XXIX.— THE ABDOMINAL FORM OF INFLUENZA* IN 



THE HORSE. 



During a comparatively short period we have received into hospital 

 ■eight horses suffering from an infectious disease which is almost always 

 present in the Seine and neighbouring departments, and at times 

 assumes the form of a true enzooty. I refer to the affection formerly 

 known as gastro-enteritis, and now termed "typhoid disease," "typhoid 

 fever," or influenza. It is a morbid condition special to the horse, and 

 has nothing in common with the human disease known by the same 

 titles. 



On the 2ist March last, five horses belonging to M. A—, carrier, 

 Boulevard Soult, Paris, were suddenly taken ill. They were greatly 

 depressed, and would not touch their food. My colleague, M. Moret, 

 was called in next day, and finding them undoubtedly suffering from 

 influenza had them sent to the School. On the 30th of the same 

 month three further cases from this stable were sent here, and during 

 the interval several more had been affected. 



I will read you an extract from the notes made about these 

 animals. 



Case i. — Four-year-old entire horse. Entered the 22nd March. 



Symptoms. — Extreme depression and dulness, eyelids swollen and 

 closed, eyes painful on exposure to light, conjunctiva cyanotic, moutli 

 hot and dr}^, tongue slimy, a narrow violet-coloured stripe along the 

 gums, active thirst, heart-beats rapid and violent ; pulse 92, small and 

 perceptible with difficulty; respirations 21. Nothing abnormal on 

 percussing the thorax. On auscultation, strong vesicular murmur over 

 the entire lung. Temperature 4i'3'^ C. (106*3° F-)« 



* {Maladie typho'ide du cheual.) To distinguish this form of influenza, of which I saw 

 a large number of cases in France, and have recently seen others in England, from " pink- 

 eye," the form of influenza best known to English practitioners, I have ventured to adopt 

 the above title, thus avoiding a long and cumbrous periphrasis. — Jno. A. W. D. 



