290 



MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING OF HORSES 



fected. This disease is due to filth germs that gain access 

 to the body of the foal by way of the open umbilical vein 

 of the navel at birth. Soon after these germs enter the 

 navel, they set up irritation and inflammation. The navel 

 becomes enlarged, pus forms and is absorbed into the cir- 

 culation. Abscesses form in all parts of the body, notably 

 in the joints of the limbs, and at the throat and poll. 



As with digestive disorders, the treatment is the avoid- 

 ance of conditions likely to produce the disease. It 

 should be understood that simple hygienic measures will 

 prevent all such diseases. The box stall in which the 



* V *j.^!r^!s«: 





FIG. 138.— MARES AND FOALS AT PASTURE 



mare foals should be scrupulously clean, well lighted and 

 well ventilated. It should be well bedded with clean, 

 fresh material, for which straw or shavings is best. To 

 make the stall sweeter a little lime should be scattered 

 about the floor before the bedding is put down. 



FEEDING THE YOUNG FOAL 



If the dam's milk is insufficient to promote a healthy, 

 vigorous growth in the foal, additional food should be 

 provided. For this purpose cow's milk is best, and the 



