262 THE HOUSE BOOK. 



tory and uncertain operation at the best. In 

 cases of cough it is always wise to consult the 

 veterinarian. The affection may be local and 

 it may be a symptom of pneumonia or some 

 other malady. 



A horse's teeth will frequently require atten- 

 tion. The grinding surfaces are prevented from 

 coming together by jagged projections and the 

 food is not properly masticated and ensali- 

 vated. The result is a staring coat and general 

 lack of thrift. In such cases the veterinarian 

 will file or "float" the teeth into normal con- 

 dition and the horse will make proper use of 

 his food. 



Periodic ophthalmia or moon-blindness is 

 common enough among farm horses. It is first 

 observed when the eyelids are seen to droop, 

 tears run freely and the horse keeps the eye 

 closed as much as possible. The eyeball at first 

 has a dull, rather opaque appearance and grad- 

 ually becomes covered with a light-colored 

 scum. One eye or both may be affected, or the 

 trouble may move from one eye to the other. 

 If left to itself the eye in the first attacks will 

 clear up in ten days or two weeks, but the trou- 

 ble will inevitably return sooner or later. There 

 is no cure for moon-blindness. When it ap- 

 pears put the horse in a darkened stall, cover 

 the eyes with wet cloths and obtain expert ad- 

 vice. The first treatment will usually serve as 

 an example for all the rest, but in the end the 



