240 THE HOESE IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 



HEATSTROKE AND SUNSTROKE 



Heatstroke and sunstroke are closely related. They result 

 from overheating, combined with disturbances in the heat dissi- 

 pation center. In their most typical form they occur while at 

 work in the sun. Then there is more heat produced internally 

 than when at rest, and the atmospheric temperature is somewhat 

 above that of the body. After the sweat-glands have become 

 fatigued from excessive activity, so that they no longer function 

 properly, there is a greater probability of these diseases occurring. 



The syrnptoms are a quick, hard pulse, cutaneous circulation at 

 low ebb, congestion of the blood in the lungs, and dizziness. The 

 temperature may be 110° F. or higher. 



Treatment. — When a horse is overcome by heat get him into a 

 shady place, wash out his mouth and nostrils, sponge his body, and 

 shower his legs with cold water. Assistance must be prompt or it 

 will be useless. Ice-packs are applied to cool the head. Two ounces 

 of aromatic spirits of ammonia, or 2 ounces of sweet spirits of niter 

 in a pint of water, is an effective stimulant to assist the heart action. 



PERIODIC OPHTHALMIA 



Moon-blindness, by which the above disease is commonly 

 known, is characterized by periodically occurring attacks of in- 

 flammation of the eye. It usually results in the destruction of 

 sight. 



The exact cause is not known, but it is not difficult to prove 

 that the disease is hereditary. However, it cannot be transmitted 

 after birth. Affected stallions are disqualified by law in many 

 countries for public service. 



The first attacks are shorter in duration than later ones. An 

 interval of several weeks intervenes between each two attacks. 

 A diffuse inflammation of all parts of the eye occurs, with a profuse 

 flow of tears, swollen lids, and great sensitiveness to light. With 

 each succeeding attack the normally transparent structures be- 

 come gradually clouded and opaque until permanent blindness 

 results. In old cases the eyeball atrophies and recedes into its 

 socket. This causes the upper hd to buckle near the center and 

 what appears to be a third canthus forms. 



Place the animal in a darkened stall at once. Bathe the eye 

 with a warm saturated solution of boracic acid for twenty minutes 



