' ' /V MARIAN'S 
 
 POCKET 
 
 REMEMBRANCER 
 ARM AT AGE 
 
 m 
 
DEPARTMENT OF 
 
 :M^..Ah1 
 
 XiIBl^-iVSlY GIF 
 
 CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS. 
 
 BOOKS ARE NOT TO BE TAKEN FROM THE LIBRARY ROOM. 
 
/ 
 
MEMORANDA FOB. EMERGENCIES 
 
 OB, 
 
LONDON : 
 
 SAVILL, 3DWABDS AND CO., PBINTEBS, CHANDOS 8TBBET, 
 OOVENT GABDEN. 
 
* 
 
 TO 
 
 HIS MANY EXCELLENT FRIENDS 
 
 1ST 
 
 THE VETERINARY PROFESSION, 
 THIS LITTLE WORK 
 
 £8 
 BY 
 
 THEIR FAITHFUL AND OBLIGED SERVANT, 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
 ^1 > ^ 
 
PKEFACE. 
 
 In tbe vast amount of information relative to the 
 nature, habits, and ailments of our domestic ani- 
 mals, which the Veterinary Surgeon desires to 
 retain in his memory, it is probable that many 
 points of interest — called for only under exigent 
 circumstances, and at rare intervals — give way 
 before the details of daily observation, and are 
 either imperfectly remembered, or, it may be, alto- 
 gether forgotten. The present little work is the 
 fruit of an endeavour to supply useful memoranda 
 for cases of emergency, in which brevity has been 
 specially considered in connexion with the impor- 
 tance of each subject treated. It owes its origin 
 to the desires of many professional friends. Since 
 the appearance of a series of instructions for the 
 Student,* the want of a collection of concise direc- 
 tions, suitable for the emergencies of the Veterinary 
 Surgeon, has been repeatedly pointed out to the 
 
 * " The Clinical Note Book." Glasgow : D. Robertson. 
 London : Longmans and Co . 
 
X 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 Author, and his exertions have been solicited 
 towards the acquirement of such a desideratum. 
 The response has, however, been somewhat slow — 
 retarded greatly by the full conviction that the 
 attainments of others might serve the community 
 better — and is only now sent forth with a conscious- 
 ness of its numerous imperfections, and a sincere 
 wish, notwithstanding, that it may at least attain 
 some degree of usefulness in the mission for which 
 it has been designed. As a valuable means of 
 securing this end, as well as paving the way for 
 more complete editions, the Author will feel grate- 
 ful to his friends in the profession, if they will 
 kindly point out omissions and inaccuracies ; and 
 he begs to remind those in active and extensive 
 practice, how easily they may promote the science 
 of Veterinary Medicine by their selection from a 
 large stock of cumulated facts. 
 
 To George Fleming, Esq., F.R.G.S., F.A.S.L., 
 M.R.C.S., &c, the Author's acknowledgments are 
 due for his careful examination of the work in MS. 
 
 G. A. 
 
 Eastlake Road, Camberwell, 
 July, 1870. 
 
NOTE. 
 
 The following abbreviations, which occur through- 
 out the work, have the signification as given below, 
 
 M. M. is given for Mucous Membranes. 
 
 V. M, M. „ „ Visible ditto. 
 
 P. M. „ } , Post Mortem. 
 
 Ppte. „ „ Precipitate. 
 
 Subjects to which reference is made in the con- 
 text, where not otherwise stated, are distinguished 
 by the title being printed in small capitals, thus : — - 
 
 Artificial Eespiration, at page 61, refers to 
 that subject at page 37. 
 
THE %, * 
 
 POCKET EEMEMBRANCIL.. 
 
 OB, 
 
 MEMORANDA FOE EMERGENCIES. 
 
 ABDOMEN, Injuries to. — These usually com- 
 prise ordinary wounds of the parietes. In some 
 instances they are, however, aggravated by extent, 
 modification, and nature of the parts ; termination 
 is therefore fatal or, otherwise, protracted. Occa- 
 sionally, serious damage is inflicted upon the spine 
 and viscera of the abdomen, as when the animal has 
 been crushed between railway waggons, or violently 
 thrown against projecting bodies in a rapid gallop 
 during fright, &c. The liver is apt to suffer ; also 
 the stomach, intestines, or diaphragm, with the 
 kidneys, and the bladder likewise if full. As far as 
 ordinary wounds are concerned, the diagnosis is 
 generally easy ; but surgical interference should be 
 delayed until the exact condition of all parts is 
 ascertained. After it is proved that lesions are 
 superficial and purely muscular, proceed as stated 
 under Wounds. 
 
 B 
 
ABD 
 
 2 
 
 ABO 
 
 When injury has been inflicted upon internal 
 organs, without external lesion, the extent cannot 
 be accurately estimated. Caution, therefore, must 
 be exercised in pronouncing upon the case. Fatal 
 injuries may quickly produce collapse, while it is 
 possible that symptoms indicative of serious struc- 
 tural changes may be delayed some time. Such 
 may occur when the bladder has been ruptured. 
 Generally, however, collapse is more or less evident, 
 and should be met by the administration of dif- 
 fusible stimulants, which must be carried on with 
 extreme caution in order, at any stage, to withdraw 
 them promptly if reaction follows, when opiates, 
 calmatives, derivatives, &c, are indicated. The 
 condition of the bladder must be ascertained per 
 rectum, and passing the catheter will decide, if 
 blood is present, on the existence of rupture of that 
 viscus or damage to the kidneys. Pallid mem- 
 branes, with other signs of Hemorrhage, Syncope, 
 &c. {which see), must be regarded with doubt and 
 apprehension of fatality. Wounds of the abdomen, 
 particularly at the most dependent parts, require 
 support in addition to the usual surgical treatment, 
 but escape of fluid accumulations must be provided 
 for. In those which occur at the sides, there is 
 much greater danger from collections of pus, serum, 
 &c, which are discharged internally. 
 
 ABORTION. — This affection, which is most 
 
commonly witnessed among c|>ws, is presenieii^S) A T} 
 the practitioner in three forffis, each calling for^* A 1 
 special treatment. The results ©f abortion vary in 
 accordance with the stage in the period of gestation. 
 The longer the duration, the more extensive is the 
 connexion between mother and foetus, as well as 
 means for the establishment of proper expulsion at 
 the required time. When, therefore, circumstances 
 of an extraordinary character are productive of 
 abortion, the effects are in direct proportion to the 
 stage at which it has been induced. In early cases 
 the system suffers but slightly, and our interference 
 is mainly required for the prevention of further 
 disease among other animals. In more advanced 
 stages of pregnancy, great depression, or even high 
 febrile action, may require strict attention ; and in 
 the latest, malposition of the foetus, or closure of 
 the os uteri, with a corresponding non-relaxation of 
 the pelvic ligaments, &c, may occasion difficulty 
 in the premature labour, or want of tone in the 
 uterus may retard the delivery. The treatment of 
 animals that have aborted consists in the combat- 
 ing of high febrile action by sedatives, derivatives, 
 &c, and depression by diffusible stimulants. Vagi- 
 nal discharges should be removed regularly, and 
 the parts treated by antiseptic fluids. The animal 
 should be isolated, and the disposal of foetus and 
 membranes secured by prompt and effective burial. 
 If the membranes are retained, they should be re- 
 
ABO 
 
 4 
 
 ABO 
 
 moved before putrefaction commences. In the cow 
 no inconvenience arises from their retention during 
 a few days ; but, if not removed in the mare, con- 
 stitutional disturbance may be observed at an early 
 stage. Vegetable tonics and stomachics are advan- 
 tageously exhibited with stimulants in the cow, to 
 promote their removal. Enemata and laxatives 
 should be used to clear the bowels and promote a 
 proper action, and ecbolics to assist in the contrac- 
 tion of the uterus and expulsion of the contents 
 where wan£ of tone exists. In premature labour 
 attended with closure of the os uteri, dilatation 
 must be had recourse to. If the fingers fail to effect 
 an entrance, or relaxation is very tardy, give chloric 
 ether, belladonna, &c, by the mouth, and carry up 
 the vagina a sponge saturated with the tincture or 
 watery extract of belladonna, which should be 
 allowed to remain for some time, the ringers being 
 applied at intervals to test and assist the relaxation. 
 If the impediments consist of mal-position, mal- 
 formation, &c. , embryotomy will probably be re- 
 quired. The greatest difficulty frequently exists in 
 such cases, which arises from the want of sufficient 
 room for operating. In order to prevent further 
 abortion in a herd, the cause must first be ascer- 
 tained. Noisome odours from putrefying material, 
 giving rise to excitement, should be dissipated by 
 disinfectants and burial ; rampant animals re- 
 moved ; deleterious plants should be sought for and 
 
ABO 
 
 5 
 
 ABS 
 
 pastures changed ; bad food or irregular diet creat- 
 ing indigestion discontinued, good food and proper 
 system being substituted ; highly plethoric animals 
 should be reduced by venesection, derivatives, &c, 
 drastic purgatives being scrupulously avoided. A 
 poor pasture is probably not the least valuable ac- 
 quisition in such cases. 
 
 ABSCESS. — Two kinds of abscesses are recog- 
 nised in veterinary practice, the Pustular and 
 Serous* The first is seen in two forms, acute and 
 cold, or chronic. In the acute abscess much pain 
 and constitutional disturbance is avoided or miti- 
 gated by the early application of the knife or lancet. 
 This is particularly the case with regard to certain 
 structures and localities. In strangles (adenitis), 
 suffocation or roaring may be obviated. In suppu- 
 ration of the humeral glands, discharge may take 
 place in the thorax, but averted by early incision. 
 In poll evil much destruction of tissue is saved, and 
 in abscess of the anus or perineum, penetration of 
 the rectum or urethra, fistulse, &c, also are re- 
 moved farther from the limits of possibility. As 
 soon as fluctuation with pointing is evident, there 
 should be no time,, lost. At the part where the skin 
 is thinnest the sac is to be opened ; but if the period 
 of pointing has not arrived, yet the skin is thin, 
 incision should be made at the lowest or most de- 
 
 * Or more cprrectly, the serous cyst. 
 B 2 
 
ABS 
 
 6 
 
 ABS 
 
 pendent part. The knife, scalpel, or bistoury, 
 lancet, &c, should be perfectly clean and sharp, and 
 used in accordance with the nature of the parts 
 where the operation is required. Well defined, 
 prominent abscesses may be opened by puncture or 
 excision, the lancet being employed for the former, 
 and curved bistoury for the latter. In using these, 
 the lancet is held firmly between the thumb and 
 forefinger, plunged straight through the central 
 part, or point of the abscess, and withdrawn by a 
 downward cutting movement; the blade of the 
 curved bistoury is inserted at the side, and pushed 
 through the abscess and its walls on the opposite 
 side, the cutting edge being outwards, when, strongly 
 grasped in the hand, the blade is caused to divide 
 the tissues that remain between the point and heel 
 of the blade. When the abscess lies at a conside- 
 rable depth, the coverings thick, or in the vicinity 
 of important vessels, &c, great caution is necessary. 
 The most useful instrument is the straight bistoury, 
 by which the superficial tissues are carefully divided 
 by short incisions — if through muscles, in the direc- 
 tion of their fibres — until the confines of the abscess 
 are reached. The fingers should be constantly em- 
 ployed to detect the location of vessels, and the 
 edge of the instrument, during withdrawal and en- 
 largement of the orifice, turned in an opposite direc- 
 tion. The after-treatment consists in the use of warmth 
 by poultices, spongio-piline, or digestives, so called, 
 
ABS 
 
 7 
 
 ABS 
 
 to promote discharge. Premature closing of the 
 wound is guarded against by the introduction of 
 some foreign body, as oiled lint or tow, India-rubber 
 tubing, &c. The antiseptic treatment of wounds 
 {which see) may also be adopted. All stuffing, 
 cramming, squeezing, and probing with the fingers 
 should be avoided as unscientific and barbarous, as 
 well as obnoxious to the future sanatory progress 
 of the wound. In the cold or chronic abscess there 
 are no manifestations of the vigour that charac- 
 terizes the acute variety ; the formation of pus is 
 tardy, and requires to be accelerated, which may be 
 accomplished by the use of blisters, setons, &c, and 
 the moment pointing is observed the knife must be 
 employed. Strong astringent injections, or the an- 
 tiseptic treatment, will then be found serviceable. If 
 the abscess is small and stationary, and there are 
 indications of constitutional weakness, anaemia, or 
 disease, good food and exercise may be required 
 with vegetable tonics, or the iodide or bromide of 
 potassium ; externally, discutients, as the tincture 
 of iodine, ointments of the biniodide of mercury, or 
 mercury alone, astringents, &c. If the abscess of 
 strangles assumes this form, the external treatment 
 here described will in all probability hasten the case 
 to a fatal termination. 
 
 The serous abscess or cyst appears about the 
 knees, as a result of blows, falls, &c, sides of the 
 thorax from pressure with the shoes in lying, &c. ? 
 
ABS 
 
 8 
 
 ABS 
 
 and on the haunch, thigh, and other parts from 
 kicks, &c. &c. In contra-distinction to the pustular 
 abscess, the serous kind is characterized by being 
 circumscribed, soft, and fluctuating, superficial, and 
 evenly covered, rapidly developed ; no central 
 pointing, external moisture, loss of hair, or evidences 
 of ulceration ; having a natural temperature, con- 
 tents mobile, and without the manifestation of pain 
 or constitutional disturbance. Its appearances are 
 stationary — suffering for days no increase or dimi- 
 nution, but after a time slowly disappears from 
 absorption. Treatment consists in opening by 
 puncture, or excision and evacuation of the fluid 
 contents, which are thin, watery, and of a reddish 
 colour, and probably contain blood and fibrinous 
 .clots. Astringents may be used by injection, and 
 union of the integuments to the subjacent tissues 
 secured by pressure. If the lips of the wound have 
 necessarily been made vertically, and a great length, 
 the upper four fifths may be secured by sutures. 
 
 An exception to the surgical treatment just given, 
 may be made in many cases that occur about the 
 poll and upper part of the cervical region in horses. 
 From savage attacks of other animals, blows, and 
 even in the habit of rubbing common to some of 
 the members of this class, a large serous cyst will 
 form towards the side, exactly upon the obliquus 
 capitis superior, or anticus muscle — probably by 
 reason of its greater prominence. Under these 
 
ABS 
 
 9 
 
 ACC 
 
 circumstances the cicatrix resulting from opening 
 of the cyst might be objectionable afterwards, 
 therefore an attempt at discussion should be first 
 thoroughly attempted. 
 
 ACCIDENTS.— In no department, possibly, of 
 veterinary medicine is the practitioner so frequently 
 placed under such great difficulties as when he is 
 hastily summoned on cases of accidents to the 
 lower animals. Messages are either only half deli- 
 vered, garbled, or supplemented from the imagina- 
 tion, and, as is proved on examination, the case 
 offers no resemblance to the condition which re- 
 ports have conveyed. The resources of medicine 
 are thus materially interfered with, and success de- 
 nied. The officiousness of bystanders also greatly 
 retards the attempts to arrive at truth, by their en- 
 deavours to demonstrate an acquaintance with the 
 state of affairs. It will, therefore, reflect credit upon 
 the practitioner who can estimate this in silence at 
 its proper value, and pursue an investigation unin- 
 terruptedly to the end. He should endeavour to 
 obtain all possible information in the least time, 
 and material agents for such a purpose are his eyes 
 and judgment. It is not wise to seek information 
 from the person who happens to be nearest or pro- 
 minent on the occasion. First ascertain under whose 
 care the animal was at the time of the accident, 
 and direct to him the necessary interrogatories. Let 
 
ACC 
 
 10 
 
 ACC 
 
 them be constructed in such order as to facilitate 
 the diagnosis. Having obtained sufficient data upon 
 which to act, let the directions be given with de- 
 cision, and personally superintend, as far as practi- 
 cable, their being carried out. Efficient detail and 
 arrangement being established, state the line of 
 action to be observed until the next visit is made, 
 and, as far as possible, select an attendant upon 
 whom reliance can be placed. Such men are to be 
 found even among officious grooms and bystanders, 
 and with them kindness, firmness, and directions 
 calculated to educate them in the principles de- 
 manded at their hands, tell forcibly, and many stu- 
 pendous difficulties may be overcome. One of the 
 greatest causes of failure with young practitioners, 
 is a want of firmness in giving an opinion and direc- 
 tions ; and an arrogant, austere, or despotic mode 
 is equally reprehensible. These should be strictly 
 avoided. Ignorance and eagerness to know the 
 worst frequently cause misinterpretation of facts and 
 motives, and particularly sentences that are not the 
 offspring of mature deliberation : therefore, resist 
 the attempts to elicit a hasty opinion. Above all, 
 never let an absolute conclusion escape the lips until 
 conditions are accurately investigated and circum- 
 stances carefully weighed. These accomplished, do 
 not fail to let those who have the right receive a 
 plain statement, divested of medical technicalities, 
 including all reasonable grounds for the entertain- 
 
ACC 
 
 11 
 
 ACI 
 
 ment of hope or fear. The benefit of this will be 
 exceedingly apparent when the patient is a valu- 
 able animal, the case serious, and especially with 
 owners who are men of education. Lastly, and 
 particularly when states are critical, put in force 
 every means by which good may be effected ; do 
 not withhold anything that is calculated to expe- 
 dite matters towards a favourable issue on the score 
 of trouble, but avoid everything that may tend to 
 create bustle and confusion. 
 
 ACIDS, Mineral Poisoning by. — These agents 
 are included in the list of chemical or corrosive 
 irritant poisons. The signs of poisoning by them 
 are almost identical, and consist of : — intense ab- 
 dominal pain, dysphagia, painful attempts to 
 cough, intolerable thirst, accelerated breathing, 
 rapid, feeble, and small pulse, great depression, 
 anxious countenance, muscular twitchings, partial 
 sweats, with coldness of skin, increasing weakness, 
 gradual imperceptibility of pulse, no mitigation of 
 agony, and death in a few hours. In carnivora, 
 vomition is almost constant, the matters consisting 
 of mucus, altered blood, &c, having an acid re- 
 action, and strongly effervescing when thrown upon 
 the pavement, or mixed with alkaline carbonates. 
 The mouth, tongue, lips, and teeth are corroded, 
 the buccal membrane being either removed or hang- 
 ing in ragged portions, while the underlying soft 
 
AGI 
 
 12 
 
 ACI 
 
 tissues are inflamed and greatly swollen. The 
 erosions are usually farther stained black by sul- 
 phuric acid ; lemon-yellow by nitric acid ; while 
 no alteration possibly is witnessed from hydrochloric 
 acid, excepting at rare times a dark brown colour 
 may be produced. 
 
 Post-mortem Appearances. — Eedness and ero- 
 sion, with tumefaction of parts, as far as the acids 
 have penetrated ; mucous membrane charred, corru- 
 gated, and partially detached; perforation of stomach 
 partial, or sometimes complete, with escape of con- 
 tents, which are also probably blackened, either as 
 a result of carbonization, or alteration of the blood 
 that has escaped from corroded vessels ; stomach 
 small, and firmly collapsed if empty. These ap- 
 pearances also characterize the small intestines, 
 and other parts acted upon by the acids. 
 
 Treatment. — Scrupulously avoid water and all 
 fluids that do not contain remedial agents. The 
 best are calcined magnesia, or carbonate of lime for 
 sulphuric acid ; or the carbonates of potash and 
 soda, which are also available for antidotes to nitric 
 and muriatic acids. The menstrua should be barley 
 water, linseed tea, soap and water, oil, milk, oat- 
 meal or flour and water, &c. The corrosive effects 
 being neutralized, opiates, derivatives, &c, are re- 
 quired to control violent spasm, and stimuli to 
 guard against depression and collapse. Soft and 
 highly nutritious food during recovery. CEsophago- 
 
AC! 
 
 13 
 
 ACI 
 
 tomy, if protracted, dysphagia results. Death is 
 sometimes delayed for weeks. Apparent recovery 
 takes place, but from thickening of parts of the 
 digestive organs, the process of assimilation is 
 greatly interfered with, and death takes place from 
 inanition. 
 
 Tests. — Svlphuric acid chars organic matter 
 when concentrated; it also generates intense heat 
 if water is gradually added to it, and sulphurous 
 acid is evolved if heated with strips of copper. In 
 the diluted, state it is known by giving white preci- 
 pitates with the chloride of barium and solution of 
 acetate of lead, both being insoluble. Nitric acid in 
 the concentrated form produces a yellow colour in 
 white fabrics, and yields ruddy fumes of nitrous 
 acid when Loiled on copper. The dilute fluid, neu- 
 tralized with carbonate of potash, effervesces, and 
 on evaporation crystals of nitrate of potash are 
 formed; these, boiled with a little sulphuric acid 
 and copper slips, yield the characteristic ruddy 
 fumes. Paper steeped in a solution of these crystals 
 burns with deflagration ; the same may also be ac- 
 complished by dipping it, first into a solution of 
 potash or its carbonate, and then into the acid fluid 
 from the stomach. The colour of the flame is lilac. 
 Hydrochloric acid in solution gives a white precipi- 
 tate with nitrate of silver, soluble in liq. ammo- 
 nia?, but insoluble in nitric acid and liq. potassse. 
 Dried and heated on platina foil, it becomes resini- 
 c 
 
ACI 
 
 14 
 
 ACO 
 
 form, melts, assumes a yellowish colour, and a per- 
 fectly sectile condition. 
 
 ACONITE — Aconitum Napellus — Monks- 
 hood. — This plant provides at once one of the most 
 useful, yet positively as dangerous a medicine as 
 any used hy the veterinary practitioner. The active 
 principle, Aconitina or Aconitine, should never be 
 employed, as from the very small quantity that 
 sometimes proves fatal — equally by absorption as 
 when given internally, it cannot be regulated with 
 so much precision as a properly made tincture — 
 that recommended by Dr. Fleming being the most 
 reliable. > In this form aconite is an efficient sub- 
 stitute for bloodletting, the results being nearly as 
 rapidly developed, without leaving the subsequent 
 depression that always characterizes venesection. It 
 is therefore of great service in all acute inflammatory 
 affections, in which the removal of high vascular 
 action is promptly and effectively required. For this 
 purpose the largest dose should be given first : thus, 
 to a moderate-sized horse twenty minims may be 
 given in a solution of liq. ammon. acet. ; in four 
 hours ten minims, and subsequently every four 
 hours five minims, until the pulse is reduced in 
 volume and frequency, which, in the most acute 
 cases, is soon accomplished. Poisoning is most 
 likely to occur from an irregular and careless 
 mode of administration. It is not uncommon 
 
ACO 
 
 15 
 
 ACO 
 
 to send out three draughts containing an equal 
 quantity of medicines ; these are to be given in one 
 period of twenty-four hours, and the practitioner sees 
 the case but once. Next day it is again visited and 
 symptoms are not subdued, therefore three more 
 draughts are left for administration. Sach cases 
 frequently prove fatal, the use of powerful sedatives, 
 and particularly aconite, exerting a depressing- 
 action upon the heart and circulation, insures an 
 interrupted flow of blood through the lungs ; conges- 
 tion takes place, and the signs of irritative fever are 
 thus dosed with a remedy which has been mainly 
 productive of their origin. A mixture of equal parts 
 of Fleming's tincture of aconite and chloroform 
 acts as a valuable remedy in neuralgia, lumbago, 
 &c, of the dog. It is applied by means of cotton 
 wool, and immediately covered by oiled silk, and 
 held tightly to the part. The most severe pain is 
 produced, which, however, subsides on removal of 
 the application. Great care is required in order to 
 avoid absorption, from which poisoning is sure to 
 follow. The signs of poisoning are great depression, 
 anxious countenance, accelerated respiration, in- 
 creased rapidity and diminished volume of the pulse, 
 and contracted pupils. In more acute cases there 
 are nervous twitchings, nausea, salivation, slight 
 movement of the jaws which merges into a rapid 
 champing, uneasiness, efforts to vomit, all of which 
 suffer aggravation, and continue until death takes 
 
ACO 
 
 16 
 
 ACO 
 
 place. When any of these signs appear, the drug 
 should be withdrawn and stimulants exhibited ; and 
 in those instances where it is desired to administer 
 aconite, in which a small and rapid pulse is present 
 with depression, as in influenza, &c, it should always 
 be given carefully in small doses, and always com- 
 bined with ammonia in the form of carbonate or spirit 
 solution. 
 
 ACORNS. — In moderate quantities, and taken 
 with other food, acorns do not appear to act injuri- 
 ously. Pigs are known to feed largely on them ; 
 but in seasons of scarcity, dry summers, &c, cattle, 
 sheep, and horses at pasture obtain unlimited sup- 
 plies, which form exclusively their food. The effects 
 are produced by virtue of the lai'ge amount of tannin 
 they possess directly upon the fibrin of the blood ; 
 its fluidity is more or less destroyed, and circulation 
 thereby impeded ; and this accounts for the spots of 
 ecchymosis, mortification, sloughing, and even per- 
 foration witnessed in many cases that occur not un- 
 like cattle plague. Similar signs also result from 
 consumption of large quantities of the young shoots 
 of oak trees. 
 
 The treatment consists of brisk cathartics and 
 enemata, opiates, &c, to counteract pain and 
 spasm, and stimulants under depression. The 
 fluidity of the blood is best promoted by the 
 carbonates of the fixed alkalies, which may be 
 
ACO 
 
 17 
 
 ACU 
 
 advantageously given with the sesquicarbonate o 
 ammonia. If the removal of epithelium is extensive, 
 the absorption of medicines will be doubtful. The 
 endermic method may then be tried — Strychnine 
 in solution, half to one grain doses, being calcu- 
 lated to produce a reaction of nervous power 
 among cattle. The following solution is com- 
 monly used : — 
 
 R. Strychnise, gr. ij. 
 Spiritus rect., 5j» 
 Acid, sulph. pur., gutt. iv. 
 M. Fiat solutionem. 
 
 One drachm of this solution contains half a grain of 
 strychnia ; 30 drops, one fourth ; 20 drops, one 
 eighth ; and 1 0 drops, one twelfth. 
 
 ACUTE INDIGESTION— Stomach Staggers 
 — in horses and cattle frequently resembles poison- 
 ing by narcotics, and may be readily confounded 
 with such when the signs of frenzy, coma, &c, are 
 developed rapidly, or without the observance of pre- 
 monitory symptoms. Constipation is usually pre- 
 sent, and the diarrhoea that succeeds does not par- 
 take of fcetor or become profuse ; the evacuations 
 are small in quantity, frequently natural in colour 
 and consistence, or only rather more fluid than in 
 common. The affection is observed among animals 
 housed and fed on artificial foods, as frequently as 
 c 2 
 
ACU 
 
 18 
 
 in pasture. There is no ptvalism, proctorrhea, 
 or violent tenesmus in the early stages, and gene- 
 rally the symptoms are not so rapid as when poisons 
 have been taken. The presence of large quantities 
 of food produces much abdominal irritation, pain, 
 tympanites with resulting cerebral congestion ; and 
 particular points of distinction are to be derived from 
 the history of the case or cases, mode of feeding, 
 prevalence of the malady, and whether one or more 
 animals are affected. Poisoning by eating noxious 
 plants produces signs in all alike, and the affection 
 bears close resemblance in each, both as to duration 
 and progress. Acute indigestion may affect only 
 one animal, and days may elapse before another is 
 seized — unless a number have gained access to an 
 unusual kind and quantity of food; whereas the 
 results of improper feeding, &c, are productive of 
 disease which appears with variable intensity, and 
 in most cases watchful eyes may have detected, 
 during previous days, premonitory signs of distur- 
 bance. See Poisoning. 
 
 iETHIOPS MINERAL— Sulphuret of Mer- 
 cury — is a black powder insoluble in water and 
 alcohol; volatilizes by heat alone, but reduced to 
 the metallic state when mixed with potash and pro- 
 jected over the spirit flame. Soluble in hydrochloric 
 acid with the evolution of sulphuretted hydrogen. 
 See Mercurial Poisoning. 
 
ALB 
 
 19 
 
 ALC 
 
 ALBUMEN. — The various forms of albumen are 
 eminently serviceable in the treatment of poisoning 
 by the corrosive minerals, acids, &c, forming with 
 the various metallic salts, definite chemical com- 
 pounds called albuminates. Albumen constitutes 
 the greatest portion of the white of eggs, in which 
 form it is the most energetic as an antidote. The 
 other forms are met with in the gluten of wheat, 
 and casein of milk, both of which form very bene- 
 ficial extempore remedies, although probably not 
 equal to the white of eggs. Wheaten flour, fine 
 oatmeal, ground barley, and the meal of peas and 
 beans may be variously used ; being generally 
 within reach, they admit of being hastily mixed 
 with water and promptly administered. Linseed 
 tea is also another form, all of which should be 
 made tolerably thick and administered copiously. 
 
