SU'N STROKE. 523 



Treatment. — Wheri .(depending on organic changes in the brain, 

 it is incurable, and is subject to these attacks from time to time. 

 When a fit comes on on the road, stop him at once, throw the collar 

 forward off his shoulders and let him stand; if convenient, pour a 

 stream of cold water over his head. Bleeding in the mouth has been 

 recommended, but is quite empirical ; it soon passes off. When oc- 

 curring in a young horse for the first time, he should be well phys- 

 icked out, and if worms are suspected, treat as recommended for 

 worms. Tonics are often beneficial, especially arsenic giver) in 

 doses of from three to five grains daily. Megrim subjects are dan- 

 gerous hacks, and should only be used Where they can do no harm 

 to life or property. 



Sun Stroke. 



This is liable to occur during the hot summer months, particu- 

 larly in large cities. It is usually caused by overwork or hard driv- 

 ing in the sun. Horses that are fat and young, and old, feeble 

 horses are most subject to it. Wearing a sun-shade or a large 

 sponge saturated with water on the top of the head, giving cool 

 water occasionally, and sponging out the nostrils, and wetting the 

 head, with of course moderate work or driving, are the best preven- 

 tives. A very good plan, when driving through the country, where 

 accessible, is to tie a few branches well coyered with leaves so as to 

 come over the head. They also serve to keep the flies away. 



For light driving, a breast-strap is better than a collar, because 

 it permits more freedom of the circulation. 



Symptoms. — In severe cases the horse will suddenly stop, pant 

 violently, possibly drop to the ground and die in a short time. 



When the attack is mild, he will flag in his gait; be unsteady in 

 his limbs, spread his legs in standing, and totter. The head is held 

 low, the eyes protrude, the nostrils are, dilated, the pupils of the 

 eyes smaller than natural, and the breathing rapid. Pulse is quick 

 and weak, the heart beating violently and irregularly. Relief must 

 be prompt. 



Treatment. — Unharness, and throw pails of cold water over the 

 whole body, especially on the , back of the head, neck, and spine. 

 Nertt,. rub the skin energetically with rough cloths or bagging, or 

 anything convenient. Then repeat the douching. The best of all 

 medicine, it is claimed, is quinine. The quickest way to get its ef- 

 fect would be to inject from 25 to 50 or 60 grains under the skin 

 with a hypodermic syringe. This is the remedy used in .the East 

 Indies, and is claimed to be the very best in giving relief. 



