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ON THE INFLUENZA IN HORSES. 
Two different portions of the animal economy are deranged ; the 
former or “ oedematic influenza,” I view as a disease of the skin 
and its appendages. The circulation has become unequal — the in- 
visible perspiration is suddenly checked — hence derangement in the 
absorbent system, and those swellings which extend over the body 
and extremities. The latter condition I consider a pure nervous 
disease. The functions of the sympathetic and voluntary nerves 
are suspended or deranged ; from which arises the stiffness- — loss 
of strength — -loss of appetite — general derangement of the digestive 
organs, and perhaps even death. 
If, then, we view the disease in the above states or conditions, 
and at the same time take into consideration the careless manner 
in which they appear hitherto to have been overlooked, we cease 
at once to marvel why veterinary surgeons differ so extremely in 
their opinions respecting its treatment. I assert that the two states 
are widely different, and consequently require a wide difference 
in medical treatment. On this I base the assumption that, for the 
want of due observance being paid to the disease in its two con- 
ditions, has arisen, if not wholly, at least in a great measure, the 
endless difference respecting the most proper mode to combat it. 
However, setting aside any farther remarks upon this portion of 
our subject, I may conclude by stating, that upon the treatment of 
no other disease do the veterinary body differ so widely; and 
whether this difference arises from the cause I assume, or from 
another not yet hit upon, I leave to be decided by those who may 
choose to speculate about it. 
Medical Treatment . — Should the animal be affected with the 
oedematic state , I always abstract blood, the quantity taken de- 
pending upon the symptoms, constitution, and condition of the 
animal. I direct the extremities (continuing the operation until 
the symptoms are abated) to be well fomented with warm water, 
afterwards rubbed quite dry, and bandaged. I then divide the 
following into four doses, giving one in a little warm water with 
the horn, at each end of the day, and if possible upon an empty 
stomach : 
Antim. potassio tartrat 3 xij 
Potass, nitratis 3xij. 
Four doses, or at the most eight, I, in general, find sufficient to 
restore the animal ; in some cases, however, I have given a gentle 
laxative, containing three drachms of aloes, and with decided 
benefit. The animal’s food and drink to consist of bran mashes, 
boiled oats, and linseed, carrots, a little good old hay, and plenty 
of thin warm gruel. The above measures I have found to be the 
