Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1880-10-09
The Horse vuurratu.

The horse distemper now prevailing in and
ABOUT this city has appeared e seems, In Chica-
SO. IN 1872 3 the epidemic pursued a different
course proceeding from west 20 east instead on
from east 10 west opinions are divided as 70
the identity OF the present visitation with that
oil seven years ago. but even were n otherwise.
and were that identity fully established there
would be little gained in foreshadowtng either
the geographical progress OF the epizooty or It's
relative severity at different points Even its
development In different subjects was 10 the
former case extremely various Some horses
mao the disease very badly. others very mlldly.
some had II for long and Others for a short
time; lew died. and FAR the greater number OF
The animals attacked recovered
Whether precisely the same or not. the MUIR
ram BOW prevalent Is very like its predecessors,
save that II is In general, OF a milder type. ana
IL Is hoped from This fact that IL Will likewise
prove commensuraiely ephemeraL In both
castS me disease u primarily an Inflammation
OF the mucous membrane and In hpta cases
1eVoriSh complications eEsue OF much tue same
nature as those that are observed ia hamaa
NlCllnS OF influenza or hay fever. We have I'm
TACT, conjectnred that the eplzaoty may prove
Oh iurther investigation 10 be more strictly an
disorder. There Is undoubtedly 4 strong -
Sembance In their respective symptomS Tae
constant and excessive secretion. the distIrod
circulation and digestion, the pressure on mo
brain, and the attendant weakness ana de-
preston are the same or nearly the slms. in
both instances
The question, then. naturally suggests rsalt
whether we can go back from efectS Ia causes
aid IND for both these classes or disorders any
thlng ike common origin. lay fever e sBo-
posed. We believe, 10 be due 10 fac para. =
from tie cut, dry grass. which. nearly or q Iija
lhSislhle make their way 10 the respiratory pas
saGeS, aid. finding favorable conditions Ihe.e,
develop the inflaInm9tory disorder. MANY -
sons. as is well known, are attacked o. IA "A
fever every year, unless, indeed. they has el IA
good time 10 find safety in hight 10 The Gun
ta1nS or SeaShore; 10 an atmosphere that a. 20
say, where the provocative germs OF the frIrr 10
not exist Now, horses are subject 10 Whatever
irritating clements there may be I'm new nay
uuch more than human beings are: and Yet
there is with horses no such Periodical racar-
renee OF similar affection. This may broadly
be accounted for on the assumption that the
membranouS surfaces are much tougher In
horses than In men. Yet the exceptional years
come as we see, and there must be some special
occasion for them.
This suggestion brings us 10 consider the me-
| teorological conditions OF the past and current
| season; and the first decided and prominent
| characterization that meets us In the summeyOf
lSS0 and so far likewise IN It's autumn. is the eX-
| treme drought. Has the drought, the great lack
| ofwater for the nourishnent or vegetation. aud
| the corresponding dryneSs OF the atmosphere
| any connection with the eplZoOty: We Oniy
| venture 10 offer the suggestion. without at
| tempting any positive reply. H. Is perhaps less
| presumptuous In laymen 10 discuss what
| scientists have confeSsedly been unable 50 far
| TO explain than 10 deal With subjects they have
| already mastered. The possible relation OF the
| destructive and protracied droughtS OF l>So TO
cattle murrainS is at least worthy OF skilled In
| VeStigal1on; and as We have Just heard OF the
| breaking out or a disorder among horned cattle
| IN virginia, at points where the scarcity or
| water has caused great distress. data are sup
piled OF more than one sort 10 Sust lin The p aus
| ibiliIy OF the foregoing conjecture.
| AS regards the treatment OF the equine all
| ment the methods used for human patients
] seem good likewise for the horses The warm
mash Is a substitute for cruel and the solution OF
| chlorate OF potash is not far from what Is often
| prescribed ~ humanity for coryZa. A dry and
| clean stable ana light work are essential 10
| prompt recovery; but the sick horse no more
than the sick man, afflicted with parallel evils,
| should be entirely confined within doors: and
| gentle airing on each line day Is an essential
| feature TO secure early and complete GONZALES
| cence.-N. l.. Post.