486 



Trcaimenf.—V^hWG the appetite remains the i^atient should have a 

 moderate quautity of £ound hay, good oats, and brau ; or even a little 

 fresh clover, if obtainable, can be given in small quantities. With the 

 first decided symptoms of fever the antipyretics are indicated, of which 

 we have a variable choice. Bleeding in this disease is a questionable 

 treatment, and is only to be employed at the very outset of the disease. 

 In largo, strong horses of a sanguinary temperament an abstraction of a 

 few quarts of blood will frequently diminish the stupefaction, lower the 

 temperature, slow the i)ulse and respiration and, render the course of 

 the disease shorter b}' twelve or twenty-four hours. In some cases, how- 

 ever, bleeding seems to increase the amount of depression, and it should 

 never be used after the deep ocher color of the mucous membranes show 

 that an extensive disintegration of the blood corpuscles has taheu place. 

 Derivatives in the form of essential oils and mustard poultices, baths 

 of alcohol, turpentine and hot water, after which the animal must be 

 immediately dried and blanketed, serve to waken the animal up from 

 the stupor and relieve the congestion of the internal organs. This 

 treatment is especially indicated when complication by congestion of 

 the lungs, intestines, or of the brain is threatened. Quinine and sali- 

 cylic acid in dram doses will lower the temperature, but too continuous 

 use of quinine in some cases increases the after depression. Aconite is 

 especially indicated, as in addition to its action on the circulation it 

 seems to be almost a specific in certain cases in relieviug the congestion 

 of the brain and the nervous symptoms produced by the latter. Iodide 

 of potash reduces the excessive nutrition of the congested organs and 

 thereby reduces the temperaturej again, this drug in moderate quanti- 

 ties is a stimulant to the digestive tract and acts as a diuretic, causing 

 the elimination of waste matter by the kidneys. Antimony, in guarded 

 doses of one-half dram to 1 dram, repeated not more than two or three 

 times, will reduce excessive fever, and can be used with special advan- 

 tage at the first appearance of complications, but it must be used with 

 care, as it is an irritant to the digestive tract and may produce intestinal 

 complication, causing a severe diarrhea. Small does of Glauber salts 

 and bicarbonate of soila, used from the outset, stimulate the digestive 

 tract and prevent constipation and its evil results. 



In cases of severe depression and weakness of the heart, digitalis can 

 be used with advantage. At the end of the fever, and when convales- 

 cence is established, alcohol in one-half pint doses and good ale in pint 

 doses may be given as stimulants ; to these may be added dram doses 

 of turpentine. 



In comi^lication of the intestines camphor and asafetida are most 

 frequently used to relieve the pain causing the colics ; diarrhea is also 

 relieved by the use of bicarbonate of soda, nitrate of potash, and 

 drinks made from boiled rice or starch, to which may be add* d small 

 doses of laudanum. 



In complication of the lungs iodide of potash and digitalis arc most 



