TREATMENT. 79 



influenza, and ordinarily developed after the fever has existed 

 some days, and marked by much pain, fugitive swelling of the 

 tendons of the muscles of the limbs, and infiltration in con- 

 nection with the fibrous textures of the joints, are most suc- 

 cessfully combated by Avarm-water applications, through means 

 of bandages or warm poultices ; both water and poultices may, 

 when the pain is excessive, be medicated with tincture of 

 opium. 



Even after the animal has well recovered from the fever, and 

 in all other respects apparentl}^ reinstated in health, the results 

 of this peculiar inflammation of the tendons may remain in 

 the form of permanent thickenings and swellings, either of the 

 substances of the tendons themselves, or of fibrous textures 

 closely connected with them. These alterations of structure 

 are best treated by blistering with ungt. cantharides, or a 

 compound of ungt. cantharides and ungt, hydrarg. bini- 

 odid. ; this may require to be repeated. Or in many cases the 

 preferable treatment is the actual cauter}^, and a lengthened 

 period of rest. Internally in such troublesome cases, iodide 

 of potassium or Donovan's solution seems the best alterative ; 

 and either may be continued for some weeks, unless counter- 

 indicated by dyspepsia following its lengthened exhibition. 



The great majority of what may be called ordinary cases of 

 influenza in the horse when placed under treatment sufficiently 

 early are decidedly benign in character, and usually amenable 

 to judicious treatment, the cardinal principles of which, sanc- 

 tioned both by science and practice, are to avoid everything 

 which weakens or debilitates the system, especially eschewing 

 purging and bleeding ; allow plenty of cool, pure air ; clothe 

 the bod}^ to keep the skin warm and promote secretions ; keep 

 the bowels moist by the diet, or, if needful, by some mild 

 laxative ; give sahne medicine w4th anodynes and mild 

 stimulants to counteract in some degree the degraded con- 

 dition of the blood and relieve the distressing symptoms as 

 they arise. 



Following the subsidence of the fever, and during the 

 period of convalescence, much may be done both by dieting 

 and otherwise to strengthen debilitated organs, and generally 

 to improve the functional health and vigour of the whole 

 system. Dyspepsia, or indigestign, is best met by allowing in 



