— 278 — 



afterwards be unsafe to use him, especially for a family carriage, 

 as in a fit of this kind the horse may become entirely unmanage- 

 able, and can only be controlled by a power stronger tluin his own. 

 Horses subject to disease of this kind will, at times, be observed 

 to look sleepy, with a slight knuckling of the hind pastern-joints, 

 accompanied with stiffness of the hind quarters and lopping of the 

 ears. All these symptoms are seen in brain diseases, as Staggers, 

 Megrims, and Epilepsy. (Which see.) 



Causes. Breaking of a blood-vessel, effusion or water on the 

 brain, producing pressure, too small a collar on a tliiek-necked 

 horse, interfering with a free circulation of the blood to and from 

 the head, effects of the sun — sunstroke. (Coup-de-soleiL) 



In severe cases of Apoplexy, many never had the use of their 

 legs again, b}' their remaining palsied. (See Palsy.) 



Treatment. Apply chopped ice to the head, in bags, and secured 

 by proper fixings. Keep up a free circulation in the legs by 

 rubbing and woollen bandages, or warm water cloths, and renewed 

 every half-hour. Then apply a small blister of 



Spanish Fly i drachm. 



Hog's Lard 2 drachms. 



Mix them well together, and rub the salve well in by the hand 

 on the part just behind the ears. 



Do not bleed, as that measure will only insure eS'usion, and, as 

 in the brain, ultimately cause death or dumbness. (Which see.) 



If there be much exaltation or excitement, give fifteen drops of 

 the tincture of aconite root every four hours, till five or six doses 

 are taken. If the contrary condition be present, that is, depres- 

 sion, give from ten to fifteen drops of the tincture of nux vomica 

 four times a day, for a few da^'S, or a week, if necessary. These 

 medicines are best given in cold water, when the animal will drink 

 it ; if not, mix with a cup of water, and drench out of a stout- 

 necked bottle. Feed the horse generously and well. 



Aphtha. — (See Mouth Diseases.) 



Atrophy. — Wasting and shrinking of a part of the muscle, as 

 is seen in sweenie o^ the shoulder; consumption and disease of 

 the mesentery, and also palsy or paralysis of the hind legs, from 

 which the muscles of the hip will be seen to have fallen awa3\ 



