Staggers

Staggers is a popular term applied to several diseases of horses. Mad or Sleepy Staggers is inflammation of the brain, a rare but fatal complaint, marked by high fever, a staggering gait, violent convulsive struggling, usually terminating in stupor; it is treated by bleeding, full doses of physic, and cold applied to the head. Grass or Stomach Staggers is acute indigestion, usually occasioned by overloading the stomach and bowels with tough hard grass, vetches, or clover, a full meal of wheat, or other indigestible food. It is most common in summer and autumn, is indicated by impaired appetite, distended abdomen, dull aspect, unsteady gait, and is remedied by full doses of purgative medicine, such as six drachms of aloes and a drachm of calomel rubbed down together, and given in a quart of thin well-boiled gruel. Frequent clysters, with hand-rubbing and hot water to the belly, are likewise useful. Where the dullness increases, non-alcoholic stimulants should be given. See also HYDATID.