314 LOSS OF APPETITE. 



Sesquichloride of Iron. — Capsicum. — Both these are valuable 

 remedies to improve the appetite and general condition of horses 

 reduced by excess of labour. G-ive them in alternation ; — the 

 Sesquichloride of Iron in 2-drachm doses, mixed with 6 or 8 

 ounces of vrater, every morning for four or five mornings in suc- 

 cession ; and the Tincture of Capsicum 1 in 2-drachm doses, in 

 6 or 8 ounces of water, every night for a like period. 



Horses sometimes do not thrive because they require salt. 

 A large lump of rock salt should be placed in the hay rack so 

 that they may lick the mass when they choose. 



Diet. — Change the diet of the patient. Try carrots (if in 

 season), or swede turnips, or a little malt, or speared corn. . 

 Examine the hay, and see that it is wholesome and free from 

 dust ; and the oats, if they are free from mustiness. See 

 Section VI., page 108. 



INDIGESTION. 

 Indigestion is a common affection in both old and young 

 horses. In some forms of the malady the violence of its effects 

 are exerted upon structures remotely situated from the stomach. 

 This is the cause of many diseases both of an acute, sub-acute, 

 and chronic character. 



Symptoms. — Indigestion in its more common forms is 

 usually characterised by a duU, unthrifty state of the skin ; the 

 hair in spite of all grooming is dry and harsh ; it wants that 

 rich glossy look so evident on the skin of weU-groomed horses 

 when in a state of exuberant health. The abdomen presents a 

 pinched up condition ; the appetite is sometimes ravenous and 

 inordinate, and at other times fastidious. Sometimes the 

 patient will eat dirt, or lick the boards or the plaster work on 

 the walls. The urine is scanty and high coloured; in many 



