DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 195 
21. Inflammation of the Milk Bag (Garget). 
This is inflammation of the glands which secrete the 
milk; it is not so common in mares as it is in cows. 
Causes. — It is caused by getting cold, by lying on the 
cold, damp ground in the fall or spring, by improper sucking 
or by an injury of some kind. 
Symptoms. — The bag is hard, hot and tender and is 
slightly swollen. The appetite is poor and there is some 
indication of fever. It is difficult to milk her because of the 
soreness of the bag, and the milk is thin and watery, contain- 
ing curdy-like milk which comes out in jerks. 
Treatment. — Give 
Laudanum 1 ounce or 4 dessertspoonfuls. 
Nitrate of Potash, or Saltpetre 1 teaspoonful. 
Fleming's Tincture of Aconite 5 drops. 
Mix in a pint of lukewarm water and give as a drench, 
but if she should be costive mix in a pint of linseed oil instead 
of water. Bathe the bag well with warm water and vinegar 
three times a day, wipe dry and apply the white liniment 
weakened one-half by the addition of w?ter. After applying 
the liniment oil the bag well with goo3e oil. The bag should 
be well milked out, either by the hand or by allowing the 
colt to suck. 
If this treatment is not effective because of not being 
taken in time, the bag festers, continues to swell and becomes 
very sensative and sore. In a short time the milk ceases to 
flow and matter forms. Treat by bathing with warm water 
and vinegar, after which apply liniment and goose oil. Con- 
tinue this treatment until a soft spot can be detected in the 
swelling. Lance at this point to allow the matter to escape. 
After lancing continue bathing with warm water and vinegar 
four or five times a day, but instead of the liniment use the 
white lotion. 
Should the case be a severe one it is better to prevent 
the colt sucking for a time, as the impurity of the milk may 
make him sick. 
22. Swelling Along the Belly Before Foaling (Dropsy). 
Symptoms. — This swelling commences at the bag three 
or four weeks before foaling and continues gradually forward 
until it extends out between the front legs. The general 
appearance otherwise seems to be quite natural and the 
appetite is apparently as ^ood as usual. 
