82 
OBSCURE DISEASE IN A HORSE. 
said that “ he did not swallow on that morning as well as 
usual, and he thought his throat was sore. 55 After making a 
careful examination of his mouth and throat, I determined to 
dress the throat with the following solution — 
This I accomplished by saturating a small sponge with it 
secured to small ratan, I found no difficulty in introducing it, 
nor did the horse appear to suffer any material inconvenience 
from it. I then stimulated the throat externally, and left 
him with the full conviction of making an autopsy in a few 
5th, a.m. — He has now a copious, unhealthy-looking dis- 
charge from the mouth and nostrils. He looks dull and dis- 
pirited ; but his evacuations are natural and regular, and he 
continues to take his gruel without resistance or any difficulty 
in swallowing ; he lies down regularly, and his intellect is 
clear, as indeed it has always been, except during one of those 
paroxysms produced by the mastication of hay. Bruised 
potatoes or carrots, or bran-mashes, when put into his 
mouth, were eaten without producing those violent symp- 
toms; nor did the elevation of the head in drenching appear 
to give him pain or inconvenience. 
6th, a.m. — The discharge from the mouth and nostrils has 
mostly subsided ; his spirits are dull, yet he moves freely 
when spoken to, and takes all with avidity which is put into 
his mouth. He is again costive, which is doubtless owing to 
the character of his food and to the altered capacity of the 
bowels. Seeing that death was evidently approaching, I 
gave no medicine. 
7th, a.m. — Once more, accompanied by Drs. Stickney and 
Thayer, I visited the animal. There is now but little differ- 
ence to be observed in him, except in the peculiar snatch 
of the head. This has entirely disappeared, but he cannot 
eat notwithstanding. 
8th. — The head is again turned to the right side when at- 
tempting to masticate hay, and he starts back in his stall, 
and rears, &c., as before. He is becoming emaciated. The 
heat and soreness of the neck are evidently increased ; his 
appetite is also impaired ; but he takes his rest regularly, 
lying down and rising with little apparent difficulty. 
9th. — A slight discharge from the right nostril has taken 
place ; he drinks freely from the bottle ; the body is tremu- 
lous, but the surface is warm. He has lain down the past 
night, but he takes less notice of persons and things around 
Argent. Nitrat., 5ij ; 
Aquae Distil., ^ij. M. 
