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Home treatment of the diseases of domest

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HOME TREATMENT

FOR

THE DISEASES

OF

DOMESTICATED ANIMALS

A PRACTICAL WORK

FOR

FARMERS, TEAMSTERS, MERCHANTS, MECHANICS, STUDENTS AND PRACTITIONERS.

A TREATISE ON THE DISEASES OF HORSES, CATTLE, SHEEP, HOGS

AND DOGS. THEIR CAUSES, SYMPTOMS. PREVENTION,

AND CURE. ALSO THE LATEST AND MOST

APPROVED METHODS OF DELIVERING

THEIR YOUNG.

FULLY ILLUSTRATED.

rSrf,

BY ''''

WALTER LANGTRY, V. S.

Hi?

^ OBASUATE OP THE ONTARIO VETEKINARy COLLEGB,

lOBONTO, CANADA.

Copyrighted by

Waltbk Lanqtrt, V. S.,

FORT WAYNE, IND.

1895.:

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, INDIANAPOLIS, IND.

GOVERNOR'S ROOM.

I have personally examined the work of Dr. Walter Langtry, on Home Treatment for Domesticated Animals, and find it a valuable aid to farmers and stock raisers.

His clear and straight-forward methods of dealing with the various diseases incident to all stock cannot hut be of great value to all.

The department treating on the delivery of colts, calves, lambs and pigs, I would especially commend, as it is humane and practical, and should be more thor- oughly understood by all stock raisers. Also, the department on the diseases of sheep, more especially that part relating to scab and worms, is of special value.

I consider this work of great practical value, as it is written in the plainest language, devoid of all technical terms, so all who read can readily understand. I heartily recommend it to all farmers and owners of live stock.

Respectfully,

JAMES A. MOUNT, October 14th, 1897. Governor of Indiana.

PREFACE.

In presenting this work to the general public, it is Dot to be presumed that many will take the time to read the preface, for only about one in' a thousd,nd receive close attention. But if the reader will take the time to give it a careful perusal, it will doubly repay him for his trouble. It is not my intention nor desire, to make every purchaser of this work a thorough veterinarian, but to supply the busy and industrious American, who is the owner or lover of domesticated animals, with a concise and comprehensive treatise of the diseases of live stock, according to t|ie modern or advanced system of treatment, discarding the old, vulgar and incompati- ble messes that have formerly been prescribed, and the poor, dumb brute has been compelled, through force and ignorance, to endure that which it could not avoid. The advanced and successful theory and practice among the lower ^ animals, so closely resembles that of the human family, that what is considered humane treatment for the one, also applies to the other, and I most respect- fully invite you to ask your family physician to carefully peruse these pages, and obtain . his opinion as to the correctness of treatment, and value to your library. It seems remarkably strange, from, the number of books that are daily printed, that the wants of the industrious

PKBFAOB. V

farmer and owner of live stock, have been neglected in this line, and not supplied with a practical work, whereby he could not only avoid, but successfully and intelli- gently administer remedies and heal the wounds of his afla.icted stock. The loss to the stock owner, amounts to an enormous sum annually, not only through diseases but during the period that they are producing their off- spring, for a want of knowledge in assisting them at that critical time ; and after an extensive practice in this line, for a period of eighteen years, and fully appreciating the desire of the stock-owner for a knowl- edge of this kind, I have endeavored to present it to them in this work as plainly as it is possible undei: the circumstances, for me to do in the English language, and if it will somewhat assist in mitigating some of the pain and misery, which the females are compelled to endure, the author will greatly appreciate the fact and will consider himself amply repaid for his time and

trouble.

Walter Lanutry, V. S.

EXPLANATION OF THE DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE SKELETON.

1.	Zymotic arch.	21.
2.	Orbital oaTity.	25.
3.	face bone.	26.
1.	Incisor teeth.	27.
5.	Molar teeth.
6.	Lower Jaw.	28.
7.	Atlas, 1st veitebrae of neck.	29.
8.	AziB, 2d vertebrae of neck.	30.
9.	Cerrical TertebrsB.	31.
10.	Spinal process of back.	32.
11.	Dorsal and Inmbar vertebrss.	33.
12.	Bacrtun.	84.
18.	Coccygeal or tail bones.	35.
14.	Scapula, or shonlder blade.	86.
15.	Acromion process.	87.
16.	Hollow of shonlder blade.	38.
17.	Superior tuberosity of the humems.	39.
18.	Eomems, or arm bone.	40.
19.	Olecranon, or elbow cranon.	41.
20.	OartUages of the ribs.	42.
21.	Bibs.	43.
22.	Hannch, the external and anterior	44.
	angle of the illinm.	46.
23.	Os innominatnm, or hannch bone.

