180 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



Pulse. — This is the stroke or beat of an artery, conse- 

 quent upon its alternate dilation and contraction caused by 

 the action of the heart. The pulse is subject to many- 

 variations, even not depending upon disease. It is also 

 liable to changes from temporary excitement, as from 

 severe heat, etc. Medicines act upon the circulation, and 

 consequently change the beat and character of the pulse. 

 If the disease be debility, diffusible stimulants will be 

 rec[uired to raise the pulse ; and in order to depress the 

 circulation, as in inflammation and fever, nauseants are 

 indicated, such as aconite and veratrum. (See Pulse, in 

 Introductory Remarks.) 



Puncture. — Wounds inflicted vrith a sharp-pointed 

 tool, as a staple or hay fork, etc. Punctured wounds are 

 dangerous, depending upon their depth and locality, and 

 should be treated by free openings from the bottom of the 

 wound, to allow the exposed fluids to escape. The parts 

 should be dressed with simple ointment. (See Medicines 

 and Prescriptions.) 



Purgatives. — A class of medicines capable of cleansing 

 or emptying the bowels. Purgatives are distinguished 

 from laxatives, only in the quantity given. Six to eight 

 drachms of aloes will act as a purgative, and two to three 

 drachms Avill act as a laxative. When laxatives are neces- 

 sary, repeat at distant intervals. 



Purpura. — This is a disease which is but rarely seen, 

 and consists in the surface of the whole body and legs 

 being covered with pimples, or small boils, which discharge 

 a livid or purple-colored fluid. The animal is very much 

 debilitated ; and, accompanied with sympathetic fever, we 

 not unfrequently see swellings of the head and j^arts of the 

 body, with the legs very thick, and the same colored fluid 



