IHK ABDOMINAL FORM OF INFLUKNZA IN THK HORSK. 217 



from 3 to 5 per cent. The outbreaks in which losses rose to 25, 50, or 

 60 per cent, were not due simply to influenza, but were the result of 

 double infection. 



An interesting point to consider is whether the virus oi influenza 

 has immunising properties, and whether animals which have recovered 

 are protected from fresh attacks. In this respect experience shows 

 that the disease generally affords immunity for a period of twelve to 

 fifteen months. In i8gi a stable of twenty horses was invaded by 

 influenza, and I noted that two animals which had been attacked ten 

 months before resisted. 



Cases of more prolonged immunity have been mentioned, some 

 extending to three, five, or six years. These are exceptional, even 

 admitting that the disease has not been erroneously described as 

 influenza. 



Treatment consists primarily in good hygiene. In recent outbreaks 

 where the number of cases is still small the patients should be isolated 

 and their stalls disinfected ; the stable should be kept well ventilated 

 and very clean ; the drains being flushed and the floor and walls 

 moistened with carbolic, creolin, or turpentine solutions. In this way 

 the epidemic may be arrested, but its contagious character is too 

 pronounced for such measures often to succeed ; nevertheless they 

 should not be neglected. If the form of disease is severe and many 

 animals are affected, it may be necessary to remove all. In warm 

 weather they can be turned out to grass, living in the open air under a 

 shed ; at least they should be removed to a new stable and the infected 

 stable thoroughly disinfected. By observing these precautions in grave 

 outbreaks of influenza many practitioners have succeeded in checking 

 the heavy mortality and the disease itself. 



Patients which still drink freely should receive gruel, hay tea, or 

 milk at frequent intervals. Milk is particularly valuable; most 

 animals drink it readily ; in grave cases it is alone sufficient to sustain 

 their strength and carry them on beyond the dangerous period. As in 

 pneumonia, patients which refuse everything should be fed by the 

 rectum. 



Medical treatment comprises various methods, the principal being 

 bleeding, application of large mustard plasters to the chest and 

 abdomen, and the internal administration of drugs. Those most 

 commonly given are sulphate of soda in doses of 3 to 6 ounces per day, 

 bicarbonate of soda 1 1 to 3 ounces, salicylate of soda ih to 6 drachms, 

 digitalis 4 to i^ drachms, and quinine salts 2^ to 5 drachms. The 



