DICTIONARY OF THE VETERINARY ART. 221 



that the outside edge of the upper grinders irritates or wounds 

 the cheek, and the inside of the lower grinders acts similarly 

 upon the tongue, or the skin connected with it. Whenever 

 a horse is observed to void unbroken oats with his dung, the 

 teeth and cheeks should be examined. It will often be found 

 necessary to rasp the outside edges of the upper grinders, and 

 sometimes the inner edge of the lower ones. 



Demulcents. Medicines of a mucilaginous kind, which 

 sheathe the mucous membranes when they are tender and 

 irritable, and defend them from the action of what would 

 otherwise injure them. Of this kind are marsh mallows, lin- 

 seed tea, solution of gum arabic. 



Dentition. The act of changing the teeth, which is going 

 on from the third to the fifth year. During this period, the 

 horse's mouth is apt to become tender, which renders it neces- 

 sary to keep him for a short time on scalded shorts, or boiled 

 carrots. 



Diabetes. An excessive discharge of urine, accompanied 

 by thirst and debility. There are three outlets for the fluids 

 of the body — the surface, the lungs, and the urinary passage. 

 When either is deficient in action, one of, or both the others, 

 must make up that deficiency ; so, excess in one produces 

 deficiency in the others ; hence, in diabetes we often find a 

 dry skin and staring coat ; and in excessive perspiration, the 

 urine is scanty, whatever be the organs affected, or whether 

 the one or the other be excessive or diminished. The indi- 

 cations are, to equalize the action of these opposing or sympa- 

 thizing surfaces, by restoring the diminished secretions, and 

 cleansing and toning the organ whose action is excessive. 

 All direct efforts to produce specific effects, without regard to 

 a balance of action through the whole animal, do more harm 

 than good. 



Diaphoretics. Medicines that promote insensible perspi- 

 ration, or excite moderate sweating. Of this class are lobelia 

 and thoroughwort, given in infusion. 



Diaphragm, Midriff, or Skirt. A muscular and tendi- 



