APHTHA. 73 
APHTHA. 
Nothing proves the sympathy which binds nature more strongly than 
the sameness or similarity of the diseases that affect man and animals. 
Tetanus, pneumonia, enteritis, etc. are so alike as to be the same in the 
human being and in the horse. From the cow was derived the safe- 
guard from the ravages of the small-pox, and the medical profession has, 
by its want of feeling, more than recognized a likeness, linking humanity 
to the dog; in the motive which alone could prompt abuse of a most 
affectionate animal. 
It is a sad proof of the stubbornness of pride, that a unity, thus en- 
forced by suffering, should be ignored, as though it were an insult to 
the superior. No compact, founded by nature, can be dependent upon 
man’s liking. The terms may be laughed at, scorned or denied, but 
these exist. Man is declared in affliction to be the companion of other 
life. When will this truth be acknowledged, and the entire family of 
nature live in one brotherhood? 
Aphtha is a human disorder as well as an equine disease. It generally 
appears in spring and autumn, being produced by 
heat of body. May not a slight attack of aphtha 
sometimes explain that which the groom intends by 
lampas? At all events, aphtha is accompanied by 
dullness and a refusal to feed. Both lips commonly 
swell as the lethargy increases; the tongue tumefies, 
becomes decidedly red, and generally hangs out of 
the mouth, partly for the sake of coolness, partly to 
accommodate its enlarged size. Around the mouth 
little lumps break forth, which at first are stony 
hard, and others, though of a larger size, may be AparMA, 
felt upon the tongue. Vesicles are soon developed 
from these spots, and each contains a small quantity of clear gelatinous 
fluid. The bladders burst; crusts form; and by the time these fall off, 
the complaint has disappeared. 
Some good thick gruel and a few boiled roots, which should be re- 
peatedly changed, must constitute the nourishment while the disease 
lasts, or during the period that the mouth is sore. No medicine; a 
little kindness is now worth a ship load of drugs. When the pimples 
are about to burst, the following may be prepared :— 
Borax> 4) -% i 2 we foe a Be oe a ok & -Bivevounces: 
Boiling water. . . . 2. ew ee ee «One gallon. 
Honey ortreacle .. . . . . . Two pints. 
When the mixture has sous ce up the horse’s head and pour 
