The Veterinarian
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Chas. J. Korinek >> The Veterinarian
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In case the animal is constipated, give rectal injections of soap and
warm water containing a few drops of Turpentine.
MANGE
(Scabies)
CAUSE: Mange is a contagious disease, produced by the presence of a
small parasite that varies in length from a fiftieth to a hundredth of
an inch, according to the species, of which there are three: Sarcoptes,
which generally affects the withers; Symbiotes Communis, affecting the
legs, and the Psoroptes Communis, which affects horses about the root of
the tail and mane. The latter is the one most commonly found affecting
horses. They multiply rapidly and are spread from diseased to healthy
horses by their bodies coming in contact with one another, or by
corrals, stables, railroad cars, etc., recently occupied by mangy
horses.
SYMPTOMS: The mange mite attacks the skin and produces a thickness of
its outer surface, covering it with crusts and scabs, with a consequent
loss of hair. Intense itching accompanies the disease, and affected
horses continually bite and rub themselves.
Psoroptic Mange commences at the root of the tail, or at the roots of
the mane on the neck or withers, and gradually spreads over the back, up
to the head, over the sides, and finally affects the entire body. In
cases of long standing the skin becomes ulcerated, the animal becomes
greatly weakened, emaciated and finally dies.
TREATMENT: When a large number of horses are affected (in one locality)
it is best to prepare a vat and dip them, under the supervision of the
United States Bureau of Animal Industry. When just a few horses become
affected, the following has proven very effective: Sulphur, eight
ounces; Oil of Tar, eight ounces; Sweet Oil, two quarts. Mix and apply
liberally to the parts affected. A few applications are generally
sufficient to eradicate the disease.
MONDAY MORNING DISEASE
(Lymphangitis)
CAUSE: This ailment is common with hard working horses, and is caused by
confining them in the stable and allowing their usual amount of food.
More nutriment is consumed than can be taken up by the system, which
causes an irritation. It is frequently found in certain stables on
Monday morning, hence its name--Monday Morning Disease.
SYMPTOMS: Swelling and lameness, most usually affecting the hind leg
inside of the thigh and extending down the leg in a hard ridge. It will
pit on pressure, and cause intense pain; the horse will have difficulty
in extending the limb forward, the swelling may surround the leg
entirely. Pulse will be fifty to sixty per minute, temperature 102 to
104 degrees F., breathing will be faster than normal. The animal has
great thirst, but the appetite is very poor; usually remains standing;
if he lies down will have great difficulty in getting up.
TREATMENT: In this particular disease apply hot fomentations to the
affected limb or limbs, for one hour, then rub dry and apply Camphorated
Liniment. Give Nitrate Potassi, Chlorate of Potassi, Iodide Potassi,
each four ounces. Mix and make into thirty-two powders. Give one powder
three times a day in drinking water or in a gelatin capsule and give
with capsule gun.
In most cases it is advisable to give a physic: Aloin, two drams; Pulv.
Gentian Root, one dram; Ginger, one dram. Place in gelatin capsule and
give with capsule gun.
MUD FEVER
CAUSE: Horses driven over muddy roads during the day and exposed to
freezing weather at night, or driving them over muddy roads, then
washing the limbs and not drying them properly, often produces a
superficial inflammation of the legs.
SYMPTOMS: The legs are swollen, extremely hot and tender, the horse is
stiff, the hair comes off the legs easily and if the cause is not
removed severe complication may follow, as the secretions of the skin
become greatly affected.
TREATMENT: Prevention. Horses that are driven over muddy, wet roads
should have their legs rubbed dry when stabling them for any length of
time. When the legs are badly swollen wash them with clean warm water
and Castile soap and dry them well with a clean soft cloth. Then apply
Zinc Oxide Ointment or a lotion made from Acetate of Lead, one ounce;
Zinc Sulphate, one-half ounce. Place in a quart of clean water and apply
twice daily. Either application is very beneficial in the treatment of
Mud Fever. Feed the animal wheat bran mashes, steamed rolled oats,
vegetables, etc., as they have a very good effect on the system which
aids in relieving the inflammation of the skin.
NASAL GLEET
(Chronic Catarrh)
CAUSE: Exposure to cold followed by neglect, and lack of nourishing
food; bruise or fracture of the frontal bones of the head; injury of the
blood-vessels inside the bones, or an ulcerated tooth. May also be
caused by tumor, or foreign substance or liquids in the nasal cavities.
