LOCKED JAW. 123 



where the horse can get at it, without an effort to him- 

 self to reach it. This is all the feed he will be likely 

 enabled to take for a period of from three to sixteen 

 days. Renew it once a day, and keep it sweet. He 

 may be able to suck this through his teeth. Small, 

 choice morsels of other food should also be placed within 

 his reach, so as no opportunity be lost whereby his sto- 

 mach may be filled, and his overtaxed strength be sup- 

 ported. 



In securing the gruel or other feed, have every thing 

 at hand, so that only one journey will be necessary in 

 the twenty-four hours to the place he is confined in. 

 Open not the door of his house twice when once can be 

 made to answer : thus much suffering may be avoided, and 

 the chances of recovery enhanced. All the medicine ne- 

 cessary for the horse to have, will be one drachm doses 

 once in the twenty-four hours of prussic acid. Great 

 care will have to be exercised in keeping this powerful 

 poison ; and considerable judgment as to how this medi- 

 cine is to be given to an animal with his jaws closed. 

 Gextly elevate the head a little to insure proper gravi- 

 tation, and pour the acid into the widest part between 

 the teeth, and hold the head steadily for a few minutes ; 

 then retire, and close the door, not a loud word being 

 spoken. A table or dessert spoon will answer for the 

 purpose very well. Veterinary surgeons have an elastic 

 tube, which is introduced into the back part of the mouth, 

 and the acid poured down -the tube. 



If the animal live from three to four days, he may get 

 well with such treatment, if we give him every opportu- 

 nity to eat a little. Whatever wounds or injuries that 

 have given rise to the lock jaw, should be dressed with 

 equal portions of olive oil and creasote, which will soothe 



