If no shoes were used, the wear and tear of work would provide for the
disposal of this accumulation, which, as nature is interfered with by the
use of shoes, must be artificially removed.

If the frog be jagged it may be pared even, but the sound parts should
not be cut away, and on no account should the smith’s drawing-knife
be allowed to divide the bars or returns of the foot—an operation
technically called by the trade “opening the heels,” to which fallacious
practice farriers are pertinaciously addicted, because, in some one case
of dreadfully contracted feet, they may have seen or heard of temporary
relief being given by this process, with the natural result, which they
ignore, of the remedy proving itself in time worse than the disease.

If farriers are allowed, they will almost invariably drive as many
shoe-nails round the inside quarter as the outside. This is a lamentable
mistake, especially regarding the fore feet, as the foot being thus
nearly all round confined to the shoe, its proper action is interfered
with, preventing a possibility of its natural and gradual expansion in
action from the toe towards the heel, as the horse lays his foot upon the
ground, with all weight, as well as the act of propulsion, pressed on it.

The reason for liberating the inside quarter in preference to the outside
is, that the inside, being more under the centre of gravity, will be
found to expand and contract more than the outside, as will be proved by
the removal and examination of a shoe that has been in use three or four
weeks. On observing the part of the shoe that has been next the foot,
it will be distinctly perceived that the friction of the inside quarter
of the foot has worn a cavity in the portion of the shoe which has been
under that quarter of the foot, while the side that has been under the
outside quarter bears comparatively little evidence of friction above it.

This being an established fact, it seems desirable that the full number
of nails should be driven round the outside quarter, and not more than
one or two (for hunting purposes) on the inside from the toe. (Six nails
altogether is the cavalry regulation.)

If your horses are not quick wearers on the road, the fore shoes should
be removed within two or three weeks after shoeing (care being taken that
the clenches of the nails in the hind feet are at the same time properly
levelled to the hoof to prevent brushing), and let them be re-shod every
five or six weeks.

In all foot ailments, whenever a horse is lame, although the disease
may not apparently be in the foot, let the shoe first be carefully
removed, and the shoeless foot examined by as competent a farrier as can
be procured (in the absence of a veterinary surgeon), by pincers round
the nail-holes, gently pressing wall and sole together, by the hammer
tapping the sole, and a judicious use of the drawing-knife, to detect the
possible seat of disease.

I have known a lame horse to be brought to a reputedly-experienced
amateur horse-doctor, the cause of disease being so evidently
inflammation of the sheath of the tendon, that the animal was ordered
to be treated accordingly—viz., with cold applications; and this not
succeeding, firing the leg was resorted to, after which, the weather
being suitable, it was thought expedient to let the beast have a run at
grass. As a preliminary the shoes were removed, in the course of which
operation a bed of gravel was found to have secreted itself in the foot
of the supposed diseased leg, and the inflammation occasioned by the
gravel having gone up, caused what appeared to be _marked_ disease about
the tendon.

Such were the results of neglecting the precautions here recommended.

_Brushing_, or cutting, is a very tormenting weakness in the horse,
whether behind or before, and often highly dangerous in the latter case.

The ordinary practice of farriers under such circumstances is to rasp
away the inside quarter of the offending hoof, as well as doubly
thickening the shoe under the weakened wall, leaving the toe to extend
itself forward. This is a great mistake, yielding only a temporary
improvement, not at all tending towards a cure. On the contrary, it would
be better to shorten the toes by degrees; and on no account should a rasp
be put near the wall of the inside quarter, in order to let it get as
strong as possible towards the heel.

I would certainly allow no nails to be driven inside, but let the shoe be
fastened round the outer quarter of the foot, the shoe itself being of
equal thickness on both quarters as an ordinary shoe; but on putting it
on, it should not be suffered to project outside the inside quarter, and
the _shoes_ might _here_ be rasped to guard against rough edges, which
might injure the pastern of the opposite leg during work.

A strong clip should also be thrown up on the outside quarters of these
shoes to catch the wall and effectually prevent them from shifting
towards or projecting beyond the inside quarter, which might cause them
to come in contact with the opposite pastern-joint while in motion.
Until the brushing be somewhat remedied, an india-rubber ring or a bit
of leather, and elastic strap round the pastern, will prevent it from
receiving present injury. If the above treatment is attended to and
persevered in, the probability is that in nine cases out of ten a cure
will be effected in course of time.

_Corns._—Every horse-owner ought to make himself acquainted with the
part of the sole between the frog and the wall on the inside quarter
of the fore foot, called the seat of corns (_see_ pages 131 and 140),
and every time that a horse is shod or removed, in paring the foot the
drawing-knife should be used to clean away this cavity (without weakening
the adjacent wall), where the disease originates from undue pressure
of the shoe on the _inside_ quarter of that susceptible spot, or from
friction of the coffin-bone, on the inside of the sole, above the seat of
corn. The shoe ought to rest _entirely_ on the _wall_ of the foot, and
not on _any_ part of the _sole_.

_Roughing_ and _Frosting_ is simply drawing out the old nails about
the toes and replacing them with very large sharp-headed ones, called
frost-nails. Horse-nails being made purposely of a soft metal, are unfit
for frosting, as the heads wear down so quickly. If smiths would _steel_
the _heads_ of frost-nails, they would last much longer. This precaution
against slipping, however, is only effectual in slight frosts. In regular
frosting, the nails are carried completely round, with the addition of
sharp calkins being turned on the heels of all four feet, and sometimes
also short spikes or cogs turned down from the toes; but the latter are
common only in severe climates, though their use is quite as desirable
in England, especially to assist horses in ascending slippery hills,
where the cogs on the heels have little or no hold in the ground. Cogs or
calkins should be rasped by the smith, to sharpen them, every couple of
days.

Although it may be inconvenient and expensive to have horses prepared in
frosty weather, it is highly necessary to do so where work is required
of them. The very extraordinary exertion that is needed on the part of
the animal to keep his feet when unprepared, as well as the fret to his
energies, takes a vast deal more out of him in one day’s work than a
month’s daily use would do under ordinary circumstances, not to speak of
the risk of pecuniary loss from accident.

It is a most pitiable thing to see the poor beasts struggling in their
high courage and good temper to do their best, for what I can only call
cruel or thoughtless masters, to say nothing of the liability of the
animals’ breaking their knees and bringing their riders or drivers to
serious trouble, smashing harness and vehicles, &c.

I have always found servants most ingenious in making objections to
having their horses prepared for frost, the grand secret being their
anxiety to keep them in the stable the whole time the frost lasts, that
they may be saved from the trouble of cleaning either them or their
caparison, carriages, &c. They will alarm you with the stereotyped
objections, “tearing the horses’ feet to pieces,” “driving fresh
nail-holes,” “ripping off shoes,” “his feet won’t bear a shoe after,” &c.
I never knew an ordinary sound foot to be reduced to such a condition, by
simply changing shoes, that a good smith could not fasten a shoe on.

The only tangible objection to calkins to which attention need be drawn
is, that during their use, unless the horse is moved about in his stable
with great caution in cleaning or otherwise, he is apt to tread with them
on the coronet of the opposite foot, which is a very serious affair,
inflicting a nasty jagged wound on one of the most sensitive vascular
parts of the animal.[26]

The _Bar Shoe_ going all round the foot is intended to protect weak or
thrushy heels.

_Wide-webbed_ or _Surface Shoes_ are used with flat-footed, weak-soled
horses: leather being often introduced above them to save the soles from
being damaged by extraneous substances on the road. Put on with the
ordinary shoe, it is said to lessen the jar of the tread.

_High-heeled Shoes_, when a horse is laid up, properly managed, prove a
most effectual palliation and aid in the cure of “clap of the back sinew”
(page 143).

These shoes are made with calkins (joined by a light iron bar), which
should not be heavy, not more than an inch deep, and gradually reduced by
the smith as the disease abates.

_Steeling the Toes_ is necessary with quick wearers on the road; but
particular cautions should be given to the smith to work the steel well
into the iron, for any protrusion of this hard metal above the iron will
occasion tripping, and possibly an irrecoverable fall.

_Calking_ the hind shoes moderately on the outside quarter only, is most
essential to the hunter to prevent slipping, and to give him confidence
in going at his fences, and on landing. Its advantages can be well
understood by any sportsman who has experienced the difference between
walking himself a day’s simple shooting over soft slippery ground, or
taking a ten-mile walk on a half-wet road, in each case in boots with
headed nails, to enable him to have a hold in the ground, and undertaking
the same exercises in boots without nails, where one wearies himself with
efforts to keep his feet.

I speak as a practical man, having probably come to less grief than most
others in hunting, which may be attributed mainly to the particular
attention bestowed on the calking of my bearers when I was a hard goer.
It seems an unimportant matter, but if looked into will be found to be
far otherwise.

_Tips_, or half-shoes, which cover little more than the toe of a
horse, leaving the heels to come in direct contact with the ground,
are particularly serviceable in cases where the heels are disposed to
contraction, and, from my experience, can be used without injury in any
ordinary description of work while the frog is sound.

The quarters of the feet being left by their use without the usual
confinement of the shoe, and being pressed to expansion on every movement
of the animal, naturally become strong and extended. Tips should become
gradually thinner, finishing in a fine edge towards the ends. I have seen
ill-made tips calculated to lame any horse, with the ends the thickness
of an ordinary shoe (though extending, which is the intention of tips,
less than half-way down the foot), as if the smith who made them expected
the heels to remain always suspended in mid air.

_Slippers._—Regular sportsmen generally carry a spare shoe while hunting;
but if a shoe comes off one of the fore feet in the field or on the road,
and the rider is not provided with a proper shoe, he should at once
dismount and lead his bearer to the nearest forge, where an old shoe most
approaching to the size of the foot that can possibly be found should be
selected from the heap of cast ones that generally lies by in a forge,
and let it be tacked on with three or four nails only, so as to serve the
creature to get home, or until the proper shoe can be made.

If a shoe comes off the hind foot, and the distance from home is not
above three or four miles, the animal can be led or occasionally ridden
that far without injury, especially if the softest side of the road be
selected for the track, the hind feet being generally much stronger than
the fore.

_Travelling._—The day before a long journey, look to your horse’s shoes;
see that the clinches are well laid down and the shoes nailed tightly.
As a rule, do not have new shoes put on just before a journey, for the
least carelessness in fitting or nailing them may occasion more or less
lameness; should it be severe, disappointment and delay may result; while
if only apparently slight at starting, and the animal endure the pain
patiently during its work, the cause being in existence throughout will
produce its effects only too palpably when the day’s journey is over. If
old shoes are nearly worn, but will last the journey, let them by all
means remain on; but directly the work is over, send for any proper smith
whose forge is nearest, and have them taken off in the stable. Should
the forge not be at hand, the old slippers can of course be tacked on
when the horse, having had its rest, is taken to be shod. All shoes, for
road-work especially, should be made full long to cover the heels. It
should be borne in mind that, as the hoof grows naturally, the shoe is
brought forward and thereby exposes the heels.

VICE.

In all cases where active vice, such as rearing, kicking, jibbing,
plunging, has to be combated, the work of correction is half done if the
horse is well tired in the first instance, or, in vulgar terms, “the
fiery edge taken off him,” by half an hour’s rapid loungeing, with his
neck well bent, chin into chest, on the softest and most tiring ground
that is available. For myself, if I find a horse vicious, I never think
of combating him if it can be helped, without having first reduced his
vigour a little; and all horsemen who undertake to conquer any seriously
bad habits are recommended to consider and adopt this practice, if indeed
such is not already their custom.

_Kicking_, to the horseman, is a matter of very trifling consideration.
He may either amuse himself by letting the ebullition expend itself, or
it may be stopped by chucking up the horse’s head and increasing the pace.

_Kicking in Harness_ is a different affair, being generally the prelude
to disaster, and must be guarded against.—_See_ page 58.

_Kicking in the Stable._—Many animals, most gentle in other respects,
take inordinate fits of this practice, and generally in the dead of
night, as if to make up for their usual quietude on all other occasions;
most frequently they resort to the amusement without any apparent cause
of irritation whatever. They will do it when alone or when in company;
while, were it not for the capped hock and otherwise disfigured legs, as
well as the dilapidated stabling behind them, discovered in the morning,
you would think that “butter wouldn’t melt in their mouths.” In other
cases the habit proceeds from obvious bad temper or spite towards a
neighbour. There are many cures proposed for kicking in the stable. One
frequently successful is a round log of wood, four or five inches long
and about two in diameter, with a staple at one end of it, through which
a chain two or three inches long is passed and attached to a strap that
buckles round the pastern (just above the coronet) of one hind leg, or
a log in this way to each hind leg may be used if necessary. Another
means is to pad all parts of the stable that can be reached by the hind
feet. In many instances where this plan is adopted, the animal, no longer
hearing any noise suggesting to his fancy resistance from behind, will
cease kicking altogether, from no other explainable cause. For padding
use some pads of hay or oaten straw, covered with coarse canvass, and
nailed to all places within reach of his heels. Sometimes, where the
habit is supposed to arise from spite towards a neighbour, a change of
location will answer. In other cases nothing but arming all parts of the
stable within reach with furze bushes, or other prickly repellants, will
succeed.

