New York State College of Agriculture Ai Gornell University Ithaca, N.Y. Library Corneil University Library The American reformed horse book, a treat THE AMERICAN REFORMED HORSE BOOK. A TREATISE ON THE CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND CURE OF ALL THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE, INCLUDING EVERY DISEAS£ PECULIAR TO AMERICA. ALSO EMBRACING FULL INFORMATION un BREEDING, REARING, AND MANAGEMENT. DESIGNED FOR POPULAR USE By Pror. GEO. H. DADD, V.S., Late Prof. of Anatomy and Physiology in the Veterinary Institute of (eters Author of the “ Anatomy and Physiology of the Horse,” etc. BLEGANTLY ILLUSTRATED. NEW YORK: ORANGE JUDD COMPANY 315 FOURTH AVE. 1920 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1869, by R. W. CARROLL & CO., In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of Ohio. £14.50 4- Printro me U. S. AL PREPAG Ey MERICANS rank high in the estimation of the scientific world for their genius and industry in the great work of intellectual, moral, and scientific improvements. See what has occurred in the arts of printing, electrotyping, ete. The eloquence of the great literary magicians of the New World, the honored graduates of free institutions and free schools, no sooner falls from their lips than the phonographist transfers it to paper, the nimble fingers of the compositor puts it into “ form ;” next the “ battery ” deposits on the face of the type a more durable coating of copper, and “ Hoe’s press” sends off “ impressions” with almost magical vapidity. No less surprising are the wonderful feats performed by American mechanics, in the construction of fast yachts and steamers, which often pluck a laurel from the so-called “ Mistress of the Sea ;” and old “Uncle John” gives us due credit for per- fecting a race of fast trotters that can beat the world of horse- flesh. Improvements in every department of Science and Art are con- stantly treading on the heels of improvement; yet, as regards the science of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, America seems almost the last among civilized nations to put her shoulder to the wheel. What can be the reason? Her youth may be offered as a plea for excuses. The daughter of the Old World has not yet, in this department, arrived at years of discretion ; she is yet in her teens. Her sons have borne the heat and burden of the day in establish- ing their liberty, in founding cities, extending commerce, and in taming the wild face of soil, by uprooting the giant oak, and in clearing away the forest, so that the husbandman, with plow and harrow in hand, might follow on, and next impregnate mother (ii) PREFACE. earth with germs for fructification, which, in the day of the har- vest thereof, might be gathered and garnered tor the benefit of man and the inferior orders of creation. And long ere the woodman’s ax ceases to vibrate its clear. stroke-noies in the ears of the new settlers, a giant enterprise is in contemplation. Space and distance must be comparatively an- nihilated; the iron horse, with his lungs of steel and breath of steam, must have his highway and byway, and the result is, the choice spirits of progression have been earnestly engaged in dot- ting a vast surface of United States Territory with a magnificent net-work of railway and telegraphic wire; and various other en- terprises, with which the reader is familiar, have so occupied tha American mind, that the Science of Life, as it applies to animals, has been almost at a stand-still. In the prosecution of these objects, so essential as they hav proved in the economy of an infant republic, it is not surpris- ing that our science should fail to receive attention, and that America should be in the rear of the veterinary squadrons of the Old World; yet, notwithstanding this seeming indifference, veterinary science does, in some parts of this country, occupy as high a platform as that which obtained in England, about seventy years ago, when the Apostle of Mercy, St. BEt, first landed oa British soil. The se:ence which we here advocate is as valuable and chari- table to nature’s menials, for the purpose of ministering to their paysical wants, relieving their aches and pains, and of prolong- ing their lives, as that practiced on the more noble of created life ; and, at the present day, testimony can be produced going to show that among us can be found “ good Samaritans ” who are alway’ ready to minister to the wants of the inferior orders of creation— a work as acceptable to the God of Nature, and as creditable te manhood, as when the welfare of one of us is concerned. Anda should we estimate the science in exact ratio to the value and use- fulness of the legion host of domestic animals that have been reared in this country, and those which, without regard to cost, have been imported, to whose welfare it directly contributes, the reader will readily perceive that it is entitled to the consideration and support of a nation of husbandmen. It must be borne in mind that a knowledge of the principles of veterinary medicine can not be acquired without diligent study PREFACE. v and cluse application. It is only the property of the industrious and devoted student. In order to acquire the necessary tact, skill, and experience for the practice of our art, some of the shining lights—the carly dis- ciples—have spent the May-day of their existence in solving its problems, and, when near its close, have declared, with a modesty indicative of true genius, that their education was yet incomplete. Such testimony goes to show that there is no republican nor royal road to veterinary knowledge. In fact, after a man has perseveringly pursued the routine studies of the most popular col- legiate institutions, he may still be found “ wanting.” Let us contemplate for a moment the superior advantages which human practitioners have over our craftsmen, both as regards their scientific qualifications and the superior means at their com- mand for ascertaining the character, location, and intensity of the various maladies peculiar to the human race. For example, the practitioner of human medicine, if he has been a faithful and in- dustrious student, enters upon the active duties of his profession, having acquired a valuable fund of knowledge of anatomy, phys- inlogy, pathology, and other necessary branches of study ; and, having disciplined his mind in the regular school, and in that of experience, he is expected to be able to rejoice in the possession of a well-trained mind, which enables him to understand and inter- pret the physiological laws which preserve health and life in the constitution of organized beings; also to comprehend the why and wherefore of disease; to be able to institute sanitary and other reg- ulations, and to select suitable medicinal preparations, in view of necting the various indications of each and every form of disease. And when a man becomes the subject of sickness, and the doctor is called upon to exercise his skill, the latter receives valuable aid, in view of making a correct diagnosis, from the patient and his friends. Each can be questioned, and their responses throw con- siderable light on the history and nature of the malady. Now, as regards the latter advantages, they have no parallel with the men of our craft. Our patients are deprived of the power of speech, and we can only judge of the state of their health, and the nature of’ their maladies, by signs revealed or elicited through physical exploration. We have other difficulties to encounter of no less magnitude. For example, our patients are often located in situations unfit for a well animal to reside in, and they do not v1 PREFACE. always receive that attention from their owners which the urgency of the case demands. In fact, the good nursing, kind attention, etc., which often proves of so much value in the restoration from sickness of one of our race, is often denied the inferior creature ; and other matters, too numerous to menticn at the present time,, tend to show the advantages which our brethren of a sister science have over us, and how necessary and important it is that a prac-, titioner of our art should be thorough master of his profession, It is a lamentable fact that the great majority of our husband- men have not hitherto realized that the superstructure of veterin- ary science rests on the same intelligent basis as that of human medicine ; but such is really the case. In the language of the la- mented PERCIVALL, we are assured that “ whether we prescribe for a man, horse, or any animal, the laws of the animal economy are the same; all require the same treatment,” that is to say, the propositions for restoration are all founded on the same intelligent basis, The importance, therefore, of educating men for the profession, and of furnishing reliable works for study, is very evident; and the necessity is further illustrated in the daily experience of those persons who, as a matter of necessity, are obliged to do the best they can for the sick and dying of their flocks and herds, having no knowledge of those advantages which a thorough course of training affords. Such persons must, necessarily, feel that they are groping in darkness, and when a ray of light does flit across their medical path, it only serves to make them better acquainted with their own want of skill. Persons thus circumstanced, unable to procure the services of a good veterinary surgeon, in consequence of a scarcity of the “genuine material,” are often compelled to assume the responsibility and risk of medical attendant; and, no doubt, they prescribe with good intention and honesty of purpose, ibut disease and death has the vantage of them, for they know not the modes of pathological warfare, nor are they acquainted with means best calculated to insure a favorable issue; and they will] certainly hail, as a great blessing, any and every effort to im. prove our veterinary literature, and thus diffuse knowledge sa sadly needed. It is well known that prior to the introduction of a rational system of veterinary medicine in the mother country, millions of domestic animals were annually sacrificed at the shrine of igno- PREFACE, wi. rance; but science came to the rescue, and now some of the dis- ciples of St, BEL, CoLEMAN, their co-workers and kindred spirits, can, by the aid of their vast materia medica, their anesthetic agents, scalpel, etc., accomplish unheard of wonders. We are now working to dispel the awful cloud of ignorance and super- stition which has too long lingered around the stable and barn. We aim to i!luminate the dark spots that have existed for many hundreds or years, and to obliterate the false theories that have been handed dewn to us by the Egyptians and Arabians, and the modern jugglers of this science. There never was a period in the history of the United States when the services of educated veterinarians were so much needed as at the present time; for the live stock of this country do not enjoy immunity from those pestiferous epizodtic maladies which have formerly operated as a withering simoom on the enterprise of British husbandmen in the breeding and raising of live stock. For example: the people of the Western States complain that a disease occasionally makes its appearance among cattle, to which they have applied the name of “ trembles,” or “milk sickness,” and it has so scourged both the superior and inferior orders of creation, that the former have often abandoned the old homestead, in view of seeking a location where there seemed to be some pros- pect of enjoying immunity from the pestilential scourge. A con- tagious and infectious disease often prevails among swine, carry- ing them off by hundreds and by thousands, yet many of us are in the dark regarding its cause, nature, and treatment. Typhoid affections, puerperal fever, apoplexy, and dropsy of the brain are just as prevalent here as in England. Miscarriage or abortion is fearfully on the increase. Diseases of climatic origin are more rife in this country than in England. This is, perhaps, owing to the diversity which exists in the climatic temperature of our vast territory, and to our various faulty modes of management. In fact, there is scarcely any disease known to veterinarians of the Old World but that has prevailed in the New. We must have reliable text-books and educated surgeons, in order to understand the nature and treatment of the diseases in- cidental to domestic animals. It is not only a matter of national, but of individual, policy and interest ; and should we view the matter with the eyes of business men, we shall see that such en< terprise must surely pay. vil REPLACE, Persons who have paid any attention to the rise and progress of veterinary science in this country, are painfully aware of its great imperfections, and the author’s object in preparing this work is to endeavor to lessen and remove them, by giving the reader the benefit of an experience which extends through a period of twenty-five years. Tn view of furnishing reliable ‘formation, and of showing how little of medicine is required for the treatment of various forms of discase, a number of cases, recorded in the author’s note-book, are introduced in various parts of the work. These cases may, perhaps, also give the unprejudiced reader juster views of the relations of nature and art to diseases; for it is a notorious fact that very many well-instructed persons of all classes have hith- erto exercised a blind faith in the medical art for the cure of dis- ease, when it is a fact well known to those who practice rational medicine that Nature possesses vastly greater powers than Art in curing diseases. What is here meant by nature, is the conserva- tive power inherent in the living body. For a better understand- ing of this subject, the reader is referred to the works of Sir Joun Forses, OLttver W. Houmes, and Professor BicEnow. In view of aiding nature in the cure of disease, the author has introduced to the reader’s attention a new class of remedies, viz. : Fluid Extracts of a sanative character. They have proved more safe and efficacious in the practice of rational medicine than all the other heroic arms of physic. These remedies have been carefully tested for several years by the author, and those students who have, from time to tinie, placed themselves under his instruction, and the result has been very satisfactory ; otherwise, they would not be recommended in this work. Finally, the author feels it due to himself to state that the almost constant occupation of his time, professionally, has given him less opportunity than he desired for the production of this work, yet he entertains a hope that he has not labored in vain; and thus this mite is cast into the common treasury of Veterinary Science. G. H. D. i S i AT es SS mY 5 3 a CONTENTS. SECTION I.—Tue Causszs or DISEASE. (Page 19-39.) Remarks on Veterinary Science, and the Relation it bears to Social Scienca : Veterinary Science ; how to inaugurate it—-What Benefits have we derived from its Study—Inflammation ; its Nature and Treatment. SECTION JI.—Drseases or THE Eye. (Page 40-57.) Amaurosis, or Glass Eye (Gutta Serena)—Foreign bodies within the Eye lids—Specks, or film on the eye, known as Opacily of the Cornea --Cataract— ‘Worm in the Eye—Ophthalmia—Treatment of Inflammation—Purulent Ophthalmia— Specific Ophthalmia. - SECTION ITI.—Distraszs of THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. (Page 58-85.) Abscess within the Substance of the Brain—Hydrocephalus, or Dropsy of the Brain—Stomach Staggers—Apoplexy, or Cerebral Hemorrhage—Apo- plexy of Spine, or Spinal Hemorrhage, producing Paraphlegia—Epilepsy, or Fits—Tetanus—Vertigo—Acute or General Disease of the Brain, known as Encephalitis—Sleepy Staggers—Cerebral Meningitis—Chorea, or Stringhalt. SECTION IV.—D1staseEs or THE RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. (Page 86-186.) Importance of Ventilating Stables— Brief Exposition and Description of the Function of the Lungs—Spasm of the muscles of the Glottis and Epi- glottis—Laryngitis (suppurative and inflammatory)—Croup—Chronic Cough —Roaring—Polypus—Bronchocele—Influenza, or epizootic catarrh—Pneu- monia, or Inflammation of the Lungs, including Typhoid Affections, Pleur: isy, and Dropsy of the Chest. (ix) z CONTENTS. HKUTION V.—Denrition AND DIET. (Page 127-146.) The Horse’s Age as shown by his Teeth—On the Diet of Horses—The effects of various kinds of Food—As regards the quantity of Food required —As regairs charges in Diet—Conclusion. SECTION VI.—GLaNpDERS AND Farcy. (Page 147-159.) Glanders—GlJanders can be communicated to Man—Contagiousness of Clanders—Svspected Glanders—How came the Disease to be called Glan- ders ?—Diagnostic Symptom of Glanders—Treatment of Glanders—Farey (Disease of the Absorbents). SECTION VII.—Diseases oF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. (Page 160-222.) ; Lampas—Spontaneous Salivation—Bots—Inflammation of Stomach—Rup- ture of Stomach —Gorged, or over-distended Stomach—Meteorization—Flat- ulent Colic—Spasmodic Colic—Inflammation of the Peritoneum—Ascitis— Inflammation of the Intestines—Strangulation of Intestines — Wounds penetrating the Abdominal Cavity—Splenic Apoplexy—Functional Disease of the Liver—Pancreas ; its Function—Parasites which affect the Intestines. SECTION VIII.—DisEases oF THE URINARY ORGANS. (Page 223-237.) Inflammation of the Kidneys—Inflammation of the Bladder—Stone in the Bladder—Suppression of the Urine—Retention of the Urine—Diabetes, or Profuse Stalling—Rupture of the Bladder—Albuminous Urine—Hematuria, or Bloody Urine. SECTION IX.—SurGicaL OPERATIONS. (Page 239-273.) Of Surgical Operations and the various Restraints it is sometimes necessary to place the Horse under for their performance—Casting—Slinging—Cas- tration—French method of Castration—Castration by Ligature—Lithotomy —Tracheotomy—Csophagotomy—Neurotomy—Mode of Performing Neu- rotomy—Periosteo'omy~— Division of the Flexor Tendons—Amputations— Amputation of the Penis—Amputation of the Tail—Nicking—Firing—Blis- tering—Ammoniacal Blister—Rowelling—Setons—Abstraction of Blood, or Bieeding—Division of the Temporal Artery—Bleeding by the Palate— Bleeding by the Toe—Phlebotomy—Bleeding by the Jugular Vein. CONTENTS OF EQUINE DEPARTMENT. xi SECTION X.—DiIsEAsEs OF THE SKIN AND SUB-TISSUES. (Page 274-301 ) Itch and Mange-—Lice on Animals—Grease and Scratches—Surfeit—Drop- sical Limbs—Scarlatina—Ringworm—Prurigo—Poll-evil—Fistulous Withers —Warts on the Skin—Purpura Hemorrhagica—Out of condition—Hide- bound— Herpes, SECTION XI.—BREEDING, AND THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SAME, (Page 302-318.) Breeding—The Principles of Breeding—In-and-in Breeding—Permanent Varieties—Animals become Parents too early—Objections to In-and-in Breeding answered—The Advantage of In-and-in Breeding—The Importance of Studying Anatomy and Physiology. SECTION XII.—LAMENESS FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. (Page 319-885.) Curbs—Elbow Tumor—Capped Hock—Varix, or Bog Spavin—Atrophy, or Wasting of Muscles—Thorough-pin—Navicular Disease, or Lameness— Pleuro-dynia — Acute Rheumatism — Chronic Rhbeumatism—Ring-bone— Splint—Spavin—Osteo Poresis—Curvature of the Spine—Hoof.bound— Laminitis—Sand-crack—Quarter-crack—Navicular Thritis—Stifle Out—Con- traction of the Hoof—Bowed Legs—Corns—Lameness. SECTION XIII.—Horsz MANAGEMENT, ETO. (Page 387-415.) Prolapsus Ani—Hemorrhoids, or Piles—Pricking and Nicking Horses’ Tails—Docking Horses—Anemia—The Use and Abuse of the Curry-comb —Horses and Cattle should have a supply of Pure Water—Galled Back— The Heart—The quantity of Blood contained in a Horse’s Body—Rapidity of the Circulation—The transfusion of Blood—Management of the Horses put in the Stable—Strangles, *auegsuyy Jo {BIG—STI9}svq 910] IOTTBUIG "Gz *sUda]sBq WOT “FZ ssauog [Rdiwowo]y “EZ qurdg ic uerdg jo ywag—oouy 10 ‘sndasg “2% “Hayecoy ea} 30 ouog JeddQ—suipty “1z *IOTIN, MOLY JO s8Is aTL—AOQry 10 vA, “oz “SQM ML ‘61 ‘stlaystg Pury aYUY *gI-gT ‘ENOGONNY JO JVs aq} ‘JaN0.100 FAIA WOTDaUTOD Ul—sTIIJsvg PUIY ONL, *LI-LT . ‘atioq yung “gI-9T Ba] pUrH JO s[esueyzwyosy ‘G1-OT ® “NIAVGS, JO wos OYL—sau0g NIs Sulavy ‘sHooH “FIFI *satlog Foy 10 ‘VIQIL *gI-S1 *LAQ-HIAILG Jo Jeag—szUIOl OBS “ZI-ZT “sqsIYL 10 MMA *TI-1E “SHON UATE aod \ SQ Whe NY rt Aa D CHIOM SIT} Toy A[ssord xe poavisugq) "IHGOW IVOINOLVNVY GULVEIATHO V WOW “ASUOH “siqng pus “anpqosy ay} ‘wany om} Jo Suss{suoo ‘Wouney aqL “Ot “TYE ay JO SMOG Jo ‘WIGS}I9A TBPNED “6 “qouney aq} Jo samog Jo ‘#iqayiea\ [19g eT “8 “sulo'T aqy Jo samog Jo ‘aiqayia, IBquTy XS “L ‘VINLSty JO WAS ay, —FOrQ ay} Jo sau 10 ‘waqowaA [UsIOg UEdITSIT ‘9 “qos ay} JO SaMOg JO "HAiqQoi4aA [wos1ay waaay °g “TAG ‘TIOg Jo 3va8 aU} St asaya Jo YOR ysTP—Sen0g [Bed *F ‘aya Sig JO 789s 9Y,—20v PUR [INAS “gs ‘ASIN ay} punoy aq Avur ereyAi—amog-aer jo jaud sraddg *& © spares Lreyxeur -qns Jo woryZ00'[—900q-MEP Jo Jed 19M0'T “F “‘SHONT BAAS AHL AO NOLATAMS * a oT ae THEORY AND PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY SECTION I. ON THE CAUSES OF DISEASE. Bumangs on VETERINARY SCIENCE, AND THE RELATION IT BEARS TO Soctsl Sorence—Verertnary Science; How To InavauRATE 1r—WuHat BeEnerite HAVE WE DERIVED FROM ITs StuDY—INFLAMMATION; ITS NATURE AND TREAT MENT. YANO explain the cause or causes of disease occurring among _L. domestic animals is an herculean undertaking, when ex- pounded by the theory and faulty logic as applied to the ancient method of reasoning on “ false facts ;” but, thanks to the genial spirit of progression and improvement, we are enabled to throw some light on the subject. We have been taught to believe that many of the causes of disease are invisible and mysterious; but this is not the fact. We are in possession of evidence going to show, very conclusively, that the causes of disease may be classi- fied very distinctly and intelligently under two heads, viz.: PRE- DisPosINe and ExcrtTine ; yet this classification is not offered by the author as absolute, but is a more convenient arrangement than any other to study the multifarious conditions which people believe are remotely or immediately concerned in the production of disease. For example, many interesting and valuable facts are on record, going to show that the peculiar properties, characters, and qualities of the parent—whether good or bad, healthy or dis- (19) 26 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. eased, external or internal—are transmitted to the offspring; or in common phraseology, are predisposing and hereditary. “ Among horses and cattle, we find, as in the human subject, ample illustration of the hereditary tendency of external form, disposition, habit, and disease. The parent transfers to its off- spring size, shape, and general conformation similar to its own; and the aphorism, ‘like produces like,’ is as applicable to faulty and disproportioned as to beautiful and symmetrical form, to dis eased and debilitated as to healthy and vigorous constitution, to gentle and tractable as to fiery and indomitable disposition. The size, weight, genera] appearance, expression of countenance, fleet- ness, and temper of the horse are all hereditary. Many illustra- tions might be given of particular families being remarkable, during several generations, for good or bad points, as for well a) ill-formed head ; for high and well-developed or for low and weak withers; for fine, strong, and well-turned, or for coarse, weah, and ill-formed limbs. Peculiarities of color often extend through many generations, and are so constant in their transmission aa sometimes to form one of the distinctive characteristics of a ract, Indeed, most breeds of horses have a prevailing color, to which there are few exceptions. The heavy horses of Lincolnshire, foe example, are generally of black; the Cleveland, bay; and the wild horses of the plains of Eastern Siberia, dun. Particulae markings, also—as white spots on various parts of the body, star and blazes on the face, one or more white feet or legs—often con- tinue for many generations, and are peculiar to certain families, “There are some maladies in which it is comparatively easy to trace the connection between conformation and disease. In the horse, certain sorts of limbs notoriously predispose to certain dis- eases. Thus, bone spavins are most usually seen where there is a disproportion in the size of the limb above and below the hock; curbs, where tlie os calcis is sma]] and the hock straight; strains of the tendons of the fore-leg, where the limb is round and the tendons and ligaments confined at the knee; and navicular dis- ease, where the chest is narrow and the toes turned out. Among horses so formed, these diseases are unusually common, and are developed by causes which would be quite inadequate to produce them in animals of more perfect conformation. But it appears to us that internal and constitutional hereditary diseases also depend upon the altered conformation or texture of the parts specially ‘ ON THE CAUSE? OF DISEASE. 