LUNG FEVER. 19 



congested state, or engorged with blood, until the animal dies. 

 In most cases, however, the symptoms of active inflammation 

 will soon be discovered. Inflammation of the lungs is one of 

 the most common and ft^tal diseases the horse is subject to ; 

 and its treatment will put the horse doctor's skill to the sever- 

 est test. He must understand his case clearly and know what 

 to do, and do it with a master hand. 



Sf/mjitoms. — In the common form of lung fever, the attack 

 commences with much the same symptoms as attend the form- 

 ing stage of other fevers, or inflammation of other organs ; 

 such as coldness of the legs and ears, and sometimes a positive 

 chill, with shivering. A short, dry cough may now be observed, 

 and which may have been present for several days. The horse 

 appears moping and not inclined to move ; may hang his head 

 under or rest it in the manger ; eats poorly. As yet the true 

 nature of the case may not be suspected, the horse being 

 supposed to be only "a little ailing." But the second stage of 

 the disease follows, and more marked symptoms make their 

 appearance. 



The coldness of the extremities (legs and ears) continues. 

 Unmistakable evidences of fever apj^ear. The body becomes 

 hot, also the mouth ; the pulse increased in frequency ; the head 

 is thrust forward ; the eyes become watery ; the membrane of 

 the nose becomes of a bright red hue, covered with mucus, lead 

 color or brown; he stands in a singularly stiff manner, with 

 his fore-legs forward and wide apart ; breathing becomes op- 

 pressive and difficult, the nostrils working violently, and the 

 flanks heave, with a hurried, quick motion, up and down ; he 

 looks at his flanks with an expression of peculiar anxiety ; may 

 attempt to drink, but can not swallow to do any good, as it pro- 

 duces coughing, and the water is often thrown out through the 

 nose ; the horse obstinately keeps the standing posture. 



If the disease is suffered to progress, the above symptoms 

 become aggravated generally. The pulse, which, at the begin- 

 ning of the first stage, was quite distinct, becomes oppressed, 



