GENERAL DISEASES. 139 



than those of more humble origin. Mules and asses are much less sus- 

 ceptible and are but rarely affected. Other animals are not subject to 

 this disease, but there is a certain analogy between it and distemper in 

 dogs. After exposure to infection there is a period of incubation of the 

 disease, lasting from two to four days, during which the animal enjoys 

 its ordinary health. 



Symptoms. The horse at first is a little sluggish if used, or when 

 placed in its stable, is somewhat dejected, paying but moderate atten- 

 tion to the various disturbing surroundings. Its appetite is somewhat 

 diminished in many cases, while in some cases the animal eats well 

 throughout. Thirst is increased, but not a great deal of water is taken 

 at one time. If a bucket of water is placed in the manger, before the 

 patient, it will dip its nose into it and swallow a few mouthfuls, allow- 

 ing some of it to drip back, and then stop, to return to it in a short time. 

 The coat becomes dry and the hairs stand on end. At times the horse 

 will have chills of one or the other leg, the fore-quarters or hind-quarters, 

 or in severe cases of the whole body, with trembling of the muscles, dry- 

 ness of the skin, and its hairs standing on end. 



If the eyes and mouth are examined the membranes are found red- 

 dened to a bright rosy color. The pulse is quickened and the breathing 

 may be slightly accelerated. At the end of a couple of days a cough is 

 heard and a discharge begins to come from the nostrils. This discharge 

 is at first watery; it then becomes thicker, somewhat bluish in color, and 

 stick}', and finally it assumes the yellowish color of matter and increases 

 greatly in quantity. 



At the outset the colt may sneeze occasionally and a cough is heard. 

 The cough is at first repeated and harsh, but soon becomes softer and 

 moist as the discharge increases. Again the cough varies according to 

 the source of the discharge, for in light cases this may be only a catarrh 

 of the nasal canals, or it may be from the throat, the windpipe, or the 

 air-tubes of the lungs, or even from the lungs themselves. According 

 to the organ affected the symptoms and character of cough will be 

 similar to those of a laryngitis, bronchitis, or lung fever caused by 

 ordinary cold. 



Shortly after the discharge is seen a swelling takes place under the 

 jaw, or in the intermaxillary space. This is at first puffy, swollen, 

 somewhat hot and tender, and finally becomes distinctly so, and an ab- 

 scess is felt, or having broken itself the discharge is seen dripping from 

 a small opening. When the discharge from the nostils has fully devel- 



