Private prescriptions and lectures; a perfect manual and complete hand-book on diseases of stock...

Front matter

Class Book c r* ^

.1 3- .;-.■

Copyright^ .

Preface

After years of delay and many broken promises made to friends and former pupils the author submits this volume with the hope that it will meet the expectations of those who have urged the work upon him.

In the preperation of these pages my object has been to give to the American farmer and stockman, whose onerous duties allow but little leisure for consulting mofe comprehensive works, a practical common-sense hand-book, through which he may be enabled to preserve the lives and usefulness of the most valuable assets of the farm.

I have endeavored to eliminate everything not of some practical worth and have striven to express myself in plain and simple language to the end that anyone who can read may understand, no matter what his advantages in life may have been.

In speaking thus plainly I feel that I can more readily secure the attention of those whom I desire to reach and I cannot believe that the simplicity of my work will cause it to prove less acceptable to them.

THE AUTHOR.

Table Of Contents

DISEASES OF THE HORSE — HOW TO KNOW THEM — CAUSES — PREVENTION AND CURE.

Chapter I

The Horse in Health— The Pulse of the Horse— The Temperature— The Respiration in Health — Actions and Inclinations of Disease — Importance of Prompt Treatment — Know what Yon Are Treating — Be sure Medication Is Indicated — How to Give Medicine — Nursing and Feeding Sick Stock.

Chapter II

The Age of Your Horse and the Care of his Teeth— How to Tell the Age of Your Horse from Birth to Twenty-One Years of Age — Care of the Teeth — Sharp, Irregular, Uneven and Elongated Teeth — Tooth Ache — pampas — Sore Mouth — Tongue laceration — Pharyngitis — Choaked Horse.

CHAPTER HI.

Diseases of the Respiratory Organs — Tumor in the False Nostrils — Acute Catarrh — Chronic Catarrh — Nasal Gleet — Laryngitis — Quinsy — Acute Bronchitis — Chronic Bronchitis — Pneumonia — Distemper or Strangles — Heaves or Broken Wind— Congestion of the Lungs — Pleurisy — Chronic Cough.

TABLE OF CONTENTS. 7

Chapter IV

Diseases of the Stomach and Bowels — Gastritis — Stomach Staggers — Indigestion — Bots — Bilious Colic — Wind Colic — Rupture of Stcmach — Rupture of Diaphragm — Constipation — Dysentery — Suppuration — Gut-tie — Inflammtiaon of the Bowels — Intestinal Worms.

Chapter V

Diseases of the Urinary Organs — Inflamation of the Kidneys — Congestion of the Kidneys — Inflamation of the Bladder — Spasm of the Neck of the Bladder — Diabetes — Paralysis of the Bladder — Eversion of the Bladder — Rupture of the Bladder — Bloody Urine — Dribbling of the Urine — Stricture of the Uretha — Gonorrhoea — Urinary Calculi — Foul Sheath.

Chapter XI

Parasitic Troubles and External Affections of the Body — Lice —Mange — Ringworm — Itchy-Tail — ItchySkin — Surfeit — Hide Bound— Eczema— Warts— Saddle Galls— Set-Fasts— Poll-Evil Fistulous Weathers — Caries — Necrosis -Wire Cuts — Dropsy — Rupture.

Chapter XII

Affections of the Legs — Wind Galls — Scratches— Greece Heel — Cocked-Ankle— Ring-Bone—Splint-Bone- Spavin— Bog Spavin — Blood Spavin — Sweeny — Shoulder Lameness — Stifled — Hipped — Hip Lameness*

Chapter XIII

Diseases of the Feet — Corns — Quittor — Pricking — Nails — Wounds — Quarter Cracks — Thrush — Narrow Heel — Gravel in the Foot Stone Bruises — Canker — Side Bones — Acute Founder — Chronic Founder.

Chapter XIV

Diseases of the Organs of Generation — Inflamation of the Testicles — Evil Results of Castration — Wounds ol the Penis — Inflammation of the Womb — Inflammation of the Ovaries — Parturition — Abortion—How to tell When a Mare is in Foal— Puerperal

Fever.

