68 THE HORSE 



Diarrhcea can be detected by the merest amateur, 

 but the causes of the ailment may require some 

 difficulty and experience to define. As a preliminary 

 measure, however, either i pint of castor oil or ij 

 pint of linseed oil may be given. This should be 

 succeeded by doses of the following every few hours, 

 administered in starch gruel : — 



Prepared chalk ... 

 Catechu in powder 



Ginger 



Opium ... 

 Peppermint water 



I ounce. 

 \ ounce. 

 I ounce. 

 \ drachm. 

 I pint. 



Peritonitis or inflammation of the lining of the 

 abdomen may be caused by a cold or an injury. It 

 is accompanied by great tenderness of the stomach, 

 which increases when the horse moves, even the 

 action of breathing being painful to him. This is 

 a case for professional assistance ; but warm clothing, 

 particularly over the stomach, and frequent draughts 

 of 



Acetate ammonia 3 ounces. 



Sweet spirits of nitre ... ... ... i ounce. 



Tincture of aconite ... ... ... 30 minims. 



will probably give relief 



Other Common Diseases. 



Lampas^ or inflammation of the gums, often appears 

 when the milk teeth are being shed, and though it 

 can scarcely be regarded as a disease, it is so 

 common that it may be referred to. The treat- 

 ment which usually succeeds best is to score the 

 gums slightly with a sharp clean knife, and add a 

 little saltpeter to the drinking water for a day. 



Staggers is the result of a rush of blood to the 

 head^ and generally attacks horses in very hot 

 weather, causing them to stagger and often fall. The 

 application of cold water or ice to the head gives 



