122 THE HORSE AND ITS DISEASES. 



If a horse has had one attack of this malady, he is 

 liable to a return of it, and the most prudent plan is, to 

 part with the animal, as he cannot afterwards be 

 depended upon. 



Palsy. 



Causes. — The palsy may arise from high feeding, and 

 want of proper exercise ; sometimes it proceeds from 

 hard working, without a sufficiency of wholesome food^ 

 or it may be produced by falls, blows on the head, or 

 loins, injury in casting and turning a narrow stall, and 

 occasionally it is the result of mere old age, in which 

 case it is hopeless to attempt a cure. 



Symptoms. — When a horse is seized by palsy, the use 

 of some particular member is lost — sometimes one or 

 more limbs, and especially the hind legs. When the 

 brain is affected, the use of one side is totally taken 

 away, the horse falls suddenly, and the muscles of the 

 affected parts become so placid and relaxed, that all 

 attempts to rise are fruitless. However, the disease in 

 young horses may often be cured without much difficulty. 



The following purge will be found beneficial : — ■ 



Barbadoes Aloes 7 drachms. 



Calomel 1 ,, 



Castile Soap 2 , , 



Ginger 2 ,, 



The food to consist of bran mashes, and lukewarm 

 w^ater; let the affected part be well rubbed, with a 

 strong blister. 



The Staggers, or Apoplexy. 



Symptoms. — The premonitory appearances are a low 

 hanging of the head, and either supporting it on the 

 manger, or extending it nearly to the ground. He 

 moves through and fro while standing, and seems liable 

 to fall at every movement ; his sight and hearing are 



