SCROFULOUS OSTITIS IN FOALS. 
581 
thoroughly anticeptisized and a ligature applied close to the 
abdominal wall as soon after the colt is foaled as possible. 
I have witnessed the practical workings of this mode of pro¬ 
cedure for some time and am convinced that ils adoption 
will cause a diminution in the number of foals affected with 
omphalitis. The hygienic surroundings of foal and dam are 
important factors in prophylaxis and must not be overlooked. 
The medicinal treatment of this disease has been very unsat¬ 
isfactory and is so yet in a great many instances, especially so 
when treatment has not been resorted to at the very com¬ 
mencement of the attack. The treatment of the disease 
manifestly must be directed towards preventing suppuration, 
palliating the digestive and assimilative irregularities, and 
modifying the local manifestations of the malady. 
A purgative or laxative is usually indicated to remove the 
poisonous, effete and excrementitious matters which are the 
cause or source of digestive irritability, and to restore as near 
as possible the secretions to their normal constituents. The 
therapeutic agent best suited to the purpose is castor oil, with 
which a little bicarbonate of soda may be advantageously 
combined. One to three drachm doses of sodium salicylate 
administered from four to six times daily, exert a powerful 
action on the pyrexia and have a tendency to prevent suppura¬ 
tion, doubtless by their antiseptic action on the pathological 
organism of the disease. Small doses of alcohol in combina¬ 
tion with the salicylate in the first stages may be given with 
benefit. The dose of salicylate of sodium should be graduall} 7 
decreased as the temperature falls, and during convalescence 
potassium iodide may be substituted. After the subsidence of 
the action of the purgative and the temperature is not high, 
syrup of hypophosphites may be given in one or two ounce 
doses three times daily. This preparation, containing to each 
fluid ounce: 
Hypophosphite Potass ----- grains ii 
“ 'Lime.“ i 
“ Iron.- “ ij 
“ Manganese - - - - “ i 
“ Quinine - - - - “ ij 
“ Strychnine - - - - “ ts 
is a very efficient auxiliary in the treatment of the disease. 
