22 TREATMENT OF DISEASES 



Symptoms. — The animal seems to have no control over itself, and 

 will clash about in the most violent mannei-, and disregards all the 

 owner's commands ; the mcmbranns of the eyes are very hii^hly 

 injected, and the pulse is full and active. In short, the animal 

 appears in a state of madness. 



Treatment. — The only way in which we can be of any service, 

 in a case of this character, is to use the lancet freely until the patient 

 is prostrated, then give half an ounce of pulverized nitre, and ten 

 grains of aconite root every half hour, until symptoms of improve- 

 ment take place; in the meantime, injections, composed of hot 

 water, soap and salt, should be thrown into the rectum. Tonics 

 should be resorted to, as soon as the patient shows symptoms of 

 weakness. 



STAGGERS. 



The usual forms of staggers which occur among horses in this part 

 of the country, are Stomach Staggers and Sleepy Staggers ; in the 

 first case, the animal is usually the subject of over distention of the 

 stomach, and, when urged to move, 8tacjger& like a drunken man ; in 

 the latter case, the function of the stomach is paralyzed, and the 

 animal is somnolent or sleepy. 



The usual exciting causes of such affections are, overfeeding and 

 want of proper exercise, yet it may arise from hard work when the 

 animal is the subject of an over-distended stomach. 



Treatment. — Both the above affections may be treated as follows : 

 Give the patient six ounces of table salt, one ounce of ginger, in half 

 a pint of hot water. Then dissolve half a pound of Glauber salts 

 in hot water and throw the same into the rectum. In the course of 

 a couple of hours the dose may be repeated. The diet should consist 

 of sloppy bran mashes, well seasoned with salt. 



GREASE. 



In olden times, Grease or Scratches, and cracked heels, were not 

 only very prevalent but very formidable affections. Before veterin- 

 ary surgr-ons were employed in the British army, many thousands 

 of valuable horses were condemned as useless for active service in 

 consequence of the prevalence of that loathsome affection known as 

 inveterate Grease ; but now in consequence of the presence of vete- 

 rinary surgeons and the consequent improved system of manage- 

 ment in camp and stable. Grease is almost unknown. Most vete- 

 rinary writers contend that Grease almost always arises from im- 

 proper management of the horse, yet I have seen it occur in horses 

 that were well cared for and properly treated. The truth is, some 

 horses are predisposed to affections of the skin of the heels and the 

 sebaceous glands of the same, and although cleanliness and good 

 management may stave off an attack for a long while, yet when the 



