INFECTION AND CONTAGION. 133 



266. Instruction of servants in nursing. 



A good groom to be a really good nurse ought to understand the reason 

 of what he does. The kind of nursing proper at one time and applicable 

 to one phase of symptoms may be inappropriate at another time or under 

 altered circumstances. 



He should begin by carefully observing the usual appearance and 

 habits of the horse ; for it is only by being familiar with the appearance 

 and tone of the animal in health that any divergence from the normal 

 condition can be ascei'tained. The earlier variations symptomatic of some 

 coming change, such, for instance, as a slight pawing or a little increase 

 in the respiration, or a heaving of the flanks, or a want of the usual 

 liveliness or tone, may otherwise pass unnoticed. 



Next he should be taught what to observe in the symptoms of a sick 

 horse. Especially he should note the temperature and moisture of the 

 mouth, and the degree of variation which it presents from what has been 

 usual in health ; also the warmth or otherwise of the legs and body, and 

 whether there is any variation, and if so, at what times. Irregularity of 

 temperature is a marked sign of disease. The respiration must be care- 

 fully observed, and whether it is more affected when the animal lies down. 

 The movements of the flanks generally afford the first indication of 

 quickened breathing. The movements of the nostrils must also be noted. 

 The colour and appearance of the visible mucous membranes will need 

 particular observation. 



He should also observe, not merely whether the horse is in pain, but 

 how his feelings are expressed. The nature of the cough, if any, should 

 be particularly noted, and also the part from which it proceeds. In 

 catarrhal affections the degree and nature of the running at the nose and 

 the colour and appearance of the membrane of that organ will need fre- 

 quent observation. 



CHAPTER 16. 



INFECTION AND CONTAGION. 



267. Prevention of disease. 268. Erroneous ideas as to the causes of acci- 

 dents and diseases. 269. Of accidents and diseases, tvith their ordinary causes. 

 270. On the propagation of disease by infection and contagion. 271. Prevalent 

 ideas of infection and contagion a source of evil. 272. Diseases seldom trans- 

 mitted by infection or contagion. 273. Mode of propagation by infection and 

 contagion. 274. Distinction betiveen inoculation, contagion, and injection. 

 275. Distance at ivhich infectioiis diseases can be commnnicoted. 276, 

 Sequels of disease. 277. Disinfectants. 278. Ventilation. 279. Sick 

 boxes. 



I 