It will be well, in treating this vice, to try the remedies here
recommended in rotation; first with the otherwise quiet horse try the
log, then the padding, the change of location, and the prickly armour
in succession. It is a remarkable fact that horses seldom kick in the
stable during daylight; leaving a light in the stable through the night
may therefore effect a cure where all else has failed; but as light
interferes with sleep, it should be the very last resource.

_Rearing_ is of little consequence in harness, and seldom attempted to
any extent; but to the rider it is, in my opinion, the most dangerous
of all bad habits to which a brute may be addicted. As I consider it
almost impossible for a horseman to cure a practised rearer, my advice
to the owner of such a beast would be, instead of risking his life in
the endeavour, to get rid of him to some buyer, who will place him
where, in the penal servitude of harness, he may perhaps eke out a
useful existence. However, should accident place you on a rearer,
directly he rises lay hold of the mane with one hand; this, while at once
throwing your weight forward where it should be, will enable you also to
completely slacken the reins, which is important.

No one need be ashamed to adopt this plan. I have seen the best riders do
so.

Vicious rearing may, on its first manifestation, be sometimes checked by
a determined and reckless rider giving a well-directed blow on the ear
with some bothering missile; but this is a venturesome proceeding, and
only in emergency should it be resorted to, as an ill-directed blow is
very likely to produce poll-evil, or knock the sight out of an eye.

It is said that a bottle full of water, broken on the ear of a rearing
horse, proves an effectual cure; but happily the danger to the rider
during such treatment of his bearer, is a strong guarantee against the
frequent adoption of this barbarous practice. In many cases lowering one
hand with the rein on that side when the horse is just beginning to rise,
will have the effect of breaking the rear, the horse being urged forward
with the spur the instant his fore legs are down; but if, when he has
gained anything like the perpendicular, the rein or head be chucked, or
by any misfortune interfered with, the chances are that the brute will
walk about on his hind legs like a dancing dog, and most likely finish by
falling back on his rider.

A martingal is sometimes found to be a preventive, especially a running
one.

_Jibbing._—The disposition to this vice is generally called into action,
in the first instance, by the fret consequent on the abrasion of the neck
by the collar, or by the working of uneven traces (page 57). The use of
a saving-collar, and the careful adjustment of the traces, may therefore
obviate the propensity.

Sometimes jibbing is the effect of bad handling when starting with a
heavy load. Where such a disposition evinces itself, the carriage should
be pushed from behind, or another horse placed beside, or, if possible,
in front of the jibber, to lead him off.

_Shying_ may proceed from various causes, such as defective sight,
nervousness, or tricks; thus it may be the result of either
constitutional infirmity or of vice. From whatever cause proceeding, the
proper way to manage a shying horse is to turn his head _away from_ the
object at which he shies, in riding, pressing the spur to the same side
to which his head is turned; thus, if the object he dislikes be on the
right, turn his head to the left, and press your left leg, giving him
that spur, and _vice versa_, according to the side on which the object
to be avoided is found. If you have to deal with a bad shyer, your time
being precious, and you only care to get through your present ride with
the least unpleasantness possible, in addition to the above-mentioned
means, take him, if necessary, well by the head, the reins in each hand,
and saw or job his mouth rather sharply, keeping him in rapid motion till
you pass the object.

Operating thus on his mouth _severely_, if necessary, will engage his
attention, and cheat him out of his apprehension for the moment. It
is bad horsemanship, and dangerous besides, to force a horse’s head
_towards_ an offending object while in motion; but if it is particularly
desirable that the animal should become familiarised with anything of
which he is shy, let him be brought to a standstill, and coaxed up
gradually to it, that he may assure himself of its harmlessness by
smelling and feeling it with his nose and lips, if possible. Punishment
by whip or spur—what is called “cramming” him up to a thing—is a vile
error.

When a horse is found to evince a confirmed objection to passing a
particular place, and that he keeps bolting and turning viciously in
spite of all ordinary efforts to prevent it, take him at his own fancy,
and keep turning and turning him till he is so tired of that game that
he will only be too glad to go forward past the objectionable spot. A
horse’s sense of smelling is very acute, and sometimes a dead animal in
the ditch or field by the side of the road, though unseen, will cause an
abrupt and very unseating sort of a shy, with an ordinarily quiet beast
of sensitive olfactory nerves.

SELLING.

If the horse you wish to dispose of be a fancy one, either for beauty,
action, or disposition, and a fancy price be required, efforts must be
made to obtain the fancy customer to suit, and time and attention must be
devoted to that object. But if he be of the ordinary useful class, unless
a purchaser be found at once, let the owner, directly he has made up his
mind to part with him, think of the best market available, whether public
auction, a fair, or private sale by commission.

The public auction, with a good description of the animal’s merits, if
he has any, is the readiest and least troublesome mode of disposing of
all unsuitable property; and from my own experience, I should say that
the better plan is to make up one’s mind positively to dispose of such
the first time it is put up by the auctioneer, having, of course, placed
a reasonable and rather low reserve price on it, and provided that the
sale be fairly attended by purchasers; otherwise I should not allow my
property to be offered until a more favourable opportunity.

A valuable and fancy animal, if his owner is not pressed to sell, had
better be disposed of by full advertisement and private sale at his own
stable. It is bad management to exhibit for sale an animal that is out
of condition; it always pays to make your horse look as well as possible
before he meets the eye of a customer. There is an old and true saying,
“no meat sells so well as horse meat”—of course animal flesh is here
alluded to.

CAPRICE.[27]

All horsemen know how whimsical horses are, and the best riders feel a
certain amount of diffidence, and even awkwardness, on beginning with any
new mount, until a more perfect acquaintance is established between man
and horse.

A horseman who identifies himself with his steed will sometimes by a
mere fluke hit off the means of having his own way with a capricious
though perhaps really well-disposed animal, if one only knew the way to
manage him.

For instance, a first-class hunter of my own (Baronet), whose excellent
performance in the field, where I had seen him tried, induced me to
purchase him, soon gave evidence of a peculiarity for which, unknown to
me, he had made himself remarkable. No ordinary means could prevail upon
him to go through any street of a town except such as he pleased himself,
of which he gave me evidence the first day I had occasion to try him in
that way, walking on his hind legs directly his will was disputed on the
subject, even to the extent of a mere pressure on the rein at the side
he was required to turn. In my difficulty, instinct prompted me to drop
the reins and gently direct his progress with the point of the whip at
the side of his nose, and in this way he went ever after as quiet as
a sheep with me. Having discovered his caprice, I was always provided
with a handle of a whip or a switch of some kind for his benefit. Riding
him one day into Dycer’s, an old acquaintance of his, well aware of
his propensity, exclaimed in terms not complimentary to Baronet at my
possession of him, and was much amused when I told him my simple method
of managing this self-willed gentleman.

The same sort of what I can scarcely help terming “instinct” that has
often taught me, and doubtless hundreds of other practical horsemen,
to meet the whims of their steeds so as to suit themselves, produced
a victory somewhat similar to the foregoing over an animal that, in
the presence of a large assemblage interested in his performance, most
determinedly refused to _trot_, though ridden successively by the most
skilled nagsmen Dycer’s yard could produce, as well as by Dycer himself.

I proposed to try my hand, and the animal at first start pursued the same
uneasy half-canter with me; but perceiving that he seemed particularly
desirous to take a drink from a trough that happened to be in the way,
I allowed his attention to be distracted by taking as much water as he
pleased from it; and then turning him in the opposite direction from that
in which he had so obstinately persisted in his own gait, patting and
doing all I could to reassure him, dropping the bit-rein altogether, and
taking a very light and lengthened hold of the snaffle-rein, I let him
move off at his own pace, which, to the surprise of every one present
(my own, I admit, included), proved to be a walk, which he immediately
changed into a jog-trot all up the yard, winning for me a bet of twenty
sovereigns to one from the late Edward Dycer, that the horse could not be
made to trot within a quarter of an hour of the rider mounting.

Now, it is only caprice that can account for the likes and dislikes of
horses about going lead or wheel in four-in-hand. One horse will not stir
till removed from the wheel, and another will be equally unmanageable
if assigned the leader’s part, while an exchange of places will perhaps
render both animals perfectly tractable.

In double harness it may sometimes be observed that an animal, while
working by itself, or with others not faster, will casually show great
spirit, but when coupled with another possessing more life and action, it
will seem at once subdued from its former liveliness, and go along like
a slug, quite out of sorts at finding itself outpaced, &c., while its
more sprightly neighbour will exhibit a double ebullition of spirits,
as if in reproach to say, “Why can’t you come on?” To prove such cases
of whimsicality further, replace the apparent sluggard by coupling with
our vivacious steed a more lively and active animal, and you will see the
latter in his turn become subdued and “shut up,” in comparison with his
previous sprightliness.

Again, although the animal is decidedly gregarious, a horse, from some
dislike to its companions or other whim, will absolutely pine and cease
to thrive in a stall stabled with others, and be restored to its usual
spirits and health on removal to a loose-box. Such animals are generally
restless at night, and show great ability in smashing their head-collars.

On the other hand, most horses like company, and will pine away if kept
alone.

These things should be studied.

IRISH HUNTERS, AND THE BREEDING OF GOOD HORSES.

Much attention has latterly been attracted to the deterioration in the
superior breeds of horses, having reference more to a decline of power
and endurance than to diminished swiftness.

There is no reason why our old fame for breeding good horses of every
kind should not be maintained. Unrelaxed attention must nevertheless
be given to some well-known and established rules respecting breeding,
and more marked encouragement might with advantage be in every way
afforded to the production and rearing of young animals of a superior
and valuable description. We would therefore suggest that prizes for
young ones should be more liberally and generally awarded at exhibitions;
likewise a careful revision and alteration of many of the present
regulations in connection with racing.

The importance of most careful scrutiny in selecting the progenitors
of horses can never be overrated; and though in Ireland experience has
proved in many instances that a good hunter can be produced from a dam
which, in England, would be considered too small, too plain, the _blood_
in both parents has invariably been of the best. The mare, or perhaps her
parents, might have been half-starved—no uncommon result of the scarcity
of food during many successive years of adversity among the poorer
classes in the former country—but her progenitors had been large powerful
animals.

As, in the due course of things, it results in time that every
denomination of useful horse, excepting, perhaps, the heavy dray and
cart horse breeds, is influenced by the characteristics transmitted more
particularly to the powerful, enduring, moderately fleet animal properly
designated the hunter, it is a subject of deep interest to the community
at large to know how the latter should be produced.

The “Irish hunter” is admitted to possess in a remarkable manner the
qualities most desirable in a horse of that or the generally useful
class. Hardy, enduring, courageous, strong, short-legged, short-backed,
long-sided, tolerably fast, but any deficiency in speed made up for
by jumping power; all action, able to jump anything and everything;
intuitive lovers of fencing; their sagacity such that you have only to
get on their backs and leave the rest to themselves;—under ordinary
circumstances it is almost impossible to throw these animals.

[Illustration: THE PROPER FORM]

Such is the breeding that I should be inclined to cross with that of
the powerful English race-horse as sire, taking blood as nearly pure as
possible in both parents, for the purpose of securing valuable stock,
which would in time be dispersed over the country, and replace the
progeny of those weedy thorough-breds which, in Ireland especially, have
done much towards the decline in power and endurance of the present
generation of so-called Irish hunters. The parentage might, of course, be
reversed between sire and dam.

As to the question of climate, any one really interested in discovering
its possible effects might be curious to know what would characterise the
produce of a high-bred English racer and Irish huntress foaled and reared
in France.

As far as we can judge from the peculiarities of those horses with which
we are most familiar, extremes of either heat or cold are unfavourable to
the development of _size_; whereas, under both conditions, a vast amount
of endurance seems to be natural.

The Norwegian and the Arab, differing materially in point of swiftness,
are both notorious for endurance. The plodding perseverance of the first
is well known; while the Arab, ridden at an even gait with a fair weight,
will go with impunity a greater distance, at a rate of eighteen to twenty
miles an hour, than the best European can do. In sporting language, the
Arab can “stay” better than the European.

Arab breeders rarely offer a really high-bred animal for sale under four,
and generally five, years of age; hence he cannot receive the education
bestowed upon the European racer, who, before he is three, often at
less than two, years of age, is taught by the most scientific riders in
the world to “go from the post” at very nearly top speed—a species of
training that sometimes results in his beating horses which are really
superior in every respect except that of being ready at starting, and
capable of putting on their best speed at once. Besides, in those hot
climates the young animal has not the advantage of a soft elastic turf,
so essential to training, nor has he the assistance of proper trainers
and jockeys.

It is much to be regretted that the breeders of Arabia cannot be tempted,
for almost any price, to part with truly high-bred mares, wisely
retaining them to breed for the benefit of their native land.

Warmth of climate seems thus, as instanced in the Arab, to favour
swiftness and endurance; though, on the other hand, we may point to the
mild, moist, but scarcely warm climate of our islands, as having fostered
the production of animals possessing these qualities in the first degree,
in addition to size and power beyond those of the Arab.

