DISEASES OF HORSES AND CATTLE. 35 



its neck, and makes a sound as if it was sucking 

 air. A chronic crib-biter can be easily known by 

 its incisor teeth being worn. 



A wind-sucker extends its head or presses it 

 against something solid, gathers its feet together, 

 arches its neck and back, and draws in wind until 

 its abdomen is greatly distended. Wind-sucking 

 is the worst of the two evils. To prevent this it is 

 best to put a muzzle on the horse when not feed- 

 ing. Straps with sharp nails in them, which some 

 use, can be bought at the harnessmaker's; but I 

 do not recommend them. In the early stage of the 

 disorder it is best combatted by giving the horse a 

 physic, having a piece of rock salt in its manger, 

 feeding on good food, and giving it regular work. 



DYSPEPSIA. 



The Causes of Dyspepsia in Horses and Cattle. — 

 Giving too much food at rare intervals, or starving 

 an animal for some time, and then allowing coarse 

 food in large quantities or indigestible foods. I 

 have seen a great many cases of this kind, espe- 

 cially in the poor man's horse. When a horse is 

 fed oats on an empty stomach, it usually eats hur- 

 riedly, cramming its stomach with imperfectly 

 masticated oats. To prevent this, give the horse 

 a small quantity of hay first, then water, and then 

 oats. A horse should be allowed half an hour 

 after being fed before put to fast work, as this is 

 a cause of dyspepsia. 



Symptoms. — Staring coat, dullness at work, 

 emaciation, with tucked-up belly, frequent dis- 