21 affected, or of some disturbance of the relation which should subsist between the different constituents of these parts. This abnormal state of the internal parts is seldom within the limits of our means of observation or investigation ; but its existing in animals having an hereditary predisposition to disease can not, we think, be doubted, as we shall now endeavor to show. The ground of our reasoning rests chiefly on the analogy which subsists, in all respects, between external and internal parts. The same law which regulates the hereditary transmission of form, texture, and relation of external and visible parts, also operates with equal force in regard to the form, texture, and relations betwixt the component parts of inter- nal, and, it may be, inaccessible to ordinary powers of investiga- tion. Then if, as we have shown, external hereditary diseases, such as lamenesses, are traceable to external hereditary peculiari- ties of conformation, we do not think it pushing our analogy too far in asserting that, in like manner, internal hereditary diseases must, in great part at least, depend upon some inherent hereditary veculiarity of the internal parts affected.” The common disease known as bone spavin is inherent, or de- pendent on predisposition, as related above; for the author never knew a horse to be the subject of this malady unless he had faulty hocks; or, in other words, in so far as the conformation of the parts were concerned, predisposition was evident. The same re- marks apply to ringbone. LHither the pasterns are too upright, thereby causing jar and concussion, or they slant unnaturally, aud the consequence is, strain of the ligamentary structures, end- ing often in ringbone and other osseous diseases. Ample evidence can be adduced to show that various diseases of the eye are hereditary. The tendency to ophthalmia shows it- self in a peculiar conformation of the eye, and parts in the vicinity of it. Periodical ophthalmia is notoriously hereditary, and usually ends in cataract. Colic, also, can be traced to inherent tendencies; for animals subject to flatulent colic are known to have a morbid appetite; they have, also, a large, roomy abdomen, which gives them an ungainly appearance. Yet it is true that diseases may occur accidentally, without the intervention of predisposition ; but pre- disposition exists in almost all cases, and it only requires some anatomical and physiological knowledge on the part of husband- men to detect it. 22 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. F. Dun, a lecturer in the Edinburgh Veterinary College, tells us that diarrhea and colic are, to a certain extent, hereditary, “‘ inas- much as they are very prone to attack horses of particular form and constitution, as those with narrow loins, large flat sides, and of what is generally termed a washy appearance. If such animala be overworked, (especially soon after being fed,) if their food be suddenly changed, or if they be allowed an unusual quantity of fluid, they are almost certain to be attacked either by purging or colic. The tendency to these diseases appears, in such cases, to depend on a want of adjustment among the different organs of the body ; a want of balance among the different functions of diges- tion, circulation, and respiration. “Many farm-horses, as well as others without much breeding are remarkable for consuming large quantities of food, for soft and flabby muscular systems, and for round limbs containing ap unusual proportion of cellular tissue. These characters are no- toriously hereditary, of which indubitable evidence is afforded by their existence in many different individuals of the same stock, and their long continuance, even under the bc st management and most efficient systems of breeding. Such characters indicate pro- clivity to certain diseases, as swelled legs, weed, and grease. If horses of this description stand long, the circulation of the blood through the limbs is retarded; for, as the contraction of the mus- cles which materially aid circulation are wanting, the blood in the veins rises with difficulty against its own gravity, while the soft and lax condition of the venous coats, and of the muscles in con- tact with them, permits the passage of the fluid parts of the blood, giving rise tc a serous effusion, which is soft, and pits on pressure. This anasarcous condition, although troublesome, and frequently recurring, is easily removed by friction, exercise, or a little physic, and does not unfit the animal for ordinary work. “ But the same conformation and constitution which induce sim- ple swelled legs also give rise to the more serious affection known as weed, or a shot of grease. ‘This consists in a disturbance of the balance which naturally subsists between the waste of the system and the supply of new material to repair that waste. Food is as- similated in larger quantity than the wants of the system require; the chyle so formed accumulates in the absorbent vessels and glands, which become, in consequence, irritated and inflamed. That pavt of the absorbent system situated in the hinder extremi- ON THE CAUSES OF DISEASE. 23 ties is usually the principal seat of the disease. The animal sud- denly becomes lame; the inguinal and other glands in the groin become enlarged and very painful, and the swelling and pain gradually extend downward along the course of the absorbents, while the limb becomes a great deal larger than its natural size, There is, at the same time, a good deal of constitutional fever, with a full and bounding pulse. The swelling of the leg is, in the first instance, inflammatory, being hot and tender, and the skin, over the part affected, hard and tense. Such swellings may, by judicious treatment, be removed; but, in cases of a chronic character, or where the same limb has been previously affected, lymph is effused, forming hard and nodulous, and even diffuse swellings, which often cause lameness, by interfering with the mo- tions of the joints or tendons. These indurated swellings must be carefully distinguished from the serous effusions above noticed, which, although giving the animal an unsightly appearance, do not materially impair his usefulness. “ Grease consists in a morbid condition of the sebaceous glands of the horse’s heels and fetlocks. It occurs in various degrees of mtensity ; sometimes as a mere scurfy itchiness of the skin about the fetlocks, more commonly of the hind extremities; sometimes attended with much inflammation, causing great heat, pain, and swelling, and an ichorous fetid discharge; sometimes causing fall- ing off of the hair about the heels, and the formation of deep cracks and fissures; and sometimes becoming so violent and in- veterate as to cause eversion of the sebaceous glands, formation of granulations, and secretion of pus, constituting the loathsome complaint termed the grapes. There are few diseases better de- serving the epithet of hereditary than grease, and few in which the hereditary nature can be more easily discovered and traced. Almost every practitioner can bring to his recollection cases show- ing the tendenvy of this disease to descend from parent to off- spring. A friend of mine, some years ago, purchased a valuable four-year old entire horse, adapted for agricultural purposes. When bought, he appeared perfectly sound, and his limbs were nearly black, well-formed, and fine; within a short time, how- ever, they became thick and greasy. And, although the mares to which he was put were perfectly free from such faults, the prog- eny have shown, in every case where they can be traced, unmis- evidence of their inheriting the greasy diathesis of their 24 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. sire. They have all been found liable to swelled legs when they stand idle for a few days; most of them have been the subjects of repeated attacks of weed; all are affected, particularly in spring, with scurfiness of the skin of the hind extremities and excessive itchiness, and losv, at a very early age, their flatness and smooth- ness of limb. The faults occur, to a greater or less degree, in all the stock of this horse, by many different mares, and are dis- tinctiy traceable to the third generation. But, although yrease is undoubtedly hereditary, and is, therefore, readily induced by comparatively simple causes, still it is frequently caused, and is always aggravited, by neglect of cleanliness; and of this there is ample evidence in the fact that it is most common in foul and badly-managed :tables, and where no pains are taken to keep the horses’ feet and legs clean and dry.” The scrofulous predisposition is very marked in certain breeds of horses; it occasions rickets, softening, deformity, and various forms of disease in the bones, as, for example, big head, big jaw, ete. The same author, just quoted, says in reference to scrofula: “From their weak and unsound constitution, horses of a sercf- alous diathesis are unusually prone to glanders and farcy-—two forms of a disease peculiar (at least as an original disease) to the equine species. As has been already remarked, it is characterized by a specific unhealthy inflammation, identical in all important characteristics with the syphilitic inflammation in man. From the dire and loathsome nature of glanders, and the terror in which it is held, animals affected by it are never used for breeding, so that we have little opportunity of judging of its hereditary nature. There is no evidence (so far as I know) which proves it to be di- rectly hereditary,* but there is no doubt that the progeny of a glanderous horse would exhibit an unusually strong tendency to the disease. Its ordinary predisposing causes are, many of them, hereditary ; it is very prone to attack animals of a weak o1 vitiated constitution. It is emphatically the disease which cuts - all horses that have had their vital energies reduced below the healthy standard, either by inherent or acquired causes. Glan- * “Though I am not aware of any facts proving glanders to be congenital, yet I think there is every probabili y that such is the case; for it is notorious thet syphilis, the analagous discase in the human subject, is congenital, and 3ftea eppears at birth in the children of women affected by that disease.” ON THE UAUSES OF DISEASE, 2d ders is, also, sometimes caused by inoculation; is frequently pro- duced in healthy subjects by mismanagement, as by insufficient food, want of shelter, and overwork; and often supervenes on bad attacks of influenza, strangles, diabetes, and other diseasea which debilitate the systera, or impair the integrity of any of its more iniportant parts. These causes appear to possess the power of engendering in the constitution of a horse a peculiar poison, which, as it reproduces itself, and spreads to all parts of the body, gives rise to the characteristic symptoms of glanders, caustng, sooner or later, a breaking up of the system, and a fatal prostra- tion of the vital powers. This poison produces in the blood ab- normal changes, which vitiate that fluid, and unfit it for healthy nutrition.* From the irritant action of the morbid fluids passing through them, the lymphatic glands and vessels become inflamed, and lymph is deposited. This, however, being of an unhealthy nature, soon runs on to softening, which extends to the skin over- lying the part, and ulcerating farcy-buds are formed. On the surface of the more vascular mucous membranes effusions of tu- bercular matter are also poured out; these take on an unhealthy inflammation, and degenerate into chancrous ulcers, which may generally be seen on the mucous membrane of the nostrils in most bad cases of glanders. “ These are the most common scrofulous diseases of horses; but an animal of the scrofulous diathesis, besides being specially sub- ject to these, is little able to withstand ordinary morbific causes, and hence is also unusually liable to many ordinary diseases; in such a subject, too, disease is very apt to be severe and complicated, and to be acted on tardily and imperfectly by all remedies.” Having now furnished the reader with a few valuable facts bearing on hereditary predisposition, we shall briefly discourse *“ A comparison of the two subjoined analyses will chow the great differenos im composition between the blood of healthy and of glanderous horses—a differ. ence consisting chiefly in a diminution of the red corpuscules, and a propor tional increase of the fibrine and albumen. : Blood of Healthy Horse. Y-lood of @apderous Hores. a. a. 804.76. 842, Be 2.41 Ce. 8.7 117.13. 68.90 .. swe. = 44.28 113 eu } casamnceernmentesees 16D cccsersscreeeenmens (ET 6. 6.88 Simon's Animal Ohe ow, ov Dr. Day, vou =. 84-9. 26 DADD’S VETERINARY SURGERY AND MEDICINE. in reference to some of the exciting causes which in general pro- duce those diseases to which the horse, by virtue of his constitu- tion, is liable. The following quotation, brief and pointed, will be found pertinent: “By far the casiest and best mode of curing diseascs of animals is to keep the diseases and the cattle separate. With cattle, as with ourselves, disease is caused, in most instances, by an excess of carefulness or of carelessness. Too much and too rich food is as injurious as too little and too poor. Perhaps fewer diseases, in proportion to the numbers treated in each way, spring from privation than from surfeit. Too little as well as too great exposure to extremes of heat and cold has a tendency to create disease; in the one case it causes disease, in the other it renders man or animal more liable to it. Let a wealthy and a warm- hearted man own and take charge of a favorite animal, and the chances are that it will be ‘killed with kindness;’ if it is tended, in part, by a hireling, the equilibrium may be restored. In our experience—no very limited one, by the way—care is more needed among cattle than cures; and all the diseases which came under our treatment sprang from the want of judicious care. Has a cow a cough, has she the hoven, has she the red-water, or the puerperal fever? it is from overeare—too much warmth or too much feed. Is she mangy, lousy, hide-bound, or affected with horn-ail? the chances are that she has been neglected. Of course there are very many exceptions to this and to every other general rule. But this is our experience. Let few farmers, however, feed their animals less than they now do, or give them more airy lodgings than they now do, because the greater number of the cattle in this country suffer from privation and exposure to the inclemencics of the weather rather than from pampering. But animals, as well as men, will, with the best care we can bestow on them, become sick at times. Our judgment is often at fault when our intentions are tne best. Sometimes our back is turned, or our eyes are not opened sufficiently wide. At all events, our stock will become sick, some of them; and recourse must be had to medical remedies,” It is usual to classify causes; yet, for all practical purposes, it is only necessary for us to know that exciting causes are those from which disease most directly springs. For example, suppose that in the act of shoeing a horse a nail is driven in a wrong direction, ON THE CAUSES OF DISEASE. 2? enters the sensitive tissues of the foot, and lameness occurs; the nail, in this event, may be classed as a special or mechanical exciting cause; and, under the same head, we class poisons and injuries of all sorts. When horses become the subjects of glanders, or farcy, by being exposed to the maladies, they are then said to have taken it either by infection or contagion, and the cause is said to be specifi. The terms infection and contagion are now used as synonymous, and, undoubtedly, if reference be had to the etymology of the . Words, the arrangement is currect. Coming now to plain matter of fact, the exciting cause of disease is that which, when taken into the body, or applied outwardly, is followed by disease or derangement. The exciting causes of disease may, therefore, be summed up thus: Debility, induced by bad management, exposure, unwhole- some food; plethora, brought on by over-feeding and want of exercise; overdosing animals with improper medicines and poisons ; overtaxing the muscular powers of the animal, and the breathing of an impure atmosphere, A great proportion of the diseases occurring among horses and cattle in the Western States is due to the fact that they are not properly housed at night, and the food that they often gather in their exposed situations lacks the nitrogenous and nutritious matter for the manufacture of good, healthy blood and strong muscles. Disease sometimes, however, occurs when no exciting nor any other cause appears; yet, with the exception of those maladies supposed to be produced by miasmatic influences, it is probable that the cause, in such cases, has not been discovered. Finally, it may be said that the causes of disease among animals are within their bodies as well as around and about them. Veterinary Science, and the relation it bears to Social Science.— The necessity which exists for the services of educated Veteri- nary Surgeons throughout the United States, and in cavalry regi- ments of the United States army, is evident to every thinking man; yet, prior to the advent of our late national troubles, it was found almost impossible to interest the right kind of men, so that they might use their influence for the purpose of direct- ing the attention of the General Government to the value and 28 DADD'S VETERINAKY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. importance of veterinary science; but the probability is tha Con- gress will soon legislate on the subject, and before long we may expect to hear of the appointment of a Veterinary Surgeon and Assistant Surgeon to each cavalry regiment. There exists no earthly reason why our profession should not rank as high in America as in England and France. The great losses which are continually occuring among army horses is a monstrous and growing evil, and, in view of preventing unneces- sary diseases and premature deaths, the Government must organ- ize a veterinary corps. It is very important that our science should attract the notio: of legislators; for it bears a very intimate relation with social science, inasmuch as men and animals are subject to similiar diseases, which are communicable one to the other, and which often arise spontaneously, and are transmitted from first to second. For example, there is a disease which often occurs among cattle, known as “Anthrax.” It is a malignant disease, and many persons have lost their lives by absorbing the virulent “ anthrax poisons” from the carcasses of dead animals. A cutaneous disease often occurs among the bovine species, known as “ring-worm,” which affects the hands and arms of some persons who attend such animals. It is asserted, also, that the vesicular murrain, which at times prevails among cows, gives rise to the development of a virus which is often squeezed into the milk-pail, and produces very bad effects on children when fed on the same. It has been discovered that the little vesicles found in measled pork are tape-worms, in a certain stage of development, and if not destroyed by thoroughly cooking the infected meat, may develop the dangerous parasite in the human intestines, That awful disease known as virulent “ glanders” (spontaneous in some horses) has destroyed many of our race. A small por- tion of the glandered matter coming in contact with an abraded or absorbing spot on any part of a man’s body, will surely cause him to die the most horrible of all deaths; and the same remarks apply to the disease known as “ malignant farcy.” We might enumerate many other forms of disease which are communicable from the superior orders of animality to the in- ferior, and vice versd, but the above must suffice, in view of attracting attention to the value and importance of the subject ON THE CAUSES OF DISEASE. 28 iu 1egard to the origin of diseases, it is known to the profession that the diseases of men and animals are often due to similar causes ; that the evils of domestication, which operate to develop disease in animals, are as notorious as the evils of civilization, which induces unnecessary diseases and premature death among members of the human family; therfore, our science does bear an intimate relation to social science, and it appears to us that no scientific mind can fail to appreciate the advantages to be derived from a more extended knowledge of the fundamental principles of veterinary science. Let the husbandmen and stock-raisers of this country put their shoulders to the wheel, in view of establishing veterinary schools and colleges throughout the length and breadth of our immense agricultural domain, and soon we can boast of having a class of veterinary surgeons, educated on American soil, conversant with the diseases incidental to the live stock of America. In that event, we can do our own doctoring, without foreign interference. We are not disposed to find fault, nor scold about the itinerant veterinary practice which prevails throughout the United States, for we are aware that all try to do the best they can for the relief of the inferior orders of creation. The fault is not with the prac. titioners, but with the people, who have failed to furnish the means of education. Resume.—Since writing the above, the “ Trichina”’ disease has made its appearance in Berlin, creating a terrible consternation among the consumers of pork. The disease in its symptoms some- what resembles cholera, but on making post-mortem examina- tions, there was soon discovered in the flesh of some persons an immense number of smal] microscopic parasites ; these were traced back to the flesh of the hog, where they were discovered in the form of chrysali imbedded in a little shell of lime; these, on being subjected to a slight degree of heat, speedily brought forth myriads of small parasites, of various forms and sizes, a dozen of which were frequently found in a piece of tissue as large as a pin’s head. The process of incubation was discovered to have been produced in the intestines of those who had eaten the pork, by the animal warmth of the stomach. Thus freed from their shells, the creat- ures make their way through the walls of the intestines in every direction, choosing the hard and fleshy tissues especially, and none of them have yet peen found in the blood. Most remarksble t x” DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. relate, the “Trichina” is said to have come from the “field mouse,” which the hog, by eating, introduces into his system, from whence it is introduced into the system of man. A few yeara ago, a number of persons in London were very seriously affected with vomiting and dysentery after partaking of sausages, the meat of which was found to be in a putrid state. Liebig, the great chemist, informs us that “several hundred cases are known in which death has occurred from the use of bad sausages in @ state of putrefaction.” This kind of testimony might be multi- plied to an indefinite length, but what has been written must suffice. The reader can not fail to perceive that, in the study of comparative anatomy and physiology, a wide field for investiga- tion and research is before us, which will amply repay the devoted student, and be the means of accomplishing much good. Veterinary Science—How to Inaugurate it— What Benefits have we derived from its Study?—Shortly after the commencement of our late national struggle, the author was consulted in reference to the most feasible plan of inaugurating Veterinary Science, se that it might be made available for the restoration of sick, lame, aud otherwise disabled horses in the Government service, which drew forth the following reply: Up to the present period there exists no law authorizing the employment of regularly-educated veterinary surgeons; therefore any rational plan calculated to ameliorate the condition of army horses, or to prevent the many unnecessary cases of disease and premature deaths which are now constantly occurring, or to guard against the great pecuniary losses which the Government and people of this country have been compelled to submit to in the condemnation and forced sales of deteriorated horses, can not, as I understand the matter, be considered by the powers that be until Congress shall legislate upon the subject. 1 now propose to inform the reader how to render the knowledge we possess available. In the first place, I should follow the systems of instructions and the organizations of the veterinary schools of London, Ed- inburgh, Alfort, and Saumur, and prepare suitable text-books adapted to the wants of a nation of people who have never given the subject that attention which its importance demands, In the selectior. uf pupils, I favor the plan of General McClellan, which is as follows: “ The pupils for the veterinary school might ON THE CAUSES OF DISEASE. 81 be selected from among the best recruits; indeed, it is not im- probable that the advantages of such an institution would induce excellent men to enlist for the purpose of availing themselves of its benefits. Should such be found to be the results, it would be well to require them to enlist for longer than the usual time, as a compensation for the time spent at school.” Cavalry officers, farriers, or blacksmiths should be permitted to attend lectures on anatomy, physiology, and the obvious diseases and lameness of horses. In cases of emergency, a competent veterinarian should be employed in each regiment, whose duty it should be to select an intelligent farrier from each company, and instruct such person, in a brief and practical manner, on the management of cavalry horses in camps, the prevention of diseases, and the most rational] methed of treating diseases incidental to camp life. Should it be found impossible to secure the services of a suf- ficient nmaber of competent veterinarians for the above purpose, let those who have shown themselves qualified, by an examination before a medical board, march from camp to camp, give instruc- tions, sce that the sick and disabled are separated from healthy animals, and that the former be placed in a covered hospital, and then issue special regulations for the use of mounted troops in garrison und in the field, for the purpose of guarding against the consequences of ignorance and abuse of the animal machine. It would be advisable to establish a veterinary professorship at West Point, and there locate the National School. The Govern- ment has there a very fine French model of the horse, a skeleton, and various preparations of morbid anatomy, etc., which, together with other material available, will furnish al! that is necessary for the purposes of veterinary tuition. It would also be advis- able for the Chief Veterinary Surgeon to issue to his subordinates such orders as shall secure proper sanitary regulations in camp. The horses should be as well cared for as the troops, for in cav- alry and artillery service, the success of a campaign, or attack and defense, depends much on the health and efficiency of horses. It should be the business of some members of the veterinary vorps to station themselves at accessible points, and there erect temporary hospitals for the reception of sick and lame horses, where the latter shall receive the benefits of a rational system of medication and nursing, whereby, in their restoration to useful- be DADD & VETERINARY SURGERY AND MEDICINE. ness Liany millions of dollars might he saved to the Government in a short time. I contend that the condemnation and ruinous sale of sick and lame horses is a wanton waste of property, end it would be just as rational, if rational at al’ to sacrifice, neglect or abandon sick or disabled soldiers simply ecause they are not in fit condition for present duty. Importance of Veterinary Education.