Lumbrici are more dreadful to contemplate than they appear to be fearful in reality; specimens are not rare which measure eighteen inches, This worm preys upon the weakly, be they old or young. One tænia will produce immense disturbance; whereas numbers of the lumbrici will cause little or no effect. Whoever has remarked the dunghill in a knacker's yard has seen it to consist quite as much of lumbrici as of excrement. Mr. Woodger, of Bishop's Road, Paddington, removes these pests with ease and certainty. The above-named veterinary surgeon gives two drachms of tartarized antimony with a sufficiency of common mass, as a ball, every morning, until the parasites are expelled.

ASCARIDES AND STRONGULI.

a. The sole opening by which air can enter. It is placed upon the ground and guarded by a valve; so that air, after having entered, cannot leave the instrument by this opening.

b. The box containing lighted tobacco, through which all air drawn into the instrument must necessarily pass.

c. The pump.

d. The end of the tube through which the fumes are driven.

To load the instrument: unscrew the lid of the box. Fill that with lighted tobacco. Fix on the lid again. Rest the air entrance upon the ground, and move the handle of the pump up and down. By this movement the air is first drawn through the lighted tobacco into the pump, and is then sent through the tube.

These parasites inhabit the large intestines. They produce extraordinary ravages, notwithstanding their insignificant appearance. The last is difficult to eradicate because of the extent of bowel which it infests. The stronguli will sometimes eat through important structures, but the ascarides are always located within the rectum. Then, most medicines being deprived of activity, are inoperative before they reach the last locality. For this reason it is best to commence the treatment with injections of train oil. Should these be followed by no result at the expiration of a week, resort to a solution of catechu—one ounce to the quart of water: give that for seven mornings. Upon the eighth, give the animal a mash, and at night administer a mild physic ball; about four drachms of aloes and one drachm of calomel. Repeat the medicine if required; but if not, resort at once to the arsenicalis and ale or stout, which was recently recommended.

Tobacco smoke enemas are sometimes efficacious when all the previous measures are powerless. Frequently the posterior irritation is distressing. It is sometimes so provoking that the horse will thereby be induced to destroy its personal appearance by rubbing the tail and quarter violently against the wall, or any rough surface within its reach. In such cases the injections of train oil are most likely to prove beneficial; the local itching may be in some measure removed by inserting up the anus a portion of the following ointment night and morning:—

Melt the last and blend. When nearly cold, add—

SPASMODIC COLIC.—FRET.—GRIPES.

Spasmodic colic is an affection which every loiterer about a stable, from a postboy to a farrier, imagines he is able to cure. Many attacks no doubt would depart of themselves; others might be removed by simple motion. Nevertheless such possible remedies should never be trusted. Neither should gin and pepper, red pepper and peppermint, hot beer and mustard, rubbing the abdomen with a broomstick, kneading the belly violently with a man's knee, or any popular measure be permitted. Such remedies are likely to get rid of colic by causing enteritis. When inflammation of the bowels thus originates, it is generally fatal, the strength being exhausted and the powers of nature worn out by the previous disorder—not to mention the prepossession of the spectators, which prevents the more serious disease from being early recognized.

Any cause may kindle colic. It is common after fast driving; hence many gentlemen take colic drinks to Epsom races. That affection which in ladies is designated spasms, in gentlemen is called pain in the bowels, and in children is known as the bellyache, is, in the horse, colic; and from the largeness of the animal's intestines, the affection probably provokes more anguish in the quadruped than the same disorder does in the entire human race. Under whatever term it may be recognized, spasmodic colic is never more than partial contraction of the muscular coat of the intestines. The action so compresses a part of the tube as to expel the blood and render the natural pink of the tissues, for some time after the disorder has departed, a glistening white. The blood, driven from particular spots, is forced into those parts in which no disease exists. Excess of blood predisposes to inflammation; hence we probably trace the reason why, if spasmodic colic be suffered to continue, the affection is so apt to end in incurable enteritis.