 ALBUMINOUS NEPHRITIS. — See Bright's 
 Disease. 
 
 ALCOHOL.-— The various forms of alcoholic fluids 
 are of great service in veterinary practice. Besides 
 being of themselves stimulant, they prove valuable 
 adjuncts to other remedies, as well as convenient 
 vehicles for their administration. In cattle practice, 
 ale or porter is exhibited with cathartics, aromatics, 
 &c, and most medicines, when they increase the 
 purgative action and expedite the removal of con- 
 
ALC 
 
 20 
 
 ALT 
 
 stipation, &c. The stronger forms, as brandy, 
 whisky, and gin, are also frequently employed for 
 the same purpose, but too often without regard to 
 existing conditions. Alcohol, besides being stimu- 
 lant, exerts a powerful influence on the cerebral 
 system as a narcotic ; it is therefore contra-indicated 
 in all its forms in the coma of typhoid diseases, par- 
 turient apoplexy, acute indigestion of horses and 
 cattle, &c, &c, ammonia being the reliable substi- 
 tute. Alcohol and the various ethers promote the 
 action of aloes in the horse, and thus may be turned 
 to a great and beneficial account in the treatment 
 of impacted stomach or general constipation. In 
 cases of emergency, slight cases of colics and pul- 
 monary apoplexy yield to its action. As an ex- 
 ternal application, it forms the active sanatory in- 
 gredient of many so-called " healing lotions," other 
 substances with which it is compounded or held by 
 it in solution having questionable virtues when the 
 true physiology of the animal body is properly ap- 
 preciated. 
 
 ALKALOIDS, Poisoning by. — See Animal 
 Charcoal. 
 
 ALTHiEA EOSEA— Common Hollyhock.— 
 This plant, a luxuriant ornament of many gardens 
 and shrubberies, belongs to the family Malvaceae 
 >or Mallows, remarkable for the great supply of 
 
ALT 
 
 21 
 
 AMM 
 
 viscid mucilage they yield, with an inert alkaline 
 principle known as Althein. Poisonous properties 
 have been ascribed to the hollyhock, in consequence 
 of reported deaths taking place after cattle have 
 largely partaken of it. It is, however, now decided 
 that no toxic principles exist in the plant, and when 
 death results after a hearty meal of it, the causes 
 are to be ascribed to acute indigestion associated 
 with cerebral complications. 
 
 AMAUROSIS — sometimes called Gutta-se- 
 rena. — A condition of the eyes in which dilatation 
 of the pupils takes place conjointly with partial or 
 total blindness. It is referred to as an effect of 
 poisons, &c, that disturb the action of the brain, pro- 
 ducing more or less insensibility. 
 
 AMMONIA. — See Caustic Alkalies. — The 
 carbonate and sesquicarbonate of ammonia are 
 largely used in medicine. They form the general 
 stimulant in debilitating affections of all domestic 
 animals. The aromatic spirituous solution is equally 
 valuable. When given in too large doses they pro- 
 duce signs of disturbance but slightly inferior to the 
 common alkalies, and when from a want of proper 
 dilution, or imperfect administration of boluses con- 
 taining the solid form, they are lodged between the 
 molars, anorexia and excoriation, with swelling of 
 the tongue, mouth, and fauces is the consequence. 
 
AMM 
 
 22 
 
 AMM 
 
 The animal moves the jaws from pain, and profuse 
 salivation results. A solution of alum should be 
 taken to wash out the mouth, which, after being 
 repeated a few times, frequently removes the dis- 
 turbance. Ammonia is one of the most useful agents 
 in the pharmacopoeia as a diffusible and nervine 
 stimulant, and antispasmodic, &c. When given in 
 the solid form it should always be very finely pow- 
 dered, and largely diluted when the liquid prepara- 
 tions are selected. The doses are as follows : — 
 
 Stimulants, fyc. Horses Sf Cattle. Sheep. Dogs, Sfc. 
 
 Li fort. ammOD '.} f 3sstof3iv fej to f 3 ij n*iij to 
 
 SP «imS^ 0n :} f3vjtof3ss ntvtornxx 
 
 A q"c 0 arb. 9e3 :} » * * to ^ g^togr.x 
 
 Ammon. murias. ditto ditto ditto 
 
 Febrifuge and 
 Sedative. 
 
 Li acet amm ° n :} fm^m f3jtof3ij 
 
 AMMONIO-CHLOR1DE OF MERCURY — 
 White Pkecipitate — is known by the following 
 characters : — Insoluble in water, ether, and 
 alcohol ; soluble in strong nitric acid, which yields 
 evidence of the presence of chlorine by giving a 
 white precipitate with a solution of nitrate of 
 silver; volatilized by heat ; reduced to the metallic 
 state when heated with dry carbonate of soda; 
 yields an odour of ammonia when heated with 
 
AMM 
 
 23 
 
 ANO 
 
 caustic potash, chloride of potassium and the red 
 oxide of mercury being left behind : caustic 
 alkalies do not blacken it. See Mercurial 
 Poisoning. 
 
 ANIMAL CHARCOAL. — Purified animal char- 
 coal possesses a remarkable antidotal power against 
 the vegetable or alkaloidal poisons. It is said to 
 be capable of destroying the toxic effect of aconi- 
 tine, morphia, and even nux-vomica — strychnia. 
 In poisoning by any of these substances, and while 
 their presence is suspected within the stomach, 
 large quantities of animal charcoal should be rapidly 
 mixed with water and passed by the mouth or 
 injected by the stomach-pump. It is also of great 
 service in poisoning by arsenic, if administered 
 promptly, and assists the operation of other agents 
 employed to arrest diarrhoea and dysentery. Ani- 
 mal charcoal is far superior to vegetable or ordinary 
 charcoal for nearly all purposes. 
 
 ANOREXIA — Asitia — Fastidium Cibi — 
 Want of Appetite — Loathing of Food. — A 
 condition more commonly observed as a pathogno- 
 monic sign of disease, than existing as a definite 
 affection. When there is no other obvious cause 
 than an apparent nervous depression, as seen from 
 hard work, exposure, &c, diffusible stimulants, 
 warm aromatics and vegetable tonics, with antacids. 
 
ANO 
 
 24 
 
 ANT 
 
 &c , may be prescribed with care. In all cases it 
 is imperative that the cause should be assiduously 
 sought for and removed ; the most common, after 
 local diseases, being irregular teeth or foreign 
 bodies fixed between them, or otherwise inflicting 
 injury to the mouth, tongue, &c. 
 
 ANTIDOTES. — See Albumen, Animal Char- 
 coal, Arsenic, Tannic Acid. 
 
 ANTIMONY.— Three compounds of this metal 
 are in common use. The potassio tartrate, or 
 tartar emetic, the action of which has been de- 
 nied, enters largely into the composition of the alter- 
 ative powders of practitioners of the old school. It 
 may be safely classified under the head of " slow 
 poisons, 1 ' producing death by impoverishment of the 
 blood, marasmus, sometimes congestion of the 
 lungs, hydrothorax, diarrhoea, and collapse. Traces 
 of inflammation are not seen unless the drug has 
 been exhibited in the crystallized form. Carnivo- 
 rous animals are seized with almost incessant 
 vomiting, diarrhoea, and tenesmus, with violent 
 abnormal pain. 
 
 The terchloride or hutyr of antimony is a chemi- 
 cal and corrosive irritant poison ; but from its prone- 
 ness to enter into decomposition with the water of 
 the tissues, the local effects are not so extensive as 
 those caused by the mineral acids. The extent of 
 
ANT 
 
 25 
 
 ANT 
 
 surfaces acted upon by it varies with the amount 
 given as a poison, and they are observed to be covered 
 with a dense flocculent substance, which may be 
 scraped off in considerable quantities, exposing 
 beneath blackened surfaces denuded of epithelium. 
 The symptoms resemble those of poisoning by 
 mineral acids. 
 
 The ttrsulphuret is one of the three ingredients 
 of the alterative powders of druggists, grooms, and 
 pretenders, and also forms a portion of the " cleans- 
 ing drinks" of the former. It forms the celebrated 
 " pig powder," and is caused to . minister to nearly 
 all the ailments of that animal. .Being in such ex- 
 tensive use, there are more reasons for apprehend- 
 ing its obnoxious qualities than are generally 
 admitted, and cases of irritant poisoning now and 
 then come to light. In the autopsy a general 
 blackening results from the fine state of division in 
 which the powder is found, local patches of inflam- 
 mation occur, and parts of the mucous membrane 
 are corrugated. The amount of ingesta present regu- 
 lates the extent of abdominal pain and diarrhoea, 
 and in the dog and pig may be observed acute 
 emesis, with a desire to place the abdomen in con- 
 tact with the ground, and utter, from time to time, 
 tones of a plaintive character. 
 
 Tests. — Antimony is largely eliminated by the 
 urine, in which it may be detected. The terchloride 
 being decomposed, will be found in the form of white 
 
 D 
 
ANT 
 
 26 
 
 ANT 
 
 oxide in recent cases, and where the quantity admi- 
 nistered was large. It is, however, rapidly absorbed, 
 and on this account may be overlooked if death does 
 not take place early. The white flocculent parts or 
 black particles are to be taken, washed carefully, and 
 dissolved in pure hydrochloric acid. A few drops of 
 this solution thrown into water gives a white preci- 
 pitate — the oxide. A stream of sulphuretted hydro- 
 gen driven through the acid solution gives an 
 orange yellow precipitate. The white precipitate 
 is then taken and boiled with equal parts of bi- 
 tartrate of potash until dissolved ; with one of 
 three portions of this solution, sulphuretted hydro- 
 gen gives an orange-yellow precipitate, soluble in 
 hydrochloric acid, with the escape of sulphuretted 
 hydrogen gas ; to a second part, rendered dilute 
 by distilled water, a few drops of the perchloride of 
 iron produce a copious yellow precipitate ; the 
 third part must be concentrated when the same 
 reagent produces a yellow colour only. 
 
 Antimony in organic fluids, tissues, urine, <&c. — 
 Similar means are adopted as in the case of 
 Arsenic, and detailed under that head ; the colour 
 tests of antimony being produced by the method 
 already enumerated, form a special contrast between 
 the two poisons. 
 
 Treatment consists of the exhibition of tannic 
 ac'd, mucilaginous drinks, magnesia in milk, opiates, 
 purgatives, derivatives, &c. 
 
ANT 
 
 27 
 
 ANT 
 
 ANTISEPTIC TREATMENT OF WOUNDS. 
 — The principle is by no means new, and the use 
 of carbolic acid, as selected by Professor Lister, has 
 not surmounted the whole of the difficulties which 
 are attendant upon lesions of various kinds. Never- 
 theless there are strong reasons for promoting a 
 much more extended trial than has hitherto been 
 carried out — or at least made known publicly — in 
 veterinary practice. Chlorine water was first made 
 use of by Dr. Hervieux in 1850, in support of his 
 statement that suppuration is not essential to the 
 proper cicatrization of wounds. The result of trials 
 with solutions of chlorine gas in water, and carbolic 
 acid in glycerine or linseed oil, appears to justify 
 such a conclusion. In addition, it has become 
 evident that in many wounds in animals, particu- 
 larly about the feet, a great source of aggravation 
 is to be found in the dirt and filth of the places, as 
 well as irritating emanations from and result of, 
 chemical changes among them. Wounds, even of 
 extensive character, when covered by a rag satu- 
 rated in these solutions, are protected by a sub- 
 stance that decomposes the irritating agent. Sup- 
 puration is thus delayed, and wounds — the matter 
 from which, instead of burrowing and forming 
 troublesome sinuses, &c. — heal up admirably. A 
 convenient mode of preparing the solution of carbo- 
 lic acid consists of adding equal parts of the acid 
 and glycerine together : — thus half a pound of pure 
 
ANT 
 
 28 
 
 APN 
 
 carbolic acid would require eight ounces of glyce- 
 rine, which rapidly and effectually dissolves it. 
 One part of this solution is then to be mixed with 
 five or six parts of linseed oil, and is ready for use. 
 
 ANUS, Imperforate. — See Proctatresia. 
 
 APNGEA. — A condition frequently observed 
 among sheep, in which a difficulty occurs in respi- 
 ration, as a result of blood-poisoning, brought about 
 by the pernicious use of salves or ointments for the 
 destruction of Epjzoa. The fleece is matted to- 
 gether, and collects dust and dirt ; the exhalant 
 powers of the skin are destroyed, or at least arrested, 
 and organic products, which by accumulation 
 become poisonous, induce narcotism, from which 
 parts of the muscular system suffer intensely, par- 
 ticularly those of circulation and respiration. 
 
 Symptoms. — First stages, dulness, distress, dis- 
 inclination to move, anorexia, general constitutional 
 disturbance, mucous membranes injected, prominent 
 eyes, dilated pupils, irregularity of digestive and 
 urinary organs. In later stages, respiration is 
 laboured and difficult, suffocation being apparent, 
 pulse running down, amaurosis, blindness, ver- 
 tigo, coma, convulsions, evacuation of frothy 
 spume from trachea, death. 
 
 Autopsy. — See Asphyxia. 
 
 Treatment. — Venesection, aconite, derivatives, 
 
APN 
 
 29 
 
 APO 
 
 &c, during high vascular action ; stimulants, with 
 nux-vomica in depression. The fleece should he 
 cleared of the grease, &c, or taken off as soon as 
 possible, and action of skin promoted by friction. 
 If the ointments of mercury or arsenic have been 
 used, absorption may possibly give rise to poisoning 
 by those metals in addition. See Mercurial 
 Poisoning. 
 
 APOPLEXY, Cerebral. — As an independent 
 affection, apoplexy is not common among the 
 domestic animals. It usually appears as a con- 
 comitant of acute indigestion of horses and cattle, 
 parturition fever of cows, and the presence of 
 tumours within the encephalon. Although in the 
 latter case commonitory signs may have prevailed 
 for some period, yet attracted little or no notice, the 
 practitioner seldom is called until they have arrived 
 at their intensity, when they consist of more or less 
 want of power to control the movements of the 
 limbs, semi-consciousness, amaurotic eyes and gene- 
 rally total blindness, pulse full and of natural fre- 
 quency. At other times the animal is down, quite 
 insensible, breathing stertorous, pulse exceedingly 
 slow, and becoming small, weak, and imperceptible ; 
 animal temperature rapidly declining, total anaes- 
 thesia of skin, and death in a few hours. 
 
 Treatment is here obviously of no service. If, 
 however, the animal is seen while the pulse is full, 
 j> 2 
 
APO 
 
 30 
 
 APO 
 
 yet slow, and the power of swallowing not destroyed, 
 there are chances of success. Blood should be ab- 
 stracted without delay, and a strong cathartic ex- 
 hibited, assisted by enemas. The body should be 
 clothed, and friction applied at intervals. Counter- 
 irritants also to the sides of the neck. As improve- 
 ment follows these measures the use of derivatives 
 is indicated, and, under anaemic conditions, stimu- 
 lants, with vegetable tonics, &c. Apoplexy, from 
 whatever cause, is most likely to recur, each attack 
 proving more severe than its predecessor. 
 
 APOPLEXY OF PARTURITION.— Extrava- 
 sation of blood within the cranium of cattle, as a 
 result of toxaemia in disease of an anthracoid cha- 
 racter. — The practitioner in this affection usually 
 labours under the most adverse conditions. When 
 the comatose state has arrived, not only are the 
 stomach and bowels in a state of plenitude and con- 
 stipation, but, from the want of nervous power, ab- 
 sorption from the digestive tract is arrested. 
 Medicines can therefore effect no good. The only 
 course open is exhibition of strychnia endermically, 
 cold water, ice, &c, to the head and withers ; and 
 to induce purgation — after medicine has been ad- 
 ministered — injection of water into the veins has 
 succeeded in some instances. A dilute solution of 
 the aromatic spirits of ammonia or tincture of white 
 hellebore will sometimes restore nervous power and 
 
APO 
 
 31 
 
 APO 
 
 animation, but in most instances treatment at this 
 stage becomes purely 'experimental, which pro- 
 bably at no distant day may be further developed 
 and accepted in the general principles of treatment. 
 All fluids intended for injection should be dilute, 
 and not in large quantities, a pause being fre- 
 quently observed of greater or less duration during 
 the administration. The temperature also should 
 not be lower than 99° Fahr., or above 101° or 102° 
 Fahr. 
 
 Apoplexy, Pulmonary — See Apncea and As- 
 phyxia. — Acute congestion of the lungs, and its 
 frequent sequela, Pulmonary Apoplexy, are common 
 among horses too heavily pushed and ridden in the 
 hunting field, particularly when the land is heavy 
 or principally under the plough, and the condition of 
 the animal below the requisite standard. The flow 
 of blood through the lungs is greatly retarded, and 
 during stertorous respiration danger from complete 
 suffocation is apparently imminent. The pulse is 
 at first slow and oppressed, but, under no relief, 
 becomes small, rapid, and indistinct ; mouth 
 clammy and foetid. V. M. M. injected and dark- 
 coloured, weakness rapidly increases, and the ani- 
 mal drops dead; general coldness with, probably, 
 perspiration preceding dissolution. Chloric, sul- 
 phuric, or nitric ether, and ammonia are required. 
 The first is invaluable during the paroxysms, and 
 the latter admirably succeeds as a nervine stimulant 
 
APO 
 
 32 
 
 ARS 
 
 when the acute signs are passed. If deglutition is 
 difficult or impossible, use the first as an enema, 
 largely diluted ; and pass by the endermic syringe 
 a weak solution of ammonia with tinct. nucis 
 vom. within the cellular tissue. When indications 
 of returning power are manifest, continue the 
 stimulants with gentian, ginger, and nux vomica, 
 but watch with care in order to guard against re- 
 action, which may end in pneumonia or hydro- 
 thorax. The thermometer, passed at intervals of 
 two or three hours, will readily enable the prac- 
 titioner to realize the approach of such undesirable 
 conditions. Tracheotomy is of no service in this 
 affection. 
 
 ARSENIC. — White arsenic or arsenious acid, 
 and Fowler's solution — arsenite of potash — are the 
 forms used in veterinary medicine for the purposes 
 of an alterative in skin diseases, and tonic proper- 
 ties in broken wind, emphysema of the lungs, &c. 
 The doses of arsenious acid are, for the horse and 
 cattle, 4 gr. to 10 gr. ; dog, -^-gr. to T Vgr. The 
 liquor arsenicalis — Fowler's solution — is regulated 
 by the amount of acid contained, four grains being 
 dissolved in every fluid ounce. The use of arsenic 
 may be continued for a long time if combined with 
 iron, or periods of omission are observed. A great 
 quantity doubtless passes off with the food of 
 domestic animals, and irregularity of action may be 
 
ARS 
 
 33 
 
 ARS 
 
 observed by the use of the solid form. The solution 
 is far preferable for remedial purposes, thrown upon 
 the food or mixed with the drinking water. When 
 the drug proves obnoxious to the system, such signs 
 as the following are observed : — (Edema of the lips 
 and eyelids, tenderness of the conjunctiva, with in- 
 creased vascularity and intolerance of light, bowels 
 are irregular, breath foetid, gums redder than usual, 
 and salivary secretion augmented, pyrexia, capri- 
 cious appetite, thirst, &c. ; and in dogs possessing 
 little hair, the "eczema arsenicale," or "nettle 
 rash,'' may also be observed. 
 
 Arsenical Poisoning.— The absorpiion of arsenic 
 is frequently rapid, from the extensive and empiri- 
 cal use of ointments into which it enters. Grooms 
 resort to the acid in order to produce a fine coat in 
 the horses under their care. Rat powders, wholly 
 or partially composed of it, are carelessly left about, 
 and malicious persons place it among the food of 
 animals. From these several circumstances poison- 
 ing occurs. The vapour from copper smelting works, 
 black sulphur, and the tersulphuret of antimony 
 albo act injuriously upon animals from the arsenic 
 contained in them. The vapour of arsenic gives 
 rise to a chronic form of poisoning, in which is 
 observed great thirst, loss of appetite, pain and 
 irregularity of bowels, enlargement of joints, maras- 
 mus, and general depression and sinking. In the 
 acute form the signs occur at variable times, the 
 
ARS 
 
 34 
 
 ARS 
 
 amount of ingesta greatly interfering with the 
 action of the drug. Those observed are as follows : — 
 Loss of appetite, nausea, salivation, shivering, 
 diarrhoea, tenesmus, abdominal pain (sometimes 
 paralysis), accelerated breathing, rapid pulse, which 
 is also smaller and weaker than natural, all of which 
 gradually become intensified, until collapse and 
 death ensues. Tetanic spasms frequently take place 
 towards the close. Pigs and carnivora exhibit severe 
 emesis and abdominal pain, and utter wailing cries. 
 
 Autopsy. — The lungs, sometimes also the heart, 
 liver, spleen, and kidneys are congested ; villous coat 
 of the stomach and mucous coat of small intestines 
 inflamed in places with thickening from effusion be- 
 tween the visceral layers, softening, ulceration, and 
 even perforation and disorganization. The urino- 
 genital apparatus is commonly affected, being con- 
 siderably heightened in colour. N.B. — These effects 
 are as readily produced from absorption by the skin 
 when arsenical solutions or ointments have been 
 freely applied; and the bodies of animals poisoned 
 by arsenic resist decomposition in a remarkable 
 manner. 
 
 Treatment. — Promote emesis where possible, or 
 use the stomach-pump. Fats and oils prevent the 
 solution of arsenic. Animal charcoal ; gelatinous 
 precipitate of magnesia ;* hydrated sesquioxide of 
 
 * The gelatinous precipitate of magnesia is prepared by 
 mixing a caustic potass solution with that of sulphate of 
 
ARS 
 
 35 
 
 ARS 
 
 iron ; linseed tea, milk, barley water, soups, broth, 
 &c, all are of value if administered promptly and in 
 large quantities. Subsequently opiates, belladonna, 
 &c, and eliminatives, &c, are required. 
 
 Tests. — If solid particles can be obtained let them 
 be carefully separated from all fatty and other organic 
 matters and examined as follows : — 1. Arsenic pro- 
 jected on platina foil over the flame of a spirit lamp 
 is entirely volatilized in a white vapour. 2. Heated 
 in a small tube, it sublimes and condenses in the 
 cool part, forming lustrous octahedral crystals. 3. 
 Soluble in hot solutions of carbonate or caustic 
 potash. 4. Mix the suspected powder with an 
 equal part of cyanide of potassium or charcoal ; place 
 the compound dry at the bottom of a long narrow 
 test-tube, and heat over the spirit flame, when a ring 
 of metallic arsenic will be formed in the cool part as 
 a steel grey incrustration. Examine by a powerful 
 lens or microscope. 5. Break the tube, and place 
 the portions containing the grey incrustation within 
 a larger one, and again heat; the metal now vola- 
 tilizes, recovers its lost oxygen, and condenses as arse. 
 nious acid — white lustrous octahedral crystals, which 
 should be examined with those obtained in process 2. 
 
 magnesia. The hydrated sesquioxide of iron is made by 
 precipitating it from a solution of a per-salt of the metal 
 by means of liq. ammonise. As an antidote of efficacy to 
 aisenic it is, however, doubtful. It should be largely ad- 
 ministered in suspension with gruel, and flour and water 
 and other extemporaneous fluids. 
 
ARS 
 
 36 
 
 ARS 
 
 If a quantity, say one ounce of the solution as 
 obtained in 3, is at hand, it may be treated as fol- 
 lows : — 6. Acidulate by means ofhydrochloric acid, 
 and add to one portion solution of sulphide of 
 ammonium : a bright yellow precipitate forms the 
 sulphide of arsenic, or orpiment. 7. Solution of the 
 ammonio-mtrate of silver gives a primrose-) ellow 
 precipitate, the arsenite of silver. 8. Solution of 
 the ammonio-sulphate of copper produces a bright 
 green precipitate, the arsenite of copper, known as 
 Scheele's green. 
 
 Arsenic in Organic Matters, &c. — 9. Obtain fluid 
 from these by filtration, acidulate and test by 6, 7, 
 and 8. If viscid or mixed with fatty matters, dilute 
 with water, boil with muriatic acid, filter, and test 
 as before. 10. Reinserts Test. — Take a portion of 
 the fluid from the stomach, and put in pieces of 
 clean copper sheet, wire, or gauze. If they become 
 coated with a steel grey incrustation, arsenic or 
 antimony is present, to determine which proceed as 
 already stated under 4, 5, 3, 6, 7, and 8. 
 
 Arsenic is largely eliminattd ly the kidneys: the 
 urine should therefore be preserved and examined ; 
 the tests 6, 7, and 8 may answer ; if not, proceed as 
 stated under 9 and 10. 
 
 Arsenic in Animal Tissues. — Portions of the 
 liver, lungs, kidneys, intestines, spleen, &c, are to 
 be taken, reduced to very small pieces, and care- 
 fully digested with water and pure hydrochloric 
 
ARS 
 
 37 
 
 ASP 
 
 acid. As soon as the tissues are decomposed, insti- 
 tute Beinscli's Test; another portion of the fluid 
 may be distilled, and treated by the colour tests 6, 
 7, 8. These are amply sufficient to detect arsenic, 
 but if desirable, Marsh's test, by nascent hydrogen, 
 may be used : a description of which is given in 
 nearly all chemical works. 
 
 ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION. — In most cases 
 of asphyxia that occur among the lower animals, 
 artificial respiration, if applied at an early period, is 
 attended with good results. The hands are spread, 
 so as to cover as much space as possible, and ap- 
 plied with steady pressure, alternately, to the 
 parietes of the abdomen and walls of the thorax. 
 This must be continued with such regularity, that 
 the number of respirations in health may be care- 
 fully imitated. In aggravated conditions it may 
 be necessary to open the trachea, when the orifice 
 should be sufficient to admit the nozzle of a common 
 bellows, or that attached to a proper India-rubber 
 bag. Gentle pressure is then continuously applied 
 to the instrument, and air cautiously distributed to 
 the lungs after each compression on the outside of 
 the chest. The desired ends may in some cases be 
 obtained if the instruments are applied to the mouth 
 or nostrils. 
 
 ASPHYXIA — Suspended Animation.-— Several 
 
ASP 
 
 38 
 
 ASP 
 
 forms are observed. See Apncea. Asphyxia suffo- 
 cationis, arising from strangulation, hanging, 
 drowning, and impediments to respiration, in con- 
 sequence of diseased conditions of the larynx, 
 trachea, narcotic poisons, &c; Asphyxia mephitica, 
 caused by the inhalation of noxious gases ; As- 
 phyxia neophytorum, arising from inertia, &c, in 
 newly -born animals ; Asphyxia algida, resulting 
 from intense cold ; and Asphyxia elcctrica, or 
 stroke of lightning. 
 
 Autopsy. — The general signs of asphyxia in the 
 dead body are : Fluidity of the blood, which is also 
 very dark in colour throughout the arterial as well 
 as venous system ; extensive congestion of the 
 brain and various organs of the body, particularly 
 of the lungs, with an overcharged state of the right 
 ventricle. Other local signs are also present, which 
 go far to distinguish some of the forms of asphyxia. 
 For instance, hair is singed sometimes extensively 
 fiom the effects of lightning; swelling of the head 
 and neck, with numerous bruises, occur after hang- 
 ing ; or extreme tumefaction at the throat may be 
 present ; frost-bites after the effects of cold, &c. 
 
 Treatment. — Eemove the cause as speedily as 
 possible, restore the circulation by artificial respira- 
 tion and friction to the surface, cold water dashed 
 into the face, inhalation of ammonia. Newly born 
 animals should be alternately but rapidly plunged 
 first into a cold bath 50° to 60° Fahr., and nex^ 
 
ASP 
 
 39 
 
 BAR 
 
 into a warm one of 98° to 102° Fahr. These fail- 
 ing, proceed as detailed above. Frost-bites should 
 not be warmed too rapidly. Friction with sea or 
 salt water, snow, &c, should be used, with subse- 
 quent dry friction and moderate clothing. Enemas, 
 stimulants, cathartics, derivatives, &c. &c, will be 
 required afterwards in accordance with conditions ; 
 but bloodletting must be strictly avoided. 
 
 ATROPIA, or Atropine. — The alkaloid upon 
 which the activity of belladonna depends. On ac- 
 count of its extreme power, the greatest caution is 
 necessary during its employment. The dose for 
 the horse, gr. j to gr. ij ; to the dog, gr. A 
 solution for application to the eye in order to pro- 
 duce dilatation of the pupillary opening contains 
 from 2 to 4 grains to the ounce. One drop placed 
 within the palpebrse produces the desired effect in 
 a very short time. An ointment is also prepared, 
 containing one grain to the ounce of lard. This is 
 applied round the orbit with smart friction. 
 
