THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 97 



unable to resist their influences. Mr. R. D. Granger has lately 

 written some interesting remarks on the influence of noxious 

 effluvia in the origin and propagation of epidemic diseases, an 

 extract from -which we here introduce. " That the effete matter 

 eliminated from the system is small in amount is no objection to 

 the intensity of its action ; for to the physiologist it is well known 

 that a minute quantity of a powerful agent — the putrid matter in- 

 troduced on the point of a needle, in the dissection of the dead — 

 or a single drop of prussic acid placed in the mouth of an animal — 

 is sufficient to destroy life. It is in the over-crowded bed rooms, 

 in unventilated schools, workhouse dormitories, &c, that this 

 effete matter taints the air, and, entering the blood, poisons the 

 system." 



CATARRH. 



Definition. — A sero-mucous defluxion from, commonly, both 

 nostrils, increased redness of the Schneiderian membrane, lining 

 the nostrils ; oozing of tears from the corners of the eyes ; swell- 

 ings underneath the jaws ; snorting ; cough, with or without fe- 

 brile disorder. — Percivall. 



It is well known that many of the most formidable diseases to 

 which mankind and animals are subject originate in a common 

 cold ; hence such a common affection should always receive our 

 earliest attention, for its treatment is then a very simple affair : 

 perhaps, if proper attention were paid to the general management 

 of catarrhal subjects, the disease would subside spontaneously ; 

 provided, however, the subject be free from latent disease. But 

 it often happens that catarrh is symptomatic of several other dis- 

 eases, and then will require a special course of treatment. As 

 regards its spontaneous cure, we may remark, that in our crowded 

 stables such termination may be very rare, for various causes 

 are in operation to retard rather than favor it. If a horse be in 

 good flesh, (which generally means a state of plethora,) and kept 

 in a hot stable, catarrh will generally be attended with a cough 

 and quickness of breathing. Now, if the weather is favorable, 

 he may be turned out in the daytime, and partake of green food ; 

 when taken up for the night, a bran mash should be given. This 

 change of air and diet will contribute much towards the cure. 

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