82 THE DISEASES OF HORSES, 



great irritation, and cause the horse great annoyance by the itching they 

 produce, so that he will rub his buttocks and tail against walls and 

 posts till hair and skin are both rubbed off. This constant rubbing of 

 the hind quarters is a sure sign of worms, and the presence of these pests 

 is also generally indicated by the adhesion of yellow mucous-like matter 

 about the anus, or a dry yellow powder about the anus and between the 

 thighs. It is very difficult to reach these parasites by medicine through 

 the stomach, although all the medicines named above are used for their 

 expulsion. Injections are, however, often more effectual. A quantity of 

 train oil may be thrown up, or instead a weak solution of aloes, or of 

 common salt a dessert spoonful in a quart of water. There is also an 

 instrument in use by which an enema of tobacco smoke can be administered, 

 and that proves often very effectual, bringing the worms away dead with 

 the next motion of the bowels. 



There are numerous other remedies for worms, some of them very danger- 

 ous, and should never be given except under the direction of a veterinary 

 surgeon. Such are arsenic, savin, and tobacco. Familiarity we know 

 breeds contempt, and the ostler or carter who smokes and chews tobacco 

 may think he cannot injure a horse with it; but such is not the case. 

 Calomel and tartar emetic must also be used cautiously. Of other vermi- 

 fuges that have been recommended for the horse I may name cowhage, 

 powdered glass, and granulated tin, which act mechanically, also kousoo, 

 areca nut, empyreumatic oils, consisting of ammonia, creosote, acetic acid, 

 &c. ; but perhaps the best and safest treatment is oleaginous purges with 

 clysters, or the turpentine, male fern, and wormwood emulsions. 



Horses suffering much from worms generally look ragged and poor . 

 the coat is harsh and staring, and there is often so much itching that the 

 horse will bite himself and pull the hair off in parts. After the expulsion 

 of the worms the horse should be generously fed, and should also have a 

 course of the tonic powders (pp. 6, 21, 53, and 70) which I have elsewhere 

 recommended to improve the appetite, assist digestion, and strengthen the 

 constitution. 



Wounds.— Wounds are of various kinds, and the horse, unfortunately, 

 is very liable to them, although they often occur through no fault of his 

 own. They differ widely in their severity and the danger attending 

 them. It is only slight superficial wounds that can be safely treated 

 by the non-professional, and whether the wound is of such a nature may 

 generally be determined by a careful examination, which should always be 

 conducted with the utmost quietness, so as not to excite the already 

 alarmed horse. In slight hurts, clean by sponging water ( blood warm), 

 and afterwards apply compound tincture of aloes or Friar's Balsam, with 

 a soft brush or feather ; but in all deep or doubtful wounds it is wisest to 

 consult a veterinary surgeon, as no one without a sound knowledge of the 

 anatomy of the horse can safely be trusted with such cases. 



