The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1881-12-24
Influenza, or "Plnk.Eye" in Horses.


II ia. however, better to restrict the
term influenza to only the eplzootic 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.
The common term of pink-eye is used
by horse-owners on account of the coll
Grafton and general appearance of the
eve. This is not a new disease, as
MIGHT be inferred from the reports of
the newspapers. The first account of
an affection similar to it dates as far
back as 1929. In 1892 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, IA 1853 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 a 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
iudicious 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 large number
of horses upon large territory, and its
sudden appearance can as yet onlybe
vaguely explained. 1t appears in all
climates and under all temperatures.
Many causes have been assigned for it,
such as sudden change of air, MAS
matte Influences, a peculiar electric con-
dition of the air, etc. The presence of
ozone in excess in the atmosphere, the
influence OF continued eastern or west,
ern winds, are considered by some au-
thors as essential causes, but careful in
vestigation has shown most of them to
be groundless. Drafts or currents OF
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 influ-
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 a general thing, yielding less
readily to treatment.
The question of contagion is yet I'M
settled; many admit it while many 9TH
ers deny it. The symptoms make their
suddenly; an animal, APP
parently perfectly well at a given time,
may a few hours afterwards be very
sick. At first the animals may show
only slight loss of appetite, little
fever which may vary in intensity, the
pulse becoming quicker, the respira,
ton increased, and the temperature ris-
ing several degrees. The throat be-
comes tender on pressure, and then a
dry and painful cough appears. The
eyes become bloodshot and swollen,
with discharge more or less abundant.
Sometimes there is an inflammatory
condition of the eye, followed by the
formation of pus, and often the extrem-
tiles are swollen. Soon 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, colcky pains or in1am-
nation of the bowels, complicating the
original disease, and again rheumatic
symptoms are observed. Generally
the disease runs 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 epi%ootic may
last short time, or it may continue
for weeks or months; cases are re-
corded where it lasted a whole
year. Irregular in its appearance
and in its manipulations it may affect
a few horses or may lay up all the ami
mails of stable. When the disease is
simple in its character there is no NOR
tality; in the epizootic of Cleveland. in
1860, it is said that only one horse died
out Of 400 sick ones. When it is CON-
plicated the mortality is likely to be
greater, and specially is this the case
where the disease known as puppies
(purpura hemorrhagica) appears.
The treatment of simple influenza is
very easy. Rest, carein the diet, abundant
drinks with small doses of saltpetre,
are the principal things to be observed.
Where there is sore throat employ slight
counter irritations by liniments and
blisters. A mixture of honey or molas-
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 does
not produce too much cough, two
drains of carbonate Of ammonia, with
one dram of camphor, may be given.
Careful attention to hygiene, proper
ventilation, fresh and clean bedding.
bandaging of the smaller extremities,
and judicious blanketing according to
the condition of external air, are Of the
greatest advantage in the management
OF influenza. Complications require a
different treatment according to their
nature. 1t is impossible to give any