DISEASES OF HORSES. 737 



I will also give in this connection the Iodine Ointment, which 

 is so extensively used in chronic enlargements of all kinds, es- 

 pecially of the glands, as in big neck, among men. This oint- 

 ment is made as follows : 



Take Iodine Crystals, 4 drains. 



Iodide of Potassium, 2 drams. 



Oil, or Water (either), .... 1 ounce. 



Mix thoroughly, and when the ingredients are dissolved, it 

 is ready for use. The ointment, as given in the recipe, will 

 cause soreness in the part to which it is applied, and for this 

 reason it should not be applied oftener than once or twice a day, 

 or even less frequently than this if it proves too severe. When 

 a more gentle action is desired, as when it is desired to cause 

 the disappearance of some collected fluid, it should be used only 

 half as strong as given in the formula, and it may be applied 

 oftener. The hints regarding blisters npply to the use of this 

 in its strong form, but in a less degree to the use of the weaker 

 preparation. 



Bots. This is not classed as a disease by modern veteri- 

 nary writers, and investigation has shown that the evils attrib- 

 uted to the bot are purely imaginary, and the symptoms those 

 of colic, pleurisy, etc., instead. Without doubt many valuable 

 horses have been killed by corroding poisons, given to make 

 the terrible "bot" let go its hold on the stomach. 



Bots are the larvae of the bot-fly, a species of the gad-fly, 

 which lays its eggs on the hair of the horse, and which adhere 

 to the horse's tongue when licking himself, and are taken into 

 the stomach. The larvae are provided with hooks by which 

 they attach themselves to the inner portion of the stomach, 

 where they remain feeding upon the mucus until they undergo 

 changes which fit them for another stage of existence, when 

 they release their hold and pass into the bowels, and are re- 

 moved with the natural evacuations. This usually occurs late 

 in the spring. There is no evidence that they produce any 

 pain or injury to the horse, other than to prevent proper nutri- 

 tion, and the best treatment is to improve the condition of the 

 animal by a generous supply of nutritious food. 



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