SC Rewind: The Cures Of Old

In this week's Rewind Robert Smith talks about the days when horse people did a lot of their own ‘doctoring’ and discusses some of the products they used

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As a youngster growing up on a farm, I can recall the trauma associated with the call of a veterinarian to attend to an ailing animal. In those days, ‘vets’ were not used as routinely as they are today; they were often summoned as a means of last resort. I remember the same father son team of Drs. Boyd serving our area throughout my lifetime. When a vet was called to our place, it was always a bit of a mystery as to who might show up. If it was the Senior "Doc" Boyd, he always began his visit with the same words to my father, uttered in his patented gravelly voice.... "Carl, I didn't get here a minute too soon!" He then asked for a bar of soap, a towel and a pail of hot water "just as hot as you can stand it." This Dr. Boyd, although not associated with treating harness horses was an amazing example of a man dedicated to his profession, practicing it well beyond his 80th birthday having graduated from O. V. C. in 1903. I am certain that many people have fond memories of their friendly vet.

A great deal of so called ‘doctoring’ in the old days was done by the individual. They relied mainly on self-taught methods, many passed down from others, as well as certain medicines that were available from local Drugstores or even by mail order. When it was time to call a vet it was sometimes too late, but that was the way it was; a lot of the rationale was based on pure economics coupled with a bit of striving for self sufficiency. Long before the days of x-rays and other sophisticated diagnostics, horsemen relied on a bevy of poultices, liniments, rubs, salves, ointments and everyday staples like goose grease and, yes, even skunk oil. I would like to know if anyone reading this has ever heard of hanging an ASFIDITY bag on a horse's halter to ward off germs? A small cloth bag about the size of a walnut was filled with this "stuff" made from the asafetida plant and secured to the bottom of the halter.

Years ago one of the great over the counter medicines that existed in every stable across the country was known as Dr. Bell’s. It was available at all Drug stores and came in two sizes, large and small, both with a handy eye dropper. It was a "Made in Canada" product that was not for sale in the U.S. but always sought after by Americans as soon as they learned of its amazing healing and medicinal qualities. The company that manufactured the product frequently advertised in the harness racing papers and also sponsored races, particularly in Kingston, Ont. - their home base. Most horse people were strong believers and frequent users.

Dr. Bells was used as a sort of "cure all" but especially in the treatment of colic and inflammation and for cough and chills. The ingredients were aconite, belladonna, digitalis and nux vomica (strychnine). A potent little brew that certainly seemed to restore life to faded horses.

Despite the tremendous acceptance and universal usage and successes associated with Dr. Bell’s, it was not always highly touted by veterinarians. One possible reason, cynical though it might be, was that anything that replaced a call to the vet was not necessarily good for business. Dr Bell’s popularity spread as far away as New Zealand and continued to be popular throughout much of the 20th Century. As times changed it eventually fell out of favour and is no longer available. Despite the demise of Dr. Bell’s remedy, the original premise of its effectiveness still remains sound.

Another popular product of the day was called Spohn's Compound referred to as "A Stimulating Expectorant.” It originated in Goshen, Indiana - right in the heart of Amish territory in Northern Hoosier country. Spohn's also frequently advertised their products in trade journals usually with some pretty hefty claims as to what "miracle" cures it could offer. The following ad as it appeared in a 1921 newspaper describes the attributes of this venerable product much better than I can.

"At the first sign of a cough or cold in your horse, give a few doses of "Spohn's". It will act on the glands, eliminate the disease germ and prevent further destruction of body by disease. Spohn’s has been the standard remedy for Distemper, Influenza, Pink Eye, Catarrhal, Fever, Coughs and Colds for a quarter of a century. Price 60 cents & $1.15 per bottle at all Drug Stores. SPOHNS MEDICAL Co. Goshen, Indiana." It was heralded as being for horses, mules, dogs and rabbits as well as poultry. For those who had yet to try it, a free bottle was available simply for the asking. Most horse people also kept a bottle of this product nearby.

With all of the successes achieved by the great Dr. Bell’s on all types of farm animals it's a wonder it was never used on humans. Well I'm sure it was, and probably more often than has ever been told. The late Earl Barnes, a longtime horse owner and trainer from Strathroy, Ont., perhaps best remembered as the owner of a good mare named Ruth Chips, was one such person. For many years Mr. Barnes suffered from angina and often prescribed a few drops of Dr Bells to himself as a quick remedy, and apparently it worked!