"W ^«4: ^<* ill?? ° J? ^ ■ ST ° <£ ^ ^ °- OX V ^ » /■ ^ *■ .«. 53 . * H*. ■% r.^-o i> . Y * <* iP°* ' o P ~ o,t , r v - v * c <. «S S> > J * -CY- .1*0 m ylv : ,<^^.:: Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from The Library of Congress http://www.archive.org/details/newmanualofhomopOOgn £2 r% u- » © « » °^ffi . to to OJaj P-iPh g^fe.SPS * E E^SP"3g^S s-'S &*^ H3 ^ g T3 h NC0Tfl8<0h(C0)O NEW MANUAL OF HOMOEOPATHIC VETERINARY MEDICINE: OR, THE HOMCEOPATHIC TREATMENT THE HORSE, THE OX, THE SHEEP, THE DOG, AND OTHER DOMESTIC ANIMALS. By F. A. GUNTHER. TRANSLATED FROM THE THIRD GERMAN EDITION, WITH CONSIDERABLE ADDITIONS. REPRINTED FROM THE LONDON EDITION. BOSTON: OTIS CLAPP, SCHOOL STREET NEW YORK, WM. RADDE, 322, BROADWAY. PHILADELPHIA, C. L. RADEMACHER. CINCINNATI, J. F. DESILVER. MDCCCXLVII. z OfFT BERTRAM SMfTH , 3 ■* %/ 1 boston: printed by freeman and bolles, DEVONSHIRE STREET. ; 2 ■ NOTICE BY THE TRANSLATOR The want of a more extended guide than has yet appeared in the English language on Homoeopathic Veterinary Practice, has induced the translation of the present work. The Translator has deviated from the plan of the original, so far as regards the classification of the various diseases, and the treatment as applied to the different domestic animals ; this arrangement will fyp found to render the work of more easy reference. e From the long practice the Translator has had in an English veterinary school, he is enabled to give many diseases not embraced by Gunther, which additions he believes will be valued by the public. London, 1846. CONTENTS. Page Preliminary Remarks . . . . . 1 On the application of Homoeopathy to the diseases of domestic animals . 37 Age of the horse 45 A SLIGHT GLANCE AT THE STABLE, ■■■: ; * WITH THE BREEDING AND MANAGEMENT OF DIFFERENT KINDS OF HORSES. On the Stable 56 Breeding- ......... 58 Management of youug horses 61 A glance at shoeing . 65 Symptoms of diseases of the horse . . . • 68 DISEASES OF HORSES. SECTION I. DISEASES OF THE SKIN, WITH THE CELLULAR AND ADIPOSE TISSUE. Abscesses 76 Alopecia; or falling off of the hair .... 77 Anasarca . --. •.•.... ib. vni CONTENTS. Anticor ..... Exanthemes Fungus . Induration of the skin Mallanders and Sallanders CEdematous swelling of the legs Phthiriasis ; or Morbus Pedieularis Sweating Swelling of the teats Tetters Tubercles Tumors (cold) Tumor on the elbow . Tumors on the head Encysted tumors Sanguineous tumors Warts SECTION II MECHANICAL INJURIES, SPRAINS Burns . . Castration Contusions Curb Docking Fractures Fistula of the withers Luxation of the patella Pole evil Ringbone . Spavin Splint Sprain of the fetlock Strain of the loins Injury of the scapulo-humeral joint Straining of the shoulder AND EXOSTOSIS. CONTENTS. i\ Straining of the tendons Strain of the haunch Stings of bees Swelling of the knee Varix Wounds Bars, wounds of the Contused wounds Wounds on the knee of the nose of the tongue of the eyes Page 101 102 103 104 ib. ib. 105 ib. 106 107 ib. 108 SECTION III. DISEASES OF THE EYES' BRAIN AND NERVES THE EYE. Albugo .... Amaurosis ; or, Gutta Serena Apoplexy .... Lippitude — Blearedness Cataract .... Concussion of the brain Encephalitis Epilepsy .... Nervous fever Fungus Haematodes Involuntary closing of the eyelids Lachrymation ; or weeping Ophthalmia .... Swelling of the eyes . Paralysis .... Ptergium .... Syncope Tetanus . . . . Vertigo .... DESCRIPTION OP 108 109 110 111 ib. 112 113 114 115 117 ib. ib. 118 121 ib. 123 ib. 124 127 CONTENTS. SECTION IV. DISEASES OF THE HEART AND RESPIRATORY ORGANS, Angina Trachealis Beatings of the heart Acute bronchitis Broken wind Catarrh Cough Hemoptysis Hydrothorax Inflammation ■ of the throat ■ — of the palate Pneumonia 130 131 ib. 132 133 134 135 136 ib. 137 ib. ib. SECTION V. DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND INTESTINES, &C. Absence of thirst 139 Depraved appetite ....... 140 Loss of appetite ....... ib. Ascites .141 Colic 142 ■ from constipation 145 from cold 146 Flatulent, or windy colic ib. Colic (verminous) 148 Diarrhoea 149 Enteritis ......... 150 Fistula 151 Fistula in ano ........ 152 Gastritis . . . . . . . . 152 Hernia . 4 ib. Indigestion „ , . .154 CONTENTS. XI Overloading of the stomach Peritonitis Page 156 ib. SECTION VI. DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS AND ORGANS OF GENERATION. Abortion Calculi (vesical) Cystitis Difficult parturition Diabetes Swelling of the genitals Gonorrhoea Hematuria Incontinence of urine Nephritis Nymphomania Pain of kidneys from pressure Retention of urine Satyriasis .... Inflammation of the scrotum Spasm of the bladder Spermatorrhoea Stranguary, (Retention of urine) 157 158 ib. 159 160 161 ib. ib. 162 A. 163 164 ib. 165 ib. 166 167 ib. SECTION VII. DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND SPLEEN. Jaundice 168 Hepatitis ib. Splenitis ......... 169 SECTION VIII. DISEASES OF THE MOUTH, &C. Aphthae, or Thrush 170 Xll CONTENTS. Pa?e Carbuncle on the tongue 171 Caries ib. Fistula on the nose ....... ib. Glossititis 172 Otitis ......... ib. Ozena ......... ib. Parotiditis 173 SECTION IX. FEVERS 173 174 ib. 176 ib. Ill Fever attended with chillness Inflammatory fever Fever attended with putridity- Traumatic fever Tuberculous fever Influenza, or Catarrhal fever Strangles .... Typhus ...... 180 SECTION X. GENERALITIES. Atrophy 184 Emaciation ........ ib. Bursal enlargements 185 Swelling and ossification of the bones . . . ib. Crib biting 186 Farcy 187 Fatigue 188 Forging . 189 Glanders 190 Hemorrhage 191 Rabies ......... ib. Rheumatism . 192 CONTENTS. Xlll Page Suppuration . 193 Wild look 194 SECTION XL DISEASES OF THE FEET. Bruise of the sole ...--..,. . ..... . 194 Contraction of the hoof 195 Founder 196 Sand-crack 199 Thrush, or Trush . . . .... 200 Wounds of the foot . ib. Lameness from the prick of a nail . . . .201 SECTION XII. SUPPLEMENTARY. Pimples 202 Mange . 203 Description of the eye .......... 204 Phthisis Pulmonalis 208 Constipation . 209 Worms 210 Lampas . . . . . . . .211 Luxation ........ 212 Rat's Tail ib. DISEASES OF OXEN. Preliminary Remarks 213 SECTION I. GENERALITIES. Abscess 220 XIV CONTENTS. Anorexia Boulimia Caries Crusta lactea Cysts Contusions Epilepsy- Fever (inflammatory) Fever (nervous) Puerperal Fever Fractures Fragility of the bones Fungus Gad-flies Luxations Lameness Madness Marasmus Meteorization Alterations of milk (Edema Paralysis Rheumatism Rottenness Rumination Sponge Sprain Stings of insects Swelling of the bones Tic Tubercles Tumors Wounds Page 221 222 ib. 223 ib. 224 ib. 225 226 227 228 229 ib. 230 ib. 231 232 234 ib. 236 237 238 ib. 239 240 ib. 241 ib. ib. 242 ib. 243 ib. SECTION II. DISEASES OF THE SKIN. Anasarca 244 CONTENTS. XV Page Chops j or cracks 245 Exanthemes ib. Goitres 246 Itch or Mange 247 Phthiriasis 248 Warts ib. SECTION III. DISEASES OF THE BRAIN, EYES, MOUTH, &C. Diseases of the Ears Aphthae Anthrax of the tongue Dizziness Encephalitis Glossitis, (inflammation of the tongue) Ophthalmia Swelling of the head Teeth (shaking or loose) Tongue, (lesions of) Trismus of the jaws Vertigo 249 ib. 250 251 252 253 ib. 255 ib. ib. 256 ib. SECTION IV. DISEASES OF THE TRACHEA, RESPIRATORY ORGANS, &C. Angina 257 Catarrh 259 (Pulmonary) ib. Cough 260 Hydrothorax ib. Phthisis . . . . . . . . . 264 Pneumonia 265 XVI CONTENTS* SECTION V. DISEASES OF THE LIVER, STOMACH, AND INTESTINES. Colic ......... Constipation ........ Diarrhoea ........ Dysentery Enteritis Gastritis Hepatitis Hernia Indigestion Jaundice Peritonitis Rectum, (Fall of the) . Splenitis ....... Disease of the stomach, &c, from grazing in woods Worms ........ Page 266 267 ib, 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 ib. 279 SECTION VI. DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS, AND ORGANS OF GENERATION. Abortion . , Bladder (Spasm of) Calculus (in the bladder) Castration Cystitis Diabetes Hematuria Metritis Nephritis Partruition Teats (disease of the) Retention of urine Fall of the matrix 280 281 282 283 284 ib. 285 286 ib. 287 288 290 291 CONTENTS. XV11 SECTION VII. STRAINS AND DISEASES OF THE EXTREMITIES. Page Feet (Diseases of the) ...... 292 Foul in the foot ib. Hoofs (Wearing of ) 293 Inflammation of the interdigital space .... 294 of the lamina ib. Strain of the shoulder ....... 296 of the haunch 297 of the loins ib. Swelling of the thigh 298 ■ of the knees ib. of the foot ....... ib. Tail (Diseases of the) .... . 299 SECTION VIII. SUPPLEMENTARY. Typhus ......... 299 Burns 304 CEdemaofthelegs 305 Itching ib. Stomacace, (Ulceration of the mouth) . . . ib. Pleurisy ......... 306 DISEASES OF SHEEP. SECTION I. GENERALITIES. Anorexia 311 Disease of blood ib. b* XV1U CONTENTS. Cachexia (Aquosa) Epilepsy- Inflammatory fever Forage Foundering Fractures Gad-fly Bites of insects Lameness Luxations Madness Scab Rot Shaking Wounds Page 313 314 315 316 319 320 ib. 321 ib. 322 ib. 323 325 327 328 SECTION II. EXTERNAL DISEASES, AND THOSE OF THE MOUTH AND THROAT. Angina Aphthae; Abscess between the cleft Black mouth Carbuncle of the tongue Cough Erysipelas Diseases of the eyes Foot-rot Itch Swelling of the teats Ulcerated mouth (Stomacace) Wounds of the cleft of the foot 329 330 ib. 331 ib. 332 ib. ib. 333 335 337 ib. 338 CONTENTS. XIX SECTION III. INTERNAL DISEASES. Page Colic 339 Constipation . . 341 Coryza ib. Disease of the stomach from eating certain plants . 342 Diabetes ...... ib. Diarrhoea ...... . 443 Dizziness 344 Dysentery . . 345 Encephalitis 346 Enteritis ....... ib. Hematuria 347 Hepatitis ib. Jaundice . 348 Nephritis . ib. Pneumonia . 349 Tetanus . . 350 Tympanitis ib. Vertigo . 351 Worms • . . . • • ib. DISEASES OF DOGS. SECTION I. GENERALITIES. Abscess . . . . . . . • • 355 Appetite (Voracious) 356 Burns ib. Distemper *#• Dropsy ......... 358 XX CONTENTS. Page Epilepsy 358 Fever (Inflammatory) . 359 Fever (Putrid and Nervous) ..... ib. Foundering ........ 360 Fractures ........ ib. Hcemorrhage ib. Lameness 361 Luxations ......... ib. Rabies ......... ib. Rheumatism ........ 365 Variola ......... ib. Vomiting 366 Warts ......... ib. Wounds ......... ib. SECTION II. EXTERNAL DISEASES AND THOSE AFFECTING THE MOUTH AND THROAT. Angina 367 Aphthae ......... ib. Coryza 368 Ears (Diseases of the) ib. (Esophagus (Foreign bodies in the) .... S69 Feet (Injuries of the) ....... ib. Sore feet ........ 370 Furuncles, or boils ib. Lippitude ........ ib. Sponge ......... 371 Mange ib. Ophthalmia ......... ib. Ozena ......... 372 Pterygion ,...,...* ib. CONTENTS. XXI SECTION III. INTERNAL DISEASES. Colic ..... Constipation .... Cough Profuse discharge of urine Diarrhoea .... Gastritis (Inflammation of the stomach) Meteorismus .... Pneumonia ..... Spasms ..... Urine (Retention of) Uterus (Falling of the) Vertigo ..... Worms ..... Page 373 ib. ib. 374 ib. ib. 375 ib. ib. 376 ib. ib. 377 DISEASES OF SWINE SECTION I. GENERALITIES . Anorexia . 37S Angina . 380 Emaciation . , 381 Epilepsy ib. Fever . 382 Foundering ib. Fractures ib. Luxations ib. Madness . 333 Measles ib. Rot . 334 XX11 CONTENTS. Page Tumors 384 Wounds SECTION II. . 385 EXTERNAL DISEASES, WITH THOSE AFFECTING THE MOUTH AND THROAT. Ears (Diseases of the) 385 Soreness of feet ........ 386 Fire (St. Anthony's) ib. Soie 5 Disease of the bristles ..... 388 Morbus Pedicularis . ib. Ophthalmia . 389 Phthiriasis ........ 390 Red sweat 391 SECTION III. INTERNAL DISEASE. Ascites . • 391 Catarrh (Pulmonary) ib. Colic ......... 392 Diarrhoea ......... ib. Encephalitis ........ 393 Frenzy ....... ib. Gastritis ......... 394 Jaundice ......... 4b* Itch (Gale) ib. Pneumonia 395 Prolapsus of the rectum ...... 396 Tympanitis ......... ib. Vomiting . 397 CONTENTS. XXI 11 DISEASES OF GOATS SECTION I. GENERALITIES. Anorexia Emaciation Wounds Page 400 401 ib. SECTION II. EXTERNAL DISEASES. Feet (Diseases of the) Falling- off of the hair Ophthalmia 402 ib. 403 SECTION III. INTERNAL DISEASES. Colic 403 Cough . 404 Dropsy 405 Disease from feeding in the woods .... ib. Encephalitis ib. Hematuria ......... 406 Mammae (Diseases of the) ib. Pneumonia ......... 407 Itch ib. Inflammation of the belly ...... ib. Meteorization 408 Vertigo ib. HOMOEOPATHIC VETERINARY MEDICINE PRELIMINARY REMARKS. Homceopathy is a term derived from the Greek, by which Hahnemann designated a medical doctrine,* founded on the immutable laws of nature, which is now spreading every day more and more throughout the civilized countries of Europe, Asia, America, and Africa, by reason of the brilliant results which it has attained within the last thirty years ; and the principles of which are directly opposed to those of the old school. This old school, to which its partisans apply the flatter- ing title of rational, but to which Hahnemann applies with more justice, that of allopathic, in order to denote in what it differs from his own, applied to the treatment of disease, means contrary to the symptoms of the latter, for instance, calorifics against cold, refrigerants against febrile heat, or substances capable in themselves of exciting a disease which bears no relation to that which they are employed to combat. This latter method is that which, properly speaking, merits the * Exposition of the Homoeopathic Medical Doctrine, or Orsra- non of the Art of Healing, Svo. New York: see also the French Edition. 1 4 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. name of allopathy ; the other being designated by that of antipathy. Setting out from an entirely opposite principle, homoeopathy combats disease only by sub- stances which, when taken in large doses, have the power of exciting a similar one in man in the state of health. As far as regards the fundamental principle of homoeopathy, it is well known that without having the least suspicion of the new doctrine, persons have for a long time back taken it as their guide in the selection of several domestic means, whose efficacy is fully as- certained. Thus after burning the finger, we hold it to the fire, and in this way cure the mischief exceed- ingly well by the same means which would produce it on another healthy finger. In the same manner a drop of melted wax falling on the hand, is attended by no unpleasant consequences, when, notwithstanding the pain it occasions, it is allowed to cool on the spot where it has fallen, instead of its being removed the moment it has fallen. When the mower feels himself too much heated, he drinks brandy, which cools him ; whilst the man who travels in winter, swallows cold beer, \tfhieh is sure "to warm him. A frozen limb is plunged into the snow, a thing which would be suffi- cient to freeze a healthy limb. Allopathy itself is in- debted for many of its best results to its employment of means adapted to produce similar morbid symptoms in a person in good health ; for it excites the artificial disease by vaccination in order to guard against small pox ; it prescribes sulphur against the itch, mercury against syphilis, bark against certain fevers ; and all these means produce in man in the state of health phenomena similar to those which, by their influence, it wishes to remove in persons who are in a state of disease. At first view it appears extraordinary that a substance capable of exciting a certain disease in a man in good health, should also possess the power of curing this PRELIMINARY REMARKS. O same disease. But this phenomenon finds a satisfac- tory explanation in the fact repeatedly ascertained by experience, that when to a disease already present there is joined a new one having more or less affinity to it, the new disease extinguishes and removes the old one, if it equal or exceed it even by a slight degree in in- tensity, in the same manner as the light of the sun pre- vents that of the stars or of a candle from being seen ; and in the same way, also, as two balls propelled w T ith an equal force, which happen to meet, are immediately- arrested in their course. From such observations it will at once become evident that the homceopathist has to trouble himself merely about one matter, that is, to excite an artificial disease, resembling as closely as possible the natural existing disease, a condition indis- pensably necessary for the re-establishment of health. But as, according to a law with which every one is acquainted, two forces destroy each other only by their being similar with respect to their effects, it is necessary to calculate whether the degree of the artificial disease excited exceeds the natural disease ; but its excess in intensity must be very inconsiderable, otherwise, in place of the natural disease which would be extin- guished, we should have an artificial disease which would continue ; nothing then should remain of the latter, in order that the homoeopathic cure should take place. I deem it necessary to enter into some details here with respect to these two conditions. We have just now seen that the* homoeopathic phy- sician cures by occasioning, by means of medicines, a factitious disease, resembling, as much as possible, the natural disease. The ideas sanctioned by the old school seem to warrant us in thinking that there is here a double contradiction. How ? You profess to cure by exciting a new disease, and you have even recourse to medicines to produce this disease ! Let us first endeavor to form a clear and distinct idea of the medicine, and of the way in which it acts on the 4 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. living organism. The correctness of the homoeopa- thic mode of proceeding will thus become as clear as day. The idea which allopathy has transmitted to us of medicines is altogether inaccurate. Let a man fall sick, he sends for a physician. The latter writes a recipe, and prescribes a mixture of two, three, or four substances, to which he ascribes curative virtues. The patient swallows the medicine with so much the more confidence, inasmuch as, reasoning from an old say- ing, he fancies that a large quantity of remedies is required to overcome a violent disease. The preju- dice which causes persons to attribute absolute curative properties to the substances coming from a shop, has been carried so far, that some followers of the old school, even when they felt the slightest illness, never- theless drugged themselves with medicines in the hope of attaining something more than health. "What a lamentable mistake. A medicine is some product of nature which occasions changes incompatible with the ordinary state of health in the state of the living body. Even poisons are medicines in this sense, en- dowed, to be sure, with a very powerful action, and a very small dose of which suffices to produce certain modifications in the system. This aptitude for pro- ducing a change in the state of the body is then the only peculiarity which distinguishes medicines from aliments. However, as nature never acts per saltum, as she always proceeds by imperceptible shades, there are also found among aliments a certain number of substances, which independently of the nutritive prin- ciple, possess within them a greater or less amount of medicinal virtue, so that very frequently, when they are taken in large quantity, they give rise to unpleas- ant effects by their medicinal influence, on the body, and which, though blunted by the effect of long habit, still becomes very perceptible under many circum- stances. But just as aliments pass into poisons by PRELIMINARY REMARKS. insensible degrees, in the same manner do poisons differ much from each other with respect to the inten- sity of their action. There is no absolute poison in nature ; for all poisons, employed seasonably and judiciously, become medicines, just as things the most innocent in themselves, may, by being abused, become dangerous poisons. Thus all medicines produce a change in the system, and everything which can give rise to such an effect, is a medicine. When a person, then, in good health takes a medicine, he becomes more or less ill, accord- ing to the energy of the medicinal substance ; for every change in the system can only be disease in a person who is in good health, or health in a sick per- son ; there are no means of conceiving a third case. Medicines then may also be called remedies or curative means, in so far as they modify the state of a patient, and the mission of the true physician is to know how to select them well, and to employ them judiciously. If we seek how the modifying substance (medicine) acts on the living organism, we are led to the follow- ing propositions which happily display all the impor- tance of the homoeopathic method. The organism, that is to say, the aggregate of all the solid and liquid parts, which, arranged in a cer- tain order, constitute the organized body, is pervaded, during life, by a power to which we apply the name of vital force, and which causes every organ to dis- charge the functions to which it has been destined by nature. If this discharge of the functions goes on without disturbance or interruption, the organism is in a normal or regular state, which we call health. But if any external influence comes to disturb the vital force of such or such an organ, thus to derange or stop some one of the wheels of the organism, a circumstance which is announced by certain extraor- dinary phenomena or unusual sensations, we say that there is disease, and we apply the name of symptoms 6 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. of the disease to the irregular phenomena, the sensa- tions foreign to the state of health. Everything which may exercise a noxious influence on the vital force must then render the organism more or less diseased, according as the impression is more or less strong, and the vital force itself more or less energetic. If the attack is slight, the vital force resists it by its own reaction, and succeeds in restoring matters to the normal state ; it is then said that the disease is cured by the sole efforts of nature, and in employing the latter term, the vital force is meant, which had no need of foreign aid to drive away its threatening foe. If, on the contrary, the attack is severe, and the vital force itself has become more or less debili- tated, the latter can no longer suffice by itself, and it becomes necessary to come to its assistance, lest it should sink in the struggle. We bring assistance to it through medicines, which being well selected and judiciously administered, render their combination victorious. As soon as a substance endowed with medicinal virtues reaches the organism, it introduces into it a change more or less perceptible, and more or less permanent. The first of the phenomena excited by it are known by the name of primary effects. But the vital force, which hitherto had remained purely passive, raises itself with all its might against the impression which it receives. This is what is called the secondary effect, or reaction. The effect of reaction is always to produce a change precisely the reverse of that which had been occasioned by the medicine. This proposition forms the basis of homoeopathy : daily experience proves its truth. If, for instance, we plunge one arm into frozen water, it first becomes colder and paler than the other ; but after it has been well rubbed with a towel, it soon becomes not only hotter and redder, but even burning, and occasionally even inflamed. Of these two phenomena, the first is PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 7 the primary effect of the cold water, and the second its secondary effect, that is to say, the result of the reaction of the organism ; between these two effects there is absolute opposition. In the same manner violent exercise at first occasions heat, which is after- wards succeeded by cold. Coffee at first stimulates, then disposes to sleep ; opium stupefies in the first place, then induces sleeplessness, &c. The homceopa- thist then acts agreeably to nature, when he opposes to each disease that medicinal substance whose primary effect it is to excite an analogous disease in man when in the state of health ; for he knows that the secondary effect of this substance must produce the state oppo- site to the disease which he wishes to cure, that is to say health. Hence it comes to pass that, in many cases, a dose of homoeopathic medicine is followed by a slight exasperation of the disease, or by what is termed homoeopathic aggravation, an event which should always be considered as favorable, because it proves that the remedy has been well selected. In fact every medicinal substance, at the time of its primary action, excites in the patient a morbid state analogous to that from which the object is to relieve him ; but as there is a very great analogy between these two states, and as the disease artificially excited, exceeds the natural disease somewhat in severity, it must appear to the patient that the latter is slightly aggravated. But because the primary effect has been identical, or at least as analogous as possible, the reaction cannot fail to induce the opposite state, that is to say health. Accordingly when the homoeopathic physician wishes to attack any disease whatever, he requires a medicine whose primary effect it is to excite a disease as analogous as possible, in order that the reaction may give rise to the opposite state, that is that it may restore health. It therefore becomes indispensably necessary to be well acquainted with the primary 8 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. effects of medicinal substances- But this knowledge can be acquired only by trying each substance by it- self, and without any admixture, on a person in good health in doses of some strength. All the phenomena then observed in the individual experimented on, are the primary effects which we are justified in attribut- ing to it, after they have been verified by repeated and carefully conducted experiments. Homoeopathy pos- sesses, at this moment, about two hundred substances studied in this manner ; and it never attempts to ap- ply to the treatment of disease any substance which has not been subjected to this experimentation. Thus the cures it effects are necessary consequences, just as the farmer collects in wheat because he has sown wheat. Circumstances are not the same with respect to the cures effected by allopathy. As the old school fol- lows a course purely empirical, the cure, when it is obtained, is always the result of chance. A patient has fever — an intermittent fever : bark is given to him and he recovers his health. What is fever ? No one knows ; and hypotheses are heaped upon hypotheses on this subject. Bark cures certain fevers, this is an unquestionable fact. But what are these fevers ? We are again answered by hypotheses. Why does the patient get well ? We do not know. When he does not get well, why does he not recover his health ? We cannot tell. Is it not true then, that the cure has been the mere effect of chance ? # But if homoeopathy differs from the old school in its point of departure ; since, faithful to the laws of nature, it employs those substances only whose pri- mary effects are precisely the same as those of the disease, or at least resemble them very much, it dif- fers still further from it in another point of view, for it * See Hahnemann, Exposition of the Homoeopathic Doctrine, 8vo., New York ; and the French Edition. PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 9 never prescribes more than one single medicine at a time, and administers it always in as small a dose as possible. We know that allopathy makes use of mixtures more or less complex, that it opposes a particular remedy to each of the more prominent symptoms, and that it makes a mass of the entire, and confides it to the stomach. To proceed in this way is to sup- pose : 1. That the stomach which receives the mixture, determines its destination, that, for instance, it sends one substance to the head, another to the feet, a third God knows where. 2. That the combination of several substances, of- tentimes opposed in their effects, and therefore likely to neutralize one another, does not produce a new body capable of producing an unknown action on the organism. Common sense tells us that neither of these suppo- sitions can be admitted : to reject them there is no need to have the slightest notion either of the nature of man, or of the laws of chemistry. But the neces- sary consequence is that allopathy knows not the ef- fects of the mixtures of medicines which it employs ; and that it wishes to attain an end by means regard- ing whose mode of acting it knows absolutely nothing. Is not this risking the health and life of men ? In order to prove that these reproaches directed against the old school are not devoid of foundation, I shall borrow from some of its own partisans the fol- lowing passages, which will justify them. 1. It is an absurdity to accumulate so many simple drugs into one and the same prescription. Wretched method ! — it only spoils and deteriorates the things which it thus combines. (Paracelsus.) 2. To mix together several substances in one and the same prescription, is a proof that we take no- thing for our guide but hypotheses, that we abandon 10 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. the issue to the hazard of mere conjectures, and that in consequence the poor patient is always deceived for his money. ( Van Helmont.) 3. If we compare the good which half a dozen le- gitimate children of iEsculapius have done on earth since the origin of medicine, with the evils with which so many doctors have overwhelmed the human race ? it will be considered, no doubt, to have been much better that the world never knew anything of medical men. (Boerhaave.) 4. Therapeutics is but a collection of hypotheses devised by medical men. As medicine has no fixed principles, as there is nothing determinate in it, as it possesses but a small number of facts on which we can reckon, each physician has a right to follow his own opinion. Where there is no science, but merely creeds, each creed has as much value as the others. Amid the profound darkness in which physicians walk, there is not the least ray of light which can serve to direct them. When two physicians meet at the bedside of a patient who is not dangerously ill, it often happens then, as it did to Cicero's augurs, that they have considerable difficulty in looking at each other without laughing. (Gir tanner.} 5. What we know of the effects of medicines is purely empirical. All that is said of alteratives, depu- ratives, resolvents, incisives, is in a great measure but a figurative translation of dead nature into living na- ture. Up to the present time there are very few medicines with whose composition we are ac- quainted ; at least we know nothing of the respective proportions of their constituent principles, which, however, modify in a great degree their nature and their effects. We know not how they change in the body, become solved there into their elements, and combine with each other so as to form new substances. We know not what changes they occasion in the composition and form of the organic matters, how PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 11 they excite them, what are the organs on which they act directly, and those on which they make an indirect impression : now, we must know all this in order to appreciate the connexion of the phenomena which oc- cur from the moment when the medicines are admin- istered, until their definite effects become declared, those by which they are made apparent to our senses, (Reil.) 6. When we wish to remove the inflammatory state, we employ not nitre alone, or sal ammoniac alone, or a vegetable acid alone, but usually several substances, called antiphlogistic, at once : — is the ob- ject to combat putridity, one of the known antiseptics is not sufficient, such as bark, the mineral acids, arnica, serpentaria, &c. when administered in large doses ; we prefer to combine several of them, and we reckon on their collective effect, or rather we associate them together, because not knowing which is that which best suits the present case, we, as it were, leave to chance the care of selecting in the mixture that which is to answer the end. This is the reason, why it is so uncommon for us to have recourse to only one single medicine in order to excite sweat, to correct the blood, to remove congestions, to promote the excre- tions, and even to evacuate the prima via?. Our pre- scriptions are hardly ever simple, and consequently we have nothing positive regarding the effects peculiar to each of the substances which constitute them. In fact, our knowledge is far too limited with respect to the essential qualities of our medicines, and the number- less affinities which they develop when they are brought together, to allow us to say what will be the mode of acting of even the substance apparently the most indifferent, after it shall have been introduced into the body in combination with others. (Marcus Herz.) 7. Unfortunately we have as yet but too few cer- tain ideas regarding the real powers of medicines, and 12 PRELIMINARY REMARKS, the modifications they effect in the human body, That which we are chiefly deficient in almost every instance, is the power of distinguishing the primary from the consecutive effects, the principal effects from those which are accessory and accidental. It is pre- cisely from this, it follows, that we are unable, in any disease, to calculate the effects of such or such a substance, to prevent it from acting too much or too little, to obviate the useless consecutive or accessory phenomena which it may produce. Now, every one sees that this inability stamps our practice with the seal of imperfection. (Joerg.) 8. Want of success in the treatment of diseases is always owing either to our imperfect knowledge of the latter, or to our not understanding the remedies which should be opposed to them. We not only ex- asperate the disease, but we even sometimes render it fatal. (Rush.) 9. The abuse which the common herd of physicians commit with medicines, of which they do not even suspect the effects, in the treatment of diseases, whose form they are seldom acquainted with, and of whose nature they are always ignorant, is attended with truly striking results. Medicine destroys more per- sons than it saves. (Schmalz.) 10. As every external agent may be a medicine and a poison, as the effect of each medicine is an os- cillation of life, which may also be styled a morbific process, medicines, when employed injudiciously and unseasonably, are themselves capable of becoming causes of disease. In many cases the remedy is worse than the evil, and the physician more to be dreaded than the disease. This is more especially true of practitioners devoted to empiricism, or to false theories, who place their poor ideas above nature, who think to govern eternal laws by idle formulae, and can- not avoid being drawn into the grossest errors by their ignorance of the organism, and of the general or PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 13 particular effects of medicines. Many diseases are cured by nature alone ; and in many of those which assume an acute form, the physician must confine him- self to averting noxious influences, and to combating the abnormal activity of such or such a system, or such and such an organ. Should he proceed further, whether to satisfy the patient, or to indulge his own theories, or even through cupidity, he can only do mischief. It is in this way, in fact, that artificial dis- eases are oftentimes produced, and that one would be warranted in saying that in many cases the consecu- tive chronic disease is the handiwork of the physician. So that in the present state of medical practice, pa- tients should guard themselves from physicians as from the most dangerous poisons. (Kieser.) 11. With regard to the knowledge of the action of medicine on our body we are still in the situation of the person who wished to play the harp, or to use the pencil without having the slightest knowledge of either music or painting. That which each medicament pro- duces, when it is alone, we no doubt see, just as we hear any one single sound when it strikes our ear ; but we are entirely unable to produce a harmonious effect with medicines, either when we mix them to- gether, or we administer them one after the other. From the circumstance that nothing has been done, up to the present time in medicine, it must not be in- ferred that nothing can be done ; for we have some reason to think that by changing our method we shall arrive at something. Let us compare the discoveries made in physics during thousands of years, with those with which it has been enriched in the course of half a century. The germ of a science may remain for a long time in a state of stupefaction, and awaken all on a sudden. (Mises.) % 12. The attacks of the homoeopathists should induce * Stapelia mixta, Leipzig, 1824, s. 100, 106, 107. 2 14 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. us to submit to the crucible of reason the doctrine of the internal causes of diseases, and that of the action of medicaments, both of which are still so very imper- fect ; to banish hypotheses from our therapeutics, and to place ourselves in a situation by the most simple processes wherein we can form a more certain judg- ment concerning the manner in which medicinal sub- stances act. With our present mode of combining drugs, we shall see our hair become white, but shall never acquire experience. If homoeopathy can bring us to give less medicines, to change them less fre- quently, not to combine them without necessity, we shall attain a more perfect knowledge of their elfects, and shall be able to speak of our medical experience with less boasting than we are now unfortunately al- lowed to do. ( Wedekind.) * " I know right well," said an old physician, " that seven-tenths of the patients die, not of their disease, but of the improper or excessive quantities of medi- cines given to them." A lady once said to the cele- brated Petit : "So skilful an anatomist as you are ought certainly to cure all diseases." Petit frankly replied : " You mistake, Madam, it is with physicians, as with hackney coachmen, who know all the streets without knowing anything of what is going on within the houses." The homoeopathic physician proceeds in quite a dif- ferent way from the allopathic. The former prescribes for his patients those substances only whose effects are well known to him, and he never gives more than one at a time, because he knows that from the combina- tion of two or more bodies, when they do not neutral- ize each other, there results a new substance which must produce effects different from those induced by its constituent principles. There is again an essential difference between the * In Hufelapd's Journal, 1S26, No. vi., p. 3. PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 15 two schools with respect to the doses. Homoeopathy cures, as we have seen, by opposing to the natural dis- ease an artificial one as similar to it as possible, and sufficiently intense to extinguish it by its predominance. If the fictitious disease were weaker than the natural, it would remove the latter only in part ; if it were stronger, it would no doubt cause it to disappear alto- gether, but it would leave in its place an artificial dis- ease, extremely similar as to symptoms, so that the patient would feel no improvement in his state.* Such is the cause of the minute does which the homoeopa- thic physician employs, for experience has taught him again and again, that they are sufficient in their pri- mary effects to create symptoms analogous to those which he wishes to cure, only a little more intense, in order that the result of the consecutive effect may be the contrary, that is to say health. Frequently is the question asked : How they had this efficacy ? We do not know, precisely as we know not how it hap- pens that the magnet attracts iron. Yet much pains have been taken to explain this remarkable phenome- non, on which I think it necessary to dwell a little, because the minuteness of the doses is the point of homoeopathy which has been most severely attacked by our adversaries. Every day experience proves to us that it is sub- stances acting in a manner rather virtual than medical, which occasion morbid modifications in the organism. Who does not know, in fact, that fright, anger, grief, care, are so many causes of diseases ? Who is igno- rant of the fact that a storm gives diarrhoea to some persons ; that others cannot bear a cat to be near them, or a toad, without falling into a swoon ? Who has not heard of the subtlety of those maxims which give rise to certain epidemics ? Has there ever ex- * Hahnemann's Organon ; many of the homceopathists of the present day dissent from this doctrine. — Ed. 16 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. isted a man whose senses were acute enough to per- ceive agents of this kind ? Why should not medicines then be indebted for their mode of acting on the or- ganism to a power no less subtle ? If they derived it only from their material mass, they could exercise it merely through the digestive organs. This set of or- gans, as we know, serves to separate the nutritious matter contained in the food from that which is not subservient to nutrition, and to make it pass into the current of the circulation ; but it can no more cause a separation between the medicinal principles and those which are not so, than the mill, which separates the flour from the bran, has the power of developing the stimulating virtues of beer and brandy. It is not 7 therefore, the mass or material part of the medicine^ but something inappreciable to the senses which influ- ences the entire sensitive system, and thus produces a change in the sensations of the individual. Three circumstances contribute to the efficacious- ness of the minute doses of homoeopathy. 1. The manipulations by means of which the pro- perties of the medicinal substances are developed, and which are called dynamisations. 2. The care taken to employ the substances only in their own special sphere. 3. Lastly, the attention to remove everything which might disturb their action. Each of these three points deserves to be examined separately. Every one knows, or at least has heard it said, that homoeopathic medicines are very much diluted, or rather dynamised. Two drops of a mixture are taken with equal parts of vegetable juice and alcohol, and they are added to ninety-eight drops of alcohol at eighty or ninety degrees, or else twenty drops of the tincture obtained from a dry plant are mixed with eighty drops of alcohol and two shakes are given to the mixture. This is what is called the first dilution 5 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 17 or dynamisation. One drop of this liquid mixed with ninety-nine drops of alcohol, and treated after the same manner, yields the same dynamisation, and so on to the thirtieth. These preparations are not a mere arbitrary device: experience, the only judge in such a case, has shown that they possess indisputable effi- cacy, and that they are perfectly sufficient for the end proposed. We hear on all sides the charge of absur- dity brought against this mode of procedure, as per- sons cannot conceive the possibility of any medicine acting, the presence of which cannot be discovered by any of our senses. But it is the objection itself that should be styled absurd ; for what allopathic physi- cian, be he ever so obstinate, will deny that a tile fall- ing at the feet of a man may terrify him sufficiently to make him sick ? And in this case what is the body which modifies the organism ? Chagrin, miasms, a current of air, &c, produce similar effects ; and yet no one says that it is contrary to common sense to admit that chagrin ha*s caused a bilious fever, or cold a rheumatism. No one doubts that influences which are not material may act on man, because experience has convinced them that such is the case. Why then refuse to believe that the properties inherent in medi- cines are in the same case, when there are thousands of facts to prove it ? That this property, inherent in medicinal substances, may be disengaged and called forth by means of dy- namisation, is a matter extremely probable, but still one would not like to lay it down as an article of faith. Any one may touch a disc of resin without feeling the slightest effect on his part, but let him rub or strike this electrophorus with a cat's skin, or a fox's tail, there is then drawn from it a number of electric sparks, which may be collected and concentrated in a Leyden jar. Is it not then a certain mode of manip- ulation that has called forth an imponderable force which was previously latent in inert matter ? Physics 2* 18 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. furnish us with several other similar examples. We may touch discs of zinc, copper, and carton, without feeling anything particular ; but if we arrange so that a disc of carton, soaked in salt water, be interposed between those of zinc and copper, we have a galvanic pile, the wondrous power of which would be almost sufficient to restore a dead person to life. Two pieces of iron when brought together exert not the least visible action on each other ; but let one of them be rubbed with a loadstone, this simple manipulation will suffice to convert it into a magnet, and to render it capable of attracting iron, and if suspended by its centre with a thread, of always turning one of its poles to the north. The astonishing properties of electricity, galvanism, and magnetism, have nothing material, and every one may convince himself with his own eyes that they are called forth by mere manipulation. "Why then should not manipulations render manifest the virtues of medicinal substances ? To this w r e may add, that these bodies are so bound up in the material substance, that the digestive organs of man have not sufficient power to set them free, whilst the employ- ment of dynamisation sets them at liberty, and allows them to pass with more facility into the organism, in virtue of that general law, according to wiiich every artificial mixture is more easily decomposed than a natural combination. A second circumstance which comes in support of the efficaciousness of the homoeopathic small doses is, that one has recourse to them only in the very limits of their own proper sphere. We know that the hu- man body is so much the more disposed to receive modifying impressions from without, in proportion as the disease has already increased in it the aptitude to be affected by them. Let a person suffer from rheu- matism, the least current of air will occasion him vio- lent pain ; an intense fever renders one incapable of bearing without difficulty even a very moderate tern- PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 19 perature in his apartment; cold water produces ex- cessive pains in a person who has bad teeth, whilst it has no effect on the individual whose teeth are healthy ; any kind of noise becomes insupportable when one has a headache ; the least alarm will make a person whose nerves are delicate fall into a swoon, or into convulsions ; and the plethoric man is struck with apoplexy by a degree of heat, which is attended with no annoyance in the generality of men. All these phenomena prove to us that the organs which have become the seat of any morbid state whatever, have for this very reason a greater predisposition to feel the effects of modifying agents (medicines,) and that a very minute dose suffices to exert a very marked influence on them. Now this appropriation of the doses to the particular sphere of action of each medicament takes place chiefly in homoeopathy, the accomplished disciple of which never employs any agent without being convinced beforehand that it is capable of placing any individual in good health in a state of disease similar to that under which the person labors whom he wishes to cure. To doubt then of the efficacy of small homoeopathic doses, is acting as the person would do who would refuse to believe that a drop of water, or a small current of air occasions acute pain in a man whose teeth are not healthy. Lastly, the efficaciousness of these small doses is further insured by the care with which all those influ- ences are removed which might disturb their action. These disturbing influences cannot reside in the medi- cine itself, or in other things which are independent of it ; they must then be connected with things whose action is the very contrary to itself, which are, in fact, hostile to it. With respect to the first point, the ho- moeopathic medicine contains nothing which is in the slightest degree capable of disturbing or interrupting its action. It is, in fact, simple and not mixed, as are most of those employed by the allopathic physician. 20 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. Moreover, the doses are never repeated so as to retard the cure, or to replace the natural by an artificial dis- ease. When the allopathic practitioner prescribes bark in treating a certain species of intermittent fevers, he does right in acting so, since bark produces analo- gous symptoms in a healthy person ; but when he makes him take a spoonful of it every two or three hours, he excites a medicinal disease similar to the natural disease which he wishes to cure, and the least that can result from this is that the cure is needlessly retarded, because for every step gained, two are lost. The homoeopathist, on the contrary, waits till the medicine has exhausted its action, and then only he administers another, according as the peculiar course of the disease requires. By these means he not only does not run the risk of destroying with one hand the good he has done with the other, but further, he avoids the inconvenience of distressing, or fatiguing the vital force by urging it to continual reactions, and thus involving it in struggles, from which, even when it is victorious, it never can come off without detri- ment. Doppler, of Prague, has attempted to make us understand how a medicinal substance may still possess great powers, even when attenuation or dilution has been carried to the decillionth. According to him, a drop of the decillionth dilution contains an enormous quantity of material surfaces of the attenuated medi- cine, because at each trituration the number of these surfaces increases prodigiously ; as, in his opinion, it is on the multiplicity of the points of contact of the medicinal substance with the living body that the curative power of this substance depends, it follows that a single drop of the thirtieth dilution must pro- duce a much stronger reaction than several drops of a less minute attenuation. The high dynamisations do not differ then from the others unless in respect of the quantity of the material surfaces which they contain, PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 21 and not, as some persons will have it, with respect to the quality, so that with the first we might cure just as well as with the thirtieth, by having recourse to stronger and more frequent doses. Now this is a truth sufficiently established by experience, and the inference from which is that the essence of homoeopa- thy depends not on the number of the doses, but only on the resemblance between the sure effects of the medicament, that is to say, those which it produces in man in a state of health, and the symptoms of the dis- ease to the cure of which it is applied. The knowledge of this truth is important in many respects. First it allows us to solve a problem which has given rise to many idle discussions, viz. : that of knowing what is the dilution or dynamisation which would be employed. Knowing that the high dilutions contain nothing which does not already exist in the first, and that by diluting a medicine we only attenu- ate it more and more; that is to say multiply its sur- faces or points of contact, we are convinced that we may spare ourselves the needless trouble of having recourse to decillionths. The attenuation of substances to the millionth, or at most to the billionth, should suffice, so as not to be obliged to employ them in a form entirely gross, in large and frequently repeated doses. In the second place it explains to us how the homoe- pathic aggravation so frequently observed by Hahne- mann, is now-a-days very rare, so that most of the modern homoeopathists are disposed to doubt it, or deny it altogether. As the usage is established of employing the lower dilutions, with which the end is attained more promptly, and with more certainty, and of prescribing medicines in frequent doses, or even by drops, it is manifest that we should no longer see the exasperation of the symptoms, or the homoeopathic aggravation, which can only take place when the dis- ease is attacked with high dilutions, that is to say, with 22 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. medicinal agents presenting a multitude of surfaces of contact, and consequently producing a very great number of symptoms peculiar to them. But the action of a medicine may be interfered with by external circumstances, by things independent of it, and in this point of view homoeopathy does every- thing in its power to insure the efficaciousness of its small doses. It prescribes for the patient a regimen not strict, but duly regulated ; it interdicts the use of food of difficult digestion, and prohibits the employ- ment of all those substances which, together with the nutritive matter, contain principles more or less medi- cinal. As the doses which it employs do not exceed the limits of that which is absolutely necessary, it will be readily conceived that the strictness it evinces in this respect is not the result of pedantry, but a precau- tion founded on the laws of nature. More than once it has been stated that it condemned its patients to die of hunger, that it deprived them of almost everything which can render life agreeable. This is a calumny. Many families habitually observe the homoeopathic regimen without being ill, notwithstanding which they do not die either of hunger or thirst. It interdicts coffee ! true, but there are thousands of instances to prove that one may very well dispense with coffee ; and besides, homoeopathy suppresses it only during the treatment of diseases, in the absence of which it allows every one to use it as he pleases. Besides, ought it not to be witnessed with pleasure, that by banishing gradually the use of coffee and of brandy, it labors for the happiness, health, and moral improve- ment of families ? A very essential difference between allopathy and homoeopathy is that the latter leaves the patients who have confided themselves to it without making any attack either on their health or their purse. We shall devote a few lines to these two points, as they are of great importance. PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 23 With respect to the former, I own that I shudder involuntarily when I take up the pen to relate the or- dinary consequences of allopathic treatment. But, unwilling to expose myself to the slightest suspicion of partiality, I shall allow some of the allopathic physi- cians themselves to speak ; they will express what I should have to say in a manner that will absolutely edify the reader. 1. The history of medicine proves that persons have been correct in saying that millions of men have fallen under the blows of the physicians. The means which are employed at the present time, and which become more numerous from day to day, are a sure guaranty that in time the number of victims will be incalculable. (Bergk.) 2. One scarcely believes his eyes when he reads that Marcus increased the dose of calomel in the case of some children up to four hundred grains, and be- sides that he prescribed several ounces of mercurial ointment to be used in the form of friction. Eschen- meyer orders, that during the first symptoms of croup, besides blisters, calomel should be prescribed mixed with a third of golden sulphuret ; he continues the same treatment during the second stage ; he never re- mains below fifty grains of calomel, and sometimes rises to ninety grains and more ; he has even gone as far as one hundred and six grains in a child six years of age,, though he acknowledges that when fifty grains, taken within the space of thirty-six hours, have not produced an amendment, the patient is irretrieva- bly lost. Yet of seven deaths which occurred in his hands, he attributes only two to the mode of treat- ment. If the child had been brought to it by fifty grains, we see no good reason why fifty grains more were given to it, except to hasten the catastrophe. If we reflect on these enormous doses, and on all the stimulants accompanying them, we can readily under- stand why, out of twenty-three children attacked with 24 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. croup, he saw seven of them die : it would be inter- esting to know the subsequent state of health in those who escaped. Persons complain very much of the great debility of the present generation ; sufficient reason may be found in the prodigality with which physicians employ the most violent remedies. (Kru- ger -Hansen.) 3. In the hospital of Galata, in a population of from sixty to one hundred patients, from fifty to sixty vene- sections are performed, and from eight to fifteen hun- dred leeches are applied. A Greek physician wrote to Mavrocordato ; " Ibrahim Pacha has not destroyed here so many persons as Broussais' system ; and the method followed at Constantinople carries off many more individuals than would be destroyed by the entire catalogue of diseases, if left to themselves." (Kruger -Hansen.') 4. We see the melancholy results of the treatment adopted by the blind disciples of Johnson and Brous- sais in the East Indies. The former consider calomel as a panacea in the treatment of the fevers which pre- vail in these countries, as also against most other dis- eases, and seem to take a pleasure in supersaturating the system with it. Their mania in this respect is car- ried so far that they disdain all other remedies, and seem to vie with each other as to who shall prescribe the strongest doses of calomel. I actually knew a physician of distinction at Java, who went so far as to order one of his patients to take calomel on bread and butter. With respect to the followers of Broussais in this place, their mania is to exhaust the blood of those who confide themselves to their care ; blood-letting is the remedy which they oppose to the great majority of diseases, and with the exception of some refrigerant and demulcent drinks, they reject almost all other means. ( Weitz.) 5. What danger does not the life of a patient run, who swallows with confidence everything his physician PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 25 prescribes for him ? Since governments allow physi- cians to play with poisons without any responsibility, the least that should be done is, to make the patients themselves take care of their existence. I would ad- vise them never to take that which the physician pre- scribes, without having first seen himself swallow the prescribed dose, in order to be certain that he has not exceeded the bounds of prudence. When they saw him hesitate, they might be sure that their life was in a fair way of being compromised. (Kruger-IIansen.) 6. When it is stated that a patient, who had taken in the afternoon the two-thirds of a mixture consisting of forty grains of tartar emetic dissolved in an ounce and half of water, was dead at six o'clock in the eve- ning, this act of swallowing at once twenty-six grains and two-thirds of tartar emetic is considered as sui- cide ; what name ought we to give to that of a physi- cian who prescribes in one dose forty grains of this salt, a small quantity of which, when applied in the form of frictions to the skin, is sufficient to produce on it deep ulcerations ? (Kruger-Hansen.) These passages, borrowed from allopathic physi- cians, will suffice, and I am satisfied to leave to the reader the trouble of deducing his conclusions from them. Homoeopathy pursues quite a different course. It knows nothing of blood-letting, and cures persons la- boring under inflammatory diseases without taking a single drop of blood from them ; whilst in 1834, at Berlin, out of eight hundred and seventeen patients who died within the space of thirty-six hours, one hundred and twenty-six died of inflammations. It knows nothing of poisoning by mercury, iodine, tar- tar-emetic, and other such substances ; it employs neither emetics, purgatives, setons, nor cauteries ; it does not torture its patients with the lapis infernalis, nor with fire, and has no need to blush at the sight of so many unfortunates whom hydrargyrosis and other 3 26 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. medicinal diseases are compelling to progress slowly towards the tomb. It attacks not the healthy parts of the organism ; it does not intentionally render them diseased, in order to attract to them the disease which is effecting other organs ; but it applies to the disease itself, wherever it meets it, and has nothing in com- mon with those, who parodying a too celebrated phrase, the end sanctifies the means, destroy whole generations. Health and life are not the only things which ho- moeopathy respects. It spares the purse also, and in this respect the influence which it must exert is no less considerable. Every one knows that apothecaries' bills have become proverbial, and entire families might be cited who in the space of a year have laid out enormous sums at the shop of the druggist. Recently, again, it was ascertained on inquiry, that the clear profit of all the druggists in the kingdom of Prussia, amounted to about twelve millions of dollars, which sum divided between all the inhabitants, gave the con- tribution of each to amount to one dollar, so that the government saw at once the necessity of adopting measures to relieve the population of this tax. Every one must remember that at the time of the cholera, the price of those medicines which were considered as preservative or curative was doubled, even tripled, and that the government of Baden issued an ordinance for the purpose of putting a stop to this odious specu- lation. Homoeopathy, it is understood, knows nothing of apothecaries' bills, which reduce so many families to beggary ; hence it is that the druggists take so ac- tive a part in the war which has been commenced against them, and spare no exertions to prevent its success. To be sure they have paid so dearly for their shops and their privileges that one cannot help pitying them ; but is not this the ordinary course of matters here below, that there are always some per- sons who lose in order that the public may gain 1 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 27 Should we not be mad, if in order to avoid injuring the manufacturers of beaver hats, which are both dear and heavy, we refused to countenance the modern in- vention of silk hats, which are more convenient and cost less ? Homoeopathy possesses again another recommend- ation to economists and public men ; it brings back men to a more simple mode of life, and one more conformable to nature ; it tends to extinguish by de- grees, or at least to restrict very much, a multitude of fictitious wants, as coffee, tea, spices, aromatics, &c. which render nations tributary to foreigners. Thus we see, that during the first half of the year 1833, compared to that of the preceding year, the expendi- ture for coffee in Europe was diminished by about thirty-one millions of francs ; in the same way, the quantity of rum exported from Jamaica in 1836, did not amount to one-half, of what it was twenty years before. This result must certainly be attributed in a great measure to the influence of homoeopathy, and it acquires still further importance when we think of the enormous sums which the new method prevents from being taken out of the country, in order to pay for foreign medicines. So early as 1806, Hahnemann wrote the following lines, on the occasion of a substi- tute for bark proposed by Breitfeld : " Let us not employ bark in enormous doses ; let us not have re- course to it except where it is really necessary ; let us abstain from it whenever it cannot be useful ; and, still further, when it will serve only to do harm, and then we shall scarcely consume a tenth of that re- quired at the present day ; it will then cost less ; for the twelve millions which Europe pays annually to America for this drug, will be reduced to one million and a half, and perhaps even, if physicians become still wiser, to the fifth of this last named sum, and all this to the great advantage of patients." If Hahne- mann could, at the present day, take up his pen on 28 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. this subject, he would have to blot out from his calcu- lation several zeros, and probably all. Allopathy and homoeopathy differ entirely from each other with respect to the manner in which they view the portrait or image of the disease under con- sideration. The allopathist thinks he has done more than sufficient, when he has felt the pulse, looked at the tongue, and put a few questions with an important air ; for he considers all diseases as species, the course of which he knows (or, at least, thinks he knows,) be- forehand, from his system of nosology, and he sub- mits them to a method which is the same for all the cases of that which he calls a species. " With respect to acute diseases," says Hahne- mann, " the allopathist does not treat them according to the peculiarities which they present, but solely ac- cording to the pathological name which they have re- ceived in his school, and according to the plan of pro- ceeding traced in their books for each of these names. Thus, however different intermittent fevers may be from each other, instead of employing for each the specific remedy applicable to it, he checks them all by means of bark in large doses, repeated for several weeks. But the patient is not thereby restored to health ; to be sure he no longer experiences alterna- tions of cold and heat, but he has become ill in an- other way, and more so than he was during his fever ; for a quinic disease has now been given to him, which will often last for several years. The followers of that which is called the rational medicine, find in like manner for the other sporadic, epidemic, and conta- gious diseases, names all established in their books, and for each name which they are pleased to assign to the prevailing disease, a certain plan of treatment, only modified from time to time by fashion, a plan to which the fever, though probably absolutely unknown till then, and never having existed before, must ac- commodate itself, whether it suit it or not. The pa- PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 29 tient who has not strength to resist, must perish." The homoeopathist, on the contrary, has no nosologi- cal system, he knows nothing either of genera or spe- cies of diseases : he has not then to contend against a phantom, that is to say, a disease which exists only in his head, and with which, perhaps, the patient is not at all affected. He knows that every disease mani- fests itself, in some way or other, by phenomena or external symptoms, and that we cannot consider it as extinct, until all the symptoms have disappeared. But in order to enable himself to know the special na- ture of the disease which he wishes to cure, he studies the symptoms of it even in their minutest details ; for to him a disease is but the aggregate of all the exist- ing symptoms, the internal cause which produces it being no more accessible to our means of investiga- tion, than that of life itself. Hence it happens that his examination extends even to circumstances appa- rently the most insignificant, and includes not merely that which takes place at the present moment before his eves, but the symptoms also which presented themselves at first, the patient's mode of life, even the state of health of the members of his family, &c. When he has formed to himself an idea of the disease by as exact a research as possible of all the symptoms, he selects among the means whose effects are well known to him that one which, in its primary action, produces in man, in the state of health, the greatest possible number of the symptoms observed in his pa- tient, so that in most cases he is able to predict the re- sult with certainty : the allopathist, on the contrary, only makes trials ; he tries whether such an agent, which in such or such a case was useful in the treat- ment of a certain disease may not also prove so in the present case. Lastly, if we compare the results which homoeopa- thy has already attained, with those which allopathy has obtained, we see experience prove that, what the 3* 30 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. former supposes in theory, practice confirms, so as not only to satisfy the most urgent exigencies, but even to surpass very often every expectation. No living be- ing is of course secure from death, and homoeopathic treatment sometimes fails. However, if we recollect that homoeopathy frequently undertakes the treatment of patients, on whom allopathy has already exhausted to no purpose all its magazine ; that certain persons disdain its dietetic precepts, which appear to them wretched and pedantic ; that others, wanting perse- verance, abandon it just at the moment when it was going to relieve them, if not certainly, at least with some probability ; that in many cases, the primary disease has been rendered really incurable by the medicinal diseases produced by the long-continued employment of allopathic remedies, we need not be surprised that it sometimes meets with want of success. What is certain is, that in every instance where human succor is at all available, it cures with more certainty, more promptitude, more readily, less disagreeably, and at less expense, than any other method, and that it often succeds in restoring to health in a few days, patients whom allopathy had abandoned as incurable. There exists at present between homoeopathy and allopathy a struggle, the end of which will be that truth shall come off triumphant, though the absolute oppo- sition of the principles professed by the tw T o schools, does not allow us to suppose that a settlement, pro- perly so called, can ever be effected between them. For this reason I shall terminate this sketch by throw- ing a glance at the principal objections which the ad- versaries of homoeopathy advance against it. The first class of adversaries includes the allopathic physicians. With them it is a vital question, for homoeopathy threatens their very existence ; and after this we should not be surprised that most of the at- tacks by which it has been assailed have come from that quarter. To this it might be said, why do they PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 31 not adopt it ? Because, as Benninghausen has shown, vanity and indolence dissuade them from doing so ; for they would have to study things which have no connexion with anything which they have learned, and to put aside the principal part of the old materia medica, pathology, and therapeutics ; and to devote themselves to laborious studies, as well for the pur- pose of imprinting on their memories the numerous symptoms occasioned by medicines, as to form to themselves a true image of each individual case of disease. Homoeopathy may be combated either in its prac- tice, or in the principles of its system. To attack the results of its experience is impracticable, unless per- sons wish to deny that which may be seen and known by evefy one, and to reject the testimony of men, •whose probity and veracity are above all suspicion. With respect to the refutation of its principles, it may be attempted in two ways': either by judging in ac- cordance with the principles of the allopathic school, and therefore setting out with premises and supposi- tions which are by no means applicable to homoeopa- thy, or by charging it with false reasoning — a charge which, at least up to the present time, none of its ad- versaries have been able to establish against it ; many physicians also belonging to the old school, and among them men of high reputation, have long since gone over to the new one, taking care to make known to the public the motives which induced them to change sides. A second class of adversaries embraces all those persons w T ho find themselves affected by it in any manner in their trade. Under this head may be numbered, wine and brandy merchants, coffee ven- dors, grocers, victuallers, confectioners, perfumers, but chiefly druggists and apothecaries. All feel them- selves more or less injured by it ; so that unless they happen to be indebted to it for the recovery of their 32 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. health, or expect to derive some advantage from its success, they are its natural enemies : this circumsiance explains why homoeopathy experiences more difficulty in making its way among the masses, than might have been expected. Interest performs so important a part at the present day in society, that every new invention is decried by those who are alarmed for their purse. History tells us that at all times the most inveterate enemies have been those whose self-interest enkindled their passions. Finally, a last class of adversaries includes those who, knowing nothing whatever of homoeopathy, de- sire to display their wit at its expense, or launch out against it only from want of employment, or from the habit of speaking right and wrong at random. We know that according to the received ideas, e\»rything which presents a sort of contradiction, even though but apparent, between the means and the end, is con- sidered as comical and ridiculous. It was sufficient then that the principles of the homoeopathist, already extraordinary in themselves, should be either a little forced or misapplied, for deriders and satirists to range themselves against them, and every one knows that the multitude is fonder of laughing than of reflecting ; on the other hand, there is no lack of persons whom nothing delights more than to speak of things which they do not understand, and homoeopathy having now become one of the principal subjects of conversation in societies, the opportunity has not been lost of exer- cising their talent and their natural bent. These different classes of antagonists have hurled charges of every kind against homoeopathy, from which it has been long since cleared in the various journals, and other writings of the day. Homoeopathy, it was said, is the work of duped deceivers. But how can there be any question of deception, or of duping, when the homoeopathist employs a medicine whose primary effects he has tried on healthy subjects, and when this PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 33 medicine, administered to a patient, produces just the very effect announced beforehand ? The new doctrine, it was said in another quarter, is but mere charlatan- ism ! But is not the end of the charlatan to draw money from those whom he deceives, and to do every- thing for the purpose of wrapping up in impenetrable mystery the means by which he effects the illusion which permits him to extract money from people's purses ? Now homoeopathy has never done anything of the kind. It has disclosed all its principles in a vast multitude of writings ; it has voluntarily, and on every occasion, suffered the secrets which it discovered to pass out of its hands, though from these secrets it might have been an easy matter to derive profit. Homoeopa- thy is contrary to common sense, says another person. But are we not encompassed on every hand by effects of which we know not the causes ; and yet no one has for this reason ever taken it into his head to question them ? The brilliant successes of homoeopathy, says this person, are achieved, not by medicines, but by the faith of the patient, whose excited imagination hopes for an extraordinary result ! But can this assertion apply to young children and to common animals, in which the new method effects cures just as well as in adults ? Homoepathic medicines are poisons ! But does not allopathy employ the same poisons in doses many million times stronger ? Has it ever happened to homoeopathy to bring its patients to the brink of the grave, or even to put them into it, in consequence of employing violent remedies, and arbitrarily increas- ing the doses of medicines, as the allopathists so fre- quently do, according to the admission of some of their own party ? Again, persons do not see that there is a flagrant contradiction in stating, on the one hand, that homoeopathic doses can produce no effect, and on the other, that they are frightful poisons. Everything in homoeopathic treatment must be referred to regimen, and the efforts of nature. But why had not kind na- 34 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. ture acted sooner in so many thousands of cases ? And why did she not accomplish the cure till after the taking of the homoeopathic medicine ? Homoepathy starves its patients to death ! Nothing can be more false. It allows every person to satisfy his appetite ; it recommends even the most nutritious principles of diet, as meat, rich soups, eggs, chocolate, not aromat- ized, in most of those cases where allopathy interdicts them. One may readily conceive, that during the course of an homoeopathic treatment, the patient should abstain from every matter which possesses any medi- cinal virtue ; but the prohibition cannot extend to things purely analeptical and strengthening. Homoe- opathy never has recourse to those severe courses of treatment by starvation, from which allopathy does not recoil. Homoeopathy does not cure all diseases ! Certainly not ; but does it not effect mild, rapid, and permanent cures, where allopathy has been unable to be of any avail ? It is an odious calumny to state that it is powerless in the treatment of inflammatory diseases ; even surgical diseases it removes, for the most part, with astonishing quickness, a fact which is deemed incomprehensible by its adversaries. It per- forms its cures with as much promptitude, certainty, and readiness, as possible ; whilst allopathy either does not cure at all, or arrives at the cure by round- about ways, after having made the patient encounter serious dangers, or finally, it cures homoeopathically without being aware of it. Homoeopathy is the tomb of science, because it regards only the external char- acters (symptoms) of diseases ; because it does not trouble itself in the slightest degree about their essence, and because it has no necessity either for anatomy, physiology, or pathology. No doubt homoeopathy merits this reproach as a science ; but where is it stated that the homoeopathist must consider as superfluous the accessory sciences of medicine, though he perceives in them a great many things which cannot afford him PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 35 the slightest aid in attaining his end ? Homoeopathy teaches not only to appreciate the true value of the symptoms in general, but also to distinguish from each other the essential symptoms, from those which are only accessory. Here its adversaries say : " The symptoms are not the disease itself, and in order to attain a radical cure it becomes necessary to discover and combat the cause of the latter." Perfectly well argued no doubt ! But is there on the entire surface of the earth, a man who can tell us in what the essence of disease consists ; what is fever, for instance, or what is inflammation ? Among the allopathists who raise such fine questions, is there one who can give a satisfactory solution to them ? The sort of opinion that should be entertained of their knowledge touching the causes of disease, is seen but too often, when three or four of them are heard dis- puting together when called in to see a patient, and each of them pronouncing such fine hypotheses, when they proceed to a post-mortem examination of the body. Homoeopathy does not pretend to know the essence and cause properly so called of a disease, a thing which is denied to all mortals. It strives neither to impose on itself, nor to deceive the patient with idle conjectures about matters, which it is not given any man to know ; it contents itself w T ith obtaining an idea of that which is appreciable in a disease, its external phenomena, its symptoms, with investigating the occasional causes, so far as they can be discover- ed, or as they still continue to act, with tracing the development of the morbid state, and, which is the principal point in all cases, with effecting a cure, and that in general under circumstances where allopathy, by its own acknowledgment is entirely impotent. It is extremely unjust to say that it is a purely symp- tomatic medicine. Symptomatic medicine troubles itself only about a single symptom, that which is most complained of by the patient, and strives to combat 36 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. it by antipathic means, that is to say, it palliates it, and prevents it not from returning after some time with increased violence. Now, such a mode of pro- ceeding belongs properly to allopathy, and is totally foreign to the principles of homoeopathy. PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 37 ON THE APPLICATION OF HOMOEOPATHY DISEASES OP DOMESTIC ANIMALS. Homoeopathic medicines are employed either in a liquid or a dry form. A long time since I declared my opinion in favour of liquid medicines, seeing that they act with much more quickness, and consequently attain the proposed end with more facility. The dilution I usually employ # is the thirtieth, and through- out this work, this is the state of dilution to be under- stood, unless I shall expressly indicate some other. To administer the medicine, one, or at most two drops of liquid are poured on a thin wafer, which is then placed on the tongue of the animal. The ope- ration always requires two persons, when large ani- mals, more especially horses, are the subjects of treat- ment. The operator places himself on the right side of the animal, grasps the lower jaw with the left hand, then, w T ith the right hand, he draws the tongue to one side between the molars of the left side, and the assistant places the wafer on the base of this organ, as near to the pharynx as possible. For want of the wafer we may employ a small portion of stale bread. We may also mix one or two drops of the medicine with two hundred drops of water, and pour the whole into the mouth, at the same time holding * Experience has taught, that the lower potency is the most effi- cacious in the treatment of animals laboring under acute diseases; but the potency frequently requires varying to meet different symp- toms. In many chronic cases the higher potency should be given, although in the present state of Veterinary Homoeopathy, no general rule can be laid down as to the potency. — Ed. 4 38 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. the head raised ; the imbibition of the buccal mucous membrane being sufficient, it is desirable that the animal swallow nothing. If globules be employed, nothing is easier than to deposit them on the tongue, taking care, however, not to moisten the finger with our own saliva to make them adhere, more especially when we have been smoking a little time before. In the case of cats, into whose mouth it is not always easy to introduce the medicine immediately, it is to be mixed with a little milk which they are to be made to drink ; this method is also very suitable for the pig ; if globules are employed, we commence by bruising them in a small portion of clean paper, and they are then mixed with a little flour, which is to be well mix- ed up in milk. If the pig cannot swallow, or if it be so sick as to refuse drink, its mouth is to be opened by means of a stick, and the liquid poured into it. In case of trismus, if we do not wish to break a tooth, the medicated water is poured into the nose. Ex- perience has proved that the result is still the same. It might also be given in the form of lavement. The animal must remain without eating, and more es- pecially without drinking for an hour at least after it has taken the medicine, and if possible, an hour also before it.