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