DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 427 



was being treated. Notwithstanding- these difficulties there are sonic 

 general rules to be observed that will in part serve to prevent the 

 development of an unusual number of cases. First of all the predis- 

 posing causes must be removed where possible; when this is impossi- 

 ble unusual care must be taken not to bring into operation an exciting 

 cause. Fat animals should, under no circumstances, have hard Avork. 

 If the weather is warm or the variation of temperature great, all horses 

 should have but slow, gentle labor until they become inured to it, the 

 tissues hardened and their excitability reduced to a minimum. Green 

 horses should have moderate work, particularl}" when taken from 

 the farm and dirt roads to city pavements; for increased concussion, 

 changed hygienic conditions, and artificial living readily become active 

 causes of the disease under these circumstances. Army horses just 

 cut of winter quarters, track horses with insufficient preparation, and 

 farmers' horses put to work in the spring are among the most suscep- 

 tible classes, and must be protected by work that is easy and gradual. 

 If long marches or drives are imperative, the incumbrances must be 

 as light as possible and the journey interspersed with frequent rests, 

 for this allows the laminae to regain their impaired functional activity 

 and to withstand much more work without danger. Furthermore, it 

 permits earl}'^ detection of an attack, and prevents working after the 

 disease begins, which renders svibsequcnt medication more effective by 

 cutting the process short at the stage of congestion. 



All animals when resting immediately after work should be pro- 

 tected from cold air or drafts. If placed in a stable that is warm 

 and without draft, no covering is necessary; under opposite conditions 

 blankets should be used until the excitement and exhaustion of labor 

 have entirely passed away. It is still better that all animals coming 

 in warm from work be "cooled out" by slow walking until the per- 

 spiration has dried and the circulation and respiration are again 

 normal. Animals stopped on the road even for a few moments should 

 always be protected from rapid change of temperature by appropriate 

 clothing. If it can be avoided, horses that are working should never 

 be driven or ridden through water. If unavoidable, they should be 

 cooled off before passing through, and then kept moving until com- 

 pletel}^ dried. The same care is to be practiced vath washing the legs 

 in cold water when just in from work, for occasionally it proves the 

 cause of a most acute attack of this disease. 



Unusual changes in the manner of applying the shoe should not be 

 hastily made. If a plane shoe has been worn, high heels or toes must 

 not be substituted at once; but the change, if necessary, should 

 gradually be made, so that the different tissues may adapt themselves 

 to the altered conditions. If radical changes are imperative, as is 

 sometimes the case, the work must be so reduced in quantity and 

 quality that it can not excite the disease. 



