404 STABLE MANUAL AND HORSE DOCTOR 



injections should be thrown up to quicken its action. 

 Sedatives and febrifuges combined should also be freely 

 given, not only to allay the general fever, but also to 

 subdue the vascular excitement, as well as to deaden the 

 pain. The following ball should be repeated every second 

 hour until the pulse intermits : 



We would desire to do something to the feet, but often 

 the horse obstinately stands and will not suffer them to be 

 raised or touched. If the shoes can be removed, they ought 

 to be taken off, and the soles, should it be possible, 

 pared. The feet then should be put into poultices, or 

 constantly fomented. If, however, the horse resists, these 

 things had better not be attempted. Moisture is necessary 

 to soften the horn of the hoof so as to allow the inflamed 

 parts to expand ; and the low temperature is required to 

 reduce the inflammation. Ice is of great service if it can 

 be constantly applied ; but if only for an hour or two, with 

 an intermission during the night, it does more harm than 

 good. It should only be applied when the inflammation is 

 high ; but when that is the case, and the foot is very hot, a 

 lump or two of ice constantly kept in the poultice will be 

 of great service. Wet cloths can be placed upon the legs ; 

 and these can be kept constantly moist with the coldest 

 water. The straw should be removed, and its place sup- 

 plied with damp tan, or even sawdust, which may be 

 moistened, and will be less heating to the animal's feet. 

 The body should be clothed — a sheep-skin placed upon 

 the loins. Even if the horse will eat, only a few spare bran 

 mashes should be allowed ; but water ought to be constantly 

 before him. 



When the first symptoms abate, the coronets and legs 

 may be blistered ; but this ought not to be done until the 

 acute stage has passed. A seton, however, may at the 

 commencement be placed in the chest ; and often, when 



