OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 43 



Nature. — Rhinitis may be acute, subacute, or chronic. In the 

 acute form inflammation of the Schneiderian membrane is pres- 

 ent ; it extends back and involves the mucous lining of the fauces. 

 In a very severe case, it involves the sinuses of the head, the 

 frontal and the superior and inferior maxillary. 



Etiology. — This inflammation is usually brought on by expos- 

 ure to cold winds, or to sudden change of temperature. It can 

 occur in hot weather as well as in cold. In Chicago the north- 

 east wind is apt to cause catarrh in horses that are exposed to it 

 after exercise. 



Symptoms. — The first symptom is usually sneezing; pain is 

 probably present in the Schneiderian membrane. After a few 

 hours a slight cough develops ; elevation of temperature — 103 to 

 104; pulse 48 to 50; lassitude; congestion of the mucous mem- 

 brane of the nose and eyelids. 



PatJhology. — The inflammation runs three stages ; first, the 

 mucous membranes are dry and their function is suspended, sec- 

 ond, this is the moist stage and a red, limpid, thin, water dis- 

 charge begins which in 12-20 hours becomes starchy; third, if the 

 case is bad, suppuration develops, and the discharge is muco- 

 purulent — pus mixed with mucous. In the first stage the func- 

 tion of the mucous membranes is suspended, but as soon as reac- 

 tion begins, they begin to act again and pour out their discharge, 

 which, however, is not normal, but is degenerated, — a thick, 

 starchy coagulated substance. Not all the mucous follicles sup- 

 purate, and what normal mucous is poured out becomes mixed 

 with the pus and degenerated coagulum. In time the discharge 

 may collect in the sinuses, the swollen mucous membranes pre- 

 venting its escape. It then becomes very oflfensive, because of 

 decomposition of the mucous element. The ordinary discharge 

 from the nose is usually odorless. 



Eventually the mucous membranes may ulcerate ; the perios- 

 teum of the bones desquamate. 



Treatment. — The acute form of rhinitis is a febrile disease 

 and therefore needs antiphlogistic treatment. The following 

 procedjires are recommended : 



1. Put animal in a comfortable place. 



2. Let him rest; do not work him. 