* There is no necessity to subject animals to a partic- ular regimen, except perhaps the lap-dog, from which, during a homoeopathic course of treatment, all aro- matic or spiced food must be withheld, and only bread, oatmeal, biscuit, or milk and water must be given. Care must also be taken to put aside all the means advised by ignorant persons or charlatans, without excepting even lavements, unless they consist of pure water with a little milk or soap. It is not right that beside an animal which we may be treat- * A small quantity of flour in a teaspoon, mixed with the medi* cine is one of the best methods of employing it. — En. PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 39 ing homoeopathically, another should be placed, in the treatment of which allopathy has been employing frictions and odoriferous substances. More than one course of homoeopathic treatment has failed, or at least been prolonged, in consequence of these precautions having been neglected. With respect to the horse, there are several others also which should be attended to. As soon as a horse appears ill, it becomes necessary to allow him rest, to give him a clean litfer, which should be frequently renewed, and to keep the stable well ventilated and in a state of the greatest cleanli- ness. During winter, the entrance of draughts of cold air should be prevented ; in the summer, care should be taken that the stable be cool, that the air may circulate freely through it, but so contrived, however, that no draught of air may pass on the ani- mal. It is very useful frequently to sprinkle the ground with cold water, especially when acute dis- eases are present, and when several horses are kept together. It is best to place the animal in a separate stable or loose box when it can be done. In febrile diseases grain of every kind must be withheld, but good hay may be allowed, with mashes of bran, fresh grass and tares ; and in winter, red-beet, potatoes, carrots, &c. The best drink is pure water : in some diseases it is useful to have it made warm, or to add a little meal to it. To remain in a state of rest during the entire course of the disease might often prove in- jurious to the sick animal : if possible then, he should be made to take a little exercise every day, if it be summer, in a shady place ; in winter, in the open air when the sun is up. The length of the exercise should be proportioned to his strength. With respect to the doses of homoeopathic medi- cines, the indications are to be followed which have been already pointed out, or given under the head- of each disease. Special care should be taken not to force them ; thirty years of experience have proved 40 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. that they are quite sufficient, and of this every one may satisfy himself when an opportunity offers. Too strong doses might occasion injurious effects. Neither should a person be in too great a hurry to repeat the doses. This repetition sometimes becomes necessary ; but except the cases in which I have taken care to point out the matter, it never fails to do mis- chief. When the person has selected the proper medicine, that one which covers the greatest possible number of symptoms, and when it is repeated without waiting for the secondary effect of the first dose, it follows that before the curative effect can be brought about, new primary effects are produced ; or the lat- ter being nothing else than a fictitious disease, analo- gous in its symptoms to the natural disease which was to be cured, not only is no amendment obtained, but in most cases an aggravation of the primary disease is occasioned. If the medicine has not been well se- lected, a repetition of the dose can no longer be of any utility ; for it is evident that if a first dose has not produced the desired effect, a second and a third dose will produce it still less. It becomes necessary then, in making an exact revision of the portrait of the dis- ease, to adopt another medicine which may be more appropriate. But very few general rules can be laid down with respect to the repetition of homoeopathic medicines. If the medicine employed produce no effect, it is clear (with the exception of some cases not to be con- sidered here) that it has been badly selected, and that some other ought to be taken, after the lapse of the necessary time. If it act but partially, that is to say if the improvement produced remains stationary, it is repeated at the end of four, six, or eight hours ; and, in acute diseases, at the end of ten, fifteen, or twenty minutes. If the medicine administered in the second instance reproduces symptoms which had been already extinguished by the preceding, the rule is to make the PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 41 latter be taken alternately with the other. When a little time after the animal has taken the dose, the dis- ease is observed to become more virulent, we must not be alarmed, nor should we at all be anxious to have recourse to another remedy; this is almost always a homoeopathic aggravation, which results from the primary effects of the medicine, and conse- quently the surest guaranty that we shall soon have a curative reaction. Too much hurry in such a case can only do mischief. The moment at which the homoeopathic medicine ought to be administered depends on circumstances. In acute diseases the intervals should be shorter : the remedy may either be repeated, or another which seems better, may be adopted after ten, fifteen, or twenty minutes, according to the state of the patient. But, in those which progress with less rapidity, it is necessary to wait at least 'twenty -four hours, and to prescribe a new medicine only when the improve- ment is observed to be arrested, or even to retro- grade. The grand point then is, to watch the animal continually and with great attention. If at a certain time it happens to be attacked again with the same disease as that of which it has been once cured by a certain medicine, recourse must be had to the same remedy ; but we must not be surprised if it do not always produce the same effect as in the first case. The rule, however, is to commence by trying it, and almost always advantage will be derived from so doing. Among homoeopathic medicines there are three, particularly, arnica, Symphytum, and urtica wens, which are more especially employed externally. For this purpose we proceed in the following manner. "We take a cup full of water, and pour into it from twenty-five to thirty drops of the first tincture, we shake it well, and employ the mixture for lotions, fomentations, &c. Some other substances, such as 4* 42 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. aconitum, bryonia, silicia, iodium, ignatia, &c, are also useful occasionally for external application. A question naturally presents itself here : must the error committed in the selection of the medicine be necessarily injurious ? The answer shall be as cate- gorical as satisfactory. Every homoeopathic medicine has a circle of peculiar action, which has been assigned to it by nature. If an organ comprised in this sphere of action is affected with any disease, the small homoe- opathic dose effects on it a modifying impression, in the same manner as a drop of cold water, or a current of air acts on an unsound tooth and excites in it acute pains. But another homoeopathic remedy, whose sphere of action does not embrace this organ, has no more effect on it than a drop of cold water or a cur- rent of air on a sound tooth. It may be objected that homoeopathic medicines have been tried on persons in good health, and that even when some particular one among them exercised no appreciable influence on such or such an organ, it might, nevertheless, occasion changes in other organs, so that after all, a badly se- lected remedy should always do harm. The answer is quite simple : the homoeopathic dynamisations act easily and promptly on a diseased organ, because the morbid state of this organ renders it very accessible to modifying influences ; but the medicines which have been tried on healthy men have been employed in somewhat stronger doses of the pure tinctures, re- peated daily and constantly increased, since here the dynamisations would in general be without any effect ; it follows from this that in consequence of their minute- ness, the homoeopathic doses are incapable of doing harm, and that when we do not choose the proper remedy, the only inconvenience resulting is a trifling delay in the cure. One of the leading circumstances which contributes to the success of the homoeopathic treatment is the manner in which the picture of the disease is drawn PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 43 up, that is to say, the manner in which the group of symptoms by which it manifests itself is collected : for so far as the physician does not perfectly understand the entire of the symptoms, he has but an imperfect image of the disease, and can never be certain that the remedy he selects corresponds perfectly to the latter, that is, covers all its symptoms. But if this is one of the most important points of homoeopathic practice, it is also one of the most difficult. A single symptom, however marked it may be, never represents the ag- gregate of all those of a disease, or never allows us to foretell the others. Very great attention is required not to neglect the precise point which is most essen- tial. The present state of the diseased animal is then to be compared with the greatest care with that of the state of health, for the slightest difference indicates a disturbance in the organism. In order to omit nothing, the symptoms are written down as they are observed, and an entire line is devoted to each, so that room is left for further additions or corrections : a certain order is followed in this process, that is, we must, not be content merely with separating the gen- eral symptoms from the symptoms proper to the par- ticular cases : but we should class them all according to the parts to which they are referrible. The atten- tion is directed chiefly to the circulation, the state of the pulse, the nature of the excrements, the tempera- ture, general and local, the seat of pain, the way in which the animal demeans itself during rest and mo- tion. The eye is then observed, the contractions of the pupil, the prominence or depression of the eye- ball, the color of the conjunctiva, &c, which are all of great assistance in many diseases, more especially in the horse. After having collected all the symptoms, the leading ones are to be separated, that is, those which properly appertain to the present case from those which are 44 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. accessory, or from those which are met with in every disease of any severity. It often happens that the persons who call for the interference of homoeopathy for a sick animal, mention merely the want of appetite, or some other symptom purely general ; no advantage can be derived from information so very vague. But by principal symptoms, those must not always be un- derstood which are the most marked, for it very often happens that a symptom, almost unnoticed, is the pre- cise one which characterizes the particular case in question. Here is an instance of the course to be followed. A disease breaks out among the pigs on a common in the vicinity of my residence and carries off a great num- ber of these animals. The examination of one exhibits the following symptoms : general debility and almost complete loss of sensibility, the hair bristling and tail pendant ; the animal stumbles in walking, so that it is observed soon to remain lying down — the tempera- ture of the body varies rapidly — difficulty of swallow- ing — -total failure of appetite — the animal anxiously roots up its litter. Inflammatory swelling on the neck, chest, and abdomen — reddish streaks on differ- ent parts of the body, which assume a bluish tint a little time before or immediately after death — dura- tion of the disease from one to three days. By these characters we know that the disease in question is called St. Antony's fire in pigs, and not angina, as had been at first supposed after an incomplete detail of symptoms, which circumstance rendered the homoeo- pathic means prescribed totally ineffectual. Experiments have been instituted at the Veterinary School of Berlin, on the application of homoeopathy to the treatment of the diseases of domestic animals, and the public papers have eagerly announced that they had not proved favorable. Fortunately the press re- published the details, which account for the result. Thus, wishing to try Pulsatilla on a horse in good PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 45 health, ten drops of the tenth dynamisation were given to him, which produced no change. The same animal received three days after ten drops of the twentieth dynamization ; then, some time after ten, twenty, and at length forty of the thirtieth, all without the slightest effect. When we recollect what has been already stated, regarding experiments on organisms in a state of health, we shall not be surprised at the negative result. The Berlin School proceeded in the same way in its trials of the homoeopathic treatment : a horse presenting all the symptoms of pleurisy received thirty drops of the thirtieth dynamisation of aconite, which so aggra- vated the disease, that it was thought necessary the following night to bleed him to seven pounds. From what I have said of the homoeopathic doses, this result will be equally well understood, which could not fail to happen, in the same manner as throwing oil on the fire for the purpose of extinguishing it. The person who, being desirous of trying a homoeopathic medicine on the animal in a state of health, takes the thirtieth dynamisation instead of the pure tincture, which should have been administered in increasing doses, and who, in a case of disease prescribes thirty drops of this dynamisation, when a single one was all he should have given, clearly proves that he had no idea of the doctrines of the new school. It is, how- ever, by such means that all the efforts of the govern- ment to arrive at the knowledge of the truth have been paralyzed. AGE OF THE HORSE, Generally speaking, the age of the horse is indeter- minate and relative. It is indeterminate with respect to 46 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. wild horses, concerning which no sufficiently convinc- ing facts can anywhere be found, as also with respect to the animals advanced in years, in which the most important characters, that is, the changes which the teeth undergo, leave us in uncertainty. It is relative in this sense especially, because the breed, the constitu- tion, climate, mode of feeding, the care bestowed on the animal, the habits of life, and the more or less amount of labor, exert a powerful influence on him. The question then, what may be the age of a given horse, is not susceptible of receiving a general answer ; one can- not be given till after several particular circumstances have been taken into account. Thus, the instances of horses which at the age of thirty years are still capa- ble of performing useful services, although no particu- lar care may have been bestowed on them, are not very uncommon ; and one author, Rychner, states that he himself saw, in 1811, a coach horse of a Swiss breed, which was able to work still, though he had attained his forty-fifth year. In general, it is admitted that blood horses attain a greater age than others ; but this opinion cannot be established by facts, as it is. not allowed us to consider the characters assigned to the different ages as capable of being applied to all cases. On the one hand, though the space of six years is ac- corded to the first stage of a horse's life, it is not un- common to see the adult age declare itself from the third year by the aptitude for procreation, and this power may be kept up till the age of sixteen years and more. On the other hand, if persons have sup- posed that the limits of old age could be extended to the twenty-sixth year, there is no lack of instances where horses are old at a much earlier period. Every- thing then depends here on circumstances, and even sex affords no precise data with respect to the appre- ciation of age. The age of the horse is judged from his teeth, and from certain external characters which indicate the PRELIMINARY REMARKS, 47 greater or less perfection of the animal, as also from the state of his condition and strength. The surest method is to employ both means for forming our con- clusions. But in order duly to appreciate the signs of age as afforded by the teeth, it is indispensable to have an exact knowledge of their form, structure, cutting, of their increase and diminution. The teeth of the horse are of two kinds ; the one permanent, those which the animal possesses in his perfect state, and which he retains till death ; the others temporary, or milk-teeth, which make room for the preceding after a certain time. With respect to the permanent teeth, the perfect horse has forty ; however, very often there are found only thirty-six, all molars, because the canine are wanting, or are very small, These forty teeth are included under three heads ; incisors, canine, and molars. The incisors, which occupy the anterior portion of the jaws, and which are covered by the lips, are twelve in number, six above and six below. Those in the central portion are called front-nippers, the two fol- lowing the middle, and the two most external corner teeth, names which are equally applicable to the two jaws. The canine, called also tusks, come after the in- cisors, and are four in number ; two in each jaw, one on each side. It is only in males they are found per- fectly developed ; they are generally wanting in fe- males. To the canine succeed the molars, of which each jaw contains twelve, six on each side. They are dis- tinguished into first, second, &c. ; the first being that next to the canine, and the sixth terminating the series. Each tooth is composed of three distinct parts, viz. the crown, or that part projecting out of the gum ; the 48 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. neck, or that which is covered by the gum ; and the root, or that which is inclosed in the alveolus. There are also distinguished in each tooth three sub- stances : the enamel, which covers the surface of the crown ; the ivory, situate beneath it ; and the cement which occupies the middle of the tooth. In the course of years the enamel is worn away by degrees ; the crown produces this effect by friction, and the tooth projects more and more out of the alveolus, so that it becomes longer, because the gum at the same time retracts. It is chiefly in the incisors that this change is remarked, a change brought on by the progress of age. The different sorts of teeth differ very much from one another with respect to their configuration. The incisor which is curved from behind forwards, in the direction of its length presents the form of a wedge, and its crown that of a chisel. The permanent incisor is from two inches and a half to three inches in length, and when it is not worn away it presents, on its sur- face, a cavity called the mark, and which, as will be seen further on, furnishes very important characters for determining the horse's age. The deepest part of this depression is lost in the cavity of the root. The de- pression and its lower part are covered with enamel. The cavity is a little longer and deeper in the incisors of the upper than in those of the lower jaw, so that it remains a longer time visible, and is not worn so much by friction. In fact, the depression becomes smoother and smoother with years, according as the tooth itself is worn away ; so that in old horses, there is nothing found in the place of the depression but a plane sur- face, and of a somewhat deep color, called the table. The canine teeth^ or tusks, assume the form of a cone, slightly curved backwards ; in youth they have a sharp point directed backwards, and two cutting edges curved internally, between which there is a furrow. The point and edges become more and more PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 49 blunted by the progress of age, and earlier in the lower than in the upper jaw. The molars are rather square, of a cubic form : the crown is the broadest part, and they become a little attenuated towards the root. The crown forms a surface somewhat unequal, consisting of depressions and elevations, which gradually become altered with age. The number of the milk-teeth is twenty-four — twelve incisors, and twelve molars. Each jaw contains six of the first, and six of the second, three on each side. All these teeth are gradually pushed out by those which succeed them ; the permanent tooth, situate beneath the milk-tooth, absorbs the root of the latter according as it grows, so that, when it is on the point of coming through, the crown of that whose place it is about to take falls, and it is frequently found in the manger. The order in which this phenomenon takes place, affords characters by means of which the age of the horse may be determined during the first years of his life. The milk-teeth are situated in the same places as those to be occupied subsequently by the succeeding teeth, and they bear the same names as the latter. As the development, renewal, and wearing of the teeth, are connected with certain stages, these changes are taken advantage of for the purpose of determining the age of the horse. However, it is not to be con- sidered as an infallible mode of arriving at the truth ; for many circumstances exercise considerable influence in this respect, and consequently render more or less fallacious the inductions drawn from it. This takes place when the object is to assign the age of an old horse, for the older the animal is, the more risk is run in committing an error. The duration of the horse's life has been divided, according to the changes of the teeth, into three stages, which extend, the first from birth to the begin- 50 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. ning of the second year, the second to the end of the fourth year, and the last up to death. 1. During the first stage the milk-teeth are deve- loped completely, and the first permanent molars are also seen to appear. Properly speaking, the foal must have, on coming into the world, twelve molars, of which three are on each side of each jaw ; but this rule often admits of exceptions, and in feeble sub- jects the molars sometimes do not come out till after birth. At the age of eight or ten days, even a little sooner in strong animals, the two front nippers pierce the gum, and always first in the upper jaw ; from the third to the fifth week the central teeth are seen to appear, at first superiorly, then inferiorly, and during this time the molars are more and more developed. Up to the sixth month the milk-teeth continue to grow, and become even ; that is, they are ranged in the same direction, and the two edges of each are placed on the same level. ; From the sixth to the eighth month the corner- incisors appear, of which those of the upper jaw also precede by some days those of the lower. At the end of the first year the foal reckons twenty- four milk-teeth, viz. : twelve incisors, and twelve mo- lars. During this time the front incisors become level, and the centrals soon after. These changes always happen some months sooner in blood horses than in common horses. The care taken of the mother during gestation and lactation, are influential in this respect; for the good nourishment which they receive facilitates and expedites the process ef denti- tion in the young animal ; whilst the want of care, cold stabling, &c, retard it, and render it more diffi- cult in the other. The body of the foal also presents the following changes at the end of the first year : the hair of the mane and of the tail are less curled than before ; the PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 51 tail, which reached only as far as the hams, becomes longer, the gait is more confident, the fore-legs are straighter, the frontal region exhibits less prominence, and the animal exhibits more strength in its move- ments. From the end of the first year to that of the second, little changes are observed in the teeth. During this time the milk-teeth are more and more worn, so that at eighteen months the mark is worn not only on the front teeth, (which already occurred,) but also in the central teeth, and the corners have lost their cutting edges. In general, the milk-teeth at this period seem less broad, because their crowns have been partly worn by friction, and the teeth themselves have been pushed out, which causes the neck or attenuated part to be more perceptible. It is worthy of notice, that the upper incisors are worn always from six to nine months later than the lower, that consequently they lose their mark later, and that they are not so much pushed out, though still they are sooner developed than those of the lower jaw. At the end of the second year the first permanent molars are seen to appear, that is, the fourths, so that then the young animal has twenty-eight teeth : twelve incisors, twelve milk molars, and four permanent mo- lars : these latter are seated behind the milk molars of each jaw. 2. During the second period of life, that is from the end of the second year to that of the fifth, not only do all the milk-teeth make room for the permanent teeth, but further, all the molars which are wanting pierce the gum, and towards the end of this period the per- manent incisors have appeared. It is during this lapse of time that the teeth furnish the most certain characters for recognizing the age of the horse, which becomes more and more developed with re- spect to size, strength, and the energy of his move- ments, i'hl PRELIMINARY REMARKS. At live, years fix- horse has all Ins permanent teeth, twenty-four molars, twelve incisors, and four canines (in mules;) the corner teeth have become uniform. During the second period the animal is rather fre- quently attacked with certain morbid affections de- pending on the process of dentition ; mastication is difficult ; lie frequently has difficulty in swallowing, wlneli prevents him from eating; the eye:, become in- flamed, he has ;> discharge al the nose, and he may even i><- attacked with nervous symptoms, lifs of ver- tigo, &c. 3. During the third period, that is, from the fifth to the eighth year, all the permanent teeth are de- veloped, ili<- body Ins attained perfection with respect to size and Strength } the horse is lilled for more long continued labor than In-fore. The following years the teeth become more and more, worn, the size of the body and the strength dimmish gradually, and the in- firmities of age become more and more marked. However, this effect takes place much sooner in some; horses than in others ; different circumstances exert an influence with respect to this matter, and cause the murks ol age (the wearing <>! the teeth) to be somewhat earlier in one animal Hum in another. The signs ol old age are manifested earlier in high- bred horses (ol English or Arabian breed) than in others. The attention paid i<> the animal, his feeding, the manner in which he has been worked, exercise considerable influence in this respect. As far as re- gards the teeth, there are several circumstances which cause them to be worn much sooner, and make the animal look older than he really is : such as, a very abundant supply of food (ingrain,) the perfect corre- spondence of the upper and lower teeth, which makes them rub with more force, the one against the other, during mastication, and the less solidity of their tex- ture, which renders them more liable to be worn ; in this respect, H is to he observed, that in genera] the ore firm in high-bred boi - lancet of an oppo te '.:•,•.' ■ • - for ;* .'. \\i:v,'-.<; it [olio , that the ;•; of age are much during tbif period, and ths . .• - - -/. i d i>y ; ; f ^r for • . advanced in age, and by two f jr tl ■■ - mor< ■:<: oi i> ■' the teeth lis e atfc tied l - opuient, thonj a little uroM on the front Hit they j than in the The eaninef ■ eloped ; they d wimmit, and cutting later old tl r of the front incko i of the middk .i, of the i the ed more, the . . the te< . • • At the ear the n ; d ; the narrower, and tlie ]p cornet tei ied< Wbe ote^ thecs i o o ■ ■ - ed Howevi . ■ • •. ■ At of the two front • / 04 '. e time ........ 5* 54 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. than broad, because they are more out of their al- veoli. The cavity of the middle teeth of the upper jaw dis- appears at twelve, and at fourteen or fifteen it is ef- faced on the corner teeth of this same jaw : these teeth also are diminished in breadth, and become thicker. During this period of from eight to ten, up to twelve or fourteen years, the crowns of all the incisors are very much worn, more so, however, in the lower than in the upper jaw, and these teeth have escaped from their alveoli, which makes them appear more thick than broad. The following characters may be derived from the teeth, indicative of advanced age. At fifteen the di- minution in breadth of the lower incisors is more marked, as well as their increase in thickness. At seventeen and eighteen, these changes are very per- ceptible in the incisors of the upper jaw. Generally speaking, after the fourteenth year, the incisors assume a more horizontal direction ; before that they ap- proached nearer to the vertical. When the horse is very old, from eighteen to twenty, his teeth present the following peculiarities : the incisors resemble angular palissades, because the gum has receded, so that the roots are almost ex- posed ; their table has assumed a triangular form. These phenomena are observed on the lower jaw sooner than on the upper, and on the nippers sooner than on the central and corner teeth. The crowns of the incisors are also closer to one another whilst their roots are separated, which gives a pointed form to the mouth ; moreover, they often become oblique, loosen, and fall out. But these characters have but a general value, and I have already remarked that they may lead into error, even an error of three years. Other signs announce old age in the horse. The animal is stiff and heavy in his movements, his legs PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 55 seem unable to carry him, he takes only short steps, his muscles decline, however nutritious his food may be, which renders him unable to bear for any length of time either moving or work ; the edges of the bones become prominent, more especially the articu- lations of the hind legs ; the upper jaw becomes flat- tened, the lower one loses its breadth (becomes lower,) and the lower part of the face acquires in con- sequence a pointed appearance. The mucous membrane of the nose and throat is not as red as formerly, the lower lip is pendant, the eyes are sunk in the orbit, they become dull and tur- bid, the power of vision diminishes ; the head of the animal assumes the appearance of old age, to which the white hairs growing on the brows contribute con- siderably, which are remarked at an earlier period in horses whose coat is of a .dark color than in others. White hairs are also seen on other parts of the body ; but they must be carefully distinguished from the white spots which are observable even in young horses, either as a lusus naturce, or on parts of the body which have been bruised, wounded, or skinned. The hoof becomes dry and brittle ; the skin is wrin- kled in consequence of the adipose tissue having dis- appeared, and the anus projects externally. Arrived at this age, the animal no longer eats, except with difficulty, very slowly, and almost always on one side. In horses which have been well treated in their youth, especially those which have not been too early worked, or which belong to a high breed, these symp- toms of old age become developed at a later period, or do not attain the same degree as in those which are in the opposite case. SLIGHT GLANCE AT THE STABLE, WITH THE BREEDING AND MANAGEMENT OF DIFFERENT KINDS OF HORSES, ON THE STABLE. Where it is possible, and room is not so much an object as the comfort, and well doing of the horses, in forming the interior of the stable, the stalls should be double the size of those in general use ; that is to say,' about fourteen feet in breadth, and twenty in length, so as to form each into separate box stalls ; the timber, of which elm is the best, should be about five feet in height, and at the bottom fitted into iron grooves, as it will prevent displacement and preserve it from decay ; iron rails should be placed on the timber to the requi- site height and width, so as to prevent the animal from biting his companions, either over the top or between the rails. Paving bricks, properly cemented, form one of the best floorings in use ; there should be two gratings in each box, from whence a small drain should be made to communicate with a larger drain, running length* ways of the building, to carry off the water. ON THE STABLE. 57 Sliding-doors, running on rollers, should be placed at the back of the horses, so that the horse can be quite enclosed and still at liberty, without being disturbed ; there should be six feet between the doors of the box stall and the wall, that any of the horses could be visited without disturbing their companions. Several ventilators ought to be placed through the roof, over the part that serves as a passage through the stable, with means of enlarging or decreasing the space for the passage of air, by means of a cap and pully ; and air pipes should also be placed about two feet from the ground, so as to admit fresh air, and which would materially tend to the expulsion of the respired air ; but the air pipes near the ground should be so contrived as not to produce a draught or current of air towards the horses, which might be avoided by giving it an upward or downward tendency ; the windows should also have the means of opening. This regulation of drainage and ventilation will always prove one of the best pre- ventives of disease, and by means of which you may manage to keep the thermometer at almost any degree, fifty-four being a good maximum, in the winter : but an intelligent groom can best regulate that, according to the horses placed under his care, as age, breed, and the former habits exercise considerable influence in this respect. The best feeding I have found, and that now very generally adopted being oats, bruised beans, chaff from the best sweet hard hay, and clover ; two trusses of the former to one of the latter, and given when feeding *w T ith oats, in small quantities, and a little hay twice a day, morning and evening. Horses should be watered three times a day, and the water ought not to be quite cold for horses kept warm with clothing, &c, that is, in the winter ; it is also a good plan to dissolve a few ounces of chloride of lime in a pail of water, and throw down each drain about once a fortnight. Pads formed of tow and soaked in water, should be 58 BREEDING. constantly kept in horses' feet when standing in the stable, by means of two thin pieces of split cane placed across the bottom of the foot, with the ends under the shoe, or the patent pads may be used. Horses' hoofs should have three times a week, or oftener, a mixture of three parts of common seal-oil to one of tar, rubbed round their hoofs, which will prevent them from getting brittle. Stables should frequently be well washed, and when the animals are at exercise, if none remain in, the windows and doors should be left open till their re- turn. As the management of horses varies so considerably, according to the use required of them, and even of those intended for the same kind of work, and also the varie- ties of constitutions, tempers, &c. of different horses, no general rule could be laid, down with respect to the management. The treatment of both training and hunting grooms, and the plans adopted, will of course, (with those at least that well study their business) be altered accordingly, and for this reason these remarks will be very concise. BREEDING. It is by the proper selection of parents, that we must look forward to the value, appearance, and usefulness of the stock. With regard to thorough-bred horses, the subject has received the assistance of so many able and intelligent men, conversant with racing matters, that anything emanating from my pen would fall short of instruction on that subject. One of the principal points in breeding, is to advance, or in a manner, force the strength of the foal, so as to meet the work re- quired in his preparation, (should he have any engage- ments,) at two years old, although the artificial forcing, BREEDING. 09 as it were, shortens the number of . and early training entails many of those diseases to which h< particularly race-horses, are so do! i taking compare lively to the qui bred, that reach f. :. the adult period, with sound legs and feet ; but custom has adopted early run- ning of horses, • b a p b fr o m p e c u mar v c o nsu tion than any other, the e of keeping them being very heavy ; it remains to point out to the uninitiated in such matters, the best method of bringing them forward. For thi* purpose, the darn before foaling. should have a paddock to herself, with a good thatched, well aired and littered, and, if possible, with a southern aspect. There should be doors to the shed at one comer, with posts on rollers at the sides, to pi ,al at play, when qolng in and out. from injuring itself; there should be also 1'arge lattice windows, to admit plenty of air and light ; this will, as it bring the foal, from its infancy, used to the stable. The diet of the mother should be of the n o tritious kind ; can . \ hay, and r . should be - allowed: and as has sufficiently grown, e le should also in addition to - a good a . i ply, as it will material : early d . as the dam is taken away, the foal should have a ee. i , an old p - well, but generally other young stock that may be placed with it; be sbo .- handled, led s with the cj and well di . it ail tends to strengthen him. He should be ... .hed with ay, and occs . bould be to hirn a of colcarea carbatrica, calcarea phosphor at a. and : / forward the bony structure ; at the same time let" hirn have the full liberty of going into the open air as ''-'ell as being led out for an hour each day, with the care-on, which will brine him ready to the trainer's hands, without 60 BREEDING. irritating and weakening the animal by breaking, sweating, and physicking, &c, as the latter only de- bilitates the constitution, and predispose the animal to disease, rendering the stomach and intestines irritable, and inducing costiveness ; the air passages also sym- pathizing with the stomach, are thereby predisposed to catarrh, bronchitis, &c. Should the animal evince signs of the strangles, mercurius | should be given, followed by hepar sulphuris. Byronia, if indicated, and sidph. After sweating, chi?ichona should be ad- ministered ; if coldness of the extremities, arsenicum ; when shedding the coat, chinchona, calcarea, and silicea are useful. To return to the choice of animals for general breed- ing, that is half-bred horses, the mare selected should not be less than sixteen hands high, of good temper, clean head, large eyes, small muzzle, wide between the angle of the sub-maxillary jaws, deep oblique shoulders, with large flat legs, short between the joints, and the flexor tendons standing well out, and not, as is termed, tied in under the knee, the girth should be moderately round and very deep ; the back or false ribs deep, and standing well out. I do not attach so much importance to the very short back and the close approximation of the ribs to the hip, as is generally so much sought after ; although confessedly, for carry- ing immense weights, it is a point that should not be lost sight of ; but there can be no doubt of its detract- ing considerably from the speed of the animal. The quarters should be lengthy, wide, and muscular, the angle formed between the hips, round-bone and stifle, should be large, the thighs muscular, the hocks flattish and large, and the os calcis, or point of the hock should be prominent, and the large metatarsal or can- non bone should be rather short, constituting what is termed a well let down quarter. This kind of mare is to be met with out of the hunting stables, or coach- ing establishments ; the animal's wind and constitution MANAGEMENT OF YOUNG HORSES. 61 should be well examined, and if sound, her age is not so much an object, but should not be bought, if to repay the breeder well, after fourteen years old. This kind of animal put to a thorough-bred horse of good appearance, will generally remunerate the breeder ; the cost of keeping good and bad stock being the same, the trouble being the selection of a mare. A good four year old colt or filly, unbroke, well shaped, &c. being worth forty pounds according to the average price of horses ; whilst for a bad looking one of the same age, it would be difficult to find a purchaser. MANAGEMENT OF YOUNG HORSES. In the management of young horses, one of the principal things to be observed is, not to let the change from the natural to the artificial state be too sudden, to have cool, well-drained and ventilated stables ; the practice of bleeding and physicking should be aban- doned ; in lieu thereof, let the exercise be better pro- portioned, and the quantity of food gradually increased, and I make no doubt that the animals will encounter the variations of temperature, to which of necessity they must be exposed, with fewer diseases than is generally attendant on domestication. A young horse should not have less than two hours' exercise every day, with a steady well-tempered man to tutor him, either in the break or saddle ; if intended for the pur- pose of hunting, he should be, for a week or two, practised over various kinds of fences, with a long line fastened to his bit ; he may thus be rode with hounds, a man having a long line still fastened to his bit ; he should then set him over light fences : but when they are difficult he should dismount and lead him over. This accustoms young horses to become steady, per- fect fencers, and to make them either go at their fences full speed, as larger ditches and brooks require the 6 62 MANAGEMENT OF YOUNG HORSES. impetus of speed, or steady, as double banks, drops, and awkward timber fences. I have known young horses very excellent fencers before they had been half a dozen times with hounds, only through their proper training ; and I have seen a colt leap a hurdle with gorse five feet in height after his oats, he never having been in the breaker's hands ; and most young horses will, with proper management, become good fencers. In perfecting young horses for hacks, it is necessary that they should be ridden through the streets, in crowds, and with soldiers, and made to face all kinds of vehicles ; for which purpose it is ne- cessary that a good rider, with hands and temper to boot, should be on their backs several hours daily. Although they generally are at first shy, they become weary with continual walking about in the streets, until they get accustomed to all kinds of noises, which, if good tempered they soon will, and when the horse is weary w T ith walking, the man should frequently dis- mount, teach the horse to stand, and mount again. For the purpose of harness, the means employed is, to place the young horse by the side of a well- trained old horse in the double break ; those that are accustomed and kept for the purpose, are the best, and they should have daily lessons ; and if required for single harness,' a stout, straight-shafted, high gig is used after the animal has been a sufficient time in double harness, and in which he may take his daily lessons. The lighter the bit used, the better generally will be the horse's mouth and temper ; should he pull hard, he ought to stand with the mouthing bit on in the stables, or the dumb-jockey, and fastened on each side with the pillar reins for an hour or two each day. The summering of hunters has been a subject of much argument, some advocating the turning out in meadows ; whilst others, consider the keeping of hunt- ers in boxes the best method, and feeding them on vetches, &c« MANAGEMENT OF YOUNG HORSES. 63 The best management is between the two, if sheds can be procured in lowland pasture, where the horses can be well fed with oats ; the exercise they then re- ceive, together with the moisture from the grass, is de- cidedly more beneficial to the health of the animal and to the improvement of his feet than standing all the summer through, on straw or tan, or mould as it be- comes impregnated with urine, generating ammoniacal gas, &c. The sheds should have doors, so that the animal can be shut in from tempestuous weather, or when it is excessively hot, or much tormented with flies ; if the boxes face the north, it will be cooler, and they can leisurely resort to the sheds from the annoy- ance of flies, for which reason they should not be placed near woods. Thatch is the best roofing, as it does not impart the" heat of the sun like most others in use. Nutritious food, such as oats, should never be with- held from the hunter in summer, especially aged horses ; for the loss of stimulating food in the summer will be readily seen by the wasted condition of the muscles of horses during their conditioning or prepa- ration for the next season's work ; and which tone of muscle, old horses take a long time in recovering, although they may look well and fat w 7 hen first taken up. August, by general consent, being the month that hunters are again brought into the stables to undergo the preparation for hunting, and during that month and to the middle of September, long walking exercise every morning from five to eight o'clock should be adopted, and the horses watered out. The next step is to alternate the trot with the walk, so that they may walk two hours and trot one ; but where there is cub hunting, some of the horses will be kept in from their morning's work to go, which tends greatly to bring young horses into a proper form, as well as to make them steady. About the beginning of October, hunters 64 MANAGEMENT OF YOUNG HORSES. should have fast work. Horses that are of a craven disposition and gross habit of body, should sweat at least once a week, that is, take their gallop of four miles at half speed, with hood and body clothes. Light-hearted horses of a nervous disposition will not require their work so severe ; generally speaking, a two mile gallop thrice a week, with a gentle canter and trot each day between, is sufficient. Whereas the craven horse should go from three to four miles thrice a week, with a gentle canter and trot each day between. They should also walk half an hour before and after their work ; if the stable is convenient, it is the best way to scrape the sweating horses in, and then let them walk out half an hour. This method should be adopted till the commencement of hunting, and the horses will be brought to a state of condition that they will require little less than walking exercise, that is if they go regularly with the hounds ; for a horse that does not go oftener than once a week, a gallop is requisite on the fifth day after hunting, and on the sixth he should have a canter whilst out at his exercise, which means will ensure his lasting through a run, provided he is judiciously ridden, and his natural abilities good. The morning after hunting, a horse should have an hour's walking exercise, that is, if he is well and not lame ; but on the other days the time of exercise should not be less than two hours, from eight o'clock in the morning till ten. The hours I have named have the advantage of better daylight than from six o'clock till eight, and generally it is a little warmer ; it has its disadvantages, too. Some prefer the earlier hours, but the time of shutting up the stable will not be materially altered ; five o'clock in the winter being a good hour to go to the stable, therefore if the horses are dressed and the men have had their breakfasts, they will then be ready to get their two hours' exercise over by ten o'clock. The horses will not require so long dressing as when they are not dressed before ex- A GLANCE AT SHOEING. 65 ercise, although many grooms prefer the earlier exer- cise ; and where the help is insufficient, the work of the stable could not be so well performed without it was adopted. . Many an argument has been held that hunters do not require fast exercise ; but I have never found horses so fit to go as those that have had plenty of fast exercise ; but of course the work that horses do should always be performed under the immediate eye of a sensible and experienced person ; that the best ground should be selected and the pace regulated, as many foolish persons abuse the horses placed under their charge, and do the animal more harm by what is termed giv- ing him a gallop than a day's hunting. In the preparation of hunters many medicaments are likely to be required, such ascalcarea, silicea, and sul- phur, when changing their coat. After sweating, cin- chona, antimonium crudum and arsenicum; if catarrh in damp weather, dulcamara, also bryonia, sulphur ^ &c. ; if with loose cough, mercurius, iodium, and se- pia ; if feverish, aconite, bryonia, &c. Twice a week, in lieu of one of his feeds of oats, the horse should have a mash of bran, which will guard against constipation. A GLANCE AT SHOEING. Volumes have been written on the subject of shoeing horses, and many improvements of late have taken place. I have lately introduced the use of a solution of caoutchouc mixed with fine cut cork, with the view of guarding against concussions, as it is through con- cussion that many of the lamenesses are caused, particularly ring bones, ossified lateral cartilages, laminitis, and disease of the navicular joint, &c. It is well calculated for recent sprains, particularly of the flexor tendons, and suspensory ligaments of the fore legs ; it is to be used in lieu of leather soles, as by 6* 66 A GLANCE AT SHOEING. its elasticity, and being quite impervious to wet, it is well adapted for the purpose for which I have intro- duced it, namely, to guard against concussion . # In nailing a hard, unyielding material, as iron, to the in- sensible part of the horse's foot, we deprive him, in a measure, of a natural spring, as horn is elastic in a slight degree ; and it is only to be wondered that foot lamenesses are not more frequent, when we consider the pace the horse is driven over the stones of the metropolis and macadamized roads, and the great weight thrown on each foot as it reaches the ground. This introduction of course would not suit the hunting field, or the race course, from the liability of being pulled off; neither is it required there, as the ground in itself is yielding. I have found no shoes so good for hunters as the plain concave shoe, properly fitted, and they can easily be seated if the horse's sole should be too flat, so as to require it, and they are scarcely ever cast. The hunting shoes of the hind feet should be, in turning, hammered with a sledge in a mould placed on the anvil, so as to form the toe and part of the sides quite round. There has been much said with regard to the expansibility of the horse's foot, at least, the under, or part that the shoe is nailed to. I do not deny that there is expan- sion in that part of the foot ; but it is very limited, much more so than we are induced to believe from the stress laid by many authors on the expansion of that part of the horse's foot, but the expansion is consider- able from the pressure of the lateral and inferior car- tilages, and those more elastic parts of the horse's foot that tend to guard against concussion. The shoes used for hacks, carriage horses, &c, are numerous, and of late many new inventions have been introduced. * Experience has shown that the caoutchouc wears the best with- out being mixed with cork. — Ed. A GLANCE AT SHOEING. 67 I have found a similar fore shoe to those I have recommended for hunters very well adapted for hacks, with the exception of being a trifle wider and longer at the heels, with the nails placed more anteriorly : and if a horse is in the habit of clicking or forging, this kind of fore-shoe would be still more called for, and the toe of the hind foot should project a little over the shoe. These shoes should always be steeled at the toe, otherwise they would wear too quickly, on account of the ground surface being narrower than that of the flat shoe. # I think it a better plan, where caulkings are used on the shoes of the hind feet of carriage horses, to have both heels turned up, as it prevents slipping more effectually when they are obliged to be suddenly pulled up, especially on the wood pavement ; and another advantage derived from it is, the more equal bearing of the heels, by placing them on a parallel from the ground, as nature never intended to have one heel higher than the other ; and for light work, if caulkings are used, they should not be made too long. When one half is turned up, and the other thickened, it generally occurs that the one turned up is higher than the inner heel of the shoe, which is thickened, consequently the foot is uneven, and there- by rendered more liable to sprains. There is a disad- vantage attending the turning up of both heels, that is, a liability to wound the coronet of the foot, but it is of very unfrequent occurrence ; and horses that stand with one foot on the other whilst resting, should not have the inner heel turned up, but thickened to an equal height as the outer heel. Horses that are in the habit of cutting must be shod accordingly. One of the most efficacious plans in the prevention of cutting, is the three-quartered shoe ; it should be * Rodway's patent shoes are very much approved of by parties that use them extensively. 68 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. steeled at the toe and made very light and thin, with* out a caulking on the outside heel. There are other kinds used on some horses with advantage. The em- ployment of the unilateral shoe is also very general for the same purpose. That to which much importance should be attached, is the proper fitting of the shoe, and not to cut open the heels or rasp the crust thin ; the heels should not be left too high, and the toes of most fore-feet require a little shortening at each shoeing, and the superfluous and broken parts of the sole should alone be taken away ; but on no account to leave the sole too thin, as a bruise from a stone might occasion the animal to falh SYMPTOMS OF DISEASES OF THE HORSE. The diagnosis of the diseases of the horse, without which there is no possibility of curing them, is a mat- ter as important as it is difficult in certain cases. In order to establish it, it is necessary to subject the sick animal to an examination, which not only embraces the disease and its symptoms, but extends also to the rest of the phenomena of the animal's peculiar life. The comparison between these two orders of symp- toms, shows us how far the present state of the horse is removed from the natural condition, and allows us to establish our prognosis ; for it is evident that the more the functions are altered from their normal course, the more the physiognomy of the animal dif- fers from what it should be, the more the exterior is changed ; the more the secretions and excretions have become irregular ; the more serious and alarming is the character of the disease. The examination of a sick animal presents, in some respects more, in some less of difficulty than that of a human being affected with disease. It is more diffi- cult, inasmuch as the practitioner must often dispense DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 69 with the knowledge of the history of the case. The animal not being able to speak to inform him of his previous habits, of the injurious influences to which he was exposed, of his present feelings, of the duration of his disease, &c, and the persons who are in care of him, generally affording but very incomplete informa- tion, — we frequently obtain but very vague and un- satisfactory ideas about the case ; besides that, we are not always told respecting the onset of the disease, whether such onset be really unknown, or those in charge of the animal have been too careless to inquire into it, or there may be some motive for concealing it. Another difficulty is owing to this, that the animals cannot tell us their subjective symptoms, that is to say, what they feel, the nature of their pains, &c. But on the other hand the examination is more easy in some respects, because the animal, obedient to its instinct, expresses its sufferings by movements, atti- tudes, looks, sounds, &c. The phenomena themselves are much more distinctly marked, because there is not in this case as in man, the imagination to exercise any influence over them. Also everything discovered in the sick animal may be considered as a consequence of the state of the organs. The pulse and beatings of the heart, among others, afford much more precise and certain signs than in man. A practical knowledge of the symptoms of the disease constitutes what is called, in veterinary medicine, the coup (Peril, and is very necessary to the homoeopathist. It is of the utmost importance, when a sick animal is examined, carefully to collect all the symptoms, even those the least marked, and to arrange them properly ; for this is almost the sole and only means of ascertain- ing the form of the disease ; the practitioner having no other resource for this, except to take into account that which is represented externally in the animal. The order in which we proceed to the examination is not a matter of indifference ; from the manner in 70 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. * which it is done, we judge of the skill of the practi- tioner. Thus it would be giving a very unfavorable idea of oneself to commence the examination by- indicating the accessory symptoms, and then to pass to that of the essential symptoms, or to jumble and confound both orders of symptoms indiscriminately. To confine oneself to a certain order is, besides, a means for rendering the examination itself much easier. The usage is to commence with the symptoms which are referrible to the exterior of the animal, and which, as such, first fall under the cognizance of the senses, because in many cases, they are sufficient to enable us to recognize the disease, and even to judge of its seat. To this head may be referred : — 1st. The movements and attitudes of the body and its several parts, chiefly of the head, eyes, limbs, and tail, as the animal indicates the pains he feels by striv- ing to repel or avoid the pernicious influences from without, or to relieve the sufferings which torture him. 2nd. The look and physiognomy. To be sure it cannot be said that the horse has a physiognomy, in the sense in which this term is applied to the human sub- ject. Still the character, the breed, and the state of health and of disease are expressed in him in a very striking manner. His physiognomy becomes particu- larly characteristic in tetanus, internal gangrene, ver- tigo, &c. It is for this reason we should attach a spe- cial importance to the examination of the eye. After having considered all the symptoms connected with the exterior of the body of the animal, we next proceed to examine the pulse and the beatings of the heart. These two phenomena have great value, as characteristic signs, in the diseases of our domestic an- imals — of the horse more especially. The pulse is felt on embracing the submaxillary artery between the index and middle finger, as it crosses the anterior por- tion of the tuberosity of the lower jaw. With respect DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 71 to the beatings of the heart, they are felt by placing the palm of the hand on the horse's left side, not far from the elbow. But to be able to judge of a disease from the pulsations of the arterial system, it is neces- sary to know the character of the pulse in the state of health, and to have attained a certain degree of dex- terity in examining it. The number of the pulsations is about from thirty-two to forty per minute in the adult horse when in health, and from forty-six to fifty- five in the young horse. If the animal is irritable, his pulse is more frequent and also harder, that is, it strikes with more force against the finger, which is generally considered a sign of vigor ; it is slower and softer in phlegmatic breeds. The pulse varies very much in diseases. It is ac- celerated (above fifty, sometimes seventy or eighty, and even up to one hundred or more,) in febrile dis- eases. The pulse at once frequent, hard, and strong, in general indicates an inflammatory affection. When slow and weak, or easily compressed, it denotes de- bility, advanced age, or an anemic state of the body. When accelerated or feeble, it indicates imminent danger, and worse still, if it have an unequal, inter- mitting character. In pneumonia, it is frequently op- pressed. In enteritis, hard, quick, and wiry in its feel. If whilst the mouth and feet are cold, the pulse is no longer felt, life is very seriously threatened. Oftentimes the pulsations of the heart are no longer perceptible during the repose of the animal, but slight motions are sufficient to render them perceptible. Further, there are two circumstances which must not be lost sight of; the first is, that we can judge so much better of the state of the pulse, the more tran- quil the animal is ; the second is, that the pulse is in- fluenced by everything which can excite fear or unea- siness, so that we should not examine it abruptly, and before we have familiarized ourselves with the animal to a certain extent, / 2 DISEASES oi tiii; HORSE. Alicr i h< * puis©, th© respiration should be examined 5 wr should Insl attend lo lis l'i ei i: > to the pulsations of the bearti in the state of health* the horse respires from nine to ten times ©very minute. We should see also what the temperature and odor of the expired air may be. We examine ail die pheno- mena wiili winch the respiration may be accompanied, such as different sounds, cough; &c. The anomalies <>f tins function possess great importance, nol only in the, idiopathic affections of the organs charged with its performance, hut also in the diseases <»• to digestion. The apparatus destined for the performance <*f this func- tion furnishes important diagnostic signs, inasmuch as, it enjoys ;• great predominance in our domestic ani- mals, and independently <»f the diseases peculiar to it, ii participates in those of several other systems and organs. We investigate the signs winch may be de- rived from hunger, thirst, the manner in winch the animal lakes his food, inn I i<:il< : and swallows il, Ihe state of die abdomen, Hie quality of the alvinc dejec- tions, &e. The total loss of appetite is ;• phenomenon much more serious in domestic annuals than in man. 11 is, therefore, always a lavorahlc sivn when Ihey lake food, provided, however, that they are cons* ions of what they do. a phenomenon worthy of remark is, that inflamma- tory diseases are accompanied by an increase in the contraction of die intestinal parietes, and a diminution in the secretions, which may be ascertained by th© small size, hardness, dryness, the more or less deep color <>f the evacuations, whilst the contrary takes place in putrid diseases, where the alvin© dejections ted into lai ■ j .■ .j in refei . ■. . eontrib tfe - to n* Ibe genera] state oj inflammatkm, putridity . . tiighe : importance. La ■. , ention to the ' re of the ■ -, ". ':h\<;i\y of the .".'. .'. and • •■ u pale or red color- and the eh* : -.'■ i o( ....... i to .'.'..'-■-' . . riot '--•../ chi \ao on the • » of the d -. . i .. I bey de not i from the .vo-.yo.w . I bem - . re .. A* must be oo.-. ..',-. te prod ret oi ibjeetive < -A an cm obj ' be ■'.'■ - i etion •, eon '''-•, mode oi life, the .: mm be ha . bad ' - . I be ; - te '-• I i ; . b be i ri .;■', the di tea e i i itfc rbiefa he bad pre rid ' - .-: rtate o( I be ■. a • :;.'.'.': .."/.'. With /'. JJ .':',',' ', ' , o . ; ' . ■/, \ to \ be ■ '■- I ■ ' "'• ■ the ill / njoi >ki .-'.'.-.. ..'./. man & ted i ■ be eo u se oi the di '•. .--. vote . With ;.; •. sel ■' . './'' .':.:-./. M rig to the ee I be p deri • --. ti tool ' be animal a 1 1 cue : titudo rig, be . that it r.. te de . .\ of the bod - 74 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. In laminitis, when standing, the weight is thrown on the heels. When walking, he rests less on it ; when one touches it, he sometimes draws it back, or raises the foot ; if the pain have its seat elsewhere, the ani- mal frequently turns his head towards this part, or strikes it with the foot. In case the pains are very- severe, he remains as if struck with stupOr, and with his head inclined to the ground, or else he scrapes with his fore-feet, or stamps with the hind-feet, or he rolls himself on the ground. The eyes, even when they are not the seat of the disease, often express the state of the animal : dull and full of water, for instance, they indicate exhaustion and weakness, whilst when bright, full of force, and projecting out of the orbits, they denote an inflamma- tory state, or sometimes a very acute pain. Every time the hair is observed to be dull and staring, it is a proof of disease, for it is shining and smooth when the animal is in good health. This symptom denotes a bad nutrition, insufficient food, more especially abdominal affections, when emacia- tion is combined with it. When the respiration is slow and calm, we conclude that there is no fever, and that the pectoral organs are healthy ; when it is hurried, violent, and accompanied with heaving of the flanks, it frequently denotes the presence of fevers, more especially of inflammatory fever, and when there is cough, or stertorous breathing, we infer the existence of some disease of the lungs or the windpipe. If the horse remain constantly standing up, the fore- legs widely separated, we are warranted in presuming a disease of the thoracic organs, pneumonia, peripneu- monia, inflammation of the diaphragm, water in the chest, &c, because in all these cases respiration is performed with more ease whilst standing. When the animal always remains lying down, it is a proof of great debility, or of pain, or some disease of the feet. DISEASES* OF THE HORSE. 75 Every time that certain parts of the body are either burning hot or very cold, we may reckon on it that there is some disease. Heat of the head and that of the mouth, with shaking and a staring coat, are inva- riably symptoms of fever ; cold in the head, ears, and feet, frequently indicate great debility and exhaustion of the animal.* I repeat that wherever homoeopathic medicines are in question, the liquid form of those substances should be understood, and the dose should never exceed, one, two, or three drops.f * Consult on diseases of the horse, the following works : Vatel, (P.) Elements de Pathologie vitirinarie ou Pricis thiorique et pratique de la M6decine et de la Chirurgie des Animaux domestiques. Paris, 1828; 3 vols. 8vo. Hurtrel D'Arboval, Dictionnaire de M6decine, de Chirurgie et d'Hygie'ne vdtirinaires, deuxieme edition. Paris, 1838 — 39, 6 vols 8vo. Delafbnd, (O.) Traiti de Pathologie et de Thirapeutique gdnirales v6t6rinaires. Paris, 1838 — 44 ; 3 vols. 8vo. Rainard, Traiti de Pathologie et de Thdrapeutique ginirales viterinaires- Lyon, 1841 ; 2 vols. 8vo, t See Jahr. Nouvelle Pharmacopie et Posologie homosopathiques. Paris, 1840, 12mo. SECTION I. POSE TISSUE. ABSCESSES. All abscesses, even when they depend <>n an exter- nal cause, having been preceded, or being still accom 1 - l>;uii<'.v,v:.v;> — k a >.:<:.> A \. O P K f, J '-. The kikming medicines bare been reeommendedin :-: -'■■■/<■:■ -.■■-::: 'A -. ■.:■'. \ , :.:'..-. -r;,;rvJ.v:. ~. y/jy,- dhm, carbc -. \tur f (as eonseeuthre treatmei. m (when there h eroaeja- tion at the same time) : koU corhomcum (when mete k ■'--.'.-j r A ..-': • ..-■ '. ■-.' \ y w -. >• tyryvro/i (when the affection, come* on after a sodden impres- sion of cold; ; orsemcum (if it has been preceded by ulceration) ; a%oricm musearius (when the bairn (all above the eyes) ; caustic (ft mere beat me same time anj disease oi the eyes);* mrtop&" '<*& :. a:. ".--;' . y . A h: . v '. - >;-; w -■ • ^ pen na a g mm j psora) ; it k also ttsefbl to -. •-:". ': %/,' \ ' ' '. '; " -': '. \ ' V '. • V. ": Hi \ '.'.■■:: AM Anasarca, a disease of considerable frequency m .'.','-,-■ ',,:.• v'/-. .-. > ',', -v/ -.- -. -.". ■ . : '/-. \ .-.. .'.•'.:,■ \.\ .-. :w . '>::■■:■. >,:■/, :;■■-:■. :.>.,'.-. - Hie legs, abdomen, e&esk scrotum, &e, ; mrmetime* it >,">:,.: :.- . A--.... '■, -• ". ->. ;,•>--, '.; - -.-.-.- 'i -^ ' -.: c ;- : -v: .: :'•-." ', .hi .".ha: . - -. a capital medkine; l&opod&m k ako frond T«y >';' v , ^ .'. ~; -v. •-; >;.> n •-> .-'- ■.,.:: .:. :. >..'..