508 
INFLUENZA IN HORSES. 
very large doses of these medicines; nor am T even now convinced 
that in such quantities they are not beneficial. The larger doses 
of four and six ounces appear to act more energetically, and to 
require less frequent repetition; but our employers object to costly 
drinks, whereas they willingly pay for many separate items. The 
d uration and the expense of the treatment may possibly be increased; 
nevertheless, the bill, experience has proved, is more pleasant to 
the party principally concerned, and, of course, we, as the servants 
of the public, must humour the caprice of our employers. 
I had the charge of a stud of omnibus horses which T treated 
according to my original plan, that is, with the large doses. There 
were thirty-four horses, all of which exhibited the disease, and 
upon the average they were not kept from work above three days, 
and not a single death occurred, neither was a single case left which 
required subsequent nursing. 
On the more saving plan, the horse has remained weakly for a 
fortnight; but that period has not been exceeded, and under the 
last method not a single death has taken place. 
When called to see a case, no matter what may be the report, 
when influenza is prevalent, I first examine the patient as to the 
general health, and endeavour to discover the presence of the dis¬ 
order, which we know can appear in almost any disguise. If I 
think, for rarely can we in the first instance be assured, the epizootic 
is at hand, I give a drachm of calomel, which is emptied upon the 
tongue, and after that a draught consisting of an ounce and a half, 
or two ounces, of sulphuric ether, and the like quantity of laudanum, 
in sufficient cold water to wash the powder down. If, in a couple 
of hours, no relief is afforded, both medicines are repeated ; but if 
the violent symptoms abate, four of the draughts and powders are 
administered daily. 
The drink I must, however, here state, seldom consists entirely 
of the agents I have named. Other medicines suggested by the 
symptoms, are combined. When fever prevails, nitre and antimony 
are introduced, but in small quantities. When the pulse is feeble, 
the preparations of ammonia are employed, and sometimes stimu¬ 
lating tinctures resorted to. Then, when the arterial system is 
excited, the tincture of aconite is used; and if the mouth be parti¬ 
cularly dry, or the tongue unusually harsh, a little of the decoction 
of Indian tobacco is combined. The drinks, therefore, are not 
simply ether and laudanum, but are composed of various medicines, 
such as appear suited to each case, and such as experience readily 
suggests to the practitioner. Ether and laudanum are, however, 
always present; and when the necessity for employing other agents 
no longer exists, these are persevered with, and in every instance 
preceded by calomel, though in diminished quantities. 
