388 ERUPTIVE OR PETECHIAL FEVEKS. 



promoting coagulation, and at a time when physiologists believed 

 that fibrin was a natural constituent of the blood, I commenced 

 to treat purpura with the chlorate, for the purpose, as I then 

 supposed, of increasing the fibrin in the blood, and thus prevent 

 the occurrence of congestions and extravasations. The result 

 was most satisfactory ; the swellings rapidly diminished, and 

 restoration to health ensued in the great majority of instances. 

 One ounce in the twenty-four hours is quite sufficient after the 

 first dose, which may be from one-half ounce to an ounce, given 

 at once. If more than this be given, intestinal irritation is apt 

 to be produced, and the disease thus complicated. In addi- 

 tion to the administration of the chlorate, it is necessary that 

 the excretory organs perform their functions, in order that the 

 morbid material and the products of tissue changes be eli- 

 minated from the system ; for this purpose oleaginous aperients 

 are to be administered. The latest method of treating purpura 

 is by the intratracheal injection of a solution of iodine, and to 

 the success of which I can bear testimony from actual experience ; 

 in fact, the effect has been most remarkable, improvement taking 

 place very quickly in cases which threatened to terminate fatally. 



I do not recommend those strong doses used by some practi- 

 tioners. The solution I use is made as follows: — Iodine 4 

 grains, iodide of potash 8 grains, water 1 ounce. I have not found 

 it necessary to use a larger quantity than this in the twenty-four 

 hours ; the whole may be injected once, or it may be divided 

 into two injections daily. 



Beyond this, I think medical interference is uncalled for ; 

 and it may be stated here that much advantage is derived from 

 non-interference, both in this and many other ailments of the 

 lower animals. 



The convalescence is very often prolonged, great prostration 

 remaining for a long time. The animal must therefore have a 

 liberal supply of good food — oats, beans, hay, &c. — and be care- 

 fully groomed and tended. The mineral tonics may be adminis- 

 tered, and daily and carefully regulated exercise given. 



External treatment. — If the head be much swollen, and there 

 be a difficulty in breathing from tumefaction of the nostrils, con- 

 tinuous cold sponging must be ordered. Tlie sponge may be 

 dipped in cold water or in some weak astringent solution — 

 vinegar and water, or the terchloride of iron tincture, largely 

 diluted ; if the cold sponging fails to reduce the swelling, warm 



