horse called a "roarer," and therefore needs no further notice, except
to remind the reader that a whistling sound may be produced during an
attack of severe sore throat or inflammation of the larynx, which passes
away with the disease that causes it.
CHRONIC BRONCHITIS.
This may be due to the same causes as acute bronchitis or it may follow
the latter disease. An attack of the chronic form is liable to be
converted into acute bronchitis by a very slight cause. This chronic
affection in most instances is associated with thickening of the walls
of the tubes. Its course is slower, it is less severe, and is not
accompanied with so much fever as the acute form. If the animal is
exerted, the breathing becomes quickened and he soon shows signs of
exhaustion. In many instances the animal keeps up strength and
appearances moderately well, but in other cases the appetite is lost,
flesh gradually disappears, and he becomes emaciated and debilitated. It
is accompanied with a persistent cough, which in some cases is husky,
smothered, or muffled, while in others it is hard and clear. A whitish
matter, which may be curdled, is discharged from the nose. If the ear is
placed against the chest behind the shoulder blade, the rattle of the
air passing through the mucus can be heard within.
_Treatment._--Rest is necessary, as even under the most favorable
circumstances a cure is difficult to effect. The animal can not stand
exertion and should not be compelled to undergo it. It should have much
the same general care and medical treatment prescribed for the acute
form. Arsenious acid in tonic doses (3 to 7 grains) three times daily
may be given. As arsenic is irritant, it must be mixed with a
considerable bulk of moist feed and never given alone. Arsenic may be
given in the form of Fowler's solution, 1 ounce three times daily in the
drinking water. An application of mustard applied to the breast is a
beneficial adjunct. The diet should be the most nourishing. Bulky feed
should not be given. Linseed mashes, scalded oats, and, if in season,
grass and green-blade fodder are the best diet.
THE LUNGS.
The lungs (see Pl. VII) are the essential organs of respiration. They
consist of two (right and left) spongy masses, commonly called the
"lights," situated entirely within the thoracic cavity. On account of
the space taken up by the heart, the left lung is the smaller.
Externally, they are completely covered by the pleura. The structure of
the lung consists of a light, soft, but very strong and remarkably
elastic tissue, which can be torn only with difficulty. Each lung is
divided into a certain number of lobes, which are subdivided into
numberless lobules (little lobes). A little bronchial tube terminates in
every one of these lobules. The little tube then divides into minute
branches which open into the air cells (pulmonary vesicles) of the
lungs. The air cells are little sacs having a diameter varying from
one-seventieth to one two-hundredth of an inch; they have but one
opening, the communication with the branches of the little bronchial
tubes. Small blood vessels ramify in the walls of the air cells. The air
cells are the consummation of the intricate structures forming the
respiratory apparatus. They are of prime importance, all the rest being
complementary. It is here that the exchange of gases takes place. As
before stated, the walls of the cells are very thin; so, also, are the
walls of the blood vessels. Through these walls escapes from the blood
the carbonic acid gas that has been absorbed by the blood in its
circulation through the different parts of the body; through these walls
also the oxygen gas, which is the life-giving element of the atmosphere,
is absorbed by the blood from the air in the air cells.
CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS.
Congestion is essentially an excess of blood in the vessels of the parts
affected. Congestion of the lungs in the horse, when it exists as an
independent affection, is generally caused by overexertion when the
animal is not in a fit condition to undergo more than moderate exercise.
Very often what is recognized as congestion of the lungs is but a
symptom of exhaustion or dilatation of the heart.
The methods practiced by the trainers of running and trotting horses
will give an idea of what is termed "putting a horse in condition" to
stand severe exertion. The animal at first gets walking exercises, then
after some time he is made to go faster and farther each day; the amount
of work is daily increased until he is said to be "in condition." An
animal so prepared runs no risk of being affected with congestion of
the lungs, if he is otherwise healthy. On the other hand, if the horse
is kept in the stable for the purpose of laying on fat or for want of
something to do, the muscular system becomes soft, and the horse is not
in condition to stand the severe exertion of going fast or far, no
matter how healthy he may be in other respects. If such a horse be given
a hard ride or drive, he may start off in high spirits, but soon becomes
exhausted, and if he is pushed he will slacken his pace, show a desire
to stop, and may stagger or even fall. Examination will show the
nostrils dilated, the flanks heaving, the countenance haggard, and the
appearance of suffocation. The heart and muscles were not accustomed to
the sudden and severe strain put upon them; the heart became unable to
perform its work; the blood accumulated in the vessels of the lungs,
which eventually became engorged with the stagnated blood, constituting
congestion of the lungs.