Chapter XV

Operations on the Horse — Bleeding — Stopping Blood — Extracting Teeth — Removing Tumors — Opening an Abscess — Operating in Blood Spavin — Tapping the Chest — Tapping the Colon — Castrating.

Chapter XVI. Jockey Tricks

How to Make an Old Horse Appear Younger — How to Make a

TABLE OF CONTENTS 9

Horse Go Lame — How to Fatten a Horse for Trading — How to Make a Slow Horse Fast — How to Make a Horse Quit Eating.

Diseases of the Organs of Respiration — Bleeding from the Nose — Bleeding from £ the Lungs — laryngitis — Diptheria — Bronchitis-^Pneumonia — Pleurisy — Chronic Cough — Heaves.

Chapter XIX

Diseases of the Digestive Organs — Sore Mouth — Loss of Cud — Choking — Hoven — Impaction of the Rumen — Impaction of the Ommasum — Dry Murrain — Chronic Indigestion — Constipation — Diarrhoea — Dysentery — Inflammation of the Bowels Intestinal Worms — Tape Worm.

Chapter XXIX

Diseases of Swine Their Prevention and Cures — How to Care for Hogs — How to Prevent Diseases— Quinsy-Choaking— Stunted

TABLE OF CONTENTS II

Hogs — Worms in Hogs — Constipation— Diarrhoea— Blind Staggers — Fits in Pigs — Pneumonia — Hog Cholera — Sows Pigging — Bustler Pigs — How to Give Hogs Medicine.

Chapter XXX

Poultry and Their Diseases, Cause and Prevention— How to Keep Poultry Healthy — Kgg Production— Crop Bound — Diarrhoea — Cholera — Roupe — Catarrh — Bronchitis — Gapes — Pip — Sore Head — I^eg- Weakness — Iyice — Fleas — Mites.

Chapter XXXI

Sheep and Their Disease Prevention and Cures — Travel Sores- Sore Feet — Gravel and Swollen Feet — Foot Rot — Maggots — Liver Fluke — Ringworms — Bloating — Colic — Inflammation of the Bowels — Grubs in the Head — Scab.

Chapter XXXII

"The Dog, their Diseases Prevention and cures —Mange; — Fleas — Lice — Ringworms — Inflammation of the Eye — Canker of the Ear — Distemper— Constipation — Worms — Fits — Cholera — Hydrophobia— Poison in Dogs.

PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS AND LECTURES

THE HORSE.

Chapter I

To be able to successfully meet the various pathological conditions which so often arise in the great equine family, tbe student must first turn his attention to, and master the horse in a state of pertect health; when this is done he is in a position to distinguish the presence of disease. Tbe normal or healthy horse is one in which there is an entire absence of any pervertion of nature, either external or internal. External or local troubles can in most instances be readily determined by even the unlearned, but internal lessions cannot be distinguished or understood satisfactorily without accurate information as to the pulse, temperature, respiration, actions and inclinations, in fac^everything that is in any wa}' expressive of either the feelings or physical condition of the animal must be carefully studied.

PULSE.

If there is any one thing which can be classed as being of vital consequence, of supreme importance to the veterinarian, it is a perfect understanding of the pulse. The pulse is the barometer by which we are governed in the administration of medicines in all internal diseases. It is evidence of the circulation of the blood which passes through the arteries at the rate of about ninety feet per minute. It is the key to the nervous system, for the circulation is produced and its volume regulated by the sympathetic nerves. The pulse indicates the condition of the heart, and whether or not disease is of a depressed or exalted character. In inflammations and fevers the frequency of the pulse is increased according to stage of the disease. In debilitated conditions we find it usually depressed, but some times quick, then natural. The normal or pulse of health in the full grown horse is from 33 to 36, and in rare instances, 40 beats per minute. In young stock it is more frequent, under one year of age it runs from 42 to 48 beats per minute. There are many places at which the pulse can be gotten, but the best place for taking it is, in my judgement, from the submaxillary artery as it passes on the inner angle of the lower jaw, this being the most convenient. We have many pulse variations which will be fully treated under the heads of the diseases in which they prevail.

TEMPER.ATVRE.

