EPIZOOTIC CELLULITIS. 71 



than mares or geldings, one reason for which, perhaps, is that 

 stallions, usually being of considerable value, are doctored 

 and physicked to death, and worried by too much attention. 

 Frequently, pregnant mares, on becoming attacked, abort. 

 There may be more or less abdominal pain manifested, 

 according as the areolar tissue in the neighbourhood of the 

 intestinal track is more or less affected. Diarrhoea usually 

 occurs spontaneously, and is to be regarded as a favourable 

 sign. The febrile symptoms are well marked. 



Treatment. — Epizootic cellulitis is a very satisfactory 

 disease to treat, and when proper and timely treatment is 

 adopted, the rate of mortality is exceedingly low. There is 

 an increase of fibrin in the blood ; hence, nitrate of potas- 

 sium may be given. Potassium chlorate, on account of its 

 peculiar action on the blood, is contra-indicated. In the 

 treatment of this disease, the animal should be given com- 

 fortable quarters, and should be judiciously clothed, and 

 perfect quietude, if possible, should be observed. Cold 

 water should be allowed in liberal quantities ; food of a soft 

 kind should be given. If stimulants are needed, the ammon. 

 sesquicarb. 5ii. may be given, once or twice daily, in con- 

 junction w^ith aeth. nitrici., in cold gruel. 01. lini. 5vi. — 

 5viii. may be given as a laxative. Some writers recommend 

 aloes, but my experience has not been such as to warrant a 

 recommendation. We find that the disease in many cases 

 has a tendency to cause slight diarrhoea. Where such is the 

 case, it should be encouraged. The eyes and nostrils should 

 be bathed with water, or a mild collyrium may be used for 

 the eyes. However, such a proceeding is of doubtful effi- 

 cacy, as the discharge from the eyes affords relief, and will 

 cease on recovery of the patient. 



Course^ complications^ etc. — In ordinary cases of epizootic 

 cellulitis the organs of respiration are not seriously impli- 

 cated, and in some cases not at all, and in this respect it 



