178 THE HORSE 



DiARRHCEA AND ScOUR IN FOALS 



Horses sometimes suffer from super-purgation, the 

 result of an, overdose of physic ; a change from dry food 

 to grass ; through the irritation produced by worms, 

 and other causes. Colts are frequently troubled with a 

 severe form of diarrhoea and they gradually become 

 emaciated, finally dying, unless appropriate treatment 

 has been adopted early on in the affection. The cause of 

 this trouble is usually parasitic, being due to what is 

 known as the four-spined strongyles, whose habitat is 

 in the large intestines, into the wall of which they enter, 

 or migrate from here into other situations. The strongyles 

 referred to seem to be more abundant on some grazing 

 land than in others, but the method of infection has not 

 been properly worked out. If a colt is affected in this 

 manner it should be housed, most liberally fed and put 

 on a course of iron tonic powders. Worm medicines are 

 useless, but arsenical preparations are invaluable. If this 

 trouble is suspected, send for the veterinary surgeon. 

 Foals frequently suffer from scour or acute diarrhoea and 

 they sometimes die from this trouble. Begin treatment 

 with a couple of ounces of castor oil to remove the source 

 of irritation. A drachm of chlorodyne can, with advan- 

 tage, be added to the oil. As in the last case, have profes- 

 sional advice. 



Lymphangitis (Weed) 



This affection seems to be closely associated with diges- 

 tive disturbance and congestion of the absorbent vessels 

 and glands. It is a very common trouble, particularly 

 amongst heavy draught horses, especially those of 

 sluggish temperament. Light horses are not exempt 

 from the complaint, but the proportion of sufferers 

 in animals under 15 hands is comparatively slight. One 

 attack of weed, also known in Scotland as a " shoot of 

 cold," predisposes the animal to subsequent attacks, 



