84 THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 



erected another on higher ground, removed from water, and clear 

 from the shade of trees, with a south-east aspect, and dry, capa- 

 cious yard ; and from that day I have had neither sickness nor 

 sorrow in my out-door household." — Boston Cultivator. 



This is only one among the many evils of domesticated life, 

 and he who would prevent sickness, and thus save himself from 

 loss and vexation, must know something of the laws of life, and 

 be able to understand how, and by what means, disease and death 

 stride through his flocks and herds. 



SYMPTOMS OF PHTHISIS. 



In the early stage of the disease, the hide appears tight about 

 the ribs, and cannot be so easily raised from its subcellular 

 attachments — horsemen often express their idea of this feature 

 in the case by the appellation hidebound. The owner of such an 

 animal may have observed that he sweats under the least exer- 

 tion, and sometimes coughs, though the cough may be so slight 

 as not to attract notice. This may also apply to his condition, 

 which has in so insidious a manner been falling off that the owner, 

 who may have had the patient continually under his inspection, 

 yet does not actually realize that there has been a gradual wast- 

 ing of the solids and fluids of the body, which to the man of ex- 

 perience would be very apparent. 



As the disease progresses, the respiration becomes somewhat 

 disturbed, and a glance at the flanks shows what is generally 

 termed slight abdominal respiration. The cough, which is gen- 

 erally a short, dry one, has increased. Pressing on the intercostal 

 spaces — between the ribs — gives the animal pain. The pulse 

 is quick and small, and the spirits are occasionally depressed. 

 Sometimes the appetite is good, and the patient eats with con- 

 siderable relish ; at others he seems indifferent to food, but will 

 generally partake of grass if offered to him. 



In the latter stages, all the symptoms are aggravated, followed 

 by fetid breath and discharge of bad-looking matter from the 

 nostrils. Dropsical swellings, diarrhoea, and great emaciation 

 terminate the scene. 



