558 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



soda, but a slight increase in organic matter and silicic acid. The 

 bones lose their jellowish-white appeai-ance, becoming gra}^ and 

 brittle. The affected bones may be those of any region or portion of 

 the bodj^. Besides the change ah-eady noted in the bones of the face, 

 the ends of the long bones, such as the ribs, are involved, and may be 

 sectioned, though not so readily as the facial bones. The bones of the 

 vertebrae are also frequently involved, necessitating great care in cast- 

 ing a horse, as the writer has seen several cases of broken backs in 

 casting such animals for other operations. The marrow and cancel- 

 lated tissue of the long bones may contain hemorrhages and soft gelat- 

 inous material or coagulated fibrin. The internal organs are usually 

 normal, but a catarrhal condition of the gastro-intestinal tract may be 

 noted as a result of the improper mastication, resulting from the 

 enlargement of the jaws and soreness of the teeth. 



TREATMENT. 



The affected animal should be immediately placed under new condi- 

 tions, both as to feed and surroundings. If the horse has been stable 

 fed, it is advisable to turn it out on grass for two or three months, 

 preferably in a higher altitude. If the disease has been contracted 

 while running on pasture, place the animal in the stable or corral. In 

 the early stages of the disease beneficial results have followed the 

 supplemental use of lime given in the drinking water. One peck of 

 lime slaked in a cask of water and additional water added from time 

 to time is satisfactory and can be provided at slight expense. This 

 treatment may be supplemented by giving a tablespoonful of pow- 

 dered bone meal in each feed, with free access to a large piece of rock 

 salt, or the bone meal may be given with four tablespoonfuls of 

 molasses mixed with the feed. Feeds containing mineral salts, such 

 as beans, cowpeas, oats, and cotton-seed meal, may prove beneficial 

 in replenishing the bony substance that is being absorbed. Cotton- 

 seed meal is one of the best feeds for this purpose, but it should be 

 fed carefully. The animal should not be allowed to work at all during 

 the active stage of the disease, nor should it be used for breeding 

 purposes. 



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