 BARYTA. — The salts of barium are poisonous, 
 and are used as an ingredient of rat-powders. 
 The carbonate of baryta does not appear to be so 
 powerful as the chloride. The signs of poisoning 
 are Anorexia, uneasiness, accelerated pulse and 
 respiration, which in a few hours assume an aggra- 
 vated character, as violent abdominal pain, diar- 
 
BAR 
 
 40 
 
 BEL 
 
 rhoea, Dyspnoea of a painful nature, profuse perspi- 
 ration, is death. The action of the salts of 
 barium is, however, somewhat uncertain. It ap- 
 pears that a large quantity in the solid form may 
 be taken daily in small doses without disturbance, 
 being probably largely carried out of the system by 
 the food. In other instances, when given in solu- 
 tion or continued for a long time, death has occurred 
 suddenly, leaving no appearances of irritation what- 
 ever. As usual, from the solid form, there are signs 
 of gastro-enteritis, but the most likely cause of 
 death is an effect upon the nervous system by which 
 circulation is arrested. 
 
 BELLADONNA. — All parts of the plant known 
 as the Deadly Nightshade or common Dwale — 
 Atropa belladonna — are highly poisonous to domes- 
 tic animals when taken in tolerable quantity. The 
 effects are those of a narcotico-irritant poison, in 
 which a wild excitement or delirium, with dilated 
 pupils, vertigo, convulsions, stupor, and lowering of 
 animal temperature are remarkable. Carnivora are 
 very susceptible of the action of belladonna. In 
 poisoning by it, stimulants, as coffee or tea in which 
 is placed ammonia, brandy, tr. opium, strychnine, 
 &c. &c. In cattle the rumen may require to be 
 unloaded mechanically. Purgatives, eliminatives, 
 &c, subsequently. Large quantities of the solution 
 of atropine or extract, used externally, will produce 
 
BEL 
 
 41 
 
 BIS 
 
 all the effects of poisoning equally with their inter- 
 nal use. 
 
 BINIODIDE OF MERCURY. — Has a bright 
 scarlet colour ; almost insoluble in water ; freely 
 soluble in ether or an aqueous solution of iodide of 
 potassium, but sparingly soluble in alcohol; assumes 
 a yellow colour when heated on paper over a spirit 
 flame, and a reddish-brown when digested in a 
 solution of soda ; the clear fluid from the latter 
 yields a blue precipitate when mixed with a solu- 
 tion of starch and acidulated with nitric acid. See 
 Mercurial Poisoning. 
 
 BLNOXALATE OF POTASH. — See Mangold 
 Wurzel, Oxalic Acid. 
 
 BISMUTH.— The tri-nitrate or subnitrate of 
 bismuth is used as a sedative to the stomach in 
 acute dyspepsia and irritation of the mucous mem- 
 brane. It is a very insoluble salt, and does not 
 appear to be dangerous, except in very large doses 
 or in the crystallized form, when all the signs of 
 irritant poisoning are produced, with vertigo, stag- 
 gering gait, tremors, &c. — No antidote. Mucila- 
 ginous and albuminous drinks are necessary in the 
 treatment with emetics in the dog; after which 
 purgatives and eliminatives. Bismuth is known by 
 its solubility in nitric acid, a few drops of which 
 e 2 
 
BIS 
 
 42 
 
 BLA 
 
 thrown upon distilled water gives a white pre- 
 cipitate insoluble in tartaric acid. The basic nitrate 
 of bismuth is a powerful disinfectant to unhealthy 
 and sloughing wounds, and promotes healing. It 
 is highly valuable in scrofulous sores. 
 
 BITES. — Wounds caused by the teeth of animals 
 partake of several characters. The parts are more 
 or less bruised as well as being lacerated, and 
 probably the entrance of saliva may add to the 
 local disturbance, although possessing no direct 
 poisonous quality. The bites of rabid animals are, 
 however, dangerous, and should receive the earliest 
 possible attention. From the causes above-named, 
 bites are very prone to assume a gangrenous or un- 
 healthy character. Treatment should consist of the 
 immediate application of the actual cautery to the 
 wound, nitrate of silver, caustic-potash, the mineral 
 acids, butyr of antimony, &c. The fluid escharotics 
 are preferable to the solid caustics, as they pervade 
 all parts of the wound, while the action of the latter 
 is limited. The actual cautery may consist of the 
 common budding iron, or a piece of thick iron or 
 copper wire. See Scratches. 
 
 BLADDER, Distension op. — Signs of uneasi- 
 ness and distress, with straggling gait, accelerated 
 respiration and circulation, pain in turning, frequent 
 but ineffectual attempts to urinate, accompany 
 
BLA 
 
 43 
 
 BLA 
 
 acute distension of the bladder. The condition of 
 the viscus should be ascertained per rectum, and 
 the catheter passed as soon as possible. See 
 Catheter. In male animals some difficulty attends 
 this, but the operation is easy in the female. The 
 contents being evacuated, warm enemas should be 
 thrown up, and a brisk cathartic administered. 
 Bleeding is sometimes resorted to, in order to 
 counteract muscular spasm ; chloroform may also 
 be administered ; belladonna internally by the 
 mouth, and conjointly with sulphuric ether as in- 
 jection. 
 
 BLADDER, Rupture of. — After an animal has 
 endured the prolonged torture that ensues from an 
 over-distended bladder and rupture takes place, an 
 apparent cessation of symptoms is frequently ob- 
 served. If the hand be passed up the rectum the 
 viscus cannot be detected. No natural discharge of 
 urine takes place, the pulse becomes feeble and 
 small. The catheter admits of the passage of 
 blood ; an anxious countenance appears, the appe- 
 tite is capricious or altogether lost, and the animal 
 continues to stand persistently. The signs may 
 continue a day or two without much alteration, and 
 at length the pulse becomes slow, there is a ten- 
 dency to lethargy and oedema of the legs and de- 
 pendent parts, while an urinous odour is exhaled 
 from the skin. Coma now rapidly advances, the 
 
BLA 
 
 44 
 
 BOW 
 
 limbs refuse their power of support, the animal 
 staggers, is blind, and falls awkwardly ; a state of 
 dissolution is imminent, and death follows. 
 
 Autopsy. — The bladder is probably gangrenous, 
 and contains a rent of greater or less dimensions ; 
 the intestines are inflamed, and layers of membranes 
 are raised by infiltration; a large quantity of 
 urine is found in the abdominal cavity, and all 
 the tissues of the body possess a nauseous odour 
 of urine, the muscular system being dark coloured 
 and flabby ; the blood is also dark coloured and 
 fluid ; lungs and brain congested. 
 
 BLEACHING POWDER. — See Chlorine. 
 Lime. 
 
 BLEEDING.— See Venesection. 
 
 BLUE VITRIOL.— See Copper. 
 
 BOWELS, Injuries of. — The intestines are 
 sometimes included in damage inflicted by sharp 
 instruments, &c., upon the parietes of the in- 
 testines. When the wound is small, a single stitch 
 may be inserted, the ends tied and cut off close ; if 
 large, the uninterrupted suture — silk being used — 
 will answer the best. Care must be exercised in 
 order to draw accurately together the peritoneal 
 surfaces; the stitches alsoshould be regular and near 
 
BOW 
 
 45 
 
 BEO 
 
 each other. All extraneous substances are then to 
 be carefully removed, and the bowel returned, when, 
 if the case progresses satisfactorily, the sutures will 
 be evacuated through the intestines. Wounds in 
 the floor of the abdomen should be supported by 
 means of a roller, in addition to the usual surgical 
 treatment, in order to prevent the reappearance of 
 the bowel. 
 
 BRIGHT'S DISEASE— Albuminous Nephri- 
 tis. — A common disease among horses fed and 
 worked irregularly, particularly when the food is 
 variable in its nutritious properties and mode of 
 preparation. The signs manifested are those of 
 abdominal irritation, dysuria or strangury, with 
 rapid toxemia, paralysis, coma, and death in some 
 cases within 24 hours. It commonly arises when 
 highly nutritious food is supplied in large quantities 
 during absolute rest, after the animal has been 
 badly cared for and irregularly worked. If urine 
 can be obtained, it resembles boiled linseed oil, 
 from its admixture with blood materials. The 
 bladder should be evacuated as soon as possible, 
 as from this operation great relief is derived; to 
 this should succeed a brisk aloetic cathartic. Diu- 
 retics must be avoided while the kidneys are in such 
 a state of disturbance. 
 
 BROMINE.— The effects of this substance, and 
 
BRO 
 
 46 
 
 BUR 
 
 also those of its salts, as poisons and remedial 
 agents, are analogous to those of Iodine — which 
 see. 
 
 BRINE. — See Chloride of Sodium. 
 
 BRUISES.— See Contusions. 
 
 BURNS AND SCALDS.— Accidents, daring 
 which severe burns and scalds are inflicted upon 
 the lower animals, are not unfrequent. Horses em- 
 ployed about blast furnaces andiron foundries suffer 
 from the explosion of slag-balls, &c, and are some- 
 times thrown upon red-hot metal ; others are seri- 
 ously damaged in chemical works by hot and even 
 caustic fluids. Besides, burns and scalds arise in 
 consequence of malicious feeling entertained towards 
 stray dogs and cats, &c, hot water being thrown 
 over them, or probably rubbed with turpentine or 
 other inflammable liquid, which is afterwards 
 ignited. In this way the greatest torture is in- 
 flicted. Various modes of treatment are propounded, 
 the most common being to apply a mixture of rape 
 oil and solution of the acetate of lead by means of a 
 feather, and afterwards envelope the parts in cotton 
 wool satu ated in the same mixture. A proportion 
 of turpentine added to it also answers well, or cotton 
 wool saturated in the warm spirit alone, followed by 
 a thick coating composed of oil of turpentine two 
 
BUR 
 
 47 
 
 BUR 
 
 parts, and lead liniment, or zinc ointment, four parts. 
 The primary irritation instituted by such a dressing 
 quickly subsides, and is succeeded by an agreeable 
 soothing sensation. Unless a profuse discharge or 
 foetor arises, the covering is to remain several days, 
 when a healthy granulating surface is exposed. 
 Such a mode, however, is not applicable to all kinds 
 of burns and scalds met with in veterinary practice, 
 as coverings cannot always be applied, and, even 
 where they can, the uneasiness of the animal 
 ensures their speedy displacement. A thick mix- 
 ture of lead liniment and turpentine is laid on, and 
 flour afterwards repeatedly thrown from a common 
 dredger. This provides a coating which effectually 
 protects the surfaces from the action of the atmo- 
 sphere. The famed " Carron oil" — so called be- 
 cause it was first used by the employes of Carron 
 Works, near Falkirk — composed of lime water and 
 linseed oil, is also a very good remedy. Wheaten 
 flour is sometimes used alone, and answers well 
 after the part has been covered with common 
 treacle. Finely scraped or powdered chalk, calcined 
 magnesia, carbonate of soda in powder and solu- 
 tion, also suggest themselves in an emergency. 
 The latter, as also solution of citric acid, is re- 
 markable for allaying pain. A solution of carbolic 
 acid is highly valuable. It is made thus : — One 
 part, by weight, of the crystallized acid is dissolved 
 in one part, by measure, of pure glycerine. Such 
 
BUR 
 
 48 
 
 BUR 
 
 a solution should always be kept ready in the 
 pharmacy, as it is eminently useful for many pur- 
 poses. One ounce by measure of the mixture is 
 then added to five ounces of linseed oil and well 
 shaken ; to this half an ounce of tinct. opii is 
 added, and the whole caused to make eight ounces 
 by a solution of carbonate of soda (one part to eight 
 of water). The wounds are covered by the mixture 
 and afterwards dredged with flour. If fcetor arises 
 under other treatment, the carbolic acid mixture 
 or solutions of chlorine, chloride of zinc, &c, 
 should be used. Constitutional symptoms some- 
 times require the practitioner's greatest vigi- 
 lance. During exacerbations of irritability, aconite, 
 belladonna, acetate of ammonia, &c, are re- 
 quired ; and under depression of the vital powers, 
 resort must be had to diffusible stimulants, as 
 ammonia, ether, and alcoholic fluids that may be 
 at hand. 
 
 In all cases of extensive burns and scalds, the 
 main object should be to provide and maintain an 
 equally impervious covering, as a protection from 
 the atmosphere; and in removing it to ascertain 
 the progress or condition of the parts beneath; only 
 a little should be exposed at a time. When gluti- 
 nous materials are used, and discharge breaks out 
 at various parts, dry powder should be immediately 
 thrown on. When blisters form, do not cut or 
 puncture them ; the skin and tissues beneath obtain 
 
BUR 
 
 49 
 
 CAM 
 
 a better protection when they are whole, and there 
 is less pain. 
 
 When caustic agents have been the cause of 
 injury, relief may be afforded by weakening or 
 neutralizing their effects ; thus : — Mineral acids 
 may be treated by washing the affected parts with 
 solutions of the alkaline carbonates ; caustic alkalies 
 should be neutralized by vinegar, dilute acetic acid, 
 &c. See Lime. 
 
 CALOMEL — Chloride op Mercury — is found 
 as a white or grey insoluble powder ; volatilized by 
 heat; blackened by caustic alkalies, carbonate of 
 ammonia, &c. ; reduced to the metallic condition 
 when heated with dry carbonate of soda. Calomel 
 is irritant in large doses, but produces death by 
 long-continued medicinal doses in the chronic form. 
 See Mercurial Poisoning. 
 
 CAMPHOR is a narcotico-irritant poison when 
 given in large doses. It has seldom been known to 
 produce absolute poisoning in veterinary practice. 
 From its general use as an ingredient of sedative 
 balls, it is apt to produce great irritation of the 
 gastric mucous membrane, when sufficient care has 
 not been exercised in pulverizing it. The various 
 ethereal spirits and essential oils are powerful 
 solvents ; a few drops of these assist in its reduction 
 in the mortar very materially. Camphor admirably 
 p 
 
CAM 
 
 50 
 
 CAN 
 
 covers the odour of turpentine, and assists the 
 mingling of fluids with each other that are not 
 otherwise miscible. 
 
 CANTHARIDES. — When these insects are used 
 in the form of ointment externally or powder inter- 
 nally, great care should be exercised in order to 
 avoid their effects upon the urino-genital organs. 
 Whenever irritation ex' sts or injuries are committed 
 upon or near those parts, cantharides as a vesicant 
 should be abandoned for mustard or the Mylahris 
 CicJwrii, as recommended by Mr. B. Cartledge of 
 Sheffield,* and Mr. T. Hurford,f India. In poison- 
 ing by cantharides, the signs vary in accordance 
 with the mode of administration If given in solu- 
 tion, the mouth and fauces will exhibit signs of 
 irritation and tumefaction, and abdominal pain will 
 be present, with nausea and emesis in carnivora, 
 &c. When given in the solid form, the local signs 
 of irritation are absent, and the most prominent are 
 those of constitutional disturbance, gastro-enteritis, 
 diuresis, but usually strangury is present, and 
 threatening rupture of the bladder from over-disten- 
 sion ; at other times the urine is hot, and voided 
 with extreme pain and difficulty, and loaded with 
 albumen. The bowels are constipated, and fasces 
 glazed with mucus. These signs give way to 
 
 * " Veterinarian," vol. xxviii., 1855, p. 64. 
 f Morton's " Veterinary Pharmacy," sixth edition, p. 221. 
 
CAN 
 
 51 
 
 CAR 
 
 great depression and agony, tetanic spasms, para- 
 lysis, stupor, death. When too large, but not 
 poisonous doses are administered, the effects are 
 localized, as described, in the urino-genital organs. 
 In affording relief, oil, as a solvent of cantharidine, 
 should be avoided. Mucilage should be given with 
 calmatives during the existence of pain, and the 
 bladder evacuated as speedily as possible. See 
 Catheter, Bladder, Bright's Disease. Aloes 
 (or saline purgatives in cattle) should follow, and 
 the food should be simple and of easy digestion. 
 
 CARBONIC ACID gas is irrespirable, and 
 produces death by Apoplexy. It is a product 
 of respiration, combustion, and fermentation ; is 
 largely given off in the burning of limestone, 
 and an extensive product of the explosion of 
 fire-damp in coal-mines. As a heavy gas it per- 
 vades deep wells, cellars, and other excavations 
 that are not properly ventilated, and on this 
 account probably, in many instances, death has 
 taken place in animals falling into them, rather 
 than the result of direct injury. In the burning of 
 charcoal and coke in the stables or apartments 
 without a proper supply of atmospheric air, the 
 resulting carbonic acid gas is rendered more deadly 
 by its admixture with carbonic oxide. The chances 
 of success in the restoration of animals suffering 
 from the poisonous effects of carbonic acid, are 
 
CAR 
 
 52 
 
 CAR 
 
 rendered very doubtful in nearly every instance, 
 by the lateness of the period at which assistance 
 can be rendered. It is not always possible to 
 reach the animal without danger to human life ; 
 and this applies strongly to the disasters that at- 
 tend colliery explosions, or when animals fall into 
 deep wells or cellars containing the gas. If, how- 
 ever, there are grounds for hope, the treatment 
 should consist of Artificial respiration carried 
 on persistently ; inhalation of ammonia, when the 
 head is raised above the level of the body j cold 
 water dashed over the face ; injections containing 
 ammonia ; derivatives to the legs and hind quarters ; 
 galvanism directed along the phrenic nerve towards 
 the diaphragm ; strychnine endermically. As soon 
 as the patient can swallow, stimulants, as ammonia, 
 should be given in small and repeated quantities, 
 the body clothed, and the animal removed to a 
 cool, well-ventilated building. The bowels should 
 be excited, and elimination of the poison promoted 
 by rousing the skin and lungs to action by exercise, 
 if possible, or friction externally, warm clothing, 
 the Roman bath, diuresis, &c. 
 
 If it should be necessary for the practitioner to enter 
 a confined place having an atmosphere containing a 
 large amount of carbonic acid, a towel or handker- 
 chief should be worn over the mouth, which has 
 been saturated with pure water, or ( weak solution 
 of potash, soda, or lime. Such a contrivance, how- 
 
CAR 
 
 53 
 
 CAT 
 
 ever, is insufficient for any great length of lime, and 
 requires frequent renewal. 
 
 CATHETER, Passing the.— This is an essential 
 operation, and should always be passed immediately 
 a paralytic patient is visited, when urine has not 
 been discharged, more particularly if the animal has 
 been down some time. Cows that drop at the time 
 of calving are frequently unable to urinate from 
 mechanical pressure upon the bladder ; the use of 
 strong diuretic medicines, absorption of cantharides 
 from the skin or given in too large doses, &c. &c, 
 produce spasm of the neck of the bladder, and thus 
 restrict the discharge of urine, and rupture of the 
 bladder may be threatened. Such cases call per- 
 emptorily for the use of the catheter. In the 
 female a metallic tube about 15 inches long is used, 
 having a slight curve, and a diameter of -^g- of an 
 inch. This is employed as follows : — The index 
 finger of the left hand is used as a director, being 
 passed along the floor of the vagina until it reaches 
 the operculated entrance to the bladder. The 
 catheter is now passed beneath the finger, the 
 hollow of the curve being towards the floor of the 
 vagina. The valve is easily raised, the tube enters 
 readily ; a gurgling sound ensues, and urine flows. 
 The bladder of the female of horses and cattle may 
 be evacuated by means of the fingers only, or a 
 small india-rubber tube. It is most readily accom- 
 f 2 
 
CAT 
 
 54 
 
 CAT 
 
 plished in cows, the orifice leading to the bladder 
 being large. 
 
 In male animals, greater difficulty exists, from 
 the length of the urethra. A flexible tube is used 
 about 4 feet long, the end of which, like the female 
 catheter, is blunt, and rounded off, the exit holes 
 being pierced in the sides. Before it can be passed, 
 the penis must be withdrawn, which is sometimes a 
 matter of difficulty from the muscular power exerted 
 by the animal. The operator stations himself 
 upon the right side of his patient, the fore-foot and 
 head being properly secured by assistants, and the 
 right hand steadily passed up the sheath. When 
 the end of the penis is seized a steady hold should 
 be maintained, while an assistant rubs the perineum 
 in a downward direction over the arch of the 
 ischium. The operator may do this himself in 
 quiet animals. The effect of the operation is to 
 cause the penis to descend slowly, when it may be 
 seized externally by the left hand, covered by a 
 thin soft cloth, which will render the hold more 
 secure. At this stage the condition of the sulci 
 at the end of the urethral canal should be examined. 
 If they contain any accumulations of mucus, dirt, 
 &c, they must be cleared before the catheter is 
 passed. About a foot of the tube is lubricated with 
 oil or lard, and held above by the right hand, the 
 end being passed within the orifice of the urethra, 
 and upwards as far as the part has been greased. 
 
CAT 
 
 55 
 
 CAT 
 
 A second and then a third portion is lubricated and 
 passed, and so on until the instrument reaches the 
 bladder; the object of this proceeding being to 
 maintain a firmer hold of the tube than can be done 
 when the hand grasps a greased portion. When 
 the point of the tube reaches the arch of the ischium, 
 an assistant, or the operator with his left hand, 
 may direct the tube round the curve into the 
 bladder. This is frequently the most difficult part 
 of the operation, and not always practicable — par- 
 ticularly in strangury. The pain that ensues 
 excites the animal to violence, and he will probably 
 permit no farther interference. In other cases, even 
 without this condition, the tube cannot be passed ; 
 when, if the symptoms are not urgent, injections of 
 opium or belladonna should be thrown up the 
 rectum, and a full dose of the latter exhibited in- 
 ternally. Eelaxation usually follows, and the 
 bladder is evacuated naturally. Sometimes this 
 also fails, when an opening is required in the 
 urethra opposite the ischial arch, in order to pass 
 the female catheter. For this purpose the male 
 catheter is again passed as far as the point named, 
 and there held by an assistant. The operator then 
 takes a clean sharp scalpel, and, steadying the 
 catheter in the canal with the left hand, makes a 
 vertical incision through the skin, about three- 
 quarters of an inch in length. The index finger is 
 to act as a means of exploring, in advance of the 
 
CAT 
 
 56 
 
 CAU 
 
 knife, in order to avoid important vessels. Dissec- 
 tion is thus performed in successive stages until the 
 urethra is reached, which is known by its white 
 appearance in contrast to other tissues. An open- 
 ing of three-eighths of an inch, which is ample, is 
 then made into the canal and the flexible catheter 
 is withdrawn, the female tube being carefully in- 
 serted through the artificial opening, and onwards 
 through the contracted neck into the bladder itself. 
 Discharge of urine sometimes occurs naturally, as 
 well as by means of the catheter, the passage of the 
 tube causing relaxation of the muscular fibres at 
 once. If such a condition is not evident, the wound 
 must be left open until natural urination takes 
 place, when the twisted suture may be used to effect 
 a closure. 
 
 In oxen the double curve of the urethra renders 
 the passing of the catheter at once impossible. 
 When the case is urgent the urethra must be opened 
 as described for the horse. In the dog the small 
 bougie as used in the human subject must be 
 selected, and passed as in the horse, with but slight 
 modification in detail. 
 
 CAUSTIC ALKALIES. — Potash, soda, and 
 ammonia are included in this category. Poisoning 
 sometimes occurs from their being administered in 
 too large doses as remedial agents, and without 
 proper dilution. Strong caustic solutions are some- 
 
CAU 
 
 57 
 
 CAU 
 
 times greedily swallowed during extreme thirst. 
 Cases of malicious poisoning by them are not 
 common. Each produces signs not unlike those that 
 result from the action of the mineral acids, ex- 
 cepting there are no stains ; the structures are in- 
 tensely red, swollen, and glairy to the touch, while 
 haemorrhage is frequently greater. An autopsy 
 discloses softened membranes, erosions with de- 
 tached portions, perforations, patches of inflamma- 
 tion, extravasation, and altered blood materials in 
 stomach, small intestines, and even urinary organs.. 
 The blood is fluid, and usually natural in colour 
 throughout the vessels, and iu this respect the 
 alkalies differ from acids in their effects upon the 
 circulating fluid. Ammonia produces special signs 
 of poisoning, as copious salivation, tetanic convul- 
 sions, opisthotonos, paraplegia, and death. Treat- 
 ment consists in the exhibition of oil, milk, or 
 mucilaginous draughts containing mild acids, as the 
 acetic, citric, or tartaric. Administer opiates, seda- 
 tives, &c, during high febrile action, and promote 
 the elimination of the poisons by the Roman bath, 
 and exhibition of bland fluids, &c. 
 
 Tests. — Potash and soda may be detected in the 
 urine, where they exist as the carbonate. Clear 
 solutions of each, and also ammonia obtained from 
 the stomach, give a brown precipitate with nitrate 
 of silver; excess of ammonia redissolves it, but 
 potash and soda do not. Solutions of potash and 
 
CAU 
 
 58 
 
 CHL 
 
 ammonia give a canary-yellow precipitate with the 
 bichloride of platinum. Potash only, after con- 
 tinued agitation, gives a white granular precipitate 
 with a strong solution of tartaric acid ; and soda 
 only under similar conditions gives a white precipi- 
 tate with the antimoniate of potash. The salts of 
 ammonia are volatile, and are therefore driven off 
 by increased temperature on evaporation ; solutions 
 of potash yield slender fluid prisms, while salts of 
 soda form flat scales or rhombic plates. Heated 
 with alcohol in a platina crucible, potash gives a 
 lilac tint to the flame, and soda a bright yellow. 
 Ammonia may be further distinguished by its 
 odour, if caustic soda, potash, or lime be added 
 to a portion of the ingesta, and by the aznre-blue 
 colour which it gives to solutions of the salts of 
 copper. Each of these alkalies may be obtained 
 from the tissues by digestion with hydrochloric 
 acid. 
 
 Caustic alkalies ought never to be prescribed in 
 mixtures containing vegetable extracts, as decompo- 
 sition ensues. 
 
 CHARCOAL. — See Animal Charcoal. 
 
 CHEST. — See Thorax. 
 
 CHLORIDE OF SODIUM— Common Salt.— 
 Overdoses of this salt are sometimes given as pur- 
 
CHL 
 
 59 
 
 CHL 
 
 gatives to cattle. Pigs withstand its effects very 
 badly, and frequent cases of poisoning occur in 
 them by large admixtures of brine with their food. 
 In them the following signs occur: — Anorexia, thirst, 
 depression, emesis, tympanites, nausea, salivation 
 forming thick foam at the mouth, champing of the 
 jaws, wildness, loud cries, abdominal pain, diarrhoea 
 and tenesmus, vertigo, amaurosis, convulsions, and 
 death in six to twelve hours, or later when the 
 quantity taken is not so large. The signs in cattle 
 are almost identical. 
 
 Treatment. — Draughts containing nmcilage, 
 enemata of linseed-tea, &c, opiates, calmatives, 
 when the condition of the brain will admit, or 
 cold affusions. Oils are also beneficial ; cold aci- 
 dulated drinks, &c. 
 
 Tests. — Chloride of sodium is known by the 
 peculiar cube-shaped crystals its solutions yield 
 when evaporated ; insolubility in alcohol ; soluble in 
 water, giving a white precipitate with nitrate of 
 silver ; and evolving acid vapours when mixed and 
 heated with sulphuric acid, which become dense and 
 white when brought into contact with the vapour 
 of ammonia. 
 
 CHLOKINE.— Solutions of this gas in water, 
 or as the compound chloride of lime, produce 
 severe symptoms of irritant poisoning, when given 
 in too large doses. The antidote is albumen, 
 
CHL 
 
 60 
 
 CHL 
 
 whicli may be conveniently represented by large 
 quantities of milk, or flour and water, if the white 
 of eggs cannot be obtained: A special sign of the 
 action of chlorine is the violent coughing which 
 it gives rise to. It is questionable if the adminis- 
 tration of chloride of lime or solutions of chlorine 
 effect the alleged decomposition of sulphuretted 
 hydrogen within the stomach. A careful inquiry 
 appears to negative such a theory. 
 
 The curative effects of chlorine are detailed under 
 Antiseptic Treatment of Wounds. 
 
