5^ 



results from suffocation. In more favourable instances, however, the 

 engorgement subsides, the heart regains power, the circulation through the 

 lungs is restored, and the animal soon regains its normal condition. 



In some instances, frothy blood is discharged through the nostrils owing 

 to rupture of the engorged vessels of the lungs. 



Except in very severe cases, the animals usually make a complete and 

 comparatively rapid recover)\ Acute congestion of the lungs, however, 

 is very liable to recur for some time after apparent recover)^, and is not 

 unfrequently followed by acute inflammation of the lungs. Instances of 

 death from acute congestion of the lungs have not unfrequently occurred 

 within a few days of the purchase of a horse, and the changes found after 

 death, which in some cases are of a very marked character in the lungs, have 

 sometimes been ascribed by the uninformed to long standing diseases of 

 these organs. On some occasions, indeed, the seller has, in consequence of 

 this mistaken idea, been compelled to refund the full value paid for the 

 animal. Yet these very features, which were attributed to old standing 

 ■disease, are on the contrary the characteristic results of acute congestion. 

 Indeed, the darkly coloured friable condition of the lungs, with the tendency 

 to putrefaction and liquidity, so far from being the results of chronic disease, 

 are in all cases characteristic of acuteness of attack. No doubt, in many 

 cases, the purchaser of the animals, presuming them to be in a well-trained 

 condition, forthwith puts them on trial, Avith the result that congestion of the 

 lungs sets in severely, and the horses die. The writer had under his care a 

 very severe case of pulmonary apoplexy or congestion. The animal was a 

 \ery fat draught mare. The attendant had taken her for an unusually long 

 journey, and, on arriving home, observed blood oozing from the nostrils of 

 the animal, which was standing with outstretched limbs panting and gasping 

 for breath. She, however, made a complete recovery in a few days. 



We will now turn to the consideration of the treatment of these cases. 

 Of their prevention by careful training, and not putting animals to sudden 

 unusual strains, we need not speak further here. 



In the treatment of acute congestion, it is imperative above all other 

 things that the horse should have a plentiful supply of pure, fresh air; and 

 strict quietude and repose should be enjoined in all cases. The body must 

 l?e well rubbed down with wisps of straw, and afterwards warmly clad. The 

 legs should be carefully bandaged with thick wool or flannel, being previously 

 rubbed with some stimulating liniment. Internally, alcohol, in its various 

 forms, in moderate and frequently repeated doses, is oi great value in helping 

 to restore the flagging circulation. From four to six ounces of brandy, with 

 three ounces of liquor ammonii acetatis may be given at first, ever)^ two hours 

 for three times, and then every four hours for about the same number of times. 

 If the symptoms continue unrelieved after these steps have been taken, bleeding 

 is necessaiy in order to relieve the congestion of the lungs and the engorgement 

 of the great veins and right side of the heart, a consequence of the impeded 

 circulation in the lungs. By this means impending suffocation is averted. 

 From three to four quarts of blood may be withdraw n by the operator. It is 



