DISEASES OF HORSFS. 377 



Their incipient stages are also induced by a sudden transition 

 from heat to cold, and sometimes from cold to close and hot 

 stables ; and by a chilly wind or damp stables, especially alter 

 severe exercise. Feeding on musty? dry hay, or on straw, 

 will produce an irritation which may lead to heaves. Inflam- 

 mation of the lungs is frequently dangerous, and requires the 

 immediate and full use of the lancet. After the inflammation 

 is decidedly allayed by copious bleeding, small doses of aloes 

 may be given, and frequent injections of warm soap and 

 water, which should be omitted the moment the faeces be- 

 comes soft and approaching to the fluid state. Blistering 

 the sides and brisket, and often repeated if otherwise ineffec- 

 tual, must be resorted to. Convalescence should be followed 

 with sedative medicines, and during all the severe stages of 

 the disease, withhold all food except light gruels after pro- 

 tracted abstinence. As health returns, put the animal out to 

 grass. Inflammation of the lungs is sometimes succeeded by 

 a chronic cough y and the other maladies enumerated. When 

 firmly seated, it is incapable of removal. Its effects can be 

 alleviated, and with suitable food and treatment, the horse 

 may be made to do much moderate labor for many vears, but 

 he can never become sound or sustain great exertion. Equal 

 and proper temperature, moist, stimulating food, and espe- 

 cially carrots or potatoes, and moderate exercise, but never 

 on a full stomach, and dry, clean stables, arc all the remedies 

 that can be prescribed. 



CATARRH OR HORSE DISTEMPER sometimes attacks the 

 horse in the spring or fall, and is shown by soreness and 

 swelling in the glands of the throat, a cough, difficulty of 

 swallowing, discharging at the nose, and general prostration. 

 It is seldom fatal if properly managed. Give light bran- 

 mashes, purge thoroughly, and keep warm. . If he is violently 

 attacked, he may be bled while fever exists, and blisters or 

 seatons may be applied, to reduce the swelling if extreme. 

 The disease is contagious, and the animal should be at once 

 placed where he cannot communicate it. 



SPASMODIC COLIC. " The attack of colic is usually very 

 sudden. There is often not the slightest warning. The 

 horse begins to shift his posture, look round at his flanks, paw 

 violently, strike his belly with his feet, and crouch in a pecu- 

 liar manner, advancing his hind limbs under him ; he will 

 then suddenly lie, or rather fall down, and balance himself 

 upon his back, with his feet resting on his belly. The pain 

 now seems to cease for a little while, and he gets up, and 



