DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 199 



The urine -instead of coming naturally conies through the 

 navel. In possibly twenty-four hours, or thereabout, the 

 swelling is removed to one of the other legs. After removing 

 from one part to the other in this manner for a few days the 

 rheumatism settles in one of the joints, where it festers and 

 breaks. The discharge smells very bad and apparently comes 

 from the bone. In time the discharge ceases, heals up, onlv 

 to break out in like manner at some other point, and so con- 

 tinues until the colt dies from weakness. In other cases the 

 swelling does not break and discharge, but there is a con- 

 tinual running from the navel which, because of its weaken- 

 ing effect, finally causes death. 



Treatment. — When the discharge from the navel is first 

 noticed, if treated properly, it can be cured. Apply Monsell's 

 solution of iron to the navel with a feather, four or five times 

 a day. This will stop the discharge. Rub the swollen joints 

 four or five times a day with white liniment, and give the 

 foal half a teaspoon ful of salicylic acid, on the tongue, three 

 times a day. If taken in time, before the joints begin to run, 

 this treatment will invariably effect a cure. After the joints 

 break, bathe with warm water three or four times a day, and 

 apply white lotion. Sometimes a pure case of leaking at the 

 navel without rheumatism is met with. Treat this by apply- 

 ing Monsell's solution of iron to the navel, with a feather, 

 four or five times a day, until it stops leaking. Keep the colt 

 very quiet and warm. 



4. Weakness of the Legs and Joints. 



Bandage the legs to support and strengthen them. 

 Massage or hand rub them well. Should the colt be unable 

 to stand, raise him up four or five times a day to enable him 

 to suck and give him every chance possible to strengthen his 

 legs. 



5. Crooked Legs. 



In some cases the foal may be "over on the knees," and 

 in others the defect may be in the hind legs. 



Treatment. — Leave the foal alone ; do not try to do any- 

 thing to the legs. Feed him well, and as he gets strong his 

 legs will straighten. 



6. Distemper. 



This is frequently met with in foals, and is fully dealt 

 with in Chapter XV, Section 5. 



