Miscellaneous
For Curing Colic in Horses
Symptoms.—Pawing, manifesting a desire to be down, and, without doing so, commence pawing again. As the symptoms increase the animal cannot be kept on his feet; he frequently falls as if shot; pulse not altered from natural condition. Intervals of rest, together with the condition of the pulse, distinguish the disease from inflammation of the bowels. Treat as follows:
Take a piece of woolen cloth, about one foot square, or its equivalent in pieces, saturate the cloth thoroughly with mutton or beef tallow, using from a quarter to a half pound, then roll up the cloth and it is ready for use; next place a blanket over the head of the horse, as seen in engraving; then set fire to the cloth, holding it under the horses head with a shovel, and allowing him to inhale the smoke. Care should be used so as not to strangle the horse. By strictly following the foregoing treatment the efficacy of this remedy will be shown, as the animal will be relieved in from fifteen to twenty minutes.
Another remedy is:
Frequent injections of soap and water; and give internally, spirits of nitre, 10 drams; laudanum, 10 drams; water, ½ pint. Mix for drench. This may be repeated in twenty minutes, if relief is not obtained.
Another remedy, giving instant relief:
From 45 to 50 drops of chloroform, given on sugar, I have never known to fail giving immediate relief.
I have known men to be from home, and have their horses taken with this disease, and use this remedy, and in thirty minutes the horses were able to be driven.