France has latterly, since the introduction of pure blood, produced some
splendid horses; but time must tell whether the perfections of these
animals are as lasting as those of others whose early growth may not have
been so much forced by a more genial climate. Therefore, as far as we
know at present, the climate of England is as favourable as that of any
other land to the production and development of perfection in the horse,
the specimens of which that she has presented being hitherto unsurpassed.

It would appear that we make a serious mistake in not providing greater
encouragement to breeders and purchasers of yearlings and two-years-old
of the different descriptions. A decided advantage would, we think,
result from competition among these classes at horse-shows, due care
being necessarily given to placing them in a situation specially adapted
for them, and where they would be free from noise and excitement. Nothing
would tend more to incite to the careful breeding of horses among farmers
than the possibility of obtaining handsome prizes, and thereby securing
the prospect of early remuneration; while the opportunity for market
afforded by these exhibitions would present additional inducements to the
rearing and purchase of young animals. Having in view the encouragement
of a superior breed of horses, it is beginning at the wrong end not to
support it, in the first place, by allotting at such meetings the most
numerous and valuable prizes to the babies.

Fortunately the ventilation given to this important subject of the
deterioration in our horses, more especially in that particular class
denominated the Irish hunter, has aroused the interest of the country at
large, and already led to more earnest efforts on the part of the landed
proprietors and breeders to regain lost ground.

It ought to be borne in mind that the light weights allowed by the
present racing laws for Queen’s plates are, as examples for weighting in
other races, most pernicious. These grants from the Crown were originally
bestowed with the view to encourage the raising of strong thorough-breds,
capable of carrying twelve stone sometimes for four or even five mile
heats; therefore the present arrangement of weights is positively,
however unintentionally, a misapplication of those public funds.

It is probably to the turfmen that the change in the character of
steeplechasing is greatly due; they found it their interest gradually
to alter the weights and distances, so as to bring profitably into play
their second and third rate beaten race-horses. Steeplechases were not
intended for these latter, whose perfection is in proportion to their
speed. Pace is not the chief desideratum in hunters, to prove the
qualities of which steeple or castle chases were instituted; power and
endurance are at least as essential: and it is contrary to the law of
nature, as well as of mechanics, to combine a maximum of speed with that
of power, and _vice versa_. Either will preponderate to the detriment of
the other.

The difficulties, natural and artificial, presented by the general face
of the country in Ireland, have no doubt contributed to the development
of those qualities which render the Irish hunter so valuable. The style
of fence is continually varied; and in the course of a run there will
be encountered double ditches, with a narrow or wide bank, single ones,
stone walls, brooks, bullfinches, gates, wide drains, and occasionally
posts and rails, or iron palings—hurdles being, however, of rare
occurrence; but the horse that can master the above impediments to his
course will soon find out how to jump a hurdle.

[Illustration: PREPARATORY CANTER]

The Irish colt has sometimes also a kind of training not expressly
designed for him by his owner; for being not unfrequently left with other
animals in a field affording an insufficient supply of grass for them
all, he undertakes to prove the truth of the proverb that hunger will
break through stone walls, by jumping over if not through one to obtain
more or better food.

Transplanted to England, the accomplished Irish hunter often finds
himself tested in a manner strange to him; the rate of speed is greater
than he has been accustomed to, for the Green Isle has not yet adopted
generally the extremely swift pace of hounds now so much in vogue
in England, and is thence, as regards the hounds and the horses, in
unquestionably the most sportsmanlike condition. It was never intended
that hunting should become steeplechasing; and the unnatural pace to
which hounds are now forced causes them often to overrun the scent after
they have got away; then, when at fault, the entire ruck of the field
have an opportunity of coming up, to be, of course, once more distanced,
at the repeated sacrifice of the sound principles of hunting, and to the
disadvantage of the true breed of hunters.

If breeders of horses would give their full attention to the pursuit,
there is no reason why they should not be as successful in producing the
best description of every class of this animal, as breeders of sheep and
cattle are in their line. By judicious crossing, animals can be secured
with any peculiar characteristics that may be desired; and for the
encouragement of energy and exertion in this direction, we may remind
our readers that there is now so much competition for the possession
of first-class horses, that our Continental neighbours constantly
outbid us, having learned to value them even more than we do who have
been suffering our best sires to be bought up and removed from their
native soil to improve the foreign stock. It is not impossible that,
circumstances having directed so much attention to this subject, good
will in this as in many other cases spring out of evil, and the fostering
of valuable breeds of horses will become a more widely-recognised source
of emolument than it has been for many years past, regaining, likewise,
its proper standing among Britons as a matter of deep national interest
and importance.

PART II.

DISEASES.

When I had nearly completed this little manual, chance placed in my way
a valuable work called the ‘Illustrated Horse-Doctor,’ by Edward Mayhew,
M.R.C.V.S., which has borne me out in many of my opinions regarding
various diseases, and given me some useful elucidation as to the latest
approved treatment of some ailments.

I would strenuously recommend the work for its simplicity and usefulness
to country gentlemen and other owners of valuable horses who can afford
to purchase it; they would derive great assistance from it, not only
as far as regards the written matter, but also from the spirited and
very characteristic illustrations, exemplifying more clearly than any
description possibly can do, matters connected with the treatment of
horses under disease.

As to this little work, any remedy herein advised to be used, without
reference to competent authorities, is practical and may be depended on,
though intended to be harmless in any event.

However, every one must be aware that doctors will differ, and some who
are critics may have pet theories of their own, which they might here and
there prefer to parts of the practice here recommended.

It may be borne in mind, nevertheless, that diseases, like politics, with
time and occasion are liable to change their character.

Many diseases are far more easily prevented than cured; and I must, in
the very first instance, protest against the unnatural and injurious
warmth by heated foul air, so much advocated by grooms, as a means of
giving _condition_, to produce which, food, work, and air are the safe
and natural agents.

Wherever a means of avoiding any disease herein touched upon has
suggested itself, it is prominently set forth, in just appreciation of
the golden rule, that “prevention is better than cure.”

OPERATIONS.

As all painful operations can now be performed under the influence
of chloroform, the least compensation an owner can make to his poor
beast for the tortures he is put to, in order to enhance his value and
usefulness to his master, is to lay an injunction on the professional
attendant to make use of this merciful provision, in cases where severe
pain must otherwise be inflicted on the animal.

Rarey’s method of casting for operations, or when a horse is so extremely
unruly as to require to be thrown down, may be thus quoted from his own
directions:—

“Everything that we want to teach a horse must be commenced in some way
to give him an idea of what you want him to do, and then be repeated till
he learns perfectly.

“To make a horse lie down, bend his left fore-leg and slip a loop over
it, so that he cannot get it down. Then put a surcingle round his body,
and fasten one end of a long strap around the other fore-leg, just above
the hoof. Place the other end under the surcingle so as to keep the strap
in the right direction; take a short hold of it with your right hand;
stand on the left side of the horse; grasp the bit in your left hand;
pull steadily on the strap with your right; bear against his shoulder
till you cause him to move. As soon as he lifts his weight, your pulling
will raise the other foot, and he will have to come on his knees.

“Keep the strap tight in your hand, so that he cannot straighten his leg
if he rises up. Hold him in this position, and turn his head towards you;
bear against his side with your shoulder, not hard, but with a steady
equal pressure, and in about ten minutes he will be down. As soon as he
lies down he will be completely conquered, and you can handle him at your
pleasure.

“Take off the straps and straighten out his legs; rub him lightly about
the face and neck with your hand the way the hair lies; handle all his
legs, and after he has lain ten or twenty minutes let him get up again.
After resting him a short time make him lie down and get up as before.
Repeat the operation three or four times, which will be sufficient for
one lesson.

“Give him two lessons a-day: and when you have given him four lessons he
will lie down by taking hold of one foot. As soon as he is well broken to
lie down in this way, tap him on the opposite leg with a stick when you
take hold of his foot, and in a few days he will lie down from the mere
motion of the stick.”

For the purpose of handling horses more easily _without casting them_,
when slight operations have to be performed, a twitch is used, made by
7 or 8 inches of cord formed into a noose, which is attached to about
2 feet of a strong stick. The noose is placed on the upper lip of the
horse, and by turning the stick round and round, it is tightened. The
pain thus occasioned to the animal subdues him to bear almost anything,
and he can thus be subjected to minor operations while standing, but
it is also as well to place a cloth over his eyes to prevent his being
too well informed of what is going on,—a precaution which may be used
with advantage under various other circumstances, such as measuring the
height, when the sight of the size-measure as placed against his shoulder
might alarm him;—in fact, upon any occasion when it maybe desirable that
a horse should not be aware of what is passing around him; for instance,
if he is unwilling to go on board ship or into a horse-van.

TO GIVE A BALL.

Turn the animal round in the stall so as to have his head to the light,
making the least possible fuss or noise.

Stand on a stool on the off side, and, gently putting your hand in the
mouth, draw the tongue a little out; place the fingers of the left hand
over it, and keep it firmly in this position by pressure _against the
jaw_—not holding the tongue by itself, as a restless horse, by suddenly
drawing back or sideways while his tongue is tightly held, may seriously
injure himself.

The ball, having been oiled to cause it to pass easily, is to be taken
between the tips of the fingers of the right hand, and then, making the
hand as small as possible, pass the ball up the mouth by the roof to
avoid injury from the teeth. Directly the ball is landed well up on the
root of the tongue, take away that hand, and as soon as it is out of the
mouth, let the left hand release the tongue, which, in the act of being
drawn to its proper place, will help the ball down.

An assistant standing at the near side may be useful to hand the ball to
the operator, and to _gently_ keep the jaws open while the ball is being
given.

Have a warm drink ready to give immediately after the ball is taken.

It may be remarked that in racing stables, where such things are
generally well done, young and small boys will, quite alone, coolly
take spirited, and often vicious animals, and in the most gentle manner
administer the ball, unsuspected by the beast himself, who is hardly made
aware of the operation he is undergoing.

_To give a Drench._—Turn the animal round in his stall as in
administering a ball. Use a cow’s horn, the wide end having been closed
up by a tinman.

Pour in the liquid at the narrow end, the mouth of which should be an
inch in diameter.

The operator, standing on the off side, should have an assistant; both
should be tall, or make themselves so by standing on _firm_ stools or a
form.

The assistant must raise the horse’s head till his mouth is above the
level of his forehead, and keep it in that elevated position _steadily_
while the drench is administered—such position being necessary to
facilitate the passage of the liquid down the throat by its own gravity,
the tongue not being here an available agent, as with the ball.

The operator, taking the wide end of the horn in his right hand, can
steady and assist himself by holding the upper jaw with his left, and,
leaving the tongue at liberty, will discharge the drench from the horn
_below_ the root of the tongue if possible.

A proper drenching-horn should be always kept at hand, and be well
cleaned after use.

A glass bottle should never on any account be substituted for the proper
instrument.

PURGING.

Whenever an animal accustomed to high feeding and hard work is from any
cause laid by, it is most desirable (in pursuance of the golden rule that
prevention is better than cure) to take such opportunity to relax the
hitherto tightly-strung bow, by administering a mild purge.

The object of this precaution is, that the absorbents, having been
accustomed to a perpetual call as the result of perspiration induced
by work, are liable, when the beast is left at rest for several days,
and this call is thus discontinued, to take on unhealthy action, and
engender diseases, the most fatal of which is that scourge “Farcy.”

How many a fine horse, to all appearance in the best condition, have I
seen stricken with this fell malady, from no other accountable cause
than that which it is hereby proposed to guard against; besides, every
one knows that any animal kept at rest and fed up is more predisposed to
all kinds of inflammatory attacks, and when thus visited the system more
readily succumbs.

More than this, every practical man is aware that an occasional aloetic
purge improves the health, condition, and vigour of a horse.

It seems as if the aloes acted as a powerful tonic and renovator as well
as purge.

What trainer will think of putting a lusty or ill-conditioned animal into
“fettle” without employing this purge as a partial means?

It is very dangerous to give a purging medicine to a horse without first
preparing the bowels by relaxing them moderately with bran mashes.

This is best done by giving about three or four sloppy mashes, three in
the course of the day preceding the administration of the purge (reducing
the quantity of hay to one-third the usual amount), and one the first
thing next morning, no water or hay being given beforehand that day;
about two or three hours after the mash, administer the purge, giving
just before and after it as much warm water as the beast will drink.

No hay should be allowed this day or night, but as many sloppy mashes as
will be accepted should be given.

Give two hours’ brisk walking exercise in clothes about six or eight
hours after the administration of the purge, and next morning, after a
mash and watering (always with warm water), two more hours of the same
exercise in clothes; but be careful _not_ to sweat the horse.—_See_ page
155.

If the evacuations be fully free, less exercise is necessary; otherwise,
in a couple of hours repeat the walking at a brisk pace. When the desired
effect of the medicine has been satisfactorily produced, hay and corn may
be _gradually_ resorted to.

While an animal is under the operation of purgative medicine the water
and mashes should be warmed, and the body well protected from cold by
clothing and the exclusion of draughts.

The ordinary purge, consisting of Barbadoes aloes 4 drachms, extract
gentian 2 drachms, is mixed into a mass by any chemist. With some
delicate horses, subject to looseness, this purge may be too strong, and
should be reduced by a drachm of aloes and half a drachm of gentian.

