UC-NRLF B 3 im 3QS [Y HORSE m mOGlDENt AND DISEASE A MANUAL PREPAFlicB FOB THE USE Qf BTUDENI'S OF THE T« AJ W I HQ SCWOOl. rO« FARRfERa AND i-iCRSeSHOERS EYTHS TRAINING SCHOOL INSTMCTORS ^ 9 ^p^ LIBRARY OF THE University of California. GfFT OF J^..-. s .a; .QSr^O-r. Class BIOLOGY OF THE ii UNIVERSITY V. OF CAL'FOH^Ji^ o ft O 01 a a < U ,<, , m-^^^^-^^rX^-*^ ^^' ^iLat^(L^^ THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. A MANUAL PREPARED FOR THE USE OF STUDENTS OF THE TRAINING SCHOOL FOR FARRIERS AND HORSESHOERS BY THE TRAINING SCHOOL INSTRUCTOFIS. SCHOOL OF APPLICATION FOR CAVALRY AND FIELD ARTILLERY, FORT RILEY, KANSAS. WASHINGTON : GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1906. ^k" /<M^lfr WAR DEPARTMENT, DOCI'MENT No. 274. Office ok Chif.f of Staff. > OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PREFACE. This marmal, as originally compiled by Alexander Plummer, D. V. S., veterinarian, Fourth Cavalry, and Richard H. Power, V. S., veterina- rian. Artillery Corps, was published in 1903. In this edition the work has been revised by the compilers, assisted by Charles H. Jewell, D. V. M., veterinarian. Thirteenth Cavalry, and Capt. Geo. H. Cameron, Fourth Cavalry, secretary. Matter from the companion text-book, " The Army Horseshoer," has been substituted in several places for that of the original. An original chapter on Trojiical Diseases, by Veterinarian Jewell, and manj- illustrations from photographs and drawings, have been added. Captain Cameron, in addition to his work on the revision of the text, made the original drawings and jirepared the others for reproduction. His valuable assistance is here acknowledged. The majority of the photographic work was done by First Lieut. S. B. Pearson, Ninth Cavalrj'. The arrangement of the text has been adapted to the course of prac- tical instruction, and the language, as far as possible, to study by men who, as a rule, have had limited educational advantages. School of Application for Cavalry and Field Artillery, Fort Riley, Kans., December 30, 1905. (3) CU-Berkeley AUTHORITIES C0:N^SULTED. BuKEAU OF Animal Industry : Special Report on Diseases of the Horse. Cadiot : A Treatise on Veterinary Therapeutics of the Domestic Animals. Chauveau : Comparative Anatomy of Domesticated Animals. Dun : Veterinary Medicines, Their Actions and Uses. Fleming : Operative Veterinary Surgery. Friedburgeb and Frohneh: Pathology and Therapeutics of the Domestic Animals. Law : Veterinary Medicine. LiAUTARD : Manual of Veterinary Surgery. Moller : Operative Veterinary Surgery. (Translation.) Neumann: Parasites and Parasitic Diseases of the Domesticated Animals. Quitman : Notes on Veterinary Medicine. Smith : Veterinary Hygiene. Smith : A Manual of Veterinary Physiology. Stbangeway : Veterinary Anatomj'. Williams : Principles and Practice of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. WiNSLOW : Materia Medica. Wyman : Diagnosis of Lameness in the Horse. (4) COXTENTS. Chapter I. — Conformation ami Points. Defects and Blemishes. 11. — Stable Management of the Sick and Injured. III. — Anatomy. IV. — Administration of Medicines. Weights and Measures. v.— Wounds, Sprains, Bruises, Abrasions, and Abscesses. VI. — BiSEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM AND INFLUENZA. VII. — Diseases of the Digestive, Urinary, Nervous, and Lym- phatic Systems. VIII.— Miscellaneous Diseases. IX. — Diseases of the Skin and Eye. X. — Diseases of the Feet. XI. — Diseases of Bone, and Detection of Lameness. XII. — Tropical Diseases. XIII. — Medicines, their Actions and Uses. (5) LIST OF ILLITSTEATIOKS. Frontispiece. — Attendance at oijeration. Plate I. — Points of the horse. II, — The horse in slings. III. — Skeleton of the horse. IV. — Muscles and tendons of the horse. V. — Resijiratory apparatus, VI. — Digestive apparatus. VII. — Circulatory apparatus. VIII. — Section of the eye. IX. — Section of the hoof and pastern. X. — Fig. 1, Curb. Fig. 2, Bursal enlargement. Fig.^ 3, Sprain of the flexor tendons (bowed tendons). Fig. 4, Line firing. Fig. 5, Capped hock. XI. — Fig. 1, Fistulous withers. Fig. 2, Poll evil. XII. — Characteristic symptoms of spasmodic colic. XIII. — Lj^mphangitis. XIV. — Purpura hemorrhagica. XV.— Farcy. XVI.— Tetanus. XVII.— Grease. XVIII. — Fig. ], Sidebone. Fig. 2, Eingbone. Fig. 3, Bone spavin. Fig. 4, Splint. XIX. — Surra : characteristic swellings. XX. — Surra parasite. XXI. — Chronic epizootic lymphangitis (tropical). (6) 'i>- i^ to 0 m o u 1/3 c3 •IH o o =: -^ fL, O fM f=^ PL| O l> 00 Cl ro CO oo ro c3 W CO ^ ;5 ^' ,£3 -43 S cd o H cc M O W ,2f q:: W CO 7". G Tt< <v CS ^ o o o O O T-H •* UO lO w 00 « o K ^N K HH w +-1 0) H .—4 1—* o o 0) u o 1 .s 'S o '3 o o 3 7. 1; o 73 ^^ O 'o 1— t o Ibow. ore arm. hestnut. a3 o a -S '3 -(J a;! s h5 Q H 0 E n ai Eh Ph H PH O o PM , , . . . , , e fO • • • , , , of tH T— 1 d to 00 CO 00 05 O T-l (M CO CO CO CO CO CO to N i-l (M 4^ to V A o ,— ? =+H 0; 0 > c .£3 c o r— X -^ ^ o =tH X > ^ •^ '■* 4— • ^ — ' 73 0; a; O X 0. 1 -+— p +2 0 ^' ci 1— t 3 to c3 ,i< o u <u u & Oj t; .— < r^ tH o be 0; -^ o cS o >> o cS o ^ o o r a 0) ^ p u 'y'~' <A P^ ;^ p=^ p^ p^ h^l o ^.'^ Ph S ^ ^ e" 1-5 ^ X^ P3 co' T)^' 1.0 d I- CO ci ^ T— 1 1-1 CO CO rH rH in 1-H r— ■ (7) THE AEMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. CHAPTER I. COXFORMATION AND POINTS- DEFECTS AND BLEMISHES. CONFORMATION AND POINTS. (Plate I.) The forehead shoiikl be broad and not bulijing:; the eyes full, clear, and prominent, with a mild expression, and not showing any of the white ; the muzzle not too large, as a coarse, large muzzle indicates ill breeding; the nostrils large and open; the face straight; and the lower jaw with ample width between the two sides, for the development and i^lay of the larynx (Adam's apple) and windpipe, and, in addition, to allow the head to be nicely bent on the neck. The ears should be of medium size, set well on the head and held erect. The parotid and submaxillary regions should be free from large glands and without any loose skin at the lower part of the throat. The neck should be of moderate length, clean, and not too narrow at a point just in rear of the throat; a short, thick neck does not allow of free movement from side to side, and a long, slim neck is apt to be too pliable. The point of the shoulder should be well developed. The point of the elbow should not be turned in, as the horse in that case is apt to turn his toes out ; the opposite conformation results in the condition called ''pigeontoed.'' The forearm should be long and muscular; the knee broad, and, when looked at from the front, nnich wider than the limb above and below but tapering oif backward to a comparati\ely thin edge. A bending of the knee backward is called a ''calf knee," and is very objectionable. The opposite condition is known as "knee sprung," The cannon should be of uniform size; if smaller just below the knee than elsewhere (a condition called "tied in"), weak- ness is to be expected. (9) 10 THE ARMY HOESE. The fetlock joint should be of good size and clean; the pas- terns of moderate length, and forming an angle of between 45 and 50 degrees with the ground or floor. The foot should be of moderate size; a flat foot or one too narrow at the heels is objectionable. The relative proportions of the shoulders and the exact shape desirable vary considerably in cavalry and artillery horses. Thus, when speed and activity are essential, as in the cavalry horse, the shoulder should be oblique (sloping), as this shape gives elasticity to the gait of the horse. For the artillery horse, working in harness, a more upright shoulder bears the pressure of the collar more evenly, and when the collar is at right angle to the traces, the horse exerts his strength to the greatest ad- vantage. The front line of the shoulder must be clearly marked; an irregular surface or excessive muscular develop- ment in the region marked A (Plate I) prevents a close fit of the collar. - The withers should not be thin and high, as this conforma- tion will allow the saddle to slip too far forward and the pommel will rest upon the withers. The bars of the saddle will be forced against the shoulder blades, causing irritation and inflammation, and preventing free motion of the shoulders; the constraint causes stumbling. On the other hand the with- ers should not be low or thick, as the saddle is then apt to pinch them. The breast and chest should be of moderate width and have considerable depth; the narrow chest indicates Aveakness, and the wide, heavy chest is suitable for heavy-draft horses only. The capacity of the lungs is marked by the size of the chest at the girth, but the stamina will depend upon the length of the back ribs. The barrel should not be broad back of the cinch, as it would cause the cinch to slip forward and chafe the body just back of the point of the elbow. The opposite conformation would allow the saddle and cinch to slip back- ward. The back should be short, with muscles well developed, and the upper lines of the back bending down a little behind the withers and then swelling out very gently to the junction of the loins, which can hardly be too broad and muscular. The last rib should be placed close to the point of the hip, as this is an indication of strength, and the horse is more easily kept in good condition than one having the opposite conformation. THE ARMY HORSE. 11 A slightly arched loin is essential to the power of carrying weight ; a much arched or "roach back" is almost sure to give uneasy action from its want of elasticity. The hips should be broad, smooth, and muscular. The quarter (thigh and buttock) and gaskin should be broad. The muscles of the two quarters should come close together, leaving no hollow below the anus; the widely separated con- formation is an indication of a want of constitution. The hock should be of good size, but clean and flat, and with a good clean point standing clear of the joint. The two hocks should stand well apart, but not enough to give the horse the appearance of being "bow-legged." "Cow-hocked," so called, is when the hocks stand close together and the hind feet wide apart, with the toes turned out. The cannon should be short, not tied in below the hock, and the line from the point of the hock to the back part of the fetlock should be straight. The fetlock Avhen bent forward is an indication of weakness known as "cocked ankle." The hind fetlocks, pasterns, and feet should correspond to those of the fore extremity, but the pasterns are usualh' more upright. The croup should slope slightly downward and be of moder- ate length; the dock large and muscular; the tail carried firmly and well away from the quarters. DEFECTS AND BLEMISHES. Defects and blemishes are those results of injuries (more or less severe) which show on the outside of the body. They are regarded as external diseases, and mav be classed as follov.s : 1. Diseases of bones. 2. Diseases of synovial membranes. 3. Diseases of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin. 4. Diseases of the foot. 1. Diseases of hones. Bone spavin. — Location : Lower and inner part of the hock joint. Splints. — Location: Usually appearing on the inner side of the upper third of the front cannon: occasionally found on the outer side of the upper third of the hind cannon. 12 THE AKMY HORSE. Sidehones (ossification of lateral cartilages). — Location: Sides of the foot just above the coronet. Ringhone. — Location: Between coronet and fetlock joint. 2. Diseases of synovial membranes. Bog spavin. — Location : Front part of hock joint. Thorough pin. — Location: Upper and back part of hock joint. Wind pu-^s (windgalls). — Location: On the sides of the tendons just above the fetlock joints. Other bursal enlargements (distended synovial sacs or pouches) may be found located on various parts of the legs, but no special name has been given to them. S. Diseases of the muscles^ tendons., ligaments., and skin. Poll evil. — Location : In the region of the poll. Fistulous withers. — Location : In the region of the withers. Sweeny (atrophy or wasting of the muscles). — Location: Usually in the shoulder or the hip. Broken knees. — Location: Front part of the kneejoint. Capped elbow. — Location : Point of the elbow. Capped hock. — Location : Point of the hock. Curb. — Location : Lower and back part of the hock. Sprung knees. — Location : Knees. Cocked ankles. — Location: Fetlock joints. Bowed tendons. — Location : Flexor tendons below the knee and hock. Breakdown. — Location : Sprain of the suspensory ligament. Saddle galls. — Location : On the saddle bed. Cinch galls. — Location : On the parts coming in contact with the cinch. Collar galls. — Location: On the parts coming in contact with the collar. Jf. Diseases of the foot. Thrush. — Location : Frog. Canker. — Location : Frog and sole. Chronic laminitis. — Location: Sensitive laminae. Corn. — Location : Between the wall and bar. Quarter crack. — Location: Quarters of the hoof. Quittor. — Location : Top of the coronet. Contracted heels. — Location : Heels. Toe cracks. — Location : At the toe of the hoof. CHAPTER II. STABLE MANAGEMENT OP THE SICK AND INJURED. CARE OF THE SICK. The sick horse should, if practicable, be immediately removed to a large, clean, light and well-ventilated box stall, free from drafts and located as far as possible from other horses. Clean bedding should be provided, and the stall kept free from manure and moisture. If such a stall can not be provided a double stall, with the kicking bar removed and ropes or bars placed across the front of it, will answer the purpose. If the patient is suffering from a febrile disease (fever) dur- ing the cold season of the year, paulins or horse covers can be hung up in such a manner as to serve as a protection from drafts, care being taken to allow sufficient air to enter this iui- provised box stall. Such patients must be clothed according to the season of the year, the blanket drawn well forward on the neck and fastened in front, the legs, after hand-rubbing, band- aged with red flannels. The bandages should be changed several times daily, and the legs thoroughly rubbed to stinui- late circulation. Horses with diseases of the nervous system require to be kept absolutely quiet, and must be removed as far as possible from all noise. It is preferable that only one man be allowed to attend to their Avants, as a change of attendants would very likely cause excitement and thus increase the severity of the disease. Animals suffering from debilitating diseases should be tempted with and fed any food that is rich in nourishuient and easily digested. It should be given only in such quantities as the animal Avill readily eat, and any portion left over should be at once removed, as food constantly placed before a sick animal will have a tendency to deprive it of all apj^etite. Food that is wet, such as bran mashes or steamed oats, will soon sour in warm weather and will get cold or may freeze during the winter; if eaten in these conditions it may cause diarrhea colic, etc. Feed boxes, water buckets, and all parts of the stall (13) 14 THE ARMY HORSE. must be kept clean and free from odor. The hay should be clean and bright, and only the best given to the sick animal. Pure water should be provided, and placed in such a position as to enable the animal to reach it without difficulty ; a sick horse will frequently rinse the lips and mouth with water if given the opportunity, even when not thirsty. The water should be changed as often as necessary during the day to insure a pure and fresh supply at all times. A horse suffering from colic requires sufficient space, well bedded, to prevent injuring himself by rolling during a spasm of pain. A man should be constantly in attendance, as there is danger that the animal may become cast and be unable to get up without assistance. Undigested matter being the exciting cause in almost all cases of colic, food should be withheld for about twelve hours after all pain has disappeared, and then given only in small quanti- ties during the next twenty-four hours, after which the ordi- nary ration may be resumed. A few swallows of pure water may be given at short intervals, but special care must be taken when the water is very cold. The pulse is the beating of the arteries, usually felt at the jaw (the submaxillary artery), and is an important guide in deter- mining the physical condition of the animal ; the normal pulsa- tions are about 40 per minute. The count is best taken by placing the fore or middle finger transversely on the artery. The slightest excitement, wdien the horse is sick, will cause an alteration in the pulse; therefore the animal should be ap- proached very quietly. A strong and full pulse is an indica- tion of health. In the first stages of fever the pulse is full and bounding, afterwards becoming small and weak. A very slow pulse denotes disease or injury of the brain or spinal cord. An im- perceptible pulse indicates the approach of death. At rest the healthly horse breathes from 13 to 15 times per minute. Difficulty in breathing is a prominent symptom of disease of the respiratory organs; it may also be observed in some cases of flatulent colic. Abdominal breathing is the res- piratory movement performed with the ribs fixed as much as possible, owing to pain or mechanical obstruction in the chest, and is a symptom of pleurisy and hydrothorax (water in the chest). THE ARMY HORSE. 15 Irregular breathing is that condition where there is a want of harmonious correspondence between the inspiratory and expira- tory movements, and is observed in the disease commonly known as '' broken wind " or " heaves." The inspiratory move- ment in this ati'ection is performed quickly and with jerky effort, while the expiratory movement is performed slowly and with a double action, more particularly of the abdominal muscles. Irregular breathing often becomes spasmodic or con- vulsive during the progress of the disease. The mean temperature of the horse in the internal part which is most easily accessible, the rectum, may be estimated at from 99° to 101° F. In very young animals the temperature is commonly about 101°, but in very old ones it has been known to be as low as 96° F. The temperature of the external parts of the body becomes lower according to their distance from the heart, and liable to much variation from the state of the sur- rounding atmosphere. The production of animal heat is due to certain chemical and vital changes which are continually taking place in the body; these changes consist in the absorption of oxygen by the capil- laries in the lungs, and the combination of that oxygen with the carbon and hydrogen derived (first) from the disintegra- tion of animal tissues and (second) from certain elements of the food which have not been converted into tissue. This combination with oxygen, or oxidation, not only takes place in the blood, which may be looked upon as a fluid tissue, but in the tissue cells also, in all parts of the body, the animal heat being maintained by the natural changes which are essen- tial to a healthy condition. As previously stated, oxygen is absorbed from the air by the capillaries of the lungs in respiration (breathing). Expired air is found to have lost about 10 per cent of tlie oxygen contained in pure air, and to have accumulated a like amount of a combination of carbon and oxygen, called carbonic acid gas. If we imagine the animal breathing and rebreathing the same air, it can be seen that the oxygen, so necessary for the purification of the blood, would soon diminish to a dangerous degree. Hence, we realize the importance of a large supply of air to draw on and the necessity of good ventilation. At each inspiration the horse draws about 250 cubic inches of air into the lungs, and he therefore requires about 2 cubic feet per minute, or 120 per hour. It is customary, in building ordinary 16 THE ARMY HOKSE. stables, to allow 1,600 cubic feet of air space (over twelve hours' supply) for each animal, and to provide means of admitting fresh air without causing drafts. In infirmary stables the allowance is increased to 1,900 cubic feet. Without good air the blood is imperfectly purified, the vitality of the animal is lessened, he is more susceptible to disease, and will succumb more easily when attacked; conse- quently, horses should never be kept in the vicinity of a marsh, the air from which contains an excess of carbonic acid gas and a diminished supply of the necessary oxygen. CARE or THE INJURED. If the horse is seriously injured and stands with difficulty, he should be placed in slings (Plate II.) to partially support the weight of the body. The slings must be properly adjusted, fit- ting closely behind the elbows in such a manner as to support the weight of the body on the chest and not on the abdomen. This position is maintained by the use of the breast piece and breeching, which prevent the shifting of the sling. A single stall, having a level floor, free from bedding, is more suitable than one allowing more motion to the animal. If the horse is but slightly injured, there is no necessity of placing him in slings. An ordinary stall with a level floor is all that is required. After the injury has been dressed he should be allowed to stand without being disturbed. If very lame, and movement is painful, the more quiet he is kept the more quickly Avill recovery take place. Absolute rest and perfect quietude are two very essential things, and when secured they will hasten the process of recovery without inflicting unnecessary pain upon the animal. In some surgical cases it is necessary to restrain the animal so that he can not injure himself by rubbing or biting the affected parts. This can be accomplished by tying up the head, by the application of side lines, or by the use of the cradle. Bandages may be applied to the legs of horses for three different purposes: First, to give support to the blood vessels and synovial bursa?; second, as a vehicle for applying cold lotions ; and third, for drying and warming the legs. WATER SUPPLY. However harmless impure water may have been to animals in a wild state, the more we subject them to an artificial exist- 10 bo a 9) O ® THE ARMY HORSE. 17 ence the more we remove them from the immunity they may have possessed against common causes of disease and the greater liability is there for the development of diseases which originally may never have existed. In other words, the domesticated animal should always have pure water; when the vitalit}'^ is further reduced by sickness the necessity of absolute purity is even more imperative. 20844 2 CHAPTER III. ANATOMY. Anatomy is a description of the structures that make up the body. THE SKELETON. * (Plate ni.) The skeleton is the framework for the support of the softer structures, and is composed of 216 bones (exckisive of the teeth) of various sizes and forms. Fl'At bones, such as the skull, ribs and scapula, are found covering vital organs ; long bones are found principally in the extremities, for the support of the body. The spinal column is composed of bones of very irregular shape, which are divided into five groups according to their location, and are known as vertebne. Commencing at the back of the head, the first seven are called the cervical vertebra^, or bones of the neck; of these the first is called atlas, the second axis; the next eighteen are called the dorsal vertebrae, forming the main part of the back; the next six, the lumhar vertebrse, form the loins ; the croup or sacrum is composed of five bones, which in the adult animal are united together as one bone; and following this are found the coccijigeal or tail bones, num- bering from thirteen to twenty. All vertebra have irregular projections of varying length, called spinous processes; these are named, according to location, dorsal, cervical, etc.; the third to sixth dorsal spinous processes (often called dorsal spines) are very long and form the Avithers. The ribs are eighteen on each side, attached above to the dorsal vertebrae and below, the first eight (true ribs) by cartilage to the sternum or breastbone; the remaining ten, known as false or floating ribs, are attached by cartilage to one another and indirectly to the sternum ; they form the walls of the chest and serve as a protection for the heart, lungs, and large blood vessels. (1. O O o o (D r— I M m s ^ u u O O V O C .2 be r- 'S^ "t^ ^ o ■p. V c3 ►q ;^ cc o p M o ID +3 ■Jl a; !■ o . be a "" cs bo U d el 3 O o +^ o D .£ -c -^ 0 -^ - •—5 CO M '^ o X3 I- CS P - S Q O t- ?! -h CO o '-I N ■r-^ W w - cc "Z M - O r^ K U 0. W ^ ^ W : ; — ►ti ^ a; CO c o (U . o ^ S o = o .'" o O •" I 5 5 'S . .^' X cj i- C-i 5J > v. <ll V^ T. •-< <0 C 02 O C P^ C-( bx CO o be D o 0; O 43 '-C -^ 0/ a; C o o G B cS y c o Cg ^ o y o 1' ■J. bjj x bo X o 0) c o 8 :t i rJ cS C +^ 5r '- S c •jc -^ ;^ '-^i O'ft^X!-.:^;-'-;:-,^; u u <v o > ■f. T3 C y o o y t. B •- ^ o (V 0) ./ cS o a; jD y '"^ O f^ o s 43 y ^ - a o -t: o y — S rf -'■ 5 - ^ u - ^ > C -t^ X ^ '— CL, r. „ - _ _ g be 'X - X -_ r. - - r: B CS -^ 'S. _? "^i aa :»■ C;. :i; t, (19) 20 THE ARMY HORSE. The skull, containing cavities (or chambers), is composed of irregularly shaped flat bones, the most important of Avhich is the cranium, or brainpan, occupied by the brain and communi- cating with the bony canal (containing the spinal cord), which passes through the center of the cervical, dorsal, lumbar, sacral, and sometimes the first two or three coccygeal vertebrae. The orbital cavities (containing the eyes) communicate with the brain by narrow passages, through one of which the optic nerve passes. On each side, below the eye, are two closed cavities known as the superior (upper) and inferior (lower) maxillary sinuses,' in the lower third of the skull are found the nasal chambers extending from the nostrils backward to the pharynx, and sep- arated by a thin partition of bone and cartilage, called the septum nasi; the floor of these chambers forms the roof of the mouth. From the orbital cavities the skull gradually becomes narrower and terminates a short distance below the nostrils in the premaxilla, which contains the six upper incisor teeth; these six, with the corresponding teeth in the lower jaw, form the anterior (front) boundarv of the mouth, which extends back to the pharynx. On the upper portion of the back of the mouth cavity are found six molar or grinder teeth on each side ; that portion of the jaw between them and the incisors is called the interdental space. Situated on each side near the incisor teeth in this space are found, in the male, and rarely in the female, the tushes or canine teeth. The inferior maxilla or lower jaw is composed of two seg- ments firmly united in front and spreading backward some- what in the form of a letter Y. Each branch, at the end, turns upward and is united to the skull proper in a movable joint. The branches of the jaw include a space appropriately called the maxillary space. Located in the united or front part of this bone are the inferior incisors and canine teeth, and, in the branches, the inferior molars, which correspond to those of the upper jaw. The space between the molars and incisors is the same as that in the upper jaw. The front leg is composed of the following bones, named in order from above downward: Scapula, shoulder blade; hu- merus^ bone of the arm ; radius, bone of the forearm, and ulna, bone of the elbow (radius and ulna are united in one bone) ; carpus, knee bones (seven small bones) ; large metacarpal, can- non bone; two small metacarpals, splint bones (the three nieta- THE ARMY HORSE. 