DIAGNOSIS. 143 



arriving at a determination, as tlie symptoms and indications 

 connected with this development are generally sufficiently pro- 

 nounced. It is the chronic form which presents the difficulty, 

 and which may be confounded with several diseased conditions 

 chiefly of a local and restricted nature. Chronic catarrh of 

 the mucous membrane of the nose — ' nasal gleet ;' disease of 

 the bones connected with the nasal chambers, and coincident 

 inflammation of the mucous membrane — oztena ; disease of 

 the fangs of the molar teeth, with or without accumulation 

 of matter in the sinuses of the bones ; post-pharyngeal 

 abscesses ; collections of pus in the Eustachian pouches ; and 

 irregular cases of strangles, with protracted formation of pus, 

 have all been considered as likely to mislead the incautious or 

 unskilful. None of these aftections, however, with the exercise 

 of sufficient care, ought to present much difficulty to the 

 qualified veterinarian. 



In all cases where the diagnostic lesions of the disease are 

 absent, but where we have reason to suspect that the system 

 is contaminated with the poison, too much care cannot be 

 exercised in regulating the contact and intercourse of the 

 susjoected animals with the undoubtedly healthy. The many 

 records relating to the propagation and spread of glanders, 

 both in this country and on the Continent, and the serious 

 losses arising from the spread of the disease, undoubtedly 

 originating from an unsuspected case of the occult form, are 

 sufficient to warrant us in adopting any reasonable means to 

 secure safety from the poison and to circumscribe its ravages ; 

 still, although in the exercise of our professional duties, and as 

 sanitary officers, Ave are bound to take every Avarrantable pre- 

 caution to prevent glanders from being distributed, we must at 

 the same time be equally certain that the disease exists before 

 condemning any animal, or at least before positively assert- 

 ing that it is suffering from glanders. In no instance, 

 probably, are we warranted in giving an opinion in the affirma- 

 tive in this matter until the specific growths or sores are 

 exhibited on the nasal membrane ; or, in cases where the 

 diagnostic lesions are not visible, until by inoculation with the 

 secretions or organized fluids of the suspected animal, or 

 enforced cohabitation with it, we have certainly produced the 

 disease in others previously healthy. 



