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EXPLANATION OF FREQUENTLY USED WORD. Roaring- as It Afflicts Horses — Its Causes, Symptoms and Methods of Treatment. We often see the word "roarer" used in connection with a race horse-. What is a "roarer." A veterinarian of high standing in discussing the subject furnished the following information: Roaring is a common disease in some countries, or rather symptom of disease, among horses. The term "roaring is expressive of the most significant symptom, viz: a whistling roaring sound emitted when the animal is put to severe in some cases slight exertion. As a rule this unnatural sound is prodaeed during the intake of air. though at times during the converse of this act. or it may be in both acts. It is an unsoundness in every aaaas of the weird. In the lighter breeds of boraea the sound often partakes of a whistling character. but amongst animals used for heavy dnvft work, it is usually of a harsh, sonorous nature. Personally I have often thought that "whistling" is a more advanced form of roaring, while others regard it as the reverse. The absolute truth of tic statement is open to doubt. Horses have become "whistlers" without ever having shown evi-deiic ■• of roaring, while- advanced "roarers" do not necessarily become "whistlers." Causes of roaring: By far the most frequent eaaoe of roaring is the connection with the muscles of the larnyx. which fail, or partially fail to act in a proper manner, thus interfering with the inlet and outlet of air. In plain language, the air supply is interfered with, no matter whether the impediment is in the larnyx. nose or other part of respiratory organs. The primary cause is either functional interference with working powers I, or organic dwease of the motor nerve, supplying the muscles on the outer surface- of the larnyx. resulting in fatty degeneration of the fibers of a certain muscle- or muscles. This statement must not be understood to mean that roaring and whistling have only this one eaaoe, the ex: options being abnormal growth, thickening, etc.. in other parts of the respiratory aaaaage. However, as already stated, the- first named is the most common cause, the charges to t he-muscle or muscles being secondary to disease of the nerve. There can be no doubt that hereditary pre -disposition has much to do with it. Way to Detect the Unsoundness. How to dried roaring: By striking the animal in the ribs causing it to grunt, theagb evea grunting is not a positive sign of roaring. So after all the-best plan is to give- tin- animal a smart gallop, finishing uphill. The head should 1h kept well in while the animal is worked at a quick pace in harness. Treatment — In every instance an effort must be made to asi-rtain the cause. Without sue h knowledge- no good can re-.ult. even when such is possible-. If the- dise-ase upon which the roaring sound depi-mls be of gradual onse t. tic- chances are that changes of a ehgcMc-rativc- nature are taking place- in SSM 0* more muscles upon the outer surface of the larnyyaht ind-r these circumstances an incurable clis.-iise has become established, but I do not wish to imply that the symptoms of roaring have not in some instances been banished through the performance of certain operations, or in other worels. the- "roaring" has been cured, but not the- disease, fatty degeneration of the muscles being incurable-. When temporary, for instance, such as may result iluring an attack of straaghra or sore- throat, etc., treatment will be in accordance with the nature of the mainly. Morbid growths, causing roaring, should be removed. Many horses are able to race anel do rears of useful work after having a tube inserted in the windpipe. This operation tracheotomy is useful. As far as medicinal agents go. if they are of the slightest use. arsenic- is the best, given in three-grain doses. Climate doubtless has orach to do with it. as in many visits to Australia I never saw a rearer, while in England one, if not more, is found on every race course.
