DiAKRHOiA — Diuresis. 599 



In all affections of the bowels it is advisable to empty the latter part of the intestine by 

 "back-raking." This may readily be done : the hand, having been covered with oil or glycerine, 

 or rubbed over with soap and water, the horse's tail being forcibly elevated over the back by 

 an assistant, should then be carefully passed through the anus, and all foecal matter removed 

 that comes within reach. The hand should be small, and well greased, the operation should 

 be performed carefully and gently by a good-tempered man. 



Diarrhcea of an ordinary character is generally traceable to indigestible food, to sudden 

 change of diet, or irregular feeding. It may generally be arrested by better stable management, 

 the administration of antacids — of which the bicarbonate of potash, in Iialf-ouncc doses, is as 

 good as any — or of a viild purgative. 



Woi-ms. — In the opinion of the highest authorities there are only two or three of the 

 numerous worms which infest horses that are either irritating or injurious, while the greater 

 number of so-called worm medicines are mischievous to the horse and harmless to the worms. 



The presence of mischievous worms is shown by unnatural greediness, a rough staring 

 coat, a dry cough like a chronic cough, and itching, that causes the animal to rub his rump 

 and tail. The presence of the variety called scientifically oxynris is known by the appearance 

 of ova, in the form of a yellow powder, adhering to the anus. (See also p. 586, "Skin Diseases"). 



The safest and most reliable remedy as an internal dose is the areca nut, which possesses 

 powerful astringent qualities. A common nutmeg-grater will prepare the nut for use. A 

 dose, consisting of from two to eight drachms, according to the age and constitution of the 

 horse, may be administered every second day. It may be made into balls by a mixture of 

 oatmeal and honey. It may also be given in water as a drench, or, in the case of colts or 

 horses that object to physic, it may be mixed with a mash. A mild dose of aloes, or a 

 pint of linseed oil, may be administered after a few doses of the areca, if its action alone does 

 not expel a number of worms. 



Above all, the groom should not be allowed to give as worm medicine "powdered glass," 

 metal filings, or calomel, or any mineral poison. 



Diuresis, or Profuse Staling. — A disorder of the kidneys, due in most cases to feeding 

 upon kiln-dried or bleached oats or mow-burn hay ; it also arises from the incautious adminis- 

 tration of diuretic medicines. This disease may be checked in moderate attacks by change of 

 fodder and corn, or a disuse of the drugs. In obstinate cases, benefit will be found to arise from 

 the daily dose of the iodide of iron, one drachm, with half the quantity of powdered opium. 



Retention of Urine. — This is not unfrequently brought about by over-excitement, as, for 

 instance, when at the cover-side, or from long-continued exertion without opportunity of staling, 

 or from long e.xposure to wet and cold. With a view to prevent this taking place, the causes 

 should as far as possible be guarded against. With a little forethought this may be easily done. 

 When a horse is so attacked, he should be placed in a loose box, a rug dipped in hot water laid 

 across the loins, a drink of warm beer or warm spirit-and-water be given. All other maladies 

 of the urinary organs had better be entrusted to the skill of the expert. 



Megrims. — In this disease the horse, after travelling a short distance, usually in harness, 

 will shake his head and ears as though flies were annoying him, or something had got into his 

 ear. If stopped iuiincdialely he will rarely fall, but if pushed he will continue to hold his head 

 high and on one side, stagger, and drop ; will remain as it were faint for some minutes, and 

 then, if cold water be dashed on him, get up and resume his journey as if nothing was the matter. 



Somewhat similar attacks to these occasionally are the result of using a tight bearing- 

 rein, a badly-fitting collar or bridle, or from over-driving soon after feeding ; but if repeated 



