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con(;esti()x of the luxc;s. 



Congestion of the lungs, or. pulmonary congestion, is one of the most 

 important diseases to which the horse is liable. It is therefore essential that 

 our readers should have a clear and thorough knowledge of its distinguishing, 

 features, and of its mode of treatment ; for, indeed, not only is it one of the 

 most preventible of maladies, but it is at the same time one which is in most 

 instances thoroughly amenable to early, vigorous, and judicious treatment. 

 Congestion of the lungs is met with in the horse, not only during the progress 

 of many diseases, such as inflammation of the lungs, of the feet, and of the 

 bowels, and in injuries of the joints, in heart disease, and in some contagious 

 fevers, but also as a distinct and independent affection. It is the latter 

 kind, which we propose to discuss ; for that form which complicates other 

 diseases, is treated of, in connection with the primar>^ malady. The kind of 

 congestion which results in some forms of heart disease is called passive, and 

 this may also be due to the general exhaustion resulting in some fevers and 

 other debilitating conditions. The kind which occurs as an independent 

 affection, is called acute or active congestion. It is the more frequent of the 

 two forms in the horse, and is the more important and easily recognised.. 

 When it is accompanied by bleeding from the nose, from rupture of the 

 small vessels in the lungs, it is sometimes spoken of as pulmonaiy apoplexy. 



When an animal in an untrained condition is suddenly called upon to 

 perform any unusual exertion, the heart, lungs, and muscles may not be able 

 to respond to the increased strain put upon them. Under these circumstances 

 — as, for instance, when an untrained horse is suddenly put into the hunting- 

 field — the heart's action becomes embarrassed and tumultuous, the blood 

 accumulates in the small vessels of the lungs, and the breathing becomes 

 more and more distressed, until, at length, the horse may die of suffocation,, 

 consequent on over-loading and engorgement of the vessels of the lungs with 

 impure blood. Under careful training, the heart and the- other organs are 

 gradually accustomed by regular and careful exercise to perform additional 

 work. Their tone and vigour is enhanced, and the system responds duly to 

 even severe strains. 



The symptoms of the acute form of pulmonary congestion, are in most 

 instances of a very severe type. The horse stands with his limbs out- 

 stretched, and gasps for breath. All the muscles which can possibly aid in 

 respiration are called into action ; the nostrils open and close in quick 

 succession, and the flanks heave to and fro with great rapidity. Cold sweats 

 bedew the surface of the body ; the extremities become very cold, and the 

 lining membrane of the nostrils shows, by its livid hue, the condition of the 

 blood circulating in it. The pulse is much quickened, and may reach loo to 

 140 beats per minute. It is feeble, oppressed, indistinct, and becomes almost 

 imperceptible in severe cases ; and there is a tremor all over the body. The 

 heart's action, irregular and tumultous from the first, becomes still more 

 embarrassed. The lungs become more engorged, and the breathing still 

 more distressed, until, at length, unless treatment prove availing, death 

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