98 THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 



People generally suppose that cold and exposure are the sole 

 causes of catarrh ; yet it is a well-known fact, that many horses 

 take cold even though they have not, within several days, some- 

 times weeks, been in a situation where cold could be taken after 

 this fashion; in short, have not left their warm, comfortable 

 stables. But we must remember that a high temperature is just 

 as likely to bring on a cold as any other cause, especially when 

 the subject has been liberally fed ; and, indeed, veterinary writers 

 of the present day teach that catarrh, in general, oftener arises 

 from heat than cold. But after all, an insalubrious atmosphere 

 may be set down as the chief cause of common colds. 



Treatment of common Catarrh. — If the weather be cold, let 

 the animal have comfortable quarters, and a good bed of clean 

 straw. A blanket may be thrown over the body, and the legs 

 should first be well rubbed with a wisp of straw, and then ban- 

 daged with flannel. It has often been remarked, that if a man's 

 feet are cold, his whole system is chilled, and the same may be 

 said of the horse ; for, so long as the feet of the latter are cold, 

 we cannot expect to equalize the circulation, or restore the ex- 

 halant function. The diet should consist of scalded shorts, and 

 these should be given warm, for the steam arising from them aids 

 the nasal discharge, and relaxes local strictures. We have fre- 

 quently given, with good effect, a quart of linseed tea, sweetened 

 with honey, night and morning. If the throat is sore, a little 

 powdered bloodroot may be added. The soreness of the throat 

 may be relieved by the following : — 



Olive oil, 8 ounces. 



Oil of cedar, 1 ounce. 



To be rubbed around the parts night and morning. Yet, in 

 slight cases, a simple flannel bandage fastened around the neck 

 might answer the purpose just as well. We frequently employ 

 the following, with a view of regulating the secretions, and lubri- 

 cating the mucous surfaces : — 



Powdered elecampane, 2 ounces, 



" licorice, 4 ounces, 



Cream of tartar, 1 ounce, 



Powdered bloodroot, 4 drachms, 



" slippery elm, 8 ounces. 



Mix ; divide into eight parts, and give one night and morning. 



