152 THE HORSE IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 



changes have become marked and the natural processes inhibited — 

 if the best results are to be expected from it. 



A careful study of the causes of disease and the symptoms 

 exhibited by the patient, as previously explained, should give the 

 stockman a basis upon which to work, and indicate to him the best 

 method to pursue to remove the exact cause of trouble, without 

 which only imperfect results from any line of treatment should be 

 anticipated. 



Nature may be supported in overcoming disease by those things 

 which are available in almost every stable. It is not so much what 

 is used as how it is used. First-aid treatment should not call for 

 expensive and rare equipment, but the intelligent use of the means 

 at hand. 



The same principles for the treatment of disease apply in veter- 

 inary practice that are employed in human medicine. The remedies 

 which may be used are various and numerous. The term "remedy" 

 is used here in a comprehensive manner, and does not signify the 

 same thing as medicine or drug, but includes all therapeutic aids 

 used for the cure of disease and to promote restoration to health. 

 In general, these are proper nursing, stable quarters, clothing, food, 

 water, rest, exercise, and the use of different medicines. Operative 

 treatments are also to be considered as therapeutic remedies. 



Nursing is just as essential in the treatment of a sick horse as 

 for a sick person. When rendered in a sensible manner it hastens 

 recovery and fits the animal more promptly for return to service. 

 Veterinarians of wide experience place more value in a good nurse 

 than in medicine. A competent nurse not only cares for the 

 animal, but is also observant enough to anticipate changes for the 

 better or worse in the patient, and provides comforts before they are 

 absolutely necessary. In such diseases as cohc, when the horse is 

 in the throes of acute pain and rolls or throws himself, a nurse 

 should be in constant attendance to prevent the animal from 

 serious injury. Among the duties of the nurse is that of grooming. 

 When this is done in a proper manner benefits are certain to accrue. 

 It keeps the skin clean and more active in disposing of waste prod- 

 ucts. When combined with vigorous rubbing it imparts to the 

 muscles all the benefits of massage. 



Stable quarters suitable for the particular patient should be 

 provided. A large, airy box stall, which has been freshly cleaned 

 and whitewashed, ought to be available for emergency cases. 



