78 PRACTICE OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



What are the symptoms of the benign form ? 



The period of incubation varies from four to eight days. 



There are certain premonitory symptoms, such as the ill con- 

 dition of the animal, being dull, not feeding well, and the coat 

 looks rough. 



At first a nasal catarrh may present itself, the mucous membrane 

 is swollen, and a muco-purulent or purulent discharge takes place. 



In a day or so the glands of the intermaxillary space enlarge ; 

 the subcutaneous tissue is often involved, and frequently fills up 

 the entire intermaxillary space. The swelling is hot and painful 

 at first, and there is a tendency to pus-formation; the most pro- 

 jecting point softens, the hair falls off, the skin breaks or is opened 

 by the veterinary surgeon, and pus escapes. After a few days the 

 cavity remaining begins to heal by granulation and soon disappears. 

 The above is about the usual course of this form of strangles, as 

 far as the local symptoms are concerned. 



Some of the general symptoms are, an elevation of temperature 

 (103° to 105° P.), an increased pulse, more or less impairment of 

 the appetite, especially if laryngitis or pharyngitis be present. 



How is the diagnosis made? 



By the age; usually a disease of colthood, although any age 

 may be attacked. In city practice, the history thai the horse is 

 green often helps us, as well as the symptoms, making the diagnosis 

 easy. 



What disease may it be mistaken for? 



Glanders, principally. 



How is the differential diagnosis made? 



In colt distemper the swelling is more or less smooth to the feel, 

 is large, generally filling the intermaxillary space, is very painful, 

 while in glanders the swelling is nodulated, there is a peculiar dis- 

 charge, together with the ulcerations on the nasal mucous membrane. 



What is the prognosis? 



The prognosis, as a rule, is good, the affection lasting from ten 

 days to three weeks, when recovery takes place. 



What treatment is recommended? 



The treatment, as a rule, is very simple, as the disease runs 

 its regular course and we cannot abort it, so we assist nature and 

 treat the symptoms as they arise. 



Electuaries may be given when the laryngitis is severe. In- 

 halations can be used in some cases. Potassium nitrate in the 



