SPECIFIC OPHTHALMIA.
Cause.—The fumes of impure stables.
Symptoms.—A swollen eyelid; tears; a hard pulse; sharp breathing; a staring coat; a clammy mouth; the nasal membrane is inflamed or leaden colored; the lid can only be raised when in shadow. The ball of eye reddened from the circumference; the pupil closed; the iris lighter than is natural. The disease may change from eye to eye; the duration of any visitation is very uncertain; the attacks may be repeated, and end in the loss of one or both eyes. If one eye only is lost, the remaining eye generally strengthens.
Treatment.—Remove from the stable and place in a dark shed. Open the eye vein, and puncture the lid if needed; put a cloth saturated with cold water over both eyes. If the horse is poor, feed well; if fat, support, but do not cram; if in condition, lower the food. Sustain upon a diet which requires no mastication. Give the following ball twice daily: Powdered colchicum, two drachms; iodide of iron, one drachm; calomel, one scruple; make up with extract of gentian. So soon as the ball affects the system, change it for liquor arsenicalis, three ounces; muriated tincture of iron, five ounces. Give half an ounce in a tumbler of water twice daily. See the stable is rendered pure before the horse returns to it.
SPLINT.
Causes.—Early and hard work; blows, kicks, etc.
Symptom.—Any swelling upon the inner and lower part of the knee of the fore leg, or any enlargement upon the shin-bone of either limb. On the knee they are important, as they extend high up. On the shin they are to be dreaded, as they interfere with the movements of the tendons. All are painful when growing, and in that state generally cause lameness.
Treatment.—Feel down the leg. Any heat, tenderness, or enlargement is proof of a splint. If, on the trot, one leg is not fully flexed, or the horse "dishes" with it, it confirms the opinion. Time and liberal food are the best means of perfecting them. When they are painful, poultice, having sprinkled on the surface of the application one drachm each of opium and of camphor. Or rub the place with one drachm of chloroform and two drachms of camphorated oil. Periosteotomy (see Operations) is sometimes of service. When a splint interferes with a tendon, the only chance of cure is to open the skin and to cut off the splint, afterward treating the wound with a lotion composed of chloride of zinc, one grain; water, one ounce. To check the growth of a splint, rub it well and frequently with iodide of lead, one ounce; simple ointment, eight ounces.
SPRAIN OF THE BACK SINEWS.
Cause.—Cart-work upon a hilly country.