Great trochanter . Small trochanter. Femor, or thigh bones. Ischinm, posterior angle of the

illinm. Radius or fore-arm bone. Carpal, or knee bones. Trapazinm.

Metacarpal, or cannon bone. Os anffraginie, or pastern bone. Sesamoid bone.

Os coroDEB, or small pastern bone. Superior tuberosity of the tibia. Stifle joint. Tibia, or leg bone. Os calcis, or point of hock . Tarsus, or hock joint. Head of small metatarsal bone, (/annon, or metatarsal bone. Hoof, or foot bone. Fetlock joint. Patella. Fibula.

INTRODUCTORY.

Since an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, it will be well first to consider such rules of treat- ment and of diet, as will tend to maintain good health in animals. The physical construction must be re- garded, and the fact impressed upon the mind that they do not consist entirely of hair and hide and a few exter- nal organs, simply because such alone are visible ; these but serve as an outer guard for a delicate, intricate anci beautiful mechanism within. The wonderful work of digestion begins as soon as the food is taken into the mouth, for there it is ground by the teeth and mingled with the saliva ; through the proper channels it reaches the stomach, and then enters the intestines. When di- gested, the nutritive portions of the food are conveyed to the blood by means of absorbent vessels, whence oc- curs a process of purification, in which all waste parti- cles are cast aside and the rich, life-giving fluid is pro- pelled by the heart, through many blood-vessels, to the vatious portions of the system, to supply worn-out tis- sues. The body is not interspersed with blood-channels alone, but there is also a tracery of nerves extending to every extremity, commonly called the nervous system, and having two great centers; the spinal cord with which all lesser nerves connect, and the crowning splen- dor of animal existence, the brain, to which, in turn, the spinal cord is attached. There is also a structure of bones, termed the skeleton, to which cling in proper position, folds or layers of flesh, called muscles. The

10 HOME TREATMENT FOR

vast and marvelous mechanism of animal anatomy, is in itself a study, and since it can here be but briefly con- sidered, it will be better to proceed at once to the con- sideration of the principles of hygiene and sanitation, and of proper nursing and medical treatment, than to dwell longer upon the art of dissection. We will there- fore first regard such rules of diet and management, as will be conducive to the maintenance of health.

WATER.

Dysentery, diarrhoea and many other diseases of stock, are very often occasioned by drinking water con- taining decomposing organic matter, such as may some- times be found in wells and ponds, situated near man- ure-heaps and cess-pools. It is important then, that water be free from impurities. When animals have free access to water, they never drink to excess. Green food, owing to the juice it contains, lessens the quantity of water required. When fed upon dry hay and grain, the thirst is necessarily greater.

Water from shallow wells, and river water, which is usually contaminated with sewage, is dangerous, while water from springs and deep wells, and upland surface water, is considered wholesome. Surface-water from land that has been cultivated, and stored rain-water, may be regarded with suspicion. Pure water can gen- erally be determined by its bluish tint, its clearness, and lack of taste or smell, but the presence of certain poisons, bacteria, etc. , can be detected only by micro- scopic and chemical examination conducted by an ex- pert in this line. When at rest, the horse requires water at least three times a day ; but when laboring, more frequently. The ,rule, under the latter circum- stance, should be to give in small quantities and often. When a horse is warm, he may be allowed a few swal-

DOMESTICATED ANIMALS. 11

lows of water and should then immediately be given a pound or two of hay. He should then rest about an hour before feeding. The danger in giving water to a warm or over-heated animal, is due to the excessive amount it will take while in this condition. Horses should not be allowed ice cold water, and while hot water need not necessarily be added, it should be seen to that it does not verge upon the freezing point. While it is not a good idea to give water thus cold, yet serious trouble is seldom produced, if the horse has not been deprived for too long a time. The same rule will apply to cattle, although they are not so susceptible to unpleasant effects from this source as the horse, having four stomachs while the horse has but one.

