DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 261 
Symptoms. — There is loss of appetite, slight trembling 
and fever followed by lameness and swelling along the inside 
of the leg — usually the hind leg — just inside of the thigh. In 
the earlier stages this swelling makes its appearance along 
the line of the lymphatic vessels in the form of a hard cord. 
Press the fingers upon this cord and immediately the leg is 
thrown out and up and is apparently very stiff and sore. 
This condition is followed by much greater swelling 
extending all the way down and around, in some cases 
becoming as large as a stovepipe. The leg is sore and sensi- 
tive and frequently held from the floor, causing considerable 
pain, as indicated by turning the head to look at it frequently. 
Should a front leg be affected the symptoms are similar, 
the swelling commencing at the chest and extending down on 
the inside. The pulse is quickened and the breathing heavier 
than is natural. A second attack is much more liable than a 
first, a third than a second and so on, until frequent attacks 
terminate in elephantiasis, or big leg. 
Treatment. — Clear the blood of the extreme richness as 
soon as possible, by bleeding — take four quarts of blood from 
him if he is strong and fat, and give a physic of 
Bitter Aloes 8 to 10 drams. 
Bicarbonate of Soda 1 dessertspoonful. 
Ginger 1 dessertspoonful. 
Mix in a pint of lukewarm water and give as a drench. 
If you bleed, give only 8 drams of aloes, and use the follow- 
ing powders : 
Nitrate of Potash or Saltpetre ^ pound. 
Sulphur ^ pound. 
Ground Gentian Root % pound. 
Mix thoroughly and ^ive a teaspoonful three times a day 
on the tongue with a spfon or in the food. Feed soft food, 
with plenty of boiled flaxseed in it, to keep the bowels loose. 
Bathe the leg with lukewarm water — as warm as you can 
bear your hand in it — containing some saltpetre and vinegar, 
for nearly an hour at a time, three times a day. After wiping 
dry, rub well with white liniment weakened nearly one-half 
by adding water. If in very cold weather, bandage the leg to 
keep from getting cold in it after the bathing. Allow him to 
stand quietly for three or four days until the inflammation is 
checked in the gland; then commence to exercise a little 
