70 PRACTICE OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



from the diminution of the fibrin elements; the blood is brighter 

 in color, on account of the lessened number of red blood-cells and 

 the amount of haemoglobin. 



Give the symptoms of anaemia. 



There is pallor of the mucous membranes; the Schneiderian, 

 the conjunctiva, and the mucous membranes of the mouth are pallid 

 or often bluish. At times there is catarrh of these membranes. 

 There are less oxygen carriers, and thus the temperature of the 

 body is lowered; the extremities are cold to the feel, a cold sweat 

 being often present. 



There is muscular weakness, a small, frequent, feeble, and 

 compressible pulse; there is a soft systolic murmur over the heart, 

 difficult to detect in our animals; the heart-sounds are muffled, 

 and there is a venous hum in the jugular. 



The respirations are accelerated, especially on the least exer- 

 tion, the animal being very easily fatigued. The appetite becomes 

 impaired, as does digestion. (Edematous swellings are often seen 

 on the under surface of the abdomen and along the sheath. The 

 skin becomes harsh and dry. 



How is anaemia diagnosed? 



The diagnosis can be readily made by the symptoms. 



What is the prognosis? 



It is determined by the conditions present; favorable if seen 

 early and the horse is not too old and run down, and the anaemia 

 is not due to organic changes, the result of malnutrition. 



Outline the treatment of anaemia. 



Eemove the cause, if possible. Give laxatives or purgatives, 

 according to the indications, and follow these by the use of stom- 

 achic tonics to aid digestion. For the anaemia, give iron, with 

 quinine and ginger; other drugs indicated are strychnine, arsenic, 

 phosphorus, gentian, mineral acids. 



Build up the system by the proper quantity and quality of 

 food. Stimulants are often indicated. Good hygienic conditions, 

 such as pure air and sunlight, are very essential. Moderate exercise, 

 short of fatigue; turning out to grass in most cases. 