 CHLOROFORM, Inhalation of.— The safe 
 exhibition of chloroform to the lower animals con- 
 sists in allowing an equal proportion of atmospheric 
 air with the vapour of the anaesthetic. If this is 
 denied in the process, death ensues either from 
 paralysis of the heart, coma or apoplexy, or closure 
 of the glottis by muscular spasm. The autopsy 
 shows acute congestion of the lungs, brain, and of 
 the vessels of the head, neck, and chest, the right 
 ventricle being full of dark uncoagulated blood, as 
 in true asphyxia. A convenient and inexpensive 
 mode of exhibiting chloroform to the horse or dog 
 consists in holding a sponge saturated with the 
 fluid to one of the nostrils, when the animal is 
 cast and secured on the ground ; a light cloth is 
 then thrown loosely over the nose and hands of the 
 operator, leaving a free communication with the 
 
CML 
 
 61 
 
 CHO 
 
 atmosphere around. After a state of unconscious- 
 ness is produced, the operation is to be proceeded 
 with as dexterously as possible, during which the 
 assistant, who undertakes the administration of the 
 anaesthetic, should withdraw the application, or 
 apply it from time to time, to keep up the required 
 insensibility. This department should form the 
 whole duty of one person, who must also carefully 
 watch the pulse and respiration. If the breathing 
 becomes feeble, particularly the inspirations, or ster- 
 torous, or there are the premonitory signs of suffo- 
 cation, choking, &c, the inhalation must be quickly 
 discontinued. The mouth should be opened, tongue 
 dragged forward, and pressure promptly exerted on 
 the abdomen, in order to clear the lungs of the 
 vapour. If this fails to reproduce more forcible 
 breathing, recoui se must be had immediately to 
 Artificial respiration. If the pulse falters, be- 
 comes weak, and syncope is threatened, artificial 
 respiration or galvanism, and in small animals 
 acupuncture of the heart, must be performed. 
 Additional aids are to be found in flagellation of the 
 body, thorax, &c, inhalation of ammonia, use of 
 the stomach pump for the exhibition of stimulants, 
 as coffee, tea, ammonia, &c. Strychnia may be 
 exhibited endermically. 
 
 CHOKING. — The nature and position of the ob- 
 struction should be carefully ascertained, when, if it 
 
OHO 
 
 62 
 
 COA 
 
 is within the pharynx, it may be withdrawn by the 
 hand. Accumulations of hay, chaff and corn, bran, 
 &c, within the cervical portion of the oesophagus, 
 may be caused to descend by careful manipulation, 
 or rubbing downwards, assisted by the use of oil 
 and sulphuric ether ; even harder substances will 
 pass by these means. If failure results, or the ob- 
 struction is within the thoracic portion, the probang 
 must be used without delay. In cattle dangerous 
 tympany of the rumen frequently arises in conse- 
 quence of choking, which necessitates special and 
 prompt remedies. See Hoven, Probang. The signs 
 of choking frequently continue, but in a milder form, 
 long after relief is obtained. They, however, gradu- 
 ally subside, and particularly after the exhibition of 
 draughts containing belladonna, sulphuric or chloric 
 ether, &c. 
 
 CINNABAE. — See Vermilion. 
 
 COAL GAS. — When the taps of gas-brackets in 
 stables have been incautiously turned on, or playful 
 animals twist them round after being left for the 
 night in close stables, death has been known to 
 occur from narcotism. The constituents of coal- 
 gas are light carburetted hydrogen, defiant gas, 
 with uncertain proportions of carbonic oxide, hydro- 
 gen and nitrogen, and sometimes sulphuretted 
 hydrogen, sulphurous acid, &c. 
 
COA 
 
 63 
 
 COL 
 
 Treatment is required as for Asphyxia — 
 Asphyxia mephitica. See Carbonic Acid Gas. 
 
 COLCHICUM.— The symptoms of poisoning by 
 this plant are as follow: — Small, frequent, and 
 feeble pulse, cold perspiration, accelerated and 
 laboured breathing, depression, tympanites, violent 
 abdominal pain, grinding of the teeth in cattle, cold 
 extremities, thirst, staring eyes, amaurosis, foetid 
 diarrhoea, sometimes paralysis, and coma — and 
 death within twenty-four hours. 
 
 Treatment. — In recent cases clear the stomach, 
 &c, by brisk cathartics, enemata, &c, and support 
 by stimulants. If, however, absorption of the poison 
 has taken place, strong decoctions of oak bark, 
 catechu, opium, tannin, &c, must be given with 
 thick flour gruel. Powerful diffusible stimulants 
 should follow, and tonics to restore lost nervous 
 power when acute signs are passed. 
 
 COLIC. — See Gut-Tib, Hernia, Invagination. 
 — The cause of colic in geldings and even entire 
 horses may arise from a strangulated inguinal 
 hernia, and more rarely, as well as in mares, from 
 those of a ventral kind. A searching investigation, 
 in order to prove the non-existence of such states, 
 should always precede the adoption of therapeutic 
 means. The most efficient medicinal agents in 
 pure colic are ammonia (largely diluted) in full 
 
COL 
 
 64 
 
 COL 
 
 doses ; chloroform ; chloric, sulphuric, and nitric 
 ether; their effects being estimated as in the order 
 placed. Spasm, which accompanies all forms of 
 colic, being allayed, the contents of stomach and 
 intestines should be moved by laxatives. No eleva- 
 tion of temperature or increase of circulation takes 
 place in pure colic, except during the paroxysms. 
 When such signs are added to the usual pathogno- 
 monics, and are persistent, fatal termination may 
 be expected. In acute tympany use the sulphites 
 of soda (see Hoven), or proceed as stated under 
 Paracentesis Abdominis. Ammonia is likely to 
 prove highly and rapidly curative when given with 
 the soda compound, with which no chemical action 
 takes place outside the body. By some prac- 
 titioners the endermic method of exhibiting anti- 
 spasmodics in colic has been adopted. There is, 
 however, little if any advantage to be gained, 
 as in all curable cases medicines act as speedily 
 when given by the mouth. The proceeding may 
 serve to mystify the course of treatment in non- 
 professional persons' minds, but does not do away 
 with the necessity for removing irritant matters by 
 remedies administered in the ordinary way. 
 
 COLD. — Lender ordinary circumstances, when 
 food and exercise are regularly taken, animals can 
 endure a great amount of cold. But if these fall 
 short, and cold is long continued, the system fails in 
 
COL 
 
 65 
 
 COM 
 
 reaction, and the animal succumbs. Death arises 
 by a process of Asphyxia — Asphyxia algida, 
 which see. See also Starvation. 
 
 COLD WOUNDS. — See Bruised and Contused 
 Wounds, of which kind the cold wound is an aggra- 
 vated form. 
 
 COMA is observed as an effect of the arrest of 
 digestion and flow of blood from the head ; blood 
 diseases (toxcemia), narcotic poisons, concussion or 
 compression of the brttin, presence of cerebral 
 tumours, hydatids, &c. It may also be caused by 
 an apoplectic extravasation of blood within the 
 cranium. The chief signs are blindness, loss of 
 power, and unconsciousness, stertorous breatbing, 
 slow and laboured pulse, with relaxation of sphinc- 
 ter muscles, retention of urine, &c. 
 
 The treatment, which varies with the cause, will 
 be found in the details furnished upon the affections 
 in which the condition is usually exhibited. See 
 Apoplexy of Parturition, &c. 
 
 COMMON SALT.— See Chloride of Sodium. 
 
 COMPKESSION OF THE BEAIN is denoted 
 by the analogous signs of apoplexy. The causes 
 are depression or fracture of bones of the cranium, 
 as a result of falls, blows, &c. Bleeding from the 
 g 2 
 
COM 
 
 66 
 
 CON 
 
 ears is symptomatic of fracture of the petrous tem- 
 poral, or its separation from the squamous portion. 
 Search should he made for the depression or 
 fracture, which is usually characterized hy an cede- 
 matous state of the soft coverings. The use of the 
 trephine may be required to remove those portions 
 of bone or extra vasated blood which induce pressure. 
 The general treatment is as for apoplexy. Success, 
 however, seldom ensues in the lower animals. 
 
 CONIUM — Hemlock. — A powerful narcotic 
 member of the Umbelliferse family. The extract 
 is generally used in veterinary practice, being given 
 to horses and cattle in doses of 3ss to 3ij 5 dogs, 
 grs. ij to grs. v. Conia is the alkaloid, and is ob- 
 tained in the fluid form, uncrystallizable, and almost 
 as powerful as anhydrous prussic acid. Death is 
 produced by asphyxia, coma, and paralysis. Conium 
 is most powerful and deadly in carnivora. Treat- 
 ment consists of stimulants, flagellation, Artificial 
 respiration, purgatives, eliminatives, &c. See 
 Coma, Apoplexy, Asphyxia, &c. 
 
 CONTUSIONS are very common among the 
 lower animals, particularly horses, from falls, blows, 
 &c. In all cases a bruise or contusion may be 
 viewed as more or less destruction of vitality in the 
 part. In accordance, therefore, with the amount of 
 obstruction to the circulation at the point of injury, 
 
CON 
 
 67 
 
 COP 
 
 will depend the extent to which death and slough- 
 ing take place. Slight cases will require a simple 
 stimulant, as spirit and water, dilute tincture of 
 arnica, soap -liniment , gentle friction with solu- 
 tion of soap, camphorated spirit, &c. In more 
 severe cases, constitutional symptoms will also de- 
 mand attention, and the extent of inflammation 
 around the part, if not controlled, may result in 
 the production of greater sloughing by separating 
 it from nutrition. Systemic remedies must be 
 prompt and efficient, and consist of aconite, or vene- 
 section if required. Evaporating lotions, ice, &c. 
 should be applied to the part, and all stimulating- 
 food withheld. As soon as the acute symptoms are 
 subdued, and equilibrium of the local circulation re- 
 stored, probably the best application is the ordinary 
 soap-liniment, with one-eighth of tincture of opium, 
 used with moderate friction. If sloughing is inevi- 
 table and extensive, give stimulants and tonics, keep 
 the parts clean, and use nitrate of silver, chlorides 
 of zinc or antimony, or the mineral acids. See 
 
 ECCHYMOS1S. 
 
 COPPER. — All the salts of copper are irritant 
 poisons, possessing the power of corrosive action, and 
 proving dangerous when used externally in large 
 quantities, as well as when given by the stomach. 
 One to two ounces of the sulphate have proved fatal 
 in the horse. 
 
COP 
 
 68 
 
 COP 
 
 Symptoms. — Blue or green stains, sometimes asso- 
 ciated with, erosions of the membrane of the mouth 
 and fauces, swelling, and profuse salivation, nausea, 
 cold extremities, diarrhoea, tenesmus, violent 
 abdominal pain, vomiting blue or green matters in 
 the dog, paralysis, stupor, amaurosis, tetanic spasms, 
 and death. 
 
 Treatment. — Albuminous fluids, particularly the 
 white of eggs, milk, flour and water, oils, &c. [avoid 
 ammonia as a stimulant) ; calmatives, purga- 
 tives, &c. 
 
 The Subacetate op Copper — verdigris — pro- 
 duces similar effects, with perforation and soften- 
 ing of the tissues. 
 
 Tests. — The sulphides of hydrogen and ammo- 
 nium give black precipitates with solutions of cop- 
 per ; caustic potash a greenish blue, which becomes 
 black when boiled ; ammonia, an azure-blue solu- 
 tion, but if the quantity is small, a greenish-blue pre- 
 cipitate is seen ; ferrocyanide of potassium produces 
 a reddish-brown precipitate ; a bright piece of iron 
 or steel — as a clean knife — placed in the solution 
 is immediately coated with a film of copper. Metal- 
 lic copper may also be obtained from its solutions by 
 reducing them with carbonate of soda in the blowpipe 
 flame. The ammonia, ferrocyanide of potassium, 
 steel and blowpipe tests are most decisive. See Iron. 
 
 COPPERAS. — See Iron. 
 
COR 
 
 69 
 
 ORE 
 
 CORROSIVE SUBLIMATE— Bichloride of 
 Mercury. — When the presence of corrosive subli- 
 mate is suspected in a case of poisoning, it may be 
 separated by sulphuric ether, which upon evapora- 
 tion will yield the characteristic crystals, almost 
 insoluble in cold water ; soluble in warm water, 
 hydrochloric acid, pure and dilate, and solutions of 
 sal-ammoniac, common salt, &c. When heated it 
 sublimes and condenses unchanged. In solution it 
 is known as follows : — By giving a scarlet precipitate 
 with the iodide of potassium; white, with liquid 
 ammonia; black, with sulphides of hydrogen or 
 ammonium. The antidote is albumen. Corrosive 
 sublimate is a chemical or corrosive irritant. See 
 Mercurial Poisoning. 
 
 COXO-FEMORAL ARTICULATION. — See 
 Haunch. 
 
 CREASOTE is a violent irritant and corrosive 
 poison when given internally, producing death by 
 gastro-enteritis with erosions, debility, vertigo, and 
 paralysis. The strong odour of creasote may lead 
 to its detection during life : after death, _the whole 
 of the tissues are thoroughly impregnated with it. 
 Mucilages, oil, milk, albumen, &c, should be given, 
 and especially solutions of soft soap in water ; dif- 
 fusible stimulants under depression, friction to the 
 extremities, warmth, &c. 
 
CYA 
 
 70 
 
 DAR 
 
 CYANIDE OF POTASSIUM.— See Hydro- 
 cyanic Acid. 
 
 CYST, Serous. — See Abscess. 
 
 DARNEL GRASS— Lolium Temulentum — 
 Bearded Rye-grass. — Doubtless much of the mis- 
 chief that arises after the consumption of the vari- 
 ous grasses, by horses, cattle, and sheep, depends 
 upon two causes. First, an improper quantity after 
 long confinement to other varieties of food ; and 
 second, irritation caused by the rough bristles or 
 styles with which many are armed. The darnel 
 grass, however, possesses also narcotic as well as 
 irritant properties, the seeds especially being prolific 
 in their soporific powers. The signs of poisoning are 
 abdominal irritation, with occasional diarrhoea and 
 tenesmus, tucked-up appearance at the flanks, an- 
 orexia, nausea, ptyalism, irregular respiration, slow 
 and soft pulse, decline of animal heat, vertigo, stag- 
 gering gait with crossing oflegs, amaurosis, listless- 
 ness, coma, stertor, and death. These signs are apt 
 to be confounded with the results of Acute indiges- 
 tion and Nervous apoplexy, which see. 
 
 Treatment. — There is no known antidote. Re- 
 liance must be placed upon powerful cathartics, 
 stimulants, and the treatment of apoplexy and nar- 
 cotic poisoning generally. 
 
 Autopsy. — Evidences of gastro-enteritis, with 
 
DAR 
 
 71 
 
 DIS 
 
 congestion of lungs, ecchymosis of the investing 
 membranes of the viscera of chest and abdomen. 
 The brain and medulla oblongata are also acutely 
 congested, and petechial spots are found beneath 
 the membrane. 
 
 DIGITALIS. — This is usually acknowledged to 
 be a cumulative drug. The doses of the powder 
 are, for horses and cattle, grs. xx to 5iij dogs, 
 grs. ij to grs. iv. When the tincture is employed 
 the effects are usually more manifest at an early 
 period. Death ensues from gastro-enteric symptoms 
 forcible heart sounds being manifest, with increased 
 circulation and respiration, debility, staring coat, 
 anorexia, V.M.M. injected, nausea, muscular re- 
 laxations and twitchings, coma, death. Sometimes 
 urination is profuse, but by no means general. 
 Tannin, and all substances containing it, are anti- 
 dotes, with which animal charcoal in mucilaginous 
 drinks should be given. Stimulants are needed to 
 support the system, and opiates to alleviate pain ; 
 after which purgatives, eliminatives, &c. 
 
 DISEASES THAT SIMULATE POISONING. 
 — Among the many diseases that possess points in 
 common with the results of poisons within the 
 system, may be cited the following : — In horses : 
 Gastritis, rupture of the stomach, enteritis, gastro- 
 enteritis, peritonitis, rupture of the diaphragm, colic, 
 
DIS 
 
 72 
 
 DIS 
 
 strangulated hernia, invagination, twisted intestine, 
 impaction or obstruction of the stomach and intes- 
 tines (calculi and stercoral matters, tumours, bones 
 in dogs, &c), typhoid affections, and blood diseases 
 generally, particularly those having cerebral compli- 
 cations, as well as diarrhoea, dysentery, &c; apoplexy, 
 epilepsy, vertigo, paralysis, tetanus, diseases of the 
 heart and large blood-vessels. In cattle : many of 
 the above, with diseases of the reticulum, splenic 
 apoplexy, parturient apoplexy, black quarter, blain, 
 acute indigestion. In sheep : Braxy, heaving pains, 
 hydrorachitis, apnoea in lambs, phthisis pulmonalis, 
 verminalis, presence of tape-worm, with those named 
 for cattle. Among pigs : Hog cholera, obstinate 
 constipation, apoplexy, and epilepsy. In dogs and 
 cats : Gastrorrhcea, obstinate constipation, impaction 
 of the oesophagus, and lodgment of foreign bodies 
 between the teeth, &c. See Sudden Death. 
 
 DISLOCATIONS. — The displacement of the 
 articular surfaces of bones in the lower animals, 
 commonly known as luxation, forms an insignificant 
 department in veterinary practice, compared with 
 their occurrence in the human subject. Absolute 
 dislocation of bones is almost unknown ; they are 
 mostly attended with extensive rupture of ligament 
 or muscle, or fracture of bones, by which the re- 
 covery without anchylosis, is almost impossible. 
 The only exception occurs with the patella, dislo- 
 cation of which is signified by the rigid extension 
 
DIS 73 DIS 
 
 of the limb backwards, extreme flexion of the fet- 
 lock joint, inability to advance the limb, while the 
 animal hops on the opposite or sound side. If com- 
 pelled to exert himself rapidly, as in fright, &c, a 
 sharp sound is heard, caused by the patella slipping 
 into its place, the symptoms before observed are 
 then absent. When, however, slow movement is 
 made, dislocation again takes place, with a return 
 of the characteristic signs. If the front of the 
 stifle joint is examined, a large hollow will be found 
 in the place the patella should occupy, while that 
 bone may be found on the outside. If the ligaments 
 are pressed, pain is evident in recent cases. Chronic 
 dislocations are not permanently reducible, the 
 ligaments are stretched, and articular surfaces of 
 the trochlea of the femur worn away. To reduce 
 such a dislocation, the hind foot is drawn forwards 
 by means of a halter, &c, until the limb is parallel 
 with the abdomen. Pressure is then exerted upon 
 the outside of the patella, pushing it inward?. A 
 sharp sound attends its restoration, and ability is 
 given to move the limb with a proper degree of 
 flexion, The animal must be kept in a narrow 
 stall, with the limb in advance of the opposite, and 
 secured by a rope extending from the fetlock to the 
 collar. A smart blister should be placed on the 
 outside in order to limit motion, and the animal 
 must not be allowed to lie down. Dislocation of 
 the patella frequently occurs in alternate limbs in 
 
DIS 
 
 74 
 
 DYS 
 
 young and rapidly-growing animals. After the 
 above treatment has been adopted, good food and 
 gentle exercise should be allowed, hilly pastures 
 avoided, as well as uneven and slippery stable floors, 
 pavements, &c. See Haunch ; Elbow. 
 
 Dislocations of the elbow, forearm, &c, of dogs 
 after reduction are best treated by splints and 
 bandages, or plasters, with the occasional use of 
 smart friction or stimulating liniments. 
 
 DYSPHAGIA, Difficulty of Swallowing. — 
 Dysphagia is a frequent sign of sore throat. La- 
 ryngo-pharyngitis, as a result of inflammation of the 
 fauces. It is present in tetanus, when it depends 
 upon a state of spasm in which the muscles are 
 more or less involved. Injuries to the fauces, as 
 punctures from sharply-pointed sticks used in the 
 admini8tration of boluses, or scratches caused by the 
 hard and acute angles of the boluses themselves ; 
 the administration of caustic medicines, as am- 
 monia, potash, soda, mineral acids ; irritants, as 
 turpentine, croton oil, &c. &c, without proper 
 dilution or admixture. It is also a result of the 
 administration of poisons that affect the nervous 
 sv^tem, causing more or less coma when it is ac- 
 companied with stertorous breathing. 
 
 Treatment by astringent and sedative electuaries. 
 
 DYSPNCEA, Difficulty in bbeathing. — See 
 
DYS 
 
 75 
 
 ECG 
 
 Apncea. The condition here referred to, applies to 
 that form of laboured breathing in whicn the 
 muscles of respiration are under the effects of spasm 
 or paralysis, as is witnessed in Tetanus, after the 
 administration of Strychnine, in cases of rupture 
 of the diaphragm, spasm of the larynx, and Pul- 
 monary Apoplexy. The cause being fully ascer- 
 tained, treatment is pursued in accordance there- 
 with, and as stated under the various heads. 
 When spasm seizes the larynx, it is not s;ife to ad- 
 minister medicine by the mouth. Perform Tra- 
 cheotomy, or in slight cases rely upon enemata and 
 endermic injections passed in the vicinity of the 
 larynx, or course of the recurrent nerve, as stated 
 under Apoplexy (Pulmonary). 
 
 ECBOLICS. — Medicines that produce contrac- 
 tion of the uterus and abortion.. Many acrid sub- 
 stances have this property, as Savin, Ergot of Rye, 
 and irritants generally. It is owing to this fact 
 that abortion takes place after animals have taken 
 such in poisonous doses. The action, however, is 
 not always certain, even from the exhibition of the 
 medical doses, and in most instances diffusible 
 stimulants answer the desired purposes. 
 
 ECCHYMOSIS.— Extravasation of blood mate, 
 rial, as a result of the arrest of local circulation, 
 or rupture of capillaries. Ecchymosis is a general 
 
ECC 
 
 76 
 
 ELB 
 
 accompaniment of bruises, contusions, and all 
 diseases in which the blood is primarily or secon- 
 darily affected, and its circulating power destroyed. 
 The appearances are usually extensive in pure blood 
 diseases — Toxaemia ; also in fatal colic, and after 
 death from many narcotic poisons. Death of the 
 part is not uncommon, and perforations result, as in 
 cattle plague, typhus in pigs, and death from acorns, 
 oak tree shoots, tannic acid and preparations largely 
 containing it. The colour of ecchymosis is purple, 
 deep-red, or black, and although this should suffi- 
 ciently distinguish it from the so-called "patches of 
 inflammation," it is nevertheless frequently con- 
 founded with, and mistaken for it. The parts most 
 favourable towards exhibiting the appearance ot 
 ecchymosis, are beneath the peritoneum and pleura. 
 The whole surfaces of the stomach, intestines, 
 kidneys, diaphragm, heart, lungs, and costal pleura 
 are frequently studded. The eye, brain, and V. M. 
 membranes are also affected in many diseases, 
 as purpura hsemorrhagica, coryza gangrenosa, &c, 
 and in cattle and sheep the membranous folds of 
 the omasum. The small spots observed here are 
 known as petechias. 
 
 ECTOZOA, EPIZOA.— Parasites that infest 
 the skin of animals, as lice, ticks, acari, &c. &c. 
 
 ELBOW. — Fracture of the olecranon or point of 
 
ELB 
 
 77 
 
 ELB 
 
 the elbow is denoted by extreme inability to flex 
 the fore limb or draw it backwards — the toe of the 
 foot being dragged along the ground in making the 
 attempt. The resulting contraction of the triceps 
 muscles produces a great hollow above the ulna, 
 which proves a safe diagnostic. See Teres in- 
 ternus. The epiphysis is very likely to become 
 detached from inflammation produced by kicks, 
 blows, &c., in this part in young animals. Disease 
 of, or injury to, the articular surfaces of the joint are 
 manifest in the increased secretion of synovia and 
 distension of its capsule. In dogs and cats the ulna 
 is liable to fracture, and the osseo-fibrous ring, in 
 which the radius rotates, to rupture. There is 
 great deformity, the limb is carried without any 
 attempts to use it, and extreme pain is evinced 
 upon manipulation of the joint. Diagnosis is in 
 accordance with kind and direction of displacement. 
 Fracture of the ulna is known by the want of sub- 
 stance behind ; while the detached portion may be 
 felt higher up among the muscles, and the end of 
 the ulna shortened and rough. Flexion of the joint 
 is patent in early cases, and supination and prona- 
 tion inflict no" pain. In rupture of the ring in dogs 
 and cats, the radius is displaced, and movement in 
 any direction is painful. The lateral and radio- 
 ulnar interosseous ligaments also suffer more or 
 less, and in most cases anchylosis follows. No good 
 is gained by treatment in the first form ; but if the 
 h2 
 
ELB 
 
 78 
 
 ELE 
 
 bones are replaced in the second, and the limb 
 carefully strapped up, recovery succeeds slight in- 
 juries. Dislocation occurs in two forms, backwards, 
 and towards the side — outwards or inwards. 
 
 In the backward form the ulna is exceedingly 
 long and prominent, the limb held in partial flexion 
 and extension, while the articular condyles of the 
 humerus are plainly felt, before swelling takes 
 place, in the front of the joint. In dislocation side- 
 ways, the ulna will be found fixed on one of the 
 c ndyles and away from its natural central position. 
 Pain is intense in both forms, and swelling is apt 
 to obscure the diagnosis. Keduction of the first is 
 accomplished by pushing the olecranon with the 
 thumb, while the humerus is fixed and steady pull- 
 ing of the carpus insured. In the second variety 
 the ulna must be pushed in the requisite direction 
 by the thumbs, while the radius and main joint are 
 held firmly between the fingers. Rest and ban- 
 dages are required ; febrifuges, laxatives, &c. 
 
 ELECTRICITY. — This is probably one of the 
 most neglected branches of veterinary therapeutics. 
 The simple, portable, cheap, and effective magneto- 
 electric machines that may now be obtained, as 
 well as appliances for developing galvano-electricity, 
 especially favour the employment of the electric 
 current in the many cases of coma and paralysis 
 met with among the patients of the veterinarian. 
 
ELE 
 
 79 
 
 EME 
 
 In lead poisoning, torpid liver, defective circulation, 
 paralysis of the bowels, bladder, &c, dyspepsia, 
 and particularly in the various forms of asphyxia, 
 electricity claims an important notice. 
 
 EMESIS — Vomition. — The power of ejecting 
 the contents of the stomach in the dog, pig, and 
 even ruminants, frequently proves of great service 
 in certain diseases and in poisoning. When the 
 tendency becomes marked, and the matters assume 
 unusual colours, the case should excite particular 
 attention and care. Vomition is denied the horse, 
 apart from diseased or malformed conditions ; 
 therefore, when it occurs, serious results must be 
 looked for. When unaccompanied by constitutional 
 disturbance, lesions of the oesophagus may be the 
 cause ; but when it exists with, or at the sudden 
 decline of, severe abdominal pain, tympany, &c, 
 the pulse being small, weak, or imperceptible, rup- 
 ture of the diaphragm, intestines, or stomach, inva- 
 gination, strangulated hernia, &c., are mostly 
 found. 
 
 EMETICS are valuable remedies in certain 
 diseases, poisoning, &c, of dogs and pigs, the eva- 
 cuation of the stomach being of paramount im- 
 portance. Common salt is a favourite remedy, in 
 quantities of a teaspoonful given in tepid water ; 
 mustard is another available and active agent. 
 
EME 
 
 80 
 
 EPl 
 
 Besides these, the sulphates of zinc, copper, &c, 
 are made use of ; but many medicines prove emetics 
 in the dog, as the action is easily produced in him. 
 The objections to zinc are, that it is uncertain and 
 often produces an astringent and, if incautiously 
 repeated, a poisonous effect. Tartar-emetic is the 
 most prompt and useful in doses of gr. ij to gr. v. ; 
 in addition to which it gives rise to an amount of 
 depression that proves highly salutary in states of 
 high fever, &c. The action of emetics, in poison- 
 ing, should be promoted by the exhibition of diluents 
 and bland fluids generally ; and great care is re- 
 quired in order to avoid the selection of an agent 
 that would enter into chemical combination with 
 the poison already administered. A stimulant, 
 given after the emetic, will sometimes usefully pro- 
 mote its action. The stomach pump will be required 
 if emesis cannot be produced. 
 
 EPILEPSY. — This affection is most common in 
 joung dogs and pigs. It nevertheless occurs also 
 in other animals and horses, and by most writers 
 has been confounded with Vertigo or Megrims, 
 which see. A fit of epilepsy is characterized by 
 sudden excitement of the animal, staring eyes, 
 V. M. M. injected, and champing of the jaws, with 
 profuse salivation. The muscles of the neck are 
 rigid, head jerked forcibly upwards and on one side, 
 and the body is drawn into various contortions ; 
 
EPI 
 
 81 
 
 EPI 
 
 breathing is performed with difficulty, faeces and 
 urine are also frequently voided passively; the 
 heart beats violently, and the animal falls uncon- 
 scious, struggling in violent convulsions and opis- 
 thotonos. Dogs and pigs sit on their haunches 
 during the paroxysm, and sometimes are not sub 
 jected to the stage of unconsciousness. Each fit 
 does not terminate alike. Sometimes the convul- 
 sions during insensibility gradually subside, and 
 the animal falls into a deep sleep ; at others, with 
 their suspension, sensibility returns, and the dog 
 on regaining its feet runs away in alarm. The fits 
 of epilepsy are apt to recur ; in severe cases they 
 follow each other rapidly, but successively become 
 weaker until the animal dies. In slight cases they 
 not only become weaker, but appear at longer in- 
 tervals. The length of time occupied by an epilep- 
 tic seizure is indefinite; sometimes it will last a 
 few seconds, at others ten to twenty minutes, and 
 even longer. 
 
