SYMPTOMATIC FEVER OF HORSES. 283 



It is evident, therefore, that fever, in this instance, is not 

 to be regarded so much a disease as a s^^mptom ; and such 

 it is to be considered in practice ; nevertheless, it sometimes 

 runs so high as to supersede all other symptoms, wearing 

 away the strength of the animal, so as to render him unable 

 to struggle with the real injury. It is the most frequent 

 fever of horses ; because it is attendant upon all serious 

 hurts and attacks. 



When the veterinary surgeon is visiting an animal suf- 

 fering from any disease or injury, it is always a bad symp- 

 tom when defluxions or excretions suddenly stop ; the eye 

 brightens ; the pulse becomes much stronger, but not much 

 quicker ; the nasal and visible membranes grow red and 

 dry ; the mouth gets hot, and the horse exhibits excitability, 

 which is shown by bis being attentive to every shadow, 

 and starting at every sound. This is symptomatic fever, 

 and a little blood may then be taken. This is best done by 

 an assistant, the principal standing apart to note the effect 

 produced by the abstraction ; and so soon as he remarks 

 the animal display any change, such as gaping, or becoming 

 evidently less excited, to command the operation to cease. 

 All food must be removed except a bran mash and chilled 

 water, both of which may remain in the manger. Either 

 of the following may be given immediately : — 



Linseed oil one pint. 



Cliloriform one drachm. 



Powdered Barbadoes aloes three drachms. 



Extract of gentian three drachms. 



All noise must be suppressed, all strangers forbidden to 

 enter the stable ; none must approach the animal but the 

 groom it is accustomed to, and he must move as quietly as 

 possible. If in twenty-four hours the bowels have not 

 acted, six ounces of the solution of aloes, with one ounce 

 of sulphuric ether, and a pint of cold water may be given, 

 and ten grains of aconite (Wolfsbane) in powder be shaken 

 on the tongue, four times a day. These measures must 

 be continued ; for symptomatic fever is the first step in the 

 horse towards tetanus. All disturbance by backracking, &c. 

 must be strictly avoided ; and whatever is resolved upon 

 must be accomplished as quickly and as quietly as under 

 the circumstances is possible. 



