INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF THE HORSE 311 



excreta. Close proximity to a diseased animal is not necessar;y 

 in order to contract the disease. Stables may harbor the infec 

 tion, and it may be distributed by such disease carriers as 

 blankets, harness, clothing of the attendant and dust. 



The predisposing causes are cold, exposure and changes in 

 climate. ^Vhen the disease appears in a country, it is first present 

 in the large cities, and from there it is scattered to the outlying 

 districts. The period of incubation is usually from four to 

 seven days. 



The early symptoms of the disease are a high fever, marked 

 depression and partial or entire loss of appetite. The horse 

 usually stands in the stall with the head down and appears 

 sleepy. The visible and respiratory mucous membranes are in- 

 flamed, the respirations are quickened and the animal may 

 cough. The eyes are frequently affected, the lids and cornea 

 showing more or less inflammation. The digestive tract may be 

 affected. At the beginning, colicky pains may be present and 

 later constipation and diarrhoea. SjTuptoms of a serious nervous 

 disturbance are sometimes manifested. 



The limbs usually become swollen or fllled. This disap- 

 pears as the animal begins to improve. Pregnant mares may 

 abort. The death-rate is low. 



The treatment required for the sick animals is largely rest, 

 a light diet and a comfortable, clean, w^ell-ventilated stall, free 

 from draughts. Windows in the stall should be darkened. If 

 the stable is cold, the body of the animal should be covered with 

 a blanket and the limbs bandaged. Two ounces of alcohol and 

 one drachm of quinine may be given three or four times daily. 

 Small doses of raw linseed oil may be given if necessary. 



Horses that are exposed to cold, wet weather or worked after 

 becoming sick, frequently suffer from pneumonia, pericarditis, 

 gastro-enteritis and other diseases. Such complications should 

 be given prompt treatment. 



It is very advisable to give a protective serum to horses that 



