INFECTION. 135 



The thermometer is an invaluable aid in the diagnosis of this 

 disease. The temperature is high at the commencement, but be- 

 comes reduced with the approach of death and hcematuria. The 

 temperature of the external parts of the body varies. Frequently 

 the poll, ears, and extremities are very hot in the active stage of the 

 disease. At other times they are cold, particularly the posterior ex- 

 tremities. 



The respirations frequently rise as high as one hundred per min- 

 ute; but in the comatose condition they are slow, deep, and 

 labored. 



The nervous phenomena are very marked. Trembling of the 

 muscles of the posterior parts is very frequent, as well as of the 

 neck. Weakness of the limbs, particularly the posterior, is very 

 common, so that many animals are unable to rise, or, if they get up, 

 walk with a feeble and tottering gait. 



Listlessness and stupor indicate the approach of the end. 



The state of the secretions is usually indicatory of the course of 

 the disease. Perspiration is much restricted ; oedema of the cutis 

 is quite frequently met with. 



The urine naturally contains albumen in large quantities when 

 hematuria is present. The milk secretion is almost if not entirely 

 suspended. 



Termination. — In most cases the depression increases ; the pulse 

 becomes more feeble and accelerated, the respiration labored, and 

 the temperature falls to 100° or 98° Fahr., and the patient becomes 

 outstretched upon the ground and dies without a struggle. 



In rare cases the febrile symptoms subside, the secretions again 

 become active, the urine clearer, and the patient recovers in a few 

 weeks. 



Gamgee has seen animals apparently recovering, and again the 

 febrile symptoms with diarrhoea have appeared, and they have died 

 within thirty-six to forty-eight hours. 



Post-Mortal Phenomena. 



" That form of splenic fever which is most latent and seen among 

 Southern cattle is not recognizable after death by the condition of 

 the skin, muscles, or in many cases even by the mucosae, with the 

 exception of that of the stomach." 



The spleens and livers are enlarged to a more or less degree. 



On removal of the skin, haemorrhages and serous infiltrations 

 are sometimes found beneath the lower jaw and neck. 



The muscular system is normal (?). 



