Diabetes Mellitis, which is a rare disease in the horse should not be confounded with Diuresis, which is manifested by an increased flow of urine. In Diabetes Mellitis the water is clear or greenish, limpid, sweetish, and soon accompanied with great debility and loss of flesh, usually ending fatally.
Parturition in Mares
Rarely requires either manual or medicinal assistance. A dose of A.A., given in the earlier stages of labor often quiets the restlessness and allays the wandering pains, and this conduces to the greater regularity of the process.
If the labor becomes tedious or delays, a dose of G.G., repeated if necessary every two hours, will relax the parts and assist the expulsion pains.
Self-Abuse, Seminal Emissions
A very common habit among race horses is self-abuse. As soon as young horses are stabled, from idleness, over-excitement or urinary irritation, they may begin to masturbate, and it very often increases, impairing their strength, and rendering them worthless and uncertain foal-getters, or demanding castration. The phenomena are well known and do not require a particular description.
The common practice with horsemen or trainers is to put on them what is called a “net,” an apron armed with sharp pointed tacks, so when the yard is protruded, the tacks prick him, and he draws it in. But many horses, with a little practice, become so expert that they can avoid striking the apron, and in most cases it seems rather to increase than diminish the habit.
The usual Veterinary Surgeons advise camphor, which, if given is sufficiently large quantities to diminish the habit, will notably and permanently impair the vitality and vigor of the horse.
Dr. Humphreys’ Veterinary Remedies, by arresting and lessening the irritation and morbid desire, prevent the habit, and thus, reducing the morbid desire, promote and increase the natural vigor and development of the animal.
Treatment.—Give fifteen drops of G.G., three times per day, or if urinary irritation is suspected use the H.H. instead. He should also have good food and plenty of regular exercise. If unable to give him exercise under saddle, he may be turned into a large pasture with pregnant mares.