THE EXAMINATION OF A SICK HORSE. 9 
face is drawn, and the nostrils are dilated. The tail is usually held 
up a little, and when pressed down against the thighs it springs back 
to its previous position. In inflammation of the throat, as in pharyn- 
golaryngitis, the head is extended upon the neck and the angle be- 
tween the jaw and the lower border of the neck is opened as far as 
possible to relieve the pressure that otherwise would fall upon the 
throat. In dumminess, or immobility, the hanging position of the 
head and the stupid expression are rather characteristic. In pleurisy, 
peritonitis, and some other painful diseases of the internal organs, 
the rigid position of the body denotes an effort of the animal to avoid 
pressure upon and to protect the inflamed sensitive region. 
The horse may be down in the stall and unable to rise. This condi- 
tion may result from paraplegia (paralysis), from azoturia, from 
forage poisoning, from tetanus, or from painful conditions of the 
bones or feet, such as osteoporosis or founder. Lying down at 
unusual times or in unusual positions may indicate disease. The first 
symptom of colic may be a desire on the part of the horse to lie down 
at an unusual or inappropriate time or place. Sometimes disinclina- 
tion to lie down is an indication of disease. When there is difficulty- 
in breathing, the horse knows that he can manage himself better 
upon his feet than upon his breast or his side. It happens, therefore, 
that in nearly all serious diseases of the respiratory tract he stands 
persistently, day and night, until recovery has commenced and 
breathing is easier, or until the animal falls from sheer exhaustion. 
If there is stiffness and soreness of the muscles, as in rheumatism, 
inflammation of the muscles from overwork, or of the bones in osteo- 
porosis, or of the feet in founder, or if the muscles are stiff and be- 
yond control of the animal, as in tetanus, a standing position is main- 
tained, because the horse seems to realize that when he lies down he 
will be unable to rise. 
Abnormal attitudes are assumed in painful diseases of the diges- 
tive organs (colic). A horse with colic may sit upon his haunches, 
like a dog, or may stand upon his hind feet and rest upon his knees 
in front, or he may endeavor to balance himself upon his back, with 
all four feet in the air. These positions are assumed because they 
give relief from pain by lessening pressure or tension upon the sensi- 
tive structures. 
Under the general condition of the animal it is necessary to observe 
the condition or state of nutrition, the conformation, so far as it may 
indicate the constitution, and the temperament. By observing the 
condition of nutrition one may be able to determine to a certain ex- 
tent the effect that the disease has already had upon the animal and 
to estimate the amount of strength that remains and that will be 
available for the repair of the diseased tissues. A good condition of 
nutrition is shown by the rotundity of the body, the pliability and 
