^^: r S^i^^^ '#■ ■¥. ^>^. t*- L-: n- j^r e. ' i'- ••■ - ' 'm - 7-. *;--''v.-. 3 9090 013 407 032 ■ (• t ; i ■ V i - V ^ai Tioiihs/t(eie. P/tttes KJ^'f'o/t/ i't€w of /Ae A TKEATISE ON VETERINARY MEDICINE^ CONTAINING A COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART: OR, AV Accmfate Description of the Diseases of the Horse, and Oit-ir Mode of Treatment ; The Anatomy and Physiology of the Foot ; nnd The Principles and Practice of Shoeing. ItLVSTHATED BY FtATEs': V^ith Obst'ivations on Stable Management, Feeding, Exercise, and Condition. BY JAMES WHITE, OF EXETER, LATE VETERINARY SURGEON TO THE FIRST OR ROYAL DRAGOON'S. Dedicated, by Permlsj'on, " TO ■ MIS ROYAL HIGHNFSS THE DUKE OF YORK. THE EIGHTH EDITION, CONSIDERABLY KNI.AKGTB. L ON DON: FUINTED FOR J. JOHNSON, ST. ALl's CHURCHYARD ; AND LONGMAN, HURST, REES, AND ORME, PATERNOSTER- ROW, . 1807, , C-a«^4iae. iM^» PREFACE. itiinute detail of symptoms and of a more varied plan of cure is considered. The only addition to the article of shoeing is an improved method of shoeing flat and convex feet. For this the author is in- debted to the Honourable Newton Fellowes of Eggsford, whose reputation as a sports- man is equalled by his accurate know- ledge of the general management of the liorse. The liberal support which the Author has experienced from this gentle- man, during his residence in Devonshire, claims his warmest acknowledgements. The patronage with vv'hich the public have honoured him will ever be remembered with gratitude, and stimulate him to con- tinue his exertions in contributing to im- prove the condition of the most useful of animals. Veterinary Estahlishnent, Exe hlandf Exeter, ■ '^_ -'.'■ (CAV.C.w) A COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART, &c. CHAPTER L Introduction. 1 HERE is scarcely a disease to wliic^li the Horse is liable, that will not appear, upon a strict examination, either to consist in, or to be a consequence of inflammation, which, when it attacks any of the internal organs, gives rise to his most dangerous diseases : thus an inflam- mation of the lungs, bowels, or any of the internal parts, will produce that kind of de- rangement in the system which is termed a fever, the violence of which will be proportioned to the degree and extent of the inflammation, and the importance of the inflamed organ in the VOL. L B 2 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. animal economy. It appears necessary there- fore, as an introduction to this work, to give a sketch of the anatomy of those internal organs, and to point out the various functions they per- form ; after which it will be proper to give a general description of inflammation, w^ith its different modes of termination. We sometimes, however, meet with diseases which seem to originate in debility ; but many of these will be found, if carefully attended to at the commencement, to begin with some degree of increased action of the system ; and though bleeding may be improper, a mild purgative will generally prove very bene- ficial. In the former editions of this work, scarcely anv notice was taken of these diseases: we shall, in the present, therefore, describe parti- cularly, under the head Fever ^ their symptoms, causes, and most effectual mode of treatment. STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE INTERNAL ORGANS. The hollow part of the body is divided into two cavities by a strong muscular partition INTERNAL ORGANS. termed the diaphragm or midrifF; the anterior part is named the thgrax or chest: and the posterior the abdomen or beily. The thorax contains t\\e lungs and heart ; the abdomen the stomachy intestines ^ liver, spleen or mik, pan^ creas or sweetbread, kidneys, and bladder. Of the Lungs. In describing the lungs, it is necessary ttj begin with the trachea or windpipe, which is a cyhndrical cartilaginous tube, extending from the throat to the chest. The trachea is not made up of one entire cartilage, but of several cartilaginous rings, which are united by strongr membranes ; and such is the elasticity of these cartilages, that the tube is enabled to preserve its cylindrical form, even when it receives con- siderable pressure, and thereby affords free in- gress and egress to the air in respiration. The membranes also are elastic, so that the wind- pipe may be either elongated, shortened, or bent, in some degree. The upper part of the trachea is composed of stronger cartilages than the other parts of the tube, and is termed larynx ; to this is connected ^ B 2 4 COMPENDIUM OF THE VJF.TEIUNARY ART, curious kind of valve, called epiglottis, which is always open, except in the act of swallowing: it is then forced down upon the larynx, so as to prevent food, or any thing which may he passing over the throat, from falling into the wind- pipe. Where the trachea joins the chest, it divides into numerous branches, which gradually becomino- smaller, at lenoth terminate in minute cells : the lungs, indeed, are made up of the ramifications of the trachea and blood-vessels; the interstices being hlled with a cellular mem- brane, which serves not only to unite them, but likewise to sjive a uniform and homoo'eneous appearance to the whole mass. The lungs are covered with a fine delicate membrane called the pleura, which also covers the internal surface of the ribs and diaphragm, and, by stretching across the chest from the spine to the breast- bone, divides the thorax into two cavities ; this part of the pleura is therefore named viedias- tiinim. On every part of the pleura an aqueous fluid is secreted for the purpose of preventing a cohesion of the parts ; and when this is produced too abundantly, it constitutes the disease termed hydrothorax, or dropsy of the chest. The pleura, though so fine a membrane, is im- pervious to air; which may be proved on the INTERNAL ORGANS. dead animal, by ruptaring one or more of the small branches of the windpipe, and then blovvinor into the lunc^s. The air which is forced in will then escape through the rup- tured parts, and be diffused in the cellular membrane*, so as to make the lungs appear mucii larger than they were berore. When the air is at lencrth forced to the surface of the o lungs, it will be prevented from escaping by * The cellular membrane is that which connects the variou« parts ot tiie body wua ea(.ii otiier , it Qot only uiv.tes the skm te the ilesn, and the id -^i luasoijs to euch oclioi, b;jt is e.u.ilojtid also to LOd,ttct tue. uiaiuie ribics wiiica ccupose tiio sk n, moscicSi oic, ; miA thvieiuiv; it is aiiCived, t;Uit t!ve ceil i._r meniDfaiie exists in eveiy yud oi tiic boay, hawevef m.a'.te ; and is lu sOiU..' paita so iiii-, as to oc inv^iiiiDie, vvhiic Li others, as bt;|:weea tne snoa.dcibUde aiid thj ubs, it is vcvy .onspicuaai The cellular .aeiubrane is Composed ot ceiis o. vd4io>.s siics, wliich comminiicate treely with euch orher, so that il a Llowprpe be put uito one of the cehs, and air iorced throagfi it, a!l the neigliboufing parts will be blown up to a considerable size. A familiar example Oi this is the practice among butchers ot blowing up the cellular membrane ot a shoulder ot veal. It sometimes happens in the case ot a fractured rib, that one end of the bone is forced into the lungs, so as to wound the branches ot the windpipe and the pleura; the air which is inspired whi then escape; and, as the wound communicates with the cellular membrane between the muscles of the ribs, the air gradually diffuses itself through ail the contiguous parts; and we have sometimes seen the Avhole body, and even the cellular mem- brane about the eye, inflated from this cause. 6 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. the pleura, which will be blown up, and ap- pear like an inflated bladder on the surface of the lungs. If this be punctured, the air will soon escape, and the lungs will return to their original size. This circumstance is no- ticed, as it is supposed to happen spmetimes in the living animal, and to be the cause of broken wind. (See Broken Wind and Chronic Cough.) The lungs are divided into two parts, or lobes, one of which is situate in each cavity of the thorax : this division seems to have been pro- vided in case of accidents, it having been proved, that when one lobe is incapable of per- forming its function in consequence of injury or disease, the other has been found adequate to the support of life. The lungs are the organs of respiration or breathing ; but they do not appear to be actively concerned in the performance of this oflice: when the diaphragm and the muscles of the belly and ribs contract, the cavity of the thorax is considerably diminished, and the lungs so compressed, that all the air contained in them is forced out through the windpipe ; when this has been effected, the muscles relax, and the thorax returns to its oriq-inai size. There would now be a vacuum between the in- INTERNAL ORGANS. teriial surface of the ribs, and the external sur- face of the lungs, did not the air rush in through the windpipe, and so distend its branches and cells as to make the lungs com- pletely fill the cavity. Thus are the lungs con- stantly employed in inspiration and expiration ; and this process, which we call breathing, is car- ried on by the combined action of the diaphragm, and the muscles of the ribs aiid abdomen. It is supposed that the elasticity of the lungs, or rather of the branches of the windpipe, materially contributes to this important action, in the same manner as a bottle of elastic gum, or Indian-rubber, fills itself either with air or water, from its great elasticitj^ If a small pipe or quill be tied to the m.outh of one of those bottles, and the air pressed out by the hand; as soon as the pressure is removed, the bottle will resume its oritrinal form, and consequently be filled with air again. If the mouth of the bottle or the pipe be put into water after the air has been pressed out, on removing the pressure, the bottle will be filled with water. 8 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. Of the Heart The heart is placed nearly in the middle of the thorax : it is rather conical in its form ; the apex inclining towards the left side; its base attached to the bones of the back and ribs : it is loosely invested with a membrane or sac, termed pericardiuniy vulg^iYly heart- bag. This sac always contains a small quantity of fluid, which serves to lubricate its internal surface, as well as the surface of the heart, to prevent their cohesion, and suffer them to move freely upon each other. Sometimes this fluid accu- mulates, from a diseased action of the vessels which form it, to a considerable degree. This kind of drops}^ generally accompanies that of the chest. The heart is divided into two cavi- ties, termed ventricles, each of them having a small hollow appendage, which, from a slight resemblance it bears to a doo-'s ear, is named auricle. The blood-vessels proceed from these cavities, the arteries from the ventricles, the veins from the auricles ; the former serving to carry the blood from the heart to every part of the body, for the purposes of nourislnnent, secretion of the various juices, and stimu- lating the system to action, as well as for fiu*" INTERNAL ORGANS. 9 nishing the various parts with the vital prin- ciple; the latter conveying back the blood, thus deprived of its essential parts, to the heart, that it maybe renovated by circulating through the lungs, as we shall now describe more particularly. When the left ventricle is full of blood, it contracts so powerfully as to force its contents into the aoi'ta or o-rand artery, by which the blood is distributed all over the body; it is then taken iip by the veins, and conveyed by them into the iHght auricle, whence it flows into the right ven- tricle ; this also, when it is sufficiently dis- tended, contracts upon its contents, and pro- pels the blood into the pulmonary artery, by which it is conveyed to every part of the lungs. The pulmonary veins then receive it, and convey it to the left auricle, whence it is propelled into the left ventricle, that it may again be distributed by the aorta to every part of the body. The blood is thus conunually circulatino- through the body ; and this process may be con- sidered as one of the most important actions that is performed in the animal machine. If it be stopped for a few seconds, all motion is sus- pended ; and if it be prevented a lonsrer time B 5 1 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERlNAUY ART. from going on, vitality is destroyed. The function of the kings is of equal importance in the animal economy, and cannot be stopped even for a short time, without suspending or totally destroying animation. Ancient phj'sio- logists had a very imperfect idea of the manner in which these organs so essentially contributed to the support of life : the moderns, however, have been more successful in their researches ; they have discovered that the blood derives from the air, which is taken into the lungs, the most important properties, without which it would be a useless vapid mass, totally inadequate to the purposes for which it was designed. If we examine the blood in the left 'ventricle of the heart, and in the arteries, it will be found of a bright scarlet colour, and replete with those properties which render it capable of nourishing the body, and stimulating the whole system to action : in the veins it becomes of a much darker colour; and when it arrives at the right ventricle is nearly black, and destitute of those enliveninpc qualities which it possessed when in the left ventricle : had not the Deity then pro- vided some means for its renovation, it would have been quite unfit for a second circulation, and the duration of life must have been short INTERNAL ORGANS. 1 1 indeed ; but from the right ventricle it is con- veyed by the pulmonary artery to the lungs, at the moment they are distended with air : here the blood undergoes a wonderful alteration, it resumes its bright scarlet colour, and is returned by the pulmonary veins to the left side of the heart, with all its original and essential quali- ties restored to it. It is proper to observe, that there are valves placed in such situations, as effectually prevent the blood from taking a retrosrrade course. Were it not for this con- trivance, the blood would as readily be forced into the left auricle as into the great artery^ when the left 'ventricle^ which lies between them, con- tracts, or shrinks up ; and so of the other parts. Hence we may learn how important are the functions of respiration and the circulation of blood, how essential to the life of animals, and bow dependent they are on each other. Viscera of the Abdomen. Having finished our description of the tho-. racic viscera, we proceed to notice those of the abdomeyi, or belly ; the first and most important of which is the stomacL Whatever this orofan 12 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. receives is conveyed to it by a long muscular tube, named Gcsophagus, or gullet. The oeso- phagus originates in the throat, where its size is considerable, but it suddenly diminishes into a small tube, and is continued of the same size to the stomach : the upper part has been thought to resemble a funnel in its form, and is distinguished by the term phari/n.v. The pharynx is situate immediately behind the larynx J or beginning of the windpipe ; l)ut is not, like it, composed of strong cartilage or cristle : it is formed of membrane with a mus- cular covering, which by contracting forces the masticated food down the gullet, or. oeso- phagus. As it is absolutely necessary to breathing that the larynx should be always open, it is therefore composed of strong car- tilage, which cannot easily, or by moderate pressure, be squeezed together and shut up : but this structure is not requisite in the pha- rynx, as it only requires to be opened occa- sionally ; and then the muscles of the tongue are able to force food or water into it, while its own muscles continue to force the food or water downward, tljirough the gullet, into the stomach. We have before observed, that, while the food or- water is passing over the INTERNAL ORGANS. 13 tongue into the pharynx, it cannot fall into the windpipe, on account of its being covered by the valve epiglottis^ which is forced down upon the windpipe by the food, as it passes into the pharynx, so as to shut it com- pletely. If at this instant the animal happen to cough, that is, throw out air with conside- rable force from the lungs, the valve is for a moment opened by it, and a little of the food or water is liable to get into the windpipe, whence it is soon expelled by violent coughing. The oesophagus, having passed along the throat and back part of the chest, penetrates through the dit.^^ lii'agm, and terminates in the stomach. The oesophagus of a horse has on its internal surface an insensible membrane, which stretches into the stomach, and lines nearly one half of its surface : this peculiarity enables us to account in some measure for the inac- tivity of many violent poisons when given to the horse. In the human oes^ophagus, this membrane does not exist, the whole of its in- ternal surface, as well as that of the stomach, being exquisitely sensible. If two grains of emetic tartar be swallowed by a man, they soon occasion violent vomiting j 14 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. whereas two hundred times that quantity would produce no sensible effect upon the horse. At the cardiac orifice, or that part where tlie oeso- phagus enters the stomach, its internal coat is so loose as to be thrown into folds, appearing as if it were designed as a valve to prevent the regurgitation of the contents of the stomach ; from this cause, as well as from the insensi- bility of the membrane, with which great part of the stomach is lined, u horse very rarely vomits ; but the opinion that he is totally inca- pable of that action, is certainly not true, as I have once seen a horse vomit considerabl3\ This vomiting came on spontaneously, and soon ceased. There is no medicine we are acquainted with capable of producing this ac- tion in the horse's stomach-, and its occurrence is very rare, this being the only case I ever saw : but I have been informed of two similar cases. When we examine the throat, another valvular structure may be observed, (which is peculiarly large in the horse) formed by the epiglottis or valve of the windpipe, and a mem- branous substance that hangs from the back part of the roof of the mouth : this is termed "velum pendulum palati. These bodies form INTERNAL ORGx\NS. 15 a very complete valve, which opens downward only, thereby preventing the return of any thino^ throus^h the mouthy either from the luno-s or stomach : thus we find that a horse breathes only through his nose, except in coughing, by which the valve is so derancred as to allow the air, so thrown out from the lungs, to pass through the mouth. In the case of vomiting I have just men- tioned, the contents of the stomach were at "first observed to pass through the nose ; at length, by a violent cough, the valve was de- ranged, and a considerable quantity of fluid, mixed with masticated hay and oats, was eva- cuated by the mouth. That part of the stomach where the ceso- phagus terminates is called the cardiac orifice ; and that where the intestines begin is termed pylorus. The intestines or bowels consist of one very long tube, which terminates at the mius. In the horse the intestines measure nearly thirty yards; but being convoluted in order to adapt them to the cavity in which they are placed, they have the appearance of several distinct parts. The internal surface of a horse's intestinea 16 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINxiRY ART. are not lined with that insensible membrane which is found in the oesophagus and upper part of the stomach; on the contrary, it is en- dued with a hiQ:h detrree of sensibility, and appears to be more susceptible of irritation than that of most other animals. From this irritability of the intestines it is, that many horses have been destroyed by the administration of strong purgatives, and hence arises the necessity of using these medicines with skill and caution. The intestinal tube is not, throughout its whole extent, of a uniform size; that part next the stomach is rather small, and continues for about twenty yards nearly of the same di- ameter; it then becomes very large, but again diminishes before it's termination at the anus. Anatomists, in describing the intestinal canal, divide it into two parts, viz. the small and the large intestines ; these are subdivided, the former into duodenum^ jejunum^ and ileum) the latter into ccecuyiij colon, and rectatn. All the internal surface of the intestinal tube is covered with a mucous substance, for the purpose of defending it from the action of acrimonious bodies. The various convolutions of the intestines are held together by a luemr INTERNAL ORGANS. H brane called mesentery^ which not only serves this purpose, but affords also a bed for the lacteals^ or those small vessels by which the nutritious parts of the food are conveyed to the heart, to be converted into blorr 1. Before we proceed to a particular description of these vessels, it will be necessary to explain the pro- cess of nutrition. When food is taken into the mouth, it is broken down by the teeth, and so mixed with saliva, as to be in a proper state for entering the stomach; it is then, by the. ur.ited action of the toncfue and muscles of the throat, forced into the oesophagus, u hence it passes into the stomach. In this organ it undergoes a consi- derable alteration ; for here Nature has pro- vided a curious liquid called gastric juice. which has the property of dissolving every thino- that is taken into the stomach, and of converting it into a soft pulpy mass, of a uniform and homogeneous appearance. When the food has been thus altered, "^the mass is forced by a contraction of the stomach into the duodenum, or first part of the intestinal canal ; this mass, however, does not consist wholly of nutritive parts, or such as are fit for the for- mation of blood; and another operation is ne- 18 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. cessary in order to separate them from such as are useless ; this seems to be effected by the bile and pancreatic juice*. There is a peculiarity, however, in the sto- mach and intestines of the horse, which it is proper here to describe. The stomach of the horse is small in proportion to his general bulk, and has nearly half of its inner surface covered with a stronc: insensible membrane of a white colour. This is the part to which botts are generally attached, which explains why these worms so often exist in the stomach without doing any mischief. This insensible membrane is supposed also to enable the stomach to press upon the solid food it may contain, and assist the gastric juice in re- ducing it to a soft mass : but diixestion is far from being perfect in the stomach of the horse, and appears to be completed in the large intestines, ccecum and colon. This con- trivance seems absolutel}' necessary in the horse, when we consider the wonderful speed and exertion of which he is capable, and for which Nature appears to have designed him. * This opinion hzis been proved by the experiments of i\Ir, Astley Cooper, lecturer on anatomy and surgery, and assist- ant surgeon of St. Tiiomab's Hospital. INTERNAL ORGANS. 19 The OX, the sheep, and other niminaiit ani- mals, have four large stomachs, the smallest of which, even in the sheep, is as large as that of the horse. These animals take in a large quantity of food at once, and digest it at their leisure, from which they feel no incon- venience : but the horse, even in a state of natuie, is differently employed. Rapidity of motion and strength are necessary to his pre- servation ; and in his domesticated state it is more particularly required. Hence, he is formed with a small stomach, which requires frequent supplies, and is no impediment to his exertions. From this will appear the absurdity of keeping a horse a considerable time without food or water, and then suffering him to take in a large quantity : incurable and even fatal diseases have arisen from this management. In the ox and sheep, digestion is completed in the fourth stomach : the first ^omach is very capacious; and, when filled with food which is swallowed hastily, and without much masti- cation, is stimulated to contract upon its con- tents, and is perhaps assisted by the efforts of the animal ; that opening of the stomach which communicates v» ith the (jesophagus and mouth, being considerably larger than that which leads 20 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. to the second stomach ; and the food being so gross and miperfectly masticated, that it cannot easily pass throiigli a small oritice, it neces- sarily follows that a contraction of the stomach will force the food through the larger opening, and cause it to return to the mouth, where it undergoes a n)ore complete mastication, and is rendered so soft and pulpv, by the addition of saliva, as to pass readily through the smaller oriiice into the seconi stomach. The horse, in a state of nature, is almost constantly feeding; and the food which he takes in, is retained but a short time in the stom ich ; digestion seems to be going on nearly throuirh the whole of the intestines, and appears to be chiefly effected in the coe- cum, or bhnd gut, which in the horse is re- markably large and capacious. From these curious contrivances, the horse's stomach is never so loaded with food as to hinder the action of the lungs, and hnpede his velocity. It must be confessed, however, that this does sometimes happen; not from the natural in- clination of the animal, but from the folly, neghgence, or cruelty of his keeper. I have been the more particular in describing the stomach; as tiie subject js comiected with, INTERNAL ORGANS. 21 and will tend to elucidate, some important diseases. The bile is formed by the liver, a larg^e glandular bod\, divided into several lobes, and situate immediately behind the diaphragm, to which it is firmly attached. The form of the liver is too well known to require a particular description ; we have only to observe, therefore, that the bile, which it secretes, is conveyed by the hepatic duct into the duodenum, within three or four inches of its origin. In man, and the greater part of quadrupeds, all the bile does not flow immediately into the intestine, there being a small vessel connected with the hepatic duct, which conveys a certain portion into a sac that is attached to the liver, and -called the gall-bladder, whence it is occasion- ally expelled : but this does not exist in the horse, although Mr. Taplin, in his ' Stable Directory,' has attempted to give an accurate description of its situation and diseases ! From what we have just said ^of the pecu- liarity in the digestive organs of the horse, the reason of his havinoj no 2:all-bladJer will rea- dily appear. In man, and many animals, the food is retained a considerable time in the stomach ; during which, the bilious iiuid, qs 22 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERIXARY ART. gall, is not wanted; therefore Nature has pro- vided a reseiToir, the gall-bladder ; for as the bile is constantly forminn; by the liver, so would it be as constantly flowing into the first intes- tine, were it not for the gall-bladder, which would have occasioned a great waste of this useful fluid. Daring the time of digestion, the food is shut up in the stomach, the ptflorus being closed, and the first intestine empty. The orifice of the duct which conveys the bile into this intestine, being without its usual sti- mulus, the digested food, becomes torpid ; and, as the action of the whole duct depends upon its orifice being stimulated, the bile, instead of passing through it, flows into the gall- bladder, where it remains until the digestive process is so far completed, that the food begins to fliow from the stomach into the intes- tine. The biliary duct is then stimulated to action; the gall-bladder partakes of the irri- tation, and, assisted by the pressure of the distended intestine, contracts upon its con- tents, and forces the bile through the duct, into the intestine, where it mingles with the digested food, and causes a separation of the chyle, or nutritious parts. It nuist be obvious, that, as the horse is INTERNAL ORGANS. 23 t___ . ■-. ■ — ■ ■,.■■,. - — ■ — ... ■ - ■..■ . .. __* almost constantly feeding, and as digestion is continually going on in his stomach and intes- tines, that a constant flow of bile is necessary, and therefore that a srall-bladder would be useless, perhaps injurious. The pancreas is also a glandular body, and secretes a fluid somewhat resemblhig saliva, which is conveyed by the pancreatic duct into the duodenum, at the same place where the hepatic duct enters. When these fluids (the bile and pancreatic juice) are poured into the intestine, they mingle with the mass of digested food which has been expelled from the stomach, and separate from it all those essential parts which are fit to be converted into blood ; this process is term.ed chylification. We have before observed, when describing the mesentery, or that membrane by which the intestines are held together, that an immense number of small de- licate vessels are spread over its surface, named lacteals, from their containing a fluid which in its appearance resembles milk. This fluid consists in fact of the essential parts of the food proceeding to the heart, in order to be converted into blood. All the lacteals open into the intestines, and cover the whole of their internal surface^ where they are always dis- 24 COMPENDItTM OF THE VETERINARY ARl. posed to absorb the nutritious parts of the food ill its passage through the intestinal canal. Some physiologists suppose, that the mouths of the lacteals have the power of selecting such parts of the food as are tit to be converted into blood, that no previous separation takes place, and that the bile serves, only as a natural pur- gative, constantly stimulating the intestines, thereby keeping up a small degree of motion in them, and promoting the expulsion of the feculent parts of the food. It will probably be asked, how it is that the mass of food passes through the intestines, since they are so convoluted that it cannot possibly be effected by the power of gravity ? but if we examine their structure, this phe- nomenon may be readily explained. The in- testines arc composed, in great measure, of muscular fibres, some of which run in a circular^ and others in a loyigitudiiud direction: when the circular fibres contract, the diameter of the canal is diminished ; and when the longitudinal fibres are in action, it becomes shorter ; and, by the combined action of these fibres, the food is gradually propelled through the whole length of the intestinal canal. The motion thus ex- cited may be distinctly seen m an animal re- INTERNAL ORGANS. 25 cently killed, and in some it continues a con- siderable time after death. The intestine, however, is not entirely composed of muscular fibres; its internal surface is lined with a fine nervous and muscular membrane, which is en- dued with exquisite sensibility, and has the power of forming on its surface a mucous sub- stance, which serves to protect it from the action of acrimonious bodies. Beside the muscular and nervous coat, there is another which enters into the composition of the in- testine : this is a thin membrane trailed peri- tonaeum. The peritonaeum not only forms the third and external coat, it likewise enve- lops all the organs contained in the abdomen, fomiino: their external coat, and is closelv con- nected with them, and is then so reflected as to form a kind of sac, in v»'hich they are all inclosed. Thus are the intestines composed of three coats, which are closely in contact with each other; the peritonaeal, the muscular, and the nervous coat. We have yet to describe the course of the lactealsy or those vessels which take up the chjde or nutritious parts of the food. We have before observed that they are spread upon the mesentery, whence they pass ow TOL. I. c 26 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART, tovyard the spine, becoming kvger and less numerous in their progress ; at lengtii they terminate in a large tube, which runs along the spine, and is named tiie thoracic duct ; tiiis pours its contents into a large vein near the heart, to which part it is immediiitely after conveyed, and converted into blood. The kidneys are two glandular bodies, situate within the loins ; their office is to separate urine from the blood. The urine, thus separated, is conveyed by two tubes of considerable length, termed ureters, into the bladder, which is composed of three coats, like those of the intestine ; and when it has received a sufhcient quantity of urine to sti- niulate its muscular fibres into action, it con- ti'acts upon the urine, and forces it out through the urethra or urinar}^ canal. We have now finished our sketch of the abdomi- nal and thoracic viscera; which has been given with a view to render the description we are a])out to gite of internal diseases more in- telligible to those readers who are unacquainted with anatomy, than it would otherwise have been. 27 CHAPTER IL Injlmnmation. IT was supposed by the celebrated Boerhaave, and other physiologists of his time, that in- flammation depended on a viscidity of th.e blood, which rendered it unfit for circulating in the finer vessels ; and that hence arose obstructions, and those appearances by which the disease is characterised. This opinion, how- ever, has obtained very little credit with modern physiologists, and is now^ universally rejected ; it having been proved, that blood drawn from an animal labourincr under inflammation is more fluid, and remains fluid longer, than that w^hich is taken from the same animal when in health. The most prevailing opinion at present re- spectingv inflammation is, I believe, that it consists in an increased action of the heart and arteries, when general; whereby the blood circulates with unusual velocity, throw- insj the whole system hito derans:ement; and C 2 25 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. vvhen localy or existing in a particular part*, tKe increased action is in like manner con- fined to the vessels of that part. When a part is inflamed, there arises in it an unusual deo^ree of heat, oenerallv at- tended with considerable tension and swell- ing; the sensibility and irritabilit}- are always increased, and produced by it in parts where it did not before exist. In bones and tendons, for example, scarcely any sensibility can be perceived when they are in a state of health ; ^ * In local inflammation, though the larger arteries of the part have their action increased, it is probable that their small branches, wliich from their minute size are termed capillary aateries, are in a state of debility, and distended with blood, which they are inca- pable of getting lid of; the larger arteries; acting with vmusual strength and quickness, will of course force a greater quantity of blood than usual into these delicate vessels, so as to stretch them beyond their tone, and render them incapable of contracting upon tlieir contents. This accounts for swelling, heat, and redness of an inflamed part, and shows the utility of bleeding by leeches on such occtislons; as these worms attack orily the capillary arteries, drawing otf the superfluous blood, and enabUng them to recover their strength, and contract as before. This doctrine points out also the efficacy of general bleeding, and purging, in local inflam- mation, which tend to moderate tlie action of the larger arteiies, and cause them to pour no more blood into their minute branches than they are capable of forcing into their terminations — the veins. We thought it p oper to say thus inuch of the thconj of jn'.lammalion, as it may lead to a better practice tlian is com- Tnonly adopted in treating the inllammatory complaints of Uorse5c. INFLAMMATION. 29 but, when inflamed, it is roused to an alarming degree, and the most dangerous consequences may ensue from it. Inflammation has four modes of termination : the first is termed resoliition', that is, when the disease, after jroins: a certain lensfth, o;ra- dually disappears again : the second, suppu- ration ; that is, when matter is formed, or an abscess produced : the third is named effitsion^ which implies an extravasation either of blood, "-•coagulable lymph, or serum : a!id the fourth, ganf!:rene or mortification, by which is meant the death of the inflamed part. Inflammation of the external parts is gene- rally occasioned by some mechanical injury, such as wound.-;, bruises, &c. : sometimes, however, it arises from 2'/?^£^r/?t^/ inflammation, or symptomatic fever, and is then to be con- sidered as an eflbrt of nature to cure the internal disease. Thus v/e sometimes find in fevers abscesses taking place on the surface of the body, whereby the fever is considerably diminished, and, in general, terminates fa- vourably. Inflammation is often produced by plethora, or redundancy of blood in the body; in which 'JO COMPExVDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. case it is sometimes gentnd, die whole arterial system having its action increased : this also may be considered as an effort of nature to oet rid of the superfluous blood, and in such cases she nmst be assisted by copious bleeding. It more commonly happens, ho\ve\er, that the redundant blood is determined to some par- , ticular part, occasioning local indammation ; very frequently falling upon some of the in- ternal organs, and the lungs are peculiarly liable to suffer; from this source, indeed, their most dangerous fevers arise. The eyes also are very apt to suffer when a horse becomes plethoric, to which cause, I believe, almost all the diseases of that delicate organ may be attributed. In the treatment of external uiflammation, we should endeayour to bring it to the most favourable termination, that is, resolution ; unless when it arises from an effort of nature to cure^ some internal disease; — it is then desirable to bring it speedily to suppuration. The remedies to be employed for resolving inflammation are, local or general bleedhig, (see Index, Bleeding) purgatives, fomentations, poultices, or the saturnine lotion, made warm; INFLAMMATION. 3i sometimes, indeed, I have seen cold applications used with success, such as sal ammoniac dis- solved in vinegar, goulard, ikc.'^ When inflammation takes place in tendinous part5 or joints, tiie saturnine poultice has been found an useful remedy, and in -the latter case I have often found blisters extremely efficacious. As in these cases the iaflammation generally proves more troublesome, and as the pain which it occasions is often so considerable as to pro- duce symptomatic fever, it becomes necessary to employ, without loss of time, the most prompt and efficacious means for its reduction ; with this view we excite rtr/Z^V/r// inflammation in the contiguous skin and cellular membrane, which are parts of far less importance in the animal economy than joints or tendons, and capable of bearing a considerable degree of in- flammation, without much inconvenience to the animal : this is done by means of rowels and blisters, and the inflammation, thus excited, will tend in a considerable desrree to diminish that which is going on in the more important part. Should we fail in our endeavours to 7^e- sohe inflammation, it will probably terminate * Since writing the above, I have often employed cold reme- dies, in local inflammation, \vilh great advantage. 32 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. in suppuration i and when it appears that the tlisease does not abate hy the use of the reme- dies we have recommended, an assiduous ap- phcation of fomentations and poultices will expedite the suppurative process, and afford great relief to the animal. When the inflam- mation, or rather the swelling which it occa- sions, arrives at this state, it is temied an abscess, in wiiich, when the suppuration is complete, and it contains matter, a fluctu- ation may be felt, upon its being pressed by- two fingers alternately. This point being as- certained, an opening is to be made with 9, lancet or knife, in such a way that the matter may be completely evacuated, and a future ac- cumulation prevented : it is then to be dressed with dic^estive liniment or ointment. Should CD the wound appear indisposed to heal when this treatment has been pursued for a short time, discharging a thin offensive matter, and want- ing that red appearance by which the healing- process is indicated, the detergent lotion will soon remove these unfavourable appearances; the discharge will become whiter and thicker, and red granulations of new flesh will sprout up. Should these granulations, however, be- come luxuriant, constituting ^vhat is commonly INFLAMMATION. 33 termed proud flesh, they are to be kept down by means of the caustic pofvder. It sometimes happens, that when a part is inflamed and swollen, instead of going on to suppuration, it des^enerates into a hard and almost insen- sible tumour : this depends on the inflamma- tion having terminated in effusion of coagulable lymph, and is to be removed by stimulating embrocations or blisters. When inflammation runs very high, as is sometimes the case in violent bruises, or deep and extensive wounds of the lacerated kind, it may terminate in gangrene or mortification, which is generally attended with danger : in this case, the matter discharged, instead of being white and thick, consists of a dark-co- loured fluid, of a peculiar offensive smell; the constitution is generally affected, the pulse becoming quick, weak, and sometimes irregular; the appetite goes off"; and there is a great degree of debility. -Should the in- flammation terminate in this way, if it arise from a wound, let it be dressed with digestive liniment, oil of turpentine, or camphorated spirit of wine ; the diseased parts should be scarified, and fomentations applied almost in- cessantly, until the mortified par^s appear to C .5 'H COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. separate, and the matter loses in great mea- j;ure its offensive smell, appearing whiter and more thick. When the horse is weakened by the disease, and loses his appetite, particularly if there be a copious discharge from the wound, oiie or two of the foliowinn; cordial balls are to be given daily : No. 1. Yellow Peruvian bark, 1 oz. Ginger, powdered, - 2 drams. Opium, - - - 1 dram. Oil of carraways, - 20 drops. Sjrup enough to make a ball for one dose. No. 2. Yellow Peruvian bark. Powdered snake root, Powdered cassia, Oil of cloves. Syrup enough to form a ball for one dose. Remark. — The opium, in the ball No. 1, is to be omitted when the horse is costive, or if it appear to take off his appetite ; but when the disease is accompanied with a jd urging, ii is extremely useful. \ oz. 2 drams. if dram. 20 drops. INFLAMMATION. 3 5 When any of the inter )ial parts are inflamed, afover is generally produced, the violence of ^vhich will depend upon the importance of the inflamed organ, as well as upon the extent of the inflammation ; some of the internal parts being more essential to life than others, and, when inflamed, occasioning: of course o-reater derangement in the system. The onlyj'avour- able terminations, to which internal inflamma- tion can be brought, are resolution and efl'u- sion,; and as the first is by far the most desi- rable, the most vigorous measures should be adopted in order to effect it. The most impor- tant remedy in these cases is copious bleedings and the earlier it is employed the more effec- tual will it prove : the next remedy is external ■inflammation y artificially excited by means of rowels and bhsters. The fever powder, and occasional clysters^ are of considerable service. 36 CHAPTER III. Fever. 1 HE fevers of horses bear very little analogy to those of the human body, and require a dif- ferent treatment. Writers on farriery have described a great variety of fevers, but their observations appear to have been drawn from the works of medical authors, and their rea- «:>ning seems entirely analogical. I can dis- tinguish only two kinds of fever, the one, an \<,liopathic or origii>al disease, and therefore properly termed simple ; the other dependent on ijiternal inflammation, and very justly de- nominated symptomatic fever. For example, if the lungs, bowels, or stomach were inflamed, the whole system would be thrown into dis- order, and a symptomatic fever produced : bat if a collapse of the perspiring vessels happen to take place, the blood will accu- mulate in the interior parts of the body ; and FEVEPw. 37 though inflammation is not produced by it, the unequal disferibution of the blood alone will occasion that derangement in the system which constitutes the simple fever. The simple fe- ver does not occur so frequently as the symp- tomatic, nor is it by any means so formidable in its appearance ; yet it is necessary to give it the earliest attention, for unless nature re- ceives tmielv assistance, she will be sometimes unable to get rid of the load which oppresses her; and the blood will accumulate in the in- terior part of the. body, until inflammation in some of the viscera is produced, and a dange- rous disease established. The following are the symptoms of simple fever: — shivering, succeeded by loss of appetite, dejected ap- pearance, quick pulse, hot mouth, and some degree of debility : the horse is generally- costive, and voids his urine with diflicnlty. The disease is often accompanied with quick- ness of breathing, and in a few cases with pain in the bowels, or symptoms of colic. As soon as a horse is attacked by this dis- ease, let him be bled freely ; and if costive- ness be one of the symptoms, give a pint of castor oil, or the oil of olives ; and let a 38 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. clyster of warm water-gruel be injected*. After the operation of the laxative, the fever powder is to be given once in twelve hours, and continued until its diuretic effect becomes considerable. Warm water and mashes are to be frequently offered in small quantities ; warm clothing, frequent hand- rubbing, and a liberal allowance of litter are also necessary ; and when the fever runs high, it is advisable to insert rowels about the chest and belly, in order to prevent internal inflammation from taking place. When the disease appears to be going off, the horse looking more lively, and the appetite return- ing, let him be led out for a short time in some warm situation, and give now and then a malt mash for the purpose of recovering his strength. * I have lately found the following drink a very useful laxa- tive on these occasions : Take of Barbadocs aloes powdered, - 3 drams. Prepared kali, - - - 1 dram and | Castor oil, - - - - 4 oz. to 6 oz. Simple mint w ater and pure water, of each, 4 oz. JVIix for one dose. FEVER. 39 FEVER POWDER. No. 1. Powdered nitre, 1 oz. Camphor and tartarised anti-*^ mony, of eacK - j 1 ■ 2 dr. 1 Mix for one dose. No. 2. « Powdered nitre, 1 oz. Unwashed calx of antimony, 2 dr. Mix for one dose. No. 3. Antimonial powder, 3 dr. Camphor, - . - - 1 dr. Mix for one dose. The additions made by the author to this subject may be found in the Appendix. Symptomatic Fever. The symptomatic fever is generally occa- .fiioned by high feedhig, close stables, and a 40 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. want of proper exercise : sometimes, however, a sudden transition from a cold to a hot tem- perature is evidently the cause of it. In this respect it is different from the simple fever, which, as before observed, sometimes arises from exposing a horse suddenly to cold air, when he has been accustomed to a warm stable. Horses that are taken from camp or grass, and put suddenly into warm stables, are extremely liable to those internal inflam- mations on which symptomatic fever depends, and many thousands fall victims to this kind of treatment. When a fever is symptomatic, it is not pre- ceded by shivering, nor is it so sudden in its attack as the simple fever : but when it is not subdued by an early application of remedies, the symptoms gradually increase in violence, until they present a very formidable appear- ance. When the disease, however, is occa- sioned by great and long continued exertion, it generally comes on suddenly ; and the com- plaint has a very dangerous appearance in its earliest stage. The symptomatic fever has many symptoms in common with the simple fever, wnich are, loss of appetite, quick pulse, dejected appear- FEVER. 4 1 ance, hot mouthy and debility ; and if to these be joined difficulty of breathing, and quick working of the flanks, with coldness of the legs and ears, we rnay conclude that an in- flammation of the kings is the cause of the fever. If the horse hang down his head in the manger, or lean back upon his collar with a strong appearance of being drowsy, the eyes appearing watery and inflamed, it is probable that the fever depends upon an accumulation of blood in the vessels of the brain, and that the staggers are approaching: in this case, however, the pulse is not always quickened ; sometimes, indeed, I have found it unusually slow. When the symptoms of fever are joined with a yellowness of the eyes and mouth, an inflammation of the liver is indicated. Should an inflammation of the bowels be the cause, the horse is violently griped. An inflamma- tion of the kidneys will also produce fever, and is distinguished by a suppression of urine, and an inability to bear pressure upon the loins. Wiien inflammation of the bladder is the cause, the horse is frequently staling, voiding only very small quantities of urine^ and that with considerable pain. Extensive 42 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART wounds, and particularly those of joints, will also produce symptomatic fever. Sometimes several of the internal parts are inflamed at the same instant ; und indeed when inflammation has existed for a considerable leno-th of time, it is seldom confined to the orptm in which it o originated ; the disease spreads to other vis- cera ; and when more than one organ is in- flamed, thoUymptoms will generafly be com- phcated : still, however, the essential remedies are the same, that is to say, copious and early bleeding, with rowels and blisters. Having no^v given a general description of S3'mptomatic fever, I shall proceed to treat of those cases separately to which above I have briefly alluded. ^ Inflammation of the Lungs, This is a verv dano^erous disease, and one to which horses are extremelv liable: the fre- quency of its occurrence is occasioned by im- proper management, and not by any natural defect in the constitution of the animal : it may therefore be prevented by proper atten- tion HI the groom. Medical writers make a INFLAMMATION OP THE LUIS'GS. 43 \ distinction between infiammation of the liino-s, and that of the pleura, or the membrane which covers those organs, calhng the former peri- pneumonxj^ and the hitter pltiirisi/ : this dis- tinction, however, is not necessary in veteri- nary nosolog-y, since we never find these parts affected separately in the horse. The progress of this disease is often very rapid ; and unless proper remedies are empioyed at an early period, it frequently terminutes fatally. Its approach is indicated by the following symptoms: — loss of appetite, an appearance of duiness and disint Unation to motion, un- usual quickness in the motion of the Hanks, hot mouth, and sometimes a cough. If the dis- ease, by adopting an inert or improper mode of treatment, be su/iered to proceed, all these symptoms will increase ; respiration wilUbe" come extremely quick and laborious, the pulse more frequent, and at the same time weak. A striking appearance of uneasiiiess and anxiety may be observed in the anitnal's coun- tenance : the nostrils expanded, the eyes fixed, and the head inclining downwjird ; the legs and ears become cold, and the debility is so considerable, that he is incapable of moving in the stall without great dithculty ; be •44 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. never lies down, unless so much weakened as to be incapable of standing. The disease, however, is not always so rapid in its progress as we have here described it, and not nnfre- quently a considerable remission may be ob- served, which is occasioned probably by an effusion of serum or water having taken place in the chest ; and this remission is sometimes so conspicuous, that w^e are led to give a fa- vourable prognosis, the horse beginning to feed again, and the pulse becoming less fre- quent. But this flattering appearance often proves fallacious, the disease soon returns with accumulated force, and puts a period to the animal's life. I have seen cases, where bleed- ing has not been performed with sufficient freedom, in which the inflammation beinsr checked in some degree, at length terminated in a plentiful effusion of water in the chest ; when this happens, the horse returns to his food, looks more lively, and, in short, the symptons of fever in a great measure dis- appear. There remains, notwithstandiiig, an unusual quickness in respiration, generallv ac- companied with a cough; the hind legs swell, and the horse verv rarelv lies down; a roush unhealthy appearance may also be observed in IN'FLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 45 the coat, the skin feeling as if stuck to the ribs ; and the animal continues in a state of weakness. After some time the inflammation gener^illy returns, and then speedily ends in death. It sometimes happens that the inflam- mation terminates in suppuration ; in tliis case also the fever is in some degree lessened, and the horse besoms to feed a little: but he still remains in a very feeble state, has a weak couofh, and discharoes fetid matter from his nostrils ; at length the disease again becomes violent, and soon puts a period to his suf- ferings. The first thing to be done, when this dan- gerous disease is observed, is to bleed copiously, . even till the horse begins to faint from loss of blood. I hav^e seen six quarts drawn at one operation, and with the best effect ; sometimes indeed the disease will be completely subdued by thus bleedinir freelv at its commencement. Should the horse be costive, or even if the bowels be in a natural state, it will be ad- visable to give a pint of castor oil, and inject a clyster of water-gruel. It will then be ne- cessary, in order to divert the inflammation from this important organ, to insert rowels about the chest and belly, and to blister the 46 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. sides extensively. Let the legs be kept warm by alaiost constant hand-rubbing; and warm clothinjv must never be omitted. Nothinccasione:inal streno^th i\nd condition. When this does not occur, these worms produce so much mis- chief in the stomach, as to throw the whole system into disorder. The lungs are parti- cularly liable to sympathise with the stomach in this case, and frequently become inflamed in consequence. The inflammation thus pro- duced in the lungs is extremely obstinate; and though it may be checked in some degree by bleedino; and the other remedies we have re- commended for that disease, yet as the cause cannot often be removed, it generally, I be- lieve, terminates fatally. This symptomatic inflammation of the lungs may be distinguished from the idiopathic or original, by the following criterion: — It is generally preceded by an 60 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. unhealthy appearance in tlie coat, and a troublesome cough; the animal seldom bears bleeding well, the loss of any considerable quantity causing a rapid diminution of strength ; whereas, in the idiopathic inflammation of the iungSj the strength of the pulse, as well as the whole system, is often increased by bleed- ing. (See TVormSy Bots, and Diseases of the §tomach.) Inflammation of the Kidneys. This disease does not occur very frequently, find is generally occasioned, I believe, by an immoderate use of strong diuretic medicines.. At the first attack of tiiis complaint the horse constantly stands as if he wanted to stale, sometimes voiding a small quantity of high- coloured or bloody urine. When the inflam- mation becomes more considerable, a suppres- sion of urine and fever generally take place; if the loins be pressed upon, the animal shrinks rrom the toucii, and appears to feel great pain.. In the first place, bleed freely, then c^ive a pint or twenty ounces of castor 3>ilj throw up clysters of warm water, and INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. 61 cover the loins with sheep-skins, having pre- viously rubbed upon them the mustard em- brocation. Should these remedies fail of pro- curing relief, repeat the bleeding; and should not the oil have operated suniciently, let another dose be given. All diuretic medicines are to be carefully avoided. (See Bloody Urine, Suppression of Urine, Appendix.) Inflammation of the Bladder. When the bladder is much inflamed, its ' irritability is so increased, that it becomes incapable of containing any urine, contracting upon every drop almost tiiat passes into it from the kidneys. In this complahit, then, the horse is attempting almost constantly to stale, but voids only a few drops of urine, and that with considerable pain : it is generally at- tended with quick pulse, and other symptoms of fever. Nothing is more beneficial in this disease than ca\isnig the horse to drink largely of linseed decoction, or any other mdcnaginous liquid, and throwmg up frequently clysters of the same : bleeding, and a dose of castor oilj are likewise higiiiy nece^bary. After tiie oper- / 62 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. ation of the oil, let the follovvino; ball be oiven every sixtii hoar. Should no relief be obtained by these means, the horse continuing to void his urine frequently, in small quantities, and with pain, give one dram of opium twice a day, and omit the ball. Costiveness tends very much to aggravate this complaint ; and, whenever it occurs, let a clyster be injected,, and a dose of oil given. THE BALL. Powdered nitre, - - I ot. Camphor, - - - 1 dr. Li(|uorice powder, - - 3 dr. Honey sufficient to form a ball for one dose. (See Diabetes J Bloodi/ Urine, Stoppage of Urine, Stone.) Injiavimation of the Liver. This disease is indicated by a yellowness of the eyes and mouth, red or dark-coloured urine, great weakness, and fever, generally a'^companied with diarrhoea or piu'ging, and sometimes witli costiveness ; the horse has a very languid appearance, and is almost con- stantly lying do\vn. Sometimes the progress INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. 63 of this complaint is very rapid, speedily ter- minating in death : at others it proceeds more slowly, the animal lingering for a considerable time. In this case it not nnfrequently termi- nates in dropsy, or inflammation of the bowels. A case I recently met with terminated in this way. It is often complicated witn other in- - ternal diseases, causing some variety in the symptoms. Bleeding can be employed with safety only at the commencement of this disease : after- ward it generally does harm, by inducing a dangerous degree of debility. The sides should be blistered ; and if there be no purging, the ball Jslo. 1 given, once in twelve hours, until it occasions moderate purging; but if the bowels be already in a lax state, the ball No. 2 or 3 will be better adapted to the com- plaint, and is to be given in the same way. THE BALL. No. 1, -* Calomel, - half a dr. Barbadoes aloes. - 1 dr. Castile soap. - 2 dr. Rhubarb, - half an oz. Sirup enough to form a bail for one dose. 64 COMPENDIUxM OF THE VETERINARY ART. No. 2. Opium, ' - - I dr. to I dr. Calomel, - - - 1 dr. Castile soap, - - 2 dr. Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose» No. 3. Opium and calomel, of each, 1 dr. Emetic tartar, - - 2 dr. Liquorice powder, - 3 dr. Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose. It is necessary to prom.ote the horse^s strength, by a diet thac is nutritious and easy of digestion, such as malt, arrow-root, car- rots, &c., indulging him in any kind of green fooJ which he shows a particular inclination for ; taking care, however, not to give hiiii too much at once. Beside the above medicines, those of a tonic kind should be given, such as bark, steel, &c. (See Tonics in the Veterinary Materia Me die a.) STRANGLES. 65 Strangles. This disease generally attacks youno^ horses l)ctvveen the third and fifth year of their aoe, and consists in an inflammation of the mem- brane of the throat and nose, and swelling of the £r^ands under the throat, accompanied with consrh, and a dischartre of white thick matter from the nostrils ; sometimes there are hkewise a soreness of the throat, and diffi( ulty in swallowing. Theinfjamed glands commonly suppurate in a short time, and burst, discharg- ing a large quantity of mutter. When this has taken phice, the cough and other synip- tOHis generally go oil", the sore gradually heals, and the horse speedily recovers. In some eases the strangles assume a more for- midable appearance, are attended v/ith a con- siderable degree of fever, and the throat is sometuues so much inflamed, that the horse is incapable of svvaiiowing either food or water ; but however violent the attack may be, I have always found that, by adopting a proper mode of treatment, every unpleasant symptom may be easilj^ removed, and a speedy recovery eifected. It is not a very uncommon circumstance for the straupjles to attack young" i)6 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. horses while at erass; and then thev are fre- quently not perceived until nature has nearly effected a cure. The approach of strangles may be known by a dulness of countenance, watery eyes, cough, and a slioht des^ree of sweliiniT in the jrlands under the jaw. As soon as they are discovered, let the hair be carefully clipped off from the inflamed glands and contiguous parts of the throat ; let a large poultice be then applied to the throat, in doing which it is necessary to take care that it is so secured as to be con- stantly in contact with the throat ; for unless this is attended to, the poultice will be but of little service. I have generally found, that by rubbing a small quantity of some stimulating ointment on the inflamed glands, previous to the application of each poultice, suppuration has been considerably promoted : for this pur- pose the following fornmla will be found use- ful : Camphor, - - 2 dr. Oil of origanum, - 1 dr. Spermaceti ointment, - 2 oz. mix. When matter is completely formed in the glands, which may be known by the tumour STRANGLES. 