Colic most often attacks the small intestines, though the disease is by no means confined to those parts. It first occurs on a limited space; presently it vanishes altogether, and afterward reappears on some distant portion of the alimentary canal; or, in other words, colic dodges about, its attacks becoming more numerous and the intermissions shorter as the period of its commencement grows more distant. Change of water, change of food, getting wet, fatiguing journeys, are all likely to originate it; but, perhaps, it is most frequently exhibited when no known cause is in operation. Aloes, however, are proved to be among the surest provocatives of this disease. Many horses cannot swallow pure aloes in any form, without being severely griped. For such animals, the following drench is recommended, instead of the above-named drug in substance:—

If greater strength be requisite, obtain it by the addition of tincture of gentian, every ounce of which is equal, when combined, to one drachm of aloes.

Colic always commences suddenly; it starts into life ready armed for mischief. The animal may be apparently well and feeding. Without visible cause the head is raised and the occupation ceases. Should the pain last, the hind foot is lifted to strike the belly, and the fore leg begins to scrape the pavement. The groom, who has merely left to procure a pail of water from an adjacent pump, on his return discovers his charge exhibiting evident signs of uneasiness. As the man stares, wondering what can be the matter, the horse is pawing and the nose slowly points to the flank. All then is explained. Fret is the matter, and it would be "fret," should the disease prove to be of a very different nature.

While the horse is being watched, every indication of disturbance may disappear. The countenance tranquilizes and the nose is again inserted into the manger. A few minutes elapse and the pangs are renewed. The second fit may last longer and be slightly more severe. Then another, but a shorter period of ease follows: thus the visitations will ensue upon spaces of entire exemption from anguish. The recommencement of agony usually is denoted by a disposition to lie down. The animal crouches; next it turns round as though the intention was to stretch out the limbs; but suddenly the erect attitude is assumed—the design, lately so nearly executed, having been forgotten. Then pawing and striking at the abdomen quickly follow; and while the horse looks toward the flank, a morbid fire is perceptible in the eye.

No relief being afforded, the pains lengthen, while the intervals of tranquillity become shorter. The action grows more fierce and the aspect more wild. The pawing is more brief, but more energetic; often during its continuance the foot is raised and violently stamped upon the ground. The animal now does not attempt to feed, but stares for a minute at a time, with an inquiring gaze, toward the abdomen. At length, without warning or preparation, the body leaps upward to fall violently upon the floor. The shock is often fearful; but the animal in its torment appears to derive ease from the violence. Being down, it rolls from side to side and kicks about, until one of its feet, touching the wall, enables the horse to poise itself upon the back.

Should relief not be quickly provided, colic soon passes into enteritis. The pulse, from being unchanged at first, then simply quickened by pain, grows harder and more wiry. The intermissions are lost, and though the anguish may for a space be less, yet in its continuity it is more exhausting.

On the appearance of colic, the morbid action ought to be immediately counteracted. Aloes in solution is generally administered; such a medicine, unless guarded as before recommended, is by no means advisable. Sulphuric ether and laudanum should be in the possession of every horse proprietor. One pint of each—the two being mixed together, with one ounce of rank oil floating on the top to prevent evaporation or mistakes—will be perfectly safe in any household. The mixture should, however, be well shaken before it is employed: two ounces of the combination in half a pint of water constitutes an excellent colic drink. Give three of these, one every ten minutes. If no improvement be displayed, double the quantity of the active agents and continue the drenches at the period stated: these medicines should be persevered with until the symptoms disappear.

Turpentine, as an enema, is an excellent adjunct. Mr. T. W. Gowing, of Camden Town, cured a lingering fit of colic by administering a pint of turpentine mixed with a quart of the solution of soap. The strong liquor of ammonia, diluted with six times its bulk of water and applied by means of a saturated cloth, held to the abdomen in a rug several times doubled, is likewise frequently beneficial. If these means, used simultaneously, produce no amendment in two hours, watch the pulse, for there is most probably something beyond simple colic to contend with.

Upon the earliest symptom the horse should be removed to a loose box amply protected by trusses of straw ranged against the walls. Into this the animal should be immediately led—for the reader must understand colic does not always observe the stages in which it has been described. Occasionally it commences in the wildest form; and if a loose box be not at hand, one can always be extemporized by removing the carriage from its house, by throwing the doors wide open and by placing a bar across the entrance.

No disease is more quickly dispelled if treated at the commencement; nor is there one which, being left to run its course, occasions greater agony, is more fearful to witness, or leads to more terrible results than spasmodic colic. A single dose of ether and of laudanum may vanquish the malady at the commencement; yet if the attack be allowed to progress, the fit may set all skill and remedial measures at defiance. The principal attention of the proprietor must be given to prevent the administration of the "groom's favorite" or other ignorant nostrums. The case, when properly treated, is cured for a few shillings; and a horse cannot be killed with decency for less money.

