24 HEALTH AND DISEASE 



be taken. In the absence of green fodder, bran mashes, carrots, and a 

 moderate amount of hay should be given. It invariably results that more 

 or less permanent thickening remains after the acute symptoms have sub- 

 sided, especially in the more depending parts of the limb. This, however, 

 may be in some measure obviated by repeatedly subjecting the limb to brisk 

 rulibing with a straw wisp and afterwards to a course of massage. In- 

 creased susceptibility usually follows the first attack. Animals so pre- 

 disposed require special attention and management. In this connection 

 walking exercise should be given whenever a rest-day comes round, and 

 the food ration should be diminished. An aperient dose of medicine, given 

 every three or four months, will greatly assist in warding off an attack. 



PURPURA HEMORRHAGICA 



Definition. — A disease involving the entire system, and believed to 

 be connected with changes in the composition and character of the blood, 

 leading to rupture of the small vessels and the development of blood spots 

 and patches in the skin, the mucous membrane of the eyelids, the nose, 

 and various parts and organs of the body. Examination of the blood, 

 both before and after death, show the white cells or corpuscles to be in 

 excess of the normal amount, and the red corpuscles to be very soft and 

 sticky, so that they adhere together in -irregular masses, instead of arrang- 

 ing themselves in rows one on the other, as they are seen to do in health. 

 Moreover, many of the white corpuscles are liroken up, filling the blood 

 with granular debris. 



Causes. — But little can be said as to the precise cause of purpura, 

 but from the history of the disease, and the changes observed in the blood, 

 there is ground for the belief that it is due to an organic ferment acting 

 upon its corpuscular elements, and through them disordering the general 

 nutrition of the body and that of the vessels in particular. It is best 

 known as a sequel to certain fevers and affections of a debilitating char- 

 acter — as influenza, strangles, pneumonia, and pleurisy, — but it also occurs 

 in animals while in health, and especially those in a plethoric condition. 

 Bad ventilation and indifferent drainage are suspected of being sometimes 

 concerned in the induction of this disease, but how or in what measure 

 it is impossible, with our present knowledge, to determine. 



Symptoms. — The onset of the malady is sometimes very sudden, and 

 especially so in those cases where the victims are full-blooded or plethoric. 

 The first signs are either a swelling of the lips or a trickling of blood- 

 stained fluid from the nostrils, or both these symptoms may appear at 

 the same time. The swelling then extends up the face until the head 



