236 DISEASES OF THE IIOESE. 



which he soon does, and is then reheved. Some people may be 

 apprehensive of danger in using this formidable remedy ; in 

 that case cordial diuretics may be given, so as to make the horse 

 stale considerably.* 



The other kind of dropsy, or that which depends on a high 

 degree of general inflammation, most commonly attacks colts 

 during the first, second, or third year, or before they begin to 

 change their grinding teeth. At this period there is less blood 

 formed, not only from the state of the grinding teeth, the gums, 

 and the mouth in general, which is such as to render masti- 

 cation painful, difficult, and imperfect, but from the stomach 

 participating in, or sympathising with, this state of the mouth. 

 This disorder in young colts is first observed by dulness, dis- 

 inclination to motion, hanging the head, and indifterence in 

 grazing. There are swellings, also, on the belly, chest, sheath, 

 or udder, which are sometimes very considerable. 



When these symptoms are observed, the colt should be 

 taken up and bled. I have been assured by a respectable 

 farrier that he has given Markham's drench to colts when 

 affected with the moor-ill, as the disorder is termed, and almost 

 invariably with success. In the last case I heard of, the colt 

 was so ill that he was unable to rise ; but when he had taken 

 the drench, he broke out into a profuse perspiration, and soon 

 after got up and perfectly recovered, f 



Sioelled Legs. 



[This disease occurs most frequently in coarse horses, having 

 naturally round gummy legs. It consists of a dropsical or watery 

 swelling, the nature of which may be readily detected, and dis- 

 tinguished from that of phlegmon, by pressing it with the fingers, 

 when it pits ; that is, the impression of the fingers are left for a 

 short time. It is, in fact, a deposition of the watery portion of 

 the blood in the cells of the membrane ; the absorbents or 

 lymphatic vessels are unable to take up or carry into the circula- 



* Instead of giving so large a quantity of medicine, the following will be 

 found effectual : — 



Yellow resin powdered 4 drs. 



Nitre 4 drs. 



Ginger powdered 2 drs. 



Gentian powdered 4 drs. 



Sulphate of copper 2 drs. 



The powders to be mixed together, and two pints of warm ale gradually 

 added, with two ounces of spirit of nitrous ether. 



It may be repeated, if necessar}', in the course of 36 or 48 hours. — Ed. 



I The draught prescribed in the preceding note may also be given here ; 

 but for colts one half will be sufficient. If there is no debility, however, the 

 same quantity of ginger and gentian will not be required. — Ed. 



