203 



SPASM OF THE GLOTTIS. 



This is manifested by a strangling respiration; a wheezing noise is 

 produced in the act of inspiration; extreme anxiety and suffering 

 for want of air. The head is extended, the body profusely perspir- 

 ing; pulse verj' rapid; soon great exhaustion becomes manifest; the 

 mucous membranes become turgid and very dark-colored, and the 

 animal thus may suffocate in a short time. 



SPASM OF THE INTESTINES. 



(See "Cramp-colic") 



SPASM OF THE NECK OF THE BLADDER. 



This may be due to spinal irritation, or a reflex from intestinal 

 irritation, and is manifested by frequent but ineffectual attempts to 

 urinate. 



SPASM OF THE DIAPHRAGM — THUMPS. 



Spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm, the principal muscle used 

 in respiration, is generally occasioned by extreme and jirolonged speed- 

 ing on the race-track or road. The severe strain tlnis put upon this 

 muscle finally induces irritation of the nerves controlling it, and the 

 contractions become very forcible and violent, giving the jerking 

 character known among horsemen as thumps. This condition may 

 be distinguished from violent beating of the heart bj^ feeling the 

 pulse beat at the angle of the jaw, and at the same time watching 

 the jerking movement of the body, when it Avill be discovered that the 

 two bear no relation to each other. (See " Palpitation of the Heart.") 



SPASM OP THE THIGH, OR CRAMP OF A HIND LIMB. 



This is frequently witnessed in horses that stand on sloping plank 

 floors — generally in cold weather — or it may come on soon after severe 

 exercise. It is probably due to an irritation of the nerves of the thigh. 

 In cramps of the hind leg the limb becomes perfectly rigid, and 

 attempts to flex the leg are unsuccessful ; the animal stands on the 

 affected limb, but is unable to move it; it is unnaturally cold; it does 

 not, however, appear to cause much suffering unless attempts are 

 made to change position. This cramp may be of short duration — a 

 few minutes — or it may persist for several days. This condition is 

 often taken for a dislocation of tlie stifle-joint. In the latter the foot 

 is extended backward, and the horse is unable to advance it, but drags 

 the limb after him. An examination of the joint also reveals a change 

 in form. Sjiasms may affect the eye-lids, by closure or by retraction. 

 Spasm of the sterno-maxillaris muscle has been Avitnessed, and the 

 animal was unable to close the jaws until the muscle became relaxed. 



Treatment. — An anodyne liniment, composed of chloroform 1 part 

 and soap liniment 4 parts, api^lied to cramped muscles will usually 

 cause relaxation. This may be used where single external muscles 