-. -J. 78 ANTICOR ■ EXANTHEMES. when there is constipation and difficulty of breathing, as also when the swelling is hot and tense, and after cold ; colchicum, in general anasarca, with constipa- tion, dysuria, and dry coughs ; dulcamara, when the swelling has manifested itself, after sudden exposure to the cold, or when it is accompanied with symptoms of strangles ; belladonna, when it appears clammy to the touch, and yields a sort of crepitation ; rhus toxi- codendron a very important remedy, especially when there is rigidity of the limbs, chiefly after rest ; secale cornutum, alternated with arsenicum, and followed with sepia, when the legs are affected with an anasarca which extends rapidly. The prognosis is generally unfavorable when anasarcous swellings make their appearance in the different parts of the animal when laboring under ascites or hydrothorax ; but we have cedematous swelling of the legs at times in successful cases. ANTICOR. This name is given to a round inflammatory swelling, about the size of the fist, which forms on the chest, opposite to the heart. This tumor frequently comes on after exposure to the cold : it then yields to one or two drops of aconitum, followed by arnica. This last remedy is also the one which should be employed, when the swelling is occasioned by a contusion, or any other external cause. China is also useful in the case of a more extensive and general affection of the chest. EXANTHEMES. The history of exanthematous diseases is one of the opprobria of allopathy, as well in human as in veteri- nary medicine. With respect to their exciting cause, EXANTHEMES. 79 their essence, and their treatment, errors have been accumulated on errors, and thus innumerable evils have been spread over the world. It was reserved for homoeopathy, to throw on this subject, as well as on so many others, a bright light, which must fill with admiration of Hahnemann's sagacity, every man whose eyes are not absolutely blind. In the different diseases which affect man and ani- mals, under so many and such varied forms, every one acknowledges, there must be a peculiar fitness and predisposition to contract them. Without this apti- tude, neither men nor animals would ever fall sick, and the unfavorable circumstances would act on them from without, as the influences of heat, cold, &c, would never cause the entire organism to sympathize with them, nor would they occasion such or such a form of disease according to' the individuals. There must then be some internal peculiarity, wholly foreign to the external exciting cause, which determines the form and direction of the disease, and constitutes the germ whence the latter proceeds. This germ of the majority of diseases, chronic diseases in particular, has received from Hahnemann the name of psora, because numberless examples have proved to him that the inunctions, with which persons are in the habit of treating the itch, are the sources of the great ma- jority of the derangements of the health. Psora, which exists in a greater or less degree in all men, though often reduced to the latent state, (that is, without ap- preciable symptoms), is developed, according to cir- cumstances, under such or such a form of disease, and resembles, in some measure, a root which puts forth towards the skin branches and flowers, which go by the name of exanthemes. From this mode of viewing matters, it follows : firstly, that the eruption which appears on the skin, (pustules, vesicles, &c), is not the disease itself, as the allopathic school thinks, but merely one of its products or symptoms : secondly, 80 EXANTHEMES, that a rational method of treatment must be directed against the root which vegetates internally, and that in order to cure the exanthema radically, without in- juring the health, this root must be completely ex- tirpated. The truth of this doctrine is put out of doubt by the success with which homoeopathy, by means of remedies which it designates antipsoric, so frequently cures, in a number of cases, with readi- ness and ease, so many chronic diseases in the treating of which allopathy is powerless because it knows not their focus, properly so called. Now there is no doubt that psora exists in animals also, a thing which I might prove by the most palpable instances. With respect to the exanthematous diseases of the horse, they mainly depend on psora existing in the animal ; they depend not, as has been stated, on the animal's rubbing himself against hard bodies : this is but an occasional cause, which requires also a special predisposition. Two principal causes of exanthemes are distinguish- ed : some are dry, and others moist. The former present themselves, at first, under the appearance of small pimples, which subsequently scale off, so that the place they occupied seems covered with a farinaceous powder. To this state there is gen- erally added a distressing itching, which at times is so violent, that the animal becomes nearly mad, and enjoys not a moment's rest, either whilst he eats, or during the night. This state calls for the daily em- ployment of a dose of sulphur for some time, which is the principal remedy in all exanthemes, and which requires in certain cases only the concurrence of other antipsoric medicines. If the dry eruption assumes chiefly the form of a desquamation of the skin, some doses of sulphur are first administered, then sepia. When some parts of the body are divested of hair, the natrum muriaticum, or lycopodium are given, which are also preceded by some doses of sulphur. EXANTHEMES. 81 Bryonia has been often found useful in a distressing itching, which has supervened after a sudden exposure to cold. Agaricus muscarius has also been found effectual against numerous small sub-cutaneous tu- bercles, accompanied by slight inflammation of the eyes. Humid exanthemes give rise to small vesicles, pus- tules, &c, which are elevated above the skin, often in very great quantity, very crowded on each other, and pour out over the integuments a fluid more or less watery, which is dried by the action of the air and converted into a crust. Frequently there are formed small ulcers, which have a tendency to deepen, and make way into the muscular parts situate beneath the skin, destroy the roots of the hair, and cause the latter to fall off, and produce intolerable itching. The itching becomes more troublesome at night, and obliges the animal constantly to rub himself. This disease appears at first in a single place on the body, chiefly on the tail, beneath the mane, and on the flanks, whence it extends gradually, so as often to cover the entire body : the animal then becomes more and more feeble, and unless medical aid is procured, disease of some of the vital organs terminates his existence, else some lingering chronic disease renders him nearly useless. In such cases, also, we should always commence with some doses of sulphur: still the cure depends on the greater or less duration of the disease, and on the general constitution of the animal. After sulphur, arsenicum, and rhus toxicodendron, are the principal remedies to be employed in treating the ex- anthemes, those even of the worst kind. Staphysagria has, in many cases, cured in a very short time, tuber- cles which occasioned much itching. Recourse may be had, also, to causticum, nitri acidum, creosotum, lauro-cerasus, calcarea-carbonica, hepar sulphuris, &c» 82 INDURATION OF THE SKIN. FUNGUS. This name is given to indurations of the skin or cellular tissue, which occur chiefly in parts which are exposed to strong and continued pressure of the harness. Arsenicum is a tried remedy in such cases. Chamomilla has been chiefly recommended in the treatment of those which are developed in the withers. These excrescences must be sprinkled externally with dilute tincture of arnica, and when they begin to put on an unhealthy character, with arsenicum (two drops to a spoonful of water.) Sometimes they open : they should then be treated like other abscesses. Sepia is useful in the treatment of those fungous excresce nces so common on the heel. INDURATION OF THE SKIN. Hardening of the skin is almost always the conse- quence of an internal disease ; but it often takes place after the destruction of fungous excrescences by caus- tics, or in horses which have been subject to pressure from the collar in heavy draught, cha?nomilla, conium, and mercurius solubilis, are suitable remedies in the case of simple induration, and acidum phosphoricum, when the indurated parts contract in the form of folds. Induration of the skin of the posterior part of the knee and hock after an eruptive disease, term- ed mallenders or sallenders, frequently yields to cracks that discharge a semi-transparent fluid ; arnica, arsenicum, and rhus toxicodendron. Spiritus sulphur- atus is an excellent remedy against indurations ac- companied with itching. Sepia should be employed when the indurated skin is detached in scales or large patches. (EDEMATOUS SWELLING OF THE LEGS. 83 MALLANDERS AND SALLANDERS. Scurfy eruptions, are so called, seated at the anterior bend of the hock, or at the posterior of the knee, accompanied with oozing, crusts and cracks in the skin, and which is productive of itching, pain, and sometimes even of lameness. This disease is some- times owing to long travelling on bad roads, want of cleanliness ; but for the most part it depends on in- ternal causes. Scabiescinum equorum and thuja, are generally the most useful for it ; next come jacea creo- sote and sarsaparilla. Sulphur completes the treat- ment. If any lameness remain after the disappear- ance of the exanthemata, we should have recourse to petroleum. (EDEMATOUS SWELLING OF THE LEGS. This is a disease which has its principal seat in the inferior part of the legs, more especially the hind legs, which at times, however, ascends higher up, even to the trunk, and which is also observed in the anterior extremities. It first presents itself in the form of a swelling, which generally lessens by exercise, but always reappears after standing a long time in the stable, and increases very much after some days' rest. The swollen part, which appears a little hot to the touch, occasions to the animal a sense of itching, and an acute pain whenever the part receives pressure, although in other cases there appears little or no pain. At length, after the swelling has attacked all the posterior part of the pastern-joint, a liquid discharges itself by small pores from the heels which at first is clear, like water, but soon becomes turbid and sani- ous, so as to corrode the skin and destroy the roots of the hairs. The inflammation and pain then make 84 PHTHIRIASIS ; OR, MORBUS PEDICULARIS. rapid progress, so much so, that the animal can no longer bear the slightest touch ; he limps very much in walking, and when at rest he holds the foot off the ground. A few doses of thuja are sometimes suffi- cient to cure the disease radically, often in a few days, even when it is inveterate. However, when it lasts for some considerable time, the lameness increases very much, and there are frequently developed on the swelling, brownish or blueish excrescences, called grapes, which bleed on the least touch, and continual- ly exhale a fetid ichor, it has now become a case of greasy heel. Thuja administered internally, its strong tincture being at the same time employed externally, is useful in this case also. Amongst the other reme- dies which prove most useful, arsenicum, baryta car- bonica, mercurius solubilus, silicea and sulphur are the principal. Secale cornutum, alternately with arseni- cum, has produced excellent effects in a very bad case : the cure was ultimately effected by thuja. I have not yet made any trials with the podopyonium equorum, to which great virtues have been attributed in latter times PHTHIRIASIS; OR, MORBUS PEDICULARIS. Horses which are much used, not kept clean, and badly fed, are frequently much tormented by vermin, which increase very much on their body, and contri- bute not a little to exhaust them still more when no pains are taken to destroy them. This object is accomplished by means of an ointment prepared with one part of bruised parsley, and three parts of lard, which is spread over the hair of the animal by means of a wisp of straw in the hand. Internally, sabadil- la and sulphur are given, and if the animal is very weak, china. SWEATING. Sometimes the least motion is sufficient to cause a TETTERS — - TUBERCLES. 85 horse to sweat. In several cases I have stopped this infirmity by means of nux vomica, mercurius vivus and sulphur, to each of which I allowed from five to six days to exhaust its action. A friend of mine cured it completely by sepia. Natrum muriaticum has also been ascertained to be very useful in it. Regular and steady exercise, with proper diet, should also be en- forced. SWELLING OF THE TEATS. Should there be inflammatory tumefaction, a dose of aconitum, followed by mercurius vivus, or of bryonia, seldom fails to diminish the swelling. TETTERS. Tetters, which are generally met with in the horse in the dry form, are the result of an internal disease (psora.) They are recognized by the appearance on some part of the body of numerous small pimples, collected together, and which, after a certain lapse of time, become converted into a scab devoid of hair. The disease is generally accompanied by itching, which obliges the animal constantly to rub himself. Rhus toxicodendron has been found to possess specific virtues in the cure of this affection. Sulphur, alumi- na and rhus, when there is very violent itching ; sepia, phosphorus and dulcamara in furfuraceous tetters. If there be a secretion of pus, hepar sulphuris ; and if the healing be difficult, arsenicum and silicea. TUBERCLES. Independently of the means mentioned under the articles Exanthemes, Strangles, Pole-evil, Abscess, &c, ledum, and in obstinate cases, silicea, have more than once displayed great power. We should also 8 86 ors. have recourse to bryonia and dulcamara in the cure of tubercles which succeed cold ; aconitum in heat spots ; arnica and urtica wrens in the tubercles which come on after the bites of insects ; arsenicum in those which appear on different parts of the body, with bad diges- tion; arnica, (a few doses), and then mer curias vivus in cold, indolent tubercles ; baryta carbonica in those seated on the lower jaw ; staphysag-ria, in those which occasion itching, and especially those which ap- pear on the edge of the eye-lids. Arnica has always succeeded in swellings occasioned by a contusion, or any other external lesion. TUMORS, (COLD). Cold tumors, which are often of very considerable extent, possessing the hardness of cartilage, and painful only when forcibly pressed, which sometimes appear on the thighs of horses, never fail to yield, in about three weeks or a month, to homoeopathic treat- ment. We should first give two or three doses of arnica, at intervals of three or four days. The ordi- nary effect of this remedy is to render the tumor pain- ful, and to soften it, at least partially. Some doses of mercurius vivus then cause it to open, or render it suffi- ciently soft to have it easily punctured. Two doses of silicea close the treatment. TUMOR ON THE ELBOW. A tumor which comes on the point of the elbow generally proceeds from the animal's shoes being in contact with the point of the elbow when lying ; in consequence of a fall, a blow, or under the influence of some internal cause. The swelling is, at first, hot and painful; but, by degrees, it is converted into a cold, indolent swelling, which scarcely ever interferes with the horse, but is merely determinal to the beauty TUMORS ON THE HEAD. 87 of his shape. In the treatment we should have regard more particularly to the duration of the disease, and to the way in which it was brought on, whether by an internal cause, or some external violence. The affection, when recent, and more especially when oc- casioned by external violence, is easily cured with arnica, with which may be combined the dilute tinc- ture of this medicine. If the disease be of long stand- ing, chamomilla must be employed ; and if the swell- ing begins to grow hard, conium and ledum. When of very long standing, or of spontaneous origin, it is in general very difficult to cure. The principal means then are sulphur, antimonium crudum, petroleum and sepia. When the swelling is painful and itchy, or when lameness exists, we may employ besides, with advantage, odium, rhus, toxicodendron and Pul- satilla, alternately with conium. Silicea is indicated when it oozes. Chamomilla also is lauded as an inter- current remedy. There are circumstances where bryonia has been found useful, when the swelling be- comes hot and tense during the treatment ; calcarea carbonica, when it resembles a wen ; baryta carbonica when it resembles a steatome. In all cases, sulphur must be employed as consecutive treatment. This kind of tumor. is easily dissected out without the least danger. TUMORS ON THE HEAD. Tumors on the head, which arise sometimes from an external lesion, sometimes from cold, or an internal disease, are some of them hard, others spongy ; some- times watery, sometimes hot, or tense ; occasionally crepitating under the finger. The principal means to be employed are, in general, aurum, arsenicum, mer- curius vivus, sulphur, and acidum sulphuricum. The tumors caused by an external lesion are combated by arnica, Symphytum, and acidum sulphuricum; those of 88 TUMORS WARTS. a tuberculous character, by angusiura ; those of a hot and tense quality, with bryonia ; those of a cold and crepitant quality, with belladonna; those which are small and numerous, with ledum. ENCYSTED TUMORS. Tumors, generally of an indolent nature, come on in different parts of the body, and vary very much in size. They are called encysted tumors, as being con- tained in an envelope. Some doses of arsenicum (one every three or four days) soften them, more especially when they are the result of a contusion ; then they are brought to suppurate by means of some doses of mer- curius vivus and silicea. In the case of these tumors without hair, calcarea carbonica chiefly should be em- ployed ; and when this remedy does not suffice, graph- ites is recommended in repeated doses. SANGUINEOUS TUMORS. Tumors, owing to an effusion of blood into the cel- lular tissue, for instance, to laceration of a small super- ficial vessel, to a blow, fall, &c, are matters of very trivial importance, when the quantity of blood effused is not considerable. However, as they sometimes cause suppuration, we must not neglect to employ in this treatment fomentations with arnica water, at the same time that we must administer some doses of ar- nica internally. "WARTS. These excrescences, which are of different forms, smooth, round, and varying in size, and which some- times follow external irritations of the skin, contu- sions, &c, depend much more frequently on an inter- nal cause. Some are hard and dry 7 others soft, spongy, moist, and more or less painful. The principal means to be employed in the treatment of the former are, BURNS CASTRATION. 89 dulcamara and sulphur. If there take place around them an ulcerated zone with everted edges, arsenicum is to be employed ; causlicum is useful in those which bleed, suppurate, and occasion pain. Thuja inter- nally, and also the strong tincture externally is em- ployed in the cure of large scabby warts which are lobulated, moist, suppurating, and presenting a dis- gusting appearance. Sepia, also, has rendered good service in similar cases. Calcarea carbonica is the re- medy for small but numerous warts, which appear chiefly on the lips. SECTION* II. MECHANICAL INJURIES, SPRAINS, AND EXOSTOSIS. BURNS. It has been ascertained by experience, some time since, that a strong tincture of utica urens, employed externally, cures burns with great promptness. Ar- nica also has been employed successfully, as well in- ternally as externally. CASTRATION. Some doses of arnica are useful to prevent and stop the traumatic fever which succeeds this operation. It is right also to wash the wound with water to which some drops of tincture of arnica have been added. Not only is the cure more expeditious, especially when the lotions are frequently repeated, but the employ- ment of the arnica also destroys in the bud several oc- currences which sometimes prove dangerous. If fis- tulae become developed, we should follow the course 8* 90 CONTUSIONS. traced out under the article Fistula. Under the word Tetanus will be found the indication of the treatment to be adopted if that affection should supervene. I have always found arsenicum, followed by sulphur, useful in treating the tumefaction of the belly which sometimes occurs after the operation. CONTUSIONS. Contusions are cured in a very short time by the external application of tincture of arnica diluted with water. It is only in very bad cases that this medicine should be employed internally. If a bone has been affected along with the soft parts, or if the periosteum has been injured, instead of arnica, ruta graveolens and Symphytum should be employed, internally and externally. In some cases conium has been found useful. Thus when too tight girthing produces a contusion, the skin gradually becomes excoriated, and, if the matter be neglected, it is not uncommon to see inflam- mation and suppuration come on. Arnica never fails to cure lesions of this kind promptly and easily. If tumefaction has manifested itself, and if the swelling, when neglected, become inflamed, and pus be already formed, mercurius vivus, or hepar sulphur is, disposes it to open, and effects a cure. If crusts or scabs form in the injured part, thuja is indicated ; its use should be followed by that of sulphur. In the same manner, harness badly made, or ill applied, occasions injuries to the breast, back, and shoulders. There is first observed a bleeding excoria- tion, which, when neglected, passes readily into in- flammation and suppuration, and is often difficult of cure. Arnica given immediately, both internally and externally, soon cures all lesions of this kind. Bryo- nia, alternated with the external employment of arnica, is very useful in the treatment of colts which we de- sire to habituate and accustom to draught, and when CURB. 91 sweated from the pressure of the harness. Pulsatilla and arsenicum are employed when the wound suppu- rates ; chamomilla, when large crops of pimples be- come developed on the part ; arsenicum, chamomilla, mercurius, and sulphur, when fungous excrescences appear. CURB. A swelling is so called that has its seat formed on the sheath of the flexor tendon. It is sometimes occa- sioned by a blow in leaping over timber, or walls ; but the most frequent cause is a strain. The horses most liable to it are those with sickle-shaped hocks, although the best shaped legs and hocks do not at all times es- cape. There being generally an undue weight thrown on the parts in breaking, it at first appears insignifi- cant, but generally terminates 'in lameness. Arnica and rhus toxicodendron never fail to prove useful, when employed in proper time, and especially when the an- imal is allowed rest. If, on the contrary, he be neg- lected, pain, swelling, and inflammation increase grad- ually, and there is formed a hard, cold, indolent tumor. There are cases, however, in which it does not be- come so considerable, or at least increases but slowly ; the horse then continues able to perform his duties, and the lameness which existed at first at length dis- appears. But when the swelling increases very much, continual lameness supervenes ; the motions of the joint, particularly those of flexion, become more and more impeded. When the strain is recent, arnica, alternated with rhus, and applied externally in the form of a lotion ; and, when first injured, mixed with boiling water, and applied hot ; at the same time give those medicines internally. With respect to the treat- ment of this disease, the use of silicea, calcarea, baryta, and sulphur must not be overlooked. 92 DOCKING FRACTURES. BOOKING. The operation is sometimes followed by nervous irritation, which, when neglected, may bring on fatal consequences, such as Tetanus. In such cases, then, it is right to administer doses of arnica, in order to remove the traumatic fever. In cases (which are not uncommon) where the operation is succeeded by Te- tanus, the directions given under that head should be followed. The appearance of gangrene, which has sometimes been observed to occur after the operation, is prevented by the timely use of arnica. However, if there be inflammation already, &c, arnica is no longer of any use, and we must have recourse to some doses of arsenicum. Frequently, more especially when the first incision has been made too high, a fis- tulous ulcer supervenes, for the treatment of which see the article Fistula. Some lint, steeped in a dilu- ted tincture of arnica, should be bound tightly around the dock, which generally will answer every intention. FRACTURES. It sometimes happens from a fall, or a severe blow, that a greater or less portion of the bones of the ilium become fractured. There then appears in the same place a hot, painful tumor ; the horse limps, chiefly at the commencement, and when we view him from behind, we see the affected haunch lower than the other. This accident is never dangerous in itself. Every time the case is presented to me I have re- moved it by employing externally the strong tincture of Symphytum. I also give some drops of this inter- nally from time to time. Fractures of the ribs are often cured of themselves ; they are treated with Symphytum. When they are complicated with splinters projecting internally, they are liable to produce suppuration of the lung. FRACTURES. 93 Like other fractures, those of the bones of the nose are cured in a little time by Symphytum. Any splinters that may exist must be carefully removed. Fractures of the bones of the legs are not uncom- mon in the horse. They are discovered by the animal being unable to rest on the affected limb, which, when carefully examined, exhibits the presence of flexion in a part where there is no joint, and causes a crepita- tion which is produced by friction of the ends of the bone. An inflammatory swelling soon attacks the part, which becomes very painful to the touch. Frac- tures of the limbs have been considered as incurable, in consequence of the weight of the body ; but sev- eral facts have satisfied me that with proper precau- tions we may succeed in curing them. The first is, after having duly fitted the ends of the bones as ex- actly as possible, to surround the fracture with broad bandages of cloth, over which we are to apply two iron splints, excavated in the form of a gutter, so that the one placed on the posterior surface may pass some inches beyond the hoof, and the affected limb may rest on it. We must then pass large girths around the chest and quarters, and under the belly an empty sack, or broad piece of canvass, which is attached to the ceiling with ropes and pulleys to be altered at pleas- ure, so that during the entire time of treatment the an- imal may be kept in a state of semi-suspension. With respect to internal treatment, he is to take on the first day two doses of arnica, then one every day ; then after four or five days, every two days only, one dose of Symphytum, and the bandage is to be frequently wet with cold water, to which there has been added from a third to a sixth of the pure tincture of this medicine. At the end of eight days the bandage must be removed to see whether the fragments of the bone have been duly brought into apposition, after which it is reap- plied, and so left until there is a complete cure. Up to this, we are to continue the use of the Symphy- tum, both internally and externally. 94 FISTULA OF THE WITHERS. FISTULA OF THE WITHERS. Repeated friction, or prolonged compression on the withers, often occasions a contusion of the muscular or ligamentous parts, the effect of which is to give rise to a painful swelling. If this affection be not speedily remedied, if we do not change the form or arrangement of the saddle, the tumor soon suppurates : and, as the withers feel all the motions which the neck performs, as well as the back and leg, the disease soon increases in depth, attacking the ligaments, cartilages, and even the spinous processes of the vertebrae. If the accident is still recent, it is cured without the least difficulty, merely by taking care to moisten the part frequently with arnica water, with which fomentations also should be employed, which are likewise of great use when pressure has produced induration of the skin, and has made it assume the appearance of burned leather. Pulsatilla is administered internally, and when the tumor is not hot to the touch, or if it be of long stand- ing, conium. When relief has not been afforded in time, and especially when the cause continues to act, the disease makes rapid progress ; the pus, instead of escaping externally, becomes infiltrated more and more deeply, and gives rise to great disturbance of the system. We are frequently obliged to use the scalpel freely to lay open the parts, and to make a dependent opening for the evacuation of the pent up matter. If this pus is of bad quality, and fetid, mer- curius and asafastida are employed ; when the edges of the ulcer are hard and everted, accompanied by pain and inflammation, and the pus exhales a bad odor, arsenicum is the remedy to be employed. Silicea is useful whenever the pus is thick, and Pulsatilla when there are fistulous ulcers, or burrows. If there is caries of the spinal processes of the vertebrae, we LUXATION OF THE PATELLA POLE EVIL. 95 must have recourse to the means pointed out in the article Caries. LUXATION OF THE PATELLA. This bone is sometimes displaced under the influ- ence of a blow, a false step, a slip, violent effort, a sud- den leap, &c. The horse then holds his leg stiff and ex- tended ; he cannot rest on it, and when obliged to walk, he draws it along. The reduction is effected by having sufficient help, and placing a side line, with a hobble, on the pastern of the affected limb ; and drawing the hind leg forward, the surgeon is then with both hands to bring the bone into its place. At times it takes place of itself, if the horse makes the slightest movement. However, the ligaments are, in general, weakened to such a degree, that the slightest cause suffices to reproduce the luxation. Hence the affected part must be treated for some days with strong tincture of arnica externally, and as long as the treat- ment lasts the animal should be left in a state of abso- lute rest. POLE EVIL. This term is applied to a large and very painful tu- mor, which is seldom developed under the influence of internal causes, mostly from the effect of external causes, immediately behind the ears, at the juncture of the head with the neck. It is always a serious dis- ease, as not only do the tumors very frequently degen- erate into ulcers, which are almost always of a bad character, but, also, because it often happens that the affection involves the muscles, ligaments, bones, &c, and thus destroys the animal. We should commence the treatment with several doses of aconitum, which will often suffice to remove the tumor, at least, when there is as yet but simple inflammation. Next come arnica, mercurius vivus, Pulsatilla, and sulphur. When 96 RINGBONE SPAVIN. these means do not suffice, we should have recourse to those recommended under the article Abscess. If the disease has existed for any length of time, and sin- uses have formed, so that it is impossible for the mat- ter to gain an exit, but continues to destroy the living parts, we must freely use the scalpel, so as to form a dependent opening for the complete evacuation of the pus, without which medical means will avail but little. RINGBONE Is an ossific deposition seated on the coronet joint of the foot, sometimes on one side ; at others, com- pletely surrounding the joint, and which mostly causes serious lameness. Sometimes two feet, or even all the four, are simultaneously affected. The ordinary causes are a false step, a luxation, or a great straining of the articular ligaments. Many persons, however, con- sider it as an hereditary defect, connected with inter- nal causes. One of the principal remedies to be em- ployed is rhus toxicodendron, which frequently relieves the accompanying lameness. If after its use some swelling still remain, we should have recourse to ar- nica, calcarea, iodium, lycopodium, mercurius soluhilis, and silicea. Phosphorus has often proved efficacious. SPAVIN. Spavin consists in an inflammation of the ligamen- tous connexion of the head of the small metatarsal with the inner cuneiform bone of the hock, but its po- sition varies considerably ; it is followed by ossific de- position, and which interferes more or less with the movements of the hock ; the contiguous surfaces be- ing rough and inflamed, the articular cartilages being transformed into bone, &c, although all the horses affected with spavin are not lame, as it is very similar to a splint, when not affecting the motion of the horse. There appears to be in some breeds of horses a pre- SPAVIN. 97 disposition to this affection, perhaps more from the peculiar construction of their hocks, as is the case with curbs. It may arise from strains, particularly in leap- ing, or from too much exertion being required of horses when young. It seldom appears before the third year, or after the eighth. The diagnosis is gen- erally easy. In order to decide whether a horse is affected with spavin, we must first examine whether there be an enlargement not perceptible on the other hock, on the inner and lower side of the joint. The sprain is sometimes, more especially at the commence- ment, so small, that we can succeed in distinguishing it only by comparing together the corresponding points of the two legs seen anteriorly and posteriorly ; but in time it increases in size, and sometimes attains the size of a hen's egg. When it is osseous to the feel, it constitutes bone spavin, properly* so called ; if it con- sist of a soft swelling produced by an effusion of serum into the joint, it is called false spavin, or commencing spavin. The lameness frequently disappears with work ; but if the animal is allowed to rest for a time, and then trotted again, the lameness becomes more perceptible. As an exception to all this, motion in- creases the lameness in some horses affected with spavin, whilst others are not lame, though they have very large spavins ; and others, again, are very lame, though scarcely any trace of the disease is perceivable in them. Besides, we know that the lameness referri- ble to spavin increases gradually in consequence of fatigue and work, which may be accounted for by the pains which the animal then feels. With regard to the remedies at the commencement, we should employ rhus internally and externally, also silicea, arsenicum, sulphur, phosphorus, baryta carbonica, spongia, iodium, &c, will be found efficacious. 98 SPLINT SPRAIN OF THE FETLOCK. SPLINT. This term is applied to an exostosis of greater or less size, which usually supervenes after a contusion ; they are situated, generally, on the inner small meta- carpal bones of the fore-legs, although it is frequently seen on the outside, and, at times, on the hind legs. After having existed for some time, they seldom occa- sion lameness, except they are so situated as*to inter- fere with the action of the ligament, tendons, or the knee joint, or when first forming. I have several times derived benefit in recent exostoses by means of arnica, internally and externally. If the tumor is of long standing, there will be some difficulty in making it disappear, and very often we do not succeed in so doing. Acidum phosphoricum, arnica, silicea, china, the latter externally, are also the remedies recom- mended for its treatment. Rhus toxicodendron, ruta graveolens, causticum and mercurius vivus are also of decided service. SPRAIN OF THE FETLOCK. A sprain of the fetlock joint is known by heat, swelling, and lameness more or less marked, more especially lameness on uneven ground. If the acci- dent is still recent, arnica should be used, both inter- nally and externally. When the pain is acute, good effects may be obtained from the use of rhus toxico- dendron and ruta, which are found to be very benefi- cial in luxation of the fetlock. When the injury is of long standing, sulphur may be interposed once among the remedies already mentioned. STRAIN OF THE LOINS. This affection depends often on a leap off a bank, down a descent, or a slip, or turning round quickly in STRAIN OF THE LOINS. 99 the stall. If severe, it is difficult to cure. If it be but slight, the horse flexes, or lowers the quarters when walking, staggers when trotting, is startled when pulled up suddenly, and has some difficulty in moving backwards. If the affection be more severe, the ani- mal cannot move back, and can scarcely advance a few steps forwards ; he drags the hind legs, and the quarters tremble when he walks. "When the affection is still more severe, he is unable even to raise the hind legs, is constantly lying down ; when he wishes to stand up, he merely succeeds in placing himself on the hind part of his body, like a dog, and soon falls again , striking his head, haunches, and legs. There is heat and swelling, painful to the touch, which occupies the lumbar region ; there is, in general, sympathetic fever. If the affection has been produced by external violence, rhus toxicodendron taken internally, and Symphytum externally, is a useful remedy. If, on the contrary, it be of a rheumatic nature, it is treated with aconitum and bryonia, alternately ; more especially w T hen there is a hot, tense, and painful tumor. When it depends on an internal disease we must have recourse to sul- phur. If it be attributable to weakness of the loins, which renders the animal unable to gallop, ipecacu- anha, coccidus, and Pulsatilla are to be employed ; if the disease manifest itself towards the adult age, a?'- nica, nux vomica, and chiefly phosphorus, are indi- cated. This affection, when of very long standing, was cured by the continual use of the following reme- dies : arnica, three days ; petroleum, seven days ; olean- der, three days ; rhus, seven days ; sidphur, seven days ; cocculus, three days ; lachesis, seven days ; ipe- cacuanha, two days ; conium, seven days ; Pulsatilla, three days ; and silicea. I have cured this disease completely, in two different cases, with nux vomica and sidphur. 100 STRAINING OF THE SHOULDER. INJURY OF THE SCAPULO-HUMERAL JOINT. This injury may take place from a horse running against different things, or from a fall ; it is known by the heat and swelling around, and by the peculiar way in which the horse limps ; and when, on standing erect, the animal does not rest on the affected limb ; when he carries it before him, or on one side ; when, in walking, he depresses the limb instead of raising it, so that he cannot get over a slight obstacle without striking it ; when he does not go backwards willingly ; and lastly, when the scapular region is hot and swollen. With respect to treatment, we must have regard to the occasional cause. If the affection has come on after a blow, arnica must be administered, which is also to be employed externally in fomentations. When there is inflammation, one or two doses of aconitum must be given previously ; Symphytum also deserves to be re- commended, as well internally as externally. If the affection arise from an exposure to cold, we should have recourse to ferrum muriaticum, or to rhus toxico- dendron, preceded by one or two doses of aconitum. Bryonia, also, deserves to be recommended, as well as causticum and zincum, combined with sulphur, which are used chiefly when the disease is of long standing, and has now put on a chronic character. In rheuma- tic affections, moderate exercise assists the cure ; but if the cause is different, the animal must be kept in a state of absolute rest, until he is perfectly well. STRAINING OF THE SHOULDER. This injury, although of an unfrequent occurrence, occasionally does happen ; the sudden shock a horse may receive, whilst galloping on the side of a hill, has occasioned it ; and by a false step in leaping ; or in any other way which causes the muscles of the shoul- der, when strained very much, to lose their contractile STRAINING OF THE TENDONS, 101 power in a great degree, and from the pain the animal suffers, he is incapable of extending the shoulder, and, therefore, drags his toe on the ground, when attempt- ing to walk. In the beginning of the treatment, it is necessary to put on the foot of the injured shoulder, a shoe raised about four inches from the ground, which mechanical means will greatly assist the medical treatment. The plan I generally adopt is, to rivet together two shoes, with three rivets, the length required — one rivet in each side, and one at the toe — the under shoe to be smaller than the upper, so as to give the smith greater facility in tacking it on : it would be in the way of the shoeing hammer were it the same size as the shoe fitted to the foot. This shoe is also very useful for sprains of the flexor, or extensor tendons, &c, where you wish to raise or lower the toe or heel, which is easily done by making the pillars of iron, or rivets, longer or shorter, as required. The other treatment to be employed is, in the first case, to place the animal in a loose box, to foment the muscles of the shoulder with hot water, then to wash it with arnicated water, warm, and to give internally, arnica ; the diet to con- sist, of mashes and green food, or carrots ; this treat- ment is generally sufficient. Rhus, bryonia, and sul- phur, will also be found useful if feverish. STRAINING OF THE TENDONS. A strain of the flexor tendons, or of the sheath that envelopes them, is generally attended with excessive lameness, and inflammation of the parts ; we must as- sist the animal in resting the injured leg, as much as possible, by means of a high-heeled shoe, as before spoken of in the article " shoulder strain ; " give one or two doses of aconite, as there is generally constitu- tional irritation present ; we must then have recourse to rhus toxicodendron, internally and externally ; let a 9* 102 STRAIN OF THE HAUNCH. tea-spoonful of the mother tincture be put in a pint of water, a piece of lint saturated therein, and applied round the leg ; then let a linen bandage, dipped in cold water, be lightly rolled around the lint, to keep it in its place : absolute rest is indispensably neces- sary. Arnica and ruta are also of use if the part is bruised, or if the periosteum is injured, which is frequently the case in bruises of the anterior of the cannon bone from blows in leaping timber or walls, in which way I have seen the extensor tendon completely divided, and the horse become again as useful as before with but very slight permanent enlargement, which enlargement, af- ter divisions of tendons, had better not be interfered with. The general practice of stimulants more fre- quently enlarges than reduces the interstitial deposi- tion. Aconitum, rhus toxicodendron, silicea, arsen- icum and sulphur, when indicated, are useful in this injury. STRAIN OF THE HAUNCH. This affection is frequently the result of considera- ble straining of the ligaments of the coxo-femoral articulation, arising from a slip, violent effort in draw- ing, a contusion, or a false step ; but lameness often depends also on internal causes, as rheumatism, &c. The animal thus affected halts a little, spares the af- fected limb as much as possible, and can neither trot nor gallop. When the affection is but slight, the an- imal scarcely limps, particularly when stepping, and feels no pain excepting when his pace is accelerated ; in the opposite case, even standing is accompanied with an acute pain, the animal limps even when walk- ing, and drags his leg ; and when trotting, his but- tocks describe a sort of swinging movement. Nothing is more difficult than to detect this affection ; its pres- ence can only be admitted when an attentive examin- STINGS OF BEES. 103 ation discovers no other lesion in the other parts of the limb, and when the horse does not readily allow his haunch to be examined. It differs from spavin in the fact that the lameness, instead of diminishing gradu- ally by walking, increases ; yet we have sometimes seen it, more especially in rheumatic cases, become less marked under the influence of moving. The treatment varies with the cause. If there has been a violent effort, straining, contusion, or any other external violence, arnica should be administered, and a strong tincture of it should be employed externally ; ledum also is almost specific in this case, and drosera may be recommended, especially when moving increases the lameness ; bryonia and colocynthis have succeeded under certain circumstances; if the external injury has involved the bones, we are to have recourse to Symphytum both externally and internally ; when the lameness is attributable to rheumatism, it should be treated with aconitum and arsenicum or nux vomica and mercurius. When it proceeds from making too violent efforts, it yields to rhus toxicodendron. STINGS OF BEES. The sting of a bee or of a wasp is a circumstance of no consequence. But when a multitude of these insects have fallen on a horse, the pain and inflammato- ry swelling may go on so as to occasion the animal's death. Arnica employed externally is an excellent remedy in injuries of this sort ; we might derive ad- vantage also from administering one or two doses of it internally. I have not yet had an opportunity of trying apisine which has been recommended by Lux. I have lately ascertained that the external employment of the strong tincture of urtica urens was a specific in such cases. 104 SWELLING OF THE KNEE -— WOUNDS* SWELLING OF THE KNEE. We have more than once proved the efficacy of Pulsatilla in indolent swelling of the knee, and of china in that which is accompanied with pains ; if it be occasioned by a blow, contusion, or any lesion of the extensor tendon, so that the limb remains flexed, and the animal touches the ground merely with the toe, the joint being at the same time hot, swollen and painful, we shall find great benefit in ledum palustre, capsicum and arnica, both internally and externally. Arnica is chiefly indicated when the disease is not of long standing ; in the contrary case we employ silicea, lycopodium and sulphur. VARIX. Local dilatation of the saphena vein in the place where it passes over the inner surface of the hock joint. It is a soft, elastic tumor, often produced by violent efforts in drawing. Rhus toxicodendron is the best remedy : this is to be followed by ledum after a certain lapse of time. Phosphorus and acidum phos- phoricum have also been found effectual, although this disease, or bursal enlargements in general, seldom admit of cure. WOUNDS. All the superficial lesions made with sharp or bruis- ing bodies require the application of arnica water ex- ternally, which at times prevents either inflammation or suppuration intervening, and causes the wound to heal by resolution ; arnica should also be given internally in the majority of cases. We must have recourse to Symphytum when the bones have been affected, to conium when there has been a contusion, to rhus toxi- codendron when the lesion is accompanied by luxation or by a strain, but nevertheless not neglecting the use WOUNDS OF THE BARS — CONTUSED WOUNDS. 105 of arnica externally. A profuse hemorrhage soon yields to pledgets of lint, or such like material soaked in millefolium, which are to be introduced into the wound. The debility occasioned by great loss of blood yields to a few doses of china, one of which is to be given every two or three hours. The traumatic fever always accompanying extensive wounds followed by intense inflammation, calls for the use of arnica, with which arsenicum should be alternated when the fever is high. If the wound suppurate, and the pus be of good quality, the intervention of art is whol- ly unnecessary; but when the pus has an ichorous character and a bad odor, mercurius vivus and asafce- tida are employed. When the pus is thick and of a bad color, silicea is required ; when proud flesh forms, chamomilla, sepia and arsenicum,is to be given. Aci- dum sulphuricum is useful when after a wound the skin forms adhesion to the bones. BARS, (WOUNDS OF THE). The pressure of the bit sometimes causes in the bars contusions, or even wounds, which may become so deep as to denude the bone, which soon becomes ca- rious if neglected. Arnica, both internally and ex- ternally, is the chief remedy to be employed. If the periosteum be attacked, we prescribe acidum phosphor- icum, ruta graveolens and conium, or, better still, Symphytum, CONTUSED WOUNDS. It frequently happens among cavalry horses that the horse of the second rank, injures with the toe of his fore-foot, the heel of the hind-foot of the horse imme- diately before him, and thus occasions a considerable contusion, or even a severe wound ; if the injury be recent, it yields readily to fomentations with water of arnica. When pus is formed between the skin and 106 WOUNDS ON THE KNEE. hoof, the case is treated just like other abscesses, chiefly with squilla arid sulphur ; aconitum and squilla are indicated in case acute inflammation exists ; acidum, phosphoricum and arsenicum, when the pain is violent. Very frequently the hurt is a contusion, with, or without a wound, which the horse inflicts on himself in the region of the pastern or coronet with the shoe of another foot, or &which he receives from another horse walking beside him. It is of frequent occur- rence when frost-nails are placed on the shoes, the animal occasionally striking the frost-nails of the in- ner quarter of the shoe against the coronet of the op- posite foot, or higher up. Shoes armed with high and pointed frost-nails, like those employed in winter to facilitate walking on ice, are very likely to cause this accident. The soft parts, the lateral cartila- ges, the extensor tendon, the joint itself may have suffered, which is known by considerable swelling, with heat, pain and lameness. When successive lo- tions are employed with cold water and arnica, both internally and externally, the symptoms are quickly removed. But if the animal be neglected, abscesses, ulcers and fistulas may form, and complete deformity of the foot may be produced, even loss of the hoof. It then becomes a serious affection, of which lachesis is one of the best remedies, or else arsenicum, baryta carbonica and silicea. WOUNDS ON THE KNEE. In cases of slight wounds of the knee it is sufficient to wash the part several times a day with arnica water. If the injury is still more severe, we are to apply a bandage steeped in dilute arnica, and then to give arnica internally, or, when the knee is very much injured, Symphytum. When granulations rise over the surface of the wound, we are to give chamo- milla 9 sepia and arsenicum. If through neglect the WOUNDS OF THE NOSE AND TONGUE. 107 wound pass into a state of abscess, it is to be treated as other abscesses. When the knee or any other joint is penetrated, the first thing to be done is to carefully cleanse it from dirt, then take a small bud- ding iron at a dull red heat and sear around the wound, taking care not to press it to the synovial membrane, then mix six spoonsful of wheat flour, one of charcoal, two of tincture of arnica and water suffi- cient to form a paste, spread it well over the wound, over which place a piece of lint ; then oiled silk, a sufficient quantity to keep it from the influence of the air, or to render it air tight ; then a linen bandage from four to six yards in length, dipped in hot water, and rolled around, the horse's head to be kept tied so that he can neither lie down or bite his knee when standing. After four or six days this may be taken off and dressed again in the same manner, and again using the budding iron should the synovia not be stopped ; if the synovia has ceased to flow, particular care being taken not to move the coagulum ; about this time sloughing will have commenced, then let ar- senicum, or lachesis, if better indicated, be given ; after which the remedies that are found most efficacious will be hepar sulphuris, sepia, silicea and sulphur. WOUNDS OF THE NOSE. As in all wounds, we employ arnica, and if there be lesions of the bones or periosteum, Symphytum, both internally and externally. "WOUNDS OF THE TONGUE. Arnica in this case displays specific properties. When the inflammation is already established, we must have recourse to aconitum and mercurius vivus. 108 WOUNDS OF THE EYES ALBUGO. WOUNDS OF THE EYES. Lesions of the eyes by mechanical causes, such as blows, strokes with the whip, punctures, &c, are generally followed by inflammation of greater or less severity, which must be treated with some doses of aconitum, after which arnica, employed both internal- ly and externally, generally accomplishes the cure in a very little time. If some want of clearness re- main, we employ coninm, or, alternately, cannabis and belladonna. In one case arnica failed in the treatment of a wound made with a needle, which penetrated deep into the eye, but coninm effected a speedy cure. A colt, three years old, having received a severe blow on the eye, two doses of coninm sufficed to remove all trace of the disease in eleven days. In contusions of the cornea, which assume the form of a mere streak on this membrane, conium (the chief remedy), and euphrasia have succeeded many times ; but if the contusion is more severe, and blood infused into the aqueous humor, arnica is the most proper. SECTION III. DISEASES OF THE EYES BRAIN AND NERVES. ALBUGO. Traumatic inflammations of the eye often leave after them partial dimness of the cornea, with whitish spots of greater or less extent, which are not at first completely opaque, but which never fail to become AMAUROSIS, OR GUTTA SERENA. 109 more and more so. In these cases, cannabis and co- nium produce in general good effects. If the spots have been occasioned by a wound, as the stroke of a whip, &c, cannabis and belladonna alternately, or conium, are the means to be employed. Sarsaparilla, followed by sulphur, has succeeded in a case where a red streak was observed on the cornea. Pulsatilla, sulphur, euphrasia, causticum, cannabis and lycopodium, employed in this order, are suitable in the case of spots of the cornea of long standing. In one case, cannabis and sulphur, used alternately, have succeed- ed with me. However the cure is effected very slow- ly in spots of the cornea. In the Zooiasis of Lux, Schmager states that he treated eleven cases of recent albugo successfully with cannabis and belladonna. He was less fortunate in chronic albugo ; these two then produced but little effect, the amendment manifested itself but very slowly, and did not go beyond a certain degree. Caus- ticum is an excellent remedy applied externally in the form of a lotion § in two tablespoonsful of water, and applied twice a day with a camel-hair brush or tip of a feather ; it should be also used internally at the same time, | once a day for three successive days. After awaiting the action of the medicine for four or five days, give a few doses of sulphur, § ; this I have found particularly efficacious. AMAUROSIS, OR GUTTA SERENA. Gtitta serena, a rather frequent consequence of oph- thalmia, almost always attacks the two eyes at once. It consists in paralysis of the optic nerves, and brings with it actual blindness. There is much more diffi- culty in recognizing it than cataract, because in gene- ral all parts of the eye remain clear and transparent : however, the pupils are very much dilated and circu- lar, whilst in the natural state they are of a moderate size and have an oblong form. Another mode, still 10 lit) APOPLEXY more certain, consists iii keeping the upper eyelid de- pressed for some minutes, then in opening it suddenly, the animal being placed in the lull daylight : if the pupil do not contract immediately from the effect of the Light, we can no longer doubt the presence o( gutta serena. No remedy is knownfor this disease when it has reached its highest degree : but when the animal still sees a little, we may improve his state by the fol- lo wing means: ammonium carbonicum, (duration of its action, eight days), causticum, (fifteen days), bcihidou- n«, (eight days), eupJirasia, (six doses, one every two days, which produces laehrymation), cannabis and sulphur* At the onset of the disease, pulsatiUa, nux vomica, cannabis, COnium and sulphur are excellent menus. APOPLEXY. Apoplexy is o( two kinds, the serous and sanguine- ous ; the latter is, however, of the most frequent oc- currence in the horse. One o( the principal causes is high feeding with insufficient exercise ; it may also be caused by the animal drawing a heavy load up an incline, although in this case there is, perhaps more frequently rupture of a blood-vessel and hemorrhage from one or both nostrils ; if the animal's stomach is overloaded with (oo<\, it is more likely to produce con- gestion oi blood on the brain. The horses most liable to apoplexy are those who have a short and thick neck, are o( a dull lazy habit, with a disposition to become fat, and when on days that are somewhat sultry they begin to sutler vertigo, A horse in this ease carries the head low, the breath- ing is laborious, the pupils are generally dilated : and the pulse nearly indistinct : there is a frequent tlow of saliva : he raises the fore-legs a little more than usual, stumbles as he walks along, chiefly on being turned, falls sometimes, comes again to himself after a tew moments. Usually these symptoms are renewed tre- CATARACT. Ill qnently, always becoming more severe, and at. length an attack of apoplexy declares itself, in which the ani- mal tails as it' struck with lightning, and after some tits of convulsion dies. As soon as the precursory symptoms are perceived, a few doses oi' aconitum are given, which has been found a sure means of prevent- ing a fatal termination, especially if the horse be fed moderately, employed properly and not worked too severely during hot weather. Arnica, belladonna, nux vomica, and laurocerasus may also be used in the pre- monitory symptoms with good effect, also mercurius and opium. LIPPITUBE — IVLEAREDNESS. Ledum and aurum are the principal remedies recom- mended in the treatment of this affection. Benefit has also been derived from mercurius ricus, or, when it did not produce the desired result, and particularly when the agglutination of the eye-lids, from staphy- SOgria. — Conium has also been employed with ad- vantage in the latter case, principally when at the same time the eye seemed covered with a white film. If inflammation exist, we should give eup/irasia, and if there be weeping from the eye, we are to have recourse to agwricus muscarius and psoricum. Hepar sulphuris, causHcum, lycopodium, si/icca, are recommended in the cure o( chronic lippitnde. Sepia has been useful when this disease has prevailed epizootieally. CATARACT. Cataract is frequently developed after a severe at- tack of periodical ophthalmia, more especially in young horses. The animal affected with it sees imperfectly, or, in the latter stages, docs not see at all. The com- mencement oi' cataract is chiefly discovered by this, that the horse commences to see no longer as well as formerly, which state becomes worse from day to day. In a little time, on examining the eye there is discov- 112 CONCUSSION OF THE BRAIN. ered in the pupil a whitish, yellowish, or brownish body. The crystalline has now become visible be- cause it has lost its transparency. When the course traced out under the article ophthalmia shall have been followed, it seldom happens that we shall have an op- portunity of treating perfect cataract. "Besides the means pointed out under that article, the following de- serve notice ; pulsatilla, which is excellent against commencing cataract ; cannabis, a dose of which should be taken every eight days ; euphrasia, one dose every day ; causticum, and sulphur. This last remedy should be administered twice a week for a considerable time. We have succeeded once by means of antimo- nium lartaricum : also aurum, belladonna, conium, and phosphorus deserve particular attention. CONCUSSION OF THE BRAIN Is the result of a blow, or fall, or other mechanical injury, frequently after which some vertiginous sensa- tions may occur, followed by an attack of phrenitis. At others, the animal may quite lose his senses from the first. The skull may be fractured from the horse falling backwards ; but it is an uncommon occurrence, nature having well defended those parts from injury, although it might rupture the blood vessels of the brain and cause immediate death. At times paralysis of the parts posterior to the injury occur ; the sensations re- maining perfect anterior to the injury. This is the case in severe fracture with pressure of the fractured parts on the medulla oblongata. If fractured so as to cause complete loss of sensation, we must make an incision and remove the fractured part of the bone, if it is pressing on the brain or the medulla oblongata, after which we should foment for a considerable time with hot water, in which some tincture of arnica has been mixed. We must also give arnica internally, § every hour for three or four hours in a little flour ; also aconite, belladonna, cicuta, petroleum, opium, mercurius^ ENCEPHALITIS. 113 <5*c, will at times be found useful under their several indications. ENCEPHALITIS. Acute encephalitis is more frequently met with in entire horses. It attacks more especially those which are ardent, in high condition, very well fed, and but little worked, particularly when they happen to be chilled after being much heated, or when they are much fatigued in hot weather. The disease has been seen to come on after the long-continued action of the solar rays on the cranium, or in consequence of the animal being kept in a hot and ill-aired stable. The disease frequently occurs on the appearance of the last molar teeth, in the fifth year, or when the venereal appetite is not satisfied ; it may also succeed concus- sion of the brain, or result from hemorrhage, causing apoplexy. For some days the animal is dejected, and takes but little notice ; then, usually on the third day, his eyes become red, very bright, and prominent ; he throws furious looks around him, and becomes a prey to extreme agitation. From this moment it is dangerous to approach him without precaution. When the phrenitic state has duly manifested itself, he raises himself on his hind legs, strikes his fore feet against the manger and the rack, breathes with vio- lence, with his nostrils widely dilated, becomes cov- ered with a profuse sweat, breaks cords, halters, chains, everything, in fact, employed to tie him, runs on every side, throws himself on the ground, rises again without heeding any injuries that may befall him, and throws himself in a fury on everything he meets. He champs incessantly, but refuses to eat and even to drink. At length this paroxysm is succeeded by a period of remission, during which the animal contin- ues calm, his legs separated, his head resting on the manger, and projecting forwards from his chest. This moment must be seized for the purpose of mas- 10* 114 EPILEPSY. tering him and of administering to him the necessary aid ; for after several such attacks, he is almost always lost, or if life is spared, he continues very often inca- pable of moving. Acute encephalitis terminates gen- erally on the second day in an attack of apoplexy, if relief be not quickly afforded. The chief means to be employed are aconitum, which is promptly to be succeeded by belladonna, then at the end of an hour or two, by veratrum album. If necessary, these rem- edies are to be repeated once or twice at equal inter- vals. If the paroxysm is followed by a state of re- pose resembling death, we must have recourse to opi- um, more especially w^hen the tongue is black and the alvine dejections are scanty, of a deep brown color, or blackish. EPIjLEPSY. This disease, which is but rarely met with in the horse, manifests itself in the following manner. The animal begins to tremble, staggers, and is seized with convulsions, he falls suddenly to the ground ; there, insensible to the roughest treatment, he rolls and twists himself, grinds the teeth, whilst the neck becomes^ ri- gid. During the fit the muscles of the eye act irregu- larly, or are affected with spasms, so that the eye be- comes distorted, or constantly rolls, and the respira- tion is disturbed. The duration of each fit varies; it may last for several hours, or for so short a period, that at the end of from five to ten minutes, the animal, as if coming out of a dream, stands on his legs, com- mences to eat, and seems in the possession of perfect health, until the fit returns at the end of some weeks. By degrees the attacks become still more frequent. In the course of such an attack we should adminis- ter some doses of aconitum, then stramonium, and on the decline, belladonna. Hyoscyamus is suitable, more especially when there are at the same time vio- lent movements of the thighs. Cocculus and calcarea NERVOUS FEVER. 115 carbonica are also deserving of consideration. In order to prevent a recurrence of the fits, camphor should be given several times a week. NERVOUS FEVER. This affection appears but very rarely, probably even never, as a nervous affection from the commence- ment ; it proceeds, in general, from inflammatory or catarrhal fever, is frequently associated with other fe- brile states, and occasionally degenerates into a true putrid fever ; so that whatever is to be said of the lat- ter, is equally applicable, in a great measure to it. Like putrid fever, it has for its characters, great de- pression, total prostration of strength, disposition to convulsions, frequent grinding of the teeth, and com- plete insensibility. The febrile paroxysms usually oc- cur in the evening. Frequently the disease reigns epizootically, and causes great havoc. The principal remedy to be employed is bryonia in doses repeated twice every day. Rhus toxicodendron, alternately with bryonia, was found very effectual in a case where there was short and frequent cough with tightness in the chest. Nux vomica, aconitum, and belladonna have also succeeded. In 1830 it broke out epizooti- cally in Upper Silesia. Those affected had a very dry cough, the respiration was difficult, the mucous membranes generally inflamed, a serous discharge from the nose, great depression, and but little appetite. First a dose of aconitum was given, then usually after the expiration of ten hours, capsicum. When the dis- ease had diminished considerably, at the end of two days, sulphur, spongia, and dulcamara were given, according to the symptoms ; the patients were cured in general on the sixth or seventh day. When there was gastric complication, loaded tongue, swelling of the abdomen, obstinate constipation, alvine evacua- tions unhealthy, and much thirst, the treatment was commenced with nux vomica, which was repeated fre- 116 NERVOUS FEVER. quently two or three times in the space of two days, after which, a dose of crude antimony in general suf- ficed to effect the cure. In some of the affected in- dividuals there was a sort of vertiginous stupor j in- sensible to the impressions from without ; they re- mained with the head hanging down or resting on some place, without paying any attention when called, as if asleep, and it was not without difficulty they could be drawn from their stupor, or the inconven- ient position which they assumed ; in those cases bel- ladonna was given, frequently repeated two or three times, and stramonium if the somnolence did not give way. In general, they were convalescent at the end of from six to ten days. Those more dangerously affected were the horses which scarcely ever remained at rest, with small hard pulse, violent movements of the abdominal muscles, nostrils very much dilated, profuse yellowish, thick discharge from the nose, pul- sations of the heart unequal, and the color of the skin very changeable. A dose of aconitum was given to them at first, then veratrum, cuprum, and in some cases camphor a ; in them it was of great importance to establish the functions of the skin and abdominal organs. Only two patients died, but they had been neglected, and the treatment too long deferred. The following means were found equally useful in this disease : acidum muriaticum, in cases of great debility, with groaning and dryness of the mouth ; arnica, when the animal remains quiet, without consciousness, and with retention of urine ; arsenicum in watery diarrhoea ; china, argilla, and sulphur, when the food comes away undigested ; hyoscyamus and belladonna, in cases where there exist great disturbance and a wild look ; opium, when the animal is stretched out as if dead, with small and intermittent pulse, hard fasces, or absolute constipation ; stramonium, when there are partial convulsions ; veratrum, in diarrhoea, as also in constipation, with cold extremities. FUNGUS ILEMATODES - — LACHRYMATION. 117 FUNGUS H^MATODES. This is a fungoid tumor growing from the orbit of the eye, which is of a medullary nature, although in horses it is a rare disease. There have been instan- ces in human surgery of its commencing on almost every texture or surface. This disease is considered constitutional, hence the little success that has attend- ed operations. The medicines that have been em- ployed against this affection, are belladonna, calcarea 9 lycopodium, sepia, and silicea. INVOLUNTARY CLOSING OF THE EYE-LIDS. Hyoscyamus is the remedy to be employed in the spasmodic closing of the eye-lids, which is observed sometimes in cases of periodical ophthalmia ; it is fre- quently met with, however, as an isolated symptom* Chammomilla has been useful in a case where hyoscy- amus had produced no effect. LACHRYMATION, OR WEEPING. It is frequently caused by obstruction of the lachry- mal duct, which will require an operation at times to remove it, and also the injection of tepid water through the canal. Ledum and Pulsatilla are the means which have produced, the best effects in this disease^ which often becomes extremely disagreeable. In one case, in which the acridity of the tears caused the hair to fall off, great success has been obtained from some doses of acidum phosphoricum with sulphur, as con- secutive treatment. Nux vomica has been found no less useful under circumstances where the weeping was accompanied with great sensibility to light, a lit- tle redness of the conjunctiva, and a collection of pus in the corner of the eye. Cantharis, causticum and euphrasia, medicines so valuable in affections of the eyes of every kind should not be neglected here ; but 118 OPHTHALMIA. those already mentioned suffice in most cases. Pso- ricum is useful, particularly when there is at the same time tumefaction of the eyelids. Agaricus muscarius has succeeded with wonderful readiness in a case where other means had produced no effect. The weeping is often an accessory symptom of a general disease of the eye, particularly of ophthalmia. OPHTHALMIA. Two species of inflammations of the eye are distin- guished, the acute and the periodical. The latter affection is commonly called moon-blindness, because formerly, it was supposed that it owed its origin to the influence of the moon on the eyes. 1. Acute ophthalmia, like all acute diseases in gen- eral, is particularly occasioned by the noxious influen- ces to which the animal may have been accidentally exposed, as heat followed by cold, too strong an im- pression of light, stable badly aired and full of acrid exhalations, &c. It sometimes accompanies a general morbid state, or it may be the consequence of bad quality of food. When the inflammation is not car- ried to an extreme degree, the eye communicates to the hand, when applied over it, a sensation of heat, the conjunctiva is more or less red, and the organ is sensible to the impression of light, which makes the animal keep his eyelids shut entirely, or in part. If force be used to separate them, they are found to be swollen, red on their inner surface, and the globe of the eye is observed to float in tears. When the in- flammation is more severe, the eye at first appears dry and hot, but by degrees it becomes covered with a purulent mucus, with which the lids also are glued to- gether ; at length, scalding tears, mixed with an acr mucus, are discharged ; at the same time the transpa- rent cornea is generally turbid and whitish, and the eye projects more or less out of its orbit. Treatment. — ■ First we give a dose of aconitum every OPHTHALMIA. 119 two or three hours. When once the inflammation has diminished perceptibly, which happens in general after the second day, if there still remain any lachrymation, any aversion to light, and a slight dimness of sight, we are to give belladonna. Finally, if after the latter medicine has been employed for some days consecu- tively, at a single dose each day, the cornea has not yet recovered its healthy transparency, cannabis and euphrasia remove the last remains of the disease. Spigelia is suitable whenever the eyelids are simulta- neously inflamed, and conium in those cases where the cornea seems as it were clouded. If the inflammation has been occasioned by any mechanical cause, blows, shocks, &c, we should commence with some doses of aconitum, then we employ externally, as a collyrinm, the tincture of arnica diluted with water. If, after the employment of these means, there still remain a slight turbidness in the place where the blow immediately fell, conium is to be given, and if this remedy fails, cannabis and belladonna^ alternated daily. Cases by Schmager, taken from the Zooiasis of Lux. — A horse was affected with ophthalmia of both eyes, more severe on the left ; the eye projecting very much out of the orbit, eyelids very much swollen and closed, intolerance of light, profuse lachrymation, cornea whitish and turbid. There was no mechanical lesion. I administered aconitum (eight drops, of the fifteenth dynamization), which I repeated every two hours for two days. The inflammatory state ceased ; there only remained the intolerance of light, the lachrymation, and slight turbidness of the cornea. Belladonna di- minished these symptoms very much ; they entirely disappeared after some days. The cornea had not yet recovered all its transparency. Cannabis [eight drops of the fifteenth dynamization] restored it in a few days to its healthy state. I treated in this same way, and with equal success, forty cases of ophthalmia. In the ophthalmia occasioned by a mechanical cause. 120 OPHTHALMIA. and of which I treated ten cases, I first prescribed aconitum as above, then arnica, in the dose of eight drops of the fifteenth dynamization. I also employed as a collyrium thirty drops of tincture of arnica, in a pint of water. Sometimes there remained in the place where the blow had been inflicted, a slight turbidness, which I treated with cannabis and belladonna, alter- nately, both in the dose of eight drops of the fifteenth dynamization. 2. Periodical ophthalmia breaks out usually on the coming out of the middle incisors, the posterior molars, and the tusks, consequently at the age of from three to five years ; and when once the predisposition exists, it returns of itself, without any external cause, at periods more or less near to each other. Ordinarily it attacks but one eye ; but the tumefaction of the lids, the aversion to light, and the lachrymation, are in general greater than in acute ophthalmia. It is also a rather constant symptom of periodical ophthalmia, that when the lids are separated, a greenish-yellow matter is seen to float at the bottom of the anterior chamber, which moves every time the animal shakes his head. The eye seems dull, and sinks by degrees, as if it became smaller ; the cornea is of a milk-white color, or leaden, or bluish, and behind the pupil, which is much dilated, there is perceived a whitish body, when the disease has attained a high degree of development. This is the crystalline lens now be- come opaque. It is the commencement of cataract, the ordinary termination of the disease, when it shows itself for the first time after the sixth or seventh year, and especially when it has been treated allopathically, with purgatives, derivatives, sedatives, &c. The treatment of periodical ophthalmia is, in general, more difficult than that of acute ophthalmia, but it is not less certain, if called in at the first commencement of the disease, and before any alterations of structure has taken place. Euphrasia is the chief remedy, which SWELLING OF THE EYES PARALYSIS. 