On the contrary, with large horses of a full habit, 5 drachms of
Barbadoes aloes, or even more, may be necessary, with 2 drachms of
gentian. In all cases where there is reason to suppose that the mucous
surfaces of the alimentary canal may be in a state of irritation, it is
much safer to give linseed-oil, say a pint at a time, to which may be
added, if speedy purging be essential, twenty drops of croton oil.

The use of old dry hay will be found the most simple and ready primary
resource to stop purging and steady the action of the bowels, and a very
little bruised oats may also be given in such cases.

Should the purge appear to gripe, copious clysters of warm water will
afford relief.

THE PULSE

is easily found by placing the two forefingers under the middle of the
horse’s jowl or cheek-bone. The novice can feel about here till he
discovers pulsation, and having once made himself acquainted with its
seat, he will be the better able to judge of a horse when apparently out
of sorts.

Inside the forearm, and in other spots, the pulse is equally superficial,
but under the edge of the cheek-bone is the most convenient place to find
it, or at the temple.

A horse’s pulse in health beats from about 32 to 38 a minute—the smaller
the animal the faster the circulation will be.

In brain affections the pulse is slower than natural, it is quickest
in inflammation of the serous and fibrous membranes—much slower in the
mucous ones.

DISEASES OF THE HEAD AND RESPIRATORY ORGANS.

_Glanders._—As there is really no cure for this horrible disease, I
will not attempt any dissertation upon it, but, merely referring to the
remarks upon nasal gleet, page 116, advise all, _whenever they have
the least suspicion about the latter_, to consult a veterinary surgeon
immediately.

The only preventive against the disease is to keep and work your horses
in a reasonable manner, give them plenty of pure air at all times, and to
guard them as carefully as possible from contagion.

_Sore Eyes_ should be treated mildly by stuping with tepid water, and the
use of laxatives, as mashes, green food, or a mild purge, according to
the severity of the case. Keep in darkness. If the affection is acute,
consult a professional veterinary surgeon.

_Common Cold and Influenza._—It should be remembered that cold air
seldom gives cold, but rather its action upon the exhalent vessels of
the skin when they are under the process of sweat, and when the exercise
that produced the latter has ceased. The superficial action of a low
temperature then proves an astringent, clogging the small exhalent and
exuding vessels, and by the derangement of the whole animal system,
immediately affects the respiratory organs, producing more or less fever.

When disease is thus contracted, it is self-evident that the best way to
meet it is by forcing these small vessels into exudation (or sweat) as
rapidly as possible, which may readily be done by exercise and clothing
upon the very first suspicion that a chill has been taken, and _before
the animal is positively affected_. Once, however, that the debility or
feverish symptoms incidental to the disease are manifesting themselves,
active but entirely different measures must be resorted to.

The premonitory symptoms of cold, and that scourge of the stud,
influenza, are, refusal of corn, staring coat, dull eyes, at first a thin
and soon a purulent discharge from one or both nostrils, with more or
less cough; pulse wired, sometimes very weak, but if highly inflammatory
symptoms be present, thin and rapid.

Under these circumstances, if a professional veterinary surgeon is
procurable, the case should be referred to him; but rather than suffer
an ordinary farrier to deal with the animal, I will take the liberty in
this, as in other cases, to offer simple remedies that can do no harm,
and have in my own experience been beneficial.

Bleeding is admissible only in extreme cases, and under professional
advice, at the commencement of an inflammatory attack, in affections
of the brain, or serous and fibrous membranes—_not in mucous ones_. In
cases, however, of sudden pulmonary congestion, or apoplexy of the lungs,
general depletion is indicated. Blood-letting should _never_ be had
recourse to in _distemper_ or _influenza_,[28] neither should purging
be thought of in such cases, as it lowers the system, which, on the
contrary, requires all the sustaining power possible.

Give at once in the most inviting small mash of bran, or in the form of a
ball,—

    2 drachms of nitre;

giving little or no hay, and nothing but warm mashes of bran or linseed,
if they will be taken. If the symptoms are urgent, give in a ball,—

    3 drachms of nitre, with
    1 drachm of camphor.

Also _well hand-rub_, with a liniment composed of equal parts spirits
of turpentine and oil mixed, all under the windpipe, the gullet, within
three inches of the ear, by the parotid glands, and inside the jowls. Use
the liniment twice the first day if the symptoms are severe, and once
each day subsequently—abating its use according to the disappearance of
the disease.

The horse should be placed if possible in a loose-box, and being kept
warm with plenty of sheets, hoods, and bandages, the door and window of
his stable should be thrown open during a considerable portion of the
warmer part of the day, to give him _plenty of fresh pure air_.

The head should be kept as pendant as possible, in order to induce
the throwing of the nasal discharge, which will be further assisted
by steaming the nostrils, using a very large nose-bag (if possible of
haircloth), half-filled with common yellow deal sawdust, having an ounce
of spirits of turpentine well mixed through it; or better, hot bran
mashes, of which the poor beast may be tempted to pick a little when
first applied.

Either application must be kept at a high temperature by the frequent
addition of hot water.

The nose-bag must be used several times a day—kept on for twenty minutes
at a time, and never suffered to remain on the animal till its contents
(which should of course be frequently changed) become cold or offensive.
Or the nostrils may be steamed as well, in a more simple way, thus:—Fill
a bucket full of hay, stamp it down with the foot, pour _boiling_ water
upon it, renew the boiling water every ten minutes. Let a man hold the
horse’s head in the bucket over the steam for about half an hour at a
time, three or four times a day.

As recovery progresses, _gradually_ resume ordinary feeding—remembering
that in this, as in all cases of illness where the constitution has been
debilitated, it has to be carefully rebuilt by food and suitable exercise
to fit the animal for work. It should be borne in mind that respiratory
diseases appear to be _very contagious_, for which reason, if for no
other, the patient on the first outbreak of distemper should be removed
away from the rest of the stud to a loose-box, if practicable; the
stall he leaves should be cleansed, and all his utensils kept _rigidly
separate_.

White-wash and chloride of lime are useful and simple as disinfectants.

This disease is more easily prevented than cured, and horse-owners do
well to avoid leaving an animal when heated, or after exercise, standing
unclothed in the cold or in a chilly draught. Also be careful about
transferring a horse suddenly from total exposure at grass, or from a
healthy airy stable to an ill-ventilated and crowded one.

Though influenza or distemper are often considered to be epidemic,
contagion should be, as before observed, most carefully guarded against.
Some professional men hold these two designations to represent distinct
diseases. In influenza the animal becomes speedily attenuated, and the
whole system appears disordered and debilitated, occasionally with
lameness, as if from fever of the feet.

There is generally one mark which may be permitted to be peculiar as
distinguishing some forms of influenza, particularly in certain seasons
during its prevalence, which is that of the mucous surfaces assuming a
yellow colour all over the body, and the white of the eye being also
tinged with that hue.

When influenza assumes a serious character, the professional man must
be left to deal with it; but pending the arrival of such assistance,
the treatment here recommended can do no harm, the primary seat of the
disease being that of the respiratory organ.

_Laryngitis, Bronchitis, Pleurisy._—I will not attempt to enter into
descriptions or prescribe separate modes of treatment for these and other
diseases of the respiratory organs, such delicate distinctions belonging
exclusively to the professional man; but while awaiting his advice, the
treatment recommended for common cold and influenza can do no harm in any
attacks of the upper air-passages; and when the lungs or cavity of the
chest appear to be affected, that advised as follows for inflammation of
the lungs is equally harmless:—

_Inflammation of the Lungs_ or _Pneumonia_ is indicated by great
prostration and high fever, heaving of the flanks (an evidence of great
internal anguish); the legs are spread out to their fullest extent, as
if to prop up the body and prevent it from falling; the breathing is
difficult, and respiration quick; extremities cold; pulse quick and
hard, like wire to the touch; a look of pain and wretchedness marks the
countenance.[29]

Such symptoms can be safely treated by a professional man only; but if
his services cannot possibly be procured, rub in a powerful mustard
poultice over the lungs, the seat of which I cannot better describe
to the uninitiated than as situated beneath that portion of a horse’s
surface which would be covered by a saddle if placed on his belly
directly underneath the situation it would have occupied on his back,
the pommel being close to the fore legs, omitting to blister the portion
of the belly which would be covered by the cantel of the saddle when
reversed, but continuing the blister between the fore legs to the front
of the chest.

The hair need not be clipped off before the application of this poultice.
Give every six hours, till the arrival of the veterinary surgeon, from 30
to 40 grains of ordinary grey powder mixed and administered in the form
of a ball.[30] Or, in place of grey powder, give Fleming’s tincture of
aconite, eight drops every hour in half a pint of cold water, until the
arrival of a veterinary surgeon.

Let the animal have an _additional quantity_ of the purest air, with an
increased supply of clothing, and in cold weather the temperature should
be slightly moderated. The symptoms of recovery are denoted by gradual
cessation of heaving at the flanks; the extremities getting warmer; the
pulse less quick—softer to feel; and the animal appearing more lively.

His strength must be kept up after the first day or two by drenches of
gruel, till mashes will be accepted.

_Cough_, as before observed, generally accompanies influenza, distemper,
and common cold, but there are instances where cough may be present with
little or no fever or other derangement, in which case change of food
from corn to bran or linseed mashes, with a limited allowance of wetted
hay or chaff, may be sufficient to cure.

As a rule, grooms should understand that when coughing is heard, they
are to give bran or linseed mashes till further orders; nor should an
animal suffering from cough be expected to do any but very light work or
exercise (every care being taken to avoid his being chilled), bran mashes
not affording sufficient sustenance to do heavy work upon.

No person or owner should be satisfied with the state of his horses’
health while they cough. Linseed mashes daily (page 23) will be found
excellent to ease and cure cough, also carrots and green food; but when
the cough is accompanied by fever, or other symptoms of ailment, treat
as for influenza, distemper, cold, or sore throat, as the indications of
derangement may direct you.

_Nasal Gleet_ may possibly be occasioned by protracted irritation of
diseased molar teeth; but if persistent, especially of a thin, ichorous,
glairy, or size-like character, and confined to one nostril, generally
the left, the glands under the jaw being swollen and tender, the
Schneiderian membrane or mucous lining of the nose having a dull, pale,
or leaden hue, it should be looked on with suspicion, particularly if
confined to one nostril, and more so if the discharge adhere round the
rim of it. Cough is seldom present with glanders.

In such cases consult a veterinary surgeon without a moment’s delay, and
be careful to prevent any part of your own body, or that of any other
person, coming in contact with such a discharge. It is very probably
incipient glanders of the most insidious and dangerous character.

To more clearly distinguish the dangerous from the harmless gleet, it may
be remarked that when the discharge is thick and purulent, yellow, and in
full flow, and without a disposition to adhere to the nostril, though the
most alarming in appearance, it is least to be apprehended, proceeding
naturally from a heavy cold in the head, which, however, should of
course meet with immediate attention.—(_See_ “Cold, Influenza,” page
110.) For the prevention of nasal gleet, observe the same precautions as
those recommended against cold, &c. (page 109), and keep your horses as
much as possible to themselves.

In travelling, horses run great risks, and, of course, such diseases are
less likely to be contracted in first-class hostelries than in inferior
and hack stabling.

_Poll-Evil_ is generally occasioned by a bruise on the head, behind
the ears, near the neck, by pressure of the head-stall, &c. (_see_
“Haltering,” page 16), when, if great care be not exercised to cure
the sore promptly, sinuses or cavities will form, eating away into the
more important parts of the adjacent structure. Here, also, unless an
immediate cure be effected by the means directed for the treatment of
sores (_see_ “Water-dressing,” page 160, and “Zinc Lotion,” page 158),
accompanied with the removal of the head-stall or any aggravating
pressure, the veterinary surgeon ought to be consulted at once.

Avoiding the causes will be the best preventive of this disease.

_Shivering Fits_ in general precede or are the commencement of a feverish
attack; therefore, in such cases, no heating food must be allowed.
Substitute hot mashes, increase the clothing, and administer a febrifuge,
as nitre, 2 drachms, repeated in two hours. Or, if nitre in the mash will
not be accepted, give two ounces of sweet spirits of nitre in half a pint
of cold water.

_Shivers_ in the stable, proceeding from nervous sensibility, are
frequently the result of recent excitement, caused by a band, an organ,
or other unusual noise, or even by the sudden entrance of the beast’s own
attendant, the bounding of a cat, &c.

_Strangles_ generally attacks young horses about the age of maturity, or
when first stabled. Debility gradually possesses them; the throat, and
particularly the parotid glands under the ears, are sore and swelled,
tending to distinguish this disease from ordinary cold and influenza;
a discharge from the nose is also present. The sooner the suppurative
process can be induced in the throat the better.

For this purpose rub in turpentine and oil (one part turpentine to two
parts oil) once or twice a-day, which, when the skin becomes tender, must
be carefully done with a sponge.

When the suppuration is ripe, a professional man should let it out with a
knife, and recovery speedily ensues.

As great debility is attendant on this disease, the system should be kept
up by bruised and scalded corn, and the appetite tempted in every way by
green meats, minced carrots, &c., if requisite. Plenty of air is also
essential.

