186 THE MODERN IIORSE DOCTOR. 



whole body, which does not take place in simple paralysis 

 facialis. 



Paralysis partialis is generally the sequel of indigestion ; 

 therefore the cure consists in restoring the digestive function to its 

 normal state. A change of diet, laxative medicines, tonics, ex- 

 ternal frictions, light work, and pure air, are the means best cal- 

 culated to restore the patient. The external irritant we gener- 

 ally make use of, in all cases of paralysis, is composed of 



Oil of cedar, 1 ounce. 



Tincture of capsicum, 6 ounces. 



Linseed oil, 1 pint. 



To be applied daily over the region of the spinal column, and in 

 the vicinity of the paralyzed parts. 



Whatever may be the cause of this disorder, we cannot err in 

 combining antispasmodics * with whatever medicines are admin- 

 istered. There are three kinds which we are much in favor of, 

 viz., assafoetida, garlic, and Indian hemp. The dose of the 

 former is, one drachm of the powder ; garlic we use in the form 

 of sirup — from one to three ounces ; and the latter in the form 

 of tincture — from one to three drachms. 



Should the patient, in consequence of overfeeding and want 

 of sufficient exercise, be in a state of plethora, which may be 

 known by a sleepy, unwilling gait, redness of the membranes of 

 the eye, constipated bowels, and thick, sometimes high-colored 

 urine, the antispasmodic may then be combined with six or seven 

 drachms of aloes, and a pint of warm gruel, with which the 

 horse may be drenched. The diet should be fine feed, scalded, 

 and well seasoned with salt. 



Paralysis is very frequently a symptom of cerebral disease, 

 and must be treated accordingly. See Staggers, &c. 



* Antispasmodics have been defined as " agents which overcome inordinate 

 muscular action ; " therefore all nauseants — and among them we include warm 

 water and lobelia — are antispasmodic. The reader has probably experienced 

 the relaxing and beneficial effects of a warm bath, or a warm cup of tea ; and 

 to reason from analogy, he may conclude that warm fluid, applied either inter- 

 nally or externally, has the same effect on a horse. Under the head of Anti- 

 spasmodics, Professor Morton enumerates alcohol, ether, oil of turpentine, 

 opium, spirit of nitric ether. Professor Curtis considers all the essential oils 

 antispasmodic. 



