The illustrated horse doctor : $b being an accurate and detailed account of the various diseases to which the equine race are subjectedMayhew, Edward
Science
The illustrated horse doctor : $b being an accurate and detailed account of the various diseases to which the equine race are subjected
Mayhew, Edward
Horses -- Diseases
When the fine structure of the horse's body is regarded, and we reflect
that a creature of so beautiful a frame is by man's will taken from the
fields, where every bite of grass is of a different flavor--now hot and
pungent by an admixture of the buttercup, then cool and bland by the
marsh-mallow mingling with the morsel--where, unknown as yet to toil, such
sustenance is sufficient for growth and idleness; when we consider that
an animal is suddenly snatched from such a diet, every mouthful of which
was endowed not only with a varied taste, but with a change of perfume;
when we feebly conjecture how grateful this ever-varying savor must have
rendered herbage to any being possessed of the admirable sense of smell
with which the equine species are gifted, it can create but small surprise
that, when taken into stables, put to exhausting labor, and day after
day made to eat a stinted allowance of dry food, the sameness of the
diet and the change in habit should occasionally derange the digestion.
=Sore throat= is, however, frequently a sign of some graver disorder; the
affection should, therefore, be cautiously treated as a local malady.
When it is present, the symptoms are a constant deglutition of saliva, a
want of appetite, accompanied by an inability to swallow liquids. The pail
being presented, the act of drinking is accomplished with evident effort;
the drops are forced down by a series of jerks, which are often made more
emphatic by an audible accompaniment. Notwithstanding this labor, only a
portion of the fluid enters the gullet, the greater part returning by the
nostrils.
[Illustration: A HORSE WITH SORE THROAT ENDEAVORING TO DRINK.]
So soon as this is observed, throw the horse up, for sore throat is
always attended with weakness. Clothe fully, bandage the legs, place in a
well-ventilated and amply littered loose box; feed upon green meat for a
couple of days, at the same time always having present a pail of thick,
well-made gruel, which should be regularly changed, thrice daily. Morning,
noon, and night, a pottle of bruised oats, with a handful of old beans
distributed among them, should be scalded, and, when blood-warm, placed in
the manger.
Frequently, this is all that is required, and the disorder is well cured,
which yields without medicine. Should the bowels prove obstinate, and
after the second day continue constipated, a mild dose of solution of
aloes should be administered.
Solution of aloes Four ounces.
Essence of aniseed Half an ounce.
Water One pint.
Mix, and give.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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