The Horse.

Clutha Leader, Volume I, Issue 12, 24 September 1874, Page 3

The Horse.

On Purging.

Purging is necessary for horses of every description, from the race-horse down to the waggon or cart-horse y but in some measurejt may depend on the use for which they are kept, and their manner of treatment. Horses that are kept on dry meat, and are full fed, with little or no exercise, require regular purging every six months, with two or three doses each time, allowing proper intervals between each; and those horses which run in coaches (whose labour is often more than their natural strength is able to bear), and such whose legs are inclined to swell, all require purgative medicines ; the use of which would' be a means of preventing many diseases that attack this noble and useful animal. After violent exercise horses are liable to lose their appetite, and to have their stomach loaded with crudities and indigested matter, the non-removal of which by the use of proper physic, is the chief cause why so many die,. Previously to administering a purge, the body should be prepared, otherwise the consequences may be fatal, irom the powerful irritation, excessive griping, and cold sweats, which may probably chafe away tbe mucus, or lining of the intestines, and end in a mortification and death. The proper method of preparing a horse lor physic is to give him two or three masues of scalded bran and oats, and warm water, for three or four days together. This will soften the faeces, and promote the operation of the medicine. But if a strong purge be given to a horse of a costive habit, without preparation, it will probably occasion a violent inflammation. This may be attributed to the large tract of intestines (upwards of 'SO yards) through which it has to pass, and the time that physic takes in passing through the bowels is seldom less than 24 hours. If the above directions for preparing the horse for physic be strictly observed, there will seldom any danger ensue.

a Purging Ball. — Take barbadoes aloes, 5 or 6 drachms, or 5J to 6i drachms, according to the size of the horse ; ginger one drachm ; prepared kali, half a drachm ; paun oil, sufficient to make into a ball.

After the physic has done operating give —

Restorative Bali.- — Tartarised antimony, one drachm ; aniseed and carui seed ot each two drachms ; giuofer, one dra<-hm ; venice or common turpentine, sufficient to make into a ball.

This ball may be repeated if necessary every other night.

Purging Ball No. 2.— Tartarised antimony, one drachm; barbadoes aloes, ginger, and ca^tile soap, ot each two drachma. Mix aud beac into a ball with syrup.

This ball may be f>iven at night : the following next morning : —

Take barbadoes aloes, 5 or 6 drachms; kali pre-p-md, one drachm ; frinywr, castlle soap, ot each two drachms ; oil of carraway half a drachm. Make them into a ball with syrup of buckthorn.

These will be found well adapted for coach horses, or others, that have swelled legs or heels, attended with inflammation. This dose is calculated for a moderately sized horse, and may be diminished or increased by lessening or augmenting the quantity of aloes. Either of these purges should be given early in the morning, on an empty stomach. In two hours after give you horse a feed of scalded bran, new milk warm, and a little good hay at a time, and often ; also two mashes the same dny. If, however, he refuses them, give him dry bran, with a handful of oats mixed with it. Take care the water you give bim be new milk warm. Early the next morning give another mash, and plenty of warm water: clothe him and ride him gently about, two or three times in the course of the day. If the physic works too much, give bim less water and less exercise ; if too little, give him more exercise, and as much warm water as he will drink : at night, when the physic has ceased to operate, give hitn a good lead of oats, with a little dry bran. While the physic, is working, the horse should on no account be suffered to g*o out in the rain or wet, but should be gently walked in a dry and clean placo, and warm water should also be given him (if he will take it), for two or three days after his physic has done working.

A Farrier.