Special Report on Diseases of the Horse | Page 3

that several horses are afflicted much in
the same way, we have evidence of a common cause of disease which
may prove to be of an infectious nature.
Another item of importance in connection with the history of the case
relates to the treatment that the horse may have had before he is
examined. It sometimes happens that medicine given in excessive
quantities produces symptoms resembling those of disease, so it is
important that the examiner be fully informed as to the medication that
has been employed.
ATTITUDE AND GENERAL CONDITION.
Before beginning the special examination, attention should be paid to
the attitude and general condition of the animal. Sometimes horses
assume positions that are characteristic of a certain disease. For
example, in tetanus (lockjaw) the muscles of the face, neck, and
shoulders are stiff and rigid, as well as the muscles of the jaw. This

condition produces a peculiar attitude, that once seen is subsequently
recognized as rather characteristic of the disease. A horse with tetanus
stands with his muscles tense and his legs in a somewhat bracing
position, as though he were gathered to repel a shock. The neck is stiff
and hard, the head is slightly extended upon it, and the face is drawn,
and the nostrils are dilated. The tail is usually held up a little, and when
pressed down against the thighs it springs back to its previous position.
In inflammation of the throat, as in pharyngolaryngitis, the head is
extended upon the neck and the angle between the jaw and the lower
border of the neck is opened as far as possible to relieve the pressure
that otherwise would fall upon the throat. In dumminess, or immobility,
the hanging position of the head and the stupid expression are rather
characteristic. In pleurisy, peritonitis, and some other painful diseases
of the internal organs, the rigid position of the body denotes an effort of
the animal to avoid pressure upon and to protect the inflamed sensitive
region.
The horse may be down in the stall and unable to rise. This condition
may result from paraplegia (paralysis), from azoturia, from forage
poisoning, from tetanus, or from painful conditions of the bones or feet,
such as osteoporosis or founder. Lying down at unusual times or in
unusual positions may indicate disease. The first symptom of colic may
be a desire on the part of the horse to lie down at an unusual or
inappropriate time or place. Sometimes disinclination to lie down is an
indication of disease. When there is difficulty in breathing, the horse
knows that he can manage himself better upon his feet than upon his
breast or his side. It happens, therefore, that in nearly all serious
diseases of the respiratory tract he stands persistently, day and night,
until recovery has commenced and breathing is easier, or until the
animal falls from sheer exhaustion. If there is stiffness and soreness of
the muscles, as in rheumatism, inflammation of the muscles from
overwork, or of the bones in osteoporosis, or of the feet in founder, or if
the muscles are stiff and beyond control of the animal, as in tetanus, a
standing position is maintained, because the horse seems to realize that
when he lies down he will be unable to rise.
Abnormal attitudes are assumed in painful diseases of the digestive

organs (colic). A horse with colic may sit upon his haunches, like a dog,
or may stand upon his hind feet and rest upon his knees in front, or he
may endeavor to balance himself upon his back, with all four feet in the
air. These positions are assumed because they give relief from pain by
lessening pressure or tension upon the sensitive structures.
Under the general condition of the animal it is necessary to observe the
condition or state of nutrition, the conformation, so far as it may
indicate the constitution, and the temperament. By observing the
condition of nutrition one may be able to determine to a certain extent
the effect that the disease has already had upon the animal and to
estimate the amount of strength that remains and that will be available
for the repair of the diseased tissues. A good condition of nutrition is
shown by the rotundity of the body, the pliability and softness of the
skin, and the tone of the hair. If the subcutaneous fat has disappeared
and the muscles are wasted, allowing the bony prominences to stand
out; if the skin is tight and inelastic and the coat dry and harsh, we have
evidence of a low state of nutrition. This may have resulted from a
severe and long-continued disease or from lack of proper feed and care.
When an animal is emaciated--that is, becomes thin--there is first a loss
of fat and later the muscles shrink.