554 
PURPURA HEMORRHAGICA. 
By “Nihil” 
I am induced to forward to you the following commu- 
nication on purpura, and which, if it be deemed worthy of 
insertion in the Veterinarian , may give rise to comments from 
the pens of others, that will throw some light upon the 
pathology of this disease. 
Aug. 9th, 1857. — I was called to attend a valuable 3-year- 
old cart-horse, belonging to Mr. J. . The case appeared 
to be only one of inflammation of the lymphatics of the off- 
hind leg, commonly known as “ weed.” The treatment con- 
sisted in bleeding, laxatives, &c., and in two days the swelling 
had nearly disappeared. 
12th. — I was again called to the animal in great haste, 
and found him in the following condition, viz. : head, eyelids, 
and alas nasi much swelled, and very painful, the nostrils 
nearly closed up by large clots of reddish lymph, and some 
frothy mucus ; two tumours under the abdomen, a little larger 
than a child's head; both hind legs much swollen, and some 
bloody serum exuding at the heels; pulse imperceptible, 
respiration extremely difficult, threatening suffocation ; ex- 
tremities cold, and cold sweats bedewing the body. I thought 
recovery was very improbable, but “ adopting means to the 
end,” I performed tracheotomy, which was followed by 
instantaneous relief. I then gave 
Nit. Ether, et Tinct. Opii, aa ^j, 
every two hours; threw up an enema of warm water and 
soap, and ordered cold water to be continually applied to the 
swelling. 
13th. — I find the animal is much easier ; pulse 60, and soft, 
respiration natural, faeces hard, the swelling similar to what 
it was last night. He has eaten a little bran-mash. Give 
01. Lini, §xx ; 
Spt. Nit. Ether., 3 ij. 
Insert a seton on each side of the face, and over each ab- 
dominal tumour. Continue the cold applications. 
14th. — He appears in the same condition, but he eats a 
little better ; pulse 50, and still soft. Give 
Pulv. Calumbse et Gentianse, aa ^ij, 
in the morning, and Biss of diuretic mass at night ; and blister 
