182 Diseases of the Horse, 



Symptoms.— The attacks differ considerably in severity, 

 the graver forms being called " bastard strangles/' 



Usually it begins like a common cold. The animal is dull, 

 has a slight cough and sore throat, loss of appetite and un- 

 willingness to swallow. There is some running from the 

 nose and mouth, a quickened pulse and rapid breathing. On 

 feeling in the space within the low^er jaw^ bone, a hot and 

 tender swelling will be noticed, sometimes on one side only, 

 sometimes filling up the whole space. 



At other times, for wrecks or months before there is any 

 positive sign of disease, the animal is unthrifty, hide bound, 

 dull, easily chilled, wdth a slight cough, and losing flesh. In 

 tliis condition he is often said to be " breeding strangles," an 

 opinion verified finally by the appearance of the characteris- 

 tic swelling under the chin. 



A more alarming mode of onset is when the swelling is sud- 

 den and great, filling up the mouth and bringing on those 

 symptoms of strangulation from which the disease derives its 

 name. There is great difficulty of breathing, accompanied 

 by a loud blowing sound. The animal is in great distress, 

 and unless promptly relieved is liable to die from suffocation. 



Any of these forms may terminate in bastard strangles, 

 which is when the disease passes into a typhoid condition, 

 Vv^ith great exhaustion, extensive suppuration in various parts 

 of the body, and exhausting discharges. 



Treatment. — In a light attack of strangles it is enough to 

 give the animal good nursing, apply a large poultice or hot 

 fomentations to the swollen glands, and put an ounce of salt- 

 petre in the water pail, night and morning. 



If the tumor points and bursts, it may be poulticed and 

 left to itself ; but if it seems slow to do this, and does not 

 diminish, it is best to put on a fly blister, to ^' bring it to a 

 head" promptly. It may then be opened with a lance. 



Where a horse is suspected of " breeding strangles," he 



