death. Severe inflammation and swelling in the region of the throat may
terminate in strangulation and death. The death-rate is from one to three
per cent.

_The preventive treatment_ consists in using all possible precautions to
prevent the exposure of susceptible animals and practising the immunization
of exposed animals. The curative treatment is principally careful nursing.
Rest, a comfortable stall, nourishing feed and good care constitute the
necessary treatment for the average case of distemper. When the abscesses
become mature, they should be opened and washed with a disinfectant.
Steaming the animal several times daily relieves difficult breathing and
the irritated condition of the mucous membranes. In case the abscesses do
not form promptly and the throat is badly swollen, a blistering ointment or
liniment may be applied. Bitter and saline tonics, the same as recommended
in the treatment of indigestion, may be given with the feed.

INFLUENZA (CATARRHAL OR SHIPPING FEVER).--This is a well-known acute
infectious disease of solipeds. It is characterized by depression, high
body temperature and catarrhal inflammation of the respiratory and other
mucous membranes.

Several epidemics of influenza have occurred in the United States. The most
serious epidemic occurred in the latter part of the '70's, and the last one
in 1900-'01. Influenza is present in the principal horse centers in a
somewhat attenuated form.

_The specific cause_ of the disease has never been determined. The virus is
present in the expired air, nasal secretions and excreta. Close proximity
to a diseased animal is not necessary in order to contract the disease.
Stables may harbor the infection, and it may be distributed by such disease