SEPTICEMIA 481 



immediate relief of the more pressing symptoms. Where the disorder is 

 not of au urgent character, bleeding will be dispensed with, and reliance 

 placed upon an aloetic ball, a sjDare diet, and, as soon as permissible, exer- 

 cise followed by regular work. There can be little doubt that this malady 

 is often mistaken for pulmonary congestion. A horse that has once suffered 

 from plethora should receive special care as to diet when his services are 

 not in demand, and laxative foods, as bran, more frequently given; for in 

 keeping the bowels active safety is found. 



SEPTICiEMIA 



The term septicaemia is employed to indicate certain forms of blood- 

 poisoning which result from the entrance into the circulation of disease- 

 producing bacteria or their products. All the various contagious disorders, 

 such as glanders, strangles, &c., are so many special forms of septicaemia, 

 in addition to which there are others commonly originating in wounds. 



When septicEemia results from the entrance of bacteria into the blood, 

 it is termed septic infection. 



If the blood of such an animal be inoculated into a healthy subject the 

 disease is communicated by the bacteria which it contains. 



In this form of the affection, therefore, bacteria are the direct inducing 

 factor. 



But septicaemia may also result from chemical poisons formed by 

 certain kinds of bacteria, as when organisms of putrefaction set up de- 

 composition of the tissues in wounds, and the poisonous products resulting 

 therefrom are absorbed into the blood. This form of septicaemia is known 

 as septic intoxication, and is not transmissible by inoculating the blood 

 into healthy stock. 



Pyaemia is also a form of septicaemia, but distinguished from all the 

 rest by the development of abscesses in various parts of the body. The 

 organisms by which this disease is excited have the peculiar property of 

 inducing the formation of matter (pus). 



Symptoms. — Blood-poisoning in any form is a dangerous and com- 

 monly fatal affection. It is ushered in by a fit of shivering, which may 

 be repeated again and again. There is a marked rise of temperature, 

 attended with great prostration, a quick feeble pulse, and increased re- 

 spiration. Muscular pain and weakness is shown by the weight of the 

 body being constantly shifted from one limb to another. The mucous 

 membranes of the eyes and nose are of a yellowish-red hue, and in severe 

 cases blood spots or blotches appear upon them. The mouth is clammy, 

 the tongue furred, and food is altogether refused. 