When we speak of the temperature of a horse, we do so with reference solely to the amount of heat prevailing in the economy of the animal. Through the agency of a thermometer, and by no other means, are we able to secure the correct temperature of a horse. To take temperature insert clinical thermometer in rectum, always turning to^ one side so as to have it press against the side of bowels, allow it to remain from 3 to 5 minutes, remove carefully and note any deviation from the normal. The normal temperature of the horse is from 99 to 100 degrees. In severe cases the temperature should be taken every 4 to 6 hours,.

1 6 PRIVATE PRESCRIPTION

while in mild cases once or twice a day is sufficient. The temperature may sometimes run as low as 78 1-2 degrees and the horse will survive, but when it reaches 75 degrees it is my judgement that death is rapidly approaching.

RESPIRATION.

In health ^he horse breathes from 12 to 14 times per minute, work or excitement increases this, however. The number of respirations per minute can be readily counted by the heaving of the flanks. It requires no special skill to distinguish the soft rustling sound of the healthy respiratory murmur, but considerable experience is required to make one a first-class judge of the sounds obtained by percussion. Percussion is the act of striking smartly a finger of one hand, (resting gently over part to be examined) witl^ the first three fingers of the other. In connection with the respiratory organs we place the finger over the lung in the region of the 6th rib, do our striking and in case of health we find a clear resonant sound, but should disease exist everything is changed, depending entirely upon the nature and extent of the trouble. The abnormal sounds which prevail in diseases of the air passages and lungs will be treated under the heads of the various diseases with which they are associated.

In studying the horse, his every act as to position in standing and lying, rolling, kicking, pawing, jumping, etc. , must be taken into consideration with its initial reference to disease. These along with inclinations in the way of appetite, for either food or drink, are expressive of the

AND I,ECTURES 17

feelings of an animal, and are all we have to rely upon in the diagnosis of disease, aside from the pulse, temperature and respiration By depicting an animal when suffering from a derangement of an internal organ, is our only means of illustrating an internal disease.

Under this head I desire to direct the reader's attention to and urging upon him the importance of a painstaking consideration of the habits and constitutional conditions, as well as the color and quantity of excretions^ of every animal which he is treating, to the end that he may be able to distinguish when nature is aiding him.

Importance of Prompt Treatment.

The sooner disease is recognized and given the proper treatment the sooner health will be restored, making the liability of a fatal termination and consequent loss, very much less and. from a humane standpoint, the less the animal will suffer Thete is nothing to which the old adage that "a sti:ch v\ ime saves nine," applies more forcibly than in th - tre tment of the ailments of all kinds among stock, no matter whether the trouble be local in character or of internal origin. For instance, a horse goes lame from a cor , it properly attended to it can be cured in a few days, but if neglectei, it festers and spreads, works, up through the foot and breaks out around the top of the hoof, forming quittor, which with the best of attention cannot be cured in less than 5 or 6 weeks. Another instance, a horse may catch a cold and have a catarrhal discharge from the nose, sore throat, a cough and loss of appetite; if promptly and properly treated he may be restored to health and usefulness in from 2 to 10 days, but if neglected for a day or two the disease will in all probability find its way into the lungs, starting an irritation most painful in character, and disease of lengthy duration, with the possibility of a fatal termination.

know What You Are Treating.

Let me urge as a matter of utmost importance, that when treatment of any kind is indicated, whether it be local or internal, that the proper remedies be applied promptly and thoroughly. But I would remind you to be sufficiently cautious in every instance; always be sure you are on the right track then go ahead with energy and persistence. Do not be caught treating an ankle because it is cocked, when every particle of the inflammation causing the lameness is in the foot. Neither would I have you make the mistake of "dosing" a horse for the "Bots," when the trouble is either Pleurisy or an affection of the kidneys. Many errors similar in character to these, have come under the observation of the writer in his practice. One notable instance in which many were deceived was supposed to be a case of "Sweeney" in which I was called. I iound the horse very lame, and blistered on both shoulders and withers by the too free use of some patent liniment of questionable utility. I made a careful examanation, and through it the fact was disclosed to me that this horse was suffering from a thorn in his foot. This I removed and the patient was all right in a few days, I relate this [merely to illu§* trate the worth of accurate information, and the absolute necessity for careful examination, and intelligent deliberation before beginning with any treatment. But when the disease is clearly defined, when it is exclusively located by a process of exclusion, begin at once the careful administration of the remedies indicated in such disease, provided however, that in case of internal medication, the nature and stage of disease makes such 1 course necessary.