FOODS AND FEBDINfl.

Cleanliness should be considered both in preparing and administering food. The method of preparation, found by experience to be the best, should be adhered to and regular times of feeding should be observed. Oats do not pass from the stomach so quickly as hay and straw and should therefore be given after either of the latter, as they cannot then be forced by the hay or straw, which is more rapidly digested, into the intestines, be- fore the stomach has performed its part in the work of digestion. When the horse is huhgry or exceedingly tired, this manner of feeding is particularly commend- able, since it requires more time to masticate hay, in- suring a proper mixture with it of the saliva, and it cannot be bolted as are oats or other grains. * Water should not be given after feeding, as it washes the food from the stomach before it is prepared to enter diges- tion in the intestines. Before feeding then, is the proper time to give water. The selection of food should depend upon the nature of the labor required pf the

12 HOME TREATMENT FOE

horse. Severe or hurried work cannot be expected of an animal with a full stomach. When labor of this na- ture is required, it is best that food be allowed in small quantity, about two hours before going to work. Even slow-working animals should not be gorged with bulky food lacking in nourishing properties, immediately be- fore being put to labor. Grains should never be fed immediately after a hard day's work, as digestive dis- orders are apt to arise. Hay should first be given, with grains following. The same rule should be observed in feeding an animal that has been for any reason, de- prived of food for sometipae ; also in this case, a less quantity should be given than would be consumed. If too much food is allowed, colic is apt to follow. For horses engaged mostly in slow work, chopped or cut hay, fed with crushed oats, ground corn, etc., is desira- ble. Diet should not be changed suddenly, as this is dangerous, but the desired change should be accom- plished very gradually. Neither should there be an immediate increase in the quantity of food, if this is desired, but the amount required should be reached by degrees. The quantity of food must be governed by the amount of labor to be performed. If the work is de- creased or there is an entire cessation from toil for a few days, the food should be lessened. If the horse is to stand for sometime, the food should be of a laxative nature. Musty or moldy foods should not be fed, since from these frequently arise various diseases, such as btonchitis, lung trouble and heaves. Kidney disorders are apt to arise from the consuming of musty hay.

HAY.

Timothy, about a year old, fresh, clean, and of a greenish color, and possessing a pleasan^t odor, is the best hay for horses. If kept too long, however, it be-

DOMESTICATED ANIMALS. 18

comes- deficient in nourishment, hard, dry and more or less difficult of digestion. New hay also, is hard to di- gest, sometimes producing purging, and irritation of the skin. It should be mixed with old hay, if given at all. Second crop hay is not good for horses, but is consid- ered by some persons, as good food for milch cows ; it being claimed that it has a tendency to increase the flow of milk. Ten to twelve pounds of hay a day, is suffi- cient for the average horse, when grain is also fed. Horses engaged in light work, should not be kept en- tirely upon hay, as they will fall off in flesh and become pot-bellied. This also applies to colts ; unless the latter are allowed some grain in addition to their hay, they are apt to grow into lean, awkward creatures, never making as good horses, as others fed upon both kinds of food.

STEAWS.

When straws are used as an article of food, they should be chopped and mixed with crushed or ground grains, and hay. The straws mostly used, are those of rye, oats and wheat. Oats straw contains the greatest amount of nourishment and is the most easily digested. Bean and pea straws are sometimes fed to horses, and of these two, the pea straw appears to be preferable.

CHAFF.

When oat chaff is mixed with cut hay or corn fod- der, it may be used as an article of food, but only in small quantities, as abundant feeding frequently pro- duces a trout)iesome and sometimes fatal diarrhoea, in both horses and cattle. ^

Rye and wheat chaff should not be used. More or less trouble is occasioned by the beards becoming lodged in the mouth and throat, while in the bowels and stom- ach, they often form the basis of soft concretions.

14 HOME TKEATMENT FOR

GRAINS.

Oats are the most easily digested, and contain the best proportion of nourishment. They are therefore preferable to all other grains. The best oats are a year old, clean, hard, short and plump. New oats are indi- gestible. Kiln-dried oats, though originally good, are not desirable, since this method of drying, injures them. Sprouted or fermented oats should never be fed, as they are injurious. For old horses and those having poor teeth, oats are best when crushed ; in most instances, however, they may be fed whole. Crushed oats are also best for horses addicted to the habit of bolting their food, and in such cases, it is well to scatter the grain before them, or spread it in a thin layer. . "With the amount of hay already mentioned, the average horse will require about twelve quarts of oats daily. Moldy oats should not be fed, as they will give rise to very serious disturbances, often terminating fatally.

