326 REPORT OX THE DISEASES OF FARM HORSES. 



Weakness sets in at an early period, as a result of imperfect 

 oxygenisation or aeration, which, if not arrested quickly, ends in 

 death. 



Treatment. — Provide a good loose box, which must be airy, 

 roomy, and well littered with fresh straw. Use disinfectant 

 powders, and particularly Bobbins' Oxygenerator* a valuable 

 preparation in chest and blood diseases. Warm clothing — hood 

 and bandages — should be supplied. Astringent gargles for the 

 mouth may be required in the event of accompanying sore 

 throat, and as a medicine wherewith to combat the affection of 

 the bronchial tubes. Aconite (Fleming's) given in solution 

 ten to fifteen drops, may be given, with two drams of nitre every 

 two hours or so. 



The extract of Belladonna, with nitre, has proved very ser- 

 viceable in my hands, and when much weakness and general 

 prostration ensues, aconite, ten drops, with aromatic spirits of 

 ammonia, one ounce every hour or two, adding or diminishing one 

 or other of the agents as symptoms indicate or direct. 



Mustard embrocations, simple mustard and water, should not 

 be omitted over the course of the windpipe and front of the 

 chest. Blemishes may be avoided by gently washing off the 

 paste after one or two hours. 



If the cough proves troublesome, continue the astringent 

 electuary, and administer a ball three times a day, containing — 



Carbonate of ammonia 2 drams. 



Camphor 1 , , 



Belladonna | ,, 



Discontinuing, of course, the aconite and ammonia mixture. 



Eeturning health is quickly observed in the increased gaiety 

 and cheerfulness of the patient, return of appetite, normal secre- 

 tions, and evacuations ; one of the first symptoms being that 

 the animal has resumed the habit of seeking rest by lying down. 



Congestion of the Lungs occurs in young, ill-conditioned, 

 badly fed, or over-worked animals, and in those in which a state 

 of plethora exists. All horses are more or less subject to it if 

 the causes are prevailing. It may be said to constitute a state 

 prior to, and bordering on, inflammation of the lungs, those 

 organs being surcharged with blood, which interferes with their 

 functions. Sudden cold after severe exertion will produce it. 

 Although we have the accumulation of blood in the lungs, there 

 is no direct effusion or exudation within their substance ; the 

 blood vessels are full, and their distended state — no circulation 

 scarcely going on — causes pressure on the structures closely 

 approximating, and thus prevents the passage of air over so large 



* A valuable agent recently introduced in medicine, manufactured by 

 Robbins, Oxford Street, London, which disengages oxygen rapidly on the addi- 

 tion of boiling water. 



