Chapter VIII (2)

It is very desirable that every one should witness a powerful horse in its agony. No stronger means could be found for enforcing such a lesson than the sufferings which spring from abdominal injuries. When this is proposed it is not intended the person should look on misery only so long as the spectacle stimulated his feelings; but that he should watch hour after hour and behold the afflicted life resigned under the pressure of mighty torment. Were such a sight once contemplated--were man fully conscious of how brimming with horrible expression every feature of the horse's frame can become--the thought of anguish wrenching life out of so huge a trunk would surely compel the better treatment of a gentle, inoffensive, and serviceable slave. Ruptured stomach a little forethought would prevent. The triple phosphate calculus is common among millers' horses, which are foully fed from the sweepings of the shop. But if man will oblige duty to bow before convenience, or make it secondary to expense, the misery he inflicts will surely in justice recoil upon himself.

=Abdominal injuries= are probably the sources of the greatest agony horse-flesh can endure. To account for the generality of such lesions, it is merely necessary to regard the places in which horses are housed and the manner in which they are fed. In the owner's estimation a horse seems to be a horse, in the same sense as a table is a table. Both objects are necessary to his comfort, to his pride, or to his profit. Neither have higher claims. Both are to be used and to be flung aside. The one is to be cleaned and repaired at the cheapest rate; the other is to be lodged and supported at the lowest cost. When either grow old in his service, each is equally to be discarded. The two things apparently rank in man's estimation as simple chattels subject to his will and made to please his fancy. That there is a huge life, a breathing sensibility attached to one of these articles; that it delights in its master's pleasure, and, if properly trained, it is capable of sharing its master's emotions, is so preposterous a sentimentality as to be "with scorn rejected."

Nobody speaks of the horse as a creature enjoying man's highest gift--as a _living_ animal. Everybody talks about his or her constitution; but no one imagines the horse has a constitution which can be destroyed. All horses are expected to thrive equally. They are regarded as things to be used, and to be sold or packed away when not required. They are obliged to live by man's direction, and are expected to display the highest spirit whenever they are taken abroad. Should it be astonishing if the framework nature has so exquisitely balanced occasionally becomes deranged under man's barbarous and selfish sway? Is it cause for legitimate wonder if, under so coarse a rule, disease sometimes assumes strange forms, or attacks parts which are beyond the reach of human science?

WORMS.

=Worms= are of various kinds; but all, according to the notions of ignorance, announce their presence by particular symptoms. The parasites, when really present, can, however, cause no more than intestinal irritation, the continuance of which may give rise to several disorders. Chronic indigestion is by the groom always recognized as a "wormy condition."

The only certain proof of the existence of such annoyances is visible evidence. Upon suspicion, careful horse proprietors may administer certain medicine, because some physics only cool the body and cleanse the system. The generality of worm-powders are, however, too potent to be safe. Like all drugs sold as "certain cures," they are so powerful that they frequently do more than remove the disorder which they pretend to eradicate--for they also destroy the animals to which they are administered.

Having premised thus much, the author will now commence to describe the usual form of irritation to which worms of different kinds give rise.

The parasite especially inimical to colts is the =tænia= or =tape-worm=. It is mostly perpetuated by the farmer's prejudice, which procures foals from dams that are done up for work: which starves the mother till her produce runs by her side, and which attempts to rear young stock upon the sour grass of a public common. Both sire and dam should be in perfect health if a valuable colt is desired: neither can be too good. The mare should not, during gestation, be "turned out" to distend the abdomen with watery provender--to have the stomach and intestines filled with bots--to allow filth and excretions to accumulate upon the coat and to check the healthy functions of the skin. Gentle work, only sufficient to earn the stable-keep, will injure no animal. The mare will rather be benefited by _moderate_ exercise, and by also having all the food and attention to which she has become habituated. But to expose a mare during the summer months, and to stint the animal during the winter season, can produce nothing which shall repay the expense of rearing. The little progeny before it sees the light is the inhabitant of an unhealthy home; after birth the mother's secretion is thin, poor, and watery. It neither satisfies the cravings of hunger nor can nourish a body into growth. Ill health in the young encourages parasites. The colt soon becomes the prey of the tænia.