WHEAT AND ETB.

These grains should be given as food, in small quan- tities only, and should be crushed and mixed with hay or other grains. Digestive disorders, founder and simi- lar troubles are produced in horses, if these grains are given alone, in any considerable quantities. When used as an article of diet, they should invariably be ground or crushed, and the amount given, should not be more than one-fourth of the quantity of grain allowed.

BRAN.

Wheat-bran is mostly used, when bran is desired. Various estimates are placed upon its value. It is best fed with other grain ; it bestows freedom of action upon the bowels, and sour bran, therefore, should not be given, as it is productive of stomach and intestinal disorders.

DOMESTICATED ANIMALS. 15

MAIZE-COPN. I

This grain should not be used exclusively as food for young horses, as it is lacking in salts. It may be fed either whole or ground. For horses affected with lampas, it is generally given upon the cob, but if it is old corn and it is desired to give it in this manner, it should be soaked in clean water for some ten to twelve hours. Corn is better given in the ground form, from one to two quarts at a feeding, mixed with wheat-bran or crushed oats. A full feed of corn given to a horse unaccustomed to its use, is likely to give rise to acute indigestion. For this reason, small quantities should be given at first, and gradually increased until the de- sired amount is reached.

LINSEED.

When it is desired to keep the bowels open and im- prove the condition of the skin, ground linseed may oc- casionally be given with other articles of diet. When the digestive organs are inflamed or irritable, tea made of linseed is '^■ery beneficial.

POTATOES CAKKOTS BEETS.

Potatoes used as food for horses or cattle, are best steamed or boiled. If given in considerable quantities in the raw state, they are apt to produce indigestion. Like most other roots, they possess a small proportion of laxative properties. Beets are not used often as food for horses, and should not be used too liberally as food for cattle. Carrots, when fed in small quantities, are very beneficial and particularly so in sickness, as they improve the appetite, and to a slight extent, increase the action of the kidneys and bowels. They also con- tain alterative properties and when used 'as an article of diet the coat becomes glossy and smooth.

16 HOME TREATMENT FOR

GRASS.

If at all possible, every horse should receive a sum- mer vacation, which he may spend in some good pas- turage. This not only affords him his natural food, but gives him a brief feason for rest and recuperation. Grass is indispensible to growing stock. It is not suffi- cient in itsef , as food for an animal engaged in labor, as purging results, and horses soon tire in travel or work. They also perspire easily. It should at first be given in small quantities to horses accustomed to grain and hay, but the best idea, is to let the animal crop it for itself. Chronic disorders sometimes disappear en tirely, when the animal is upon grass ; it also has a ten- dency to lessen fever, and wounds heal with greater rapidity than when upon grain. Last but not least, is the fact that an occasional change of diet, goes far to- ward maintaining a good condition in animals. It is not a good idea to continue the same routine of feeding, for this becomes tiresome, as it would with ourselves, were we subjected to a certain rule of diet. An occasional change is appreciated by animals, and consequently fol- lowed with good results. ,

STABLING.

stalls should be large and roomy. Box stalls are best, for these allow such complete freedom from halter or strap, that the animal may choose any position desired, for comfort and rest. It is bad policy to economize in stable-room, by building narrow, uncomfortable stalls. There should at least be room for the animal to stretch out its limbs, so that it need not lie in a cramped posi- tion. A ground floor is the best, but upon floors of any kind, should be placed a good bedding. For this, clean straw is preferable. Ventilation should not be disregarded, but in order to secure this, it

DOMESTICATED ANIMALS 17

is not necessary that a flood of cold^ or damp, chilly air be allowed to rush upon the animal. In this, as in other matters, judgment must be used. Above all things, cleanliness must be observed, and there should be plenty of light. Food should be placed so that it can be reached without discomfort. Screen or netting prop- erly arranged, affords good protection from flies. Floors of any kind should be level ; if a board floor is used, there should be some means of drainage.

HARNESS.