67 becoming larger, and by the skin feeling tense and somewhat elastic, an opening should be made with a lancet, and its contents evacuated : this plan is certainly preferable to that of wait- ing until it bursts spontaneously, as the animal is instantly relieved by it, and the cure more speedily effected. To evacuate the matter perfectly, it is necessary to use moderate pres- sure with the fingers ; and when this has been done, let a piece of lint, dipped in digestive liniment, be inserted, for the purpose of keeping the lips of the wound open, and al- lowing the matter to escape freely ; the poul- tice is to be continued until the swelling is perfectly reduced. When strangles attack the internal parts of the throat so as to render the horse incapable of swallowing, and parti- cularly if the external swelling be not consider- able, it will be advisable to apply a blister, and keep the bowels open with cl^^sters. It is very necessary, in every case of strangles, to steam the head w^ell, that is, to put hot bran mashes into the manger frequently, so that the horse may inhale the vapours. It is of consequence to distinguish cases of incipient strangles from common colds. In the latter, bleeding is a useful remedy j but in the 68 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. former I believe it does much harm, by inter- rupting a process of nature. I cannot, by any argument, show why bleeding should be im- proper in the strangles ; indeed, if our practice were guided by theory only, we should be led to consider it as a case of comnion inflamma- tion, and consequently adopt that mode of treatment which would tend to remove it most expeditit>usly, and prevent suppuration ; and with this view we should have recourse to bleelingan I purgatives : experunce, however, certainly sanctions a ditferent treatment, and has, I think, fully proved the propriety of using every means for encouraging suppu- ration. I iiave seen several hundre i cases in which tliis plan has been p'U'sued, and not one of them terminated unfavourably. Should the mflanunation, however, spread to the lungs, occasioning great difRculty of breathing and fever, and particularly if" the horse be past the age of five, bleeding must not be omitted ; and if a laxative drink can be given, it will be found of s^reat service. A rowel in the chest will alsp do good. Should a cough or any unpleasant symptom remain after the strangles are healed, let the following alterative ball be given every mora- CATARRH, OR COLD. 69 ing, until moderate purging is produced ; and if it be found necessary, let it be repeated after an interval of four or five days. It is almost superiiuous to add, that great attention must be paid by the groom ; the head, neck, and chest, as well as the body, should be clothed ; warm water should be given frequently in small quantities ; a large quantity of litter should be allowed; imd hand-rubbing to the legs should never be omitted. ALTERATIVE BALL. Barbadoes aloes, - la dr. Emetic tartar and Castile^ , V 2 dr. soap, of each, - ) To be made into a ball for one dose. Catarrh y. or Cold. It would be superfluous to give a particular description of this complaint, since it is so well known, and its appearances so generally under- stood, that scarcely any one can be at a loss to distinguish it from other diseases. It consists in an inflannnation in the mucous membrane, which hnes the internal part of the nose, throat, he, sometimes attended with a slight degree of 70 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINAPvY ART. fever : hence arise the cough and discharge from the nostrils, which are the principal symptoms of catarrh. On the first attack of this complaint, bleeding will generall}^ be found an effectual remedy; but if it be ne- giected until a considerable discharge has taken place from the nostrils, it seldom proves beneficial. The following laxative, however, will be found a very useful remedy, and may be repeated after an interval of a few days, should it appear necessary' : it will generally^ prevent those obstinate and even incurable couo'hs which so often remain after a cold, and which not un frequently terminate in broken wind. LAXATIVE BALL. Barbadoes aloes, - - \ oz. Emetic tartar, *• - if dr. Castile soap, - - 2 dr. . Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose. A dose of fever powder is to be given every morning and evening, until the symptoms abate, or a considerable diuretic eifect is produced, and then every second or third day only. Sometimes a sweUing takes place in the CATARRH, OR COLD. 71 parotid glands, which are_ situate immediately beneath the ear. Sliould no unusual heat or tenderness be observ^ed in these swellings, apply the stimulating ointment recommended for strangles ; but it' they feel hot, be painful, and appear to be in a state of active inhanmiation, a poultice is the best remedy. If the eyes be inflamed and watery, a rowel should be in-, serted under the jaw; and if the inflammation in the throat be so considerable as to render swallowing pamful and difficult, a blister will afford great relief. Hot bran mashes should be given frequently, which will not only serve to keep the bowels open, bu't will act as a fomentation to the inflamed membranes, since the horse will be constantly iniialing the vapour which escapes from them. >Should he be costive (which is not likely to happen while he is taking bran mashes), let clysters be injected occasionally. The head and chest, as well as the body, should be well clothed, the legs frequently hand-rubbed, and, a large quantity of litter allowed ; by these means he will soon be restored to health. Should a cold be attended with a considerable deoree of fever, or should the appetite go off, and the flanks work quicker than ugual, it jb 72 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. necessary to make some alteration in the treatment. (Vide Fever and Injiaimnution of the Lungs.) It is necessary to observe, before I conclude tiiis subject, that the strangle* on their first attack are sometimes mistaken for a cold. This may be productive of mischief, since bleeding is generally improper in that complaint : if, therefore, a cold be accompanied with a swelling of the glands under the jaw, — if they feel hot and be painful, and particularly if the horse be young, — we may conclude that the strangles are approaching, and treat it accordingly. Should the '^ougrh remain after the other o symptoms are gone off, give the laxative again ; and if necessary, repeat it after a short inter- val. If the cou^h continue after this, let the following ball be given every morning for a week. THE BALL. Powdered squills, - - 1 dr. Gum ammoniac, - - 3 dr. Opium, - - - i dr. Sirup enough to form a ball. CHRONIC COUGH. 73 Chronic Cou0:h^. ■'&' ^Ve have already noticed this complaint as one of the syniptoms of a cold, but did not at that time give any particular direction for its treatment, because itgeneraily ceases as soon as its cause (the cold) is removed. It sometimes happens, however, that the cough continues, although every other symptom is gone off. — This complaint, which, from its long conti- nuance, is distinguished by the term chronic^ may be readily accounted for, when it is recollected that what is called a cold consists in an inflammation of the membrane which lines the nose and throat; and that this membrane also forms the internal surface of the windpipe and its branches. When the cold, therefore, has been violent and improperly treated, the inflammation is liable to extend to the wind- pipe, or even to its branches, causing an effu- sion of coagulable lymph from the membrane, Avhich proves a constant source of irritation. It is probable also that the inflammation may sometimes render the membrane so verv'= * See CoHgli in tlie Appendix. VOL. I. E 7i COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. irritable, or so alter its secretion, as to keep up a constant irritation and cougli, witiiout any effusion having taken place. Wlien a considerable quantity of coagulable lymph has been eifused, it obstructs the passage of the air in respiration in some degree, causing that sonorous kind of breathing which is termed thickness nfzi'ind, or roaring. A blister to the throat has sometimes been found useful in the chronic cou^b. One of the followino^ alterati-\e balls is to be given every morning until moderate purging is produced; and this, if assisted by proper attention to exercise, diet, and grooming, has oiten effected a cure. The chronic cough is frequently occasioned by worms in the bowels or stomach, and is then to be treated accordingly. (See Worms.) BALLS. No. 1. Succotruie aloes^ - 1 dr. to 2 dr. Castile soap, • - - 2 dr. I'artarised antimony, - - 2 dr. Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose. Should the disease not submit to this remedy, try the following. INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE. 1^ i) No. 2. Gam ammoniacum, - - 3 dr. Powdered squill and opium, of each 1 dr. Camphor, w - - - i d*.. Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose. This is to be given every morning, and con- tinued five or six days. A stable, properly ventilated, should be chosen, and the vapour^ of foul litter carefully avoided. Inflammation of the Eyt^, When the eye is inflamed, it loses part of its beautiful transparency, appearing then as if covered with a film ; the lids are partially closed, and the haws become more visil>le. Should the infiannnation have been brought on by some external injury, and particularly if it be not very considerable, the eye lotion will be sufficient to remove it ; but in more violent cases it will be necessary also to bleed moderately and give a laxative ball. By these means, infiammation arising from external in- jury may generally be cured in a short time. * See Appendix, Anatomy and Diseases cfthe £j/«. E 2 76 COMPENDIUM OT THE VETEKINARY ART. The eyes often become inflamed in con- sequence of cold and fevers, in which cases the cause is to be chiefly attended to : when this is removed, the infiannnation usually ceaSes. The most common cause of this complaint is high feeding, without a due proportion of exercise. These cases require great care and atteutiou, for unless proper remedies are em- ployed on the first attack, the disease, though it aj:)pears to go oiT, will be frequently re- turning, and in all probability eventually pro- duce blindness. The first remedy to be employed on this occasion is bleeding; and the quantity of blood that is drawn should be proportionate to the violence of the inflam- mation, and the coiuUfion of the animal. Should the vessels on the white part of the eye and inner part of the eye-lids appear to be distended witli blood, great advantage will be derived from scarifying the latter witii a lancet. A laxative ball is to be given, and the bowels afterward kept in a lax state by means of bran mashes. I have found a seton, placed immediately under the eye, a very useful remedy; but unless the operation is nicely performed, it frequently leaves an INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE. 77 unpleasant mark behind, which would lead a perso?i experienced in horses to suspect that the eye haci been diseased, anel might therefore diminish the vahie of the horse. A shade, so adapted as to preserve the eye from tat xrritation of dust and light, will be ibiiDu useful. This kind of inhammation generally comes on ratiier suddenly, some- times attackiU;^ only one eve, at otiiers botli are aiiected. As tiiere is no apparent cause ^ for tins sudden attack of intiammation, the groom very commonly attributes it to seeds or dust havmg fallen from the rack into the e^e, and very httie attention is paid to it. ^NOt- withstandmg ttiis neglect, • tiie disease rre- quentiy goes oB^ and in some cases its disap- pearance is nearly as sndaen as its attack ; in a bhort time, however, it again a}>pcars as unexpectedly as at first, and again perhaps Q-oes off. in tins uncertain way it may continue a considerable tnue, tiie eyes sometimes ap- pearing transparent, and free from inflam- mation; at others, watery, inflamed, and opaque on the surface : at length tlie internal parts of the eye are affected, and a cataract produced. Jt has been supposed, that the diseases of 78 COMPENDIUM or THE VETKniNAIlY ART. a horse's eye are frequently hereditary, or dcpendeij^; on some ' natural defect in the structure. I do not know liow far tliis opinion may be true, but never having; seen a case which seemed to corroborate it, I a.ni not inclined to ^\ye it much credit. It is not verv im2:)r(>bablc, however, that the eyes of some horses may be Jiaturallj/ weak, and more hable to become inflamed when exposed to the exciting causes of inflammation, than such as are originally endued with a proper degree of strength : but it appears to me that where this weakness or aptitude to disease exists, it is more frequently the effect of some injury which this tender and delicate oro;an has sustained, than a defect of nature. When the eye becomes inflamed, it is necessary to inquire into the cause of the inflammation: if it arise from any mechanical iniury, and be not very considerable, there is a probability of its being speedily removed, by means of -the remedies I have pointed out ; but if the inflammation have arisen without any apparent cause, depending perhaps upon plethora, or redundancy of blood in the system, there will be some chance of a radical ^ure, provided the proper remedies are eiuployed sufiiciently INFLAMMATION OF THE EYE. 79 earlv. If these be neoiected at the coni- inencemciit of the disease, though the iu- iianiniatioii after some time a|)pears to go off, and the eye, to a superficial observer, seems to have recovered, yet the disease frequently returns, and ultimately occasions bhnciness. Should the disease have occurred before, and particularly if the former attack were violent, there is still less chance of its bein ^leuL dijficuitjj \ utu as expulsion IS not so S6 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. difficult, as the return of the ribs and dia- phragm naturally force it out by their pressure; Thus in broken winded horses inspiration is v^iy slow, but expiration is sudden and rapid, as may be seen by the flanks returning with a jerk." It appears to me that the observations of Mr. Lawrence on this subject are not correct. The luno-s of broken winded horses that 1 have examined have generally been unusually large, with numerous air-bladders on the surface. Tiiis must have ansen from a rupture of some of the air-cells ; for in tiiis case some part of the air which is inspired will necessarily get into the cellular membrane of the lunors, and diifuse itself until it arrives at the surface, when it v\ill raise the pleura so as to form tiie air-bladders we observe*. This is the reason that the lungs of broken winded horses do not collapse \a hen the chest is pinictured ; and this will serve to explain the peculiar motion of the flanks m broken wmded horses, v\hich does not consist, as Mr. Lawrence asserts, in a quick expiration and very slow inspiration, but quite the reverse; air is received into the * See Dcicriptiouof the Functions of the Lungs, &c, asaboFC/ page 4. BROKEN WIND. 87 luDgs vey^y readili/, which is manifested by a sucUlen failing of tlie flanks, but is cxpeUed slowli/, and with great dij/iculti/, as may be perceived by tiie long contniueci exertion of the abdominal muscles*. A\'hen the membrane which lines the wind- pipe and all its branches has been ailected * A short time since, a horse completely broken winded was given to me for tlie purpose of making esperinu-nts relative to the glanders, a disease which has lor maiiN years occupied my atten- tion, and will be fully treated of in this work. On destroying the animal, and examining the lungs with great care, very little disease could be obseiTed. So far from their being thickened ► and in the slate Mr. Lawrence desciibes, they were specifically lighter than natural ; and thougli no air-bladders were perceived «n the surtace, there was evidently a great deal of air diffused in the cellular membrane of the lungs^, which must r?i\'e been occa- sioned by a rupture of one or more of the air-ceilb, or minute branches of the windpipe ; L\eie being no oilier source from which it could have been produced,* Now this was a case of simple broken wind, which may be easily distinguished, not by an unusually quick motion of the fiaiiks, bat by fui unequal mo- tion. The flanks of a broken v/inded horse are d long time in drawing up or contracting, which shows the diifxHlty he It-pls in expelling the air from his lung?, or in expiring; but when iiiat is eftected, the flanks drop suddenly, which shows tlidt the air enters the lungs, or tliat the animal insyiircs with iruich greater ease than he expires. It often happens, however, that broken wind is complicated with thichness of wind, and, as I have before observed, is sometimes occasioned by it, which probably gave iise to the opinion we have endeavoured to refute. (St^e Ccugh, Asthma, and Thickness of Wind, Appendix.) a-8 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETFRINARY ART. with inflammation, it becomes thickened in consequence, and the capacity of the lungs will of course be diminished ; this will cause a quickness in respiration •, but not that irrecrular or unequal kind of breathing by which broken wind is characterised. The complaint which is tluis produced is commoidy tenned thick wind; and the horse so atTected, if made to move rapidly, wheezes like an asthmatic per- son, and is unfit for any violent exercise. It not unfrcquently happens, I believe, that this complaint proves a cause of broken wind ; for when tiie membrane is much thickened, many of the finer branches of the win.lpipe are j^ro- bably obstructed m a greater or less degree : the violent coughing which usually accompa- nies this disease, will, under sucn circum- stances, be very liable to rupture some of the air-cells. The same efl:'ect niay be produced by violent exercise when the stomiach is dis- tended with food or water. 1 believe, how- ever, that a plethora or fulness of habit is most comnioijiy the remote cause of broken wind. In tiiat case there is generally an undue deter- mmation of blood to the lungs, whereby the secretion within the air-vessels is increased, and perhaps rendered somewhat acrimonious BROKEN WIND. SO and viscid, exciting a violent and troublesome coiio'h. Whenever a ho^se appears to be imperfect in his wind, if he coiig^ii \-iolentlv, particii- larly when exerciseil, witii iinusua] working of the flanks', and if at the samt time he appear to be in good health 'Ki.ni\ sjurits, feeiiing^ heartily, and eager lor v.attr, let hi\n be bled n;oderate!y, and take a laxative bad : by these nuans, assisted by a bran diet and regular excrcist^, the knigs vvill soon be relieved, and the cough, if nuL coraplttely removed, vvill be (^onsidevabiy dmiinished. Attervvard give the loliowmg bail every morning for a v/eek, and take lare that regular exercise is never omitted : it wdt be advisable also to prevent the liorse from hiling himself too much with hay: or water, llie latter should be giv^en five or six tinies a day, in sriiall quantities ; for the common methoa of stiiiiinia: a horse in waier, when his wind is supposed to be bad, is certuHJiy prejudicial. Corn sUoiud be given sparingly, as high feeding tends very much to aooravate the coi..5Jiaxxii. i>ran is a useful dift, if mixed with corn ; aiul if carrots or any other sucovdent vegetable can be pro- cured, tiiey will be found of considerable ser- 90 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. "V'ice. Tiie vapours which arise from foul litter, and the air of a close stable, are extremely pernicious. I have seen vt^ry good effects from turning the horse into a paddock during the day, when the weather is favourable. When the cough and other symptoms ha^e been removed, these means must still be per- severed in, or the disease will probably re- turn : regular and long continued exercise tends more than any thing to keep it off; but violent exercise is extremel}' improper. When- ever costiveness occurs, it should be removed by means of a clyster and bran mashes ; and should the horse be disposed to eat his litter, it is to be prevented by means of a muzzle. THE BAU/. Powdered squills, - 1 (\r. Gum ammoniac, - 1 oz. Powdered aniseeds. - 3 dr. To be made into a ball w ith sir •up 1, for one dose. Jaundice^ or Yellnxcs. This disease is indicated by a yellowness of the eves and mouth, dulaess and lassitude ; JAUNDICE, OR YELLOWS. 91 tlie appetite is generally diminished, the urine of a reddish or dark colour. Sometimes the complaint is attended with costiveness, but more commonly with a purging. This disease does not often arise from an obstruction in the biliary ducts, as in the human subject, but ge- nerally from increased action of the liver, whereby an unusual quantity of bile is se- creted. Inflammation of the liver is some- times mistaken for jaundice, but may be dis- tinguished from it by the ftver and dthillty with v/hich it is always accompanied. When costiveness is one of the symptoms of jaundice, give the ball No. 1 every morn- ing until moderate purging is produced ; but if the bowels be already open, or in a state of purging, give the bail No. 2 every mornii)g. The horse's strength should be supported by infusion of malt or water-gruel. THE BAL .u No. 1, •-\ Calomel, - -1- dr. Barbadoes aloes, - It t^r. Castile soap, - 2 dr. Rhubarb, **■ 3 dr. To be made into a ball \ ;vith si] :up, for one dose» 92 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. \ t I I II II ^— i— ^— — 1— i— w^— ■ — ^p— » *^- I— — ■_^. --..- .,, ,^,,..,.-. .- -■■■ — »- _— -, . — — ■ — . . ..., ■ »■■,»,,,,.. •No. 2. Calomel anJ opium, of each, 1 dr. Columbo root, powdered, -. 3 dr. Povvderevl ginger, - - ' 4- dr. Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose. There is a species of staggers, of which I have seen a great number of cases since I left the army, where yellowness of the eyes and mouth is invariably on/.^ of the symptoms ; which has often led farners to co i.suler it as the jaundice, or yaflrws^ 9s tliey twriii it; and their remetlies have generally consisted of saffron, iurm;'ric, or otiier inert medicines of di yellow colour^ which tiiey seem to consider as an indispensable quaUty in all medicines employed for the ijcllozvs. On the same prin- ciple they give dragon's blood, a rtd resmous substance, and otiier red medicines, in all cases of internal hemorrhage or bleedmg, such as blood}' water, &c. (See Staggers, and Dis- eases of the Stomach.) Flatulent Colic, Gripes, or Fret. Tills disease generally attacks rather sud- denly, and is brought on by various causes : FLATULENT COLIC. 93 sometimes it is occasioned by drinking a large quantity of cold water when the body has been heated, and the motion of the blood accelerated by violent exercise. In horses of delicate constitutions, that have been accus- tomed to hot stables and warm clothintr, it may be brought 0!i merely by drinking water that is very cold, though they have not been previously exercised. Bad iiay appears to be another cause of the complaint ; but it fre- quently occurs without any apparent cause, and then probably (hpe)ids upon a spasmodic action of the stomach or bowels, occasionina: a constriction of the intestine, and a confine- ment of air. It has not been ascertained whe- ther this air be procUiced by a fermentation of the contents ot the bowels, or formed by the arteries of theii internal coat : which ever of these is the source of the air, there is no doubt that the immediate cause of its form- ation and confinement is w^eakness, or a loss of vital energy. On this account medicines of a stimulating qualit^^ are the most effectual remedies ; therefore the common flatulent colic is easily cured by grooms and farriers, who seldom oriye anv other kmd of medicines. The greatest caution, however, is necessary 94 COMPENDIUM OP THE VETERIKAUY AUT. on this occasion ; and I have known many valuable horses destroyed by adopting hastily this mode of treatment. There is a species of flatulent coUc, which, if treated in the common way, is sure to terminate fatally, though it is not at first of an inflammatory nature. This disease will be described in the Appendix, under the head Diseases of the Bou^els; and its remote cause will be more particularly shown ujider the head Humours, Appendix. The pain and uneasiness which this com- plaint occasions are so conside^^able as to alarm those who are not accustomed to see it, and lead them to be apprehensive of dangerous consequences ; but if properly treated, it may be easily and expeditiously removed. It begin? with an appearance of uneasiness in the horse, he frequently pawing his litter; he voids a small quantity of excrement, and makes fruit- less attempts to stale ; the pain soon becomes more violent ; he endeavours to kick his belly, and looks round to his flanks, expressing by groans the pain he labours under; at length he lies down, rolls about the stall, and falls into a profuse perspiration. After a short time he generally gets up, and appears for a minute OP two to be getting better, but the pain soon FLATULENT COLIC. 95 returns, and the succeeding paroxysm is gene- rally more violent ttian the former ; the pulse is seldom much accelerated, nor are there any symptoms of fever. The disease will some- times go off spontaneously : it more com- monl}^ happt ns, however, when proper reme- dies are lot emplo^^ed, that the air continues to accumulate, and so distends the intestine, as to produce infialnmation of its coats : the distension has sDmetimes been so considerable as to rupture the intestine, whereby the horse is speedily destroyed. As soon as this disease is observed, let one of the following draughts be given, and a clyster injected, composed of six quarts of water-gruel or warm water, and 8 oz. of common salt. If the disease have existed for several hours, and the pain appear to be very considerable, par- tic ularl}' if the pulse have become quick, it will be advisable to bleed to three quarts_, with a view to prevent inHammation and remove the spasmodic contraction of the intestine. If the disease, however, be perceived on its first at- tack, the draught and clyster will generally be sufficient to cure it; but should no relief be obtained by these means in an hour or two, let the draught be repeated, and let the belly be 96 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. rubbed for a considerable iiiiie with tiie aius- tard embrocation. Siiould tiie disease be so .obstinate as to resist even these remedies, which will scarcely ever happen, give a pmt of castor oil, with 1 1- oz. of tincture of opium : as soon as the horse gets up, let him be rubbed perfectly dry by tw'o persons, one on each side J and afteru^ards let him he well clothed. It is necessary in tnis complaint to provide a large quantity of litter, for the purpose of preventing the h-jri^e from injuring himself during the violence of tlie paroxysm. THE DRAUGHT. No. 1. Balsam of capivi, - - 1 oz. Oil of juniper, - - 2 dr. ' Spirit of nitrous ether, - - 1 oz. Simple mint water, - 1 pint. Mix for one dose. No. 2. Venice turpentine, - 1 oz. Mix with the yolk of an eg^, and add gradually Peppermint water, - 1 pint. Spirit of nitrous ether, - 4 ^2. Mix for one dose. APOPLEXY, OR STAGGERS. 97 No. 3. • Camphor, - - 2 dr. Oil of turpentine. - 1 oz. Mint water, - 1 pint. Mix for one dose. As this complaint is hable to occur durina J3 a journey, in situations where the above remedies cannot be readily procured, I have annexed a formula for a ball, for the con- venience of those who are in the habits of travelhng. If this ball be wrapped up closely in a piece of bladder, it may be kept a consi- derable time without losing its virtues, THE BALL. Castile soap, Camphor, - - - Ginger, - - _ Venice tuipentine, - 6 dr. To be made into a ball for one. dose. O or. o dr. H dr. Apoplexy, or Staggers, This disease generally begins with an appearance of drowsiness, the eyes being VOL, I, F 93 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART, inflamed and full of tears, and the appetite diminished ; the disposition to sleep gradually increases; and in a short time the horse is constantly resting his head in the manger, and sleepmg. The pulse is seldom much al- tered ; in a few cases I have found it unusually ' slow: costiveness and a defective secretion of urine commonly attend this complaint. Some- times the disease will continue in this state for several days ; at others it assumes a formi- dable appearance very early, or even at its commencement, the horse falling down and lying in a state of insensibility, or violent con- vulsions coming on. Sometimes a furious delirium takes place, the horse plunging and throwing himself about the stable, so as to render it dangerous for any one to come near him. Prom this variety in the symptoms, writers on farriery have divided the disease into tiie sletpy and the mad staggers. There is another kind of staoorers, which arises from a distension of the stomach, and most commonly attacks horses employed in agriculture, or in any kind of hard work, when their condition is not equal to their labour, and particularly when they are badh' managed with respect to food and water. Since the> APOPLEXY, on STAGGERS* 99 author left the army, he has met with a great ftmnber of cases of this kind ; and beincr in- formed that it uniformly proved fatal, destroy- ing a very considerable number of horses an- ■nually, he was led to pay particular attention- to it; and was the more strongly induced to this, from finding his own treatment unsuc^, cessfuL The bodies of horses that died of the com- plaint were carefully examined, and at length a mode of treating it was discovered, which, if seasonably employed, almost always proves successful. As the disease is now known to originate in the stomach, it will be described under that head in the Appendi:^ (See Sto- viacli Staggers.) It is suiKcient to observe here, that it may be distinguished from apoplexy^ or genuine staggers, by a yellowness of the eyes and mouth, and a twitching or convulsive motion of the muscles of the breast ; the horse appears very feeble, the head hanxging down as if oppressed with a considerable weioht; the-fore legs totter, and frequently give way suddenly, so that the animal appears to be on the point of falling, but he rarely falls dowqi, except in the last stages of the complaint ; he seems to be insensible, and often forces his F 2 100 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. head against the wall with such violence, that the projecting parts are much bruised. From the view we have oiven of the staoforers, it will appear, that the terms whicli forriers have adopted to distinguish its different ap- pearances are very inadequate; and that it would be better to consider the disease under the two following heads ; viz. the idiopathic 'Awik tl^e s\j))iptomatic staggers. In the former, bleetlino' is the orand remedy, and seldom fails of affording relief, if employed with freedom at the commencement of the disease. It will be advisable also to give the following purgative draught, and inject a stimulating clyster, com- posed of a gallon of water and 8 oz. of common salt. Should not the symptoms abate in eight or ten hours after the bleeding, there will be great probability of obtaining relief by opening the temporal arteries, and suffering them to bleed freely. I once saw a case in which the efficacy of this plan was remarkably conspicuous : the horse had been labouring under the disease for several days, and delirium had taken place, though he had been bled freely, and in every respect, according to the account I received, treated properly. When I saw him, he was DIARRHCEA^ OR PURGING. 101 lying down in a state of insensibility, having just before been plunging and throwing himself about very violently : the attendants supposed him to be dying ; and, indeed, 1 should have been of the same opinion, had not the pulse retained some des^ree of strengrth. I im- mediately opened both temporal arteries, and after they had bled about ten minutes, the horse got upon his legs, appeared perfectly easy, and from that moment gradually re- covered without the assistance of any other remedy. When the disposition to sleep is not removed by the first bleeding, the head should be blistered, and a rowei inserted under the jaw. u PURGATIVE DRAUGHT. Succotrine aloes, <- 1 oz. Castile soap, - - 2 dr. Common salt, - - 4 oz. Water, - - - - 1 pint. Mix for one dose. Diarrhcca^^ or Purging. This is not a very common disease in the horse, and seldom difficult of cure. It mav 102 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. be occasioned by a suppression of perspiration, or by an increased secretion of bile. From whatever cause it may proceed, give in the first place the following hixative ball; and if the disease do not cease in two or three days, let the astrinorent bail be o^iven. Warm clothing is particularly required in this com- plaint, and exercise should not be neglected ; bis water should be moderately warm, and given frequently in small quantities. When a purging is accompanied with griping pains and fever, it is to be considered as a case of inflammation in the bowels, and treated ac- cordingly. laxative' BALL. Barbadoes aloes, - - 2 dr. Powdered rhubarb, ^ 3 dr. Cascarilla bark pow^dered, 2^- dr. Castile soap, - - 2 dr. Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose. astringent ball. Powdered opium, Prepared chalk, Powdered cinnamon, Tartarised antimony. To be formed into a bail with sirup, or mixed into a drink with mint water for one dose. \ dr. 6 dr. 11 dr. 2 dr. DIABETES. 3 03 Diabetes^ or excessive Staline. This disease often proves extremely obsti- nate, and not unfreqiieiitly incurable: I am inclined to believe, however, that if attended to at its commencement, a cure may be ef- fected without much difficulty. 71ie com- plaint at first consists merely in an increased secretion of urine, the horse staling frequently', and in considerable quantity ; the urine is ge- nerally transparent and colourless like water; at length he becomes feverish, the mouth feels dry, and he seems to suffer much from thirst; the appetite is diminished, and the pulse be- comes quick ; he is generally hidebound, and gradually loses flesh and strength. Lime water has been much recommended as a remedy for this disease : I have seen it given, however, in two cases, without any good eifect. Others recommend diaphoretic medicines, from a supposition that it depends in great measure upon a suppression of perspiration. Bark and other tonics have also been considered as useful remedies. I had four cases of diabetes under my care, nearly about the same time, and they were all speedily cured by means of the following ball : 104 COxMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. BALL FOR DIABETES. Opiumy - - - 1 dr. Powdered ginger, - - 2 dv. Yellow Peruvian bark, - -^ oz. Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose. But these were all recent cases, and not at- tended with fever, nor had the horse lost much strength, or become hidebound in any considerable degree; yet the disease was well marked, and v/ould, I doubt not, have pro- duced all these symptoms, had it not been opposed as soon almost as it made its appear- ance. In all these cases the quantity of urine discharged was very considerable ; the mouth was dry; and there appeared to be a constant thirst. It seems, therefore, highly necessary to attend to this disease at its commencement, since, if neglected, it becomes extremely ob- stinate, and sometimes incurable. Should the above remedy fail, try one of the following for- mulae : BALLS FOR DIABETES. No. 1. Emetic tartar, - - 2 dr. Opium, - - - 1 dr. To be made into a ball for one dose. DIABETES, 105 No. 2. Salt of hartshorn, - 2 dr. Opium, - 4 dr. Powdered ginger. - 1 dr. Liquorice powder. - 3 dr. I'o be made into a ball for one dose. No. 3; - Salt of steel, - - t oz. Myrrh, - - - 2 dr. Ginger, _ ? - _ i dr. To be made into a ball for one dose. No. 4. Powdered Columbo root, 3 dr. Cascarilla, _ _ - 2 dr. Salt of steel. 24 dr. Prepared kali, 11 dr. Tinctm'e of opium, i oz. be mixed with strong beer, or porter, and Sfiven as a drink at once. o Bemark. — The horse's diet should be nu- tritious, and easy of digestion ; and he should be allowed to drink small quantities of weak lime water; or, if he refuse this, common water, frequently. F 5 106 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART., Suppression of Urine, Korses are often attacked with a difficulty in staling or making water, sometimes amount- ing to a total suppression of that excretion. This most commonly arises from spasm in the neck of the bladder, or from hardened excre- ment in the rectum or latter part of the intes- tines. In the first place, let the hard excrement bease sometimes xnakes its appearance in diffused swellings of the hind legs, or other parts of the body. The most common cause of farcy appears to be contagion, either from a glandered or farcied horse, for there can be no doubt that these FARCY. 1 3 m diseases will reciprocally/ produce each other ; whence we may conclude that they both ori- ghiate from the operation of the same poison, which produces different effects according to the parts on which its noxious influence is exerted. There being certain parts only of the body which are obnoxious to this poison, its effects are always partial in some degree; thus we find the internal parts of the nose particularly liable to be affected by it; the skin likewise is very susceptible of its action ; and when the horse is suffered to live a sufficient time for the poison to acquire its highest degree of virulence, or to produce its full effect, the lungs do not escape the contagion. The farcy maylje either constitutional or local : if glanderous matter, or the matter taken from a farcy ulcer be applied to the skin where the cuticle has been torn or abraded, a chancre or foul ulcer is produced ; which may easily be distinguished from all others by its peculiarly foul appearance, the edges becoming thick, and the discharge consisting of a thin and rather glutinous matter. It generally spreads rapidly, and never looks red or healthy. The absorbents or lymphatics about the ulcer be- 134- COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARV ART., come infiamed and swollen from an absorption of its poisonous matter. The swellings pro- duced in this way are commonly mistaken for veins, and hence has arisen the opinion of the blood vessels beinsf the seat of the disease : the gland.s^ likewise, to which those lymphatics lead, become inflamed and enlarfjed : at lenoth small tumours or buds appear in the course of these absorbents, which are small abscesses arisins: from the inflammation of these vessels. Thus far the disease is certainly local ^ and the constitution untainted, the poison being arrested bv the glands, and for a time prevent- ed from mixing with the blood; at length however it insinuates itself into the circulation, and poisons the whole mass. Those parts which are susceptible of its action will then be affected, though at different periods. The internal parts of the nose are generally the first to be attacked ; that delicate membrane by wiiicli they are lined becomes inflamed and ulcerated, discharging large quantities of mat- ter. The next part wnich is affected is gene- rali}' the skin, on various parts of which far- C}j bads (as tiiey are termed) niake their ap- pearance, and degenerate into foul spreading ulcers: at len2:th the bones of the nose be- FARCV. 1 3 5 come carious, or rotten ; and finally the poison falls upon the lungs, and very soon puts a period to the sufferings of the unfortunate ani- mal. Sometimes the "progress of the disease is extremely rapid, and destroys the horse in a ver}' short time ; at others it is remarkably- slow, and continues in the same state for a considerable time, without affecting either the appetite or strength. In the hrst stage of the farcy, while it is perfectly local, a cure may be easily accom- pUshed ; and should the disease b6 discovered quite at its commencement, topical applications alone will be sufficient to remove it. If in- deed the actual cautery be fvtdy applied at this time, so as to destroy the whole of the poisoned parts, the disease will be complctdij eradicated, and the chancre converted to a common sore. This will soon be evinced by the remarkable change that may be observed in its appearance : as soon as the slough comes off, instead of looking foul, it will -have a red healthy appearance, the matter will become white and thick, the healing process goes on rapidly, and the cure is soon completed merely by the appUcation of digestive oint- ment. Should the disease however have been 136 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. neglected, or not perceived at its commence- ment ; should the lymphatics be enlarged or corded (as it is termed by farriers), and the neighbouring glands swollen, the cure is by no means so certain. In this case some of the poison may have got into the circulation, though its efiTects have not been visible. Even in this stage, however, the chancre may be completely cured by the actual cautery, or other strong caustics ; and if the poison should not have passed the glands, the cure will be radical — but if, on the contrarv, the smallest portion of the poison should have insinuated itself into the blood, the whole mass will be poisoned, and the sj-mptoms we have before described will successively take place. Whenever therefore tli« farcy has been ne- glected at its first appearance, it will he ad- visable to give the following ball, once, twice, or even three times a day, if the horse's strength will admit of it, taking care to restrain its inordinate effect upon the bowels or kid- ney's by meuns of opium : at the same time it is necessary to keep up the horse's strength by a liberal allowance of corn. Malt has been found useful also on these occasions. During the time the horse is taking this strong medi- FARCY. 1 3 7 cine, great attention must be paid to him ; he must be warmly clothed, have regular exer- cise, and never be suffered to drink cold water. Verdigris has been much recom- mended in this disease, but I have never liad an opportunity of seeing its effect. (See White's Vettrinary Materia Mcdica, &c.) The following balls have proved so elKca- cious, that I have seldom had occasion to try other remedies ; but unless they are given for two or three wee^s after ev^ry symptom has been removed, the cure will seldom be per- manent. It seems probable that the farcy, as well as the glanders, arises sometimes sponta- neously, though not so frequently as it is sup- posed. I have seen many cases where the disease could not be traced to any source of in- fection. Still, however, it might have arisen from contact with poisonous matter ; for it is not necessary that the matter should be con- v^eyed immediately from one horse to anothei^ in order to produce the disease ; which is often communicated by means of matter de- posited upon the manger, or litter, or about the rack ; and not improbably sometimes con^ • veyed by the hands of those w'ho have the ma* ]3S COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. iiagement of such horses, through inattention or ne-estive liniment o or ointment. Should it appear not to heal readily under this treatment, apply the deter- gent lotion made hot. When swellings of this kind are laroe and much inflamed, it will be ' i_ --^ vi.i*V' l.l.X\*^l.M. AXH^U,^JL^S^<^I, 156 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. advisable to bring them to suppuration as ex- peditiously as possible, by means of fomenta- tions or poultices. Should a hard swelling remain after the inflammation is in s^reat mea- sure removed, try the embrocation for strains ; and if this do not succeed, recourse must be had to a blister, THE EMBROCATION. No. 1. Water of acetated litharge, 2 dr= Distilled vinegar, - 3 oz. Spirit of wine, - ^ 4 oz Mix. No. 2. m Muriate of ammoiua, - f oz. Muriatic acid, - - 2 dr. Water, - from 8 to 12 oz. Mix. No. 3. Soap liniment, and water of acetated ammonia, of each, Mix. SITFASTS, STRAINS. 157 Sitfasts Are occasioned by repeated bruises from the saddle, which, instead of inflaming the skin, as most commonly happens, cause it to become callous, and give it somewhat the appearance of leather. The following oint- ment is to be applied until the callous part appears disposed to separate : it is then to be removed, which generally requires some force, and the sore which remains may be healed w^ith digestive liniment or ointment. The sore may be washed now and then with weak detergent lotion, if it appear indisposed to heal. OINTMENT FOR SITFASTS. Ointment of althea, - 4 oz. Camphor, - - - 2 dr. Oil of origanum, - 1 dr. Mix. Strains, This is a subject with which every sports- fiian ought to be well acquainted, since his horses are particularly liable to such accidents. Strains may affect either the muscles, iiga- 158 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. ments, or tendons. Muscular strains consist in an inflammation of the muscles or flesh, occasioned by violent and sudden exertion. When lioaments are the seat of this disease, there is generally some part of them ruptured, whereby very obstinate and sometimes perma- nent lameness is produced : in this case also inflammation is the symptom which first re- quires our attention. But tendons are the parts most frequently affected, particularly the flexors of the fore leg, or back sinews, as they are commonly termed. ■ Tendinous strains are commonly supposed to consist in a relaxation or preternatural extension of the tendon ; and the remedies that have been recommended are supposed to brace them up again. How- ever plausible this opinion may be, it certainly is very erroneous ; indeed it has been proved l^y experiment, that tendons are neither elas- tic nor capable of extension ; and from investi- gating their structure and economy, we learn, that were they possessed of these qualities,, they would not answer the purpose for which they were designed. From an idea that a strain in the back sinews depends on a relaxr ation of the tendons, many practitioners have been apprehensive of danger from trie use of. STRAIN OF THE SHOULDER. 159 emollient or relaxing applications, than which nothing can be more useful at the beginning of the disease. Tendinous strains consist in an inflammation of the membranes in which tendons are enveloped; and the swelling which takes place in these cases depends on an effusion of coagulable lymph by the vessels of the in- flamed part. Inflammation being the essence of a strain, we are to employ such remedies as are best calculated to subdue it ; and should any swelling remain, it is to be removed by stimulating the absorbent vessels to in- creased action. Strain of the Shoulder. This disease is by no means so frequent as it is supposed to be, lameness in the feet being often mistaken for it : the difference, however, is so well marked, that a judicious observer will never be at a loss to disting^uish one from t he other. A shoulder strain is an inflammation of some of the muscles of the slioulder, mdst^ com- monlj^ 1 believe, those by which the limb is connected with the bod v. The lameness which 160 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. this accident occasions comes on rather sud- denly, and is generally considerable. When the horse attempts to walk, the toe of tlie af- fected side is generally drawn along the ground, from the pain which an extension of the limb occasions : in violent cases he appears to be incapable of extending it. Wlien lameness arises from a disease of the foot, it is generally gradual in its attack, un- less occasioned by an accidental wound, and does not at all hinder the extension of the limb : an unusual heat and tenderness may also be perceived in the foot ; and us the horse stands in the stable, the affected foot will be put forward, that it may bear as little as pos- sible of the weight of the body. Tiie first remedy to be employed on these occasions is bleeding in the shoulder or plate vein ; then give a laxative ball ; and if the in- jury be considerable, let a rowel be put in the chest. By means of these remedies and rest, the disease will generally be removed in a short time ; a cooling opening diet, with per- fect rest, will also be necessary. When the inflammation and lam.eness begin to abate, the horse should be turned into a loose stall, and after a week or two he may be suffered to STRAIN OF THE SHOULDER. 161 walk out for a short time every day : but should this appear to increase the lameness, it must be discontinued. The intention of mo- derate exercise, after the inflammation is in great measure subdued, is to effect an absorp- tion of any lymph that may have been effused, and to bring the injured muscles gradually into action. After an accident of this kind, particularly when it has been violent, the horse should not be worked in any way for a considerable time, as the lameness is very apt to recur, unless the injured parts have had sufficient rest to recover their strength. If he can be allowed two or three months* run at grass, it will be found extremely conducive to his recovery, provided he is prevented from galloping or exerting himself too much when first turned out. It is necessary also to choose a situation where there are no ditches in which he may get bogged. With respect to embrocations, and other external applications, they are cer- tainly useless, unless the external parts are affected ; and then fomentations may be em- ployed with advantage. 162 CO>rPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. Stniiyi of the Stifle. In this case the stifli^ joint will be fonnd un- usually hot, tenacT, ana sometimes swollen. The remedies are fomentations, a rowel in the thigh, and a dose of pk^-sic. When by these means the inHanimation of the joint has abated eonsiderably, and at the same time the swelling and lameness continue, the embroca- tion for strains, or a blister, should be applied. Strains in the hock joint require the same treatment. Strain of the Hip Joints (commonli/ termed JVhirl Bone, or Round Bone.) When lameness occurs in the hind leg, the cause of which is too obscure for the farrier's comprehension, he generally pronounces it to be a strain in the round or whirl bone; and with all that affectation of infallibility, so com- monly observed in those gentlemen. I have seen several cases of lameness which were sup- posed to be occasioned by an injury of this part, but after attentive examination an incipient spavin was found to be the cause. I would advise therefore in such cases, that the hock STRAIN OF THE FLEXOR TENDON. 163 joint be carefully examined, and if unusual heat or tenderness be observed on the seat of spavin, it is probable that the lameness arises from this cause, and that it may be removed by the application of a blister. 1 have met with seve« ral horses that had been severely burnt and blistered in the hip, when the hock was €vi« dentiy the seat of the disease. Strain of the Flexor Tendon^ or Back Sinew, A strain of the back sinew depends, as we have before observed, on an inflammation of the membranes in which it is enveloped'*, and is sometimes complicated with a rupture of the ligaments which are situate immediately mider the sinews f. When the lameness and swelling are considerable, bleed in the shoul- der vein, and give a dose of physic ; then let the saturnine poultice be applied, so as to ex- tend from the hoof to the knee, and let it be frequently moistened with the saturnine lotion. When the inflammation and lameness have abated considerably, and a swelling still re- mains, apply the embrocation for strains, rub- * See Plate 9, aaa the back sinew, hh the membranes, t See Plate 10. 164 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. bing it well on the part twice or three times a day. If this do not succeed, recourse must be had to a bhster. It will be advisable also to turn the horse loose into a large stable or barn, and to give him this kind of rest for a considerable time : should he be worked too soon after the accident, the part is very liable to be injured again, particularly when it has been violent. Should the swelhng continue, notwithstanding these remedies have been carefully employed, particularly if it feel cal- lous and hard, and be perfectly free from inflammation, it will be necessary to apply the actual cautery {See Firing) : this operation, however, must never be performed while any inflammation remains. I'hese swellings some- times prove so obstinate, that even repeated blistering and the actual cautery are in- effectual; as soon, however, as the inflamma- tion which caused them is completely removed, they seldom occasion lameness, yet they will not admit of any violent exertion in the part, and are therefore always an impediment to «peed. SATURNINE LOTION. Acetated lead, - - 4 oz. Vinegar and water, of each, 1 pint. INIix. RING-BONES, 165 SATURNINE POULTICE. Fine Bran, - - | peck. To be made into a thin paste with hot satur- nine lotion : to this add as much Unseed- meal as will give it a proper consistence. EMBROCATION FOR STRAINS. No. I. Oil of rosemary and cara-"| phor, of each. Soft soap, Spirit of wine. ) Mix. 2 dr. 1 oz, 2 oz. No. 2. Soft soap, spirit of wine, oil of turpentine, and oint- ment of elder, of each, Mix. >■ 4' oz. Ring' Bones Are bony excrescences about the small pas=^ tern bone, near the coronet, or an ossification of the cartilages of the foot. (See Ayiatoyny of the Foot, and plate 5, fig. 1, and plate?.) 166 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY AKT. If observe J in its incipient state, a blister will nrobiiblv be of service : but when of longer ^tuniing and larg:*, the actual cautery will also be necessary. Tiiis remedy, however, is by no means uniformly successful, the complaint being frequently mcurable ; and if it have proceeded so far as to cause astiif joint, there is no chance of recovery. Thorough- Pin. \ ' By this term is meant a swelling both on the inside and outside of tiie hock joint. When one of the tumours is pressed with the fingers, the fluid which it contains is forced into that; on the oppi)site side. From this communica- tion between thu two swellings, the disease has prjbably obtained its name. It IS generally a consequence of hard work, and thcrelore difficult to cure : the only reme- dies are busters and rest. Wbidgalls Consist in an enlargement of the mucous sacs, which are placed behind the flexor ten- dons for the purpose of facilitating their mo- tion. The swelling appears on each side the SPLKNTS. 167 Ijack sinevv. iaimediatelv above the fetlock joint, it punctured, tiiey dischsrge a fluii re-* sembiing joiDt oil ; in Jeed they irt-ijuently com- municute with the cavity of the joint, and therefore cannot be 0])ene.i without danger of producing an incurable lameness, bhsters are the only applications iikeiy to be of service, and these soi.loni eifect a cure u.iless assisted by rest. Tills complaint does not oiten occa- sion Jaineness, and is therefore selJo ii much attended to; but as it is almost always aeon- sequence of hard work, and often renders a horse unht for much iaDour, it diniinisnes nis value considerably. I have sometimes applied rollers or ban- dages to the legs v.itii gooi etfect, keeping them constantly moist with the folio »ving em- brocation: Muriate of ammonia, - 1 oz. Muriatic acid, - - ^ oz. Water, - - ^1 quart Mix. Splents Are bony excresctiices about the shank-bone^ i. f. bt^tween the knee and fetiock joint; they I7Q CHAPTER V. Anatomy and Physiology of the Foot. \JF all the diseases to which horses are liablcj. there are none more difficult of cure, or that occur so frequently, as those which attack the foot ; and however improbable it may appear to those who have not paid much attention to this subject, it is an incontrovertible fact, that almost ail of them are the consequence of bad shoeing, and iniproper management of the foot. No one can be aware of the importance of this branch of the veterinary art, but he w ho has had frequent opportunities of seeing these diseases, and has taken the trouble to inquire into their causes. . Such a man will be con- vinced, that nearly half of the horses that be- come unserviceable are rendered so by some defect in the feet; and he will find that such defects are most conunonl}^ occasioned by a bad method of shoeing: therefore it must surely Piat^ 6 . -Qyi??i^i/'^^^' i^at^y ANATOMY OF THE FOOT. 171 J ' I. - - ■■,,,. . be of importancs to every man who values his horse, to acquu*e such a knowledge of this subject as may enable him to preserve so use- ful an animal from a multitude of diseases. The bad eftects which arise from the com- mon practice of shoeing are so gradual, that we can easily account for their having been :e to the flexor muscles of the limb. The nut bone serves as another pulley for the tendon or back sinew to move upon : it is connected posteriorly with the coffin bone and the small pastern, and affords the same kind of polished surface and sheath for the tendon as we iiave before described. T.H'E AGES D)]F .A HOIRSjE CpUs Teeth ofi IVeeAs Staff eta Colts Teeth nom 3 Month Co/ts Teeth 01=3 Months to 5 Years "^ SI N^ / c j\ tht Pincei-i C Oit Comers. B . tti-' Se/taiabts D thi TiisA.r cr Tushts ^TeMV 6 r^-^ ST* 1S7 CHAPTER VI. On the Practice of Slweuig. XTAVING given, in the preceding chapter, a concise description of the horse's foot, and pointed out the uses of the various parts which compose it, I shall now describe tlie method of shoeing. It will be necessary to premise, that the mode of shoeing most commonly practised has a destructive tendency, and produces such a variety of diseases, that we seldom meet with a foot that has not lost, in a greater or less degree, its original shape : it must be obvious, therefore, that one kind of shoe cannot with propriety be recommended for general application, and that it is necessary on all occasions to adapt it carefully to the state of the foot. This constitutes the most difficult part of the art of siiueing; and from neglecting this precaution, siioes of the best form have often occasioned lameness. In Fig. 1, Plate I, is represented a colt'i* 188 COMPENDIUM OF THE A^ETERINARY ART. hoof in a state of nature, of which no part has ever been cut away, or ever been shod : this w^e have given as a standard of perfection, from which the goodness of feet in general may be judged of; for surely no one will he- sitate for a moment in admitting that the na- tural form is the best it can possibly possess. In Fig. 2 of the same plate is shown a per- fect foot, properly prepared for the shoe. In this foot the superfluous horn has been cut away, and an even surface made for the shoe to bear upon. If we examine the feet of a hundred colts, it will be found that more than ninety of them are of the same form. It is true that some may have grown more luxuriantly than others, whereby the crust will be deeper, and the bottom part may have been partially broken, so as to gi^e the Ibot a ragged and uneven appearance ; still the essential shape is the same; and when this superfluous horn has been removed, it will be found that the bottom of the foot will be nearly circular, the sole con- cave, the bars distinct, and the frog and heels open and expanded. In preparing a horse's foot for the shoe, the lower part is to be reduced, when luxuriant, SHOEING. 169 which is generally the case, more particularly at the toe, and this is to be done by means of a buttress or rasp : the loose scaly parts of the sole are likewise to be removed, so as to pre- serve its concavity ; and a small cavity is to be made with a drawing knife, between the bar and crust, to prevent the shoe from press- ing pn that part, and occasioning corns : it is, however, necessary, in doing this, to take particular care that the connection between the bar and crust is not destroyed or weak- ened, which would of course render the bar useless. The junction of the bar and crust affords a firm bearing for the heel of the shoe, and is to be rasped perfectly flat, and so low as to be exactly on a level with the frog, that they may bear equally on a plane surface before the shoe is applied; indeed, the whole of the bottom of the crust is to be made perfectly flat and even at the same time with the rasp, that the shoe may bear equally on every part of it. Farriers should never be allowed to da this by means of a hot shoe, which is too fre- quently the case. If any ragged parts are observed in the frog, they are to be carefully removed with a knife ; for, if suffered to re- 190 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. main, they migiit atibrd a lodgement for dirt and gravel. Thus do we prepare a foot for the siioe ; and to a foot of this description, I mean one tiiat is sound and perfect, or that has not sudered any material alteration in its form from improper shoeing, the shoe (Fig. 3, Plate 4) is to be applied. The toe of the shoe, for a mid die-sized horse, is about an inch in ^width, and half an inch hi depth or thickness ; the heels about half an inch in width, and three eighths in depth. The wearing part of the toe is to be made of steel ; and it may be observed, that the nails are brought very near to the toe, but not quite round it; for when that is done, there must also be a groove made, which conside- rably weakens that part, and almost all horses wear principally at the toe. Both .surfaces of the shoe are perfectly flat; and the heel of the shoe rests upon the junction of the bar and crust, beyond which it should never extend. It will be supposed, perhaps, that a shoe which is flat on that surface next the foot will be apt to produce lameness by pressing on the sole : but let it be recollected, that this shoe is recommended onl)' for a soiuid foot, in which the sole is always a little concave ; so SHOEING. I 9 t that it cannot possibly rective any pressure from a flat shoe. It may be said also, that when the nails are placed so far from the heels, the shoe will not be sufficiently secure, and will be frequently loosened ; but as the shoe bears equally on every part of the crust, this objection cannot have any weight. It must be granted, however, w4ien a foot is pared in the common way, that is, when the heels have been opened, and the shoe so ap- plied, that nearly an inch of the heel has no bearing upon the crust ; that, if the nails were placed so far from the heels as I have recom- mended, the shoe would be very insecure ; for, as much of it as had no bearing upon the crust would operate occasionally as a lever in raising the nails ; and consequently the shoe would frequently be loosened. Farriers there- fore find it necessary, when the foot has been thus pared, and the shoe applied in this w^ay, to place the nails in the quarters, by which the shoe is certainly rendered more secure than it would be had they been placed nearer the toe. Many disadvantages, however, attend this method. In the first place, by placing the nails in the quarters, they prove a c6nsiderable 11)2 COMPENDIUM OV THE VETERINARY ART, obstacle to the expansion of the heels; and as the crust is generally much thinner at the quarters than at the toe, the sensible parts are , more lia1)le to be wounded : but this does not apply to the hind feet, in which the crust of the quai'ters is generally thicker than that of the toe. When a horse overreaches, if any part of the shoe has no bearing upon the crust, it is very liable to be struck by the toe of the hind foot ; and shoes are often forced off in this way. To this may be added the insecurity of such a shoe when a horse is rode on a deep or heavy ground. It will probably be observed of the shoe which I have recommended, that it is incon- sistent v/ith the principle which has been laid down respecting the necessity of the frog's receiving pressure. T believe it is an incontro- vertible fact, that unless the frog receives a certain degree of pressure, it will become soft, and incapable of affording sufficient pro- tection to the sensible frog, which it covers ; and that the heels will gradually contract, and the natural form of the foot will be destroyed : for I have proved, by experiment, that the bars alone are not sufficient to prevent con- traction, though they certainly oppose it with SHOEING. 