62 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



nose, or are dropped from the mouth, quidded. An examination 

 of the mouth by inserting the hand fails to find any obstruction or 

 any abnormal condition. These cases go on from bad to worse ; the . 

 horse constantly and rapidly loses in condition, becomes very much 

 emaciated, the eyes are hollow and lusterless, and death occurs from 

 inanition. 



Treatment is very unsatisfactory. A severe blister should be ap- 

 plied behind and under the jaw; the mouth is to be frequently 

 swabbed out with alum or chlorate of potash, 1 ounce to a pint of 

 water, by means of a sponge fastened to the end of a stick. Strych- 

 nia may be given in 1-grain doses two or three times a day. 



This disease may be mistaken at times for foreign bodies in the 

 mouth or for the so-called cerebrospinal meningitis. It is to be dis- 

 tinguished from the former, upon a careful examination of the 

 mouth, by the absence of any offending body and by the flabby feel 

 of the mouth, and from the latter by the animal appearing in perfect 

 health in every particular except this inability to eat or drink. 



ABSCESSES. 



Abscesses sometimes form back of the pharynx and give rise to 

 symptoms resembling those of laryngitis or distemper. Interference 

 with breathing that is of recent origin and progression, without any 

 observable swelling or soreness about the throat, will make one sus- 

 pect the formation of an abscess in this location. But little can be 

 done in the way of treatment, save to hurry the ripening of the 

 abscess and its discharge by steaming with hops, hay, or similar sub- 

 stances and by poulticing the throat. The operation for opening an 

 abscess in this region necessitates an intimate knowledge of the 

 complex anatomy of the throat region. 



DISEASES OP THE ESOPHAGUS OR GULLET. 



It is rare to find diseases of this organ, except as a result of the 

 introduction of foreign bodies too large to pass or to the administer- 

 ing of irritating medicines. In the administration of irritant or 

 caustic medicines great care should be taken that they be thoroughly 

 diluted. If this is not done, erosions and ulcerations of the throat 

 ensue, and this again is prone to be followed by constriction (nar- 

 rowing) of the gullet. 



CHOKING. 



The mechanical trouble of choking is quite common. It may 

 occur when the animal is suddenly startled while eating apples or 

 roots, and we should be careful never to approach suddenly or put 

 a dog after horses or cows that are feeding upon such substances. 

 If left alone these animals very rarely attempt to swallow the object 

 until it is sufficiently masticated. 



