GENERAL DISEASES. I4I 



internal organs and produce symptoms characteristic of disease of those 

 parts. 



Delirium. Roaring, plunging, wandering in a circle, or standing 

 with the head wedged in the corner of the stall, indicates the collection 

 of matter in the brain. Sudden and severe lung symptoms, without 

 previous discharge, point to an abscess between the lungs, in the medi- 

 astinum; colic, which is often continuous for days, is the result of the 

 formation of an abscess in some part of the abdominal cavity, usually 

 in the mesentery. 



Pathology. The lesions of strangles are found on the surface of 

 the mucous membranes, essentially of the respiratory system and in 

 the loose connective tissue fibers of the internal organs and glands, and 

 consist of acute inflammatory changes, tending to the formation 

 of matter. The blood is unaltered, though it is rich in fibrine, 

 and if the animal has died of asphyxia it is found dark colored and un- 

 coagulated when the body is first opened. If the animal has died while 

 suffering from high fever the ordinary alterations throughout the body, 

 which are produced by any fever not attended by alteration of blood, 

 are found. 



Treatment. Ordinary light cases require but little treatment be- 

 yond diet, warm mashes, moistened hay, warm coverings, and protec- 

 tion from exposure to cold. The latter is urgently called for, as lung 

 complications, severe bronchitis, and laryngitis are often the results of 

 neglect of this precaution. If the fever is excessive the horse may re- 

 ceive small quantities of Glauber salts (handful three times a day), as 

 a laxative, bicarbonate of soda or niter in dram doses every few hours, 

 and small doses of antimony, iodide of potash, aconite, or quinine. 

 Steaming the head with the vapor of warm water poured over a bucket 

 of bran and hay, in which belladonna leaves and tar have been placed, 

 will allay the inflammation of the mucous membranes and greatly ease 

 the cough. 



The swelling of the glands should be promptly treated by bathing 

 with warm water and flaxseed poultices, and as soon as there is any 

 evidence of the formation of matter it should be opened. Prompt 

 action in this will often save serious complications. Blisters and irri- 

 tating liniments should not be applied to the throat. When lung com- 

 plications show themselves the horse should have mustard applied 

 to the belly and to the sides of the chest. When convalescence be- 

 gins great care must be taken not to expose the animal to cold, 



