Slobbering . 171 



again ; she is not herself, (as the saying is,) being ex- 

 cessively nervous and irritable, and is excited by the 

 least noise ; the mare, however, gradually becomes calm, 

 and then is suddenly seized with another paroxysm ; or 

 they may follow each other in rapid succession, in which 

 case death often puts an end to the scene, or it results in 

 cerebal disease. 



Treatment. — It is useless to give medicine while the 

 patient is in a paroxysm ; all that can be done is to give 

 the animal, while down, an injection of warm water and 

 salt, to which add an ounce or two of tincture of assafce- 

 tida ; let the external surface be well rubbed with wisps 

 of coarse straw ; as soon as the fit is over, give a drench 

 of powdered assafoetida, 2 drachms, tincture of valerian, 

 1 ounce, syrup of garlic, 2 ounces, thin, gruel, one pint. 

 If the animal is not relieved in the course of six hours, 

 repeat the dose, and clear out the bowels with a dose of 

 glauber salts, to which add a small quantity of ginger. 



SLOBBERING. 



This complaint is quite common in rural districts, where 

 clover is used as a pasture. Lobelia or tobacco will pro- 

 duce the same results. This is caused by irritation, the 

 article coming in direct contact with highly sensitive se- 

 cretary surfaces, which always pour out their fluids on the 

 application of an irritant, so long as it remains an irri- 

 tant, and provided the parts retain their normal sensi- 

 bility, or through the medium of absorbents ; thus, calo- 

 mel will cause the salivatory gland to secrete and pour 

 forth an amount of fluid almost incredible. A horse will 

 secrete more than one and a half gallons of fluid per hour. 

 The sharp edges of a worn-down tooth, or a tooth in a 

 state of ulceration, may give rise to profuse salivation ; 

 then again, a rough bit, and a hard master may be set 

 down among the direct causes of this complaint. In- 

 different fodder of any kind and impaired digestive or- 

 gans, are apt to produce augmented salivary secretion. 



Treatment. — The causes should be sought for, and if 

 practicable, removed. This may, of itself, produce relief. 



