196 THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 



Treatment. — If she has been remaining in the stable, tun. 

 her out so that there may be plenty of gentle exercise every 

 day. Give powders of 



Nitrate of Potash or Saltpetre X A pound. 



Sulphur V\ pound. 



Ground Gentian Root l A pound. 



Mix thoroughly together and give a teaspoonful twice a 

 day in the feed until she foals. 



This is not a serious disease, but it is well not to neglect 

 treatment, although it usually disappears after delivery. 



23. Premature Delivery (Abortion). 



If a mare be liable to lose her foal or be delivered before 

 her natural time, it usually occurs before the sixth month. 

 It may occur, however, after that time. 



Causes. — It usually comes as a result of a severe strain 

 of some kind, such as that necessary in pulling or backing a 

 heavy load, slipping or falling, etc. The smell or sight of 

 blood may cause it. 



Symptoms. — There is uneasiness. She lies down and 

 stands up alternately. The labor pains soon come on and 

 the water bag makes its appearance. Should conditions be 

 favorable, delivery takes place in the usual manner. 



Treatment. — Should there be difficulty, proceed as directed 

 in Sub-division II. of this chapter. Give 



Raw Linseed Oil 1 pint. 



Spirits of Turpentine 1 ounce or 4 dessertspoonfuls. 



Mix and give as a drench. Should inflammation of the 

 womb follow abortion, refer to the treatment outlined in 

 Section 18 of this chapter. 



24. "Drying" a Mare. 



Give eight drams of bitter aloes and a teaspoonful each 

 of ginger and bicarbonate of soda. Dissolve in a pint of luke- 

 warm water and give as a drench. After giving this drench 

 allow her to remain quietly in the stable for a day or two. 

 Bathe the bag once a day with forge water. This can be ob- 

 tained at any blacksmith shop. It is the water in which the 

 blacksmith cools the hot iron. Continue bathing for a week. 

 After bathing, each time, milk out a little of the milk once a 

 day, and gradually discontinue this by doing so every other 

 day, then every third day. then once a week, then discontinue 

 milking altogether. Milk the bag dry the last time. During 

 treatment feed dry, hard food. • 