It ought to be superfluous to remark that under such circumstances
neither bleeding, purging, nor reducing means of any kind should be
adopted, the bowels being merely kept open by bran and occasional linseed
mashes, which will assist the mucous surfaces. The chill to be taken off
the drink.

_Soreness of the Throat_ frequently accompanies distemper or cold, and is
indicated by want of appetite, constant endeavour to swallow the saliva,
_difficulty in imbibing liquids_, which, instead of going down the
throat, appear to be returned through the nostrils, noisy gulping, &c.

Rub the throat at once with a mixture of equal parts turpentine and oil,
and keep up the irritation on the skin.

Administer 2 drachms of nitre once or twice the first twenty-four hours,
the animal being, of course, laid by from all work, and placed in a
loose-box; let him be fed on bran and linseed mashes, and given green
food, carrots, and anything that will tempt his appetite.

Avoid purging, bleeding, or anything that will lower the system—a rule to
be most particularly observed in all diseases of the respiratory organs,
unless severe inflammation be present, when a professional man only can
judge to what extent the lowering process may be necessary.

_Broken Wind_ is caused by a large number of the air-cells of the lungs
becoming fused, as it were, into one large air-cell, thus diminishing the
aërating surface, and rendering the lungs weaker. It is indicated by a
sudden inspiration and a long, almost double, expiration; the flanks and
abdomen are observed to suddenly fall down, instead of being gradually
expanded.

Broken wind is, in fact, emphysema of the lung, and there is said to be
no absolute cure for it; but it may be alleviated by restricting the
animal in hay and water, and giving the latter only in small quantities,
not more than half-a-pint at a time, and moistening all food.

Take care he does not eat his bed, which he will make every effort to do.
He should have no straw about him in the day, and be muzzled at night.

_Lampas_ does not belong properly to these diseases, indicating some
derangement in the alimentary canal, but is here mentioned to guard
against a brutal practice commonly resorted to by farriers as a cure for
the disorder.

The groom complains that his charge is “off his feed,” and fancies that
the palate is swollen more than usual—the fact being that he never
examined it at any other time; and the farrier proceeds to cure the
rejection of food by searing the poor beast’s mouth with a red-hot iron,
or scarifying it with a knife. The reasonable treatment of an ailment
proceeding from heat or disorder of the stomach will be to withhold all
heating food, at all events to a great extent, giving occasional mashes,
also tonics and alteratives, the latter to those of full habit, the
former in cases of evident debility.

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE AND URINARY ORGANS.

_Diarrhœa_ and _Dysentery_.—The first (diarrhœa, or mere looseness) is,
in the horse, seldom more than a temporary debility. In many cases it is
an effort of nature to relieve herself, and will probably effect its own
cure.

The symptoms require no definition, except that it may be remarked
that they are almost invariably unaccompanied by pain or any other
inconvenience. Rest, and the use of more astringent food, and leaving a
piece of chalk in the manger (which, with horses subject to diarrhœa,
should never be absent), will in all probability arrest the attack, which
may, to a certain extent, proceed from a predisposition to acidity.

Animals disposed to this disease should be fed on a drier description of
food.

_Dysentery_ is, on the contrary, a highly dangerous illness, accompanied
with pain.

It mostly commences with excessive purgation, the evacuations being mere
foul water in appearance, and stinking. The beast will drink greedily;
the pulse is weak; great anguish of body perceptible, the perspiration
breaking out in patches.

On the first appearance of such dangerous symptoms, procure the
assistance of a professional man; but in the interval the following
drench may be given:—

    Laudanum, 1 oz.                } Mix.
    Powdered chalk, ½ oz.          }

    or,

    Catechu, powdered, 1 drachm.   } Mix.
    Chalk, ½ oz.                   }

    or,

    Sulphuric ether and laudanum, of each one ounce.

Also injections of cold linseed-tea. The dose may be repeated in three
or four hours, if medical assistance does not arrive. As great care
is necessary in the diet, as well as general treatment, after partial
recovery, everything should be done under professional advice.

An attack of dysentery is very likely to be caused by the existence of
some acrid matter in the intestines, or by an overdose, or too constant
use, of aloes.

As with diarrhœa, horses predisposed to dysentery ought always to have a
lump of chalk in the manger, and constant or over-doses of aloes should
be avoided.

COLIC AND GRIPES.

As these diseases are sudden, and require prompt treatment, it is well to
have some idea of the kind of remedy to be employed, pending the arrival
of the veterinary surgeon. Some animals are peculiarly subject to them,
from a susceptible state of the alimentary canal. Cold water, taken on an
empty stomach, or when a beast is heated, will cause the malady.

The symptoms are distress, evinced by pawing, lifting of the fore and
hind feet towards the stomach, the head being turned towards the sides,
with a look of anguish; a cold sweat will sometimes bedew the body. A
desire to lie down may be exhibited, and when on the ground the animal
rolls about in evident agony. The upper lip is strained upwards from the
teeth, almost closing the nostrils, and the pulse indicates derangement
of the system.

When the true character of the ailment has been ascertained, it is well
to inquire as to the character of the evacuations. If they are in a lax
state, and a cause for the same can be discovered, of course discontinue
it, and use astringent clysters for the bowels (page 159). If there
be reason to apprehend that some offending matter is retained in the
alimentary canal, use emollient laxatives and clysters (pages 158 and
159). But if anything like costiveness is present, and other remedies
fail, recourse must be had to that of “back-raking,” a process which
need not be here explained, being well known to every experienced groom,
any one of whom may safely be intrusted with the operation, the only
necessary precaution being to have rather a small hand used, and that
_well_ lubricated with lard or oil. Let all the fæcal matter that can be
reached be carefully extracted. Afterwards a warm enema, composed of one
pint of turpentine mixed in two quarts of hot soap-suds, and a soothing
drench of

    1 oz. sulphuric ether,
    1 oz. laudanum,
    1 pint oil,

will be found efficacious.

In the early stages, “gripes,” as they are called, may be cured by simply
“back-raking,” followed by a drench of a bottle of ale, warmed and mixed
with one ounce of powdered ginger, and a brisk trot in heavy clothing.

Under highly inflammatory symptoms, the professional man attending will
probably bleed.

To guard against colic, avoid giving cold water when the beast is heated,
or on a fasting stomach. With horses subject to gripes the water should
always be given with the chill off, if possible, or just previous to a
good grooming or other gentle exercise tending to circulate internal
warmth. Never allow any animal the opportunity of gorging himself with
any kind of food after the stomach has been weakened by extra-severe work
and long fasting.

For costiveness only give soft bran or linseed mashes, or green feeding;
and see treatment for excessive or painful costiveness, page 122.

DIABETES,

or profuse staling, is unfortunately a common disease, and is generally
attributed to something wrong in the water, but bad provender may
occasion it.

Thirst is generally very great.

Give catechu, 2 drachms at a time, two or three times daily, in mashes.

Change the food or water, whichever on examination seems most
objectionable. Give no hay or grass, but plenty of linseed tea to drink;
give _good_ bruised or scalded oats, with a small quantity of warm bran
mixed in each feed, and leave a lump of chalk in manger: or administer
diluted phosphoric acid, one ounce to one pint lukewarm water, twice
daily, till the symptoms abate, then gradually reduce the dose.[31]

A horse once found to be subject to this disease should be very carefully
fed and watered.

WORMS

are indicated by a state of the coat called “hide-bound” and “staring,”
with loss of condition and indisposition to work; by a slimy mucus
covering the dung-balls; also occasionally by the adherence of the
parasites round the anus, and thin evacuation in the fæces.

They cling so pertinaceously to the internals, that they will eat through
the coat of the stomach, and are never likely to be removed by a single
dose of any medicine. Spirit of turpentine is highly recommended as a
cure, but if given it must be diluted largely—one part turpentine to four
parts oil.

Practical experience of various remedies for worms justifies me in
recommending one to two grains of arsenic and twenty grains of kamela
twice daily (each dose mixed in a handful of wet bran, and given with
oats or other feeding) for eighteen days, and a purge the nineteenth
morning.

The horse may get _moderate_ work during the administration of the
_powders_.

Common salt is also considered a good remedy: about a tablespoonful daily
mixed with the food.

To guard against these pests, avoid the use of Egyptian beans; but
as “bots” are mostly taken in at grass by the animal licking off and
swallowing their larvæ laid in the hair of the legs, it is almost
impossible to exclude them. In a few cases they are bred in the internals
without any accountable cause, and against this no precaution can avail.

_Liver Diseases_, or the farriers’ “Yellows,” so called from the fact
that such cases are marked by the eyelids, linings of the nose, and lips
when turned up, being found to be tinged more or less with yellow.

Here mercury must be administered, and aided by subsequent purging, as is
necessary with the human subject.

Thus, give half a drachm to a drachm of calomel mixed in a little flour,
and put in a mash of bran one evening, and next morning follow it up with
the aloes purge-ball (page 108).

If the “yellows” be very marked, with other derangement of the system,
give for two days one drachm of calomel daily in doses of half a drachm
each, mixed in mashes as described above; and after two drachms have been
taken in this way, administer on the third morning the aloetic purge.

_Inflammation of the Kidneys and Bladder._—With regard to internal
inflammation arising from various causes, the symptoms of distress
bear a general resemblance to each other: legs spread out, extremities
cold, breathing accelerated, and a look of pain pervading the animal’s
whole appearance, except that in diseases of the urinary organs there
is generally a straddling gait; and on observance of the genitals, some
marked action in this region on the part of the beast will be discovered.

Such attacks can only be properly treated by a professional man,
therefore lose no time in procuring his services; but, in the meanwhile,
I shall observe that inflammation of the kidneys is, sad to say, too
common to admit of its being passed by without offering some caution and
advice regarding it, more for the purpose of prevention than cure.

Disease of the kidneys is generally brought on by the _misuse_ by grooms
of their favourite diuretics; a dose of nitre to “fine his legs,” or
“bloom his coat,” or for any other purpose to save themselves trouble,
is the groom’s specific for the poor creatures under their care; but
so injurious are diuretics that masters ought to make their secret
administration, as commonly practised by the class referred to, a case of
instant dismissal.

The kidneys of the horse are peculiarly susceptible of action; so much
so, that purges frequently, in place of acting as intended, will take
effect on them.

It should, besides, be borne in mind that while the kidneys are in
artificial action and secreting an extra quantity of urine which is being
passed away, the creature should have the same opportunity of rest, and
as much consideration given him, as if he were in a state of purgation.
The secretion is blood in its changed form, and is a serious call on the
system. All this does not enter into the head of an ignorant groom, who,
on the contrary, will work or treat the poor suffering creature as if he
was in his best vigour.

Inflammation of the kidneys is marked by an appearance of general
distress—hind legs straddled, the backbone hogged, urine small in
quantity, tenderness over the loins when pressed.

If a practitioner be not procurable, immediately place warm mustard
poultices over the loins, and cover them with sheepskins.

Give half a drachm extract of belladonna with half an ounce laudanum in
a pint of linseed tea every four hours, and inject constantly with warm
linseed tea.

_Inflammation of the Bladder_ presents very similar symptoms to that of
the kidneys, only that the bladder being farther away from the backbone,
instead of the latter being hogged, it is rather depressed. In this
case, as in inflammation of the kidneys, call in the veterinary surgeon;
meanwhile give the drink recommended for the kidneys, and though the
surgeon’s decision is desirable with regard to mustard blistering, the
use of this counter-irritant should not be too long delayed; therefore,
in the event of his non-arrival within an hour or so, apply mustard
blister to the stomach far back (between the flanks), as being nearest
the seat of this disease.

DISEASES OF THE FEET AND LEGS.

Once more the old proverb that “prevention is better than cure” deserves
to be dwelt upon, for very many diseases under this head can be
prevented, and very few can ever be cured.

Generally speaking, the fore feet and hocks of a horse are the most
susceptible of disease induced by wear and tear—the fore feet, because
the greater part of the weight of the animal is borne upon them; and the
hocks behind, because they are the propelling power.

It is remarkable in cases of lameness, that when the disease is seated in
the feet, the lameness becomes temporarily aggravated on work; whereas
if it proceed from disease in the legs, it becomes apparently less after
the limbs have been worked a while. With regard to animals keeping their
condition while labouring under lameness, experience has taught me that
horses lame in the fore feet will, if able to work at all, continue to
do so without apparently losing condition from the fret of lameness; but
when the hind legs are the seat of disease, the condition evaporates very
rapidly. This, I imagine, is because an animal lame in the fore feet will
lie down and take more rest than when sound; whereas if lame behind, he
will not take sufficient rest, as rising and lying down cause him pain;
hence he continually stands, and, of course, aggravates the disease.

[Illustration: FIG. 2.—Section of Foot.]

