DISEASES. 249 



shaking and jerking about the head he ought to be stopped at 

 once, and some one placed at his head until he is calm. If he 

 falls, the throat-strap should be unbuckled, the collar eased off 

 the lower part of the neck, and cold water dashed on the head. 



Epilepsy. 



This is a convulsive disease, arising from a disordered con- 

 dition of the brain and spinal cord. It comes on suddenly, 

 when the horse is out of doors, or even in the stable. The 

 face, neck, and limbs, are seized with convulsions when the 

 animal is standing ; the eyelids wink, and the eyes roll about, 

 the jaws champ, and the poor creature presents a pitiable 

 spectacle. When he falls the convulsions continue, the limbs 

 are plunged about, and the jaws are so fiercely moved that the 

 tongue is often badly lacerated by the teeth ; sometimes the 

 animal moans or screams. 



There is no remedy for this disease, and in the great 

 majority of cases the horse should be destroyed, as it is 

 dangerous to work him. If he falls during the attack, the 

 head should be held down on the ground, to prevent it being 

 damaged during the struggles. Cold water may be dashed on 

 the face, and the mouth washed out with it. Great attention 

 should be paid to the diet. 



Fainting. 



This may be due to exhaustion after severe exertion, to a 

 weak or diseased condition of the heart, or as the result of a 

 debilitating disease. There are usually no premonitory signs, 

 the horse falling, and lying perfectly still and unconscious, the 

 breathing being perhaps slower than natural, and the pulse 

 weak and 'small. An indication that the animal is unconscious 

 is in the tongue not being retracted when it is drawn out of 

 the mouth. 



To promote recovery, sponge out the mouth with cold 



