THE INFLUENZA IN HORSES. 
271 
to this coagulation, which sometimes proves fatal in animals 
that might otherwise recover. 
Besides this, the prostration and derangement of nervous 
power, and the weakness of the circulation, are often manifested 
in an intermittent action of the heart, without indication of 
any change of structure, and after the animal has ceased dis¬ 
charging, and become once more playful and lively. 
Dropsies .—Sometimes result from such imperfect action of 
the heart, or general derangement of the functions of circu¬ 
lation and nutrition, though also, in some cases, from existing 
disease and inactivity of the kidneys. In other cases 
dropsical symptoms are associated with the so-called rheu¬ 
matic manifestations, and are manifestly due to derange¬ 
ments in the local nutrition. But many of the so-called 
cases of dropsy which occurred in the large cities were ex¬ 
amples of a disease known to English veterinarians as purpura 
Jiremorrhagica, a disorder connected with the most extreme 
impurity of the blood, with breaking up of the blood-globules, 
and the escape of the various elements of that liquid into 
the tissues of the body, or through the mucous membranes 
and skin. This disease is largely the result of improper 
management, impure air, debilitating remedial measures, 
overwork, and the like, co-operating with a wasting disease 
in charging the blood with the most deleterious impurities, 
and at the same time lowering the vital powers. The swell¬ 
ings which take place in this affection are often rounded 
and circumscribed; they do not necessarily appear at the 
lowest points of the body, and, though sometimes persistent 
where they first appear, often shift about, the swelling of 
yesterday having been absorbed and replaced by one on 
some new part of the body to-day. These cases usually 
perish to the extent of about one half of those attacked. 
Treatment .—One word on the subject of treatment. If a 
good veterinary surgeon is attainable, it is well to secure his 
services. The varied manifestations of the disease may tax 
his skill. If the ignorant pretender only is to be had, discard 
him, along with all the rubbish of secret remedies and quack 
nostrums which are being so diligently sold. Comfortable 
clothing of body and limbs, scalded bran, oats or barley, with 
a few carrots, turnips or potatoes, sound hay, scalded inha¬ 
lations for an hour at a time of warm water vapour (not hot 
vaporized vinegar, fumes of burning tar, leather, or other 
irritants), fomentations to the throat, and subsequently a free 
application of the best mustard, made into a pulp with 
water; rest, quietude, and an abundance of pure air without 
cold draughts, will suffice in the majority of cases, and nature 