121 often effects a complete cure in the space of from eight to fifteen days. Hahnemann cured a horse of periodical ophthalmia with natrum muriaticum ; others have obtained excellent results from antimonium cru- dum and Pulsatilla. Hitherto I have had no opportu- nity of trying these remedies, nor of seeing them used. Cannabis and Pulsatilla have been found useful in the treatment of commencing cataract. Euphrasia, both internally and externally, and causticum are no less important in this case. It is advisable, even after the cure, to give a dose of sulphur for some time every week. Hepar sulphuris has been found very effectual, in young horses, when with the inflammatory swelling there was mucous discharge. Calcarea carbonica and lycopodium are equally valuable remedies. SWELLING OF THE EYES. Prominence or projection of the eyes out of their orbits is a common consequence or accompaniment of ophthalmia. I have found stramonium useful in a case where there was a sort of periodical swelling of the eye-lids ; I first prescribed a dose of sulphur. Igna- tia and chamomilla are recommended in the treatment of swelling of the eyelids ; the former in that of the upper lid, the second in that of the lower. Sepia and sulphur have also been found effectual in a great many cases. If there be lachrymation at the same time, euphrasia may be employed with advantage. PARALYSIS. Paralysis, owing to the derangement or abolition of the influence which the nerves exercise over the mus- cles, may depend on mechanical injuries, on severe cold, or on internal causes. The principal means re- quired are : aconitum, arsenicum, arnica, belladonna, bryonia, cocculus, calcarea carbonica, causticum, dulca- mara, rhus toxicodendron, ruta and sulphur. 11 122 PARALYSIS. Case from the Zooiasis of Lux. — A horse which had been hitherto in good health, fell suddenly to the ground during the night. He was four years old. It was necessary to place him on a sledge in order to remove him from the stable, which was very small, in- to the barn. Stretched on the left side, he was una- ble to raise the head ; the entire right side was para- lyzed ; the ear of this side hung immovable ; the right pupil was also immovable, and larger than the left ; the pulse a little more frequent than in the state of health ; one half of the body cold, the other moder- ately warm, with dryness of the skin ; the animal could neither eat nor drink. He was made to take a dose of nux, which produced no improvement ; then, after twelve hours, rhas toxicodendron, which was also ineffectual ; finally helleborus, (ten drops of the second dynamization). After two hours, the animal began to raise his head, sweat appeared on some parts of his body, and after five hours, he had an evacua- tion from the bowels. I had him well whisped and rubbed, which brought back the heat into the par- alyzed side ; he wished to take food, but his jaws could not separate from each other. On the next day, no change, except that the heat was diffused almost equally over the entire body. Helleborus was repeat- ed, which brought on general perspiration, and the restoration of all the secretions. Every part recov- ered its mobility, and the animal tried to rise, but the legs of the affected side did not yet allow him. On the following day the improvement had made little progress : the animal had only a little more facility in eating and drinking. A new dose of helleborus, which produced no effect. Recourse was had to petroleum, which occasioned a profuse discharge of urine ; the animal rose for the first time ; it was the seventh day from the commencement of the attack ; he did not walk as yet, for he so staggered that he could not have avoided falling. Three days after, he PTERYGIUM SYNCOPE. 123 was able to walk for whole hours. At the end of four days, a dose of toxicodendron, because some small tumors appeared here and there. Dating from this period, these disappeared, the legs gradually lost their stiffness, and on the twelfth day the animal was again put to work. PTERYGIUM. Pterygium is hypertrophy of the cellular tissue which unites the conjunctiva to the globe of the eye. It generally extends from the inner angle of the eye towards the transparent cornea. This disease is seen rather frequently, especially among cavalry horses, which are frequently exposed to receive clouds of dust driven along by the wind, or to make long journeys under a burning sun. Still, cases do sometimes occur where it comes on without our being able to assign any determinate cause, or in consequence of some in- ternal chronic disease. Conium is the principal reme- dy. Cannabis also may be employed Avith advantage, as also euphrasia and causticum. Some doses of sul- phur are also suitable by way of consecutive treatment. The means generally employed for pterygium have frequently the effect of destroying it ; but usually they only alter the part, so as to render the treatment more mischievous than the disease itself. A method still more absurd, is that which consists in excising a por- tion of the haw, which occasions very acute pain to the animal, and destroys for ever an important part of the eye. We might possibly prevent the occurrence of the disease by washing the eyes with cold water after long journeys on dusty roads, taking care, how- ever, to have recourse to this expedient only when the horses were somewhat cooled. SYNCOPE. After profuse nasal hemorrhages, after a wound which has occasioned heavy loss of blood, incom- 124 TETANUS. plete syncope sometimes supervenes ; the horse, being very feeble, totters and trembles ; he is covered with a cold sweat, and sinks down sometimes ; but when stretched on the ground, he still moves his limbs, and soon revives. A dose of china here produces the best effects. "When the same phenomenon comes on after excessive labor, which has been carried beyond the animal's strength, and he has received little or no nourishment, Pulsatilla is effectual. However there are cases wherein complete syncope is observed in the horse, which after having tottered a little, falls to the ground deprived of consciousness as it were dead, re- maining stretched without moving, without convul- sions, with cold ears and feet. Under such circum- stances sepia has been several times of great benefit. When on falling the horse becomes convulsed, this is an attack of epilepsy. — See the article Epilepsy. TETANUS. Tetanus is an extremely dangerous disease, observed more particularly in horses than in other domestic an- imals. It consists in a peculiar spasm of the muscles of the jaws, and often too of the entire body. The jaws are so completely closed, that one might break them rather than separate them one from the other. At the onset of the disease, which always commences with slight symptoms of colic and constipation, with moving of the tail, the animal feels some difficulty in opening the mouth ; by degrees the ears become rigid, the eyes are widely opened and distorted, the neck is rigid and immovable ; spasm soon seizes the entire body ; the animal becomes rigid in every part ; the muscles are hard, the respiration is hurried and loud, and the animal's body is covered with a cold sweat ; his body, in fact, seems as if he was a wood- en horse. No power can then succeed in opening the mouth ; the nose forms a hard cone ; the horse, al- most incapable of making the least movement, re- TETANUS. 125 mains standing, his legs very much separated, and at length dies between the eighth and tenth day. But the disease does not always commence with trismus of the jaws ; it often begins with spasm of the muscles of the posterior region, which extends gradually to the anterior parts of the body, and which attains its ex- treme degree when the jaws are closed. The first case happens when during moist and cloudy weather, the animal has been wounded in a very sensitive part, more especially in the joints and in the foot. The second is observed, when the horse, otherwise predis- posed, has been subjected to great cold after being very much heated. But there is no doubt that many other causes also contribute to produce this disease, which, for the most part, attacks well-bred horses, and which in general is not recognized, except when it has already made considerable progress. The efforts of allopathy have hitherto had but little success. Homoe- opathy has been more fortunate. Nux vomica has proved very efficacious. It is administered in repeat- ed doses, at first several times a day, then every two or three days. If any rigidity remain in the limbs, arsenicum is prescribed, after which it is right almost always to recur to nux vomica. In some cases where the animal had not recovered appetite, benefit has been obtained from ipecacuanha. Belladonna, mercurius vivus, and veratrum have also been useful. Case by Genzke, extracted from the Zooiasis of Lux. — After running, a horse became so stiff during the night, that he could scarcely move a single step. On examining him I found him affected with tetanus ; his neck was tense, and the legs, more especially the hind legs, very much separated ; the back, on the middle of which a circumscribed, painful tumor was observed, formed a straight line : the tail hung a little to the right. The muscular parts, affected with tetanic con- traction, were rigid and very hard to the touch, more especially those of the back, thighs and flanks, less so, 11* 126 TETANUS. however,- than those of the legs and neck. If the an* imal was obliged to move, he did so with extraordina- ry rigidity, and if an attempt was made to trot him, perspiration soon manifested itself, with hurried res- piration. At the same time there was redness of the nasal mucous membrane and of the conjunctiva ; pulse a little full, but not very frequent ; respiration painful and hurried with dilation of the nostrils; skin tense and dry ; the animal rarely evacuated ; the evac- uations were small and dry. A favorable circum- stance was that there was not yet a trismus of the jaws, or at least that it was not much marked, for the animal was still able to chew his hay without difficulty when cut, and to swallow it readily ; he also retained a moderate appetite ; he had run the day before in the midst of heavy rain, with a north-east wind. As belladonna was often found a specific in similar spasmodic diseases in the human subject, I adminis- tered to the animal four drops of the twelfth dilution with sugar of milk. On the following day I observed no change in the morbid phenomena, and I gave a new dose of the sixth dilution. But no effect being even yet produced, I ascertained that a general tetanic state, in which the animal retains his consciousness and the use of all his senses, must be very uncommon in the human subject, and belladonna has proved effectual only in the case where the tetanus was accompanied with a total loss of consciousness. Nux vomica pre- sented, on the contrary, the closest resemblance to the case in question, with respect to the tetanic spasms, at least if we may judge from different experiments made on animals ; and, further, it corresponded still more with the other phenomena. I then gave five drops of it of the third dilution. On the afternoon of the same day, I observed short contractions in the flanks, simi- lar to those which might be produced -by galvanic shocks, a circumstance which appeared to me a good omen, by inducing me to hope a favorable reaction of VERTIGO. 127 the vital force. Towards evening a mild and uniform perspiration took place over the entire body ; it lasted however but a short time, and the animal became dry, whilst being rubbed. On the following day, the gen- eral state seemed improved ; the respiration was not accompanied w T ith such violent efforts ; the muscles of the flanks and back were no longer so rigid, but the voluntary motion of the thighs was not yet effected without considerable difficulty ; there had been a co- pious discharge of urine, of a pulverulent appearance, and frequent alvine evacuations. The same dose re- peated. Two days after, considerable diminution of all the symptoms ; relaxation of all the muscles which had been affected with spasm ; the animal feels more facility in turning the neck and moving the legs, which now diverge less during standing ; breathing al- most natural ; pulse full and regular ; not more than forty-five per minute ; appetite good. From this time up to three days after, during which period two doses more of nux vomica were administered, the im- provement progressed with incredible rapidity, without the least relapse, so that at the end of six days the an- imal was perfectly cured. VERTIGO. By vertigo is meant a chronic disease of the horse, chiefly indicated by a disturbance of the sensitive fac- ulties, occasioning derangement in the ordinary func- tions of life. Much that is incorrect has been written regarding the seat, properly so called, of the evil; at the present time most veterinary surgeons are agreed in seeking the proximate cause, not as formerly, in the brain, but in the abdominal organs, and in considering the cerebral affection as purely secondary. The ver- tigo often succeeds acute encephalitis, the intensity of which has diminished to a certain degree ; but very frequently also it comes on without having been pre- 128 VERTIGO. ceded by inflammation of the brain. It recognizes the same causes as the latter, insolation, confinement in hot and badly aired stables, cold, extreme fatigue, blows and injuries on the head, indigestion, unwhole- some or too much food in proportion to the exercise taken. The fear of punishment, especially of the whip, occasionally gives rise to it in sensitive and irrita- ble animals. Some horses have a hereditary predis- position to it, and mares are considered more subject to it than stallions. Further, it is scarcely ever ob- served except in hot weather, and as it is generally at the beginning of summer that it commences to appear, it goes away always in autumn, at least with respect to its chief symptoms. These are the following : the horse, a little before lively and active, begins all of a sudden to appear heavy and indolent ; he is dejected, and prefers to keep himself in the darkest corner of the stable, eyes dull, look fixed and stupid, eyelids half shut, inattention to everything, forgetting even him- self, and, as it were, asleep, the head hanging to the ground, and resting on the manger, or on the rack. His gait is heavy, slow, and unsteady : he raises the feet very high, and puts the entire sole to the ground, raising and letting down the limbs in a manner purely mechanical, and, as it were, unconsciously. He ex- hibits much awkwardness in turning, and cannot be pulled back except by depressing the head very much, and pushing it laterally. Generally, also, he leans on one side in walking. To maintain his equilibrium the better, he places the fore legs beneath the belly, and moves his ears in a peculiar manner, and backwards. According as the disease progresses, he becomes less and less sensible to external impressions. Mastication is performed 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 food off the ground rather than in any other way, and when drinking, he plunges his head into the VERTIGO. 129 water, even above his nostrils. Daring and after some rather violent movements, his state becomes much aggravated, and the signs of complete insensibility be- come 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 twelve pulsations 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 and clammy. With respect to treatment, the reme- dies which have succeeded best with me are : chamo- milla (some doses), then sulphur, and nux vomica. In a particular case where, independently of the symp- toms peculiar to vertigo, the conjunctiva, tongue and mouth were more yellow, the horse frequently flexed his fore-legs, seldom laid down, feces hard, and passed but little urine, I obtained benefit from the use of nux vomica, with sulphur as consecutive treatment. Others used Pulsatilla in general : however, they also obtained good effects . from veralrum album in many cases : nux vomica was employed when the horse in- clined to the left, and arnica when he leaned to the right. Several horses have been cured by means of belladonna, and one which was considered as lost was saved by giving him belladonna, hyoscyamus and nux vomica. The utility of digitalis and opium has been verified in slight cases of vertigo, in which cases bene- fit has been derived from arnica. On one occasion veratrum album was prescribed during four days twice a day, and then stramonium, employed in the same manner ; on the fifth day the animal was cured. It is always advisable to have recourse to sulphur as con- secutive treatment. 130 ANGINA TRACHEALIS. SECTION IV. DISEASES OF THE HEART AND RESPIRATORY ORGANS, &C. ANGINA TRACHEALIS. Angina is a disease common, and at times dangerous to horses. It often kills by suffocation ; in many cases also it degenerates into bronchitis or pneumonia, unless timely assistance is rendered. It is recognized by difficulty of respiration, which is loud, and occa- sionally heard at a distance ; the animal frequently lets the head droop, stretching the neck, and evincing considerable uneasiness and pain when the larynx is pressed ; the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose are intensely red ; the nose is dry, and the mouth full of frothy saliva ; the animal is, in severe cases, unable to swallow the food, even when soft, and the drink partly escapes through the nose. At the same time he is feverish, and the affection is almost always accompanied by a short dry cough, the tongue and breath are hot, and the eyes project more or less. Often also there is observed swelling of the tongue, and external tumefaction of the throat. Of this dis- ease, to which horses are more subject in the autumnal months, the ordinary cause is the variation of tempera- ture. In general it yields to one or two doses of aconitum, followed by lachesis, and when this medicine does not dispel all the symptoms, spongia marina tosta should be employed. If these means do not suffice, we should have recourse to hepar sulphuris, bella- donna, phosphorus, mercurius and sulphur. Mercurius is also indicated especially if the glands of the neck are much swollen, with difficulty in opening the mouth ; and a constant flow of saliva. ACUTE BRONCHITIS. 131 BEATINGS OF THE HEART. This affection yields to bryonia. Lycopodium also may be employed, when it occurs during a state of rest, and graphitis when it comes on during motion. Aurum deserves particular recommendation. Aconi- tum also is a specific in many cases. ACUTE BRONCHITIS. Bronchitis frequently supervenes from the same causes that induce catarrh ; at times, it comes on after wet and cold, or standing in draughts, and in many horses there appears to be a predisposition of the bron- chial tubes to inflammatory action. In some epidemics the membrane lining the bronchial tubes is primarily, in others secondarily affected. The disease often fol- lows severe cases of strangles. The symptoms differ very much in intensity in different subjects. There is generally a dull, heavy, and painful expression of coun- tenance ; partial loss of appetite ; a cough, at times dry, but in the progress of the disease, especially when the animal is recovering, it becomes loose and rattling. The pulse is quick and soft. The character of the mucus differs also very much during the progress of the disease, both in color and consistence ; if not checked, it often assumes a chronic form, and is then difficult to treat with success, and frequently induces thick wind and roaring. The medicines to be employed will, in a great measure, be regulated by the different stages of the dis- ease ; amongst the most useful, we shall find bryonia alba, aconite, belladonna, phosphorus, mercurius, canna- bis, spongia, &c. If the inflammation is high, we should commence the treatment by giving aconite, par- ticularly when the pulse is high, and the skin hot and dry. Belladonna, when there is rattling of mucus, distressing cough, and oppression of the chest. Bry- onia, with dryness of the mouth and difficult respira- 132 ACUTE BRONCHITIS BROKEN WIND. tion ; this remedy is more called for when it is apt to degenerate into pleurisy. Phosphorus is particularly indicated when there is reason to apprehend extension of the disease to the substance of the lungs. Mercu- rius, when the symptoms resemble catarrh, with swell- ing of the glands and an increase of saliva. Sponiga, when the affection threatens to become chronic, when the breathing is very difficult ; tarlarus emeticus may be given, and if the secretion is abundant, sepia will be found useful ; also arsenicum is a valuable remedy when the disease assumes an epidemic form. It is also useful to administer a few doses of sulphur when the animal is to all appearance recovered. If the affection has been allowed to become chronic, the remedies most useful will be found to be spongia, sul- phur, calcarea, carbonica, phosphorus, causticum, silicea, arsenicum, conium, stannum, trosdinum have also been recommended in thi Arnica, capsicum, coichicum. nux vomica and Pulsatilla have on many occasions been found very useful. How- ever, the first three medicines have been found suffi- cient in the great majority of eases. Urinary calculus is at times the occasion of retention of urine, it must then be treated accordingly, see Calculus. SATYRIASIS. The remedies to be employed in this disease are cantharides and plaiina. INFLAMMATION OF THE SCROTUM. This disease which frequently comes on after castra- tion, is easily prevented by some doses of arnica. § during the first days after the operation. If, notwith- standing, the turnefacu. e should recourse to sulphur, and in case of failure, to ckmatu 166 SPASM OF THE BLADDER. erecta. Great efforts to draw loads are frequently followed by considerable tumefaction of the testicles of the entire horse. Here we should employ coniwn. If the affection be brought on by contusion, friction, &c, arnica is employed, which should also be applied externally. SPASM OF THE BLABBER. This affection consists in a spasmodic contraction of the sphincter of the bladder, which renders the passing of the urine impossible. It is often observed after cold, when the horses pass the night out of the stable, or as a secondary symptom in colic ; it has also been frequently observed after a day's hunting. The animal evinces great uneasiness ; he is tormented as much almost as in fits of colic, scrapes, throws himself on the ground, stands up again after some minutes, and often strains to pass urine, but ineffec- tually. Occasionally the abdomen is swollen, and in the dissection of horses, the spleen is frequently found considerably enlarged, (hypertrophied,) sometimes it has been found to weigh upwards of fifteen pounds, There are also cases on record of rupture of the viscus ; the symptoms resemble those of gripes, and has been mistaken for the latter by observant practitioners ; the death of the animal generally takes place in eighteen or twenty hours after the symptoms are observed. On examining the rectum, we find that the bladder is very much distended. Aconitum and cantharides are then proper in most cases ; however, hyoscyamus deserves the preference when the animal has passed the night out of the stable. Cannabis is an excellent remedy in case of strangury. Opium also produces very good results, especially when there are intervals of rest between the pains, the pulse being small and scarcely perceptible, the animal sad, and as it were asleep. It is stated that arnica has been found useful STRANGURY. 167 in the case of heat in the hoof, and Pulsatilla in that of cold in the extremities. SPERMATORRHOEA. This disease, which is occasionally met with in stallions, and which consists in a discharge of liquids similar to semen, weakens the animal very much, when not promptly relieved : he wastes away, loses his hair, and eventually is seized with hectic fever. Chi?ia, sepia and sulphur are the principal means to be employed in such a case. STRANGURY, (RETENTION OF URINE.) In this disease the animal feels acute pains when he wishes to pass urine. The urine, which he passes in small quantity, is sometimes clear, sometimes red, occasionally even bloody. The horse kicks, and seems disposed to lie down, but he seldom does so ; he shakes the tail, experiences great restlessness in the hind quarters, and makes, with groans, ineffectual efforts to empty the bladder. If it is impossible for the animal to stale, we should employ the means pointed out in the article Spasm of the bladder; if he succeed, we should give him acidum phosphoricum, Pulsatilla and nitrum, when the urine is pale as water, and passes off only with acute pain ; staphysagria, when it is reddish, and the flanks are tightly com- pressed ; ipecacuanha in the case of bloody urine ; sulphur in chronic hematuria ; acidum nitri, when the urine is cold. Sometimes, though rarely, it will be necessary to have recourse to the operation of cutting into the perinseum, so as to admit the in- troduction of a catheter into the bladder or thrusting a trocar through the rectum into the bladder. 168 HEPATITIS. SECTION VII. DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND SPLEEN. JAUNDICE. This affection, which is not very common in horses, is recognized by the yellow color of the conjunctiva, inner surface of the lips, and the interior of the mouth. It is in the generality of cases symptomatic of acute or chronic hepatitis, is generally accompanied with fever ; the serum of the blood and urine are of a yellow tinge. It is usually accompanied with great debility, the appetite fails, the evacuations have a yellow tinge, but are more frequently clay colored. The principal remedies to be employed are : aconite, china, nux vomica, mercurius vivus, sulphur, lycopodium, bryonia, belladonna, mercurius, &c. See hepatitis. HEPATITIS. Less usual among horses than in horned cattle, par- ticularly in fatting, inflammation of the liver has a close resemblance to that of the spleen, which frequently causes these two diseases to be confounded. In hepa- titis the animal is suddenly struck with great depres- sion, he does not eat, drinks greedily, holds the head down, looks frequently at the right flank, which seems tense, and evinces great uneasiness when this part of the body is touched. He cannot remain lying down, and he limps with the off fore-leg, with which he also scrapes the ground frequently. He becomes consti- pated, his urine is yellowish, his pulse is hard and ac- celerated ; respiration and deglutition are attended with SPLENITIS. 169 difficulty. Oftentimes, more especially when the dis- ease has made considerable progress, the eye, mouth, nostrils and tongue are observed to be yellow; the hair is dull in color, and erect ; gangrene comes on rapidly ; ascites and other dropsical swelling frequently accompany this disease particularly in the latter stages. With proper treatment we succeed in curing acute hepatitis in from nine to eleven days ; whilst chronic hepatitis often continues for entire months, and even longer. The treatment commences by some doses of aconitum, which is to be followed by nux vomica, alter- nately with mercurius vivus. When there are signs of jaundice, this is the case for employing chamomile and mercurius solubilis. If there be constipation, we are to give nux vomica and bryonia. SPLENITIS. Inflammation of the spleen which generally runs on to gangrene is very uncommon, and differs from most other acute inflammations, chiefly in the tongue being brownish or brown. The appetite fails entirely ; the pulse is at first hard, full and tense, subsequently small, soft, and weak. The look is fixed, the head extended straight forward, and when the region of the spleen is touched, the animal evinces evident signs of pain : his head is frequently directed towards the part affected. A dose of aconitum every ten or fifteen minutes is sufficient to restore health, when it is employed at the very moment the disease appears. If there be deep respiration with disturbance and restlessness of the whole body, we must employ belladonna alternately with aconitum — nux vomica, also alternately with aconi- tum, when the horse frequently looks towards his flanks. When the brownish color of the tongue becomes deeper, arsenicum should be given as an intercurrent remedy. Pulsatilla, plumbum, mezereum and spigelia, have also been found useful. Lauroce- 15 170 APHTHJE, OR THRUSH, rasus has succeeded almost instantaneously in an obsti- nate case where the pulse was small, the look fixed, the head directed upwards, and when the animal became insensible, excepting the affected part was touched ; however, as the preceding means had been already employed, there remains some doubt, whether they may not have contributed their share in effecting this rapid cure. SECTION VIII. DISEASES OF THE MOUTH, &C APHTHA, OR THRUSH. This disease of the mouth, more common in young horses, is not dangerous in itself, although frequently preventing the patient from eating. It has been caused by pressure and the use of a rusty bit, when small ulcers will be detected on examining the mouth. There are also observed on the parietes of the buccal cavity, and very often also on the tongue, inflamed patches, very red, and covered, some with small vesicles, and others with white crusts. These aphthae cause great pain, so that the animal allows the food to fall out of its mouth, even though it be of the softest kind, from inability to masticate. The gums are pale and devoid of color ; in many cases ulcers and crusts are seen even on the lips and nose. The principal means here are, phosphoric acid, staphysagria, and mercurius solu- bilis, the last more especially when a fetid saliva flows from the mouth. The ulcers of the lips and nose are cured by one or two doses of arsenicum and sulphur. CARBUNCLE ON THE TONGUE CARIES. 171 CARBUNCLE ON THE TONGUE. This disease, which is very uncommon in the horse, but is extremely contagious, takes place when in typhus the miasm is thrown on the tongue, so that this organ is covered with small vesicles full of a turbid fluid, or when there supervenes a small pimple sur- rounded by a bluish circle. The vesicles burst and fill the mouth with a fetid ichor, which corrodes the tongue to a considerable depth ; the tumefaction of this latter organ goes on increasing ; corroding ulcers are soon produced, and the organ becoming gangre- nous, is detached in distinct portions ; death generally supervenes at the end of from twenty to thirty hours. For the treatment see the article typhus. CARIES. Caries is always a very serious disease, the cure of which is attended with great difficulties, especially when the aid of homoeopathy is not invoked in proper time. Besides the swelling, which in most cases has preceded it, and which often accompanies it even when an external wound is produced, it is observed that for a considerable time the diseased part is very painful to the touch. The principal means are asafwtida and silicea. Aurum (especially in caries in the head,) lachesis (in that of the legs,) acidum nitri, sepia, iodium and sulphur have also succeeded frequently. FISTULA ON THE NOSE. Fistulous ulcers in the nose, particularly in its late- ral parts, are not uncommon in horses. Generally this dangerous disease is occasioned by a wound which has affected even the bones. This is the reason why, when, after a wound in the nose, if we do not prevent the development of this dangerous consequence, one which is always to be dreaded, by having instan- 172 GLOSSITIS - — OTITIS OZENA. taneous recourse to arnica and Symphytum, the bones become the seat of a swelling of greater or less size, pierced by a small opening through which a sanious fluid is discharged ; one of the remedies is Pulsatilla, several doses of which are to be given, to each of which we are to allow six or eight days to expend its action. GLOSSITIS. The chief remedies for this disease, which is of rare occurrence in horses, are aconitum and mercurius vivus. Acidum nitri is recommended when the tongue is dry, acidum sulphuricum in very obstinate cases ; belladonna, when there is swelling with redness ; arsenicum, if the swelling appear painful ; carbo animalis, conium, lyco- podium and silicea in induration of the tongue. OTITIS. When the interior of the ear is attacked with inflam- mation, it gives rise to considerable swelling, which causes great pain to the horse; he holds his head inclined to the affected side, and tosses it frequently. Aconitum and bryonia internally, and arnica extern- ally, are the means to which we should have recourse in such cases. Hepar sulphur is also has been recom- mended. When an abscess has been formed, we have recourse to arsenicum. Pulsatilla, lycopodium, sepia, petroleum and silicea, are useful in deep seated absces- ses of the meatus auditorius. OZENA. Mercurius vivus, aurum and mezereon are very bene- ficial in the treatment of this affection. Acidum phos- phoricum and arsenicum are equally suitable in erosions of the pituitary membrane ; squilla in pustular inflam- mation of this membrane ; secale cornutum when it has a bluish tint. FEVER ATTENDED WITH CHILLINESS. 173 PAROTIDITIS. By this term we designate inflammation of the large salivary gland, situate under the ear, along the pos- terior edge of the jaw. The tumor, which is of con- siderable extent, is hot, tense and painful on pressure ; the animal eats and drinks with difficulty, and in some cases cannot feed at all ; he has high fever ; he holds the head stretched out in a right line, and inclines it a little to the healthy side. Aconitum, mercurius, sul- phur and lycopodium are recommended. If the tumor from neglect pass into suppuration, a salivary fistula is often produced, which is difficult of cure ; belladonna may then be employed. SECTION IX. FEVERS. FEVER ATTENDED WITH CHILLINESS. The cold fever announces itself by great depression, want of appetite, trembling of the skin, and occasion- ally also of the limbs, a staring coat, coldness of the ears, dryness of the tongue and the discharge of a small quantity of urine. It presents, moreover, the ordinary symptoms of febrile states in general, a hard and fre- quent pulse, a violent beating of the flanks, obstruction of the respiration, &c. The interval between two accessions has nothing regular or determinate, as in the intermittent fever of the human subject, and the dura- tion of each also varies considerably. Generally 15* 174 INFLAMMATORY FEVER. speaking, the accessions appear a little after the animal has drunk, and usually they manifest themselves by a remarkable sense of cold, which is succeeded by heat: however, it is not uncommon to see one or other of these symptoms wanting. The principal means to be employed are arsenicum and hryonia. The former is more especially suitable when the disease depends either on the animal having drunk cold water when he was heated, or on his having eaten too much, &c. It is indicated also when the accessions are renewed after the horse having drunk. Acidwn riitri should be pre- scribed when the febrile shivering returns at the time when the horse goes out of a warm stable to pass into the open air. Ipecacuanha is recommended in cases where several horses are attacked simultaneously, and in a manner epizootically, with febrile shivering after having eaten. INFLAMMATORY FEVER. We give this name to the more or less high fever which accompanies almost all inflammations. The principal remedy for fever combined with internal inflammations is aconitum, and when it fails, mercurius vivus. Arnica is the most useful for traumatic fever associated with external inflammations. To be sure, the former does not always yield to aconitum alone ; there is often required another medicine also to harmo- nize with the inflammatory state which exists in each particular case ; for instance, belladonna in encephalitis, spongia in angina, bryonia in the peripneumony and pneumonia, arsenicum in enteritis, cantharides in cys- titis and 'nephritis, &c. FEVER ATTENDED WITH PUTRIDITY. This disease, although of very infrequent occurrence in horses, causes great prostration of the vital forces ; it is always the consequence of a full developed psora. FEVER ATTENDED WITH PUTRIDITY. 175 It is chiefly observed in horses which have lost much of their strength, which are debilitated by fatigue, by a deficiency, or the bad quality of their food, &c, more especially in time of war. The hair of an animal in this state begins to stare, some febrile shiverings come on, the pulse is accelerated, small, soft and very com- pressible ; the pulsations of the heart are felt with con- siderable strength on the left side, and sometimes also on the right side of the chest. The horse is dejected and sad, he holds his head down, and gradually loses all appetite. The eye is dull, generally half shut and bleared, mouth hot and full of saliva, ears cold, tongue covered with a yellowish mucus. The respiration short, hurried and embarrassed, breath hot and fetid ; fasces soft and very fetid ; the animal frequently scrapes with his fore-feet, but never strikes with the hind feet ; he lies down frequently, and at length no longer stands up. There gradually appear on different parts of the body, chiefly on the thighs, tumors containing a yellowish ichor. In certain cases the head is much swollen, the respiration difficult, as also deglutition, and a yellowish and fetid mucus flows from the nose and mouth. Prostration becomes more and more marked, and death occurs almost always when the legs swell. The disease is contagious, and conse- quently requires the most prompt separation and seclu- sion of the animal affected. At the onset of the putrid fever, ipecacuanha is administered, then at the end of one or two days arsenicum. When the disease is fully developed, the principal remedy to be employed is natrum muriaticum, which, in the time of an epidemic, it would be serviceable for healthy horses to take once or twice a week, as a preservative. If, notwithstand- ing a commencement of improvement, there still re- mains much debility, we have recourse to china, at the same time that we must employ thuja for the tumors which are suppurating. Sulphur, continued for a long 176 TUBERCULOUS FEVER. time (one dose per day,) then produces the best effects. TRAUMATIC FEVER. Traumatic fever arises sympathetically from local irritation ; there appears much difference in horses as to nervous irritability, the slightest wound affecting some, and bringing on sympathetic fever, whilst others, on the contrary, appear but slightly affected, although the injury they received may have been very severe. Arnica is the principal remedy. TUBERCULOUS FEVER. This disease, which I have not yet observed in all its development, manifests itself in the following manner : the animal falls sick suddenly, and tubercles of greater or less size are seen to come out over his body, with defined edges, bearing considerable resemblance to nettle rash in the human subject, and which appear principally on the anterior part of the body. The horse trembles all over ; he is sad, loses his appe- tite, his eyes are filled with tears, his mouth is hot, salivary secretion profuse. When the disease has existed for a certain time, the tubercles, if they do not disappear suddenly, become flattened and depressed, and often seem to make way for oedematous swellings, to which is added an enormous swelling of the legs. This disease is frequently dangerous. We should always employ in its treatment, first several suc- cessive doses of aconitum, which lessen very much the size of the tubercles, and removes almost en- tirely the inflammatory symptoms, when the animals recover their appetite and resume their ordinary sprightliness. After aconitum, rhus toxico-dendron is generally administered, two doses of which given in the space of twenty-four hours, almost invaria- bly put a termination to the symptoms. When the affection is of long standing and the tubercles have INFLUENZA, OR CATARRHAL FEVER. 177 become flattened, the best of all remedies that can be administered is arsenicum, more especially when the legs are at the same time attacked with an ccdematous swelling. In a similar case, where the swelling was brought on by cold, but where the symptoms were not well marked, I have employed dulcamara with success. See the article Verminous Affections. INFLUENZA, OR CATARRHAL FEVER. This disease is generally predominant at the spring or fall of the year, but mostly prevails at the latter period ; it has been attributed to prevalence in a particular season of north-easterly winds ; some have thought it to have been occasioned by a miasm per- vading a particular locality, brought on by the decom- position of vegetables. The symptoms are generally those of common fever, succeeded by catarrh, in its worst form, with extreme oppression and prostration of strength. When the disorder is ushered in by febrile symptoms, we should commence the treatment with aconite, and should the animal appear weak and languid, it should be followed by arsenicum. The other remedies to be recommended are mercurius vivus, causticum, phosphorus, belladonna, bryonia and Pulsatilla. STRANGLES. Strangles is a disease which attacks young horses chiefly in spring and autumn ; it is frequently observed after an exposure to heat or cold, under the influence of bad weather, or by the transition either from green pasture to dry food and stabling. The precursory symptoms are, dulness, perceptible weakness, which causes the animal to perspire on the slightest exertion, impaired appetite, redness of the pituitory membrane, lachrymation, and frequent dry cough. The disease commences usually with slight fever ; an albuminous 178 STRANGLES, fluid flows from the nostrils, of a clear and limpid quality, which becomes thick after some days, and takes on the appearance of thick mucus, like cream : the submaxillary glands become swollen, and are hot and very painful to the touch : the swelling fills very frequently all the hollow of the lower jaw, so as to interfere more or less with the respiration and degluti- tion. There is generally a copious flow of saliva from the mouth, the affection appearing at first, as regards the symptoms, very like catarrh. In this case the strangles are said to be mild. In general it gets well in eight or fifteen days, with or without the aid of art ; the appetite returns, as well as his sprightliness ; the nasal discharge ceases gradually, and the swelling is resolved, or suppurates. Some doses of dulcamara considerably diminish the duration of this mild form of strangles. But very frequently the strangles presents itself with a more marked inflammatory character. It is then called acute. The pulse is hard and full : the respiration hurried, difficult, and accompanied with a great heaving of the flanks ; cough violent ; tumefaction of the glands considerable and painful ; the eyes secrete tears in abundance, and project almost always out of the orbits ; the eye-lids are swollen ; the mouth is hot and full of vicous slaver ; nose dry, and its mucous membrane much inflamed ; appetite gone ; on the con- trary, there is severe thirst ; dung small and scanty, and the urine, during most of the time, suppressed. Here we are to prescribe above everything else, two doses of aco?iitum, then one dose of dulcamara every day. If there be salivation at the same time, mercu- rius vivus should be employed, and if the nasal dis- charge persist, one dose of arsenicum should be taken. In cases where the ordinary means produced no effect, opium in considerable doses has been found very appropriate. If simultaneously with the swelling of the glands of the eye, there be also tumefaction 'of other parts of the head, it is good to administer a STRANGLES. 179 dose of belladonna, or when the swelling is cede- matous, a dose of arsenicum. If after eight days the tumefaction has not diminished, some doses of hepar sulphuris (one every two hours) are prescribed, which soften it ; after which it disappears of its own accord, or at least the tumor may be readily opened. It is good to keep the latter warm for some time by covering it with sheep-skin or flannel. It would be best to allow the animal to drink water with the chill off. Very often also we have to treat masked strangles, in which there is no discharge by the nose, but merely the respiration is short, hurried, and a little stertorous ; in such a case we should employ some doses of belladonna and then arsenicum. When the strangles has lasted for a long time, has been neglected, when the horse has been exposed to cold, or badly cured, the glands form a spherical mass, which is hard and indolent ; the nasal discharge assumes a bad color, it acquires a fetid odor, it becomes viscous and flocculent, it forms thick scabs at the edge of the nostrils ; the pituitory membrane is pale, livid, and covered with small ulcers ; the disease then obtains the name of malignant strangles just as we say false strangles or strangles driven in, when there is tumefaction of the belly, swelling of the limbs, &c. Malignant strangles are scarcely ever observed, except in very weak horses, exhausted in consequence of bad food or excessive fatigue, more especially those in which psora has attained a high degree of development. This is an obstinate disease, near akin to glanders, which is not easily distinguished from the latter, and which terminates frequently in glanders, properly so called, or in putrid fever. Here the medicines above mentioned no longer suffice. Hepar sulphuris (one dose every six hours) almost always produces the opening of the hard tumor which accompanies the disease. Beladonna and spiritus sulphuris have more than once brought about this result. If these means fail, we must then employ the baryta 180 TYPHUS. carbonica, in repeated doses. Pulsatilla and sulphur are always very serviceable in counteracting nasal dis- charges of a bad character. Sulphur in frequently repeated doses (two or three per week) and, above all, arsenicum are the chief medicines to be employed, when the mucous membrane of the nose is inflamed and ulce- rated. The fever which frequently accompanies stran- gles resembles what has been called cold fever ; but it differs from it principally in the lesser intensity of the cold, and the great intensity of the heat which then su- pervenes. The dull appearance and erect state of the hair, the coldness of the ears, the disturbance of vision, and the albuminous character of the saliva, are the chief characters of this slight fever. When it accompanies swelling of the glands, the substances indicated for the treatment of strangles properly so called suffice to remove it, but it sometimes comes on without well marked symptoms of strangles : we should then have recourse to some doses of aconitum, and to one dose of dulcamara, or, if there be salivation, to mercurius vivus, which soon removes it. It is not rare to meet, in consequence of latent strangles, or merely from neglected strangles, a swelling of the salivary glands, often even of the parotids, which, when it is not very great, yields to dulcamara, sometimes even to aurum or argentum. "When the swelling is still greater, hepar sulphuris is to be employed (three doses a day), or spiritus sulphuratus, or belladonna. Baryta has been found useful in certain obstinate cases. Arseni- cum is indicated when after opening the tumor, round ulcers have remained with hard and everted edges. TYPHUS. Typhus is infinitely more uncommon in horses than in horned cattle and swine ; however it is sometimes observed to occur during the heat of summer. The following is an account of the symptoms produced by TYPHUS. 181 it ; the disease is often ushered in by depression of spirits ; then it is observed that the eyes become dull and fixed ; the breathing is deeper than usual ; the animal moans ; the throat is hot ; the tongue covered with a white coating ; the ears cold, as also the feet ; there is a loss of appetite, or great greediness, and grinding of the teeth ; the breath is cold and fetid ; a badly colored mucus flows from the nose ; gurg- lings are heard in the abdomen ; sometimes the hind- legs swell, or there comes on either on the belly, or on the fore part of the chest, slight swellings which enlarge or disappear with rapidity, an occurrence soon followed by death. There also appear on the inner part of the thighs, vesicles or pustules, which discharge a bloody serum : blood flows from the nose, always an alarming sign, for the horses soon fall down dead. The head is carried very low : the feet are crowded in beneath the belly, the hair is erect : heat alternates with cold, then a burning heat comes on ; the skin trembles, a cold, clammy sweat appears ; the eyes become red ; the sense of hearing is diminished ; the abdomen becomes tympanitic and tense. A clammy mucus collects in the corner of the eyes ; brown, blackish, bloody mucous fluids flow from the nose, and a fetid ichor from the rectum. The tremblings of the skin and the symptoms go on increasing ; there is frequently a swelling beneath the lower jaw, on the chest, on the legs, on the back and buttocks. The swelling of the head sometimes increases very much, and so much so as to render the animal deformed ; mastication and deglutition are now impossible. The limbs are paralyzed, when the swelling attacks them. In some animals symptoms of encephalitis or vertigo are observed ; they protrude the body forwards inces- santly, rest their heads on the rack, stamp, or strike with their feet, or are constantly plunged into a state of stupor ; and others evince signs of colic with con- stipation, they scrape with their feet, roll themselves^ 16 182 TYPHUS. are melancholy, and swell in various parts. Some experience much difficulty in breathing, and have a heavy and painful cough. The slightest pressure on the abdominal region is very painful to them, and in- creases the cough ; they are unable to lie down ; a deep furrow or gutter is observable along the false ribs at each inspiration : new eruptions and tumefac- tions come on ; corroding ulcers form on the tongue. Among the predominant signs of typhus in horses there is noticed a reddish discharge from the nose, which has given to the disease the name of acute glan- ders. The pulse is small, weak and very much hurried, (from seventy to eighty). The blood is blackish, the veins are much swollen, and the pulsations of the heart are almost imperceptible. As death approaches, there is almost always observed a bloody discharge from the anus and a reddish discharge around the nostrils. The typhus follows a rapid or slow course.. In the first case, where it terminates fatally, in twenty-four hours at most, the precursory signs are cold in the legs, chiefly in the fore-legs, coldness in the ears, and a somewhat staggering walk in the hind quarters ; it commences with a violent trembling ; the animal shivers, feels great distress, his breathing is rapid and* difficult, he coughs, throws himself on the ground, and alternately remains quiet and sad, as if struck with stupor, or appears in his movements as a horse affected with vertigo, or evinces colicky pains accompanied with constipation, rolls himself and swells in different points. The reddish discharge from the nose is here a predominant symptom. Death takes place amid convulsions, often with distension of the neck. In the other case, where death, supervening amidst symptoms of the acute state, seldom delays more than seven, days, the precursors more or less perceptible, are : deficiency of vital heat all over the body, chiefly in the extremities, dejection and sadness, slowness in eating, with grinding of the teeth, and deep breathing. TYPHUS. 183 When the disease breaks out, some animals do not eat at all ; others retain their appetite even to the last moment ; they totter and tremble, amidst general febrile shivering and a burning heat, and the symp- toms enumerated in the acute form are observed to appear. Generally in the slow form (never in the acute), there come on in different parts of the body, tumors or carbuncles, sometimes diffused and crepi- tating when the hand is pressed on them, sometimes circumscribed. These tumors, at first very small, are frequently developed with great rapidity ; they are hard, cold, occasionally also lardaceous, spongy and hot. Their seat and number vary : however, there generally appears but one. When this tumor disap- pears, death takes place suddenly. Sometimes it opens of itself, and a reddish sanies escapes from it. The livid edges of the ulcer are hard and everted ; the inner substance of the tumor is spongy, fibrous and lardaceous. Homoeopathy, when applied in time, frequently cures the disease with promptitude. The remedy employed for this purpose is arsenicum. When the precursory symptoms of typhus are observed, one or two doses are given, which in general suffice. If the disease is already developed, we should repeat the medicine every ten minutes or every quarter of an hour, until a perfect cure is established. Considerable benefit is obtained also from anthrax in very many cases. 184 ATROPHY EMACIATION. SECTION X, GENERALITIES. ATROPHY, Atrophy, or diminution in the size of the fleshy parts, depends chiefly on want of activity in the nerves and vessels of a part of the body occasioned by some morbid state of the system. The regions of the body where this wasting is most frequently observed are the shoulders, the flanks and the legs. In the treatment of this, arnica, china, arsenicum, sulphur, rhus toxico- dendron, and sepia have been recommended. EMACIATION. Sometimes emaciation is the consequence of some internal disease, particularly chronic affections of the lungs or liver, and one of the constant symptoms of different morbid states ; sometimes it constitutes a physiological rather than a pathological state ; for very frequently the general emaciation, which may be often observed, is accompanied by no appreciable disturb- ance in the functions. When it depends on internal causes, which interfere with the function of nutrition, a general state of debility is at the same time seen to take place. The principal means to be employed in such cases are, arsenicum, nux vomica, china, when the debility is great ; Pulsatilla, (in that affection called hungry-evil) ; and when the state now lasts for some time, tinctura sulphuris, magnesia, carhonica, petroleum, iodium, lycopodium and sulphur. Compare the article Phtisis Pulmonalis or Marasmus, which must not be BURSAL ENLARGEMENTS. 185 confounded with emaciation. Emaciation is also observed as a local symptom of diminution of the nervous action : it is then called atrophy. BURSAL ENLARGEMENTS Are generally indolent swellings, which come on in the joints or tendinous sheaths of the legs. These tumors are situated on the lateral parts of the hock. That at the point of the hock is called capulet or capped hock ; on the sides, so that by pressure on one side it increases the size of the other, it is then termed thoroughpin ; the swelling on the interior and anterior part of the hock is called bog spavin, which frequently becomes enormously distended ; those situate on the sides of the legs just above the fetlock are called wind- galls ; they secrete a fluid of a pale straw color, nearly like the white of an egg ; when the distention has existed for some time, they are quite incurable. Gen- erally speaking, these affections seldom cause lame- ness : but when the tumor becomes hard and much distended, it may occasion lameness, and render the animal unfit for service. In the very recent windgalls of the simple form, arnica and rhus toxicodendron, internally and externally, are the chief remedies. Lycopodium and arsenicum are also much recom- mended, and when the affection is of long standing, indigo, kepar sulphuris and sepia. The following remedies are recommended in the order in Avhich I enumerate them ; in the treatment of windgalls : arnica, belladonna, pusatilla, thuja and ledum. At times it is cured by means of rhus toxicodendron, which may be followed by ledum after some time. SWELLING AND OSSIFICATION OF THE BONES. The diseases of the bones, more especially their tumefaction, which are more common in the horse 16* 186 CRIB BITING. than in other domestic animals, depend, for the most part, on some internal, deep seated affection, and are much more dangerous than those of the skin and of the fleshy parts, inasmuch as they generally involve caries, the cure of which is so difficult. The principal remedies to be employed are : mercurius vivus, acidum phosphoricum, angustura and silicea, but above all, sulphur, (in multiple doses,) then car bo animalis, and, in obstinate cases, ammonium carbonicum. The osse- ous tumors which result from external lesions are treated with arnica, or, still better, with Symphytum, and in certain cases, also with conium. If the disease be of long standing, sulphur, as consecutive treatment, always yields the greatest benefits. If a swelling forms above the affected part, four doses of hepar sul- phuris are sufficient to bring about an opening of the abscess in the space of twenty-four hours. CRIB BITING. The term is applied to the bad habit which some horses have whilst eating, or after having eaten, of biting the manger or any other solid body, and so making a peculiar sort of noise. The effect of this vicious habit is to wear out the anterior edges of the teeth, and induces flatulency. Besides this defect, there is another, in which the animal does not crib, but merely balances the head and body, first on one fore leg, then on the other. Crib biting is generally the consequence of a disease of the stomach, and indi- cates a disturbance of digestion. This accounts for the state of emaciation into which horses thus affected eventually fall. Nux vomica and arsenicum are the principal remedies to be employed. It has been remarked that young horses placed beside an old one affected in this way, are liable to contract this habit by imitation. In such cases it will almost always suffice to keep out of their way every object against which they could crib. FARCY, 187 FARCY. Farcy depends on the same causes as glanders, and like it j propagates itself by contagion, so that we may see in it a particular form of disease, which instead of attacking the internal parts, as is the case wiih glan- ders, attacks in preference the surface of the body, where it occasions the appearance of tubercles and ulcerations. There is a great number of round ulcers, or what is commonly termed farcy buds, which are developed on different parts of the body, at first gen- erally on the interior of the thighs, along the course of the lymphatics. These pimples are at first very small, hard and indolent ; by degrees they enlarge, become inflamed, open, and then form small round holes, from which there is discharged an ichorous pus, and from which escape shreds of brown flesh. The animal suffers very much ; he loses appetite, and becomes emaciated ; the hair falls off; the mucous membrane of the nose is pale and yellowish. Occasionally, the horse is attacked with glanders or putrid fever, and dies at the end of two, three or six months, and often sooner. The cure is to be attempted by the same means as that of glanders. Hippozeninum, arsenicum, sulphur, and asafaztida are the means to be employed. In the 10th regiment of cuirassiers, dulcamara was found a specific by M. Leblanc, a French veterinary surgeon, who has cured with this medicine a great number of horses affected with farcy. Case from the Zooiasis of Lux. — A Hungarian horse, six years old, covered all over with farcy, had been treated a long time after the allopathic manner with mercury, sulphur, antimony, &c, when it was at length determined to put him under homoeopathic treatment. Appetite still good ; eyes dull ; viscous discharge in the inner angles of the eyes ; small hard tumors beneath the lower jaw; yellowish discharge 188 . FATIGUE. from the nose ; body entirely covered with tubercles and ulcers of a pale yellow or reddish color, whence escaped a fetid ichor, which matted the hairs. Six drops of the fifth dynamization of arsenicum were pre- scribed, and the animal was washed several times every day with cold water. At the end of six days the glands of the lower jaw were less hard, and instead of the putrid ichor the ulcers discharged healthy pus. Five days after, eight drops of the eighteenth dynamization of toxicodendron, because the improvement did not progress. This medicine pro- duced no effect during five days allowed to declare its action. The arsenicum was then resumed, in the same dose as at first ; thenceforward the condition of the animal went on improving every day. At the end of a month, almost all the ulcers were removed ; the glands of the jaw were quite healthy, and all that remained on the skin were a few pimples, which yielded to several doses of hepar sidphuris. FATIGUE. After great fatigue, severe running, &c, there fre- quently come on in horses symptoms which are any- thing but insignificant, and frequently endanger the horse's life. One of the most usual consequences of excessive weariness is loss of appetite. The animal, when oats are presented to him, does not notice them, and at most eats only a little hay. Nux vomica tends to restore the appetite. We should have re- course to the same means when a horse, accustomed to slight Work, does not lie down to rest after some additional labor has been exacted from him, but remains with his head down, and sleeps in the erect posture, without attempting to eat. If the animal have been driven beyond the ordinary time of his work, so that the symptoms seem attributable to vora- cious appetite, we should in such case have recourse to FORGING. . ■ 189 aconitum and veratrum album, and when at each move- ment there is heard a plaintive moan, rhus toxicoden- dron should be administered. Cannabis is also a valuable remedy in cases of great fatigue. Opium is useful, when after being very much fatigued, the horse remains dull, with his head hanging, pulse slow and weak, the fatigue having occasioned some disturb- ance in his digestion. If, on the contrary, the pulse is quick and hard, and the animal is in a state of great excitement, aconitum should be given. Arnica is useful in case of palsy of the legs from excessive fatigue ; rhus toxicodendron in swelling of the legs ; arsenicum, when the legs are stiff. After fatigue from severe work, such as hunting, the animals when dis- tressed should not be allowed too much food, on the contrary, but little, and that easy of digestion, such as bran and mash, with steamed carrots or turnips, and about two quarts of oats, soaked, mixed together, and some sweet hay, well shaken up and sprinkled with water ; the drink should consist of boiled oatmeal and warm water, the digestive organs being from over exertion in a debilitated state. The majority of hunters when excessively tired lose their appetite ; thick gruel should then be administered to them in small quantities. FORGING. Horses who are a little heavy in the head, neck or shoulders, or who have the buttocks too high with respect to the withers, or who, with a weak back have the lumbar region too long, often strike when trotting with the toe of the hind feet the shoes of the fore-feet, which exposes them to the danger of losing a shoe, and also of injuring themselves: they are said to forge. This is sometimes the fault of the rider, who, whilst quickening the horse's pace, lets free the head ; the fore-legs then rise 190 GLANDERS. somewhat too slowly, and are met by the hind legs before they are properly extended. We should employ the concave shoes in the fore-feet, and let the toes of the hind feet project over the shoes, the toes of which should be thin. The injuries which such a horse may inflict on himself require only the ex- ternal application of arnica water. GLANDERS. Contagious in the highest degree, and hitherto declared incurable. Glanders is one of the diseases of the horse which is most dreaded. It is charac- terized by a discharge from the nose, and in general from a single nostril, of a purulent, grumous mucus, which adheres to the edges of the part, and forms there thick crusts of a yellowish green color. This discharge, occasionally green or bloody, emits like the breath an extremely fetid odor. It is accom- panied by induration of the submaxillary glands. The eye of the same side sometimes discharges a viscid mucus, which collects in considerable quantity in the inner angle. The pituitary membrane is either pale or of a deep and bluish red color, with red points or strise, and traversed with ulcerations which secrete a bloody ichor, and bleed, however slightly touched. These ulcers, which may be considered as the most certain sign of glanders, owe their origin to small pustules full of serum, which burrow, corrode the surrounding parts, and sometimes form several distinct ulcerations, sometimes one single ulcer, extended and deep. Though this disgusting disease may spare the animal's life for several months, it always terminates in death, destroying the bones of the nose, producing tubercles and ulcers in the lungs, swelling of the legs, and hectic fever. The chief remedy is hippo- zeninum, one or two doses every week. Arsenicum, (one dose each day), is a good remedy if the disease be not too far advanced. Sulphur, arsenicum and RABIES. 191 lycopodium are useful in the treatment of cutaneous tubercles, which often precede the appearance of glanders, of which however we must not consider them as a certain precursory sign. If, as frequently happens, there exist farcy pimples, arsenicum and asafwtida, alternately with arsenicum, yield great service, more especially when the pus is of bad quality. HEMORRHAGE, Hemorrhages are discharges of blood which take place from some part or other of the body, after the rupture or injury of a vessel. Those produced by external lesions are checked by compresses soaked in arnica or millefolium water. When a vessel of considerable size has been torn, we must secure it by ligature. In the partial division of an artery by accidental circumstances, the best way is to completely divide it, both ends will then contract, and in a little time the hemorrhage will cease. To prevent the supervention of traumatic fever, arnica is to be given, and china should also be given to combat the debility resulting from profuse loss of blood. RABIES. Rabies occasioned by the bite of a mad dog is one of the most formidable diseases which can affect the horse or other animals. Too often all our efforts are unavailing in preventing its rightful effects, and it is not one of the least services derived from ho- moeopathy that it has in some cases cured both man and animals. The horse which has been bitten by a mad dog, whose tooth often scarcely grazes the skin, after some time appears sad, with the head down and the eyes closed, and evinces not the least appetite for food. The ears, mouth and legs are cold, 192 RHEUMATISM. the hair bristled, and a slight shiver runs from time to time over the skin. Violent convulsions come on, a mucous discharge takes place from the mouth, the animal rolls himself along the ground, and stands up immediately, the pupil is very much dilated, the eye fixed, the look furious. At length, after much rest- lessness, the horse remains stretched along the ground, incessantly beating his legs and head, even to his death, which takes place on the sixth or seventh day, in the midst of frightful convulsions. The homoeopa- thic treatment of this formidable disease is simple, and at times effectual. The wound is to be washed care- fully, as soon as ever it can be done, and it is then to be covered with compresses soaked in water, to which there have been added some drops of extract of bella- donna. From three to four drops of belladonna are then to be administered internally, and this dose to be repeated every eight days, for at least six weeks, constantly continuing the external treatment, until all trace of the wound has disappeared, which often hap- pens from the second to the third day. To Hering we are indebted for a remedy which acts with still greater promptitude and with no less certainty. This is hydrophobine, one dose of w T hich is to be given every two days, to be continued for eight or fifteen days. When a mad dog has rushed into the midst of a num- ber of horses or colts, several of which he has bitten, without its being known precisely which, a thing which is often impossible to discover, the entire number must be subjected to the treatment now mentioned. RHEUMATISM. Rheumatic pains in the limbs are indicated chiefly by attacks of sudden lameness, which affect one part or other, and which sometimes supervene during a state of repose, and yield to motion, at times they break out of a sudden during motion and disappear in SUPPURATION. 193 the state of rest. Acidwm nitri, nux vomica and sul- phur are the means to be employed. Frequently the rheumatism commences by febrile shivering, which is succeeded by general and prolonged heat ; he moves with difficulty, and keeps his feet crowded beneath his abdomen : the hoofs are then usually hot and painful. Some doses of aconitum, followed by one or other of the medicines recommended in the article Founder, must be prescribed in such cases. It happens some- times that notwithstanding the employment of the appropriate remedies, the disease does not abate : then rather strong doses of bryonia are to be administered, (six to eight drops of the fourth dynamization,) fol- lowed by rhus and sulphur. SUPPURATION. Pus is indisputably the best topical application : elaborated by the vital force in the wound, it serves chiefly to disintegrate the particles which have been contused or otherwise injured, to effect the elimi- nation of foreign bodies, such as splinters, &c, and to dispose the edges of the wound to unite by means of fleshy granulations. It is a great mistake then to wish to remove it ; it diminishes of itself according as the granulations have acquired sufficient consistence to form the tissue of a cicatrix. No doubt to fulfil its destination, it has need to be of good quality. The case where its characters are not such as they should be is the only one wherein art should interfere, as well to facilitate the cure of the wound itself as to secure and preserve the adjoining parts. The means to which we are then to have recourse are : arnica, internally and externally, in wounds, &c, of every kind : mercurius vivus and asafoetida, in ulcers which secrete a liquid and fetid pus ; arsenicum, in such as have hard and everted edges, with pain, in- flammation and pus of bad odor ; chamomilla, sepia 17 194 WILD LOOK BRUISE OF THE SOLE. and arsenicum, when granulations grow up too luxu- riant ; silicea, when the pus is thick and of bad color ; acidum phosphoricum, when after a wound, the skin contracts adhesion to the bone. WILD LOOK. Wildness of look is a symptom occurring in differ- ent diseases, and one which merits serious attention every time it is carried to an extreme degree. Bella- donna, opium, stramonium, and arsenicum are then indicated, under the head of intercurrent remedies, which are to associate with those required by the gen- eral state of the animal affected. SECTION XI DISEASES OF THE FEET. BRUISE OF THE SOLE. When a horse has lost one of his shoes, and he continues to walk on a hard and dry road, the sole becomes bruised and painful, which makes him limp more or less. This injury readily yields to a few doses of arnica internally, but a poultice must be prepared, of boiling water and bran, first mixing some tincture of arnica in the water, and let it be put in a leather boot, in which the affected foot should be placed ; and when the sole is very painful, so that the animal is afraid to put his foot to the ground, benefit may be derived from arsenicum and acidum phospho- ricum. Rhus toxicodendron is indicated if lameness supervenes. Lux has employed belladonna when the CONTRACTION OF THE HOOF. 195 foot was wounded in the shoeing : it is unnecessary to say that the latter must, in this case, be changed. CONTRACTION OF THE HOOF. A deformity of the hoof, which consists in a nar- rowing of the heels, and causes compression of the sensible parts, more particularly of the heels and sensible frogs: it generally produces lameness, and is frequently attendant on disease of the navicular joint. The causes are numerous; the principal ones are : a want of sufficient moisture and pressure, too long standing in the stable, rapid travelling on the hard roads, when the feet become heated from the pressure occasioned by the weight of the animal being thrown on the laminse, the sensible frogs, the inferior and lateral cartilages, &c. This frequently, in summer, is the cause of laminitis; and three cases of this latter disease took place whilst the animals were worked, when under the influence of cathartic medicine, which had been administered by the attendants in mistake for other balls, proving the sympathy existing between the feet and the stomach, or intestines, when a pre-dispos- ing cause was also operating, namely— the feverish state of the feet. The hoof should be kept moist by means of a cloth, cut out to the proper shape, and tied round the pastern with a piece of tape ; it should frequently be saturated with cold water, in which some tincture of rhus toxicodendron has been mixed ; the quarters should be rasped thin, and cut down, so as to give the frog a bearing on the ground when the shoe is off. The seat of the shoe should be levelled out- wards, giving the quarters a tendency to expand. The feet should always be stuffed with a pad of tow, dip- ped in water, which low will last for months, if taken out when the horse is required for use. It forms a clean and good method of stopping for general use, there being always a degree of pressure ; and if the feet are hot, it should be taken out, wetted, and re- 196 FOUNDER. placd two or three times a day. It will easily be kept in by splitting a thin piece of cane, and putting it across the sole of the foot, under each side of the shoe. A mixture of seal-oil and tar renders the hoof tough, and prevents the brittleness that lack of moisture is at times apt to occasion. FOUNDER. Founder, which consists in an inflammation of the tendons, muscles, articular ligaments, and even of the extremities of the bones, and of the lamina? of the foot, ordinarily attacks the fore-feet ; rarely, and only in the severest cases, the hind-feet are affected. It is observed particularly in horses that have been fed on indigestible and heating food, particularly when they do not take sufficient exercise. Another cause is excessive fatigue, and sudden exposures to cold. It frequently supervenes on hard riding, or driving ; and more especially if the horse has had a purgative admin- istered, from which cause I recollect three well-marked cases ; it is, at times, not the primary, but the secon- dary affection by metastasis, of inflammation of some vital organ — particularly the lungs and intestines. There are also accounts where it has supervened from the stress on the laminoe of the feet of horses, having stood on board a ship during long voyages. Founder is generally accompanied with fever; the animal is melancholy, he refuses to eat, is stiff in his movements, frequently he cannot raise his limbs without evincing acute pain, he trails his feet along with considerable difficulty, so that one cannot readily make him go for- wards, whilst it is still more difficult to back him. In the stable, horses so affected approximate the four feet to each other, and there is no little difficulty in making them relinquish this attitude. The treatment varies with the cause. 1. Founder by sudden exposure to cold. — Aconitum, when there is paralysis, with inflammatory symptoms ; FOUNDER. 197 arsenicum, when febrile shiverings come on after the animal has taken cold drink ; bryonia, a capital remedy in all affections occasioned by cold, and one that is specific in paralysis of the legs, provided it be employed in time ; veratrum, in cold after violent exercise; staphysagria, when, independently of the other symptoms, there is a trembling of the body, and the feet rise alternately; conium, in paralysis of the knees; rhus toxicodendron, when there are severe pains in the feet; arsenicum, when the sole is painful ; aconitum, (alternately with nux vomica), petroleum, and thuja, when the affection is of long standing. 