DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 115 



the year. If the animal affected is in high condition use 



sedatives, such as 



Fleming's Tincture of Aconite 8 to 10 drops. 



Laudanum ^ oz. or 2 dessertspoonfuls. 



Mix in a pint of cold water and give as a drench every three 

 hours until the distressing symptoms have ceased and in- 

 flammation seems pretty well checked. If he seems to be 

 weak after this, give 



Sweet Spirits of Nitre 1 ounce or 4 dessertspoonfuls. 



Whisky 1 wine glass full. 



Mix with a pint of new milk or gruel and give three times a 

 day, morning, noon and night, until he seems stronger. Then 

 when he is getting better and needs a tonic to build up his 

 system and keep the kidneys in good action in order to 

 relieve the lungs as much as possible, give 



Nitrate of Potash or Saltpetre X A pound. 



Ground Gentian Root Va pound. 



Ground Aniseeds Y\ pound. 



Mix thoroughly and give a teaspoonful three times a day. 

 While sick feed on soft food, mixing a little boiled flax seed 

 with it to keep the bowels regular. If very thin in condition 

 it is best not to use much of the aconite and laudanum, 

 but commence the stimulants sooner than if he were in high 

 condition. Apply mustard and hot water cloths to the sides 

 and chest, and be sure to allow the horse to have plenty of 

 fresh air by having the stable well ventilated ; be careful, 

 though, not to allow any draft to strike him. 



13. Pleurisy. 



Pleurisy is an inflammation of the lining of the inside 

 of the ribs and over the lungs. This is a serious disease if 

 not taken in time and allowed to develop. 



Causes. — The causes are similar to those of inflammation 

 of the lungs, and it is often found that this and inflammation 

 of the lungs come together. The chief causes are exposure 

 to cold, standing in a draft, washing the body and not prop- 

 erly drying it or injuries to the ribs in any way. 



Symptoms. — The first symptom is shivering, the pulse 

 being quick and strong — much stronger than with conges- 

 tion or inflammation of the lungs. This is sometimes called 

 a wiry pulse. There seems to be great pain and heavy 

 breathing, which is noticed very much at the flanks. At the 

 commencement of the disease he will lie down, but, as a 