21 carpal bones are joined together, forming the metacarpus) ; two sesamoids^ pulley bones; os sujfraginh^ upper pastern bone ; os corona'^ lower pastern bone ; os pedis, coffin bone, and OS navicularis, shuttle bone. The scapula is extended by means of a thin plate of gristle, called the cartilage of prolongation, Avhich offers additional attachment for the muscles of the body. The pelvis is composed of two segments. In each segment are three united,, irregularly shaped, flat bones, namely, ilium, ischium, and pubis (haunch bones). The ischium and pubis bones are also united in pairs, forming the floor of the pelvic cavity occupied by the bladder and rectum. The two ilium bones or branches are triangular in shape. The outer angle in each case is the point of the hip. The two inner angles are close to each other, and together form the point of the croup. Just below this point each branch is attached to the sacrum by ligaments. The hind leg is composed of the following bones: Femur, thigh bone; tibia, leg bone; p'bida, accessory leg bone; patella, stifle bone; tarsus, hock (made up of six small bones, named calcaneum, asti^agalus, cuneiform Tnagnum, medium, parvum, and cuboid) ; large metatarsal, cannon bone; two small meta- tarsals, splint bones. Below the cannon, the bones have the same name as in the fore leg. JOINTS. A joint is a movable union between two or more bones; the bones are separated b}' a soft elastic substance, which varies in structure with the amount of motion. Covering the adjacent surfaces in the joint is a thin and very smooth layer of a pecu- liar kind of cartilage called articular cartilage. A lubricating fluid, synovia, joint oil, is required to reduce the amount of friction ; this fluid is secreted or formed by the synovial mem- brane and the latter is confined and protected by the capsular ligament which completely surrounds the joint. The joints of the fore leg are as follows: Shoidder joint, formed by the loAver end of the scapula and the head of the humerus; elbow joint, by the radius, ulna, and humerus; knee- joint, by the radius, seven small bones (carpals), and the upper end of the metacarpals; fetlock joint, by the large caunon, up- per pastern bone, and the two sesamoids; pastern joint, by the upper and lower pastern l)ones; co-ffin joint, by the lower pastern, coffin bone, and shuttle bone. 22 THE ARMY HORSE. The following joints make up the articulation of the hind leg : 11 ip joint, formed by the socket of the pelvis and the head of the femur; stifle joint, by the lower end of the femur, head of the tibia, and the patella ; hock joint, by the lower end of the tibia, six small bones (tarsals), and the upper ends of the metatarsals. The fetlock, pastern, and coffin joints correspond to those of the fore limb. LIGAMENTS. Ligaments are, generally speaking, strong bands of white fibrous inelastic tissue. Their principal use is to firmly bind joints together, thereby preventing vibration and diminishing friction. The suspensory ligament should be carefully studied on ac- count of the numerous accidents to which it is liable. It is a long, strong band of fibrous tissue originating in the back part of the lower bones of the knee and in the upper part of the cannon bone; it occupies the space between the splint bones and passes down immediately behind the cannon bone, lying between it and the tendon (sinew) of the fiexor pedis perfor- ans; it bifurcates (divides into two) opposite the lower third of the cannon bone and becomes attached to the sesamoids, whence the parts pass forward and downward, joining the tendon of the extensor pedis just above the pastern joint. It is thin afld comparatively weak near the knee, but as it approaches the fetlock joint it almost equals the back tendons in substance, and its size and wiriness to the touch may be taken as some test of the powder of any particular leg to resist a breakdown. The suspensory ligament of the hind leg corresponds in every particular to that of the fore leg. The calcaneo-cuboid ligament stretches from the posterior (back) border of the calcaneum to the posterior part of the cuboid, ending on the head of the external (outer) splint bone. A sprain of this ligament is known as a '-'"curb."' Capsular ligaments, as we have seen, are pouch-shaped, are found around joints, and are intended to protect the lubricating apparatus inside. Some ligaments are made up almost entirely of yellow tissue, which is elastic. The ligamentum nuchas, neck ligament, is an important example. It occupies the space in front of the dorsal spines, above the cervical vertebrae, and is attached to THE AKMY HORSE. 23 the top of the skull. In this position it separates the neck muscles of the right side front those of the left. The object of elasticity in this ligament is to permit of great freedom in the motion of the head, although supporting its great weight in proper position. MUSCLES AXD TENDONS. (I'lato IV.) The nniscles are divided into voluntary and involuntary mus- cles; the former being under the direct control of the will, as, for example, the muscles of the neck, legs, tail, etc.; and the latter acting independently of the animal's will, as, for ex- ample, the heart, intestinal muscles, etc. The muscles form about one-half of the entire weight of the body. AVith regard to their form they are divided into long, wide, and short. Long muscles are generally found in the limbs; wide muscles are stretched beneath the skin or around the great cavities of the trunk, and short nuiscles are found chiefly around the irregularly shaped bones. Tendons are white, round or flattened cords affixed to the extremities of long muscles, attaching them to other structures, but themselves neither stretching nor contracting. All leg muscles are long muscles. Extensors are those that have the power of straightening the limb ; fcxors^ of bending the limb. The extensor pedis is the principal extensor of the fore leg; it orighiates at the lower extremity of the humerus, and its fleshy portion continues to the lower third of the radias; at this point it becomes tendinous, and, passing down over the knee, continues along the front of the leg and becomes attached to the upper and front part of the os pedis. Action, to extend the leg. The extensor sufraginis has its origin from the external head and outer border of the radius and from the side of the ulna; it is inserted (attached) to the upper and front part of the OS sufl'raginis. Action, to extend the foot. The extensor metacarjJi magnus has its origin from the lower and external surface of the humerus, passes down the front of the radius and kneejoint, and is attached to the upper end of the large metacarpal l)one. Action, to extend the metacarpus. The -flexor hrachii has its origin from the lower end of the 24 THE ARMY HORSE. scapula, near the shoulder joint, and passes down in front of that joint and the humerus and becomes attached to the upper front part of the radius. Action, to flex the elbow joint and extend the shoulder. The fexor 'pedis perforatus originates from the inner and lower part of the humerus; it passes down the back part of the leg, becoming tendinous just above the carpus; below the pas- tern it l>ifurcates, forming a ring for the passage of the tendon of the perforans and becomes attached to the sides of the os corona?. Action, to bend or flex the knee, fetlock, and pastern. The'_^ea?o/' pedis perforans originates with the perforatus; its fleshy jjortion passes down and is attached to the back part of the radius; its tendinous portion, beginning at the knee, passes down the leg between the cannon bone and the tendon of the perforatus, over the back of the fetlock, through the arch formed by the division of the tendon of the perforatus, and is attached to the under surface of the os pedis. Action, to flex the knee and all joints below. The extensor pedis of the hind leg originates from the lower and front part of the femur; its fleshy portion extends down- ward along the front surface of the tibia to the hock, wdiere it becomes tendinous; passing thence down the front of the leg it is attached in the same manner as the extensor pedis of the front leg. Action, to extend the leg and flex the hock. The peroneus has its origin from the external ligament of the stifle and from the outer part of the fibula, and is inserted to the tendon of the extensor pedis a short distance below the hock. Action, to assist the extensor pedis. The tendon of the peroneus is cut in the operation for string halt. The -flexor metatarsi is divided into two portions — a muscular and a tendinous. The tendinous part is a strong pearl-white cord, situated between the muscular portion and the extensor pedis. It commences at the lower extremity of the femur, and terminates in two branches — a large one inserted in front of the upper extremity of the cannon bone and a small one devia- ting outward to reach the front surface of the cuboid hone. The fleshy portion originates on the front face of the tibia and is inserted by two tendons, one in the head of the large meta- tarsal bone, the other in the small cuneiform on the inner side of the hock. Action, to flex the hock. Eh CM ID ■P 0 0 to 02 M O W W w ti bo • cS X X CO '5 g G O 73 c o o s o ■fac d o ^ ? a. =4- t^ *s 2 g g cS 0; 1^ to a. u u IL, ^ a- r- 4j <u a: r- t4 Xi o O o f:^ 'Jl r^ ^ & P G o p y; M U2 ;h P O ;-i ^. a; ^ to G o C c c o OJ ^4 o o C O y^ OJ qj 0) -l-i -P ;/; X 0 X (U OJ £ a: 0; Qj ri +3 S K w f^ C E S Ph fil w cc l-H ^ OJ -— \ -«-» w. ' O E ^ r^-\ 0) r— a> H C ^ < m W 1-1 O CO tJ ^ . 1^ 0 -a a CO G O C 0/ CO C o G O fl <u -p -(-3 X ^ •^ ^ s r- rH G 0; C tyi 0; u Ph .2S s 5 -P to OJ O c 0^ o CO 'S "^ Fh 3 Ph V. o ^ -P -p •J. G 1/ 2j o bij ^H %^ r^ .'-^ g rt i^ t/2 (—^ Ph X ^ o c r-- ^ ♦— 1 »— H , , •Jl Fh y. c 1/ G 4i; c h2 r- HJ C +3 P > c3 -p r-i o ^ ,G X ;^ 5 C^ t-H o 03 i-:i ^ s s cc U -w H o CO P 1-1 I-! e -a « tJ "^ fe -= -^ ^ — (25) 26 THE AKMY HOKSE. The -flexor pedis perforatus of the hind leg originates at the back and lower part of the femur. Its fleshy portion extends about halfway down the tibia, then becomes tendinous, and passes over the point of the hock, continues down the back of the leg, and is attached in the same manner as the perforatus of the front leg. Action, to extend the hock and .to flex the fetlock and pastern. The gastrocnemius externus has a double origin at the lower and back part of the femur and is inserted to the joint of the hock. At the back part of the leg the tendon of this muscle becomes closely associated with the tendon of the flexor pedis perforatus, the two forming the tendon of Achilles^ or havi- strhu/. The flexor pedis perforans of the hind leg originates at the upper and back portion of the tibia. Above the hock it becomes tendinous and passing down over the inner and back side of the hock is attached to the os pedis in the same manner as the l^crforans of the front limb. Action, to extend the hock and to flex the joints below. Wide muscles are attached to other structures by broad bands of strong white tissue instead of by tendons. The pannieulus carnosns (fly shaker) is a wide flat muscle situated on the inner surface of the skin and coA'ering most of the neck, sides of the chest, and belly. Action, to shake the skin. The principal muscles of the back, loins, and haunches are the Imigissimus dorsi, gluteus externus, gluteus maximus, and gluteus internus. The longissimus dorsi is situated on the upper part of the back and loins, and is the largest and most powerful muscle in the body, occuj^ying the S2iace on either side of the dorsal and lumbar spines. Is broad and fleshy at its origin in the loins and becomes narrower as it proceeds forward. It is attached to the front part of the pelvis (ilium), first two bones of the sacrum, all of the lumbar and dorsal A^ertebrte, the external surface of the last fifteen or sixteen ribs, and to the last three or four cervical vertebrae. Action : It is brought powerfully into play in kicking or rearing; it elevates the hind or fore quarters, according as the fore or hind limbs are on the ground. Acting on one side only, it bends the back and loins laterally. Eh 03 a a 0 o o bxi - a; +3 o o =R o c3 U o .2 O o 'C o c Ph < N CO Tf lO »o O I- c» p- p- < pi c M CO CL, CO 3 -fl « C o h ^ +s . 43 ■± bn !< ^ '^ 3 r— t 1; O -H" ->J •"^ u t^ C r— & '^ O 4-> ^ > f^ 4; Q B c X ^ O ce yf p o -S -d , v< +i cf be ^ eS o 0^ 3 >-. X 0; o 2 ■J. fee u Txj o c3 o is rt & ^ X 0; ra ^ H 1— 1 w r K cc Pi CO '^ >^ O t- X C". c ^^ (27) 28 THE ARMY HOUSE. Gluteus externus is a V-shaped muscle situated on the upper and outer part of the haunch. It originates on the front part of the ilium and at the second and third sacral spines. Inser- tion, to the upper and outer part of the femur. Action, to draw the thigh outward. Gluteus maximus is a very large muscle, originating in the lumbar region; it is attached to the ilium and sacrum and is inserted on the upper and outer portion of the femur. Action, to extend the femur on the pelvis, and when the posterior limbs are fixed, to assist in rearing. Gluteus internus is situated underneath the gluteus maximus and above the hip joint. It originates from the shaft (lower angle) of the ilium and is inserted by a tendon to the upper part of the femur. Action, to draw the leg outward and rotate it inward. THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. (Plate V.) The organs of respiration are the nostrils, nasal chambers, pharynx^ larynx, tracTiea^ hronchi, bronchial tubes, and air cells. All of these organs, except the air cells, are lined with a soft tissue called fnucous membrane ; where organs open to the external surface the mucous membrane and the skin are con- tinuous. The nostrils are two oblong openings (right and left) situated in the front part of the muzzle. The nasal chambers extend from the nostrils to the pharynx and are separated from each other by the cartilaginous septum nasi; each chamber is divided by the turhinated hone into three pas- sages, all lined with a delicate rose-colored mucous membrane, called the Schneiderian memhrane, wdiich is continuous with, the skin of the nostrils. The pharynx is a muscular, membranous cavity, common to the digestive and respiratory canals, somewhat cylindrical in form, and extending back to the larynx and the esophar/us. The larynx is a complex musculo-cartilaginous valve, situated at the front part of the trachea or windpipe. It gives passage to air and at the same time is the organ of voice. The front extremity opens into the pharynx and the posterior into the trachea ; it lies in the back part of the maxillary space and is commonly known as "Adam's apple." The trachea, or windpipe, is a cylindrical, flexible tube con- sisting of a series of incomplete cartilaginous rings, numbering THE ARMY HORSE. 29 from forty to fifty, accordino; to the length of the neck. It succeeds the hirynx, runs down the neck, enters the thorax or chest, and terminates at the base of the heart where it branches into the right and left hj-07ichi, which enter the lungs and sub- divide into branches termed bronchial tubes. These, becoming gradually smaller as they divide, finally terminate in air cells. The entire ramification, when isolated, has the appearance of a tree, the trachea being the trunk, the bronchi and bronchial tubes the branches, and the air cells the leaves. These struc- tures are accompanied throughout by arteries, veins, and nerves. The thorax, or chest, is formed by the ribs, sternum, the bodies of the dorsal vertebra% the muscles between the ribs (intercostal), and the diaphragm. It contains the lungs, heart, large blood vessels, the trachea, esophagus, and a number of nerves. The thorax is lined by two serous ?nembranes, the right and left pleura, each pleura lining one-half the thorax and enveloping the structures contained therein. A serous mem- brane is a thin glistening structure and lines a closed cavity. The lungs, the essential organs of respiration, are light, spongy organs of a conical shape, situated in the thoracic cavity. (Healthy lungs float in water.) The (Iiaphragi7i or midriff is the muscular partition which separates the thorax from the abdominal cavity or belly. DIGESTIVE ORGANS. (Plate VI.) The digestive organs consist of the mouth, pharynx, esopha- gus, stomach, intestines, and anus, all lined with nmcous mem- brane. Together they form the alimentary canal through which the alimentary matter (food) is subjected to the special actions which adapt it to the purpose of nutrition. The mouth is an irregular cavity, containing the organs of taste and the instruments of mastication (chewing or grind- ing) . It is situated between the jaws, its long diameter follow- ing that of the head, and is pierced by two openings — the an- terior, for the introduction of food, and the posterior, through which the food passes into the i)harynx. It is bounded in front by the lips and laterally by the cheeks; the roof is formed by the hard palate; the floor is occupied by the tongue, while the rear boundary is the soft palate. The nmcous membrane covers the whole free surface of the mouth and its accessories except the teeth. The lips are the organs of touch as well as 30 THE ARMY HORSE. of prehension (picking up). The soft palate is a curtain sus- pended between the mouth and the pharynx, attached above to the palatine arch (the back part of the hard pahite) ; the lower border is free and rests on the floor of the pharynx. Owing to the great size of this curtain, the horse is unable to breathe through his mouth. The tongue is a movable muscular organ, situated on the floor of the mouth between the branches of the lower jaw. It is the special organ of taste and at the same time assists in masti- cation. The pharynx has been previously described. The esophagus^ or gullet, is a muscular tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach. The stomach is a pear-shaped organ situated in the abdomi- nal cavity, close to the diaphragm. Its internal, or mucous, coat is divided into right and left portions, the left is the cutic- ular portion and is continuous with the mucous membrane of the esophagus, which it resembles in structure and appearance, being of a pale white color. The right portion, the villous, or true digestive coat, is reddish in color, soft, very vascular (filled with blood vessels) and velvety looking; it contains the peptic glands which secrete gastric juice. The capacity of the stomach of the horse (from 3 to 3^ gal- lons) is small in proportion to his size. The intestines are divided into large and small. The small intestines are continuous with the stomach, rather more than an inch in diameter and about 72 feet in length. The large intes- tines, measuring about 22 feet in length, extend from the termi- nation of the small intestines to the anus, and may be regarded as consisting of four parts, the ccecuni^ great colon., floating colon.) and the rectum. The membranous lining of the intestines is covered Avith small i^rojections called villi ^ which absorb the nourishing parts of the food. The villi are more numerous in the small intestines than in the large. The intestines are supported throughout their entire length by strong bands of fibrous tissue (the mesentery) extending from the backbone. The anus is the posterior opening of the alimentary canal and lies below the root of the tail. It forms a round pro- jection, which becomes less prominent with age. a) +j (d u cS a a 0 > 0] ID be 3 m 0) n o 5 ce 3 I 6 ^ U CC [if 0^ r-i • r-4 " 3 0) c aj K <j5 I-:] ^1 OS OrHiMr^-^ioo!-- M P H <J W <1 ^ Ph > Ph <D <t3 -♦-a W b <D K* O ^ O) H ^^ OQ W O «^ -p •^ • a O V ce u w X -4^ 0) =fH • aj Sh ^ •2 g a; 3 t-H ^H ',< bXD _r^ 3* o • C C3 t^ ^ o ■"* 7. ^ ^ rt h^ r^Ci^"*''''CICX)C5 (31) 32 THE ARMY HORSE. The liver is the largest secreting organ in the body, weighing from 10 to 12 pounds. It is situated inimediateh^ behind the diaphragm and in front of the stomach. The liver secretes a fluid called bile or gall which is emptied directly into the small intestines, as the horse is not provided with a gall bladder. The pancreas (sweetl>read) is situated behind the stomach and in front of the kidneys. It is of reddish cream color, and weighs about 17 ounces. Its function is to secrete pancreatic fluid, which is poured into the small intestine. The spleen is situated on the left side of the stomach. It is pointed at the lower end and gradually widens as it extends up to the region of the left kidney. The spleen is of a reddish- gray color and in the healthy horse weighs from 2 to 4 pounds; in disease, however, it may reach an enormous size. The function of the spleen is not positively known, but it is believed that this organ effects some change in the blood, many authorities claiming that it forms the white blood corpuscles (see ''Blood"). The abdominal cavity is a large, somewhat oval cavity, bounded above by the muscles of the back, below by the abdomi- nal muscles, and in front by the diaphragm ; behind it is con- tinuous with the pelvic cavity. The cavity is lined through- out by a serous membrane called the peritoneum. PHYSIOLOGY OF DIGESTION. By physiology is meant a description of the functions or uses of certain structures. The physiology of digestion de- scribes the functions of parts of the digestive apparatus. Food, as it passes through the digestive or alimentary canal, is subjected to a series of mechanical and chemical agencies, by which it is, in greater or less part, digested and worked up to a condition in which it can be absorbed by the appropriate vessels, and, while this portion is taken up by the circulation, the effete (worthless) remainder passes on and is discharged. The food, taken into the mouth by the lips, is masticated (the mechanical first step) and is mixed with saliva. Saliva, secreted by the salivary glands in different parts of the head, acts chemically upon the starchy components (parts) of the food and converts them into sugar, which is more readily ab- sorbed. This second step is called insalivation. THE AILAIY HORSE. 33 The next step, deglutition or sAvallowing, is mechanically performed by the tongue, pharynx, and esophagus. When the foo<l iH'aches the stomach it is subjected to the next step, maeeratiox. a nieclianical rolling, mixing, and soaking with the gastric juice. During maceration the gastric juice acts chemically upon other components {nitrogenous parts), rendering them absorbable. Food in the condition in which it leayes the stomach is called chyme. In the small intestines the yilli take up the absorbable parts already prepared, and the remaining nourishing parts are im- mediately subjected to the chemical action of the bile and pan- creatic fluid. Chyme, acted upon by these juices, becomes chyle. Passing through the great length of the small intestines, nearly all of the nourishing parts of the chyle are absorbed, and the residue (remainder) enters the caecum, Ayhich is the water reser- yoir. (AVater remains in the stomach of the horse only a short time and then passes promptly through the small intestines into the ca?cum.) The residue, soaked in water, giyes up, in its passage through to the rectum, the small amount of nutritiye matter that has not preyiously been absorbed. By means of muscular cross ridffes in the floating colon the effete material is mechanically molded into pellets of dung, which are stored in the rectum, whence they are ejected, at interyals, through the anus. The ejection is called defecation. lUIXARY SYSTEM. (Plate VI.) The organs of this system secrete effete material in the form of a watery fluid, called urine, and expel it from the body. They are the kidneys., ureters, bladder, and urethra. The kidneys are two in number, right and left, situated on either side of the spine, immediately below the lumbar yerte- bne. Their action is to secrete the urine from the blood by a process of filtering. Each kidney has a tube or duct, called the ureter, which carries the urine to the storage reseryoir, the Madder. This nniscular organ, by contraction, discharges the urine, at intervals, through a tube called the urctJirn. which ex- tends to the head of the penis. The normal amount of urine secreted in twenty-four hours and expelled through the penis yaries from 3 to G quarts. The color in health is yellowish. 20844 3 34 THE ARMY HORSE. CIRCULATION. (Plate VII.) The organs which convey the blood throughout the body are the hearty arteries^ capillaries^ and oeins. The heart is a hollow organ, made iq) of involuntary muscles; it is situated between the lungs, in the thoracic cavity, and averages about 6| pounds in weight. It is divided into two parts, right and left, separated by a muscular wall. Each part contains two cavities, one above the other, th« upper called the auricle and the lower the ventricle. The cavities are connected by openings, which are guarded by valves to prevent a back flow of the blood. Ai'teries are hollow structures or tubes, conveying the blood away from the heart, and vei7is are similar structures, bringing it back to the heart. The walls of the tubes are thicker in arteries than in veins. Veins have valves; arteries have none. Veins as well as arteries branch off and diminish in size as they extend from the heart. The smallest arteries are connected with the smallest veins by minute vessels called capillaries., which are to be found in the tissue throughout the body. They are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Blood. The blood is a fluid which is the medium by which nutritive material is conveyed to the solid tissues. It is an opaque, thickish, clammy fluid, with a peculiar odor and sickly, saline (salty) taste. Its color varies in different parts of the same animal, that in the arteries being a bright red or scarlet, while that in the veins is a dark purple. Blood is composed of red blood corpuscles, or cells, and white blood corpuscles, floating in a watery liquid called serum., which contains the nutrient material absorbed by digestion, and certain salts. The red cells convey the oxygen, and their jjresence in countless numbers gives the bright-red color to the fluid. The Avhite corpuscles act as a protection to all parts of the body in case of disease or injury; they assist in the repair of injured tissue and destroy or check invading germs. Blood cells can be seen only with the aid of the microscope. ^ OF THE UNIVERSITY OF J EH ft := ft :, >> I o 2 o u 3 8; < C O o a; c3 a; o C 0) -^ (3 o 0^ ^ +3 ^ r~i O +^ o ^ ^ «tH ^ +-* X >. 1>^ J. Ah o3 D P T^ -♦^ f-> cS • r-4 ,^, c > • o +3 • r-H 0 a; o .5 03 03 c3 ^. o3 c3 K! ^ ^ c > r^ S o3 4^ 03 ^ '? V ^ O • l-t U (U 03 o C 03 o p .2 -p 13 o .2 S X X o3 X C be O • i-t +3 o ^ u t- O X s C Z P-' a ^ « W p: Ph r^T ^H s^ Ph P> 1-3 <J ,H ^ iH CJ N CJ W N W Ol rO OO CO ~»^ !« :: 0 • 0 ^ , • _« ^ ri ^ 0 0; u x' >; ^ /- 5 ;^ x r^ u I f— 'p.