INFLUENZA 539 



INFLUENZA 



By this term is generally meant an infectious febrile disease in which a 

 common symptom is a catarrhal condition of the mucous membranes 

 of the respiratory tract. It varies greatly, not only in its manifestation in 

 individuals, but in different years it assumes varying forms, at one time 

 having all the appearances of a feverish cold, at others causing glandular 

 swellings, and an abscess like that of strangles, liver complications, resulting 

 in jaundice, lameness of the right fore-limb in supposed sympathy with the 

 liver, and sometimes partial paralysis of a limb or limbs. Our forefathers 

 described it as the " distemper," and naturally so since it makes its presence 

 felt in as many shapes as the distemper of dogs. It is found almost 

 simultaneously on three continents, but whether the germs are carried 

 through the air faster than by ocean steamers is not proved. In North 

 Ameiica and in South Africa it takes on a type in which intense redness 

 of the conjunctival membrane is a conspicuous feature, and for this reason 

 is known as " pink eye " among the many other names accorded it. Its 

 history in vai-ying forms has been traced for centuries ; but what climatic or 

 other conditions favour its spread or increase its intensity does not appear. 

 There are many theories and perhaps a specific bacillus, but there is certainly 

 no specific with which it can be treated. 



The Symptoms are at first those common to febrile attacks, in which 

 dulness, staring coat, perhaps shivering and loss of appetite are among 

 those most usually observed ; sore throat, cough, difficulty in swallowing, and 

 general malaise. Increased temperature, which may be ascertained by the 

 clinical thermometer j^e?- rectum. 



Treatment. — Is directed especially to the amelioration of the prominent 

 symptoms in each case, but with a general regard to the fact that great 

 prostration and loss of nerve force is to be guarded against. Powerful doses 

 of quinine, gentian, and the mineral acids in small quantity tend to maintain 

 the patient's strength, while local applications in the form of stimulating 

 liniments to the throat or other parts are undoubtedly useful. The appetite 

 should be tempted with variety in the way of food, and only a little at a time 

 offered to the patient. Carrots, linseed, crushed oats, and damped chaff should 

 be tried in turns, and if the animal is very low and absolutely refuses his 

 food he may be for a time sustained by the administration of eggs and milk, 

 gruel, etc. With a falling temperature appetite returns, and restoration to 

 health and vigour may be aided by iron and quinine, gentian and calumba, a 

 little table salt in the food — in a word, good nursing, which comprises 

 bandaging, clothing, exercise when capable of benefiting by it, and all those 

 attentions to the wants of the sick which to some men devoted to animals 

 appears to be a natural gift, while others never acquire it. Unless some 

 serious complication accrues or the catarrhal symptoms invade the bronchi, 

 or substance of tlie lungs, horses seldom die of influenza, but like their nurses 

 succumb to sequeltB brought on by resuming their ordinary avocations too 

 soon. 



