138 MANUAL OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



posure to cold and damp ; hot, badly-ventilated stables, and 

 contact with affected animals, are among the chief causes of 

 catarrh. Young animals, when first brought up into 

 warm stables, are especially subject to attack. During the 

 change of the coat there is also great predisposition to 

 catch cold. 



Symptoms. — Sneezing; redness and dryness of the 

 Schneiderian membrane, followed by discharge, at first thin, 

 but soon becoming turbid, yellowish-white, and profuse. 

 There is also redness of the conjunctival membrane, with 

 discharge of tears and drooping of the head. Febrile sym- 

 ptoms are sometimes manifested, and vary much in intensity. 

 The internal temperature may rise about 3°, or even a little 

 higher. The pulse and respiration are then accelerated, and 

 the appetite is impaired. Debility and general dulness fre- 

 quently supervene. 



Prognosis. — Very favourable. 



Treatment. — In mild cases rest from work, in a 

 well ventilated but not draughty or cold loose box, will 

 suffice, with attention to the diet. In all cases where the 

 febrile manifestations are at all severe, febrifuges, as acetate 

 of ammonium, may be given with nitrate or chlorate of 

 potash twice or three times daily. 



When the bowels are much confined, enemas of warm 

 water may be administered, and, if necessary, two drachms 

 of aloes may be given. 



If the throat be sore and the cough troublesome, we may 

 administer the compound tincture of camphor, or other re- 

 medies, in addition to the fever medicine. 



In the early stages, while the mucous membrane is dry, 

 inhalation of hot water vapour is useful in relieving the 

 irritation. When the throat symptoms are severe, com- 

 pound liniment of camphor, or liniment of turpentine, or 

 cantharides should be applied externally. The diet should 



