220 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 
Pathology.—Sunstroke, virtually active congestion of the brain, 
often accompanied with effusion and blood extravasation, character- 
izes this condition, with often rapid and fatal lowering of all the vital 
functions. In many instances the death may be due to the complete 
stagnation in the circulation of the brain, inducing anemia, or want 
of nourishment of that organ. In other cases it may be directly due 
to the excessive compression of the nerve matter controlling the 
heart’s action, and cause paralysis of that organ. There are also 
changes in the composition of the blood. 
Treatment.—The animal should be placed in shaded surroundings. 
Under no circumstances is bloodletting permissible in sunstroke. 
Ice or very cold water should be applied to the head and along 
the spine, and half an ounce of carbonate of ammonia or 6 ounces 
of whisky should be given in 1 pint of water. Cold water may 
be used as an enema and should also be showered upon the body of. 
the horse from the hose or otherwise. This should be continued until 
the temperature is down to 103° F. Brisk friction of the limbs 
and the application of spirits of camphor often yields good results. 
The administration of the stimulants should be repeated in one hour 
if the pulse has not become stronger and slower. In.either case, 
when reaction has occurred, preparations of iron and general tonics 
may be given during convalescence: Sulphate of iron, 1 dram; 
gentian, 3 drams; red cinchona bark, 2 drams; mix and give in feed 
morning and evening. 
Prevention—In very hot weather horses should have wet sponges 
or light sunshades on the head when at work, or the head may be 
sponged with cold water as many times a day as possible. Proper 
attention should be given to feeding and watering, never in excess. 
During the warm months all stables should be cool and well ven- 
tilated, and if an animal is debilitated from exhaustive work or 
disease it should receive such treatment as will tend to build up the’ 
system. Horses should be permitted to drink as much water as they 
want while they are at work during hot weather. 
An animal which has been affected with sunstroke is very liable 
to have subsequent attacks when exposed to the necessary exciting 
causes. 
APOPLEXY OR CEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE. 
Apoplexy is often confounded with cerebral congestion, but true 
apoplexy always consists in rupture of cerebral blood vessels, with 
blood extravasation and formation of blood clot. 
Causes—Two causes are involved in the production of apoplexy, 
the predisposing and the exciting. The predisposing cause is degen- 
eration, or disease which weakens the blood vessel; the exciting cause 
is any one which tends to induce cerebral congestion. 