The foot is thus sectionised and described by Delaware P. Elaine, Esq.:—

“On examining a perpendicular section of the foot and pasterns, there
appear the coffin-bone (_a_), the navicular or nut bone (_b_), the
coronary or little pastern bone (_c_), the large pastern bone (_d_), the
back sinew or great flexor tendon of the foot (_e_), the same tendon
sliding over the navicular bone (_f_), its termination or insertion into
the bottom of the coffin-bone (_g_), the elastic matter of the sensible
frog (_h_), the insensible or horny frog (_i_), the horny sole (_k_),
which includes the parts of the sensible foot; the outer wall of the hoof
(_l_), the elastic processes (_m_), the attachment of the extensor tendon
to the coffin-bone (_n_), and its attachment to the coronary bone (_o_),
which completes the section.

“The coffin-bone (_a_) adapts itself to the figure of the hoof, or rather
is adapted by nature to this eligible form. The eminence in its front
receives the insertion of the tendon of the great extensor muscle of the
foot. This important muscle has its upper attachment to the humerus or
arm-bone, where it is principally fleshy; but as it passes downwards it
becomes tendinous, expanding over every joint, both to prevent friction
and to embrace and give firm attachment to each bone with its opposed
bone, by which a firm connection of the various parts is maintained, and
a simultaneous movement of the whole limb is effected. In the hinder limb
this extensor tendon and its two less or tendinous adjuncts arise from
the tibia, and in part from the femur, but in their origin are fleshy.

“In the sides of the coffin-bone are attached lateral cartilages, and
around its surface are marks of the attachment of the laminated substance.

“The coronary, or small pastern bone (_c_), is seen to rest on the
coffin-bone (_a_), with which it articulates by its lower end; its
posterior part also may be seen to be closely articulated both with the
coffin and with the navicular or nut bones (_f_), whose attachments to
them are effected by ligaments of great power and some elasticity. Nor is
it possible to view this horny box and its contents without being struck
with the admirable display of mechanism and contrivance which meets our
eye. We are apt to say, ‘as strong as a horse,’ and some of us use horses
as though they were made of imperishable stuff; but surely, when we well
consider the subject, we shall see both the necessity and the morality of
using them with discretion.”

This description of the structure of the foot will probably better enable
the uninitiated to understand the seat and nature of various ailments of
that part of the horse which are here touched upon.

[Illustration: FIG. 3.]

[Illustration: FIG. 4.]

Blaine further describes the construction of the hoof thus:—

“The hoof itself is conical, or rather, as Clark observes, slightly
truncated, and is a secretion as well from the vascular parts of the foot
as from the skin, as our nails are formed from the portion of skin called
quick. The structure of the hoof is firm and fibrous. Externally it is
plane and convex, but internally concave and laminated. The quarters
are the lateral parts. As the horn approaches the heels it becomes soft
and is reflected inwards. The heels are parted by the horny frog (_b_,
fig. 3); and without, the frog on each side the hoof inflects its fibres
to form the bars which are seen on the under surface (_c_, fig. 4). In
a healthy foot, fig. 4, the heels are round, wide, and smooth (_a_,
_a_), the frog fully expanded, the bars or binders distinct (_c_, _c_),
no corns in the usual angle (_d_), the sole broad and concave (_d_).
In a diseased foot, fig. 3, the heels are high, and drawn together
by contraction (_a_, _a_), the frog narrow, and filled with fissures
from contraction and thrush (_b_), corn frequently present (_d_), the
sole greatly shortened in its transverse diameter, which is morbidly
counterbalanced by the increased heights in the truncated form (_c_).
When the hoof is removed, the sensible or fleshy sole (_h_, section of
foot), above which it immediately lies, presents itself, covering the
whole of the horny sole, except so much as is taken up by the sensible
frog (_h_). This part is exquisitely sensible and vascular, and thus
we learn why injuries to it from puncture produce such serious effect,
and why very slight pressure from contraction of the hoof gives so much
pain. The sensible frog and the sensible sole form the insensible frog
and sole; but when from pressure, too much moisture, or other causes,
the sensible frog, instead of forming horn, secretes pus or matter as in
thrush, the structure of the whole becomes injured, and the frog, thus
losing its support, gradually wastes and decays. It is therefore evident
that no thrush can be entirely harmless, as is erroneously supposed.

“Above the sensible frog is the great flexor tendon, or back sinew,
inserting itself into the vaulted arch of the coffin (_a_, section of
foot). This important tendon, arising from its parent muscle above the
knee, whose origin is taken from the humerus and ulna, in its passage
unites with an assistant flexor, but which latter is principally
distributed to the pastern bones, while the perforans, so called because
it is perforated by the assistant flexor tendon, is inserted into _the
vault_ of the coffin; in the posterior extremities the attachments of
these two leading flexors and a smaller _lateral_ one are from the femur
and tibia.

“_The Sensible Laminæ._—Around the surface of the coffin-bone, it has
been noticed that there are linear indentations to which about five
hundred fibro-cartilaginous leaves are attached. Each of these is
received between two of the horny lamellæ, which line the interior of the
horny hoof; and when it is considered what a vast surface of attachment
is formed by these means, the strength of the union will not be wondered
at. No common violence can separate these parts, and their use as a
spring (for they are extensile) to support the action of an animal at
once weighty, strong, and extremely agile, must be apparent.

“The vessels and nerves of the foot are derived from the metacarpal
arteries, veins, and nerves, which pass behind the pastern, when the
main trunks divide to proceed to each side of the foot, and are ramified
from thence throughout. It is a division of the metacarpal nerve on each
side of the lesser pastern, or on each side of the larger, as occasion
suits, which forms the nerve operation now in vogue as a remedy (?) for
navicular disease.”

_Laminitis_, or _Fever of the Feet_, although generally the result of too
long a journey, or any exercise where excessive and continuous concussion
has been occasioned to the feet, frequently arises from other causes. It
is often what is termed secondary, as one of the sequelæ of inflammatory
diseases of a more constitutional character.—(_See_ “Metastasis,” page
155.) The laminæ are plates (technically, semi-cartilaginous leaves
received between the horny lamellæ which line the interior of the hoof)
resting on the inside of the horny hoof, and giving an elastic support,
whereby the whole weight of the horse’s structure is thrown against the
wall of the hoof and kept off the side. It is not surprising, therefore,
that these causes should produce derangement here.

As laminitis generally attacks the fore feet, the poor beast in his
anguish endeavours to throw his weight off them by resting on his hind
quarters, which are tucked under him, with the fore legs and feet pushed
out before him merely to keep him from falling; he can barely hobble if
he attempts to move. If the fever be only slight and in one foot, he will
point it, while extreme lameness and unnatural heat in the foot mark the
disease. The shoe should (in this as in all cases of foot-lameness) be
instantly removed by a smith brought to the stable instead of giving the
poor creature the pain of limping to the forge.

The foot should be put into cold water, constantly renewed, and kept in
it all day; at night a bran poultice or water-dressing should be left on
(_see_ “Water-dressing” and “Poultices,” page 160). Also administer a
purge.

In acute cases, bleeding at the toe is sometimes practised by paring
away there till the veins appear. This is a very questionable remedy,
and there is little doubt that the use of the knife only aggravates the
inflammation.

The fact is, that beyond its incipient stage none but the veterinary
surgeon is competent to deal with this disease.

Its prevention is best secured by requiring moderate work only, and at
the proper road-paces—viz., walking and trotting—keeping the feet moist,
wetting them occasionally during a long journey, and _regularly stopping
them directly after each day’s severe work_.—_See_ “Grooming,” page 12.

_Navicular Disease_ is, unfortunately, a very common one with horses; and
when the delicate structure of the foot is considered in connection with
the rough usage the creature gets on hard roads while carrying a heavy
weight on his back, it is only surprising that the feet bear such jarring
at all.

The navicular is the small pulley-bone over which the flexor tendon
passes, and being the most active of any of the foot-bones, is the most
likely to be injured by ill usage (_see_ page 128). The symptoms are
lameness, with more or less pointing of the foot when at rest, and heat
towards the quarters of the lame foot.

Unlike laminitis, the lameness is inconsiderable at first, and increases
as the disease progresses.

Being so deep-seated, it is very difficult to cure. In the incipient
stages the most effectual remedy appears to be the insertion of
frog-setons, requiring the assistance of a veterinary surgeon. In most
instances the case is hopeless, and many a fine horse is sold to limp out
a life of misery, drawing a hack cab, or, with a refinement of cruelty,
is subject to the operation of unnerving the foot, which, by destroying
sensation in that part, enables the animal to travel without apparent
lameness, though the disease continues to progress till part of the foot
has been known to drop off in work. Being a result of work to which all
horses are liable, no mode of prevention can be recommended.

_Lateral Cartilages._—Another ailment of the foot is more common than
is generally supposed, called “Disease of the Lateral Cartilages.” It
requires the skill of an anatomist to decide upon its presence. In fact,
this and navicular disease are both very obscure in their origin and
diagnostics, and a surgeon only can properly deal with them, as well as
with all other diseases that are not very distinctly marked, and in their
early stages not important.

_Thrush._—A disease of the frog: the cleft becomes eaten away, and a foul
matter is secreted. It more frequently attacks the hind than the fore
feet.

By some it is said to be constitutional, but it is much more probably the
result of neglect of the foot in the stable, the hind feet being oftener
affected, from the fact of the urine and fæces coming more immediately
under their tread.

At every shoeing or removing, the frog should be perfectly cleared
of all defective parts by the knife, and where the disease has once
manifested itself the cleft should be kept continually stopped with tar
and tow. A return to a healthy state is likely to be tedious, therefore
continued attention to these directions is necessary. If a severe case,
use a bar-shoe, to avoid the wear and tear of the road, and which
will also help to keep the pledgets of tar and tow in their place. To
prevent thrush, let the litter and bedding be completely removed from
the horse every morning till bedtime at night; let the pavement be kept
scrupulously clean through the day; attend and wash the feet, examine
them frequently, and upon the slightest sign of the disease use the
remedial means.

_Quittor._—This is a disease of the feet, wherein, either from delicacy
of or accident to the sole, the sensible part becomes affected. A
suppurative sinus is formed, eating away till it often comes out at the
coronet. Once it reaches this, the animal, unless of great value, might
as well be destroyed, the restorative process being of a most tedious and
expensive character, requiring continual manipulation by a surgeon.

By careful shoeing (where nails are not driven out of their proper
direction) and a most exact examination of the foot where any extraneous
matter, such as glass, gravel, &c., is suspected of having entered or
damaged it, quittor will most probably be avoided.

_Canker_ seldom attacks gentlemen’s horses, or well-bred ones. It is
literally a change of a portion of the foot into a kind of fungus,
sometimes commencing in the sole, sometimes in the frogs, and is
aggravated by foul litter, bad stabling, and general bad care.

As no dressing or external application will restore the foot without
manipulation, a surgeon only can deal with it.

_Cracked and Greasy Heels._—Animals of languid circulation in the
extremities are more susceptible of such diseases, which are induced and
aggravated by lazy ignorant grooms pursuing their objectionable practice
of wetting the legs, and leaving them to dry themselves.—_See_ page 13.

Symptoms are tumefaction and soreness of the hinder part of the pasterns,
even to fissures emitting matter.

Clip away the hair in the first instance, so as to be able to cleanse the
sore by washing it with warm water and soft soap, drying it perfectly.
Then apply glycerine lotion (page 158).

If the sore seems likely to incapacitate the animal from work,
administer a mild aloetic purge (page 108). Very serious consequences
may result from the indolence of grooms in neglecting this ailment. In
acute cases, the sore, eating into the tendon, produces mortification and
death. I have myself lost a valuable animal from this disease, through
the gross neglect of my grooms in my absence.

Except in the very earliest stages, and in palpably trifling cases, a
veterinary surgeon should be consulted, especially in what is called
“grease,” or matter running from these cracks. The preventive means
are, never to allow water to your horses’ legs above the coronet on any
pretence whatever, and if by accident or work they get wet, to have them
rubbed dry as promptly as possible.

_Shelly Hoofs_ (or splitting open of the external part of the horny
hoof).—The feet of some horses are more subject to this disease than
those of others, from the fibrous structure being more dry with them.

This fibrous structure forming the hoof is found, on microscopic
examination, to resemble a lot of hairs all glued together into a
hardened mass, and where the adhesive matter is of a drier character
than usual, the hoofs are more brittle. With some horses this results in
“shelly hoofs;” they don’t split, but are perpetually breaking away. With
this description of hoofs, tar is the best possible application. Neither
grease nor oil should ever be used—these only aggravate the disease, as
on close observation they will be found to act as powerful astringents,
excluding the healthy action of air and moisture upon the part most in
need of them. Strange to say, tar, from its pungent properties, induces
healthy action in the part, and is peculiarly adapted to promote the
growth of the fibrous structure as well as lubricating it.

_Sand-Cracks_ seldom go diagonally, but are either horizontal or
vertical. I shall endeavour to exemplify the simple principle of this
disease with a simple principle of remedy, dealing with it like a split
in a board on which I desired to put an effectual stopper. In such a
case I should carefully gouge out a small hole at each end of the split,
beyond which hole the fissure would be certain not to pass. With the hoof
the same principle can be carried out by filing an indentation directly
across each end of the crack, only taking care not to file deeper than
the insensible part of the hoof; or the end will be answered by using a
red-hot firing-iron instead of a file, taking the same precaution not
to touch the sensible part. I should also weaken along the edges of the
crack itself by rasping them down. Over the crack, if deep, should be
strapped a thin pad of tow and tar, to induce reproduction and prevent
foreign substances from entering the fissure.

