ANTHRAX OR LOODIANA FEVER 591 



allowed to escape. This operation should never be undertaken prematurely, 

 and some veterinary surgeons go so far as to prefer letting it break of its 

 own accord, but the proper time being chosen to make an incision there isi 

 undoubtedly an advantage in releasing the pus and enabling the animal to 

 feed again, and so save some days of vinnecessary suifeinng and loss of 

 strength. A simple digestive ointment such as the resin ointment of the 

 Pharmacopceia will help the wound to take on healthy action, and the 

 majority of cases will require no further treatment, granulation taking place 

 rapidly ; subsidence of the glandular enlargements, and a return to health 

 may be assisted, however, by mineral tonics, as sulphate of iron in drachm 

 doses daily in the food. 



BASTARD STRANGLES 



In older horses a milder form of strangles is met with and still passes 

 under the name given above. The disease is very similar, but usually 

 affecting only one side of the space under the jaw, the abscess being com- 

 paratively small and the constitutional disturbance less severe. The same 

 treatment may be recommended as for ordinary strangles. 



ANTHRAX, OR LOODIANA FEVER 



This disease is met with in many parts of the world, being common in 

 tropical climates, and comparatively rai"e in Britain. In India it is well 

 known by the second of the two names given above, and is prevalent in the 

 Bengal Presidency and in Burmah. It is commonly divided into two varieties 

 according to the parts it affects, but is always due to the anthrax bacillus. 

 When affecting the throat and involving the tongue it is called gloss-anthrax 

 or thoracic, and if the viscera are its centre it may be described as 

 abdominal. 



Symptoms. — Sudden loss of appetite, extreme prostration, pulse quick and 

 feeble, membranes a yellowish or orange red, breathing hurried and shallow, 

 while the nostrils are dilated. The temperature has been known to reach 

 108°, while 107° is quite common. The distress increases until the animal 

 falls and dies. 



Treatment. — In England no treatment is or should be attempted, as anthrax 

 is one of those contagious diseases where slaughter and burial six feet deep 

 are prescribed by law. If the so-called cures occasionally reported in this 

 country were investigated, they would probably turn out to be glossitis or 

 inflammation of the tongue from traumatic causes. 



Major Fred Smith, who has had much experience in India, recommends 

 giving one ounce carbolic acid in a quart of water, and a drachm every hour 

 afterwards as long as required. If tumours appear, they may be laid open 

 and the interior dressed with neat carbolic acid. Half-ounce doses of iodine 

 given in form of ball are also recommended every four hours. 