This should be adjusted to the form of the horse, in as comfortable a manner as possible. Rubbing should be guarded against, particularly the friction of the col- lar upon the shoulders. The cruelty of tight check- reining cannot be too severely condemned. It not only cramps the horse into a painful position, but is senseless in the extreme, being a detriment to the natural beauty of the animal and a hindrance to him while at work.

MUTILATIONS.

The inhuman fashion of docking has happily almost entirely disappeared, as has also the slashing of ears. The mane, tail and fore-top, appear well if evenly trimmed, but there is no beauty in a stubby tail, a closely hacked mane and a raring fore-top ; the latter should be either short enough to escape the eyes, or be carefully tucked away beneath some portion of the head gear. As to the recent style of clipping, it cer- tainly does not seem reasonable to subject the horse to the chilling air of winter, deprived of his natural pro- tection. The animal suffers as much as would his mas- ter, were he compelled to remain out any length of time, without a coat.

It may do well enough in mid-summer, or as soon as the weather becomes settled and warm. Nature, how-

18 HOME TREATMENT FOB

ever, has made ample provision, by granting a shedding or thinning of the hair, at the proper time. But with all due care and consideration, animals will sicken sometimes from causes over which we have no control ; it is the way of all flesh, and when ailments occur, we must seek to administer in the best and most practical manner, the most efficient remedies.

BATHS.

For the cure of disease and likewise for the pres- ervation of health, baths are important. "When falling in temperature below 70° Fahrenheit they may be termed cold baths ; such, when used with discretion, ex- ert tonic, stimulating or bracing effects. They contract the blood-vessels lying close to the skin and increase the excretion of waste particles. Cold baths should not be too long continued, especially when applied to young or weakly animals, as undesirable and even injurious re- sults may ensue. A sea bath is better than fresh water at rest. By drying thoroughly, by hand-rubbing or blanketing, reaction is encouraged, and it may some- times be well to give stimulants. If a lower tempera- ture than 70° Fahrenheit is required, the animal may be placed in a bath of that degree of temperature which may then be lowered to 60° or lower ; or may at once be placed in a bath, ranging from 60° to 50°, or have cold water dashed over it. Ten or fifteen minutes will suf- . fice, in such cases, and the treatment may be given twice in a day. By this method, high fever may be re- duced from 1° to 4°.

TEPID BATHS..

From 65° to 85° Fahr. is the proper range for a tepid bath. They are beneficial to heated and tired animals, producing a sense of comfort. Perspira- tion is encouraged, the skin is cleansed, and they also,

DOMESTICATED ANIMALS. 19

more or less, allay thirst ; likewise they are beneficial in removing stiffness, resulting sometimes after a hard day's labor.

WAKM BATHS.

From 85° to 97° Fahr. is the proper range of tem- perature for baths of this kind. They are servicable in relieving chronic skin diseases and softening the skin. By their application, blood-vessels under-lying the skin are expanded and perspiration is promoted,

HOT BATHS.

The temperature in baths of this kind ranges upward from 97° Fahr. As high as 110° may be reached if in- creased by degrees. By their use, the temperature of the body is increased, the capillaries or blood-vessels of the skin are expanded, the perspiration and pulse are accelerated, and excretion of waste matter is hastened. They are soothing to over-taxed muscles, useful in re- lieving colic and cramps, check such disorders as rheu- matism, catarrh and weed attacks, and are of benefit in chronic affections of the skin.

MEDICATION.

Baths may be medicated. To stimulate the skin, salt or mustard may be added. Drugs of various kinds are used for the destruction of parasites of the skin and also for chronic skin diseases. In the latter instance, alkaline carbonates or potassium sulpheret ; for the de- struction of parasites, carbolic acid, tobacco juice, solu- tion of arsenious acid may be used.

Not many stables, however, afford the convenient and elegant appliances facilitating the administering of baths. The next best method, and the one usually em- ployed, is sponging with tepid, cold or hot water, as the case may require. Satisfactory results are thus ob- tained. In treatment of fever, the water should not at

)

20 HOME TREATMENT FOE

first, be of temperature lower than 85° or 80° Fahr. The sponging process should not last longer than three or four minutes ; the animal should then be wiped dry and at once covered with a blanket. The sponging may be repeated within three or four hours, if necessary, especially should the temperature again have risen. After the first or second sponging, the temperature of the water may be lowered to 65° or 60° Fahr. Some- times a little acid added to the bath is of benefit, and concurrent with this treatment, stimulants or anti- septic salines may be prescribed.

