Common Diseases of the Horse 2oi 



detrimental effect. In all cases where hereditary predisposition is 

 indicated, or previous attacks have occurred, prevention is better 

 than cure; careful dieting should be observed, precautions against 

 chills should be taken by good grooming, well drying when wet, 

 and not allowing the horse to cool quickly after getting hot. 



Tuberculosis 



In the human subject tuberculosis is known as consumption. 

 In the strict sense of the word tuberculosis is not hereditary, and 

 it is even stated by well-known veterinarians that under certain 

 conditions there is no predisposition to inherit the disease. These 

 conditions are, however, of a very exacting nature, and would not 

 appeal to the ordinary stockowner. In addition, it is a compara- 

 tively rare disease among horses, and is not, as a rule, suspected 

 until too late for remedial treatment. 



If an animal is suffering from a wasting disease of the nature 

 of which the owner is doubtful, it is advisable to apply the tuber- 

 culin test, which will prove the existence or otherwise of the disease. 

 Needless to say, an affected animal should be isolated, and as it 

 will usually be hopeless for treatment, the best course is to have 

 it destroyed. 



II. SOME COMMON DISEASES OF THE HORSE 

 Catarrh or Common Cold 



This is an acute catarrhal inflammation of the membrane lining 

 the nostrils, which may be the only part affected, or it may arise 

 as a complication to other diseases of the head, throat, and chest. 

 It is similar in character to that which in the human being is known 

 as cold in the head. 



Symptoms. — First of all there is a thin, watery discharge from 

 the nostrils, which gradually gets sticky and thicker as the disease 

 advances. The mucous membrane lining the nostrils becomes 

 reddened and slightly swollen; the glands underneath the jaw 

 become enlarged, tears flow from the eyes, and there may be a 

 slight cough; the temperature may rise one or two degrees, in 

 which case the coat will be more or less staring, with some disturb- 

 ance of the general system, usually not of a serious character. 



Causes. — A sudden change in temperature is undoubtedly the 

 most common cause, and it frequently occurs in cold, damp weather. 

 A young horse brought from the country into the town invariably 

 becomes affected, either through indifferent stable management in 



