98 HORSE, SWINE AND POULTRY DISEASES 



About this time, or probably before, swelling of the bones of 

 the face and jaw, which is almost constantly present in this disease, 

 will be observed. The bones of the lower jaw are the most fre- 

 quently involved, and this condition is readily detected with the 

 fingers by the bulging ridge of the bone outside and along the lower 

 edge of the molar teeth. A thickening of the lower jawbone may 

 likewise be identified by feeling on both sides of each branch at the 

 same time and comparing it with the thinness of this bone in a 

 normal horse. As a result mastication becomes difficult or impossi- 

 ble and the teeth become loose and painful. The imperfect chew- 

 ing which follows causes balls of food to form which drop out of the 

 mouth into the manger. Similar enlargements of the bones of the 

 upper jaw may be seen, causing a widening of the face and a bulging 

 of the bones about midway between the eyes and the nostrils. In 

 some cases the nasal bones also become swollen and deformed, which 

 together with the bulging of the bones under the eyes, gives a good 

 illustration of the reason for the application of the term bighead. 



Other bones of the body will undergo similar changes, but these 

 alterations are not so readily noted except by the symptoms they oc- 

 casion. The alterations of the bones of the spinal column and the 

 limbs, while difficult of observation, are nevertheless indicated by the 

 reluctance of the animal to get up and the desire to remain lying for 

 long periods of time. The animal easily tires, moves less rapidly, 

 and if urged to go faster may sustain a fracture or have a liga- 

 ment torn from its bony attachments, especially in the lower bones 

 of the leg. 



The animal becomes poor in flesh, the coat is rough and luster- 

 less, and the skin tight and harsh, producing a condition termed 

 hidebound, with considerable tucking up of the abdomen. The 

 horse shows a short, stilted, choppy gait, which later becomes stiffer 

 and more restricted, while on standing a position simulating that in 

 founder is assumed, with a noticeable drop to the croup. The ani- 

 mal at this stage usually lies down and remains recumbent for sev- 

 eral days at a time. Bed sores frequently arise and fractures are not 

 uncommon in consequence of attempts to arise, which complications, 

 in addition to emaciation, result in death. 



The disease may exist in this manner for variable periods ex- 

 tending from two or three months to two years. The termination 

 of the disease is uncertain at best, but is likely to be favorable if 

 treatment and a change of feed, water, and location is adopted in 

 the early stages of the malady. 



Treatment. The affected animal should be immediately placed 

 under new conditions, both as to feed and surroundings. If the 

 horse has been stable fed, it is advisable to turn it out on grass for 

 two or three months, preferably in a higher altitude. If the disease 

 has been contracted while running on pasture, place the animal in 

 the stable or corral. In the early stages of the disease beneficial re- 

 sults have followed the supplemental use of lime given in the drink- 

 ing water. One peck of lime slaked in a cask of water and additional 

 water added from time to time is satisfactory and can be provided 



