298 The Diseases of Animals . 



If the animal is subject to them, a skilled veterinarian 

 should be consulted. 



SUNSTROKE, HEAT EXHAUSTION 



In hot weather and when subjected to hard or 

 fast work in the hot sun, horses sometimes lose con- 

 sciousness and fall; or, as it is commonly expressed, 

 they "have a sunstroke." Sunstroke differs from fits in 

 the absence of excitement. The breathing is slow, and 

 often of a snoring character; the pulse is slow, and 

 not distinct. 



The harness should be removed and the horse 

 placed in a comfortable position in the shade, and 

 propped up on his brisket. Cold water should be 

 dashed on the head, or cracked ice in a bag be applied 

 to the poll and the head elevated. If the horse is con- 

 scious enough to drink, small quantities of cool water 

 should be offered frequently. Four ounces of whiskey 

 may be given, diluted in cold water. The horse should 

 be sponged with cool water and rubbed briskly all over 

 till he is dry and rested. Plenty of fresh air should be 

 allowed, without a draught. 



The same treatment is to be given horses that have 

 been overdriven in hot weather and are suffering from 

 heat exhaustion. 



APOPLEXY 



Apoplexy is a very rare disease in animals. It is 

 caused by the rupture of a blood-vessel in the brain, 

 producing temporary unconsciousness and a loss of 