^. V o >■ 5 -+^ -^ ^ C -4 ■'^ ^, c3 t^ -^ +- Tc 0 03 0 'B ^ ^ -^ 0) -p j_ -X ^ - ' rf rt ^ r- ^ — ^ ."" c^ ■■^^ ^-' ^-^ .4.J C c 0 ^ 'Z •^ '" "" , ■+-J rt S S ^ ^ z ^ E 11^ ?; 'bii 0; a. 1; — — — ^ — ~ — 0 •-r* M M ^~ »~ . „*»* ," ■; »- *'J» — /-> »-H ^H h-^ ~: '"^ ^ ' ' f^ "] (3o) 36 THE ARMY HORSE. Circuit of the Blood. The heart, from the action of its invohmtary muscles, may be likened to a force pump. The blood from the veins, venous or impure blood, entering the right auricle of the heart, is pumped into the right ventricle and thence through the pulmonary artery (lung artery) into the lungs. In the lungs the pulmonary artery branches into small arteries and then into capillaries which surround the air cells. Here the blood gives olf carbonic acid gas and receives its purifying supply of oxygen. The purified blood passes from the capillaries into the small veins, which unite in the pulmo- nary veins leading back to the left auricle. The arterial, pure, or bright-red blood is tlien pumped into the left ventricle and thence into the arteries, small arteries, and capillaries. In these last vessels it gives up the oxygen supply to the tissues and receives the impure carbonic acid gas, which causes it to change color. The dark impure blood is then collected through the small veins into the larger veins and thence into the right auricle from which it started. This round or circuit, Avhich is constantly going on, gives rise to the name circulation. It has been stated that arteries convey the blood away from the heart and that veins return it. In supplying the body, arteries carry pure blood and veins carry impure blood. 'Wlien, how^ever, the impure blood is sent to the lungs for purification, it is conveyed in an arter}^ and the pure blood returns in a vein. These two important exceptions must be carefully noted. Arterial Ramification. The large artery given off from the left ventricle of the heart is the common aorta., which passes upward and forward for 2 or 3 inches and divides into the anterior aorta and the posterior aorta., supplying, respectively, the fore and hind portions of the bod3\ The anterior aorta is very short (1 or 2 inches), passes upward and forward under the trachea and between the lungs, and divides into the right and left brachial arteries., each sup- plying blood to one of the fore limbs and its neighboring muscles. The right hradiial artery gives off a large branch, called the common cartoid. There is no corresponding branch of the left THE ARMY HORSE. . 37 brachial. The common carotid is short and immediately divides into two branches, right and left carotids^ which pass 1113 the neck, at first under the trachea and then on either side; they follow the trachea to the throat, where they divide into branches, supplying the head. The brachial arteries continue toward the front part of the thorax, winding around the first ribs, and divide into branches, supplying- the fore limbs. The main branch of each is here named the liiuneral artery. The humeral artery descends along the inner side of the humerus and just above the elbow joint, divides into the anterior and posterior radial arteries. The anterior radial descends over the front surface of the elbow joint, passes down in front of the radius, and approaches the knee below the extensor pedis muscle, where it divides into numerous branches, su^jplying blood to the surrounding tissues. The posterior radial is a continuation of the humeral artery, passing down the inner side of the fore leg, inclining back and dividing at the lower end of the radius into the large and small metacarpal artenes. The small metacarpal passes outward from the inner and back part of the knee and, running downward, supplies nour- ishment to the surrounding tissues. The large metacarpal is a continuation of the posterior radial. It runs down the back of the knee, in company with the flexor tendon; above the fetlock it passes between the tendon and the suspensory ligament, dividing into the external and internal digital arteries, which supply the foot. The study of the digital arteries will be taken up later, when the student has a more extended knowledge of the bones and of the elastic and sensitive structures of the foot. We will noAv return to the posterior aorta. The posterior aorta is larger and longer than the anterior. It begins at about the level of the fourth dorsal vertebra, ])asses upward and back- ward, and reaches the left side of the spine just below the sixth or seventh dorsal vertebra. It then passes straight back into the alxlominal cavity and terminates in the lumbar region below the last luuihar \('rt('I)r;i. During its passage to this point it gives off branches to the muscles of the ribs, to the lungs for their nourishment, to the abdominal organs, and to the muscles of the loins. Below the last lumbar vertebra it divide 38 THE AKMY HORSE. into four branches, the right and left external and internal Hides, which suppl}' blood to the hind extremities. The internal iliaes are short thick trunks which soon break up into several branches to the muscles of the hind quarters. The external iliaes, with their continuations, are the main arteries of the hind legs. Each, as previously stated, begins below the last lumbar vertebra, curves obliquely outward and downward, giving off branches, and, near the head of the femur, receives the name of femoral artery. The femoral artery is the arter}^ of the thigh. Just above the back of the stifle joint it divides into two branches, the anterior and posterior tibial, the latter supplying the back part of the gaskin and hock with nourishment, while the former winds forward between the tibia and fibula to the fore part of the leg, gaining it midway between the stifle and the hock. At the hock it passes obliquely outward, crossing the joint, and becomes the (/)'eat metatarsal artery at the upper and outer part of the metatarsus. The great metatarsal passes under the small splint bone and gains the back part of the cannon, then, passing down the leg, it divides just below the fork of the suspensory liga- ment into two branches, the external and internal digitals, which will be studied later. The involuntary muscles of the heart receive their blood sup- ply from two small arteries, right and left coronary, which branch off at the beginning of the common aorta. Veins. Veins are usually found accompanying the arteries of the body and bearing similar names; there are several important exceptions, three of which will be here noted, namely, the anterior vena cava, jugular, and posterior vena cava. The anterior vena cava is the large, short vein, formed by numerous branches, returning the blood from the head, the neck, the fore leg, and part of the chest. It is located in the front part of the thorax, below the trachea, and between the right and left pleurae, and empties into the right auricle. The jugular veins (right and left) are the largest branches of the anterior vena cava and collect the blood from the head and neigh])oring parts. Just below and back of the lower jaw they approach the carotid arteries and run down the neck in their company. Each jugular is outside of the corresponding THE ARMY HORSE. 39 carotid and the two are separated by a thin muscle. • The jugu- hir veins in their descent folloAV grooves at the side of the neck (juguhir furrows), and at first are close to the surface and easily felt ; they soon take a deeper course, running boueath tlie panniculus carnosus muscle. They enter the front part of the thorax, where they empty into the anterior vena cava just in front of the heart. The posterior veiut card is tlie main vein returning the blood from the hind parts and from the abdominal and pelvic organs. It corresponds to the posterior aorta, which, as has been seen, is the main artery carrying the blood to these parts. This vein is formed at the front part of the pelvis and runs forward under the lumbar vertebra, accompanying the posterior aorta, which is at its left. AMien it reaches the upper border of the liver it inclines downward and passes through a notch or fis- sure of that organ. Thence it passes through the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity ; here it follows a groove on the upper surface of the right lung and then enters the right auricle of the heart. The important veijis of the foot will be discussed later. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. The lymphatic or absorbent system resembles the system of blood veins with Avhich it is connected. The main part of the system collects surplus h/mph (to be described later) and re- turns it to the blood; a smaller part has the same function, but. in addition, absorbs and collects chyle and adds it to the blood. A^Tien the blood in its circuit reaches the capillaries the serum oozes through their thin walls into the minute spaces in the surrounding tissues and there receives the name of hjmph. This colorless flind bathes and nourishes the tissues and takes up worn-out material. The spaces in the tissues assemble into minute, delicate, and transparent vessels (lymphatics), which are remarkable for their knotted appearance, due to numerous valves. The vessels join and increase in size, like veins, and through them flows the surplus lymph with its collected waste material. The vessels of the right fore extremity, the right side of the head. neck, and thorax, fonu tiibrs uniting in a main trunk. call('(l tlie riijltf h/iiiphdtic vein, which leads into tlie anterior vena cava ; the vessels from the remainder of the body unite in a trunk called the fhoracic duct, which begins in the lumbar 40 THE ARMY HORSE. region, passes forward beneath the hunbar and dorsal vertebrae, and empties into the anterior vena cava just in front of the heart. Each of the villi of the intestines contains a minute vessel called a lacteal, which absorbs chyle and receives its name from the lacteal or milky appearance of that fluid. These vessels of the smaller lymphatic system unite and form larger tubes which empty into the rece-ptaculnm chyli (chyle reservoir), which is a part of the thoracic duct of the larger system. It will thus bs seen that the lymph with its waste material and the chyle with its nutrient material are mixed and poured into the impure blood. The lymph and chyle are taken up into the serum and tlie waste material is thrown off from the circu- lating blood by the lungs, skin, and kidneys. Lymph, therefore, makes a circuit very much as blood does. To simplify the explanation of the system, the Ijanphatic glands have not been mentioned. Glands are organs the function of which is to separate cer- tain substances from the blood, which are either to be used in the animal's system or to be thrown off as waste material. The lymphatic glands are so placed that the lymphatic ves- sels pass through them in their course toward the main trunks. These glands act as filters and remove any infective material from the lymph and also supply lymph corpuscles, which are identical with the white corpuscles of the blood. '\^^ien the glands are situated near diseased structures, an amount of infected material lodges in the glands, greater than can be overcome by the lymph corpuscles, and, in consequence, inflammation and swelling of the glands result. ANATOMY OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. A nerve consists of a bundle of tubular fibers, held together by dense connective tissue; the nerve fibers form a conducting apparatus, to convey impulses of sensation and to transmit im- pulses of motion. The nervous system is divided into two minor systems, the cerebro-sj}inal, which is to a considerable extent influenced by the will of the animal, and the sympathetic^ which is not di- rectly influenced by the will. In the first the center is made up of two portions, the brain and the spinal cord. THE ARMY HORSE. 41 The brain is situated in the cranial cavity; the spinal cord is elongated and continuous with the brain and is situated in the canal of tlie vertebral cobinm. The connnunicating- portion of this system consists of the cerebro-spinal nerves, which leave the brain and spinal cord in synnnetrical pairs, and are distributed to the voluntary nuis- cles, to the organs of common sensation, and to those of special sense. The sympathetic system consists of a double chain of ganglia (small brains), extending from the head to the coccyx, along either side of the spine, and connected by nerve cords. The ffanirlia are also connected to branches of the cerebro-spinal nerves, thus uniting the two systems. The nerves of the sym- pathetic system are distributed to the involuntary muscles, mucous membranes, internal organs, and blood vessels. ANATOMY or THE EYE. (Pi;it(. vni.) The eye is the organ of sight and is situated in the orbital cavity. It is spherical in shape and is filled with fluid. The front portion, called the cornea^ is perfectly clear and admits PLATE VIII. Section of the eye. c, ConieH; e, eyelids; t\ lluiil; i, ins; I, cr.vstalliiie U-ii.--; c, uptic iicrvi-; ;>, pupil; r. n-tiiiii. the liglit to the l)ack part of the eye. where it strikes the retina, an expansion of the optic ncr>'c: through this nerve impres- sions are conveyed to the biain. Tiu- colored i)ortion or ?>/.?, situated behind the cornea, acts as a curtain, regulating the 42 THE ak:\iy house. amount of light admitted through the central opening, which is called the pupiJ. The crystalline lens is a small transparent body situated immediately behind the pupil ; it is thick in the center and tapers toward the edges. Its function is to draw the rays of light to a focus on the retina. When the lens is diseased and no light can i^ass through, the animal is said to have a cataract. The eyelids are two movable curtains, superior and inferior, which protect the eye. The memhrana nictltans^ or accessory eyelid (haw), is situated near the inner angle be- tween the lids and the eyeball. This membrane acts like a finger in the removal of foreign bodies from the eye. ANATOMY OF THE SKIN". The skin consists jDrimarily of two parts: The outer, non- vascular layer, called the cuticle or epiderTnis^ and the deep vascular layer, called the corium, derTnis, or true skin. The epidermis is a scaly covering. The true skin or dermis lies immediately under the epidermis, is much thicker, and con- tains the roots of the hair, the sweat glands, and the sebaceous glands. Sweat glands are simple tubes extending from the deeper layers of the skin to the surface of the body and pouring out perspiration, which carries with it certain waste materials from the system. The evaporation of sweat cools the body and assists in regulating its temperature. Sebaceous glands secrete an oily fluid. On parts of the skin which are subjected to much friction these glands pour their oil directly upon the outer surface, as in the sheath, the back of the pastern joints, etc. Usually, however, the glands open into the hair follicles or sacs, and the oily secretion gives gloss to the hair, prevents it becoming dry and brittle, and keeps the surrounding skin soft and supple. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE FOOT. (Plate IX.) The horse's foot is composed of three parts, viz : The bony framework or skeleton, completed by certain elastic structures of cartilage and fat ; the layer of highly sensitive flesh (quick), which covers the framework ; and, the box or case of horn, called the hoof, which incloses and protects the above-men- tioned structures. "v* ■> OFTHE UNIVERSITY OF Flexor pedis perforans Flexor pedis perroratus OS NAVICULARIS Plantar cushion ■■ Sensitive iroK--'' Horny frog-'' CANNON BONE Extensor pedis tendon OS SUFFRAGINIS Horny sole- OS CORONAE ^Coronary frog band Coronary band -OS PEDIS k---Wall Sensitive -^^^^ , laniioae •White line 'Sensitive sole PLATE IX. SECTION OF THE HOOF AND PASTERN. THE NOKRJS f£T£RS CO., WASH 1 f^CTOf^ , D- C THE Ainrv horse. 43 Bones of the foot. The bones of the pastern region aiul foot form a cohimn extending downward from the fetloeic into the hoof, and, as previously stated, are named as follows: Os sii-ffrdgitds (long pastern bone), os coroiuc (short pastern bone), os pedis (cotlin bone), and os navicidaris (shuttle bone). The OS suffraginis is about one-third as long as the cannon bone (the bone extending from the knee or hock to the fetlock) and reaches from the fetlock joint above to the pastern joint below; its superior extremity shows a shallow cavity on each side, separated in the middle by a deep groove, and into this surface fits the lower end of the cannon bone. The inferior extremity is much smaller and narrower than the upper; on each side is a small convex surface, the two surfaces separated in the middle by a shallow groove. This extremity meets the ujDper end of the os coronse and forms the pastern joint. The OS coronce follows the direction of the os suffraginis downward and forward and lies betw^een the pastern and coffin joints, its lower end being Avithin the hoof. Its superior surface shows a shallow^ cavity on each side, with a ridge between them to fit the lower end of the os suffraginis. The lower surface of this bone shows a convex part on each side, separated by a groove, to fit the upper surface of the coffin bone in the coffin joint. The OS pedis is an irregular bone, situated within the hoof and is similar to it in shape. The anterior surface is known as the icaU surface; it shows a number of small openings, called foraniiiKi, for the passage of blood vessels and nerves, and is roughened to give attach- ment to the soft parts {sensitiee lamince) covering it. At the top of this surface, in front, is a ridge called the pgrnmidal process, to which is attached the extensor ])edis tendon. The lower surface, called the soJe, is half-moon-shaped, con- cave and smooth, and is covered by the sensitive sole. The upper sui"fac(> helps to form the coffin joint and is called the articular surface; it shows two shallow cavities, separated by a ridge. Just back of the articular surface is a small triangulai- sur- face to fit the navicular bone Ix'hind. Just back of the M)le i-- a rough sui-face. to which is attached the fiexor pedis perforans tendon; it is called the tctuIinoKs surface. 44 THE ARMY HORSE. On each side of this surface is a groove running forward and terminating in an opening, called the plantar foramen; an artery and a nerve enter the bone and a vein leaves it through this opening. On each side of the os pedis, extending backward, is a pro- longation, called the wing. Each wing is divided hy a notch and then by a groove, which runs forward on the outside of the bone ; an artery lies in the notch and groove. The OS naviculaTis is an irregular bone situated behind and below the os coronse and behind the os pedis, articulating with both bones. Its long axis is perpendicular to the axis of the foot. The extremities of the bone are attached to the wings of the OS pedis; the inferior surface is covered with cartilage, which forms a smooth surface for the movements of the tendon of the flexor pedis perforans muscle. Elastic structures of the foot. All of the parts of the foot, except the bones, are more or less elastic or " springy " and yield when pressure is applied; but certain parts have a very high degree of elasticity, their special use being to overcome the effects of concussion or jar when the foot strikes the ground and to prevent injury, and these parts are referred to as the elastic structures of the foot. They are the lateral cartilages and plantar cushion, or fatty frog, as it is sometimes called. The lateral cartilages are thin plates of cartilage, one at- tached to the top of each wing of the os pedis, and extending backward and upward so far that their upper borders may be felt under the skin above the coronet at the heels. The plantar cushion is a very elastic wedge-shaped pad, which fills up the space between the two lateral cartilages on the sides, the sensitive frog below, and the flexor pedis per- forans tendon above. The point or anterior part of the plantar cushion extends forward to the ridge which separates the sole from the tendin- ous surface of the os pedis. The base is covered by the skin above the heels. Sensitive structures of the foot. Over the bones and elastic structures of the foot is found a complete covering of very sensitive flesh, and from each part of THE Ar.MY HOUSE. 45 this covering some part of tlie hoof is secreted or formed. The divisions of this hiyer of flesh are called the sensitive parts or structures of the foot. They are the cot'Oiuinj hand^ sensitive lamince, sensitive sole^ sensitive frog^ and the coronary frog hand. The coronary hand is a rnick convex band of tough flesh, about i inch wide, and extends entirely around the top of the hoof from one bulb of the heel to the other; in front it is attached to the extensor pedis tendon, and on the sides to liga- ments of the coffin joint, to the lower end of the os coronse, and to the lateral cartilages. The surface of the coronary band is covered with small pointed projections or villi. The coronary l)and secretes or forms the principal part (middle layer) of the wall of the hoof. The sensitive laminae (fleshy leaves) cover and are firmly attached to the anterior or wall surface of the os pedis and to the lower part of the outer surface of the lateral cartilages. These delicate leaves of the flesh dovetail into the horny laminae and, with them, serve to fasten the wall of the hoof to the os pedis and to the lateral cartilages. The sensitive sole covers the sole surface of the os pedis, is covered with villi, and secretes the horny sole. The sensitive frog covers the lower face of the plantar cushion, and from its villi the horny frog is secreted. The coronary frog hand or perioplic ring is a narrow band of flesh running around just above the coronary band and sepa- rated from it by a faint groove. From the fine villi on the surface of this ring the delicate fibers grow which form the periople. The hoof. The box oT- case of horn, called the hoof, which incloses and protects the other structures of the foot, is divided into three parts — iraJJ., soJc, and frog. In a healthy foot these iiarts are solidly united. The in/// \> the [)arl seen when the foot is on the ground: it extends from the edge of the hair to the gi-oiind and is divided into the toe, quarters, hee/s. and /)(/r-s; it has an internal surfajce, an external surface, and an upper and a lower border. The toe is the I'lont part of the wall. It is steeper in the hind foot than in the fore. The quarters extend backward from the toe to the heels. The heel or buttress is that part of 46 THE ARMY HORSE. the Avail where it bends inward and forward, and the har is the division of the Avail running from the heel to Avithin about 1 inch of the point or apex of the frog. It lies between the horny sole and the frog. The external surface of the Avail is coA^ered by a thin varnish- like coat of fine horn, called the 'pertoj)le. The internal surface of the Avail is coA^ered by from 500 to 000 thin plates or leaves of horn, called the horny lamina. Between the horny laminae, Avliich run parallel to each other and in a direction dowuAvard and forward, there are fissures into which doAetail the sensitive lamina^ and this union, as previously stated, binds the Avail of the hoof to the os pedis and lateral cartilages. The upper border of the Avail shows a deep groove (coronary groove) into which fits the coronary band. The loAver border is called the ''bearing edge" (or "spread" in the unshod foot) and is the part to Avhich the shoe is fitted. The liovny soleis a thick plate of horn, someAvhat half-moon- shaped, and has tAvo surfaces and two borders. The upper surface is couA^ex (round cr bulging upward) and is in union with the sensitive sole from Avhich the horny sole grows. The loAver surface is concave or hollowed out and is covered with scales or crusts of dead horn, which gradually loosen and fall off. The outer border of the sole joins the inner part of the loAver border of the Avail by means of a ring of soft horn, called the white line. This mark or line is sometimes called the guide line, as it shoAvs Avhere the nail should be started in shoeing. The inner border is a V-shaped notch and is in union Avith the bars, except at its narrow part Avhere it joins the frog. The horny sole protects the sensitive sole and does not, in a healthy foot, bear Aveight, except a A^ery narrow border at the Avhite line, an eighth or tenth of an inch in width. * The hor7uj frog is the Avedge-shaped mass of horn filling up the triangular space betAveen the bars. The loAver face shoAvs two prominent ridges, separated behind by a caA'ity, called the cleft, and joining in front at the apex or point of the frog; these ridges terminate behind in the bulbs of the frog. Be- tween the sides of the frog and the bars are two cavities, called the commissures. The upper surface of the horny frog is the exact rcA'erse of the lower and shows in the middle a ridge of horn, called the frog stay, which assists in forming a firm THE ARMY HORSE. 47 union betAveen the horny and sensitive frog. The horny i'rog serves to break the jar or concussion by acthig- as a cushion or pad: it protects the sensitive frog and prevents the foot from slipping. Structure of horn. The horn of the hoof presents a fibrous appearance and con- sists of very fine horn fibers or tubes, simihir to hairs, running dowuAvard and forward and held together by a cementing sul)- stance. The horn fibers of wall, sole, and frog all run in the same direction, downward and forward, the only difference being that those of the frog are much finer and softer and run in wavy lines, whereas the fil)ers of wall and sole are straight. The horn fibers grow from the small villi, which cover the surfaces of the coronary band, sensitive sole, and sensitive frog. Circulation of hJood tltrouyJi tlie foot. In previous study of the arteries we have seen that the large metaearpaJ of the fore leg and the great metatarsal of the hind leg each divides just above the fetlock into two branches. These branches are called the external and internal digital arteries, one on the inner and one on the outer side of the fetlock joint. They follow tlu' borders of the flexor tendons downward and terminate inside of the wings of the os pedis. Each of the internal and external digital arteries gives olf fi\-e branches — the perpendicular., transverse., artery of the frog, pr( plantar ungual, and plantar ungual. The perpendicular artery is given olf at right angles about the middle of the os suffraginis, descends on the side of the pastern, bends forward and joins with the artery of the same name from the opposite side and forms the suj)erficial coronary arrh. From this arch branches descend to the coronary band. The transverse artery comes off under the upper border of the lateral cartilage, runs forward, and joins its fellow from the opposite side between the extensor pedis tendon and the os corona'. The deep coronary arrh is the name given to this an'anL''ement of tlie arteries, and branches from this arch also supply the coronary band. The artery of the frog rises behind the pastern joint at the upper border of the lateral cartilage. It has two branches — a posterior, which runs back and su^jdies the bulb of the heel. 48 THE AiniY HORSE. and an anterior, which runs forward and downward through the phuitar cushion and supplies the sensitive frog. The pre plantar ungual artery is giA^en oti' inside the wing of the OS pedis, passes through the prephmtar notch, and runs forward along the preplantar groove on the side of the bone. It helps supply the sensitive laminsc with blood and sends some small branches into the bone to join branches from other arteries. The j^lciniar ungual artery is the terminal or last branch of the digital artery (is a continuation of that artery) and enters the OS pedis at the plantar foramen. The two plantar ungual arteries run forward within the bone and unite to form the circulus arteriosus. From this circle spring ascending and descending branches. The ascend- ing liranches, called the anterior laminal arteries, leave the bone through t'lie small openings (foramina) and supply the sensitive lamina- in front. The descending branches, called the inferior eo7nmunieating arteries, are about fourteen in number and emerge from the bone by the openings just above its lower edge ; they unite to form a large trunk, running around the toe of the os pedis, called the circumflex artery, and this artery gives off ascending and descending branches. The ascending branches pass into the sensitive lamina^ and the descending branches, called the solar arteries, numbering about fourteen, run backAvard through the sensitive sole to form a second circle, called the inferior circumflex artery. The veins of the foot are arranged in networks, each network or plexus named from the parts in which it is located. The solar plexus is found running all through the sensitive sole. The laminal plexus runs through and under the sensitive lamina. The coronary plexus surrounds the os corona and upper part of the os pedis, just under the coronary band. The veins of the frog are those found in the plantar cushion and sensitive frog; the interosseous veins form a network within the os pedis. The veins of the foot all unite above to form a large trunk, called the digital vein, which runs along the digital artery and carries the blood back toward the heart. The veins of the foot are valveless below the middle of the pastern, an arrangement which allows the blood to flow in either direction when pressure is applied and thus prevents injury. THE AKMY IIOKSE. 