240 Common Diseases of the Horse 



The Truss may be made out of a pair of plough reins, previously 

 soaked in disinfectant. Two loops are then made in the middle; 

 the tail passes through one, the other encloses the vaginal entrance, 

 limiting its opening and pressing upon it so that the womb cannot 

 be forced out. A collar or halter is put on the mare's neck, and 

 the ends of the rope passed between the hind legs and along the 

 top of the back, and fastened to the collar. 



The Pessary may be made of a variety of articles, and consist 

 of a stick i^ to 2 ft. long, with a soft pad on the end; or a large 

 champagne or wine bottle; or a pig's bladder, afterwards partially 

 filled with water. Any of these are inserted into the womb and 

 kept in position by sticks, which again are maintained in place by 

 bandages. Their disadvantage consists of the risk that is run of 

 infection of the womb, as it cannot close while they are in position, 



Sutures consist of strong stitches of cord, silk, or white-metal 

 wire passed through the lips of the vulva, or through the skin from 

 the point of the hip. No more than one or two of the former are 

 required, but they must be inserted deeply or they will be torn out 

 should the straining be at all powerful. If the hip stitches are used, 

 about half a dozen may be passed from side to side, covering the 

 vulva in such a manner that the womb cannot pass through. 



Some of the diseases to which foals are subject may be now 

 briefly described. 



Inflammation of the Navel 



Other names are applied to this disease, such as "joint ill", 

 "navel ill", blood poisoning, &c. The disease is invariably caused 

 by lack of attention, want of cleanliness, or unskilful treatment of 

 the navel at birth. Prevention is essential, as when contracted it is 

 extremely fatal. The mortality is very high, at least 90 per cent, 

 and of the very small number of cases which recover the animals 

 are usually of little value, as more or less deformity results. 



It will be evident, then, that every precaution must be taken to 

 prevent the navel from infection at birth; the foaling box and 

 bedding need to be scrupulously clean, and the floor covered with 

 powdered disinfectant. A little expense and extra care is much 

 better than throwing away the cost of months of time in patient 

 waiting, limited work of the mare, service fee, and possibly a future 

 champion in the foal. If the navel string has been allowed to 

 rupture of its own accord, the powder previously mentioned should 

 be kept in readiness and frequently applied, as it is necessary to 

 remember that the mare, unlike most other animals, does not, as a 



