152 Diseases of the Horse. 



It was easy to read between the lines in this case, and 

 to make full preparation, which enabled us to bring the 

 case to a satisfactory conclusion, although a journey of 

 five miles lay between. Such a message forms a strong 

 contrast to one we reproduce. It was merely, " Come 

 directly, we have a horse bad." We hurried away to 

 find him suffering from a somewhat unusual affection, for 

 which no preparation could be made under the circum- 

 stances, as a special operation was required. Although 

 considerable delay occurred in returning for instruments, 

 the termination was more favourable than might be anti- 

 cipated. 



Fourth. — Always avoid giving medicines in the absence 

 of precise knowledge of the nature of the malady, and 

 the needful remedy. If it is certain the animal is suffer- 

 ing from simple colic, be also as certain that the medi- 

 cine is equally appropriate. Colic may exist as a distinct 

 and independent affection ; it is also frequently seen as 

 an indication of other diseases, when the treatment for 

 simple colic would create delays that might prove dan- 

 gerous. > 



Fifth. — When mistakes in the administration of 

 remedies have been made, do not hesitate to disclose 

 everything relating to them. Much valuable time is often 

 lost when the practitioner can elicit but little, even by 

 rigid cross-examination. The animal can tell us nothing, 

 while his sufferings are prolonged or aggravated by delay, 

 in which the practitioner may be powerless to act until 

 information is afforded. 



These remarks apply to serious and urgent cases prin- 

 cipally. Needless and often unpardonable delay is often 

 allowed to operate with reference also to trivial cases, so- 

 called, and irreparable mischief is the result. By the non- 

 observance of system and promptitude, thousands of lives 

 are now sacrificed long before the average term of useful- 

 ness has been reached. 



