DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 261 



Symptoms. — There is loss of appetite, slight trembling 

 and fever followed by lameness and swelling along the inside 

 of the leg — usually the hind leg — just inside of the thigh. In 

 the earlier stages this swelling makes its appearance along 

 the line of the lymphatic vessels in the form of a hard cord. 

 Press the fingers upon this cord and immediately the leg is 

 thrown out and up and is apparently very stiff and sore. 



This condition is followed by much greater swelling 

 extending all the way down and around, in some cases 

 becoming as large as a stovepipe. The leg is sore and sensi- 

 tive and frequently held from the floor, causing considerable 

 pain, as indicated by turning the head to look at it frequently. 

 , Should a front leg be affected the symptoms are similar, 

 the swelling commencing at the chest and extending down on 

 the inside. The pulse is quickened and the breathing heavier 

 than is natural. A second attack is much more liable than a 

 first, a third than a second and so on, until frequent attacks 

 terminate in elephantiasis, or big leg. 



Treatment. — Clear the blood of the extreme richness as 

 soon as possible, by bleeding — take four quarts of blood from 

 him if he is strong and fat, and give a physic of 



Bitter Aloes 8 to 10 drams. 



Bicarbonate- of Soda 1 dessertspoonful. 



Ginger 1 dessertspoonful. 



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

 If you bleed, give only 8 drams of aloes, and use the follow- 

 ing powders : 



Nitrate of Potash or Saltpetre % pound. 



Sulphur 14 pound. 



Ground Gentian Root y A pound. 



Mix thoroughly and give a teaspoonful three times a day 

 on the tongue with a spoon or in the food. Feed soft food, 

 with plenty of boiled flaxseed in it, to keep the bowels loose. 

 Bathe the leg with lukewarm water — as warm as you can 

 bear your hand in it — containing some saltpetre and vinegar, 

 for nearly an hour at a time, three times a day. After wiping 

 dry, rub well with white liniment weakened nearly one-half 

 by adding water. If in very cold weather, bandage the leg to 

 keep from getting cold in it after the bathing. Allow him to 

 stand quietly for three or four days until the inflammation is 

 checked in the gland ; then commence to exercise a little 



