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becomes more aggravated with age, and as the value of animals afflicted 

 Avith it, is depreciated by this unsoundness, it is important to be able to 

 recognise the affection, when only slightly developed. It is advisable to 

 have the animal turned from one side to the other, and then in the reverse 

 direction. In cases of slight stringhalt, the peculiar convulsive twitching is 

 often shown only as the animal turns one way. 



Stringhalt is a disease which generally comes on gradually, but cases 

 where the malady has come on in the night are recorded. We are of the 

 same opinion as Professor Williams, in considering that the chief cause of 

 stringhalt is an inflamed condition of the nerves, supplying the affected 

 limb. Stringhalt coming on more rapidly, is in many cases a rheumatic 

 affection, due to cold, damp, or exposure. 



Although on the continent, methods of treating chronic stringhalt by 

 certain surgical operations have been advocated, yet at present we are not 

 able to say how far these methods have been successful. This subject, 

 indeed, is at present engaging the attention of veterinarians at home and 

 abroad. In cases where the symptoms become aggravated from any cause, 

 or when the disease suddenly manifests itself, the animal should be rested ; 

 and if the disease be due to rheumatism, the malady should be treated as we 

 have already mentioned. In such cases nothing need be done locally, beyond 

 hot water fomentations. When not traceable to rheumatism, rest, a dose of 

 physic, hot fomentations, and three drachms of bromide of potassium, given 

 in the drinking water three times daily, may prove serviceable. 



CHOREA, OR ST. VITUS' DANCE. 



We will now speak briefly of the disease called chorea, and better known in 

 the human being under the name of St. Vitus' dance. It is a peculiar 

 disorder, characterised by irregular contractions of different muscles. It is 

 not a common malady in the horse. It is usually traceable to hereditary 

 predisposition, although mal-hygienic conditions, overwork, and exhaustion, 

 may also act as exciting causes. Stringhalt itself may be regarded as a 

 peculiar choreic disease. In treating chorea, it is necessary whenever it is 

 possible, to remove the cause when that is to be ascertained. The general 

 hygienic conditions should be attended to, the diet should be good and 

 nutritious, and the work p7-opo7-tioncd to the strength of the animal. Internally 

 half an ounce of Fowler's solution, and three drachms of bromide of 

 potassium, may be given twice daily in the drinking water. " Shivering" is 

 a peculiar disorder affecting the muscles of the back and posterior 

 exiremities. When a horse subject to this affection is backed or turned, the 

 muscles of this region are thrown into a spasmodic condition, contracting 

 and relaxing irregularly. The tail is often spasmodically elevated, and then 

 depressed. When the horse is trotted forwards, the spasms are very seldom 

 developed, but they may be brought into action by the head being rapidly 

 turned round. 



