DISEASES OF HORSES TREATMENT 153 



hand into womb gently dilating it with the fingers. About three to six hours be- 

 fore serving the mare, inject the yeast mixture. This is the most successful 

 method used by breeders. 



Big Head. 



This is a disease of the bones in the head and causes them to become soft 

 and porous. There is an enlarged, swollen condition of the head from which 

 the disease gets its name. It affects all types of horses, mules, etc., and is found 

 under all conditions. No cause is known, but the idea is, that it is a condition 

 due to microbes. 



Symptoms. The beginning of the disease is not noticeable. Hock lame- 

 ness, rheumatism, and straining of the back are indications. Loss of vitality, ir- 

 regular appetite and stumbling often occur. Balls of food drop from mouth into 

 manger when the bones become badly porous. The disease spreads to other parts 

 of the body. 



Treatment. A veterinarian is the one to perform the lesions oftentimes 

 necessary. The animal should be given a change of conditions ; take to high al- 

 titude if possible. 



At the beginning of the disease acid lime to the drinking water. One peck 

 of lime slaked in a keg of water is satisfactory and inexpensive. 



Give a tablespoon ful of powdered bone meal with each feed and give free 

 access to plenty of rock salt, also give foods which are rich in mineral salts, such 

 as : oats, beans, cottonseed meal, etc. 



Big Leg. 



This is shown by many different names, but the actual disease is a swollen 

 inflamed condition of the leg usually affecting the two hind legs. Sluggish ani- 

 mals are susceptible also well fed animals in which case it is due to an excess of 

 food elements in the blood. 



Symptoms. Disease starts with a chill ; there is high temperature, rapid 

 hard pulse, quick breathing, uneasiness, bowels constipated, scanty urine, and 

 the horse perspires freely. There is a swelling on the inside of thigh which 

 surrounds the limb arid extends down to the foot. Swelling grows larger and 

 becomes permanent. Hair often comes off. 



Treatment. Bathe parts with hot water and follow with applications 

 of cloths soaked in a solution of hot vinegar and water, equal parts, to which has 

 been added 2 ounces of caustic potash per gallon. Dry thoroughly and bathe with 

 camphorated soap liniment. Put the animal on light diet and give complete rest. 



Blind Staggers. 



This is known by a number of names. It is due to congestion of blood in 

 the vessels of the brain, caused by excessive exertion, extreme heat, stimulants, 

 or by an ill fitting collar stopping blood circulation. Short fat animals usually 

 are the ones affected. 



Symptoms. The animal stops suddenly with eyes staring, with nostrils 

 dilated and shakes the head, or stands quietly braced till he staggers and falls. 

 Convulsive movements and death, as a rule, follow. 