—The importance cf edu- cating men for the scientific practice of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery is self-evident, and is further illustrated by the daily experience of those persons whom, as a matter of necessity, have been obliged to prescribe for the sick and dying of their flocka and herds, at the sume time, having no knowledge of those advant- ages which a thorough course of training affords, must necessarily feel that they are yroping in comparative darkness, and when a ray of medical light does flit across their path, it often serves to make them better acquainted with their own want of skill. Per- sons thus circumstanced, unable to procure the services of veteri- nary surgeons, in consequence of a scarcity of the “genuine material,” are often called upon to assume the responsibilities of medical practitioners; and they, no doubt, prescribe with good intention and honesty of purpose, but disease and death have the vantage of them, for the disease 1s not often rightly diaguosed, nor are they acquainted with the means of securing a favorable issue ; and they will hail, as a great blessing, every attempt made for the purpose of diffusing a knowledge of Veterinary Science, We all know that there is greater need for scientific qualifica- tion on the part of those who propuse to practice on brutes than in tne case of a practitioner of human medicine; and if a special vourse of study and qualification, obtained under the guidance of xompetent teachers at college or elsewhere, be essentially neces- sary in the one case, surely they can not ve dispensed with in the ther. Now, it is well known that prior to the introduction of a rational system of veterinary medicine in the mother country, millions of domestic animals were annually sacrificed at the shrine of ignorance; but science came to the rescue, and now the disciples of St. Bet, CoLEMAN, their co-workers (the founders of the science in England), and kindred spirits, can, by aid of thetz vast materia medica—their anesthetic agents, their scalpel, apd other appliances—accomplish unheard of wonders. UN THE CAUSES UF DISEASE. The Samaritans of our craft haves ‘ved we problems en which she fundamental! principles of physiology and pathology are founded ; they have, to a certain extent, dispelled the awful cloud of ignorance and empiricism which had reigned in the British Isles. They have succeeded in illuminating the dense and dark spets that have existed in horse and cattle practice since the ad- vent of the ancient Egyptians, up to that period which introdnoed a new erainourart. They have done more than this: our crafts- men have often robbed death of some of its victims, and have succeeded in blunting the keen edge of many an epizodtic sword ; and thus they have succeeded in stealing a march on the grim monarch of epizodtic destiny. Their weapons were often such as were wielded by JENNER, the benefactor of our race. Our efforts may not always be successful, but as our veterinary fathers have accomplished much, we ought not to despair. The field of enterprise in the United States is composed cf vir- gin soil, and the “bridegroom of promise” hath not yet put on the complete mantle of fertility ; so that there is a splendid chance for the teachers and graduates of American schools to distinguish themselves and earn the laurel of fame. The husbandmen of this country have also suffered inimense losses by the death of valuable animals, and since the landing of the Pilgrims on Plymouth Rock, up to this very moment, death hath ren riot in the camping-ground of horses and cattle, and seople have scarcely been informed of the “why or wherefore.” The legion host of “itinerant” practitioners which necessity and sircumstances have created, remain remarkably silent and non- committal ; and probably this is the best course they can pursue, for, if “ignorance is bliss,” and that pays well, it would be de eidedly nnbusiness-like in them to assume wisdom which might aot pay. There never was a period in the history of this country when the services of educated veterinary surgeons were so much needed 1 at the present time. The live stock of “ Young America” do aut enjoy immunity from those pestiferous epizodtic maladies which have iu former years operated as a “ withering simoom” on British husbandry. For example, a dreadful malady known as dleuro-pneumonia has made sad havoc among live stock in Mas- sachusetts, and the terrible alarm there created in consequence, is keenly felt, not onlv in that State, but in many others. In some a 34 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. of the Western States, a malady known as ‘ milk-sickness,” on trembles, afflicting both man and beast, sometimes prevails, at- tended with such disastrous results that many farmers have often been compelled to abandon the old homestead in view of sevking a location where there was some prospect of enjoying iramupity from the pest. Hog cholera, or pleuro-pneumonia, ‘among swine) has iften slain its millions and tens of millions. Contagious yphus pre vails, and puerperal fever has carried off hundreds cf thousapiis of our best stock. Apoplexy, softening of the brain, dropsy of the brain, are just as prevalent here as in England. Abortion, or miscarriage, is fearfully on the increase. Diseases of climate and spontaneous origin are constantly occurring. In fact, to shorten a lengthy story, there is scarcely any disease known ts the veterinarians of the Old World that has not prevailed in the New. The mere mention of these matters should at once arouse stock-owners to a sense of duty to themselves and their domestie animals. We must have educated veterinary surgeons for the treatment of diseases peculiar to the live stock of this country. It is a mat- ter of national policy, a work of benevolence; and should we take a business view of the affair, it is a cert and dollar enter- prise that will surely pay. We want schools and colleges in this country, where the young men of America can acquire a republicca veterinary education so that in the era before us, the people in this country can employ the graduates of their own schools, endowed and fostered by thein own enterprise and industry. Some persons have an idea that Veterinary science can only be acquired under the banner of roy- alty, but this is a great mistake, I am aware that the people of this country have been so absorbed in promoting its growth and developing its resources, that there has been but little chance for great scientific achievement in our calling, yet within the pae few years some of the most learned of our profession, educated under the auspices of royalty and aristocracy, have been amazed at the contributions to science furnished by a few devoted men in this -ountry that never saw the inside of an European college. As a national affair, therefore, it should be the pride of evere American citizen fo put his shoulder to the wheel for tne purpose just indicated, for the enterprise will snrelv redound to the hone ON THE CAUS#S OF DISEASE. 36 and glory of the nation. The science which we are laboring te render popular is vast and boundless as the ocean ; and although it has been explored by many distinguished scholars, it is capable of unfolding new truths, and when the united intellect of intelli- gent Americans shall be brought to bear upon it, will advance with a rapidity truly astonishing. What the American people have accomplished, during the past few years, in rendering other sciences popular, is proof positive of what shall occur when the eurrent of investigation is directed to the science of veterinary medicine and physiology. In the absence of educated veterinary surgeons throughout the country, it is of vast importance that stock-owners generally should study, as far as they can, the diseases to which their prop- erty is subject, and acquire a knowledge of, at least, the ordinary remedies. By doing so, thousands of dollars’ worth of valuable horses, cattle, and swine may be annually saved to the country, and the intense misery which these poor brutes suffer frequently be relieved. It is our object in this work to simplify the science so that it may be acquired, to a very useful extent, by any intel- ligent man. If we shall succeed in enabling stock-owners to practice the healing art on their dumb but faithful companions, we shall feel that we have done a good work. Inflammation ; Its Nature and Treatment.—Inflammation is said ‘o consist of pain, he-t, and redness. It is usually considered as an enemy to the patient; and we have been taught to subdue it by means of bleeding and purging, at all hazards; and some practitioners, when they undertake the job, generally succeed, get they lose the patient for their pains. Some writers have made inflammation cut up all manner of yranks. It is now sanative in healing a wound or injury, in repairing damages which occur in various parts of the animal economy ; and in the same paragraph the writers declare that in- fammation is the cause of nearly all the deaths that occur. This is sheer nonsense, and will not stand the test of Jogic, nor the daily experience of that practitioner who deals in fact, and does his own thinking, independently of the dictum of some of the schools, and the ancient method of reasoning on false facts. A distinguished medical reformer, writing on this subject, says “ Numerous hypotheses or opinions respecting the true natnre o! % DADD'S VETEKINARY MEDICINE AND SURGEBb.. inflammation have for ages been advanced, and, for a time, eus tained ; but even at the present day the various doctrines appear to be considered altogether problematical.” We often hear, in common parlance, that, “if inflammation seta in, the horse will die.” Now, the very reverse of this is the case; for, while inflammation lasts, there is strength, vitality, and aug- mented action, though there may be much pain. This should bye interpreted as the warning voice of Nature, to apprise us of 2 loss of equilibrium in the circulation of the blood, or some deranged condition of the system; and we should heed the warning and array ourselves on the side of Nature, in view of promoting a full and free cizcelation of tne blood over the system, so that there shall be no excess anywhere; and the derangement, wherever it exists, must next command our attention. While inflammation and pain exists, there is hope. Take, for example, inflammation of the intestines. While that stage lasta, the animal is not in danger; but so soon as inflammation and pain ceases, (often accomplished through the means of bleeding and narcotism,) we then open up a new page of pathology. In the course of a few hours the animal dies. Of what—inflamma- tion? No. He dies of mortification, or gangrene of the bowels, Therefore death was not caused by inflammation. So in regard to phrenitis (inflammation of the brain). A cer- tain amount of pain and activity in the parts are observable; the inflammation may now be attacked after the true Sangrado fash- ion; the inflammation is subdued, but still the animal is no bet- ter. He dies, Of what does he die? Not of inflammation, for the autopsy reveals, very often, softening of the brain, and duid is found within the lateral ventricles. Softening of the brain ia equivalent to gangrene (death of a part). Then, again, horses cun not be said to die of inflammation when the practitioner de clares that he heroically subdued it some time previous to the death of the animal. There is no proof that bleeding has any directly beneficial infuence over the course of inflammations, either external .: :n- ternal, Surgeons never bleed now in external inflammation ; and educated and liberal physicians have given up all arguments in favor of the practice for internal inflammation. Goon, in his “Study of Medicine,” seems to have given us some definite in- frrmation regarding the effect of blood-letting in inflammation, ON THE CAUSES OF DISEASE. 37 which should agree with the sentiments of all men desiring to see veterinary science joined in the march of improvement which is aow progressing in almost every other department of science and industry. “The immediate effect of profuse and repeated bleed- ing is exhaustion. While this exhaustion continues there ‘s a diminution of action of every kind, and hence an imposing ap- pearance of relief’ to the symptoms of disease; but it no sooner tukes piace than an instinctive effort is made by the vis medica- trix natura to remedy the evil hereby produced, and to restore the system to its former balance of power. This balance is called a rallying, or reaction of the living principle. The arteries con- tract to adapt themselves to the measure of blood that remains; the sensorial organ is roused to the secretion of a large proportion ot nervous power to supply the inordinate drain that takes place. During the general commotion, all is in a state of temporary hurry and urgency, and, for the most part, irregularity of action. white the instinctive effort is proceeding. And hence, no sooner is the immediate effect of prostration and exhaustion overcome than the heart palpitates, the pulse beats forcibly with a jerking bound, the head throbs, and the eyes flash fire. Now, it often hap- pens that these concurrent signs are mistaken for proofs of latent or increased vigor, instead of being proofs of accelerated action ; and action, too, that adds as largely to the exhaustion as the de pletion that produced it; and the unhappy patient is bled a second, a third, and even a fourth time,* till no reaction follows, at which time it is strangely supposed that the plethora or inflam- matory diatheses is subdued and lulled into a calm, because the patient has been so far and fatally drained of the living principle that there is no longer any rallying or reactive power remaining, and gives up the ghost, in a few hours, to the treatment instead of the disease.” This is the case with thousands and tens of thou. sands of valuable animals that annually die in this country, in * My attention was recently called to a valuable stallion, which had lately been brought from Nova Scotia. He was attacked with what the attending would-be physician called “founder,” but which was a pure case of acute rheu- matism. In three different bleedings, forty-two pounds of blood had been ab- stracted! and I found the patient so weak and prostrated that he was scarcely able to stand. It seems to me that every man having the least spark of charity for so noble an animal as a horse, should discountenance such outrageous treat ment as this. 38 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY conse uence of our misguided notions of inflammation, anc ou want of knowledge of a suitable remedy to treat it. But a brighter day is dawning, and the antiquated notions of disease and its treatment are fast giving way to a more rational and suc cessful system ; and the day is not far distant when blood-letting for the cure of inflammation will be entirely abandoned. It is very gratifying to the author to be able to record that many of the progressiv2 medical writers of the present day are on the right side of Nature, teaching us that “she is ever busy, by the silent operation of her own forces, in the cure of disease ;” and they are inaugurating a very great and desirable revolution ia the theory and practice of human as well as veterinary mei- cine. Nature of Inflammation.—The physical characteristics of ja- flammation are, as I have just written, redness, heat, pain, and sometimes swelling. It is, and always was physiologically, oper- ating for the good of humanity and the inferior orders of creation. Its curative power none can dispute. We see it, in the form ofa biush, on the cheek of offended humanity. Friction, injuries, poisons and disease, etc., excite Nature to hoist the symbol of dis tress—inflammation. She calls loudly for help, but she does not always get it; and instead of acknowledging her autocracy, and furnishing what she wants to use in her own way, viz.: the water, pil, and wine of the ancient Samaritans, we offer fire, knife, and poison. Inflammation being an exalted condition of local arterial cir- culation, it can only be excited by some menta] emotion, injury, loss of function, or by what is known as disease, in parts adjacent or remote from its seat. ence, al! diseases of an acute charac- ter are preceded and accompanied, to a certain stage or period, by inflammation. Hence, also, according to ancient usage and the dictum of alma mater, we are constrained to talk and write as though inflammation was the great evil or disease which required our services; and thus we coquette with Nature by means of sharp-edged tools, while the actual disease steals 1 march on us, and we lose the patient in consequence of our want of knowledge. Treatment of Inflammation.—Inflammation be .g more or lesa active, according to the intensity of the disease f which it is e ON THE CAUSES OF DISEASE. $b forerunner, or rather an indication, and being accompanied by pain, it becomes our duty merely to restore the equilibrium of the circulation. This removes the inflammation, and promotes a fret and ful circulation of the blood all over the system, zo that there thall be no excess (inflammation) anywhere. This is what we call subduing the inflammation, with this difference, however, that we resort to natural means and sanative medication instead of using the fleam and cathartics. The means are warmth, moist- are, stimulants, and friction ; and clothing to the extremities and te parts of the boly that are cold; and cold applications to part: that are unnaturally hot. One of the best equalizers of the cir- culation is the “ Roman bath,” the vapor bath, and wet packing. Should the inflammation exist internally, then give plenty of warm water, emolient drinks, and emolient enemas, and keep up a physiological action and heat on the surface of the body by means of friction and warm clothing. In this simple way the airculation of the blood is equalized, or, in other words, the in- &smmation is “ cured ;” and, at the same time, this treatment may eave the disease as well as the inflammation. SECTION II. DISEASES OF THE EYE. #mauRosis, or GLass Eye (Gutta SeRENA)—ForeIGN BopiEs WITHIN THE Erp LID8-—SPECKS, OR FiLM ON THE EYE, KNOWN As OPACITY OF THE CORNEA— Cararact—WoRM IN THE EYE—OPHTHALMIA—TREATMENT OF INFLAMMATION— PurcLent OPHTHALMIA—SPECIFIC OPHTHALMIA. Amavrosis (“Giass EvYE”—Gutra SERENA.) MAUROSIS is known to most men as “ glass eye.” Physi- cians, however, have named the disease gutta serena. The abnormal condition, which consists in dilatation of the pupil, un- influenced by light or darkness, is occasioned by paralysis of the optic nerve and its ultimate expansion. Cuuses.—Some horses, of an excitable, nervous temperament, often become the subjects of dilated pupil, without any assignable cause ; while that form of amaurosis occurring among plethoric subjects, or those whose digestive organs are deranged or occupied by a large quantity of undigested food, (they, the subjects border- ing on that state known as stomach staggers,) can easily be ex- plained on the well-known law of sympathy. We may, however, with propriety, assign a cause for its occur: rence in the eyes of nervous, excitable horses; for this very con: dition of the nervous system, which gives rise to the excitability, perhaps goes to show that the brain is actually diseased, either in function or structure. Animals subject to this affection are gen- erally of a “bony,” spare, muscular development, and have wiry sinews, thin tapering ears, delicate lips and nostrils, diminution in the quantity of the hair in the mane and tail, but remarkable for compactness of texture. We generally find, under ordinary circumstances, the black color preponderates in nervous horses over the various shades of equine coloring-matter found in the (40) DISEASES OF THE EYE. 4) hair, eyes, ete. I had a case of this kind, and the owner s state- ment was as follows: The animal (mare) had been in his 5 ossex- sion about five years. She had four successive attacks of blindness, waich had never been treated by a certified surgeon, and it was concluded that she must have a periodical attack in spite of all effoi ts to prevent it. Now, this is what we call a case of idio- pathic periodical amaurosis, and if it does not owe its origin to some hereditary idiosyncracy, it is the result of an abnormal con- ditior of the brain. When our attention shall be called to a case of this character, we must bear in mind the fact that this animal survived four periodical attacks of the same malady, and performed the ordinary duties of a horse, in the intervals of health, with far-seeing eyes, and without the aid of science; and this goes to show that this condition of the nervous structure of the eyes of some horses, as well as many other diseases incidental to them, are often “ self- limited,” and the subjects will recover, if carefully nursed and left unembarrassed by “ poisonous drugs.” This opinion is in- dorsed by some of the most distinguished surgeons of the present day. I have no desire to try to saddle the reader with any pecu- iar notions of medication emanating from my own fancy or brains. I am not offering sensible people a mirror of my own reflection, but I wish to present the truth in that mirror, so that they may see it and judge for themselves. Excessive medication is a quicksand which we must try to avoid. Thousands of well- meaning medical aspirants have actually committed professional suicide by clinging to the absurd theory of medication as prac- ticed in bygone days. The lancet, and many of the heroic medi- cines which our predecessors placed great confidence in, and in their writings have urged us to use, are now almost discarded. It is not because an essential change has taken place in the nature of equine maladies, but because we have greater faith in Nature as our curative agent, and have become better acquainted with inat- omy, pathology, and physiology. But to resume the subject of amaurosis. If from the history of the case, we have reason to believe that it is of a pericdical character, and if it be the sequel to, or an accompaniment of, some hereditary affection, we may be sure that the malady will exist for a certain length of time in spite of all we may do. In such cases, all that is necessary is to have the animal comfortably DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. _vused, fed on a light, laxative diet, and pay careful attention to the condition of the secretory and excretory functions of the Nedy. That form of amaurosis occasioned by a deranged condition of the digest*ve organs, plethora, or over-distension of the same, will cease so soon as the cause is removed, and may be considered as x sympathetic affection. What that cause is we must endeavor to decide on py careful] examinatiun, and then frame our plan of treatment in accordance wit the indications to be fulfilled. Should we consult authorities on amaurosis, we shall find that much diversity of opinion exists. Youatr, who is quoted in this country by some persons as high authority, has mistaken the disease, or else has strangely distorted facts. He contends thi “the treatment of amaurosis is quite as difficult as that of catsr ract.” Now, every one knows that cataract occurring among horses is notoriously incurable; and PERCIVALL writes, “ A rian must be able to perform miracles ere he cures cataract.” Now, I contend that amaurosis, or dilatation of the pupil, is nct of itself a disease, but the symptom of one; hence, between cate: ract—a disease resting trom altered structure of the eye—am amaurosis there ex.s18 no analogy. Whenever altered structure exists in the mechanism of the eye, then we have an incurable cas, Mr. Spooner, the reviser of Youatr’s work on the horse, aie sures us that amaurosis is often connected with diseased liver, thus controverting Youatr’s theory of incurability ; for animals often recover from very severe attacks of liver disease. I have called the attention of our readers to the opinions of YouatTt, PERCIVALL, and SpoonER merely to show the import- ance of exercising our own reasoning faculties. We must not place too much confidence in mere book authority, no matter how high the source, unless experience and intelligence indcrses t*- theory or facts in the case, £} 2culative and false theories are only surface deep. ‘Viiey uecu nct tae eye of the philosopher, nor the mental genius of a Web- ster, in order to discover their flimsy texture and develop the truth, Those who propose to do their own thinking have the ability to judge between right and wrong. Let us commit ‘eo memory all matters which appear as facts, and forget the rest. Amaurosis can be artificially produced by administering a fe DISEASES OF THE EYE. 43 foves of extract of belladonna, and this amaurotic state of the pupil is also observed during etherization, and disappears so soon as the animal is restore. to consciousness. PrRcivaLL informs us that amaurosis may proceed from some abnormal condition of the optic nerve or brain, which may prove, as he says, the iast link of a series of marked phenomena, origi nating in some remote part of the body, operating sympathetically un the nervous system, and, through it, extending to the eye, Cases are occasionally met with which may be termed symptomatic amaurosis, occasioned by congestion, tumors, or hydrocephalus. Symtomatic amaurosis may follow cranial fracture, and, con- sequently, depression. In such cases, the skill of the surgeon is salled into requisition to trephine the uninjured region of the skull, in order to elevate the depressed and fractured parts. The potent remedy is the removal of the pressure. Amaurosis is oc- casionally associated with anemia. Now, anemia is a condition of the body which indicates a loss of the circulating fluid, either of quantity or quality. The remedy for this condition is carbo- naceous food, mineral and vegetable tonics. Preparaticns of iron and golden seal are the best remedial agents. Symptoms.