PREVENTION, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT 219 



primary condition, and includes the use of digitalis, strychnine, and 

 heart stimulants. 



Purpura Hemorrhagica in the Horse. 



This is a condition due to toxemia from various causes and 

 more often to toxins produced by bacteria of infectious diseases, as 

 influenza and strangles, septicemia, but is also seen in conditions 

 of great debility, and apparently originates from poor hygiene and 

 food and potassium iodide (in man) given in medicinal doses. The 

 blood is altered and extravasations occur in various organs. 



Symptoms. — Purple spots appear on the nasal mucosa, which 

 swells and exudes a serous, bloody and often fetid discharge and 

 frequently becomes ulcerated. Lumps as large as an apple occur 

 on the limbs and lower part of trunk. Later, diffuse, hard, hot and 

 tender swelling of the whole limbs and of the sheath, lower belly, 

 breast and lips, with abrupt elevated borders, are seen. Vesicles, 

 ulceration and gangrene are apt to follow on pressure. Walking 

 is difficult. Breathing may become difficult through swelling of 

 the nostrils or of the pharynx or larynx. The tongue may be 

 purplish and petechiae may arise in the mouth. The conjunctivae 

 are often swollen and show extravasations of blood. Intermittent 

 colic and blood and mucus in the feces and hematuria are not un- 

 common. Fever (io2°-io6° F.), rapid, soft pulse and debility 

 are characteristic. 



Treatment. — This is rather unsatisfactory, as about half the 

 patients die. Medicinal treatment includes the use of remedies 

 which increase the coagulability of the blood (gelatin and calcium 

 chloride), those which tend to prevent hemorrhage by constricting 

 the vessels (ergot, turpentine, adrenalin, etc.), those which are 

 directed against bacterial sources of toxemia (as collargol and 

 antistreptococcic serum), and those tending to improve the general 

 health (arsenic, bitters and iron). 



Calcium chloride may be given to advantage with gelatin by 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



