72 



CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS. 



Cause. — This lesion, although the precursor of pneumo- 

 nia, also exists in a separate form in some patients. This 

 modification of the disease depends very much on the 

 exciting and producing cause ; for example, young horses 

 in high condition, that are allowed no work for weeks, at 

 the whim or caprice of the owner are taken out and suddenly 

 put to the top of their speed without any preliminary exer- 

 cise. This applies more especially to trotters, hunters, and 

 race-horses. 



Animals in poor condition, also that are put to severe and 

 unusual work, each of these blunders may give rise to con- 

 gestion. Sudden exposure to severe cold is also a promi- 

 nent reason for this lesion. In this state of affairs the heart 

 and lungs are overcharged with blood, and although no 

 exudation has taken place, yet the lungs are filled with dark 

 blood and frothy mucus. 



Symptoms. — The animal blows at a great rate ; his 

 nostrils expanded, the eyes appear as if going to jump out 

 of their sockets, the elbows are turned out, and the flanks 

 heaving ; the animal is in great distress, while the whole body 

 is bathed in perspiration. Sometimes all these symptoms 

 appear in less time than it takes to write it down, and con- 

 sequently prompt treatment is required. 



Treatment. — The causes inducing or exciting any lesion 

 must always be remembered, and considerably modify the 

 remedies in many instances. In this case a very simple 

 remedy of the right kind will set the patient all right in a 

 few minutes, while one of the wrong sort will do untold 

 mischief. We have seen that the heart and lungs were sud- 

 denly over-taxed, therefore the need of immediate help. 

 Almost any stimulant will do, as whiskey, brandy or ale, or 

 three drachms of sweet spirits of nitre or sulphuric ether in 

 a little water. Let the animal also be well rubbed over, 

 especially the legs, and his head turned to the wind. 