 Treatment. — Cold affusions to the face and head ; 
 little more than this can be accomplished during an 
 attack. If the seizures follow rapidly, chloroform 
 may be given, or, what is better, belladonna inter- 
 nally. The bromide of potassium should be tried, 
 with stimulants, tonics, &c. 
 
 Inhalation of chloroform to a slight extent is good. 
 
 EPISTAXIS.— As a rule this affection only 
 
EPI 
 
 82 
 
 EYE 
 
 occurs to a very slight extent in the lower animals, 
 and is usually the result of blows, ulceration, &c. 
 Oases are, however, seen in which plethora is the 
 cause. Large doses of turpentine or tannin, in- 
 ternally, are sometimes beneficial. Cold water, ice, 
 &c. , applied to the withers ; injections of alum, 
 creasote, or perchloride of iron. The animal must 
 not be fed from the ground or nosebag, and a proper 
 allowance, with regular times for feeding, should 
 be observed. 
 
 EYE. — From the careless mode in which horses 
 are tied up after a blister has been applied, the 
 animal is sometimes able to rub the parts with the 
 nose, &c, and the ointment finds its way to the 
 eye. Tepid alkaline solutions should be used to 
 remove the irritant, and astringent or sedative 
 lotions subsequently applied. A laxative or seda- 
 tive may be administered, and the animal should 
 be placed in a well-ventilated but totally dark 
 stable, or a shade may be fastened to the head- 
 collar. If symptoms are acute at the outset, 
 strong febrifuges may be required, as aconite and 
 acetate of ammonia, &c. See Lime. Hay seeds, 
 chaff, wheat, and oat flyers, also gain admittance 
 and set up a great amount of irritation. The animal 
 should be secured by twitch, nose tongs, &c. &c, 
 palpebrae everted, and the foreign body removed 
 by the forceps, in the absence of which a silk 
 
EYE 
 
 83 
 
 FAI 
 
 handkerchief may answer. Afterwards treat as 
 above. 
 
 EYELIDS — Wounds of. — Union in early cases 
 may be effected by the use of very small pins and the 
 twisted suture. Cold or astringent lotions, laxatives, 
 sedatives, are also required in some instances. If the 
 wound has been caused by a bite or blow, and 
 extends above the orbital arch, matter sometimes 
 burrows behind the eye, or beneath the muscles of 
 the face ; erysipelas also may arise in consequence. 
 Dependent orifices must be made if possible, scari- 
 fications, &c, and the system attended to. Fatal 
 terminations are not uncommon. 
 
 In later cases, after the raw edges are dried, 
 union may be attempted after they have been 
 scraped or pared. When this is despaired of, ampu- 
 tate, and use astringent washes. 
 
 FAINTING — Syncope. — Among the lower ani- 
 mals fainting generally occurs from loss of blood. 
 See Hemorrhage, Flooding. The V. M. M. are 
 pale, pupils dilated, limbs flaccid, pul^e feeble and 
 small, and respiration irregular, the inspirations 
 being deep. These signs are usually preceded by 
 a full inspiration, vertigo, &c, when the animal 
 suddenly falls. The patient should be compelled 
 to lie, while cold water is dashed on the face and 
 ammonia held to the nostrils. If the point of 
 
FAI 
 
 84 
 
 FATJ 
 
 haemorrhage is known and can be reached, remedies 
 must be applied at once. Syncope is a sign of 
 ruptured liver, disease of the heart and large vessels, 
 &c. When haemorrhage is the cause, stimulants 
 must be scrupulously avoided ; if it arise in conse- 
 quence of debility resulting from disease, stimulants 
 are highly beneficial. 
 
 FAKCY. — This disease sometimes appears sud- 
 denly, and particularly after animals have suffered 
 from disease of a debilitating character, or the 
 effects of long-continued depletive measures, wheu 
 the system was previously reduced from poor living 
 and exposure. Sudden swelling of the legs, with 
 lesions of the skin, discharging an ichorous matter, 
 corded lymphatics, &c, must be regarded with sus- 
 picion, and the greatest care exercised. See 
 Glanders. 
 
 FAUCES — Injuries to. — These are not unfre- 
 quent among horses, cattle, and dogs. One cause 
 is to be found in the careless administration of 
 caustic or irritating medicines. See Ammonia and 
 Caustic Alkalies. An equally common cause is 
 the use of sharp-pointed sticks and improper instru- 
 ments for the administration of boluses, and the 
 forcible mode of cramming down masses of solid 
 medicines that are very hard, and the edges 
 angular, from the covering of stiff paper. Great 
 
FAU 
 
 85 
 
 FRA 
 
 distress, salivation, dysphagia, and anorexia are 
 the leading signs, with more or less accelerated cir- 
 culation and respiration. Treatment of such cases 
 consists in the unceasing application of astringent 
 electuaries, as those of alum, catechu, kino, and 
 pulverized galls. If deglutition is impossible, it may- 
 be necessary to open the oesophagus, or effect the 
 administration of medicines by the endermic 
 method. 
 
 FITS. — See Apoplexy, Epilepsy, and Faint- 
 ing. 
 
 FLOODING. — See Hemorrhage after Par- 
 turition. 
 
 FRACTURES are characterized by an absence 
 of controlling power and natural mobility of the 
 part. Usually also ' there is more or less hanging 
 or pendulous state of the limb ; weight can rarely 
 be supported, and deformity is frequently great. 
 Motion inflicts pain and elicits a grating sound — 
 crepitus — which arises from the rubbing together 
 of the ends of broken bones. Swelling from infiltra- 
 tion, extravasation, and emphysema, is evident 
 shortly after the accident, and constitutional distur- 
 bance ensues. The pulse is full and hard, breath- 
 ing accelerated, V. M . M. injected, and extreme 
 agony evinced in attempts to place weight upon 
 
FRA 
 
 86 
 
 FRA 
 
 the limb. Some animals bear the effects badly, and 
 succumb from irritative fever and congestion of the 
 lungs. 
 
 The greatest difficulties frequently oppose the 
 efforts of the practitioner to reduce the fracture and 
 maintain the bones in a desirable position. The 
 animal becomes weary of standing, is naturally of 
 an excited or irritable disposition, and restraint 
 tends to increase it ; to place him in slings may 
 render him furious ; these are all opposed to a 
 favourable union. Proximity to a joint may result 
 in anchylosis. There are, however, cases where re- 
 duction and union may prove successful, as in trans- 
 verse fractures of the radius, metacarpal and meta- 
 tarsal bones of horses and cattle ; the radius, ulna, 
 and tibia, as well as bones of the metacarpus and 
 metatarsus of the dog and cat. Various means 
 are employed to maintain apposition, such as 
 packing the hollows with tow and applying splints 
 and bandages. Plaster of Paris has been used suc- 
 cessfully, applied in successive portions while the 
 limb is held firmly by an assistant. Bandages 
 saturated in a thick solution of starch are very 
 highly spoken of. Other practitioners envelope the 
 limb in warm sheets of gutta-percha, which are 
 bound by bandages. In dogs and cats, splints are 
 easily formed out of the chip of hat boxes. The 
 limb is first to be secured by a piece of common 
 sticking-plaster, upon which splints are secured by 
 
FBA 
 
 87 
 
 GLA 
 
 other strips, the hollows being padded with tow or 
 cotton wool. Starch bandages, gutta-percha, &c., 
 also are very suitable for these animals. See Many- 
 tailed Bandage. Burgundy pitch-plasters, and 
 glue bandages, are likewise valuable. 
 
 GALLS. — From the quantity of tannic acid con- 
 tained in galls, they form a most useful agent as 
 astringents and styptics in chronic mucous dis- 
 charges and haemorrhages. They may be given in the 
 form of powder or as a drench, with mucilage, &c. 
 Tannic acid is an antidote in poisoning with Col- 
 chicum, White Hellebore, and all substances 
 containing Veratria ; also of essential service in 
 poisoning by the irritants generally. 
 
 GALVANISM. — See Electricity. 
 
 G ANGBENE . — See Mortification. 
 
 GLANDEBS. — This loathsome and dangerous 
 affection is never absent from some establishments, 
 entirely as a result of improper management in 
 every respect. Spontaneous glanders is in a mea- 
 sure chronic in character, but glanders from inocu- 
 lation runs a speedy course. Farcy is but the same 
 disease in a latent form. The appearance of cede- 
 matous legs with oozing ichorous discharges as high 
 as the knees and hocks, white ragged ulcers over 
 
GLA 
 
 88 
 
 GLA 
 
 the body, disclosed by the use of the brush or 
 comb, knotty state of the submaxillary glands, 
 corded veins, staring coat, pulse accelerated and 
 smaller than natural, pallid membranes, &c, are 
 not unfrequently seen as the result of physicking 
 animals taken up from a poor pasture in the spring. 
 Similar signs also follow many debilitating diseases, 
 and a stupid system of treating them by continued 
 antiphlogistics. The horses of many proprietors 
 that are fed on inferior food, worked hard, housed 
 badly, and receive much medicine, suffer greatly 
 from farcy and glanders. Sometimes the animals 
 are apparently fat, and but that the pulse is weak, 
 with anorexia, a pale condition of V. M. M. and 
 slight coryza, nothing of a malignant character 
 would be suspected. Whenever doubt is entertained 
 animals should be isolated, and at once subjected 
 to the inoculation test. This consists of taking 
 the matter from the eyes and nostrils, and placing 
 it upon a raw surface made at the bottom of the 
 neck of the same animal, or a lancet may be 
 plunged into the parts after the point has been 
 charged with the virus. In a day or two the whole 
 of the vessels in the vicinity, and others extending 
 from the part some distance, will be found full, hard, 
 and corded. Some of the glands may also probably 
 partake of the tumefaction, the original wound, 
 although covered with an incrustation, is readily 
 exposed, upon which a white layer of matter exists, 
 
GLA 
 
 89 
 
 GLA 
 
 and having no power of healing whatever. When 
 the submaxillary glands are enlarged, round, hard, 
 and well defined, discharges from the nostrils and 
 eyes occur, with moist cough, debility, &c, particu- 
 larly after disease, or in connexion with the cir- 
 cumstances noted, there are grave reasons for sus- 
 picion. Ulceration of the Schneiderian membrane 
 is not always present. Auscultation may some- 
 times furnish evidences of vomicce, and the ther- 
 mometer an elevation of temperature not consistent 
 with debility and want of combustive power. 
 
 GLASS. — Animals sometimes suffer from exten- 
 sive lesions in the month, produced by pieces of 
 glass. Cattle are fond of picking up all kinds of 
 foreign bodies, glass among them ; but the most 
 common cause arises from the careless use of glass 
 bottles in the administration of medicines, when the 
 vessel is passed too far into the mouth and between 
 the molar teeth. Glass bottles, particularly those 
 having long necks, are very useful agents for ad- 
 ministering medicines, when properly used, as the 
 quantity can be more safely regulated, and choking 
 and waste avoided, than by the more primitive - 
 " drenching horn. 1 ' Tin bottles on similar prin- 
 ciples are also preferable. The mode of use is 
 simple. The operator standing upon the right side 
 of the patient, after he is properly secured, draws 
 away the cheek by inserting the fingers of the left 
 i 2 
 
GLA 
 
 90 
 
 GUT 
 
 hand in the angle of the mouth. A pouch or pocket 
 is thus formed, which receives the medicine from 
 time to time, and conveys it to the mouth in suit- 
 able proportions for deglutition. The glass bottle, 
 therefore, never passes between the teeth, or into 
 the mouth, and danger from that event is avoided. 
 
 GLOTTIS. — See Fauces. 
 
 GKEEN VITEIOL.— See Iron. 
 
 GUT-TIE. — Strangulation of the intestines in 
 oxen, due to the passage of a portion through a rent 
 in the peritoneum, or sac formed by the same, de- 
 scending between the remains of the spermatic 
 cord and pelvis. The symptoms are common to 
 strangulation generally in horses, with the excep- 
 tion that in oxen this form is more slowly developed. 
 The animal exhibits increasing uneasiness, during 
 which the appetite and rumination are suspended. 
 No discharge of faeces takes place after a time, but 
 frequent tenesmus ensues, with partial eversion of 
 the anus and proctorrhcea ; he kicks at the belly, and 
 stamps with the hind legs, changes his position 
 frequently, going from side to side, crossing the 
 hind extremities, lashing the tail, lying down and 
 quickly rising : sometimes he obstinately remains 
 on the knees for a few minutes, and, when stand- 
 ing, the back is repeatedly arched downwards, and 
 
GUT 
 
 91 
 
 GUT 
 
 a moan is frequently uttered. Pressure on the right 
 flank and exploration of the abdominal ring exter- 
 nally occasion great pain. The hand is passed with 
 difficulty up the rectum, but the incarcerated in- 
 testine — filled anterior to the pelvis — may usually 
 be felt after the exercise of patience, being spe- 
 cially recognised by the exhibition of pain when 
 pressure is applied. Symptomatic fever is developed 
 in accordance with the amount of obstruction and 
 strangulation, as well as length of time the malady 
 has existed. In the first stages the pulse is little 
 altered, but towards the latter periods it becomes 
 hard, frequent, and corded.. Medicines, particularly 
 purgatives, aggravate the case, and death ensues 
 from gangrene. See Mortification. 
 
 Treatment. — The taxis, page 99, should be em- 
 ployed. This failing, an operation is required, 
 which consists of opening the flank on the right 
 side, removing the intestine, and separating and 
 cutting off the end of the vas deferens to avoid sub- 
 sequent union. See Rumenotomy. The animal 
 may be cast previously, or secured standing against 
 a stall partition or wall on the left side. When the 
 operation is successfully performed, relief is at once 
 apparent, a copious discharge of feces also speedily 
 follows, and the animal rarely suffers adversely.** 
 
 * This disease and its operation is described at greater 
 length in Clater's " Illustrated Cattle Doctor." London : 
 F. Warne & Co. 
 
92 
 
 KM 
 
 HAEMORRHAGE. — Various methods are 
 adopted for the purpose of arresting an undesirable 
 flow of blood. Pressure, which is very effective, 
 may be applied to the trunk of an artery, higher up 
 in the limb than at the point of haemorrhage. For 
 this purpose a flat web, or cord, is made use of, 
 being tied round the part, and over a pad which is 
 laid immediately upon the artery. A stick is then 
 passed through the cord, at the opposite side of 
 the pad, and turned, the cord is thus twisted, and 
 pressure applied. A plug is most serviceable in 
 many wounds, when the bleeding vessel lies at a 
 great depth. All clots, &c, should be carefully 
 cleared away, and the plug of rag, sponge, cotton, 
 wool, tow, &c, made of a conical shape, is pressed 
 with the point towards the bleeding orifice, and 
 confined by pads of tow or rags, bandages, &c. 
 Pressure upon the arterial trunk at a higher point, 
 may also be required as an effectual proceeding. 
 The plug sometimes fails, when the finger, or even 
 the closed fist in large wounds, as in operations, 
 will be effectual, if retained for some time. These 
 measures are supposed to apply to those instances 
 where the artery cannot be reached without extreme 
 difficulty. When we can gain access to a large 
 bleeding vessel, the ligature should if possible be 
 applied. It must, however, be borne in mind, sup- 
 puration that ensues sometimes removes the ap- 
 pliance and haemorrhage may recur but in a 
 
MM 
 
 93 
 
 measure is obviated by adopting the Antiseptic 
 treatment. Small arteries are sometimes wounded 
 in a longitudinal direction, as the submaxillary and 
 temporal. No hope is entertained that perfect 
 closure will be effected, or circulation re-established ; 
 the most safe and summary method is to divide the 
 vessel across at the breach, when each end will 
 probably retract and become impervious. The 
 wound is then to be closed by proper means, and 
 pressure applied to avoid false aneurism. The 
 bleeding ends of small arteries may be seized by 
 the forceps, and twisted, pinched, or pulled out- 
 wards. Besides these means others are applied, as 
 cold water, ice, alum, perchloride of iron, chloride 
 of zinc, nitrate of silver, creasote, corrosive sub- 
 limate, all of which act by coagulating the fibrin, 
 which becomes a plug to the vessel, adhering to the 
 coats that have been destroyed by the chemical 
 agents, or deadened by the cold. The actual 
 cautery at a dead or Hack heat is a most service- 
 able remedy. Certain mechanical agents from the 
 natural order of fungi are also employed, as Ama- 
 dou — Boletus fomentarius, or, as it is known in 
 the shops, German tinder; Boletus igniarius, the 
 agaric of the oak, commonly known as touchwood ; 
 Agaricus chirurgorum, or Fungus igniarius ; also 
 felt, wool, spider's web, &c. Internally, acetate 
 of lead, large doses of turpentine, tannin, and all 
 substances containing it, as galls, catechu, and 
 
94 
 
 am 
 
 kino ; mineral acids, &c. &c. Haemorrhage from 
 the cord after castration sometimes proves alarming. 
 The animal should be again cast, and. artery sought 
 for in the scrotum. If it cannot be reached it may 
 be necessary to cut down upon the cord in the groin, 
 and seize it there. Plugging the scrotum, even when 
 powerful styptics are used, may not only prove 
 abortive, but hasten a fatal termination by causing 
 the blood to pass upwards into the abdomen. 
 
 When haemorrhage takes place internally, as in 
 rupture of the liver, spleen, or some large and im- 
 portant vessel, there are unmistakeable signs de- 
 veloped, as weak, small, and fluttering pulse, pallid 
 membranes, syncope, cold extremities, great de- 
 bility, convulsions, death. See Fainting. 
 
 HAEMORRHAGE AFTER PARTURITION 
 
 is of two kinds : uterine and vaginal. In the first 
 variety the quantity is great, expelled by violence, 
 and at different periods, with evident pain and suf- 
 fering. Vaginal haemorrhage usually flows in a 
 small stream, arterial in colour, coagulating 
 when it reaches the ground. Sometimes the 
 umbilical cord in connexion with a retained pla- 
 centa, will permit a discharge of blood that may be 
 mistaken for vaginal haemorrhage. It however 
 differs from the foregoing in being dark in colour, 
 and does not coagulate. The first form is dange- 
 rous ; the second need not occasion . alarm. 
 
BM 
 
 95 
 
 1IAU 
 
 Treatment. — In haemorrhage from the uterus, 
 commonly known as flooding, assistance must he 
 prompt. Eemove the placenta, if retained, as 
 quickly and as carefully as possihle ; if nothing else 
 can be had at the time, administer full doses of 
 turpentine made into an emulsion with eggs. Pro- 
 mote the contractions of the uterus by injections of 
 cold water, and even mineral astringents, as solu- 
 tions of chloride of zinc, alum, perchloride of iron, 
 or vegetable astringents, as tinctures of catechu, 
 kino, galls, &c. &c. Exhibit draughts containing 
 such remedies as mineral acids, tannic acid, 
 powdered galls, perchloride of iron, &c. Promote 
 the external surface heat by clothing and friction. 
 Stimulants must be withheld until the haemorrhage 
 has subsided, and even then they must be given 
 only with caution when the depression is great. 
 
 In vaginal haemorrhage, the use of cold ablu- 
 tions and astringent lotions is usually sufficient. 
 If it arise from the cord it seldom needs inter- 
 ference. The hand, however, may be passed up, 
 and the cord drawn into a knot, or the placenta 
 may be removed. See Abortion. 
 
 HAPtTSHOEN.— See Ammonia, Caustic Alka- 
 lies. 
 
 HAUNCH, Injuries to. — These comprise severe 
 bruises, fractures, and dislocation of the femur, 
 
HAU 
 
 96 
 
 HAU 
 
 occasioned by falls, kicks, or blows inflicted in run- 
 ning against stationary objects. 
 
 Bruises usually end in large abscesses, the matter 
 from whicb may burrow beneath the gluteal fascia 
 and between the muscles. 
 
 Fractures take place at the anterior spinous 
 process, the shaft, and also across the acetabulum, 
 in which the ischium and pubis are not unfreqnently 
 involved. The shaft and trochanters* of the femur 
 are sometimes fractured. In those which are con- 
 fined to the shaft and acetabulum of the os innomi- 
 n at urn, diagnosis is not always clear. There is no 
 displacement or deformity, as the parts are so 
 locked in by the mass of muscle around them, and 
 effusion and extravasation insinuated between the 
 divided bones prevents the eliciting of crepitus. 
 The hand passed up the rectum during manipula- 
 tion, or the ear placed upon the outside, may detect 
 it. Deformity and increasing lameness occur within a 
 few days, and no doubt then exists as to the location 
 and nature of the fracture. In other fractures, crepitus 
 with great deformity is distinguished, together with 
 constitutional disturbance, and sometimes defeca- 
 tion, and even urination, is interfered with. Fracture 
 of the anterior spinous process, or shaft of the 
 ilium, may be united by rest, a smart blister being 
 
 * The head of the femur is detached in young subjects, 
 from suppuration being established between the bone and 
 epiphysis. 
 
HAU 
 
 97 
 
 HEL 
 
 applied on the outside in order to restrict motion. 
 Other fractures are incurable. 
 
 Dislocation of the femur cannot take place 
 without rupture of the attaching ligaments, with 
 several muscles, and will be known by great de- 
 formity, as well as altered motion of the part. 
 Flexion and extension are imperfect, if not impos- 
 sible. These signs are very apparent, with pro- 
 bable twisting of the toe outwards, when the head 
 of the femur has passed into the obturator fora- 
 men. Great lameness continues in all cases, but 
 in the slighter forms, the head of the femur wears 
 away the walls of the cotyloid cavity, and move- 
 ment to a certain degree is afterwards possible. 
 In some animals abscess of the acetabulum takes 
 place, when the femur, during motion, may be 
 heard to pass inwards with a sharp sound. Such 
 may also occur without abscess, when the ligaments 
 are absorbed or ruptured, before the sides of the 
 cavity are rubbed away. 
 
 HELLEBOEE.— Three varieties of this plant are 
 common to Britain — viz , Helleborus foetidus. Stink- 
 ing Hellebore, Setterwort, or Bearsfoot ; Helleborus 
 niger, Black Hellebore, and Helleborus viridis, 
 Green Hellebore. All are narcotico-acrid poisons, 
 having, however, less action upon the brain than 
 the Veratrum album, which see. Tannin is the 
 only principle that exercises any neutr alizing action 
 
 K 
 
HEL 
 
 98 
 
 HEK 
 
 upon the alkaloid Helleborin. Besides mucila- 
 ginous drinks, animal charcoal, opiates, &c, 
 are required as for narcotico acrid poisons gene- 
 rally. 
 
 HEMLOCK.— See Conium. 
 
 HEENTA.— Simple hernia is known as a soft 
 fluctuating tumour, existing in some parts of the 
 abdominal walls, &c, generally reducible by the 
 hand, after which the orifice, through which the in- 
 testines gain exit, may be felt beneath the skin. 
 Hernia also suffers increase when the animal is 
 made to congh. The signs of strangulated hernia 
 are, abdominal pain, full and accelerated pulse, 
 which speedily becomes small and hard, and at 
 length imperceptible ; obstinate constipation, vio- 
 lent tenesmus, rejection of enemata, and opposition 
 to passage of the hand up the rectum. When the 
 case arrives at a crisis, attempts to vomit are made. 
 This proves a safe means of diagnosis in those ob- 
 scure forms of hernia in which, after existing 
 some time, union has taken place between the 
 wound in the muscles and enclosed intestine. 
 
 Simple ventral hernia that are not large, and 
 have only a small orifice in the parietes, may be 
 treated by pressure derived from a roller, the clams, 
 or piece of lead held by two tailed flaps, glued upon 
 each side. See Many-tailed Bandage. Plaster 
 
HER 
 
 99 
 
 HOV 
 
 of Paris, a mixture of Fuller's earth, alum, pipe- 
 clay, &c., are also used for a similar purpose. 
 
 Strangulated hernia requires more complicated 
 treatment. Reduction must be attempted by the 
 taxis, which consists of first casting the animal on 
 the unaffected side, passing the hand up the rec- 
 tum, and endeavouring to draw back the intestine, 
 while an assistant gently manipulates the tumour 
 to assist in reducing it. If such a proceeding fails, 
 the integumental covering of the tumour must be 
 carefully opened, the stricture removed by incision, 
 gut returned, and orifice of exit closed by indepen- 
 dent sutures passed through the external wound. 
 The skin is afterwards closed in the usual way. 
 See Wounds, Abdomen, Bowel, &c. Purgatives 
 and enemas are necessary afterwards, with low and 
 soft diet, rest and quiet, &c. See Gut-tie. 
 
 HIP. — See Haunch. 
 
 HOLLYHOCK.— See Althaea Rosa. 
 
 HOVEN. — If the probangor tube of the stomach- 
 pump be at hand, let either be passed in order to 
 give exit to the gas accumulated in the rumen. 
 Full doses of ammonia, largely diluted with cold 
 water, should be given. Cold water dashed over 
 the body, with moderate exercise, answers in some 
 cases. The great secret, however, is to arrest fer- 
 
HOV 
 
 100 
 
 HYD 
 
 ■mentation, which is effectually accomplished by the 
 exhibition of the sulphites of soda* in cold water 
 with ammonia, two to four ounces of the former, with 
 an ordinary dose of any one of the compounds of the 
 latter. See Ammonia. Asa dernier ressort, the 
 trocar and canula may be inserted. Usually, how- 
 ever, the compounds of soda named, when promptly 
 given, render this operation unnecessary. Brisk 
 cathartics are required after the acute symptoms 
 have disappeared. 
 
 HYDROCHLORIC ACID.— See Acids. 
 
 HYDROCYANIC ACID — Prussic Acid.— A 
 narcotico-irritant poison, the sedative effects of 
 which are so powerful and rapid that the irritant 
 properties cannot be developed when moderate 
 doses are administered. The symptoms are rarely de- 
 layed more than a few seconds after the poison has 
 "been administered, and begin with sighing, fixing of 
 the limbs, and gazing round. In half a minute or 
 less the animal drops in tetanic rigidity, is unable 
 to rise, and suffers from convulsions ; the eyes are 
 retracted, and opisthotonos appears. Dogs howl 
 piteously, fasces and urine are voided involuntarily, 
 insensibility follows convulsions, and death often 
 ensues in less than two minutes. Prussic acid is 
 liable to vary in strength, and this will account 
 
 * " Veterinarian," vol. xxix. p. 215. 1856. 
 
HYD 
 
 for the variable amount that produces death. One 
 drachm has proved fatal in dogs, and at another 
 time a similar animal has lingered a considerable 
 period before death has taken place. One ounce 
 given to a horse produced immediate paralysis, 
 from which the animal shortly recovered. 
 
 Treatment. — Cold affusion to the head and spine 
 should be persevered in, while water is also dashed 
 in the face, and artificial respiration persistently 
 performed. Solutions of chlorine gas in water, or 
 chloride of lime, or the hypochlorite of soda — com- 
 monly known as Labarraque's disinfecting fluid, or 
 chloride of soda, should also be given, or the solu- 
 tions used may be given as enemata with benefit. 
 Ammonia constitutes a very valuable remedy. The . 
 vapour may be inhaled, but internal administration 
 should alone be depended upon. It should be largely 
 diluted, and if the power of swallowing be absent, 
 the stomach-pump must be resorted to. 
 
 Tests. — The odour of prussic acid is not always 
 obtained. The volatile nature of the poison, par- 
 ticularly after death from small doses, renders this 
 test inapplicable in many cases. 
 
 Solution of Nitrate of Silver yields with fluids 
 containing prussic acid a dense white precipitate, 
 insoluble in cold, but soluble in hot nitric acid ; 
 soluble in strong solution of potash, from which 
 mixture Prussian blue is formed if a solution of 
 sulphate of iron be added followed by a few drops 
 k 2 
 
HYD 
 
 102 
 
 INV 
 
 of sulphuric or hydrochloric acid. The white pre- 
 cipitate, when digested with muriatic acid, yields 
 vapour of prussic acid ; when heated in a reduc- 
 tion tube it yields the gas more abundantly, which 
 may be ignited at the mouth, burning with a rose- 
 coloured flame. 
 
 Sulphide of Ammonium, containing a slight ex- 
 cess of sulphur, added to the solution of prussic 
 acid, and gently warmed, becomes colourless, and 
 on evaporation yields crystals of sulphocyanate of 
 ammonia. If these are dissolved in pure distilled 
 water, weak solutions of the perchloride of iron 
 yield an intense blood-red solution, which is bleached 
 by solution of corrosive sublimate. 
 
 INTESTINE. — See Bowel. 
 
