4 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



A fresh-made infusion of gentian, with small closes of carbonate of 

 ammonia or alcoholic stimulants, is worth trial. Rather large doses of 

 quinine, with nux vomica, give just the necessary fillip sometimes when con- 

 valescence is protracted. A considerable period of time should be allowed, 

 with gentle and steadily increasing daily exercise, before the animal is 

 allowed to return to his ordinary work, and the greatest care should be 

 observed against exposure to wet or cold easterly winds. 



CHRONIC BRONCHITIS 



Except as a sequel to acute bronchitis, the chronic form is seldom met 

 with. It differs from it in the absence of fever, the persistence of the 

 cough, and the character of the matter coughed up. Slight causes are 

 sufficient to aggravate the symptoms which are assumed to be due to 

 the morbid irritability and lessened calibre of the small air-tubes by reason 

 of the thickening of their lining membrane. The subjects of it are easily 

 fatigued and their value much depreciated. 



Symptoms. — These are in some respects the same as in acute bron- 

 chitis, but modified in intensity, thick wind and premature fatigue being 

 most noticeable under exertion. There is at the same time an inaptitude 

 for putting on flesh and a want of bloom in the coat. The cough, although 

 less frequent than in the acute form, is much increased in certain conditions 

 of weather, as where cold and wet follow upon a period of dryness and sun- 

 shine. It is also provoked by passing from a warm stable into the cold 

 atmosphere without. Horses affected with chronic bronchitis are mostly 

 heard to cough while feeding, and especially if the food is given dry. 



Treatment may ameliorate the symptoins, and, with care, the subject 

 of it may perform useful work; but it is seldom that anything like a 

 radical cure is effected. Occasionally a young horse, under exceptionally 

 favourable circumstances, will appear to grow out of it, but a trifling ail- 

 ment is sufficient to bring it on again. 



Careful dieting with linseed and damp food should be observed, avoid- 

 ing all forage with the least suspicion of must or dustiness. The occasional 

 but not habitual use of certain drugs has a beneficial effect. The agents 

 most recommended are myrrh, soap, camphor, squills, carbonate of ammonia, 

 digitalis, and tar in the form of bolus. Iodide of iron and arsenic are 

 also employed with apparent good results. 



