DIAGNOSIS. — PROGNOSIS. 209 



which it is projected, with a higher-coloured exudate and a 

 tendency to deep and troublesome sloughing. 



From erysipelas, with which it is most likely to be con- 

 founded, it may be distinguished by the absence in that disease 

 of the catarrhal complications, as also of any association with 

 a previously debilitating disease ; by the presence of a more 

 sthenic or acute type of fever, by the distinct and uniformly 

 diffused swelling of the erysipelatous limb — the result of in- 

 flammatory action in the skin or immediately underlying 

 tissues — this swelling having a distinctly brawny feeling with 

 much heat, and being exquisitely painful. Also in these local 

 exudations in erysipelas there is a tendency to sloughing of 

 the skin, and the formation of troublesome sores, this disposi- 

 tion to -form sores is also shown on the membrane of the 

 mouth and nose, where similar blood-markings occur to those 

 of scarlatina. 



Prognosis. — Although the greater number of cases of scarla- 

 tina are of a benign character, it is not safe in the early stages 

 of any to give a decided opinion as to the probable duration or 

 results of the illness. Much will depend upon the previous 

 affection, if such has existed, and upon the condition in which 

 its active symptoms have left the animal. 



It must not, however, be understood or taken for granted 

 that if this affection should follow a mild attack of some ante- 

 cedent disease, it will necessarily be mild also, or even the 

 opposite. We can have no assurance of the severity of the 

 sjrmptoms of scarlatina, from knowing what were the nature of 

 the s3rmptoms of a previously occurring disease. Nor are we 

 in a better position to prognosticate the ultimate result, save 

 in so far as an already weakened condition may militate 

 against the animal withstanding any further inroad on its 

 health. Knowing that the course of the illness is Hkely to be 

 marked by accessions as well as remissions of symptoms, it 

 will be well to watch these for a few days ere any decided 

 opinion is given. If duruig the first two or three days the 

 swelling and infiltration in the region of the throat do not 

 materially increase, and the animal will take a little food, we 

 may expect a favourable issue. On the contrary, should the 

 angina become more distressing during the earlier days, and 

 the breathing more embarrassed either from the swelling of 



