490. THE HORSE. 
fine network of vessels of which the lungs are in great part composed. 
The blood in the one case is collected by the increased necessity for its 
aeration with a failing circulation, as in over-exhaustion, or in the other 
it is forced inwards upon the vital organs by the chill which the skin has 
received. ‘The capillaries are then roused to act beyond their strength, 
and an inflammatory condition is established as a reparatory effort of 
nature, which may possibly stop short as soon as the object is accom- 
plished, but more frequently goes on beyond this, and an attack of 
pneumonia sets in with more or less intensity according to circumstances. 
For these reasons, when the lungs are evidently congested no pains should 
be spared to relieve them by causing the skin to act, before the aid of 
nature is invoked, since it can never be certain that she will stop short 
at the proper point. 
CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS is too often neglected and allowed to go on 
to inflammation. Veterinary surgeons, indeed, are seldom called in before 
this stage has run its course and inflammation is established. It is true 
that every hunting man endeavours to ascertain all the particulars relating 
to it, because he is constantly in fear of having to treat it, and he would 
gladly benefit by the advice and experience of those more competent to 
treat it than himself. But the great mass of horsemasters are wholly 
ignorant of its action, and I shall therefore endeavour to lay down 
instructions which may be beneficial to those who are so unlucky as to 
have a horse with congested lungs, either caused by over-exertion or by a 
chill, or by a combination of the two, as most frequently happens. 
When a fat “dealer's horse,’ that is, one made up for sale and not for 
use, is ridden in a sharp burst across country, his lungs are most unfor- 
tunately tried, for he is not only loaded with blood containing an excess 
of stimulating materials (or in a state of plethora as it is called), but his 
heart and: blood vessels are not prepared by previous exercise to carry on 
the circulation when unusual demands upon them are made. The con- 
sequence is that, as soon as he has gone half a dozen miles, he not only 
tires, but, if pressed, his gallant spirit carries him on until the blood 
collects and stagnates in his lungs, from a defect in the circulating 
apparatus, and he becomes absolutely choked from a want of that decar- 
bonisation which is necessary to his very existence. Air is taken freely 
into his lungs, but the circulation almost ceases in them, and in spite of 
his hurried breathing, as shown by his panting sides, he is almost as com- 
pletely suffocated as if a cord was tied round his neck. On examining 
his eyes and nostrils they are seen to be turgid and purple, the vessels 
being filled with carbonised blood, while the heart beats rapidly but 
feebly, and the countenance is expressive of anxiety and distress. In 
this state many a horseman finds his steed every winter, and a pretty 
dilemma he isin. The question of treatment is a serious one even to the 
most experienced in such matters, but one thing is quite clear, that the 
more urgent the case the more danger there is in having recourse to the 
lancet. Bleeding to the extent of a few pounds will sometimes relieve 
a trifling case of exhaustion, but in a really severe one it will take away 
the only chance which remains. The best plan is to give the animal 
plenty of air, turn his head to the wind, and if any kind of fermented 
liquor can be obtained, give him a little at once. Neat spirits are apt to 
cause increased distress from spasm of the larynx, but it is even better to 
risk this than to let the exhaustion continue. If, therefore, the horse is 
incapable of walking to the nearest farm-house or inn, the better plan is 
to leave him with a light covering on him of some kind and at once 
