INFLUENZA. 



from which it may be distinguished by the absence of rapid 

 emaciation and loss of strength so peculiar to distemper. 



INFLUENZA, OR EPIDEMIC CATARRHAL FEVER. 



Should the above symptoms come on while an epidemic of the 

 same nature is raging, it is commonly known as influenza or 

 6 sniff,' which is not contagious, but caused by some peculiar state 

 of the air, the exact nature of which is not known. Nothing is 

 more common than for epidemic catarrhal fever to degenerate into 

 distemper, or to end in inflammation of the lungs or bowels, but, 

 unless either one or other of these complaints occur, it is better to 

 trust to an emetic, and to mild diet, with abstinence from the 

 usual exercise. Water may be allowed to any extent, but it is 

 well to dissolve about one drachm of nitre in every quart, which 

 acts beneficially as a febrifuge, and also, by its taste, prevents the 

 dog from drinking an inordinate quantity. This simple treatment 

 will generally suffice, unless, as I have before observed, some other 

 affection supervenes, for which the observer should be upon his 

 guard, as the dog is never safe from an inflammatory attack while 

 the system is disturbed by fever, of however slight a character. 

 The faeces should be watched, and if costive, but of good colour, 

 then administer castor oil ; if white, give five grains of blue pill 

 the night before, the oil ; and if too relaxed, then give plenty of 

 water in which good Carolina rice has been boiled, and also the 

 rice itself as food, flavoured with jelly or broth. 



