558 THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE 



given iu large quantities. The foregoing are very rare causes, and can only 

 get into a horse's stomach by an ignorant poisoner intentionally. 



Arsenic, in the form of weed-killer or sheep-dip, has proved fatal to not a 

 few, either from getting mixed with the food, or being discovered and eaten 

 by horses. It is also given, but happily less often in the present day, as a 

 vermifuge, and to make the coat shine, by lazy attendants. All that the 

 horseman can do in such accidental poisonings, is to give milk and eggs and 

 linseed tea while sending for a professional man, who should be informed of 

 the probable cause, an omission of common occurrence in the excitement and 

 hurry of dispatching a message. It is only by coming prepared with antidotes 

 that the veterinary surgeon can hope for any success. 



With an abatement of the symptoms, careful nursing and diet may 

 succeed in restoring the patient to health, as the stomach is capable of 

 effecting wonderful repairs, as may.be seen by the industrious student who 

 examines a large number at the slaughterer's yards. 



Chronic Gastritis pi-esents the same symptoms only in a less marked 

 degree, and the treatment is much the same, diet being the primary con- 

 sideration. 



STOMACH STAGGERS 



This disease is induced by over-gorging the stomach, and is a frequent 

 result of feeding upon cooked foods, which the animal swallows without suffi- 

 cient insalivation (see Digestion). Watering after a full meal, long fasting 

 and greedy feeding, also contribute to distend the stomach beyond its capa- 

 city to contract upon the food within it. 



Symptoms. — Colicky pain with eructations, pawing with the front feet, 

 trembling, sometimes vomiting and discharge through the nostrils. These 

 symptoms are common to gastritis, but a comatose condition follows. In so- 

 called staggers the animal stands in a dazed and stupid condition, resting 

 his forehead against the manger or leaning against a wall or post, and if 

 compelled to move staggers as if intoxicated. The breathing is slow and 

 laborious, actual snoring being not uncommon. The pulse is full in volume 

 and slow. 



Treatment. — The comatose condition is best treated by copious bleeding, 

 without which a fit of delirium or rupture of the stomach may occur before 

 other remedies have had time to act. A full dose of aperient medicine may 

 be given at the same time, four to eight drachms of aloes in the form of a 

 bolus being a suitable one. 



With convalescence great care in the matter of diet must be observed, 

 and the subject of this disease will always be liable to its recurrence. 



GRASS STAGGERS 



With the advance of summer and when the grasses ai^e in seed, it is sup- 

 posed that some narcotic principle is developed in them, for it is at such 

 times this affection is met with. It does not come on with the sudden- 

 ness of sleepy or stomach staggers, and may appear among a number of 

 horses at the same time. If noticed early, the animal is seen to walk with 



