NERVOUS SYSTEM 41 



overheated before or one that is already slightly ailing when 

 going to work. Over heat is characterized by lagging in harness, 

 undue panting, and sudden check of perspiration, very high 

 fever, livid mucous membranes, rapid, weak pulse, and difficult 

 respiration. 



Stop work at the first warning; get the horse to shade, 

 sprinkle cold water over the body, especially back and head, 

 or apply ice pack to head and cold water over the body until 

 his temperature reaches about 104 degrees; then stop. Give 

 stimulants, e.g., aromatic ammonia if the horse can swallow 

 easily; or a hypodermic injection of 40-60 grains camphor dis- 

 solved in olive oil 1-4. Call veterinarian promptly. 



Forage poisoning has apparently been identified with "food 

 poisoning ' ' (botulism) in people. The symptoms differ with the 

 severity of attack and in different classes of animals ; it is most 

 common in horses and is very often associated with mouldy 

 feed, this being, perhaps, a secondary factor. The specific cause 

 appears to be Bacillus ootulinus. This disorder is characterized 

 by plain disturbances of the nervous system, which involve espe- 

 cially sensory nerves and motor nerves to the muscles of head, 

 neck, and limbs. There is often a peculiar, sweetish odor in 

 the breath, and an inability to swallow normally. The animal 

 is dull or excited, and stands in a peculiar attitude or moves 

 imperfectly. Coma (stupor) or sometimes violent struggling 

 is common in later stages. Mortality is high. 



Change feed, and physic. At present there is an encouraging 

 prospect for an antiserum. 



