DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 253 



mustard plaster over the back, but if in very cold weather 

 put a half-pail of hot salt in a bag over the kidneys and apply 

 plenty of blankets, because what is necessary in cases of this 

 kind is plenty of heat to the back. Should he be able to stand 

 fairly well, keep him on his feet as much as possible. A 

 horse can stand for a couple of weeks without injury ; in fact 

 if he be allowed to lie down, his anxiety to get up may cause 

 him to flounder about to such an extent as to be in danger of 

 hurting himself in some way. Give 



Bitter Aloes 8 drams. 



Sweet Spirits of Nitre 1 ounce or 4 dessertspoonfuls. 



Bicarbonate of Soda 1 dessertspoonful. 



Ginger I dessertspoonful. 



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

 This will start the bowels and kidneys to act. In addition to 

 this give the following powders to strengthen the nerves: 



Powdered Nux Vomica % pound. 



Nitrate of Potash or Saltpetre l A pound. 



Ground Gentian Root % pound. 



Mix thoroughly and give a teaspoonful three times a day 

 on the tongue with a spoon, or in soft food containing plenty 

 of boiled flaxseed, and if he is able to walk give gentle 

 exercise every day. 



7. Inflammation of the Brain and Spinal Cord and Their 

 Coverings (Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis). 



Cerebro-spinal meningitis is primarily a congestion of the 

 brain, spinal cord and the coverings of these organs, which 

 finally develops into inflammation. It is comparatively new, 

 not being met with anywhere except on this continent. 



Causes. — It may be caused by being kept in a crowded 

 stable that is poorly ventilated and badly drained, or by 

 eating certain kinds of grasses that contain too much narcotic 

 properties, such as are grown in swamps. 



Symptoms. — These vary according to the organs most 

 affected. There is a noticeable trembling of different parts 

 of the body accompanied by dullness and loss of appetite. A 

 peculiar jerking in the limbs is noticeable as the disease 

 progresses, followed by staggering and falling and loss of 

 power to regain the feet. The pulse is quick but weak, the 

 bowels are costive and the urine is of a dark brown color. 

 After falling he lies quietly for a time in an apparently dull, 

 stupid conditior". This, however, passes off after a time and 



