THE HORSE, ITS DISEASES. 39d 



act until another coating of the oil has been applied — though this is not 

 necessary except in ' ery obstinate cases. If the liquid is to be applied 

 over an old one, sfA\ raw, use a fine brush with which to lay it on, and 

 then cover over with an application of some unctuous oil to soothe th» 

 severe smart that presently sets in. Be careful always to have the blia- 

 ter cover every 9»)ot where there is indication of inflammation. 



If the disease has progressed to that stage in which there is a foul and 

 hlack discharge, the abscesses must all be joined by slitting up the inter- 

 yening sinuses. Cut the whole extent of the hardened vessel except a 

 little at each 9tid, which must be left to prevent copious bleeding. Em- 

 ploy a small, suitable probe, carefully and patiently, and cut along the 

 track indicated, from abscess to abscess. Then apply the liquid blister 

 as directed, regardless of sores or cuts, and continue to do so until the 

 paj-t is but one blister sore and not a lot of discharging tumors. 



The vein will of course be destroyed. Whenever the corded and 

 suppurating state sets in this is inevitable, as no human agency can 

 restore its functions ; but this will not seriously interfere with the circu- 

 lation, since the smaller vessels that ramify every part of the neck (as, 

 indeed, of the whole system) soon accommodate themselves to the new 

 order of things, and the life-current flows regularly on. It requires 

 much time, however, to bring him to that condition in which he will not 

 need more than ordinary attention. Throughout the day his head must 

 be tied up to the rack, while at night he may be loosened so as to permit 

 him to lie down. The floor should be covered with tan, as he would 

 chew straw, and thus render cure more difficult by that motion of the 

 jaws which is to be guarded against. He should be kept this way for 

 from four to seven weeks, according to progi'ess of recovery. Meanwhile 

 his food should be hay tea, sloppy mashes, and cooling gruel moderately 

 thick. No solid food should be allowed — no corn nor oats. Potatoes, 

 carrots, turnips, boiled, reduced to pulp, moistened and mixed with br»n 

 form the best diet. 



At the close of the time designated begin regular daily exercise — ^very 

 little at first, but gradually increasing it, which may be continued for two 

 or three months, during which time he should not wear a collar, or be in 

 anv way subjected to pressure about the neck. After three months he may 

 be restored by degrees to the use of solid food ; but much care should 

 be observed during a whole year, after which he may be considered 

 measurably sound. 



Inflammation may follow bleeding from leg veins, and those elsewhere, 

 but it is most common in the jugular and most troublesome. The treat- 

 ment were prescribed is of course applicable in its general principles to other 

 reins. 



