144 THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 



is more especially so if due to poison, as antidotes should 

 then be given. Should the patient be much depressed give : 



Whisky 1 wineglassful. 



Marshmallow Root 1 ounce. 



Steep the marshmallow root in a pint of boiling water, after 

 which is should be allowed to cool. Repeat every half hour 

 until relieved. 



Should it be ascertained that the inflammation is due to 

 mercury poisons, give, as a drench, in considerable quanti- 

 ties, the white of eggs and wheat flour mixed in lukewarm 

 water. Apply a mustard plaster of one-half pound of mus- 

 tard mixed with sufficient vinegar to make a paste. Rub this 

 in well over the stomach. Clothe the body well and make 

 him as comfortable as possible. When convalescent feed 

 soft food — warm mashes, etc., until the soreness leaves the 

 stomach. If there be but little depression and much severe 

 pain, give an ounce (four dessertspoonfuls) of laudanum 

 with the marshmallow instead of the whisky. 



4. Chronic Indigestion. 



Chronic indigestion, sometimes called dyspepsia, is quite 

 a common disease among horses, especially during the time 

 of shedding their teeth. 



Causes. — It may result from a disordered state of the 

 bowels or liver, or from a young horse's failure to chew his 

 food properly during the time he is shedding his teeth. It is 

 often the result of feeding dusty clover hay, of irregular feed- 

 ing and watering or of high feeding. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms are not alarming. There is, 

 however, a gradual falling off in condition and weakness, 

 together with a tendency to sweat easily. The coat is dry 

 and dusty, and he does not seem to have any ambition. The 

 manure is of a dark clay color, and he is sometimes attacked 

 with little fits of colic or pain in the bowels. Licking the 

 walls and manger and apparently a craving appetite are also 

 symptoms that are sometimes noticeable. 



Treatment. — Give him a change of feed and a dose of 

 physic consisting of the following: 



Bitter Aloes 8 drams. 



Bicarbonate Soda 1 dessertspoonful. 



Ginger 1 dessertspoonful. 



Mix in a pint of lukewarm water and give as a drench. 

 Allow the animal to stand in the stable until the physic 



