348 BROKEN WIND. 



mortem examinations of such cases exhibit, in some in- 

 stances, a sHght hepatization of lung, the consequence of 

 repeated congestions ; in others, the minute bronchial cells 

 are filled with adhesive matter, or the general substance 

 may be pervaded with minute granulations of a blueish 

 colour. 



The symptoms of thick wind are sufficiently known to any 

 one at all conversant with horses. The capacity of the air- 

 cells being diminished, renders it necessary for the air to be 

 more frequently taken in, because, being acted on by a less 

 surface, the blood is not sufficiently oxygenated ; and a suf- 

 ficient number of air-cells not being expanded, the animal 

 makes hasty inspirations to remedy the default : the force 

 with which these are effected, occasions the sound so well 

 known as the distinguishing mark of thick wind. In this 

 affection, the obstruction to both being equal, the inspira- 

 tions and expirations are ahke, which serves to distinguish 

 it from broken wind. Thick wind is, however, very apt to 

 degenerate into broken wind ; and the post-mortem appear- 

 ances of such horses as have been examined for thick wind 

 would readily, by an increase of the disorganization, account 

 for the symptoms which are characteristic of broken wind ; 

 but these can only spring from a hepatized lung which is in 

 the emphysematous state. 



The treatment of thick wind can seldom be more than 

 palliative, for once established, it remains permanent. The 

 remedial means are more in the hands of the proprietor 

 than of the veterinary surgeon. The food must be moderate 

 in quantity, and of such a kind as will occupy the least possi- 

 ble space. No hay should be allowed ; and as thick winded 

 horses are gross feeders, the muzzle ought to be put on as 

 soon as the manger has been emptied. 



BROKEN WIND. 



This peculiar affection has long excited the attention not 

 only of veterinarians, but of the curious in general : and as a 

 cure for it holds out the certainty of a plentiful harvest, both 

 of credit and emolument, it has been a subject of much ex- 

 periment and more conjecture. The older writers indulged 

 in the most absurd and extravagant notions respecting it ; 

 into the detail of which I shall not follow them. On the 