The reader must bear in mind the important fact that medicine alone never cured man nor beast. It merely assists nature in effecting a cure. Observation and experience have forced the conclusion upon me, that more stock are killed through the administration of stuff called medicine by the ignorant and irresponsible than would have died, had nature alone been depended upon for a cure. . I have found it necessary to physic only about one half the stock which I am called to see. Nature and disease are diametrically opposed to each other. The one puts forth every effort by means of natural law to build up the system, while the other exerts all those baleful influences which have a tendency to bring about decay and death. In the treatment of the internal diseases of the horse, I would advise that nature be relied upon entirely, until the pulse reaches 50 beats per minute; should the pulse go beyond this, medication is indicated and I would suggest that its administration be promptly begun. But I recommend that a dose of medicine for any internal disease be never repeated so long as the pulse is on a stand still or shows an inclination to come down; under these circumstances simply give nature a chance, and in most cases she will do her work well.

How to Give Medicine.

Medicine for horses is usually either in a liquid or powdered form. Powders may be given incorporated with the food; when the horse will not take it in this way, a good plan is to use a long handled spoon, pull his tongue out and empty powder by means of spoon far back on the root of it. Another way of giving powders is by making them into a ball or placing them in a capsule which ball or capsule, as the case may be, is thrown into the fauces or throat of the patient. liquids are best given in the way of a drench. To drench a horse secure a long necked bottle and place the desired amount of medicine in it, elevate the head of the horse, insert neck of bottle in side of mouth and pour contents slowly into throat, keeping head elevated until all is swallowed. If horse should cough while being drenched, let his head down at once regardless of the loss of medicine, for if kept up, drench is liable to pass into the lungs instead of the stomach and result in something serious. Never be so brutal' and ignorant as to attempt drenching a horse through the nose, for it is an inhuman practice, aside from placing the life of the animal in jeopardy.

Small doses of medicine can be given by means of a little syringe. To do this open the mouth of horse with one hand, insert the syringe containing medicine at the side with other, and shoot contents into throat.

AND I^CTURES 21

The hypodermic method of administering mediciaes is very unsafe for any but experienced practioners, for by this method they are assimilated much more readily, and act very much moie powerfully than when taken through the stomach. The dose hypodermically of most drugs is about half that administered internally.

Nursing and Feeding.

Much might be written under this head and from time to time, we intend wedging in a lot of matter in this connection which we consider of worth to every one. At this stage we will simply give a few practical hints.

In order to care for an animal intelligently and properly the nurse must familiarize himself with his habits and requirments in a state of health. It is of the greatest importance in case of sickness that a horse should be made as comfortable as possible in both summer and winter; always allow plenty of fresh air to breathe, but in every instance avoid a draft Have bedding dr} 7 and clean. Food wants to be simple, clean, nutritious and as easy digestable as possible. All water given should be fresh, pure and clean. Be careful about over-feeding; this is often a detriment and hindrance. Sick horses should be fed 4 or 5 times per day, but in very small quantities. Colts should have their rations every 2 or 3 hours. A patient with fever should have plenty of pure water by him all the while, and be allowed to help himself, but those suffering with Diarrhoea or Dysentery should be given water 4 or 5 times per day in sparing quantities. Ah animal should always have a few days rest after being sick; many cases prove fatal from working them too soon.

THE AGE OF THE HORSE FROM BIRTH TO TWENTY-ONE.