 INVAGINATION of the Intestines — Intus- 
 susception — unless accompanied with discoloration, 
 strangulation, blackening, gangrene, &c, must not 
 be viewed as the cause of death. The peristaltic 
 motions of the digestive canal are sometimes more 
 active before death, and continue in parts for a 
 period afterwards. A portion which is stationary 
 and relaxed may, therefore, receive one that is 
 active and of less size because of its contraction, 
 but no discoloration is the consequence. This is 
 important in making post-mortem examinations. 
 The condition is common in the human subject, 
 
INV 
 
 103 
 
 IOD 
 
 dogs, cats, pigs, &c, and less so in the horse and 
 ruminants. Vomition . or extreme nausea, with a 
 running-down pulse and violent tenesmus, charac- 
 terizes invagination in life. Mr. William Anderson, 
 M.R.C.V.S., Glasgow, by observation the accuracy 
 *)f which reflects great credit, has established that, 
 whenever horses suffer from twist of the intestines, 
 invagination, strangulation, and the like conditions, 
 there is an inevitable and constant disposition to 
 strike out forcibly with one hind leg, the general 
 appearance of the creature unmistakeably denoting 
 gradual dissolution. 
 
 IODIDE OF MERCURY — the Green ok 
 Pkoto-Iodide — Insoluble in ether, water, or solu- 
 tion of chloride of sodium. Volatilizes at a red heat, 
 and decomposes with the formation of a small por- 
 tion of the red oxide. When carefully heated 
 a yellow sublimate is formed, which becomes red 
 on being rubbed, leaving behind a globule of mer- 
 cury. The colour, a yellowish green, may also 
 serve as a means of identification. See Mercurial 
 
 POISONING. 
 
 IODIDE OF POTASSIUM. — A valuable sol- 
 vent for iodine, with which it should always be pre- 
 scribed when the latter is intended for internal ad- 
 ministration. See Iodine. This salt is also an 
 efficient remedy in solution, grs. iv to grs. viij to the 
 
IOD 
 
 104 
 
 IOD 
 
 ounce of distilled water, for opacity and ulcers of the 
 cornea. The doses for the horse internally are 3ss 
 to 3ij ; for cattle 3j to 3iij- When combined with 
 iodine, the salt should be prescribed in doses that 
 are double that of the metalloid, to insure proper 
 solution and action. * 
 
 IODINE. — The doses of this metalloid are from 
 grs. xx to 3ij for horses and cattle ; dogs, grs. iij 
 to grs. x, but these doses may be decreased by one- 
 half when combined with Iodide of Potassium, 
 which see. Iodine is a valuable corrective of the 
 assimilative functions, and digestion generally, and 
 allays thirst. It is therefore largely used in dia- 
 betes and albuminous nephritis, but should always 
 be preceded by a laxative. See Iodism. 
 
 IODISM. — The disturbance which ensues after 
 the continued administration of iodine, is known by 
 this term. The signs are languor, depression, an- 
 aphrodisia, coryza, injected mucous membrane, an- 
 orexia, distaste for water, and absorption of glands. 
 If the medicine is continued, abdominal pains ensue 
 with ptyalism — emesis in the dog, hot skin, dys- 
 pnoea, diarrhoea, amaurosis, vertigo, convulsions, 
 death. 
 
 Treatment. — Discontinue medicine. Emetics in 
 the dog. Strong mucilaginous or albuminous 
 draughts containing starch and opium. 
 
10D 
 
 105 
 
 IRQ 
 
 Tests. — Iodine is. volatile, and soluble in alcohol 
 and watery solutions of iodide of potassium; The 
 urine is the source of elimination from the body, arid 
 when mixed with starch and afterwards acidulated 
 with nitric acid the characteristic blue colour is pro- 
 duced. The odour of iodine is marked in cases of 
 poisoning by it. 
 
 IRON, Sulphate of — Green Vitriol — 
 Copperas. — In large doses this compound is an irri- 
 tant poison, and when desiccated, is endowed with 
 caustic properties. It produces symptoms like sul- 
 phate of copper, excepting the coloured stains, which 
 are dark green or even black. If continued for a 
 length of time in medicinal doses, like copper, it pro- 
 duces marasmus, debility, and tremors, with black 
 dejections, 
 
 Perchloride of Iron — Muriate of Iron-— 
 Tincture of Steel — produces great irritation, with 
 corrosive action of the alimentary canal, diarrhoea 
 with tenesmus, cold extremities and body, depres- 
 sion, &c, after the manner of irritants generally. 
 
 Treatment. — Alkaline solutions, magnesia, chalk 
 and water, milk ; calmatives, stimulants, purga- 
 tives, &c. 
 
 Tests. — Sulphide of ammonium throws down a 
 black precipitate ; tincture of galls also a black pre- 
 cipitate ; ferrocyanide of potassium yields Prussian 
 blue ; the presence of chlorine may be detected by 
 nitrate of silver and nitric acid. 
 
IRO 
 
 106 
 
 LAU 
 
 Sulphate of iron should always be administered 
 in combination with carbonates of soda or potash. 
 
 KNEE, Injuries to. — Serous cysts are common 
 to this part, which treat as named under Abscess. 
 The tendons and thecse are sometimes damaged or 
 destroyed, and joints even penetrated. See Con- 
 tused Wounds, Open Joint. Sometimes an in- 
 cised wound occurs from falls upon newly-laid 
 stones ; they are, however, rare in comparison 
 with the contused variety. See Incised Wounds. 
 Constitutional symptoms are usually present, which 
 may be met with the usual febrifuges, sedatives, 
 or opium and calomel. 
 
 LARYNX, Spasm of. — See Dyspnoea, Apo- 
 plexy (Pulmonary). 
 
 LATISSIMUS DORSI.— See Tekes internus. 
 
 LAUDANUM— Tincture op Opium. — Each 
 ounce contains nearly half a drachm of dry opium. 
 The dose is for horses f5j to f§ij, cattle f§j to f5iij. 
 Usually, however, these quantities are greatly 
 exceeded, or, as the tincture forms a never-failing 
 ingredient of the colic draughts of some practi- 
 tioners, its repetition is heedlessly undertaken, and 
 nature of cases considerably aggravated thereby. 
 The treatment of indigestion in all its forms by 
 
LAU 
 
 107 
 
 LEA 
 
 continued opiates and antispasmodics is not justified 
 by any fact in physiology, particularly without 
 cessation or alteration of the remedy. See Opium. 
 
 LEAD POISONING occurs in two forms, the 
 acute, and slow or chronic. In the first variety, 
 the results are witnessed after the animal has con- 
 sumed paint, or various compounds of the metal, or 
 thin and small portions of metal itself. The signs 
 are not unlike those which are developed in acute 
 indigestion, termed grass staggers. The chief 
 points of difference lie in the distended rumen, 
 which is paralysed ; early evidence of cerebral dis- 
 turbance, as dilated pupils with amaurosis. The 
 pulse is slow, but becomes small and quick as ab- 
 dominal pain ensues ; the respiration is hurried 
 and irregular. Constipation of a severe kind is 
 present, which not uncommonly gives way to an 
 offensive diarrhoea. Muscular twitchings are ob- 
 served in the limbs, delirium comes on which alter- 
 nates with convulsions, and the animal dies in an 
 extreme state of nervous exhaustion. 
 
 The chronic form is seen in the neighbourhood of 
 lead smelting works, where the vegetation is covered 
 or impregnated with the metal, or its oxide in a 
 fine state of division. Signs of general disorder in 
 the functions of the body are at first mild, but at 
 length become evident manifestations of pain. The 
 rumen is distended, great thirst exists, and the 
 
LEA 
 
 108 
 
 LEA 
 
 teeth are ground harshly between the paroxysms 
 of abdominal pain ; the pulse and respiration are 
 accelerated, secretions and excretions diminished, 
 and the gums assume a leaden colour on their 
 alveolar margins. These succeed to high fever, 
 ptyalism, constipation, weakness across the loins, 
 great prostration, hollow flanks, twitchings, convul- 
 sions, asphyxia, death. 
 
 Treatment. — Enemas, containing sulphuric acid, 
 and draughts having soluble sulphates in solution. 
 The latter should be given at first in cathartic 
 doses, and subsequently, in daily laxative quantities, 
 acidulated with sulphuric acid. Solutions contain- 
 ing alum, iodide of potassium, sulphide of hydrogen, 
 should also be given. During the exacerbations of 
 pain calmatives are indicated, and febrifuges, as the 
 sulphates in high vascular action. Strychnine in- 
 ternally, or by the endermic method ; or electricity 
 to overcome nervous depression. 
 
 Tests. — Obtain a clear solution of the metal by di- 
 gesting in nitric acid. Dilute sulphuric acid gives 
 an abundant white precipitate, soluble in hydrochloric 
 acid and excess of caustic potash. Sulphide of 
 ammonium, a black precipitate, visible in very 
 dilute solutions. Iodide of potassium, a yellow 
 precipitate, soluble in potash and hydrochloric acid. 
 Chromate of potash, or chromic acid, a yellow pre- 
 cipitate. Potash solutions of lead are blackened by 
 s u 1 ph uret ted hy drogen . 
 
LIG 
 
 109 
 
 LIM 
 
 LIGHTNING, Effects of. — The common 
 signs of the effects of lightning, when the shock 
 has not been sufficient to destroy life, are, insensi- 
 bility, great prostration, paralysis, flaccidity of 
 muscles, and suspended animation — Asphyxia 
 electrica. The immediate effect is to disturb 
 violently the nervous system, and secondarily, to 
 suspend the animal functions. The passage of the 
 electric fluid may usually be traced on the hair, 
 which is singed. Death frequently results promptly. 
 The circulation is arrested, blood uncoagulable, and 
 right side of the heart full. 
 
 Treatment,— Kesuscitation should be attempted 
 by means of cold affusions over the trunk and face. 
 Flagellation, extensive friction over the whole sur- 
 face, artificial respiration, with the exhibition of 
 powerful stimulants, particularly ammonia, and 
 electricity through the chest or course of the phrenic 
 nerve, must be perseveringly adopted. 
 
 LIME. — Horses employed in the removal of lime 
 are frequently sufferers from its action upon the 
 skin. The eye is also damnged by it, and voracious 
 animals have been known to swallow it greedily, 
 and afterwards suffer from large excoriations about 
 the mouth, as well as irritation internally. Dilute 
 solutions of sulphuric acid are the most useful ap- 
 plications for removing it from the skin and places 
 ibeneath the harness. For the eye, solution of alum 
 
 L 
 
LIM 
 
 110 
 
 MAN 
 
 and tepid water are valuable ; the latter should be 
 used by a syringe, when the palpebrse are sepa- 
 rated. To counteract the effects of lime internally, 
 use copiously dilute sulphuric acid in tepid water ; 
 or fixed oils and albuminous draughts. Excoriations 
 may be treated by alum or anodyne lotions, lead 
 liniment, &c, after the same have been carefully 
 cleansed by dilute sulphuric acid. Constitutional 
 symptoms require febrifuges, derivatives, &c. ; 
 afterwards enjoin light and easily digested food. 
 
 LOLIUM TEMULENTUM. — See Darnel 
 Grass. 
 
 LUNAR CAUSTIC. — See Nitrate op Silver. 
 
 LUNGS, Apoplexy of. — See Apoplexy (Pul- 
 monary). 
 
 LUNGS, Acute Congestion of. — See Apoplexy 
 (Pulmonary). 
 
 MANGOLD WUEZEL LEAVES are very 
 poisonous, particularly in dry seasons. Young pigs 
 suffer acutely after eating them. The toxic prin- 
 ciple is the oxalate of potassium, and symptoms 
 produced are those of Oxalic Acid, which see; 
 under which also the necessary treatment is de- 
 tailed. In addition to the signs there enumerated, 
 
MAN ill & ^*"MnHr/ 
 
 the peculiar sour odour of li/e dejections in acute 
 poisoning is very remarkable^ ts)^\J\ f?^ 
 
 MANY-TAILED BANDAGE.— A ver^Sse^il 
 agent in the adjustment of parts, the application of 
 poultices, &c. It consists of a piece of strong- 
 fabric, of suitable size, upon the sides of which are 
 securely stitched an equal number of bands— also of 
 suitable strength, which are tied together after the 
 flat part has been placed round the affected limb, 
 &c. Slightly modified, it is also an efficient agent 
 in closing large wounds, in which suppuration has 
 destroyed the sutures or caused them to drop out, 
 and in which re-insertion is not admissible. For 
 this purpose the central part, which should be as 
 long as the wound, is cut down the middle to form 
 two strips, having the tails on one side only. 
 Each flat part is next glued upon the skin, a little 
 distance away from the edges of the wound, the 
 tails being towards each other, and in this position 
 are left to dry. After this part of the bandage is 
 secured, flat strips of wood are laid upon the edges 
 of the wound, and covered with tow, &c, if neces- 
 sary ; the parts are then dressed and the cor- 
 responding bands of each side brought together and 
 tied. In this position, if desired, the wound can be 
 kept under examination, and dressed regularly 
 without taking off the appliances. The plasters 
 employed to secure splints on a limb are very use- 
 
MAN 
 
 112 
 
 MER 
 
 fully cut in this form. A corresponding number of 
 bands from each side are caused to overlap each 
 other alternately ; and by this means not only 
 cover a large surface without wrinkle or crease, but 
 exert almost any degree of pressure at will. 
 
 MARASMUS — Wasting away. Animals fre- 
 quently exhibit the disposition to become poor, or 
 waste rapidly, even when the food is faultless. The 
 causes are depressing medicines used too frequently, 
 minerals too long continued as tonics, inducing a 
 slow kind of poisoning. Bad food, injuries to the 
 mouth, and anorexia from various causes, give rise 
 to marasmus. It is also seen as a sequel of many 
 diseases, as those of the lungs and digestive organs, 
 &c, as well as in old age, purely from decline of 
 nervous power. See Iron, Copper, &c. 
 
 MEMBRANES, Utertne — Retention of. — See 
 Abortion. 
 
 MERCURIAL POISONING occurs in two 
 forms, the acute and chronic. In the acute stage 
 all the signs of irritant poisoning are developed — 
 e.g., gastro-enteritis, offensive diarrhoea, proctor- 
 rhcea, tenesmus, violent emesis in omnivora and 
 carnivora, with mixture of blood, great depression, 
 laboured breathing, running down pulse, decline of 
 animal temperature, partial coma, and agonizing 
 
MER 
 
 113 
 
 MER 
 
 death. In those instances where poisoning arises 
 from the cumulative effects of the metal or its com- 
 pounds, special signs accompany the first indica- 
 tions of disturbance. With anorexia there is foetid 
 breath, ptyalism, looseness of teeth in the horse, 
 dog, and pig ; incessant cough, general disturbance 
 of functions, which merge into those already given. 
 
 The chronic, or slow form, arises from the use of 
 small and repeated doses of the insoluble compounds 
 of mercury internally, without due care being ex- 
 ercised ; but most commonly is witnessed as an 
 effect of mercurial or blue ointment, as an external 
 application to sheep, dogs, and horses. Such cases 
 are characterized by extreme weakness and dulness, 
 small and frequent pulse, with laboured respiration, 
 anorexia, dysphagia, tumefaction of tongue and 
 fauces, ptyalism, blue line along alveolar margins, 
 offensive breath and diarrhoea, diuresis, oedema of 
 extremities and all dependent parts of skin, tremors, 
 muscular spasms, mercurial erythema, decline of 
 animal temperature, gradual prostration and death 
 in periods varying from a few days to several weeks. 
 
 Autopsy. — Mucous membranes devoid of epithe- 
 lium, or are pale and raised by sub-cellular infiltra- 
 tion ; that of the stomach being covered by a thick 
 layer of mucus and epithelium, and that of the 
 small intestines exhibiting the inflammatory wreath 
 or halo ; peritoneal ecchymosis, softening of glands, 
 accumulation of serum in closed cavities, bones 
 l 2 
 
MER 
 
 114 
 
 MER 
 
 brittle, and in long-standing cases abscesses are 
 found in the lungs. 
 
 Treatment. — Avoid venesection, as it induces a 
 fatal result ; remove poison from the skin by wash- 
 ing or shearing the fleece. Shelter and warmth 
 are required, and, in addition, albuminous and 
 mucilaginous drinks ; chlorate of potash to check 
 salivation, and astringent gargles, are also useful ; 
 sulphur, or the sulphide of iron, are valuable anti- 
 dotes ; the sulphate, perchloride, &c, may be com- 
 bined with quassia, but gentian and calumba must 
 be prescribed alone. Those animals in which the 
 signs of mercurial poisoning are slight, should re- 
 ceive ample exercise and food, with eliminatives to 
 promote the discharge of the metal. When the 
 toxic effects of mercury have appeared from ad- 
 ministration as a remedial agent, it must at once 
 be discontinued. 
 
 Tests. — Mercury is largely discharged by the 
 urine ; it should therefore be carefully examined. 
 The liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, intestines, and 
 ingesta also offer favourable evidences of the pre- 
 sence of mercury, after poisoning has taken place 
 from it or the various compounds. Portions of 
 these should be reduced, and boiled with dilute 
 hydrochloric acid until decomposed. Pieces of clean 
 copper sheet, or gauze, boiled in such mixtures, 
 become coated with a silvery film, and when dried 
 and heated in a test-tube yield metallic mercury, 
 
MER 
 
 115 
 
 MOft 
 
 which sublimes and condenses in the characteristic 
 globules. For the detection of the various com- 
 pounds of the metal, see the directions given under 
 each. 
 
 MORTIFICATION. — The loss of vitality in, or 
 death of, a part. It is divided into gangrene and 
 sphacelus ; the first is intended to denote the inci- 
 pient stage or process of dying, and the last the 
 complete result or actual death. Among the lower 
 animals sphacelus is rare, death taking place before 
 that action can be complete : gangrene, however, is 
 more common. The causes are, inflammation or 
 pressure, limiting or arresting the supply of blood 
 to the part. The signs are somewhat as follow : — 
 When gangrene is about to take place in a limb 
 already affected by inflammation, swelling grows 
 less tense, and sometimes a serous exudation is 
 seen externally ; pain, heat, and tenderness sud- 
 denly cease, and a part but recently suffering from 
 the most acute sensation, may now be even roughly 
 handled. Sensation gradually subsides, but the 
 power of function declines rapidly ; and where the 
 absence of hair admits, the skin will be observed to 
 change from an acute 'redness to a livid or purple 
 colour. Constitutional symptoms are likewise coin- 
 cident and remarkable. The active character of 
 the febrile signs are suddenly changed to the ty- 
 phoid form ; pain in internal organs, manifested by 
 
MOR 
 
 116 
 
 NEC 
 
 violent paroxysms, now suddenly ceases ; the ani- 
 mal becomes calm, rises and seeks for food, but 
 takes none, and at length maintains the standing 
 position ; the skin becomes dry after excessive per- 
 spiration ; pulse becomes small, frequent, and rapid, 
 and frequently irregular or intermittent ; the coun- 
 tenance assumes a haggard expression ; respiration 
 is tranquil, but frequent sighings come on, and 
 tremors seize the extremities. When the intestines 
 are the seat of mortification, hiccough or belching 
 (eructation) is sometimes present ; general coldness 
 seizes the whole body ; the features are pinched, 
 and the animal exhibits the appearance of being 
 under the effects of some soporific agent : the pulse 
 now becomes what is known as " running down" — 
 i.e., smaller, weaker, more rapid, and at length 
 imperceptible ; soon the animal totters, reels, and 
 falls forward, and rarely lives an hour after the first 
 appearance of the signs. 
 
 MONKSHOOD. — See Aconite. 
 
 MOINDERING. — See Lead Poisoning. 
 
 MEGRIMS. — See Vertigo. 
 
 MISCARRIAGE. — See Abortion. 
 
 NAPHTHA. — See Creasote. 
 
 NECK — Injuries to. — Fracture and compression 
 
NEC * 
 
 117 
 
 NEC 
 
 of the trachea is not uncommon when acute 
 dyspnoea is set up, calling for prompt relief. The 
 windpipe will require to be opened, but the part 
 selected and mode of performing the operation will 
 depend upon the situation of the injury. The 
 opening must always be made below the stricture, 
 the muscles of the vicinity being placedon one side 
 or dissection carried through them, when this has to 
 be effected at or towards the bottom of the neck. 
 Great care is also demanded, because of the impor- 
 tant vessels in that locality. Frequently the trachea 
 . is permanently constricted, and the animal is no 
 longer serviceable for fast work. Similar causes 
 produce rupture of the walls of the oesophagus, 
 which are characterized by diffuse swelling that 
 pits on pressure, and contains a semi-solid sub- 
 stance, and on the outside of which is the characte- 
 ristic oedema. Pressure on the trachea subsequently 
 takes place from accumulations of food, which pass 
 into the subcellular and intermuscular spaces, 
 Dyspnoea and choking come on. No relief takes 
 place from the use of the probang or emollient 
 drinks, and death usually ensues before twenty-four 
 hours, except in slight cases. The only good ex- 
 pected from treatment is frequently denied by the 
 extent and nature of the rupture of the oesophagus. 
 Small wounds may be united after the ingesta have 
 been cleared from beneath the skin, but in the 
 majority of cases help is vain. See Spine. 
 
NER 
 
 118 
 
 NIT 
 
 NERVOUS APOPLEXY. — This affection, 
 which is common to horses and cows, is known 
 by the absence of all cerebral disturbance, weak 
 pulse, which is sometimes small, but not usually 
 rapid. The appetite remains ; there is also general 
 vivacity, but the bowels are usually constipated, 
 and there is little fever present: the limbs do not 
 always lose their power of movement, although 
 the ability to stand is absent. Treatment consists 
 in gently moving the bowels, avoiding nausea as 
 much as possible, to which succeed the exhibition 
 of stimulants, vegetable tonics, perchloride of iron, 
 strychnine, nux vomica, &c. Shelter and good food 
 are indispensable agents. 
 
 NIGHTSHADE. — See Belladonna. 
 
 NITRIC ACID.— See Acids. 
 
 NITRATE OF MERCURY, in solution, be- 
 haves as corrosive sublimate with the tests given, 
 excepting a negative action with the chloride of 
 silver. Bright copper immersed in its solution is 
 covered with mercury, and the blue nitrate of copper 
 is held in solution. See Mercurial Poisoning. 
 
 NITRATE OF POTASH — Saltpetre 
 Nitre. — Repeated doses of this salt cause great 
 depression, lowering of temperature, profuse urina- 
 
NIT 
 
 119 
 
 NUX 
 
 tion, &c. Large doses (four ounces) have been 
 known to cause inversion of the bladder in the mare ; 
 after eight ounces were given, violent abdominal 
 pain and diarrhoea came on, with great prostration of 
 strength, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, amaurosis, 
 coma, and death in a few hours. ISitre is evacuated 
 unchanged by the urine, from which it may be 
 crystallized. Jt is known by the lilac flame it pro- 
 duces when burning ; by its deflagrating rapidly 
 when ignited, and the production of nitric acid 
 fumes when heated with slips of clean copper, and 
 a few drops of sulphuric acid. 
 
 NITRATE OF SILVER. — A useful application 
 for removing nebulae, and promoting the healing 
 action in the ulcers of distemper which occur in the 
 cornea of dogs, as well as wounds of an unhealthy 
 character. Applied to the mouths of bleeding 
 arteries, a plug is formed and haemorrhage arrested. 
 Solutions for the former purpose usually contain 
 from grs. iij to grs. x to the ounce of distilled 
 water. Nitrate of silver is the principal test for 
 Chlorine and compounds in which it is present. 
 
 NOSE, Bleeding from. — See Epistaxis. 
 
 NUX VOMICA.— The doses of nux vomica are, 
 for horses, 3ss to 3j 5 cattle, 3j to 3ij- It forms 
 a useful remedy in nervous debility (adynamia) of 
 
NUX 
 
 120 
 
 OPE 
 
 the cow, nervous apoplexy of the horse, and para- 
 lysis generally of all animals. The tincture is 
 sometimes used endermically in coma. The alka- 
 loid is Strychnia, which see. Like it, nux vomica 
 should be given until the earliest physiological signs 
 are manifest, before it is permanently withdrawn. 
 
 OMENTUM, Protrusion op.— Portions of this 
 membrane sometimes escape from penetrating 
 wounds inflicted in hunting, when the animal is said 
 to be " staked," and by the horns of cattle, forks, 
 falling upon an upturned harrow, &c. From experi- 
 ence gained in such cases, there is no clanger to be 
 feared in the immediate amputation of the whole of 
 the visible portion. Haemorrhage is somewhat con- 
 siderable at times, but not permanent, and rarely calls 
 for attention. Closure of the wound and treatment 
 of the constitutional symptoms should be based 
 upon general principles. The omentum frequently 
 forms umbilical, ventral, and scrotal hernia?. Its 
 descent during castration is also not uncommon. 
 
 OPEN-JOINT. — When an opening has been 
 made in the capsule of a joint, by puncture or 
 incision, &c, and the orifice is small, the moderate 
 application of the actual cautery to the wound 
 often proves sufficient to effect a closure. Lunar 
 caustic may also produce the same. Care is, how- 
 ever, required, as by cauterizing too severely, a 
 
OPE 
 
 121 
 
 OPE 
 
 greater amount of destruction than reparation of 
 tissue takes place, the wound is seriously enlarged, 
 and fatal effects may follow. The ointment of can- 
 tharides or mylabris cichorii, when rubbed on the 
 surface around the orifice, will frequently set up the 
 desirable amount of swelling and inflammation, and 
 thus approximate the cut edges. The lips of an 
 incised wound may be brought together by the 
 twisted suture, and afterwards treated by the Anti- 
 septic method with success. 
 
 With bruised and lacerated wounds of joints other 
 means are required. Extraneous matters should 
 be carefully removed by forceps, or continued fomen- 
 tations if necessary, and movement of the articula- 
 tion prevented as much as possible by splints, 
 gutta percha moulds, &c. If parts exhibit a loss of 
 vitality, the use of a stimulating application, as the 
 linimentum saponis, lin. terebinth., lin. camph., 
 lin. ammon. dilut., or ung. lyttce ves. mit., may be 
 variously employed. 
 
 Coagulation of Synovia, as it issues from the 
 wound, is mainly essential to the closing of joints, 
 and may be effected in various ways : — By sol. 
 zinci chlor., (strength 3ij of the salt to f^xx of 
 aqua dest.) carried by means of a sponge above the 
 wound, from whence it is allowed to flow over the 
 raw surface. This should be applied very frequently, 
 and as a rule is highly satisfactory in its effects. 
 A plug of corrosive sublimate is used by some prac- 
 
 M 
 
OPE 
 
 122 
 
 OPE 
 
 titioners. It is placed within the orifice, and suit- 
 able pads and bandages above. Nitrate of silver 
 is used in the same manner. A mixture of equal 
 parts of oxide of zinc and wheat flour ; or of alum 
 and gum arabic in fine powder. This and the fore- 
 going are applied dry. Alum, pipeclay, and 
 Fuller's earth, equal parts in fine powder, and 
 lastly, plaster of Paris, which with the preceding 
 are applied in a smooth paste, made and laid on 
 in successive quantities as each portion hardens. 
 As long as evidence of suppuration and escape of 
 synovia around the application are not observed, 
 it is retained ; otherwise the parts are exposed 
 carefully, dressed by some healing flu : d, a fresh 
 supply of the application placed upon the wound, 
 and tbe whole securely bound up. The dry powders 
 are admirably kept in situ, by means of a suitably 
 large stocking, minus the foot, which has been 
 drawn up the limb, and upon the outside of which 
 bandages are placed. A more recent method con- 
 sists of fixing the limb — if the knee, hock, or joints 
 below are involved — by means of starch bandages 
 and concave wooden or iron splints. The wound is 
 purposely exposed, and constantly treated by astrin- 
 gent lotions or other agents to promote healing, the 
 synovia being allowed to accumulate by coagulation 
 at the orifice, and act as a plug. By thus prevent- 
 ing motion, the closing of the wound is much more 
 rapid and secure. 
 
OPE 
 
 123 
 
 OPI 
 
 In puncture of the coffin or navicular joints, 
 through the cleft or side of the frog, the actual 
 cautery is the most effective remedy. It should be 
 applied until the sensitive parts give evidence of 
 pain, when sufficient swelling and inflammation 
 arise to close the wound in the soft textures. When 
 synovia escapes in such cases, paring the hoof and 
 exploring the wound lessen the chance of suc- 
 cess, and frequently even deny it. If the body 
 which inflicted the damage be withdrawn, such a 
 proceeding is clearly uncalled for, but in the event 
 of being practised assists greatly in augmenting the 
 tendency to sloughing internally, by which joints, 
 hitherto not affected, are opened, and at a stage too 
 late to admit of closure by any means that can be 
 adopted. The timely application of the actual 
 cautery, the edge of which is moderately pressed 
 and rubbed over the course of the opening in the 
 hoof, usually prevents such adverse states by in- 
 ducing a greater activity in the parts beneath. 
 
