106 PEACTICE OP EQUINE MEDICINE. 



What is the duration of purpura ? 



The course and duration are very irregular, lasting from one 

 to three or four weeks. 



How may this affection be diagnosed ? 



The diagnosis ought to be easily made; the petechial spots on 

 the visible mucous membranes, the characteristic swellings, which 

 end abruptly. 



What diseases may be mistaken for purpura? 



It may be mistaken for glanders proper, or farcy, but there 

 should not be any trouble in differentiating, as purpura shows 

 petechial spots, and the swellings end abruptly. 



Give the prognosis. 



This depends on the state of the animal, the place, and the 

 time of year. Never be positive, as mild cases may die and severe 

 cases recover. 



If the weather be cool, the animal able to eat and in a roomy, 

 well-ventilated box-stall, the prognosis is more favorable. 



If in hot weather, the animal unable to eat, the skin cracks, 

 and sloughing takes place, the prognosis becomes very unfavorable. 



About sixty to seventy per cent. die. 



Outline the treatment of purpura. 



General as well as local treatment has to be employed in many 

 cases. 



The general treatment should be directed toward improving 

 the condition of the blood as well as the blood-vessels. Good hy- 

 gienic surroundings are of the utmost importance, as well as look- 

 ing after the diet. 



The drugs indicated and recommended are alcohol, potassium 

 chlorate, ergot, digitalis, potassium iodide, iron preparations, tur- 

 pentine, potassium nitrate, strychnine, camphor, gallic acid, dilute 

 sulphuric acid, salicylic acid, colchicum. 



Professor James L. Eobertson recommends strong coffee, one 

 pint, potassium iodide, one or two drams, given three times a day. 



Potassium nitrate may be given in food or drinking-water. 



In some cases, especially where the head is much swollen, I 

 use the fluid extract of nux vomica, thirty minims; the spirits of 

 turpentine, fifteen to thirty drops; alcohol, one ounce — given as 

 a dose every three hours with a syringe. 