—I shall now turn the reader’s attention, for a mo- ment, to some of the symptoms aitending the amaurotic condition. The head of the patient is elevated, and he is known, in popular language, as a “star-gazer.” His ears are kept in constant mo- tion, one turned backward and the other forward, in quick suc- cession, to catch the sound of approaching vehicles, so that he may have timely notice of their whereabouts. When started, and while walking, the fore-feet are raised from the ground to an unnecessary height. This is probably done for the purpose of sounding the ground, and, at the same time, of avoiding obstacles which may lie in the road; for the sight is defective, and the animal must depend more on the senses of hearing and feeling. Should such an animal be attached to a vehicle and left alone in the street, we shall observe that when an omnibus or heavy- loaded wagon approaches him he becomes restless, and exhibita signs of fear, Such are the principal symptoms which usually acconipany defective sight, or total paralysis of the optic nerve, producing amaurosis. : Treatment.—Sy mp thetic amaurosis should be treated by means of antisvasmodics and Ji«ratives. One ounce of tincture of asse 44 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. fetida may be given every morning, and in the evening, onc ounce of the fluid extract of sassafras. So soon as the animal regaina hie natural vision, the medicine may be discontinued. ForeIGcN BopIEs WITHIN THE EYELIDS. When foreign bodies, such as small particles of hay or dirt, ge within the eyelids, they create great pain and uneasiness, and if allowed to remain there, produce a very grave form of disease, often ending in disorganization and total blindness. Shouid any thing of the kind be discovered, it may be removed by raising the upper or depressing the lower lids; then introduce and cx- plore the eyeball by means of a camel’s hair pencil, to which the foreign body will usually adhere, when it is easily brought away. The parts should then be sponged with lukewarm water. After the lapse of a few hours, should the membranes of the eye anu lids appear much reddened, use the following: No. 1. Rose water ..ccccsccesecccsccccccsscsese 4 OZ Fluid extract of gelseminum........... 2 dr. Put the patient on a diet of sloppy bran mash, and place him where the rays of sunlight shall not affect the eye. FILMs oR SPECKS ON THE EYE, KNOWN AS OPACITY OF THE CORNEA. Opacity of the cornea sometimes results from injuries ; at otbera they are symptomatic, and accompany other diseases. They are of very common occurrence in the various stages of influenza and other catarrhal affections, and sometimes a distinct speck will remain long after the disease which gave rise to it has disappeared The author remembers many cases in which the sight has been completely destroyed by using substances of a corrosive or stimu- lating character. The proper mode of treatment is to bathe the eye occasionally with a portion of the following lotion: No. 2 Fluid extract of bloodroot...........06. » 1 oz. WA LOT | cnaice arate Setscex'ereie Sec oude Sie aie arate vye 8 02. Mix. : Give the patient one ounce, morning and evening, of fluid extract of phytolacca decandra (poke-root). This acts as az alterative, and will expedite the cure. DISEASES OF THE EYER 45 CATARACT. Cataract in the horse is usually the result of previous attacks of disease. It consists of opacity of the crystalline lens, or the capsule of the same. The disease is incurable, because if an opera- tion was performed for the breaking-up or depression of tin cataract, such as is practiced in human medicine, vision would still be as imperfect as ever without the aid of magnifying glasses, which would be a great inconvenience to the horse, and scarcely of any practical service. Worm iN THE EYE. Smal] parasites are occasionally observed in the eyes of horses, They float about in the watery humor, often for a great length of time, without appearing to do any mischief; yet, being a foreign body, they are, to say the least, injurious. The author has never sven but one case of worm in the eye, and that occurred in a horse, the property of a resident of Chicago. The animal was kept on exhibition for the inspection of the curious, and was the svource of considerable profit to the owner. It is possible that such worm might be extracted by a surgical operation. A writer in the “ Veterinary Review ” thus alludes to this affection : “Tt may also be here noticed that there is a disease which fre- quently affects the eyes of horses in India, but which, as far as I know, has never been observed in Europe. A worm, which, from the description I have received from different people, may be eompared to the common ascaris, is generated in the anterior chamber, and can at times be distinguished swimming about, with apparently great vigor, in the aqueous humor. It produces a great deal of irritation and inflammation, the effects of which ultimately destroy the organ. The natives of India cure the disease by making an incision through the cornea, and extracting the worm. Though I have never had an opportunity of examin- ing-an eye affected with this curious disease, the circumstantial accounts, from several accurate observers, leave no doubt in my mind of its existence; and the fact accords with what is known to take place regarding the formation of worms, not only in the human body, but more particularly in the liver, lungs, brain, and other orga~: of the inferior animals.” 38 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. OPHTHALMIA, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE EyE, (SOMETIMES CALLED ‘' HOOKS.”’) This is a very common affection, yet a most painful one, an. van not well be mistaken. The animal keeps the eyelids closed T: ey are more or less swollen, and the internal surface of the same ippears very red. There is an unnatural flow of tears running down the cheeks. The haw, or nictitating membrane, is swollen and very vascular. This condition of the haw is known to some persons as the hooks, and serves as an excuse for the performance of a barbarous operation, not sanctioned by science or common sense, viz.: amputation of the haw, which only aggravates the disease, and deprives the horse of a useful appendage to the organs of vision. In the early stage of this disease, and wheu scalding tears rua copiously over the cheeks, we denominate it catarrhal ophthalmiu, The disease is not of a very serious nature, but often becomes sa in consequence of the outrageous treatment practiced, such as bleeding, purging, and the local application of lunar caustic. The proper mode of treatment is to keep the patient on a light diet, and occasionally bathe the region of the eye with an infusion of poppies or hops; sometimes with tepid or cold water, as the casa may seem to indicate, according to the rational judgment of the owner of the afflicted animal. It is the very best application thet can be made, and is much more scientific, according to the dictum of the God of Nature, than many of the agents heretofore used. The fact is, many indications of disease designated as inflamma. tion are curable only through the intervention of time and a tational expectancy. Don’t do any violence to nature in the use of destructive or poisonous agents, and should the case be curable, it will terminate favorably under this treatment. Ac- cording to the dictum of the schools of veterinary medicine, inflammation of the eye. as well as inflammatory action of other parts of the body, has to be treated heroically, which system of teatment kills mcre than it ever cures. As the subject of inflam- tiation is a very important one, worthy the attention and con- sideration of American husbandmen, I here introduce an article from the pen of A. 8, Copeman, who was formerly associated with me in «conducting the “Veterinary Institute of Boston,” Massachusette : DISEASES OF THE EYE. 47 TREATMENT OF INFLAMMATION, “Tt must be admitted by all who contemplate the actual state of medical practice at the present day, that the use of bloud-let- ting aod of other antiphlogistic remedies, has, within a recent period, greatly declined. According to Youatt and PERcIVALL, each remedies, and more especially blood-letting, were formerly tighly successful in arresting diseases, in the treatment of which we now know they not only fail, but are even highly injurious. The inference has been drawn from these supposed facts, that in- flammation itself is no longer the same; that its type has altered from an inflammatory to a typhoid character. In short, it seems to have been the opinion of certain writers that an advanced knowledge of physiology and pathology has had little influence in producing this great revolution in our treatment, but that the constitutions of animals are fundamentally altered, and that medi- cal men were as right in bleeding thirty years ago as they are correct in now abstaining from it. In opposition to these views, it will be my endeavor to show, Ist, That little reliance can be j'laced on the experience of those who, like Brain, PercrvaLt, and YouATY, were unacquainted with both histology and organic chemistry, and, per consequence, the nature of inflammations ; 2d, That inflammation is the same now as it has ever been; 3d, That the principles on which blood-letting and antiphlogistic remedies have hitherto been practiced are fallacious, and opposed to pathology; 4th, That an inflammation once established can uot be cut short, and that the object of judicious medical practice is to conduct it to a favorable termination ; 5th, That all positive knowledge of the experience of the past, as well as the more ex- -act observations of the present day, alike establish the truth of the preceding propositions as guides for the future. ist J'roposrtion.— That little reliance can be placed on the ex- perience of those who, like BLAIN, PERCIVALL, and Youatt, were unacqurinted with histology, and, per consequence, the nature of ti Vlammations. Inflammation, for many years, was generally recognized, espe- cally in external parts, by the existence of pain, heat, redness, aad swelling, and in internal parts by fever, accompanied by pain and impeded function of the organ affected. In fact, groups of symptoms, in accordance with the nosological systems of the day, 48 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY cousti 1 ed inflammation. But the school of morbid anatomy, by showing that inflammation was a diseased condition of a part, e.tirely overthrew the errors and confusion inherent in all such nosological systems ; while more recent histological research, by exhibiting to us that inflammation is, in truth, a disease of nutri- tion, governed by the same laws that determine growth and waste of the tissues, has united physiology and pathology into ous science, and has removed our present knowledge still further from the traditional errors of the past. Now, if it could be shown that the group of symptoms formerly called inflammation always in- duced the same morbid lesions, former experience might sti!l he useful to us. But we contend that this is what clinical observa- tion proves to be impossible. Such are the contradictory state- ments and the confusion resulting from the ur acquaintance of the past race of practitioners with a correct diaguosis and pathology that no confidence whatever can be placed in their impressions as to what cases were benefited by bleeding. Meclicine is not a scientific art, which is dependent for its principles on the study of a commentary on the older writers. What they thought and what they said are not, and ought not, in a question of this kind, to be our guide as to what was or is. On the contmry, it is the book of Nature, which is open to all, that we ought to study; and why should we read it through the eyes of past sages, when the light of science was comparatively feeble and imperfect, instead of bringing all our improved modern appliances and advanced knowledge to elucidate her meaning ? 2p Prop.—That inflammation is the same now as it has ever been. The essential nature of inflammation has been already alluded to, viz.: a series of changes in the function of a part, terminating in exudation or effusion of lymph. Now, what proof is there that any of these necessary changes have, of late years, undergone any modification? Ifa healthy animal receives a blow, or any other injury, are the resulting phenomena, in these days, in any way different from those which took place in the days of YouaT1 and PercrvatL? Were the effects which followed wounds in 1830 different from those which resulted from similar injuries in 1860? This has not yet beer shown. Again: if a healthy horse, nowadays, be exposed to wet and cold, and be seized with an inflammation of the lung or peura, is not the lung hepatized ip DISEASES OF THE EYE. 49 the one case ? and does not effusion follow in the other, in exactly the same way as formerly? But what should this asserted change in the nature and character of inflammation lead us to infer? It is said that inflammation and its results are entirely changed within the last thirty years. Itis, then, argued that horses, in all parts of the world, since the days of Buarin, Youarr, and PER- CIVALL, have become so debilitated and deteriorated ; that their constitutions have been so altered for the worse ; that, attacked by the same lesion, and to the same extent, there is no longer the same reaction. If so, where is the evidence of this? For my own part, I have earnestly sought for but can not dis- cover a shadow of evidence for such a belief. Moreover, I have a most lively remembrance of all the facts and circumstances con- nected with the bleeding of hundreds of patients, thirty years ago, when I first commenced the study of veterinary medicine, and my impression is, that not the slightest difference exists between the character of inflammation now and what it was then. 3p Prop.—That the principles on which blood-letting and anti- phlogistic remedies have hitherto been practiced are fallacious and opposed to pathology. Large and early bleeding have been practiced, under the idea that, by diminishing the amount of circulating fluid, 1st, the materus morbi in the blood would be diminished ; 2d, less blood would flow to the inflamed parts ; 3d, the increased quantity of blood in the part would be lessened ; 4th, the character of the pulse was the proper index to the amount of blood that ought to be drawn. Let us examine a few of these principles of practice. The increased throbbing and circulation of blood in an inflamed part may be shown not to be the cause of inflammation, but the result of it, and that the idea of so-called determination of blood to inflamed parts is fallacious. Now, if we attend to what takes place in the finger from a thorn entering the skin and remain- ing unextracted, we find the irritating body first acts upon the cellular constitutents—the nerves and blood-vessels of the part ; then comes on the congestion and exudation, and, lastly, follows the throbbing, which is the evidence of so-called determination, and result of the inflammation, and not a cause of it. The blood, in this case, instead of being sent by a vis a tergo, is, in fack drawn by a vis a fronte, and, as we shall endeavor to show, for the most important purposes. But why should Nature, in cases 4 5O LADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY of inflan.mation, draw an increased amount of blood toward the part? She does so, it scems to us, in obedience to one of her wisest laws, but one which has been too much ignored by medical practitioners. It must be obvious, however, that an inflamma- tion having occurred, the great work now to be accomplished is the removal of the exudation—to eliminate from the injured part either directly by discharge externally, or by passage into thr blood, to be finally excreted through the emuncturies. In all such cases, the blood is not sent or determined, but drawn to the part, in consequence of the increased actions going on in them; in short, it is absolutely imperative that the part in which these changes go on should receive more blood than in health. But, hitherto, medical practitioners have supposed that this phenome- non is injurious, and ought to be checked by blood-letting and antiphlogistics, The rapid flow of blood, which is so necessary, they have sought to diminish, and the increased amount in the neighborhood of the part which is 30 essential for the restoration to health, it has been their object to destroy. In doing so, we argue they act in opposition to sound theory, and, as we shal. afterward attempt to show, good practice, also. The inconsistency of the theraupeutical rules on this head will become more manifest when we remember that it is necessary, in the opinion of many medical practitioners, not only to weaken the pulse when it is strong, but to strengthen it when it has been made weak. Now, although it is obviously good practice to sup- port the strength when the calls upon the nutritive functions have exhausted the economy, it is injurious to diminish, by blood- letting, the nutritive processes themselves, when they are busily engaged in operating on the exudation and eliminating the mor- bid products. In short, the phenomena of fever and excitability accumpanying inflammation have been wrongly interpreted, and danger is to be apprehended from them, not directly, but from the subsequent exhaustion which all great exertions of the animal economy produce. In themselves, these exertions are sanatite, and indicate the struggle which the economy is engaged in when attempting to get rid of the diseased processes ; and whenever we lessen the vital powers at such a critical juncture, we diminish the chances of that struggle terminating favorably. This propo sition seems to be universally admitted in the case of essential fevers, and its truth ought to be accepted equally in inflammat'on DISEASES OF THE EYE. 5,, {t has been argued, however, that the immediate effect uf blood- ietting justifies the practice. But, assuming it is yranted that in some cases the pain is for a time relieved by bleeding, and that in pneumonia the respiration temporarily becomes more free, at what a cost are those advantages obtained, should the patient be so weakened as to be unable to rally! Even if he does rally, a large bleeding almost always prolongs the disease. Of course, we are now speaking of a true pneumonia, and not of that com- bination of symptoms commonly called a chill, or lung fever. 4tH Prop.—That an inflammation once established can not be cut short, and that the object of judicious medical practice is ta conduct it to a favorable termination. There was a time when it was supposed that the progress of influenza, distemper, and many other specific fevers which are now generally allowed to run their natural course, could be arrested by medical interference. But with regard to them has been estab- lished the principles, first, of prevention, and, second, when this fails, of simply conducting them to a favorable termination. It appears to me that the same rule ought to hold with regard t.. internal inflammations, and tnat this will be admitted when it is made apparent, not only that every inflammation, once formed, rins through a definite course, but what that course is. This I now proceed shortly to consider. Ifa violent blow or injury has been received, a greater or less amount of exudation is infiltrated among the contused and torn tissues, which undergo disintegra- tion, is absorbed and excreted from the economy ; if not, it col- lects, in the form of a fluid, and constitutes an abscess. The s:ries of changes here referred to have always been found to be best perfected in animals of vigorous constitutions, while in the weak, pvor, and broken-down they proceed slowly, or not at all. Surely, it can not be maintained that in cases similar to the above, we can favor the reparative processess by blood-letting and low- ering the strength of the economy ? But in internal inflammations, say of the lungs or intestines, are the processes different? Certainly not. But because the pro- cesses by which Nature relieves herself have been hid from view, physicians have supposed that instead of treating the inflamed parts, as the surgeon does, he ought to attack the general symp- toms which result from the lesion. In cases of fracture and con- tnaion there are also febrile syraptoms, increased pulse, and = nn: 62 DADD'S VETERINARY SURGERY AND MEDICINE. but does the surgeon imagine that callous will form better, or an abscess be resolved or reach maturity sooner, by general blond- letting and antiphlogistics? Experience teaches him otherwise; and in the same manner it may be most reasonably argued that such treatment can not favor the natural termination of interna] inflammations. 6TH T’rop.—That all positive knowledge of the experience of the past, as well as the more exact observation of the present day, altke establish the truth of the preceding propositions as guides for tha future. Before it is possible, however, to determine with exactitude the value of any practice, it is essential to ascertain the natural dura- tion of the disease we propose to treat. Fortunately, we have now some data which will enable us to arrive at this information with regard to many diseases. We have seen many severe case¢ of pneumonia submitted te homepathic remedies—-that no rea sonable medical man can suppose to be any thing else than inert—- vet most of these cases got well, and, I think, may be considered as excellent studies of the disease left entirely to Nature. Many years’ experience and close observation have convinced me thay uncomplicated pneumonia, especially in young and vigorous con - stitutions, almost always gets well, if, instead of being lowered, the vital powers are supported, and the excretion of effete pro- ducts assisted. Itis in exactly these cases, however, that we were formerly enjoined to bleed most copiously, and that our systematic works even now direct us to draw blood largely, in consequence of the supposed imminent danger of suppuration destroying the texture of the lung. Such danger is altogether i:lusory, and the destruction to lung tissucs, so far from being prevented, is far more likely to be produced by the practice. Ja fact, the only cures in which it occurs are in the aged or enfeeLfed constitutions in which nutrients, and not antiphlogistics, are the remedies indy cated. We can, however, readily understanu now blood-letting practiced early, and in young and vigorous constitutions, does les, harm, or, to use a common expressiun, 1s “ borne better,” thea when the disease is advanced, or the patient weak, and this be cause then the vital powers are less affected oy it. But that at cures the greater number of animals attacked, or shortens the duration of the disease, is disproved by every fact with whicu we are acquainted. Before ciusing we have a few words tc ofter ow VISEASES OF THE EYE. 5a mercurials.’ The confident belief in their power of causing ab- sorption of lymph, by operating on the blood, is not only opposed to sound theory, but, like blood-letting, is not supported by ex perience, which has been so confidently appealed to in their favor. I can not, ther2fore, resist the conclusion that the principles which led t. an antiphlogistic practice in inflammation were erroneous, and a:e no longer in harmony with the existing state of pathology. 1 think it has been further shown, that in recent times our success in treatment has been great just in proportion as we have aban- doned ‘heroic remedies,’ and directed our attention to furthering the natural progress of the disease. Internal inflammations are cured, not by bleeding and drugs, but by a natural process as distinct and definite as the process of normal nutrition. What we may do by our interference, may either aid, promote, and even accelerate, this natural tendency to get well, or it may very seriously impair and retard, and even altogether stop, that salutary process. If, then, this view of the nature of the means by which inflammation is resolved in internal organs be correct, it is not unreasonable to assume that a very de- pressed state of vital power is unfavorable tu the healing process, Indeed, if you watch those cases in which nothing at all has been done, or in which nothing has been done to lower the vital powers, you will find that the mere inflammatory process itself, especially in an organ so important as the lung, depresses the strength of the patient each day more and more. You will per- ceive, then, that, according to these views, there are strong @ priort reasons in favor of the policy of upholding our patients, even in the earliest stages of acute diseases, by such food as may be best suited to their digestive organs, such as is most readily assimi- lated, and calls for the least effort, the smallest expenditure of vital force for its primary digestion—nutritive matters, tea, sweetened milk, ete., and also alcohol, which is directly absorbed and tends to keep up the heat of the body. If, then, it has been satisfactorily shown, in consequence of our tlvanced knowledge of diagnosis and pathology, that an anti- phlogistic practice is opposed to the cure of diseases, it follows that many of the principles which have hitherto guided us in their treatment must be considerably modified. That medical practice has undergone a great revolution during the last fifteen years, ig a fact already so well established that it can be no longer denied \ 64 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. In my discourse on inflammation, reference was made to the views held by the ‘ neuro-pathologists.’ Now, nervous pathology has been in medicine the ‘great scape-goat’ upon which more professional sins have been heaped than any other. ‘Nervous exhaustion,’ nervous irritation, etc., are a few of the many terms with which we seek to cloak our ignorance of the real nature of many disorders. the intimate nature of which is bevond our ken, Many accomplished practitioners still maintain that abnormal vital phenomena may be, end are likely to be, occasioned by dynamic aberrations alone, and that such phenomena are cor- rectly designated as functional disease. We can not concur in this opinion. W)-at is called force of every description is con- nected with, if not dependent on, changes in the atoms of matter Force is the hypothetic agent which underlies the phenomena of material change; and to affirm that dynamic modifications cf vital function may exist without alteration of material organization, is to ignore the fundamental principles of philosophic physiology. All diseases, therefore, in our opinion, is organic, even mental and nervous diseases of every kind and form. Not a thrill of sensation can occur, not a flashing thought or a passing fecling can take place, without changes in the living organism ; much lese ean diseased sensation, thought, or feeling occur without such vhanges—changes which we are not able to detect, and which we may never be able to demonstrate, but which we are, nevertheless, certain of. For, whether we adopt the theory that the states and things which we call heat, electricity, vitality, ete., are distinct entities of what is called ‘imponderable’ matter, or the far mere probable theory that they are only phenomena belonging te ordinary ponderable matter, an atom or a cell, charged with electricity or heat, or in a state of chemical activity, is essentially in-a different condition to a cell or an atom in chemical or elec- trical equilibrium with surrounding substances. Organic actions eau not exist without corresponding change: in material con jiton. The only force capable of explaining any of the phe nomena of life is the chemical one, and this only in a state of constant activity and interminable change. Jn disease, the chemi- cal composition of the cells, or general matter, is altered from the standard of health, and this alteration of chemical composition is the real eranndworts of organic disease. Those abnormal states which depend upon an altered condition of the blood. are not leas DISEASES OF THE EYE. Ba et. tly organic than all other diseases ; for not only can no change tke place in the composition of the blood without in some -le- gree affecting all parts which are nourished by it, but that tnis fluid is, strictly speaking, itself a living organism, and every change which takes place therein is organic. Life can not be arrested without material change in the organs necessary to life. Every autopsy in which we fail to discover these changes, provea merely that our knowledge of life and death is defective, not that the changes do not exist.” PURULENT OPHTHALMIA. Purulent ophthalmia takes its name from the profuse discharge of pus, or matter, which escapes from the eyelids. In regard to the human subject, the authorities contend that there are several varieties of this malady prevalent in man, one of which, the Egypt- ian ophthalmia, is contagious; but no such disease was ever known to occur among horses. Causes.—The various maladies which affect the eyes sometimes owe their origin to accidents; at other times they occur in badly ventilated stables, where a large number of horses are congregated together, and t}en they are supposed to be contagious. But it arm pears that there is no necessity, in such case, to advance the theory of contagion. by way of explanation of the outbreak; for the same cause whicl: »roduced the malady in the first horse would be more at less operative in all the rest. A hot, foul atmosphere as a very had effect on the eyes of both men and horses. The mem- brane lining the eyelids, which also covers the eyeball, is very vas- cular and sensitive, and is extremely susceptible to irritation from the action of the ammoniacal gases which prevail in foul stables ; hence, in order to prevent the disease, proper attention must be paid to ventilation and cleanliness. ° Treatment.—For the treatment of purulent ophthalmia tae an. thor recommends the following lotion: No. 3. Powdered chlorate of potass.....+e+- as 3 02. Fluid extract of matico.......... ee os. Walters sivsatcaoncs se jpddies WaRea Jel ete 8 oz. Mix. | : , A portion of this lotion should be applied to the eyes, by meanr of a soft sponge, two or three times a day: the eves as well en th 56 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. lids roust, however, be previously cleansed with lukewarm water The patient should have a few doses of fluid extract of poke-root, About half an ounce of the extract, night and morning, will suffice, which will act as an alterative. SPEcIFIC OPHTHALMIA. This form of disease affects animals periodically, and is depend- ent on some peculiar predisposition; hence it may be termed hereditary. Symptoms.—There usually comes on very suddenly, perhaps in a single night, a great tenderness in one eye, commonly marked by the eyelids being shut, a copious secretion of tears, the white of the eye appearing slightly red, and the whole anterior chamher of the eye dim and clouded, there being no distinct speck on the cornes, as takes place in the common inflammation of the eye. The red- ness of the eyeball is never very remarkable, even though the disease assumes its most aggravated form; but the dimness of tle anterior chamber increases rapidly, and in two or three days, ar even a shorter period, a yellow spot appears at the bottom of that cavity, arising from the formation of pus. Sometimes the quantity of pus is very considerable, and I have seen it fill at least twie thirds of the anterior chamber. After lasting one, two, or thre weeks, the inflammation and watering usually begin gradually to subside. The pus, though in very large quantity, is sometimes almost entirely absorbed, so that scarcely any vestige is to be seen; and in other instances thin webs of opaque matter remain, which destroy the transparency and luster of the eye, and which, by their adhesion to the edges of the pupil, interfere with its motions and destroy its form. It is astonishing how acute dealers in horses are in discovering an eye which has had an attack of this kind. Sooner or later, while the horse appears in a state of perfect health, the eye is again attacked, the disease being accompanied by the same symptoms, making a similar progress, and having the same termination, while each new attack is accompanied with the deposition of more and more opaque matter. These attacks suc- ezed each other at very different, and sometimes at very distant, iatervals, until the whole pupil is filled with an opaque white matter, and the sight of the eye completely destroved. DISEASES OF THE EYE. 67 During this progress, the disease is often confined to one eye; at least one eye ia usually much more severely affected than the other. In some cases the two eyes are simultaneously affected, and, finally, hy s# succession of attacks, the horse becomes completely bliud. The probability is, that after a horse has suffered several times feum periodical attacks he will finally become blind. Treatment.—The same treatment as recommended for commus 4u@ammation of the eye is applicable to this complaint. SECTION III. DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM 48S0RS8 WITHIN THE SUBSTANCE oF THE BRAIN—HyYDROCEPHALUS, OR DRopsy Os THe Brain—Sromacu STaGGERS—APOPLEXY, OR CEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE ~ ApopLexy oF Sprnz, oR SprnaAL HEMORRHAGE, PRODUCING PARAPIILEGIA— Epinersy, or Firs—Trtanus—-VERTIGO—ACUTE OR GENERAL DIskase OF THY BRAIN, KNOWN AS ENCEPHALITIS—SLEEPY STaaarrs—CEREBRAL MENINGITIS- - Cuorka, on STRINGHALT. ABSCESS WITHIN THE SUBSTANCE OF THE BRAIN. HE author, having some doubts about the curability of abscers - within the brain, can not offer the reader much encourage- ment us regards tne cure; yet, tur tne purposes of research, and in view of prosecuting our Samaritan-like calling on a nuble and valuable animal, it is proper that the reader he pnt in pessession of the facts in the case. The symptoms and morb d conditions connected with various forms of brain disease are, at the present state of our knowledge, very obscure. Liven in human practice, the authorities contend that the subject of symptoms and conditions is full of uncertainty and apparent irregularity. Doubtless there is some constant and uniform connection of cause and effect between the altered physical states of the brain and the altered manifesta- tions of its functions, but we have not yet been successful in our search after those settled relations, nor have we but partial and imperfect glimpses of them. Causzs.—It is probable that the same causes which produce abscess in other parts of the bedy, not clearly traceable to local injuries, are operative in regard to the brain. Abscess is, as a matter of course, always preceded by an active stage, known av inflammatory, and when not called into existence by local injury, must depend on both predisposing and exciting causes. The pre- disposition lurks in breed, and the exciting causes may be ar.ong (58) DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 59 fi A HORSE BENT ON MISCHIEF—THE SUBJECT OF PHRENITIB. shuse which produce disorder in the digestive function or organa. ft is well known, however, that this, like some other diseases of the brain, is constantly occurring among members of the human family as well as the equine species, they being the subjects of constitutional defect in the form of scrofula. Derangement of the digestive organs almost always affect the brain, in eonsequence of sympathetic relations existing between the two. Hence, in view of preventing disease of the biain, we must keep the stomach in good working order, by means of an intelligent system of dietetics, and the exhibition of sanative medicines when they seem to be needed. Symptoms.—The observable symptoms of abscess within the brau do not differ materially from those which are present in dropey of the brain. In the early stage, the animal appears lethargic, sleepy. und, when urged to move, reels and comes near falling. The oead ‘s usually somewhat depressed, yet it is often inclined to one side: the pupil of the eye is dilated, and the membranes of the lids are congested and reddened. As the disease advances, a state of torpor wets in. Blindness, from pressure on the brain, ensues; the animal gets upon the floor, soon abrades the skin from the regions of the hips and shoulders, until, as a matter of charity, the owner puta an end to the sufferings of the patient. 60 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. The lethargic condition, therefore—dilated pupils, torpor, and reeling of the animal—indicate this serious difficulty in the sub- stance of the brain or its cavities. Treatment._-Should the surgeon or the proprietor of the affected anima] desire to attempt a cure, the author recommends the following: No 4 Fluid extract of stillingia, (queen’s-root,) 4 oz. Fluid extract of bloodroot.......+.eees 3 oz. Powdered iodide of potass........ eoeees 1 on. Water.....eeees ee tccccceeeceee 6 OZ. Dissolve the iodide in the water, and then add the stillingia and bloodroot. Dose, two ounces, twice daily. Local treatment in this malady does not amount to much, if any thing at all, for the only way in which the matter within the brain can be got rid of, if got rid of at all, is by exciting the absorbents to action, so that the matter may be absorbed. At the same time, alteratives are to be used ; and, for this purpose, the above prescription is recommended. HyprocEpHALus (DRopsy oF THE BRAIN). Hydrocephalus is the termination of some disorder in the brain itself, or the membranes surrounding it; yet some medical writers contend that dropsy is rather a symptom of disease than disease in itself. It may be so in some cases, which constitutes the exception to a general rule; but the author regards dropsy of the brain as the last stage of organic disease of that organ. On the dissectior of the brain of some horses that have died of this malady, scrofu- lous tubercles are often found in the substance of the brain, and tubercular deposits also manifest themselves on the membranes cov- ering the brain. In fact, the pathological appearance revealed on dissecting the brain of a horse which has died of hydrocephalus does not differ from that found in the human subject. CoNDIE says: “Tubercles, varying in size from that of a pin’s head to that of a pea, are very generally found scattered irregularly over the sur- face of the pia mater, following it between the convolutions, Occa- sionally, however, they occur in distinct patches of an inch or more in extent. They are commonly hard and semi-transparent ; some- times opaque, and of a whitish, grayish, or yellowish color. They are found upon all parts of the surface, the convex and lateral por- tions as well as the base, in the infractuosities of the couvolutions DISEASES OF ‘THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. $1 aud in the fissures. According to Rilliet and Barthez, they are more frequent upon the convex surface of the hemispheres than at the base. Dr. Hamernjh found them more frequently at or near the base of the brain. They are much more abundant upon the brain than upon the cerebellum. They are met with, also, imbed- ded in the gray matter of the brain, and are here often surrounded by a halo oi’ redness, usually connected with an enlarged vessel, ramifying from the pia mater. More rarely, tubercles are detected in the medullary portion of the brain, where they are often overlooked, in consequence of their pale, semi-transparent, yellowish tint. The plexus choroides is, also, often covered with tubercles. They are very commonly met with, likewise, on the serous membranes of the thorax and abdomen, in the lungs, and occasionally in the sub- stance of the liver. In twenty-seven out of thirty-three cases of hydrocephalus, Barthez and Rilliet found tubercles or granula- tions associated with inflammation of the pia mater; in four cases the meningitis was unattended by any trace of tubercular deposition in the encephalon; and in two cases the granulations, or meningial tubercles, were unattended with any traces of inflammation. In all the thirty-three cases the symptoms were nearly identical.” Causes.—Among the causes of this disease, therefore, we may consider the scrofulous diathesis as being the most potent; yet we ean not always prove the fact until after the death of our patient. Yet an autopsy held on such a case is really valuable to the inquiring mind; for, in discovering the true pathology of the affection, we are not only enabled to comprehend its character, but also the modua operandi of treatment. The exciting causes of the malady are not always so apparent. The author has known it to follow castration, puncture of the foot, staggers, and acute disease of the stomach. In some cases, faulty nutrition is the exciting cause; in short, the symptoms sometimes supervene on the subsidence of some other malady. Symptoms.—As regards the symptoms of hydrocephalus, they do not differ materially from those alluded to in the preceding article, At first, torpor, unconsciousness, unsteadiness on moving ; dilation of the pupil; the animal gets upon the floor, in many cases never torise again. Stertorous (grunting) breathing takes place; the ani- mal tosses his head about in an unnatural manner, often throwing it backward---a very noticeable feature of this affection—occasion- eZ DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND 3URGER?. ally raising it from the ground. Finally, ccnvulsions set in, and the subject dies in that state, perfectly unconscious. When hydrocephalus occurs after phrensy, or what is knowa as ‘mad staggers,” it always proves fatal. Treatment.— For the treatment of hydrocephalus give the fc! lowing : No. 5. Fluid extract of buchu.......-ceeseese 4 ox. Walter sce. ss! sce oo.0 aie ah.e acer nie Sie oa sre sheiete, aoe 6 on, Todide of potass.......0.55 swiss si acerete 2 os. Mix. Dose, two ounces, morning and evening. The patient should have injections of soap-suds, once or twice daily ; and should the disease have made its appearance very sud- denly, or, in other words, be of an acute character, so that the parte in the region of the brain feel hot, they should be then sponged very frequently with cold water; then give two drachms of fluid extra t of gelseminum twice daily, until the pulse feels soft, or until the acute stage subsides. StomMAcH STAGGEhs. The cerebral disease usually denominated stomach staggers pre- vails among horses which are overfed, whereby the function of digestion becomes deranged ; and thus the food given accumulates, and finally gorges the stomach, producing cerebral derangement, which makes the horse reel and stagger likea drunken man. The horse may be said to be drunk from the effect of food. Sometimes the cause is accidental. A horse gets loose in the stable, and, find- ing a lot of meal or oats incautiously exposed, he devours vora- ciously a large quantity, and very soon after becomes the subject of stomach staygers. Symptoms.—A stomach surcharged with food, without any ac companying distension, does not appear to occasion any local pain, but operates with that kind of influence upon the brain which gives rise to symptoms, not stomachic, but cerebral; hence the analogy between this disease and staggers, and the appellation for it of “stomach staggers.” The unnaturally-filled stomach produces, fer the first time, a sense of satiety ; the horse grows heavy and drowsy. reposes his head upon the manger, falls asleep, and makes a ster- vorous noise. All at once he rouses from his lethargy, and violently thrusts his head against the rack or wall of the stable, or any thing. DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 63 in fact, that happens to oppose him, and in this posture paws with his fore-feet, or performs the same action with them as he would were he trotting, evidently all the while unconscious of what he is about. His eye, which at first was full of drowsiness, has now acquired a wild, unmeaning stare, or has already become dilated and insensible to light. The respiration is tardy and oppressed ; the pulse slow and sluggish ; the excretions commonly diminished. The late Professor CoLEMAN used to relate a circumstance, in bis lectures, connected with this disease, which throws considerable ligkt on its origin. The artillery horses stationed in London dur- ing the winter of 1817 suffered very considerably from stomach staggers; so much so that it was considered to be endemical, and of an infectious character. With his usual penetration, he soon discovered the cause, and found that, from some new regulations ubout that time, the stablemen were not allowed any candles, and during the winter the horses were bedded up at five o’clock in the evening, and not fed again until eight o’clock on the following vaorning, when they consumed their breakfast voraciously, gorging ‘heir stomach, not to the degree likely to produce acute indiges- tion, but sufficiently distending them as to oppress the blood-vessels ind the circulation through them. This practice, continued day rfter day, caused a syecific inflammation of the stomach—an inflam- raation of a peculiar character, differing from gastritis or inflam- nation of the part. The symptoms produced were regarded as esulting from the sympathetic connection between the stomach snd the brain, united to the effects that would arise from the daily listension, throwing a vast quantity of blood on the brain. An urder was obtained for candles for the use of the stablemen, which enabled tke horses to be fed at a later hour in the evening, and an earlier one in the morning, when the disease disappeared. A commoa error still prevails, in many districts, that staggers is a contagious disease ; but should the horses on a farm be attack} occasionally with slight fits of this kind, the farmer may rest assured that there is mismanagement somewhere in the feeding department. From such evidence as this, it will be inferred that there exista no doubt regarding the cause of stomach staggers. Treatment.—We now propose to show how this disease ought to be treated. The proposition of cure is, that the digestive function shal] be aroused, and the only way to accomplish that is by admin- 64 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. istering bitter tonics and stimulants, In this view, the following prescription is offered : No. 6. Fluid extract of black pepper...sesesss 4 08. Fluid extract of ginger...... cocceceeee 6 OZ. Hyposulphite of soda..ce.ececececeees 2 OZ Water..... eee cece eee eecerereees eee 4 08. Dissolve the hyposulphite in the water, then add the pepper and ginyer. Give the anima: a wine-glassful every four hours, A stimulating injection may be thrown into the rectum occasionahy, composed of a handful of fine salt to about four quarts of water. The animal should be allowed to stand quietly in the stall, and the medicine must be given with care, for the least excitement may augment the cerebral difticulty. So soou as the medicine arouses the digestive function, and the food gradually passes the pylorus into the intestines, the animal will obtain relief Both food and water should be withheld until there is some marked improvement , the patient has had enough of fod for some time, and water only retards digestion. APOPLEXY (CEREBRAL HEMURRIAGE). As regards the cause of apoplexy, the author has nothing te offer, except he has noticed that the subjects of this affection gen- erally have short, thick necks, and, as the saying is, “chunky ” heads. From this he infers that, in so far as vonformation is con- cerned, there lurks in the system of such animals a peculiar pre- disposition. Symploms.—An animal may be on the road, trotting along aa usual, without any apparent impairment of health, when suddenly he falls down; the pupils of the eyes become dilated; stertorous breathing sets in; a deprivation of the sense of feeling and of mo- tion immediately occurs; a tremulous motion of various parts cf the body is observed; the pulse beats with unnatural force, 7et the animal appears to be in a deep, snoring sleep. It may be said that the functions of animal life are suspended, excepting those of respiration and pulsation. The animai is unable to swallow, and if fluids be put into the mouth, they appear to choke him, or they run out again at the corners of his mouth. The prognosis of apo- plexy is very uncertain. Some horses die in a few hour, while others live for several days. This denends on the amount “blood DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 6d extravasated on the surface of the brain; but, in most cases of cerebral hemorrhage, the horse falls never to rise again. He may be conveyed home on some vehicle constructed for the purpose, but the finger of Death is on him; his days are numbered, and the owner charitably puts him out of existence. The reader must bear in mind that in apoplexy the horse falls, and is suddenly deprived of all voluntary motion ; is insensible to the prick of a pin, and the breathing, so soon as he is on the ground, becomes stertorous. This disease, therefore, is not to be confounded with others of the brain and spinal marrow. For example, a horse may have an attack of simple apoplexy without hemorrhage, fall down, and, by judicious treatment, recover; or he may be the subject of epilepsy, which occasions a temporary suspension of consciousness, with spasms recurring at intervals. Hence, in case of doubt or mistake, it will be advisable to treat the case in the following manner: Treatment.—Procure a few ounces of spirits of ammonia, with which saturate a sponge, then apply it to the nostrils. In the mean time, sponge the head with cold water, and rub the body and limbs briskly with a brush or whisp of straw. If he revive under this treatment, there may be some hopes of recovery; and should it appear that the act of swallowing can be performed, give a drench composed of No. 7. Powdered chlorate of potass..........: 2 oz. Boiling water.....seeeeees eee eeeenass 4 pint. When cool, administer. The action of chlorate of potass on the blood is to oxygenize it, and thus liberate carbonic acid gas. With the same object in view, we apply ammonia to the nostrils, viz.: to decarbonize unpurified blood. Blood-letting is inadmissible, for it can not accomplish any good , neither wiJl it act as a purificator of the vital current which ‘he lungs have fai"ed to arterialize. APOPLEXY F THE SPINE, (oR SPINAL HEMORRHAGE, PRODUCING PARAPLEGIA.) Paraplegia signifies paralysis of the posterior half of the body. Spinal apoplexy may be classed in the same order of discase aa cerebral apoplexy—that is to say, in so far as the pathology of the two forms i¢ concerned—and is usually just as fatal. 66 DADD'S + bTERINARY Mi&DICINE AND SURGERY. -Cuuses.—These are very obscure, except in cases uf fracture of the spine, or injury to the same, by falling. Then the disease is accounted for. It always ends in paraplegia—palsy of hind limbs. Symptoms.—The disease is usually sudden in its attack. A pro- fuse perspiration ushers it in; next, the hind limbs fail to support the bedy, and the animal makes desperate efforts to support him- self, and gradually crouches and falls to the ground, unable, per haps, ever to get up again. It has been noticed that paraplegia may also be vcccasic ned by effusion of serum within the coverings of the spinal cord; yet we can not demonstrate the fact only by autopsy; and if we could, I fear that medicine would be of iittle value. However, if it is the owner’s wish that the case should be treated, then the same course as recommended for cerebral apoplexy must be pursued. Eprtepsy— Fits. Epilepsy consists of a temporary suspension of consciousness, This disease, if properly managed, is not often fatal. It varies in duration. Sometimes a horse will suddenly fall, lose all sensibility and consciousness, exhibit spasmodic contraction of the voluntary muscles, go into convulsions, recover, and get up again in the course of ten minutes; or he may lie on the ground and have a succession of paroxysms, which may last for half an hour or more. If pro- tracted beyond an hour or so, the patient is very apt to die. Ac- cording to the best authority, “the functions that are affected in this disease are functions of the brain. Sensation, thought, and mo- tion, regulated by the will, are the natural functions of that organ. The temporary abeyance of sensibility, thought, and volition,* and violent and irregular action of the muscles, which are thus with- drawr from the government of the will, constitute a paroxysm cf epilepsy.” The fit is generally brought on by a derangement in the relati-s between the arterial and venous circulation within the head and a temp.rzry pressure on the brain; in other words, a determination * Horses think and reason just as man does. Their manifestations of mind do not differ from ours in kind, but only in degree. “The noble and daring war- horse, when he sniffs the distant field of blood, neighing for joy, instils a desper- ate courage into the veteran trooper’s quailing heart, gives evileace of a seal, ube prover attribute of man.” DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NEKVUUS SYSTEM. ls of blood to the head. After the horse has fallen, by his struggles and herculean efforts to battle with the malady, although uncon. ciously, he soon breaks out into a profuse perspiration. This has the effect of relaxing the capillaries so that the blood circulates more freely and uniformly. An equilibrium of the circulation takes piace, and this is the end of epilepsy fur the time being. But a horse once having had a fit of this kind must be looked upon with suspicion ; for Le is liable, when under excitement from wanton punishment, or from exercising great feats of strength in drawing heavy loads, to have a re-attack. Cause.