90 CAUSES AND PREVENTION OF DISEASE. 



drink at their own pleasure. Horses will frequently drink too 

 much, especially when tired or hot. 



Vegetable parasites frequently contaminate drinking water, 

 and in this way water may serve as a source of transmission for 

 many of the germ diseases, e. g., anthrax, foot and mouth disease, 

 hog cholera, and glanders. 



Animal parasites often contaminate the water supply, and in 

 this way serve to spread diseases which they cause, e. g., intes- 

 tinal parasites, which injure the health of many animals, especially 

 young ones. 



Sezvage matter may get into drinking water from various 

 sources and cause abortions and poison the system in many ways 

 that may result in different diseases. 



Hard zvater may contain much calcium, magnesium, etc., 

 and cause indigestion, unthrifty conditions, perhaps bony tumors 

 and calculi. Althouci^h the latter statement rests on little evi- 

 dence. 



Intervals may be wrong. Horses should be watered regu- 

 larly and at short intervals as convenient. They should be wa- 

 tered before feeding as a rule and should not be given large 

 quantities of water, sooner than one hour after eating grain. 

 Not so important with cows whether they be watered before or 

 after eating. Much cold water interferes with digestion and 

 when given to a very hot or tired horse may result in founder 

 or indigestion. 



