Diseases of the liespiratory Organs. 87 



other laxative agents, but never bulky. Linseed, oat, bar- 

 ley or corn meal may be given wet and hay replaced by 

 corn-stalks or good fresh grass. Finally give tonics, 

 mainly arsenite of strychnia, or sulphate of iron or copper 

 and tannic acid. 



ACUTE CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS IN HOESES. 



This is always the first stage of Pneumonia but may oc- 

 cur in a sudden and fatal form from overexertion in fat 

 or otherwise iU-conditioned horses. An animal that has 

 stood idle in the stable or has been rapidly fattened for 

 sale, when taken out and driven or ridden at the top of his 

 speed soon hangs heavily on the bit, slackens his speed, 

 and if not stopped, staggers and falls ; or the exertion is 

 passed through but the animal is seized when returned to 

 the stable. He then stands with dilated nostrils, quick, 

 labored, convulsive, wheezy breathing, extended head, 

 staring bloodshot eyes, agonized expression, deep red or 

 blue nasal membrane and rapid, weak pulse often almost 

 imperceptible at the jaw. Auscultation detects a loud 

 respiratory murmur and the finest possible crepitating 

 sound. The heart is felt behind the left elbow beating 

 tumultuously and the limbs are cold, though perspiration 

 may break out at different parts of the body. If blood 

 is drawn it flows in a dark, tarry-looking stream and the 

 lungs after death might be compared to a daik-red jeUy. 



Treatment. Remove girths, saddles and whatever may 

 hamper breathing, turn the head to the wind, give an act- 

 ive stimulant (alcohol or alcoholic liquors, ammonia or 

 any of its compounds, oil of turpentine, ether, sweet spir- 

 its of nitre, ginger, pepper,) the first that comes to hand, 

 in a fuU dose, following up with warm water injections and 

 active hand rubbing. In extreme cases prompt relief may 

 often be obtained by bleeding from the jugular, but this 

 should not replace the measures already advised but 

 should be added to them. An excellent resort when avail- 

 ablo is to wrap from head to tail in rugs wrung out of hot 



