42 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



in an apoplectic fit, in sleepy staggers, and when dying 

 from spasmodic colic, (which see.) 



Congestion of the Lungs. — (See Lung Diseases.) 



Constipation. — A confined condition of the bowels 

 accompanying fever, liver and lung diseases. Horses ha- 

 bitually costive should be supplied with soft feed and 

 grass in season. Costiveness, as a concomitant of fever, 

 etc., should in all cases be let alone, as it is a provision 

 of nature to protect herself from exhaustion. 



Consumption. 



Causes. — Repeated attacks of influenza, lung fever, 

 or bronchitis, or any of these diseases treated by bleed- 

 ing, and other reducing remedies or agents. Consump- 

 tion, in the horse, runs its course in from one to two 

 weeks. 



Nature of Consumption. — A wasting, or breaking 

 down of the structure of the lungs. The tuberculous 

 form of consumption I have never seen in the horse. Tu- 

 bercles are seen in bad cases of glanders, (which see.) 

 These tubercles suppurate, and discharge pus. This pus 

 is absorbed and taken into the blood, and sets up a fer- 

 ment, or leaven,, as the Scriptures call it. This is the 

 great trouble in consumption in man, and glanders in the 

 horse. Why authors have not called this tuberculous 

 disease in horses consumption I do not know, except it 

 be, and I am inclined to believe it is, from an entire ig- 

 norance of its true pathology or character. 



Treatment. — Incurable. To prolong the life, beef soup, 

 iron, gentian, tonics and stimulants, are indicated. In 

 the tuberculous form, sulphite of soda should be given 

 to arrest the ferment, and keep the blood clear of impu- 

 rities, in addition to the remedies to support the strength. 



