HORSES: THEIR POINTS AND MANAGEMENT 



through diabetes. The constant drainage of water from the 

 body weakens the vital processes going on within the economy. 



Causes. — The most important of these are : New-burned 

 hay, over-heated and musty hay, germinating grain of any 

 kind, mouldy foods, the abuse of diuretic (staling) medicines, 

 and the ingestion of various herbs whose properties notably 

 increase the flow of water. 



It is a very easy matter to tell this disorder. The 

 characteristic symptoms are : Excessive urination (staling), 

 great thirst, and depravity of appetite. The urine may be as 

 clear as water, and where a number of horses are kept, and the 

 cause is due to the food, it is usual to And the majority of the 

 animals affected with the complaint at the same time, followed 

 by a return to health upon the withdrawal of the cause. Such 

 symptoms as paleness of the membranes lining the eyelids and 

 cheeks, weakness, loss of flesh, and softness of the muscles, are 

 constantly present. There should be no mistaking a horse 

 suftering from diabetes in its simplest form. 



Treatment. — If the food supply is at fault, stop this, and 

 very little beyond will be required. Faihng benefit, follow this 

 up with half an ounce of powdered bicarbonate of soda in the 

 drinking water daily. Call in professional aid. 



In addition to the foregoing treatment, it is always advisable 

 to give the animal or animals about a pint of linseed oil each. 

 Continue this treatment for three or four days if necessary, but 

 not any longer. It is almost certain to cure, if not, try half 

 ounce doses of Fowler's solution of arsenic, twice daily, in the 

 drinking water. Iodine is a specific. 



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