In buying or trading for a horse, age is always a matter which must necessarily enter into the consideration, for upon it largely depends the value of the animal, from a monetary standpoint, age also cuts quite a figure in the service which 'Is expected of the animal. It is very essential that farmers and stock owners, should study the teeth very closely, that they might be able to judge for themselves the age of their stock, for there is no other way of approximating the age of a horse except by the teeth. I shall endeavor to tell in as plain language as possible the conditions which will be met with from the birth of the colt to twenty-one years of age.

ist. Adult horse has forty teeth in all, twenty-four jaw teeth or grinders, twelve above and twelve below He has twelve front teeth or nippers, six above and six below. He has four tusks, two above and two below. The mare has thirty-eight teeth, twenty four grinders or jaw teeth, and twelve front teeth or nippers. She has two tusks after she passes seven years of age, but never has any above.

2nd. The colt at birth has no teeth at all, but in two weeks old we find four front teeth, two above and two below. At twelve weeks old he gets four more, two above and two below, the two are called the lateral teeth. At nine months old he gets four more front teeth called the corner teeth, two above and two below. So at nine months old the colt has a full mouth of milk or temporary front teeth. There is not mu^h change in the teeth until the colt gets two years old. At two and a half years he sheds four of his front teeth, two above and two below which are called the center teeth or nippers and ge^s in permanent teeth. At three and a half years old he sheds four more which are called the lateral teeth, two above and two below. At five years old the teeth in front are all even, this is what we call a full mouth of permanent teeth; each one of the front teeth has a black cup in it. At six years old the black cups disappear from the two center teeth below. At seven the black cups from the next two disappear from below. At eight years old the black cups from the two corner teeth disappear. At nine years old the black cups from the two center teeth above go out. At ten years old the black cups from the two next teeth above are smooth. At eleven years old the two corner teeth above are smooth At twelve years old a groove starts at the gum margin but is not noticeable before the horse reaches thirteen years old. This groove will travel about one eight the length of the tooth till the horse ge's twenty one yea'S old, then we can teU no more.

No. i. Showing riouth at 4 Years of Age.

No. 2. Showing Mouth at 5 Years Old.

AND LR TURKS

No. 4. Showihg flouth at 7 Ye rs of Age

No. 6. Shewing Mouih at 8 Years of Ag^

No. 7. Showing n«>mh at 20 Years cf Age.

DISEASES OF THE TEETH, MOVTH AND THROAT.

Under this head we will consider everything of importance in connection with these organs, and form those affections of the throat, which are intimately connected with, and have a direct bearing upon the air passages.

Sharp, Irregular, Uneven and Elongated Teeth.

Either of these is worthy. of our careful attention, for they often prevent a hor^e from properly masticating his food, and in some instances make eating a very difficult accomplishment.

Cause — These irregularities are usually produced by are* tention of the milk teeth beyond the time when they should be shed, by the uneven wearing away of the permanent teeth in masticating hard food, and through a lack of proper acclusion.

HOW TO KNOW THEM.

A sight of the animal when trying to eat in connection with an examination is sufficient.

WHAT TO DO.

Cut teeth down evenly and smoothly, being careful to leave no sharp corners. This is accomplished by means of an instrument called a "float," which resembles a coarse file or rasp. If there is an irregular or elongated tooth, which precludes the possibility of establishing a propped acclusion by floating, extraction should be resorted to.

Drsssing t'iie Teeth.

Tooth Ache.

The tooth ache is of more common occurrence in the horse than is generally supposed and it very often produces a condition, with reference to the health of the animal, of grave importance. No horse is in trim to perform his full complement of work when he is stopped from eating his daily ration b}^ the pain engendered in the act from an exposed and irritated nerve, neither is he fit for service when racked and tortured by the excruciating and deep seated pain of an abscess on the fangs of a decayed tooth.

Cause — It is brought about most generally by the formation of a cavity through common decay, and occasionally from a kick or blow upon the mouth by which the teeth

AND LECTURES ?.g

are cracked, broken or otherwise injured. Sometimes injuries to the teeth are the results of efforts at masticating very hard corn.

HOW TO KNOW IT.

The action of the horse while eating, coupled with an examination of his teeth, will disclose the trouble; he will throw it from side to side as if trying to remove food' from a sore in the mouth, and act much the same way when drinking cold water. He loses flesh rapidly from being unable thoroughly to masticate his food. If there is ulceration or abscess of the tissues surrounding the fang of a tooth, we often find an enlargement or swelling which contains pus. Occasionally this abscess breaks into the nose, causing a discharge from the nostril on same side as diseased tooth. On account of the disagreeable odor emitted, a discharge of this kind is sometimes taken for Nasal Gleet, and occasionally for Glanders. A careful examination of the teeth, and a reference to chapter on Gleet and Glanders, in this work will demonstrate the wide difference in these troubles.