Sometimes dried pus in the nostrils, resulting from a cold, will cause
nasal gleet.
SYMPTOMS: A white or yellowish discharge from one or both of the
nostrils, the quantity varying with the severity of the attack and the
length of time the disease has been established. If, when tapping over
the nose below the eye, a dull sound is produced, it is safe to conclude
that the cavities are filled with pus; to make certain, compare the sick
animal with a healthy one; in some cases you will notice that even the
bones of the nose below the eye are slightly elevated. The lining of the
nose may be of a red or yellow color but not ulcerated in spots, as in
Glanders. The animal may continue in pretty good spirits and work well
for a time but as the case develops he becomes lean in flesh and what is
termed hide-bound. Always examine the teeth. In a case of long standing,
the discharge has a fetid smell, differing in this respect also from
Glanders.
TREATMENT: If not due to fractured bones of the head or ulcerated teeth,
the animal will, in most cases, recover with proper medical treatment.
When due to injury to the bones of the head, tumors, ulcerated teeth or
dried pus in the nasal cavities, it is best to secure the services of a
skillful Veterinarian, one whose professional knowledge renders him
thoroughly competent. In the mild forms of nasal-gleet or chronic
catarrh, administer the following: Ferri Sulphate, Potassi Iodide, Nux
Vomica, each four ounces. Mix well and make into thirty-two capsules.
Give one capsule three times daily and feed food that is nourishing and
easily digested.
[Illustration: Photograph of a horse.]
SADDLE STALLION ASTRAL KING, CHAMPION SADDLE STALLION.
Owned by James Houchin, Jefferson City, Mo.
NAVEL STRING INFECTION
(Umbilical Pyemia)
CAUSE AND NATURE: While the unborn foal (foetus) is in the womb of its
mother, it is surrounded by enveloping membranes which constitute the
after-birth on delivery. These membranes are attached to the wall of the
womb and are connected to the foetus by means of the navel-string
(umbilical cord) which is provided with two arteries and a vein for the
nourishment of the young creature and for the removal of its waste
products.
It also has a narrow canal (the urachus) which serves to remove the
urine of the foetus; in fact the subsequently formed bladder takes its
origin from a dilation of the urachus. Under normal conditions when the
foal is born, respiration takes place, the umbilical arteries and veins
become quickly blocked up, urine is discharged through the urethra
(which communicates with the penis or vagina, as the case may be), the
foal enjoys a separate existence and the wound caused by the division of
the umbilical cord leaves a scar which is known as the navel.
It is usually supposed that the germ of navel-string infection gains
admittance into the body through the exposed surface before the wound is
closed. However, I am of the opinion that the mother is the bearer of
the infection in a great many cases for in the uterine secretions of
mares whose foals fell with navel-string infection, the same
characteristic germs were found as were present in the joints of the
affected foals. The infectious material is, by the act of covering,
conveyed from mare to mare, so that the mucous membranes of the womb
becomes the habitat of the specific germ. By inoculation of these germs
into the blood stream of foals an illness is produced which in the
smallest particular cannot be distinguished from that arising in
naturally affected foals. It is a strange fact that when the infected
germs are transmitted by the mother, their presence does not produce any
disturbance in her.
This is a very common malady in most places. I have known several
instances on particular farms where they were unable to raise either
foals or calves, but if the mother were removed to another farm
immediately after or before foaling, the foal or calf lived and was
reared without difficulty, and although constitutional debility plays an
important part, the presence of specific germs constituting an infected
area is, I believe, the most important factor in producing this disease.
According to my observation, about seventy-five per cent of the cases
die within the first three weeks after birth. This high rate of
mortality would be considerably diminished if proper treatment was
adopted.
SYMPTOMS: The attack usually comes on during the second or third week
after birth and almost always before the closure of the navel opening,
which, in affected animals, will be found to be in a wet and suppurating
condition. Occasionally foals two or three months old which have the
urachus closed and are in an apparently healthy condition contract this
disease in a form of painful swelling of the joints. The first symptoms
are generally dullness; more or less fever; lameness which is often
attributed to rheumatism or to injury caused by the mare treading on the
foal; the disinclination to move or even to stand. Upon examination the
patient will be found to have a soft, gelatinous swelling of one or more
of the joints of which the hock, elbow, fetlock, stifle and hip usually
manifest the enlargement most clearly.
These swellings are hot and painful to the touch; they tend to suppurate
and frequently cause intense lameness. In very rare cases open urachus
may exist without any joint inflammation. In this disease, inflammation
of the joints and open urachus are almost always co-existent.
