COLD IN THE HEAD (NASAL CATARRH ). 107 



side through the skin, it should be at the most dependent part, but 

 much the best way to open the tumor is from the inside. Quiet the 

 animal, gently insert your finger up in the direction of the tumor, and 

 you will soon discover that it is much larger inside than it appears to 

 be on the outside. If necessary put a twitch on the ear of the horse 

 to quiet him ; run the index finger of your left hand against the tumor ; 

 now, with the right hand, carefully insert the knife by running the 

 back of the blade along the index finger of the left hand until the 

 tumor is reached; with the left index finger guide the point of the 

 blade quickly and surely into the tumor; make the opening large. 

 A little blood may flow for a while, but it is of no consequence. 

 Squeeze out the matter and keep the part clean. 



COLD IN THE HEAD, OR NASAL CATARRH. 



Catarrh is an inflammation of a mucous membrane. It is accom- 

 panied by excessive secretion. In nasal catarrh the inflammation 

 may extend from the membrane lining the nose to the throat, the in- 

 side of the sinuses, and to the eyes. The causes are the general causes 

 of respiratory disease enumerated above. It is especially common in 

 young horses and in horses not acclimated. 



Symptoms. The membrane at the beginning of the attack is dry, 

 congested, and irritable; it is of a deeper hue than natural, pinkish 

 red or red. Soon a watery discharge from the nostrils makes its 

 appearance ; the eyes may also be more or less affected and tears flow 

 over the cheeks. The animal has some fever, which may be easily 

 detected by means of a clinical thermometer inserted in the rectum 

 or, roughly, by placing the finger in the mouth, as the feeling of heat 

 conveyed to the finger will be greater than natural. 



To become somewhat expert in ascertaining the changes of temper- 

 ature in the horse it is only necessary to place the finger often in the 

 mouths of horses known to be healthy. After you have become accus- 

 tomed to the warmth of the mouth of the healthy animal you will 

 have no difficulty in detecting a marked increase of the temperature. 

 The animal may be dull; he sneezes or snorts, but does not cough 

 unless the throat is affected; he expels the air forcibly through his 

 nostrils, very often in a manner that may be aptly called " blowing 

 his nose." A few days after the attack begins the discharge from 

 the nostrils changes from a watery to that of a thick, mucilaginous 

 state, of a yellowish white color, and may be more or less profuse. 

 Often the appetitie is lost and the animal becomes debilitated. 



Treatment. This disease is not serious but inasmuch as neglect or 

 bad treatment may cause it to lead to 3omething worse or become 

 chronic, it should receive proper attention. The animal should not be 

 worked for a time. A few days of quiet rest, with pure air and good 

 food, will be of greater benefit than most medication. The value of 



