90 THE IMPROVED ART OF FARRIERY. 



APOPLEXY. 



This disease seldom prevails among horses ; in most 

 cases it is incurable, as the animal drops down and 

 soon expires, being somewhat similar to apoplexy in 

 the human being. 



Causes. — ^These are different in many cases. Ge- 

 nerally, over-exertion, producing congestion in the 

 chest, terminates in the brain. 



Symptoms. — Some time before apoplexy comes on, 

 the animal gives warning of its approach by bearing 

 the head very low, the eyes appearing sleepy, with an 

 occasional superabundance of saliva; the hearing is 

 also affected, and a general weakness of the limbs. 

 After remaining in this state any period from two to 

 ten hours, the crisis arrives, and he falls, sometimes 

 dying immediately ; at other times, exhibiting symp- 

 toms of violent convulsions. 



Treatment. — ^Bleeding should take place immediately, 

 and that copiously. The jugular, or common neck- 

 vein, is the best for the operation, as that will sooner 

 relieve the brain, from the impossibihty of getting near 

 any artery which supplies the brain with blood : this 

 may be followed by gentle purges. 



DYSPEPSIA, OR LOSS OF APPETITE. 



Causes. — Loss of appetite is usually the forerunner 

 of all diseases ; and when other symptoms show them- 

 selves, should be treated accordingly. When it comes 



