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Show PINK [?] EYE. The [unreadable] of the term pink eye is [unreadable] disease, a name unknown in veterinary biology [?]. The name has reference only to the redness of the conjunctiva, or external coat of the eye and lining of the eyelids, but does not indicate the true character of the disease. Horse doctors regard it as a dangerous disease not to be trifled with. The veterinary surgeon recognizes the malady as a severe form of typhoid influenza; many animals afflicted with it are so completely prostrated that the term typhoid fever (not typhus) we would not regard as a misnomer. Typhoid influenza is an annual visitor to the equine family, [unreadable] exceptional [unreadable] not as an epizootic; since its [unreadable] creates no alarm. It arises from atmosphere and other causes unknown. The symptoms vary in different animals and in different localities, due no doubt to the susceptibility of the animal more than [unreadable] to the influences which produce it; some [unreadable] altogether; while others are [unreadable] from the very commencement of the disease [?]. Its appearance this year is very much the same as it was in 1834 and 18[??], travelling slowly, and extending over a period of nearly two years when it disappeared. In our work, "The Horse and his Disease," first published in the year 1810 [?], will be found a brief history of the disease as it occurred at that time. The same epizootic, but in a different form, again made its appearance in 1872, prostrating almost all horses at the same time and making it s exit in about six weeks from its first appearance, this is of the recent a date to require further [unreadable]. The symptoms of the disease are so varied in different animals, no two being precisely alike, these complications cause a variety of opinions to exist concerning its nature, and, as a consequence, various other diseases are often confounded with. Symptoms: Slight watery or thin mucus discharges from the nostrils, eyes water, with matter collecting in the inner corner; eyelids swollen and puffy, the membrane on the inner side presenting a yellowish red color; [unreadable] in most cases lost or suspended; dull appearance of the countenance; in some cases mouth hot, with a corresponding increase of temperature of the skin; in these cases there is great prostration of strength, as shown in the staggering gate [gait?], with a quick, small and weak pulse; head sometimes violently agitated; respiration increased. Cough accompanied with sore throat sometimes present. Paralysis of the hind extremities exists in some cases, in other cases the feet become hot, presenting all the symptoms of laminitis or founder, swelling of the legs, which upon pressure [unreadable] marks of the fingers upon the skin. It should be borne in mind that the above symptoms are not all present in the same animal. The complications fouled in the episodic form are not observed when existing as a sporadic disease. Ordinarily the disease yields readily to proper treatment, when accompanied by careful nursing, which in fact is one half in the animal's recovery. During the prevalence of epizootics in the horse, usual care should be taken in feeding. New hay or new grain should not be used. The horse, during the prevalence of such diseases, is more predisposed to colic, which oftener than at other times proves fatal. Treatment: When the services of a competent veterinary surgeon can be had, it is safer to secure his services, as a mistake in the character of the disease may prove fatal to the animal and a loss to the owner. It is difficult to lay down a course of medication in a disease presenting so many complications as this disease does at the present time. In ordinary cases tonics and stimulents [stimulants] are called for. In cases where the fever runs high give the following: [unreadable] of antimony and nitrate of potassa, of each one drachm; mix both together and give night and morning. When the fever is broken tonics and stimulants are called for. The following may be used in ordinary cases with good effect: [unreadable] root, pulverized, and nitrate of potassa, each one ounce; Jamaica ginger, pulverized; half an ounce; finegrade [?] [unreadable] seed, pulverized, six drachms; mix and divide in four parts, give one night and morning. When there is dropsical swelling of the legs, half an ounce of sulphate of iron may be added to the salve [?] with good effect. If the lungs are involved, give the following: Aconite root in tincture, with tincture of belladonna, one part each, water two parts; dose: one teaspoonful every three hours. If the liver is affected, which may be known by the yellow tinge of the mucus membrane, dung small and hard, horse lying on his side, and occasionally looking at his side as if in pain, with occasional fits of uneasiness, give Barbadoes [Barbados] aloes, three drachms, calomel and pulverized digitalis, of each half a drachm; make into a ball with molasses. This must not be repeated. When there is soreness of the throat, blisters [?] should be applied, the fly blister [?] made thin with turpentine [?], answers a good purpose. The animal should be placed in a box stall, well littered with straw and kept clean; as pure atmosphere as possible is necessary, the contaminated air of a badly ventilated stable retards or defeats restoration to health. - Michigan Farmer. |
