PURPURA. 519 



general swelling commences to appear, and he becomes more and 

 more insensible to outward impressions as the attack advances. 



Death occurs from gravitation of the watery fluid of the blood 

 into the lungs and other organs, from the blood not being able 

 to perform its functions ; from blood-poisoning due to absorption 

 of decomposing matter in the tissues ; and from debility. 



If the disease does not kill in a few days, it will generally run a 

 somewhat chronic course, perhaps, up to six weeks, during which 

 time, relapses not unfrequently occur. 



The MORTALITY of the severe form of purpura is about 50 per 

 cent. 



SYMPTOMS OF THE MILD FORM OF PURPURA.— Instead 



of the diffused and abruptly terminating swellings met with in 

 cases of the severe forai of purpura, there are distinct swellings 

 or lumps, the elevation of which may be so slight that their 

 presence might fail to be detected, were it not for the fact that 

 the hair of the skin covering them stands on end. These lumps 

 or patches exude a fluid resembling that contained in a blister. 

 The blood-spots which are found in the nostrils, are of a scarlet 

 instead of a purple colour. The discharge from the nose is not 

 dark in colour. In some cases, there are no swellings; the blood- 

 spots, however, are always present. This form of purpura runs its 

 course generally, in a week to ten days, leaving the patient greatly 

 enfeebled and emaciated. It may degenerate into the other and 

 much graver fonii. It is a mild affection, except when com- 

 plicated by severe sore throat, or when the patient was in a 

 state of debility before the attack. 



TREATMENT. — Although the nature of this disease is, at 

 present, but imperfectly understood; we are fairly warranted in 

 taking the animal from unhealthy surroundings, in trying to re- 

 move the exudation, and in supporting the vital powers. With these 

 objects in view, we should place him under the best possible sani- 

 taiy conditions and keep up his strength by suitable food and drink. 

 Excellent results have been obtained by the following treatment, 

 which has been invented by Dieckerhoff : Take a solution of iodine 

 1 part, iodide of potassium 5 parts, and water 100 parts; and 

 slowly inject into the windpipe (p. 635) an ounce of the solution 

 twice a day. In bad cases, the dose may be increased to 2 oz. ; 

 and may be proportionately diminished as relief is obtained, It 

 is said that two or three days of this treatment (one injection ^ 

 (^ay) will usually be sufficient to effect a cure. 



