Having given a general, but very cor rect outline of the process of shoeing, we shall proceed to a brief statement of the various diseases, &c. which usually come within the farrier's notice, in their alpha betical order.
Anasarea, or dropsy of the skin, is ge nerally called the water farcy, owing to the fluid being dispersed through the cel lular membrane of the skin. It is known by pits remaining after the skin has been pressed by a finger ; and, usually, pro ceeds from a deficiency of the absorb ents, or an excess in the inhalents ; from jaundice, hydatides, or previous inflam mation. The cure is usually effected by stimulant applications, and by diuretics ; smart friction, and gentle exercise, if long continued, are highly serviceable ; the food should be nourishing. When only the lower extremities are diseased, rollers dipt in spirits, or in oil of turpen tine, will generally remove the complaint. Horses are most subject to anasarca at spring and fall, when shedding their coats. If eruptions take place, the cure is much facilitated : but they ought to be mildly treated, and suffered to heal vo luntarily.
Ascites, or dropsy of the belly, may be known by the local swelling, which, when gently struck, undulates so as to be sensibly felt by the hand. This com plaint arises from the causes just describ ed, and occasions considerable thirst, short breath, and an obvious diininution, of urinary discharge. To cure this com plaint, every means should be used for strengthening and accelerating the secre tion in general, and for promoting the circulation of the blood and fluids. Drastic purges, diuretics, sweating, and in some cases mercury, rarely fail to render im portant service. This disease, however, is apt to recur, unless the constitution be completely fortified, and the general ha bit brought into clue state.
Bleeding, or blood-letting, should be performed with a lancet of a suitable size ; the fleam being very uncertain on large rolling veins ; and in the thigh, he. ab solutely dangerous, often producing- vio lent inflammation, and sometimes incur able lameness. The jugular-vein is usu ally opened in common cases ; especially when the head is the seat of disease : in other instances the plate-vein, or that within the thigh. In the first case, a piece of thin cord should be passed round the horse's neck a little above the withers, and the part be wetted, so as to shew the vein. The quantity must de pend on the case ; but one or two quarts for periodical bleeding are enough to be drawn from a full-sized horse in good condition ; in some cases, much greater quantities must be taken. When the
bleeding is to be stopped, slacken the line, and pass a pin through the lips of the orifice ; then taking a few hairs from the tail or mane, or a piece of thread, pass over the head and point of the pin therewith, in an alternate (i. e. a figure of 8) direction, and make fast.
Breaking down, as it is usually called, proceeds from a rupture of the suspen sory ligaments, and chiefly happens to young horses in training. In this instance the fetlock nearly touches the ground, but the foot can be bent when raised. Few cures are made, though much palli. ation may be effected, by reducing the inflammation in the first instance, raising the limb, especially the heel, so as to throw the weight on the other leg, and to relax the part. By this precaution, added to bleeding, purging, and the use of bracing applications, or eventually by firing, the limb may gradually become equal to very light exercise; but never can be depended upon, or be deemed sound.
Broken wind, this complaint is suppos ed to proceed from a rupture of the cells in the lungs : in the moment of the wind's being expelled from them a check occurs, which gives occasion .to a second effort, thus causing a division in the sound : hence the term under which this complaint is known. The causes of this rupture are numerous, but the fol lowing are among the most frequent ; viz. catarrhs, working after a full meal, or after drinking freely : girthing too tight : being suddenly put into hot stables after standing out in a cold air, &c. &c. This complaint, we belive, does not admit of a perfect cure ; hut, by much care, may be greatly relieved. The food should be compact and nutritious, such as corn and old hay. Carrots are excellent in this case, as are parsnips, and beet roots ; probably on account of the saccharine matter they contain. We have heard, that molasses has be en given in the water, (which should be in very small quanti ties,) with very great success. Some have used tar-water; others praise the effects of lime-water ; but the greatest depen dence should be placed on very sparing supplies of substantial food. The exer cise ought to be regular, but never be yond a walking pace. If the symptoma tic cough should prove troublesome, take away about three quarts of blood every third day.