Besides, let any human being, having feelings capable of impression, regard an instance of spasmodic colic which has been aggravated by mistaken treatment; and as he views the fibers of a living body quiver, sees the frame bedewed in sweat and wrenched in mighty torture, contemplates the sad condition of the companion of his pleasures, and hears vented from its throat sounds expressive of agony,—let him, having the image present to his eyes, ask himself whether any man, possessing means at his command, has a right to make a money question of the creature's suffering, which exists in a state of dependence on his bounty.

Horses must be gifted with a certain amount of reason. However furious may be the attack of colic, the mute expression of anguish is quieted when preparation is made for the administration of medicine. The most nauseous drenches are swallowed with a patience that speaks a perfect comprehension of their intent. The most wonderful proof of reason is, however, given by the manner in which the horse will recognize the veterinary surgeon. The author has known animals, in the intervals of spasmodic colic, walk close up to him, look full into his face with an eye beaming with intelligence, and a strain upon the features as though the creature "did so wish to speak;" then finding utterance impossible, the nose has mutely directed attention to the flank.

Every assistance is, by the animal, afforded to him who displays a desire to alleviate its distress. Where language is denied, motives appear to be the more quickly comprehended; and he who wishes to mingle safely among horses, may best protect himself by treating them gently and sympathizing with their emotions.

FLATULENT COLIC, WINDY COLIC, TYMPANITIS, ETC.

This is peculiarly the affection of old age. Horses, though not so liable to hoven as are horned cattle, nevertheless may be blown out if permitted to gorge upon moist, green food. Flatulent colic in the vast majority of instances, however, is not caused by any special fodder, but springs from disordered digestion living for years upon stimulating diet, breathing a tainted atmosphere, being now weakened by a long fast, then distressed by a too abundant supply; next exhausted by a tedious journey, and subsequently cramped by days of enforced stagnation,—all of these things ultimately tell upon the strong body of our domesticated quadruped. The stomach, as the earliest evidence of general debility, loses its tonicity. It cannot digest a full meal; the provender ferments, gas is released, and flatulent colic is the consequence.

A traditionary belief in the stable asserts this disorder is provoked by crib-biting, wind-sucking, etc. etc. The author is indebted to Mr. Ernes, a most successful veterinary surgeon of Dockhead, for the earliest comprehension of the impossibility that such causes should operate. Let the reader endeavor to swallow air; the mouth being deprived of all saliva, the attempt at further deglutition is fruitless; besides, to use the words of Mr. Ernes, "though the stomach or the bowels do contain a small portion of atmospheric air, flatulent colic is generated by carbonic acid or sulphureted hydrogen gas, the products of decomposition; either of which, if respired, destroys vitality."

The horse which is to be oppressed by flatulent colic exhibits uneasiness after feeding; it hangs the head; breathes laboriously; fidgets; rocks the body, and rests first on one leg then on the other. These symptoms are exhibited before any enlargement of the abdomen is to be detected. With the swelling of the belly pawing commences; that action is, however, far too leisurely displayed to be for an instant confounded with the same energetic movement which characterizes spasmodic colic.

W. Percivall asserts that animals roll and kick at the abdomen during flatulent colic. Every fact requires to be respectfully considered which is recorded by so estimable a writer; but the author has never witnessed such symptoms in genuine flatulent colic. The horse will stand in one spot throughout the day; even the movement of the foot, before noticed, appears to be an exertion. The eye is sleepy, the pulse heavy, wind frequently passes from the body, and in such a condition the animal remains, slowly becoming worse.

Almost in the same place the horse may stand three or four days; then the abdomen is much increased in size; the animal is restless; the pulse is extremely feeble; the breathing is very fast; the pupil of the eye is dilated and the sight is lost. A walk as in a mill is commenced; obstacles are run into or upset; delirium begins; weak neighs are uttered in reply to visionary challenges; the coat is ragged; copious and partial perspirations break forth; the beat of the artery is lost at the jaw; an intermittent flutter is to be indistinctly felt at the heart. At last the limbs fail; the body falls; struggles ensue, and the creature dies in consequence of the distended abdomen compressing the lungs, thus preventing the breath being inhaled.

