NFLUENZA. 573 



occurs spontaneously, without the intervention of con- 

 tagion ; and in such cases may be termed sporadic. 



Usually the first symptom noticed is dulness ; rigours, 

 which may or may not be well marked, in many cases the 

 chill being so very slight as to escape observation. An ap- 

 pearance of languor is now observed, and the animal 

 sweats on the slightest exertion. The coat is harsh and 

 staring, and perhaps a slight cough is present. At this 

 period the circulation is not affected, and the temperature 

 is normal or nearly so. The appetite now fails rapidly, in 

 some cases becoming very much impaired, in other cases 

 failing altogether. The mouth is hot and dry, the tem- 

 perature becomes increased, the pulse runs up, and an 

 occasional cough is heard. Coughing is easily excited by 

 pressure on the larynx. The bowels are usually consti- 

 pated, the ffeces being hard and covered with mucus and 

 frequently have an offensive odour ; occasionally diarrhoea is 

 present. The urine becomes scanty and of a darker colour 

 than usual, and some of its constituents are increased in 

 quantity ; and there may be some difficulty in voiding it. 

 The pulse is cjuickened, except when the nervous centres 

 are affected. Early and excessive debility is a prominent 

 symptom. On being made to walk out, the animal reels 

 and staoojers, and the head hansjs down in a listless manner. 



CO ' o 



This is symptomatic of nervous derangement. The nerve- 

 centres are undoubtedly affected ; the depression is very 

 great. It matters not how much spirit a horse may have, 

 as soon as he becomes affected with influenza, his spirit leaves 

 him, and he c[uickly becomes dull and languid : extreme 

 dejection now presenting itself in marked contrast to the 

 fiery spirits of a day or two before. 



The patient frequently shows symptoms of headache, which 

 in all probability he suffers from. Sore-throat is almost 

 always present in this disease, and frequently the breathing 