The animal, after having undergone severe exertion, may not exhibit
alarming symptoms until returned to the stable; then he will be noticed
standing with his head down, legs spread out, the eyes wildly staring or
dull and sunken. The breathing is very rapid and almost gasping; in most
cases the body is covered with perspiration, which, however, may soon
evaporate, leaving the surface of the body and the legs and ears cold;
the breathing is both abdominal and thoracic; the chest rises and falls
and the flanks are powerfully brought into action. If the pulse can be
felt at all it will be found beating very frequently, one hundred or so
to a minute. The heart may be felt tumultuously thumping if the hand is
placed against the chest behind the left elbow, or it may be scarcely
perceptible. The animal may tremble all over. If the ear is placed
against the side of the chest a loud murmur will be heard and perhaps a
fine, crackling sound.
One can scarcely fail to recognize a case of congestion of the lungs
when brought on by overexertion, as the history of the case indicates
the nature of the ailment. In all cases of suffocation the lungs are
congested. It is also seen in connection with other diseases.
_Treatment._--If the animal is attacked by the disease while on the
road, stop him immediately. Do not attempt to return to the stables. If
he is in the stable, make arrangements at once to insure an unlimited
supply of pure air. If the weather is warm, out in the open air is the
best place, but if too cold let him stand with head to the door. Let him
stand still; he has all he can do, if he obtains sufficient pure air to
sustain life. If he is encumbered with harness or saddle, remove it at
once and rub the body with cloths or wisps of hay or straw. This
stimulates the circulation in the skin, and thus aids in relieving the
lungs of the extra quantity of blood that is stagnated there. If you
have three or four assistants, let them rub the body and legs well until
the skin feels natural; rub the legs until they are warm, if possible.
When the circulation is reestablished, put bandages on the legs from the
hoofs up as far as possible. Throw a blanket over the body and let the
rubbing be done under the blanket. Diffusible stimulants are the
medicines indicated--brandy, whisky (or even ale or beer if nothing else
is at hand), ether, and aromatic spirits of ammonia. A drench of 2
ounces each of spirits of nitrous ether and alcohol, diluted with a pint
of water, every hour until relief is afforded, is among the best
remedies. Or, give a quarter of a pint of whisky in a pint of water
every hour, or the same quantity of brandy as often, or a quart of ale
every hour, or 1 ounce of tincture of arnica in a pint of water every
hour until five or six doses have been given. If none of these remedies
are at hand, 2 ounces of oil of turpentine, shaken with a half pint of
milk, may be given once, but not repeated. The animal may be bled from
the jugular vein. Do not take more than 5 or 6 quarts from the vein, and
do not repeat the bleeding. The blood thus drawn will have a tarry
appearance.
[Illustration: PLATE VII.
POSITION OF THE LEFT LUNG.]
When the alarming symptoms have subsided active measures may be stopped,
but care must be used in the general treatment of the animal for several
days, for it must be remembered that congestion may be followed by
pneumonia. The animal should have a comfortable stall, where he will not
be subjected to drafts or sudden changes of temperature; he should be
blanketed and the legs kept bandaged. The air should be pure, a
plentiful supply of fresh, cold water always in the stall; and a diet
composed principally of bran mashes, scalded oats, and, if in season,
grass. When ready for use again the horse should at first receive only
moderate exercise, which may be daily increased until he may safely be
put to regular work.
PNEUMONIA, OR LUNG FEVER.
Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs. The chief varieties of pneumonia
are catarrhal--later discussed in connection with bronchitis, under the
name of broncho-pneumonia--and the fibrinous or croupous variety. The
latter form receives its names from the fact that the air spaces are
choked with coagulated fibrin thrown out from the blood. This causes the
diseased portions of the lungs to become as firm as liver, in which
condition they are said to be hepatized. As air is excluded by the
inflammatory product, the diseased lung will not float in water.
The inflammation usually begins in the lower part of the lung and
extends upward. The first stage of the disease consists of congestion,
or engorgement, of the blood vessels, followed by leakage of serum
containing fibrin from the blood vessels into the air passages. The
fluids thus escaping into the air cells and in the minute branches of
the little bronchial tubes become coagulated.
The pleura covering the affected parts may be more or less inflamed. A
continuance of the foregoing phenomena is marked by a further escape of
the constituents of the blood, and a change in the membrane of the
cells, which becomes swollen. The exudate that fills the air cells and
minute bronchial branches undergoes disintegration and softening when
healing commences.
The favorable termination of pneumonia is in resolution that is, a
restoration to health. This is gradually brought about by the exuded
material contained in the air cells and lung tissues being broken down
and softened and absorbed or expectorated through the nostrils. The
blood vessels return to their natural state, and the blood circulates in
them as before. In the cases that do not terminate so happily the lung
may become gangrenous (or mortified), an abscess may form, or the
disease may be merged into the chronic variety.
Pneumonia may be directly induced by any of the influences named as
general causes for diseases of the organs of respiration, but in many
instances it is from neglect. A common cold or sore throat may be
followed by pneumonia if neglected or improperly treated. An animal may
be debilitated by a cold, and when in this weakened state may be
compelled to undergo exertion beyond his strength; or he may be kept in
a badly ventilated stable, where the foul gases are shut in and the pure
air is shut out; or the stable may be so open that parts of the body are
exposed to drafts of cold air. An animal is predisposed to pneumonia
when debilitated by any constitutional disease, and especially during
convalescence if exposed to any of the exciting causes. Foreign bodies,
such as feed accidentally getting into the lungs by way of the windpipe,
as well as the inhalation of irritating gases and smoke, ofttimes
produce fatal attacks of inflammation of the lung and bronchial tubes.
Pneumonia is frequently seen in connection with other diseases, such as
influenza, purpura hemorrhagica, strangles, glanders, etc. Pneumonia and
pleurisy are most common during cold, damp weather, and especially
during the prevalence of the cold north or northeasterly winds. Wounds
puncturing the thoracic cavity may cause pneumonia.
_Symptoms._--Pneumonia, when a primary disease, is ushered in by a
chill, more or less prolonged, which in many cases is seen neither by
the owner nor the attendant, but is overlooked. The breathing becomes
accelerated, and the animal hangs its head and has a very dull
appearance. The mouth is hot and has a sticky feeling to the touch; the
heat conveyed to the finger in the mouth demonstrates a fever; if the
thermometer is placed in the rectum the temperature will be found to
have risen to 103 deg. F. or higher. The pulse is frequent, beating from
fifty or sixty to eighty or more a minute. There is usually a dry cough
from the beginning, which, however, changes in character as the disease
advances; for instance, it may become moist, or if pleurisy sets in, the
cough will be peculiar to the latter affection; that is, cut short in
the endeavor to suppress it. In some cases the discharge from the
nostrils is tinged with blood, while in other cases it has the
appearance of muco-pus. The appetite is lost to a greater or less
extent, but the desire for water is increased, particularly during the
onset of the fever. The membrane within the nostrils is red and at first
dry, but sooner or later becomes moist. The legs are cold. The bowels
are more or less constipated, and what dung is passed is usually covered
with a slimy mucus. The urine is passed in smaller quantities than usual
and is of a darker color.
