428 ON THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FARM HORSE. 
and ears are cold, and motion and friction of the belly increases 
instead of relieving the pain. These symptoms will be sufficient 
for the carter or wagoner to distinguish the one complaint from 
the other. As soon as the animal is seized, to relieve the spasm, 
bleed. Blood-letting is a powerful antispasmodic, and its timely 
performance has saved many a valuable animal. Give, as soon as 
possible after bleeding, two or three ounces of laudanum, with the 
same quantity of spirit of nitrous ether, in a pint of warm w’ater. 
Of all the external agents, in affording relief to the griped horse, 
nothing can be compared to dry heat applied to the abdomen. The 
common warming-pan for this purpose is admirable. Put some 
coals into it, and make it as hot as you can bear your hand lightly 
upon it; pass it quickly under the belly, to and fro, continuing it 
for ten or fifteen minutes at a time : so grateful does it prove to the 
animal, that he will stand quiet to have it done, although manifest¬ 
ing great pain previous to its application. It is also the speediest 
method of drying the horse when he is covered all over with sweat: 
in this way, it will do more good in five minutes in drying the sur¬ 
face of the body than five men shall do in an hour by hand-rubbing. 
In inflammation of the bowels, whether primary in its attack or 
the sequel of gripes, the aid of the veterinary surgeon had better 
be obtained, since the treatment must then be regulated in accord¬ 
ance with the symptoms. 
Alteratives 
Are very useful in the farm stable in cases of cracked heels, 
swollen legs, grease, or surfeit. They are very liable to be misused 
by the carter or wagoner: giving them too often, or in too large 
a dose, is a serious injury ; it over-excites the kidneys, and inflames 
them occasionally. It is the outrageous doses that ought to be 
protested against.. Frequently, two or three ounces of nitre and 
resin are given for a dose, two or three times a week, by people 
ignorant of the effect it produces. Excessive staling is the result, 
followed by debility. All that is required is just medicine enough 
to excite the kidneys, which one-fourth of the dose will do. Me¬ 
dicine ought never to be at the command of the carter or wagoner, 
without his first receiving instruction from some one competent to 
inform him of its action and use. Great impropriety exists in some 
stables in allowing such persons to procure what medicine they 
think fit to drug their horses with. Whatever is had should be 
purchased from respectable vendors, and have labels attached to 
the same, to prevent any mistake, as w r ell as for the inspection of 
the master, hind, or bailiff. 
