116 



THE FAMILY HORSE. 



it himself. The inflamed and sensitive membranes are scarified by 

 knives or seared with hot irons, to remove the supposed disease. 

 The symptoms need not cause any uneasiness, nor do they call for 

 heroic treatment. Soft food should be given, with an occasional 



bran mash, and if the appetite 

 is affected, a dose of mild laxa- 

 tive medicine may be adminis- 

 tered, and the mouth washed 

 out with a solution of chlorate 

 of potash, or a wash composed 

 of half a fluid ounce of chlora- 

 lum, and one ounce tincture of 

 myrrh in half a pint of water. 

 If the bars are greatly inflamed, 

 slight scarification with a lancet 

 may be necessary, and if a 

 grinder is coming with excessive 

 tumefaction of the gum, a cross- 

 cut directly over the tooth wiU 

 be beneficial. 



Cribbing is not a disease, but 

 is both the consequence and the 

 cause of a morbid condition of 

 the stomach. The horse rests its 

 upper front teeth upon the edge 

 of the manger or any fixed ob- 

 ject, stretches its neck and 

 belches air with a peculiar grunt- 

 ing noise. Addiction to the habit can readily be detected by the 

 worn and rounded appearance of the upper cutting teeth. It may 

 be prevented by the use of the muzzle halter illustrated in figure 

 70. At the same time it is well to give the horse chalk or ashes 

 with its food, or sprinkle it with magnesia, to correct the acidity 

 of the stomach. 



PARASITES. 



Fig. 70.— MUZZLE FOR CRIBBEK. 



Mange is a troublesome evil, nearly analogous to itch in human 

 beings. It is caused by small mites or acari, which burrow under 

 the cuticle and cause intense itching with tumefaction and loss of 

 hair. The most effective remedy is Thymo-cresol, a preparation 

 which has recently come into use as an insecticide and anti-parasite 

 on all kinds of live stock. 