The animal prefers to have the head where the freshest air can be
obtained. When affected with pneumonia a horse does not lie down, but
persists in standing from the beginning of the attack. If pneumonia is
complicated with pleurisy, however, the horse may appear restless and
lie down for a few moments to gain relief from the pleuritic pains, but
he soon rises. In pneumonia the breathing is rapid and difficult, but
when the pneumonia is complicated with pleurisy the ribs are kept as
still as possible and the breathing is abdominal; that is, the abdominal
muscles are now made to do as much of the work as they can perform. If
pleurisy is not present there is little pain. To the ordinary observer
the animal may not appear dangerously ill, as he does not show the
seriousness of the ailment by violence, as in colic, but a careful
observer will discover at a glance that the trouble is something more
serious than a cold. By percussion it will be shown that some portions
of the chest are less resonant than in health, indicating exclusion of
air. If the air is wholly excluded the percussion is quite dull, like
that elicited by percussion over the thigh.
By auscultation important information may be gained. When the ear is
placed against the chest of a healthy horse, the respiratory murmur is
heard more or less distinctly, according to the part of the chest that
is beneath the ear. In the very first stage of pneumonia this murmur is
louder and hoarser; also, there is a fine, crackling sound something
similar to that produced when salt is thrown in a fire. After the
affected part becomes solid there is an absence of sound over that
particular part. After absorption begins one may again hear sounds that
are of a more or less moist character and resemble bubbling or gurgling,
which gradually change until the natural sound is heard announcing
return to health.
When a fatal termination is approaching all the symptoms become
intensified. The breathing becomes still more rapid and difficult; the
flanks heave; the animal stares wildly about as if seeking aid to drive
off the feeling of suffocation; the body is bathed with sweat; the horse
staggers, but quickly recovers his balance; he may now, for the first
time during the attack, lie down; he does so, however, in the hope of
relief, which he fails to find, and with difficulty struggles to his
feet; he pants; the nostrils flap; he staggers and sways from side to
side and backward and forward, but still tries to retain the standing
position, even by propping himself against the stall. It is no use, as
after an exhausting fight for breath he goes down; the limbs stretch out
and become rigid. In fatal cases death usually occurs in from 10 to 20
days after the beginning of the attack. On the other hand, when the
disease is terminating favorably the signs are obvious. The fever abates
and the animal gradually improves in appetite; he takes more notice of
things around him; his spirits improve; he has a general appearance of
returning health, and he lies down and rests. In the majority of cases
pneumonia, if properly treated, terminates in recovery.
_Treatment._--The comfort and surroundings of the patient must be
attended to first. The quarters should be the best that can be provided.
Pure air is essential. Avoid placing the animal in a stall where he may
be exposed to drafts of cold air and sudden changes of temperature. It
is much better for the animal if the air is cold and pure than if it is
warm and foul. It is better to make the animal comfortable with warm
clothing than to make the stable warm by shutting off the ventilation.
From the start the animal should have an unlimited supply of fresh, cold
drinking water. Blanket the body. Rub the legs until they are warm and
then put bandages on them from the hoofs up to the knees and hocks. If
warmth can not be reestablished in the legs by hand rubbing alone, apply
dry, ground mustard and rub well in. The bandages should be removed once
or twice every day, the legs well rubbed, and the bandages replaced.
Much harm is often done by clipping off hair and rubbing in powerful
blistering compounds. They do positive injury and retard recovery, and
should not be allowed. Much benefit may be derived from hot application
to the sides of the chest if the facilities are at hand to apply them.
If the weather is not too cold, and if the animal is in a comfortable
stable, the following method may be tried: Have a tub of hot water handy
to the stable door; soak a woolen blanket in the water, then quickly
wring as much water as possible out of it and wrap it around the chest.
See that it fits closely to the skin; do not allow it to sag so that air
may get between it and the skin. Now wrap a dry blanket over the wet hot
one and hold in place with three girths. The hot blanket should be
renewed every half hour, and while it is off being wetted and wrung the
dry one should remain over the wet part of the chest to prevent
reaction. The hot applications should be kept up for three or four
hours, and when stopped the skin should be quickly rubbed as dry as
possible, an application of alcohol rubbed over the wet part, and a dry
blanket snugly fitted over the animal. If the hot applications appear to
benefit, they may be tried on three or four consecutive days. Unless
every facility and circumstance favors the application of heat in the
foregoing manner, it should not be attempted. If the weather is very
cold or any of the details are omitted, more harm than good may result.
