126 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



If the hot applications appear to benefit, they may be tried on three 

 or four consecutive days. Unless every facility and circumstance 

 favors the application of heat in the foregoing manner, do not attempt 

 it. If the weather is very cold or any of the details are omitted, more 

 harm than good may result. Mustard may be applied by making a 

 paste with a pound of freshly ground mustard mixed wath w^arm 

 water. This is to be spread evenly over the sides back of the shoulder 

 blades and down to the median line below the chest. Care should be 

 taken to avoid rubbing the mustard upon the thin skin immediately 

 back of the elbow. The mustard-covered area should be covered with 

 a paper and this with a blanket passed up from below and fastened 

 over the back. The blanket and paper should be removed in from 

 one to tw^o hours. When pneumonia follows another disease, the sys- 

 tem is always more or less debilitated and requires the careful use of 

 stimulants from the beginning. To still further w^eaken the animal 

 by bleeding him is one of the most effectual methods of retarding 

 recovery, even if it does not hasten a fatal termination. 



Another and oftentimes a fatal mistake made by the nonprofes- 

 sional is the indiscriminate and reckless use of aconite. This drug is 

 one of the most active poisons, and should not be handled by anyone 

 wdio does not thoroughly understand its action and uses. It is only 

 less active than prussic acid in its poisonous effects. It is a common 

 opinion, often expressed by nonprofessionals, that aconite is a stimu- 

 lant. Nothing could be more erroneous; in fact, it is just the reverse. 

 It is one of the most pow^erful sedatives used in the practice of medi- 

 cine. In fatal doses it kills by paralyzing the very muscles used in 

 breathing ; it w^eakens the action of the heart, and should not be used. 

 Do not give purgative medicines. If constipation exists, overcome it 

 by an allowance of laxative diet, such as scalded oats, bran, and lin- 

 seed mashes, and, if in season, grass. If the costiveness is not relieved 

 by the laxative diet, give an enema of about a quart of warm water 

 three or four times a day. 



A diet consisting principally of bran mashes, scalded oats, and, 

 when in season, grass or corn fodder is preferable if the animal 

 retains an appetite ; but if no desire is evinced for food of this par- 

 ticular description, then the animal must be allowed to eat anything 

 that will be taken spontaneously. Hay tea, made by pouring boiling 

 water over good hay in a large bucket and allowing it to stand until 

 cool, then straining off the liquid, will sometimes create a desire for 

 food. The animal may be allowed to drink as much of it as he 

 desires. Corn on the cob is often eaten when everything else is 

 refused. Bread may be tried ; also apples or carrots. If the animal 

 can be persuaded to drink milk, it may be supported by it for days. 

 Three or 4 gallons of sweet milk may be given during the day, in 

 which may be stirred 3 or 4 fresh eggs to each gallon of milk. Some 



