INFLAMMATIONS.] 



THE HOESE, AND 



[titflammatioxs. 



approach is indicated by the symptoms before 

 recited. 



The most rational method of ctore for these 

 diseases is, by correcting or discharging the 

 primary cause, which will be to allay the 

 spasms, and to reduce the extreme degree of 

 irritability, by strengthening the nervous sys- 

 tem. To obtain this end, the first step will, 

 at all events, be to draw blood, the quantity to 

 be regulated according to the state of the sub- 

 ject. In cases of real alarm and danger, take 

 from six to eight quarts away at once ; and we 

 have seen much relief obtained in bleeding 

 from the jugular vein, and the thigh vein, both 

 at the same time. It causes a greater revul- 

 sion in the system, although it becomes abso- 

 lutely necessary afterwards to stimulate and 

 rouse the animal powers. As little can be 

 done during the time of the fit or paroxysm, 

 prepare a clyster of warm water, in which a 

 handful of salt should be put, and given as 

 soon as possible. 



Should spasms or convulsions prove so 

 violent, that by a contraction of the muscles 

 the jaws become locked, or fixed for any con- 

 siderable length of time, recourse must be had 

 to nutritive clysters, that the constitution may 

 be supported. Notwithstanding its inability 

 to receive aliment by other means, there are 

 several kinds of nutritive clysters, that may 

 easily and expeditiously be prepared, consist- 

 ing of broths of different kinds, which most 

 houses have in readiness. Oatmeal gruel, in 

 which a little starch has been mixed, is an ex- 

 cellent strengthening clyster. These clysters 

 should frequently be given, until a ball can be 

 safely administered. If the mouth be not suf- 

 ficiently open to admit of the hand being safely 

 introduced, take one of the cordial restorative 

 balls — see List of Medicines — and dissolve it in 

 about a pint of warm water, and carefully horn 

 it down. This will rouse the system from the 

 debilitating effects of the spasms. 



If the horse is not sufficiently relieved, but 

 still keeps drowsy, and inclines to hang his 

 liead down, or bear against anything, as it 

 were, for a resting-post, immediately bleed again 

 from the opposite jugular vein, and also from 

 the opposite thigh-vein, taking as mucli blood 

 away as he can possibly bear. Then take of 

 Tartar Emetic .... 1 drachm. 

 Hog's Lard . . . . 1 oz. 

 288 



Form into an ointment, and rub the whole at 

 once on the forehead. This will cause pimples 

 to rise, which will speedily relieve the brain. 



Should any local paralytic affection, or con- 

 traction of the muscles, produce a stiffness or 

 inactivity upon any part, recourse must be had 

 to friction, with penetrating embrocations ; for, 

 during the paroxysms of the disease, the animal 

 is so liable to injure himself locally, that it is 

 necessary to use stimulating applications to 

 remove the bruises, &c., that he may have 

 received. Tor this purpose take 



Oil of Tar 4 oz. 



Oil of Turpentine .... 2 do. 



Spirits of Wine 2 do. 



Mix, and apply to the parts affected, night and 

 morning. This must not be negligently done, 

 and should be persevered in for twenty minutes 

 at each dressing. 



Horses of a full plethoric habit, when at- 

 tacked with this disease, should, as soon after 

 recovery as they are able to bear it, be brought 

 under a course of regular evacuations ; such as 

 are most applicable to their size, state, consti- 

 tution, and condition. If they are inclined to 

 fluctuating humours, or viscid heavy foulness, 

 give one or two purging-balls, according to 

 strength, &c., as before remarked. (See List of 

 Medicines). If purgative medicine should be 

 considered too strong, change it to alterative, 

 which will act more mildly, and have a good 

 effect. Give, at the same time, soft food, as 

 bran mashes, or mashes with a little corn in 

 them. 



If the disease should have arisen from worms 

 affecting the stomach, administer the mer- 

 curial purging-balls ; for which, see List of 

 Medicines. 



INFLAIMMATION OF THE STOMACH, OR 

 STOMACH STAGGERS. 



Stomach staggers is a disease to which many 

 horses fall victims ; few, or rarely any, recover- 

 ing from the effects of its attack. Geuerall}' 

 speaking, it almost always proves fatal ; and al- 

 though many practitioners have boasted of being 

 possessed of a remedy, and although many cures 

 have been said to have been effected by them, 

 such cures have not taken place in what may 

 be denominated stomach staggers. In exam- 

 ining horses that have died of this disease, the 

 stomach has been generally loaded with hard, 