2. Founder by excess of fatigue. — Aconitum, if the horse stops quite short, makes deep inspirations, has his breath hot, and pulse accelerated ; opium, when he holds the head low, and the legs widely separated, and the pulse is weak ; coffoea cruda, in the same case, if opium has failed ; rhus toxicodendron, an ex- cellent remedy when the feet are painful ; arnica, in rigidity of the legs, with inflammation of the sensible part of the feet ; nux vomica, when the abdomen is squeezed up, and the animal refuses to eat ; china, when the feet are cold. If a little delay has been made, and inflammation of the foot has already taken place, and in consequence a violent fever, some doses of aconitum are to be administered without delay, which should be followed by rhus toxicodendron, and the hoofs are to be enveloped in cloths soaked in arnica water. 3. Founder from excess of food. — Aconitum is the remedy for this. If signs of inflammation are observed, a dose of aconitum is immediately prescribed, and after some hours, arsenicum is to be employed. Arnica may be administered in case of rigidity of the limbs, and inflammation of the feet ; bryonia, in doses fre- quently repeated in hydarthrus ; nux vomica, when there is paralysis, abdomen tucked up, and an aversion to food. The symptoms sometimes warrant us in 17* 198 FOUNDER. having recourse to the means indicated in the preced- ing paragraphs. In chronic founder, some doses of sulphur must be prescribed : the remedies indicated by the exciting cause, will then act better and more expeditiously. When the disease has been wholly neglected, and alteration of structure has already supervened in the feet, we can scarcely any longer reckon on a favorable issue ; however, even then we have often seen arseni- curn, arnica, and petroleum, produce a perceptible im- provement. Further, as it is not uncommon for different inflam- mations to break forth after founder, consult the arti- cles Inflammation, Inflammatory Fever, &c. Case by Genzke, taken from the Zooiasis of Lux. — A horse who had fed well in the morning, and after- wards appeared very lively among the other horses, began, towards eleven o'clock, to become very stiff, after having had a violent shivering. When brought back to the stable he refused to eat, and evinced a feeling of great pain in the feet. I found him with his head depressed, alternately raising the two fore-feet, which he laid down softly to the ground ; the hind- legs were brought under the abdomen, to diminish the weight of the body on the fore-feet — a circumstance which proved that the pains were seated chiefly in the latter. Slight pressure on the coronet was painful, and the animal could not bear one of the feet to be raised for a short time, because the pain then became increased in the other. The hoofs were hot, especially at the toe ; pulse hard and full, though little accelerated ; eyes projecting a little ; conjunctiva very red, as well as the mucous membrane of the nose ; respiration hurried, with the nostrils widely dilated, and laborious movements of the abdominal muscles ; breath hot ; the animal had but one alvine evacuation, and what he then passed consisted of hard, dark- colored lumps; the urine voided, at the same time, SAND-CRACK. 199 was of a deep brown tint. The appetite was consid- erably diminished ; the animal did not touch the corn, he merely took a few bits of hay ; he readily drank some warm bran and water, which I had placed before him ; if he was forced to move, he did so with a groan, and carefully avoiding to rest on his toes. As the most important symptoms were to be found among the primary effects of aconitum, I administered four drops of the first dilution mixed with flour ; I forbade the use of oats, and prescribed warm bran-water. Since evening, there was some improvement ; the respiration was less hurried, and his look was im- proved ; he took his hay with a little more appetite ; but the pains in the feet did not seem to have dimin- ished. I made him take a second dose. The next day the breathing was almost natural; more redness in the conjunctiva ; the animal had had several evacu- ations from the bowels, and ate, during the night, all the hay in the manger ; the pains were much dimin- ished, and his movements freer. I ordered a little food to be given him, which he took greedily. On going away, I left two more doses of aconite. The third day I ascertained that the animal was quite recovered; he had a dry cough, but this yielded in a few days to a dose of nux vomica. SAND-CRACK. This term is applied to fissures in the hoof in the direction of its fibres, when it is dry and fragile. Horses that are most subject to sand-crack are those with thin hoofs, and where they are kept a long time standing in a dry hot stable, where moisture is seldom applied to the hoof; others there are that the secretion of horn is insufficient ; the inner quarter of the fore and the toe of the hind feet are the parts most liable to sand-crack ; it is necessary to use the firing iron at the top and bottom of the crack to prevent the exten- 200 THRUSH WOUNDS OF THE FOOT. sion, then place a strap round the hoof, having made some adhesive plaster to be laid on lint and strapped over the crack to prevent the insinuation of dirt. Oftentimes the crack is but superficial, and does not extend to the sensible parts ; in other cases, it pene- trates more deeply and causes considerable lameness. The means most, recommended are : arnica, phospho- rus, sepia, silicea, squilia, and sulphur. THRUSH. This disease is frequently met with in horses where proper attention and cleanliness are not observed, or those lying on dirty moist litters, and also horses that have contracted feet. It consists in the oozing of an ichorous, extremely fetid discharge through the cleft of the frog, sometimes accompanied Avith deformity of the latter and inducing lameness, by being bruised on stones, &c. Spirilus sulphuratus is useful in this affection; but we must not neglect to keep the horse in a dry place, and to attend to the cleanliness of the foot. Acidum phorphoricum has been used with success. Lachesis and creosote are also useful remedies. WOUNDS OF THE FOOT. As soon as a nail, a shell, thorn, splinter, &c, has penetrated the sole of a horse's foot, and the foreign body remains therein, the immediate consequence is that the injured part becomes inflamed, and by degree passes into suppuration, a circumstance which will cause the animal to limp very much. There is often some difficulty in discovering the matter, because the hoof sometimes contracts and closes over the foreign body, so as completely to conceal it. The first thing to be done when the seat of lameness is discov- ered, is to freely use the drawing knife, and cut the horn away from the injured parts so as to completely LAMENESS FROM THE PRICK OF A NAIL. 201 evacuate the pus, should it have gone on to suppura- tion ; and fomentations of arnica water are to be applied. It is necessary also to prescribe some doses of arnica internally. If there exist acute inflamma- tion, aconilum and squilla are found useful, just as acidum phosphoricum and arsenicum are in the case of acute pain. When suppuration has commenced, mercurius or kepar sulphur is should be used ; carbo vegetabilis, calcarea, and silicea are also useful reme- dies. If the wound has degenerated into an ulcer, it is to be treated like other ulcers, chiefly with squilla, arsenicum and sulphur ; lachesis, baryta, carbonica and creosote, used internally and externally, will be found worthy of attention. LAMENESS FROM THE PRICK OF A NAIL. It not unfrequently happens that in shoeing a horse, a nail is driven in a wrong direction, frequently pene- trating or pressing the sensible sole, or wounding the laminae; the result of which is pain and lameness. The animal flinches when struck ever so slightly on the nail ; he limps, carries the affected foot forwards, and raises it frequently. No bad consequence occurs if the nail be immediately removed, the wound washed carefully with cold water, and if we then employ the tincture of arnica diluted with water ; the nail must not be placed so as to press the injured part. But if through want of attention the foreign body has re- mained in for several days, the side of the foot appears hot all round the part, and lameness, at first rather imperceptible, becomes very marked ; we must then extract it without delay, and if nothing but blood escapes from the hole, we must drop into it a little arnica. In the worst case, when the nail comes out covered with pus, or when there is observed a place softer than the rest of the foot, the wound mu^t be dilated and some arnica be poured into it, a dose of 202 Dimples. which must also be administered internally. In all cases we should carefully examine the nail when drawn out, in order to satisfy ourselves that it is not broken, that no foreign particles have been left in the wound, which would also require that the latter be enlarged, after which arnica is to be poured into it. If there be acute inflammation, we must have recourse to aconi- tum and squilla, and if the pain be severe, to acidnm phosphoricum and arsenicum ; squilla, kepar sitlphuris, and sulphur are suitable when an abscess has already formed. SECTION XII. PIMPLES. SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION I. PAGE 76. This name has been given to an exantheme or erup- tion, which chiefly attacks young horses, principally in spring, when they are w 7 orked too hard and when too high fed. However, it depends occasionally on plethora occasioned by change of diet or too high feeding. The eruption consists of red pimples, which appear in great numbers over the entire body, and from which a liquid is discharged, which agglutinates the hair and forms crusts. Amongst the means to be employed in such cases, the principal are aconitum, arsenicum, dulcamara, phosphorus, sulphur, and rhus toxicodendron, the latter more especially when there is much itching. • MANGE. 203 MANGE. SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION I. PAGE 76. The horse's itch, similar to that in the human sub- ject, consists in an eruption which comes out on the back, loins, neck, buttocks, shoulders, thighs, &c. It always depends on an internal affection (psora), and extends with great facility by contagion. The erup- tion on the skin does not constitute the disease itself; it is only a product or result of it. A purely local treatment is unsuitable, and should therefore be re- jected. When psora, which has its root within the system, extends to the external integuments, it pro- duces there a vast number of small, very itchy pimples, which oblige the animal to rub himself incessantly, and a fluid oozes from them, which soon becomes dry on exposure to the air, and forms a scab. The latter resolves itself into furfuraceous scales, so that the part affected becomes covered with a dirty powder, and the hair thus matted is raised and becomes erect. Be- sides, there are frequently produced small ulcers, which increase in depth, destroy the roots of the hair, and cause intolerable itching. This is what is called moist itch, which yields to tincture sulphuris, scabiesi- num equorum, and also rhus toxicodendron ; if there be only itchy pimples and scabs, they are soon cured with staphysagria, succeeded in a little time by sulphur. But, independently of this moist itch, there is another, called the dry itch, consisting in small pimples which desquamate, so that the part of the skin affected seems as it were covered with a farinaceous powder. The itching is frequently so severe as to deprive the horse of appetite, and not to allow him a moment's rest at night. Here sulphur and sepia are almost specific. Anthracinum is recommended in treating itch com- bined with glanders. The following means have also been recommended : arsenicum, in the case of ulcers 204 DESCRIPTION OF THE EYE. with hard crusted edges ; carbo vegetabilis, in obsti- nate itch, especially when accompanied with cough ; clematis, when the eruption forms several distinct groups ; dulcamara, when the diseased part is cover- ed with a furfuraceous desquamation, and the hairs fall off on the shoulders and forehead ; staphysagria combined with sepia and sulphur, when the eruption is on the tail ; tinctura acris, when the crusts have the form of pointed pimples ; thuja in itch complicated with water in both legs ; zincum in that of the but- tocks. DESCRIPTION OF THE EYE. SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION III. PAGE 108. The different diseases of the eye may be referred to three heads : 1. Inflammation of the parts consti- tuting these organs ; 2. Opacity of those which, in the natural state, should be transparent ; 3. Diminution or abolition of the power inherent in the optic nerve, or in the retina. In order to render what I have to say of these diseases intelligible, it may be well to give a succinct description of the structure and functions of the eye, though an accurate knowledge of this organ, disposed as it is with so much skill, can only be at- tained by dissection, for which not even the best de- scription can be substituted, even though it might be accompanied with figures. The parts of which the eye is composed, are distinguished into external and internal. The external parts are : 1. the cilia, which are simple in the horse, the lower lid having but very few ; 2. the lids, which cover the eye, protect it, and form its two angles, both internal and external ; their edge, whence the cilia proceed, bears the name of the tarsal cartilage : we observe on it as well as on the inner surface of the lids, in which small secretory glands are formed, intended to prevent them from rubbing too roughly on the eye, and to facilitate DESCRIPTION OF THE EYE. 205 their movements ; 3. the lachrymal gland, situate at the upper part of the lid, in the external angle of the eye ; it secretes the tears, which several small ducts, called lachrymal ducts, convey over the inner surface of the upper eyelid ; 4. at the inner angle of the eye is the caruncula lachrymalis, a small body, like to a gland in form, on the sides of which are placed two small openings, the puncta lachrymalia, the orifices of a membranous duct, which penetrates by a small for- amen into the lachrymal bone, and extends as far as the lower part of the nasal duct, where it may be readily perceived in the horse ; in the human subject, the puncta lachrymalia terminate in a small membran- ous sac, whence the lachrymal duct sets out ; but things do not take place similarly in the horse ; 5. at the inner angle of the eye there exists a cartilaginous body, the haws, which the muscles of the eye are ca- pable of drawing over the entire surface of the latter ; the horse uses it as a third lid, in order to free the eye from dust or other bodies ; 6. the inner surface of the lids is lined by a membrane called the conjunctiva, which also covers the white of the eye. This mem- brane is traversed by numerous blood-vessels, which are instantly visible by inflammation. The conjunc- tiva also becomes more or less red in internal inflam- matory diseases, for which reason this symptom should be carefully taken into consideration, when our object is to draw up a history of a case of disease. The globe of the eye is kept in its place not only at its posterior part by the great optic nerve, but also on all sides by ligament-like muscles, which allow it to move in all directions. It is composed of four mem- branes and three humors. There is first found at its anterior part a circular and hyaline membrane, form- ing a particular prominence, for which its consist- ence has procured it the name of cornea, and which, in the horse, occupies a greater portion of the globe of the eye than the human subject. When this mem- 18 206 DESCRIPTION OF THE EYE. brane is removed, a fluid escapes, called the aque- ous humor, and we see the iris. It is not con- nected with the cornea, as would appear at first sight, but is united at its edge with the choroid, and it is stretched behind the cornea, as the dial of a watch is behind the glass. In the human eye the pupil is black and round ; in the horse it is blueish and oval, with its greater diameter horizontal, whilst in some other animals, cats, for instance, its great axis is vertical. The aqueous humor gives the cornea its convexity, and allows the iris which floats in to perform its func- tions. In fact, the iris consists of two strata of muscu- lar fibres, of which the one contracts the pupil, whilst the other dilates it. The former of these phenomena takes place under the influence of light ; the second in darkness, of which we may readily satisfy ourselves by examining the eye of the horse, first in a corner of the stable, then immediately after in the open daylight. In some diseases the pupil loses the property of dilat- ing : it is for this reason we should endeavor to ascer- tain its state whenever the animal is sick. After hav- ing removed the iris, we discover a bi-convex body, perfectly transparent, the crystalline lens, enclosed in a membranous capsule, between which and it there is a small quantity of liquid. This body and the retina are the most important parts of the eye ; for without the crystalline no regular image of an object could be produced, and without the retina the animal would not perceive the images of objects. The use of the crystalline is to collect the luminous rays which fall on the eye, and to refract them, so that they may be concentrated into a single focus on the retina. In order that vision may be complete, it is necessary that this focus may vary, that is, that the crystalline may have the power of moving anteriorly and posteriorly, according as a near or remote object is to be seen. When this mobility does not exist, the result is one or other of the following diseases. In the former, dis- DESCRIPTION OF THE EYE. 207 tant objects only are seen, and in the second only near objects. The third humor of the eye is called the vitreous humor, because it resembles the most limpid water. It is contained, not like the others in a gener- al capsule, but in numerous cells of perfect transpar- ence. It occupies all the posterior part of the globe of the eye, the convex form of which is produced by it. The choroid, of which I have already spoken, seems to be black in the human subject, by reason of the pigment which covers it, and it is this which causes the human pupil to appear black ; in the horse it is variously colored, sometimes black, sometimes blue ? or green, and thence it comes that the pupil of this animal has a deep blue tint. Lastly, at the very bot- tom of the eye, the optic nerve proceeding from the brain penetrates the eye, is then immediately resolved into medullary tissue, and forms a white membrane ex- tended over the choroid which it accompanies as far as the edge of the crystalline. This membrane is the re- tina or surface on which are painted all the objects which strike the sight. From this slight sketch of the structure and func- tions of the eye, it is easily seen that many circum- stances may occur which render vision incomplete, or even destroy it altogether. The most usual are the following : 1. the cornea, which in the normal state, is perfectly transparent, may become more or less turbid from inflammation, &c, and the animal may in consequence become more or less blind, though the other parts of the eye may be perfectly sound ; 2. this membrane may be too convex or too flat, the eye will see badly at a distance in the former ease, and at a short distance in the latter ; 3. the iris may, after in- flammation, &c, lose more or less the power of con- tracting. In such a case the pupil always retains the same dimensions, and the animal has no longer the power of accommodating such dimensions to the dif- ferent degrees of intensity in the light, and to the dif- 208 PHTHISIS PULMONALIS. ferent degrees of distance of the objects ; whence it follows, that whilst a strong light dazzles a horse, he cannot clearly see a weak light ; 4. the pupil may be so close, by the total contraction of the iris, that it does not allow a single ray of light to pass ; 5. the crystalline may become more or less opaque, and vis- ion may be in consequence confused, or even abolished ; 6. the power inherent in the retina and the optic nerve may diminish or be destroyed, in which cases we have the diseases designated by the names of amblyopia and gutta serena. These different diseases are not as numerous in any of our domestic animals as in the horse, by reason of the various injurious influences to which this animal is continually exposed from his youth. Special arti- cles have been devoted to each of these. PHTHISIS PULMONALIS. SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION IV. PAGE 130. This formidable disease takes its origin chiefly when pulmonary tubercles are developed after inflam- mation of the lungs in horses of a middle age and strong constitution ; it is not of frequent occurrence, inflammation of the lungs being in horses an acute disease which quickly passes on to its termination ; but there are certain forms and breeds that appear to be disposed to phthisis, such as dull-looking, flat-sided, narrow-chested horses, that never thrive well on any kinds of food ; also, horses bred in low lands and marshes, or those that are forced to breathe contamina- ted air, there is but little chance of success in treat- ment, even if taken at the early period, for general alterations have been going on in the lungs before we are aware of the disease in question. Sometimes the animal so affected coughs very much, and voids pus by the nostrils ; but more frequently the disease devel- opes itself slowly. It is recognized chiefly by the CONSTIPATION. 209 horse, though retaining his spirits and eating well, losing rather than gaining in flesh ; he has his respir- ation short, and labors under a constant cough, which is sometimes dry, sometimes humid ; in the latter case with a discharge by the nostrils of a great quantity of foul-looking mucus. If he be much fatigued, badly covered, and exposed to frequent colds, the difficulty of breathing, cough and nasal discharge increases rap- idly ; the mucus soon gives place to pus of a very bad odor, the animal becomes weak : he is more especial- ly incapable of the least effort during foggy weather; the hair of the mane falls off, small tubercles appear on the withers, the hair is very smooth and bright, and death usually comes on in the midst of diarrhoea. Amongst the means which have been recommend- ed, the principal are china, (in several doses) lycopo- diwn and especially stannum, calcarea, carbonica and nitrum. Dulcamara is also very useful, Pulsatilla, silicea, hepar sulphuris, spongia, car bo vegetabilis may also be employed. CONSTIPATION. SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION V. PAGE 139. Constipation exists when the horse remains a con- siderable time without emptying the bowels, or at least without passing anything but a few small lumps very hard, sometimes brown or blackish. In general, it is the symptom of another disease, especially colic, enteritis, nephritis, cystitis, &c. However, constipa- tion sometimes appears also as an independent symp- tom (after some irregularity in diet, exposure to heat, or to cold) the frequent use of purgatives, &c, and it not unfrequently becomes the occasional cause of cer- tain diseases, especially of a particular species of col- ic, to which a more or less inflammatory state is joined. A dose of aconitum, to be repeated when necessary, should always commence the treatment. 18* 210 WORMS. If the constipation is referrible to a disturbance of digestion, arsenicum produces salutary effects. Nux vomica, is a capital remedy, when the excrements are scanty and hard, or when the animal is drawn! up in the carcase. Hyoscyamus is also found very effica- cious in cases where the belly is contracted, and nux vomica has produced no effect. Plumbum is specific when the intestinal canal seems empty, or when there is voided a small portion of foeces not hard. If con- stipation be connected with inactivity of the intestinal canal, which may be known by the deep brown or black color of the small excrementitious lumps, opium is uniformly found useful. WORMS. SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION V. PAGE 139. The worms so frequently met with, in immense quantity, in the living body are always the product of latent psora. They are seen more especially in badly fed horses, or in foals which have been weaned too soon, several species of them are seen : 1. The larvse of the cestra, called bots, which re- side in the insensible coating of the stomach, and are often seen to hang externally from the anus ; the ani- mal affected with them scrapes the ground with the fore feet, propels the body forward on the manger, rests his head, &c, though at times it is difficult to judge whether they do exist or not within the animal, if we have not an ocular demonstration of the fact, by the voiding of one or more with the foeces. Chi' na, nux vomica and marum verum are amongst the rem- edies best adapted for the colics which frequently oc- cur in such cases ; also sulphur, china, and spigelia should be used. 2. The lumbrici which reside in the small intes- tines ; the retraction of the flanks is almost the only sign announcing their presence. China, mercurius LAMPAS. 211 salulibus, and absinthium, is indicated by the symp- toms they occasion. 3. Ascarides, whose chief residence is the large in- testines, and which oblige the horse frequently to rub his quarters. Digitalis and ignatia amara are the remedies in such cases ; if they make the horse furi- ous, stramonium should be given. 4. The strongylus which, when first evacuated, ap- pears partly black, and partly transparent, graphites, petroleum, murias magnesia, stannum, sulphur, &c. There is one circumstance which renders it certain that a horse is infested with worms, and that is when they are found in the foeces. It is often considered, however, as a certain sign, when the horse frequently depresses the lower lip. The principal remedy against all the inconveniences caused by the presence of worms is china, (several doses), after which sulphur is to be given, which must be continued for a long time, repeating it every six or eight days. Argilla is much lauded, when there exists diarrhoea, and consti- pation alternately ; murias magnesia, when the consti- pation returns periodically ; sepia, when the alvine de- jections are preceded and followed by retraction of the flanks ; petroleum, when the animal limps from time to time. LAMPAS. SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION VIII. PAGE 16S. Lampas consists in a swelling and tumefaction of the bars of the palate, observed in young horses. It is sometimes an effect of difficult dentition, or ap- pears at times when catarrhal symptoms are present. Swollen bars often project beyond the surface of the upper incisor teeth, and become so painful as to prevent the animal from eating. Mercurius vivus is the chief remedy in treating this affection, next comes the natrum muriaticum, also belladonna, hepar sulphu- ris, phosphoric acid and sulph. 212 LUXATION LUXATION. SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION X. PAGE 184* The principal means in the treatment of luxations and sprains, are arnica, internally and externally, and thus toxicodendron, first reducing the joint and prop- erly securing it. RAT'S TAIL. SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION X. PAGE 184. The disease called rat's tail is said to exist when the base of the tail is denuded of hair by reason of friction, the animal frequently rubbing his tail against the sides of the stall to lessen the irritation. Spiritus sulphur atus and rhus toxicodendron are the principal remedies to be employed. If it be moist, graphites is to be prescribed once or twice a week, after which mercurius vivus should be given. When no trace of exantheme is perceivable, recourse may be had to cal- carea carbonica and to sulphur. More than once have I cured this disease with staphysagria. PART II DISEASES OF OXEN PRELIMINARY REMARKS. Among our domestic animals, horned cattle were undoubtedly those, the diseases of which there was a necessity for studying earlier than those of other ani- mals. Not only did the first shepherd people, the Israelites, for instance, observe the diseases which at- tacked certain individuals, or even ravaged entire herds, but moreover the sacrifices which they offered to the Gods, gave them an opportunity of discovering certain anomalies, which, when carried to a certain height, might compromise the health of the animal and render its flesh injurious to man. Thus, though at that time, the knowledge of the internal structure of oxen was cultivated solely from purely religious views, it cannot still be denied that it must lead also to some notions of pathology. The two most civilized nations of the Old World, the Greeks and Romans, endeavored to ascertain and cure the diseases of their domestic animals. We have proof of this in the details given to us by Homer, 214 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. Herodotus, Xenophon, Ovid, Virgil, but chiefly by Columella and Vegetius. Though the horse was the favorite animal of those nations, they were also obliged to study the diseases of horned cattle, those more espe- cially which having an epizootic character, occasioned great ravages among their herds. But the ideas attained in this particular came almost to nothing, and matters remained in the same state until the eighteenth century ; it at length fixed the attention of some distin- guished medical men. Thus P. Camper (who was born in 1722, and died in 1789) delivered public lec- tures on the organization and diseases of horned cattle, which he afterwards had printed. Similar researches were published by Haller, Ramazzini, Lancisi and Schroeck. But the sporadic diseases of these animals still re- mained to be studied, so that what may be properly called the origin of bovine medicine, ascends no higher than the publication of the work of Willburg,* which appeared in 1776. Then came a long series of mono- graphs, among which may be distinguished in particu- lar those of Viborg in 1785,f on epizootics, memorisa- tion and vaccine. The paper on melcorisation is probably the oldest treatise we possess on this disease. Nearly about the same period, Tolnay published, in the Hungarian language,! a work on the diseases of all our domestic animals, and on the mode of treating them. To this same period are to be referred the works of Chabert, Flandrin and Huzard.§ * "Popular Instruction on the Manner of discovering and treat- ing the Diseases of Horned Cattle, (in German). Nuremberg, 1776. t Published in German at Copenhagen (1785, five volumes). t This work was translated into German under the title of, " Practical Manual of the Knowledge and Treatment of the Epi- zootic and Principal Sporadic Diseases of the Ox, Horse, &c." Leipsie, 1809 § "Instructions et Observations sur les Maladies des Animaux Domestiqnes," par Chabert, Flandrin et Hazard. Pans, 1809— - 1824, 6 vols. 8vo. PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 215 The manual of Pilger* has not yet lost the advan- tages of the very favorable reception which it met with at its very first appearance. The first part of the second volume treats of the epizootic and sporadic diseases, both internal and external, of horned cattle. I shall mention merely, en passant, the work writtenf by Lauberder, a Bavarian, in the spirit of the Bru- nonian system, and I shall allude as appertaining more especially to the subject of this article, to those of Tscheulin,J Waldinger,<§> and Ribbe.|| The trea- tise of VeithlT is a truly classical work, which has not yet been surpassed. Details of more or less value are also to be found in those of Busch,** Hofacker,ft Die- trich, XX Ziller,<§>§ Rychner,|||| and more especially in the Dictionary of Hurtrel d' Arboval.HH * " Systematic Manual of Veterinary Medicine, Theoretical and Practical," (in German). Giessen, 1801 — 1803, 2 vols. t " Theoretical and Practical Manual of Veterinary Medicine, or an Exact Description of the Diseases of all Domestic Animals, and of the Means of curing them, (in German.) Erfurd, 1803 — 1807, 4 vols. 8vo. % " Manual for learning to understand and treat Diseases of our Principal Domestic Animals," (in German ) Carlsruhe, 1812, 2 vols. § " Treatise on the Ordinary Diseases of Horned Cattle," (in German). Vienna and Trieste, 1817. || " Succinct Instruction for the Mode of ascertaining the Internal and External Diseases of Oxen," (in German.) Berlin, 1817. H " Manual of Veterinary Medicine, (in German ) Third Edi- tion, Vienna, 1831, 2 vols. ** " System of Veterinary Medicine, theoretical and practical," (in German.) Marbourg, 1822, 4 vols. tt " Manual on the Ordinary Diseases of the Horse, Horned Cat- tle, &c" (in German). Tubingen, 1823. tt " Manual of Special Pathology and Therapeutics, for Veteri- nary Surgeons and Farmers, (in German.) Berlin, 1828. §§ "Means of appreciating the healthy and morbid state of Horned Cattle," (in German). 1833. Illl " Boniatrique, or Systematic Manual of the internal and ex- ternal diseases of Oxen," (in German). 2d edition. Berne, 1841. MM " Dictionnaire de Medecine, de Chirurgie et d'Hygiene Vete- rinaires. 2d edition. Paris, 1839. 6 vols. Svo. Consult also on diseases of the Ox, the following works : Vicq-d'Azyr, (F.), " Expose des moyens curatifs et preservatifs qui peuvent etre em- 216 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. Horned cattle are usually designated, with sheep and goats, under the general name of ruminantia. Thev want the denial apparatus necessary to commi- nute all at once the herbage and grains which serve as nourishment. The consequence is, that these ani- mals, as being naturally very greedy, masticate their food coarsely, and swallow it almost entire. But their stomach, beside being very capacious, presents also a peculiar arrangement. It is divided into four distinct cavities ; the first does not serve for digestion ; it is but a mere reservoir for the food swallowed almost in the state it was presented by nature : it is called the paunch. After it has tarried there for some time, and that, in the case of dry food, the animal has taken some drink, he brings it up again into his mouth, in order to masticate it completely. This act goes by the name of rumination ; we are not to consider it as a kind of vomiting, for ruminant animals cannot easily vomit, and it is only in certain dangerous diseases, that amidst very painful efforts the contents of the third and fourth stomach are discharged. It is quite a special function, the end of which is finally to com- minute the substances which till then had only under- gone a softening, a sort of maceration, in the paunch, just as in the crop of granivorous birds. The neces- sity for ruminating manifests itself by a sensation simi- lar to hunger. After the mouthful, having ascended along the oesophagus, has been crushed by the lateral ployes contre les Maladies pestilentielles des Betes a Comes." Paris, 1776. 8vo. — Robinet (J.), " Manual du Bouvier, ou Traite de la Medicine pratique des Betes a Cornes." Nouvelle edition, augmentee, par Husard ills., Paris, 1836, 2 vols. 12mo. — Rodet (J. B. C ), " Medecine du Bceuf, ou Trait6 des Maladies les plus meurtrieres des Betes Bovines." Paris, 1829. 1 vol. 8vo. — Gelle (P. B.,) " Pathologie Bovine, ou Traite complet des Maladies du Bceuf." Toulouse, 1841. 4 vols. 8vo. — Lafore, " Traite des Maladies particulieres aux grands Ruminants." Toulouse, 1843. 8vo. — Delafond (O), " Traite sur la Maladie de poitrine du gros betail, comme sous le nom de peripneumonje contagieuse," Paris, 1844. 8vo. PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 217 motions of the lower jaw, (the number of which may be estimated at about fifty for each mouthful,) it re-descends into a second stomach, called the bonnet, whence, following a particular canal, it passes into the third, (the manyplus,) then into the fourth, (the abomasum.) The last is the only one wherein diges- tion, properly so called, takes place, which would be impossible, if it had not been preceded by rumination. The result of this is, in a dietetic point of view, that horned cattle require to be treated differently from the horse, who has a simple and small stomach, but a very irritable one, or from the pig, which, possessing the power of vomiting, is secured from the inconven- iences which an excess of food may produce in rumi- nant animals. It will always be prudent not to allow the latter to wait too long a time for food, and not to give them too much at a time, especially if it be young grass or green clover, of which they are so greedy, that they gorge themselves with it to excess, without taking the necessary time to ruminate and digest. It is not difficult for the close observer to distinguish a horned beast when sick from one that is healthy. The animal refuses to eat, he does not ruminate, nor does he lick himself ; he remains sad, holds down the head, he is as it were wearied and disinclined to move, he keeps lying down more frequently than usual. The milk disappears in cows, or undergoes a more or less perceptible diminution ; sometimes, too, it undergoes changes in its composition. The alvine dejections are, in general, more scanty, hard, solid, and of a black color ; or else there is diarrhoea, and the matters evacuated are watery, mucous or bloody. In the breeding of horned cattle there are four points to be considered : the milk, fattening, the in- crease and improvement of the breed. The production of the milk and fattening are con- nected with the mode of feeding. It is by means of the latter, and also by the kind of stabling, that we can 19 218 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. succeed in improving the natural state of oxen. We have then to examine how far these two circumstances may influence the development of diseases. The direction of the vertebral column, and of the head, indicates that oxen should take their food from the ground. It is wrong, then, to place it for them in racks where they have a difficulty in getting it, besides that, the dust which is detached from it, is introduced into their nostrils, and becomes mixed with the mucus which is collected there. The mucus which cannot make its escape outwards, except by the head being pendant, then makes a passage for itself by the pos- terior nareus into the throat, and the dust it carries with it is mixed up with the food. Constant confinement to the stable is opposed to the nature of oxen, and becomes the source of numberless diseases. Endeavors are made to promote the lacteal secretion in cows, and the fattening of oxen by means of heat ; for this purpose stables are converted into real stoves, either by not making them sufficiently large, or by crowding them to excess, or by preventing the access of air from without ; and all this without recollecting that the skin thus over-excited must necessarily fall into a state of atony in a short time. Besides, the moist heat and the emanations of the dung cannot fail to exercise a destructive influence on the lungs and entire system. To these causes, if we add the absolute want of exercise and the excess of food, we shall not be surprised at the number of the diseases resulting from these different practices, and at the extraordinary forms which they oftentimes assume. Persons propose to themselves by feeding them in the stable to augment the mass of dung, and the beasts are left in their excrement, sometimes up to the very knees. Seldom is there any care taken to cleanse their skin, and still less attention is directed to the feet. What wonder, then, if they exhibit so many eruptions PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 219 on their bodies, so much vermin, and so many diseases of the feet. We must also reckon among the causes of diseases, the sudden changes of residence, of food, and of air. Neither is there any limit observed with respect to the labor exacted from oxen, sometimes from cows too, nor with regard to the treatment they are made to submit to, nor with respect to the food so grudgingly dealt out to them. This accounts for the great num- ber of beasts which are lame and emaciated, which have no spirit, and which must sooner or later fall vic- tims to so many destructive influences. In reference to the homoeopathic treatment of horned cattle, experience has proved abundantly that they require stronger doses than the horse. One or two drops, of from the twelfth to the fifteenth dynamiza- tion, would suffice for a horse ; the double of that, and sometimes even three times as much would be requisite for an ox. The best form of administering the medi- cine is the watery solution, that is the mixture of from two to four drops of the medicine with two hundred drops of pure water, which is to be poured into the animal's mouth, after his head has been raised. We may also employ wafers steeped in the fifth dyna- mization. 220 ABSCESS. SECTION I GENERALITIES. ABSCESS. Abscesses are much more common in horned cattle than in horses, because the animals very frequently strike each other with their horns, after which a flat and hot tumor generally comes on, which gradually becomes round and acquires a considerable size. If immediately after the occurrence, arnica be adminis- tered, both internally and externally, the swelling is removed in a few days, without passing into the state of induration, or forming an abscess. On the one hand, it is not uncommon to meet with abscesses which do not at all depend on external violence, which, for instance, are occasioned by cold. The first reme- dy to be employed, in all cases, is aconitum, because every abscess is always preceded or accompanied by inflammation. Then we should also consider bryonia, especially when the swelling has appeared after cold, and it is hot and tense ; in such a case, if the inflam- mation is not severe, and is not accompanied by sensi- ble fever, we may resort at once to bryonia. Pulsa- tilla has proved more than once effectual under the same circumstances. If there be pain or any difficulty in moving, what should be done, after the employ- ment of aconiium and bryonia, is to exhibit a dose of rhus toxicodendron. Mercurius vivus has also succeed- ed very frequently, especially bringing about opening of the abscess, "if the swelling cannot be resolved by the means now mentioned, we should then admin- ABSCESS ANOREXIA. 221 ister every six hours a dose of hepar sulphuris ; in general, these twenty-four hours do not elapse without the abscess opening, and occasionally even we obtain from such treatment complete resolution. If the abscess, when it depends on an external cause, or when it has come on spontaneously, has been neglect- ed, it frequently passes into the state of induration, and its cure then presents in certain cases considerable diffi- culties. When the indurated tumor is seated in the head, we employ belladonna, aurum, baryta carbonica (of great use in tubercles on the jaw), angustura and sulphur. If we have to treat engorged glands, chamo- milla possesses specific virtues, and conium, when the indurated tumor has been the result of a compression. In obstinate cases, benefit may be obtained from hepar sulphuris (four doses per diem.) In abscesses which suppurate, the principal means to which we are to have recourse, are : arsenicum, internally and externally, if the edges are painful, everted, inflamed, with unhealthy pus ; silicea, if the pus is thick and of a bad color ; chamomilla, sepia, and antimonium, when proud flesh becomes developed on it. Pulsatilla possesses specific virtues in the case of fistulous ulcers. The following substances as intercurrent remedies : ledum palustre, when the fistulse have an opening sufficiently large, and the bottom is white and lardaceous ; calcarea carbonica, a capital remedy in all forms of fistulas ; lycopodium, when the orifice is small and there are numerous bur- rows ; these remedies are interposed when the repeated doses of Pulsatilla no longer bring about improvement, and about four days after we should recur to the latter. Occasionally it is necessary to employ, in addition, several intercurrent remedies. ANOREXIA. However slight the diseases of horned cattle may be, they are almost aU accompanied by a diminution or 19* 222 ANOREXIA — BOULIMIA CARIES. total loss of appetite. No person will be induced to attach any importance to this symptom, which usually disappears with the disease which it accompanies. Bat frequently also the same phenomenon is observed on a sudden, without any trace of disease being observable. We should commence by inquiring whether it might not depend on the quality of the fodder, or on an affec- tion of the mouth, or inflammation of the palate, or glossitis, ulcerations, aphthse, &c. Sometimes it is owing to an overloading of the stomach. But if none of these exist, we should have recourse to special medi- cines. The chief is antimonium crudam, especially if the animal has eaten too much previously. Next come mix vomica and arsenicum, the former of which is suit- able when there is constipation, the second when there is diarrhoea, with or without colic, and chamomilla when there is diarrhoea and gripes. Pulsatilla has also been very often found useful, when the loss of appetite was accompanied with absence of thirst, or with diarrhoea, with cold in the feet. BOUXIMIA. Excessive increase of appetite always indicates a morbid disposition of the organism. The animal be- comes more and more emaciated, though he eats a great quantity, and he often evinces greediness for un- usual things. A few doses of Pulsatilla, to each of Avhich four or five days are allowed to exhaust its ac- tion, is the principal remedy ; after w T hich come nux vomica and sepia. Sometimes the disease is kept up by worms ; china cannot, in such a case, be too strong- ly recommended. CARIES. This is a very serious disease, and one difficult to cure. Besides the swelling of the Bones, which almost CARIES CRUSTA LACTEA — - CYSTS. 223 always precedes it, and which often takes place even when a wound is already opened externally, it is ob- served, a long time before, that the part is very painful to the touch. Asafoetida and silicea are the principal remedies to be employed. Recourse has also been had to aurum, with success, especially in caries affect- ing the head ; lachesis in that on the legs, acidum nitri, sepia, iodium, and sulphur. CRUSTA LACTEA. This name is applied, in calves, to a peculiar exan- theme, which consists in small white pustules developed on the head, chiefly around the mouth, nose, eyes, and ears. These pustules, which are fewer on the neck and on other parts of the body, exude a viscous fluid, which, on drying, produces a mealy sort of scab, of a bluish w T hite color. This eruption differs from the itch in this, that it occasions little or no itching, and the scabs are much thicker. It is very contagious. Though not attended with any danger in itself, it sometimes causes the animal to be emaciated, the con- tinual renewing of the scabs occasioning general ex- haustion and diarrhoea. Dulcamara is the chief remedy for this ; sometimes it is necessary to alternate it with veratrum. Sulphur must be given as consecu- tive treatment. CYSTS. Calcarea carbonica has generally succeeded in the treatment of indolent tumors divested of hair, which come out, with greater or less size, on different parts of the body ; when it failed, some doses of graphites never failed to effect a cure. With respect to tumors produced by contusions, they are to be treated with arnica internally and externally, and if they resist, mercurius vivus effectually opens them. 224 CONTUSIONS — EPILEPSY. CONTUSIONS. It is not uncommon in yoked oxen for the pressure of the yoke to occasion lesions in the upper part of the neck, near the withers. If the skin be cut, if there be a wound, this should be fomented with arnica water, and some days' rest should be allowed. When there is no wound, but merely a swelling, arnica is employed externally and also internally. -When, not- withstanding this remedy, the tumor is not resolved, or when from neglect it has already passed into a state of suppuration, mercurius vivus should be prescribed, which soon opens it, and then silicea. If scabs are produced in the injured part, thuja and sulphur are given. Arsenicum is a specific in the case of ulcers with hard and everted edges. Bryonia has always succeeded in my hands in the treatment of young oxen, which had been just put to work. Arnica, internally and externally, is the grand remedy in all lesions produced by contusion. Conium should be employed when the contusion, or blow, or other injury has occasioned indurations. EPILEPSY. Epilepsy, which is very uncommon in oxen, has, at first sight, some resemblance to vertigo, from which, however, it differs essentially. In vertigo, with which oxen used in drawing are often attacked, in conse- quence of hard labor in the heat of the sun, or from too tight a yoke, squeezing of the throat, &c, the ani- mal totters on a sudden, falls, and remains stretched on the ground for some time without consciousness. The same thing happens in epilepsy, but the animal, after having fallen, either suddenly or after some con- vulsive struggles, does not remain calm on the ground ; he becomes convulsed, turns his eyes, strikes with the INFLAMMATORY FEVER. 225 feet, and compresses the jaws one against the other ; a frothy saliva escapes from his mouth, oftentimes mixed with the food which re-ascends from the paunch. Sometimes the animal lows, and complains very much ; in other cases it remains quiet. The fit lasts, in gen- eral, longer than those of vertigo, sometimes from three-quarters of an hour to an hour, and returns after a lapse of time, of greater or less length. "When it is over, the animal rises up at once, looks around him, commences to eat, and appears in perfect health. The fits of epilepsy are not devoid of danger, for he may injure himself in falling ; and the animal has been observed to die on the spot. Moreover, the dis- ease is hereditary. Some doses of aconitum are the first means to be employed ; after which we should administer slramo- nium, and if the fit return, belladonna. We may also have recourse to hyoscyamus (especially if the fits are accompanied with violent movements of the thighs,) also to cocculus and calcarea carbonica. It will be useful to try some doses of camphor every week to pre- vent the return of the fits. If the disease depend on worms, as has been sometimes found, china is one of the most useful remedies for it. FEVER (INFLAMMATORY.) When an internal or external inflammation has attained a certain extent, it is generally accompanied with fever of greater or less severity. In this case the pulse is frequent and hard, the mouth dry and hot, the alvine dejections hard, dry and scanty, the urine small in quantity, the ears hot, as well as the horns and feet. The animal has but little appetite, or eats only green fodder and feels great thirst. In general he is worse at night than in the morning. The principal remedy for the treatment of this fever is aconitum, which should be repeated at intervals, so much shorter, according 226 NERVOUS FEVER. as the disease is more severe, for instance from every eight to fifteen minutes in very acute cases, and which must be continued, until a perceptible calm be restored. In external inflammatory diseases, especially those which arise from a traumatic lesion, aconitum is appli- cable not only to prevent the fever, but also to cure it when it is already developed, and has as yet made no progress. However, notwithstanding the great efficacy of aconitum, it does not suffice in many cases to effect a complete cure, so that according to the individual nature of the inflammation, it becomes necessary to assist its action by that of different other means ; bella- donna in encephalitis ; spongia marina in angina ; bryonia in pneumonia and peripneumonia ; arsenicum and rhus toxicodendron in enteritis ; cantharides in cys- titis and nephritis, &c. FEVER (NERVOUS.) The following is the description of this disease, which sometimes prevails epizootically, and causes great ravages by contagion. The animals lose appetite, they become sad and lose their strength ; the tongue, mouth and nose are dry ; the limbs are seized with convulsions, there are occasionally violent spasms ; the animals totter, fall as if struck with epilepsy, seldom leave their litter, and generally refuse to drink. At the onset, the alvine dejections are dry ; but after some time, they become soft, and the food at length comes away undigested, the tongue continuing foul, and the mouth discharging a profuse ill-odored saliva. The febrile movements generally occur in the evening. Bryonia, twice a day, is the remedy best suited to the entire course of the disease. Acidum muriaticum should be given when there is great debility, and. dry- ness of the mouth ; arnica, when the animal remains stretched without motion, and without consciousness ; stramonium and hyoscyamus, if partial convulsions are observed to take place ; belladonna, under the same PUERPERAL FEVER. 227 circumstances, when there is at the same time great restlessness, or when the look is wild ; arsenicum, if the dejections are those of diarrhoea and watery ; vera- trum in case of diarrhoea, as also in case of constipa- tion, with cold of the extremities ; china, argilla and sulphur, when the food passes away undigested ; helle- borus, when there is salivation. Whatever be the remedy required by such or such a set of symptoms, bryonia must always be administered as long as the fever lasts. A dose of veratrum is indicated when the disease, after having been overcome, leaves a state of debility after it. PUERPERAL. FEVER. After difficult parturition, or from the effect of a bad regimen, cold, &c, it sometimes happens, particularly in fat cows, that one or more days after the birth, this extremely dangerous disease is observed to show itself, which is generally accompanied by an inflammation of the peritoneum, intestines, or womb ; and which, when not promptly relieved, terminates in death in from three to five days. The animal is melancholy, it be- gins to tremble, no longer eats, does not ruminate, feels great thirst, does not remain at rest on its hind feet, stumbles and wishes every moment to lie down, though the affection of the belly and the swelling of the genital parts oblige it immediately to stand up. There soon supervenes paralysis of the hind quarters, and the animal is no longer able to stand up. It then lows, and complains incessantly, the teats diminish, the secretion of milk is arrested, the ears, horns and feet become cold, the eye becomes fixed, the look becomes wild. There is frequently tumefaction of the belly, heat and swelling of the mammse. In general the after-birth has remained in the womb, from which an infectious ichor escapes. All these symptoms succeed each other very rapidly. The first thing to be done 228 FRACTURES. is to administer, within three or four hours, from three to four doses of aconitum, which generally effect a per- ceptible calm. Then we may have recourse to Pulsa- tilla and to nux vomica. Belladonna is also an excel- lent remedy, particularly in cases of very painful swelling of the belly, and of retention of the placenta. Chamomilla restores the secretion of milk. Paralysis of the hind-quarters, if it does not yield to nux vomica, which is in general the most useful, disappears under the influence of thus toxicodendron. FRACTURES. It is not an uncommon occurrence for oxen to break a horn ; the result is violent hemorrhage, which is to be stopped by fomentations with arnica water. Some- times we succeed in restoring the horn by immediate- ly fixing it to its place, tying the animal by itself to a ring, so that it may not rub against anything, and administering internally to it first arnica, then in a little time after Symphytum, alternately with squilla. But generally speaking we cannot succeed, especially when the horn has become cold. We then envelope the stump in linen cloths soaked in arnica water, which are to be renewed frequently, and we should make the animal take internally every two days a dose of arnica, or one of Symphytum, if the bone also has been frac- tured. We are told that a double dose of squill has also been found very useful in such cases. The cure is effected with great facility. Oxen frequently frac- ture the ossa ilium, an accident which rarely occasions fatal consequences, and in which symphitum should be employed, both internally and externally. If there be much heat, inflammation and swelling, some doses of aconitum and arnica may be administered with advan- tage. FRAGILITY OF THE BONES. 229 FRAGILITY OF THE BONES. This disease, which is met with chiefly in oxen which frequent marshy meadows, is followed by frac- tures particularly in the legs, Avhen the animal leaps, or even when he rises suddenly. It has been sometimes observed to constitute a real epizootic dis- ease. No other symptom accompanies it in some cases ; but frequently there is general debility, and painful sensibility in the legs. The animal likes to remain lying down, he cannot rise without pain and moaning ; a period arrives when he can no longer do so, or falls back as soon as he attempts it, frequent- ly breaking then either a rib or a leg. The cows at first continue to give milk, but the secretion soon di- minishes ; there is general emaciation, the hair be- comes bristly, and death takes place in consequence of wasting away. The bones are very soft and fra- gile, one may cut them with a knife. The medulla is dry, or reduced to an oily substance. I had an op- portunity of seeing this extraordinary malady, which I always succeeded in curing with mercurius vivus. Two or three doses will often suffice, when it is recent ; if not, it will be necessary to persevere for several weeks in the use of this medicine, notwithstanding the im- provement which may result from the first doses. FUNGUS. Thuja serves for the treatment of the fungus excres- cences produced by the friction of the cord at the base of the horns. If they arise from the pressure of the yoke, arsenicum should be employed, and when they are developed on the withers, they are to be treated with chamomilla, particularly when there exist at the same time indurated glands. If, as sometimes hap- pens, the tumor be opened, it is to be treated as a common abscess. Externally arnica and arsenicum 20 230 GAD-FLIES LUXATIONS. chiefly are to be employed. Phosphorus is the pro- per remedy in treating fungus excrescences of a fiery red color, and sepia in the case of excrescences near the hoof. GAD-FLIES. The gad-fly not only persecutes, with its bites, dur- ing summer, healthy oxen (never those that are un- healthy), but also deposits its eggs in their skin, which give rise to large tumors, in which the larvae become developed ; they live there on the purulent fluid which the soft parts secrete, and make their escape thence in the following spring, in order to become metamor- phosed. The greater the number of tumors, the more is the strength of the animal diminished by the pain and suppuration. For this reason we should endeavor to free it as soon as possible of these larvae, by frequently washing the tumors with camphorated brandy, or forcibly compressing them, which causes the insect to make its exit or crushes it. When they have attained the size of a filbert, an incision must be made into the part, which is then to be covered with a pitch plaster. A few doses of sulphur are to be given internally. We are told that those oxen which have taken sulphur for a long period of time are not infested by gad-flies. LUXATIONS. Arnica externally and rhus toxicodendron internally, are the principal remedies to be employed in the treat- ment of luxations in general. It sometimes happens that in consequence of a false step, a slip, or in their endeavor forcibly to extricate their foot from thick clay, oxen employed in drawing, contract a luxation of the fetlock, which causes them to limp very much, by rendering the swollen part hot and painful. Ad- justing the affected portion of the limb should be re- LAMENESS. 231 sorted to, after which the part should be fomented with arnica, which should also be given internally ; however, rhus toxicodendron should be preferred as an internal remedy, and more especially ruta, which is specific in such cases. LAMENESS. Lameness is not uncommon in oxen. It may de- pend on distension or shortening of the ligaments and tendons surrounding the joint, or on a disease of the latter, occasioned either by an external lesion, or by rheumatism, or in fine by special circumstances. The treatment varies according to the seat of the disease. The lameness owing to great pain in the sole should be treated with arsenicinn, and that which is caused by the introduction of a pointed body into the cleft yields to arnica. There is a peculiar species of lame- ness which is remarkable for its obstinacy, the nature of its causes and its special character. I observed it in 1837, and I shall speak of it again under the head of Softening of the Bones. The disease began in general with a perceptible sensibility of the sole ; the animal rested with great caution on his feet, w 7 hich when standing, he raised one after the other. Arsen- icum, which in general is a good remedy for this state, was ineffectual in many cases. After some time the disease appeared to be seated more particularly in the long bones of the limbs ; for it became more and more difficult for the animal to w r alk, and more par- ticularly to raise himself, so that he remained stretch- ed on the ground, though all his functions continued in other respects in their normal state. A fact worthy of remark is, that having once broken out in the stalls, the disease generally attacked all the inmates, and in several localities it passed from one house to the other. As no allopathic treatment proved effectual against it, it inspired us with new ardor to seek out new means 232 MADNESS. to meet it homoeopathically, in which I succeeded by the help of mercurius vivus, when at length I discov- ered that the cause was softening of the bones. It commenced sometimes in the fore limbs, sometimes in the hind limbs ; but mercurius vivus got the better of it readily and promptly, when it had not lasted for any length of time ; in the latter case, too, it did not fail in efficacy ; but it was then necessary to employ it in frequently repeated doses, and once I was obliged to administer it for an entire month without interrup- tion. Coccidus and rhus toxicodendron, were also found useful occasionally, and even after the discovery of the mercurius vivus, their employment was still found completely successful, when the lameness com- menced in the hind limbs, and when the disease seemed seated in the sacrum rather than in the legs. When the lameness commenced in the fore legs, more advantage was also obtained from the employment of belladonna with that of mercurius. If the animal commenced by dragging the legs, especially the hind legs, arsenicum produced good effects ; nux vomica was also successful, when to these symptoms there was added loss of appetite. But when there was well marked lameness, none of these means were of any avail, and all our resources lay in mercurius vivus. MADNESS. Madness is not more peculiar to oxen than to the horse ; it always results from the bite of a mad dog. It very rarely happens that the consequences of this bite become developed at the instant ; in general several days elapse first, and even some weeks. The animal at first evinces considerable disturbance, it no longer has any appetite, and ruminates no longer ; there does not seem to be much thirst, though from time to time it dips its muzzle in the drinking vessel ; the abdomen is a little swollen at the commencement, MADNESS. 233 and the animal makes frequent and great but unavail- ing efforts to empty the bowels and bladder ; in the intervals it shakes itself frequently, more especially the head and neck ; it lows incessantly ; its voice, at first scarcely changed, assumes on the second or third day a peculiar hoarseness. The look of the animal be- comes fixed ; the eyes occasionally become redder than usual. Saliva constantly flows from the mouth, which sometimes also is covered with foam. On the second or third day, it is observed in some cows, that instead of rumination, the food reascends involuntari- ly to the mouth. Some animals become furious when they see a dog, or hear him bark ; they strike their horns against the wall, attack all living beings, scrape with the foot, and strive to break the cords with which they are secured. A disposition to bite has been sometimes observed. The venereal appetite is almost always very much stimulated, and there is rapid ema- ciation. The milk diminishes more and more in milk cows. From the third or fourth day, periodical con- vulsive movements are observed to come on first in the neck, then on the chest, and afterwards on the hind quarters. About this period there is debility of the posterior parts, which are soon palsied, and death takes place on the fifth or sixth day. Care should be taken to tie the animal securely. A dose of belladonna is to be administered to it, the bite is to be well washed, and fomented w T ith water, to which some drops of extract of belladonna have been added. The doses of belladonna are to be re- peated, first every day, then at longer intervals. When a mad dog has found his way into a herd, it is a good precaution to make all the beasts take a dose of belladonna daily, for eight or even twelve days. 20* 234 MARASMUS METEORISATION. MARASMUS. Marasmus, occasionally met with in calves, and which bears some resemblance to tabes mesenterica, depends generally on an internal, cause ; but it is also frequently observed to follow different chronic diseases and is always accompanied with great debility. The principal remedies for it are arsenicum and china, taken alternately, one dose every four or five days. Advantage is also obtained from mix vomica, if there be constipation ; from pulsaiilla, in case of diarrhoea ; from china in case of worms and voracious appetite. Some doses of sulphur are always useful to complete the treatment, more especially when the disease has existed for a considerable time. If the marasmus be connected with a general morbid state, we must seek out the remedy most fitted to this state, with the ces- sation of which that of the marasmus also will coin- cide. This latter occurrence is sometimes met in adult animals ; the animal eats no doubt, and occa- sionally very much, and rumination goes on in the normal way ; however, it continually wastes away ; there is diarrhoea, and the evacuations exhale a very bad odor ; the skin is stuck to the ribs, and the hairs gradually lose their bright appearance. Pulsaiilla and arsenicum have succeeded in some cases. METEORISATION. This affection, which without belonging exclusively to oxen, is, however, of very frequent occurrence in them, consists in an enormous development of gases, which distend the stomach and intestines, swell the belly to a prodigious size, and often cause death in a few hours, when a proper remedy is not promptly ap- plied. In general it presents itself on a sudden with- out any precursory symptoms, but always a little after the animal has eaten, and for the most part on return- METEORISATION. 235 ing to the field ; it may come on, however, in the stable also. The animal ceases to eat and ruminate ; the abdomen becomes enormously swollen, especially on the left side, and when struck, it sounds like a drum. Great distress soon manifests itself; the breathing is short and difficult, the nostrils are widely dilated ; there is a threatening of suffocation. At a later period, the back bone appears depressed ; the fore-feet seem approximated ; the tail is curved up- wards ; the eyes are fixed and prominent. The veins of the neck and chest are gorged with blood, the month is hot and full of saliva; the anus, which is closed, projects externally ; the body is bathed in a cold sweat ; the animal moans, trembles, totters, with difficulty keeps itself on its legs, at length sinks and dies, either from suffocation, or from rupture of the stomach. The most ordinary cause is the voracity with which the animal eats certain kinds of food, such as new clover, boiled roots, the grains, ranunculuses, hem- lock, &c, and all kinds of fodder which have become heated in consequence of being heaped whilst they were damp. Colchicum autumnale rarely fails in its effects, and ordinarily it establishes an instantaneous cure. Some- times, however, it must be repeated two, three and even four times. Occasionally the symptoms subside without the animal voiding any wind. In chronic meteorisation, which is renewed frequently, colchicum taken alternately with arsenicum is very useful. Benefit it is said has been derived from china. If rumination is not reestablished at the time the disease is cured, aconitum must be given, and after some hours, arsenicum. When meteorisation has been caused not by green fodder, but by some disturbance of digestion, we must have recourse to nux vomica ; the same substance is suitable, when the disease is attributable to the animals having eaten colchicum in the meadows. 236 ALTERATIONS OF MILK. Lastly, when the danger has become so pressing that we are brought to the necessity of puncturing in order to avoid death, it is, however, still necessary to administer the colchicum after having cleansed the mouth carefully ; after some time a few doses of ar- nica must be given. ALTERATIONS OF MILK. Changes in the milk or in the lacteal secretion are not uncommon in milch-cows. Homoeopathy puts a check to them, in general, both promptly and readily. The principal are : 1. Blue milk. At the moment after it has been taken from the animal, the milk has its natural color ; but when it has rested for some time, and the cream has separated from it, stars or blue spots are observed on its surfaee, or it even becomes entirely blue. The butter obtained from it has a bluish tint, and blue ves- icles, or vesicles of a grey color float on the butter- milk. No symptoms of disease are remarked in the cow. The remedy is pidsalilla, and if the symptoms depend, as sometimes happens, on an affection of the lower belly, especially on indigestion, recourse should be had to mix vomica. 2. Red milk. Sometimes one or more of the teats yield blood along with the milk. This phenomenon depends on several causes ; as on the roughness of the manner in which the process is conducted, causing contusion and inflammation of the organ, or on the use of certain irritating substances ; for instance, young shoots of the pine tree. Aconitum is a good remedy whenever there is an inflammatory condition, owing to an internal or external cause, and if it do not suffice, phosphorus generally restores matters to their normal state. Belladonna also has succeeded frequently. If there has been an external injury, arnica, internally and externally, is always sufficient. (EDEMA. 237 When none of these causes exist, and there is no in- flammation, ipecacuanha should be employed, which has been very frequently attended with great success, more especially in chronic cases. It is worth remark- ing, that in many places a decoction of the young shoots of the fir tree are employed with great success. 3. Viscid milk. Sulphur, chamomilla and nux vomica is indicated. Natrum muriaticum, also is often useful. 4. Acid milk. We should administer sulphur, phos- phorus and antimonium tartaricum. 5. Bitter milk. The remedies are : sulphur and phos- phorus. 6. Watery milk, which yields but little cream. This state, oftentimes owing to bad food, especially to the potatoe leaf, yields to sulphur, Pulsatilla, and nux vomica, with a change of wholesome diet. 7. Diminution of milk. Different causes may bring it about, that after calving the lacteal secretion does not become established, or that it goes on but imper- fectly, and even when established, that it may stop by degrees or abruptly. Aconitum, and chamomilla are the principal remedies in this case, especially when there is inflammation. Belladonna is useful in inflam- mation and tumefaction of the udders ; bryonia or dulcamara, when the occurrence depends on cold. If the symptom returns after some days, phosphorus should be given. When the teat yields but a few jets of milk, chamomilla and belladonna should be given alternately. 8. Spontaneous discharge of milk. This is cured by belladonna, (if there be swelling of the teat) ; chamo- milla, (if it is indurated) ; arnica, (if it received any injury followed by inflammation) ; and calcarea car- bonica, (if there exist any internal mischief.) (EDEMA. (Edema, or a collection of serum in the subcutane- ous cellular tissue, frequently accompanies hydrotho- 238 PARALYSIS RHEUMATISM. rax and ascites; but it is also met as an independent disease in different regions of the body. That which distinguishes it from other swellings is, that it is cold to the touch, and retains the impression of the finger. China and arsenicum, taken alternately, are the chief remedies, especially when it has come on after dropsy of the chest or abdomen. Bryonia is the suitable rem- edy when it results from cold, and when there is at the same time, constipation and difficulty of breath- ing ; Pulsatilla in the case of diarrhoea. PARALYSIS. The chief remedies to be used are : aconitum, ar- senicum, arnica, belladonna, Bryonia, crocus calcarea, carbonica causticum, dulcamara, rhus toxicodendron, ruta, sulphur, ferrum, cinchona, &c. If paralysis re- sult from rheumatism, we should employ arnica, fer- rum, rhus, rhuta, lycopodium, and sulphur. If from debility, cinchona, ferrum, baryta, carbonica, sulphur, and calcarea. If from apoplexy, arnica, belladonna, bryonia, nux vomica, &c. If from injury, arnica, aconitum, dulcamara, &c. RHEUMATISM. Rheumatism, which is generally a consequence of a cold, is almost always accompanied with fever. It is indicated more especially by a stiff and painful gait, occasionally with cracking of the joints. The animal prefers much to lie down ; he rises with pain and re- luctance ; the pain frequently causes tremors ; the skin adheres to the subjacent parts ; it cannot be folded, and the appetite is more or less impaired. If the disease is carried to an extreme degree, the animal never quits its litter, the four extremities become para- lyzed, and it can only sustain itself on its knees. In milch cows the secretion of milk is diminished or ar- rested. The most effectual remedy is aconitum, fol- ROTTENNESS. 