DISEASES OF FARM ANIMALS 229 



are drawn that the parasite evolves a poisonous 

 substance (toxin), which, in many instances, 

 stupefies the brain or parts of the nervous system 

 of the horse, and in that way causes coma, paraly- 

 sis and death of the animal. 



Prevention is the best treatment. Hay and fod- 

 der from swampy land are to be looked upon as 

 suspicious. Pastures which are subject to over- 

 flow should be avoided. Medicinal treatment con- 

 sists of a prolonged, careful use of some of the 

 essential oils or other vermifuges. The ordinary 

 spirits of turpentine has proved a fairly good com- 

 mon remedy. An ordinary animal will stand 8 

 tablespoonfuls of turpentine given in a pint to a 

 quart of raw linseed oil, thoroughly mixed. If the 

 animal is badly affected, the above dose may be 

 given night and morning for two or three days, 

 then omit for a week or two and repeat. The 

 remedy should be discontinued as soon as the 

 animal shows signs of irritation of the kidneys. 



PARALYSIS. — A loss of power over some of the 

 muscles due to a disordered state of the brain or 

 nerves. This may result from disease or injury or 

 some irritation. In horses and cattle the hind- 

 quarters are not infrequently affected in this way, 

 the result of indigestion from constipation or from 

 attacks of colic. The animal shows weakness in 

 one hind limb, moving it with difficulty when the 

 opposite limb may then become affected. If the 

 attack is very severe, the animal falls on its 

 haunches and may not be able to rise. Tempera- 

 ture, pulse and respiration, all are rather normal. 

 Treatment should be directed to remove the cause 

 of the disease. When there is colic or constipa- 

 tion, give purges. A half teaspoonful of extract of 

 nux vomica, given in a pint of milk twice a day, is 



