VETERINARY SURGEON COMES. 485 



injuries; though it not unfrcquently appears as a sequel of such 

 diseases as influenza, iuflamuiation of the lungs or bowels, feeding 

 on certain kinds of food, standing too long in the stable, and over- 

 feeding. It is a most painful disease, and when acute the symp- 

 toms are most marked. The fore-feet are most frequently involved, 

 and in addition to signs of general fever — hurried breathing, dila- 

 ted nf)strils, anxious countenance, hard quick pulse, perspiring — 

 there is great disinclination to move, even when force is employed, 

 the animal swaying his body backwards and forwards ratjier than 

 lift the feet off the ground.' These are placed well out in front, so 

 as to throw the weight on the heels, while the hind legs are brought 

 more under the body. When compelled to move, the hind limbs 

 have to sustain nearly all the weight ; the horse appears greatly dis- 

 tressed, and groans, and the hoofs are very hot. If both fore-feet 

 are involved, it is all but impossible to make the horse stand on 

 one of them ; but if only one is affected, then this is often rested 

 and placed in front. When the hoofs of the inflamed feet are 

 tapped with a hammer, the greatest distress is exhibited. Should 

 the hind feet be affected — which is not so common — they are placed 

 well beneath the body, but the front ones are brought back close to 

 them, so as to sustain a larger share of the weight. 



If there is only congestion — that is, the disease has only com- 

 menced — compelling the animal to take long-continued but gentle 

 walking exercise on soft ground, may soon effect a recovery, and 

 more especially if the shoes are taken off, during the intervals of 

 rest cold water being applied to the hoofs, or the feet immersed in 

 cold poultices. A strong dose of physic should also be given soon, 

 if the animal is in gross condition. If it is apprehended that the 

 congestive stage has passed and the inflammatory one is present, 

 then exercise should not be resorted to, but the margin of the hoof 

 should be rasped down when the shoes are removed, so as to make 

 it level with the sole, and poultices applied. It will be all the 

 better if the horse can be induced to lie down on a good bed of 

 sawdust or tan. Considering the serious character of this disease, 

 no time should be lost in sending for the veterinary surgeon. 



Sunstroke. — During very hot weather, animals exposed to the 

 sun and compelled to undergo severe exertion are liable to sun- 

 stroke or heat apoplexy. The attack may be quite sudden — the 

 first intimation of it being the horse, or whatever animal it chances 

 to be, falling to the ground as if shot. At other times, if it be a 

 horse in harness, signs of giddiness and stupor are manifested ; the 

 animal shows an indisposition to go on so freely as usual, hangs 

 heavy in hand, does not care for the whip, and staggers If not 

 relieved he stops, props out his limbs, drops his head, appears to 

 be only half conscious, the breathing is hurried, panting, and noisy, 