239 lowed by arsenicum. Bryonia is good when the feet are paralyzed. Arsenicum is indicated when the animal is observed to walk with the greatest precaution ; when he trembles after drinking cold water ; and the disease has been brought on by cold drinks, or an excess of food. Rhus toxicodendron should be pre- scribed when the disease results from too much fatigue. Chamomilla restores the milk secretion, after the other ailments have been removed. ROTTENNESS. This disease, caused by the presence of fluke- worms (the Fasciola hepatica) in the liver or bile ducts, is characterized chiefly by great depression and sad- ness. The animal carries the head down ; appetite diminishes ; the eyes become watery, they are red, then at a later period yellowish, and full of purulent matter ; the pulsations are weak, the breathing be- comes difficult ; the nose, mouth, gums and tongue assume a bad color, and a fetid odor ; the excrements are white, watery and fetid. By degrees the beast wasts away, the teeth are loose, fever supervenes, the extremities are cold, the abdomen becomes com- pressed, there is manifest fluctuation, and the animal dies in a complete state of emaciation. This disease makes its appearance principally after damp seasons, in low districts, and occasions great ravages ; and so much greater, if it be mistaken at its commencement, and if no efforts have been made to combat it until no hope of recovery remains. The symptoms most likely to cause one to suspect the presence of fluke-worms, are the morbid look of the beast, its inertness, the yel- lowish tint of the parts divested of hair, hardness of the skin, hair dull and erect, irregularity of appetite, of digestion, and of the alvine evacuations. The flukes sometimes exist in immense quantity in the liver, which becomes tumefied, and chiefly in the biliary 240 RUMINATION SPONGE . ducts. Among the means to be employed, graphites and lycopodium occupy the first place. Helleborus niger is also recommended, when the difficulty of the respiration announces commencing hydrothorax ; and mercurius vivus when the excrements are white and fetid. I have sometimes employed the first dynamiza- tion of sulphur with the greatest success. RUMINATION. Rumination is more or less disturbed in most serious diseases, and does not return to its normal state till after a cure has been effected. However, it occasion- ally happens that it is not restored, or that it is the only function in which any derangement is observed. In such cases arsenicum is very useful. If two or three doses produce no effect, the medicine should be repeated, to be alternated with aconitum. Pulsatilla is recommended as possessing considerable powers, when the disturbance of rumination assumes a chronic form, or occurs only from time to time. SPONGE. This name is applied to a round, spongy tumor, which is developed on the knee, generally after an external injury. In general this swelling is first hot and painful; but after a time it becomes cold and indolent. When recent it is sometimes cured with arnica externally and internally ; if it do not yield, or if before this treatment it was already completely de- veloped , it is to be treated with chamomilla ; if there be already induration, conium and ledum are the reme- dies to be employed. When the disease becomes inveterate, it requires sulphur, antimonium crudum, petroleum and sepia ; that which occasions itching and pain, iodium, rhus toxicodendron and Pulsatilla, alter- nately with conium. When it commences to ooze, silicea. Arnica, silicea and chamomilla have effected SPRAIN SWELLING OP THE BONES. 241 a cure in a case where the tumor had been injudi- ciously opened. During the treatment, as also to prevent the disease, the animal must be supplied with plenty of soft litter. SPRAIN. A sprain, when the result of a false step, brings on lameness more or less perceptible, and when it is severe, a hot tumefaction in the neighborhood of the joint. The accident, when of recent date, promptly yields to a?nica, employed both internally and exter- nally. Otherwise, or if there be much pain from the commencement, as also much swelling and lameness, rhus toxicodendron, and especially ruta should be ad- ministered, which latter remedy in such cases possesses specific virtues. STINGS OF INSECTS. The stings of bees, wasps and hornets, give rise to considerable swellings, with- inflammation and pain ; in such cases fomentations with arnica water are always employed with success. If a cow has been attacked by an entire swarm, arnica should be given internally also. Camphorated brandy would also produce good effects. SWELLING OF THE BONES. Swelling of the bones, exostoses or soft tumors, owe their origin sometimes to external causes, sometimes to internal. Such tumors are observed less frequently in oxen than in horses. If they arise from a mecha- nical injury, arnica, or better still, Symphytum (exter- nally and internally) is sufficient to cure them. If they depend on internal causes, they are to be treated with mercurius vivus, acidum phosphoricum, angustura, sili- cea and sulphur ; and in obstinate cases, with carho animalis, and ammonium carbonicum. 21 242 TIC TUBERCLES. TIC, This chronic affection, free from fever, is mostly confined to cows, which, though they may eat more than usual, become very much emaciated, and yield only watery milk. They gnaw wood, leather, rags, earth, &c, and swallow these different things so much the more greedily in proportion as their appetite for ordinary food diminishes. Gradually the hair stares, the eye becomes dull, the gait slow, and the animal dies of consumption. The disease evidently depends on disturbance of digestion. It is accompanied by a marked degree of softening of the bones. Small vesicles, containing a yellowish liquid, are also said to have been observed from time to time beneath the tongue. The remedy for this disease is Pulsatilla, then comes mix vomica. Natrum muriaticum succeeds when the animal, rejecting its ordinary food, evinces a depraved appetite. The increased appetite which frequently depends on the presence of worms, yields to china and silicea, or to china when there is great debility and depression. TUBERCLES. Tubercles, occasioned by a mechanical cause, gen- erally yield to arnica, which is to be administered both internally and externally. If abscesses form, they are to be treated as has been stated under this head. Tubercles from cold are combated with bry- onia and dulcamara ; and those which arise from the stings of insects, with arnica and belladonna. Those referrible to an internal disease are difficult to cure. Besides the means indicated under different other heads, we may also try : ledum, especially in obstinate cases; silicea, arsenicum, baryta carbonica, slaphysa- gria and sulphur, when there is itching ; chamomilla and bryonia, against tubercles on the breast. TUMORS WOUNDS. 243 TUMORS. Tumors vary much with respect to their constitu- tion and the region of the body where they make their appearance. Those arising from an external cause, are, for the most part, hot, at least at the commence- ment ; these are to be treated with arnica (internally and externally), which is to be followed by arsenicum? or, when there is pain, by conium. Those which de- pend on internal causes, require bryonia, chiefly in cases of cold, or china and arsenicum alternately, or sulphur, or mercurius vivus. Aurum and belladonna are the principal remedies for tumors on the head ; baryta carbonica for those on the lower jaw. With respect to tumors on the chest, aconitum and bryonia are suitable, if they are owing to cold ; arnica, if they are the consequence of com- pression. When they are covered with scabs, thuja should be given, and after some days, sulphur. WOUNDS. Wounds of small extent are cured in a very little time by the use of arnica externally. In such as are deeper, arnica must be administered internally also. Symphytum is useful whenever there has been any lesion of the bones or periosteum. Conium should be employed in the case of wounds resulting from com- pression or contusion ; and in the case of those which are accompanied with luxation, rhus toxicodendron alternately with arnica. When a wound has occa- sioned great loss of blood, china is useful to combat the debility caused by the hemorrhage. The trau- matic fever, which is generally associated with wounds of a certain extent, yields to arnica and aconitum, em- ployed alternately. Extensive wounds are never cured without suppuration ; this is generally set up five or six days after the inj ury ; and as long as it wears a 244 ANASARCA. healthy character, art should not interfere ; but if the pus be turbid and have a bad smell, asafcetida and mercurius vivus should be employed ; if it be thick and have a bad color, silicea ; if proud-flesh make its appearance, chamomilla, sepia, and arsenicum. SECTION II DISEASES OF THE SKIN. ANASARCA. The effusion of serum into the subcutaneous cellular tissue, often accompanies hydrothorax or ascites ; but occasionally, too, it is observed alone in different parts of the body. What distinguishes the swelling then from all others, is that it does not feel hot to the touch, and retains the pressure of the finger. China and arsenicum, employed alternately, are a capital remedy, especially when the anasarca is owing to ascites or hydrothorax. Lycopodium also displays great virtues in treating dropsical swellings in different parts of the body. Bryonia is suitable whenever the disease de- pends on cold, and there is at the same time constipa- tion, with embarrassment of the respiration. Pulsatilla is indicated also in case of diarrhoea. Dulcamara should be employed when the swelling has appeared after sudden cold ; belladonna when the swelling cre- pitates under the finger. CEdema of the legs requires secede cornutum alternately with arsenicum, and then sepia. Indigo, china, thuja, sulphur, and when there is tension in the joints, Bryonia, are also recommended. CHOPS, OR CRACKS EXANTHEMES. 245 CHOPS, OR CRACKS. Indurations and cracks in the skin arise, sometimes from an internal disease ; sometimes, in yoked oxen, from continued walking in marshy grounds, occasion- ally from the inconsiderate application of caustics to spongy excrescences. Arnica and arsenicum, applied externally, generally remove the disease, without there being any necessity to have recourse to internal reme- dies, especially when the matter is not of long stand- ing. Spiritus sulphur atus is a specific for oozing cracks; sepia, in cases where the skin, dry and indu- rated, is detached in large patches, beneath which new cracks are constantly forming. Mercurius vivus was found effectual also in an obstinate case, w r here entire flakes of the soft parts became detached. Chamomilla, conium, mercurius solubilis, and acidum phosphoricum, are of great service in treating simple indurations of the skin. Acidum phosphoricum is particularly useful when the indurated points contract in the form of ridges and wrinkles. Cracks on the knee are, like all external lesions, to be treated with arnica 'water ; arnica is also to be given internally, when they are extensive. When the patella is more or less engaged, Symphytum is the remedy to be employed. Abscesses in the knee, the consequence of neglected injury in this limb, are to be treated like abscesses of other parts. EXANTHEMES. An exantheme is a disease more or less obstinate, which appears under a great variety of forms, (spots, tubercles, vesicles, scales, scabs,) and sometimes con- stitutes a purely local affection, sometimes is con- nected with an inveterate morbid state. The most certain means of curing and preventing all exanthema- tous diseases, is to have recourse to the remedies 21* 246 GOITRES. called isopathic, which take the name of antipsoricum when they are prepared with the morbific principle yielded by the animal itself. But other remedies, again called antipsoric, and among which sulphur figures, are of considerable efficacy in this respect. In all chronic diseases attention should be directed to the psora, which occasions them. It will be right, then, to begin and end the treatment with some doses of sulphur, if there be no special contra-indications. At the end of about fifteen days, the antipsoricum should be given ; then, at the end of the same lapse of time, the medicine which agrees best with the actual state of the patient ; after which we should return to the antipsoricum, and so on. The last antipsoricum is suffered to act longer than the others, and the treat- ment is to be terminated with sepia and some doses of sulphur, or with sulphur alone, according to circum- stances. As this course of proceeding does not always suc- ceed, we are forced to have recourse to other means. Staphysagria and dulcamara are those most frequently employed after a couple of doses of sulphur ; staphy- sagria is more especially indicated in dartrous erup- tions accompanied with itching, more especially during the night ; dulcamara, in vesicular eruptions filled with a yellowish liquid, those principally which succeed a sudden cold, as also in dry and furfuraceous dartres. Mezereum is useful in itchy tubercles, with redness of the skin; arsenicum in eruptions accompanied with periodical diarrhoea or with loss of appetite, or dis- turbed digestion ; thuja in those which come out on the lower part of the limbs. GOITRES. This name is applied to a swelling, sometimes acute, sometimes chronic, which generally appears on the left side of the larynx, obliging the animal to carry ITCH, OR MANGE. 247 the head forwards, and causing it to bellow in a frightful manner. It is only in acute cases there is pain ; the cough, however, which accompanies this disease is painful, and the voice hoarse. The chief remedy is drosera after some doses of aeonitum ; in chronic cases, this is to be administered alternately with hepar sulphuris. Benefit has been also obtained from two doses of belladonna, administered at short intervals. ITCH, OR MANGE. In the dry itch, the animals have a great disposition to scratch themselves, to rub one against the other, which eventually wears away the hair. They repeat this until the skin becomes excoriated and is made to bleed. The parts exposed to the friction soon be- come stripped of hair ; the skin is wrinkled, dirty in appearance, powdery, or else there are observed on it small superficial ulcerations surrounded with furfur- aceous scabs. Beneath these scabs there are found small pustules, which, after being opened, resemble corroding ulcerations. The fluid secreted is limpid, and soon becomes thick, so as to form scabs, which are piled one upon the other. This form of itch attacks meagre, ill-fed, and aged animals. It is seated chiefly in the head, neck, on the shoulders, haunches and tail. The moist itch is characterized by ulcers of greater extent, which penetrating deeply into the skin, secrete a reddish ichor, and become covered with scabs thicker than those of the preceding variety. It is ob- served on the neck and at the base of the tail, but sometimes it extends over the entire body. The hairs fall, the skin becomes chopped, and the animal, if left to itself, falls into a state of marasmus, or be- comes dropsical. Some doses of sulphur (one a day) is the first 248 PHTHIRIASIS — WARTS. remedy to be employed. Then staphysagria should be administered, more especially when there are dart- rous eruptions, with itching during the night. Dulca- mara is good in the vesicular eruption, with yellowish serosity, which comes on after sudden cold, and which is accompanied by a discharge from the nose, as well as in dry and furfuraceous dark-colored eruptions. Mezereum is indicated in itchy tubercles, with redness of the skin ; arsenicwn, in case the appetite is impaired, with periodical diarrhoea. PHTHIRIASIS. Like other domestic animals, oxen have occasion- ally such a quantity of lice, that they not only become disgusting from them, but they also suffer and pine away. This happens chiefly with calves and young beasts. The lice lodge more especially behind the horns and ears, at the back of the neck, on the withers, and on the sides of the dewlap. They are destroyed in a few days with a decoction of staphysagria, or with a pommade prepared with three parts of axunge and one part of parsley-seed pounded. WARTS. Warts appear on the breast, belly, back, neck, tail ; sometimes smooth, round, soft and broad ; sometimes pediculated, chapped, spongy, hard and dry, or moist, painful or without feeling. For the cure of warts which are dry, smooth, and not pediculated, dulcamara should be employed, and in some cases sulphur ; for those which are ulcerated, arsenicum ; for those which bleed readily and cause pain, causticum. Excres- cences which are moist, incrusted, chapped, presenting a disgusting appearance, and frequently of an enor- mous size, require thuja, externally and internally, and the employment of this remedy must be continued for a long time. Small warts on the lips yield to calcarea carbonica. DISEASES OF THE EARS — - APHTILE. 249 SECTION III. DISEASES OF THE BRAIN, EYES, MOUTH, &C. DISEASES OF THE EARS. Inflammation of the ears is in general the result of foreign bodies, portions of straw, the larvee of insects, &c, which penetrate into those organs. The animal inclines the head towards the affected side, frequently shakes it, rubs the ear against the wall, or applies the hind foot to it. On making examination, we almost always find the concha swollen, and full of mucus or purulent fluid. If there be a foreign body in it, it should be removed, and arnica water be injected with a small syringe. If insects are the cause, a little oil is to be poured into the ear. If the inflammation from being neglected has passed into suppuration, the means mentioned under the head suppuration must be resorted to. When a real abscess is formed, arsenicum is the remedy to be employed. However, Pulsatilla is very useful in deep-seated abscesses. When the swelling has been caused by insects, the ear should be well washed, and arnica water injected into it. Petroleum is by some considered the best remedy in such cases. Some doses of sulphur must be taken internally. APHTHA. This disease is common enough in calves. The animal affected refuses to suck and wastes away. After a careful examination, small vesicles are discovered on the tongue and gums, surmounting a softened 250 ANTHRAX OF THE TONGUE. tissue : the mouth is full of saliva of bad odor and also frothy. The means to be employed are : acidum muriaticum, acidum phosphoricum and borax. One or two doses of sulphur should be given to the mother. Touching the aphthae with borax or any other sub- stance can be of no use, as it results from a stomachic affection. ANTHRAX OF THE TONGUE. When oxen are subjected to a species of life which engenders typhus, or which favors its development, it sometimes happens that the pestilential principle attacks the tongue in preference, in which case anthrax of this organ comes on, a disease extremely contagious, and mostly fatal. Carbuncle of the tongue is ordi- narily announced by a profuse saliva from the mouth, great distress and tumefaction of the tongue. On ex- amining the mouth, we discover on this latter organ small vesicles full of turbid liquid, or small tubercles sur- rounded with a bluish circle. The vesicles burst, and fill the mouth with fetid liquid : on the tubercles, on the contrary, there are raised pustules, which, at first of a whitish yellow, become afterwards brownish or blackish, and often attain the size of a nut. These pustules contain an ichor which corrodes the neigh- boring parts ; and on the vesicle itself after it has collapsed, there forms a brown scab, beneath which an ichor collects, which produces corroding ulcers, so that the entire tongue soon becomes the prey of gangrene, and comes away in pieces. The gangrene soon attacks the pharynx and stomach also, and death takes place amidst incredible pain with shivering and tumefaction of the belly. The cure is not possible unless the case be taken up in proper time, and a suitable treatment be adopted. When the pustules have already opened of themselves, and the animal has swallowed their contents, he DIZZINESS. 251 is lost beyond recovery. The first thing to be done then, is to scrape them with a curved knife, an iron spoon, or a wisp of straw, after which the part is to be well cleaned, by means of a cloth steeped in oil. During this operation, the animal's head must be held low, in order that he may not swallow any of the ichor, and care must be taken that the operator may not be touched with this fluid, as it produces both in the human subject, and in animals, malignant and gan- grenous ulcerations. Therefore the operations should not be undertaken until after the hands have been carefully covered with gloves, or have been well oiled. Once the pustules have been removed, the tongue should be touched every day with a cloth steeped in water, to which some drops of arsenicum have been added. This plan will suffice in most cases. If symptoms of the disease still remain, for instance, a fetid state of the breath, &c, such means should be adopted as shall be mentioned under the head of STOMACACE. DIZZINESS. Animals affected with this disease, fortunately rare among oxen, are never cheerful, and they generally have a rather miserable appearance. Sometimes the fit comes on in the stable ; the animal turns the head and neck more or less to one side, then staggers and falls. When the animal is made to go out, it immediately turns round about, the head always looking towards the centre of the circle, then staggers, falls, arises after a few moments, and again commences to turn round, or enjoy some hours of rest. If the disease be still at its commencement, the animal at first turns slowly, then quicker and quicker, until at length it falls. The attacks become more and more frequent, and at length return every time the animal is made to go out. The cause is the same as that in the case of sheep, viz., the 252 ENCEPHALITIS. presence of a hydatid in the brain. Inflammation of the brain and traumatic lesions also seem to contribute to its development. Belladonna is particularly useful at the onset of the disease ; two or three doses are to be taken daily, until the symptoms have disappeared, after which the doses are to be given at longer intervals, and the treatment terminated with Sulphur. ENCEPHALITIS. Inflammation of the brain, much more uncommon in oxen than in horses, generally comes on rapidly under the influence of a hot sun, of a sudden change of temperature, or of a blow on the head. Sometimes it appears all at once, and sometimes it is announced by certain precursory symptoms, such as vertigo, unsteady gait, appearance of drunkenness, and great depres- sion. The head hangs, the eyes are bright and pro- minent, the head, ears and horns are hot, the hair is bristled, appetite gone. The animal becomes furious, it strikes its head against the walls, tears the halters that tie him, and becomes convulsed in different parts of the body. When let loose, he runs about on every side, then after two or three days, seems to experience some relaxation, and dies suddenly. Occasionally encephalitis terminates in cerebral dropsy, for which reason it should be watched from the commencement, and even after it is cured, we should not lose sight of the patient for some time. Aconitum is the first and chief remedy, before the disease is yet fully developed. It is given in frequent doses separated by short inter- vals. When there is heat in the mouth, eyes, horns, and the animal rests its head against the wall or man- ger ; or when, melancholy and almost devoid of con- sciousness, it allows it to hang ; the best medicine is belladonna, also to be given in repeated doses, espe- cially when the look is frantic, with swelling of the vessels of the head and pulsation of those of the neck. OPHTHALMIA. 253 Sulphur should be given as consecutive treatment. Hyoscyamus is indicated, more especially when bella- donna does not suffice, a thing which seldom happens. If there is suddenly a calm, stupor, or somnolence, or if the disease has been occasioned by insolation, opium is to be prescribed without delay. Veratrum is indi- cated when the animal throws itself about and places itself against the wall. GLOSSITIS, (INFLAMMATION OF THE TONGUE. ) Inflammation of the tongue, rather a common affec- tion which arises almost always from a traumatic lesion, prevents the animal from eating, and causes the organ to hang more or less out of the mouth, requires more especially the employment of aconitum, and of mercu- rius vivus. Acidum nitri also is said to be very effect- ual, especially in dry inflammation. Car bo vegetabilis is specific in treating induration succeeding to inflam- mation : conium, lycopodium and silicea^ are also re- commended in this case. Cases by Schmayer, extracted from the Zooiasis of Lux. — I have had an opportunity three times of ob- serving this disease, which is not common, and gener- ally comes after a traumatic lesion. Once, in a bull, it was so severe, that the tongue, enormously swollen, could no longer find room in the mouth, out of which it hung constantly. There was high inflammatory fever, with sore throat. I at once prescribed aconitum, sixty drops of the tincture in a pint of water, to be taken eight times. On the second day, there was a perceptible amendment ; the tongue had returned into the mouth. On the third day, the animal was able to drink bran and water. On the fourth he was cured. OPHTHALMIA. The most common causes of ophthalmia are exter- nal violence ; the penetration of a foreign body into 22 254 OPHTHALMIA. the eye ; cold, owing to a sudden change of tempera- ture ; and an internal morbid disposition. Ophthalmia by an external cause is very frequent. The eye, at first brilliant and dry, soon becomes dull and watery ; the animal closes it against the light ; the eye-lids are hot, tumefied and painful to the touch ; after some time, they are glued together by means of mucus. The cure is easily effected, when the case is taken in time ; otherwise ophthalmia may bring on fatal consequences. The treatment is commenced with a few doses of aconitum, which is to be employed at first from hour to hour ; then at longer intervals. Afterwards arnica should be resorted to. If it be too late, conium must be given, which is also indicated when aconitum and arnica have removed the inflam- matory symptoms, but there is an exudation between the laminae of the cornea. Cannabis, belladonna or euphrasia, in two ounces of distilled water, form an excellent topical application ; but they should also be used internally. If the ophthalmia has been occa- sioned by a foreign body introduced into the eye, it calls for a different mode of treatment. We com- mence by extracting the foreign body with a bit of moistened linen ; conium then removes the symptoms, and if there have been any injury, arnica should be prescribed, both externally and internally. Ophthal- mia caused by cold, soon yields to aconitum, bryonia, dulcamara, and euphrasia. When the disease pro- ceeds from an internal cause, it is hereditary, or de- pends on the deposition on the eye of a morbific prin- ciple difficult to be determined. In this case, the eye is turbid and the lids are contracted. An apparent improvement is sometimes observed to come on, as in the periodical ophthalmia of horses ; the eye becomes almost clear ; but after some time, it again becomes turbid, and often entirely white. Things remain for a long time in this state, the inflammation continuing from eight to twelve days, then ceasing, and returning SWELLING OF THE HEAD LOOSE TEETH. 255 after a month or six weeks. During the first year, the disease generally attacks but one eye ; but afterwards it affects the other also. When it has lasted two years, there is little hope of curing it. The chief means to be employed are sulphur, euphrasia, Pulsatilla, canna- bis, conium and causticum. Belladonna might also be tried. It is stated that calcarea carbonica has been useful in the case of turbid vision with a bluish tint of the cornea — the lids not being affected. SWELLING OF THE HEAD. It is not uncommon for the head to be swollen in oxen, either in consequence of cold, or from the effect of an internal morbid predisposition. Aurum and belladonna are the chief remedies to be employed. Baryta carbonica should be used when the tumefaction is hard and lardaceous ; arnica (internally and exter- nally), when it has been caused by pressure of the yoke. TEETH, (SHAKING OR LOOSE.) This affection, which is very common in oxen, im- pedes them very much in eating. Carbo vegetabilis is very effectual in this case. If there be salivation at the same time, as happens almost always, and great sensibility of the gums, mercurius vivus should be given. It is stated that mercurius solubilis has pro- duced useful results in the first of these two cases, and staphysagria in the second. TONGUE, (LESIONS OF.) It sometimes happens that a cow cannot eat, or eats only very slowly, carrying its tongue to the right and left, though no trace of disease can be discovered in it. If the mouth be then well examined, it is some- times found that the tongue has been wounded by a foreign body mixed with the fodder, that a small piece 256 VERTIGO. of wood, for instance, has been introduced into it, so that it has been attacked with inflammation, and has become painful. The first thing to be done is to ex- tract the foreign body, after which the wound should be washed several times a day with arnica water, and nothing but soft tender fodder should be given to the animal until it has been entirely cured. If the tongue should become indurated, car bo animalis should be administered ; and if to this salivation be added, mer- curius vivus is specific. Sometimes the animal bites the tongue so as to wound it considerably. Here also arnica must be employed, both externally and inter- nally. TRISMUS OF THE JAWS. This dangerous disease is uncommon among horned cattle, and, perhaps, never appears except after castra- tion injudiciously performed. The treatment is the same as in the case of horses. VERTIGO. This affection is observed more especially in oxen employed in draught. It is frequently the result of great fatigue during hot weather ; the animal staggers on a sudden and falls to the ground, where he remains for a time stretched and motionless. The last charac- ter distinguishes vertigo from epilepsy. Aconitum affords instantaneous relief. If the vertigo be very severe, stramonium and cocculus are to be employed. Arnica is indicated when the animal inclines to the right, or seems drunk, and holds the head very low. China and cocculus are indicated when the smallest exertion distresses the animal very much. ANGINA. 257 SECTION IV. DISEASES OF THE TRACHEA, RESPIRATORY ORGANS, &C. ANGINA. Angina owes its origin to different causes which ir- ritate very much the mucous membranes of the organs of deglutition and of respiration ; for instance, expo- sure to cold after being heated, when the animal takes cold drink, or remains exposed to the action of a cold and moist atmosphere. It is this which renders the disease very common, chiefly in spring, when the season is cold and moist. It may also depend on ex- ternal lesions, on the use of acrid food, &c. The symptoms differ according as it attacks the organs of deglutition, or those of respiration. In the former case, deglutition is very difficult and painful ; the ani- mal still takes sufficient quantity of food, but he does not masticate it, he soon returns it ; and when he drinks, a great portion of the fluid returns by the nose. There escapes from the mouth at first ordinary saliva, then at the expiration of some days, a considerable quantity of mucus ; the tongue is often swollen, and the animal evinces pain, when the back part of the throat is examined. If the inflammation is directed chiefly to the organs of respiration, especially the larynx, the mucous membrane of the glottis and upper part of the trachea, deglutition suffers less than the respiration, especially the inspiration : there is dry cough, and often a threatening of suffocation. When the inflammation diminishes a little, a copious and viscid mucus escapes by the nose. In both cases the 22* 258 ANGINA. inflammation of the external parts of the throat is the predominant symptom, and there is generally observed externally an inflammatory swelling, painful to the touch. In order to facilitate the respiration, the ani- mal holds his head on the stretch and immovable : the pulse is hard and frequent, the alvine evacuations dry and hard, thirst great, but the animal cannot sat- isfy it, the fluids always returning by the nose. The first remedy, in this oftentimes rather danger- ous disease, is aconitum, which generally suffices when we have recourse to it in time ; we are to administer from two to four doses within the space of from three to four hours. If the respiratory organs are more es- pecially affected, so that the respiration is difficult, loud, w r histling, or if there be a swelling painful exter- nally, some doses of spongia marina are to be given. Hepar sulphuris has been found very effectual in the second case, and likewise bryonia. When the angina affects more particularly the organs of deglutition, so that liquids cannot be swallowed, and return always by the nostrils, the look of the animal being fixed and wild, belladonna acts as a specific. Capsicum is suita- ble in inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat, with kinks of coughing, and without any ap- preciable fever. Antimonium crudum may also be then tried with success. When an external lesion, as a blow, &c. has occasioned external swelling and in- flammation of the neck, in consequence of which an angina has supervened, we are to give some doses of aconitum, then arnica, which are sufficient in many instances, unless the inflammation has made too much progress. If after the inflammatory symptoms have been removed, there remains a swelling in the neck, we should have recourse to baryta carbonica, and when that is not sufficient, to hepar sulphuris. CATARRH. 259 CATARRH. A crowd of very different diseases owe their origin to a cold ; whether the animal, after having been heated, remains exposed to the impression of a cold air, or it be allowed to drink cold water too soon. When the entire system has suffered more or less, the affection is accompanied with fever of greater or less severity ; some doses of aconitum, the first remedy to be employed in such cases, never fail to produce ex- cellent effects. If the cold affect but a part of the body, we scarcely ever observe any fever, and bryonia is to be administered. In many cases considerable benefit has been obtained from dulcamara, nux vomica, and rhus toxicodendron. Arsenicum is good when the digestion is disturbed, or the complaint has been occa- sioned by a cold drink. CATARRH, ( PULMONARY.) The hoarse and hollow cough which some oxen have, more especially after fatigue, or when the weather is rough and they are made to drink cold water, is frequently the consequence of a neglected pneumonia, or one that has been badly treated ; but it is also met in other diseases, as, for instance, in hydrothorax. The principal means to be employed in such cases, as well as in the case of cough in general are : dulcamara and bryonia, in the cough which has succeeded to a cold ; nux vomica in the dry and loud cough ; aconi- tum and arsenicum in that which comes on every time the animal drinks cold water ; drosera, in that which has already become chronic ; Pulsatilla and hyoscya- mus, in that which is dry and returns in kinks ; chamo- milla, in dry cough with diarrhoea ; ammonium muria- ticum, cuprum and bryonia, in inveterate cough ; and, in general, sulphur, in many cases of distressing and more especially obstinate coughs. 260 HYDROTHORAX. COUGH, When the cough lasts for a longer time than that occasioned by dust introduced into the throat, it is the result of cold, and readily cured by confinement to the stable, and the remedies presently to be mentioned. That which is at first dull and hollow, excited by the least effort, and more particularly violent after the animal has drunk, generally indicates a more or less serious affection of the lung. If a severe cough attack the animal, great attention must be paid to it, because in such cases we frequently have to treat commencing hydrothorax. The means to be adopted when no other symptoms of disease are observed, are : dulcamara, in cough by cold ; bryonia (in repeated doses,) in inveterate cough ; belladonna and drosera, in chronic cough ; hy- oscyamus when the attacks are very frequent ; squilla, in cough which comes on after fatigue, and which in- terferes with the respiration ; chamomilla, in dry cough, with diarrhoea ; pidsatilla, in frequent attacks of dry cough, with loss of appetite ; spiritus sulphuratus in very obstinate cough. When the cough is the symp- tom of another disease, it yields to the treatment re- quired by the latter. HYDROTHORAX. This disease, which practitioners of the old school de- signated by different names more or less well selected, consists essentially in an abnormal accumulation of water in the chest. It makes its appearance some- times sporadically, sometimes as an enzootic, but never an epizootic disease, for it is not propagated either by contact or by air, that is to say, neither by contagion nor by infection. It is frequently observed in low, damp, marshy countries, where the cattle are turned to graze, or chiefly along rivers, consequently in pastures that HYDROTHORAX. 261 are best for cows ; but it is observed also under other circumstances, chiefly during spring, and cold and damp autumns. It is uncommon in elevated and dry districts, and it is scarcely ever observed in farms where the cows receive during the whole year nothing but cold drinks. In general its course is slow and secret, so that it is not discovered until there are no longer any consider- able resources against it by ordinary treatment. It manifests itself by symptoms which vary according to its degree of development. Lux, to whom we are indebted for a very good history of the disease, di- vides it into four stages, after the following manner : First stage. Respiration embarrassed, short, a sort of cough which increases by moving. In the state of rest, an ox in good health respires without much mov- ing of the ribs or flanks, and the number of respira- tions in a healthy large cow, at rest, is from sixteen to eighteen per minute. Peculiar distress in lying down ? and great constraint when the animal has lain down. If the animal lies better on one side than on the other ? it is a proof that the dropsy exists on one side only ; it occupies both sides when the animal cannot rest on either side. Cows, in a state of good health, readily stretch themselves on the side, after having lowered the anterior of the body ; those affected with hydro- thorax rarely lie down ; only, when they are very much fatigued, they place the hind-quarters on the ground, and seldom place themselves on the side ? almost always on the inferior surface of the chest and belly ; oftentimes they only bend the knees, and im- mediately stand up. In oxen the movements of the heart are but lightly felt ; they are not perceptible in the animal when healthy, nor when it is attacked with inflammation. Hence they are imperceptible, but cease to be so on the slightest motion. The pulse is irregular, it is less quick than in healthy cows. 262 HYDROTHORAX. The parts surrounding the eyes, the nose, the mouth, the gums, the tongue, &c. are pale and puffed ; the eyes are sunk in the orbit, dull, and moist ; the inside of the nose is covered with a viscous fluid, or the mouth is bathed in a thick saliva ; the white of the eye is not inflamed ; the incisors are loose. Oxen, in good health, ruminate immediately after having eaten, and they almost invariably do so lying down ; such as are affected with hydrothorax rumi- nate in the erect posture, or stand up when they have lain down on commencing this act, in which, however, they indulge more rarely. The head is not pendent ; the secretion of milk di- minishes in cows that give milk ; the animal becomes sad and slow in its gait. These disturbances are remarked for some weeks. Second stage. Short, harsh cough ; the breathing becomes more rapid and shorter, with heavings of the flanks. When the lung has become indurated, cough is joined to the asthma. If the pulsations of the heart are still perceptible in the right side, and if at the same time the substance of a large, hard body be felt on the left side, the left lung is indurated. The pulse is soft and undulating, neither frequent nor full. No milk ; much mucus in the mouth. Third stage. The cough becomes stronger, the breathing very much embarrassed and stertorous, the breath fetid. The animal has no appetite ; it wastes away from day to day ; its air is very melancholy. Fourth stage. No more appetite nor rumination ; the pulse becomes smaller, harder ; there is a discharge from the nose of a reddish or brown and fetid ichor ; the animal resembles a skeleton. Death by suffoca- tion. The lungs, when they are diseased (as happens in most cases) attain an enormous size, sometimes double of that which is natural to them ; some have been found which weighed from forty to sixty pounds. They HYDROTHORAX. 263 are converted into a solid mass ; their surface is fre- quently adherent to the pleura costalis, of a reddish or brown color, covered with a yellow and dirty froth, about a finger in thickness, and often with a false membrane of a greyish color, thick and cellular, in the interstices of which there is contained a fetid ichor "When cut, they are found hard, like a fleshy mass, traversed with cartilages and collections of pus ; this section is reddish and white, like that of a sausage. The portion which has remained sound is sometimes so small that we can hardly conceive how life could have been prolonged for so long a time. Serum is found also in the pericardium The other viscera are gener- ally healthy. At the onset of the disease there is found only some yellowish serum in the chest, and the lungs are healthy, which, however, does not prevent the animal from dying somtimes from suffocation, with such rapidity does the fluid increase. Also when the serum is abundant, the lungs are observed to be healthy either wholly or in part ; whilst in those cases where those organs are indurated there is but little fluid. The latter becomes coagulated, and forms a jelly when ex- posed to the air. Whenever, after spring, or a damp and cold autumn, a horned animal coughs when it lies down frequently, and its milk becomes diminished, there is reason to ap- prehend hydrothorax. In the ordinary catarrhal cough, the secretion of milk does not diminish ; the animal eats and ruminates as usual, it is able to lie down, and no marked disturbance is observed in any of its functions. With respect to treatment, it is, according to Lux, as simple as it is certain. The remedy is kali carbonicum, a half-pound or pound of which is required by one adult cow. One ounce of it is to be taken each day, one half in the morning, and one half in the evening, dissolved in a half-pint of water. Weaker doses would 264 PHTHISIS. be insufficient. A half-ounce is enough for calves a year old. The improvement soon becomes manifest. The difficulty of breathing diminishes, as also the cough ; the appetite and rumination are restored, the animal begins to be able to lie down, the milk returns, and in fifteen days health is restored. There is no ne- cessity for consecutive treatment. As a preservative, each cow is made to take twice a week a handful of wood ashes in its drink, and this immediately on its leaving the stable, at the close of winter, especially in low countries, when the spring is cold and damp. Care must be taken not to give the animal any hot food. A fact worth remarking is, that it has been ascer- tained that great drinkers of bran and water, which con- tains more or less potash, to render it more frothy, are frequently affected with dropsy of the chest, which proves that ~kali carbonicum really acts homoeopathically in this disease. I have not had an opportunity of trying the treat- ment proposed by Lux ; but I have found very great benefit from china and arsenicum, when taken alter- nately. PHTHISIS. Phthisis pulmonalis, a serious and almost always a chronic disease, takes place when the lungs pass into a state of suppuration, in consequence of the injudi- cious treatment of pneumonia. It is recognized chiefly by the animal being unthrifty, losing its hair, chiefly those of the eyebrows. By degrees it loses appetite, becomes emaciated, and gets a hollow cough, more particularly after making any exertion. Digestion is perceptibly disturbed, rumination is performed irregu- larly, and there is meteorisation. On opening the body, tubercles are discovered, and one of the lungs is more or less destroyed by suppuration. Nitrum PNEUMONIA. 265 given at the commencement of the disease, which, no doubt, is then difficult of recognition, produces good effects, being employed alternately with sulphur. If the phthisis has already become more developed, much good may be obtained from stannum and phos- phorus. Mercurius vivus has also been proposed al- ternately with hepar sulphuris. Colchicum is useful for the relief of the state of meteorisation which often accompanies phthisis. PNEUMONIA. When an animal very much heated is suddenly ex- posed to cold, and more especially when it drinks cold water, or remains exposed to the inclemency of the weather which may have become suddenly cold and damp, we often see an inflammation of the lungs come on, a disease almost always in the highest degree acute, which not only becomes a frequent cause of death, when badly treated, but degenerates frequently into phthisis, hydrothorax, and other affec- tions very difficult to cure. When this disease ap- pears, the animal hangs the head, the abdominal mus- cles are called into action, the ribs are elevated, the respiration is very much hurried, breath very hot, appetite none, thirst considerable, and there is a fre- quent and dry cough, which is one of the principal symptoms. The alvine discharges and the urine are very scanty. The animal does not venture to lie down, and when it moves, it is also by bending. In general, the forelegs are separated from each other, and the nostrils largely dilated. Some doses of aeon- Hum at short intervals (every hour or every two hours,) generally remove the violent fever, after which some doses of bryonia (one morning and night,) establish a perfect cure on the second or third day. It is scarcely necessary to say that the beast must be carefully watched for some time, and that it must be protected 23 266 colic. from damp cold. I have succeeded in curing some neglected cases of pneumonia by means of china and nitrum, after tubercles had probably been formed in the lungs. If the appetite is not soon restored, nux vomica and arsenicum should be given. The following medicines will also be found very useful, tartarus emeticus, sanguinarius canadensis, phos- phorus, cannabis, cinchona, rhus toxicodendron, &dc. SECTION V. DISEASES OF THE LIVER, STOMACH, AND INTESTINES. COLIC. This disease is not in general as dangerous as meteorism ; however, it often proves fatal, when pro- per remedies are not employed. It comes on generally after the use of indigestible food, and then manifests itself by constipation and thirst. After some time, a degree of sadness appears in the animal ; he remains almost always lying down ; the horns, ears, and feet, are alternately hot and cold, but more frequently cold. The paunch is much swollen. The more the consti- pation is prolonged, the more acute the pain becomes. The animal's back is arched, he groans, constantly views his flanks, scrapes with his fore feet, kicks with the hind feet, and at length expires amid grinding of the teeth. The curative means are aconitum (one or two doses,) and then arsenicum (three or four doses.) If these remedies diminish their sufferings a little, CONSTIPATION DIARRHCEA. 267 but the constipation still continues, mix vomica is given, when the foecal evacuations are in small hard lumps ; opium, when they are blackish, as if burned, and when it becomes necessary to extract them from the rectum with the hand ; plumbum in the most obstinate cases, where the rectum is empty. We may also try carbo vegetabilis and colocynthis. Con- sult the articles Diarrhoea and Meteorisatiox, for these two symptoms are sometimes associated in colic. CONSTIPATION. Constipation usually comes on after some other dis- ease : but sometimes it exists by itself, and is then most frequently attributable to cold or some irregular- ity in the food. The more or le^s inflammatory state which generally accompanies it, requires that we com- mence the treatment with a dose of aconitum. The most effectual means then is mix vomica ; it is indicat- ed chiefly, when the evacuations from the bowels are scanty, hard, covered with mucus, and when the ani- mal frequently draws up the belly. If there be no thirst, we should have recourse to china and bryonia. The latter remedy is also suitable when the constipa- tion has been produced by cold, a circumstance in which it frequently alternates with diarrhoea. Opium and argila must be employed when the inactive state of the intestinal tube allows nothing to escape from the body, and the animal remains lying down, though evincing no pain. In very obstinate constipation, where the rectum is empty, and also where only a small quantity of matter escapes, which is not very hard, plumbum never fails to be effectual. DIARRHCEA. Diarrhoea is more common in aged cattle and calves suckling than in middle-aged animals, where it is 268 DIARRHOEA. generally of little importance, especially where it ap- pears in spring, at the time when the herds are sent out into the fields. The ordinary causes are bad food (green fodder in beasts not used to it, frozen potatoes, &c.) or atmospheric influences (sudden cold, moist- ure of the air,) or the bad quality of the water they drink. The disease presents itself under two forms, the acute and chronic. The acute diarrhoea which generally comes on in consequence of cold, is accom- panied by violent colic, great uneasiness and a sharp thirst. The excrements, which are very liquid, green in color and very fetid, are mixed with undigested food ; the animal gradually wastes away, when the disease continues, and frequently dies. With respect to chronic diarrhoea which is generally unattended with pain, it frequently succeeds the chronic form, and sometimes it depends on a bad state of the digestive organs. The cure is effected by different means. In the diarrhoea which bursts out suddenly, or the acute form, we should commence with a couple of doses of aconi- tum at short intervals ; after which, in most cases, arsenicum and ipecacuanha are very effectual. The diarrhoea brought on by cold often yields to aconitum alone, as that resulting from any irregularity in diet, yields to arsenic. If in the latter case there be also loss of appetite, and if arsenic does not effect a cure, Pulsatilla should be given, or when there is an abso- lute repugnance to food, antimonium cruditm, es- pecially when the diarrhoea alternates periodically with constipation. If there be frequent dejections without pain, we have recourse to rheum. Asarum is useful, if the evacuations are fluid, and sometimes mixed with bloody mucus. In the treatment of chronic diarrhoea, beside china, sulphur, chamomilla, and veratrum, which has been found useful more than once, Ave should employ acidum phosphoricum, bryonia, calcarea acetica, dulca- DYSENTERY. 269 mara, magnesia carbonica, petroleum and phosphorus. Diarrhoea is usually accompanied with a general mor- bid state, with respect to which we are to choose, among these several means, that which suits best. Sulphur and arsenicum are the principal remedies for diarrhoea in calves. DYSENTERY. Dysentery, or inflammation of the large intestine, is sometimes slight, sometimes on the contrary, very severe, and in the latter case when not attacked in time, it often makes great havoc among the finest herds. Its appearance is occasionally preceded by colic or diarrhoea ; but it often comes on suddenly with griping, which causes the animals to moan, and depresses their strength with amazing rapidity. Fre- quently there is tenesmus ; the animal at first passes liquid excrements, then mere mucus mixed with blood, and the rectum appears external, of a deep red color, hot and swollen. In general the disease prevails only in spring and autumn ; it manifests it- self chiefly under the influence of sudden changes of temperature ; it is chiefly observed in oxen brought from a distance, who have walked great journeys, during which they have had but insufficient food, or food of a bad quality, or such as they have been un- accustomed to. When slight dysentery resembles severe diarrhoea, and requires the remedies which have been indicated under the head of the latter disease. When more violent, it resembles typhus very much, with which it is frequently compounded : the only difference con- sists in its not being contagious, and in its depending on meteorological causes, and others in a great meas- ure unknown. After some doses of aconitum, arsenicum is to be given, especially when the evacuations are liquid, or •23 270 ENTERITIS. of a greenish color. However mercurius vivus is the chief remedy for this disease, more especially when it occurs under an epidemic form, a thing which is not unusual in spring and at the commencement of sum- mer, when very warm days alternate with cold nights. This remedy is specially indicated when the gums are pale and spongy, the teeth loose, the saliva from the mouth viscid and fetid, when there are fre- quent efforts to empty the bowels with a discharge of fetid wind, and scanty dejections mixed with mucus, which presently assume a greenish grey, or a brown tint, or which, accompanied with mucus and blood, pass away in a liquid form after great efforts ; the belly is swollen and painful to the touch, as also the lumbar region ; the rectum projects outside the anus, it becomes much inflated and extremely sensitive. In calves, diarrhoea, accompanied with emaciation and loss of appetite, very often puts on the dysenteric character ; the animal every moment passes liquid matter of a greenish or yellowish color. In such a case, pulsatilla is a specific. Benefit has also been obtained from chamomilla, and when the evacuations were white, from mercurius vivus. ENTERITIS. Enteritis, which is often accompanied by gastritis, is a disease almost always dangerous, and frequently fatal, which generally breaks out suddenly without precursory symptoms. The animal exhibits all at once great depression and marked distress, with total loss of appetite ; there is burning thirst ; respiration deep ; it groans, trembles, scrapes with the fore-feet, strikes with the hind-feet, often looks at the belly, the back becomes curved, it lies down every moment, rises immediately after, grinds the teeth, and is almost al- ways constipated, and passes nothing but round and hard lumps. The eyes are red and bright, the ears GASTRITIS. 271 cold, as well as the horns and feet ; the belly is in gen- eral a little swollen, and feels pain on the slightest touch. The pulse is frequent, often scarcely percepti- ble, though the heart may beat with force. The body is covered with a cold sweat. At length, a calm seem- ing to come on, the animal commences to stamp, and to move the tail, which signs indicate that the inflam- mation has passed into gangrene ; death soon takes place. The disease lasts from five to ten hours. Cold, excess of food, more especially dry fodder, un- wholesome food, blows on the belly, &c. are the most usual causes of the disease. Aconiium is to be given in doses repeated every fifteen or twenty minutes, until the most prominent symptoms of the inflammation have disappeared. If this end is not attained after some hours, or if, notwithstanding a perceptible improvement, pain still remains, arsenicum is to be given. The medicine alternately with aconi- turn, has sometimes, it is said, produced good effects. It is particularly indicated when the disease has been occasioned by cold drinks, or by improper food and disturbance of digestion. When aconitum and arseni- cum fail, we must have recourse to carbo vegetabilis and rhus toxicodendron. GASTRITIS. This disease, which generally accompanies enteritis, almost invariably comes on suddenly ; it scarcely ever .attacks any part but the third or fourth stomach ; be- ing in general dangerous, it rather frequently termi- nates in death. The animal is dejected, restless, scrapes the ground with the fore-feet, strikes the belly with the hind-feet, lies down, then rises up, grinds the teeth, frequently views its flank and belly, groans, lows, and becomes constipated ; the eye is red, the look sad ; the ears cold, as also the feet and horns ; the belly is a little swollen and extremely sensible to 272 HEPATITIS. the least touch. Spasms and colics sometimes proceed so far as to render the animal furious. When its state does not improve after some days, death is inevitable. The causes are the same as those of enteritis. The treatment should be commenced by some doses of aconilum, at short intervals, after which the true speci- fic is arsenicum, two doses of which are almost always sufficient. Carbo vegetabilis also at times renders great services. HEPATITIS. Hepatitis is more common in oxen than in horses. It is scarcely observed except in winter, and in ani- mals fed in the stable. "With respect to symptoms, it bears some resemblance to inflammation of the chest, for which reason it is often mistaken for it. The af- fected animal wishes to remain lying down, but always on the left side, with the head turned to the right. When pressure is made on the hepatic region, where the heat is greater than elsewhere, it evinces pain ; it eats or drinks little or nothing, and cannot walk or stand up without pain, constantly stumbling. If the disease be acute, there is high fever, with increased heat of the body and acceleration of the pulse ; the horns and ears are alternately hot and cold ; the milk is yellowish and bitter ; portions of the skin are stripped of hair ; the eyes, mouth, gums, tongue, (which is covered with a thick mucus,) the nose and teats are yellow ; the urine is of a deep yellow color ; some- times there is a dry and painful cough. In chronic hepatitis, the fever is inconsiderable or altogether ab- sent, but the yellow tint is more marked and more general ; the milk equally yellow and bitter, soon forms into a caseous mass, from which a yellow serum separates ; the right side of the body seems a little tense and swollen, the intestine does not empty itself, or the scanty dejections which take place resemble HERNIA. 273 hard clay. In the acute state, the disease lasts at most from eight to fifteen days, whilst in the chronic form it often continues for whole months. All the functions are very feebly performed. The principal remedies are aconitum at first, then nux vomica alternately with mercurius vivus. Murias magnesias also deserves to be specially recommended. If the symptoms of jaun- dice predominate, chamomilla and mercurius vivus should be employed, and when hard fceces predomi- nate, nux vomica and bryonia. Lycopodium is useful in chronic hepatitis, in the same manner as when there are colics which disappear as long as the animal re- mains lying down on the left side. HERNIA. Among the varieties of hernia those most frequently met in cows are ventral hernia, and almost invariably are the result of external violence. The success of the treatment depends then on the size of the tumor, on the time it has lasted, and the rapidity with which it has increased. Those which have continued for a long time are easily cured, especially in young ani- mals, and so much more as they are larger ; for those which are small are easily strangulated, an occurrence which in general causes death by gangrene. A hernia which increases with rapidity, and which causes the animal acute pain, is difficult of cure. It is then bet- ter to kill the beast than to run the risk of losing it. When speaking of the diseases of horses, I pointed out the course to be followed in the treatment. Umbilical hernia takes place sometimes in calves. They are to be fomented twice a day with sulphuric acid diluted with water, which causes them to dimin- ish gradually and ultimately to disappear. 274 INDIGESTION. INDIGESTION. Attacks of indigestion are very often occasioned by errors in diet, whether the animal does not receive the food suitable to its wants in sufficient quantity, or a regular order is not observed in the distribution of its meals. If we allow it to fast too long in the stable, it attacks greedily the fodder presented to it, and over- loads the stomach with it. Another cause, and one no less frequent, is connected with the abrupt transi- tion from green food to dry, or from dry to green in spring and autumn. It is no less mischievous to send beasts to graze at the time when the fields are covered with dew. In general, it is not right, more especially when the weather is bad in spring, to oblige the cows to leave the stable too soon, and to send them to fatten on grass. The bad quality of the fodder is also to be numbered among the causes of indigestion, as also that of the water intended for drinking. Lastly, ani- mals are not always allowed the necessary time for their regular repast, which accustoms them to vora- city. The application of cold also performs an im- portant part here. The most ordinary symptoms of indigestion are : diminution of appetite, or absolute dislike to food, cessation of rumination, alvine evacuations hard, and at longer intervals than usual, diarrhoea, &c.' The treatment varies with the causes and the predominant symptoms. Indigestion, produced by cold, always yields very readily to mix vomica and dulcamara, when the appetite is not diminished, but the dejections are hard and mixed with undigested food. Antimonium crudum has been resorted to when there is absolute loss of appetite. Pulsatilla is suitable when the ani- mal does not ruminate, when the evacuations are soft and fetid, accompanied with moaning and a short, dry cough. Asarum must be administered if, whilst the JAUNDICE. 275 animal has no appetite and does not ruminate, the evacuations are pasty and mixed with reddish mucus, or merely with undigested food. Chamo7nilla is the remedy indicated in diarrhoea with swelling of the belly, and rheum in watery diarrhoea, with or without griping. Repeated doses of ipecacuanha, which should be followed by nux vomica, are equally effective. Ar- senicum also is an excellent remedy : a few doses are generally sufficient to check the diarrhoea, and the ap- petite soon returns. This medicine is equally specific when rumination has ceased : however it must then be preceded by aconitum, or alternated with it. Overloading of the stomach frequently takes place in calves when weaned too soon, more particularly when improper food is given to them, such as bran and water. The best food for them is rye-bran, or wheat boiled in water, care being taken that no more be given to them than what they can consume at once, in order that the liquid may not become sour by resting. The principal means to be employed in surfeit are arsenicum, if it have been caused by too large a quan- tity of food, or food that has been adulterated, antimo- nium crudum, when the animal evinces a dislike to food, and Pulsatilla when there is diarrhoea. Coffcea cruda has also produced good effects, and it is stated that good has been derived from making the animal take every quarter of an hour a large spoonful of the infusion of coffee. JAUNDICE. This disease is characterized by a yellow tint of the conjunctiva, lips and mucous membranes of the mouth and nose. The urine is of a yellowish green color, the alvine evacuations are pale and fetid, the tongue is covered with a viscid mucus, and the skin is hotter than usual ; it also becomes yellow by degrees, espe- cially in white cows. The animal is weak, it eats lit- 276 PERITONITIS. tie, ruminates irregularly, and has great difficulty of breathing. The jaundice always depends on a disease of the liver, for which reason we frequently see it su- pervene after hepatitis not completely cured. The chief remedies to be employed are : mercurius vivus, nux vomica and chamomilla. Arsenicum is employed, if rumination be suppressed ; and lycopodium, if there be cough. Mercurius solubilis is, it is said, specific when the stools are whitish, as sometimes happens in acute jaundice. Sulphur has more than once sufficed in my hands to remove the disease. PERITONITIS. Peritonitis has many points of resemblance with re- spect to symptoms of enteritis and inflammatory colic, a circumstance which frequently causes these three diseases to be confounded one with the other. It is characterized not only by the presence of inflamma- tory fever, but further by the great sensibility evinced by the animal, when the parietes of the abdomen are touched ; it draws itself back when any one ap- proaches it, or tries to escape the hand by flexing the part which is painful ; it scarcely lies down, or should it attempt it, it immediately rolls on its back. How- ever, there is much less disturbance than in inflamma- tory colic, because the animal always keeps itself standing up, and because also peritonitis seems to oc- casion less distress. It often looks at its abdomen : the part where the inflammation is seated is sometimes perceptible externally. Frequently there is swelling of the entire belly, and tension about the region of the flanks. The extremities soon become cold ; the ani- mal keeps them as near as possible to the centre of gravity, and bends his back downwards. When the disease increases, the ears become cold, whilst the ab- domen is hot and sensible ; the pulse is quick, short and wiry ; the animal, being very weak, staggers, and FALL OF THE RECTUM. 277 still endeavors to remain in the standing posture, until at length it falls covered with a general cold sweat. The course of peritonitis is generally rapid : its dura- tion does not exceed from four to eight days, in which time it often proves fatal. It seldom terminates in re- solution. Most frequently it ends in acute ascites, or in adhesions of the peritoneum, sometimes also in gan- grene. The latter termination is announced by the sudden cessation of pain, a small, weak, intermittent pulse, and a rapid prostration. The causes which may produce inflammation of the peritoneum are le- sions, contusions, and wounds of the parietes of the abdomen, surgical operations, for instances castration, the extension of inflammation from neighboring parts, but principally a sudden cold, and food of an heating nature, chiefly in the case of cows after calving. A dose of aconitum every quarter of an hour is the main remedy ; in about six or eight hours, some doses of arsenicum should be administered. Occasionally also it becomes necessary to have recourse to bryonia (when the disease has been brought on by cold,) or to nux vomica (when there is obstinate constipation.) Rhus toxicodendron is proper if the loins and extremi- ties are weak, as it were paralyzed, and cantharides if there be a difficulty in passing water. RECTUM, (FALL, OF THE.) The fall of the rectum sometimes happens in con- stipation and diarrhoea ; but it may also come on of itself. After having reduced the intestine, previously oiling it, we should prescribe internally belladonna and mercurius vivus, if symptoms of inflammation be ob- served. When the accident has been caused by the effects occasioned by constipation, this is a case for recurring to murias mag-nesice, just as argilla is suita- ble when diarrhoea is the cause of the accident. Ar- senicum also is a very effectual means in the latter case. 24 278 DISEASE OF THE STOMACH, ETC. SPLENITIS. Splenitis, which is scarcely observed in oxen, ex- cept in summer, differs entirely from carbuncle or ty- phus, but occasions death with no less rapidity. As in horses, the prominent symptom is the brownish color of the tongue. There is no appetite ; the pulse which is at first hard, full and tense, subsequently be- comes soft, small and scarcely perceptible ; the look is fixed, the head stretched forward ; the animal fre- quently looks to its right side, which is painful to the touch. At the onset, aconitum should be prescribed in repeated doses, which often suffices to arrest the disease. If this result be not attained, and the brown color of the tongue increases, we are to have recourse to arsenicum. If nervous symptoms are observed, the animal making deep inspirations, during which it shakes the entire body, bryonia is to be employed al- ternately with aconitum. Nux vomica, which is also to be alternated with aconitum, is indicated when the splenic region is very painful to the touch, and the animal frequently looks towards it. Lauro-cerasus has proved useful in a very obstinate case, where the pulse was small, the eye fixed, the head directed upwards, and the animal insensible, with the exception of some convulsive movements, when the affected part was touched. DISEASE OF THE STOMACH, ETC. FROM GRAZING IN WOODS. This is, properly speaking, an abdominal inflamma- tion, attended with fever, which animals contract when, after having been a long time subjected during the winter to the use of dry fodder, they go, in the beginning of spring, to graze in the wood. The grass early in the season not being good in the woods, they worms. 279 attack greedily the young shoots of the trees, some of which, the oak for instance, and the ash, containing acrid and styptic principles, irritate very much the stomach and alimentary canal. The frozen roots, the herb covered with hoar-frost, the marshy meadows also produce the same effect. At first the animal is dejected and sad ; it stumbles frequently with the hind-feet, which it keeps very close to each other ; the breath is hot, as well as the surface of the body ; the mouth and nose are dry ; there is neither appetite, nor evacuations, nor urine ; rumination is rare and slow, thirst almost continual. The matters, which escape in small quantity during the progress of the disease^ are bloody, dry and black ; the urine is also deep co- lored, and often tinged with blood. At a later period the animal wastes away rapidly ; its loins become tremulous and feeble ; it totters as if paralyzed in the hind-quarters ; diarrhoea sets in ; the alvine evacua- tions are fetid and blackish, and mixed with blood. At length the animal can no longer rise, it becomes cold all over the body, and dies of gangrene. Ipeca- cuanha and veratrum, alternately every quarter of an hour, are the means by which it is said that this disease has been twice cured, which in general proceeds with great rapidity. I have not yet had an opportunity of treating it ; but if it presented itself, instead of these two medicines, I would at once employ aconitum and arsenicum. WORMS. Intestinal worms, which are chiefly common in young subjects, are always the result of an internal morbid state ; for those parasites are never developed in the system when healthy, or at least appear there only in small quantity, and never do harm. But when, the system becoming unhealthy, they mul- tiply in very great numbers, they become the source 280 ABORTION. of a crowd of ailments, such as severe colics, fetid breath, loss of appetite, or extreme voraciousness, a propensity to eat the most extraordinary things, sup- pression of rumination, diminution of milk, &c. How- ever, with respect to many of these symptoms, it may be asked whether they are owing to the presence of worms, or whether they do not rather depend on a general morbid state. The most common worms are the ascarides, oxyura, and the toenia. The chief rem- edy is china^ in multiplied doses, and then sulphur ; if there be a dislike for food, antimonium crudum should be given. SE CTION VI. DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS, AND ORGANS OF GENERATION. ABORTION. Abortion, which is very frequent in cows, is an event so much the more disagreeable, as besides the loss of the calf, it often occasions also that of the mother ; and the latter, if she survive, remains barren, or at least subject to new abortions. Commonly it is the con- sequence of a fall or a blow ; but they may also be occasioned by want of care, by unsuitable food, or a bad stable ; for cows, in order to arrive safely at the term, require healthy food and such as is not flatulent, pure water for drink, moderate exercise in the open air, and »a stable which is neither too small, dark, encum- bered, or unhealthy. Bad air in particular seems to SPASM OF BLADDER. 281 exercise great influence in this respect ; for abortion is much more common in low and marshy grounds than elsewhere. It seldom takes place suddenly : in general it is announced by several symptoms, among which may be noticed great disturbance, anxiety, depression of the mother, sudden diminution of her milk, and the escape by the vagina of a fetid mucous fluid. If these precursors have been themselves preceded by any external violence, abortion is but still more probable, and we must hasten to prevent it. This is the reason why after a blow, or a fall, there should be given with- out delay one or two doses of arnica, and if the cause has been a luxation or false step, thus toxicodendron ; should the precursory symptoms still show themselves, Pulsatilla is the chief remedy ; after it sabina and secale cornutum. Lastly, if the abortion has really taken place, and the placenta delays from four to six hours, we must give sabina, or better still secale cornu- tum, which generally bring on the desired result. We should have recourse to manual interference only in case these means should fail. BLADDER, (SPASM OF.) This disease, also called colic of the bladder, is rather a frequent cause of retention of urine. It consists in a spasmodic constriction of the sphincter of the bladder, w 7 hich prevents this viscus from freeing itself of its contents. The ordinary causes are suppression of the cutaneous evacuations, cold of the feet, the too long tarrying of the urine in the bladder, and more especially the use of too watery food. The animal becomes very restless ; it is tormented almost as much as in fits of colic, scrapes with its feet, throws itself on the ground, then gets up, and adjusts itself, but to no purpose, to discharge urine. What chiefly distinguishes spasm of the bladder from colic is, that there is retention of urine ; and that on examining the rectum, the blad- 24* 282 CALCULUS IN THE BLADDER. der is found full and distended. The remedies to be employed are aconitum, cantharides, and when these do not suffice, hyoscyamas, which is particularly indi- cated when the animal has been forced to retain its urine for a considerable time. CALCULUS IN THE BLADDER. Oxen are often affected with small vesical calculi, which, entering the urethra, at the time of voiding the urine, close it up completely, and no longer allow the urine to escape. The accident is known to exist by the animal, being in other respects in good health, setting himself in a position to pass urine, without being able to void any, notwithstanding all his efforts, with the exception of some few drops of fluid at most. He becomes more restless from day to day, keeps at a distance from the manger, stamps with impatience, strikes himself with his tail, and often looks at his flanks. At the end of a few days, the bladder is so distended that it bursts : after which the animal re- turns to eat and drink as before, but he soon dies. During all this time, the urine collects in the belly, and gives the animal the appearance of having ascites. An operation for the removal of the stone is often per- formed with success. After it has been performed, it is necessary to dress the wound with arnica water, to give some doses of this medicine internally to prevent traumatic fever, and to give one or two doses of china, on account of the loss of blood. The homoeopathic remedy to be employed is uva ursi, which prevents inflammation, consequently contraction of the urethra, and assists in favoring the expulsion of the foreign body, if it have not already passed into the urethra, in which case all the medical means is in general useless. Lycopodium has also been tried with success. CASTRATION* 283 CASTRATION. Castration, to which the males of the bovine species are subjected from economical views, produces in those animals a great change, which becomes very- perceptible ; for the horns are elongated, they become curved as in the cow ; the collar and nucha are length- ened and contracted, the neck becomes smaller, the belly pendent, the legs longer, the haunches less prominent ; the voice is different, and the animal has less strength, and less spirit. The best age to have this operation performed is from two to four years ; if done sooner it arrests the growth of the animal ; at a later period, we are forced to have recourse to it some- times by different diseases, or by the fierceness of the bull. I have no intention here of entering into the details of the operation ; I shall merely observe that an error is sometimes committed with respect to it, either by entrusting its performance to ignorant per- sons, or deciding on its being performed at an unfav- orable time ; with respect to the health of the animal, or the temperature of the atmosphere, which should be neither too hot, nor too cold. If the animal is full grown, he must not have been subjected to fatigue a short time previously ; and care must be taken that during the eight days before the operation, the food given to him be easy of digestion. It is a very bad habit to sprinkle the animal, which has just been cas- trated, with water, or to bring him to the horse-pond, for the result may be peritonitis, which is too often attributable to the cold of the stable, to the excessive quantity or bad quality of the food. We may prevent a number of disagreeable accidents by making the animal, who has just been operated on, take a few doses of arnica, and by washing the wounds with arnica water. 