126 BUREAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY. 



Another and oftentimes a fatal mistake made by the nonprofessional 

 is the indiscrinnnate and reckless use of aconite. This drug is one of 

 the most active poisons, and should not be handled by anyone who 

 does not thoroughly understand its action and uses. It is only less 

 active than prussic acid in its poisonous effects. It is a common 

 opinion, often expressed by nonprofessionals, that aconite is a stimu- 

 lant. Nothing could be more erroneous; in fact, it is just the reverse. 

 It is one of the most powerful sedatives used in the practice of medi- 

 cine. In fatal doses it kills by paralyzing the very muscles used in 

 breathing; it weakens the action of the heart, and should not be used. 

 Do not give purgative medicines. If constipation exists, overcome it 

 by an allowance of laxative diet, such as scalded oats, bran, and linseed 

 mashes, and, if in season, grass. If the costiveness is not relieved by 

 the laxative diet, give an enema of about a quart of warm water three 

 or four times a day. 



A diet consisting principally of bran mashes, scalded oats, and, when 

 in season, grass or corn fodder is preferable if the animal retains an 

 appetite; but if no desire is evinced for food of this i>articular descrip- 

 tion, then the animal must be allowed to eat anything that will be 

 taken spontaneously. Hay tea, made by pouring l)oiling water over 

 good hay in a large bucket and allowing it to stand until cool, then 

 straining off the liquid, will sometimes create a desire for food. The 

 animal may be allowed to drink as much of it as he desires. Corn on 

 the cob is often eaten when ever3^thing else is refused. Bread may be 

 tried, also apples or carrots. If the animal can be persuaded to drink 

 milk, it may be supported by it for days. Three or 4 gallons of 

 sweet milk may be given during the day, in which maj^ be stirred 

 3 or 4 fresh eggs to each gallon of milk. Some horses will di-ink 

 milk, while others will refuse to touch it. It should be borne in 

 mind that all food nuist be taken by the horse as he desires it. No 

 food should be forced down him. If the animal will not eat, 3'ou will 

 only have to wait until a desire is shown for food. All kinds may be 

 offered, first one thing and then another, but food should not be 

 allowed to remain long in trough or manger; the very fact of it con- 

 stantly being before him will cause him to loathe it. When the animal 

 has no appetite for anything, the stomach is not in a proper state to 

 digest food, and if it is poured or drenched into him it will only cause 

 indigestion and aggravate the case. It is a good practice to do nothing 

 wdien there is nothing to be done that will benefit. This refers to 

 medicine as well as food. Nothing is well done that is overdone. 



There are many vakiable medicines used for the different stages and 

 different types of pneumonia, but in the opinion of the writer it is 

 useless to refer to them here, as this work is intended for the use of 

 those who are not sufficiently acquainted with the disease to recognize 

 its various types and stages; therefore they would only confuse. If 



