286 WATER FARCT. 



WATER FARCY. 



This disease, together with anasarca and oedema may be classed 

 under a common head, as they are but modifications of the same 

 disease, which depends upon general debility for its existence. 

 Two stages are, however, said to exist ; one with inflammation, 

 and the other without ; one occurring in old horses, and the 

 other in young ones. One important difl'erence should be noted ; 

 the term anasai^ca is too extensive in its application to be 

 properly associated with this disease, the term oedema being 

 preferable to it, as having a local meaning and being more cir- 

 cumscribed in its limits. 



As symptoms, the legs, belly, sheath, and other parts become 

 swollen, and leave the impression of the fingers behind after 

 pressure. In old horses such pressure rarely causes pain, in- 

 flammation being absent ; but in young horses the legs particu- 

 larly are hot and painful to the touch. 



In this disease we must depend upon tonic and diuretic me- 

 dicines ; tonic, for the purpose of building up the system ; and 

 diuretic, to increase the secretions. The two should be com- 

 bined as foUow^s : of sulphate of iron, two ounces; pulverized 

 gentian root, one ounce; pulverized ginger, half an ounce; 

 nitrate of potash, one ounce ; mix, and divide into eight powders, 

 giving one night and morning, with good nourishing food, and 

 allowing no corn. Or, the following will be found very useful : 

 of sulphate of copper, one ounce; pulverized gentian root, one 

 and a half ounces; pulverized ginger, half an ounce ; nitre, one 

 ounce ; ground anise seed, six drachms ; mix, and divide into 

 eight powders, giving one night and morning. Hand-rubbing 

 and daily exercise will be necessary. 



