The Strongulus, during life, is generally not known to be present.
The Ascarides cause great itching posteriorly, which provokes the horse to rub its hair off against the wall.
Treatment.—Try injections of train oil for one week. Then use infusion of catechu, one ounce to one quart of water. On the eighth morning, give aloes, four drachms; calomel, one drachm. Tobacco-smoke enemas are sometimes useful, and the following ointment may be placed up the rectum night and morning: Glycerin, half an ounce; spermaceti, one ounce; melt the spermaceti, and blend; when cold, add strong mercurial ointment, three drachms; powdered camphor, three drachms.
WOUNDS.
A lacerated wound is generally accompanied by contusion, but with little hemorrhage. Shock to the system is the worst of its primary effects. The danger springs from collapse. A slough may probably follow. The slough is dangerous in proportion as it is tardy. The horse may bleed to death if the body is much debilitated.
Treatment.—Attend first to the system. Give a drink composed of sulphuric ether and laudanum, of each one ounce; water, half a pint. Repeat the medicine every quarter of an hour if necessary, or till shivering has ceased and the pulse is healthy. A poultice, made of one-fourth brewer's yeast, three-fourths of any coarse meal; or a lotion, consisting of tincture of cantharides, one ounce; chloride of zinc, two drachms; water, three pints, may be employed. When the slough has fallen, apply frequently a solution of chloride of zinc, one grain to the ounce of water; and regulate the food by the pulse.
An incised wound produces little shock. The danger is immediate, as the horse may bleed to death.
Treatment.—Do not move the horse. Dash the part with cold water, or direct upon the bleeding surface a current of wind from the bellows. When the bleeding has ceased and the surfaces are sticky, draw the edges together with divided sutures. When the sutures begin to drag, cut them across. After copious suppuration has been established, bathe frequently with the solution of chloride of zinc, one grain to the ounce of water.
An abraded wound generally is accompanied by grit or dirt forced into the denuded surface. The pain is so great, the animal may sink from irritation.