THE AKMY JIOKSK. 79 



ma}' be so lessened as to cause the horse to breathe with diffi- 

 cuky. The pulse, if altered at all, is a little weaker than usual, 

 the appetite remains normal as a rule, although at times the 

 animal will have difficulty in mastication. The temperature 

 at first is normal, but in a few days it may have reached 102°, 

 103°, or 104°. 



Over the surface of the skin covering the swollen parts we 

 find a slight serous sweating, which when it dries, gives the 

 appearance of an eruption of some cutaneous (skin) disease. 

 If this is excessive we may see irritated spots, followed by sup- 

 puration. This suppuration may become excessive from the 

 great distention and loss of vitality of the skin. 



During the course of this disease colics may sometimes occur; 

 later the pulse may beat 60 to 80 times per minute; the dung 

 is ordinarily coated. 



High temperatures indicate complications. 



The mortality is about 50 per cent. 



Treatment. — Place the patient in a clean, well- ventilated, 

 roomy box stall, and tie the head up high; in case the head is 

 already swollen, remove the halter at once and use a head sling. 

 If necessary to blanket, never use the surcingle. Give soft 

 food, clean hay, and green fodder if possible, and plenty of 

 fresh pure water to drink. 



When the legs and parts of the body are covered by the dried 

 serum the surface must be softened by the application of 

 cosmoline or olive oil to which ma}^ be added a small amount 

 of creolin (1 to 50) or of carl)olic acid (1 to 25). 



If sloughing has taken place, the sores must receive surgical 

 attention ; dead tissue nuist be removed and antiseptics applied. 



If the animal has great difficulty in breathing, we must resort 

 to the use of the tracheotomy tube. 



Try to sustain the strength of the animal and give tonics to 

 increase the appetite : Tincture of chloride of iron 1 to 2 ounces 

 in a pint of water, or iron sulphate 2 drams, quinine 1 dram; 

 either dose three times daily. 



Spirits of turpentine. 8 ounces, in ounces of linseed oil, 

 given twice dailv, will have a beneficial effect bv stimulating 

 the heart and kidneys. Sponge the head, where swollen, with 

 either ice-cold or very warm water; repeat this several times 

 dailv. 



