DISTEMPER AND LUNG DISEASES IN HORSES.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3053, 8 April 1881, Page 4

DISTEMPER AND LUNG DISEASES IN HORSES.

Tho diseases to which horse-flesh is liable are numerous. Though some are epidemic yet by far the larger part are the results of poor shelter, unsuitable food, or ill-treat-ment of some kind. The horse in a state of servitue is peculiarly sensitive to the changes of weather, over exorcise ancl sudden exposure. The large class of catarrhal affections, which come from colds, sore throats, bronchitis, influenzas ancl pneumonias are common, and often fatal to horses. They are analogues to the same complaints in human beings. The term distemper, however, applies better to the mild catarrhal forms, ancl not to those which are more severe.

A cold, which horses exposed to drafts and wet are liable to contract, is an inflammation of the mucus 'membrane, in severe cases extending to the lungs, and developing into more dangerous diseases. An epidemic cold, or influenza, frequently prevails over large sections of country ancl unfits many horses for labour at times when they are much needed. Sometimes it is-' mild, climatic influences being favourable, but at other seasons it i 3 most malignsvnt. The symptoms are well known to all horsemen. Red and sore eyes, discharges of mucus, quick and feeble heartbeats and pulse, sore throat and cough are the usual accompaniments. As regards treatments, strong mustard and vinegar made into a paste should be applied to the throat. Linseed oil, two parts ancl ammonia, one part, is also useful for this purpose. Give good nursing, clean litter, a warm dry stall, constant quietness, and close attention. Feed with scalded oats, bran and linseed tea, but net with hay or corn. Give the following medicine: Gentian root, saltpetre, aniseseed, one otfn'ce- of each, and sulphate of quinine • one drachm f mix, divide in 8 powders and give one potnfer three times a day. The first two days give ten drops of aconite tincture every six feours in water. After that give one ounce of spirits of nitre every day, also in water.

in some severe forms of sore throot the glands swell so much that breathing is almost or quite stopped. In severe cases the windpipe must be opened by a veterinary surgeon. If taken in time, however, poultice the throat with flaxseed and steam the nasal passages.

Pneumonia is often called lung fever, and may be congestive or inflammatory. In the former case bleeding is the only hope, in the latter blisters are used on the sides, two ounces of spirits of nitre are given internally, and the limbs are rubbed with strong stimulants. In the congestion stage there is no pulse, cold sweats appear, the limbs are chilly, and the animal weak and dull. The inflammatory stage shows quick breathing, crackling sounds in the chest, appetite lost, and evident fever. Pleurisy is inflammation of the membrance of chest and lungs. Bleeding is wrong. It should be treated as inflammatory pneumonia. Bronchitis effects the air- tubes of the lungs. The throat and sides should be blistered. Rockwell recommends a ball composed of nitrate of potassa, digitalis and tartrate of antimony, each half, a drachm mixed with molasses. Repeat in twelve hours if seeded. Complete the cure with powder of nitrate of potassa 1J ounces and nitrate of soda 6 ounces divided into six powders, give two a day.