The young when afflicted with the above parasite may not die, but they are reserved for a miserable and a useless life. The developments are checked. The foal grows up with a large head, low crest, tumefied abdomen, and long legs. If it be a male it cannot be operated upon before the fourth year; even then it is cast only because there is no hope of further improvement. The appetite during the long time of rearing is more than good; the ribs, nevertheless, are not covered with flesh; the dung is not well comminuted--it is friable and sometimes partially coated with slime; the anus projects--occasionally it is soiled by adherent strips of tenacious mucus, almost like to membrane; the coat is unhealthy; the breath fetid; the animal may rub its nose violently against a wall or remain straining it upward for a considerable time; the eye becomes unnaturally bright; the colt begins to pick and bite its body, often pulling off hair by the mouthful.

All this agony and the deprivation, of a life depends on the parsimony of man. Women know that the body during certain times requires extra nutriment. Thus delicate ladies in peculiar states are accustomed to take "hearty pulls" at porter or at stout. It is very general for physiologists to argue from animals up to man. Why should not the custom be reversed? Why should not veterinary science reason from the human being down to the horse, and thereby instruct the stolid in the necessary requirements of the mare during particular states? "Stint the dam and starve the foal" is certainly a true proverb.

Tænia is best destroyed by the spirits of turpentine in the following quantities:--

A foal Two drachms.
Three months old Half an ounce.
Six months One ounce.
One year One ounce and a half.
Two years Two ounces.
Three years Three ounces.
Four years and upwards Four ounces.

Procure one pound of quassia chips. Pour into these three quarts of boiling water. Strain the liquor. Cause the turpentine to blend, by means of yolks of eggs, with so much of the quassia infusion as may be necessary. Add one scruple of powdered camphor to the full drink, and give every morning before allowing any food.

This probably may kill the worms; but as every link of the tænia is a distinct animal of both sexes, and capable of producing itself, the eggs must be numerous. For the destruction of these, nourishing prepared food is essential, such as gruel, scalded oats, etc.; but little or no hay. At the same time a tonic will be of all service. Take

Liquor arsenicalis From one to eight drachms.
Muriated tincture of iron From one and a half to twelve drachms.
Extract of belladonna From ten grains to two drachms.
Ale or good stout Half a pint to a quart.

Mix. Give every morning to the animal--strength being proportioned
to age--till the coat is glossy.

THE LUMBRICUS, A WORM NOT PECULIAR TO HORSES. ONE-FOURTH OF THE
NATURAL SIZE.
]

=Lumbrici= are more dreadful to contemplate than they appear to be fearful in reality; specimens are not rare which measure eighteen inches, This worm preys upon the weakly, be they old or young. One tænia will produce immense disturbance; whereas numbers of the lumbrici will cause little or no effect. Whoever has remarked the dunghill in a knacker's yard has seen it to consist quite as much of lumbrici as of excrement. Mr. Woodger, of Bishop's Road, Paddington, removes these pests with ease and certainty. The above-named veterinary surgeon gives two drachms of tartarized antimony with a sufficiency of common mass, as a ball, every morning, until the parasites are expelled.

ASCARIDES AND STRONGULI.

_a._ The sole opening by which air can enter. It is placed upon the ground and guarded by a valve; so that air, after having entered, cannot leave the instrument by this opening.

_b._ The box containing lighted tobacco, through which all air drawn into the instrument must necessarily pass.

_c._ The pump.

_d._ The end of the tube through which the fumes are driven.

To load the instrument: unscrew the lid of the box. Fill that with lighted tobacco. Fix on the lid again. Rest the air entrance upon the ground, and move the handle of the pump up and down. By this movement the air is first drawn through the lighted tobacco into the pump, and is then sent through the tube. ]

These parasites inhabit the large intestines. They produce extraordinary ravages, notwithstanding their insignificant appearance. The last is difficult to eradicate because of the extent of bowel which it infests. The =stronguli= will sometimes eat through important structures, but the =ascarides= are always located within the rectum. Then, most medicines being deprived of activity, are inoperative before they reach the last locality. For this reason it is best to commence the treatment with injections of _train_ oil. Should these be followed by no result at the expiration of a week, resort to a solution of catechu--one ounce to the quart of water: give that for seven mornings. Upon the eighth, give the animal a mash, and at night administer a mild physic ball; about four drachms of aloes and one drachm of calomel. Repeat the medicine if required; but if not, resort at once to the arsenicalis and ale or stout, which was recently recommended.

