138 MANUAL FOR STABLE SERGEANTS. 



Treatment. In mild cases the animal quickly regains its feet and 

 no treatment is required . Keep the patient quiet for a few days and 

 give a laxative diet. In more severe cases, where there is more or 

 less loss of consciousness, cold in the form of water or ice should be 

 applied to the head. It may be necessary to continue these appli- 

 cations for hours. If the animal is down, the head should be raised 

 several inches from the ground and the patient made as comfortable 

 as possible. If, after an hour of this treatment the animal is able to 

 swallow, a stimulant, such as aromatic spirits of ammonia or spirits of 

 nitrous ether, should be given and repeated in an hour. When the 

 animal regains consciousness it should be assisted to rise, and then 

 thoroughly hand-rubbed all over. 



The after treatment consists in keeping the animal quiet, giving 

 laxative food, and adding one-half ounce of potassium nitrate to the 

 drinking water twice a day. 



If there is a wound on the head it must be treated as directed 

 under treatment of wounds. 



433. Sunstroke and heatstroke. Disturbances of the nervous 

 system due to exposure to heat. 



Causes. Exposure to the direct rays of the sun or to extreme heat 

 from any source. 



Symptoms. In the early stages the animal appears dull and 

 -depressed. If at work it requires urging. The gait is uncertain and 

 stumbling, breathing is difficult and snoring, and the expression of 

 the faceis anxious. The nostrils are dilated and the mucous mem- 

 Tbrane lining the nasal cavities is at first red and congested, but 

 later becomes pale and often bluish. The temperature may be as 

 Mgh as 108 or over. Later on there is violent trembling and the 

 animal may fall and die in convulsions, or it may lie unconscious for 

 several hours or days, finally recovering or dying. 



Treatment. If possible, the animal should be placed in a cool, 

 shady spot or in water, and cold water poured over the body, the 

 head and the neck. If practicable, ice packs should be applied to 

 the head. Give rectal injections of cold water and -rub the .body 

 vigorously and often. 



When -the animal is able to swallow, a good stimulant, such as 

 aromatic spirits of ammonia or spirits of nitrous ether in 2-ounce 

 doses, well diluted, should be given and repeated in an hour. In 

 the cool of the evening or early morning the animal may be moved, 

 if necessary, but should be kept in a cool place during the heat of the 

 day until recovery is perfect. 



