560 
ON THE EPIDEMIC AMONG HORSES IN 1840. 
By Mr. Thos. P. Page, V.S., Tunbridge Wells . 
[This paper was accidentally mislaid at the beginning of 1841. 
There is too much good matter in it to permit it to be lost. 
—Ed.] 
The first appearances differ very much — some horses seeming 
to have an attack of spasm of the bowels, with a very remarkable 
twitching of the muscles of the abdomen, while others put on 
that appearance so well known, viz., watery eyes, quick pulse, 
hurried respiration, stiffness of limb, loss of appetite, miserable 
appearance, with a very sore throat which generally attends 
the whole of those who are infected. 
In two or three days the legs swell enormously, and in some 
cases emit a very offensive discharge from the heels, especially in 
cart-horses. 
As the disease advances the eyes are quite closed, the pulse 
never (in my opinion) allowing venesection : in fact, l have not 
bled but two out of sixty-four or sixty-five patients, and they 
were afflicted with chronic disease of the respiratory organs pre- 
viously. 
The treatment is very simple if properly attended to, consisting 
of small doses of aloes, with nitre, tart, antim., and soft soap, 
twice in the day, until the bowels are moderately open, being 
careful not to give too strong doses of aloes, as of all things to 
be avoided is superpurgation. In fact, I have seen such dread- 
ful havoc produced by it, that I dread it in this disease. 
I should say that 3ss of Barb, aloes in each bail is quite suf- 
ficient, and this, generally speaking, should be left off on the 
second day. 
I also insert a seton under the throat, which I keep well 
anointed with ung. tereb. 
After the worst symptoms are gone off I give oatmeal in the 
water, carrots, Swedish turnips, and a fortnight’s run in a loose 
box, and then they are generally fit for work again. 
In two or three instances the disease has returned with re- 
doubled fury, accompanied by immense discharge from the nose 
and enlargement of the submaxillary glands, but ultimately sub- 
siding, and health being restored. 
I have had upwards of sixty patients within the space of a 
month, and have not lost one. 
With regard to the disorder being contagious, I say distinctly 
No. 
