THE DISEASES OF THE HORSE 



DISEASES OF THE BLOOD-VESSELS OF THE 

 CHEST AND NOSE 



The horse is very subject to haemorrhage from the nose, coming on 

 during violent exertion, and many a race lias been lost from this cause. Fat 

 over-fed horses are the most likely to suffer from haemorrhage ; but most 

 people are aware of the risk incurred in over-riding or driving them, and 

 for this reason they are not so often subject to this accident (for such it 

 is rather than a disease) as they othei'wise would be. It is unnecessary to 

 describe its symptoms, as the gush of blood renders it but too apparent, and 

 the only point necessary to inquire into is, whether the lungs or the nasal 

 cavities are the seat of the ru^^ture of the vessel. In the foraier case the 

 blood comes from both nostrils, and is frothy ; while in the latter it gener- 

 ally proceeds from one only, and is perfectly fluid. The treatment should 

 consist in cooling the horse down by a dose of physic and a somewhat lower 

 diet ; but if the bleeding is very persistent, and returns again and again, a 

 saturated solution of alum in water may be syringed up the nostril daily, or, 

 if this fails, an infusion of matico may be tried, which is far more likely to 

 succeed. It is made by pouring half-a-pint of boiling water on a drachm of 

 matico-leaves, and letting it stand till cool, when it should be strained, and 

 is fit for use. 



ILemorrhage from the lungs is a far more sei^ious affair, and its control 

 requires active remedies if they are to be of any service. It may be caused 

 by the rupture of a large vessel, or on the contrary only some small capillaries, 

 and its volume will to a great extent indicate which. Perfect repose in an 

 airy box is a first necessity, and an avoidance of all excitement and fuss on 

 the part of attendants. Only such agents as act through the medium of 

 the circulation can be used, and of these gallic acid and sugar of lead are 

 the most likely to be of service in arresting the flow of blood. Suitable doses 

 (see Table of Doses) should be administered every hour if necessary, or until 

 the htemorrhage ceases. When it has been arrested there necessarily re- 

 ]nains an area of lung in which the cells are blocked up, and this has to 

 undergo certain changes before the parts can be restored, and cease to be a 

 source of danger. Pneumonia may follow from the pi^esence of ablood-clot, or 

 one of these entering a vessel may be axTested in some other part and set 

 up a new area of inflammation. Apparently rapid and complete recoveries 

 often take place, but should be treated with the greatest cai-e, not suffering 

 the animal to exert himself beyond what is necessary for gentle exercise. 

 No attempt should be made to train such a horse either for i-acing or hunt- 

 ing for some months, and even then he will be liable to a recurrence of the 

 accident and had better be put to woi'k of a slower character. 



