128 MANUAL FOR STABLE SERGEANTS. 



Diseases of the Lungs. 



422. Pneumonia. — An inflammation of lung structure affecting 

 one or both lungs. 



Causes. — Over exertion; badly ventilated stables; exposure to 

 cold, especially when heated; infection, arid carelessness in drench- 

 ing. 



Symptoms. — A severe chill, with a temperature varying from 103° 

 to 107°. Then follows redness of the visible mucous membranes; 

 rapid, difficult breathing, and a full rapid pulse (from 50 to 80 per 

 minute). The nostrils are dilated and the expired air is quite warm. 

 The animal is usually constipated at first, and the urine is scanty 

 and high-colored. The legs and ears are cold and there is great 

 weakness. The patient may remain constantly standing with the 

 elbows turned out and the head drooping, or it may lie down for a 

 short time only. There is frequently a reddish discharge from the 

 nose and there may or may not be a cough. 



Treatment. — ^Isolate the animal in a clean, dry place free from 

 drafts, but abundantly supplied with fresh air. Clothe the body 

 according to the season; rub the legs well and bandage with flannel. 

 Remove the bandages t\vice daily, rub the legs well, and reapply. 

 Groom as directed in paragraph 214. Feed easily digested food 

 (bran mashes, grass, good hay, and steamed oats), and keep a supply 

 of fresh water within reach at all times. Give one-ounce nitrate of 

 potassium in the drinking water morning and evening. If the tem- 

 perature reaches 105° or more, give rectal injections of cold water 

 three or four times a day. For great weakness, give nitrous ether 

 (2 ounces) in the drinking water three times daily. \Mien the tem- 

 perature begins to subside, tonics are indicated. Do not put the 

 animal to work for at least a month after all symptoms have dis- 

 appeared. 



423. Heaves (broken wind).— A chronic, nonfebrile disease of 

 the lungs. 



Causes. — ^Violent and prolonged exertion; working the animal 

 when his stomach and intestines are distended with food, or when 

 he is suffering or convalescing from diseases of the respiratory organs; 

 or, the habitual feeding of coarse, bulky, dusty, and indigestible 

 food, and foods that are damaged by mold, rust, or decay. 



Symptoms. — A hurried, wheezy, laborious breathing; a double 

 lifting of the flanks with each expiration; a short, weak, dry cough; 



