SYMPTOMS. 227 



liyperaimic zone. Their contents are of a modified puriform 

 character ; true pus-cells are in limited amount, the chief bulk 

 being various cell-growths, much changed, mingled in a 

 grumous liquid with many bacterial forms. When occurrinof 

 in the subcutaneous or muscular structures these collections 

 of pus are disposed to become infiltrated, passing amongst the 

 meshes of the connective-tissue and the interstices of the 

 muscles. 5. Extensive changes in connection with the fibrous 

 investing and synovial membranes of joints, pus-formations, 

 and textural alterations of the component parts. 



From these variations in anatomical characters and symptoms 

 we observe that pysemia and septic contamination of the blood 

 may exhibit in their development somewhat varied phases ; 

 we may, in some instances, be able to detect nothing abnormal 

 save changed characters of the blood with much enlargement 

 and congestion of the great glands of the abdomen ; in others 

 we notice particular ho3morrhages and blood-markings on 

 serous and mucous membranes, as the peritoneum, the mem- 

 branes of the joints, or the respiratory and digestive tract and 

 sldn ; in a third, the changes take the form of numerous 

 scattered abscesses with embolism and thrombosis, chiefly in 

 internal visceral organs. 



Symptoms, — Although pyaemia may develop itself insidiously 

 and gradually, giving few or no indications of its existence 

 until the system is seriously invaded, its usual form is entered 

 upon suddenly. 



In the horse, as with other animals, its occurrence is chiefly 

 in connection with injuries and wounds, particularly when 

 suppurative action is progressing in bone, and where small 

 venous conduits are numerous. 



It is from knowing these facts that we so much dread sup- 

 purating wounds of the feet, particularly when the structure 

 of the pedal-bone is involved. Here Ave observe that the 

 blood in the vascular canals is exceedingly apt to be contami- 

 nated from the permanent dilatation of these, because of their 

 peculiar lodgment in bony channels. 



The more attractive symptoms are rigors, with patchy 

 perspiration ; an anxious expression of countenance, indicative 

 of sufiering rapidly proceeding to exhaustion ; sudden eleva- 

 tion of internal temperature to a point generally in excess of 



15—2 



