272 OF PURE FEVER. 



without other signs, usually begins most disorders ; and 

 this staring coat alone would justify us in concluding that 

 the cold stage were present. The peculiar mode of stand- 

 ing, and the blowing kind of breathing, are moreover each 

 characteristic of the sensation of cold. When the heat 

 commences, or the warm stage supervenes, other symptoms, 

 with equal force, declare the change which has taken place. 

 The horse appears in a state of dejection, and sweats on 

 every exertion, however trivial. His extremities, in all 

 probability, are cold at the onset. The pulse, before slow, 

 and its stroke feeble, becomes quick and at length throb- 

 bing. Breathing is quickened, and the dejected animal 

 looks around as though he implored relief, yet is watchful 

 and sleepless. His thirst is in most cases urgent, but his 

 appetite is diminished. He stales little, his urine is high- 

 coloured, and the dung he voids is hard and in small balls. 

 Fever, when first observed, is often promptly treated by the 

 abstraction of blood. But this method, though often suc- 

 cessful, is no less imprudent. It leaves the animal weak, 

 and retards his perfect recovery. A better plan is to give, 

 when the staring coat alone is witnessed, the following- 

 drink : — 



Nitrated spirits of ether (sweet nitre) four ounces. 



Acetate of ammonia eight ounces. 



Water one pint. 



If this does not succeed in a quarter of an hour, the drink 

 may be repeated, and thus continued till the coat is smooth, 

 or other symptoms are exhibited. 



Supposing the fever to have gone on to the warm fit, a 

 quickened pulse is generally imagined to demand immediate 

 venesection. But a quick action of the heart portrays 

 bodily v/eakness, and the following drench will answer the 

 end desired much better : — 



Sulphuric ether one ounce. 



Laudanum one ounce. 



Water one pint. 



And this may be repeated at intervals of a quarter of an 

 hour, till the recovery is confirmed. 



