342 THE HORSE. 



in the hunting-field, but the principle on which their treatment 

 should be conducted is better understood now than formerly. 



When congestion shows itself as the result of a chill, the 

 following si/mptoms are displayed : — First and foremost there is 

 rapid and laborious breathing, the horse standing with his legs 

 wide apart, his head thrust straight forward, and his flanks heav- 

 ing. The skin is generally dry, but if there is any sweat it is a 

 cold one. The legs are icy cold, and also the ears. The whites of 

 the eyes and lining of the nostrils are of a purplish hue, but not 

 very deep in colour The pulse is slightly accelerated (from forty 

 to fifty), but not hard and incompressible; and lastly, the attack 

 is of recent duration. These signs, however, are not to be fully 

 relied on as marking congestion rather than inflammation, without 

 having recourse to an examination of the lungs by means of the 

 ear. Placing it against the side of the chest, in inflammation 

 there would be certain marked sounds, presently to be described, 

 whilst in the state we are now considering they are wholly absent, 

 and all that is heard is the usual respiratory murmur slightly 

 increased in intensity. It is of the utmost importance to make 

 out exactly the nature of the case, for the treatment should be 

 very dilFerent in congestion and inflammation. If in the former 

 condition the blood can only be drawn into the skin, relief is at 

 once afi"orded and all danger is at an end ; but in the latter, 

 though some slight advantage would be gained, the progress of 

 the disease would not be materially checked. To produce this 

 determination of blood to the skin without loss of time, is some- 

 times very difficult; but by the application of hot water and 

 blankets it may generally be accomplished. Two men, supplied 

 with a tub of very hot water and plenty of clothing, should be 

 rapid in their movements, and proceed as follows : — Have an 

 assistant ready to strip the patient when ordered, then, dipping 

 a blanket in the water, it is taken out and partially wrung, leaving 

 as much water in its meshes as it can hold without dropping ; as 

 soon as it is cool enough for the human hand to bear its pressure 

 it should be gently, but quickly, laid upon the horse's back, and 

 the rug, which has just come oflF, while still warm, placed over 

 it, with two or three more over all, the number depending upon 

 the temperature of the air. Another smaller rug may in the same 

 way be wetted and applied to the neck, covering it with two or 

 three hoods, but taking care to avoid pressure upon the windpipe. 

 The legs also should be wrapped in flannel bandages, made as hot 

 as possible before the fire, but dry. In the course of half an hour, 

 if the skin of the parts uncovered does not become warm, and 

 show evidences of sw^.ating coming on, another rug must be 

 dipped in the same \ ay, and substituted quickly for the first. 



