86 



the large majority of these cases there are no indications by 

 the pulse for its use ; it must therefore be dispensed with. 

 We must resort to cathartics, such as aloes, as the depletive 

 agent, and besides make use of those sedatives whose action 

 is directed principally to the nervous system, and that exer- 

 cise an influence on the capillary vessels and limit the sup- 

 ply of blood going through them to a part. The agents we 

 have used for this purpose are tincture of aconite and extract 

 of belladonna, alternately ; commencing their administration 

 soon after giving the cathartic, not waiting for its action, as 

 time is very precious. In fact, we frequently combine the 

 sedative with the cathartic, as follows — from one to two 

 teaspoonfuls of extract of belladonna with a full dose of 

 aloes, for an adult horse ; then administer tincture of aconite 

 root in half teaspoonful doses in part of a tumbler of water 

 every three hours, or alternating every other dose with a 

 medium dose of the extract. This is the course of treatment 

 followed by us for several years, and in the cases where 

 recovery took place. Local applications, such as stimulants 

 or counter-irritants, in the form of blisters, to produce a 

 revulsive action, should be applied to the spine and throat ; 

 these should be repeated from time to time till relief is 

 afforded. Finally, should the case or cases be so protracted 

 that failure of the vital forces, or great exhaustion, is appa- 

 rent, all agents of a depletive or sedative nature must be 

 abandoned, and stimulants and tonics be administered in 

 their stead, to sustain the system. 



"When the patients respond to the treatment, it will be 

 found that the muscles regain their power in a short time, 

 so that if it is the throat that is affected, in the course of a 

 few days the patient will be able to swallow well, though 

 some time will be required for a complete restoration to 

 health. 



" Other measures of treatment, both as regards those 

 attacked and those under preventive treatment, will have 

 reference to hygiene and diet. Keep the animal in stal)les 



