GENERAL CAUSATION 



DISEASE IN THE HORSE 



Disease may be defined as a perversion either of the 

 functions or of the structures of the body or of any of its 

 parts ; for example, the functions of such parts as are lined 

 by mucous membrane, or of special organs, such as the lungs, 

 are perverted by the action and effects of inflammation, so 

 that these tissues become perverted and diseased. As an 

 instance of structural disease, Heaves (pulmonary Emphy- 

 sema) may be considered. In this condition the cell walls 

 or lobes of the lungs are broken down, and the anatomy of 

 the organ altogether changed, which disease is commonly 

 called Broken Wind. The former are functional, the latter 

 structural diseases; the one yields to treatment, the other is 

 incurable. Disease, in other words, is a deviation from the 

 normal physiological state or action of the organism under 

 the disturbing influence of morbid causes. 



GENERAL CAUSES. 



Hereditary : e.g., rheumatism, opthalmia, tuberculosis, 

 glanders, spavin, and melanosis. 



Degenerating: from influences affecting the improper 

 crossing and breeding of animals. 



Structural : spavins, splints, ringbones, ossified carti- 

 lages, quarter cracks, pumiced feet, &c. 



Malformations : parrot mouths, cow hocks, ewe necks, 

 &c. 



Functional : over-exertion, over-excitement, emotion, 

 fright, loss of rest, severe work and no work at all, derange- 

 ment of the nervous system from long journeys by sea or 

 land. 



