238 CHAPTER 24. 



decided hepatic complications the mucous membrane has a dirty yellow- 

 ish-red aspect, the urine is highly coloured and scanty, the faeces are 

 often in a more fluid state than natural and sometimes are offensive in 

 smell. The mouth feels pasty and dry. Constant pawing is also a 

 concomitant symptom. The animal may evince pain on pressure being 

 applied to the region of the liver. 



In the early stage, when the liver is simply torpid, half a drachm of 

 calomel will be useful. This may be followed by half a pint of linseed 

 oil. Enemata of tepid water are beneficial in promoting the action of 

 the bowels. 



It is not, however, to be supposed, that in all or even in most cases 

 these measures will be successful in relieving the hepatic complications, 

 which often accompany Influenza; but they offer the best chance of 

 relief, and indeed are as strong and active as the animal in his debili- 

 tated condition can bear. 



Should the horse die under these circumstances, the liver on post- 

 mortem examination will be found to be much enlarged, of a dark brown 

 colour, very soft in consistency, friable, granulated and easily broken 

 down by the finger. It may likewise become ruptured, and death may 

 take place from that cause. The spleen and mucous coats of the intes- 

 tines are usually also involved. The spleen is often found after death 

 to be greatly enlarged and softened. 



477. Respiratory Mucous membrane. 



The Mucous membrane of the air passages is generally more or less 

 affected, and there is a peculiar straw-coloured discharge from the nos- 

 trils. This discharge is often apparent, before the breathing has been 

 noticed by the groom to be affected. The breathing, however, is altered 

 and is short and quick. This change, though it may escape observation 

 at the nostrils, is perceptible enough at the flanks. The straw-coloured 

 discharge indicates an inflamed state of the mucous membrane, which is 

 very liable to extend to the ramifications of the bronchise. After a time 

 there will be noticed an unusual dilatation of the nostrils, which do not 

 fall to their usual calibre during the act of expiration. As the attack 

 progresses, the breathing will become quicker, and the nostrils more fixed 

 and dilated in order to admit all the air possible. 



If the character of the discharge changes to the natural secretion, it 

 is a favorable sign. 



478. The Lungs. 



Influenza very often induces inflammation of the lungs of a subacute 

 kind and also pleuritis. From general debility and want of nervous 

 power there is a peculiar disposition in such cases for the blood-vessels to 

 allow the serum to escape. By the pressure of such effusion the air-cells 

 are diminished in calibre, and hence arises quickened breathing. The 

 pleurae subsequently become involved, and water or serum collects in the 

 chest. 



