REMARKS ON DRENCHES, AND THE INFLUENZA. 685 
and the pleura-costalis most intensely inflamed ; almost, indeed, 
of the colour of blood itself; the bronchi and trachea filled 
with frothy spume, the larynx ulcerated; in short, the mucous 
membranes, both visible and invisible (in life), were the seat of 
most severe inflammation. 
It will, doubtless, be stated that this does not occur once in a 
thousand cases, and this may be true ; at the same time, it 
must not be said that such things are impossible. I have seen 
men administer common colic draughts through the nostrils, and 
no evil to result therefrom. 
1 read with much pleasure the interesting account given by 
Mr. Gloag of the Influenza among Horses, in the last Number 
of your Journal. That gentleman has so well described the 
complaint, that it will suffice for the present if I state that the 
influenza, which was so prevalent last month in this and the 
adjoining counties, in certain localities, is the identical disease 
so ably penned in The VETERINARIAN, and that the opinions 
entertained by the writer are in accordance with my own. 
There is but one exception — and that is in reference to the 
form of prescription — aloes were not used by Mr. Gloag. The 
form of medicine I employed was this: — R. Ant. pot. tart. 3 ij, 
pulv. gentianse 3ij, aloes Barb. 3j. Massse diuretic. 3 ij, ammon. 
sesquicarb. 3j ; fiat bol. ; omni die sumendus. 
The throat, neck, and forehead were stimulated. This latter 
part of the head I think a good place to stimulate in the disease 
under consideration. The diet consisted of bran, potatoes and 
hay, with as much chilled water as they could drink. In all 
other respects the treatment was the same as adopted by the 
writer of the account referred to. As to bleeding in this com- 
plaint, it would, I think, be sealing a death warrant for those 
operated upon, so rapidly would debility and exhaustion make 
their appearance. All my patients recovered in from four to ten 
days, and resumed their work. I cannot look upon the present 
influenza as infectious for very obvious reasons. I should 
rather think the sudden change of the atmosphere, acting upon 
horses at a time when they are peculiarly liable to take on 
disease, as the most reasonable cause one can assign; it being 
well known how delicate horses are at this season of the year, 
or rather, I should have written at the time they are shedding 
their summer coats, to take on their winter ones. Should these 
rough remarks be admissible, they are truly at your service. 
Remaining, Sir, 
Your obedient servant. 
Waterford, Nov. 8, 1831. 
