DISEASES. 251 



condition, or plethoric, are also liable to attacks. Debility 

 may also bring it on, and it is often an accompaniment or 

 seqtiel of a cold, or exposure to severe weather. If not quickly 

 relieved, the horse will die, or the congestion will pass on to 

 inflammation of the lungs. 



The horse breathes hurriedly, the nostrils being widely 

 dilated, and the face anxious ; the head and neck are extended, 

 and the front limbs wide apart, all the limbs being icy cold, 

 and patches of perspiration on the body. 



An abundance of fresh air should be allowed ; the legs 

 should be well hand-rubbed and bandaged, and the body 

 warmly clothed. It may be necessary to apply mustard to the 

 sides of the chest ; mild stimulants, as small doses of brandy, 

 should be given frequently. But a veterinary surgeon should 

 see the horse as soon as possible, as complications may arise, 

 and delay is dangerous. 



Broken Wind. 



This is indicated by difficult expiration, most marked at the 

 flank, where the gradual rise there is interrupted by a momen- 

 tary check, and then resumed with a kind of jerk. Inspiration 

 is performed with ease and steadiness. There is generally a 

 short, hollow, characteristic cough. 



Medical treatment is not of much avail in " broken wind," 

 but relief can be afforded by attention to feeding and watering. 

 The horse should be fed in small quantities, and frequently, 

 and water ought to be given in the same way. 



Surfeit. 



Many diseases of the skin pass by this name, though the 

 most common is perhaps nettle-rash, which appears suddenly 

 as an eruption of hard lumps, or weals, on different parts of 

 the body ; itching is also present, and the hair often falls off*. 

 In a few days the symptoms disappear. 