 OPIUM. — In cases of poisoning by this drug, the 
 mode of treatment will depend upon the stage at 
 which the patient is observed. While poison remains 
 in the stomach attempts should be made to dislodge 
 or neutralize it. Tannin has been found to be of no 
 service as an antidote ; coffee, tea, and quinine are 
 more likely to be successful. Animal charcoal re- 
 duces the action of morphia, but requires to be 
 
OPI 
 
 124 
 
 OPI 
 
 promptly administered and in large quantity. Dogs 
 should be excited to vomit, and other animals may 
 receive brisk cathartics and enemas to carry 
 off the poison, as well as overcome the resulting 
 constipation. Ammonia must be scrupulously 
 avoided, before the full effects of opium are mani- 
 fest; but if absorption ha s ensued its administration 
 is attended with benefit. Bloodletting may be pro- 
 ductive of good in early coma, when the pulse is full 
 and slow; cold affusions should be applied to the head 
 and withers, flagellation to the body generally, nux 
 vomica, strychnine, and belladonna internally, all 
 of which tend to counteract the tendency to general 
 nervous depression, and annihilation of the cerebral 
 functions. 
 
 Tests. — In order to demonstrate accurately the 
 presence of opium, chemical manipulation is directed 
 towards separating and proving the existence of 
 two constituents — viz., morphia and meconic acid. 
 For this purpose the mixture of organic matters is 
 treated with dilute acetic acid, digested for two or 
 three hours, and repeatedly filtered to obtain a suffi- 
 ciently clear solution for delicate colour tests. This 
 is then mixed with a solution of the acetate of lead 
 as long as a precipitate is allowed to fall, when the 
 whole is heated to about 208° Fahr., and after- 
 wards filtered. The clear solution thus obtained 
 contains acetate of morphia; the precipitate is 
 meconate of lead. To the solution per chloride of 
 
OPI 
 
 12 
 
 ORP 
 
 iron* is added, which gives a blue colour, resem- 
 bling weak solution of ink ; nitric acid produces an 
 orange red colour, which rapidly changes to a 
 yellow ; iodic acid admits of a separation of iodine, 
 giving the characteristic brown colour and odour of 
 the substance, which is further detected by the use 
 of a solution of starch. 
 
 The meconate of lead precipitate is now taken 
 and washed, and while being agitated in distilled 
 water is treated by a stream of sulphuretted hydro- 
 gen until the black precipitate ceases to fall. The 
 residual solution is then filtered, heated, again fil- 
 tered, and lastly reduced by evaporation to one- 
 half its bulk. To a clear portion of this a solution 
 of the perchloride of iron is added, when a deep 
 blood-red solution is formed. This colour is precisely 
 the same as that produced by the action of sulpho- 
 cyanide of potassium upon a per-salt of iron, but 
 differs from it in being unaffected by a solution of 
 the bichloride of mercury — corrosive sublimate. 
 
 ORPIMENT— Sulphuret of Arsenic— contains a 
 large per centage of arsenious acid, and is highly 
 poisonous itself. It is known by its bright yellow 
 colour, insolubility in water and hydrochloric acid, 
 but rapid disappearance in a solution of potash. 
 When boiled with dilute muriatic acid, arsenious 
 acid is produced, and the solution yields metallic 
 
 * This test should be nearly neutral. 
 M 2 
 
ORP 
 
 126 
 
 PAR 
 
 arsenic by reduction with soda and nascent hydro- 
 gen. For signs and treatment of poisoning see 
 Arsenic. 
 
 OS UTERI— Closure of.— See Abortion. 
 
 OXALIC ACID.— In consequence of the great 
 resemblance that exists between the crystals of this 
 acid and the sulphates of zinc and magnesia, it may 
 be administered in mistake for either. The usual 
 signs are great distress, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, 
 small and weak pulse , prostration, tremors, convul- 
 sions, stupor, and death. Dogs vomit dark coloured 
 matters having an acid reaction. 
 
 Treatment.— Avoid all soluble alkalies, but ad- 
 minister emulsions containing chalk or magnesia, 
 and in their absence oil or animal charcoal. Promote 
 vomiting in carnivora. 
 
 Tests. — Nitrate of silver throws down a white pre- 
 cipitate, soluble in cold nitric acid. Dried and 
 heated on platina foil it gives rise to a white vapour, 
 slight detonation, and disappears. Solution of sul- 
 phate of lime, or lime-water, gives a white precipi- 
 tate soluble in nitric acid, but unacted upon by 
 vegetable acids. The leaves of the Mangold Wur- 
 zel owe their deleterious properties to this acid. 
 
 PARACENTESIS. — This operation is required 
 for two purposes, the evacuation of accumulated 
 
PAR 
 
 127 
 
 PAR 
 
 fluids, the products of disease, and gaseous emana- 
 tions, the result of indigestion. 
 
 Paracentesis for Ascites. — The trocar and 
 canula used are the same, or rather smaller than that 
 employed for the operation on the thorax to he de- 
 scribed. The skin is first forcibly drawn to one 
 side, and punctured at a point midway between the 
 umbilicus and sheath of the horse, or between the 
 former and the mammae of the mare, &c, in the 
 direct course of the linea alba. A lancet may be 
 taken to puncture the skin, but it is not imperative. 
 The trocar is generally used alone for the purpose; 
 it is firmly but carefully pushed through the whole 
 of the structures, and withdrawn immediately the 
 resistance is no longer felt, in order not to penetrate 
 any of the abdominal viscera. The canula is then 
 passed higher up, and secured for the desired period 
 by a string attached to a bandage placed round the 
 body, which is also intended to compensate, by regu- 
 lated pressure, for the loss of fluid. The application 
 of pressure to the abdomen is important, and forms 
 one of the principles of treatment. If the escape 
 of fluid is rapid, and the quantity considerable, 
 without such a provision the animal may suffer from 
 syncope of a very sudden character. It may also 
 be required to retain the canula, in order to admit 
 of the discharge of fluid that is likely to accumu- 
 late. When, however, it is removed, the skin re- 
 turns to its original position, and covers the orifice, 
 
PAR 
 
 128 
 
 PAR 
 
 effectually preventing the access of atmospheric 
 air. 
 
 Paracentesis for tympany of the bowels. — The 
 trocar necessary for this operation is much longer 
 and finer than that just named, and of the diameter 
 of the instrument employed by the practitioner in 
 human medicine for hydrocele. The middle of the 
 right flank is chosen by some, where, however, 
 probably only the small intestines may be punc- 
 tured, and a portion — not the whole — of the gas 
 escapes : a proceeding which depends upon the 
 pressure exerted on this part of the alimentary 
 canal, and cuts off communication throughout. 
 Only a convolution of the tube is therefore liable to 
 be evacuated. The right iliac region is more 
 generally the part at which the puncture is made, 
 the object being to transfix the ccecum or colon, 
 which, by virtue of the distension, are most likely 
 to be found in that locality. 
 
 Paracentesis Thoracis. — The place chosen for 
 this operation is one of the intervals between 
 the seventh and eighth, or eighth and ninth ribs. 
 The skin is first drawn to one side to the extent 
 of one or two inches, and a puncture made 
 with a lancet at the spot, which should be imme- 
 diately in fron t of the rib. The trocar and canula 
 are then cautiously passed through the intercostal 
 muscles, the former being withdrawn immediately 
 it has entered the thorax, and the canula pushed 
 
PAR 
 
 129 
 
 PAR 
 
 farther in. When the evacuation of the fluid is 
 complete, or carried as far as desirable, the skin, 
 on withdrawal of the canula, passes to its original 
 position, overlapping the wound and acting as 
 a valve against the introduction of atmospheric 
 air to the thoracic cavity. The precaution as 
 to bandages and too rapid flow of fluid, requires 
 to be observed in this operation, as already de- 
 tailed. 
 
 PARONYCHIA —An abscess affecting the se- 
 creting substance or coronet, and adjacent parts 
 of the hoof. Treads — Paronychia Equi — in the 
 horse are common in winter, and liable to assume 
 complicated characters ; in the end forming charac- 
 teristic sinuous chronic wounds, leading to perma- 
 nent lameness as well as deformity of the hoof. At 
 the outset, symptoms are often most urgent, con- 
 sisting of great pain, lameness, and high fever ; 
 but all untoward results may be averted by the 
 prompt use of neutral salts, as pot. nit., pot. 
 chlor., &c. ; amnion, acet. liq. in full doses. 
 Aconite finds favour with some, but may generally 
 be dispensed with in these cases. The next pro- 
 ceeding is to prevent the formation of pus, which 
 is effectually performed by the use of the Anti- 
 septic Treatment. The analogous affections in 
 cattle and sheep known as "foul," " foot halt," 
 "the low," &c, Paronychia bovum et. paronychia 
 
PAR 
 
 130 
 
 PHO 
 
 ovium, readily give way to the same measures 
 when instituted early. In later stages free evacua- 
 tion of pus, and perfect removal of adventitious 
 substances and loose horn are required. The sinuses 
 are destroyed by daily injections of hydrarg. 
 bichlor. in solution, and further improvement and 
 healing power maintained by preventing the access 
 of air, dirt, and moisture, as directed under Anti- 
 septic Treatment. 
 
 PATELLA, Dislocation of. — See Dislocations. 
 
 PELVIS. — See Haunch. 
 
 PETECHIAS. — See Ecchymosis. 
 
 PHOSPHORUS forms one of the ingredients 
 of rat-killing compositions known as phosphor- 
 paste. The signs of poisoning are characteristic. 
 There is great thirst, perceptible odour of the 
 poison, and, when the quantity taken has been 
 considerable, the breath and faeces are luminous 
 in the dark, with violent constitutional dis- 
 turbance. Dogs vomit dark, and even luminous 
 matters. 
 
 Treatment.— Avoid oils, fats, broths, soups, &c, 
 but administer large quantities of solutions of 
 potash, soda, or magnesia. Emetics to dog, after- 
 wards opiates, &c. 
 
PHO 
 
 131 
 
 POI 
 
 Tests — Small portions may be found among the 
 viscera or in vomited matters, and known by its 
 solubility in ether, alcohol, oil, and bisulphide of 
 carbon. Is destroyed amid violent combustion if 
 touched with a red-hot wire ; unaffected by water, 
 but quenched by alkaline solutions. The viscera 
 are luminous in the dark. 
 
 PLACENTA, Retention of. — Remove mecha- 
 nically at once in the mare ; a few days' delay in 
 the cow does no harm, but after putrefaction sets 
 in, retention may produce disagreeable effects by 
 favouring absorption. If debility is evident, diffu- 
 sible stimulants, tonics, and warm aromatics, may 
 be prescribed with advantage. See Abortion. 
 Injections of dilute solutions of chlorine gas, car- 
 bolic acid, chloride of lime, perchloride of iron, 
 muriatic acid, chloride of zinc, &c, are also bene- 
 ficial. They should be copious and possess a tem- 
 perature of 95° to 100° Fahr. 
 
 POISONING.— In all urgent cases to which the 
 veterinary practitioner is called, particular attention 
 should be directed to the symptoms, in order to 
 detect any variation or addition to the category 
 usually observed. The rapid development of 
 gastro-enteritis, diarrhoea, with other signs of con- 
 stitutional disturbance, as coma, convulsions, para- 
 lysis, amaurosis, — vomition in carnivora, particu- 
 
POI 
 
 132 
 
 POT 
 
 larly when specific characters are attached to the 
 ejected matters, as mixture of blood, acid reaction, 
 &c. — erosions or stains about the mouth, nausea, 
 ptyalism, frequent attempts to swallow, incessant 
 cough, intolerable tbirst, tenesmus, proctorrhea, 
 sighing, small, frequent, feeble, or imperceptible 
 pulse, &c, point to extreme conditions ; and when 
 any one of these is present, close attention may 
 discover collateral signs which become the specific 
 tokens of the presence of noxious agents. The his- 
 tory of cases assists materially in the clearing up of 
 many diseases, but it is to be feared that the prac- 
 titioner has not unfrequently to make his investiga- 
 tion unassisted, and with the result of suspicion only 
 as to the cause. Eecovery in cases of poisoning 
 among the lower animals is not common. Delay 
 is too frequently, and even purposely indulged in 
 before help is obtained, and chances of success are 
 thus far removed. When, however, a post-mortem 
 examination is made, further suspicions may be 
 aroused by such signs in combination as inflamma- 
 tion, thickening from effusion of lymph, erosion, 
 perforation, invagination, colour stains, carboniza- 
 tion, softening or partial solution, presence of 
 foreign matters, &c. See Sudden Death, Emesis, 
 Invagination, Diseases. 
 
 POTASH. — See Caustic Alkalies, Nitrate 
 of Potash. 
 
POT 
 
 133 
 
 PRO 
 
 POTASSIUM, Cyanide of.— See Hydrocya- 
 nic Acid. 
 
 POTASSIUM, Oxalate ok Binoxalate of.— 
 See Mangold Wurzel and Oxalic Acid. 
 
 PROBANG, Passing the. — This instrument is 
 made use of in the following way. If the patient 
 be a horse he is reversed in his stall and a strong 
 halter placed over his head. An assistant, No. 1, 
 places on a twitch having a handle at least four feet 
 long. Assistants Nos. 2 and 3 secure the ear of each 
 side by one hand, placing the other flat over the 
 nasal bones, or the halter may be held by one. 
 Assistant No. 4 holds up a forefoot, or it may be 
 strapped up to suit convenience. The floor should 
 be lightly covered with sand, sawdust, or wheaten 
 chaff, to prevent slipping on greasy stones. The 
 operator, having confidence in these assistants, now 
 seizes the tongue, slightly draws it forward and 
 inserts a strong balling iron, about three inches wide, 
 between the jaws, which must be held in the hand 
 of assistant No. 2' or 3. This will prevent the 
 animal getting the bulb of the probang between the 
 molars, greatly to its detriment, and that of the 
 oesophagus when it reaches that tube. The instru- 
 ment is now passed over the tongue, in a central 
 line, backwards through the pharynx, when the 
 practitioner should satisfy himself that the oeso- 
 phagus has been reached before going farther. A 
 
PRO 
 
 134 
 
 PRO 
 
 safe course insured, the operator moves gradually 
 onward to the obstruction, which, when reached, by 
 firm but very steady pressure exerted upon it from 
 behind, descends to the stomach, and relief is 
 gained. 
 
 In cattle similar precautions are required, the 
 differences being in the mode of securing the ani- 
 mal. The horns prove valuable agents, while the 
 nose can be held by the bull-dogs or nose-pincers. 
 Cows are seldom so violent as horses under choking, 
 and are more readily treated. 
 
 Cats and Dogs surfer frequently from accumula- 
 tions of pudding, sweet biscuit, &c, in the oeso- 
 phagus. The ordinary male horse catheter answers 
 very well for removing such obstructions ; but great 
 care is required in order not to strangle the animals 
 by the mode of securing them. Dogs may be con- 
 veniently held by the ears and between the knees of 
 an assistant ; but cats are best placed in a strong 
 wide sack above the fore legs, the remaining sides 
 being placed together and brought round the animal 
 in a coil. The head is thus left out and the patient 
 is held across the shoulders between the knees of an 
 assistant, while one hand keeps the head steady. 
 A piece of wood is used as a gag, being inserted on 
 one side only, when the catheter may be projected 
 down the oesophagus with ease. 
 
 PROCTATRESIA — Imperforate anus. — In 
 
PRO 
 
 135 
 
 PRO 
 
 cases of constipation, particularly when no feeces 
 have been passed, accompanied with abdominal 
 pain, constitutional disturbance, and forcible expul- 
 sion of enemata in young or newly-born animals, it 
 is necessary to ascertain whether this deformity 
 exists. . Three conditions are observed : — 1, that 
 in which the anus is closed by ordinary integument, 
 externally, or membranous septum a few inches 
 within the rectum ; 2, an imperfect rectum termi- 
 nating in a cul-de-sac anterior to the perineal integu- 
 ment, a depression marking the spot where the 
 anal opening should be ; 3, rectum absent or defi- 
 cient, the sigmoid flexure of the colon terminating 
 the digestive canal by a cut de-sac. 
 
 Treatment. — The first variety requires only 
 simple division in a vertical direction, the passage 
 of fseces being usually sufficient to prevent union ; 
 or a tent may be used for the purpose. The second 
 form presents a more difficult aspect for remedy, 
 besides being usually discovered only after the con- 
 dition is aggravated by delay or approaching death. 
 Examination should be conducted with the animal 
 raised to a vertical position, in order that the im- 
 pacted bowel may descend towards the perineum. 
 After being satisfied the rectum is present, the 
 animal is to be secured, placed on the back cr side 
 with the hind parts lowest. A vertical incision is 
 then to be made in the anal space, while pressure 
 is exerted on the hypogastric region. The index 
 
PRO 
 
 136 
 
 PTY 
 
 finger of the left hand must be used to explore in 
 advance of the knife. The line of dissection must 
 correspond with the anterior coccygeal bones and 
 sacrum, and care is required in order to avoid mis- 
 taking the bladder or wounding the pelvic vessels. 
 The rectum being found, it is to be opened freely. 
 Union must be prevented by the interposition of 
 tents, &c, if required. In the last form nothing 
 short of an artificial anus is required, which it is 
 scarcely probable any proprietor would sanction, no 
 matter the breed or value of the creature. Happily, 
 however, the second and third varieties of the de- 
 formity are very rare. 
 
 PROCTORRHOEA. — Usually applied to dis- 
 charge of blood from the anus. The causes are local 
 hemorrhage from violent tenesmus during obstinate 
 constipation, invagination, strangulated hernia, &c. 
 It is also a common sign of blood diseases. Under 
 ordinary circumstances a cure is effected by a re- 
 moval of the cause. As a result of local injury 
 the general treatment for haemorrhage must be 
 adopted. 
 
 PRUSSIC ACID.— See Hydrocyanic Acid. 
 
 PTYALISM — Salivation — An Involuntary 
 Flow of Saliva. — The secretion of saliva in the 
 lower animals, during health, is abundant, and the 
 
PTY 
 
 137 
 
 RED 
 
 glands in which it is formed are very liable to be 
 influenced by various causes, which are manifest in 
 an augmented secretion. Thus : substances that 
 produce nausea frequently increase the flow of 
 saliva, and cause it to assume a ropy character 
 from an admixture of mucus. Ptyalism is frequent 
 after animals have fully partaken of many poisonous 
 vegetables, as aconite, colchicum, white and black 
 hellebore, darnel grass, mercurialis perennis, mer- 
 curialis annua, &c, and always accompanies mer- 
 curial poisoning, when there is also looseness of 
 the teeth of horses, pigs, and dogs, in which, unlike 
 cattle and sheep, those agents of mastication are 
 always firm in health. Ptyalism is also observed 
 in all conditions that give rise to Dysphagia. 
 
 RAT - POWDER. — Various preparations are 
 made use of in these mixtures, the poisonous prin- 
 ciples of which are Arsenic, Baryta, Corrosive 
 sublimate, Cyanide op Potassium (see Prussic 
 Acid), Phosphorus in Phosphor Paste, Nux 
 Vomica, Strychnia, which see for poisoning, treat- 
 ment, &c. 
 
 REALGAR — King's Yellow, Red sulphide of 
 arsenic. Analogous to Orpiment, which see. 
 
 RED PRECIPITATE, Peroxide of Mer- 
 cury — is distinguished beneath the microscope or 
 n 2 
 
RED 
 
 138 
 
 RHO 
 
 lens by its red shining crystalline scales ; insolu- 
 bility ; great weight ; soluble in hydrochloric acid, 
 giving all the reactions common to corrosive subli- 
 mate ; heated in a small tube, oxygen is freely 
 evolved ; becomes black, and red again on cooling — 
 subliming and condensing in metallic globules until 
 dissipated. See Mercurial Poisoning. 
 
 RETENTIO SECUND ARUM— Retention of 
 the Placenta — After-birth. — See Abortion. 
 
 RHODODENDRON— The Alpine Rose— be- 
 longs to the natural family Ericacece, or Heath- 
 tribe, which includes many varieties of that plant, 
 also heaths and azaleas. They possess acrid pro- 
 perties in addition to a narcotic effect upon the 
 brain. If the quantity consumed be small, cerebral 
 disturbance is probably almost the only symptom ; 
 but when animals have indulged liberally, then 
 diarrhoea, dysentery, tenesmus, vertigo, &c, are the 
 principal signs. It is said that the common heath 
 produces among lambs on the Continent the so- 
 called Maladie de sologne, or red water, and emesis 
 among cattle, by which large quantities of the plant 
 are ejected. The active principle, although not 
 decidedly recognised at present, is not unlike the 
 alkaloid veratria. 
 
 Treatment. — Cathartics, enemata, stimulants, 
 calmatives, &c a 
 
RHO 
 
 139 
 
 RUM 
 
 Tannic Acid is also indicated. 
 
 RUMENOTO M Y. — The mechanical clearance of 
 the rumen of cattle and sheep is frequently of great 
 necessity. The operation is performed in the fol- 
 lowing way : — Secure the animal — if it be an ox or 
 cow — with the right side against a stall partition, 
 the assistants being disposed thus : One takes 
 charge of the head ; the second stations himself at 
 the left shoulder, and the third at the left haunch. 
 The animal is then placed in such a position that a 
 fourth assistant, stationed on the other side of the 
 partition, can pull at the tail. If required other 
 assistants may be employed, but these may be suf- 
 ficient for small or moderate-sized animals. One 
 person will be required in addition, to pass the in- 
 struments at the various stages of the operation. 
 
 An incision is commenced, in the skin only, at a 
 point midway between the anterior spinous process 
 of the ilium and the last rib, four or five inches 
 below the transverse processes of the lumbar verte- 
 brae, and extended downwards about six inches. 
 The muscular layers are next divided in succession, 
 and lastly, the peritoneum, when the rumen will 
 protrude. A small incision is then made into the 
 rumen itself at the middle part, when the lips are 
 immediately seized by tenacula, and drawn out- 
 wards over the lips of the parietal wound, while the 
 operator enlarges the orifice in the viscus, first 
 
HUM 
 
 140 
 
 SAV 
 
 downwards, and then in an upward direction : 
 taking care, however, that the opening is not so 
 large as the orifice in the muscles and skin. The 
 ingesta now begin to fall out, which will enable 
 the operator to draw the edges of the wound in the 
 rumen still farther outwards, and prevent the food 
 dropping into the abdominal cavity. The hand is 
 then introduced and the rumen nearly emptied, all 
 hard, dry pellets being carefully brought away. 
 The reticulum and manyplies may be examined, 
 and if the former contain indigestible substances 
 they may also be removed. Purgative medicines, 
 stimulants, &c, are then placed within the rumen, 
 in accordance with the condition of the third 
 stomach, and the wounds closed. In the rumen, 
 the uninterrupted suture is employed, and care is 
 required to bring the edges of the peritoneal coat 
 together. The end of the suture after being secured 
 is theu pushed through the wound, that it may 
 eventually pass into the stomach. The muscles are 
 united by strong thread, twine, or the metallic 
 suture, including, in addition, the skin. If the skin 
 be secured by itself, the quilled or twisted sutures 
 are employed. See Sutures, Wound, Abdomen. 
 
 SAVIN, Juniperus Sabina. — A violent irritant 
 and drastic purgat^e, producing death by gastro- 
 enteritis, great depression (tympanites in cattle, 
 emesis in carnivora), paralysis, coma, convulsions, 
 
SAV 
 
 141 
 
 SHO 
 
 and death. The pulse rapidly becomes small, 
 feeble, and imperceptible; pregnant animals abort; 
 a slimy mucus flows from the anus, mixed with 
 blood — proctorrhoea, 
 
 Treatment. — Emetics in dogs, cathartics in 
 other animals. In cattle, when the quantity of the 
 plant taken is large, the rumen should be emptied 
 mechanically. To these measures powerf ul stimu- 
 lants are required in small and oft repeated doses. 
 Mucilaginous drinks are required to sheath the 
 surfaces from the acrid volatile oil of the plant, and 
 opiates to relieve the pain and tenesmus. 
 
 SHOULDER. — In this region various injuries 
 occur. Open joint is not uncommon from punctures 
 with a fork or contact with projecting hooks, nails, 
 &c. The superior tendon of the flexor brachii 
 coraco-radialis is sometimes injured, at others the 
 muscular belly is the locality of rupture, which is 
 evidenced by the inability to extend the arm. In 
 the former, pain is evident at the point of the 
 shoulder, with more or less bursal distension. In 
 the latter, lameness becomes chronic, the difficulty 
 of extension is aggravated daily, the muscular fibre 
 being replaced by dense n on-contractile tissue. 
 The seat of injury in recent cases is also identified 
 by the presence of heat, pain, and tenderness, &c. 
 Shoulder slip also occurs. This is sprain or lace- 
 ration of the fibres of the spinati muscles, together 
 
mo 
 
 142 
 
 SCR 
 
 with, probably, the abductor magnus and teres ex- 
 ternus. The humerus, lacking the tension of these 
 muscles, rotates outwards at every step with un- 
 usual freedom. Pain is expressed in recent cases, 
 and wasting of the muscles just named in chronic 
 stages. Rest, laxatives, cooling lotions, rubefacients, 
 vesicants, &c, are required in the muscular and 
 tendinous affections. For treatment of wounds in 
 bursal cavity see Open Joint; also Teres in- 
 ternus. 
 
 SCALDS. — See Burns. 
 
 SEROUS CYST OR ABSCESS.— See Abscess. 
 SODA. — See Caustic Alkalies. 
 
 SCRATCHES, received from rugged portions of 
 bone in making post-mortem examinations, are 
 liable to prove troublesome, partly from the semi- 
 decomposed or poisoned state of the body, and en- 
 trance of irritating particles in dispensing medicine, 
 &c, afterwards. The knuckles and other parts of 
 the hand suffer in administering boluses to horses 
 and dogs, or from the claws of cats. Scratches — of 
 the first kind particularly — should be well washed in 
 warm water, and sucked by the mouth, lunar 
 caustic being afterwards freely applied where poison 
 
SCR 
 
 143 
 
 SPR 
 
 is suspected. Alight portable balling iron* is a 
 useful agent in preventing such injuries to the hand, 
 which, in winter time, and by washing in cold 
 water, are frequently very much aggravated. 
 
 SPINE. — Dislocations and fractures of the spinal 
 column generally accompany each other, from which 
 incurable paralysis results. Sensation and motion 
 are lost behind the part, and the animal cannot rise. 
 If the tail be raised it falls without any muscular 
 effort ; fasces and urine are passed involuntarily. 
 The pulse is full and hard at first, but, varying with 
 the amount of damage done, sooner or later becomes 
 small, weak, and at length imperceptible. Pain is 
 intense, struggles are sometimes violent, but con- 
 fined to the fore extremities, &c, respiration im- 
 peded, death taking place in from two to twenty- 
 four hours. In slight cases the animal may con- 
 tinue for a week, congestion of the lungs being the 
 immediate cause of death. 
 
 SPRAINS. — Laceration of the Fibres of 
 Muscles, Tendons, and Ligaments. — Muscular 
 sprains are best treated by means of hot fomenta- 
 
 * Messrs. Arnold & Sons, 35, "West Smithfield, London, 
 have made, according to pattern supplied, a very neat fold- 
 ing instrument, suitable tor keeping the mouth open during 
 examination of the teeth, administering balls, or passing the 
 probang, &c. &c. 
 
SPK 
 
 144 
 
 STA 
 
 tions, poultices, &c, by which circulation may be 
 re-established and the removal of parts by suppu- 
 ration avoided. Care should be exercised in order to 
 prevent the effects of cold after the above are made 
 use of. The parts should be quickly dried and pro- 
 tected by flannel coverings, &c. In sprains of liga- 
 ment or tendon, an uninterrupted stream of cold 
 water is probably the best remedy. Where this is 
 impracticable hot fomentations should be adopted, 
 observing the same care as has just been insisted 
 upon. It should be borne in mind that neither the 
 application of cold nor heat to a part will prove of 
 service as a cuiative measure, unless persisted in — 
 not for such periods as fifteen or twenty minutes, 
 but — for hours. Herein consists the first secret of 
 success. The second is rest — absolute rest, The 
 collateral effects of sprains, as swelling, weakness, 
 &c, are to be met with stimulating liniments 
 and friction, &c. ; the actual cautery, or vesicatory 
 ointment may be applied. Constitutional distur- 
 bance must be met with febrifuges, laxatives, low 
 diet, &c. 
 
 STAPvVATTON. — Animals deprived of food 
 suffer in proportion to their condition and previous 
 mode of living. As soon as such can be recovered, 
 they should be placed in a moderately warm or 
 well sheltered building, and food of easy digestion 
 administered in very small quantities at frequent 
 
STA 
 
 145 
 
 STO 
 
 intervals. The y should be encouraged to lie as much 
 as possible, a good bed, and light clothing provided 
 when circumstances require it. A long walk to the 
 farm or buildings should at first be avoided ; a few 
 poles and a rick-cloth will make a temporary tent, 
 or, when this is impracticable, the animal may be 
 placed on rafters, or a gate, &c, with straw beneath 
 him, and drawn to a more suitable locality. Vege- 
 table tonics may be given after animation is re- 
 stored, and the animal is capable of taking exercise. 
 
 STILL-BIliTH — Asphyxia Neophytorum, — 
 See Asphyxia. 
 
 STING. — The effects of stinging by wasps and 
 bees are sometimes productive of great pain in the 
 lower animals. Ammonia, in the form of the aro- 
 matic spirits, frequently allays the irritation at 
 once, if the application is prompt. Severe constitu- 
 tional signs must be allayed by sedatives, &c, and 
 extensive swelling treated by incessant cold. If 
 the head and neck are much swollen the trachea may 
 require to be opened. 
 
 STOMACH-PUMP. — The character of the food 
 upon which the lower animals subsist, frequently 
 renders the employment of the stomach-pump a pro- 
 tracted and not always successful remedy. In many 
 cases of poisoning the contents of the organ are 
 o 
 
STO 
 
 146 
 
 STR 
 
 probably dry, or composed of coarse particles, which 
 would hinder the action of the pump, and prevent 
 the abstraction of fluids. When the poison is of a 
 soluble character its abstraction may be effected to 
 a great extent by first injecting a quantity of tepid 
 water and drawing it out again. This may be 
 repeated as long as the patient will allow, and 
 until the fluid return unchanged. Care must be 
 exercised to avoid drawing the membrane of the 
 stomach within the orifice of the tube, and this is 
 best accomplished by observing the quantity of 
 fluid that has been injected, in order that the whole 
 be not abstracted before a fresh supply is introduced. 
 In the passage of the tube similar precautions are 
 to be observed as when the Probang is used. 
 
 STRANGULATION — Asphyxia Suffocationis. 
 — See Asphyxia. 
 
 STRANGULATION OF INTESTINES.— See 
 Hernia, Gut-Tie. 
 
 STRANGURY.— See Bladder, Cantharides. 
 
 STRYCHNIA. — The dose of this powerful drug 
 is from gr. j to gr. ij for the horse and cow, and 
 for the dog about gr. 1-1 5th, or gr. l-12th. About 
 half a grain in solution — in very dilute acids, as 
 the acetic or sulphuric — exhibited endermically, 
 
STR 
 
 147 
 
 STR 
 
 and repeated according to circumstances, proves 
 very useful in paralysis, &c. , and is sometimes the 
 means of restoring action when coma has set in, 
 and the power of swallowing is deficient or lost. 
 Five grains have produced poisoning in the horse, 
 and seven have proved destructive. Signs of 
 poisoning have rapidly occurred in a small pug dog, 
 after twelve doses, each containing l-24th of a 
 grain, had heen administered morning and evening 
 regularly. One grain, used endermically, killed a 
 very large dog, producing the most violent opistho- 
 tonos and pain. In poisoning by strychnine or 
 nux vomica, the animal should receive animal char- 
 coal, oleaginous draughts, purgatives, &c., to clear 
 the bowels as quickly as possible. Dogs should 
 receive large qLantities of animal charcoal, followed 
 by emetics. Various stimulants, as sulphuric ether, 
 alcohol, nitric ether, ammonia with camphor, bella- 
 donna, morphia, enemas of tobacco-smoke, &c, 
 should likewise be given. Chlorine water, infusion 
 of galls, strong green tea, or even tobacco, are 
 useful; tannic acid and tincture of iodine are like- 
 wise used as antidotes. Galvanism, as directed for 
 tetanus, is a valuable agent in mitigating the tonic 
 spasm resulting alike from that disease as well as 
 overdoses of strychnia. Artificial respiration should 
 never be omitted. It is necessary to bear in 
 mind, that during the existence of constipation, 
 strychnine or nux vomica should not be heedlessly 
 
STR 
 
 148 
 
 SUL 
 
 continued, as by retention within the stomach or 
 intestines unacted upon for some time, they may lead 
 to cumulative results. The bowels should be kept 
 in order, and on the first signs of constipation a 
 laxative diet or medicine administered, and the 
 strychnine withheld a day or two. See Nux 
 Vomica. 
 
 SUDDEN DEATH in horses may arise from 
 long-continued, but hitherto unnoticed, disease of 
 the heart. The hind limbs and lower parts of the 
 chest and abdomen are then usually oedematous. 
 Among the many causes are, cerebral apoplexy, 
 pulmonary apoplexy ; rupture of the diaphragm, 
 stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, womb, bladder ; 
 poisons, haemorrhage, concussion of the brain, frac- 
 tures of the cranium and vertebrae, with compres- 
 sion of the brain or spinal cord, lightning — 
 asphyxia electrica, choking, &c. Among cattle 
 and sheep, tympanites — asphyxia suffocationis, 
 black quarter, blain, splenic apoplexy, braxy, 
 heaving pains, rupture of womb, &c, as well as 
 most of the above. Pigs succumb from apoplexy, 
 chiefly with enteric fever or typhus, and dogs from 
 choking, apoplexy, and epilepsy, &c. 
 
 SUFFOCATION.— See Asphyxia. 
 
 SULPHATE OF MERCURY, Turpbth, or 
 
SUL 
 
 149 
 
 SUT 
 
 Turbiths Mineral, is almost insoluble, heavy, has 
 a yellow colour, which darkens by exposure to light, 
 and has a strong metallic taste. Keduced by car- 
 bonate of soda, metallic mercury results. Boiled 
 with caustic potash, peroxide of mercury and sul- 
 phate of potash is formed. See Mercurial Poi- 
 soning. 
 
 SULPHURIC ACID. — See Acids. 
 
 SULPHURET OF ARSENIC— See Orpiment. 
 
 SULPHURET OF MERC UR Y. — See Ver- 
 milion. 
 
 SULPHURETTED HYDROGEN. — See Coal 
 Gas. 
 
 SULPHUROUS ACID GAS.— See Coal Gas. 
 
 SUTURES are of the following kinds— viz., the 
 interrupted, uninterrupted, twisted, quilled, and 
 metallic. We describe their mode of constitution 
 and use. 
 
 The Interrupted Suture. — A suitable needle, 
 straight or curved, and having triangular or oval 
 points and cutting edges, armed with stout double 
 thread which has been well drawn over wax — is 
 passed through the lip of the wound from without 
 o 2 
 
SIJT 
 
 150 
 
 SUT 
 
 inwards, and taken up that of the opposite side 
 from within outwards. Both ends of the thread are 
 then brought together on the outer side and secured 
 by a firm knot, but without forcible straining. A 
 number of these are inserted, proportionate to the 
 wound, at intervals of half an inch or three quar- 
 ters, avoiding the enclosure of hair which some- 
 times hangs loosely from the sides. 
 
 The Uninterrupted or Continuous Suture is made 
 by passing the needles, as stated above, through 
 the skin repeatedly from side to side, until the op- 
 posite end of the wound is reached. The intervals 
 to be observed are similar to those stated under in- 
 terrupted suture, and the thread is secured at each 
 extremity of the wound, or the two are brought 
 together and tied in the centre. The former plan 
 is to be preferred. 
 
 The Twisted Suture. — Instead of a needle and 
 thread, &c, pins are used. These may be prepared 
 with triangular points by a simple apparatus de- 
 scribed at page 125 of the "Edinburgh Veterinary 
 Review," 1865.* Each pin, selected according to 
 the size of the breach, is passed through the lips of 
 the wound as already described, and soft twine is 
 then twisted beneath and over the pin in the form 
 of the figure 8. 
 
 The Quilled Suture consists of the halves of a 
 
 * See also Warne's illustrated edition of " Clater's 
 Cattle Doctor." 
 
SUT 
 
 151 
 
 TEM 
 
 cylindrical piece of wood about half an inch in 
 diameter, which are placed upon the lips of the 
 wound and secured in that position by the inter- 
 rupted or metallic sutures. The object of the strips 
 being to produce equal pressure and more even ap- 
 position of the divided edges. 
 
 The Metallic Suture. — In this, wire of a very 
 soft and pliable character is made use of, and some- 
 times even silver wire is employed, but neither 
 possess advantages over those already mentioned. 
 A suitable needle is employed, and the stitches are 
 passed as directed for the interrupted variety, 
 each end being cut off and twisted round each 
 other. 
 
 SYNCOPE. —See Fainting, H^emokrhage. 
 
 TANNIC ACID. — See Galls. 
 
 TEMPERATURE— Animal Heat.— The nor- 
 mal temperature of our domestic animals, according 
 to observations already made, assumes a variation 
 peculiar to each species ; and, as will be seen by 
 the following table,* the range is influenced by 
 rest and exercise, &c„ : — 
 
 * " The Thermometer as an Aid to Diagnosis in Vete- 
 rinary Medicine." By Gr. Armatage, M.R.C.V.S. London : 
 H. Kimpton, 82, High Holborn. Edinburgh : Maclachlan 
 and Stewart, 
 
TEM 
 
 152 
 
 TEM 
 
TEM 
 
 153 
 
 TEM 
 
 It also appears conclusive, by an extended inves- 
 tigation of the subject, that — 
 
 1. Any elevation of temperature beyond, as well 
 as decline below, the registrations given, particularly 
 if such elevation or depression is persistent, are sure 
 indications of the presence of disease. 
 
 2. Such elevation, as correctly measured by one 
 of Caselia's self-registering thermometers,* is a 
 reliable indication of the amount of fever present in 
 any form of disease. 
 
 3. The thermometer is also a test of the progress 
 of disease towards a favourable or fatal termination, 
 when other symptoms do not afford the least 
 estimate. 
 
 4. All diseases characterized by a period of in- 
 cubation exhibit an elevation of temperature during 
 that period, which is decidedly peculiar to it, and 
 premonitory to that which is observed throughout 
 the attack. 
 
 5. A certain though not invariable relation exists 
 between the temperature, pulse, and respiration, 
 which, by estimate, greatly aids the formation of a 
 correct diagnosis. 
 
 6. As the production and maintenance of animal 
 temperature is dependent upon certain actions 
 within the organism, the range in disease will vary 
 in accordance with the effects each kind exerts 
 
 * L. P. Casella, Maker to the Admiralty, 23, Hatton 
 Garden, London, E.C. 
 
TEM 
 
 154 
 
 TER 
 
 upon them ; or, in other words, all maladies that 
 run a definite course possess a range of temperature 
 which may be viewed as characteristic of each 
 type. 
 
 TENESMUS— Violent contraction and straining 
 at the anus, without the ability to discharge feces. — 
 This is a condition that affords an accurate diag- 
 nosis in many affections of the abdominal viscera. 
 Protrusion of the rectum is frequently great, and in 
 young animals it is even everted. The membrane 
 becomes red and injected, and haemorrhage — proc- 
 torrhcea — may arise in consequence of the pressure. 
 Injections are returned ; the hand cannot be passed 
 within, and all interference tends to aggravate the 
 disposition to strain, and augment the suffering. 
 Tenesmus accompanies invagination, strangulation 
 by pedunculated tumours, hypertrophy of the ap- 
 pendices epiploicaB, hernia, twist, pressure from tym- 
 panites, &c. ; rupture of the stomach or intestines, 
 immovable obstructions of the canal, as. calculi, 
 stercoral matters, &c. Whenever it exists in a 
 violent form it becomes a sure sign of serious con- 
 ditions within. 
 
 TERES INTERNUS and Latissimus Dorsi.— 
 Sprain of the muscles not unfrequently occurs in 
 horses used about railways. The foot and shoe 
 are fixed between the V points of the rails in pass- 
 
TER 
 
 155 
 
 TET 
 
 ing backwards, and the animal at once forcibly 
 hangs, or is driven back by an approaching waggon. 
 The signs are apt to be confounded with fracture 
 of the ulna. See Elbow. Rest, laxatives, low 
 diet, and active stimulants externally are the means 
 of cure. In some animals the injuries sustained are 
 incurable. 
 
 TETANUS. — In this affection the endermic 
 method of administering remedies bids fair to be- 
 come beneficial. Prussic acid, morphia, atropine, 
 conium, &c, or tinctures of the plants containing 
 the last three substances, are readily brought to 
 bear upon the system by the endermic syringe. 
 Injections also, per anum, of chloric ether and its 
 allies, prove serviceable : and in the traumatic 
 form the benumbing effects of carbolic acid, as 
 used in the Antiseptic Treatment, are frequently 
 of great service in reducing the intensity of the 
 paroxysms. It is not prudent to rely upon the 
 uninterrupted exhibition of one agent beneath the 
 skin. They should be alternated with each other, 
 or used occasionally as mixtures where no risk of 
 chemical union and destruction is feared. That 
 neglected branch of veterinary therapeutics — gal- 
 vanism — should also be tried, opposite poles of the 
 instrument being placed at extremities of the spine, 
 and maintained there with wet sponges or cloths 
 for some hours. Where these measures are insisted 
 
TET 
 
 156 
 
 THO 
 
 upon, that formerly supposed sine qua non — 
 catharsis — is dispensed with. Our professional 
 friends are earnestly invited to extend their obser- 
 vations on these points, and communicate them for 
 collective benefit. 
 
 THORAX, Injuries to. — These are punctures 
 and laceration of the intercostal muscles, fractured 
 ribs, sternum, or cartilages, and laceration of the 
 lungs. Simple puncture or laceration of the inter- 
 costal muscles may be successfully dealt with, if the 
 wounds are not large, little structure destroyed, and 
 the case is seen early. The admission of air to the 
 chest should be prevented as far as practicable, 
 dressings being applied by means of glue or pitch- 
 
 Treatment should be based on the principle 
 stated under lacerated or punctured wounds, and 
 movement of the parts limited as far as possible. 
 Bandages round the chest are worse than useless in 
 these cases, as well as for fractured ribs, as pressure 
 by them tends to throw the affected parts out of a 
 proper position. Fractured ribs, caitilages, or 
 sternum are usually associated with damage to the 
 lungs, and notwithstanding the injuries may be 
 extensive and severe, urgent symptoms are 
 frequently delayed ten or twelve hours. Many 
 cases have been known in which from one to six 
 ribs have been fractured, yet only a skin wound was 
 
THO 
 
 157 
 
 TOX 
 
 observed externally. In conjunction with the 
 setting in of severe constitutional symptoms, there 
 is a peculiar grunt, which becomes more distressing 
 to the ear as the disease advances. Death usually 
 ensues in twenty-four hours, when the lungs are 
 found gorged with blood, and the thorax charged 
 with a large quantity of serum, with blood materials 
 intermixed. 
 
 THEOAT, Substances in. — See Choking, 
 Neck, Pro-bang, Tracheotomy. 
 
 TINCTURE OF STEEL. — See Iron. 
 
 TOBACCO. — The smoke of burning tobacco is 
 a valuable calmative in violent affections of the 
 bowels, poisoning by nux vomica, strychnine, &c. 
 When administered internally in the form of solu- 
 tion or enema, or applied to the e^kin, poisoning is 
 apt to take place. The signs are those which 
 characterize all other narcotic poisons, for which 
 stimulants, external friction, Artificial respira- 
 tion, Galvanism, &c, will be required. 
 
 TRACHEA. -See Neck. 
 
 TOXiEMIA — A Poisoned State of the Blood 
 — Blood Disease. — Such a condition may arise in 
 consequence of an interruption to the action of 
 p 
 
TOX 
 
 158 
 
 TEA 
 
 some of the depurating organs, by which the effete 
 matters of the system should be thrown off. They 
 then accumulate in the blood, and disease is the 
 result. This effect is observed frequently when lambs 
 are covered with the skin of others to cause their 
 adoption by another ewe, and as a result of the use 
 of salves to sheep without proper care. See Apncea. 
 Toxaemia occurs as the result of disease of the 
 lungs, brain, &c. ; the introduction of contagious 
 virus within the body, and poisonous substances — 
 toxic principles — to the blood. See Poisoning. 
 
 TRACHEOTOMY— Opening the Trachea.— 
 This operation is performed at the upper portion of 
 the neck, at which part the windpipe is most super- 
 iicial. The head is secured by an assistant, who 
 extends the nose in order to tighten the skin and 
 muscles of the inferior cervical region. The point 
 selected is about the upper third : a longitudinal 
 and central incision— about two inches long — is 
 carried through the skin and panniculus, between 
 the sterno-maxillaris muscles of eacli side. The 
 united tendons and fleshy fasciculi of the sterno- 
 thyro-hyoideus are separated by slight dissection, 
 or pushed aside, when the trachea becomes visible. 
 An opening is made in the windpipe in three w T ays 
 — first, by longitudinal incision across two rings, 
 which are separated and the tube passed between ; 
 second, by abscission of portions sufficiently large to 
 
TRA 
 
 159 
 
 TRE 
 
 admit the tube ; and, third, by passing the proper 
 trocar and canula between the rings, the canula 
 being retained and serving as an ordinary trache- 
 otomy tube. It will facilitate the operation if an 
 assistant is at hand to draw away the skin of each 
 side, after incision, by means of tenacula ; and 
 particularly if opening of the trachea by abscission 
 is performed, as the operator's hands require to be 
 free. One hand seizes the portions of cartilage, by 
 means of a hook, . before they are separated, as 
 during a forcible inspiration, with a partial opening 
 of the trachea, pieces insecurely held may be drawn 
 inwards and pass into the bronchia. The tube 
 should be removed daily, and it, with the wound, 
 thoroughly cleansed by solutions of carbolic acid, 
 &c. Trial of the respiration should also be made 
 periodically, in order to test the time when the tube 
 can be removed with safety and the wound per- 
 manently closed. 
 
 TREADS (on the Coronet). — See Paronychia. 
 
 TREPHINE . — The instrument employed to open 
 the frontal and maxillary sinuses for the evacua- 
 tion of accumulations of pus, &c. 
 
 The frontal sinus is reached by piercing the 
 frontal bone, at a point about one and a half inches 
 anterior to an imaginary line extending between 
 posterior angles of the supra- orbital processes. At 
 
TRE 
 
 160 
 
 VEN 
 
 that part the frontal sinus is deepest. An osseous 
 septum exists in the central line, which divides the 
 space beneath the bone into two cavities. Each 
 frontal bone, therefore, may require to be pierced. 
 
 The maxillary sinus is most readily entered at 
 a point about one inch superior to the maxillary 
 spine, and at the median part. 
 
 TURPENTINE, Oil or.— This is a favourite 
 remedy with some persons for the cure of colic, &c, 
 and is administered in repeated doses to the great 
 detriment, if not absolute poisoning, of the animal. 
 It is an active irritant, and should be banished as a 
 remedy, except in proper doses and isolated in- 
 stances. The body after death, and even the 
 breath during life, give out strongly the odour of 
 the drug. Treatment as for Creasote. 
 
 TWIST (of Intestine). — See Invagination. 
 
 URETHRA, Opening of. — See Catheter. 
 
 UTERUS, Bleeding from. — See Haemorrhage 
 after Parturition. 
 
 VENESECTION— Abstraction of blood from a 
 vein. — The general practice of bleeding animals in 
 health, and as a cure in disease, has deservedly 
 fallen into disuse. An extended study of the 
 
YEN 
 
 161 
 
 YEN 
 
 nature of disease has fully exemplified its inutility 
 except in a very few instances, and then only 
 where the effect upon the circulation is intended to 
 be severe, prompt, and lasting. In nearly all cases 
 Aconite proves a most efficient substitute. Vene- 
 section is adapted to plethoric diseases, as partu- 
 rient apoplexy, lymphangitis, as well as the ap- 
 proaching apoplectic states of acute indigestion 
 and extensive inflammation of large organs, as in 
 pneumonia. To be effective, it should always be 
 general. Local bloodletting is even inferior to the 
 action of such systemic remedies as aconite, &c. 
 The jugular vein offers the greatest facilities for the 
 process, which, in horses, may be reached on the 
 right side with the lancet, or on the left by the 
 fleam. Blood should always be drawn rapidly. 
 For this purpose a large instrument must be em- 
 ployed, in order to make a tolerably large orifice. 
 The vessel is first compressed, that the upper part 
 may be distended, and clearly show its outline 
 beneath the skin. The proceedings, however, are 
 somewhat modified by the choice of side and instru- 
 ment to be made use of. In closing the wound in 
 the skin, the common twisted suture is sufficient : 
 the lips should be carefully placed in apposition, 
 and the ligature applied with only sufficient force 
 to prevent haemorrhage. If too tight, sloughing 
 and phlebitis may result. The instruments should 
 be scrupulously clean ; the skin also must not 
 p 2 
 
YEN 
 
 162 
 
 VER 
 
 be pulled away from the neck in putting in the pin ; 
 as the first introduces a foreign body to the wound, 
 and the second admits of subcellular infiltration of 
 blood, which produces inflammation of the "vein. 
 Animals suffering from mange also should be cau- 
 tiously dealt with, as the acarus may produce 
 similar effects, by insinuating itself in the lips of 
 the wound. The head should be afterwards tied up 
 to the rack or to a ring, &c, high up in the wall, 
 to prevent the possibility of the suture being rubbed 
 out. 
 
 Never undertake to bleed an animal when the 
 pulse is small and weak. The only good effects are 
 to be gained by the depressing effects of venesection 
 upon a full or full and strong pulse. It is not 
 necessary as a rule to bleed animals a second time 
 in the same attack : well-regulated treatment, and 
 the choice of proper remedies, can always insure 
 the necessary effects which a proper bloodletting 
 has initiated ; and, by such precautions, carefully 
 observed, the few occasions upon which the process 
 is now resorted to have become a mark of skilful 
 practice. 
 
 VERATRIA — the active principle of Colchi- 
 cum, Veratrum Album, &c. — See Tannic Acid. 
 
 VERATRUM ALBUM— White Hellebore. 
 — Produces great depression, haggard look, slimy 
 
VER 
 
 163 
 
 VER 
 
 tongue, Lard, small, and quick pulse, uneasiness, 
 retchings, ropy discharge of saliva, and attempts to 
 vomit. These signs become greatly intensified, 
 gastro-enteritis follows, with rapid decline of power, 
 singultus, convulsions, unconsciousness, and death. 
 
 The antidote is tannic acid, and treatment gene- 
 rally, as for Colchicum and narcotico-acrid poisons, 
 
 VERDIGRIS. — See Copper. 
 
 VERMILION— Sulphuret of Mercury, Cin- 
 nabar, sometimes called the persulphuret. — This 
 compound may he known by the beautiful tint 
 from which it obtains its name. It is insoluble in 
 water and alcohol ; volatilizes when heated alone, 
 but yields globules of mercury by reduction in a 
 tube with potash. 
 
 VERTIGO — Megrims, Cerebral Congestion. 
 — Commonly mistaken for Epilepsy, and due to 
 pressure from tight collars, assisted by impervious 
 jugular veins and malformation of the neck. From 
 comparative discontinuance of the practice of blood- 
 letting, vertigo is not so common as in former 
 years. The attacks are confined to periods of work, 
 particularly when the animal is drawing heavy 
 loads, and up severe inclines. Suddenly the head 
 is elevated and thrown backwards, the neck is 
 seized by spasms, eyes are staring, pupils dilated, 
 
VER 
 
 164 
 
 WOU 
 
 and mucous membranes injected ; nostrils dilated, 
 veins of face turgid, and muscular twitchings are 
 observed ; the animal reels, staggers, and falls 
 blind and unconscious, or runs impetuously forward 
 some distance before doing so. If the position of 
 the collar be changed, recovery almost immediately 
 follows, and the animal resumes his journey as if 
 nothing of the kind had happened. 
 
 Treatment consists in working the animal with a 
 larger collar to avoid pressure on the jugular veins, 
 permanently adopting the use of the breastplate, or 
 removing him to work that can be performed 
 without a collar. Medicines are of no service, the 
 causes being of a mechanical, and frequently, of 
 an irremovable nature. 
 
 VOMITION.— See Emesis. 
 
 WHITE VITRIOL. — See Zinc. 
 
 WOLF'S-BANE.— See Aconite. 
 
 WOMB, Bleeding from. — See Hemorrhage 
 after Parturition. 
 
 WOUNDS are thus classified: — the incised, 
 lacerated, contused, and punctured. 
 
 Incised Wounds. — In large wounds of this 
 variety bleeding is sometimes extensive, when pro- 
 
wou 
 
 165 
 
 WOU 
 
 ceed as advised under Hemorrhage. In small 
 wounds, simple closure, or the application of water, 
 ice, ether spray, &c, is usually sufficient. Eemove 
 carefully all blood clots and extraneous matter by 
 the fingers or forceps, and avoid washing, fomenta- 
 tions and poultices, whenever possible, as they <*re 
 inimical to union by the first intention. When 
 muscles have been divided transversely, place the 
 parts in a favourable position for the severed ends 
 being brought together, as well as to obviate 
 tension on the skin. Insert sutures according 
 to preference, taking firm hold of the parts, 
 and effect a union of the lips as evenly and with 
 as little corrugation as possible. At the lowest 
 or most dependent part of large wounds, a space 
 may be left to allow of the escape of pus. 
 See Sutuee. Cold water dressings, lotions of 
 lead, astringents, or simple spirit and water, tinc- 
 ture of benzoin or myrrh may be used, or, in 
 preference, the Antiseptic treatment. When 
 high vascular action occurs, the various febrifuges 
 will be required ; and collapse or shock after 
 haemorrhage must be met with stimulants, without 
 however incurring the risk of the development of 
 high fever on reaction taking place. In most cases 
 absolute rest is required, and it may be necessary 
 to place the animal in slings, or otherwise prevent 
 his lying down. 
 
 Lacerated Wounds. — These are usually the 
 
wou 
 
 166 
 
 WOU 
 
 result of violent tearing, and seldom exhibit any 
 tendency to danger from haemorrhage. The parts 
 are unevenly divided, vitality impaired, and do not 
 always admit of union by tho means described 
 under the last variety. All foreign bodies should 
 immediately be removed by forceps, gentle fomen- 
 tations, or even poultices if desirable. Parts may 
 be secured by sutures, but generally the Many- 
 tailed Bandage is preferable. Scarifications and 
 even stimulants may be needed to the parts, and 
 the system will require attention when shock ensues 
 in extensive lacerations. 
 
 Contused Wounds. — These are of frequent oc- 
 currence among the lower animals, and occasionally 
 prove troublesome. The loss of vitality is usually 
 great, and much sloughing takes place, particularly 
 if the treatment has been delayed, or imperfectly 
 applied. Fomentations or poultices should be 
 employed for some hours incessantly — the former 
 are most effectual at a temperature of 118° Fahr., 
 and the resulting depression and opposition to cir- 
 culation combated by stimulants, liquefacients, &c. 
 Laxatives are of great benefit at a later stage, 
 and liniments of soap, camphor, turpentine, &c, 
 to restore circulation in the parts. On the ap- 
 pearance of healthy discharges, the usual healing 
 applications already mentioned under Incised 
 wounds are admissible. 
 Punctuked Wounds, whenever they occur, are 
 
won 
 
 167 
 
 ZIN 
 
 to be viewed with apprehension until a correct 
 diagnosis is made. The various internal cavities, 
 viscera, important vessels, nerves, joints, and even 
 bones may be seriously injured. Explore carefully 
 and remove all foreign bodies, clear tbe wound 
 of blood and discharges, and dress by injection if 
 flesh only is involved. See Abdomen, Bowel, 
 Eibs, Open joint. Subsequent extensive swelling 
 may be treated by scarifications. Free discharge 
 of matter should be provided for, and assisted, if 
 required, by incision. Constitutional disturbance 
 must be treated as already detailed. 
 
 YEW. — The leaves and cuttings of the yew are 
 highly poisonous, producing death in a short space 
 of time when large quantities have been consumed. 
 The active principles are narcotico-acrid, and give 
 rise to great depression, laboured breathing, small, 
 quick, and feeble pulse, amaurosis, paralysis, uncon- 
 sciousness, convulsions, and death. Strong purga- 
 tives should be promptly administered — the rumen 
 of cattle may be previously cleared mechanically. 
 Diffusible stimulants will be required during the 
 stages of depression, and calmatives to combat the 
 abdominal pain ; cold affusions to the head, artificial 
 respiration, galvanism, &c : , and frictions to the skin ; 
 strychnine by the endermic method. See Savin. 
 
 ZINC, Sulphate or. — Poisoning may ensue in 
 
ZIN 
 
 168 
 
 ZIN 
 
 consequence of an administration of this salt in 
 mistake for the sulphate of magnesia. The symp- 
 toms are those which denote the presence of irri- 
 tants generally : as violent constitutional distur- 
 bance and abdominal pain, diarrhoea and tenesmus 
 — in dogs and pigs vomiting ; partial sweats, 
 injection of M. M., nausea, &c. 
 
 Treatment consists of the exhibition of copious 
 draughts of albuminous fluids, as milk, flour and 
 water, eggs, &c, and warm water, if it can be 
 promptly withdrawn by the pump. Tannic Acid 
 and substances containing it are very useful ; cal- 
 matives, stimulants, enemata of tobacco-smoke. 
 
 THE END.