124 DISEASES OF ANIMALS. 



common m the spring and fall, not only from the changes 

 of weather at these seasons, but from the great change 

 the horse undergoes from moulting or shedding his coat, 

 which produces fever, debility, sweating on the least ex- 

 ertion, and susceptibility to colds and other kindred dis- 

 eases. 



Colds are often produced by sudde.i changes in the 

 temperature of the atmosphere, without proper protec- 

 tion. Sometimes they are caused by a peculiar state of 

 the atmosphere, and then they become epidemical, and 

 often very extensive and severe. 



The Symptoms are numerous and various, according 

 to the nature and severity of the disease, and the part 

 that is affected. Sometimes there is moderate fever ; 

 sometimes the inflammation is high ; at other times the 

 pulse is slow and weak. The eyes are sometimes much 

 affected, and are red, dull, running and weak, and occa- 

 sionally much inflamed. The head is often affected in- 

 ternally, and there is a copious discharge from the nose. 

 Sometimes the mouth is inflamed and sore, so that the 

 animal cannot chew without great difficulty. The throat 

 often shares largely in the evil, and is so inflamed that 

 swallowing is very difficult. Sometimes there is shiver- 

 ing, the mouth hot, the coat staring, the belly tucked up, 

 the nose red, the flanks heave. These are the most 

 prominent sympioms. Some exist in one case, others in 

 another. 



Remedies. These are various, as there are difierent 

 degrees of severity in the disease, or it varies in its pecu- 

 liar nature, and different parts of the system are affected, 

 or all share in its influence. The best remedy is good 

 management in avoiding causes, and predisposing 

 causes, and placing the patient under favorable circum- 

 stances for recovery. In many cases medicines will not 

 avail much, as the disease will run its course in spite of 

 them, and nature may work a cure in time. When there 

 is high fever, treat the horse for that affection. If there 

 be cosliveness, remove it, using mild means, if sufficient, 

 and powerful ones if necessary. While the fever con- 

 tinues, feed lightly, and with laxative food. But if the 

 animal is in a low condition, and there is no fever, give 

 nourishing food; keep warm, and apply remedies foi 



