874 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



Fig. 769. — Arrangement of the capillaries 

 around the air-cells. 



lit ; the ears are cold, and the respiration hurried, when the ear 

 applied to the chest can plainly detect the imperfect breathing. 



The inability of the horse to take sufficient air into the lungs, 

 causes great and rapid prostration, and the horse will often, from 

 extreme pain, lie down and get up, resembling colic (Somerville) ; 

 but the coldness of extremities, prostration, and condition of pulse, 



will, if carefully exam- 

 ined, enable an under- 

 standing of the real cause. 

 A choking noise is some- 

 times heard cominof from 

 the throat. In some cases 

 a little blood may be 

 thrown from one or both 

 nostrils. Extreme pros- 

 tration and laborious 

 breathing, and bleeding 

 from the nostrils, show a 

 condition of severe con- 

 gestion. 



Causes. — The most common cause is violent exertion when the 

 horse is in an unfit state for severe work ; as, for instance, a horse 

 in high condition is taken out of his stable and driven rapidly for 

 five or six miles ; this induces an increased quantity of blood to 

 the lungs, more than they can dispose of in their weakened condi- 

 tion from the want of regular exercise. It is also caused by 

 impure air, in horses standing in crowded stables, and is often a 

 sequel, of catarrh. 



Treatment. — In acute cases it must be energetic. Clothe the 

 body well, and administer stimulants, as — 



2 ounces sulphuric ether, 

 1 ounce laudanum. 



To be given in half a pint of cold water ; or nitrous ether may be given 

 in place of the sulphuric. 



If no medicinal agents can be conveniently procured, give a 

 quart of warm ale, or a tumblerful of gin, whisky, or brandy, 

 mixed up with hot water or sugar. Have him put into a warm 

 place, with plenty of ventilation, as pure air is an indispensable 

 adjunct in the treatment of all pulmonary diseases. If no relief 



