84 DISEASE OF THE HORSE. 



proves fatal. It, however, has its causes of production in all 

 countries, some of which I will describe first. Sudden changes 

 from heat to cold ; after severe cold weather it turns suddenly 

 warm, the atmosphere is damp, the walls of stables are damp, the 

 miasm and stench which arise from close stables produce a poison- 

 ous effluvia, which is inhaled by the horse, and produces disease. 

 Again, changing horses from warm, comfortable stables to cold, 

 damp ones often produces it. Driving your horse hard, getting 



First stages of Lung- Fever. 



him warm, and then leaving him in a current of cold air, or 

 giving him a heavy draught of cold water when warm, and allow- 

 ing him to stand afterwards to chill, taking him out when he feels 

 well, in the rain, or turning him out in a paddock when he feels 

 fresh, allowing him to take severe and quick exercise under excit- 

 ing circumstances ; causing undue excitement, affecting the lungs 

 by rapid respiration. It is frequently caused by sudden fright, 

 holding and compelling horses to remain in close proximity 

 with whatever they think will harm them, producing heat and 

 excitement ; overdriving and exhaustion without sufficient care 

 after the drive ; too hard driving on a full stomach ; inju- 

 ries received on the head, back or limbs ; crowding too many 

 horses in small stables without sufficient ventilation ; keeping 

 one diseased horse in a herd or stable with other horses. 