WHAT TO DO.

If, after a careful examination, } t ou are satisfied that the patient is suffering from an affected tooth; immediate extraction is the proper thing to resort to.

Lampas.

This is simply congestion [of the buccal membrane and is accompanied by more or less tumefaction, which is more particularly noticed in the bars of the mouth.

Cause — In old horses we attribute this condition to irritating substances or medicines, while in colts it is generally the result of teething.

HOW TO KNOW IT.

The bars of the mouth will be swollen, sometimes extending below the teeth. In bad cases there will be a constant flow of saliva, and the horse can not masticate his food properly, and in many cases the breath is very offensive.

WHAT TO DO.

Scarify the first bar well with some sharp instrument, and rub in coarse salt for three consecutive days. Never cauterize for pampas .

Sore Mouth.

This trouble is quite common, and is in most instances the result of neglect or carelessness.

Cause — Very often a sore mouth is produced by the use of a severe bit; occasionally by the caustic properties in either food or medicines, and sometimes from grazing when the dew is heavy.

HOW TO KNOW IT.

It is a very easy matter to look into a horse's mouth and discover an irregularity of this kind. When the bone or roof of the mouth is injured, we will find considerable soreness and some swelling.

WHAT TO DO.

In case the trouble arises frow bit used, try another of more gentle persuasion, or else keep it out of mouth entirely for a few days. If properties in food or medicine are cause, make a change in them, and in case the trouble comes from grazing when dews are on, keep patient off of pasture until the sun is well up in the morning and lot him before dew falls in the evening. To remove the cause is' generally sufficient to effect a cure, but in the event the mouth is raw, and you desire to aid nature, use the following:

PRESCRIPTION.

Acid Tannic one half ounce.

Acid Acetic Dilute one ounce.

Water, add sufficient quantity, one pint. Mix and apply 3 times a day as a lotion to the mouth. In case the bone is injured or exposed cleanse it well 3, or 4 times a day with carbolized water.

Tongue Laceration.

Though of uncommon occurence, it is well that we understand how to treat such a condition to the best advantage.

Cause — In falling, an animal sometimes has his tongue between his teeth, and by this means it is bitten; again he strikes his mouth against something and the tongue is injured. The bits or a sharp molar tooth are in some instances the cause of laceration.

HOW TO KNOW IT.

A sight of the tongue will readily convey to the mind of any one what the trouble is.

WHAT TO DO.

Wounds of the tongue heal very quickly and satisfactorily, but they do not always heal as evenly and smoothly as we would like. In severe cases where a portion of the tongue is torn or cut more than half off, it is advisable to cut severed portion entirely away and use the following:

PRESCRIPTION.

Borax i ounce.

Honey i ounce.

Water i pint

Mix and apply to wound (after drying it) 3 or 4 times per day.

Pharyngitis

By Pharyngitis is meant an acute inflammation of the Pharynx, which is an organ situated at the back part of the mouth and is the connecting link between it and the tube leading directly into the stomach.

Cause — It is usually brought about through some foreign substance, such as oat straw or wheat beards, lodging in its passage from the mouth into the esophagus, the latter being the tube leading to the stomach.

HOW TO KNOW IT.

We find the throat and glands of the neck more or less enlarged, considerable tenderness upon pressure, neck stretched and head extended. It will be noticed that it is very painful for the animal to swallow, if indeed he can do so at all. In his efforts at drinking, water return's by way of the nose. This desease presents many of the symptoms which are found in Laryngitis, a disease of the air passage, but is much easier controlled; about the only difference of any note in the symptoms of the two are the hacking cough and high fevers found in Laryngitis. The treatment employed is very similar in both diseases.

WHAT TO DO.

First, examine the throat and if any foreign substance be found, remove it. After this is done apply a counter irritant to outside of throat. A mustard plaster is good, and the following has been used with considerable success by the author: