392 DISEASES OF BKEATHING. 



disease were allowed, we should have, to be consistent, to reject 

 all big horses as unsound ; because they are more apt to become 

 roarers than small horses ! If a grunter stands the test of gallop* 

 ing or drawing a hea^'y load, he should be passed. 



Thick Wind. 



This term signifies an impaired condition of the horse's powers 

 of breathing, unaccompanied by noise, or by any peculiarity during 

 inspiration or expiration. When put to fast work, or to violent 

 exertion, his breathing becomes more accelerated, and he himself 

 more distressed than ought to be the case were his respiratory 

 organs in a healthy state (taking into consideration his working 

 " condition "), and his flanks continue to heave for a comparatively 

 long time after he has ceased labour. This state is, usually, the 

 result of thickening of the bronchial tubes, owing to a previous 

 attack of bronchitis, and is often accompanied by chronic cough. 

 Palliative treatment, similar to that recommended for broken 

 wind and roaring, might be tried. 



Highblowing 



is not a disease, but is produced simply by the flapping of the 

 liorse's nostrils when he expels air quickly from his lungs. The 

 larger, thinner, and more delicate the nostrils are, the easier will 

 it be for the horse to make this noise, which appears to be under 

 his control. It is rarely heard, except at the canter or half-speed 

 gallop, and seldom when the animal is exerting himself to the 

 utmost. I am inclined to consider it a sign of good wind. One 

 can imitate the sound, near enough to understand how it is 

 made, by bringing the lips of one's mouth lightly together, and 

 then blowing moderately strong through them. If one blows hard, 

 the vibrating noise is not made. I have mentioned this subject of 

 higliblowing, because it is sometimes mistaken for roaring by 

 inexperienced people. 



