INFLUENZA. 53 



times designated, is more likely to spread over a stnd of horses, 

 when the stable accommodation is too cramped and limited, and 

 the surroundinj^s are of an unsanitary character; such circum- 

 stances also seem to favor an outbreak; we have no doubt as to 

 the infectiousness of the malady, not only from horse to horse, but 

 also from horse to man. 



These conclusions point to the desirability of isolation so soon 

 as an outbreak is recognized, to avoid as much as possible an ex- 

 tension thereof; this, however, may not alwa3's be successful in 

 stopping its spread, if the theory that atmospheric conditions favor 

 the development of the malady, be reliable; nevertheless no harm 

 can come of the precaution, and it is ahvaj^s best, from an econo- 

 mical point of view, to adopt preventive measures, especially sucli 

 as sanitation and common sense suggest. 



Complications affecting the intestines and other abdominal 

 organs, if not successfully combatted, very often develop typhoid 

 symptoms, especially when stables are overcrowded, and these are 

 the leases that usually prove fatal; but even these with homoeo- 

 pathic remedies available should show a marked diminution in 

 mortality over the ordinary allopathic treatment as there are sev- 

 eral drugs specialh- suitable for these conditions that are not 

 recognized by orthodox medicine. 



Treatment. — A large, well ventilated, loose box well supplied 

 with fresh air and light serves as the best hospital for a horse sick 

 of Influenza; the bedding should be of sawdust for preference, and 

 if of straw it should be cut short to enable the horse to move 

 about without obstruction, he by reason of stiffness and soreness 

 being unable to lift his legs off the ground in the ordinary way; 

 the supply of fresh water should be constant and the trough 

 swilled out mau}^ times during the day to wash away any accumu- 

 lations of saliva; the food must be of the lightest, most easily 

 digestible and nourishing description, making allowance for 

 stimulants when other food is not taken in sufficient quantity; the 

 food being given, a small quantity at a time and oft repeated, care 

 being taken to frequently cleanse the manger as there is no doubt 

 in our mind that the ropy saliva which is a peculiar secretion of 

 this disorder is calculated to retard recovery when re- mixed with 

 fresh food and allowed to accumulate in the manger from time to 

 time; as the surface temperature is so variable in this disease it 



