8 HORSE-OWNER S GUIDE. 



t 



etc. In less dangero\is cases, give it as powder — one or two spoon- 

 fulls — mixed with the food. Only medicines which have a very bad 

 taste (aloes, etc.) need be given in pills. This form, and electuaries^ 

 are the easiest to administer. Take a wooden spatula full of the 

 latter, and spread it on the tongue. If an electuary must be given 

 liquid, mix it with a pint of warm water, and give it carefully to the 

 horse. 



Most feverish and inflammatory diseases require less nourishing, 

 but easily-digestible food, as wheat-bran mixed with water, and that 

 only in small quantities. Never force the animal to eat ; rather wait 

 until the aj^petite comes of itself, as the sickness might be otherwise 

 increased. 



A dry, spacious stable, fi-ee from draught, with a good litter, Avarm 

 coverings, and plenty of good water, will materially hel]). 



Lame horses must have soft litters and plenty of space, so that 

 they can rest themselves perfectly well. 



Injections are useful means of hastening the evacuation of the 

 bowels, when the disease requires their speedy action. If it is intend- 

 ed to soothe the animal (inflammation), give but one; if rapid 

 evacuation is desired, repeat them quickly. 



When you bathe the horse, for the first time, in cold water, keep 

 him but four or five minutes, at most, in the water ; rub him, after- 

 wards, perfectly dry, and take him to a warm stable, with good, dry 

 litter. By and by, the horse may be kept longer in the water. 



Local cold baths may be continued from one to three hours, as ne- 

 cessity may require. 



Warm full baths are but rarely used, whilst local varm baths arc 

 very frequently required. For the latter, soap must be put into the 

 water, and frequently aromatic substances added. (A decoction of 

 hay is the cheapest.) 



Shower-baths are also sometimes used, but squirting at the afflicted 

 spot, with a sp'inge (called douche-bath), is more frequent. 



Sea-baths have a soothing influence, but if too long continued they 

 become fatiguing. After five or six baths, the horse will be, frequently, 

 very tired, but after twelve oi- fifteen, his strength and agility Mill re- 

 turn. They remove obstructions, help the circulation of the blood, 

 and will thin the blood. 



Nearly related to the baths, are fomentations. They are best ap- 

 plied by means of flannel, frequently dipped in hot water, or l)oiled 

 linseed or millet, together with aromatic substances, etc., put into a 

 small bag, and ai)phed as hot as the hand will bear. 



