150 DISEASES OP THE HORSE. 



Prurigo. — An itchiness of the skin, and is best 

 treated by the sulphite of soda, in half ounce doses, 

 given every night in cut feed for a week. (See Skin 

 Diseases.) 



Pulse. — This is the stroke or beat of an artery, conse- 

 quent upon the alternate dilation and contraction of the 

 artery caused by the action of the heart. The pulse is 

 subject to many variations, even not depending upon dis- 

 ease. The pulse is also liable to changes from tempo- 

 rary excitement, as from severe heat, etc. Medicines 

 act upon the circulation, and consequently change 

 the beat and character of the pulse. If the disease 

 be debility, diffusable stimulants will be required to 

 raise the pulse, and in order to depress the circulation, 

 as in inflammation and fever, nauseants are indicated, 

 such as aconite and veratrum. (See Pulse, in Introduc- 

 tory Remarks.) 



Puncture. — Wounds inflicted with a sharp-pointed 

 tool, as a stable or hay fork, etc. Punctured wounds are 

 dangerous, depending as to their depth and locality, and 

 should be treated by free openings from the bottom of 

 the wound, to allow the exposed fluids to escape, and 

 dress the parts with simple ointment. (See Medicines 

 and Prescriptions.) 



Purgatives. — Are a class of medicines capable of 

 cleansing or emptying the bowels. Purgatives are dis- 

 tinguished from laxatives, only in the quantity given. 

 Six to eight drachms of aloes will act as a purgative, and 

 two to three drachms will act as a laxative. When 

 laxatives are necessary, repeat at distant intervals. 



Purpura. — This is a disease which is but rarely seen, 

 and consists in the surface of the whole body and logs 

 being covered with pimples, or small boils, which discharge 