Relief should be afforded before the distress grows urgent; when the flatulence comes on without green provender being consumed, the chances favor recovery; even then, however, the gas may be confined to the stomach, which obliges entire dependence to be placed upon internal remedies. In the beginning, a ball composed of two drachms of sulphuret of ammonia, with a sufficiency of extract of gentian and powdered quassia, may be repeated thrice, half an hour being suffered to elapse between each administration. No benefit ensuing, one ounce of chlorate of potash, dissolved in a pint of cold water and mingled with two ounces of sulphuric ether, may, at the expiration of the time named, be horned down. After another hour, should no amendment be perceptible, two ounces each of sulphuric ether and laudanum, half an ounce of camphorated spirits, and one drachm of carbonate of ammonia may be given in a pint of cold water. Should no good effects ensue, in another hour throw up a tobacco-smoke enema by means of the machine here represented.

As a last resort, should the previous remedies prove of no avail, procure a stick of brimstone; light it and let it fill the place with the sulphurous fumes which are the product of its combustion. However, mind that the air is not too strongly impregnated, though, at the same time, it should be so pungent as to allow a human being to breathe with difficulty. This last measure ought to be continued for two hours, at the end of which period repeat the remedies already recommended, resorting to each by turns; and do not fear being active, for flatulent colic becomes more difficult to remove as the period of its origin grows more distant. Should the affection appear to be approaching a fatal termination, and the size of the belly convince the spectator that the gas has entered the intestines, a desperate remedy remains. The situation where the vapor has accumulated may be ascertained by percussion; gently cut the skin which covers the abdomen on the left side, over those places indicated by white spots in the second engraving. A hollow sound will be emitted when the proper point has been struck; be certain of the last fact, as mistakes made in this operation are very awkward affairs. When assured, take a sharp-pointed knife, and, drawing the skin tight over the place selected, nick the integument slightly; then take a fine trocar and push it through the opening which has been made.

This being accomplished, withdraw the stilet, and the gas should rush out with violence; be provided with a small probe to clear the canula in case it should become impacted. The gas being released, the abdomen is reduced; withdraw the canula and the skin will fly back, effectually excluding all atmosphere.

The gas, on rare occasions, will be generated a second time; therefore the points where other punctures may be made are indicated; for it is never well to interfere with those openings which in the first instance were instituted. However, should the operation have to be repeated, pull the integument in the opposite direction, so as not to disturb the original wounds into the abdomen.

Puncturing the abdomen for flatulent colic has been practiced both in this kingdom and in foreign lands; it is by no means a certain success, neither is it a certain failure. It assuredly requires boldness to perform it; but probably it is quite as beneficial and far more speedy in its effects than the great majority of medicinal remedies.

The duration of flatulent colic cannot be absolutely stated; it may continue for days, it may be cured in a single hour. However, should the abdomen be rapidly distended, then the termination will be sooner reached; but be the attack quick or slow, neither food nor water should be allowed during its continuance. The groom, while the disease lasts, should occasionally sponge out the eyes, mouth, nostrils, etc. Indeed, humanity would dictate such relief during every serious affection. Subsequent to recovery, feed for a few days on gruel and mashed oats; give a ball night and morning, composed of extract of gentian and powdered quassia, of each a sufficiency; of extract of belladonna and of sulphate of copper, half a drachm. Continue this medicine and the above food until the stomach has regained its tone.

Is flatulent colic a disease provoked by domestication? Certainly! The wild horse would have to travel for his food; in domestication it is placed ready gathered before the animal. Besides, the free animal being ever with his provender, the temptation to gorge the stomach would be absent; moreover, the untrained creature is protected by its instincts, which the care of man destroys. Little, however, is thought of this; the fact even may be unknown to the great majority of educated horse proprietors. The sense of repletion is no longer indicated with such force as to warn the stabled animal. The responsibility thus cast upon the master has possibly never occurred to the mass of mankind. So entirely has the notion of any duty being due to the animal been ignored by society that, notwithstanding nature in the above fact asserts the obligation, its announcement most probably will be received with laughter.

CHAPTER IX.

