382 THE HORSE. 



into spasmodic action. No treatment is of the slightest avail. 

 Horses with string halt are able to do any kind of work, but it is 

 considered to be a form of unsoundness.* 



[SUNSTROKE— COUP DE SOLEIL. 



Tins disease of late years has become of so frequent occur- 

 rence, that although not mentioned by previous veterinary writers, it 

 demands a notice from us. The chief symptoms arc exhaustion 

 and stupidity, the animal usually falling to the ground and being 

 unable to go further. 



To prevent IT, allow the horse at short intervals a few mouth- 

 fuls of water, and fasten a wet sponge over the forehead. The 

 sun-shades now used by extensive owners of horses, will go very 

 far in lessening the occurrence of this affection. 



The following treatment, when attended to at once, in the majority 

 of cases will prove effectual. 



First, Remove the horse from the harness to a cool shady 

 place. Second. Give two ounces of sulphuric ether ; 20 drops of the 

 tincture of aconite root and a bottle of ale or porter as a drench to 

 sustain the vital powers, and to act as a powerful stimulant in 

 equalizing the circulation throughout the body ; whilst, Thirdly. 

 Chopped ice is to be placed in a coarse towel, cloth or bag, and 

 laid between the ears and over the forehead, secured in any way 

 the ingenuity of the person in charge may suggest. If the legs 

 be cold, bandages will be of advantage. Do not put the horse to 

 work again until he is completely restored. Dumbness is the 

 usual result of sun-stroke — a species of coma — for which there is 

 no cure. Horses so affected are of little use in warm weather, but 

 are useful in winter. — Editor.] 



* This affection is generally observed in well-bred horses of a highly 

 nervous temperament, and is noticed when the horse is about starting ; much 

 difficulty being experienced before the animal gets fairly down to his work. 

 Once under way the peculiarity entirely disappears, but returns when another 

 start is to be made. It rarely, if ever, disqualifies the animal for any kind 

 of work, except where he is liable to be suddenly called upon for any unusual 

 exercise of power or speed. 



The Editor, in his previous work on the " Diseases in the American 

 Stable, Field, and Farm Yard," says : " The causes are twofold. First. 

 The loss of nervous influence, whereby the extensor-pedis muscle is deprived 

 of its power. Second. The peculiar anatomical articulation and general 

 structure of the hock-joint of the horse are such, that when the leg of a dead 

 horse is stripped of its muscles the ligaments arc not disturbed at all ; and if 

 the leg, above and below the hock, be caught hold of by the hands, and the 

 leg straightened out, the moment the hands are taken from it, will spring 

 into a bent position on the instant, thus imitating string halt, as near as can 

 be. Thus the balance of power is not equal ; the artieulary ligaments of the 

 hock-joint are stronger than the muscles of the thigh. Hence, the moment 

 the horse lifts his foot from the ground the leg is instantaneously snatched 

 up by the power of the ligaments." — Editor. 



