THE VETERINARIAN.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1206, 12 April 1895, Page 7

THE VETERINARIAN.

INFLUENZA IN HORSES.

"Influenza in the horse," says M.R.C VS. in the Sydney Mail, "is something; like distemper in the clog, a hydra-headed malady that presents so many different symptoms, gives rise to so many complications, and has so many unpleasant sequels, that when an outbreak occurs in a stable it is always"advisable to procure skilled veterinary assistance. Good nursing .and complete rest are primary requisites, and experience goes to show that those cases do best where there is a prompt cessation from work the moment the initial symptoms become apparent. "General treatment consists in com- ■- bating fever, supporting the strength of the patient through the disease, which runs a definite course, and assisting nature to get tid of the morbid material engendered in the blood. ■, Neither pursrafcives nor bleeding ia admissible in these cases, and the burest way to a long period of weakness or a fatal termination is to give physic r or abstract blood, because there always ensues such an amount of weakness or debility that the blood taken away is .badly wanted. In the initial stage fever medicine 3hould be given, such remedies as sweet spirit of nitre, • chlorate and nitrate of potash, acetate of aminonia, belladonna, tartarised antimony, and camphor being used in various combinations. It may be useful to give examples of suitable fever medicine:—Extract of belladonna, 1 ■drachm ; sweet spirit of nitre, loz; chlorate of potash and nitrate of potash of each 2 drachms; spirit of camphor, £oz; solution of acetate of ammonia, 3oz; water, \. pint. Give this draught ; twice a day until there is a drop in i tempera fare. '•''>■.'♦, If the throat is sore, instead of the mixture, give -.—Extract of belladonna, ■ &. drachms ; -powdered, camphor, 3 •drachm* ; nitrate of i>*<r. tsh, chlorate of jpotash, and p-»wde red of each ;l|)z. Mix, and divide into six parts, nnd give <»ue twice a dty by. making vihto an electuary wi'h mom'V or treacle, 'and plastering *m to tongue and "among the molar fo'ili with a wooden -Spatula or piece of I• * 1 S naming the head is useful. T» ••. • t. roar a very lnuld stimulating iiunne.it may be ..applied with considerable friction, but there should be no blistering Soft fool—'.ran mashes, linseed gruel, car- • *rot«, sttarned or ground oats, and -steamed hay or hay tea—should be given, arid if food is refused the patient 'should be drenched with nutrient •gruels. Every effort should be made *to maintain the strength against the debility. Horses will now stand in need of tonics, and while the cough is ;bad the following will be suitable:—Sulphate of quinine, 2 drachms; powdered gentian and. aniseed, of each 3oz; limit; and divide into six parts, and give 'twice a day in a pint of ale or *tout. Later on the sulphates or iodines of iron or copper in combination with gentian, ginger, Peruvian Sbark, *nd liquorice-root will be suit'tableV A: warm, comfortable, and well Ibedded stable is a necessity, but there Should beplenty of fresh air. Warmth Without stuffiness and fresh air without draughts are what "should be pljmed at/'.