8 HORSE DOCTOR. 



MEGRIMS. 



From various causes, of which the most common 

 is violent exercise on a hot day, when the collar 

 is too small, or the curb-rein too tight — the blood is 

 prevented from returning from the head. The larger 

 vessels of the brain will then be too long and injuriously- 

 distended ; and, what is of more consequence, the small 

 vessels that permeate the substance of the brain will be 

 enlarged, and the bulk of the brain increased, so that it 

 will press upon the origins of the nerves, and produce, 

 almost without warning, loss of power and conscious- 

 ness. 



The mildest affection of this kind is known by the 

 name of megrims. 



At the moment of attack, a person who is competent 

 to the task should abstract three or four quarts of blooct 

 from the neck-vein ; or cut the bars of the palate, and 

 whence a considerable and sufficient quantity of blood 

 may be readily obtained. 



APOPLEXY, OR STAGGERS. 



Megrims is Apoplexy under its mildest form. In the 

 latter affection, the determination of blood, if not so sud- 

 den, is greater, or differently directed, or more lasting. 



Sy^nptoms, — The horse is a little off his feed — he is 

 more than usually dull — there is a degree of stupidity 

 about him, and, generally, a somewhat staggering gait. 

 The last act of voluntary motion which he will attempt 

 is usually to drink ; but he has little power over the 

 muscles of deglutition, and the fluid retUrns through the 

 nostrils. 



He now begins to foam at the mouth. His breathing 

 is laborious and loud. It is performed by the influence 

 of the organic nerves, and those of animal life no longer 

 lend their aid. 



All the powers of life are oppressed, and death speedily 

 closes the scene. 



