that the animal has the disease, the shoe should be removed, and 

 the foot carefully examined to see if there is any nail or foreign substance in it; if such are 

 found, pull them out, and treat as above recommended. Give the following dose: An ounce 

 of powdered aloes, half a drachm of podophyllin, and two drachms each of nitre and ginger. 

 Make into two balls with mucilage, and give both at the same time. Injections of flaxseed 

 tea or warm water will aid also in keeping the bowels open. If there should be any diffi- 

 sulty in evacuating the bladder, the catheter should be used for this purpose. Opium 

 is also a valuable agent in this disease, and may be given in doses of from one to two 

 drachms. 



The animal should be tempted to eat nutritious food by putting it occasionally to his 

 mouth, or between his grinders. Carrots or apples are excellent; also warm bran mashes. 

 Rub the body gently, especially along the neck and spine. Keep him warm by blanketing, 

 and induce perspiration. 



In the middle of the day, if the weather is warm and pleasant, and not uncomfortably 

 hot, let him be out in the sunshine a while. Keep up the natural functions of the animal 

 system, and, above all, keep him soothed and quiet. Have no strangers about him, or loud 

 talking, or noise of any kind ; neither permit him to be harnessed, but keep him as quiet as 

 possible. 



Thoroughpiiit This is a disease similar to bog spavin, and projects on both sides of 

 the hock, from one side of the joint to the other, forming a round swelling. The treatment 

 should be similar to that of Boo SPAVIN (which see). 



