MANUAL FOR STABLE SERGEANTS. 171 



Cause. A fungus. 



Symptoms. Nodules, either singly or in clusters, or in the form of 

 a string of beads, usually first appear on the limbs, but later on any 

 part of the body. From the nodules abscesses develop, which break 

 and discharge a thick, yellow pus. When the abscesses rupture, 

 ulcers are formed, which heal very slowly. In cases of long standing 

 the ulcers often run together and form large ulcerous surfaces. The 

 infected limbs become swollen, and the patient becomes weak and 

 poor in flesh. 



Treatment. Open the abscesses, clean them out thoroughly, and 

 pack with crystals of potassium permanganate or sulphate of copper. 

 Or, the abscesses may be swabbed out and the ulcers painted once 

 daily with the following caustic solution: 



Bichloride of mercury drams. . 2 



Salicylic acid ounces. . 1 



Alcohol do 4 



Mix. Apply with a small cotton swab. When pus ceases, apply 

 ordinary antiseptics. 



As the disease is frequently spread by flies, the ulcers should be 

 covered or treated as directed in paragraph 360. The manure, soiled 

 bedding, and all cast-off dressings and bandages should be burned. 

 All instruments, etc., used about the patient must be thoroughly 

 disinfected. 



498. Tetanus (lockjaw) (fig. 55). An infectious disease caused 

 by a germ which is found in the soil, in manure, and in manured 

 ground (gardens, around stables^) . The germ enters the body through 

 wounds, and animals sustaining deep punctured wounds which 

 become soiled with earth or manure are likely to develop the disease. 

 Punctured wounds of the feet are especially dangerous. The germ 

 does not readily grow in large open wounds, because in such wounds 

 oxygen (air) is 'freely admitted. It is more prevalent in hot than in 

 cold climates. 



Cause. The bacillus of tetanus. 



Symptoms. Usually develop in one or two days. The first symp- 

 tom noticed is a slight general muscular stiffness interfering with 

 movement, mastication, swallowing, and drinking. ^ Slight muscular 

 spasms may also be noticed. In a short time the stiffness increases; 

 the head is held extended; the tail is elevated, and the ears are held 

 erect. Prehension and mastication become more and more diffi- 

 cult or impossible, and food and saliva collect in the mouth and 

 decompose. The muscles become firmly contracted and hard; the 

 jaws are set; the nostrils are dilated, and the limbs a. o-rpatlv 



