52G CHRONIC FOUNDER. 



ease, we should always guard against a transfer of inflam- 

 mation to the bowels : but mild nauseants, diaphoretics, or 

 other febrifuges may be usefully employed, as the following, 

 four times a day, in a pint of warm water : — 



Tincture of aconite half an ounce, of the strength 



of a drachm to an ounce. 



Infusion of Indian tobacco four drachms. 



Nitre two drachms. 



Allow plenty of tepid water to drink, feed very sparingly 

 indeed, and never force the horse to rise : the recumbent 

 position is the best, as that which favours the return of 

 blood from the feet ; and, to encourage it, bed him up well, 

 and have his body comfortably clothed. There is much 

 difference of opinion with regard to the propriety of blister- 

 ing in this affection, and it is most prudent to avoid it in 

 the early stage ; but it is beneficial when the active symp- 

 toms have decidedly abated, avoiding, however, the coronet. 

 Apply a cradle, and also wrap tow around the blistered part 

 in sufficient quantities to prevent injury to other parts ; and 

 should amendment occur, give a caution as to the liability 

 of recurrence on extraordinary exertions for some months. 

 Horses with acute founder have had frog setons inserted, 

 and these animals are said to have done well. 



CHRONIC FOUNDER. 



There are several states which might pass by this name ; 

 one is, when the coffin bone drops, as alluded to in the 

 previous disease ; it then rests with its toe, or point upon 

 the sole, which is soon cut through. Horses in this con- 

 dition are forced to work, but they never can recover the 

 use of their limbs. Every step is taken in agony. They 

 are lame for life, and no art which man possesses can render 

 them otherwise. Another is, when a horse has survived, 

 but imperfectly recovered from an acute attack. In this 

 case, also, the animal's existence is rendered miserable. 

 His affection is subject to increase by fits, and again to 

 abate. He is usually comparatively happy during very wet 

 weather. The last and best form of this lamentable dis- 

 order is, when it comes on gradually, never entirely vanish- 

 ing, but never assuming the acute type. Many such horses 

 are now at fast work ; they, however, perform slow motion 

 with comparative ease. The last two cases alone admit of 



