Notes on Diseases of the Horse: Cause, Symptoms and TreatmentKorinek, Charles James
Science
Notes on Diseases of the Horse: Cause, Symptoms and Treatment
Korinek, Charles James
Horses -- Diseases
SYMPTOMS.—The mange mite attacks the skin and produces a thickness of its
outer surface, covering it with crusts and scabs, with a consequent loss
of hair. Intense itching accompanies the disease, and affected horses
continually bite and rub themselves.
Psoroptic Mange commences at the root of the tail, or at the roots of the
mane on the neck or withers, and gradually spreads over the back, up to
the head, over the sides, and finally affects the entire body. In cases
of long standing the skin becomes ulcerated, the animal becomes greatly
weakened, emaciated and finally dies.
TREATMENT.—When a large number of horses are affected (in one locality)
it is best to prepare a vat and dip them, under the supervision of the
United States Bureau of Animal Industry. When just a few horses become
affected, the following has proven very effective: Sulphur, eight ounces;
Oil of Tar, eight ounces; Sweet Oil, two quarts. Mix and apply liberally
to the parts affected. A few applications are generally sufficient to
eradicate the disease.
LYMPHANGITIS.
CAUSE.—This ailment is common with hard working horses, and is caused by
confining them in the stable and allowing their usual amount of food.
More nutriment is consumed than can be taken up by the system, which
causes an irritation. It is frequently found in certain stables on Monday
morning, hence its name—Monday Morning Disease.
SYMPTOMS.—Swelling and lameness, most usually affecting the hind leg
instead of the thigh and extending down the leg in a hard ridge. It
will pit on pressure, and cause intense pain; the horse will have
difficulty in extending the limb forward, the swelling may surround the
leg entirely. Pulse will be fifty to sixty per minute, temperature 102°
to 104° F., breathing will be faster than normal. The animal has great
thirst, but the appetite is very poor; usually remains standing; if he
lies down will have great difficulty in getting up.
TREATMENT.—In this particular disease apply hot fomentations to the
affected limb or limbs, for one hour, then rub dry and apply Camphorated
Liniment. Give Nitrate Potassi, Chlorate of Potassi, Iodide Potassi,
each four ounces. Mix and make into thirty-two powders. Give one powder
three times a day in drinking water or in a gelatin capsule and give with
capsule gun.
In most cases it is advisable to give a physic: Aloin, two drams; Pulv.
Gentian Root, one dram; Ginger, one dram. Place in gelatin capsule and
give with capsule gun.
MUD FEVER.
CAUSE.—Horses driven over muddy roads during the day and exposed to
freezing weather at night, or driving them over muddy roads, then washing
the limbs and not drying them properly, often produces a superficial
inflammation of the legs.
SYMPTOMS.—The legs are swollen, extremely hot and tender, the horse is
stiff, the hair comes off the legs easily and if the cause is not removed
severe complications may follow, as the secretions of the skin become
greatly affected.
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