but
the predisposing causes are common conditions and often can not be
remedied. That which is gentle work in one instance may incite disease
in another. That which is feed to-day may to-morrow prove disastrous to
health. Finally, necessary medical interference, no matter how
judicious, may cause a more serious complaint than that which was being
treated. Notwithstanding these difficulties there are some general rules
to be observed that will in part serve to prevent the development of an
unusual number of cases. First of all the predisposing causes must be
removed when possible; when impossible, unusual care must be taken not
to bring an exciting cause into operation. Under no circumstances should
fat animals have hard work. If the weather is warm or the variation of
temperature great, all horses should have but slow, gentle labor until
they become inured to it, the tissues hardened, and their excitability
reduced to a minimum. Green horses should have moderate work,
particularly when taken from the farm and dirt roads to city pavements;
for under these circumstances increased concussion, changed hygienic
conditions, and artificial living readily become active causes of the
disease. Army horses just out of winter quarters, track horses with
insufficient preparation, and farmers' horses put to work in the spring
are among the most susceptible classes, and must be protected by work
that is easy and gradual. If long marches or drives are imperative, the
incumbrances must be as light as possible and the journey interspersed
with frequent rests, for this allows the laminae to regain their impaired
functional activity and to withstand much more work without danger.
Furthermore, it permits early detection of an attack, and prevents
working after the disease begins, which renders subsequent medication
more effective by cutting the process short at the stage of congestion.

All animals when resting immediately after work should be protected from
cold air or drafts. If placed in a stable that is warm and without
draft, no covering is necessary; under opposite conditions blankets
should be used until the excitement and exhaustion of labor have
entirely passed away. It is still better that all animals coming in warm
from work be "cooled out" by slow walking until the perspiration has
dried and the circulation and respiration are again normal. Animals
stopped on the road even for a few moments should always be protected
from rapid