124 DISEASES OP THE HORSE. 



the irritated nerves of the part. An occasional poultice 

 of flaxseed may be necessary. 



Above all things neither bleed nor physick, as these 

 can do no good, and will only hasten the death of the 

 animal by taking away whatever strength he may have, 

 all of which will be necessary to carry him through so 

 severe a disease. 



Loins. — Sprain of the loins or small of the back, is 

 sometimes seen in weakly built horses of irritable dispo- 

 sition. 



Symptom. — Weakness upon pressure, as of a saddle 

 horse yielding to the rider, when mounting the horse. 



Treatment. — Warm water cloths laid over the parts for 

 a few days, followed in the same manner by cold-water 

 cloths. Rest and good feed, and use the horse in the 

 shafts of a light four-wheeled carriage, or in double 

 harness. Saddle work may be the means of its return, 

 more especially if ridden by a heavy person. 



Loss of Appetite, — This is more of a symptom than 

 a disease, and requires for its removal the cause which 

 gave rise to it. In cold, influenza and fever, the appetite 

 is bad, and with their removal the appetite will be re- 

 stored. Powdered Carbonate of Ammonia, Pimenta 

 Berries, Gentian root, each two drachms, mixed and 

 given twice in the day, mixed in some cold gruel, and 

 drench the animal. This will not only remove in a 

 measure the cause, but will restore the appetite also. 



Lumbago. — This is applied to a peculiar stiffness 

 over the loins or back, partaking of the nature of rheu- 

 matism, (which see.) 



Lungs. — These are the organs of breathing, and are 