Nephritis is not so common at the present time as it used to be formerly; the growing information of the people has in some measure altered the practices of the stable. The master is not quite so much the slave of a groom's ignorance as was once universally the case; the animal is no longer regarded as a mysterious creature which it required a particular education to understand. Urine balls, therefore, are no longer regularly kept in every loft. Niter—one ounce of "sweet nitre," or, to speak correctly, an overdose of harsh saltpeter—may, however, be still permitted, and by particular horse proprietors regarded as a charm against every ill. It is true that such a dose of a powerful diuretic is four times the strength which science would, under any circumstances, approve; but certain people in remote parts are happy in the conviction that an ounce of "sweet niter" can possibly do no harm.

The urinary organs of the horse must be little disposed to disease; they must be capable of surmounting a vast quantity of ill treatment. Were not ignorance thereby protected from the consequences which it provokes, half the horses in England would be disabled; inflammation of the kidneys would become the most common of equine disorders.

The horse has small need of diuretic medicine; it is much exposed in that direction. Every purge, should it not act as intended, passes out of the body by stimulating the kidneys; the ordinary provender of the animal may operate in the same manner. Foxy oats, kiln-dried oats, new oats; musty hay, mow-burnt hay, new hay; beans in particular conditions; grasses, when first in season, and water of any novel kind, will all operate energetically upon the renal glands; therefore the horse, in its ordinary food, will possibly imbibe more than a sufficiency of a most debilitating medicine; and the knowledge of such a liability may induce some men to withhold "sweet niter" from the future diet of the creature.

It may be necessary to inform men and masters that a horse needs rest when under the operation of diuretic, quite as much as when subject to the action of purgative medicine. It is never safe to take the horse from the stable while the animal is passing any unusual amount of water. Excess of secretion proves the eliminating organs are excited. Before any part can exhibit excitement, an extra quantity of blood must circulate within it, or it must be in a condition bordering upon inflammation. The urine is secreted from the blood by the kidneys; therefore before a greater bulk of water can be passed, of course more blood must flow through the glands.

The animal in such a state is not fit for work; every step taken brings into action muscles which pass directly under the kidneys, and which must, therefore, when contracted, compress those organs. During labor, in proportion to the force required must be the power of the contraction exerted by the organs of motion; in a healthy state, such exertion is not always free from danger. Excitement is, however, far from a healthy state. Then the glands are gorged with blood; being squeezed for an hour or two while thus swollen or plethoric, they are very likely to be bruised; inflammation may thereby be engendered, or renal abscess may possibly ensue.

Agriculturists are entreated to pause over the above statement. Such persons often possess a well-bred and promising colt. The farmer, however, is mostly uneasy until he has, according to his own notions, "tried the beast." He may be a personable man, riding fully "eighteen stun." The colt, probably, would be taxed to carry a third that load. The "sweet-niter" dose is administered over night to take all fever out of the body; and, while the kidneys are excited, the animal is saddled, mounted, and ridden to the hunt. Everybody knows the manner in which most farmers ride. The horse may have a hard run and be kept out for a long day. On the return, a full rack and a heaped manger are placed before the overridden quadruped. Neither are touched. The saddle is removed and the back appears to be "queerly sticking up." The large full eyes are repeatedly turned round; and the renter of land is in doubt whether the creature is staring reproachfully at him or is simply inspecting its own quarters. However, with the apathy which too many agriculturists habitually display, the colt is left for the night. By the next morning the animal is ruined, even should it survive an attack of acute nephritis.

The symptoms of inflammation of the kidneys are a hard pulse, decidedly accelerated; quickened and short breathing, suggestive of pain; pallid mucous membranes; frequent looking toward the seat of anguish; head depressed; back roached; hind legs straddled, and the urine scanty. The animal almost refuses to "come round" in its stall, seldom lies down, and crouches beneath pressure when made upon the loins.

Subsequently, as the symptoms alter, pus or matter may subside in the water. It is indicative of an unfavorable termination should a fetid odor attend the secretion, and should it be deeply tinted by the blood. Death is generally close at hand when the pulse grows quicker but more feeble, when pressure elicits no response, when the body is covered with perspiration, and when a urinous smell is perceptible on approaching the animal.

The treatment of nephritis consists in applying fresh sheepskins to the loins. Should the case be urgent, a quantity of lukewarm made mustard may be first rubbed in and the sheepskin placed over it; or mustard poultices in any case may be employed and covered over to prevent them becoming dry, till sheepskins can be procured. Injections of warm linseed tea should be thrown up every hour, as these are the nearest approach that can be made to actual fomentation. Two scruples of croton farina, mixed with half a drachm of belladonna, may be given immediately in the form of a ball, the bulk of which should be made up with crushed linseeds and treacle. One scruple of calomel, with one drachm of opium, may be sprinkled on the tongue every hour while the acute stage continues. A pail of good linseed tea should be kept before the horse; but as for more substantial provender, none is requisite during the agony of the disease.

