7 

 mon acute form that follows wound infection, and a milder 

 form that occurs without a visable wound, that is usually ealled 

 "Mcon tetanus" or "tetanus of the prairie" (sabana). 



While tetanus is so common that the symptoms are well 

 knoWn and commonly recognized, it is important that the disease 

 be recognized in the early stages that treatment be given irn- 

 mediately, for the chances of saving the animal aro much 

 greater if the treatment is begun early. 



One of the first symptoms usually noticed is that the "haw 

 or false lid {membrana nictatans)- the soft light pink flesl.y 

 membrane at the inner córner of the eye, is drawn farther over 

 the eye than normal. This is redily observed if the animáis 

 head is lifted quickly or turnee! to o'ne side. The animal moves 

 stiffly, often standing with the legs braeed. The tail is usual!} 

 slightly arched in a peculiar but characteristic manner. The 

 muscles of the body are hard and rigid to the toueh and app< ar 

 inore prominent than usual, owing to the contraction. The 

 animal is more nervous than usual a'n'd is easily excited. Most 

 of these symptoms are well shown in the accompanying picture 

 of a mulé suffering from tetanus. Fig. 1. As the disease progres- 

 es the symptoms become more pronounced. Eating and drinking 

 are performed slowly and with difficulty, or the muscles may 

 be so firmly contracted that the animal can neither eat or drink, 

 henee the common ñame "lockjaw". As a rule the contraction 

 of the muscles begins in the región of the head and neck and is 

 more pronounced in this regicn. The animal moves with diffi- 

 culty a'n'd if it lies down or falls, it is unable to rise without 

 assistance. When the disease is severe the respirations become 

 rapid and difficúlt, the pulse is quick and hard to the toueh, 

 the animal sweats profusely and the countenance indicates in- 

 tense suffering. The animal usually falls in ;i spasm and dies 

 from asphyxia. After death the muscles remara 1 rigidly contrac- 

 ted, the legs sticking out straight from the body. 



Whether tetanus will termínate fátally or not will depend 

 much upon the individual case and treatment. If the wound 

 where infection took place is where it can be thoroughly dis- 

 infected. and treatment is begun in the early stages the chances 



