248 THE PRACTICAL HORSE KEEPER. 



powders " produce it sometimes, and cantharides blisters have 

 been known to act in this way, from the cantharidine becoming 

 absorbed and acting on the kidneys. 



The treatment will depend upon the cause. Clay mixed in 

 the water given to drink is often of great service. The 

 administration of a little laxative medicine, as linseed-oil, or 

 small doses of calomel, is all that is necessary in some cases. 

 A drachm or two of iodide of potassium mixed in linseed-tea is 

 another remedy, with tonics, such as sulphate of iron, if there 

 is debility. A drachm of iodine given in bolus has been 

 vaunted as a specific. 



Megrims. 



Megrims is a disturbed condition of the circulation of blood 

 in the brain, which causes the horse to show signs of giddiness 

 or stupor. This is usually manifested when the horse is at 

 work, generally only a short time, and especially when the 

 pace is fast, particularly in harness. The horse commences to 

 shake his head, as if something had got into his ears ; then he 

 becomes unsteady in his gait, carries his head high, and, if not 

 immediately stopped, will stagger about and fall. When on 

 the ground he will lie a few minutes quite still, then get up, 

 look stupefied and depressed, shake himself, and gradually 

 regain his ordinary condition. From the fact that the attack 

 usually comes on when the horse is driving in harness, it may 

 be due to a badly-fitting bridle or collar, or a tight bearing- 

 rein. It may also be due to over-feeding, or being put to work 

 too soon after a hearty meal. But in many cases it is doubtless 

 due to a diseased condition of the brain. 



The treatment here, again, must depend upon the cause, 

 which should, if possible, be removed. When it is due to a 

 diseased brain, the horse should either be disposed of or 

 destroyed, as dangerous accidents may arise when working 

 him. When the horse is about to have an attack shown by 



