298 RETROSPECTS OE VETERINARY PRACTICE. 
which was not so large as a nutmeg, and on moderate 
pressure being applied, to which the mare flinched. 
Half an hour was occupied in the examination of the 
animal, and by no means with any satisfaction resulting as to 
the precise nature of the complaint. 
A dose of physic was, however, administered, and arnica 
lotion applied to the knee, enjoining care and attention to the 
state of the animal until I saw her again. This took place 
on the 12th, when a lengthened examination was again made, 
and to inquiries instituted I received the following informa¬ 
tion :— 
There was a peculiarly lean and unthrifty appearance of 
the animal, and she had not gained, but rather lost, condition 
since she came into the owner’s possession, notwithstanding 
a liberal diet being allowed her. The appetite at times was 
capricious, and varied much, the bowels irregular and some¬ 
times costive; but diarrhoea had not ever been present; 
skin scurfy, and the coat does not lie well, although she is 
well clothed and in a warm box; the pulse 36, small and 
weak, and auscultation proved the lungs to be in a healthy 
state. Nevertheless, there teas a peculiar dulness about the 
animal in and out of the stable , not in keeping with her breed and 
general character . 
My fears, which pointed towards the liver as the origin of 
the affair, were communicated to the owner, who, however, 
desired me to reduce the nodule upon the knee before any 
further treatment was instituted. 
On the 24th, after several applications of Ung. Iodini, the 
nodule was lessened, but the lameness continued as bad as 
ever, and the mare therefore was left in my hands. 
January 2nd, 1862.—The animal has been given alterative 
doses of calomel daily since my last visit, and with some 
benefit, the lameness being better; and considering it likely 
she would now come round, I was told, if she did not progress 
satisfactorily that a message w T ould be sent requesting my 
attendance. Owing to this, I saw the mare no more until 
May 6th of the same year, when she was not quite sound, 
although much improved in that respect; still it was not so 
with regard to her general condition, it being about as before 
stated. 
She was now suffering from what appeared to be an attack 
of laryngitis, accompanied with a racking cough, anorexia^ 
weakness, low and feeble pulse, numbering about 36, cold¬ 
ness of extremities, &c., symptoms which greatly masked the 
disease that was really doing all the mischief. I felt but 
little could be done, yet treated the patient, although no 
