DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 253 
mustard plaster over the back, but if in very cold weather 
put a half-pail of hot salt in a bag over the kidneys and apply 
plenty of blankets, because what is necessary in cases of this 
kind is plenty of heat to the back. Should he be able to stand 
fairly well, keep him on his feet as much as possible. A 
horse can stand for a couple of weeks without injury; in fact 
if he be allowed to lie down, his anxiety to get up may cause 
him to flounder about to such an extent as to be in danger of 
hurting himself in some way. Give 
Bitter Aloes 8 drams. 
Sweet Spirits of Nitre 1 ounce or 4 dessertspoonfuls. 
Bicarbonate of Soda 1 dessertspoonful. 
Ginger 1 dessertspoonful. 
Mix in a pint of lukewarm water and give as a drench. 
This will start the bowels and kidneys to act. In addition to 
this give the^following powders to strengthen the nerves: 
Powdered Nux Vomica % pound. 
Nitrate of Potash or Saltpetre J4 pound. 
Ground Gentian Root ^ pound. 
Mix thoroughly and give a teaspoonful three times a day 
on the tongue with a spoon, or in soft food containing plenty 
of boiled flaxseed, and if he is able to walk give gentle 
exercise every day. 
7. Inflammation of the Brain and Spinal Cord and Their 
Coverings (Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis). 
Cerebro-spinal meningitis is primarily a congestion of the 
brain, spinal cord and the coverings of these organs, which 
finally develops into inflammation. It is comparatively new, 
not being met with anywhere except on this continent. 
Causes. — It may be caused by being kept in a crowded 
stable that is poorly ventilated and badly drained, or by 
eating certain kinds of grasses that contain too much narcotic 
properties, such as are grown in swamps. 
Symptoms. — These vary according to the organs most 
affected. There is a noticeable trembling of different parts 
of the body accompanied by dullness and loss of appetite. A 
peculiar jerking in the limbs is noticeable as the disease 
progresses, followed by staggering and falling and loss of 
power to regain the feet. The pulse is quick but weak, the 
bowels are costive and the urine is of a dark brown color. 
After falling he lies quietly for a time in an apparently dull, 
stupid conditioi*. This, however, passes off after a time and 
