66 PRACTICE OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



Define each. 



Essential fever (sometimes called idiopathic fever) is one in 

 which no local affection causes the symptoms of fever, although 

 lesions may arise during its progress. 



Symptomatic fever (organic or secondary fever) is one depend- 

 ent on an acute inflammation. 



How many stages may fever be divided into for study? 



Into three stages: 



1. Initial, pyrogenetic, or stage of attack. 



2. Fastigium, acme, or stage of development. 



3. Defervescence, or stage of decline. 



What takes place during the first stage of fever ? 



A chill or rigor usually precedes, which lasts one or two hours 

 or may be very short; the hair on the body stands erect, is dry, 

 and is designated a staring coat. Muscular tremblings are present, 

 the legs and ears are cold to the feel, the surface of the body being 

 of an uneven temperature; there is dulness and depression of the 

 animal, the head down, and little or no notice is taken of the sur- 

 roundings. Muscular pain is present, shown by the animal resting 

 a limb and showing no desire to move. 



The pulse is small, quick, and hard, giving the impression of 

 a cord or quill. 



The respirations are short and quick, otherwise not altered in 

 character. 



The temperature is elevated to 102°, 103°, 104° F., even when 

 the surface of the body is cool. 



The visible mucous membranes are pale or bluish in color, and 

 feel colder than natural. The secretions are diminished, as well 

 as the excretions. The appetite is impaired. 



Describe the second stage of fever. 



This is called the hot stage, or stage of development. The 

 muscular contractions relax, the blood fills up the cutaneous ves- 

 sels, the hair falls, is smoother, glossy, and may be moist after a 

 time, with perspiration, which generally takes place at the onset 

 in patches, and the surface of the body is warmer to the feel, the 

 temperature being increased. 



The pulse changes; it becomes softer and fuller, but still re- 

 mains rapid. 



