8 The Ailments of Horses. 



"salted," i.e., proof against the disease 

 (acquired immunity). 



Outbreaks of anthrax in the horse hap- 

 pen now and again, though chiefly in the 

 fen -lands of Norfolk and Lincoln. 



In cattle the disease is known as splenic 

 apoplexy, and in them it is fairly common. 

 The horse may get it from these animals, 

 so may the human subject, dog, sheep, 

 pig, rodents, &c. 



In dealing with anthrax-stricken ani- 

 mals — living or dead — the utmost pre- 

 cautions have to be taken to guard against 

 inoculation, as the disease is usually fatal 

 to man, though not to the dog, fowl, &g. 



In acute anthrax the animal may be 

 seized whilst at work, succumbing to the 

 attack within an hour or so. 



Trembling from head to foot, violent 

 pain in the belly and quick breathing, 

 along with a small pulse, are the symp- 

 toms of most importance. The body 

 rapidly decomposes after death. The 

 diagnosis must rest upon the finding of 

 the germs, for which work an expert 

 microscopist is required. 



Swelling of the head and tongue is 

 commonly seen when the disease takes a 

 slower course. 



If suspected report the matter at once 

 to the nearest local authority. 



Arsenic poisoning. — Some horse- 

 keepers have got into the pernicious habit 

 of giving white arsenic (arsenious acid) to 

 their horses about once a week, in the 

 form of a powder, along with the animals' 

 food. 



