114 DISEASES OF THE HEAD 



tempt to enter into descriptions or prescribe separate 

 modes of treatment for these and other diseases of the 

 respiratory organs, such delicate distinctions belonging 

 exclusively to the professional man ; but while await- 

 ing his advice, the treatment recommended for common 

 cold and influenza can do no harm in any attacks of 

 the upper air-passages ; and when the lungs or cavity 

 of the chest appear to be affected, that advised as 

 follows for inflammation of the lungs is equally harm- 

 less : — 



Inflammation of the Lungs or Pneumonia is indi- 

 cated by great prostration and high fever, heaving of the 

 flanks (an evidence of great internal anguish) ; the legs 

 are spread out to their fullest extent, as if to prop up 

 the body and prevent it from falling ; the breathing is 

 difficult, and respiration quick ; extremities cold; pulse 

 quick and hard, like wire to the touch; a look of pain 

 and wretchedness marks the countenance.* 



Such symptoms can be safely treated by a profes- 

 sional man only ; but if his services cannot possibly be 

 procured, rub in a powerful mustard poultice over the 

 lungs, the seat of which I cannot better describe to the 

 uninitiated than as situated beneath that portion of a 

 horse's surface which would be covered by a saddle if 

 placed on his belly directly underneath the situation it 

 would have occupied on his back, the pommel being 

 close to the fore legs, omitting to blister the portion of 

 the belly which would be covered by the cantel of the 

 saddle when reversed, but continuing the blister be- 

 tween the fore legs to the front of the chest. 



* The difference between this disease and attacks of the lower 

 viscera is, that the animal does not kick about, but generally stands 

 as if hopeless and helpless. 