1 9f considerable force; but it does not follow from this that it is necessary for the pressure to be constant, nor do I believe that a shoe which allows the frog to bear upon the ground, when the horse stands upon a plane hard surface, can be always applied, even to sound feet, with- out inconvenience. There can be no doubt that a horse in a state of nature has his frog almost always in contact with the ground, and then of course he feels no inconvenience from it; but when burdens are placed upon his back, and he is driven about upon hard roads, lie is certainly in very different circumstances ; and if the frog in such cases were constantly exposed to this severe pressure, it would some- times, I believe, occasion lameness. In the foot, prepared for the shoe^ (J^ig"- 2» Plate 1,) the frog and heels are on a level, and if placed on a plane hard surface, would bear equally ; by applying the shoe, (Fig. 3, Plate 4,| the frog would be raised three- eii^^hths of aii inch from the ground; so tiiat when the horse is going upon a hard surface, where he would be most liable to feel inconvenience from the pressure on the frog, it receives none; but upon soft yielding ground the frog certainly receives pressure, and without giving the ani^ YOh, L K 1.94 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. mai aay pain. To a horse tnat travels or works regularly, and is occasionally taken upon soft ground, I believe the pressure the frog receives in this way is quite sufficient to preserve the foot in a state of health; but when a horse is kept almost constantly in the stable, standing upon hoc litter, particularly in hot and dry weather, his feet will certainly be undert^oinG: an alteration in their form, and will be in a progressive state towards disease. In these cases, however, contraction of the lioof may be effectually prevented by means of the patent artificial frog, invented by Mr. Coleman*. By this inticnious contrivance a horse's frog may receive sufficient pressure, in vvliatever circumstances he may be placed, to prevent contraction, and keep the foot sound and healthy, without the inconvenience of wearing thin heeled shoes ; but it must be remembered, that whenever the frog is much exposed to pressure, whether it be by applying the patent frog, or by the thin heeled shoe, and reducing tiie crust at the heels, it is ne- 1 cjL\ssary the quarters and heels should possess fj a proper degree of phancy. If they be rigid and inHcxible, it is evident that the sensible * rrotcbsor oftlie Vttcriuar^- College. SHOEING. 195 frog and cartilages would be placed between two fixed points, and they would consequently be bruised and inflamed. I have indeed seen several cases of lameness produced iu this way. Whenever the hoof, therefore, appears to be too dry and strong, or to have lost it* natural elasticity, it is necessary to rasp the quarters, and keep the whole hoof moist, either by applying several folds of flannel round the coronet, constantly wetted, or by making the horse stand in soft clay four or five hours du- ring the day : by these means the natural flexibility of the horn would be restored, and the heels and quarters yield m a small degree, whenever the horse's weight was thrown upom the frog. Having said as much as appears to be requi- site of the method of shoeing a sound foot,. I shall proceed to describe those diseases of the foot which render a different kind of shoe necessary. In tlie first place it will be proper to observe, that when a horse, even with a sound foot, has worn shoes that are very thick, or turned up at the heels, particularly if at tlie same time the crust at the heels have been suffered to grow so high that the frog is kept at a considerable distance from the ground, k K 2 t96 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. would be very improper to ret^uce the 1 ;J suddenly, sous to allow tiie trog to rec* ivo pressure, since the back sinews would in this case be injureil, and lameness might ensue. In feet of this description it is necessi-.ry to remove from the toe all that can be done without exposing the part too much, and to lower the heels gradually : the toe of the shoe should be rather thin, and of the best steel. The shoe for draui^iit horses should be made flat on both surfaces, provided the sole is of a proper form and thickness, but if fiat or con- vex, and consequently too thin, which is often the case in horses of this description, the inter- nal siu'face of the shoe must be concave; still the external surface should be fiat, for the convex slioe, which is commonly used for drauglit horses, prevents them from treading securely, and renders them incapable of ex- erting th: wliole of their strength. 1 197 CHAPTER YU, Diseases of the Foot. 1 HE most frequent cause of lameness in the foot is a contraction of the horny matter that composes the hoof, generally accompanied by an increased concavity and thickness of the sole. The cavity of the hoof being thus diminishe.l, the sensible foot sutlers a greater or less degree of compression, which occasions in it inflammation and lameness. When we examine the bottom of a contracted foot, in- stead of being circular, it will be found of an oblong form ; the heels and frog will appear as if they had been squeezed together. Some- times the frog has become rotten, and dis- charofes an offensive matter. The sensible foot may also be compressed and inflamed by an increased thickness, and a consequent loss of elasticit}" in the hoof and sole, and in this case there is seldom any con- siderable alteration observed in the external form of the foot. f 158 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. We sometimes meet with horses that 2:0 perfectly sound, though their hoofs are much contracted ; on the other hand we often see severe lameness produced by a shght degree of contraction. In attempting to cure this disease, the first step to be taken is to remove carefully with a knife ail the rotten parts of the frog, and apply tar to those whieh are sound. A small quantity should also be poured into the cleft of the frog ; this wuU promote the secretion of horny matter, and if assisted by pressure, will increase the solidity of that which is already formed. The quarters and heels are then to be rasped, particularly at the coronet, and the superfluous parts of the sole removed with a butteris and drawing knife. The toe is to be shortened as much as can be conveniently done; and if the heels be too high, that is, if the crust at the heels be too deep, it will be necessary to reduce it with the butteris and rasp. It frequently happens, however, in feet of this description, that the heels are too low; in such cases they must be carefully preserved ; and when a shoe is applied, it should be made thicker at the heel than at the toe, and somewhat longer than tliat recom- mended for a sound foot. DISEASES OF THE FOOT. 199 When a contracted hoof has been thus treated, the next thing to be done is to keep the foot as moist as possible, and expose the frog constantly to pressure, either by means of the artificial frog, or by reducing the crust at the heels. When these remedies have been persevered in for a snort time, the frog will have acquired a certain degree ot hardness and solidity ; it will then be proper to turn the horse out into some soft meadow irround, without shoes, taking care that the bottom of the foot is occasionally reduced, so that the frog may constantly receive pressure. If the foot be examined after a short time, it will be found that all the new formed hoof at the quarters and heels, that is all the horn that has been pro.lujed at those parts since the reme- dies were first employed, instead of growing down nearly in a perpendicular direction, or obliquely inwara, is torced outward in its descent, so tiiat the cavity of the hoof wiii be considerably enlarged, and tne compression of the internal parts removed. When tlie horse has been at grass a sudicient time for the new hoof to grow coiiipietely down, the siiape of the foot will be found mucii altered ; tiie heels, instead or being narrow^, wiii be open 200 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. and expanded, the frog will be considerably widened, and not squeezed together as before, and the oblong form will be changed to one that is more circular; in short, when the frog daring this time has been properly exposed to pressure, and the quarters so rasped as to be rendered sufficiently flexible, the hoof will be found very similar in its form to that of a colt. In cases where a contraction of the hoof has ah'ead}- produced inflammation and lameness, particularly if the lameness be not recent, it will be advisable to blister the pasterns previous to turnmg the horse out ; and when the inflamma- tion is very considerable, a laxative ball, with a cooling diet, will be serviceable. The cruel oper- ation of drawing or tearing ofl"the sole has been recommended as a remedy for contracted feet, but very little reflexion wdll convince any one of its ineflftcacy. Whenever it has been sup- posed to do good, the benefit has probably arisen from the long run at grass that becomes necessary after it, and then the advantage might have been equal, perhaps greater, had tl:e operation been omitted. It has been ob- serv^ed before, that in contracted hoofs there is generally an increased concavity in the sole^ DISEASKS OF THE FOOT. 201 whence we may reasonably conclude that it opposes the contracting causes, though in the end it is not capable of preventing the con- traction from taking place. Upon a horse that has been lame from this disease a con- siderable time, it is difficult, if not impossible, to perform a radical cure ; in such cases 1 have several times succeeded in removing the lame- ness, but the internal parts had become so ir- ritable, or their organisation had been so al- tered, that very moderate work would cause the lameness to retvu'n. When the lameness is not so considerable as to render the horse totally unht for work, it will be advisable to apply a shoe that is thicker, wider, and linger at the heels, than that recommeuded for a -sound foot ; and if the frog be tender and rot- ten, the bar shoe will be found serviceable. (Plate 4, Fig. 2.) It will be useful also to keep the hoof as moist as possible, by making the horse stand in wet clay four or live hours du- ring the day. In examining after death the feet of horses that have been thus diseased, we tind g.;;e- i^lly that the laminge have been destroyed, the form of the coffin bone altered and its size diminished, or the lateral cartilages oesified, K 3 202 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. In some cases, however, no appearance of dis- ease can be perceived on the internal parts of the foot. When the disease has gone so far as to injure the lamiiice, cartilages, or coffin bone, there is not a possibihty of removing it, which shows how necessary it is to attend to the feet of horses more than is commonlv done : and that whenever any alteration is perceived to be going on in the shape of the foot; when the heels appear to be getting narrower, the frog squeezed together, and discharging mat- ter, ill consequence of the compression which the sensible frog suffers ; it surely must be of importance to adopt such measures as will not only prevent the disease from going any fur- ther, but will also restore the foot to its na- tural healthy state : for when it has gone so far as to produce absolute lameness, the cure is by no means certain. How ffequently do we meet with horses that are said to be tender in the feet ! and how subject are they to fall in consequence of this tenderness, which ge- nerally arises from contraction of the crust! In this case the sensible frog is extremely irri- table and inflamed; and the horny frog which Nature designed for its protection being soft or rotten, and inadequate to its function, every DISEASES OF THE FOOT. 20 o blow that it receives must of course give the animal very considerable pain ; and I have known many valuable horses thrown down in this way ; since however high and wide the heel of the shoe may be, the frog will be sub- ject to occasional blows from sharp projecting stones. Whenever therefore any of those symptoms make their appearance, and when- ever the foot seems to be underscoino^ an alter- ation in form, immediate recourse should be had to the mode of prevention we have pointed out. The next disease to be noticed is the flat and convex sole, or, as it is more commonly termed, the pumice foot, which is represented in Plate 3, Fig. 2. This disease most com- monly occurs in heavy draught horses, and seems to arise from a weakness of the crust ; for when the sole becomes flat or convex, the crust also loses its proper form, and becomes flatter, appearing as if it had been incapable of supporting the animal's weight, and had therefore given way, allowing tiie internal foot to press so upon the sole as to give it the appearance we observe. This explanation of the disease will perhaps appear better founded, if vve consider that, when a horse is uiawiiig a 204 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. heavy load, not only his own weight, but great part of that which he is drawing also, is thrown iilciiiiately upon his feet; and as the fore feet support by far the greatest share, it is not at all ustonishino- that the crust should sometimes ofive way ; for though it possesses sufficient strength for the purposes of the animal in a state of na- ture, yet that strength is limited, and not always adequate to the heavy burdens which the crust has to sustain. ^Vhen the sole becomes fiat or convex, it is rendered also thinner than it is naturally, and sometimes so much so, as to yield easily to. the pressure of the finger. The sole in this state is of course incapable of affording sufficient protection to the sensible sole, which is then closely in contact w^ith it; and if it be exposed to pressure, lameness must be the consequence. It is almost super- fluous to observe, that the flat shoe would be ijl adapted to a foot of this description : it becomes necessary in this case to apply one that is concave on its internal surface, that the sole may not receive any pressure from it, and of sufficient width to protect the sole as much as can be done from the pressure of the ground. In Plate 4, Fig. 1, this shoe is repre* seated, in i^iiicb if may be observed, thai DISEASES OF THE FOOT. 205 althousrli the internal sunace is concave, still there is a flat surface for the crust to bear upon. In attempting to cure this disease, it is first necessary to take off the horse's shoes, and to make him stand on a fiat hard surface : this kind of pressure will harden the soles, and in the end render them thicker, particularly if tar be frequently applied to them. I cannot say that 1 have ever seen the disease radically cured by this treatment, but I have known considerable advantage derived from it, espe- ciallv in one case, wnere the soles, from beinjj convex and very thin, became fiat, and suiH- ciently fina to bear moderate pressure with- out inconvenience to the horse. We sometimes meet with horses, particu- larly among those that are well bred for the turf, whose pasterns are remarkably long and oblique m their position, while the heels are very low, and the toe of considerable length. If thin heeled shoes were applied to feet of this description, or if the toes were not kept short, the horse would be very liable to lame- ness, from the extraordinary pressure to which the ligaments and back sinews would be ex- posed : the heels therefore of such horses are to be carefully prese.rved, and the toes kept 20G COMPENDIUM OF THE. VETERINARY ART. as short as possible. The shoes which are apphed should be made sufficiently thick and long at the heel to make up for the deficiency of horn in that part, in order to relieve the ^lioranients and back sinews ; and with the same view the toe should be made rather thin, and of the best steel. There is another kind of deformity some- times observable in the foot, that is, the hoof loses that oblique form represented in Plate 3, Fig. i, and approaches towards the perpendi- cular (f ig. 3) : at the same time the heels be- come very high. In this case it is necessary to reduce tne ciust at the heels, and apply the thin heeled shoe. Sand Cracks Are longitudinal fissures in the hoof, gene- rally near the heels, beginning at the coronet. Horses, whose hoofs have become dry and brittle, are most subject to them. They generally occur in the liot and dry months of summer, and seem to be occasioned by a strong disposition in the hoof to contract, at a time when it is dry and inhexible. They do not always cause lameness, and are sometimt3 .CORNS. 207 very easily cured : but when the fissure is so deep as to reach the sensible parts, it often produces very severe lameness, and requires a considerable time to be completely removed. Having rasped the quarter, let the crack be opened with a drawing knife, so that the ac- tual cautery, or red hot iron, may be applied to it. This will cause a matter somewhat re- sembling glue to exude, which will tend to fill up the fissure, and protect the sensible parts that would otherwise be exposed. Our next object is to remove the contractile disposition of the hoof, without doing which every other remedy would avail little. This is to be ef- fected by keeping the hoof constantly moist, either by means of clay, or by turning the horse out to grass in soft moist ground : but previous to this it is necessaiy to rasp the bot- tom of that quarter which is cracked, so that no part of it may bear upon the shoe. Corns, Corns are generally the consequence of bad slioeing, or improper management of the foot, and may therefore be avoided by following 208 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. the directions I h-ave given under that head : but when they do occur, it is necessary to re- move the red pari, or corn, with a drawing knife, and to apply the shoe so that the tender part may n Mi M» 220 COIvrPENDlUM OF. THE VETERINARY ART. or coagiiluble Ij^mpJi. The proportion, which these component parts of the blood bear to each other, seems to depend upon ihe state of the system at the time it is drawn. V\^heii the body is ileal thy and vigorous, we fmd but little serum ; wheii it is preternatiiraiiy exciied, or in a state of inflammation, there is still less; and when the animal is weak and debilitated, tliere is generally an abundance of serum. Another circumstance to be attended to in examining blood is the firmness or tenacity of the coagulum. In health, the blood, when dravvn^'and sulYered to coagulate, is of a mode- rately firm consistence, and easily broken ; but when the system is iiighly excited, as in general inflammation, so great is the tenacity of the mass, that the finger can scarcely penetrate It . On the other hand, when the powers of life are weak, as in the latter stage of symptom- atic fever, the blood almost loses its power of coaoulatin*]:. I recollect a piandered horse that was made the subjectof experiments, and that died in consequence of large and repeat- ed doses of mercury ; the debility this pro- duced was excessive; and the blood appeared as tiiin, and nearly of the same colour, as claret. BLEEDING. 221 The necessity, therefore, of examining blood that is drawn from a diseased horse must be obvious, as it assists in f rmino; a iudfvnient of the nature of the disease, and points out the proper remedies. When blood exhibits buff on its surface, particukirly if at the same time the coagulum be firm and solid, we may be certain that the complaint is intiammatory, and that bleeding may be repeated w ith advantage. If on the other hand the mass of blood be wanting in tenacity, and have more serum than usual, we may safely conclude that the system is in a state of dehiUty, and consequently that bleeding is highly improper. In cases of symptomatic fever it will gene- rally be necessary to take away four or -five quarts of blood at the first blev'ding; I have seen even six quarts taken with manifest ad- vantage. It is at this p;^riod of the disease (its commencement) that copious bleeding is par- ticularly useful; and it is from an absurd preiu- dice vvdiich obtains against this practice, that so many horses arc destroyed h\ such fevers. It is truly laughable to hear a groom or farrier pronouncing with an afiVictation of unerring sagacity upon the qualities of blood, frequently observing, that it is too hot, and that conse- '222 COMPENDfUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. qiiently the horse must have a fever; that . it is too dark coloured, and therefore foul; oi that it is too thick, and consequently unfit for circulation ; and sometimes it is said to be full of humours. AVith respect to rhe/ieat of the blood, it will be sufficient to observe, that it preserves Tieai-l3' the same temperature while circulating in the body, whether the animal be an inhabit- ant of the most sultry or of the coldest coun- try, whether in health or in the his^hest fever. As to the colour of the blood while flowincr from the body, it may be either red or of u dark colour, as the operator pleases ; since by pressing on the vein, for a short time before the orifice is made, it may always be made to ap'- pear of a dark colour. If an artery be opened, rne blood which flows from it will be of a. bright scarlet colour. The opinion that blood sometimes becomes thick or viscid in the body u'as supported by many respectable philoso- phers, but is now universally abandoned, be- cause it has been proved to be erroneous. 1 think it a bad pitictice to bleed horses fre- quently when there is no urgent occasion, as they thereby acquire a plethoric habit; and unless the operation be regularly performed and gradually increased in frequency, trouble- BLEEDING. 223 some diseases mioht ensue. Horses of a full liabit, that are consequently liable to inflam- matory complaints^ will receive most benefit from moderate and long continued exercise, and good grooming. When bleeding is per- formed for the cure of important inBammatory diseases, a large orifice should be made in the vein, and the blood drawn in a large stream, as we thereb}' diminish the action of the heart and arteries much more readily than if it were drawn slowly from a small orifice, in cases of external and circumscribed mflammation, to- pical bleeding is eminently useful, which is done by opening some veins contiguous to the affected part, or by scarifying the inflamed surface. Thus in diseases which depend upon an undue proportion of blood in the vessels of the brain, relief will often be obtained by- opening the artery of the temple ; and wdien the eye is much inflamed, it will be found useful to scarify the inner surface of the eye- lid. 224 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETEBTNATIY ART. 2. Of Physic, In pu]*ging horses, great care and attention are necessary, their bowels being particularly irritable, and liable to inflanimation. The physic commonly given is certainly too strong, and I am convinced that many horses have been destroyed by the immoderate doses that have been recommended by writers on far- riery. M'hen this happens, the mischief is generally attributed to the coarseness or im- purity of the medicine, and the druggist is undeservedly censured. A modern author has ingeniousl}' availed himself of this preju- dice, to explain the violent effects which his cathartic prescriptions have sometimes pro- duced. I must presume, liowever, to suggest, that these elfects were more probably occa- sioned by the excessive quantitjj than by the impurity of the purgative ingredients. The only certain and safe purgative for horses is aloes ; and of the different kinds of aloes, the Barbadocs is undoubtedly the best. The succotrinc, which is generally considered the mildest, as well as the most certain in its effect, is too weak, and so very un- certain and variable in its operation, that PHYSIC. 225 we cannot use it without frequent disap- pointment. Practitioners seem now to be convinced of the superiority of the Barhadocs aloe, as it has been, sold of late nearly at double the price of the succotrine. If the reader wdsh to have farther inform- ation on this subject, he is requested to con- sult the author's second volume, or Veterinary Materia Medica, &c. It is advisable to prepare a horse for physic by giving him bran mashes for a day or tw^o. This will gently relax the bowels, and remove any indurated faeces that may be lodged in them ; it will also tend to facilitate the opera- tion of the medicine. About a peck of bran divided into four feeds will be sufficient for twenty-four hours ; and as it is desirable to give the horse but a small quantity of hay, I think it advisable to add to each bran mash about a pint or more of bruised or broken oats, which wiii tend to preserve^v his strength and condition. He should be allowed to drink a moderate quantity of water frequently. When a horse is purged for the first time, it is prudent to give a very moderate dose. Were the common quantity givea to one of L 5 S2G COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. weak, irrituble bowels, there would be danger not only of producing great debility, and there- by of counteractinfT the intention of the me- dicine, but likewise of destrovino; the animal, bv^ bringing on an intiammation of the bowels \ and this vs by no means an unusual occurrence. Should the first ball not operate sufficiently, a stronger may be given after an interval of a few days^. * ^Ir. John Lawrence recomineuds lloni onii ounce and a }i fourteen drams of s^uccotiine aloos, as a moderate dose for a race-horse, a dose wliichl am sure uould in mimy horses prove very injurious; and as a remedy lor that khid of colic or gripes ivbich often happens froni too strong a dose of pliysic, or from bad management during its operation, he recommends in sligJit Cuses a cordial ball, and in more serious cases camphor dissolved iu a small quantity of gin, with oil of amber, and balsam of capivi cgadPer'i, all of them powerful sliujulanls, and very hkely in such cases to produce inllammation in the bowels. \Vhenev».'r a liorse appears sick- and griptd alter taking p.hysic, or, as the :i.')Ove author properly describes him, hanging down his head, refiv^ingjus food, appearing as if swollen iu the carcase, heaving ^IfiStiis flanks, and frequently throwing up liii tail, wiiliout ability 10 evaenate, all medicines of a stimulecting quality should be •.i\oidcd, I he straight g'.'.t should be emptied by the hand, and afterward clysters of Avater-gf uel, v.ilh olive or linseed oil, should He injected. 'Y\\x. horse 5.hou!d be allowed to flrink frccmentiv of Aurni water, or thin water-gruel; and if he refuse to drink, it \t- absoluttly necessary to drench ban several limes a day. These moans, assisted by walking exercise, will soon bring on an eva- cuation, and the horse will be relieved. It is often supposed tiiut; PHYSIC. 227 The moriiin"- is the best time for triviny; a purgative, the horse having- previously fasted two or three hours. If he he disposed to drink after taking the ball, give a moderate quantity of warm water, which v/ill promote its solution in the stomach, a-nd consequently expedite the operation. During this day the horse is to be kept in the stable, and fed with bran mashes and a moderate quantity of hav : he may be allowed also to drink plentifully of warm water; and if he refuse it in this state, let it be of fered nearly cold. The foilowino- mornin pose there are files made by veterinary instru- ment makers, and by applying to tiie wounded cheek the followinor mixture : f oz. Powdered alum. Honey, ^ , - 2 oz. Vitriolic acid, (strong) - 12 drops. Infusion of roses, - - 8 oz. Mix. It will be necessary, until this defect is completely removed, to give the horse broken corn, which may be more easily digested. It has sometimes been found necessary to remove, a projecting tooth before the horse can be relieved, for which purpose a large" strong tooth instrument is made. When young horses are cutting their teetJi, the mouth sometimes becomes inflamed and tender. This is another circumstance which may impede mastication, but is easily re- ;mcved by washing the inflamed parts fre- quently with the above mixture. Should a flight degree of fever supervene, bleed mode- rately, and give a dose of the fever powder. The corn which is given should be either soft- M 2 244 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. eiied by steeping it in boiling water, or be broken in a mill. The lampas is said to be another impedi- ment to feeding (See Lampas)^ and is there- fore removed with a red-hot iron. This oper- ation is certainly performed much oftener than is necessary. 2d. Weakness of the stomach or bowels.-- Horses that have acqnired the vicious habit termed cribrhiting, sutler great inconvenience from the waste of saliva which it occasions ; the stomach, being in great measui'e deprived of this liquid, performs its functions imper- fectly ; hence arise flatulent colic or gripes, general emaciation, and debility. The remedy commonly employed is a leathern strap, buckled tight round the neck, immediately beneath the jaw. This, however, is seldom effectual. A bet- tc-r method is to cover the edge of the manger, and every other part he can lay hold of, with sheep skins, (the wool side outward) until the habit \% destroyed, l^iere are other causes by which the energy of the stomach may be im- paired. Among these are excessive fatigue, bad food, defect in respiration or breathin foul air, taking- too much food or water at once. I CONDITION. 2 i.- or at any improper time, bots, fever ; in short the stomach is so important an organ in the animal system, that scarcely any part can be materially injnred witliout affecting it in some ilegree ; and whenever the stomach i« hurt, the Avhole system seeTns to sympathise and par- tuke of the injnry. Weakness of the stomach is souietinies voi'v easily cured, 'i'he powers of nature indeed are often capable of restoring its tone ; at others we find the disease extremely obstinate, resist- ing the most powerful medicines. This diller- €ijce depends upon the variety in the causes by which the weakness is induced. When ic arises from loading the stomach with improper food, that contains scarcely any nutriment, such as straw, and where the horse has been fed in this way for a consiilerable time, the diet should be gradually changed to one more nu- tritive. During the time we are making tliis alteration, it is generally necessary to give one or two doses of laxative medicine, joined with aromatics (See Laxatives)^ to prevent iriflam- niatory affection of the eyes, lungs, or heels, or, according to the more fashionable langiia^ OL ;^ rooms, to prevent humours from break- ing out. Should the appetite appear deficient, ?^« COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. the cordial ball will be foimcl of great service, given occasionally. When excessive fatigue is the cause of the weakness, wliich we often find after a hard day's run with the hounds, nothing is so effectual as the fcordial ball, par- ticularly in old horses : it soon gives them an appetite, and renders them fit for work again RmGh sooner than they w^ould otherwise be. Where a speedy effect is required, the ball may be mixed with a pint of good beer or ale. If a horse, after sweating from exercise or any other cause, is allowexl to drink freely of cold water, the stomach is suddenly debilitated, and the whole system is affected in conse- quence; hence arise flatulent colic, suppres- sion of urine, shivering, quick pulse, and other symptoms of fever. (For the remedies, consult the Index.) The stomach sor«etimes becomes weak gra- dually, and without any apparent cause. Thi^ is first indicated by the appetite failing, which is soon followed by general debility, emaciation, and an uniiealtliy looking coat. The most effectual remedies in this case are the tonic fealls and a nutritious diet ; corn should be given more frequently than usual, but in small quantities ; and a little malt on these occasions is CONDITION. 247 extremely useful. The stable should be well ventilated, but not cold ; regular exercise \\ ill also be verv beneficial, and should never be omitted. It should be understood, however, that, although exercise tends to promote strength^ if carried beyond the cininial's power, it be- comes a cause of debility : it is highly neces- sary, therefore, when a horse is in a state of weakness, to take care that his exercise is but moderate. Worms in the stomach and bowels are a frequent cause of leanness and debility in horses; and while they exist, every exertion to promote condition will be ineffectual. (See Worms.) A defect in the organs of respiration will also produce weakness and emaciation. If the blood be not duly supplied with that vivifying principle, which is derived from the air by breathing, a greater or less degree of debility must be the consequence; hence a want of tone is always observable jn the sto- mach and bowels of broken winded horses, as well as a deficiency in the muscular power in o-eneral. The same evils will result from keeping a horse in too close a stable, where the air does not contain the usual proportion o? this principle. 1^48 COMPRNDIUM OF THE VETERlNAtlY ART. 3d. Imperfection in the Iker or pancreas^ or obstruct ion in the tubes or ducts, by wh'ich their respective juices are conveyed to the bo-xcls. (See Anatomy of Internal Organs.) The liver is not often diseased in the horse, unless it hu from internjil inflammation. Wlien the ex* lerior surface of the bowels or stomach is at- tacked by inflammation, it will spread, if not speedily checked b}- bleeding, &c., to the stir- fuce of the liver, and other internal parts ^ and when horses, die from this disease, which they often do from improper treatment, the liver is generally found inflamed or mortified throuiihout its whole substance : but this is an acute disease, and therefore not connected with the present subject. (See Ir/iammaticn of the Livei^.) It sometimes happens, how- ever, that a horse becomes weak and lean, either from a deficiency or a redundancy of 'bile. In the former ease, digestion will be imperfect, and the horse frequently costive ; tlie appetite will be bad, the animal languid and sluggiih, and generally hidebound, the coat looking rough and unhealthy. The best remedv in this case is to give small doses of calomel, soap, and aloes, as recommended in jaundice, so as to keep the bowels in a more CONT)JTION. - 249 open state ; or if the disease have existed some time, give in the first place a mercurial purga- tive, and afterward the following alterative ; Calomel, - - 1 scruple. Aloes, - - - 1 dr. Cascarilla powdered, and , ^ ' 2 dr. } rhubarb, of each, ' Ginger, - - - 1 dr. Castile soap, - - 3 dr. Sirup enough to form a ball, to be given ever}' morning for five or six days, unless it- occasions purging, in which case it is to be discontinued for two or three days.. The. horse's diet shoutd be light and nutri- tious, consisting of ground oats, carrots, malt,, ^c. : rcvindo\v, it is commonly so small, and so inconvenientlj situate, as to be but of little service. Let any one for a moment consider how foul an atmosphere must be produced, in ii close stable in which several horses are kept, by the constant exhalation of unwholesome vapours from the litter, by the steams of per- .spiration from tlie skin, and by noxious airs from the lungs; and he will not be surprised at the long catalogue of diseases, to which this improper treatment must subject these useful animals. If a doubt remain in the mind of any one as to the impropriety of such close stables, let him enter one early in the morning, on its being first opened, and he will experience such a painful sensation in the eyes, and so. 'violent a cough, as will afford him the most Til£ STABLE. 257 convinciiig proof of the noxious and stimulating nature of such an atmosphere ; yet such is tlie obstinacy and ignorance of gfoonis in general, ihat they cannot be previiiied upon to abandon this injurious practice. Even at this time stables are generally built too low, and un- provided with eifectual means of ventiJatioiv A stable should be as lofty as it can be made conveniently, at least twelve feet; the foul air will then circulate in the higher parts, and the animal will not be constantly breathhig an un^ wholesome atmosphere, which he must do when the ceiling is scarcely higher than his head. Proper apertures must be also made in the ceiling, communicating with the at- mosphere by square wooden tubes, so con« trived as not to admit the rain into the stable : the foul air and other unwholesome vapours will then readily pass off, while a proper quantity of fresh air may bf admitted by means of windows. The next circumstance to be attended to is nearly connected with, and not less important than, ventilation; namely, the so constructing a stable as to be able to regulate its temperature, or keep the air at any degree of heat that may be thought proper. •25$ COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART, it is generally allowed that a uniform temper- ature in a stable is very desirable; and it is certain that many of the diseases of horses are caused by sudden changes in this respect. Even slight variations of temperature, if frequent, are injurious; yet few stables are to be found where this inconvenience is effectually guarded against. To accomplish this desirable purpose, the windows should be in different sides, so that when a cold wind blows from any point, it may be shut out, while fresh air is admitted by the opposite window. There should be several of the apertin*es we have described in the ceiling, that they may be occasionally shut either wholly or pa.rtially, so that, by means of these and the windows, the temperature can at any season be easily rc<]:ulated, accordino; to the weather, or state of the horse's health, more accurately if a thermometer be kept — an instrument which appears to me a necessary appendage to a well conducted stable. If during the cold days of winter the contrivance we have pro- posed should be founcl insufficient to raise the temperature of the stable to the desired point, the air may be easily warmed to any degree THE STABLE. 259 •by means of stoves placed on the outside, with iron chimneys passing through the stable. Licrht is also a thino- of much importance in the construction of a stable ; and for the purpose of admitting it readily to every part, the windows should be large and properly placed. There is no doubt that the eves of horses are often injured by dark stables ; and w hen a horse is just taken from a dark situation, it is easy to perceive that light at first imtates the eye, and gives pain ; and this is more remarkable when he is brought suddenly into the sunshine ; nor is it to be wondered at that so delicate an organ as the eye should suB'er materially from the fr.equent repetition of this sudden change. Though a hght stable is desirable, the sun- shine should not be allowed to fall on the eyes of a horse as he stands in his stall ; nor should the walls or ceiling be of a white colour, as under such circumstances the eyes would be over stimulated, and rendered weak; and when it is considered how liable horses are to diseases of these organs, and how frequently they ter- minate in blindness, no one will think any circumstance tending to their preservation too 260 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. - ■ ■ ■ — ' - - ■ — , - , — , ---.. - — ...... _,, ■ ■■ .1 I, ., — . — — ■ - . - aifc ., triflinsf to be noticed. With reerard to the best colour for the walls and ceiling, a stone or dore colour is perhaps to be preferred, and may be made by mixing a little lamp-black, ivory- black, or blue-black, with the common wliite- wash. The door should be larger and higher than we usually see it, for horses are very liable in passing through a narrow or low one, to strike their hips or heads; I have seen some trouble- some accidents happen in this wayj besides, even if the hair be struck off about the hips, it is thought a blemish, because it may not grow again J or if it do grow, the hair may be white. In fitting up the interior of a stable, par- ticular attention must be paid to the size of the stalls, which should not be less than six feet wide, and the sides sufficiently high to prevent any sort of contact or communication between the horses. I know it will be urged as an argument against this, that they are sociable animals, and thrive better with a, companion than when alone ; this is certairly true : but, on the other hand, I am convince 1 from lonof obsen^ation that horses do not fvcl themselves in solitude, when they are tiiu.^ THE STABLE. 261 prevented from toucliing or playing with their neighbours; besides, if we consider the nu- merous accidents that happen from low stalls, how frequently they kick or bite, and other- ^vise injure each other, there can be no doubt I think of the superior advantage of high stalls. At this moment I have under my care a fine mare, who from kicking very high got her hind- leg over the stall, and has. received a deep and extensive wound, which will probably prove fatal. The stalls should also be of con- siderable depth, that a horse may not, by drawing back, have the power of kicking those in the adjoining stalls. The method of sepa- rating horses by means of bails, or poles, suspended by chains, I think very injudicious ; the only reconmiendation it can possibly have is the little expense that attends it, and its alIovyinle to suffer mateinally ; and not unfrequently the general health of tlie animal is injured by such privation. But shoidd an}- one be so situate as to be vmable to procure this renovating indulgence for his horse, he nnist endeavour to substitute for it a large airy stable, where the animal may be turned loose. If he cannot set fresh veccetable food, such as lucerne, vetches (tares), clover, ^c, he will find carrots a useful succedaneum durinof- this time of rest. The horse should be allowed to drink frequently; and if he be not innnoderate, he may be suffered to driilk as often and as much as he pleases. He should be fed sparingly with oats ; and on no account be allowed beans or anv thino- of the kind. The best general diet of the dry kind is, 5^)erhaps, a mixture of oats, chopped hay, and FEEDING, EXERCISE, AND GROOMING, 267 bran ; to be oiveii alternateh' with oreen food ; or if a sufficient quantity of green food can be procured, very little dry meat will be neces- sary. Tills treatment will serve in some measure as a substitute for a run at oTass, provided the stable !)e large and airy. The lioht also should be freely admitted: and if a convenient court be adjoining to the stables-^, the horse may be suffered to run in and out at pleasure : but if there be nothing but the stable for him to run in, it will be proper to walk him out quietly eveiy morning and evening, allowing him to drink freely in a running stream or river; the feet, during this time, should be kept cool and moist, for whicli purpose they may be stopped daily with a mixture of soft clay and cow-dung. When a horse is taken from grass, or from the situation and treatment we have iust described, in order to be got into condition for racing, hunting, or the road, the first object of at- tention is to bring about the necessary change in his food, and other circumstances, as gradually and with as little inconvejiience to the animal as possible. If he be taken from grass, let him be put at first into a laro-e airv stable, and suffered to exercise himself in \t ■i> ■ml 268 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. Let liiiii drink frequently; and, instead of depriving him suddenly of his green food, allow him at first some carrots, with bran, and a moderate .quantity of oats. He should be walked out once a day at least. His allowance of oats should be gradually increased, and that of bran and carrots in like manner diminished, until the latter is wholly discon- tinued. If he be a large drinker, he should -JDe allowed but; a moderate quantity at onc^; butatftll times, and in almost ail circumstances, it is proper to allow a horse water four times a day^ which, instead of oppressing his stomach, or injuring his wind, will facilitate digestion, and materially conduce to the preservation of health, and the improvement of condition. I am aware of the prejudice that exists against this practice — that it is sup- posed to ccive a horse a lari^e belly, and ren- der him unfit for galloping any Ici^gth of time, without endano-orinor his wind. I am con- vinced, however, not only by my own expe- rience,* but by that of some experienced hportsmen also, tiiat, so far from injuring a horse iw any one respect, it is extremely bene- ficial ; and that, when a horse is allowed to drink four or live tunes a day, he is not in- FEEDING, EXERCISE, AND GROOMING. 269 clinecj to drinlv much, aud often does not drink so much in the tvventv-four hours, iis one that is allowed to drink onlv twice a dav as much ?is he pleases. As *he horse's allow- ance of oats is increased, so should his exer- cise -be ; and if this be properly managed, there will be no absolute necessity for bleedino- or medicine. It is necessary, however, to ob- serve the horse carefully during the time we -are increasing his allowance of oats, aiul di- minishing that of carrots and bran; and if he appear dull, or have a cough, however trifling, it indicates an inflammatory disposition of the body, and points out the propriety of moderate bleeding, or a laxative. But under proper management I do not think such symptoms would ever take place, though they almost always do when a horse is changed from grass to a close stable and dry food too suddenly; and in such cases both bleeding and purging are indispensably requisite to prevent the oc- currence of very serious diseases. It is from this circumstance, perhaps, that the absurd custom of giving exactly three stro*ig doses of physic, as a necessary preparative, took its origin. When a horse has been taken from grass about a week, I think it advisable to 2 70 COMPENDIUM OF THE VET£R1NAIIY ART. ' giyeiiim a very mild pargative, sucii as No. 1 (See Physic)-^ not ihat 1 am convinced of its being absolutely necessary, but because it cannot do any harm; and if the horse have been fed too liuerally, i^r not exercised suf- ficiently — or should the stomach and bowels be out of order, or have anv woruis in them — a mild purgative will be of great service. It is on this ground that 1 always recommend two or three doses of mild physic during the time a horse is s^ettinq- into condition : but I have seen so many instances of the injurious effects of the strong physic recommended in many books of farriery, and commonly given by grooms, that I think it neocssary to advise the reader never to suffer his groom or smith to prepare or prescribe a dose of purging me- dicine. That such strong doses are often sriven without anv immediate bad effect, is no proof of their innocence, still less of their uti- lity. I can truly assert, that I have seen many horses quickly destroyed by strong phy- sic_, and a great number that have never per- fectly recovered from the debility it occa- sions *. * A valuable blood-colt was attacked with colic, which ap- peared to be of Uie flatulent kind, and, though violent, not FEKDING, EXERCISE, AND GROOMING. 27 i Durinor the first week of the horse's bein<>; taken hito a stable, walking exercise is most proper; but after this it may be gradual!}- in- creased to a trot or canter ; and if the exercise occasion any degree of perspiration, he should be carefully cleaned, and otherwise attended to, as soon as he gets into the stable. By thus gradually bringing a horse from a state of nature, that is, from tlie open air and green food, lo a comfortable stable and dry grain, he will be in little danger of th(jse troublesome diseases, which are often the con- dangerous. The usual remcdle's sveie ineliectually employed; and it was found, in uttcniptlug to give a clyster, that the inter- nal coKt of the gut was so loose and so enlarged, that there was no possibility of injecting it: the colt died aLx)ut sixteen hoiu's after the attack. On examining tue body after death, all the bowels \v*^re found nearly healthy, except the rectum, or last gut, noar ils termination, in which the inner coat was so loose «nd large, that the cavity was nearly obliterated, and scarcely imy [)assage lett for the excresnent. The internal sensible coat of the stomach appeared also in a diseased state, being very tender, and easily separated ; but it was not inflamed. About a week alter, I was accidentaliy informed, iLat the man who had the care of this colt, and was about to train iiira for the furr, Iiad given him three doses of physic; and that the "last had oper- ated so loell, that he thought the colt would never have ceased purging." This was nearly the man's expression, which he had communicated, in the way of conversation, to a groom, belore the colt was taken ill. 272 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETEniNArvV ART. sequence of sudden changes, and of a diffe- rent kind of management ; and by duly pro- portioning his exercise to the nutriment he veceiveSj and by gradually bringing tlie nuis* cular system to that dcoree of (ixertion for which the animal is wanted, there is no doubt that his Avind, strength, activity, and general condition, will be brought to the highest state of perfection it is capable of attaining. In describing the general management of horses in the stable, we think it necessary to be very particular, as there are many apparently tri- fling circumstances which have considerable influence on the horse's health, though gene- rally little attended to. Horses employed in hunting, mail or stage- coach horses, in short, all that are obliged to undergo great and r^pid exertion at certain periods, require a difti*rent treatment from such as work more moderately. The former have occasion for lying down as much as pos- sible, that the muscles may the more readily recruit their strength. But the latter do not require so much rest in a recifmbent state, and suffer no inconvenience from standinq; during the day ; therefore their litter should be removed every morning, and shook up in FEEDING, EXERCISE, AND GROOMING. 273 the Open air. The advantages of this plan are considerable, though it may be thought by knowing grooms an unnecessary trouble. The feet will be thus k^^pt cool ; and the hoof will not be so disposed, as it commonly is, to contract or shrink; for straw, being a bad conductor of heat, causes the feet to become too hot ; in which state the horny matter has always a tendency to. contract : hence arise sand-cracks, thrushes, &c. Unless a horse has thin flat soles, it is always proper to stop the feet, as it is termed, witli a mixture of cow-duno, beaten into a smooth mass with a little fine clay, and a small proportion of pot-, ash. The feet should be examined daily; and if the soles should appear to be softened too much, that is, if the horn jpends or gives way in the least under the thiimb by the s.tror.g(?st pressure we can make, the stopping must be discontinued. Horses that have been accustomed to stand on litter during the day sometimes feel a dif- ficulty in, or reluctance to staling, when they are deprived of it. In such cases^ a little straw, should be thrown under the bellv, so as to prevent the urine from splashing about their legs. N 5 274 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. The best food for horses that work hard is oats and hay, with a moderate quantity of beans. The hitter, however, should not be allowed, unless the horse's work be consider- able, as under moderate exertion they dispose the system to inflanuiiatory complaints, such as coughs, inflamed eyes, &c. 1 am convinced that horses whose labour is severe are often injured by being stinted in water, particularly when they are allowed a large quantity of food. It is a common practice with waggoners, when their horses come in from a long and fatiguing journev, their strength ahnost exhausted by long-continued exertion and sweating, to offer tliem immediately an unlimited quantity of food, and very little (most commonly not a drop) of water. Under such circumstances,, the stomach is not able to dioest the food that is taken in ; and I firmly believe that the staggers are often tlie consequence of such manacrenient. When a horse comes in from a lono" iouriiev, lie should always be allowed a small quantity of water before he is fed; and if he be allowed a little immediately after feeding, it is more likely to promote diges- tion, and prove bewcficial, than to injure the •animal. It is certaudy a good plan, to give FEEDING, EXERCISE, AND GROOMING. 275 horses a moderate quantity of water just be- fore the end of their lournev ; and I am satis- fied that, by allowing them to sip a little water several times during a long journey, particu- larly in warm weather, they are refreshed and invigorated, but never injured. When beans are given to a horse, they should always be broken; and it is probable that oats would be more nutritious in that state. A horse that works moderately does not require more than a peck of good oats, and about twelve or four- teen pounds of hay in the twenty-four hours: but large draught horses require a greater quantity both of oats and hay. Horses employed in hunting, (ji^ for expe- ditious travelling, require great attention as to grooming, feeding, &c. Their allov/ance of hay should not exceed twelve pounds in the twenty- four hours; and it should be di- vided into three feeds — four pounds in the morning, two at noon, and the remainder at night. If a peck of oats be allowed for tljc same period, it should also be divided into at least three feeds, giving water before epcli. When a larger allowance of grain is required, which must be the case with hunters, post- Korses,' &c., either the quantity of 'oats may'. 276 COAfPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. be increased, or a certain proportion of beans may be added ; but on no occasion should the quantity of hay be increased for horses of this description. I think there would be no dan- ger, and perhaps great advantage, in allowing horses that work hard, either in hunting, posting, or in mail or stage-coaches, an un- limited quantity of good oats, witli a moderate proportion of beans, provided it be given at several times:, so that they may not load their stomachs, and injure the digestive power. If any other food be given with the oats and beans, which however appears needless, it .should consist of clover-hay, x:ut like chaff, and a small quantity of fresh bran : the former, if not cut too short, will make him Tuasticate his food more perfectly, and cause it to be digested more easily : but wht:n a horse iias any kind ,of cough, or is imperfect in his wind, neither cut hay, chaff, nor bran, should be given, as they are apt to irritate the throat, and excite coughing; and it is necessary also in this case to sift the oats, and shake the hay, so as to free them from dust, as this will often occasion a violent cough for a, time, and aggravate the oi'iginal complaint. This. will be moire effectual;, if the oats and hay be FEEDING, EXERCISE, AND GROOMING. 277 slightly moistened with water. Horses of this description being generally greedy of water, and so voracious as to devour their litter if kept from hay, it is advisable to muzzle them immediately after feeding. Some advantage also will be derived from ouviner them a mode- rate quantity of carrots now and then, particu- larly when their work happens to be but mode- rate, this vegetable being nutritious and easy of difT^estion. — Much has been said bv writers on farriery respecting the kind of water that is most wholesome for horses. The greater part seem to prefer pond- water, where the bottom is composed of clay and chalk. It appears to me, that the most desirable kind of water is that which horses like best, provided it be not too cold; and I think it probable, that the ill effects, that have sometimes been pro- duced by drinking certain kinds of water, have not been occasioned by foreign or impure matters contained in it, but merely by its coldness ; and I have found it the best plan to give clear river water in summer, and well water in winter; the latter being warmer in cold weather than water exposed to the air, and colder in summer. Some old author (I diink Dr. Bracken) has expressed a suspicion 278 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. that the hardness, as it is termed, in well water, might occasion the stone or gravel. This is a disease, iiowever, that scarcely ever happens 'to horses, though we sometimes meet with stones of a large size in the Iwzvels, formed gra- dually by the earthy matter taken in with the food; and if they were subject to calculous diseases like men, it is almost impossible that the very small quantit}^ of stony matter con- tained in hard water could have any share in their formation, being quite of a different na- ture from that found in the human bladder. It seems to be generally known, that brackish water (that is, water impregnated with saline matter, which is commonly met with near the sea) is rather injurious to horses, causing a rough dry coat, and loss of condition. Tiiis, perhaps, is not occasioned by any direct oper- ation of the saline matter which such water contains, but by the horse not drinking a suf- ficient quantity, on account of its unpleasant taste, for the purpose of digestion. It js by no means advisable to accustom horses to warm water in winter, or to let the water stand many hours in a warm stable, so as to become nearly as warm as the air of the stable; as it makes the horse liable to the.fia- FEEDING, EXERCISE, AND GROOMING. 279 tulent colic or gripes, whenever he happens to drink cold water. In sickness, and during the operation of physic, when it is al)solutely necessary to allow w^arm water, it should never be discon- tinued suddenly : the change should be brought about as gradually as possible. It is not a good practice to give hordes nitre and other medicines in their water or food, because the dose cannot be accurately ascertained hi this way ; and the water, instead of promoting digestion, often has a contrary enect, exciting nausea, and weakening the stomach. It ap- pears to me a better plan to water horses, during their exercise, at a pond or running stream, tiian in the stable, except it is in winter ; and even then it would be advisable, were it not for the inconvenience they are liable to suffer from standing in the water while drinking : but the common practice of galloping them immediately after is highly improper. It has been asserted by some, that horses work better, and more eifectually preserve their wind and conditio:], when allowed only a small quan- tityof water; or, as they express it, "it matters not how little he drinks, provided he feeds 280 CO^JPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. ^ heartily." This opinion, hke many others, has arisen from the foolish and mischievous practice of forming general rules upon a few facts, or a very limited experience ; and too often, I fear, from examining those facts through the medium of prejudice. It must be granted, that we sometimes meet with horses that become loose in their bowels, and fall off in condition, sweating violently, and appearing fatifrued from moderate exercise, if allowed to drink even two pails (five or six gallons) in the twenty-four hours; particularly when they are employed now and then in hunting, or any kind of violent exercise : but this is to he attributed to a weakness of constitution not often met with in horses, and points out to us the necessity of observing a horse attentively when we first undertake the manao;ement of him, in order to ascertain what quantity of water is most conducive to the preservation of his health and condition ; and if we find a horse sliivering, and his coat staring immediately after drinking freely, it is not to be hastily concluded, that he is to be allowed only a small quantity of water daily. In such a case, a very moderate quantity should be giveu.at once, and^thc horse should. Feeding, exercise, and grooming. 281 ■■ - —, , .■■ ,- . . — - ■ ■^ ■. ■ m. . . . ■....-, ■ be exercised immediately after, in which way he will generally be soon brought to drink a proper quantity in the course of the day without inconvenience. The best time for exercising horses is early in the n)orning, as soon as the stable is opened; during which time the stable-doors should be kept open, and the foul litter thrown out. As horses that work moderately do not require a bed in the day time, it will be advisable in such cases to remove all the litter from t}ie stall, and exnose it to the air; spreadino; only a small quantity at the back part, to prevent the horse from splashing his legs in staling. It will perhaps be thought unnecessary to exercise horses that work, particularly such as are employed in hunting or expeditious travelling : I thinly however, they are aivva3's the better for it, provided it be done with prudence. It certainly is not proper to take out a horse for exercise, that in designed for hunting the same day ; but in the intermediate days it should never be omitted; and if a horse's work be moderate, such as ten or twelve miles a day, a little exercise in the morning will enable him to perform it better. Hprses of a fUll habit, or such as are subject 282 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART- to humours (See Humours), are greatly benefitted by exercise, which on such oc- casions may be carried so far as to produce sweating. But great care is then necessary : the}' should be walked about for some time, tliat they may cool gradually; and as soon as they return to the stable, they should be well wisped, and their legs hand-rubbed. Swelling of the legs, grease, inflamed eyes, and other troublesome complaints, will be thus more effectually prevented than by bleeding every now and then : which, thouijh it atFords temporary relief, will gradually increase the disposition to disease. The exercise which a horse enjoys, when kept loose in a large stall, is particularly beneficial, and should always be allowed when the stable is sufficiently large to admit of it, instead of being kept constant!}' in one position, his head tied to the mau'ver, and his fore leo-s iren e rally hi (rher than his hind leofs : he can then turn himself about, and enjoy comparatively a state of liberty. In summer, or whenever the weather is temperate, horses should be cleaned in the open air when they return sweating from work or exercise; for, if put immediately into a warm stable, they often continue to perspire FEEDING, EXERCISE, AKD GROOMING. 