456 SPORADIC DISEASES. 



liorse is thirsty, aud will drink cold water freely and to manifest 

 advantage. 



There is no necessity to aggravate the disease by either stimu- 

 lants or sedatives. They always do harm during the first stages 

 of the malady. If, however, towards the tliird day the animal 

 seems depressed, moderate doses of spirits of nitrous ether may he 

 given two or three times daily ; and about this time attempts 

 should be made to get the horse on its legs. If unable to do 

 so without assistance, tlie slings should be placed under it, and 

 it is to be gradually placed on its feet. At first it will be mucli 

 disinclined to stand, and will be apt to fall from muscular 

 weakness ; but if tlie limbs are supported and smartly hand 

 rubbed for some minutes, they will regain much of their lost 

 power, the horse will begin to " feel himself," as is commonly 

 said, and will often commence to feed and do well. It should 

 be kept in the slings for a few days, but taken out occasionally 

 for a little exercise ; and when allowed to lie down for the first 

 time, it should be carefully watched, as it is apt to knock about 

 very much if unable to rise with ease. 



During the first few days the diet is to be of the lightest 

 description and restricted in quantity, but when convalescence 

 has commenced, it must be moderately nutritive and easy of 

 digestion, as much muscular debility exists in the digestive 

 apparatus as well as in the voluntary muscles. At this stage a 

 few doses of nux vomica may be given with advantage. 



I have never seen any benefit accrue from external applica- 

 tions to the loins or back. On the contrary, fomentations, 

 frictions, stimulants, or blisters increase the irritability of the 

 animal, cause it to struggle when it otherwise would remain 

 quiet, and do much harm. 



If the pathology of the disease be borne in mind, the prac- 

 titioner will at once see that the symptoms will cease as 

 the morbid material in the blood is eliminated, and that the 

 first and great aim of treatment is to ell'ect this, after which the 

 muscular debility must command his attention ; and if there are 

 indications of failure of the heart's action in two or three days 

 after attack, stimulants are to be administered with freedom. 



Any of the ordinary stimulants will answer the purpose, but 

 perhaps we should exclude ammonia, as the blood-poisoning 

 products are too similar to that medicament. 



