THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 41 



The disease probably originates in derangement of the stom- 

 ach and its associate digestive organs. It is very apt to termi- 

 nate fatally, either from effusion or extravasation. 



Treatment. — Here we are at fault, not having been very suc- 

 cessful in bringing such cases to a favorable termination. We 

 remember one case, however, that was considered hopeless ; and 

 by way of experiment we administered the unwarrantable dose 

 of half a pound of lobelia, expecting at the same time that it 

 would cause his death ; but, contrary to our expectations, he re- 

 covered. The remedy was followed up by stimulating injections 

 and cold water bandages around the head. 



The lobelia seemed to have no other effect than to produce 

 profuse perspiration, and this suggested the idea of placing such 

 patients in a vapor ba*k — an idea that we have not yet been able 

 to carry out. There is no doubt, however, that nauseating medi- 

 cines, in conjunction with the warm bath, will do as much to 

 relieve congestion in the horse as they have accomplished in 

 human medicine. 



If we had nothing but simple congestion to contend with in 

 the treatment of this malady, our success would be more certain ; 

 but cases now and then occur when some morbid change takes 

 place in the structure of the brain, so that our treatment avails 

 nothing. The treatment most likely to succeed in a curable case 

 consists in the administration of nauseating medicines. One 

 drachm of lobelia, with half the quantity of bloodroot, may be 

 given in warm water every hour. A dose of cathartic medicine 

 should be administered in the early stage of the disease, fol- 

 lowed by injections of salt and water. Counter irritation may 

 also be of service when applied to the extremities. 



Cathartics and nauseants must be our sheet anchor, and should 

 be repeated until a free evacuation has taken place ; for they 

 have a tendency to lessen the force of the circulation, and conse- 

 quently relieve the brain. The author is well aware of the 

 difficulty encountered in administering medicine to horses labor- 

 ing under disease of the brain and its investing membranes ; the 

 danger too, both as regards the person of the physician and the 

 life of the patient, must be taken into consideration ; for there are 

 times when the patient is unable to swallow, and if we should 

 4* 



