14 
MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
It is neither safe nor wise to keep the horse alive under 
such circumstances. But if the owner is uncertain whether 
it is rabies with which his horse is afflicted, he should have 
him slung, which will prevent his injuring either himself or 
others. The symptoms, however, which we have above 
detailed are so marked in their character, that they can hardly 
be mistaken ; and the sooner he is destroyed the better, as 
there is no chance whatever of his recovery. 
Causes. —This incurable disorder is caused by the bite of 
a mad dog, or other rabid animal. Horses have also been 
known to be seized with rabies, simply from having licked 
the dog after death, the poison entering the circulation by a 
sore on the sides of the mouth. 
Remedy. —- When symptoms of rabies have manifested 
themselves, it is in vain to attempt a cure. But in cases 
where horses have been known to be bitten by a rabid ani¬ 
mal, or, under doubtful circumstances, the wound should be 
well and deeply burned with lunar caustic. 
TETANUS, OR LOCKED-JAW. 
Symptoms. —To the human being, as well as to the horse, 
this generally proves a fatal malady. This disease does not 
manifest itself of a sudden; but generally steals over the 
system by slow or insidious means. It first developes itself 
by the animal appearing heavy and unwell for a day or two ; 
he feeds sparingly, frequently half chewing his food, and 
then drops it from his mouth. When he drinks, the water 
is gulped, in place of the ordinary mode of taking it. The 
action of the jaw becomes extremely imperfect, and the 
saliva trickles from the sides of his mouth. The mouth can 
at length be but imperfectly opened; and ultimately, the 
whole voluntary muscles of the neck, head, and upper pon 
