250 THE PRACTICAL HORSE KEEPER. 



water, and allow the animal to swallow some, if he can. If 

 possible, place the head down hill, or on a lower level than the 

 body. Hand-rub the legs and ears well, after removing the 

 bridle and slackening the girths. When the horse can swallow, 

 give a stimulant, which may be one or two wine-glassfuls of 

 spirit in a quart of water, or a quart of old ale warmed, with 

 some powdered ginger added. When the horse gets up the 

 surface of the body should be well rubbed, wisped, and dried. 



Cold or Catarrh. 



This is one of the most common diseases of the horse, and 

 which may be said to be due in nearly every case to bad stable 

 management, or bad stables. There is nasal discharge, often 

 fever and cough, with more or less languidity and weakness. 



In this condition, the chief treatment consists in careful 

 nursing. A comfortable, well-ventilated stable or loose-box, 

 and clothing the body and legs ; moist and warm food, without 

 much corn, are all that is necessary, except it be a little nitrate 

 of potass in the water. If there is constipation, one or two 

 ounces of sulphate of magnesia may be given at intervals, and 

 its action may be supplemented by an enema of tepid water. 

 If the cough is troublesome, stimulating liniment, mustard or 

 its extract, may be applied to the throat. If the breathing 

 becomes quickened, the cough more severe, fever increased, and 

 appetite diminished, a veterinary surgeon should be sent for, 

 as inflammation of the lungs, bronchitis^ or pleurisy, is to be 

 apprehended. 



Congestion of the Lungs. 



Acute congestion of the lungs is a serious condition, and is 

 often seen in horses called upon to do severe fast work when 

 not properly prepared, and especially when brought into hot 

 stables. Indeed, over-heated and badly-ventilated stables are 

 a common cause of congestion of the lunsfs. Horses in high 



