THE HORSE, ITS DISEASES. 314 



Continue this, keeping the horse from labor and as quiet as possible, 

 until all symptoms of feverishness disappear from about the head, and 

 the unnatural torpor no longer manifests itself. 



in. Dropsy of the Chest. 



Causes. — This disease, (called also hydrothorax), is frequently the 

 sequel of pleurisy, and is the result of the inflamed condition of the large 

 surfaces of the covering of the heart and lungs. The absorbents are in- 

 adequate to the taking up of the abundant effusion, so that the chest is 

 filled, the lungs are pressed upon and death by suffocation follows. 



How to know It. — The impaired appetite and chilliness of the ears and 

 legs which characterize the last stage of pleurisy, change when it is about 

 to assume a dropsical form, and the horse becomes more lively, his appe- 

 tite returns, his legs and ears become warm, the eyes look more cheerful, 

 and his manner is every way more encouraging. A few hours after this 

 first apparent improvement, however, the breathing becomes labored, the 

 muscles quiver and twitch, and the nostrils flap. The animal stands 

 with the legs wide apart, head low, or resting upon something, neck 

 stretched out, eyes staring, and the motion of the flanks increased, even 

 brought into forcible heaving action. The pulse is more frequent, but 

 small, irregular and fluttering ; and the nose, ears and legs become cold 

 again. His weakness rapidly increases, and if not relieved the animal 

 dies, sometimes within a week, though he may linger much longer. 



The disease may be detected in its early stage, or immediately after the 

 horse has shown signs of relief from pleurisy, by placing the ear to the 

 chest, near the breast bone. If the dropsical effusion has set in, the ear 

 will detect no sound, nor will any be detected until the ear is placed high 

 up the shoulder or flank, past the middle of the ribs. Holding it here, 

 at the point where the breathing is first audible, and directing a slap to be 

 made on the other side with the open hand, the examiner will hear a dull, 

 splashing noise as though of disturbed water ; and there need be no 

 longer any doubt as to the nature of the case. 



What to do. — In the first place adopt the use of diuretics and laxatives, 

 that the various organs may be assisted in carrying off the accumulated 

 fluid. For the first day give every six or eight hours, the following : 



No. 46. 4 Drachms powdered nitrate of potash, 



1 Fluid ounce tincture of cardamoms, 

 10 Oz. water. 



Mix the potash and water, and when a clear solution is formed add the 

 tincture, and give from the bottle twice or thrice in the twenty-four hours. 



