CHAPTER VI. 



DISEASES OF THE KESFIKATORY SYSTEM AND INFLUENZA. 



ACUTE NASAL CATARRH. 



Acute nasal catarrh (simj)le cold in the head) is usually 

 caused by standing in a draft, and may be detected by the dis- 

 charge from the nostrils. It is usualW 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, fumigation (steaming) 

 from a hot solution of creolin 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 recov- 

 ered ; 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 applied 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 respirator}^ (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 ulcers 

 (sores) may occasionally be seen in the nostrils; they are 

 superficial (on the surface), are dofincd by sharp edges that 



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