S6 0CCAS10N.iL AND PLETHORIC COUGtt 



work, as mentioned in the last pages. The corresponding symptoms of both 

 are also so nearly alike, that I merely comply with custom while I recapitu- 

 late these for the use of readers who might not choose to consider that horse 

 broken winded, which to all appearance is only affected with "an old cold in 

 the wind-pipe," But, let the first term appear to an owner ever so formida- 

 ble in sound, the latter is no less dangerous in effect, and both are alike liable 

 to terminate in roaring. 



The symptoms which indicate chronic cough are nevertheless so slight, that 

 it is too often considered as but a small remains of the more alarming catarrh, 

 which its owner vainly imagines will go off in time, as the other disagreeable 

 symptoms have done. In this hope he is invariably disappointed, if the means 

 of reducing it be deferred. After the more violent symptoms of catarrh have 

 subsided, and the cure may reasonably be considered as complete, the horse 

 returns to his usual feeding, and, as in the former case, eats voraciously ; he 

 is denied water oftener than twice a day, perhaps not so much ; but, when at 

 length he does drink, he gulps it up as if famished. This is commonly the 

 cause, and the first indication of the cough which follows immediately after, 

 but is often mistakenly attributed to his improving too fast after his long illness, 

 and it is considered only fair that " he should be allowed to recover himself 

 completely." Precaution is thus lulled in fancied security, and unless prompt 

 relief be afforded before the damp season of autumn returns, the symptom in- 

 creases to obstinate confirmation ; until time renders cure hopeless, alleviation 

 or abatement of the coughing being all that lies within the power of medicine 

 or stable management to effect for it — the aid of the former being then of little 

 avail. Very few small proprietors of horses use timely precautions in this re- 

 spect, and the disorder goes on : large owners having more experience, adopt 

 early measures, and if pursued with proper vigour, these usually prevail in 

 lowering the symptoms. 



An occasional cough is also brought on by high feeding, which, as it arises 

 from the rapid production of fresh blood, is termed plethoric cough, by way 

 of distinction. Of this symptom it would be needless to tell the better in- 

 formed, perhaps, at an interval of six days, that we have but to take away the 

 cause, and the effect ceases of course. This, however, does not always follow ; 

 for the cough sometimes remains after the gross feeding has been reduced in 

 quantity and quality. In this case, it must be considered as chronic cough, 

 and treated as such, by emptying the bowels, &c. as above directed. 



Remedy. As in the case of broken wind of every other kind, the horse 

 eats every substance he can come near, chronic cough being sometimes pro- 

 duced by over feeding, as well as always producing that symptom. There- 

 fore, vyhen a horse has a cough, occasionally, for two or three days, his appe- 

 tite being good, we had best conclude he is too full and must be emptied by 

 an alterative or purgative, according to the emergency of the case : if he be 

 of gross haoit, or has failed in the proper evacuations ; if his heels swell of a 

 morning, or his coat stare like hide-bound, the cough will vanish before the 

 following 



Purgative BalL 



Barbadoes aloes, 8 drachms, 

 Castile soap, 2 drachms, 

 Ginger, 1 drachm. 

 With mucilage sufficient to form the ball. 



Failing to stale properly, the patient's heels will swell, in addition to the 

 cough, and both may be got rid of by a diuretic ball or two at farthest. If 



