CHAPTER XV. 

 CONTAGIOUS DISEASES AND FEVERS. 

 I. — Contagious Diseases. 

 1. Smallpox (Variola Equina). 



This disease is not very often met with in America, but 

 is quite common in Europe. 



Causes. — Smallpox in horses has the same source as 

 smallpox in people. It is contagious, being carried from one 

 animal to the other. Small scales containing the germ that 

 gives rise to the disease, peel off the skin and in various ways 

 are brought into contact with the healthy animal. It may 

 be carried in the clothes of a person who has been attending 

 the afflicted animal. Changing the harness, saddle or blankets 

 may account for it. It is well to bear in mind that smallpox 

 may be communicated from horse to man or to cows or other 

 animals, consequently the greatest care is necessary to pre- 

 vent contagion. It must run its course, which usually re- 

 quires from nine days to two weeks before recovery com- 

 mences. 



Symptoms. — There is more or less fever and considerable 

 thirst. The pulse is quick but weak and the appetite poor. 

 Red patches soon appear on the skin and from a small hole 

 in the center of each a watery serum oozes. These blotches 

 vary in size and may appear on any part of the body. As a 

 result the skin becomes sore and tender. The mouth is sore 

 and saliva continually runs from it. The throat is sore and 

 there is difficulty in swallowing. In from nine to fifteen days 

 the blotches disappear, the scales fall off, and recovery is 

 gradual. 



Treatment. — The treatment is simple. Isolate the case 

 to prevent the spread of the disease. Feed soft feed contain- 

 ing plenty of flaxseed. If in the. spring of the year grass is 

 better still. Give 



Sulphur Va pound. 



Nitrate of Potash or Saltpetre % pound. 



Mix thoroughly together and give a teaspoonful three 



