THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 197 



condition of these systems reacts in confirming the idea that 

 these causes are, as they seem to be, of an anti-vital character." 

 Taking into consideration, then, that tetanus is a disease of a 

 depressing character, we must support the vital powers ; and if 

 the case is one supposed to originate from the introduction of a 

 foreign body within the hoof, or from any other injury evolving 

 pain, the sooner we commence to give stimulants and nutritive 

 food the better. Flour or oatmeal gruel, made thin enough for 

 the animal to suck up, and seasoned with salt, should be kept 

 before him ; and whatever medicine seems requisite may be 

 administered in this way. As a standing daily medicine, we use 

 the following, and we can conceive of no case that would contra- 

 indicate its use. Take 



Powdered assafcetida, ... 12 drachms, 



" carbonate of iron, . 6 drachms, 



" capsicum, ... 3 drachms, 



Salt, 1 ounce, 



Cream of tartar, 2 ounces. 



Mix ; divide the mass into twelve parts, and give one every 



night. The jaws and spine are to be rubbed for at least two 



hours, daily, with a portion of the following : — 



Tincture of capsicum, 1 



Essence of ^'. \ ■ °f each Ja pint. 

 Beef's gall, ... J 



The parts are also to be occasionally lubricated with olive oil ; 

 the jaws to be encircled with flannel. Should the horse have been 

 pricked in the foot, take off the shoe, and having found the orifice 

 where the nail entered, examine it, and see if there be any foreign 

 body within it ; if so, remove it ; enlarge the outer orifice with the 

 point of a knife ; then, having cleansed the part, apply the follow- 

 ing poultice : — 



Powdered hemlock bark, ^ 



" lobelia, > equal parts. 



" slippery elm, ) 



Moisten with boiling water, then add a handful of soft soap. 

 When sufficiently cool, apply it to the foot in the usual manner, 

 renewing it daily. If at the end of three or four days no dis- 

 charge appears, it may be discontinued, and a common dressing 

 of tincture of aloes applied. 

 17* 



