178 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



swelling or sore will hasten recovery very much and in 

 many cases effect a good and speedy cure. Once a day 

 will be often enough, and if there be more than one fistu- 

 lous opening, drop the acid into one to-day and the other 

 to-morrow, and continue from day to day, till each and 

 every opening ceases to discharge a Avhitish gray matter, 

 and a dry looking opening is presented. Afterwards, use 

 a solution of the sulphate of zinc : one drachm of the zinc 

 to four ounces of water, will answer the purpose. Horses 

 having sores of all kinds on their body should be well fed 

 and cared for. 



Polypi. — These are diseased enlargements, which grow 

 upon the mucous membranes of the nose and ear, and in 

 the uterus or womb of mares. 



Treatment. If they are small, they are cured by touching 

 them with a stick of caustic potassa ; if large, cut them oif 

 with a sharp knife or scissors, and apply a weak solution 

 of blue stone to the sore till it is healed. 



Predisposing Causes. — Causes which render an 

 animal susceptible to disease. For example, a young horse 

 standing in the stable from day to day becomes predisposed 

 to disease of the throat and lungs, when put to any exer- 

 tion. Old age is a predisposing cause of disease. Some 

 animals, as well as men, are more disposed to disease than 

 others. From their temperament, and certain conditions 

 of the solids and fluids of the body, the body is more 

 susceptible to what is called a predisposing cause. 



Prick of the Foot. — (See Foot Diseases.) 



Probang. — This is one of two instruments. One is for 

 forcing obstructions down the gullet in cases of choking, 

 and the other an instrument used in giving to horses, etc., 



