INFLUENZA. 147 



sound, an attack of influenza is too likely to terminate 

 within the lungs, and by reviving latent, morbid action, 

 carry off the animal in a kind of ^' galloping consumption." 



The case is no longer dubious in its character : but the 

 time has past for remedies to be of service. The animal is 

 hurried oflP in a rapid manner. We commonly find, on 

 examination of the body, the thorax full of water; the 

 pleura having become the seat of disease. Sometimes when 

 all appears to be well, and the animal has recovered from 

 the active symptoms, it happens, especially in cases of 

 catarrhal affection, that roaring or thick wind is left as a 

 sequel. So that, although the influenza in itself be not 

 fatal, it is a disorder attended with grievous consequences. 



In its NATURE it is said to be specific — that is, a disease 

 of a peculiar kind. And it is so considered for three reasons : 

 1st. Because it breaks out at particular seasons raging more 

 in some localities than in others. 2dly. Because it is less 

 under the power of remedies than common fever. 3dly. 

 Because of its variety of combination, which remove it wholly 

 from simple disease. 



Treatment. — Provided we are called early, if the cold 

 stage has gone by, we shall benefit by taking a moderate 

 quantity — one, or at most three quarts — of blood. This 

 done, administer 2 drachms of purging mass. Remove the 

 horse into a loose box, well bedded down ; clothe him warmly, 

 according to the season ; and flannel-bandage his legs if 

 necessary. Let him have a pure atmosphere ; and feed him 

 on scalded oats, green meat, and thin water-gruel if he will 

 drink it. Should his dung evince no signs of softening, 

 give a fever-drink, and repeat it daily until a laxative effect 

 results. The catarrhal symptoms must be met by steaming 

 the nose twice a day with a nose-bag, having inside bran, on 

 which boiling water has been poured ; and by stimulating 

 the throat. Whenever vertigo is present, we must support 

 the strength, for the giddiness is caused by debility. We 

 must take care not to abstract more blood. Debility so soon 

 succeeds fever, that we often seem to wish we had the blood 

 again to instil into our patient. 



