Introduction to Veterinary Medicine



TO MAKE THIS LOTION, mix one table-spoonful of the strong tincture with half-a-pint of pure water. The bruised parts may be bathed with it, or linen cloths, saturated with the lotion, may be applied, and covered with dry cloths, to prevent its evaporation.

All owners of domestic animals should provide themselves with this remedy, as a most efficacious agent in bruises, concussions, collar-galls, or wherever external inflammation has been produced by blow or friction. Its great economy is, also, a recommendation, especially where a large number of animals are kept, as it only requires two spoonfuls of the tincture to a pint of water, for use as a lotion.

Calendula Officinalis.- This remedy should be used in preference to Arnica, in cuts, wounds, and stabs in which the flesh is much torn, and which will not heal without the formation of matter. It controls bleeding, and relieves the severest pains attending various accidents.

THE LOTION is made by adding two table-spoonfuls of the strong tincture to a pint of pure water. It may be applied as directed for Arnica.

Rhus Toxicodendron. – This remedy is of great value in sprains, wrenches, and injuries to ligaments, tendons, joints, and the membranes investing the joints, and in rheumatism.

THE LOTION is made by adding two spoonfuls of the strong tincture to a pint of pure water. It is chiefly applied by being well rubbed into the affected parts, twice or thrice daily.

THE HABITATION OF THE SICK ANIMAL.– When an animal is found to be unwell, let it at once be placed in a comfortable, moderately well-lighted, clean, and well-ventilated stable or shed, and receive from its attendant gentle treatment, and be spoken to in a kind tone of voice; all unnecessary noise, and anything that would be likely to irritate the animal, being avoided. It will be desirable, for two reasons, to separate the affected animal from all others: (1) If the disease be of an infectious nature, it will be prevented from spreading to others. (2) Early recovery is more likely to occur, as under these circumstances the animal remains undisturbed by the presence of others.

CAUSES OF DISEASE.– The compiler has endeavored throughout this volume to familiarise the reader with the exciting causes of the diseases that occur in domestic animals. The importance of knowledge of this nature must be obvious; and this work thus be rendered subservient to the PREVENTION, and not merely to the cure, old diseases. In addition to the details furnished under the head of CAUSES in each of the separate diseases treated of, the following summary of those which are most productive of both disease and injury, from the pen of Mr.Haycock, may be of great advantage, in a pecuniary respect, to the owner of the inferior animals, as well as in a humane point of view, tending to the improved health of such animals and their immunity from suffering.

“The common causes of equine diseases are:- Bad ventilation of the stable; allowing the horse to stand in cold draughts when perspiring; sudden changes in the temperature of the weather; bad good; sudden changes in the diet, scanty and poor diet, such as bad hay, and soft, musty cord; or a diet that is too rich and abundant; too much labour; turning horses to grass during the prevalence of cold and wet, when they are in a state of perspiration, or debilitated from excessive labour; pricks and injuries to the feet from shoeing, or accidentally ‘gathering’ a nail; kicks from other animals; infection or contamination of the healthy from being placed in contact with the diseased; internal causes, such as weak constitutional energies, and deficiency of vital power.

“The effect of the cause enumerated above, together with others equally destructive, and perpetually in operation, or in readiness to operate when circumstances of a favourable nature present themselves, are what every one owning horses should be acquainted with.”

The compiler here acknowledges his obligations to the following works, for much of the valuable and practical information contained in the subsequent pages:- Schaffer’s Manual of Veterinary Homoeopathy; Haycock’s Gentleman’s Stable Manual: Moore’s Veterinary Homoeopathy; Rush’s Handbook to Veterinary Homoeopathy; and the Veterinary Vade Mecum of Messrs. Lord and Rush.

Edward Harris Ruddock
Ruddock, E. H. (Edward Harris), 1822-1875. M.D.
LICENTIATE OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS; MEMBER OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS; LICENTIATE IN MIDWIFERY, LONDON AND EDINBURGH, ETC. PHYSICIAN TO THE READING AND BERKSHIRE HOMOEOPATHIC DISPENSARY.

Author of "The Stepping Stone to Homeopathy and Health,"
"Manual of Homoeopathic Treatment". Editor of "The Homoeopathic World."