CATARRHAL FEVER. OR DISTEMPER. 
81 
fever, with a cold shivering fit, heat in the mouth, cough, 
and considerable heaving of the flanks. The eyeballs 
become red, and the eyes dull and languid; the membrane 
of the nose also assumes a red and inflamed appearance, 
although in a less degree than in inflammation of the 
lungs, and is accompanied by a slight discharge, which is of 
a watery consistence at first; but it becomes thicker, with 
a number of clotted flakes, which sometimes adhere to the 
mucous membrane of the nose, and look like white ulcers. 
It then puts on the appearance of pus, accompanied by 
an offensive smell. In some instances it assumes a livid cast, 
although this is by no means a common occurrence. The 
glands of the throat and under the jaw become swelled. The 
animal has then much difficulty in masticating and swallow¬ 
ing his food, which he half chews, and then drops ; he also 
drinks water with much difficulty, especially if it is cold. 
In his endeavours to drink he will cough frequently, and the 
saliva will flow from his mouth into the pail. In many 
instances the animal suffers considerably in the frequent 
and painful attacks with which he is seized, which he 
manifests by restlessness and stamping his feet. Swelling 
of the legs accompanies this complaint, and also enlarge¬ 
ments in the chest and belly, with a rapid pulse, amounting 
to from sixty to seventy beats in a minute, varying of course 
with the intensity of fever with which the disease is always 
accompanied. Veterinary surgeons do not consider these 
swellings an unfavourable symptom. Very great weakness 
generally comes on, so much so that the horse will stagger 
while moving about in his stall, and will even lean against 
the sides to support himself. 
Cause. —The remote cause of this disease is not well 
understood. It may arise from a common cold, or may be 
induced by a certain condition of the atmosphere. One 
