INFLUENZA. 237 



4736. 



The treatment of Pink Eye, like other forms of Influenza, must con- 

 sist primarily in good nursing, a cool, well ventilated loose box, warm 

 clothing without being heavy, bandages, and such dietetics and general 

 treatment as have already been detailed. 



The reader must understand that the disease cannot be cut short by 

 any special mode of treatment; it must run its course, and the general 

 principles laid down for the various modifications of the affection may be 

 followed to the extent indicated by the prevailing symptoms. Purgative 

 medicine is inadmissible, but if much constipation is present ten ounces 

 of linseed oil may be given, but we should rely principally upon laxative 

 diet and enemas to relieve the bowels. Salines as chlorate of potash and 

 nitrate of potash may be given in the drinking water twice a day, but 

 not exceeding one oz. in all. 



It is a great mistake to bother a horse with chest disease by giving him 

 medicines. Drenches are specially to be avoided as they generally do 

 more harm than good, and in confirmed cases very serious harm. 



474. Convalescence. 



When a patient is recovering from a severe attack of Influenza, we 

 must not expect any great and rapid amendment. The change will be 

 gradual. We must tax our patience, and be satisfied to look on and seek 

 to aid nature in the gradual restoration of the system. After a bad case 

 there will be during convalescence frequent changes, slight accessions 

 of fever, inequality of heat and cold on the surface of the body and legs 

 and slight shiverings. The appetite will only slowly return and will be 

 capricious in character. It is always a good sign to see the horse lying 

 down and comfortable in that position, especially if the breathing is not 

 accelerated by it. 



The treatment during convalescence is simply good nursing, and care- 

 fully regulated administrations of tonics. 



475. Complications. 



Attacks of Influenza are often complicated by various other derange- 

 ments. 



The symptoms of the various complications are given in the succeeding 

 paragraphs but not the treatment. The treatment of each disease will 

 be found under its proper head (see index). 



476. The Liver. 



In most cases the liver is functionally deranged. Of this, the peculiar 

 condition of the visible mucous membranes, the colour and consistency 

 of the faeces and the colour of the urine afford sufficient evidence. In 



