THE MODERN HORSE DOCTOR. 219 



of some tonic medicine, such as gentian or goldenseal, may 

 gradually complete the cure. 



TYPHUS FEVER. 



Disease of the above type is more frequent in the "Western 

 than in the Eastern States, and more commonly occurs among 

 cattle than horses : the main features of it consist in a tendency 

 to rapid putrescence of the solids and fluids, and great prostra- 

 tion : it is generally complicated with disease of the lungs or 

 intestines. Its diagnostic symptoms are, pulse quick, soft, and 

 feeble ; tongue coated with a yellow-brown fur on its centre ; its 

 margins are of a light-red color, and cracks or fissures are occa- 

 sionally observed. The teeth have lost their natural, and are 

 now of a dark brown color ; the gums are red, and discharge an 

 ichorous fluid ; the breath is very offensive ; the color of the 

 nasal membranes almost resembles that of the tongue ; yet they 

 more frequently present symptoms of pulmonary congestion, hav- 

 ing, however, a dry appearance, with dark, reddened patches. 

 The eyes are suffused, and the countenance has an expression 

 of turgidity. If typhus is complicated with pulmonary disease, 

 the respirations are hurried and the bowels sluggish. When 

 connected with intestinal disease, the dung is slimy, £>lack, and 

 fetid ; pressure in the abdominal region elicits signs of pain. 

 There is also great thirst and loss of appetite. On carefully 

 passing the hand over the patient's body, we discover a morbid 

 heat, and perhaps some elevations or eruptions. These are the 

 diagnostic symptoms ; others, common to various diseases of a 

 low febrile type, are present, varying in duration and intensity, 

 according to the nature of the case. Post mortem examinations 

 show no other constant pathological changes that can be depended 

 on ; so that the external signs appear of more value to the sur- 

 geon than the internal. Its last stages are marked by a putrid 

 type ; mortification puts an end to the patient's sufferings. We 

 consider the disease, at a certain stage, both contagious and in- 

 fectious. (For treatment, see Malignant Scarlet Fever.) The 

 prophylactic means are, ventilation, cleanliness, nutritious diet, 

 and fumigation. 