—The predisposing cause of epilepsy has an hereditary origin. Horses subject to it have a misshapen head. It is not symmetrical—dves not correspond with the conformation of the neck and bedy. In the language of the turf, “the head is toc coarse.” It has been found, also, among members of the human family, that epileptics have heads of an unnatural shape. Wart- son says: “There is no doubt that a tendency to epileptic disease is frequently hereditary. It may be bequeathed from parent to child, or it may skip over a generation or two, and appear in the grandchild or great- grandchild ; or it may be traceable only in the collateral branches of the ancestry.” Epilepsy, however, may uot always arise as an hereditary affection; for a mere passive conges- tion of the brain, owing to a loss of equilibrium in the circulatior of the blood, may produce it. In regard to the horse, it is ver, difficult for us to decide on the universal hereditariness of the tialady, because we have no reliable history of the ancestry and iJiosyncrasies of our equine patients; yet if we study carefully the external conformation of well-formed horses, and make ourselves conversant with anatomy, we shall be better able to judge whether or no such an auimal carries about with him the inherent tenden- cies to particular diseases; and this knowledge will make up, to a certain extent, for the advantage which human medicine has over the veterinary in this department of knowledge. The principal symptoms of epilepsy are as follows: Symptoms.—Suppose the horse attached to a vehicle, and trav- eling along at any given pace. He gives a sudden, snorting, loud noise, and falls to the ground instantly, as if felled by some anknown power. Here he lies, to all appearance, totally uncon- scious, violently convulsed in every limb, his eyes staring as thorgh they would burst out of their sockets: the mouth foams 68 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SUBGERY. with saliva, and violent convulsions will sometimes affect the whole frame. Such are the principal symptoms attending this formidable malady. It will be quite a novelty to some of our readers to be .n- formed that the horse is actually subject to the same diseases which afflict his master; and in view of showing that there is a reality in the author’s views on the subject now under considera tion, the following quotation from the “ Veterinarian” is offered, It will show, by way of comparison, the features of the diseass as it occurs in the horse and in man: “Tn the first place, as to. the exciting cause or causes. It is well known that among the exciting causes of epilepsy in the human subject, mental or moral emotions have long been con- sidered as holding a foremost rank. Without going into detail on this subject, or offering illustrations of this statement, it will suffice to remark that the experience of all adequately acquainted with medica] literature, or tulerably familiar with medical prac- tice, can not fail to supply them with numerous instances wherein this class of causes has been in operation as concerned in the pre- ‘action of the disease in question. Over and over again I have yself witnessed cases of epilepsy, either during or after the par aysm or fit, in which 1 have had good reason for entertaining the opinion that certain mental or moral emotions had largely, if not entirely, contributed to this result. Now, without deny- ing that, in some instances, fright may so far affect the horse as to prove an exciting cause of epilepsy in that animal, stili, I think that, almost as a general rule, the class of causes now under consideration may be excluded from further notice as tend- ing toward the production of this disease in the horse. Assuming this position for the sake of argument, we thus eliminate at once, so far as concerns this animal, most of such eases of epilepsy as, if speaking in reference to the human sub- ject, would be regarded as cases of epilepsy of centric origin. Without altogether denying that, in some instances, the presence of tumors, or morbid growths, or excrescences of any kind, or of spicule of bone in certain parts of the brain, or spinal cord, or their membranes, may occasionally operate as causes of epi- lepsy, yet I am by no means prepared to admit that their pres- ence in sucn places, by irritation of these structures, is so frequent a cance of this disease as is affirmed by some medical authorities, DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 69 Yet, whatever view of the question, whether affirmative or nega- tive, may be taken, the same reasoning will apply equally to man and the horse in regard to the disease under consideration. We are told that, in some instances, such foreign bodies have been found in these situations on examination after death. This I do not deny; but, at the same time, the evidence that these had much, if any thing, to do in the production of epilepsy, still’ less that the disease took its origin from them, is, in my judgmem, far from complete, and, in some cases that save been recorded, unsatisfactory to the last degree. Again, the circulation of blood in an unhealthy state, in its accustomed channels through the substance of the delicately-constructed brain or spinal cord, appears to me not unlikely to be a frequent cause of this disease in man. The comparatively recent physiological researches of Dr. Brown- Sequard have thrown much light upon the heretofore obscure pathology ot epilepsy in the human subject; and I conceive that his arguments, and the conclusions deduced therefrom, are, for the most part, perfectly applicable to an animal so high in the zodlog- ical series as the horse is well known to be.” Treatment.—So soon as the horse falls, some hay or straw should be placed under his head and around him. Bathe the region of the cranium with cold water, and carefully wash the foam from his month, taking care not to let any water, hay, or dirt enter the nostrils. Officious persons are very apt to attempt, by force of strength, to raise the horse on his legs; but this ought not to be done. Let him rest quietly until consciousness returns; then, should he attempt to get up, help from the bystanders may then be of some service. When on his legs, deal gently with him. Let the external surface of the body be rubbed until the skin is dry; then administer two ounces of fluid extract of valerian, and let the patient be provided with comfortable quarters. For a few days the patient should be excused from work, and be fed lightly. The only way to prevent a re-attack is to keep him at light work, and treat him in the most gentle manner, both in the stable and out of it. In cases of this character, as well as many others, men are apt to place too niuch confidence in medicine, and dose the animal ac- eordingly ; but, as we understand the practice of medicine, it is the province of the goo:l physician to know when to do nothing. y 70 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. TreTanus, on LOCKED JAW. We recognize tetanus by the unnatural condition of the muscles of various parts of the body, more particularly those of the face and neck. But the fault lics not in the muscles, but in the nervous system. This disease constitutes one of the most terrible and fatal to which the horse is subject. It is not only frightful to look upon, but is productive of the most distressing agony to the animal. THE TEST FOR TETANUS OB LOOKED-Jaw. BxeuansTION.—On placing a hand under the angle of the Jaw, and pushing the head in an upward direction, the nictitating membrane (haw) will be suddenly thrown partly over the pupil, as seen In the above picture. This ia the diagnostic symptom of tetanus. There is no difficulty in recognizing this disease. It is charac- terized by involuntary and persistent cramps of the voluntary muscles, The muscles which seem first to be affected are those of the jaws, neck, and throat; and soon all the other muscles are in- volved. One of the principal tests for the discovery of the disease is to place a hand under the jaw and raise the head. Immediately the haw, or nictitating membrane, shoots over the eyeball. (See cut.) There is no other disease with which tetanus can be con- sounded ; therefore, a minute description of the symptoms seems superfluous at this point of our argument. When the disease affects the muscles of the jaw only, it is called triamus; but it is only a variety of the same disease, and, therefore DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. requires the same treatment. In former years the author met with but little success in the treatment of this malady, yet recently, oy using more mild and sanative agents, he has been very fortunate. Bleeding, purging, and blistering has had its day, but that day has now past. We have learned that to do violence to the animal system is not to do good; and our aim now is to “ pair off” with Nature, endeavor to sustain the vital powers, or, rather, by sanative medication and nutritious fluids, keep the animal alive, while the disease runs its course. Physicians have no power to arrest the disease, and those who think so only deceive themselves and their employers; and those who attempt the feat of cutting the disease short by heroic medicines, are arrayed in hostility to Nature, and an unnecessary death is often the consequence. Any of cur readers who happen to have great faith in drugs will probably feel little comfort in the perusal of the following quotation, uttered by one of the 1ost distinguished physicians of France. It was intended for the benefit of mankind, but it also applies to veterinary medi- eine, simply from the fact that the diseases of animals are to be treated on the same general principles which apply to man: “The sick-room no longer resembles the sample department of of a drug warehouse. Our physicians have consciences and com- nion sense. They recognize Nature as the great antagonist of dis- ‘ ense, and endeavor to assist her in her struggle to expel it, instead of negatively helping disease by prostrating the physical strength of its victims with drastic cathartics, cantharides, and the lancet. To ailments for which gallons of medicine were given half a cen- tiry ago, as many ounces are not administered at the present day, aad bleeding and blistering have almost fallen into disuse. Not long before his death, the great French surgeon, physician, and medical chemist, Majendie, told his pupils, in the college of France, that the old hospital practice was mere humbug; that he himself had prescribed the drugs of the dispensary at the Hotel Dieu, in Paris, without having the least idea why or wherefore, and that on udministering bread pills and colored water to one division of his patients, and the preparations of the pharmacopeeia to another, he found that the mortality was least among those who took no medi- cine! ‘ You tell me,’ said this extraordinary man, in one of the lectures of his final course, ‘ that doctors cure people. I grant you people are cured. But how? Gentlemen, Nature does a good deal; imagination does a good deal. Doctors do very little. wher 72 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. they don’t do harm. You ask, then, what is the use of attending medical Jectures? Ill tell you. We come here (to the college of France) to study Nature, to learn to reinforce and aid Nature, not to spin fine theories. I would not give a centime for all the theorics in the world. Give me stubborn facts.’ “Such was the bold and candid language of one of the greatest anatomists and physicians of the age but a short time before hie death. Our medical men do not take quite such strong ground as Majendie took, but they show their lack of faith in what was formerly called ‘ vigorous treatment’ by sparing medication, and a still more limited use of the lancet and other mechanical means of depletion. Nature, after having been professionally misused for centuries, seems at last to have found a friend and ally in the medical faculty.” We now come more directly to the treatment of tetanus; and, in view of showing what unwarrautable outrages are perpetrated cn the poor uncomplaining brute, the following article is here intro- duced : “ Wounds of tendinous and ligamentous parts are the common cause of tetanus, more generally known as locked-jaw, so-called because the first symptoms of the violent spasmodic affection aye detected in the jaw. Castration, nicking, docking, lacerations, and punctures, particularly of the feet, are the kinds of wounds that end in tetanus. Even slight contusions will bring it on. It is a dreadful and, too often, a fatal disease. The animal is nearly paralyzed by the constant spasm of al] the voluntary muscles, The symptoms are unmistakable: First, a certain stiftmess about the throat, and difficulty in swallowing or turning the head. This gradually extends to the jaws, contracting the mouth. The horse possesses a desire to mastirate, but, in the earliest stage of the dis- ease, the work is imperfectly performed, with great pain. The eyes become vivid in appearance, and present a retroverted aspect. The disease continues to spread, and when it affects the voluntary mus- cles of the trunk and the extremities, the animal becomes a living picture of agony and distress. The cocked yet quivering tail, the distended legs, the contraction of the abdominal muscles, the trem- alous and irregular pulse, the hurried respiration, the sweat-marks, and the fixed and sunken eyes, all speak unmistakably of the vio- lent and painful nature of the disease. The animal sometimes suffers for six or seven days, when it falls, completely exhausted OISEASES OF TITE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 73 sy continued irritation and inanimation ; or it expires in tctrible sonvulsions. Tetanus, indisputably, is a nervous affection, An injury to a small fiber of some nerve exten‘s to the origin of the aerve, when the brain becomes affected, and a discased action of the body ensues. When locked-jaw results fatally, it will be be- fore the expiration of nine days, as the horse dies, without a remis- ticn of the spasms, from sheer exhaustion. The free use of the ‘ancct is regardid as one of the surest means of curing tetanic cases, as by a flow of blood we open the bowels and tranquilize the system. Venesection is the most powerful sedative for mus- cular spasms. ‘The nervous influence passes off with the blood; therefore the flow should be most copious. We may bleed the horse until he falls, before the triumph is complete. The perma- nent strength of the animal is not hazarded by the free use of the lancet, bat we simply make an attack upon the seat of the disease. Physic, also, is a matter of much importance. Profuse bleeding will cause the muscles of the jaws to relax, when the dose may be introduced into tle mouth. Clysters assist the action of the pur- gatives; therefore aie useful. The application to the spine of green sheep-skins, warm from the slaughtered animal, will some- times diminish the sufferings of the patient. By gently rubbing the spine with the hand, and then by using an opiate liniment, a relief may be afforded. From eight to ten drachms of aloes should be administered as a physic. The farina of croton-nut is also a powerful purgative. A solution of Epsom salts constitutes a safe injection as a clyster. Opium, when given in doses, varying from one half to two drachms, is a valuable medicine in cases of lock- jaw. The disease is a violent one, and to check it prompt meas- ares must be resorted to.” Contrast this with the following case: While in the city ef St. Louis, a short time ago, I was requested to visit a bay geldiag aged eight years, the property of Captain Sitva. The messenger informed me, not knowing that it was a case of tetanus, that the horse was “all stiffened up.” On an examination, the following symptoms were presented: The muscles in the region of the neck and back, rigid ; the eyes had a sort of squinting appearance ; the nose protruded ; the ears were erect and stationary ; the nostrils were expanded to their utmost capacity ; the head, neck, and trunk seemed to be immovable, so that it was impossible to make him turn in any direction, or describe the least segment of a circla 74 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. The abdomen appeared “ tucked up,” as the saying is. This arose from the rigid state of muscles of the abdomen. The hind limbs presented a straddling appearance, and the fore ones were unnat- urally advanced far beyond the axis of the shoulder-blade; the bowels were constipated ; the pulse was wiry, and the respirations were accelerated and laborious. The case was diagnosed as tetanus from puncture of the off hind-foot. It appeared that the anima] had picked up a nail, five days previous, which was withdrawn by 4 blacksrnith, and the foot was dressed in the usual way. The treatment was as follows: The rigid muscles were rubbed, twice daily, with a portion of the following antispasmodic liniment: No. 8. Cod-liver oil........cceeeeee taueee ew 12 02 Oil-of Cedars west cr steels eae wea ence ate 4 oz. Sulphuric ether... ........ceceee sence 3 oz The application of the liniment was continued during a period of ten days, in which time four drachms of Indian hemp were daily placed on the tongue. The jaws now relaxed, so that the patient could eat bran mashes, At the expiration of two weeks all signs of tetanus had disappeared. Vertico (DizzZINE8s OR GIDDINEsS). The term vertigo signifies giddiness or dizziness. It is usually the result of some latent disease within the brain; and when that is present, any exciting cause, which we shall presently refer to, may bring on a fit of vertigo. The following article, by surgeon Haycocx, will, perhaps, prove interesting to the reader: “By vertigo is meant a chronic disease of the horse, chiefly in dicated by a disturbance of the sensitive faculties, occasioning derangement in the ordinary functions of life. Much that is incor- rect has heen written regarding the seat, properly so-called, of the evil. At present, most veterinary surgeons are agreed in seeking the proximate cause, nct as formerly, on the brain, but in the ab- dom‘nal organs, and on considering the cerebral affection as purely secondary.” Vertigo often succeeds acute disease of the brain, Causes.—Its chief exciting causes are confinement in hot and tadly-aired stables, cold, extreme fatigue, blows and injuries on Vane head, indigestion, unwholesome or too much food in proportion DISEASES OF TILE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 76 to the exercise taken. The fear of punishment, especially of the wlip, occasionally gives rise to it, in sensitive and irritable ani mals. Some horses have an hereditary predisposition to it, and mares are considered more subject to it than stallions. Further, it is scarcely ever observed except in hot weather; and as it ia generally at the beginning of summer that it commences to appear, it goes away always in autumn, at least with respect to its chief 4y mptoms. Symptoms.—The horse having, previous to the attack, been sively and active, begins, all of a sudden, to appear heavy and in- dolent. He is dejected, and prefers to keep himself in the dark- est corner of the stable. Eyes, dull; look, fixed and stupid; eye- lids, half shut ; inattention to every thing, forgetting even himself, and, as it were, asleep, his head hanging down, or resting on the manger. His gait is heavy, slow, and unsteady ; he raises his feet very high, and puts the entire sole to the ground, raising and let- ting down the limbs in a manner purely mechanical, and, as it were, unconsciously. He exhibits much awkwardness in turning, and can not be pulled back except by depressing the head very much, and pushing it latterly. He also leans to one side in walking, To maintain his equilibrium the better, he places the fore-legs beneath the belly, and moves his ears backward in a peculiar manner. According as the disease progresses, he becomes less and less sensible to external impressions. Mastication is per- formed slowly. He takes, from time to time, a mouthful of food, masticates it, swallows a portion of it, but keeps the remainder in his mouth. He prefers taking his fuod off the ground rather than in any other way, and when drinking, he plunges his head into the water, even above his nostrils. During and after some rather violent movements, his symptoms become much aggra- vated, and the signs of complete insensibility become more and more marked. The animal runs on quite blind till some obstacle stops him, or turns round, or remains tranquil, with his head depressed, and the legs crowded beneath the body, without being able to change this unusual attitude, unless assisted to do so, There is never any fever. The pulse is often from ten to twelva ptusations slower than in the normal state. In the same way, also, the respiration is constantly slow, deep, and frequently of a sighing character. In almost all cases, the tongue is foul, and the mouth dry anlclammy. With respec 18 CADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. to treatment, the remedies which have succeeded best with me are, camomile (some doses), then sulphur and nux vomica. In a par- ticular case, where, independently of the symptoms peculiar te vertigo, the conj»xctiva, tongue, and mouth were more yellow, the horse frequently flexed his fore-legs, seldom .ay down, the feces were hard, and he passed but little urine. The reader will perceive that many of the symptoms above alluded to are present in other diseases of the brain: therefore, some difficulty may be encountered in diagnosing the ‘ase. It is best for us, however, to diagnose the case on the symptoms of dizziness or giddiness; then a mistake is not likely to occur. Yet, after all, a mistake in the true nature of the malady will not prove disastrous, provided the patient be treated on the general principles laid down in this work, by means of sanative medicines and little good common sense. Treatment.