DISEASES OF HORSES 363 



Treatment is only useful when the disease is symptomatic of 

 some removable cause, like congested brain, loaded stomach, or 

 gravid womb. When recovery does not follow the termination of 

 these conditions, apply a blister behind the ear and give one-half 

 dram doses of nux vomica daily. 



TUMORS OF THE EYEBALL. 



A variety of tumors attack the eyeball dermoid, papillary, 

 fatty, cystic, and melanotic 'but perhaps the most frequent in the 

 horse is encephaloid cancer. This may grow in or on the globe, the 

 haw, the eyelid, or the bones of the orbit, and is only to be remedied, 

 if at all, by early and thorough excision. It may be distinguished 

 from the less dangerous tumors by its softness, friability, and great 

 vascularity, bleeding on the slightest touch, as well as by its anatom- 

 ical structure. (Spl. Rpt. Horse Dept. Agr. 1911.) 



DISEASES OF THE HEART, BLOOD VESSELS, AND 

 LYMPHATICS. 



DISEASES OF THE HEART AND BLOOD VESSELS. 



In considering diseases of the heart we meet with many diffi- 

 culties, depending much upon the position which this organ occu- 

 pies in the animal. The shoulders cover so much of the anterior 

 portion of the chest, and often in very heavy-muscled horses the 

 chest walls are so thick that a satisfactory examination of the heart 

 is attended with difficulty. Diseases of the heart are not uncommon 

 among horses ; the heart and its membranes are frequently involved 

 in diseases of the respiratory organs, diseases of the kidneys, rheu- 

 matism, influenza, etc. Some of the diseases of this organ are never 

 suspected by the ordinary observer during life, and are so difficult 

 to diagnose with any degree of certainty that we will have to confine 

 ourselves to a general outline, giving attention to such symptoms as 

 may serve to lead to a knowledge of their existence, with directions 

 for treatment, care, etc. 



Nervous affections often produce prominent heart symptoms by 

 causing functional disturbance of that organ, which, if removed, 

 will leave the heart restored to perfect vigor and normal action. Or- 

 ganic changes involving the heart or valves, however, usually grow 

 worse and eventually prove fatal. Therefore it is necessary that we 

 arrive at an appreciation of the true nature and causes, so that we 

 may be able to form a true estimate of the possibilities for recovery 

 or encouragement for medical treatment. 



Disease of the heart may occur at any age, but it is witnessed 

 most frequentlv in young horses, which, when being trained for fast 

 work, are often subjected to excessive hardship and fatigue. Nervous 

 or timid animals also suffer from such diseases more frequently than 

 those of a sluggish disposition. Any cause which induces a violent 

 or sudden change in the circulation may result in injury to the 

 heart. Symptoms which may frequently denote disease of the heart 

 are difficult breathing or short-windedness, dropsies of the limbs, 

 habitual coldness of the extremities, giddiness or fainting attacks, 

 inability to stand work, although the general appearance would in- 

 dicate strength and ability, etc. 



