2OO LIGHT HORSES : BREEDS AND MANAGEMENT. 



Congestion of the Lungs. 



No animal is so liable to congestion of the lungs as the 

 horse, and it may be an accompaniment or sequel of the other 

 diseases, or occur by itself. It usually appears in the acute 

 form in the latter case, and it is this which will now be 

 noticed. 



Acute congestion of the lungs may be induced by sudden 

 severe exertion when an animal is not in good condition, or 

 by long continued severe exertion when in good training ; it 

 may also be caused by exposure to cold, and especially to 

 cold winds and wet. 



Symptoms. The symptoms of acute congestion of the lungs 

 are of a very marked character. The breathing is extremely 

 hurried and laboured, the nostrils widely dilated, head 

 carried low, countenance anxious and haggard, body usually 

 covered with perspiration, legs stretched out and cold, the 

 flanks heaving tumultuously, and sometimes the heart can 

 be heard beating violently. Not unfrequently blood flows 

 from the nostrils, and if this is foamy it shows that it comes 

 from the lungs. If not quickly relieved the horse will die 

 from suffocation. 



Treatment. This, to be effective, must be prompt. The 

 horse should not be moved or disturbed, and if wearing 

 harness this ought to be taken off. An abundance of fresh 

 air must be allowed ; the legs and body should be well rubbed 

 and clothed, and if any turpentine liniment is at hand this 

 should be applied to the legs before they are bandaged. 

 Brandy or whisky in six-ounce doses may be given in water 

 every hour or two hours for the first three doses, and then 

 every four hours for four or five doses. If there is thirst, 

 cold water, or, better, oatmeal gruel can be given. If the 

 symptoms do not soon subside, hot water should be applied 

 to the sides in the manner already indicated, and care should 

 be taken to keep the animal from draughts of air. 



After recovery, some days' rest should be allowed, and 

 careful feeding observed. 



