STRANGLES. 75 



the abscess, lie has got rid of that which was preying 

 on the constitution. 



The medical treatment of strangles will depend on 

 the degree of fever that accompanies the formation of 

 the tumour. It is a rule without exception, that a 

 horse should never be bled in strangles. The accele- 

 ration of the pulse and heat of mouth, which usually 

 accompany the disease, even if they are well marked, 

 are best combated by gentle stimulants, such as a 

 handful of beans or a little scalded malt. Mashes 

 should always be given to open the bowels, and green 

 meat if it can be obtained. 



If there should be very violent fever, purgatives 

 are quite unnecessary during the active stage of the 

 disease ; and after the crisis has passed no physic must 

 be administered under the idea of removing lurking 

 humours. Good nursing and nourishing diet will, in 

 the latter case, alone be requisite to counteract the 

 debility which the disorder has left behind. 



The weakness which sometimes accompanies the 

 latter stages of strangles, or remains when the disease 

 has passed, may, in most cases, be left to the slow but 

 renovating power of nature. If, however, the weak- 

 ness should continue or increase, or be accompanied 

 by evident loss of flesh, — malt mashes, green meat or 

 carrots, will be serviceable, with two or three feeds of 

 corn daily : nevertheless it should not be forgotten 

 that too much hard and stimulating food is often 

 dangerous, therefore the judgment must be exercised 

 to proportion the quantity to the necessity. 



Should the weakness continue, a few tonic balls 

 may be administered. 



e2 



