58 Treatment of Equine Surra in Assam
injection method however desirable, does not appear entirely to eliminate
the possibility of relapse [Mahajan, 1939]. Pfaff [1934] recommends that
0.4 gm. per 100-lb. body-weight is a safe dose and in most cases protects the
animal for six weeks. Although a single injection cures ' most cases of
surra' he also suggests that the same dose repeated on the eighth day will
cure ' nearly all cases of surra '. It is essential to resort to a method that
gives as far as possible no chance for relapse in the treated cases. From this
point of view the method practised in Assam is quite satisfactory.
In conclusion, it may be stated that if the method of treatment as now
adopted in Assam be given a fair trial by field workers in other provinces,
it will minimize the difficulties that confront workers and owners alike. The
observation that the long course of treatment and the multiplicity of injections
adversely affect the popularity of treatment must always be borne in mind ;
these two factors have been reduced to the minimum in the method now
recommended.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The writer is deeply indebted to Rai Sahib Srish Chandra Ghose,
Director, Veterinary Department, Assam, for permitting to publish the
method of treatment adopted in Assam. To Messrs B. C. Chatterjee and
U. Nobindro the writer's thanks are due for furnishing the figures, etc.
SUMMARY
The method adopted in the treatment of equine surra in Assam is des-
cribed. It consists of a course of two injections as under :—
|
1st injection ..... |
50 c.c. of a 4 per cent solution of Naganol |
|
2nd injection..... |
50 c.c. of a 6 per cent solution of Naganol |
The treated cases are kept under close observation for three months
following the last injection of Naganol and periodic microscopical examina-
tion of blood is carried out for detection of relapse, if any.
In over 300 ponies treated in the province, the results have been uniformly
satisfactory and no relapse occurred.
Further, the paper deals with the various methods adopted in the
treatment of surra in India and refers to the advantages of the method ad-
vocated. It is safe, effective and as compared with other methods, less com-
plicated and easy of accomplishment.
The use of Naganol as a prophylactic agent in known infected areas
gave sufficient indications of success.