218 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



from four to twenty-four hours from the time the first symptoms be- 

 come manifest. The pulse is variable during the progress of the dis- 

 ease; it may be almost imperceptible at times, and then again very 

 rapid and irregular; the respirations generally are quick and catch- 

 ing. In the next form in which this disease may develop it first be- 

 comes manifest by a difficulty in swallowing and slowness in mastica- 

 tion, and a weakness which may be first noticed in the strength of the 

 tail ; the animal will be unable to switch it or to offer resistance when 

 we bend it up over the croup. The pulse is often a little slower than 

 normal. There is no evidence of pain ; the respirations are unchanged, 

 and the temperature little less than normal ; the bowels may be some- 

 what constipated. These symptoms may remain unchanged for two 

 or three days and then gradual improvement take place, or the power 

 to swallow may become entirely lost and the weakness and uncertainty 

 in gait more and more perceptible; then sleepiness or coma may ap- 

 2)ear; the pulse becomes depressed, slow, and weak, the breathing 

 stertorous, and paroxysms of delirium develop, with inability to 

 stand, and some rigidity of the spinal muscles or partial cramp of 

 the neck and jaws. In such cases death may occur in from six to ten 

 days from the commencement of the attack. In many cases there is 

 no evidence of pain, spasm, or fever at any time during the progress 

 of the disease, and finally profound coma develops and death fol- 

 lows, painless and without a struggle. 



In the last or mildest form the inability of voluntary control of the 

 limbs becomes but slightly marked, the power of swallowing never 

 entirely lost, and the animal has no fever, pain, or unconscious move- 

 ments. Generally the animal will begin to improve about the fourth 

 day and recovers. 



In a few cases the spinal symptoms, manifested by paraplegia, may 

 be the most prominent symptoms; in others they may be altogether 

 absent and the main symptoms be difficulty in mastication and swal- 

 lowing ; rarely it may affect one limb only. In all cases where coma 

 remains absent for six or seven days the animal is likely to recover. 

 ^\Tien changes toward recovery take place, the symptoms usually 

 leave in the reverse order in which they developed, but local paralysis 

 may remain for some time, rarely persistent. 



One attack does not give immunity, for it may recur at some later 

 time and prove fatal. Horses have been known to pass through three 

 attacks, being affected for a week or longer each time. 



Treatment. — In the worst class of cases treatment is very seldom 

 successful, and it is dangerous to attempt the administration of medi- 

 cine by the mouth, on account of the inability of the animal to swal- 

 low. If the condition of the animal will admit of a drench, give 4 to 

 6 ounces of whisky in 2 pints of milk; the inhalation of ammonia 