49 Nerves of the foot. The nerves of the foot supply feeling: or the sense of touch to the parts. The large nerve cortl on either side of the limb divides at the fetlock joint into three branches, called the dijiital nerves— the anterior, the posterior, and the middle. The anterior digital nerve passes downward and foi-ward and supplies the anterior or front part of the foot. The jiosterior digital nerve, the largest of the three, passes down behind the digital artery to supply the structures in the posterior part of the foot. It gives off a branch which passes through the notch in the wing of the os pedis (in company with the preplantar ungual artery) to supply some of the sensitive lamime; it also sends branches into the os pedis with the plantar ungual artery. The middle branch is very small, is said to always join the anterior l)ranch. and supplies the sensitive sole and fetlock pad. The functions of most of the parts of the foot have been mentioned in passing, but there are some points in connection with the physiology of the foot which need to be explained more in detail. Exjmnsion and contraction. When weight comes upon the leg. the os pedis descends slightly and causes the sole to d^'scend and flatten. The plantar cushion and horny frog are compressed between the ground below and the structures above: this compression causes them to spread out sidewise, carrying outward the lati'ral cartilages and bars and the wall at the quarters. This is called expansion. When weight is removed from the leg. the plantar cushion becomes thicker and narrower, and the lateral cartilages and quarters move inward to where they were before expanding. This is called contniction. The elastic lateral cartilage is mei-ely a ilexible extension of the Aving of the os pedis and would appear to have been specially designed for expansion and contraction at the ([uarters. It is also to be noted that the bars arc a i)rovi>ion for this >anic purpose, since expansion and contraction could not take place if the wall formed a solid unbroken ring around the hoof. In addition to breaking the jar when the foot comes to the LH-ound. the jdantar cushion has anothei- important use. It 50 THE ARMY HORSE. assists in the circulation of the blood through the veins of the foot. When weight is placed upon the foot the pressure on the plantar cushion forces the blood upward through the veins; then, when the foot is lifted and the pressure is removed from the horny frog and plantar cushion, the veins of the frog again fill with blood, and this pumping action is repeated with each step. Proof of this statement is seen when a digital vein is cut, by accident or in experiment. If the horse is walked, a jet of blood spurts out each time he puts the foot to the ground ; but if he is allowed to stand the blood flows in a stead}' stream from the vein. Great injury to the foot results from starting the horse off suddenly at a fast gait on a hard road after he has been standing for some time or when he first comes out of the stable. The circulation (just explained) and the structures of the foot should have time to gradually adapt themselves to the change from rest to severe work. Moisture. The wall of the healthy hoof, is, by weight, about one-fourth water, the sole more than one-third, and the frog almost one- half. This water is supplied by the blood and preserves the horn in a tough and elastic condition. The periople, which covers the wall, prevents the evaporation of water, and there- fore should never be rasped. As there is no similar covering for the sole and the frog, the layers of horn on their exposed surfaces dry out and die. The dead layers are hard and brittle, and gradually fall or flake off; but, as they preserve the mois- ture in the laj-ers of live horn beneath, they should not be removed in preparing the hoof for shoeing. Shoeing. Shoeing is a necessary evil, but by remembering the func- tions of the various parts of the foot the damage resulting may be limited to a comparatively small amount. The following rules may serve as a guide for the shoeing of healthy feet: 1. The wall being the weight bearer should be pared per- fectly level or the foot will be thrown out of its true position, causing extra strain on some of the ligaments. 2. Fit the shoe accurate^ to the outline of the foot ; do not alter the latter to fit the shoe. Rasping 'iway the exterior of THE AIIMY IIOKSE. 51 the crust to fit the slioe not only renders the horn hrittk^ but is so much loss of bearing surface. 3. The sole should not be touched with the knife; loose flakes niav be removed with a blunt instrument. ■1. The bars should not b;' cut away; they are a part of the wall and intended to carry weight. The shoe should rest on them. 5. The frog should not be cut, but left to attain its full growth. No frog can perform its functions unless on a level with the ground surface of the shoe. 6. The shoe should have a true and level bearing and rest well and firmly on the wall and bars. A i)lain light-weight shoe is the best — plain on both ground and foot surface. 7. TTigh nailing is injurious; do not use any more nails than are absolutely necessary, as the nails destroy the horn. CHAPTER IV. ADMINISTKATIOX OF MEDICINES— WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES. Medicines may enter the body through any of the following designated channels: First, by the moinh; second, by the lungs and upper air passages; third, by the skin; fourth, under the skin (hypodermically) ; fifth, by the rectum; and sixth, by intravenous injection. By the mouth. — Medicines can be given by the mouth in the form of powders, balls, and drenches. By the aw ;;«.s.srt<7e\s. — Medicines are administered to the lungs and upper air passages by inhalations and nasal douches. By the slin. — Care must be taken in applying some medi- cines over too large a portion of the body at any one time, as poisoning and death may follow from too rapid absorption throuffh the skin. For domestic animals medicines are to be applied to the skin for local purposes or diseases only. By the rectum. — Medicines may be given by the rectum when we can not give or have them retained bv the mouth ; when we want local action; to destroy the small worms infesting the large bowels; to stimulate the natural movement of the intes- tine and cause an evacuation; and to nourish the body. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. Boltd measure.* GO grains (g-r.) 1 dram(:). 8 drams - - 1 0111106(3). 16 ounces 1 pound (lb.). l/K/tlid llirdsiii-c. 60 minims (min.) 1 fluid dram (f. 3). 8 fluid drams - -— 1 fluid ounce (f, 3 ). 16 fluid ounces 1 pint (O.). 32 fluid ounces 1 quart (Oii.). 4 quarts 1 gallon (Ci.). * The difl'erence in weight between the apothecaries' ounce (480 grains) and the ounce avoirdupois (437.5 grains) is neglected in hand- ling veterinary or bulky medicines. (52) THE ar:my tiorse. 53 PRESCRIPTIONS. In wi'iting prescriptions ronum numerals are nsed instead of arabie (ordinary fiirures) and the numerals follow the symbols, thus: 3 vii for 7 drams; f : xii for 12 fluid drains, etc. FIELD EXPEDIENTS. In garrison, doses must be accurately measured by scales or graduates, according to the tables of dry or licjuid measure, but in the field the following roKf/h expedients may be used : Dry III ((is II re. 1 ounce of lead acetate. 3 ounce of zinc sulphate. 2 drams of a powder. 1 ounce of a salt. Ordnance tin cu]) I of a quart. Full day'.s ration of nieduim-\vei<>ht oats... 14 cups. Li<liii(I iiicdsiirc. A drop 1 minim. A teaspoonf ul 1 fluid dram. Atablespoonfid i fluid ounce. Tin cup 28 ounces = | of a quart. An Ordnance spoon. (Heaping f nil.) CHAPTER V. WOUNDS, SPRAINS, BRUISES, ABRASIONS, AND ABSCESSES. "WOUNDS AND THEIR TREATMENT. Wounds are classed as: Incised wounds^ or cuts; lacerated tvoimds, or tears; and punctured tvomids, or holes. A dressing is a local, periodically repeated treatment, pro- ducing a continued action, and often following the performance of an operation. It is the application upon the surface of the wound of healing substances, which, in some cases, are mechan- ically held in place by bandages, stitches, etc. Before applying a dressing the wound should be thoroughly cleansed and freed from blood, pus, the remains of previous dressing, and, in a word, of any foreign or other substances capable of becoming sources of irritation. This is best done with water, but the effect is frequently greatly improved by combining with it some of the antiseptics, such as carbolic acid, creolin, bichloride of mercury, etc. Antiseptics are remedies which prevent putrefaction, or rotting, and their combinations with water are called solutions. The solution may be applied by carefully passing a saturated ball of oakum over the surface of the wound, or it may be used more freely in larger ablutions (washings). Crusts or scabs, if present, may be removed with the scissors or scraped away with the knife, but the finger nails must never be used for such a purpose, for the practice is both filthy and dangerous. The wound is to be handled only when necessary; all needless handling irritates. If the wound is deep, it should be cleansed by syringing. The essential condition of cleanliness applies not only to the Avound but also to the materials used for dressings, and soiled cloths or bandages and dirty oakum must be rigorously re- jected; everything coming in contact with a wound must be absolutely clean, hands as well as instruments and dressings. In the treatment of all wounds cleanliness is of more impor- tance than medication, but the two in combination, when thoroughly and intelligently carried out, will leave no room for (54) THE ARMY HOUSE. DO the propagation and ravages of those germs that cause the formation of pus, and retard the healing process. The farrier, or the man who is to care for the injured animal, should have his hands thoroughly clean, and should procure in a clean can or bucket a solution of creolin or other antiseptic, and several clean pieces of cotton, gauze, or oakum. Sponges are cleaned with difficulty and should not be used. If hemorrhage (bleeding) is profuse tne first step is to arrest the flow of blood by ligating (tying) the blood vessel or vessels with a i^iece of silk, or if none is at hand, with a clean piece of string; if the blood vessels can not be tied, a thick pad made of cotton or of several layers of gauze or clean cloth, folded so as to cover the wound, and held firmly in place by one or more cotton l)andages, will chock the flow of blood. This arrange- ment, called a compress, should be left on until the hemorrhage ceases, and the wound treated as described later. In applying dressings (except compresses) unnecessary pres- rfjure should be avoided, especially on the soft tissues. Incised wounds. — If the injury is one that can be sutured (sewed) a needle and silk should be immersed in a solution of creolin — creolin 1 part, water 50 parts; the air around the wound should either be shaved or be clipped with a pair of shears, and the wound thoroughly cleansed by washing it with cotton saturated with the creolin solution : all dirt and hair must be removed, all ragged edges, if any, cut away, and the edges of the wound placed in contact with each other if possible and held in place by the aid of sutures, care being taken to allow free drainage: the wound should then be wiped dry with a fresh piece of cotton or gauze, and over the surface should be dusted some iodoform or acetanilid. If the location will per- mit, the wound should be covered with a pad of gauze or ab- sorbent cotton, and a cotton bandage wrapped around the parts to hold the pad in place. The wound should be dressed once or twice a day until the formation of pus ceases; Avhen the wound is dry, only the powder should be used. Lacerated icounds. — If the wound is a large one, with the skin and tissues so badly torn and lacerated as not to admit of the use of sutures, the torn and ragged edges (especially if the lower part of the wound hangs down) should be removed with the knife or scissors and the wound dressed as above directed. When the wound begins to granulate (fill with new tissue) care should be taken that the granulations are not allowed to 56 THE ARMY IIOKSE. grow out higher than the skin, causing the condition Knows as proud flesh. The treatment of proud flesh consists in the removal of the unheahhy tissue by the use of the knife or by the application of a red-hot iron; burnt alum or salicylic acid dusted upon the surface of the Avound will also destroy the unhealthy granules. Punctured ivounds. — Punctured wounds (except those around joints) should be explored Avith a probe to ascertain if any foreign bodies are in the channel; if so, they should be re- moved, and if necessary a dependent opening be made to allow perfect drainage. The parts should then be syringed out thoroughly with a solution of creolin. 1 to 50: carbolic acid, 1 to '20 or 30 ; or, bichloride of mercury, 1 to 1,000, and the out- side opening sprinkled wit|i iodoform. This treatment should be applied twice daily. Wounds of the lips, nostrils, and eyelids heal very rapidly ; if of several days' standing they should have their edges scraped and then be sutured, and iodoform or acetanilid dusted over the surface twice daily, .An excellent antiseptic solution for the treatment of wounds during fly time is made by dissolving 8 ounces of gum camphor in 3 ounces of carbolic acid. Apply with a clean swab several times daily. Punctured wounds around joints. Open joint is a wound situated on a joint and extending through the capsular ligament, allowing the joint oil to escape. Treatment. — Remove the hair and thoroughly clean the parts around the wound ; unless a foreign body is known to be lodged in it do not probe or explore, as the introduction of any instru- ment, even if thoroughly clean, will be the means of setting up considerable inflammation. Wash thoroughly with a solution of bichloride of mercury, 1 to 1,000; then sprinkle with iodo- form, and, if possible, bandage as before recommended ; sutures may be used, provided movement of the joint and tearing can be prevented. When the wound is not likely to heal quickly, or simple treatment has failed, a l)lister of biniodide of mercury 1 part, cosmoline 4 parts, may be applied, for the purpose of closing the opening, limiting motion, and relieving pain. CAUSE AND TREATMENT OF SPRAINS, , Sprains affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The fibers of which they are composed are severely stretched, sometimes PLATE X. Fig. 1 , Curb. Fig. 2, Bursal enlargement. Fig. 3, Sprain of the flexor tendons (bowed tendons I. Fig. 4, Line firing. Fig. 5, Capped hock. THE AIIMY HORSE. 57 torn in serious cases, causing intlanimation and subsequent con- traction, and, in case of muscles, atrophy or sweeny (wasting away). Strains of the //lascles. y Muscle strains occur in various parts of the trunk and limbs; thus, a horse may strain the neck nniscles, as a result of falling on the head ; the nniscles of the th)rsal region may be strained by the hind feet slipping backward. When a muscle is strained the injury is succeeded by pain, swelling, heat, and loss of function. An inflamed muscle can no longer contract; hence in some strains the symptoms resemble those of paralysis. Sprains oj the suspensory ligament and -flexor tendons. The fibrous structures situated behind the cannon bone, both in the front and hind legs, are often the seat of lacerations or sprains resulting from violent efforts or sudden jerks. The injury is easily recognized by the changed appearance of the parts (Plate X, Fig. 3), which become more or less swollen; the swelling usually extending from the knee down to the fet- lock and occasionally even farther. It is always characterized by heat and is variously sensitive, ranging from a mere tender- ness to a degree of soreness which shrinks from the lightest touch. The degree of lameness corresponds to the severity of the injury. Sprains of Tir/aments. The calcaneo-cuboid ligament, situated at the back part of the hock and uniting the calcaneum, the cuboid, and the ex- ternal splint bones, is frequently sprained. This condition is known as a "cwr^" (Plate X, Fig. 1). The various ligaments entering into the formation of joints are subject to sprains and injuries. This condition is indicated by lameness, accompanied by pain, heat, and swelling. The capsular ligament when sprained very often becomes weakened, resulting in distention of the synovial sac (Plate X, Fig. 2). Bursal enlargements receive different names, accord- ing to their location. B(><j spann is a characteristic bursal en- larcrement. It is found on the front and inner side of the hock joint and varies in size with the amount of distention of the capsular ligament. The trouble is usually caused by slipping. 58 THE ARMY HORSE. hard and fast work, irregular exercise, and high feeding. Draft animals, pulling heavy loads over rough or slippery ground, are particularly subject to this injury, which is also more commonly seen in young than in nuiture animals. The swelling can be readily detected ; under pressure it fluctuates ; heat may or may not be present ; lameness rarely results unless the injury be accompanied by complications, such as hone sparin or bony deposits. lii sprain of the stifle joint, the ligaments holding it in position are severely stretched, in some cases sprained or ruptured, and even dislocation of the patella may occur. In this trouble the patella is forced outward and thus makes the joint immovable, the leg being extended backward and the foot resting on the toe. If the animal is forced to move, he drags the leg, being unable to bring it forward in the natural manner on account of the dislocation. The bone is returned to place in the following manner: A rope having been placed about the pastern, the leg is steadily drawn forward by one or more assistants, while the operator stretches the patella forward and inward. "\\Tien the bone regains its proper position, the animal has proper control of his leg. Eeduce the inflammation promptly and blister as explained below. In case the patella persists in slipping out again, a rope should be fastened to the pastern and attached to the collar about the horse's neck; the rope should be drawn tight enough to prevent the horse extend- ing his leg to the rear, but allowing him to stand upon it; keep the rope on until the blister has worked. General treatment of sprains. — Perfect rest is absolutely necessary and must never be overlooked in the treatment of all sprains ; therefore the injured animal should be at once removed to a level stall where it can remain until complete recovery has taken place. Hot or cold applications should be applied to the injured parts. These applications should be in the form of fomentations (bathing), or bandages saturated with water. Flannel bandages must not be allowed to dry while in contact with the injured parts, as flannel applied wet, shrinks in drying, and will not only retard the reparative process, but cause un- necessary pain. Cold water is often materially assisted in accomplishing the desired results by the addition of acetate of lead or sulphate of zinc, witch-hazel, or nitrate of potash. A convenient solution is made as follows: Acetate of lead and sulphate of zinc, each 1 ounce; water, 1 quart; or, 1 pint of THE ARMY HORSE. 59 witch-hazel, 1 ounce of acetate of lead, and water enough to make 1 ([uart. If j^ain is very severe the following nun' be used : Tincture oi^ium, 4 ounces; acetate of lead, 2 ounces; water to make 1 (luart: this application is of more benefit when applied warm. All applications should be used several times daily. If, after the inflammation is reduced, the parts remain large and swollen, benefit will result from the application of tincture of iodine, well rubbed in, twice a day. If this treatment fails to restore the parts to their normal condition in a reasonable length of time, a blister should be applied. It is made as fol- lows: Cantharides (powdered) 1 part, cosmoline -1 to 5 parts; or, cantharides (powdered) 1 part, biniodide mercury 1 part, cosmoline 4 to 6 parts. Before applying either the blister or the iodine the hair should be clipped from the parts to which the medicine is to be applied. To obtain the best results from the blister it should be well rubbed in for at least fifteen minutes. The animal must be tied in such a manner that he can not reach the blistered part with his mouth ; the blister should be left on for a period of twenty-four to forty-eight hours; it must then be removed by washing with warm water and castile soap. After the blister has been removed the animal may l)e untied. The parts should be kept clean, free from scabs, and soft from the use of cosmoline, olive oil, or glycerin. Rest is necessary throughout the treatment, and even to test his soundness the animal should not be moved more than is necessary. If the disease does not yield to blisters, the parts must be fired. For this operation, two kinds of instruments are used: The therTno-cantery , which generates its own heat, and the more common form, the iron heated in the fire. Two methods of firing are in general use: Line firing, for diseases of the tendons, ligaments, etc. (Plate X, Fig. 4). and puncture firing, for diseases of the bone (Chapter XI). BRUISES. In the cavalry horse the most frequent bruises are saddle and cinch galls, and bruises of the withers. Certain horses suffer more than others, on account of the presence of old sores, scars, or scabs, or because of peculiarities in conformation. 60 THE ARMY ITORSE. The principal defects in conformation (previously noted) are: Abnormally high or abnormally low and thick withers; the keel-shaped breast, accompanied by flat ribs and light flanks, and the broad or bulging barrel. Old horses sometimes have the muscles in the saddle bed atro- phied, and are therefore more liable to contract saddle galls. All horses, whatever their conformation, are subject to saddle and cinch galls, produced mechanically by three causes: First, unequal distribution of weight; second, faults in saddling and cinching; third, poor riding. After a long ride, the blood vessels under the saddle and cinch are compressed and almost empty. If it is suspected that saddle or cinch galls may have been formed, it is advisable to leave the saddle on for a half hour to an hour after dismount- ing; the cinch should be loosened eery slightly. If pressure be suddenly and completely removed, blood is vigorously forced into the paralyzed vessels, and may rupture their walls. On the other hand, if the saddle is allowed to remain some time in position, circulation is gradually restored without injury. Treatment. — As soon as a swelling is noticed, application of cold in the form of pads kept saturated with cold w^ater and massage in the form of gentle stroking with the fingers wdll aid in the absorption of the fluids causing the swelling. Injuries to the withers require dift'erent treatment — cold applications without pressure and without massage, on account of the danger of the fluids burrowing. A solution made of the following is a very good application for bruises : Sugar of lead 2 ounces, laudanum 4 ounces, water to make 1 quart. To be applied several times daily. Or a poultice made of flaxseed meal, to which has been added an antiseptic, such as creolin, carbolic acid, etc. Bruises caused by kicks or running against an obstacle should be treated by applications of water, and if j^ainful, an anodyne (pain reducing) liniment. The following makes a good ano- dyne: Witch-hazel 2 parts, tincture opium 1 part, tincture aconite \ part, water 2 parts. Apply locally with the hand. Artillery horses are subject to the same injuries, produced by the saddle and cinch, as are cavalry horses, and, in addition, may be bruised about the neck and shoulders by the collar. If the collar has not broken or chafed the skin (see " Abrasions ") treat the bruises as previously directed. THE ARMY HORSE. 