—For example, should a horse have an attack of vertigo on the road, the driver must immediately stop and loosen the throat-latch and check-rein. Then let the animal stand in quietude for a few minutes, during which time he may possibly recover, and soon be able to resume the journey. If not, he must be taken out of the harness, and carefully led to the nearest sta- ble, or where he shall be free from annoyances of every kind. After the excitement is over, the animal may be led home, and put into a roomy stall, where he must be dieted according to his condition. If fat and plethoric, bran mashes are indicated, in‘o which should be stirred a drachm or two of hyposulphite of soda Should the patient be poor in flesh, a few good oats are indicated, to which add a small quantity of powdered ginger and balmony The surface of the body being cold, it must be warmed, after the usual fashion, by means of clothing. But should the surface of the body feel hot, more particularly in the region of the head then tonics, stimulants, and food are to be withheld. A bucket of cold water is then to be placed before him, into which about four drachms of nitrate of potass may be stirred. INFLAMMATION OF THE Brain (BLIND, SLEEPY OR Map STAGGERS). The contents of the cranium are called, collectively, the ence- phalon : hence the term encephalitis. which signifies ir lammation DIBEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 77 of any, or all portions of the contents of the cranial cavity. Various terms are applied to disease of this character, such as “sleepy staggers,” “coma,” “ phrenitis,” cerebritis,” and “ cere- bral meningitis,” the latter being formerly recognized as blind or sleepy staggers. These several terms merely apply to the various stages of the acute disease as it gradually invades the membranes covering the brain, or the substance of the brain itself. It some- times appears to invade at once the whole of the parts within the skull, or, beginning in one part, it extends rapid]+ to all the rest, so that the term encephalitis seems to be more applicable than those just enumerated. It is a matter of impossibility for us to tell precisely what are the pathological conditions of the parte atected. Nor are the symptoms always the same. They may range from a state of phrenzy to one of coma. Still, in our treat- ment, we shall not be led astray ; for, being an acute affecticn, (or affections, as some persons may term it,) we have to treat it on the same general principles which obtain in many or all diseases ct’ an acute character, viz.: by means of sedatives, laxatives, cold water, spare diet, and rest. Should the patient die during the acute stage of disease of the brain, an autopsy will reveal great vascularity and softening of the cerebral mass, and thickening of its membranes; but should the disease run on unchecked to a fatal termination, pus aud fluid may be found within the lateral ventricles of the brain This enables us to explain the difference between the symptoms which prevail in the early and latter stages of the malady ; for, at the commencement of {he acute stage, the loss of equilibrium in the circulation sends the red arterial blood, in undue quanti- ties, tc the brain—the part, perhaps, most predisposed to diseased action, or, it may be, at the time actually in a pathological con- dition ; hence the loss of equilibrium in the circulation—which, in consequence of accelerated respiration, becomes highly charged with oxygen, acts as a potent stimulus, not only to the nervous system, but to the muscular system also, producing those active and phrenitic symptoms which have led us to infer that the patient is going or is actually mad; hence the name which some per sons have applied, “mad staggers.” This activity can not las, long; for it is potent to exhaust the vital forces. Organs and parts of the body become overworked; then ccmes organi rhanges—softening of the brain, effusion, formation of pus. whid 78 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. endz in coma, which is the latter stage just referred tc, devuid o any mad or phrenitic symptoms, but marked by lethargy, or # prolonged comatose condition, from which no stimulus will arouse the patient. He is not only the subject of altered struc- ture within and around the brain, but the latter is compressed by the scrum, or pus, as the case may be, and thus sensibility is more or less destroyed. The degree of coma, however, will be lirectly proportioned to the degree of pressure. Now, tne readez will perceive that the proposition of treatment, just referred to, for the acute stage will not apply to the comatose condition ; for here we have to stimulate and give tone to the system, so as to sustain the failing vital powers. In regard to this subject, Professor CopEMAN observes: “In inflammation of the brain, phrenitis, mad staggers, I have told you that it may be said to be impossible to distinguish, with any thing like certainty, in individual cases, acute inflammation of the substance of the brain from those affecting the membranus or ventricles. The reason will be obvious when we reflect that the phenomena, in every instance, are, in fact, attributable tc pressure on the entire contents of the skull, encephalon, viz : cerebrum, cerebellum, medalla, oblongata, and membranes; and if this be rapid and general, it can matter little whether it orig- inates from the membranes or the brain. Acute inflammation does, however, sometimes appear to invade at once the whole of the parts that are lodged within the skull; or, beginning in one part, it extends rapidly to all the rest. The symptoms which usually mark an attack of cerebritis are the following: The horse becomes sleepy, heavy, or more or less comatose, accompanied by general fever. After a time a convulsive attack supervenes, He becomes morose, and shows delirium; perhaps rears both fore- legs into the manger, from which position he may reel around and fall, kicking and tearing every thing about him. During the fit his respiration is mucn excited, and he sweats profusely If he gets upon his legs, he makes sudden and violent efforts, dashing against rack, manger, or stall, totally disregarding any thing that may be said or done to him. Thus he is continually struggling, panting, and perspiring, perhaps foaming at tho meuth, leading the ordinary observer to believe he is not only Aelirions but actually ‘mad.’ But all these symptoms ‘ary much in different cases. Coma occurs freauently, but ofte> nl tem DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 78 porarily. Great prostration and muscular debility are generally observed. The seat of ‘sleepy staggers,’ or cerebral meningitis, is the so- salled subarachnoid cavity, in which is a quantity of loose areola tissue, richly furnished with blood-vessels, It generally results that the exudation poured into this cavity is quickly accompanied vr followed by pus. Hence, we find that what is generally called a recent layer of coagulable lymph, covering the convolutions in nieningitis, is, in point of fact. a layer of pus, generally present- ing a molecular character. As to the diagnosis, notwithstanding the efforts which have been made to distinguish meningitis of the convolutions from that of the base, or either of these from a sim- ple effusion into the ventricles, I have in vain sought for any precise symptoms, which could be relied on, as indicative of the situation of the disease. Drowsiness and coma, causing slow and subsequently rapid pulse, succeeded by restlessness. The horse is excited; he flings himself about, frequently jerking his head up and down, sometimes rearing, perhaps, into the manger; tension of the limbs, thrusting the head into the rack. The faculties of she organs of sense are lost, for the horse neither hears nor sees. The state of excitement may terminate, more or less quickly, convulsions and death, or the patient may relapse into a state of coma, and ultimately result in partial or complete recovery. The gradual mode of invasion, and the succession of the symp- toms to one another, are also characteristic, and differ markedly in degree from those which attend sudden attacks of apoplexy caused by hemorrhage. They are both the result of general pressure on the brain, and hence the reason why mere effusion can not be distinguished from hemorrhage.” Treatment.—The treatment of the preceding forms of acute dis- sase of the brain was formerly, and is at present, to some extent, vonducted on the absurd antiphlogistic plan, by blood-letting, purging, and blistering, which practice kills more than it ever cures. The plan now adopted by the author is to give drachm doses of gelseminum every four hours, until relief is apparent. The cranial region is kept constantly bathed with cold water ; the rectum is kept free from excrement Ly means of injections of soap- sudz; the bowels are kept in working order, by mixing Glauber salts with thin bran mashes. Half a pound of salts, dissolved in al out four quarts of mash, will generally prove laxative. Shouid 8¢ DADD'S VETERINARY MEVICINE AND SURGERY it fail to have this effect, after a lapse of about six hours, the dose may be repeated. This plan of treatment is more raticnal, and has proved more successful, than that just alluded to. Should the disease progress so that the animal manifests symy- toms of coma, or lethargy, then chlorate of potass is the beat agent. it should be g*ven in half-ounce doses, every four or six hours, in the form of drench, or it may be dissolved in the water whick the animal is allowed to drink. A few doses cf the fol. lowing preparation must also be given: No. 9. Fluid extract of golden seal...... Fluid extract of juniper......... Mix. ; each 4 os. Dose, two ounces every morning. Keep the rectum empty by injections, and, if the case be curable, such treatment as this, followed up by careful nursing, will ac complish the object. Corpsman, who is authority in this disease, fully indorses this treatment, and says: “ Hitherto the treatment of meningitis (sleepy staggers), whether real or supposed, has been antiphlogistic, but it is impossible to say that any benefit has ever been effected by the practice. The early stages of the disease are probably generally overlooked. So long as the horse retains his appetite and his consciousness, no suspicion of disease arises. It is only when exudation or effusion has been poured out in such quantity as to cause drowsiness and stupor that our suspicions are awakened, and thus it is very difficult to under- stand how blood-letting or purging could facilitate its absorption. Besides, we have seen that the tendency of such effusion is to pass into the circulation. Hence, the treatment which favors the re- absorption of the exudation, as I have previously explained, must be most effectual. For this purpose time is required, and the vital strength, instead of being lowered, should be supported. In short, the duty of the practitioner is to support the economy as much az possible, to give nutrients with moderate stimulants, to unload the bowels, frum time to time, artificially, by injections, etc., and in this way to gain time, which will enable the effused matters to pase through their natural transformations, to be absorbed and ulti- mately excreted. It has appeared to me that the collection of serous fii l, whether in the ventricles or over the surface ot the hrain, either with or without exudation, is consecutive n obstrue 1 (SEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 81 tion of the vessels, and is, theretore, more allied to the dre psiea than to inflammations. It is the collection of serum which does the misc hief—presses on the brain, and causes the coma and stu- por. It so, the occurrence of those symptoms should be regarded as secondary, instead of as primary, and as analogous to ascites, uropsy, or anasarca, following disease of the kidneys. These pathological considerations are, it appears to me, wholly opposed to the idea of blood-letting and antiphlogistics being beneficial after effusion has occurred.” Equine CHOREA, OR STRINGHALT. Chorea, or stringhalt, consists of an irregular and involuntary spasmodic action of some of the muscles of the hind extremities. Equine chorea differs somewhat from human chorea. In the lat- ter case, it usnally begins with slight twitches in the muscles of the face, or in the upper extremities, and various parts of the bouy twitch and contort in such a singular and unnatural manner, that some persons have denominated the disease “ insanity of the muscles.” In the case of horses, no such “insanity of muscles” has been observed. It is mainly confined to the posterior limbs. Mr. Frron, a distinguished V. S., contends that stringhalt beare some affinity to what is known in human medicine as chorea, or “St. Vitus’ dance.” He does not, however, wish to convey the idea that they are essentially the same disease, only they are both of a convulsive or spasmodic character, wherein the mind, will, or instinct has lost more or less of its control over the voluntary rouscles of the hind extremities, and the peculiar feat is thus ac- complished. When the animal has lifted his hind leg from the ground, which is always done with a convulsive twitch, the fet- lock nearly approaches the belly, and, by some other remarkable irregularities in its action, before the foot can be replaced on the ground, displays such unnatural movements as to convince us that volition is impaired. Hence, we may infer that, in a majority of cases, stringhalt is the result of some abnormal condition of the nervous system. What occasions that condition is a matter of fact and argument, which remains as an open question for some future pathologist to decide. So far as the author’s experience goes, he is satisfied from actual dissection of the parts, that some 32 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. stringhalt horses are the subjects of ulcerative disease of the hock joint, and they finally become sprained. Tn such cases, it is possible that stringhalt may be the result of hock disease, which irritates the nerves in the vicinity of the part, and thus affects that portion of the nervous system which controls the muscles concerned. ANDRAL tells us that “chorea, like epi- lepsy, may be excited by irritation.” Hence, in the commencement of spavin, or so soon as osseous incrustations are thrown out, they may, during the active motion of the joint, produce local irritation, of nervous filaments, in the vicinity, which irritation may be com- municated to larger and more important nerves, and thus induve stringhalt. We all know that local irritation produced by the prick of a nail, or sometimes docking and pricking, is often productive of locked-jaw, simply because some nervous or tendinous structure is injured; and so the local irritation in the region of the hock may be productive of the malady now under consideration. The author has paid considerable attention to this subject, and is con- vinced that almost all horses of the nervous or excitable tempera- ment, the subjects of inter-articular spavin, manifest more or less zatching-up of the limb (stringhalt) at some period during the progress of spavin, and that when the bones of the hock are anchylosed (united), and the motion and irritation of the parts have ceased, the stringhalt becomes modified. The reader, how- ever, must not receive this opinion as absolute; for at times, in consequence of some peculiar idiosyncrasy, the stringhalt gradu- ally grows worse. Among some members of the human family, of the peculiar temperament to receive the impression, almost any thing which makes a forcible impression upon the nervous system may act as an exciting cause of chorea. The subject is a very :mportant one, and most veterinary writers of the English school aave rather mystified the subject, and at last have come 4o the conclusion that the disease is incurable. This was formerly the author’s opinion, but a change has taken place in his sentiments, and he is unwilling to deprive the afflicted animal of the benefits af progressive science. More light on the subject may enable na to effect many cases of cure; at least it will enable us better to understand the pathology of the case, which is an important step in the right direction. In view, therefore, of furnishing the reader with some useful information, whether he be a veterinary DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. 84 {ractitioner or not, we shall borrow from analogy, in the iutye- duction of the following article from “ Watson’s Practice” : “Tn certain of M. Magendie’s experiments on animals, th following curious facts were ascertained: When a vertical scction of the cerebellum of a rabbit was made, leaving one-fourth of the whole adhering to the crest of the right side of the cranium, and three-fourths to that of the left, the animal rolled over ana cver incessantly, turning itself toward the injured side. The same phe- uomenon occurred upon the division of the crus cerebell1 The animal lived for eight days, and continued, during the wnole of that time, to revolve upon its long axis, unless stopped by coming in contact with some obstacle. How like is this to the symp- toms exhibited at one period in the girl whose case is related by Dr. Watts. Nor is Dr. Watts’s case a singular one. M. Serres has described another much resembling it. A shoemaker, sixty- eight years old, of intemperate habits, after one of his debauches, exhibited a kind of drunkenness which surprised his friends. Instead of seeing objects turning around him, as a drunken person is apt to do, he thought he was himself turning, and soon began to revolve, and this lasted till he died; and when his head was examined, extensive mischief was found in one of the pedicles of his cerebellum. Again: M. Magendie noticed that when the upper part of the cerebrum is gently removed in birds and mam- malia, they become blind; but no affection of the locomotive powersis produced. Nofurther result is occasioned by the removal of a portion of the gray matter of the corpora striata; but when the striated part is cut away, the animal immediately darts forward with rapidity, and continues to advance as if impelled by some irresistible force, until stopped by an obstacle; and, even then, it retains the attitude of one advancing. The experiment was tried, with the same results upon various species of animals—dogs, cats, hedgehogs, rabbits, Guinea-pigs, and squirrels. 1t seems that there are horses that can not back, although they make good progress enough in a straightforward direction. Now, Magendie says that he has opened the heads of such horses, and has always found in the lateral ventricles of their brains a collection of water, which must have compressed and even disorganized the corpora striata. It has been further ascertained, by the same experimenter, and by others, that certain injuries of the cerebellum cause ani- mais to move backward contrarilv to their will. If the tail of 84 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. the snimal so mutilated be pinched, he still persists in his retro grade course. Injuries of the medulla oblongata had the same effect. Pigeons, into which he forced a pin through that part, constantly receded for more than a month, and even flew back- ward. A section of the medulla oblongata, wheie it approaches the anterior pyramid, gives rise to a movement in a “ircle like that of a horse ina mill, the animal, in its walk =r its flight, bearing round continually to the injured side. Surely we have. _ in these facts, supplied by experiments on living animals, and by observation of the phenomena of disease in the living numan body, some of the materials for a more exact knowledge, both of the physiology and of the pathology of the nervous system, than we have reached. M. Magendie supposes that different portions of the encephalon are endowed witb energies which tend to cause motion in various directions; that in the healthy state these bal- ance each other, and that a preponderating impulse can be given to any one of these forces by the will; but that when the equilib- rium is destroyed by disease, tne will is not sufficient to counter- act the tendencies which are then brought into play. Mr Mayo offers a different explanation of the phenomena. He supposes that the injuries inflicted on the nervous matter produce a sensa- tion analogous to vertigo, and that the animal conceives itself either to be hurried forward, and makes an exertion to repel im- aginary force, or to be moving backward, or turning round in one direction, and endeavors to correct this by moving the corre- sponding muscles.” Treatment.—In stringhalt, it is nearly always safe for us to conclude that it must be treated on the same general principles which obtain in the management of other nervous disorders of a chronic character, viz.: in the use of tonics and anti-svasmodics Take, for example: No. 10. Fiuid extract of valerian.......... i Fluid extract of poplar bark....... § °4 pene: Dose, one ounce, morning and evening; to be placed on the tongue. The spine and affected limb or limbs should be mbbed every night, for a couple of weeks, with a portion of the following No. 11. Fluid extract of poppies...........05+ 6 os. Proof spirit.....ceceevesscccsecoess » 1 ~ int. Mix. DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM 85 Shouid the anima! prove to be spavined, the following linimemt is recommended : Kerosene Oil... sscecccccvcccscecs Mix No 12. Cod-liver of]... cccsccecccccncess \ oqual parts, A smal] quantity of this liniment should be rubbed on the seat of spavin, inside of the hock, once or twice daily, until counter- irritation is accomplished, which shall be known in consequence of the hair falling off; then discontinue the liniment, and lubricate the affected parts with olive oil, and wait patiently, so as to see what Nature will do for the case. ‘‘ Patient waiters are no losers.” The popular, or rather the ancient, method of treatment does mor hartn than good. SECTION IV DISFABES OF THE RESPIRATORY PASSAGES Anu ORGANS. Imromrance oF VENTILATING STaBLES—BrigeF Exposition AND DESCRIPTION O% THE FUNCTION oF THE Lunas—SpasM or 19% MuscLES OF TEE GLOTTIS AND Epr- GLotTT1s— Larynaitis, (SUPPURATIVE AND INFLAMMATORY )—CROUP—CHRONEIL Covay—Roarine—PoLyPus—BRONCHOCELE—INFLUENZA, OR Epizoorio Ca- TARRH—PNevMONTA, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS, INCLUDING TYPHOID Arrsctions, PLeuriy, AND Dropsy or THE CHEst. , IMPORTANCE OF VENTILATING STABLEs, IN VIEW OF PREVENTING DISEASE OF THE LUNGs. T was the intention of the Creator that all animals, so long aa they were permitted tu exeruise their natural instincts, and thus comply with the requirements of physiology—the science of life—should enjoy health and long life. Hence a great amount of disease and death results from the evils of domestication. One of the conditions which physiology imposes, in order that 1 horse shall enjoy health, is, that the atmosphere, at all times, ind under all circumstances, shall be uncontaminated, so that the blood shall be decarbonized and purified of the defiling elements acquired in the course cf circulation. Let the reader understand that the lungs are something like a sponge, elastic, composed of 2 myriad of cells. In the former, however, these cells have a vast internal surface, communicating with each other up to their common origin, the bronchial tubes and windpipe. On their internal surface we find a delicate yet high], important membrane permeable to atmosphere, In extent. it is supposed to occupy a square surface equal to that of the ex- ternal body. In contact with this membrane comes the atmos- phere. 1f pure—zephyr-like—it fans into healthful blaze the flame of life, upheaving from the living Vesuvius arid lava, in (RA, DISRASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND CRGANS. 87 the form of carbonic acid gas, almost as destructive to animality as that issuing from its great prototype proves to vegetation. The stable atmosphere being pure, and the lungs in working order, the blood is well arterialized, capable of supplying the waste of the animal machine and renovating its tissues. On the other hand, should the atmosphere be impure, it fails to vitalize the bluod. The latter is unfit for the purpose of nutrition, and may be considered a non-supporter of vitality. Hence the need of pure air, the breath of life. But are horses always furnished with pure air? Let the own- ers of unventilated, crowded, filthy, down-cellar and low-roofed stables answer. Let those who have stables in the region of swamp, sewer, and stagnant poo!s of water answer. In such lo- cations disease and death run riot, and the noble companion of man, instead of being within the ramparts of the science of life, is on the margin of deatl’s domain. He may exist for severa. days without food and water, yet the consequent result is nothing when compared to that occasioned by breathing an atmosphere highly charged with emanations arising from his own body ex- erements and decomposing bedding. A horse is said to consume in the lungs, in the course of twen- four hours, ninety-seven ounces of carbon, furnished by venons hlood. In order to perform this feat, he requires 190 cubic feet of oxygen. Now, suppose there are ten horses occupying the sta- ble. They require, in the same time, 1,900 cubic feet of oxygen, and consume 970 ounces of carbon. They are supposed, also, te give out from the lungs a volume of carbonic acid gas equal te that of the oxygen inspired; and supposing the atmosphere to be saturated with only five per centum of the former, it is a non- supporter of life. Hence, a horse shut up in an unventilated stable must, sooner or later, become the subject of disease. The evil may be postponed, but the day of reckoning is sure and Medicine, M. LEBLANC read a ommunication on tracheot- omy which was performed on a carriage horse. The operation had been performed because the horse was a severe roarer ; and he wore the tube eighteen years and a half, doing fast work all the time. The animal was destroyed at twenty-three years of age the owner not desiring to make further use of him nor to sel DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. 10) him. Since the operation, LEBLANC had not observed any change in the horse, except a depression of the bones of the face. After death, the larynx was found very narrow, the mucous mem- brane and submucous cellular tissues were thickened, the epiglot- tis deformed, very obtuse, and everted at its free margin. The vnanges in the larynx were the original cause of roaring. The depression of the bones of the face was connected with constric- tion of the nasal chambers, and was evidently secondary to the change in the course of the air in the process of respiration. The parte of the trachea in contact with the tube had undergone a transformation into very hard tissue. It filled the trachea above the point where the tube had been introduced, and intermixed witl this firm fibrous deposit was a cartilaginous and osseous tissue, which offered great resistance to the scalpel. Roaring, thick wind, whistling, etc., are often the sequel of strangles, influenza, laryn- gitis, and other attectious of the respiratory passages, and henve hive an accidental origin. In such cases, we may entertain a hope of doing some good by means of medicinal agents and counter- irritation. Treatment.-—The medicines which have proved most successful in my practice are as follows: No. 14. Jodide of potass..... sees sie nies enateees 4 oz. Fluid extract of atillingia. soeies oe sels 12 oz. Water .....0. jcsleieye Ss eiesie eG MEE e 4 oz. Mix. Give the patient two ounces daily, by means of a small vial; and rub the region of the throat every night with a portion of the following: No. 15. Cod-liver oil.....0.2ee.seee0e: Spirits of camphor.......-..0. } equal parte, PoLYPUS WITHIN THE NosTRILS. Polypus is tle name given to an excrescence, or tumor, which as its origin from the surface of the membrane lining the nasat cavities. It is designated as growing from a mucous membrane, having a narrow neck and body, resembling, in shape, a pear. The usual symptoms attending the presence of polypus in the nasal cavities are as follows: Difficulty of breathing, evidently occasioned by obstruction in the air-passages. {02 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. PERCIVALL informs us that the true polypac us a tached to mucous membranes, and is usually fcund ix the nasal cavities. He tells us that attending the diffi culty of breathing is a mucous discharge from one o both nostrils, sometimes attended by a discharge of blood. Occasionally, however, pure blood runs con- tinuously from the nose. Inspection in a full light dis- POLYPUS . s + wimmy te closes, higher or lower in the nostril, the rounded base NOSTRIL of a pelypus. Treatment.