136 MANUAL OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



The roarer generally has a characteristic cough in addi- 

 tion to the abnormal inspiratory sound. This cough is a 

 loud, harsh, and dry sound. 



Most roarers are also grunters in addition. 



In testing a horse for its wind, it is customary to place 

 him against a wall and make a feint to strike him. If he 

 grunts he is further examined ; if not, he is made to cough 

 by compressing the larynx, and if the cough enforced sound 

 healthy, he is passed. It is, however, best to have the horse 

 galloped, and let him finish his run as he is going uphill. 

 In the case of a draught-horse, the animal may be made to 

 draw a load at a fair pace up an inclined plane, when, if he 

 be a roarer, the characteristic sound will be made. All 

 forms of roaring constitute unsoundness, yet in some cases 

 of recent inflammation of the respiratory organs, the animal 

 may be again examined after a reasonable interval before 

 being finally rejected. 



Treatment of Roaring. — In cases of abnormal growths 

 in the nasal chambers, a careful examination should be 

 made with the speculum and by percussion. If a polypus 

 be detected, we may endeavour to remove it if operation is 

 feasible. Similarly, if any removable adventitious growth 

 be found to be the cause of the infirmity, it should be treated 

 according to the requisite surgical methods. 



When roaring follows influenza, catarrh, or strangles, it 

 should be carefully treated. The animal should have light 

 work only, and nutritious diet. Potassium iodide, with 

 quinine and liquor arsenicalis may be given in moderate 

 doses twice daily. In addition, the throat should be 

 smartly blistered with ointment of cantharides and biniodide 

 of mercury. 



The greater number of cases of roaring met with how- 

 ever, are due to atrophy and paralysis of the laryngeal 

 muscles. 



