igO LIGHT HORSES : BREEDS AND MANAGEMENT. 



Fevers are of several kinds such as continuous, remittent 

 and intermittent, according to their course ; and simple, 

 specific, inflammatory, adynamic or hectic, according to their 

 symptoms and cause. 



In many cases, at the very commencement of fever there 

 are signs of rigor or chill, the coat being then lustreless and 

 hair erect, and the skin cold wholly or in parts ; while the 

 horse may even be trembling slightly. The diminished de- 

 sire for or refusal of food is always a very significant sign of 

 commencing illness in a horse, and should therefore receive 

 immediate attention. 



Treatment. The causes of fever are numerous, and its 

 successful treatment largely depends upon the cause being 

 ascertained. This is discovered by noting the symptoms and 

 inquiring into the history of the case. This needs tact and 

 skill, and as some of the fevers are very serious and soon run 

 on to a fatal termination, it is advisable to obtain veterinary 

 advice in good time. The amateur, however, can assist in 

 the treatment by having the horse moved into a well venti- 

 lated horse-box or stable and made comfortable, but not 

 oppressed, by means of clothing on the body and bandages to 

 the legs ; if the latter and the ears are cold which is some- 

 times the case then they should be hand-rubbed. The horse 

 ought to be allowed plenty of cold or tepid water to drink, with 

 sloppy food. Nursing is the chief means by which restoration 

 to health can be secured. Medicines must be sparingly given 

 by the unskilled, and at most nothing more should be ad- 

 ministered than about an ounce of nitrate or carbonate of 

 potass in a bucket of water once or twice a day. If he will lie 

 down, the horse should have a good soft bed. He ought not 

 to be exercised until the appetite has returned, nor put to 

 work until he feels well, and has regained his usual strength 

 and spirits. 



As nearly all young horses brought up from grass or from 

 the country to town stables are liable to an attack of town or 

 stable fever, they should be put into airy stables, and care- 



