7
C.—Does one attack of Surra protect a horse against a second attach
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 immunity 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, the former occupying a
much more prolonged period, twenty-two days, and the latter being shorter than
usual, only two days.
Death took place on the fifty-third day of the disease, clearly proving that
one attack of Surra is unable to protect against a second attack.
D.—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 pre-
served 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 recognized and the animal subjected to the drug with the
least possible delay.
3. The weight of the animal should be ascertained frequently when prac-
ticable, 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 quanti-
ty being increased by half a grain after every four (4) doses have been adminis-
tered, until seven (7) grains are reached. The latter amount should be con-
tinued twice daily for seven (7) days in the case of an animal below eight-hun-
dred (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 accord-
ing 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 kaunjit to the animal, morning and evening directly
after the medicine, the above mentioned symptoms have not made their appear-
ance ; consequently it would be advisable to give kaunji to the animals from the
commencement of the Arsenical treatment.
* 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 ¾ hour and give when cool