68 MANUAL FOR STABLE SERGEANTS. 



WTien in a locality where such diseases as surra, influenza, or 

 contagious pneumonia are known to exist, early morning tempera- 

 tures of all the animals of the organization should be taken regularly 

 every day, or at least every other day. _ Any animal showing a tem- 

 perature of 102° F., or over, should be isolated at once. 



Care of the Sick. 



207. Nursing. — By nursing is meant the prompt and well- 

 directed attention to the comforts and needs of the patient. Good 

 nursing is therefore of the utmost importance in the care of the sick 

 and injured. 



208. The sick stall. — The first and most important point is to 

 place the sick animal in a clean, light, well-ventilated box_ stall, 

 free from drafts and located as far as possible from other animals. 

 Clean bedding should be provided and the stall kept free from 

 manure and moisture. If such a stall can not be obtained, a double 

 Btall, with the kicking bar removed and ropes or bars placed across 

 the back of it, will answer the purpose. During cold seasons, 

 paulins or horse covers may be hung in such a manner as to protect 

 the patient from drafts, care being taken to allow sufiicient air to 

 enter this improvised stall. 



Horses suffering from diseases of the nervous system, such as teta- 

 nus, require to be kept absolutely quiet, and must be removed as 

 far as possible from all noise. It is best that only one man be allowed 

 to attend them, as a change of attendants may cause excitement and 

 thus increase the severity of the disease. 



A horse suffering from coli'c requires a well bedded space suffi- 

 ciently large to prevent injuring himself while rolling during the 

 epasms of pain. In such cases a man should be constantly in attend- 

 ance, as the animal may become cast and unable to get up without 

 assistance. 



In the field sick animals should be kept by themselves and made 

 as comfortable as circumstances may permit. 



209. Clothing. — Clothing, when required, should be provided 

 according to the season. It should be light as well as warm, and 

 ^ould be changed, brushed, and aired at least once a day. 



210. Bandaging for warmth. — \Yhen circumstances require it, 

 the legs should be well hand-rubbed and wrapped in flannel band- 

 ages evenly and loosely applied. Bandages should be changed and 

 the legs well rubbed twice daily. 



