Nymphomania in the Mare. 235 



animals which are kept closely confined and are not bred. It is 

 more ral-ely observed in mares regularly worked and is well nigh 

 unknown in those which are free, and is most commonly seen in 

 young or middle-aged mares, rarely in aged. It is quite uncom- 

 mon in mules, though in one instance, we observed the disease 

 in so marked a degree as to render the otherwi.se valuable ani- 

 mal worthless. 



The symptoms of nymphomania in the mare usually appear 

 just prior to estrum or during that period. As in the cow, so in 

 the mare, estrum may occur with comparative regularity, about 

 every four weeks but, in some cases, is apparently more frequent, 

 while the duration of the period may be so prolonged that the 

 intervals of calm between the periods of sexual mania may be- 

 come very brief. 



In general, the first symptom of nymphomania, usually ap- 

 pearing a few days prior to estrum, consists of excitability and 

 irritabilitj' of temper, though in some cases this is absent. 



The patient is usually more or less vicious toward other horses 

 and toward men. She will bite and kick at her mate or other 

 horses when approached. If working with a mate shfe may con- 

 stantly attempt to bite or kick it. Very frequently the patient 

 will crowd against the pole of the wagon or other vehicle and 

 perhaps lie down upon it in an effort to reach her mate and in- 

 flict injury. She manifests her viciousness by laying back her 

 ears and switching her tail, while her eyes and physiognomy in 

 general betoken evil disposition. The mere meeting of a strange 

 animal of either sex upon the highway frequently arouses a 

 maniacal storm ; the mare balks, lies down upon the pole or 

 thills, urinates and switches her tail ; the vulva is rapidly opened 

 and closed ; the clitoris is erected ; and the affected animal may 

 attempt to grip the reins with the tail, may kick, rear or run 

 away. 



Toward persons her disposition is equally disagreeable and, 

 indeed, often decidedly dangerous. Upon entering the stall to 

 groom, harness, unharness or otherwise handle the animal, she 

 is liable to kick, bite or trample upon the attendant without 

 warning. In hitching or unhitching the animal, especially when 

 working about her posterior parts, she is very liable to kick. 



In the stable, even when no other animal is near, the patient 

 may show her vice by kicking the sides of her stall, striking 