FOMENTATIONS.

In order to be of benefit, fomentations should be continued for several hours; Usually, water alone is used, but laudanum, vinegar, saline, and other reme- ,dies, suitable to the ailment, are sometimes added. Fomentations are usually hot, though cold applications are sometimes used. They are generally applied to bruises, inflammations, such as in kidney disease, or in diseases of the lungs as pneumonia and pleurisy ; to sprains, wounds, or inflamed eyes. The temperature must of course be regulated to the nature of the disor- der, and the portion of the body where it is situated. When applied to the eye, the degree of' heat should not go beyond 100° Fahr. For bruises, external inflamma- tions and disturbances of similar character, the water may be as hot as can be borne by the hand, and for pleurisy and other internal inflammatory affections, horse-cloths or pieces of flannel should be soaked with boiling water, partially dried, and spread over the sur- face around and above the affected parts and covered with a piece of rubber or any other material that will prevent evaporation. For the lesser ailments, a sponge or rag, a flannel rag is preferable, may be used, with

DOMESTICATED ANIMALS. 21

some covering to retain the moisture. It is not advisa- ble to use a sponge where there is any putrid or foul discharge, as it is apt to harbor disease germs, whereas, if a rag is used, it is usually burned, or destroyed in some other manner. Probably the most speedy and convenient method, is to wring a sheep-skin out of the water, and place the wooly side to the diseased part.

Fomenting a Bruise. The temperature of the application should be kept as even as possible, and when the fomenting operation is completed, the affected portions should be nicely dried and wrapped, so as to prevent chilling. Mustard is sometimes applied to assist in sustaining the tempera- ture, though this is apt to be somewhat painful to open, sensitive wounds. For this purpose, also alcohol or a mild stimulating liniment may be used. Guard against irri- tation, in the treatment of a raw sore or an open wound, as this will have a tendency to delay the healing process.

22

HOME TREATMENT lOR

POULTICES.

Boiled linseed-meal, oat meal, bran, bread, turnips, and dried hops- where a light poultice is desired, are some of the substances used for this manner of moist application. Poultices may be either hot or cold ; cold poultices are prepared in the same manner as are hot applications, and then allowed to cool. Hot poultices, however, are mostly used. They may be laid directly upon the wound, or affected part, or a very thin cover- ing as a piece of old, thin muslin, may first be spread upon the part to be treated. This tends to prevent sticking, and for this purpose also, a light coating of glycerine solution or vaseline, may be used. They should be removed every hour or two, and fresh ones supplied, and this changing should be accomplished with rapidity, so as to prevent chilling. Poultices en- courage the excretion of pus and therefore should not be applied to fresh or to dry wounds where there is no suppuration. They should not be continued for too long a time, as the result will be a too great relaxing or soft- ening of the affected parts. When the operation is completed, care should be taken to prevent chilling by enveloping in flannel or some other suitable material. When heat is desired without moisture, hot salt or sand in bags, may be applied. Poultices are sometimes medicated. Opiates may be added to produce a sooth- ing effect ; a sprinkling of turpentine or mustard will encourage stimulation, and an antiseptic tendency is produced by adding carbolic acid, yeast, charcoal or chlorinated soda.

POWDERS.

When not of too large a size powders may be dropped upon the tongue of the patient. The most satisfactory manner of administering, is to mix with some soft form of food, provided the flavor is not so disagreeable that th«

DOMESTIOATKD ASIMAM, 23

animal will refuse it. Most all medicines may be ob- tained in the form of powders, and while their action i« not quite as quick as in liquid form, they are just as ef- fective, and if kept in close stoppered bottles, will retain and impart their active principles for a great length of time.

PLASTERS.

In veterinary practice, plasters are not as a rule, a convenient "method of treatment, owing to the fact that an animal usually shows a disposition to bite or rub them off, and thus there is danger of additional injury to the portion already affected. They are useful in af- fording protection and retarding evaporation, increas- ing activity of the glands, and when applied in a thick form, tend to hinder motion of the diseased parts. When they are to remain for some length of time, the ingredients melted to softness, may be poured directly upon the skin, over-spread with ravelled lint or tow and over the whole, a linen or leather bandage should be placed. ' Applications of this kind, are known aa charges. For stimulation, mustard or cantharides may be added to the other ingredients, but if a soothing ef- fect is desired, add opium or belladonna.

