TYMPANY 19 



In cases in which the distension is exceedingly great, 

 there may be a slight degree of dyspnea. In cases show- 

 ing only moderate distension there is no dyspnea. Even 

 in cases of the most marked type the animal does not, as 

 a rule, exhibit any signs of distress or indisposition. The 

 symptoms are apparently limited to the tumefied condi- 

 tion in the region. The diagnosis must be made from : 



First, the history of the case ; mare with foal, turned 

 on grass after a long period of idleness in the stable ; or 

 debilitated colt as before mentioned. 



Second, the nature of the swelling; pneumatic under 

 palpation, and painless. 



Third, the absence of other symptoms of disease. The 

 temperature may be raised slightly, but not much. The 

 pulse, if taken, must be taken at some extremity, such as 

 from the coccygeal artery. It will be slightly accelerated. 



Treatment. In very marked cases in which there is 

 much dyspnea, immediate relief may be attempted by 

 the exertion of a firm, steady pressure with the flat hands 

 over both sides of the swelling. 



Should this fail to give relief it need be no cause for 

 anxiety. The dyspnea will subside markedly after the 

 lapse of a few hours if the patient is at once placed in a 

 single stall and tied short at the halter, so that the head 

 may not be lowered. But by no means should the head 

 be raised above a normal standing-level. 



If it is requested that something be done further than 

 this, an oily liniment may be prescribed with which the 

 tumefied area may be gently massaged. 



In all cases, almost without exception, coming to the 

 attention of the writer, the swelling had completely dis- 

 appeared in less than twelve hours. No recurrences have 

 come in the cases noted. 



If the condition escapes detection on the first day, or 

 •if the animal is allowed to remain in the pasture after 



