Treatment of Lockjaw, 97 



slow in developing, and where the patient is seen very early, 

 there is a fair chance of success. 



The first step is to inquire if there has been any wound 

 to produce the disease. If there is, it should be examined, 

 cleaned carefully, widened with a knife if it seems contracted 

 or containing pus, and covered with a warm poultice mixed 

 with laudanum or tincture of belladonna. Afterwards it is 

 to be smeared with extract of belladonna. 



The next thing, if not the first, is to place the animal 

 loosely in slings, and the earlier this can be done in the 

 disease the better. The surroundings of the patient are of 

 the utmost importance. The stable must be darkened • 

 should contain no other horses ; be kept quiet, and no visitors 

 be admitted. It is enough for the surgeon to look in twice 

 a day and give what food, in the shape of nutritives and milk, 

 the horse is able to take. Usually the thirst is great for 

 several days. 



Mr. Chawner recommends the use internally of: 



No. 34. Extract of belladonna, 4 drachms. 



Chloroform, 1 oz. 



Mix with the drink and give every four hours. 



"Various English veterinarians give at the outset, one or 

 two full doses of aconite^ half a drachm to a drachm of the 

 tincture of the root, and shut the animal up in a cool, dark 

 place. They claim great success from this plan. 



The rigidity of the muscles can sometimes be removed for 

 several hours by hypodermic injections of morphia, 3 to 6 

 grains. 



Lobelia^ or Indian tobacco, has a reputation in some dis- 

 tricts as a cure for tetanus in the horse. It is a powerful 

 relaxant, and given in doses of half an ounce to an ounce 

 of the tincture, will no doubt lessen or remove the 

 spasm. But it is apt to return when the effect of the 

 medicine passes away. 



7 



