392 HORSE AILMENTS AND HOW TO DOCTOR THEM. 



matter what the remedies that may be applied. If there be 

 much fever and excitement about the horse, give a few drops 

 of tincture of aconite root ; then thoroughly soak the part in 

 warm water and apply, according to directions, Dimon's Spavin 

 Cure, well rubbed in. Continue this at least twice every day 

 until the patient is well. 



SURFEIT. 



This is a disease of the skin which makes its appearance in 

 small lumps or pimples on the neck of the horse, and sometimes 

 spreads over his back, loins, sides, and quarters. It is usually 

 due to some fault in the diet, the surroundings of the animal, 

 or to lack of proper grooming. It occurs mo'st commonly dur- 

 ing spring and fall. 



Treatment. The bowels must be opened by an active 

 purgative, to be followed by a course of tonics. Give from six 

 to eight drachms each of the best aloes and ginger (either in a 

 ball or a drink), according to the size and condition of the ani- 

 mal. If the bowels are not freely moved by this dose, repeat 

 it in three days. Mares well advanced in pregnancy should 

 not receive the full dose until after foaling. Yearlings may re- 

 ceive one-fourth; and two-year-olds one-half of the above dose. 

 Colts can better be given castor oil in doses of from three to 

 six ounces, according to age. After the bowels have been 

 moved give two tablespoonsf ul of the following mixture on the 

 feed twice daily : Powdered nux vomica, one-fourth pound ; ni- 

 trate of potash, one-fourth pound ; sulphate of soda, one pound. 

 Mix. 



SPLINT. 



This is a callous or bony tumor growing on or over the 

 splint-bones. To clearly understand the nature of this diffi- 

 culty we should consider that the leg is composed of three 

 bones, viz., the cannon and two splint bones. The cannon- 

 bone, extending from the knee to the fetlock joint, is a long 

 round bone, and at the upper end, where it unites with the 

 bone of the knee, is marked by a high ridge running from the 

 back to the head of the bone, and another ridge at each side, 



