404 
WEED IN HORSES. 
puration has taken place, and sometimes, still more rarely, in mor- 
tification of the limb, and death. 
“ There is considerable resemblance betwixt this disease and 
dropsical swelling of the legs ; also farcy, and water-farcy : they 
may, however, be easily distinguished. Weed begins with swel- 
ling and tenderness in the groin, which fall downwards, and are 
generally confined to one leg. It comes on suddenly, generally 
in a few hours, the animal being otherwise in good health pre- 
vious to the attack. Dropsy, again, appears first in the ex- 
tremities of the legs, and the swelling proceeds upwards. The 
swelling attendant on farcy is most common in the fore legs, and 
is accompanied with farcy-buds in the course of the lymphatics. 
The swellings attendant on water-farcy are often very great, two 
or all of the legs being affected ; and often the swelling extends 
to the breast and belly ; watery blotches break out in various 
parts, and when the joint becomes affected there is excessive 
lameness. 
“ The causes said to produce this disease are sudden changes 
of diet, as from hard to green food, cold and moisture, over- 
loaded stomach, and want of accustomed exercise. There is 
something remarkable in these, as it is found in general that 
those hard-working horses that have been attacked with weed 
are most frequently so on the first days of the week, or any other 
days when the animal is not receiving his accustomed daily exer- 
cise, while food has been given in immoderate quantities, and 
soft in quality. Horses once affected are more subject tbit than 
others. 
“ The cure for this disease is much the same as for other in- 
flammatory affections. As soon as observed, a large quantity of 
blood should be drawn from the system, and a brisk purge im- 
mediately given. If the physic does not operate in the usual 
time, more ought to be given. When the swelling is very large, 
much relief will be given by puncturing the large absorbent vessel, 
which will be felt by the side of the vein ; and more punctures may 
be made in different places, where the effusion has taken place, 
which will greatly reduce the swelling. It is a common practice 
with farriers to bleed in Ihe toe with a view to take off the bad 
blood. In this they are mistaken, as it may be said they begin 
at the wrong end for doing much benefit. If blood can be drawn 
from the thigh, or any other part, in sufficient quantity, it will 
be more certain, and have abetter effect. Rowels are also much 
used in the thigh, but are not of much benefit; as before they 
can operate the disease is generally checked by the efforts of na- 
ture. Frequent bathing wath hot water is an excellent remedy. 