283 SO ionsf, as to suffer some iiiiurv from it. The common practice, however, of washing the legs with cold water should never be allowed, unless the horse be exercised, or have his legs well nibljed immediately after It is super- fluous, perhaps, to point out the impropriety and danger of plunging a horse into a river while sweating from severe exercise, a practice commonly adopted by proprietors of post and stas^e-coach horses : that it is often done with impunity must be o;nuited ; but it is probable, that many of them sufier from the treatment, though the ill effect is not often immediately observed *. * It appears, from the experiments of Dr. Ciirrle, that when the heat of the skin is above tlie natural degree, the application of cold water is highly refreshing and invigorating ; but when the heat of the system has been in some measure exhausted by continued exercise and perspiration, it will generally produce considerable debility ; and in the hum?m body the most dangerous consequences have ensued from it. The same observation applies to cold water taken into the stomach, which on such an occasion has been known to cause sudden death. It is probable, therefore, that many of the diseases of these poor animals arise from the debilitj^ which this treatment occasions; and perhaps the mischief ■would be greater, were it not that the river or pond is generally at a little distance from the stable, so that the^;^ get some exercise immediately after their immersion, r.iid that Ihe stable is generallj^ very warm. 284- COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. When a horse returns from exercise or work, his feet should be carefully picked out and vvaslied ; and if the hoof be dry and brittle, feeling hot, and appearing contracted, a mixture of cow-dung and soft clay should be applied to the soles. The horse's heels also require attention ; and if any small ulcer or crack, as it is termed, be observed, or if they be tender, swollen, or smell offensively, the proper remedies should be immediately applied. These things, however, very rarely happen when the groom does his duty. It should be remembered, that when a horse is chano-incr his coat, that is, about the latter end of September, and beginning of Oc- tober, he is more susceptible of cold than at any other time ; and as the coat then falls off so readily, the curry-comb should be laid aside, and the horse exposed as little ^s possible to cold or rain. Moderately warm clothing, and frequent hand-rubbing to the legs, will be found highly useful at this time. When these precautions are neglected, horses often become weak and unlit for much work, sweating profusely from moderate exercise, and sometimes purging: troublesome cough and staring coat generally accompany these FEEDINe, EXERCISE, AND GROOMING. 285 symptoms. The common remedies on this occasion are bleeding, or strong purgatives, which are sure to increase the debility; nor are antimonials, or medicines that act upon the skin, proper to be given. The most effectual medicines are those of the io?iic\und, with moderate stimulants (See White's Veterinary Materia Medico) ; and when the bowels are loose, a small proportion of opium. These, however, will avail little, unless assisted by due attention to grooming. Though we have so strongly reconnnended ventilation in stables, it must not be inferred that a cold stable is desirable : horses seem to thrive most in one that is moderately warm. I have known old hoi^ses, that could not be kept in condition in a cold stable, even upon the highest feed, do well when removed to a warmer one : this, however, is the effect of liabit; and it is probable, that if a horse were accustomed, from the time he is first taken up, to a cold stable, he would never require any other : but when from his youth he has been kept in hot stables, his body constantly clothed, and his stomach frequently stimulated by cordials, it cannot be supposed that he ii^ able to endure cold. It is necessarv therefore. 286 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART, on purchasing a horse, to discover in what man- ner he has been kept, and whether he have been accustomed to any particular management; for instance, the custom of o-ivins: cordials to liorses, after a hard da3''s hunt, is often ren- dered necessary by the practice of keeping them without food or water on the morning they are so employed. In describing the pe- culiarities in the structure and economy of the horse's stomach, we have observed, that this organ is remarkabl}- small, requiring to be supplied frequently with food. When a hunter then goes out with an empty stomach, and is perhaps kept out eight or ten hours without feeding, generall}^ galloping great part of the time, the stomach is so exhausted on his return, that he has scarcely any appe- tite, and refuses his food, until the stomach is roused by a strong cordial: a habit is thus induced, and cordials, after a time, become as necessary to a horse accustomed to it, as spirit to a dram-drinker. Yet there surely can be no danger in giving a moderate quantity of oats and water very early in the morning, previous to hunting. If he have to walk four or five miles to cover, there can be no dans^er of his stomach beinir OF THE AGE OF A HOUSE. 287 oppressed by the time he arrives, nor a doubt of his Derformino^ better than he would other- wise have done. Of the Age of a Horse. The age of a horse may be discovered by certain marks in the front teeth of the lower jaw and the tushes, until the eighth year, about vrhici) time they are generally worn out. An experienced person can, however, after this period, judge of the age, with some degree . of accuracy, by the countenance and general appearance of the animal, as well as by the lengui of the teeth, and form of the tushes. Between the second and third year, a colt begins to change his sucking teeth., as they are termed, for others of a larger size, and of a dilTerent form and colour. The sucking teeth are small, of a delicate white colour, some of them perfectly smooth on the upper surface ; , others have a small narrow cavity on that surface, but very unlike those marks of the permanent teeth, by w^hich we judge of the age. The number of teeth in the front of the mouth are twelve, six in the lower and six in the 285 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. upper jaw. (We take no notice of the molares, or grinders, as they are not concerned with this subject.) When a colt is three years old, we may observe that the four front sucking teeth 'dxeAosty and that, instead of them, four others have sprung wp, of a very different appearance, being larger, of a darker colour, and having a considerable cavity on the upper surface, and a small dark coloured groove in front : tht^se are termed horse's or perma7ient teeth. Between the third and fourth year, the four teeth next these are lost, and replaced, in the way we have just described, by horse's teeth ; so that when a colt has completed his fourth year, there are eioht horse's teeth ob- servable, and only four colt's teeth, one at each extremity, or corner, as it is termed. About the middle of the fifth year these also fall out, and are succeeded bv horse's teeth. The corner teeth of the horse, particularly of the under jaw, are different from the rest, being smaller, and of a shell-like appearance : their cavities are chiefly within, the- upper surface being a mere edge; but about the end of the fiftii year they are larger and more like the other teeth. It is jrenerallv between the fourth and fifth year that the tushes make OF THE AGE OF A HORSt. 2S* their appearance, though sometimes earlier. — The tushes are four in number, and situate about an inch from the corner teeth ; at first they are small, terminate in a sharp point, are rather convex on their external surface, but within have two concavities or grooves separated by a ridge. These, as well as the teeth, are gradually undergoing an alteration in their form, becoming longer, and losing the concavities on the internal surface. About the seventh year the concavity is considerably diminished, and in old horses the surface be- comes convex, the tush acquires a round form, and the extremity, instead of being sharp, is quite blunt, as if the point had been broken off, and the new surface afterward polished. We must now return to the teeth, the appearances of which we have described, as far as the completion of the fifth year of g, horse's age. After this period wa judge of the acre bv the size of those cavities which we have described on the upper surface of the tooth; for the friction to which that surface is almost constantly exposed gradually wears it down, and at length the cavity or mark is totally obliterated. The marks in the upper teeth most commonlv remain uiitii the twelfth •J VOL. I. O ^90 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. voar, soiiituimes longer, but those in the (inder teeth are worn out a])out the end of the eighth year; we shall therefore conline our description now to the under jaw. As the two front teeth are the first that ui?ike their appearance, it is obvious that their marks will be lost sooner than those of the other teeth; and if we examine the month of a horse that has just completed his fifth year, we shall find, that they are nearly, and sometimes qiute worn out : those in the adjoining teeth are about halt" their original size, while the marks of the corner or end teeth are perfect. At the end of the sixth year, the only cavities observable are in the corner teeth, and these are about half their original size: the tooth has at this period lost the shell-like appearance we have before described, and is not diiferent from tjie other teeth, except in having a mark or cavity on its upper surface. At the end of the seventh year the marks of the corner teeth also are obliterated, and tlien the horse js said to be aged. \V'e often find, however, that the marks of the corner teeth are not totally effaced at this perioi-i : a small dai'k coloured i>pot may be observed in most horseii MANAGEMENT DURING A JOURNEY. 29'i until -about the end of the eighth year. From this period we have no criterion by which the age' may be ascertained, but it is said that the marks of the upper teeth will enable us to judge of the age until the thirteenth year; the marks of tlie front teeth beino- v/orn out when he becomes eight years old, those of the adjoining teeth at ten, and the corner teeth at twelve: but I cannot say how far these marks can be depended upon. On the Management of a Horse dunuds3 that it r 300 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. is generally attempted, even under circum- stances which render its .accomplishment doubtful. In the wounds of horses this kind of union can scarcely ever be effected, from the difficulty of keeping the wounded part in a state of rest, and from the laceration and contusion with which their wounds are gene- rally accompanied. To render the subject more clear, we shall (Jivide wounds into the following classes :. 1. Simple incised wounds. 2. Lacerated and contused wounds.. 3. Punctured wounds. 4. Wounds of cavities. Simple incised Wounds J Are those inflicted with a keen instrument,. by which the skin or other parts are neatly di- vided, without being torn or bruised. This kind of. wound, however, seldom hap- pens to horses: when they do occur, though there is little probability of effecting a union hi) the first intention^ it should always be attempted ; and if the divided parts cannot be kept together by sticking-plaster and bandage APPENDIX. — WOUNDS. 301 alone, the lips of the wound should be neatly sewed, so as to be held firmly in contact with each other, with waxed thread several times doubled ; and if the situation of the wound will admit of it, a bandage or roller should be afterward applied to assist in the accomplish- ment of this end, and render the stitches less painful. But how different from this is the practice of farriers, ignorant of the animal economy, and the wonderful power with which the Almighty has endued the animal system, of recovering itself when injured, and of re- producing flesh that has been destroyed! They officiously prevent this desirable union by putting tents (that is, lint or tow moistened with some stimulating liquid) between the lips of the wound, by which they are effectually hindered from cohering, however naturally disposed to unite : but this is not the only evil of the practice. In extensive wounds the injured parts are so irritated by exposure and their applications, that mortification is some- times the conseqence. Far better than this would it be, to leave the wound to nature, merely keeping it clean, and, when the first inflammation has subsided and white matter appears, bringing the separated parts as near 302 COMPRNDITM OF THE VETERINARY ART. to.each other as possible, and retaiiuiig them ill that situation by means of bandage. By this method the wound would heal much more speedily, and the consequent blemish, or scar, would be considerably lessened. It is un- necessary to say more of the simple incised wound, for should the attempt to heal it by the first intention fail, it becomes necessary to assist nature as in lacerated wounds : still, during the whole cure of a simple wound, it is proper to keep the divided parts together as well as we can, which will be found more useful than any balsamic vulnerary or healins; application, that the most expert farrier's re- ceipt-book can furnish. Laceraidd and Contused Wounds. The wounds of horses are most commonly inflicted with some blunt instrument, and consequently the parts are rather torn asunder than simply and neatly divided : at the same time, the instrument is generally applied with such force that the skin, tlesh, &c. are con- siderably bruised; for example, when a horse falls upon his knees, is kicked or bit by another horse, in attempting to leap gets his APPENDIX. WOUNDS. 303 iiind or fore-leg entangled in a gate, and in other such accidents. In these cases the lace- ration and contusion are so considerable, that the kind of union before mentioned is totally impracticable : it is, notwithstanding, advisable to keep the divided })arts together as well as we can, taking care to allow the matter which forms, to escape freely, and avoiding the violent stimulating applications counnoniy used bv farriers on s-ich occasions, which, to say the best of them, always increase tlie in- flammation and danger, and obstruct the cure. I have seen a horse die in the oreatest ai^onies, from a wound received in entano-hno' the hind-leo- in a c.^ has been universally approved, seems to have been aware of the mischievous tendenpy of encouraging these illiterate pie- tenders, when he observes, " Wlioever lets Jiis farrier, groom, or coachman, in consideration of liis having swept dun<^ out of his stables for a greater or Jess nuuiber of yea:-5, ever e^ en mention any thing more than water-gruel, a clyster, or a little bleeding ; and that too very seldom; or j)rijtend to talk of the nature of feet, the seat of lameness, sickness, or their cure^ may be xcvy eertaiii to find himself vl•r^■ shortly quite oa foot." APPENDIX. WOUNDS. 307 only thing to be kept in view in these ex- tensive wounds is, to employ the most effectual means for keeping the inflammation within bouiids, until suppuration takes place, which is indicated by the appearance of white matter, and the subsidence of the iniianijiiatory swelling, and abatement of pain and fever. On many occasions, the parts may be brought carefully together as near as can be without employing considerable force, and may be sup- ported in that situation by a proper bandage. -Whenever stitches are employed in such wounds, and drawn tight, tiiey give excessive pain to the animal, and bring on a dangerous degree of inflammation : the violent pain often causes symptomatic fever, and after all, the intention of emolovinGr them is not answered, as they always separate in two or three days, and leave the wound as open as at tirst, pre- senting a much more formidable a|jL|_:>earance from the mischief caused by the increased in- flammation, and the retention of putrid matter. After cleaning a lacerated wound with warm water, which, when its situation and depth render it necessary, should be injected with a syringe; the divided skin, flesh, «SvC. should 308 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. be carefully brought together and secured as we have directed above*. * The common practice of farriers in these cases is, to app^y freely some stimulating spirituous preparation, such as .s[)irit of wine and camphor, friar's balsam (which is a solution of certain resin* and balsams in spirit of wine), brandy, and many other things equally injurious : some of them use even a mixture of oil of turpentine and acid of vitriol ; and then, as if they wore deter- mined to do all the injury in thei: power, the wound is plugged up with a quantity of tow, moistened with tlie 5ame stimuluring preparation with which the wound was washed or syringed. A few days ago, I was desired to attend a horse that had met with a deep and extensive wound by entangling, it was supposed, his lore-leg in a gate while at grasb : the farrier had been there before me; and obsemng a syringe in his hand, I inquired what lifjuid he had employed, and was toid " Branuj." Upon expressing my fear that so stimulating an application would do mischief, the farrier immediately replied, "There is no danger ol that, for I pul a little oil with it ; and yoa know the one is hot, and the other cold." I could not but smile at the jngenui«-y of the expla- nation, but requested that nothing of the sort might be again employed. The popular prejudice in favour of those spirituous or balsamic preparations, as they are termed, in all kinds of wounds, has been the cau?e of nuich mischief in veterinary, perhaps not much less in human, sur;jery. The credit they have acquired is owing to the wonricrfal property, with wl)ich the animal body is en- dued, of nnitin;' parts that have been divided, merely by keeping Ihem in contact with each other. Many astonishing insiances of this have been related by writers on surgery' ; and it has been proved, that if even a tooth recently drawn be replaced in it's »ocket, it will soon become as firm as the rest. The spur of a APPENDIX. — WOUNDS. 309 If the horse be in good condition, and have not lost much blood from the wound, cock just cut off being stuck into the comb, will soon adhere, aud grow as it did upon the leg. A respectable author relates tl>e case of a man who accidentally stepped on- a keen instrument, and nearly divided his foot : all the boues> tendons, &c. were divided, except the bone going to the little toe ; he bled pro- fusely, and fainted, by which the hemorrhage was stopped. A surgeon then brought the divided parts together, and secured them with splints and bandage. The man was thoroughlj cured in a short time, and the foot became as perfect us the other. Surgeons are now so convinced of the power of nature to heal simple incised wounds, when the divided parts are kept in contact with each other, without the assistance of any spirit, balsam, or salve ; which they know rather impedes than expedites the cure, that a practitioner would be laughed at, were he to adopt so absurd a practice : it appears, indeed, that balsami* were first used on account of their glutinous quality, in order to keep the parts more completely in contact : with the same view, white of egg, gum-water, and other things of the same nature were emplo^'ed. It is to be lamented, that tlie public are still so prejudiced in favour of stimulating preparations, such as, friar's balsam, tincture of myrrh and aloes, and above all the famous Riga balsam, which is prefeiable from beiiig less stimulating, that a veterinary surgeon can hardly venture to trust nature a little in the treatment of wounds, without being accused of negli- gence. It may be depended upon, however, that in every case cf simple incised wounds, where these preparations have been thought to effect a cure, they have not in the least contributed to it : nature has been the restorer, in spite of the obstacles opposed to lier efforts. Wounds that have degenerated into ulcers, either from bad management, or from the parts having been lacerated •r bruised, often require the application of •tiuuilants ; but even 310 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETEPJS^ARY ART. he should be bled ratlier freely : in other circumstances it will be proper to omit that operation, or take only a small quantity. A purging'dranght or ball should be given as early as possible, and the horse's diet confined to hay and mashes, or bran : he may be allowed to drink freely and frequently, and must be kept perfectly at rest. The wound should be cleansed once or twice a dav, as may be found necessary, with water at blood heat; which, when the wound is deep, may be done more etfectuall}' by means of a syrinire. The only external application necessary at this period is a fo- mentation (See Fomentation). When this plan is adopted, the inflammation, swelling, and fever, which always follow an extensive lacerated wound, will be much more mode- rate than it would otherwise have been, and in a few days will have subsided considerably; a white matter will then flow from the wound, and the horse will not appear to sufler much pain. When this has been accom2)lished, it is necessary to endeavour as much as pos- iti such wounds ihoy are iiottobe cmpl(»yfc1, iinlil lli*' infl;miiiia- :iun wliidj iK'ccssanly follows the injury has STih^klf.i. APPENDIX. WOUNDS. 3 1 1 sibte to bring the divided parts together, aiid there will be less danger and pain from drawing the bandage with more foxce for this l)urpose. "W^anu water may still be used for cleansing the wound; but when the iniiam- mation is quite gone off, some stimulating- liquids may be employed, but these are un- necessary when the divided parts can be brought into contact. When this cannot be effected, or when there is a loss of substance, the wound cannot heal without the formation of new parts, and stimulants are often re- quired to accelerate this pi^'ocess. At first, the weaker preparations are to be used, such as dilute spirit, or a weak solution of blue vitriol: but when the healing process goes on slowly, the matter becoming thin, and loosing its white colour, the stronger stinmlants, as tincture of Benzoin, or even oil of tur- pentine, may be applied, and the constitution invicrorated bv a nutritious diet, .such as malt and oats, or carrots ; and when the discharoe is very considerable and appears to weaken the animal, this is more particularly ne- cessary, ajul must be assisted by medicines of the tonic kind, such as Peruvian bark, Cascariiia, vitriolated iron, ^\\C\ sometimes 512 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. porter or beer, and even opium ; it is only in very deep and extensive wounds, however, where there is a profuse discharge, and con- stitutional weakness, that this treatment is required. When wounds of this kind terminate fatally, it is generally from the violence of the in- flammation and symptomatic fever causing o-anoTene, delirium, and total exhaustion. Our first and principal object, therefore, should be to restrain this inordinate inflammation by every means in our power ; but farriers, ever in opposition to nature, generally destroy their patients in these cases; torturing the un- fortunate animal by the application of violent stimulants, and even caustics ; cramming into the wound hard tents, and persuading his employer that this cruel and absurd treat- ment will infallibly heal the wound. When wc have succeeded in these extensive lacerated v/ounds so far as to bring on a iiealthy suppu- ration, a discharge of white matter, and an appearance of new flesh sprouting up in various parts, in small granulations of a red colour, we may be satisfied that the danger is over. At this period we may safely use more force in bringing the divided parts together: APPENDIX.— ^WOUNDS. 3 1 3 and if the wound appear languid, wanting that red appearance we have just described, and discharo-ino- thin matter, some of the stimulants DO ' we have mentioned may be, employed : still it is improper to cram tents into the wound, or daub them over with stinking ointments. If the red granulations form so luxuriantly as to rise above the level of the skin, they must be kept down by red precipitate, burnt alum, " or other applications of this kind ^ pressure will also be effectual on this oc- casion, laying a piece of soft lint on the part, and confining it with a roller. Should the sides or edges of the wound become calhuis, caustics must be applied to remove the oLl surface, and then fresh attempts should be made to brino- them into contact. When the o matter has penetrated from having been con- fined, so as to form siimses, fistuljr, or pipeSy as they are commonly termed (that is, narrow, deep ulcers running in various directions), tl\eir sides if possible should be brought into contact by means of pressure. If such sinuses have existed for some time, the sides will have become callous, and incapable of uniting: it is then necessary to apply caustic, either bv injecting some liquid caustic, such as strong VOL. 1. P 314 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART, solution of blue vitriol, dilute nitrous acid, tkc. with a syringe, or by dipping lint in the same, and passing \^ith a probe to ihe bottom of eve<*y sinus. (See Fistula, Poll-evil^ (oid ^Liittor.) This is the only occasion on which tents are proper. If it be impossible to bring the sides of the sinus into contact, it can only be cured bv the formation of new flesh, to promote which it is necessary to inject'daily some stimulating liquid, such as spirit of wine, tincture of benzoin, &:c. ; keeping the orifice open, lest it heal before the deeper part. Kven these, however, will be found inetTectual, if the sides of the sinuses be caUous; and then should be preceded by the caustic as above described (See UlccrSy Fistula, Poll- t'vil, and Quitfor), which sometimes requires to be repeated. I thought it necessary to be tlnis minute in describino- the treatment of lacerated wounds, as it is a subject of great importance, and generally little understood. Under this head it is proper to treat also of c;un-sliot wounds, in which the ball enters with siich lurce, and the parts are so much bruised, ll);tL then vJlality is ciestroved; tliercfure no- tiling can prevent their sei'aration, or sloui^hing as it is termed. This generally takes place a APPENDIX. — WOUNDS. 3 1 5 few days after the accident, and until that period it woidd be highly improper to use any kind of pressure, or attempt to bring the sides of the wound into contact. The first thing to.be done in these wounds is to extract the ball, should it have lodged; but we must not employ any violent means to effect this, as it is more easily done after the dead parts have separated and a healthy suppuration has taken place. Sometimes the ball penetrates so far as to be feit near the opposite side of the part : where an incision should tlien be made in order to extract it. Whenever matter ponds up or is confined in any kind of wound, it is proper to make such an opening as will allow it to escape freely : setons are sometimes employed for this purpose. (See Wounds of Cavities and Punctured Wounds.) In gun- shot vvounds it is improper to bleed, as he- morrhage often happens wlien the dead parts separate : in other respects they are to be treated as we have above described. Indeed their treatment must depend greatly on the importance and situation of the wounded part, as the ball may penetrate a joint or the cavity of the chest or belly. (See Wounds of Ca- vities.) 3 1 6 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. Punciured Woioids. This kind of wound also often occurs in veterinarv practice. I'he feet are particularly liable to it, and not imfrequently they are indicted through the carelessness or mi- patience of the groom. During the time of my service in the army, I may truly assert, that more tlian fifty cases occurretl, in which the wound was inflicted by the fork used about the litter, either by accident or by the savaofe violence of the Gfroom. It is but just however to acknowledge, that a good soldier will sacrifice even his own repose to that of his horse, and thinks nothing a labour that can contribute to the health and comfort of his faithful companion ; but among so great a jumiber of men, there are too often some of a ditferont description. Punctured woimds of the feet are most frer^uent, and are caused, either by the horse stepping on a nail, or pickiiig lip a nail as it is termed, or by carelessness of the farrier in shoeing. In the former case the nail generally enters the frog, and often penetrates the joint of the coffin bone. {%ee Anatomy of the Foot.) The sole is generally sufnciently hard to resist the APPENDIX. — PUNCl'URED WOUNDS. ! 7 nail ; but the froir is commonlv of a s(;ftei' anii more spungy nature. When tlie coffin joint is wounded, there is danger of an in- curable lameness from the joint becoming stiff; but by proper management the wound is often- closed in a short time, and the free mo- tion of the bones preserved. (See JVounds of Joints, under the head Wounds cj Caxi- ties.) Whenever tiie foot is wounded by a nail, it is necessary immediately to open the orifice in the horny matter by means of a drawing knife: if the joint be wounded, synovia or joint oil will issue from the wound;, but in very small quantity. An experienced person can easily ascertain this point still more certainly by tracing the wound with a probe. The treatment of this kind of wound will be described in the chapter on IVounds of Cai)ities ; but when the joint has escaped the injury, after enlarging the opening made by the nail in the horny matter, ar.d cutting away the horn from the contiguous parts, until it becomes very thin, ;i little tincture of benzoin is to be poured into the wound ; "the stimulus of which, so far from being injurious as in lacerated wounds, will soon bring on a secre- tion of liealthy matter ; a little tow, or lint, 318 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. dipped ill tar or Venice turpentine, is then to be applied, and tlie wliole foot kept cool by means of a bran poultice. The most essen- tial part of tlie treatment is opening well tUe orifice in the horny matter: for in wounds of this kind we always find, tliat soon after the nail has been vvithdrawn, the puncture in the horn nearly closes ; but the living parts that have been woiwided underneath tiie horn soon inflame and swell ; consequently they suffer considerable pressure, as the horn is too thick and inflexible to give room to them as they swell. At length matter forms, which, being- confined by the horny covering, difluses itself between the sensible and insensible parts, fsometimes so extensively as to render it ne- cessary to remove great part, or even the whole of the latter. This operation, so often cruelly and unnecessarily performed by far- riers, is termed drawing the sole. In the case described, where the parts are separated by the matter, the operatioii is peri"ormed with but little pain to the animal. But those ofla- cious practitioners too often tear it off when perfectly healthy, and with a view to remove a lameness, of the cause and seat of which they are totally ignorant. Often have I been APPENDIX. — PUNCTURED WOUNDS. 3 I 9 desired by the owner of a lame horse to draw the sole, under an idea that it was an infaiiihle remed}' for an obstinate lameness, or for a, desperate wound of the cofiin joint •^. When it has been found necessary to remove .some part of the horny sole, in consequence of matter having formed under it, a pledget of tow dipped in digestive ointment, or a mix- ture of Venice turpentine and hog's-lard should be applied. Sometimes we find the coffin bone diseased, in which case the in- jured part generally separates, and then a new horny sole is gradually formed. When * This mischievcms and cruel operation is held m such high estinicitioa by iarriers, that tliey exultixigly display the soles of their uufortunate patients, nailed to their doors, or window- shutters, as a sort of diploma, or undeniable sanction to practise! the art of iiirriery. We have reason to hope, that this abominable and cruel practice will not long exist, as the condition of this most useful animal has of late experienced a considerable me- lioration, and will, we trust, by the laudable encouragement now given by many distinguished, I ma^' say, illtistrious personages to the veterinary science, be soon rescued Irom tlie hands of those barbarous and presuming practitioners. The ingenious gentle- man I have before mentioned, so liberal in the use of caustics, was equally proud of \\h skill in tearing off the soles from horse's feet, and I am informed often boasts in ale-houses, among grooms and other companions, of his skill in this operation, and more par- ticularly of his profound knowledge of the " Ottomy (meaniiig sntitoimj) of the horse." 320 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART a horse's foot is wounded by the farrier in shoeing, be is said to be pricked ; the nail, instead of being driven into the horny insen- sible part only, is either forced into the liv- ing parts, or so near to them as by it's pres- siire to give such pain to the animal as to cause him to go lame; inflammation gradually takes place in consequence, and at length matter forms, which, if not allowed to escape by removing the shoe and cutting away the horn with a small dravving knife, spreads under the hoof, and after some days breaks out at the coronet. (See Anatomy of the Foot.) In this case the mischief is not alw ays disco- vered immediately after shoeing. The pressure upon the sensible parts is sometimes too inconsiderable at first to occasion lameness; so that when the horse is observed to go lame, the farrier oronounces it to be in the shoulder, and the poor animal is tormented by the strong oils or even blisters applied to that part, while he is suffering from another cause. It is in this way that the disease is sometimes allowed to run such lengths as we have described. When the nail is so driven as to wound the sensible parts at once, the horse o-oes lame immediately after; and the cause APPENDIX. — PUNCTURED WOUNDS. 321 being generally suspected, the shoe is taken off, the opening in the horny part enlarged with a drawing knife, and a little tincture of benzoin applied. The lameness is thus soon removed, the shoe reapplied, taking care not to place a nail or suffer the shoe to press on the injured part, and the horse becomes capable of returning to his work*. When wounds of this kind have been so neglected, that matter breaks out from the coronet, it is still necessary to enlarge the opening in the horn beneath; and if it have closed (which it generally does), the horn must be removed with a drawing-knife, that the matter may escape freely : the upper wound (in the coronet) will then soon heal, by applying the tincture of benzoin. Punc- tured "dvounds in other parts are often inflicted wdth the stable fork, either accidentally or intentionally: I have often known joints wounded in this^ way. (For the treatment of joint wounds, see Wounds of Cavities.) When ♦ The remedy commonly employed by farriers in these wounds is oil of turpentine poured into the wound, and then set on fire with a caudle : tlie more knowing ones, however, prefer oil of Vitriol, perhaps as being more simple, rendering the application ci the candle uiinccessaty. P.5 322 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. the flesh only is punctured, the orifice must be kept open that the wound may heal from the bottom ; and if the sides become callous and indisposed to heal, a mild caustic may be injected, such as solution of blue vitriol. In punctured v/ounds of the fleshy parts, it is of consequence to procure a free exit for the matter: with this view we often make counter openings with a knife, or pass aseton through the wound. In recent wounds, however, of t]i« punctured kind, those irritating applica- tions are improper: wounds of this kind are frequently followed by considerable pain and inflammation. It is therefore necessary to keep the orifice open; and if it be small, to enlarge it with a lancet, when the pain and inflammation have subsided. Should the wound appear indisposed to heal, and be found upon examining with the probe to be as deep as at iirst, there is reason to suppose that it's sides have become callous : a caustic is then to be applied throughout it's whole course; and after a day or two, or when white matter is observed to flow from the wound, such pressure should be applied, where it is practicable, as will bring the sides of the wound into contact, and continued until they ' APPENDIX. — PUNCTURED WOUNDS. 323 are united. When puuctured vvouncls are so situate, that the matter can freely escape, there is much less difficulty in curing them, than when they are in a situation of a different kind ; or where the orifice, instead of being the lowest, is the highest part of the wound. This inconvenience, however, is sometimes obviated by making a new opening, with a knife or lancet, or by passing a seton through the wound : but ih some situations this can- not be done: nor can we in mimy cases apply suffieient pressure to bring the sides ■ together. Tiie wound can then be healed only by the formation of new parts, by which. the cavity is filled up; to effect which we inject stimulating liquids, such as proof spirit,, tincture of benzoin, or solution of blue vitriol, taking care to keep the orifice open, that the bjottom of the wound may be first healed. The most formidable punctured wounds o^cnerally happen while a horse is emploved in huntuig, in leaping over gates or hedges: he is then said to be staked. The deeper and more lacerated these wounds are, the more carefully should we avoid the irritating ap- jiiications and tents of the farriers, adopting 224 COMPENDIUAI OF THE VETERINARY ART. ill their stead the siime treatment we have directed for extensive lacerated wounds. There is another kind of punctured wounds which is hkety to occur in miUtary service ; and in a charge of cavahy upon a line of in- tantry, it is astonishing that so many should escape the bayonet as we generally find do on such occasions. Those are generally of con- siderable depth, and often followed by profuse bleeding. When the bayonet penetrates the belly or chest, the wound is commonly fatal, particularly if any of the large blood-vessels within these cavities be wounded. 'When merely the fleshy parts are wounded, there will be little danger, particularly if there be no considerable blood-vessel opened. The treatment of these wounds is nearly the same as we have already described, except that it is more frequently necessary to enlarge the orifice or mouth of 4.he wound ; and that there is often occasion to perform a rather difficult operation; namely, that of tying the artery m order to stop the bleeding; for when a large artery is wounded, the blood flows so copiously as to require the most expeditious iiCicans of suppression, It is difficult for a APPENDIX. — PUNCTURED WOUNDS. 325 person unacquainted with anatomy to perforin this operation of tying the artery. Therefore if no professional person be present at such an accident, it is advisable to endeavour to stop the bleeding by pressure, giving up all attempts to tye the artery, and noc placing any dependance upon those preparations called styptics. (See A/dterid Mddf'ci.) Pieces of spunge or lint, sec ired wiih band- age, will be found most convenient for this purpose. If the wounded artery be of con- siderable size, which may be known by the quantity of blood and the force with which it is thrown out, the bandage should not be re- moved till the second or tbird day *. In these wounds, also, it is necessary to avoid the stimulating applications and tents commonly employed by farriers : but when the inflammation has subsided, and the wound does not appear disposed to heal, they may be used with advantage. It is of importance * It is easy to distinguish between a wounded artery and a vein. In the latter the blood is of a darker red colour, flows in a uniform stream, and with little force : in the former, the blood is of a bright scarlet colour, and is thrown out by jerks, witfe considerable force. 326 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. to procure a free exit for the matter, for which purpose a counter-opening- may be made, when the situation of the wound will admit of it. All punctured wounds are liable to become fistulous ; that is, when the sides cannot be brought into contact by any means, they often become callous. It may be necessary to re- peat, that in such cases caustics must be applied to destroy the callosity, and then orentle stimulants are to be injected to promote the formation of new flesh. There is more dif- ficultv in healinerhaps both these causes may concur in producing the disease, the njore remote- Cimie of which is generally hard work, that i?;, too great or too ioiig con- thmed motion of the joint. The disease terined windgalis majr ke explained in the same wa^-. (See JVind^uUi, Aprciidi*.) APPENDIX. — WOUNDS OF CAVITIES. 333 li^ht vello'vV or brownish colour, is seen almost constantly oozino- from the wound, particiilarlv when the animal moves the joint. If proper means be not employed to close tlie wonnd, inriaannation takes place witliin the joint, occasioning the most excruciating pain, and at first an increased formation of si/novia. If the wound continue open, the inflammation and pain become more considerable, and a symptonjatic fever takes place, which some- times proves fatal. It often happens, however, in this stage of the complaint, that the vessels of the capsular liframent, instead of forming^ joint oil, pour out a large quantit}- of glutinous coagu- lating fluid, which, filling the cavity of the joint and becoming solid, totally and permanently obhterates it. The inflammation, pain, and fever, tlien gradually subside, and the wound heals; but the joint can no longer be moved, and an incurable lameness is the consequence. From this description will appear the im- portance of attending to these wounds as early as possible, and of closing the wound as expeditiously as we can. This however can- not be eifected by the means we have re- commended for other wounds. Ligaments are 332 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. of a different nature from flesh or skin, and, when wounded, cannot be healed without the assistance of strong' stimulants and even cau- sties*; but these must be used with G:reat caution, for when they are so clumsily em- ployed as to enter the cavity of the joint the^ most violent iuliammation vvill ensue. Some of the old farriers appear to have known the utility of caustics in these wounds ; but mis- taking the principle on which they acted, ofteu injected liquid caustics into the joint, and thereby brought on the most excruciating torments. Sometimes their patients were destroyed by the fever which followed : more frequently, however, the joint became stiff or immovable, as we have before described, and * It has been supposed, that the violent pahi and inflam- mation, which follow the wound of a joint, are caused chiefly b^ the admission of air into the cavity, and a deficiency of synovia or joint oil, by wh'ch the two surfaces are exposed to friction. It is certain, however, that in these woraids there is much more synovia formed than usual; wliich may be known by the quantity tliat flows from the wound. Tliis increased formation of svnoviii, however, continues only a certain time; after a time the coa- gulating lymph is poured out, which, becoming solid, obliterates the cavity ; but in large wounds of the principal joints, the animal is often destroyed before this happens, by the symptomatic fever which comes on. APPENDIX. — WOUNDS OF CAVITIES. 333' the wound h^^aled. Other farriers, preferrin"^' to employ the solid caustics, mid f-uliiig iil^ their attempts to thrust them into the ca,vity of the JGiot. have applied them no vfarther than the orifice in the c.ipsular ligament, and have bj thi3 fortunate failure efrected a cure without the loss of the joint. This plan, however, c;in oidy be adoplt- 1 in wounds *of a small size, or of the punctured kind, such as those inflicted with the stable fork ; and fortunately wounds of joints are most com- monl}' of this kind. But we sometimes meet with cases where the wound is of considerable size, and much lacerated : there is scarcely a possibility then of preserving the joint ; and if it happen to the larger joints, such as the hock and stifle, there is great danger of it's destroying the animal. . In such cases causties are improper: they m.ust be treated as deep lacerated wounds. But in the small punctured wound of a joint, the actual cauttry (hot iron) cautiously applied has been found the most expeditious and effectual remedy. I hav« succeeded also with the lunar caustic (nitrate of silver). Farriers sometim'es employ the butter of antimony (muriate of antimony), 334 COMPENDIUM OF THE V'ETERiNARY ART. Of V and ivhite i-itriol (vitriolated zinc) * : they oftea inject some liquid caustic into the wound with a syringe, such as solution of blue vitriol. The earlier the actual cautery is applied, the more speedily will it heal the wound ; and it is particularly desirable to have it applied before inflammation takes place in the joint. The iron should have a round point, and be applied when at a dull red heat; the wound should be so seared as to stop tlie discharge of joint oil. It often happens, that after a short time an oozinor of synovia is asain observed : in such cases the iron must be again applied, and repeated if necessary several times. I have sometimes succeeded ultimately, though the iron had been applied * I have heard a farrier boast of possessing a receijit for a jo'tni humour ; or, as he itrrned it, for "Killing a joint humour." In small wounds of the interior joints, this man sometimes suc- ( ceded, . Upon examining the remed^y, 1 found it to consist chiclly of white vitriol, which indeed was the onlj? active in- gredient. This, coarsely powdered, was put into the wound; but as the uiau supposed it's eflicacy depended upon it's entering the cavity of the joint, and subduing this formidable humour, he of course took great |)ains to thrust it in with his probe. In large wounds, lie generally succeeded in his attejnpt. and destroyed cither the joint or the animal : but in small wounds of the lower joints, he merely brought it iiito contact with lb<: wounded ligament, and thereby often eflVclcd a cure. APPENDIX. -WOUNDS OF TENDONS. 335 ineffecLualiy twice or three times. AMiei- inflammation takes place in the joint, the most powerful remedies should be expeditiously employed for it's removal, such as bleeding and purging. Fomentations and poultices in such cases are not so useful as blisters, which should be applied rather extensively about the joint; but as long as the wound in the joint remains open, the iuBammution will con- tinue; therefore our principal object should be to close the wound. There is no external complaint which occasions such excruciating pain to the animal as inflammation of a joint, particularly when it has proceeded so far as to ulcerate the bones ; several cases of which have come under my observation. Wounds of the Sheaths, or Membranes surrounding Te)idons. These require nearly a similar treatment to that we have just described, and, when of the small punctured kind, are more expe- ditiously healed by a judicious use of the actual cauterv, than by any other remedy. These wounds also generally discharge some- thing like synovia or joint oil, and, if suffered 33b COMPENDIUM OP THE VETERINARY ART. ma.et,',f^iff:,m to remain open, are productive of very violent pain and infiammation. AVhen they are so largr-e as to render the caustic an im- proper apph cation, they should be closed as neatly as possible, and kept so by adhesive plaster and bandage.^ This plan is equally applicable to similar wounds in joints ; and, if adopted in time, will often be found very effectual : even when the actual cautery has been applied, and the wound seared so as t-o be closed, the adhesive plaster will be found a useful a^:sistant, p.nd will often prevent the necessity of repeating the cautery. I have known a wound in the knee joint soon healed by means of the stickhig plaster alone. The tendons most liable to be wounded are the back sine:i^s : they are enclosed in a strong tendinous sheatb, which, like a joint, contains a small quantity of slippery fluid, to render their motions easy, and prevent the cohesions of the parts. About the fetlock joint, or rather abov^e that joint, there are small sacs or little bladders, connected with the tendon and ligaments, which also contain this slippery fluid, and serve to facilitate motion in thes^ parts. When a horse is worked too hard, these bladders contain an imusual quantity of APPENDIX. — WOUNDS Of VEINS. 357 the fluid or synovia, and appear swelled or puffed, constituting the disease termed wind- galls. If these little bladders receive a wound, it is generally followed by violent pain and jnflammation ; and, when improperly treated^ a very obstinate lameness may be the con- sequence. In this case, nothing is more useful than the sticking plaster, provided the lips of the wound be neatly brought together before it is applied; but if the wound be of the' small i^unctured kind, the actual cautery should be first applied. Great care however is required in this case; for if the iron be not applied very lightly, and it's pointed end properly adapted to the size of the wound, it mav do much mischief. Blisters are the best remedies for any swelling, that may re- main after a wound in the sheaths of tendouvs, or in joints ; and if one blister be found in- sufficient, a repetition of the remedy will generally succeed. The last kind of wound we have to describe is one that happens more frequentlv than any other, and is more easily cured; that is, a wound of a vein. When a vein is properly opened, and after- ward carefully closed in the usual way v.itii a pin and a little tar, it almo^^t always heal< VOI^ 1. 'A 3^8 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. by the first inteiitiDii : but when it is opened by a rusty blunt fleavi or lancet, and par- trcularly when the instrnnient is driven with such violence as to cut not only Jnto but through the vein, makino- thus an orifice both before and behind, it seldom heals so readily: on the contrary, infiammation takes place within the cavity of the vein, which gradually extends or spreads until either the v>--pund is closed, or the vein obliterated, by the coagulating matter which forms within it. If the inflammation extend to the heart, the animal is instantly destroyed ; more commonly, however, the vein is soon plugged up, and ceases to convey bloud. But even in this case the disease proves very troublesome; in consequence of the Jugular or neck veins being the principal channels, by vvhich the blood of the head returns to the heart. This obstruction to the return of the blood causes a swelling of the large gland under the ear, in which the formation of matter is often a consequence. Sometimes the eye becomes intlamed; and I have seen symptoms of apoplexy or staggers produced by this cause. If a horse be turned to grass in this situation, the inconvenience is considerably increased; APPENDIX. — WOUNDS OF VEINS. 339 I I - 1 II I IIIIIBII W^llWII _ ■^^_____ -" — -n - ■ . I .1 ■ ■ ■ — , ■■ 1 _ .. , the position of the head in grazing being unfavourable to the return of blood from the head. Tlie inconvenience arising from a loss of the jugular vein is not however perma- nent; the smaller veins gradually enlarge, and, after a time, return the blood as readily as the jugular or neck \em did originally. When ,this accident happens, the miscliief may be perceived about the second day after bleeding; sometimes the day following that of the operation. When the orifice in the vein is large, and particularly if the wound in tlie skin be but slightly closed, or if the horse happen to rub the pin out, tlie wound bleeds freely; and though it be again pinned up, the blood often bursts out after a short time. I have seen a case where the horse had been bleeding, at intervals, three or four days, though the wound had been several times firmly pinned up: this was very soon stopped by the actual cautery; but the vein was obliterated at that part, and a little way downward and upward; and tlie swelling of the gland under the ear took place. When the orifice in the vein is but small, or when the vein is not transpierced, but intiames only from the orifice in tlie skin liaving- been im- Q 2 340 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. perfectly closed, or from hair or blood lodging between the lips of the wound, the first symptoms are swelling and an oozing of moisture from the wound. In this case the vein is often preserved, and the disease soon cured, by applying lightly the actual cautery, and hy keeping the horse at rest. It must not be supposed, however, that in every case of sweliinir after bleedino: the vein is inHamed : a slight swelling often takes place immediately after the operation, merely from the blood fi^ettinsf into the cellular membrane under the skin; and this swelling is sometimes succeeded b}^ an oozing of moisture from the wound: but all this is soon removed by rubbing on it a little soap liniment. When the vein is really inllamed, there is generally a discharge of blood sometinie after the operation; and if this do not happen, the swelling extends to the gland under the ear, the whole being extremely tender and painful, often rendering the horse almost incapable of masticating or swallowing. When the disease is improperly treated, or suifered to take it's own course, sinuses form by the side of the vein; so that the probe may be passed in various direc- jLions, generally upward towards the gland, APPENDIX. — WOUNDS OF VEINS. 341 sometimes inward among the muscles of the neck. The actual cauteiy is undoubtedly the most effectual application at first; but when the disease has been sulTered to proceed so far as we have now described, it is neces- sary to keep the orifice open, that the matter may escape freely; and, by injecting a solution of blue or white vitriol, cause it gradually to heal from the bottom. When the gland under the ear is much swollen, and very painful, a poultice should be applied , but when the sweUing feels hard, and without tenderness, a blister is more effectual. In taking leave of this subject, which may appear to some of my readers to be spun out to an unnecessary length, I must beg leave to observe, that vfounds in general, more par- ticular those of circumscribed cavities, require so much care and consideration in order to be treated with success, as to convince me of the propriety of giving a. detailed de- scription of them. 342 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETKRiNAKY ART. Diseases of the Eijc. Among the various diseases to which domes- tication and improper management have sub- jected the horse, those of the eye are more fre- quent and often more obstinate than any other ; and what makes this subject peculiarly interest- ing and important is, that unless a horse's eye he absolutely perfect, he is liable to start and stumble; and it is allowed that-ti horse, wliose visual organs are imperfect, is often more un- safe to ride than one totally blind. Another consideration induces us to make some ad- ditions to this subject, which is, that these diseases, when allow^ed to exist any time, or when improperly treated, are scarcely e\er cured ; and, though apparently removed for a time, ultimately terminate in blindness ; where- as, by seasonably applying proper remedies, the eyes have been perfectly and permanent!}' restored. When the disease nrst appears, our treatment must in some measure be guided by the state of the horse's condition, strength, and age. 8 nch as areyoung and in high order require at first both bleeding and purging: but old horses, particularly when low in condition, cannot bear the loss of much blood, or the APPENDIX. DISEASES OF THE EYE. 343 operation . of a strong purgative ; still local bleeding is proper, and a dose of lu:Iix. No. 2. . . Ext. of hyosciamus or henbane, 1 dr. Pure water, - 8 oz. Rub them together in a mortar, pouring on the water gradually ; and when perfectly mixed, add of the Water of acetated litharge, - 1 dr. When the inflammation abates, and the horse begins to open the eye more perfectly, we often observe a cloudiness on the surface sometimes so considerable as to intercept the light, and prevent vision. This, however, may soon be removed by putting into the eye some stimulating powder, or by washing the eye with a solution of white vitriol, two or three drams to eigiit oz. of water. When by these means the disease has been removed, we should carefully guard against it's recurrence, by exer- iiPPENDIX. — DISEASES OF THE EYE. 345 cising the horse regularly, and avoiding such things as may suddenly 'suppress or check perspiration. Moderate feeding too and good grooming are necessary. By continuing this kind of management, the eye will gradually recover it's strength ; but if these precautions be neglected, the disease generally returns; for though the eye appears to be quite recovered, it cannot be supposed, that so delicate an organ can be suddenly restored to it's original strength after such an attack. As horses are too fre- quently treated improperly, it is not to be won- dered at, that this disease should so often return after having been apparently cured; nor ought we to attribute it to any peculiarity in the constitution af the horse, or in the structure of kis eye. The disease we have now been de- scribing is that which arises from some internal cause, either a gent^ral fullness of the system, or partial determination of blood to the eye, in consequence of suppressed or diminished per- spiration. When the eye becomes iniiamed from a blow, a bite, or any external injury, it is generally soon cured merely by washing the eye with the above lotion ; but when the injury is considerable, bleeding and purging-, and particularly local bleeding, are also necessary.. Q 5 3^6 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. ^' *- II. ■ When the eye itself is wounded, so that the humours, as they are termed, run out from tlie wound, bhndness must be the consequence. But if the surface of the transparent part or glass of the eye be slightly scratched only, and tlie whole surface or part of it become opaque, or have a.Jilin as it is commonly termed in con- sequence, such opacity is often removed by throwing under the eyelid some stimulating powder, such as salt. If this fail, a little finely levigated glass, mixed with honey, may be put under the eyelid, by which it will soon be didu3ed over the surface of the eye. In these cases, however, such applications are not to be used, until the violent inflammation, which the accident occasions has abated. Among the various diseases of the eye described by writers on farriery there is one, wiiich they term vioonblindnesSj from it's supposecf periodical re- currence, I'his complaint is considered in- curable, perhaps justly ; but I have little doubt that it might be prevented. When the ,eye becomes in darned from an internal cause, and the inflammation is allowed to exist for any time, a weakness of the part is the consequence; and though the inflammation be removed, the iKcakness will continue. But if the causes which APPENDIX. DISEASES OF THE EYE. 347 first produced tiie coniplaiiit be avoided, or, ill other words, if the horse be properly exer- cised, fed, and groomed, the part will gradually recover it's ori2:inal strencfth : if, on the con- trary, as soon as the inflammation is gone off, the exGiting cause be again applied, the eye will more readily become diseased than it did at first; being in a weak state, and conse^ quently more irritable, or susceptible of in- flammation. The second attack will of course increase the weakness or disposition to disease \ and after this the case may be justly deemed incurable. After repeated attacks the interior parts of the eye become diseased, and at length a cataract or incurable blindness takes place. It often happens, however, that the eye continues in this fluctuating state some time. In some cases a cataract forms rathei suddenly. I have often met with cases, vvhere a small speck or opacity formed in the crystalline hu- mour, and continued without alteration for twelve months. In one case no alteration hap- pened in two years : but this speck or opacity in the inner humour, or crystalline, always hinders vision in some degree, and is frequently the cause of a horse's starting. 348 COMPENDIUM OF TTIE VETFRINARY ART. Locked Jaw. I have lately met with a case of locked jaw, that appeared to have been caused by a wound in tiie foot, which v/as completely cured by the following treatment. — Upon examining the horse, 1 found the wound in the foot nearly- healed; the jaws so closed, that he could not even take food into his mouth, though he was constantly endeavouring to do it, and appeared very hungry, having been incapable of eating any thing about twenty-four hours before I saw him ; the muscles of the neck were in a natural state, though the jaws were so closed as to prevent his taking food into his mouth ; the teeth were not absolutely in contact; and we were able, but with great difficulty, to intro- duce gradually a large dose of opium and camphor. AVhen we first attempted to give this draught, the animal appeai:ed so agitated and resisted so much, that it required the as- sistance of several men to o;ive it. As soon as the medicine was given, a strong blister was ap- plied to the spine, or middle of the back, hef'^irminsc at the withers, and continuino^ it the whole length of the spine, even to the basis of the tail : the blister was carefidly APPENDIX. — LOCKED JAW. 349 rubbed in, and afterward a fresh quantity was spread upon it in order to expedite it's action. A caustic was then applied to the wound in the foot. In about six hours we en- deavoured to give some strong gruel, and found much less difficulty in doing it thrtn in giving the medicine at first. The jaws, how- ever, were still nearly close, and some dex- terity was required to pour the gruel into the throat. Soon after this another dose of opium and camphor was given, and water-gruel se- veral times. During this time the jaws ap- peared to be rather more open, and there was less difficulty in giving the gruel. About twenty-four hours after the application of the blister, during which time he had taken two strong doses of opium and camplior, and some o-ruel, the horse was able to feed, and even to eat hay. Another dose, but weaker, of opium and camphor was given : the com- plaint did not return. The fatality of this disease in horses, and the consideration that a clearly stated case can be more closely fol- lowed than a general description 'of the treat- ment, have induced me to give a detailed account of this successful case. 350 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERLNARY ART. Fever,' In the former editions of this work, fever was C'jnsidered either as a simple or original complaint, arising from suddenly suppressed or checkevi perspiration, or as a symptcmatic or complicated disease, depending upon an af- fection of one or more of the internal organs, or their membranes. In botli cases bleeding was recommended as an essential remedy. My practice since that time has not given me reason to change this opinion materially; but as some modern writers on farriery have de- scribed another kind of fever, termed putrid, or typhiiSy in which bleeding is extremely injurious, I think it necessary to state the observations, which an extensive practice has suggested to me on this subject. The grand characteristic of fever I conceive to be, an unusually quick pulse, /. e. from seventy to a hundred in a minute; a peculiar kind of sensation wliich it oives to the finL'^er, as if it were struck sharply by the vibration of a cord; and at the savne time a feebleness, or smallness, quite different from that gradual swell of the healthy pulse. When a horse labours under considerable debility, either APPENDIX. — tFA'ER. 351 from hard work, want of sufficieirt food, or other causes except fever, the pulse is more or less languid or weak; sometimes slower, at others a Uttle quicker than usual ; still, however, it swells gradually, and does not give that sen- sation we have described, and which physi- cians term hardness. \x\ fever there is either a total loss or a di- minution of appetite, and the animal appears to be in pain; the natural evacuations (dung and urine) are generally deficient; and upon lifting the eyelid, we generally find it unusu- ally red. The mouth £gels hotter, and the tongue is commonly drjer than usual. In simple debihty or weakness, whether it be occasioned by hard work or any other cause except fevei\ the mouth and tongue are in their natural state ; the j^ulse, though weak and sometimes not easily felt if we press much upon tlie artery with the finger, does UQt crive that sharp hard stroke which charac- terises fever \ the horse readily sweats; and when the weakness is considerable the ears and hind lesrs will feel rather cold, and his flanks generally move quicker than usual. If blood be drawn, it will be found very dif- ferent frora that of a horse labouring under 352 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERmARY ART. fever or inflammation. (See Bleeding.) The appetite, though cliiniDished, is not quite gone ; the inner surface of the eyeUd is sel- dom uii usually red, often less so than iu health ; and the horse does not appear to be in pain. Though bleeding in such cases is extremely injurious, a mild laxative is useful, unless the dung be softer and in greater quantity than natural ; and if tnere be a deficiency of urine, or any difticulty in voiding it, a diuretic, composed of camphor and nitre, should be given. This symptom, hovv ever, seldom occurs in these cases. After the laxative, tonics, with a nutritious diet and good grooming or nursing, generally restore the animal in a short time to health. This disease is some- times mistaken for fever, and treated impro- perly. They are cases of this kind, however, that farriers so frequently cure under the name of fever by medicines of the cordial or tonic kind. 1 never saw any kind of feve)\ in which bleedino; and crenerallv laxatives were not manifestly useful, if employed judiciously at an early period ; that is, if the quantity of blood drawn, and the strength of the lax- ative, were properly adapted to the strength APPEKDIX. — FEVER. 