328 MANUAL OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



A moderate dose of some purgative should be administered 

 in the first place, and the bowels afterwards kept open by 

 a laxative diet of mashes and oatmeal gruel. 



The wound, if there be any, should be carefully examined, 

 and all irritating matter washed away. 



In cases of tetanus following docking, the operation is 

 repeated by some, but is condemned by other authorities. 

 The late Mr, D. Gresswell advocated the repetition of the 

 operation in such cases. 



Of the many remedies recommended for the treatment 

 of tetanus may be mentioned — belladonna, hydrocyanic 

 acid, nicotine, aconite, chloroform, chloral hydrate, bro- 

 mides of sodium and potassium, morphia. Calabar bean, 

 salicine, and alkalies. 



Of the Calabar bean and its alkaloid, physostigmina, we 

 cannot speak favourably. 



On the whole we have had most success with nicotine^ 

 chloroform, tincture of aconite, caustic potash and mo7yhia. 



Chloral hydrate has also proved of value in many cases. 



Belladonna may be given in the form of extract or tinc- 

 ture. If the extract be selected, about one drachm or more 

 may be given three times daily. It may be administered 

 by smearing it over the tongue or by placing it among the 

 back teeth. 



Tincture of aconite or morphia are very useful in allaying 

 severe paroxysms, as also is chloroform. 



If hydrocyanic acid and bromide of potassium be given, 

 they may be added to the drinking water. Of the hydro- 

 cyanic acid, 5i. may be given three times daily with 5ii. — 

 5iv. of potassium bromide. 



With regard to the question of slinging, authorities are 

 not of one opinion. We are disposed to advocate slinging 

 in the early stages, in the case of heavy draught horses 

 used for agricultural or other purposes. 



