8 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 
HISTORY. 
It is important to know, first of all, something of the origin and 
development of the disease; therefore the cause should be looked for. 
The cause of a disease is important, not only in connection with diag- 
nosis, but also in connection with treatment. The character of feed 
that the horse has had, the use to which he has been put, and the kind 
of care he has received should all be closely inquired into. It may be 
found by this investigation that the horse has been fed on damaged 
feed, such as brewers’ grains or moldy silage, and this may be suffi- 
cient to explain the profound depression and weakness that are char- 
acteristic of forage poisoning. If it is learned that the horse has 
been kept in the stable without exercise for several days and upon 
full rations, and that he became suddenly lame in his back and hind 
legs, and finally fell to the ground from what appeared to be partial 
paralysis, this knowledge, taken in connection with a few evident 
symptoms, will be enough to establish a diagnosis of azoturia (excess 
of nitrogen in the urine). If it is learned that the horse has been 
recently shipped in the cars or has been through a dealer’s stable, 
we have knowledge of significance in connection with the causation 
of a possible febrile disease, which is, under these conditions, likely 
to prove to be influenza, or edematous pneumonia. 
It is also important to know whether the particular horse under 
examination is the only one in the stable, or on the premises, that is 
similarly afflicted. If it is found that several horses are afflicted 
much in the same way, we have evidence of a common cause of 
disease which may prove to be of an infectious nature. 
Another item of importance in connection with the history of the 
case relates to the treatment that the horse may have had before he 
is examined. It sometimes happens that medicine given in excessive 
quantities produces symptoms resembling those of disease, so it is 
important that the examiner be fully informed as to the medication 
that has been employed. 
ATTITUDE AND GENERAL CONDITION. 
Before beginning the special examination, attention should be 
paid to the attitude and general condition of the animal. Sometimes 
horses assume positions that are characteristic of a certain disease. 
For example, in tetanus (lockjaw) the muscles of the face, neck, and 
shoulders are stiff and rigid, as well as the muscles of the jaw. 
This condition produces a peculiar attitude, that once seen is subse- 
quently recognized as rather characteristic of the disease. A horse 
with tetanus stands with his muscles tense and his legs in a somewhat 
bracing position, as though he were gathered to repel a shock. The 
neck is stiff and hard. the head is slightly extended upon it, and the 
