290 Influenza of Horses, 



other hand, the fever curve shows a remittent character, and 

 if the febrile condition lasts over a week, and also if a new 

 rise in temperature takes place after the appearance of the 

 apyrexia, an unfavorable prognosis is indicated. In the latter 

 instance a rise in the temperature lasting only for one day 

 (perturbatio critica), has no special importance; continuous 

 fever is, however, always grave, as it either points to an ex- 

 tension of the pleurisy, or to the development of some other 

 complication. 



Unfavorable terminations are also indicated by the pres- 

 ence of severe inflammations of the tendons, which interfere 

 with the standing of the animal ; also persistent diarrhea, hem- 

 orrhages in the lungs or other organs, the appearance of 

 pulmonary gangrene, or an affection of the brain, etc. ^ A 

 rapid reaccumulation of the pleural exudate after aspiration 

 is also an unfavorable sign, although in exceptional cases, even 

 after repeated aspirations recovery may finally take place, 

 which, however, is usually incomplete. In all of these cases 

 the dietetic conditions, the care and nursing of the patients, 

 as well as the general strength of the animals should be given 

 relative consideration. The more favorable the conditions are 

 in this respect the milder a course of the disease may be ex- 

 pected. 



In the Prussian army, during the period of lo years (1894 to 1908), out of 

 26,678 horses affected with the catarrhal form of influenza, 40 died (or 0.15%), 

 in most instances as a result of subsequent pleuro-pneumonia ; while in the same 

 period 38,671 horses were affected with the pectoral form of influenza, of which 

 1,527 succumbed (3.94%). Among the horses of private stables in which the 

 hygienic conditions are usually more unfavorable, the losses are correspondingly 

 higher. 



Treatment. This consists in the first place, in a suitable 

 regulation of the dietetic conditions. It is of particular im- 

 portance that the animal should immediately be taken from 

 work and placed in a clean, quiet and moderately cool stable. 

 If the weather is favorable it should be allowed to remain 

 outdoors, although protected against wind or rain. The diet 

 should consist of easily digestil3le, palatable, and if possil)le, 

 of fresh green food, and the animal should be given fresh 

 drinking water in sufficient quantity (when the disease ap- 

 peared among army horses the bivouacking of all the animals 

 in the open air has repeatedly proved beneficial). As long 

 as the course of the disease is normal, and there are no alarm- 

 ing symptoms, the expectant method of treatment may be fol- 

 lowed. In such cases medicinal treatment may be omitted, Avith 

 perhaps the exception of alcohol rubs which are always favor- 

 able, and the regulation of the bowels. In the presence of an 

 extensive bronchial catarrh, inhalations of turpentine or tar 

 vapors are advantageous (Lugano recommends also intra- 

 tracheal injections of 10 to 12 cc. of a 4% formalin solution). 



The fever does not require special treatment, as it usually 



