DISEASES OF THE HOKSE. 205 



Spasm, of the glottis. — This is manifested by a strangling respira- 

 tion; a wheezing- noise is produced in the act of inspiration; extreme 

 anxiety and suffering for want of air. The head is extended, the 

 body profusely perspiring; pulse very rapid; soon great exhaustion 

 becomes manifest; the mucous membranes become turgid and very 

 dark-colored, and the animal thus may suffocate in a short time. 



Spasms of the intestines. — (See "Cramp colic," p. 58.) 



SjMsms of the neck of the Madder.- — This may be due to spinal irri- 

 tation or a reflex from intestinal irritation, and is manifested by fre- 

 quent but ineffectual attempts to urinate. 



Sjyasm of the diaphragm^ or thumps. — Spasmodic contraction of the 

 diaphragm, the principal muscle used in respiration, is generally occa- 

 sioned b}^ extreme and prolonged speeding on the race track or road. 

 The severe strain thus put upon this muscle finally induces irritation 

 of the nerves controlling it, and the contractions become very forcible 

 and violent, giving the jerking character known among horsemen as 

 "thumps." This condition may be distinguished from violent beating 

 of the heart by feeling the pulse beat at the angle of the jaw, and at 

 the same time watching the jerking movement of the body, when it 

 will be discovered that the two bear no relation to each other. (See 

 "Palpitation of the heart," p. 236.) 



Spasm of the thigh., or cramp of a hind limh. — This is frequently 

 witnessed in horses that stand on sloping plank floors — generally in 

 cold weather — or it nmy come on soon after severe exercise. It is 

 probably due to an irritation of the nerves of the thigh. In cramps 

 of the hind leg the limb becomes perfectly rigid, and attempts to flex 

 the leg are unsuccessful; the animal stands on the affected limb, but 

 is unable to move it; it is unnaturally cold; it does not, however, 

 appear to cause much suffering unless attempts are made to change 

 position. This cramp may be of short duration — a few minutes — or 

 it may persist for several days. This condition is often taken for a 

 dislocation of the stifle joint. In the latter the foot is extended back- 

 ward, and the horse is unable to advance it, but drags the limb after 

 him. An examination of the joint also reveals a change in form. 

 Spasms may affect the eyelids, b}^ closure or by retraction. Spasm of 

 the sterno-maxillaris muscle has been witnessed, and the animal was 

 unable to close the jaws until the muscle became relaxed. 



Treatment of spasms. — An anodyne liniment, composed of chloro- 

 form 1 part and soap liniment 4 parts, applied to cramped muscles, 

 will usually cause relaxation. This may be used where single external 

 muscles are affected. In spasm of the glottis, inhalation of sulphuric 

 ether will give quick relief. In spasm of the diaphragm, rest and the 

 administration of half an ounce of chloroform in 3 ounces of whisk}^ 

 with a pint of water added, will generally suffice to bring relief, or if 

 this fails give 5 grains of sulphate of morphia by hypodermic injec- 

 tion. If spasms result from organic disease of the nervous system, 



