PURPUEA. 503 



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 form 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 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 

 form. It is a mild affection, except when complicated 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, place him under the best possible sanitary 

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

 Excellent results have been obtained by the following treatment : 

 Take a solution of iodine 1 part, iodide of potassium 5 parts, and 

 water 100 parts; and slowly inject into the windpipe (p. 647) 

 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 a day) will usually be sufficient to 

 effect a cure. 



With respect to old methods of treatment, I have found the 

 following to be attended with good results. Give — 



Oil of Turpentine .. . ... ... ... ^ oz. 



Linseed oil Ij pint 



as a first dose, and then continue giving J oz. doses of turpentine 

 in J pint of linseed oil, three times a day, if the symptoms indicate 

 the necessity. Give 1 oz. chlorate of potash, daily, dissolved in 

 the drinking water, of which there should be a plentiful supply. 

 From the outset, the strength should be supported by gruel with 



