USE OF CANTHARIDES IN GLANDERS. 
535 
gree of information may be transmitted to others. I will take one 
case, which will prove as an example of the treatment pursued 
with regard to other patients afflicted with that dreadful scourge. 
On February 11th, 1838, I was called to see three horses, the 
property of Mr. White, postmaster in Wexford. They had been 
under treatment for some time previous to my being consulted. 
After a minute examination, I pronounced them to be glandered ; 
and, at my recommendation, and agreeably to the wishes of the 
owner, we destroyed two of them : the third was given up for ex- 
periment. 
Symptoms . — He had a discharge of a thin gluey matter from 
the near nostril, of a most disagreeable odour ; an enlargement of 
the near submaxillary gland, and closely adhering to the bones ; 
a considerable number of small foul ulcers appearing on the pituitary 
membrane ; and at every inspiration and expiration a roaring sound 
was emitted, which proved that great obstruction existed in the 
nasal passages. The animal had evidently lost much condition ; 
the coat was staring, and there was great prostration of strength. 
The treatment I adopted consisted of that excellent operation par- 
ticularly recommended by Professor Sewell, — trephining. I bored 
into the nasal and frontal cavities, into which I injected, with a large 
syringe, a very weak solution of sulphate of zinc twice every day ; 
but, frequently in the day, pure water was used, from which the 
most beneficial results were produced, washing out large particles 
of mucus mixed with blood. I also introduced a seton under the 
jaw in close approximation with the enlargement, and which was 
dressed with turpentine and oil. 
Not succeeding fully to my wishes, I next administered a ball, 
containing cantharides 3ii, gentian ^j. The nose was steamed 
twice a-day. I ordered the forage to be given in small quantities, 
and of the most nutritious nature. He got weak lime-water to 
drink, which, after a few days, he took greedily. 
I continued this treatment up to the 25th, when I perceived the 
discharge gradually diminishing, the enlargement much reduced, 
the ulcers disappearing, and the horse gaining his strength rapidly. 
I had increased the cantharides to sj, which I still continued up 
to the 9th of March. I then discontinued giving any more medi- 
cine ; and, on the 29th of March, I discharged him a perfect cure, 
in beautiful condition. I have had frequent opportunities of see- 
ing the horse since, and he has been at work every day up to this 
time. 
I have frequently had cases similar to this, and which I have 
treated in the same way. In some cases I have increased the can- 
tharides to 3 *i j. I never perceived any bad consequences resulting 
from these large doses. 
