THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT. 527 



which is drunk, at periods which, as related to the work of 

 the animal, will obviate physical discomfort, and not disturb 

 functional action. 



2. Therapeutic Treatment. — The amelioration of the symp- 

 toms of the disease is secured medicinally by the judicious 

 administration of the greater number of those agents which 

 improve the general health, and which confer tone on the 

 digestive system in particular. In this way it is probable that 

 the majority of agents of the vegetable or mineral tonic classes 

 are found beneficial ; still there are certain agents which alone, 

 or in combination, have a special mitigating effect on the dis- 

 tressing symptoms. With some practitioners nux vomica, in 

 moderate doses, and continued for a week or ten days, is said 

 to produce good results. 



For rapidity of action, ease of administration, and certainty 

 of effect, I have found none superior to arsenic, given in gr. i. ss. 

 to gr. ii., combined with bicarbonate of potash twice daily ; or a 

 better form is probably that of Fowler's solution, which can be 

 given amongst the food or drinking-water. This medicine has 

 a wonderful effect in mitigating the dyspnoea, and in many 

 cases restoring for a time the respiration to a healthy and 

 natural condition. Under its administration the cough will 

 disappear, and the horse, enjoying vigorous health, will be able 

 to perform his usual work with freedom and satisfaction. All 

 this improvement, however, is not permanent, and will, on the 

 withdrawal of the arsenic, return as before. 



The best method of employing this agent, I have found, is 

 that of continuing its exhibition daily in the quantities men- 

 tioned for two weeks ; after this period, giving it only on 

 alternate days, or even bi-weekly. This moderate adminis- 

 tration must be continued until the symptoms of disturbed 

 breathing again appear, when we fall back upon the daily 

 exhibition until these are ameliorated, Avhen the quantity is 

 again diminished by the less frequent doses, or by its with- 

 drawal altogether, the medicine to be again employed when 

 the symptoms are distressing. In this way I have given a horse 

 arsenic continuously for eighteen months, with no apparent 

 results save those of greatly mitigating the urgent dyspnoea 

 attendant on a severe form of broken- wind, and thereby enabling 

 him to work with comfort to himself and j)leasure to his owner. 



