276 CYCLOPEDIA OF LIVE STOCK 4K1> COMPLETE STOCK DOCTOR. 



thoroughly, yet with sufficient ctiution to be convinced that you are on the 

 right track, so as not to be treatinsf an ankle because it is cocked when 

 every particle of the lameness is in the foot, or dosing a horse for bots 

 when the trouble is pleurisy, or giving a. dog medicine for inflammation 

 of the l)rain when he is suffering from rabies. 



These and niaiiy other siinihir mistakes have come under the observa- 

 tion of the writer. One notable case, in which many might have been 

 deceived, was seen not very long ago ; a horse was blistered from one 

 knee up the leg, over the shoulders and withers and down on the other side 

 to the knee for sprain and soreness in the shoulders, when every bit of the 

 disease lay in the feet. It was a case of acute founder. We relate this 

 to impress upon the reader the necessity of careful, deliberate study of a 

 case before taking ac^tion ; but when the derangement is conclusively 

 located go ahead and appl}^ promptly the remedies prescribed. 



VI. Nursing and Feeding Sick Animals. 



Much ingenuity can be displayed in nursing a sick animal. In order to 

 do it intelligently the nurse must be familiar with the habits and require- 

 ments of the animal in health. A few simple rules will assist the ama- 

 teur. Make the animal as comfortable as possible, warm in winter and 

 cool in sunmier. Give plenty of fresh air to breathe, but in all cases 

 avoid a draft ; ventilation without drafts is the rule. Clothing for horse? 

 is often necessary, woolen blankets in winter and linen sheets and nets 

 in summer. Hoods to cover the head and neck are often needed if the 

 stable is not sufficiently warm. The proper temperature for the stable 

 that is used for the hospital is from 55 ^ to 60 ° F. This is warm 

 enough for all animals except very weak lambs and sick dogs ; they 

 require a warmer room, from 62® to 70 "® F. A part of the dwelling 

 house is the best for them, if they are not too numerous. 



See that the place is dry and the drainage good. An elevated location 

 is better than a low-lying one. 



The food wants to be simple, clean, nutritious, easy of digestion by 

 being cooked, changed occasionally and administered often and in small 

 quantities. Give green food, always, when it can be got. Oats, corn, 

 barley, bran, shorts, etc., may be scalded with boiling water, covered and 

 'eft to steam till cold, and then given. It is a great advantage to have 

 the grain ground. Hay and water should always be given in Liberal 

 quantities ,• and see that they are clean and pure. Warm milk for calves, 

 and the same diluted and sweetened a little for Jambs and foals ; beef 

 lea, law eggs, porridge of either oat or corn meal and milk for dogs, and 

 the same for pigs will be found to be the best diet. In feeding sick ani- 

 mals g-ive a little, often, l)ut be careful not to over-feed, as that is liable 



