DEBILITY, 69 



measure in the treatment, even of a disease of an exalted 

 kind, that will reduce the strength. The animal thus af- 

 fected rapidly becomes weak and debilitated to such an 

 extent as may cost it its life. 



(1.) Debility, Simple. — May be local, that is, confined 

 to a part, as in partial paralysis, from the effects of a blister 

 applied to a part, or from a kick or injury. 



Symptoms. A thickening or swelling of the parts. The 

 swelling is not inflammatory, but soft, and contains fluid. 

 (QEdema.) 



Treaiment. Powdered sulphate of iron, one ounce and a 

 half; gentian root, two ounces ; chlorate or nitrate of potassa, 

 one ounce. Mix, and divide into twelve powders, and give 

 one night and morning mixed in cut or soft feed, with no 

 more water in the feed than will keep the particles together. 

 Feed the animal generously and well. Debility, and swell- 

 ing of the legs of horses now-a-days, at least in the United 

 States, can be produced by simply keeping a portion of 

 their usual feed from them for two or three days. 



(2.) Debility, General. — Symptoms. Swelling of the 

 legs, sheath, breast, and belly. Disturbed breathing. The 

 horse is very weak, and easily pushed from off his feet by 

 the hand. Indeed, he staggers as he walks, and sometimes 

 Mis to the ground. 



Causes. Bleeding or giving physic (a purge) in the 

 treatment of disease, especially in diseases of the chest. 

 Starving and low diet given to a sick horse, when he should 

 be supported in the midst of his sickness by good feeding. 

 The very neglect, or want of knowledge on this point, has 

 killed thousands of horses that would have lived, that have 

 been sacrificed at the shrine of ignorance, error, and bad 

 judgment. This condition of things in relation to the 

 treatment of diseases of the horse, and indeed all our faitb- 



