562 
W. L. WILLIAMS. 
I recall no more distinct cases until the summer of 1889, 
when an unusual number occurred in rapid succession and 
showing every degree of intensity. 
At this date our rapidly developing horse breeding inter¬ 
est had about reached its maximum in m}^ locality, so that 
large numbers of mares were kept solely for breeding pur¬ 
poses, and favorable weather furnished exceedingly luxuriant 
pasturage, the grasses being unnaturally watery. 
During the season of 1889 I now recall seven well marked 
cases, several of which offered favorable opportunities for ob¬ 
servation throughout a greater part of their course. 
One, a well-bred road mare, in high condition, with a vig¬ 
orous, well-nourished foal, some eight to ten days old, at her 
side, was brought from the pasture preparatory to being 
bred. Soon after her arrival at the owner’s stable the mare 
was noticed to be restless, nervous, the eyes somewhat star¬ 
ing, and occasional muscular twitchings. Most noticeable of 
all was a peculiar, very well-marked throbbing of the chest, 
which shook the entire body. It seemed like an exaggerated 
heart-beat, and was quite regular in time and force, but was 
not rhythmical with the heart-beat. The disturbance seemed 
greatest along the line of attachment of the diaphragm to 
the ribs, and the phenomena could be attributed to no other 
cause than clonic spasm of the diaphragm. There was some 
trismus present, but not sufficient to prevent eating with 
relish and comparative ease. 
With quietude and moderate doses of belladonna and 
cannabis indica, she made a good recovery in a few hours. 
In another case I was called to attend a half-blood draft 
mare, aged five to seven years, in prime condition and perfect 
health prior to the date of my visit. She had foaled five to 
ten days before without trouble, and the foal was vigorous 
and well nourished. She was then brought from the pasture 
for the first time and placed in the stable, and within a few 
hours symptoms of disease were manifested. 
I found the animal in great pain, very nervous, and easily 
disturbed by any movements or noise. She lay down quite 
frequently, and while lying became more tranquil, all the 