Animals that recover from a bad attack are seldom worth the trouble of
rearing, because as a rule their constitution becomes permanently
impaired and one or more of their joints becomes stiffened by the
attack.
TREATMENT: In the treatment of this disease, we have to attend to
constitutional disturbances, inflamed joints, open urachus and
complications such as constipation and diarrhoea. The comfort of our
little patient must be studied under all circumstances. If the weather
be at all cold it should be covered by a warm sheet. Should the foal
have any difficulty in rising from the recumbent position, an attendant
should assist it to rise and see that it is regularly fed. It is only in
extreme cases that the animal refuses to suck its dam. During warm
weather, and especially if the ground is dry, such a patient is always
better off for a little sunshine, but on no account must it be left out
during extreme heat, as in this state it is very liable to sunstroke.
The best food for the mare is grass, which, during the day, she can
generally have. The inflamed joints of the foal should be rubbed lightly
with the following, after being thoroughly mixed: Red Iodide of Mercury,
two drams; Vaseline, two ounces, every forty-eight hours, which, when
applied to the skin, appears to have a well-marked antiseptic action on
the underlying tissues. An inflamed joint should on no account be bathed
with warm water, fomented or poulticed because the application of moist
heat would be the best possible means for promoting the development of
the infective germs which are the cause of the local and general
disturbance. The open navel-string should not be ligatured because that
operation is generally followed by an increased inflammation of the
part, and by an aggravation of the other symptoms apparently on account
of this outlet for deleterious products becoming blocked up. If the
navel-string has been ligatured and is in an inflamed state, the
ligature should be removed without delay. If the foal is constipated
give two to three ounces of Castor Oil; also, administer the following:
Zinc Sulphocarbolates, one-half dram; Hyposulphite of Soda, four ounces.
Mix and make into thirty-two powders. Give one powder well back on the
tongue every four hours.
As a supplement to the food, we may give brown sugar or treacle, both of
which are easily digested and are very nourishing. Four or five eggs
daily will also aid in keeping up the strength.
NAVEL RUPTURE
(Umbilical Hernia)
CAUSE: Hereditary predisposition is well marked in this complaint. It
may exist at birth, but so-called congenital rupture may very probably
be the result of the pulling which the navel-string underwent at the
time of foaling. However, umbilical hernia usually occurs during the
first two or three months after birth; that is to say, while the opening
at the navel is becoming obliterated and the tissues at that place are
becoming consolidated. They can, however, appear later and may result
from more or less violent strains sustained when the foals are jumping
or playing. At other times these strains are induced by intestinal
irritation accompanied by diarrhoea or constipation with straining. But,
however the strain may take place, the abdominal muscles contract and
push the intestines towards the wall of the belly. Then if they find an
opening or even a weak spot, like the ring of the navel while it is
undergoing the process of becoming blocked up, they select it and a
rupture is produced.
SYMPTOMS: This rupture, the situation of which clearly shows its
character, may vary in size from that of a hen's egg to that of an
ostrich's egg. If pressed upon with the hand, especially if the animal
is placed on its back, the rupture will disappear, to return, however,
when the pressure is removed. If it be composed of intestines it will be
soft and elastic when the bowels are empty, but when they are full of
semi-solid food they will be doughy. In any event, the tumor will feel
elastic when composed of intestines, but when formed of its connecting
membranes, will naturally not vary in consistence. If intestines be
present, movements and abdominal rumblings may be detected in it. This
rupture rarely gives rise to serious consequences because its contents
are composed of large intestines and omentum, either of which is, in
this position, not liable to become strangulated. It may, however,
become engorged and inflamed from injury. Its existence naturally
depreciates the value of an animal suffering from it.
TREATMENT: In the majority of cases, they will disappear with their own
accord in two or three months. In case the rupture shows no signs of
diminishing in size it is well to apply a bandage around the abdomen or
secure the services of a competent veterinarian and he will prescribe a
treatment or operate, which will apply directly to your colt's or
horse's particular case.
OPEN JOINT
CAUSE: Injuries such as a kick from a sharp shoe, wire cuts, punctures
from snags, or from probing a wound near a joint. Open joint is one of
the most serious accidents that may happen to a horse, for the sufferer
is apt to die from the ensuing constitutional disturbance, and even if
he recovers the joint will, in all probability, be permanently stiff.