284 CYSTITIS — DIABETES. CYSTITIS. Inflammation of the bladder is uncommon in oxen. more so at least than in the horse, and it is occasioned sometimes by cold, sometimes by injuries in the lum- bar region. The animal almost constantly keeps the back arched : when he rests on his loins, he evinces pain, and strives by moaning to escape pressure. His walk is stiff, and the animal, continually standing up, leans sometimes on one side of the body, sometimes on the other. He feels frequent desire to void urine, but to no effect, for he can only pass a few drops of a deep red color. His alvine evacuations are scanty and hard, they are voided not without acute pain. There is no appetite, nor rumination, but the thirst is intense ; the whole exterior of the animal announces great distress, and the eyes are very prominent. In most cases the cure is obtained by means of canthar- ides, which should be preceded by a few doses of aconitum at short intervals. Aconitum is sometimes sufficient of itself. When repeated doses of canthar- ides fail, we must then have recourse to hyoscyamus. If the disease has been occasioned by a blow on the lumbar region, it yields to arnica. DIABETES. In this disease of the urinary organs, the animal passes an incredible quantity of saccharine urine, at first limpid as water, then having a greenish cast : he feels great thirst, but the urine he passes is out of pro- portion with the water he drinks ; gradually he be- comes weak, and the discharge of urine is not ac- complished without difficulty. At length hectic fever comes on, and the animal is lost inevitably, if art does not interfere in time. The usual causes are cold, or moist food, covered with frost, or frozen. The remedies are lycopodium, mercurius vivus, and creosote. HEMATURIA. HEMATURIA. 285 Discharging blood from the bladder, which is not entirely free from danger, and is sometimes met with combined with a bloody appearance of the milk, is more common in oxen than in the other domestic animals, and attacks males in preference. The animal becomes sad, refuses to eat, ruminates little or not at all, and evinces great thirst, the pulsations of the heart are accelerated, the ears are cold, as also the horns and the feet, the lumbar region is very sensi- tive on pressure. Shivering sets in, the mouth and tongue are hot and dry, the pulse is weak and scarcely perceptible. There is often a slight moaning when the animal has a discharge from the bowels. The urine at first is not very red, but its color becomes deeper, the longer the disease lasts. Neither does it appear that there are pains felt at the commencement ; but at a later period very violent ones become devel- oped, and the urine passes away drop by drop amidst frequent groaning. Sometimes there are but few of these symptoms, and the cure is not longer delayed ; but frequently also the disease passes into the chronic state, the kidneys become inflamed, as well as the bladder, and death soon occurs. Noxious substances swallowed by the animal seem to be the cause of this disease ; it also attacks several beasts simultaneously in one and the same herd. It is generally observed in spring after eating the young shoots of the oak and fir trees, or cantharides mixed with their fodder. It may be produced also by marshy meadows, by cold, and sometimes by a vesical calcu- lus. The principal remedy for this affection is ipecachu- anha, of which a single dose will often suffice to re- move it, when it is administered in time. When signs of inflammation already exist, we must com- 286 METRITIS NEPHRITIS. mence with aconitum, which in many cases effects a cure by itself. The efficacy of cantharides has been proved many times by giving one or two doses each day. If the staling of blood be connected with exter- nal violence, for instance, with a blow on the loins, arnica is the remedy. When it depends on vesical calculus, uva ursi should be employed. METRITIS, Difficult parturition, violent efforts, or cold, may give rise to this disease, which often proves fatal. It is recognized by tumefaction and heat of the genital parts, from which there flows a bloody discharge ; the animal adjusts itself every moment to pass water, but cannot ; the ears are cold as well as the feet ; no appetite. Aconitum (a few doses) and then arnica (one dose every two hours) are the chief remedies. If, after the cessation of the fever, there is still strain- ing and swelling in the vagina, sabina should also be employed in frequent doses. NEPHRITIS. Inflammation of the kidneys has many symptoms in common with cystitis. It is not observed as fre- quently in oxen as in horses. The exciting causes are heat, cold, blows on the lumbar region, renal calculi, and at times also the eating of poisonous plants, or the use of very strong allopathic remedies. The animal brings close together the four legs, bends the back downwards, moans when pressure is made on the kid- neys, and strives to escape it. The affected part is hotter than the rest of the body, or even burning. The alvine evacuations are scanty, and their discharge gives pain ; the rectum is extremely hot. There is a great desire to pass water, but some drops of urine only escape, which is at first limpid, then thick, and of a deep red color ; the gait is stiff, appetite none, PARTURITION. 287 as also rumination, and the thirst is considerable. In general this disease is cured by means of aconitum, after which one or two doses of cantharides should be given. In obstinate cases, when nephritis does not yield to several doses of the latter remedy, of which however more than one must not be taken during the day, we have recourse to hyoscyamus. Nitrum is also very useful. When there is obstinate constipa- tion, mix vomica should be given. Arnica is indi- cated whenever the disease is attributable to an exter- nal injury. PARTURITION. Cows, when well cared, calve very easily, requir- ing but little assistance. After some days' discharge of a mucous fluid, which is sometimes a little red, from the vagina w r hich dilates gradually, the animal begins to feel restless and uneasy ; she groans, and pains are soon felt, which cause the exit either of a great quantity of liquid, or a pouch full of serum. When this pouch bursts, the pains, which increase in severity, bring out the calf, the mother being almost always lying down. If there appeared any difficulty to the passage, it would be necessary to draw the foetus forward, but only whilst the pains last. The cord breaks of itself at some distance from the umbil- icus. However the after birth does not always come away immediately : it sometimes remains either en- tirely, or in part in the womb, a circumstance which might bring on fatal consequences. The means to be employed in such a case have been already men- tioned under the head abortion. Experience has as- certained the efficacy of several other remedies for the anomalies which may occur during the act of par- turition ; chamoinilla, Pulsatilla and cannabis, when the cow does not lie down, when she is restless, and the pains properly so called are not sufficiently marked ; 288 DISEASE OF TEATS. secale cornutum, in case of convulsions and excessive straining ; Pulsatilla, when the pains are too slight to advance the labor ; opium in case of complete atony. Aconitum and chamomilla are useful when the milk is slow in making its appearance ; arnica, when the labor has caused the animal to suffer much ; and nux vomica, when the lumbar region afterwards appeared much weakened. TEATS, (DISEASE OF.) The teats of the cow are subject to different dis- eases, some of which are very painful, which, when neglected, often occasion the obliteration of the lacti- ferous vessels. The principal are : 1. Inflammatory tumefaction. A little time before and after calving, particularly in the first birth, often too at other periods, there is observed on the mammae a painful inflammatory swelling : the organ is hard, tense, hot and red ; the entire, or only a part is affected with swelling. The animal has rather high fever, a sharp thirst, the mouth is dry, and there is but little appetite ; the secretion of milk is more or less diminished. This disease which may become fatal, is produced by different causes. The most common are contusion, stings of insects, cold, the too prolonged retention of milk, &c. Some say it has been occa- tioned by c too little exercise. If it has been caused by external injury, frequently moistening the part with arnica water is sufficient to cure it ; a dose of it should also be taken internally every day. Arsenicum should be employed only when the disease has been neglected, or when there have supervened gangrenous inflamma- tion or ill-conducted ulcerations with hard and everted edges. After cold the cure is readily obtained by aconitum at first, then bryonia ; if the latter does not suffice, dulcamara. Chamomilla also has frequently proved useful. Belladonna has been found a specific DISEASE OF TEATS. 2S9 in the treatment of erysipelatous inflammation. How- ever, others recommend arnica, camphora, phosphorus and silicea. In the inflammation which comes on a little before or after calving, belladonna and chamomilla are specifics ; chamomilla more especially when nodo- sities are felt in the organ, without the external integu- ments participating in it. If the inflammation passes into gangrene, or produces malignant ulcers, arsenicum should be administered ; if, gangrene having super- vened, the skin readily becomes detached, secale cornu- turn should be employed. Silicea also produces good effects in obstinate ulcers ; asafcetida and mercurius vivus in treating unhealthy suppuration. We may also in such a case recommend cabor vegelabilis, calcarea carbonica and Pulsatilla, the latter more espe- cially, when fistulous sores begin to form. The abnormal swelling of the mamma?, especially when caused by cold or moisture, yields to lotions repeated several times a day with camphorated brandy. 2. Induration. — This proceeds from the same causes as inflammation, and may also result from internal causes. It is or is not accompanied with pains and suppression of milk : the latter often assumes a bad color, or undergoes some other change, becomes granular and puriform. If the indurations are painful and consist of rounded tubercles, they are resolved in ten or twelve days, either by bryonia (one dose morning and evening), or by chamomilla, chiefly when the tumor yields a crackling noise on being touched. If the cause has been an external injury, we must have recourse to a few doses of arnica, then to conium. The indurations, both those that are painful, as well as those which are indolent, with glandular swellings in the interior of the mammae, yield to chamomilla, or, when they are very hard and obstinate, to oxonitum and mercurius vivus. The nodosities which succeed an inflammation are to be treated with camphora, chamomilla and conium, of each two doses at the inter- 25 290 RETENTION OF URINE. val of two days. If resolution does not take place, hepar sulphuris (one dose morning and evening) causes them to break, generally at the end of thirty- six hours. 3. Warts. — Warts, which are often produced in consequence of internal disease on the bellies of cows in great numbers, spread occasionally even to the udders ; besides their repulsive appearance they pre- vent the animal from being milked. The remedy against those which are flat, dry, and not pediculated, is dulcamara : thuja is the remedy for those which are cut and mangled, oozing, and suppurating : caustlcum has been more than once useful in the treatment of bleeding warts, and those which suppurate and are painful. Sometimes the wart gives place to an ulcer with everted edges, in which case we must have re- course to arsenicum. 4. Wounds. — There are often produced in the teats, circular cracks or chaps, which occasion to the animal great pain, and which, though often caused by the brutality of the cow-herds, are attributable in many cases to a morbid internal state. Those of the latter species require the employment of sulphur internally, to be continued for a considerable time. In ail other circumstances, fomentations with arnica water are sufficient. Some cows do not remain quiet whilst being milked ; if no trace of disease can be discovered on the teats, camphor is a certain remedy to remove this ailment. RETENTION OF URINE. This affection, though not common, is sometimes however observed in oxen. Sometimes the urine is discharged only in part, and after great efforts ; some- times the animal cannot pass a single drop, though he often sets himself in the position for so doing, and he FALL OF THE MATRIX. 291 presents all the symptoms of cystitis. The disease must be carefully distinguished from the suppression of urine, in which the function of the kidneys is sup- pressed. (See Nephritis.) Cantharides have always succeeded with me in treating retention of urine. Hyoscyamus is useful in obstinate cases. FALL OF THE MATRIX. In cows, after difficult parturation, in which manual interference has been used without due care, or by reason of the efforts which the animal makes after delivery, it is not uncommon for the womb to become inverted, and" for it to appear externally, either par- tially or entirely, in the form of a very large body, of a deep red color, the surface of which is covered with a great number of red bodies of a satin appearance, which are the mouths of the uterine vessels. In such cases it is necessary to hasten, if we would avoid in- flammation, gangrene and death. Before everyhi ng else we must reduce the womb carefully. To accom- plish this, we must place the animal so that it may have the hind-legs much more elevated than the fore- legs ; we must wrap around the hand a soft napkin steeped in milk, and then gradually reduce the organ, like the finger of a glove, an operation more difficult than is generally supposed. If the accident be not of recent date, if the womb be dry, cold, or even soiled, we commence by washing it well with tepid milk. The operation being concluded, we administer arnica internally, and throw up injections of arnica water, which are very advisable, more especially when the accident has been occasioned by difficult parturition, or when the extractions of the after-birth have injured the womb. When there is fever, and an inflammatory state, we administer forthwith a couple of doses of aconitum. If the accident have been produced by great efforts in parturition, we must have recourse to 292 DISEASES OF THE FEET. sepia and to platina ; and, if it make its appearance a little after calving, especially when the mother is lying down, benefit will be derived from china (two doses each day.) Pulsatilla and sepia are specifics when the fall of the womb has been occasioned by efforts made to expel the placenta ; if the anus has become depressed, cocculus would appear more particularly useful. SECTION VII. STRAINS AND DISEASES OF THE EXTREMITIES. FEET (DISEASES OF THE.) When a foreign body is insinuated into the foot, it must be extracted, after which the wound is to be treated with arnica water, and there must also be administered a couple of doses of arnica internally. Aconitum and squilla are proper if inflammation has already set in ; acidum phosphoricum and arsenicum, if there beacute pain. In case of inflammation of the foot, aconitum should be employed, then rhus toxicodendron (a few doses.) "When there is hot and tense swelling, bryonia must be employed. If the skin, red and shining, can be seen through the hair, we should have recourse to Pulsatilla. Belladonna is useful against erysipelatous inflamma- tion of the feet ; ruta against inflammation of the fet- lock-joint. FOUL IN THE FOOT. This inflammatory affection of the foot depends generally on long walking over hard roads. It makes WEARING OF HOOFS. 293 its appearance in general with pains in one or more feet, with which the animal limps. The hoof is more or less hot, and very sensible to pressure, especially posteriorly, so that the animal does not put down the affected foot without considerable precaution when he walks, and keeps it raised when he is at rest. If the proper remedies are not employed in time, the inflam- mation passes into suppuration : the animal remains lying down, and the pus which escapes at the coronet often occasions a fall of the horny crust. As long as the accident is recent, and we have to deal only with simple inflammation, it always yields to the inter- nal and external use of arnica. If this substance effect improvement, but without establishing a complete cure, we should substitute conium. When the inflammation is not very severe on the parietes of the hoof, while the sole is very painful, so as to render walking on hard ground rather unsteady, we may reckon on the specific properties of arsenicum and acidum phosphori- cum. Squilla is proper in case of violent inflammation of the fleshy part of the foot. If through neglect the disease has become very severe, and more especially if suppuration has already declared itself, we are then to have recourse to squilla, conium, then to antimonium, and nux vomica, and above all to pulsatilla and mer- curius vivus. When pus has been effused into the cleft, we must employ surgical means capable of effecting its free escape externally. Further, the ani- mal must be left in a state of rest on a dry and soft litter. HOOFS (WEARING OF.) This accident often happens in beasts which walk very much on paved roads, or which graze on steep hills. After having cleansed the cleft of the hoof care- fully, in order that no foreign bodies may be left in it, arnica should be employed, both externally and inter- 25* 294 INFLAMMATION OF THE LAMINA, nally. At a later period mercurins vivus should be employed. The occurrence is detected by the ani- mal's limping a little. No time should be lost in ap- plying a remedy, as it frequently suppurates, and becomes difficult of cure. INFLAMMATION OF THE INTERI>IGITA£, SPACE. Foreign bodies which have penetrated the interdi- gital space, and which remain there, or an accidental lesion of the integuments of this region, give rise to an inflammation which is announced first by redness, but ultimately degenerates into a corroding ulcer of a bad character. The animal experiences acute pains, is very dejected, no longer ruminates, wastes away, and rests only with considerable caution on the dis- eased foot. At the onset we never fail of obtaining a complete cure by employing frequent lotions with arnica water, after the removal of the foreign body. However, if the inflammation has already attained an extreme degree, if there be much heat and pain, it becomes necessary to employ aconitum and arnica internally, at the same time that arnica is employed externally. Lastly, if through neglect things have gone so far that the ulceration is really making ravages, no time should be lost to make use of those means which would then be indicated, viz : arsenicum, acidum phosphoricum and squilla, are the remedies to be employed. Consult the articles Abscess and Sup- puration. INFLAMMATION OF THE LAMINA. Laminitis, a disease similar to the foot-rot of sheep, and which often accompanies stomacace, very fre- quently presents itself in an epizootic form. At the onset, the amimal loses appetite, becomes melancholy, its breathing becomes hurried; rumination is slow, or INFLAMMATION OF THE LAMINA. 295 more rare than usual : the mouth is hot and dry ; the alvine discharges are hard, the urine has a deep color ; the milk is worth nothing, and generally disappears. After the first days which follow the invasion of this disease, accompanied with inflammatory fever, there is observable a strikingly marked sensibility of the hoofs on one of the extremities, or on all ; the animal prefers to remain lying down, and when forced to walk, he does so with great caution, raising and letting down the feet with a convulsive movement, and limp- ing more or less. Heat and swelling are seen to exist between the hoofs and on the fetlock, and^from this moment resting on the foot becomes impossible. A little time after, the swollen parts are covered with pustules, from which is discharged a yellowish white fluid. Lastly, in some cases there is produced a small ulcer on some part of the coronet. When the disease is mild, in which case there is usually observed merely some redness, swelling, and oozing in the interdigital space, the cure is prompt and easy ; but the fever which accompanies the disease is occasionally more intense, the affection of the foot is more severe ; and, if circumstances are unfavorable, especially if there have been any neglect, the disease may last a long time, and become dangerous. Then the fever readily assumes a putrid character, with great prostra- tion of strength ; the ulcer of the foot secretes an acrid and fetid ichor ; in its place a new one is slowly developed ; sometimes even the ligaments and bones of the foot are attacked, or the inflammation passes into a state of induration, the result of which is incura- ble lameness. I have found acidum phosphoricum an excellent remedy in most of these cases. Others have expe- rienced the efficacy of sulphur, and of carbo vegeta- bilis, preceded by a few doses of nux vomica. Lux recommends the bupodopurinum as specific. Mercurius solubilis has often rendered great service in diseased 296 STRAIN OF THE SHOULDER. lamina, accompanied with stomacace. At the onset of the disease, when there is yet only a difficulty of walking, and some sensibility of the sole, arnica (inter- nally and externally) and arsenicwn may suffice for effecting a cure ; however, even under such circum- stances, acidum phosphoricum has succeeded more than once, so that I am tempted to consider it as the most useful. STRAIN OF THE SHOULDER. This injury, which in general is observed only in oxen employed for drawing, may be produced either by too great efforts, false steps, slips, or by external violence acting on the shoulder joint. The affected limb is not moved as freely as the others ; the animal moves it only with pain, trailing it; when it becomes necessary to pass over a height, for instance, the threshold of a door, he does not raise it sufficiently ; and when at rest he usually carries it forwards, so that the weight of the body presses more on that of the opposite side. In general the shoulder-joint is painful to the touch, and it is also frequently hot. The remedy, chiefly when the shoulder is affected with rheumatism, is ferrum muriaticum in the third dynami- zation, which never fails, even when the disease is of long standing. I have seen the highest dynamizations produce less effectual results. It is stated that vera- trum has also been found effectual in such circum- stances. When the disease has been Occasioned by great efforts in drawing, by a false step or a slip, rhus toxicodendron should be employed, and when it has been occasioned by external violence, arnica. If the latter fail, and there be reason to suppose that the bony parts are affected, we must have recourse to Symphytum, internally and externally. Aconitum is employed when there is inflammation, and aconitum followed by hryonia when the affection has supervened STRAIN OF THE LOINS. 297 on cold. The most absolute rest is necessary during the entire course of treatment. STRAIN OF THE HAUNCH. Strain of the haunch consists chiefly in being unable to move the hind-quarters and the hind-limbs. It is characterized by the following symptoms : the animal eats regularly, but he limps in the hind-quarters, and drags the hind-limbs after him ; and when at rest he separates them as much as possible from each other. If the disease has gone to a very great height, he can neither remain standing up, nor walk, and he falls down. He is unable to stand up again. Some- times there is observed a hot and painful swelling in the lumbar region. Sometimes the disease is rheu- matic, and the consequence of sudden cold. Some- times it depends on external causes, such as blows on the loins, efforts at drawing, slipping, &c. In the latter case arnica should be employed (internally and externally,) and rhus toxicodendron or Symphytum, if there be lesion of the bones or periosteum. If there exist any inflammatory swelling, aconitum should be administered alternately with bryonia. Coccuhis also is an excellent remedy. Nux vomica is used in strain of the haunch in calves. STRAIN OF THE EOINS. The causes are the same as in the two preceding cases ; only external violence, strains, slipping, have in this case still more influence. The symptoms resemble somewhat those which characterize strains of the haunch. When the disease is very severe, the animal cannot raise the hind-quarter, Avhich circum- stance always obliges him to remain lying down, though in good health in other respects, and having a very excellent appetite. Sometimes a swelling ap- pears on the lumbar region, which occasions acute 298 SWELLING OF THE FOOT. pains when touched. The chief remedies to be em- ployed are thus toxicodendron, cocculus, bryonia and ledum ; if the tumor exist, aconitum is employed alter- nately with bryonia. When the strain depends on a blow or injury, arnica and symphitum are to be em- ployed, and if it be a calf, nux vomica and Pulsatilla. SWELLING OF THE THIGH. Arnica, internally and externally, is a tried remedy in this affection, when it has been produced by a con- tusion. Conium is equally good. If the swelling is hot and tense, bryonia should be employed ; if it be clammy, we should have recourse to china and arseni- cum, followed by sulphur after some time. SWELLING OF THE KNEES. Swelling of the knees is not uncommon in oxen in consequence of the position in which they place them- selves when endeavoring to stand up. The knee, when it has received a contusion, becomes hot, painful, inflamed, swollen, which interferes with the animal very much, both in walking, and lying down, and rising up. Arnica water, frequently employed from the commencement, never fails to remove the disease in a very little time. If this be of long standing, china should be administered, when the swelling is painful, and Pulsatilla, when it is not so. Silicea, lycopodium and sulphur, have been also employed with success in obstinate cases. See Sponge. SWELLING OF THE FOOT. Arnica is used in swelling of the foot, when it re- sults from an external lesion, and symphitum in that which affects the bones. Both the one and the other must be employed internally and externally. If the DISEASES OF THE TAIL. 299 affection has been caused by cold, dulcamara should be employed. When the swelling is hot and tense, bryonia should be given. That kind of swelling which disappears in consequence of moving, and returns during rest, requires rhus toxicodendron and arsenicum. We should have recourse to thuja, if it be not the fetlock-joint ; to squilla, if it be accompanied with heat in the hoof; to arsenic, if the sole be painful. (Edema of the feet requires china and arsenicum according to my experience ; others advise indigo, thuja, and sul- phur ; and, when the four extremities are cedematous at the same time, opium and sulphur. TAIL, (DISEASES OF THE.) It sometimes, though rarely, happens that the hairs fall off at the end of the tail, after which a fluid oozes from the part ; it then becomes covered with small ulcers, which ultimately attack the vertebrse and cause entire pieces of the tail to fall off. Sometimes there are no ulcers, and the vertebrae, are only soft- ened ; still, however, the tail falls off, either wholly or in part. This disease often occasions death. Hav- ing never an opportunity of seeing it, I can only point out the probable remedies to which recourse should be had, and which are acidum muriaticum, acidum nitri, mercurius vivus, asafcetida, silicea, lachesis, sepia, conium and sulphur, but principally arsenicum. SECTION VIII. TYPHUS. SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION I, PAGE 220. Writers have published a multitude of hypotheses, some of which are exceedingly strange, on the causes of this terrible disease. There are some who attribute 300 TYPHUS. it to moist heat too long continued, or to rapid alterna- tions of cold and heat. Though it must be admitted that it often makes its appearance after great heat, especially when this follows long rain, it is no less true that it is often observed in winter. Others will have it that it arises from want of water ; from deterioration of the fodder ; from the stings of insects ; from want of cleanliness of the stable ; from excess of work ; from the use of certain plants, &c. The only thing agreed on, is that it owes its origin to a peculiar miasm, engendered by a combination of circumstances as yet unknown, and that it is transmissible from individual to individual. The animal laboring under typhus ceases all at once to eat and to ruminate : it is as it were struck with stupor ; it holds its head hanging, or lays it on the manger, or carries it abruptly upwards and from side to side, sometimes uttering moans. Occasionally it becomes mischievous, and attacks the persons who have the care of it. The eyes are fixed and watery, though little or not all red ; the horns, ears, and nose, are sometimes hot, sometimes cold, within the space of a few minutes. Frequently the cold pre- dominates from the commencement, and continues even to death, which is not long in taking place. Some of these animals discharge a bloody mucus from the nose ; others grind the teeth ; in most a viscid saliva is discharged from the mouth ; in some the breathing is short and impeded with pulsation of the flanks and short cough ; the alvine discharges, and urine, are occasionally suppressed : if the animal has a discharge from the bowels, it passes only dry hard excrements in small round lumps. At a later period it passes mucus and blood, which indicates the approach of death or cure. A watery diarrhoea has been observed to be followed very quickly by cure, or bloody and extremely fetid evacuations, after which all the bad symptoms quickly disappeared. The skin sometimes sticks to the TYPHUS. 301 subjacent parts, sometimes it is separated from them by air, so that in passing the hand along the back, a sort of crepitation is perceived. The hair is generally dull, staring, and rough. Sometimes, but always after the danger is passed, carbunculous tumors form on the back, abdomen, sheath, and on the teats. Cows give little or no milk ; this is one of the most constant symptoms. In general the secretion of milk ceases on the first appearance of the disease. When the hand rests on the spine of the back, the animal endeavors to avoid the pressure, it moans or lows, it trembles all over the body, or with its hind quarters ; the greater the trembling, the nearer is the danger. The beast seems no longer able to keep on its legs ; it separates them, stumbles in walking along, and soon falls, once on the ground it exerts all its strength to rise, and sometimes succeeds, but soon falls again, and remains dead on the place where it has fallen, or soon expires in convulsions. Sometimes the animal keeps its hind legs close to each other and approximates them to the fore legs ; others kick, evince much restlessness, lie down and quickly arise ; in the case of these also, death occurs in a few hours. After the extinction of life, some blood escapes through the anus, often also through the mouth and nose, and the body soon be- comes putrified. The symptoms just enumerated take place when the disease, as most generally happens, runs through its stages in four and twenty hours ; for it seldom lasts from two to four days. But very often, more especially when it invades a locality, it kills in a man- ner suddenly ; whether in the fields or at work, the animal commences on a sudden to tremble, and is dead in a few hours. Beasts which were in good health the preceding evening, are sometimes found dead in the morning. On opening the body, the spleen is found much larger than natural. It is deep-colored, with brown 26 302 TYPHUS. or black spots, and reduced to a soft consistence ; when it is pricked, a brown fluid mixed with black blood issues from it. The intestines, which exhibit gangrenous spots, are gorged with black blood, and are often distended with gas, as also the stomach. The lungs are generally healthy ; sometimes, howev- er, they are flaccid, soft, and gangrenous. The blood remains fluid. With respect to treatment arsenicum is a certain means of cure and preservation. On the first symp- toms of the disease being perceived, such as loss of appetite, suspension of rumination, trembling of the hind-legs, staggering when walking, hair dull and rough, eyes swimming in water, alternations of heat and cold in the horns and ears, disappearance of milk, &c, a dose of arsenicum should be administered, which is to be repeated every five to fifteen minutes, until there is marked improvement ; in slight cases one hour or an hour and a half interval may be allowed between the doses. The curative effect becomes per- ceptible after a very little time, and so much the sooner, in proportion as the attack was more violent ; so that in the most acute cases the amendment often becomes perceptible in a quarter or in half an hour, which is recognized by the following characters : the animal shakes off the stupor, looks around it, and notices the person taking care of it ; the trembling diminishes or ceases altogether, the horns and ears are less cold, or less burning ; there is a little appetite, the hair lies down, the eye loses its fixedness, and the animal has an alvine discharge ; the evacuations vary much, being sometimes natural, sometimes bloody or mucus ; at length a general warm sweat sets in, or tumors, abscesses, or eruptions ; in the case of cows the milk returns. When these signs of improvement are observed to take place, we must wait for some time before repeating the dose, being always regulat- ed by the degree of severity with which the disease TYPHUS. 303 commenced ; if the aggression be violent, and the first dose produces no perceptible effect, after a quarter of an hour, or at most half an hour, the arsenicum must be repeated, and then continued at the same intervals ; if, on the contrary, the disease is but moderate, it is better to allow the first dose to act for an hour ; and if an improvement take place a second is not given, until the amendment ceases to progress. " Often a single dose suffices to remove the disease, whilst in other cases, from two to four, even from twenty to thirty are required, before we obtain a complete cure. It is unnecessary to say that during the whole course of treatment, we should not lose sight of the patient for a moment. Should an amendment or cure be obtained, all is not yet over ; two cases may still occur. 1. A relapse of the disease. This may take place after the lapse of from four to sixteen hours. It is important then to watch the animal during twenty- four hours, and still to make it take a few doses, at intervals of about four hours. If the relapse had al- ready taken place, we should proceed as on the form- er occasion ; but the danger would be still greater. 2. Other circumstances supervene which, however, are never dangerous. In different regions of the body, cold, soft, or hard tumors of an indolent kind form. Sometimes there remain hard indurations, or swelling of the glands, and teats with suppression or diminution of the milky secretion. Though the teat present nothing abnormal, the milk is less abun- dant, or altered in its qualities. The skin is covered with small scabs succeeding pustules which contained a fluid ; the eruption occupied the entire or only a portion of the body ; it is accompanied with itching or not, the hair remains staring, and does not recover its brightness. The evacuations continue to be hard and scanty. There is emphysema under the skin ; crepitation is felt on passing the hand over it. The 304 BURNS. skin is completely hard, and does not yield to the action of its proper muscles ; the appetite and rumin- ation are not reestablished. All these sequelss yield in a little time to the pro- longed use of ai'senicum, a dose of which is to be taken every six hours, until no trace any longer re- mains ; which usually is the work of three or four days. The absence of appetite and sluggishness of the intestinal canal quickly yield to a few doses of nux vomica. The appetite almost always returns four or six hours after the first, and if the constipation con- tinue, the medicine is to be repeated every six hours. Spiritus sulphur atus is employed for the eruption and arsenicum for all the other ailments. In order to preserve the animals from the disease they are made to take first every forty-eight hours, then every twenty-four, and lastly every twelve hours one drop of arsenicum in the morning one hour before eating, and in the evening two hours after doing so. BURNS. SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION I. PAGE 220. The best remedy for burns, both in man and ani- mals, is the external application of the pure tincture of urtica urens, of which, if required, some drops may also be swallowed. To prepare this tincture, the net- tle is gathered just when it is about to flower ; the flowers and leaves are removed, they are cut small, they are put into a flask, alcohol is poured on, and the bottle is well corked ; at the end of some weeks it is strained through a linen cloth ; then after decanting, it is filtered through bibulous paper. (EDEMA OF THE LEGS — ITCHING. 305 (EDEMA OF THE LEGS. SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION I. PAGE 220. (Edematous swellings of the legs, so common in horses, is also sometimes seen, though very rarely, in horned cattle, chiefly in oxen employed for drawing. At the fetlock joint, or higher up, there appears a hot and painful swelling, which renders the movements stiff, or causes lameness ; after some days a watery fluid is discharged from the part, which soaks into the hair, and unites it into fasciculi. The lameness goes on increasing, chaps are formed, and the pus is so acrid, that it destroys entire flakes of skin, and on some of the soft parts warts are occasionally observed to come out on the swelling, which bleed on the slight- est touch, and constantly give out a fetid odor. Thuja is a specific in the cure of this disease ; one or two doses are often sufficient to effect a cure. The warts are to be treated twice a day with the pure tincture of thuja. ITCHING. SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION II. PAGE 244. Itching in general is only a symptom of different diseases of oxen. Still it is frequently met alone, and it then indicates almost always a latent exantheme, or one that has been driven in. The principal remedies are sulphur and staphysagria (in repeated doses.) When it comes on after cold, it is to be treated with aconitum and bryonia. STOMACACE, (ULCERATION OF THE MOUTH. ) SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION III. PAGE 249. This disease generally accompanies limace, and mostly attacks the entire herd. At the commence- 26* 306 PLEURISY. ment there is redness as well as heat of the mouth, diminution of appetite, and of the milk, which is wa- tery. After some days numberless small red points, which gradually increase in size, and are converted into white vesicles, the size of which varies from that of a poppy seed to that of a pea. These vesicles burst, and leave a crust after them. The animal 5 which is prevented by the pain from eating, drinks and dribbles very much. If the disease is to termi- nate favorably, the tongue cleans by degrees. In the contrary case, livid, confluent vesicles are formed, leaving behind them corroding ulcers, which cause the mucous membrane of the mouth to fall off in flakes. There is almost always inflammation of the throat, and a fetid state of the breath ; the animal is attacked with cough, wastes away, and dies. In other cases the disease degenerates into limace : some time after the cleaning of the tongue, which seemed to announce that all was over, the fever reappears, and the symp- toms of limace are observed to come on. The two forms of disease are contagious. The principal rem- edies are bustomacacinum and mercurius solulibus. Acidum phosphoricum, alternately with mercurius solu- libus (one dose of each daily) is indicated when there is ulceration of the mouth, with viscid, thready, fetid saliva ; staphysagria, when the gums are painful to the touch ; helleborus niger when the gums are fun- gous, and the animal very much depressed. PLEURISY. SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION IV. PAGE 257. The symptoms of inflammation of the pleura are cold, followed by an increase of heat in the ears and nose, elongation of the neck, and depression of the head. The animal seldom lies down. Respiration embar- rassed, with more marked movement of the belly and dilatation of the nostrils ; slight cough ; fear of the PLEURISY. 307 least touch on any part of the chest ; alvine dis- charges dry, blackish, shining, and deeply furrowed ; urine red. Sometimes the fever is so slight, that the disease is scarcely perceived. No appetite, and the secretion of milk is very much diminished. Pleurisy differs from pneumonia in this respect, that in the lat- ter the respiration is still performed by means of the ribs, and not by the movements of the abdomen ; the cough is a little more free, and pressure of the finger on the intercostal spaces causes most acute pain. The chief remedy to be employed is aconitum, of which one dose is to be taken every two, three, or four hours, according to the severity of the fever, until it has entirely ceased. The same doses of bry- onia are to be given, at intervals of from eight to twelve hours at least, which removes the remainder of the disease. Chamomilla contributes to restore the secretion of milk in milch cows. PART III DISEASES OF SHEEP SECTION I. GENERALITIES. The sheep and goat approach so closely to Oxen, with respect to the digestive organs and teeth, that all these animals may be included under the collective term ruminants. However, the sheep differs essen- tially from the ox in many respects. A great portion of its vital power being employed in the production of a thick fleece, the remainder of the body must necessarily feel this. The animal is likewise more timid and more delicate. To this we may add that the greediness of man often exacts from the sheep two fleecings per annum, a circumstance which must con- tribute to weaken the species. Besides, the regimen corresponds very little with the demand made on the sheep : the habit in some parts of the country of rearing the greatest possible number of them, pre- vents them from receiving sufficient and wholesome nourishment ; for if even during summer they are suffered almost to die of hunger on the parched and barren fields, or in places which afford them nothing GENERALITIES. 309 but sour and unwholesome plants, so frequent a source of diarrhoea and rot, their lot is still more melancholy in winter. Should we, then, be surprised, that this animal, of a feeble and delicate constitution, should be subject to so many diseases, and that its offspring, instead of improving, should go on degenerating ? The principal peculiarities to be taken in order to protect and sustain the health of the flocks, may be represented under the three following heads : — 1. To have good pastures. High meadows are best for sheep, especially when the season is damp, or in general during rainy years : it is necessary, on the contrary, to avoid moist, marshy meadows, unless heat of long duration renders them completely dry. The best herbage consists of aromatic plants, sweetish or a little sharp and bitter, as those also found in glades in the woods. Saline plants are very nutritive, but produce bad wool ; aquatic vegetables are always injurious. 2. Not to commence the winter diet too soon. Neither should sheep graze as soon as the grass begins to turn yellow in autumn. The hay given to them in winter should be of good quality, not mouldy nor damp. The pod of the pea, lentil, or vetch may answer very well ; all others serve rather to overload than to nourish ; and it is even said that the oat-chaff causes the wool to fall when the cold is severe. Gen- erally speaking, roots are not suitable diet for sheep, from their being too watery, and inducing flatulency. Without salt a flock never thrives, notwithstanding the quality of the fodder. Whenever the season is fine, the flock should walk out even in winter for an hour or two. 3. To have good folds is an indispensable condition for preserving the health of the flock. The fold should be dry, sufficiently spacious, (height not less than ten feet, nor more than sixteen,) and well aired. The floor should be hard, if not paved, at least beaten 310 GENERALITIES. down like that of threshing-floors, the openings, supe- riorly near the roof, and inferiorly near the ground, should be sufficient in number to afford a free access of the air from without, both in summer and winter, provided the wind is not strong and cold. It is a great mistake to suppose that a nourishment very copious and very succulent will improve a flock, procure more wool, and render sheep more fruitful. Far from being useful, it is very injurious, gives rise to different diseases, and lessen fruitfulness. If we desire to improve the flock, we must select none but the strongest lambs, and the healthiest of the two sexes, especially such as have the finest and thickest wool. A sheep in health carries his head erect ; its eye is open and bright ; the vessels on it are red, the muzzle is moist ; the nostrils not soiled with mucus ; the tongue and mouth are clean and red ; the breath Is not fetid ; all the motions are executed with ease ; the wool lies close to the skin ; the latter is soft and pli- ant, without any bald patches, excoriations, or ulcers. The best mode of improvement consists in employing rams of a fine breed. Foreign rams are chosen in preference ; but those of the country will also answer, provided they are perfectly healthy, have the forehead broad, the eyes large and bright, a long and full neck, a broad back, a body long and rounded, legs stout, and separated from each other ; the tail long and woolly, the wool close, long, fine, and every where white, and the age from two years and a half to three years. With respect to the treatment of diseases, I have often had an opportunity of remarking that the sheep is, probable, of all domestic animals, that which is least sensible of high dynamizations : we might expect as much from an animal which never thinks except of eating. It is also important not to forget that in summer especially, sheep are much less than other animals ANOREXIA DISEASE OF BLOOD. 311 under the eyes of the proprietor, and that it generally happens that he is not apprized of their diseases until it is too late to relieve them. ANOREXIA. Diminution of appetite, when it is not the con- sequence of a general morbid state, frequently depends on the digestive powers having lost their energy, and then a few doses of arsenicum are sufficient to remove it both easily and promptly. It is often attributable to the stomach having been overloaded with aliment ; in this case antimonium crudum is the chief remedy ; next Pulsatilla and nux vomica, the latter more espe- cially when there is constipation at the same time. DISEASE OF BEOOI3. Disease of blood, or sang de rate, in general destroys sheep with such rapidity, that few symptoms announce it before death, for a very few minutes are sometimes sufficient for the animal to be arrested on a sudden, commence trembling and fall down lifeless. When it can be observed for a day, or at least for a few hours, the following symptoms present themselves : the sheep becomes weak and sad, it tarries behind the flock, holds the head down, lies on the ground, and is unable to rise again. If it remain standing up, it trembles all over, and if, after it has lain down, it be raised, it seems as if paralysed in the hind-quarters, w r alks with extreme slowness, takes a few steps in a staggering manner, but soon stops and falls on its side. The eyes are full of water, afterwards of viscid mucus ; a yellowish or yellowish-white mucus is also discharged from the nose. If the mouth and nose of the animal be closed, it passes bloody urine, or even pure blood. The breathing is difficult, and in some cases tubercles are observed here and there through the wool. Be- sides those which are the prominent phenomena, the 312 DISEASE OF BLOOD. following are also observed : the animal ceases to rumi- nate, the breathing becomes loud and impeded, the eye is fixed, bright, and projecting out of the orbit, the muzzle is dry and of deep red color : there appears on the cranium a swelling which gradually attacks the entire head ; frothy blood is discharged from the mouth, nose, and often from the anus ; convulsions supervene, and the animal frequently dies in a very little time, just when such an occurrence was least expected. Sometimes the entire skin becomes burning hot, and over different parts of the body, more espe- cially on the abdomen, head, neck, and back, there appear erysipelatous and gangrenous inflammations, with or without pustules. In many animals, a little after the commencement of the disease there are ob- served red points, or small granular elevations in the parts where the wool is scanty. Occasionally the appe- tite continues for some time ; but when the erysipela- tous spots announce an increase in the severity of the disease, it disappears to give place to general debility and fever. The spots, more especially on the chest and belly, then rapidly increase in extent: from being red as they were at first, they become bluish, then black, which indicates gangrene, and in the course of from six to twelve hours death takes place. In certain cases which are more uncommon, erysipelatous in- flammation supervenes, first on one thigh, and then the (as it were) paralytic state of the animal is the first symptoms which announces the existence of the disease. The remedy for curing and preventing this affection is arsenicum, of which according to the greater or less severity of the disease at its onset, one dose is given every ten, fifteen, or twenty minutes, this being con- tinued until an evident improvement is effected : then a few doses of anthracinum is to be taken at more distant intervals. Arsenicum and anthracinum are also a certain preservative when the disease prevails in the AQUOSA CACHEXIA. 313 neighborhood ; a dose of this is to be taken two or three times a week. Kleemann, who has rarely seen anthracinum effect a cure, considers it on the contrary as a decided preservative. He directs that from ten to twelve drops be poured into a pail of water, that a half-bushel or bushel of oats be steeped in the liquid during from six to twelve hours, and that this grain be then distributed, which will suffice for six hundred sheep. CACHEXIA (AQUOSA.) This disease, which at first is not readily recognized, and which proceeds very slowly from its commence- ment, is denoted chiefly by the following symptoms ; the animal, whilst preserving a healthy appearance, gradually loses its ordinary sprightliness ; it becomes slow in its movements, indolent and sad, carries the head and ears hanging down, and tarries behind the flock, should the latter walk a little more quickly than usual ; it often lies down, evinces very little resistance when seized and held, and displays but little appetite, though its flesh seems rather to increase than to dimi- nish. The eyes gradually become dull and turbid, the conjunctiva is pale, as also the muzzle, gums and skin ; the wool loses its elasticity, and may be easily pulled off; from the eyes and nose, mucus is fre- quently discharged, and from the mouth a foul saliva, which forms a somewhat thick coating on the tongue, flaccid and pale. The breathing then becomes more difficult, the animal more feeble, and at the same time that the entire body wastes away, the abdomen swells, more especially on the right side. The appetite diminishes more and more, but there is great thirst. At length diarrhoea and putrid fever supervene ; the breath becomes fetid ; the animal continues to lie down generally without moving, he retains the position in which he is placed, being from debility unable to 27 314 EPILEPSY. change it, and death at length takes place. On open- ing the body, the cellular tissue is found to be anasar- cous, the blood is very watery, and there are often effusions of serum in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. The lungs and all the other viscera are pale and bloodless. It is in the liver that the greatest number of morbid changes may be observed. This organ acquires a size and weight much greater than in the healthy state ; its substance is very easily torn, its color earthy or leaden, its surface covered with tuber- cles, and with vesicles full of water. The gall-bladder is much distended and gorged with bile. The reser- voir, the liver and biliary ducts, which are often dilated, contain a number of flukes (Fasciola hepatica,) which vary in size and color, and which continue to give signs of life even after the death of the animal. Formerly it was believed that these worms had been swallowed with the water or fodder ; at present it is known that their production, like that of other entozoa, is connected with a morbid state of the system. This disease, which bears considerable resemblance to the rot, and which seems even to be hereditary, is most usually occasioned by grazing in damp meadows. The means which have been found most effectual for this disease are graphites and lycopodium. Helleborus niger is suitable when there are symptoms of hydro- thorax, indicated by difficulty of breathing ; mercurius solubilis, china, nux vomica, and sulphur, when the excrements are whitish, and there are signs of jaundice and dropsy, which are not uncommon. EPILEPSY. Epilepsy is characterized as vertigo, by the stag- gering walk of the animal, which falls to the ground ; however, there is this difference, that in the attacks of epilepsy, the animal does not remain stretched quietly on the ground, but it suffers convulsions and exhibits INFLAMMATORY FEVER. 315 spasmodic movements, kicks, rolls its eyes, grinds the teeth, foams from the month, &c. ; symptoms to which is often added the involuntary discharge of dung and urine. The duration of a fit varies much ; sometimes the sheep arises after the lapse of five minutes, com- mences to eat, and appears in as good health as ever ; sometimes, on the contrary, it does not come to itself till after the lapse of a quarter or even half an hour. The symptoms of the disease present no danger, except by their frequent repetition ; for then the animal wastes away by degrees, and at length dies, without anything else being remarked, except that by little and little the fits return with more severity, at shorter intervals. Some doses of aconitum, which should be followed by stramonium and belladonna are the principal remedies to be employed. When the animal kicks violently, hyoscyamus has been employed with success, and benefit has been said to be derived also from cocculus and calcarea carbonica. Camphor a, in frequent doses, is calculated to prevent the return of the fits. The verminous colic, which sets in with the same list of symptoms, yields to china. INFLAMMATORY FEVER. Inflammatory fever usually appears only during the hot days of summer in sheep who are well fed and plethoric, which have to walk too far in order to reach their pasture or who continue all day exposed to the sun without water to quench their thirst. It manifests itself chiefly by the following symptoms : the animal ceases to eat ; it feels great thirst ; has its eyes very red, and remains behind the flock, which it can follow but slowly. The pulse is much accelerated, beating from 90 to 100 per minute; the nose, mouth and breath are very hot ; the animal has little or no dis- charge from the bowels or bladder. If the disease 316 FORAGE. continue to progress, the body is seized with trem- bling, the walk becomes staggering, the breathing more and more difficult, the mucus membrane of the mouth bluish and cold, and the animal dies in con- vulsions, from twelve to thirty-six hours after the attack commenced, or else encephalitis or pneumonia becomes developed. The specific for this disease is aconitum, in frequent doses, repeated at short intervals. Consult the articles : Encephalitis, Enteritis, Pneu- monia. It is unnecessary to mention that the animal must be kept in a state of absolute rest, in a shaded and cool place, and that nothing should be allowed it but a little green fodder. The means of avoiding in- flammatory fever are, not to pen up the sheep in close folds, to expose them as little as possible to the sun, more especially about noon, and when it is very warm, not to lead them far, nor to make them walk too quickly. FORAGE. Food and drink are, as we know, objects of the ut- most importance to animal life. The shepherd must be continually on the watch that the sheep may have a sufficient quantity for their wants. The feeding of lanigerous animals, considered gene- rally, is of two kinds ; that which they obtain in the pasture, and that given them in the fold. Every one knows that there are good and bad pas- tures ; and the shepherd should be at liberty to choose them, such as the health of the animals require, and this is the point by which he is to prove that he under- stands his business well, that he knows how to direct his flock so as to keep it healthy amidst even unfavor- able circumstances. The plants which grow on a low and damp soil, those which cover marshes, bogs, &c, not only afford less alimentary substance, but contain also, some acrid POUAGE. 317 and acid juices, whilst others contain injurious princi- ples, which injure more or less the health of the ani- mal. When the shepherd is obliged to have recourse to such pastures, he should at least not allow the sheep to take the food for the entire day in these places, and he should first drive them to fallow grounds or fields that have been mowed, and to places covered with healthy and innoxious herbage. If the shepherd is at liberty to lead his flock into a forest, especially into a copse, the foliage of the shrubs present an excellent remedy against the effects of un- wholesome meadows. When he cannot do so, he should at least attend that the sheep, before going to pasture, receive dry fodder, even if it were only com- mon straw, and good water in sufficient quantity. The very best pasture even may injure, in different ways, under certain circumstances. Rainy weather, long continued, causes plants to be charged with watery juices which are injurious to health. This circumstance, combined with cold and damp, may occasion the development of a cachetic state. To obviate so serious an inconvenience, the chief precautions to be taken are as follows : 1. When the close and rainy weather lasts for three consecutive days, the sheep, if there be dry fodder, should not be turned out till after they had eaten some ; neither should they remain for more than three hours in the damp meadow, and only two if it rain very much. They are then to be brought in, and, after the lapse of four or five hours, when they have received a second allowance of dry fodder, they may again be brought out into the open air for two or three hours. To let them remain on the meadow for more than from four to six hours a day, would be very injurious to them under such circumstances. 2. When in the fold they should have a good litter in order that they may be able to warm and dry themselves on it ; if they evince a desire for drink, it should be given to them. 3. 27* 318 FORAGE. When there is no dry fodder, and the shepherd finds himself obliged to feed his flock on bad pastures, he diminishes the chances of injury by allowing them to feed only in the morning and at noon, three hours each time, and keeping them in constant motion. 4. When the litter is deficient, the beasts should be collected together as close as possible into the fold, in order that they may heat each other. 5. If the rain cease whilst the flock is out, it may be left there longer than has been stated, or, if the sun shines, it may be allowed to remain there until evening. 6. Every time the bad weather renders it necessary to return to the fold, it is necessary to accelerate their pace, for the purpose of quickening the circulation, and thus increasing the an- imal heat. 7. The flock should never pass the night outside when the weather is bad. The shepherd needs great prudence when the pas- ture is covered with dew. The sheep should have dry fodder in the morning before going out, and if there be none, they should not be made to go out until the dew is sufficiently dissipated. If there be no means of avoiding their going out in the morning, they are allowed to graze only whilst walking gently, until the dew has evaporated. The shepherd should also act with great caution when he drives his flock into fields of clover, or ground where mustard grows. He never should allow his sheep to feed there long ; at most he should allow them but half an hour, and should carefully select the barest place. After two hours the flock may return. By acting in this way, he avoids the risk of having flatulence produced. In this case, also, it is useful to give dry fodder to the sheep before leading them to pasture. Most of the accidents which arise out of errors in feeding, yield to arsenicum album (a few doses only.) If there be merely a surfeit, antimonium crudum and Pulsatilla are to be employed. When constipation ex- ists at the same time, nux vomica should be given. . FOUNDERING. 319 FOUNDERING. When a sheep is affected with foundering, and is taken to graze with the flock, it walks slowly, with the head depressed ; it has no sprightliness ; its appetite is impaired, but it is more disposed to drink ; and when it comes to the pasture it lies down. Its de- meanor in the fold is precisely the same. After some time the slowness of its walk is changed into a rigidity, or rather, tension of the limbs, a state which goes on constantly increasing to such a degree that the animal can no longer lie down but with difficulty, and re- quires to make great efforts in order to rise. The appetite continues to diminish, whilst the desire for drink increases. When the disease is more advanced, the eyelids are observed to be swollen, the eyes more or less inflamed, and the fore or hind feet, occasion- ally even the whole four, are extremely hot. In a still higher degree there is no longer any appetite, the feet are burning, and the animal feels so much pain in standing up and walking, that it reconciles itself to do so only for the purpose of obtaining water, which its intense thirst demands ; it drags itself along on its knees rather than really walks. It groans and moans ; there is severe fever, breathing short, and violent beat- ings of the flanks. If the disease be discovered in time, it is readily and promptly cured by aconitum (frequent doses) followed by bryonia (some doses,) when it is more advanced. These two substances are those which should be employed at first ; but we may have recourse also to arsenicum and rhus toxicoden- dron, when the feet are very painful ; to veratrum al- bum when the disease arises from cold after fatigue ; to slaphysagria, if the body tremble and the feet rise one after the other. 320 FRACTURES GAD-FLY. FRACTURES. Fractures of the bones of the legs are much more uncommon in sheep than in other domestic animals : it is mostly in lambs we meet with instances of them. After having reduced the fracture, a strip of linen cloth is to be bound round the limb, over which two splints of light wood, or of thick pasteboard are to be placed, which are to extend from four to six inches superiorly and inferiorly beyond the fracture, and which are to be fixed on with a bandage. The bandage is to be moistened frequently with arnica water, and Symphytum is to be given internally. After the lapse of from ten to fifteen days the fracture is consolidated. GAD-FLY. The symptoms occasioned by the larva? of gad-flies resemble much those which attend dizziness. In the months of August and September, the insect known by the name of Oestrus ovinus deposits its eggs, often in great numbers, in the nostrils of the healthiest and best fed beasts of the flock, whilst they are sleeping on the meadow : the larva?, arising from thence, ascend into the frontal sinuses ; and until their metamor- phosis, they live on the mucus secreted in these cavi- ties. The irritation occasioned by them gives rise to an intense inflammation of the mucus membrane, which produces pains and symptoms similar to those of dizziness. The animal frequently raises the head and sneezes, which makes some of the larvae to come out with a great quantity of viscid mucus. If the number of the worms continued in the frontal sinuses is considerable (it sometimes amounts to one hundred and even more,) the inflammation may go on even to gangrene, and so occasion death. The means hitherto employed in the cure of this disease, which in general is slight, but occasionally also very fatal, con- EITES OF INSECTS 1. 321 sisted of blowing into the nostrils powders capable of producing violent sneezing, which frequently brought out the larvae with a considerable quantity of mucus. But. as Fisher has wrell observed, wtic .1 excel- lent book on the Oestrus of sheep : "these powders. employed without caution, may also become as de- structive to the quadruped as to the insect." He also advises the introduction of the vapor of sulphur in a state on into the nostrils of the animal, or to inject into them either brandy or m . The la are killed in every possible way. and their dead bod are then eliminated by sneezing. BITES OF INSECTS. The insects which torment sheep most are the ticks, which sink their heads deep into the skin of the sheep, and suck with so much greediness, that though invisi- ble originally, they attain the size of a kidney-bean. When an attempt is made to tear them away, the head generally remains in the wound, when it occa- sions inflammation and suppuration. The most simple means are to remove the wool, and to put I water on the insect. It may be killed also with cer- tainty by letting fall a drop . ril ,:i it. la3ie>j:ss. It is not uncommon for a sheep to commence of a sudden to evince lameness : '. nust be carefully -jed, and exarnir. attentively. If there be discovered any foreign substance in the cleft, it is to be extracted, and the wound should be washed four or six times a day with arnica water. Sometimes the lameness depends on a stone, or some hard body in the interval between the claws ; the removal of this body is then the only precaution that is to be taken. Consult for the other causes of lameness the articles Luxation and Foot-rot. 322 LUXATIONS MADNESS. LUXATIONS. Luxations, as in other animals, require that, after reduction has been accomplished, the part should be moistened very frequently with strong tincture of arnica, and that this should be continued until the tumefaction has completely disappeared. MADNESS. Madness is generally, in sheep, the consequence of the bite of a rabid dog ; and in general it does not break out till from three to six weeks after the acci- dent. The animal ceases to drink and to eat, it be- comes restless, and evinces an excessive desire for copulation, without distinction of sex or age. The second day after the appearance of these symptoms., the eyes are turbid and inflamed ; their walk is totter- ing and unsteady, the animal takes great leaps, and there is some difficulty in restraining it. There is no desire to bite anything that comes in the way, and no instance is yet known of any person having been bitten by a mad sheep. This state lasts for some days ; after which the animal becomes weaker and weaker, at length it is no longer able to rise, and dies. The treatment consists of the wool being first cut, the bite must be carefully washed, and must be covered wiih linen cloths steeped in water, to which some drops of extract of belladonna have been added. Bel- ladonna must also be administered internally, at first every day, then every two or three days, then every eight days ; and this is to be continued for the space of from four to five weeks. The external treatment must be continued until there no longer remains any trace of the wound, which occurs, in general, after a few days. After the use of belladonna, benefit has been derived from some doses of stramonium, under the title of consecutive treatment. When a mad dog has scab. 323 made his way among a flock, we never can be certain of recognizing all the animals which he may have bitten; prudence, therefore, requires that belladonna be given to the entire flock. Hydrophobium has been employed with success in so many cases, that one might be led almost to consider it the real specific for madness. One dose of it is to be given every two days during the space of from eight to fifteen days. SCAB. This disease, which attacks the same animal but once during life, and which invades in preference the young ones of the flock, is one of the diseases which occasion most ravages among sheep. There is this peculiarity in it, that we may distinguish in its progress certain stages (infection, eruption, maturation and dry- ing,) the regularity of which often depends, however, on accessory circumstances which invest the disease with a character either of mildness or malignity. 1. In the mild form of the disease, the affected animal is observed for two or three days to be sor- rowful and dejected ; after which there appear, on different parts of the body, more particularly on the inner surface of the fore-feet and around the mouth, small red spots, whose centre is occupied by a pimple terminating in a white point. This is the stage of eruption which commences with febrile shiverings, trembling, increase of the body's heat, more especially at the ears and nose, redness of the eyes, and of the mucous membrane of the mouth ; the animal is melan- choly, holds the head down and the feet closely col- lected together, and evinces lameness, chiefly in the hind feet. There is neither appetite nor rumination, but great thirst. The greater the number of pimples, the more severe are these different symptoms. The entire body is hot, the breathing short ; a mucus clear as water flows from the nose, and the parts where the pimples form, begin to swell, more particularly on the ./ 324 scab. head, so that sometimes the animal cannot open either its eyes or mouth. The fever still continuing ; the pimples rise gradually, and seem full of a fluid, which, at first clear and transparent, soon becomes yellow, thick, and purulent. This state lasts nearly up to the twelfth or thirteenth day, reckoning from the invasion. The pimples are the size of a lentil or a pea, and are surrounded by a red areola. On the thirteenth day, the stage of drying commences. The fever diminishes, and the pimples become by degrees dry : the pus, especially in those which appeared first, becomes yel- low, then of a deep color ; the pimples flatten, and make way for scabs, which at length become detached, leaving a dry cicatrix behind. The stage of drying, during which the appetite gradually returns, lasts in general from five to seven days, but sometimes longer. 2. In the malignant form of the scab, which always becomes a destructive epidemic, the progress is never so regular, nor attended by such well-marked stages. In general the animals are very sick from the first eruptive fever, the head is much swollen, the eyes are bleary and closed, the breathing is very difficult, and a viscid, fetid fluid is discharged from the*nose ; the animal generally keeps the mouth open, from whence a frothy saliva issues ; it frequently grinds the teeth, and voids liquid excrements, which, like the sweat, exhale a very disagreeable odor. The pustules con- cealed beneath the fleece, resemble hard, livid tuber- cles of a brownish or blackish color, and surrounded by a white or bluish edge ; they do not rise, but seem flat, depressed, and secrete an acrid and corroding vapor, which forms ulcers of so malignant a character, that they frequently destroy the eyes and entire pieces of the lips and ears. The animal is frequently covered over with disgusting scabs, and his emanations are unendurable ; in general death carries him off between the tenth and twentieth day. The disease appears to be more dangerous for the sheep than for lambs and rot. 325 ram?. Sometimes the irregular scab does not attain this degree of malignity; but a great number of the animals which it attacks remain for a long time sickly, and come round but very slowly, or even never re- cover their health. The mild form of the scab generally requires no other precaution than to separate the diseased beasts from those which are not so, and attentively to visit the flock every two or three days. The diseased sheep may be led to the fields when the weather is fine and warm ; in the contrary case, they must be kept in a warm and dry stable, and nothing but good food be given to them. With respect- to the malignant form of the disease, rhus toxicodendron and arsenicum alter- nately are the remedies which have succeeded best. They render the disease milder, so as almost to divest it of its destructive nature ; and produce this effect, that the beasts not yet tainted, to which they have been administered as preservatives, contract only the mild form of the affection. Of all the preservatives which have been proposed, inoculation is the best ; it has two advantages : first, the disease so occasioned is much more mitigated, and very rarely proves fatal ; in the next place, an entire flock may get well from it in the space of fifteen days, whilst the natural form of the disorder requires care and attention for at least six months. It has been ascer- tained that the latter kills more than one half of those attacked, whilst among the sheep that have been inoc- ulated the greatest proportion that die of it is one per cent. ROT. The rot in sheep is a disease analogous to cachexy, which generally appears in autumn after wet summers, and then continues almost uniformly to prevail during winter and spring. The progress of the disease is very slow, and there is considerable difficulty in recog- nizing it at first. However, w r ith practice we may 28 326 rot. distinguish, even at a distance, a sheep which Is affected with it by its slow walk, shaking head, and depressed ears. The animal often remains behind the flock ; it allows itself to be seized without any resist- ance. Its loins yield to pressure. The eye is dull and watery ; the eye-lids are swollen ; the lips, gums, and palate, have a pale tint ; the skin, which is of a yellowish-white color, appears puffed, and retains the impression of the finger ; the wool changes color, loses its brightness, and is easily torn off, even in large flocks j frequently too entire flakes of skin comes off with it. The alvine dejections are soft, urine scanty and of a very deep color. There gradually forms on the -upper region of the neck, and on the lower jaw, a soft, indolent tumor, which often appears larger on returning from grazing, frequently disappears during the night, but always returns in the day, and gradually increases in size. By degrees the animal loses appe- tite, but there is increase of thirst ; rumination ceases altogether ; lachrymation becomes more and more abundant, and the nose is full of viscid mucus. Then the abdomen swells by constant progress of ascites ; the animal becomes extremely weak, it wastes away very much, and remains constantly lying down ; the pulse is quick and soft, and death takes place without convulsions in the midst of diarrhoea and progressive cold of the extremities. To these symptoms those of cachexy are frequently added, that is to say, there are found in the bile-ducts and liver, fluke- worms, the presence of which is announced by the yellow color of the skin, tongue and gums, or those of tape-worm in the intestines, or of worms (filiaires) in the trachea ; circumstances capable of inducing a fatal termination. On opening their dead bodies, a great quantity of serum is found collected in the chest, abdomen and cellular tissue. The blood has lost its red color, and is deficient in fibrin ; the lungs and flesh flaccid and pale ; the intestines are almost always distended with SHAKING. 