922 DISEASES AKD THEIR TREATMENT. 



weather, occurs generally on a heavy pull going up hill ; probably 

 from pressure of the collar interrupting the return of blood from 

 the head, or "the long-continued constraint the bearing-reins put 

 the head to," may prove the exciting causes in animals predisposed 

 to it. 



Symptoms.— All at once, when going along the road, he is 

 observed to jei-k up his head in a convulsive manner; he seems 

 giddy, reels, staggers, may fall down and lie for a few moments 

 insensible ; he gets up, looks stupidly about, shakes himself, and 

 proceeds as if nothing had happened. 



At other times he merely stops, experiences a few convulsive 

 movements of the head, with slight giddiness, which by letting 

 him stand a few minutes soon passes off. He is ever after subject 

 to these fits, especially during the hot summer months. 



Treatment. — When depending on organic changes in the 

 brain, it is incurable, and is subject to these attacks from time to 

 time. When a fit comes on on the road, stop him at once, throw 

 the collar forward off^ his shoulders and let him stand ; if conven- 

 ient, pour a stream of cold water over his head. Bleeding in the 

 mouth has been recommended, but is quite empirical; it soon 

 passes off". When occurring in a young horse for the first time, he 

 should be well physicked out, and if worms are suspected, treat as 

 recommended for worms. Tonics are often beneficial, especially 

 arsenic given in doses of from three to five grains daily. Megrim 

 subjects are dangerous hacks, and should only be used where they 

 can do no harm to life or property. 



Sun Stroke. 



This is liable to occur during the hot summer months, particu- 

 larly in large cities. It is usually caused by over- work or hard 

 driving in the sun. Horses that are fat and young, and old, fee- 

 ble horses are most subject to it. Wearing a sun-shade or a large 

 sponge saturated with water on the top of the head, giving cool 

 water occasionally, and sponging out the nostrils, and wetting the 

 head, with of course moderate work or driving, are the best pre- 

 ventives. A very good plan, when driving through the coun- 

 try, where accessible, is to tie a few branches well covered with 

 leaves so as to come over the head. They also serve to keep the 

 flies away. 



