BROKEN WIND 
75 
structure induced thereby. Thick wind is usually the pre¬ 
monitor of the disorder. When a portion of the lung has 
been destroyed, the surface being thus reduced, a greater 
effort must be required to supply the necessary quantity of 
pure blood, and hence the violent efforts to effect this 
purpose, when a portion of the air-cells are demolished. 
Remedies. —A radical cure of broken wind, I believe, has 
never taken place; that is, after a rupture of a portion of 
the air-cells. All that can be effected is a palliation of the 
complaint. The food should consist as much as possible of 
that which affords the greatest nourishment in the smallest 
compass. Oats, and particularly beans and peas, as well as 
carrots, have this qualification. The bowels should be kept 
gently open by means of an occasional limited meal of 
green food, when in season ; and when this cannot be sup¬ 
plied, then mild purgatives may be administered. The 
following prescription may be used when required :— 
Aloes . . . • drachm, 
Nitre . .2 drachms, 
to be given in a ball made of syrup or treacle, or it may be 
given in a draught of gruel. When the bowels are suffici¬ 
ently open, then they may be kept so by frequent mashes, 
in place of hard and dry food. Let his drink be frequent 
and in small quantities through the day, but after he is 
suppered let him have an ample draught. Avoid exercise 
or labour when the stomach is full. A broken-winded horse 
should never be pastured, as, by having his stomach con¬ 
stantly full and distended, the disease is increased. By 
strict attention to all these rules, and by gentle, well-timed, 
and progressive exercise, broken-winded horses may be 
rendered capable of performing a fair proportion of labour, 
and may even live a considerable number of years under the 
influence of this affection, by cautious treatment. 
