278 THE HORSE 



" ^ood nursing," and therein lies more than half the battle 

 in a serious attack. 



If possible a quiet, comfortable loose box should be pro- 

 vided, well ventilated, but free from draughts; for, especially 

 in the earliest stages of fever, the patient is very susceptible 

 to a draught, v^hich may easily bring on a fit of shivering, 

 ever a dire portent. When the fever has fully established 

 itself the animal is not nearly so sensitive to draughts, until 

 the weakness of the convalescent stage is reached, when 

 again every precaution must be taken against catching cold. 

 Unless the horse has to be tied up to prevent interference 

 with a blister, or some wound, it is better to be loose, free to 

 wander about at will. In all diseases of the respiratory 

 organs, and in certain others, it is most essential that the 

 skin should perform its proper functions, and on this account 

 warmth is especially necessary; but whilst the patient must 

 be kept warm and draughts must be avoided, fresh air is of 

 the greatest importance, and this should be supplied by open 

 windows and doors. By some means a supply of fresh air 

 must be arranged for without any draught. If the weather 

 is cold the temperature of the box can be artificially raised, 

 for it is better not to overload a weak patient with too much 

 clothing ; and endeavour should instead be made to bring 

 the fresh air within the region of a heating apparatus before 

 entering the sick box, which may be effected by the employ- 

 ment of large cylinders connecting with the window, and 

 heated in some manner, whilst the rest of the aperture is 

 blocked with cloths. 



All clothing should be loose, as thereby more comfort is 

 obtained, and more warmth. A sick animal should have its 

 clothing changed twice a day, two sets being in use ; but if 

 this is not feasible, the clothing should at least be taken off 

 for a few seconds, and well shaken and beaten before being 

 replaced, care being taken that the animal does not get a 

 chill while this is being done. The momentary admission 

 of fresh air to the skin is frequently very grateful, and often 

 seems to revivify the patient. 



In cases of serious illness, especially if it is likely to be 

 prolonged, it is well to remove the shoes at once lest they 

 become embedded in the hoofs. 