61 The ivhite lotion, composed of 1 ounce each of sugar of lead and sulphate of zinc, water 1 (juart, is a most excellent remedy for bruises and also for abraisons. Bruises of the sole and heel. These are quite frecjuent, and should be treated by hot or cold applications, accomi)lished by holding the foot in a tub or pail of water, or by incasing the foot in a hot flaxseed-meal poultice. Capped elhow — shoe ho'd. This is a bruise at the point of the elbow, and is caused by the horse lying on the heels of his shoe; to prevent further injury, place a large roll around the pastern at night, and apply tincture of iodine twice daily, until the swelling is removed. In case of great swelling and heat, apply hot and cold water, or the white lotion, until the heat disappears; then proceed as above. Capped Itock. (Plate X, Fig. 5.) Capped hock is a swelling, more or less soft, found on the point of the hock, and usually caused by kicking in the stall, or by bruising the parts during transportation by rail or sea. Tincture of iodine is a very good remedy for this injury. Only in extreme cases is it advisable to use the knife in the treatment of shoe boils and capped hock. As soon as the parts are opened pus rapidly forms, and the inflammation (infection by germs) may extend to the inner structures, causing a condi- tion that will not readily yield to treatment. Sitfast. Sitfasts are patches of dry, dead skin, and may involve the deeper tissues: they are caused by continuous pressure of the saddle, cinch, or collar, and may be situated on the side of the body, back, side of withers, shoulder, or neck. Treatment. — With the knife remove all dead and bruised tis- sue, stimulate the sore at the sides bv the use of lunar caustic. and treat as a eoninion wound. When there is no more forma- tion of pus, and the parts are perfectly dry, do not apply li(|uids. but use iodoform until well. 62 THE ARMY HORSE. Fistulous urithers. (Plate XI, Fig. 1.) Fistulous withers is an abscess (gathering) having a more or less chronic discharge of pus from one or more openings situ- ated in the immediate vicinitj^ of the withers; it may involve only the soft structures, or the bones may also be aifected; it is caused by a bruise, and generally, in the army, by a bruise from an ill-fitting saddle. Treatment. — Treat as explained under "Abscesses." If, after a reasonable length of time, results are not satisfactory^, a surgi- cal operation is necessary. Poll evil. (Plate XI, Fig. 2.) Poll evil is the result of a bruise on the poll. It is similar to fistulous withers, and should receive the same treatment. ABRASIONS. An abrasion, or chafe, is an inflammation of the skin, result- ing from friction. Parts of the equipment frequently wear away the hair and leave the skin raw and tender. Treatment. — One ounce of tannic acid in a pint of witch- hazel is especially valuable for collar chafes; zinc oxide as a dusting powder is effective and the white lotion is always bene- ficial. In emergencies, bathe the parts with cold water to which a little salt has been added. Rope hum. Rope burn is an abrasion, usually at the back of the pastern, and caused by the animal becoming entangled in the halter shank, picket line, or lariat. The injury ma}^ be simply a chafe of the superficial layer of the skin or it may involve the deeper structures. In the latter case it is of a serious nature and requires careful attention. Treatment. — If possible, give the animal complete rest. Clip the hair from the injured parts, at the same time removing any torn skin; wash with some good antiseptic, such as solution of creolin or carbolic acid, and apply a dusting powder, such as zinc oxide or iodoform, the former preferably. Apply a pad of clean cotton and secure with a cotton bandage; change the dressing daily. Should the parts be slow in healing, an occa- sional dressing of tincture of iodine is beneficial, and good re- PLATE XI. Fig. 1 , Fistulous withers. Fig. 2, Poll evil. OF THE ^^ UNIVERSITY OF THE ARMY HORSE, 63 suits are often obtained by alternating this with a dressing of olive oil 3 parts and creolin 2 parts. Should proud flesh ap- pear, the three sulphates (iron, copper, and zinc) may be used, or poAvdered copper sulphate alone. Use until the granules disap[)ear. AVhen the wound begins to heal nicely, it is better to dispense with the pad and bandage. ABSCESSES. An abscess is an unnatural collection, in the tissues, of fluids, such as pus or serum. It is the result of inflannnation caused by an injury or by the infection of pus germs. The swelling usually softens at some point, unless it be filled with serum, in which case it is soft and fluctuates at all points and lies directly beneath the skin. Soft, pull'y swellings in the neighborhood of joints and tendons should not be mistaken for abscesses, as they are usually bursal enlargements, filled with synovia and requiring ditferent treatment. (See "General treatment of sprains.") Treatment. — A pus abscess, if slow in development, should be poulticed until it softens at some part, where it can be opened by cutting through the skin ; then insert a blunt instrument through the Avail into the pus cavity, thus avoiding any danger of injury to blood vessels or other structures. When freely opened, the cavity should be flushed out tAvice dail}^ Avith some antiseptic solution, care being exercised to prevent the external wound from healing before the formation of pus has ceased. In every case provision must be made for free drainage at the lowest point. A serous abscess (one in Avhich Ave find the yelloAvish, Avatery, and often bloody serum) is treated as folloAvs: Clip the hair aAvay and wash the skin Avith an antiseptic; Avith an instru- ment that has been thoroughly disinfected make a small open- ing; after all fluid has escaped apply a blister of biniodide of mercury, 1 to 6, OA^er the outside of the area occupied by the original swelling. If it fills again, repeat the treatment. CHAPTER VI. DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM AND INFLUENZA. ACUTE NASAL CATARRH. Acute nasal catarrh (simple cold in the head) is usually caused by standing in a draft, and may be detected by the dis- charge from the nostrils. It is usually accompanied by a cough, loss of appetite, and elevation of temperature (fever). The discharo:e is at first of the consistencv of water, but mav in severe cases become much thicker, and form dry crusts on the edges of the nostrils. Treatment. — The mild form does not require treatment; it ends rapidly in a cure. In severe cases, fumigation (steaming) from a hot solution of creolin or carbolic acid (1 ounce to \ pail of hot water) constitutes an excellent local treatment. Give bran mashes, and administer twice daily \ ounce of saltpeter, or 2 drams of chloride of ammonia until the animal has recov- ered; the chloride of ammonia is best administered on the tongue. If the cough is frequent and the horse has difficulty in swallowing, the following liniment should be applied to the throat: Solution of ammonia 1 part, oil of turpentine 1 part, olive oil 2 parts. Apply twice daily. CHRONIC NASAL CATARRH. Chronic nasal catarrlv is usually an unfavorable termination of simple catarrh; or it may result from injur}^ and chronic inflammation of the nasal cavities; from tumors, parasites, abscesses, etc., in the nasal cavities; from diseases of the teeth; from chronic diseases of the respiratory (breathing) apparatus in general ; and from chronic constitutional diseases. Symptoms. — The discharge is quite thick and becomes glued to the sides of the nostrils; its color varies from a dirty white to a yellowish gray; it frequently has a fetid (foul) odor; the quantity varies; the discharge is usually from one nostril, but both may be affected; in cases of long standing small ulcers (sores) may occasionally be seen in the nostrils; they are superficial (on the surface), are defined by sharp edges that (64) THE AinrY HORSE. 65 are not thickened, and heal without leaving a scar. (The ulcer of glanders, which will be studied later, has edges shaped like saw teeth, and when healed leaves a jagged scar.) Treatment. — Is usually local and as follows: Fumigation with hot water, to which antisei)tics have been added (2 ounces of creolin or 2 ounces of carbolic acid to a half bucketful of water) ; the steaming to continue at least one-half hour twice daily. If no definite cause of the discharge can be found, good results may be obtained by administering 2 drams of powdered copper sulphate or the same amount of iron sulphate, in the food or in a ball. In most cases, when the discharge is from one nostril only, an operation is necessary to effect a cure. As the symptoms of this disease are so similar to glanders, the animal should be isolated. The utensils, such as buckets, forks, brooms, currycombs, blankets, etc.. should not be used about other horses. PHARYNGITIS AND LARYNGITIS SORE THROAT. Sore throat is an inflammation of the lining membrane im- mediately in the rear of the mouth and is caused by irritating bodies bruising the tissues, by sudden changes in the tempera- ture, and by infection. Symptoms. — Diminution of the appetite, cough, stiffness of the liead, soreness when pressure is applied to the throat, a con- siderable amount of mucus and saliva in the mouth, escaping in long, transparent threads. Swallowing of liquids is pain- ful: they are rejected through the nose and are often of a greenish color and contain quantities of food. Temperature may range from normal to 100° F., with difficulty in breathing. Treatment.— T\\(i sick animal should be separated from the healthy ones and placed in a comfortable box stall, free from drafts, but well ventilated, and should be given green food or very fine hay, steamed oats, bran, or gruel: fresh water should be left within reach. The lips and nostrils should be kept perfectly clean and the mouth washed frequently with fresh water. Cold compresses should be used if the parts are hot, tender, and painful. If an abscess is likely to form, poultices of linseed meal may be applied, and the abscess, when ready, should be opened, but never with a knife. Cut through the skin only and then insert a blunt instrument, or the finger, and allow the pus to escape. 20844 5 66 THE ARMY HORSE. If the animal breathes with great difficulty, manifested by making a loud, wheezing sound, an opening should be made in his windpipe and the edges of the opening held apart by inserting a suture in each side, tying the silk ends up over the neck; or, a tube may be inserted in the opening. This opera- tion is called tracheotomy . The sore-throat patient should never, he drenched. If the horse should cough Avhile taking medicine in this manner, the liquid might enter the lungs and cause pneumonia. Fever may be combatted by cold-water injections into the rectum, 1 to 2 gallons at a time. STRANGLES, COMMONLY CALLED "DISTEMPER." Strangles is an acute, infectious disease, and usually attacks young horses. Symptoms. — The disease begins Avith a high fever, ranging from 101° to 106° ; a discharge from the nose, at first watery, rapidly becoming thicker, and later assuming a whitish-gray or greenish-3'ellow color. The glands below the lower jaw become swollen, hot, and painful; loss of appetite, depression, great muscular weakness, and, occasionally, swelling of the hind legs follow. Sometimes a swelling may be found on some portion of the windpipe or other part of the body. Treatment. — Separate the sick animal from the healthy ones and j^lace him in a well-ventilated stall, free from drafts; clean the nostrils frequenth^ ; clothe the body according to the season of the A^ear; apply hot poultices to the abscess several times daily, and, as soon as pus is formed, open and wash twice daily. Give easily digested food, green fodder, roots, or slops made of bran or steamed oats, and to his drinking Avater add ^ ounce of saltpeter; do not drench, as the throat in many cases is sore. PNEUMONIA. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung structure, and usuall}^ runs a course of from seven to ten days. Causes. — Among the external causes of the disease are to be particularly mentioned excessiA^e exertion and cold ; also care- lessness in glAang a drench, particularly if the animal has a sore throat. Syrnptoms. — The first symptom is an intense fever accompa- nied b}' a chill ; the patient shoAvs great fatigue and muscular weakness; temperature ranges from 103° to 107°, the appetite THE ARMY HORSE. 67 is diminished, at times almost Avanting; the patient is con- stipated, breathing is rapid and diflicidt; the nostrils are much dilated, and expired air is warmer than usual; the ears and legs are cold. There is frequently a rusty red or riisty yellow discharge from the nose. The animal remains standing con- stantly, Avith the fore legs spread, or it may lie down for a short time only; a cough may or may not be present. Treatment. — Great care should be given to the diet; in order to keep up his strength, give any food that the animal will eat — steamed oats, carrots, or green grass if possible, gruel, etc. Place him in a well-ventilated box stall free from drafts, and clothe the body and legs according to the season of the year; warm blankets wrapped around the chest if the weather is not too hot will be of advantage. In warm weather, if flies are troublesome, a thin sheet made of gunny sacks should be placed upon the animal. Quinine sulphate 1 dram, gentian root 2 drams, makes a good tonic. It should be repeated three times daily. Cold injections into the rectum will reduce the fever. Alcohol, 4 to 5 ounces, and potassium nitrate, \ ounce, should be added to the drinking water. HEAVES. Heaves is a chronic disease of the lungs, manifested in a quick inspiration and a double expiration. Symptoms. — Cough of a chronic nature ; discharge from the nostrils after exertion ; characteristic breathing, as described above, which is aggravated by damp, muggy w^eather, and by dusty, coarse, and bulky fodder, such as clover hay or dirty oats. Climate has a marked influence; in high, dry altitudes, this trouble is unknown. Treatment. — Always water before feeding, and feed more grain and less hay. The food must be clean, should be moistened before feeding, and the bowels should be kept loosened by frequent bran mashes. Never exercise a horse with heaves just after feeding; if he must accompany the organization, feed him earlier than the others. INFLUENZA (piNK EYE.) Influenza is a contagious disease. It affects first the respira- tory tract, but also involves the nerve centers, circulatory system, the lining membranes of the intestines, and the eyes. 68 THE ARMY HORSE. Symptojns. — The first sj-mptoms are loss of appetite, depres- sion and weakness; the temperature rises rapidly to 105° or 107° in severe cases; the animal holds his head low and has a stupid look ; he staggers when walking, and the visible mucous membranes are of a 3'ellowish tinge. AA^ien the digestive organs are affected, colics (gripes) occur frequently. In the beginning, constipation is the rule and the dung is coated with a whitish-yellow, mucus layer; later diarrhea occurs and the dung is doughy, soft, or liquid. The eyelids are sometimes swollen shut and are hot and sensi- tive to the touch. The legs and sheath are sometimes swollen and the lower portion of the belly may be similarly affected. Treatment. — Isolate sick animals for their own comfort and the safety of healthy subjects, as influenza is usually a serious disease. Give quinine sulphate 1 dram, gentian 2 drams, in a ball, three times, daily; add ^ ounce saltpeter to the drinking water twice daily. The fever may be reduced by rectal injec- tions of cold water. Intestinal troubles may be relieved by the administration of bicarbonate of soda in dram doses three times daily : if pain is very severe, 2 drams of fluid extract of cannabis indica may be given. Bathe the eyes, if swollen, with warm water. Good nursing and laxative food are essential, cold water being kept ^diere the animal can help himself. of PLATE XII. Characteristic symptoms of spasmodic colic. CHAPTER VI. DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE, URINARY, NERVOUS, AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEMS. Diseases of the Digestive System. spasmodic colic gripes. (Plate XII.) Spasmodic colic is a painful contraction of the intestines. The usual seat of the trouble is the small intestines, and it is usually caused by internal or external cold. Sijmptoms. — The suffering is very violent but of short dura- tion; the spasms appear suddenly and disappear with the same rapidity. The horse paws, stamps, looks around at his flanks, lies down and rolls, and if the pain is very severe, sweats pro- fusely. During the attack a few pellets of dung may be passed, and attempts to pass urine are frequently made. This latter symptom has misled many persons to the impression that the disease was located in the " urinary organs." Treatment. — Place the animal in a large, well-bedded stall and give the following: Cannabis indica 2 to 4 drams, aro- matic spirits ammonia 1 ounce, water to make 1 pint. Or, fluid extract belladonna 2 drams, nitrous ether 2 ounces, water to make 1 pint. Either one of these prescriptions can be given at one dose and repeated in three-quarters of an hour. If the animal is not relieved in one hour, give a purgative of aloes (physic ball). Warm-water injections, per rectum, are often of advantage. I-LATULENT COLIC. Flatulent colic is generally due to the animal having eaten improper foods, such as musty oats, sour bran, green com, etc., which interfere with the process of digestion and give oft' much gas. It is sometimes caused merely by a sudden change of diet from oats to corn. This trouble is also frequently observed in horses that have the habit of wind sucking. Symptom.'i. — The rapid swelling of the belly constitutes the characteristic symptom. The abdomen is distended, the pain is (69) 70 THE ARMY HORSE. not SO severe as in spasmodic colic, but more constant. With the increase of swelling the breathing becomes more difficult, anxiety and restlessness are shown, w^alking is painful, and the animal staggers, lies down and rolls, but only for a short time. Treatment. — Place the horse in a large, roomy stall, and give the following drench: Sulphuric ether 2 ounces, aromatic spirits of ammonia 1 ounce, fluid extract belladonna 2 drams, water to make 1 pint. Repeat in one hour if necessary. Should the animal not be relieved after the second dose, admin- ister a purgative. Cold-water injections into the rectum are sometimes of advantage. If the abdomen continues to distend with gas, the trocar and canula must be used. This is an instrument for puncturing the intestine, but should be used only by one who understands the operation. The instrument, as well as the seat of the operation, should be thoroughly dis- infected. ENTERITIS — INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. Cause. — This disease is sometimes due to the action of cold : sudden chilling when the body is in a perspiring condition, the swallowing of very cold water, of frozen or frost-covered fodder, etc. It is sometimes a complication of the colics and is frequently seen as a result of impaction or twisting of the bowels. Syrnptoms. — The mucous membrane of the nose, mouth, and eyes is congested and reddened, the mouth is hot and dry. Respiration is increased, pulse is hard and rapid, temperature is elevated, 103° to 105° F. Colicky pains are continuous; the horse walks about the stall, paws, lies down carefully, rolls, and tries to halance himself on his hack. As a rule the bowels are constipated, but wdien this disease is due to irritating foods or medicines purgation and flatulency may be present. The small, hard pulse ; high temperature ; aged and anxious appearance of the face ; continuous pain, which is increased by pressure upon the abdomen ; position of the horse when down, and coldness of the ears and legs, will enable anyone to diagnose a case of enteritis. AMien mortification (death) of the bowels sets in, all pain ceases and the animal will stand quietly, some- times for several hours. Toward the last he sighs, breathes hard, staggers and pitches about, and dies in a state of delirium. It is a very serious disease and in the majority of cases proves fatal. Death may take place in six hours, or not until after several days. THE ARMY HORSE. 71 Treatment. — To control the pain give large doses of pow- dered opium, laudanum, or cannabis indica. The following prescription is recommended: Opium, pow- dered, 2 drams; calomel, ^ dram. ^Nlake into a ball; give at once, and repeat in one or two hours if necessary. Blankets wrung out in hot water and applied to the abdomen are some- times of benefit, but to obtain good results they must be kept hot for several hours. CHRONIC INDIGESTION. Chronic indigestion is a chronic catarrh of the stomach and bowels, the causes of which are: Irregularity in feeding and watering; feeding when the animal is in an exhausted condi- tion; imperfect mastication and incomplete salivation of food due to irregularities of the grinding surfaces of the molar teeth ; and food of a poor quality, deficient in nutriment. The presence of worms is a frequent cause of this disease. Sijinptoms. — Appetite diminished or capricious and de- praved, frequent gaping, constipation; periodic colics are fre- quently observed, the coat is rough and staring, and the skin is tightly adherent to the body, the condition known as " hide- bound." The animal has an unthrifty appearance generally. Treatment. — Give small quantities of good, nutritious, and well-salted food three times daily. The water should be pure and given regularly. Regular exercise and good grooming will hasten recovery, by stimulating the skin as well as other parts of the body. If the appetite is diminished, give as a tonic: Gentian 2 ounces, iron sulphate 1 ounce, nux vomica 1^ ounces, nitrate potash H ounces. Mix. Make twelve powders. Give one powder twice a day. Bicarbonate of soda is a very useful medicine to counteract the acidity (sourness) of the stomach. Dose, 1 dram, twice a day ; the doses may be continued for several days. If intestinal worms are the exciting cause, they nnist be re- moved, and until this has been accomplished the aniuial will retain its unthrifty condition although it may brighten up temporarily. The following prescription is recommended : Spirits turpen- tine 2 ounces, oil linseed 4 ounces. Give before feeding and repeat once a day for four days; then follow up witli 1 pint of linseed oil. 72 THE AR.^IY HOKSE. DIARRHEA. This term is applied to all cases of simple purging in which the feces (dung) are loose, liquid, and frequently discharged. Diarrhea may be a spontaneous efl'ort to discharge from the intestines something which is obnoxious to them or to the sys- tem generally. It is caused by various agencies, such as indi- gestible food, sudden change of diet — particularly from a dry to a moist one — medicinal substances, worms, derangement of the liver, or large drafts of water when the animal is heated. Some animals are jDarticularly predisposed to diarrhea from trivial causes. Narrow-loined. flat-sided, and loosely coupled horses — that is to say, horses in which the distance between the point of the hip and last rib is long — and those of a nervous temperament are apt to purge without apparent cause. These are called washy horses. They are hard to keep in condition and require the best of food. Symptoms. — Purging, the fecal matter being semifluid, of a dirty-brow^n color, without otfensive odor, or clay-colored and fetid. If the condition continues long the animal loses flesh and the appetite is w^anting. Treatment. — "\Mien the purging arises from the presence of some offending matter in the intestinal canal (sand, worms, un- digested food, etc.) its expulsion must be aided by a moderate dose of linseed oil (1^ pints). If the purging arises from no apparent cause, or if the bowels do not regain their normal condition after the action of the oil has subsided, it will be necessary to give astringents (binding medicines), such as tannic acid, 1 to 2 drams. The following prescription may also be used : Gum camphor 1 ounce, opium, powdered, 1 ounce. Mix. Make eight powders and give one powder every three or four hours, according to the severity of the case. Great care must be exercised, as evil results may follow if the bowels are checked too soon. Diseases or the Urinary System. ACUTE NEPHRITIS INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. Causes. — It is at times produced by the action of cold; it also happens frequently in the course of infectious (catching) diseases. The kidneys become irritated by the presence of waste materials of the food, such as mold, rust, etc., or by the passage of certain medicines, such as turpentine, cantharides, THE ARMY HORSE, 73 etc. Inflamiiiatioii and partial or total clogging of the organ result. Cantharides will reach the kidneys after absorption from a large blistered surface. Sijmjjtoms. — The most important and often the only mani- festations of nephritis (in the course of infectious diseases, for instance) are furnished by tlu> urine. Its quantity is dimin- ished; it is thickened; of abnormal color; occasionally it is the color of blood. Micturation (pissing) is painful; the urine often runs off drop by drop only, notwithstanding the violent efforts made by the patient. In serious cases the urinary secre- tion may be completely suppressed. The lumbar region is very sensitive to the pressure of the hand. At the beginning of the disease we often have renal or kidney colics. The back is arched, the gait stiff and stagger- ing, rising is painful; the animal remains ahnost constantly standing. The appetite may be lost. The temperature is ele- vated; in some cases it may range very high. Treatment. — Remove the cause if possible; avoid all irrita- ting food or medicines, and give absolute rest. Try to induce sweating by energetic rubbings upon the surface of the whole body; also by warm blankets, and wet, tepid compresses ap- plied upon the loins. Give the following physic: Aloes G drams, calomel 1 dram, ginger 1 dram. Make into a ball and irive at one dose. It has a most favorable action, because the purging draws a large quantity of water from the system. If there is a total suppression of urine, ^ ounce of fluid extract digitalis, well rubbed in on each side of the loins over the kidneys, wnll have a beneficial effect by stimulating the kidneys w^ithout causing irritation. This application should not be used more than once. DIABETES INSIPIDUS SIMPLE DIABETES ( PISSING ). A disease characterized by great thirst, excessive urination, and great languor and emaciation. In the majority of cases it is caused by poor and tainted food. In some cases it seems to be due to a constitutional cause. Symptoms. — Excessive urination, from (> to 1:2 gallons every twenty-four hours; great thirst, the animal sometimes drink- ing from '20 to 25 gallons of water in twenty-four hours; de- praved appetite; urine of a very pale color, sometimes as clear as water; the skin is harsh and the coat is unhealthy looking. 7-4 THE AEMT HORSE. Treatment. — Give good, clean, and nutritious food. Admin- ister iodine in 1-dram doses three times a day and diminish quantity as the thirst is lessened and the urine is diminished. RETENTION OF THE URINE. An inability, total or partial, to expel by natural effort the urine contained in the bladder. It is caused by spasm of the neck of the bladder, and is often a complication of colic. Symptoms. — Frequent and ineffectual attempts to urinate; if standing the animal will stretch himself out, strain violently, and groan with pain, discharging but a few drops of urine, or none at all; examination per rectfim shows the bladder greatly distended, and this is the diagnostic or distinguishing symp- tom. Treatment.— Pass the catheter and draw off the urine. If retention of the urine is due to an accumulation of dirt in the penis, washing will remove the cause, A horse will normally pass from 4 to 6 quarts of urine every twenty-four hours. Diseases of the Nervous System. CONGESTION OF THE BRAIN "bLIND STAGGERS." This disease is caused by an accumulation of blood in the vessels of the brain, due to some obstacle to its return to the veins. Causes.— Disease of the heart ; excessive exertion ; the influ- ence of extreme heat; sudden and great excitement; artificial stimulants ; any mechanical obstruction which prevents the re- turn of blood through the veins to the heart, such as a small ill-fitting collar; tumors or abscesses pressing on the vein in its course; extreme fat; compression of the vascular structures (arterial capillaries) by an abnormal tension of gas in the stomach and intestines; over-feeding after a prolonged absti- nence or w^hen the exercise is insufficient; and foods difficult of digestion. Fat horses or those with short, thick necks are especially liable to attacks of this malady. Symptoms. — Congestion of the brain usually appears sud- denly and is of short duration. The animal may stop very suddenly and shake his head, or stand quietly braced on his legs, then stagger, make a plunge and fall ; the eyes are staring, breathing hurried and snoring. THE ARMY HORSE. 