THE HORSE IN SICKNESS AND DISEASE 367 



not allowed the horse invariably have derangements of 

 this kind during the spring season when "horsy." At 

 times it is white like whey, at others yellow and almost 

 purulent in character. The discharge collects, and comes 

 away, when the lips of the vulva are opened, with a gush. 

 A cooling drink, or a ball as follows, may be given : 



Acetate of lead 1 drachm. 



Opium 1 scruple. 



Linseed and turpentine to form a ball. 



An astringent injection five or six times a day : — 



Decoction of oak bark . . .J pint. 



Sulphuric acid 1 drachm. 



Mix. 



Or, 



Sulphate of zinc .... 4 drachms. 



Distilled water 1 pint. 



Sprinkle wheaten flour on the external organ and the 

 inside of the thighs after the injection. 



FOALING. 



Parturition with the mare is generally a natural and 

 unassisted act. Cases of protracted and difficult parturition 

 do, however, occur ; and in these instances the veterinary 

 practitioner should be au fait to the position of affairs, and 

 the intelligent horse-master should not be under the 

 tutelage of the farrier or the often pretentious groom. 

 The principal cases that occur arise either from weakness 

 in the mare, or from a disproportion between the foetus and 

 the mother. False presentations are also to be witnessed, 

 but chiefly of the back and croup: that of the back requires 

 much labour, but the foal is to be delivered, the hind legs 

 being presented, without turning in the womb being 

 necessary. When, either from debility of the mare, or 

 disproportion in the size of the foal, a natural birth is 

 despaired of, the practitioner, having introduced his arm, 

 and having ascertained that the presentation is a natural 

 one, should draw the feet gently forward, and then 