353 of the animal and the violence of the disease, and employed at it's first appearance. Se- veral cases have occurred where debility quickly succeeded the inflammatory com- mencement, and rendered bleeding, some- times purging also, highly improper; and it is perhaps such cases, that some writers have mis- taken for the typhus, or low putrid fever : others appear to me to have copied their description of it from that oiven bv writers on human diseases. In cases of simple debility I have found the following medicines of gre?-t use, giving the laxative in the first place if the horse be costive, or even if the bowels be in a natural state: during it's operation, however, it is advisable to give strong gruel instead of bran mashes. LAXATIVE. Barbadoes aloes, ■» 3 dr. Powdered canella. It dr. Prepared kali, ^ 1 dr. Mint water. 8 oz. Mix for one dran ight. 3/54 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. TONIC. Yellow Peruvian bark, 6 dr. Cascarilla, - - - 1 dr. Powdered opium, - - ^ dr. Prepared kali, - - 1 sc. Sirup enough to form a ball for a dijse. it is often necessary to increase the proportion of bark, and sometimes of the other injire- dients; but when the horse becomes cos- tive, tiie opium must be omitted. The most proper food on these occasions is good sweet oats, and the best hay given fre- quently in small quantities. The horse should be allowed to drink also frequently; his ex- ercise should be very moderate; and when the weakness is considerable, he should be allowed to exercise himself in a laro-e stall or box, and not taken out until he gets stronger. If he become costive, a clyster, or even a mild laxative may be given. I have met with a disease in colts of about two or three years old, in whiclu the debility was extremely obstinate. The disease began with swelling about the chest and belly, great APPENDIX. — FEVER. S'5 5 weakness, dimimshed appetite, and a rather quick pulse, without that hardness charac- teristic of fever. In the most remarkabie case of this kind, the coh (three years old) was at- tacked in the montli of May while running in a hue piece of grass : the first appearance of illness was his separating hinrself from his com- panions, standing with a dejected appearance, and not prazino- as usual. When examined, considerable swelling was observed about the chest, between t^ie fore legs ; and when I saw him, the pulse was about sixty in a minute, yet soft : he did not refuse his food entirely, but appeared indifferent about it; nor was there any symptom which indicated an af- fection of the internal organs. He voided his urine without difficulty, and in the usual quantity ; but as the dung appeared harder, and in less quaDtity than is usual v. ith horses At grass, a weak laxative was first administered. He was taken up and put loose into a cool stable, which opened into a large court, the door being left open : he was offered fre([uentiy young lucerne, clover, &c., and allowed to drink \vlien he chose it. " The sweliino; and weakness increased considerably; a medicine, composed of bark, vitriolated iron (salt of steel) j 356 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. and a little canella, was therefore given, and a more nutritious diet allowed; viz. gruel, arrow-root powder boiled in the usual way with water, and a handful of oats now and then. The tonic medicine so improved his appetite, that he readily took a moderate quantity of this food ; yet the weakness con- tinued, the swelling increased, and the pulse remained in a low feeble state, but rather slower. The swelling was scarified, and a large quantity of water evacuated, by which it was greatly diminished ; the dose of tonic medicine was increased, and joined with diu- retics occasionally. His appetite improving, he was allowed to take an unlimited quantity of the most nutritious food, which was varied so as to keep up his appetite; and by perse- vering in this plan about a fortnight he appeared to be quite recovered. About a fortnight after tiiis the disease returned with greater violence, the swelling extended all over the imder part of the chest and belly, the pulse became very weak but not much quicker than ])efore, and the animal was extremely feeble. By persevering in the use of the tonic me- dicines, and assistin<]^ them bv the most nu- tritious diet, such as strong gruel, new milkj APPENDIX. EPIDEMIC FEVER. 357 oats, &c., the colt perfectly recovered. I liave seen several cases of this kind, one of wliicli proved fatal from the negligence of the owner, who did not supply the colt with a sufficient quantity of nutriment, which seems to he as necessary as medicine; and when a colt in this complaint refuses his food, I have found it necessary to drench him frequently with strong gi*'iel, boiled arrow-root, sago, or milk. It is pi jper also to vary the food so that the animal may be tempted to eat oftener than he would otherwise : for tliis purpose carrots, lucerne, &c., are useful. The oats should be perfectly sweet ; and should the colt be found to prefer them in a moist state, they may be sprmkled with water. Epidemic Fever — or Distemper. The epidemic diseases of horses generally appear in the form of a violent catarrh, or cold. The lirst symptoms are cough, heaviness of the head, the eyes often watery or a little inflamed : sometimes there is a quickness of breathing; and the intiammation of the mem- brane which lines the throat, nose, and wind- 358 COMPENDIUxM OF THE VETERINARY ART. pipe, is often so considerable as to cause a dif- ficulty in swallowing ; the pulse is generally quicker than usual. If the proper remedies be not employed at this period, the horse becomes very weak, and considerable fever takes place ; the appetite goes off; the cough and quickness of breathing increase; and de- bility is so great, that the animal staggers in his walk. There is an offensive discharge from his nose; and after lingering some time, the horse dies from a consumption. More commonly, however, a discharge of white matter takes jilace from the nose after the disease has continued a few days, by which the cough and other sj^mptoms appear to be lessened ; but though the horse slowly recovers his health and strength, a troublesome and sometimes incurable cough remains. When the disease is properly treated at it's com- mencement, the horse perfectly recovers in a short time, unless the attack is very vi- olent ; aud even then by judicious management the cough, as well as the other symptoms, may be cured. When an epidemic happens, horses should be carefully watched J and on the first appear- ance of any symptoms of the disease, the hurse APPENDIX — EPIDEMIC FEVER. 359 should be bied modemtelyj unless he is in low conditioi], or previously exhausted by hard work, old age, or unwholesome food. After bleedme, ^ive the follovvdno^ laxative, and let the horse's diet consist of bran mashes, sweet haj', and a very small quantity of oats. When the attack is moderate, these remedies are generally sufficient to eOect a cure, ta- king care to prevent a relapse by nursing, and giving every day a dose of some anti- monial preparation, of which that which re- sembles Dr. James's fever powder is the best. But when the inflammatory symptoms are at first violent, when there is a quickness of breathing, soreness of the throat, ajid dis- tressing cough, a blister to the throat is ne- cessary ; and unless weakness forbids, bleeding even to three quarts is proper. A laxative is always beneficial at first, if the bowels be not already too open ; after v/hich the anti- monial with nitre is to be givefi daily. Vv^arm clothing, and frequent hand-rubbing to the legs, are useful ; but a close stable is injurious. The horse should be turned loose into a lar^re stall; and if a discharc^e from the nose ap- pear, let it be encouraged by causing the vapour of warm water to pass tinough the nostrils, 360 COMPENDIL'M OF THE VETERINARY ART. and clothinsc the head and ears. When the disease from being neglected or improperly treated at first becomes alarming, and the weakness considerable, nothing but tonic medicines and a nutritious diet can do anv good. LAXATIVE. Barbadoes aloes, - - 2 dr. Tartarized antimony, - 1 dr. IVIix first with about 4 oz. of warm water; and then add 4 oz. of castor oil. To be o'iven at one dose. Diseases of the Stomach. The principal diseases of this important crscan have been before described. There is one, however, which I have but briefly no- ticed, and which has been denominated sto- mach staggers, from it's resemblance to apo- ple.vi/, or brain staggers. xV description of the symptoms has been given already. (See Stagg-ers, p. 97-99.) It has been proved, that this disease arises from a distension of the stomach by food. APPENDIX. STOMACH STAGGERS. 361 The Stomach, with its contents, of one horse that died of this complaint, weighed nearly sixty lbs. Its coats were so stretched that they were easily torn, and had, no doubt, lost all power of contracting. Some time before death, the food which it contained was ratiier hard, consisting of imperfectly masticated hay and oats. The 3'ellowne.^s observable in the horse's eyes and mouth a])])eared to have been occasioned by the pressure of the sto- mach upon the gall duct, causir:g the bile to return into the circulation. A considerable number of liorses that died of this disease was examined, and the same appearance cb- sei*ved in all of them : we therefore concluded the immediate cause of this kind of stagroerfs was an accumulation of indio-estible food ik the stomach: but as the disease also happened to horses at grass, and in two or three cases even to such as had been at grass some time without being changed into other grass, it" became necessary to inquire into the cause of this accumulation. In many cases, where it attacked horses kept in stables, it was ascertained without difficulty. The horses most liable to it were such as had been muck exhausted by hard work, unwholesome food, VOL. J. R 362 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. or old age ; and not unfrequently all three of these causes had concurred in exhausting; the animal's strength. Most commonly the im- inediate cause was found to he that whiclv we have before alluded to in page 274; that is, allowing a horse that has been kept a con- siderable time without food, and just come into the stable from a long and fatiguing jour- ney, to eat an unlimited quantity of food, without giving a sufficient quantit}- of water to enable the stomach to digest it. This, how- ever, could not have been the cause in the horses attacked at grass ; yet upon inquiry it was found, that such horses had been used ill or worked hard, previous to their going to grass, and were generally old horses. It is probable therefore, that the disease was brought on by the horse's eating voraciously of some unwholesome grass, which might act as poison on the stomach, depriving it of the digestive power, the effect being more readily produced in weak stonrachs or debilitated constitutions. Whenever the stomach staggers happen, the proprietor is greatly alarmed from an opinion which generally prevails of its bemg conta- gious. Tiiere are some circumstances which seem to countenance this opinion; 1st. that APPENDIX. — STOMACH STAGGERS. 363 it often attacks more than one horse when several are kept in the same stable, not at the same time, but in succession; many farmers havino: lost several horses in a short time from this disease. I am satisfied how- ever that it is not infectious ; and wlien a farm- er happens to have several horses attacked with staggers, either at the same time or in succession, it can only be attributed to his negligence or hard treatment of the animal : considerable experience and careful investi- gation have convinced me of the truth of this remark. The only method of removing this disease is to exhibit strong purgatives, joined with aromatics and other stimulants, at an early period ; for if the stomach be distended to a certain degree, no medicine can restore it*. * When the stomach has its vital power co«?iderab!y diini- ftlshed, its contents become subject in some degree to chemical laws, by v^hich all dead matter is governed, or in otlicr word* ^'er»«e«tafio;i will talic place, and a quantify of air be extricated in , consequence so as to increase the distension. Thii oiten occurs to horned cattle when brought suddenly into a luxuriant pasture, paiticularly clover. 1 once met with a case where a horse, get- ting loose durmg the night, found the corn -chest open; n'^Jit morning he was lying dead in the stable ; and on opening- tb.' body, a large quantity of oats was found in the stoaaacii. It one R2 36 1- COMPENDIUM OF THE VETEIIINARY ART. I do not think it advisable in this disease to give a large quantity of purgative medicine at once, but some powerful stimulus must be ' exhibited in order to o-ive the stomach sufli- cient energy to expel its contents. The pur- gative, with weaker stimulants, may be re- peated once in ten or twelve houi's; and about a pint of salt water every secoud hour> with a teaspoonful of compound spirit of am^ monia. This will serve to moisten the con- tents of the stomach, and stimulate moderately at the same time. Clysters are also to be given now anvd then, so as to remove any hard excrement, that m^y get into the last gut. The distension of the stomach causes an accumu- lation of blood in the vessels of the brain ; the horse hangs down his head, or forces it against the wall, appearing insensible. It is necessary then to take a moderate quantity of blood from the temporal artery ; but in rlebilitated constitutions, copious bleechng is verv iinurious. It is advisable, when this fiymptom is observed, to contrive some means tor supporting the horse's head. If by these part it was rvipttired; and sonio of the corn had fallen througli tUe opening into the cavity of (l)f beliy. I have siner heard of Al'PENDiX. — SIOMaCII STAGGEUS. 3G5 means we succeed in procuring an evacuation of hard dung, there is reason to expect a re- covery, particularly v/hen, after emptying tiie tTLit bv a clvster, or bv tlie iiand, afresh quantity is soon after found in it. When the excrement becomes thinner, or the horse purges, we may be satisfied that the disease is removed, and then w^e have only to support the animal's strength with strong gruel given frequently, a small quantity of oats now and then, and tonic medicines. Should the horse be inclined to eat hay, a very small quantity only should be allowed at once. By adopt- ing this plan I have often succeeded in curing this dangerous disease; but it is absolutely necessary to watch the horse constantly, and apply the proper remedies frequently. With- out this attention success must not be expected. Besides, horses thus affected will often injure themselves during their delirium, unless con- stantly watched and prevented. I do not think it difficult to distinguish between this and that kind of staggers which depends sim- ply on an affection of the brain : in the latter there is a more furious delirium ; the eyes and mouth are not tinno- tlie numerous inconve- niences arising from the strong purgjitives recommended by writers on farrier^-, such as twelve or fourteen drams of aloes, either alone or with calomel*, there is one we have not hitherto noticed, which we shall now describe. * A few weeks ago I waji requested to attoid-xa sick liorsc: it appeared, that the groom had given him 1 o/.. of Cape aloes ^ which operated with great violence, and liad continued to act two or three dajs after. On my arrival, it was too late to save R 5. 370 COMPENDIUM OF THE VE1 ERINARY ART. r ' , n . ■■ I . H , I I ■ .pi Though they do not destroy a horse, they often weaken him so much, that it requires sometimes several weeks to restore the strength; but several cases have occurred where the bowels had been rendered so irritable from the violent effect of physic, that they became subject to troublesome and even dan- gerous diseases. A case of this kind has been alreadj- mentioned. (See page 270, note.) Sometimes obstinate costiveness is occasioned by it ; at others a constant tendency to diarrhoea and colic. When a horse, whose bowels have been thus injured, is attacked with colic or gripes, the strong remedies commonly employ- ed, such as gin, pepper, &c., often prove fatal by exciting inflammation. The following draught will be found most useful, giving frequently small quantities of gruel, linseed tea, or any other mucilaginous fluid, and injecting a clvster of the same kind. The only method of curing the ii'ritability or tenderness, of the bowels the auixnal ; he soorv after died from inflammation of the bowels. The Cape aloes are certainly)' the weakest kind. I have jeen se- veral horses destroyed by larger doses tlian this, such as ten, ^'slye or iouiteen drams; and as often, and perhaps more, from . ^iecctrine ti\"vu Barhadces aloes. (See note to page 22^,) APPENDIX. — DISEASES OF THE BOV/ELS. 371 radically is, to avoid every thing of an im- tating quality, and very cold water, until they have recovered their original strength. THE DRAUGHT, Oil of peppermint, 20 drops. Tincture of opium, - ~ i 02. Gum Arabic (dissolved in a pint of warm wi;ter), Mix for one dose. j 2oz. The costiveness produced by the above practice occasions symptoms, which often de- ceive the inexperienced practitioner. The horse appears to be in pain ; often makes fruitless ef- forts to dung, sometimes there is a suppression of urine, particularly when the proper rem.e- dies have not been seasonably applied ; some degree of fever takes place; and at length colic pains. All these symptoms may be speedily removed, by drawing out the ex- crement with the hand ; afterward throwing up a clyster and giving the oily laxative. But I have seen hot drenches o^iven in this complaint ; and when these v.ere found to in- crease the pain instead of affording relief, 372 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. the animal was profuselj^ bled. When the suppression of urine was observed, diuretics were given. In some cases the disease is cured by an effort of nature; sometimes it continues so lono- as to cause inilammation of the bowels. OILV LAXATIVE, Barbadoes aloes, 2 dr. Prepared kali. 1 dr. yiiiu water, 8 oz. Castor oil, , - _ 8 oz. Mix for one dose,, • Molloi Grease. This ako is a disease of the intestines, i&nd generally dependant on some constitutional »ffectii>n. Horses that ])a\ e been well fed and had but little exercise are more hable to this complaint. Though su^h horses appear sk'^ek and fat,, they are not fit for violent or long •continued exertion, unless brought to it gradu- ally ; therefore, when suddenly put to work in ihi«' slate^aiid particularly if employed in hunt-- /APPENDIX. — MOLTEN GREASE. 373 ing or other violent exercise, 2, fever is often the consequence, which commonlydepends up- on oreneral inflammation or increased action of the whole arterial system. In this disease, na- tiu'e sometimes makes an eftort to remove it; that is, a violent purging takes place; the mucus, which is constantly formed upon the inner surface of the bowels in order to lubri- cate and protect them from the action of any acrimonious matter that may happen to be passing through, is now formed in greater quantity, and is often so abundant, as to ap- pear something like fat mixed vvdth the dung. When blood is drawn from a horse in this state, a large quantity of the inflammatory crust (the coaguluble lymph^ or buff-coloured jelly, before described) appears on its surface*. (See Bleeding.) * According to Mr. John Lawrence, molten grease cmisists in a colliquation or general melting of the fat of the bodj, great par^ of wlilch is. absorbed, and thrown upon the blood and upon the iutcstines, whence it is voided with the excrement. Mr Blaine, in his Treatise on Veterinary Medicine, has called this explanation of the disease an absurdity ! and though I feel all due respect for the efforts of Gibson, Bracket!, and Baitlet,- as well as for their commentator and panegyrist, Mr. John Lawrence, I am tompelled by experience, and the knowledge I have obtained (sf tbo iinimal economy from the valuable instructions of those emi*' 374 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. Molten grease, therefore, is not to be con- sidered as a distinct disease ; but only as a symptom, which sometimes appears in general wflammadon, or fever : it happens more frequently however in the latter. When a horse labours under fever or general in- flammation, we most commonly find some of the internal organs more affected than others. When there is a difficulty of breathing, the flanks moving with unusual, quickness and the nostrils expanded, it indicates an affection of the lungs ; when molten grease appears, it shows, that the mucous rri.embrane of the bowels is more particularly alTected : sometimes both. nent teachers, Dr. Baillie, Messrs. Cline, Abemethy, and Cooper, to acknowledge that Mr. L.'s description is really an afcswrdifi/j and affords a convincing proof ol his incompetency either to teach or practice the Veterinary Art. 1 am sorry to find myself under the necessity of making this . remark ; but, as an opinion so erroneouis must lead to practical errours, I feel it a dnty so to do. And I must beg leave to add, that what Mr. Lti'-vrence has since Avritten on the disease, his explai^ation oi \vhat he terms an wad.vert€nt inaccuracy in his description, his satirieai remarks on Mr. Blaine, and hit, attempt to show, that Mr. Biain^ in his explanation of the disease meant to offer it to the public as a discovery of his own, and that Osmer- who wrote about 176'5 had nMfic/pwterfhlra, appears to me a strong coufirmation of Mr. Blaine's accurate knowledge of the animal economy, aud of Mr. L.'8 total ignorsiice of the sxibject, APPENDIX. — MOLTEN GREASE. 375 these parts are aflPected at the same time. The principal remedy in this disease is copious bleeding according to age, strength, and other circumstances of the case. (See Bleeding and Fever.) It is often necessary to repeat the operation; oily laxatives are to be given, and rowels inserted in the chest and belly, if the lungs be the principal seat of the disease ; and the sides may be blistered, or the mustard embrocation rubbed on the sides and belly. In molten grease, or when the bowels are af- fected, if there be a copious purging, let no attempt be made to suppress it ; rather let it be encouraged by giving frequently decoction of linseed, gum Arabic dissolved in water; starch, or the powder of arrow root, boiled in water. When the dung is voided only in small quan- tity, but frequently, particularly if there be an}' knobs mixed with it, give a pint of castor oil, which may be repeated if necessary about two days after. In this case also it v»'ill be proper to rub the mustard embrocalicD on the belly. Should the disease continue after this, and particularly if there be considerable irri- tation about the anus, the horse frequently ejecting a small quantity of excrement, and appearing to suffer much pain, the opiate. 37 G COMPI-NDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. J ^ clyster may be given. If this appear rather to increase than remove the pain and irritation, the dose of castor oil must be repeated, and a clyster thrown up, composed onh* of water- gruel and a little oil*. Mr. Blaine, in his Treatise on Veterinary ]\Ie(Ucine, describes this disease somewhat dif- ferentlv, and considers it to be the same as the human dysentery. I must confess, however, that daring an extensive practice often 3'ears I have never met with a sin^rle case that re- sembled the dysentery described by medical authors. I have often observed, during the progress of symptomatic fever, internal iiidammation, nuicus mixed with the dung, which had sometimes the appearance of part of one of those longr white worms so often found in the horse's bowels; at others it resembled a membrane. I have observed the same * It is necessary on this occasion, particularly, to be careful, in exhibiting the clyster, as the gut is so extreiiiely irritable and tender, that if the pipe bo rough, and introduced without-cau- tion, it may rather do harm than afford relief: therefore let the pipe be perfectly smooth, covered with oil or lard, and not forced in with violence : it is probable, that a small short tube of }x)ne, about three times the bulk and length of the pipe used- in human medicine, would be preferable on this occasion to that commonly employed. •irPENDlX. — SUPPRESSION OF URINK. 377 thing in horses apparently healthy, or aftev the operation of very strong phasic. I ha\e also seen many cases, where there was tenes- mus, or considerable irritation in the rectuuj, the horse fcqiienlly voiding a small quantity of clung, . and appearhig in paiii. Bat this was always either a syitiptom of some more important complaint, and easily removed, or the effect of physic, and very unlike dysentery. (See Inflammation of the Lungs and BoudSy and Symptoynatic Fever.) OPIATE CLYSTER. Opium, - - - 1| dr. Warm water, - - 8 02. Mix. To this add about a quart of starch water; that is, starch boiled in water in the usual way, and of a proper consistence for a clyster. Diseases of the Urinary Organs. Suppression or stoppage of urine may arise from several causes. It generally takes place when horses are attacked with flatulent colic. and is then improperly considered as the 378 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART cause of that complaint; but when the cplic is removed, the horse stales freely. In ob- stinate cases of suppression, where the liorse has not been observed to stale for two or three days, it is necessary to examine the bladder, which may be easily done by intro- dacinjT the hand into the rectum or straiirht gut, through which the bladder is readily felt when distended with urine: when the bladder is found in this state, an evacuation must be speedily obtained, or the animal may be destroyed. In mares there is no difficulty in introducing a catheter, or hollow tube, into the bladder, through which the urine will flon^ out. In a horse this operation is not practicable, on account of the great length and curvature of the passage: it Iibs been recommended, however, in such cases, to introduce a bougie, or long smooth probe, into the passage, and to pass it forward, until it arrives at that part where tiie principal curvature is ; that is, about two or three inches below the anus. The probe being held steadily in this situation by an assistant, the operator is to make an incision carefully, so as to cut upon the top of the probe, and lay open the passage. This being done, a hollow tube. APPENDIX. — SUPPRESSION OF URINE. 379 even the finger, may be readily passed into the bladder, and let out it's contents. In making this incision, the skin is to be drawn on one side, so that vAien the operation is finished, and the in'ine evacuated, the opening in the urethra, or passage, and in the parts which cover it, vv'ill not correspond •, and the opening in the former will be completely covered. Without this contrivance a fistulous opening would probably remain during the horse's life ; indeed such a consequence is to be apprehended, in whatever way the ope- ration h performed; but fortunately such ob- stinate cases of suppression very rarely occur. When the bladder, upon being examined through the rectum, is found empty, or when it cannot be felt at all, the suppression must depend on a disease of the kidneys. V7heii these organs are much inflamed, they cease to form urine, or form it only in very small quantity-; but the most common cause :; a gradual decay of the kidney. (See Infl' n^ mat ion of the Kidney, ■ page 60 J Thi.. is known by the horse having become thin and weak gradually; having been attacked before with similar complaints but in a less degree; having been observed to move his hind legs :^80 COMPENDIUM 0\ THE -VETERINARY ART. awkwardly in trotting ; and giving way when- pressed upon the loins. When it is clearly ascer- tained, that the suppression of urine arises from this cause, and particularly if the horse he old, and extremely feeble, there is no chance of recovery ; and death soon terminates his misery. It may happen, however, that the kidneys cease to perform their office, or do it imperfectly from other causes, vv^ithout having suffered an alteration or decay in their organization or structure. In such cases, provided no symptoms of inflammation exist, the following drink may be given and repeated when necessary. Balsam of capivi, - - ' 4 oz. Mint water, - - 12 oz. Mix for one dose. It rnay be necessary on some occasions to give a larger quantity of the balsam : it is advisable, however, to begin with a small dose, and carefully watch it's effect: if it appear to increase the animal's pain, without causing an evacuation, there is reason to sus- pect, that some mistake has bee made as to the cause of the suppression ; and the symptoms APPENDIX. SUPPRESSION OF URINE. 3S1 should be again carefully investigated. It has been observed before, that suppression of urine is most commonly occasioned by spasm in the neck of the bladder, and sometimes by an accumulation of hard excrement in the rectum. In the former case, the camphorated ball f see page 106) soon affords relief: in the latter, it may be obtained by drawing out the hard excrement with the hand, clys- ters, and a laxative. We sometimes observe horses frequentl}^ en- deavouring to stale, voiding only very small quantities, and that with some degree of pain, or straining. Such s} mptoms depend on a dis- eased irritability or tenderness of the bladder; so that when only a small quantity of urine gets into it, it immediately contracts, in order to squeeze it out. It may sometimes depend on the urine being unusually strong or acrid: in either case the following drink may be given, and the horse should be allowed to drhik freely. If he refuse to drink, he should be drenched frequently with water-gruel, de- coction of linseed, marshmallows,- &c. If he be costive orive castor oil and clvsters. This disease is commonly occasioned by hlia- 382 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. ierSj the cantharides of which they are com- posed being absorbed into the circulation. THE DRAUGHT, OR DRINK. Camphor, - - l-^- to 2 dr. Powdered opium, - - ^ dr. Gum Arabic dissolved in } 4 oz. warm water, Mix for one dose. And let it be repeated, if the symptoms continue, a})Out twelve hours after, giving, during the interval, gum Arabic dissolved in water, decoction of linseed, &c. From too great exertion in leaping, or from other causes, a horse sometimes voids bloody urine. In such cases the mucilaginous drinks, composed of gum, linseed, &c., are proper. It is ne- ceso:*ry also to give the following draught, night and morning, until the urine assumes it's natural colour. Pomegranate bark, - 1 oz. Water, - - - 1 pint. Boil them about half an hour : strain off the liquor, and add^ Powdered alum, - - 1 oz. For one dose. APPENDIX. SUPPRESSION OF URINE. 383 If this prove iiieftectual, add to it about a dram or two of vitriolic acid, or even more, provided it be so diluted with water, or the above decoction of pomegranate, as to do no injury to the throat: this point may be de- termined by dipping the finger into the mix- ture, and applying it to the tongue. If it be so sour as to occasion some degree of pain, or a very unpleasant sensation, more water may be added. When the disease continues some time, there is danger of it's proving fatal; the horse's strength must then be supported by the most nutritious diet; and tonics, such as bark, with opium. (See Vol. II., or Materia Medica.) Yitriolated iron may also be tried, warm embrocations may be rubbed upon the, back or loins, or a warm plaster laid on it, composed of common turpentine. Burgundy pitch, ajid bees' wax ; four parts of the first, two of the second, and one of the third article. When the urine assumes a brown or coffee colour, the pulse becoming very quick and weak, intermittent or irregular, and the animal getting gradually more feeble, there is no chance of recovery. 384 COMPENDIUM OF Till: VETERINARY ART. Grease. This disease has been described before in page 117; but in one of the form ul 03 for an astringent lotion (No. 3) there is an important error of the press ; instead of water 1 ounce read 1 quart. In inveterate cases of grease the heels often become ulcerated, sometimes in a considerable des^ree. These ulcers are orenerallv very painful, particularly when situate on the back part of the pastern ; they are also more diffi- cult to cure in this situation from the frequent motion of the part. In the treatment of these ulcers, or cracks as they are often termed, cleanliness is of great importance ; and when they appear inflamed and painful, apply a soft poultice, in which a little Goulard has been mixed, for two or three days. The fol- lowing ointment (No.l) ma}' then be applied, fipread on tow, and secured with a light thin bandage. It often happens, that cracks ©r ulcers appear in the heels, without that ge- neral sweilincc of the leof and discharire of mat- ter, which constitute the disease named grease. It may then be soon cured by applying the GREASE. 3<^S astringent ointment, and giving a few doses of the diuretic alterative (see Vol 11^ or Materia Medica) : but when it is accompanied by the grease, laxatives or purgatives are proper, ac- cording to the condition of the animal. If the ulcers in the heel be deep, exercise appears to prevent their heaUng; and 1 bave found it the best plan, when such ulcers are not accom- panied with much swelling, to keep the horse in the stable until they are nearly healed, dressing the sore with the ointment (No. 1), and applying a bandage so as to keep the part as steady as possible. When this plan is adopt- ed, it is necessary to keep the horse on a cooling opening diet, and to rub the legs fre- quently and briskly with the hands : a few of the diuretic alterative powders should also be given. When proud flesh, as it is com- monly termed, appears in the ulcers — that is, when the new flesh rises above the level of the skin — it must be destroyed by caustics ; such as blue vitriol powdered, or dis- solved in warm water, or lunar caustic. When this is neglected, they sometimes increase to a large size, and become almost of a horny consistence, in which state they are commonly- named grapes. Should the ulcer continue VOL.1. s 386 COMPENDlUNf OF THE VETERINARY ART. foul after applying the poultice, and without that red appearance which indicates healing, the hot solution of blue vitriol is to be poured upon it, and the poultice repeated : this will cause a separation of the foul parts, or a sloughing, as it is termed; after which the sore will look red and healthy, discharging white matter and gradually filling up with new flesh, which, if it rise above the surface, is to be repressed with caustic. _ In recent cases of ^c^'-iise in which the heels are inflamed and swollen, and discharge a whitish coloured matter, I have seen much good done by fomenting them for a consi^ derable time with warm water, in which a small quantity of Goulard has been mixed, and applying immediately after the Goulard poultice. In obstinate cases of grease, where the matter discharged is very solid, the fer- menting poultice is useful; that is, a poultice of linseed meal, warm water, and yeast : this soon removes the offensive smell, and causes a more healthy or less acrid matter to be formed. Powdered charcoal has been recommended for the same purpose. In these inveterate cases, 7'owth in the thirrh are necessary, and should always be em- GREASE 38T ployed before any astringent applications are used. This unpleasant remedy however is only necessary, when the disease has continued some time. In recent cases, the Goulard poultice and mild purgatires will soon reduce the inflammation considerably ; and then the cure is easily accomplished by astringent lotions. To prevent a return of the complaint, exercise and grood ffroomiuc^ are indisoensablv necessary : frequent hand-rubbing of the legs, and a diuretic powder now and then, are also useful. Horses with white bind loi^s, or such as arc much disposed to swelling of the legs, should be bandaged for some time, parti- cularly after hard work^ keeping the bandage constantly moist with a solution of alum in water. In those hard habitual swellings, which are sometimes a consequence of grease, I have several times seen blisterinc: and firing: tried, but never saw them do any good : the best pal- liative in such cases is the bandage applied as before directed. In some cases of grease, the inflammation seems to extend to the cellular membrane under the skin, causing more severe pain and lameness, than when it is superficial. This inflammation generally terminates in an abscess S 2 38S COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. of the heel, which bursts, and leaves a deep ilUlookino' ulcer. After this the oreneral swellinof of the leos subsides, and the animal appears to be considerably relieved : the ulcer however is extremely irritable, and difficult to heal, particularly if the horse be exercised. By applyingpoultices and warm digestive ointment, and by keeping the horse at rest, the ulcer gradually heals. OINTMENT. No. 1. Fresh hog's lard, - - 4 oz. White lead, finely powdered, 1 oz. Mix. ASTRINGENT OINTMENT. No. 2. Hog's lard, - - - 4 oz. Pahn oil, - - - 2 oz. Fine olive oil, - - 1 oz. To be melted, by placing the pot which con- tains it in boiling water: when melted, stir in li oz. of the water of acetated litharge, and continue stirring until nearly cold. When ulcers of the heels do not appear disposed to heal, the above ointment should COUGH, OR CATARRH. 389 be changed for due more stimulating, or the sore should be washed with a solution of blue vitriol previous to it's application. STIMULATING OINTMENT. - Ointment of yei ow resin, 4 0?:. Olive oil, - - . 1 ox. Red nitmied (juicksilver in fine powder, s loz. Mix. Cough. This disease so frequently occurs, and is so often rendered incurable by improper treatment, that it appears necessary to give it a more particular consideration than we have done in the former editions of this work. Catarrh or cold is jreneraliv the oriq;in of those troublesome and often incurable coughs, which have been named chroiiic coughs. Sometimes, however, they depend on invitation in the sto- mach and bowels. When a horse catches cold as It is termed, if the attack be not violent, it is seldom thought necessary to take him from his usual w^ork : he is bled moderately, takes a little nitre, an 1 the complaint receives 390 COMPENDIUM OF THE VEI FKINARY ART no farther attention, except a. bran mash now and then, with nitre. By continiiino his work, and bting occasionally exposed to wet and cold, there ig constantly an undue detenni- niition of bioc)d to the membranes of the throat, windpipe, Sue; or, in other words, the ca- tarrhal infianunation is kept up by these means, till at length the membranes become thickened and irritable to sitch a degree, that the cold air, or the vapours ar.d dust of the stable, irritate the membraiie of the windpipe, so as to excite coughing almost continually,- When the inflammation has been but moderate, tlse irratibility of these membranes will not be so considerable, and the horse will only coii"h now and then; or when the membrane is irri- tated by the food or water, or by the dust of his hay or corn, or perhaps by too great a secretion of mucus*. * All these membranes are lubricated by a mucous fluid, which is constantly forming on their surface. When perspiration is checked by exposure to cold, an unusual quantity of blood is thrown upon these membranes; which causes a larger quant'ty of the mucous fluid to be formed. Hence the discharge from the nose in catarrh : for as the horse breathes only through the nos- trils, the mucus discharged from the lungs by coughing docs not pass into the mouth as in man, but into the nostrils. It is probable, that the mucus formed upon the membranes, when af- COUGH, OR CATARRH. 391 In violent colds the inflammation of the membranes is often very considerable, so as to render swallowing painful and difficult, and cause a rattling in tlie head as it is termed ; that is, from the increased secretion of mucus within the nostrils, or from swellinijj of the membranes which lines them, the air is in- terrupted in its passage, causing a peculiar sound in breathing. In some cases the in- flammation extends to the branches of the windpipe, in consequence of which many of the finer branches are either partially or wholly plugged up by the coagulable lymph whicii is poured out. Sometimes there is so much coagulable lymph poured out in the windpipe as to render respiration difficult, and cause that sonorous breathing, which is technically named roaring. When some of the branches of the windpipe are plugged up w ith coagu- lated lymph, it causes also quickness of breathing;' for. the lungs being now unable to contain so much air as they did before, the animal is obliged to inspire more frequently to fected with catarrh, is rather of an acrid or stimulating nature, fiom being loaded with saline matter : this indeed is sometimes so considerable, as to inflame the skin of the lip over which it passes. This happens also sometimes in diseases of the eye, wlierc the tears or water from the eye are so acrid, as to inflame the skin of the nose which it flows over. 392 COMPENDIUM Of TNE VfcTEKlNAKV ART. make up the dcficienc}-. The cough in this case is a ery distressing and ahnost continual, and sometimes recurs with such violence, that '.ve feel apprehensive of its hursting some blood^'essel. Broken wind is generally the consequence of this stage of catarrh. (See Broktn Wind.) When the complaint has pro- ceeded thus far, there is no probabihty of curing it; but if it be properly treated at first, it scarcely ever runs such lengths : it is therefore highly necessary to pay attention to colds, though they may appear trifling, and keep the horse from work until perfectly- cured. Were this done, we should seldom hear of incurable coughs, roaring, broken wind, &c. — complaints now so common, and so frequently the cause of disputes and lawsuits in the purchase and sale of horses. On the first attack of coldXet the horse be bled in proportion to his strength and the violence of the attack : then give a laxative, and let his diet consist of hay and bran mashes. As checked peri^>iration is commonly the cause of the disease, the head, ears, and whole body should be kept much warmer than usual : a close stable however is improper. Warm water auvl warm mashes should be given fre- Cough, or catarrh. 393 quently ; and wke'i the horse is wisped or brushed, which shovil'i be done twice ortiiree times a diiy, there should be an active man on each side for the purpose : when they have (inished, and replaced the clothes, let them rub the legs briskly for some tiaie with their bare hands ; the horse should also be well lit- tered, and as the straw becomes damp from his staling upon it, let it be immediately re- moved, and some fresh dry straw thrown in. After the operation of the laxative, give one of the fever powders, or the folio v/ing ball every night and morning. If it occasion pro- fuse staling or purging, it should be given in smaller quantity, or less frequently, or discontinued a da}" or two. When the symptoms do not abate after the bleeding and laxative, and particularly if the cough increase, and the horse appear to feel pain and difficulty in swallowing water, a strong blister should be immediately applied about the throat and under the ears, and the bleeding should be repeated. By these i means the most violent colds are generally cured in a short time. But when the complaint has been neglected at first, or improperly treated, a discharge of white matter often takes- place 394 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETLRINARY ART. o* o from the nostrils, and the horse becomes verj feeble. Under these circumstances bleedin would be improper: but a very mild laxative nvdy be given, unless the bowels are already open ; and a blister to the throat is eminently useful. The discharge should be encouraged hy steaviing the head; that is, by tying the horse's head to the rack, and throwing a hot mash into the manger immediately under his nose. Strong gruel should be given freely to support his strength; and the bail (No. 2) every night. In the third stage of catarrh, that is, when coagulated lymph has been thrown out upon the membranes of the wind- pipe or its branches, there is little chance of a cure*. The following expectorants may alford some relief, however, and should therefore be tried. * I have heard of three cases, where a liorse, having had tliat violent and distressing cough for some time, which has heen de- scribed in the text as a consequence of the third stage of catarrh, was spontaneously reheved, by coughaig up a large piece of co- agulated lymph. In one case the horse ^v^s galloped violently up a hill for the purpose : the cough which this exertion occa- sioned was so violent, that the animal could scarcely stand ; at length a considerable quantity ofcoagulated lymph was discharged, and the horse, though supposed to be broken-winded before, per- fectly recovered. COUGH, OR CATARPJI. 395 Blisterinor the throat has also been recotn- mended; but I have several tiaics given it a fair trial without success. The next kind of coua'h to be described is tliat wliich seems to depend merely upon an unnatural degree of irritability of the mem- brane which lines the larynx, or top of the windpipe; and may be distinguished by being less violent, and not being accompanied by an unusual quickness of breathing*: the cough generally comes on after drinking or feeding, particularly when the hay or oats are dry and dusty. This kind of cough is always more troublesome in a close stable. A blister to the throat is useful in this case ; and if that be thought inconvenient, some warm embrocation should be rubbed about the throat and under the ears twice a day, and the head and neck kept warm : the hay and oats should be free from dust, and sprinkled with water. If the horse be inclined to eat his litter, let him be muzzled ; if costive, * It is probable, that in some cases thiskin(fof cough depends upon the stimulating quality of the nuicous fluid, wliich is formed upon the part. It is advisable therefore, to add to anodjne me- dicines such as are of an oily or mucilaginous quality, ^^ hich, if not efficacious, are certainly innocent. 396 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. give a mild laxative, and afterward the ano- dyne ball or draught every morning : moderates exercise is nsefnl. It is sometimes difficult to cure this kind of cough; and, when appa- rently removed, it often returns from trifling causes. By persevering in the above mode of tieatment, however, I have generally succeeded. With respect to the cough which is caused by worms in the stomach or bowels, it may be distinguished by the general appearance of the animal : he is commonly hidebound, has a rough dry coat, and becomes thin, though w^ell fed; he appears dull, and is fa- tigued by moderate exercise. The most cer- tain criterion however of the existence of worms in the bowels is the appearance of a white stain just beneath the anus, or their being voided with his dung. This kind of cougli is less violent but more frequent than the former kinds. (For th$ treatment of it, see iVorms.) BALL for. CATAKRH. No. 1. Emetic tartar, - - 1 dr. Powdered aniseed, - 3 dr. Sirup enough to form a ball for one dose. COUGHj OR CATARRH. 397 BALL. No. 2. Canella bark, powdered, li dr. Emetic tartar, - - 14- ^^t'- Powdered opium from I so. to 1 dr. Camphor, from | dr. to If dr. Sirup and flour to form a ball for one dose. EXPECTORANT BALL. {See page 72.) No. 3. Gum ammoniacum, from 3 to 5 dr. Powdered squills, - 1 dr. Opium, - - - I dr. Powdered ginger, - 1 dr. Sirup enough for a ball for one dose. Remark. — Other formulae may be seen in the second volume, or Materia Medica. EMBROCATION FOR THE THROAT. No. 4. <^amphor, - - - | dr. Oil of turpentine, - 2 oz. i Mix. — Add, Olive oil, - - 4 oz. Strong water of ammonia, 1| oz. Mix. 39S COMPENDIUM 0¥ THE VETERINARY ART. ANODYNE DRAUGHT. Oxymel of squills, - 2 oz. Opium, (mixed with 8 oz. of water) - from | dr. to 1 dr. Linseed oil, - - 2 oz. Mix for one dose. ANODYNE BALL. Opium, from I dr. to 1 dr. Camphor, 1 dr. Powdered aniseed, i oz. Soft extract of liquorice enough to form a ball for one dose. On Shoeing. In describing the method of shoem^ flat and convex feet, a wide concave or hollow shoe has been recommended in all the former editions of this book : I have to acknowledoe however my obligation to the Honourable Newton Fellowes, for sufrofesting; to me a much better method of shoeing such feet. In flat con- vex or pumice feet (see Page 175, 176; and plate 4, fig. 1), the sole is so thin, as to be SHOEING. 399 incapable of sufrering pressure without giving pain to tke animal, and causing him to go lame; and so flat or even convex as to be much exposed to pressure. The shoe com- monly employed for such feet is wide and hollow, so that it bears only on the crust, a space being left between the sole and the other part of the under surface of the shoe. When the horse has travelled a short time on the road, this space becomes filled with dirt, gravel, &c., so that the sole is exposed to the same pressure as if the shoe were flat, or the horse without shoes ; it is obvious then, that a shoe so iiaiTow as to cover only the crust, and so thick as to raise it about | of an inch from the ground, will more effectually protect the tender sole, than the wide hollow shoe ; unless the horse be going upon a hard even sur- face, or the rider frequently dismounting to pick out the dirt which accumulates under the shoe., I am convinced from the trial made of this naiTow shoe, both by Mr. Fellowes and myself, that it will be found the best method of shoeing /^(Z^ or convex feet; and it appears to me very probable, that upon a fair trial it would be found the best shoe for general use. Per- haps even heavy draught horses would do better 400 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. ■^- ■—■ ■ — ■- y — , ■ — _.. ■■ , . — '■ ■ .^ - .. , - ■■ » ■_ — -, -. ■ _ —.. ■ r- with it, than with the wide heavy shoe, which is now universally employed for them. It may be necessary to remark, that though the narrow shoe for covering the crust only was re- commended by the late Lord Pembroke, and employed by his order in his own regiment, the First or Royal Dragoons; yet for its par- ticular application to fiat or convex feet I believe we are indebted to the Honourable Newton Fellowes. THE END. INDEX. A. Abdomen, or belly, ...... S viscera of, . . . . "^ . 11 Abscess described, 32 treatment of, . . . . . . ib^ Age OF A HORSE, . . ... . . 287 Alteratives, 230 for the mange, . . . .116 mercurial, , . . . . 122 balls, 119 Anatomy of the internal organs, ... 2 of the foot, . . . ... 170 Anodyne draught, ' 54 clyster, . 54 Apoplexy, or stacgers, 98 Appendix, . . 298 Astringent ointment, . 121 lotion, 120 powder, 122 B. Balls, cordial, . . , , , . . 296 — diuretic, . . . . . . . 230 purging or cathartic, .... 224 '■ tonic, ........ 354 T INDEX. Balls, alterative, . . . . . 116, 113 -=: for suppression of urine, . . .37 8 for flatuleni colic or gripes, . . 95 Bile, description of, 21 Bladder, description of, 26 Bleeding, 218 Blisters, 233, 23(5 Blood, . .221 Body, divisions of the, 3 BoTTs, see Worms. — : sometimes injurious to the stomach, . 59 Bowels, diseases of, . . . . . _ . 369 Broken wind, . -«.,.. 84- ' knf.es, , , ... 147 Bruises, 145 C. Canker, . . ... Catarrh, . . . . Cellular membrane. Chronic cough, . . ^ . Circulation of the blood, Clysters, .... Colic, flatulent, or gripes. 213 69, 389 5 73,389 9 238 92, 369 • how distinguished from inflammation of the bowels, . . . . . 55 Condition, 241 Cordial ball, 296 Corns, ... ^ ...... 207 CuhB, .163 Cutting, . ,» 2dj5 INDEX. D. Diabetes, or excessive staling, . . . 103 Diaphragm, or midrifF, 3 DiARRHCEA, or purging, 101 Digestion, • 17 Distemper, 357 Diuretic, 230 Dropsy, of the chest, ..... 4 E. Embrocation, mustard, . ... 54 Epiglottis, 4 Exercise, see Feeding. Eyes, diseases of, ..... 75, 342 F. Farcy, ' »^ . . 132 Feeding and exercise, 264 Fever, ........ 36, 350 Fistula, .149 Fomentations, 237 Foot, anatomy of, 170 diseases of, ...... 197 Fret, see Colic. Frog, see Foot Gangrene, ...... a . 33 Gastric juice, see Digestion. Glanders, 124 INDEX, Clyster, Bee Clysters. Grease, Gripes, see Colic. Haw, set Eye. Heart, Hidebound, . Hoof, see Foot. 117, 384 H. I. Inflammation, external, . internal, . • . of the lungs, . intestines, stomach, kidneys, bladder, • liver, eye, see Eye Intestines, description of, — ' length of, 8 112 1,27 29 35 42 50 56 60 61 62 15 15 Jaundice, Joints, structure of, \?ounds of. K. Kidneys, description ol, . i inflammation of. 91 . 329 143, 329 'Knees, pkoken. 26 60 147 INDEX. L. Lacteals, 25 Lampas, 82 Larynx, . 3 Laxatives, . . 102, 106, 233, 353, 360, 372 Locked JAW, 81,348 Lymph, coagulable, see Bleeding. M. Mallenders, 123 Management, during a journey, . . . 290 Mange, //^T ^___, . — .. . ; . .AL5 — 1 I Mediastinum^ ....... 4 Mesentery, ^ . . 17 Molten grease, 372 Mortification, see Gangrene. Mustard embrocation, ...".. 54 O. (Esophagus, 12 P. Pancreas, . 23 Peritoneum, <, . 25 Pharynx, . . . . . . " . . 12 Physic, ....... . . 229 Pleura, 4 Pleurisy, see Inflammation of the Lungs. INDEX. Poultice, 237 : also Materia Medica, or Vol. II. Pulse, ......... 239 Purgatives, see Physic. Purging, see Diarrhoea. Pylorus, 15 Q. Quittor, 208 R. Respiration, * 6 Restringent draught, 54 Ring-bones, . . . . ^ . . . 165 ^ " Roaring, ..........*, 83 Rowels, 237 S. Saddle galls, 155 Sallenders, 123 Sand cracks, 206 Shoeing, 187, 398 Sinews described, 159 Sitfasts, 157 Spavin, . . . . . ^ . . 168 Splents, ,167 Stable management, .... . . . 255 Stomach, 11 purgative, 368 staggers, 98,360 Strains, 157 INDEX. Strangles, .65 Suppression of urine, 106 Surfeit, Il4 T. Teeth, see Age. Thoracic duct, 26 Thorax, . . . 3 Thorough-pin, . 166 Thrush, .... * 210 Tonic ball, 354' Trachea, see Lungs. U. Ureters, 26 Urinary diseases, . . , . . . . 377 V. Valve of the throat, 14' Ventricles of the heart, .... 8 Viscera of the abdomen, .... 11 ,-^_ or THE chest, .... 3 W. Warbles, see Saddle Galls. Wind, broken, ....... 84- Wind-galls, . . . . . . 166, 337 Worms, , -107 Wounds, 140, 298 ERRATA. Page 15. note, c/c/c "Anatomy and'* 87. — 3. of the note, after attention, dele *' and will be fully treated of in this work." 94. line 8. after bowels, dele the rest of the 'sentence. ' 1 14. — at the bottom, dele " and Humours" — — 121. — S.for 1 oz. read 1 quart. 132. — dele " (See Glanders, Appendix.)" 282. — 1. instead of 'iiwmonxs, re«(i swellings of the legs, and dele " {SneHiimoiirsy* EXPLANATI ONS OF THE PLATES, VOL. 1. EX'PLANATIONS OF THE PLATES. Plate 1, Fig. 1, A perfect Hoof in a state of Nature. — a the Sole, bb the Bars, c the part on wliich the Heel of the Shoe is to bear, and where the Shoe is to terminate — d the Heels and Quarters of the Hoof— e the seat of Corns — 3/^ the Frog. Fig. 3, A sound Hoof properh' shoed. Plate 2, Fig. 1, A Hoof prepared in the com- mon ^Vcly, in which tlie Frog has been deprived of it's hard surface, the Bars removed, a great part of the Sole cut awa}'. — a the Froj^, b the Sole. Fig.2,A hoof contracted in the highest degree. Plate 3, Fig. 1, The Concave Shoe for Feet, where the Soles are flat or convex. Fig. 2, The Bar- Shoe, for tender Frogs. P^ig. 3. The Shoe for a sound Foot. Plate 4, Fig. 1, A side view of the sound Hoof, with a scalcj shewing the proper degree of oblic][uity, to be 45 degrees of elevation. — a the Quarter, h the Heel, d the Toe. Fig. 2, Side view of the Convex or Pumice Foot, in which the Hoof has lost it's natural form, and approaches 5 degrees toward the horizontal line. Fig. 3, A Hoof approaching too nearly the perpendicular. Plate 5, A front view of the Internal or Sen- sible Foot. — aa the sesamoid Bones, h the laminated substance, c the Coronary Iling. c; 2 EXPLANATIONS OF THE PLATES. Plate 6, A bottom view of the sensible Foot. — a the Sensible Frog, b the Sensible Sole. Plate 7, the internal surface of the Hoof ^nci Sole. — a the laminated substa'nce, b the groove for the Coronary Ring, c the hiternal surface of the horny Sole, cl the internal surface of the horny Frog. Plate 8, A Section of the Foot. — a part of the large Pastern Bone, b the small Pastern, c the Coffin-bone, d the Navicula or Nut-bone, e the Frog, / the Sole, g the Crust, the red line between the Crust and Coffin-bone represents the laminated substance ; hi the Flexor Tendon or Back Sinew, i/c the fatty, elastic substance be- tween the Frog and back Sinew. Plate 9, A back view of the Bones, Ligamentj^ and Tendons — aaa the back Sinew, b it's sheath, cc the lateral Cartilages, d the bottom of the Coffin-bone. Plate 10, the same subject, the Tendons having been removed in order to shew the Liga- ments that lie immediately under them. — a the smooth surface over which the back sinew passes, b the ligament which encloses the back Sinew, forming a sheath for it, and keeping it in it's situation; in this preparation some part of the Hgament was removed, in order to shew the smooth suriace a : ddd a ligament going from the sesamoid Bones to the small Pastern j its EXPL.\NAriON3 01' THE PLATES. us€ seems to be that of o iviiio- strength to the Pastern Joint, which, from the oblique position 01 the Pastern Bobes, would otherwise have been very insecure. / believe Ihis tlgajnent is sometimes broken in violent strainsy or when a Horse is said to be broken down. Plate ! 1, A front view of Ihe Bones. — act the sesamoid Bones, b tlie large Pastern, c the sauill Pastern, d the Coftin-bone. Plate 12, A back view of the Bones. — aa the sesamoid Bones, b the large Pastern, c the small Pastern, d the Navicula or Nut- bone, e the bottom of the Coffin-bone. Plate 13, A Frost Shoe. This Shoe is de- signed for slippery roads, and on such occasions renders a Horse perfectly secure ; the sharp wedge-like substance at the Heel being nverely screwed into the Shoe, may be removed and applied again at pleasure. — a the Shoe complete, b the female screw in the Heel, c the wedge that screws into it, d it's screw, e the key for fixing and removing the v/edge. Plate 1 4, The Teeth, sinewing the Age of a Horse. W ood and Inucs, Printers, Poppin's Court, Fleet Street. I'latel Tigl Jiq 3 %^a^ Tic/ 2 j^-^ismms^"' ■'^S^i^'' Tlat€ 2 Fiffl ..^ \^,- V ^ ..-jj. ; (i - r^^gi^.,Sjpfe^v2^v- ^.y2 -# ■.fi-:.:% ■i ::;? i. W^d -^S^"^ '^^'^'^l-^^ rl'^j ^dja?* o ^ ^o " - ■ ."te -^ J^n/.3 '■-'^ ,*»-,- .:#■ - - .^^^^ . - • -■ .: -'-i.-iV-Jr ^ S JO .'fo ?>£7Z ')^^ii^^^^:r A?f. >^^-^f^:y:i: ^ji^^-i^ffj ^^ ISi. Thrjnop^r dforee o^" oilnfialy in. tJii Ha p/ ■ IS ituM Ji el ^ in tJi^ Scale . '»5 Fiqi .^^^^^ Fic3 t^?^/^/'?/^f/ f/z/^y^r /? Phite 7 '^ K^^^^^\J r/,tfe cS ^4'c/y///f ■ -s 3J. 1 m: - ' *v- o Tlate^ ti m 1 '~\ 1" i \ '% -'^^ 1 \ \ K ^*^«^^.^/ -% d ^'''^^^^M^^.0-' 2*1 ate lO V- ^\-SZ.ir' >-<^i\^V,iil. iJ^ I'laten 'A Matell ■ / ffm m )>fil> DIRECTIONS FOR PLACING THE PLATiiS. Plate 5 to face the Title page, C page 170, 14 page 187, The remaiiKier, in numerical order after th« Xxplauations of tlie Plates, and before this Pag^ JUST PUBLISHED, The Third Edition of" the Second Voiuine of A TREATISE ON VETERINARY MEDICINE, CONTAINING The rvlateria Medica and PharmacopsDia : BY JAMES WHITE, OF EXETER; Late Veterinary Surgeon of the First, or Royal Regiment of Dragoons. Printed for J. Johnson, in St. Paul's Churchyard, and Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme, . in Paternoster-row. Where may be had, by the same Author, price 2s. 6d. An ADDRESS to a REGIMENT of YEO- MANRY CAVALRY, respecting the Manage- ment of their Llorses, when employed on actual , service ; pointing- out the accidents and diseases that are most lil^ely to happen on that occasion ; and the most effectual and expeditious means to be employed for their removal. With direc- tions for Shoeing, and practical observations on the cure and prevention of Lameness. Dedicated to Colonel Lord Rolle. A TREATISE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, IN TWO VOLS. BY JAMES WHITE, OF EXETER, LATE VETERINARY SURGEON OF THE FIRST, OR ROYAL REGIMENT OF DRAGOONS. VOL. II. CONTAINING THE MATERIA MEDICA, AND PriARMACOPGBIA. A NEW EDITION. LONDON : PRINIEU FOR J. JOHNSON ST. PAUl's CHL'RCHYARO. 