75 nostrils ^Yidely dilated; this iniiy be followed by coma (insensi- bility), violent convulsive movement, and death. Generally, however, the animal gains relief in a short time, but he may remain weak and giddy for several days. If it is due to organic change in the heart or disease of the blood vessels in the brain the symptoms may be of slow development, mani- fested by drowsiness, diminished or impaired vision, difficulty in voluntary movements, diminished sensibility of the skin, loss of consciousness, delirium, and death. Treatment. — Prompt removal of all mechanical obstruction to the circulation. If it is due to venous obstruction by too tight a collar, the loosening of the collar will give immediate relief. If due to tumors or abscesses, a surgical operation becomes necessary. To relieve the animal, if he becomes partially or totally unconscious, cold water should be dashed on the head and if this does not afford relief, recourse must be had to bleeding to lessen arterial tension. If symptoms of paralysis remain after two or three days, an active physic should be given, followed, after 24 hours, by iodide of potassium given in 2-dram doses three times daily. Place the animal in a cool, dark, well-ventilated stable, keep him perfectly quiet, and give cooling diet. SUNSTROKE AND HEATSTROKE. These are cerebral troubles: Sunstroke is produced by the rays of the sun falling directly upon the cranium. Heatstroke is caused by the overheating of the wdiole body or by excessive exertion. Symptoms. — Sunstroke is manifested suddenly; the animal stops, drops his head, begins to stagger, the breathing is marked by great snoring, the pulse is very slow and irregular, cold sweats break out in patches on the surface of the body, and the animal often dies without recovering consciousness. In heatstroke the animal usually requires urging for, some time previous to the appearance of any other symptom. Gen- erally prespiration is checked; he becomes weak in his gait ; the breathing grows hurried or panting; the eyes w^atery and blood- shot; nostrils dilated and highly reddened to a dark purple color; the pulse is rapid and weak; the heart bounding, fre- quently followed by unconsciousness and death. Temperature reaches 107° to 11'2° F. If recovery takes place convalesence extends over a long period of time, during which locomotion shows lack of full control. 76 THE ARMY HORSE. Treatment. — The treatment consists in the application of cold in the form of ice, or cold water on the head, cold injections l^er rectum, and the administration of stimulants, such as 2 ounces aromatic spirits of ammonia or -i ounces of alcohol in 8 ounces of water; repeat in one hour if necessary. Place the animal in a cool and shady place, and bathe the whole body with cold water until the temperature is lowered. Diseases of the Lymphatic System. Acute inflanmiation of the lymph gland usually occurs in con- nection with some inflammatory process in the region from Avhich the lymph is gathered. The lymph glands between the branches of the lower jaw almost invariably become affected in strangles, nasal catarrh (acute or chronic), diseased or ulcerated teeth. Infected wounds of any part of the body may cause inflammation of the neighboring lymphatics. Symptoms. — The glands swell and become painful to the touch, the connective tissue surrounding them becomes involved, suppuration (formation of pus) usually takes place, and one or more abscesses form. If the inflanmiation is of a milder type, the swelling may disappear and the gland will assume its nor- mal condition without suppuration. The temperature will be elevated. Sometimes the glands will remain hard and consider- ably swollen for some length of time. In man these swollen inlands are known as kernels. Treatment. — Fomentations with hot water will relieve the soreness, unless an abcess is forming. If such is known to be the case a poultice of bran or flaxseed meal should be applied, and as soon as fluctuation can be felt a free opening must be made and the abcess washed with a solution of bichloride mercury 1-1000, or creolin 1-50. If the gland does not sup- purate, the enlargement may be reduced by tincture of iodine applied twice daily. LYMPHANGITIS. (Plate XIII.) Inflammation of the lymphatic structures, usually affecting the hind leg, very seldom the fore leg. This disease is very sudden in its attack, exceedingly painful, accompanied by a high temperature and great general disturbance. Causes. — It usually attacks well-fed animals, especially after one or two days' rest, and in such cases may be due to an excess PLATE XIII. Lymphangitis. 'V^ OF THE ML ^^, .R^^> THE AKMY HORSE. TY of nutritious elements in the blood. It may also result from an infected Avound. Symptojiis. — The lirst symptom noticed will he lameness in one leii' and swelling on the inside of the thigh. The swelling gradually surrounds the whole limb, continuing downward until it reaches the foot. Th;^ limb is excessively tender to the touch and is hehl up. 'I'he breathing is increased, pulse hard and quick (80 to 100), and the temperature may reach 100°. The bowels early become constipated and the urine scanty and high colored. Occasionally the lymi)hatic glands in the groin undergo su])puration, blood poisoning may supervene and prove fatal. Treatment. — Fomentations with warm water, to be continued for one hour and repeated several times daily. Give a physic composed of 0 to 8 drams of aloes, 1 dram ginger, and water to make a ball. Give at once. After the physic has oi)erated give 4-ounce doses of nitrate of potash twice daily. After the pain diminishes, moderate exercise and hand rubbing will be of benefit. If the glands suppurate, open, and wash them out with an antiseptic. The irrigations must be continued until the gland is well. If caused by a wound, similar treatment should be pursued, together with thorough disinfection of the wound. If, after one week, the swelling still remains, give potassium iodide, 2 drams, twice daih' until it is reduced. CHAPTER VII. MISCELLANEOUS DISEASES. PURPURA HEMORRHAGICA PURPURA PETECHIAL FEVER. (Plate XIV.) This is an acute, infectious disease, the cause of which is as yet little known. Sometimes it is primary: in other instances it follows other infectious diseases, strangles, pharyngitis, con- tagious pneumonia, influenza, etc. Symptoms. — Petechial fever is generally manifested by the appearance upon the mucous membranes of numerous dark-red petechicB (reddish spots) ; sometimes they are insignificant as a flea bite, then again they may attain the size of a pea or an acorn; they often become joined and form spots or bands of variable length. In serious cases the nasal mucous membrane becomes affected by gangrene (death of the affected spot) or covered over with ulcerations. The discharge is bloody and of bad aspect, breathing is very laborious, and the expired air has a fetid odor. The general condition sometimes becomes very rapidly aggravated; then, in the majority of cases, the disease ends in death. Corresponding with the appearance of the reddish spots, or a few days later, swellings appear beneath the skin; this sympton, which is the most prominent, is often the first symptom noticed. The swellings will range in size from a ten- cent piece to a silver dollar ; they are usually upon dependent regions, such as the head, extremities, abdomen, sheath, and chest. These swellings are not hot and only slightly sensitive; they gradually extend until they grow together and we have in a few hours the swelling up of the legs and belly, or the head, to an enormous size; they have always a characteristic constricted border, which looks as if it had been tied with a cord. The swelling stands out abruptly at this border, often as much as an inch. The swelling in the legs will cause stiffness. The head may be swollen to such a size that it resembles the head of a hippo- potamus rather than that of a horse ; the caliber of the nostril (78j PLATE XIV. Purpura hemorrhagica. THE AKMY JIOKSK. 79 ma}' be so lessened as to cause the horse to breathe with diffi- cuky. The pulse, if altered at all, is a little weaker than usual, the appetite remains normal as a rule, although at times the animal will have difficulty in mastication. The temperature at first is normal, but in a few days it may have reached 102°, 103°, or 104°. Over the surface of the skin covering the swollen parts we find a slight serous sweating, which when it dries, gives the appearance of an eruption of some cutaneous (skin) disease. If this is excessive we may see irritated spots, followed by sup- puration. This suppuration may become excessive from the great distention and loss of vitality of the skin. During the course of this disease colics may sometimes occur; later the pulse may beat 60 to 80 times per minute; the dung is ordinarily coated. High temperatures indicate complications. The mortality is about 50 per cent. Treatment. — Place the patient in a clean, well- ventilated, roomy box stall, and tie the head up high; in case the head is already swollen, remove the halter at once and use a head sling. If necessary to blanket, never use the surcingle. Give soft food, clean hay, and green fodder if possible, and plenty of fresh pure water to drink. When the legs and parts of the body are covered by the dried serum the surface must be softened by the application of cosmoline or olive oil to which ma}^ be added a small amount of creolin (1 to 50) or of carl)olic acid (1 to 25). If sloughing has taken place, the sores must receive surgical attention ; dead tissue nuist be removed and antiseptics applied. If the animal has great difficulty in breathing, we must resort to the use of the tracheotomy tube. Try to sustain the strength of the animal and give tonics to increase the appetite : Tincture of chloride of iron 1 to 2 ounces in a pint of water, or iron sulphate 2 drams, quinine 1 dram; either dose three times daily. Spirits of turpentine. 8 ounces, in 0 ounces of linseed oil, given twice dailv, will have a beneficial effect bv stimulating the heart and kidneys. Sponge the head, where swollen, with either ice-cold or very warm water; repeat this several times dailv. 80 1 THE ARMY HORSE. AZOTURIA. Azoturia is the result of the confinement of a strong, vigorous horse for several days in a badly ventilated, damp stable, where he receives full rations and no exercise, followed by sudden exposure to a lower temperature. It is not a disease of the kidneys, as is commonly supposed. Symptams. — These consist of troubles of locomotion (move- ment) which appear during exercise and generallj^ within a quarter to half an hour after starting. The disease begins very suddenly, in an unusual degree of restlessness with profuse perspiration; these symptoms are speedily succeeded by a desire to lie down, by great sluggish- ness, by loss of moving power in the hind limbs, and by violent spasms of the large muscles of the loins, thighs, and hind quarters. The alfected muscles are swollen and very hard, and later may atrophy, especially those located above the stifle. If the animal is down, he makes an effort to stand, but, from the total loss of power in the hind limbs, is unable to rise. The fore limbs and shoulder muscles may be similarly affected, but in this case the disease is less severe. The pulse usually becomes rapid; the temperature rarely increases, even in the grave form; the appetite is seldom diminished, and, as a rule, the animal will drink large quanti- ties of water. The urine is co fee-colored and is generally retained in the bladder. Treatment. — As soon as the first symptoms are noticed, halt at once. Keep the animal on his feet; unsaddle or unharness and blanket promptly; then move him as gently as possible to the nearest shelter, where he must have complete rest. If possible, heat some common salt or some oats; place in a sack and spread over the loins (under the blanket), to relieve the pain. Feed only good hay or laxative food and avoid oats and corn. Encourage the horse to drink as much water as possible, as this will assist the kidneys in carrying the poisonous material out of the blood. When the urine clears, the animal may be gradually returned to work. If it has been possible to reach the stables, place the horse in a roomy stall ; if there is then danger of his lying down, use the suspending slings, provided he is able to partially support his weight on his hind legs ; then give 2 ounces of sweet spirits PLATE XV. Farcy. THE ARMY HORSE, 81 of niter and 2 to 4 drams of fluid extract of cannabis indica in a pint of water. In a half hour administer a physic ball. If the animal has dropped on the road and is unable to rise he must be taken to the stable by the use of a stone-boat or other extemporized means; plenty of bedding nuist then be supplied and the patient frequently turned from side to side; apply ^ ounce of fluid extract of digitalis to the loins and rub in well, to stimulate the action of the kidneys. If the patent has retention of urine, the bladder must be emptied several times daily: this can be accomplished by passing the hand into the rectum and applying moderate pressure upon the bladder, or, by the introduction of the catheter. This disease occurs in the army only through carelessness. When the horse is left resting for twenty-four to forty-eight hours or longer the food ration should be diminished and the animal must be given a little exercise in the open air every day to keep him accustomed to the outside temperature. GLANDERS AND FARCY. Glanders is a contagious constitutional disease of the horse and mule, and may be communicated to man. The disease is due to a germ, called '' bacillus mallei," and affects the Schnei- derian membrane and internal organs. "When tlie disease is located in the lymphatic glands situated on the external parts of the bodv, it is called farcv. (Plate XV.) Glanders and farcy are one and the same disease. It may be acute or chronic. In acute glanders the bacilli enter the blood and the disease spreads throughout the system. Chronic glanders. The beginning of chronic glanders is often hidden from view and passes un()l)served. The first visible symptom is generally a discharge from one or both nostrils of a yellowish green matter of bad aspect; quite frequently it is tinged with blobd. Then, pimples and ulcers are observed upon the Schneiderian membrane. The pimples are of short duration: they are soon transformed into ulcers more or less deej), with sawtooth- shaped, thickened edges; these may heal, but will always leave a scar. 20844 0 82 THE ARMY HORSE. The enlargement of the lympathie ghmds situated in the space betAveen the lower jaw is another important symptom. In the beginning the gland is a little sensitive, slightly doughy, and adheres to the base of the tongue or to the lower maxillse; in some subjects it adheres to the skin. In exceptional cases the enlargement of the gland is absent. The general health of the animal suffers as the affection pro- gresses; emaciation appears; the hair becomes dull and bristly. There is frequently difficulty in breathing, and the patient becomes rapidly fatigued. Farcy. (Plate XV.) Farcy is more rare in the chronic than in the acute form of tlie disease; its favorite regions are the inner side of the extremities, shoulders, neck, chest, and abdomen. The pimples and tumors vary from the size of a pea to that of a walnut, or larger ; they suppurate and discharge a yellow, sticky liquid of bad aspect. They rarely heal, and if they do a jagged scar remains. Acute glanders. SyTYiptoms. — Acute glanders is rare in the liorse (10 per cent), except in transit and in tropical climates. It is, on the contrary, the ordinary form in the mule. Sometimes it is primary ; in other instances it follows the chronic form, where the vitality of the animal has been lessened by other acute affections. The disease produces an ulcerous destruction of the respira- tory mucous membrane, and also involves the skin, lungs, and other organs. It begins with a chill, followed by intense fever, which reaches 107° F. A sticky, yellowish, irritating, bloody nasal discharge appears. The nasal mucous membrane is overrun with pimples and ulcers, which rapidly join one another; they may perforate the septum nasi. The respiration is rattling, wheezing, and moaning due to»contraction of the larynx; to these sj'mptoms are often added those of farcy. "We may find diarrhea. The patient is extremely weak and emaciation pro- gresses rapidly. In general, acute glanders runs a rapid course; its usual termination is death. This ordinarily takes place within from three to fourteen days. VJNW ^HoiTV OF CALiFOSi^ PLATE XVI. Tetanus. THE AllMY HORSE. 83 In the horse there is no disease of wliicli au exact diagnosis is so important as that of o-huulei-s. In order to correctly dia<!:nose obscure cases (tliose witli no outward symptoms) Ave must resort to the use of nudlein. This is a liquid, the injection of which will cause a reaction (rise in temperature) in glandered horses apparently enjoying the best of health. Treatment. — This disease is not only contagious to horses, mules, and men. but is incurable in all alike; therefore, the first step, when a suspicious case presents itself, is to isolate the animal, and as soon as it is proved that glanders exists, the animal should be killed at once and the carcass burned. Every- thing in the way of partitions, mangers, feed boxes, buckets, and all stable utensils must be burned, and the stalls and sur- roundings thoroughly disinfected. Chloride of lime 8 ounces, in 1 gallon of water, makes a good and efficient disinfectant. "With this solution all parts of the stable in which the affected animal stood must l)e thoroughly washed. TETANUS LOCKJAW. (Plate XVI.) Tetanus is an infectious disease, the specific cause of which is a bacillus or germ which, in most localities, is found in abund- ance in the superficial layer of the earth in gardens, around buildings, stables, etc. The disease, when present, always follows a wound, more especially one j)roduced by a nail puncture. The germ will not develop in the presence of oxygen ; conse- quently, all punctured wounds of the foot should be freely opened to admit of the introduction of air, as well as to allow of thorough cleansing with an antiseptic. This preventive treat- ment is generally successful. In warm countries, especially in tropical climates, cases of tetanus are much more frequent than in cold regions. Si/mptom-'<. — Tetanic spasms (spasmodic or continuous con- tractions of the muscles) appear, as a ruk'. in the muscles of the neck and head ; thence they extend to the shoulders, trunk, and extremities; or the stiffness may start in the region of the in- jured organ or member. Contraction of the cheelv nniscles; the inferior maxillary is then no hmger ai)le to execute the slightest movement, and the prehension and mastication of food becomes difficult oi- (|uite 84 THE ARMY HORSE. impossible. This inability to open the jaws has given to the disease the name of lockjaw. Contraction of the great posterior muscles of the eye causes a retraction of this organ within the orbit, and a protrusion of the haw upon the eyeball. The animal is very stiff, holds his head in an extended j^osi- tion as if suffering from a sore throat ; the tail is elevated and the ears drawn closer together ; the nostrils are much dilated ; the legs stand apart ; the eyes indicate excitement and anxiety, the mucous membranes are reddened ; some muscular groups, principally the muscles of the cheeks and of the back of the neck, are hard and distinctly outlined, as if carved; the mus- cles of the jaws, neck and shoulders, back, lumbar region, croup and tail are as hard as wood. The tail and ears are elastic; when they are moved they immediately return to their former position. There is profuse sweating when the animal is disturbed or when he is in a spasm ; respiration is accelerated and laborious. When the j^atient is approached for an examination, his excite- ment increases instantly; the lower jaw^ is pressed hard against the upper, and can not be separated from it, even by the most violent efforts of the examiner; on parting the lips a fetid liquid runs out of the mouth, which is more or less filled with particles of food ; if the head is lifted the Avhole haw^ obscures the greater part of the eyeball. Backing is extremely difficult or even impossible; turning is also very laborious; the trunk, neck, and shoulders can not be flexed, the extremities are as stiff as stilts. The course of tetanus is variable, according to the individual. It commonly develops rapidly, and death takes place in two or three days. In some cases death occurs more slowly within four to eight days on an average. In others, again, where the spasm is moderate and of little extent, the disease may continue for several weeks. Recovery before the third week is rare; about this time the spasm begins to decline, the appetite returns, respiration be- comes calmer, and the movements more free ; very often recov- ery takes place only at the end of five or six weeks ; there may be a continuance of the stiffness of movement and tension of the muscles of the back, for a long period of time. Treatment. — A systematic course of food and the freedom of the patient from all kinds of excitement are the two essentials THE AiniY HORSE. 85 ill the treatment. It is advisable to place the patient in a dark stall, so situated as to be isolated and free from all noises, and only one man should be in attendance, as strangers entering the stall of a patient affected \vith only a mild attack ma}^ cause excitement and the animal be thrown into a violent spasm and die in a short time. Give the patient gruel, mealy drinks, liquid food, and, if he can eat it, green fodder. Medicinal agents are of secondary importance in the treat- ment of lockjaw. Large doses (2 to 8 ounces) of bromide of potassium should be given in the liquid food, twice daily. The administration of medicines by the mouth is not practicable; not only because of the locked jaws, but because it causes excite- ment. The infected wound requires special care. It should be well opened up, disinfected, foreign bodies extracted, etc. Some authorities recommend the use of the suspending sling. In the horse the mortality from this disease is from 80 to 85 per cent. In localities where tetanus is common, a preventive serum, called "'anfitetanic,''^ is injected into the blood, whenever the horse receives a punctured or suspicious wound. DISEASES OF THE TEETH. On account of the character of its food the horse has been supplied with molar teeth, with roughened grinding surfaces. The loAver jaw is narrower than the upper jaw, and the table (grinding) surfaces are sloping. The distance from the gum to the grinding surface is greater on the outside surface of the upper molars and the reverse in the lower molar* On account of this conformation a sharp ridge of points is liable to develop on the outside of the upper molars and may occur on the inside of the lower ones. These points are some- times so sharp that they lacerate the cheeks and tongue during mastication. A horse thus affected will frecpiently bolt his food before thoroughly masticating it, thereby causing chronic indigestion. He will also flinch when reined, causing great iuiiioyance to his ridei- or dri\('r. Such irregularities can be easily detected 1)y an examination of the animal's mouth with the hand: when found, the sharp edffes must be removccl l)v the use of a float. 86 THE ARMY HORSE. Decayed teeth. All teeth are apt to decay, such decay being generally due to an injury. A decayed tooth will be found in one of the following condi- tions: Split, l)roken, or shorter than the surrounding ones, and having a fetid odor. The opposing tooth in the opposite jaw is often found to be elongated. Symptoms of irregularities in teeth. — Quidding of the food, holding the head to one side while masticating food or drinking water, slobbering, chronic catarrh, fetid breath, swelling of the maxilla in the neighborhood of the teeth, general unthrifty appearance, etc. Treatment. — A diseased tooth must be extracted, and an elongated one must be shortened to correspond with its fellows. SPASM or THE DIAPHRAGM THUMPS. Caused by severe exertion. Symptoms. — In the region of the lower part of the left flank, near the border of the false ribs, will be observed shocks which, at times, shake the whole body; they are usually accompanied by a short, jerking expiration, and by a dull, thumping sound Avhich is heard at a distance of several paces. The trouble may be folloAved by inflammation of the lungs or by founder. Treatment. — Quiet and fresh air must be insisted upon. Give the following: Aromatic spirits ammonia -2 ounces, water 1 pint. Or, sweet spirits of niter 2 ounces, fld. ext. bella- donna 2 drams, water to make 1 pint. Either mixture may be repeated in one hour if necessary. If inflammation of the lungs or founder follows, treat according!}'. ^V^ OF THE of PLATE XVII. ^^p ^ A ^^K'/ ^^^B- ^^ J ■ ^'^ w Jj ^ - ^B* t|. lip* 1 E 9 #<'^^H ^^HK^ '* ^ i^'^ r, ' • ^A.* :.._'-^--' ^F^ » Grease. CHAPTER IX. DISEASES OF THE SKIX AND BYE. ERYTllKMA. Ervtlieiua is a slightly inflamed condition of the skin, unat- tended by any eruption. The parts are slightly swollen, hot, tender, or itchy, and dry, and if the skin is white there is redness. Erythema may arise from a A-ariety of causes, as chilling or partial freezing, heat and burning, chapping, urine, and medi- cine. Treatment. — Apply the following several times daily: Sul- phate of zinc 1 ounce, acetate of lead 1 ounce, water 1 quart. Or, use the following ointment twice daily: Oxide of zinc 1 ounce, cosmoline G ounces. GREASE. (Plate XVn.) Grease is a chronic inflanunation of the skin of the back part of the fetlock and pastern. The skin is at first red, swollen, painful, and hot. It is soon covered by vesicles (blisters) which burst and discharge a thin, yelloAvish liquid, which is at first without odor. The hairs are matted together erect, or fall out in large quantities. Grease produces, in the course of time, serious alterations in the pastern or fetlock. The excreted liquid becomes decom- posed and softens the epidermis. A kind of sticky, doughy exudate is formed, which is of bad aspect, of fetid odor, and very irritating. The back part of the pastern and fetlock becomes the seat of granulating wounds, the granulations ranging in size from tiiat of a pea to a large grape (the so-called grapy stage). Treatment. — In the first stage cleaidiness and the applix'ation of the ordinary drying powder or antiseptic ointments are suilicient. In cases where proud flesh exists, the granulations nuist 1)(' removed with the knife and burned with red-hot iron (ST) 88 THE AEMY IIOESE. or lunar caustic and then treated as a fresh wound. Applica- tions of iodine and glycerin in equal parts, or of the three sulphates, may be beneficial. SCRATCHES. Scratches is allied to grease, but not so severe, but if neglected may terminate in that disease. It is usually of a dry nature, with shallow cracks in the skin, and often discharging a thin liquid, Avhich does not irritate the skin. The disease is located in the back part of the pastern joint. Treatm,ent. — Cleanse thoroughly with castile soap and water, dry, and apply: Sulphate of zinc 1 ounce, acetate of lead 1 ounce, water 1 quart. Or, oxide of zinc 1 part, lanolin 10 parts. Or, tincture of iodine may be resorted to. Good results are obtained by a dressing of equal parts of zinc oxide and acetanilid, kept in place by a piece of gauze or cotton and a bandage. SCABIES MANGE. This is a contagious skin disease produced by parasites and can be transmitted to man. There are three parasites that cause mange; two varieties burrow into the deeper layers of the skin, the first being found about the head and neck (though it may spread over the sur- face of the body), the second at the roots of the mane and tail; the third species does not burrow into the skin and is found on the extremities. Symptoms. — This disease is characterised by great itching associated with the formation of pustules (pimples). As the disease develops, large surfaces become destitute or hair and are covered by powdery crusts of variable thickness. At a later period the skin becomes thickened, wrinkled, and fissured, assuming the appearance of the skin of the rhinoceros. Treatment. — The first essential is the separation and isola- tion of the unhealthy from the well animals. Wash the alfected parts thoroughly with warm water, soap, and a scrubbing brush, and apply the following: Acetanilid 10 parts, creolin 5 parts, cosmoline 20 parts. Melt the cosmoline and mix with the other ingredients while cooling. This ointment should be applied twice a day and the parts thoroughly washed every other day. Continue the treatment until the skin becomes healthy. THE ARMY HORSE. , 89 SIMPLE INJURIES TO THE EYELIDS. Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the eyelids may be caused by bruises or the presence of a foreign body, such as sand, chaff, etc. If the eyelids should become torn, they must be sutured ; the utmost care is necessary as the needle may puncture the eyeball and blindness will follow. Treatment. — Keep the parts clean with a saturated solution of boracic acid, and dust with iodoform, SIMPLE OPHTHALMIA CONJUNCTIVITIS. Inflammation of the outer parts of the eyeball, and of the exposed vascular, sensitive mucous membrane {conjunctiva) which covers the ball, the eyelids, and the haw. The causes of external ophthalmia are mainly those which act locally— blows with whips, clubs, and twigs; the presence of foreign bodies, such as chaff, dust, sand, ammonia arising from the excrement, etc. Symptoms. — "Watering of the eye, swollen lids, redness of the mucous membrane exposed by the separation of the lids, and a bluish opacity of the cornea, which normally is clear and trans- parent. The eyelids may be kept closed, the eyeball retracted, and the haw protruded over one-third or one-half of the ball. If the affection has resulted from a wound of the cornea, a white speck or fleecy cloud is formed, and often blood vessels begin to extend from the adjacent vascular covering of the eye to the white sj)ot, and that portion of the cornea is rendei-ed permanently opaque. Treatment. — Place the horse in a dark stall and bathe the outside of the eye with tepid water ; a few drops of the follow- ing lotion should be dropped inside the eyelids: Zinc sulphate 20 grains, boracic acid 1 dram, fluid extract of belladonna 1 dram,water4 ounces. Cover the eye with a clean, dark cloth on the inside of which a piece of absorbent cotton has been sewed ; keep the cotton saturated with the same lotion. This treatment should be applied and continued twice daily until the i:)arts assume their normal condition. In case of wound or ulcer on the cornea, make use of a quill, through which blow iodoform into the eye daily. RECURRENT OPHTHAL:sriA MOONBLINDNESS, This affection, sometimes called periodic ()i)h(lialmia, is an inflammation of the interior of the eye; it is intimately related 90 ^ THE AE3IY HOESE. to certain soils and climates, and to certain animal systems, in which it shows a strong tendency to recur again and again, usually ending in blindness from cataract or other serious injury. Symptoms vary according to the severity of the attack. In some cases there is marked fever. The local symptoms are in the main those of simple ophthalmia; opacity advances from the margin over a part or the whole of the cornea. An attack lasts from ten to fifteen days. The attacks may follow each other at intervals of a month, more or less, but they show no particular relation to any particular phase of the moon. From five to seven attacks usually result in blindness, and then the other eye is liable to be attacked until it also is ruined. Treatment. — Is largely the same as that for simple ophthal- mia. During recovery a course of tonics is often very beneficial and acts in assisting to ward off another attack. vSuch a tonic is the following : Sulphate iron 1 ounce, gentian 1^ ounces, nux vomica 1-J- ounces. Make into twelve powders and give one powder, in feed, twice a day. If opacity of the cornea remains, benefit may be obtained from the use of silver nitrate, 4 grains to 1 ounce of water, a few drops dropped into the eye twice daily. A saturated solution of iodide of potassium may be used in the same manner. CATARACT. Cataract is usually the result of repeated attacks of recurrent ophthalmia. It is an opacity, not of the cornea, but of the crystalline lens. No treatment will restore it to its normal con- dition. CHAPTER IX. DISEASES OF THE FEET. Removing pressure means trimming the hearing surfaces of the foot in such a way that the shoe can not cause pressure ui)()n diseased structures. CORNS. A corn is the result of l)ruising the sensitive sole or sensitive lamina of the quarters or hars and appears as a reddish spot in the angle formed b}^ the wall and bar, usually on the inside of the front feet, seldom if ever in the hind feet. Causes. — A rapid gait on hard roads ; lowering one quarter more than the other ; shoes so fitted that they press on the sole at the heel, and shoes left on so long that the wall overgrows the heels of the shoe and causes the shoe to press on the sole; long feet, which remove the frog too far from the ground, thus preventing the proper expansion of the foot. Treatme)it. — First, remove the cause by taking oil the shoe; shorten the toe, lower the quarter that is too high, or correct any faults that may have existed in the preparation of the foot. If the corn is a suppurating one, the shoe must be left off, the loose horn removed, and the foot placed in a hot flaxseed poultice for several days. The poultice is changed when it becomes cold, and the parts are washed out with a solution of creolin, 1 to 25. When all suppuration has stopped, plug the corn with oakum or tar and shoe with a bar shoe, removing all pressure from the affected quarter. The special function of the bar shoe is to produce frog pressure. The three-quarter shoe may also be used. This shoe will prevent pressure on the diseased spot, but it lias a tendency to give a rocking motion to the foot in action. THRUSH. Thrush is a diseased condition of the frog, characterized by a dark-colored di-charge of offensive odor. Causes. — Uncleanness; horses standing in stalls saturated with urine, or in wet earth filled witli decomposing vegetable matter. (91) 92 THE ARMY IIOKSE. Symj)toms. — -At first there is simply an increased moisture in the cleft of the frog, accompanied by an offensive smell. After a time the discharge is more profuse, then "watery and highly offensive, changing gradually to a thick ])utrid matter which rapidh' destroys the horn of the frog. Treatment. — Remove the cause; keep stalls clean and dry. Pare away all loose j^ortions of the horn, so as to expose the diseased parts; clean thoroughly by washing with warm water; dry witli oakum and pack with powdered alum, calo- mel, or copper sulphate; if the dressing will not remain in place use a leather boot. CANKER. Canker is a disease of the frog and sole, marked by an offen- sive-smelling chees}^ discharge, by a softening and breaking down of the horny sole, and a spongy enlargement of the horny frog. When this disease follows an injury which has exposed the soft structures of the foot, it soon causes a separation of the soft and horny jDortions, presenting a very unhealthy appearance and discharging a thin, watery fluid. Causes. — Canker is generally believed to be caused by a vege- table parasite, the development of which is assisted by filthy stables or low, wet ground. Treatment. — That part of the frog or sole that has been underrun must be removed with the knife and the canker exposed ; the unhealthy growth is then touched with a red-hot iron, burning it off level with the surrounding healthy struc- tures, care being exercised not to injure the sensitive portions of the foot. Next, wash clean, then dry and apply the follow- ing powder: Equal parts of sulphate of zinc, sulphate of iron, and sulphate of copper. Place over this a pad of oakum, and over all a leather boot. This dressing must be changed once a day (twice a day in bad cases) ; treatment is continued until a healths growth of horn covers the Avhole foot. The horse can now be shod. Pack the foot with oakum and tar and cover with a leather sole, which is held in place by j:he shoe. If it is desirable to change dressings on the shod foot, a more convenient appliance to keep them in place is made in the fol- lowing manner: Cut a piece of sheet zinc to cover about two- thirds of the sole and frog, the outer edge of the piece fitting under the shoe; cut another piece to cover the remaining third and wide enough to lap over the first piece, the lap to run THE AKMY HORSE. 93 parallel to the cleft of the fro^-; then eiit a strip about 1 ineh wide to act as a keeper; the ends of this strip are pressed under the shoe, the strip passing across the foot from quarter to quarter. QUITTOR. A quittor is a running sore, situated on the coronet of the foot, -with one or more tubes (sinuses) leading in a downward direction and discharging pus. Causes. — Pricks in shoeing; punctures of the sole and frog; bruises or suppurating corns. Symptoms. — A swelling on the coronet, presenting a pecu- liarly unhealthy appearance, and in the center of which are one or more sinuses communicating with the diseased structures inside of the foot. In nearly all cases the horse is very lame. Treatment. — Find out, if possible, what has caused the quit- tor. If it is the result of a nail prick or a festered corn, open it up on the underside of the foot, allow the pus to run out, and then treat as described later. If no nail prick or corn can be found, treat the quittor from above, by injecting into the sin- uses one of the following solutions: Carbolic acid, 1 to 20; creolin, 1 to 25; bichloride of mercury, 1 to 500. This treat- ment should be continued for several days, at the end of which period, if the parts do not appear in a healthier condition, in- ject into the tubes 1 dram of bichloride of mercury well shaken up in 1 ounce of water. This will cause a separation of the diseased walls of the tube from the healthy parts of the foot. Poultices of flaxseed meal assist this separation. Keep the parts clean and wash out with carbolic acid or creolin as at first. If the sore does not heal under this treatment a surgical operation will be necessary, QUARTf:R CRACKS AND TOE CRACKS. A toe or quarter crack (often called a sand crack) is a split in the horn of the wall; the positicm of the crack determines the name applied to it. Horses with thin, weak quartei-s are predisposed to quarter crack. Causes. — Excessive dryness of the hoof; alternate changing from danq) to dry; heavy shoes; large nails, and nails set too far back toward the heels. ISymptoms. — The crack generally starts at the coronary baml and irraduallv extends (lownward to the lower lx)rder of 94 THE AKMY HORSE, the wall. The most common form of (jvuirter crack is a deep fissure extending through the wall and causing a pinching of the sensitive structures. When, however, the crack is not deep there is seldom any lameness. Treatment. — The first step is to remove the shoe and soften the horn by poultices or by standing in warm or cold water for a few days, then cut away the hard overlapping edges of the fissure and thin the wall on each side so that there will be no friction between the edges of the crack. As the wall grows down from the coronet the upper end of the crack must be carefully observed to see that the new horn grows down strong and smooth. In time the crack will disappear at the lower edge of the wall. If the sensitive laminae have been exposed by this operation, the parts should be washed with a solution of creolin, 1 to 50, and the wound should be dusted with acet- anilid and covered with a pad of oakum held in place by a boot or bandage. In a few days a thin layer of horn will be thrown out, covering the sensitive laminse. The horse can then gen- erally be put to work. After a quarter crack has been trimmed out, the horse should be shod with a bar shoe, the wall underneath the quarter crack being cut away so that it will not come in contact with the shoe. In a case of toe crack the operation is the same. In shoeing, the wall is cut away at the toe to prevent pressure. PUNCTURE OF THE SOLE AND FROG PRICKS IN SHOEING. A puncture of the sole or frog is usually caused by a horse stepping on a nail, a piece of broken glass, or other sharp object. If the wound enters the soft structures of the foot, it results in lameness and the formation of pus. Pricks in shoeing are of two kinds: First, when the nail is driven into the soft structures, and second, when it is driven too close, causing a bulging of the inner layer of horn, which is forced in upon the sensitive lamin*. In the first case the horse goes lame immediately, in the second case lameness may not appear for several days or weeks. To detect a punctured wound of the foot remove the shoe, examining each nail as it is withdrawn for traces of moisture. Then test with the pinchers. When the sore spot is pressed, the horse will flinch. Treatment. — Open the wound and let out any pus that may have formed; wash out with a solution of creolin, 1 to 25, or THE AKMY HORSE. 95 of carbolic acid, 1 to 20. Unless the pus has a good outlet, it will burrow into the surrounding tissues and quittor or canker may follow. Moreover, there is always danger of tetanus in all cases of punctured wounds, especially in the feet. The germ of this disease is present in nearly all soils and is very liable to be carried into the wound upon the nail or other object. After the wound has been opened up and washed out, the foot should be placed in a hot flaxseed poultice, a fresh one being ap- plied three or four times a day, and the parts washed out after each poultice, as in the first instance. The treatment should be continued until inflammation is reduced and the formation of pus has ceased. The hole can then be plugged with oakum and tar, the shoe reset, and the horse put to work. LAMINITIS OR FOUNDER. Laminitis is an inflammation of the sensitive laminae and may involve the adjoining structures of the foot. There are three forms of the disease — acute, subacute, and chronic. The exudation of blood is greatest at the toe. the foot being more vascular at that point. The pain of laminitis is very persistent and agonizing, because the swollen and sensitive portions of the foot are surrounded by the hard and unyielding hoof and the engorged blood vessels are not permitted free exudation and swelling, the normal means by which congested blood vessels are relieved. Causes. — The most common are concussion, overexertion, ex- haustion, rapid changes of temperature, and the eating of vari- ous improper foods, such as musty grain, hay, etc. St/mptoms. — In laminitis of both front feet the animal is excessively lame, moves with great difficulty, especially when starting, and appears as if the entire body were in a state of cramp; he stands with the hind legs drawn under the belly and the fore feet advanced, in order to relieve them of as nuicli weight as possible. Occasionally he may be seen to sway back- ward, elevating the toes and throwing the weight for a moment upon the heels of the front feet, and then resuming the original position. If compelled to move^ he raises the feet laboriously, not because the muscles of locomotion are inflamed, as is some- times supposed, but because, if all four feet are not on the irround at the same time to bear the weight of the bodv, his suffering is increased. He will often groan with pain and sweat will break out over th(> l)ody. To diagnose a case quickly. 96 THE ARMY IIOKSE. the best method is to push the horse backward, when, if alfected he will elevate the toes and throw his weight upon the heels. AMien the hind feet only are affected the patient stands with all four feet together ; the front feet are held under the body to support as much weight as possible and the hind feet are brought forw^ard to throw weight upon the heels. ^Mien all four feet are affected the symptoms will be a combination of the foregoing, with heat in all the feet, some degree of throb- bing of the digital arteries, and flinching wdien the hoof is tapped with a hammer. The pulse in laminitis is full, strong, and rapid and wall maintain these characteristics even after general debility has become manifest. In some instances the animal will lie down upon his side, with the legs stretched out, for hours at a time, evidently feeling great relief in this position; in other cases, particularly during the early period of the disease, he will stand persistently. Treatment. — Remove the shoes from the affected feet; stand the horse in hot w^ater for several hours each day, or, what is equally good and perhaps safer, apply hot flaxseed poultices, changing them every hour as they become cold. After two or three days of this treatment change to cold water, wdiich can be applied either in the form of a footbath or by standing the animal in a running stream for five or six hours at a time. As soon as the pain has diminished, moderate exercise is bene- ficial ; this may be gradually increased until the animal shows no further sign of trouble. If, after five or six days, pro- nounced symptoms of recovery are not apparent, apply a stiff blister of cantharides around the coronet, repeating the blister if necessary. In addition to the local treatment, nitrate of potash (saltpeter), in doses of 2 to -i ounces, may be given three times a day. If the horse is constipated, give 1 quart of raw^ linseed oil. SEEDY TOE. Seedy toe is a mealy condition of the inner wall of the hoof, the white line, and sometimes the sole. It is most frequently seen in the front feet. Causes. — Undue pressure, clips on shoes, or the result of laminitis. Treatment.— VviVQ the wall of the cavity until healthy horn is reached and pack with tar and oakum. Stimulate healthy growth of horn by the application of a cantharides blister at the coronet. THE ARMY HORSE. 97 CONTRACTED FEET. Contracted feet is an unnatural shrinking or narrowing of the feet at the heels. Most often seen in the front feet. Causes. — Lack of exercise; lack of moisture; thrush; shoes "with bearing web inclining inward at the heels. The practice of using the knife to '' open the heels " usually produces this trouble. Treatment. — Ascertain the cause and remove it if possible. The remedy is to secure normal pressure on the frog, bars, and heels. If the feet are extremely dry and hard they may be softened by standing the animal in moist clay or in water. If the character of the ground will permit let the horse go bare- foot ; if not, shoe with the tip, preferably ; otherwise, with the bar shoe. DRY FEET. Soften the hoofs by thorough soaking in water and then apply cosmoline or linseed oil to prevent the w ater from evap- orating. This should be done daily for a week or two. A thick paste of ground flaxseed and water, packed into the cavity of the foot between the branches of the shoe, or a packing of moist clay, will keep the foot soft. COFFIN-JOINT LAMENESS. Sprain of the coffin joint results from slipping, stepping upon a rolling stone, stepping into a hole, etc. Symptoms. — Shortened gait : pointing of diseased foot ; heat over the region of the coffin joint ; tenderness on pressure. Treatment. — Remove the shoe and give the animal complete rest; poultice the foot with flaxseed meal or stand the foot in a tub of cold water; if relief is not obtained in a Aveek, apply a blister of biniodide of mercury, 1 to 5, around the coronet and heels, rubbing it in well over the region of the heels. Sprain of the coffin joint, unless carefully nursed, may ter- minate in chronic navicular disease.^ in which the coffin- joint structures and the coffin l)one itself become ulcerated. This disease is incurable. If, after navicular disease has developed, it be necessary to keep the horse in the service, the heel of the diseased foot should be elevated by the use of a shoe with calks or with thick heels. The foot should be kept soft with footbaths and poultices and a blister applied when lameness is especially marked. AVlienever possible keep the shoe off during treatment. 20844 7 CHAPTEK XI. DISEASES OF BONE AND DETECTION OF LAMENESS. SIDEBONES. (Plate XVIII, Fig. 1.) Sidebone is an ossification (turning into bone) of the lateral cartilage. Horses with flat feet and weak quarters are predis- posed to this disease. Symptoms. — A hard, unyielding condition of the lateral cartilage, with or without lameness. Treatment. — If the horse is lame the first step is to remove the shoe and level the foot ; then let the horse stand in a tub of cold water for several hours a day, or apply, around the coronet, swabs kept wet with cold water. As soon as the fever has dis- appeared clip off the hair over the sidebones and blister with this ointment : Biniodide of mercury 1 part, cosmoline 5 parts; mix thoroughly and rub in for ten minutes. Tie up the horse's head so that he can not reach the blistered part with his lips and keep him in this position for twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Then wash off the blister, using warm water and castile soap. The washing must be repeated every day until all the scabs formed by the blister have been removed. During this time keep the horse standing quietly in a clean and level stall. If after ten days he has not improved, firing, followed by a long period of rest, may prove beneficial. RINGBONE. (Plate XVIII, Fig. 2.) Ringbone is a bony enlargement, more or less prominent, situ- ated upon either the os suffraginis or os coronse, and it may also involve the articular cartilages. Causes. — Blows, sprains, jumping, fast work on hard roads, and faulty conformation. Symptoms. — Lameness is usually the first symptom, and di- agnosis is assisted by palpation (feeling) and comparison of the two legs. The enlargement is hard, painless on pressure, and the skin covering is movable. (98) PLATE XVIII. Fig. 1, Sidebone. Fig. 2, Ringbone. Fig. 3, Bone spavin. Fig. 4, Splint. THE ARMY HORSE. 99 Treatment. — The foot must be pared perfectl}' level and a blister applied to the enlargement and repeated in two weeks if necessary. Perfect rest and quietude for four to six weeks are essential, or no beneficial results can be expected. If the rest and blisters fail to remove the lameness firing may sometimes be resorted to. Puncture firing in two or three rows is often very effective. After firing the seat of the injury should be blistered with biniodide of mercury, 1 to 5, and the animal kept quiet in a single stall for at least one month. BONE SPAVIN. (Plate XVni, Fig. 3.) Bone spavin is a disease involving the bones in the hock joint and is usuallv manifested in a bonv enlaro-ement, situated at the inner and lower part of the tarsus. Causes. — Weakness, faulty conformation, severe strains, hard and rapid work, etc. Symptoms. — The appearance of this disease is usually ac- companied by lameness, which in the early stages of the disease is noticed onlv when the animal is first moved after a rest, and then the toe is generally placed upon the ground first. ^\Tien standing, the animal often rests the diseased leg on the toe. The '• spavin test " is sometimes useful in diagnosing sjjavin lameness. It consists in keeping the hock joint flexed for one or two minutes and then trotting the horse. If a spavin exists lameness is very marked. Treatment. — The treatment of bone spavin is the same as that prescribed for ringbone. SPLINTS. (Plate XVni, Fig. 4.) Splints are bony enlargements, usually situated between the inner splint bone and the cannon bone, at their up2)er third. Thev occasional! V occur on the outside of the hind le"'. Causes. — Faulty action or unequal distribution of pressure in the knee may throw an excessive load on the inner small meta- carpal and cause rupture of the tissue affixing the small to the. large metacarpal. The irritation produces growth of bone. Symptoms. — Soreness may or may not be present ; when the splint is painful the horse is lameT Treatment. — If there is lameness give the animal absolute rest and apply a blister composed as follows: Biniodide of* 100 THE ARMY HORSE. mercury 1 dram, cosmoline 5 drams. Repeat in ten days if necessary. DETECTION OF LAMENESS. Severe lameness is readily recognized, even when the animal is at rest. Distinct symptoms, such as pointing or frequent raising of the affected limb, are noticed, the animal's instinct leading him to place the affected part in a position to relieve the pain. In making an examination for lameness, the animal, having free use of his head, should be led at a slow trot toward and from the observer. Too short a hold on the halter shank will prevent free play of all the muscles concerned in locomotion. If lame in one fore leg, the right one for instance, the head will nod (drop) more or less when he steps on the left fore leg, while the head jerks up at the moment the right leg (the lame one) is placed upon the ground. Hence, the head of the lame animal always nods when the sound leg is planted. Should there be lameness in both fore legs the action is stilty (stiff); the natural, elastic stride is wanting; the steps are shortened, and the feet kept close to the ground. Almost invariably the hind legs are picked up higher than normally ; the shoulders appear stiff and the head is carried rather high, while the lumbar region is arched. Lameness behind is detected by trotting the horse from the observer, the croup being the essential part to be watched, since it drops with the sound leg and rises with the lame one. If lame in both hind legs, the stride is shortened and awk- ward ; the fore legs are kept back of the vertical line, and are apt to be raised higher than usual, while the head is lowered. Backing is difficult ; it is almost impossible to keep the animal at a trot when he is lame in more than one leg. Horses lame in both fore or both hind legs show a waddling gait behind, often mistaken for lameness originating in the lumbar region. This peculiar motion is simply due to the fact that the hind legs are unduly advanced under the body for their own relief or that of the front legs. Close attention is to be paid to the animal's action as he turns while being trotted to and from the observer, as at this moment — that is, while he turns — any hitch becomes visible; as, for instance, spavin or stringhalt lameness. Always place the lame leg in its natural position and inspect the various parts of the leg both with the hand and eye, com- THE ARMY HORSE. 