SYMPTOMS: If the joint is opened or severely injured the wound will have
an ordinary appearance except that there may be a flow of joint oil from
the injured oil sack. However, the discharge gradually becomes more
unhealthy until finally it is mixed with pus and blood and assumes a
fetid odor. After two or three days the joint swells and becomes very
painful and a high fever sets in. In unfavorable cases the animal dies
from exhaustion very shortly, or at best recovers with a permanently
stiff joint.
TREATMENT: Never probe a wound near a joint. If the injury is small and
noticed immediately, apply Red Iodide of Mercury, two drams; Vaseline,
two ounces. Mix and rub in well over the wound. This will set up
sufficient inflammation to close the opening and kill any infection that
may be present, as it possesses powerful antiseptic properties. If the
wound is large, wash with Bichloride of Mercury, one part to one
thousand parts distilled water. The wound should be washed twice a day
with this solution. Then dust the wound with Tannic Acid, one ounce;
Iodoform, one ounce; Boracic Acid, one ounce; Calomel, one dram. Mix and
place in sifter top can and apply this after washing each time. Then
bandage the wound by first placing clean absorbent cotton over the
wound. Do not attempt to syringe a solution into an opening or some of
the solution may gain entrance into the joint. Keep the animal as quiet
as possible and feed laxative food.
PALESADE WORM
(Strongulus Armatus)
This parasite thrives on marshy ground and is commonly found in the
United States and Canada. The body of the worm is gray in color, more or
less stiff and straight and thicker in the front than in the hind part;
it varies in length, the male measuring from three-fourths of an inch to
one inch and the female from one to two inches. It may occur in an adult
or an immature state. In the former it implants itself on the mucous
membrane of the large intestines by means of its armed mouth, while in
the latter it lives in cysts underneath the mucous membrane of the
intestines and is sometimes found in the brain, testicles and liver. The
immature worms which do not issue directly from the cysts get into the
arteries and are carried by the force of the blood to all parts of the
body.
SYMPTOMS: Same as in Red Worm with the exception of colicky pains caused
by the worms blocking the arteries which carry blood to the intestines,
thus interfering with the process of digestion. Where the worms enter
the arteries of the limbs it results in lameness. It is a good plan to
examine your animals once or twice a year to insure them against this
pest.
TREATMENT: Same as for Red Worm.
PLEURISY
CAUSE: Exposed to a sudden change of temperature, confinement in
ill-ventilated, damp stables, wounds penetrating the chest, fractured
ribs, heart diseases. It also occurs in conjunction with Bronchitis,
Influenza, etc.
SYMPTOMS: Generally only one side of the lungs is affected and that
being the right, although it may affect both sides at the same time.
First you will notice the animal distressed, uneasy, shivering, the
affected side is painful to pressure of the hand. The breathing is short
and quick, and the flanks heave--which shows that the animal tries to
breathe as much as possible, by the action of the muscles of the abdomen
and not by the movement of the ribs. The nostrils are dilated. There is
usually a short, dry, painful cough present, which is repressed by the
animal as much as possible, so as not to shake the inflamed parts. Often
when expelling air from the lungs the horse gives a painful grunt
especially when made to move. The pulse is generally hard and faster
than usual. The temperature in early stages may rise from 104 to 106
degrees F. If the ear is applied to the affected side a dry crackling or
friction sound can be heard; a groove along the lower portion of the
ribs will extend back to the flank. Within two or three days the pulse
will be softer and weaker, temperature will fall to 101 or 102 degrees
F. and there will be fluids form and the painful short breathing will
disappear. The liquids may now undergo absorption if properly treated,
and the case terminate favorably in a week or ten days.
Frequently large quantities of fluid accumulate in the chest cavity that
cannot be absorbed, the breathing becomes more difficult, short and
quick, pulse becomes weak and rapid and the animal dies from exhaustion.
TREATMENT: Place the animal in a comfortable, roomy stall; blanket if
the weather is chilly, permit fresh air, but no drafts, as this is very
important. Apply a paste made from Mustard and cold water over the chest
cavity. Internally, administer Ammonium Iodide, Chlorate of Potash,
Nitrate of Potash, each four ounces. Make into thirty-two powders and
give one powder every two or three hours in gelatin capsule and
administer with capsule gun. The diet is a proper means of keeping up
the animal and is very important. Coax the animal to eat grass or
vegetables, hot bran mashes or steam rolled oats. If there is a cough
present, give the same treatment as recommended for Acute and Chronic
Coughs.