LOTIONS.

Fluid preparations intended for the bathing of ex- ternal parts, are termed lotions. Various drugs are used, with water or other fluids or mixtures of fluids, as solvents. They are of benefit in swellings, sore joints and muscles, inflamed eyes, skin diseases and other ex- ternal disorders. They may also be applied for stimu- lating effects upon internal organs. Besides pouring, or rubbing as in the application of liniments, lotions may be applied by means of linen saturated with the prep- aration and laid upon the part to be treated.

24 HOME TEEATMENT FOB

c

OINTMENTS.

Lard, butter, or other fatty matters, form the basis of ointments. Vaseline is very desirable since it does not become rancid and in itself possesses soothing and healing qualities. To the oily consistence employed, such drugs are to be added as are to be used in treating the ailment, and after being well mixed, the ointment is, as a general thing, ready for use. This manner of treatment is desirable for healing sores, skin disorders, a!nd since the ingredients are capable of being absorbed by the skin, for introducing medicines, in certain in- stances, into the system. In order to facilitate absorp- tion, lanolin or oleic acid is in the proper instances, used as a basis. When wax or resin is employed, it must be slowly melted and the other ingredients added, and the mass should be stirred until well mixed and un- til it is of the proper consistence.

VAPOES.

For disinfecting the air-passages, destroying para- sites- therein, for soothing or stimulating, inhalations are sometimes used with good effect. This manner of treatment is beneficial in many ailments of the throat ' and breathing organs, as catarrh, sore throat, bronchial congestion. For these latter affections, vapor produced from pure water alone, or to which has been added a lit- tle chloroform, laudanum, belladonna, or whatever else is designated for the ailment, often affords prompt re- lief. A hot bran-mash contained in a good sized nose bag, is a convenient method of producing steam, as also a bucket containing hot water, placed beneath the nos- trils, the bucket and head of the animal being covered with sacking, or the covering may be omitted and a hot iron plunged into the water at suitable intervals. For disinfection, and for irritability of the organs of breath-

DOMESTICATED ANIMALS.

25

ing, fumes and gases from various drugs are sometimes employed, but these will be treated upon elsewhere. The practice of smoking with old shoes, rubber, wool, etc., is to be severely condemned as injurious, inhuman,

Nose Bag for Steaming. and utterly senseless. To a human being suffering with throat or lung affections, this would be not only obnox- ious, but very prolific of injurious effects. It is none the less bo to the fettered animal, unable to speak or offer any other sign of protest, and it must therefore etand patiently and endure, or if this becomes impossi- ble, succumb to the torment.

rajECTIONS.

Liquid introduced into the rectum, whether pure water alone, or water with the addition of some me- dicinal element, or whether of some other fluid form, constitutes an injection. The object in administering, is to relax the bowels, for which it is safe and effectual, to maintain and hasten the action of purgatives, to cleanse of worms which may infest the posterior portion of the canal, and may be used with soothing as well ae stimulating effect, influencing both adjacent and remote

26 HOME TREATMENT FOB

organs. This is also a means of introducing medicines into the system, when there is difficulty in swallowing, as in sore throat, lock-jaw, or other affections producing a similar condition ; they are not so rapidly absorbed by this method however, as when administered in the nat- ural manner. This treatment is effective in constipa- tion or in obstinate torpidity. In the horse, the har- dened fecal matter may first be removed by the hand or spatula and the injection may then follow. From one and a half to fi.ve gallons of tepid water, may be in- jected into the rectum of a draught-horse, while a pint is sufficient for a dog weighing forty pounds. In this as in all else, judgment must be used, and the amount regulated to the nature of the disorder and species of animal. Two or three pints is a sufficiency for the ox or horse, when intended for retention and absorption ; three or four times this amount is required when evacua- tion is desired, and larger quantities in obstinate cages. By the addition to tepid water, of soap — castile is preferable, or raw linseed oil, the effect is increased. An injection composed of four ounces of turpentine and a quart of raw linseed oil, is effective in removing worms. The apparatus for giving injections are of vari- ous kinds, of which we will designate the barrel syringe and the ball syringe as the most common. There is also Prof. Gamgee's funnel ; a sort of rectangular arrange- ment, into the top or cup of which the liquid may be poured, and it will then follow the tube and enter the rectum. This method would no doubt be the most agreeable to the animal, as it does not necessitate the unpleasant pumping or forcing usually required to oper- ate a syringe. The portion of the instrument intro- duced into the rectum, should be well greased with oil or lard and entered in a slow and careful manner, to prevent any unnecessary irritation to the parts.

