DISEASE AND ITS CAUSES. 123 



need, are plain descriptions of tlie diseases and injuries to which 

 the horse is liable, together with equally plain directions as to 

 the treatment best adapted to the requirements of each 

 particular case. 



Every owner should possess a good general knowledge of 

 those causes which are the most productice of both disease and 

 injury to his horses. Knowledge of this kind is of twofold 

 benefit. First, in enabling him, by attention and judicious 

 arrangements, to ward off many diseases of a virulent nature ; 

 or, where the causes are of a mechanical nature (and not 

 unfrequently continuous iu character), to promptly remove 

 them ; and thereby afibrd equally prompt relief to a sufiering 

 animal. 



The common causes of equine disease are bad ventilation of 

 the stable, — allowing the horse to stand in cold draughts 

 when perspiring, — sudden changes in. the temperature of the 

 weather, — bad food, — sudden changes in the diet, — scanty and 

 poor diet, such as bad hay, and soft, musty com, — a diet that 

 is too rich and abundant, — too much labour, — turning horses 

 to grass, during the prevalence of cold and wet, when they are 

 in a state of pespiration, or debilitated from excessive labour, — 

 pricks and injuries to the feet from shoeing, or accidentally 

 " gathering" a naU, — kicks from other animals, — infection or 

 contamination of the healthy from being placed in contact with 

 the diseased, — internal causes, such as weak constitutional 

 energies and deficiency of vital power. 



The efi'ect of the causes enumerated above, together with 

 others equally destructive, and perpetually in operation, or in 

 readiness to operate when circumstances of a favourable nature 

 present themselves, are what every one owning horses should 

 be acquainted with. Individuals of this class should also know 

 when a horse travels with comfort, — whether the saddle or the 



