READY FOR THE DRENCH
A simple device for giving drenches to horses.
Physic Drench for Cattle.
—Epsom salts, 1 pound; ginger, 1 tablespoonful; common soda, 1 tablespoonful. Dissolve in a quart of lukewarm water and give as a drench. It is a splendid general physic for cows, and can be given at any time when they are thought not to be thriving as they should.
CHAPTER VIII
The Meaning of Disease
Any departure from a normal condition is disease. The body, composed of different organs and parts, is in a healthy state when each of these performs its natural functions. Thus the normal mind is concerned with normal mental acts; any disturbances of the brain or spinal cords is immediately manifested in the action of the animal; likewise frequently a disturbance elsewhere may later have its effect on the mental system.
Disease may result from some external cause like from a wound, from food causing poison or derangement of the digestive system, from water introducing impurities, from parasites that disturb normal functions, disorganize tissue or produce toxines, or from other abnormal conditions—all of which interfere with the normal functions of one or more organs, regions, or parts.
In most cases the disturbances are readily recognized. Swellings, bruises and wounds are located at a glance. When blood passes from nose, ears or intestines, a key to the trouble is at hand. Coughs have their story. And vomiting, diarrhœa, convulsions, spasms, abnormal breathing or temperature each indicates at what points an abnormal condition is evident.