Unless by the grossest neglect, no sand-crack will have been allowed
to go beyond the reach of the foregoing treatment, but in some cases
the effect of negligence and ignorance is seen in the horizontal crack
running almost round the foot. In such cases it will generally be found
that with a flat foot (inclined to greater malformation) the toes have
been suffered to extend, shoeing after shoeing, by the smith allowing
a great accumulation of wall over the toe, until the centre has become
weakened into a fissure. Such a state of things seldom or never occurs in
a gentleman’s stable, but is to be met with among farm-horses or those
accustomed to heavy draught.

The careful strapping-up with tar and tow, which must be constantly
attended to, rest, and the indentation process, will, with _time_ and
_care_, effect a cure.

Sand-crack, especially the vertical, is more dangerous and tedious the
nearer it is to the coronet. This once divided, the case becomes serious,
the coronet being very vascular, and a split here requires a great deal
of care to induce it to take on union. Unless the closing commences
at the coronet, and continues as the hoof grows _down_, it will never
close _at all_; in fact, if the coronet be divided, it is fortunate if
the crack does not go the whole way down to the shoe. If it does not,
the lower end should be weakened by filing an indentation at its lower
extremity, weakening the sides of the crack by rasping them, and keeping
the hoof strapped round with dressings of tar and tow, also (a most
_important_ part of the treatment) paring away the wall of the foot
(above the shoe and immediately under the crack) an inch—that is, half an
inch on each side of it—making as large a vacuum as can with safety to
the sensible parts of the foot be pared away, directly under the crack
and over the shoe; the object of this being that all parts of the wall
except that under the crack shall press on the shoe. It is obvious that
by the above means every movement of the horse, in place of aggravation,
will tend towards alleviation of the disease, by pressing the weakened
sides of the fissure together. For the foregoing reasons, in the case of
a vertical crack the shoes had better remain on, while in the worst cases
of the horizontal crack, as its weight round the bottom tends to weaken
the centre of the hoof where the crack is likely to be situated, it had
better be removed (or light tips worn), its absence also enabling the
wall of the hoof under the crack to be rasped as thin as possible. In
vertical cracks the use of a bar-shoe will tend to keep the foot together
(page 81).

_Corns_ are occasioned by the inflexible shoe pressing on that part
of the sole, or possibly from friction of the bones upon its internal
surface. They present the appearance of a red effused bruise, almost
invariably situated on the heel of the sole of the inside quarter of the
fore feet.—_See_ illustration, fig. 3, page 130.

When neglected, they occasion severe lameness, and go on to suppuration.

Broken knees are also frequently the result of neglected corns.

A horse that is habitually properly shod is never likely to have a corn.
It arises entirely from want of attention and judgment in the smith.
The groom, who should always stand by when a horse is shoeing, ought to
be instructed to see that the farrier with his drawing-knife invariably
pares out the sole at the seat of corn; it can be no injury whatever
to the foot when properly done, and is the best preventive of corns.
Also take proper care that the shoes are so put on that they cannot by
possibility press upon the sole.

For prevention, keep the seat of corn well pared away, and dress with
tar, unless in the suppurating state, when it requires poultices (page
160), and the ordinary treatment for that state, and full rest.

_Over-reach_ or _Tread_ proceeds from the shoe of one foot coming in
contact with the soft or sensible part above the hoof of the other. As
the parts likely to be affected round the coronet are full of vessels,
the simplest remedial means are the safest—viz., water-dressing (page
160) in the first instance, and afterwards chloride of zinc lotion (one
grain to the ounce of water), or glycerine.

_Broken Knees._—Most travellers on the road know what style of thing this
is, so it is needless to describe it.

In bad cases, where the bones are exposed, and there is any appearance of
synovia or joint-oil, place the horse in the nearest convenient stable,
and leave him there to be attended to by a professional man as soon
as possible. When the abrasion is merely superficial, take the animal
quietly to his stable, if near.

In any event, wash the wound with warm water, which, if it be at all
deep, should be done by squeezing the water _above_ the wound, and
allowing it to run down, as this part of the leg is very delicate and
sensitive, and rough handling with a cloth or sponge should be avoided.

Afterwards apply a lotion of chloride of zinc, one grain to the ounce of
water.

Tie the creature’s head up in such a way as that he cannot possibly lie
down, until the healing process has assumed sufficient health to render
it safe to allow of the knee being used in lying down and getting up.

Give one or two mild purges, according to the time he is laid up and the
healthiness of the wound. To promote the growth of hair, use, when the
knee is perfectly healed, hog’s lard mixed with very finely powdered
burnt leather to colour it; it is as good and safe a thing as can be
employed for the purpose. Otherwise use _weak_ mercurial ointment. For
prevention, avoid the use of bearing-reins in harness; in shafts, keep
the weight off your horse’s back; keep out of the way of ruts and stones
upon the road, and be very careful of your beast when the work you are
giving him is calculated to make him leg-weary.

In riding, teach your bearer to depend on himself, _not_ on you: at the
same time, don’t leave him to himself altogether. Go gently round sharp
turns, and don’t ride fast down-hill on the road, though on the turf or
in harness the pace may be accelerated with impunity. Avoid inflicting
sudden, injudicious, and undeserved chastisement; restrain starts or
alarms; have your horses properly prepared in frosty weather; also be
sure that the seat of corn is kept well pared out in shoeing. If your
saddle has shifted forward out of its place, dismount and regirth it
where it fits, so that when you remount your weight will be properly
placed away from the shoulders.

When the road is the only place available to have your horses exercised,
see that your grooms put on the knee-caps.

_Splints_ are a well-known affection of the fore leg, presenting the
appearance of a bony protrusion along the canon or shank, which, though
unsightly, is not very important, unless when lameness ensues.

As it is not my intention to enter into professional technicalities in
this work, I shall merely remark that, by letting the horse continue
in moderate work, though lame, with the application of Stevens’s
ointment, according to the directions accompanying it, absorption of
the bony matter will be obtained, or, at all events, it will become so
far resolved that the surrounding structures being able to accommodate
themselves to what remains of it, their action will not be interfered
with, and lameness will consequently no longer appear. Veterinarians
sometimes perform a simple operation for splints which is said to be
efficacious—namely, that of dividing the periosteum with a bistuary, the
periosteum being that membrane which encases all bones like a skin. When
this is cleverly done, there is little or no disfiguration left. Setons
also are sometimes run over the exostosis or bony excrescence, but I deal
only with simple remedies. As splints cannot be prevented, being a common
result of work in young horses, the next best thing to be done is to
resolve them while in an incipient state.

_Clap of the Back Sinew_—_i.e._, inflammation of the sheath under which
the flexor tendon passes (as the most able practitioners deny that the
tendon itself can be stretched, though it is liable to rupture about
its insertions)—is best treated, according to some, by cold refrigerant
lotions, Goulard lotion, solution of acetate of lead, &c.

I prefer plain water-dressing (page 160) placed loosely round the
affected part of the leg, and the use of a high-heeled shoe (page
82). When the attack is beyond the reach of such mild treatment, the
veterinary surgeon will probably advise blistering and firing to act as a
perpetual bandage.

Moderate work on even surfaces will be the best preventive of this
disease, and having the pavement of your stables made nearly level, as
described under the head of “Stabling” (page 8).

_Wind-Galls_ are undue distensions of the bursæ or bags of synovia at
the back and sides of the lower part of the canon or shin intended to
lubricate the adjacent structure. Though unsightly, and no improvement
to the action of the horse, they can be reduced by external absorbents
(page 159), also by bandages with refrigerant repellants, such as vinegar
and water (_see_ “Grooming,” page 12).

_Riding-Bone_ is an unhealthy enlargement round the pastern above the
coronet, generally in front, and may be removed in the incipient stage
by external absorbents (page 159), beyond which a professional man had
better be consulted.

_Wrench_ or _Wrick_, occasioned by accident or strain in work over
a rough path by a slip, presents generally no external swelling or
indication of suffering beyond lameness in movement; but on close
examination, inflammation will be discovered by extra heat about the part
affected. Remove the shoe, give plenty of rest, and apply water-dressing
(page 160) round the affected part. A purge may be administered, as
recommended in all cases where the animal is laid up for several days. To
avoid wrench, care should be observed in starting, turning, and working a
horse, especially on uneven ground or when heavily laden.

_Mallenders_ and _Sallenders_ denote a scurvy state of the skin inside
the bend of the knees and hocks. Let the parts be cleansed with hot
water and soft soap, and rub in equal parts of hog’s lard and mercurial
ointment mixed; if there be a positive crack or sore, use the chloride of
zinc lotion (_see_ page 158) till healed. Keep a good attentive groom,
and see that he does his work, as such blemishes are occasioned by
carelessness and want of cleanliness.

_Spavin_ is like splint, a bony excrescence, but on the lower part of the
leg, at the inside of the _hock_ towards the front, occasioned by local
derangement from overwork of the structure.

If it does not produce lameness it had better be left alone; but
otherwise, the horse being placed in a loose-box, rest should be given,
and treatment with absorbents (page 159), the use of Stevens’s ointment,
&c., persisted in. A mild purge or two during the process will be
beneficial.

As in nearly all affections of the legs and feet, proper reasonable work
and due care will avert the disease or disfigurement.

_Curb_ is an enlargement of the tendon or its sheath at the lower part of
the back of the hock, with a good deal of local inflammation attending it.

It is greatly occasioned by the fashion some riders have of habitually
throwing their horses back on their hocks by severe use of the bit.

Use water-dressing to reduce inflammation, then absorbents, such as
Stevens’s ointment (page 159). Give rest, &c., as directed for Spavin.

_String-Halt_ is a well-known and only too conspicuous defect or
affection of the nerves of the hind limbs, or emanating from the spine.

As its local origin is obscure, so also is the method of dealing with it.

It is in no way dangerous, though unsightly, and seriously deteriorating
to the value of the animal, although it is said not to interfere much
with his working powers.

_Capped Hock_ is a pursy swelling over the _os calcis_ or heel-bone at
the end of the hock, generally produced by kicking either in the stable
or against some object in harness, or possibly in consequence of exertion
in getting up and lying down on a scanty bed, especially where the
paving-stones are uneven.

Use hot fomentations, loose water-dressing, followed by rubbing in
iodine ointment, if necessary, for reduction, but this must be done with
judgment and careful observance of the effect the iodine produces. Or,
after using hot fomentations for a week, apply gas water (which can be
obtained from any gas-works) with a sponge dabbed on every hour during
the day. This treatment, if persisted in, is said to be very efficacious.

For prevention, keep a good bed for your horse to lie on at night. See
“Kicking in the Stable” (page 85) and “Kicking-Strap” (page 58).

_Thorough-Pin_ and _Bog-Spavin_ are, like wind-galls, an undue distension
of the bursæ containing the synovia intended to keep the surrounding
parts of the leg lubricated; such distension interfering with the
circulation of the vein in front of the hock is denominated “Blood” (or
Bog) Spavin; at the back and sides of the hock these distensions are
called Thorough-Pin.

The treatment is with hot fomentations and gas water, as in “capped
hock,” or other absorbents, especially Stevens’s ointment, iodine
ointment, blisters, and actual cautery, which remedies had better be
tried in rotation, the three latter only by a practitioner; but unless
the distensions produce lameness, it is perhaps preferable not to meddle
with them at all.

There are other diseases of the feet and legs, but requiring very
delicate definitions: they must be left altogether to the professional
man.

As a rule, in all cases where it may be considered desirable to use
stimulating or strong absorbing treatment externally to cure lameness,
the inflammation should be first fully abated by _local_ cooling
applications; and in severe cases, purges administered before the
application of blisters or powerful absorbents.

FARCY.

This dreaded disease is, I believe, like glanders, incurable, and
generally ends in glanders itself.

Some practitioners seem to be under the impression that it only attacks
worn-out and ill-conditioned animals; but from personal losses and sad
experience I may venture to differ entirely from such an opinion, and
to state that I have seen horses in the finest condition lost by it.
No doubt feeble animals are very liable to it, but the disease is not
confined to such constitutions. I have remarked that, when contracted
by high-conditioned horses, it can be traced to their being called on
occasionally to do extra work, followed by entire rest for days together,
as a sort of equivalent for the spurt of work done, during which period
of rest (considered necessary on account of the beast’s supposed state of
exhaustion) his powers are taxed with the same amount of high feeding as
if he were in full work.

Thus the absorbent system seems to become diseased, and farcy-buds
appear, accompanied by craving thirst, in which case, or on the least
suspicion of the disease, reference should at once be made to a
professional man.

From these buds (whence after a time matter is seen to exude) small cords
may be traced leading to other swellings, rather serving to distinguish
the early stages of farcy from surfeit, besides that in surfeit the lumps
appear indolent and scabby.

To guard against this scourge of the stable, as the disease is
contagious, be careful what company your horses keep, and let reason be
used in the working, feeding, exercising, and general care of your stud.

What is called _Water Farcy_ is neither dangerous nor contagious, and
arises from debility of the system, occasioned probably by overwork and
indifferent feeding.

It is generally marked by a dropsical swelling of the legs, mostly the
hind ones. It is not common in gentlemen’s stables, where horses are less
worked and better cared for than their neighbours.

The best cure is friction to the swelling, moderate work, and improved
feeding; and give a ball twice a-day, each dose with

    Sulphate of iron,      2 drachms.
    Powdered ginger,       2  ”
    Powdered gentian,      2  ”

    To be mixed with palm-oil or lard.

RINGWORM.

Ringworm is characterised by one or more scurfy or scaly circular patches
on the skin where the hair has fallen off. As soon as discovered, let
the parts be washed with soap and tepid water twice a-day; and when they
have been gently but perfectly dried, apply rather thickly the following
ointment over the spots:—

    Animal glycerine,      1 ounce.
    Spermaceti,            1   ”
    Iodide of lead,        2 drachms.

Rub the glycerine and spermaceti together, and when thoroughly
incorporated, add the iodide of lead; give also every night the following
drink:—

    Liquor arsenicalis,               1 ounce.
    Tincture of muriate of iron,      1½  ”
    Water,                            1 quart.

    Mix.—Dose, half a pint.

Continue this drink until the disease has disappeared.

Should ulceration remain about the circumferent edges after the central
bare spot has been apparently cured, apply to the affected circuit six
times a-day persistently the following lotion:—

    Chloride of zinc,      2 scruples.
    Water,                 1 pint.

The animal should be thrown up from work during this treatment, which may
be requisite for a month, and good food given.

Administer also a powerful alterative or two during the course of
treatment, more particularly if the case is obstinate.[32]

Other practitioners recommend, with the administration of alteratives,
the simple application of a solution of nitrate of silver, 30 grains to
1 ounce of water (distilled), applied every second day to the eruptions,
until they are destroyed.

SURFEIT

is an eruption on the skin, and generally gives way, if attended to
immediately on its appearance, by relaxing the bowels mildly, giving
partly green food instead of hay and bran mashes; at the same time keep
up the strength by feeding with the best oats and a little beans,
alternately with the laxative treatment.

Should these means not suffice, or the disease become worse, consult a
medical practitioner, who will probably administer diuretics; or if you
cannot procure a professional man, give the following excellent tonic and
alterative drink, recommended by Mr Mayhew:—

    Liquor arsenicalis,               1 ounce.
    Tincture of muriate of iron,      1½  ”
    Water,                            1 quart.

    Mix, and give daily half a pint for a dose.

_Hidebound_ requires the same treatment as surfeit.

_Mange_ is generally the result of insufficient food and other privations
endured at grass, and of the neglect of the skin consequent on animals
being turned out for a time to take care of themselves.

It is highly contagious, and is now admitted to be occasioned by an
insect which is engendered in the foul coat.

A capital wash is recommended by Mr Mayhew, viz.:—

    Animal glycerine,       four parts.
    Creosote,               half a part.
    Oil of turpentine,      one part.
    Oil of juniper,         half a part.

About a pint and a half is said to be the quantity required to make one
dressing. Every portion of the entire coat should be saturated with this
wash, and thus left for two clear days, when it should be washed clean
with soft soap and warm water, equal care being taken to omit no part of
the body, which should afterwards be thoroughly dried and the coat well
dressed or whisked.

When all is dry and clean apply a second dressing, proceeding as directed
for the first, and a third after the two days have elapsed and the
second cleaning process has been thoroughly gone through, after which
the disease ought to be eradicated. A mere disposition to scratching is
generally successfully treated by giving bran mashes night and morning
for some days, and part green food instead of hay. Others recommend for
mange, as most successful, the following application, to be well rubbed
in once a-week all over the animal with a stiff horse-brush:—

    Barbadoes tar,      1 part.
    Linseed oil,        3 parts.

    To be mixed and gently warmed in a pan.

The whole of the horse’s body to be thoroughly washed with soft soap and
warm water, and PERFECTLY _dried_, previous to rubbing in the foregoing
application.

SORE BACK, WITHERS, AND SITFASTS,

should be carefully attended to with poultices or water-dressing (_see_
page 160), while a disposition to throw off pus is present, after which
the application of healing agents (among which chloride of zinc lotion
and glycerine are now prominent) is the proper course, but applicable
only to decidedly trifling and superficial cases. It is imperative, if
a cure be desired, that no pressure whatever from the saddle or any
other cause of irritation be permitted; therefore, unless a saddler can
effectually chamber and pack the saddle so as to prevent the possibility
of its touching on or near the sore, the saddle must not be used at all.

The worst and common result of sores on the back is, that sinuses or
cavities, with an almost imperceptible orifice, insidiously eat away like
poll-evil into the more important part of the adjacent structure. Here
the aid of the veterinary surgeon is indispensable.

    (Being myself acquainted with anatomy, I used to get a
    depending orifice as near as possible to the bottom of the
    sinus (as discovered with a probe) by a bistuary, laying
    the sinus open all the way; or if the direction were rather
    superficial, by the insertion of a seton-needle about the width
    of the sinus, run out at bottom, leaving the seton in to direct
    the discharge. The latter operation, if carefully conducted, is
    decidedly the simplest and best when practicable.)

For prevention of sore back avoid injurious pressure from an ill-fitting
saddle; also removing it too quickly from, the back of a heated animal
(_see_ “Work,” page 37). Pressure of the terret-pad (_see_ page 59), or
of the roller from not being properly chambered over the ridge of the
back (_see_ page 19), must also be carefully guarded against.

WOUNDS,

if deep or dangerous, should meet with the immediate attention of
a surgeon, as none but anatomists should deal with them. Generally
speaking, the loss of a moderate quantity of blood is rather beneficial
than otherwise, tending to avert inflammation. Where water-dressing
(_see_ page 160) can be applied, nothing is better in the first instance;
and when the wound is fairly cleansed and evidently healing, the chloride
of zinc lotion (_see_ page 158) will advance that process and help to dry
it up. When the surface is _perfectly_ healed and a new skin formed, the
growth of the hair will be promoted by the application of hog’s lard
coloured with very finely powdered burnt leather.

MEGRIMS OR EPILEPSY

may proceed from the effects of the sun in very hot weather, from
congestion of the blood-vessels of the brain and head, or from disordered
stomach or indigestion. The horse when at work suddenly evinces a
disinclination to proceed, appears bothered, and shows unaccountable
perverseness—sometimes staggers and falls. Release him at once from
whatever work he may be at; if the cause can be descried, treat in the
most reasonable way accordingly. If the illness is supposed to proceed
from the heat of the sun or congestion of the head, dash water on the
head and keep it enveloped in cold wet cloths; also cool the system by
aperients, giving rest for some time. If from indigestion, repeated mild
aperients should be administered.

It is a strange fact known to those who are experienced on the road, that
these fits are seldom or never taken during work at night. When such
attacks are habitual the animal is only fit for farm-work.

CRIB-BITING AND WIND-SUCKING.

Some able veterinarians declare these habits to be the result of an
endeavour to eject acidity from the stomach as the horse cannot vomit,
while others compare it to the human belch. It is almost impossible to
_cure_ a crib-biter; the only thing that can be done is, to palliate and
prevent it, which is essential, as the habit is not only injurious to
the horse himself, but one that, strange to say, is most readily imitated
by his companions; in whatever stable such an animal may be, the others
are liable to become crib-biters.

By leaving a lump of rock-salt in horses’ mangers many ailments may be
averted. Licking it is a resource to them in their hours of solitary
confinement. In the present instance a lump of chalk might be added,
for the animal to amuse himself at any moment that he is left without
a muzzle (which should be made for him by an experienced saddler, and
constantly used). The chalk being essentially antacid, is decidedly
useful if the habit is supposed to result from acidity.

As the muzzle should not be left off for any length of time, the food
should be prepared to be taken up in the most rapid form—viz., a small
quantity of chaff to bruised oats. When the beast finds by experience
that his feeding-time is limited, with starvation for the alternative, he
will probably prefer his food to gnawing the iron during the short space
allowed him without his muzzle. A simple remedy sometimes used with good
effect is, keeping a tightened strap round the creature’s neck when he
is not feeding; and I have known the covering of every portion of the
stall within his reach with rabbit or sheep skins, the hair outside,
to effectually check a crib-biter for the time being,—the habit being
resumed, however, on his removal to another stall.[33]

METASTASIS.

As this term is frequently used by practitioners, it may be well to
explain that it is a Greek word signifying a removal from one place to
another, employed as a technical designation in describing a change of
the seat of disease from one part of the animal structure to another,
which is by no means uncommon: for instance, when the feet are attacked
with fever, that malady will appear to remove itself to some other and
probably distant part, and fix itself on the lungs or other viscera, the
same way that inflammation of the lungs and other parts of the upper
structure will change amongst themselves, or from their own seat of
disease to the feet.[34] I have even known superpurgation (occasioned,
in a pair of horses, by _undue_, but not severe work when under the
irritation of the medicine) to cause fever of the feet, by a metastasis,
changing the seat of irritation from the internals to the extremities—a
very palpable case in point.

SETONS.

The insertion of a seton properly belongs to the professional man,
and only for the guidance of persons who, from living in remote
neighbourhoods or other causes, cannot possibly procure the assistance
of such, the following information is inserted, in order to obviate
the necessity for some ignorant farrier being permitted to perform the
operation after his own fashion. The skin is first divided, by surgical
scissors made for such purposes, to the width of the seton-needle to be
used, which must be wide or narrow, according to the orifice required,
with white linen tape passed through its eye, about the same width as
the needle and orifice. The needle is then inserted at the opening, and,
passing superficially under the skin, is directed towards the point where
the lower or depending orifice is intended to be, and where the needle
and tape are drawn out. Sufficient tape must be left at each extremity
to admit not only of its being tied round small rolls of tow which keep
the tape from running through at either side, but some inches of the tape
should be left in addition at one end, to allow of a portion being drawn
out at one orifice each day, and a fresh piece with dressing being drawn
in at the other.

In cases where there is already an upper orifice with sinuses, the
surgeon (if he does not lay the place entirely open with a knife, which,
if the sinuses are deep-seated, he will do) will insert the seton-needle
at such orifice, no incision with the scissors being necessary, the
direction of the sinuses having been first ascertained by the careful
use of the probe. The dressing to be applied to the tape will be either
chloride of zinc lotion, Venice turpentine, or tincture of arnica lotion
(_see_ “Lotions”), according as the healing or discharging process may
be desired, the first being the healing application. Farriers attempting
this operation will even now adopt an old and most objectionable practice
of tying the two ends of the seton-tape together, and turning it round at
each fresh dressing; the consequence being that, if anything happen to
catch in the loop thus made, the whole piece of skin may be dragged out.

LOTIONS, PURGES, BLISTERS, &c.

AS A RULE, ALL VOLATILE OILS OR TINCTURES SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED IN COLD
WATER, OR LIQUID.

_Strong Heeding Lotion._—Chloride of zinc, two scruples; water, one pint.

_Weaker, as for Sore Mouth, &c._—Chloride of zinc, one scruple; water,
one pint.

_To encourage Pus, and heal subsequently._—Tincture of arnica, one ounce;
water, one pint.

_To keep off Flies from Wounds or Bruises._—Apply a rag dipped in
solution of tar.

_Glycerine Lotion._—Glycerine, half pint; chloride of zinc, half ounce;
water, six quarts.

_To abate External Inflammation._—Vinegar, two ounces; Goulard lotion,
one ounce; water, two pints.

_Liniment for the Neck in Cold and Distemper, Sore Throat, &c._—One part
spirit of turpentine, two parts oil, mixed, or equal parts of each, and
rubbed in once or twice daily.

_Purges._—A mild purge is composed of—aloes, four drachms; extract of
gentian, two drachms.

_A very mild Laxative Drench._—Castor-oil, three ounces; linseed-oil, two
ounces; warm gruel, one pint—Mix.

Of linseed-oil alone the ordinary dose is one pint. If ineffectual, to be
repeated, with the addition of twenty drops of croton-oil.

_Alterative Ball_ (for surfeit and skin diseases).—Cream of tartar, half
drachm; nitre, two drachms; flowers of sulphur, half ounce—Mix in mass.

_External Absorbents._—Iodine ointment and tincture, Stevens’s
ointment,[35] water-dressing.

_Restoratives or Renovators—Drenches._—A quart of stout, morning or
evening; hay-tea, when mashes are refused; gruel properly prepared (page
161) and linseed mashes (page 22).

_Soothing Drench in Colic._—Sulphuric ether, one ounce; laudanum, one
ounce; linseed-oil, one pint.

_Astringent Drenches_ (for diabetes).—Diluted phosphoric acid, one ounce;
chilled water, one pint.

Or—Oak-bark, one ounce; alum, quarter ounce; camomile tea, one pint—Made
into a drench.

Feeding on old hay is generally effectual to check purging.

_Clysters_[36] (for diarrhœa, dysentery, or over-purgation).—Laudanum,
one ounce—Mixed in three pints warm thin starch, repeated every
half-hour, as long as necessary. (The above is soothing and _astringent_.)

(For inflammation of the bladder or kidneys.)—Injections of warm
linseed-tea constantly repeated.