122 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



vessels having sent forth an over-portion of fluid to 

 the extremities, and in consequence of the want of 

 muscular exertion and the perspiration naturally con- 

 nected with it ; and the fluids having accumulated in 

 the extremities in consequence of the vessels not 

 having sufficient power to return them. The heart is 

 thus acting upon an additional quantity of fluid ; while 

 by the want of exercise, the limbs are deprived of that 

 power by which the fluids are returned. 



Remedies. — The above physic and diuretic should 

 be administered. These will lessen the quantity of 

 fluid ; also exercise the horse freely, which will In- 

 crease the perspiration externally, and diminish it 

 internally, and the veins and absorbents will attain 

 more activity, so that the complaint will gradually 

 subside, and the limbs resume their wonted appear- 

 ance. 



SWELLINGS AFTER GRASS. 



It is a common occurrence for horses just taken in 

 from grass to be seized with swelling in the legs. 

 This is occasioned by the difference of food, owing to 

 its containing a greater proportion of nutriment, which 

 naturally increases the quantity of the blood, and the 

 want of that exercise which is necessary to carry it off 

 by the skin. It will therefore be quite apparent that 

 exercise and a little opening medicine will effect a 

 cure. 



Horses may also have swelled legs from general 

 debility. The proper quantity or quality of food may 

 induce this, or it may proceed from disease that has 

 reduced the strength of the animal system. The 

 limbs, being the most remote from the centre of cir- 

 culation, first exhibit loss of power ; and this Is mani- 