327 gases and yellowish ; the fat is fluid, the bile thin and watery. The most ordinary causes are exposure to a con- m tinuation of damp cold, the influence of marsh effluvia, food of bad quality, and pneumonia, especially when badly treated. It is unnecessary to say, that we should commence by removing all the occasional circumstances. With respect to the curative means, arsenicum, alternately w r ith china, then bryonia, veratrum album, and aconi- hun, are found the most efficient. Acidum muriaticum may also prove useful, principally as a preservative ; in the latter point of view, two or three doses should be taken every week. Also carbo vegetabilis and oleum terebenthincB deserve a trial. When there are worms in the lunsrs, and the disease has not made too much progress, dulcamara should be given, at first every day, then every two days, and the treatment should be terminated with some doses of sulphur. (See Verminous Affections.) SHAKING. Shaking attacks sheep chiefly of the improved breed ; yet it was already known before the introduc- tion of the merino breed into Germany. It consists in paralysis of the hind quarters and hind feet, which gradually brings on dryness of the entire spinal cord. Its precursory symptoms are peculiar restlessness of the animal, which runs about on every side, holding the head up, and frequently grinding the teeth. There is gradually observed rigidity to come on in the poste- rior extremities, which renders the gait unsteady, and indicates great debility in the hind quarters : this weak- ness increases to such a degree, that in walking the animal turns the hind part of the body to the right and left, and at length is only able to trail it along ; the least pressure on the sacrum is sufficient to throw 328 wounds. it to the ground. There is often observed a trembling over the entire body, more especially at the head and ears, and a peculiar itching, or a feeling somewhat like it, which obliges the animal to rub itself against everything it meets, so that its tail, flanks, and thighs ultimately lose their wool, and become covered with wounds. The animal wastes away more and more, and at length becomes so weak that it cannot rise. At length diarrhoea makes its appearance, and death takes place, generally from the second to the fourth month. The disease is not contagious, but it is said to be hereditary. The specific is acidum sulphuricum^ three or four doses a week. WOUNDS, Simple superficial wounds are quickly and easily cured by the external use of arnica ; by the help of this treatment twenty-four hours are sufficient to effect cicatrization of those which are caused during the progress of shearing. Deep-seated wounds are never cured without suppuration : this must be left to itself when it is healthy. If, on the contrary, the pus is ichorous and fetid, mercurius vivus and asafcetida should be given internally ; when it is thick, and of a bad color, we should have recourse to silicea. When the edges of the wound are hard and everted, arseni- cum is the most useful. If there have been a fracture of bone, or of periosteum, symphitum must be em- ployed, both internally and externally. ANGINA. 329 SECTION II. EXTERNAL DISEASES, AND THOSE OF THE MOUTH AND THROAT. ANGINA, This inflammation of the pharynx is often caused by- cold, when the sheep, after having been heated, breathe a cold air, or when on leaving warm folds they pass into the cold air, or when they lie on a cold and damp soil. The animals affected with disease are very hot, their eyes are red and there is intense thirst ; they lose appetite, are melancholy, and hold the head down, this part being protruded forward, as if they w T anted breath. When the disease augments, the breathing becomes much embarrassed, stertorous, and sibilous ; the neck is swollen, and very sensitive to the slightest touch. At length the animal can no longer swallow, it cannot breathe without the greatest efforts, falls with all the symptoms of suffocation, and perishes. Very often the disease breaks out Avithout any precursory symptom. The animal frequently sneezes, coughs, and raises the head, as if to breathe more easily through the mouth ; a discharge from the nose is occasionally observed. Let but the slightest narrowing of the air passages then come on, and suffocation is inevitable. As soon as the first symptoms of the disease are ob- served, from five to eight doses of aconitum are to be given without delay at very short intervals of time ; these sometimes suffice to prevent the development of this formidable inflammation. If after three or four hours, the disease is diminished, but the respiration is still embarrassed, loud, and whistling, spongia marina soon affords relief. It in general effects a perfect and 28* 330 APHTHA. complete cure : only sometimes it becomes necessary to have recourse to other means, among which hepar sulphuris and bryonia must be more particularly dis- tinguished. When the danger of suffocation no longer exists, deglutition still remains difficult and painful ; when the animal swallows fluids with difficulty, and its eyes are fixed and prominent, belladonna possesses specific properties. It must be given immediately after aconitum, when at the onset of the disease it is the deglutition more than the respiration that seems to be affected. APHTHiE. Aphthae appear in lambs, either in consequence of a change in the mother's milk, or from some internal disease. The disease is discovered by the lamb no longer sucking, and its wasting away ; on examining the interior of the mouth, vesicles are observed to be there, often in great numbers ; these burst, leaving an ulcerated bottom, from which a fluid escapes. The mouth is full of a saliva of bad odor. The means which succeed best are acidum, muriaticum, acidum sidphuricum, and borax. Two or three doses of sul- phur should likewise be given to the mother. ABSCESS BETWEEN THE CLEFT. This affection, which sometimes accompanies foot- rot, chiefly owes its origin to the introduction of a foreign body into the biflex canal, situate above the anterior extremity of the interval which separates the hoof. Thence results an inflammation and swelling, owing to the accumulation of the secretion in the canal, through the anterior extremity of which it can- not escape. The animal limps very much. The cure is very simple. First, the foreign body must be re- moved ; the swelling must be compressed in order to empty it of its contents ; the part must be well washed CARBUNCLE OF THE TONGUE. 331 with fresh and cool water, and it must be encompassed with a linen cloth frequently steeped in arnica water. BLACK MOUTH. These come on, more especially in lambs, rarely in lanigerous beasts of a certain age, a scabby eruption, which attacks chiefly the parts around the mouth, the eyes, and ears, and occasionally extends over the entire face. Some doses of sulphur, or of tincture of sulphur, are always sufficient to cure it in a very little time. CARBUNCLE OF THE TONGUE. When a sheep is affected with this disease, there are observed to appear on the tongue, and in different parts of the cavity of the mouth, vesicular elevations of various sizes, which pass rapidly into the state of gangrene, after which the tongue becomes detached, and falls in flakes. The animal becomes very restless, its breathing very much accelerated ; it allows the tongue to hang out of its mouth. This organ is dry, and the expired air is very hot ; the eyes seem in- flamed, and project out of their orbits. The appetite has entirely disappeared. As soon as -this disease is observed, the pustules must be scraped with an iron spoon, an assistant holding the head low down, in order that the animal may not swallow anything : then the wounds are to be cleaned with a bone spatula steeped in oil, and the mouth should be washed three or four times a day with water, to which arsenicum has been added, (live or six drops to a cup of the fluid.) If the vesicles have not already opened of themselves, the animal is lost. Care should be taken not to receive any of the discharge on the hands, and when proceeding to the operation, it will be well to rub them with oil, or, at least, to cover them with gloves. 332 COUGH ERYSIPELAS — DISEASES OF THE EYES, COUGH. Moist weather, abrupt and sudden change of tempe- rature, cold, more especially in spring, when the sheep pass from a warm stable to the open air, or even the cold water they drink, frequently occasion fits of coughing, which generally yield in a few days to dul- camara. Cough also comes on as a symptom of other diseases, on the cure of which it is found to disappear. ERYSIPELAS. This disease, which sometimes affects the sheep of a good breed, consists in a swelling of the head, which contains much watery serum. It is accompanied by fever, with heat, great thirst, dejection, and loss of appetite. Aconitum and belladonna are specifics for it. DISEASES OF THE EYES. Ophthalmia is sometimes observed to break out either in consequence of dust, insects, &c, having entered the eye, or even without any appreciable ex- ternal cause. If the cause be a foreign body, it must be extracted, and the eye bathed with arnica water ; some doses of arnica must also be taken internally. If the eye retain any dimness, it is to be removed by means of cannabis, conium, and belladonna. Acute ophthalmia, brought on by cold, yields to a few doses of aconitum, which is to be followed by belladonna on the second or third day. We have recourse to can- nabis for the removal of specks on the cornea. Chronic ophthalmia requires euphrasia, and when it is accom- panied with lachrymaiion, Pulsatilla and sulphur. The latter medicine produces good effects also in cases of ophthalmia, which have supervened to rot, or when pustules are developed on the eye. FOOT-ROT. 333 FOOT-ROT. There are two forms of this disease, which must be carefully distinguished from each other : — 1. The mild foot-rot, most usually associated with ulceration of the mouth, (stomacace) and which ex- tends generally to entire flocks. It usually com- mences by fever, more or less violent, which some- times continues during the course of the disease, and is recognized by symptoms, the principal of which are the following : the animal of a sudden becomes sad, and limps on one or more feet ; there is heat, redness and swelling of the feet, chiefly at the interdigital space, and on the coronet. At a later period the inflamed points are ulcerated ; and on the cushion there appear vesicles which at first, secrete a fluid clear as water, and pus at a subsequent period. This disease pro- gresses with great rapidity. It generally disappears of its own accord in a few days. However, in order to accelerate the cure, and render it more certain, the foot is to be washed frequently with warm water, the superfluous horn is to be removed when it projects, or is any way altered, and arnica is to be employed both internally and externally. 2. Malignant foot-rot. The animal begins to limp, sometimes at first in one of the fore-legs or hind-legs ; sometimes in the two fore-legs and two hind-legs, until the whole four are affected. The diseased foot is hot and a little swollen, the clefts are separated a little more from each other than in the healthy state. The skin of the interdigital space is red, and exudes a fluid of a bad odor ; this fluid gradually assumes the ap- pearance of ichor, which not only inflames and ex- coriates the surrounding integuments, but becomes effused also behind the horny wall, which is separated in part or entirely from the living parts : sometimes even the integuments, tendons, and the very bones are 334 FOOT-ROT. involved. The animal, then incapable of walking, moves along on its knees, or remains lying down, and wastes away gradually, though retaining generally a good appetite. This form is very contagious, so that when the sheep just attacked is not removed away from the flock, all the others soon become affected. To propagate the disease, it is quite sufficient that a flock should pass over a place which has a little before been walked over by a diseased sheep. Opinions are divided regarding the cause of foot-rot. It probably had its origin in the warm regions of ihe globe, and thence extended, by contagion, like small- pox ; at least it is proved that it was introduced into our flocks by sheep of Spanish origin. Damp, rainy weather favors its development. Foot-rot usually commences by a vesicle, or small ulcer in the interdigital space. As soon as it is per- ceived, the diseased part must be scraped to the quick with a sharp knife ; then the foot is to be washed with salt water, and the wound must be touched with a feather steeped in dilute nitric acid. Nitric acid must also be given internally, followed by thuja and sulphur. If the ulcer has already extended beneath the horn, the latter must be removed as well as all the parts that have been affected, and must be washed w r ith salt water. It is necessary also to touch the surface of the wound with nitric acid, and to moisten it with -a few drops of ammonia ; after which the foot should be bandaged up, and the animal must be separated from the others. In general it is about eight days before the animal can walk. Sometimes, when all the parts affected have not been removed, the sheep once more begins to limp, and the disease seems to return ; in this case the same mode of treatment must be adopted. The sheep that have been cured must be separated from the flock for some further time, ITCH. ITCH. 335 This name is given to an eruptive, extremely conta- gious disease, which, in general, is only observed from the end of autumn to the spring, and presents itself under two different forms. • 1. Dry itch. This consists of small red spots which appear on the skin, and from which small white vesi- cles arise, containing an acrid fluid ; these vesicles are followed by small ulcers, on which scabs soon form 3 which after some time soon fall off. The disease always occasions violent itching, which constantly obliges the animal to scratch itself with its foot, to rub itself against all other bodies that come in its way ; and even to bite itself with its teeth everywhere its head can reach. By these symptoms we may recog- nize a scabious sheep, even at a distance. When ex- amined closely it is observed that in the places where it scratches itself, the skin is bald, discolored, and covered over both with whitish scales, and hard, and granular elevations. When left to itself, this itch covers the chief part of the body, and the wool is gradually detached from the regions attacked by it. 2. Moist itch. This is the same disease carried to a higher degree, and one which torments the sheep much more, as the animal does not for a moment cease to rub, scratch and bite itself. There are observed on the body places which are bald, or covered with a scanty portion of wool, which are the seat of soft, cir- cumscribed tumors, and which present hard, red, or livid points, whence a fluid escapes which on becom- ing dry forms a scab. The scabs are frequently the breadth of the hand and of considerable thickness : they cover a surface which is constantly oozing, or even deep seated and fistulous ulcers. The animal wastes away, though having a good appetite, and eventually perishes of marasmus, rot, &c. In most cases the itch is the result of contagion and 336 itch. a single sheep infected with it is sufficient to infect an entire flock. However there must be certain circum- stances by the combination or cooperation of which the first development of the disease takes place, which, once formed, is capable of extending rapidly and read- ily by contagion. Among these circumstances, the first rank appertains to that which Hahnemann calls psora, that is, a sort of germ which permits the disease to be produced under certain influences, and which, moreover, may owe its origin to a combination of un- favorable circumstances, such as an unhealthy fold, insufficient food, a rainy, damp, or cold season, &c. The cure is very simple, and effected in six or eight days, without lotions or unguents, by means of a prep- aration known by the name of balsamus terebinlhince sulphuraliis. Three doses (each consisting of two drops of the strong tincture) are sufficient to remove the disease, even when it has attained considerable extension. I may mention, but only as an exception, that I have sometimes been obliged to administer a dose of it every day during eight to twelve days. The dynamizations prepared according to the precepts of art not having hitherto succeeded, I now adhere to the strong tincture, which is prepared as follows: there is taken one part (by weight) of sulphur, which is to be boiled in four parts of linseed oil, to perfect solution, which yields an elastic mass of a brownish black color, exhaling a disagreeable sulphurous odor ; one part of this mass is then dissolved in three parts of oil of tur- pentine, and the medicine is obtained. The terebinthinate balsam of sulphur serves not only to cure the itch, but even to prevent it ; for this pur- pose, each individual of the flock receives at the commencement of the autumn a couple of doses of it, which is to be repeated after the lapse of a month or six weeks. If the experiments I have made on this point be confirmed, the matter would be deserving of serious SWELLING OF THE TEATS. 337 examination ; for much of the expenses occasioned by the purchase of medicines might be spared, as well as the loss of wool and of a good number of sheep. Only care should be taken that the animals really re- ceived the substance just mentioned, and its applica- tion should be watched, or it should be entrusted only to persons in whom Ave might rely. After the exhibi- tion of the balsam, the animal should remain at least for two hours without eating, and particularly without drinking. I should mention that scablesinum ovium, mezereum and sulpha?' have been recommended by others for curing the itch. SWELLING OF THE TEATS. The sheep which suckle may be seized with inflam- matory swelling of the teat by the action of different causes. Bryonia, belladonna, and chamomilla are useful for this affection. If the inflammation pass into gangrene, which is an uncommon occurrence, arseni- cum should be employed ; if the skin becomes purple and livid, and is easily detached, we should have recourse to secale cornulum ; when the swelling termi- nates in induration, chamomilla and camphora are to be administered ; sometimes resolution is not to be obtained, then mercurius vivus and he-par sulphur is cause the tumor to form an abscess. Sometimes the disease terminates by suppuration : we are then to employ the means indicated under the article Sup- puration in the diseases of the horse, more especially Pulsatilla. ULCERATED MOUTH ( STOMACACE. ) In this disease the inside of the mouth is hot, full of mucus and saliva, with swelling of the gums and tongue. By degrees there appear in the cavity of the 29 338 WOUNDS OF THE CLEFT OF THE FOOT. mouth, on the palate and gums, small white vesicles, which burst and leave behind them superficial ulcera- tions. A viscid saliva then flows incessantly from the mouth. The pain prevents the animal from eating, but it drinks much and very greedily ; commonly the disease attacks the entire flock, and is often accom- panied with mild foot-rot. In many cases it disap- pears of itself. The chief means to be employed for it are : mercurius, solubilis, acidum sulphuricum and helleborus niger, the latter more especially when the gums are very soft, and the animal appears very sad. WOUNDS OF THE CLEFT OF THE FOOT. Should a nail, a fragment of glass, a thorn, or any other sharp body enter the foot of a sheep, the result always is inflammation, suppuration, and lameness. We should commence by extracting the foreign body, after which the wound should be washed with arnica water, and arnica should also be given internally. If the lesion be at all considerable, the foot is to be encompassed with a linen cloth in order to keep it clean, and the ablutions with arnica water are to be repeated several times a day. When there is much inflammation, and it does not yield to arnica, it may be removed with aconitum and squilla. This last remedy is specific whenever the wound of a foot causes the animal intense pain. When a sheep walks for a length of time on hard roads, particularly in dry weather, its feet are often attacked with an inflammatory affection characterized chiefly by heat and pain of the foot, lameness, diffi- culty of walking, and raising of the affected foot, whilst the animal is at rest. Arnica, internally and externally, generally removes all the symptoms, those at least not connected with inflammation. In certain cases a dose of conium after arnica, produces very good effects. If it be less the cleft, than the sole that is painful, arseni- colic. 339 cum possesses useful properties. When the case has been neglected, it often passes into suppuration, which may occasion loss of the horny part of the foot. Under such circumstances squilla, conium, and acidum phos- phoricum, have been found very effectual. Benefit has been derived also from antimonium crudum, nux vomica, mercurius vivus and Pulsatilla, the last more, especially when there are deep-seated fistulous ulcers,. SECTION III INTERNAL DISEASES. COJLIC. This disease may be owing to different causes, to cold, constipation, to an excess of food, and probably to worms also. The animal so affected suddenly evinces great restlessness, with severe pains in the belly, frequently viewing its flanks, and keeping itself doubled up, throws itself on the ground, arises sud- denly, utters groans and plaintive bleatings ; its breath- ing is hurried ; in general it can neither pass urine nor excrement ; its ears, legs, and muzzle are cold. When relief is not soon brought, the disease is liable to prove fatal ; from twelve to twenty-four hours are sufficient for gangrene to attack the intestines. With respect to treatment, several species of colic may be distinguished. 1. The windy colic is common in wool-bearing animals which have eaten greedily of relishing herbsj 340 colic. especially when wet with dew or rain. It is also observed in those which drink much after having eaten grass. In this case the belly swells suddenly ; the animal evinces much restlessness and distress; its breathing is hurried and the body cold ; it stops abruptly, collects its feet under its body, allows its head to hang, and cannot discharge from its bowels, notwithstanding the constant borborygmus heard in its bowels. The specific here is colchicum autumnale, two or three doses of which always suffice. Lime-water also has been employed successfully in many cases. In some countries they have recourse to a process which affords relief with wondrous celerity ; this pro- cess consists in covering for a minute or two the mouth and nose of the animal with a cap, handkerchief, &c. ; then when the animal is set at liberty, it shakes the head violently, has rising of the stomach, and finds itself cured ; the swelling of the belly diminishes per- ceptibly. If necessary, the process may be repeated a second time. 2. The colic of constipation comes on after irregu- larities in diet, after cold experienced by the animal, whilst heated. Besides the general symptoms of colic, it also makes efforts to free the bowels. Some doses of aconitum, followed by arsenicum, generally remove the worst symptoms ; after which we may succeed in freeing the bowels promptly and easily by means of nux vomica, opium, and plumbum. 3. The colic of cold, or spasmodic colic, differs from colic chiefly in this, that it is not like the latter accompanied with tympanitis, and that it is not con- tinuous, but returns by fits. Repeated doses of aconi- tum are in general sufficient, unless we might after- wards have recourse to arsenicum. 4. For inflammatory colic. See Enteritis. CONSTIPATION CORYZA. 341 CONSTIPATION. Constipation is sometimes an accessory symptom of some disease, and sometimes a symptom altogether independent, which may be accompanied or not with colic. That which arising neither from spasm nor inflammation, manifests itself consequently without colic, frequently depends on fodder that is too dry, especially when at the same time the animal has not sufficient water to quench its thirst. Nux vomica is the remedy to be employed in such a case. When diarrhoea alternates with constipation, Pulsatilla should be given, and when there is at the same time repug- nance for food, recourse should be had to antimonium crudem. CORYZA. The mild coryza of lanigerous animals is a disease of little importance, which generally disappears sponta- neously. It. comes on after a slight cold, or under the influence of other causes capable of exciting cough, for instance, when the flock is overtaken by a heavy shower coming on suddenly during a sultry day. The animals frequently sneeze, their eyes are dull and watery : from their nose there is discharged a mucus which is at first very liquid, then thicker, which often stops up the nostrils, so as to interfere with the breath- ing, to oblige the sheep to raise the head, and often the mouth. In such a case it is sufficient to withdraw the flock from the cold and moist air, to shelter it from cold, &c. But when the disease is prolonged, it as- sumes a malignant character and degenerates into a contagious affection, accompanied with a purulent dis- charge from the nose, which causes the animals to waste very much, and frequently proves fatal to them. Aconitum and chamomilla are, in such cases, the means on which most reliance is to be placed ; after which 29* 342 DIABETES. a dose of belladonna often proves very serviceable. Spongia marina and belladonna might also be em- ployed with advantage. The invalids must be set apart by reason of the readiness with which the dis- ease is transmitted. However, it is by no means to be compared to glanders in the horse ; it being only a violent coryza, which soon yields to proper treatment. Arsenicum album, and dulcamara are frequently of great benefit. DISEASE OF THE STOMACH FROM EATING CERTAIN PLANTS. This disease, caused by the buds of certain trees, for instance, the oak and elder tree, which animals eat with greediness when the opportunity offers, consists essentially in an inflammatory state of the digestive organs and kidneys. The animal is constipated, dis- charges blood from the bladder ; its alvine evacuations are covered with it. There is intense fever, with beat- ings of the flanks, and great thirst. The skin seems as if stuck on the back, which is arched upwards, and cracks like parchment when pressed with the fingers over the lateral parts of the body. The limbs become cold and stiff, sometimes to such a degree that the animal remains standing up, as if deprived of life, or so that if it fall, it cannot get up again. When relief is not afforded in time, the inflammation degenerates into gangrene, and death is inevitable. Some doses of aconilum, followed by repeated doses of arscnicum, are the remedies. DIABETES. Though this disease is not, generally speaking, so common in animals as in the human species, it is, how- ever, sometimes observed in lanigerous animals, espe- cially in lambs, and, under some circumstances, it attacks even entire flocks. The affected animal passes DIARRHCEA. urine every moment as clear as water, walks with hind legs separated, and is very sensitive in the lumbar re- gion ; it feels at the same time great thirst, but little appetite, and the power of rumination is suspended. There supervenes, by degrees, weakness, emaciation, acute pains in passing urine, and sometimes voiding of blood. Death takes place after the disease has lasted for weeks and even entire months. One of the prin- cipal occasional causes appears to be exposure of the flocks to long-continued bad weather, unwholesome stables, and chiefly the use of certain plants, particu- larly the young shoots of the fir and oak trees.. Before any treatment, we must investigate the cause, and re- move it when it can be discovered. With respect to the curative means, lycopodium and mercurius vivus have proved the most effectual. Carho vegetabilis has also been extolled, mezereum, acidum phosphoricum, argentitm, Pulsatilla, and creosotum are also useful. DIARRHCEA. Diarrhoea, which may be recognized by the liquid dejections frequently voided by the animal, is particu- larly dangerous to lambs, in which it often assumes the character of a destructive epidemic. In sheep it is rather common in spring, when the animals cannot be accustomed to the grass. But it is of a more destructive character when it has been brought on by damaged food, in whatever season of the year it may be. The chief remedies to be em- ployed for its removal are, ipecacuanha, arsenicum, and rheum, or antimonium crudum, when there exists at the same time a dislike to food. In lambs it almost always depends on the bad qual- ity of the mother's milk. Pulsatilla never fails to cure it. Sulphur should be given to the mother, as also better fodder. The stable should be warm, dry, and furnished with sufficient straw. 344 DIZZINESS. Diarrhoea is frequently a symptom of a general mor- bid state, for example, of the disease caused by worms, rot, &c. Under these circumstances, the treatment should be directed against the principal disease. DIZZINESS. Dizziness is a very dangerous disease, almost exclu- sively confined to wool-bearing animals; it is seldom observed in two-year old sheep, and still more so in adults. Its development always takes place very slow- ly. It is recognized chiefly by the whirling round and stumbling of the animal, which, whilst walking, seems a prey to vertigo. It is first announced by an unsteady, uncertain gait : the animal remains behind the flock, loses its sprightliness, carries the head down, and has a wild look. The eye is generally pale and bluish. The animal often forgets itself whilst eating ; it ceases to graze, and hangs the head, without masticating. By degrees the debility increases, the animal no longer attends to anything, and soon commences to turn itself; the head being dow^n and looking to the affected side, or else it falls to the ground. All these symptoms become more and more marked in time. Sheep are often observed to describe eccentric circles for whole hours, then step forwards a few paces, then again stop, and turn round again. The older the disease, the more the animal turns, until at length it does it even in a trot. The appetite goes on diminishing, emaciation becomes more and more perceptible, and the state of exhaustion terminates in death. On opening the body the seat of the disease is always found to be in the brain ; accordingly, there are met either beneath the bones of the cranium, or beneath the dura mater, or in the brain itself, hydatids varying in number and size, sometimes a single one, often from three to six, the size of which varies ; according as these worms occupy the right side or the left side, the sheep turns to the right or left ; DYSENTERY. 345 but if they exist on both sides, the turning sometimes takes place to the one side, sometimes to the other. The animal very often does not turn, which happens when the worm is placed on the median line ; then the affected animal carries the head down, and though it seems to move rapidly, it does not change place. When the hydatid is situated on the posterior part of the brain, the animal carries the head high, runs straight forward, and throws itself on every object it meets. It is well known that all the methods employed for the cure of this extraordinary disease end, at the very utmost, in saving some patients, and that the results are as uncertain as they are fatal, even for the latter. Homoeopathy, on the contrary, possesses a remedy, this is belladonna. One dose, at first every day, then every two days, is sometimes sufficient to effect a cure. This latter takes place so much the more readily — the earlier the disease is discovered, and the sooner the remedy is applied. Of late years ccenurinum has been recom- mended, that is to say, the hydatid itself dynamized. Some trials I have made on this matter have not proved successful, whilst belladonna has never failed. DYSENTERY. Dysentery, which is frequently confounded with diarrhoea, consists in an inflammation of the abdominal organs. It frequently breaks out when a very warm summer has been followed abruptly by a damp and cold autumn, or when the fodder has been spoiled by too much moisture, it may then become a destructive epi- demic. It is recoguized chiefly by constant and painful desires to evacuate the bowels, with tenesmus, which efforts are attended with no other result than the escape of a bloody mucus. Some doses of aconitum and arsen- icum remove the intestinal inflammation, after which, if there still remain diarrhoea, we must employ the means directed under that article. Chamomilla and rheum especially have proved very effectual. 346 ENTERITIS. ENCEPHALITIS. This disease is sometimes caused by internal causes, and sometimes by external, such as the sun-stroke, blows on the head, too plentiful food, &c. The animal ceases to eat, hangs its ears and head, which is hot to the touch, walks along staggering, and unconscious -whither it goes ; its eyes bright and red, and projecting from the head, the air it expires is hot, the breathing short, rapid, and accompanied by violent beating of the flanks. It remains lying down very much, the head stretched on the ground, and when the disease has a fatal termination, it dies in convulsions, and w T ith the symptoms of apoplexy. One dose of aconitum from every five to ten minutes, then belladonna, w T hich must also be repeated several times at the end of two or three hours, are the curative means to be employed. Hyoscyamus also proves useful, but still more veratrum album, which is chiefly suitable when the animal rises abruptly from time to time, and strays about in every direction as if blind. The disease called turnstick, it is stated, has been frquently observed in sheep which had not been properly treated for encephalitis. ENTERITIS. Enteritis and gastritis, also styled inflammatory colic, often follow the eating of poisonous plants, damaged fodder, more especially when mouldy, intense cold, as that resulting from cold water drunk when the animal is very much heated, and all the causes which are capa- ble of producing colic in domestic animals. The symp- toms are those which never fail to make their appear- ance during fits of colic ; violent and continued pain of the belly, intense heat of the whole body, inextinguish- able thirst, constant pulsation of the flanks, and constipa- tion. The animal frequently attempts to lie down, but rises up immediately with groaning, and gives itself up HEMATURIA HEPATITIS. 347 to irregular and violent movements of every kind. When effectual relief is not procured in time, it is seized with convulsive trembling, its ears become cold, as also its nose and feet, and death takes place amid violent pul- sation of the flanks, and constant moving of the tail. Aconitum is the principal remedy, and often it suffices by itself, when the disease has been caused by cold ; however, it must be given in frequently repeated doses, and at intervals which are to be continually shorter. When from five to eight have not effected a complete cure, arsenicum becomes indispensable, and it seldom happens that two or three doses are not sufficient. Under certain circumstances, Pulsatilla also has been found useful. HEMATURIA. Discharge of blood from the bladder often occurs after the sheep has eaten certain acrid and irritating substances, for instance, shoots of the fir-tree, of the oak, or alder-tree, of the ranunculi, &c. It manifests itself by the discharge of red urine, and sometimes also by that of pure blood. There is, moreover, heat, intense thirst, frequent desire to pass urine, sensibility in the lumbar region, rigidity of the movements, some- times also colic. The principal remedy, especially at the onset of the disease, is ipecacuanha, some doses of which should be administered rapidly. If there exist symptoms of nephritis, which frequently occasions death, we must instantly have recourse to some doses of aconitum, after which cantharides must be taken. HEPATITIS. Inflammation of the liver, which some persons con- sider as identical with watery cachexy, generally pre- sents itself under the form of a slow fever ; the sheep wastes away amid the symptoms of a general morbid state ; the eyes, tongue, and skin, assume a yellowish 348- JAUNDICE — NEPHRITIS. tint ; the wool is of a dirty appearance. After some time, all the symptoms of cachexy break forth. The chief remedies are : aconitum, at the commencement, and digitalis purpurea, as soon as the inflammatory symptoms declare themselves. If jaundice begin to appear, chamomilla, mercurius vivus, and nux vomica are useful. JAUNDICE, Jaundice, announced by the yellow tint of the con- junctiva, mucous membrane of the mouth, tongue, and gums, depends on an affection of the liver, chiefly on an accumulation of hydatids in this organ and the biliary ducts ; it is also, in general, the infallible pre- cursor of cachexia, just as this state is sometimes the consequence of hepatitis. We should chiefly employ for its cure, mercurius vivus, nux vomica and cham- omilla. However, to the yellow color of the skin, there are usually joined other symptoms, which cause it to sink down to the rank of a secondary affection, and which must serve as a guide in the choice of the means to be employed to restore health. NEPHRITIS. Inflammation of the kidneys may be the result of external violence, or may depend on the animal having eaten stimulating plants, such as the ranunculi, buds of the fir-tree, oak, or elder, &c. It manifests itself by the ordinary symptoms of fever, heat of the mouth, dryness and redness of the eyes, &c. Its character- istic signs are pains and an extreme sensibility in the region of the kidneys. The back is arched, the walk stiff and painful, with the legs widely separated. The animal frequently looks towards the region of the kidneys, and scrapes with the feet ; he feels a constant desire to pass water, but he voids, and that with con- siderable pain, only a very trifling quantity of deep- PNEUMONIA. 349 colored or bloody urine. The appetite is gone, and the thirst rather severe. We commence by the employment of two or three doses of aconitum, followed by canlharides after the lapse of two or three hours, from two to three doses. Perhaps nitrum and cannabis also might be employedwith success, either alone or alternate with nux vomica. PNEUMONIA. Pneumonia is attributable to the same causes as angina. It is observed chiefly after shearing, when the sheep are exposed to cold without sufficient pre- caution. The animal is then seized with shivering, it trembles, its breathing is hurried and short, accompa- nied by violent beating of the flanks and dilatation of the nostrils ; and the pulse, instead of being 70, amounting even to 80 or 90. Further, as in all in- flammatory diseases, there is great depression, loss of appetite, and slowness in ruminating ; the alvine dejections are very dry, or there is constipation. The ears, muzzle, and legs are sometimes cold, sometimes hot. ; the cough which accompanies the disease, is very painful and short. There is great thirst, and still the sheep cannot drink except in small draughts, stopping frequently, in consequence of the pain it gives him. When the disease progresses, the animal no longer lies down, and its walk becomes staggering, which obliges it to lean on something ; the breathing is more and more rapid, and death terminates the sufferings. The cure presents no difficulty under the homoeopathic treatment. The first and most important of all remedies is aconitum, one dose of which is to be administered, from every ten to twenty minutes, until the fever diminishes perceptibly, and the animal seems more tranquil. If it be taken in time, aconitum is very often sufficient by itself to conquer the disease ; if not, Bryonia, sulphur, phosphorus, tartarus emelicus, digi- talis, &c. should be used under their several indica- tions. 30 350 TETANUS LYMPANITIS. TETANUS. Tetanus, which appears to be chiefly the effect of cold, but often comes on also after castration, is gene- rally fatal. In some years and some countries it destroys a great number of lambs. The animal, com- pletely stiff, cannot move any part, more especially the jaws. Nux vomica has been found a useful remedy. LYMPANITIS. This dangerous disease, which calls for the most prompt aid, generally owes its origin to the greediness with which beasts devour certain kinds of food in excessive quantity. It consists in a development of gases which distend the stomach to an enormous degree. The animal, which up to the present mo- ment, enjoyed all its sprightliness and perfect health, suddenly ceases to eat : it becomes sad and still, does not ruminate, and carries the head down ; its body seems swollen, more especially on the left side, and sounds like a drum when struck on the upper part ; it keeps its head arched ; the legs close together, and the tail separated from the body ; the eyes are fixed and prominent. ; the breathing is short and impeded, the nostrils are widely dilated ; the mouth is filled with a frothy saliva ; the bladder and intestines do not empty themselves. The inflation increases, and gene- rally becomes so great in a few hours, that the animal at length falls and dies, either from suffocation or because the stomach is ruptured. There is no disease in domestic animals in which homoeopathy affords such prompt relief as in this. In general a single dose of colchicum autumnale is sufficient to remove all the symptoms in the space of a quarter of an hour ; it is rarely necessary to repeat the medicine, which is only to be done when the first dose effects an improvement, if gases are still forming. In such a case the colchicum may be repeated every fifteen or twenty minutes. VERTIGO WORMS, 351 After the tympanitic state has ceased, one dose of arsenicum is to be administered to prevent a return of the disease. Consult also the article Colic, VERTIGO. In this affection, which attacks scarcely any but young. and well-fed animals, the sheep holds its head down, remains behind the flock, stumbles in walking, keeps the legs widely apart, and falls to the ground : after a space of time, generally very short, it rises ? joins the flock again, and no longer presents any sign of the fit it has had. The disease returns at periods more or less near to each other, without in any case the general health appearing to be perceptibly affected. Aconitum exerts an almost instantaneous efficacy during the attacks. When the disease has be- come very severe, and the attacks become more or less similar to those of epilepsy, stramonium and cocculus are the remedies to be relied on. Vertigo is associated also with some other diseases ; it then requires no par- ticular treatment, and yields to that of the principal disease. WORMS. The intestinal worms, met in almost all chronic diseases, chiefly in young animals, give rise to a num- ber of morbid phenomena, among which the following are those which serve to develop the presence of these pnrasites : a diminution of rumination, disturbance of digestion, frequency of tympanitic symptoms, wasting away (especially in the lumbar region and along the spine,) frequent snorting, obstruction of the nostrils with purulent mucus of greater or less thickness. Worms are found in the liver and biliary canals, in the intestines, and in the bronchi. The intestines of suck- ing lambs also are found to contain the tape-worm, which give rise to frequent colics. Filix mas is the principal remedy in this latter case. Consult the. articles Cachexy, Rot, and Dizziness. PART IV DISEASES OF DOGS. SECTION I GENERALITIES. The dog is one of the most useful, and by far the most sagacious of all our domestic animals, being the constant companion and friend of man. There are many varieties and breeds of these animals, most of which are particularly useful in their several capacities. It would be difficult to say what, properly speaking, is the primitive source of these animals. The diseases also to which they are liable are nu- merous, and some of them very obstinate to cure. Many curious anecdotes are related of those animals, showing that they rank higher than any other in the scale of intelligence, man" alone excepted. With respect to the bringing up of these animals it is better in every way to have pure races than races which are bastard and mixed, which are in general weaker and more subject to disease, in consequence of their greater propensity to sexual desire. Hence a bitch of good breed, on getting into heat, must be kept GENERALITIES. 353 confined, and it is necessary, if we would propagate the species, to look out for a dog of her own breed.* It is well known that the heat is indicated in the bitch by her seeking for males ; this makes her quit the house, even though contrary to her habit ; the genital parts swell, and secrete a reddish liquid. Gestation lasts nine weeks. During this period it is necessary to feed the animal better, and to treat it more kindly than at any other time. Bitches of a good breed have in general several pups at a time ; they should not all be left with them, because they could not thrive, and the mother would suffer. Three at the utmost are suf- ficient if she be of a small size, and five, if otherwise. Moreover, less is left with her, if it be the first birth ; the strongest should be selected for keeping. After a few weeks there should be placed near the young puppies a flat vessel containing warm milk, which they are to drink as they please ; but the milk should be renewed often that it may not become sour. After a time it should be given cold, and when the animals have acquired a little strength, there should be added some crumbs of bread for the purpose of wean- ing them as soon as possible. As soon as they get their teeth, bones, meat, &c, are to be presented to them. The mode of feeding a dog should be regulated according to the purpose for which it is brought up ; for the lap-dog requires to be brought up differently from the mastiff, and the latter differently from the sporting dog, or the shepherd's dog. Though the canine species are carnivorous, and in the wild state live only on flesh, such food is not altogether fit for them in the domestic state, when it would occasion a variety of diseases. In general it may be laid clown as a rule that the dog requires less animal food, the less he is exercised in the open air. Besides, every * Judicious crossing is by most breeders considered desirable. 30* 354 GENERALITIES. one knows that he may be accustomed to any sort of food. Thus in the North, he lives exclusively on fish, and in the South Sea Islands he scarcely eats any thing but vegetables. The best diet for him in our country is a mixture of vegetable and animal substan- ces in the proportion of four to one. Tainted meat is less injurious than fat, and more especially spices. The quantity of food varies according to the size of the dog, the labor he performs, and the season. The mastiff requires less than the sporting dog, and both should receive less during summer than in winter. It is useful to regulate the hours for meals, especially when the dog is made to work : two meals a day are sufficient. The hound and pointer should receive but little food in the morning before working, because repletion of stomach makes them idle. The best time for eating is in the evening on returning from the chase. We never should give the dog his food in a hot state. The best plan is to give it to him in a wooden trough or earthen vessel, which is to be washed every time it is used. Nor should we ever give him more food than he can take at a time ; it is a very bad habit, nay, liable to render the dog unhealthy, to be always adding fresh food to that left at the preceding meal. As the nature of the animal inclines it to drink much, it never should be left without a supply of good water, more especially when it is kept shut up, as such a thing might predispose him to disease. Drinking does not injure it when heated, no more than cold bathing, for dogs do not perspire through the skin, but by the tongue. The kennel ought to be cool in summer, and warm in winter. Neither should the animal lie down on the damp ground, nor on the pavement, nor should he remain exposed for the night to the inclemency of the weather. The litter should be dry and clean, and the place he sleeps in should be sufficiently spa- ABSCESS. 355 cious to allow him to have shade in summer, and sun in winter. It should also be raised a little above the ground, and not on a level with it. The bed, hay or straw, should be frequently changed, to prevent ver- min from collecting. The dog likes cleanliness very much, and he is easily accustomed to it. A clay soil has been considered the best for building a kennel upon. Exercise in the open air is absolutely necessary for the preservation of health. Yard dogs should be set at liberty sometimes, and lap-dogs should be taken out to walk from time to time. The Vfc^oreal appetite requires great attention ; for its too great excitement, and non-gratification are one of the chief causes of the development of spontaneous rabies. The dog is heated only when he approaches a bitch in heat, and for this reason the police regu- lations should prevent the bitches, when in heat, from straying about ; one alone being sufficient to set in motion all the males of a district. The bitch being in heat, a male is procured for her, or her passion is cooled by supplying her with less nutritious food, procuring water for her to drink in sufficient quantity, and ad- ministering to her sabina or platina, cantharides, &c. ABSCESS. Abscesses arise from internal or external causes. The former are rare in dogs, which are made constantly to work, but very common in house dogs, in which case they arise from too great care, or from too high feed- ing, or want of exercise. The tumors that form, and which may appear on all parts of the body, are more or less hard, painful, hot, and inflamed : they terminate in resolution or suppuration, sometimes in induration, and in the latter case they give rise to subcutaneous fungous growth. When they are to form abscesses, they become more prominent above the skin, the heat, 356 BURNS DISTEMPER. redness, and pain increase, and in the centre of the tumor there appear a soft point, from the surface of which the hairs fall. When the abscess owes its origin to an internal cause, the amount of food should be diminished, the animal should be made to take more exercise, and to bathe in cold water. If the tumor have a tendency to open, nature's effort may be assisted by mercurius vivus, or hepar sulphuris, and it is to be opened as soon as fluctuation is well marked. When the cause is an external lesion, a blow, a bite, &c, lotions are to be employed with arnica water, which never fails to remove every symptom in a little time* APPETITE (VORACIOUS.) The dog laboring under this disease, evinces an inordinate appetite, which cannot be satisfied ; how- ever, instead of thriving, he pines away ; but in other respects he exhibits no symptom of disease. Pulsatilla and nux vomica are the means to be employed. Vora- cious appetite depends sometimes on the presence of worms, in which case china and silicea are found useful. See Worms. BURNS. Greedy dogs sometimes burn themselves by upset» ting their food before it is cool. It is necessary to remove the hairs from the scalded part, and frequently to moisten the latter with the strong tincture of urtica wrens. DISTEMPER. All dogs carry within them the germ of this disease, with which some are affected even twice, and which, in general, manifests itself either by convulsions or weakness, and sinking with more or less diminution of appetite. However, it does not always commence in DISTEMPER. 357 the same manner. The first symptom of the disease is often violent diarrhoea : in other cases convulsions are observed to come on suddenly ; in general there is progressive emaciation, and from time to time a little cough. The eyes and nose gradually become more moist than usual, or else there issues a small quantity of watery fluid, which soon thickens, and glues togeth- er the eye-lids, or obstructs the nostrils. The pro- gress of the disease is as subject to variations as its commencement. Sometimes it attacks chiefly the head, and is then indicated by frequent sneezings, lachryma- tion, a nasal discharge, and other symptoms of severe cold. At other times it attacks the chest, and a short cough, more or less harassing, precedes lachrymation and the nasal flux. In other dogs, again, it directs its action to the hind extremities, and is indicated by weakness of the hind-quarter, which increases gradu- ally, so that the animal cannot drag itself along : this kind of paralysis, though very common, does not come on until after the other symptoms, and it is hardly ever remarked in dogs that have attained a certain age. At length it sometimes happens that the entire body falls into a spasmodic state, which sometimes leaves behind it a state of paralysis, or of convulsions in the limbs, sometimes also shortenings of the limbs. The disease proceeds rapidly or slowly, and is very contagious ; however, its violence varies according to the breed, and is more tedious in pure breeds. The remedies to be employed are kali carbonicum, and then thus toxicodendron : however, we may commence with the latter, especially when the convulsions have attacked several parts simultaneously. Belladonna and cocculus have also been found useful in some cases. Nux vomica is useful in case of constipation, which exists almost always, accompanied with loss of appe- tite and vomiting. The other remedies most useful are hepar sulphuris, causticum, dulcamara, spongia, 358 EPILEPSY. phosphorus, iodium, arsenicum, sulphur, &c, under their particular indications. DROPSY. Ascites and hydrothorax are not unusual phenomena in the dog, whilst this animal rarely presents instances of anasarca. Dropsy of ihe chest is recognized chiefly by extreme embarrassment of the breathing, accompa- nied frequently with cough ; and ascites by the fluctu- ation felt on striking on one side of the abdomen with the hand, the other hand resting on the opposite side. China and arsenicum are the remedies to be tried in treating these two diseases. Also digitalis, according to symptoms. EPILEPSY. The dog affected w T ith epilepsy appears in perfect health in the intervals between the fits : he eats well, retains his appetite and flesh. The fit generally comes on suddenly : the animal staggers, then falls on the ground, remains lying down for some time, groans, breathes with a rattle in the throat, loses conscious- ness, neither hears nor sees, is seized with convul- sions in the limbs, and strikes his head. Once the fit is over, he gradually recovers consciousness, looks around him, and shakes himself. The intervals are more or less short. Small pet dogs are more subject to this affection, both because their nervous system is very irritable, and because they are very much restricted. Epilepsy, however, is occasionally seen in large dogs, especially when they have undergone much fatigue. "When the affection is of long standing, it is with diffi- culty cured, which, however, sometimes occurs by giving little food to the animal, avoiding to heat it, and giving it a sufficient quantity of exercise. The cure is more easy when the epilepsy is recent. Aco- nitum immediately after the fit, then belladonna, and FEVERS. 359 stramonium if the disease return, such are the reme- dies on which most reliance can be placed. If the epilepsy have been occasioned by stimulating food, which is considered frequently to give rise to it, china is to be employed. Some doses of camphor may pre- vent the return of the fits. FEVER ( INFLAMMATORY. ) Inflammatory fever always accompanies an internal or external inflammation, whether of a thoracic or ab- dominal viscus, or a wound, or external injury. In the latter case, it is designated by the name of traumatic fever. The principal symptoms are hardness and frequency of the pulse, hurried respiration : the animal constantly drinks ; his eyes are red, swollen, and full of water ; all the body is hotter than usual ; he fre- quently stares, and exhibits considerable restlessness. He feels some difficulty in lying down, and fre- quently changes the position. Aconitum is then al- ways indicated : it should be repeated the more fre- quently the more intense the fever has been from the commencement. However, it is not always sufficient, and we are sometimes obliged to have recourse to the means required by special information when it exists. Aconitum and arnica are the remedies for traumatic fever. FEVER (PUTRID AND NERVOUS.) This disease is characterized by prostration of strength ; the beats of the heart are scarcely percepti- ble ; there is great thirst, loss of appetite, much dis- turbance, heat of head, turbidness of the eyes, barking, howling, and groaning, convulsions, fetid odor of Ihe perspiration and excrements. The issue is often fatal. The principal causes are heat, great efforts, ihe abuse of damaged meat, the eating of the flesh of animals 360 FOUNDERING FRACTURES. which have died of a malignant disease. A cool bed should be prepared for the animal, good water should be given to drink, and a dose of natrum muriaticum should be administered, which is to be repeated at long intervals, and which is to be followed by some doses of china, or arsenicum. FOUNDERING. This is a disease in which the dog, subjected to cold after having been much heated, becomes all at once so stiff and rigid, that oftentimes he cannot stir. The remedies are aconitum, arnica, and Bryonia, and, when the affection has been preceded by great fatigue, rhus toxicodendron, FRACTURES. Simple fractures of the legs are very readily cured in young and vigorous dogs : all that is wanting is to set the limb, apply splints, and frequently to examine the bandage, in order that it may not become deranged, without which the limb might be cured, but remain awry, or shorter than the others. Comminuted frac- tures, or those of several bones at once, generally com- promise life to such a degree, that in general it would be wrong to devote much care, time, or money on the affair. The bandage once applied, it is to be kept moistened with symphilum, which is also to be taken internally. However, it is better to give arnica on the first day to remove the traumatic fever. HEMORRHAGE. Dogs sometimes discharge blood from the nose, mouth, or anus, especially when they have run for a long time against the wind, or in going up an emi- nence, but chiefly after external violence. The occasional cause ought to be taken into account in the LAMENESS LUXATIONS ■ RABIES. 361 treatment. After a long run, a dose of aconitum is almost always sufficient ; but after external violence we must employ arnica, both externally and internally. Lavements with arnica water are useful, when there is bleeding from the anus. LAMENESS. As soon as a dog limps with one paw, the foot must be carefully examined, in order to see whether the animal may have been wounded. If no wound be discovered, the limb should be rubbed from below upwards, more especially at the joints, in order to find out the part affected. If the lameness depend on an external cause, arnica water should be used, and if the wound be deep, even though it extend to the bone, Symphytum should be administered after the foreign bodies have been removed, should any be discovered. Lameness is often the consequence of imperfect luxation, that is of straining of the ligaments, in which case the painful part is always a little better than the remainder of the body. In this case also benefit is derived from arnica externally, and in many cases also from that of rut a internally. Sometimes when the lameness has lasted a considerable time, the limb begins to waste away ; we may then try arnica, china, arsenicum, sulphur, rhus toxicodendron, and sepia. LUXATIONS. Luxations require immediate relief in dogs. The part must be kept constantly moistened with arnica water, and arnica should also be given internally. If the joint of the foot be affected, ruta is the best remedy. RABIES. The phenomena and symptoms of madness vary 31 362 RABIES. very much in dogs, according to the breed, age, temperament, &c. Two principal forms of this disease are distinguished, rabies, properly so called, and dumb madness. Rabies, properly so called, is first announced by a perceptible change in the dog's gait of walking, which seems either more lively and more irritable,' or sad, ^nd as it were dull. To this there is added, on almost all occasions, a peculiar state of restlessness which allows the animal not to remain in any one place, and increases to such a degree as to make it quit the house to stray away to a distance. During almost the entire continuance of the disease, the dog recog- nizes his master, and obeys him, more especially at the commencement. However, his docility diminishes as the disease progresses, though at other times it has continued till death. In the generality of cases, the appetite disappears from the commencement ; some dogs still continue to take a little soup, but none of them take any solid food ; however, they devour all sorts of non-nutritious things, as wood, leather, wool, straw, and even their own foeces. They drink in all stages of the disease, evince no sign of hydrophobia, and reject the water when they can no longer swal- low it. A constant symptom is a particular change of voice, which becomes more shrill or more grave, but always a little hoarse and disagreeable. The barking of a mad dog does not consist in distinct emissions of the voice succeeding each other with rapidity, but in an emission of the voice, followed by a short howl ; it is, as it were a sort of medium between a bark and a howl. The desire to bite, which exists in most mad dogs, is not constant : it shows itself occasionally, and in different degrees, which depend on the temperament of the animal. Without commencing with barking, the animal attacks the objects it meets, cats, other dogs, and human beings ; he spares neither inanimate objects, RABIES. 363 nor even his own master/ and he frequently snaps at the air as though he would catch flies, his eyes appearing to follow au imaginary object. With respect to appear- ance, he is at first little or nothing changed ; soon, however, the eyes become red, they shut and open alternately. At a more advanced period again they are turbid, dull, and as it were covered with dust. Sometimes the skin folds on the forehead, or else the head swells ; there is always rapid emaciation. Mad- ness must be very far advanced in order that the dog should keep his tail pendent, as he does in all serious diseases. He eventually becomes weak, and, as it were, paralyzed in the hind quarter ; whilst at the commencement, when he is still' strong, he carries the tail as usual, and differs in nothing with respect to gait from a perfectly healthy dog. The other form of madness occasions, with respect to symptoms, loss of appetite, drink, voice, and a passion for biting, phe- nomena similar to those of madness properly so called, but with the following modifications : — the lower jaw is pendent, and, as it were, paralyzed from the com- mencement of the disease, so that the animal is unable to swallow any liquid, and the saliva is continually flowing from the mouth. Sometimes, also, the animal keeps the tongue hanging between the teeth ; he bites less, therefore, than in the preceding variety ; but there is no less reason to feel afraid, because when he is irritated, he may for a moment recover the power of closing the mouth, and consequently of biting. There are still certain symptoms falsely attributed to madness. Thus it has been said that dogs become mad only in summer, more especially during the dog- days ; but the disease breaks out at all seasons of the year. It has been stated that bitches and dogs that have been cut do not. become mad. If the fact be problematical with respect to spontaneous madness, there certainly is no room for doubt with respect to that which is communicated by a bite. Hydrophobia 364 RABIES. has been set down as a sign of madness ; but expe- rience has clearly proved that a mad dog, even in a very advanced stage of the disease, has no dread of water, which he drinks, and in which he will even attempt to swim. At other times he attempts to drink, but deglutition is impossible ; the mouth is generally covered with saliva. It is false that the mad dog always carries his tail between his legs : first, this sign does not exist during the commencement of madness ; then it is observed in many other diseases, and in gen- eral in all dogs pursued or frightened. The mad dog always runs, they say, in a straight line ; this, too, is an error ; for when the animal is not pursued, he changes his direction, like any other dog, and moves in the direction of the objects which attract him. It is stated that other dogs avoid him ; but it is a positive fact that the dogs of a locality attack the mad dog who is a stranger to the place where they reside. It is stated also that a healthy dog has a repugnance to the saliva of a mad dog; but experience has found that when hungry he eats greedily the meat impregnated with this saliva. With respect to the cause, madness may be spon- taneous or communicated. The former is attributable to want of care, to a deficiency of good water, more especially in hot weather, to the influence of intense heat and intense cold, and to an impossibility to satisfy the venereal appetite. The other is developed only by inoculation with the saliva after a bite. In the latter case it seldom breaks out before the ninth day, and it may come on much later. None of the means proposed as capable of prevent- ing the development of madness is efficacious. It is the height of folly to excise the cartilaginous ligament situated under the tongue, we only mutilate the ani- mal, and render him almost incapable of drinking. The dog should be made to take every day a dose of belladonna, and if he have been bitten, the wound RHEUMATISM VARIOLA. 365 should be sprinkled frequently with water containing some drops of belladonna. Hydrophobium, as recom- mended by Hering, may be used internally. When the animal is rabid, the' best thing to be done is to kill him to prevent serious consequences. RHEUMATISM. This affection, which chiefly attacks sporting dogs and house dogs, is manifested by the way in which the animal limps with one paw, which he trails along, or holds raised up as he walks along, uttering com- plaints and bowlings, when he lays it down on the ground. On carefully examining the limb, no injury is discovered on it: but the joints are, generally speak- ing, a little swollen and hot, and sometimes also there is a residue of swelling after the fit is over. Exposure to cold is the most common cause of this disease. The animal must be kept warm, kept secured from the inclemency of the weather, and all animal food must be withdrawn. Bryonia and dulcamara are the most effectual internal remedies ; if the disease is in- veterate, they should be alternated with nux vomica, rhus, sulphur, calcarea, carbonica, &c. VARIOLA. This disease, which is common chiefly among young dogs, is cutaneous. The affected animal evinces great uneasiness, the breathing is perceptibly interfered with ; then generally on the third or fourth day small spots are observed on the belly similar to flea-bites, which, projecting above the skin, gradually increase in height, become pale at the centre and retain a red areola. By degrees they fill with a yellowish pus, then flatten and form a pustule, which dries after a lapse of time of greater or less length. The nose, at first dry and hot, becomes cool and moist, and the appetite' returns. When the disease follows this 31* 366 VOMITING — WARTS WOUNDS, simple cause, art should not interfere ; but if the spots have a deeper tint, if they do not rise above the skin, if they run together, the disease is no longer a mild one, and very often it proves fatal. The animal has its nose hot, breathes with difficulty and puts out the tongue ; it seeks for heat, does not eat, but drinks much, and in general it is affected with retention of urine and with constipation. If the dog is not val- uable, the best thing is to kill it before it infects the others ; for it is almost always lost. Should the dog be old, toxicodendron and arsenicum are to be given alternately ; after which dulcamara and causticum may be tried. VOMITING. Nothing in more common than spontaneous vomit- ing in dogs ; it occurs whenever the animal eats too much, and it does not interfere with the health, so that we need not be uneasy about it. Should it, how- ever, last for too long a time, cocculus should be ad- ministered : the simultaneous existence of diarrhoea would require veralrum, and if the cure was not soon effected, cuprum. WARTS. These are not common in dogs. The best mode of destroying them is by ligature. If they be jagged and rough, oozing, and bleeding, they should be mois- tened with the strong tincture of thuja ; nitri acidum and arsenicum are also useful. WOUNDS. Slight wounds cure of themselves, more especially when the dog's tongue can reach to lick it. When they are considerable, they should be treated exter- nally with arnica water, and if necessary two or three doses of arnica should be given internally. ANGINA APHTHA. 367 SECTION II. EXTERNAL DISEASES AND THOSE AFFECTING THE MOUTH AND THROAT. ANGINA, This is a very dangerous disease in the dog, as in- deed it is in all animals, and is generally owing to the dog's being exposed to cold after having been heated. It commences with a sense of cold in the ears and muzzle, which soon after become burning hot, accelera- tion in the beats of the heart, and difficulty of swallow- ing, which may proceed to such an extent that the drinks make their escape out by the nose. The ante- rior part of the neck, more especially on the laryngeal region, is swollen, and there is also swelling of the glands situate beneath the jaw and on the neck. When the tumor is considerable, and the breathing much embarrassed, the animal often dies from suffo- cation. Five or six doses of aconitum are to be given at the interval of half an hour ; then we are to wait for three or four hours. Sometimes the disease is completely removed ; but frequently also, though the inflammatory symptoms and the fever decline, the difficulty of deglutition and breathing continues. In this case one or two doses of belladonna or of spongia marina, are to be taken, and if these means do not effect a complete cure, we should have recourse to hepar sulphur is. APHTHA. Ulcers occasionally occur in the throat of the dog which resemble aphtha?, prevent the animal from swal- lowing, and cause it more or less pain. Two doses of aconitum, and after six or eight hours, one or two doses of mercurius vivus, are in general sufficient to 368 CORYZA DISEASES OF THE EARS. cure this disease perfectly. If there be, at the same time, external tumefaction of the neck, some doses of belladonna cause it to disappear. CORYZA. Coryza is often observed in lap-dogs after exposure to cold. Usually it is accompanied with cough and a discharge of mucus from the nose. The animal becomes inert, and loses appetite. Nux vomica is the remedy. EARS (DISEASES OF THE.) Two diseases of the ears are rather frequent in dogs — deafness, and otitis. Deafness is often occasioned by hardened cerumen. The hairs must then be cut, the wax be softened with warm soap and water, and then be removed with a small scoop. If the dog is old, the deafness depends on different causes hard to be discovered, which cir- cumstances almost always renders it incurable. Bel- ladonna, however, may be tried internally. Otitis is attributable sometimes to insects which have made their way into the ear, sometimes to rheu- matism. The dog complains and howls, scratches the ear with the hind-paw, becomes restless and unquiet, and calls for the aid of his master. The ear should be examined by the sun's light, and if insects should be discovered therein, an attempt should be made to extract them, or to kill them by means of oil. If none be perceived, the disease depends on some other cause ; the animal must be kept more warm than usual, and dulcamara, nux vomica, or belladonna, should be administered. Benefit has been derived, sometimes, from injecting warm-water containing two drops of opium. * Dogs for the chase are sometimes affected in the ears with corroding ulcers, which ultimately destroy OESOPHAGUS -— INJURIES OF THE FEET. 369 the cartilage. These ulcers are occasioned sometimes by an external, sometimes by an internal lesion, fre- quently also by excess of food and rest, sometimes by the weakness accompanying old age. Carbo veg-e- tabilis has been recommended. I have employed with success a few doses of arse?iicum, followed by sulphur. Recent experiments would seem to establish the effi- cacy of aranea diadema in such cases. CESOPHAGUS (FOREIGN BODIES IN THE.) The following symptoms show that a bone, a carti- lage, &c, have stopped in the oesophagus of a dog ; immediately after having eaten, the animal commences to cough, becomes restless, moans, appears to seek relief, and cannot swallow; the eyes become red and prominent ; a great quantity of mucus escapes from the mouth and nose. A little oil should be introduced into the throat, and the mouth and nose should be slopped until the animal coughs, or el-e the mouth is to be opened as much as possible, and warm water is to be poured into it, until the dog vomits. If these means do not suffice, an effort should be made to push the foreign body into the stomach, by means of a piece of whalebone or of a willow-stick, armed with a sponge steeped in oil, or to extract it with the forceps ; if these means fail we must make an incision into the oesophagus. When the oesophagus has been injured, a spoonful of water containing from two to three drops of arnica water should be taken twice a day, and for some days nothing but milk or soup be given for nour- ishment. FEET (INJURIES OF THE.) When dogs have got a nail, thorn, piece of glass, &c, into the foot, which makes them lame, the foreign body must be removed at once, the wound being laid open, if it be necessary, and there must be employed 370 SORE FEET BOILS LIPPITUDE. externally arnica water, which effects a cure in a short time. SORE FEET. Dogs, those more especially employed for the chace, which are much fatigued, which walk aud run on a hard, stony soil, or on congealed snow, or on roads, are liable to have ihe paws swollen, painful, excoriated, and bleeding. When the affection is not severe, it becomes cured of itself by the care with which the animal constantly licks it, a process which brings about the resolution of the inflammation and swelling. In the contrary case, the affected foot is to be washed with arnica water ; and if necessary, one or two doses of arnica should be given internally. FURUNCLES OR BOILS. The dog is, at times, subject to boils which appear on all parts of the^ body under the form of round, hard, red, and very painful tumors, the centre of which is raised, and which commonly suppurate. They are opened by an incision, when the centre is softened ; the pus is pressed out, and the return of the disease is prevented by administering nux vomica and hepar sul- pilaris for some days internally. LIPPITUDE. This affection is common in the dog. It is met as a symptom of an internal disease, or from too juicy a food, more especially animal food, or in consequence of want of exercise and continually stopping in* the house. In the first of these three cases, it is necessary to investigate the disease, and to meet it by proper means. In the third, the animal must be exercised every day, and his eyes must be washed with cold water. In the second, abstinence and a less succulent diet are the means to be employed. Internally, Pulsa- tilla should be recommended, as also ledum and nux SPONGE MANGE OPHTHALMIA. 371 vomica, the last particularly when the eye is at the same time very sensitive to light. Sulphur produces good effects also under most circumstances. In gene- ral lippitude is the consequence of another disease of the eye, chiefly ophthalmia ; it must then be attacked with cannabis, conium, euphrasia and causlicum. SPONGE. 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