218 DISEASES OF THE HOESE. 



Stumbling. — Veterinary writers are nearly all silent 

 on this subject, while those who say anything about it call 

 it a habit. In this we cannot coincide with them, but 

 regard it as a nervous affection — a nervous debility result- 

 ing in atony of the flexor muscles of the shoulder. A 

 stumbler is unsafe, either for riding purposes, or for use in 

 single harness whbii attached to a two-wheeled vehicle. 

 Can such an animal be classed as sound f We think not ! 



Sunstroke — Coup de Soleil. — This disease of late 

 years has become of sucii frequent occurrence, that although 

 not mentioned by preTaoas veterinary writers, it demands 

 a notice from us. The chief symptoms are exhaustion and 

 stupidity, the animal usually falling to the ground and 

 being unable to go further. 



To prevent it, allow the hoi-se at short intervals a few 

 mouthfuls of water, and fasten a wet sponge over the fore- 

 head. 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. Eemove the horse from the harness to a cool, 

 shady place. Second. Give two ounces of sulphuric ether ; 

 twenty 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 should 

 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 