PIN WORM, THREAD OR MAW WORM
(Oxyuris Curvilis)
This worm when full grown is about one and three-quarter inches in
length; its tail is thin and whip-like and head thick and terminating in
a curve somewhat resembling the crook of a stick. The presence of these
parasites may be detected by a light-yellow substance (the eggs of the
worms) which adheres to the skin below the anus. Pin Worms like Round
Worms frequently come away with the feces.
TREATMENT: Dissolve four tablespoonfuls Common Salt in one gallon of
warm water and inject it into the rectum. When this has been expelled,
follow with an injection per rectum of Turpentine, four ounces, to
one-half gallon Linseed Oil. Elevate the horse's hind quarters so as to
retain the injection longer. This will expel the worms and their eggs
that cling to the walls of the rectum. The worms sometimes make their
way so far forward that it is impossible to reach them with an
injection. In this case treat same as for Round worms.
Where there is irritation produced about the tail the horse continually
rubs and it is well to apply Mercurial Ointment to both tail and the
anus.
POLL EVIL
Poll Evil is so-called because it occurs in the region of the poll. It
is not a constitutional disease, but comes, no doubt, from well marked
causes, as from inflammation set up and involving the bones and muscles
in the region of the poll, and perhaps of the larger ligament. Owing to
the low vitality of the parts and the action of the head in taking food,
etc., the pus is apt to burrow deep into the muscles.
CAUSE: Direct or indirect injury. A common cause is striking the head
against a low doorway or an ill-fitting halter or bridle.
SYMPTOMS: Swelling just back of the ears on one or both sides of the
head. The animal stands with the nose out; slight heat in the parts,
pain on pressure. In the first stages, it is merely inflammatory action.
The second stage is suppuration, or there may be great swelling in some
cases when there is but little pus formed.
In other cases there is profuse suppuration and the pus makes its way
out and discharges to the surface and sinuses are formed, which extend
in various directions. Any abscess in this region is called Poll Evil.
TREATMENT: When the enlargement is first noticed in the region of the
poll, I would advise the following: Red Iodide of Mercury, four drams;
Lard, four ounces, rub in well over the enlargement and perhaps this
will prevent sinuses from forming, but when the cases are long standing
and so-called pipes are formed, I would advise that you secure the
services of an accomplished Veterinarian.
PETECHIAL FEVER
(Purpura Haemorrhagica)
CAUSE: Constitutional weakness following some debilitating disease such
as Distemper, Pink Eye, Catarrh and even following operations, when an
animal becomes weak and from want of exercise, in which case it
generally appears during his recovery. It is not infectious and cannot
be transmitted by inoculations.
SYMPTOMS: There is a slight swelling of the limbs, more likely to be
about the hocks. The swelling may disappear by exercising, but will soon
return. The swellings present a very abrupt appearance, nearly the same
as if a string were tied around the limbs and swell very quickly, and
symptomatic of Purpura. Exudations take place in which, if on white
limbs, you will see little red spots, from which a liquid is oozing. The
swelling is very painful and the entire limb may be swollen. Small
vesicles appear on the limbs and also in the mucous membranes, and it is
well to look at the mucous membranes before giving your opinion, as you
will, no doubt, detect these spots, which may extend into the lungs.
These spots increase and may run into each other. The mucous membranes
of the nose may become a mass of corrupt matter. The upper lip may hang
pendulous, which is due to the want of nervous stimulus. If the nostrils
are swollen very badly, there is difficulty in breathing and if the
animal is not able to take food, the symptoms are considered very bad.
The pulse varies much in some cases; although the swelling is very
great, the pulse may not be more than forty or fifty per minute. The
temperature is elevated one to three degrees above normal, there may be
a coughing and a brownish colored discharge from the nostrils. The mouth
and eyes become affected and, together with the discharge from the nose,
the horse is a loathsome looking object. In milder cases the appetite is
retained, or the animal may take food one day and the next refuse it.
The bowels are constipated as a general thing in the first stages of the
disease and the urine may be of a dark color, may even contain blood.
There may be a peculiar dropsical swelling of these petechial spots or
it may show itself in connection with the eyes and there may be blood
extravasation without outer symptoms. This disease may affect the
bowels, liver, lungs, etc. The animal usually stands, perhaps from the
difficulty in moving the limbs. It is necessary to watch the case
closely for flies will attack him and he will be filled with maggots.
Sloughing may take place; the entire sheath or patches upon the body may
slough off and there may be paralysis of the penis.
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