SYMPTOMS: Attack is sudden and usually appears when the horse has
traveled a short distance after having been stabled for a few days. The
characteristic symptoms of this disease in an animal are: Excitability
without apparent cause; actions seem to indicate injury of the hind
quarters or loins. Animal has a peculiar goose-rumped look, owing to the
muscles over the quarters being violently contracted, and are hard on
pressure. One hind limb is generally advanced in front of the other, and
on attempting to put weight on it, the hind quarters will drop until at
times the hocks almost touch the ground. Sometimes a front leg is
affected. The breathing is hurried. Animal is bathed in sweat, and is in
such agony that it will seize almost anything with its teeth. Although
the pulse is hard and frequent, the internal temperature, even in severe
cases, seldom rises to any marked extent. The urine is dark-red to
dirty-brown color. Owing to the stoppage of the worm-like movement of
the bowels, there is generally constipation and retention of the urine.
Sometimes the symptoms are milder than here described. In other cases
the animal soon falls to the ground and continues to struggle in a
delirious, half-paralyzed state until he dies. Sometimes this disease is
mistaken for colic or acute indigestion, but it can be readily
distinguished by the color of the urine.
TREATMENT: At the first symptom, stop and blanket the animal and let
stand from one to three hours. Then move to the nearest shelter, keeping
the animal as quiet and comfortable, as possible, as excitement
aggravates the disease. Give Aloin, two drams; Ginger, two drams; in
capsule, and administer with capsule gun. Also, give the following
prescription: Potassi Nitrate, eight ounces; Sodii Bicarbonate, eight
ounces; Potassi Iodide, one and one-half ounces. Mix well and make into
thirty-two powders. Give one powder in drinking water every four hours,
or in capsule, and give with capsule gun. Injections of soap and warm
water per rectum are beneficial. Immerse a blanket in hot water and
place over loins, then covering with a dry blanket, or, if this is
impossible, apply the following liniment: Aqua Ammonia Fort., two
ounces; Turpentine, two ounces; Sweet Oil, four ounces, and rub in like
a shampoo over the loins. It may be necessary to draw off the urine,
which is sometimes retained, and it is best to secure the services of a
skilled veterinarian if, such is the case. Allow the animal to drink
often, though in small quantities, of pure water with the chill taken
off. If he is unable to stand on his feet it is well to turn him from
side to side every six hours. It is also advisable to fill bags with hay
and place against his shoulders to prevent him from lying flat on his
side, as this may cause congestion of the lungs. Avoid drenching--it is
dangerous. Should the animal show signs of uneasiness, give one ounce of
Potassi Bromide in the drinking water every four hours until the
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