DOMESTICATED ANIMALS.

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SUPPOSITORIES.

By combining with soap, cocoa-butter or lard, and wielding into a round form resembling a ball or cylin- der, certain drugs may be introduced into the rectum, vagina and uterus. A suppository of soap placed in the anus, encourages acton of the bowels in young foals and calves.

BOLUSES.

Some medicines are conveniently administered in the form of a bolus or pill. The remedy to be given, is' mixed with a mass of sufficient consistency to allow molding into a round form ; the cylindrical shape is bet- ter than the absolutely round ball, and it may measure

Oiving a Pill i from a half to three-fourths of an inch in thickness, and two inches in length. There are a number of articles with which the medicine may be mixed and wielded into the proper form, but lard or linseed meal can prob- ably be the most readily obtained. In both mixing and administering, cleanliness should be observed and the balls must not be allowed to harden, as in this condi- tion, they sometimes pass away from the animal with- out having been changed and absorbed. Wrapping in oiled paper will preserve moisture, or fresh ones may be made as required.

28 HOME TREATMENT FOB

The bolus is usually given ' with the fingers, and the operation is simple. The ball is held by one end between the thumb (which supports it below) and the fingers of the right hand, which is drawn together and rounded as much as possible. The tongue of the patient is gently drawn out a little way by the left hand, and the ball passed rapidly along the roof of the mouth, and dropped on the back of the tongue. The hand must be quickly withdrawn and the hold upon the tongue at once released. Close the mouth, and slightly elevate the head which may be released as soon as tte ball is swal- lowed. The operation should be performed in as rapid and careful a manner as possible and with a firm, steady hand, for a nervous doctor usually makes a nervous pa- tient ; neither should the animal be struck or abused. When, on account of viciousness, the ball cannot readily be administered by the hand, it is best to use a balling iron. This device is also conveniently used when the mouth is narrow, or when by reason of some affection, it cannot be sufficiently opened.

DRENCHES.

Fluid preparations given in a single good-sized dose, are termed drenches. When the flavor is not disagree- able, the animal may usually be induced to drink it mixed with its drinking water or with gruel. From two to six ounces, according to the size of the animal, is an average amount for dogs ; one or two pints for horses, six to eight ounces for sheep, and for an ox one to two quarts. The mixture should be well shaken, so that the ingredients will be thoroughly mixed. In administering to a horse, the head should be raised to a moderate height, and the tongue secured so as to prevent the throwing out of the liquid, yet allowing sufficient action of jaws, lips, tongue and cheeks to permit swallowing.

DOMESTICATED ANIMALS. ' 29

The tongue should not be drawn outward in a forcible manner, as in this position, it cannot assist in forcing back the fluid, and furthermore encourages the danger of choking. To secure the head by means of ropes amd pulleys fastened above, is an objectionable method ; a better way is to hold the head in position by means of a twitch, the noose of which is placed over the upper jaw within the incisor teeth, and an assistant, standing on the left side of the animal may raise and sustain the head by means of a stick attached to the noose, or the noose may be slipped between the prongs of a stable fork. The best method however, is to dispense with all fetters and entanglements, and use the hands alone, as iirst described. This requires but one person, and is quickly, and easily accomplished, at the same time al- lowing the most comfort and freedom to the animal. Drenching through the nostrils is not only unnatural, but is attended with danger of death, as the fluid may enter either the channel to the lungs or the passage to the stomach, or both. The nostrils are to admit air, not food and drink or other matters foreign to them. The mouth has this office to perform. If, in administering a drench to an animal, it is seized with a fit of coughing, release it at once, as there is danger of choking. In p. dministering to cattle, grasp firmly but not roughly by the nostrils, with the thumb and two fingers, in such a manner that there will be no interference with the breathing, and raise the head to a moderate height. The drench may then be given with the other hand. Aid is rendered in some instances, if an assistant grasps the horns