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DISEASES AND INJURIES. IQ3 



longer. In some instances it is a year or two before the 

 animal completely regains a healthy and robust condition. 

 This protracted phase of the disease is due to the repeated 

 occurrence of abscesses in various parts of the body ; these 

 suppurate, heal up, and are succeeded by others ; they some- 

 times form in the internal organs, and then usually cause 

 death. 



A not unfrequent sequel of strangles is " roaring," which 

 greatly depreciates the animal's value, as it interferes with 

 the breathing. 



Prevention. Strangles should be dealt with as a very con- 

 tagious disease, and careful isolation of those affected, with 

 disinfection measures, ought to be strictly observed. 



Treatment. Good nursing must form the chief part of the 

 treatment of strangles. Whenever a young horse shows 

 signs of ailing, it should be placed in a well ventilated and 

 moderately warm stable or loose box the latter is always 

 the better ; this should be kept clean and comfortable. If the 

 weather is cold a blanket may be worn over the body, and 

 it may even be necessary to place woollen bandages on the 

 legs if they have a tendency to become cold. The food 

 should be soft, and consist of bran and linseed mashes, oatmeal 

 gruel, and a little good meadow hay, with now and again some 

 scalded oats. If in season, grass and carrots or sliced turnips 

 are good. The water given to drink should have the chill 

 taken off if the weather be cold, or the oatmeal gruel may 

 suffice. A little nitrate of potass say half an ounce may 

 be put in the drink now and again. 



If the fever runs high, a fever draught may be given (this 

 is also useful in ordinary fever and catarrh). A useful draught 

 is composed of acetate of ammonia in solution, three or four 

 fluid ounces ; sweet spirits of nitre, one ounce ; bicarbonate 

 of potass, half an ounce ; to be mixed in a pint of tepid 

 water. This draught may be given once a day until the 

 fever abates. Should the breathing become noisy, or the 

 horse experience much difficulty in swallowing, then hot 

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