AND HIS DISEASES. 113 



derable fetor and a very disgusting appearance. The con- 

 stitution is more or less disturbed, and she often becomes 

 emaciated. 



Treatment. — Cold water should be frequently injected, or 

 a solution of. sulphate of zinc, as 



to be well shaken up, and a little injected several times a 

 day. Tonics are very serviceable, and should be persevered 

 in. Occasional diuretics are useful. The following balls are 

 recommended by Mr Percival : — 



Cantharides, . 5 grains. 

 Linseed meal, . 1 drachm. 

 Balsam copaibse sufficient to 

 make a ball. 



Sugar of lead, . 1 drachm. 

 Opium, . . 1 scruple. 

 Linseed meal, haH-an-ounce. 

 Common turpentine suificient to 

 make a balL 



One or two of either may be given daily. 



PARTURITION OR POAIING. 



The period of gestation in the mare varies from eleven to 

 thirteen months. Usually about ten days before foaling she 

 begins to " make bag," the udder enlarges, and a thin milky 

 fluid can be drawn from the teats, and a glairy discharge 

 escapes from the vagina, giving warning that the foal is 

 about to be dropped. When the time approaches, she be- 

 comes uneasy, getting up and down frequently. Presently 

 the true labour pains begin, the womb contracts on its con- 

 tents, assisted by the diaphragm and abdominal muscles ; 

 the whole body is convulsed with the effort ; the mouth of 

 the womb becomes dilated; the water-bag appears and 

 bursts ; and when the presentation is natural, a few efi'orts 

 fprce it out — ^^sometimes enclosed in the membranes, which 



