After we ha\'C either satisfied ourseh-es that the hygiene of our stables is 

 not at fault, or have carefully attended to them when defective, we should 

 proceed to isolate the infected animals, and to disinfect the contaminated 

 stalls. As is well known, infectious diseases are so teniied owing to the fact 

 that animals affected throw off either in their breath or from their bod)', or 

 from both, the poison of the malady. The poison, or rather the germs of the 

 disease, consist in all probability in this, as in other infectious diseases, of 

 living vegetable fungi of very microscopic size. They are volatile, and \\ hen 

 they gain access to the system, multiply at an enormous rate. In disinfecting, 

 our object is to diffuse a chemical agent, which by destroying them will 

 remove the infection still lingering in the unhealthy stalls. 



We do not purpose here to enter into the life history of these low forms 

 of vegetable life, but must point out that their multiplication and dissemination 

 outside the body can be largely prevented by stringent measures. Thus it is 

 well in outbreaks of influenza to wash the harness and fittings, and to purify 

 the drains with a solution of crude carbolic acid, w^iich can be easily procured 

 from any chemist. One can make a solution by mixing equal parts of carbolic 

 acid and soft soap and adding a sufficiency of boiling water. As a lime wash 

 for disinfecting purposes, half a pint of crude carbolic acid may be mixed with 

 each bucketful of lime-wash for the walls. This method of purifying the stable 

 is a very useful one. One of the most powerful volatile disinfectants which 

 we have is chlorine gas, which may be generated in the following manner : — 

 take two pounds of chloride of lime, in an old basin or earthenware pot, 

 remove all the horses, shut all windows and casements, add four ounces ot 

 strong oil of vitriol, and stir the mixture with a stick, taking care not to inhale 

 the gas. Then quickly leave the stable and shut the door. In four or five 

 hours the windows and doors may be opened, and after the escape of the gas, 

 the stable may be entered, when it will be well purified from noxious germs 

 of disease. Some authors prefer sulphurous oxide gas, which may be 

 generated by placing sulphur on burning embers in an earthenware pot. 

 The same precautions should be taken as in the case of chlorine gas. 



In mild forms of influenza but little medicinal treatment is generally 

 necessaiy. The animal should be placed in a comfortable and not draughty 

 loose-box. He should have careful nursing, and be seen, except in mild cases, 

 at least once ever)' alternate day by the veterinar)^ surgeon. 



We will now say a few words as to the medical treatment of mild cases 

 of influenza. Frequently has the writer heard owners of horses and stock 

 declare that when they have influenza among their horses they continue to 

 work them until well. This is a very great and ver)^ serious mistake. Numbers 

 and numbers of neglected cases of influenza have proved veiy troublesome 

 and fatal in consequence of such carelessness. Only a short time ago a 

 gentleman had a case of influenza in a Aaluable six-year-old cart stallion. He 

 administered an overdose of aloes, and thought, no doubt, that the animal 

 would soon be well. On the contrar)-, he became much worse, and the 

 writer was called in. The lungs were found to be diseased, and water in the 

 chest was diagnosed. Two da)s afterwards the animal died, and four gallons 