Tobacco smoke enemas are sometimes efficacious when all the previous measures are powerless. Frequently the posterior irritation is distressing. It is sometimes so provoking that the horse will thereby be induced to destroy its personal appearance by rubbing the tail and quarter violently against the wall, or any rough surface within its reach. In such cases the injections of train oil are most likely to prove beneficial; the local itching may be in some measure removed by inserting up the anus a portion of the following ointment night and morning:--

Glycerin Half an ounce.
Spermaceti One ounce.

Melt the last and blend. When nearly cold, add--

Mercurial ointment (strong) Three drachms.
Powdered camphor Three drachms.

SPASMODIC COLIC.--FRET.--GRIPES.

=Spasmodic colic= is an affection which every loiterer about a stable, from a postboy to a farrier, imagines he is able to cure. Many attacks no doubt would depart of themselves; others might be removed by simple motion. Nevertheless such possible remedies should never be trusted. Neither should gin and pepper, red pepper and peppermint, hot beer and mustard, rubbing the abdomen with a broomstick, kneading the belly violently with a man's knee, or any popular measure be permitted. Such remedies are likely to get rid of colic by causing enteritis. When inflammation of the bowels thus originates, it is generally fatal, the strength being exhausted and the powers of nature worn out by the previous disorder--not to mention the prepossession of the spectators, which prevents the more serious disease from being early recognized.

_a a._ The healthy intestine rendered much more vascular by the blood being spasmodically driven out of other portions of the tube.

_b._ A portion of the tube much diminished by the presence of abdominal spasm.

_c._ The pallid appearance, denoting the place which colic has recently attacked.]

Any cause may kindle colic. It is common after fast driving; hence many gentlemen take colic drinks to Epsom races. That affection which in ladies is designated spasms, in gentlemen is called pain in the bowels, and in children is known as the bellyache, is, in the horse, colic; and from the largeness of the animal's intestines, the affection probably provokes more anguish in the quadruped than the same disorder does in the entire human race. Under whatever term it may be recognized, spasmodic colic is never more than partial contraction of the muscular coat of the intestines. The action so compresses a part of the tube as to expel the blood and render the natural pink of the tissues, for some time after the disorder has departed, a glistening white. The blood, driven from particular spots, is forced into those parts in which no disease exists. Excess of blood predisposes to inflammation; hence we probably trace the reason why, if spasmodic colic be suffered to continue, the affection is so apt to end in incurable enteritis.

Colic most often attacks the small intestines, though the disease is by no means confined to those parts. It first occurs on a limited space; presently it vanishes altogether, and afterward reappears on some distant portion of the alimentary canal; or, in other words, colic dodges about, its attacks becoming more numerous and the intermissions shorter as the period of its commencement grows more distant. Change of water, change of food, getting wet, fatiguing journeys, are all likely to originate it; but, perhaps, it is most frequently exhibited when no known cause is in operation. Aloes, however, are proved to be among the surest provocatives of this disease. Many horses cannot swallow pure aloes in any form, without being severely griped. For such animals, the following drench is recommended, instead of the above-named drug in substance:--

Sulphuric ether and laudanum, of each One ounce.
Compound tincture of aloes made with diluted spirits
of wine Five ounces.
Cold water One pint.

If greater strength be requisite, obtain it by the addition of tincture of gentian, every ounce of which is equal, when combined, to one drachm of aloes.

