ig6 General of Sporadic Diseases. 



sistence with one kind, and the animal will need the 

 utmost care in every respect. Subcutaneous Injections, 

 No. 2. 



Asthma — Broken Wind.— -When horses have suffered 

 from protracted affections of the chest, inducing violent 

 or constant coughing, or when the inordinate appetite 

 of a greedy feeder is constantly satisfied, the results are 

 asthma, or broken wind. The first, by violent convulsive 

 action, leads to rupture of the air cells, by which several 

 unite to form one cavity, and air is also infiltrated, so to 

 speak, in other parts of the organ and under its investing 

 membrane ; the second induces the same by constant 

 pressure from an over-loaded stomach. The result in 

 both instances is impaired respiration, the expiration 

 being performed by two convulsive acts instead of one of 

 uniform character. The disease is remarkable as being 

 attended by a constant, weak cough, not unlike a loud 

 spasmodic sigh. There is no known remedy, as change 

 of structure is great, and the parts cannot be restored to 

 original soundness. Care and simplicity in feeding is of 

 the greatest importance, while humanity should rule in 

 the working of the sufferer. In some cases it is cruelty 

 to work such animals. Subcutaneous Injections, No. 5. 



Rearing, Whistling, Grunting, &c, are terms used 

 to denote the degrees of sound emitted by horses in whom 

 respiration is abnormal and laboured under the effects of 

 severe work. These conditions follow repeated sore 

 throat, and are produced by the senseless habit of tight- 

 reining ; it is also hereditary. The seat of the disease is 

 the cartilaginous tube, known as the larynx, situate at 

 the top of the windpipe, terminating the mouth at its 

 posterior part. The origin and nature of the sound is 

 due to paralysis of small muscles, the office of which is to 

 open or raise two small cartilages for the ingress of air 

 during inspiration. When the muscles thus become 

 powerless, the cartilaginous lids are drawn downwards 

 during such inspiration, and, therefore, depending much 

 upon the size of the opening thus permitted, the sounds 

 are produced. The louder and harsher sounds are due 

 to a partial closure, while whistling may be caused by a 



