518 BUKEAU OF A2s'IMAL INDUSTRY. 



the animal regained his feet, the respiration became almost normal 

 and the tubular nuirmur had disappeared. I have seen no fatal ter- 

 mination from this spasm of the pneumogastric, but can readil}^ 

 believe that traumatisms resulting from sueh attaclcs might prove 

 fatal, or that the spasm might continue long enough to produce 

 asphj'xia. The fatiil complication is pleurisy. This occurs when the 

 horse has been kept at work after the development of the disease 

 while suffering from a high fever, and is probably in no way specific, 

 but the result of work on an animal with high temperature. The 

 additional symptoms are those of an ordinary' pleurisv. 



Diagnosis. — The diagnosis is based upon the elevation of the tempera- 

 ture without corresponding acceleration* of the pulse and of the respira- 

 tions; upon the retention of appetite and spinal reflex, with the great 

 irritability of temper in the presence of a high temperature, and upon 

 the spasmodic cough and auscultatory sounds of bronchitis with but 

 trifling discharge. 



The diagnosis is made from edematous pneumonia by the absence of 

 the yellow colorations, the absence of pneumonia, and the less continu- 

 ous high temperature; from influenza by the absence of edema, of the 

 ocher coloration, and of the typhoid symptoms; from strangles b}' want 

 of enlargement of the lymphatics, absence of purulent discharge and 

 abscesses; from variola h\ the nonappearance of pustules and enlarged 

 lymphatics; from simple bronchitis, as the latter is sporadic, and in it 

 great fever is accompanied hy profuse discharge; from rheumatic pleu- 

 risy and pleurodvnia by the history in these of repeated attacks and 

 great temporar}' pain; from surgical fever b}- tlic absence of cause. 



Prognosis. — The prognosis is usually favorable. This disease entails 

 only the loss of ten da3's' to three weeks' use of the animal, and leaves 

 the subject with no complicating sequelae. In some cases I have seen 

 the irritable disposition remain for a length of time, but in ever}- case 

 it has finally disappeared. As I have suggested, violent spasms might 

 prove fatal. Pleuris}" would render the prognosis serious, as the same 

 disease would when occurring from simple causes. 



Tre^itmenf. — The treatment of a stable should be at once prophylactic. 

 The infected animals should be removed, and complete disinfection of 

 the stalls and area should be made. The individual treatment is sim- 

 ple. The hygienic measures of cleanliness, fresh air without drafts, 

 frequent rul)bing, and tempting food should be thorough. The diges- 

 tive tract is to be regulated b}" small doses of bicarbonate of soda, 

 sulphate of soda, gentian, and tannic acid. The appetite is to be stimu- 

 lated hy drinks of cold breakfast tea and cow's milk. Antispasmodics 

 are to be used when the cough is excessive. The best of these are 

 camphor, belladonna, stramonium, and steaming with turpentine 

 (turpentine 1 ounce, water half bucket). External frictions of alco- 

 hol and turpentine, with hot packs to the loins, will also afford relief. 



