STRANGLES 25 



attacks old horses, in which event it is more difficult 

 to cure. The usual period at which this disease 

 shows itself is in the third and fourth years, although 

 it is by no means uncommon to attack foals. The 

 first symptom is cough, differing but little from that 

 of a common cold, only that there is a more abundant 

 discharge from the nostrils, which is of a yellowish 

 colour, and unaccompanied by a disagreeable odour : 

 it is also in most cases mixed with matter. There 

 is, besides, a profuse discharge of slimy, stringy fluid 

 from the mouth, the throat being sore. The mem- 

 brane which lines the nose is intensely red. It will 

 be found that considerable swelling has taken place 

 under the jaws and accompanied by fever, which is 

 distinguished by want of appetite, a quick pulse, and 

 a hot mouth, a general weakness of the whole frame, 

 producing a dejected appearance. To ascertain the 

 amount of fever (or increase of combustion going on 

 in the body), a graduated thermometer should be in- 

 serted in the rectum, and there allowed to remain for 

 four minutes. The average normal temperature is 

 101°, and all above this indicates the fever present, or 

 in other words, the disturbance of the heat function 

 and abnormal burning up of the tissues composing the 

 animal's body. A temperature above 104° is serious, 

 and above 107° generally fatal. There is likewise a 

 quick motion of the flanks, and coldness in the ears 

 and limbs. The swelling is in the form of a tumour 

 between the jaws ; increasing with various degrees of 

 rapidity, occupying nearly the entire space, and gives 

 pain to the horse when eating ; he besides manifests 

 a great disinclination to feed. This is accompanied 

 by much thirst, but the swelling prevents him from 

 indulging in water, and having swallowed a mouthful 

 or two he desists. After which, and even after eating, 



