The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1900-07-14

The Treatment of Horses and Dogs in
Hot Weather.-Upon this subject DR.. Il. A.
Meisner. a Baltimore veterinary surgeon, said
a few days ago: I'm speaking of domestic
animals during the heated term, particularly
III oruer 10 prOviue Tor Lnelr comfort ana 10
promote their health. The horse, being
mostly used as beast of burden, consequently
more exposed to the extremes of weather, is
the one which most frequently suffers from
the effects of the solar rays falling directly
upon the Uranium and producing condition
known as sunstroke which, however, is fire.
quently COMPOUNDED with a similar affection
known as heat stroke, occasioned by over
heating the whole body or by excessive exer-
ton The symptoms of both resemble each
other very much. A weakness is observed,
fatigue on the least eXertion, an abundant SUI
dalton, which may or may not be present,
staggering gait, anxious look, palpltatlon OF
the heart, acceleration of circulation and res
piration, weak and sometimes imperceptible
pulse, dilation, and later contraction OF pupil;
falls, convulsive movements of extremities,
and if relief be not afforded, death.
1.-The treatment consists of the application
of cold douches and the administering of
stimulants, such as ale, beer, etc. Place the
patient in a cool and shady place, and see that
straw in abundance is kept under him to pre-
vent, as much as possible, the probability OF
fractures, bruises, ETC., which might be caused
by struggling and which sometimes make
very serious complications.
IF the driver would heed the warning the
horse gives him before falling in majority
of instances the greater danger would very
readily be overcome. In other words, if when
the driver notices the tagging back of the
horse, rapid breathing, great lndlspositlon,
profuse perspiration, stumbling, etc., he would
Immediately stop, unharness the animal, lead
him to O cool and shady place, battle the head
and extremities with cold water, administer a
pint of ale or beer, which may be given every
fifteen or thirty minutes, the probabilities are
Al IN hon frun tho hOrcQ 70
led to the stable with impunity, having sui.
fered but very little. The reverse is true of
the merciless driver who goads his horse on
until he drops.
1.-The preventive measures are always the
best ones to adopt and consist of cool, we'll
ventilated stables, with sufficient bedding, to
insure rest. Careful feeding is also very i'm
portant. Corn should be fed very sparingly ;
bran mashes should be given several times a
week. as they exert a laxative influence A
handful of sulphate of soda (Glauber salt) is
also very beneficial, and may be given several
times week in bucket of water, in which it
| is readily soluble. Make the animal wear a
| sun shade or large sponge frequently saturated
with water on top of the head; give an album
dance of cool water, sponge out nostrils and
wet head frequently, and, above all, load
lightly and drive moderately.
''As for the dog, careful dieting in summer
is very essential, as the majority of dogs suffer
from obesity, the result of being too highly
| fed. Very little or no meat should be given.
Give freedom of the yard, especially at night !;
do not take the dog for exercise during the
heat of the day. The condition most fire.
quently met with in dogs during the heat is
| epilepsy, commonly known as fits, and is
recognized in the animal which, apparently in
good health, is suddenly seen to reel, as though
| intoxicated, and falls on its side. Convulsive
| spasms attack the voluntary muscles, especially
| of the limbs, which keep up continuous
kicking motion. Frequently sharp cry es-
capes the animal when it falls. The mouth is
naturally prominent. Sometimes he regains
his feet after a short while and makes off as
fast as his legs can carry him, or visciously
| rushes at those around him.
This condition is the one so frequently mis-
taken by the inexperienced for rabies or hydro
phobia, and which affords the policeman such
excellent opportunity for displaying his marks
manship. The treatment consists of immedi
ately taking the dog by the nape of his neck
and removing him to place of safety, where
he should be bathed freely with cool water
If the collar be tight, loosen or remove, as
this may prevent the return of blood from
the head. If coma succeeds the attack, am
monia may be applied to the nostrils and 8
little whisky or brandy administered. After
an attack it is always advisable to consult 9
competent veterinarian, as epilepsy may bt
due to a number of causes other than the one
spoken of.
Sunday Meetings in Belvidere Park
The Free Discussion Society of Baltimore, 6
literary organization which has been in exis
lance about thirty years, is this summer hold
meetings every Sunday afternoon at 8 o'clock
in Belvidere Park. Lauraville, Hartford road
A lecture is first given and subsequently dis
cussed. After the lecture each speaker is en-
loI 70 ho for air11f oo