Colic always commences suddenly; it starts into life ready armed for mischief. The animal may be apparently well and feeding. Without visible cause the head is raised and the occupation ceases. Should the pain last, the hind foot is lifted to strike the belly, and the fore leg begins to scrape the pavement. The groom, who has merely left to procure a pail of water from an adjacent pump, on his return discovers his charge exhibiting evident signs of uneasiness. As the man stares, wondering what can be the matter, the horse is pawing and the nose slowly points to the flank. All then is explained. =Fret= is the matter, and it would be "_fret_," should the disease prove to be of a very different nature.

While the horse is being watched, every indication of disturbance may disappear. The countenance tranquilizes and the nose is again inserted into the manger. A few minutes elapse and the pangs are renewed. The second fit may last longer and be slightly more severe. Then another, but a shorter period of ease follows: thus the visitations will ensue upon spaces of entire exemption from anguish. The recommencement of agony usually is denoted by a disposition to lie down. The animal crouches; next it turns round as though the intention was to stretch out the limbs; but suddenly the erect attitude is assumed--the design, lately so nearly executed, having been forgotten. Then pawing and striking at the abdomen quickly follow; and while the horse looks toward the flank, a morbid fire is perceptible in the eye.

No relief being afforded, the pains lengthen, while the intervals of tranquillity become shorter. The action grows more fierce and the aspect more wild. The pawing is more brief, but more energetic; often during its continuance the foot is raised and violently stamped upon the ground. The animal now does not attempt to feed, but stares for a minute at a time, with an inquiring gaze, toward the abdomen. At length, without warning or preparation, the body leaps upward to fall violently upon the floor. The shock is often fearful; but the animal in its torment appears to derive ease from the violence. Being down, it rolls from side to side and kicks about, until one of its feet, touching the wall, enables the horse to poise itself upon the back.

Should relief not be quickly provided, colic soon passes into enteritis. The pulse, from being unchanged at first, then simply quickened by pain, grows harder and more wiry. The intermissions are lost, and though the anguish may for a space be less, yet in its continuity it is more exhausting.

On the appearance of colic, the morbid action ought to be immediately counteracted. Aloes in solution is generally administered; such a medicine, unless guarded as before recommended, is by no means advisable. Sulphuric ether and laudanum should be in the possession of every horse proprietor. One pint of each--the two being mixed together, with one ounce of rank oil floating on the top to prevent evaporation or mistakes--will be perfectly safe in any household. The mixture should, however, be well shaken before it is employed: two ounces of the combination in half a pint of water constitutes an excellent colic drink. Give three of these, one every ten minutes. If no improvement be displayed, double the quantity of the active agents and continue the drenches at the period stated: these medicines should be persevered with until the symptoms disappear.

Turpentine, as an enema, is an excellent adjunct. Mr. T. W. Gowing, of Camden Town, cured a lingering fit of colic by administering a pint of turpentine mixed with a quart of the solution of soap. The strong liquor of ammonia, diluted with six times its bulk of water and applied by means of a saturated cloth, held to the abdomen in a rug several times doubled, is likewise frequently beneficial. If these means, used simultaneously, produce no amendment in two hours, watch the pulse, for there is most probably something beyond simple colic to contend with.

Upon the earliest symptom the horse should be removed to a loose box amply protected by trusses of straw ranged against the walls. Into this the animal should be immediately led--for the reader must understand colic does not always observe the stages in which it has been described. Occasionally it commences in the wildest form; and if a loose box be not at hand, one can always be extemporized by removing the carriage from its house, by throwing the doors wide open and by placing a bar across the entrance.

No disease is more quickly dispelled if treated at the commencement; nor is there one which, being left to run its course, occasions greater agony, is more fearful to witness, or leads to more terrible results than spasmodic colic. A single dose of ether and of laudanum may vanquish the malady at the commencement; yet if the attack be allowed to progress, the fit may set all skill and remedial measures at defiance. The principal attention of the proprietor must be given to prevent the administration of the "groom's favorite" or other ignorant nostrums. The case, when properly treated, is cured for a few shillings; and a horse cannot be killed with decency for less money.

