In addition to the preceding tokens for discovering at an early period the true glanders from other disorders, let the nostrils be closely examined. In the real glanders, the left or running nostril will be found of a deeper color than ordinary, while the other, or dry nostril, is of a paler color, or almost white.
The reader must bear in mind the varied color of the nostril in deciding all cases of this character. Also that in colds, etc., both nostrils run.
Before the disease finishes its course, both sides of the nose and head become affected—the ulcers extend down the windpipe, and fasten upon the lungs. The virus, secreted by and discharged from the ulcers, is absorbed and carried through the whole system, and soon puts an end to the creature’s miserable existence. The best preventives of glanders are dry, clean, well-ventilated stables, moderate exercise, green food, when it can be procured, and roots in the winter.
The disease may be cured in its early stages, or before ulcers are formed in the nose, or the lumps under the jaw adhere to the bone, by turning the animal on a dry pasture, by proper attention to the bowels, and by use of alterative medicines, to work the poisons out of the system. Should the bowels require loosening, give the common purge. For purifying the blood, the condition powder is the most effectual remedy. The owner must beware of putting the horse to hard labor too soon, after having been turned out as before directed, as the disease is liable to return on subsequent confinement, even after the running at the nose has entirely disappeared. It is conceded by all, that when this disease is once seated, it cannot be cured; and humanity dictates, and economy should prompt us to terminate the animal’s existence at once. This course has now become an imperative duty, as the fact is established that man is susceptible to the contagion; and there are numerous cases on record where those who have had the care of glandered horses have fallen victims to this disease.
LOCK JAW.
This disease generally arises from nail wounds in the feet, or from sharp metallic substances taken into and wounding the stomach or intestines. The first symptoms of the disease are observed about the ninth or tenth day after the injury is done, which are a straggling or stiffness of the hind-legs, to which succeed in a few days the following: on elevating the head, a spasmodic motion of the membrane in the inner corner of the eye will be observed, showing little more than the white of the eye; the muscles of the jaws become rigid; the tongue is swollen, and the mouth is filled with saliva; the ears are erect, and the nose poked out; the nostrils expand; respiration becomes much disturbed; and finally, the jaws become firmly set, and the bowels constipated.
Treatment.—Tinct. of aconite, 2 drs.; tinct. of belladonna, 2 drs.; water, ½ oz. Mix, and give 40 drops every 4 hours on the tongue; keep a ball of aloes in the mouth for several days. There is no fear of giving too much. I have known half a pound to be given in a few days with good success. Hydrocyandic acid, 20 drops in a little water, and put upon the tongue every four hours, is an excellent remedy. Foment the jaws with bags of hops steeped in hot water, and bathe the line of the back from the pole to the croup with mustard and vinegar. Be careful not to allow the animal to be unnecessarily excited by noises and confusion about him. Go about him quietly; keep a pail of bran slop before him all the time. If the foot has been injured, poultice with flaxseed meal, and keep the wound open until a healthy action has been established.
TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN DISTEMPER AND GLANDERS.
The discharge from the nose in Glanders will sink in water. In Distemper it will not.