Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1840-09-29
From the Farmers Cabinet.
THE TREATMENT OF SICK ANIMAL

1fE IhEA MENI OF SICK ANIMALS,
Ihere are SO many erroneous notions
prevalent IN the community, respecting IN
Jured or diseased domestic animals, and
such unnatural and injurious practices as
a consequence Of these incorrect views,
that no apology is necessary for an at
tempt to subserve the cause and interests
OF these useful creatures, who if they had
tongues to speak, would tell sad tales of the
wrongs to which they have been, and still
are, too often subjected.
We do not propose TO give an essay on
the particular cases that require attention
our object Is rather, very briefly to ask
the owners of domestic animals to be gui-
ded by few correct principles, which are
applicable TO nearly all cases, and which
will at least prevent our doing harm, where
we are not able to effect much good.
In the first place, then, VIC would insist,
that when an animal is well he never re-
qulres any medcine-and when he is sick,
we would protest against his being dosed
with articles that are said 10 he "good" for
particular disease, without any reference
to It's violence or the symptoms, as COM
mon sense would dictate that remedies
the most opposite in their character and
effects, may be equally advantageous in
different periods of a case.
Always distrust the man and the RENE
dy. when your friend declares that an ar
ticle is always '.good" or a "certain cure"
for disease, without reference to its symp-
toms-prescribing for the name of the dis
ease, rather than the disease itself-this is
the very essence Of quackery, in man or
beast.
A large proportion Of the diseases of
animals closely resemble those Of the HUI
man family, and require treatment con-
Quoted upon the same general principles
with some variations and some peculari-
ties, 1t is true, but none Of those outrage
Gus departures from common sense, which
are too frequently witnessed.
A horse with pleurisy, or Inflammation
Of the lungs, or apoplexy, requires wide
Iy different treatment from one with collie
or with worms. There is no more mys-
terry about the diseases of horse or an OK
than about those of a man, and violation
OF natural laws Is US productive of pain
and injury IN one as the other.
There is too great propensity, every
where, TO resort 10 active treatment in all
cases-a feeling that is encouraged by the
ignorant or designing for selfish purpo-
ses. An adviser in sickness is often most
usclul, and shows most skill where he on
~ tells what is TO be avoided, and waits for
indications for more active mcasures-do-
ing little more than preventing ignorant
but we'll meaning persons from interfering
with the salutary changes that may be 60
ing on.
Remember, that there is a restorative
power in nature, to which it is always bet
ter to trust, than to direct active remedies
without knowing for what particular pur-
pose they are given.
There is never occasion for the admin
istration Of the disgusting combinations
which the poor animal is made to swallow
from the mere whim of an ignorant horse
or COW doctor. Many a fine beast has
been lost by his owner trusting to such
prescriptions.
When your animal has fever, nature
would dictate that all stimulating articles
Of diet or medicine should be avoided
Bleeding may be necessary to reduce the
force OF the circulation-purging, TO re-
move irritating substances from the bow
els--moist, light, and easiIy-digcsted food,
that his weakened digestion may not be
prcssod-cool drinks, to allay his thirst,
and to some extent, compensate for dimin-
lshed sccretions-rest and quiet, to prevent
undue excitement in his system, and so on
through the whole catalogue Of Diseases
but nothing to be done without a reason.
Garry out this principle, and you will pro-
badly do much good-hardIy great harm
go on any other, and your measures are
more likely to be productive Of injury than
benefit. But, as we have before said, ouI
object now is not 10 speak Of diseases in
detaiI-lt is rather to encourage our agri-
cultural friends to think before they act
to have a reason that will bear examna-
ton for every step in the management of
a sick or injured animal; to remember
they have n powerful assistant in nature
(if she is fairly used and that specifics,
as they are called, are much fewer and
less 10 be trusted than their propretors
would have US believe. We might, indeed
almost sum up what we would desire in
one general direction of five words -
TREAT YOUR BRUTEs LIKE MEN. T.
July 18th, 1910.