101 paring them always with the sound leg to find anatomical changes. In all cases examine the foot thoroughly and carefully. Heat, pain, and swelling are always guides in the diagnosis of lameness. All lameness is divided into two classes: Swinging-leg lameness, which is shown by a shortened stride and a more or less dragging of the leg; and supporting-leg lameness, which shows itself when the leg supports the weight of the body. The former is shown in diseased condition of the muscles. The latter is shown in disease of bone, tendons, ligaments, and the hoof. CHAPTER XII. TROPICAL DISEASES. SURRA. This disease is caused by the Trypanasoma Evansi, an organ- ism wl^ich is a low form of animal life and is found in the blood of aft'ected animals. It attacks and destroys the red blood cells, causing rapid loss of flesh and, sooner or later, death. It is claimed by some authorities that the disease originates from the use of water and grass from low lands. Symptoms. — Variable temperature, ranging from normal to 102° and even to 106° F. ; dullness; lack of vigor; sometimes swelling of the submaxillary lymph glands; thin, watery dis- charge from the nostrils ; swelling of the sheath and legs, more frequently the hind ones (Plate XIX), and swelling along the belly ; these swellings pit on pressure. The mucous membrane of the eye, especially of the haw, shows dark-red spots (petechial spots) ; the urine is highly colored and is usually passed in large quantities; the bowels are constipated in the early stage, and profuse diarrhea occurs later. In chronic cases paralysis of the hind extremities takes place, the animal staggering when moved. The paralysis may later become com- plete and the horse will be unable to rise. In the acute type of the disease the animal dies in twelve or fifteen days, while in the chronic case he may linger for one or two months. The diagnosis is complete only when a microscopic examination of the blood discloses the parasite (Plate XX). As a rule, the parasite is seen only when the temperature is considerably elevated. Surra is always fatal, and as the danger to other animals is great on account of its highly contagious nature, all animals that have been proved to have the parasite in the blood should be removed at once from contact with healthy stock and destroyed. The carcasses should be saturated with oil and burned. Measures to prevent the spread of the disease should always be enforced. When in a district infested with surra the temperature of horses should be taken regularly every (102) PLATE XIX. TSO Surra: Characteristic swellings. PLATE XX. A m ". " X / \ / \ '*. '\ '" ^'"^w^^ t / \ '^^ r-> , / r J V f -<^^ o> >^ Surra parasite EH u ■r-t ft o a ft -p 0 o N •iH P. « o •r-l O u O THE ARMY HORSE. 103 two or three days. Any animal showing, without a known cause, a temperature of 10:2° F. shouhl be isohited, and there- after blood examinations should be made and temperatures taken daily. As flies are known to be carriers of the surra parasite, great care should be exercised to remove and avoid any breeding places for these pests. If stables could be screened it would be a great advantage in surra outbreaks. EPIZOOTIC OR TLCERATIVE LYMPHANGITIS. This peculiar tropical disease closely resembles glanders of the farcy form, so much so that the two might be easily con- fused by a person uninformed on tropical diseases. In observ- ing epizootic lymphangitis the high fever and sudden loss of flesh and vigor are not seen as in tropical glanders. The disease in the early stage responds to treatment, but often requires months to effect a cure. It is caused by a fungus, called crytococcus^ and is contagious. Symptoms. — Small bunches or nodules, the size of a half dollar, may a^^pear upon the skin of any part of the body ; there may be one or many. They often appear in chains along the course of the lymphatics (1, Plate XXI) : they may spread around an infected area into an irregular patch (2, Plate XXI), apparently not following the lymphatics; again, the disease ma}' start with a hard, painful swelling in the region of the chest or shoulder, or between the fore legs, the swelling later softening in spots and forming the small abscesses. Ordinarih', the nodules soon soften and break upon the sur- face; if not, they should be opened; in either case they end in the typical ulcers of the disease. The small bunches or ab- scesses, when opened, contain a white, creamy pus; they do not respond readily to ordinary healing methods and persist after the most heroic measures have been adopted. In cases of long standing the ulcerations may extend over the greater part of the body, the limbs especially being covered with sores; there is usually great enlargement and thickening of the legs and the patient becomes badly emaciated (poor in flesh). In the ordi- nary case, however, the animal does not loose flesh and does not carry any nuirked fever. Ti'cuttjjiciit. — The treatment consists in opening the ulcers freely witli a knife or cautery ])<)int heated to white heat, or. better still, if thev are not too numerous, in dissecting them out entirely without opening the abscess wall. 104 THE ARMY HOESE. The dressings must be of a caustic nature, so as to destroy the cause of the disease; for instance, alcoliol 4 ounces, salicylic acid 1 ounce, bichloride of mercury 2 drams; alternate this with a dressing made of equal parts of olive oil and creolin, or one made of tincture of iodine 2 ounces and tincture of iron 2 ounces. Apply any of these dressings once daily and then use a dusting powder made of equal parts of iodoform and tannic acid. Care should be exercised to isolate the diseased animals and to thoroughly disinfect combs, brushes, blankets, halters, and such articles as may have come in contact with the diseased parts; for this purpose use a 1 to 20 solution of creolin or of carbolic acid. DHOBIE ITCH. This is a very troublesome skin disease peculiar to the tropics. It is contagious and caused by a fungus. Symptoms. — Itching, the animal rubbing against the posts and sides of the stall ; small eruptions of the skin, which spread rapidly and discharge a thin, watery secretion, crusts forming over the sores; the hair falls out and the skin becomes thickened on account of the irritation. Often the skin of a large part of the surface of the body becomes infected with these sores, and ordinary healing washes have no beneficial action. The treatment, like that of epizootic lymphangitis, should be prompt and energetic, and, since both diseases are caused by a fungus, should be similar in nature. One of the most valuable remedies is made of equal parts of olive oil and creolin. which should be applied once daily after thoroughly washing the sores and removing the scabs. A mixture of alcohol G ounces and salicylic acid 1 ounce is of value and is applied daily. In the absence of alcohol, sulphuric ether may be substituted. Tincture of iodine often effects a cure. If the case is persist- ent, cauterize the parts with pure carbolic acid and then apply alcohol after the acid has been on one minute. After cauteriz- ing use the olive oil and creolin dressing daily. ^ On account of its contagious nature, all animals suffering from this disease should be isolated, and brushes, combs, blankets, etc., should be thoroughly disinfected with creolin or carbolic acid solution. The common diseases of temperate countries assume a more aggravated form in the tropics. Infectious diseases are more THE ARMY HORSE. 105 fatal and infected wounds heal more slowly. This is due to the lower vitality of the animal and to the hat and moist climate, which favors germ growth. Pneumonia is almost always fatal in the Philippines. Canker and thrush are found in the most aggravated type. Periodic ophthalmia is very prevalent, resulting in many animals becoming blind. Heat- stroke is a frequent occurrence, on account of the excessive heat and moisture, and is fatal in the majority of cases. The temperature in heatstroke frequently rises to 110° to 113° F. Glanders, which is very common, runs a rapid and fatal course. American horses rarely suffer from the chronic form of the disease often manifested in cooler climates. In the tropics, a careful daily inspection of the horses should be made and the temperature of every animal should be taken at least once a week. Any animal with a suspicious discharge from the nose or with sores upon the body indicating farcy buds, and any animal showing a rise of 2 degrees above normal temperature, should be isolated and kept under observation by a veterinarian. In case of an outbreak, temperatures should be taken daily. Normal temperature in the tropics is usually about 1 degree higher than in a cool climate, and it may rise as much as -1 degrees with exercise of a moderate nature. These facts should be taken into consideration in recording tempera- tures. CHAPTER XIIL MEDICINES; THEIR ACTION AND USES. Antiseptics. — Remedies which arrest putrefaction. They kill or prevent the development of those bacteria which pro- duce decomposition. Examples: Corros. sub., carbolic acid, creolin. Disinfectants. — Destroy the specific poisons of communi- cable diseases by killing or arresting the development of those germs which produce disease. Examples : Lime, sulphur gas, etc. Deodorants. — Disguise or destroy odors. Examples: Iron sulphate, carbolic acid, etc. Ruhefacients. — Cause redness of the skin. Examples: Alcohol, turpentine, etc. Vesicants. — Cause a discharge of serum from the skin. Example : Cantharides. Stomachics. — Promote digestion. Examples: Gentian, ginger, etc. Vermicides. — Kill worms. Examples: Turpentine, iron sulphate, etc. Vermifuges. — Remove intestinal worms by purgation. Parasiticides. — Destroy parasites. Examples : Carbolic acid, creolin, etc. Purgatives. — Evacuate the bowels. Examples: Aloes. Cholagogues. — Promote secretion of bile. Examples: Aloes, calomel. Diaphoretics. — Increase perspiration. Examples: Ethers. Same action produced mechanically bj^ warm clothing. Diuretics. — Increase secretion or urine. Examples: Potass, nit., turpentine. Tonics. — Gradually but permanently improve appetite and increase vigor. Examples : Quinine, iron, gentian, etc. (106) THE ak:\iy horse. 107 Anesthetics. — Produce loss of consciousness. Example : Chloroform. Styptics. — Check hemori'hag:e. Example : Tincture of iron. Caustics.- — Destroy tissue by burning. Examples: Lunar caustic, copper sulphate, etc. Expectorants. — Act upon the mucous membrane of the re- spiratory organs and cause an expulsion of their secretions. Example : Chloride of ammonia. Stimulants. — Promptly but temporarily increase nervous vigor, thus increasing action of the heart and other functions. Examples: Alcohol, ammonia, ether. Alteratives. — Correct morbid conditions without causing marked physiological effects. Examples: Mercury, iodine, iodide of potassium. Astringents. — Contract living tissues. Examples: Alum, zinc sulphate, tannic acid. Sedatives. — Depress (slow) both the nervous and circulatory systems. Examples: Aconite, acetanilid, potas. bromide. Anodynes. — Relieve pain by diminishing the excitability of nerves and nerve centers. Examples: Opium, belladonna. Antispasmodics. — Prevent or remove spasmodic contractions of voluntary or involuntary muscles. Examples: Belladonna, sulphuric ether. Carminatives. — Aid in the expulsion of gas from the intes- tines by increasing natural movement, stimulating circulation, etc. Examples: Capsicum, ginger, aromatic spts. ammonia, sul- phuric ether, etc. Febrifuges or antipyretics. — Agents Avhich reduce high tem- perature of the blood ; reduce fever. Examples: Acetanilid. cold water. VETERINARY MEDICINES. Acetanilid. — Is a febrifuge and antiseptic. Used internally to lower fever in doses of from 1 to 4 drams. Used externally as an antiseptic in the form of a dry dressing. Acid^ arsenioiis (arsenic). — Is an irritant, corrosive poison, given internally in doses of from 1 to n grains as a digestive 108 THE ARMY HORSE. tonic, and for skin diseases, usually in combination with iron sulphate and gentian. Externally it is used to remove warts, in the form of an ointment, 1 part of arsenic to 8 or 10 of lard, xicid, horacic. — Action, antiseptic; a saturated solution is very useful in conjunctivitis. With oxide of zinc it makes a very nice dressing for abrasions, scratches, etc. Acid, carbolic. — A valuable antiseptic and disinfectant. A 1 to 20 solution makes a very good wash for all wounds. A very good prescription for local use is the following : Carbolic acid, 6 drams. Glycerin, 1^ ounces. \Yater to make 1 pint. Acid, salicylic. — A useful antiseptic; a saturated solution of salicylic acid in alcohol is a good dressing for indolent sores and ulcers. Salicylic acid dusted upon a wound will remove the granula- tions of proud flesh. Acid, tannic— An astringent and antiseptic. It is given interiially in diarrhea and dysentery. Dose, 30 grains to 1 dram. The following prescription may be used : Acid, tannic, | to 1 dram. Opium, powdered, ^ to 1 dram. Make into one ball and repeat every two hours until the diarrhea is checked. Tannic acid is an excellent remedy, used in the form of a saturated solution (with witch-hazel water), for hardening tender shoulders. Aconite. — Is a dangerous poison and should not be used in- ternally, but locally. Mixed with other drugs it makes a good anodyne liniment. Aconite, 2 ounces. Alcohol, 5 ounces. Opium, tincture, 4 ounces. Witch-hazel, distilled, 5 ounces. Mix, and apply several times daily. Alcohol— St'imnlant. Given for weak heart in debilitating diseases, such as lung troubles, etc. Dose, 2 to 4. ounces in 1 pint of water, and repeated every four to six hours, as required. It is useful in the formation of liniments. THE ARMY HORSE. 109 Aloes, Barbados. — Is the general purgative for the horse. Dose, 6 to 8 drams. Aloes, Barbados, G to 8 drams. Ginger, 1 dram. Make into a ball and give upon an empty stomach. The " cathartic cai)sule," to be supplied, will take the place of aloes. It will contain aloin, strychnine, ginger, and calomel. A purgative should never be given in diseases of the respira- tory system. It generally takes about twenty-four hours to operate. Alunt. — Astringent. It is useful as a w^ash for sore mouths; used in the strength of | ounce to 1 quart of water. Externally it is a valuable remedy in the treatment of thrush. Burnt alum is useful for the removal of proud flesh. Ammonia, aromatic spirits of. — Stimulant and carminative. A very useful remedy in the treatment of colics, and exhaustion. Dose, 1 to 3 ounces, well diluted. Ammonia, solution of. — Used externally only, in combination with other drugs, as a stimulating liniment. Ammonia, solution of, 1 part. Turpentine, oil of, 1 part. Olive oil, 2 parts. To be well shaken before using. It is an excellent external application for sore throat. Ammonia, chloride of. — Used in all cases where an expecto- rant is indicated, such as diseases of the respiratory system. Dose, 1 to 4 drams. For catarrhal diseases it is usually com- bined with quinine and nitrate of potash, prepared in the fol- lowing manner : Ammonia, chloride of, 3 ounces. Quinine sulphate, 6 drams. Xitrate of potash, 3 ounces. Make into twelve powders and give one every three or four hours. Belladonna, -fluid extract. — Antispasmodic and anodyne. Used in cases of colic in conjunction with other medicines. Dose, 1 to 2 drams. "When applied to the eyes it dilates the i)iij)il and soothes the irritated membrane. Generally used in combination with sul- phate of zinc or boracic-acid solutions. 110 THE ARMY HORSE. A very useful wash for the treatment of conjunctivitis is made as follows: Sulphate of zinc, 20 grains. Belladonna, fid. ext., 1 dram. Water, 3^ ounces. Apply twice a day. Camphor, gum. — Antispasmodic and antiseptic. Dose, 1 to 2 drams. A very good remedy for diarrhea is made as follows; Camphor, gum, 1 dram. Opium, powdered, 1 dram. Make into a ball; give, and repeat every two hours until relief is afl'orded. Externally it is useful for sprains, combined with other medi- cines, forming what is known as the soap liniment. Castile soap, 10 parts. Camphor, 5 parts. Alcohol, TO parts. Water, 15 parts. To be used only externally as a mild, stimulating, anodyne liniment. A useful dressing for wounds is made of gum camphor, 8 ounces, carbolic acid, 3 ounces. This is especially valuable in fly time. Cannahis indica (Indian hemp). — Antispasmodic and ano- dyne. Its main use is in colic, as it relieves pain without caus- ing constipation. Dose, 2 to 4 drams. Cannabis indica, 2 to 1 drams. Ammonia, aromatic spirits, 1 ounce. Water, 1 pint. Give at one dose and repeat in three-quarters of an hour if necessary. This is an excellent remedy for colic. Cantkarides, powdered (Spanish fly).— Used only for its blistering effect. Prepare by rubbing the cantharides and cosmoline together (1 to 5 or 6) with a spatula on a piece of glass. Capsicum, (cayenne pepper). — Stomachic and carminative. Given internally in combination with gentian and ginger in mild cases of indigestion attended with flatulency. Dose, ^ to 1 dram. CJtarroal. — A mild antiseptic and deodorant. It is very good mixed with poultices, especially for Avounds and sores that have a foul odor. It may be dusted on the surface of foul THE ARMY HORSE. Ill sores and will soon destroy the odor. Internally it is given in doses of 2 to -1 drams, and is nseful in chronic indigestion and diarrhea. Copper sulphate (blue vitriol, bhiestone). — A caustic tonic, vermifuge, and astringent. Used principally as a caustic for thrush and canker. A good remedy for thrush or canker is equal parts of sulphate of copper (powdered), sulphate of zinc, and sulphate of iron: 'T/ie three sulphates!'^ This powder can be applied two or three times daily. Used also internally as a tonic in chronic nasal catarrh. Dose, 1 to 2 drams. Collodion. — When painted over wounds it forms an air-tight coating and in small wounds keeps the edges in a fixed position and promotes healing. Especially valuable when applied to l^unctured wounds of joints. Chl-oroform. — Antispasmodic, stimulant, and anodyne. Use- ful in colics. Dose, 1 to 2 drams, well diluted. It may be added to anodyne liniments. When inhaled, it acts as an anesthetic. Cosmoline. — A by-product of petroleum. Used as a base for ointments. It is also valuable to apply upon the skin, when wound secretions are abundant, to prevent dropping out of the hair. Creol'm. — A nonpoisonous, nonirritating antiseptic and para- siticide. It is one of the best medicines that we have, not only as a valuable application for all wounds, but to destroy all parasites with which the animal may become infested. Used in solution or ointment in a strength of 1 to 50 or 1 to 20. For mange it is used in a 1 to 10 solution. Digitalis., -jiuid extract of. — A very dangerous poison, and should not be administered internally. A valuable diuretic when applied over the kidneys and well rubbed in. Ether., nitrous, spirits of (sweet spirits of niter). — Stimu- lant, antispasmodic, diuretic, and diaphoretic. Dose, 1 to 2 ounces. A verj^ useful stimulant in all cases of weakness of the heart action. For its stimulating and antispasmodic actions it is given in colics combined with belladonna or cannabis indica. Ether, srdphvric. — Stimulant, antispasmodic, and carmina- tive. Dose, 1 to 2 ounces well diluted. Coml)ined with belladonna or cannabis indica its antispas- modic action is increased. 112 THE AR.A[Y HOESE. Fenugreek. — Aromatic and stomachic. Sometimes combined Avith tonics to disguise their odors. Dose, 1 ounce. Flaxseed meal. — Used for poultices. Gentian. — Stomachic and bitter tonic. It improves the appetite and general tone. Dose, ^ to 1 ounce. Ginger. — Stomachic and carminative. Combined with pur- gatives it dimishes their tendency to gripe, and also somewhat hastens their action. Dose, | to 1 ounce. Glycerin. — Used as a base in the same manner as cosmoline. Useful, combined with equal parts of iodine, in the treatment of grease. Iodine. — Given internally in diabetes insipidus. Dose. 20 grains to 1 dram, to be repeated three times daily until the quantity of urine is lessened. Best given made into a ball with flaxseed meal. Externally it is used for the removal of swellings, curbs, en- larged tendons, etc. It is also a useful stimulant for indolent sores and ulcers. A good solution for external use is made as follows : Iodine, 1 ounce. Iodide of potassium, 3 ounces. AYater, 1 pint. To be applied several times daily. Tincture of iodine is made of iodine, 1 ounce; alcohol, 1 pint. Iodoform. — Antiseptic. Used externally as a dry dressing, either alone or combined with other drugs, such as boracic acid, acetanilid, etc. Iron., ti7icture of the chloride of. — A valuable tonic, building up the system and enriching the blood. Useful in purpura and in convalescence after all debilitating diseases. Dose, 1 to 2 ounces, well diluted. Used externally as an astringent and styptic in serious hem- orrhages. A small piece of cotton saturated with it and ap- plied to the bleeding part is the proper mode of application. Iron, sulphate of (Ferrisulphate).— Tonic. It increases the appetite and builds up the system. Dose, i to 1 dram. Fre- quently combined with nux vomica, etc. Lanolin. — Used as a base for ointments in the same manner as cosmoline. . Lead, acetate o/.— Astringent and a valuable remedy for re- I lieving local pain. Used externally to cool and relieve sprains. THE ARMY HORSE. 113 inflamed tendons and joints, and to relieve itching skin dis- eases. The white k)tion is made as follows: Acetate of lead, 1 ounce. Sulphate of zinc. 1 ounce. Water, 1 quart. Shake well and apply several times daily. The lotion is a very valuable remedy for the relief of all external diseases accompanied by heat and swelling; also an excellent dressing for wounds. Lime, chloride of. — This is the best disinfectant that we have. Four ounces to 1 gallon of water is the proper strength. This solution should be used as a wash for the disinfection of stables. A small portion of choride of lime placed around in stables will destroy the odor arising from decomposed urine. Lunar caustic. — Used for the removal of warts and proud flesh. Four grains to 1 ounce of water make a good applica- tion for the removal of the cloudiness remaining after an attack of ophthalmia. Me'rciiry, Ijichloride of (corrosive sublimate; antiseptic tab- lets).— Dissolved in water this is the most energetic antiseptic; 1 to 1,000 solution is the proper strength to use in the treat- ment of all wounds. Two tablets to a quart of water give this strength ; if the bichloride is in bulk, use 15 grains to a quart of water, and add 15 grains of chloride of ammonia to insure complete dissolution. Mercury^ mild chloride (calomel). — Internally, a chola- gogue. Dose, ^ to 2 drams. It is not used alone, but is com- bined with aloes. Calomel, 1 dram. Barbados aloes. 4 drams. Ginger, 1 dram. Water to make a ball. Externally, antiseptic and drying. Used in the treatment of ulcers and thrush. Mercury, hiniodide. — Used as a blister; its effects are A'ery penetrating. Used principally in the treatment of spavins, splints, sidebones, ringbones, and all bony enlargements. Biniodide of mercury, 1 part. Cosmoline, 5 to G parts. Mix and rub together thoroughly. Apply Avith friction for at least ten minutes. 20844 8 114 THE ARMY IIOKSE. Ni(.x vo7mca, 'pov^dered. — A nerve stiimilant and tonic. Dose, ^ to 1 dram. It is a very useful tonic in building U}) the tone of the system in convalescence from debilitating diseases and general lack of vitality. Generally given in combination with gentian, iron, and other tonics. Oil^ linseed. — Laxative (mild purgative). Dose, ^ to 1 quart. Do not use boiled oil. Oil^ olive. — Generally used as a vehicle in making liniments and oilv solutions. Oil of tar (pine tar). — Useful for plugging holes and cavi- ties in the hoof after all suppuration has ceased. Oil of turpejifine. — Diuretic, stimulant, antispasmodic, ver- mifuge, and expectorant. Dose, 1 to 3 ounces diluted with oil. Externally it is used in the formation of liniments (see Solu- tion of Ammonia). Ophnru tinctm^e of (laudanum). — Anodyne, antispasmodic. Checks secretion of mucous membrane. On account of these properties it is a valuable remedy in diarrhea and dysentery. Very useful in the treatment of all abdominal pain where there are no symptoms of constipation, but as a rule belladonna and cannabis indica are preferable. Dose, 1 to 2 ounces. Externally, opium tincture is used to relieve pain of sprains and bruises. A v^ery good anodyne lotion is made as follows: Opium tincture, 4 ounces. Acetate of lead, 2 ounces. Water to make 1 quart. Apply every few hours. Opium, powdered.— ^ot used externally. It is used inter- nally for the same purpose as the tincture. Dose, ^ lo 2 drams. Potassivm bromide. — Nerve sedative. Dose, ^ to 2 ounces. In tetanus this medicine can be given in large doses. Potassium nitrate (saltpeter).— Alterative, febrifuge, and diuretic. Dose, 1 to 4 drams. In the treatment of laminitis the dose is 2 to 4 ounces, repeated three times a day. Externally it makes a good cooling lotion : Nitrate potassium (saltpeter), 5 ounces. Chloride of ammonia, 5 ounces. Water 16 ounces. Mix and keep the affected parts saturated with this lotion. THE AKMY HOUSE, 115 Internally, saltpeter is a most excellent medicine in the treat- ment of catarrhal and febrile diseases. It is also iisefid in the treatment of swollen legs. ^ Putassiiun iodide. — Alterative, diuretic, and expectorant. Dose, 2 to 1: drams. It is given to promote absorption of enlargements, such as enlarged glands in lymphangitis, and in partial paralysis resulting from injury to the brain or spinal cord. For such purposes full doses are given twice a day for two weeks. Potdssium jyei-manganate. — Disinfectant and deodorant. Useful for the removal of foul odors arising from unhealthy wounds; also for cleaning hands and instruments. From 1 to 4 drams, water 1 pint, is the proper strength of the solution for use. Quinine^ sulphate of. — Tonic, stomachic, antiseptic, and nuld febrifuge. Dose, | to 1 dram, repeated three times a day. It is given in all febrile and debilitating diseases. Combined with sulphate of iron it is very useful in purpura. In influenza and pneumonia it is generally combined with gentian and nitrate of potash, made into powders in the following proportions : Quinine sulphate, 1 ounce. Gentian, 3 ounces. Make twelve powders and give three times a day. Salol. — Antiseptic. Used internally and externally for its antiseptic properties. Dose, 2 to -4 drams. Sodium hicarhonate . — Carminative, stomachic, relieves acidity of the stomach. Dose, 1 to 2 drams. This is an excel- lent medicine in chronic indigestion and flatulency. Sulphur. — Parasiticide. This medicine may be used for the treatment of mange, but it is inferior to creolin or carbolic ac-id. ^V itch-hazel .' — A cooling astringent wash, very useful when combined with other medicines in the form of liniments. Zinc sulphate. — Externally it is much used as a caustic and astringent for wounds, foul ulcers, etc. It is an excellent remedy for the treatment of thrush and canker. Sulphate of zinc... Sulphate of copper. |-F(|ual i)arts. Sulphate of iron.... 116 THE AR3[Y HORSE, Zinc oxide. — Antiseptic. Used either as a dry powder dusted on the wounds or can be made into an ointment with lanolin : ^inc oxide, 1 part. Lanolin, 6 parts. Zinc cMoride. — An irritant and corrosive poison, never given internally. Externally it is applied as a stimulant, astringent, caustic, and parasiticide. It is also used as an antiseptic, disin- fectant, and deodorant. From 2 to 4 drams to the pint of water are used for ordinary antiseptic purposes. 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