90 Diseases of the Horse, 



made sling. Unless this is done within 24 hours from the 

 commencement of the attack, there is but slight hope of his 

 recovery. Next, he should be well brushed and the legs 

 wrapped in woolen cloths. If he can swallow, a moderate 

 amount of good soft food should be given. The stable 

 should be kept warm, darkened and quiet, and if there is sup- 

 pression of urine, it should be drawn off with a catheter. 



As to medical treatment, there is no use whatever in bleed- 

 ing, purging or blistering. The most successful treatment 

 is to inject with the hypodermic syringe full doses of sulphate 

 of atropine^ and give ergot with the food ; or if the animal 

 cannot swallow, inject ergotine along with the atropine. (See 

 page 44). Ice to the spine, or hot salt bags, as some prefer, 

 may be tried, but has not produced any marked results ; nor 

 has cauterizing the spine with the hot iron. Where the 

 strength is failing, full doses of whiskey, either by the mouth 

 or rectum, will sometimes keep up the vital powers and give 

 a chance for recovery. Animals should not be used or driven 

 as soon as they show any signs of the disease, nor should they 

 be put to work for some time after such an attack, as it would 

 be very liable to bring on a fatal relapse. 



When the hypodermic syringe is not at hand, the following 



combination will supply the place of the remedies mentioned : — 



No. 24. Extract of belladonna, 2 to 3 draclims. 



Powdered ergot, 1 oz. 



Make into a ball or drench — give three times a day. 

 Another remedy which is believed to have a soothing effect 

 is bromide of potassium. It should be given in ounce doses, 

 repeated until the animal is brought under the influence of 

 it and suffers less from the pains. 



CONVULSIVE DISEASES OR FITS— APOPLEXY— EPILEPSY— FALLING 

 SICKNESS— ST. VITUS' DANCE, OR STRINGHALT. 



Apopletic fits are very rare in horses, though common in 

 cows. They will be described later in this work under the 