Besides, let any human being, having feelings capable of impression, regard an instance of spasmodic colic which has been aggravated by mistaken treatment; and as he views the fibers of a living body quiver, sees the frame bedewed in sweat and wrenched in mighty torture, contemplates the sad condition of the companion of his pleasures, and hears vented from its throat sounds expressive of agony,--let him, having the image present to his eyes, ask himself whether any man, possessing means at his command, has a right to make a money question of the creature's suffering, which exists in a state of dependence on his bounty.

Horses must be gifted with a certain amount of reason. However furious may be the attack of colic, the mute expression of anguish is quieted when preparation is made for the administration of medicine. The most nauseous drenches are swallowed with a patience that speaks a perfect comprehension of their intent. The most wonderful proof of reason is, however, given by the manner in which the horse will recognize the veterinary surgeon. The author has known animals, in the intervals of spasmodic colic, walk close up to him, look full into his face with an eye beaming with intelligence, and a strain upon the features as though the creature "did _so_ wish to speak;" then finding utterance impossible, the nose has mutely directed attention to the flank.

Every assistance is, by the animal, afforded to him who displays a desire to alleviate its distress. Where language is denied, motives appear to be the more quickly comprehended; and he who wishes to mingle safely among horses, may best protect himself by treating them gently and sympathizing with their emotions.

FLATULENT COLIC, WINDY COLIC, TYMPANITIS, ETC.

This is peculiarly the affection of old age. Horses, though not so liable to hoven as are horned cattle, nevertheless may be blown out if permitted to gorge upon moist, green food. =Flatulent colic= in the vast majority of instances, however, is not caused by any special fodder, but springs from disordered digestion living for years upon stimulating diet, breathing a tainted atmosphere, being now weakened by a long fast, then distressed by a too abundant supply; next exhausted by a tedious journey, and subsequently cramped by days of enforced stagnation,--all of these things ultimately tell upon the strong body of our domesticated quadruped. The stomach, as the earliest evidence of general debility, loses its tonicity. It cannot digest a full meal; the provender ferments, gas is released, and flatulent colic is the consequence.

A traditionary belief in the stable asserts this disorder is provoked by crib-biting, wind-sucking, etc. etc. The author is indebted to Mr. Ernes, a most successful veterinary surgeon of Dockhead, for the earliest comprehension of the impossibility that such causes should operate. Let the reader endeavor to swallow air; the mouth being deprived of all saliva, the attempt at further deglutition is fruitless; besides, to use the words of Mr. Ernes, "though the stomach or the bowels do contain a small portion of atmospheric air, flatulent colic is generated by carbonic acid or sulphureted hydrogen gas, the products of decomposition; either of which, if respired, destroys vitality."

The horse which is to be oppressed by flatulent colic exhibits uneasiness after feeding; it hangs the head; breathes laboriously; fidgets; rocks the body, and rests first on one leg then on the other. These symptoms are exhibited before any enlargement of the abdomen is to be detected. With the swelling of the belly pawing commences; that action is, however, far too leisurely displayed to be for an instant confounded with the same energetic movement which characterizes spasmodic colic.

W. Percivall asserts that animals roll and kick at the abdomen during flatulent colic. Every fact requires to be respectfully considered which is recorded by so estimable a writer; but the author has never witnessed such symptoms in genuine flatulent colic. The horse will stand in one spot throughout the day; even the movement of the foot, before noticed, appears to be an exertion. The eye is sleepy, the pulse heavy, wind frequently passes from the body, and in such a condition the animal remains, slowly becoming worse.

Almost in the same place the horse may stand three or four days; then the abdomen is much increased in size; the animal is restless; the pulse is extremely feeble; the breathing is very fast; the pupil of the eye is dilated and the sight is lost. A walk as in a mill is commenced; obstacles are run into or upset; delirium begins; weak neighs are uttered in reply to visionary challenges; the coat is ragged; copious and partial perspirations break forth; the beat of the artery is lost at the jaw; an intermittent flutter is to be indistinctly felt at the heart. At last the limbs fail; the body falls; struggles ensue, and the creature dies in consequence of the distended abdomen compressing the lungs, thus preventing the breath being inhaled.

