152 HOW TO EDUCATE HORSES. 



BOG SPAVIN OR BLOOD SPAVIN. 



In its early stages spavin is treated the same as curb; 

 otherwise other treatment, more severe, with absolute 

 rest. The causes are over-exertion. 



TETANUS OR LOCK-JAW. 



The causes and symptoms are too well known to 

 need any description. I have only to say that in a 

 severe case or attack of it the patients very seldom re- 

 cover. No author of any veterinary work gives any 

 particular treatment — can only say that it is doubtful 

 if a horse ever recovers from an attack of tetanus. 

 The disease is wholly of a nervous character. In the 

 first stages there is a disinclination to move; the tail 

 becomes erect and quivers, the ears set back, the con- 

 junctiva is thrown over the pupil of the eye, and the 

 head is elevated. As the disease advances the muscles 

 all over the neck and body become stiff and rigid, and 

 the legs have the appearance of a four-legged stool, the 

 animal having little or no power to move. For the 

 first few days the teeth remain apart, but as the disease 

 advances the muscles of the jaw become so contracted 

 as to bring them close together; hence the name of 

 lock-jaw. The causes are numerous, but generally 

 produced from a wounded nerve or bunch of nerves. 



Treatment. — Open the wound, apply an ointment 

 to set up a discharge, rub the loin with strong liniment 

 well and often, as well as the legs; give internal stimu- 

 lants, also gruel, and clothe well. If the patient mends 

 it will be within five days. Relax the muscles and 

 they will recover very soon, yet the case is very 

 doubtful. 



