436 CYCLOPEDIA OF LIVE STOCK AND COMPLETE STOCK DOCTOR. 



Vn. Sun-Stroke. 



This is common in some parts of the country, especially in large cities. 

 It is a loss of water in the blood, owing to overheating of it, especially in 

 humid atmosphere. It is usually fatal unless promptly and vigorously 

 treated. All the functions of the body are interfered with or almost 

 stopped. 



Causes. — Exposure to the hot sun, or over-exertion in hot weather, 

 even if the sun is not shining. Some animals are more subject to it than 

 others, probably depending upon the condition of the system at the time. 



How to know it. — The horse may be sweating and suffering with the 

 heat, when suddenly he will stop sweating and dry off; will begin to 

 stagger; get dumpish, deaf, weak and stupid; there will be labored breath- 

 ing and he will soon drop in the road in an unconscious condition; the 

 breathing will become more and more labored till death takes place, which 

 will be in from half an hour to two or three hours if no relief is given. 

 The surface of the body will be found to be very hot to the touch of the 

 hand. 



What to do.— When the horse begins to suffer and labor with the heat, 

 let him stop in the shade ; give a few swallows of cold water to drink, 

 and also sponge off the head and face with cold water. After half an 

 hour he will be able to go on. If he has been compelled to go till he 

 drops, or even till he is in a staggering condition, throw cold watei- all 

 over him ; or if it is in a city where a hose can be used, keep it playmg 

 on him from head to tail continuously till he is cooled off ; then leave 

 him in a cool place, but not in a draft ; let him rest till next day. If It 

 is in the country throw cold water over him by the bucketful till he 

 recovers. If he goes down, use ice on the back if possible. As soon as 

 he 5s sufficiently recovered to be able to swallow safely, give the fol- 

 lowing drench : 



No. 65. 2 Ounces whiskey. 



y^ Ounce sweet spirits of nitre, 

 1 Drachm nitrate of potash, 

 }4^ Teacuiiful water, 

 Mix. 



Give as one dose, and repeat it every hdf hour till he is pretty well 

 recovered ; then drop off to every four or six hours. Leave him in the 

 stable at least a week, and be very careful of him for a long time. 

 During recovery feed on soft food — grass if it can l)e got. If it leaves 

 him weak and staggering in his gait, clip off the hair from the back and 

 blister with recipe No. 9. 