—The services of a veterinary surgeon are, as 4 matter of course, here needed. The patient must be cast and the head fixed in a position so as to take advantage of the light. The operator then passes into the nostril and around the tumor an in- strament called an ecraiseur, which will remove the tumor without loss of blood. If the instrument is not at hand, the surgeon will pass a ligature around the base of the tumor, and in the course of a couple of days it will be detached. PERcIvALL recommenda ‘hat, in bringing down the tumor fcr operation, we must not use any great force. The pedicle being but a duplicature of the skin, aod not a portion of the polypus itself, may be divided anywhere. In some cases, the polypus is so high up within the nostril that, ‘n order to get at its base, it becomes necessary to make an incis- ion through the wall of the nostril. CHABERT, in his “ Veterinary Instructions,” relates the follow- ing: “A horse in a cavalry regiment had been gradually losing flesh, and was quickly and painfully blown at every little exer- tion. Fetid matter began to run from his off nostril, and the gland correspondent enlarged. The horse was supposed by the sergeant-farrier to be glandered, (there being no veterinary sur- geons then in the French service,) and was treated accordingly. After a time, to the confusion and astonishment of the man, a fleshy substance began to appear in the nostril, and which rapidly increased in size. At length a great mass protruded, and the far. rier cvt it off. No benefit followed; the nostril was still stopped, the breathing laborious, and the horse daily became thinner and weaker. After the .apse of a twelvemonth, the case attracted the attention of M. Tears, the surgeon of the regiment. He cast the horse and slit »p the nostril, when he not only found it com- pletely filled with polypus, and the septum narium bulging inte the other divicion of the cavity, but, from long-continued inflam. DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES ANv ORGANS. 108 mation and pressure, it adhered to the membrane of the nose in go many points, and so extensively, that it was impossible to get round it or move it. He contrived, at length, to pass a crucial bandage around it, and it was torn out by main force. Four con: siderable portions of the turbinated bones were brouglit away wit). it. The hemorrhage was excessive. He however filled the nos- tril completely with tow, and brought the divided edges of the false nostril together by sutures, In three days they were all torn out by the incessant attempts of the animal to get rid of the obstruction; but the horse eventually did well. The polypus weighed two pounds seven ounces,” GoHIER relates a case of a horse who had in his left nostril a polypus as large as a turkey’s egg, of a grayish color and glossy surface, too high up to be reached with the finger, which prevented his breathing on that side, and geve rise to offensive effluvium, tc enlargement of the lymphatic giands, but not to roaring. Go- HIER slit up the nostril, and, with an irou rod with a notch upon its end, contrived to inclose its neck in the slip-knot of a liga- ture. In drawing this tight, however—which was, of necessity done in an oblique direction—the pedicle was cut through. Little hemorrhage succeeded, although the tumor weighed twenty-four ounces. ‘The slit nostril was sewn up, and cold water injected into its cavity. A copious discharge from both nostrils followed, with swelling of the lymphatic glands. This was met by proper treat- ment, and in fifteen days the patient was sent ont of the hospital BRONCHOCELE (GOITRE, OR Bie NECK). Bronchocele, or enlargement of the thyroid glands, is a disease which very frequently makes its appearance among certain breeds of horses and sheep, and is supposed to owe its origin to heredi- tary preitispositions and influences. It is also very prevalent among meryabers of the human family. It seems to acquire a home in certain localities in Derbyshire, England, where it is said to be a very common disorder; but its occurrence in other parts of that country is by no means frequent. Among the in- habitants of the Alps, and other mountainc us countries bordering thereon, it is a disease very often met with. The uncastrated animals seem to suffer most. After they get 104 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY to be about eight years of age, the tumors acquire such magni tude that they press on the vocal organs, so as to decrease the caliber of the larynx, and thus the animal becomes a “ roarer.~ Judging from what we know of the disease in the human suoject, the glands, while undergoing enlargement, do not occasion much pain. The danger arises from mechanical causes, and the death of the subject, if it occur, is due to asphyxia, or suffocation. Among horses there are very few fatal cases on record. The reverse is the case as regards sheep. When these glands are much enlarged, and the animal is near or past the adult age, it is very unsafe to attempt their removal by means of the knife; for at this stage they are highly vascular, and the arteries which ran into them are much enlarged. ‘The operation has been suc- eHOWIBG THE TCWOR OF BRONCHOOELE IN THE REGION OF THR THROAT. vewfally performed on lambs, but it must be done when they are quite young, and the artery must be secured before the gland is extirpated, or the animal will bleed to death in a few seconds. It is well known among the members of the profession that the dis- ease is incurable; and the same remarks apply to all hereditary diseases, yet the growth of the glands may be retarded by means of local and constitutional treatment. The thyroid glands are two ovoid bodies, varying in size from a filbert to an egg, located in the region of the thyroid cartilage (throat), one on each side of the trachea (windpipe). Their at- tachments are cellular. When cut into, they exhibit a porus tex- ture, highly vascular, well supplied with blood-vessels. Very little is known of their physiology. They are called vascular VISEASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. 104 glands without ducts or outlets, and thus they correspond with the spleen, thymus gland, and supra-renal capsules, all of which, wher in active operation, are largely supplied with blood. Aa regards the function of each, they may be supposed to «cj arate eertain materials from the blood, and only differ from ordinary glands in not having a direct outlet. Consequently, not knowing the precise part which the thyroid glands play in the animal economy, it would be very unwise to remove them, when their enlargement, in some cases, amounts to little else than an “ eye- sore.” Their enlargement i3 generally the consequence, and not the cause, of disease. Men, horses, dogs, and cattle of the scrof- ulous diathesis, are known to have what may be termed chronic enlargement.of these glands, and this peculiarity would seem to indicate that the thyroid glands are somewhat associated with the lymphatic system. Then, again, we find these glands enlarged in cases of throat and lung difficulties—in catarrh, influenza, dis- temper, etc.—so that their extirpation would not remove the original difficulty. In such cases they decrease in size as soon a: the original malady ceases. The enlargement is not then of a permanent character. Treatment.—Should the enlargement appear to exist independ- ect of febrile symptoms, twenty-five grains of the iodide of potassium may be given daily, in water (which the patient will not refuse to drink), and a small portion of the ointment of iodide of potassium may be rubbed on the enlargement, with decided advantage: No. 16. Iodide of potassium...... ee 1 part. Lard. ...,. Se iniere ire ane SER eae las 8 parts. Mix. On the Action of Iodine.—Iodine and its compounds are the principal agents used by veterinary surgeons for the treatment of glandular affections, and they supersede, to a certain extent, the preparations of quicksilver, in the form of mercury, which are apt to be absorbed into the system, and thus produce mischief. Morrov, in his “ Manual of Pharmacy,” thus alludes to iodine: “The action of iodine and its compounds is markedly seen on glandular structure, and newly-formed and abnormal growths. For the latter they seem to manifest a decided preference, which renders them so valuable as therapeutic agents. Their influence is that of a stimulant to the absorbents; and by means of these 106 DAVI)S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. veasels, when those agents have been long and injudiciously gi en, it 's recorded that the mammz of women and the testes of men have almost disappeared. A case illustrative of the effects of iodine on the glandular system was related by Mr. Wardle, whe employs this agent largely, and with considerable success. He had been for some weeks exhibiting the :odide of potassium, and also applying it externally toa bull for an enlarged parotid gland. The reduction of the swelling having been accomplished, his at- :ention was directed to the testicles of his patient, which had be- cowe sv much diminished in size; and it was also found that the animal had no desire to copulate. Four months generous feed, however, effectually restored the parts to their pristine state. In chronic enlargements of the submaxillary, parotid, mam- riary, and other glands; in tumors of long standing; for thick- ening of the integuments, and indurated swellings about the joints, in all our domestic animals, and for unhealthy ulcerated surfaces, the use of iodine and its compounds is indicated, combining both their internal and external employment. The latter should he accompanied with friction; and so soon as soreness is induced, the application of the compound must be suspended. A desquama- tion, or scaling off of the cuticle, or skin, usually follows this, and a reduction of the swelling will soon after be perceptible. Unfor- tunately, it is too often the case that, if the expectations of the practitioner are not at once realized, the agent is discarded as use- ‘ess Now, the compounds of iodine rank a nong those substances whose operation is slow, but which, at the same time, constitute iz important class, as incir effects are permanert.” INFLUENZA, OR EPIzooTic CavARRH. Influenza is a disease of a catarrhal character, always accompa- nied by great weakness or debility. It is apt t. migrate from one tissue to another, and thus produce various complications. In sta- bles that are badly ventilated, or over-crowded with horses, the malady is apt to make sad havoc, and assume a malignancy ending in typhoid or typhus fever. In some cases the heart or Jungs become congested, and thus thei: function is embarrassed. The blood accumulates carbon, the heart fails to propel, and the lungs to vitalize the blood. This state demands stim tants ofa character that shall excite vital action. 1 ISEASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS 107 and tvnd to effect chemical changes in the blood. The most valu- able agent, in this view, is carbonate of ammonia. In veterinary practive this agent is considered as one of the most valuable diffu- sible stimulants. It acts first on the nerves of the stomach, and through them excites the whole nervous system. It may be given in doses from one to three drachms, either in the form of bolus or drench. Its stimulating influence over the heart and nervous sys- em may be increased by the addition of one or more drachms of good Jamaica ginger. This treatment may be continued until congestiou subsides, which may be known by the fullness of pulse and heat of the external surface of the body, and by other symp- toms which usually attend fever in its inflammatory stage. The exciting or stimulating plan of treatment must never be entirely abandoned. To husband the powers of the system, and thus guard against subsequent prostration, must be our chief object. Although the case may require a sedative to-day, in the form of two or three drachms of fluid extract of gelseminum, yet, in the course of a very few hours, the prostration becomes so apparent that we are again compelled to exhibit life-sustaining agents. Excit- ants, or counter-excitants, are also, at times, needed externally. Tf the patient has a deep-seated cough, strong liniment, composed of oil of hartshorn (and sometimes oil of camphor), must be applied. Often I anoint the parts with a thick paste, composed of mustard and vinegar. The membranes of the fauces (throat) are exces- sively sore; then the same course has to be pursued. At the same time, a mucilaginous drink, composed of flaxseed sweetened with honey, must be allowed. The nervous system must also be aroused by the application of the above liniment to the spinal colump At another stage of the malady, diaphoresis (increased perspiration) must be excited by clothing the body with flannel, and drenching with a preparation known as solution of acetate of ammonia, te the amount of six or eight ounces per day, until the skin feels soft and warm. In case edema (local dropsy) of the body or extremi ties sets in, the patient then requires diuretics. One or two ounces of sweet spirits of niter, or two ounces fluid extract of buchu, may be given in linseed tea, until the kidneys respond, and the secretion of urine becomes augmented. The bowels are sometimes inactive, dut that inactivity may be corrected by adding to a bran-mash from for to six drachms of fluid extract of mandrake. Ovca- viop9’’ re patient becomes uneasy, paws with his fore-feet, and 108 DADD'S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGENF. evinces signs of abdominal pain. In that event, hc should have two or three drachms of fluid extract of Indian hemp. These latter symptoms indicate danger, showiug that the bowels are congested, und: the result may be mortification of the zame, The following case, occurring in the author’s practice, goes ts show that influenza may sometimes be followed by an acute diseasu of the brain, pleurisy, ete. The patient was a bay gelding, ageu about eight years. The groom informed me that the disease wa: ushered in by a shivering fit. Soon a discharge from both nos trils ensued. The throat became sore; cough and laborious respiration followed, and the animal became so weak that it was almost impossible to back him out of the stall. He ate but little, and in the act of drinking, the water returned through his nos- trils. The treatment was commenced in the usual manner, by administering tonics and stimulants, which seemed to have a good effect on him. He also received enemas of soap-suds, yet, net- withstanding, symptoms of pleurisy supervened. He appeared to suffer much pain, and was very unwilling to have the region of the chest explored. The least pressure on the region of the inter- costal spaces would cause him to grunt or groan with pain. The pulse was active and wiry, and the visible surfaces were much reddened. I administered a full dose of powdered niter, and twenty drops of aconite; and fearing effusion into the chest, I plastered the walls of the same with hot vinegar and mustard. The latter made the patient very uneasy, and he cut up all kinds of capers. In the course of a few hours I repeated the dose, and left the patient for the night. Next morning I again visited him, and was informed that he had made several attempts to get up in the manger. I noticed that his head was elevated, and the eyes fiery red. He acted wildly and showed decided symptoms of phrenzy. On attempting to administer a sedative, the animal went into convulsions, and I was compelled to make my escape from the stall as quick as possible. He soon got his fcre-feet over the tops of an adjoining stall, five feet in height, remained there for a short time, when he scrambled over and fell like a log right into the next stall. I never expected to see him rise again; but after a few minutes, with some assistance, he got up. I gave him twenty drops of aconite. During this day the frantic animal went over a stall twice in succession, and fell very heavily each time on his back, yet did not appear to have suffered any myury VISEASES ““F RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. 109 Most of the time he appeared frantic, yet unconscious; and just before going into a convulsive fit, he would stamp with his fore- feet, continuously toss up his head, his neck being the seat of spasmodic twistings. Next day the symptoms had not altered much, and, during my examination, he pulled back, broke a por- sion of his manger to which he was tied, and fell head over heels am the floor. During the forenoon he became more calm, and lay iz the floor, yet would occasionally jerk his head backward, and have slight convulsions. I continued the prostrating plan of treatment, only exhibiting smalier doses, and soon the patient began to improve. ‘The raembranes of the eyes, mouth, and nostrils as- sumed a more natural appearance; then the plan of treatment was altered, and the patient received tonics and stimulants, which soon resulted in convalescence. Among all the cases that have come under my care and observa- tion, I have neither found it advisable nor necessary to practice the antiphlogistic treatment, in so far as it relates to bleeding and purging ; and I can not conceive a case, so depressing as influenza is known to be, that would require any such heroic treatment. The safety of our patient depends on the judicious application of remedies such as are here named, and, therefore, I would warn the farmer against the use of fleam and cathartic in the treatment of influenza. Yet, after all, the best treatment may fail in restoring a patient. We require aid in the furm of pure air, suitable diet, and good nursing. Failing in the latter important adjuncts, our treatment avails but little. Influenza is a disease accompanied by a discharge from the res- piratory, conjunctival, and schneiderian membranes; and the organs of respiration themselves are more or less involved, as shown by cough and soreness of the throat, lassitude, fever, thirst, and loss of appetite. Now, if the term influenza means any thing, it signifies epidemic catarrh, and the cases alluded to were not of -his character, but quite diverse, indicating a low congestive state Still, the majority of cases that we have seen do appear to be noth: ing more nor less than influenza; but if the above diseascs appear simultaneous with the latter, there is danger of persons making: great mistakes ip the treatment, for it is very apt to ran inte typhoid fever. 110 DADD’S VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY. TypHus or TYPHOID AFFECTIONS. Toe veterinary surgeons of England have hithes » maintaia.d a remarkable silence on the subject of typhoid affect.ons occurring among horses; and so late as the year 1550, Mr. PERCIVALL in- forms the world, through the pages of the ° Veterinarian,” that in London very little is known about such aicsease. In view, there- fore, of lighting up the dark spots that exist in our department on this side of the water, we furnish a translution from the French, by Mr. Percivauu. The article is a selectiou from a prize memoir written by a distinguished surgeon. It is preceded, as the readec will perceive, by a review from the pen of the translator, who says: “Tn the ‘Collection of Memoirs and Observations on (French) Military Veterinarian Hygiene and Medicine,’ which we have se lately been engaged in examining, are contained two prize memoirs—one on Farcy, the other on TyPHoID AFFECTIONS in hcrses.* On the latter of these we would make a few remarks, if it were only for the reason of showing what is meant to be un- derstood by sucl: imposing titles. Typhus una typhoid are words but rarely heard in our own country in connection with veterinary, or at least with hippiatric, medicine. Our old writers on farriery described fevers in horses as very destructive in their character requiring antiphlogistic treatment: ‘“, such symp- toms as we have last detailed do not occur, or with only modified force and character. When blood has been drawn for experiment, under such circumstances, at a time when adynamic and biliary symptoms prevailed, it has been found to contain but little hema- tosine, but, on the contrary, a large proportion of serum, of a light greenish hue. ‘The disease may last from four, seven, or eight ta thirty days. Relapse is extremely likely, even uvder every pros- pect of convalescence, unless great care be taken. The diagnosis at the commencement is difficult, even impossible, when the char- acteristic symptoms are but scantily and imperfectly developed. The affections whose symptoms most resemble those of the dis- ease before us are plegmasia of the intestinal tube, and particular of the brain. Should sudamina be detected, they are, as in human medicine, to be regarded as definitely characteristic of typhoid fever. Prognosis, for the most part, unfavorable; and the more so accordiug as the nervous accompaniments are more numerous, more violent, and more early in showing themselves; the stupor great, the strength failing more, the pulse faltering, the diarrhea greater, more bloody, fetid, the waste—the wear and tear of his system. If he obtains more than this, the surplus is either excreted from the body, or else stored up within the same in the form of fat; and every body knows that a fat horse or fat inan are not best adapted for a race aor hard labor, but of all others, (except those in a state of de- bility,) they are most subject to acute disease. With the young aud zrowing animal the case is different. Here we reqaire bone. mus.le, and nerve. Oats, corn, and pollard furnish the same. The colt obtains from its mother’s milk all the elements of its own organization in a concentrated form—all that seems necessary fur developing bodily proportions and hereditary traits; therefore, when weaned, the colt must be furnished with the same equivajenté in the form of fodder: ground oats wheat bran, and meal furnish DENTITION AND DIET. 138 the same. It is the young and growing animal that requires our greatest attention. If our readers desire to raise colts that shall remunerate them for the trouble and expense incurred, the: must feed the same, during their minority, with a liberal] hand. Any neglect at this period can never be made up in after life. The subject will always remain lank and lean—living monuments of their master’s folly or ignorance, as the case may be. In addition to the food required for the colt’s growth, we must also furnish enougl, to supply the waste incurred by expenditure of muscular power. Weall know that the young are very active and playful. Every muscular movement involves an expenditure of vital force, and thus exhausts the system; therefore, in view of developing their full proportions, and promoting the integrity of the living mechanism, they must have nutritious food, and plenty of it. They are not, however, to have a large quantity at a time, but little and often. Their stomach is small, not larger than that ut a man’s. Should it be overdistended with innutritious food, the organs of respiration and circulation become embarrassed, and tne blood loaded with carbon. They require food often, because tne diges- tive organs are very active, and soon dispose of an ordinary meal. Then comes the sensation of hunger, which every one knows is hard to bear. The climate or temperature of the surrounding atmosphere has a wonderful effect on the animal machine. Let two horses be located in different stables, one of which shall be, like “Jack Straw’s’ house, neither wind-tight nor water-proof; the other built on tne air-tight principle. The occupant of the former will require more fvod than he of the latter, because cold air has a depressing influence on the body, exhausting superficial heat. Gur readers are probably aware that if a hot brick be placed in contact with a cold one, the caloric radiated from the first is absorbed by the latter, until a sort of equilibrium be established. The same is true as regards the body of a horse. He being in an atmosphere many degrees less than that of his own body, gives off the heat af the same to the surrounding medium. The heat thus given off has to be replaced by food, which is the combustible material. But it often happens that the digestive organs are deranged, in- capable of assimilating a sufficiency of carbonaceous material to maintaiy. even the normal temperature of the body. The conse- yurrs>. are, loss of flesh and health. On the other hand, a tat 140 DADDS VELEBINARY MEDICINE AND SURGERY horse cen endure the depressing influences of a cold atmosphere, because he has within the body a vast generator and non-conductor of heat in the form of adipose matter. It has been proved that the immediate cause of death in warm-blooded animals, when food has been withheld, was their inability to keep up that temperature necessary for the integrity of vital operations. The animal located in an air-tight stable is, probably, surrounded by an atmosphere almost equal in temperature to that of his own body, and, conse- quently, he does not require so much food as the former. Hence, the amount of food necessary in the one case might be too much for another, and, consequently, operate injuriously. A cold, bracing wind is said to “sharpen the appetite.” The inhabitants of north- ern regions require more food than those of the southern. A horse, therefore, of weak muscular organization, the subject of debility, requires « comfortable stable, and food that will develop muscles Now, it has been ascertained that horse-beans contain more of the nitro-albuminous principles than any other article of diet. Eng- lish horses are very partial to the same, and in such the develop- ment of muscle is very remarkable; consequently, a fat horse requires less of the nitro-albuminous principle, and more of the aqueous, in the form of carrots, potatoes, and beets. It must never be forgotten that some horses will keep in fair working order on a moderate supply of aliment. In such cases, we infer that the digestive organs are in u state of activity capable of extracting all the nutrient properties from the same. On the other hand, a horse performs less work than the former, consumes twice as much food, yet actually loses flesh. The digestive organs are then at fault. A horse, however, may lose flesh, become weak in the legs, ete., in consequence of the laborious nature of his em- ployment. Therefore, any derangement occasioned in this way prevents the food from being converted into healthy chyme, chyle, ot blood, and thus the necessary deposit of new matter is pre- vented, Most voraciou: feeders are dyspeptic, and such are almost never free frum intestinal worms. Their breath becomes feted; saliva, thick and tenacious; excrement, slimy; and should the subject be fed on outs, the same would be found, after traversing the aliment- ary canal, unmasticated. The principal remedy for indigestion is shange in diet. Sometimes it may be proper to allow scalded