DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 195 



21. Inflammation of the Milk Bag (Garget). 



This is inflammation of the glands which secrete the 

 milk ; it is not so common in mares as it is in cows. 



Causes. — It is caused by getting cold, by lying on the 

 cold, damp ground in the fall or spring, by improper sucking 

 or by an injury of some kind. 



Symptoms. — The bag is hard, hot and tender and is 

 slightly swollen. The appetite is poor and there is some 

 indication of fever. It is difficult to milk her because of the 

 soreness of the bag, and the milk is thin and watery, contain- 

 ing curdy-like milk which comes out in jerks. 



Treatment. — Give 



Laudanum 1 ounce or 4 dessertspoonfuls. 



Nitrate of Potash, or Saltpetre 1 teaspoonful. 



Fleming's Tincture of Aconite 5 drops. 



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

 but if she should be costive mix in a pint of linseed oil instead 

 of water. Bathe the bag well with warm water and vinegar 

 three times a day, wipe dry and apply the white liniment 

 weakened one-half by the addition of water. After applying 

 the liniment oil the bag well with goose oil. The bag should 

 be well milked out, either by the hand or by allowing the 

 colt to suck. 



If this treatment is not effective because of not being 

 taken in time, the bag festers, continues to swell and becomes 

 very sensative and sore. In a short time the milk ceases to 

 flow and matter forms. Treat by bathing with warm water 

 and vinegar, after which apply liniment and goose oil. Con- 

 tinue this treatment until a soft spot can be detected in the 

 swelling. Lance at this point to allow the matter to escape. 

 After lancing continue bathing with warm water and vinegar 

 four or five times a day, but instead of the liniment use the 

 white lotion. 



Should the case be a severe one it is better to prevent 

 the colt sucking for a time, as the impurity of the milk may 

 make him sick. 



22. Swelling Along the Belly Before Foaling (Dropsy). 



Symptoms. — This swelling commences at the bag three 

 or four weeks before foaling and continues gradually forward 

 until it extends out between the front legs. The general 

 appearance otherwise seems to be quite natural and the 

 appetite is apparently as good as usual. 



