486 WHAT TO DO BEFORE THE 



the eyes staring and bloodshot, and the body perhaps covered with 

 perspiration. Then the creature falls quite unconscious, struggles 

 perhaps, or lies perfectly still; the breathing is stertorous, and 

 death may ensue more or less rapidly in the midst of profound 

 coma. 



Debility, bad and tight^fitting harness, keeping in hot, insufl5ci- 

 ently-ventilated stables, insufficient exercise, unsuitable food, and 

 plethora, are all predisposing causes, and should be guarded against 

 during hot, sultry weather, if animals must be travelled, or cannot 

 be kept cool. 



When attacked, remove into a cool, shady place, if possible; 

 whether possible or not, cold water should be applied freely to the 

 head and neck. To the head and spine it should more particularly 

 be applied in a full stream, and an ice-bag will be found most bene- 

 ficial if placed against the head. The limbs should be well hand- 

 rubbed, and it may be necessary to apply turpentine or ammonia 

 liniment to them by friction, and mustard to the head and sides of 

 the neck when torpor is extreme. 



Recovery in bad cases is slow, and should the animal rally in a 

 short time it must not be immediately worked or travelled. 



Fits. — Animals often fall down in what are called " fits," and 

 cause alarm Horses, when in harness, and even in the saddle, are 

 liable to attacks of epilepsy, during which they may be seized with 

 partial convulsions without falling, or they may fall and be violently 

 convulsed while lying on the, ground. In such circumstances but 

 little can be done, except allowing the animal to have plenty of 

 air, preventing it injuring itself while struggling, dashing cold 

 water against the head and spine, and keeping it quiet for some 

 time after recovery. 



Small animals are very liable to fits, especially dogs. During 

 the attack they whine or yell, struggle convulsively, foam at the 

 mouth, roll their eyes about, and gnash their teeth, &c. 



The cause or causes of fits are often very obscure, and the 

 veterinary surgeon must be left to ascertain them and suggest 

 measures for their prevention. 



Fainting. — Fainting, or syncope, is comparatively rare among 

 animals. During the attack they lie perfectly still, the pulse is not 

 much altered, the breathing is tranquil, and there are scarcely any 

 symptoms of a departure from ordinary health, except the state of 

 unconsciousness, from which the creature cannot be aroused. 

 Plenty of fresh air, sponging of the face, nostrils, and mouth with 

 cold water, pulling the tongue well forward, and, if the animal 

 wears harness, removing all those portions which may impede the 

 respiration or circulation, are the chief indications. The cause of 

 fainting should bt ascertained by the veterinary surgeon. 



