DR. LEGEAR'S STOCK BOOK. 39 



heart, stomach, etc. It is claimed that coarse or indigestible food 

 irritates the branches of these nerves, which supply the walls of 

 the stomach, arid this irritation is reflected or extended to the 

 branches of the same nerves which supply the lungs, when the 

 trouble known as broken wind follows. 



Symptoms. "Heaves" is easily detected by almost every ex- 

 perienced horseman. When you have once seen a well-marked 

 case, you will always know it. The peculiar, bellows-like move- 

 ments of the flanks, and walls of the belly, point out the ail- 

 ment at once. But in mild or recent cases, the affected animal 

 does not show the characteristic breathing unless freely exercised 

 running or pulling a heavy load. There is always a peculiar 

 cough, which is difficult to describe the sound is .short, very 

 deep, and something like a grunt. Indigestion is always present 

 in these cases. The animal's appetite is depraved, as shown by 

 a desire to eat dirt and soiled bedding, which he often prefers to- 

 the clean food in the manger. The stomach is liable to be over- 

 loaded with indigestible food. The abdomen may assume that 

 form called "pot-bellied." The animal frequently passes wind, 

 the odor of which is very offensive. Horses with round chests 

 are said to be subject to heaves; and, in cases of long standing, 

 the chest usually becomes rounder than natural. 



Treatment. Heaves is a disease, when once well established, 

 that can not be cured. All we can do in such cases is to relieve the 

 animal for the time being by giving certain remedies, and paying 

 strict attention to diet. All the feed given should be free from 

 dust, and of the very best quality. All hay, grain and dry feed 

 should be dampened, and not very much hay or roughness given. 

 It is well enough to give a pretty good feed of hay at night, but 

 very little, if any, at noon and in the morning. Always water 

 the horse before feeding, and not directly after. Strict attention 

 to diet is a <zreat thing in treating heaves. Cases of heaves 



