The Vet. Book 



would appear that they are present more in some 

 localities than others, because some practitioners 

 hardly ever see a case of this disease, whereas 

 others are constantly having such cases. The 

 germs do not enter the circulation, but excrete 

 their poisonous products (tetanine) from the 

 wound where they* remain, and which constitutes 

 their portal of entry. 



Castration is occasionally followed by tetanus, 

 so are wounds in the feet, and sometimes saddle- 

 galls j or even the insertion of a seton. 



The leading symptoms are muscular spasms, as 

 the disease develops ; but quite early on if the 

 animal is touched under the chin suddenly, the 

 winking membranes are shot across the eyes, which 

 is pathognomic. The spasms increase in severity ; 

 and the slightest noise brings them on, rendering 

 the animal convulsed, from head to foot. In some 

 cases the jaws are locked, and this is frequent in 

 the horse. Internal temperature is often very 

 high, and sweating in patches frequent. Breathing 

 is embarrassed, and the facial expression anxious, 

 whilst the bowels are usually confined. Death 

 commonly occurs within a few days, — and, during 

 convalescence, relapses are frequent. In a case of 

 this character, the animal must be kept under lock 

 and key, so as not to be disturbed, and veterinary 

 advice should at once be obtained. 



Lymphangitis {see Weed) 

 104 



