THE HORSE, ITS DISEASES. 



339 



XIII. Influenza. 



This epizootic, which first and last has heen prevalent in nearly all 

 countries where the horse is used, is, as to its origin, but little under- 

 stood. Its symptoms, however, are well known, but these may be 

 complicated by inflammatory symptoms of all the air passages ; also by 

 rheumatic swellings, paralysis, delirium and inflammation of the eyes. 



How to know it. — The attack may be sudden. There will be stupor 

 and weakness, the head will be held low, the eyes dull and half closed, 

 the gait will be weak, with cracking of the joints sometimes. There will 

 be no appetite, and fever ; the mouth hot and clammy, the bowels costive, 

 with scanty urine ; the pulse quick and weak, but sometimes hard ; the 

 membrane of the nose may be pink, or a deep leaden hue ; the cough will 

 be deep and harsh ; the ccat rough and staring ; the skin tender and 

 sometimes trembling, and tlie ears and limbs alternately hot and cold. 

 Upon applying the ear to the lungs crepitation will be heard, or some- 

 times a harsh blowing sound. As the disease progresses, and the nos« 

 discharges a white, yellowish or greenish water, the animal may get bet- 

 ter ; but when the lungs are seriously involved, the symptoms will in- 

 crease. As a rule there is constipation, although purging is sometimes 

 present . 



CONFIRMED INFLUENZA. 



What to do. — Place the animal in a well littered stall, free from drafts 

 •f air Do not depend upon strong physic. The cure must be effected 

 Oy watching the symptoms and combating them. If there is costiveness 

 keep the bowels open by injections of two wine glasses full of linseed 

 oil. Relief must be had by means of stimulants and tonics. Good 

 Bill sing must be constant, with clothing enough to keep the animal warm 

 h good tonic and stimulant is : 

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