Should the slightest doubt be entertained concerning the nature of the affection, immediately insert the arm up the rectum. This intestine is anatomically spoken of as "a floating gut." It is suspended from the spine by mesentery or a loose fold of thin membrane, and, therefore, is easily raised or depressed. It is situated under the kidneys, and nothing consequently interposes between the diseased organ and the inserted hand but the pliable coats of the bowel and the fatty substances which immediately surround the glands. The hand is not conscious of the soft wall of the intestine which covers it. The motion is so free, and the fingers are so readily moved, that previous knowledge alone assures the operator his arm is within a circumscribed canal, and not located in a free space.

By inserting the hand and moving it gradually upward, an approach can be made to the immediate vicinity of the inflammation. Sensitiveness will be exhibited as the seat of disease is touched. Heat will also be felt. A fore leg should, however, be held up on the same side as the operator stands. Should the horse struggle violently and denote positive agony when the hand is approaching the region of the kidneys, the signs may be considered conclusive without attempting farther exploration. Should the animal remain quiet at first, nevertheless let the operator be cautious, as the too near vicinity to the inflamed part provokes resistance, which, in its utter heedlessness, is closely allied to madness.

Several reasons will suggest the point at which the hand should pause. In the first place, pressure cannot benefit a delicately-formed and a diseased organ. In the second place, the agony of the animal may endanger the safety of the operator. In the last place, anything approaching to downright resistance brings the muscles that pass under the kidneys into energetic action, which circumstance is by no means favorable to ultimate recovery.

Many men can speak of the pain induced by affections of the kidneys. The torture consequent upon disease of an internal organ appears to be so excessive as at times to destroy reason in the human being. No one can look upon a horse suffering from nephritis, without feeling that, in sensibilities at all events, the two creatures are alike. Sympathy has been interpreted to mean no more than a conscious similarity of emotion. Such a definition must be erroneous, or more sympathy would actuate man toward his slave. The life is devoted to the service of the master. The body is disabled before its time for the pleasure of mankind. The horse is such a slave as no words can express. It lives but to obey. Its master's whim is the animal's joy. It is happy to exist where and how its superior may appoint. Still there is no sympathy felt toward its tortures, no feeling evinced for its sufferings: its life is one long solitude, its death is the degradation of misery. Were man to read of some wild beast capable of such sincere docility, what pains would not be spent to secure so valuable a companion! The animal is beside him and it is disregarded; or its goodness is converted into the means for its mutilation.

The additional treatment of nephritis consists more in the food than in the physic; linseed, both the seeds and the infusion, may be given for the body's support. The best oats should be procured upon recovery, and the quality of the hay also should be attended to; as for physic, that is almost limited to belladonna and to aconite. Belladonna is administered mixed with four times its amount of opium, so long as the pain is acute.

Make into a ball with linseed meal and honey; give three daily while the symptoms require them; or, should the pain be excessive, administer one every hour.

The aconite root is intended to lower the circulation. When the pulse is quick and hard, a scruple of the powder may be thrown upon the tongue every half hour, till the beat of the artery soften, or till the animal appear to be affected by the medicine. The above measures are to be adopted without regard to the calomel and opium previously recommended.

A horse having survived one attack of nephritis, can scarcely, however successful may be the treatment, be restored to its original condition. The glands which have suffered inflammation must be left in an irritable state.

CYSTITIS—INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER.

This disorder is somewhat rare in the horse. Few cases have occurred; even those were not strongly marked. Besides the general indications present during nephritis, such as quickened breathing, accelerated pulse, straddling gait, etc. etc., the most prominent sign concerns the emission of the urine. The bladder is irritable at the commencement; the kidneys have not secreted half a pint of fluid before it is violently expelled, and much straining, accompanied by sounds expressive of pain, follows the act. As the disease progresses, the bladder is contracted, and the water issues drop by drop, or as a constant dribble. This particularity marks the disease, which is also distinguished from nephritis by the roached back being absent; the spine rather being hollowed more than is usual in cystitis.

