TREATMENT OF ANIMALS AFFECTED. 149 



lungs have not been attacked, the disease becomes chronic, 

 the animal is very weak, and there are extensive effusions 

 into the lower extremities, and in some cases swellings appear 

 on the chest, belly and even head. Such are the symptoms 

 as they have generally presented themselves in the present 

 epidemic. Of course they vary very much according to the 

 circumstances in which they are found. 



As regards the prognosis, or the foretelling what will be the 

 termination of an attack, not much can be said. If the symp- 

 toms are mild, and the animal placed under the best hygienic 

 conditions, our prognosis may be a favorable one. Even here, 

 however, we mnst be guarded, for there have been cases 

 where a speedy recovery was to be expected, but where new 

 and unlooked for symptoms have arisen, terminating in death. 

 If the general symptoms from the first are severe, especially 

 if the prostration is great, we may consider the danger immi- 

 nent. 



The treatment of the disease depends very much on its 

 violence. In the great majority of cases where the symptoms 

 have been mild, as in the present epidemic, very little is 

 required. Comfortable, well- ventilated quarter^ plenty of 

 room, warm clothing, great attention paid to cleanliness, — 

 gently laxative food in the form of bran mashes or roots, 

 with water either cold or tepid, walking exercise if the weather 

 permits, and general good nursing, constitute all "that is 

 requisite. Where the cough is severe, and the debility with 

 loss of appetite greater, the strength may be supported by oat- 

 meal gruel, made thin, in the place of water. This should be 

 changed frequently, even if not touched by the animal. Fomen- 

 tations or mild blisters should counteract any undue soreness 

 of throat, and the nostrils be kept as free as possible by spon- 

 ging them frequently. If the distress about the head is great, 

 which will be recognized by the symptoms already described, 

 steaming, by means of a bran mash suspended in a bag to the 

 head, should be practised. This should be kept up for an 

 hour at least, the hot water being poured on to the bran every 

 fifteen or twenty minutes. This process of steaming should 

 be kept up as long as the symptoms warrant it. The bowels, 

 if confined, should be kept open by simple injections of warm 

 water ,7— five or six quarts, — to which a handful or two of 



