214 CHAPTER 22. 



Sometimes, however, the attack comes on very suddenly without any 

 observable premonitory symptoms. At other times it starts almost 

 imperceptibly, the animal being only slightly off his feed and his mouth 

 hot. Pneumonia frequently supervenes on bronchitis. It may also 

 supervene on severe catarrh, but does not often do so. If it does, the 

 nasal discharge will be at first arrested and the membrane of the nose 

 will be dry. As long as there is a free discharge from the nostrils in 

 catarrh, there is, we may remark, scarcely any reason to fear Pneumonia. 

 Occasionally pneumonia occurs suddenly as a result of extreme exertion 

 in the hunting-field or under such-like circumstances, and it is then due 

 to the congested state of the blood in the lungs. 



The attack itself is generally ushered in by sudden fits of shivering, 

 followed by coldness of the ears and extremities and other usual signs of 

 inflammation and a staring coat. The coldness of 'the extremities is a 

 marked sign throughout the disease. The horse is evidently uneasy, and 

 turns his head frequently round to his chest. The pulse is oppressed and 

 quick, and generally ranges about sixty beats in the minute at the com- 

 mencement ; but if the attack progresses unfavourably, it will become 

 quicker and may reach a hundred, and will become gradually smaller and 

 smaller in volume. The temperature rises rapidly, frequently to 104 or 

 105 Fahrenheit. 



In the early stage the nasal linings are paler than usual, but as the 

 disease progresses, they become purplish and then of a leaden hue. The 

 respiration becomes disturbed, as soon as the disease is established. 



A very prominent symptom, which marks this disease, consists in the 

 horse persistently standing with his fore-legs wide apart and his elbows 

 out. He retains this position, because it affords greater expansion to the 

 chest and therefore greater ease than any other position. Horses affected 

 with this disease or with pleuro-pneumonia never lie down, except it be 

 for a moment at a time, or in extremis, when death from suffocation in 

 general rapidly supervenes. The head throughout the attack is inclined 

 downwards, with the nose protruded and the nostrils dilated. 



Cough may or may not be present. If present, it is sharp in the first 

 instance ; but as the attack progresses, it becomes of a subdued character, 

 because the act causes pain in the lungs. 



With increase of the disease the breathing becomes quicker and more 

 laboured. In proportion as the membrane lining the air tubes and cells 

 becomes thickened, the animal is obliged to breathe more quickly to 

 purify the blood. The breathing is also performed irregularly. The 

 inspirations are delayed in order to prevent the pain consequent on the 

 distension of the inflamed lungs ; but the expirations are hurried and 

 laboured in order to get rid of the air, which is causing pain. The legs, 

 ears and muzzle are cold, and in bad cases deadly cold. 



If during the early stage of the attack the ear be applied to the chest, 

 a confused humming noise accompanied with a harsh dry murmur instead 

 of the gentle respiratory sound peculiar to health will be heard. The 

 duration of the dry stage is very uncertain. As the inflammation pro- 

 gresses the dry murmur will give way to a moist rattle. This stage may 



