attacks become flabby and shrunken from the changes in 

 the adipose tissue, which gives plumpness and roundness to 

 the appearance. Eruptions on the skin are associated with 

 some diseases, such as scarlatina, &c. 



Respiratory organs. — The function of the several 

 organs of respiration is to purify the blood by bringing it in 

 contact with the oxygen of the atmosphere, and also the 

 removing of carbonic acid from the tissues, both of which 

 are performed by inspiration and expiration in the act of 

 breathing. The normal average rate of breathing in the 

 aged horse while at rest is from eight to twelve respirations 

 in the minute, but in fever it is much accelerated. During 

 the progress of some diseases the muscles assisting in the 

 act of breathing are allowed to rest while another number 

 take their place in an abnormal fashion ; this is commonly 

 seen in pleuritis, and is called "abdominal breathing," 

 which is a source of relief to the animal. 

 DifiiGult respiration may be caused by : 



Some irrespirable gas in the stable. 



Morbid changes in the state of the blood. 



Obstruction of the larynx. 



Spasmodic constriction, as in bronchitis, pneumonia, 

 pleurisy, cancer, hydrothorax, ascites, &c. 

 Coughing depends on a variety of causes which may be 

 known by its character. 



Cough is dry and hollow when nervous or sympathetic. 



Dry and tight in early bronchitis. 



Soft, deep and loose in advanced bronchitis. 



Short and sharp in pneumonia, &c. 

 Roaring is produced by atrophy of the muscles of the 

 larynx, and is generally the result of chronic disease. 



The temperature of the breath is increased during the 

 febrile state. Coldness of the breath is a certain sign of the 

 near approach of death. 



SYMPTOMS CONNECTED WITH DIGESTIVE AND OTHER 

 ORGANS BRIEFLY STATED. 



Deficiency and thickness or viscidity of the saliva occurs 

 generally during fever, and often also in chronic diseases, 

 especially of the throat and stomach. 



Appetite is generally deficient in disease, especially of 

 an acute character. 



