2 
11 ABIES IN A PONY. 
related the tale : “ About a month ago I had a dog on trial, 
which I was about purchasing for the purpose of travelling with 
my cart when I carry out my bread (I suppose a sort of canine 
guardian to the staff of life). 1 had him tied to the axletree, and 
he bit the pony’s hind legs ; in consequence of which, I untied 
him from the axletree, and tied him to the jack of the cart be- 
hind, in doing which he bit me.” I asked “ Where ?” he 
answered, “ Here shewing me his hand, and the cicatrix left 
by the wound inflicted by the dog’s teeth, between the meta- 
carpal of the fore finger and thumb. I asked him what became 
of the dog: he said, “ He was dead w'hen I got home; whether 
I tied him short enough to hang him, or whether he died of him- 
self, I don’t know.” 
I could not help feeling for the poor fellow, and shuddering 
at his situation. I first examined my patient’s pulse, which 
was rather full, but not more in frequency than from 50 to 55 
beats in a minute. With considerable difficulty I succeeded 
in bleeding him, to the extent of five quarts, and ordered a dose 
of opening medicine to be administered*; after which I secured 
him in an open stable, by himself, in order to prevent him from 
doing mischief to any other horse, or any other person. 
The symptoms of the malady rapidly increased, by biting 
every thing within his reach, even different parts of his own 
body ; knocking his head against the manger ; throwing him- 
self down ; striking out his legs, and suddenly rising up again ; 
frequent and profuse perspirations, with very accelerated and 
difficult breathing during the paroxysms; at intervals compara- 
tively quiet. 
These were the principal and prevailing symptoms during the 
time he remained with me, which was about nine hours ; for 
about seven o’clock (watering and feeding time) my servant went 
into the stable to offer him some chilled water. He found him 
tolerably quiet; and after inducing him to come nearly to the end 
of the halter by which he was confined, in order to reach the pail 
placed on his knee, the pony greedily swallowed four or five 
* I confess that I did this with considerable reluctance ; but I was urged 
to try some means of relief. I very particularly cautioned my groom to 
examine his hands carefully, and to assure himself that there was no wound 
or abrasion, and moreover to use a glove. It came out on the following 
day that he had an abrasion on his hand. A medical friend of mine imme- 
diately excised the part, so that there can be no danger with regard to him. 
As to the baker, I discharged towards him what I considered to be my pro- 
fessional duty, without alarming him too much. I asked him who was his 
medical man ; and requested that he would acquaint him with the circum- 
stance. He did so ; but was told, that if any thing could have been done, it 
was then too late ; so that he was left to take his chance. — G. M. 
