BROKEN WIND. 75 



structure induced thereby. Thick wind is usually the pre- 

 monitor of the disorder. When a portion of the lung has 

 been destroyed, the surface being thus reduced, a greater 

 effort must be required to supply the necessary quantity of 

 pure blood, and hence the violent efforts to effect this 

 purpose, when a portion of the air-cells are demolished. 



Remedies. — A radical cure of broken wind, I believe, has 

 never taken place ; that is, after a rupture of a portion of 

 the air-cells. All that can be effected is a palliation of the 

 complaint. The food should consist as much as possible of 

 that which affords the greatest nourishment in the smallest 

 compass. Oats, and particularly beans and peas, as well as 

 carrots, have this qualihcation. The bowels should be kept 

 gently open by means of an occasional limited meal of 

 green food, when in season ; and when this cannot be sup- 

 plied, then mild purgatives may be administered. The 

 following prescription may be used when required : — 

 Aloes . . . • Ig drachm, 

 Nitre . . . . 2 drachms , 

 to be given in a ball made of syrup or treacle, or it may be 

 given in a draught of gruel. When the bowels are suffici- 

 ently open, then they may be kept so by frequent mashes, 

 in place of hard and dry food. Let his drink be frequent 

 and in small quantities through the day, but after he is 

 suppered let him have an ample draught. Avoid exercise 

 or labour when the stomach is full. A broken- winded horse 

 should never be pastured, as, by having his stomach con- 

 stantly full and distended, the disease is increased. By 

 strict attention to all these rules, and by gentle, well-timed, 

 and progressive exercise, broken-winded horses may be 

 rendered capable of performing a fair proportion of labour, 

 and may even live a considerable number of years under the 

 influence of this affection, by cautious treatment. 



