82 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 



thing is quite certain, that it is more common in the middle 

 of spring or beginning of autumn. Some seasons it is 

 epidemical, and horses in many different parts of the same 

 district will be attacked by it ; and it seems to prevail more 

 when wet and cold weather sets in at those seasons, par- 

 ticularly if it alternates from heat to cold. Many circum- 

 stances have led to the belief that this complaint is 

 infectious, and it is only proper to remove horses labouring 

 under it to some distance from the others. 



Remedies. — Much skill is required in the treatment of 

 thi-s disorder, and it is necessary to study it with great 

 attention before remedial means are attempted, whether by 

 the veterinary surgeon or the owner of the horse. Fever 

 is one of its earliest symptoms, which is rapidly succeeded 

 by loss of strength. If at the first appearance the disorder 

 is ascertained, bleeding should be immediately resorted to, 

 but care must be taken not to overdo this. We can give no 

 specific quantity, as this will depend upon the state of the 

 febrile excitement. But we would recommend that it never 

 should exceed four quarts, although, in most cases, from two 

 to three will suffice. Always avoid taking as much as will 

 produce faintness. Should the pulse become hard and 

 rapid after the first bleeding, then it will be necessary to 

 repeat it. And if coldness in the limbs, with redness of the 

 mucous membrane of the nose ensue, more blood must again 

 be taken, but the quantity should be limited. If with these 

 symptoms weakness prevails, and the horse staggers, and if 

 the inside of the nostrils present a livid hue, then bleeding 

 would be prejudicial 



But whatever condition the animal is in, the bowels 

 should De cleared out. The following purgative may be 

 administered : — 



Barbadoes aloes . • 2 drachms, 



