OF FARRIERY. 



213 



the surface, without its being carried otf by 

 proper evacuants, &c. They are frequently 

 known to attack very suddenly ; at other 

 times the approach is indicated by the symp- 

 toms before recited. 



I shall now endeavour to point out the most 

 rational method o{ cure, by correcting, or dis- 

 charging the primary cause, which will be to 

 allay the spasms, and to reduce the extreme de- 

 gree of irritability, by strengthening the nervous 

 system. To obtain this end, the first step will 

 be, at all events, to draw blood ; and, that in 

 quantity according to the state of your subject 

 In cases of real alarm and danger, take from 

 six to eight quarts of blood away at once ; 

 and I have found great relief in bleeding from 

 the jugular vein, and the thigh vein; both at 

 the same time. It causes a greater revulsion 

 in the system, although it becomes absolutely 

 necessary afterwards to stimulate and rouse 

 the animal powers. As little can be done 

 during the fit or paroxysm, in the mean time 

 prepare a clyster of warm water, in w^hich 

 put a handful of salt, and give as soon as 

 possible. 



Should spasms, or convulsions prove so 

 violent, that by a contraction of the muscles 

 the jaws may become locked, or fixed for any 

 considerable length of time, recourse must be 

 had to nutritive clysters, that the constitu- 

 tion may be supported. Notwithstanding its 

 inability to receive aliment by other means, 

 there are several kinds of nutritive clysters, 

 that may be easily and expeditiously pre- 

 pared, consisting of broths of different kinds, 

 which most houses have in readiness. Oat- 

 meal gruel Ts an excellent strengthening clys- 

 ter, in which a little starch has been mi.xed. 

 These clysters give frequently, until you can 

 safely administer a ball. If the mouth be not 



sufficiently open, that you can mtrcduce your 

 hand with safety, take one of the cordial 

 restorative balls (see list of medicines,) and 

 dissolve in about a pint of warm water, and 

 carefully horn it down. This will rouse the 

 system from the debilitating effects of the 

 spasms. 



If you find the Horse not relieved to your 

 mind, but still keeps drowsy, and inclined to 

 hang his head down, or bear against any 

 thing, as it were, for a resting-post, immedi- 

 ately bleed again from the opposite jugular- 

 vein, and also from the opposite thigh-vein, 

 taking as much blood away as he can possibly 

 bear. Then 



Take Tartar emetic 

 Hog's lard 



1 dram. 

 I ounce. 



Form into an ointment, and rub the whole at 

 once on the Horse's forehead. This will oc- 

 casion pimples to rise, and relieve the braui 

 speedily. 



Should any local paralytic affection, or 

 contraction of the muscles, produce a stiffness, 

 or inactivity upon any part ; friction, with 

 penetrating embrocations must be had re- 

 course to ; for, during the paroxysms of the 

 disease, the Horse is so liable to locally in- 

 jure himself, that it is necessary to use stimu- 

 lating applications locally, to remove the 

 bruises, &c., that he may have incurred ; for 

 which purpose 



Take Oil of tar - - - - 4 ounces. 

 Oil of turpentine - - 2 do. 

 Spirits of wine - - 2 do. 



Mix, and apply to the parts aftected, night 

 and morning ; nor must this be done with a 

 careless hand ; for it should be persevered in 

 for twenty minutes at each dressing. 

 3 H 



