568 THE COMPLETE GRAZIER. BOOK vi. 



of cartilage from the larynx has been largely practised in this country 

 during the past two years, but the results obtained do not warrant its 

 continuance. 



INFLUENZA OR "PiNK EYE." This is a specific infectious fever, at 

 all times affecting our studs to a greater or less extent. Periodically 

 it becomes wide-spread and virulent, passing from one part of the 

 country to another with great rapidity, and causing much inconveni- 

 ence and loss. Horses in large towns where they are closely packed 

 together in ill-ventilated stables suffer most, but those better housed 

 do not always escape. 



Causes. The cause of influenza is ill-understood. Various reasons 

 have been assigned for its prevalence, and Professor Williams says 

 " it may occur spontaneously." For a long time it was referred to 

 some peculiar climatic condition, but there is much in its history to 

 warrant us in regarding it as due to some subtle organism which at 

 present awaits identification. 



Symptoms. Sudden prostration and premature fatigue are the 

 symptoms to which attention is first directed. This is accompanied 

 by a rise of temperature, dulness, a " stareing" coat, and, it may be, 

 some slight shivering. The appetite is lost and the desire for water is 

 increased. Later on the nose discharges a watery or white purulent 

 matter. The eyelids are sometimes swollen, and tears flow from the 

 eyes. There may or may not be sore throat and cough. If fever runs 

 high, the pulse is quick and weak, and the breathing increased in 

 frequency. In some outbreaks of the disease the liver and digestive 

 canal are specially deranged. When this is so the lining membrane 

 of the eyes is of a yellow hue, the mouth is hot, clammy, and foetid, in 

 addition to which the bowels are constipated and the dung is coated over 

 with slimy matter. This form of influenza is known as bilious fever. 



Treatment. Place the animal in a large, roomy, well ventilated box 

 or shed. Clothe the body and apply flannel bandages to the legs. Then 

 administer a stimulant, such as whisky, nitric ether, or ammonia, and 

 repeat it every four or six hours according to the severity of the case. 

 The diet should be nutritious, well scalded oats, bran, a little linseed, 

 and malt forming a tempting mixture. Roots or green food, according 

 to the season, form an agreeable cooling diet and may be freely given. 

 If the discharge is profuse, steam the nostrils. W T here the throat 

 exhibits soreness by difficulty of swallowing, apply mustard or a 

 poultice of hot bran. 



In the bilious form of the disease give four ounces of Epsom salts 

 in warm water and a little ether, and repeat it on the following day. 

 In all forms of the disease the strength should be well supported by 

 stimulants and a light tempting diet. Serious complications frequently 

 arise in the course of an attack of this malady. It is always desirable, 

 therefore, when a speedy change for the better is not effected, to seek 

 the assistance of a qualified veterinary surgeon. 



INDIGESTION is a common ailment among farm horses where sound 



