Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-10-26
TIE HQRSE DISEASE.

fore. Not only is the greater part OF the
horses in the larger cities affected by it, but
business stands still for want of the usual
means of transportation, and the streets lack
their equine show and animation. As it is
possible the disease will reach into this vicin-
ity we copy from cur exchanges the follow
ing concerning it. The Boston Advertiser
of Thursday says:
..- The catarrhal fever, or whatever it may be
called, which attacked horses in Toronto some
weeks ago, reached Boston on Sunday, and
since that time it has spread with fearful rap
idity, and has struck no little terror into the
hearts of all livery stable keepers and owners
of equine stock, and seriously interfering
with business and travel. That it is the same
disease as that which first appeared in Cana
da there can be 10 doubt, but it is evident
that it has either appeared in a mider form,
that the precautions taken have been gener-
ally more effective. or else that the treatment
pursued here has been better suited TO the
peculiar maiady, for the rate of mortality
has been remarkably slight compared with
other cities, and bnt three cases, rs far as can
be learned. have succumbed to the epidemic.
The contagious qualities of the disease are
very violent, for within forty-eght hours OF
the first case being discovered in the city
proper over thousand horses were attacked,
some violently; and at a late hour las. night
! il was estimated that ar least seven eighths OF
! the entire number Of animals in the city were
suffering from the disease. 1t appears that
| the ailment is not uncommon 10 England,
though this is the first time, it is believed,
that it has made its appearance on our shores,
| and the mode Of treatment i'll that country Is
very simple and is said to be effective, con-
| & .t,,.
Tactic. Here the most extraordinary means
have been used to cure, as well as to prevent
the spread of the distemper. Every stable
Office in this vicinity resembles dispensary
in the number and variety of bottles of medi
cine kept on hand, while the stalls look like
so many rude hospitals, taking into account
the pals and blankets and the hundred eject
eras that go to make up the tout ensemble of
a sick room.
The symptoms are those of severe cold. In
every case so far as reported, the animal is
taken suddenly, the first evidence of any thing
wrong consisting Of dsooping Of the head
and ears and a general 'logy" appearance.
Sneezing follows, and is succeeded by spas
modic cough, watering of the eyes, shivering,
staggering and other signs of weakness.
These are but premonitory tokens, but they
are soon followed by a discharge from the
nose of a yellowish- greer, thick, pasty mat
ter, quite offensive in character. and unless
care is taken to exclude exertion and excite
ment this is followed by bad retchng congh
and bleeding from the nostrils, the latter
symptom being attributable to hemorrhage of
the lungs. II therefore behooyes all owners
| of horses to take extra precautions with them
now, and at the least sign of weakness or in
disposition to well blanket them, feed them
with easily digestible and nutritious food, and
keep them quiet. In an interview last eve
ming with DIR. Very, one of the prominent
veterinary surgeons of the city, that gentle
man stated to an Advertiser reporter that the
disease had made Its appearance as early as a
week ago. at which time his attention was
called to several cases in stables in the West
End. The horses attacked will generally re-
cover, he thinks, except in cases where
horses are worked after symptoms of the dis
ease is discovered. Working the horses dis
eased with the distempcr serves to impregnate
the liver, kidneys and other internal organs.
The horse consequently becomes feeble and
weak, and the natural sustenance which
t serves in many cases to master disease is lost.
, No medicines then can save him. The only
treatment which can save the horses troubled
with the disease is careful nursing and keep
ing them well blanketed
Of the cause Of the disease not person
who has been approached 'on the subject has
the slightest idea. Horsemen generally look
wise and speak of the damp and sultry wealth.
er; people of more scientific turn look to
the manner in which horses are fed, and de.
clare that il IL contagious from the fact that
all horse-troughs are defective in their ar
rangement: that the scum or matter left on
the surface Of the water or feed by diseased
animal would be communicated to the next
horse, as the only escape pipe is at the bot
tom of the vessel. Whatever the cause
however, one thing is certain, if cases are
taken in hand early and properly treated, a
cure can be speedily effected; but if the dis
ease is allowed to take its course, and the
animals are allowed to continue at work,-as
it is feared is the rule rather than the excep
ton in this city just now,--there is danger Of
the influenza, which is not only much more
difficult to master, bat which is liable to ter
inmate fatally.
A visit to some Of the principal stables of
the city disclosed a terrible state of affairs
Observant persons had seen in the earlier
part Of the day a sufficient number of stagger-
ing and bleeding horses in the streets to give
rise to the gravest apprehensions, but only
those who turned their attention to the head
quarters of the animals could form any ap-
proximate idea of the real condition of affairs.
DIR. Elliott, veterinary surgeon of st. Cath
suggestions for the treatment of horses suf-
fering from the epidemic now so prevalent
DR.. Elliott advises that the stable be well
ventilated, the horses banketed, and chloride
of lime sprinkled through the stable every
morning. The nostrls should be sponged
out two or three times a day, if the mucus
adheres thereto. The food should consist of
bran with little oats, and moderate guam
tity of hay If the bowels are costiye, half
Pint of raw linseed oil may be given; but it
is probable that the mash will cause sufficient
relaxation.
Prescription No. (given below should
be administered every morning and evening
If the throat should be sore-which can be
ascertained by the pressure of the hand upon
the larynx-about two tablespoonfuls ofpre-
scription No. (also given below should be
rubbed in. So long as the disease is confined
TO the larynX there is but little danger, but
should it descend to the lungs--which will be
indicated by the continued standing up of the
animal, cold extremities and labored breath
ing-a half pound of mustard should be mixed
with two ounces of turpentine and water, to
the consistency of thick cream and the mix.
ture rubbed well in behind the forelegs or
| over the rrOinn of the luuos Tho Lone shou 1