1808. H. Bryer, Printer^ Bridge-Street, Biackfriars PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. Within these few years only, has the Veterinary Art acquired a distinct appellation, and a solid foundation in this country. Receipts, handed down by traditionary skill, in which ingre- dients were accumulated without judg- ment, or discrimination, constituted the principles and practice of what was termed farriery ; a name which it de- rived from the occupation of the persons who practised it, who were, in general, smiths, or workers in iron (Ferrarius, Ferru?n)*, To attempt to distinguish the causes of the horse's diseases, was far beyond th "ir little skill ; and, in general, ran- dom trials of the few burning medicines * Farriers were formerly termed Ferrers, which i« ^rtainly a better appeliation. A 2 • IV PREFACE. in their list, formed their boasted prac- tice. The science at one time began to rise above the order of smiths, and attracted the notice of medical practitioners* ; but it was not hereby greatly improved : they were not aware of the difference that has since been found to exist be- tween the structure and economy of the horse, and that of the human subject : nor had they any idea that this dissimi- larity required much consideration with respect to disease, and the effect of me- dicine. Hence they were led to bring the therapeutics and pathology of the human body to veterinarij science ; and prescribed in somewhat larger doses to the brute animal, what they had found useful to manf. Their practice v/as of * See Dr. Bracken's Treatise on Farriery ; aho Gibson's and Bartlett's. f Arsenic affords a striking example of this fact. In the human system, it is a deadly poison, but it has been given to the horse, even to the extent of two drams, without any sensible effect. (See Anenic.) PREFACE. " V course unsuccessful, and the art sunk into its original disrepute. It is only since the institution of the Veterinary College, that the anatomy and physio- logy of the horse have been properly investigated, and the effects of medicines on his body correctly ascertained, by numerous and appropriate experiments, both in health and disease, so that a se- cure foundation is now laid ; and, as long as scientific men continue to study and practise the veterinary art, it must necessarily be in a progressive state of improvement. Notwithstanding many books have already been published concerning the diseases of the horse, the theraoeutical part, or what relates to the medicines proper for his diseases, has not been It has in a few instances however produced violent effects even in smaller doses. Pl^/iite Vitriol, a strong emetic in the human body, in a small dose ; has been given in the dGse of eight ounces, without any violent effect. This, indeed, is the case with many other medicines, which in man, are considered poisonous. A 3 Vi PREFACE. hitherto explained. Such a work ap- peared to the author a desideratum in the veterinary art, and has induced him to add the present volume to his Com- pendium, of the Diseases, &c. of which the indulgent public has already de- manded an eighth edition. Having thus ventured on untrodden ground, he had no guide to lessen the labour of the attempt ; but, by numerous and at- tentive trials, from the author's expe- rience, and particular attention to this subject, he trusts he has been able to furnish a volume not wholly unaccept- able even to the experienced practi- tioner. It has been the author's aim to explain the general properties of the va- rious substances employed in medicine, accurately describing their particular effects on the body of the horse, both in health and disease ; the doses in which they may be given, their composition, and in short every thing that has any relation to them. This will be compre- liended in the Materia Medica, or first PREFACE. Vll part of the book ; in the Pharmacojiceia are comprised, directions for forming the various compositions in the most convenient and efficacious manner, the whole forming a systern of therapeutics, instructing the inexperienced how to distinguish the purest and most genuine drugs, and to compound them in such a way, as will enable him to combat with success the various diseases tov/hich horses are liable. PREFACE TO THE TfflRD EDITION. When the second Edition of the Veterinary Materia Medica went to the press, the Author was prevented by severe illness, from adding the result of his experience since the publication of the first. The present ed;tion how- ever, has been carefully revised ; and he hopes that some useful additions will be found in ir. ADVERTISEMENT. MR. WHITE may be consulted on the diseaset of horses, either personally or by letter, at his house* on Southernhay, Exeter. If by letter, the fee is half a guinea ; personally, five shillings. VETERINARY MATERIA ME Die A. CONTAINING AN ACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF IHE VARIOUS SUBSTANCES EMPLOYED IN VETERINARY MEDICINE, WITH THEIR PARTICULAR EFFECTS ON TH£ BODY OF THE HORSE. WITH OCCASIONAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE DISEASES ON THAT ANIMAL. MATERIA MEDICA. Absorbents. Medicines are so termed that correct any acidity that may exist in the stomach or bowels, bv combinins^ with the acid, and forming an inoffensive substance ; in this view they are said to absorb it. Chalky prepared oyster shells, magnesia, and the alkalies are of this kind. Horses are sometimes disposed to eat their litter in preference to good hay, and not un- frequently they have a propensity to swallow earth, or any kind of rubbish. This is sup- posed to arise from the irritation of an acidm the stomach ; and medicines of the absorbent kind, are recommended for its removal j par-- ticnlarly chalk, mixed with chaff, or cut hay. It is very probable, however, that the for- mation of acid in the stomach depends upon debilitv, or some diseased condition of that t MATERIA MEDICA. organ. Absorbents^ therefore, seldom prove effectual, unless preceded by a dose of warm purging medicine ; and then they should be given in conjunction with tonics, such as gentian, quassia , decoction of chamomile , worynwood, he. with an aromatic also, such as cassia, ginger, cascar ilia , &c. When horses are in camp or at grass, they sometimes swallow so much earth, that it forms large balls in the intestines resembling stones, which have in time occasioned death. Hence we may learn how necessary it is to purge horses when taken from camp or grass ; which will pro- bably remove any of this earthy matter that may have collected in the bowels. Horses that work in stone mills are more liable to this complaint than others : in the greater part of the cases I have met with, the horses had worked for some time in a mill, or were the property of a miller ; horses in such situations should therefore have a mild pur- gative given them now and then, which would probably prevent the formation of those stones ; I have lately seen a case of this kind which happened to a miller's horse J the poor animal suffered the most violent pain; though, when examined after ABSORBENTS— SULPHURIC ACID i death, only a small stone, of about three ounces, was found. I have one in my mu- seum which weiffhs lOlb. ACIDS. This term is applied to medi- cines that have a sour taste. Adds are also distinguished by their changing an infusion of blue violets or litmus to a red colour, and combining readily with alkalies and earths. Many of them also combine with or dissolve metallic substances, forming with them very useful compositions, such as blue vitriol^ iunar caustic y red precipitate, &c. Chemists divide acids into three classes, viz. mineral, vegetable, and animal; and describe many different kinds under each class : but we shall confine our attention to such as may be employed, with advantage, in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. Sulphuric Acid, Vitriolic Acid, or Oil of Fitriol. This acid was formerly pre- pared from o'r^ weak for veterinary purposes. ANGUSTURA BARK. This is said to be agood tonic and stomachic medicine; and is often employed by medical practitioners, in cases where the Peruvian bark does not agree with the patient. It does not appear to be necessary in veterinary practice, and is very rarely used. The dose is from half an ounce to an ounce or more. ANISE-SEED or Aniseed. This seed is much used in horse medicine, as a stimulant and cordial, but its power is by no means considerable. It is thought to possess also an e;X|)ectorarit quality^ and is therefore C 26 MATERIA MEDICA. given in coughs and other complaints of the lungs, but is generally joined with other expectorants. It is certainly, though weak, a very grateful stimulant, and does much good where the stomach is weak, and dis- posed to flatulency ; it is, therefore, an use- ful ingredient in cordial medicines. The dose is about one ounce or rather more. All the virtues of aniseed reside in its es- sential oil, which is easily obtained by dis- tillation. This is by far the neatest and most convenient form for using the medicine, and should generally be preferred. The dose is from half a dram to one dram. ANTHELMINTICS. Medicines that de- stroy worms, or expel them from the in- testines. The most effectual are the mer- curial purgatives. (See Pharmacopoeia, article Anthelmintics.) A variety of vegetables have been thought to possess this quality, but without founda- tion ; among these are box, rue, savin, and wormwood, ^thiop's mineral, antimony, sulphur, and tin, have also been considered 2ls anthelmintics : but I have never known any of them effectual in this way. I believe. ANTHELMINTICS. 2t however, that tin has not been fairly tried ; and as it is an efficacious anthelmintic in dogs, it may probably be found useful in horses*. Of all the mercurial preparations, calomel is by far the best for this purpose, and may be given with aloes, soap, and some aromatic oil, with a little ginger* Many prefer giving the calomel at night, and the purgative the following morning. Aloes are a good anthelmintic, particularly when mixed with a small proportion of gamboge. Arsenic has been very fairly tried, and does not seem to possess any an^ thelmintic power. A saline substance has been lately introduced from India, as a remedy for that species of worm, termed botts. It seems to be composed of common salt and liver of sulphur, and is named sal indus. It does not appear to deserve the character that has been given of it ; though like salt or brine, it will sometimes cause the common or intestinal worm to be eva- cuated. * I have lately had an opportunity of trying the efficacy of Tin, as a worm medicine ; it sometimes destroys them, but not uniformly j and appears to b€ more effectual when joined with Calomel. C 2 2s MATERIA MEDICA. At present we know of no certain remedy that will destroy bolts, though they often pass off spontaneously. (See Compendium, Ve- terinary Art, Worms. — See also Anthelmin- tics in Pharmacopoeia.) It has been supposed, that worms are sometimes generated in consequence of de- bility in the digestive organs. Tonics have therefore been recommended, particularly the vegetable bitters, such as bark, worm- wood, camomile, &c. When worms are dis- covered in the horse's dung, after a fair trial has been given to mercurial purgatives (es- pecially if he appears to be weak, and inca- pable of much work), it would be adviseable to give tonic and cordial preparations, with a generous diet : but, whenever this is done, there must be proportionate exer- cise. ANTIMONY. This is a heavy, shining, brittle mineral, somewhat like black lead when powdered, but of a darker colour. It is common in Germany and France. A small quantity is found in Cornwall, but not sufBciently pure for medicinal purposes. Antimony is composed of a metallic sub- stance termed t^egulus of antimony and sul' AN riMONY— ANTISEPTICS. 29 ^ phur. It is given as an alterative^ in doses of an ounce or more, to improve the coat 'and condition of horses; some give it to destroy worms, but it does not appear to possess any power of that kind. A variety of useful preparations is made from anti- mony, many of which are more, efficacious than the mineral itself: among these are liver of antimony (sulphurated oxyd of an- timony), anti^nonial powder, which is said to be the same as James'' s powder, emetic tartar (tartarized antimony), golden sulphur of an- timony and kermes jnineral ; each of these will be described in its proper place. ANTISEPTICS are medicines which prevent putridity, or remove it, if already begun. The most efficacious are bark ^nd. other bitters ; opium, wine, ether, ammonia^ and camphor. Horses do not appear to be subject to those fevers which, in the human system, are termed putrid; so that these medicines are not often required. In gangrene, or mortification of the external parts, how- ever, they are very useful. The efficacy of these medicines seems to depend on their tonic or strengthening quality j as putridity C 3 30 MATERIA MEDICA. in the living body, is generally the effect of a high degree of debility. ANTISPASMODICS are medicines which possess the power of allaying inordinate or painful motions in the system, particularly those involuntary contractions in parts which are naturally subject to the command of the will. Medical writers divide antispasmodics into two kinds, viz. stimulants and sedatives. To the former belong arsenic, preparations of copper, zinc, and iron ; also ammonia, ether, essential oils, &c. The latter compre- hends opium, musk, camphor, and all the vegetable narcotics. Medicines of the foetid kind, such as gal- banum, assa foetida, &c. have also an antis- pasmodic quality. When spasm arises from ixntaAAOHySedatives are to be given, but when it depends merely on debility, tonics are evidently proper. APERIENTS. Opening medicines. (See Laxatives and Cathartics.) AQUAFORTIS. Weak nitrous acid. (See Acid nitrous.) ARABIC GUM. (See Gum Arabic.) ARSENIC. There are two kinds of rm in consequence. I can also assure that gentleman, from considerable experi- ence, that the fleme has been found upon many occasions, particularly for opening the neck vein, a better instrument than the layicet ; the latter makes an orifice in the skin, not larger than the vein, and as the BLEEI>ING. 47 liorse is generally a little restless, the blood soon gets between the skin and the vein, plugging up the orifice in the latter, and sometimes diffusing itself in the cellular membrane, so as to cause a swelling. I do not know whether this opinion is sanctioned by Solleysell, la Fosse, Gibson, and other old writers, or not : I can only say, that I have learnt it from experience, which I consider a surer guide than any book of farriery, not excepting the P liilosopJiical Treatise of the gentleman to whom I allude. I have before endeavoared to shew the ad- vantage of early and copious bleeding in the fevers of horses, whether simple or symp- tomatic. (See the Compendium, Bleeding and Fevers.) I think it necessary, however, to repeat, that it is the most important remedy we can employ on these occasions, and may be carried to the extent of five quarts, or even six in large strong horses with the be^t ef- fect. The practice of bleeding moderately m fevers is highly to be reprobated : it raises for a short time delusive hopes of a reco- very, but scarcely ever proves effectual. I do not mean to recommend such plentiful 48 MATERIA MEDICA. bleeding on eveiy occasion, or when a horse is merely affected with a catarrh or cold ; it is only proper in cases of real fevers, de- pending either upon internal inflammation^ upon an undue determination ofblood to the interior parts of the body, or upon general inflammation. The disease termed staggers, must be included. BLISTERS. This term is applied to me- dicines that inflame the skin, and cause watery bkdders to rise upon its surface ; the most useful of this kind is the cantbaris or Spanish fly, which forms the principal in- gredient in all our blisters. There are many others, however, which are generally mixed with it, as auxiliaries, among these are hele- bore, eiiphorbium, tnrpentine, &c. (See Pharm. article Bl'^sters.) Blisters are of great use in veterinary medicine, they are extremely efllicacious in dispersing callous swellings, the conse- quence o{ strains, bruises, &c. In inflammation of parts remote from the surface, they are of grea' ser\'ice. When the internal parts of the foot are inflamed, re- lief is generally obtained by blistering the pastern, provided the subordinate or auxi- BLISTERS — BLUESTONE. 49 liary remedies are not omitted, such as rasping the hoof, paring the sole, soaking the horny part of the foot in warm water, or applying a poultice to it, and giving a dose of physic. Blistering is the best remedy for curbs^ 'wiyidgalls, spavins, &c. It is serviceable also in inflammation of the internal organs. When the lungs are inflamed, for example, by blistering the sides extensively, we less- en the determinatipn of blood to the diseas- ed part, and thereby afford great relief. (See Compendium.) Broken knees, unless skilfully treated, frequently leave a callous swelling on the part, for tbe removal of which, blistering should always be employed. When blisters are properly made, and free from any caus- tic ingredients, such as sublimate, vitriolic acid, &c. there is no danger of destroying the hair; and if the first blistering does not prove effectual, it may be repeated until the desired eflbct is produced. BLUESTONE. Blue Vitpjol or Fi in- olated Coppf-r. This is composed of oxycl of copper and vitriolic acid- It is extreuiely useful, as a mild caustic and detergenr, aj>d 50 MATERIA MEDICA. is an excellent application to almost every kind of ulcer, disposing them to heal sooner than any other apphcation. The best me- ihod of using blue vitriol is in a state of so- lution, that is, put as much of it (in pow- der) into a pint of water as the latter is ca- pable of dissolving, and to facihtate the solution, let the watei' be boiling hot : this solution may be used alone, or diluted with water, as the circumstances of the case mav require ; it may also be made stronger by the addition o( sfro7ig )iiirous acid, or vitrio- lic acid. When blue vitriol is used in sub- stance, it should be finely powdered and sprinkled on the ulcer. In bad broken knees, the ligaments are often wounded, and there is generally some ilifficulty in healing the wound ; I know no- thing: that does so much (j^ood in those cases as the solution of blue vitriol, particularly if applied hot. As an internal remedy, blue vitriol is said to possess a tonic power, but it should be oiven cautiouslv, and much diluted. I once saw six ounces sriven to a olandered horse, by v*ay of experiment ; it soon des- troyed the animal, by occasioning the most BOLE — BRIMSTONE. 51 violent inflammation of the stomach and bowels : it appeared to have acted as a caustic on the former ore an. In giving blue vitriol, I would recom- mend a very small dose at first, not more than half a dram, which might be given in the form of a ball, provided it is properly diluted in the stomach, by making the horse drink immediately before, or after. BOLE. A red clay, containing a small proportion of oxide of iron, often used by farriers as an astringent in diarrhcea, or in bloody urine, but it certainly does no good in those complaints. It is sometimes, how- ever, serviceable as an application to ulcers, where the discharge is thin, and acrimo- ' nious. BORAX, when dissolved in 'Water, is sometimes applied to the mouths of young horses that are inflamed by cutting teeth ; I have found, however, that alum, which is much cheaper, would be equally efFectual. BOX. The leaves of box have been said to destroy v/orms, but i^ vezWy an/ kepnintic, it is certainly too weak to deserve our atten- tion. BRIMSTONE. (See Sulphur,) D 2 52 MATERIA MEDIC A. BUCKBEAN. An useless plant, and though valued formerly, is now scarcely ever employed. BUCKTHORN. Thejuice of the berries of this plant is supposed to possess a purga- tive quality, and is generally made into a sy- rup with sug^r, though farriers sometimes employ it with other purgatives ; it is cer- tainly useless as a medicine for horses. BURDOCK, a common plant, known by its burs. The leaves are said to be diure- tic ; and are employed in making the green elder ointment, or Pompilion. (Ung. Pa- pideon) so much used by farriers. BURGUNDY PITCH. The inspissated juice of a species of fir tree ; it somewhat resembles yellow resin, but it is less brittle and transparent. What we commonly meet with in the shops, appears to be an artificial composition. Burgundy Pitch is often used by farriers in making charges, and strenghthening plasters, also in some of their ointments, BURNT ALUM. (See Alum.) BUTTER OF ANTIMONY, or muriated Antimony, a dark coloured liquid, possess- ing strong caustic powers and composed of antimony and muriatic acid. BUCKBEAN — CALOMEL. 55 It has been highly spoken of as a remedy for quUtors and other ulcers of a similar kind ; it is certainly a strong caustic, and may be employed in cases where such ap- pHcations are required. There is something peculiar, however, ia this caustic, which is, that by qoming into contact with a moist part, it is immediately decomposed, so that when applied to ulcers, its action is of very short duration. CALAMINE, or Lapis Calaminaris, A metallic calx, which, when powdered, resembles a white earth inclining to a red colour. It is employed for the purpose of drying or healing ulcers which discharge a thin acrimonious matter; it is also mixed with hog's lard, oil, and wax, so as to form an ointment, which is used for the same purposes. This ointment, or cerate, is the celebrated Turner^s Cerate. CALOMEL. Is the most useful of the mercurial preparations, and composed of oxide of quicksilver, and muriatic acid. When prepared, it is a fine white powder, rather inclining to yellow, and very pon- derous. It is the most efficacious aiithel- rnintic we are acquainted with (See yin- D 3 H MATERIA MEDICA. ihelmhiticsj , and an excellent alteraiive. It has often cured that destructive disease termed farcy^ and has considerable effect in the glanders ; though it has not hitherto been so employed as to cure that disorder radically. When a brisk purgative is wanted, calomel mav be added to the com- iDon physic, which is composed chiefly of aloes. It has been given with good effect in obstinate cases of grease, chronic in- flammation of the eyes, and diffused swell- ings of the hind legs. Though ctf/owe/ possesses all these useful qualities, it must be given with caution, and its effects carefully watched, as it sometimes acts veiy violently and unexpectedly on the stomach and bowels, and induces^a danger- ous degree of weakness. A profuse saliva* lion is sometimes the effect of cahmd: the mouth becoming so sore, and tjiie tongue so swollen, as to prevent the horse's feeding ; When these accidents occur, the medicine should be discontinued a short time, Hnd the horse allowed to drink plentifully of water-gruel, linseed infusion, or any other mucilao-inous drink. When the bowels are affected, opium is the best remedy ; in some CAAJPHOa. 55 -eases, where it has produced great irritation about the amis or bladder, opium should be given in the form of g/j/ster. (See Glysttrs.) If the mouth becomes very sore, let it be washed with a solution of alum, bv means of a syringe. Whenever calomel is given, the horse must be kept warm, drink warm water, and have regular exercise. When calomel is given as an anthelmintic, or as a purgative, the dose is from one dram to tvv'o ; as an alterative, from fifteen o'rains to half a dram Calomel generally acts upon the kidneys, increasing the discharge of urine, (See Alteratives and Anthelmintics. J CAMPHOR, is procured from a Japanese tree, and brought to Holland, where it is purified from much extraneous matter; from thence it is imported into this country. Camphor is a medicine of considerable efficacy in the diseases of horses, though scarcely known to farriers as an internal remedy. It is a powerful sedative and an- tispasmodic ; and I think an excellent re- medy that can be employed in fevers. When joined with nitre, it gives speedy relief in suppression of urine, or difficulty D 4 f>6 MATERIA MRDICA. in staling ; except when it arises from in^ flaimnation of the kidneys, — but in the hors^ this complaint is generally spasmodic. Camphor is a good remedy in flatalent cholic, or gripes, particular!}" if joined with oil of juniper or other carminatives. (See Cc^nninati'vef^J It has been recommended also in locked jaw, mixed with opium. The dose is from one to two drams ; though it may be given, I believe, to a greater ex- tent without danger. The dose I employ, .is one dram and a half, or two drams. As an external remedy, camphor is much used; it is generally dissolved in spirit of wine, oil of turpentine, or common oil, so as to form embrocations for strains, bruises, hard swellings, &c. Soap is often added to those solutions, and sometimes oil of rose- inary. (See Einbrocatioiis.) . CAMOMILE. A bitter herb, the 7?£)a'd/'5 of which are employed in fomentations. No other use is made of caviomJle in veteri- nary practice. CANTHARIDES, or Spanishflles. These insects are found adhering to trees of dif- ferent kinds in France, Germany, and CAMOMILE— CAPSICUM. 57 Spain ; those from the latter country are considered the best. Cantharides are so very acrimonious, that thev inflame, and excoriate the skin ; and hence raise a more perfect blister than any other substance : this property renders them extremely useful in veterinary practice, in which a good blister is the most important of all external remedies. Cantharides. s[\ow\di be finely powdered ; but previously to this operation they should be sifted, that they may be free from a great deal of dust and useless matter, which we generally observe with them. When powdered, thjy may be either formed into an ointment, a liniment, or a spirituous tincture ; but the former is the best form, and most commonlv used. (See Blisters, Pharm.J CAPSICUM. The pod, when powdered, forms Cayenne pepper, which is a mostpower- ful stimulant. I have been informed it is used with the best effect as a horse medicine in the East Indies, but could not learn pre- cisely what the complaints were in whjch it was employed, though I believe it was the Jlatnlent cholicy or gripes. I have seen i% D 5 ^S MATERIA MEDICA. given incases of flatulency, weakness of the stomach, and indigestion, with success, in doses of one dram, joined with a little pow- dered aniseed, liquorice, and syrup, so as to form a ball. (See Cordials, Phann.) CARMINATIVES. Medicines that cor- rect flatulency in the stomach and bowels. (See Carviinatives^ P harm. J CARAWAY. The seeds are much used in veterinary practice, as a cordial, and car^ mt'naiive. The essential oil, which contains all the virtues of the seed in a concentrated state, is the most convenient for veterinary purposes, the dose of which is from half a dram to a dram , it may be mixed either with ale, milk, or water, into a drench ; or form- ed into a ball with liquorice powder, ginger, and honey. When the seeds are made use of, they should be powdered, but never boiled in any liquid, according to the prac- tice of farriers, as their virtues are thereby, in a great measure, evaporated ; nor should they be purchased in powder, for by being kept in that form, their essential oil is gradu- ally dissipated. In whatever form it maybe u^d , caraxvay CARMINATIVES— CARDAMOM SEEDS. 59 is certainly ail useful cordial and caryjiina- five. Tii3 dose of the seed is about an ounce ; to which may be added a dram or two of powdered ginger. It may be useful to observe that from 20 to 30 drops of oil of caraway^ are an useful addition to aloes, in making a purgative ball, or, as it is com- monly termed, a dose of physic, (See Cor- dial Carminatives, and Cathartics.) CARDxVMOM SEEDS. There are two sorts of cardamoms, the greater and lesser; the latter are commonly sold in their shells or pods, from which they are easily freed; they are preferred in medical practice, pro- bably on account of their more grateful smell and taste, but the larger sort, which are genevaWy termed grai7is of paradise (See Grains of Paradise) , are better for veteri- nary purposes, being stronger stimulant, and much cheaper. The lesser cardamoms make an elegant cordial, and are possessed of considerable strength ; their pods also have the same properties, but in a weaker degree. The dose, when the pods and^seeds are powdered together, is from l.to3 drams, D6 60 MATERIA MEDICA. Grains of Paradise will be noticed in its pro- per place. CARDIACS. (See Cordials, Fharvi, and Mat. Med,) CARBONIC ACID AIR, or Fired Air. In medical practice this air has been employ- ed on account of its antiseptic quality, in foul and foetid ulcers, or in gangrenous wounds. It is generally applied by means of a fermenting poultice, composed of oat- meal and yeast. This poultice has been found serviceable in that disease of the horse's heels termed grease, generally cor- recting the offensive smell which attends it. CARROTS, are sometimes used as an article of diet, and may be given in moderate quantity, with great advantage, to horses that are thick winded, have coughs, or are disposed to inflammatory complaints, such as grease, inflamed eyes, &c. They ap- pear to be easy of digestion, and very nu- tritions. CASSIA. A bark, somewhat like cinna- mon botii in appearance and taste, but thicker and larQ;er. There are som<3 flne pieces of cassia which so nearly resemble CARDIACS — CASTOR. 61 cinnamon, as to be not easily distinguisli- able from it, and are frequentl}' sold for it ill the shops. For every veterinary pur- pose, ca^^/^ is equal to cinnamon, provided it is well chosen ; such parts should be se- lected as have a pleasant, sweetish taste, succeeded by one extremely hot and pun- gent : this is generally found in the thinner pieces, which are curled up like ciri- 7iamon. CV/5.^iVns a strong aromatic stimulant, and an efficacious ingredient in cordial prepara- tions. The dose is from 1 to 3 drams. An essential oil is obtained from cassia, whicli bears a very high price, but is so excessive- ly powerful, that two drops will impart a strong taste to half a pint of water. CASSIA BUDS. These nearly resemble Cassia in their taste and medical qualities, and may be used for the same purposes. CASTOR. A peculiar animal substance, taken from the beaver : it has been extolled by some practitioners as an antispasmodic and sedative ; while others have 4:]oubted its efficacy. It is very seldom used as a horse medicine ; nor does it seem likely ever to be much employed, there being. ()2 MATERIA MEDICA. cheaper and more certain medicines of the same class. CASTOR OIL. An useful laxative in cases where it is necessary to open the bowels, and at the same time avoid irrita- tion ; it lb-, therefore, extremely proper in fevers, accompanied with costiveness, par- ticularly when there appears to be pain and irritation in the bowels. The dose is from a pint to a pint and a half. It has been asserted that castor oil is a gcod remedy for worms ; but I have seen it givea in this case v^ithout effect. CATAPLASM. (See Poultice.) CATEC HU. (See Japan Earth.) CAUSTICS. Are substances that burn or destroy parts to which they are applied. The most povverfid is the red-hot iron, or acttial cautery, vjh'ich'is oiteu employed in veterinary practice, to remove spaiins, &c. {See Firing.) Many of the other caustics are possessed of great strength, and speedi- ]y destroy those parts to which they are ap- plied : Such are the pure alkalies, potash and soda ; the vitriolic and nitrous acids, or a so- lution of silver, ijmcksilver, or copper, in CASTOR OIL — CERUSS. 65 Tiiirous acid. If a solid caustic is wanted, nothino: is more convenient than tlie lunar caustic (nitrated sil-vcr.) The milder caus- tics are more frequently useful than those we have mentioned, such as blue vitriol fvitriolattd coppei^) red precipitate (red nitrated quicksilver,) burnt alum, verdi- gris, &c. The strong caustics are employed to des- troy unhealthy or diseased parts ; but those of the milder kind are very useful for the purpose of bringing obstinate ulcers inta a Irealing state, without any apparent destruc- tion of parts. {S^e Caustics, Pharm.) CAYENNE PEPPER. (See Capsicum.) CENTAURY. This herb is a weak bitter, and of no use in veterinary practice. CERATE. Aterm given to certain oint- ments or salves, in which wa.v is an ingre- dient- CERUSS, or White Lead. This is some- times used in ulceration of the heels, when the discharge is thin and acrimonious. It is generally made into an ointment with hog's lard and oil ; but perhaps would b^ found more useful if merely sprinkled on the part in fine powder. 64 MATERIA MEDICA. CHALK should be finely levigated or prepared, as it is termed, before it is given. It is sold bv druooist.s in this state ; and is a good remedy in diarrhoea, if joined with opiuni and ginger, or otlier cordials. It has been found sea'viceablf also in correcting acidity of the stomach, and in that obstinate diarrhcsa which frequently-destroys horned cattle. The dose is from one ounce to two ounces. (See Aslringcnts, Pharm.J CHARCOAL. A charcoal poultice has been recommended as aji application to the heels, when affected with grease, with a view, perhaps, to destroy the offensive smell with which that disease is accom- panied. CHIC TURPENTINE. (See Turpen- tine.) "CICUTA. [See Hemlock.) CINCHONA. (See Bark.) CINNABAR. A heavy mineral of a dark red colour, sometimes prepared artificially. It is composed of quicksilver and sulphur, aiid has been employed as an alterative in obstinate coughs and thickness of wind, in doses of half an ounce daily. Cinnabar is CHALK — COLLYRIUM. 6$ the most useless of the liiercurials, and may, without impropriety, be dismissed from our Materia Medic a. CINNAINION. This well-known spice is a powerful stimulant, and an excellent cor- dial ; its high price, however, prevents its being used much in cordial preparations ; so that when good cassia can be procured, it may be on all occasions substituted for it in veterinary practice. CLOVES. A stimulant of considerable strength, but seldom employed in veterinary medicine, on account of its high price. The essential oil of cloves is sometimes used in the dose of 20 or 30 drops, in cordial prepa- rations, or in purgative medicine, to prevent sickness or griping-. COLTSFOOT. Though this plant was once considered as an useful remedy in coughs, it is now totally disregarded. COLOQUINTIDA, or Bitter Apple. A violent purgative in the human system ; but quite inert in the horse, having produced no perceptible effect in the immense dose of four ounces. COLLYIIIUM, or Eye Water. (See Pharm.) 66 MATERIA lyiEDIC;^. COLOMBO, the root. A good stoma- chic bitter, much used in human medicine, and though rarely employed in veterinary practice, seems ta be worth a trial in cases, of indigestion and flatulency. The dose is about one ounce ; it would perhaps be more effectual if joined with ginger or cassia. CONTRAYERVA, the root is consider- ed by medical practitioners as a mild dia- phoretic and cordial, but it is never used in Teteriiiar}^ practice. COPPER. This metal is a component part of blue vitriol (vitriolated copper) and verdigris, two valuable preparations. (See Blue ritriol and Verdigris^) CORAL, white and red. These act only as absorbents, though formerly accounted mithdmintic. CORL\NDER, the seed. A weak aro- matic stimulant, not used in veterinary me- dicine. COWHAGE, or Cnmtch. A pod pro- duced by a plant growing in the West India Islands, and other warm climates, v/here it proves very troublesome to cattle and other domestic animals, on account of the COLOMSO — DANDELION. 67 ^piculce which grow upon the surface of the pods ; these, when applied to tlie skin, excite a painful kind of itching. The down is a powerful anthelmintic in the human subject, and would probably be found very seiTiceable in the horse ; but I believe it has never been tried. It is generally mixed with treacle or honey.* CRETA. (See Chalk.) CREAM OF TARTAR. {See Jcid Tar- iareous, ) CROCUS. (See Saffron.) CUCUMBER, wild. The feculaormuci- laginous part of the fruit, is a violent purga- tive and emetic, in the human subject, but lias not been tried in the horse. f CUMMIN, the seed. A weak stimulant, but its essential oil is an useful cordial and carminative, in doses from half a dram te one dram. DANDELION, though formerly consi- * I have since given a considerable dose to a borse without any perceptible effect. f I have lately tryed this medicine in doses from I dram to i dr^m and |. }t produced tw^ visible effect. 68 MATERIA MEDICA. dered as a deobstruent, is now quite neg- lected, being too inert for any medical use. DEADLY NIGHTSHADE. This plant has been considered as the most powerful of the narcotic poisons ; it has been found, howeverj an useful medicine, when cau- tiously employed. Physicians usually pre- scribe it as a sedative, in doses of five grains, gradually increasing the dose until some perceptible effect is produced. In the horse it has scarcely been tried, nor does it seem likely to supersede opium as ?i sedative. The powdered leaves are most commonly employed, but it is also used in the form of ♦extract. The first dose for a horse should be about tvvo drams of the powder, or one dram of the extract, which might be gradu- ally increased. In human medicine, a decoction of the leaves is sometimes employed as a fomenta- tion in cancerous complaints. Tljis might probably be found serviceable in painful tumours, or ulcers of the horse. DECOCTiONS are made by boiling any medicine in water until its virtues are ex- tracted. (See Pharm.) DEADLY NIGHTSHADE — DIAPENTE. 69 DEMULCENTS. Medicines which have the power of diminishing the effect of acri- monious, or stimulating substances, upon the sensible parts of the body. There are two sorts of demulcents ; the one, pos- sessing an oily or mucilaginous quality, sheathes the sensible part, and thereby de- fends it from the action of the stimulus ; the other being a watery fluid, dilutes the sti- mulus, and diminishes in a certain deorree its power. Among the former may be reckoned, gum arabic, gum tragant, and marshmallow, with various oils : the latter consists principally of water. DEOBSTRUKNTS. Medicines that re- move obstructions. DETERGENTS. A term employed ia surgery, for those applications which have the power of cleansing foul ulcers, and in- ducing a disposition to heal. DIAPENTE. A compound powder much used by farriers, as a tonic, or stomachic, it is composed of gentian root, bay beriies, bithwort, myrrh, and shavings of ivory, of each equal parts ; the last article, as well as tlie myrrh are now general]}' omitted. This powder is very inferior to those formulae, or 70 1VLA.TERIA MEDICA. receipts, which may be found in our Phar- macopoeia. (Articles, Tonics and Sto- viae hie. J DIAPHORETICS. Medicines that in- crease the natural discharge by the skin, which, when they act in so considerable a degree as to occasion sweating, are termed sudorijics. It is extremely difficult to produce any visible effect upon the horse's skin, by means of medicine alone, but when it is as- sisted by proper exercise, and warm cloth- ing, we can generally give a fine glossy ap- pearance lo the coat, though it is very diffi- cult to produce sensible perspiration, unless it be by violent exercise and immoderately warm clothing. The most effectual dia- phoretics in the hors.'j. medicines are of the hot stimulating kind, combined with anti- nionial preparations and opium; these, how- ever, can seldom be employed with pro- priety in the fevers oi horses, which are ge- nerally an effect of internal inflammation: they are useful only when horses arc hide- bound, have a rough dry coat, and ap- pear in a state of dcbilit\'. The effects of this class of mediciues are so very uncer- DIAPHORETICS— -DIET. 71 tain iH the horse, and so rarely succeed unless assisted by exercise, that it seems probable that exercise, a proper diet, and good grooming form the only effectual Diaphoretic. (See Compendium, article Fevers. Pharm. ariide Di^aphoreiicsJ Emetic tartar, and oth^r preparations of antimony, minderus's spirit, and cam})hor are the diaphoretics which are employ- ed in febrile complaints. DIET. Nothing tends more to the pre- servation of the horse's health than proper management, with respect to his diet, in the regulation of which, it is necessary to con- sider the exertion or labour that is required from him. It is a mistaken notion that horses possess the highest degree of strength, of which they are capable while running at grass, in a state of nature, for there can be no doubt that the natural strength might be conside- rably augmented by high feeding and pro- portionate exercise, provided it is done gradually. When a horse, however, is kept upon a full diet, and not allowed sufficient exer- cise, many dangerous diseases are engender- 72 MATERIA MEDICA. ed ; to this cause may be attributed the frequency of his inflammatory complaints, and his most dangerous fevers may often be traced to this source ; hence also originate swellings of the legs, grease, cough, in- flamed eyes, and many other evils. If a horse's work is moderate, his diefc should be so likewise ; but when his work is irregular, that is, when he is employed only once or twice a week, and then in hunting, or some violent and long continued exer- cise, his diet must be s.ich as to render him at all times adequate to his work ; above all things, regular exercise in the intermediate daj'S is indispensably requisite. Horses that work hard, and constantly, should always be allowed a moderate quan- tity of beans with their oats, but on no oc- casion is barley a proper article of diet.* This subject will be found more fully treated of in the Cvmpcinliiim. * It is probable that barley may, by proper management, be given to horses without inconve- nience. The stomach should be gradually brought to it, and to render it more easy of digestion, it should be coarsely ground, or merely broken and mixed with an, equal quantity of bran. DIET— DIURETICSU f3f DIGESTIVES, Medicines which promote suppuration in ulcers, and cause them to discharge a white healthy matter. (See Pkarm.J DIGITALIS. (See Fox-Glove,) DITTANY OF CRETE. The essential oil of this plant, resembles that of origanum, and maybe employed for the same purposes. (See Origanum.) DIURETICS. Medicines that increase the secretion of urine ; an effect more rea- dily produced in the horse than in the hu*» jnan body. There is a great variety of me- dicines that act as diuretics, the principal are, the various kinds of turpentine, balsam, soap, the fixed alkalies, nitre, &c. Diuretics are much used in veterinary practice, particularly in diffused swellings of the legs, or other parts, and grease; when given in moderate doses, they may be conti- nued for several days, and a Iiorse may work without danger during their operation. The diuretic alterative in our Pharmacopoeia is an excellent medicine for horses that are subject to swelling of the legs, and in slight cases of grease ; but in more violent com- plaints, we must employ more active reme* £ 74 MATERIA MEDICA. dies, these being adapted only to mild cases which do not prevent a horse from working. DRAGON^s BLOOD. A resinous sub- stance of a dark red colour, which, when pure, is entjirely soluble in spirits of wine. Dragon's blood, was formerly employed as an astringent, and styptic, in fluxes and internal bleedings, but modern practi- tioners scarcely ever use it. It is still em- ployed by farriers, in the complaint of horn- ed cattle, which they term red watery or bloody urine, but without effect; nor is there any disease of the horse in which it is likely to be useful. DRASTIC. A term applied to purgative medicines that are violent in their action. DRAUGHTS, or Z)ro/b. (See Drenches.) DRENCH. A medicine in liquid form. This is a very inconvenient method of giv- ing medicine to horses, some part of the dose being generally wasted. It is prefer- able, however, on many occasions, to every other form, on account of the medicine act- inor in much less time than in a solid form: in flatulent cbolic, or gripes, for example, where the symptoms are extremely urgent, and alarming, a proper drench will soon re- DRAGON*S BLOOD — DRENCH. .75 iieve the animal, while a ball would require several hours to produce any effect. Far- riers commonly compose their drenches, with ale whatever the qualities of the other medicine may be, which is extremely ab- surd, since the properties of the liquid should always correspond with the virtues of the other ingredients. Cordial drenches^ therefore, may with propriety be made with ale, but those of a contrary tendency should be mixed with water gruel, or water. The best instru ment for giving drenches is the horn of an ox; the opening being cut obliquely in the form of a spout. Bottles are sometimes used on an emergency to give drenches, but they are attended with dan- ger, and should be handed cautiously. In giving a drench, the horse's tongue should be held with the left hand, and when the head is sufficiently elevated, the medicine is to be carefully poured into the throat, im- mediately letting go the tongue, while the head it kept up until the drench be swallow- ed. Drenches are very seldom given with dexterity, and great part of the medicine is sometimes wasted. Every groom should E 2 ^ .J- iO MATERIA MEDICA. learn to give tliem with facility and always keep a proper instrument in the stable. EARTH. Horses at camp or grass are sometimes disposed to eat considerable quan- tities of earth : this should always be pre- vented, if possible, as it sometimes accumu- lates, and forms larLi,e bails in the intestines, which generally destroy the animal. Horses employed in mills for grinding have been often destroyed in this way. (See Absorb' ents,) EGGS. These have been recommended for the improvement of a horse's wind, but they certainly do not possess any quality of that kind. They are also used for the purpose of mixing oils, and balsams, with water. ELATERIUM. This preparation of the wild cucumber, acts on the human body as a most violent cathartic, and is seldom given in larger doses than one grain. I gave a healthy horse that 1 purchased forthe pur- pose of making experiments, half a dram, or 30 grains, at one dose, which did not produce the slio:htest effect : it did not even diminish the appeite, or move the bowels or kidneys. After an interval of 24 hours, WkRTB. — ELDER. l'^ i gave the same horse one dram and a Iiiiit or SO grains, which proved equally inert. About a week after, I gave the same animal two drams of the best ScAr.iMONY 1 could procure; it produced no eiiect : 24 hours after, half an ounce was given v/ithout ef- fect. About a week after this, 6 drams were given at a dose, which produced a mode- rate purjiinir. A few days after, I jj^ave the horse half an ounce of the down taken from the pods of D^ichos pruriensy or Cgxv^ haga^ mixed with cr.ijacle, having observed symptoms of worms; not the least effect was ptodutetl. ELKCAMPANE. The root of this plant is a weak arouialic stim;jlant, arid formerly reco nmended in coughs, to promoLe expec- toration : farriers use it for the same pur- pose ; but, as we have many medicines of th;s kind of greater efficacy, it hardly de- serves notice. P2LDEII. The loaves and blossom are employed, the former in the preparation of an ointment and oil of a green colour, and of little or no use; the latter is used in mak- ing a white ointment, formerly recommend- ed in ij){lammatory atfections of the skin, E 5 78 MATERIA MEDICA. &c. but not more efficacious than simple fat, or lard. There is, also, a distilled wa- ter made from it, which is often employed in the com position of eye- waters, but does not appear to possess any medical qualities that do not exist in simple or distilled water. ELECTUARY OF SENNA, or Lenitive EUctaary. This is an useful laxative in the human body, but though recommended for the same purpose in the horse by writers on farriery, is certainly too weak to produce any effect, though given in the dose of a pound. (See Senna.) ELEMl GUM. A resinous substance, sometimes employed in the composition of digestive ointments, ELIXIR, PAREGORIC. A preparation of camphor and opium, but in too dilute a state to be ada,pted to veterinary practice. EMETICS. Medicines that excite vomit- ing. Itis very generall}^ believed that horses are incapable of vomiting; I have met with one instance, however, where it occurred spontaneously, and was soon after succeeded by purging. Medicines that are considered as the most violent emetics in the human system, are ELECTUARY OF SENx^IA— EMETIC TARTAR. 79 generally inert in the horse. A remarkable example of this may be noticed in white vitriol (viiriolated zinc, J of which a horse has taken twelve ounces at a dose, without much effect Emetic Tartar, or Tartarized Anti- many. A preparation of antimony (See Jjiti- mony) and cream of tartar. (See Acid^ Tar^ tareous.) This is a violent emetic in the human subject, even in the quantity of one or two grains; but in more minute doses rt is used as a febrifuge. In the horse, it is a very safe medicine, and useful in fevers: it is generally given in doses of two drams, which may be repeat- ed every day, or even twice a day should the case require it ; when the bowels are alfected by it, a small quantity of opium may be added ; many practitioners join with it camphor and opium, or camphor and nitre, both of which are often highly useful. Emetic tartar seems to be the best of the antimonial preparations, though others are occasionally preferred : but there is some difficulty in deciding this point ; for all the preparations of antimony have so little acti- vity in the system of the horse, that their E4 J^^ MATERIA MKDICA. iJtTects are not often peiceptible ; we know them to be useful, however, from their fre- quently subduing or mitigating the disease for which they are empjoyed. Whenever emetic tartar is given, or any otlier antimo- lual, its effects will in great measure depend upon the attention and management of the -^room. In fevers, ^he horse should be well littered, and clothed with a rug or blanket, of sufficient width to cover the belly as well as the back. The neck, head, and chesfe should likewise be clothed; the clothing, Jiowever, must be regulated by th^ season of the year, and the temperature of the air. The legs should be well hand-rubbed several times a-dav, and warm water given. When tli€ antimonial is given to remove surfeit, or relax the skin, it may ba materially as- sisted by exercise, and moderately warm cioth'ng . A late writer on farriery, recommends one ounce of a fiiiiuonia I "wine,- \v\ih 3. decoction of rue and camomile, as a remedy in intiam- miitory fever. This quantity of anlimoLiial wine contains about four jjrains of emetic .tartar; a dose too minute to produce any effect upon -the horse. ESSENtrS OF PEPPERMINT. 81 EMBROCATIONS. (See Pharm.J . EMULSION. A term given to prepara- tions ill which oil is blended with water, by means either of mucilage, the yolk of an egg. or a small quantity of alkali. (See Al- kali.) Emulsions have a miiky appearance, and are a convenient vehicle for pectoral medicines, being supposed to possess that oucilitv in some dec^ree. ENEMA. (See Glysters.) EPISPASTICS. See Blutevs. ERYNGO, the root. A weak aromatic stimulant, of no use in veterinary medi- cine. EPSOM SALT, or Vitriolated Magnma. A neutral salt, formed by the combination of magnesia and vitriolic acid. It is com- monly obtained from the water of certain springs, in which it is formed by nature. The virtues of this salt are similar to those of G/aubev^s salt. (See Glauber's Salt. J ESSENCE. This term is applied to es- sential oils, and very properly, since they generally contain all the medical virtues of the substance from which they are ex- tracted. Essence of Peppermint. The prepa- E S §2 MATERIA MEDIC A. ration sold in the shops by this name, is made by "dissolving a small proportion of oil of peppermint in rectified spirit, or alko- hol, that has been previously tinged with some green colour. Essence of Mustard, appears to be composed of camphor, oil of rosemary, and oil of turpentine, which form a good stimu- lating embrocation . ESSENTIAL OILS. The smell, taste, and other qualities of vegetables, frequently reside in a volatile oil, particularly in those vegetables, or certain parts of vegetables, that have a strong odour and taste ; as mint, pennyroyal, peppermint, lavender, caraway seeds, anise seeds, juniper berries, lemon peel, santal wood, &c. This oil being vo- latile, may be extracted, and procured in a separate state, by distillation ; and as it con- tains all the useful qualities of the substance it was obtained from, is termed an essential oilf which is found very convenient in me- dicine, particularly for veterinary pur- poses. ETHER. This is the »nost volatile liquid we are acquainted with, and evaporates rea- dily in the common temperature of the at- ESSENTIAL OILS— ETHIOPS MINERAL. 83 mosphere ; it must be given, therefore, with great expedition, or a considerable part of the dose will be lost by evaporation. It is a powerful antispasmodic, and may be given with advantage in obstinate cases of flatu- lent cholic, and other spasmodic complaints. On some occasions it is joined with tincture of opium, or camphor, with good effect. The dose is about one ounce, which should be mixed with a pint of water. The high price of Ether prevents its being much used in veterinary medicine. It is a powerful remedy, however, when properly applied ; and may be considered as an im- portant medicine. ETHIOPS MINERAL, or Sulphurated Quicksilver. A preparation made by rub- bing equal parts of quicksilver and flower of sulphur together, until the mixture be- comes black, and the quicksilver invisible. Ethiop-s Mineral was formerly considered a very useful medicine; capable of destroy- ing worms, and curing chronic eruptions, and other diseases of the skin. At present it does not appear to be valued much by physicians for any purpose; but whatever its virtues may be in the human body, it is t6 - 84 Materia medica. certainly very inert in th.e horse ; and though siill employed by farriers as an ar.tlielmintic and alterative, is unworthy of notice, while we can procure so many va- luable preparations of quicksilver. EUPHORBIL M, A gum resin, that ex- udes spontaneously from a lare^e oriental tree. It is brought to us in small drops, of a pale yellow colour, which are generally mixed with woody and other extraneous matter. Euphorbmm is found useful in veterinary practice, as an external application. It is generally emploj^ed in the form of tincture : sometimes it is mixed into an ointment with ■Jiog^s lard, mercurial ointment, oil of origa- num, oil of bay, &.c. being previously re- duced to a fine powder. It is also frequent- ly an ingredient in strong blisters, to which it proves a powerful auxiliary. In whatever form enphorbium is employed, it proves extremely acrimonious and stimulating, and is therefore well calculated to reduce callous swellings of the back sinews, or other parts, curbs, windgalls, &c. The tincture is naade by digesting, or steeping, one ounce of the powder m four EUPHORBIUM — EXERCISE. 85 or six ounces of rectified spirit; frequently shaking the bottle which contains the mix- ture, and keeping it in a warm place ; after fiightor ten days it is to be strained off, and kept well corkeii. ISome add to this a little oil of origan nm, or camplior. There is ano- ther kind of tincture made by digesting the pouderin a strong solution of potash, which also acts very violently, in powdering eu- phorbium, the mortar should be placed where there is a current of air, that the du^t which arises might be blown off, otherwise it would get into the nostrils, or throat, and prove excessively troublesome. EXERCISE. We have observed under the article diet, that the norse's exercise should be always proportionate to the quan- tity and quahty of his food ; or rat'icr, that the latter should be adapted to ihe former, in order to preserve him in hoalth. We have further to ren.ark, that in otiier points of view, exercise is of great importance. In training horses for the turf or thu chase, it is by exercue, properly con;lucted, and a-,well regulated diet, that we enable hiui to per- form those wonderful exertion^ tS^at are rr-^ quired from him, and bring his wmd to the 86 MATERIA MEDICA. highest degree of perfection which it is ca- pable of attaining. In training a horse, whether he be designed for the turf, the chase, or the army, this precaution must al- ways be observed, — that his exercise never exceeds his strength. Many horses have heen destroyed by neglecting this precau- tion, particularly in the army, where we often see horses recruited of three years old. When first brought to the regiment (perhaps from a considerable distance) they are weak and out of condition, often suffering from strangles, which from their weak state, do not come forward properly, but affect chiefly the internal part, causing pain and difficulty in swallowing. At this time they are unfit for any kind of work; and require a month to be brought into proper condition for the riding school. On the contrary, they are not, in general, allowed half that time, but are brought too hastily into the school, without taking time to reflect, that as they are quite unaccustomed to that, or, indeed, any kind of work, it becomes ex- cessively fatiguing ; and to young horses in a state of debility, particularly if they are not immediately attended to, and taken EXPECTORANTS, 87 great care of when brought sweating from the school, I am convinced it is often at- tended with destructive consequences. Ex- ercise, therefore, should always be moderate at first, and adapted to the animal's strength; by increasing it gradually, and in proportion to his condition, he may soon be brought to bear, without inconvenience, that degree of exertion, and velocity of motion, for which he is wanted. Exercise not only prevents disease, but materially assists in the cure of many : thus, in swellings of the heels and legs, grease, inflamed eyes, &c. medicine, without proper exercise, seldom effects a cure. (See Cornpendium, where this subject is more fully considered.) EXPECTORANTS. Medicines that in- crease the discharge of mucus from the lungs, and thereby relieve cough and diffi- culty of breathing. There are many medi- cines which produce this effect in the hu- man body; but in the horse the action of expectorants is not easily perceptible. It has been said, that as a horse breathes only through his nostrils, the effect of such me- dicines^ (if they had any) would be shewn by a discharge from the nostrils ; and as they 88 MATERIA Mt.DICA. are not observed to cause such discbargp, the}^ musl; be ineffectual ; but in coughiu"-, air is expired by the mouth, a!id it is not improbable thnt mucus may be discharged by the Innp^s at the same time, though this porn is difficult to be ascertained with pre- cision. I am convinced, however, that some of the medicmes termed expectorants, fre- quently prove serviceable in tiie horse, by relieving or curini>; <;ough, and difficulty in breathing, or what is termed thickness of wind ; among tiicse are squill, and gum am- moniacnm ; both whicfi I have often found very beneficial in those complaints, al- though, as we have seen, I cannot say in what manner they operated. EXTRACT SATURN. (See Goulard.) EYE WATERS. (See Phann.J FEBRIFUGE. A term given to medi- cines, that modesatc or lessen the violence of fever. FENNEL. Th^ seeds of sweet fennel are, in some d.r5;ree stomachic and carminative, in doses fiuin one tx) tv.o ounces. The es- sential oil they afford possesses the same duce a laxative effect . The dose is about a pound. GLYSTERS. Thfs form of medicine is extremely useful, thotigh much neglected. It is unnecessary to describe the mode of administerino' them, and with n^spect to the various medicines employed in this way, I must refer the reader to the Pharmacopoeia. (See GJystersJ The best instrument for the purpose, is a polished pewter tube, about one foot in length, tiie bore about half an inch in dia- meter ; one end ol this tube is to be so made that a bladder may be securely fastened to GINSKNG — GOULARD'S EXTRACT. 101 it, the Other finely polished, so that there may be no danger ot wounding^ the iiites- tine. The bladder which is fixed to it, should be large enough to contain a gallon, at least, or six quarts. GOLDEN SULPHUROFANTIMONV. This preparation of antimony is scarcely known to farriers; and 1 believe seldom used by veterinarians. It may be found userul, however, in obstinate diseases of the skin, either alone or joined with mercurials, such as calomel, or sublimate, mitriatcd quick- silver. The dose is from one d ram to two, perhaps even more may be given with advantage ; but it is adviseable to begin with a small dose. GOULARD'S EXTRACT. Extract of saturn, or lead. This is made from litharge and vinegar, by siinmering them together, over a gentle fire, until the vinegar has dis- solved as much at it is ca])able of. Goulard, therefore is notiiing more than a solution of litharge in vinegar. It is a very useful application in cases of extertial inflamma- tion, and mav be used either as a lotion, or in the form of poultice, Goulard lotion is V 3 102 :VIATERIA MEDICA. made by mixing half an ounce of the ex- tract to a pint of water ; some add to this a Jittle camphorated spirit, or some distilled vinegar; but when the lotion is intended for the eyes, there must be a much larger proportion of water, not less than a quart. Goulard poultice is made by mixing as much of the lotion, with bran, linseed, meal, or any proper materials for poultice, as will give them a proper consistence. (See Poultices and Lotions, Pharvi.) Goulard is never used undiluted, nor is it given internally. GRAINS OF PARADISE. A warm stimulating seed, often used by farriers in the diseases of horned cattle, as a cordial ; and where medicines of that kind are re- quired, it is certainly very proper; but it is very necessary to consider the case well before this medicine is employed, for if the complaint be of an inflammatory nature, grains of Paradise being a powerful stimu- lant, may do much injury. The dose is from three to six drams. GROUND IVY was formerly consi- dered as an excellent remedy in pulmonary complaints; but it is now disregarded by GRAINS OF PARADISE — GUM. 103 medical practitioners, and is certainly use- less in veterinary practice. GUAIACUM. The wood and resin. The former is sometimes employed in human me- dicine, as an ingredient in alterative decoc- tions, but never in veterinary practice. The resin, commonly called gum guaiacum, is sometimes used as an alterative. Farriers employ it also in what they suppose to be rheumatic lameness, but without any advan- tage, I believe. Rheumatism seldom at- tacks horses : when it does occur, purga- tives, with moderate exercise, are the best remedies. The dose of gum guaiacum is from half an ounce to six drams. There is a volatile tincture of guaiacum sold in the shops, which seems better adapt- ed to rheumatic complaints than the gum alone; but its use should be preceded by a purgative. The dose is one ounce and a half. GUlNKAFKFFER.{See Caj/e?i?2ePepper.) GUM. There are various kinds of gum, which may be distinguished by their solubi- lity in water, and by forming therewith a mucilage. The principal are, gum arabic ; F 4. 104 MATERIA MEDICA.. gum dragent; and India gum. The tAvO' first are the best. Gum dissolved in water makes useful drinks in inflammatory com- plaints of the bowels, kidneys, bias, a:ui if the quantity ailov»ed is suited to the horse's employment, it may be given to every kind of horse with ad- vantage. IIELI.EBORE, white and black. The root of t'lis p'an, ; a ticula'ly the white heir GUM RESIK — HELLEBORE. 