DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 249 



by taking a horse out of a pasture field and giving him a 

 hard day's work in the sun when not used to it. 



Symptoms. — Dullness and dryness of the skin are among 

 the earlier symptoms. Sweating when at work is not so 

 profuse as ordinarily. The appetite is poor and there is a 

 staggering sort of gait. Symptoms such as these may be 

 noticed two or three days before the climax is reached. He 

 finally staggers and falls, struggles for a time and then 

 remains quiet, having lost power to move and sense of feel- 

 ing. Pricking with a pin or knife apparently makes no 

 impression. The pupil of the eye is very much enlarged, the 

 pulse quick but weak and the breathing heavy. He is at this 

 stage unable to help himself. 



Treatment. — Apply cold, wet cloths and ice bags to the 

 head around the brain, and keep these on until he gets relief, 

 and give 



Sweet Spirits of Nitre 1 ounce or 4 dessertspoonfuls. 



Whisky 1 wineglassful. 



Mix in a half pint of cold water and give as a drench. 

 Repeat this every hour and a half or two hours until there is 

 a change for the better. Be careful in drenching while in this 

 state for fear of choking him. Continue treatment with a 

 dose of physic consisting of 



Bitter Aloes 8 to 10 drams. 



Bicarbonate of Soda 1 teaspoonful. 



Ginger 1 teaspoonful. 



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

 Should t he notice things about him and have a desire to eat 

 give soft food containing flaxseed. Give cold water in small 

 quantities but often. Should he remain lying for any length 

 of time in the same position, turn him over at least two or 

 three times a day to prevent the lungs from becoming affected 

 and cause him to be more comfortable. Apply plenty of 

 blankets to the body to keep it warm in order to lessen the 

 circulation of blood in the head. In this as in all other cases 

 when lying, keep plenty of dry bedding under him. As soon 

 as there is a desire to stand assist him to regain his feet. 



3. Concussion of the Brain. 



Causes. — Concussion of the brain is usually the result <?! 

 a severe injury to the head such as that which may occur 

 during a runaway, rearing and falling back or striking the 



