PNEUMONIA. 341 



previous exercise to carry on the circulation when unusual demands 

 upon them are made. The consequence is that, as soon as he has 

 gone half a dozen miles, he not only tires, but, if pressed, his gal- 

 lant spirit carries him on until the blood collects and stagnates in 

 his lungs, from a defect in the circulating apparatus, and he be- 

 comes absolutely choked from a want of that decarbonization waich 

 is necessary to his very existence. Air is taken freely into his 

 lungs, but the circulation almost ceases in them, and in spite of 

 his hurried breathing, as shown by his panting sides, he is almost 

 as completely suffocated as if a cord was tied round his neck. On 

 examining his eyes and nostrils they are seen to be turgid and 

 purple, the vessels being filled with carbonized blood, while the 

 heart beats rapidly but feebly, and the countenance is expressive 

 of anxiety and distress. In this state many a horseman finds his 

 steed every winter, and a pretty dilemma he is in. The question 

 of treatment is a serious one, even to the most experienced in such 

 matters, but one thing is quite clear, that the more urgent the 

 case the more danger there is in having recourse to the lancet. 

 Bleeding to the extent of a few pounds will sometimes relieve a 

 trifling case of exhaustion, but in a really severe one it will take 

 away the only chance which remains. The best plan is to give the 

 animal plenty of air, turn his head to the wind, and if any kind 

 of fermented liquor can be obtained, give him a little at once. 

 Neat spirits are apt to cause increased distress from spasm of the 

 larynx, but it is even better to risk this than to let the exhaustion 

 continue. If, therefore, the horse is incapable of walking to the 

 nearest farm-house or inn, the better plan is to leave him with a 

 light covering on him of some kind, and at once proceed to pro- 

 cure a quart of ale or wine, or spirits and water, whichever can be 

 obtained the most easily. One or other of these, slightly warmed 

 and spiced, if possible, should be poured down his throat, which 

 can readily be done, as he has no power to resist, and then in a 

 few minutes he may generally be induced to move quietly on to- 

 wards the nearest stable. Here he must remain all night if the 

 attack is a bad one, or if he recovers soon he may be walked 

 quietly home. When he reaches his stable he may be treated 

 according to the directions given at page 188, and in the evening 

 or the next morning early, if the pulse rises and is hard and jerk- 

 ing, he may be bled with advantage, but rarely should this be done 

 for some hours after the first attack. Congestion is essentially 

 produced by debility, and although an abstraction of blood relieves 

 the vessels of a part of their load, it increases their weakness in 

 a still greater degree, and they are less able to do their work, 

 diminished though it may be, than they were before. Hundreds 

 of over-worked horses have been killed by the abuse of the lancet 

 29* 



