CHAPTER XV. 
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES AND FEVERS. 
I. — Contagious Diseases. 
1. Smallpox (Variola Equina). 
This disease is not very often met with in America, but 
is quite common in Europe. 
Causes. — Smallpox in horses has the same source as 
smallpox in people. It is contagious, being carried from one 
animal to the other. Small scales containing the germ that 
gives rise to the disease, peel off the skin and in various ways 
are brought into contact with the healthy animal. It may 
be carried in the clothes of a person who has been attending 
the afflicted animal. Changing the harness, saddle or blankets 
may account for it. It is well to bear in mind that smallpox 
may be communicated from horse to man or to cows or other 
animals, consequently the greatest care is necessary to pre- 
vent contagion. It must run its course, which usually re- 
quires from nine days to two weeks before recovery com- 
mences. 
Symptoms. — There is more or less fever and considerable 
thirst. The pulse is quick but weak and the appetite poor. 
Red patches soon appear on the skin and from a small hole 
in the center of each a watery serum oozes. These blotches 
vary in size and may appear on any part of the body. As a 
result the skin becomes sore and tender. The mouth is sore 
and saliva continually runs from it. The throat is sore and 
there is difficulty in swallowing. In from nine to fifteen days 
the blotches disappear, the scales fall off, and recovery is 
gradual. 
Treatment. — The treatment is simple. Isolate the case 
to prevent the spread of the disease. Feed soft feed contain- 
ing plenty of flaxseed. If in the spring of the year grass is 
better still. Give 
Sulphur 54 pound. 
Nitrate of Potash or Saltpetre %. pound. 
Mix thoroughly together and give a teaspoonful three 
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