Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1881-12-16
influenza, or "pIpk.Eyon in Horses.

Under the above names are included
many different diseases OF the horse.
It is, however, better to restrict the
term Influenza to only the epizootio dis
ease Of horses, which is analogous to
the influenza Of man, and accompanied
by catarrhal inflammation OF the air
passages, with general debility or weak
ness Of the animal. p
The common term OF pink-eye is used
by horse-owners on account of tho col
oration and general appearance of the
eye. This Is not a new disease, rs
might be inferred from the reports of
the newspapers. The first account of
IN affection similar to it dates as far
back as 1929. In 1882 It prevailed in
England, in 1746 in Germany, in 1853
in the north OF Scotland. and so on; in
modern times it prevailed in 1910 in
France, in 1858 in Germany, in 1860 in
France again; while every one remem-
bers the epizootic of 1872 which pre-
vailed in this country. This started in
Canada and spread all over this conti-
nent, disabling horses, preventing their
use, and thus for number of weeks
interfered with the immense traffic OF
our people, while it carried off hundreds
of valuable animals, either by disease,
or, in many instances, improper and in
judicious treatment. The latest appear.
ance of this affection was just one year
ago. when several of our large cities
suffered from the same trouble.
Influenza is disease essentially cpl.
zootic, that is, affecting a large number
of horses upon large territory, and its
sudden appearance can rs yet only be
vaguely explained. 1t appears in all
climates and under all temperatures.
Many causes have been assigned for it,
such as sudden change of air, mias.
matte influences, a peculiar electric con.
dition of the air, etc. The presence OF
ozone in excess in the atmosphere, the
influence of continued castefn or west.
ern winds, are considered by some au.
thors as essential causes, but careful in.
yestigation has shown most of them to
be groundless. Drafts or currents oil
air, low and badly ventilated stables,
are regarded as predisposing causes,
but this rests on no real ground, as we
have seen it in New York prevail in the
best stables where all hygienic rules
were carefully observed, as often as in
the poorest shanties, where fresh air
and light were almost unknown, and
where filth was gathered without regard
to health. The sex, the age, the breed
| of the animal, seems to have no intlu-
ence, though in the last two outbreaks
in the United States mares seemed to
| suffer in greater numbers, and they al
so made more general recovery, geld
ings, as general thing, yielding less
readily to treatment.
/ Tho onaatipp of ta niop 10 y-at IN
settled; many admit it while many 9TH
ers deny it. The symptoms make their
appearance suddenly; an animal, ap-
parently perfectly well at a given time,
may few hours afterwards be very
sick. At first the animals may show
only slight loss of appetite, little
tever which may vary in intensity, the
pulse becoming quicker, the respira-
tion increased, and thetemperature ris-
ing several degrees. The throat be-
comes tender on pressure, and then n
dry and painful cough appears. The
! eyes become bloodshot and swollen,
with a discharge more or less abundant.
Sometimes there is an intlammatory
condition of the eye, followed by the
formation of pus, and often the extrem-
tiles are swollen. Soon a discharge
from the nose takes place, at first thin
and watery, afterwards more pus-like
in character. According to the type
and severity OF the disease and the Pc
culiarity of the individuals, nervous
symptoms show themselves, or troubles
| of the chest and bowels are detected.
Thus we find symptoms of lung fever,
or bronchitis, colicky pains or intlam-
nation of the bowels, complicating the
original disease, and again rheumatic
symptoms are observed. Generally
the disease runs a regular course, and
lasts but few days, from seven to ten,
unless it becomes complicated. In the
first case there is no fear for ultimate
recovery, while in the other fatal re-
suits may occur. The epizootic may
last short time, or it may continue
for weeks or months; cases are re-
corded where it lasted whole
year. Irregular in its appearance
and in its manipulations it may affect
few horses or may lay up all the ami
mails of stable. When the disease i:
simple in its character there is no NOR
tality; in the epizootic of Cleveland. ir
1860, it is said that only one horse dice
out of 400 sick ones. When it is com
plicated the mortality is likely to bt
greater, and specially is this the
case where the disease known a.
puppies (purpura hemorrhagica) ap
pears.
The treatment of simple influenza i:
very easy. Rest, care in the diet, abundant
drinks with small doses of saltpetre
are the principal things to be observed
Where there is sore throat employ sligh
counter irritations by liniments anC
blisters. A mixture of honey or melas
ses, with liquorice, gum arabic and ex
tract of belladonna, will allay the cough
If there is extreme debility alcoholic
stimulants may be given in the water
and if the administration of pills doe!
not produce too much cough, two
drains of carbonate OF ammonia, witt
one dram of camphor, may be given
Careful attention to hygiene, prope
ventilation, fresh and clean bedding
bandaging of the smaller extremities
and judicious blanketing according t.
the condition of external air, are of tn
greatest advantage in the management
of influenza. Complications require
different treatment according to thei
nature. 1t is impossible to give an.
rules relating tS the prevention OF tn
diseases; cleanliness and disinfection be
ing about the only advice to give
but influenza will appear, no matte
what precautions may have been takei
against it.-Prot Il. Liantard, Y. S.
in american AgricultariSt.
Rose point scarfs in New York cit.
| IL ~