DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 115 
the year. If the animal affected is in high condition use 
sedatives, such as 
Fleming's Tincture of Aconite 8 to 10 drops. 
Laudanum oz. or 2 dessertspoonfuls. 
Mix in a pint of cold water and give as a drench every three 
hours until the distressing symptoms have ceased and in- 
flammation seems pretty well checked. If he seems to be 
weak after this, give 
Sweet Spirits of Nitre 1 ounce or 4 dessertspoonfuls. 
Whisky 1 wine glass full. 
Mix with a pint of new milk or gruel and give three times a 
day, morning, noon and night, until he seems stronger. Then 
when he is getting better and needs a tonic to build up his 
system and keep the kidneys in good action in order to 
relieve the lungs as much as possible, give 
Nitrate of Potash or Saltpetre % pound. 
Ground Gentian Root Ya pound. 
Ground Aniseeds ^ pound. 
Mix thoroughly and give a teaspoonful three times a day. 
While sick feed on soft food, mixing a little boiled flax seed 
with it to keep the bowels regular. If very thin in condition 
it is best not to use much of the aconite and laudanum, 
but commence the stimulants sooner than if he were in high 
condition. Apply mustard and hot water cloths to the sides 
and chest, and be sure to allow the horse to have plenty of 
fresh air by having the stable well ventilated ; be careful, 
though, not to allow any draft to strike him. 
13. Pleurisy. 
Pleurisy is an inflammation of the lining of the inside 
of the ribs and over the lungs. This is a serious disease if 
not taken in time and allowed to develop. 
Causes. — The causes are similar to those of inflammation 
of the lungs, and it is often found that this and inflammation 
of the lungs come together. The chief causes are exposure 
to cold, standing in a draft, washing the body and not prop- 
erly drying it or injuries to the ribs in any way. 
Symptoms. — The first symptom is shivering, the pulse 
being quick and strong — much stronger than v/ith conges- 
tion or inflammation of the lungs. This is sometimes called 
a wiry pulse. There seems to be great pain and heavy 
breathing, which is noticed very much at the flanks. At the 
commencement of the disease he will lie down, but, as a 
