50 PRACTICE OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



know beforehand " ; or it is the art of foretelling the issue of dis- 

 ease. It may be general, as in lung fever, or it may be special, as 

 in any given case. 



It is the ability or knowledge to foretell the most probable 

 result of the condition present, and involves an amount of tact or 

 knowledge only acquired by prolonged clinical experience. 



TEEATMENT. 



What is treatment? 



This is the last division of general pathology, and is the most 

 important object in the study of veterinary medicine, from a prac- 

 tical stand-point; to learn how to cure, relieve, or prevent disease 

 is of no minor importance, and it is to be remembered that this 

 does not consist only in the giving of drugs, but requires strict 

 and faithful attention to the diet and hygiene. 



Treatment is the art of preventing, or taking care of the 

 sick and alleviating their sufferings, or of aiding and hastening 

 their cure. 



What is meant by prophylactic treatment? 



This is where the object is to prevent the spread or develop- 

 ment of disease; it also receives the name of preventative treatment. 



What is understood by abortive treatment? 



This is where the disease is cut short and prevented from run- 

 ning its regular course, or when the disease is to be broken up, 

 although already begun. 



What is expectant treatment? 



This is where the disease is allowed to run its regular course, 

 without trying to remove it, but being on guard for any obstacles 

 to its successful issue; this is seen in continued fevers. 



We should try to assist Nature; do not try to improve her. 



What is meant by restorative treatment? 



This is where the aim is to build up the system and supply 

 something wanting in the system, as phosphates in rickets, and 

 iron in anaemia. 



What is radical treatment? 



This is where a rapid impression is made upon the system and 

 the course of a disease is cut short. 



