608 EPITOME OF MODERN TREATMENT 



Spasm of the Diaphragm (In the Horse). Thumps. 



Give spirit of chloroform, or compound spirit of ether. If persistent try 



lobeline or morphine under the slcin; also inhalations of amyl nitrate. Apply 



hot applications over the diaphragm; pull out the tongue. If breathing 



becomes difficult, use venesection to avert pulmonary apoplexy. 



Spasms. See Convulsions, Eclampsia, Epilepsy, Chorea, Tetanus, Colic, 



Asthma, Thumps, Etc. 

 Spavin, Bog. See Bog Spavin. 

 Spavin, Bone (In the Horse). 



In acute cases, rest and the application of a compress kept constantly wet 

 with cold water. This may be followed by firing and blistering — to secure 

 ankylosis — in young animals. The use of a. high-heeled shoe may benefit 

 many cases. Other operations which may relieve the lameness are cunean 

 tenotomy and anterior and posterior tibial neurectomy. 



Splint. 



Apply cold compresses, when the animal is in the stable, and later the 

 ointment of red mercuric iodide, every other day till blistering occurs. 

 When this is not curative, fire in points and blister with cantharides, fol- 

 lowed by rest. In very acute cases, incise the periosteum at the onset. 



Speedy Cut (In the Horse). 



Apply antiseptic gauze, wet with 2 per cent, lysol and cover with rub- 

 ber or oil silk, and bandage, to injury on cannon or knee. Otherwise treat 

 as for Wounds. Employ a boot to save knee from being struck. To pre- 

 vent, pare away inner wall of striking foot and use accurately fitting three- 

 quarter shoes. Shoe once in three weeks. Avoid too rapid work. 



Spinal Inflammation. Spinal Pachy- and Lepto-Meningitis, 

 Myelitis. 



Traumatism, tuberculosis, septicemia, pyemia, distemper, strangles and 

 growths are etiological factors. Treatment depends on etiology to some 

 extent. In acute spinal meningitis, treat as for cerebro-spinal meningitis, 

 except cold should be applied to spine rather than to the head. In the later 

 stages, blisters applied over the lumbar region — or over centers correspond- 

 ing to the peripheral lesions — are indicated. Potassium iodide may be useful 

 in aiding resolution. Tonics, as strychnine and iron, are valuable. When 

 there is marked paraplegia, keep horses in slings and empty bowels and 

 bladder regularly. Employ faradism and massage of paralyzed muscles. 

 Recovery is uncertain and treatment is often economically inadvisable. 



Sprains or Strains of Muscles, Tendons or Ligaments. 



Usually involve actual rupture of the fibres of these structures. At the 

 onset, secure rest and immobilization of the part as far as possible. Take 

 off weight by slings; apply high-heeled shoe in strain of flexor tendons of 

 feet in horses. Apply compresses wet with hot saturated solution of Epsom 

 salt and covered with waterproof cloth, or cold irrigations and Priessnitz 

 poultice at night, with rubber bandaging to prevent exudation and swelling 

 of the part. After the acute symptoms abate, alternate hot and cold 

 applications of water — to stimulate circulation — and begin soon with mas- 

 sage and movement of the part and gradually increasing exercise. Keep 

 the part bandaged if possible when not applying treatment. "Various lini- 

 ments may be used to aid massage, as chloroform or turpentine liniment. 

 Firing and blistering, or simply blistering, and turning out animal to pas- 

 ture, may secure recovery. Subsequent cicatrization with contraction of 

 tendons and ligaments can not be prevented except in part by early move- 

 ment of the injured limb. Tenotomy may be used for contraction. Fibro- 

 lysin, may be injected for induration. Neurectomy is occasionally advisable 

 for lameness. 



Sterility (Sexual). See Barrenness and Impotence. 

 Stomach Staggers. See Indigestion. 



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