6 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



and dusty looking. Anorexia is usually observable, as is 

 redness and dryness of the Schneiderian membrane. The 

 circulation is affected considerably in some cases, very 

 slightly in others. Usually about this stage the animal has 

 ;i slight cough, which is easily excited by pressure over the 

 region of the larynx ; but we may have a well-marked case 

 of simple catarrh without a cough. The discharge is from 

 both nostrils in a large majority of cases ; it is at first of a 

 serous character, thin and watery ; soon, however, becoming 

 thicker and more abundant, and yellowish- white in 

 appearance. There is often a discharge of tears, which 

 may or may not be abundant. Kespiration is not interfered 

 with except in certain rare cases. 



Simple catarrh undoubtedly constitutes a far more serious 

 affection in the horse than it does in man. If an animal 

 suffering with catarrh be put to work, the probabilities are 

 that he will come in suffering from congestion of the lungs, 

 and die in from fifteen to twenty hours. Simple catarrh 

 usually runs a favourable course in from six to ten days. 



Treatment is very simple, and usually satisfactory if 

 adopted in time. Pure air is absolutely indispensable in 

 the treatment of all affections of the respiratory system, 

 therefore the animal should be placed in a dry and well- 

 ventilated loose box; the body should be clothed judiciousl}*, 

 according to the season, flannel bandages should be placed 

 upon the legs, and the diet should be tempting to the appe- 

 tite, of a moderate quantity, and of an easily digestible and 

 nourishing character. Mild diffusible stimulants and febri- 

 fuges are the medicinal agents indicated in the treatment 

 of simple catarrh. An excellent draught is as follows : 

 Spts. seth. nitrici, 51. — 5ii. ; j)otassce nitr., 5ii. — 5iii. ; 

 aquae, O.i., to be given once or twice a day; if necessary, 

 continue its administration for three or four days. Some- 

 times the required effect will be produced by the administra- 



