CHAPTER VI. 



DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM AND INFLUENZA. 



ACUTE NASAL CATARRH. 



Acute nasal catarrh (simple cold in the head) is usually caused 

 by standing in a draft, and may be detected by the discharge from 

 the nostrils. It is usually accompanied by a cough, loss of appetite, 

 and elevation of temperature (fever). The discharge is at first of 

 the consistency of water, but may in severe cases become much 

 thicker, and form dry crusts on the edges of the nostrils. 



Treatment. — The mild form does not require treatment; it ends 

 rapidly in a cure. In severe cases, the animal should have complete 

 rest ; fumigation (steaming) from a hot solution of creohn or carbolic 

 acid (1 ounce to \ pail of hot water) constitutes an excellent local 

 treatment. Give bran mashes, and administer twice daily, ^ ounce 

 of saltpeter, or 2 drams of chloride of ammonia, until the animal has 

 recovered; the chloride of ammonia is best administered on the 

 tongue. If the cough is frequent and the horse has difficulty in 

 swallowing, the following liniment should be apphed to the throat: 

 Solution of ammonia 1 part, oil of turpentine 1 part, olive oil 2 parts. 

 Apply twice daily. 



CHRONIC NASAL CATARRH. 



Chronic nasal catarrh is usually an unfavorable termination of 

 simple catarrh ; or it may result from injury and chronic inflammation 

 of the nasal cavities; from tumors, parasites, abscesses, etc., in the 

 nasal cavities; from diseases of the teeth; from chronic diseases of 

 the respiratory (breathing) apparatus in general; and from chronic 

 constitutional diseases. 



Symptoms. — The discharge is quite thick and becomes glued to 

 the sides of the nostrils; its color varies from a dirty white to a 

 yellowish gray; it frequently has a fetid (foul) odor; the quantity 

 varies; the discharge is usually from one nostril, but both may be 

 affected ; in cases of long standing small idcers (sores) may occasionally 

 be seen in the nostrils; they are superficial (on the surface), are de- 

 fined by sharp e<lges that are not thickened, and heal without leaving 



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