160 THE CANADIAN HOESE 



may be defined a catarrhal affection, accompanied by a 

 specific phlegmonous affection of the cellular membrane of 

 the throat, tending to abscess, with slight fever" (Dick). It 

 is contagious, and but few horses escape it. 



Causes. — We are rather inclined to the opinion that it 

 consists of some " animal poison" latent in the system, 

 which is being thrown off by this process. The exciting 

 causes are similar to catarrh, transition from cold to heat, as 

 from the pasture to the stable, change of stable from the 

 country to the city. Occurs most commonly in spring, and 

 usually seen in cold damp weather. 



Symptoms. — It is usually .ushered in by slight feverish- 

 ness ; the mouth is hot and dry ; the membrane lining the 

 nostrils is red ; the eyes duU and watering ; the pulse quick 

 and weak ; the throat soire ; and cough is troublesome. He 

 is dull, and weakness becomes a prominent symptom. In a 

 few days a hard inflammatory tumour forms between the 

 branches of the jaw, which is hot and tender ; the breathing 

 .becomes quick and laboured ; from the soreness and tume- 

 faction of the throat, he swallows with difliculty. 



In ordinary cases the tumour goes on to suppuration ; a 

 copious discharge of thick yeUow matter takes place from 

 the nostrils. In about a week the tumour has matured, 

 become soft, and points, and either bursts or is opened ; 

 continues to discharge for some time ; and gradual recovery 

 takes place. 



In some seasons it does not follow this regular course. 

 The tumour is imperfectly developed, is tardy in maturing, 

 sometimes disappears without suppurating, and forms in the 

 breast, flank, or some other part of the body. This is known 

 as irregular strangles. It may be suspected when the 

 weakness increases, and recovery is delayed. When forming 

 in the internal organs, it presents different and often com- 



