112 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 
affected with congestion of the lungs, if he is otherwise healthy. 
On the other hand, if the horse is kept in the stable for the purpose 
of laying on fat or for want of something to do, the muscular system 
becomes soft, and the horse is not in condition to stand the severe 
exertion of going fast or far, no matter how healthy he may be in 
other respects. If such a horse be given a hard ride or drive, he may 
start off in high spirits, but soon becomes exhausted, and if he is 
pushed he will slacken his pace, show a desire to stop, and ‘may stag- 
ger or even fall. Examination will show the nostrils dilated, the 
flanks heaving, the countenance haggard, and the appearance of suf- 
focation. The heart and muscles were not accustomed to the sudden 
and severe strain put upon them; the heart became unable to perform 
its work; the blood accumulated in the vessels of the lungs, which 
eventually became engorged with the stagnated tlcod, constituting 
congestion of the lungs. 
The animal, after having undergone severe exertion, may not 
exhibit alarming symptoms until returned to the stable; then he will 
be noticed standing with his head down, legs spread out, the eyes 
wildly staring or dull and sunken. The breathing is very rapid and 
almost gasping; in most cases the body is covered with perspiration, 
which, however, may soon evaporate, leaving the surface of the body 
and the legs and ears cold; the breathing is both abdominal and tho- 
racic; the chest rises and falls and the flanks are powerfully brought 
into action. If the pulse can be felt at all it will be found beating 
very frequently, one hundred or so to a minute. The heart may be 
felt tumultuously thumping if the hand is placed against the chest 
behind the left elbew, or it may be scarcely perceptible. The animal 
may tremble all over. If the ear is placed against the side of the 
chest a loud murmur will be heard and perhaps a fine, crackling 
sound. 
One can scarcely fail to recognize a case of congestion of the lungs 
when brought on by overexertion, as the history of the case indicates 
the nature of the ailment. In all -cases of suffocation the lungs are 
congested. It is also seen in connection with other diseases. 
- Treatment.—If the animal is attacked by the disease while on the 
road, stop him immediately. Do not attempt to return to the stables. 
If he is in the stable, make arrangements at once to insure an unlim- 
ited supply of pure air. If the weather is warm, out in the open air 
is the best place, but if too cold let him stand with head to the door. 
Let him stand still; he has all he can do, if he obtains sufficient pure 
air to sustain life. If he is encumbered with harness or saddle, 
remove it at once and rub the body with cloths or wisps of hay or 
straw. This stimulates the circulation in the skin, and thus aids in 
relieving the lungs. of the extra quantity of blood that is stagnated 
there. If you have three or four assistants, let them rub the body 