Mustard may be applied by making a paste with a pound of freshly ground
mustard mixed with warm water. This is to be spread evenly over the
sides back of the shoulder blades and down to the median line below the
chest. Care should be taken to avoid rubbing the mustard upon the thin
skin immediately back of the elbow. The mustard-covered area should be
covered with a paper and this with a blanket passed up from below and
fastened over the back. The blanket and paper should be removed in from
one to two hours. When pneumonia follows another disease, the system is
always more of less debilitated and requires the careful use of
stimulants from the beginning. To weaken the animal still further by
bleeding him is one of the most effectual methods of retarding recovery,
even if it does not hasten a fatal termination.
Another and oftentimes fatal mistake made by the nonprofessional is the
indiscriminate and reckless use of aconite. This drug is one of the most
active poisons, and should not be handled by anyone who does not
thoroughly understand its action and uses. It is only less active than
prussic acid in its poisonous effects. It is a common opinion, often
expressed by nonprofessionals, that aconite is a stimulant. Nothing
could be more erroneous; in fact, it is just the reverse. It is one of
the most powerful sedatives used in the practice of medicine. In fatal
doses it kills by paralyzing the very muscles used in breathing; it
weakens the action of the heart, and should not be used. Do not give
purgative medicines. If constipation exists, overcome it by an allowance
of laxative diet, such as scalded oats, bran, and linseed mashes; also,
grass, if in season. If the costiveness is not relieved by the laxative
diet, give an enema of about a quart of warm water three or four times a
day.
A diet consisting principally of bran mashes, scalded oats, and, when in
season, grass or corn fodder is preferable if the animal retains an
appetite; but if no desire is evinced for feed of this particular
description, then the animal must be allowed to eat anything that will
be taken spontaneously. Hay tea, made by pouring boiling water over good
hay in a large bucket and allowing it to stand until cool, then
straining off the liquid, will sometimes create a desire for feed. The
animal may be allowed to drink as much of it as he desires. Corn on the
cob is often eaten when everything else is refused. Bread may be tried;
also apples or carrots. If the animal can be persuaded to drink milk,
it may be supported by it for days. Three or four gallons of sweet milk
may be given during the day, in which may be stirred three or four fresh
eggs to each gallon. Some horses will drink milk, while others will
refuse to touch it. It should be borne in mind that all feed must be
taken by the horse as he desires it; none should be forced down him. If
he will not eat, you will only have to wait until a desire is shown for
feed. All kinds may be offered, first one thing and then another, but
feed should not be allowed to remain long in trough or manger; the very
fact of its constantly being before him will cause him to loathe it.
When the animal has no appetite for anything the stomach is not in a
proper state to digest food, and if it is poured or drenched into him it
will only cause indigestion and aggravate the case. It is a good
practice to do nothing when there is nothing to be done that will
benefit. This refers to medicine as well as feed. Nothing is well done
that is overdone.
There are many valuable medicines used for the different stages and
different types of pneumonia, but in the opinion of the writer it is
useless to refer to them here, as this work is intended for the use of
those who are not sufficiently acquainted with the disease to recognize
its various types and stages; therefore they would only confuse. If you
can administer a ball or capsule, or have anyone at hand who is capable
of doing it, a dram of sulphate of quinin in a capsule, or made into a
ball, with sufficient linseed meal and molasses, given every three hours
during the height of the fever, will do good in many cases. The ball of
carbonate of ammonia, as advised in the treatment of bronchitis, may be
tried if the animal is hard to drench. The heart should be kept strong
by administering digitalis in doses of 2 drams of the tincture every
three hours, or strychnia 1 grain, made into a pill with licorice
powder, three times daily.
If the horse becomes very much debilitated, stimulants of a more
pronounced character are required. The following drench is useful:
Rectified spirits, 3 ounces; spirits of nitrous ether, 2 ounces; water,
1 pint. This may be repeated every four or five hours if it seems to
benefit; or 6 ounces of good whisky diluted with a pint of water may be
given as often, instead of the foregoing.