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Does one attack of Surra protect a horse against a second attack of the same disease.
An Australian Gelding, the subject of Surra in December 1893, was cured of this disease by the
administration of Arsenic and Iodide of Arsenic and Mercury.
Between March and October 1894 the animal gained 235.75 lbs. in weight, and was in a perfect
state of health and condition. Fifteen months after the date of the previous attack, and twelve months
after the cure was effected, the animal was inoculated with a minute drop of Surra blood, a mere trace
of soiled blood being smeared over a scratch on the muzzle, in order to ascertain whether any im-
munity had been conferred by the previous attack. The latent period of the second attack occupied
seven days. The progress of the disease was marked, as usual, by paroxysms of fever and intermissions
lasting 52 days. There were three paroxysms occupying 5, 20 and 22 days, and two intermissions last-
ing 3 and 2 days respectively. From this it will be observed that the lengths of the 2nd and 3rd
paroxysms were considerably modified, while the presence of the hæmatozoon in the periods was most
erratic; one day, on examination of the blood, one in a field of the microscope would be found, whereas
on the next day probably only one in a cover-glass preparation.
Death took place on the 53rd day of the disease, clearly proving that one attack of Surra is unable
to protect against a second attack.
Notes for guidance in the treatment of Surra in Equines.
Only animals in good or in fairly good condition are suitable to undergo treatment for Surra. It
will be found impracticable to attempt to cure ill-preserved animals, such as Tonga-ponies, towards
the end of a heavy and hard-worked season.
2. It is of the utmost importance for the successful treatment of Surra that the disease be re-
cognized, and the animal subjected to the drug with the least possible delay.
3. The weight of the animal should be ascertained frequently when practicable, so that the
maximum dose of Arsenic to be administered during the treatment may be regulated.
4. Arsenic should be given in the form of Liquor Arsenicalis (Fowler's solution).
Arsenious Acid (in powder)
...
...
...
...
... 87 grains.
Carbonate of Potassium...
...
...
...
...
... 87
„
add half a pint of distilled water to these in a flask and heat till dissolved: cool and add *Compound
Tincture of Lavender 5 drachms, Distilled water sufficient to make one pint.
5. In most cases of Surra in equines a dose of five grains (5 grs.) may be commenced with, and
given twice daily for forty-eight (48) hours, the quantity being increased by half a grain after
every four (4) doses have been administered, until seven (7) grains are reached. The latter amount
should be continued twice daily for seven (7) days in the case of an animal below eight-hundred
(800) pounds in weight, but in Australians of one-thousand (1,000) pounds in weight and upwards,
the dose may be increased by the addition of half a grain up to nine (9) or even ten (10) grains,
twice daily for the same period. The dose should then be gradually reduced by half a grain or
one grain according to the condition of the patient, until a four (4) grain dose has been reached.
Again, if possible, after a period of two days, repeat the treatment increasing and decreasing the dose
of Arsenic as above described. But the fact must never be lost sight of, that if Arsenic be administered
to an animal for a prolonged period, symptoms of gastric irritation will supervene sooner or later. It
has been found that by giving †kaunji to the animal, morning and evening directly after the medicine,
the above-mentioned symptoms have not made their appearance ; consequently, it would be advisable
to give kaunji to the animals from the commencement of the Arsenical treatment.
6. Daily microscopic observations of the blood should be made, and the number of organisms
recorded on a chart for ready reference, together with the temperature, pulse and respirations of the
patient, which should be taken three times daily, viz., 8 A.M., 1 P.M. and 5 P.M.
7. Most animals will take the drug in one to two pints of water from a bucket, without any
trouble. If this be found occasionally impracticable, the Arsenic can be mixed with the corn and bran
in the form of Liquor Arsenicalis ; but in obstinate cases the medicine will have to be administered to
the animal in the form of a bolus or in a draught.
8. Acute Desquammative Nephritis is a common complication of Surra, but it must not contra-
indicate the administration of Arsenic, although the maximum doses cannot be maintained, otherwise
the animal will have a relapse, and ultimately succumb to the disease.
9. Animals suffering from Surra, as a general rule, have voracious appetites. It has been found
by practical experience that the following amounts of hay, corn, &c., are necessary for an Australian
horse weighing 1,000 lbs. and over ; for on this the animal keeps in fair condition and during conva-
lescence puts on flesh rapidly—
* The Compound Tincture of Lavender may be omitted, but the animals under treatment take the medicine more readily
when it is present.
† Linseed, Rice—ã ã ½ lb. Add water a sufficiency. Boil for ¾th hour and give when cool.