DISEASES OF HORSES 53 



A very serious complication is an inflammation of the heart mus- 

 cle. This is shown by a very weak and rapid pulse, great prostration, 

 some filling of the lungs. This complication nearly always terminates 

 in death. Other complications which may be mentioned are inflam- 

 mation of the kidneys, blood poisoning, congestion of the brain, and 

 inflammation of the tendinous sheaths and the tendons of the legs. 



Diagnosis. As fever is the first symptom of edematous pneu- 

 monia, it is useful during an outbreak of this disease to make daily 

 temperature measurements of the exposed horses, so that the first in- 

 dication of disease may be discovered and the horse removed from 

 contact with those that are sound. 



Prognosis. The mortality in this disease may be as high as 25 

 per cent, but it is usually not more than 10 per cent. If there is a 

 special tendency to complications of some sort, the mortality ia 

 increased. 



Treatment. Bleeding is not to be used because it would only 

 still further weaken an already enfeebled animal; antimony or the 

 alterants would increase the depression of a too depraved constitution. 

 There is in this disease no acute congestion of a particular organ to 

 draw off by depletive measures, nor any violent blood current to be 

 retarded, for fear of hypernutrition of any special part. 



Revulsives do good, as they excite the nervous system and 

 awaken the torpor of the weakened blood vessels, which aid in the re- 

 establishment of the functions. Mustard poultices may be applied 

 over the belly and sides of the chest, as in other diseases, but cau- 

 tion must be used in the employment of blisters, as ugly ulcers may 

 result from their action on a tissue of weakened vitality. Setons are 

 dangerous from the great tendency in this disease to septic complica- 

 tions. Repeated friction of the legs by hand-rubbing and warmth by 

 bandaging and by rubbing the surface of the body with turpentine 

 and alcohol, which is immediately to be dried by rough towels, will 

 excite the circulation and stimulate the emunctories of the skin. 



Stimulants are given internally from the outset of the disease. 

 Turpentine in 1-dram doses regulates the heart and excites the kid- 

 neys to carry off waste matter, but if repeated too frequently may 

 disturb the already delicate digestive system. Alcohol rectifies the 

 latter danger, and is a useful stimulant to the heart and digestive sys- 

 tem, if given with care in small doses. It is an an ti putrid, and is spe- 

 cially indicated when septic complications and gangrene are present. 

 The aromatics and bitter tonics are useful ; gentian and tea in warm 

 decoction form a useful menstruum for other remedies. Digitalis is 

 a useful remedy. Strychnine and quinine may be given throughout 

 almost the whole course of the disease. The various preparations of 

 iron are astringents and excitants to the digestive system. Carbolic 

 acid is an antiputrid which is of marked benefit in edematous pneu- 

 monia; it should be given in small doses diluted in alcohol. 



Salicylic acid may be given in 1 or 2 dram doses every few 

 hours. It is much used for troubles of the serous membranes, lowers 

 the temperature, and is of value in this disease in preventing the exu- 

 dation into the tissue of the lungs. The alkalines, as the sulphate 



