DisEAHKs OF THE Respiratoky Organs 247 



great portion of the strain indneed by overexertion devolves upon 

 the lungs, which are the essential organs of respiration. 



It can be readily understood that, when an animal is perspiring 

 and the pores of the skin are open, the capillary blood vessels are 

 engorged. If such an animal is rapidly cooled off, the pores close, 

 the capillaries and blood vessels contract, and the blood is forced 

 in increased volume to some internal organ. This may produce 

 congestion of any internal organ ; but, in an animal which has 

 done hard and fast work, it is most apt to cause congestion of 

 either the lungs or laminse of the feet (founder). 



The symptoms are usually first oliservcd after the animal has 

 been returned to the stable, and are ushered in by a fit of trem- 

 bling (chill). If this passes by unnoticed, the attention of the 

 o^\^ler will probably first be attracted by difficult and rapid breath- 

 ing. If the temperature of the horse is taken at this time the 

 thermometer will register between lOi and 106 degrees. In the 

 early stages the body is covered with perspiration, which may, 

 however, soon evaporate, leaving the body, legs and ears cold. 

 The pulse is full and hard, and may vary from 80 to 110 per 

 minute. If the hand is placed on the left side of the chest, the 

 heart will be found to be beating violently. Upon placing the 

 ear to the side of the chest, a fine crackling sound will be heard, 

 with marked increase of the respiratory murmur. 



Treatment: In the early stages, the first effort should be di- 

 rected toward a renewal of functional activity of the skin. If the 

 animal is perspiring he should be rubbed dry with wisps of hay or 

 straw and immediately blanketed. If the weather is warm, the 

 verv^ best place for him is out in the open, where plenty of pure 

 air can be obtained. The legs should be well rubbed with the 

 hand, or mild liniment applied, and then bandaged. Stimulants 

 in the form of alcohol, v/hisky, brandy or aromatic spirits of am- 

 monia well diluted should be given at frequent intervals until 

 relief is obtained. A one-ounce capsule of acetanilid may be 

 given by month, and repeated in tweh'e hours if the temperature 

 remains very high. Treatment, to be of avail, must be promptly, 

 energetically and intelligently carried out, as it must be borne in 

 mind that the condition described is the first stage of inflamma- 

 tion, and, if neglected, will terminate in pneimionia. 



