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disposed to disease than others. From their temperament, and 

 (;ertain conditions of tlie solids and fluids of the bod}^ the body 

 is more susceptible to what is called a predisposing cause. 



Prick of the Foot. — (See Foot Diseases.) 



Probang. — There are two of these instruments. One is for 

 forcing obstructions down the gullet in cases of choking, and the 

 other an instrument used in giving to horses, etc., medicine in a 

 solid form or in the form of a ball or bolus. 



Procidenta. — A term used to denote the falling down of the 

 womb, or foal bed in brood mares. This affection is very common 

 in milch cow^s ; not so in mares. 



Prognosis. — The foretelling the course and event of a disease, 

 from its symptoms. Prognosis may be favorable or unfavorable. 

 Nothing can so w^ell distinguish the scientific veterinary surgeon 

 from the blockhead in such matters as correct prognosis. 



Prophylactics. — Is a term applied to the means made, or 

 adopted, for the preservation of health, and the prevention of dis- 

 ease. 



Proud Flesh. — A common name applied to hasty granula- 

 tions in a sore or wound, which presents a fungous appearance. 

 To cure and prevent this, sprinkle a little white sugar, powdered 

 blue stone, or a little red precipitate on the surface. 



Prurigo. — An itchiness of the skin, which is best treated by 

 the sulphite of soda, in half ounce doses, given every night in cut 

 feed for a week. (See Skin Diseases.) 



Pulse. — This is the stroke or beat of an artery, consequent upon 

 its alternate dilation and contraction caused by the action of the 

 heart. The pulse is subject to many variations, even not depend- 

 ing upon disease. It is also liable to changes from temporary ex- 

 citement, as from severe heat, etc. Medicines act upon the circu- 

 lation, and consequently change the beat and character of the 

 pulse. If the disease be debility, diffusible stimulants will be re- 

 quired to raise the pulse ; and in order to depress the circulation, 

 as in inflammation and fever, nauseants are indicated, such as 

 aconite and veratrum. (See Pulse, in Introductory Remarks.) 



Puncture. — Wounds inflicted with a sharp-pointed tool, as a 

 staple or hay-fork, etc. Punctured wounds are dangerous, depend- 

 ing upon their depth and locality, and should be treated by free 



