— 339 — 



Causes. Debility of the parvagum nerve; for if this nerve is 

 divided or cut in its course, heaves, or broken wind, is set up at 

 once. The real condition of this nerve, which gives rise to heaves, 

 is not at present known ; and it is difficult, in many cases, to 

 trace and distinguish any alteration of the nerves, as they may 

 retain their color, yet their influence may be greatly impaired. 

 For two reasons I have said debility. First, because, if it was 

 cut, or had entirel}' lost its influence, the animal would die in 

 forty-eight hours. Second, because, by the administration of 

 powerful tonics, the symptoms of the disease are greatly relieved, 

 and in some cases they entirely disappear. 



Treatment. Horse-dealers, in order to allay the symptoms, that 

 is, the peculiar breathing, give an ounce each of powdered sulphate 

 of iron, gentian and ginger root. It is the largeness of the dose 

 that is given, and repeated for a few days, that imparts a tonicity 

 to the nerve. Although I have here spoken of this matter, I do 

 not wish to be understood as advocating such treatment, nor as 

 attempting to cheat or deceive any one; but the large dose 

 of iron meets my decided disapproval, as being highly injurious 

 to the horse. The treatment, whatever that may be, to do good 

 permanently, must be by a gradual and progressive improvement. 

 Five grain doses of arsenic, given once in the twenty-four hours 

 for two weeks; then, after a week's intermission, commencing as 

 before, will soon cure many cases. Give the animal feed in small 

 bulk. Use as little ha}^ or rough feed, in large bulk, as possible. 

 Improve the condition of the horse by every way or means, and 

 you will relieve the animal. 



Heat. — General heat of the skin indicates fever ; local heat, in- 

 flammation. 



Hepatic Diseases. — (See Liver, Inflammation of the.) 



Hernia. — This is a name given to ruptures. (See Ruptures.) 



Herpes. — A name used in skin diseases. (See Mange and Skin 

 Diseases.) 



Hereditary Diseases. — No one, of any observation, can deny 

 that hereditary influence exists in the production of disease. This 

 influence must not, in the production of disease, be considered as 

 invariably reliable. The fact of horses or mares having a disease, 

 is no reason why their young will have the same disease, also. It 



