86 SPECIAL EQUINE THERAPY 



condition persists the affected animal is weak, listless, 

 and incapable of performing its usual work. 



The prognosis is favorable in cases due to catarrhal 

 obstruction or calculi. It is unfavorable in all cases due 

 to structural changes in the liver or its ducts. 



Treatment. No matter in what form the condition 

 appears, one of the most essential features in the treat- 

 ment is rest. Even slight exertion has a tendency to 

 delay recovery and aggravate the symptoms. 



Because of the difficulty of differentiating the various 

 forms clinically in the horse, all attacks of jaundice are 

 given such treatment as would appear most appropriate 

 in the catarrhal form. The nature of all other forms is 

 such that, in the horse, their correction is at least im- 

 practicable if not impossible. 



Repeated doses of epsom salts, of sodium phosphate, 

 or of other saline laxatives, are given daily. These doses 

 are to be just large enough to produce a mild laxative 

 effect ; purgation is rather more harmful than beneficial. 

 The feed should be nutritious and easily digested. Stom- 

 achics and some form of internal antiseptic should be 

 given together. 



Some cases that resist the above line of treatment re- 

 spond quickly to repeated doses of sodium bicarbonate 

 and infusion of rhubarb. Small doses of essence of pep- 

 permint enhance the effect of the two latter agents. 



Some cases that have resisted all other treatment will 

 recover with the use of iodid of potash, phytolacca and 

 colchicum. 



When the pruritis incident to the convalescent period 

 begins, the horse must be prevented from injuring itself. 

 Alkaline body-washes may be used to lessen the pruritis. 

 Usually, however, there is not much benefit derived from 

 any sort of applications for this purpose. 



The case may be considered on the road to recovery 



