DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 
233 
the time they are foals until they are five or six years old are 
more generally attacked by it, but it may occur in older 
horses. 
Causes. — It is due to a germ in the blood, all colts being 
liable to be affected by it. The germ floats about in the air 
and is taken into the system when breathing. It appears 
niore frequently in the spring and fall. 
Symptoms. — There is a dull, languid appearance and 
fatigue following slight exertion. These earlier symptoms are 
probably accompanied by a cough and sore throat. Saliva 
runs from the mouth. The manure is dry looking or indi- 
Fig. 27. — Strangles — The Position of Swelling. 
eating costiveness. A lump soon appears, sometimes under, 
sometimes at the sides of the throat. This lump continues to 
gradually develop until there is difficulty in breathing. The 
dullness increases, the head hangs lower and there is notice- 
able gauntness. 
Distemper usually runs its course in from six to twelve 
days, during which time the lump or abscess is likely to 
break, accompanied by a discharge from the nose — a good 
sign. Sometimes more than one abscess forms and it is a 
good plan to strive to promote their development until such 
time as they come to a head and discharge, thus providing a 
means for the poison to escape from the system. 
Treatment. — Treatment is very satisfactory in most 
cases. Always allow the disease to run its course, give plenty 
of pure air, clothe the body according to the season of the 
