412 
THE VETERINARY ART IN INDIA. 
the intestines, the propriety of such treatment must be acknow- 
ledged. 
The disease, I conceive, is much more frequent in this country 
than is generally imagined, as it is so frequently the consequence 
of obstruction in the bowels; and the animal is here very subject 
to great accumulation of gravel, sand, dirt, &c. from the foulness 
of his forage. I have frequently seen a horse discharge ten or 
twelve pounds of gravelly matter when under the influence of 
physic. Unfortunately the native having no knowledge of this 
disease, the animal is left to die, which he generally does in 
the course of twenty-four hours. Thus, I believe, many valuable 
horses are lost, without the least assistance being afforded them. 
Section 5. 
Of Inflammation, Abscess, Ulcers, Mange, Strains, 
Windgalls, Rheumatism, Sore-Back, Poll-Evil, 
Spavins, Splents, & c. 
Abscess. — Inflammation in the horse arises, perhaps, from 
various causes; but that to which I principally confine myself 
in this chapter is external inflammation, arising from blows, 
strains, friction, or any other accident. In this case, the vessels 
of the part having lost much of their tone and strength, they be- 
come incapable of circulating the now oppressing fluid. Hence, 
in slight inflammations, it will evidently appear that the mode of 
relief must arise from the application of tonics, a3 vinegar, cold 
spring water, sugar or extract of lead, brandy, &c. thereby in- 
creasing the strength of the relaxed vessels to perform their func- 
tions, and circulate the redundant fluid. Bleeding is also neces- 
sary to allay the impetus of the circulation, and that the quantity 
of blood going to the part may be diminished : this mode of treat- 
ment is termed reducing inflammation. 
If the inflammation is in a young, vigorous animal, very timely 
assistance must be employed to reduce it, as the confined blood 
soon corrupts, or rather changes its nature. The red particles, 
perhaps, being absorbed, the coagulum forms into matter. This 
event may generally be known by the heat, tension of the skin, 
and pain diminishing, and the parts rather swell and palpitate 
beneath the touch. In this case, the reverse treatment must 
ensue. Instead of continuing to lower the habit by bleeding and 
a spare diet, a good warm nourishing one should be substituted. 
If the animal is very low, cordials may be moderately resorted to, 
and the parts should be kept warmly poulticed, with bran or 
meal boiled in milk, or warm fomentations of mango leaves in hot 
