170 THE RURAL EFFICIENCY GUIDE STOCK 



The animal has fits and delirium. If taken at once, coaxing will often 

 cause the animal to eat mashes and well prepared foods. It should be imme- 

 diately fattened and shipped out of the section. 



Mange. 



Small mites burrow under the skin, especially when dirty, and lay their 

 eggs. These hatch, causing a sore on which a scab is found. The head, mane, 

 tail, and back are affected. Rubbing produces a pleasant feeling to the horse 

 as shown by a stretching of the head and upper lip. 



Treatment. Wash parts well with soap and water, then brush in a solu- 

 tion of lj/2 ounces of tobacco and 2 pints of boiled water. Every 15 days a 

 new brood of mites appear, so continue the application. The harness and 

 stables should be disinfected. A lime and sulphur dip is good. 



Milk Fever. (See Cattle Department, page 93). 



Open Joints. 



An external condition caused by blows, bruises, falls, kicks and other in- 

 juries. Carelessness in use of forks, boards, etc., result in cuts which cause 

 the fluid to escape from the joint. A horse with a stiff leg is not of much 

 value. 



Treatment. Warm fomentations or cold water applications should be 

 applied at once. The joint fluid should be checked so it cannot escape. Im- 

 mediate aid is essential and will save the animal lots of unnecessary pain and 

 suffering. A sling in which to put the horse will be found to relieve the pain 

 caused by standing on the limb. 



Paralysis. 



This is a condition where use of the muscular parts of the body are lost. 

 It may affect part or all of the body. Most cases are caused by some injury 

 to the brain or spinal cord. The causes are pressure or tumors on the brain, 

 or disease of the blood vessels of the brain. General paralysis causes imme- 

 diate death. 



Symptoms. Animal falls ; is powerless to move, and unable to swallow ; 

 tongue hangs out ; tail is curved ; and limbs get cold. 



Treatment. Chloroform liniment may help relieve the local pain. The 

 cause must always be removed. Fly blister or strong liniment should be 

 applied. Internally give 1 dram powdered nux vomica or 2 grains of sulphate 

 of strychnine. Some give a teaspoonful of Fowler's solution of arsenic twice 

 a day in water. Light food, good air and clean stables should be had all the 

 time. 



