Special Report on Diseases of the HorseUnited States. Bureau of Animal Industry
Science
Special Report on Diseases of the Horse
United States. Bureau of Animal Industry
Horses -- Diseases
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.
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