THE ARMY HORSE. 75 



nostrils ^Yidely dilated; this iniiy be followed by coma (insensi- 

 bility), violent convulsive movement, and death. 



Generally, however, the animal gains relief in a short time, 

 but he may remain weak and giddy for several days. If it is 

 due to organic change in the heart or disease of the blood vessels 

 in the brain the symptoms may be of slow development, mani- 

 fested by drowsiness, diminished or impaired vision, difficulty 

 in voluntary movements, diminished sensibility of the skin, loss 

 of consciousness, delirium, and death. 



Treatment. — Prompt removal of all mechanical obstruction to 

 the circulation. If it is due to venous obstruction by too tight 

 a collar, the loosening of the collar will give immediate relief. 

 If due to tumors or abscesses, a surgical operation becomes 

 necessary. To relieve the animal, if he becomes partially or 

 totally unconscious, cold water should be dashed on the head 

 and if this does not afford relief, recourse must be had to 

 bleeding to lessen arterial tension. If symptoms of paralysis 

 remain after two or three days, an active physic should be 

 given, followed, after 24 hours, by iodide of potassium given 

 in 2-dram doses three times daily. Place the animal in a cool, 

 dark, well-ventilated stable, keep him perfectly quiet, and give 

 cooling diet. 



SUNSTROKE AND HEATSTROKE. 



These are cerebral troubles: Sunstroke is produced by the 

 rays of the sun falling directly upon the cranium. Heatstroke 

 is caused by the overheating of the wdiole body or by excessive 

 exertion. 



Symptoms. — Sunstroke is manifested suddenly; the animal 

 stops, drops his head, begins to stagger, the breathing is 

 marked by great snoring, the pulse is very slow and irregular, 

 cold sweats break out in patches on the surface of the body, and 

 the animal often dies without recovering consciousness. 



In heatstroke the animal usually requires urging for, some 

 time previous to the appearance of any other symptom. Gen- 

 erally prespiration is checked; he becomes weak in his gait ; the 

 breathing grows hurried or panting; the eyes w^atery and blood- 

 shot ; nostrils dilated and highly reddened to a dark purple 

 color; the pulse is rapid and weak; the heart bounding, fre- 

 quently followed by unconsciousness and death. Temperature 

 reaches 107° to 11'2° F. If recovery takes place convalesence 

 extends over a long period of time, during which locomotion 

 shows lack of full control. 



