116 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



becomes thicker and more profuse. This is a good symptom and sig- 

 nifies that the acute stage has passed. At any time during the attack, 

 if the horse becomes weak, give whisky or aromatic spirits of ammo- 

 nia, 2 ounces in water. Do not be in a hurry to put the animal back 

 to work, but give plenty of time for a complete recovery. Gentle and 

 gradually increasing exercise may be given as soon as the horse is able 

 to stand it. The food should be carefully selected and of good qual- 

 ity. Tonics, as iron or arsenic, may be employed. 



If abscesses form in connection with the disease they must be 

 opened to allow the escape of pus, but do not rashly plunge a knife 

 into swollen glands; wait until you are certain the swelling contains 

 pus. The formation of pus may be encouraged by the constant appli- 

 cation of poultices for hours at a time. The best poultice for the 

 purpose is made of linseed meal, with sufficient hot water to make a 

 thick paste. If the glands remain swollen for some time after the 

 attack, rub well over them an application of the following : Biniodide 

 of mercury, 1 dram ; lard, 1 ounce ; mix well. This may be applied 

 once every day until the part is blistered. 



Sore throat is also a symptom of other diseases, such as influenza, 

 strangles, purpura hemorrhagica, etc., which diseases may be con- 

 sulted under their proper headings. 



After a severe attack of inflammation of the larynx the mucous 

 membrane may be left in a thickened condition, or an ulceration of 

 the part may ensue, either of which is liable to produce a chronic 

 cough. For the ulceration it is useless to prescribe, because it can 

 neither be diagnosed nor topically treated by the nonprofessional. 



If a chronic cough remains after all the other symptoms have dis- 

 appeared, it is advisable to give 1 dram of iodide of potassium dis- 

 solved in a bucketful of drinking water, one hour before feeding, 

 three times a day for a month if necessary. Also rub in well the 

 preparation of iodide of mercury (as advised for the swollen glands) 

 about the throat, from ear to ear, and in the space between the lower 

 jaw bones. The application may be repeated every. third day until 

 the part is blistered. 



SPASM or THE LARYNX. 



The symptoms are as follows: Sudden seizure by a violent fit of 

 coughing; the horse may reel and fall, and after a few minutes re- 

 cover and be as well as ever. The treatment recommended is this : 

 Three drams of bromide of potassium three times a day, dissolved in 

 the drinking water, or give as a drench in about a half pint of water 

 for a week. Then give 1 dram of powdered nux vomica (either on 

 the food or shaken with water as a drench) once a day for a few 

 weeks. 



