162 THE RURAL EFFICIENCY GUIDE STOCK 



meal, or a greasy hoof ointment to keep the hoof from becoming hard and dry. 

 The horse may be made to stand with his feet in a box containing any of these. 



Moist corns should be cut out. Inflammation should be poulticed and cold 

 baths applied. If wound looks red, dress with oakum balls saturated in a weak 

 solution of aloes or spirits of camphor. 



If there is pus, open surface for its escape, then inject a weak solution of 

 bichloride of mercury to cleanse the wound. 



Curb. 



This is a bunch on the back part of the hock, where in the normal state there 

 should be a straight line. It is usually caused by a sprain of the tendon or one 

 of its sheaths. Overbent, coarse, or thick hocks are especially subject to curb. 



Symptoms. There is usually a bunch spread over the affected surface, 

 which sometimes develops permanent lameness. Later the bunch diminishes 

 and becomes set. A curb makes the horse unsound. 



Treatment. Cold applications are best at the start. This stops the in- 

 flammation. Later, use pressure of bandages, to reduce the size. Blisters of 

 cantharides and rubbing with iodine ointment are good. Strong applications of 

 a mixture of salt, vinegar, turpentine and eggs are good. Take one ounce each of 

 vinegar and turpentine, % cup of salt, eggs to make a good running fluid. Apply 

 with a rag. 



Horse should have rest and a high heeled shoe on the foot of the affected leg. 



Diarrhea. 



This is due to irritation of the intestines and bowels ; it is caused by eating bad 

 food, by having poor teeth, low, damp pastures and stables. Colds and fast 

 traveling are also causes. Long, rangy horses are subject to diarrhea. The 

 horse suffers pain in the abdomen, has loss of appetite, passes liquid feces, and 

 becomes thin and poor. 



Treatment. It is often simple, for good care and change of feed and 

 water is probably all that is necessary. 



Give a quart of raw linseed oil. Flour and water are good, also starch water. 

 These should be given in a light paste form. 



Distemper. 



This is an infectious disease usually found in young animals. After its ap- 

 pearance, it usually leaves the animal in sound condition, however, it may develop 

 a wind-broken horse. The abscesses most always break on the outside. It is 

 passed directly from one horse to another or indirectly through the discharge being 

 left on the fences, in drinking places or by contaminated air where the affected 

 animals have been. Horses from 3 to 5 years old often get it in being shipped 

 from one locality to another. 



Symptoms. During the coming of the last permanent teeth, the animal 

 is most susceptible to this disease. Horse is sluggish, loses its appetite, its coat 



