64 DISEASES OF ANIMALS. 



LOCKED JAW, OR TETANUS. 



This is the effect of some acute disease, and in some 

 cases it is a symptom of approaching death. In most 

 cases, the muscles of the jaws become so contracted and 

 rigid, that it is impossible to open the mouth to give food, 

 or medicine, and the animal dies of starvation. In some 

 cases, a tooth has been knocked out, and medicine given 

 that has relieved and cured. 



Causes. Pricking in shoeing, running a nail or other 

 thing into the foot, or other parts where there are many 

 nerves. Also, turning animals out on cold, wet nights, 

 after hard work and perspiration, and over driving. 

 Docking and nicking horses are causes, also. 



Symptoms. In the horse, there is a stiffness of the 

 neck and tail, and a constant spasm of the muscles of 

 voluntary motion. It is seldom preceded by any serious 

 illness, although the horse will appear dull for a few 

 days. As it approaches, he gulps his water, (swallows 

 with forcible action,) and quids his hay, (partly chews 

 and lets it fall out.) He stands stiff, with his legs 

 bracmg, his tail quivering, and despair in his looks. 



In cattle, the animal is off his food, and ceases to rumi- 

 nate, and stands with head protruded ; but as there is 

 no dryness of the muzzle, or coldness of the ears, the 

 attendant may not be alarmed, and not thinking of the 

 locked jaw, the animal is neglected. He continues the 

 same, rarely moving, and when made to turn, moves 

 stiffly. By examining the mouth in season, the disorder 

 may be known, and the animal saved. 



Remedy. At the Maryland Farmers' Club, Sir. Pearce, 

 U". S. Senator, stated that he had a horse that stepped on 

 a nail, and symptoms of locked jaw appeared eighteen 

 days after. He being absent, no remedies were used 

 till the third day, when the animal was bled, and aloes 

 administered, but without effect. He could scarcely 

 walk; his nostrils were distended and inflamed; nis 

 breathing difficult ; his tail stiff; he could not bend his 

 neck, and could eat nothing but a little mash. 



Galvanism was then tried, in shocks as severe as the 

 horse could bear. The currents were first passed through 