105 lebore, is extremely acrimonious, for if wounded, while fresh, it emits a juice capa- ble of blisterino- the skin. Powdered white hellebore is often em- ployed as an ingredient in blisters. It is used, also, in ointments for the mange, and other cutaneous diseases. A decoction of white hellebore is often emnloved for the same purpose ; but other medicines are ge- nerally addod to it, as sulphur vivum, tur- pentine, white vitriol, or alusn. Hellebore has been tried as an internal remedv in the horse; but its effect was so violent, even in the small dose of !ialf a dram, that it is now considered a very dangerous medicine.* * I liave hitely had an opportunity of trying the effect of white hellebore. And did not find it so violent or so dangerous as it was said to be after an experunent made at the Veterinary Col- lege. To a glandered horse Vv'e gave half an ounce of the powder of white hellebore expecting it would destroy him, but it produced no effect ; an ounce was then given which-caused an appear- ance of sickness, and a copious discharge of saliva from the mouth It was given afterwards to se- veral horses, and we uniformly found that in the dose of half an ounce given daily, it produced the effect we have just described. In some the first V 5 lOG MATERIA MEDIC A. Black Hellebore is never used in horse medicine. HEMLOCK. A strong narcotic ; but on many occasions an useful medicine, possess* ing, like opium, an anodyne quality, but not so certain in its effect. It is said, how- ever, not to produce costiveness likeopium; and, as far as I have been able to judge, this observation holds good with respect to the horse. The complaint in which it has been chiefly employed in veterinary practice, is obstinate cough, depending upon irritabi- lity, in which it often proves serviceable. The leaves are to be carefully dried and powdered. The powder must be kept in a well-stopped bottle, from which the light should be excluded. The dose is about a dram ; but it may be gradually increased to a much larger quan- thy. dose caused an appearance of sickness and saliva. tion ; others took several doses before any efFect was observed, it was given daily in a case of farcy in the dose of half an ounce, and the horse got well, no other remedy was employed except folistersj in none of the experiments did it caus« any dangerous symptoms. HEMLOCK—HOG^S LARD. 107 There is an extract made from hemlock, which, when prepared, is a very convenient form, and not less efficacious than the pow- der. The dose is about a dram, but this also may be gradually augmented to a conside- rable quantity. A decoction of green hemlock, is said to be an useful fomentation in painful wounds and tumours. HENBANE. This plant also is a power- ful narcotic, and free from the constipating effect of opium. It has not hitherto been used in veterinary medicine, though likel}' to be found beneficial. I have tried a solu- tion of the extract in water, in chronic in- flammation of the eye, wliere the interior parts were very irritable, and I think with good effect. It certainly deserves a far- ther trial in this way. The seeds are said to be the most power- ful part of the plant ; but the powdered leaves and the extract are more commonly employed. HOG'S LARD. An article of some im- portance in veterinary surgery, being the basis of almost every ointmento F6 108 MATERIA MEDIC A, HONEY. A small quantity of honej^ dissolved in linseed infusion, is often used in- those troublesome coughs, which arise from irritation, and serves in this way as a good auxiliary to more important renxedies. Honey is sometimes added to a solution of alum, as a lotion for the mouth, when it is inflamed and sore. IIOREHOUND. A bitter herb, with some degree of roughness, or astringency. Jlorehoimd is rather a popular remedy for obstinate coughs, asthmas, and otlier com^- plaints of the lungs, but has been very sel- dom employed in veterinary practice ; it may, however, be used in chronic cough, when the usual remedies fail, either in the Ibrm of powder, or decoction. No great precision is necessary in adjust- ing the dose; one or two ounces of the powder, or a quart of the decoction may be given at once. HORSE-RADISH. The root of horse- radish, when fresh, is a powerful stimulant. All its virtues may he extracted by distilling the rootwiih water, or spirit; in which state it may be kept a long time without losing its strength. Horse-radish water, with a small HONEV — IPECACUANA. Y09 proportion of spirit, is a good medicine in cases of natulency and indigestion, and i* the most convenient form in which it can be given. HYSSOP. This plant has been esteemed as a pectoral, but it is seldom employed in modern practice ; nor as a veterinary medi- cine is it worth notice. INFUSIONS. A medicated hquid, made by pouring boiling or cold water on any me- dicine whose virtues it is capable of extracfi- msf. INDIAN PINK. Though the root of this plant is often employed for the purpose of destroying worms in the human body, yet it does not seem at all adapted to the same purpose in the horse. IPECACUANA. Tliere are few medicines of greater importance in medical practice than the root of inecacuana ; but it has so little effect on the horse, though given in very expensive doses, that it is not likely ever to be considered as an article of our Materia Medica. Its principal use, in hu- man medicine, is to excite vomiting, an ef- fect it cannot produce in the horse in the largest dose. Combined with opium, it 110 MATERIA MEDICA. acts as a sudorific in the human body ; but for the horse we do not know any medicine, I believe, that is capable of exciting sensible perspiration, or sweating, with any degree of certainty ; though it is easily brought on by violent exercise or immoderately warm clothing, and sometimes happens spontane- ously. Still, however, ipecacuana may pro- mote the inseiiuble perspiration, like emetic tartar ; and opium may be an useful addi- tion to it. A mixture of opium, ipecacuana, and vi- triolated tartar, one dram of the two first, to one ounce of the last, forms the celebrated Dover's Fozoder. f Compound Powder of Jpe- mcuanaj which has been recommended by a late veterinary writer. ISINGLASS. This is said to consist of the dried membranes of the sturgeon, or some fish resembling it; the mode of pre- paration, however, is kept a profound se- cret. When dissolved in water it forms a strong mucilage ; which is an useful emol- lient, and serves to sheathe the bowels, blad- der, &c. when inflamed or irritated. IRISH SLATE. An earthy substance, not used in veterinary practice. ISINGLASS — JALAP, 111 IRON. A metal found abundantly in al- most every country, but scarcely ever in a pure metallic state, to which it is brought by various artificial processes. Iron is the basis of several medicines, all of which, in the human system, act as powerful tonics ; but in the horse this qua- lity does not appear in so high a degree, and frequently is not perceptible. The preparations of iron, are green vitriol (ferrum vitriolatimij , muriate of iron, rust of iron, tartarized iron, and others, each of which will be described in its proper place. JALAP. In the human body, the root of jalap is a certain and efficacious purgative, and there is scarcely a book on farriery, in which it is not recommended as an ingre- dient in purgative balls, or physic ; which practice is still followed by farriers, who generally put two or three drams of jalap into every dose of physic. It has been ascertained, however, first at the veterinary college: that jalap has no purgative effect on the horse, though given in considerably larger doses than farriers ever employ ; but J have obsened, that in a very large quan- tity, it occasions sickness, and some degree H2 MATERIA MEDTCA. of purging, though its effects in this way are by no means sufficient to induce any one to employ it as a purgative. I once gave eight ounces of jalap at one dose to a glandered horse, that was in other respects healthy, and had not been taking any other medicine ; ii/ about six honrs the horse appeared sick, and in pain; he refus- ed both food and water ; during the night he appeared to have had some smoll. watery stools ; s everal of which were perceived also the next day, but they were in very small quantity, and accoinpanied with pain. The sickness continued all this day, and on the following he recovered. Hence we find that jalap may with justice be dismissed from our Materia Medica. JAMAICA PEPPER, or allspice. This is a good carmhia'ive, though not very power- ful. It may be given iii doses fiom half an ounce to an ounce, in flatulency of the sto- mrch and hnv/els, and may be used also as an ingredient m cordial medicines. JAMES'S PO^V DER. Though the pre- paratloK of this medicine has been hitherto kc.pt secret, there is no reason to doubt its being composed chietiy of antimony, and JAMAICA PEPPER— JAPAN EARTH. 1 IS nearly the same thing as that which is sold in the shops, by the name oi ant imonia I pow- der. (See Juti),w?7j/.J I can venture to assert, that e^s a horse medicine, tliis is as useful Sind efncsLcious S.S James's po?ide7\ It is an excellent njedicine in fevers ot" every kind ; and though usualiy given in the small dose of a scruple, or lialf a dram, may- be exhibited with perfect safety and better effect, in a much larger quantity. I never give less than two drams, and sorrietimes three, and I have seen even one ounce given at a dose without the least uiconveniencQ. It seems to act on the skin like emetic tar- tar, and promote the insensible perspiration, bui I do not think it so certain in its effect as emetic tartar : it is sometimes joined with opium, camphor, nitre, or ginger, accord- ino; to the nature of the disease : with oirir- gcr it forms a good medicine for horses that are hide-bound ; but this compound is not proper in fevers, or any complaint arising from inflammation. JAPAN EARTH, improperly so called, being an extract of an Indian plant. It possesses a considerable astringent power, and is sometimes found beneficial in those diarrha^as or loosenesses^which are caused by 114 MATERIA MEDICA. weakness and relaxation of the intestines. It may be employed also in diabetes, or profus« staling, with alum, opium, ginger, or other remedies suited to the particular circum- stances of the case. The dose is from two drams to three or four. JESUITS BARK. (See Bark.) JOHNSWORT- There is an oil of johnswort kept by druggists, which appears to be nothing more than common oil, co- loured with verdigris. The herb was for- merly employed in fomentations, but is now thought unworthy of notice. JUNIPER. Many virtues have been at- tributed to the berries of this shrub, but without any foundation, except as to its £?mr^f/6' and carminative qualities, which it certainly possesses in a considerable degree. Juniper berries generally form a part of diuretic balls and drenches; they are re- commended also in flatulency of the stomach and bowels. The dose is from one ounce to two ounces. Juniper berries are often injured by keep- ing ; becoming dry, shrivelled, or nearly rotten. The purchaser should choose such JESUITS BARK — KINO. I 15 as are plump, rather heavy, and moist in- 4:eniallv. An oil is obtained from juniper by distil- lation, which seems to be the part on which the virtues of the berry depend. Oil of juniper is an excellent carminative and diu- retic : the dose is from one dram to two. It is generally highly adulterated with oil of turpentine, but this admixture does not in- jure it materially ; oil of turpentine being very similar to it, in its medical qualities, though not so powerful. KALI. This is the new name which the London college of physicians has given to pure vegetable alkali, or potash. (See Fot- ash. J KERMES MINERAL. A red powder prepared from antimony, nearly the same as the golden sulphur of antimony, and re- commended as an alterative in doses from one to two drams. (See A]itimony, and Golden Sulphur of Antimony. J KINO. A resinous substance, possessing a strong astringent quality : a good remedy in diarrhoeas which depend on relaxation of the intestines. The dose is from two to four drams. 116 MATERIA MEDICA.- LAC. A resin of a dark colour, depositOGl by an insect of llie East Indies on the small branches ot trees. It is uow cmpioved only in the composition of sealing wax and varnislies. LADANUM. A resinous substance brought from Candia. It has been recom- mended as a pectoral medicine, but pro- bably does not possess any quality of that kind, as it is now used only as an ingredient in a warm stimulating plaster, wtjich is of no use in veterinary practice. LAUDANUM. A popular term for tincture of opium. (See Opium J LAVENDER. A plant whose distilled water and fragrant oil are employed in medi- cine, but not in the veterinary practice. LAUREL, or ^ay. The leaves of bay are used only \w fomentations. (See Pharm.J LEAD. Many useful preparations are made from this metal, among which are litharge, Goulard's extract, sugar of lead, and the following. LEAD, RED, or Minium. This is a rod powder, made by keeping lead in a high de- cree of heat : it is usod in tlije composition- of plasters. XAC — LIME. 117 'LEAD, WHITE, is commoitly made by exposing thin sheets of lead to the vapour of vinegar, by which it is converted into a white powder. White 'ead is often employ- ed in the composition of hcahug ai;d soften- ing ointment, for horses that arc subject to cracked heels. LEOPARD'S BANE. This plant has been recommended as a febrifuge, but is never employed in vir^terinary medicine. LIME is sometimes used as a caustic in that disease of the horse's foot termed can- ker; it is preferred for this j)urpose on ac- count of its absorbins: the .;oistni-e wnich forms upon the diseased parts, and which is thought to be inimical to the cure. Lime- water is reccmmcnded in the disease termed diabetes, which consists in a profuse dis- charge of limpiu urine, causing weakness, emaciation, and hectic fever. I have seen it used, however, in two cases without success. Lime-water is ninde by mixing li?ne with a larre proportion of boil- ing water, stirring the ruixture for some time, and afterwards pourii^g off the trans- parent liquor^ which is to be cnrefuily ex- cludeu from the air. During the whole pro- 11$ MATERIA MEDICA. cess, indeed, there should be as little ex- posure to air as possible. LINIMENT. A term given to external applications of the oily kind, but of a con- sistence rather thicker than oil. LINSEED. These seeds abound with oil and mucilage, and are well adapted to the composition of those emollient drinks that are so useful in inflammations of the bladder and bowels, or coniplaints of^ the urinary passages. A strong mucilaginous drink may be made without bruising the seeds, either by decoction, or infusion. (See Emollients ayid Pectorals^ Pharm.J LIQUORICE. An extract made from liquorice root, and supposed to be of use in relieving cough. In the horse it is not ap- plicable to this purpose, as its good effect de- pends upon its gradual solution in the mouth, so as to be constantly lubricating the throat. Many writers, however, recommend liquo- rice in their pectoral and cordial drenches, probably with a view to render them more palatable. LITHARGE. A calx of lead employed in making Goulard's extract, and diachyloij plaster. LINIMENT — MADDER. 119 LOGWOOD. An extract is made from logwood which possesses a considerable astringent power : it is often employed by medical practitioners in diarrhoea depv^nding upon relaxation of the bowels, and though it has not yet been introduced into veteri- nary practice, it would probably be found an useful medicine in similar complaints of the horse, and deserves a trial in cases which have resisted the common remedies. It may be given in doses from two to three drams. Alum, opium, and some aromatic, such as cassia, are often joined with the ex- irady and sometimes chalk. MACE. A pleasant aromatic spice, too expensive for veterinary purposes ; nor is there any complaint in which it is particu- larly required, as cassia, cardamoms, carra- wa}^, and anise seed, are more effectual, and considerably cheaper. MADDER. This root was formerly used in medicine as a remedy for jaundice. Far- riers still employ it for the same complaint, which they term the yellows, both in horses norned cattle : in the former, the tse most commonly arises from increas- ction, or inflammation of the live7\ Lit- reliance is to be placed on madder •J 20 MATERIA MEDIC A. The dose is about one ounce. (See Ccm- paid ill m. J MAGNESIA. A white powder, so ex- tremely light, that a sufficient dose coulvi not be given to a horse without great incon- venience. It is a very useful absorbeiif in the human bod}^, and well calculated to re- move heart-burn, by destroj^ing any acidity that may ex st in the stomach ; it has also the advantage of acting as a gentle laxative. But, in the horse, chalk, or either of the fixed alkalies, answers the purpose equally well ; and if a laxative efTect is required, a small dose of aloes may be added. (See Ab- sorbcnls, Phann. See Alkali, Maf. Med. J iMAlDEN HAIR. A old remedy for coughs, but not proper for veterinary prac- tice. MALACCA BEAN. The acrid matter which renders this bean useful, is contained between two membranes, which cover the kernel. The Malays employ it for destroy- ing fungous, or proud flesh ; and, from its tHjrrosive quality, it would probably be found very serviceable as an external appli- .cation in horses. MALLOWS. This plant is useful in the*. MAGNESIA —MAUJOR AM. HI composition of emollient drinks, from the mucilage it contains ; fomentations, glysters, and poultices, may also be made with it. (See P harm. J MALT is very serviceable to horses that are recovering from ft:ver ; it is useful, also, when the system is weakened by large abscesses, which discbarge copiously, and in almost everv case depending on debility. It appears to be easy of digestion, and very nutritious, though not so stimulating as oats. Green malt has been recommended for improving the condition of horses, and giving them a smooth, glossy coat. Infu- sion of malt is sometimes given with advan- tage to sick horses ; but they generally re- quire to be drenched with it, which is a great inconvenience. It is always adviseable to employ malt that is broken, as it is more readily digested, and requires less mastica- tion in that state ; and if a horse can be in- duced to eat in the form of a mash, it is still better. (See Mashes,) MANNA, a gentle laxative, but never usad in the diseases of horses rvIAllJORAM. An agreeable aromatic herb, whose essential oil posse-^ses nearly ihe G 122 MATERIA MEDICA. same properties as the oil of origanum; a remedy much used by farriers in strains, bruises, &c. but always mixed with otlier oils or spirits, such as oil of elder, camphor- ated spirit, &c. MARSH MALLOW. This plant con- tains rather more mucilage than common mallows, and is therefore better calculated for makinir mucilaginous or emollient drinks, glysters, or fomentations. The root is the best part, which, if care- fully dried, ma^^ be kept a longtime. These mucilaginous drinks are very useful when the bowels or bladder are inflamed or irrita- ted by too strong physic, or when there is any pain or obstruction in the urinary pas- sages. They should be given frequently in the course of the day, and may occasionally be made the vehicle of more active medi- cines. Any thing which contains mucilage in sufticient quantity may be employed for the purpose of making emollient drinks.. (See Emollients^ Pharm.) Mx\RUM, or Syrian Herb MasticJi. — This plant, when dry, is extremely stimu- lating, and excites violent sneezing when applied to the membrane of the nostrils, for MARSH MALLOW — i^TASHES. 123 '^'hich purpose it is employed b}' medical practitioners : it is inspplicable to any pur- pose in the veterinary [practice. MASHES. A kind of medicated diet, and generally composed either of bran or malt. Bran mashes are made by pouring ■boiling water on fresh, sweet bran, in a pail, so that the mixture, when stirred, may be about the consistep.ce of a soft poultice : it is then to be covered over, and not given to the horse until sufficiently cold. When it is thought necessary to steam the head, as it is termed, that is, for the horse to inhale the vapour as it arises, the mash i-s put into the manger while hot, and some even put it into a nose-bag, aod secure it to the head, which is a bad -practice, as it impedes res- piration. • Steaming the head is recommend- ed in strangles, colds, and sore throats. Bran Mashes form a very proper diet i^) fever, and all inflammatory complaints; the}' are useful, also, as a preparative to physic , serving to remove any indurated f«:i3ces there may be iu the bowels, whereby the operation of the medicine is rendered more safe and effectual. Mashes are a ne- cessary diet also while the physic is o»crat- G 2 4 MATERIA MEDICA. inL>:. In makino^ vialt mashes, the water should be considerably below the boiling point, otherwise the malt would clot, and be s])oiled. These are given for the purpose of recruiting strength, when a horse is de- bilitated from fever, or any other cause. (See Malt.) MASTICH. A resin, used only in the composition of varnishes. MEADOW SAFFRON. The root of this plant is a powerful diuretic in the human system, but its eifect on the horse is not linown. MECHOACAN. The rootw^s employed as a purgative before Jalap was known. It is much weaker than jalap, nor does it pos- sess a single quality which can recommend it as a horse medicine. MELILOT. This plant was sometimes employed in the composition of glijsiers, and a plaster, but is now seldom applied to any medical purpose. MERCUIiIALS. Preparations of quick- silver. Mercurial Ointment. This is made by nibbing together, in a mortar, quicksilver and hog's lard, in various proportions, ac- MASTICH — MERCURIALS. 125 wording to the strength required, until the former disappears, and the mixture assumes a dark biue, or lead colour. In the strono^est mercurial ointment of the shops, there are equal parts of quick- silver and lard; these are the best propor- tions in which it can be made, as it is easily made weaker afterwards, by the addition of lard. In medical practice this ointment is employed chiefly for the purpose of intro- ducing the quicksilver into the system, which is done by rubbing it for some time on the skin : this is said to be the most safe and effectual method of curing the venereal disease ; but in the horse, consixlerable diffi- culty and inconvenience attend this opera- tion, though it may be made to affect the system. Thus, if we wish to introduce mercury into the circulation, it is better to give some preparation internally. (See- ^uicksUver.) Mercurial Ointment, howev'er, is often employed in veterinary practice, as an appli- cation to callous sweiliuGfS, or enlarfred joints; it maybe mixed with camphor with advantage in those cases; and is certainly much more efHcacious when converted into G 3. 126 MATERIA MEDICA. a blister, by the addition of cantharides, or Spanish flies. In this state it is a good re- medy for bog spavin, or other swellings of the hock joint. Mercurial Ointment is said to be an effec-' tual remedy for the scab in sheep, and is often an ingredient in ointments for the mange. In making mercurial ointincnt the operation is considerably expedited by using a small quantity of oM suet, or tallow that is rancid. Persons unacquainted with pharmacy commonly prefer mercurial ointment that has been recently prepared. It is said, how- ever, that old and rather rancid ointment is more powerful, particularly if rubbed for a short time in a n^ or tar before used. Mercury. Quicksilver is commonly distinguished by this liame ; the various pre- parations of which will be described in their proper places. (See Calomel, Sublimate, Cinnabar, ^thiops Mineral-, Turpeth Mi- neral, Bed and White Precipitate, Calx of Quicksiher, Mercurial Ointment, Rud Quick- silver. J MEZERliON. A root much used ii^ medicine,. '.'\ vcn<^rcal and rheumatic com* MEllCURY— MINERAL WATERS. 127 pliiintSj but not calculated for veterinary purposes. MILLIPEDES, or Hog's Lice. These were formerly employed by medical practi- tioners as a diuretic; but now quite disre- garded. ^ MINDERUS'S SPIRIT. A neutral mix- ture, formed by the combination of cmiriW' Ilia, with acetous acid, or distilled vinegar. It is much used by medical practitioners as a diaphoretic, and though rarely used by veterinarians, I think I have seen it do good in febrile complaints, by relaxing the skin ; in one case it occasioned sensible perspira- tion. The dose is from eight to ten ounces, MINERAL WATERS are too weak for veterinary purposes. It has been remarked by experienced persons, that waters im- pregnated with saline bodies, which are com- monly said to be brackish, are generally in- jurious to horses ; and I have observed fhat horses seldom do well on tlie coast, where the greater part of the water is in this state. This may arise from their not drinking a sufficient quantity for the purposes of di- gestion, on account of its disagreeable tastj ; Q 4 I2S iMATERfA M£D(CA. ibr they often receive much benefit when at grass, in such situations. MINT. This is a valuable herb, and grows very abundantly. There are t\vo kinds used in medicine, viz. Spearmint, and Peppermint. The former is an excellent carminative, and generally affords relief in flatulency of the stomach and bowels, and that complaint which arises from it, termed gripes, fret, or flatulent cholic. Peppermint f however, is considerably stronger, and I think more certain in its ef- fect ; all the virtues of mint reside in an oil, which it affords plentifully by distillation ; and this is the only convenient form in which it can be employed for veterinary purposes, but it requires to be highly diluted with water, with which it mixes very readily, if previously dis^olvcd m a small proportion of rectified spirit, or rubbed in a mortar with mucilage and suL-ar. The dose of oil of nenpermint is from twenty drops to half a draniL of spi?armint, from fort}?^ drops to one dram. This is generally fouiid a sufficient quan- tity, but may be increased if it prove incf- tectual. MINT — MUIIIATES. i29 It is necessary to distinguish carefully be- tween those pains of the stomach and bowels, which arise from inflamniationj and such as are caused by spasm, or flatulenc3\ In the former, mint is very pernicious, in the latter, an excellent remedy. (See the Compendiimi of the Vet. Art.) MITHRIDATE. The name of an elabo- rate and absurd preparation, o^ \\'h.\c\\ opium was the principal ingredient. The London college have substituted for it, a much neater and more efficacious formula, which thev term opiate coifection. MOSAIC GOLD. A combination of tin, and sulphur, of a metallic appearance, though soft, and of a gulden colour-: it is not used in medicine. MOXil. A lioht fibrous substance, some- what like very fine tow. In eastern coun- tries it is eniployed to remove deep seated pains, being set on fire on the affected part so as to burn and produce an eschar; it is therelx^re nothing more than the actual cau- tery, which is much more convenient! v an- plied in veterinary practice, by means of the hot iron. (Sec Firin^^.J MURIATES. Combinations of muriatic G 5 130 MATERIA IVCEmC^.- acici, with allialies, earths or metals. Murict^ tic Acid. (See Add MuriaticJ Muriate of Ant 17)10711/. (See Butter of A7\tinio7nj.) Muriate of Quicksilver. (See Sublimate.) Muriate of Soda. (See Suit. J MUSK. An animal substance, remark- able for its powerful odour : in medicine it is employed as an antispasmodic, but its ex- travagant price has prevented veterinarians from i^ivin"- it a trial. MUSTARD. Though chiefly employed for culinary purposes, it deserves to rank rather high in our Materia Medica, particu- larly as an external application. When flour of mustard is made into a thin paste with water, and carefully rubbed on the skin for some time, it excites considerable inflammation and swelling. This property renders it extremely useful in cases oi inter- nal inflammation, particularly when the bawels or* lungs are aflPected. This paste is rendered stronger by the addition of oil of turpentine. (See jE7nbrocations, Pharm.J Mustard may be given internally with good effect, in cases which require strong ^stimulants. MYRRH. A gummy resinous substance,. Mo-sK— xirnE. 131 of a pleasant sraeii, and a bitter pungent taste : it is much used in medical practice, as a tonic and stimulant, and I think I have seen a good effect from it in horses ; in weakness of stomach, diminished appetite, and imperfect digestion ; in such cases I have given it with about two drams of aloes and a little soap ; a little ginger also has been occasionally added : it is often joined with preparations of steel or iron. There is a simple and a compound tincture of myrrh, sold by druggists : the former is not used in veterinary practice, but the lat- ter is a favourite remedy with grooms, and farriers, for recent wounds. The dose of myrrh, is from two to four drams. NARCOTICS. Medicines that stupify and procure sleep ; such as opium » &c. NATRON. (See6W«.) NIGHTSHADE. (See Deacil}/ Night- shade.) NITRE, Saltpetre or Nitrated Kali, or Potash. A neutral salt, formed by the com- bination of nitrous acid and potash, or kali. This is a medicine of great utility in veteri- nary practice, and highly esteemed both by Q 6 \?ji MATt.RIA ME Die A. farriers and veterinarians. It possess es cooling and diuretic property, which ren- ders it extremely useful in fevers, and alt inflammatory complaints ; joined with cam- phor, it is an excellent remedy for suppres- sion of urine or stranguary, provided it does not arise from inflaujmation of the kidneys. (See Compendium.) In fevers, it is often joined with emetic tartar, or antimonial powder, with good ef- fect. In catarrh I have often given opium and sq^iill, in obslinate coughs, with success ; but the ef- fect is not ajvvays permanent. Opium is very apt to produce costiveness in horses, but this tendency may be, in a great measure, counteracted by exercise; when it does take })lace, it may be removed by glisters, bran mashes, or a laxative ball. The medium dose of opium is one dram, but if given in the form of glyster, which it sometimes is with the best effect, two drams will not be too much. In human medicine, opium is frequently- used in the form of a tincture; in veterinary practice it is most convenient in a solid form. Should a liquid form be at any time necessary, a watery solution (using the sedi- ment as well as the clear part) is preferable to the tincture. OPOPONAX. A gum resin, nearly re- sembling galbanum in its medical qualities, though so much inferior that it does not merit any notice as a veterinary medicine. OPODELDOC is made by dissolving soap and Camphor in spirit of rosemary. It is either liquid or solid, according to the proportion of soap. In the solid state,, it 140 MAT£R]7\ MEDICA. secnis to be the same as the celebrated Steers' s Opodeldoc. (See Pharm. article Enibrocatiois.J It is a popular remedy for strains and bruises, and is a very proper application when the inflammation, which always ac- companies those complaints at first, has subsided, or have been removed by other remedies. (See the CGmpendium.J ORIGANUM. The essential oil of this plant is much used by farriers, as an ingre- dient in their strain oils, or mixtures for bruises. It is a very powerful stimulant, and capable of doing much good in those complaints : it is sometimes mixed with mercurial ointment, oil of bay, and cantha- rideb^, to form strong blisters. (See Pharm.) ORPIMENT. (See Arsenic, ijclloxc.J OYSTER SHELL, when burnt and levi- gated, is employed as an absorbent.. The dose is about one ounce. OXIGEN. A constituent part of atmos- pheric air, witliout which it would be unfit for respiration. Im breathing;-, we deprive the air of, this pure and vital principle ; it is therefore unfit for the purpose a second time; and if an aiMma! be confined in air ORIGANUM — PELLITORY OF SPAIN. 141 diat has been once respired, life is almost instantly extinguished. Hence may be in- ferred the necessity of ventilating stables: for althouo-b in close stables the air is not wholly deprived of this principle, yet its proportion is considerably diminished : and it is well known, that when there is a defi- ciency of this animating principle, the sys- tem is debilitated, and all its functions im- perfectly performed ; wlience arise cough, broken-wind, diseased eyes, &c. &c. Per- haps future observation may enable us to add glanders to the list of diseases caused by foul air. OXYD. The calxes of metals are now termed oxijds^ on account of their containing a certain proportion of oxigen (the acidify- ing principle;) but not sufficient to give them the properties of aia acid. The term oxyd^ signifying an impci'fect acid. But this subject more properly belongs to a che- mical work. PA LM OIL. (See Oil of Palm. J PELLITORY OF SPAIN, the root. This is used chiefly to relieve the tooth-ache, and pain abour. the jaws ; vviiich it docs by caus . ing a copious discharge of saliva, when kept 142 MATERIA MEDICA. in the month a short time. It is not neces- sary in veterinary practice. PECTORAJLS. Medicines that relieve coucrhj and disorders of the lungs. (See Pharm.) PENNYROYAL. The essential oil of this herb possesses a carminative power, but is very inferior to that of peppermint. PEPPER, BLACK. This is often used bv farriers in the cbolic, but is bv no means an eligible remedy, and is often given very improperly. I once saw a farrier give two ounces, in half a pint of Daffy's Elixir, to a mail horse, that was said to be attacked with gripes, and he condescended to give me the following scientific explanation of the manner in which it was to act. '• The Pepper is to break the windj and the Daffy^s Elixir is to drive it outy I remonstrated, and endeavoured to rescue the poor animal, who suflered from iii/lammation of the bowels, but to no purpose; the poisonous drench was given, and in the evening the horse died. I mention this circumstance as a caution to those who are too fond of giv- ing those very hot remedies in pains of the bowels, without inquiring into the nature TECTORALS — PITCH. !43 X3f the complaint. There are cases no doubt, ill which pepper may be given with advantage, particularly in flatulent com-" plaints j but these must be carefully dis- tinguished from such as are inflammatory, for in these, pepper is absolutely poisonous. (Seethe Cempendiumj in which are plain directions for distinguishing between flatu- lent and inflammatory cholic.) The dose of black pepper is from half an ounce to an ounce. PEPPER, CAYENNE. (See Cayenne Pepper.) PEPPER, LONG. Is rather stronger than black pepper. PEPPER, JAMAICA. (See Jamaica Pepper J or All spice. J PEPPERMINT. (See Mint.J PHOSPHORUS. A very combustible substance, made either from bones or urine. Experiments have been made at the Veter- inary College to ascertain its medical quah- ties ; it proved to be a very dangerous me- dicine, inflaming the stomach ia small doses. PINK ROOT. (See Indian Pink. J PITCH, A black and impure resinous 144 ' MATERIA MEDIC A. substance, used by farriers in making charges. (See Burgundy/ Pitch.) POiMEGRANATE. The dried fruit is a moderately strong astringent, and is some- times employed in diarrhoea, particularly in horned cattle. The dose is from half an ounce loan ounce. It may be joined with alum, ginger, and other auxiliaries, and occasionaliy with opium. POPPY. The heads oi poppy dried make a o-ood fomentation for wounds and tumours that are in a painful and irritable state ; for which purpose they are to be broken in pieces^ and boiled in water, so as to make a strong decoction. This decoction proves very serviceable in irritability of the blad- der, if used as a glyster, the bowels having been previously emptied ; for this purpose the decoction should be made stronger, by boiiino; it for some time. It seems very probable that the good ef- fect of this decoction depends in a great measure upon the opium which is extracted from the poppy heads ; it may be better, therefore, to dissolve in water-gruel a pro- per dose of opium, when an anodyne glyster POMEGRANATE — ?0 TASM. 14'V IS required, as we cannot be accurate in re- spect to quantity when the decoction o^ Pop- pies is employed. POTASH, Carbonate of, Prepared Kali, or the Vegetable Alkali. The potash of cainmerce is in a very impure state, and not applicable to chemical or medical purposes. When properly puritied, it is joined with purgatives arid tonics with advantage. In those cases which require the use of tonics^ there is generally an acidity in the stomach, which potash corrects ; and it renders pur- gative medicines more easy of solution. Given alone it generally acts as a diuretic. When neutralized with acids, it has a laxa- tive property, hut requires to be given in larofe doses. With vitriolic acid it forms vitriolated tartar, or sal polychrest (vitrio- lated kali) ; with nitrous acid, that very use- ful' medicine termed nitre, (nitrated kali J. y which, contrary to what we have just observ- ed, is a diuretic in a moderate dose (See Nitre) ; and with vinegar, or acetous aci(U it makes soluble tartar ( iartarized kali.) The purified potash is named in the sliops pre^ pared kali ; but formerly salt of tartar, or wormwood. Wlien potash is deprived of 146 MATERIA MEDICA. the carbonic acid with which it is naturally combined, it becomes a strong caustic ; and when diluted is sometimes employed as a wash for the mange. In this state it is term- ed pure kali, and is seldom used internally. ( See Alkalies.) PRECIPITATE, RED, or Red Nitrated Quicksilver. This is extremely useful as a mild caustic or detergent, and has an excel- lent effect in foul ulcers. It may be used either alone, being finely powdered and sprinkled on the affected part, or mixed with various ointments. (See Detergents.) It is made from quicksilver and nitrous acid, but is considerably weaker than a solution of that metal in nitrous acid. It becomes, however, a strong and very efficacious caus- tic when dissolved in nitrous acid ; in which state, by proper management, it readily | cures fistula, poll evil, and canker. This solution may also be mixed with unctuous substances, forming with them good deter- - gent ointments ; or it may be diluted with water so as to form a detergent lotion of considerable efficacy. PREPARED KALI. (See Potash.) PUFFBALL. The dust of puff-ball is PRECIPITATE, RED — QUICKSILVER. 147 sometimes used to stop bleeding ; but no- thing of this sort should be depended upon when the bleeding: is considerable. Pressure being much more effectual. QUx\SSIA. A powerful bitter, and a good medicine in cases of weakness of the stomach. It is generally given in powder in doses from two to three drams, joined with ginger, or some other stimulant, and a small quantity of soda or potash. QUICKLIME. (See Lime.J QUICKSILVER, or Mercury. The most useful of all the metals for medical purposes. In its metallic state, it is inert, but when combined with oxygen, or any of the acids, it becomes extremely active; and though one of the most valuable articles of the Ma- teria Medica, requires considerable skill and experience to be employed with advantage. The most simple preparations of quicksilver are, mercurial ointment, ^Ethiop's mineral, and cinnabar. These may be employed with little danger : they seem, indeed, jto be of very little use as horse medicines, except the ointment, which is a good external ap- plication ; and in human medicine a very valuable preparation. The more active H 2 148 MATERIA MEDICA. mercurials are, sublimate (muriated quick- silver), red precipitate (red nitrated quick- silver), turpeth mineral (vitriolated quick- silver) and calomel, each of which is des- cribed in its proper place. Quicksilver oxydated, or Calcined- Mercnrx). A reddish powder, into which quicksilver is converted by being kept in a certain decree of heat a sufficient length of time, and in a vessel adapted to the purpose. It is an active mercurial, butrarelj employ- ed in veterinary practice. The dose is from half a dram to one dram. RATTLESNAKE ROOT. This is now neglected by medical practitioners, and in- applicable to veterinary purposes. RAKING. A term employed by farriers for an operation which consists in intro- ducing the hand into the horse's rectum^ j and drawing out any hardened excrement that may lodged there. This mry gene- rally be effected more to the purpose, and with greater ease to the animal, by means of glysters. REALGAR. A natural combination of sulphur and arsenic, not used as a medicine, (See Arscnic.J RATTLESNAKE ROOT — RECTIFIED SPIRIT. 145 RECTIFIED SPIRIT. Alkohol, or Spi- rit of Wine, This is obtained in a dilute state, from fermented liquors by distillatioiij and is afterwards rectified or concentrated, by repeating the operation two or three tinies. Rectified spirit is the basis of many useful embrocations, for strains, bruises, &c. It dissolves camphor, and all the resins very readily ; hence we have camphorated spirit, opodeldoc, Fryar's balsam, &c. Mixed with an equal quantity of water it forms what is termed proof spirit, which is the liquid ge- nerally employed for making tinctures. Rect.Jied Spirit is often used alone as an em- brocation for strains ; and, when the injury is deeply seated, is very serviceable. I think, however, it is rendered more effica- cious by the addition of camphor, or oil of rosemary. Rectified spirit is never em- ployed as an internal remedy in the horse ; though fermented liquors, such as beer, porter, or wine, have been often given with great advantage, in cases which required cordials. I have often seen horses, that have been so fatigued with a long chase or jour- ney, as to refuse their food and appear quite exhausted, wonderfully refreshed by taking H 3 150 MATERIA MEDICA, a cordial ball in a pint or more of beer, and feed soon after with great alacrity : the ad- vantage thus derived is not merely tempo- rary, as they are by this treatment render- ed adequate to another chase or journey much quicker than they would otherwise be. (See Cordials^ Pharm.J I have known wine given in obstinate diarrhoea with good effect. It may be asked, why diluted alkohol, or rectified spirit, is not equally useful, since it is the essential principle of all fermented liquors. The reason is this : when rectified spirit is diluted with water to any degree, the combination is so weak, that the heat of the stomach readily separates the former, which from its volatility attaches itself to all the superior parts of the stomach, acting on them as rectified spirit; whereas in ferment- ed liquors, the spirit and water are so firmly united, that the heat of the stomach is not sufficient to separate them. This may be proved by experiments out of the body, and sufficiently accounts for the difference we observe between the action of diluted spirit, and fermented liquors in the human sto- mach : but in the horse great part of this REGULUS OF ANTIMONY — RESINS. 151 organ is covered by an insensible mem- brane ; and as spirit has never been fairly tried on this animal, it is worth while to make some experiments on the subject. I once gave six ounces of brandy, diluted, with the best effect, to a horse that was once done up in a journey ; it enabled him to continue it, without any apparent incon- venience, REGULUS OF ANTIMONY. Common or crude antimony, deprived of its sulphur, and brought to a metallic state." It is never used as a horse medicine. In the human body it is said to v-^perate with great violence. REPELLENTS. A term employed by the old school, for medicines that were sup- posed to have the power of causing tumours or eruptions to recede from the surface of the body. The term is founded upon a false theory, and has been the cause of much mis- chief in practice. To be convinced of this, the reader may cons:; It mode'*'! woiks on physiology. RESIN8a^. It appears to promote the growth of horn, by gently stimulating the secretory vessels of that part. Tlie rotten parts of the frog having been carefully removed with a knife, and the rest well cleaned, the tar is to be melted and poured into the cleft or cavity : a pledget of tow is then to be laid on the part, and con- fined by some proper contrivance. In bad cases, a small proportion of vitriolic acid should be carefully mixed with the iar ; and when a thrush has degenerated into the dis- ease termed canker, a larger yn'oportion of the acid should be employed. (Sec Lim- yiients, Phurm. ) y^i^r, mixed with oil of turpentine, and cantharidcs, forms a strong blister. Farriers SULPHUR— TIX. 169 sometimes employ tar as a remedy for cough, but it more frequently aggrax-ates than re- lieves the complaint. (See also, Barhadoes Ta}\) TARTAR. An acid substance, found aboutthe sides and bottomsof casks in which wine is fermented , when purified, it is term- ed chrvstals, or cream of tartar. Farriers generally employ it in their purging medi- cines, upon the authority of some old wri- ters, who supposed it to have the property of correcting: aloes, but in the horse it is a very inert medicine, and in my opinion, of very little use. TARTAR EMETIC-(Seei:??zd/6-7anVr.) TARTARIZED ANTIMONY. (See Emetic Tartar.) TARTAR SOLUBLE, or Tartarized Kali. A neutral salt, not used in veterinary mediciiie. TARTAR, VITRIOLATED. A neutral salt, not adapted to veterinan* purposes. TIN. This metal is a o-ood antlreimintic in dogs, and though not. employed in veteri- nary practice, appears to be worth a trial. I have seen great numbers of worms discharg-- €d from dogs, by giving filings or scrapings 1 170 MATERIA MEDICA. of pewter, which is composed principally of tin and lead. TOBACCO. This is 5?ometimes given to horses by grooms, for the purpose of keep- ing their legs fine ; it generally acts as a diuretic* TORMENTIL, The root is a powerful astringent, and is sometimes employed in the diarrhoeas of horses and horned cattle, with good effect. One ounce, or one ounce and a half, be- ing boiled in three pints of water, to one pint and a half, with a little cassia,- and caraway seeds, makes one dose, which may be repeated if necessary. TRAGACANTH, or Gum Dragon. This gum makes a strong mucilage, and may be employed in making emollient drinks. TURBITH MINERAL, Yellow Mercurial Eynetic, or Vitviolatecl Quicksilver. This mercurial preparation is seldom used in vete- rinary practice, being apt to irritate the sto- * A short time since an infusion of about two ounces of tobacco in a quart of beef was given to a horse merely for the purpose of keeping his heehs /iue. He died immediately after taking it. TOBACCO— TURPENTINE. 171 niacb and bowels, and bring on violent purging ; but it has been recommended as a remedy for farcy. The dose is from half a dram to a dram. It is a good emetic for dogs, when they have swallowed any poisonous substance^ or at the commencement of the distemper, TURMEKirK. This root, though for- merly employed, and still highly esteemed, by farriers, as a remedy for the jaundice, or yellows, does not appear to differ from other aromatic stimulants, which quality it pos- sesses in a moderate degree. The dose is about one ounce. TURNIPS. Boiled /z^r;2z/?j make an ex- cellent poultice for the heels when affected witn grease. TURPENTINE. This term is applied to tlie resinous juices of certain trees. There are four kinds, viz. Chio, Strasburgh, Ve- nice, and comm.on turpentine, the two last only, are employed in veterinary medicine. They are effectual diuretics, ai\d possess a considerable carminative power. Common turpentine is a principal ingredient in diges- tive and detergent ointments- By distilla- tion we obtain from it the oij^orasit is 1 2 172 MATERIA MEDICA. sometimestermed, the spirit, of turpentine, a medicine of great utility : In doses from one ounceto two ounces, it frequently cures the flatulent cholic, or gripes, and when combined with caniphor, and other stimu- lants, makes a good embrocation for indu- rated swellings, strains, and bruises. When properly mixed with mustard, it forms an embrocation, that has been found service- able in counteracting: 27z/^7V?^/ inflammation. I have seen it applied to obstinate ulcers with a^ood effect. It is an useful in2:redient in blistering ointment, and liniments. Venict Turpeniine is gcneraliy made by mixing the oil with the common turpen- tine, which is easily done when the latter is melted. Venice Turpentine \s sometimes employed as an ingredient in cough medicines. The dose is about half an ounce. But if given as a remedy for flatulent cholic, or as a diu- retic, a larger quantity is necessary. It makes an excellent detergent ointment, if mixed with about a fourth or a third part of red precipitate, finely powdered. TUTTY. A grey earthy substance, not used in veterinary practice. T-ctTY — VERDIGRIS. 173 VALEUIAN. IVc dried root is employed by medical practitloncvsj in spasinodic anvl nervous complaint--, but t^iere is no disease in the horse in wiiiuh it is iikeiy to be ser- viceable. VERDIGRIS. The rust of Copper. It is made in wine countries, by burying thin copper-plates in the refuse parts of the grape, after the juice has been pressed out. It is employed externally as a mild caustic, or detergent, and is frequently mixed with common tmpentine, or ointments, for the same purpose. (See Detergents, Pharm.) When verdigris is dissolved in distilled vinegar, and chrystallized, it becomes con- siderably stronger, and will be found an ex- cellent remedy for quittors. (See the Com- ■ pendium.) In this state it is called chrystal- lized, or distilled x;od3', and is the s-jbstance which causes the deleterious errects which copper vessels, when employed for culinary purposes, have sometimes occasioned. VERMILION. This is prepared nearly in the same way as cinnabar, but as a little arsenic is sometimes employed to heighten its colour, it is never used for medical pur- poses. VESICATORIES. A term synonimous with blisters. VINEGAR. Though medical practition- ers prefer distilled vinegar, yet, for ve- terinary purposes, the best imdistilled vine* ^ar is just as proper. In makes an useful embrocation with about a tenth part of W ammon.'ac or muriate of ammonia, for in- flamed svvellin>i-5 ; and when n(?.utralize(l with prepared ammonia, or salt of hartshorn, forms a preparation sometimes employed ii» fevers, and termed Minderus's spirit. Vinegar is sometimes used alone as an embrocation for strains, bruises, or inflamed swellings of any kind, and often with suc- cess; it may be made more effectual, how- VERMILIOxN — VITRIOLATED IRON. 175 tiver, by the addition of sal ammoniac anu proof spirit, or by being mixed witli a small quantity of sugar of lead and water, accord- ins: to the circumstances of the case. A solution of hon^y in vinegar is termed an cxymel, and is sometimes used as a remedy for coughs ; this is said to be nearly the same preparation as Godbold's vegetable sy- rup, which has been sometimes recommend- ed by farriers, to cure " broken wind,-'' an incurable disease ! VIPERS' FAT, is similar in its medical qualities to common fat ; though formerly supposed to be a remedy for the bite of the viper, and other venomous reptiles. VITRIOL, a term commonly applied to those salts of which vitriolic acid is a consti- tuent part ; the London college, however, gives names expressive of their composi- tion, thws, white vitriol, w\\\c]\ IS, composed of vitriolic acid and zinc, is named vitrioU 4ited zinc. VITRIOLIC ACID. (See Acid Vi^ trio lie. J VITRIOLATED COPPER. (See Blue Vitriol. J VITRIOLATED IKON, GrcenVitriol or J 4 3 76 MATERIA xMEDICA. Copperas, this resembles salt of steel, in its medical qualities. (See Salt of Steel. J VITRIOLATED KALI, or Vitriolatcd Tartar, jiot used in veterinary medicine. VITRIOLATED NATRON, or Soda. (See Glauber'' s Sal.) VITRIOLATED aUICKSILVER. (See Turbeth Mineral.) VITRIOLATED ZIHC, White Vitriol,ox Copperas. This has been recommended as a tonic remedy, in doses from half an ounce to six drams. But! have seen it given to the extent of twelve ounces at one dose, to a glandered horse, by way of experiment, without producing much inconvenience : the only effect produced, was upon the uri- nary organs, occasioning a frequency and a little difficulty in staling. It is a good appli- cation to indolent ulcers, and in the latter stages of grease. (See Astringent, and To- 7iics, Fharm.J A weak solution of white vitriol is often employed as an eye water. WAX. Bees wax is used only in the com- position of ointments and plasters, WINE. Port wine has been strongly re- commended in obstinate diarrhoeas, accom- panied with debility. A little cassia, or VITRIOLATED KALI — WORMWOOD. 177 ginger, is generally added to it, and on some occasions , opium. It is certainly a powerful cordial, and may be advantageously employ- ed when such remedies are required. It has been given in the diarrhoea of horned cattle with good effect. The dose is about half a pint; but a horse accustomed to cordials will take more. WINTER'S BARK. A pleasant stimu- lant ; and though not commonly used in veterinary practice, may be given with good effect in cases of indigestion, and weakness of stomach. The dose one ounce, every morning. WOLF'S BANE, or Aconite. A danger- ons medicine in the horse, and never em- ployed, its effect having been ascertained npon glandered horses. WORM SEED. Not used in veterinary medicine. WORMWOOD, a strong aromatic bit- ter, but rarely employed as an internal re- medy. It is a principal ingredient in fo- mentations. Its essential oil is very strong, and is sometimes added to worm-balls, but 1 5 !78 MATERIA MEDIC A. it does not appear to possess any peculiar qualities. WORT. An infusion of malt, and a very useful drink in the decline of fevers, being nutritious and easy of digestion. ZEDOAllY. The root is a pleasant aro- matic stimulant, not unlike turmerick, but stronger. It has been recommended in jaun- dice, or yellows, but can be serviceable only, by counteracting the debilitating effects of that disorder. ZINC. This metal affords only two me- dicinal preparations, viz. vitriolated zinc and flowers of zinc. The former we have al- ready noticed : the other is scarcely ever employed in veterinary practice, but may be serviceable, as an application to ulcers, to promote their heahng, or cicatrization, as it is termed. THE VETERINARY PHARMACOPCEIA; OR, INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPOUNDING HORSE MEDICINES, PREPARING THE VARIOUS SUBSTA>XES EMPLOYED IN VETERINARY PRACTICE, In the most Convenient and Efficacious Manner ; WITH A LARGE COLLECTION OF VALUABLE RECEIPTS, OF ESTABLISHED EFFICACY. I 5 INTRODUCTION. IN describing the various substances used in Kiediclne, it was thought adviseable to adopi an alphabetical order, in preference to those more scientific modes of arraDgemcnt which have been recommended by medical writers, as not only more simple, but better adapted to the general reader. In this part of our work, hov/ever, it will be necessary to bring the compositions or formulas under certain classes ; the receipts for Pliusic, for example, will come under the head Ca:har-' tics ; but these classes will be placed alphabetically. In the Materia Medica, all the simple vege- table medicines have been faithfully described, their particular effects upon the horse pointed out, and the different doses in which they may be give a with safety and advantage, accurately noticed ; at the same time, such obsei'vations have been intro- duced respecting the diseases in v/hich the medi- cines are applicable, as appj:ired requisite j all those chemical preparations which are eliipioyed in the practice of medicine arc likewise iully des. ciibed. fNTRODUCTlON. The Pharmacopeia contains Instructions for compounding or mixinjr those simple medicines and preparations in such a v/ay, that they may mutualiy assist each other in their CiiAti\e opera- tion ; and sometimes produce effect** that cannot be obtained from either of them individually. Many of those persons who undertake to com- pound horse medicine, are unacquainted with che- mistry, and not aware, that by improper mixtures, the original qualities of the ingredients may b3 destroyed ; thus, by mixing vitriolic acid, or oil of vitriol, with pure soda, both of which are powerful caustics, we produce that innocent com- j)Ound, termed Glauber's salt. Mistakes of this kind are very common in books of farriery, which -therefore can seldom be depended upon. Another very common error in those books, a§ well as in the recipes of farriers in general, is, that instead of mixing medicines that are similar in their nature, and capable of co-operating in the removal of diseases, they frequently direct the most heteroi^eneous mixtures, uniting medicines of •opposite qualities in the same ball or drtnclu In our Pharmacopoeia we have endeavoured to avoid those errors ; the compounds are directed according to the principles of chemistry ; and such only are recommended ai hnve been found effica- cious in practice. PHARMACOPCEIA. Abluents. Medicines that were sup- posed to purify the blood, by carrying off any noxious matter that may be mixed with it. It has been proved that noxious matter does sometimes exist in the blood*, but we do not know any medicine that has the power oi washing it away, or expelling it, as the term abluent implies. The glanders of horses seems to arise from the introduction of a peculiar poison into the mass of blood, like the venereal disease, but the effect of this poison is produced upon the solids: the blood serving merely as a vehicle for it. It is generally known that mercury is a rem.edy * The blood of a glandered horse was transfused into the jugular vein of a healthy ass, by Mr. Cole- man ; after a short time the ass was completely glandered. 184- PHARMACOPCEIA. for the venereal disease, but it does not ap- pear to produce its beneticial effects, by ex- pelling the venereal poison from the system, or by uniting with it, and changing its poi- sonous quality ; it is more probable that it renders the solich unsusceptible of the vene- real action ; and that by continuino: the use of it a sufficient length of t:me, the poison will be ev'.cuated from the s\ stem, like all other extraneous or noxious matter which may haj)pen to get into it; an opinion which I believe originated with the late Mr. John Hunter. Is it not probable that the glanders (a dis- ease which has hitherto proved incurable), may at some future period be successfully treated, by keeping this opinion in view ? This idea is thrown out as a hint to those who may wish to investigate the Glanders, and endeavour to find out a remedy for so destructive a disease. ABSORBENTS. Medicines that n, utra- lize or destroy any acid matter that may hap- pen to be in the stomach ; which in the hcrse is indicated by a disposition to eat litter or dirt in preference to hay. It is probable that this condition of the ABSORBENTS — ALEXIPHARMICS. 185 Stomach depends upon debility, and imper- fect secretion of the gastric juice, or an un- healthy action of the liver; it will be advisa- abie, therefore, to give ionics and stimulants vjrith the absorbent medicines ; and these I have always found more efficacious if pre- ceded by a laxative. ABSORBENTS. No. 1. Prepared chalk six drams. Powdered gentian, two drams. Aromatic powder, one dram and half No* 2. Prepared kali, one dram and half. Powdered quassia, two drams. Powdered ginger, two drams. Oil of carraway, twelve drops. — Mix. No. 3. Prepared natron, or Soda, two drams. Powdered columba, three drams. Cassia, powdered, one dram, — Mix. These medicines may be made into balls with a little flour and syrup, or honey. One ball should be given every morning. ALEXIPHARMICS. It was formerly supposed that certain compositions possess- ed the specific power of expelling poisons of all kinds from the system ; of this kind were Venice treacle, and A ndromac lias's treachy which were termed Alexipharmics. IS6 PHARMACOPOEIA. Ill modern practice those medicines are never used, nor is any credit given to the opinion, so that the term is become obsolete, ALTERATIVES. Medicines that gradu- ally change the system from a diseased to a healthy state ; the medicines commonly used as alteratives, are given in very small doses, so that their effect is scarcely perceptible ; nor do they prevent a horse from continuing his usual work, or render it necessary to make any alteration in his diet. In the Ma^ teria Medtca, we endeavoured to shew the propriety of dividing alteratives into three classes, viz. laxative, diuretic, and diapha- retic, which plan we shall now follovv. LAXATIVE ALTERATIVES. No. 1. Barbadoes aloes, ten drams, Castile soap, one ounce. Aniseed powdered, one ounce and a half. Oil of cloves, 20 drops. Syrup enough to form the mass for four balls, one to be given every morning uniil the bowels are moderately opened. No. 2. Barbadoes aloes one ounce. Calomel, one dram and a half. ALTERATIVES. 187 Golden sulphur of antimon}^, half an ounce. Powdered carraway seeds, one ounce. Sjnip enough to form the mass, to be di- * vided into four balls, and given like the pre- ceding No. I. No. 3. Flower of sulphur, six ounces. Tartarized antimony, six drams. Mix for six doses. This may be given in the form of powder, xiaily ; few horses will refuse it in their corn, which should be previously moistened. No. 4. Liver of antimony, three ounces. Cream of tartar, four ounces. Mix for six doses, one to be given daily, or until the bowels are opened. DIURETIC ALTERATIVES. No. 1. Yellow rosin, powdered, six drams. Nitre, half an ounce. Mix for one dose to be given dail3%. No. 2. Flower of sulphur and liver of anti' mony, of each half an ounce. Nitre, three drams. Mix for one dose, to be given daily. No. 3. Prepared natron, or soda (reduced to powder by exposure to the air,) one ounce. Castile soap, six drams. 188 PHAIlMACOPCEIA. Powdered resin, two ounces. Liquorice powder, half an ounce. Barbadoes tar, enough lo form a mass for six balls, one to be given daily. DIAPHORETIC ALTERATIVES. No. 1. Antimony , finely levigated, oneounce. To be given daily in the horse's corn. No. 2. Unwashed calx of antimony, three drams. Powdered anise seed, one ounce and a half. Mix for two doses, one to be sfiven dailv. No, 3. Tartarized antimony, one dram. Strong muriate of quicksilver, twelve grains. Arrowroot, prepared, half an ounce. Grains of paradise, two drams. Oil of carraway, ten drops. Syrup enough to form the ball for one dose. Remark — This is an excellent remedy in obstinate cuta'^eous complaints, as surfeit, farcy, &c. Tne quantity of muriate of quicksilver shouiJ be gradually increased; (See Suh'amatt^ Mat. Med.) but if it occa- sion sickness, giiping, or purging, or if it makes the mouth sore, it must be discon* ANALEPTICS — ANODYNES. 