Most lecturers direct the student to insert the arm up a horse affected with cystitis and to feel the compressed bladder; this is easily accomplished, as the engraving demonstrates; but is the operation perfectly safe? White muscular tissue, when inflamed, becomes acutely sensitive. The bladder possesses a thick coat of that substance, and the hand, grasping an organ of this formation when in a state of disease, would probably torture the sufferer to frenzy. It is not wise to excite a creature commanding so huge a strength. There is, however, a test which yields as certain a response, and, at the same time, is far less hazardous. This consists in placing the hand under the flank and keeping it there till all the action which could be attributable to skittishness has disappeared; then press the abdomen, which, should it be hard and resistant, is a convincing proof cystitis is not present; for contraction of the recti abdominis muscles would force the contents of the cavity into violent contact with the inflamed bladder. Should any doubt be entertained concerning the condition of the muscle named, a little more pressure will soon ascertain the fact. However, let the person who applies the test be prepared for the consequence, as the application of pressure to a diseased organ provokes a sudden and energetic resistance, intended to strike the tormentor backward.

The treatment for inflamed bladder and diseased kidneys is alike as regards the administration of aconite root, extract of belladonna, calomel and opium. The reader is, therefore, in some measure referred to the article upon nephritis; there is, however, a difference in application of counter-irritation by means of a rug doubled over a cloth, which last is saturated with strong liquor of ammonia diluted with six times its bulk of water; should this not be within reach, hot cloths retained under the belly are the next best application; but these require constant change and a larger supply of heated fluid than most private establishments can command. Should both recommendations prove useless, then apply cloths dripping wet from a cold bath, and keep renewing them so often as they become warm.

The cause of cystitis is the same as produces many cases of inflamed kidney, namely, the abuse of medicine, or new and unwholesome food; blows likewise may induce it. Kicks under the belly, the too common mode of expressing impatience among carters, are very likely to provoke it. Horses are frequently seen in the streets of every town now whipped to make them proceed; then the rein jagged to command the animal to "stand still." Next the whip is again applied; afterward the animal's belly is spitefully aimed at with the heavy boot of the countryman. The horses know not how to interpret these different signs: they become confused; they turn various ways, as if they hoped by such devices to please their chastiser. All is in vain! At length the animals burst into perspiration and shiver violently; by their alarm they are rendered stupid. But so disgusting an exhibition of folly and of cruelty on the part of the driver mostly creates small indignation in the wayfarers who behold it. The spectators generally look on with smiling countenances, and for the most part move onward without a word of displeasure or rebuke. To the human mind a man appears invested with absolute authority over the life which he has bought. So also no man risks reprobation, who keeps his animals upon poisonous provender. The hay, oats, and beans may be of a character calculated to engender disease. But has not the owner purchased the right to treat his property as he thinks proper? It is true, religion teaches that life is not in the custody of man, and that health is not at mortal command; but where horses are involved, all restraints appear to be forgotten, and mankind seem leagued together to inflict suffering on the dumb. For, is it not universally agreed that heavenly precepts were intended for man alone, and do not stoop so low as to include all the creatures the existence of which dates prior to the origin of the human being? Animals, according to modern interpretation, are excluded from the ample embrace of Christian charity. An all-merciful power looks down with pity only upon one inhabitant of earth!

SPASM OF THE URETHRA.

This affection is commonly designated spasm of the neck of the bladder. The part named, however, has no fiber capable of excitation; and it is difficult to understand how the elastic tissue at the opening of the receptacle can display a condition which is inherent only within the contractibility of muscle. The compressor urethræ muscle, however, being morbidly excited, is more than capable of preventing all discharge of urine.

The causes which provoke the spasm are not thoroughly understood. The affection is mostly attributed to some acridity existing in the food or water; else the supposed agent is said to be developed during the process of digestion.

The symptoms are: a widely straddling gait; total suppression of urine, or small portions forcibly ejected at distant intervals. The suffering attendant on distention of the bladder is sometimes so violent that the affection has been mistaken for phrenitis. At other times the horse has been imagined to be griped. Both these blunders are unpardonable. The haggard countenance, copious perspirations, and the frequent glances toward the flanks, joined to the straddling gait and to the desperate but at the same time guarded struggles, are all opposed to such conclusions. Were a proper examination instituted, the real nature of the affection would at once be made apparent, beyond the possibility of error.