DIAPHRA GM—DICKE V 



Symptoms. — Frequent staling, accompanied by great thirst, 

 bad breath, considerable costiveness, pale gums, and general 

 debility, the pulse being usually very weak. Although the 

 appetite is often good there is a loss of flesh, and the 

 condition of the horse is obviously very bad. 



Treatment. — A dose of aloes, two ounces of bi-carbonate 

 of soda in the food, and plenty of water, hay tea, and linseed 

 tea to drink. Both iodine and iodide of potassium have 

 been successfully applied to severe cases, the doses being 

 half a dram of the former and one dram of the latter every 

 day ; and it may be added that the iodine should not be 

 given just before or after feeding time. Diabetes is, however, 

 a disease that requires professional attention. (See Hay Tea, 

 Medicines.') 



Diaphragm. — A muscle attached to the spine and some 

 of the ribs, which divides the portions of the interior contain- 

 ing the heart and lungs on one side, and the liver, kidneys, 

 and intestines on the other. The action of the diaphragm 

 controls the breathing. 



Diarrhcea should be treated as soon as its existence is 

 noticed, as if continuous an attack is certain to weaken the 

 horse. It may arise from a sudden change of food or water, 

 nervousness, eating some unwholesome food, or from the 

 effects of poison, and if the latter is the suspected cause, 

 professional assistance should at once be procured. 



Treatment. — A reduction of the allowance of water, and 

 dry food with no bran in it may suffice in a slight case, or an 

 aperient medicine such as castor oil may be given. In more 

 severe cases two ounces of tincture of opium may be given, 

 with half an ounce of chalk, to a full-grown adult horse, or 

 less in proportion. Rice water is better than plain water 

 as a drink. (See Prescriptions, Restoratives?) 



Dickey. — The seat behind a vehicle on which the 

 servants sit. (See Ruinble.) 



I02 