189 tinued a short time, and afterwards given in diminished doses. This remark applies to all the preparations of mercury, when given as alteratives. ANALEPTICS. Medicines that recruit the strength. (See Restoratives, Cordials, and Tonics.) The celebrated Jameses Analeptic Pills, appear to be composed principally of aloes and James's powder. (See Febrifuges. J ANODYNES. Medicines that relieve pain; of which opium is the most powerful. When pain is occasioned by inflammation it is sel- dom proper to employ opium, or any medi- cine of tliat kind, but wh^n it depends upon sjmsvi, or irritation, no medicines are so be- neficial. In inflammation of the bowels, for example, opium would certainly do much injury, but in the flatulent or spasmodic cholic it seldom fails of giving relief. (See Anodjnes, Materia Medici.) ANODYNES. No. 1. Opium, one dram. Castile soap, two drams. Powdored aniseed, lialf an ounce. To be made into a ball with svrup for one do3e. IDO PHARMACOP(EIA. No. 2. Opium and balsam of toliij of each one dram. Camphor, one dram ?L"nd a half. Castile soap, two drams. To be made into a ball for one dose. No. 3. Opium, two scruples, Russia castor, two drams. To be mixed with peppermint water, eight ounces. To this add expeditiously, of ether,, six drams. This drench must be given with great ex- pedition, as the ether evaporates in the com- mon temperature of the atmosphere. The eftects of henbane, hemlock, and other nar- cotics are very uncertain, and cannot be de- pended upon. ANTISEPTICS. This term is applied to medicines that correct or prevent pu- tridity. The only occasion, nearly, on which they are required in veterinary practice is, when wounds or bruises shew a tendency to gan- grene, or mortification 5 discharging an offen- sive, ill-looking matter. (See Antiseptics, Materia MedicaJ Antiseptics are employed also externally. (See Poultice and Fomentation.) ANTISEPTICS. li>l ANTISEPTIC MIXTURE, for gangrene or mortification of the external parts. No, 1. Take of Peruvian bark, one ounce. Powdered ginger, two drams. Opium, one dram. — Mix for one dose. No. 2. Powdered snake root, one ounce. Salt of hartshorn, one dram. Cassia, powdered, one dram and a half. — Mix for one dose. No. 3. Opium and salt of hartshorn, of each one dram. Camphor, one dram and a half. Aromatic powder, two drams. Mix for one dose. No. 4. Colombo root powdered, one ounce. Capsicum, otie dram and a half. Oil of carraway, fifteen drops. Remark — These receipts may be given either in form of balls or drenches, but I think the latter preferable, as we can em- ploy a vehicle that will contribute consider- ably to the effect of the medicine. The best ^ liquid for this purpose is port wine ; porter, or good strong beer, will, however general- ly answer the purpose very well. The drench should be given once or twice in 192 PHARMACOPOEIA. twenty-four hours, according to the effect produced, and the nature of the case. A strong decoction of oak bark is not a bad vehicle for those medicines. We have be- fore observed; that opium is liable to pro- duce costiveness. When thiS effect is ob- served from it, a glyster of water-gruel will be useful. The dose of bark and snake-root may be increased, when the quantity pre- scribed does not produce the desired effect. A small addition mav be also made to the doses of salt of hartshorn, and camphor, should it be thought necessary. We have not recommended any receipt for internal gangrene, or mortification, because it is al- ways fatal in the horse, and they are not sub- ject to those disorders termed putrid, or ty- phus, fevers so dangerous in the humeui sub- ject. But in cases of ^.lYc^r??^/ mortification, the above receipts will be found extremely, serviceable; the}' should be assisted, how- ever, by a proper diet, consisting of such food as is nutritious and easy of digestion; such as bruised oats and malt, wih a mode- rate quantity of carrot . When the horse is off his food, he .should be drenched with Qood watcr-gruel, or arrow root, and sweet wort. ANTISPASMODICS. 195 Great attention is required in the groom, as well as frequent and assiduous application of proper fomentations, &c. ANTISPASMODICS. Medicines that cure, or relieve spasmodic diseases. (See Materia Medica.) ANTISPASMODIC MIXTURE, for flatulent cholic. No. 1. Oil of turpentine, two ounces. Cold water-gruel, one pint. Mix for one dose. ^ejnark — To an inexperienced person, this might appear a very formidable re- medy ; but it is not only very safe, but sel- dom fails of giving relief: many practi- tioners give it in much larger doses; indeed, I have often known four ounces given at a dose, with the best effect. No. 2. Camphor, one dram and a half. Ether, six drams. Essence of peppermint, from one to two drams. Water, one pint,— Mix for one dose. Essence of pepperviiiit is made by dissolv- ing one part of oil of peppermint in five of rectified spirit. The bottle must be well shaken, in order K 194 PHARMACOPCEIA. to mix the ether with the other ingredients, and the camphor should be first dissolved in the essence of peppermint. No. 3. Tincture of opium one ounce. Oil of juniper, two drams. Sweet spirit of nitre, one ounce. Water a pint. — Mix for one dose. No, 4. Opium, one dram. Camphor, one dram and a half. Powdered ginger, two drams. Castile soap, three drams. To be made into a ball with syrup, for one dose. Remark — The flatulent, or spasmodic cho- lie, must be carefully distinguished from the inflammatory, and from that which depends upon costiveness. It is always necessary to empty the bowels by means of glysters ; and, should the horse have appeared dull and heavy, previous to the attack, it will be adviseable to bleed. If costiveness at» tends it, give a laxative drench after the paroxysm, which will prevent its return. Those who travel with crib-biting horses, or one that is often attacked with this com- plamt, should always have a remedy at hand, for which purpose No. 4. is recommended. AMTISPASMODiCS. 195 It may be easily dissolved in strong boer, or peppermint water, and given as a drench. To distinguish the inflammatory cholic the Compendium may be consulted. ANTISPASMODIC MIXTURES, for locked jayv. No. I. Opium one dram and a half. Camphor, two drams. Ginger, three drams. To be made into a ball with syrup, for one dose, or mixed with some stimulating fluid (such as strong brandy and water, about eioht ounces ; or eight ounces of spirituous peppermint water), and given as a drench. No. 2. Ether, one ounce. Compound tincture of cardamoms, four ounces. Peppermint water six ounces. Mix for one dose. It is necessary to observe, that the locked jaxv generally proves fatal to horses ; but it is worth while, when the jaws are not so firndy closed as to prevent the exhibition of medicine, to try the above, I have known one case in which camphor and opium suc- ceeded ; it was necessary, however, to give it in considerable doses, beginning wiilx that which we have prescribed, and gradual^ k2 196 PHARMACOPOEIA. \y increasing it. Some practitioners re- commend blisters, and others fomentations, to the jaws; stimulating gl3^sters and the cold bath have also been advised. Strong blisters to the spine, from the withers to the tail, have been recommended as the best remedy. ANTISPASMODIC MIXTURES, for old or chro- nic cough. No. 1 . Assafoetida, half an ounce. Powdered squill, one dram. Castile soap and Venice turpentine, of each, two drams. Mix for one dose. No. 2. Gum ammoniacum, half an ounce. Balsam of tolu, two drams. Liquorice powder, and powdered squills, of each one dram. Oil of anise seed, twenty drops. Balsam of sulphur, enough to form the ball, for one dose. No. 3. Powdered squill, and camphor, of each, one dram. Powdered opium, half a dram. Castile soap, two drams. Strained storax, one dram and a half. ANTISPASMODICS. 197 To be made into a ball with syrup, for one doscv Bemark — I have generally found the above receipts more efficacious, when preceded by a laxative bally or a course of the laxative al^ tcratives. They are to be given every morning until the desired effect is produced, unless, in the mean time, they should take off the appe- tite, or occasion profuse staling, in which case they should be discontinued for a few days. When any appearance of fulness, or plethora, accompanies those cougiis, bleed- ing is advisable ; and whenever costiveness occurs, a laxative ball should be given. Coughs which arise from irritation about the throat, are distinguished by their almost constantly harrassing the animal ; and these are often relieved by emollient drinks, and the following: No. 4. Opium, one dram. Castile soap, two drams. Camphor, one dram and a half. Oil of aniseed, twenty drops. To be made into a ball, with syrup, for one dose. In speakino: of the inodiu'j operandi oi e.r- k3 198 PHARMACOPOeiAc pectorants^ we observed, that the most effec- tual medicines of that class, possessed a c?m- retie quality, and that probably, by carrying off some of the watery parts of the blood by the kidneys, they produced their peculiar effect upon the lungs, diminishing the secre- tion of thin mucus in the branches of that organ, and removing the cough, which an abundant secretion had occasioned. Most of the medicines we have here recommended for chronic cough, possess a diuretic quality, and it is probable, that their good defects de- pend more upon this, than upon their amu spasmodic power. Some of the medicines, however, are cer- ta^inly antispasmodics, and as the greater part are commonly said to act in that way, we have brought them under that heaiU (See Expectorants,) Antispasmodic mixtures, for suppres- sion of urine, or pain and difficulty in void- ing It. No. 1 . Purified nitre, one ounce. Camplior, two drams. Remark — This riiay be made into a ball with mucilage of gum arable, and a little ilojir, or mixed with linseed infusion, or any ANTISPASMODICS. lft»9 inucilaginous vehicle, and given as a drench. I'his medicine has proved so unifonnly suc- cessful, that I shall not add any other for- mulae, but must observe that an emollient glyster is often a necessary assistant, and when the horse appears to be of a full habit, or plethoric^ bleeding is also advisable. If the complaint returns in a short time, give a laxative drench after repeating the above medicine*. It is the opinion or many practitioners that the staggers somoiiines depend upon a diseased condition of tiie stomach, and that certain antispasmodics are the best remedies, I am satisfied, however, that copious and timely bleeding is almost always necessary in this con^plaint, but do not dispute the • The author is aware that pain and difTiculty in voiding urine, frequently in the human body, depend on inflammation of the bladder, in which case Nitre would be an improper medicine. This is sometimes the case in the Horse, but the symp- toms most commonly arise from a cause which the above medicine speedily removes; and which may be distinguished from an inflammatory affection, by its not being accompanied by quick, pulse, loss of appetite and other symptoms of fever, and injiam, mation of the bladder. (See the Author's first Vol.) K 4 200 PHARMACOPCEIA. occasional utility of those medicines, parti- cularly the following : Since this was written the author has met with many cases of staggers, which were caused by obstruc- tion in the stomach or bowels ; in these cases strong purgatives with stimulants were the only effectual remedies. See Vol. L eighth edition. No. 1. Volatile tincture of valerian, one ounce. Powdered valerian, one ounce and a half. Peppermint water, eight ounces. Mix for one dose. No. 2. Foetid spirit of ammonia, one ounce Camphor, one dram. Ether, half an ounce. Mint water, eight ounces. Mix for one dose. No. 3. Salt of hartshorn, one dram and a half.. Assafoetida, six drams. Oil of peppermint, ten drops. To be made into a ball, for one dose, by means of a little syrup and flour. Remark — I have seen a good effect frona tne following cathartic drench. ASTRINGENTS. 201 CATHARTIC DRENCH, Barbadoes aloes, six drams to one ounce. Calomel, one dram to three drams. Myrrh, in powder, two drams. Ginger, ditto, one dram and a half. Syrup enough to form the bail, for one dosp. Remark — In staggers the bowels are gene- rally rather torpid, and, in some cases, are not affected by the stri ngtst purgatives. The above dose, therefore, will, in general, operate only as a miid laxative : for a large draft horse, one ounce or ten drams of aloes M'ill not be toomuch. ASTRINGENTS. Medicines that suppress unnatural or increased ev;icuations, such as diarrhoea^ diabetes, and profuse sweating. It is comaionly supposed that ast} ingents act mechanically, by constrmgiiig or con- densing the solids. This opinion, however, does not appear to be well founded, since opiuniy which is, in many .cases, the most powerful remedy in morbid evactiations, does not possess those principles wliich are said to constitute astringency, which are th^ gallic acid, and tannin. K 5 ^2 PHARMACOPCEIA. Medical writers generally class the prepa- rations of iron, copper, zinc, and lead, with astringents ; these, however, have not been found very useful as internal remedies in the horse ; and whenever they prove serviceable it is in cases of debility, in which tonics are required. ASTRINGENTS, for diarrhoea. No. 1. Opium, one dram. Ginger, one dram and a half. Prepared chalk, six drams. Mix into a ball with treacle, sjrup, or iioney, for one dose. N^o. 2. Gum kino, two drams. Alum, half an ounce. Aromatic powder, one dram and a half. Castile soap, two dr^nis. Honey enough to form the ball, fov one dose. — Mix. No. 3. Powdered rhubarb, one ounce. Prepared natron, two drams. Cassia, powdered, one dram and a half. Oil of mint, twenty drops. To be mixed as above for one dose. Remark — I have often seen mischief done ASTRINGENTS. :203 by giving astringents in diarrhoea too has- tily; and think it advisable, in general, to give in the first place, a laxative. There are external applications, termed astringents, which are, those which dry up sores, or di- minish their discharge. ASTRINGENT BALL, for diabetcs. Opium, one dram. Powdered ginger, two drams. Powdered oak bark, one ounce. To be given in s, pint of oak bark decoc- - tion» EXTERNAL ASTRINGENTS. No. 1. Powdered alum, four ounces. Armenian bole, one ounce — Mix. No. 2. White vitriol, four ounces. Flowers of zinc, one ounce. — Mix... No. 3. A strong goulard mixture. No. 4. A solution of blue vitriol. No. 5. Muriate of iron, one ounce. Water, eight ounces. — Mix. . No. 6. P'lowcrs of Zinc (alone.) ASTRINGENT OINTMENTS... No. J. Venice turpentine, four ounces^ . Hog's lard, s-ix ounces. . To be melted over a slow fire ; and when rather cool, but while it is liquid, add sugar.- K6 204 PHARMACOPOEIA. of lead, finely powdered, two ounces. Stir the mixture until it is cold. No. 2. Hog's lard, four ounces. Oil of rosemary, two drams. Finely powdered white lead, an ounce and a half.— Mix. Remark — The astringent powders and ointments, are designed chiefly as remedies for the grease, after the inflammation of the part has been in great measure removed by proper poultices : but the ointment is appli- cable only to those ulcerations or cracksj which are so often an efi'ect of that disease. ATTENUANTS. Medicines that were supposed to attenuate or thin the blood, niduy diseases being thought at that time to depend upon a preternatural thickness, or viscidity of that fluid. This doctrine, how- ever, is now known to be erroneous, and the term of course not used. The medicines thus named were, soap, nitre, and other neutral salts, and water. BALLS. We have made some observa- tions on this subject in the Materia Medica : but it it necessary to add in this place, that whenever a ball is found to exceed the pro- per size, which is that of a middle sized egg^ ATTENUANTS — BALLS. 205 it is advisable to divide it, as much injury has been done by those large balls, which are made by farriers, particularly when they have been kept so long as to beconae dry. In making balls, the dry ingredients should be finely powdered, and well mixed ; the liquid for forming them into balls, must be adapted to the nature of the other ingre- dients. If they are of a resinous kind, such as gum guaiacum, &c. balsam of peru, bal- sam of capivy, or Venice turpentine, are the proper substances to form the ball; but if they consist of roots, bark, or wood. &c. syrup, treacle, or honey, may be used for the purpose. When the ingredients are dif- ficult of cohesion, which is the case with nitre, golden sulphur of antimony, and many others : the best thing for uniting them into a ball is mucilage of gum arable. This will answer the purpose more effectual- ly, if a little starch or flour be first mixed with the powders. When a ball contains any very stimulating, or acrid ingredient, such as essential oil, Cayenne pepper, &c% and particularly if there be arsenic, or subli- mate in it, the stomach should not be empty 206 PHARMACOPCEIA. when it is given ; and some water or water- gruel should be given immediately after. It is generally necessary to give balls wrapt in paper; but for this purpose the thinnest tissue should be preferred. BLISTERS. Applications which inflame the skin, and cause watery bladders to form upon it. They are used on various occasions, and form a very important class of remedies. MILD BLISTER OINTMENT. No. I. Hog's lard, four ounces.. Venice turpentine, one ounce. Powdered cantharides, six drams. — Mix. No. 2. Oil of bay, three ounces. Oil of origanum, two drams. Powdered cantharides, half an ounce. Mix. STRONGER BLISTER OINTMENT. No. 1. Oil of turpentine, one ounce* Vitriolic acid by measure, two drams. Mix carefully, in a chimney or open place, and add of hog's lard four ounces. Powdered cantharides, one ounce. Mix. No. 2. Mercurial ointment, and oil of bay, , BLISTERS. 207 of each two ounces. Barbadoes tar, one ounce. Oil of rosemary, two drams. Cantharides, powdered, one ounce. — Mix. No. 3. Common tar, four ounces. Vitriolic acid, three drams. Mix carefully, previously melting the tar. Oil of turpentine, half an ounce. Hog's lard, two ounces. Cantharides, powdered, one ounce and a half. — Mix. STRONGEST BLISTER. No. i. Strong mercurial ointment, four ounces. Oil of origanum, half an ounce. Finely powdered euphorbium, three drams. Powdered cantharides, half an ouiice Mix. No. 2. Strong mercurial ointment, two ounces. Oil of origanum, two drams. Sublimate finely powdered, two drams. Cantharides powdered, six drams* Mix. 208 PIIARMACOPCEIA. Remark — The strong blisters, particular- ly the last, is a good remedy for splents and bone spavins, but they must be used with caution. The last is apt to destroy the hair, an inconvenience that nnust often be submit- ted to in curing a bone spavin or splent. Blisters are the most effectual applications for removing: those swellinc'S and lame- nesses, which are the consequences of Strains, bruises, and hard work ; but they should never be appUed while the inflam- mation is considerable. When blisters are employed for the removal of bog or blood spavins, curbs, or windgalls, they generally require to be repeated two or three times. Blisters are oiten employed to remove in- ternal inflammation, particularly when the luuG^s are attacked, for this purpose I think the following mustard bhster by far the best. MUSIARD BUSTER. Best flour of mustard, eight ounces. Water eno\iG,h to make it into a paste. To this, add oil of turpentme, two ources, water of pure ammonia, one ounce. To be well mixed, and rubbed into the sides with the hand ; if the bowels are aflfected, it should be rubbed all over the "belly j and \i BACK OINTMENT — BOTTS. 209 the kidneys, upon the loins- The friction should be continued for sometime, and the parts afterwards covered. After a short time, swelling and inflammation will take place, and sometimes in a considerable de- gree ; but it will greatly diminish the inter- nal inflammation^ and often preserve the animal's life. (See Bowels, Materia Medica.J BACK OINTMENT. (See Ointmeyity Liniments, and Lotions for Sore Backs.) BITES. (See Ointments for Bites and Stings.) BOTTS. We have already observed that there is no medicine with which we are acquainted, that is capable of destroying and discharging botts from the body, though they often pass off spontaneously about the spring of the year, and generally one at a time. But a saline substance has been lately brought from the East Indies, under the name of sal indus, which is said to possess this property ; I believe, however, that other worms have been mistaken for^ botts ; for if given in doses sufficient to purge the horse, it sometimes discharges common worms. (See Mat. Med. Sal Indus, and the Compendium.) •JIO PHAKMACOPa£IA. The most eligible mode of employing sal indus, as a remedy for worms, is the follow- ing: let the horse fast for four or five hours very early in the morning, then give a quart of sweet wort, with a little honey ; and about half an hour after, the following drench : Sal indus, four ounces. Barbadoes aloes, two or three drams. Water, about a pint. First dissolve the aloes in hot water, and then add the salt. This will generally act as a brisk purga- tive, therefore the horse will require the same attention and management as if he were under physic. CARMINATIVES. Remedies for the flatulent cholic, commonly termed yre"/ or gripes, (See Antispasmodics, page 191, where several receipts are given for the pur- pose.) We shall add, in this place, a few domestic remedies, which may be employ- ed, when medicines cannot be procured in time. 1st. A pint of strong peppermint water, with about four ounces of gin, and any kind of spice. 2d. A pint of port wine, with spice or ginger. 3d. Half a pint of gin diluted with four ounces of water, and a CaRxMINATIVES— CATHAUTlCb, « I X Jittle ginger. I have seen the complaint removed by warm beer and ginger, or a cor- dial ball, mixed with warm beer. It may not be amiss to repeat the caution we have given, respecting the necessity of distinguishing the flatulent from the inflam-^ maiory cholic ; as in the latter, the above re- medies would be highly pernicious : for this purpose, the reader may consult the Corn- pendhwt of the Veterinary Art; in which both diseases are fully described. CATHARTICS. Medicines that excite purging. The preparations employed for this purpose are commonly termed physic. MILD PHYSIC. No. 1. Barbadoc's aloes, half an ounce. Prepared natron, one dram and a half* Powdered cassia, one dram. Oil of aniseed, twenty five drops. To be made into a ball with honeyfororre dose. No. 2. Barbadocs aloes, half an ounce. Calomel, half a dram. Ginger, one dram. Castile soap, three drams. Oil of aniseed, twenty drops 212 PHABMACOPCEIA. Syrup enough to form the ball for one dose. STRONG PHYSIC. No. I . Barbadoes aloes, six drams. Almond soap, three drams. Oil of carraway, twenty drops. Aromatic confection enough to form the ball for one dose. No. 2. Barbadoes aloes, six drams. Calomel, one dram. Almond soap, three drams. Aromatic confection enough to form the ball for one dose. Be)7iark^-The strength of the above balls may be varied by increasing or diminishing the quantity of aloes. A cathartic may be given in the form of a drench when a speedy effect is required ; for this purpose dissolve one of the balJs in warm water- gruel. There is a wonderful difference in horses with resp.x-tto the quantity of pur. ative me- dicine necessary to piociucea proper efl^ect; and as violent purgation, or too strong phy- sic, often does much injury, and sometmies proves destructive, it is always advisable to give a moderate dose to a horse whoso. CATHARTICS. 213 Strength and constitution we are not ac- quainted with. I have often met with horses that were effectually purged by half an ounce of aloes, while to others I have given an ounce, without any effect. On the other hand, again, I have frequently seen the same dose do much injury ; in one case, a horse was nearly destroyed by taking half an ounce of aloes, and half a dram of calomel. I lately met with an instance of a horse being evidently killed by taking one ounce. Some, nay several, have been destroyed by the doses recommended in books of farriery, in which aloes have been prescribed in the dose of one ounce and a half. At the same time, it must be acknowledged, that these acci- dents are not 'oery frequent, and that hun- dreds of horses take those strong doses ap- parently with impunity. Still there is one bad effect which must result from violent purgation, of which few people are aware. The debility thus produced lays a founda- tion for many diseases ; and I have known even blindness produced by it : the whole system is rendered mere irritable, and con- sequently more susceptible of disease. 514 PHARMACOPCEIA. CARDIACS. (See Cordials,) CAUSTICS. Substances which burn or destroy any part of the body to which they are applied. They are of great use in ve- terinary practice, for destroying unnatural excrescences, cleansing foul ulcers and si- nuses, so as to bring them to a healthy state, and curable by more simple applications. Caustics may be divided into liquid and so- lid, strong and mild. The mild caustics are called also escharotics, and are more useful than the stronger caustics, which are too violent in their action in many cases, and often require to be diluted with water, spi- rit, or unctuous substances, according to the nature of the case. SOLID CAUSTICS, STRONG. No. 1. The red hot iron. (See Firing, Materia Medica.J No. 2. Pure kali with lime. No. 3. Nitrated silver, or lunar caustic. No. 4. Nitrated copper. MILD CAUSTICS, SOLID. No. 1. Acetated copper, or distilled verdi- gris. No. 2' Vitriolated copper, or blue vi- triol. CARDIACS — CAUSTICS. 215 No. 3. Red nitrated quicksilver, or red pre- cipitate. No. 4. Burnt alum- No. 5. Common verdigris. Remark — The strong caustics are gene- rally sold in a convenient form for applica- tion ; but the viild require to be finely powdered and sprinkled on the ulcer: they are sometimes mixed with digestive oint- ments to increase their power. STRONG CAUSTICS, LIQUID. No. 1. The vitriolic and nitrous acids, which are very powerful, and must be used cauti- ously ; they may be diluted with different proportions of water, so as to be applicable to many purposes. No. 2. Nitrous acid, one ounce. Quicksilver, half an ounce. Place them in a large gally-pot, or open phial, and take care to avoid the noxious fumes which arise. When the quicksilver is perfectly dissolved, and the mixture cold, it may be put into a smaller phial and corked. Remark — This is a strong and efficacious caustic ; it is a certain remedy for the foot- !216 PHARMACOPOEIA. rot in sheep, and often effectual in canker of the horse's foot, provided these com- plaints are properly managed in other re- spects. It is sometimes mixed with melted hog's lard to form a strong detergent oint- ment. No. 3. Nitrous acid, one ounce. Copper filings, half an ounce. — Mix- The copper is to be dissolved like the for- mer, the fumes being equally hurtful. This caustic is very little, if at all, inferior to the former, and applicable to the same pur- poses. No. 4- Muriate of antimony, or butter of antimony. No. 5. Muriate of quicksilver, or sublimate, one dram. Muriated acid, two drams. Remark — This is a very powerful caustic, and generally requires dilution- MILD CAUSTICS, LIQUID. No- 1. Solution of blue vitriol. No. 2. Any of the stronger caustics, except butter of antimony, diluted with an equal quantity, or more, of water. No. 3. Muriatic acid. No. 4. Muriate of iron. CHARGES. 217 CHARGES- Adhesive plasters which are softened or liquified in a ladle by a gentle heat, and then applied to the legs, from th^: knee and hock joints, to the foot, as a re- medy for windgalls and old lamenesses, arisinf>; from strains or hard work. As soon as the plaster is applied, the part is covered with short tow, and the horse sent to grass- A CHARGE. Burgundy pitch, four ounces^ J3arbadoes tar, six ounces. Bees' wax, two ounces. Red lead, four ounces^ The three first are to be melted together, and then the latter is to be added. The mix- ture is to be constantly stirred until sufHci- ently cold to be applied ; and if it prove too thick when cold, it may be softened with a little oil or lard. Farriers generally mix Dragon's Blood (as it is commonly called) from an idea that it has a strengthening quality , others recom- mend bole armenic. It appears, however, that charg^es act as a bandasre only, com- pressing equally, and for a considerable time, the joints, tendons, &c. h 218 PIIARMACOPCEIA . CONDITION. This term implies, that a horse enjoys the highest degree of Iiealtk and vigour of which he is capable. A liorse may be fat and sleek, but unfit for those exertions which are so often required from him. This subject has been fully treated of in the '* Compendium ;" and we have only to observe in this place, that many horses are destroyed, and nu merous diseases produced, by forcing them to exertions, to which they are unequal ; wherefore, it is of great im- portance, that their condition should be brought to perfection, before they are em- ployed in any severe exercise, such as rac- ing, hunting, quick travelling, or heavy draught. In getting horses into conditiovy Sfreat advantaore will be derived from the occasional use of laxatives and diuretics, in the form of alteratives : but regular exercise, proportioned, and adapted in point of dura- tion, and pace, to their feed, the kind of em- ployment for which they are required, and the state of their health, is of the last impor- tance. CORDIALS. Medicines which cause a temporarij augmentation of strength and spi- nts ; and if employed properly, are, on CONDITION — CORDIALS. 2 1 9 some occasions, capable of producing per- manently good effects. They are more be- neficial in oreneral to old horses than to young ; more particularly to those that have been worked hard, and accustomed to such medicines, as well as to high feeding and warm stables. Cordials become remarkably serviceable to draught horses, when they work hard, and have but indifferent forage. They gently stimulate the stomach, and in- crease its digestive power; whereby they are capable, I apprehend, of preventing, on many occasions, that fatal disease, the stag- gers. Cordials have an excellent effect, when the animal has been fatigued with a long run, or a severe journey, refusing his food, and seemingly exhausted. A good cordial preparation at such times restores the appe- tite, promotes digestion, and renovates the strength and spirits. I do not mean, how- ever, that the cordial balls commonly made up, have this useful property. On the eontrar}^, they often do harm, but most com- monly they are quite inert ; for example. Bracken's cordial, which is the receipt gene- rally used, has a considerable proportion of L 2 220 PHARMACOPOLIA. sulphur, and other useless drugs, in itscom- position. CORDIAL BALLS. No. 1. Powdered carraway seeds, sixdrams. Ginger, two drains. Oil of cloves, twenty drops. Honey or treacle enough to form the bail for one dose. No. 2. Powdered aniseed, six drams. • cardamoms, two drams. cassici, one dram. Oil of carraway, twenty drops. To be made into a ball with honey, for one dose. No. 3. Powdered carraway seeds, half an ounce. Grains of paradise, three drams. Aromatic powder, one dram. Essential oil of cummin seed, twenty drops. To be made into a ball with honey, for one dose. No. 4. Powdered aniseeds, half an ounce. Ginger, three drams. Oil of carraway, 15 drops. To be made into a ball for one dose. Ilemark — The above receipts afford a CORDIALS. 221 sufiioient variety of preparations. The strength may be easily increased or di- minished, when found necessarv. They are all of a very stimulating nature, and not to be employed but on the occasions we have pointed out. An indiscriminate and fre- quent use of cordials, does great mischief, and is the cause of many diseases ; though, as we have before observed, when judicious- ly employed, they are extremely beneficial. We shall now give some receipts ^or pectoral cordials, which differ from the forepoina.bv being less stimulating, and containing in- . gredlents that promote expectoration, and alleviate or cure 6>/^ coi/^/25, which are ac- companied with some degree of debility flatulency, and indigestion : when costive- ness occurs during their use, it is to be re- moved by a gentle laxative. (See Laxa- tives.) PECTORAL CORDIAL BALLS. No. 1. Powdered aniseed, half an ounce. sc|uill, one dram. « myrrh, one dram and a half. Balsam of Peru, enough to form the ball for one dose. L 3 222 PHAHMACOPffilA. No. 2. Liquorice powder, half an ounce. Gum ammoniacum, three drams. Balsam of tohi, one dram and a half. Powdered squill, one dram. Anisated balsam of sulphur, enough to form the ball for one dose. No. 3. Elecampane powder, half an ounce. Ginger, one dram and a half. Powdered squill, one dram. Oil of aniseed, twenty drops. Syrup of tolu, enough to form the ball for one dose. (See Aniispasmodic Mivturesfor Chronic Coughs.) Medicines are sometimes x\d.meA stomaihic and ionic cordialf*; for these we raftn* the' reader to the article Tonics and Stoynach't^^, CORROSIVES. (See Caustics.) DECOCTIONS. These are made by boiliiig medicines in water until the latter has extracted all its virtues. This opera- tion, it is ob\ ious, is not suited to tliose sub- stances, whose medical qualities dcper.d on a volatile, or evaporable principle. DEMULCENTS. Medicines which shcaihe parts, so as to defend them from the action of any irritating substance. The best .iiedicines of this kind are, a solution of gum CORROSIVES — DETERGENTS, 223 arable, decoction of linseed or marshmal- lows, or any thing that is oily and mucila- ginous. They are employed chiefly in ir* ritatioii of the bowels, kidneys, and bladder; also in coughs and irritation of the lungs. DEOBSTRUENTS. Medicines that are supposed to be capable of vemoymg obsiriiCr tions. Obstinate coughs and asthmas have been attributed to this cause ; and the most ponderous medicines were recommended for their removal, at a time when many diseases and functions of animals were explained upon mechanical principles. Thus we find cinnabar of antimony, ^Sthiop's mineral, ^cc, prescribed on tba-se occasions. The theory has been found erroneous, and of course the practice built upon it must be imperfect. It is necessary, however, to ob- serve, that ceitain medicines, termed Deob- strucnt, such as calomel, have been some- times found useful in those diseases of the liver which are said to arise from obstruc- tion, DETERGENTS. A name given to ap- plications which have the prrjperty of cleans- ing foul ulcers, and bringing them to a healthy state, so that they may be cured by l4 224 PHARMACOPCEIA. more simple remedies. The term has been applied also to intenml remedies, which were supposed to heal ulceration of the lungs, kidneys, &c. but we shall confine it to d'.r/fr??fl'/ applications, being unacquainted with any medicine that has the power of curing ulcerated lungs or kidneys, DETEROFNT OINTMENT. No. K Mutton suet, four ounces. Venice turpentine, six ounces. Red precipitate, finely powdered, two ounces. — Mix. Melt the suet and turpentine over a slow fire, and when nearly cokl stir in the pow- der; continue stirring until cold. No. 2. Hog*s lard, four ounces. Olive oil, one ounce. Strong liquid caustic, No. 2. one ounce. Melt the oil and lard ; and while the mix- ture is liquid, but rather cool, add the caus- tic, and continue stirring with ^ xvcodcn in- stru:..ent until it is quite cold. 'DETERGIiNT I^lNiMENT. No. 1. Oil of tui*per.tine, one ounce, Viti'ioHc acid, by measure, two drams. DETERGENTS -DIAPHORETICS. 225 Mix cautiously, in a large gally-pot, or open phial, and in a situation where you may avoid the suffocatino: fumes which arise. M^hen the mixture is complete and cool, add of linseed oil two ounces. No. 2. Red precipitate, half an ounce, finely powdered. Linseed oil, half an ounce. Mix well in a mortar, and add, of oil of orifranum two drams. No. 3. Chrystallized verdigris, finely pow- dered, one ounce, Olive oil, one ounce. To be well mixed in a mortar ; then add of Venice turpentine, half an ounce. DETERGENT LOTIONS. No. 1. Vitriolated copper, one ounce. Vitriolic acid, twelve drops. Water, four ounces. — ?>Iix. No. 2, Nitrous acid, one ounce. Vitriolated copper, half an ounce. Water, eight ounces. — Mix. DIAPHORETICS. Medicines that ia-- crease the insensible perspiration. In veterinary medicine it is necessary to divide diaphoretics into two kinds, which may be called, antispasmodic and stimulating. l5 226 PflARMACOPCEIA. The former kind is applicable in fevers, ajul receipts, or conipositions of that kind, will be found under the heaid, febyifuges. The stimulating diaphoretics are calculated for horses that are hide-bound, and have rough, unhealthy looking coats, without any other appearance of disease. STIMULATING DIAPHORETICS. No. 1. Emetic tartar, one dram and a half. Camphor, half a dram. Ginfxer, two drams. Opium, one scruple. Oil of carraways, fifteen drops. Honey, enough to form the ball for one dose. No. 2. Powdered carraway seeds, six drams. Antimonial powder, two drams. Ginger one dram. Oil of aniseed, twent}' drops. Honey, enough to form the ball for one dose. No. 3. Unwashed calx of antimony, two drams. Ginger, and salt of hartshorn, of each one dram. Opium, two scruples. Powdered aniseed, half an ounce. DIGESTIVES. 227 Oil of carraway, fifteen drops. Syrup, enough to form the ball for one dose. Remark — It is essentially necessary to as- sist the above remedies by regular exercise (at least two ho\irs every day), which may be carried so far as to excite moderate sweatino- • but the sfreatest attention must be paid as soon as the horse gets into the stable, nor should the groom discontinue wisping until he is perfectly dry. DIGESTIVES. Applications which pro- mote suppuration in wounds or ulcers. DIGESTIVE OINTMENT. No. 1. Hog's lard, four ounces. Bees' wax, one ounce. ~ Venice turpentine, three ounces. Red nitrated quicksilver, finely pow- dered, two ounces. Melt the three first over a slow fire, and while the mixture is liquid, but nearly cold, stir in the powder. Powdered verdigris is sometimes used in- stead of the nitrated quicksilver, but the lat- ter is certainly preferable. We find in some* books very elaborate compositions recom- mended as digestives, in which are frank- l6 ^28 PZiARxMACOP(EIA. 1 ncense, gum elemi, balsam of tola, com- mon I'esii), and various other substances ; but the formula, or receipt, we have given, will be found adequate to every purpose for which digestives are wanterl, as it may be rendered more or less stimulatitig, by vary- ing the proportion of red nitrated quicksilver or, as it is more commonly called 7'ed pre- cipitate. Oil of turpentine, also, will render it more stimulating. DILUENTS. Medicines which dilute the blood. If any thing has this power, it must be water, which may be medicated accord- ing to the judgment of the practitioner. DIURETICS. Medicines that stimulate the kidneys, and increase the evacuation of urine. These are much used in veterinary prac- tice, in cases of grease, swelling of the legs, and other parts, they are employed, also, as a preventive in horses that are subject to those complaints, and with great advantage. They are given either in the form of ball or powder, and are very convenient remedies, as they do not prevent a horse from working moderately. DIURETIC BALL. No. 1 , Castile soap. DILUENTS — D1URKT1C3. 229 Powdered resin, of each three drams. Sal prunella powdered, four drams. Oil of juniper one dram. Mix for one dose. First beat the soap and oil of juniper in a mortar, until they become a soft, uniform mass, then add the powders, having pre- viously mix them well. Should any addition be necessary to form the ball, use mucilage of gum arable, ho;iey, or flour. No. 2, Camphor, and oil of juniper, of each one dram. Powdered nitre, half an ounce. Castile soap, three drams. Mix for one dose. First mix the camphor and oil, then add the soap, and beat the mixture well, lastly the nitre, and as much flour as will give it a proper consistence. DIURETIC POWDERS. No. 1. Resin and nitre, of each half an ounce. Mix for one dose. - No, 2. Nitre, six drams. Camphor, one dram and a half. Mix for one dose. 230 PHARMACOPCEIA. DRENCHES. (See Mjteria Medica.) EMBROCATIONS. External applica- tions are often so named. The term seems to imply, that it is to be well rubbed on the affected part, with the hand, since its effect will be considerably promoted by friction of this kind. MUSTARD EMBROCATION; Take of the best flour of mustard, four ounces. Water of ammonia, one ounce. Oil of rosemary, or oil of turpentine, one ounce. . Water, a sufficient quantity to form a thin paste, which is to be well rubbed on the af- fected part. EMBROCATION, for strains and bruises. No. 1. Soft soap, two ounces. Oil of bay, one ounce. Water of pure ammonia, one ounce and a half. Oil of origanum, half an ounce. Camphorated spirit of wine, two Ounces. — Mix. No. 2. Camphor, half an ounce. Oil of turpentine, one ounce and half. Spirit of wine, two ounces. — Mix. DRENCHES— EMOLLIENTS. 231 No. 3, Soap liniment, two ounces. Water of pure ammonia, half an ounce. — Mix. - EMBROCATION^ for callous swelling, or bog-spavins, windgalls, enlarged joints, &c. Strong mercurial ointment, two ounces. Campiior, half an ounce. Oil of rosemary, two drams. Oil of turpentinv', one ounce, BLISTERING EMBROCATION. Strone mercurial ointment, two ounces. Oil of bay, one ounce. Oil of oriG:anum, half an ounce. Powdered cantbarides, half an ounce. Mix. EMOLLIENTS. Medicines that soothe and allay irritation ; they are employed both internally and externally. Like demulcents, they defend parts from irritation, by their mucilaginous quality, but they take off irri- tation in another way, that is by diluting, or weakening the irritating substance. (See Materia Medica.) When the bowels, kidneys, or bladder, are inflamed or irritated emollient liquids 232 PHARMACOPCEIA. are extremely nseful, tliese are made by boiling mucilaginous and oily seeds, or ve- getables in water, or, simply, by dissolving gum ill water; in ^„r/cnzfl/ inflammation, or irritation, warm water is the best emollient ; but it is commonly supposed, that the addi- tion of nmcila nt must be very sub>tantial, that the heat may be retained a sulHcient length of time. It is to be appli^'d, when of a dull red heat, which in the day time is scarcely perceptible. The operator is to draw it ra- tijer quickly over tlic skin in perpendicular lines ;* but as the iron gets a little cooler, * At present, prartitioners generally prefe'r dravvinirtlie instiument in an oblique direction. HfilNG. 245 the motion of the hand is to be slower. It maybe known when the instrument is ap- plied snfficiently hot, by its leaving a whi- tish or scorched line upon the skin, but on no occasion should the skin be penetrated of divided by the iron. Several irons should be employed, that the operator may be constantly supplied with one sufficiently hot. When this operation is properly per- formed, the absorbent vessels have their ac- tion considerably increased, and are thereby enabled to remove any c.llous or boney sub- stances which may hayo been formed about the joints or tendons, in consequence of strains or hard work. It is said also to con- tract the skin so as to make it act as a ban- dage to the subjacent parts. The day after the operation, it is advisable to apply a mild blister to the part. Firing, though a severe and painful operation, is often very effica- cious, and the only one we are acquainted with for removing callous or boney swell- ings, vvhxh occasion lameness by impeding tiie action of joints or tendons ; but is too frequently made use of when milder reme- dies may be employed with sr.ccess. The praciice of firing colts, with a view \o M 3 2l6 FliAnATACOPCEIA. strengthen their joints and tendons, i;* strongly to be reprobated. It is always neces'jary to allow the horse a long run at grass, or rest, in a large loose stable, after he has recovered from the ope- ration ; and as long as the inflammation which firing occasions continues, the horsd should be treated as we have directed, after blistering. GALVANISM. It has been discovered within these few years, that an effect, some- what like electricity, may be produced on the body by the application of different me- tals in a certain way ; and that a short time after death, the muscles may be excited to action by the same means, producing the most curious pha^nomenon. From the name of its discoverer, Galvani, it is termed Gal" 'vanis7?u It has lately been employed for the cure of certaiii diseases, and it is said with considerable success ; therefore it may be worth a trial in those disorders of the horse, for which at present we have no re^ medy, such as locked jaw, gutta serena, and other diseases of the eye. (See Wilkinson^ s Elements of Galvanism.) CLYSTERS. Clysters are composqd GALVANISM — CLYSTERS. 247 differently, according to the effect they are intended to produce. The simple opening- glyster, which is designed merely to reniove the contents of the lower j:>arts of the beily, consists of water-grnelj and a little sweet oil ; about one gallon of the former, and a pint of the latter. When water-gruel can- not be procured, warm water may be used, and linseed oil may be substituted for sweet oil ; but I have oiten employed warm water alone with very good effect. The heat of the water should not exceed (or very little) that of the body, which is about 96 by the thermometer, or what is commonly termed hlooci heat. This kind of glyster is extremely useful in the first stage of fevers, as it effectually removes any indurated faeces that may be lodged in the large intestines, without dan- ger of creating debility. It is highly ser- viceable also in inHamniation of the bowels, when accompanied with costiveness, and when the bladder is inflamed or irritable, which is indicj^ted by pain and difficulty in staling, the horse voiding only very small quantities apparently mixed with matter, and that frequently ; nothing relieves the M 4 ^48 PIIARMACOPCEIA. animal more speedily tlian the simple glvs- ter, if it be assisted by other appropriate remedies. The next ulyster we have to des- ciiloe is t\\Q anodyne^ \v!)ich consists of water made highly mucihiginous by means of starch or arrow root, and about two drams of opium dissolved in it. The quantity of liuuid should not exceed three pints, or two quarts at most. This glyster acts also as an ^stringent in very obstinate diarrhoeas. The last glyster we have to notice is the cathartic, which may be composed merely of one gal- lon cf water and eight ounces of common .-nilt ; but when the bowels are very torpid, which is often the case in staggers, one ounce and a half of aloes may be added. GTvUEL. Water-gruel is extremely use- ful on many occasions. When medicines are given in the form of djenches^ it makes the best vehicle, more particularly if the medicines be of an acrimonious nature, the mucilagmious quality of the gruel tending to prevent any unpleasant eiTcct upon the stomach : for the same reason it is advisable to irive o;ruel immediatelv after the exhibi- tiou of any strong mineral preparation, suc!^ as sublimate, arsenic, &c. Nothing is more GRUEL — LAXATIVES. 249 useful as an article of diet for sick, or con- valescent horses than water-gruel, provided it is properly made ; and as this is seldom done, we shall give the best method of mak- ing it. Take of fine and sweet oatmeal, four ounces, water, two quarts. Put the water over a slow clear fire to boil, and mix the oatmeal gradually with as much cold water as will make the mixture quite liquid. Add this to the water over the fire, before it get> very hot, and continue to stir the whole until it boils. The gruel is then made, but may be improved by letting it simmer some time longer over a slow, clear fire, for horses are very nice, aud perhaps would not touch it, if ill the least smoaky. Should the gruel be too thick, add warm water. HYDR AGOGUES. Medicines that purge violently, and produce thin watery stools. Of this kind are elaterium and gamboge. It is a class of medicines of little or no use in veterinary practice. LAXATIVES. Medicines that pur^e very gently, and without irritatitig the system. They are employed chiefly in febrile com- plaints, accompanied with costiveness, iji which cases the strongest purgativ^»s would. M 3 '250 PHARMACOPOEIA. be injurious. They are useful also in slight cases of grease, swelling of the heels, and all cases of external inflammation, when the horse is too weak to bear any considerable evacuation. On those occasions aloes is the best laxative, but in fevers, castor oil, with small doses of neutral salts, is most proper, being less liable to irritate the system. LAXATIVE BALL, No, 1. Succotrine aloes, five drams. Venice soap, three drams. Oil of caraway, twenty drops. No, 2. Barbadoes aloes, four drams. Salt of tartar, one dram and a half. Compound powder of tragacanth, two drams. Syrup, enough to form the ball. Bemark — These balls always operate more effectually when assisted by exercise, and bran mashes, than when the horse is suffered to stand in the stable without receiving any attention. LAXATIVE DRENCH, for fevers, 5cc. No. 1, The best castor oil, one pint. For one dose. No. 2. Common salt, three or four ounces. Water-gruel, enough to dissolve it per- LAXATIVES — LINIMENTS. 251 fectly; add to, this, of linseed oil, eight ounces, for one dose. Remark — Though we have in No. 2. pre- scribed linseed oil, there is no doubt that cas- tor oil is preferable; but this cannot alwaj'^s be procured readily,, and as many may ob- ject to the expence of it, where the disorder is but trifling, linseed oil may on such occa- sions be substituted. Sallad oil is still bet- ter. We have recommended common salt in preference to Glauber's and Epsom salt, because it is more certain in its effect, and may be given in much smaller doses. LINIMENTS. A term for certain exter- nal applications, generally of an oily kind, between the consistence of an ointment and oiL LINIAJENT, for thrushes. Barbadoes tar, one ounce. Oil of turpenl^ine, one ounce and a half. Vitriolic acid, one dram. First mix the acid and turpentine very cai'efuUy, then add the tar. This is a good application for thrushes, and rottenness of the fvQg s the ragged part being first re* Mj5 252 PHARMACOPCKIA. moved with a knife, and the part well clean- ed and dried. LINIMENT, for sore backs. Extract of saturn, half an ounce. Vinegar one ounce. • Olive' oil, two ounces. To be incorporated well, by shaking. LINIMENT, for old strains. No. 1. Camphor, one ounce. Oil of rosemary, half an ounce. Oil of turpentine, two ounces. Olive oil, four ounces. — Mix. No. 2. Camphor, half an ounce. Oil of origanum, two drams. Soft soap, two ounces. Spirit of wine, four ounces. — Mix* Remark — The liniments for strains, may be applied also to incipient spavins, wind- galls, indurated swellings, and to parts af- fected with rheumatic pain ; by the addition of powdered caPitharides, they may be con- verted into blistering liniments, and flower of mustard renders tlieni highly stimulating. We have given a few receipts under the head, embrocations, though nearly every thing that can b Water, twelve ounces. — Mix. No. 4. Extract of henbane, one dram. Water, eight ounces. — Mix. No, 5. Tincture of opium, two drams. Water, six ounces. — Mix. (See Eye Waters,) COOLING LOTION, for external inflamma- tion. No. 1. Extract of saturn, one ounce. Vinegar, two ounces. Camphorated spirit of wine, three ounces. Water, eighteen ounces. — Mix. No. 2. Crude sal ammoniac, one ounce. Vinegar, four ounces. 254 PHARMACOPEIA. Spirit of wine, two ounces. Water, eight ounces. — Mix, These are remarkably useful in saddle galls, and inflamed tumours, which it is pros- per to disperse, LOTION, for foLil ulcers. No. 1. Vitriolated copper, one ounce. Nitrous acid, half an ounce. Water, six ounces. — Mix, No. 2. Nitrous acid, one ounce. Quicksilver, half an ounce. Dissolve in an open place, and in a large phial, or gally-pot, cautiously. When the solution is complete, add eight ounces of water. OINTMENTS. External applications for wounds, &c. . (See Digestives, Deters gents, and Blisters. See also Emollients^ and Caustics. J OINTMENT, for mange. No. 1. Oil of turpentine, one ounce. Vitriolic acid, two drams. Mix cautiously in a large gally-pot, and avoid the fumes which arise. While this mixture is hut, add of hog's lard, four ounces. Sulphur vivuin, finely powdered, two ounces,— Mix, OINTMENTS. 255 No. 2. Hoi^'s lard, four ounces. Traill oil, two ounces. Oil of turpentine, one ounee. Sulphur vivuni, four ounces. — Mix. Remark — These are effectual remedies for the mange, both in dogs, and horses. OINTME^^T, for sore-backs, from saddle- galls, &.C. No. 1- Ointment of althea, four ounces. Extract of saturn, or goulard, one ounce. — Mix. No. 2. Camphor, two drams. Oil of rosemary, one dram. Oil of elder, or hog's lard, three ounces. — Mix. To these may be added ointments for fis^ tula, poll-evil, and canker, but the remedies for those complaints have been already noticed under the articles, digestives, deter- gents, and caustics. OINTMENT, for spavins, and wind-galls, Strong mercurial ointment, four ounces. Camphor, half an ounce. Oil of rosemary, two drams. SOFTENING AND COOLlN^i OJNTxMiiNT, for painful cracks, or ulcers of the heels. 256 PHARMACOPOEIA. No. 1. Spermaceti ointment, four ounces, Olive oil, one ounce. • Sugar of lead, two drams. Flowers of zinc, one ounce. — Mix. No. 2. Ointment of althea, four ounces. Extract of saturn, three drams. Oil of elder, half an ounce. Lapis calaminaris, finely levigated, one ounce.— Mix. SATURNINE OINTMENT. Spermaceti ointment, four ounces. Cold drawn linseed oil, one ounce. Melt them slowly, by placing the gaily- pot in boiling water, and when the mixture is cooling, add of Goulard's extract, o!ie ounce. Continue stirrins^ until the mixture is cold. li^mark — There are various other oint- ments used by farriers, but the formulse, or receipts we have given here, and in other places, will answer every purpose. There is an ointment termed cegyptiacuvi, much used by farriers, which is made by simmer- ing over a slow fire, four ounces powdered verdigris, four oudces of honey, and eight ounces of strong vinegar ; this is a detergent ointment, and the receipts we have given. PECTORALS. -j'? under this bead are, I think, more effica- cious. OXYMELS. Mixtures of honey and viuv-gar. (See Materia Medica.J 'T\\^y have been recommended in obsti- nate coughs, and as a gargle in sore throats. I do not believe they are beneficial in either of those complaints. There is an o.vymel of squills kept, which is made by infusing fresh squills in vinegar for several days, then straining off the liquid, and adding to it as much honey, as will, by boiling gently, and taking off the scum which arises, give it the consistence of syrup. This preparation is certainly much better adapted as a remedy to old coughs, than the simple oxijmeL The dose is three or four ounces. PECTORALS. Medicines that cure or relieve diseases of the lungs. (See Expecto- rants, and Cordials, Pectoral.) Deviidcents are also useful as pectorals, in some cases^ and may be given in the form of emulsions, which see. Emollients also are useful in certain complaints of the lung=;, particularly the linseed decoction, with a little honey dissolved in it Pectoral drinks have been 258 PHARMACOrCEIA. recommended in diseases of the Inivgs, which are generally composed of liquorice^ figs, and maishmallows, boiled in water, POWDERS. This sometimes is a very convenient form for giving medicines, as many horses will take them in their corn without reluctance. It is by no means pro- per, however, for such as have a delicate appetite, and are remarkably nice in feed- ing ; for although they may after some time eat their food, yet the reluctance with which it is taken would prevent its being readily digested, or proving so nutritious as it would i\o, were it not so medicated. Some horses, however, eat their corn very readily when mixed with powder, and to such, it may be given without inconveni- ence. There is another objection to this mode of giving medicine, which is, the dif- ficulty of ascertaining whether the whole or not, or how much of the powder, that is mixed with the corn, is taken. But this may, in a great measure, be dune away, by sprinkling the corn with water, and mixing the powder with it very carefully. As we have before observed, whenever a horse ap- pears unwilling to eat his corn, thus medi- POWDERS — RESOLVENTS. 259 eated, the medicine should be given in some other foni). The medicines best suited to this purpose are antimony^ sulphur, resin, emetic tartar, nitre, aniseeds, kc. Medi- cines tViat are given in the form of powder, should be finely sifted, or levigated, and when kept in that form, a well corked bot- tle is most proper for the purpose. RELAXANTS. Medicines that are sup- posed to relax the fibres of the body ; or such as diminish the capacity for motion in the living fibres. It is generally, however, ap- plied to those which lessen or stop unnatural or increased motions, as in convulsion and spasm. The principal remedies of this class, are antimonials, bleeding, warm bath- ing, and opium. REFRIGERANTS. Medicines which take off unnatural heat from the body, such as takes place in fevers. The best remedies of this kind, are nitre, and other neutral salts. (See Materia Me^ dicaj , cold water, and bleeding. RESOLVENTS. This term is applied to those applications, which are said to dis- perse inflamed tumours, or swellings, or toi 260 PiiARMACOPa:iA. subdue inflammation of any kir.d. (See //? flammation.) RESTRINGENTS. Medicines which re- strain increased or unnatural evacuations. (See Astringents, Anodynes, and Styptics.) ROBORANTS. (See Tonics.) RUBEFACIENTS. A term used in me- dicine, for applications which excite redness upon the skin, and which are emp]o3'ed for the purpose of removing deeply seated pain or inflammation. The principal medicines of this kind are mustard and oil of turpen- tine. (See EvibrocationSy and Linivie72ts.) SEDATIVES. Medicines that allay or m diminish spasmodic or painful motion in the living fibres of the body. SIALOGUES. Medicines that cause an increased secretion ofsaliva, ora salivation ; such as the preparations of mercury. STIMULANTS. A term of very exten- sive signification, and may with propriety be applied to the greater part of the articles of the Materia Medica. According to the ce- lebrated Ur. John Brown, every medicine was considered as a stinnrant : but it is pro-^ bable that some, particularly the narcotics, have an opposite effect, particularly the dis- RESTRINGESTS — STOMACHICS. 26 1 lilJe-d laurel water. The term stimulant, is generally applied to those substances, which perceptibly increase the motion of the heart and arteries. And under this head a g-reat variety of remedies are included, both inter- nal and external ; amono; the former are cordials, cathartics, diuretics, &c. ; the lat- ter consists of embrocations, ointments, lini- ments, &c. It would fill a volume to treat properly of this siibject, therefore we shall dismiss it without any further observation. If the reader is desirous to obtain informa - tion on this head, ho m;iy consult Cullen's i\Iateria ?.Iedica, Murray's Eiements of Ma- teria ]Medica, Brown's Fdements of Medi- cine, and Darwin's Zoonomia. STOMACHICS. Medicines thatstreno'tli- en the stomacli ar.d excite appetite. The term is nearly svnoiiimous with cor- dials in veterii'.arv medicine; thouijli Irom sfoniachics w'Q generally expect a more per- manent eilect than from those preparations denominated cordial, as they approach more to the nature of tO)iies. A lew rec*."ipts will be criven under this head, which are in- tended for horses t^t-it feed badly, without any apparent cause, and such as are subject 262 PHAKMACOPCEIA. to flatulent cholic and incUirestion. Horses of this description are generally lean «nd in bad condition. STOMACHIC BALL. No. 1. Powdered gentian, half an ounce. Powdered ginger, one dram and a half. Prepared natron or soda, one dram. ' Treacle, enough to form the ball for one dose. No, 2. Cascarilla, powdered, one ounce. Mvrrh, one dram and a half. Castile soap, one dram. Syrup, enough to form the ball for one dose. No. 3. Powdered quassia, two drams. Aromatic powder, one diam and a half. Salt of tartar, one dram. Treacle, enough to form the ball for one dose. No. 4. Powdered Colombo root, half an ounce. Powdered cassia, one dram. Powdered rhubarb, two drams. Syrup, enough to forii% the ball for one 4ose, STYPTICS — TEMPF.RATURE. 263 STYPTICS. Applications which sup- press iiemorrliagesor bleeding. It is some- times applied also to those internal remedies which cure bleedins: from the kidneys, or red water, and bleeding from the lungs. When any considerable blood vessel is wounded in the horse, styptics are not to be depended upon ; and when the bleeding is so inconsiderable as to submit to those ap- plications, there is little reason to doubt, that it would cease after a short time without their use. (Sec Mat. Med. Styptics.) TEMPERATURE. This subject is very seldom attended to in ihe management of horses, and it is very probable that many of their diseases arise from this omission. Horses that have been long accustomed to warm stables, generally receive injury by being put suddenly into such as are cold, particularly when they are exposed to a current of air : and it is a well known fact, that many formidable diseases are produced by putting a horse that has been accirstomed to live in the open air, too suddenly into a warm stable. To this cause may be attri- buted the various diseases to which horses are subject when taken from grass or camp. 264 PHARMACOPCEIA. In a well constructed stable, some mi thocl may ea>ily be found for reguiatinp, the tem- jjcrature of the air, and making it either cold or warm ; for this purpose a thermo- meter should always be employed. Old horses that have been accustomed to warm stables, become lean and unfit for work if placed in a colder situation, though their allowance of corn be increased. External warmth is (juite a cordial to them, and gives them health and spirits; but on no occasion do we recoumiend those hot, close stables, soiiighly valued by grooms, thongh a very prolific source of disease. The stable should be always properly ventilated, and the bod^' kept waruib}- clotliing, adapted to the season of the year, and the temperature of the air. TONIC^5. Medicines that augment the vigour of the body permanently, and are therefore useful in all cases arising from de- bility. TONICS. No. I. Powdered bark, one ounce. Ginger, two drams. Salt of tartar, half a dram. TONICS — WATER. 265 Form them into a ball with syrup. No. 2. Salt of steel, half an ounce. Aromatic powder, two drams. Mucilage, enough to form the ball for one dose. No. 3. Arsenic, ten grains. Ginger, one dram. Powdered aniseed, half an ounce. Compound powder of tragacanth, two drams. Sj-rup, to form the ball for one dose. UNGUENTS. (See Ointments.) URINE BALLS. (See Diuretics.) Wx^TER. Much has been written re- specting the different qualities of water, some having been considered as very inju- rious to horses, while others have been said to promote health and condition. Dr. Bracken thought hard or pump water liable to produce the gravel or stone; and other authors have had still more vvhinisical no- tions on this subject. It appears probable that transparent and sweet water, that is, such as is most grateful to man, is most wholesome for horses, whether it be taken from a well, or from any other situation. The ill effects that hav« sometimes resulted N 266 PHARMACOPCEIA, from drinking certain kinds of water, maj- depend upon its being drank too largel}^, of at too cold a temperature, at a time when the, stomach was not in •dconditioniox receiv- ing so much, or, upon its being so ill tasted, that the horse does not take a sufficient quan- tity for the purposes of digestion ; or if he does, it may create that degree of nausea^ which proves iifjurious to the stomach, and iiiipedes its functions. In the former way we may explain the production of cholic or gripes, by drinking largely of pump water in summer, when the body is heated too much ; and in the latter we can account for that loss of condition and staring coat, jo re- markable in horses that are kept on the coast where the water is brackish. FINIS, //. Bryer, Printer, Bridge Street, Blnckfriars, U/c 60$?'- ^i- r-T.- ■i i^y ^^ ^ .^-^■-.v- p^. ^H ■ t'. X,