DISFASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 
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in pleurisy. Examine his pulse and it will be found that they 
are about regular, whereas in pleurisy they would be beating 
quick and hard. The grating sound heard in pleurisy cannot 
be detected. 
Treatment. — If the weather be warm or if kept in a warm 
stable, wring a woolen blanket out of hot water, wrap it 
around his chest and cover up with a dry blanket to keep the 
heat in. This blanket would be better heated by wringing it 
out of the hot water every hour. While the blanket is being 
changed rub the sides well with white liniment. Give 
Sweet Spirits of Nitre 1 ounce, or 4 dessertspoonfuls 
in a pint of cold water three times a day, morning, noon and 
night, until the soreness has passed ofif pretty well, then 
follow up with a diuretic to act on the kidneys. 
Nitrate of Potash or Saltpetre K pound. 
Ground Gentian Root ^ .pound. 
Mix thoroughly and give a large teaspoonful three times 
a day in his feed or on his tongue with a spoon. 
18. Spasms of the Diaphragm. 
This disease is sometimes called Thumps on account of 
the peculiar thumping noise made in breathing. 
Causes. — It generally results from being put to very 
severe exertion, such as in running, trotting, heavy drawing, 
or such like, too soon after eating. It is also said to be 
caused by buckling the girth of a saddle too tight. It is 
more liable to be noticed shortly after recovering from some 
weakening disease. 
Symptoms. — There is a thumping noise plainly heard by 
listening at the back part of the lungs. In most cases the 
noise can be heard while standing near the animal. It is 
often mistaken for palpitation of the heart, but by examining 
with the ear along the side it will be found that the noise 
made is too far back to be affecting the heart, and it might 
almost be thought, by the peculiar noise made, that some 
person was inside tapping with a hammer. There is difficulty 
in breathing. He sweats freely and seems in pain. 
Treatment. — In an ordinary case give an anti-spasmodic. 
Sweet Spirits of Nitre 1 ounce or 4 dessertspoonfuls. 
Laudanum 1 ounce or 4 dessertspoonfuls. 
Mix in a pint of lukewarm water and give as a drench 
