SURFEIT. 
303 
while the sulphur acts upon the bowels, and the urinary 
organs are cleared out by the nitre. 
If the horse is off his feed, and no symptoms of fever, it 
may be apprehended, as above hinted, that a want of energy 
of the vessels is the cause of the complaint. In that case 
it will be necessary to add a tonic to the above prescription. 
Let that be 
Gentian ... 1 drachm, 
Ground ginger . . \ drachm. 
But it is only in cases where it is evident that there is a 
want of energy that tonics should be resorted to, as they 
are apt to induce fever if too much used ; and although 
they may be useful, and attended with truly beneficial 
effects, when they are used with caution, yet the too 
frequent use of them induces a habit, and the quantity 
must be increased and often repeated, and a dangerous state 
of excitement is thereby kept up. 
Besides what we have above recommended, it will be 
found that friction may be advantageously employed, as it 
arouses the dormant energies of the secreting vessels. 
Additional clothing may also be resorted to with great 
advantage. We must, however, draw a marked distinction 
between heat thus employed from that of keeping the stable 
warm. This is too frequently resorted to by injudicious 
grooms, who thus contaminate the atmosphere of the stable, 
and keep up what is very often the cause of the disease. 
Nothing is of so much consequence as a well-aired stable ; 
and if warmth is necessary, let it be applied in the shape 
of clothing. 
SURFEIT. 
Symptoms. —In the spring large pimples or lumps sud- 
enly make their appearance on the skin of the horse. 
