THE EARS.
Those who are acquainted with the nature of the horse pay much attention to the size and motion of the ear. Ears rather small than large, placed not too far apart, erect and quick in motion, indicate both breeding and spirit. If a horse is frequently in the habit of carrying one ear forward and the other backward, and especially when on a journey, he generally possesses both spirit and continuance; and if attentive to what is taking place about him, he cannot be much fatigued or likely soon to become so.
STAGGERS.
A number of opinions have been advanced in relation to the origin and seat of this disease. Some think that it is confined entirely to the head, while others say that the lungs are also affected; that it originates in the stomach, from which it is removed by the action of the lymphatic vessels, and being thrown into the circulation is diffused throughout the entire system, and carried by the arteries into the lungs, through which all the blood in a horse’s body passes many times during an hour, where it undergoes a change, thus depositing a portion of the poisonous matter that had been received into the stomach in the lungs. It is common to horses of all ages and conditions, and is a very rare case where it does not prove fatal.
Symptoms.
The symptoms in this disease are feebleness, drowsiness, loss of appetite, a constant hanging of the head, with inflamed eyes, nearly closed; he kicks, rears and plunges, seemingly unconscious of what he is doing; it is dangerous for any one to approach him in this state; the ears and forehead hot, accompanied by a burning fever.
Treatment—Remedy.
The first step to be taken in this disease is to relieve the overloaded organs of the brain, which should be done by opening the neck or jugular vein with a large lancet, that the blood may flow freely. No definite quantity of blood need be taken, but let it run until the horse begins to falter and blow; or, perhaps, with more assurance of success, until he falls. Immediately after inject freely with warm water, and give as a drench ½ ounce of aloes, ½ ounce of ginger, and ½ pint of warm water; feed on bran mash and green meal.