FEEDING SICK HORSES 101 



over them ; usually, however, under the best conditions, 

 it will be from 6 to 8 per cent. The commonest diseases 

 are lameness, respiratory affections, colic, weed, and 

 harness sores. It is truly economical and very advisable 

 to serve out, along with the provender supplied for work- 

 ing horses, special sick rations of long hay, crushed oats, 

 green food, and bran. An outbreak of contagious disease, 

 such as influenza or pneumonia, will speedily demon- 

 strate the value of this procedure. 



During convalescence the feeding gradually approxi- 

 mates in kind to that of a working horse, and it is 

 to be remembered that the return of condition and 

 strength will depend largely upon suitable food, a sufficient 

 rest, and graduated exercise. Often a run at grass, if 

 the weather conditions are suitable, will work wonders in 

 an animal much reduced by an illness. Appetite may be 

 improved and the condition generally helped by adding 

 small amounts of malt, or molasses food, or even by the 

 provision of a piece of rock-salt. 



Thought and attention bestowed upon the feeding of a 

 sick horse are of immense value, whilst want of care in 

 this respect is fraught with very serious consequences to 

 the animal and so to the owner. 



