The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1892-09-29
FARMER AND PLANTER.
SOME HORSE TALK.
rhe Treatment and Feed for Ailin
Equines.

rie Treatment and Feed for Ailing
Equines.
F. T. Mcmahon, veterinary surgeon
to the Chicago City Railway Co., the
Chicago fire department.; etc. commute
Gates to the Street Railway Review 8
lengthy article on the treatment OF
sick horses, from which we copy. The
principal substances from which we Sc
lect articles of diet for the sick horse,
says the writer, are bran, carrots, oat-
meal, 1inseed, etc.
Bran stands decidedly foremost as the
food most generally in Use for the i'll
valid horse; it acts as a laxative; Is fre-
quently tempting to the appetite, and
is easy of digestion. There is no part
of general treatment more universal
than offering this substance as change
of food. Is the horse very weary, and
his powers of digestion weakened in con-
sequence. we induce him to take a warm
bran mash, which comfortably distends
the stomach, and satisfies the crav-
ing for food, thereby enabling him
readily to lie down and rest his en-
feebled system, until repose restores its
wonted vigor. Does he show slight
symptoms of cold or fever, warm bran
mash is convenient plan of steaming,
consequently soothing the irritable
mucous membranes of the air passages
It is substitute for the more stimulat-
ing diet he is accustomed to, and gent
ly promotes the activity of the digestive
apparatus. 1t is also convenient
medium for the exhibition of certain
simple remedies, to be mentioned
hereafter. Is he incapacitated by
lameness, a lower diet than that with
which he is INDUCED when in full work
is judicious, and bran is selected. Is it
ssary to administer purgative med
icine, bran mash or two renders the
bowels more susceptible of its action
and a smaller portion of the drug is
therefore required to produce the de-
sired effect, there being at the same
time less risk of painful spasms accom-
panying its operation. Bran mashes
may be given hot or cold-cold are per-
haps quite as grateful to the horse; but
the nibbling of the hot mash in catarrh-
al affectionsis particularly benef-
cial, from the necessary inhalation of
the steam arising therefrom.
Of all the roots by which horses are
tempted, the carrot, as rule, is the
favorite, and perhaps the most beneficial
one. 1t is said to be somewhat diuretic
in it's effect, and to exercise a salubri-
| Gus influence on the skin. Certain it is,
when cut and offered frequently by the
hand of the groom, a sick horse is
| coaxed into eating it when disinclined
to partake of other nourishment, and
the greatest benefit results. For the
| ailing horse, then, carrots are most val
liable as an articles of diet, and few
may be given with advantage even to
the horse in healthy condition.
Oatmeal is most nutritious, and, as a
| food for the convalescent horse, is most
valuable; the bruising process the
| grain has undergone breaks the husk,
and renders it more easily acted upon
by the digestive powers. It is usually
given in form of cruel, as which it is
done for the most essential articles of
| diet for the inirmary. 1t is also a
ready mode of supplying the tired,
| thirsty horse with nouriShment after
exertion when he returns to the stable.
Linseed is decidedly included in the
| sick diet roll. 1t is nutritious and
from its olerginous nature, sooth.
ing to the frequently irritable
| mucous membrane of the alimentarv
canal. and hence to be particularly rec
| commended in the treatment of sore
| throat. Nor is its bland effect local only;
| it's more general influence is particular
| ly observable in affections of the kid
neys. 1t may be given either boiled
forming, when cool, gelatinous mass
mixed in that state with bran, or the
liquid after boiling may be offered as a
drink.
Grass, hay tea, ETC., are also very use.
full in the treatment of disease, and
should be used in connection with the
other remedies.