180 HOW TO PHYSIC A HORSE. 



the rectum sliould be cleared of dry fieces by passing the 

 naked arm, well greased, up the anus ; and the bowels 

 should be then thoroughly evacuated by clysters of thin 

 gruel, with half an ounce of Barbadoes aloes, or half a 

 pound of Epsom salts dissolved in it. If the patent 

 syringe be used, the injection will reach the colon and 

 caecum and dispose them also to evacuate their contents. 



Common Cough is generally subdued without much 

 difficulty, though it often becomes of most serious conse- 

 quence if neglected. It is accompanied by a heightened 

 pulse ; a slight discharge from the nose and eyes, a rough 

 coat, and a diminished appetite, being its symptoms. The 

 horse should be kept warm, fed on mashes, and should 

 have a dose or two of medicine. If the cough be very 

 obstinate, bleeding may be necessary. 



Bronchitis is cough, with catarrh extending to the en- 

 trance of the lungs superadded. It is characterized by a 

 quick, hard breathing, and a peculiar wheezing, followed 

 and relieved by coughing up mucus. It must be treated 

 by bleeding, though by no means so copious as in cases of 

 inflammation of the lungs. Kepeated bleedings of four or 

 five quarts, at intervals, until relief is obtained, are prefer- 

 able to the abstraction of large quantities at once. The- 

 chest should be blistered, and digitalis, nitre and tartar 

 emetic exhibited, as with inflammation of the lungs ; bron- 

 chitis, if neglected, is apt to degenerate into thick wind. 



Strangles, or colt-distemper, is a disease which shows 

 itself in all young horses, and from which, w^hen they have 

 once passed through its ordeal, the}^ have no more to fear. 

 It is preceded by some derangement of circulation, quick- 

 ening of the pulse, some fever, cough, and sore throat. The 

 parts around the throat swell, the maxillary glands are 

 swollen and tender, and sometimes the parotids also. The 

 animal refuses to drink, and often declines his food. There 



