CHAPTER VIII. 



We now proceed to the consideration of the diseases of the 

 respiratory system. 



THE MEMBRANE OF THE NOSE. 



The mucous membrane of the nose is distinguished from other 

 mucous. surfaces, not only by its thickness, but its vascularity. 

 It is called the Schneiderian membrane. The importance of ob- 

 serving its color and appearance generally, as indicia of the dif- 

 ferent diseases to which the horse is subject, has been adverted to 

 in speaking of the tissues of the head, (p. 103). Its characteristic 

 appearance under all circumstances, should be attentively observed 

 by every one who attempts to prescribe m the diseases of horses 



CATARRH OR COLD. 



Catarrh, or Cold, is attended by a slight discharge from the 

 nose — now and then, a slighter weeping from the eyes, and some 

 increased labor of breathing. When this is a simply local in- 

 flammation, attended by no loss of appetite or increased animal 

 temperature, it may speedily pass over. 



In many cases, however, the inflammation extends and involves 

 the fauces, the lymphatic and some of the salivary glands, the 

 throat, the parotid gland, and the membrane of the laryrix. We 

 have then increased discharge from the nose, greater redness of 

 the membrane of the nose, more defluxion from the eyes, and loss 

 of appetite, from a degree of fever associathig itself with the local 

 affection ; and there also being a greater or less degree of pain in 

 the act of swallovdng, and which, if the animal feels this, he 

 will never eat. Cough now appears more or less frequent oi 

 painful ; but with no great acceleration of the pulse, or heaving 

 jf the flanks. 



Catarrh frequently arises from exposures, or changes so trifling, 



H 