Relief should be afforded before the distress grows urgent; when the flatulence comes on without green provender being consumed, the chances favor recovery; even then, however, the gas may be confined to the stomach, which obliges entire dependence to be placed upon internal remedies. In the beginning, a ball composed of two drachms of sulphuret of ammonia, with a sufficiency of extract of gentian and powdered quassia, may be repeated thrice, half an hour being suffered to elapse between each administration. No benefit ensuing, one ounce of chlorate of potash, dissolved in a pint of cold water and mingled with two ounces of sulphuric ether, may, at the expiration of the time named, be horned down. After another hour, should no amendment be perceptible, two ounces each of sulphuric ether and laudanum, half an ounce of camphorated spirits, and one drachm of carbonate of ammonia may be given in a pint of cold water. Should no good effects ensue, in another hour throw up a tobacco-smoke enema by means of the machine here represented.

As a last resort, should the previous remedies prove of no avail, procure a stick of brimstone; light it and let it fill the place with the sulphurous fumes which are the product of its combustion. However, mind that the air is not too strongly impregnated, though, at the same time, it should be so pungent as to allow a human being to breathe with difficulty. This last measure ought to be continued for two hours, at the end of which period repeat the remedies already recommended, resorting to each by turns; and do not fear being active, for flatulent colic becomes more difficult to remove as the period of its origin grows more distant. Should the affection appear to be approaching a fatal termination, and the size of the belly convince the spectator that the gas has entered the intestines, a desperate remedy remains. The situation where the vapor has accumulated may be ascertained by percussion; gently cut the skin which covers the abdomen on the left side, over those places indicated by white spots in the second engraving. A hollow sound will be emitted when the proper point has been struck; be certain of the last fact, as mistakes made in this operation are very awkward affairs. When assured, take a sharp-pointed knife, and, drawing the skin tight over the place selected, nick the integument slightly; then take a fine trocar and push it through the opening which has been made.

This being accomplished, withdraw the stilet, and the gas should rush out with violence; be provided with a small probe to clear the canula in case it should become impacted. The gas being released, the abdomen is reduced; withdraw the canula and the skin will fly back, effectually excluding all atmosphere.

THE PLACES WHERE THE ABDOMEN MAY BE PUNCTURED IN THE LAST STAGE OF
FLATULENT COLIC.
]

The gas, on rare occasions, will be generated a second time; therefore the points where other punctures may be made are indicated; for it is never well to interfere with those openings which in the first instance were instituted. However, should the operation have to be repeated, pull the integument in the opposite direction, so as not to disturb the original wounds into the abdomen.

Puncturing the abdomen for flatulent colic has been practiced both in this kingdom and in foreign lands; it is by no means a certain success, neither is it a certain failure. It assuredly requires boldness to perform it; but probably it is quite as beneficial and far more speedy in its effects than the great majority of medicinal remedies.

The duration of flatulent colic cannot be absolutely stated; it may continue for days, it may be cured in a single hour. However, should the abdomen be rapidly distended, then the termination will be sooner reached; but be the attack quick or slow, neither food nor water should be allowed during its continuance. The groom, while the disease lasts, should occasionally sponge out the eyes, mouth, nostrils, etc. Indeed, humanity would dictate such relief during every serious affection. Subsequent to recovery, feed for a few days on gruel and mashed oats; give a ball night and morning, composed of extract of gentian and powdered quassia, of each a sufficiency; of extract of belladonna and of sulphate of copper, half a drachm. Continue this medicine and the above food until the stomach has regained its tone.

Is flatulent colic a disease provoked by domestication? Certainly! The wild horse would have to travel for his food; in domestication it is placed ready gathered before the animal. Besides, the free animal being ever with his provender, the temptation to gorge the stomach would be absent; moreover, the untrained creature is protected by its instincts, which the care of man destroys. Little, however, is thought of this; the fact even may be unknown to the great majority of educated horse proprietors. The sense of repletion is no longer indicated with such force as to warn the stabled animal. The responsibility thus cast upon the master has possibly never occurred to the mass of mankind. So entirely has the notion of any duty being due to the animal been ignored by society that, notwithstanding nature in the above fact asserts the obligation, its announcement most probably will be received with laughter.