.'182 THE HORSE. 



[SUNSTROKE— COUP DE SOLEIL. 



Tills disease of late years has become of so frequent occar- 

 rcnce, that although not mentioned by previous veterinary writers, i( 

 demands a notice from us. The chief symptoms are exhaustion 

 and stupidity, the animal usually falling to the ground and being 

 unable to go further. 



To prevent it, allow the horse at short intervals a few mouth- 

 fuls of water, and fasten a wet sponge over the forehead. The 

 sun-shades now used by extensive owners of horses, will go very 

 far in lessening the occurrence of this affection. 



The following treatment, when attended to at once, in the majority 

 of cases will prove effectual. 



First. Remove the horse from the harness to a cool shady 

 place. Second. Give two ounces of sulphuric ether ; 20 drops of the 

 tincture of aconite root and a bottle of ale or porter as a drench to 

 sustain the vital powers, and to act as a powerful stimulant in 

 equalizing the circulation throughout the body ; whilst, Thirdly. 

 Chopped ice is to be placed in a coarse towel, cloth or bag, and 

 laid between the ears and over the forehead, secured in any way 

 the ingenuity of the person in charge may suggest. If the legs 

 be cold, bandages will be of advantage. Do not put the horse to 

 work again until he is completely restored. Dumbness is the 

 usual result of sun-stroke — a species of coma — for which there i? 

 no uure. Horses so affected are of little use in warm weather but 

 are useful in winter. 



